City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes May 7, 2024 (APPROVED) 5/7/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Scott Markley 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 - Public Works Week Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed May 19-24, 2024 as Public Works Week. Sarah Kirkland, Public Works Director, accepted the proclamation. 6. OLD BUSINESS 7. CITY CLERK 7.I. Plaque Presentation - Danny Krueger Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, presented outgoing Commissioner Danny Krueger a plaque in appreciation for his service on the commission. 7.II. OATH OF OFFICE DANIEL WILLIAMS Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Daniel Williams. 7.III. OATH OF OFFICE CAROL GILLESPIE  Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Daniel Williams. 7.III. OATH OF OFFICE CAROL GILLESPIE Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Carol Gillespie. 8. ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Keith Thompson, Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Daniel Williams, Robin Gibson, Carol Gillespie 9. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Juanita Zwaryczuk, resident, shared her concerns with the Florida Development Corporation. Charlene Bennett, resident, spoke on importance of dissent and shared concerns about the business incubator. Becky Wynkoop, resident, spoke on concerns about the Florida Development Corporation. She expressed support for the run-off Ordinance. Glynnda White, non resident, spoke in support of former Commissioner Danny Krueger's term in office. James Brow, Business Owner, shared concerns about damage to his plumbing by the fiber optics cable. Mr. Slaton, City Manager, said he will meet with Mr. Brow about this. Jeanette Smith, resident, commended Commissioner Williams & former Commissioner Krueger. She emphasized the need for unity. 10. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 10.I. Minutes - April 16 And May 1, 2024 10.II. Award Of Bid ITB #24-546 To Innovative Pipeline Systems (IPS) [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Lift station service areas 1, 2 and 3 Sewer shed Evaluation ITB#24-546 memo to award Innovative Pipeline Systems to perform Closed Circuit Televising (CCTV) in order to identify areas of intrusion and infiltration that will be repaired through the process of sliplining. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the  SYNOPSIS: Lift station service areas 1, 2 and 3 Sewer shed Evaluation ITB#24-546 memo to award Innovative Pipeline Systems to perform Closed Circuit Televising (CCTV) in order to identify areas of intrusion and infiltration that will be repaired through the process of sliplining. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve entering into an agreement with Innovative Pipeline Systems to perform CCTV in the sewer shed for lift station service areas 1, 2, and 3. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents associated with the contract, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City, as part of its collection system, owns, operates, and maintains 121 Miles of 8 to 16-inch Gravity Sewer Line and 75 Miles of 2 to 16-inch Force Mains. The wastewater facilities have been experiencing higher flows at the wastewater treatment plant and higher lift station run times for Lift Stations 1, 2, and 3 during wet weather events. Staff believes this is a result of inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the old clay gravity sewer mains. City staff contracted with Kimley Horn to help facilitate the planning and bidding process. A Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan was awarded to assist in the first step of selecting a company to perform the cleaning, the closed-circuit television (CCTV) and videoing of the gravity mains selected by city staff. Approximately 115,000 LF of small gravity mains predominately 8-inches in diameter were selected for this phase. Staff with the assistance of Kimley Horn will review reported results of the CCTV, make recommendations for rehabilitation, import data into GIS, evaluate alternatives for the rehabilitation, and develop a preliminary opinion of probable costs. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve entering into an agreement with Innovative Pipeline Systems (IPS) for $489,888.50 and authorize the City Manage to sign a11 documents pertaining to this award. The heavy cleaning quantities are estimates and included in the bid submittal to allow for pricing in the event the contractor runs into this type of situation. IPS was not the lowest bidder; however, IPS was the most responsive bidder. The base bid and additive were taken into consideration, along with the following parameters: cost, experience, references, equipment quality, and complete bid submittal. OTHER OPTION None. By not addressing the infiltration and intrusion of ground water into the sewer system, allows for unnecessary run times of lift stations and the wastewater treatment plant. Continued infiltration and intrusion of ground water reduces the amount of available capacity to service additional development and makes the expansion of the wastewater plant occur sooner rather than later. FISCAL IMPACT State Revolving Loan Funding (SRF) under agreement CWSRF WW5303C $419,600. [End Agenda Memo] 10.III. Industrial Screening For Two Chlorine Contact Chambers [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff requests City Commission approval to expend funds in the amount of $39,500.00 for the installation of an industrial sunscreen system for the chlorine contact 10.III. Industrial Screening For Two Chlorine Contact Chambers [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff requests City Commission approval to expend funds in the amount of $39,500.00 for the installation of an industrial sunscreen system for the chlorine contact chambers at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, utilizing Industrial Sunscreens. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the expenditure of funds in the amount of $37,500.00 to Industrial Sunscreens for the installation of industrial sunscreens on the chlorine contact chambers. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales operates a Wastewater Treatment facility that has a permitted capacity of 2.19 million gallons a day. Environmental standards for discharge water, especially from wastewater treatment facilities, are being subject to more stringent effluent requirements. Among the requirements is the need to keep systems and facilities up to date with current environmental regulations. These regulations require the effluent to be disinfected and to maintain a certain chlorine residual. The raw sewage that enters the wastewater treatment facility goes through a process that eliminates the solids through filtration systems and sends the remaining water to as chlorine contact chambers. The chlorine chamber is where the disinfection, by chlorine, takes place. The chambers are in direct sunlight which causes algae growth to occur at a rapid pace. The amount of man hours, equipment, time and chlorine it takes just to keep the chambers free of growth is substantial. The installation of the industrial screening offers 90% UV protection which will reduce the chlorine use by 30% and virtually eliminate any algae growth. This installation will save approximately $12,683.56 in manpower, equipment, materials and tools. Also, it would give approximately 30% savings in chlorine which is equivalent to $25,210.83. Staff recommends the commission take the following action; approve expending funds for $39,500.00, for the installation of industrial screening on the two chlorine contact chambers, to Industrial Sunscreens. OTHER OPTIONS None. FISCAL IMPACT The Wastewater Department has placed $200,000.00 in the FY 2023-24. [End Agenda Memo] 10.IV. Lift Station #1 Pipe And Valve Rehabilitation [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the commission approve the expenditure of $81,272.94 to RCM Utilities for the rehabilitation of piping and valve at lift station # 1 (LS#1). STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve expending funding of $81,272.94, to RCM Utilities, for the rehabilitation of the  STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve expending funding of $81,272.94, to RCM Utilities, for the rehabilitation of the piping and valves at lift station #1 (LS#1). 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has over forty lift stations that transport raw sewage to the Wastewater treatment facility. The lift stations are compiled of numerous feet of piping and valves that have to be upgraded and/or replaced on occasion Lift station #1 was last upgraded in 1987 and has started showing significant wear and tear. In recent years the valve and piping for the lift station specs have been updated to operate more efficiently and at this point the station does not meet the requirement of the specification we have in place. It is imperative to keep our raw sewage lift stations in good operating condition to protect the surrounding water bodies, wildlife and humans from any cross contamination. The State’s environmental standards have become very stringent on things such as overflows, of any amount. It is a requirement to report any spills of raw sewage to the Department of Environmental Protection and State Warning point. A municipality or private entity can face fines or other enforcement action if it experiences a repetitive amount of overflows due to equipment failure. Staff is recommending the City Commission take the following action, authorize the expenditure of $81,272.94 to RCM Utilities to rehab the piping and valves at lift station #3, and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION None. The risks to the environment and community would remain in the event of a pipe or valve failure. FISCAL IMPACT $250,000 is budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s FY ’23 – “24 Capital Improvement Plan for Lift Station rehab [End Agenda Memo] 10.V. Lift Station #15 Pipe And Valve Rehabilitation [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the commission approve the expenditure of $79,537.67 to RCM Utilities for the rehabilitation of piping and valve at lift station #15 (LS#15). STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve expending funding of $79,537.67, to RCM Utilities, for the rehabilitation of the piping and valves at lift station #15 (LS#15). 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has over forty lift stations that transport raw sewage to the Wastewater treatment facility. The lift stations are compiled of numerous feet of piping and valves that have to be upgraded and/or replaced on occasion Lift station #15 was last  appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has over forty lift stations that transport raw sewage to the Wastewater treatment facility. The lift stations are compiled of numerous feet of piping and valves that have to be upgraded and/or replaced on occasion Lift station #15 was last upgraded in 1989 and has started showing significant wear and tear. In recent years the valve and piping for the lift station specs have been updated to operate more efficiently and at this point the station does not meet the requirement of the specification we have in place. It is imperative to keep our raw sewage lift stations in good operating condition to protect the surrounding water bodies, wildlife and humans from any cross contamination. The State’s