B HOMDNHLHLS Town Council CIP Workshop January 28, 2025 at 2:001 PM Howey-in the-Hills Town Hall 101 N. Palm Ave., Howey-m-tne-Hils, FL34737 MINUTES Mayor Wells called the Town Council Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Mayor Wells led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Councilor Reneé Lannaman delivered an invocation. ROLLCALL Acknowledgement of Quorum MEMBERS PRESENT Mayor Graham Wells STAFF PRESENT: NEW BUSINESS Mayor Pro' Tem Tim Everline I Councilor Jon Arnold ( Councilor Reneé Lannaman I Councilor David Miles] Sean O'Keefe, Town Manager Tom Wilkes, Town Attorney Morgan Cates, Public Services Directorl Rick Thomas, Police Chief] John Brock, Deputy Town Manager/Town Clerk 1. Discussion: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Mayor Graham Wells opened the discussion, and Town Manager, Sean O'Keefe, provided an overview ofthe CIP's dual purpose: serving as both al budgeting and planning tool and as a critical document for competitive grant applications. He emphasized that many grant programs require projects to be listed in One oft the most significant discussions centered around the Municipal Complex project, which proposes ai new: facility to house Town Hall, thel Police Department, and other municipal functions. Councilor Miles strongly advocated for consolidating the Town Hall Retrofit and Police Station Expansion and Renovation projects into the Municipal Complex project, arguing that spending millions to retrofit aging buildings was an: inefficient use of funds. He proposed eliminating separate allocations for Town Hall and the Police Station and instead directing those funds toward designing and constructing ai new complex. Mr. O'Keefe supported this approach, suggesting that the project timeline be moved forward to expedite planning efforts. The Council reached a consensus to combine these projects into as single the CIP for funding consideration. line item in the CIP and accelerate the design phase. 1Page Regarding infrastructure projects, Councilor Miles proposed modifying the Venezia South Second Access project to alsoi include an additional access point for the Talichet community. Mr. O'Keefe confirmed, that instead ofhandling them as separate initiatives, they would be consolidated into as single project, with implementation staggered between Fiscal Year 2027 and Fiscal Year 2029. Public Services Director, Morgan Cates, acknowledged the need for updated naming and scheduling to reflect these The Council also discussed taking over and upgrading the Talichet Lift Station. After a discussion involving Mr. Huseman, a resident ofthe" Talichet neighborhood, the Council agreed toi include $150,000 int the current fiscal year, as well as an additional $150,000 ini the next fiscal year tol leverage potential grant funding. Councilor Miles urged staff to begin the grant application process immediately, Another critical discussion focused on Impact Fee Studies. Mr. O'Keefe explained that impact fee rates must be based on documented capital needs, which require periodic studies to. justify adjustments. Mayor Pro' Tem Everline emphasized the urgency of conducting ai new: study to ensure the Town secures adequate funding from future development. Councilor Miles noted that the previous Council had already directed staffto conduct impact fee studies over aj year ago, specifically for wastewater, stormwater, and roads. However, Mr. O'Keefe reported that consultants had advised against as stormwater impact fee, recommending as stormwater assessment instead. Mayor Wells cautioned that, while studies could justify higher fees, they do not guarantee increased revenue, citing past experiences where proposed: fee hikes were ultimately lower than expected. The Council ultimately agreed to move forward with a comprehensive impact fee study, estimated to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 per impact fee study, to ensure future development contributes its fair share to infrastructure costs. Another significant revision tot the CIP was the Florida. Avenue and Number 21 Road intersection upgrade. Councilor Miles questioned the necessity oft this project, prompting Public Services Director Cates to explain that the improvements werei intended to accommodate increased truck traffic resulting from the widening ofl Number 2 Road and the anticipated development of the Hillside Groves development. Mr. O'Keefe added that the upgrade aligns with efforts to reduce truck congestion on SR The Water Tower Repair and Repainting project was also debated. While the project had previously been removed: from the CIP, Councilor Miles objected toi its removal, citing concerns over long-term structural integrity and the tower's visual impact. Councilor Lannaman supported reinstating the project, recalling an estimated cost of $400,000 but acknowledging financial constraints in Fiscal Year 2025. Mr. Cates reported that an engineering assessment had found the structure to bei in relatively good condition compared to other similar towers. He recommended: keeping the project ont the CIP to The Council also discussed thej potential acquisition ofa privately owned wastewater treatment facility to ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability. Mayor Wells suggested initiating discussions with the facility owner to explore purchase options. Councilor Miles argued that securing ownership before approving additional Equivalent Residential Units (ERUS) for new developments would prevent unnecessary expenditures. Mr. O'Keefe confirmed that legal counsel would be engaged to explore acquisition pathways, including phased purchasing or immediate negotiations. Town Clerk, John Brock, confirmed that the revised CIP would be sent to the Planning and Zoning Board for review, asi it is part ofthe Town's Comprehensive Plan. After that review, the CIP will return to the Town Council fori final approval, with additional discussions expected during the budget cycle. Councilor. Arnold emphasized the importance ofrefining budget forecasts to enhance fiscal planning. changes. given the typical two-year approval cycle fori infrastructure funding. 19 at South Florida Avenue. maintain eligibility for grant funding. 2/Page PUBLICCOMMENTS Any person wishing to address the Mayor and Town Council and who is not on the agenda is asked to. speak their name and address. Three (3) minutes is allocated per speaker. None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Councilor. Lannamai to adjourn the meeting; Councilor Miles seconded the motion. Motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. N THE DEP,ORA The Meeting adjourmed àt4:47p.m. Attendees: 20 Mayor Wells Pas ATTEST: Johh Brock, Town Clerk 3Page