City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 1 of 14 The meeting of the Lake Wales City Commission was held on June 2, 2015 in the Commission Chambers at the Municipal Administration Building. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fultz at 6:05p.m. following the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mayor Eugene Fultz. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Terrye Howell; Christopher Lutton; Jonathan Thornhill; Pete Perez; Eugene Fultz, Mayor COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None CITY REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Kenneth Fields, City Manager; Clara VanBlargan, City Clerk; Jennifer Nanek, Deputy City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney [Full staff memos are incorporated into the minutes. Meetings are recorded, but not transcribed verbatim.] MAYOR Agenda Item 5. PROCLAMATION; Dale Christopher Lutton Recognition Day Mayor Fultz presented a proclamation establishing June 2, 2015 as “Dale Christopher Lutton Recognition Day” in honor of his acceptance at the US Navy Academy. ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATIONS COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Sue Smith, 919 Carlton Avenue, spoke on the fire assessment program. She disagreed with a statement from the last meeting that all buildings can burn regardless of whether they are vacant or not. The more activity in a building the more likely there will be a fire. She said that all land owners should be charged a fee as all types of fires can be catastrophic. Empty fields can burn too. CONSENT AGENDA Agenda Item 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 19, 2015, Workshop Meeting May 19, 2015, Regular Meeting Agenda Item 7. Revision of the Heritage Fest Special Event Permit [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS This is a request to revise the Special Event Permit from the Green and Gold Foundation and Black Entrepreneurs and Leaders Coalition for the previously approved Heritage Fest event to be held on th Saturday February 13 2016, instead of February 20, 2016, from 10am-8pm in downtown Lake Wales. RECOMMENDATION City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 2 of 14 It is recommended that the City Commission approve the revision to the Special Event Permit for the Heritage Fest event to be held Saturday February 13, 2016 instead of February 20, 2016. BACKGROUND On April 21, 2015 the City Commission approved a Special Event Application for the Heritage Fest event to be held February 20, 2016 from 10am-8pm in downtown Lake Wales. Since then it has been discovered that a similar event has been planned for the same weekend in a th neighboring city. The sponsors are requesting a permit change to hold the event on February 13 instead. This does not conflict with another event. Heritage Fest is being sponsored by the Green and Gold Foundation and the Black Entrepreneurs and Leaders Coalition as a Black History Month Celebration. The event will include entertainment, vendors, and other activities. Set up will begin at 10am and the event will start at noon and continue to 6pm. Sponsors will be responsible for the cost of 3 off-duty police officers for the duration of the event, for sanitary facilities, and for site set-up and clean-up. Sponsors will also be required to provide a copy of their liability insurance, get tent permits for tents larger than 10x20, and they will need to distribute flyers 1 week before the event to downtown business owners advising parking lot closure on Stuart & Park all day Friday. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Special Event Permit Revision. FISCAL IMPACT There is no cost associated with the revision. [End Agenda Memo] Agenda Item 8. Contract Award – Signature Sports Flooring [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS Staff is requesting Commission approval to contract with Signature Sports Flooring for the replacement of the gym floor in the Albert Kirkland Sr. Gymnasium. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the contract with Signature Sports Flooring. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The hardwood gym floor in the Albert Kirkland, Sr. Gymnasium is well past its useful life and in need of replacement. The floor has been sanded and refinished so many times over the years that the nail heads City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 3 of 14 fastening the floor down are on the verge of protruding out, creating a potential safety hazard. The City Commission appropriated funds in the FY14/15 adopted budget to replace the gym floor. Staff recommendation is to replace the existing hardwood floor with a pad and pour polyurethane floor. Polyurethane floors cost approximately 40% less than hardwood floors, they require less maintenance than hardwood floors, they have renewable wear surfaces that can easily be restored, they are seamless and they meet the LEED certification requirements for use of recycled products. The flooring will be installed directly over the existing flooring, eliminating the burden of removing the old flooring. The existing bleachers in the gymnasium are in poor shape as well and will not function well with the new flooring. The bleachers will be replaced with lightweight aluminum bleachers that fold up more compactly into the walls. This is included for informational purposes and is not part of the scope of services provided by Signature Sports Flooring. Staff will coordinate the installation of the new flooring to align with the Boys and Girls Club’s annual vacation schedule near the end of August. The installation will occur while the gymnasium is already closed. The proposal of $68,211.87 submitted by Signature Sports Flooring is based on a General Service Administration contract schedule (#GS-03F-059AA). Purchases made from GSA contracts are exempted from the competitive bid requirement outlined in our Purchasing Ordinance, Sec. 2-418, which allows us to capitalize on the Federal Government’s economy of scale and it reduces the timeline of acquisition. OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may direct staff to solicit additional bids for this service. FISCAL IMPACT $68,211.87 is $11,788.13 less than budgetary appropriations for this item ($80,000 - $68,211.87 = $11,788.13). However, the remaining funds will be used for acquiring new bleachers. [End Agenda Memo] Agenda Item 9. Preliminary Financial Statements for April 30, 2015 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS The preliminary financial statements report revenues received and expenditures made through the end of April 30, 2015. The unaudited financial statements for the City of Lake Wales for the Period Ending April 30, 2015 are presented to the City Commission for review. At the end of April 30, 2015 the City was 58% into the fiscal year. General Fund (001), page 1: The General Fund appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. However, due to low unrestricted cash balances, the low balance of the emergency sinking fund, and various capital projects in Fiscal Year 2014’15, the Finance Department has recommended debt issuance for a period of two years for cash flow purposes. At the end of April, the General Fund cash balances are $631,223 less than the prior year compared to the same time period. Transportation Fund (102), page 6: City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 4 of 14 The Transportation Fund appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. CRA Fund (105), page 11: The CRA fund appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. Library Fund (110), page 16: The Library Fund appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. However, the Library Fund also has low unrestricted cash balances. This fund might also need use of the line of credit referenced under the General Fund. Capital Projects Fund (330), page 23: The Cemetery Addition in 2013 obtained $500,000 in finance but cost projects have increased to $674,758.38 (as of 4/30/2015). The capital projects fund will require funding from the General Fund. Utility System Fund (403), page 26: The Utility System Fund appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. However, due to settlement cost of the Lake Belle litigation, in 2014 of $828,124, and various capital projects being completed within the Utility Fund, this Fund requires use of the debt issuance referenced under the General Fund. As of 4/30/2015, the Utility fund has borrowed $1,129,964 from the General Fund. At the end of 4/30/2015, the Utility Fund cash and investment balances are $1,089,829 less than the prior year compared to the same time period. Airport Authority (404), page 29: The Airport Authority appears to be materially on target with revenue and expenditure expectations. However, due to the low cash balance of the General Fund, the additional cash requirements of the Cemetery Addition Project within the Capital Projects Fund, and the cash flow needs of the Utility Fund, the matching requirement of the Airport Improvements will require use of the debt issuance referenced under the General Fund. [End Agenda Memo] Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Deputy Mayor Thornhill seconded the motion. By Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Howell “YES” Deputy Mayor Thornhill “YES” Commissioner Perez "YES" Commissioner Lutton “YES” Mayor Fultz “YES” The motion carried 5-0. OLD BUSINESS Agenda Item 10. ORDINANCE D2015-01, Comprehensive Plan Amendments – EAR-Based, nd Future LU, Sewer and Water – 2 Reading and Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 5 of 14 The Florida Department of Economic Development has completed its review of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and has no objections. Ordinance D2015-01, approved by City Commission upon first reading in March, is now ready for adoption. The amendments address issues identified in the City's adopted EAR-Evaluation and Appraisal Report: curbing urban sprawl, providing sewer and water services for growth, and encouraging infill and redevelopment. Other amendments allow for a density bonus for affordable housing in multi-family districts, eliminate the RRD-Rural Residential Development land use classification, and update, reorganize, and improve wording of various policies. RECOMMENDATION Adoption of Ordinance D2015-01. A public hearing is required. Public notice requirements have been met. On March 3, 2015, following a public hearing, City Commission voted unanimously to approve and transmit to the State the EAR-based and other amendments to the Comprehensive Plan as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board and as set forth in Ordinance D2015-01. On May 18, 2015 the city received the Objections, Recommendations, and Comments Report (ORC Report) from the Department of Economic Opportunity. The State has completed its review and has no objections or recommendations. BACKGROUND The proposed amendments include both EAR-based and non-EAR-based amendments to the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The amendments involve the "Future Land Use" Element and the sanitary sewer and potable water sections of the "Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Drainage, Potable Water, and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge" Elements. Summary of Recommended Amendments: The EAR-based amendments address the following issues: Curbing Urban Sprawl Providing Potable Water and Wastewater Services for Growth Encouraging Infill and Redevelopment Many of the changes called for in the