Commission - Regular Meeting

Everyone, welcome to all of our guests and friends we have with us today. Uh we're going to do a couple of quick things here. We're going to have my pastor from Emerald Coast Fellowship come and say uh an invocation for us tonight. Uh means a lot to me. He's been a friend and a mentor for a long time. And then he's going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. So, Pastor Steve,

let's pray. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful to be able to invoke your name at the beginning of a meeting like this. Um, and we pray, Father, for your wisdom. Uh, we trust you. We are grateful for um we're grateful, Father, for the path you put in front of us. We look forward to the days forward. We pray that the very best is yet to come. Uh I pray that this meeting like all meetings would be uh moving forward I pray are full of wisdom and grace towards one another uh truth talk in love. Father we love you. We're grateful. We pray for our city and our community and that it would be brighter because of our role in it. We ask it in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Dr. Taylor. Okay, as we get started tonight, uh just one administrative note of housekeeping. We do have all five commissioners uh engaged tonight, if you will. Uh Commissioner Sam Peebles is actually connected online with us tonight. He is uh out of town for work and is dialed in and will be uh coordinating and working with us remotely tonight. So, you'll hear his voice, but you won't get to see his smiling face. Do we have to vote on that? Yeah. Got a vote on that.

Yes, sir. You should allow um commission wants to allow attend. I'll I'll make a motion to allow Commissioner Peebles to attend remotely. I'll second it. All right. We have a motion in a second. Any discussion from the public? Hearing none. Uh city manager, would you call the role? Commissioner Wart, yes. Commissioner Tinder, yes. Commissioner Peebles. Yes. Commissioner Berno, yes. Mayor Lowry,

yes. All right, the eyes have it. Thank you'all for that. Um, any other additions, deletions, or modifications to the agenda before we get started? Hearing none, we will proceed. The first thing we have tonight is a autism awareness month proclamation. And we've got a lot of great folks here in teal shirts that are going to come up and sing for us in just a minute. So, let me read this and we'll get you guys up here to perform for us. And this is the Highland Park Special Connections Choir that is here representing uh autism awareness. So, proclamation. Whereas the symptoms of autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD, typically appear in children between the ages of three and are often accompanied by abnormalities in cognitive function, learning, attention, and sensory processing. And whereas Florida has one of the highest rates of ASD in the nation with three or 329,131 cases of the state's population living with ASD. And whereas the center of disease for excuse me whereas according to the centers for disease control and prevention or the CDC approximately one out of every 36 children in the United States now lives with ASD. And whereas the CDC reports that although ASD can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or other factors, it's four times likely to occur in boys than in girls. And whereas early intervention significantly improves outcomes and reduces the level of funding and services needed to treat an individual with ASD later in life. And whereas parents and relatives of individuals with ASD dedicate endless hours in providing the special needs of their loved ones. Now therefore, I Dave Lowry and the Commission of Linhaven do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Autism Awareness

Month. So with that, Miss Amy, if you and the choir will come on up. Wherever you'd like to be, ma'am. Now go ahead whenever you're ready. Now we are together. We are

brother. We are brothers. different catech. Y with one heart. Oh, temper was born.

in the share of love. We are We are We are We are We are We are We are Oh, HEY. You're welcome. What did I say?

Watch your step.

Start. That was good.

That was all right. We'll uh we'll take about a 30 second recess and let them filter out before we go on. Right. All right. Well, with that, next up we have one more pro proclamation. It is the Fair Housing Month of 2026. The National Realators or excuse me, the National Association of Realators proclamation. Whereas the Fair Housing Act enacted on April 11th, 1968, enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. Whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively further fair housing in their communities. And whereas Linhaven is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all. And whereas our social fabric, the economy, health, and environment are all strengthened in diverse inclusive communities. And whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act,

discrimination persists and many communities remain segregated. And whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to a common sense of decency and fairness. Now therefore, I, Dave, Mayor Dave Lowry, and the city commission of Linhaven, by virtue of the authority vested in us by the laws of Linhaven in Bay County, Florida, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as fair housing month in Linhaven as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promote appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Lin Haven. have that we have a individuals to present. Thank you.

Thank you. All right, moving along to the consent agenda tonight. Uh we have 1 2 3 4 5 six items on the consent agenda. First is approval of meeting minutes for March 24th. Approval of a residential incentive application for 809 Carolina Avenue. Approval to surplus key code safes and auction off to gov deals. Uh surplus engine one and boat 51 to auction off on gov deals. Approval uh to temporarily close Highway 77 for the annual 2026 Fourth of July parade between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Central time and approval to allow city staff to be off on July 6th, 2026 with all city offices closed. So that is our consent agenda for tonight. Uh can I have a motion to approve?

Make a motion that we accept. Second. I have a motion and a second. Is there any public discussion tonight for these particular consent items? Buler. Buer hearing. None. City manager if you'll call the role. Commissioner Tinder. Yes. Commissioner Pero. Yes. Commissioner Peeles. Yes. Commissioner Wart. Yes. Mayor Lowry.

Yes. All right. 50. Thank you all for that. Uh we have no old business. We have no tabled items. So, we're moving right along to item number 12 on the agenda. New business. Discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-536 approving contract amendment with ECSC for the West 10th Street utility Improvement. City Manager. A resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving the first amendment to the city's agreement with ECSC LLC for the West 10th Street utility improvements improvements project. And mayor, this is a copy of last meeting, we did the same thing for the Minnesota Avenue sidewalk project. It's a C both are CDB CDBGDR projects. Um, as an audit from the Department of Commerce, the public records retention in the contract stated 3 years and it should state six years. So, this is just an amendment to recognize that six-year change.

