City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Meeting Minutes January 21, 2025 (APPROVED) 1/21/2025 - Minutes 1. INVOCATION Rev Mackay Smith 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 Members Present: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Robin Gibson, Keith Thompson, Carol Gillespie, Daniel Williams Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., 5. COMMENTS AND PETITIONS Cassandra Richards, non resident, shared concerns about traffic and said we need a light at Lewis Griffin and 60. Charlene Bennett, resident, asked for an update about the ADS plant. Frank Lumm, resident, commended the Commission and staff on their efforts on maintaining infrastructure especially water. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Williams made a move to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion. by voice vote: Commissioner Williams "YES" Commissioner Thompson "YES" Commissioner Gillespie "YES" Deputy Mayor Gibson "YES" Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 6.I. Minutes - January 7 & 15, 2025  Mayor Hilligoss "YES" Motion approved 5-0. 6.I. Minutes - January 7 & 15, 2025 6.II. Innovative Pipeline Systems (IPS) Emergency Repairs [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Emergency slip lining repairs needed following the Closed-Circuit Televising (CCTV) evaluation in order to prevent any further intrusion and infiltration. 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 emergency repairs 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 went out to bid for sewer line inspection services in 2024 and the bid was awarded to Innovative Pipeline Systems (IPS). IPS has determined that this is a result of inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the old clay gravity sewer mains and needs to be repaired immediately. Approximately 115,000 LF of small gravity mains predominately 8- inches in diameter were selected for this phase. As a result of these inspections, several areas were identified as needing immediate repair. To fore go these immediate repairs could result in the compromise of the infrastructure these sewer lines lie beneath. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve the expenditure of funds for $53,600.00 to IPS for these repairs. OTHER OPTION None. 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 as well as running the risk of compromising the roads. 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 $300,000.00 is budgeted in the Wastewater Division’s Capital ’24-25 budget [End Agenda Memo] 6.III. Police Annex Building Formerly The Family Elder Law Building - Design [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A. submitted a proposal for full architectural and engineering services for design at the Police Annex Building formerly the Family Elder Law Building at 122 E. Tillman Ave. 6.III. Police Annex Building Formerly The Family Elder Law Building - Design [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A. submitted a proposal for full architectural and engineering services for design at the Police Annex Building formerly the Family Elder Law Building at 122 E. Tillman Ave. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Design Professional Fee Proposal with Parlier + Crews Architect, P.A. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND On August 29, 2024 the City of Lake Wales purchased the building at 122 E. Tillman Ave formerly known as the Family Elder Law Building. It is proposed that the Lake Wales Police Department will move several units there. In addition, several other areas have been identified to design for the Police Department including training room, several interview rooms, conference room and a storage room. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, authorize the proposal by Parlier + Crews Architect, P.A. for $89,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents on the City’s behalf. This was tabled during the December 17, 2024 meeting for additional clarification. OTHER OPTION Not approving the proposal with Parlier + Crews Architects, P.A. the building layout would remain as it is and would not be in the best form for use by the Police Department. FISCAL IMPACT A budget amendment $89,000.00 will be needed to pay for this building design. [End Agenda Memo] 6.IV. Purchasing Of A 12” Gate Valve And 12” Check Valve [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff requests City Commission approval to expend funds in the amount of $32,480.82 to Coastal Pump and Equipment to replace a 12” check valve and 12” gate valve on High Service pump #3 at Water Treatment Plant #1. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the expenditure of funds in the amount of $32,480.82 to Coastal Pump & Equipment for the replacement of a 12” gate valve and 12” check valve. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City operates several water treatment plants throughout the city and at the water plants there are motors, valves and pumps etc. Check and gate valves are installed in the water treatment plants to restrict or allow flow through the pipes within the plant.  