City Council - Regular Meeting

to the city council regular session of the city of Lake City, March 2nd, 2026. If you'll please stand for the pledge and invitation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one indivisible and justice for all. Please bow your heads. Lord, heavenly father, please give us the wisdom to guide this organization to best serve the people present in the future of Lake City. Cast a net of safety, opportunity, and vision over our community and its children and help us to serve those who need us most. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen.

All right, [clears throat] Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Council member German. Council member Harris. Council member Young here. Council member Carter present. Mayor Walker here. City Manager Rosenthal here. City Attorney Martin here. Chief Butler here. [snorts]

All right, ladies and gentlemen, the Lake City Council has opened its public meeting and since 1968, the city code has prohibited any person from making personal, impertinent, or slanderous remarks or becoming boisterous while addressing the city council. Yelling or making audible comments from the audience constitutes boisterous conduct. Such conduct will not be tolerated. There's only one approved manner of addressing the city council and that is to be recognized and then speak from the podium. Failure to abide by the rules of decorum will result in removal from the meeting. We'll now move on to approval of the agenda. Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the agenda. Second. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor of approving the agenda say I. I. I.

Any opposed? Like sign? Okay. Agenda is approved. Um, we have no proclamations tonight, so we will move on to public participation. If you're interested in public participation in any of the items after, uh, please make sure that you fill out a comment card, uh, and hand it to one of the officers in the room. Um, we only have one person signed up for open public comment, and that would be you, Mr. Martin. Yes, sir. Please.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, I want to introduce myself. My name is Mark BB. I'm the commander of the American Legion Post 423. It is a new post here in Lake City. Um, everyone's familiar with the big post. There's another small post. We are the third one here now in Lake City. Um, last spring several of us got together and decided that we would like to start another American Legion post. If you're not familiar, there's over 7,000 veterans in Columbia County. Um, we worked with uh the American Legion Department of Florida and we have uh received our charter from the National American Legion. So, we are an official post at this point. We are guided by the four pillars of the American Legion with a strong emphasis on children and youth. Uh we strive to foster a welcoming family oriented environment through programs and initiatives focused on well-being and development of our children. Our children which we all have to you know foster them up and have them understand how the military works and uh just basically keep them in good positions and not let them uh do bad things. Um, like I say, you know, luckily since our inception, we've had uh guests, we've had the department commander of the state of Florida. We've had the auxiliary commander, president of the uh state of Florida has visited our post. Um, as Mr. Mayor, you know, we've participated in parades honoring Mr. Uh

Terry Hancock. Um we volunteered and donated supplies to several charities including Fill a Truck, Toys for Tots at Roundtree Ford. We've donated elementary schools, probational office, and Sleeping Heavenly Peace. If y'all are not [clears throat] familiar with that one, look into that. Is real good there. It is. Um, tomorrow night we will be at Roadhouse Steakhouse and basically introducing ourselves to the community and in turn we will receive a 10% of your check for that night. Um, we have a member that is uh working in the prison system. I don't know if you're familiar. There's actually a fourth American Legion post in Colombia CI for the inmates. He's working on a re-entry program for them to uh help them uh you know be do right when they get out. Um currently we have 30 members. Um one city councilman, everybody knows B and Bo. Um, basically when we started currently we have a uh gentleman that's allowing us to use his property as a meeting place and we are looking for permanent home. Um, thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you, Mr. May. Appreciate you. Yes, sir. Mayor. Yes, sir. May I ask my question? Yes, sir. Uh, you did I hear you say you are looking for a um a home uh in the city of Lake City? Uh, a building. Is that what you're saying? You say you're looking for a home or Yes. Uh a building we can call home. We uh we need a permanent post, a permanent location. Um you know, the the gentleman that we're that we're using his property right now is just basically he's lend it to us for a little while. Yes. And um you know, in time he's going to want his property back. We're looking you know, as you know, the big post in town, we're looking for something also that we can call home for a uh several years to to go.

Yes. So, uh, mayor, do we have any properties anywhere in the city of Lake City that, uh, we [clears throat] can, um, uh, help, uh, with the American Legion and their their their progress? I would refer that to administration, uh, to work. Thank you, mayor. We can take a look and get back with you, Councilman. We don't know anything off hand, but we certainly be happy to take a look for you. Yes. Did Did you know the city manager? Uh, actually, I have met Mr. Rosenthal. Yes.

Okay. um whatever we can do to try to help the uh the veterans, uh I think it'll be uh a help to the community as well as our children. So, um um just just continue to strive to do to do the best you can be. Thank you, sir. I'll be I'll get back with you. Make sure we get together here on this. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. B. All right. Uh that was our only participant signed up for open public comment. So, we will now move on to approval of the consent agenda. Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the consent agenda. Second. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any um further discussion? Hearing none, uh Miss Sykes, please call the role. Mr. Carter, yay. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan,

yes. Mayor Walker, yes. Okay. Uh that takes us uh to an announcement uh public hearings for city council ordinance number 2025-2338 which was final reading of CPA210 for Price Creek and ordinance number 2025-2339 final reading Z25-12 for Price Creek have been postponed uh until the April 20th 2026 city council meeting. So, we're going to move on to our open quasi judicial hearings and I will turn that over to you, Mr. M.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have one matter before you tonight that must be voted on, uh, considered and voted on by the council in a quasa judicial manner. That item is on first reading, ordinance 2026 2357 for application AX 2602, which is an ordinance considering an application for voluntary annexation submitted by Lake City 47 LLC. The procedure we'll use tonight is to make sure that uh everyone hears or has an opportunity to be heard fairly by the uh city council before a vote is taken. To do that, we'll first hear for presentations from the city, the applicant, and any party interveners, followed by public comment, and then cross-examination by the parties and interveners. Then we'll move on to any additional response uh by any participant if the mayor uh desires it in the uh interest of fairness. After that, the city council would have an opportunity to ask questions of any of the participants. Uh we'll then move on to final arguments uh from the parties interveners. I'll advise the council as to the law and necessary findings and then the council will deliberate and vote. While the council welcomes comments from all persons with an interest in the proceeding, Florida law requires council decision and quasi quasi judicial actions be supported by competent substantial evidence presented to the council during the hearing on the application. Competent substantial evidence is evidence a reasonable mind would accept as adequate to support a conclusion. People testifying uh may support their testimony by relying on factual information provided by city staff, the applicant or other factual information included in the city staff report. At this time, I need to inquire of each council member individually if they've received any exparte communications involving any of these matter on this matter and if so to disclose it. Uh starting at the end of the das with councilwoman Young, have you had any exparte communications? [snorts]

Okay. [clears throat] Uh Miss Young indicated no. Councilman Carter? No. Uh, Councilman Dernigan, no. Uh, Councilwoman Harris, no. And Mr. Mayor, no. Okay. Thank you. At this time, if each person who's going to offer testimony or speak to this application could stand and raise your right hand to take an oath.

Do you each solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. All right. Thank you. Uh, council members, you have before you proposed ordinance 2026 2357 on first reading, which states an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, pursuant to petition number ANX 2602 submitted by Lake City 47 LLC, a Florida limited liability company, relating to voluntary annexation, annexing certain real property located in Columbia County, Florida, which is reasonably compact into the boundaries of the city of Lake City, Florida. Making certain findings of fact and support thereof, providing severability, repealing all ordinances in conflict, and providing an effective date. Uh, Mr. Angela, could you please introduce, summarize, and present the proposed ordinance 2026 2357.

All right. So, this is ordinance number um 2026 2357. Um the applicant has requested to annex parcel number um 08881-0000. This parcel is part of the joint planning area and the interlocal service boundary agreement. As you can see there on the picture, it is to um to the uh west of um I75 and to the south of Highway 47 there um in the orange. The city adopted the ISBA um back on December 15th of 2015 or 2025 and the county adopted it in 20 um on December 18th of 2025. And at this time, the stash recommendation is to approve ordinance number 2026 um-2357. Um that's a typo there on the screen. That's it.

Mr. Angelone, do you move the application and presentation into the record? Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Taber for the applicant. Yes. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. My name is Justin Taber. I'm a senior planner with North Florida Professional Services. I don't have any presentation for you, but I'm uh certainly available if the council has any questions. Thank you, Mr. Taber. Uh I didn't see anyone indicating they were seeking party intervenor status. Uh seeing none at this time, Mr. Mr. Mayor, we'd move on to public comment. Uh, I don't have anybody signed up for public comment on this specific item, Mr. Martin.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, are the parties waving any cross-examination? All right. They're indicating yes. Uh, at this time, the city council may ask any questions, Mr. Mayor, if they have any. Does council have any questions or comments for this [clears throat] item? Mr. Mayor, move to approve 20 uh, ordinance 2026-2357. We have a motion. Second. Second [clears throat] uh to approve uh 2026-2357. Any further discussion? Final discussion hearing? None. Miss S, would you please call the RO? Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Mr. Jernigan? Yes. Mayor Walker?

Yes. Just uh as a as an aside, I know I see some hands in the audience. If if there's an item that you want to speak to, please make sure that you fill out a card and get it to one of our officers and [clears throat] uh I'll make sure to address you on that item. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Will you please move on to item number two?

Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh the next item is ordinance number 2026 2346 an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida amending the text of the city of Lake City land development regulations as amended pursuant to an application LDR2502 by the growth management department of the city of Lake City Florida providing for amending section 2.1 entitled definitions general by adding a definition for administrative approval process and development review staff providing for amending article 3 entitled administrative mechanisms by adding section 3.3 entitled Administrative approval providing for amending section 13.11 entitled site and development plan approval by adding section 13.11.5 entitled minor site and development plan approval providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date.

Thank you Mr. Martin. I don't have any uh body from the general public signed up for item number 10 city council ordinance number 226-2346. So we'll move straight to dis comments questions. Mr. Mr. Mayor move to approve ordinance 2026-2346. Second. A motion, a second. Thank you both. Any final questions or comments on this one? Hearing none. Miss, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter? Yay. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. Now, we will move on to uh open public hearing portion. Uh, city council ordinance number 226-2355, final reading. Mr. Martin, will you please read this one by title?

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor, council members, you have before you ordinance number 2026 2355, an ordinance to the city of Lake City, Florida, changing the name of that certain public road and the city of Lake City, presently identified as Northwest Ivory Terrace, situated between Northwest Wilson Street and Northwest Long Street, changing and designating the name of said segment of Northwest Ivory Terrace, henceforth to Northwest Betty Lane Terrace within the city of Lake City, Florida, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh we don't have anyone signed up to speak uh to this item. So we'll move straight to council comments or questions. Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2355. Second.

We have a motion and a second. Um any further questions or comments on this one from the council? Hearing none. Miss, would you please call the role? Mr. Carter? Yay. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. Uh, we will move on to item number 12. Mr. Martin, this is also an ordinance. Uh, would you please read this one by title? [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you, ordinance number 2026-2356, an ordinance to the city of Lake City, Florida, changing the name of certain public road in the city of Lake City, presently identified as Northwest Campbell Terrace, situated between Northwest Wilson Street and Northwest Long Street. Changing and designating the name of said segment of Northwest Campbell Terrace henceforth to Northwest Foreman Terrace within the city of Lake City, Florida. Providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh I'm going to make sure this isn't a public comment request for this item.

