DeFuniak Springs City Council Meeting Minutes Council Chambers August 26, 2024  1.Call to Order  Mayor Bob Campbell called the meeting to order at 5:001 PM.  Present: Mayor Bob Campbell, Mayor Pro-Tempore Todd Bierbaum (Seat 1); Councimember Josh Sconiers (Seat 2); Councilmember Amy Heavilin (Seat 3); Councilmember Glen Harrison Also, present were Interim City Manager Koby Townsend, City Attorney Clay Adkinson,  (Seat 4); Councilmember Anthony Vallée (Seat 5).  Interim Finance Director Daniele McDaniel, and City Clerk Rafael Ali. 2. PRESENTATION AND/ORPROCLAMATION A. Proclamation forl National Senior Citizen Day  Mayor Cambell read thel Proclamation for National Senior Citizen Day.  B. Presentation ofLetter of Appreciation and Florida League of Mayors challenge Coin Mayor Campbell presented a letter of appreciation and a Florida League of Mayors challenge  coin to Melinda Henderson. 3. CONSENT AGENDA  A motion was made to move 3D1 June and July 2024 Bill Ratification to 4B1 by Councilmember Heavilin and seconded by Councilmember Vallee; the motion passed  without objection. 4. REGULAR. AGENDA A. Additions/Deletions to the Regular Agenda B. Approval of the Regular Agenda  A motion was made to approve the Regular Agenda with the requested changes by Councilmember Sconiers and seconded by Councilmember Heavilin; the motion passed  without objection.  1.3D1 June and July 2024 Bill Ratification report and they were: not included to the: report.  Mrs. Heavilin stated that a year ago she had asked for the electronic transfers to be added to the  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  1    Mrs. Heavilin asked if at the next meeting we can get a list ofa all the electronic payments for this A motion was made to Ratification the Bills for June and July by Counciimember Heavilin and seconded by Councimember Vallee; the motion passed without objection. A motion was made to bring forward all the payments that were made electronically and the transfer in a separate report from October 1 to current by Councilmember Heavilin and seconded by Councilmember Sconiers; the motion passed without objection.  FY.  C.Interim City Manager K. Townsend 1. Finance Director Position Description Discussion  Mrs. Heavilin stated that during our last discussion about the description, it was agreed to modify  the ordinance to align with the description.  Mrs. Heavilin expressed her goal of changing the ordinance.  Mr. Adkinson mentioned that it is easier to present the changes within the scope of the job  description. Ifa approved, this will then be reflected in the ordinance.  Mr. Adkinson assured that the job description and the ordinance will be consistent. Mr. Townsend explained the changes made to the job description.  Mrs. Heavilin inquired if anyone had reviewed the document to remove duplications. Mrs. Heavilin noted that she does not believe the City Council should be responsible for Mr. Bierbaum suggested that the counçil should conduct a workshop to collaboratively work on Mr. Bierbaum asked whether an exam will be issued to applicants concerning the skills and Mr. Bierbaum also noted that some oft these requirements should be implemented directly. Mr. Bierbaum stated that we had a CPA as the Finance director and that CPA left the city in the  eliminating duplicate language.  this matter. abilities section.  situation it is today.  Mrs. Heavilin disagreed with this assessment.  Mr. Bierbaum stated that the transition between ADG and' Tyler was not managed properly.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  2    Mrs. Heavilin asked why the auditors did not highlight this issue. Mr. Bierbaum responded that Mr. Bierbaum stated that we are at a disadvantage because our system does not provide  audits do not examine every transaction unless they are forensic audits.  information quickly and accurately.  Mr. Bierbaum also mentioned issues with the implementation ofTyler. Mr. Bierbaum emphasized the need for patience in hiring a finance director.  Mr. Harrison agreed with Councilmember Bierbaum on the importance of specific qualifications. He noted that being too specifici ini requirements might disqualify otherwise qualified candidates. A motion was made to schedule a workshop for the Finance Director Job Description by Councilmember Vallee and seconded by Councilmember Bierbaum; the motion passed  without objection. 2. Finance Director Position  Mr. Townsend asked the council if they had any candidates they would like to interview. Mr. Harrison mentioned Krystal Garcia, Megaan Smith, and possibly Evan Thompson and Paul Mr. Harrison suggested that some oft these applicants might warrant further investigation. Mrs. Heavilin stated that she ruled out Paul Barrett due to his frequent job changes, Mrs. Heavilin also noted that she did not see information about Krystal Garcia's educational background. Mr. Harrison responded that she holds al Bachelor's: in Accounting and an MBA. Mr. Sconiers highlighted that past issues have included a lack of local experience and CPA  Barrett.  