CITY OF LABELLE  Cityof (LaBelle  MINUTES  City Commission Meeting Thursday, July 11, 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: Tijauna Warner, BAS, MMC, Deputy City Clerk Derek Rooney, Esq., City Attorney Mitchell Wills, Superintendent PW    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11,2024  Page 2 of7  MINUTES  A. CALLTOORDER  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wilkins at 5:45 PM. B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Commissioner Vargas led the invocation, Commissioner Spratt led the Pledge of Allegiance.  ROLL CALL PRESENT Mayor Julie C. Wilkins Commissioner Dainel Akin Commissioner Jackie Ratica Commissioner Bobbie Spratt Commissioner Hugo Vargas City Attorney Derek Rooney Deputy City Clerk Tijauna Warner 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS  a) Proposed Parking Fee Ordinance 2024- - 06 (second reading)  Mr. Rooney read Ordinance 2024 - 061 title into the record and gave a briefexplanation. ORDINANCE 2024 = 06 (second reading) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LABELLE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE CITY OF LABELLE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER Z,ADMINSTRATION: AMENDING ARTICLEIIN GENERAL; CHAPTERIATRATICS AMENDING ARTICLE II, PARKING; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION: PROVIDING Ms. Tina DeLa Rose expressed concerns with Ordinance 2024 - 06 and inquired about what  FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR. AN EFFECTIVE DATE.  Public Hearing Opens 5:48pm  constitutes a commercial vehicle.  Public Hearing Closed. 5:54pm  Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to approve Ordinance 2024-06, Motion seconded by Commissioner Vargas. Mayor Wilkins called for the question. Motion passed (4-1). Voting Yeas: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, Commissioner Vargas  Voting Nay: Commissioner Akin  b) Fence Ordinance LDC Ordinance 2024-05 (frst reading) Patty read Ordinance 2024 -05 title into the record and gave a briefexplanation.  ORDINANCE 2024 - 05 (first reading) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LABELLE, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE CITY OF LABELLE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, CHATTERAARTICLEYAUPIPNINTANYDBTNSTRICTRECULATIONS: PROVIDING FOR RATICATION OF PRIOR ACTIONS; AMENDING SECTION 4-84TO AMEND WALLS AND FENCES SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATION PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION,SEVERABILITY,CONFLICTS AND ANI EFFECTIVEDATE.    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11, 2024  Page 30 of7  Public Hearing Opens 6:05pm Public. Hearing Closed 6:05pm  Motion moved by Commissioner. Ratica to approve Ordinance. 2024- 05, with amendments, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins called for the question. Motion passed Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt,  unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Vargas  2. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS FOR CONSIDERAION a) LaBelle Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan Ms. Amanda Bent conducted aj presentation on the City ofLaBelle Comprehensive Ms. Diane Brown expressed concerns about her community not receiving assistance from Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to approve the LaBelle Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation. Plan, Motion seconded by Commissioner Vargas. Mayor Wilkins Voting Kea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner  Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan. grants when! her areai is number one on the critical list. called for the question. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Spratt, Commissioner Vargas  3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS  (This section ofthe agenda allows for comments from the public to speak. Each speaker will be given ai total ofthree (3) minutes to comment. Aj public comment card should be completed and 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 andj for the a) Paster Robert Reese announced the upcoming event Glades Youth Teen Summit and gave b) Ms. Adelina Contreras expressed concerns about the crosswalk in front ofl her business  record. Limited to 15 minutes per item.) ab briefoverview of the program. causing accidents.  4. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION and placed on the regular agendaj for further discussion.) a) Renaming Plat-Caloosa Cove (aka Ben Moore 40) b) Approval of. June Check Register c) Approval of Minutes: 1. June 26, 2024 Workshop Minutes 2. June 13, 2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes 3. June 13, 2024 LPA Meeting Minutes 4. May 9, 2024 City Commission Meeting Minutes  (Any commissioner or citizen may request to have an item removedj from the consent agenda    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11, 2024  Page 4 of7  5. May 9, 20241 DBD Workshop Minutes d) Approval of Staff Reports:  HCSO -Lt. Hudson Fire Department - Brent Stevens Building Department - Mark Lynch Codel Enforcement - Zane Mungillo Planning & Zoning - Alexis Crespo Finance- -Lily Davenport Public Works-N Mitchell Wills Woodard & Curran  Four Waters Engineering - Laura Constantino  Motion moved by Commissioner Ratica to approve Consent Agenda Items, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins called for the question. Motion passed unanimously Voting Kea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner  (5-0).  Spratt, Commissioner Vargas  CITYRELATED BUSINESS BY COMMISSIONERS  Commissioner Spratt reported that a productive meeting took place on Monday night at the Ford Sunset Community. She indicated that arrangements are being made to secure their 501c status. Additionally, there are upcoming significant changes planned for the library, aimed at enhancing its functionality. Strategic adjustments are being made to improve traffic flow, particularly by relocating areas for rambunctious teenagers closer to the service desk and repositioning computers for better supervision. Furthermore, efforts have been made to open up the large room previously Commissioner Ratica acknowledged Shelley's commendable efforts with the 4th ofJuly event and raised concerns about the need for sidewalk repairs. She expressed gratitude to the staff and highlighted Tia's invaluable contributions, emphasizing her significant role as an asset to the team. Commissioner Akin raised inquiries regarding the Tree Board and its appointed members, noting that funds allocated to the tree fund remain unutilized. He directed Tia to investigate the matter Mayor Wilkins briefed the commission on the current status of the Oak Tree plan and lack of an Commissioner Vargas updated the commission on discussions he had with Pastor Sammy Co regarding the church property, encompassing approximately 8 acres intended for expansion, including athletic fields. A small section ofthis property is apparently owned by the city, though its potential use remains uncertain. There was initial consideration oft the church purchasing this section, which led to deliberations regarding an easement. Ultimately, a decision was made to refund most of the church's investment. Moving forward, there may be an offer to purchase this portion oft the property from the city. Following a discussion on this matter, it was decided that the City Attorney will proceed with investigating the surplus property and arrange for its transfer at a later stage. Any associated costs will be the responsibility of the acquiring party.  occupied by books, aiming to optimize its use.  further.  arborist, noting that they will need to initiate the process anew.    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11,2024  Page 5of7  Motion moved by Commissioner Ratica to approve the City Attorney to research the property and bring back as surplus property, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins called Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, Commissioner Vargas has been actively engaged with the EDC, and we recently had a busy week two weeks ago. During this time, we conducted at tour oft the. Jack Paul industrial site to oversee our ongoing initiatives there. Additionally, we have been selected for aj promotional campaign, akin to asweepstakes, which will: feature prominently on our website. This initiative aims to attract new businesses to the area, focusing particularly on manufacturing andi industries that align with our community's identity. Currently, we are in discussions with several promising companies, and we Mayor Wilkins emphasized that the city requires an increased water supply to effectively support Commissioner Vargas mentioned that he has scheduled a meeting with the LEED Building Industry Association to explore how they can offer insights to help manage our community's growth effectively. This includes learning from both the successes and challenges experienced in Lee County. Our focus extends beyond building and development to encompass operational aspects within LaBelle, such as staffing needs in our building department and fire services. Increased staffing requires additional budget allocation to support our growing demands. Furthermore, we recently met with the Michael Enterprise team at our local Goodwill, who are organizing educational classes aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs. These courses will provide valuable resources including funding opportunities, training, and guidance tol help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting al business and avoid common pitfalls. Residents interested inj participating in these classes are encouraged to visit their local Goodwill for more Commissioner Vargas emphasized thei importance of safeguarding our community's infrastructure and roads, acknowledging the significant investments made thus far. He underscored the need to protect these investments from potential threats. Recently, Commissioner Vargas engaged with state representatives and the Senator's offices regarding concerns raised by residents regarding the health department permitting H-2A housing for agriculture workers to reside in single-family Residents have expressed dismay over the number ofi individuals allowed to live in these homes, highlighting issues of overcrowding and neighborhood integrity. Despite efforts to address these concerns within the current legal framework, Commissioner Vargas recognizes the necessity of legislative action at the state level to seek meaningful solutions. He conveyed these concerns directly to legislative staff, illustrating the community's apprehension through compelling visual Moving forward, Commissioner Vargas emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in advocating for legislative changes that align with community values and uphold residential standards. A discussion ensued concerning H-2A housing for agriculture workers Commissioner Vargas highlighted community feedback indicating strong support for the recent campaign. Moving forward, he emphasized the need to address the placement ofs signs within our city'sright-of-ways. While the county possesses regulations for managing these signs, Commissioner Vargas proposed considering al local ordinance to align with county standards, The discussion highlighted instances where candidates had placed signs without proper authorization, including on easements. Concerns were raised when business owners removed signs  for the question. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Commissioner Vargas  are optimistic about these potential partnerships.  industrial needs.  information.  neighborhoods, including Martin Luther King's and Belmont.  evidence.  residing ins single-family homes.  facilitating clearer enforcement measures..    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11, 2024  Page 6of7  and notified candidates about unauthorized placements. These incidents underscored the importance ofestablishing comprehensive guidelines to govern sign placement across our Commissioner Spratt conveyed her appreciation for the city crews during a recent discussion. She mentioned her conversation with Shirley Dooley, expressing gratitude for the crew's prompt attention to cleaning out her ditch. Commissioner Spratt emphasized how their efforts had positively impacted her, she extends her heartfelt thanks to Mitch and his crew. Their work has made a significant difference, and it means a lot to her. Thank you for your dedication and service. Commissioner Akin asked about the City ofLaBelle's progress regarding the implementation of Mayor. Julie clarified that there was ar misconception regarding Raftelis providing additional information on impact fees beyond disconnection. She acknowledged that no additional studies are currently underway except for the ongoing rate study for the fire department. Mayor Julie suggested that if there is interest inj pursuing impact fees, further action and consideration would be Mitchell Wills informed the commission about the upcoming discussion regarding county impact fees scheduled for the 23rd oft this month. He emphasized that the commission needs to grasp the various percentage options under consideration. Wills underscored that residents within the city Mr. Wills assured the commission that extensive vetting had been conducted on this matter, stressing that the decision lies in whether the city chooses to participate. Wills outlined that contractors constructing new homes would not receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) until impact fees are settled. This policy will apply uniformly across both LaBelle and Clewiston, Mayor Wilkins informed the commission that Lift Station Number 41 located on Bridge Street Mr. Wills responded that the issue with iti involves the plumbing; the pipes are broken int the U- shaped section, rendering repair impossible. Currently, we are down to one operational pump. When the second pump failed, flooding occurred, resulting in overflow onto the streets. Troy managed to restore functionality temporarily. However, the electrical panel isi irreparable, with internal components falling into the panel's top lug nuts, contributing to ongoing issues. We urgently need to replace the entire panel and conduct restoration work on the lift station. We request that this matter be escalated to emergency status to facilitate immediate action. Motion moved by Commissioner. Akin to approve to move. Lift. Station 41 to. Emergency Status and moving. forward with the repairs, Motion seconded by Commissioner Spratt. Mayor Wilkins Voting Kea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, Mr. Wills informed the commission that the bid process will conclude on Wednesday, the 23rd, with the awarding oft the bid. Subsequently, paving will commence at the county level. A community meeting was held Monday night where it was communicated that numerous roads throughout the city are scheduled for improvement. Mayor Wilkins and Mr. Wills have identifieda list ofapproximately 10t to 12 roads. This update signifies substantial progress towards our Mayor Wilkins announced that the Governor vetoed our allocation of $50,000 towards staff resources. Our team is diligently ensuring that no materials or essential services are compromised, but there is an urgent need for new computers. These can be procured either through state channels or by piggybacking on existing contracts, depending on availability and suitability. This  community.  impact fees, which the county has already initiated.  necessary.  would be subject toj paying impact fees similar to those in the county.  ensuring equitable implementation ofimpact fees within the region.  requires urgent repairs.  called for the question. Motion passed unanimously (5-0).  Commissioner Vargas  infrastructure goals.  expenditure is within our budget, which we are currently finalizing.    City Commission Regular Meeting LIMITED CAPACITY July 11, 2024  Page 7of7  Inl light oft these circumstances, we must act swiftly to acquire the necessary equipment. While she was initially considering another option, she has been advised by our IT team to explore Windows Surface Computers instead ofDell. They are newer models and known for their user-friendly interface compared to the current issues reported with Dell products. A discussion followed Motion moved by Commissioner Spratt to adjourn the meeting, Motion secondedby Commissioner Ratica. Mayor Wilkins calledf for the question. Motion passed unanimously (5-0). Voting Yea: Mayor Wilkins, Commissioner. Akin, Commissioner Ratica, Commissioner Spratt, There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Wilkins adjourned the meeting at 8:001 PM.  regarding the optimal procurement strategy for city computers.  Commissioner Vargas  Mayor  RC  Warner, MMC, City Clerk  5