City Commission Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingLake Wales, FL · October 2, 2018
Minutes
City Commission Meeting Minutes
October 2, 2018
(APPROVED)
10/2/2018 - Minutes
1. INVOCATION
Dr. Moyer gave the invocation.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CALL TO ORDER
The Mayor called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. after the invocation and pledge of
allegiance.
4. ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present: Eugene Fultz - Mayor, Curtis Gibson, Flora "Tonya" Stewart, Terrye
Howell, Robin Gibson - Deputy Mayor
Staff Present: Kenneth Fields, City Manager; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney; Jennifer Nanek, City
Clerk
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Jimmy Nelson, non-resident, has a business in Lake Wales and said he wanted to update the City
Commission on the effort by the Charter Schools to take over McLaughlin. He reported on a constructive
meeting at the School District with the Superintendent and the Chair of the board. They have strayed from
the purpose of the Charter and are drawing students from places outside Lake Wales and other schools and
district suffers. They presented a proposal that identified areas where they can clean up and be better
partners with the county. The proposal was well received. They will have a cap with Lake Wales kids and
limit outside students. If a student wants to attend Lake Wales Schools the family should move to Lake
Wales. They will share this proposal with the Commission members before the next Commission meeting
when they will discuss the resolution.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Curtis Gibson commended the staff for finding grants to be used first.
Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson
seconded the motion.
by voice vote:
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
6.I. Minutes - September 17, 2018 And September 19, 2018
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
6.I. Minutes - September 17, 2018 And September 19, 2018
6.II. Piggyback Agreement With Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc.
[Begin Agenda Memo]
Synopsis:
The City Commission will consider authorizing a piggyback agreement with Texas Harvesting, Inc. for
removal of various types of vegetation from lakes within the city’s jurisdictional area.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Commission take the following action:
1. Authorize the piggyback agreement with Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the piggyback agreement on behalf of the City.
Background
The City’s Recreation department is requesting Commission approval to enter into a piggyback
agreement with Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc. for the removal of various types of vegetation in lakes
within the city’s jurisdictional area. This practice will improve the overall health of the lakes by removing
the vegetation from the lakes instead of the spraying method used in the past which allowed the
vegetation to die and build up on the lake bed.
The piggyback is based on a competitively bid contract with the South Florida Water Management
District for similar services and staff is requesting approval to piggyback the contract. Section 2-404 of
the City Code and F.S. §287.057 exempts the City from competitive seal bid requirements when
piggybacking another public entity’s previously competitively bid contract.
Fiscal Impact
Funds are available for this service in the adopted FY 18/19 budget.
Other Options
The City Commission may direct staff to solicit sealed proposals in lieu of utilizing a piggyback
agreement with Texas Aquatic Harvesting, Inc.
[End Agenda Memo]
6.III. Special Event Application: House Of Prayer Octoberfest October 27, 2018
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS:
Approval of the special event permit application will allow the House of Prayer Church to hold their
annual October Fest on Saturday October 27, 2018 and allow for the temporary closing of Seminole
Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action:
Approve the special event permit application from the House of Prayer Church for their Annual October
Youth Festival event to be held Saturday October 27, 2018
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action:
Approve the special event permit application from the House of Prayer Church for their Annual October
Youth Festival event to be held Saturday October 27, 2018
Approve the temporary street closing of Seminole Avenue from First Street to Scenic
Highway between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
BACKGROUND:
The House of Prayer Church submitted a special event permit application for their annual Church
October Youth Festival event to be held on Saturday October 27, 2018 at 506 North First Street.
This application also includes a request for the temporary closing of Seminole Avenue from Scenic
Highway (SR17) to First Street between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.. The House of Prayer
will be having a Bounce House, carnival booths, kids games, and food at their Activity Center located
across the street on Seminole Avenue.
In the past the church has requested from the City Commission the temporary closing of Seminole
Avenue for this event held each year. This prevented vehicular traffic from entering this area and
presenting a serious safety issue for the children and parents crossing Seminole to reach the Activity
Center. The closure of Seminole Avenue for this event will eliminate this possibility.
Staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the street closing. The church is handling all
site set ups, sanitary facilities, trash receptacles and trash clean up. Insurance is being provided as
required.
OTHER OPTIONS:
Do not approve the event or street closing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no cost to the City for this event.
[End Agenda Memo]
7. Edward Byrne Memorial State And Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grants
[Begin Agenda Memo]
Synopsis:
Approval of this item will allow the police department to submit for and receive grant funding then purchase
subcompact handguns and holsters with JAG-C funds and hand held speed measurement lasers with JAG-
D funds in FY18/19.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and the City Commission authorize the Police Department to
apply for and accept funding through the JAG-C and JAG-D Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law
Enforcement Assistance Grants and purchase subcompact handguns, holsters and speed measurement
lasers.
Background:
Since 1999, the Police Department has received funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Program. Since that time, the department has utilized this funding to
create numerous community programs as well as purchase needed equipment to enhance public safety.
Although the federal government approved the JAG budget in FY17/18, they did not award the funding until
Background:
Since 1999, the Police Department has received funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Program. Since that time, the department has utilized this funding to
create numerous community programs as well as purchase needed equipment to enhance public safety.
Although the federal government approved the JAG budget in FY17/18, they did not award the funding until
mid-September.
This year, the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant award amount
for the JAG-C is $13,170.00 and $3,807.00 for the JAG-D. If approved, these amounts will be included in an
amended 2018/2019 budget.
The Lake Wales Police Department proposes to utilize JAG-C funds to purchase thirty (30) subcompact
handguns with holsters for sworn law enforcement officers. A subcompact firearm is smaller than our
standard firearm and offers several benefits to law
enforcement. First, they will provide officers the ability to carry a defensive weapon in a safe, professional
looking holster when operating in a plain-clothes assignment. Next, they are easy to conceal when working
in a capacity where the firearm must remain hidden for officer safety and operational purposes. Finally, they
will enable officers to carry a uniform firearm in a concealed manner while off duty for their protection and
the protection of the public.
The Lake Wales Police Department proposes to utilize JAG-D funds to purchase four (4) hand held speed
measurement lasers. Due to increased growth and traffic congestion, the number of traffic related
complaints and crashes have steadily increased throughout our
jurisdiction. Additionally, the number of traffic fatalities has increased from two (2) in 2017 to six (6) thus far
in 2018. The department created a traffic enforcement unit in mid-2018 and has since added an additional
officer to meet the demands presented by this increase.
The patrol section also increased their traffic enforcement efforts but require this additional equipment in
order to be more effective at reducing crashes and increasing public safety. This equipment will provide law
enforcement officers a portable, reliable,
accurate and court-approved method of monitoring vehicular speeds and conducting traffic education and
enforcement.
Matching funds are not required for these projects; however, Police Forfeiture funds are available for any
additional expenses if necessary.
The costs of this equipment are as follows:
JAG-C (30) Subcompact Firearms - $12,270.00
JAG-C (30) Firearm Holsters - $ 900.00
JAG-A (4) Speed Measurement Lasers - $3,807.00
Other Options:
The Commission may choose not to authorize application for and accept the Edward Byrne Memorial State
and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grants or purchase this equipment.
Fiscal Impacts:
The Finance Department has reviewed this application.
[End Agenda Memo]
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson noted that this was not approved. He made a motion to approve these grant
applications. Commissioner Howell seconded the motion.
by voice vote:
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.I. Resolution 2018-21, Supplemental Joint Participation Agreement-G0B57 (Corrective)
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS:
The City Commission will consider the adoption of Resolution 2018-21 (corrective) to correct a
scrivener’s error.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution 2018-21 (corrective)
BACKGROUND
On September 19, 2018 the City Commission adopted Resolution 2018-21, a supplemental joint
agreement to accept additional funding from the Federal Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the
runway extension project at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport.