environmental standards have become very stringent on things such as overflows, of any amount. It is a requirement to report any spills of raw sewage to the Department of Environmental Protection and State Warning point. A municipality or private entity can face fines or other enforcement action if it experiences a repetitive amount of overflows due to equipment failure. Staff is recommending the City Commission take the following action, authorize the expenditure of $79,537.67 to RCM Utilities to rehab the piping and valves at lift station #6 and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION None. The risks to the environment and community would remain in the event of a pipe or valve failure. FISCAL IMPACT $250,000 is budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s FY ’23 – “24 Capital Improvement Plan for Lift Station rehab [End Agenda Memo] 10.VI. Lift Station #3 Pipe And Valve Rehabilitation [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the commission approve the expenditure of $70,034.11 to RCM Utilities for the rehabilitation of piping and valve at lift station # 3 (LS#3). STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve expending funding of $70,034.11, to RCM Utilities, for the rehabilitation of the piping and valves at lift station# 3 (LS#3). 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has over forty lift stations that transport raw sewage to the Wastewater treatment facility. The lift stations are compiled of numerous feet of piping and valves that have to be upgraded and/or replaced on occasion Lift station #3 was last upgraded in 1994 and has started showing significant wear and tear. In recent years the valve and piping for the lift station specs have been updated to operate more efficiently and at this point the station does not meet the requirement of the specification we have in place. It is imperative to keep our raw sewage lift stations in good operating condition to protect the surrounding water bodies, wildlife and humans from any cross contamination. The State’s  for the lift station specs have been updated to operate more efficiently and at this point the station does not meet the requirement of the specification we have in place. It is imperative to keep our raw sewage lift stations in good operating condition to protect the surrounding water bodies, wildlife and humans from any cross contamination. The State’s environmental standards have become very stringent on things such as overflows, of any amount. It is a requirement to report any spills of raw sewage to the Department of Environmental Protection and State Warning point. A municipality or private entity can face fines or other enforcement action if it experiences a repetitive amount of overflows due to equipment failure. Staff is recommending the City Commission take the following action, authorize the expenditure of $70,034.11 to RCM Utilities to rehab the piping and valves at lift station #3, and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION None. The risks to the environment and community would remain in the event of a pipe or valve failure. FISCAL IMPACT $250,000 is budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s FY ’23 – “24 Capital Improvement Plan for Lift Station rehab. [End Agenda Memo] 10.VII. Lift Station #6 Pipe And Valve Rehabilitation [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is recommending the commission approve the expenditure of $70,034.11 to RCM Utilities for the rehabilitation of piping and valve at lift station #6 (LS#6). STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve expending funding of $70,034.11, to RCM Utilities, for the rehabilitation of the piping and valves at lift station #6 (LS#6). 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has over forty lift stations that transport raw sewage to the Wastewater treatment facility. The lift stations are compiled of numerous feet of piping and valves that have to be upgraded and/or replaced on occasion Lift station #6 was last upgraded in 1997 and has started showing significant wear and tear. In recent years the valve and piping for the lift station specs have been updated to operate more efficiently and at this point the station does not meet the requirement of the specification we have in place. It is imperative to keep our raw sewage lift stations in good operating condition to protect the surrounding water bodies, wildlife and humans from any cross contamination. The State’s environmental standards have become very stringent on things such as overflows, of any amount. It is a requirement to report any spills of raw sewage to the Department of Environmental Protection and State Warning point. A municipality or private entity can face fines or other enforcement action if it experiences a repetitive amount of overflows due to equipment failure.  amount. It is a requirement to report any spills of raw sewage to the Department of Environmental Protection and State Warning point. A municipality or private entity can face fines or other enforcement action if it experiences a repetitive amount of overflows due to equipment failure. Staff is recommending the City Commission take the following action, authorize the expenditure of $70,034.11 to RCM Utilities to rehab the piping and valves at lift station #6 and authorize the City Manager to execute any documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION None. The risks to the environment and community would remain in the event of a pipe or valve failure. FISCAL IMPACT $250,000 is budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s FY ’23 – “24 Capital Improvement Plan for Lift Station rehab. [End Agenda Memo] 10.VIII. Lightning Suppression Devices [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends the commission authorize the expenditure of $24,050.00 to the Avanti Company for the purchase of the EMP Defense model CMCE-120 Lightning Suppression Devices and/or EMP Defense model CMCE-55 Lightning Suppression Devices be installed at the Market Street Water Treatment Plant STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure and installation of the EMP Defense model CMCE-120 and/or EMP Defense model CMCE-55 Lightning Suppression devices at Market Street Water Plant to the Avanti Company for $24,050.00. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The city consists of four Water Treatment Plants and one Wastewater Treatment Plant, which all include multiple pumps, motors, transmitters, electrical panels, chlorination systems, etc., all of which are electrical driven. The City of Lake Wales is located on the ridge, the highest point in the state of Florida, with Florida being the lightning capital of the United States. This makes the water and wastewater plants highly susceptible to direct hits from lightning. Every year, the City’s treatment facilities experience damage to critical treatment process equipment due to direct lightning hits. Numerous different surge suppressors, lightning arrestors and various lightning protection devices have been used in an attempt to protect against lightening damage. The technological innovation of the CMCE Multiple Electric Field Compensator creates and maintains a balanced electric environment within its protective three-dimensional radius. As an electrostatic current passive capturing system, the CMCE: 1. Absorbs charges that appear in the surrounding electromagnetic field, 2. Arranges charges internally based on their natural form,  1. Absorbs charges that appear in the surrounding electromagnetic field, 2. Arranges charges internally based on their natural form, 3. Creates a controlled flow of leakage current in harmless milliamperes – between 50a and 350mA in fair weather and 700a to 1,800mA in storm phase – through the ground wire to the earth. When the electric field changes, provoked by variations in the surrounding environment, the CMCE reacts by absorbing and draining excess charges into the ground. This process eliminates upward streamers and prevents the development of lightning within the device’s coverage radius. The upgrade to the facility will help save the city time and money by protecting expensive equipment from direct lightning strikes. Functionality of the treatment plant would increase by avoiding down times waiting on the replacement of equipment, motors, pumps and panels that have taken direct lightning hits. Staff recommends the commission consider taking the following action, authorize the purchase and installation of the lightning suppression devices at the Water Treatment Plant, by The Avanti Company, for $24,050.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTION The commission could choose not to go forward with these upgrades at this time. As a result, the treatment plants would still be highly susceptible to the lightning strikes as in past years. FISCAL IMPACT $200,000 was placed in the ’23-’24 operating budget for Water M&R Treatment Plants [End Agenda Memo] 10.IX. Planning Advisory Services Agreement With Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider entering into a Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC). RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC). 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has been awarded a Competitive Florida Partnership Grant by FloridaCommerce in the amount of $40,000 for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The Competitive Florida Partnership Grant Program provides technical assistance to help Florida communities find creative solutions to fostering vibrant, healthy communities. Lake Wales has partnered the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) to prepare an action oriented Economic Development Strategy. The strategy will include a review of existing economic development documents, a comprehensive inventory of assets, and community engagement opportunities.  communities find creative solutions to fostering vibrant, healthy communities. Lake Wales has partnered the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) to prepare an action oriented Economic Development Strategy. The strategy will include a review of existing economic development documents, a comprehensive inventory of assets, and community engagement opportunities. The planning services agreement is for the amount of $40,000. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Planning Advisory Services Agreement with Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC). FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact is a cost of $40,000. [End Agenda Memo] 10.X. Reserve At Forest Lake Phase 1 – Final Plat [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: KB Home Orlando, LLC., owner, requests approval of the Reserve at Forest Lake Phase 1 Final Plat. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the Final Plat for Phase 1. Neither a recommendation from the Planning Board, nor a public hearing is necessary for approval of a final plat. Provided the plat meets all of the requirements of state statutes and local ordinances, approval by the City Commission is a formality. BACKGROUND The subject property for Phase 1 is located south of Chalet Suzanne Road, east of US Highway 27, and north of Hickory Hammock Road. The Forest Lake Planned Development Project received a recommendation of approval at a Special Meeting on April 12, 2022 by the Planning and Zoning Board for a 295-lot single-family Preliminary Subdivision Plat. City Commission approved this Preliminary Subdivision Plat on May 17, 2022. An application for the Site Development Permit for Forest Lake was submitted to the City upon approval of the PDP on May 25, 2022, and a year later, construction plans were approved and distributed at the pre-construction meeting held on May 25, 2023. The City’s consulting surveyor approved the Reserve at Forest Lake Phase 1 Final Plat in April of 2024. Pursuant to Section 23-223.4 of the City’s Land Development Code, the developer is providing a performance bond in lieu of constructing certain improvements, as allowed by code. The cost estimate for the performance bond was approved on March 18, 2024 by the Public Works Director, and language for the bond was reviewed and approved by the City Attorney on April 4, 2024. FISCAL IMPACT Approval of the final plat enables the construction of Phase One for 82 new single-family detached homes and 62 single-family attached homes. Conservatively estimating a taxable value of $200,000 per unit, it could potentially result in over $28.8 million in taxable value, and generate approximately over $205,000 in ad valorem taxes. *Adjusted values for potential homesteaded properties have not been factored into this estimate. [End Agenda Memo] 10.XI. Special Event Permit For Lake Wales Woman’s Club Plant And Garden Festival [Begin Agenda Memo]  potential homesteaded properties have not been factored into this estimate. [End Agenda Memo] 10.XI. Special Event Permit For Lake Wales Woman’s Club Plant And Garden Festival [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Lake Wales Woman’s Club has submitted Special Event application to host a Plant and Garden Festival event on October 19-20, 2024 at their building. They request closure of a portion of Cypress Garden Lane and Park Avenue from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on October 19 and from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on October 20, 2024. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the application and the request to close a portion of Cypress Garden Lane and Park Avenue. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Woman’s Club organization wants to host a Plant and Garden Festival at their building on Park Avenue. This event will include closure of Cypress Garden Lane, between the entrances to the parking area, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday October 19 and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Sunday October 20, 2024. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the application. FISCAL IMPACT Sponsor will reimburse the city 25% of its costs [End Agenda Memo] 11. NEW BUSINESS 11.I. ORDINANCE 2024-12 Charter Amendment Run-Off Elections – 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS ORDINANCE 2024-12 would put the issue of run-off elections on the April 2025 ballot and if approved would change the Charter and Code of Ordinances respectively. RECOMMENDATION Staff has no recommendation. If the Commission decides to move forward, they should approve ORDINANCE 2024-12 after first reading. BACKGROUND In 2007 the City Commission passed Ordinance 2007-01 to put the issue of removing run-off elections on the ballot. These charter amendments were approved by the voters in April of 2007. Approval of Ordinance 2024-12 will put the Charter Amendment on the 2025 Municipal Election ballot. If the voters approve the Charter Amendment, then the Charter and Code of Ordinances will be amended as described in the Ordinance. Reasons for removing run-off elections include cost. The cost for the 2024 Municipal Election was $12,091. The cost for a run-off election would be almost identical as the same advertising, ballot. If the voters approve the Charter Amendment, then the Charter and Code of Ordinances will be amended as described in the Ordinance. Reasons for removing run-off elections include cost. The cost for the 2024 Municipal Election was $12,091. The cost for a run-off election would be almost identical as the same advertising, Election materials and poll workers will be needed. This will extend the election season by four weeks. Staff and the Canvassing board would go through the same process as a regular election. ' The last run-off election held in Lake Wales was in September 1993 between Dixon Armstrong and Booker Young Jr. as there were 4 candidates in that race. If approved the first run-off election could happen in 2026. The schedule would be as follows Tuesday April 7th would be the Election for Seats 3 & 5 (Thompson & Gibson) Tuesday May 5th would be the Run-off election if needed. Wednesday May 6th Commission Meeting would be the swearing in of winners of the April 7th Election June 2nd would be the swearing in of the winner of the run-off election if needed as the charter says that “shall take office at the first regular meeting in the month following their election”. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve Ordinance 2024-12 or recommend changes. FISCAL IMPACT There is no immediate fiscal impact. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2024-12 by title only. ORDINANCE 2024-12 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 8.06 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES BY PROVIDING FOR RUNOFF ELECTIONS; PROVIDING THAT IN THE EVENT A CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE, WHETHER FOR COMMISSIONER OR MAYOR, DOES NOT RECEIVE A MAJORITY OF BALLOTS CAST A RUNOFF ELECTION WILL THEN BE HELD AMONG THE TOP TWO CANDIDATES; AMENDING CHAPTER 8, LAKE WALES CODE OF ORDINANCES TO DESIGNATING A DATE FOR RUN-OFF ELECTIONS, AMENDING METHOD OF ELECTION TO COMMISSION SEATS, AND AMENDING METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF RESULTS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN ELECTION IN WHICH QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY MAY VOTE FOR OR AGAINST THIS CHARTER AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Gibson made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2024-12 after 1st reading. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Gibson "YES"  Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Gibson "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 11.II. Appointment Of Deputy Mayor Mayor Hilligoss nominated Robin Gibson to be Deputy Mayor. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. Commissioner Gibson accepted the nomination. by voice vote Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Gibson "YES" Motion passed 5-0 11.III. Appointment Of A Representative To The Airport Authority Mayor Hilligoss appointed himself to serve as representative to the Airport Authority. 11.IV. Appointment Of A Representative To The Housing Authority Mayor Hilligoss appointed Commissioner Williams to serve as the representative to the Housing Authority. 11.V. Appointment Of A Representative To The Ridge League Of Cities Mayor Hilligoss appointed Commissioner Gillespie to serve as the Representative to the Ridge League of Cities. Mayor Hilligoss asked for the commission to confirm the three appointments. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the appointments. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES"  Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the appointments. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 12. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, said that the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement with the Care Center regarding the apartment complex will be on the next agenda as that project is nearing completion. This is part of the development agreement. 13. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, reported that the Housing Authority received their notice of funding from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Construction should begin in early 2025. Mr. Slaton announced that our Communications staff received a Communicator of the Year award under the Public services category from a National Communications group for the "Need to Know" video series. A press release will be distributed soon. Mr. Slaton said that Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager, has now been awarded her credentialed City Manager certification. Mr. Slaton said that the Squeeze micro-transit service from the Citrus Connection will begin on Monday. Mr. Slaton announced that a Panera Bread, Starbucks and Duncan Donuts are coming soon. Mr. Slaton announced that there will be a summer camp this summer at the recreation center. Mr. Slaton said that the BizLinc report should be done by the end of the week. Mr. Slaton reported that he is a semi-finalist candidate for a City Manager position in two Cities. He will keep the commission posted on this. 13.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 14. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie thanked those who supported her campaign. She plans to attend upcoming training. She thanked voters for the opportunity to serve. Commissioner Williams said he hopes the audit on BizLinc will answer some of the concerns that have been raised. He said that attacks on the Mayor over this should stop. Commissioner Thompson expressed concern that the public does not trust information from the City. He said that our staff is trustworthy. There are good people who serve on the Commission and who are employed by the City that do there best. He asked for citizens to work collaborative with the City. He asked for suggestions to improve communication with residents and be more accessible. We need to let the process work out.  Commissioner Thompson expressed concern that the public does not trust information from the City. He said that our staff is trustworthy. There are good people who serve on the Commission and who are employed by the City that do there best. He asked for citizens to work collaborative with the City. He asked for suggestions to improve communication with residents and be more accessible. We need to let the process work out. Deputy Mayor Gibson reported that, regarding the Walesbilt Hotel, the City has filed a motion for entry for final judgement for rescission of the development agreement. Its the best remedy to this situation of fraud. There was demonstrative fraud to enter into the contract. We will own the hotel again. The City can get reimbursed for attorney fees. That will take another hearing. There will be opposition to this. This is close to a slam dunk. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed concern about our divided community and the ongoing debate on growth. Runoff elections are one way to pull the community together. We need to treat each other not as enemies but as the "loyal opposition". He is glad that the Mayor agreed to the request from "loyal opposition" for a town hall on the issue of water. He reviewed the decision concerning the ADS plant. Because of the opposition's concerns he did research and became better informed for the vote. He will provide additional suggestions in the future. 15. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss said that regarding concerns about FDC, there is no proof that City funds have been compromised. We are waiting on the audit and we may find out different. He said that the previous article and accusations in a Lake Wales News were ill conceived and poorly investigated. This was published without concern for the businesses damaged by the poorly investigated article. There was an article in the Lake Wales News about Lake Alta that also had bad information. We need to wait for the report. 16. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk