City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes February 6, 2024 (APPROVED) 2/6/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Quam gave the invocation. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hilligoss 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: Keith Thompson, Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Daniel Williams, Robin Gibson, Danny Krueger Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 5.I. PROCLAMATION - Dr. Tom Schotman Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed February 10, 2024 as Tom Schotman recognition day. This proclamation was accepted by family of Dr. Schotman. 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS David Price, resident, spoke against the Lake Alta Project and in favor of protecting the park area. Patricia Lettieri, resident, spoke against the closure of Lake Alta Road and the project. She asked that the park stay under City care. Susan Letteri, property owner, spoke against the Lake Alta Project. There will be traffic problems. Jeanette Smith, resident, spoke on parks. Catherine Price, resident, spoke against the Lake Alta Project. She spoke against waiving impact fees and giving away the property. Dr. Linda Ray, Acting Principal at McLaughlin Middle School, introduced herself and shared some of what is going on at her school including a new gym. She invited everyone to visit and possibly help.  Catherine Price, resident, spoke against the Lake Alta Project. She spoke against waiving impact fees and giving away the property. Dr. Linda Ray, Acting Principal at McLaughlin Middle School, introduced herself and shared some of what is going on at her school including a new gym. She invited everyone to visit and possibly help. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Krueger seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 7.I. Minutes - January 16 & 31, 2024 7.II. Reuse Main Pigging (Cleaning) [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting for the commission to consider entering into a piggyback agreement and approve the expenditure of $98,397.66 with Professional Piping Services for the pigging of the reuse water main. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action: 1. Approve the expenditure of $98,397.66 to Professional Piping Services for the cleaning of the reuse line. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Staff has been experiencing problems with debris collecting in the reuse water main. The accumulating debris is causing clogs in the sprinklers feeding the grove owner's property; causing the grove owner additional maintenance cost. The accumulating debris is also causing damage to the propellers for the country club meter, in turn causing the city additional maintenance cost. All suspected entry points have been checked and found to be in good condition. The last item to resolve is to have the line cleaned from the beginning to the end. Cleaning the main in this fashion would take any remaining debris left in the line and have it expelled at one point instead of at the customer’s meter or possibly the customer’s irrigation system. Cleaning the reuse main in this fashion maximizes the flow capacity within the reuse system. Each time staff has gone out to bid for these type of services, the amount of responsive bidders is typically one. The Commission approved entering into a piggyback agreement that had already been bided out by Manatee County at the December 20, 2020 city commission meeting. In addition, Professional Piping Services (PPS) has performed this  it expelled at one point instead of at the customer’s meter or possibly the customer’s irrigation system. Cleaning the reuse main in this fashion maximizes the flow capacity within the reuse system. Each time staff has gone out to bid for these type of services, the amount of responsive bidders is typically one. The Commission approved entering into a piggyback agreement that had already been bided out by Manatee County at the December 20, 2020 city commission meeting. In addition, Professional Piping Services (PPS) has performed this cleaning for the past several years. Staff has been satisfied with both the performance and the reports submitted, which are a required component of this contract. Staff recommends the commission take the following action; approve expending funds for $97,397.66 to Professional Piping Services, Inc., and authorize the city manager. OTHER OPTION None. Allowing the debris to continue to move through the reuse main on its own, would allow for continued damage to the propellers on the larger meters and the continued clogging of the irrigation system belonging to the grove owners. FISCAL IMPACT $100,000.00 was budgeted in the Reuse Division’s FY ’23- ‘24 M & R Pigging Operating Budget for this purpose. [End Agenda Memo] 7.III. 3 Hour Parking Restriction On 11th Street [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting for the commission to consider approving modifications to the parking on the East Side of 11th Street. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action: 1. Approve the establishing and the installation of signage depicting a 3-Hour Parking Restriction that affects the first 3 Parking Spaces on the east side of 11th St starting at Carlton Ave. and going north. BACKGROUND There are businesses along 11th Street in front of the hospital that have customers and patients that park for short intervals (15 min. to 2 hours). Hospital staff and surrounding business employees, are parking in the spaces on 11th St for 8 to 12 hours at a time. This makes it impossible to find short term parking for the patronage of these businesses. The initial complainant was the Apothecary Shop, due to complaints they were receiving from their customers. Staff has spoken to the Police Department (PD) seeking a recommendation and approval on this change. While PD did not have a problem with the recommended change, they suggested that enforcement would be challenging due to not having a parking enforcement officer. Changing the parking restriction for these 3 parking spaces to 3 Hour Parking Only will allow customer parking for the businesses that have a short turnaround time. Staff recommends the commission take the following action; approve a new parking restriction of 3 Hour Parking Only for the first three (3) parking spaces on the east side of 11th St starting at Carlton Ave. and going north. OTHER OPTIONS Do not authorize the 3 Hour Parking restriction FISCAL IMPACT The current 23/24 budget has $90,000.00 for traffic control.  at Carlton Ave. and going north. OTHER OPTIONS Do not authorize the 3 Hour Parking restriction FISCAL IMPACT The current 23/24 budget has $90,000.00 for traffic control. [End Agenda Memo] 7.IV. Special Event Permit Application Juneteenth Unity In The Community Event On Saturday June 15, 2024. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this Special Event Application will allow the Guiding Light Ministries to host a Car Show on June 15, on Central Avenue. This will also allow a rain date of June 16. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application for the Juneteenth Unity in the Community Classy Car Show to take place on Central Avenue on Saturday June 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close Central Avenue from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday June 15 from First Street to Wetmore Street. 3. Approve a rain date for this event of Sunday June 16 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. BACKGROUND Guiding Light Ministries has submitted a special event application to host a Car show on Saturday June 15, 2024 on Central Avenue between 1st Street and Wetmore Street from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This event will include food and other vendors. The sponsor has requested authorization to close the road at 7:00 a.m. The sponsor has requested a rain date of Sunday June 16, 2024. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the event FISCAL IMPACT No In-kind services were budgeted for this event. Costs will be paid at 100% by the sponsor. [End Agenda Memo] 7.V. Special Event Permit Application: Sokal Media Group Commercial Filming [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this Special Event Application will allow the Sokal Media Group to close Longleaf Blvd for filming a commercial. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application for Sokal Media Group to film a Commercial on January 23rd from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close a portion of Longleaf Blvd from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 23rd.  1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application for Sokal Media Group to film a Commercial on January 23rd from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close a portion of Longleaf Blvd from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday January 23rd. BACKGROUND Sokal Media Group has submitted a special event application to film a commercial on Tuesday January 23rd from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on a portion of Longleaf Blvd. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the event application. FISCAL IMPACT No In-kind services were budgeted for this event. Costs will be paid at 100% by the sponsor. [End Agenda Memo] 7.VI. Professional Survey And Design Services [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider an agreement with Chastain Skillman for Professional Survey and Design Services for the Kiwanis Park Loop Trail. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s): 1. Approve the Agreement for Professional Survey and Design Services with Chastain Skillman. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The City applied for and received a grant through the Recreational Trail Program (RTP) for a 12’ by 2,400 LF hard service loop trail in Kiwanis Park. This trail will connect the Rails to Trail trail and the Lake Wales Park trail through Kiwanis Park. The agreement with Chastain Skillman is for Professional Topography surveying, boundary surveying, survey certification, tree planting and irrigation plans. Chastain Skillman currently has a continuing services agreement with the City for Engineering Services. City Staff recommends the approval of the Professional Survey and Design Services Agreement with Chastain Skillman. OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may choose not to approve this agreement. FISCAL IMPACT The costs for these services is $25,305. [End Agenda Memo] 8. OLD BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. ORDINANCE 2024-02 - Vacating Lake Alta Street 8. OLD BUSINESS 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. ORDINANCE 2024-02 - Vacating Lake Alta Street This item was continued. 9.II. ORDINANCE 2023-36 Library Room Rental Fees – 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS Ordinance 2023-36 will change the rental fees for the meeting room at the Lake Wales Public Library. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2023-36 after first reading. BACKGROUND Staff has found that the current room reservation rates for the Schoenoff Meeting Room at the Lake Wales Public Library are currently too high. Staff proposed a reduction in the rate. At the Work Session, Commission members suggested that the Ordinance be amended to allow the Library director to set the rates. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Ordinance or recommend changes. FISCAL IMPACT No immediate impact. Revenue from rental of the room may change. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read Ordinance 2023-36 by title only. ORDINANCE 2023-36 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING LAKE WALES CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 18, STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES BY CHANGING THE COST OF RENTALS FOR LAKE WALES LIBRARY SCHOENOFF MEETING ROOM AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy Mayor Gibson said this allows the Library to make full use of the facility. Deputy Mayor Gibson made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2023-36 after 1st reading. Commissioner Krueger seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES"  Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 10. CITY CLERK 10.I. 2024 Municipal Election & Canvassing Board Information [Begin Agenda Memo] 2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION The regular Municipal Election of the City of Lake Wales is Tuesday, April 2, 2024. We will elect a Commissioner for Seat 2 and a Commissioner for Seat 4 for terms of three years beginning May 7, 2024. Members of the City Commission must be registered voters and residents of the City of Lake Wales for at least one year preceding their date of election. The two seats up for election are