CITY OF LYNN HAVEN
CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
JULY 11, 2006 - 4:00 P.M.
The City Commission held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room at City Hall.
Present:
Walter T. Kelley, Mayor
Roger P. Schad, Commissioner
Jimmy H. Hughes, Commissioner
Frances Wittkopf, Commissioner
Charlene V. Messer, Assistant City Manager/Clerk
Robert C. Jackson, City Attorney
Dennis Kiah, Assistant Chief of Police
Absent:
Antonius G. Barnes, Commissioner
John B. Lynch, City Manager
Mayor Kelley called the meeting to order and gave the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Item #3. Mayor's Report:
Mayor Kelley stated that the 4th of July festivities were great and congratulated staff on a job well done.
Motion by Commissioner Schad: To excuse Commissioner Barnes from the meeting tonight.
Second to the motion: Commissioner Wittkopf.
There were several people in the audience that commented on Mr. Barnes absence and the reason why. They were concerned that Mr. Barnes had accepted a job in Georgia and would be commuting during the week. They felt that he would not be able to fulfill his commission duties by doing this.
City Attorney Jackson stated that the only qualification in the City Charter to be a commissioner is to be a qualified electurn resident of the City.
Mayor Kelley reported that the City Attorney would check into the requirements for working for the Cobb County Georgia School Board and bring back to the Commission.
On Vote:
Schad: aye
Hughes: aye
Wittkopf: aye
Kelley: aye Motion passed: 4-0
Item #4. Commissioner's Report:
Schad: No report.
Hughes: No report.
Wittkopf: Commissioner Wittkopf stated that she enjoyed the 4th of July festivities. She further stated that she attended the June 28, 2006 TPO Meeting and was on the nominating committee for the new chairman - Mayor Kelley will be Chairman and Mr. George Smith will be Vice-Chair.
Item #5. City Manager's Report:
A. Employee of the Month - June 2006: Ms. Jill Snipes, Lynn Haven Library, was awarded the Employee of the Month award for June 2006 for her hard work and dedication to the City.
B. Supervisor of the Quarter - April - June 2006: Mr. Mark Branstetter, Public Utilities Dept., was awarded the Supervisor of the Quarter - April - June 2006, for his hard work and dedication to the City.
Asst. City Manager Messer reminded the Commission that the Strategic Plan Meeting was scheduled for July 13, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall.
Item #6. City Attorney's Report:
City Attorney Jackson reported that the City had received an official notice closing the file in the case of DCA vs. City for the TND Large Scale Amendment.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Item #7. Minutes:
6/27/2006 - Regular Meeting
Motion by Commissioner Schad: To approve the minutes as presented.
Second to the motion: Commissioner Wittkopf.
On Vote:
Schad: aye
Hughes: aye
Wittkopf: aye
Kelley: aye Motion passed: 4-0
OLD BUSINESS:
Item #8. Discussion and possible action regarding the Hwy 390 Sidewalk Project:
The City requested ISTEA funds several years ago to construct a sidewalk on the north side of Hwy 390 from Hwy 77 to Hilltop Lane; very recently the County has been awarded $862,000 for a PD&E study for the widening of this corridor. They have also been awarded $1,250,000 in State TRIP funds for this project. Estimated costs for this sidewalk would be $3,000,000.
Staff recommends approval to terminate the Hwy 390 Sidewalk Project and make a written recommendation to the County to include sidewalks in the PD&E study for the widening of County Road 390.
Motion by Commissioner Schad: To accept the recommendation as presented.
Second to the motion: Commissioner Wittkopf.
The Commission stated that they support sidewalks, however, due to the fact that funding has been awarded to the County for studies widening Hwy 390 in the next few years the Commission believes that it would not be a wise decision to spend $3,000,000 installing sidewalks that would have to be removed when the widening occurred.
On Vote:
Schad: aye
Hughes: aye
Wittkopf: aye
Kelley: aye Motion passed: 4-0
NEW BUSINESS:
Item #9. Discussion and possible action regarding award of bid for sanitary lift station:
Staff recommends that the City award a base bid and additive alternate bid to Royal American Construction in the amount of $257,739.90. The FY06 budget has $261,000 available for this project.
Motion by Schad: To approve as presented.
Second to the motion: Commissioner Wittkopf.
On Vote:
Schad: aye
Hughes: aye
Wittkopf: aye
Kelley: aye Motion passed: 4-0
Item #10. Public Commentary:
Ms. Janet Walker commented on Commissioner Barnes employment. She suggested that he resign from the Commission and Mr. James Dean, who ran against Mr. Barnes during the recent election, be appointed to his position. Mr. Dean was not present at the meeting.
Mr. Dale Robitaille stated that the sidewalks around City Hall need to be repaired. He suggested the City hire a consultant to address handicap accessibility at City Hall. Mr. Robitaille wants sewer on New Hampshire Avenue.
Mr. Larry Wells stated that there were two 50' lots at 4th & Indiana Avenue and he asked the City to look into zoning. He stated that they should not be allowed to build on a 50' lot.
Ms. Barbara Day commented on transportation needs for the City. Ms. Day commented on water and sewer being provided to Grants Mill.
Mr. Richard Walker suggested the Commission task City Attorney Jackson to look into immigration. Mr. Walker wanted to know if it was discussed at the Florida League of Cities meeting and what plans were being considered.
Mayor Kelley stated that it is not a priority of the FLC, however, it could be discussed at a later date. He further stated that he does not support illegal aliens and they should have to abide by the laws.
City Attorney Jackson stated that he had received tasking regarding group housing and it had nothing to do with illegal aliens. Mr. Jackson stated that he would get a copy of Panama City Beach's ordinance, however, it dealt with regulating rental property and agents that rented properties.
Motion by Commissioner Schad: To task the City Attorney to proceed with looking into this issue and bring back to the Commission.
Second to the motion: Commissioner Wittkopf.
On Vote:
Schad: aye
Hughes: aye
Wittkopf: aye
Kelley: aye Motion passed: 4-0
Mr. Sammy Day wanted to know if their was a City Code that allowed providing water and sewer to Grants Mill.
Mayor Kelley stated that the City has an ordinance that allows services outside the city limits with a fee of 25% above rates.
City Attorney Jackson stated that the City has passed an ordinance to provide extra territorial water and sewer utilities and also declare an area where they plan on providing utilities under Chapter 180 of Florida Statutes. Mr. Jackson believes this ordinance was passed in 2003.
Mr. Sammy Day commented on Mayor Kelley's 1099 form and his homestead exemption. He stated that he does not believe Mr. Kelley is qualified to claim the additional $25,000 of homestead exemption.
There was no further business to discuss and the meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
APPROVED THIS 25th DAY OF JULY 2006.
Walter T. Kelley, Mayor
ATTEST:
John B. Lynch, City Manager
Prepared by Laurie Baker
