CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7/14/2020

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7/14/2020

The City Council of the City of Milton met on July 14,2020 at 5:45 p.m. (CST) in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 6738 Dixon Street, Milton, Florida. The following were:

PRESENT: ABSENT:

Heather Hathaway Heather Lindsay

Sharon Holley

Mary Ellen Johnson (Protem) George Jordan

Casey Powell (phone) Peggi Smith

Jeff Snow Shannon Rice

Randy Jorgenson, City Manager Dewitt Nobles, City Clerk

Alex Andrade, Associate City Attorney Laquita Neely, Executive Assistant Stephen Ringl, IT Director

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE : Shari Sebastiao, Haley McGruyre, Darlene Mosley, Summer Merricks, Chris Merricks, Nalie Merricks, Aliyanna Merricks, Kaitlyn Merricks, Theresa Messick, Kennisha, Danny L Scott, Delvrin Hill, Ashley Ras, Mary Lyons, Waltezhia Mack, Trisha Mabire, Leigh Ann Benton, Linda Johnson, Madelyn, John Cordine, David, Michael Flozman, Christopher Hively, Schradena LaBessiere, Josh Labassiere, Julia Atabey, Kevin Atabey, Howard Steele, Felicicia Barnes, Julian Vaipan, Sarah Thomas, Richard Thomas, Jason Werk, Ashley Preston, Caleb Kennedy, Emily Shard, Charlene Ford, Lorna Clark,

Maribeth Brossart, Joseph Caurey, Jeff Russell, James Raffeild, Laura Butler, Annie Blanks, Nancy Doggett, Emily Lin, Michael Denny, Bonnie Steinmetz, Jeremy Steinmets, Holly

Stephens, Cheryl Kovaluk, Nicole Jackson, Craig Marin, Petra Rayne, Paul Rought, Ted Griffin, Dan Nolan, Ted Frazier, Vivian Rhodes

Protem Mary Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Roll Call was performed.

INVOCATION:Nicole Jackson

APPROVAL OF AGENDA FOR ADDITIONAL ITEMS

 Recommendation for Additional Items from Staff  Recommendation for Additional Items from Council

(a) Council Reports

Councilwoman Johnson stated to move Item #1569 Tiny Homes Ordinance and Item #1586 Riverfest Rescheduled to Committee of the Whole for further discussion.

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILWOMAN SMITH;

SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN SNOW. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1) June 9,2020 Council Meeting 2) June 18, 2020 Special Call

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMAN JORDAN;

SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILMAN POWELL, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN SMITH, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY, AYE.

COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE.

RECOGNITIONS, SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS

Dr Darlene Mosley and Haley McGryre approached the bench.

Mosley stated she is the organizer for Santa Rosa Community Remembers Project. There purpose is to research document and recognize lynching victims in Santa Rosa County between 1866 and 1950. Mosley discussed the phases.

Haley discussed how they are moving forward. Haley said Black Lives Matters is more then a phrase, it is a call to action and the remembrance project works to acknowledge this pain and understands it’s violated roots in our country’s history. Haley also stated that we actively challenge themselves to be antiracist and to confront uncomfortable stories and to work within our community to be better.

Councilwoman Holley asked if the Council can get copies of there project to read through. Councilwoman Johnson presented an award to Dr Mosley and Haley and stated there is a need for all to work together and we all matter. Councilwoman Johnson thanked them for their hard work.

PUBLIC HEARINGS/MEETINGS

Councilwoman Johnson called David Jones (6489 Bass Ln) to the bench.

David said he was concern about reinstating cut offs. Said he is worried about personnel hygiene and people are out of work and can not pay bills. David said he is a real estate investor and have orders from the Governor stating he is not aloud to evict anyone from home at this time. David then said this is something we should not be doing as a community and not healthy and if anyone is on danger of having their utilities shut off, he will set up a protest.

Councilwoman Johnson called Summer Merricks (5567 Baltic Ct) to the bench. Summer said there are several murals in other cities and countries but here in Milton it seems like people don’t want to show support. Summer said the mural is a symbol of unity and love and lets the world know our city will not allow any member of our community to be bullied or mistreated and excluded.

Councilwoman Johnson called Madelyn Gonzales (6668 Grace St) to the bench. Madelyn said there are two storms brewing in Milton which are the pandemic and racial tensions. Madelyn said we need to find a solution and is asking the Council to understand that people asking for a mural is not asking you to place in your yard or on your street.