currently held by the following Commission members: Seat 2 Commissioner Daniel Williams Seat 4 Commissioner Danny Krueger The Commissioner elected to Seat 2 must reside in Seat 2, and the Commissioner elected to Seat 4 must reside in Seat 4. The qualifying period for a person to qualify as a candidate is from 12:00 p.m., noon, Monday, February 12 through 12:00 p.m., noon, Friday, February 16. Candidate packets are available in the City Clerk’s office beginning 9:00 a.m., Friday, February 2. This packet contains qualifying papers, nominating petitions, and other necessary information and instructions to qualify as a candidate. At the end of qualifying the City Clerk must prepare and submit to the Supervisor of Elections Office the approved ballot by 5:00 p.m. A special City Commission meeting has been scheduled for February 16 at 4:00 p.m. for that purpose. The scheduled special meeting date is also listed on the City Commission Calendar located under the City Manager portion of the Agenda. The Municipal Election will be held at the Municipal Administration Building, 201 W. Central Ave., Lake Wales and at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse, 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales on Tuesday, April 2, 2023, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The City Commission will reschedule its first meeting in April from 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3. Contact the Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 to request a Vote By Mail Ballot. Voter registration deadline is March 4, 2024. CANVASSING BOARD INFORMATION April from 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3. Contact the Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 to request a Vote By Mail Ballot. Voter registration deadline is March 4, 2024. CANVASSING BOARD INFORMATION While the Supervisor of Elections and the City Clerk may perform many of the tasks necessary to conduct the election, the City Commission serves as the Municipal Canvassing Board and has legal responsibilities related to the conduct of the Municipal Election. It is necessary to review the responsibilities well in advance to prevent calendar conflicts because a quorum must be present at all Canvassing Board meetings. The following rules apply to all members of the Canvassing Board: No member can serve if they are a candidate with opposition in the election being canvassed or is actively participating in the campaign or the candidacy of any candidate who has opposition in the election being canvassed. Actively participating means undertaking an intentional effort to demonstrate or generate public support for a candidate beyond merely making a campaign contribution. Refer to DE 8-10; 09-07. If a lack of a quorum is created on the Canvassing Board due to this rule or any other unavoidable cause, the City Commission may appoint the city manager, city attorney, or resident/s to serve in the absence of that commission member/s to serve on the Canvassing Board to avoid a possible lack of quorum (Sec. 8-26, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances). The City Clerk will prepare an agenda item for the first meeting in March for the City Commission to appoint additional people to serve on the Canvassing Board. Per Florida Statute, Canvassing Board members are required to attend the following meetings. Pre-election Logic and Accuracy Testing of Tabulating Equipment (L&A) Tuesday, March 26, 2024; 3:30 p.m. Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (behind the Auburndale Speedway). -At least one member of the Canvassing Board must attend the L&A Testing. Election Night Canvassing of Ballots Tuesday, April 2, 2024, time to be scheduled by SOE (5:00 p.m. or later) Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 -A quorum must be present and must remain until all ballots are tabulated. Certification of Election City of Lake Wales Municipal Administration Building Thursday, April 4, 2024; 5:00 p.m. -A Quorum must be present. Post-Election Manual Audit Tuesday April 9, 2024 with Time to be determined. Elections Operations Center, 70 Florida Citrus Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 -A quorum must be present. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. Mayor Hilligoss, Deputy Mayor Gibson, and Commissioner Thompson agreed to serve on the  [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. Mayor Hilligoss, Deputy Mayor Gibson, and Commissioner Thompson agreed to serve on the canvassing board. 11. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, said a development challenge was filed by local dentist, Dr. Winderbaum, about the nearby proposed development Oak Ridge. This case was dismissed and is completely gone. 12. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, said the Ridge League of Cities Dinner is Thursday Feb 8th at Lake Ashton. The City will have a Mardi Gras float this year. The Commission is welcome to participate. The Central Florida Regional Planning Council held a workshop today at the Recreation Center on our economic development strategy. 12.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 13. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Krueger said Park Avenue is looking good. Commissioner Krueger reported on the Airport Authority Meeting yesterday. There is now helicopter training at the Airport from Rotor school. Commissioner Krueger said there is a children's carnival at the Eagle Ridge mall this week. This is something we like to see at Eagle Ridge Mall. Commissioner Williams said there were a lot of questions brought up about the Lake Alta project. He looks forward to a good discussion on this. Commissioner Thompson agreed that there is a lot to talk about concerning the Lake Alta project. They will need to examine this project and ask tough questions. Deputy Mayor Gibson said this will be a difficult decision but the Commission will give it their best. 14. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss said he understood the concerns about the Lake Alta project. He asked to confirm that the Planning and Zoning Board did not take action on this. Mr. Slaton confirmed that it was tabled. Mayor Hilligoss announced that James Slaton became a ICMA credentialed manager and congratulated him. 15. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. _______________________  The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk