MINUTES CITY OF FORT MEADE TUESDAY,MAY: 14, 2024  REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING  AE Regular Meeting ofthe Fort Meade City Commission was. held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at Commission Chambers, 8 W. Broadway Street, Fort Meade, Florida, and via  YouTube.  A. CALLTOORDER:  The Meeting was called to order at 6:001 PM by Mayor McCutchen  B.  ROLL CALL: Mayor Vice Mayor Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Arrived at 6:021 PM Staff Present Interim City Manager City Attorney City Attorney Deputy City Clerk Finance Assistant Fire Chief  Petrina McCutchen Samuel Berrien James Watts James Possum Schaill Jaret Williams  Present Absent Present Present Present*  Dustin Burke Norman Powell Shirlyon McWhorter Melissa Cannon Kelsey Kikta Matthew Zahara  Present Present Present Present Present Present  Also present was. PCSO Sgt. Ernest Fulcher INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TOTHE FLAG  :  Commissioner Watts led the invocation. Mayor McCutchen led the pledge to the flag.  D. ADDITIONS. AND/OR DELETIONS  E.  PROCLAMATIONASIPRESENTATIONSAWARDS/REPORIS  01. Proclamation - Roderick Clark 02. Proclamation - Mental Health Awareness Month 03. Proclamation - ALS Awareness Month 04. Proclamation- - National Cities, Towns, & Villages Month his proclamation and thanked him for his efforts.  Mayor McCutchen read the proclamations aloud and presented Mr. Roderick Clark with  F.  PUBLIC FORUM:  PUBLICI FORUM: Each person addressing the Commission shall sign in with the City Clerk no later than 6:35 PM. Persons shall step up to the microphone, shall give his/her name and address in an audible tone of voice for the record and, and unless further time isg granted by the Commission, shall limit their address to the three (3) minutes. All    City of Fort Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Meeting May 14,2024 Page 2  remarks shall be addressed to the Commission as a body, and not to any member thereof. No person other than the members of the commission having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through the members of the commission. Mr. Curtis Bankston, 1370N. Charleston Ave., Fort Meade, stated there is work being done on the sewer system and asked ifit would stop at gth St., stating he has been fighting for years to get city services to his property north ofgth St. Mr. Bankston also stated that he is concerned with the emissions from the concrete plant across the street. Mr. Bankston stated that there is a tree on his property that has needed to be removed since the last hurricane. Mr. Bankston stated that the State came in and dug the ditches where their mailboxes arel hard to access. Mr. Bankston stated the city should use some of this grant money to address some oft these  concerns.  Ms. Natalie Feeney, 300 S. Washington Ave., Fort Meade, stated that the residents keep finding out about staff changes through various media articles instead of commission meeting discussions, stating right after the approval to transfer over $300,000'ofe emergency funds to pay bills and then new positions were created without advertising the positions and they were allowed to work 24+ hours overtime and then the next month was promoted to a higher paying position. Ms. Fenney stated that her father requested to see how the ARPA funds were spent and he received a bill to pay for his request. Ms. Fenney stated that later on in this agenda the proceeds from the cmhp are requested to be repealed and transferred to the general fund, stating the purpose ofthe trust account was to not use the proceeds to balance the budget. Mr. Roger Wright, 4400 Hwy 98 E, Fort Meade, stated that he was concerned about items I3 and J2 regarding the cmhp, stating that theintent ofthis asset account was to allow it to continue making money ini interest and requested the commission think hard about transferring Ms. Dee Galvin, 209 Maple Ave., Fort Meade, stated that the Fire Department now has a Fort Meade Fire Department Auxiliary that will be for raising funds for the department and the by-  this money.  laws were read aloud.  Mr. Bill Winkauf, stated that he still cannot hear the meetings. 01. Minutes of April 9, 2024, Regular Commission Meeting.  G. APPROVAL/OF MINUTES:  Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Schaill to approve the minutes of the Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 9, 2024, passed by a  regular meeting of April 9, 2024. unanimous vote of4-0. RESOLUTIONS)  H. CONSENT AGENDA: (one vote on all items unless pulled from agenda); 01. Resolution 24-33 Endorsing Polk TPOMembership Apportionment Plan    City ofFort! Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Mecting May 14,2024 Page3  02. Resolution 24-34 Approving the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly 03. Resolution 24-35 Approving Interlocal Agreement with Polk County for Floodplain 04. Resolution 24-38 Appointment of Representatives to the Property and Casualty Board of 05. Resolution 24-39 Appointment of Representatives to the Group Health Trust Board of Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Williams to approve the consent  Program (EHEAP) Vendor Payment Agreement  Management Services Directors Directors  agenda as written.  Motion to approve the consent agenda passed by a unanimous vote of 4-0.  I.  RESOLUTIONS:  01. Resolution R24-37 Resolution Establishing Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program  Attorney Powell read the title to Resolution R24-37.  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview of the program stating that he is not against Commissioner Watts asked if this would includé hard and soft costs. Mr. Burke stated that it  code enforcement, but the liens have grown to not serve the purpose.  would ifit makes sense.  Mayor McCutchen stated this is a way to help our citizens.  Commissioner Williams stated that there have been many residents that have shared their concerns and struggles with çode enforcement. Commissioner Williams stated that he has made ap personal decision to abstain from voting on this item, not because he can't but because he is Attorney Powell stated that unless Commissioner Williams has a clear conflict ofi interest he will have to vote on this item, and he advises Commissioner Williams that he does not have a Mr. Ben Speight, 613 NE 4th St., Fort Meade, suggested to stop the liens and fines going Mayor McCutchen stated that the city should provide a solution to the residents. Mr. Curtis Bankston stated that the first thing to do is stop the daily fines.  concerned.  conflict and is legally required to vote. forward to not allow liens to get this high.  No Action Taken.  02. Resolution R24-40 Resolution to Close the Grants Fund and Transfer the Negative Fund  Balance to the Appropriate Enterprise Funds    City of Fort! Meade, Florida Regular City Commission: Meeting May 14,2024 Page4 4  Attorney Powell read the title to Resolution R24-40. Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview ofResolution 24-40.  Motion Commissioner Williams, second Commissioner Schaill to approve. Resolution R24-40 to close the Grants Fund and Transfer thel Negative Fund Balance to the  Appropriate Enterprise Funds.  Motion to approve Resolution R24-40 to close the Grants Fund and Transfer the Negative Fund Balance to the Appropriate Enterprise Funds passed by a vote of3-1 with 03. Resolution R24-41 Resolution to Close the Mobile Home Park Enterprise Fund and  Commissioner Watts opposed. Transfer Assets to the General Fund  Attorney Powell read the title to Resolution R24-41.  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview ofl Resolution R24-41, stating that it coincides with Items J01 and J02, and that the city's reserve fund is critically low and not meeting state standards. Mr. Burke went on to say that the enterprise funds have been losing money for the Mr. Roger Wright stated that there is an option by the CPA, to go to as special revenue fund Mr. Burke stated that ifthis does not pass,there is no money toj pay for the new fire truck Commissioner Schaill stated what you are saying is we do not have any other choice? Mr. Burke asked what the resistance is, stating that someone with a master's degree is giving Motion Commissioner Williams, second Commissioner Schaill to approve Resolution R24-41 to Close the Mobile! Home Park Enterprise Fund and Transfer Assets to the Motion to approve. Resolution R24-41 to Close the Mobile Home Park Enterprise Fund and Transfer Assets to the General Fund passed by a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Watts  last three years.  instead of transferring to the General Fund.  coming in June.  youar recommendation,  General Fund.  opposed. ORDINANCES:  J.  01. Ordinance 2024-08 Budget Amendment Ordinance Attorney Powell read the title to Ordinance 2024-08.  Motion Commissioner Williams, second Commissioner Schaill to approve Ordinance 24-  08 Emergency Budget Amendment.    City of Fort Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Meeting May 14,2024 Pages  Motion to approve Ordinance 24-08 Emergency Budget Amendment passed by: a  unanimous vote of4-0.  02. Ordinance 2024-09 Ordinance Abolishing the Mobile Home Park Sale Proceeds Trust Fund  Attorney Powell read the title to Ordinance 2024-09.  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview of Ordinance 2024-09 Motion Commissioner Williams, second Commissioner Schaill to. Approve Ordinance 2024-09 Abolishing the Mobile Home Park Sales Proceeds Trust Fund. Mayor McCutchen stated that from her perspective, the commission has been elected to do the hard things and explained it. Mayor McCutchen asked Mr. Burke to tell everyone about the city Mr. Burke stated that city for the Iast several years has been operating off what he described as two books, the audited books that look good, where the CPA takes the operating books and makes the proper adjustments to pass the audit, stating there is no fraud,. just bad bookkeeping. Mr. Burke stated that the CPA directs stafft to make the end ofy year adjustments to our system, but they have not been done sO what staff presents to the commission does not align to the  working out of more than one book.  actual financial position of the city.  Mr. Roger Wright asked what the enterprise fund balance was. passed by a vote of3-1 with Commissioner Watts opposed. Mayor McCutchen called ai recess at 7:42 pm Mayor McCutchen reconvened at 7:48 pm  Motion to Repeal Ordinance 2023-24 the Mobile Home Park Sales Proceeds Trust Fund  Commissioner Watts wanted to clarify that the funds for the fire truck would be reimbursed by 03. Ordinance-2024-12 Ordinance Amending Floodplain Management Regulation  the $1 million state appropriations that the city was awarded.  Attorney Powell read the title to Ordinance 2024-09 Amending Floodplain Management Regulation.  Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Schaill to approve Ordinance  Motion to approve Ordinance Amending Floodplain Management Regulation passed by a  unanimous vote of 4-0. K. PUBLICHEARINGS, ifany:  01. Ordinance 2024-06 Ordinance Amending Ch. 26 Members oft the Planning and Zoning  Board    City of Fort! Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Meeting May 14,2024 Page6 6  Attorney Powell read the title to Ordinance 2024-06. Mayor McCutchen opened the public Mr. Ben Speight stated that a single commissioner directing the attorney to draw up an ordinance does not seem transparent, with no other commissioners aware of the ordinance. Commissioner Williams stated that he has been approached by residents that expressed interest ins serving on the board but there have been no vacancies and in moving our city forward we should extend an opportunity to allow other individuals who are talented and capable to serve. Ms. Wanda Williams asked ift this does not pass does this mean the mayor gets to nominate all  hearing.  the P&Z Board members?  Mayor McCutchen closed the public hearing.  No Action Taken.  02. Ordinance 2024-07 Ordinance Amending Ch. 17 ofthe City Code of Ordinances (Code) to create the Arts in Public Places Advisory Committee (AIPPAC). Attorney Powell read the title to Ordinance 2024-07. Mayor McCutchen opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor McCutchen closed the public hearing. Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Schaill to approve Ordinance 2024- 07 Ordinance Amending Ch. 17 of the City Code of Ordinances (Code) to create the Arts Motion to approve 2024-07 Ordinance Amending Ch. 17 of the City Code of Ordinances (Code) to create the Arts in Public Places Advisory Committee (AIPPAC) passed by a  in Public Places Advisory Committee (AIPPAC).  unanimous vote of4-0. /  L. OLD BUSINESS (diséussion of matters held over from last meeting, if any) 01.1 Resolution R24-29 Transferring City-Owned Properties to the CRA  Attorney Powell read the title to Resolution 24-29. Transferring City-Owned Properties to the CRA. passed by a unanimous vote of4-0.  Motion Commissioner Williams, second Commissioner Schaill to approve Resolution R24-29 Motion to approve Resolution R24-29 Transferring City-Owned Properties to the CRA  02. Resolution R24-28 Selecting Appraiser for 36 & 115 Broadway Interim City Manager Burke requested to withdraw this item.  No Action Taken    City ofF Fort Meade, Florida Regular City Commissionl Meeting May 14,2024 Page7  03. Resolution R24-42 Repurposing CDBG-CV Grant  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview of Resolution R24-42.  Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Williams to approve Resolution R24- Motion to approve. Resolution R24-42 Repurposing CDBG-CV Grant passed by a 04. Resolution R24-24 Authorizing the Mayor, Interim City Manager, and Other Designated Representatives to Apply for and Execute Documents Related to the USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewater Grant for Stormwater Mitigation  42 Repurposing CDBG-CV Grant unanimous vote of4-0.  Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Williams to approve Resolution R24-24. Authorizing the Mayor, Interim City Manager, and Other Designated Representatives to Apply for and Execute Documents Related to the USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewater Grant for Stormwater Mitigation  Motion to approve. Resolution R24-24 Authorizing thel Mayor, Interim City Manager, and Other Designated Representatives to Apply for and'Execute Documents Related to the USDA Rural Development Water and Wastewatér Grant for Stormwater Mitigation 05. Resolution R24-31 Authorizing Temporary License Agreement with Retroflow Motion Commissioner Schaill, second Commissioner Watts to approve Resolution R24-31 Motion to approve. Resolution R24-31 Authorizing Temporary License Agreement with  unanimous vote of4-0.  Authorizing Temporary License Agreement with Retroflow  Retroflow passed by a unanimous vote of4 4-0. 06. Discussion Item - City Manager Search  Human Resoufces and Risk Management Manager, George McNerney presented the list Interim City Manager Burke stated that Mr. McNerney was not here when the process began, and that these applicants came after the last position opening and the resumes of Mr. McNerney stated that he has contacted the four candidates to make sure they were The consensus oft the commission was to have Mr. McNerney schedule zoom interviews  ofo city manager applicants.  