Due to a scrivener’s error the financial project number and description was listed incorrectly.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no change to impact
OPTIONS
None
[Thanks]
Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2018-21 (corrective) by title only.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE
EXECUTION OF A SUPPLEMENTAL JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (JPA), TO AMEND
FUNDING FOR JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (JPA) ITEM-SEGMENT-PHASE-SEQUENCE
NUMBER (FINANCIAL PROJECT NUMBER): 438921-1 (RELATED ACTIVITIES NECESSARY FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE TO REHABILITATE AND EXTEND RUNWAY 06/24) WITH THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ALLOW THEIR PARTICIPATION IN AN
AVIATION PROJECT AT THE LAKE WALES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
Teresa Allen, Public Services Director, reviewed this item.
NUMBER (FINANCIAL PROJECT NUMBER): 438921-1 (RELATED ACTIVITIES NECESSARY FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE TO REHABILITATE AND EXTEND RUNWAY 06/24) WITH THE
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ALLOW THEIR PARTICIPATION IN AN
AVIATION PROJECT AT THE LAKE WALES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
Teresa Allen, Public Services Director, reviewed this item.
Commissioner Howell made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-21 (corrective). Commissioner
Curtis Gibson seconded the motion.
by Roll Call vote:
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
9.II. RESOLUTION 2018-23: Opposition To Amendment 1
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS
Resolution 2018-23 opposes Amendment 1 on the 2018 ballot.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2018-23.
BACKGROUND
At the September 19, 2018 City Commission meeting Commissioners asked staff to prepare a
Resolution concerning Amendment 1 to the Florida Constitution that will be on the November 6th Ballot.
As requested by members of the Commission this resolution is from the Florida League of Cities.
OTHER OPTIONS
Do not approve Resolution 2018-23.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact to Resolution 2018-23.
[End Agenda Memo]
Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2018-23 by title only.
RESOLUTION 2018-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES CONCERNING AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FLORIDA
CONSTITUTION, WHICH, IF ADOPTED, WOULD CREATE ADDITIONAL INEQUITIES IN
FLORIDA’S TAX SYSTEM BY GRANTING CERTAIN TAX BREAKS TO SOME TAXPAYERS AT THE
EXPENSE OF OTHER TAXPAYERS.
Mayor Fultz reviewed this item. He said it was important to educate the public on this issue.
RESOLUTION 2018-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES CONCERNING AMENDMENT 1 TO THE FLORIDA
CONSTITUTION, WHICH, IF ADOPTED, WOULD CREATE ADDITIONAL INEQUITIES IN
FLORIDA’S TAX SYSTEM BY GRANTING CERTAIN TAX BREAKS TO SOME TAXPAYERS AT THE
EXPENSE OF OTHER TAXPAYERS.
Mayor Fultz reviewed this item. He said it was important to educate the public on this issue.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-23. Commissioner Howell
seconded the motion.
by Roll Call vote:
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
9.III. RESOLUTION 2018-24: Support For Amendment 4
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS
Resolution 2018-24 expresses support for Amendment 4 on the 2018 ballot.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff does not have a recommendation concerning Resolution 2018-24.
BACKGROUND
Mayor Fultz asked that this Resolution from the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials be
placed on tonight’s agenda.
OTHER OPTIONS
Do not approve Resolution 2018-24.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact to Resolution 2018-24.
[End Agenda Memo]
RESOLUTION 2018-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES IN SUPPORT OF THE PASSAGE OF
AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VI, SECTION 4, FLORIDA CONSTITUTION – VOTING RIGHTS
RESTORATION FOR FELONS INITIATIVE (2018)
Commissioner Howell made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-24. Commissioner Curtis
Gibson seconded the motion.
by Roll Call vote:
RESTORATION FOR FELONS INITIATIVE (2018)
Commissioner Howell made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2018-24. Commissioner Curtis
Gibson seconded the motion.
by Roll Call vote:
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
9.IV. Special Event Permit Application - Orange Blossom Revue Nov 30-Dec 1, 2018
[Begin agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS:
Approval of this request will allow the Noon Rotary Club to hold its fourth annual “Orange Blossom
BBQ” event in Lake Wailes Park on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1, 2018, allow a
designated area for wine and craft beer sales, and allow the set up to begin on Thursday, November 29,
2018.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action:
1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application from the Noon Rotary Club to hold an “Orange
Blossom BBQ” in Lake Wailes Park December 1 and 2, 2017 with set up beginning on Thursday,
November 29, 2018
2. Approve the hours as follows:
- Thursday, November 29, 2018 - Begin set up at 8:00 a.m.
- Friday, November 30, 2018 – The event will be open to the public at 4:00 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 1, 2018 - The hours will be 11:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
- Sunday December 2nd and Monday December 3rd - Clean up and removal of tents and booths will
take place
3. Approve the request from the noon Rotary to have wine and craft beer sales and consumption in an
enclosed designed area in the Park on both Friday and Saturday.
4. Approve the request for RV’s and tent campers to set up in the areas approved and designated by
City staff on Friday.
BACKGROUND
The Lake Wales Noon Rotary Club submitted a Special Event Permit Application to hold its fourth
annual “Orange Blossom BBQ” in Lake Wailes Park. This event features the Florida BBQ Association’s
sanctioned barbecue competition, the Florida Tastemakers Marketplace with a gathering of artists and
vendors from across the state, kid’s tents, and live music. There will also be a designated area for wine
and craft beer sales and consumption.
New this year is an area for tent campers. There will be 15 tent sites available for rent to the attendees.
The sponsor has met with staff from the Fire Department, Police Department and Public Services to
address possible concerns with this.
The event has been approved by staff with the following stipulations:
- The RV’s and tent campers will be parked in the designated area only.
- The designated parking area for the public must be clearly identified on site.
- No vehicles shall be parked within 15 feet of the trunk of any trees within the park. No vehicles shall
New this year is an area for tent campers. There will be 15 tent sites available for rent to the attendees.
The sponsor has met with staff from the Fire Department, Police Department and Public Services to
address possible concerns with this.
The event has been approved by staff with the following stipulations:
- The RV’s and tent campers will be parked in the designated area only.
- The designated parking area for the public must be clearly identified on site.
- No vehicles shall be parked within 15 feet of the trunk of any trees within the park. No vehicles shall
drive or park on the bike path or cross the bike path
- The Rotary Club is responsible for ensuring that the vendors and artists bringing in RV’s and campers
adhere to the conditions for parking.
- Sanitary facilities and dumpsters are the responsibility of the sponsor. A separate dumpster will be
required for disposal of ash by the vendors.
- Tent permits are required in advance by the sponsor and can be obtained from the City’s Planning
Department so that inspections can be completed by the Fire Marshall during set up times.
- The alcohol permit application must be completed by the sponsor and submitted to the Planning
Department for review and approval before submitting to the Department of Alcohol Beverage &
Tobacco. Once the final permit is obtained, a copy must be provided to the City no later than November
19, 2018.
- The required Certificate of Liability Insurance with an alcohol insurance rider has been received by the
City.
- In-Kind Services will be provided by the City’s Field Operations Divisions for clean up services on
Saturday and Sunday and costs associated with these services will be paid by the sponsor at 25%.
Off-duty officers from the Lake Wales Police Department will be hired by the sponsor for security
purposes.
OTHER OPTIONS
Do not approve the event.
FISCAL IMPACT
This BBQ event is part of the FY18/19 special events budget. In-Kind services will cost the City
approximately $1,598 with the sponsor paying 25% of the cost or $400. Off-duty officers from the Lake
Wales Police Department will be hired for security and will be paid by the sponsor.
[End Agenda Memo]
Reid Hardman, resident and Co-Chair of the Orange Blossom Revue, reviewed this item. He explained
that they wish to add tent camping for guests to rent. He said that he has reviewed concerns about this
with the Fire and Police Departments and other staff members. Mayor Fultz expressed concern about
excessive alcohol and drug use. Mr. Hardman said that there will be overnight security and rules that
campers must follow. There will be safety procedures in place including fire extinguishers.
Commissioner Curtis Gibson said this event is one of the reasons we need a stage at Lake Wailes. He
said he is in support of this.
Mr. Fields asked if this will have any effect with the TDC grant. Mr. Hardman said he has not discussed
this with the TDC but there is no language against this.
