CITY OF LABELLE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING MAY 4,2023  CALLTO ORDER pledge of allegiance.  Mayor Wilkins called the regular May Commission meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. A roll call was taken. Members present were Commissioner Hugo Vargas, Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, Mayor. Julie Wilkins, Commissioner Jackie Ratica, and Commissioner Daniel Akin. Commissioner Vargas spoke the invocation. Commissioner Spratt then led the Deputy City Clerk Jessi Zubaty informed the Commission of additional items for the agenda to be heard after the public hearings. There were no objections to the additions. (Agenda additions are marked with *)  NON-FUBLICHEARING ITEMS CULVERS BUILDINGI LAYOUT  Alexis Crespo, thel Planner for the City ofLaBelle, explained that there was aj previously approved special exception for Culver's and they had now filed the site construction permit that depicted a drive-thru canopy on the site plan but wasn't listed int the special exception. She requested direction on whether the Commission would need to have another hearing to approve the canopy orifit can be considered approved through the approved Special Exception. Attorney Derek Rooney noted that the applicant could make the argument that they were entitled tot the canopy. Chris McGuire, representing the applicant, explained that there was a canopy with an overhang of four feet. He explained that customers would pull forward and park in order to receive their food. Hej provided ani image of another location that featured aj pitched roof canopy. After further discussion, the applicant agreed to the Commission's request oft the additional canopy andi it was determined that an additional special exception was not necessary. Mayor Wilkins proposed reviewing the residential portion of the code. Ms. Crespo clarified that she was only asking Mayor Wilkins explained that lot owners were allowed to put new or replacement mobile homes on their property in Ms. Crespo noted that residential design standards were: no longer allowed in conventional zoning districts. After further discussion on modular and mobile homes and the allowed locations for them, the Commission decided that the code did need to be reviewed and the revisions discussed during a future advertised public hearing. City ofl LaBelle. Animal Control Director, Doug Morgan addressed the Commission toi request permission to move forward with the process oft building a new animal shelter. There was discussion on the funds budgeted for engineering and design and that the work would need to be put out to bid and that the County would also contribute funds to build Commissioner Vargas described ar recent visit to the animal shelter and noted thati it was in dire need ofi repairs and Matt Morton, al licensed contractor gave his estimate of what the construction cost would be per square foot for the Commissioner Vargas suggested revisiting the interlocal with the County and updating the numbers ifi necessary.  Commissioner Spratt suggested an additional canopy over the food pickup window.  CODE SECTION 4-89] MOBILE: HOME: REPLACEMENT for direction on the referenced section at that time.  certain areas oft the City.  NEW ANIMAL CONTROL BUILDING  the new shelter.  replacement. He encouraged the other Commissioners to take at tour of the facility. new: facility. He noted that metal buildings usually came with engineered plans.    Attorney Rooney suggested that a design-build would most likely be the easier process. The Commission gave Mr. Morgan direction to move: forward with thej process. CLARKE ENVIRONMENTAL MOSQUITO MANAGEMENT CONTRACT  Gary Hull, Superintendent of Public Works explained to the Commission why the contracted company was necessary to control the mosquito population. He also noted that they would be on an' "as needed" basis. He asked to continue to do business with the company. There was discussion on the costs of the services, and the locations oft the applications.  Commissioner Ratica motioned to approve the agreement with Clarke.  Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. After brieffurther discussion on the costs, the motion carried. 5-0.  SOLID WASTE SERVICES REQUEST: FOR PROPOSAL/RFP) DISCUSSION  City Attorney, Derek Rooney Esq. explained to the Commission that the current contract for solid waste services expires in September of the current year and that he was. looking for direction on what extra services the Commission Mayor Wilkins and Commissioner Ratica expressed their desire for trash pick-up two times a week.  was looking for to add to thel Request for Proposals (RFP).  Attorney Rooney explained that there was a current shortage in CDL drivers and that the costs would increase whether Commissioner Spratt reminded the Commission that the constituents would be the ones toj pay for thei increase in costs. Leonard Enriquez spoke on recycling programs and noted that the public needed to be educated on recycling. He Attorney Rooney mentioned moving forward he could add something to the RFP about recycling. There was then a Megan Narehood, of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) addressed the Commission to discuss the potential dates for their Scarecrows on the Wharffundraiser. She provided a briefoverview oft the ministry program. She asked for Kelly Boone oft the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) noted that the scarecrows could stay out longer this year due to there not being Wharf Walk anymore. Her only concern was any conflict withi the Saturday After further discussion, it was suggested to have the eventi in October, and she was instructed to return once shel had  we stayed with our current vendor or went with ai new vendor.  suggested a drop-offbox for recycling. brief debate on the benefits of drop-offboxes. PUBLIC COMMENT ONNON-AGENDA ITEMS  suggestions for dates.  Markets held on the first Saturday oft the month during season. dates sett to apply for a Special Event application.  PUBLICHEARING. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS. ACTIONITEMS  Attorney Rooney noted that three of the next items were ofac quasi-judicial nature and then swore in members oft the  audience that would wish to speak on those items. BARRONI PARK SPECIAL EXCEPTION  Kelly Boone oft thel LDRC: madel her request for an extension of the current Special Exception allowing fori mobile food  trucks in Barron Park until May of2024 and to add Sundays to the allowed days.  2    Mayor Wilkins informed Mrs. Boone that only twos signs were permitted for the food trucks and that they were not There was discussion on thes success oft the food trucks and whether or not they affect the brick-and-mortar restaurants  permitted int the FDOT right of way ands should be kept within the park.  int the City.  There was no public comment.  Commissioner Vargas made a motion to approve the special exception.  Commissioner. Ratcia seconded. the motion. After further discussion about the hours ofuse, the motion carried 4-1. Mayor Wilkins was noti inj favor ofthe motion.  FINAL READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2022-13 KMJI INVESTMENTS) PUD  Attorney Rooney read the Ordinance title into the record. required tol hook up to City water and sewer.  Mayor Wilkins asked Ms. Crespo ift the project was intended to be on septic. Ms. Crespo clarified that they would be Ms. Crespo provided her staff report which stated that staff did not find the project consistent with the architectural  design standards.  There was brief discussion on access from State Road 80.  Timothy Keith noted codes that would affect the building of1 the project and he requested that the Commission preserve Gayle Perry noted her concern about the size and location of the lot. She then suggested other locations she felt were Bob Burns informed the Commission that his research found that there had been no formal permitting applied for by Matt Morton told the Commission that the project would be in his backyard, but from a commercial contractor Commissioner Spratt motioned to deny the proposed Ordinance based on compatibility and non-compliance with  the past when looking to the future. more suitable for al hotel.  the applicant from FDOT1 for the ingress and egress to the project. standpoint, he felt that there was not enough room for ai four-story hotel.  the current code. Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. After further discussion, the motion carried: 5-0.  FINAL READING OF PARKINGSPACE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT  PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2023-03  Attorney Rooney read the ordinance by title into the record. There was no discussion from the Commission or the public. spaces oft tenj percent be struck from the ordinance. Gary Hull, Superintendent of Public Works agreed.  Mayor Wilkins requested that the Superintendent of Public Work'sa administrative authority to approve ai reduction in  3    Attorney Rooney suggested that if an applicant wanted a reduction, it could be done through the variance process.  Commissioner Vargas motioned to approve Ordinance 2023-03 with the authority ofthe. Superintendentto  approve the ten percent reduction stricken. Commissioner Spratt seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5-0.  FINAL: READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2025-08-LIMITING THRU' TRUCK TRAFFIC Attorney Rooney read the ordinance by titlei into the record. He explained that the ordinance provided criteria to  designate certain areas by resolution for no-thru truck traffic. The Commission discussed certain roads that they wished to bei included. Attorney Rooney suggested adding designated canopy areas to the list.  There was conversation on how the Sheriff's Deputies would enforce the violations oft the ordinance. Deputy Escobedo oft the Hendry County Sheriff's Office gave an example ofa large truck that had taken Lee Street Selena Parrish informed the Commission that there were apps available for larger vehicles that show alternate routes and truckers should be utilizing those not just Google Maps because Google Maps doesn'ti take into account the size of Superintendent Gary Hull told the Commission that signage was already prepared and ready to be installed upon  due to Google maps directing him that way.  the vehicles.  approval of the ordinance.  Attorney Rooney once again noted to add designated canopy roads.  Commissioner Spratt motioned to approve Ordinance 2023-03 with the addition of designated canopy streets. FIRSTREADING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES 2023-04. 2023-05. 2023-06-RIDGDILL/ ANNEXATION. The Commission discussed their preference for the option with the commercial use located on Statel Road 80. Neale Montgomery informed the Commission that the planners and engineers had met and discussed the  Commissioner. Akin seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.  COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT. AND) PUD Attorney Derek Rooney read the ordinances by title into the record.  Commissioner's concerns from the previous meeting. calculations listed int the conditions.  There was brief conversation about the open space calculations. Ms. Crespo noted that there was clarification on the Mayor Wilkins expressed her concern for the capacity of the City's facilities to accommodate the project.  Commissioner Vargas motioned. to move the item toi the second reading.  Commissioner Spratt seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5-0.  FIRST READING OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE 2023-09 RELATINGTOGREASE TRAPS  Attorney Rooney read the ordinance by title into the record. He noted that they were still working on changes to the  enforcement portion of the ordinance.    Mayor Wilkins asked what the process would bei for establishments that could: not install grease traps. Glenn Burden the area: manager for Woodard and Curran informed the Commission that the Florida Plumbing and Attorney Rooney explained that in addition to fines, disconnection would also be used as enforcement for non- Mr. Hull discussed the need for developer agreements to aid in the funding ofi improvements to thei infrastructure. Discussion continued on the needed improvements tot the system and how to possibly fund them in the future.  Building Codes dictate the location and size ofag grease trap for each facility.  compliance.  Commissioner. Ratica motioned to move the item to second reading.  Commissioner Spratt seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5-0.  *TRUCK ACQUISITION FROM WOODARD AND CURRAN  Mayor Wilkins explained that the trucks had been purchased for Woodard and Curran, but since the City had resumed the duties oft the distribution department, Woodard and Curran was now selling thet trucks to the City. There was discussion on where the funds would come from toj purchase the trucks.  Commissioner Spratt motioned to approve the purchase oftrucks from Woodard and Curran.  Commissioner. Ratica seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5-0.  *APPROVALOF THE WASTEWATER EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN lagenda addition) Glenn Burden explained that the response plan was required ini response to the consent order the City was currently  under.  Commissioner Vargas motioned. to approve the emergency response plan.  Commissioner Spratt seconded. the motion. The motion carried 5-0.  There was ab briefrecess.  *CITY OF LABELLE SAFETY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION. that he did not recommend the repair or replacement oft the benches.  Zane Mungillo, President of the Safety Committee for the City ofLaBelle presented the recommendation oft the Committee that thel benches located in Barron Park in front oft the stage be removed due to safety infractions. He noted Kelly Boone of the LDRC informed the Commission that she was in agreement with the recommendation of the Safety Committee. There was then debate on the removal of all ofthe benches versus only the ones that were in disrepair. Attorney Rooney recommended the removal oft the benches sinçe the issue had been identified.  Commissioner Spratt made ai motion to approve the recommendation of the Safety Committee to remove all oft the  benches. Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. The motion carried 4-1. Mayor Wilkins was not inj favor ofthe motion.  CONSENT AGENDA  1. Approval of April paid bills and vouchers  2. Pelaez Wedding Request for Alcohol at Captain Hendry House-request was withdrawn, prior toi the meeting  5    3. Approval of2023 Personnel Manual & Organizational Chart  4. Approval of Clarke Mosquito  Mayor Wilkins pulled thel Personnel Handbook and Organizational Chart from the consent agenda.  Commissioner Spratt motioned to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.  Commissioner. Akin. seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.  Attorney Derek Rooney took up a piece of correspondence requesting the rehearing ofa a fence variance that had been denied at aj prior meeting. Attorney Rooney recommended that the item be brought before the Commission again for  another hearing.  Commissioner. Ratica motioned to accept the recommendation to rehear the variance request.  Commissioner Spratt seconded the motion. The motion carried. 5-0.  BUSINESS BY COMMISSIONERS  There was brief discussion on developing ai recommended schedule for the hours of operation for the bridge ini town that crosses the Caloosahatchee to reduce traffic congestion during peak traffic times. The Commission thought it was Mayor Wilkins took up the request for the closure of South Bridge Street for one block during the County's Centennial  agood idea.  Celebration on May 11, 2023.,  Commissioner. Akin motioned to approve the request. Commissioner Spratt seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.  A Capital Improvement Workshop was scheduled for June 8, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. A Fire Department Budget Workshop was scheduled for. June 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. There was discussion on potential FDOT projects, timelines, and funding.  Commissioner Akin had no business to report.  Kelly Boone informed the Commission that she had the opportunity to do a walkability study. She then asked ift the Commission would like to also have a study of how much of the truck traffic through town actually stopped and  stimulated the economy.  Discussion continued on possible FDOT projects.  There was then conversation on thej possibility of the maintenance department working four days a week, rather than Mitchell Wills, the maintenance Supervisor explained it would be Monday through Thursday with at total ofi forty hours and with there being staff on-call during the weekends. He asked for a six-month trial period contingent upon any There was brief discussion on the status ofthe Interlocal Agreement with the County for contract services.  five.  employee or overtime issues.    Commissioner Spratt made a motion to try the four-day work week for the maintenance department for six month trial period with the caveat that ifthere is an issue, they will return toj five-day work weeks.  Commissioner Vargas seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.  There was conversation on the condition of City roads and how to fix them ina ai timely manner with: funds from the  road maintenance account.  Selena Parrish requested that the meetings be streamed.  Commissioner Vargas informed the Commission that hel had met with Wesley Hansen in reference to this horticulture project. He also told the Commission that he had several complaints about the crosswalk on SR 80 in front of the Contreras Restaurant and that he had reached out FDOT to address the concerns. He gave an overview of the Rural  Counties Day in' Tallahassee that he attended.  Commissioner Spratt motioned to adjourn. Commissioner. Ratica seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m  APPROVED:  Julié C. Wilkins, Mayor R  test:  mnobubaty/ Jess/Zubaty, Deputy City Clerk  7