City Commission Workshop Meeting

City Commission Workshop minutes July 10, 2024 (APPROVED) 7/10/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Commission Members Present: Robin Gibson, Carol Gillespie, Keith Thompson, Mayor Jack Hilligoss, Daniel Williams Staff Present: James Slaton, City Manager; Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk; Albert C. Galloway, Jr., City Attorney Mayor Hilligoss called the meeting to order at approximately 2:00 p.m. 2. City Manager Comments James Slaton, City Manager, announced that the interim millage rate item will be on the next agenda. The Commission can go lower than the interim rate but cannot go higher. Mr. Slaton asked the Commission to put an item on the agenda allowing him to cash out some of his 1000+ accumulated sick hours, 500 this fiscal year, 200 next fiscal year. The Commission consented to this. 3. The Transfer Of Ownership Of One Parcel From The City Of Lake Wales To The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) For The Purposes Of Building An Affordable Home. [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The purpose of this request is to obtain approval to transfer ownership of a city owned property located at 1130 Dr. M. L. K. Blvd. Parcel: 273002899000008140 to the CRA. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended the City Commission consider the following action(s) 1. The City Commission authorize the donation of parcel 273002899000008140 to the Community Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of working with a developer to build affordable housing. BACKGROUND The CRA is working with developers to build affordable housing within the Core Improvement area. Since 2021, there has been more than 25 affordable homes built in the Northwest neighborhood. Along with the new homes that have been built, the CRA, in partnership with SouthState Bank, have provided more than $180,000 for down payment assistance. LAKE WALES CONNECTED PLAN ACTION STEPS Action # Description 9 Provide down payment assistance and low-interest mortgages for infill housing in the Northwest Neighborhood 27 Identify properties owned by CRA or the City and explore joint ventures for new housing 38 Provide first-time homebuyer counseling and education (via Keystone Challenge Fund)  9 Provide down payment assistance and low-interest mortgages for infill housing in the Northwest Neighborhood 27 Identify properties owned by CRA or the City and explore joint ventures for new housing 38 Provide first-time homebuyer counseling and education (via Keystone Challenge Fund) 39 Provide down payment assistance and low-interest mortgages for infill housing FISCAL IMPACT None OTHER OPTIONS Not accept staff recommendation. [End Agenda Memo] James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed this item. Commissioner Thompson asked if this was part of what we tabled yesterday. Mr. Slaton confirmed that it is yes. He explained that we would still want to use this parcel for affordable housing whether or not the planned mechanism is the vehicle through which we do this. Commissioner Gillespie asked to confirm if Keystone was not interested in this property? Mr. Slaton confirmed that Keystone is not interested in this property but somebody else might be. Commissioner Gillespie asked why Keystone was not interested in this? Mr. Slaton said there were concerns with the neighbor's dog and they felt the situation was potentially dangerous. Commissioner Gillespie asked about the criteria for determining if a vacant parcel is suitable for an affordable home. Mr. Slaton explained that these properties come to us through a variety of different ways, sometimes foreclosure and then we transfer them to the CRA. This process was discussed. 4. Resolution 2024-17, Landscape Maintenance Agreement With The Florida Department Of Transportation [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: The City Commission will consider approving Resolution 2024-17, for landscape maintenance within the right-of-way of State Road 25 (US 27) RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission take the following actions: 1. Adopt Resolution 2024-17, authorizing an agreement between the City of Lake Wales and the Florida Department of Transportation for landscape maintenance in State Road Right-of-Way. 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. BACKGROUND The City of Lake Wales and the State of Florida Department of Transportation have entered into agreements to maintain rights-of-ways on portions of US27, SR60, and SF17 (alt. 27) within the jurisdiction limits of the City since the early nineties. Resolution 2024-17, authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement for landscape maintenance within the right-of-way of State Road 25 (US27). OTHER OPTIONS The City Commission may choose not to enter into this agreement. FISCAL IMPACT The annual maintenance cost is unknown at this time, staff anticipates cost to be minimal. [End Agenda Memo] Stephanie Lutton, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed this item. Commissioner Gillespie asked if we know what will be planted. Ms. Lutton said yes, a list is in the packet.  [End Agenda Memo] Stephanie Lutton, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed this item. Commissioner Gillespie asked if we know what will be planted. Ms. Lutton said yes, a list is in the packet. Our horticulturist has been involved in this decision. Commissioner Gillespie asked about irrigation. Ms. Lutton said that irrigation has been installed. James Slaton, City Manager, explained that approximately five years ago, the city requested landscaping from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a specific area. FDOT agreed but stipulated that the city would be responsible for maintaining the landscaping. Essentially, the city now has the opportunity to install the desired landscaping with FDOT's approval, and the city will assume full maintenance responsibilities afterward. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked if they paid for the landscaping. Mr. Slaton confirmed that they did, we just have to maintain it. 5. Harper Estates Final Plat – Phase II [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Heritage Investments of Polk II LLC, owner, requests approval of the Harper Estates Final Plat Phase II. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the Phase II Final Plat. Neither a recommendation from the Planning Board, nor a public hearing is necessary for approval of a final plat. Provided the plat meets all of the requirements of state statutes and local ordinances, approval by the City Commission is a formality. BACKGROUND The subject property is located west of US Highway 27 and south of Mountain Lake Cutoff Road. The subdivision Harper Estates, formerly known as K & M Groves, was approved in May of 2021 by Planning and Zoning Board for a 67-lot single-family Preliminary Subdivision Plat and a Special Exception Use Permit for a Residential PDP. City Commission approved this PDP with conditions of approval and waivers of strict compliance in June of 2021. Construction plans for the site were designed in two phases. Harper Estates Phase 1, consisting of 29 single-family lots, was approved by City Commission in July of 2023. All outstanding infrastructure improvements for the site have been completed and the remaining 38 lots will be platted within Phase 2. FISCAL IMPACT Approval of the final plat enables the construction of 38 new single-family homes. Conservatively estimating a taxable value of $200,000 per unit, it could potentially result in over $7.6 million in taxable value, and generate an estimated $54,900 in ad valorem taxes. *Adjusted values for potential homesteaded properties have not been factored into this estimate. [End Agenda Memo] Autumn Cochella, Growth Management, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked if this was part of Winter Haven Corporation. Ms. Cochella said no, this used to be called K&M Groves. 6. Ordinance 2024-17 Petition To Amend The Ridgecrest Community Development District (CDD) – 1st Reading And Public Hearing [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Ordinance 2024-17 proposes the establishment of the Ridgecrest Community Development District (hereinafter referred to as the “CDD”), as petitioned by Ridgecrest of Lake Wales, LLC. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval at first reading, and adoption after second reading of [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Ordinance 2024-17 proposes the establishment of the Ridgecrest Community Development District (hereinafter referred to as the “CDD”), as petitioned by Ridgecrest of Lake Wales, LLC. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval at first reading, and adoption after second reading of Ordinance 2024-17 following a public hearing. Public Hearing notice requirements have been met. A recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board is not required for the establishment of a CDD. BACKGROUND Ridgecrest is a 312.7-acre unimproved site south of Russell Avenue, west of 1st Street South, north of Hunt Brothers Road, and east of US Highway 27. The property has development approval from the City for a 1,020-unit single-family Planned Development Project (PDP). The development is currently in Site Development Permit review. The applicant originally petitioned for the establishment of a CDD in 2022 and was scheduled for hearings; however, the project was then temporarily put on hold by the applicant. In May of 2024, the applicant re- submitted the petition to establish the CDD as an “Amended and Restated Petition”. The boundary of the District is the same; changes to the original petition include the cost estimate, the construction timeline, and the name of the land owner. Staff reviewed the submittal for consistency with the “Uniform Community Development Act of 1980”, Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, which sets forth the exclusive and uniform method for establishing a community development district for the land area for which the CDD would manage and finance the delivery of basic services. The proposed petition meets the requirements of Chapter 190. The proposed Infrastructure Plan is listed below: District Infrastructure Construction Ownership Capital Financing