City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everyone. Welcome to our regularly scheduled commission meeting, September 9th, 2026. The time is now 6 p.m. Madam Clerk, roll call.

Commissioner Bass here. Commissioner Irvin. Natasha Irvin here. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Present.

Commissioner Santiago.

Commissioner Luis B. Santiago here.

Mayor Taylor here.

Mayor John H. Taylor Jr. here.

I wasn't feeling up top. Ms. Miller, can you call my name again, please? Commissioner Bass. Yes, Dr. Sherrilyn Bass.

Can we stand by invocation led by Vice Mayor Joseph Kelly, Joseph L. Kelly. Vice Mayor. Followed by a Pledge of Allegiance led by Chief of Police.

Let us pray. Eternal God, our Father, we thank you for all of your blessings. We thank you for life, health, and strength. We thank you, God, for the great city of Palatka. We thank you for the employees, the administration, the business owners, the community. Continue, God, to unite us together with as you need their strength. In Jesus' name we do pray. Amen.

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.

All right. So under awards, proclamations, and acknowledgments, we do have a presentation, special presentation by Vice Mayor Kelly. and we'll give them a chance to get them in order. But before we go there, I wanna acknowledge a plaque that was given to the city of Opelika from the HML Black Alumni Association, certificate of appreciation presented to the city of Opelika and grateful appreciation for your partnership, hospitality, and continued support in hosting the 2026 HML Reunion Picnic. Your commitment to bringing our community together has helped create an event that celebrates Trojan pride, lasting friendships, and enduring legacy of Hialeah Miami Lakes. With sincere gratitude from the HML Black Alumni Association, it was given to us on August 15th, 2026. That's my alumni, y'all better hear me. And I turn it over to the heads of our vice mayor.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I do want to thank my colleagues for wearing yellow and gold in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. And I want to ask them to join me to present a commendation proclamation on behalf of that. And you don't have to tell who they are because they are very identifiable. But my colleagues would join me for the presentation down in the front. The pseudo block of Right Opportunity's proclamation September is designated National Childhood Cancer Wellness Month to honor the children whose lives have been forever changed by childhood cancer, to remember those who have been lost to this devastating disease, and to strengthen our nation's resolve to advance research, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure. And whereas childhood cancer affects children of every race, ethnicity, geography, region, and background, countless young patients demonstrate extraordinary courage, resilience, and hope while undergoing treatment And I'm going to sit down to the bottom one. Whereas the city of Opa-lock encouraged all residents to observe National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by wearing gold, supporting awareness initiatives, honoring childhood cancer survivors, remembering those who have lost their lives, and reaffirming our shared commitment to ensuring that no child or family FACES THIS JOURNEY ALONE. NOW, THEREFORE, I, VICE MAYOR JOSEPH L. KELLY, AND MY COLLEAGUES, THE CITY COMMISSION, MAYOR JOHN H. TAYLOR, JR., COMMISSIONER DR. CHERILEEN BASS, COMMISSIONER NATASHA L. URBAN, AND COMMISSIONER LOUIS B. SANTIAGO, ALONG WITH THE CITIZENS OF GRACEVILLE, PALACO, WILL HEREBY PROCLAIM NATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, AND IS SIGNED BY ALL OF US. AND IF YOU WOULD JUST COME UP. and receive it. Come around with applause.

Thank you, sir.

Now y'all got something to wear gold. The Mystic Forest Foundation. Let's turn and take a picture. And of course, we want to continue to support and bring awareness to this challenging disease. Ready, Ms. Ngo? Okay. Right in the middle. I can't survive her. Come on, round of applause for I can't survive her. Got it? Okay. Hold on one more time. Let's give it up again for our Mystic Foundation and all they do. And they have some extra goodies they're going to give out as well.

He said, I must hug everyone. I love it. While they're doing that, we're going to rearrange the agenda and we're going to go into public presentations. Dr. Clay, we'll give you the floor now. Thank you all.

Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture.

Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture.

Let's take a picture.

Let's give him another big hand.

Okay, good evening.

Good evening.

Mayor Taylor, Vice Mayor Kelly, and with permission. We bring greetings from Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School. I am the very proud principal, Dr. Cynthia Clay. This is my wonderful counselor, Ms. Burbank. And this is one of my young ladies of royalty at our school, Nalani.

I'm sorry, Dr. Clay. I don't mean to interrupt you, but I'm glad that you're here. Can we give a round of applause to Dr. Clay because Opelika Elementary, I've always thought Opelika Elementary, Robert B. Ingram is an A school.

Thank you. All right.

I'm sorry. Go ahead.

And we're here tonight to speak about our wonderful a school and all that we have to offer at Dr. Robert B. Ingram elementary school. We have a short video for everyone to see. So if you can direct your attention to the screen, this is a video we took on last year.

Welcome, everyone, to the 2025-2026 school year. I am the very proud principal of Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary, and we welcome each and everyone to another school year.

Whether you're new or returning, Dr. Robert B. Ingram is your own.

we are here yes we are here to register your children bring your children so we can embrace your children parents community partners we have unfinished business with your support we will definitely get our

My name is Ms. Burbank, and I'm the school counselor at Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School. And I am here to ensure that your child is in a safe, positive environment so they can do their absolute best academically, emotionally, and socially. This year, we're going to start by encouraging brick fires.

Come join one of our extracurricular activities, robotics, Legos, cheerleading, 5,000 role models, and young ladies of the world. Good afternoon, this is Ms. Warren, the cafeteria manager, and Dr. Robin from Eaton Elementary. We are serving breakfast, lunch, and treat every single day with love and care. My name is Vera Robinson. I'm the student of Dr. Robin Eaton. If you're trying to eat, go to Eaton. Please stay ready to learn. Always alert, always ready, because a peace of mind deserves protection. Safety and support, that's our promise to you.

So enroll your child today.

We'll be so happy to have you. And remember, RBI is a tool where students get as much as they can.

And we want to say thank you to the commission for all of your support. what not only the year last year that we made our first A in history of the school, but all the years I have been the principal of Dr. Robert B. Ingram, which has been for the last 12 years, you all have never said no to us, whatever we needed for our students, whatever we needed for our staff, you were always there for us. So thank you all so very much on behalf of the Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School family. And I just want you to know to everyone here tonight, if you're looking for an amazing school, we have an amazing school at elementary school. And we not only focus on academics, we focus on building the total child. We want our students to be very productive. positive citizens once they leave us and beyond. So again, I just want to say thank you for all of your support. We continue to look forward to your support as we move forward to continue to be at our A status. Thank you.

Thank you, Dr. Clay. And I want to give a special shout out to my teacher when I was at Opelika Elementary, way back when, Ms. Burbanks. She taught me, myself. She also taught the Irving children. We were all at Opelika Elementary School together. We grew up together. And Ms. Burbakes, we all were scared of her, but we loved her.

Mr. Mayor, if I can have a Sunday for that school that is very close to my house. And I can see the progress, the progress of that school, particularly that school. And also, I want to say thank you for the good job, the good work that you do with all your staff to make Opelika better for the future. When all the students, they're going to be in the future, the people that are going to be doctors, lawyers, commissioners, mayors, and they're going to come out from that school. Thank you.

So thank you again, Dr. Clay, for all your job well done. So we're moving on to the approval of the consent agenda. Do we have any pulls, deferrals, or deletions at this time? Yes, sir. Go ahead, Commissioner Santiago.

Yes, I'd like to pull number one, number two, number three, five. Wait, wait, wait. One second. I'm very serious. We're going to have a long night.

Very, very serious.

So one, two, three, five, 15 and 17, sir.

That's it.

17. Anyone else?

I, Mr. Mayor, I'll take number 16.

Anyone else? Mr. Mayor, what number was the last one? Okay.

Anyone else? Mr. Mayor? Well, I would like to defer agenda item number three.

Got it. Anyone else? All right. So madam clerk, we have item number one and two pulled by Commissioner Santiago. Number five is pulled by Commissioner Santiago. We also have 15 and 15 pulled by Commissioner Santiago, 16 pulled by Commissioner Irvin, 17 pulled by Commissioner Santiago, and number 18 pulled by Vice Mayor Kelly. And then going back to item number three is being deferred. Do you have a date certain or are you by the manager?

to the next regular special, next regular commission meeting. September 17th.

September 17th. Yes. All right.

September 23rd. September 23rd. September 23rd. Yes. All right.

Okay. All right. You got it? You good?

Yes, I'm good. All right.

All right, can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? Second. Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly, second by Commissioner Santiago, Madam Clerk on the consent agenda.

Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Commissioner Bass. Yes. Mayor Taylor.

Yes. Motion passes 5-0. All right. Can I have a motion to approve the agenda? Move by Vice Mayor Kelly. Second. Second by Dr. Bass. Madam Clerk.

Vice Mayor Kelly.

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago.

Yes.

Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Mayor Taylor.

Yes.

Motion passes 5-0.

Are we going into the approval of minutes? Can I have a motion to approve? Move it. FY2027 budget workshop meeting minutes from July 14th, 2026. It was so moved by Commissioner Santiago, seconded by Vice Mayor Kelly. Madam Clerk?

Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly?

Yes.

Mayor Taylor?

Yes.

Motion passes 5-0.

Can I get a motion to approve the regular commission meeting minutes from July 22nd, 2026? Second. Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Madam Clerk?

Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

Motion to approve the workshop meeting minutes August 5th, 2026. Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly. Second. Second by Commissioner Irvin. Madam Clerk.

Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Commissioner Bass. Yes. Mayor Taylor.

Yes. Motion passes 5-0. And last but not least, I need a motion to approve the special commission meeting minutes, August 25th, 2026, moved by Vice Mayor Kelly, second by Dr. Bass. Madam, um, Madam Clerk.

Vice Mayor Kelly? Yes. Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

And Madam Clerk, I see that we don't have any District 1, District 2, or State reports, so we're going to go into Citizens Forum. Can you please state for the record how to participate in Citizens Forum?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. City of Opelika Commission meetings are held in person at the Opelika Government Center, City Commission Chamber, 780 Fisherman Street, 3rd Floor, Opelika, Florida. Members of the public wishing to address the commission may do so in person or virtually. Those persons wishing to participate virtually should register prior to the scheduled meeting time on the City's website at www.opelika.org. When speaking before the commission, please make sure to give your full name and address for the record. There is a three minute time limit for public comments. Please adhere to the decorum policy, which is a part of the commission meeting agenda. City commission meetings are aired through live stream at www.youtube.com forward slash user forward slash city of Opelika.

All right. Do we have any virtual participants?

We do not, Mr. Mayor.

My citizen's form is open. Yes, ma'am.

Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

You're welcome. State your name and address for the record and then begin sleeping. You have three minutes.

Good evening, my name is Phoenix Blake and my address is 600 Dunette Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida.

Yes ma'am. 054.

Okay, I'm just gonna read this. So, dear commissioners, I'm formally petitioning the board for installation of a four-way stop sign control system at the intersection of Dunette Avenue and Baghdad Avenue. Our community is experiencing a severe traffic safety crisis at this location. immediate county intervention is required to protect local residents, property, and children. The current two-way stop configuration is entirely inadequate due to the flowing urgent safety hazard. So one, severe property damage and near misses. Vehicles have veered off the road and crashed into my property fence on three separate occasions. with one of them nearly striking the home. This incident demonstrates that the current traffic flow poses a direct physical threat to families living in the intersection. Two, widespread noncompliance. Drivers frequently, like they just completely just ignore the stop sign and they do rolling stop signs or completely fail to yield at existing two-way signs. This lack of compliance creates a highly unpredictable and dangerous environment for cross traffic. Three, illegal street racing. This specific stretch of roadway has become a frequent site for drag racing. The open uninterrupted right of way encourages reckless high speed driving. And then four, vulnerable pedestrian traffic. The intersection serves as a primary walking route, for local children traveling to the near, to Opelika Park or Shibandi Park and the community center. Due to the high speeds and failure to stop, youth in our neighborhood face daily life-threatening danger just trying to cross the street. A four-way stop sign will effectively disrupt high-speed racing, force driver compliance, and establish a designated predictable crossing pattern for our children. Thank you for your time, consideration, and swift attention to this critical neighborhood safety matter. Thank you.

Citizens Forum is still open.

Good evening, Mary commissioners, Audrey Deming is 1147 Jan Avenue. I'm speaking on behalf to resolution number 18. Um, I know it was in the previous agenda and don't know what happened, but it was deferred or. Didn't go through, but I, I urge you to please pass this because I've been to the magistrate meetings and. The person translating is not translating correctly or accurately to the point of the person standing is not understanding what they're saying. And they stand there until someone signals them, hey, you could go, you could sit down. So I hope that you guys pass this because it's much needed in the city. Thank you.

Citizens Farm is still open. Citizens form is closed. I believe you said Ashley, Ms. Blake, Ms. Blake. Okay, right next to you is Ms. Ashley. So I know the city has, I don't know if we're still doing it, Madam Manager, the traffic study. We haven't, is that area included in the findings? You have to find it. And I think you said it's a four-way stop zone on Dunedin and Baghdad. It's a two-way, but it's Dunedin and Baghdad. Okay, so our chief of staff right here, Ashley Walker, will get all your information, and then we'll be in touch through the manager's office to let you know. And the chief of police is here too. No problem. And Commissioner Dominguez, the item was pulled, so we'll discuss it at that time. All right, so we're going to go into our agenda. Madam Attorney, 13-1.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, accepting the proposal of Luxurious Machine LLC for vending machine services pursuant to RFP number 26-7. 0709200, authorizing the city manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement for said services, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for scrivener's errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager.

Madam Manager, can I get a motion? Sorry. Move it. Move by Commissioner Santiago.

Second.

Second by Commissioner Bass.

Madam Manager. A request for proposal was published on June 2nd, 2026 for Vending Machine Services. Two companies submitted a proposal document which was certified by the city clerk on July 10th, 2026. Luxurious Machines LLC is located in Hollywood, Florida and has been operating for four years. The company is experienced in vending machine services. Their proposal offers a 17% commission on gross vending sales throughout the contract. And the contract is for one year. There was another company, Iwansi Consultant. However, they have been in business for two years and they do not have vending machine experience. The ask from the commission is to allow me to negotiate and enter into an agreement with luxurious machines as the first rank proposal. Got it.

I yield to Commission Santiago. You pull the item.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, to the sponsor, to the manager. When I had my agenda briefing yesterday, I told you that I'm going to pull it out because I need to let them know my call. It's a couple of points that I'm not agree with that particular company with the agreement that they want us to do. First, what I see is they offering you only 70% for... All the benefits that they're going to have here and all this building that we're going to give to them, it does mean that they're not going to pay any rent. They're not going to pay any electricity. They're not going to pay any water if they need it for the machine. And we're only receiving so little percent for that profit that that's incredible. I like to remember what one of my colleagues said one day here in public. We don't... We don't die for money. We don't beg for money. We want to make money. And I think that's ridiculous what they offer us to use our facility, to use our parks, all the buildings that we have, put the vending machines. And giving us that percentage when they're going to do a lot of money and a lot of profit. Because I asked him yesterday to you, okay, how much is it going to cost? Very simple, my callies. How much is it going to cost a can of soda? 16 ounces, the regular soda, the can of soda? Okay. And you told me $2. $2. That's the one they charge. I think it's too much. They're going to make a lot of money. They're going to fill it out of the pockets. And we're going to be responsible to take, you know, to be careful that nobody broken this machine to nobody installing anything and pay the electricity bill, water, whatever, and rent. I not agree with that percent. If they call me with something better, and I think that I gave you a number yesterday, and I want to do it in public, I think for beginning, you know, that type of business, we deserve at least 25% of the profits. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That's the only way that I'm going to support that.

Madam Manager, are you going to respond?

Yes. As communicated during the agenda briefing on yesterday, this is allowing me to be able to negotiate with the company. And if I'm not satisfied after those negotiations, I have a responsibility to come back to the commission and we can always reject the proposal. We don't have to accept what's here.

Well, okay. Madam Manager, what I heard from you is that we have to pass this to you go and negotiate it with them. But what kind of warranty are you going to give them to us that they're going to go through that negotiation? If we pass it, we pass it. No? No. Okay, I want to be sure what I do.

No, I can always bring it back to the commission.

Okay, when that... 25%. Okay, thank you. Vice President Kelly?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I originally had sponsored legislation asking the manager to go out and get a vending machine or get some companies because in all of our facilities, whether it's here or the park or at Public Works where they're scheduled to be, there is no kind of refreshments. And if your staff here have indicated to me on many occasions, had it happen. If you're here and you're working, you can't go out, and you just want to get some kind of refreshment, vending machines allow that and also allow some revenue. Same thing at the park, same thing at Public Works. I'm not totally thrilled, which I indicated to manage about 17%, but I do believe she's going to negotiate, and if it comes back... to us because she feels it's not enough. I don't have a problem with that either. But either way it goes, we need to get something in these areas because for employees to have to leave many times, even for the launcher to get something, you know, parking is limited around here. So that's always a challenge. So I'm supportive of it. And as you said, Madam Manager, if it doesn't come back where it seems like it's not fair to undertake, because it's only a year contract, so we don't have to renew it. Both of the companies, matter of fact, have not been in business that long. And I express that to you, but I'm willing to support it tonight because I think we need to make a first step. It's been a long time. We were supposed to have this way before COVID. Many years we haven't had anything. And while I agree we want to maximize our revenue, we're leaving as the manager for you to negotiate. And if you feel it's not appropriate or not in our best interest, then bring it back and rebid it or whatever you might suggest. But we need to have something in these designated areas. as well and it's really simple uh revenue we know many parks many government buildings many establishments that have folks coming and going of traffic have those kind of amenities um so at least we're making the first first step thank you mr mayor all right yeah mr mayor mr mayor

Let me add something about that. I don't say I would like to support it yet for negotiation, but also I want to negotiate it with that company or the company's win that the prices that they have for the product, that's too high for my employments here in the city. I don't think the Opelika Publish World workers, they can afford, you know, a $2 can soda every day when they want to do it. I think it's too high. Okay, prices have to be reduced in two.

Madam Commissioner, madam manager. Thank you. Um, years ago as a booster club president, we tried to do it this in the parks cause we always needed something and I'm sure we employ you. I have faith that you will do and make the best decision negotiating with the company on behalf of the city. Thank you.

All right. We can go ahead and go on the question. Madam, um, clerk,

Commissioner Santiago?

For negotiating? Yes.

Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly? Yes. Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

Next item, 13-2.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, authorizing the city manager to enter into a facility use agreement with Lead by Example Elite, LLC, to provide a basketball program for the city at Shibondi Village, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for implementation, providing for scrivener's errors, and providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager.

All right, can I get a motion? Move it. Moved by Commissioner Santiago. Second. Second.

Second by the Commissioner Irvin was first. By Commissioner Irvin. Madam Manager, sorry. Lead by example, Elite is a prominent youth basketball development athletic program that trains players competitively. They have camps, they have skill sessions. The organization desires to conduct training and development sessions for youth basketball players. at Trebondi Village in the gymnasium, the outdoor courts, weight room, and the pool at Trebondi Village. They have requested to use various areas of the building on certain days. It will not be every day, all day long. And the user also desires to make improvements to the gymnasium, the indoor gymnasium at Shabandi Village. In addition, they have agreed to a monthly facility fee of $5,000, which would generate additional revenue for the city and also allow the city of Opa-locka youth to participate in the program at no cost.

All right. Mr. Santiago, I'll yield to you.

Thank you. Madam Manager, the only thing that I'd like to see is parking, recreation, you know, be revival, okay, and have a lot of activity, a lot of activity for everybody, for every single people that live in the great city of Opa-locka. We cannot include anybody, it's for everybody. That's one of my point that I want to make it clear here. It's a very good idea yet to have somebody privacy, you know, to doing that type of service that we don't have in the park. And I want to treat everybody with equal opportunity in the great city of Palaka. That's the only thing that I want to say about that resolution. I'm going to support it because that's for parking recreation and our resident. I want that they be the first one enjoying it, that kind of program. resident of Nopalaca, the resident for our city. Thank you.

Mr. Mayor.

Commissioner Bass.

Thank you. To the manager, I just want to know, will there be a contract? And if so, how long?

Yes, it is. It's for one year. However, we do, as well as the organization, have the authority to terminate the contract before the one year if we are not satisfied.

Okay. Thank you. All right, anyone else? Mr. Mayor? Vice Mayor Kelly?

Thank you. I was going to pull it, and my colleague didn't. I guess I'll be on the opposite side, and I shared this with the manager in my briefing. I cannot believe that we are going to privatize basketball when you have capable staff over there that can do basketball, number one. Number two... You have out right now for a parks and rec director, which you're going to fill that position at some point. I do not understand the urgency to do this without allowing whoever is hired to come in and develop their own plan of activities. That makes no sense to me. There's no urgency because we're really on the back end of basketball per se, the way we have our cycle. We're now in the midst really of football. So there's no urgency to do that. The idea of fixing the gym or whatever, we should be doing it anyway. And I've asked that for the last year, proposals. I think my colleagues asked about it. All of us have asked about it, really, about what it would cost to fix it and even hardening the whole building to be able to support hurricane preparedness. But I don't see the urgency to even do this at this point. And the other comment you made, and I want to be clear that maybe I didn't read it right because you said it won't be all day, but Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. to me is all day. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to me is all day. The weight room, Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. The pool, Tuesday and Friday, 4 to 6 p.m. And I get it scheduled priority. But basically you're tying the hands of whomever may come in for programming or for the use of the facility. Because 2 to 8 p.m. in the park really close at 8 or 9, they're in there all day. So what if you have kids who just want to come in and play? A dad wants to bring his son. A mom wants to bring their daughter just to shoot hoops. And they don't want to be a part of this organized, structured activity. They've got to come in for two, which they're in school, after eight, parks about to close, Saturday, nine to six, which is really the hours that you would be out. I don't understand the need or the urgency at this point to do this. I don't see it. If you want to invest some money with the young men you have over there that are more than capable, I think, of doing basketball, because I've seen them out there, that's fine. But I don't see the urgency to do this at this point. I don't see spending money, and I'm not swayed by the fact of them wanting to redo the building or whatever as a private entity. I'm not swayed by that either because we need to find dollars to do that ourselves or get a sponsor to do that. But we're tying up all hours. When we have these discussions about folks coming in to assist us in parks and rec and what have you, usually it's because it's something we can't do. We don't know what we can do because we don't have a park director because you've got to position out. But I'm going to go out on a limb because I've seen those two young men over there. They can cope. Matter of fact, I think they've done coaching. They've come here and received accolades, bring a trophy here from teams winning. So they can do that. But I can't see tying up the park and all of the hours, really, the primetime hours for a private entity. at this point. Now, we've exhausted, and when your new director, whoever it is, is hired and does an assessment of the staff and the department and say, we can't do it in-house, that's one thing. But I don't see the urgency to do this at this point, tying up all the hours. Because if I'm not a part of the program, and this is AAU. AAU is a lot more rigorous training than just going out there with recreational basketball. There's a lot more to it. And so I really challenge even why this would be here at this moment. Nothing against the organization, probably good organization, but for where we are right now, I don't think we need to do this until you get a part director and assess the whole department to tie your hands for a whole year and let alone the whole hours, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 to 6 on Saturday. That's the whole week. I'm not even talking about the pool, but that's the whole week that they have really exclusive use. And yes, I know they can have some of our kids in there, but I'm a realist. Folks go with the program where their kids are going at. And so I'm not going to support it because I don't think at this point it's something that we need to do. Again, tying our hands, we don't need to tie our hands. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor.

Thank you. To the sponsor, again, I remember that yesterday we'd be talking very, very clear about, you know, that program. And believe me that I feel comfortable when everything, your staff and myself, we'd be talking and dealing out there. And I know that we're going to receive some kind of revenue for that particular contract. If you're not making mistakes, $5,000 a month. And also, we'll be talking that they are going to help. They are going to help. Helping all the people in, you know, resident in Opelika to enjoying things that we not have access to enjoying it. I want to give you like an example. The whole summer, our pool, a beautiful pool that we have there in the great park of Chavandi, it be closed. Because they don't have any maintenance. They say that we have the power, you know, the people, you know, to run in that. But I see everything closed. I don't see no action in the whole summer. I'm very sorry to tell you that. One of my kids, my only boy that I have in my life, he tried to play basketball there in that pavilion that we have. And they don't let it go in. They don't because they say it's close. They want to know what is the service that we have now or the people that they came running because we already tried it. We already tried, but we need really professional people to come to helping us and teaching us and, you know, and letting us know how to run all this facility, beautiful facility that we have. Our people, they're not enjoying it right now for a lot of problems that we have there, especially in Chabondi. And I also, we've been talking that they're going to be in charge for the maintenance, for the maintenance of the basketball pavilion, for the swimming, for the pool, and also to painting the world from inside. For that. That's what I heard. Yesterday. Yes or no?

Oh, I'm wrong. They will be painting the indoor gymnasium.

The indoor, yeah. Main and the facility that they're renting. And I believe, though, the people from outside, they're going to have the privilege to come in, you know, and enjoy the park. Good. And I say yesterday that I like the work that you do in that part because today we have some beautiful outside part that a lot of children and family enjoying it. The new basketball court. Okay, the new playground. Come on. That's something that I can say that, yes, we have an outside. But inside, we need that. And I'm going to support it tonight. Thank you.

All right. Anyone else? All right, Madam Manager, I'll say I love what you're bringing to the city. It helps us, and I'm going to use the words of my colleagues, it's an organized, structured activity. And we talked about yesterday how we were looking for funding and this, that, and the third, so we have help that is coming in to provide that. And this is not an indictment on our employees. I believe that they can do it. But hey, we got somebody that's coming in to help facilitate and move the city forward. And I don't, the last time we had a basketball team was, and I think Commissioner Irving can probably answer this.

Two years ago.

No, they're playing.

We're going to go that route. You got the park person here. Can they come up and tell us what's going on with basketball and who over there can do basketball? Because I wasn't going to get that deep, but two of his players just played with the police department and their game over there. And I know they're more than capable of doing it.

So my point was, my point was, we're talking about restructuring our budget and moving monies and putting it where you're asking to invest more into that program. We're investing, we're investing. But here we have somebody that's coming in to take that burden off of the city. It's an Opa-locka program just ran by another organization, but it's an Opa-locka basketball team. So instead of our employees running it, who runs day-to-day, who runs rentals, who runs football, who runs track, who runs taking chairs, who runs cleaning the building, instead of them doing it, we have an organization that's going to come in, take over the program, not only take over the program, but going to pay us to do it. I mean, and it's not, we're not privatizing the park. We're not outsourcing the park. We're simply receiving help. And I don't think there's nothing wrong with it. And again, as mayor, this is not an indictment on our employees. No one is saying that you can't do it. No one is saying that they don't have the capability to do it. We know that you can do it, but we also know that you all have been stretched thin. Like you said, we don't have a parks director. We don't have one. So we're short, and we've been short-staffed in parks a long time. And even when we have rentals, they still have games. And then we got to bring in other people from other departments to act as park staff for the rental or for the city event while they're in out of town at a football game with the booster club. But now we have an organization who's coming in to assist, to assist Opa Locker, our Opa Locker team. I commend you. I commend you on this contract. It's actually a good contract. But Vice Mayor, I would like to hear from you. Yeah, I want to hear from Parks and Rec. What's your title?

Parks and Rec Superintendent.

And be honest.

No, no, I'm bummed. Got no choice. Oh, be honest. You want to be honest. We are capable of doing local basketball. what they're bringing to the table is basically year round basketball. And like the mayor said, we don't have the capabilities of doing that because we jumped from one sport to another. And still, like you say, doing rentals and taking care of other business. But like Vice Mayor said, we do have capable coaches that would still be a part of the situation, the contract or the program. So we will be a part of that as well. Yeah.

So, one second, Vice Mayor. So, Madam, and I just want to point out something that you said. I didn't even know that part. The program is going to integrate our coaches.

Mm-hmm.

So our staff will be there, but our staff is on our time. We're paying them, so they're not going to be working for them. But our staff will, of course, be there. And that person will be Mr. Trent Rowe, but he's a part-time employee. So he's not somebody that will be there every day, all day long. But when he's there, he would be there. But he's not working for that organization at all. So who does basketball now? We don't have anybody doing basketball. But if we were to have somebody, it would be Trent.

So the part-time employee was doing the basketball?

Yes, it was Trent.

Trenton Drayton.

But Drayton just became a rec leader. He was a lifeguard before. So it was Trenton.

Vice Mayor?

Thank you. I don't believe the point. I can count, but let me just put on the record. The agreement says desires to conduct training and development sessions for youth basketball players within the gymnasium, outdoor courts, weight room and pool access. And I gave it hours already. Conduct training and development sessions. Doesn't say anything about coaching in a league where our kids are there, where the trainers there, they're doing. It says conduct training and development sessions. That's not coaching in a league. I'm going by the agreement. Now, if they're going to do that, put it in agreement because agreement says that training. and conducting during development sessions. I'm fully aware of AAU and how it works, nothing against it. Y'all know I ran a park 17 years, I'm not against it. But if that's what they're going to do, be clear that's what they're going to do. They're going to utilize the park, If somebody's out there and participate, that's fine. But they've already got an established structure they're doing to develop and train players, not worry about getting in the league over wherever and having the kids there to play in the league on Tuesday and Saturday. That's not what this agreement says. Now, if they're going to undertake to do that, just put it in the agreement. That's the only thing I'm saying. Put it in the agreement, and that'll be fine because that's not what the agreement says. So my kid or your kid, anyone of our grandkids go out there, the way this reads, they got to be a part of this organization and they're going to get training and development sessions for basketball within our confined gym, outdoors, weight room, pool access. And the other reason why I don't like it because two to eight, again, takes up all the time. But if that's what I'm hearing now and that's what I'm hearing, then you make sure it's an agreement. That's all I'm saying. If you're going to do that where our kids are part and they're going to coach and do the league stuff, that's fine. But I know how AAU works, and they're developing and training. A lot of times they're traveling. That's really their focus. And I don't see that in the agreement. Now, if they're going to do that, Madam Manager, if that's what you're telling me they're going to do, I would just ask you to make sure you put that in your final verbiage of the agreement because that's what I'd like to see.

But we can call for the questions.

But Madam Manager, it's in the agreement that all Opelika kids can participate for free.

Yes. Yes. I'm going to answer.

Okay. So we can call the question, but if you can capture, if this so passes, Madam Manager. I will. Capture that in the final agreement, if this should pass. Sure. Go ahead. Sorry.

So I don't think anybody up here is... in the parks as much as I am. And I say that to say, I like this. I like this, because I know from two to eight most times, nobody is in the gym. Nobody is even, is not being occupied. So we have somebody that's gonna come in, do all that they are promising to do, and include our children for free. Most times people come, they wanna give you two children for free, maybe five children for free. This is any Opelika kids that come that wanna be a part of for free. I like the item. I'm gonna support the item tonight. Thank you.

All right, Madam Clerk, we can go ahead and call the question.

Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly?

No.

Commissioner Santiago?

For bringing life to the party, yes.

Mayor Taylor?

Yes.

Motion passes 4-1.

All right, moving on to item 13, 5, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Florida, accepting estimate number 1, 3, 7, 7, and estimate number 1, 3, 7, 8 from my lawn service, Inc. For the 1 time restoration of pine tree lake, any combined amount not to exceed 38,500 dollars, authorizing the city manager to execute the service. Contract attached here to providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for scrivener's errors and providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager.

I'm going to get a motion move it move by commission Santiago 2nd by commissioner. Um, commercial center. I got you.

Oh, I didn't the manager. I'm sorry. Thank you.

The City Commission adopted Resolution No. 26-048, which in part directed the City Manager to take all necessary steps to expand the City's canal maintenance initiatives to include a one-time restoration of Pine Tree Lake. Staff engaged Solitude Lake Management and Milan Service LLC to fulfill this request. we did receive two proposals back the proposal from my lawn included um the canal in addition to removing trees and that cost was thirty eight thousand five hundred dollars the quote we received back from solitude was thirty six thousand nine hundred eighty five dollars however it did not include the removal of the additional vegetation trees and shrub shrubbery all right uh

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Mayor. We're going to be talking something very important here. Yesterday, Madam Manager, I want to congratulate you because you really have a strong hand when any of you directors for any department come and talk and they don't say the truth. I remember you tell Mr. Austin for published work. No, just keep on going and tell him, you know, that there's two bit, two people, you know, or two company. Okay, they presenting, you know, for the bit. And he mentioning, let me say something. You say for $36,000, but we have here writing $35,000, the second company. Now, my question is, my question is, Who cleaned the canals that we have around the great city of Opa-locka?

So the city has a contract with Miami-Dade County. However, it has not been executed yet. So we've been doing that. We've been getting a contractor to try to keep our canals clean until that agreement with the county is fully executed. Right now, to this day, it's still not executed.

OK, that's something that is good to be, you know, making clear in me by private company. Yes, they are the one doing it. But we're going to get we're going to get a reverse money back. OK, for that work that we do, because we pay it now or we'll pay for it.

We are paying, but we're not going to be reimbursed because we're not paying the county because they're not providing the service until the contract is executed. The county is not doing the work because the contract is not executed. So what we're doing, we're paying for it.

Yeah. Let's let's leave that to the side because it's not part of this resolution. My you know, my question is when I asking, you know, Mr. Austin, OK, what kind of experiences these two companies have to clean a lake? We're not talking about we're not talking about a canal, a lake, OK, a lake around a neighborhood. And he said, the company, okay, that we try to hide in tonight, that's a company that's been working here for long, I know. They had experience to clean canals and lake. I never see it in myself, but that's what Mr. Austin said, okay? Another thing is, I don't understand how can, well, your department sending out that bid, Okay, company, they're supposed to read everything that you're asking for. And in that list, I know and for sure, and I want to see it, is there what are you asking for? To clean the water and cut, you know, the trees around. I don't think that company is going to lose a contract. or whatever, because they say, yeah, we're going to do it for $35,000, and they don't see that they have to cut the trees. It's incredible. It is incredible. And my point is, we try to save money all over around for our budget, to balance our budget. And we are spending sometimes more than we have to pay it. If a company do it for $3,500, I don't know why we have to go for the more expensive company. Only like that because you told me, oh, Mr. Rousey say, oh, no, they don't cut no tree. How they're going to come to a competition when they know what is the rules that you're writing in that paper that say you have to clean the water, you have to dry the fish, you have to cut the grass, you have to trim the tree. They know. They know. I I'm not a little kid, you know, for believe that, that a company is going to say, I want to do it for $35,000. And they know that they have to do everything that we're asking for, for that money. I want to leave it like that. I want some kind of explanation. And if we need or my colleague need more information about that bit, I think that we deserve to have it.

Thank you. Madam Manager, again, thank you for bringing this to our front. I was the one that proffered that bill, that legislation. I know myself and Vice Mayor Kelly have been advocating because we've been listening to the residents in the area who've been wanting to get this done.

Mayor, when you finish. I said when you finish.

Okay. As I don't understand what commission.

You don't understand what I, you don't understand what I explained. I understand what you're saying, but my point is. I'm not against the resolution. I want the pass.

Okay. I was going to say. That's not a management or procurement issue that the, the person that read it didn't agree to the terms that we set forth. The manager put it out. is their right to respond based on what they say. Then they also say, well, I can do this, but I'm not doing this. I'll do this, but I'm not. Is that okay? I don't think any of us have a dog in the fight. We know my lines because they've been here for the longest and the other people. I think we were introduced to them with... That's a company that submitted a proposal. So I think I just want to say it done. Only thing I am... Little concerned about Madam Manager, because I am going to support the item. It's the next step, the aftermath. And I know that we requested as a commission to clean the lake. But then after we clean the lake, we need to develop something with the residents going forward. And even when they brought it to us, they agreed that, hey, y'all can clean it. We can maintain it. And that was stated on the record by the residents that live in that area. So I know we talked about doing a special taxing district or some kind of HOA or some kind of something to organize them so that after, if this so passes, if this is clean, we do that one-time cleaning, then they'll maintain it going forward. So that's my only concern, unless that's coming at a separate later date and more opportune time.

So that is a concern that I think all of us have. And staff, I told, I directed staff, once we do this one-time cleaning, we need to continue with that process because that process of that special taxing district stemmed as resolution, as legislation. It was a directive from the commission. So we were following that directive when we started that special taxing district. So if the commission don't want me to continue that, then... let me know because we were only following that directive.

No, I think we're, I know, I can only speak for me. I want you to figure out a path forward, but I also want you to clean the lake. But I think that's something that we can do at the same time simultaneously, at the same time so we can make sure that it's Moving. Okay. All right. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The resolution I was passed before I asked you to go out and do the analysis, get the cost of what it would take to clean. And I appreciate you bringing that back. I have been working with some of those residents for probably almost two years on trying to get a resolution issue. But I'm not going to support it tonight. But a simple fact is still private property. And I wish you would have elaborated, but I want you to elaborate or have someone. We've been working on this over a year and a half now. And one of the major challenges is the county will not be involved in this because they consider it private property. There is no homeowners association. And I've actually tried to research. There's no organized group. And the county actually went out when I first started this over a year and a half ago. And please bring Mr. Austin up so he can verify it. And one of the challenges was they could not get enough of the owners to commit to a taxing district or to commit to paying for it because it's private property. I understand the idea of it needing cleaning, But I'm very concerned that the county would not even entertain a one-time cleaning or getting involved with it or even assisting because it's considered private property. And by their designation, it's supposed to have a homeownership or homeowners association, which apparently it doesn't. So it's there. So in addition to the fact of one-time cleaning and where do we go from here, which is probably a concern, I don't see the taxing district because the county actually tried that. And Mr. Mayor, through the manager, I'd like Mr. Austin to address that point of it because that was even contemplated and brought forth. And I want him to elaborate because he's the manager's person on it.

Ari Austin, Public Works Director. We tried this process with the special tax and district. The county contacted a vendor to provide an estimated cost for the initial cleanup. That was spread among the residents that responded to the requests for for the next step was to go to a special rush referendum for all those who wanted to participate. The initial cost was $1,000 to $1,400 per resident to do the initial cleanup. When we asked for supporting residents that wanted to support the special tax and district, we only got two members responded positively to the request. So we could not proceed because the county required at least 50% of the residents in that vicinity to be part of the special tax and district for the process to work. So we tried and failed with the residents or a special tax and district at that time.

Okay, I don't want to say failed. They just did not respond. We're not interested. And so therefore the county just basically said, we will not get involved. We're not going to touch it because that's the way the process works because those individuals that own the homes are benefiting from it. And so therefore they had to take, just like when you do lighting, special lighting district. So it's not like we didn't try that route and there's no organized group to even point to. I know the gentleman and a couple of residents over there, because I've been talking to him for, like I said, almost two years, but you could not even get 50% of those who own the property, not maybe living there, but the owners of the property to make a commitment to sharing the costs. So now fast forward, it is bad. It looks bad. Residents come before us. We want to clean it. And I get it on one hand, but I also get when I go to Meet Me Monday, when residents say, we're not cleaning our own canals along Burlington or over off 135th, and because of staffing, because of whatever, but we're going to take these dollars and basically spend them in private facility or a private area to clean it. I get it to our residents, but they have to have some authority use lack of better term skin in the game because afterwards, once we clean it again, what happens then? What happens then? Cause we're committing $38,000 to, to do this one time. Uh, but again, it's private property. I think it sets a bad precedent when you go on to private and do this. Um, When clearly there's a path to get it done and the way it's done in most cities, most areas. And that's why I went to the county first, because they have the capability set up the taxing districts. They reached out to the owners of the property. Am I correct, Mr. Austin? They did it, not us. And they didn't get a response. And so therefore they backed off. And I communicated that to a couple of owners who've come before us. And I know they want to clean. I get it. But I'm very hesitant to commit public dollars to private something that opens up a Pandora's box of how bad it is. And the second part, what is the plan once we clean it? because the taxing district the county won't participate they've already said that it wasn't work we don't have an identified homeowners association and i don't know if the managers found that out because i said in my briefing if there was a homeowner association to be held accountable that you could negotiate have meetings with or whatever and i don't know mr mayor if i could ask that to the manager were you able to ascertain that or not no as of today we were not able to identify that

information. We can't find it. I mean, we're going to continue to see if we can find something, but as of right now, no.

Okay, so cleaning it. Then after that, what do we do? But again, I'm going back to my original statement. Nothing against the residents. They are our residents. I get it. But that development is a private development. And it goes back to the same challenge we had years ago with Villa Francine. It's a private development. And so when you go into private development doing things, it can get very risky spending tax dollars, in my opinion. If there was a commitment by even 20, 30, 40%, then I may have a better comfort level. But at this point, there's no commitment except for how many? Two people. Two owners.

Yes, sir.

And that's documented through the county, correct?

That's documented.

Okay, so it's not me making up numbers. So if you're going to pass it to do it, number one, I guess I'd ask the question, Madam Manager, where would those dollars come from?

Where do those dollars come from? The dollars would be coming from our stormwater fund. Stormwater? Yes. Okay, which is used for? Our stormwater management programs, cleaning drains, cleaning canals, and the like.

Okay, so what do I tell residents? And they would just have me be Monday. And Mr. City Manager, Mr. Ellis was there because he heard it. Residents were complaining about the canals around our city not being cleaned enough, not being maintained enough. But yet we're going to spend $37,000 for private development because the answer was we're doing as best we can. We don't have the manpower. We don't have the staffing. So why wouldn't we take that $38,000 if we got it and do additional cutting of our thoroughfares, our alleyways, our whatever, particularly the canal area because that's what we're talking about. for those who actually are doing it. It's not private. That's the concern I have. It's not against trying to clean up. Like I said, I've been working on this for over two years, but when the county decided, here's the process you need to go, and I hear the whole idea about a taxing district, but Madam Manager, I wish you would just Be forthright. It's not going to occur when you can't get folks to participate. There's no mechanism to make folks participate in a taxing district when you can't even identify and get them to make a commitment. So we're going to clean it just so we're going to clean it. It's going to be clean. And then you worry about the rest later because there's no path forward at this point because you don't even have an identifiable group. to even go to, to negotiate, to say, okay, we're going to clean it, and that's in your hands. You don't even have that. And that's why the county backed off. So I'm reluctant to spend taxpayer dollars coming out of the drain, whatever, to do it, stormwater funding for private entity. And I know that sounds rough or whatever, but I'm concerned about that. I wish there was another way that we could just get a buy-in, 20%, 25%, 30%. But two residents out of how many? Four to six residents. Forty-six homeowners' properties, because some people are renting, they don't own. So you had to identify the owners. That was a task in itself, because they had to go to the owners, not the renters. Forty-six, we got two. Well, the county got two. So that's the concern I have. Again, nobody wants to see that canal clean more than me, but I'm reluctant to use those dollars for a private entity. at this point. But Madam Manager, I guess you're recommending it. So I guess we'll see how you proceed on recouping or getting an agreement.

