Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 1 TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025 CITY COMMISSION MEETING 9:00 A.M. Present: Jesse Nelson, Mayor Judy Vandergrift, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Peebles, Commissioner Pat Perno, Commissioner Jamie Warrick, Commissioner Vickie Gainer, City Manager Sergeant at Arms Amy Myers, City Legal Counsel Item # 1. Call to order. Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 9:01 A.M. Item #2. Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by the Chaplin Frank Stephens followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #3. Announcement regarding the April 22nd, 2025, Election results. The City Manager announced and read out the results of the April 22nd, > 2025, election. Item # 4. Motion to accept the April 22nd, 2025, Election results totals from the Canvassing Board. Motion by Commissioner Perno to accept the April 22nd, 2025, Election results totals from the Canvassing Board. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Peebles On Vote: Perno aye Peebles aye Vandergrift aye Warrick aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 Item #5. Swearing in Commissioner-Elet. Jamie Warrick. The City Attorney, Ms. Myers, administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner-Elect Jamie Warrick. Commissioner Warrick spoke briefly, thanking those who voted for him and his wife and children for their ongoing support. Commissioner Warrick advised that as part of his campaigning he had spoken to multiple citizens who all said the same thing about there being a disconnect between residents and the Commissioners. He went on to say he looks forward to continuing to support the residents for the next four years. Item # 6. Public Commentary. Mr. Walker - 1106 Michigan Ave = Congratulated Commissioner Warrick. Spoke about the ex-fuel depot. He said the commission is putting themselves in a box with the overlays. He said the first masterplan bailed. He said that Marina Island LLC does not own the water or the land underneath the water, just like Bailey Bridge. Mr. Jack Cruchfield - Michigan Avenue speaking on behalf of the seniors. Most of them are in their 80s and 90s. Usually have 60+ people showing up for chair aerobics, all while multiple other activities are going on, so, about 200 - 300 seniors using that center every week. Now we are talking Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 2 about taking away a portion of that for the library. They are not happy about that. They understand that the facility was given to them from a local church after Hurricane Michael and they would like to maintain the use ofit. Mr. George Hines - Rhode Island Ave = spoke about the last election, and the forums that were held where the public were invited to see the candidates and hear what the candidates have to say, and the difference between the forums held by the two main parties. He expressed that he did not like some oft the things that were said that he felt were racist. Item #7. Mayor's Report. The Mayor read and presented the Proclamations for National Public Works Week and National Police Week 2025. The Mayor presented the Key to the City of Lynn Haven to Commissioner Judy Vandergrift in appreciation ofher service as a commissioner on the Board of the Commission of the City ofLynn Haven. Thanked the staff and the City Manager for continuing to sponsor great events in the city. Thanked the City Manager for following up on some of the issues he had brought to her attention. Met with other residents about their issues that the city is resolving. He encouraged the residents to continue to reach out to him. Item #8. Commissioners' Reports. Commissioner Peebles - said that his coffee meet up will be on the 24th at 8am. Special shout out to the sport department staff for a really well-run season. Thanked parks staff for sorting out some of the parks and grounds issues. Thanked Commissioner Vandergrift for being a great mentor and commissioner. Congratulated Commissioner Warrick on his reelection. A citizen spoke to him about another accident on East Avenue, and although not in our purview, what avenues can we follow to resolve the issue? The Mayor requested the City Manager to meet with the county to try to resolve that area. Commissioner Peebles went on to remind everyone to get out and vote at the run-off election. Commissioner Perno advised there is a project with the DOT to four-lane that area, SO it is in the 5- year workplan. Congratulated Commissioner Warrick on his re-election and thanked everyone for getting out and voting. Thanked Commissioner Vandergrift. Commissioner Perno thanked everyone who keeps coming out to meetings. Thanked all city employees and first responders. Commissioner Warrick appreciated Commissioner Peebles for bringing up East Avenue and Commissioner Perno for confirming DOT have it in their 5-year plan. Thanked Commissioner Vandergrift for her service as a commissioner and the city staff for all they do. Taco's Way May 24th time with commissioner - tel. no. 850-391-1217 ifyou cannot attend. Commissioner Vandergrift - Thanked the citizens who gave her the opportunity to serve as a commissioner. Will not be able to attend the next meeting due to a planned trip with her grandchildren. She chose not to run for reelection due to internal family issues and nothing to do with politics. She has great respect for everyone on this commission who all work hard. Mr. Warrick's comment about a disconnect, and she agrees there is a disconnect, but ofmore than 19k people in the city and only a couple thousand voted - she feels the comment is sometimes a cop-out because everyone can participate and contact the commissioners in numerous ways. Citizens should please start getting involved to breech that disconnect. Item # 9. Citv Manager's Report. A. Audit Presentation - Ben Clark of. James Moore presented virtually. Mr. Clark presented the results of the FY 2024 audit, stating that the next step is to submit this one Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 3 to the state and begin on the next one. Mayor how would you rate the financial health of Lynn Haven based on the public perception of mismanagement and fraud? Auditor from a reserve balance standpoint it is a healthy balance, and the city is going to focus on outstanding debts. There were no anomalies or unusual emergencies. As far as fraud goes, they asked key people specific questions to determine if anything came up, and nothing did. The reserve balance is well over the minimum requirements SO looks very healthy. Commissioner Peebles = report looks excellent. Only one finding is a good thing. He would like a better idea what that finding was. Auditor - the standards say that there should be minimal adjustments after their audit, but there have been some major adjustments each year after their audit, SO they need to work on making sure these do not happen in the future. Commissioner Perno and Commissioner Warrick had no questions. Commissioner Vandergrift - wanted the residents to know each Commissioner had an opportunity to spend individual time with the auditors, SO they have asked all the questions they needed. How much did we owe when the new commission came in? The City Manager said $66million. Commissioner Vandergrift said the fact that it has reduced substantially to $38.9m is quite an accomplishment. City Manager Gainer said that this yeari it will be reduced to about $31m. Ms. Roman - reminded that due to commission authorizing paying off the note it will be reduced by just over $12m. Commissioner Vandergrift - are we getting any more money from FEMA? The City Manager confirmed yes, we are due another approximately $8m that we are working closely with on ensuring all our claims are tapped in the right place SO that it is not clawed back by FEMA. B. Warrant list: there were no queries. The City Manager thanked Commissioner Vandergrift for her service. July 4th applications are out for participation. Special Olympics of Bay County were using our gym for practice - they won the region and are headed to State. The fountain is out of order but in the process of being replaced. Beautification grant work on HW77 is in progress. Invited Chief Ramie to come forward to give us an update on why the county denied us our golf cart crossing. Chief Ramie advised it ultimately had to do with the amount oftraffic on those roads, and trying to get a golfcart across that wei in a timely fashion would not work. They denied the application due to safety issues and concerns. Pre-budget meeting times for commissioners to come in earlier, looking at right after pre-meeting on July 18th bearing in mind we will not have true numbers in place at that time. Regarding the senior center, it is owned by the city, and it has been loaned out to the seniors for $1, and one senior came and paid $32 for that building to be leased for the next 32 years. However, the agreement allows the city to use it when it is needed, and we try really hard to limit that happening. Item # 10. City Attorney's Report. City Attorney Mrs. Vandergrift was her assistant principal when she attended school a few years ago, and SO it has been a pleasure to serve alongside her. Also, it's been a really busy legislative session, and she anticipates in the next few months she will be making some recommendations in response. CONSENT AGENDA Item # 11. Approval of Minutes dd 04/21/25 - Regular meeting minutes. Item # 12. Approval of Florida Department of Commerce grant amendment #4 for the Florida and Ohio Avenue improvements proiect. Item # 13. Approval of Resolution 2025-05-457 Adopting the 2025 Bay County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan. Item # 14. Approval to appoint Commissioner Peebles as Mayor Pro Tem for the next 12- month rotation. Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 4 Motion by Commissioner Warrick to approve all items on the consent agenda. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Perno On Vote: Warrick aye Perno aye Vandergrift aye Peebles aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 OLD BUSINESS Item # 15. Discussion only of Ordinance # 1177-R amending the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) Section 6.05.15: Specific Parking Requirements for Major Recreational Vehicles (RV) /1 Equipment. The Mayor confirmed that this is a continuation of the 2nd reading for this resolution that they asked the attorney to amend, and not only for discussion as the agenda has stated. The City Attorney explained the substantial changes. The City Manager read the ordinance by title only. Commissioner Peebles - the Right of Way appeared to be a complication as everyone's right of way may be different. It might just be easier to say a certain amount of feet from the center ofthe road. That would make it simple for residents and code enforcement who can just measure it. Also to change it from Panama City to Lynn Haven in the document. Commissioner Warrick = agrees with Commissioner Peebles. Mayor Nelson asked staff to give feedback about the option on a measurement perspective. Mr. Lightfoot said that the center road may be offset from the center of the right ofway, which means the people on opposite sides of the road can potentially have different distances apply to their properties. The Mayor asked how much it would cost to have a surveyor come out. Mr. Lightfoot advised about $1500 each time. The Mayor asked the City Attorney ift the resident contested the citation would they be responsible for bringing out the surveyor or the city? The City Attorney said the city would bear the burden of proof. The City Attorney recommended stating a specific distance of 10ft or 5ft from the edge of the paved area oft the street. Mr. Lightfoot - that