Operation and Maintenance Offsite Improvements CDD FDOT & City (Roadways) City (Utilities) District Bonds FDOT & City (Roadways) City (Utilities) Stormwater Facilities CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Water, Sewer, Lift Stations CDD City District Bonds City Street Lighting / Conduit CDD CDD & Duke Energy District Bonds CDD & Duke Energy Roadways & Parking Areas CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Entry Feature & Signage CDD CDD District Bonds CDD Parks & Recreational Facilities CDD CDD District Bonds CDD OTHER OPTIONS Decline request to establish Ridgecrest CDD. FISCAL IMPACT Once the roads, water, and wastewater improvements are constructed at the developer’s expense, these facilities will be subsequently dedicated to the City for operation and maintenance and will create a long-term fiscal impact. The utility system is valued at approximately $10,404,000. Based on an average monthly utility bill of $70.00 per single-family home within city limits, the City may collect over $856,000 in utility bill fees annually within the Ridgecrest development. [End Agenda Memo] Autumn Cochella, Growth Management, reviewed this item. Deputy Mayor Gibson asked what facilities the CDD will be responsible for? Streets? Ms. Cochella confirmed streets yes and water and sewer. She reviewed the list. The internal roadways will be constructed, owned and maintained by the CDD. Commissioner Gillespie said a CDD is used to get public financing for development for roads and facilities. Is that part of the motivation here? Ms. Cochella confirmed this. Why does is this project appropriate for a  Ms. Cochella confirmed streets yes and water and sewer. She reviewed the list. The internal roadways will be constructed, owned and maintained by the CDD. Commissioner Gillespie said a CDD is used to get public financing for development for roads and facilities. Is that part of the motivation here? Ms. Cochella confirmed this. Why does is this project appropriate for a CDD? Ms. Cochella explained that city staff does not determine whether or not it's appropriate for a CDD. She explained that staff does a legal review to be sure it conforms to state statutes. She explained that the city has no local ordinance concerning CDD requirements. Commissioner Gillespie shared about the CDD in Lake Ashton. She said it is really an elaborate design if the community doesn't really need it. Ms. Coachella recommended that the commissioners pose these questions to the attorney of the project on Tuesday. She suspects that it is a funding mechanism for the construction of the infrastructure for the development. Albert Galloway Jr., City Attorney, confirmed that it is essentially a funding vehicle for the development. Ms. Cochella explained that this will be the 5th CDD in Lake Wales. 7. Board Appointments – Citizens And Police Community Relations Advisory Committee, [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. Appoint Katherine Nichols to a new term on the Citizens and Police Community Relations Advisory Board to expire 7/1/2026 BACKGROUND 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 2 vacancies Current Members: Andy Oguntola (Seat 1) 07/01/2023 – 07/01/2025 P+2 Tiffany 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 7/01/24 7/1/2026 P+1 Edward Palmer (appointed by police Chief) Applying for Reappointment – Narvell Peterson for a term to expire 7/1/2026; Applying for appointment: Katherine Nicholas has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026. Commissioner Thompson recommends this appointment. Michael Richards has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026.  Applying for appointment: Katherine Nicholas has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026. Commissioner Thompson recommends this appointment. Michael Richards has applied for a term to expire on 7/1/2026. 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. She said that Ms. Nichols cannot attend Tuesday, so this appointment can be deferred. Commissioner Gillespie said she has not met her and would like her to attend. There was consensus to defer this to a later meeting. 8. “Lake Wales Car Show” Special Event Permit [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of the Special Event Permit Application will allow the “Lake Wales Car Show” to host their event on the first Saturday of each month in the downtown area for the next year from October to April. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Special Event Permit application for the “Lake Wales Classic Car Show” to take place on the 1st Saturday of each month between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. beginning October 5, 2024 and ending April 5, 2025. 2. Approve the temporary closing of the Marketplace, Stuart Avenue from First Street to Scenic Highway, partial closure of S. Market Street from Stuart Avenue to Central Avenue and the temporary closing of the parking lot at the intersection of SR17 and Stuart Avenue (west side of SR17). BACKGROUND Mr. Larry Bossarte, Lake Wales Main Street Inc. submitted a Special Event Permit Application to continue holding the “Lake Wales Car Show” in the downtown area the first Saturday of each month beginning on October 5, 2025 and ending on April 5, 2025. The event hours would be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. which includes set up and take down. This event will showcase custom, classic and antique cars which will be located along Stuart Avenue. Musical entertainment and food vendors will be set up in the Marketplace and/or on a portion of S. Market Street between Stuart Avenue and Central Avenue. They are requesting the temporary closing of the parking lot at the intersection of SR17 and Stuart Avenue, closing of Stuart Avenue from First Street to SR17 and a portion of S. Market Street from Central Avenue to Stuart Avenue. The sponsor is responsible for all requirements for site preparation, site clean-up, food vendor licensing, and sanitary facilities. Proof of liability insurance will be provided to the City. In 2012, 2016, 2019, 2022 the Lake Wales Main Street was granted 3 year permits for the Car Show to continue until January 2025. There have been no problems associated with this event. OTHER OPTION Do not approve this special event permit application. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no cost to the city associated with this event. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 9. Heaven On The Ridge Fundraising Event On Saturday August 3, 2024. Special Event Permit Application [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this Special Event Application will allow the Legacy Kids Academy to host a  9. Heaven On The Ridge Fundraising Event On Saturday August 3, 2024. Special Event Permit Application [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS: Approval of this Special Event Application will allow the Legacy Kids Academy to host a Fundraising event on August 3, on Central Avenue. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Commission consider taking the following action: 1. Approve the Special Event Permit Application for the Heaven on the Ridge Fundraising event to take place on Central Avenue on Saturday August 3 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 2. Approve the request to close Central Avenue from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday June 15 from First Street to Wetmore Street. BACKGROUND The Legacy Kids Academy has submitted a special event application to host a fundraiser on Saturday August 3, 2024 on Central Avenue between 1st Street and Wetmore Street from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. This event will include food and other vendors. The sponsor has requested authorization to close the road at 8:00 a.m. 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 sponsor. [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. 10. BizLinc Discussion James Slaton, City Manager, reviewed the initial audit of the BizLinc contract, revealing deficiencies in quarterly reporting and technical assistance hour provision. He said that some of these issues were previously acknowledged by the Florida Development Corporation (FDC) with promises of improvement in the second year. The city is withholding the third year's payment pending the results of the second-year audit, which is currently underway. The Commission can consider options, including potential contract termination, while awaiting the full audit results. The Commission discussed whether to continue the contract with the Florida Development Corporation in light of the CFO's recent arrest for fraud and embezzlement. The focus shifted to evaluating the corporation's performance based on the contract deliverables, rather than the CFO's actions. The Commission agreed to determine if the corporation is fulfilling its contractual obligations before making a decision about the future of the contract. The commission consented to wait for the second-year audit before making any decisions about the contract. They agreed on the importance of requiring quarterly reports from the Florida Development Corporation and ensuring they are presented to the commission. The focus of the discussion was on the contractor's performance in meeting the contract's terms. 11. Resolution 2024-16 Comments And Petitions [Begin Agenda Memo] SYNOPSIS Resolution 2024-16 Comments and Petitions amends the procedure for Comments and Petitions during Commission Meetings. RECOMMENDATION Staff has no recommendation. If the Commission is in favor of these changes, it can adopt Resolution 2024-16 Comments and Petitions BACKGROUND In February 2023 the Commission adopted Resolution 2023-04 to establish policies addressing how the Comments and Petitions portion of the Commission Meeting would be handled. At a Petitions during Commission Meetings. RECOMMENDATION Staff has no recommendation. If the Commission is in favor of these changes, it can adopt Resolution 2024-16 Comments and Petitions BACKGROUND In February 2023 the Commission adopted Resolution 2023-04 to establish policies addressing how the Comments and Petitions portion of the Commission Meeting would be handled. At a recent meeting a recommendation was made to have two Comments and Petitions sections on the agenda. One, Comments and Petitions Agenda Items Only, is limited to agenda items on the City business portion of the agenda. This period would be for those citizens who wish to speak on items listed on the agenda. A second public comment portion would allow for citizens to discuss any topic of concern, called Public Forum. This approach is modeled after an agenda from Charlotte County. Here is the frame work proposed by Commissioner Gibson COMMENTS AND PETITIONS: 1. City Business. Opportunity for citizens toward the beginning of the meeting to assist the Commission during its deliberations with: • Comments on items appearing on the meeting’s agenda upon which the Commission is scheduled to vote; and • Suggestions for actions within the Commission’s scope of authority designed to make Lake Wales a bit better or more beautiful in the future. 2. Public Forum. Opportunity for citizens following the commissioner’s comments section to have a turn for comments of their own on a wide range of matters, which need not be relevant to City issues. • The matters can include those of which the speaker feels the general public should be aware. For example, past comments have been about issues concerning the United Nations, sustainability, climate change, religion, diversity, socialism, and the like. 3. General Rules. • Comments are limited to 5 minutes, one appearance at the podium per item, must be respectful, directed to the Chair and not to anyone in the audience, and may not include personal attacks or campaigns for public office. • Time limitations do not apply to city officials and professionals retained by the City when commenting concerning issues within the course and scope of their duties and responsibilities. OTHER OPTIONS Do not adopt the resolution or recommend other edits. FISCAL IMPACT none [End Agenda Memo] Jennifer Nanek, City Clerk, reviewed this item. Mayor Hilligoss asked if the 45-minute time limit for public comments will stay. Ms. Nanek confirmed that the 45-minute time limit will stay. The mayor also noted that the 5-minute limit for a speaker could be extended and there is no limit of appearances on items. Mayor Hilligoss expressed his reservations about taking this issue up. He said he feels like we are working this out fine. He does not like this and he would prefer to keep things as they are. Commissioner Gillespie agreed. She said that she thinks our meetings have been going along okay. This is addressing a problem that no longer exists and is overkill. Our policies should be content neutral. We cannot regulate public input based on what people want to say. Everything seems to be working okay. Mayor Hilligoss said that this revision doesn't regulate content but still he prefers to leave it alone. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed concerns about the current format of public comments at City Commission meetings. He described instances of disruptive behavior, personal attacks, and irrelevant cannot regulate public input based on what people want to say. Everything seems to be working okay. Mayor Hilligoss said that this revision doesn't regulate content but still he prefers to leave it alone. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed concerns about the current format of public comments at City Commission meetings. He described instances of disruptive behavior, personal attacks, and irrelevant speeches during public comment periods. He proposed a two-part format: 1. City Business-Focused Comments: Public comments directly related to agenda items would occur at the beginning of the meeting to inform commission decisions. 2. Public Forum: A dedicated time for general public comments, allowing citizens to address any topic, would be held at the end of the meeting. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the importance of maintaining order and civility during meetings while preserving citizens' right to free speech. He suggested that this format would better serve the city's business needs and provide a platform for public expression without disrupting the meeting's agenda. Commissioner Gillespie expressed opposition to the proposed changes to the public comment format. She emphasized the importance of public participation in government and the commission's responsibility to provide opportunities for citizens to voice their opinions. She expressed concerns about limiting public comments to the beginning of the meeting, arguing that it could discourage participation and potentially lead to longer meetings if citizens feel they cannot address issues until the end. The public forum might get too long at the end and she does not want to stay here all night on Commission nights. Deputy Mayor Gibson said we can put a time limit on this. Ms. Nanek confirmed that a time limit is in the proposed resolution. Commissioner Thompson expressed support for changing the public comment format. He cited instances of irrelevant and disruptive comments, such as political speeches and religious sermons, during the current public comment period. He said that separating public comments related to agenda items from general public comments would improve meeting efficiency and focus. Commissioner Thompson emphasized that the proposed change would not restrict free speech but would simply reorganize the comment period. He believes this adjustment is necessary to maintain order and civility during commission meetings. Commissioner Williams expressed support for the proposed change to the public comment format. He acknowledged potential challenges for the mayor in managing disruptive behavior but believes the benefits of the change outweigh the drawbacks. Williams shared personal experiences of being distracted by irrelevant public comments and believes the proposed format will allow commissioners to focus on agenda items. Deputy Mayor Gibson emphasized the role of the mayor in the proposed changes to public comments. He referenced the city charter and a past charter revision commission he chaired. The commission strengthened the mayor's role to provide stability to the city manager position and to establish the mayor as the city's civic leader. Gibson argued that the proposed changes align with this structure, requiring the mayor to have broad shoulders and make decisions on maintaining order during public comments. Commissioner Gillespie asked are we going to vote on this today or is this just this is a work session item for Tuesday? Deputy Mayor Gibson said today is a work session. Ms. Nanek reviewed the proposed text changes James Slaton, City Manager, asked a question about the city business portion of comments and petitions. He asked if it was the commission's intent for the public just to discuss agenda items or also bring up City business? Deputy Mayor Gibson said in his memo were two items for City business. One was items on the agenda and the other was anything that happens to do with city business that could be on the agenda in the future or people could come up and make suggestions as to what would help us do our jobs better. Ms. Nanek said that she could make that change and add the sentence from Deputy Mayor Gibson's memo. Suggestions for actions within the Commission’s scope of authority designed to make Lake Wales a bit better or more beautiful in the future. The commissioners discussed whether the mayor would have the authority to regulate the content of public  Ms. Nanek said that she could make that change and add the sentence from Deputy Mayor Gibson's memo. Suggestions for actions within the Commission’s scope of authority designed to make Lake Wales a bit better or more beautiful in the future. The commissioners discussed whether the mayor would have the authority to regulate the content of public comments. Commissioner Gillespie expressed concern about potential content restrictions, emphasizing citizens' rights to input. Deputy Mayor Gibson clarified that the mayor would not regulate content but would manage the timing and flow of public comments to ensure order and efficiency. The goal is to balance citizens' right to speak with the commission's ability to conduct city business effectively. Commissioner Thompson asked if the public forum portion would be before commissioner comments? Ms. Nanek said that would be up to the commission. Deputy Mayor Gibson said the commissioner's comments should be last. Other Commissioners consented to this. Ms. Nanek said she would make that modification. Commissioner Gillespie asked if we would still use the sign-in forms for Citizens to comment? Ms. Nanek confirmed that we would. Everyone would have to fill one out, say what they wish to talk about and the Mayor will sort them. Commissioner Gillespie emphasized the importance of following the Sunshine Law and giving people a chance to speak before the agenda item is heard. Deputy Mayor Gibson agreed that that is important. Commissioner Gillespie said that it is important to hear from the people that it is their City. They elected us and they live here. Deputy Mayor Gibson said that everybody will have an opportunity to speak. It is critically important. Commissioner Thompson expressed support for changing the public comment format. He emphasized that the current format often allows for irrelevant and time-consuming comments, such as political speeches and historical lectures, which hinder the commission's ability to focus on city business. He believes that separating public comments related to agenda items from general public comments would improve efficiency and allow the commission to address citizen concerns more effectively. Commissioner Thompson also expressed personal frustration with the current format, stating that irrelevant comments can be emotionally draining and counterproductive. Commissioner Gillespie opposed the proposed change to the public comment format. She argued that most cities have open public forums as they are legally required to do. She expressed concern that limiting public comments at the beginning of the meeting would restrict citizens' ability to speak freely and at their convenience. Commissioner Gillespie questioned the necessity of the proposed change, and said that it is an uncommon practice among other municipalities. Commissioner Thompson expressed support for the proposed change to the public comments format. He argued that the current format often includes irrelevant and time-consuming comments that distract from the commission's business. He believes that separating public comments related to agenda items from general public comments would improve efficiency and allow the commission to focus on its primary responsibilities. Thompson emphasized that the proposed change would not eliminate public comment opportunities but would simply reorganize them for better meeting management. Mayor Hilligoss asked the City Clerk to make the recommended changes and asked the commission if we wanted to vote on this on Tuesday. There was consensus to place this on the agenda. 