EAR have been carried out over the last several years, many through amendments to land use and utility regulations in the City's Code of Ordinances, but have not been included in the Comprehensive Plan itself. The City is overdue in adopting the EAR-based amendments. Adoption of the amendments in this ordinance will bring the City into compliance with the requirements of the Growth Management Act. Non-EAR amendments include the following: • Affordable housing density bonus - See Policy 2.12 Future Land Use Element: Under the MDR-Medium Density Residential land use classification, affordable housing developments could be granted up to a 33% density bonus (units/acre) if they meet certain conditions. In MDR, the maximum density is 6 units per acre. With the bonus, 8 units per acre could be allowed. (Recommended in response to a request from the Housing Authority.) The language proposed to be added to the policy: A density bonus of up to 33% may be granted through the planned development process for an affordable housing development meeting current federal criteria for affordability in Polk County, provided that the development is located in a multi-family zoning district, has in excess of 12 units, and provided the requirements for open space, recreation, buffers, pervious area and parking are not reduced. • Elimination of the RRD-Rural Residential Development classification - See Policy 2.18. This policy applies only to the RR-Rural Residential areas, limited in Lake Wales to the Winter Haven Corp. property between Lake Ashton and US 27. RRD allows 5% of the gross land area to City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 6 of 14 be neighborhood commercial. The Planning Board's view is that neighborhood commercial nodes should be identified on the Future Land Use Map and located strategically to serve outlying residential areas. Other changes: • Organizational changes - Policies have been moved from one objective to another to better fit. For instance, several policies under Objective 5 Desired Pattern of Urban Growth (Future Land Use) that are more appropriate under Objective 4 Concurrency are moved there. Other policies have been grouped. For example wetland policies were all moved to Policy 3.07 (Future Land Use). • Updates - A number of policies were updated to indicate that tasks have been accomplished or regulations have been enacted and will continue to be enforced. Updates have also been made to reflect changes in state or other regulations and programs related to a policy. • Rewording - Changes have been made throughout to improve the clarity of policies. STATE COMMENTS Although the DEO had no comments regarding the amendments proposed, they commented on two areas for future consideration by the City. These involve "striving for water and lakes sustainability" and "Advance planning for the Central Polk Parkway Extension and State Road 60 area." (See the attached ORC Report for details.) The issues will be included in the City's future long-range planning efforts. FISCAL IMPACT No direct fiscal impact. OTHER OPTIONS City Commission could delay action. The City has 180 days from receipt of the ORC report to take action. However, if we fail to act within that time we will have to start the process over. We will also remain non-compliant with the Growth Management Act, Ch. 163 F.S. The Commission could also make amendments to the provisions proposed for adoption. [End Agenda Memo] City Clerk Clara VanBlargan read ORDINANCE D2015-01 by title only. ORDINANCE D2015-01 (Comp Plan Amendments - EAR-Based, Future LU, Sewer and Water) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT AND THE SANITARY SEWER AND POTABLE WATER SECTIONS OF THE PLAN BASED ON THE ADOPTED EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL REPORT; TO MAKE NON-EAR-BASED AMENDMENTS TO THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT TO ALLOW A DENSITY BONUS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ELIMINATE THE RPD-RURAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT LAND USE CLASSIFICATION; AND TO MAKE NON-EAR BASED AMENDMENTS UPDATING AND REORGANIZING VARIOUS GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES IN THE FUTURE LAND USE AND SANITARY SEWER AND POTABLE WATER SECTIONS OF THE PLAN. Kathy Bangley, Director of Planning and Development, reviewed this item. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING No Comments City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 7 of 14 CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Lutton made a motion to adopt ORDINANCE D2015-01 after second reading and public hearing. Commissioner Howell seconded the motion. By Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Lutton “YES” Commissioner Howell “YES” Commissioner Perez "YES" Deputy Mayor Thornhill “YES” Mayor Fultz “YES” The motion carried 5-0. nd Agenda Item 11. RESOLUTION 2015-12, CDBG Grant Application Approval – 2 Public Hearing RESOLUTION 2015-13, SRF Funds for Match [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS This is the required second public hearing regarding the City’s CDBG application for funding for the second phase of the C Street Sewer project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action: 1. Approve Resolution 2015-12 authorizing the mayor to sign and submit an application in the Neighborhood Revitalization CDBG grant categories for $650,000 towards the second phase of replacing sewer lines in the C Street area. 2. Approve Resolution 2015-13 authorizing SRF funds (local match) to be combined with CDBG funds in order to fund the full cost of phase 2 of the project. BACKGROUND On February3, 2015the first public hearing on the CDBG grant application was held and was conducted by the City’s grant consultant, Andy Easton. The City Commission authorized the preparation of an application in one of the four categories and approved the use of State Revolving Loan funds that have already been approved for the C Street Sewer project as local match for the 2015-2016 CDBG application. On January 22, 2015 the Citizens Advisory Task Force met and voted unanimously to recommend to the City Commission that they apply for the CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization grant category to replace sewer lines in the C Street area. The City of Lake Wales is eligible to receive up to $750,000 in CDBG funds through the Small Cities Program, however, in order to make the application more competitive, only $650,000 is being requested. These funds must be used for one of the following purposes: 1. To benefit low and moderate income persons; 2. To aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 8 of 14 3. To meet other community development needs of recent origin having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The categories of activities for which these funds may be used are: housing, neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, or economic development including such improvement activities as acquisition of real property, loans to private-for-profit business, purchase of machinery and equipment, construction of infrastructure, rehabilitation of houses and commercial buildings, and energy conservation. OTHER OPTIONS Do not apply for a 2015-2016 Small Cities Program grant. Since the City has missed the deadline for reentering the County’s program, no CDBG funds could be expected in FY15'16. FISCAL IMPACT If the Commission decides to apply for the Neighborhood Revitalization funding category, and the CDBG grant is funded, the CDBG funds will be combined with loan funds from the State Revolving Loan fund that has already been approved for the project. The CDBG grant will help to lower the total amount of funds that need to be borrowed from the SRF program. [End Agenda Memo] City Clerk Clara VanBlargan read RESOLUTION 2015-12 by title only. RESOLUTION 2015-12 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS FOR APPROVAL OF A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF LAKE WALES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Jennifer Nanek, Assistant to the City Manager, reviewed this item and said that Andy Easton, Grants Administrator was available for questions. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING No Comments CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Deputy Mayor Thornhill made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2015-12 Commissioner Howell seconded the motion. By Roll Call Vote: Deputy Mayor Thornhill “YES” Commissioner Howell “YES” Commissioner Perez "YES" Commissioner Lutton “YES” Mayor Fultz “YES” The motion carried 5-0. City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 9 of 14 City Clerk Clara VanBlargan read RESOLUTION 2015-13 by title only. RESOLUTION 2015-13 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING FUNDS FOR THE PROPOSED SEWER LINE AND RELATED FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS TO BE COMBINED WITH THE ANTICIPATED CDBG NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION GRANT OPENED PUBLIC HEARING No Comments CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Howell made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2015-13. Deputy Mayor Thornhill seconded the motion. By Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Howell “YES” Deputy Mayor Thornhill “YES” Commissioner Perez "YES" Commissioner Lutton “YES” Mayor Fultz “YES” The motion carried 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Agenda Item 12. RESOLUTION 2015-10, GWFC Woman's Club of Lake Wales, Inc., Loan [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS The approval authorizes a Loan for the Roof Repair of the Lake Wales Women’s Club. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission adopt Resolution 2015-10. BACKGROUND The GWFC Woman's Club of Lake Wales (“WCLW”) building sits on City owned land just east of the Florida Midland Railroad right of way in downtown Lake Wales. The City’s grant to construct the building provides that if the club ceases to operate, the building and the land shall revert to the city. Up until the past few years, the WCLW generated significant income for its operations and programs by renting out the building for events such as parties, weddings, etc. Recently, however, a leak in the roof which allows water to enter the event space has severely reduced the number of events being held there and the corresponding revenue to the club. In addition, recent other repairs and upgrades, specifically to the air conditioning system have depleted the club’s reserves and prevented the necessary roof repairs from taking place. City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 10 of 14 The WCLW has requested a loan from the City of Lake Wales of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) to cover half the cost of the necessary roof renovation. It currently has available the remaining funds necessary to complete the job. Once the roof is repaired, the club expects to generate sufficient revenue to repay the load at the end of three years with interest. If the WCLW were to cease operations due to lack of revenue, or other reasons, the building would revert to the City and it would become responsible for its upkeep and maintenance. FINANCIAL IMPACT Approval of this Resolution will require a cash contribution by the City of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00). The WCLW will pay annual interest of one hundred eighty dollars and repay the principal after three years. [End Agenda Memo] City Clerk, Clara VanBlargan, read RESOLUTION 2015-10 by title only. RESOLUTION 2015-10 