City Commission Workshop

; ; AGENDA CITY OF HAINES CITY, FLORIDA CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP July 16, 2026, 5:30 p.m. City Hall Commission Chambers 620 E. Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844 Phone: 863-421-9921 Web: hainescity.com NOTICE – Pursuant to Section 286.0105 of the Florida Statutes, if any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this public meeting, such person will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. For special accommodations, please notify the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours in advance. Help for the hearing impaired is available through the Assistive Listening System. Receivers can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons with a disability, such as a vision, hearing or speech impairment, or persons needing other types of assistance, and who wish to attend City Commission meetings or any other board or committee meeting may contact the City Clerk’s Office in writing, or may call 863-421-9921 for information regarding available aids and services. Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DISCUSSIONS 2.a City Manager Recruitment - Candidate Tabulation 2 Staff Contact: Sharon Lauther, MMC, City Clerk 2.b City Attorney Selection 4 Staff Contact: Sharon Lauther, MMC, City Clerk 3. ADJOURNMENT  620 East Main Street Haines City, FL 33844 Phone (863) 421-3600 Fax (863) 421-5561 www.hainescity.com MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Commission From: Sharon Lauther, City Clerk Date: July 9, 2026 Subject: City Manager Recruitment – Candidate Tabulation/Rankings Purpose The purpose of this agenda item is to present the tabulated results of the City Commission's individual candidate selections for the City Manager recruitment and to receive directions from the Commission regarding the next phase of the selection process. Background Each Commissioner was asked to independently submit their top five (5) candidates for the position of City Manager. All five Commissioners submitted their selections. Discussion The Commission may discuss the tabulated results and determine the next appropriate steps. Fiscal Impact There is no additional fiscal impact associated with this agenda item beyond the approved budget. Recommendation At the discretion of the Commission. 2  620 East Main Street Haines City, FL 33844 Phone (863) 421-3600 Fax (863) 421-5561 www.hainescity.com Tabulation of Commissioner Selections Candidate Mayor Smith Vice Mayor Downing Comm. West Comm. Huffman Comm. Johnson J. Halman Jr. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ L. Stewart ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ D. Baber ✓ — ✓ ✓ — R. Reed — — ✓ — — T. Miller — — ✓ — — J. Gaa ✓ — — — — J. Nelson — — — — ✓ M. Zonfrilli-Lang ✓ — — — — J. Evans — ✓ — — — C. Morris — ✓ — — — P. Jankowski — ✓ — — — T. James — — — — ✓ J. Keene — — — — ✓ 3  620 East Main Street Haines City, FL 33844 Phone (863) 421-3600 Fax (863) 421-5561 www.hainescity.com MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners FROM: Sharon Lauther, MMC, City Clerk DATE: July 16, 2026 SUBJECT: Workshop Discussion – Review of City Attorney Applications Purpose The purpose of this item is to provide the City Commission with an opportunity to review and discuss three applications submitted for the vacant City Attorney position. Background The City has received applications from candidates seeking appointment for the position of City Attorney. Discussion The Commission is asked to review the application for the following candidates:  Olga Sanchez DE Fuentes, ESQ  Jonathan Baber, ESQ  Lamine Gueye Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion item. Recommendation At the discretion of the Commission. 4  Lamine Gueye Education Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL Juris Doctor, May 2024 CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY Master of Public Health, concentration in Community Health Education May 2021 2021 Dean’s Merit Award for Commitment John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, NY Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, English Literature May 2014 Experience St. Michael’s Legal Center for Women and Children, Tampa, FL Staff Attorney July 2025 to Present • Consult with and represent impoverished clients involved in civil litigation throughout the Tampa Bay region • Draft and file pleadings to, and make court appearances before, various trial courts in the region • Conduct legal research to resolve issues faced by clients at different stages of litigation Capital Collateral Regional Counsel – Middle Region, State of Florida, Tampa, FL Assistant Capital Collateral Counsel September 2024 to July 2025 • Provide representation to clients facing capital punishment with the aim of obtaining post conviction relief • Draft and file pleadings to the various levels of courts within Florida’s judiciary • Review records on appeal, trial counsel strategy, mitigation efforts, client family history; establish and maintain relationships with experts in preparation for trial Hillsborough Education Foundation, Tampa, FL eLearning Coach November 2020 – May 2024 • Provide technology assistance to Spanish-speaking students and families throughout Hillsborough County. • Conduct home visits to assess family knowledge of technology and provide necessary instruction and support. • Document services provided using CharityTracker and Children’s Board Analytical Tracking System (CATS). Family Forms Clinic, Bay Area Legal Services, Tampa, FL Volunteer June 2023 – July 2023 • Helped pro se litigants with completing forms necessary for initiating a family law case, including interpretation of written documents for Spanish-speaking litigants. • Facilitated conversations with clients to discover background information and ascertain desired outcomes. • Assisted clients in determining subsequent steps post-visit. Children’s Aid Society, Bronx, NY Program Director October 2017 – June 2020 • Ensured fidelity of Community School partnership by developing and implementing programs and services. • Served as liaison with schools, government agencies, colleges, universities, foundations, and organizations. • Oversaw the Success Mentor Initiative, an academic and character enrichment program. Languages Spanish Licenses The Florida Bar 5  Jonathan Baber Government Attorney Contact Dear Hiring Committee, Jonathan R. Baber I am writing to express my interest in attorney opportunities within 3608 Water St., Florida local government, including positions in city and county Ellenton, FL 34222 attorney offices. With more than a decade of experience in litigation, (269) 358-1309 municipal law, and public-sector advisory work, I bring a michiganlawguy@gmail.com combination of courtroom advocacy, practical problem-solving, and a strong commitment to public service that aligns well with the needs of government legal departments. My background includes extensive civil litigation experience— drafting and arguing motions, managing discovery, preparing mediation statements, and handling matters through trial. I have represented public entities and private clients in cases involving constitutional issues, employment matters, code enforcement, and general civil disputes. I am comfortable managing a demanding caseload independently while maintaining the high-quality writing and communication skills essential to effective government practice. In addition to litigation, I have provided day-to-day legal counsel to municipal departments, drafted ordinances and contracts, advised on procurement and compliance, and ensured adherence to public records and open-government requirements. I enjoy the collaborative nature of local government work and take pride in offering clear, practical guidance that helps departments operate efficiently and lawfully. I am seeking a role where I can contribute my experience in litigation, public-sector advisory work, and statutory interpretation to support a city or county’s mission. I am highly motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to serving the public with professionalism and integrity. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can support the legal needs of your organization Warm regards, Jonathan Baber 6  JONATHAN BABER, ESQ. Ellenton, Florida michiganlawguy@gmail.com (269) 358-1309 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Seasoned municipal and government attorney with over 13 years of progressive legal experience spanning public-sector litigation, municipal advisory services, and cross-departmental legal counsel. Demonstrated expertise in FOIA and public records compliance, ethics and governance advisory, ordinance drafting, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance for government entities. Proven track record of serving as trusted legal advisor to elected officials, city managers, and department heads on complex governance, risk management, and operational legal matters. Committed to advancing transparent governance, ethical public service, and high-quality legal support for the communities served. CORE COMPETENCIES ● Municipal Law & Government Litigation | FOIA & Public Records Compliance ● Ethics & Governance Advisory | Ordinance & Resolution Drafting ● Contract Negotiation & Procurement | Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management ● Cross-Departmental Legal Counsel | Civil Litigation & Trial Practice ● Legislative & Policy Analysis | Real Estate & Land Use Law ● Open Meetings & Sunshine Law Compliance | Intergovernmental Agreements ● Legal Research & Appellate Writing | Public-Sector Labor & Employment Law ● Training & Professional Development PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 7 Staff Attorney — Indigent Defense & Guardian ad Litem Lakeshore Legal Services — Houghton Lake, Michigan 2024 – Present • Represent indigent clients in criminal defense matters across multiple district and circuit courts, managing a high-volume caseload from arraignment through trial and post-conviction proceedings. • Serve as Guardian ad Litem in child protective proceedings, conducting independent investigations and advocating for the best interests of minor children before the court. • Draft and argue motions, negotiate plea agreements, and represent clients at evidentiary hearings, preliminary examinations, and bench and jury trials. • Collaborate with social service agencies, court-appointed experts, and multidisciplinary teams to develop case strategies and ensure comprehensive client advocacy. • Demonstrate strong cross-functional advocacy skills directly transferable to government advisory and litigation roles, including stakeholder coordination, policy analysis, and courtroom presentation. Law Clerk (Municipal Law Practice) Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson, P.A. — Bradenton, Florida 2025 – 2026 ● Support municipal law attorneys in advising local government clients on land use, zoning, code enforcement, and regulatory compliance matters across multiple Florida jurisdictions. ● Conduct in-depth legal research on Florida municipal governance issues, including Sunshine Law, public records requirements, home rule authority, and special district regulations. ● Draft legal memoranda, municipal ordinances, resolutions, and interlocal agreements for city and county government clients, ensuring alignment with Florida statutes and case law. ● Assist with review and analysis of government contracts, procurement documents, and vendor agreements to ensure compliance with competitive bidding and public procurement regulations. ● Preparing for transition to full attorney role following Florida Bar admission in February 2026, with focus on assuming independent client advisory and litigation responsibilities. Deputy City Attorney City of Battle Creek, Office of the City Attorney — Battle Creek, Michigan 8 2020 – 2024 ● Served as principal legal advisor to the City Manager, City Commission, and 15+ municipal departments on governance, compliance, and operational legal matters affecting the city. ● Managed the city's FOIA compliance program, processing hundreds of public records requests while ensuring statutory deadlines were met and legal exemptions were properly applied, resulting in zero successful appeals during tenure. ● Drafted, reviewed, and revised municipal ordinances, resolutions, and policy documents to ensure legal sufficiency and alignment with state and federal law, including comprehensive updates to the city's zoning and code enforcement framework. ● Represented the city in civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, employment claims, code enforcement actions, and liability defense, achieving favorable outcomes in most contested matters. ● Provided ethics and governance counsel to elected officials and senior leadership on conflicts of interest, open meetings compliance, and proper exercise of governmental authority. ● Collaborated with outside counsel to manage specialized litigation portfolios, reducing outside legal costs by strategically assessing cases for early resolution and bringing appropriate matters in-house. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Crawford County — Grayling, Michigan 2019 – 2020 ● Prosecuted a high-volume caseload of misdemeanor and felony matters through all phases of litigation, from initial charging decisions through trial and sentencing. ● Conducted jury and bench trials, preliminary examinations, and evidentiary hearings in district and circuit court, achieving a strong conviction rate across violent crime, property crime, and drug offense cases. ● Drafted and argued pre-trial motions, plea agreements, and sentencing memoranda, applying sound legal analysis to complex evidentiary and constitutional issues. 9  ● Collaborated with law enforcement agencies on case preparation, witness coordination, and evidence review, building cohesive trial strategies that maximized prosecutorial effectiveness. ● Developed strong courtroom advocacy, trial presentation, and oral argument skills directly transferable to government civil litigation and administrative hearing practice. Litigation Support Attorney Motley Rice LLC — Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 2019 – 2020 • Provided litigation support on the landmark multidistrict opioid class action litigation, contributing to one of the largest and most complex pharmaceutical accountability cases in U.S. history. • Conducted extensive legal research on pharmaceutical regulatory frameworks, state and federal controlled substance laws, and public nuisance liability theories. • Drafted and reviewed discovery responses, document production requests, and interrogatories across multiple jurisdictions. • Assisted in the preparation of depositions of key corporate witnesses, including developing deposition outlines, and analyzing prior testimony. • Reviewed and analyzed large volumes of pharmaceutical industry documents, identifying critical evidence supporting claims of deceptive marketing practices and distribution failures. • Gained deep exposure to complex, multi-party government litigation directly transferable to public-sector legal practice and regulatory enforcement roles. Assistant Public Defender Berrien County Public Defender Office — Berrien County, Michigan 2016 – 2019 • Represented indigent defendants in felony and misdemeanor criminal proceedings, managing a full caseload through all phases of litigation from arraignment to sentencing. • Conducted jury and bench trials, preliminary examinations, and contested evidentiary hearings in Berrien County District and Circuit Courts. • Drafted and argued pre-trial motions, including motions to suppress, dismiss, and compel discovery, achieving favorable outcomes for clients. • Negotiated plea agreements and sentencing recommendations, balancing client interests with case law and statutory guidelines. 10  • Collaborated with investigators, expert witnesses, and social workers to build comprehensive defense strategies for complex cases. • Developed strong courtroom advocacy, client counseling, and trial skills directly applicable to government civil litigation and public-sector legal practice. Attorney Jonathan R. Baber, PLLC — Southgate, MI 2013 – 2016 ● Provided legal research, drafting, and advisory support on contract law, regulatory compliance, and municipal governance matters for diverse client engagements. ● Reviewed and negotiated commercial contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable statutes, procurement regulations, and organizational policies. ● Assisted with litigation support including discovery management, motion practice, and case strategy development for civil proceedings. ● Delivered efficient, high-quality legal work product across multiple practice areas and client engagements, consistently meeting tight deadlines and exceeding quality expectations. BAR ADMISSIONS ● The Florida Bar — Admitted 2026 ● State Bar of Michigan — Admitted 2013 EDUCATION Juris Doctor Thomas M. Cooley — Lansing, MI 2012 BBA Eastern Michigan University — Ypsilanti, MI 11 2007 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS ● State Bar of Florida (2026) ● State Bar of Michigan (2013) ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS ● Proficient in Westlaw, LexisNexis, and government legal research databases. ● Experienced in municipal case management and document management systems. ● Skilled in developing and delivering CLE-quality legal training programs for government staff and elected officials. ● Strong commitment to public service, transparent governance, and ethical legal practice. 12  OLGA SANCHEZ DE FUENTES, ESQ. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE CITY OF KISSIMMEE CITY ATTORNEY- OCTOBER 2019 TO FEBRUARY 2026. DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY - DECEMBER 2014 TO OCTOBER 2019. Chief legal advisor to the City of Kissimmee, providing legal representation of the City, including providing legal advice and opinions to the City Commission, Officials, Staff and advisory boards as needed on a wide range of issues. Represented the City in court and before administrative government agencies. Prosecuted and defended all civil suits, actions and legal proceedings on behalf of or brought against the City. Prosecuted local ordinance violations tried in County Court, including red light camera violations, parking citations and code enforcement actions. Rendered written or legal opinions requested by the City Commission or City Manager on matters related to city government and the interpretation, construction and meaning of the City Charter, statutes, ordinances, resolutions or contracts affecting or pertaining to city government. Prepared or reviewed and approved as to form and legality all City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, documents, deeds and other legal instruments pertaining to the City, prior to execution. Attended and presented at all meetings of the City Commission. ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY SEMINOLE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCTOBER 2012 – NOVEMBER 2014 Advised the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager and staff on legal matters that arose on a daily basis in assigned departments, with a focus on Human Resources, Risk Management, Community Services and Community Development. Delivered employee development and training to comply with agency policy and procedure, as well as state and federal employment laws and regulations. Investigated and responded to harassment, discrimination and EEOC claims. Implemented changes to personnel policies and procedures, as needed, to stay current on employment law matters. Provided guidance and drafhttps://tfb.inreachce.com ed agreements, including purchase contracts, mortgages and notes for compliance with federal and state grant funded programs. Serve as legal counsel for citizen advisory boards such as the Committee on Aging, Board of Adjustments, and the Planning and Zoning Commission attending meetings and providing legal advice as needed. Educate County Departments and boards on sunshine law, public records and ethics laws. Monitor and report on legislation that affects the agency, and lobby elected officials for favorable legislation. BELLAGUSI, LLC MANAGING MEMBER 2010 - APRIL 2014 Purchased bank owned and short sale residential properties for the purpose of investment. Responsible for purchase, renovation, and subsequent resale of the properties. Represent the company in all legal matters that arise. Administer accounts and all necessary bookkeeping. LLC remains active. 13 ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY OSCEOLA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCTOBER 2001 - APRIL 2011 Advised the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and various County department heads and staff on wide variety of legal matters, with a focus on labor and employment law. Researched and drafted legal memoranda, ordinances, legislation, board resolutions, and proclamations. Negotiated contracts, leases, interlocal agreements, litigation settlements, and employment agreements. Represented the County in union negotiations, grievances and arbitrations; EEOC investigations and mediations; and unemployment compensation hearings. Conducted internal employee investigations and advised as to legal interpretation and application of policy. Other areas of practice included providing legal assistance such as contract review and procurement, in all matters to the following County departments: Animal Control, Corrections, Emergency Management, Extension Services, Fire EMS, Grants, Information Technology, Library, Parks and Recreation, Public Information Office. Monitored, reported, and advised with regard to legislative issues which would impact the County, and lobbied on behalf of the County at the state and federal level. Significant accomplishments include:  Revised the Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual and associated Employee Handbook.  Created a HIPAA compliance program, including policies and procedures.  Created a Civil Rights Program to comply with Federal laws.  Created an Equal Employment, Affirmative Action & Workforce Diversity Plan.  Created a Minority & Women Business Enterprise and Service Disabled Veteran Enterprise Program.  Successfully represented the County in over thirty claims of discrimination filed with the EEOC.  Developed and provided employee training on agency policies and procedures; employment law; and general best practices. CIVIL DIVISION STAFF ATTORNEY TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT FEBRUARY 2000 - SEPTEMBER 2001 Advised circuit court judges on general civil practice, evidentiary and procedural issues. Performed legal research and analysis. Drafted memoranda and court orders on various civil issues including property disputes, personal injury, trusts, mortgage foreclosures and specific topics as requested. ASSOCIATE- OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL MOBIL OIL CORPORATION - NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA NOVEMBER 1998 - JULY 1999 Researched, analysed and drafted legal memoranda and pleadings for the Superfund Litigation Unit. Answered interrogatories and requests for production. Coordinated alternative dispute 14 resolutions. Managed submittal of legal documentation for compliance with regulatory requirements for site clean-up. EDUCATION LOYOLA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW - NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA MAY 1998 Juris Doctorate, Common Law Program; Phi Delta Phi Legal Society; St. Thomas Moore Society ROLLINS COLLEGE - WINTER PARK, FL MAY 1994 Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science; Minor in Spanish; Dean’s List LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Florida Bar, Admitted 1999 Louisiana State Bar, Admitted 1999 Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification Board Certified in City, County and Local Government, Florida Bar, 2017. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Ninth Circuit Grievance Committee Member, September 2008 through September 2011 Florida Municipal Attorneys Association Florida Association of Police Advisors 15