Regular Commission Meeting

Lake Park Town Commission, Florida Regular Commission Meeting Minutes Commission Chamber, Town Hall, 535 Park Avenue, Lake Park, FL 33403 Wednesday May 21, 2025 6:30pm _________________________________________________________ Roger Michaud __ Mayor Michael Hensley __ Vice Mayor John Linden __ Commissioner Michael O'Rourke __ Commissioner Judith Thomas __ Commissioner Richard J. Reade __ Town Manager Thomas J. Baird __ Town Attorney Vivian Mendez, MMC __ Town Clerk PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND BE ADVISED, that if any interested person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission, with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such interested person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in the meeting should contract the Town Clerk’s office by calling 881-3311 at least 48 hours in advance to request accommodations. _________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 6:33 P.M. PRESENT Mayor Roger Michaud Vice Mayor Michael Hensley Commissioner Judith Thomas Commissioner John Linden Commissioner Michael O'Rourke May 21, 2025 Page 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge was led by Mayor Michaud. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Commissioner Linden asked that items 5 and 6 be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the agenda made by Commissioner O'Rourke, Seconded by Vice Mayor Hensley. Voting Yea: Mayor Michaud, Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke. SPECIAL PRESENTATION/REPORT: 1. Presentation - Florida Power & Light (FPL) - Town Storm Hardening, Available Power for New Development & Town Streetlighting Improvements Mr. Llan Kaufer, Robert Weese and Ms. Gladys Reyes presented to the Commission via Exhibit "A". Commissioner Thomas asked if the hardening will change how quickly power is restored to residents in Town who live close to substations. Mr. Kaufer explained that neighborhoods that are close to substations are not automatically fed first after a storm depending on varying factors but that they are making improvements that will hopefully prevent neighborhoods from being isolated without power. Commissioner O’Rourke asked when and how much in regards to phase one. Mr. Kaufer stated that the construction and completion will run through September and the costs have already been incurred. Ms. Reyes added that once the new light fixtures are installed, the billing for those lights will be transferred to the Town. Public Works Director Jaime Morales stated that the additional monthly cost for the light fixtures had been included in the current budget and it will also be included with the next fiscal year budget. Commissioner Thomas stated that it was her belief that the only budgeting concerns would be for phase 2. Mr. Kaufer and Ms. Reyes confirmed this to be correct. May 21, 2025 Page 2  Commissioner Linden requested that the Commission be included on future discussions. Mayor Michaud stated that feedback from the Commissioners can also be made through staff. Vice Mayor Hensley asked if there were any changes to the proposed lighting locations. Mr. Kaufer stated there had not been any changes and if any changes were made, it would be due to the request being made from the Town. Mayor Michaud asked if there had ever been consideration to implement solar panels as a supplemental option. Mr. Kaufer stated that it is not energy generation that is the issue after a storm, but delivery of power to homes. PUBLIC COMMENT: This time is provided for addressing items that do not appear on the Agenda. Please complete a comment card and provide it to the Town Clerk so speakers may be announced. Please remember comments are limited to a TOTAL of three minutes. -Michael Steinberger provided his comments via Exhibit "B". -Mary Taylor made comments regarding her driveway improvements. She also requested that the Kimley-Horn report be made available to residents. CONSENT AGENDA: All matters listed under this item are considered routine and action will be taken by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner or person so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda. Any person wishing to speak on an agenda item is asked to complete a public comment card located on either side of the Chambers and given to the Town Clerk. Cards must be submitted before the item is discussed. Commissioner Linden requested items 5 and 6 to be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Motion to approve consent agenda items 2, 3, and 4 made by Vice Mayor Hensley, Seconded by Commissioner Linden. Voting Yea: Mayor Michaud, Vice Mayor Hensley, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Linden, Commissioner O'Rourke. 2. May 7, 2025 - Regular Commission Meeting Minutes. May 21, 2025 Page 3  3. Work Authorization - Excavate & Replace Main Stormwater Lines [Six (6) Locations] - Hinterland Group, Inc. 4. Work Authorization - for Stormwater Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining at Various Locations - Shenandoah General Construction, LLC Items 5 and 6 were pulled from the Consent Agenda at the request of Commissioner Linden. 