All right. Uh, so we have nobody signed up for public comment on item number 12, city council ordinance number 2026-2356. Do we have any uh questions, comments from the dis? Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2356. Second. A motion, a second. Thank you both. Um, any final questions, comments? Miss, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Mr. Jernigan? Yes. Mayor Walker. Yes. Thank you. All right. Now, we're on to resolution city council uh resolution number 2026-024. Mr. Martin, will you please read this one by title?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you resolution number 2026 024, a resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, appointing Kendria Jones to serve in seat 3F on the city's planning and zoning board, board of adjustment, and historic preservation agency board through October 31st, 2028, the end of the current term for said seat, making certain findings of fact and support thereof, recognizing the expiration of said term on October 31st, 2028, directing the city clerk to reflect set appointment, expiration of term, and such records of the city as are necessary and prudent, making certain findings fact in support of the city clerk reflecting such appointment and expiration of term and the records of the city repealing all prior resolutions in conflict to providing an effective date.

Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh we don't have anybody signed up to speak to city council resolution number 226-024. Do we have any questions or comments from the council? Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Uh my question would be the same one that I've had the last couple meetings. Is Miss Jones here and would you mind chatting with us a bit? She is. She's here. Welcome, Miss Jones. [clears throat]

Good evening. Hello. Good evening. Good evening, M. Mr. Yes, sir. Mr. I have a couple questions. Uh, just I used to serve on this board, which is actually three boards. So, I just want to run run a few things by you. Uh, do you know that it is three boards? No, but I'm aware now. Fair enough. Um, are you familiar with what the planning zoning board of adjustment and historical preservation agency uh does or is for? Well, I have a degree in public administration. I'm sure it didn't go in depth of what it is, but I'm sure whatever the role is, I have no trouble. Okay. And why would you like to serve on our local advisory board?

Well, I'm a lifelong resident here in Columbia County. I've always been involved in the community. um mostly it's been behind the scenes and now I feel that the time is right. My son's a senior in high school. I believe that time management is essential to anything that you do and I would like to you know try and excel in and last staff that you've talked to so far have they made it uh clear to you what the the schedule and the meeting frequency and things like that are and is that something that you feel like you can regularly uh successfully attend? I only say that because we've had some issues with attendance lately. I wouldn't have any attend any issues with attendance. Thank you. Perfect. Mr. Journal.

Yes. Uh M. Jones. Uh I think I've been knowing you quite some time ever since you was a a little kid. Um so in in serving on in in this capacity uh of course you know is um volunteer work and u it could be uh a little bit um uh hectic sometimes. So, uh, uh, I suggest and recommend that, um, uh, you continue to be the person you are because because I know you, uh, very well, uh, all the way back to your grandmother. So, um, just continue to to zone in. Um, and do the best you can do for the city of Lake City. And of course, there's rules and regulations you have to follow no matter what it is. I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you for standing up and say, "Hey, I want to become a member of this board." So, I really appreciate that

and I thank you all for the opportunity. Yes. Thank you, Mr. J. Mr. Young is next and then I'll come back to you, Mr. Harris. Okay, Miss Jones, I just want to say I have no questions. There's no doubt in my mind you would do an awesome job um serving the city of Lake City. I'm just proud that you stand there and and um give us your first of all your presence. Second of all, your um um accolades [laughter] and third of all, I'm just so glad you're here to serve. And like I say, is no doubt in my mind that you will be a great asset to the city. Thank you so much. Thank you. I appreciate that. All right. Yes, sir. Mr. Carter,

Mr. Mayor, um I move to approve city council resolution 2026- 024 um and pass on a recommendation. Mr. Thomasson or Mr. Angelo one is going to give you a book called an LDR. It's the most boring thing you'll ever have read, but if you read it front and to back one good time, it's very helpful. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Second. We have a motion, a second. Thank you both. Do we have any further discussion? Hearing none. Miss S, will you please call the RO? Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Mr. Jernigan? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Mayor Walker? Yes. Congratulations, Mr. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

All right. Uh we will move on to other items uh and begin with number 14 discussion item on city hall. Mr. Rosenthal, I'll let you introduce this.

Uh mayor, this is a discussion uh continued from several meetings ago regarding uh city hall. We think we've located a structure that will fit needs our needs based on our needs assessment I think in procurement. correct me if I'm wrong, was about 21,000 uh square ft. This building is about 21,000 square ft that we have in mind. It also gives us the ability because it has a 25 ft ceiling to add about 4,000 square ft of additional uh space for future growth. So, we we're looking in that we've talked to the owner and we're looking at getting a uh appraisal and we're going to make him an offer on that building once the appraisal is in pending your approval.

Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal. This is a discussion, Miss Young. Yeah. Not Yeah. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. [laughter] I don't even know you. Yay. But anyway, um and I know that I just want to voice I want you to voice it. Um how much money do you expect that we pay for this building when we add the

the other offices, the other part of the building? How much is it going to cost us? because I'm not in favor of a building um a um a structure that's already there rather than building a new um city hall because of course we have more time into a new city hall. So, we really need to think about a building that's already exists and the amounts of money that we're going to put into it. And even if we have to put a few a couple of to three other million dollars, it's well worth the time on the new building. That's where I stand with that. Thank you, Miss Young. Miss Harris,

so the building we're you are talking about is the the big bank building uh at the last time it was Vans Carpage. Oh, yeah. It's a beautiful building. It is, Mr.

Yes. I have a question. I think it's primarily for u Mr. Martin. So, I'm very familiar with the building. Until very recently, I worked in it. Um, I actually think it would be an excellent structure for the purpose that we're looking at. However, it is owned by uh the business that I am employed by. So, I just want to make sure that as we move forward with a potential there if there's any issues with it. I am in no way related to the ownership of the business, but I just want to be clear about that. Um, I think that it would be it's a it's a it's a beautiful building. It's got a lot of room. I think it would be an excellent possible building for this purpose. But as far as what I need to do or not do in relation to the votes that may be related to it,

uh those kind of determinations can be extremely fact [clears throat] specific. So what I would suggest is perhaps uh after the meeting uh in the next day or so that you and I get together and and really kind of look at all of the details of it and then we can make inquiry to the uh uh ethics commission if it's not clear to us just on the surface. Thank you, Miss Harris. I [clears throat] love the building. I I think it looks like a city hall. I think it would be in the center the center of town. It's perfect place. Mr. Jernigan. Um that's the old state exchange bank. Am I correct?

I don't know what it was prior to two years ago. That's my length of time here. Somebody else on the dis could tell you. I have no idea. Yes. Uh well, I I think it's a it's a great building, too. And uh I think we uh we have been looking at that building for years now. I think like it just came up like yesterday. So, uh and and it's a it's in a good spot, good location, uh right by the fire department, police department, a little bit closer, I would say. Uh but you can see everything that's out there. So, um you you did did I hear you say you have to get an appraisal to see how much the building is worth? Yes, sir. Well, staff's going to do an appraisal and we're going to make an offer on the building in harmony with that appraisal.

Yes. Uh so how much is the owner uh Mr. Ban is asking for that building? I have no idea. Uh we're going to get an appraisal and then make an offer in harmony with that appraisal. Yeah. So So is does he want to sell the building then? So I just I just talked to him several days ago. I think it was last week and uh he he is willing to sell the building. Okay. And then uh and then you said that we'll do some structure on the inside of it to make sure that uh we have a place where we can meet and greet and things of that nature. Am I correct? Yes. Okay.

Um I'm glad that we know how much how much space we need 21,000 square feet. I know that whenever we originally got the feasibility study done, it was about building a new city hall building and we are currently budgeted I think for 12 to$13 million on buildout. I can let the procurement counel address that but well I don't from my recollection that's what that's what we have allocated for. I would be in favor of whatever saves us money for the taxpayer that we can put that money toward other programs um like full restoration and an ongoing restoration for our parks and things that families can do here in town. um

as long as we have a functional city hall uh or all departments are in one place and and it's convenient for the citizenry and and as far as I know that place has a working drive-thru um very similar to the the the banks that we have. What would be our we would I surplus or would we get rid of our buildings if we acquired a building or or built a building? Correct. Yes. Yes, we would. Yes. Okay. Very good. Uh that way we're not killing half of downtown by occupying and and leaving empty. Yes, ma'am. Miss Mayor, you said as long as we have a functioning Yes. functional

city hall. Functional city hall. But we have to look at longevity as well, not just for our time. Sure. Sure. Okay.

I agree. I agree with that. Um where that building is, the footprint of city hall can be more concise. Uh because it is, as Mr. Jernigan pointed out, right across from the police and fire. Uh and then we have that big lot next to it. Uh that is um that could be used for for buildouts of of further buildings if if um marginal portion of what we have budgeted for that. But that's my concern is is that we make sure that we use the money uh that we take in in taxes and and fees and and other um revenue sources and and spend it out uh wisely in building community. Okay, mayor. Rather than buildings. Yes. Yes, sir.

Yes. Uh and and and again um um just like the mayor was saying, as long as we uh see that it's feasible, uh you know, just because we have allocated 13 million, 50 million or whatever, that doesn't mean that we're going to pay that much for that building. Absolutely. Uh so once you get the property appraisal uh and it comes back and then you uh shoot that request to the uh to Mr. Van uh he may or may not accept that you know. Absolutely. Yes. So but if he accepts it um I think it'll be a good opportunity for all of us to be in a in a centralized location. Well if he accepts [snorts] it staff will move quickly. Yes sir.

All right. Anything further on this discussion? Okay. Great. Um, that closes out item number 14. We will now move on to item number 15, uh, discussion of housing authority. I'll turn this back over to you again, Mr. Rosenthal, and then come back.

Yes. On housing authority, I think that it was, uh, the direction to staff was that we we didn't want to do that at this time, but we took some of the elements out of the housing authority overall that would allow us to uh, continue to make a difference in the community. like in areas like uh 10 and 12 and even other areas. We could take the houses that we get from code enforcement, make some adjustments to those with outside contractors and still repair those and uh working with First Federal Bank and be able to uh provide some additional housing that way using local contractors. Okay. Okay. Oh, any anything for Miss Rosenthal?

All right. Great. We're going to take a a fivem minute break and we'll come back.

Uh in our items at item number 16 under other and this is discussion and possible action funding for the Lake City Columbia County Councilman well commissioner Parnell was thinking about having um upon that review I did see that we had some additional funds in the current approved budget. That $15,000 number that came out was basically if the city had to post this event independently because it has not went before the county's board yet. When this item first came before you on February se 17th, the request was not for additional funding. It was just to authorize us to utilize that funding that's already within the budget for this event. Council requested that we return and bring back additional details regarding this event. Since that time, we have continued coordination with Commissioner Parnell, Terry, and Councilwoman Harris, and we have indicated that we can do this event for about $20,000. With that, we hope that the county will be voting on this on Thursday to take it before their board to provide the entertainment and related production elements at a cost up to $10,000. The city's contribution would cover the staff, support, food, decorations, and logistics that go along with it at a price not to exceed $10,000. This is intended to be a countywide event, is not district specific, is not affiliated with any individual. Its purpose is to promote unity and collaboration between the city and the county, strengthen community partnerships, and encourage civic engagement. The event would include live entertainment, familyfriendly events, food vendors, community resource booths, also public safety participation. As with any other city event, we will also be seeking sponsorships to help offset this cost and enhance the event's overall quality. Any sponsorship would

support supplementing the authorized amount for the city and the county. So to be clear, I just wanted the council to note that no funds are being reallocated. No budget amendment is required for this event and the funds already exist within the adopted budget. So staff is requesting that council authorize us to host the event and approve the expenditure of up to $10,000 in the existing budget for this event. Just to be clear, up to $10,000, not up to $20,000. That is correct. Okay. Mr. Carter, I have a question. Yeah.

Is that 10,000 taken into consideration police working security, public works, heading up, public works, working the event, public works? Um, yes. Any of those things that we think $10,000 would cover all of that? Yes. In addition to money spent on putting the event itself together as well? Yes. Wow. Mr. Jernigan. Yes, I I'll speak on it. Uh, Mr. P, can you come up here just for a second if you don't mind, sir?

I I hate to, you know, so like put you on the spot, but you know, uh, I heard your name, so I'm going to speak on speak to you.

Okay. Now, when when it comes to funding, uh um can can we get this money other than the our constituents uh putting that money out for uh such an event such as this? And what I mean by that is just get sponsorships, you know, uh we can get one sponsor that's going to sponsor [clears throat] uh 5,000, other sponsor other sponsor another 5,000. um we'll have our we'll have our 10,000 and you do the same thing for uh for the for the county just [clears throat] get sponsorships and and we in my opinion we should not use our constituents or the voters monies to fund such an event such as this and and I get it. You know, I I I want to be uh I want to be unified by all of the city and the county. Mhm.

Um, you know, you you guys do a really good job up there and and I'm anticipating we do a really good job here. So, uh, I just think that $10,000 or 20,000 10 from from you guys, 10 from us, 20,000 is a lot of money to put on an event.

And the constituents uh, they have to pay for that. You know, uh, uh, you don't have to pay for it. I don't have to pay for it, but our constituents would have to pay for it. And um I just think that that when when when we're using this kind of money for these type of events that that's not budgeted for and just like you said uh they found the money somewhere. I get it. But um I'm not in favor of using the public monies to fund such an event. I don't know how these other uh staff members feel, but I'm not in favor of that. Well, if we can we can obviously we can definitely seek uh sponsorship and that would probably be a better way to go about it was to get sponsorship for it to uh get this event going. But I think it would be a great event and if we get the sponsorship, we kick it off and have everybody have a a great time and and just have a a big unity fest where everybody comes together and see the county and city uh interacting together. Um and it's just a great thing for the community, I believe. So that that should definitely we can definitely go that route.

Yes, sir. and and and and again um you you and uh council councilwoman Harry's putting uh putting such an event like this together I think is a great event. The only thing that I look at is where the monies is going to come from and you see these people out here that's where it's going to come from. Somebody out there is going to pay for this event and I'm not uh for uh I'm not for that. So okay, but it's it's a great event, right? we can get sponsors and and again I'm just one person but we have to have [clears throat] in my opinion in order to spend somebody else's money

um and and they're they're involved they're included don't get me wrong they can come to the event also and in other words they are paying um for you know for this event and uh that's one thing I'm I'm not for Okay, if I could I'd like to point out that the $10,000 uh that we're talking about spending from the city. It's already allocated uh for fest, you know, festivals and things like that. Yeah, I said that already. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Carter, you had a question?

Yes. If I could just uh kind of piggyback on what Mr. Jigan was saying there. Um streets, street lights, sidewalks, speed bumps, fire, police, water, wastewater, parks, and their associated grounds. I feel like these are our priorities. I feel like these are our functions. We already have well over a dozen city events uh throughout the year. Uh there's at least one market of some sort taking place downtown. Uh I went to I was at the one this past Saturday. Absolutely lovely. Thank you, Miss Phillips, for such a wonderfully organized event. Um I think that the city and county are working together better than they have in a decade or more. And I think that I hear from people all the time that they're very happy to see that. I think that is great. Mr. Mr. Parnell and I recently spoke uh just briefly and we've talked about how important being [clears throat] responsible with the taxpayers's funds are. Um I think that I know right now we have a park here in town that doesn't have any swings on the bottom of the chains. I feel like that kind of money would be better used to put the swings back on the swings uh for instance. Um so I just this feels utterly superfluous. I don't think that I don't think that the citizens of Lake City need to see us putting a thing on together and go, "Wow, look at them. They're working together." I think the city I think the the citizens of Lake City can see the project we're working on at 47, which has taken a whole lot of work and manh hours from the county, city staff, etc. Uh, and that I believe will come to fruition and be a tremendous success story for the city and county and our shared goals and and working together. Uh, but I think if we really wanted to show folks that we were working real good together, we'd we' we'd focus on things like streets, sidewalks, lights, uh, and getting the parks and things like that that people use and can use or would use all the time back up to ship shape. So, my personal opinion is that this event is not necessary. And

[clears throat] to be clear, we already do a lot of events. So, thank you,

Miss Young. And that's pretty much um what I was going to say. We already do events, so this is really not strange. It's not strange to our budget. It's not strange to our finances. It seems to be the problem is the name because it's unity. Are we we don't do we not want unity? I think it's a great thing for these workers, the city workers and the county workers to have an opportunity. It has nothing to do with the council. um the city workers, the council, uh county workers to come together and if I can say fellowship, just have a good time outside of work. So, I feel like um it's a a bonus to them and also the citizens. So, this is just another event. We have events and these funds are already allocated for events. So, am I right?

Yes. So, I don't I really don't know what the issue would be. Are we Rob are we taking the funds from an event? Uh these are funds that uh the events that we we're going to fund have been funded and these are funds that we have uh not in excess but we didn't use the full amounts that were allocated in other issues. So okay so this isn't any additional funding. Quick question. This is money we already got approved. Mr. Mayor, if I may.

Yes, sir. uh of the money that we didn't use for other things and to be clear we're only u a few months into this current year. Was it exactly the amount necessary for this event or was there 25,000 that we didn't use? There's a line item in the 49 account for the city managers that says un I can't remember what it says but miscellaneous event is $10,000 there. So, we just we have just in the budget a random just in case event budget item. Well, we have that there in case something comes up such as this that we did not catch at the budget time

or cost overruns on existing events, anything like that. Thank you. Thank you, um, Commissioner. Thank you, Mr. Parnell. Appreciate it. Mayor, what what what do what what do you uh everybody's talking to what do you think about this?

Um in the last meeting last meeting what we asked for was [clears throat] a little more clarity on what the event looked like. Um and I was a little disappointed in in what was put into our packet. Uh all it says is as requested by the council the itemized list for the August 1st event in conjunction with the Columbia County. There was no itemized list, but it just says entertainment, equipment, food, and decorations $10,000. So, I'm wondering is there is there

mayor at the time we don't have an event to um schedule these people to. So, that we called people got estimates from them, but of course, they want hard dates and I just don't have a hard date because it hasn't been approved by neither board yet. So, I got an estimated cost from everybody put together and that's kind of how we got with this number. Okay. Yes, ma'am. M. And if I may,

if I may say, and I was one of the ones who um who asked that that we um suggested or asked that we get a itemized, but after um looking at the um um other events and and just looking over the the details of other events and finding that this money is really already allocated for events. So I had to ask myself, well, if other events aren't itemized, then is it necessary that this one is itemized after we see that this money is already allocated for an event? I guess Thank you, Vice Mayor Young.

This comes back to my uh my other question on the [clears throat] 20,000 versus 10,000. When it was originally being discussed, Mr. Johnson, you said that the overall event projection was $20,000 or is it$10,000? I just want to be clear on that. 20,000 10,000 is ours. Before our last meeting, I did I had not spoke with Commissioner Parnell. So after that meeting, we decided on the price. The $15,000 number that came up was just the funds that I found in the budget that were available for use. So if let's say the county decides not to fund it, we scale it back to 15.

Okay. Scale it back to 15. All right. But I also would like to say I'm sorry. Yes, Mr. Johnson. I just wanted to say that with any event, you always budget for it, but we do a lot of due diligence and trying to get sponsors, but we can't just said we're going to rely on the sponsors. You definitely want to have the funds allocated just in case. So, I just wanted to make sure the council know we are going to do our due diligence to get in some sponsors and also have the community participate in this event. Are we hard set on the time on the timeline of it? The August timeline?

Yes. Commissioner Parnell, could you come back to the front, please? And I do apologize for not being as talkative tonight. Um, I ate oysters and I think I'm feeling a little illish. But nevertheless, um, Mr. Parnell, um, when I spoke, when me and you originally got together, we talked about this. We called it the love fest, and we ended up changing. Right. Right. Um our goal was to have um the county and the city and and the city to get together to work collectively, right, on an event, right?

Do you know of any event that the city and county has come together to put together an event? Not off the top of my head, I'm not saying it hadn't been done, but not off top of my head, I can't think of one off top of my head, no, I can't. I don't either. Okay. Um when we were in Tallahassee and me and you was talking and um two of your commissioners came up along with Mr. Cross, could you um let everyone know what was the consensus at that moment when we talked about it? Did it seem like they were against it or did they I'm not sure.

I'm not sure. Okay. Well, when I spoke with them separately, they sounded pretty good. Um, [clears throat] thank you so much. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Po.

I forgot what I was gonna ask question. Um um all right. Any just any more discussion,

Mr. Jigan? No. No, I don't have anything else to say. I've said everything I needed to say. Again, it's it's all about the uh uh the monies. Uh I just don't like to spend others monies and uh and the sponsorships. we reach out and get a few sponsors. Um I think it'll be a great event, but spending the money from the um I don't care where the money uh was budgeted and and how is there uh is there for a reason just in case something happens and we can get that use those monies for what whatever the case may be. Um I was just talking to a lady just the other day and she she's having some plumbing problems and maybe we could use it for plumbing. And again, I just don't want to um start having such events that we're using um the voters's money. That's it.

Using the voters's money for the voters. Yes. You you you didn't hear me? Let me let me let What you said? Well, you you question me. Uh again, I'm gonna tell you this and I will not change from this. When it come to using the taxpayers's money for such an event, I'm not in favor of it. What's wrong with that?

I think this is one of the best I I think you came up with one of the best ideas. You and Commissioner Parnell came up with one of the best ideas. But again, just get sponsors for this event and do not use the taxpayers's dollars. I mean, how simple is that? I hope everybody understand that. Mr. Carter.

Yeah, I just want to reiterate it's about uh necessity. Um I hear people all the time ask about repaving roads, ask about street lights being out, ask about fixing the park. We have people actively telling us things that they want. We have the citizens asking us where we where they want us to do better. I have not had anyone come to me and say, "Gosh, we really need a unity festival. We had there's dozens of events with the city and without every year in this community, many private organizations put on terrific events as well. This isn't the community isn't asking for this. I have not seen anyone, as a matter of fact, I've seen in the last two days so much talk online and some of the things I've said were basically verbatim sentences. Wow, I would prefer them fix my road. I'm just not seeing the community asking for this. I I don't [clears throat] understand. I I I It seems like a very consistent thing though that keeps coming up for the last year about spending a whole lot of money on an event. I I don't I just don't see the need, but there are needs and I think we should address those. And that is all I have to say. Thank you,

M. Could we reallocate this money to fix plumbing at a resident's place? No. Would we do that, Mr. Mr. Ros? No. We we we couldn't use that money to fix personal plumbing. Thank you. I I I apologize for saying plumbing uh plumber uh drainage. That That's what I uh I apologize for. Miss speaking there. Yes, ma'am. We had money allocated to repair residents homes and there was a problem with that and it was allocated for that.

Now we Oh yeah, you you was the one who had a problem with it. Now you want to use it as a justification. Money is allocated for that's why this that's why these these um we have these categories where these funds are allocated for certain things. I don't have a problem with it because it's already allocated for it. So I don't have an issue. We voted on this already. I would love to repair someone's doorstep or plumbing or whatever with the $10,000 if we could do that, but we can't do that. Mr. Carter,

to be clear, uh what you're referring to is the ship program, which we had allocated money to. That money had been sent. The county had apparently uh promised to do a few more projects than the money in the kitty would allow. And so we were asked to give more to it than we had budgeted for at the tune of somewhere between a hundred and $200,000 when it all was all said and done. Uh so no, I was against adding $200,000 to it. To be clear, separate from Mr. Jernigan in this case, I don't really think that it is our responsibility to be fixing up anybody's house. Damn. That's what I'm trying to get to. But you use that. I didn't use it. He said he said houses. I said I said parks. I never said houses. I said streets, sidewalks, roads, street lights,

police, fire, water. I just think we need to really get back and focus on what we are supposed to be doing and and and and then that needs to be the priority. And until people stop telling me all the time that the things we're supposed to be doing aren't being done, I don't see the point in having a unity fest. We are in unity. We're working with the county better than we have in decades. It is. So when we have other events, you're this going to be your same argument for the other event. To be clear, if it were solely up to me, I don't think that we do events. We're not event planners. So this just this one is just different. No, the existing markets that we've been doing also very stripped down and simple are have existed for years before I got here.

To to me I think that we're putting the cart before the horse a little bit here. Um and I' I'd much prefer to see that park restored um and then have maybe have this as a celebration around it. that until that park is restored and we have those items where people can use on a regular basis and and improve their quality of life. We did have um some public comment on this. So, I'll open up public comment and we'll come back to the board.

Barbara Limley, I live in the county. However, I have rental properties in the city and this would be a double whammy if the county participated. You have to decide if it's a need or a want. This is a want. This is not a need. I agree with Young Carter and Jernigan. There's roads that could be repaired, street lights. And at the corner of Bea and Baker, there's an old cemetery, the Scarbor Cemetery that's grown up. You know, funds could be used to clean that up. I don't know if you could get a civic group, people who have to do community service hours, but I am totally opposed to a party when we have a 250th birthday celebration on the country. We don't need to single out this one event and spend 10 grand or 15 grand. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Loo. Coming back to DeA's comments, Mr. Mayor, I I move that we uh do not approve or move to deny uh funding this event at this time. Second. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any [clears throat] further discussion?

Hearing none, Missy, please. Yes, sir. Mr. and and and and I don't I don't want Commissioner Parnell and Council Member Harris to think that um we [clears throat] we shouldn't have events such as this, but the timing and not planning um in advance that way we would have I think we'll have more participation. I think we'll have more um sponsorship and I'm I'm willing to sponsor uh u maybe maybe $1,000 to help towards uh an event like this, but the taxpayers dollars, I am not for some of the people's needs in in our community. So, I'm willing to put out a thousand. I don't know who other 10 people or 15 people is going to come up with it, but I'm just not for this right here and using those tax fails dollars. I'm looking for sponsorship and I'll I'll be the first sponsor to get $1,000.

Any further discussion? Yes, ma'am. Miss Young, mayor, you um brought the concern of the time. So, is that your only concern is the timing? No. Uh that's not my only concern. Uh the the timing on the part it's a big part of it though. the timing on the park and being able to use that if we're going to have a true family day or a unit day around that around Young's Park that it needs to be finished and we need to have kids being able to play on it. Um so, okay. Now, that did make sense what you just said because the park is not up the code. Um but when you brought up timing at the last meeting,

it [clears throat] was concerning that it was during election time and that used as a campaign and I don't need somebody this city to put on a a um event for me for campaign. I campaign every day of my life whether I'm on this council or not because I'm always serving people.

So I thought around my timing around campaigning I actually thought it would be detrimental to candidates um trying to work in their districts if we held an event like that on a Saturday. it will take up a whole Saturday morning that you could be spending knocking doors or or talking to people and therefore uh it could could hurt, but also it's going to be the hottest time of the year. Um and with 10 days until election, there's going to be early voting going on at that time as well. So, there's just a lot happening. It's just a really it's not a great time of the year.

So, my next question is to Councilwoman Harris. Um, do you have a problem with the changing the time you and and um count uh Commissioner Parnell? It doesn't to be honest, it doesn't sound like it's about the timing. I think it um

people are starting to reach to find reasons of not to approve this. Um it has been said we have had events already throughout the city. It has been said that the $10,000 come from putting on events already, but just was not used that was going to be used towards this. So, I feel like people are just trying to reach to find reasons of not having this. I don't believe that the date has anything to do with it. I honestly don't.

And to be clear, the date has nothing to do with it. I thought with um When did we discuss about getting the parks and stuff revitalized? Was that before I said something about this or did this happen simultaneously or did it just happen last week or two weeks ago? Well, the discussion about the parts go way back. We've been talking about bringing that put in the budget. That was put in the budget. The last year's budget. Yes. Part of it. There is part there for Salame Jerry is in the budget. No, no, no. We're talking about Youngsport. You're talking about Youngsport, right? Young Park, Mr. Res. Was that put in the budget already?

Well, what staff uh I think the one that Councilwoman Young was talking about, I think that was in the budget. But what staff is going to be proposing to this body wasn't in the budget. Uh we were going to be proposing that we look at the all of the parks and make some adjustments. Uh because all the parts are nearing the end of their useful life. Now, if you like, if if you want, we can have Steve Brown come up and talk about what our plans were uh if we at that point. If not, we can wait until we get there. There's a motion. We have a motion, a second on the floor. Okay. Currently, um but we will after. So, we have a motion, a second. Any further discussion? So, Oh, you already made a motion to what? To deny funding at this time.

Can you pull your motion? pull the motion back and pass it. We have a second. We're allowing the the police cruisers to go by. Okay. Thank you, fellas. Um is uh are you you're asking me to resend my motion? Yes. So that when Mr. Brown come up here, we'll have more um Well, I to be clear, I think Mr. Brown is going to tell us about uh suggest suggestions public work public works has about improving the parks. I don't think they're relevant to whether or not we're funding or not funding. It ties in with what the mayor suggested.

Well, I think the mayor is saying it makes more sense to have an event like this after we've restored Youngs Park, for instance, and then we're having a celebration and perhaps like a grand reopening of our city's oldest park. That does make a little more sense even for me who doesn't like spending money. Um, but that's I mean I would say realistically even if we had tackled it with every ounce of money we got right now probably years away at least a couple we got a pile of things to do at several different parks. So that's one of the I mean again that's what I'm saying when I'm talking about necessity like I don't believe the community is currently lacking in fun events and it is lacking in a lot of other things. So my suggestion is that we don't fund this now because we don't need this now and we get on the business of fixing the things that people actually talk to us about all the time. I mean I

when is the date they're talking about revitalizing? It's not a date. There's not a date. We there's a there's probably two dozen things that need done. The park is still functioning.

It's open every day though. There's not a date for the park will be revitalized on this date. We haven't even approved most of the spending that'll be necessary to revitalize said parks. That's what I'm saying. I just don't see it. And I don't think I'm being unreasonable. I quite frankly I feel like most of the faces in the room are quietly agreeing with me. I no one see I don't see any need. I don't see anyone asking for this, but I do see people asking for a lot of other things. I just feel like that should be the priority. I'm not trying to be mean. I'm not trying to be difficult here. I just don't see the necessity. And it is my job to voice my opinion on that. And so I am. I have multiple constituents who have told me in multiple ways over the last two weeks, Lord have mercy, there's no need for that. We don't need that. Please don't do that. Please fix my road. These lights over here aren't working, etc., etc. So, that's my concern and that's the concern of my constituents and that is what I am doing right now.

Don, did you just say the money that was allocated cannot be used on roads? No, it can be used. It's allocated right now for festivals. For festival. So, it cannot be used to fix a road unless the board unless the board currently. No, but unless the board redirects us to use it there because you keep bringing that up. Said it a couple of times already that the money was only allocated for festivals or whatever. Mr. Mayor, yes. Is it correct that generally speaking, we can move pretty much any money around through the power of this board if we needed to?

Okay. I'm just just to be clear, this money could absolutely be put into a into a different account or a different line item for repairs or anything that is more needed to be clear. But it it's also it is budgeted it is budgeted for something now. It is budgeted for if what if the current events that we have on our slate need something else that isn't taken into consideration. Like it's not it's not nothing. What it what it is in the budget currently is a thing. It's it's it's it's a little bit of extra if the things we currently have scheduled need something extra. So if we do reallocate this and they do, then they'll have to pull money from somewhere else to do that. So again, it's like it's not just like, oh shoot, we just found this money. It sounds to me like it's probably always there. Anyway, I I'm but for that so for that reason, I have no interest in in resending my motion. And I think I think it seems to me that we've all expressed our opinions at Nauseium. I think we should just hold the vote and move on.

Miss Young, you had something? That's your your um opinion. Um but Mr. Carter, you always you always have so much to say, but you don't want nobody else to say what they really feel or what they think or what they believe is best for this city. And I don't think that's fair. Now, let me finish. Don't you pick Get on that mic.

Now, we voted we already voted on the money. The money is allocated. and you just said you can use it for another event but not for this event. You have a problem with this event. I don't have a problem with this particular event. And if the truth be told, I didn't have a problem at the last meeting where it was discussed. My concern was that we couldn't really see the the itemized um the itemization of the event. After looking at the other events, you have to be fair in your decision making because we didn't itemize in the other events. It's all ready for an event and you're saying you can use it in the other events but not this event. You don't want this particular event and that's that's okay if that's the way you [clears throat] feel about it. But just be honest about it.

It's just I don't want anymore. I don't see a need for any more anymore. And to be clear, what we are currently doing [clears throat] is paying a staff member and their department, they have one other staff member and public works is setting up uh uh barricades here and there for the current. We're the events we're doing now from a budgetary standpoint are not some sort of big it's it's basic. I mean, we don't even charge the vendors to set up in the park downtown. We say come set up have have a market etc. Like it's it's a it's effectively using city land to let the community put on a group event.