Mr. Mayor. No, one second. Why are you still here? Because I want you to tell the whole story. The letter that was received from the residents talked about the $1,000. For the initial cleanup, that was the special taxing district, which is why the residents in that area said no.

$1,000 to $1,400. That's correct.

Okay. Then when they came to the community, I think they gave two numbers or something like that?

If my memory serves me correctly. $1,000 to $1,400 for initial service. And the residents said. Continuing services was going to be about $1,000.

The resident said that we don't want to pay for the initial cleanup because there's a lot of money. What's the... You got to do it right now.

It's going to be...

I'm talking about the initial one.

It would be collected in the non-advalorum taxes. Going forward? Yes. That's where it was going to lay with the non-advalorum taxes. Yes.

And then I think when we did the number, it was less after we cleaned it up for the first time, right? Of the county?

It was never cleaned during my tenure.

No, no, no. I'm talking about after we cleaned it, then there was a second number that this is what it would be going for.

Yes, the $1,000. After the initial cleanup, it will be less.

No, but I don't think it was $1,000.

That's the recommendation given by the county. Yes, sir.

But the letter that was received, my impression, because this is what the residents and the county said, that that first payment had to be paid immediately for the initial cleanup. The initial cleanup, which is why we had that uproar and said that we got to pay $1,000. Do you remember that? It started at the park during an event. And a bunch of residents came with that paper. They had just got it. They came with that paper saying, why do we have to pay open locker? 1000 something dollars for a cleanup of the lake. Which is the reason how this all started spiraling now again, we all want to clean and I think we shouldn't clean it because it's not the 1st time that we've cleaned it and we clean our other canals and our other lakes. And that body of water goes into our canals and to our lakes. So I don't understand why we going back and forth with this particular. It's not a far fetch idea. We've done it before. We've even tried to buy property so that we can have an ingress and egress into the lake. So that the city can clean it up.

We did buy property for ingress and egress.

Right. So, and we had residents that came out and said that they would agree moving forward if the city cleaned it up first, which is what I was asking, like I said, my manager, to just do it simultaneously. And only one time. One time. Yeah. And I live down the street from that. It looks a mess. It's vegetation growing in people's yards. It's even coming out. I don't think there's nothing wrong with the city of Opelika making this sacrifice for the residents in that area. I'm sorry. We've done it before. We're continuing to do it. And we do it, we consider it as a facade program. Like we do with our housing or when we do with our own businesses, consider it as that. And I understand that we were looking for permission to do this, but this is not far fetched and it has been done in other places, including here. We can canvass the neighborhood and get permission from the residents to do a one-time cleanup of that lake.

So we're doing the one-time cleanup, Mr. Mayor. I don't have a problem with putting together something. We can send it to those same residents, have them agree to something moving forward. But again, I can't make them. If only two responded, I'm not sure what the response that we'll get back. But I can definitely put together something.

I'm like, I'm, I'm two sided. Cross that bridge when we get to it. But we're here now. It's, it's nobody wants to live like that. So as you all know, I've been out canvassing. My husband and I

were invited for something else, but it was on the lake. It has to do with a water leak. And there is no way Natasha Irvin would want to live in a house and that be my backyard. No way. So I am in agreement of us cleaning it one time and the residents, taking it up from there. I support it. I would not. At the end of the day, it's still, it's Opelika and it looks, it's not inviting.

We have the second highest millage rate in the state of Florida. This is the least we can do for our residents. 0.97 is our military. That's staying the same this year.

I understand that's a long agenda, but let me finish with this for the record. Okay, this is something that we promise, and we talk to all the neighborhoods out there. The only thing that I pull it out is because I see and I'm not... to satisfy for the way that you staff choose the company. But it's not a problem with me. I'm supported as 100% because I know and I remember the mayor and commissioner, we agreed to do that cleaner for one time. After that, They know and they're going to do anything and we're going to keep them working to see what we do. But they know there's only one time because that happened already in 2013. Okay. And it's going to repeat it again now in 2016. OK, and I think that we do something good. I know the morning is very tight. OK, and we're going to get money from somewhere. And that's the only reason that I say why we're doing something for 3850 when we can do it for 35 is that. But I'm supporting the, you know, the proposal. I supported that item tonight, okay, to clean that lake because it's look bad.

Mr. Mayor?

Very bad. But that's the only problem. If we can save another $3,500, let's go. That's the only thing that I say. But I supported that item. Vice Mayor?

Thank you. Since you're going to find 38,000 to do it one time, I'd like to see your follow-up analysis of how you're going to get them to commit to do it. The owners, not people maybe, but the owners to do it. And secondly, and I'm going to say this publicly, whenever I or one of my colleagues call about canal cleaning and needs to be cleaned and needs to be cleaned out, there should be no reservation about getting it done. because they're not in private development. They're in public space. So I'm gonna say that publicly. I'm gonna say that publicly, because I've sent you numerous times of canal cleaning issues, and we're trying. You've got a private company, you come in to supplement, because the county not doing it. So I'm just stating that on the record, so when you see it, you'll know exactly why. So based on what you're saying, I'm gonna support it one time, But it's still private development, and I think we're risking ourselves to open up when we start doing things on private. And I say that to you in private, and that's why I'm saying it in public. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

We can call for the vote. All right. Madam Clerk.

Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago.

Let's clean the lake.

Yes or no? Yes. Commissioner Bass? Yes. Mayor Taylor?

Let's clean the... Motion passes. That's my man. Moving on to item 1315.

a resolution of the city commission of the city of opelika florida authorizing the city manager to execute change order number three to the contract with shift construction and development llc in an amount not to exceed sixty eight thousand three hundred sixty five dollars and eighty four cents for supplemental work necessary to complete the lift station Number nine, rehabilitation project, increasing the total authorized construction contract amount to $1,432,898.08, authorizing execution of related documents, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for scrivener's errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager. All right, can I get a motion? I'm missing.

Second. Second. Moved by Commissioner Bass.

Second by Commissioner Santiago. Okay. Mr. Mayor. Okay. Before we call in the manager to explain it to us.

We got to do it. We have no choice.

Okay, well, I, I pull it out by mistake. That's not the 1 that I want is the 16. Hey, go ahead and go ahead and go ahead and let me stay. I'm sorry.

It's okay. It's too late now.

The city entered into an agreement with ship construction and development LLC for the replacement of list station 9, located at 3, 4, 0, Seaman Avenue. During construction, the project encountered a series of operational requirements, unforeseen underground utility conflicts, and resulted in site modifications that required two previous contract amendments. This contract amendment will address the additional bypass, MOT, sidewalk, and mag meter vault. Do you have any questions?

Any questions or concerns to the manager about this item? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, call the question, please.

Vice Mayor Kelly?

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Mayor Taylor?

Yes. Motion passes 5-0. All right, moving on to item 1316.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, directing the City Manager to take all necessary steps to evaluate and, if lawful, safe, and in the best interest of the City, remove the barricade at the end of Alibaba Avenue and Railroad Drive, Directing the city manager to seek professional opinions for said revenue review to include the areas of traffic safety, emergency access, and utilities. Providing for incorporation of recitals. Providing for implementation. Providing for scrivener's errors. And providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly.

All right. Can I get a motion? Move it. Second. Second by Vice Mayor Kelly. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The resolution is really self-explanatory just for the manager to evaluate in consultation with the obviously police department, all those who would be impacted, including first responders going in the area, to see if it's feasible, if it's the best course of action to take that barricade, which is already kind of torn down anyway, down and open up total access going into 151st on the other side. Of course, we know that has a long history of barricades being throughout. And that was one of the few that was left up initially many years ago when I proposed getting the other ones down. And of course, it never came back for any analysis. So I'm just asking the manager to do that now to open it up if it deemed feasible to do that and see if it is doable. And that's intended resolution.

I yield to Commissioner Irving. You can pull the item.

Okay. Yes, I pulled the item because I was concerned as far as the as it coming down because I know that there's plans to build apartment complexes and stuff like that over there and I don't want us to be back in the situation that we were in years ago because once it gets once it comes down it's going to be a problem getting them back up if need be if we it's going to be too late at that point I don't think we're ready for it. I had conversations with some of the residents over there and it actually makes them feel somewhat safe knowing that the barricade is there. So I don't agree with it. At this time, I don't.

Yeah, Mr. Mayor.

Commissioner Santiago?

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is the item, too. Thank you for Commissioner Irving to pull it up. And this is the one also that I want to discuss with the sponsor. Um, it sound is look like, you know, like a good idea, you know, to left, you know, the emergency vehicles and, you know, passing through from one side to the other one. But the same thing the, um, my colleague commissioner Irving say that she walk and talk to the, uh, uh, people that live there in that particular area there in Alibaba. And to the owners of the store, low grocery store. And they tell me that that's a very bad idea. And I don't understand because we open that size there. What we're going to have there is a speed racing, people running like crazy and putting danger, whatever future people going there to live, kids and everybody. I have a suggestion to the sponsor. It's not a bad idea to ask it to the other side. And they say to me that why we don't open one of the side barricades that we have by 151st. And they talking the one that take everybody directly to the famous restaurant, Curly, that one, to the sponsor. That's what they talking about if we wanna do something like that. to see if we can open one of the sides in 151st, because they say when they want to go to that place, to that restaurant there, they have to go all the way around 151st, turn and go all the way to the other side, you know, to get to that. I understand. Like, you know, that be closing already for many decades, if I believe. And the reason why that we closed that area is because how valuable crime that we have there, drugs and everything. And today, thanks for the great work that we be doing together, because we doing it together. When our police department, that's one of the most safety area that we have, the famous triangle. In my suggestion to the sponsor, I like to support in that, but let's see the story that the manager is going to do. Okay, to see if we can open one of the sides for 151st. I forgot the name for the road, but that's a road that goes all the way to the corner of Curley, that restaurant. That's what they asked me to say tonight. Many of the neighbors and the owners said, from low grocery. And they say something to my colleague. They say that the problem is there, Madam Manager. I don't know that we are in charge to that barricade in Alibaba, the city. Okay, it's nothing like illuminating that barricade. If we can do something to illuminate it like that, people know that it is there from the other side. Thank you.

All right. Could I respond to that? Thank you. The resolution does not tell the manager to take it down. The resolution just asked the manager to evaluate and see if it's in the best interest to take it down. It doesn't say take it down. It says to evaluate in consultation with all those entities first responders, business people, whomever, because I've had conversations with folks who said the exact opposite because they feel they are entrapped and the other part is open. I don't have a problem with evaluating and you bring it back to us. I don't have a problem with looking at the suggestion. I'm not sure which street that is. My colleagues mentioned it. I don't have a problem looking at that. But I'm also looking at the fact, to my colleague Commissioner Irvin, proactively, we are anticipating development. and you've got to be able to come in from some other places other than 22nd Avenue and filtering around, and that's why I want the evaluation because you may determine because you're already involved in knowing some of the folks who may be proposing because we have property, CRA does, and other entities, and there are discussions about development that the county may be doing, so we know it's going to increase the number of vehicles, the traffic, and folks, so that's why I wanted to do this to give you an opportunity to evaluate. It's not just a safety measure in terms of fire or police getting in there, it's also looking forward. Because you may determine as a part of your analysis, keep it up, maybe the one that my colleague's suggesting, that's the better, or just paint it for the moment as you're developing the plan for whatever development of homes or housing comes. But it does not direct you to take it down. It directs you to evaluate. And so I want to be clear to my colleagues that's what it's designed to do. And I have a problem with the amendment that my colleague wants to offer for you to look at other possibilities. I don't have a problem with that either. I don't know which role specifically. He said by Curly, so I don't know which one is that by the Cultural Arts Building.

No, it's a restaurant, a famous restaurant there they say they're talking about.

There's another barricade on Grant. Yeah. Well, it's called Bobby Bradley now, but that one is... That's what they call him?

That's what you're talking about?

I think so, yeah. That's a restaurant there.

No, no.

In Alibaba.

There's a restaurant right by the cultural art, by our building, right down the street from our building, but there's no barricade there. There is another area that has a barricade, though.

No, the barricade is all the way down to 151st. Yes. Yeah, and that's what they say. If we can take down one of these barricades to go through, you know, and go to the middle of that place or whatever it is, the restaurant, that's what they're asking.

Okay, I don't promise. I'm just sure where you're talking about.

Because you said Curly, so that's why I'm not sure. I probably confused the name, Vice Mayor. It's the restaurant there, Vice Mayor.

I'm going to say this, Madam Manager. Thank you, Vice Mayor, for bringing this. I've always wanted to bear a case down. It imprisons our residents. Opelika is not the same Opelika. We even have a gang that is portraying us in a bad light because of that area. And we all know because it's been all over TikTok. And it's all about Opelika and the triangle and the drugs and the speeding and everything negative about Opelika. But in here, we have an opportunity to change the narrative of that area. And we can start with airing it out by removing those barricades. I've been asking to do that for the longest. So I would proffer, and my amendment is to look at all the barricades coming down to make that neighborhood a regular neighborhood and not a prison. Because essentially that's what we're telling our residents. You're in prison. And I understand the business owners that don't want it to come down. And we know why they don't want it to come down. But the residents feel trapped. There's a one way in and a one way out. And even in that area now, it's not the same triangle. It's not the same. People walk their dogs over there. You have professionals that live in that area now. Police officers, teachers, principals that live in that area. All of which says they feel like they're in a prison. But that area is not the same. And I'm going to go back to what I said. We have a video game that is out that is portraying Opelika because of that area in a bad light. Here we have an opportunity. And you said something earlier about the development that is coming. But we need to let them know that that area is changed. It looks bad. The barricades are falling apart. And those are our barricades. It's built up trash. The street ain't, it's not fixed. Let's air that area out, remove those barricades and make that an actual neighborhood. Thank you, Vice Mayor, for bringing this. And I do want to co-sponsor it. But my amendment is to look at doing all of the barricades, not just that particular one. Open that area up like every other area in the city of Opelika. What makes them any different? And that's my two cents. Am I done? You can add your dime.

Madam, Mr. Mayor, I don't have a problem with either amendment from the mayor or Commissioner Sunday. I mean, you can look at the whole process. I just wanted to have it evaluated. And then you can come out with your recommendation, whether it's all of them or just that one. Because again, it does not say, do you go take them down tomorrow? It says to evaluate, bring back to commission. We may decide after evaluation analysis, who knows what public safety is going to say, who says, who knows how the folks that are developing or potential development, how they may feel about it. This is just to give us the information to make the best informed decision possible. going forward. So I just want to be clear, it's not to take it down, it's to evaluate. And so it's a friendly amendment. I don't have a problem accepting both amendments from my colleagues on the item and bring it back to us. I didn't even put a time date certain on it because I know it could take you a while to evaluate, especially when you got to deal with outside county and all of that. So that's why I didn't put a time certain on it. So Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me say this. Okay, yeah, I heard, you know, positive things right now in this discussion. I think it's necessary to pass, you know, and sending the manager to investigate it and do, you know, the story about all the barricades, because they're going to come back to us, and then we're going to take the decision. It's a very good idea, okay, from my colleagues and from the sponsor, And, yeah, let's support him tonight. And when he comes back, there we can discuss anything or any problem that the president brings to us.

Thank you. Dr. Beth?

Thank you. I'm going to support it for the evaluation. But as that's happening, I would like to see us have a roundtable with those persons in that area. So hear exactly how they feel about it, because sometimes on the professional level, we don't gel. We don't see the same. But I would like for us to be able to sit with the residents one on one as a group to really hear what they have to say alongside the evaluation from the professionals. Thank you.

All right. Um, so the amendment that I'm proffering is to madam clerk to do all barricades. And I think it encompasses, um, commissioner Santiago's as well because he wanted to do the one on grant

behind the restaurant. It's coming from 154, but I forgot the name for the street. All right. Yeah, but we can.

Madam.

Mr. Mayor, if you would allow us to redo that and bring it back as a resolution on the next commission agenda so that it is clear that it's all barricades, because it's too much to cipher through right now. Got it.

But I'm not the sponsor. You have to speak to the sponsor.

Why is it too much again? There's specific addresses. The resolution is very, very specific as to a specific area at the end of that street or something like that. I don't know what all the barricades are. I would just like to be able to look at it to make sure that it encompasses, if that's what passes the amendment, that encompasses the intent of what you're voting for. One second, Reshmaa.

If you don't mind, can we pass it as is tonight and then allow Vice Mayor to bring something, a subsequent item to address those?

Absolutely, yes. Do you mind?

