City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes May 21, 2019 (APPROVED) 5/21/2019 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Dr. Moyer gave the invocation. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. after the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. 4. ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Eugene Fultz - Mayor, Curtis Gibson, Robin Gibson -Deputy Mayor, Al Goldstein, Terrye Howell Staff Present: Kenneth Fields, City Manager; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk 5. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 5.I. Proclamation - National Safe Boating Week The Mayor proclaimed May 18 - 24, 2019 as Safe Boating Week. James Urbanawiz with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary accepted the Proclamation. 6. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS Borden Deen, Resident and Assistant Chairman of the Lake Ashton CDD, asked about a payment to the City by the Developer for sidewalks along Thompson-Nursery Road. He said that there was a payment of $19,800 but doesn't have a copy of the check. Mr. Fields said that we researched this and the City cannot find a record of the payment. We are looking for additional documentation including the development agreement to explain this further. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said that if we can find documentation to support this then we need to follow through on our obligation. Dr. Virgil Ullom, non-resident, spoke against the Equality Act recently passed by the US House of Representatives. Barbara Pelisek, non-resident and member of the Airport Authority, said she uses the Campground out by the Airport and is concerned about plans to close the campground. She understands that the FAA is requiring the Campground be closed as there are many unaddressed issues. She said that the campground brings in revenue for the Airport. Fly camping exists at other airports and provides many benefits for the City. We can bring our airport campground into compliance. The campground can attract pilots to our area. The campground allows her more time to fly especially in the mornings and evenings. She is not a permanent resident at the campground. Mayor Fultz recommended that a more suitable location could be found. Mr. Fields said that permanent residents are not allowed and so the campground must be closed. Another space for temporary camping might be located. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said its a nice campground and we need to keep a campground if possible as there are many benefits. Mayor Fultz agreed that the campground is a good thing but different location. Ray Brown, non-resident, spoke on the Seminole Hotel at 207 North 1st Street. He would like to save the City money and prevent the demolition of the building. This could be used to provide housing. He said he has not been able to set up a meeting with City staff. He has been trying to get access to the building and was denied. He said that the building is sound and there is no need to tear it down. He requested access to the building to get design drawings done and requested that the trespass charge be dropped. He said that  Ray Brown, non-resident, spoke on the Seminole Hotel at 207 North 1st Street. He would like to save the City money and prevent the demolition of the building. This could be used to provide housing. He said he has not been able to set up a meeting with City staff. He has been trying to get access to the building and was denied. He said that the building is sound and there is no need to tear it down. He requested access to the building to get design drawings done and requested that the trespass charge be dropped. He said that requests for access have been denied. He needs to be able to review all aspects of the building. Commissioner Curtis Gibson asked if the plans were denied. Mr. Brown said yes as it needs more details. Mr. Brown says he needs unrestricted access to get more details. Commissioner Curtis Gibson says that he is pro-business and wants to do what's best for the building. We need to follow our master plan and we do need more housing. Kathy Bangley, Planning Director, said they have not met with her or requested to access the building. Commissioner Goldstein said that an architect would have to get in to develop a plan. He said we should allow them to get in. Mr. Fields said we can meet with him and his team and meet his needs but its not a good idea to allow unlimited access. He asked Mr. Brown to schedule a meeting with City staff. Commissioner Howell recommended that this meeting happen within a week, that the instructions be in writing. This way the target won't keep moving. Commissioner Goldstein suggested that Mr. Gonzales, the architect, be in the meeting as well. Mr. Fields said that this is a timely issue as plans are in process to demolish the building. Mr. Fields reported that staff was in two days of training last week. About 65 supervisors and potential supervisors participated. Lt. Byrd, Fire Department, was asked to give a report on the training. Lt. Byrd reported on the training which was designed to encourage authentic servant leadership culture. He reported on a quiz done to help staff to learn how we receive information and carry out ideas. Staff were put into 4 categories. We learned that we have to learn to listen to each other and learn to interact with each other. We discussed what we all need as far as training and what reputation we want our City to have. WE discussed the need for a shared vision. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said we need to identify a common vision for the entire city. This should be put in our Charter. Mr. Fields said this training can be done for Commissioners which can include how to draft a vision. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said that he is in favor of this. Commissioner Goldstein said he agreed and said we need to include the public and work on improving our reputation. Mayor Fultz said he hoped all those that participated in training keep the need for improving our reputation in mind and as they supervise staff. Mr. Fields said he will work on scheduling this. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve the Consent agenda. Commissioner Curtis Gibson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Howell "YES" Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES" Commissioner Goldstein "YES" Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES" Mayor Fultz "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 7.I. Minutes - May 3, 2019 7.II. Special Event Application: Start Right Campaign [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Polk State College has applied to host a special event called Start Right Campaign on August 3, 2018. They request closure of Central Avenue between Second Avenue and Market Street between 8:00 a.m.  [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Polk State College has applied to host a special event called Start Right Campaign on August 3, 2018. They request closure of Central Avenue between Second Avenue and Market Street between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City take the following actions: 1. Approve the special event permit application from Polk State College for their Start Right event to be held Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close Central Avenue from 2nd Street to Market Street BACKGROUND Andy Oguntola, Director of Polk State College’s JD Alexander Center, submitted a special event permit application for a special event to be held Saturday August 3, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. This is the Start Right Campaign, a Back to School Event, where free school supplies are distributed to students. The requested temporary street closing is Central Avenue between 2nd Street and Market Street. The Streets Department will be providing assistance with the street closings. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the request for the permit and road closing. FISCAL IMPACT None. All costs will be the responsibility of the sponsor. [End Agenda Memo] 7.III. Grant Application - Division Of Cultural Affairs [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: A grant application to the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs for $40,000. The grant would require a 1:1 matching city contribution of $40,000 in fiscal year 2020-2021. The Museum will cover the cost of the match from monies allocated towards museum staffing, exhibit programming and marketing in its 2020 – 2021 budget. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission approve a grant application to the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs for money that will be allocated to the new 2020 -2021 Regional Public Program. The Regional Public Program will feature programs and events for all ages including a new exhibit presentation series, guest speakers, historic tours, special museum night events, a book club, Pioneer Days Festival, workshops, hands-on history and summer fun days. The grant will provide funds to help underwrite programmatic staffing. BACKGROUND: The State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA) provides annual funds in the form of grants that support cultural organizations including museums through the Florida Legislature and National Endowment for the Arts.  BACKGROUND: The State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA) provides annual funds in the form of grants that support cultural organizations including museums through the Florida Legislature and National Endowment for the Arts. If our application is approved, the grant money will be used to help underwrite a portion of programmatic staffing for the museum. The museum manager and museum curator both spend a portion of their time developing and implementing public programs for the community. These funds would help support City’s investment in current museum staffing. The grant program is a renewable annual award with an approved and ranked application. Any grant funds received from this application would be applicable from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The grant requires a minimum 1:1 match of funds. The Museum will cover the cost of the match from monies allocated towards museum staffing, exhibit programming and marketing in its 2020 – 2021 budget. OTHER OPTIONS: Do not apply for this grant. No appropriations needed. FISCAL IMPACT: Staff is requesting to host a series of programmatic offerings at the Lake Wales Museum in 2019 – 2020. A portion of the funds to carry out the Lake Wales Museum Regional Public Program would come from the State of Florida, DCA. $40,000 of the funds allocated to this project will be spent on programmatic staffing [End Agenda Memo] 7.IV. Grant Application - Florida Humanities Council $5000 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: A grant application to the Florida Humanities Council for $5000. The grant would require a 1:1 matching city contribution of $5,000 in fiscal year 2019-2020. The Museum will cover the cost of the match from monies allocated towards museum staffing, marketing and a portion of museum supplies in its 2019 – 2020 budget. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission approve a grant application to the Florida Humanities Council for funding that will be allocated to the new 2019 – 2020 Speaker Series. The FHC Speaker Series will feature five engaging talks with expert historians, storytellers, researchers, and authors. The program provides funding, promotional support, and capacity-building opportunities for organizations interested in hosting. The grant will provide funds to underwrite speaker fees, travel, mileage, and a portion of advertising. BACKGROUND: The Florida Humanities Council sponsors community based projects, facilitates important conversations among Floridians, and shines a spotlight on Florida’s history, art, and culture. Established in 1973, FHC is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For over forty years we have developed and funded public programs that tell the stories of both Florida and those unique individuals that call this state their home. FHC is funded by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs. If our application is approved, the grant money will be used to help underwrite all speaker fees, travel and a portion