City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2024 (APPROVED) 4/3/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Commissioner Williams 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 - Water Conservation Month Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month. Jose Perez, Water Department and Mike Oriend Superintendent of Reuse accepted the proclamation. 5.II. PROCLAMATION - Arbor Day Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed today, April 3, 2024, as Arbor Day. Kevin Polk, City Horticulturist, accepted the proclamation. 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Terry Christian, resident, spoke on recent promotions at the Police Department. He expressed concerns about mismanagement. Catherine Price, resident, spoke on Resolution 2024-09 Watershed Management Plan. She said this an important issue and suggested that there should be a public presentation on this. Curtis Gibson, resident and manager of the Eagle Ridge Mall, gave an update on the mall and said that new businesses are coming in. He invited the Commission to come and meet the new business owners. He requested a roll call vote on item 8.4.  important issue and suggested that there should be a public presentation on this. Curtis Gibson, resident and manager of the Eagle Ridge Mall, gave an update on the mall and said that new businesses are coming in. He invited the Commission to come and meet the new business owners. He requested a roll call vote on item 8.4. 7. CITY CLERK 7.I. Report Of Election Results Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed the election results. [Begin Results] REGISTERED VOTERS TOTAL 9,042 BALLOTS CAST TOTAL 2,324 VOTER TURNOUT TOTAL 25.70% Lake Wales City Commission Seat 2 Brandon Alvarado 938 42.18% Crystal Higbee 347 15.60% Daniel Williams 939 42.22% Lake Wales City Commission Seat 4 Carol Gillespie 1,325 57.41% Danny Krueger 983 42.59% [End Results] Ms. Nanek explained that after the review of provisional and cured ballots at the Canvassing Board meeting tomorrow, the need for a recount will be determined. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hilligoss said that Charlene bennett requested that item 8.5 be pulled from the Consent Agenda and at the request of Curtis Gibson, Item 8.4 will be pulled from the agenda. Commissioner Krueger made a motion to approve the rest of the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES"  Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 8.I. Minutes - March 19 & 27, 2024 8.II. Event Permit: Paint And Sip With The Lake Wales Arts Council [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS This is a request from the City of Lake Wales, Lake Wales Family Recreation Center to host a Paint n Sip with the Lake Wales Arts Council event on April 20, 2024. The event will include alcohol. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends 1. That the City Commission approve the permit request to hold the Paint n Sip with the Lake Wales Arts Council on Saturday April 20, 2024 from 4pm -6pm. 2. That the City Commission approve the serving of alcohol during the event. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Family Recreation Center has applied to host a Paint n Sip with the Lake Wales Arts Council event at the Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, the former YMCA, on Saturday April 20, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The event will include alcohol. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Special Event Permit. FISCAL IMPACT The cost of two off-duty officers for the duration of the event. [End Agenda Memo] 8.III. Community Firework Display – 4th Of July [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will approve the expenditure of fund for fireworks for the 4th of July Community Celebration. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the expenditure of $35,000 for the firework display. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND On June 20, 2023 the City Commission approved to piggyback an agreement with Pyrotechnico for community firework displays. Pyrotechnico has performed the fireworks display for the past two years and staff has received multiple positive comments from of the community regarding their work. The annual 4th of July community event will take place on the shores of Lake Wailes on Thursday, July 4, 2024. In keeping with tradition staff recommends the approval of $35,000 for the firework display.  with Pyrotechnico for community firework displays. Pyrotechnico has performed the fireworks display for the past two years and staff has received multiple positive comments from of the community regarding their work. The annual 4th of July community event will take place on the shores of Lake Wailes on Thursday, July 4, 2024. In keeping with tradition staff recommends the approval of $35,000 for the firework display. OTHER OPTIONS The Commission can choose not to approve the expenditure of $35,000 for firework display. FISCAL IMPACT $35,000 was approved by the City Commission for FY’23-24. The cost for a 20 to 22-minute show with a 2-minute grand finale is $35,000. [End Agenda Memo] 8.IV. Exterior Painting And Renovations For The Market Street Elevated Storage Tower. [Begin agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends City Commission approve to expending funds in the amount of $92,583.00 for the proposed exterior painting and renovations for the Market Street Elevated Storage Tower utilizing American Tank Maintenance annual contract. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the expenditure of funds in the amount of $92.583.00 to American Tank Maintenance for the painting and renovation to the exterior of the water tower at the Market Street Water Treatment Facility. BACKGROUND In August 2003, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection instituted more stringent regulations regarding the maintenance of water storage tanks. These regulations require annual inspection of the tanks to insure protection of the water source from contamination and identify any structural problems that may need repair. The regulations also require that, at least once every five years, the tanks be cleaned on the inside and outside and that all work on the tanks be performed by a contractor under the responsible charge of a professional engineer licensed by the State of Florida. On December 5, 2023 the City of Lake Wales entered into a five year contract with American Tank Maintenance to perform the required inspections, renovations and washouts of the elevated storage towers. The attached proposal is for the elevated storage tower at the Market Street Water Plant that will be painted and renovated. Further inspection of the tower revealed additional required repairs to some ladder rungs and bolts. It is necessary these additional repairs be completed prior to the painting of the water tank. OTHER OPTIONS None. Maintenance of the elevated storage tower is crucial to maintain the integrity of safe drinking water. FISCAL IMPACT The Water Department has placed $200,000.00 in the FY 2023-2024 budget. [End Agenda Memo] Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed support for plans to paint "Go Highlanders" on the two water  budget. [End Agenda Memo] Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed support for plans to paint "Go Highlanders" on the two water towers. Commissioner Krueger said that "City in a Garden" on the downtown one is good too. Deputy Mayor Gibson agreed. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve this item. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Krueger "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 8.V. PRWC Water Conservation Implementation Agreement 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City of Lake Wales share of the annual PRWC Water Conservation Budget is $2,833. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Commission approve the PRW Conservation Implementation Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. BACKGROUND The PRWC Water Conservation budget consists of member government annual contributions of $75,000 and matched by Heartland Grant funds to total $150,000. Lake Wales portion of the $75,000 is $2,833. An initial scope of work and agreement have been drafted to hire a third provider to implement the Water Conservation Program for the PRWC members. The Water Conservation Program is required by SWFWMD to received project funding. FISCAL IMPACT For the fiscal year 24-25 the amount is $2,833 for Lake Wales. The city may also have in-house water conservation costs not associated with this agreement. [End Agenda Memo] Charlene Bennett, resident, expressed concern about reduced water supply. She said the public needs updates on our water supply issues. She recommended a town hall or forum. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the agreement. Commissioner Krueger seconded the motion. by voice vote:  Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the agreement. Commissioner Krueger seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 9. OLD BUSINESS 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.I. RESOLUTION 2024-08 Fiscal Sustainability Plan-Buckmoore Road Forcemain Extension And Bel Ombre Septic To Sewer Conversion 2023/2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The purpose of the fiscal sustainability plan is to plan for future replacements and to ensure the City of Lake Wales accounts for the expenses in the annual budget by planning the capital improvements plan accordingly. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Commission take the following action: 1. Adopt Resolution 2024-08 Fiscal Sustainability Plan-Buckmoore Road Forcemain Extension and Bel Ombre Septic to Sewer Conversion 2023/2024. 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Modifications to the Clean Water Act enacted in 2014 (section 603 (d) (1) (E)) now requires the recipient of a loan for a project that involves the repair, replacement, or expansion of a publicly owned treatment works to develop and implement a Fiscal Sustainability Plan. Prior to the loan closing and administrative close out of the project, certification that the requirement is met is accomplished through the approval of a resolution. Construction for the project is complete and the final disbursement request is being prepared. An official resolution for adoption is the final step in preparation of the final close out of the project. If an official resolution is not made, there will be a delay in the final disbursement, the finalizing of the contract, and delay in the administrative close out. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, adopt Resolution 2024-08 Fiscal Sustainability Plan Buckmoore Road Forcemain Extension and Bel Ombre Septic to Sewer, and authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. FISCAL IMPACT None at this time. OTHER OPTIONS None. The adoption of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan by resolution is a requirement set forth in the State Revolving Loan fund contract documents. [End Agenda Memo]  FISCAL IMPACT None at this time. OTHER OPTIONS None. The adoption of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan by resolution is a requirement set forth in the State Revolving Loan fund contract documents. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2024-08 by title only. RESOLUTION 2024-08 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN FOR THE BUCKMOORE ROAD FORCEMAIN EXTENSION SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSION Commissioner Krueger made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2024-08. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 10.II. RESOLUTION 2024-09 Watershed Management Plan [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The watershed management plan sets the prioritization of capital improvements to develop, additional storm water storage, installation of additional conveyance infrastructure, and installation of storm water quality media. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Commission take the following action: 1. Adopt Resolution 2024-09 Watershed Master Plan. 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND To address flood protection for the city’s residents, City staff sought to identify and address critical issues through the creation and implementation of a Watershed Management Plan. A thorough Watershed Management Plan identifies water quality problems in a designated watershed, proposes solutions, and creates a strategy for putting those solutions in action. Watershed Management Plans take a long-term, comprehensive approach, which has proven to be successful in a number of watersheds. Its purpose will be to serve as a  and address critical issues through the creation and implementation of a Watershed Management Plan. A thorough Watershed Management Plan identifies water quality problems in a designated watershed, proposes solutions, and creates a strategy for putting those solutions in action. Watershed Management Plans take a long-term, comprehensive approach, which has proven to be successful in a number of watersheds. Its purpose will be to serve as a road map directing staff from the start to finish in the effort to help create a strategic, targeted plan for making changes in the watershed. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, adopt Resolution 2024-09 Watershed Management Plan, and authorize the Mayor to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. FISCAL IMPACT None at this time. As projects are being developed, because of recommendations from the plan, they will be brought back to the commission for approval. OTHER OPTIONS None. The Watershed Management Plan is a statutory requirement if staff intends to seek grant or State Revolving Loan Fund funding to fund any projects that may come because of the plan. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2024-09 by title only. RESOLUTION 2024-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN Commissioner Thompson made a motion to adopt RESOLUTION 2024-09. Commissioner Krueger seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Krueger "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 11. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway Jr., City Attorney, reported that the upcoming canvassing board meeting has been properly noticed and if a recount is needed that should also be properly noticed. 12. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, reported that the Finance Department won the Government Finance Officers Association Audit award for the 3rd year in a row.  noticed and if a recount is needed that should also be properly noticed. 12. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, reported that the Finance Department won the Government Finance Officers Association Audit award for the 3rd year in a row. Mr. Slaton said that the Northwest neighborhood sidewalk and street trees project bid opening closed Monday. The bids are being evaluated. Mr. Slaton reported that there is now a helicopter school out at the airport. Mr. Slaton said that with the openings of Freddys and Slim Chickens 180 new jobs were created. Mr. Slaton announced that at the Recreation Center there are Family Game nights every Thursday and a parents night out event twice a month. 12.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 13. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Thompson discussed the Police Chief situation from the previous meeting. He expressed support for James Slaton, City Manager, and Police Chief Chris Velasquez. Regarding Water, Commissioner Thompson said water issues are complicated. Water is a big issue for the future of Polk County and Lake Wales. He wants to get good information to the citizens of Lake Wales that can be easy to understand. He supports better education of our citizens. Addressing these issues won't be easy. Deputy Mayor Gibson reported on the Canvassing board meeting last night. He emphasized that every vote counts. This was demonstrated emphatically last night. He shared some of his past experiences with recounts. We need to be careful and do this right. He expressed support for run-off elections in the future. 14. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss thanked the EDC, the Chamber, and the Arts Center for their help on the State of the City event. He expressed support for the idea for a town hall or workshop event on water issues to help educate citizens. 15. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk