CITY COMMISSION MEETING HAINES CITY, FLORIDA

MINUTES

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City Hall Commission Chambers
620 E. Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844
Phone: 863-421-9921 Web: hainescity.com
Absent:
  • Mayor Anne Huffman
  • Commissoner Morris West
  • Commissioner Roy Tyler
  • Commissioner Omar Arroyo
  • Vernel Smith

The Mayor called the City Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 PM on February 1, 2023 in the City Commission Chambers, located at 620 E Main Street, Haines City, FL.

Pastor Bob Moore provided the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Mayor led the pledge of allegiance.

City Clerk Lauther read the proclamation in to the record.  Mayor Tyler acknowledged many African Americans who made contributions to the community of City of Haines City.  They were: 

Savannah Forte
Gracie Holmes
Dorothy Salary
Alma Rivers
Janet Smith
Mary Jackson
Edgar (Tom) Jackson
Mattie Kate West
Frances Tarver
Emma Lawson
Leola Williams
Dorothy Jackson
Phillip Howard Sr
Leila Salary
Lavone Wilcox
Howard Johnson
Lizzie Johnson
James Streeter
Joyce Streeter
Annette Southward
James Southward
Katherine Kennedy
Ann North
Cora Coleman
Bennie Lee Pritchett
Quincy Jackson
Janie Herrington
Cora Snead
Lucille Upshaw
Annie Odum
Doris Streeter
Lee Streeter
Dollie Gordon
George West
Martha Anglin
Melvin Anglin
Sophia Pitts
Loretta Cox
Johnnie Stewart
Louise Williams
Lois Herrington 

The proclamation was accepted by Parks and Recreation Director, Terrell Griffin.  

  • Moved byAnne Huffman
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Approve consent as a whole.

    Carried
  • Staff recommends the City Commission approve the request to purchase five (5) vehicles to replace six (6) existing vehicles in the Development Services Department Building Division.

  • Staff recommends the approval of a contract for a “piggyback” agreement with We Project to provide Project Management Services for the installation of 12,500 Badger water meters from AMR to cellular technology.

  • Staff recommends the approval of the “piggyback” agreement on the Charlotte County’s Agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. to perform a Utility Rate and Impact Fees Study.

  • Staff recommends approval of the contract regarding Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 23-08 Network Support Continuing Services with Veytec.

Omar DeJesus, Finance Director stated there were no changes to the first reading.  Language and clarification is placed in the policy. No comments from the dais.  Mayor Tyler opened the public hearing. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.  Commissioner West introduced Ordinance No. 24-2063.  Attorney Reilly read the ordinance in to the record.

  • Moved byMorris West
    Seconded byAnne Huffman

    Staff recommends approval of the proposed updates to the Travel and Per Diem policy under City Code of Ordinance Section 2-7 for Elected Officials and Employees.

    Carried

Omar DeJesus, Finance Director went over the change made from the 1st reading.  Mayor Tyler opened the public hearing. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.  Commissioner Huffman introduced Ordinance No. 24-2064.  Attorney Reilly read the ordinance in to the record.

  • Moved byAnne Huffman
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Staff recommends City Commission approval to update the City’s Purchasing Policy to create efficiencies while still being fiscally responsible.

    Carried

Attorney Reilly stated that the Developer's attorney submitted a request to continue the ordinance for two more weeks.  The correct legal description needs to be recorded accurately and a continuance is necessary.  Continuance needed until February 15, 2024.

  • Moved byOmar Arroyo
    Seconded byAnne Huffman

    Attorney Reilly recommended that the Ordinance be moved to the February 15, 2024 meeting.

    Carried

Mayor Tyler advised that item 6-d has a state law that has impact on the Ordinance. Mayor Tyler would like to have a workshop as soon as possible to discuss the state perspective and review the ordinance thoroughly before voting on it.  City Clerk Lauther will get with Commissioner Smith's availability. A workshop is scheduled for February 15th at 6:00 PM.  Mayor Tyler stated that all vendors could continue in business until the next meeting.  Michael Glasgow  3413 0 Reed Road, Dade City, FL of Tampa Bay Food, Inc. stated that this was a favorable outcome while the item is tabled until the next meeting.

