City Council - Regular Meeting

This is a grand.

[clears throat] Welcome everyone to the city council regular session meeting of March 16, 2026. If you'll please stand uh for the pledge and invitation led by Councilman Jernsy for all. Let us pray. Dear God, thank you for all creations. Look over the city council. Help us to make decision that is pleasing in your sight. Look over our first responders and our armed forces in our area and abroad. In God's name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. All right. Chief, will you check the basket for me just to make sure there's nothing? Thank you, sir. Thank you. All right. Um, we'll move on to a roll call. Miss S. Council member Jernigan, present. Council member Harris, present. Council member Young, here. Council member Carter, present. Mayor Walker, here. City Manager Rosenthal here. City Attorney Martin here. Chief Butler here.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Lake City Council has opened its public meeting. 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 is only one approved manner of addressing the city council and that's to be recognized and then to speak from the podium. Failure to abide by the rules of decorum will result in removal from the meeting. We will now move on to approval of the agenda. Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the agenda. Second.

We have a motion second to approve the agenda. Do we have any discussion? Hearing none. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Any opposed? Like sign. Okay. Agenda has been approved. Uh we will move on to presentations. We have one presentation and that is the 250th project presentation with students from Columbia County School System and Miss Lee. Good evening. I'm here to share tonight the Grand Lodge Americanism Essay Contest held by the Grand Lodge fraternal um committee from the Elks Club. This uh essay contest is done every year for the 2526 Grand Lodge essay contest. It starts at local lodges, progresses through district and state levels, and ends with naming of national winners at the Grand Lodge session in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2026. This contest gives students in four separate grade levels, 5th through 8th, the opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate and express their views on the selected annual theme, which this year was, "What does service to your country mean to you?" This contest is vitally important to Elks as it promotes Americanism in our local communities. It encourages 10 through 13year-old students to thoughtfully consider American values and appreciate the blessings and responsibilities of citizenship. Tonight I have Katherine Coleman. She is a seventh grader at LCMS and she won the seventh eighth grade category in this contest first place and she's going to share her essay. Catherine

or eighth grader. Sorry, you're an eighth grader. Okay, I was correct.

Celebrating America's 250th birthday and the veterans who fought for our freedom. Did you know that America is already 250 years old? America's 250th birthday is not only a historical milestone, but also shows the bravery and sacrifices our veterans made for our country. To begin with, America's birthday is often celebrated on July 4th, as it is the day in which the Declaration of Independence was founded. In addition, celebrating America acknowledges its history of achievements and losses that shaped the country. Furthermore, celebrations bring diverse people together, bringing shared ideas for better growth. Most importantly, America's birthday honors freedoms that Americans appreciate, such as free speech and religion and opportunities to innovate and thrive, as well as basic rights like all human beings are free and equal. Next, celebrating America also includes celebrating the freedom, the veterans who fought for our country and freedoms. One of the many reasons why veterans are so respected is because they sacrificed so much for us and America. Moreover, sacrifices such as personal freedom, time with family, and facing difficult and dangerous situations prove just how much they care for our defending for defending our rights and independence, as well as showing their courage and commitment to national service. On top of that, veterans also bring inspiration to others and serve as role models to younger generations, showing what determination and bravery looks like. Furthermore, when people celebrate America and its veterans, it shows appreciating and appreciation and gratitude to them and also an opportunity to reflect on the value of freedom and the generations of veterans who have defended it. Additionally, the

US Army itself with was established in 1775, a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed, showing that the defense of American ideals began even before the country was formally born. Honoring these heroes not only recognizes their selflessness, but also serves to remind current and future generations of the great cost of independence and the responsibility that is important to maintain the uphold the democracy. In conclusion, acknowledging America's 250th birthday and its veterans expresses our appreciation and respect for all the people involved in it, as well as valuing the valuing the accomplishments and sacrifices they made for us. So, what would you do to show your gratitude towards veterans?

Thank you very much. [applause] Well done, young lady. Thank you very much. All right. Thank you, Miss Lee. and and this is a series of presentations that were being given uh this year for America's 250th anniversary. Uh and we're very pleased to have those here in our meeting. They've been very great so far. So, we appreciate you very much. And it takes a lot of courage to stand up and read an essay in front of a room full of people that you don't know. So, we appreciate you showing that courage. It's very American. Thank you. All right. Uh we will now move on to public participation. And we have two people signed up for public participation so far. So we will begin with Mr. Brandon Detty.

Thank you. Uh this is a letter written by my wife Crystal and uh she can't be here today. So here we go. On behalf of Living Like Larry Farm Sanctuary, I would like to express strong support for the continued partnership between the city of Lake City and the Lake City Humane Society. Maintaining this collaboration is essential for continuing the positive momentum our rel region is experiencing in animal welfare. Our community clearly voiced its desire for a no-kill approach, which officially went into effect in January 2026. This shift represents not only a policy change, but a reflection of the compassion and values held by the people of our region. The Lake City Humane Society has played a critical role in helping move this vision forward. Since Elizabeth's leadership began, we've witnessed meaningful and measurable improvements in the care, placement, and advocacy of animals in the community. The organization has de demonstrated a commitment to progressive sheltering practices, collaboration with local partners, and a dedication for improving outcomes of animals. These improvements are not only evident today, but show strong potential for continued growth and success. Living Like Larry Farm Sanctuary works closely within the regional animal welfare network through our save community outreach programs. We understand firsthand how important cooperative partnerships are. Progress and animal welfare requires collaboration between municipalities, shelters, rescues, sanctuaries, and community members. The partnership between the Lake City and the Lake City Humane Society

represents exactly the type of collaboration that need leads to lasting positive change. The Lake City Humane Society is setting an example of what effective, compassionate animal welfare can look like in our region. Their work is helping shape a model that other communities would benefit from following. For these reasons, Living Like Larry Farm Sanctuary strongly encourages the city of Lake City to remain partnered with the Lake City Humane Society so that together we can continue improving animal welfare and building a humane future for animals and the people who care about them.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Denny. You said it's living like Larry Sanctuary. Uh living with living living like Larry. Thank you very much, Mr. Daddy.

Thank you. All right. Uh, the next person we have is Mr. Mark Lutz. Thank you. I understand I need to limit my comments to three minutes and it it is quite emotional what I have what what I'm going through, but I'll but I'll I'll try my best to be concise. First, I'll I'll tell you a little about myself. I my family came to Lake City in 1983 and my family has been part of the community since 1983. Although for most of that time I was out of I was out of Lake City serving in the government. Uh originally in the US Marine Corps later and and two other government agencies. I eventually retired from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. I'd been an Immigration Law Enforcement officer for for 22 years. I was uh I was also serving in the National Guard during that time as well. I went to law school part-time during during that time as as well. And I and the the whole the whole time that I was gone, I knew that this was where I would want to settle when when I retire. Now, what what brings me here today? I have neighbors who don't like my dogs. I have I have I have neighbors who are unreasonably a afraid of of one of my dogs just because as the as the dog is um is large and also because because of of how of how the dog approach would would approach them playfully and not aggressively. And then this this Monday I had um uh I had the misfortune that that I that um that two of my dogs dogs dogs had a fight in my house. I opened the front door, let let them out in into the uh into the front yard because I

thought it would be easier for me to break the fight up in the in the open rather than in the cramped space inside my house. There was a response by Lake City police and by animal control. And um now now unfortunately the the uh uh uh uh one one neighbor who who who doesn't like my dogs uh is politically connected. She's a prosecutor. So, uh, so now while while my dogs are are are while while this while this one dog is is is in is in the shelter, um, the the director of the of the Humane Society told me that the dog is going to be in in the in in the cage for 10 days being quarantined to make sure he doesn't have rabies, although he has a vaccination certificate for rabies. I ask her if she's going he's going to see the veterinarian. She says, "No, the the dog is so dangerous. I'm not going to risk having the veterinarian get hurt." I say, "Well, okay. Lake City Animal Hospital is willing to uh uh to check him out. Will you let let me let me take with the help of the officer, let me take him there and back?" No, he doesn't leave the premises. The officer the the

Just bring it in for a landing. Mr. Let's continue. Just just try to wrap it up.

Okay. The the um uh the off uh the officer or uh who uh the officer who is very compassionate has been has has been in treating uh uh has has been treating the animals wounds by by putting honey on the wounds although he hasn't although he hasn't been seen by the veterinarian. Now, to now to to wrap it all up, I if there's something more I need to do to to or do to be to be a good neighbor, I'll do it. If the community doesn't doesn't want me and my dogs here, I'll leave. But I but but I I but these um the these these dogs are not are not the kinds of dangerous dogs who should be taken away from me. and and and and it and then what whatever I need to do to make things safe, I'll do it. And I guess that I'll so well I know I've talked for four minutes, so I'll just leave it at that.

First of all, Mr. Le, thank you for your service um both foreign and abroad uh or foreign and domestic. The um Mr. Jernigan, you have something you you want to say?

I'll I'll wait till you get done. I I was going to say obviously there's a there's a large crowd in here for Lexi Humane Society and prior to this meeting I didn't know why uh that was the case. Um but um I would I would say that obviously this is this is happening at the administrative level with the Humane Society uh and maybe our police department. So if you have contact information, please leave it Mr. Butler in the back. That's our chief of police. Uh, and we will work toward a resolution for you. So, sounds good. Uh, Mr. Jernigan, you wanted to say something?

Yes. Um, you I talked to you I think it was Saturday night about 8:00. It was dark, bugs out and everything. You remember that, right? Saturday. I think it was I think it was Wednesday of last week.

Yeah. What whatever day it was. But anyway, um uh I I hadn't got a chance to look into this uh just yet. However, uh uh just like the mayor said, uh the chief of police is in here. Uh the city manager is in here. Those are the contacts um that you'll be contacted uh that you need to contact or uh they'll contact you uh to uh limited this. Uh I know you told me about uh the dog being in the in the animal shelter uh for 10 days. Um if that's the procedure that they go by, uh that's the procedure. Now, I don't know if they're gonna uh take your dogs away from you. I you know, I can't answer that. Um but obviously, somebody felt um uh that the dogs were uh attacking each other. It wasn't attacking a person, they was attacking each other. So, somebody felt enough to call the Lake City Police Department and the animal shelter. So, uh those are those are uh people that um you know going forward uh please uh uh I would like to know exactly uh the progress of your dogs. Okay. So, uh get with Chief Butler. He's right he's right back in the back. Okay.

Okay. Thanks. All right. Thank you, Miss Young. You also had a question. I just have a question. I'm very curious to know um after the 10 days then I know if the dogs are not considered to be harm to people to the neighbors or or whoever um has the issue with the dogs at what point um after the 10 days what what happens? It's a good question.

What happens after the 10 days? able to take the dog home and keep him confined at the house. What should have happened, but it didn't because uh the animal control? I don't I'm not sure. Um

I would say either Miss Holler and I know that you're in the room or chief, who would be more apt to answer that? Who would like to answer it? If either I've recently got up to speed on a lot of the animal laws. So, um, my understanding, and if I'm in error, you can let me know. Uh, because it was a animal versus animal, the Humane Society holds the dog for 10 days as a quarantine to make sure it's not diseased. So once that happens, the state statute defines a dangerous dog. The first time this happens, the dog can be returned to the owner. The owner has to keep that dog under control. Basically cannot let it out the front and let allow it to roam. If this happens again and it attacks a dog or if it attacks a human in a level five bite, I believe it's called, then the dog would be taken by the Humane Society and euthanized as a dangerous animal.

And that is Florida statute, not our city code. Okay. Thanks, Chief. All right, answers questions. So, Mr. Lutz, if you would follow up with Chief and Miss Holland, I think that would be the best course of action. I don't know where you went. Oh, there you are. Okay. Again, thank you for your service. All right. Uh that's all we had signed up for public comment tonight. So, we will move on to uh our consent agenda. Mayor, if if I may, I'd like to pull item number three for consideration. I have uh three questions from council people on that. And if I could, at whatever point you deem appropriate, I'd like to bring up the fire chief and HR to explain. Yeah, we approved the agenda. Mr. Rosenthal. Um,

session. Okay. While we're still in public comment, did if you could come to the podium and then fill out a card. Did you have something you wanted to speak to, sir? Waving. Yeah, you were waving. Yes. Okay. Sorry. We'll rewind that. Yep. Uh, you're you're now on the clock, sir.

Okay. I'm here about the animal shelter. that's being put out at the county road department. We have property just across the street from it. And after after they get there and all them barking dogs, we won't be able to sell it. Probably not even be able to give it away. And Steve Brown also has a mobile home, nice mobile home there on next to me that he rents. And you know, we got to pay taxes on this property. I I didn't know they was going to move there. I heard something about it, but uh they've they've already started a building there, the animal shelters.

So, can you tell me what's uh I So, that's the county. That's That's the county. So, we don't we're not build that's not our building. It's not our operation. Our our animal control is handled through the Legacy Humane Society. And I I'll tell you um from personal experience, I've lived down the road from our current animal shelter where you hear dogs quite often and houses buy and sell on that street all the time. So it hasn't affected those those properties. These properties is within 100 ft. Sure. Yeah. Same. But this isn't again that's not our operation. Yeah. We we don't have we don't have a a dog in in that show. Okay. Well, there there's nothing else to talk. I guess they can buy our property and

Yeah. Well, yeah, I would take that to the the the county. Hey, y'all have a good Thank you. Thank you, sir. All right.

Back to the consent agenda item um issue. Uh Mr. Martin or Miss Sykes, could you guide me through that since we approved the agenda as is? Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, what I would suggest to the council is the appropriate time to have amended the agenda would have been at time of agenda approval. So, at this time, the entire consent agenda would be before the council to either vote up or down. If the entire consent agenda is voted down, then the council could go through item by item and vote on the the three items individually.

Okay. All right. So then we'll go to the approval of the consent agenda. Um and uh would anybody like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda so that we can vote it up or down? Mr. Mayor, I move to approve the consent agenda. Second. We have a motion, a second. Thank you both. Um do we have any discussion? Yes. He um the city manager wanted to take item number three out. Sure. Am I correct? Well, if I Well, we were we had a discussion between the council members and I had HR come up earlier. So, I guess that solved the issues that were I was concerned with. If that's the case, I'm fine. You just wanted to delete it all together, right?

No, no. I there were some issues that I've been asked with several council members, but I had HR come up and talk. So, maybe that resolved those issues, and that's why we're getting a positive vote now. Okay. Well, I would like to go forward, please. procedurally, if we want to break this down and and break each if if anybody has questions or wants to break the consent agenda apart, you you would vote the consent agenda down and we would go item by item just just for procedure. Okay. Just wanted to be clear before we voted on that. Does anybody else have any questions or comments? Okay. Miss, will you please call the RO? Mr. Carter? Yay. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Garnigan, yay. I'm sorry. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Mayor Walker. Yes. Okay.

All right. So, the consent agenda passed. So, we will now move on to item number five and into our open quasi judicial hearing uh with item number five, city council ordinance number 2026-2357. And I'll turn this over to you, Mr. Martin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh council members, you have before you tonight seven items that must be voted on and considered uh in a quasi judicial manner. Uh the first item is on second reading. Ordinance number 2026 2357 for application ANX 2602 which is an ordinance considering an application for voluntary taxation submitted by Lake City 47 LLC. [snorts] Uh the next two items are a companion uh amendment to the future land use map and corresponding reszoning on the same property. Those are ordinances 2025 2353 and I'm sorry yes and then 2026 2354. Uh and then the next two items are uh again a future land use map amendment and corresponding resoning on the same property ordinances 2026 2362 and 2026 2363. Uh and then finally uh on for items six and seven again it's a companion future land use map amendment and uh reszoning uh those are ordinances 2026 uh 23 just a second make sure 64 and uh 20 20 62365 uh again a future use map amendment and corresponding resulting. Uh the purpose of the following procedure is to ensure an applicant provides a complete presentation of their request to the city council prior to testimony being provided by staff so the applicant receives a full and fair hearing on their application and any decision by the council is based on evidence presented. To accomplish this, the city, the applicant, city council, and other interested parties will be recognized in the following order. First, we'll hear presentations from the city, the applicant, any party interveners,

followed by public comment from individuals and group representatives, then cross-examination if there is any. Uh followed by questions from the city council, then any final arguments if there are any. I'll advise the council as to law necessary findings and the council can deliberate and vote. While the council welcomes comments from all persons with an interest in the proceedings of law requires the council's decision and quasit judicial actions be supported by confident substantial evidence presented to the city council during the hearing on the application. Competent substantial evidence is evidence a reasonable mind would accept is adequate to support a conclusion. There must be a factual basis in the record to support opinion testimony from both expert and non-expert witnesses. People presenting testimony 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 each council member individually if they've received any exparte communications involving any of these matters, and if so, please disclose them beginning at the end of the das. Vice Mayor Young,

okay. Uh, Councilman Carter, I have no. Councilman Jernigan. Uh, Councilwoman Harris, I have not. And Mr. Mayor, no. All right. Thank you. At this time, if each person who's going to offer testimony or speak to these applications could stand and raise your right hand to take an oath, Mr. Pitman, are you going to present on behalf of your Okay. Do you reach square, tell the truth, hold truth, nothing but the truth?