Is there it isn't it isn't it isn't hiring entertainment and all this sort of stuff that goes along with it. You know we so many of the events that are like this are done privately. Blue Grey Army just put on the Lusty Festival. Guanas Club puts on Guanas kids day. There are a bunch of I think Alrusa has an annual event as well. I'm not certain though what it's called if they do. There are a bunch of events like this. They already exist. They are privately funded by sponsors and local clubs. So am I hearing that you think cities should not fund events? Generally speaking, I don't think it is necessary and I don't think that it is wanted. I do think that the community does appreciate the very simple and wellorganized market that we put on downtown in our public square. I don't that was

you approved that otherwise but that was before they came into existence before I got here to be clear but uh no I don't see a need to remove them [clears throat] they are very simple and I do do not believe they are very expensive you approved that budget yes and that was in that the money that you're talking about moving is in the budget that currently exists for those events and it says too

so we've had um we've had board discussion We had a motion made and seconded. Um because that proposition has formalized uh we had somebody sign up for public comment. So I'm going to call uh Rashia Murphy. Rashe, sorry that about that. Mr. Murphy, [clears throat]

how you doing? I'm Rashe Murphy. Um I just got back here in Lake City. I've been away for 30 years and I graduated here in 1994. So, I'm listening to everyone up here at the DAS and hearing about the Unity Fest and money is already allocated. I think my question to you is I think you're missing the point. It says unity. I don't know nothing about the city or the county. So, if it's unity, why can't you all come and be unity with all of your constituents? money is already there. Besides you thinking your constituents have to come here to have some unity with you, why can't you all come and have some unity with them? The money is there and hear more of their problems or what they need to what need to be done. But while you hear the problems with the money that's already there, show them some service. Why the part got to be done and complete to show service? It's a lot of stuff you ain't I mean you looking like that's what you were just saying.

I'm agreeing with I'm saying Mr. Carter the way that you look. That's what you just said out your mouth. You said well when this going to be fixed for Young's Park to be fixed about having the event making it another uh push back pretty much. If it's not fixed we shouldn't have it. There's a lot of things in Lake City ain't fixed. Amen.

And if you sitting here on this board keep pushing back on unity, I think you really missed the definition. Unity. I just heard y'all say unity of county and city officials. Right. I just got back here. I don't know half of you. I know some of you. And I know people who probably stay here probably don't know none of you. But you're saying, "Okay, lights this, that, and that or whatever. I've been gone 30 years. Lights still ain't down. What I used to call 108. Y'all change the basket, right? Y'all go put a turnabout somewhere and still lights down, dog. Down there.

I done been to big cities everywhere. I left Lake City for that point, but knew I was coming back. We know lights one thing that that stops a lot of crime cuz if it's lit up, people ain't going to want to do this and this and that. I come back, I say, "Wow, Richardson got big lights now. Why is that?" I wonder. Oh, I saw it clear as day. Why it is? So, the same thing that you all have that strength for other whatever you may have in your mind, whatever you feel about money, this money that money is already allocated there. If it's a unity vest, get out and show unity. It shouldn't even worry about a dollar, whatever it is. when it comes to unity for this city. It's a lot of these kids and people are dying

and you're sitting here talking about money that's already been allocated. Your unity can be all of y'all coming. We ain't got to have food in the big part and all that. All y'all coming and really understanding what's really going on. Thank you, Mr. Murphy. So, that's all I'm asking. So, please don't second it to die down. Think about it real hard. Real hard. Thank you, Mr. Murray. Thank you.

All right, Mr. Harris, you had something final. Um, my my my idea, my original idea for getting for wanting to do this and I stated before in a previous meeting was because I looked up um what people are saying about Lake City, Columbia County and they have a whole video about how horrible this place was. I believe in one of the things we we were number two on it. That wasn't a good look to me. My thought process was to for us to get together. We talk about having other events and all of that and nobody argues about those events, but when I come up and say something about unity, then we having a problem with it. We're having a problem with money that's already allocated for an event such as this. But with that being said, I am a little embarrassed because this is on YouTube. people will be seeing that we are arguing about having a unity day. That's embarrassing. If you are proud of your city to make number two in whatever category that was, somebody riding through our cities showing different places in our city and we look bad, if you are satisfied with that, I get it. And with that being said, I'm going to withdraw this. I'll withdraw this and because I don't want it to to look like we are fighting about having something where we come together collectively and yeah I have this thing with um whatever is at the head it falls down to the bottom in Lake City the county commissioners are the head they're over the county city council is over the head of the city we're we're considered as the head and if we can't get together and work

together to have one little project. We have a barbecue fest and and we give them $30,000 for a barbecue fest and I'm asking for only 10,000 and now you want a itemized list. Since I have sat up here for the last year and couple of months, I have never seen an itemized list of for any events for any events. But now you want to hold my feet to the fire. I need to know what you're going to pay for popcorn. I need to know what you're going to pay for ice cream. I need to know what you're going to pay for this, that, and the other. That doesn't look good. Our city is arguing about a unity day. And if you are sitting here and you are satisfied with us looking a certain kind of way to the world and the world describing Lake City as a problem child in in Florida. I pity you. I pity you. So I I'll withdraw that. We don't have to have the unity today. We don't have to have a love fest. maybe some of these brilliant minds that sit up here can come up with something that the city can collectively do together. And with that, I yield the floor.

There is still a motion in a second. Mr. Mayor, do we need to do something different or I don't understand. I didn't put it back. So, Mr. Oh, and Mr. Parnell, I would like to apologize. I I really like to apologize. I I said once and I'm going say it again. I am embarrassed at this point. Truly embarrassed. Thank you, Clay. Procedurally. So, uh you do have a motion on the floor.

Uh that would take precedent. Uh you do have the uh individual who proposed the idea of the Unity Fest withdrawing the request for and I'm I'm correct me if I'm wrong here in the way I say this but uh withdrawing the request for funding and for period

just period uh just withdrawing uh given that uh on the record uh either uh the the movement uh Mr. Carter with that in mind could withdraw his motion to disapprove the request seeing that it's withdrawn. Uh if uh he does not do that uh then procedurally you would move forward with a vote to disapprove the request. Mr. May I resend my motion? Second. Okay. All right. So the motion would be for the the item would be dead and the request would be dead.

Okay. All right. [snorts] Well, we are going to move on to new business. Item number 17, city council ordinance number 2026-2358. Mr. Martin, will you please read that by title?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. You have before you ordinance number 2026 2358, an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida relating to the criminal background screening of certain regulated persons, public service providers, municipal employees, vendors, contractors, contractor employees, and appointees including volunteers. is amending chapter 70 article 1 section 70-1 of the code of ordinances of the city of Lake City Florida providing for criminal background screening of such individuals making findings a fact in support thereof repealing all ordinances in conflict there with and providing an effective date thank you Mr. Martin uh we don't have anybody signed up for item number 17 city council ordinance number 2026-2358 on this item so we'll move straight to council comments questions

Mr. Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2358. I mean, I had a question. Oh, you still can. Sorry. Let's get um we'll move we'll have questions and comments if anybody would like to second it. If not, then the motion will die. Could you explain that a little more about the background? We need a we need a second on it first. Oh, sorry. Second. Okay. We have a motion and a second. Um you want Chief Yeah. here to answer questions.

The human resource department when we we're hiring employees or volunteers, the police department does a fingerprint supported background to make sure the people pass the required uh security checks. We were notified by the state because we're doing this more that it's called an ORI. The police department has its own ORI. We have to get a second ORI for nonp police department employees. So what'll happen is they'll still come to the police department. We'll still do the fingerprint supported background, but it'll be under the second ORI and anything that happens with those will go directly to HR instead of to my records room. And the law requires the the city council pass this ordinance in order for me to apply for that second ORI.

Any further questions? Thank you, Chief. All right. Hearing none, Miss S, please call the RO. Mr. Carter, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. Now, we move on to item number 18, city council resolution number 2026-023. Mr. Martin, contract, will you please read this one by title?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you resolution number 2026-023. Resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida approving that certain amendment to the agreement between the city and Gallagher Incorporated of Florida Corporation for placement and insurance management services. Making certain findings of fact in support of the city approving set agreement recognizing the authority of the mayor to execute and bind the city to set agreement directing the mayor to execute and bind the city to set agreement apping all prior resolutions in conflict and providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh we don't have anybody signed up from the public to speak on item number 17, questions or comment or sorry, number 18. We have any questions or comments on city council resolution number 2026-023?

Yes, Mr. Mayor. I'm curious the uh last year we changed our insurance providers. Um and how long again was the contract the new contract with the new provider? Was it a single year? It was it was yearly uh for yearly renewal but it was a five-year contract. So we have to renew it every year. Okay. So this would be then uh using Gallagher to again pursue the best rate coverage. Is that the Is that the idea, Mr. Rosenol? Mr. Rosenol, we could have Billy Joe come up and ask questions on it.

This is continuing their annual contract to um help us with risk and safety and liability insuranceances. Good. Are they teaching classes? What what they they offer a gamut of services for us. Um, not only do they help us go out to bid if we needed to, but they also um the whole risk and safety. There's classes that that we can sign our employees up for. Um, remedial classes and it's all free. The legal aspect of it, they provide the legal support when we need it. They handle all of our workers comp, all that.

One more question. the uh the current insurance provider, do they also are they I know that the League of City did offer like a suite of um different classes that we can take related to all those things. Does the current provider offer that and are we taking advantage of any of those? Yes, to both.

Yes. Um, I've had some questions with you on this um about the the comparison with other contracts. Um, I know that this is a piggyback contract off Indian River. Is this was was the contract based on s their size? I guess because they're a lot bigger. Indian River County is 167,000 people and while they have similar uh utilities and whatnot we provide it's based off the services that they provide not the size.

Okay. Um interesting. All right. Um anybody else have any questions? Is there is there a process because this is a piggyback contract. Is there a process? Would we be opposed to going out for RFQ or RFP on this next year? That would be at the the will of the council. If you wanted us to go out to bid, that is something like we could look at come up and talk about that. Well, I have um one more question on this. Are they are we going out to are they procuring new um insurance quotes for us this year or is the one the one from this from this past year where we save $600,000 holds for two years? Correct. Correct. Okay.

All right. So, for every dollar we've spent, for every $5 we spent or for every dollar we've spent, we've saved $5 for the citizens based on our previous I'll take your word for that. Our previous uh our previous uh spend um any other questions. Okay. Thank you, Billy Joe. Second, Billy Joe. Mr. May move to approve city council ordinance 2026-023. Second resolution. Sorry. Uh, we have a motion, a second on city council resolution number 2026-023. Do we have any further comments or questions? Hearing none, Miss S, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter, yes. Mr. Dernigan, yes. Miss Young, yes.

Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. Uh, moving on to item 19, city council resolution number 2026-032. Mr. Martin, will you please read that by title? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, I have before you resolution number 2026-032, a resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, approving and adopting that certain 5-year strategic plan prepared by Sarapin and Associates, Inc., making certain findings of fact in support of the city approving and adopting said 5-year strategic plan, directing the city manager to implement said 5-year strategic plan, repealing all prior resolutions in conflict, and providing an effective date.

Thank you, Mr. Martin. We don't have anybody signed up for this item specifically, so we'll move straight into council comments, questions. Anybody like to make a motion to approve the 5-year strategic plan? Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council resolution 2026-032. Second. A motion. A second. Thank you both. Do we have any final comments or questions? Hearing none. Miss Sykes, would you please call the role? Mr. Carter? Yes. Mr. Jernigan? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Mayor Walker?

Yes. um for the the purpose of of giving voice to uh two folks who came in slightly behind schedule on public comment. Um Mr. John and Sarah Lee, I'm going to open up public comment again and before we move into departmental and administration. First of all, we appreciate what y'all done so far for our street, number one, but what we're trying to sit here and talk to y'all about is certain things like um John, what would you say?

Okay. Um where's the end of this thing? Okay. Uh what I was going to address the city council with this evening is uh well number one I discovered during the course of last year. I thought for many of times that I was the only blind and or visually impaired person that lived here in Lake City. But I found out just by attending the I can meetings with the Florida Center for the Blind in Okeella via Zoom that I'm not the only one here. that there is a small handful of us that are here and I'm very well concerned about our safety and if there are any cops in here, I want y'all to really hear me loud and clear about this. Uh, I would like to see the police and sheriff department around here crack down really hard on people that do stupid things such as parking their cars on sidewalks, causing people like me to have to step out into oncoming traffic. Come on now y'all. That's not safe and that's not smart either. And also at the same time given what I just recently found out the current status quo as it is one of these days is not going to be accepted. So, I'm just giving you all a fair warning that uh my little crowd is going to grow larger and I hope I'm not around when it happens because if that crowd grows any larger, the current status quo as it is is not going to be accepted and there's going to be a huge uproar against you because of it. So, I'm just just saying y'all need to get out here and y'all need to do something about this. these stop lightss that have these buttons on them, they don't work for us. Y'all need to fix that problem. Y'all need to make them become audible.

And and you know, that's what I would like to see happen. I was born and raised here and and for the length of time that I've been here, I've been here for nearly 54 years. I haven't seen any positive change come about this as of yet. And the last time I brought this up was some 20 almost 23 years ago and still nothing's been done about it yet about the lights not working for us visually impaired folks out here. I would like to see something done about that. And please do get the illegal parked cars off of the sidewalks because that's not safe for people like me to move around safely. And one other uh safety issue I'd like to bring to y'all's attention, Martin Luther King Drive. Uh those poles don't need to be in the sidewalks. I'd like to see those pulled out of the sidewalks so that they would be free for people like me to move around safely and soundly. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. John. What in the sidewalk? The poles. Poles. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Um, up next we have Miss Mary Carter.

Hi. I just wanted to know is there anything that could be done about the animals around here that gets a loose and the their owners are letting them loose and they're using them to run on people's property. They're using them to uh mate with one another and having them screaming and holling at night and running over and they are uh doing things that they shouldn't be doing to the dogs. I and they are saying that the animal shelter is saying you can't shoot them, you can't bother with them because they are pets and that you're not supposed to hurt them and whatever they do that they are they allowed to do this. So if they allowed to do all these things, are they human like us to allow not to do things? But then we all as human being need to know how to protect each other if we're going to protect each other. I have been hurt several times with those dogs and um my granddaughter and they have chased us and they all of them know about it and there is some have gotten bit and they have did nothing. There was one lady, she told me and she showed me all of her scars and how they have just walking down the sidewalk, how they'll just come out and just grab you, you know, and run behind you. And see, some people take it for fun. They do this for because of if you got property, they don't want you to not let them ride on their four-wheelers and do all their, you know, whatever they want to do. They should do it at the parks or wherever they supposed to do it at, but not on permanent property. And so then the policers are called, the sheriff's are called, they say that's not their job. There's nothing they could do about it. So there's the it's the animal control or whoever. And when you go to them, they say they are they

they take care of dogs and they sell dogs. So they uh don't want anybody bothering the dogs. So if the dogs want them, they do whatever long as they are fenced in. Okay? But they don't fence them in. And if they fencing in, they fix it where their dogs can get out and come still do things. They don't feed them. They do they get puppies. They have puppies and things and then they want to sell them, you know. So it I mean it's their business what they want to do with their dogs, but why can't they be uh uh seen that they are fenced in at all time, not loose, and if they are out, they should have a like they walk around every places. They're decent places that uh communities have and um the commissioners, they don't have dogs and things running all around loose and their backs bit out and they, you know, making them and doing all this stuff and having them chasing behind you cuz they not feeding them. They not doing the proper things with them. So they doing all this and they claim they do all this, but they don't. And see, they can't do come out. They say they got other things more important the sheriffs and polices to do. So if they got more than things to do then what can be done? So what issue what what could I do? I just want to know what could I do about this issue.

You all don't. Thank you Miss Carter. I'm I'm actually going to ask uh Chief uh to come address if that's okay. Thank you.

Because I know we've had this we've had this uh had this complaint coming forward a couple times and so it is a if we have a dangerous animal uh we always encourage someone to call 911, give us a description. We'll get a unit out there. We keep an eye on that animal, contact animal enforcement, get them out there because they've got the equipment to get the animal. We also try and identify the property owner and if it's a dangerous animal and actually I've been dealing with the city attorney about uh our stat our ordinance and also state statute uh the issue with the uh puppy farm where they're selling the animals uh over on 90. Um I spoke with state's attorney today. We got that worked out how we're going to deal with that. But part of that statute, state statute, also handles dangerous animals. So if we identify the owner, we'll take corrective action to make an arrest. If somebody calls, we never tell them. Now, this is county dispatch, but I know how they work. We're not going to tell them it's not our job. We send an officer out. And if the county dispatcher does say that, then somebody called me. I'll pull the recordings and we'll take corrective action. Do we have anything on the books about uh personal animal containment?

Personal animal animal containment. Yeah. As as far as keeping dogs leashed or in the fence or in your own fence or not tethered to where they can approach other people or other property. I don't recall having read anything in our ordinances regarding containment per se. I'm not familiar with an allowing a dog to roam section on in the city ordinance. Miss Young, so chief, if if law enforcement pass um or riding and they see a dog, when do they consider it? You say a dangerous dog, and we went through this before, all dogs are dangerous. That's correct. If if it's not your dog. That's correct.

So, what does it have to come to? If law enforcement see a dog roaming, what happens? He just let the dog roam because it's not a dangerous dog. Unless the dog is actively being vicious, uh, we're not going to we're not going to take any action. We we don't number one, we're not we don't have the equipment. We we contact animal control, the Humane Society. Currently, if we think there's a dog that there's an issue, if it's injured, same thing. We would contact the Humane Society and have them come out and uh try and get the dog. So if law enforcement is riding and see a dog and it's not leashed and it should be leashed, I believe, right?

And it's not leashed, do we not call animal control? We we'd be calling animal control every 5 minutes. No, we don't. So what about the citizens? If they call and there's a dangerous animal, we will respond out. All animals are dangerous. All we have to have something else. It's not saying all all animals are dangerous, ma'am. It's the dog has to be actively vicious threatening some even if it's another animal. If somebody's another dog attacking another dog on somebody's property, we will contact animal control and get them out there as a priority one call per the per the contract with the humane society.

Miss Mer just walked to that that podium and she's Miss Mir and she complained about a dog. Don't you know when she walk out her door if a dog is there that dog is considered dangerous? Because if he go to strike her, do you think she can get away from this dog? So I believe if a dog is unleashed and law enforcement spots the dog, I think a call should be made. Then you we're going to have to do something because there's no way the Humane Society is going to be able to handle that because Well,

Mr. Uh, so I was able to confirm there there is a confinement uh ordinance. There is a leash ordinance. As I'm scanning it, I think the the enforcement issue becomes if the the animal is unleashed, if the animal is unconfined and roaming freely, uh it's the mechan there there isn't a mechanism in place to really identify who the owner is to be able to hold the owner responsible in that circumstance unless there is some sort of collared identification or or electronic identification on the animal. Whose responsibility is it? for the confinement or

we know who responsibility is for the confinement. Whose responsibility is it to to find out who this dog belongs to? Not Miss Mary. That is not identified necessarily within our ordinance. It does say the the actual hearing mechanism is the uh code enforcement board, which would would be our magistrate in this case. But you've got to to enforce that element of this. You've got to have somebody that you can cite to bring in front of the the board.

Will you read what you just read before this discussion? Will you read it what you just read from that from that ordinance? regarding the leash and the confinement. Yes, you just read it. Uh, let's see. 44. Dogs and pigs confined on owner's property a person who is the owner of or has the care, custody, or control of any dog or potbelly pig. That's not what you read. We ain't heard nothing about no potbelly pig. That's not what you read. I wasn't reading. I was just summarizing what what was in the ordinance. So,

okay. Well, can you summarize that again because I I'm I want to get somewhere here. Something I said that you you it's kind of like you that's not what you said. So, I want some clarity. So, so what I said in general was our ordinances do have a requirement that I said dog. It's dogs and pigs be either confined to an owner's property or be leashed. Okay. That wasn't all you said. If something about if a dog is not leashed and and if a dog's not leashed, we would be able to take some sort of enforcement action. The problem is identifying who to take the action against if we can't identify the owner. Okay. I didn't hear you say the problem is early. I don't know that you

that's the deficiency. So what I'm not seeing is uh a lot of the ways a lot of communities would do this was as a foundational mechanism they would have a a licensing ordinance requiring the licensing of the animal. So on a surface level, if you've got an animal that doesn't have a a license tag that's been purchased that can attach that animal to an owner in and of itself, that the the animal can be taken for violating uh or or being in violation of of our ordinances as an unlicensed animal. That's where I want you to get to.

And and if it does have a tag, then you know who the owner is to be able to go and hold the owner responsible and issue a site. If I can get Clay, my understanding is the ordinance does have a licensing component, but the city is never, if you look on there, because I've been spending time with that ordinance. Uh, there is a section there about licensing of dogs and but the city's never, as long as I've been here, has never done that. Right. It sound like the city has homework. Didn't know this one was coming up tonight. I'm okay.

I'm I'm reading here as we go. And the reason I know is I went over because with the sale sale of the puppies uh 90 I've been dealing with the state's attorney about exactly how the enforcement is and so everybody's aware I'm not going to enforce it under city ordinance. We're going to enforce it under state statute. Very good. Mr. Mr. Carter come

obviously I brought this up before. It is an issue. It it also probably feels like a nearly insurmountable issue. Like you said, if you were calling, every time you saw a dog, you'd be calling constantly. Um, but I I do feel like we need to try to get somewhere with it. Um, because the the other thing, first of all, if a dog the situation where you only do something about a dog if it is vicious is literally the definition of too late. Well, if the dog is suddenly tracking, chewing on your foot, you probably can't call, right? We understand that this is untenable, right? Um, sometimes a dog is mildly aggressive and you know, like we did with the one that was in my neighborhood where he was just running around barking and chasing people. He didn't attack anyone luckily. But, uh, unsafe dog doesn't mean dog bearing teeth. Miss Mary is not very big. If friendly dog wants pets and jumps on Miss Mary and knocks Miss Mary over, that's as dangerous as, you know, frothing at the mouth dog. So I obviously I wouldn't expect you you chief or Mr. Martin or anybody to have any answers tonight but I I would like to make this something of a focus see if there's something we can do to help address this. And then my next question attached to that would just be since the last time when I had been somewhat inundated with issues with humane society and and the ability to respond to these calls. Do you and again you do not I do not expect you to give me any meaningful answer tonight but I would love an answer in general. I think we all would. Do you have any opinion on progress improvement lack of improvement? Is there how is the relationship currently with the city PD Humane Society? Uh and the the uh uh is it is it getting has it gotten any better because it from your experience

they've been more responsive. Um, we did have one incident where they didn't answer the the phone when we were calling, but apparently the uh their animal enforcement person left the phone inside the car accidentally when they got out and they did call us back about an hour later. So, so and what I have what I did do is the uh dispatch is logging the times on our calls as to when we contacted them and when they actually responded on scene because the contract with the city does uh stipulate how long they had to get out there.

Okay. And then last question would be or like a thought on this would be I know that I had certain citizens uh uh contacted me a whole lot. Some have come and spoke at the dis about an area of our community that was effectively infested with like a half a million chickens and getting with Dawn and D and stuff like that. They have gotten with code enforcement and I know we've put out traps and and it's from what I understand been pretty successful. I think last I heard we've gotten over 60 chickens and we've been cleaning that up and obviously we don't have to enforce a a chicken watch everywhere, but that particular issue area was an issue. So I know that Miss Mary has come and spoken before about dog issues. So I wonder if there are particular areas now all we can do is ask citizens to tell us, right? But if there are particular areas that are that are consistently an issue, if Miss Mary I can't speak for by what she says, but if Miss Mary is regularly having um dogs in and around her home, it sounds like perhaps she's got she's got neighbors that maybe need a knock on the door and say, "Hey, what's up with is this your dog?" I don't know what we can do, but again, obviously we probably can't attack every single dog that's seen anywhere. But if if there's areas that it seems like a consistent issue, I would love it if we could find if staff could come up with some some some idea or proposal if there's a way because the county now has their animal enforcement unit

and their we're animal control or humane society. Their primary function is the welfare of the dogs that get brought into the facility, right? They do assist and go out and bring those dogs in where the county department that's been ramped up by the county. that's an enforcement arm, right?

Uh maybe doing something partnering with the county or something to get them because that's what they do, not in addition to their other their other duties. So, that might be something for us to look into, possibly getting with uh uh the county manager, with the city manager, and seeing what we uh what kind of agreement we can come up with to augment what the Humane Society can do for us because, you know, they're they're stretched. I understand that. But if we have that unit and they've got the equipment, they have the training

and they can get out there in the problem areas that are identified and obviously if if necessary, I'd send an officer out to give them a hand in case we do identify the owner. And that way because a lot of times people are not going to be happy if you're taking their dog or if you're giving them a ticket. I also don't want to leave those animal enforcement people hanging out there by themselves with no law enforcement with them. Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Chief.

And I would make a a suggestion I've made before, you might have had this conversation before, is know your community. We have enough officers where we should they should know their community. Especially when we have elderly people or disabled in a certain community, then we want to play a pay close attention there. If we see dogs in this area and we know an elderly person live here, then we're going to go that extra mile because we know they can't really defend themselves from a dangerous dog. So, I would love to see um us patrol our areas, get back to knowing our community where these elderly or again disabled um citizens are. That would be make a great difference.

Thank you, Miss Young. Mr. Journey,

I'm in agreeance with uh Miss Young and uh Council Carter. Um, also if getting to that area, uh, obviously she's got um, uh, uh, it's a high uh, crime area when it comes to dogs in that area. So, if we can get somebody out there uh with the assistance of uh with the Lake City Police Department and Animal Control County, uh that would be that would be awesome for you uh for her to see that we're out there patrolling uh that area. Uh because I would hate to see one of those dogs uh attack her. And by the way, that's my aunt. So, I I want to make sure that we um take care of the elderly because she did take care of us as we were coming up.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jernigan. Uh Mr. Rosenthal, Mr. Martin, you guys had something. So, I'm going to start with you, Mr. Rosenthal.

Yeah, I was just going to mention that in other places, what I've seen people do when there's a situation or cities do when there's a situation with dogs is to have a a dog u licensing requirement. That way when you catch a dog, his tag tells you who he's belonged to and you can you can find that owner, you could lock up that dog. Uh it's no easy way to fix a dog problem. The police department are not dog catchers. They're police officers. So uh their job is not to catch dogs for us. If we want to do that, we need to establish something that will allow us to get a fee and um actually have somebody that catches dogs or bring them to the respective societies that deal with the dogs. The shelter that the Humane Society has is a no kill shelter. The shelter that's being established by the county is a kill shelter and that was the final solution.

Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Martin,

thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, so have definitely not had an opportunity to read everything we've got on the books word for word. I have had a chance to kind of scan down the the the breadth and depth of the ordinance that we have in place. It's relatively relative to other ordinances we've got, it's relatively recent. from 2003. On the surface, it seems very comprehensive. Uh to to Mr. Rosenthal's point, it it addresses licensing. Uh the uh I do see some places where it doesn't seem like some some dots are connecting for me, but uh having a chance to read it, I may be able to connect those dots. uh it would need to be cleaned up a little bit just in its current form uh to uh to be reconciled with the fact that we now use a magistrate rather than a code enforcement board. Uh but uh what uh I I would like to do is take the opportunity to work with uh the city manager, with police chief, kind of go through this uh see where it needs to be tweaked, see if there's any elements of it that have changed over the last 20 some odd years in state law that may affect our city ordinance and then come back at a future meeting with any tweaks and recommendations. uh you know fully implemented. I think there if I'm reading it correctly the way it works uh there would be some uh probably budgetary implications that would need to be taken into account and we're starting to get into that season anyway here in the next few months and so it'll be an opportune time to to build out the the enforcement and uh regulatory mechanisms around the ordinance just as it sits right now.

Thank you Mr. Martin. Thank you chief. All right. [clears throat] So, we're now going to move on to departmental and administration uh administrative items. So, Mr. Rosenthal, we'll start with your departments. Yes, Chief. I'd like to call uh Steve Brown up. We talk about some things that Steve Brown indeed came up with and and brought to me as an idea. I'm bringing it to the board because I think it's an excellent idea. Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal.

Thank you, Mayor and Council. Um we have over the past probably eight nine months up to a year probably um been looking at upgrading some of our parks. This started with Campbell Park with the installation of the new pier that was put in there. Um Councilman Samson was actually one of the first ones that talked about it as we were going through this. Um, and as we put some some some new equipment in the parks, we noticed that the homeless was was taking over the seating and the benching areas. So, we we went and moved some of that stuff around. We found out there was a part of that park that we wasn't really using. They were really using it for the the homeless staying over there. So, we modified that and cleaned it up. And since then, we've moved into kind of going in and we put a walk-in path in to take some of the green area and we put some exercise equipment in. Um that was that was t going down towards the tail end of last year. Um we got some calls right after the budget process last year um right around late October, early November about the Kowanas Park which is the park that's out on Turner Road on the far side of town and the the citizen was concerned about a small area um at the base of the playground equipment where the coating was peeled off. These things aren't painted, they're actually coated. Um, so we went out and we took a look at it. There was some jagged plastic edges and what we did was we did some modifications in house. Took our public works staff out and and we did some work out there and we were able to keep from closing the park. Um, and we went ahead and started researching getting some quotes on what it would take to replace some of this equipment. Um, we were very surprised when these quotes started coming in. The first quote come in on December the 4th of last year. Um, and it was for $26,191.78. This was an unbudgeted repair. So, we

went back out to make sure there was anything we could do until we could figure out exactly where this money would come from. Um, shortly after that, about two weeks realistically, um, we got a call about Young's Park and Young's Park, the concern was different, but the same. It was a different type of equipment. Um, and when we went out and started looking at that one, we started assessing piece by piece, um, we were able to receive some other quotes on this park. Um, one of which was $56,928, uh, $37,04. Um, on our PowerPoint here, you can see where we've actually taken some pictures of the equipment. And if you'll notice, one of the main components of this is that coated steel. And there's a lot of plastic. And that plastic in this Florida sun, it's just going to have a life expectancy. And and I'm I'm assured that when we bought this equipment, it probably wasn't to the tune of $60,000 a piece. So, in going through and looking at the equipment, we we were faced uh really quick with prioritizing. and and I don't know I I feel confident that this board is going to say you can't put a priority over one kid versus another kid and these these pieces of equipment are designed by age groups. So we got educated very quickly on how this worked. So a two to five year old would play on something um obviously a lot smaller than say the one that we're looking at there. Um and then as it goes up in age obviously the equipment goes up in age. So we started doing the our normal process of what we could do in house and what we could you know if you notice the the mulch on the ground public works does that that stuff. So as we got to looking at it going to try and figure out how to prioritize it we got to thinking about a bigger project and we are we are postured now to go in and

repair as much as we could and we've done that. Public works has went out um they've taken and ground down any of the sharp edges that we could find. We've even taken our natural gas welders out and had them weld any broken pieces of steel that we could find and recoded it to the best of our ability. So, that's the reason why we haven't closed the park down because we've we've been steady making maintenance and repairs to it. But, as you can see through the the slide of pictures, it's just it's just at its end of life expectancy. So, in in looking at it, um knowing that we have a couple of parks currently, the only two parks that are budgeted, um we had some exercise equipment at Campbell Park and we've got Sally May Jerry where we're actually removing the sand and putting the rubberized material down in the bottom of it. And we're currently in the process of getting ready to do that. um those parks are really in the best shape of those two. [snorts] But we got to looking at what it would take to to do a whole park upgrade. And that's kind of what we're here for tonight is I'd like to talk about some guidance, maybe some direction that you guys would like because this is going to affect every one of your districts. This is really going to affect all of y'all. Um if you see on this one here, that's a really good example right there. If you see the picture on the left where the broken jagged edges was, the picture on the right is what public works has done to to extend the life expectancy by taking all of the jagged edges off of it. Um, again, where we're going in and fastening [snorts] everything we can, but we're only going to be able to do this for so long. So, what we wanted to talk about was um we had talked about a splash pad enhancing the part. We think that's a great idea. We believe the youth will love it. Um, but as as you can see from what we're having to deal with, we really want to we really want to look at this from holistically totality what it would take to go in rather than replace one piece. We would like some guidance if you would like for us to go in and and look at replacing

the park. We do believe this is going to be expensive. If you go by the numbers we have here at $50 to $60,000 each park, the Kuanas Park only has one, but these parks have have multiple pieces in it. four mainly that would be replaced pretty quickly. Um the good part about it is once we do it, you know, it'll be it'll be good for we we guesstimate this equipment. Some of it's 20 years old. Um so again, knowing the math, knowing what we could be looking at from a dollar figure-wise, we would really like to to do a whole park renovation and not just one park, but all of the parks. Um anything that has anything from Sally May right on down. Um we've even had some some council actually ask about creating other parks in different sections of town. So um knowing that our youth are are really going to be are going to be wearing and tearing on this stuff before long and it and it's going downhill fast. Um kind of some guidance on what you guys would like to see. [clears throat] I you know parks are one of the quality of life um is one of the tenants of what we provide as a city of Lake City. Um I'm have we never had a budget item for ongoing park restoration?

None that I found. I think that that would be key going forward. That is going to be critical line items

where there's there's fixes going on. There's always going to be a piece broken. There's always I mean there's kids playing on it, right? It's literally they're literally jumping up and down and and just having a good time and and trying to tear it apart because that's fun. Um, so having that ongoing maintenance and restoration for our parks, I think it's vital uh to keep and attract families and and have a place where families can come together and build memories. I I played on this park as a kid and I think that probably all of us did at some point. Used to have a spaceship there. Um, but over time it's it's all broken down. Um, I think there's also a bigger problem at this park. Um, that's part of the collection of of blighton and the homeless. And I think there's more improvements that we can do other than just replacing equipment. Um and and making it a just a better overall environment. Um and I mean the the human waste that is deposited at this park from one end to the other is is a problem.

Yes. Definitely. So, and that was kind of the caveat to this is I would like to if we could get started with the playground equipment, it's definitely we've got to get a handle on the homeless and and I know there's some videos floating around. I haven't personally seen the drug paraphernalia that was in those videos. Thank God. We do a very good job of cleaning these parks daily. Um, but there there are components of it. When we lock the bathrooms at night, the parks closed and the homeless people continue to utilize it to the best of their ability. And that that affects everything from our tennis courts all the way down to the the park area. Um it's it's a it's definitely an issue. Is it not trespassing if the park's closed?

It is. And I was talking to the assistant chief. They patrol it each shift. Patrols two times per shift is what I understand. So if they catch them, they can get them out of there. But as of recent, we've had issues with the tennis courts where we're actually looking at putting locking mechanisms to keep them outside of the tennis courts. Um, all of that stuff comes with a cost though, you know, when you go to looking at the overall cost, but we would we would like to actually refurbish the bathrooms. We would like to refurbish the the areas where that they have for the cooking stations again have been there for years and years and years. Um, the whole part really needs to be done, but this was the catalyst. When we realized that these pieces cost this much money back at the end of last year, we realized that we had a bigger issue. We can go in there clearly and reallocate money to do just one piece, but we're we're not going to be fixing it. We're we're really just dragging our citizens down the road. Then

my question would be um surely this these parks need um restoring um for the safety of our children and families. Mhm. So, and I know we've already gotten quotes on certain part equipments, but we haven't really gotten a quote on overall. Is that right? Correct. Correct. Choosing what equipments we want to replace them with cuz Yes, ma'am. that with the their dates, their birth dates, we know we not going to get the same ones,

right? So, is it would it be and we're going to have to fund this. There's no way around it. We have to make this happen. Um, and I'm I one of my sayings to Lake City is how can we be um not in compliance with code and then we find the citizens when they're not. We have to bring these parks and everything we sidewalks and everything um up to code. So I would like to see us get a um a overall quote

of um replacing these equipment parts in these parts. I would like to get an overall quote and um if we have to get four pieces of equipment at a time. Now, what I would not think would be great is replacing them one at a time. We need a new park. Yeah.

So, if we have to purchase so many at a time, then we we um I think we're to wait and and just um restore the park al together. Now, do we of course I'm sure we'll have to do one park at a time. I I can't see us doing all of them. I wish we could. staff can devise a implementation plan, funding and implementation plan for you to review and approve. Okay. I was going to get there. Okay. [laughter]

So, so um and we we are so appreciative of Mr. Brown and his insight is is valuable um in in all of the area of the city. I just have to say what's real um and and what and the discussions we've had about the parks. I think it's a good idea that um and even if we we do it in phases and give us a quote of in each phase to see what we're really working with to get these parts to where they need to be because it's just by the grace of God we haven't had a serious injury at these parks and and I know I go out there and I frown, but I never thought it was that bad. I I really didn't. So, we have we have work to do, Lake City, and I just hope that we're open-minded enough to um um find these funds and we have to do a treasure hunt, Mr. Carter. Find these funds to make bring these parks up to code for our families.

Thank you, Miss Young. Mr. Carter.

Yes. Uh I agree with Miss Young. I think uh uh like Noah said um the I remember I feel like I remember when that big piece was was new and I think I was like six. Um so obviously this this this place has been through the ringer. I think that honestly the work in repairing and restoring the park in and of itself will go a long way towards dealing with the transient issue. Generally speaking, you know, nature pours a vacuum. Something's wrong. It's going to fill it. And when the park is is is is in the shape like this, people don't use it and play on it. Somebody's gonna find something to do there. But if that park is full of happy families, you know, swinging around and having a great time, it's much less likely to have any of that to begin with. So, I do um I agree with Miss Young. I'd like to see uh like a a full-scale u because obviously we we do we got we did away with our parks and recck department and and and that would be many millions of dollars to bring that department back. I don't think that that's something that we can afford to do right now. this passive recreation like our parks and stuff like that and equipment, landscaping, the whole nine yards. I do think that these things need replacing uh and repairing. So, I would I would I would agree um that it would be a priority to to figure out what we need to do to get that back to up to snor.

Two things I would like to add. One, that um at least one piece of equipment at each park 88. Yes, ma'am. I have that on my list as well. And the other is that if if we can include um um that we secure these parks, if it take gated park to for the safety of our families, then I say include that in in the amount.

We did have a recommendation from one of the staff members that was actually talking about raising the fence height. The fence that's there currently is a 4ft fence. It's very easy to get over the edge of it. Um, but we did talk about that. And then there would be an actual mechanical locking device when at night the gate would lock and that would help also with the the uh the issue of the using the restrooms on the facilities. Those are great ideas and I like the idea of starting with a new baseline. Any Yep. No, I'm sorry. I was scratching my head. Any other thoughts for Mr. Brown? Thank you, Mr. Brown. I think that I think that we have a consensus for you guys to put that together and bring it back to us. Staff will develop the funding of the implementation plan. We're eager to see it. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you. Um, Mr. Rosenthal, anything else? That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Martin, uh, nothing from the city attorney. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Miss Sykes, nothing to add. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Sykes. Vice Mayor Young,

just if I can do this quick. Um, that the safety of our citizens and and um, Mr. Rosen. So, I felt that when you said your law enfor the law enforcement is really um don't catch dogs. Well, we better find a way to get it because we have got to protect our citizen. That's a part of protection. Um I think it's very imperative that we come up with a plan for that um to get that done. And also the the gentleman with the um vision impairment, he's been up here several times. um he came once talking about the sidewalks and how and uh I can't remember but Johnson and I went and looked at it and it's just what he said here again if this city is not um um in compliance with ordinances and laws and how can we ex charge the citizens if city of Lake City is not so I think we need to get on that and there I'm sure there's grants for these traffic control devices

take some notes on that too Okay. So, let's let's just get that and not just talk about it and leave this um board and not do anything about it. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Mr. Jan, um just a couple things. Um there's a drainage problem at 132 Southwest Crest Street uh where that water comes down the hill. Um [snorts] and it's beginning to affect those uh duplexes that's down there. So, if we can get somebody to take a look at that, Miss Rothall would really appreciate that. Steve's taking his note on that right now.

Okay. Thank you. And, uh, shout out to our police department, fire department, and everybody else, public works. I think you guys are doing a fantastic job out there. Uh, finance, uh, uh, the, uh, RG Sykes and their her group over there. Uh, y'all doing a good job. So, whatever y'all do, y'all y'all actually make us look good or you can make us look bad. Um, but I just want to let you guys know I really really appreciate you guys. This lady to my left, she looks at with that face. Um, but it's okay. Uh, and also, uh, I want to put this out there. Um, we on we on YouTube all the time. And when we're fighting, it looks like we're fighting amongst ourselves, making different comments. um it doesn't look good uh to to the to the people who's looking uh at these um meetings uh whenever we have them. So, uh I'm going to do I'm going to do everything I can to keep a big smile on my face, no matter if I agree or disagree with anybody. I'm going to do everything I can to keep from fighting uh with the uh other uh members of this team. Uh because I want us to look good. I want us to be good. I want us to uni be unified. I I I do want that. So, I want you all to keep uh keep that in mind. Also, continue to pray for our troops um around the world.

Uh we're in a uh u a crisis right now. So, just pray for our troops. Let's bring our uh our soldiers back home. So, um uh veterans pretty much understand that. A lot of people don't. But, uh anyway, u that's it. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jernigan. Uh Councilman Carter.

Yes. Um, I did not have anything. I would just like to uh piggyback though on something Muran just said because I do appreciate the sentiment uh the desire to, you know, operate on something of a united front obviously and that's coming from me and I know that I'm probably the most argumentative guy up here. But I also think that I don't believe that I've ever been disrespectful and I don't think that generally we are. And I do think that sometimes we are here to fight. [clears throat] We are here to argue. We're here to throw ideas against one another and often times we can come up with an idea that's different than what we started with in either direction. I think that that's what we're supposed to do. So within reason I believe is our responsibility to stand for what we believe in even if they are contradictory, right? And at the end of the day there's five of us. I can have an opinion that three of y'all disagree with and it's not going to matter and vice versa, you know? So, I think that we when we feel away and when our constituents tell us what's important to us to them, uh, then we we do have to fight for that. But I agree that uh that it's not a good look when it gets ugly. But honestly, I feel like the group we've got here hasn't been making it ugly. I think we've had some good conversations. Oh, yeah.

Um, and uh and I appreciate you guys all. But to be clear, I will continue to be argumentative from time to time. There's nothing you can do to stop me, but I will not be mean about it. [laughter] And that's all I've got to say today. Thank you guys. Thank you, Councilman Carter. Uh, Councilwoman Harris, I'd like to say again, I'm I'm not feeling well. So, if I have a look on my face, I apologize for it, but um I'd like to thank all of the people that um that was helping me. Miss Terry, I really appreciate you for what what all you was trying to do. D and Don, I appreciate y'all for what all you was trying to do. Mayor Mass.

Thank you, Councilwoman Harris. Yes, ma'am. I would like to give um shout out to um Lake City Police Department. Um [laughter] y'all laughing. Y'all got We still got radio. Everybody know they was at my house. Search my whole house. [laughter] My child walked off from home and he's never done that before. And it was 8:30 and I didn't know where my baby was. But I tell you, um I appreciate Lake City Police Department. They were very professional. Um, I can see the concern on their faces. They're probably wondering why I wasn't concerned, but I had put it in the right hand. And I knew he just walked to somebody's house. Y'all, if he see a basketball goal, it's over.

Um, if he see it and he or a ball, he gets he'll get away. But I'm just so grateful. I I really do thank them and I tell them all the time. I just I know y'all do it this way all the time. They but they were very professional, very and treated me just like I they don't see me behind his dis and that's the way I like it. Um they went in my in s not search my house but they went all through my house and he he explained to me why he did it but I worked in law enforcement long enough to know you had to rule me out first. [laughter] Thank you so much.

Thank you Miss Young. Um, in in parting tonight, uh, I would say that I'm I'm very excited about that, um, playground and park improvement plan, uh, and being able to implement that, uh, with a quickness. I would also like to, um, mirror the the thoughts and prayers for our troops and, uh, peace, uh, and and bringing our world back to a a state of, uh, peace. Um, police also helped me at my place of business. did a great job here recently um with with uh some uh aggression. Um and then I would also like to thank Miss Kendra Jones. Uh thank you for volunteering to be on our uh [applause] three of our boards rather. Um and I look forward to all the things that you guys work on. With that being said, every Oh, Mr. Rosenthal.

I'd just like to mention mayor that Saturday Jerry Park is close to completing the imminent domain process and I would defer to the attorney on any questions on that. All right. All right. Very good. All right. Yep. Mr. Martin, we own the property. There's some some trailing issues we've got to clean up, but uh in the courts, but we own the property. All right. Very good. All right. Thank you guys. Have a good night.