City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2025 - 6:00 PM The City of Mexico Beach City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday April 23, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Public Works Building in Mexico Beach. Mayor Wolff and the following Councilmembers were present: Linda Hamilton, Jerry Smith, Jason Adams and Tim Linderman. Also present were City Administrator, Chris Truitt, City Clerk, Tammy Brunson and City Attorney Tim Sloan. I. Call to order: Mayor Wolff called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. II. Consent Agenda: Minutes for the following council meetings were approved unanimously. March 24, 2025, Special council meeting. March 25, 2025, Regular council meeting April 3, 2025, Special council meeting III. Regular Agenda: 1. Ordinance 852, Beach Vending (First Reading) was brought to the table. Mayor Wolff introduces Ordinance 852, which pertains to beach activities. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to read Ordinance 852, Beach Vending. Motion passed unanimously. Open public comment at 6:05 pm. Bobby Pollock questions why the ordinance is being discussed now, given the city administrator has already allowed certain activities. Julie Gardner expresses confusion about the city's policy on peddling and beach vending, noting that she was previously told no peddling was allowed. Diane Kenny states she has an e-mail from Mr. Tuitt dated 2/14/25 that says this activity is not allowed. Closed public comment at 6:11 pm. Mayor Wolff clarifies that the current discussion is about beach vending, not peddling. Tim Linderman raises a concern about vendors selling items on the beach, questioning if it should be clarified in the ordinance. Jason Adams explains the difference between peddling and beach vending, noting that beach vending requires a permit. Chris Truitt explains that the city has temporarily allowed beach vending based on council decisions and pending ordinance updates. The council discusses the need for clear definitions and policies regarding beach vending and peddling and agrees to schedule a future meeting to address beach peddling in depth. The council discusses various amendments to Ordinance 852, including changes to decision-making processes and vehicle restrictions. The council agrees to remove the term "designee" and to clarify that decisions regarding applications are made by the city administrator and presented to the council for approval. The council also discusses the need to clarify vehicle restrictions, including the use of tractors in emergencies. The council agrees to limit the number of permitsand to clarify vehicle restriction. The council also discusses the need to limit the number of storage boxes, and the size of storage boxes allowed on the beach. The council decides to include language in the ordinance to prohibit soliciting on the beach and to allow for beach photography for the second reading. 2. Ordinance 853, Impact Fee Change Schedule (First Reading) was brought to the table. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to read Ordinance 853, Impact Fee Schedule Change. Motion passed unanimously. Open public comment at 7:00 pm. Lisa Logan questioned the State Attorney General's ruling on Impact Fee's. Closed public comments at 7:04 pm. Tim Sloan explains the history of impact fees and the need to update the ordinance to reflect current legal requirements. The council agrees to strike the section requiring the return of impact fees and to clarify the ordinance to reflect current legal requirements fori the second reading. City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2025 = 6:00 PM III. Regular Agenda Continued: 3. Resolution 25-02, Naming of the Pier was brought to the table. Mayor Wolff introduces Resolution 2502, which pertains to naming the Mexico Beach Pier. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to read resolution 25-02 by title only. Motion passed unanimously. Open public comment at 7:06 pm. No public comments were made. Closed public comment at 7:06 pm. The council discusses the various names suggested by the public and the need for input from the community. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to approve Resolution 25-02. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Lift Station bypass pump installation was brought to the table. Chris Truitt provides an update on the lift station bypass pump installation project. Open public comment at 7:10 pm. No public comments were made. Closed public comment at 7:10 pm. The council discusses the need to install three lift station bypass pumps and the challenges of securing funding for the project. The council also discusses the need to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner to prevent potential issues during hurricane season. Mr. Linderman motioned, and Mrs. Hamilton seconded to approve $531,000.00 from sewer impact fees for Razorback LLC to install the bypass pumps. Motion passed unanimously. 5. JLAC 30-day response update was brought to the table. Chris Truitt provides an update on the JLAC response and recommendations for improving city policies and procedures. The council discusses the need to implement new policies and procedures to enhance financial controls and procurement processes. The council agrees to continue working on the recommendations and to ensure that the city is following state laws and best practices. The council also discusses the need for ongoing training and education for city employees to prevent fraud and ensure accountability. 6. Beach Restoration Project update was brought to the table. Tim Linderman highlights the completion of the beach restoration project, thanking the CDC Director, Kimberly Shoaf, and various organizations for their support. The project involved $27.2 million, with 75% funded by the state and 25% by the city, TDC, and CDC. The project increased the beach width to 175 feet and heightened the dunes, providing some protection against minor storms. Over a million cubic feet of sand was added, and 10,000 cubic yards of shells were collected, with plans for residents to collect shells legally. 602,000 types of vegetation were added to the dunes for stabilization and wildlife habitat. 4,000 feet of posts and rope were installed for beach access, with the city helping to fund materials. Concerns were raised about enforcing beach regulations, including a $500 fine for damaging the dunes and the need for code enforcement to patrol the beach and educate the public on beach regulations. Tim Sloan mentions the limitations of the $500 fine and the need for the sheriff's office to enforce more serious violations. Tim Linderman discusses the need for ADA access points, suggesting one at Sunset Park and another location. He mentions the need to extend walkovers from the county line to about 15th Street, requiring minimal DEP permits. IV. Citizen Comments: Bobby Pollock thanked Mr. Smith for his dedication to the city. Jackie Rogers Thanks Jerry for his service and then questioned the issuance of the beach peddling permit. Alex Hogan asked about the round-a-bout at the canal. Julie Gardener thanked Jerry Smith for all he has done for the city. She read a statement about the impact the Cathey Family has had on this community. John Harrell stated he has talked with city employees and they all like Mark Steele. Melaine Hardwick thanks Julie for her insight and expressed gratitude for Mr. Smith's service to the city. She also questioned Mr. Truitt's decision-making process about the beach peddlers license that was issued. The council acknowledges the contributions of Jerry Smith and expresses gratitude for his service. City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2025 = 6:00 PM V. Council Comments: Tim Linderman suggests pursuing a meeting with the developer of the 2902 Hwy 98 project to discuss entry and exit plans. He also suggests implementing a mayor's hotline to ensure timely responses to citizen emails. He proposed creating a tree committee to oversee the placement and selection of public trees in the city and suggests Mrs. Hamilton as a potential leader due to her involvement with Arbor Day and the PSJ Garden Club. Jerry Smith expresses gratitude for the support received during his tenure and acknowledges the challenges faced, including a hurricane. He mentions the importance of community support, his decision to run for council and the personal sacrifices involved. Linda Hamilton brings up a concern about the proliferation of food trucks, particularly one on 27th Street, and the need to set limits on their number. The council discusses the temporary nature of food trucks post-storm and the potential impact on permanent restaurant development. VI. Mayors Comments: Mayor Wolff raises concerns about the current ordinance that requires property owners to build a house before constructing a boat house on premium canal lots. The conversation highlights the need for a review and potential changes to the ordinance to better serve the community. He provides updates on the AMS system, which is working well and will continue for a few more days. He reminded everyone about the upcoming Amnesty Day and Toucans construction ramping back up again. VI. Staff Comments: Fire Chief - Fire Chief updated council on the FROC report/score. Public Works - Mark Steele provides updates on the boat ramp project, including the use of concrete to stabilize the ramp and the installation of a dumpster cage. The council discusses the need for broadband repairs to fix street damages caused by the installation of fiber optic cables. Finance - Mike Snyder gave an update on the new staff members. City Administrator - Chris Truitt explains the temporary permit issued for the ice cream peddler and the council's concerns about the decision. The council discusses the decision to issue a temporary permit for beach peddling, with concerns about the legality and council intent. Council asks Tim Sloan if legally there is a need to wait until the HR investigation is complete before addressing this issue. Mr. Sloan stated this is an issue not being addressed by the investigation, SO there is no need to wait. Mayor Wolff opens the floor to public comments. Julie Gardner asks if he was advised not to issue the permit? Why does he do what he wants anyway? Melaine Hardwick said the City Administrator needs to have respect for council and their wishes. Diane Kenny stated employees she has talked to are afraid for their jobs. Lisa Logan said there is no gray area on this type of beach peddling. This was a bad judgement call and when do you say enough is enough. Closed public comments. Mr. Adams said this has put the city in a bad position. It is in the ordinance, and you should have error on the side of caution. You knew you were leaving town when you issued the permit. As discussed, temporary permits were approved for category 1 and 2 beach vending permits only. Mayor Wolff stated this should have never happened. Tim Linderman asked if you were worried about legal issues, did you contact the attorney and if not the attorney, did you consult with the mayor. This was a bad judgement call on your part. Linda Hamilton thinks there is more behind this conversation than just this issue. City of Mexico Beach Meeting Minutes TUESDAY APRIL 23, 2025 = 6:00 PM VI. Staff Comments Continued: Jerry Smith said we as a city don't want this type of beach peddling, but you issued the permit anyway. He was wrong and has no excuse. Do we just slap his hand again? Mayor Wolff stated the final report on the HR investigation should be to us for review by the end of day Thursday. Linda Hamilton asked if we must wait until his probationary period is over before any action can be taken. Mr. Sloan stated Mr. Truitt's contact is at will. Mr. Smith motioned, and Mr. Adams seconded to terminate the city administrator, citing poor judgment and a lack of respect for council decisions. Motion passed with a 4 to 1 vote. No vote was Mrs. Hamilton. IX. Adjournment: Mr. Linderman and Mr. Adams motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 pm. By: Attest: Ganomas Bnunoot Mayor, Richard Wolff City Clerk, Tammy Brunson