City Commission Workshop Meeting

City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes February 10, 2021 (APPROVED) 2/10/2021 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Terrye Howell, Curtis Gibson, Al Goldstein, Robin Gibson, Mayor Fultz Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk Mayor Fultz called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Mayor Fultz read a statement: The Governor’s Executive Order 20-246 allowing for meetings of a Municipality’s governing boards without having a quorum of its members present physically or at any specific location has expired as of Nov. 1. However due to the ongoing State of Emergency, while a majority of Commission Members must be present in the Chambers, members of the staff and public may still participate in our meetings virtually. Members of the public are welcome to come into the Commission Chambers to attend our Commission Agenda Work Session Meetings. We ask that everyone be mindful of social distancing and sit in designated seating. Any member of the public may register to attend our meetings virtually at www.lakewalesfl.gov/register Additional Information and Procedures for public participation will be explained by the City Attorney shortly. Albert Galloway, Jr., City Attorney, read a statement on Procedures for this partial virtual Public Meeting. Mr. Galloway asked the Commissioners, "are you comfortable with all the notice provisions set forth and these uniform rules of procedures we have established for this Virtual meeting? The Commissioners answered affirmatively. 2. City Manager Comments James Slaton, City Manager, reported that the parking lot project at the YMCA has begun. It will take three weeks to complete. The trees are being or have been removed. 2.I. Pilot Program - Body Cameras [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: ram for body cameras to be worn by officers of the Lake Wales Police Department. COMMISSION ACTION(S) 1. Choose one of the following pilot program options: SYNOPSIS: ram for body cameras to be worn by officers of the Lake Wales Police Department. COMMISSION ACTION(S) 1. Choose one of the following pilot program options: a. Test and Evaluate four cameras from Axon Enterprises for a 90-day period at no cost b. Purchase eight cameras from Axon Enterprises for a 5-year commitment of $14,993 annually BACKGROUND At the request of the City Commission, staff has prepared options for a body worn camera pilot program. Option A Axon Enterprises, Inc. has agreed to allow the Lake Wales Police Department to test and evaluate four cameras for a 90-day period at no charge. Staff will report the effectiveness of the camera program test and evaluation period to the City Commission following the 90-day test period. Option B If the City Commission would like to increase the amount of cameras in the pilot program, staff recommends eight cameras be purchased. If this option is chosen, the cost is $14,992.94 in this fiscal year and $14,992.96 for the subsequent years, as a 5-year licensing agreement is required. Whichever option is chosen, current staff will be utilized to administer the video evidence as effectively as possible during the pilot period. If at any point the workload exceeds current staff ability, the City Manager will make the City Commission aware and will bring forth a staffing recommendation. OTHER OPTIONS 1. The City Commission may take no action at this time 2. The City Commission can defer this item until the FY’22 budget preparation FISCAL IMPACT Option A – No current fiscal impact Option B – The fiscal impact is $14,992.94 [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked if Option B is $15,000 a year. Mr. Slaton said yes. Commissioner Goldstein asked if it would be $15,000 for every 8 cameras if we decide to get more. Mr. Slaton said yes. Chris Velasquez, Police Chief, said the cost does not include staff. Mr. Slaton said that with the pilot program we will use existing staff and see how that goes. Mayor Fultz said the action item needs to go on the agenda of the regular Commission meeting. He asked the Commission what to put on the agenda. Mr. Slaton recommended putting the item as is on the agenda. Mayor Fultz said he was fine with this. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson expressed concern about overstepping Commission authority. The Commission votes on budget amendments but should be careful about directing police in this. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said he attended the police academy a great experience. He is concerned about just getting 8. He would rather just get all of them and avoid complaints. Commissioner Goldstein said we don't hear from all the communities on this. He doesn't want to entrap the police officer or civilian. A policy needs to be established about when the cameras will be on. He talked to several state attorneys and they advised that certain cameras need to be put in the budget. We are a growing City. We need trust in our City.  about just getting 8. He would rather just get all of them and avoid complaints. Commissioner Goldstein said we don't hear from all the communities on this. He doesn't want to entrap the police officer or civilian. A policy needs to be established about when the cameras will be on. He talked to several state attorneys and they advised that certain cameras need to be put in the budget. We are a growing City. We need trust in our City. Commissioner Howell said that there is no trust, no accountability, and poor leadership in the police Department in certain areas of the City. We need to change leadership. She wants everyone on the force that talks to people to have cameras. The cameras will work. She has heard the same complaints for years. If we do the pilot program then the cameras need to be in the northwest area and Hispanic neighborhoods. The police department does not need to develop the policy. If we vote on the pilot program Tuesday she will vote for it. The community wants these. She is against not having any cameras. Staff should have found grants before. She doesn't get what happened to the car cameras when the commission voted for them. She is ready for the vote Tuesday. Mayor Fultz said he is in favor of community cameras rather than body cameras as they will catch more bad guys. Commissioner Howell said she prefers the body cams. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said that as an amateur he believes that trust is an issue. He would like more community policing. The $15000 might be used to get high school students to ride with the police who might become future officers. This would be a great experience for both. We could get the community involved. Commissioner Goldstein liked the idea as it would build community trust. He shared examples of programs with the police in other areas. Community policing goes a long way. We do have good leadership but if we have a bad officer we need to get rid of them. If the cameras don't work how will we build trust. Commissioner Howell confirmed that cameras will be on the agenda Tuesday and not these other ideas. Mayor Fultz confirmed this. 2.II. Submittal Of Grant To The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) For The Lake Wales Connector Trail [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The purpose of this request is for the Mayor and Commission to approve the Polk TPO Grant Application for the Ridge Scenic Connector Trail. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Commission approve the Ridge Scenic Connector Trail grant application. BACKGROUND The Polk TPO recently notified local governments of the opportunity to for various grants for Multi- Use, Regional Multi-Use Trails, Complete Street and Transportation Alternatives Projects. As part of the City’s efforts to implement Lake Wales Connected, staff has applied for a Regional Multi-Use Trail grant. This grant application is for the Ridge Scenic Connector Trail. As shown below, the proposed trail will connect the Lake Wales Trailway to both First Street and State Road 17 at Central Avenue (please see attachment). On January 19, 2021, the City Commission approved Resolution 2021-03, which supported the Ridge Scenic Highway Connector Trail. However, pursuant to Section 2-802 of the Code of Ordinances, an analysis of present and future impact is required. This provision then directs the City Commission to authorize the City Manager to execute the grant application documents or elect not to submit the application. As part of the application, a preliminary cost estimate (using FDOT unit costs) was prepared. Based  On January 19, 2021, the City Commission approved Resolution 2021-03, which supported the Ridge Scenic Highway Connector Trail. However, pursuant to Section 2-802 of the Code of Ordinances, an analysis of present and future impact is required. This provision then directs the City Commission to authorize the City Manager to execute the grant application documents or elect not to submit the application. As part of the application, a preliminary cost estimate (using FDOT unit costs) was prepared. Based on these figures, the preliminary cost estimate is $985,000. Included in this figure is a local fund expenditure of $44,160. This amount will be for the repaving of 3rd Street from Central to Park Avenue. While not directly related to the project, staff proposes to repave this portion of 3rd Street concurrent with the construction of the Trail. This repaving project would occur in FY 2026- 2027, which would be earliest possible date that DOT would start construction. In addition to the repaving costs, the City will eventually expend funds for the maintenance of both the Trail and the proposed Scenic Highway Trailhead. However, the cost is not expected to be greater than that for any other roadway/sidewalk project or recreational facility. LAKE WALES CONNECTED PLAN ACTION STEPS Action # Description 3 Create a refined map and illustrations for connections between Downtown, Crystal Lake Park, and Lake Wailes Park, based on the concepts in the Lake Wales Connected trails & bikeways map and the underlying research of the Olmsted Brothers history in planning for the region and its public open spaces. This effort would aim to integrate and connect Downtown, Crystal Lake, Lake Wailes, and potentially other areas of the regional green/blue network. 54 Create a plan and detailed design for the Lake Wales Trailway Extension and Ridge Scenic Highway Trail within the core of Lake Wales in coordination with the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails, FDOT, CSX Corporation, and Ridge Scenic Highway Corridor Management Entity (CME). FISCAL IMPACT A local fund expenditure of $44,160 is proposed. This amount will be for the repaving of 3rd Street from Central to Park Avenue. While not directly related to the project, staff proposes to repave this portion of 3rd Street concurrent with the construction of the Trail. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the application and direct staff to withdraw the grant application. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Mayor Fultz said this is good to connect our trails. Mr. Slaton said our chances for funding are pretty good. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked if this trail will fit in with Lake Wales Connected. Mr. Slaton said yes and its an enhancement. This project has been endorsed by Dover-Kohl. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson said he wanted the public to understand this. That its part of a plan. 2.III. Edward Byrne Memorial State And Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: Approval of this item will allow the police department to receive grant funding to purchase a mobile speed trailer with an automated license plate reader system (ALPRS) in FY20/21. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and the City Commission authorize the Police Synopsis: Approval of this item will allow the police department to receive grant funding to purchase a mobile speed trailer with an automated license plate reader system (ALPRS) in FY20/21. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and the City Commission authorize the Police Department to accept funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant, then purchase a complete mobile speed trailer equipped with an automated license plate reader system from Millenium Products Inc. using GSA contract pricing. Background: Since 1999, the Police Department has received funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Program. Since that time, the department has utilized this funding to create numerous community programs as well as purchase needed equipment to enhance public safety. This year the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant award amount is $34,623.76 and if approved would be included in the 2020/2021 budget through an amendment. The Lake Wales Police Department proposes to purchase one mobile speed trailer equipped with an automated license plate recognition system (ALPRS). This equipment will serve two purposes for the City. It will display a visible warning to drivers that are exceeding the speed limit while also providing law enforcement with vehicle speed and traffic volume statistics. Additionally, it will enhance our enforcement and investigative capabilities, complement our crime suppression initiatives and expedite the tedious and time consuming process of comparing vehicle license plates with lists of stolen, wanted, missing persons and other vehicles of interest. The Vigilant Automated License Plate Reader system technology is utilized throughout Polk County by law enforcement agencies, providing maximum interoperability and information sharing capability. The proposed budget of the Lake Wales ALPRS II Program includes: $38,700.00 – One (1) complete mobile speed trailer equipped with an ALPR system. This package includes all cameras, hardware, software, accessories, service/access subscriptions, shipping, installation and training. Matching funds are not required for this project; however, Police Forfeiture funds will be used to cover the additional $4,076.24 not funded through the grant. Other Options: The Commission may choose not to authorize application for and accept the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant or purchase this equipment. Fiscal Impacts: The Finance Department has reviewed this application. There is an annual reoccurring ion fee of $1,050.00 associated with this purchase. [End Agenda Memo] Chris Velasquez, Police Chief, reviewed this item. He said this is in line with the department's strategic goals. He got a question if these could be used for body cameras and explained that these grants can't be used for body cameras. He described the grant process. Deputy Mayor Robin Gibson asked if matching funds are required. Chief Velasquez said yes and the match will come from the forfeiture fund. Commissioner Goldstein expressed concerns about speeders and safety on Highway 27. Is that our responsibility? Chief Velasquez said it is and described their efforts to control traffic there. Commissioner Howell said this company JAG has body cameras why can't we apply for them. Chief  match will come from the forfeiture fund. Commissioner Goldstein expressed concerns about speeders and safety on Highway 27. Is that our responsibility? Chief Velasquez said it is and described their efforts to control traffic there. Commissioner Howell said this company JAG has body cameras why can't we apply for them. Chief Velasquez said JAG provides funding but he is unaware of a grant for body cameras and has not been directed to apply for cameras. James Slaton, City Manager, said this issue has come up only recently and has not been approved by the Commission so we haven't looked for funding. Commissioner Howell said their are various other projects that were under discussion that the City went ahead and sought grants for before Commission approval. 3. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS Commissioner Curtis Gibson said he attended the academy and the teach community policing which he believes in. We are divided in the community and among the commission. Our community needs to be heard. A few people in the Police Department are making everyone look bad. He is glad the issue of the body cameras will be on the agenda Tuesday for a vote. Commissioner Howell expressed concern that our Economics person no longer lives in Lake Wales. She recommended modifying the contract to require that the person live in Lake Wales. James Slaton, City Manager, said he has just learned of this and look into this matter. Commissioner Curtis Gibson asked if other issues in the contract with the Chamber have been resolved. Mr. Slaton said yes that we are paying the correct amount. Commissioner Curtis Gibson said he had not heard that the Chamber Director had moved out of Lake Wales. Commissioner Howell said she thinks the Chamber Director should live in the Lake Wales area. Mayor Fultz expressed support for more community policing to build trust. 4. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 4:04 p.m. ____________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk