City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY JANUARY 14, 2025 = 9:00 AM The City of Mexico Beach City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday January 14, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Public Works Building in Mexico Beach. Mayor Pro Tem Smith and the following Councilmembers were present: Linda Hamilton, Jason Adams and' Tim Linderman. Mayor Wolff was absent. Also present were City Administrator, Chris Truitt, City Clerk, Tammy Brunson and City Attorney Tim Sloan. I. Call to order: Mayor Pro Tem Smith called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. II. Consent Agenda: Minutes from the following meetings were approved unanimously. September 5, 2024 - First Public Budget Hearing September 24, 2024 - City Council Meeting October 8, 2024 - City Council Meeting October 22, 2024 - City Council Meeting November 10, 2024 - City Council Meeting December 10, 2024 - City Council Meeting III. Regular Agenda: 1. Fireman Brian Hunt Engineer recognition - Chief Walker joined Brian Hunt and his wife Jen in the traditional pinning ceremony promoting Brian from a Firefighter to an Engineer. 2. James Moore & CO, PL = Accounting services contract renewal was brought to the table. Mr. Truitt requested tabling the contract renewal due to pending language issues to the next meeting. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton Seconded to table the item. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Discussion for the Land Development Code revisions potential schedule was brought to the table. Mr. Truitt presents options for addressing 73 items requested for LDC amendments, including creating a citizen committee, council prioritization, or involving P&Z. The council discusses the importance of citizen input and the need for a balanced approach to prioritizing and addressing the LDC amendments. The council agrees to prioritize immediate items for staff to address and bring back to the next meeting for P&Z review. Mr. Linderman recommends involving P&Z and the planning collaborative to ensure thorough review and citizen input. Mrs. Hamilton motioned, and Mr. Linderman seconded to allow citizens to speak on the matter. Motion passed with a 3 to 1 vote. No vote was Mayor Pro Tem Smith. Open public comment 9:30 am Lisa logan talked about the last review of the LDC and the time frame it took to complete, and she felt citizens working with the P & Z Board could get this accomplished. Lorene Lindsey talked about the need to update the Comp Plan as well, since they go hand in hand. John Harrell asked about the time frame for completion and if the P & Z Board could meet more than once a month. Close public comment 9:36 am. Mr. Adams motioned, and Mr. Linderman seconded to move the most critical items to the next council agenda and send the rest to the P & Z Board with the request to meet more than once a month. Motion passed with a 3 to 1 vote. No vote was Mrs. Hamilton 4. Financial Report was brought to the table. Mr. Truitt presented the financial report, noting that revenues are on track and some expenditures are higher than expected. 5. City Administrator 3-month performance evaluation was brought to the table. The council discusses the need for a take-home vehicle for the City Administrator, with Tim Sloan providing legal advice on drafting the contract. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mr. Adams seconded to approve a $2,000 salary and authorizes at take-home vehicle with specific limitations. Motion passed unanimously. City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY JANUARY 14, 2025 - 9:00 AM IV. Citizen Comments: No Citizens comments were made. VII. Council Comments: Mr. Linderman provided an update on the FEMA public assistance grant process for the pier and municipal building projects. The council is informed about the bureaucratic nature of the process and the importance of careful decision-making to avoid delays. The council is reassured that the current team is making progress and addressing issues effectively. The council is also excited about the new, grocery store project, the Seaside Market Place, and its potential benefits for the community. VI. Mayor Comments: Mayor Wolff thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication, especially in handling the JLAC audit and ongoing projects. VIII. Staff Comments: Mr. Truitt highlights efforts to improve communication, including weekly updates on the city website and internal updates to the council. He talked about the completion of the JLAC audit, with no findings of wrongdoing, and the importance of accountability and transparency. He informed council of the upcoming ordinances for peddlers and dune protection, which will be presented at the next meeting and an update on the 15th Street bridge project, which is moving forward with the request for proposals posted. City Clerk - Tammy Brunson reminded citizens to obtain their 2025 golf cart and boat permits because the 2024 permits expire on January 31, 2025. City Attorney - Mr. Sloan had no additional comments. XI. Adjournment: Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 am. By: Attest: amny Buwpon Mayor Pro Tem, Jerry Smith City Clerk, Tammy Brunson