5. Resolution 27-05-25 Town of Lake Park Traffic Calming Policy for Local Roadways. Commissioner Linden requested to move item 5 to the next agenda and include a presentation. Commissioner O’Rourke and Mayor Michaud agreed with this request. Public Works Director Morales agreed to bring the item back at a later meeting. Motion to move item 5 to the next meeting agenda made by Commissioner Linden, seconded by Commissioner O’Rourke. Voting aye: All. 6. Resolution 28-05-25 Non-Exclusive Utility Easement - Florida Power & Light (FPL) - Nautilus 220. Commissioner Linden asked about the need for a lift station and the cost to the developer for the underground easement. Forest Development representative, Mr. Brian Terry explained the need for the lift station which will serve a very broad surrounding area. The underground easements are needed so power can be placed to the lift station. Commissioner Thomas clarified that the easement is non-exclusive to the developer. Mr. Terry confirmed this to be correct. Town Attorney Baird also confirmed that this easement will not interfere with the P3 or site plans. Motion to approve Resolution 28-05-25 made by Commissioner Thomas. Seconded by Commissioner O’Rourke. Voting aye: All. QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING (RESOLUTION): NONE May 21, 2025 Page 4 OLD BUSINESS: 7. Request to Amend Town's Election Process - Commissioner Michael O'Rourke Town Manager Reade explained the item (Exhibit C). Commissioner O'Rourke stated that he does not wish to disrupt the process of people of color being properly represented in the Town. He provided a brief history of voting in the Town and believes that the Town no longer has the need for the “vote for one” system. Commissioner Linden states he is a firm believer that every person in Town should have four votes. Vice Mayor Hensley stated that having one vote is challenging for the candidates, but it makes them work harder for the residents. Public Comment: Dorothy Taylor Williams - gave a history of the Town's voting system and discussed how the current voting system has been successful. Pablo Perhacs – made comments regarding voter engagement. Mayor Michaud stated that he believes there is no issue with the voting system, but with the lack of voter turnout. Commissioner Thomas spoke passionately about the underlying issues in Town. Commissioner O'Rourke recognized County Commissioner Bobby Powell in the audience. NEW BUSINESS: 8. Discussion - Proposed Change to Town's Sanitation Schedule - Public Works Department Public Works Director Morales explained the changes (Exhibit D). Commissioner Thomas suggested using door hangars to alert residents about the change and that it is a 90 day trial. The Commission came to consensus in favor of the change. May 21, 2025 Page 5 TOWN ATTORNEY, TOWN MANAGER, COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Town Attorney Baird had no comments. Town Manager Reade made the following announcements; the Memorial Day event in Kelsey Park on May 26th, holiday office closure May 26th, storm season begins June 1st, Library closure begins May 22nd. Consensus reached to issue a proclamation for a Gun violence awareness day in June. Community Development Director Nadia DiTommaso provided an update on the upcoming joint Planning & Zoning / Commission meeting on June 2nd. Town Manager Reade wished Commissioner Linden a happy birthday. Commissioner Thomas had no comments. Commissioner O'Rourke extended his condolences to Jason Ramos, owner of Locale Gastropub who recently passed away. Commissioner Linden thanked Town Manager Reade for the tornado alerts. The Historical Society meeting is on Monday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. He also stated that the Haitian Flag Day event was great and also gave a big thank you to Fire Rescue for assisting a person in need. Vice Mayor Hensley gave his condolences for Jason Ramos and requested the Town issue a Proclamation for him. He wished a Happy Birthday to Commissioner Linden and said the Haitian Flag Day was great. Mayor Michaud thanked the Commission for great conversations that took place at this meeting. He announced that this week is Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) week with special congratulations to his son who is an EMT. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Linden. Seconded by Commissioner Thomas. Voting aye: All Meeting adjourned 8:30 P.M. May 21, 2025 Page 6 Exhibit A Florida Power & Light Town of Lake Park Presentation Ilan Kaufer, Robert Weese, Gladys Reyes Florida Power & Light Company  As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility 43 counties served 35,550 square miles 81,823 distribution lines miles of Approximately ~6 million miles of 9,537 transmission lines customer accounts 1.4 million poles FPL 1.15 million transformers customers Majority of service area 921 substations live within 20 miles of the coast 2 FPL has made significant investments to build a stronger, more resilient energy system Clearing 82%+ 96% vegetation from tens of main power lines transmission hardened or structures thousands of underground steel or miles of lines concrete annually FPL has hardened nearly all main power lines serving critical facilities 3 FPL has a proven plan and experienced team Annual storm Year-round drill preparations for storms and other emergencies 4  FPL partners with local leaders to identify critical infrastructure FPL works with local leaders to designate major hospitals and 911 centers as critical infrastructure functions for priority restoration ► County emergency management identifies further critical infrastructure functions ► Balance critical functions and customer needs ► Focus on restoration priorities that bring communities back faster 5 Preparing now – before a hurricane forms or threatens Florida – will make a meaningful difference in how we recover together FPL urges customers to be prepared and have a storm plan For tips on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit FPL.com/Storm 6  FPL uses more than 30 channels to interact with customers Multi-faceted approach to keep customers informed includes: ► Outreach ► Customer Care Center ► Advertising ► Email ► Website and App ► Social Media ► Automated Calls ► Traditional Media 7  After a storm, FPL restores power safely and quickly with efficient storm recovery process Safety is always FPL’s top priority, we urge customers to make it their top priority, too 8 The circumstances may change; FPL’s commitment does not FPL works 24/7 until all customers are restored 9 Infrastructure Hardening Update • Summary of FPL’s storm hardening project • Review of projects to date in the Town Areas currently being hardened in Lake Park Lake Park Substation Street Light Project Updates • Current Projects • Summary and Estimated Construction Schedule • Process for construction • Future projects • Working with Town staff on additional street lighting  Exhibit C Town of Lake Park Town Commission Agenda Request Form Meeting Date: May 21, 2025 Originating Department: Town Clerk Request to Amend Town's Election Process - Commissioner Michael Agenda Title: O'Rourke Agenda Category (i.e., Consent, New Business, etc.): Approved by Town Manager: Date: Cost of Item: $0.00 Funding Source: Account Number: Finance Signature: Advertised: Date: N/A Newspaper: Attachments: Please initial one: Yes I have notified everyone Not applicable in this case Summary Explanation/Background: During the April 2, 2025 Regular Commission Meeting, Commissioner O’Rourke requested that the Commission be presented with information regarding the Town’s Mayor and Commissioners voting process that has been utilized by the Town since 2010. This change in the Town’s voting process was a result of a Voting Rights Act lawsuit settlement between the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Town. The resulting settlement discontinued the use of Town’s current at-large method of electing the Town Mayor and Commissioners and required the use a “limited voting system” that began with the March 2010 Town elections. The lawsuit, filed on March 31, 2009, in federal court in Miami, challenged the at-large method of electing the Lake Park Town Commission on the grounds that it dilutes the voting strength of African-American citizens in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. At the time, Arican-Americans comprised over 38 percent of the Town’s total citizen voting-age population and black voters were unsuccessful in electing their candidate of choice and no black candidate for the Commission had ever won an election since Lake Park was incorporated in 1923. (see attached)  Town Attorney Baird presented a memorandum to the Town Commission during the May 7, 2025 Regular Commission Meeting, which outlined the background to the DOJ settlement and voting process change, information related to a follow-up study by the DOJ in 2013, an understanding of the voting results provided under this new voting process and options (including conducting a study to determine if this process is still needed) and requirements to amend the voting process within the Town’s Charter (which would include a special election). Note: During the Commission’s Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025, the Attorney presented the information within his memo (dated April 15, 2025) that generated significant discussion among the four (4) elected officials in attendance; however, direction on how to proceed regarding the options outlined within the Attorney’s memo was not provided. Thus, staff is requesting the Town Commission to provide direction on how the Town Commission would like to proceed regarding the Town’s voting process. The process for changing the Town Charter is as follows:  Section 6. - Referendum. The Town of Lake Park created by this Charter shall not be deemed incorporated under this act unless and until the question of the acceptance of this Charter shall have been submitted to a vote of the registered voters of the Town of Lake Park as presently constituted. If a majority of the registered voters voting at said election shall vote to accept this Charter, the Town of Lake Park shall be deemed incorporated under the terms of this Charter from the date of canvassing and declaring the result of said election. If a majority of the registered voters at said election shall vote not to accept this Charter, the Town of Lake Park shall not be incorporated under this act but shall remain incorporated under Chapter 9794, Special Laws of Florida, Acts of 1923, and amendments thereto. The election for the referendum vote on this Charter shall be held within sixty (60) days after this act has been passed by the Legislature of the State of Florida, provided however, that if within ninety (90) days after passage of this act by the Legislature of the State of Florida, a general election of the Town of Lake Park shall be held, then this question shall be submitted to the voters of the Town at said general election. Recommended Motion: N/A – Direction is requested by the Town Commission on the potentially amending the Town’s voting process.  