Copy that. Motion to approve. I have a motion. Can I have a second? Got a motion and a second. Oh, question. Question, please. Um, does this affect in any way what's going on on 10th Street right now as far as completion goes? No, ma'am. This is just changing the three years to the six years. Um, the change order for the project was last meeting. Okay. All right. I have a motion and a second. Any general public discussion regarding this item hearing? None. City manager. Commissioner Warick. Yes. Commissioner Pero. Yes. Commissioner Peebles. Yes. Commissioner Tinder. Yes. Mayor Lowry.

Yes. Thank you'all for that. All right. Down to item 13. First reading of ordinance 1186 amending S.50-81 50-81 Linhaven Police Department ad hoc supplemental benefit benefit excuse me city attorney an ordinance of the city of Linhaven amending chapter 50 personnel article 3 police officers retirement system of the code of ordinances of the city of Linhaven amending section 50-81 benefit amounts and eligibility to provide for an ad hoc supplemental benefit providing for inclusion in the code providing for severability of provisions repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and providing for an effective date.

Thank you for that. Now, city attorney, I have you listed on here as the PC. Did you have anything you wanted to add to that, sir? Uh, no, sir. This is the first reading of a ordinance that's going to amend the police pension plan. I spoke with the pension attorney this afternoon. Kind of went over the proceedings. Basically, they're making the board the pension board has made some adjustments to um for some extra payments and um this this amends the plan for that. Understood. All right. So, with this being a first reading, this isn't a votable item, right? It's just for public awareness. Yes, sir. Just first reading copy. If y'all have any questions about it, please um give me a call.

Okay. Thank you. I read it. It looked fairly straightforward and there was a cover letter from the organization as well, the pension board. So, no issues or concerns for me. Any other questions from the commission? Hearing none. Thank you, sir. We'll move on to number 14, discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-537, awarding the contract ITB25.26-14 26-14 chlorine gas and sulfur dioxide to Hawkins Incorporated. City manager,

a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving an agreement with Hawkins Incorporated relating to the provision of chlorine and sulfur dioxide gas in an amount not to exceed $85,000. It was time to bid out our chlorine and SO2 for use for our water and wastewater treatment. Bids came in from one bidder, Hawkins, which is a vendor we've used in the past. Um, this bid actually the price went down. We looking at a potential savings of about $10,000 annually uh if this contract is awarded. Nice. Hey, that's a make a motion to approve. Second.

I have a motion and a second. Any public comments regarding this item hearing? None. Uh and a good potential deal there. City manager, will you call the role? Commissioner Tinder? Yes. Commissioner War? Yes. Commissioner Peebles? Yes. Commissioner Pero? Yes, Mayor Lowry. Yes. Thank you all. Number 15, discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-538 approving the emergency shelter interlocal agreement with Bay County. City manager,

a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving an interlocal agreement with Bay County, Florida relating to the provision of emergency shelter at the city sports complex gymnasium. And mayor, this is if we have a declared state of emergency and this the county opens the schools for shelters within 72-hour post event. If shelters are still needed and they are trying to get school restarted, we will utilize the gym at the sports complex um to h to househaven residents for a shelter. We did purchase the cover this year to help protect the flooring in case we have to do that. And this interlocal agreement will also take care of the potential of a generator needed if there's no power. um working through FDM to have a generator station there and if or if there's power been restored to the facility.

Makes sense. Any questions from the commission? Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion in a second. Any public commentary regarding this item? Hearing none. City manager. Commissioner Warick. Yes. Commissioner Tinder? Yes. Commissioner Peebles? Yes, Commissioner Pero. Yes, Mayor Lowry.

Yes. Thank you'all for that. 50. Uh, number 16, discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-539 approving the Westside Outfall task order to Deubberry. City Manager. a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving a task order to Deubberry Engineers Incorporated relating to the Westside Outfall drainage improvements project in the amount of $160,582.32. And I believe last year sometime we approved a survey to for Deubberry to go out and survey from 19th to 14th from Maine to Maryland. Uh we've got some standing water and flooding issues in that area. They took that survey and converted it into a drainage report of where we could utilize an additional outfall to help drain that water in that area. Uh there were a couple different options and this is to design option 2 A and 2B which will install a new outfall at 19th in Rhode Island. Um this is just just the design portion. Once it's designed, we will develop a cost opinion of construction and then plan to budget and bring that back accordingly.

Okay. Thank you. Any questions uh from the commission? Hearing none. Can I get a motion? Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any public commentary regarding this item? Hearing none. City manager. Commissioner Warick. Yes. Commissioner Tinder? Yes. Commissioner Peebles? Yes. Commissioner Pero? Yep. Mayor Lowry. Yes. So, thank you'all for that. 17. Discuss and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-540 approving the bail circle lot purchase. City manager,

a resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving a real estate purchase agreement with Eugene J. Bowers III for vacant land located on Bell Circle in the amount of $85,000. This land is currently at the end of Bell Circle. A couple different issues going on here. one, the city has a a sanitary sewer lift station there in front of the parcel as well as there is a lot of flooding that comes out of the ditch there. Uh during heavy rain events, the water backs up in front of the parcel. Uh the owners owned it for a number of years. He put it on the market, staff did the research, had the appraisal done and appraised at $85,000 and Mr. Bowers has agreed to that price if you also decide to move forward with this. Any questions from the commission?

And this money was also budgeted in the midyear budget adjustment as well. Thank you for that. Any questions? No, I mean I just don't see anybody ever building on that lot. And if they did, I'm sure flood insurance would be expensive and it'd be beneficial to the city. So, I'd make a motion to approve. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any general commentary regarding this item tonight? Y'all are an easy to roll with crowd tonight. I appreciate that. Um, city manager, would you call the role? Commissioner Warick. Yes. Commissioner Tinder, yes. Commissioner Peebles, yes. Commissioner Pero, yes. Mayor Lowry,

yes. Thank you all for that. Down to 18. Discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-541 approving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Funded Vulnerability Adaption Plan Grant Agreement. City Manager. A resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving a state-f funded grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, FD for development of a city adaptation plan relating to the effects of sea level rise, authorizing the city manager to execute the agreement and providing an effective date. Mayor, as you recall, we did a vulnerability assessment about a year year and a half ago that recognized several projects throughout the city um from flooding from uh areas that needed to be hardened. One of the projects was an east side stormwater pond. We submitted a grant application for the adaptation plan portion of that. It's $285,000, fully refundable, and this will develop the pl the maps and the plan needed to move on to the design phase of this project. Okay. Thank you for that. Any questions from the commission? Hearing none. Can I get a motion?

Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion in a second. Any questions or comments from the public? Hearing none. City manager. Commissioner Warick. Yes. Commissioner Tinder? Yes. Commissioner Peeles? Yes. Commissioner Pero? Yes. Mayor Lowry? Yes. Thank you'all for that. All right. discussion and possible approval of funding for I can bike program. Assistant city manager Hodes. Yes, ma'am. Doesn't sound like it.

Okay. Um, this program was brought to the city several months ago by Mrs. Michelle Bashers as a unique opportunity to provide recreational activities in a camp for those with disabilities. Um it we have been in the re working with the uh not for notfor-profit company I can shine who would provide the um professionals that would run the camp. The city would have to provide volunteers to assist our facilities and um most likely our director and manager of sports and recreation would be involved as uh camp uh director. It's unique. No one in this area is doing a similar program, but it's not budgeted and it's estimated to cost the city approximately uh 10 to$15,000 depend on depending on um the number of persons who sign up. It's eligible for children ages 8 up to adults. So, it's widebased. Um again, it's a brand new program and I think it's something that's worthy for us to look at. I don't know that we've gotten all the things worked out contractually yet. Um, and we certainly don't have the funding. So, we're here to discuss whether this is something that you all could commit to knowing that while we could try to get some sponsorships, which is on the agenda today, too. We can't guarantee that we'd get enough sponsorships to cover the the funding. So, at this point, if it's a program that the commission would like to consider, it is committing that money to make sure that we can cover the cost of the camp and get it scheduled for this summer.

And mayor, if I may make a recommendation that we discuss tonight and staff goes and works to try to get the sponsorships, we bring it back to you all if we obtain the sponsorships, but we do not approve it to for the city to fund it uh directly. One, we don't have the money in the budget. we would have to bring a budget resolution back to you, but if you recall, we also cut several events this year um that this funding could have taken the place of. So, I'd like to discuss it tonight. Um Mr. Jackson does have some um contractual things that the comments from the attorney uh to work out. Um and if we can get some sponsorships for it, we will bring it back to the commission for approval of the sponsorships and approval of the program.

I think that's a good input. Um just as far as the agreement this um we've looked at the organization and their proposed agreement. They typically do agreements with not forprofits or individuals. So as a as a public entity we're a little unique. And so from their standard agreement we're recommending some changes and we just like some time uh as Mr. Lightoot said to to go through those um that agreement and bring it back to the commission with the changes that we need along with potential sponsorships or whatever you all want to do. here.

Um, and Mr. Basher, I appreciate you bringing this. It's It sounds I read through the proposal. It sounds like a great initiative and a good idea. Are there any cities in the panhandle that you know of that have doing it?

Naples, Florida was the nearest. Um, so maybe Augusta, Atlanta. So, not really in this area. Well, we're going to dig into it more, assuming the rest of the commission's good with this. Um, the one thing I thought about as I was reading through it is we didn't have the funding for it. We didn't even do an Easter egg hunt this year for the kids because of a tight budget. So, it's worthwhile. We want to take a look at it and see if we can get sponsors, but with it being a lean year, want to make sure we do our due diligence before we bring this back and and dig into it more. So, commissioners, I have a question. Have we approached CocaCola yet?

So, we have uh Mr. Ward with Sports and Wreck has definitely reached out to Coke. Uh we have the potential of that, but do not have anything official back for a sponsorship on it. Some irons in the fire. We need to keep working first. So, we'll circle back. We won't forget it. And you you're a regular, so I know you won't let us forget it either. So, but uh we need to do some more staff due diligence here. So, Commissioner Pero, Commissioner Peebles, Mr. our commissioner war.

I I mean it sounds like a great program and uh obviously it's um I think there's a want for it and a need for it. Um I'd like the city to support it definitely. Um but I agree with the funding part. I'd like to see it sponsored and I think once we get some sponsors, I have a feeling they'll probably sponsor it every year. I would think I would hope. So I'm kind of that's kind of where I'm at with it. Uh hopefully we can find some sponsors to support it and I'm all for the city to support it. Thank you, sir. Miss Standard, and can we just approach businesses that we do work with already? We shouldn't have any problem.

And once we approve the sponsorship policy uh hopefully later on this evening that will open up an avenue too that we can obtain some some more sponsorships for not only this event but at several events throughout the city. Thank you, Commissioner. Pero. Go ahead. Commissioner Peebles, any thoughts? I think I agree exactly with what Commissioner Ward said, how it is a great program and uh but we don't have the funding for it, but I want to do everything possible to get those sponsorship. So, a huge fan of the sponsorship policy. So, we really need to get that in place so that we can get this program going, too.

Yes, sir. Thank you. One other question regarding this in terms of volunteer as I was reading through the I guess you would call it the proposal or the draft. Um do we have a clear number of volunteers that would be needed yet? It's based on the number of participants. Okay.

Um we will as a city have to conduct backgrounds on all volunteers that are over the age of 18. So in my uh assessment of the cost that would have to be added in and that's hard to get a hard cost because again it depends on the the number of um we have talked with um St. Joe be willing to give scholarships to sorry it keeps going out um St. Joe can't give government entities direct sponsorships, but they can sponsor participants in a scholarship, which is a good part um to bring to the table with this program. They do have a limit on how many per session can participate. So, we can guesstimate. And with that, I'm looking at we're definitely going to need probably 10 to 20 volunteers depending on the numbers.

Okay. Um, we can do those under the age of 18. The program allows it. The city typically doesn't get children under the age of 16. So, that may be one of those things we'd want at least a 16-year-old. Again, I can't do backgrounds. The city can't do backgrounds on juveniles. We will do it on any adults that participate. Um, and I'm trying to get some legal clarification on what level background we'll need to have as well with the with the adults. Um, they also have two other programs, I can swim and I can dance. So, it is something that they provide nationally to different groups that seem to um reach those that might not participate. In fact, I hope my husband's not listening, but I told him I'd sign him up for I Can Dance if they ever brought that here. Um, please don't tell him I said that, but he could use the training.

Nice. All right. Thank you for that. And and we could possibly even get a a group from the high school, a you know, a club or something that has 16y olds. There certainly. and and Justin's already talking with with the um the high school for that week. Um they can certainly use those hours as volunteer hours towards Bright Futures. Um it's just June, right?

Well, it could be any time during the summer. We've we've had the representative come look at the facilities. Um, if we do it a different time during the summer, we could cut the gymnasium in half and use half for this program and still use the other half for open basketball and other sports. So, the gym is large enough to facilitate and meet the needs of the program. I would like to see Lyn Haven be a leader in something like this. I mean, we never have been. We have the opportunity.

Yes, ma'am. Good stuff. Thank you again, Miss Michelle Basher, for bringing this up as a possible item. Do you would you like to say anything about this particular program since uh trying to not trying to put you on the spot but

um my niece participated in this program when she was um doing Teach for America during the school year and then she was volunteering for this um bike program during the summer. So, I've been familiar with it for years and years and years and I've followed it and um watched it grow and um I just think it's an exciting opportunity for us to um do something. We do Easter egg hunt, we do trick-or-treating, and we don't do any inclusive events. And um I would like to see the city do at least one inclusive event. But I have a great nephew who's a rising senior at Mosley. He needs like 75 or 95 hours for his Bright Future scholarship. He's running out of time. So I've already got one volunteer for most of the sessions.

Nice. I think I think volunteers the young people will not be a problem. Thank you, ma'am. All right. So wants to say something.

Mr. Basher, come on up. I I'm sorry, but um my wife didn't explain what the program is. A lot of people have never heard of this. So is what they do. They take disadvantaged pe people or even ch any children and teach them how to ride a bike in a week. So people come in and they sign up for it and their child can't ride a bike. So they teach them how to ride a bike within a week. And I believe if and you can correct me, but they do an hour session with each one each day. I believe that's correct. Yeah. So, yeah. So, it's a great program. I think I just wanted everybody to understand what it was instead of just it's a name form. Thank you.

Gotcha. Thank you, Mr. Busher. All right. So, no votable action on that. We're just going to agree to table that for now as the staff does more research and Yes, sir. We will work through the contract with the the legal issues as well as work on securing sponsorships if approved tonight. All right. Well, thank y'all for that and uh Commissioner Tender, your point is well taken about this be a neat opportunity for Linhaven to be a leader and kind of get out in front and do some inherent goodness and uh you know and the other cities can follow our lead for once.

All right. Uh, we're down to item 20, discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-542, approving the employment agreement for Chris Lightfoot, city attorney. Uh, yes, sir. This is resolution number two 2026-04-542, a resolution to the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving an employment agreement with Chris Lightoot to serve as Linhaven city manager. This is a followup from our last commission meeting with the uh city commission uh city attorney discussion. Basically, the the contract is before you and has had uh no changes except updating the dates and it's ready for your action if you have any questions.

Thank you for that. Um and Commissioner Tinder, your uh your phone was dying on you. I think you had less than 5% left at the very end and this wasn't on the agenda item. actually came up after you left and the rest of us were giving our reports and when it got to the city attorney, uh, he goes, "Well, we were we were ready to do this and I was like, well, let's try to get Commissioner Tinder back on the phone, but with your battery situation like it was, we decided just to wait until we got you back and we could do it this meeting." That's fun. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am. So, with that, um, any questions or discussion among the commission? If hearing none, can I get a motion? Motion to approve. Motion to approve. Right, I've got a motion. Can I get a second? Second. Okay, I have a motion and a second. Any public commentary? Come on up. Good evening, Mr. Gray.

Evening. Um, prior to what I'm about to say about this action, I want to ask um, the city attorney, did they need to motion and vote to table that last item? That was always my understanding is that things that were going to be tabled needed to be motioned and ta voted to be tabled and there was no nothing on that last item.

I think you guys should circle back on that just for formality purposes maybe at the end. But um on this item, I just have a couple questions. One is um I noticed a difference in the um in the uh car allowance in this contract versus the last city manager contract uh where that finalized that. And I know the differences that they had in vehicles and I'm just wondering is uh I guess the car allowance that's agreed upon is that consistent with what other cities are doing or was that just a negotiated item that city manager Lightoot's okay with? Um and then also um I just wanted to um what was my other point? Um, oh, I just want to get clarity because I know we talked about it at the workshop, but if we can just get get some clarity for the public on what the residential requirements are and how that's being uh addressed via this contract. Thank you.

That is in the contract, I believe. Yes, ma'am. I I can address both those issues if you'd like. The

Go ahead. the um the car allowance is um below market from what the uh local cities managers and county managers have. And as far as the residency requirement, uh uh the city manager has a year to uh relocate to the city, which should provide enough time to uh for the charter review committee to make that a decision on the charter. And just for the public that may not have uh attended or watched online the the city commission and the city charter review committee uh workshop, uh there is a proposal we are discussing moving forward for the August 18th um referendum that would allow the city manager to live in Bay County versus specifically within the city limits of Linhaven. um you can be basically anywhere in Bay County in about 22 minutes traffic bearing but within that um we went back and forth on discussions of should they live within a certain radius of uh city hall the city manager currently lives less than what 10 minutes away but outside of the city limits of Linhaven so um we went back and forth um and I know there's been some lively discuss uss with that with the charter review committee as well. Well, if you do it for the city mayor or excuse me, the obviously the mayor and the commissioners have to qualify and and reside in Linhaven, but you do it for the assistant city manager, the police chief, the fire chief. Who else where else do you draw the line? And so that has been the discussion back and forth and ultimately the voters of Linhaven will get to make that final decision. um assuming that that presses forward from the charter review committee to the commission and we vote to put that on the referendum in August. So,

Miss Parker, I saw you first and then Miss Basher.

Good evening, Miss Parker. So, what is the amount that we are looking at and the rest of the money as far as for his salary? City attorney.

Yes, ma'am. So, just a summary of the terms. The salary is $155,000 a year. It's a three-year term on the contract. There's a uh severance um portion of the contract that if he's terminated without cause with payments of six, 16, and 20 weeks depending on the vote of the commissioners, uh there is a $500 a month allowance for vehicles. And uh he will be paid out all of his leave that he has acred currently and then he'll go have a maximum of three weeks of leave uh a year. And if he does accept any severance pay, he asked he must sign a release and release the city. Thank you for that information.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Miss Basher. Okay. Killed two birds with one stone attorney. Good job. Perfect. All right. Any other questions from the public?

Mayor, if I may, I would be interested. I not for everybody to line up and say what they think, but I I would be really interested to know how important it is to everybody that the city manager live in the city limits. Just out of curiosity, I think more than anything, but I will say that uh when Chief Remy was here, he lived on the beach side. He ended up having to move in and and honestly I don't remember if he was forced to or what but I know when we had that big hoopla down there at Kinsol or not at Kinsaw Kane Griffin Park it took him quite a while to get here and uh call in all the troops

that just for clarification there is no position other than the city manager that's required to live in Haven. Um the former chief was not required to move. uh he chose to move. Um so no other position requires a residency in Linhaven. That's fine. And what is the I know it's about 10 miles, Chris, but about how many miles it is it 10 miles from here or what is it? Can you ballpark it more precise than that from city hall to your house? It's about 15 minutes. It um yeah, it's probably about 10 miles. Um never clocked it, but I will on the way home.

I'm just curious. It's I think you live about as far away as going one way as I do the other. So, and I'm in the city limits and you're not. So, um All right. Any other questions? Hearing none. We have a motion and a second. City manager, would you call the role? Commissioner Pero? Yes. Commissioner Warick? Yes. Commissioner Peebles? Yes. Commissioner Tinder? No. Mayor Lowry?

Yes. All right. So, we have 20 done. We're down to 21. Uh, discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-541 or excuse me, 543. Approving resolution 2026-04-543 approving task order to Panhandle Engineering for the 18th Street paving project. City manager. And mayor, I'm going to make a correction on this resolution. Uh, the amount that's written on the resolution is for the entire project amount. The amount that's going to be approved tonight is 67,711.50. So I will make that correction as I read the resolution out. Okay.

A resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, approving a task order to Panhandle Engineering Incorporated relating to the 18th Street Paving Project in the amount of 67,711.50. And mayor, this is a project that's been brought up by Miss Parker actually actually sever several times uh the past probably year, year and a half. 18th Street does need some paving. Um, Mr. Baker uh met with Mr. Forehand. They went out on site, put together a cost opinion of the entire project, and this is the task order to design it so we can get it ready to bid out. Thank you. Any questions?

I have one question, please. Um, Chris, can you tell us how you decide or who decides whether we go and get quotes from Panhandle or Dubir? So we have continuing service contracts with Panhandle Engineering, DeWare Engineering, and M McDonald currently for anything public works related basically. Um it just kind of alternates between Panhandle has done a lot of our roadway stuff. Uh they've worked probably the past 10 15 years at least on roadway paving and putting together our maps. Um so it really just alternates. Earlier this meeting, we approved the task order for Deubberry for their that stormwater project. Uh, this just happens to be a task order for Dubberry for paving. I'm sorry, for panhandle for paving.

Okay. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Any other questions from the commission? Motion to approve. Second. Right. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion from the public? Miss Parker. This one's for you tonight, by the way, ma'am. For you and 18th Street. I've probably uh discussed this probably a good 15 times. So, is this going to be asphalt? Yes, ma'am.

Okay. And it's going to be done by Panhandle Engineering. I just want to say I'm not a fan of that person due to the corruption during the hurricane. So, but anyway, with that being said, I do want it paved. Also, one other thing I want to mention is is there an update on Vicky Gainer's lawsuit against the city? Anyone know? Is there an update? What did you say? Is there an update on Vicky Gainer's lawsuit against the city? I can give a um a quick update on that in the mayor's report. Okay. Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

So, all right. Any other questions regarding the 18th Street paving? Hearing none. City uh city manager. Commissioner War. Yes. Commissioner Pero. Yes. Commissioner Peeles. Yes. Commissioner Tinder? No. Mayor Lowry? Yes. All right. So, we're at 22 now. Discussion and possible approval of resolution 2026-04-544 adopting a sponsorship policy. City attorney.

Yes, sir. This is resolution number 202604-544 resolution of the city of Linhaven, Florida, adopting a sponsorship policy incorporating recital, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. And this is the uh sponsorship policy that we've talked about over the last se several meetings. Um, and it's ready for your review and approval. I think Commissioner Peebles has been driving this issue quite a bit and I he approves my understanding is he's approving the policy. Commissioner Peebles, would you like to speak to this, sir?

Yes, sir. I just think this is needed very much. Um it's going to help drive our sponsorships in the f future. Um it's it will provide great opportunities. Also want to say thanks to Amy for u staying in contact with me on this policy and uh I think it looks good. All right. Any other questions from the commission? Hearing none. Can I get a motion? Motion to approve. Second.

I have a motion and a second. Any general commentary questions over this? Mr. Gray? Uh, I'm happy to see this happening. A few years ago, there was something going on in the city and I I offered to sponsor part of it to help get things going and I was told the city couldn't take a check from me for whatever it was that I was trying to get going. So, after this passes, I'm happy to say that I've done the math on that bike program. Good job on that, Michelle. Um it looks like it'll be around 75 to $150 per per um child participating. So once you guys pass this, let me know where to send my check. I'll sponsor one. Cool. Thank you, Mr. Scra. Nice shirt, by the way.

There you go. Nice shirt. Um all right. Any other questions or general comments regarding this item? Hearing none, city manager, would you call the role? Commissioner Warick, yes. Commissioner Tinder, yes. Commissioner Peebles, yes. Commissioner Pero, yes. Mayor Lowry, yes. All right. Thank you'all for that. We are now to the public commentary. Mayor, would you like to go back to the I can bike item for that table discussion or vote or whatever Mr. Jackson recommends? Yeah. As far as tableabling item number um 19

19 sir. As far as formality, I mean, this is a discussion item, so doesn't necessarily have to have a table, but if the commission would like to table it formally, that would be acceptable. Okay, I'll make a motion to table it. Okay, take it. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion other than Mr. Gray to table said discussion item? Hearing none. City manager, would you call the role? Commissioner War? Yes. Commissioner Pero? Yes. Commissioner Peebles? Yes. Commissioner Tinder. Yes. Mayor Lowry.

Yes. Thank you'all for that. All right. So, we are now at item number 23, public commentary. So, we have two uh individuals signed up tonight or it looks like maybe three. Uh first up is Miss Jerry Parker. You're good. Okay, ma'am. So, next we have and you'll have to excuse me if I It's M Mr. and Mrs. Grand Prix, but I think they thought that was just a sign in versus no comment. I can be phonetically challenged with my thick panhandle draw, so I was hesitant of that. So, thank you. It's just like the races.

There you go. All right. Well, thank you. Then we have none. Come on up, Miss Sandy. And good evening. two things. Um, first of all, I was at a meeting last night with with Jamie and he had mentioned that he would like to see a city clerk for Lin Haven along with the city manager and I think that is an excellent idea. It was two opinions, uh, two thinking processes and so I'd love to see that be discussed and and hopefully approved. Um, the second thing, oh god, my mind went blank. Oh, I had asked Chris um months back um about the 4th of July about the uh amount that was bid for the fireworks and um and he responded to me, but I wanted a breakdown cuz I have a brother that owned the largest fireworks company in Texas and he still has contacts. he sold it. But I had talked to my brother about it and he said, you know, that he could probably get us a big discount on the amount for the actual um fireworks, but Chris said that was not broken down when they sent him the contract. So, I don't know if it's too late for that or whatever, but in the future, if if not, I think that contracts should be broken down. You know, what itemized itemized list of what costs what because, you know, if you just have a open-ended bid on something, well, you don't know what the expense is versus anything else.

Yes, ma'am. So, um I don't know. Is that handled already, Chris? Yes, ma'am. And so, um, we've actually got a vendor, um, and the the contract is not broken down per what the I guess various styles of fireworks. I learned all about fireworks a couple months ago. It's on the shell casing sizes. It varies. So, you have the large, the mediums, uh, the smalls, and they're based on, I think, millimeter. Um, we can go back through and look, but our fireworks show is just under $35,000 this year. um for about a 20 minute. We shortened it. Um it was gotten a little lengthy um but we met with our vendor who's done it in the past and they shortened it and we got three quotes and it was just under 35 grand.

Well, just in the future if you don't mind reach out to me because the guy that bought it from my brother's very dear friend of ours and he has told me that he would be willing to give Linhaven a a big discount. So anyway we can save money even if it's 10 grand. That's 10 grand, you know. So, and Chris, I appreciate you did. I mean, he immediately answered back to me, so I appreciated that. Thank you, Miss Sandy.

All right. Any other public commentary tonight? I have to come on up. Come on up, Mr. Snyder. I have to say, y'all have been a great audience tonight to work with us and we just roll through this. This has been the most smooth flowing my whole time as mayor. So, thank y'all for that. Are you leaving your kid unsupervised back there? Got a smartphone. She's okay. Um, good evening.

I wanted to actually echo back uh what you just stated. Um, to plow through a 22 item agenda in under an hour is incredible. Um, I want to commend you guys for working together and and for city staff. Um, but also in my job, uh, as a salesman, one of the things that I try to do is I always try to get to yes. And watching you guys try to get to yes on the I can bike program was was really cool. So, just want to commend you all everybody involved. It's it's really great. So, thank you. Thank you, Jeff. Appreciate you, Mr. Snider. And I think that 10,000 that Sandy can save us could go towards the bike program.

Absolutely. All right. Anything else tonight from Journal Commentary? If not, y'all, we might actually get out of here while it's still daylight, which is an awesome thing. All right. Uh, real quick, mayor's report. I um, per Miss Scat Parker's request. So, the the five of us had a meeting with the city attorney and the city manager on Friday afternoon. There's only a couple of things that can per Sunshine Law that can be shaded, right? And one of those is to discuss legal strategy and consult with your attorneys. And then there are some, you know, um, HR, sexual harassment kind of things that can be kind of closed doors to be discussed. And we did have a court transcriptionist here. It will all come out in the sunshine ultimately, but it's kind of sensitive at this point, right? So, um there is nothing to update yet in terms of the agreement. Uh we had robust discussions with the attorney uh representing the insurance company. It's actually a pulled municipal insurance company that municipalities across the state of Florida use, not just Linhaven. Um but they had their primary attorney here. Uh we had one of our city attorneys here on the contract as well. Um, lots of questions, uh, lots of thoughtful discussion among the commission. And if any of the other commissioners want to touch on that as well, they are more than welcome to do so. But nothing to officially update you on yet. But as soon as that is available, we will certainly do that. Um, it's a difficult topic and we are all trying, we are all committed, I will say that we are all committed to do our very due diligence best to do what's best for the city and that