would give rise to the same issue as measuring from the center of road. Mayor Nelson when the RVs were in the back yard then it wasn't an issue? ChiefRamie - this will be very difficult on the Code Enforcement officers and the city. The hearing officer will have many appointments and everyone that gets contested the city will pay for providing the burden of proof. If you stick with the side and the back it would be better. It is not easy, but you have to do the right thing. Commissioner Vandergrift - this is the third meeting where she has voiced her opinion. RV's should be kept in the side and the back in her opinion. We should not be changing the codes because those 300 people cannot follow the rules. Commissioner Warrick - had a few people reach out to him on this and SO he feels the final reading should be postponed to the next meeting as the residents are expecting it to be at the next meeting. Motion by Commissioner Warrick to table the final reading of this item till the next meeting. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Perno Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 5 The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comments. There were none. On Vote: Warrick aye Perno aye Peebles aye Vandergrift aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 PUBLIC HEARING Opened 10.22AM Item # 16. Discussion and possible approval of Resolution 2025-05-455 Approving a Development Agreement with Marina Island, LLC. The City Manager read the resolution by title only. The City Attorney explained the item. The acreage is 139 acres with the removal oft the one piece of land. It does provide for 30-year timeframe. This is a second public hearing SO you may adopt this if you wish. The Mayor opened the floor to the commission for discussion. Commissioner Peebles asked the Marina Island people if they had any feedback on this agreement. Mr. Bales advised they are happy with the agreement. Motion by Commissioner Warrick to approve of Resolution 2025-05-455 Approving a Development Agreement with Marina Island, LLC. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Peebles Mayor Nelson opened the floor to the public for comment. Mr. Walker reiterated his initial comments from earlier in the meeting. Mr. Bales advised that this is the first masterplan since 2017. They did in the past submit a Development Order for low density high rise that was not approved. That may be what Mr. Walker is referring to. Secondly they just want to beautify the city and invest billions of dollars, that will generate 1000s ofjobs. No hidden agendas. On Vote: Warrick aye Peebles aye Vandergrift aye Perno aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 PUBLIC HEARING Closed 10:30 AM Item # 17. Discussion and possible approval to appoint a new member to the City's Board of Adiustments. The Mayor explained the new process adopted by the city and advised that Commissioner Perno is next in line to appoint someone to the Board. The Mayor then invited Commissioner Perno to select one of the applicants to appoint to the Board. Motion by Commissioner Perno to appoint Mr. Wesley Lockwood to the City's Board of Adjustments. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Vandergrift The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comments. There were none. Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 6 On Vote: Perno aye Vandergrift aye Warrick aye Peebles aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 NEW BUSINESS Item # 18. Discussion and possible approval to authorize the Mayor to sign and execute Amendment Two to the contract with Greensouth Solutions. LLC to include Dewatering by Belt Press On-Site at $0.10 per gallon. The Director of Public Works & Utilities explained the item. Commissioner Warrick asked to be kept up to date on the repairs of the equipment. Motion by Commissioner Perno Toa authorize the Mayor to sign and execute Amendment Two to the contract with Greensouth Solutions, LLC to include Dewatering by Belt Press On-Site at $0.10 per gallon. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Warrick The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comments. There were none. On Vote: Perno aye Warrick aye Vandergrift aye Peebles aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 Item # 19. Discussion only ofthe Comprehensive Plan. The Mayor explained the item and advised that we will be getting someone in to advise the city to ensure we comply with state requirements. Ifthere is any areas in the ULDC the commission wishes to be specifically discussed, please give it to the City Manager SO that we can work through that as well simultaneously to the Comprehensive Plan. Item # 20. Discussion and possible approval of] Resolution 2025-05-456 authorizing the city to place the proposed stormwater assessment on TRIM notice. The City Manager read the resolution by title only. The City Attorney explained the item and that the change in methodology requires the two-step process that includes this form of notice. The second step will be the adoption of a final resolution in that September. Mayor Nelson - if we continue to follow this new methodology will we need to do this two-step process again next time. The City Attorney said no, then it will just be the one step of adoption. The Mayor opened the floor for discussion by the commissioners. There was none. Motion by Commissioner Perno to approve of Resolution 2025-05-456 authorizing the city to place the proposed stormwater assessment on TRIM notice. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Vandergrift The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comments. There were none. Minutes from the City Commission meeting callled May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 7 On Vote: Perno aye Vandergrift aye Peebles aye Warrick aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 Item # 21. Discussion only of referendum concerning the library and the Northwest Florida Regional Library. The Mayor explained that the voters voted yes to a partnership with the NWF library. The Mayor advised the city originally had 100% complete plans for a library rebuild, but as of now there are no plans in place. The Mayor asked that the city explore options and report back to the commission in the near future. The Mayor advised we love our seniors, and we don't wish to encroach on them, and we are cognizant oft their concerns. The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comment. Mr. Jack Cruchfield - "never come up with a problem where you don' 't have a solution" after the hurricane, the city used some mobile temporary buildings as offices. He would recommend that the city does something like that next to the senior center for the library for now until a final solution can be resolved. Mr. Walker very interested in the library. Mr. Cruchfield is correct - one shouldn't bring a problem without an answer. The city already paid for architectural drawings that they are now not using. He went on to explain the history ofthe first library, that was turned over to the city in the 70's. Through the previous City Manager mismanagement, that building was destroyed. There is a place you can use, but you. just don't want to. Commissioner Vandergrift - he is referring to the old library, how much would it cost to get it back up to code SO it can be used? Also, there are 5 of us up here and we can all think out of the box sometimes. The Mayor asked the City Manager to look into that option. Mr. Walker - the city was offered the building back and they refused. Itis 34 oft the way there. Item # 22. Discussion and possible approval to award the bid RFP 24.25-02 Lawn Care and Chemical Services to Lawnscapes of Bay County, Inc. for a Three (3) year contract, with a one- year renewal option in the amount ofS274.904.96 to perform lawn and chemical maintenance services at select city parks and properties. The Mayor opened the floor to the commission for discussion. There was none. Motion by Commissioner Vandergrift to award the bid RFP 24.25-02 Lawn Care and Chemical Services to Lawnscapes of Bay County, Inc. for a Three (3) year contract, with a one-year renewal option in the amount of $274,904.96 to perform lawn and chemical maintenance services at select city parks and properties. Second to the Motion: Commissioner Peebles The Mayor opened the floor to the public for comment. Ms. Powell - Page 11 says they had 48 hours to submit licenses, but page 17 says must be submitted with proposal. Why is there this discrepancy, because now they are being called non-responsive because they did not supply their certification with their proposal. The City Attorney explained that Minutes from the City Commission meeting called May 13, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. Page 8 page 12 provides 48 hours to submit business licenses which are different entirely to the certifications requirement on page 17. Ms. Powell - Why did Mr. Littleton contact the city which is not allowed. The City Manager explained that no one that was on the scoring committee had corresponded with or spoken with Mr. Littleton, SO no protocol had been broken. On Vote: Vandergrift aye Peebles aye Perno aye Warrick aye Nelson aye Motion passed: 5-0 Item # 23. Adiournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:56 A.M. APPROVED THIS A7DAYOF WAL 2025. - Jesse Nélson, Mayor/ ATTEST: Lichue - Vickie Gainer, City Manager prepared by Cicelia Rushing OFFICIAL RESULTS Municipal Runoff Election May 20, 2025 Bay County Statistics TOTAL Election Day Early Voting Vote by Mail Registered Voters- - Total 15,346 2,248 696 1,106 446 Ballots Cast- Total Voter Turnout Total 14.65% Lynn Haven Commissioner Seat 4 Votel For 1 TOTAL VOTE % Election Day Early' VotingVote by Mail Jeff Snyder 1,088 48.48% 375 528 185 Judy Tinder 1,156 51.52% 319 577 260 Overvotes 0 0 0 0 Undervotes 4 2 1 &n 22 Aalger - G4 Mwal Mykawo City of Lynn Haven 05/23/2025 08:39AM Page 1of1 Ar LI y) - a STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BAY I, Jamie Warrick, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government oft the United States and oft the State of Florida against its enemies, domestic or foreign, and that I will bear faith, loyalty and allegiance under the same; that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution, and that Iwill faithfully perform all duties of the Office of Commissioner, Seat 3, oft the City of Lynn Haven, Florida upon which I am about to enter. So help me God. Sworn to and subscribed Before me this 13th Day of May 2025 COMMISSIONER, Jamie Warrick A I Amy Myets City Attorney Acknowledged before me this 13th Day of May 2025; and Personally known to me. by: Cicelia Rushing lish Bn personally known to me. CITY MANAGER, Vickie Gainer Gha NOTARY, Ciçelia Rushing My Commission Expires: Notary Public State of Florida Cicelia J Rushing mimu My Commisslon HH 472673 Expires 11/15/2025 a LM 5 a 4r 4) - STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BAY , Judy Tinder, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida against its enemies, domestic or foreign, and that I will bear faith, loyalty, and allegiance under the same; that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution, and that - will faithfully perform all duties of the office of Commissioner, Seat 4, of the City of Lynn Haven, Florida upon which I am about to enter. So help me God. COMBISSIONER, Judy Tinder Sworn to and subscribed Before me this 27th Day of May 2025 M CITY ATTORNEY, Amy Myers Acknowledged before me this 27TH day of May 2025, by Cicelia Rushing, who is personally known to me. nh Ban Cludng CITY MANAGER, Vickie Gainer NOTABY, Cicelia J Ryshing My Commission_Expires Notary Public State of Florida Cicelia J Rushing mummum My Commisslon HH 472673 Expires 11/15/2025