Thank you. Uh, council members, you now have before you proposed ordinance 2026 2357 on final reading which states an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida for summit petition number ANX 2602 submitted by Lake City 47 LLC, a Florida limited liability company relating to voluntary annexation and 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. Mr. Angelo, could you please introduce, summarize, and present proposed ordinance 2026 2357?

Yes. So before you tonight, you have ordinance number 2026 2357. This is a second uh reading of the ordinance. So I would like to adopt by presentation and all staff reports from the previous meeting on March 2nd. Introduce it into the record. Thank you, Mr. Angelo. Is there anyone here on behalf of the applicant? Aaron Mertens. I'm a planner with North Florida Professional Services on behalf of the applicant. We have no presentation to add to the staff report. Okay. And you're available for questions if there I am. Yes. Thank you.

You um is there anyone from the public that wishes to comment on this application? Uh seeing no one assume the parties are awaiting cross-examination. Seeing none, Mr. Mayor, are there any questions from the board? Questions from the DAS? I don't believe so. No, sir. Mr. Mark,

questions from the DIS. Uh I think the applicant and city are awaiting uh any final comments and argument. Uh at this time the council should base its decision only on evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, the ordinance may be adopted if the property proposed to be annexed is reasonably compact, is contiguous to the current municipal boundary is otherwise located in an area the subject of an interlocal service boundary agreement and if the application for voluntary annexation bears the signatures of all property owners in the area proposed to be annexed otherwise complies with applicable state laws and if approved does not confer special privileges or rights on any person. At this time, the council may discuss the ordinance and testimony and any findings of fact and adopt proposed ordinance 2026 2357 following an appropriate motion and second.

Thank you, Mr. Martin. Does it does anybody have any discussion or would like to make a motion to adopt ordinance number 2026-2357? Yes, mayor. I'll make the motion to adopt um city ordinance 2026-2357. Second. Thank you, Vice Mayor Young. Thank you both. Um, do we have any further discussion, comments? Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Mayor Wall, yes. Mr. Martin, moving on to city council ordinance number 2026-2353.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have before you ordinance number 2026 2353, an ordinance to the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the future land use plan of the city of Legacy comprehensive plan as amendment amended relating to an amendment of 50 or less acres of land. Pursuant to an application CPA 2601S by Justin Taber, Senior Planner, North Florida Professional Service, Inc. as agent for Lake City 47 LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and Pam Stewart and Scott D. Stewart the property owners of set acreage under the amendment procedures established in sections 163.3161 through 163.3248 Florida statutes as amended providing for changing the future land use classification from county highway interchange to city commercial of certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City Florida making certain findings in fact in support thereof providing several appealing ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date Mr. Angela, can you please introduce, summarize, and present proposed ordinance 2026, 2353?

Yes. All right. Mayor, city council, you have before you tonight ordinance number 2026 uh 2353, which is for comp plan amendment 2601s. This is for the parcels um 08891-0000 which has a future land use designation of highway interchange county and parcel number 08881-0000 which has a future land use of u designation of uh commercial county. This this petition is to change the those future land uses to uh county or city commercial um future land use. And as you can see, the uh parcel is surrounded um to the north by highway interchange county. To the east, it has uh commercial county. To the south it has some environmentally sensitive property. And to the west it has um highway interchange county and commercial county. And this is a parcel um 08891-0000 um here in the orange. And and then the other parcel is a larger parcel of that track. And this is part of the joint planning agreement area with the Columbia County which was adopted back in December of um 2025. And the and there's the two ordinance numbers adopted both from the county and from the uh city. Swing river management does have you know there is an existing environmental resource permit um that expires on uh September 21st of 2028. um the parcel 8891 does not appear to be in that um area. Any deviation from the permit um will require a permit modification in it. Um at this time staff finds that it is consistent with the comprehensive plan and that our recommendation is city council to approve ordinance number 2026 2353. [snorts] And I'd like to move my staff reports and all presentations in the record.

Thank you, Mr. Angelo. On behalf of the applicant, ladies and gentlemen, Aaron Merins, planner with North Florida Professional Services in place of Justin Taber on behalf of the applicant. I don't have a presentation to add to what staff's already presented to you tonight, but I'm available for questions or comments. All right. Thank you. Is there anyone from the public that wishes to comment on this particular item? Seeing no one or parties waiting for cross examination, say yes. Uh, Mr. Mayor, any questions from council? I do not see any, Mr. Martin.

Okay. A question from the council. Parties are awaiting any final comments. Nodding yes. Uh at this time, Mr. Mayor, uh the decision of the council should be based only on evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, the application may be adopted if it preserves the internal consistency of the city comprehensive plan complies with applicable state laws and does not confirm special privileges or rights on any person. At this time, council may discuss the ordinance in any testimony and uh following an appropriate motion and second, vote on ordinance 2026 2353. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh, do we have any questions, comments, or would anybody like to adopt city council ordinance number 2026-2353 on first reading? I make a motion, U, mayor, that we adopt 2026-2353.

Second. Thank you both. Uh, do we have any further discussion? Hearing none, Miss S, will you please call the role? Miss Young, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. Now moving on to city council ordinance number 2026-2362. Mr. Uh, see, I think we're on 2020. Did I skip one? 54. Oh, sorry. Yep. 2026-235.

2354. Yes. Uh, an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the official zoning atlas of the city of Lake City land development regulations as amended relating to the reszoning of 10 or more contiguous acres of land. Pursuant to an application Z2601L by Justin Taber, senior planner, North Florida professional services, as agent for Lake City 47 LLC, a Florida limited liability company, and Pam Stewart and Scott D. Stewart, the property owners of set acreage, providing for reszoning from county commercial intensive and county commercial highway interchange to city commercial highway interchange of certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City, Florida, providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date. This time, Mr. Franel, could you please introduce, summarize, and present proposed ordinance number 2026 2354?

Yes, Mr. Mayor and City Council, you have before you 2026 2354, which is for U zoning application 2601L. It is for the same two parcels that were on the previous application. This is the companion application for the uh comp plan amendment. Um, so I'll go through this one a little bit faster since everything's pretty much the same. and that they are looking to change the zoning from commercial intensive uh county and commercial highway interchange county to commercial um intensive city and or commercial highway interchange city. This is the two parcels. You've got the larger parcel here to the south and then that's the smaller parcel there. Um same comment from the Swany River water management and therefore staff finds that this is uh consistent with the comprehensive plan and our recommendation is to approve um city ordinance 2026 2354 and I like to move my application presentation in the record.

Thank you Mr. Angel on behalf of the applicant Merchants planner for North Florida Professional Services on behalf of the applicant. Nothing to add um but available for questions and comments. Thanks. Thank you. Is there anyone from the public wishes to offer any comments on this particular item? Uh, seeing no one, the parties, I'm certain are waving any cross- examination. Uh, seeing that, Mr. Mayor, any comments from councel? No, sir.

Okay. No comments from council. Parties are waving any final comment. Uh, Mr. Mayor, the decision to council should be based only on the evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, council shall take into consideration the recommendation of planning and zoning board and those matters listed in section 15.2.2 of the city's land development regulations. At this time, the city may discuss city council may discuss the ordinance. Any testimony and following an appropriate motion and second, vote on ordinance 2026 2354. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Do we have any discussion or would anybody like to uh make a motion to adopt city council ordinance number 2026-2354 on first reading? Mr. Mayor, I move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2354. Second.

Thank you very much. Um, do we have any final discussion or questions? hearing. None. Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. Now we'll move on to city council ordinance number 2026-2362. Mr. Martin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council member, do you have a four-year proposed ordinance 2026 2362 on first reading which states an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the future land use plan for the city of Lake City conference. The plan is amend amended relating to an amendment of 50 or less acres of land pursuant to an application CPA 2604s by Daniel Krabs, trustee of the CMW Land Trust, property owner of blocks 1, two, and three of the CNW business park subdivision. And as agent for East Park LLC, a Florida limited liability company, property owner of lot 7 of the CNW Business Park subdivision, Premier Investments LLC, a Florida limited liability company property owner of lot six of the CNW business park subdivision, and Chad R. Property owner of blocks 4 and 5 of the CNW business park subdivision. The property owners of set acreage under the amendment procedures established in sections 163161 through 163.3248. Florida statutes as amended providing for changing the future land use classification from county residential medium high density or less than or equal to 14 dwelling units per acre and county commercial to city commercial of certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City, Florida. making findings of fact in support thereof providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date. Mr. Angela, could you please introduce summarize and present proposed ordinance number 2026 2362?

Yes. So this is a comp plan amendment which is ordinance number 2026 2362 for comp plan amendment 2604s. It is for the partial numbers there you see I mentioned um which is all the lots one through um uh seven of the commercial uh business park and um so we work with Daniel craps on this application to help clean up the zoning in the area. It had a lot of county zoning along with some multif family zoning and uh commercial zoning and this is supposed to be for a commercial business park. Um, so we work together to clean this application up and bring it from residential medium high county and commercial county high to commercial um, uh, city and this is the whole uh, business park here that you see right at the end of real terrace and uh, Brford Highway. Uh, SW management did say that the parcels are within a permitted master plan master system. Application shall be submitted to verify conformance with the master system. Construction cannot commence until the swine ERP permit um has been issued. And at this time, the city count or the city staff finds that the this is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the land development regulation. Our approval our recommendation is to approve ordinance number 2026 2362. And I'd like to move my staff reports and presentation in the record.

Thank you, Mr. Angelo. Uh Mr. Krabs, did you or someone else want to present on behalf of the applicant? When we uh did this subdivision, everything was zone commercial. You couldn't have had the car wash built without being zoned commercial. But when it annexing to the city, somehow some of it got reszone multif family without us even applying for it. So we're just trying to correct it, put it back where it was start with. That's commercial. And I'm here to answer any questions anybody has any. Thank you, Mr. Krabs. Thank you.

Is there anyone from the public that wishes to comment on this particular agenda item? Seeing no one, uh, Mr. Craft, Mr. Angelo, you are waving cross-examination, I assume, uh, Mr. Mayor, any comments from council, questions, comments? No, sir.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, Mr. Krabs, Mr. Angelie are waving any final comment. Uh, seeing that, the council should base its decision only on evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, the application may be adopted if it preserves the internal consistency of the city's comprehensive plan, complies with applicable state laws, and does not confer special privileges or rights on any person. At this time, council may discuss the ordinance and any testimony and following an appropriate motion in second. Uh, vote on ordinance number 2026 2362. Does anybody have any questions or comments? Yes, sir. U, Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2362. Thank you, Mr. Carter. Thank you, Miss Harris. Uh, do we have any final comments or questions?

Hearing none, Miss Sykes, will you please call the role on city council ordinance number 226-2362. Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. We are now moving on to item number nine on your agenda, city council ordinance number 2026-2363. Mr. Martin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you proposed ordinance 2026 2363 on first reading which states an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida amending the official zoning atlas of the city of Lake City land development regulations as amended relating to the reszoning of leontiguous acres of land pursuant to an application Z2602S by Daniel Craps, trustee of CNW Land Trust, property owner of blocks one, two, and three of the CNW business park subdivision and as agent for East Park LLC of Florida Limited Liability Company, property owner of lock 7 of the CNW business Park subdivision, Premier Investments LLC, a Florida limited liability company property owner of lot six of the CNW business park subdivision, and Chad R. Straight, property owner of lots four and five of the CNW business park subdivision, the property owners of set acreage, providing for the reszoning from county commercial intensive and county residential multifamily one to city commercial intensive certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City, Florida, providing severability, repealing all ordinances in conflict, and providing an effective date. Mr. like you please introduce, summarize, and present proposed ordinance number 2026 2363.

Yes. All right. So before you tonight, you have ordinance number 2026 2363 which is for zoning application 2602s. Um this is the companion application from the previous ordinance and that they are looking to change the zoning from residential multif family one county and commercial intensive county to commercial intensive city. in it. Um, same subdivision right here, commercial uh, central CNW business park subdivision. Um, same comments from Swany River water management and therefore staff finds this is consistent with the comprehensive plan and therefore we recommend to approve ordinance number 2026 2363 and I'd like to move my presentation all staff reports in the record.

Thank you, Mr. Angelo. Uh, Mr. Craps on there. Same goes for that. So, I'm here to answer any questions anyone has. All right. Thank you, Mr. Crabs. Mr. Craps, I got a question. We do have a question. I got a question for you, Mr. Crap. Right here. Um, so re reszoning uh this particular um uh area. And you know, I know you you've been into the land land business for quite some time. So, um, what made you, uh, reszone everything into the, uh, the city after, uh, so many years of, um,

we've always liked being in the city. So, anytime we had something the border, the city, we've always, you know, tried to annex into the city. Yes. So, my question, uh, yes, thank thank you for answering that question. So, uh, my statement is, uh, I just want to let you know how much we appreciate you for annexing those things into the city. I don't know if it's because the assistant city manager D Johnson or the city manager Mr. Rosenthal, but I just want to let you know how much we appreciate that working with the city and getting these things in the city because uh that's more um that that's more help for the city. So we just want to let you know how much we appreciate that and they're great to work with. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Jernigan. Thank you, Mr. Krabs. Mr. Martin.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Are there any members of the public that wish to comment on this particular item? Seeing no one, uh Mr. Angela, Mr. Crabshaw are waving in cross-examination, I believe. Okay. Uh, Mr. Mayor, are there any are there any other questions from the the DAS? Questions? [snorts] No, sir.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, the parties waiting closing comments? I believe are uh the decision of the council should be based only on evidence provided by sw foreign witnesses. In addition, the council shall take into consideration the recommendation of the planning and zoning board in those matters listed in section 15.2.2 two of these land development regulations. At this time, the council may discuss the ordinance and any testimony and and following on appropriate motion and second, vote on ordinance number 2026 2363. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Do we have any questions, comments, or would anybody like to make a motion to adopt city council ordinance number 2026-2363 on first reading?

Mayor, I'd like to make a motion for ordinance number 2026 2362 to be approved. We have a motion and a second. Thank you both. Uh, do we have any final comments or questions? Hearing none, Miss S, will you please call the RO? We just want to clarify it's 2026 2363. Y is that correct? First reading. Okay, first reading. Okay. Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Carter, yay. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. Right. Now we're on item number 10, city council ordinance number 2026-2364. Mr. Martin. [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members have a 40 proposed ordinance 2026 2364 on first reading which states an ordinance the city of Lake City Florida amending the future land use plan map of city of Lake City comprehensive plan as amended relating to an amendment of 50 or less acres of land pursuant to an application CPA 2605S by Brian Pitman is agent for East Park LLC a Florida limited liability company's property owner set acreage under the amendment procedures established in sections 163.3161 through 163.324A Florida statutes as amended providing for Changing the future land use classification from county residential medium high density less than or equal to 14 dwelling units per acre to city commercial of certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City Florida making certain findings of fact in support thereof providing severability reviewing the ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date. Mr. Angela, could you please introduce summarize and present proposed ordinance number 2026 2364?

Yes. So Mr. Mayor, city council, you have before you tonight ordinance number 2026 2364, which is a comp plan amendment for 2605s. And this is for parcel number um 02712-009, which has a future land use designation of residential medium high county. The applicant is looking to change that to commercial city. And um this is part of the CNW uh business park subdivision right here. This is a uh parcel that they they are changing and it is contiguous to the uh same uh subdivision we just zoned to commercial intensive city and Swany River had had the same comment from before the map boundary of ERP uh permit. Um the application will need to be submitted to Sony River water management to verify compliance with the master system and therefore staff finds this is consistent with the uh comprehensive plan in the land development regulations. Therefore staff's recommendations approve city ordinance number 2026 2364 and I'd like to move my application all presentations in the record. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Angelo Mr. Pitman. Good evening. Brian Pitman, agent for East Park LLC. I don't have any additional presentation to give you, but I am here for questions should you have any at that time. All right. Thank you, Mr. Pitman. Uh, any members of the public wish to comment on this particular item? Uh, seeing no one, uh, are the parties waving any cross-examination? Yes, Mr. Mayor, are there any comments from council? Does not appear so. Mr. Martin.

All right. Thank you. Uh, do the parties wave any final comments? Yes. Okay. Uh, Mr. Mayor, uh, the decision of council to be based only on evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, the application may be adopted if it preserves the internal consistency of the city's conference. The plan complies with applicable state laws and does not confer special privileges or rights on any person. This time, council may discuss the ordinance and testimony and following an appropriate motion and second, I vote on ordinance 2026 2364. We will now open discussion on the adoption of city council ordinance number 226-2364. Mayor, I make the motion that we approve city ordinance number 2026-2364. Second.

Thank you both. Uh do we have any further discussion, comments, questions? Hearing no, Miss please call the role. Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Dernigan, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. And now we'll move on to item number 11 on our agenda which is city council ordinance number 2026- 2365. Mr. Martin.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Council members you have before you proposed ordinance 2026 2365 on first reading which states an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida amending the official zoning atlas of the city of Lake City land development regulations as amended relating to the reszoning of less than 10 acres of land pursuant to an application Z2603S by Brian Pitman's agent for East Park LLC limited liability company. The property owner said acreage providing for reszoning from county residential multif family one to city commercial intensive of certain lands within the corporate limits of the city of Lake City Florida providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date. Mr. Angelo at this time could you please introduce summarize and present proposed ordinance 2026 2365.

Yes. So before you tonight, mayor and city council, you have ordinance number 2026 2365, which is zoning application 2603S, and it is for the same u ordinance you just heard. It's the companion one for that one. So, it's for partial number 02712-009 and it has a uh zoning of residential multif family 1 county and they are looking to change that to uh commercial intensive city and it's for the same uh parcel here as noted before which is contiguous to the CNW business park. same comments from city water management and therefore staff finds it is consistent with the comprehensive plan land development regulations and our recommendation is to approve city ordinance number 2026 2365 I'd like to move my uh presentation all staff reports in the record thank you Mr. Angelo Mr. on behalf of the applicant. Do you have anything?

All right. Thank you. Uh any comments from the public on this particular item? Seeing none and the parties are waving any cross-examination, Mr. Mayor, any comments or questions from the DAS? Questions or comments from the DAS? Uh are the parties waving any final comments? I see head nods. Uh Mr. Mayor, the decision of the council should be based only on the evidence provided by sworn witnesses. In addition, council shall take in consideration the recommendation of the planning and zoning board in those matters listed in section 15.2.2 of the city's land development regulations. At this time, council may discuss the ordinance and testimony and following an appropriate motion and second. Uh vote on ordinance 2026 2365.

Thank you very much, Mr. Martin. Now, we'll open up discussion on the adoption of city council ordinance number 2026-2365. Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2365. Second. We have a motion and a second. Thank you both. Do we have any further questions or comments? Hearing none. Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Mr. Jernigan? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Mayor Walker? Yes. All right. That closes out our quasi judicial part of the meeting. So, we will now move into our old business uh and our open public hearing on item number 12, which is city council ordinance number 2026-2358. Mr. Martin, will you please read this ordinance by title?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, I have before you ordinance number 2026 2358, an ordinance to 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. Amendings 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 of fact thereof repeating all ordinances in conflict here with and providing an effective date should the council wish to adopt this ordinance and appropriate motion would be to adopt ordinance number 2026 2358 is read by title only thank you m you trailed off there a little bit but but we um we'll pick right up so I have no public comment on this item so we'll move straight into the dis questions, comments, uh, or if anybody would like to make a motion to or discussion of adoption of city council ordinance number 2026-2358.

Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Um, I move to approve city council ordinance number 2026-2358. Second final reading. Thank you both. We have a motion and a second. Do we have any further discussion, questions, comments? Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Mr. Dorian, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right. Now, we'll move on to new business. Uh, and we'll start with our ordinances on number 13, which is city council ordinance number 2026-2359. Mr. Martin, will you please take that one away?

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, I have before you ordinance number 2026 2359, ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending city code chapter 70, article 5, firefighters retirement, adding a new section 70-136 for the purpose of purchasing prior military service, adding a new section 70-137 for the purpose of purchasing prior firefighter service, providing for severability, providing for conflicts, and providing an effective pay. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Um, we don't have any public comment on this one either. So, we'll move straight to the dis questions, comments, or uh discussion on adoption of city council ordinance number 226-2359. So, I will now open the floor. Mr. Mayor, move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2359. Second. Second.

We have a motion and a second. Thank you both. Um, any final discussion hearing? None. Miss S, would you please call the role? Mr. Carter, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker.

Yes. All right. Now, we're on to city council ordinance number 2026-2360 on first reading. Mr. Martin, will you please read that by title? Yes, Mr. Mayor. Uh, council members, you have before you ordinance number 2026 2360, an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the text of the city of Lake City comprehensive plan as amended pursuant to an application CPA 2602T by the growth management department of the city of Lake City, Florida under the amendment procedures established in sections 163.3161 through 163.3248 Florida statutes as amended providing for amending the intergovernmental coordination element of the comprehensive plan by adding objective Ive 7.9 entitled joint planning area and interlocal service boundary agreement to the intergovernmental coordination element making findings of fact and support thereof providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date.

Thank you Mr. Martin. I have nobody signed up for this one either um public comment. So we will move into discussion for adoption of city council ordinance number 226-2360 at the DIS level. Mr. Mayor move to approve city council ordinance 2026-2360. Second. We have a motion, a second. Thank you both. Uh, do we have any further questions or comments about this one? Hearing [snorts] none, Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Mr. Carver, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. Our final uh ordinance in this section is item number 15, City Council ordinance number 2026-2360. Uh, Mr. Martin, will you please take this one away?

Oh, sorry. 2361. Yeah, sorry.

Uh, council members, Mr. Mayor, you have before you ordinance number 2026 2361, an ordinance of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the text of the city of Lake City comprehensive plan as amended pursuant to an application CPA 2603T by the growth management department of the city of Lake City, Florida under the amendment procedures established in sections 163.3161 through 163248 Florida statutes as amended providing for amending policy 1.1.2 two of the future land use element under mixed use by changing the minimum percentage of non-residential uses from 50 to 15. the maximum residential uses from 40 to 75. Adding requirements to the open space areas and by changing the residential density limits from 10 to 40 dwelling units based on gross acreage of the overall residential portion of the proposed mixed land use classification making findings of fact and support thereof providing severability repealing all ordinances in conflict and providing an effective date. Thank you Mr. Martin. Uh, we don't have any public comment on this one either. So, I will open up discussion on the adoption of city council ordinance number 2026-2361 on first reading.

Mayor, I move to approve ordinance number 2026 2361. Second. Thank you both. Do we have any final discussion, questions, comments? Hearing none, Miss Sykes, will you please call the role? Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Turnigan, yes. Mayor Walker. Yes. All right. We're going to take a brief recess uh before we move into resolutions. So, five minutes.

ready. Ready to get back? I'll take the empty. Yes, [laughter] back in session. Thank you everybody for rejoining us to the city council meeting uh of March 16th, 2026. Uh we're now on item we're now in our resolutions. Item number 16 in our packet, which is city council resolution number 2026-00007. This is a $1.7 million rift grant uh for the airport. So um Mr. Martin, I'm going to have you read this one by title, please.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, council members, you have before you resolution number 2026 2026007, resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, approving that certain agreement between the city and the state of Florida Department of Commerce for administration of grant funds from the state of Florida Department of Commerce. Rural Infrastructure Fund making certain findings a fact in support of the city approving set agreement. Recognizing the authority of the city manager to execute and bind the city to set agreement, directing the city manager to execute and bind the city to set agreement, repealing all prior resolutions in conflict, and providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. We don't have anybody from the public signed up to speak to this one. Um, so do we have any questions or comments from the dis? Would anybody like to um make a motion to adopt city council resolution number 2026- 007?

Mr. Mayor, I move to approve city council resolution 2026-007. Second. Thank you both for the motion and second. Mr. Martin and Mr. Mayor, I uh it doesn't actually change the substance of the uh of the resolution itself. I did want to point out that there is a uh disconnect between the title and the substance of the resolution. The substance of the resolution actually authorizes and directs the mayor to sign the agreement and that would be the outcome of the resolution. And I would ask that the minutes uh be reflect the uh the title conform to that so that it reads the mayor uh is authorized to execute the uh agreement rather than the city manager.

Thank you, Mr. Martin. Um do we have any other discussion comments? I think this is a great thing um that that helps us not just keep jobs in our community out of the airport, but grow uh the capacity of of what they're doing. So, it's it's great stuff. Um hearing no other questions or comments, Miss S, will you please call the role on resolution 2026- 0. Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker,

yes. All right, moving on to item 17, city council resolution number 2026-035. Uh, this is approval of the aviation fuels contract uh for Titan. Uh, and since it is a contract, Mr. Martin, I'm also going to have you read this one by title.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you resolution number 2026-035, a resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, adopting the evaluation and tabulation of responses to that certain invitation to bid number 006 2026 for the Aviation Fuels annual contract at the Lake City Gateway Airport, awarding said bid to Eastern Aviation Fuels Incorporated, a North Carolina Corporation, doing business as Titan Aviation Fuels, approving the agreement with said vendor, making certain findings of fact and support thereof, recognizing the authority of the mayor to execute and bind the city to set agreement. agreement directing the mayor to execute and vine city set agreement repealing all prior resolutions in conflict and providing an effective date.

Thank you, Mr. Martin. We don't have anybody signed up from the public on this one either. So, we'll move straight into discussion of adoption of city council resolution number 2026-035 at the dis. Mr. Mayor, move to Go ahead. Would like to approve resolution number 2026-035. Second. Thank you both. Uh, do we have any final questions, comments? Hearing none, Miss C, will you please call the role? Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Carter, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes.

All right. On to item number 18. This is city council resolution number 2026-037. This is a resolution uh to fund the CRA with $150,000. Um, Mr. Martin, will you please read this one by title?

Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council members, you have before you resolution number 2026 037, a resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, amending the community redevelopment agency budget for fiscal year 2025 2026 to reallocate $150,000 from the CRA infrastructure account to the CRA other current charges account in furtherance of and in support of an expanded facade grant program to be administered by the CRA, making certain findings effect in support of the city approving set amendment, repealing all prior resolutions in conflict, and providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. Uh, we will now open up DAS discussion on city council resolution number 2026-037.

I'm just I'm I'm really excited um about this and I'm glad we are at this point now and um getting [clears throat] this money in place so that we can go ahead and make these great um um improvements um in our city and in our CRA. And I know there's much more to come. I'm I'm just excited about it. Yeah, me too. I look forward to seeing some of the the projects come to fruition. Um, do we have I would I'm curious. Do we How many applications have we had so far? How many do we have? Six. Six. Fantastic. That is great. That is great. All right. [clears throat] Any other Yes, sir. Move to approve resolution 2026-037.

Second. Thank you. Thank you both. Um, do we have any further questions, comments? Hearing none. Miss, will you please call the role? Mr. Carter, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Mayor Walker, yes. All right, moving on to item number 19. This is city council resolution number 226-039. Uh, this is for the uh purchase of Five Points Elementary School from Columbia County Schools. Um, Mr. Martin, will you please read this one by title?

Thank you, M. Mayor, council members, you have before you resolution 202639, a resolution of the city of Lake City, Florida, approving that certain agreement between the city and Columbia County School Board for the acquisition of real property generally described as the former Five Points Elementary School campus, providing a more accurate description of said campus, making certain findings a 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, repealing all prior resolutions in conflict, and providing an effective date. Thank you, Mr. Martin. And we don't have any public comment on this. So we will move into d discussion of city council resolution number 2026-039. Mr. Mayor, you said question.

Oh yeah, discussion. Okay, discussion. Um, it's five five points elementary school. Is that in the city or is that in the county? It's in the county. So we're going to purchase a school in the county. Is that And then we're going to annex it. Maybe annex backwards. Yes. to the city. Oh, okay. Okay, I got you now. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Jig again. Mr. um Carter, Mr. Advertiser, Mr. Carter, and then Miss Young. Sorry.

Um yes. I was just curious if um if M. Rosenthal would mind kind of explaining the the the logic and the reasoning behind this purchase and and what uh what we intend to use it for.

You there's a number of functions we're going to use it for. Uh, one of the largest function is going to be for four, I think it's called 4C, uh, for elementary, uh, schools. Uh, we're going to be able to use it for a, uh, a shelter when the storms are bad, people don't have a place to go. Uh, and we have another, we have several nonprofits that's going to be, uh, moving in there, too. And there's some other things that various council members have planned to do with that, too, that we'll be making more available as we go forward. I would like to see a presentation on the overall master use. Absolutely. And the breakdown of of the building space, etc. Because I know that there's a lot of

um ideas on the space. Um and there's a lot of good that we can do like make sure that the 4C's stays open. um as well as it not be a negative financially for the city uh so that the space is actually rented and used uh at a good rate for us and for the tenants uh and helps the community. Yes. My my goal, mayor, is to make it uh uh budget neutral to us based on the rents we get from the tenants. Perfect. Yes, sir. Mr. Carter, Mr. Do does the city have at the moment any uh official uh storm shelter like a city? No, it just not. Okay. And there's a area at the school we think we'll be able to use for that purpose. Absolutely. Yes. Thank you,

Miss Young. You had a comment. Yes. Um another um um awesome move I believe for the city. Um so many great um ways that we can use that that um that property and building. [clears throat] And also, I'm just excited that um we're doing that even though it's in the county, but I really would like for administration to take a look because we have a school within the city that's about to be vacant. True.

True. Okay. And I just think that um that would also be a great asset to the city. And I would like for our administration to go ahead and and um do ask some questions. Okay. um do a little research and and um work on that to see how how that um would benefit us and if we have an an opportunity to we can definitely do that. Yeah. All right. Anybody else? Yes, sir. Yes, ma'am. You said two in the city. I believe there are two that are closing down this year. Okay. Melrose any other

um it's pathway I believe pathways in in Melrose and the repurposing a school for for Mhm. I believe I could be wrong. Mr. Mayor move that we approve resolution number 2026-039. We have a motion. Second and a second. Thank you both. Uh, do we have any further discussion? Hearing none, Miss Sley, please call the role. Miss Harris, yes. Mr. Jernigan, yes. Miss Young, yes. Mr. Carter, yay. Mayor Walker,

yes. All right. Now, we'll move on to other items. We have a discussion and possible action by uh Chief Butler. I request balance of the Mariah fund in the amount of 142,788,142,788.32 cents be used by the executive director of utilities for replacement for the war and damage playground. Mr. Butler, [clears throat] thank you, mayor. uh the council had established the Mariah fund uh after the tragedy uh to help the youth in our community and also try and prevent gun violence with those youth. Um we've been using the fund incrementally over the years on small projects. When I heard this and actually the fire chief, I have to give him credit, uh mentioned it that we could use this money to jumpstart the replacement of the playground equipment in our playgrounds. I feel that if we do get upgraded equipment here, the families with the kids will give them a place to go, place to spend time, hopefully stay out of trouble because they're not hanging around on the streets. They're down in the parks. While I it appears that the city council, this is a project that they want to do. I feel that this money will go a long way to jumpst starting this so we don't have to wait till the next fiscal year in order to start purchasing the equipment and hopefully uh get the parks up to the standards that everybody expects them to be. So I believe it's in the spirit that the fund was established.

Thank you, Mr. Butler. Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Butler? Comments? Thank you. Thank you. [clears throat] All right, Mr. Mayor. move to approve or I'm sorry this is we don't have a resolution number on this but I think that this is the right thing to do. Do we need to have it come back as a resolution or just move forward? Uh Mr. Mayor, I would suggest that just by vote uh that that you uh allocate these funds to that purpose and then uh through the procurement process the procurements would be applied toward this fund or the fund would be applied toward those procurements for the playgrounds.

Okay. Uh then Mr. Mayor, I move that we uh approve this reallocation. Obviously, I think we all made it clear last time that we really want to see the parks get better. That's a great way to start. I know Steve's compiling our prices and I'm sure it's going to be a lot. So, uh I second. Yeah. Yeah. Big time. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for that motion and second um to reallocate the funds. Uh do we have any other discussion, questions, comments?

I I do. I do. Um I think it's a um a good idea, smart move. Um being that when these funds were set, um the focus was mainly the youth and they will get um this these parks are for families, but the again the youth will get um great um participation to do and with safety equipment, equipment that are safe on them. So, I think this is an awesome an awesome thing for um mainly our youth and families. Thank you, Miss Young. All right. Um if we have no further discussion, Miss Sy, will you please call the role? Mr. Carer, yes. Mr. Jigan, yes. Miss Young, yes. Miss Harris, yes. Mayor Walker,

yes. All right, that ends our um our items on the agenda. So, we will now move into departmental and administration comments. Uh starting with you, Mr. Rosenthal.

Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor, we're asking that our assistant uh city manager go on a recruitment uh trip with the county's economic development into the for the airport. The purpose is to provide a target a targeted strategy for recruiting aviation companies at our uh airport. Uh we're going to be looking at strategic positioning for our airport. We're going to have a a 30 secondond pitch and that's 10 companies that we're looking at to try to encourage him to come to Lake City and we can provide the uh the mayor and the board with copies of this so you know exactly what what DE's task is and we're sending D to get that done. We'll report when he gets back. When is that? The second week in April. Did you speak into the microphone?

Second week in April. Second or third week in April. Who who's going? Mr. Johnson and economic development from the county as well as Ed Banell, the director for the airport. Very good. Do we need to get approval on that since it's not a budgeted expense class? Can't hear you. I was asking the city manager, I mean the city attorney if we need to get a motion on that since it's not budgeted travel. I was just asking the question. If the council wishes to to vote and approve it, that certainly would make it golden. Is it within your scope, Mr. Rosenthal? I think it is. Yes. Okay. I think we're fine as it is, but it's always good to have the council vote on it. Sure, Mr. Mayor. I I think we should approve that. That sounds good.

Second. We have a We have a motion and a second on that on that item. Speak it out. Yeah. Make a make a So, that was a very informal motion. So, can I get a formal motion for that? Mr. Mayor, I move that we approve uh the travel expenses for Mr. Johnson and Mr. now to go um learn things and help get our airport thriving more than it already is. Second. Okay. Yes, sir. Mr. Martin. Uh and would that also include uh paying for the county economic development director as well because I think we were She don't need it. She's not going to take Okay. All right. No. All right. Thanks. Very good.

At one point it was discussed making sure that it got included if it was necessary to appreciate it. All right. So, we have a motion and a second. Uh any final discussion? Yes, I would like to say I um kudos to Johnson. I think he's the he's the great person um for this task. He's very instrumental when it come in our city. Um but especially at the airport. So yes, send him. But don't don't stay long and make sure he gets back. Thank you. Yep. Yes, sir. As long as you're passing on kudos. I feel like we don't give Ed enough, but the the airport's going great and all these uh new contracts and stuff like that. So good job. Yes, sir. Well done.

All right. U hearing no further discussion. M I guess will you please call the role on that motion? Okay. So that was authorizing um both the gentleman. Yes. Funding for both. Okay. Mr. Carter? Yes. Miss Young? Yes. Mr. Digan? Yes. Miss Harris? Yes. Mayor Walker? Yes. [snorts] All right, Mr. Rosenthal. Anything else? Uh that's the mayor. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Martin. Uh, nothing from the city attorney's office, Mr. Chair. Okay. Uh, Miss Sykes. Uh, nothing from the city clerk's office. Thank you very much. And now we will start with you, Vice Mayor.

Okay. Just a little. Um, and Mr. Ed, thank you so much. Great job at the airport. We have a lot going on out there. Um, very positive and great for the city. Um, I would, and this is, um, we were on CRA improvements, beautifification. Um, I would like to say that um the planters, the large planters um that we have along the sideways of downtown um um I want to ask that if we can do a consensus vote on getting more planters. Um of we have one actually I'm just going to say one that I know of. there was a little disappointment that this business lost their planter. Um, and the the business owner even um described this planter as when his um customers walk in, they compliment how beautiful those flowers are and that mean a lot to them. So, I think it with that being said, I think it's worth purchasing the planter um and and replacing it to that spot. Um as well as just bring them down at least to um the corner of the corners at Marian and Railroad. That's going to take I believe about six planters. So, that's planters, soil, and the plants. Okay. Um, yes. Yes, sir. Mr.

That is that is within my my authority to purchase. Uh, so we we can do that. Matter of fact, I think Steve Brown is already working on that because we talked about it over the weekend. Yes, sir. Mr. Mr. Carter, I had I had a thought actually the other day. Um, I know that a few of our big planters here have uh have caught some stray cars and I know I think one of them was stolen. I don't know that we can like bolt it or connect it to the ground, but I do think uh that it might not be a bad idea to put some sort of reflective marker on the planters. And I I actually was walking down the sidewalk here um or a logo

sometime last something that reflects light. This one right here in the corner because the road jogs kind of funny at this light. I I saw that one get hit by a car. Um so [laughter] and I know I think three of them a little ways down there have also been hit points. I mean, these planners are huge. Who stole one of them? It was stolen. Somebody stole it. I want us to not say somebody stole that planter. It may be one of the planters that got hit by a vehicle and was moved. Please, let's not say somebody stole it. Unless we know that. I was I was just told that a planter was there and not there by one of the ladies who does the flowers have been have been um damaged and moved or reallocated to other areas.

They are beautiful. They're a beautiful addition to downtown. I love it. I think the more of it that we can do, I would I would like to I I know that Steve, you you guys aren't the ones that is the volunt volunteers that plant these. Just want to make sure that they're I Yes. I just want to make sure that they're cool with Okay. And I will add um if they don't want the responsibility, I have a couple of volunteers, including myself. Perfect.

Who will um make sure that they're weeded well and all because the city watering. Is that right? Yes, ma'am. So, currently the garden club plants the flowers. Uh, public works has got a trailer that they've put together that they come through and water the the plants. Um, and it depends on if it's raining or not how often we do that. But, yeah, that so currently the garden club, they purchase the plants and they install the plants. Okay. It would be a thumbs up. It would be a thumbs up for me. Uh, I think just a plan of implementation is is good. If and and you were asking for a just how everybody felt on the on the board. It'd be a thumbs up for me. Okay, great. I'm right.

I'm curious to um why they have to um stop at Railroad Street. Why you want them to just stop at I just said because that's where Well, how far you want them to go? Well, I'm if if I may, as development occurs, we can go a little bit further. I know uh there's a um a new restaurant that's coming I think a few blocks over and there is uh some more. There's about 18 I think 18 town homes uh that they plan to put there. So of course when that happens uh not before but when that happens we'll put some planters there. I think Steve's going to order about 10 planters.

So I I can order we got a quote today they're $350 a piece and then the freeze cover that goes on them is another $50. So about $400 a setup for each one of them and that's without any plants being in it. Um when we were a facilitate help facilitate purchase of the plants they were three to 4,000 to do all of them at one time when they changed them seasonally. Uh to just give you kind of an idea that's that's not counting any staff watering them or anything. That's just the purchase of the planters at 350 a piece. And then the plants they they've been changing them seasonally. Like I say they'll switch them out twice a year. And even if um for instance the I think it's a transport business um even if we um do them sporadically like where the that business is um that would be a great idea to put one there and um as the other businesses come in then we make sure we we add it there.

I think it's a good quality of life. Yeah. Yeah. I think Councilwoman Young called me on a Saturday or Sunday and bent my ear on this and we started working on it right away. Perfect. I think that um the night that me and Noah got sworn in, I think I mentioned that night. Perfect. Yeah. So, I think we got thumbs up. Thumbs up from everybody. Everybody. Very good. Thank you. Thank you for bringing that up, Vice Mayor. Thank you. Any other items? Okay, any other items? Oh, yeah. Oh, I'm good. That's good. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Uh Mr. Mr. Jernigan. Uh just bear with me. I got about five things I want to discuss. Uh y'all ready?

Yes, sir. Okay. Uh the um uh our troops that's abroad. Uh please pray pray for our troops and their families to make sure they get back home safe. First thing I want to recognize uh procurement, the airport, HR, um the police department, and a special shout out goes to the fire department. Um, uh, I think her name is Monroe. She ran the 15K with her fire gear on. Uh, and that's a milestone. I I I don't think you guys really understand what it is to have on a lot of gear and try to run and and do the things that she did. And, uh, I've never seen anybody else do it

and and I'm old, but uh, that's a special shout out to her and, um, uh, what she accomplished. So, uh, that's all I got. Uh, thank y'all very much. Continue to work hard and do the things y'all do because y'all doing a really, really good job. A really good job. Thank you, Mr. Jernigan. Uh, up next is Mr. Carter. [sighs]

Mr. Mayor, I don't have much. I was just going to say, um, it was delightful to see the room packed full of people tonight. I appreciate everybody that's come. It's something that I'm always encouraging since since I've got the chance to get up here is, uh, um, love seeing the involvement. So, you know, come back to other ones. actually, you know, most of them don't have an entire hour of land use um resol resolutions [clears throat] or ordinances rather. Um and uh and sometimes they get really entertaining. I've been told I've been told some people watched it for fun. So, thank you guys so much for coming. Thank you guys who uh [laughter] who uh we mean business up here. No, but I really do appreciate you guys. Thank you so much.

We've eliminated the entertaining as much of the entertaining as we could. Um, which is a good thing. Uh, up next, Councilwoman Harris.

Yes. Um, first I would like to thank all of the citizens. Yeah, please stand. I'd like to thank all the citizens that was concerned about my health at the last um, council meeting that called me the next day and even some of the council called me to see how I was feeling. I really appreciate that. Um, you called from all districts and I am humbled because of that. So, thank you for that. Um, during that time, 6:33 that morning, March the 3rd, I received the phone call. And I'm going to I'm going to go down the list so everybody know what was said. And the reason I'm going to call your names is because they told me to say specific things to specific people. So, that's what I'm going to do. Vice Mayor Young, um, I got a few calls from your people that live in your district. Um several of them told me how proud they were how well you spoke about us having the love unity fest. Um they were very very proud and that was across the board. It was more than three or four several people that they were proud of you. One even said that there are more of them that's for you than it is against you.

So I thought you you needed to know that. Thanks

Carter. You did not disappoint me. you did exactly what I thought you would do. With that being said, at 6:33 that morning, that was the first phone call that woke me up. They called me to see how I was feeling and everything. It was one of your constituents. Um, they asked, they told me to tell you, you did not speak for everybody in your district. um they felt your comments were rude and they were not um in the behalf of the people, your constituents. Um they asked me what was the highest paid thing that I had to pay for for that love fest and I told them by 12:33 no I'm sorry 12:15 they had raised everything I needed for the stage. So, the stage for that is paid. Um, just let you know, it was a total of 19 of them that got together to get that money and I'm grateful and I I am humbled by that. Um, mayor, you know, you always been my guy. I was totally surprised and I was very shocked. Um, one of the things I I wanted to do was um set an image for the the people that's not living in Lake City. And one of the reasons why it was for jobs. I was told to remind you that you are mayor at large and the image of Lake City should be one of your things as well as mine.

Mr. Jernigan.

Oh my god. What is understood does not need to be explained. I'm not even going to go there. But I can say this. 57 of your constituents called. Well, no, I'm sorry. Lord, forgive me. One person called in the place of 57 of your constituents called me. They got together and paid for all of my entertainment for that day, which is a total of $5,000. So, they told me to let you know they were surprised at what you did. Oh, I forgot. Carter, one of your constituents did tell me to tell you the only person they know that was against the word love and unity was the devil. And [snorts] you could put that how you want it. And I do apologize for that. But I did tell them I was going to tell you that. So for me, I got blessed. Yeah. Several people called me and they blessed me because they told me that I should never ring up something and then resend it and do not let it come to a vote. Um, several people waited a couple of days later, a week later, some of them, um, to tell me that anytime I bring something up, make everybody have a vote on it so they could be held accountable for whatever they vote for or against. So, that was my spanking about that. So, with that being said, the citizens of Lake City need to be applauded. They have gotten together singlehandedly within the first week and paid for everything. Free hamburger, free hot dogs. I even had one of my friends that I met at the FLC. They're even sending um 500 bags of potato chips for us at our love vest. So, I want to applaud the citizen of Lake City for standing up. You saw what I was trying to put out. There was an image I wanted to put out, which with Lake City is we have some great people here. We have people that love one

another. There's unity here and that's all I wanted to put out to the world. And though it may seem small to some, it's big to others. So when they see us working together, they love it. So just let it know, be known, put it on your calendar. August the 1st, there will be a unity fest. Oh, and Mr. journey. One of your constituents told me to please do hold your feet to the fire. I have a country band because everybody that knows me personally knows I love country music. Made me told me to tell you to make you put your feet to the fire. Whereas the $1,000 that you said that you was going to sponsor, you could sponsor that band. I'll pay the portion of that band and you could pay that $1,000 to play that all and everything would be paid for. Thank you so much.

Yes. Uh yes. Uh nobody don't have to hold my feet to the fire when I tell a person something. Just do what? I just do what I say I'm going to do. There's three things I won't ever be. A liar, thief, and a snitch. [laughter] Perfect. All right. I'm going to yield the floor because that's the safe thing to do right now. Perfect. I think um I commend I commend you for getting the uh the funds, the private funds to do that event. I think it's great. Um and um I also said that I would contribute. So there's advertisement. I I have a marketing an advertising company. And but guess what? [clears throat] Even that I had two promoters that is going to help promote this. But I'm going to find you something to do. So you

Well, what I was going to say is we'll run we'll run ads in the advertiser for you. So No, no, no, no. That'll be free to use. So [laughter] we're gonna fire. All right. Um thank you for your comments, uh Miss Harris. All right. I uh I would also like to commend uh Christina aka Lima from the fire department for running the Gate River Run in full gear. Um if you've never worked out around that individual, she will run circles around you every day. And whenever I think of someone pulling me out of a fire, I'm comforted to know that she is on our team here in town. Did you say that was a lady? Yes. Christina aka she she goes by Laya.

[laughter]

She's she's a superhero. Um Lake City is a place where where our families and businesses can grow together and that's our whole aim and everything that we do up here. Um Ed, I want to commend you uh with the with the aviation fuel uh certification that we got uh that military uh planes can now get fueled up at our airport. I think that's a huge thing. So congratulations. Um parks, I want to say this uh where you spend your money kind of reflects your priorities. Um, and so I think that we should probably find the rest of our funds in uh in our our capital expenditures account uh for full restoration of our park so that families can grow here and thrive here. Um, so I'd like I'd like to see that on top of the Mariah fund. So if we could find a a way to fund that and uh some of our our big exciting and and splashworthy projects, that would be great. uh it would be better than a vanity project like building a city hall. But you know my thoughts on that, Mr. Rosenthal?

I do. Um and uh also on that I'd like to see uh in our our whether it's just an item in our agendas or uh a presentation on a quarterly basis um our our expenditures overall um verse our budget so that we know as a council and so that our citizens can see uh clearly how we're operating financially. Absolutely. Yes. Um, all right. We got We're going to break it out to the operation funds and capital improvement funds. Sounds good to me. Yes, ma'am. Miss Young, can we have the fire lady to come so that we're here? Is she here? She's not here. She's not here. Can we have her to come? Yeah.

She's a product of us. Yeah, we need to have her come and show her off. Yeah, we should give her She should be the first uh gatekeeper award. Yes. That we have for the Gateway of Lake City. That'd be good. All right. Well, thank you everybody. That concludes our our meeting for tonight. Have a wonderful evening.