City Commission Workshop Meeting

Commission Workshop Minutes June 26, 2024 (APPROVED) 6/26/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Robin Gibson, Carol Gillespie, Keith Thompson (by phone) Commission Members Absent: Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Daniel Williams Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr. In absence of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor Gibson called the meeting to order at approximately 2:00 p.m. A quorum was not present. 2. City Manager Comments James Slaton, City Manager, said the Lake Wales Envisioned Plan won an award from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association and the award of excellence from the American Planning Association. There will be an award ceremony in September. Mr. Slaton announced that we have made history. He reviewed the creation and goals of the Lake Wales Connected Plan. We contracted with Hale Innovations to help apply for grants. Lake Wales has been awarded $23million of Federal money towards the Lake Wales Connected Plan. This is a non matching grant from DOT (Department of Transportation). He reviewed what the money will be used for. He introduced Lee Hale to talk about the significance of this. Lee Hale, Hale Innovations reviewed the grant application. We won over many bigger cities. This project was mentioned in the DOT press release. It took more than 2 years of working on this. This is a huge win. They look forward to helping us implement this. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked Mr. Hale to share his background. Mr. Hale shared his background and about his company. This was discussed. Commissioner Gillespie commended Hale Innovation on the good job they did. Commissioner Thompson asked how much we pay Hale Innovation? Mr. Slaton said it varies depending on the project but is a fraction of the benefits we received. Commissioner Thompson said this kind of investment pays off. Deputy Mayor Gibson encouraged James Slaton to continue on as City Manager. Commissioner Thompson agreed and said he would like Mr. Slaton to consider staying. Mr. Slaton said that planning to leave Lake Wales has been tough. He said he is being considered in other places but will likely withdraw and stay in Lake Wales where he belongs. We have a lot going on. He has some life changes and would like to cash out his sick leave. We are quite advanced in Lake Wales, he would like to keep the momentum going. This issue was discussed. 3. Lease Agreements For Airport Ground Space [Begin Agenda Memo]  out his sick leave. We are quite advanced in Lake Wales, he would like to keep the momentum going. This issue was discussed. 3. Lease Agreements For Airport Ground Space [Begin Agenda Memo] Synopsis: The City Commission will consider lease agreements for ground space at the Lake Wales Municipal Airport. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the following action: 1. Authorize the mayor to execute a lease agreement between Snively Aviation LLC and the city for 21,780 square feet of airport ground space. Background: Chapter 3-Airport, Section 3-30 of the City of Lake Wales Code of Ordinances allows the city to lease hangars, pasture lands and other airport property to individuals, firms or corporations. Snively Aviation LLC is requesting to lease land for a Corporate Hangar at the rate of .29 (twenty-nine cents) per square foot per annum ($6,316.20). The lease shall run for a period of 30 (thirty) years. The tenant shall be fully responsible for the payment of survey, taxes, license fees, permit fees, improvements, decorations and furnishings, including but not limited to fencing, lighting, roadways and any apron area located inside the premises, automobile parking, drainage, necessary finishes, electrical, telephone, communication conduit and accessories piping, duct work, equipment and fixtures as required by the tenant in the conduct of business. The tenant will hereby lease the premises subject to and in compliance with, as applicable, all building codes, zoning regulations, and municipal, county, state and federal laws, ordinances and regulations governing or regulating the premises or its uses. All covenants, easements and restrictions of record, governmental permits applicable or affecting the premises now and in the future, such as stormwater and other environmental permits. Airport rules and regulations, city's airport minimum development standard, the minimum standards for commercial aviation operators and the airport security and emergency plans. Fiscal Impact: The leases will generate $6,316.20 in annual revenue for the airport. Other Options: The Commission may choose not to authorize the execution of the lease agreement at this time. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Commissioner Gillespie asked about the provision that the lessee can remove their improvements, or the hangar, at the end of their lease. Wouldn't we want to keep the building? Deputy Mayor Gibson said they take their improvements or personal property. Amanda Lomneck, Airport Manager, said the lessee wouldn't have any reason to take the hangar. In the past the tenants just keep renting the space. Most people who sign these leases won't see the end of 30 years, it will pass on to family. Commissioner Gillespie asked what the revenue will be. Ms. Lomneck said fuel sales and maintenance bring in additional funds. There was a discussion about changing the language in the contract to say that the hangar stays at the end. Mr. Slaton said the change does not impact us in any way. He will look into a possible change and if acceptable he will bring the revision to the Commission for review. 4. Lake Wales Heritage Kirkland Gym Agreement [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider entering into an agreement with Lake Wales Heritage for the use of Kirkland Gym. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the CRA Board take the following actions:  SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider entering into an agreement with Lake Wales Heritage for the use of Kirkland Gym. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the CRA Board take the following actions: 1. Approve the agreement with Lake Wales Heritage. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City. BACKGROUND Lake Wales Heritage is interested in leasing the lower level of Kirkland Gym. The central reasons for the request are as follows: 1. Lake Wales Heritage is engaged in augmenting the city's efforts to achieve the "City in a Garden" status intended by Frederick Law Olmsted by planting hundreds of street trees. To date, they have planted 200 trees. 2. Lake Wales Heritage holds classes through its "Student Naturalist" program, funded by Mountain Lake Community Service, and requires predictable access to classroom space for that purpose. 3. Their non-profit organization is funded entirely by donations, but currently spends some of those funds each month to store educational materials and goods used in the program. Use of the gym would allow them to redirect funds to their mission. 4. The grounds behind the gymnasium would be beautified by Lake Wales Heritage volunteers, contributing to community pride, while also providing space for the creation of a small nursery. The proposed agreement has been drafted and reviewed by the City Attorney. LAKE WALES CONNECTED PLAN ACTION STEPS Action # Description 13 Pursue funding/sponsorship for Olmstead streetscapes. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the agreement with Lake Wales Heritage. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact at this time. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Robert Connors, Lake Wales Heritage, highlighted their tree-planting efforts, exceeding 200 trees planted at an average cost of $400 each. He expressed appreciation for the planned city water truck to aid future plantings. The main focus, however, was their request to lease the Kirkland Gym space. This would provide a central location for their educational programs, storage, and potentially a nursery for young trees. Additionally, he proposed a collaborative effort with the city horticulturist to secure a grant for landscaping the currently vacant lot next to the gym. This would enhance the area and benefit the city's beautification goals. Finally, he inquired about the city's tree-watering truck plans and expressed the organization's desire to contribute to the city's overall tree-planting initiatives. Commissioner Gillespie asked about the need for a water truck to help water newly planted trees. Mr. Connors said they do need it and said that he believes it will be in the budget. The City will be planting trees too so they need it. Mr. Slaton confirmed this. 5. Professional Surveying Services – Tower Boulevard Trail [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting Commission consider approving Task Order with Chastain Skillman for Tower Boulevard Trail.  [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Staff is requesting Commission consider approving Task Order with Chastain Skillman for Tower Boulevard Trail. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following action(s): 1. Approve the Task Order with Chastain Skillman 2. Authorize the expenditure of $20,485 3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents on behalf of the City BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales has applied for $282,380 through the Recreational Trail Program to construct a trail from Lakeshore Boulevard to Burns Ave on Tower Boulevard. Specific Purpose and Topographic Survey of Tower Boulevard are required for the grant. This Task Order will provide the necessary documents required for the grant. This Task Order falls under the Master Consulting Agreement the City has with Chastain Skillman. Lake Wales Connected Action Plan Steps Action Number Description 66 Continue to implement a connected trails system in Lake Wales OTHER OPTIONS Commission may choose not to approve the Task Order. FISCAL IMPACT The Task Order is for $20,485 [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. 6. Approval Of This Special Event Application Will Allow The Northwest Neighborhood Association To Sponsor A School Supply Giveaway Event On July 27, 2024 [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this Special Event Application will allow the Northwest Neighborhood Association to sponsor a School Supply Giveaway Event on July 27, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application for the Northwest Neighborhood Association Back 2 School Event on Saturday July 27, 2024 on Lincoln Avenue from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close Lincoln Avenue from B Street to C Street from 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and the Parking Area at Lincoln and B Street 3. Approve the request for set up by the vendors on Saturday July 27, 2024 at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Park Avenue. BACKGROUND The Northwest Neighborhood Association submitted a Special Event Permit Application for a Back to School Event on Saturday July 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. This will involve the closure of Lincoln Avenue from A Street and C Street and the City Parking lot. On Saturday set-up will begin at 7:00 a.m. There will be vendors set up along Lincoln Avenue. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the event FISCAL IMPACT No In-kind services were budgeted for this event. Costs will be paid at 100% by the  Lincoln Avenue from A Street and C Street and the City Parking lot. On Saturday set-up will begin at 7:00 a.m. There will be vendors set up along Lincoln Avenue. OTHER OPTIONS Do not approve the event FISCAL IMPACT No In-kind services were budgeted for this event. Costs will be paid at 100% by the Northwest Neighborhood Association. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 7. Board Appointments To Fill Vacancies Due To Expiration Of Terms. [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 Herb Gillis to a new term on the Airport Authority to expire 7/1/2027 2. Reappoint Kristen Royal to a new term on the Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Board to expire 7/1/2026 3. Reappoint Sara Jones to a new term on the Code Enforcement Board to expire 7/1/2027 4. Reappoint Scott Crews to a new term on the Historic District Regulatory Board to expire 7/1/2027. 5. Reappoint Allison Kapphan to a new term on the Library Board expiring 7/1/2029 6. Reappoint Kathy Manry Smith to a new term on the Library Board expiring 7/1/2029. 7. 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: 3 Vacancies due to resignation and expired terms Current Members: Fred Halde, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 2 Herb Gillis, non-resident, 07/01/21--07/01/24, P+1 Clarke Gerard, non-resident chair 06/05/18--07/01/25, P+2 Fred Halde, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 2 Herb Gillis, non-resident, 07/01/21--07/01/24, P+1 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: Herb Gillis, non- resident for a term expiring on 7/1/2027. Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Committee (Res 2020-05) The board consists of 6 members. Terms are 2 years. One member shall be an active police officer serving in the Lake Wales Police Department and shall be appointed by the chief of police. Each Commissioner shall recommend one appointment to the Mayor. There are currently 3 vacancies Current Members: Andy Oguntola (Seat 1) 07/01/2023 – 07/01/2025 P+2 T iffany Davis (Seat 2) 7/1/2022 – 7/1/2024 2 Narvell Peterson (Seat 3) 7/1/2022-7/1/2024 2 Al Goldstein (Seat 4) 7/01/2023 – 7/01/2025 P+1 Kristin Royal (Seat 5) 10/17/2023 – 7/1/2024 P Michael Smith (appointed by police Chief) Applying for Reappointment – Narvell Peterson for a term to expire 7/1/2026; Kristin Royal for a term to expire 7/1/2026; Deputy Mayor Gibson recommends this appointment. Applying for appointment: Katherine Nicholas has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026. Michael Richards has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026. Code Enforcement Board (City Code Sec. 2-56) – The board consists of seven (7) members. Whenever possible, membership shall include an architect, a businessperson, an engineer, a general contractor, a subcontractor, and a realtor. Members must be residents. (3-year term) 2 alternates can also be appointed. • An interview process is necessary for new applicants only. • Members are required to file an annual Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests • Current Vacancies: 2 alternate seats There is a vacancy on the Code Enforcement Board due to resignation and expired terms. Current Members: Dwight Wilson, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27 3 Courtney Schmitt, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 2 There is a vacancy on the Code Enforcement Board due to resignation and expired terms. Current Members: Dwight Wilson, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27 3 Courtney Schmitt, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 2 Curtis Gibson, resident 07/01/2022 – 07/01/25, 1 Ralph E. Marino, resident 07/01/22 – 07/01/25, 3 Bruce Austell, resident 02/04/22 – 07/01/25 P+1 Julia Paul, resident, (alternate 2) 02/18/20 – 07/01/23 P Sara Jones, resident 07/01/21 – 07/01/2024 1 Cathy Hammel (alternate) 09/06/23 – 07/01/25 P Mark Bennett 03/08/23-7/1/2025 P Applying for Reappointment: Sara Jones has reapplied to serve for a term to expire 7/1/27. The Code Board recommended this reappointment. Library Board (City Code Sec. 2-26,(b)) – The board consists of five (5) members. Four members must reside in the City, own property in the City or hold a valid business tax receipt issued from by the City. One member shall be a resident of the unincorporated Greater Lake Wales area having a Lake Wales address or a resident of the City of Lake Wales if the Lake Wales Public Library is a member of the Polk County Cooperative and receives operating funds from Polk County Board of County Commissioners (Ordinance 2008-07; 02/19/08). (5-year term) • 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: 2 vacancies, residents, due to expiration of terms Current Meeting Schedule: 1st Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.; Lake Wales Library Primary Duties: Operate the public library; control expenditures of all monies collected or donated to the Library Fund; appoint the library staff and establish rules and regulations for operation and use of the Library subject to the supervision and control of the City Commission. Current Members: Jodie Schmidt, outside 2/15/22 -07/1/26, P Kathy Manry Smith, resident 09/21/22 – 07/01/24, P Imelda Tice, resident 10/20/20 - 07/01/27, P Brandon Alvarado, resident 01/19/21 - 07/01/28, P+1 Allison Kapphan, resident 07/01/19 - 07/01/24, P+1 Applying for Re-appointment: Allison Kapphan has reapplied for a new term to expire 7/1/2029 Kathy Manry Smith has reapplied for a new term to expire 7/1/2029 The Library Board recommends these appointments. Historic District Regulatory Board Historic District Regulatory Board (City Code Sec. 23-208.2) – The board consists of five (5) regular members (appointed in accordance with section 2-26). At least 50% of the members shall reside or own property within the City. Members shall be chosen to provide expertise in the  The Library Board recommends these appointments. Historic District Regulatory Board Historic District Regulatory Board (City Code Sec. 23-208.2) – The board consists of five (5) regular members (appointed in accordance with section 2-26). At least 50% of the members shall reside or own property within the City. Members shall be chosen to provide expertise in the following disciplines to the extent such professionals are available in the community: historic preservation, architecture, architectural history, curation, conservation, anthropology, building construction, landscape architecture, planning, urban design, and regulatory procedures. (3-year term) • An interview process is necessary for new applicants only. • Members are required to file an annual Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests • Current Vacancies: 3 vacancies, 50% must be residents or own property in City; Current Members: Tiffany Davis, business owner 09/07/22 – 07/01/2025, P Tina Peak, resident 09/07/22 – 7/1/25, 1 Tammy James, resident 07/01/22 – 07/01/24, P Brandon Alvarado, resident 07/01/24 – 07/01/27, 3 Scott Crews, resident 07/01/21 – 07/01/24, P+1 Applying for Reappointment: Scott Crews for a term expiring 7/1/2027 The Historic District Regulatory Board recommends these appointments OPTIONS Do not appoint those that have applied. FISCAL IMPACT None. These are volunteer boards. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 8. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie commended James Slaton for being helpful to her and answering all her questions. She reported that she completed the required ethics class. She asked for how that it is reported. Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, said that she can report that to her and she will keep a record of it. Commissioner Gillespie will fill out that question appropriately on the annual Financial disclosure form. Commissioner Gillespie thanked Deputy Police Chief Troy Schulze for a recent tour of the Police Station. She reported on the recent Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Board held at Lake Ashton. She encouraged citizens to attend this. Commissioner Thompson said today has highlighted why its great to live in Lake Wales. He is positive about the future. He also agreed that James Slaton has been helpful to him. Deputy Mayor Gibson spoke on challenges related to the Lake Alta Project. 9. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.  9. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. _____________________ Mayor ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk