CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
City Hall
110 N.W. 1st Avenue
September 26, 2013
Mayor Weller called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Invocation by Pastor Lawrence Haley, Vision Tabernacle Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call: Mayor Sue Weller – Present
Vice Mayor Scott Jamison - Present Commissioner Bob Barnas – Present Commissioner Linda Gestrin – Present Commissioner Byran Williams – Present
Staff Present: Ed Booth, City Manager
Jenny L. Parham, City Clerk Hubert Jacques, Finance Director Scott Walker, City Attorney Courtney Johnson, City Attorney Steve Holley, Police Chief APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion Commissioner Williams to approve the agenda. Second Vice Mayor Jamison.
Motion carried 5 – 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 29, SEPTEMBER 5, 10 & 16, 2013.
Commissioner Barnas questioned the portion concerning meeting the bond requirements in the September 16, 2013 minutes. Mr. Booth stated he has the auditors working on a report on this item. Mayor Weller correction on page four on the August 29, 2013 minutes, elevate should be evaluate.
Motion Commissioner Williams to approve the minutes of August 29, September 5, 10 & 16, 2013. Second Vice Mayor Jamison.
Motion carried 5 – 0.
PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF FLORIDA CITY GOVERNMENT WEEK, OCTOBER 20 – 26, 2013. Proclamation was read by Mayor Weller.
PROCLAMATION DECLARING “TRICK OR TREAT” ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 FROM 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Proclamation was read by Mayor Weller
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF ON THE STREET CLOSING REQUEST BY PALMER
Attorney Walker spoke of laws on street closings.
Motion Commissioner Barnas to direct staff to prepare ordinance for street closing. Second Commissioner Gestrin.
Motion carried 5 – 0.
CITIZEN REQUESTS AND COMMENTS
Robert Kaplenstein, builder was approached by Alarion Bank to finish development of Ashton Ridge. Complained about the median on HWY 441 to the entrance of the subdivision, states it is a major concern.
Commissioner Barnas pointed out the Department of Transportation would be here Wednesday and could look at it.
Bobby Summers pointed out that High Springs has the highest millage rate in the county.
Ross Ambrose appreciates the extra millage as we have our own police, fire and a wide range of services.
Moss Caballero, High Springs FFA and Santa Fe FFA will be competing at the National Agriscience
Fair. Three were from this chapter will be competing. The Agriscience Fair is October 28 – Nov 2nd in
Louisville, KY; requested city’s support in order to attend the conference, cost is $750 per student. Have also been working at the Great Outdoors Restaurant on Tuesday collecting tips to raise money. Mr. Booth states he will match any commissioner’s donation up to $200. Mayor Weller stated she would donate $100. Commissioner Barnas states he will also donate $100. Commissioner Williams states he would also donate.
Suzie Westfall spoke concerning the grinder pump not being installed at her home in Heron Landing. Mr. Booth stated this had been solved.
Heather Caballero expressed appreciation for the FFA donations.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2013 – Q, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP) TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2014 – 2015. (CIVIC CENTER PARK) Resolution 2013-Q was read by title only by Attorney Walker.
Mr. Booth presented pictures of the park to be renovated. Motion Vice Mayor Jamison to approve Resolution 2013-Q. Second Commissioner Williams.
Ross Ambrose, member of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, spoke in favor of this grant moving forward.
Roll call vote:
Commissioner Williams - yes Commissioner Gestrin - yes Commissioner Barnas - yes Vice Mayor Jamison - yes Mayor Weller - yes
Motion carried 5 – 0.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2013 – R, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP) TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2014 – 2015. (CATHERINE TAYLOR PARK) Resolution 2013-R was read by title only by Attorney Walker.
Mr. Booth presented pictures of the park to be renovated.
Grant Writer Fred Fox, Fox Enterprises, explained the grant process. Motion Commissioner Barnas to approve Resolution 2013-R. Second Commissioner Gestrin.
Roll call vote:
Commissioner Gestrin - yes Commissioner Barnas - yes Vice Mayor Jamison -yes Mayor Weller- yes
Commissioner Williams-yes
Ten minutes recess to sign FRDAP documents at 7:18 p.m. Mayor Weller called the meeting back to order at 7:30 p.m.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2013 – S, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND; AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF OF POLICE OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA TO ACCEPT PROPERTY FORFEITED PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES; AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND ON THE FINANCIAL BOOKS AND RECORDS OF THE CITY; ESTABLISHES THAT SECTION 932.701 THROUGH SECTION 932.706 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES SHALL GOVERN THE RETENTION, SALE,
SALVAGE, TRADE OR TRANSFER OF FORFEITED PROPERTY; AND ESTABLISHES AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Resolution 2013-S was read by title only by Attorney Walker
Mr. Jacques explained the purpose of this resolution is to comply with Florida Statutes. Motion Vice Mayor Jamison to adopt Resolution 2013-S.
Second Commissioner Gestrin. Roll call vote:
Commissioner Barnas - yes Vice Mayor Jamison - yes Mayor Weller - yes
Commissioner Williams - yes Commissioner Gestrin – yes Motion carried 5 – 0.