12. CITY COMMISSION AND MAYOR COMMENTS Commissioner Gillespie said she strongly opposed the proposed changes to the public comment format. She emphasized that the focus should be on the citizens' right to participate, rather than the commissioners' potential discomfort with public comments. She said that the proposed changes would limit citizens' opportunities to express their views and could be seen as an attempt to reduce public participation. She said that the current format, while sometimes challenging, allows for greater citizen involvement and reflects the principles of democracy. She will not vote in favor of the change. Commissioner Williams addressed the concerns raised about the proposed change to the public comment format. He clarified that the intent is not to restrict citizens' speech but to reorganize the meeting for better  commissioners' potential discomfort with public comments. She said that the proposed changes would limit citizens' opportunities to express their views and could be seen as an attempt to reduce public participation. She said that the current format, while sometimes challenging, allows for greater citizen involvement and reflects the principles of democracy. She will not vote in favor of the change. Commissioner Williams addressed the concerns raised about the proposed change to the public comment format. He clarified that the intent is not to restrict citizens' speech but to reorganize the meeting for better efficiency and focus. Williams said that commissioners are also human and can be negatively impacted by emotional or irrelevant public comments, which can hinder their decision-making abilities. He argued that separating public comments related to agenda items from general public comments would create a more productive meeting environment without infringing on citizens' rights to express their views. Commissioner Thompson expressed support for the proposed change to the public comment format. He emphasized the importance of focusing on city business during commission meetings and said that irrelevant public comments can be distracting and time-consuming. He believes that separating public comments related to agenda items from general public comments would improve efficiency and allow the commission to better address citizen concerns. Thompson acknowledged that the proposed change may not please everyone but believes it's necessary to improve the effectiveness of commission meetings. He said he would vote yes. Commissioner Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. He praised the progress made in the area, particularly the improvements on Park Avenue and the potential impact of the $22.9 million investment. Commissioner Thompson said he was optimistic about the future of downtown Lake Wales and acknowledged the hard work of those involved in the revitalization projects. James Slaton, City Manager, said the work on the northwest area sidewalk project will start soon. He is working on coordinating a groundbreaking ceremony prior to that so stay too I meant to say that it's been a long time coming but we're finally there were a month away from beginning construction. Deputy Mayor Gibson expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of the upcoming downtown revitalization projects. He highlighted the opportunity for the CRA to become a model for other communities through the successful implementation of these projects. Gibson emphasized the importance of careful management of the increased funding to maximize benefits for the community. Deputy Mayor Gibson said he is proud in the commission's discussion to establish a public forum for citizens. He emphasized that this decision would formally recognizes citizens' right to free speech and provides a platform for them to express their views. Deputy Mayor Gibson said this change will positively impact the community and contribute to a more transparent and engaged government. Mayor Hilligoss said he has mixed feelings about the proposed changes to the public comment format. He said there are potential benefits of the change in expanding public participation but also expressed concerns about the potential challenges it may create for managing commission meetings. He indicated that he would give the proposal further consideration before the next commission meeting. Mayor Hilligoss said he agrees that Park Avenue looks good and is enthusiastic for the future. 13. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. _____________________ Mayor ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________ City Clerk