Commissioner Howell asked if they would add additional spaces if requested. Mr. Hardman said there
is some flexibility but not a lot. Commissioner Howell said she enjoyed helping out at the event last
year.
Mayor Fultz said he was in support of the event and their investment in Lake Wales.
Commissioner Curtis Gibson made a motion to approve the special event permit for the Orange
Blossom BBQ Revue on November 30 - December 1, 2018. Commissioner Howell seconded the
motion.
by Roll Call vote:
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Blossom BBQ Revue on November 30 - December 1, 2018. Commissioner Howell seconded the
motion.
by Roll Call vote:
Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES"
Commissioner Howell "YES"
Commissioner Stewart "YES"
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES"
Mayor Fultz "YES"
Motion passed 5-0.
9.V. RESOLUTION 2018-22: Support Of Lake Wales Charter Schools
[Begin Agenda Memo]
SYNOPSIS
Resolution 2018-22 expresses supports for the takeover of McLaughlin Middle School by the Lake
Wales Charter Schools.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff does not have a recommendation concerning approval of Resolution 2018-22.
BACKGROUND
At the September 19, 2018 City Commission meeting Commissioners asked staff to bring forth a
Resolution concerning the possible takeover of McLaughlin Middle School by the Lake Wales Charter
Schools. This resolution was provided to City staff.
OTHER OPTIONS
Do not approve Resolution 2018-22.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact to Resolution 2018-22.
[End Agenda Memo]
Mayor Fultz announced that this item has been tabled until October 16th.
10. CITY MANAGER
Kenneth Fields, City Manager, reminded the Commission that there will be changes to our trash pickup
forthcoming. Residents will be getting new recycling bins and everything including trash, recycling, and yard
waste will be picked up on the same day. Information on this is being sent to the residents and posted to
our website and social media.
Mr. Fields reported on recent trip to the International Conference of City Managers in Baltimore with
Assistant City Manager James Slaton. He said it was a good conference that they learned a lot and he
received his 35 year pin.
waste will be picked up on the same day. Information on this is being sent to the residents and posted to
our website and social media.
Mr. Fields reported on recent trip to the International Conference of City Managers in Baltimore with
Assistant City Manager James Slaton. He said it was a good conference that they learned a lot and he
received his 35 year pin.
10.I. Tracking Report
10.II. Social Media Tracking Report
10.III. Commission Meeting Schedule
Mr. Fields said he wants to schedule another recreation workshop at the Austin Center later this month
and a CRA meeting in November as there are things that require formal action.
10.IV. Other Meetings & Events Calendar
11. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said he investigated the Zillow comment made at the last meeting. He said
that indeed Zillow does not list the Lake Wales Charter Schools as an option in the area. Zillow gets their
information from the district. We may have lost potential residents because of this. This needs to be fixed
and he and Kevin Kieft from the Chamber of Commerce will work on correcting this.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said that it isn't always clear when the public can comment on an item on the
agenda. Some Resolutions or Ordinances require a Public Hearing and some don't. Mayor Fultz noted that
there is an opportunity for public comment at the beginning and the end of the meeting. Mr. Fields reviewed
what items require a public hearing. He said we could be clearer about when a public hearing is required.
Mayor Fultz said that he could be clearer on what can be discussed during public comments and that a
member of the public can request an item be pulled from the consent agenda as well as Commission
members.
Commissioner Howell said that she agrees that all schools should be represented on the website including
for Charter Schools. The Charter Schools need to be inclusive and make effort to remember the public
schools too. Mayor Fultz said he liked the idea that students who wish to attend Lake Wales Charter
Schools should move to Lake Wales. Commissioner Stewart said that she agrees that Lake Wales
students should have priority in the Charter Schools. The school system in Lake Wales was discussed.
Commissioner Stewart said that along with good schools we need more recreation for students.
Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked that the purchase of the YMCA be added to the tracking report.
12. MAYOR COMMENTS
Mayor Fultz asked about a possible polling place in Lake Ashton. Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, said she
would look into that after the upcoming general election.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of October 2, 2018 as approved
by the Lake Wales City Commission.
ATTEST:
by the Lake Wales City Commission.
ATTEST:
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