City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes October 15, 2024 (APPROVED) 10/15/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Bolden 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, Carol Gillespie, Robin Gibson Commission Member Absent: Daniel Williams Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS 5.I. PROCLAMATION - National Friends Of Libraries Week Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed October 20-26, 2024 as National Friends of Libraries Week. Representatives from the Friends of the Lake Wales Public Library, accepted the proclamation. 5.II. PROCLAMATION - World Polio Day Mayor Hilligoss proclaimed October 24 as World Polio Day in Lake Wales. Representatives from the Rotary Clubs accepted the proclamation. 6. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Richie Johnson, Southern Homes, said he is being charged for trash and recycling services but can't get those services for construction sites for homes and is asking for direction to resolve this. James Slaton, City Manager, said there has been a change made in the software to address this issue. Charlene Bennett, resident, expressed concerns about enough water and trees in Lake Wales. Cassandra Richards, resident, expressed a need for more sit down restaurants and shared concern about all the water with recent hurricanes.  Charlene Bennett, resident, expressed concerns about enough water and trees in Lake Wales. Cassandra Richards, resident, expressed a need for more sit down restaurants and shared concern about all the water with recent hurricanes. 7. CITY CLERK 7.I. Board Appointment – Airport Authority [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Appointment to fill vacancies due to expiration of terms. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Mayor and Commission to make the following appointments as deemed appropriate. 1. Reappoint Mike Bronowski to a new term on the Airport Authority to expire 7/1/2027 BACKGROUND The Mayor makes appointments to various citizen advisory and regulatory boards, commissions, committees, and authorities with the advice and consent of the City Commission (City Charter, Sec. 3.06). Airport Authority (City Code Sec. 2-41) – The board consists of seven (7) voting members and one (1) non-voting member who is a City Commissioner. At least two (2) voting members must be qualified electors of the City. The remaining members chosen may be persons owning property located within the City of Lake Wales or persons having a business tax receipt issued by the City of Lake Wales, are airport tenants, or have general aviation experience. (3-year term) The non-voting City Commission member serves for the duration of his or her term as City Commissioner, unless such Commissioner desires to serve a shorter period of time. In such event, the Lake Wales City Commission shall appoint another city commissioner to serve in the same manner. • There is no interview process requirement for applicants applying for appointment to this board. • Members are not required to file an annual Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests • Current Vacancies: 1 Vacancy due to expired term Current Members: Fred Halde, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 2 Herb Gillis, non-resident, 07/01/24--07/01/27, P+2 Clarke Gerard, non-resident chair 06/05/18--07/01/25, P+2 Charles N. Clegg, resident 10/18/16--07/01/25, 3 Mike Bronowski, resident 06/20/23--07/01/24, P Phillip Weikert, non-resident 07/01/23 – 07/01/26, 2 Manuel Grimaldo, non-resident 07/01/23--07/01/26, P+1 Mayor Jack Hilligoss, non-voting member 05/07/24 - 05/06/25, The Airport Authority recommends these reappointments. Applying for reappointment: Mike Bronowski, resident for a term expiring on 7/1/2027. OPTIONS Do not appoint those that have applied. FISCAL IMPACT None. These are volunteer boards. [End Agenda Memo]  OPTIONS Do not appoint those that have applied. FISCAL IMPACT None. These are volunteer boards. [End Agenda Memo] Mike Bronowski introduced himself and shared his background. Mayor Hilligoss appointed Mike Bronowski to a new term on the Airport Authority to expire 7/1/2027 and made a motion to approve his appointment. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 4-0. 8. CONSENT AGENDA James Slaton, City Manager, said that item 8.2, Contract agreement with JCR Construction, needed to be pulled from the agenda. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the rest of the Consent Agenda. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 4-0. 8.I. Minutes - October 1 2024 8.II. Contract Agreement With JCR Construction For Airfield Security Fencing And Access [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider authorizing a contract agreement with JCR Construction for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access project at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s): 1. Authorize a contract agreement with JCR Construction for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The contract amount is $62,500, which will be fully funded by the FDOT. BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the $62,500 contract with JCR Construction. This project will replace an existing manual gate  1. Authorize a contract agreement with JCR Construction for the Airfield Security Fencing and Access. The contract amount is $62,500, which will be fully funded by the FDOT. BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded a 100% grant in the amount of $80,000 to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for security upgrades. This amount will be used to cover the $62,500 contract with JCR Construction. This project will replace an existing manual gate with an electronic security gate. It will also extend the security fence from the fuel farm east to the end of runway 24. The bid award was approved by Commission on 9/3/2024. OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may decline the contract agreement with JCR Construction. FISCAL IMPACT This project is fully funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). [End Agenda Memo] This item was pulled. 8.III. Lake Wales Main Street Special Event “Make It Magical” 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The approval of the special event permit application will allow the Lake Wales Main Street to hold a holiday event “Make It Magical” on December 13, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and allow for the temporary closing of the Marketplace, a portion of Stuart and Park Avenues, Market Street and several city parking lots in the downtown area. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the special event permit application from the Lake Wales Main Street to hold a holiday event “Make It Magical” on Friday, December 13, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with set up beginning at 7:00 a.m. 2. Approve the temporary closing of the following on Friday December 13, 2024: • Close Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue from First Street to Scenic Highway (SR17) from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00p.m. • Close the Marketplace, the Marketplace parking lot, and both city lots on the east end of Stuart Avenue at Scenic Highway (SR17) from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Close the alley between Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue from SR17 to First Street from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Close Market Street at Central Avenue for food vendors 9:00 a.m. – 9:00p.m. BACKGROUND Lake Wales Main Street submitted a special event permit application to hold their seventh annual holiday event “Make It Magical” on Friday, December 13, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the downtown area. Set up time for the event will begin at 7:00 a.m. with clean up and take down until 9:00 p.m. This event will provide a holiday destination for the entire family and will feature musicians and vocalists, numerous craft and food vendors in the Marketplace and a horse and carriage ride along Stuart Avenue. Local downtown restaurants will remain open providing a variety of food and refreshments and local shops will stay open as well giving the public an opportunity to shop while attending a special holiday event. The Lake Wales Main Street is requesting the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue from 1st Street to Scenic Highway (SR17), the temporary closing of several parking spaces on the west side of South Market Street at Stuart Avenue, the temporary closing of the Marketplace and the Marketplace parking lot, the temporary closing of the alley between Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue, and the temporary closing of the two city lots on the east end of Stuart Avenue at Scenic Highway (SR17). The City’s special event review staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the event. The  The Lake Wales Main Street is requesting the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue from 1st Street to Scenic Highway (SR17), the temporary closing of several parking spaces on the west side of South Market Street at Stuart Avenue, the temporary closing of the Marketplace and the Marketplace parking lot, the temporary closing of the alley between Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue, and the temporary closing of the two city lots on the east end of Stuart Avenue at Scenic Highway (SR17). The City’s special event review staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the event. The Streets Department will close the streets and parking lots, provide additional trash containers and at the conclusion of the event they will empty the trash containers and transport them back to the storage location. Main Street may request the assistance of the Lake Wales Police Department with off-duty officers for security reasons only. Any trash cleanup during the event will be the responsibility of Main Street. Insurance has been provided as required. Main Street will be responsible for sanitary facilities and a dumpster. OTHER OPTION Do not approve this special event permit application or the request for the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue, the Marketplace or three city parking lots FISCAL IMPACT The total cost for in- kind services from the City is in the proposed budget for FY24/25 in the amount of $862 of which Main Street would be responsible for 25% or approximately $215. [End Agenda Memo] 8.IV. Lake Wales Main Street Special Event “Spooktacular Halloween Bash” 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The approval of the special event permit application will allow the Lake Wales Main Street to hold a holiday event “Spooktacular Halloween Bash” on October 26, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and allow for the temporary closing of the Marketplace, a portion of Stuart and Park Avenues and several city parking lots in the downtown area. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the special event permit application from the Lake Wales Main Street to hold a holiday event “Spooktacular Halloween Bash” on Saturday, October 26, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 2. Approve the temporary closing of the following on Saturday October 26, 2024: • Close a portion of Stuart and Park Avenues from First Street to Scenic Highway (SR17) from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30p.m. • Close the alley between Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue from SR17 to First Street from 5:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. • Close Market Street at Central Avenue from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30p.m. BACKGROUND Lake Wales Main Street submitted a special event permit application to sponsor a holiday event “Spooktacular Halloween Bash” on Saturday October 26, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the downtown area. The event will feature Trick or Treating in the Downtown. The Lake Wales Main Street is requesting the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue from First Street to Scenic Highway (SR17), the closing of Market Street between Central and Stuart Avenue, and the temporary closing of the alley between Stuart Avenue and Park Avenue. The City’s special event review staff has reviewed the application and has no issues with the event. The Streets Department will close the streets and parking lots, provide additional trash containers and at the conclusion of the event they will empty the trash containers and transport them back to the storage location. Insurance has been provided as required. OTHER OPTION Do not approve this special event permit application or the request for the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue, Park Avenue, market Street or the alley between Park and Stuart  Streets Department will close the streets and parking lots, provide additional trash containers and at the conclusion of the event they will empty the trash containers and transport them back to the storage location. Insurance has been provided as required. OTHER OPTION Do not approve this special event permit application or the request for the temporary closing of a portion of Stuart Avenue, Park Avenue, market Street or the alley between Park and Stuart Avenue. FISCAL IMPACT The total cost for in- kind services from the City will be approximately $368. Main Street will pay a portion of that cost at 25% or $92. [End Agenda Memo] 9. OLD BUSINESS 10. NEW BUSINESS 10.I. ORDINANCE 2024-21 Republic Services Solid Waste Franchise Contract - 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS Five-year contract for solid waste services with Republic Services of Florida, Limited Partnership. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 2024-21, a five- year contract with Republic Services, with the option for a five-year extension by mutual agreement. BACKGROUND In 2011, the City entered into a franchise contract with Republic Services for the provision of solid waste collection services within the City including domestic solid waste, recyclable materials and yard waste. This contract has expired and the City sent out an RFP for solid waste services. Two firms submitted bids, Republic Services and the Trash Taxi. A Ranking Committee reviewed both bids submitted. The Ranking Committee recommends a five year contract with the options for a five-year extension by mutual agreement with Republic Services of Florida, Limited Partnership. The ranking tabulation sheet has been attached. Copies of the bids submitted are available within the City Clerks office. OTHER OPTIONS N/A FISCAL IMPACT Republic Services monthly residential fee will go from $17.05 to $25.51, an $8.46 increase. Republic Services will charge $10.00 per extra cart. City of Lake Wales monthly residential fee will go from $23.62 to $26.79, an increase of $3.17. The City will charge $15.00 per extra cart. The City will retain $5 and Republic Services will receive $10.00 [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2024-21 by title only. ORDINANCE 2024-21 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, FLORIDA (“CITY CODE”); AMENDING CHAPTER 17, CITY CODE; GRANTING A FRANCHISE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FINDINGS, DEFINITIONS, TERMS & CONDITIONS TO THE GRANT OF THE FRANCHISE; SETTING RATES; REPEALING ORDINANCES 2011-09 & 2018-02; PROVIDING FOR A BUSINESS IMPACT ESTIMATE, SEVERABILITY, & AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Dorothy Abbott, Finance Director, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked to confirm if recycling was included in the contract. Ms. Abbott confirmed that it was. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked if we get any money from recycling? Ms. Abbott said yes, there is a recycling incentive. The City gets a token payment of maybe $5000 as incentive for recycling  Dorothy Abbott, Finance Director, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked to confirm if recycling was included in the contract. Ms. Abbott confirmed that it was. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked if we get any money from recycling? Ms. Abbott said yes, there is a recycling incentive. The City gets a token payment of maybe $5000 as incentive for recycling a certain amount. James Slaton, City Manager, explained that the second reading will be at a special City Commission meeting on Wednesday the 30th. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2024-21 after 1st reading. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 4-0. 11. CITY ATTORNEY 12. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, gave a report on Hurricane Milton recovery. The City fared pretty well. There will be debris pickup by staff and the county over the next several days. He commended the response by staff to the emergency. Mr. Slaton said three sites will be opened by the County for residents to bring debris on their own. Mr. Slaton said the intersection of Park Avenue and 1st Street will be closed this weekend to finish the reconstruction of West Park Avenue. The storm chambers worked tremendously during the hurricane. Scenic HWY at Park Avenue will be closed on the 22nd to begin that work. This may take up to 3 months. Mr. Slaton said that the Care Center is hosting an open house for the Park Avenue Apartment building on the 29th. He said this project is a result of MOU allowing the Care Center to put Code Enforcement fines back into the building. There will be a Spooky Night Cinema on Saturday the 19th at Lake Wailes Lake. Lake Wailes Live will be back on the 25th in the downtown park. Mr. Slaton said that the Recreation Center opened a day camp for kids that are out of school certain days this week. This may be an ongoing event. 12.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 13. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Thompson clarified that the "happy talk" he referred to was not about the overall availability of water in Florida but rather about the strong position of Lake Wales in terms of water supply. He emphasized that the city's proactive approach to water conservation and alternative supply options has put them in a favorable position compared to other municipalities in the county. Commissioner Thompson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future water availability in Florida due to factors like weather patterns and population growth. However, he highlighted that Lake Wales' current  water in Florida but rather about the strong position of Lake Wales in terms of water supply. He emphasized that the city's proactive approach to water conservation and alternative supply options has put them in a favorable position compared to other municipalities in the county. Commissioner Thompson acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future water availability in Florida due to factors like weather patterns and population growth. However, he highlighted that Lake Wales' current water management practices, including water conservation and reuse efforts, have contributed to a decrease in water consumption. He stressed the importance of understanding that the city's positive position is not a result of luck but rather the result of careful planning and management by the city manager and staff. Thompson emphasized that Lake Wales residents should appreciate the efforts made to ensure the city's long-term water security. Deputy Mayor Gibson commended the Park Avenue Care Center apartment project as a successful example of rehabilitating dilapidated structures. He expressed hope that this would be the first of many such projects, highlighting the mechanism now in place for revitalizing these buildings. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made and thanked those involved for their efforts. 14. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss responded to critical comments from the public by stating that many of the claims made were inaccurate or taken out of context. The mayor cited examples and urged the public to be more accurate in their comments. 15. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk