City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes November 5, 2024 (APPROVED) 11/5/2024 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Nelson 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, Daniel Williams Commission Member Absent: Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney 5. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Frank Lumm spoke on the Ordinance on Traffic infraction detectors. This needs careful consideration and urged caution. The appeals process needs to be clear. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Deputy Mayor Gibson asked to pull Item 6.VIII Vacant land contract for 0 Nest Egg Road. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the consent agenda except item 6.VIII. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES"  Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" motion approved 5-0. 6.I. Minutes - October 15 And 30, 2024 6.II. Acceptance Of A Police Canine Donation [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City Commission will consider accepting the donation of a police dog from Patriot Canine Services. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Commission consider take the following action: 1. Accept the donation of a police dog from Patriot Canine Services. BACKGROUND The Lake Wales Police Department established the canine unit in 1997 with two canine teams. The department quickly recognized the value of canines and soon expanded to four canine teams. Having four teams made it possible for a canine to be on duty during each shift, providing 24/7 coverage. Police canines are used for criminal apprehension, tracking missing persons and suspects, building searches, evidence location, crowd control, narcotic detection, officer safety, and public demonstrations for educational purposes. Each canine team completes a 400-hour police canine school then demonstrates proficiency in all areas of their training in the presence of two state evaluators before going into service. The standards for this evaluation are established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and are required in order to be certified by the state. Following this certification, each canine team then attends 200 hours of narcotics training and certification to detect the presence of drug odors. Last year one of the department’s canines retired along with their handler following a long career serving our community. Patriot Canine Services learned about the department’s vacancy and has graciously offered to donate an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois that has already received some basic obedience training. If the City Commission accepts the donation of this canine, it will begin training with a new handler beginning December 20, 2024 and be ready for duty in the Summer of 2025. The approximate value of this canine donation is $10,000.00. OTHER OPTIONS Do not accept the donation and expend budgeted capital outlay funds. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no additional fiscal impact to the City of Lake Wales. The department has already budgeted operating funds for four (4) canines in FY 2024/2025. [End Agenda Memo] 6.III. PRWC Revised Water Conservation Implementation Agreement 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The Commission approved an earlier version, it has been updated with member  [End Agenda Memo] 6.III. PRWC Revised Water Conservation Implementation Agreement 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The Commission approved an earlier version, it has been updated with member suggested changes. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends City Commission approve the PRWC Revised (redlined) Conservation Implementation 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 receive 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] 6.IV. Approval Of Contract For Law Enforcement Services: Lake Wales Housing Authority [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City and the CRA will consider approving a contract with the Lake Wales Housing Authority to continue providing supplemental law enforcement services at the Grove Manor and Sunrise Park public housing complexes. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission authorize the Mayor to execute a Contract for Services with the Lake Wales Housing Authority for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025. It is recommended that the CRA Board authorize the Chair to execute a Contract for Services with the Lake Wales Housing Authority for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. BACKGROUND Since 2011/2012 the CRA Board of Commissioners have approved funding a law enforcement officer position to provide supplemental law enforcement services toward designated CRA areas and the Lake Wales Housing Authority, Grove Manor Complex. In an effort to continue providing these supplemental law enforcement services to the Lake Wales Housing Authority, Grove Manor and Sunrise Park Complex residents, the Lake Wales Police Department seeks approval to enter into a new contract for FY2024/2025. This contract for supplemental law enforcement provides for a monthly payment due the City in the amount of $3,444.00 from the Housing Authority. [End Agenda Memo] 6.V. Museum’s Yellow Depot Renovations [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends commission authorize the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. for renovations at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the  [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends commission authorize the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. for renovations at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure for repairs to the window and wall at the Museum’s Yellow Depot building. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Currently the Museum uses the Yellow Depot for storage of artifacts. The museum’s curator also uses the Yellow Depot to do his/her work here. A lot of the Yellow Depot does not have a framed ceiling in it. This makes for a large area for the current HVAC to keep at the proper temperature for the museum’s operations. By performing the renovation of adding a ceiling grid and tile system this will reduce the area that will need to be kept at the proper temperature for the museum’s operations. In addition to the ceiling grid there will be new LED light fixtures added and some HVAC additions added for the new ceiling. Staff approached Semco Construction, Inc., & Miller Construction Management, Inc. for quotes. Miller Construction was non-responsive. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of $26,926.41 to Semco Construction, Inc. 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 needed renovations and risk damage to the artifacts stored at the facility. FISCAL IMPACT $26,926.41 will be used from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to pay for the renovations [End Agenda Memo] 6.VI. Proposal Agreement With Colliers For North Fire Station Project [Begin Agenda Item] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting City Commission approval of the Proposal Agreement with Colliers for the North Fire Station Project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve Agreements with Colliers Project Leaders. 2. Approve agreement in the amount of $34,904 (5 equal payments of $6,981). 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The agreement proposal with Collier Project Leaders will provide project management services through the completion of the design & bid phases of the North Fire Station Project (Chalet Suzanne).The focus will be to maximize the value of the project and  3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The agreement proposal with Collier Project Leaders will provide project management services through the completion of the design & bid phases of the North Fire Station Project (Chalet Suzanne).The focus will be to maximize the value of the project and protect the City’s interests. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Agreement with Colliers Project Leaders. FISCAL IMPACT The total amount for is $34,904 (5 equal payments of $6,981 per month). [End Agenda Memo] 6.VII. Roof Replacement At Administration Building [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff recommends commission authorize the expenditure of $374,634.00 to Allied Roofing, Inc. for roof replacement at the Administration Building. If curb work is needed an additional cost of $9,005.00 could be added to final cost. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure for roof replacement at the Administration Building. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The current roof at the Administration Building is several years past its lifespan. There are many leaks throughout the roof area. This has caused many work locations to have water leaks throughout the building. Many of the ceiling tiles have been replaced over the last several years and currently many have water stains. After each rain the facility staff spends a lot of time emptying pans that are above the ceiling tiles to keep the leaks from causing damage in the offices. On August 29, 2024 the city solicited a request for proposal for the roof replacement, with a bid open date of September 26, 2024. There were thirteen responsive bidders with a total of 18 proposals. A review committee consisting of 5 staff employees was created to evaluate and score the proposals. On October 15, 2024 the committee met to review the scoring for each proposal. Based on the evaluations staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of $374,634.00 plus $9,005.00 for possible additional work to Allied Roofing, Inc. 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 needed repairs and risk further damaged being caused to the facility. FISCAL IMPACT $374,634.00 along with $9,005.00 will be used from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the roof replacement. [End Agenda Memo] 6.VIII. Vacant Land Contract For 0 Nest Egg Road  FISCAL IMPACT $374,634.00 along with $9,005.00 will be used from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the roof replacement. [End Agenda Memo] 6.VIII. Vacant Land Contract For 0 Nest Egg Road [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting City Commission approval of the Vacant Land Contract between McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family Partnership and the City of Lake Wales. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the Vacant Land Contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family Partnership 2. Approve budget amendment in the amount of $300,000. 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND The proposed vacant land contract allows for the purchase of 5 acres of property at the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. This property will be the location of a future fire station. It is currently outside of the city limits, but there are plans to annex into city limits. This purchase will allow the City to maintain adequate service levels for growth on our southern and eastern boundaries. The City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to procure the property. According to the appraisal report, the subject has not been split from the parent parcel of approximately 19.32 acres. The subject is directly accessible from Hunt Brothers Road and Nest Egg Road. The proposed vacant land contract has been drafted and reviewed by the City Attorney. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the Vacant Land Contract with McKenna Brothers, Inc. & McKenna Family FISCAL IMPACT The purchase price for the vacant land is $300,000. [End Agenda Memo] Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed concern about the significant difference between the appraised value of the property ($200,000) and the proposed purchase price of $300,000. He emphasized the importance of transparency and ensuring that constituents understand the reasons for the higher purchase price. While acknowledging the strategic location of the property and the need to address future growth, he stressed the importance of justifying the additional cost and providing clear explanations to the public. James Slaton, City Manager, emphasized that the selection of the property for the new fire station was based on strategic planning and the need to address future growth in the area. The location was chosen due to its geographical advantages and proximity to areas with significant development potential. The city approached other landowners but was unable to  additional cost and providing clear explanations to the public. James Slaton, City Manager, emphasized that the selection of the property for the new fire station was based on strategic planning and the need to address future growth in the area. The location was chosen due to its geographical advantages and proximity to areas with significant development potential. The city approached other landowners but was unable to secure suitable properties. The current owners were willing to sell a portion of their land, making it the most viable option for the fire station. Joe Jenkins, Fire Chief, explained that the selection of the property for the new fire station was a strategic decision based on careful planning and consideration of future growth in the area. The location was chosen to optimize response times and provide adequate coverage for the southern and eastern parts of the city. He emphasized that the city proactively identified and secured the property to avoid future limitations and ensure the timely construction of the fire station. The chief also highlighted the importance of maintaining high response times and adapting to the growing needs of the community. Deputy Mayor Gibson made a motion to approve the Contract. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion passed 5-0. 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.I. Public Hearing – Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery - Hazard Mitigation Grant Application And Award Acceptance For City Hall Generator [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The city has been awarded a FEMA grant for funding for a permanent generator at city hall. Commission will conduct a public hearing on the grant application and consider authorizing the submission of the CDBG-DR Grant Application and Acceptance of Grant Awards. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Hold the public hearing to take citizen input. 2. Approve submission of grant application 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the grant application(s) for submission.  1. Hold the public hearing to take citizen input. 2. Approve submission of grant application 3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the grant application(s) for submission. 4. Authorize the Mayor to execute FEMA HMGP Sub-Recipient Agreement. BACKGROUND: The FEMA HMGP application for $153,273, was submitted December 2023. The city was notified in June 2024, that we received approval from FEMA for the following amounts: Federal Share: 109,481.25 Local Share: 43.791.25 SRMC: 7,280.00 (Sub-Recipient Management Cost) Total Funding: 160,553.00 We were recently informed that Florida Commerce intends to award the city the Local Share through a Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Hence, the reason for holding a Public Hearing. FISCAL IMPACT If the bids for a generator are within the total funding amount, the impacts would be staff and consultant time. [End Agenda Memo] OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Frank Lumm, resident, asked where the generator will go. James Slaton, City Manager, said it will go outside. Sara Irvine, Special Projects Administrator, showed on the map where it will go. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve this item. Commissioner Williams seconded it. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 8.II. ORDINANCE 2024-38, FY23’24 Budget Amendment #1, 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo]  Motion approved 5-0. 8.II. ORDINANCE 2024-38, FY23’24 Budget Amendment #1, 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approval of the first amendment of FY 23’24 Budget that was adopted on September 19, 2023. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 2024- 38 after first reading. BACKGROUND Ordinance 2023-26 estimating revenues and appropriating funds for Fiscal Year 2023’24 was adopted by the City Commission September 19, 2023. We are presenting Ordinance 2024-38 to modify the estimates of revenues and appropriations budgeted in various funds. This is primarily a housekeeping ordinance to conform the adopted budget to realized or expected changes within the current fiscal year. Explanation of change, for significant items, has been provided on both Exhibit A and B. OTHER OPTIONS This is a required budgetary amendment for compliance purposes relating to the City’s Charter and Florida State Statute. Per the Lake Wales City Charter, Section 6.07, upon written request by the City Manager, the City Commission may by ordinance transfer part or all of any unencumber appropriation balance from one department, office or agency to another. Per Florida State Statute, Section 166.241, the budget must regulate expenditures of the municipality. If a budget amendment is required the amendment must be adopted in the same manner as the original budget. FISCAL IMPACT See Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached to Ordinance 2024-38 [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2024-38 by title only. ORDINANCE 2024-38 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 2023-27 TO MODIFY THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS OF SAID CITY FOR THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR AND TO MODIFY THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS RAISED AND COLLECTED FROM ALL SOURCES SET FORTH IN THE ESTIMATE OF REVENUES FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Gillespie made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2024-38 after 1st reading. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES"  by roll call vote: Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 8.III. RESOLUTION 2024-26, Public Transportation Amendment To Grant Agreement G2K90 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approving Resolution 2024-26, authorizing an amendment to the agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide funding for T-hangar Taxilane Reconstruction at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve Resolution 2024-26, authorizing the amendment of Public Transportation Grant Agreement G2K90 by the Mayor with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for additional funding in the amount of $0. BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has amended a grant to the Lake Wales Municipal Airport for T-hangar Taxilane Reconstruction. This amendment will provide the additional construction scope of services for the Taxilane Rehabilitations. This is a $0 amendment. OTHER OPTIONS Deny the amendment to the agreement. FISCAL IMPACT $0 [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read RESOLUTION 2024-26 by title only. RESOLUTION 2024-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE AMENDMENT OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANT AGREEMENT TO ADD CONSTRUCTION SCOPE OF SERVICES FOR ITEM SEGMENT-PHASE-SEQUENCE NUMBER (FINANCIAL PROJECT NUMBER): 452720-1-94-01 (T-HANGAR TAXILANE RECONSTRUCTION) WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ALLOW THEIR PARTICIPATION IN AN AVIATION PROJECT AT THE LAKE WALES MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve RESOLUTION 2024-26. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by roll call vote:  MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve RESOLUTION 2024-26. Deputy Mayor Gibson seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 8.IV. ORDINANCE 2024-37 Authorizing Use Of Traffic Infraction Detectors/Red Light Cameras And School Zone Speed Limit Detection Systems - 1st Reading [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: Ordinance 2024-37 was prepared for the purposes of implementing utilization of traffic infraction detectors/red light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. Recommendation: That the City Commission, after due consideration, approve Ordinance 2024-37 after first reading. Background: The City Commission is aware that violations of traffic laws, including the running of red lights and speeding within school zones within the City limits creates a hazard to the citizens of and visitors to the City of Lake Wales. The Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program, originally passed in 2013 by the Florida Legislature and now codified in Sec. 316.0083, Fla. Stat., provides for implementation and administration of traffic citations by municipalities for traffic infractions relating to traffic control devices such as red-light cameras and school zone speed limit detection systems. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, read ORDINANCE 2024-37 by title only. ORDINANCE 2024-37 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAKE WALES, POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAKE WALES CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 20 - TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES, BY ENACTING ARTICLE VI - TRAFFIC INFRACTION DETECTION DEVICES, AND ARTICLE VII - SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMIT DETECTION SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR PURPOSE AND INTENT; IMPLEMENTING GENERAL LAW TO ADOPT THE USE OF TRAFFIC INFRACTION DETECTORS; AUTHORIZING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; DESIGNATING A TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OFFICER; DESIGNATING A HEARING OFFICER; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Gillespie asked how the equipment will be funded. James Slaton, City Manager, said that this item just approves enabling legislation there is no cost yet.  HEARING OFFICER; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Commissioner Gillespie asked how the equipment will be funded. James Slaton, City Manager, said that this item just approves enabling legislation there is no cost yet. Mayor Hilligoss asked if the cost will be covered by the revenue generated. Lt. Palmer confirmed this. This will not affect the current budget. Mayor Hilligoss said that we can take action but we could probably hear some more some of what Mr. Lumm has expressed concerns about. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve ORDINANCE 2024-37 after 1st reading. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion. by roll call vote: Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 9. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, said that the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on the vacant land contract for the new Fire Station. There are no impediments to moving forward with the purchase. 10. CITY MANAGER James Slaton, City Manager, said the new retailer Ollies opens tomorrow. 10.I. Commission Meeting Calendar James Slaton, City Manager, said there is a packed CRA agenda for next Tuesday and a work session on Wednesday. 11. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie expressed her appreciation for the new fire truck and the thoughtfulness that went into its design and construction. Commissioner Gillespie also acknowledged the importance of implementing red light and school zone cameras to improve traffic safety. However, she expressed some concerns about the potential for excessive ticketing and the need for more public input on the matter. She emphasized the importance of balancing the need for traffic safety with the rights of citizens and ensuring that the implementation of these systems is fair and transparent. Commissioner Williams said he was excited to see the fire truck. Keep up the good work. Commissioner Thompson asked about hurricane debris pickup. James Slaton, City Manager, explained that the city has been working diligently to remove hurricane debris. Due to the widespread damage in Florida, county contractors are prioritizing areas with severe damage. The city's crews have been working daily to collect debris, but the process has been slowed down by residents bringing out debris at different times.  Commissioner Williams said he was excited to see the fire truck. Keep up the good work. Commissioner Thompson asked about hurricane debris pickup. James Slaton, City Manager, explained that the city has been working diligently to remove hurricane debris. Due to the widespread damage in Florida, county contractors are prioritizing areas with severe damage. The city's crews have been working daily to collect debris, but the process has been slowed down by residents bringing out debris at different times. The city is using two claw trucks to expedite the process. Commissioner Thompson commented on the Election. He said we will all wake up neighbors tomorrow no matter who we voted for. We can all work together to make Lake Wales better. Deputy Mayor Gibson echoed Commissioner Thompson's sentiments about avoiding political polarization and focusing on local issues. He praised the fire department for their dedication and expertise in providing emergency medical services, highlighting their 24/7 availability to assist the community. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of recognizing the firefighters' role beyond firefighting and acknowledged their contribution to the overall well-being of the city. 12. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss emphasized the importance of the fire department's role in providing emergency medical services and highlighted the high number of paramedics on the team. He commended the city's proactive approach to planning for future growth, including the development of a connected road network to improve emergency response times. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by growth but expressed confidence in the city's ability to manage it responsibly and continue to provide high-quality services to its residents. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk