OFASTA UNT  TOWN OF ASTATULA MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES  REGULAR: SESSION TOWN HALL  TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2022  Having been duly advertised as required by law, Mayor Mack called the Regular Session meeting  to order at 6:35pm. He gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Members Present: Mitchell Mack, Mayor Stephen Cross, Vice-Mayor Gayle Sikkema Orita Issartel Zane Teeters  StaffPresent: Graham Wells, Town Clerk Wally Hoagland, Police Chief  Roll Call was performed, and it was determined that a quorum was present.  CITIZENS QUESTIONS AND COMMENT  Karen Smith of13332 Orange Blossom Street asked Councilwoman Issartel what the real reason was that the council meetings were moved from Monday to Tuesday. Ms. Issartel replied that Monday was a very busy time for her. Ms. Smith asked if Clerk Wells had asked for it to be changed, which she denied. Ms. Smith then stated that she had asked her at a previous meeting ifshe was paid for being a council member to which she replied, and Vice-Mayor Cross replied Neither Councilwoman Issartel nor Vice-Mayor cross could remember being asked the question whether or not that they were paid at any prior meeting. Ms. Issartel added that knowing she was paid, why would she say that she wasn't? Clerk Wells asked which meeting this had taken place at as he listens to the entire recording when doing the minutes and cannot recall the question ever being raised. There were two sets ofr minutes still tol be completed and he said that Ms. Smith'sp point was thati ifa question was asked that council members answer them truthfully. She said that she had heard that the reason the meeting was changed to Tuesday's was that Mr. Wells could take up a position on the Council at Howey in the Hills. The Mayor stated that he had spoken to Clerk Wells about the change and felt that it should have been brought up at the Judy Tice of 13240 Kansas Ave said that she supported Ms. Smith's statement and although she was not] present, stated that the question was asked atthe meeting that the Mayorand Clerk were absent, which was August 8, 2022. Jane Whaley deputized for the Clerk that night. Clerk Wells said that he would listen to the recording of the August 8 and let Karen know ift the question was  absolutely not, but Ms. Smith said that they are paid.  he would listen to them to see ift the question was asked at either of them.  meeting.  asked or ifit wasn't.  Town of Astatula Meeting Minutes September 13, 2022 Page 1of6    Mr. Vic Stone of 24737 Madison Street said that he had some questions that he would like answers to. His question was directed to the Clerk and asked whether it was true that the day was changed sO that he could take up a position on the council in Howey in the Hills. The Clerk responded that it was partially true. He had spoken to the Mayor about it as previously the question had been raised, and at that time, four council members were in favor of the change, but the Mayor was not because ofHistory and Tradition and therefore no action was taken. There was currently an opportunity or possibility that Mr. Wells would run for council in Howey but that was quashed as the attorney had informed him that he could not take that position if elected as he would be a dual office holder because of being the Clerk in Astatula. He added that he had not made any decision to run for council, but ifthe day was not changed then he couldn't Mr. Stone asked ift the Clerk served on any of the boards or committees in Howey as it would be double dipping on pay. Clerk wells assured him that although he did not currently serve, he had served on three committees in a volunteer (unpaid) capacity and that any interest in serving on the council had nothing to do with money. At this point the Mayor closed the public comment  even ifhe chose to.  and question period. AGENDA REVIEW  The Mayor requested to table item 5 of new business. Vice-Mayor Cross made the motion,  seconded by Councilwoman Sikkema and unanimousyapproves.  PUBLICI HEARING  CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2022-14TO INCREASE THEANNUAL COST OF COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE FOR EACH RESIDENTIAL DWELLING' TO$241.86 The Mayor opened public comment. Mr. Stone talked about the increases that he was experiencing on electricity and sO many other items. He did not agree with increasing the garbage rate and that the council should look out for the residents of the town and tell GFL, no. Ifthey don't like it, then the town can go to any ofthe other carriers and negotiate a better rate. The Mayor closed public comment and gave an overview ofthe currentsituation with the carrier and their issues with their recycling partner. He said that he had talked to the county about an alternative carrier should GFL decide to withdraw from the current contract with the town. He added thatt thet townl had notraised the ratet tot the residents fort the last threey yearsandconfirmed The town has already committed to the increase requested by GFL and this vote is whether to pass the increase on to the residents. The new rate willl be $20.51 and the rate at the county has gone up to $24.00 per month for a once-a-week collection. Councilwoman Sikkema said that the council does not take these decisions lightly, but the alternative would be more costly. Vice- Mayor Cross made a motion to read the title, seconded by Councilwoman Sikkema and unanimously approved. The Mayor read the title and Section1A,B&Cand: requested a motion  PER UNIT FORFY2022-23.  that the increase was $11.45 per household for the year.  toa approve.  Town of Astatula Meeting Minutes September 13, 2022 Page 2of6    MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve Resolution 2022-14; SECONDED by  Councilwoman Sikkema Al Roll Call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Teeters Issartel Mack  YES YES NO YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 4-0  Att this] point, thel Mayor called a recess tot the meeting at 7:30 pm and the metingreconvenedat  7:35 pm. NEW BUSINESS  CONSIDERATIONANDAPPROVALTO HIRE] MELOYESTOFILOPENK OFFICE POSITIONS. The Mayor explained that one position was to replace Jennifer as administrative assistant who left several months ago to have al baby. The other position is to replace Jane whaley who is sett to retire at the end of the month. The clerk interviewed all the candidates who applied and the position for the administrative assistant has been offered to Jennifer's sister Suzi Waters who will workthe: same number ofhours: and days and at thes same rate as emmifer.didjemniferwould One oft the other applicants wanted more hours and it was felt had the necessary abilities to be able to take over thej permitting from) Jane. She does nothave any experience but after two weeks with) Jane should be able tol learn sufficient to keep the department running. Both applicants had a second interview with the Police Chief, and he believed that they are both a good fit for the positions. The Clerk in Howey had seventeen responses to his advert on Indeed to fill the same There was a discussion on whether the compensation for staff should be set each time a new individual was hired as Councilman Teeters believe that the Charter states, "The Council shallset the compensation for all town employees." Compensation includes salary and all benefits. The Clerk and other members of thel board interpret it that compensation levels which arei itemized, are set at the time the budget is approved. Hence the Clerk or Chief have the authority to negotiate the hire ofr new employees, but which is still subject to the approval lofcouncil. Councilman Teeters did not agree and at 8:05 pm walked out oft the meeting.  come in for two days next week tot train her.  permitting clerk position and not one had any experience.  The Mayor went over the hours and compensation for the Building Services Clerk. This was $17.00 per hour for 32 hours per week plus the FRS retirement which is mandatory for all The applicant was offered health insurance as per the town's policy which she declined as she had coverage on her husband's policy, albeit, health insurance is part of the compensation if requested. The mayor requested a motion to create this new position and the compensation.  employees.  Towno ofAstatulal Meeting Minutes September 13,2 2022 Page 3of6    Ar motion was made by Vice-Mayor Cross to create the position as stated, seconded by Councilwoman Issartel, and unanimously approved by roll call vote, 4-0. The second position is for an Administrative Assistant for 24 hours per week at ar rate of$15.00 per hour. FRS retirement is included but there was no requirement to offer health insurance as iti is under the 25-hours per week minimum set by the federal government. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor Cross to create the position as stated, seconded by Councilwoman Issartel, and unanimously: yapproved by roll call vote, 4-0. The next order of business was to authorize the Clerk to confirm the offer employment to the An motion was made by Vice-Mayor Cross to authorize the Clerk to confirm the position of Building Services Clerk to Tracy Stephenson, seconded by Councilwoman Sikkema and A motion was made by Councilwoman Sikkema to authorize the Clerk to confirm the position of Administrative Assistant to Suzi Waters, seconded by Vice-Mayor Cross and Vice-Mayor Cross stated that it is the responsibility of the three department heads, the Clerk, Police Chiefand Public' Works Director for the dayt to day running oft the town which includes the hiring of new employees to fill vacant positions. The final approval for the new hire rests with FIRSTREADING OF ORDINANCE2022-27 ADOPTINGANEW COMPENSATION SCHEDULE. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ASTATULA, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE MONTHLY PAY FOR THE TOWN MAYOR TO BE EFFECTIVE ON OCTOBER 1, 2022; PROVIDING FOR The Mayor thanked the council for their respect and consideration in putting forward the increase in his stipend. The Clerk emphasized that this increase is recompense only for the execution of the duties and responsibilities of being the Mayor of Astatula and does not in any way constitute payment for any ofthe work that he does for the town. Vice-Mayor Cross made a motion to read by title only, seconded by Councilwoman Sikkema and unanimously approved. MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to send Ordinance 2022-20 to second reading; SECONDED  applicants that have been selected.  unanimously approved,4-0.  unanimously: approved,4-0.  the council.  SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVEDATE.  The mayor read the title and requested a motion.  by Councilwoman Sikkema A Roll Call vote was taken. Cross Sikkema YES Issartel Mack MOTION CARRIED 4-0  YES YES YES  Town ofA Astatulal Meeting Minutes September 13, 2022 Page 4of6    CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO PAVE THE INTERSECTION OF WOODLAND DRIVE AND ORANGEBLOSSOMSTREET CAND INTERSECTIONOFI NAONSTANDDAMAHEAV: The Mayor spoke of the need to repair and resurface the intersection at Woodland Drive and Orange Blossom Street which was beyond patching and while the contractor was mobilized, he was quoted to resurface an area on Nixon St and Delaware Ave. He said that this contractor was the low bidder on a previous paving project which is why there were not three bids, The quote from Mid Florida Paving & Sealcoating Inc was in thel ballpark ofthe amount presented to council at the last meeting. The payment would be from the' Transportation Fund and would come out of MOTION by' Vice-Mayorto: approve the appropriation of $35,000 forroad maintenance as  next year's budget.  stated; SECONDED by Councilwoman Sikkema.  Al Roll Call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Mack  YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED4-0 ATACOST OF$7.500.  RETROACTIVE APPROVAL TO PURCHASE! 30LOADS OF DIRTTO FINISH THE BALL FIELD MOTION by Vice-Mayor to approve the purchase of30 loads of dirt to finish the ball field  atacostofs7,500; ;SECONDED by Councilwoman Sikkema.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Mack  YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 4-0  BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORT REVIEW  The Clerk had not had opportunity to review the finance report for July in detail but went over the highlights and stated that as er were coming to the end of the financial year, a budget amendment to correct any spending over budget, would be brought to council in November.  The Bank balances on July 31, 2022 are shown below.  General Fund: Impact Fees: Transportation Fund: Infrastructure Fund: Enterprise Fund: Cash Drawer:  511,737.64 50,407.59 70,435.96 20,211.13 6,938.36 150.00  Town of Astatula Meeting! Minutes September 13, 2022 Page 5of6    STAFF REPORTS  Town Attorney - Heather. Ramos - ABSENT Police Department- - Chief Hoagland - NONE Town Clerk - Graham Wells - NONE Public Works - Wally Hoagland  The Chief was actively trying to recruit a new public works technician to replace Brad Whaley and wanted councils' approval to negotiate thel hiret the new employee at: a wage ofu up to $20.00 per hour plusl health insurance depending on their: skills and abilities for 321 hours per week. Mr. Cross made that motion but as this was not: an agenda item it was just taken as a straw poll. All  members were in favor.  COUNCIL DEPARTMENT & COMMITTEE LIAISON REPORT  Finance - Councilman Cross - NONE Public Works - Mayor. Mack-I NONE  Public. Safety/Code. Enforcement t- Councilwoman Sikkema NONE Office - LDR's, Ordinances, Legal, Grants- - Councilman Teeters - NONE Economic Development - Councilwoman Issartel- -N NONE a. Items for Workshops and possible dates - NONE b. Items put forward for the next Council meeting- NONE COUNCIL MEMBER MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS -N NONE  REVIEW  Review ofi items needing Special Meetings and possible dates - NONE  ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:44pm.  Respectfullys submitted,  Mitchell Mack, Mayor ATTEST: D - Chon  Graham Wells, Town Clerk  Town ofA Astatulal Meeting Minutes September 13, 2022 Page 6of6