CITY COMMISSION MEETING HAINES CITY, FLORIDA

MINUTES

Monday, December 02, 2024 at 7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

City Hall Commission Chambers

620 E. Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844

Phone: [phone] Web: hainescity.com

Present:

• Commissioner, Anne Huffman
• Commissoner Morris West
• Vice-Mayor, Omar Arroyo
• Commissioner, Vernel Smith
• Commissioner, Kim Downing

Staff in Attendance:

• City Manager, James Elensky
• City Attorney, Fred Reilly
• City Clerk, Sharon Lauther
• Erica Sanchez

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The mayor called the City Commission Meeting to order at 7:01 PM on December 2, 2024, in the City Commission Chambers, located at 620 E Main Street, Haines City, FL.

2.

INVOCATION

The Vice-Mayor provided the invocation.

3.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Mayor led the pledge of allegiance.

4.

CONSENT AGENDA

No questions from the dais.  Mayor A

• Approve consent as a whole.

4.a

City Attorney Invoice for the Billing Period Ending October 31, 2024

• Approve payment to the City Attorney for legal services and disbursements for the billing period ending October 31, 2024 in the amount of $18,457.50.

4.b

Water Use Permit (WUP) Modification Agreement with CHA Consulting

• Staff recommends approval of an engineering services agreement with CHA Consulting for WUP Modification Support services..

4.c

Cemetery Deeds

4.d

Parks and Recreation Board Applications

4.e

Meeting minutes to be approved

5.

NEW BUSINESS

5.a

Ordinance No. 24-2092 – Voluntary Annexation of Tenold Holdings Properties & Involuntary Annexation for Other Properties along US Highway 27 North and South

Richard Greenwood, Development Services Director presented the Ordinance No. 24-2092 seeking approval on first reading. Discussion took place.  Mayor Arroyo opened up the public hearing, David Congdon who owns property had questions regarding taxes since they are currently in the County.  He is agricultural use of his property and does not want to lose his agricultural zoning.  No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed Commissioner Smith introduced Ordinance No. 24-2092.  Attorney Reilly read the ordinance into the record.

• Moved by Vernel Smith
  Seconded by Kim Downing

  Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. 24-2092 Voluntary Annexation of Tenold Holdings Properties and Involuntary Annexation for Other Properties along US Highway 27 North and South.

  Carried Unanimously

5.b

Resolution No. 24-1845 Amending Resolution No. 24-1834 – Crosswinds East Phase 1 Final Plat

Richard Greenwood, Development Services Director asked attorney Reilly to explain the need for Resolution No. 24-1845 amending Resolution No. 24-1834 for approval. After the final plat was approved there were several amendments that needed to be changed.  Commissioner Huffman inquired about Crosswinds West - Attorney Reilly stated that this was the first phase of the development. Commissioner Huffman stated that she was happy to see the developer taking the traffic that will be affecting this project.  Mayor Arroyo opened up the public hearing.  Sharon Garrett off of Carl Boozer Road has continued concern of traffic based on how many homes are being built.  The infrastructure does not address any traffic lights. Vice-Mayor West stated that the city has no jurisdiction on a county road.  No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Huffman introduced Resolution No. 24-1845.  Attorney Reilly read the resolution into the record.

• Moved by Anne Huffman
  Seconded by Morris West

  Staff recommends approval of a Resolution amending Resolution No. 24-1834 for Crosswinds East Phase 1 Final Plat.

  Carried Unanimously

5.c

Resolution No. 24-1844 Infrastructure Agreement for Powerline Road Intersection Improvements

City Attorney Reilly presented Resolution No. 24-1844, infrastructure agreement for powerline road intersection improvements for approval.  Discussion took place.  Mayor Arroyo opened up the public hearing.  Sharon Garrett off of Carl Boozer Road stated traffic control devices need to be installed. A three way stop sign would be nice at Carl Boozer Road. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Downing introduced Resolution No. 24-1844.  Attorney Reilly read the resolution into the record.

After the vote Attorney Reilly advised of the change in the resolution that was made. Section 3- Condition 5 had a minor change- For full disclosure the attorney stated the changes

At this time, Mayor Arroyo re-opened the public hearing. Sharon Garrett off of Carl Boozer Road stated the City should speak with the County and negotiations.

Commissioner Huffman introduced the resolution with the noted change in Section 3- Condition 5.  Attorney Reilly read the resolution into the record.

Commissioner Downing made the motion to accept 

Commissioner Smith seconded the motion- All voted yes. Motion passed unanimously.

• Moved by Anne Huffman
  Seconded by Kim Downing

  Staff recommends approve the Infrastructure Agreement for Powerline Road Intersection Improvements with GLK Real Estate, LLC for transportation improvements.

  Carried Unanimously

5.d

Seven Acre Soccer Park currently labeled

Discussion took place stating previous votes were in reference to the 32-acre park.  Vice-Mayor West stated that the park should be primarily used for soccer however it should be available for all other sports thereby making it a multipurpose field. Commissioner Huffman stated the money for the land was paid for by the CRA and the development was paid for by CRA.  The purpose of the field initially was girls' softball. Mayor Arroyo stated that when he was elected, he stated at the very first meeting he stated we should have soccer fields due to the demographics of the community.  Mayor Arroyo then took a tour of the 32-acre part.  The intent was after the 32 acre was developed the field would be turned into multipurpose fields.  Multiple fields are needed when tournaments are occurring.  Commissioner Huffman stated that during 2015-2016 stated the Vice-Mayor advocated for soccer.  Commissioner Huffman stated that East side community is larger now and we need to move beyond what the community was referred to as Eastside.  Mayor Arroyo stated that he was not the only one who got the soccer field. Mayor Arroyo acknowledged Commissioner Huffman and Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West also campaigned for the soccer field.  Commissioner Huffman's concern is that leagues will be formed and then the Commission and Director Griffin will have to answer to the community.  There will constantly be a fight if the soccer field is not specifically designated.  Commissioner Smith stated that we should not limit the exposure to the youth in the community.  Until the 32-acre field is fully developed the other fields should be multi-purpose.  The city should promote as many sports as possible.  Commissioner Downing re-iterated that all parks and all facilities should be multi-purpose. The city has come a long way, and we should identify the races with a particular sport.  The mindset needs to change and provide a safe space for all of the residents and the fields should be multi-purpose.  The schedule should accommodate the necessary sport when the need is there.  All taxpayers should have use of all the facilities. Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West stated that the previous Commission had planted the seed to get a soccer field.  Mayor Arroyo was acknowledged for all of his hard work in seeing the vision for a soccer field.  Making the field multi-purpose is the most beneficial.  At this time, Director Griffin stated at the Oct. 23 meeting the approval was for a soccer field. Commissioner Downing states that a vote did not establish the actual use of the field.  Attorney Reilly stated a discussion has occurred and there were choices made and now the Commission wants to change.  Commissioner Huffman made a motion that the seven-acre soccer part should be a multipurpose field seconded by Commissioner Downing.  (Listen to the audio).   A multipurpose field is best for all the sports and should not be defined by race.  A roll call vote was done

Commissioner Huffman- yea

Commissioner Downing- yea

Commissioner Smith- yea

Mayor Arroyo- Nay

Vice-Mayor - Yea

Motion passes 4-1

5.e

Ordinance No. 24-2097 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Amendment #1

Omar DeJesus, Finance Director, CPA presented Ordinance No. 24-2097 fiscal year 2024-2025 Budget Amendment #1 for approval.  Commissioner Huffman stated that this ordinance should not be voted as it is a CRA item. The item is a rollover from the CRA, and the City Commission is now voting on the procedural efforts. Commissioner Huffman had concerns that according to the Florida State Statutes 163 the City Commission needs to serve as the CRA Board. Mayor Arroyo opened up the public hearing.  No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West introduced Ordinance No. 24-2097.  Attorney Reilly read the resolution into the record.

