CITY OF LABELLE FEBRUARY 8, 2024  REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING  CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Daniel Akin. Commissioner Jackie Ratica was absent. 1. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT  Mayor Wilkins called the regular commission meeting to order at 5:58 p.m. Aroll call was taken. Members present were Commissioner Hugo Vargas, Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, Mayor Julie Wilkins, and  a. FINAL READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2023-26, MNESTORAGELAND  Attorney Derek Rooney read the ordinance title block into the record.  Josephine Medina, consultant planner for the City ofLaBelle presented the proposed ordinance on behalfof The Commission discussed the proposed ordinance amendment for the mini-storage land development code. After Ms. Medina reviewed the ordinance adjustments, which included updating building design standards and other supplementary requirements for future mini-storage projects, the Commission proceeded to  staff.  approve the final reading oft the proposed ordinançe.  A motion to approve the proposed Ordinance 2023-26) for the mini storage land development code amendment was made by Commissioner Vargas and seconded by Commissioner, Akin.  The motion carried unanimously 4-0.  b. FIRST READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2023-27 BEDOLLA RENTALS REZONE  Attorney Derek Rooney read the ordinance title block into the record.  Alexis Crespo, consultant planner for the City explained why the property was only eligible for one single- family home due toi its size according to the Future Land Use Map. She noted that it would be considered spot zoning. She explained that the zoning, and comprehensive plan for the area needed tol be reviewed and The Commission examined the first reading of the proposed ordinance 2023-27 çoncerning Bedolla Rentals' request for rezoning. The discussion included the potential impact of rezoning on the local community and Ms. Crespo also noted that the proposed ordinance amending the mobile home code had stalled and needed Mayor Wilkins suggested a community workshop in the Ford and Sunset Community. It was decided to hold The Commission decided to delay action to gather more information and have further discussion at the  updated.  infrastructure. tol be revisited.  the workshop at the monthly Community meeting on the second Monday of March.  Community meeting before the second reading.  1    A motion to, postpone the second reading of the proposed Ordinance 2023-27 until further discussion at the Community Workshop was made by Commissioner Vargas and seconded by Commissioner Spratt.  There was no public comment. The motion carried unanimously 4-0.  C. 100S.MAIN STREET (RED ROOSTERIVARIANCERESOLUTON202A01  Josephine Medina explained that the applicant was seeking a five-foot front street setback variance for an accessory roof structure that was already built without a building permit. She stated that staff recommended The Commission deliberated the implications of approving the variance after the roof structure had been A motion to deny the variancè request due to the applicant not being present was made by Commissioner  approval and noted the conditions of approval.  built without a permit.  Vargas and seconded by Commissioner Akin. There was no, public comment.  The motion carried 4-0.  d. RESOLUTION 2024-02 FEE SCHEDULEUPDAIES  Ms. Crespo summarized the changes to the fee schedules for Planning, Building, Zoning, and the Fire  Department.  A motion to approve. Resolution 2024-02 was made by CommissionerAkm and seconded by Commissioner Vargas seconded. the motion.  The motion carried 4-0.  2. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION a. FIREASSESSMENT VS. FIRE IMPACT] FEES DISCUSSION  The Commission engaged in an in-depth discussion with City Attorney Derek Rooney on whether to pursue af fire assessment or fire impact fee. The merits and drawbacks ofl both options were considered, focusing on how each would impact funding for fire services and the community's development. It was decided to gather Superintendent of Public Works Mitchell Wills told the Commission that the County had offered to pay fora Chief Brent Stevens ofLaBelle Fire Department gave an update on the fire station repairs and upgrades. He also updated the Commission on the location of the recently purchased fire truck. He asked for approval A motion to authorize Mayor Wilkins to execute the agreement after review by the Attorney, to have the  more: information before making a: final decision.  company toj present an impact fee study presentation to the City Commission.  from the Commission tol have a fire assessment study done by Fitch and Associates.  study done by Fitch and Associates was made by Commissioner Vargas  and was seconded by Commissioner. Akin. The motion carried 4-0.  b. ENGINEERING SERVICES LIBRARY REQUESTI FOR QUALIICATIONSI (RFQ)  Attorney Rooney and the Commission reviewed the scope ofs services, selection criteria, and ranking system tol bel listed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an engineering services library. It was agreed to issue the RFQ to solicit qualifications from engineering firms capable of providing various municipal engineering  services on an as-needed basis.  2    C. CAPITAL PROJECT ENGINEERING REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) Similarly, the Commission decided toi issue an RFQ for capital project engineering services to identify qualified firms for significant city projects, such as infrastructure upgrades and expansions.  Commissioner Spratt made ai motion to approve both RFQs to be issued.  Commissioner Vargas seconded. the motion.  The motion carried 4-0.  d. CITYTRAVEL AND PER DIEM FOR CITY COMMISSION AND EMPLOYEES POLICY Discussion around the adoption ofa ai new policy for city travel and per diem rates for City Commission and employees took place. The Commission highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and agreed to adopt and set per diem rates and hotel allowances based on the destination and nature oft the official travel. There was  also conversation oni revisiting the policy before budget time. e. WOODARD AND CURRAN YE2 TRUE UP INVOICE  The Commission evaluated the year-end true-up invoice presented by Glenn Burden of Woodard & Curran. After reviewing the overages detailed in the invoice and considering the company'slefforts to remain under budget for the current year, the Commission approved the payment oft the outstanding invoice. A motion was made by Commissioner-4kin to approve the payment ofthe W&C Y2 True Up Invoice and  was seconded by Commissioner Vargas. The motion carried 4-0.  f. 991 SUWANEE UTILITY LIEN FORGIVENESS REQUEST  Russell. Johnston told the Commission ofthe circumstances that led to the outstanding utility lien on the property at 991 Suwanee Avenue. He explained that he had a verbal agreement with someone at the County Clerk of Court's office to pay aj portion and the County would pay the remainder, but the Clerk's office was After considering the circumstances that led to the outstanding lien and the current property owner's due diligence, it was decided to pursue recouping the amount from County surplus funds before makinga decision on lien forgiveness. There was discussion on developing aj payment arrangement for Mr. Johnston  now withholding payment.  pending the results oft the pursuit.  3. PUBLICCOMMENT ONI NON-AGENDA ITEMS  There was: none. 4. CONSENT AGENDA the agenda to make a correction.  Commissioner Vargas requested to pull the September 7th, 2023, Workshop/Special Meeting minutes from The Commission approved the remainder of the Consent Agenda, which included the approval ofthe 23PLN115-City ofLaBelle Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment Task Order. This assessment is aimed ati identifying vulnerabilities within the city's infrastructure and developing strategies for mitigation. The motion to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda was made by Commissioner. Akin and  seconded by Commissioner Spratt. The motion carried 4-0.  3    SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE  The Superintendent of Public Works Mitchell Wills provided an update on various public works projects and initiatives. This update encompassed electrical upgrades, park maintenance, and the potential introduction of The Commission debated leaving the Christmas lights up: year-round in Barron Park. Kelly Boone spoke in  al locked dumpster in Barron Park toi improve waste management.  opposition to having the lights up all year.  The Commission agreed to the dumpster in Barron Park.  Megan Narehood spoke in favor ofleaving the lights up in the park all year round.  Commissioner. Akin made a motion to allow the Mayor to decide about leaving the lights up. The vote was, split. Commissioner Akin and Mayor Wilkins were in favor and Commissioner Spratt and  Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. Vargas were. not. The motion died due to lack ofa majority.  BUSINESS BY COMMISSIONERS  Commissioners shared updates and expressed concerns on various matters, including speeding enforcement in local neighborhoods, experiences from attending the Legislative Action Days in' Tallahassee, and the  ongoing importance ofl locking vehicles to prevent thefts.  Commissioner Spratt motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.  APPROVED:  Culul JULIEC. WILKINS, MAYOR  Attest:  GAnolaty JESSI AIBADCIERK  4