of promotional advertising for the speaker series. These funds would help support the museum’s programmatic expenses. The grant program is a renewable annual award with an approved application. Any grant funds received from this application would be applicable from September 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020. The grant requires a  If our application is approved, the grant money will be used to help underwrite all speaker fees, travel and a portion of promotional advertising for the speaker series. These funds would help support the museum’s programmatic expenses. The grant program is a renewable annual award with an approved application. Any grant funds received from this application would be applicable from September 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020. The grant requires a minimum 1:1 match of funds. The Museum will cover the cost of the match from monies allocated towards museum staffing, marketing and a portion of museum supplies in its 2019 – 2020 budget. OTHER OPTIONS: Do not apply for this grant. No appropriations needed. FISCAL IMPACT: Staff is requesting to host a series of speakers at the Lake Wales History Museum in 2019 – 2020. Funds to carry out the speaker series would come from the Florida Humanities Council. All of the funds allocated to this project will be spent on public programming. [End Agenda Memo] 8. OLD BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. Resolution 2019-06 - Museum Name Change [Begin Agenda Memo] STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the name change of the museum from the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center to the “Lake Wales History Museum” BACKGROUND: As an established resource in the Lake Wales community, the museum has included many different activities over the years. Today, the museum looks to the future as a focused, vibrant center focused on historic preservation and community engagement. The museum has always been about history. The name “Lake Wales History Museum” better serves our community and visitors as it clearly conveys the museum’s focus on history. As part of the museum’s new vision for the future, this name change signifies the museum’s commitment to bringing the historic preservation of Lake Wales forward and aligns our mission to the goals of our strategic plan. Future plans call for creating a long range plan to restore the museum’s train cars and historic buildings, better collection storage facilities and a new master plan for the historic corridor spanning from the current museum, housed in the 1928 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad station at Polk Avenue and Scenic Highway to the 1920 Stuart Dunn Oliver House on Central Avenue. Programs and exhibits will focus on community heritage and the continuation of offering nationally- recognized historical traveling exhibits, speaker series, the new history bus tour, and long-standing signature heritage event, Pioneer Days Festival. This summer, the museum will develop and write new educational curriculum and field trips for students underwritten by a grant awarded from the Mountain Lake Community Service organization. The name change has been approved by the Library/Museum’s City Governance Board and endorsed by the new Friends of the Museum. OPTIONS: Keep Existing Name FISCAL IMPACT: None  The name change has been approved by the Library/Museum’s City Governance Board and endorsed by the new Friends of the Museum. OPTIONS: Keep Existing Name FISCAL IMPACT: None [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read Resolution 2019-06 by title only. RESOLUTION 2019-06 A RESOLUTION RENAMING THE LAKE WALES MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER AS THE LAKE WALES HISTORY MUSEUM EFFECTIVE MAY 21, 2019 Tina Peak, Director of the Library and Historic Resources, reviewed this item. Commissioner Curtis Gibson commended Jennifer D'hollander on her grant writing and recommended that Mimi Hardman be recognized somehow. Ms. Peak agreed and will pass on the request. Mayor Fultz agreed with this as she did a lot for our community. Commissioner Howell made a motion to approve RESOLUTION 2019-06. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Howell "YES" Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson "YES" Commissioner Curtis Gibson "YES" Commissioner Goldstein "YES" Mayor Fultz "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 10. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, said the letter from Lake Ashton is essentially a public records request and we will continue to search for more documentation. 11. CITY MANAGER 11.I. Tracking Report 11.II. Social Media Tracking Report 11.III. Commission Meeting Calendar Kenneth Fields, City Manager, said he would like to schedule a workshop on June 25th for Recreation matters. 11.IV. Other Meetings & Events Calendar 12. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said that regarding the Seminole Hotel issue he suggested that the architect participate by phone and that the meeting be recorded. Kathy Bangley, Planning Director, said they will accommodate their team. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said he was glad to hear about the training. He is glad to see all the good stuff  Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said that regarding the Seminole Hotel issue he suggested that the architect participate by phone and that the meeting be recorded. Kathy Bangley, Planning Director, said they will accommodate their team. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said he was glad to hear about the training. He is glad to see all the good stuff going on such as the streets and cleaning out the lakes. Commissioner Goldstein said he thinks the training is a good idea. 13. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Fultz encouraged those with complaints about staff to deal with the department directly. He can only pass concerns to the City Manager. Things are going well in the City and doesn't want negativity to hold us back. 14. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m. ___________________________ Mayor/Deputy Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ City Clerk