the last batch were: reviewed and four were qualified.  still interested in the position. with the four candidates.    City ofFort! Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Meeting May 14,2024 Page8 M. NEW BUSINESS:  01. Discussion Item: Credit Card purchases Report  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview of the report that was requested at the last Commissioner Williams stated that in regard to legal or ethics, he would like to get clarification looking at Tommy King's credit card purchases, ifthere are any legal concerns for the city to Attorney Powell stated he doesn'thave an answer for that, stating it is pretty rare, but he will Commissioner Williams asked Mr. Burke to get the list of the city's fleet, where it was  meeting.  use city funds at a business owned by a sitting commissioner?  get the answer and send it to the commission. purchased and how much was paid.  Mr. Tommy King addressed the commission and stated for the record that there is one very old Chevrolet truck in his department that is serviced by Greenwood Chevrolet and all the Ford trucks in his department are serviced by Jenkin Ford both in Fort Meade. Mr. King stated that his fleet maintenance budget has been drastically reduced since the city is no longer with Polk  County Fleet Maintenance and is servicing them localy. 02. Discussion Item: Unbudgeted Spending Report  Interim City Manager Burke gave an overview of the unbudgeted spending report stating itis  hard to track.  Commissioner Williams read the staff report aloud.  Mr. Burke has issued an administrative rule for financing going forward.  03. Resolution 24-21 Authorizing Agreement with Mittauer & Associates for Engineering Motion Commissioner Schaill, second Commissioner Watts to approve Resolution 24-21 Authorizing Agreement with Mittauer & Associates for Engineering Services - FDOT Motion to approve Resolution 24-21 Authorizing Agreement with Mittauer & Associates 04. Resolution 24-32 Resolution to Approve Change Order No. 3 Request for SRF  Services-FDOT  for Engineering Services - FDOT  Wastewater System Improvements Phase 1 Project  Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Williams to approve Resolution 24- 32 to Approve Change Order No. 3 Request for SRF Wastewater System Improvements  Phase 1 Project    City of Fort! Meade, Florida Regular City Commission. Meeting May 14,2024 Page9  Motion to approve Resolution 24-32 to Approve Change Order No. 31 Request for SRF Wastewater System Improvements Phase 1 Project passed by a unanimous vote of4-0. 05. Resolution 24-36 Approving Stormwater System Improvement Project at SE 3rd and Motion Commissioner Schaill, second Commissioner to approve Resolution 24-36 Approving Stormwater System Improvement Project at SE 3rd and SI Lanier Intersection Motion to approve Resolution 24-36 Approving Stormwater System Improvement Project At 8:58, Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Schaill to extend the meeting  SLanier Intersection  at SE 3rd and S Lanier Intersection 15 more minutes. All in favor. N. REPORT OF THE MAYOR:  Mayor McCutchen stated that she just wants to say she appreciates being kept abreast of the moving target that is in city hall and thanked Interim City Manager Burke and "hats  off to you as well as your staff". 0. REPORT OF THE CITY MANAGER:  Interim City Manager Burke stated he is extrémely proud of the staff stating they have gone through a lot of challenges over the last few months and thanked them for coming  around.  P.  REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: None  FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS OF COMMISSIONERS, ifany:  Commissioner Schaill stated that he wanted to ensure contact was made with the  candidates for the city manager interviews.  Commissionef Williams gave kudos to Mr. Burke and his staff.  R. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER (limited to events, feel good announcements  only)  Commissioner Williams stated that the high school graduation was this Saturday and Attorney Powell commented on the Senior Banners displayed on the utility poles, stating Mayor McCutchen recognized the girls high school softball team, stating they won the  stated the kids would appreciate the support.  that was excellent.  district championship and have made history.    City ofFort Meade, Florida Regular City Commission Meeting May 14,2024 Page 10  S. NOTE:  ADJOURN:  Ifany person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with  respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to  be based. (F.S. $286.0105)  There being no further business to conduct, Motion Commissioner Watts, second Commissioner Schaill to adjourn the Regular Commission meeting of May 14, 2024, ats 9:03  PM.  Motion to adjourn passed by unanimous vote of 4-0.  Bin nbitoha Petrina McCutchen, Mayor  ATTEST:  Cannon, Deputy City Clerk  s