approximately every 12 months.  certification.  Mrs. Heavilin emphasized the need to finalize the job description first.  Mrs. Heavilin suggested that applicants should submit a set of financial statements they have Mr. Harrison indicated that, among the four candidates, two are close to meeting the desired  prepared, as these arei reviewed by auditors.  qualifications.  Mr. Harrison reiterated thei importance of finalizing thej job description.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  3    Mr. Harrison also noted that some qualifications might be acquired relatively quickly once the Mrs. Heavilin clarified that she did not propose any requirements that applicants must not have. Mr. Vallee questioned why a work product was requested if qualifications were the focus. Mr. Bierbaum stated that he did not recommend these candidates because none stood out in Mr. Bierbaum added that his experience with a Finance Director lacking Florida government Mr. Bierbaum compared the situation to major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, Mayor Campbell remarked that engineers can usually identify flaws in other engineers' plans. Mrs. Heavilin noted that since 2017, the city has struggled to find suitable candidates. Mrs. Heavilin mentioned that the city previously thought they had someone capable oft the job. Mrs. Heavilin pointed out that in 2017, there were five CPAS who applied, SO there is no need to  candidate starts the job.  terms oflocal government experience.  accounting experience contributed to the current situation. which use skill tests that candidates often practice for.  settle for less.  Mr. Townsend asked what the council wanted to do next,  Mr. Sconiers suggested that the council should postpone reviewing applications until the job Mr. Bierbaum warned that interviewing candidates now and altering the job description later Mr. Bierbaum added that merely meeting the qualifications on paper does not guarantee that a Mr. Adkinson expressed uncertainty about whether there would be significant legal liability.  description is finalized.  could expose the council to legal liability. candidate is the right fit for the position.  Audit Submission Direction  Mr. Townsend anticipated that the audit would be presented to the council by September 23rd. Mr. Townsend asked if, should the auditors complete the audit before a council meeting, the council would prefer staff to review it, submit it to the state, and then bring it to the council for  ratification.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  4    Mr. Adkinson suggested that the council should authorize setting a special meeting for this Mrs. Heavilin agreed, stating that a special meeting would allow the council to discuss the audit A motion was made to have a special meeting to discuss the audit prior to it being submitted to the state by Councilmember Heavilin and seconded by Councilmember  purpose.  before it is submitted.  Bierbaum; the motion passed without objection.  4. Direction on the Purchase Inquiry of a Portion of Well 10 Property  Mr. Townsend presented on the purchase inquiry regarding a portion of the Well 10 property. Mr. Townsend suggested that we should seek legal advice on how to proceed with the purchase Mr. Adkinson stated that the city can sell the property ifi it is no longer needed, and there is no  ofthis property.  Florida statute prohibiting this.  Mr. Adkinson recommended that the city obtain its own survey ofthej property.  Mr. Bierbaum proposed that the best course of action would be toj put the property out for bid. Mrs. Heavilin expressed a preference for following the typical process for selling the property.  Mr. Adkinson clarified that this process is not outside of standard protocol. Mr. Adkinson stated that we aren't doing that currently with City Hall.  A motion was made to put the well 10 property out as a sealed bid reserving the right to reject all bids by Councilmember Bierbaum and seconded by Councimember Vallee;  motion was withdrawn.  David Hall stated that Mr. Hallaway had promised to return the land to the family.  Mr. Hall mentioned that this property benefits only two people. Mr. Sconiers asked Mr. Hall why he wants the property back. Mr. Hall explained the significance of the property to his family.  Mr. Sconiers inquired ifMr. Bearfield was present. Mr. Hall responded that he was not. Mr. Hall added that ifMr. Bearfield were present, he would support Mr. Hall'sposition.