Councilwoman Johnson called Haley McGuyre (7395 Austin Dr) to the bench. Haley said she does not live in the City limits but does business here and supports the mural being organized by Christopher and Summer Merricks. Haley said members of our community are asking for the dignity and respect they deserve and asked the Council to move the support of the mural to the Committee of a Whole.

Councilwoman Johnson called Felicia Barnes (7666 Johnson Rd) to the bench. Felicia discussed the Concrete Roses which is a non-profit education of youth of all colors on black history. Felicia said all lives matter, but we are here to talk about black lives. Felicia also said racism is taught and it’s time we stop that, and we are in support for the BLM mural.

Councilwoman Johnson called Linda Johnson (7307 Kennedy Ln) to the bench. Linda said she is pro mural and the City of Milton is overdue for a change. Councilwoman Johnson called Trisha Mabire (no address given) to the bench.

Trisha said she does not want to share her address and supports the BLM mural and the City needs change in Milton. Trisha said black lives need to matter for all lives to matter.

Councilwoman Johnson called Aliyana Merricks (no address given) to the bench. Aliyana talked about racism and does not want people to see just her skin color. Aliyana said race is not just a color it is a meaning.

Councilwoman Johnson called Nalie Merricks (no address given) to the bench. Nalie said black lives must matter before all lives matter and nothing is different between us except our skin tone and supports the mural.

Councilwoman Johnson called Kaitly Merrick (no address given) to the bench. Kaitly said BLM mural is to bring people together and supports the mural. Councilwoman Johnson called Chris Merricks (5565 Baltic Ct) to the bench.

Chris said he supports the mural and his group in not a terrorist group. Councilwoman Johnson called Christopher Hively (5863 Chi Chi Cir)

Christopher said God loves all people and all lives matter. Christopher said we need unity. He fought for this country so we can have freedom. Christopher does not support the mural it will not help us.

Councilwoman Johnson called Josh LaBassiere (6409 Warren Rd) to the bench. Josh said there are good and bad in everyone and we need to come together. Councilwoman Johnson called Julia Atabey (6175 Ashton Woods Dr) to the bench.

Julia said we are supposed to be one nation and what good has the

movement done. Julia said if it was so peaceful then why the riots and killing. Julia also said we are all equal and asked the Council to not allow this mural this will not profit the City.

Councilwoman Johnson called Mike Flozeman (5216 Tupelo Ln) to the bench Mike said racism is learned and all black lives matter and we need to address racism in both direction it goes both ways.

Howard discussed meeting agenda and said he does not believe the City’s assets should be used as a canvas for a private group for their private message. Councilwoman Johnson called Julian Vaipan (4956 Bell Ridge Ln) to the bench.

Julian said he agrees that black lives matter like every race matter. Julian said he is strongly against the BLM mural as it divides us by color.

Councilwoman Johnson called Jason Wells (4942 Cedar Creek Ct) to the bench. Jason discusses face masks and BLM and said he is against the mural and against face masks,

Councilwoman Johnson called Caleb Kennedy (6468 Oakcrest Rd) to the bench. Caleb read a bible verse and said he believes all life matters and the BLM mural will make division. Caleb said we should be unified like the Pledge of Allegiance say.

Councilwoman Johnson called Sarah Thomas (6404 Jesse Allen Rd) to the bench. Sarah said she believes racism is taught and needs to stop and said the BLM mural will divide us and does not want to see it on her streets.

Councilwoman Johnson called Joseph Courey (5787 Windham Rd) to the bench. Joseph is against the mural and said if the Council allows this then the Council better allow him to paint all lives matter from birth to natural death pro-life. Joseph said that will be the next message painted on the same street and he will do it himself.

Councilwoman Johnson called Craig Moran (5624 Columbia Ave) to the bench. Craig said the Mayor was going to put that mandated stuff on the website and he wanted to go over it with her because she is hurting business owners of the city. Craig also said he said last week as long as she keeps pushing it he will be at the meetings fighting.

Councilwoman Johnson called James Raffield (6820 Berryhill Rd) to the bench. James said he is here to offer ideas. James said you can express how you feel on your own property and instead of spending money on a mural why can’t we come up with a different way. James said the mural is not going to change

anything.

Councilwoman Johnson called Ted Frazier (5418 Alabama St) to the bench. Ted thanked the Council for hearing everyone. Ted said he is against the mural and everyone’s life was created by God.

Councilwoman Johnson called Delvrin Hill (4858 Webb Cir) to the bench.

Delvrin agrees this mural should be on the streets as a peace and unity of the people and said he feels over the years black people have not been paid attention to.

Theresa Messick approached the bench and said what she is hearing tonight is not Milton. Theresa said we need to show the United States of America what Milton is about. Theresa said we don’t need a mural that says black lives matter because all lives matter. Theresa said Milton needs to change and it starts with each one of us. We need to stand together.

City Clerk Dewitt Nobles said she has some public input that needs to be read into record.

The first letter read by Dewitt is from Elizabeth Pavelick (4454 Armitage Rd in Gulf breeze). The goal of the black lives matter mural is to show love and unity and bring awareness to a difficult subject.

The second letter read by Dewitt is from Susan Russell (5055 Canal St). There are many reasons to say no to black lives matter being painted on any of Milton streets.

The third letter read by Dewitt is from Mary Williams (5169 Old Berryhill Rd). Oppose to the BLM to be painted on a street in Milton. This will create division among our citizens.

The fourth letter read by Dewitt is from Jennie Roper (4750 Van horn Rd). Oppose to the BLM mural. This is not what we need. The money they wish to spend on this would be better spent helping families in this town and believes we all matter.

City Clerk Dewitt Nobles also stated she has four letter that was sent to the Mayor. The first letter is from Marl Lewis. Oppose to the mural and said in letter he understands the drive to support BLM but is against painting any type of mural on a public road and that roads are constructed for the purpose on providing avenues of travel for general public.

The second letter is from Sarah Thomas. Oppose to the mural being painted and feels like it will divide the community.

The third letter is from Kurt Kennedy. Oppose to the mural and face masks. And stated there are many reasons why face masks are ineffective.

The fourth letter from Luther Golden. Oppose to the mural and stated there are many sentiments that he agrees with but does not want it painted on a public street.

Gentleman then approached the bench (no name given) and asked the if the black live matter was so peaceful why were there so many cities burnt and said he was taught racism by blacks.

Nancy Dogett approached the bench and said all lives matter and God create us all equal. Nancy said she came to the meeting to discuss the face masks ad does not like her freedom taken away and only can see more division with painting a mural. Nancy said she feels she is judged by being white.

Ted Griffith (6017 Vanity Fair Rd) approached the bench and said he opposes the mural and there are not enough roads for all the markings because everyone is going to want to make their own markings. Ted said it will become unsafe. Michael Denny (2731 El Corn Rd) and Emily Lynn approached the bench.

Michael discussed the COVID cases in Florida and in Santa Rosa County. Michael urges the City Council to make face masks mandatory to limit Milton the damage of COVID and help save lives.

Councilwoman Holley asked when we will get the accurate numbers. Holley said it’s got to be more simplified then what everybody is trying to make it be. Holley said if you can wear a mask then wear one, but she hears different numbers. Holley also said they are already in phase three in the creating a vaccine for corona. Holley said we are all effected by this and all deserve an answer for this. Councilwoman Johnson asked Michael and Emily to e-mail their presentation so Council can study it.

Theresa Messick approached the bench and said that some comments from doctors that come into their business and said if someone dies from cancer or other issues and they are tested for COVID and shows up positive then that body is tagged as COVID. Theresa said they receive extra funding for doing this. Theresa also said she was told that when people go to get tested and the wait is to long those people leave and then receive a letter saying they tested positive when they were not even tested and when some people get tested more then once they are added to the numbers going up. Theresa said there is no accurate count for this.

Councilwoman Johnson said there is no vote tonight on things that have been brought up. We must study this.

INVITED SPEAKERS none

PERSONS TO APPEAR none

GENERAL CONSENT AGENDA

1) As forwarded from Executive Committee Meeting held on Monday, July 6tht _{at 5:30 p.m.}

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMAN

SNOW; SECONDED BY ALL COUNCIL. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILMAN JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN

HATHAWAY, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE.

ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS & PROCLAMATIONS

1) Ordinance # 1946-20, Backflow (2nd _reading)

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMAN SNOW;

SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN RICE. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

POWELL, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN SMITH, AYE COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILMAN JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY, AYE.

COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE.

2) Resolution #1496-20, Annual Fire Fee DISCUSSION

Councilwoman asked the City Manager Randy Jorgenson if the fee is the same. Jorgenson replied it is being reduced.

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMAN

SNOW; SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED 8-0.

JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY, AYE.

3) Resolution #1497-20, State Resolving Fund

DICUSSION

Councilman Jordan stated we need to look at what we are doing before we pass it. Jordan said what we are looking at is borrowing $14 million. It does go down to $10 million if we meet all the criteria at the end of the time period. Jordan also said everybody should realize that this payment is $43,000 a month and as of today we have an estimated cost on this in three phases of this project to be completed by 2023 an estimated cost of $28.5 million. So far today the money we have from outside the City is $500,000 and we are hoping this change and get a lot more from outside the City. Jordan said the obligation of the City as of now on these first three phases is $28 million. Jordan said he just wanted to bring to attention, and we have got to do some serious cutting to be able to handle this.

Councilwoman Hathaway likes what Councilman Jordan is saying and worries about the budget with the County with all that tis going on.

Councilman Snow said on the 6.5 it comes out of nothing that the County has. Snow said it is from restore money only.

Councilwoman Smith states she has one thing to say about the water treatment plant. There is a lot of things we can do without but fresh water in not one of them. Smith said we can not grow unless we build that, and we will have to do without something else.

City Manager Randy Jorgenson asked that the part of this the Council will indicate that the signatures are authorized to execute the instruments required to insure the loan.

Councilwoman Smith ask Jorgenson if he wants a Motion to that effect.

Jorgenson replied that would be fine.

***MOTION APPROVED BY COUNCILWOMAN SMITH

THAT YOU ARE SIGNATURE EMPOWERED TO MAKE THAT

HAPPEN SECONED BY COUNCILMAN SNOW. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

POWELL, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN SMITH, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE. COUNCILMAN JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY, AYE.

***MOTION TO APPROVE MADE BY COUNCILMAN SNOW;

SECONDED BY COUNCILWOMAN SMITH. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

POWELL, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN SMITH, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE. COUNCILMAN JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWAY, AYE.

******************************************************************

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None

CITY CLERK’S REPORT –

Dewitt stated about the information on the City’s Election coming up from August 3rd _{at noon to} August 7th _{at noon and will be posted in paper.}

COUNCIL COMMITTEE ITEMS:

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY

Item # 1571

Cut Off List of Delinquent Accounts

Title: Cut off list of Delinquent Accounts.

Background: Copy of 30/60/90/120 day bill

Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3 Cycle 4 Age of accounts March Thru June 2020

Summary:

Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Billing date Billing dates Billing dates 3/4/20 3/11/20 3/18/20 $198.46 $122.74 $237.33 4/7/20 4/14/20 $4/21/20 $307.58 $254.11 $322.26 5/6/20 5/13/20 5/20/20 $420.70 $371.29 $406.29 6/3/20 6/10/20 6/17/20 $533.30 $475.12 $ 464.45 20% of 533.30 20% of 457.12 20%of 464.45 =$106.66 plus =$95.02 plus =$92.89 plus Current bill Current bill Current bill

Cycle 4 Sundial Sewer Billing date Billing date 3/25/20 3/24/20 $170.84 $838.59 4/28/20 4/27/20 $266.19 $884.56 5/27.20 5/26/20 $361.56 $930.53 6/24/20 6/23/20 $454.72 $976.50 20% of $454.52 20% of $976.50 = $95.02 plus = $195.30 plus Current bill Current bill

Recommendation:

Direction of Council

Attachments: Arrangement policy 2020 Covid19

Agreement /Promissory Note

***MOTION MADE TO MOVE TO THE

COMMITTEE OF A WHOLE MADE BY

COUNCILWOMAN RICE; SECONDED BY

COUNCILMAN SNOW. UNANIMOUSLY

APPROVED 8-0.

COUNCILMAN SNOW, AYE. COUNCILMAN POWELL, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN SMITH, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN JOHNSON, AYE.

COUNCILWOMAN RICE, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HOLLEY, AYE. COUNCILMAN JORDAN, AYE. COUNCILWOMAN HATHAWY, AYE.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: COUNCILMAN JORDAN

Item # 1569

Tiny Homes Ordinance

Title: Tiny Homes Ordinance

Background: The Milton Housing Working Group (MHWG) was formed in

October 2018 to raise awareness and research potential solutions for the immediate need for affordable housing within our community and the need for homeless assistance. The MHWG is led by Council Member Casey Powell. The participants of the group consist of local stakeholders which include the following: Opening Doors, Milton

Housing Authority, Santa Rosa School District, Bridges out of Poverty Santa Rosa, local builders and members of the public. Since its establishment, the group has identified the deficit in the local housing market, which includes the lack of affordable homes, landlords accepting Section 8, the disparity between low to moderate income and the local cost of living.

One method of relief that has been discussed by the group is the amendment of existing regulations to provide for tiny homes, which are homes with a living space area that is smaller than the City’s current minimum of 900 square feet. Staff has been working on language to accomplish this goal for some time now, as well as tiny home subdivisions.

Summary: The language regarding tiny homes and tiny home subdivisions

proposes numerous changes to the City’s Unified Development Code. These changes are shown in the attached documentation, and include changes to the minimum living space requirements, and the setback requirements. These homes, if approved, would only be allowed in the R-3 Multi Family District and R-U Rural Urban District. The proposed language also provides for specific design standards for tiny homes and tiny home subdivisions, including the provision of enhanced landscaping, parking, and open space

requirements above the normal residential subdivision requirements. Staff believes the proposed changes will provide a quality product that follows traditional neighborhood design standards found on historic homes, while also helping to alleviate some of the affordable housing issues in the area.

Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed language change. The

Milton Planning Board recommended approval of the proposed language on May 19, 2020. If approved, the required ordinance will be submitted for final approval.

Attachments: 3 separate sections of proposed language changes.

Zoning Map showing R-3 and R-U districts where tiny homes would be allowed.

(MOVED TO COMMITTEE)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Item # 1586

Riverfest Rescheduled

Title: Riverfest Rescheduled

Background: Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce’s Riverfest is

held annually on July 4th_{. This year the event however has}

been postponed due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. City Council first reviewed item number 1556 and

approved funding support for the July 4th_{, Riverfest at the}

City Council Meeting on May 12, 2020. Approval for the event however was specific to the date of July 4, 2020.

Summary: On June 18, 2020, staff invited Mrs. Tucker, CEO and

President of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce to attend and formally request supporting the event and to fund it to the amount of $15,000.00 for the postponed date of September 5th_{, 2020. Action was required by council to}

move the funds from the originally approved event on July 4th_{, to the newly proposed alternate date of September 5}th_.

Council approved support for $15,000.00 to Riverfest for the newly proposed date.

Recommendation: Council recommended approving the transfer of funds and

support for the postponed date of September 5, 2020.

Attachments: Agenda Item #1556 from 5/12/2020

(MOVED TO COMMITTEE)

INFORMATION ITEMS:

Item # 1568

Milton Planning Board Vacancies

Title: Milton Planning Board 3 Vacancies

Background: The Milton Planning Board is a seven member board that is charged

with the review of changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code. This board is also responsible for the review of major subdivision plats and planned development projects, as submitted. Recently, staff received the resignation of Ernie Conner from the Board, and his position expired on April 12, 2020. This position, when filled, is an at-large position that is appointed by the Mayor, and would be for a new 4 year term. The Board’s second vacancy is an at-large position that is to be appointed by the City Council, and would also be for a new 4 year term. The third vacancy was created by a resignation received from Rebecca Jones for the Ward 1 seat. This seat is filled by the council members from Ward 1.

Summary: At this time, staff has only one application on file from an individual

interested in serving on this board. This application is to be reviewed at this meeting. It is important to fill these positions so a meeting can be held with a simple majority of the board present. This becomes more difficult for applicants to achieve if board members are absent, or if vacancies exist.

Recommendation: Staff needs to receive new applications from citizens interested in

serving on the Board, so the vacancies can be filled.

Item # 1577

Speeding on Berryhill Item # 1581

WWTP Timeline

MAYOR REPORT: HEATHER LINDSAY None

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

To Summarize:

Her name is Alaina Mobley who is going into the 8th _{grade this year and she is 14yrs old.} She is sending this letter because due to her health concerns she can not physically come to a meeting to speak in person and wanted to give her viewpoint on the policy of wearing a mask in public places.

Alaina said in letter she has an autoimmune disease. She does not consider herself to be an expert on this disease, but she is an expert on how this disease affects her. Something as small as a stomach virus can cost her life. The flu season is a nightmare for her and her family. Now we are face with COVID which is something new to all of us. There is no vaccine and don’t know all the facts.

Alaina said in letter she read an article from Dr. Dean Blumberg; he is the Chief pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. He stated that their studies and testing show that wearing a mask gives you a %65 chance of not contraction COVID-19.

Alaina also said in wearing a mask in public is not just for your safety but for the safety of others around you. We are all fighting the same enemy and should be in this together. We need to start using our hearts a little more, start being kind to one another and stop being so angry.

OTHER BUSINESS

Adjourned 9:15 p.m.

ATTEST: Mayor Heather Lindsay

_______________________ Dewitt Nobles, City Clerk /jcm