  • Moved byAnne Huffman
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Staff recommends the City Commission table Ordinance No. 24-2066, to amend Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances, Section 15-62, Section 15-63(8), and add Section 15-66, until a workshop is conducted on February 15, 2024.

    Carried

James Keene, Public Services Administrator stated that this item be moved to the next meeting on February 15, 2024.

8:00 PM - At this time, Mayor Tyler called Horace West, Lana Stripling, of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce Cyndi Jantomaso, President of the Haines City Economic Development Council echoed Horace's sentiment and what an economic boost to the City that this event will create. present. Horace West stated he was asked to put on an event, the North American Football Championship.  Thousands of participants will be coming to Haines City on February 22, 2024 to compete in this championship competition.  Horace West is inviting everyone to attend the opening ceremony.  Lana Stripling stated that this will be a huge economic boost for Haines City. Discussion took place about the book being created for Haines City.  Horace West will get with the City Manager's office on the exact cost needed from the City.

  • Moved byMorris West
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Staff does not recommend approval of this request.

    Carried

James Keene, Public Services Administrator is requesting approval to piggy back for the electrical services needed.

  • Moved byMorris West
    Seconded byAnne Huffman

    Staff recommends approval of the Continuing Services Agreement with McKim and Creed.

    Carried

James Keene, Public Services Administrator explained the need for a stronger concentration needed for processing the water and wastewater facilities. Mayor Tyler opened up the public hearing.  No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. There were no questions or comments from the dais.

  • Moved byAnne Huffman
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Staff recommends approval to continue purchasing Sodium Hypochlorite from Odyssey Manufacturing Company by means of ‘piggyback’ and for the City Manager to execute the contract.

    Carried

Omar DeJesus, CPA, Finance Director is seeking approval for the Invitation to Bid (ITB) 23-12.  The City wants to go with the lowest bidder.  Commissioner West asked  the how much the total appropriation was.  Finance Director DeJesus stated it was 2.4 million award.  Commissioner Huffman asked if the lowest bidder is the best choice.  Mayor Tyler opened the public hearing. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. There were no further comments from the dais.

  • Moved byMorris West
    Seconded byOmar Arroyo

    Staff recommends approval from the City Commission regarding the recommendation of the Evaluation and Recommendation Committee (ERC) regarding Invitation to Bid (ITB) 23-12 Lake Eva RIBs – Forest Hill Phase to award the bid to Felix Construction LLC.

    Carried

Commissioner Huffman inquired about having the contract on the agenda at the same time with the awarding of the Bid.  Finance Director, Omar DeJesus stated that due to the deadline that is in place both items were presented.  Finance Director DeJesus stated that is why the awarding of the bid was presented first.  There were no further questions from the dais.  Mayor Tyler opened up for public hearing.  No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.

  • Moved byMorris West
    Seconded byAnne Huffman

    Staff recommends the City Commission approve the contract with Felix Civil Construction, LLC for Invitation to Bid (ITB) 23-12 Lake Eva RIBs – Forest Hill Phase.

    Carried

Betty White- 2103 Blossom Court, Haines City, Florida- Ms. White inquired why the Public Comments was moved on the agenda.  Ms. White inquired if Code Enforcement was at the Landmark event. Mayor Tyler stated that we would get the answer for her from staff. Ms. White inquired if any laws were broken.

Sameka Atkins- 1207 Dr. MLK Way, Haines City inquired about not being able to attend the last meeting due to the Public Comments being moved.  Ms. Atkins stated that vendors were to be allowed to vend on their private property.  Ms. Atkins stated communication was not done properly with regard to the Business Tax receipts.  There was a lot of confusion from leadership that specific requirements were not discussed. Commissioner Huffman stated that due to health reasons she did not participate in the after party, however she participated in the parade. Mayor Tyler stated that going forward any issues can be discussed at the planning stage.  At this time, Attorney Reilly gave some clarification to the events that occurred at the last Commission meeting that was scheduled on Tuesday.  Attorney Reilly stated that due to numerous comments made on social media, City Manager Elensky put safety processes in place to maintain safety for the citizens. Commissioner Huffman asked attorney Reilly if he spoke with her regarding calling the state inspectors. Ms. Atkins inquired about elected officials using their personal Facebook page- Mayor Tyler stated that the City only has control over the City's social media pages. Individual Facebook pages belong to the individual. Vice-Mayor Arroyo stated that he felt that the event went well however he did not appreciate being accused of being racist as well as spreading lies throughout the community.  Vendors should know what proper licensing at all events.  Commissioner Morris West states that corrections need to be made on both sides.  Racial slurs should not have been used.  Commissioner West would not call the gathering a block party.  Commissioner Huffman stated that an apology is needed to the City Manager from the Northeast Revitalization Group.

Erma Lovetta Cox- 801 N. 6th Street- was upset about a late payment fee that was assessed due to paying five (5) days late.  Ms. Cox stated that when she came to pay, City Hall was closed.  Ms. Cox stated that the late fee was removed and that a City Hall employee told her that she can never be late again.  Bills are due by the 20th of the month before a late fee is assessed. Ms Cox also stated a four way stop needs to be installed at the Claude Homes intersection.  Commissioner Huffman inquired about if this was the first time she was late on the bill.  Ms. Cox did not realize that a late fee was being assessed.  

Kitty Manual - inquired about public records request that she made.  City Clerk Lauther explained that some donations might have been made verbally and that her department would be listening to the audio and respond to her with the findings.

Fred- 1792 Royal Palm Village- had questions on behalf on his development where he is the President of his Homeowners Association (HOA). A resolution is being asked to be drawn up in support.  Attorney Reilly stated that the Commission shouldn't approve the document as submitted.  If a change is needed in the law there is a State Statute 423 that speaks to his issue. The City attorney stated that he has not been authorized by the City Commission.  The HOA should hire an independent attorney to write the resolution.

 

 

 

 

City Manager Elensky stated that he spoke with Sameka Atkins.  Mr. Elensky did not appreciate being accused of not being qualified.

City Clerk Lauther acknowledged the cadets that attended the Commission Meeting.  City Clerk Lauther also spoke about the new Citizen's Academy that has begun under Merissa Greene's leadership.  Thanks was given to Zachery Hamelton, PIO for the Police and Fire Department for covering the meeting in Merissa's absence.

Attorney Reilly stated that he has been an attorney in the state of Florida for thirty-seven years (37 years).  Attorney Reilly has been the attorney for the City for over 12 years.  Attorney Reilly stated that the elected officials have a difficult job in making all of the events successful.  The health, safety and welfare of the entire community is the priority of the City Commission, the City Manager and his staff that he supervises. Attorney Reilly stated that due to the excessive comments in social media leading up to the MLK event, he contacted the State to assist Code Enforcement so that compliance was adhered to.

Commissioner Huffman- thanked Police Chief Goreck and all his staff for their work done at the MLK parade and after events.  Commissioner Huffman inquired about a four way stop sign at Claude Holmes Avenue and also at Bates and 10th Road to have lights put around the four-way stop signs. Mayor Tyler stated that the drivers need to also be more aware and stop texting while driving.

Commissioner West- thanked everyone who attended Florida Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, Florida.  Discussion on many bills were discussed.  Commissioner West stated that the community (Northeast Revitalization Group) should work more closely with the City administration to continue making the event more successful.  Commissioner West admired the rendering of the annex that is being built.  Commissioner West states that the name of the building should be Andrew Riley Annex building as that was voted on with a previous Commission.

Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Arroyo-- talked about the delegation that is in Tallahassee and they see that the elected officials are fighting for Home Rule within the City. 

Mayor Tyler- thanked his staff that work diligently to get the work of the City done.  Mayor Tyler states that just because the decisions are not always made that the Community wants is not a reason to give up.  Each Commissioner cannot work independently.  The Commission comes together for the entire City.

Without any further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 PM.

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