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR A LOAN IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $6,000.00 TO THE GWFC WOMAN'S CLUB OF LAKE WALES, INC., FOR ROOF REPAIRS TO ITS FACILITY OPENED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT No Comment CLOSED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Commissioner Howell made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2015-10. Commissioner Lutton seconded the motion. By Roll Call Vote: Commissioner Howell “YES” Commissioner Lutton “YES” Deputy Mayor Thornhill “YES” Commissioner Perez "YES" Mayor Fultz “YES” The motion carried 5-0. Agenda Item 13. Reopening of the Lake Wales Depot Museum [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS The Lake Wales Depot Museum can be reopened under City operation until it can be transitioned to the Lake Wales Museum Association, a new non-profit. This will require the hiring by the City of a Museum Executive Director for the balance of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. RECOMMENDATION City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 11 of 14 It is recommended that the City assume operation of the Depot Museum and hire an Executive Director until such time as the Lake Wales Museum Association can take over full responsibility for operation of the museum, fund raising and organization of a volunteer base. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Depot Museum has been closed since it was determined that the Historic Lake Wales Society was no longer capable of operating it in a responsible manner and the City needed to be assured that the Museum and its contents were preserved. At that time, a citizens’ task force was formed to help develop a plan for the Historic Society to reformulate itself and allow it to move forward as the Museum’s operator. Unfortunately the task force was unsuccessful in its efforts to bring the Historic Lake Wales Society up to current standards for a non-profit organization that would utilize public funds and the Depot Museum has therefore remained closed. Since then, many of those involved in the task force effort have formed the Lake Wales Museum Association, a new non-profit for the purpose of eventually assuming operation of the museum, fund raising in a transparent and professional manner, and organizing a support group of volunteers to involve the whole community in preserving Lake Wales heritage. Since the Museum’s closing, it has become apparent that the record keeping and preservation of the Museum’s contents has not been consistent and up to modern standards with many items misplaced or not locatable at this time. As a result, before the Museum can be reopened, the entire existing collection must be inventoried and curated to identify those items that are truly relevant to the Museum’s purpose of preserving Lake Wales’ history, and which can be returned to their donors or otherwise displayed in an alternative venue. The dual goals of establishing an accountable and well organized operating entity and curating the inventory can best be accomplished by hiring a professional Executive Director who can work with the new Museum Association to rebuild the Museum and its support. OTHER OPTIONS Leave the Museum closed. FISCAL IMPACT Hiring an Executive Director and reopening the Museum for the balance of the current fiscal year is estimated to cost no more than thirty five thousand dollars ($35,000.00). A very preliminary estimate of the cost for all of fiscal year 2016 is one hundred twenty five thousand dollars ($125,000.00). [End Agenda Memo] Kenneth Fields, City Manager, reviewed this item and the history of this issue. Commissioner Lutton asked if the new organization would hire the new person if they took over management. Mr. Fields explained that at first the City would hire the director and let them work with the new support organization. One of two things may happen, the new director could develop a management plan or if the new organization is ready the City can enter into a management agreement with the new organization that would help fundraise and support the museum. Commissioner Lutton expressed concern at the high estimated cost for the position. He asked about care of the museum collections. Mr. Fields said that those figures were rough estimates. He can bring down those costs at the commission's preferences. The advertised salary is just a range. Regarding the museum collections they will work with the county and state for help on this. Mayor Fultz asked if the director will have curatorial experience. Mr. Fields explained that he is looking for administrative skills primarily as they City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 12 of 14 can get other organizations to help with management of the collections. Mayor Fultz asked what Mr. Fields is looking for as a consensus. Mr. Fields asked for a consensus to hire this person and keep them into the next budget year. If they are agreed they will come back with a budget amendment and this will be in the budget next year. OPENED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Mimi Reid Hardman, 300 S. Lake Shore Blvd., assured the commission that nothing has been taken from the museum. Nothing is missing. She has worked hard without pay and is an honest person. She has done the best she can with little money. We can work together with the new organization. She will help them any way she can. Mayor Fultz assured Ms. Hardman they are concerned with protecting her hard work and preserving her legacy. Sue Smith, 919 Carlton Ave., reviewed the history of the injunction and said that closing the museum was unlawful, and illegally evicted of the Historic Lake Wales Society, Inc. There will be a court hearing on Friday morning to review this and restore the Historic Lake Wales