• Moved by Morris West
  Seconded by Vernel Smith

  Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance for the purposes of reallocating and re-appropriating monies for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget.

  Carried Unanimously

5.f

Amendment No. 2 to State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Agreement WW530470

Omar DeJesus, CPA Finance Director presented Amendment No.2 to State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Agreement WW530470 for approval.  This loan is tied to Lift Station #4.  An extension is needed to finish out the project. Mayor Arroyo opened up the public hearing.  No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. 

• Moved by Morris West
  Seconded by Anne Huffman

  Staff recommends the City Commission approve Amendment 2 to SRF Loan Agreement WW530470.

  Carried Unanimously

5.g

Red Light Camera Summary Report

Florida Statute §316.0083 requires counties and cities operating red light cameras to report program outcomes to their governing body annually at a regular or special meeting, allowing for public comment. This report must include the number of violations issued, contested, upheld, dismissed, and paid; the number of Uniform Traffic Citations issued; and a detailed financial breakdown of how collected funds were distributed. The Haines City Police Department, in partnership with its red-light camera vendor, has prepared this report covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, to meet statutory requirements, ensure transparency, and highlight the program’s role in improving road safety. Chief Goreck gave an overview of the red-light camera summary report.

There are no Recommendations; this Red-Light Camera Program summary report is for informational purposes only.  Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West inquired as to why the red-light camera revenue is not designated to a law enforcement fund. Discussion took place regarding if a red-light camera was removed at the Publix on Hinson.

Mayor Arroyo opened the public hearing. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed.

• Moved by Morris West
  Seconded by Vernel Smith

  There are no Recommendations; this Red-Light Camera Program summary report is for informational purposes only.

  Carried Unanimously

5.h

MLK Discussion

Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West stated that community members can peacefully assemble.  Commissioner Huffman stated that safety needs to be addressed, and the people or the vendors shouldn't block for emergency vehicles to get through. Commissioner Huffman inquired as to why there was no one representing the Northeast Revitalization Committee. Commissioner Smith stated that the manner in how the police presence addressed the community was the issue. Deputy City Manager Rick Sloan stated that they need to adhere to the time when the parade and festivities shut down.  Commissioner Huffman agrees that rules should be followed however no one should be manhandled. All of the events are not official city events- Having additional staff and police presence is not sanctioned. Commissioner Downing expressed her concern on how the Haines City PD handled the attendees.  It is not necessary to have so much police presence on duty.  The other events that the city has does not have the number of officers staffed.  We must be mindful of how the taxpayers' dollars are spent.  The parade has been moved from January to February 1, 2025.  Commissioner Downing wanted assurance that there was no conflict with the collective bargaining agreement. DCM Sloan stated there are specifics in the collective bargaining agreement however he would have the Chief check.  Discussion took place regarding the approved flyers that should reflect the City's brand.  Commissioner West states that a representative from the Northeast Revitalization group needs to come before the Commission so that further questions can be answered.

The MLK Discussion will be on the next agenda for approval under old Business.

6.

PUBLIC COMMENTS - REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Bennie Jessie Jr.-1116 Tangerine Circle, Haines City- Mr. Jessie thanked the board for selecting him to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.  Mr. Jessie is looking forward to bringing new and engaging ideas to the Committee and community.

Sharon Garrett- off of Carl Boozer Road- stated that setbacks should be assessed to the food truck owners.  Ms. Garrett identified various traffic lights that are at other roads.

7.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

None

8.

CITY CLERK'S REPORT

Travel packets will be prepared and provided to the Commissioners traveling at the end of the week.

9.

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT

A policy will be put together on how to handle Commissioner related events and it can be discussed in a workshop.

10.

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioner Downing had questions regarding the memo however she will hold until the City Manager returns.  The Athletic Director for Haines City High School invited the Commission to the Season opener to the basketball opening game at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Commissioner Smith- None

Commissioner Huffman- she is not campaigning.  At her last Chat N Chew event was for the community.

Vice-Mayor/Commissioner West- None.

Mayor Arroyo- None

11.

ADJOURNMENT

Without any further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.