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  5    Mr. Townsend asked Mr. Adkinson if a survey would be required before going out to bid. Mr. Mr. Harrison asked how many votes are: needed to reject the bids. Mr. Adkinson replied that a Mr. Vallee stated that ift there is doubt about whether the property should go out tol bid, it should A motion was made to proceed with investigating selling the property back to the original owner at the original amount it was purchased for by Councilmember Bierbaum and seconded by Councilmember Sconiers; the motion passed with Councilmember Vallee and  Adkinson answered that including the parcel number would suffice.  majority vote is required. not be put out for bid.  councilmember Heavilin voting nay.  5.) Discussion on Standing Workshop/Work Session  Mr. Townsend presented on having a Standing Workshop/Work Session meeting. Mr. Vallee stated that we should have this meeting prior to ai regular meeting.  Mr. Bierbaum stated that he is good with 4:00 PM.  Mr. Bierbaum stated that he is good with the 2nd, meeting oft the month at 4:001 PM.  A motion was made to have a Standing workshop/Work Session on the 2nd meeting of the month at 4:00 PM by Councilmember Bierbaum and seconded by Councilmember  Sconiers; the motion passed without objection.  6.AC Watermain SRF Loan APPIcatOR-DWO0U2S Design  Mr. Townsend presented the. AC Watermain SRF Loan Appication-DW6025 Design.  Mr. Townsend stated that this is a 50% grant and 50% loan.  A motion was made to approve the loan application and the legal opinion and resolution that follows by Councilmember Sconiers and seconded by Councilmember Vallee; the  motion passed without objection. D.Liberty Partners ofTallahassee  1.) - Florida Commerce Job Growth Grant Fund Scope of Work  Mr. Parson presented on the Florida Commerce Job Growth Grant Fund Scope ofWork. Mr. Parson stated that Barge provided comments on the draft agreement.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  6    Mr. Parson asked the council ift they are okay with providing these comments and feedback from A motion was made to have Liberty Partners provide these comments and feedback from barge back to Florida Commerce by Councilmember Bierbaum and seconded by Councilmember Vallee; the motion passed with Councilmember Heavilin voting nay.  barge back to Florida Commerce.  5. PUBLICHEARING/ORDINANCES A. Councilmember G. Harrison 1. Tobacco-Free Parks Ordinance  Mr. Harrison presented the Tabacco-Free Parks Ordinance.  A motion was made to hold 1st reading and advertise 2nd reading for the Tobacco- Free Parks Ordinance by Councilmember Harrison and seconded by Councilmember Sconiers; the motion passed with Councilmember Bierbaum and Councilmember Heavilin voting  nay.  Mr. Bierbaum expressed confusion about why we would have this ordinance ifno one plans to  enforceit.  Mr. Bierbaum stated that his position remains the: same as it was previously.  Mr. Harrison noted that he does not recall anyone suggesting that the ordinance would not be Mr. Harrison clarified that the ordinance is not intended to be used for making arrests. Mr. Harrison agreed that an ordinance should not be passed ifit will: not be enforced. Mr. Harrison added that people will generally be reasonable regarding this ordinançe. Mr. Harrison mentioned that people have health concerns related to smoking and emphasized the Mrs. Heavilin asked if the same goal could be achieved by simply putting up signs instead of Mr. Harrison responded that relying solely on signs would likely result in the lack of  enforced.  importance ofs setting a good example for youth.  passing an ordinance. enforcement.  Mr. Vallee: noted that many different organizations are advocating for this measure.  Children who support tobacco-free parks spoke up, explaining their reasons for supporting the  initiative.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  7    5. - REQUEST' TOBE ON' THE. AGENDA A. CRA Executive Director. J. Ervin  1. Request approval to move forward with a Veterans Memorial at Chipley Park  Mr. Ervin presented on the Veterans Memorial at Chipley Park.  A motion was made to move forward with the design of a Veterans Memorial at Chipley Park by Councilmember Heavilin and seconded by Councilmember Vallee; Councilmember Vallee withdrew his second; the motion fail because lack ofa a second.  Mr. Vallee expressed concerns about accessibility at the current! location. Mr. Vallee stated that the location needs tol be finalized.  Mr. Vallee suggested that the CRA and the Council should hold a joint workshop.  Mr. Ervin described this as a great opportunity to advance the project and emphasized the  importance of ensuring it is accessible to everyone.  Mrs. Henderson mentioned that she has included suggestions from veterans.  Mrs. Henderson added that the goal is tol keep veterans informed about upcoming meetings and  workshops.  Mrs. Henderson also stated that shel has support letters from community members.  Mr. Vallee inquired ift there are plans for restrooms and other support structures. Mrs. Henderson  confirmed that there are plans.  Mr. Adkinson noted that the location will need tol be approved.  Mr. Ervin stated that the redevelopment plan, which includes the memorial, was previously Mr. Sconiers asked how Mr. Ervin planned to address the diverse needs of veterans. Mr. Ervin replied that public workshops will play ai major rolei in addressing these concerns. Mr. Ervin added that the public workshops will address many oft the questions people have.  approved by the council.  Mr. Bierbaum emphasized that veterans deserve to be honored every day.  Mr. Bierbaum expressed concern that there is no agreement on the memorial's location.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  8    Mr. Bierbaum also had questions about the technicalities of the project.  Mr. Ervin stated that he seeks approval from the council to move forward with improvements to Mr. Ervin mentioned that he believes the council has already given approval but is presenting Mr. Bierbaum noted that he has heard conçerns from veteran citizens regarding the location and Mr. Bierbaum suggested that more community involvement is needed before final approval. Mr. Harrison asked who will be responsible for maintaining the memorial and what that maintenance will entail. Mr. Townsend answered that the city will maintain and operate the  city property. this as a courtesy. design oft the memorial.  memorial, and he is considering the maintenance requirements. Mr. Harrison stated his support for the Veterans Memorial.  Mr. Vallee expressed that he does not view Mr. Ervin's appearance as merely a courtesy. Mr. Cosson indicated that they. just want to receive the go-ahead to proceed with the project.  Mr. Sconiers expressed concern that there may be al lack of consensus.  Mrs. Henderson mentioned that she has not heard any objections to the memorial. She also stated  that sustainability is part of the design she presented.  Mrs. Henderson asked ift there are any specific questions regarding the location.  Mr. Bierbaum reiterated his support for honoring veterans.  Mr. Bierbaum mentioned that he spoke with local landowners who said they had not signed any Mr. Bierbaum expressed concerns about the project's sustainability, particularly regarding the Mr. Vallee expressed a desire to move the project forward and wants to see the design and  agreements. bricks.  analysis completed.  Mrs. Henderson noted that there has been public input for 15 years.  Mr. Bierbaum referenced minutes from a meeting ten years ago, which indicated that the  proposed location was not suitable for Chipley Park.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  9    Mrs. Henderson explained that the previous rejection was due to the presence of an endangered  plant in the area, though she later clarified that there wasi no endangered plant. Mr. Sconiers asked ifanyone had proposed an alternative location.  Mrs. Sconiers emphasized the importance ofbeing respectful regarding the flag.  Mrs. Henderson mentioned suggestions to place the memorial in We Care Park or behind the Mr. Bierbaum noted that there appears to be agreement among the council to move the project Mr. Bierbaum asked the council members who made the motion and second to revise the motion. Mr. Bierbaum also mentioned that people have suggested placing the monument in front of the Mrs. Henderson commented that the African American community might be uncomfortable with  Chautauqua building. forward.  courthouse.  al location near the courthouse due to the presence ofa Confederate Memorial.  Mr. Vallee expressed his desire to move the project forward.  Mrs. Heavilin also expressed support for moving forward and favored the current location. Mr. Harrison asked if restrooms would be included. Mr. Ervin answered that restrooms will be Mr. Casson asked ift the CRA would fund thej project. Mr. Ervin confirmed that it would.  proposed as part ofthe conceptual plan.  Mr. Vallee withdrew his second.  A motion was made to move forward with the project but host a joint workshop to discuss the location by Councilmember Sconiers and seconded by Councilmember Vallee; the Mr. Vallee wanted to clarify that we. are moving forward with this but figuring out where we will  motion passed with Councimember Heavilin voting nay.  have the location ofthei memorial.  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  10    7. CITIZEN COMMENTS 8. CITY ATTORNEY 9. LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS 10. EXECUTIVE COMMENTS  Mr. Townsend stated that staff paved the two parking lots in Florence park. Mr. Townsend stated that we are continuing to work on projects.  11. COUNCIL COMMENTS  Mayor Campbell stated that he visited the Ranger Camp.  Mayor Campbell; stated that we are inquiring about having the Rangers conduct an operation for  the Veterans day celebration. 12. ADJOURNMENT Meeting Adjourned 7:28 PM.  Approved: Bob  ATTEST: Minutes taken by Rafael Ali A6 City Clerk Proper notice having been duly given  244  OF DEURRA CORPORATA SEAL 1901 11n  S  August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting  11