CITY OF LABELLE  Cityof) CLaBelle  MINUTES  City Commission Regular Meeting Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 5:30 PM LaBelle Commission Chambers 481 West Hickpochee Avenue LaBelle, Florida 33935 CITY COMMISSION: Julie C. Wilkins., Mayor Dainel Akin, Commissioner Jackie Ratica, Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, Commissioner Hugo Vargas, Commissioner ADMINISTRATION: Lisa Awbrey, Acting Deputy City Clerk Derek Rooney, Esq., City Attorney Mitchell Wills, Superintendent PW    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 2 of7  MINUTES  A. CALLTOORDER  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wilkins at 5:30: PM. B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Commissioner Vargas led the invocation, Commissioner Spratt led the Pledge of Allegiance.  C. ROLL CALL PRESENT Mayor. Julie C. Wilkins Commissioner Dainel. Akin Commissioner Jackie Ratica Commissioner Bobbie Spratt Commissioner Hugo Vargas City Attorney Derek Rooney Acting Deputy City Clerk Lisa Awbrey  1. RANKING OF RFQ2024- - 02-1 Engineering Services for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Funding, Design, and Construction Administration Mayor Wilkins informed the commission that RFQ 2024-02 Ranking will be moved down on Mr. Rooney requested the consideration of pulling two additional items for discussion and to 1. Item 3a Non-Public Hearing Agenda Item regarding the ladder truck request. Additional 2. Consent Item B Planning contract with RVil Planning. This contract was originally drafted in 2018 but was not executed by the city. We are proposing revisions to reflect Motion moved by Commissioner, Ratica to approve the agenda with changes, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins called for questions. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). Voting Kea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner, Ratica, Commissioner Spratt,  Services  the agenda ahead oft thel Related Business by Commissioners. defer another matter. These items are as follows: details are being finalized with Chief Stevens. changes in the company's name and other terms.  Commissioner Vargas 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS  3. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS FOR CONSIDERAION  (This section ofthe agenda allows for comments from the public to speak. Each speaker will be given ai total ofthree (3) minutes to comment. A public comment card should be completed andi returned to the City Clerk. When you are called to speak, please go to the podium or unmute. your device, and prior to addressing the Commission, state your name and address for  the record. Limited to 15 minutes per item.)    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 3 of7  a) Ladder Truck Request (item removed) b) Singleton Building to Special District  Mr. Stephen Lynn requested the transfer of the Singleton building rentals to the jurisdiction of the Special Districts. Under this proposed arrangement, our department will continue to oversee the maintenance oft both the building and its grounds, ensuring. they remain in optimal condition. The primary change would involve the management and administration of rentals, which would transition to the oversight oft the Special Districts. Wel believe this transfer will streamline operations and enhance efficiency while maintaining the high standards of service Mayor Wilkins inquired ifMr. Stephen was referring to the county's special districts, as the City does not currently have its own special districts established. A discussion ensued. Motion moved by Commissioner Ratica to approve the transition ofrentals to the Special District, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins called for questions. Motion Voting Kea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt,  expected from our department.  passed unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Vargas  4. PUBLIC COMMENT ONJ NON-AGENDA, ITEMS (Limited to three (3) minutes per person)  Marcus Mitchel (resident) inquired about the city waiving fees for the Black Heritage Festival. The City Commission deliberated on the matter of waiving fees for various events and reached a consensus that if fees are waived for one organization, equitable practice dictates that the same Jonh Prosser (resident) expressed concerns with septic to sewer project on his property. Mr. Mitchell Wills (Superintendent of Public Works) informed the commission that hel had a conversation with Mr. Prosser. It was noted that no one. had been to his property as he was not at home, resulting in his property not being restored. Regarding the ditch crossings, he assured him Mr. Wills didi not believe it necessary to report every action het take to Mr. Prosser as he's accountable to the City Commission. He advised Mr. Prosser willl be informed when our team arrives at your property, as previously discussed. Regarding the ongoing work, wel havea contractor inj place, and I will notify you upon completion. Some oft the issues you have mentioned do not directly pertain to your concerns, specifically the yard restoration and water connection. A  consideration must be extended to all organizations.  they would be addressed by Monday.  discussion ensued.  5. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION and placed on the regular agendaj forj further discussion.)  (Any commissioner or citizen may request to have an item removed from the consent agenda a) Approval ofDrinking Water State Revolving Fund Planning And Design Loan Agreement  LS260370  b) Approval ofRVi) Planning Contract    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 4 of7  c) March Check Register d) Approval ofMinutes  August 31, 2023 Budget Workshop/Special Meeting October 12, 2023 Commission Meeting November 9, 2023 Local Planning Agency Meeting November 9, 2023 Commission Meeting April 11, 2024 RFQI Ranking Special Meeting April 11,2024 Commission Meeting April 15, 2024 RQF Ranking Special Meeting  e) Approval of Staff Reports:  HCSO-LL.Hudson Firel Department - Brent Stevens Building Department - Mark Lynch Codel Enforcement - Zane Mungillo Finance - Gracie Morton  Commissioner Vargas advised there was a discrepancy in the minutes stating Commissioner Ratica was absent then stating she made ai motion within the minutes of August 31, 2023 Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to approve the Consent Agenda Items with the removal of Item b and Item d, Motion seconded by Commissioner Vargas. Mayor Wilkins Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Commissioner Vargas raised a query regarding the Hendry County Sheriff's Office Report Lieutenant Allan Hudson addressed Commissioner Vargas's concerns, specifically focusing on crime rates and vehicle burglaries. He reported ai total of 97 citations issued by the two deputies assigned to the city. Lt. Allan emphasized that 90% oft the day deputies' efforts are dedicated to Commissioner Vargas further requested that speeding data bei included in the report, sparking a  Workshop.  called for questions. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Spratt, Commissioner Vargas indicating a doubling of property crimes.  patrolling within the city limits.  subsequent discussion among the commission members.  RANKING OF RFQ2024- - 02-1 Engineering Services for Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Funding, Design, and Construction Administration Mr. Rooney provided a concise summary of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the Engineering Group's services encompassing areas such as water, wastewater, stormwater, and design-to-construction throughout the state. City staffh has identified 27 projects from our list of essential needs to comply with the) Florida Competitive Negotiation Act. For each project, we are required to solicit services. Engineering firms have submitted their proposals, which will be evaluated and ranked based on their qualifications, experience, and capability toj perform.  Services    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 5 of7  Mr. Rooney announced the process for ranking thet top three firms for each project. Upon completing this evaluation, we will: initiate contract negotiations with the highest-ranked firm. It's important to note that, under this process, cost is not the primary consideration. Ifn negotiations with thet top-ranked firm do not result ini mutually acceptable terms fort the city, we will proceed to negotiate with the second and third-ranked: firms. This approach ensures flexibility and the ability to secure competent services even ifthe primary firm becomes unavailable due to acquisition or operational challenges over aj potential five-year span before funding for a specific project becomes The City ofLaBelle City Commission has commenced the ranking. process for RFQ 2024-02. Mr. Rooney began tabulating the ranking sheets while the commission proceeded with city Mayor Wilkins informed the Commission that staff had forwarded resumes of candidates for the positions of Financial Director and City Clerk. Regarding the City Clerk position, two interviews were: scheduled. However, the second candidate did not attend thei interview nor provided any Mayor Wilkins continued, informing the commission that she attempted to contact her, but received no response. Moving on to the first candidate, as previously discussed, she demonstrated thorough preparation by reviewing our website and familiarizing herselfwith our city charter. She brought forward insightful ideas and posed pertinent questions about our operations. She advised that she would be a strong candidate because, unlike our previous clerk who was learning the role, Tia, the candidate in question, holds the esteemed Master Clerk certificate, which reflects years of Mayor Wilkins advised Tiai is currently pursuing her Master's in Public Administration, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in Management, among other qualifications listed in her resume. Given that you all have reviewed her credentials. Therefore, she proposes Tia as her recommendation for the City Clerk position. She opened the: floor for any comments or concerns they may have regarding her recommendation. A discussion ensued among the Commission members regarding the City Clerk position, including considerations related to salary. Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to approve hiring Tia as the City Clerk with the 180 days probationary period, Motion seconded by Commissioner. Ratica. Mayor Wilkins called for Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner, Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, Mayor Wilkins informed the commission that interviews had been scheduled. and conducted for the candidates. City staffinterviewed one candidate, and we also conducted an interview with the other candidate. Out oft the 19 applications received, these two emerged as the most qualified. She explained he really impressed everyone during the interviews. He excelled in all aspects and demonstrated a deep understanding of the city's needs, Mayor Wilkins discussed with him the concern of being overqualified, considering his extensive experience in city manager roles that also included responsibilities as a finance director. He clarified that he seeks stability, as city and county manager positions often have short tenures due toj political factors. He expressed a desire for al long-term commitment where he can eventually retire. Mayor Wilkins raised a question regarding Ms. Gracie's potential for remote work. Subsequently, a discussion ensued regarding her responsibilities and the feasibility of remote arrangements. A discussion ensued regarding the candlidate'sexperience, educational background, and salary considerations.  available.  business.  communication or explanation for her absence.  experience and dedication int the field.  questions. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Commissioner Vargas    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 6of7  Mayor Wilkins read the total ranking into the record (attached Award. Recommendation).  7. CITYRELATED BUSINESS BY COMMISSIONERS  Commissioner Ratica proposed that in situations such as those involving the fire department, the truck, and upcoming issues with animal control, there should be joint meetings between the city and county. This collaborative approach is essential because both entities share responsibility. She advised if we agree unilaterally and the county does not, we could face challenges with projects and their management. Therefore, she believes it would bej prudent to schedule a special joint meeting between the city and county specifically for these matters. This will ensure alignment and avoid any potential misunderstandings or discrepancies between our decisions. Commissioner Spratt raised a concern, informing everyone that since she joined the board, she's been surprised that directors aren't mandated to attend commission meetings. It seems department heads should be present as we: may need their input when unforeseen issues arise. A discussion Commissioner Spratt reported on her attendance at the recent library board meeting, expressing admiration for the innovative ideas discussed. "I shared some ofthese ideas with Mitch, and he will bec contacting Danny Nelson to explore potential collaborations," she informed the commission. Commissioner Vargas commended the Hendry County Sheriff's Office for their efforts in closing illegal operations within our city, which were not conducive to our community's welfare. These establishments did not bring in the type of businesses we want, even though they were legal. He advised he received significant feedback, especially regarding our city's initiatives. In addition, he participated inj property appraiser forums to engage with residents concerned about taxes, although he was disappointed by the low turnout. He expressed some concerns from a restaurant owneri in  ensued.  referencei to the FOG Program.  Mr. Wills inquired about moving forward with GH &IZones.  Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to approve to move) forward with GH &. IZones, Motion seconded by Commissioner Ratica. Mayor Wilkins called for questions. Motion passed Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, Mr. Wills asked for guidance or directions in reference to the 4th of] July fireworks. A discussion Motion moved by Commissioner. Akin to approve committing up to $10,000 to match the county, Motion seconded by Commissioner Ratica. Mayor Wilkins called for questions. Motion passed Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt,  unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Vargas ensued.  unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Vargas  Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to adjourn the meeting, Motion seconded by Commissioner Ratica. Mayor Wilkins called! for questions. Motion, passed unanimously (5-0). Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt,  Commissioner Vargas    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY May 9, 2024  Page 7 of7  There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Wilkins adjourned the meeting at 9:57PM.  Mayor  GAeNe  as ATTEST: Tijauna Warner, MMC, City Clerk