Oh, the Well, they both involve Miss Gainor, so my apologies for the confusion. Um, which just to clarify, Miss Parker, which one were you talking? Was it the Phoenix? She referenced the the Miss Gainor case, and there is no updates on that right now

on the workplace discrimination complaint, right? Nothing to update on that. The other one we were working with on Friday, the Phoenix. My apologies for the confusion. Yep. That's all I have otherwise. Um, Mr. Snider, thank you for the comment tonight. Um, we do have a great commission. I think uh all four of these folks on the commission with me as teammates and we are diligently, we come from very different backgrounds, have our own opinions and thoughts, but we all love Linhaven and we're all trying our best to row in the rowboat together and do what's best for the city. So, um, the tone, the tenor, everybody seems to be getting along well and we're decompressing as a city. We've been through some tough times and it's good to be able to decompress and go back to a good oldfashioned golden rule as best we can with each other. Love your neighbor and uh try to be good to each other. So with that, I'll start on my left here with Commissioner Perno and we'll work our way to the our right.

I'm just going to tell everybody thank you for being here. And that's my report. And we'll wish your brother a happy birthday today, sir. With that, Commissioner. Happy birthday, Frankie.

Um, don't have a whole lot. Last week was a pretty busy week. Uh, we had three meetings last week. We had two workshops in the the close session and uh yeah, it was busy week. So, uh, but yeah, we had two workshops last week if you haven't watched it. Uh, one was on um Panama City destination um with um TDT uh tourist development tax. We had discussion about that and then I don't remember what the other one was about the joint charter charter.

Oh yeah, we had the joint charter discussion about nonaval. That was a long interesting uh discussion. So if you haven't watched that, I encourage everybody to watch it. Yeah. Right. We had that one, too. Yep.

So, pretty busy week. Um, just a reminder, um, 25 April is our town hall from 9 to 11. I encourage any resident to come on out and, uh, have a discussion. Uh, whatever you want to talk about. Um, last one went really well. I hope this one goes just as good. Um, Miss Garmin, thank you for Oh, she left. Um, she brought up about the city clerk. Yes, that's actually the reason why the charter review committee started was because I brought up a discussion about the city clerk. I'm a big advocate of the city clerk being a separate position. Right now, it's currently the city manager is a city clerk. I'm of the opinion that is too much power and authority for one person and that the city needs checks and balances. I don't know why it's been set up that like that for this many years, but um anybody wants to have a sit down and discuss with me, I'd be more than happy to talk to you about it cuz I I have uh pretty strong opinions uh about it and I'm sure we'll have a lot more discussion on the commission about it. Um and uh I have to say thank you to my wife for uh she's the one that set up the whole um choir with the Highland Park uh connections choir. Um, that went I thought went really well. I thought it made a great start to the meeting. So, thank you. Uh, so I can publicly say I thank my wife. Everybody heard it. So, you're not in trouble.

Yeah, I'm not not right now. Maybe when I get home. Thank you, sir. Miss Tinder,

I have a few things. Um, probably probably the one that I want to make really clear is my vote for no for Chris Lightfoot only has to do with basically the meeting that we're not allowed to talk about. So, and him and I will sit down one-on-one and and you know, I'm totally upfront with that. I always vote no when Panhandle Engineering is involved. Um, for the same reasons. I've always voted no for them. Um, I got a call. Will you straighten that one out for me? The three to six years. The uh EC What's it? What's this company?

E, yeah, ECSC that's doing all the uh paving and all of that on 10th Street. Um, they point and laugh now because I drive by every day taking pictures. They go, "Oh, there she is again." Um, I'm I'm really concerned. Not Not I'm concerned for all of those people down there, but we actually have people moving out of Lin Haven to St. Andrews because their yards look like cowfields and have been that way since December. and uh they have children. Their fences are down. It's terrible. Um so yes, I do go by all the time. That family comes by. There was another family who was going to be here tonight, but he's not a public speaker and uh I told him that I would certainly bring it up because he's in the same situation and he's three blocks away. Uh his mother-in-law lives there. He's just put a new addition on to his house and they have tore up his yard and it just looks like nothing is happening. Now Chris has gone to both of those people I think. Right.

Yes ma'am. We've talked to Mr. Summerall numerous times. Um they are paving. They've done a lot of paving today. They are finishing up the paving. Then all they have to do is come back and restore yards, right, driveways, um sod, and then line the sewer manhole. So they've made a lot of progress there. Um, if anybody is moving to St. Andrews or the Cove, I would highly recommend against it because it is all torn up over there. M, right outside Mr. Jackson's office has been torn up since November. Uh, Panama City is doing a lot of construction as well, but ECSC has done a great job uh, maintaining it. Um, it's almost over. Very frustrating, but a huge infrastructure improvement project through there. And are you still on target for the end of April for that neighborhood that you've told me?

They should be pretty close to getting that done. Yes, ma'am. Can I quote you on that? Absolutely.

Pretty close. Okay. All right. Um, my other concern, and I've heard this from more than one resident on 10th Street, that the administration of that company, ECSC, is very rude to the residents. Very rude to where they don't even like to talk to them. But I'm going to just point that out. I would consider that kind of important when we hire them. Uh green is it green leaf uh that we hired for the committee to get the complaints um that they called them all in here uh employees and ever evergreen.

Evergreen I knew not it's not to hear complaints it's to do a salary study of that. U but they've also taken surveys of all the employees as well. Okay. And now they're waiting. They're waiting on a second goaround for something. Maybe Jennifer can apply.

Yeah, we're in the process where each of the employees um were able to get give what their job duties and activities were and then supervisors confirm or add to. Um so it's part of the analysis of the position descriptions in order to create proper classes. So, it's part of the analytical study of the whole salary system, comprehensive um pay system. Do you have any idea when that will be completed? The contract um ends May 15th. So, we're expecting a report by May 15th.

Awesome. And will any of that include payraises? I the whole intent is for the report to identify if there is a need for pay raises and then to give us a tiered approach. It is expected that there will be some pay adjustments. Um however the commission will have to vote on that and that's citywide correct. that'll be citywide for all the employees and it's to do a comprehensive review of what we call our classification um comprehensive classification study.

Okay. And I'm just checking with you because um they've all been invited to email in. They were all invited to be here in this room. There was on-site um both education on what they were needing to do, but they also had small groupoup discussions. um based on the types of positions they were here for two days solid working with different employees throughout the city. Then all employees, that wasn't all employees, there was a there was a like a random grouping of the employees they would talk to, but all employees were allowed to respond to the survey about their jobs. Okay.

Um and that's coming to an end this week. The data should be then uploaded to Evergreen to complete their analysis. Awesome. I have to tell you this because I I I did get a little grin on my face when he said this. Talk about um people being paranoid. He said, "We were in that big room. There are cameras everywhere." And he said, "Everybody was a little nervous on answering questions." I said, "If you don't see that man in the back corner back there, then there's nobody recording anything."

And he he said, "No, nobody was in there." I said, "Then nobody was recording anything." And the actual small groups were in smaller conference rooms where they could be in their own locations where they'd feel a little more comfortable opening up and talking to the consultants. Yes. Yes. And of course, I would like to um I'm looking forward to the 4th of July this year. I think it'll uh not make up for Easter, but it certainly is going to be a positive thing for the city.

Yes, ma'am. And I can't wait for this program because I think that's something else we can take the lead in that we never have before. Um I just think we're going in the right direction, you know, and I think things are uh getting much better. Yes, ma'am. We have an awesome police department, an awesome fire department, and I watch the speed. Boy, I'll tell you that when I come down 77, I go, "Oh, there's one. Hit the brakes." No, but I try to try to obey that. But thank you so much. We appreciate it. All the employees. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Tender. Uh, Commissioner Peebles, you're up. Thank you. Just wanted to say sorry I couldn't uh be there tonight. Um, we're out of town taking my wife for surgery. So, if you could keep your prayers, that would be great. And appreciate what uh everyone did tonight and thank you staff for everything that's going on. It's been fun spring so far with school and all that. So, thanks everybody and um hope you have a good night. Thank you, Sam. And and good luck on your wife's surgery. With that, uh city manager report.

Yes, mayor. Um, so we did receive notification uh that the Wyoming HMGP project has been approved for phase 2 cons which is the construction phase. Uh should be bringing you all the agreement to approve for that hopefully soon if the government can stop shutting down uh so that we can bring the government or the u FEMA paperwork to you all for approval and get that project to bit out to bid. The Tennessee Avenue sidewalk is making great progress through there. BCL is doing some great work moving right along through there. We touched on the West Tentth Street project as well. ECS has done a great job through there. Uh, a lot of paving going on right now to get those roads back to normal. Youth summer basketball registration ends April 24th. The adult softball league registration is going through June 8th and the adult summer kickball registration, it will be March 30th through May 28th or is March 30th through May 28th. Um, got a lot of parking issues going on at Kane Griffin right now. I don't know if any residents have reached out to you all. Uh but another pro growing problem where Mr. Ward has done such a great job with our sports and recreation um that it's just a lot of parents over there. We've gotten several complaints about parking on sidewalks and stuff. So staff is looking at some different alternatives to to kind of help with that issue. We did build the parking lot last year. However, that is now full and people are back to parking in the rightway. Uh, so may have to look at either capping the league or kind of shifting some things around to help accommodate all the parking issues. Justin staff will also be preparing the Cane Griffin splash pad along with facilities maintenance to open May 16th. It will be open for weekends only during May and then go to the full-time schedule um in June once school lets out. Before the April 28th commission meeting, we will have a workshop at 4:00 for the Living Shorelines project uh with the Bay Estuary Program. uh Jacob's Engineering will be presenting different options that's going on there in front of the wastewater plant and the Bayou Preserve Park and all the eroding that

we faced there on that shoreline. Um we discussed last commission meeting about revision to the the board member policy. Um that is going to take a charter revision. I think we did hit on it briefly in the in the joint workshop, but we've talked about it uh for what the charter re uh committee will bring forward uh to potentially bring to you all to revise that in the charter.

Can I can I make a quick comment on that? I'm glad you brought that up because I forgot all about that. I actually brought that up last meeting to be talked about here, but we didn't talk about it tonight because I didn't realize it was actually in the charter that you can only have one board member per uh board or committee. So, that's why we're not discussing it tonight. And then uh Miss Garmin left, but I pulled up the the contract uh for the fireworks this year. There's going to be 2,178 shells fired during the normal uh portion of the show and 549 for the finale. Um and all about different shell size. You've got four, five, and 6 in shells. Then two and a two and 1/2, four, five, and six for the finale and then the cake which is the the width of it as well. So be a great show and looking forward to July 4th. And that's all I have, mayor. And anyone has any questions for Miss Roman for the checklist.

Miss Kiki, do you have anything for us tonight that you want to relay? No, sir. I have no report. If you have questions for me, I'm happy to answer. I will just say this. Every time I text Kiki or call her, she is Johnny on the spot. I I had like 10 questions on the budget and things that had been paid and why and what they were for and whatnot, but she answered them all before we got here. Thank you. Kiki is amazing. Thank you. All right. Well, last but certainly not least, our caboose for tonight is uh the city attorney. I have no report, mayor, and unless you all have any questions.

Anybody got any questions for the city attorney? If not, ladies and gentlemen, we are closing out in an hour and 16 minutes, and it's not even dark yet. Thank y'all for your participation and support. Y'all have a good night.