CONSIDER ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SERVICES.
Mr. Booth explained this is not the organization that will review the comp plan, they will review development.
Motion Vice Mayor Jamison authorizing the Mayor and/or City Manager to enter into an agreement with the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council for Comprehensive Planning Services.
Second Commissioner Williams.
Motion carried 4 – 1 with Commissioner Gestrin opposing. DISCUSS ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION LIMITING DEBT.
Commissioner Barnas states he requested this item be on the agenda to determine if the Commission could pass a resolution limiting debt.
Attorney Walker questioned if he was looking to amend the charter. Commissioner Barnas states he would like to have a charter amendment but it was too late for this year. Questioned if a resolution or ordinance could be passed limiting debt, questioned if it had to be a charter amendment to go on the ballot.
Attorney Walker speaks of resolution not being binding as it could be changed at another meeting. Attorney Walker states there are two ways to put this on the ballot; the commission must pass an ordinance for charter amendment or a citizen’s initiative to place on ballot. This process takes time to
get
done; needs a good window of 6 – 8 months.
Motion Commissioner Barnas to direct the attorney to draft an ordinance that was in the same form as the one that was voided that limits the debt of the city to $1,000,000.
Second Commissioner Gestrin.
Vice Mayor Jamison would like to know specifically what we are limiting; is open to the idea. Motion withdrawn
Second withdrawn
Commissioner Barnas states he will put an item to discuss parameters on the next agenda.
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE REVISED INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH ALACHUA COUNTY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY PLANNING.
Attorney Walker explained the agreement.
Motion Vice Mayor Jamison to enter into the appropriate interlocal agreement with the Alachua County Public School Facility Planning with the School Board of Alachua County.
Bobby Summers suggested to table item and see what the other cities do, feels this is controlling growth. Motion withdrawn
Second withdrawn
Motion Vice Mayor Jamison to table item until the October 24th meeting.
Second Commissioner Gestrin. Motion carried 5 – 0.
UPDATE ON ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS.
Mr. Jacques outlined customers who may use the electronic payment system. Staff recommended going out for a RFP for electronic payment system.
Motion Commissioner Barnas to get a RFP for an electronic payment system. Second Commissioner Gestrin.
Motion carried 5 – 0.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT/UPDATE
1. Attorney Johnson states they are still working on annexation issue.
2. Attorney Johnson states they are working on sign ordinance.
3. Attorney Johnson advised they are working with the City Manager and Finance Director on the
Clay Electric issue; hope to have settled soon.
4. Attorney Johnson advised that they are working with the City Manager on the Developer
Agreements.
CITY MANAGER REPORT/UPDATE
1. Grinder pump project winding up; having to reimburse three people for grinder pumps.
2. Current budget update. Spoke concerning remaining current year funds. $147,866 contingency
was funded, but not spent.
3. PBA refuses to meet, will continue to contact them requesting to meet.
4. Problem with Farmers’ Market Grant, didn’t go out to bid for Architectural and Engineering
Services.
5. Checks over $1,000 to be put on the web next week.
6. Auditors currently working, will be looking into sewer bonds to determine if we meet the
requirements.
COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Williams expressed appreciation to Mr. Booth for moving rocks in cemetery. Pointed out that there are street signs that need replacing.
Commissioner Gestrin questioned if we ever determined who owns the city signs coming into town. Mr. Booth states the CDC owns the sign.
Commissioner Gestrin requested information prior to the meeting.
Commissioner Gestrin questioned if landscaping was ever put out to bid. Mr. Booth stated we are getting ready to do this.
Commissioner Gestrin stated the Community Garden has restarted; need to promote on the website. May need to review forms. Are there funds for paying the water bill for them. Mr. Booth to look into. Commissioner Barnas discussion on signs and bike racks owned by the CDC; can we take them up if they need repair.
Commissioner Barnas advised DOT will be here Wednesday will go downtown to look at signs.
Commissioner Barnas questioned, new businesses opening in town, city manager can’t approve? Mr. Booth states it depends on zoning.
Commissioner Barnas questioned Farmers’ Market, when do they have to move from current location. Mr. Booth advised in January.
Commissioner Barnas stated that on television yesterday, Lake City received $4 million in grants to convert sprayfield to a wetland treatment; there was dye put in the spray field and it was found in the Ichetucknee. There is going to be new money available with D.E.P. that will be funneled toward where there are springs.
Vice Mayor Jamison – nothing.
Commissioner Williams advised he will be out of town October 7th – 23rd.
MAYOR
Mayor Weller advised that the Irish Waterdogs has a program of taking veterans kayaking, they are applying for grant through VA and are requesting a letter from the mayor in support.
Commissioner Gestrin asked if all commissioners could participate in the D.O.T meeting and if it would be a sunshine law violation.
Attorney Walker states as long as nothing is discussed they could attend.
Motion Vice Mayor Jamison to adjourn Second Commissioner Gestrin