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND The City operates several water treatment plants throughout the city and at the water plants there are motors, valves and pumps etc. Check and gate valves are installed in the water treatment plants to restrict or allow flow through the pipes within the plant. Preventive maintenance is a priority to maintain the equipment it takes to operate the water treatment plants. Despite following all manufacturers recommendations equipment will fail over time due to the extensive wear it encounters on a 24/7 basis. Staff recommends the commission approve the city to take the following action, enter into and expend funds in the amount of $32,480.82 for the replacement of a 12” check valve and 12” gate valve. OTHER OPTIONS None. The valves allow the water plant to operate at its full capacity. FISCAL IMPACT $225,000.00 is budgeted in the Utilities FY ’24-’25 Operating Budget for this purpose. Funding source for this purchase the utilities operating revenue. [End Agenda Memo] 6.V. Water Treatment Plant #1 (WTP#1) Odyssey Chlorine Storage Tank Replacement [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The current chlorination storage tanks located at Market Street Water Treatment Plant WTP #1 are in need of replacement. STAFF RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Authorize the expenditure of $23,500.00 to Odyssey Manufacturing for the purchase and installation of the chlorine storage tanks located at WTP #1. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. BACKGROUND Due to the corrosive nature of various chemicals involved in the water treatment process, it becomes necessary for components associated with those chemicals to require periodic maintenance and replacement to ensure continued operation. The main chemical used in the disinfection of water is sodium hypochlorite (chlorine). The chlorine storage tanks tend to breakdown over time due to the nature of the chemical and exposure to the elements. The original equipment slated for replacement was installed in 2008. The chlorine tanks are beginning to show wear and tear. Staff recommends the Commission take the following action, approve expenditures of 23,500.00 with Odyssey Manufacturing for the purchase and replacement of the chlorination storage tanks located at WTP#1 and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate documents, on the City’s behalf. OTHER OPTIONS The Commission could choose not to approve the expenditure listed above, in turn putting these repairs off to a later date risking system failure. FISCAL IMPACT $225,000.00 is budgeted in the Utilities FY ’24-’25 Operating Budget for this purpose. [End Agenda Memo]  in turn putting these repairs off to a later date risking system failure. FISCAL IMPACT $225,000.00 is budgeted in the Utilities FY ’24-’25 Operating Budget for this purpose. [End Agenda Memo] 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS 9. CITY ATTORNEY Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, reported that he is moving forward to recoup costs from a potential police officer on which several thousand dollars were spent on education but did not make it past probation. 10. CITY MANAGER 10.I. Commission Meeting Calendar 11. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie commended the Dr. M L King Day festivities over the weekend. Commissioner Williams said he has concerns about traffic as mentioned by Ms. Richards. He supports improvements and said he will advocate for them. Commissioner Williams said that the City Manager will update us on the ADS plant soon. Commissioner Thompson commended the M L King Day festivities. He said we have work to do but so much good work has been done to raise young people that would make Dr. King proud. Lets keep it up. Deputy Mayor Gibson discussed the proposed Central Polk Parkway East. He said that the project would contradict the principles outlined in Lake Wales Envisioned, particularly those related to preserving green spaces and protecting the city's natural environment. He emphasized that the Parkway would encourage urban sprawl, negatively impact the city's character, and potentially encroach upon the environmentally sensitive areas around Lake Wales Ridge. Deputy Mayor Gibson proposed an alternative approach, suggesting that existing infrastructure, such as State Road 27, could be improved to accommodate increased traffic flow. He argued that this approach would be more cost-effective than constructing a new highway and would minimize the environmental impact while still addressing the region's transportation needs. He urged the city to take a proactive stance on this issue, advocating for the preservation of the city's natural environment and ensuring that the community's vision for the future is respected. 12. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Hilligoss suggested that the commission discuss the proposed Central Polk Parkway East and explore further steps to address the city's concerns. He requested that the City Manager put this item on the agenda for the next work session. Mayor Hilligoss commended some of the recent community events, including Lake Wales Live and the opening of Panera Bread. He noted the positive atmosphere downtown and expressed optimism for continued revitalization efforts. He also acknowledged the other activities held concurrently with Lake Wales Live, highlighting the vibrant cultural life of the city. Mayor Hilligoss said that he will work with Ms. Richards and Commissioner Williams to address the traffic concerns that were mentioned. 13. ADJOURNMENT  Mayor Hilligoss said that he will work with Ms. Richards and Commissioner Williams to address the traffic concerns that were mentioned. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________ City Clerk