Society to its collections. She encouraged the public to attend. Robert Connors, Harbour Beach Drive, explained about the new organization that has been formed and its purpose. They intend to be completely transparent with the city and public. He endorsed Mr. Fields' recommendation that an administrative person is needed first. They will work to review the entire collection and returned if appropriate. They hope to revitalize the museum to tell the history of Lake Wales. They are willing to work with the City on choosing this person. Lots of changes will be needed for the museum. Commissioner Lutton asked if this museum can be reopened during this remodeling. Mr. Connors responded that at least a portion of the museum could be open during this time. Commissioner Thornhill said this is a bittersweet situation. He commended all of Mimi's hard work; this is nothing personal against the museum and wished to see the museum reopened. He suggested that $35,000 be awarded to the Historic Lake Wales Society to help them reorganize. Mr. Fields stated that he did not recommend that as there are accountability and transparency issues. The City did award the Historic Society $6,000 last fall as this was ongoing and reorganization wasn't possible. Commissioner Thornhill suggested renaming the museum after Mimi Hardman and thanked Mimi Hardman for her willingness to work with the new organization. Mr. Fields said that suggestion is in line with the purpose of recognizing all of Ms. Hardman's efforts and preserving her legacy. Mayor Fultz agreed with this. Linda Truitt, 222 S. Lake Shore Blvd, recommended a joint effort of the two organizations for the running of the Depot Museum. This would keep the Historic Society in Lake Wales and allow Mimi Hardman to participate in the running of the museum. Mr. Fields agreed with this, that Mimi Hardman should be involved and appreciated her willingness to help without having to oversee the day to day operations. Rich Thompson, 8 Easy Street, said that he is President of the new organization and said he appreciated the efforts of Mimi Hardman and the Historic Lake Wales Society and that they wish to preserve Ms. Hardman's legacy and the history of this community. CLOSED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Fultz asked for consensus to move forward from the commission. By Voice Vote the City Commission provided consent. Commissioner Lutton suggested waiting on naming the building until the wording is agreed upon. Agenda Item 14. Florida League of Cities – Designation of a Voting Commission Member City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 13 of 14 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS The designation allows the City to make decisions in determining the direction of the Florida League of Cities. RECOMMENDATION The Florida League of Cities is requesting the designation of one Commission member to be a part of the decision making in determining the direction of the League at their annual conference in Orlando on August 13-15, 2015. BACKGROUND The annual conference of the Florida League of Cities (FLC) will be held on August 13-15, 2015 in Orlando at the World Center Marriott. Election of League leadership and adoption of resolutions are undertaken during the business meeting part of the conference along with the adoption of the FLC 2016 Legislative Action Agenda. The FLC is requesting that one official from each municipality be designated to be a part of this important decision making process. ATTACHMENT Florida League of Cities Information and Request [End Agenda Memo] Mayor Fultz volunteered to serve as the voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities upcoming meeting. The Commission agreed to have Mayor Fultz to serve as the voting delegate. CITY MANAGER Agenda Item 15. City Commission Tracking Report: Kenneth Fields, City Manager, reported that the Property Appraiser has released their preliminary tax valuations for next fiscal year. The City of Lake Wales is up 7.2% most of that is in the CRA area. The CRA and general fund will be in better shape for next year. The City will get the final number in July. Mr. Fields reported on the Main Street meeting on June 1 who is trying to revitalize and reorganize and may ask for help towards an executive director. The City will continue to work with them as they move forward. Jennifer Nanek, Assistant to the City Manager, reported on a grant possibility for new lights at the soccer field from the US Soccer Foundation that is due Friday. She asked the City Commission for approval to submit the grant and said she will bring it for formal approval next meeting. It is a 50% match and we will apply for $37,000. Mayor Fultz asked if we are presenting to the Polk County Commission as well. Ms. Nanek confirmed we were. Agenda Item 16. City Commission Calendar Agenda Item 17. Annual Reporting – Boards, Commissions, and Committees CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS City Commission Meeting June 2, 2015 Page 14 of 14 Commissioner Howell asked if regarding the fire assessment a person could lose their house. Fire Chief Jenkins said that wouldn't be immediate but it could happen if it is unpaid for years. Mr. Fields and Commissioner Lutton agreed. Chief Jenkins reported that they had 60-65 calls, most with questions and clarifications. Commissioner Howell asked if we could have information at the next Commission meeting to explain about the millage rate. Mr. Fields confirmed we would. Mayor Fultz reminded everyone that the hearing regarding the fire assessment fee will be at the next Commission meeting. MAYOR COMMENTS The meeting was adjourned at 8:10p.m. __________________________ Mayor/Deputy Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________________ City Clerk Clara VanBlargan, MMC