Exhibit D Town of Lake Park Town Commission Agenda Request Form Meeting Date: May 21, 2025 Originating Department: Public Works Discussion - Proposed Change to Town's Sanitation Schedule - Public Agenda Title: Works Department Approved by Town Manager: Date: Cost of Item: $0.00 Funding Source: Finance Account Number: Signature: Advertised: Date: Newspaper: Attachments: Proposed Change to Sanitation Schedule Please initial one: Yes, I have notified everyone. JM Not applicable in this case Summary Explanation/Background: Due to a current staffing shortage within the Town’s Sanitation Division (operating at approx. 50% capacity), the Public Works Department has identified an opportunity to revise the Town’s sanitation collection schedule in an effort to identify and improve operational efficiency while preserving equipment and maintaining essential services. The proposed schedule, if approved, would organize weekly sanitation services by waste type and equipment usage, limiting service overlap and equipment changeovers. This proposed change would introduce a streamlined structure that is expected to enhance predictability for both crews and residents, improve utilization of the grapple/clam and side-loader equipment and provide built-in recovery flexibility for delayed services. The Public Works Department is requesting an opportunity to outline the proposed changes and potential improvements to the delivery and customer service for this important service. If approved, the proposed changes would be included within 90-day pilot program, which will enable the Department to receive input from the community, the Commission and the Town’s staff on whether this proposed change improves sanitation collection and improves the quality of life within our community. RECOMMENDATION: N/A – Discussion by the Town Commission and provide direction on a proposed new pilot program related to the proposed changes to the Town’s sanitation collection schedule. Proposed Sanitation Schedule Change: Enhancing Operational Efficiency Amid Staffing Constraints Objective: This revised sanitation schedule is designed to maximize operational output using available equipment and limited staffing, while enhancing continuity of service and minimizing unnecessary mechanical strain on key assets. The restructuring strategically sequences activities based on equipment type and crew capacity, enabling more predictable and efficient operations under current resource constraints. Proposed Weekly Sanitation Schedule: Day Service Activity Target Primary Equipment Area Regular Garbage Town-wide Side Loader Monday Vegetation North Side Grapple/Clam Collection Vegetation South Side Grapple/Clam Tuesday Collection Wednesday Bulk Pick-Ups Town-wide Grapple/Clam Special Pick-ups Town-wide Grapple/Clam Thursday Regular Garbage Town - Side Loader wide Recycling Town-wide Automated Side Loader (Recycling Friday Collection Vehicle) Rationale for the New Schedule: 1. Optimized Use of Limited Staff: o The Town’s Sanitation Division is currently operating with only 50% of its required staffing. This new schedule reduces daily service variety, allowing the available crew to concentrate on a single debris type per day. o By organizing the week by waste type and equipment, the schedule helps prevent fragmentation of duties and limits physical burnout among the small team. 2. Effective Deployment of Specialized Equipment: o With the addition of a support member assigned to Grapple/Clam operations, the schedule consolidates all Grapple/Clam-dependent activities (vegetation and bulk pick-up) into consecutive days. This enables smoother transitions and ensures that mechanical resources are used to their full potential.  3. Built-In Service Continuity: o Should a collection be delayed (e.g., vegetation on Tuesday), the Wednesday bulk pick-up window provides a logical extension without requiring rerouting or reallocation. This is critical under current manpower limitations where same-day recovery is often not feasible. 4. Reduced Equipment Cycling and Downtime: o Limiting unnecessary switchovers between equipment types on the same day significantly reduces wear on loaders, hydraulic systems, and Grapple/Clam arms. This extends the life expectancy of capital equipment and allows for more predictable maintenance planning. 5. Streamlined Communication and Field Execution: o A clear and consistent weekly plan improves crew coordination and enables better public communication. Residents will benefit from predictability, and the team will operate with improved clarity and morale. Conclusion & Recommendation: Given the current staffing shortage, this schedule represents a strategic operational response that maximizes productivity without increasing strain on personnel or assets. It improves workflow logic, enhances the effectiveness of the Grapple/Clam-support arrangement, and provides flexibility for service completion when interruptions occur. I recommend implementation as a 90-day pilot program, with weekly progress tracking and the opportunity for feedback-based adjustments. The proposal also aligns with broader goals of fleet preservation, workflow standardization, and responsible resource use under constrained conditions.