Okay with that? And since everybody, I assume it's an agreement on, yeah, that's fine. We can pass this in the next meeting, next agenda, just bring it back and it would encompass looking at all of them because you're going to be doing it at the same time. Okay. All right, Madam Clerk.

Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly? Yes. Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

All right, moving on to item number 1370.

A resolution of the city commission of the city of Florida, directing the city manager to establish and implement procedures to ensure that work performed within the city or on city owned property to the extent subject to the city's authority complies with the city charter code of ordinances, land development regulations, permits, contracts, agreements and applicable law requiring the prompt identification documentation mitigation of damage to city owned property. requiring prompt written notice to persons or entities potentially responsible for such damage, authorizing cost recovery and referral to the city attorney, providing for implementation, providing for scrivener's errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly. Can I get a motion?

Move it. Move by Commissioner Santiago. Second by Vice Mayor Kelly. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Really? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, We've had challenges in the past with folks doing things or hitting stuff or damaging city property. And we really don't have anything in place to recoup the loss or even to try to recover damages. I thought we did, but apparently I guess we don't. So the resolution kind of establishes, as I said, some procedures. So when folks are doing work in the city or on city-owned property, they comply obviously with all the ordinances and everything that's done but also allows us to be able to go after those dollars that may be available because of someone damaging city property when they're working or when they're doing something that we wind up paying for and never recouping the dollars So that's the intent of the resolution to recover and refer, you know, refer the city attorney for recovery and whatever process needs to take place. Because a lot of times, even with a light pole, I know we think about digging underground and hitting them pole, but even the light pole that somebody may damage or hit, they got insurance. But a lot of times we don't even recoup that or don't go after it. We don't even go after that money. We fix it. We repair it. Staff has to do it. We got to get outside contractor and we're eating the loss. The resolution is designed to empower the manager to go after those situations and where applicable, try to recover the money that the city has lost to those damages. That's the intended resolution, Mr. Mayor.

All right, Mr. Santiago, you go first. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and to the sponsor. I think that's a great idea, what you bring to us today. And I'm looking at what your proposal is, and I agree with that, because I don't know if that's part of this agreement that we're going to have in the future. My fence in the alley in my house is be hit for one of the company that the city hiding, you know, to clean the alley. And they destroyed my fence. And that's years ago. And I try, you know, to blame in the city or whatever that company. I never be compensated, okay, to fix my fence. Never. Nobody, you know, nobody be responsible for that. And the reason why did I say that? Because we have so many, so many things around the city to the sponsor that we supposed to have some more strict rules and regulation in now shadow. And I want to give you something you say. Somebody go and hit one of the properties we have. We don't know if we're going to get paid or not. That's a situation because we have to go and fix it ourselves. And also, we have people there outside too, my colleague, that they own the city so much money. We're talking about a fortune. And the city never do anything about it to collecting that money. They get off. They go and they do whatever they want. And probably this is not the ordinance that I like to tell my colleagues to make an amendment and added something there to go after too by Mayor Kelly, after the people that they own a lot of money in the liens, liens for the houses. I heard from my department of law here one day that we don't have no jurisdiction to go and make any house a foreclosure. And I said, how can Opa Loca don't have that opportunity to do that, to collect the money that they owe to us? And I have a letter. I forgot to bring it. And I'm going to give in a copy to all my Cali. I want to give it an example for the other city next to us, our neighbor, Hialeah. I don't know if they're doing it because they are Cubans. Okay. I don't know. Probably. But they have love there. And a friend of mine have a house there. And for $60,000, they're going to make it a foreclosure because he don't pay it. Or he pay the $60,000 or the city go after that property. And that's what I want to tell you. It's a very good idea, Vice Mayor Kelly, but I hope, if it's possible, you know, to add something to, okay, to we go after people that owe millions and dollars, millions and dollars here in the great city of Palaka. Thank you.

Commissioner Santiago, I think I can speak to Vice Mayor. We all agree with you on the foreclosures. We've been pushing for that for the longest of time. So, but this is not that. So, I would suggest that you...

proper something. Okay.

And I think you will have the support of all of us agree with that. No, we started the process, but it was nothing set in place to actually go forward. But I remember we passed legislation to start the foreclosure process, but we never got, we never went. Mr. Mayor.

Mr. Mayor? Yes, I just want to correct the record. I have never had a conversation with Commissioner Santiago where I told him.

You say that in public here once.

I have never had a conversation where I have said that you can't. I just want to finish just really quickly where I've said that the city can't foreclose. What I intended to say, if it was misunderstood, is that the city can foreclose. However, you have to understand what you're foreclosing on. There are a number of different issues you have to consider. You have to know that a lot of these foreclosure liens that are on these properties have been for a long time. We got it.

Can I just say they're a priority lien? That's not because it's going to go somewhere else. But there's a misunderstanding clearly. Sit with Commissioner Santiago. You all create the process and bring it back before the commission. The process is a legal process. We have a long agenda matter. Okay, very well. I just wanted to put it on the record.

Okay. Very well.

Yeah, I don't want to discuss it anymore, but I'm going to tell my city attorney in person. Okay, thank you.

All right. Vice Mayor Kelly, thank you for the item. Madam Manager, this came up, you know, during the 99 findings, and they specifically talked about people that take advantage of Opelika, owe us money and run away and not come back.

So thank you for bringing this up.

We addressed it, a little bit of it during the 99 findings, but I think this actually completes that.

completes that um that thought um so we can go ahead and call the question and move on commissioner bass yes commissioner irvin yes vice mayor kelly yes commissioner santiago yes mayor taylor yes motion passes five zero last item on the consent 13 18

A resolution of the city commission of the city of Opelika, Florida, directing the city manager to provide Spanish and Creole interpretation services at all city meetings and hearings, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for direction to the city manager, providing for scrivener's errors, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Commissioner Santiago.

All right. Can I get a motion? Move it. Moved by Commissioner Santiago. Second. All right, this item dies for lack of a second. All right, moving on to item 15A1.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida to consider the site plan application for the development of a concrete batching plant with the required parking and landscaping on the property located at 13060 Cairo Lane and identified by folio 08-2128-003-0620 in the I-4 zoning district provided for an effective date. This is sponsored by the City Manager.

All right. This is a public hearing item. Can I get a motion?

Move it.

Move by Commissioner Irvin. Second. Second by Commissioner Santiago. Madam Manager, I'll let you go ahead and present and then we'll open up for public hearing. Where's Mr. Gates at the end?

The applicant proposes to redevelop the 3.42-acre property at 13060 Carroll Lane, Opa-locka, Florida, from its historic junkyard and used auto parts used into a modern concrete batching plant. The site is zoned. I-4 liberal industrial storage and salvage and designated industrial under the city's comprehensive plan. This item was presented to the PZAP board on June 2nd and received a 4-0 vote. Mr. Gay will be available at that time to ask any questions you may have.

All right, this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open.

Mr. Mayor, one moment. May I, to the manager? Just a quick question. I didn't understand what she said the last part of it. Did you say the 4-0?

Yes.

Okay, thanks.

Public hearing is open.

PB, Lupita D Montoya, Audrey Dominguez 1147 Jen avenue also a board member for the planning and zoning. PB, Lupita D Montoya, When this was presented to us. PB, Lupita D Montoya, If you can clearly see the pictures it it basically has a lot of junk cars they're going to change it to a concrete batching plant. which is going to change the look of that location in that area. So I asked the question as far as the maintenance and everything, and they've never, although there was a fire in that location, they've never had a problem or issue with fire or anything of that nature. So therefore we voted to approve it because it's going to change the look of that area with all those junk carts.

Thank you, Commissioner. Public hearing is still open.

How are you? Good evening. Mark Cooper, 6801 Southwest 75 Terrace. Good evening. I'm in favor of the project. I just want to bring something to your attention. I did a package there. On the applicant's site plan, They have a traffic analysis of how the trucks are going to move within their location. And it seems to suggest that the trucks are going to come in south on Cairo Lane from 135th Street, move around in the property. But then it's silent what happens to the trucks after that. There's no what happens to the trucks. So that area, page two, if you come in south from 135th, you can come into the property. There's another way to leave the area. which is go south and make a left on a one-way 127th Street, which is a one-way, it's a narrow street. And that's why I'm here. I'm agreeable to them using Cairo. It's a better for the area. This is page three. Cairo looks much nicer. By the way, thank you to the commission, to the city. You guys, a year ago, were doing this work. By the way, Mayor Taylor and YouTube, a long time ago, she was on Cairo Lane saying, we're going to fix this and we got it done. So good work for you as well. The only problem is that it's not clear that they're not going to use 127th Street. So if they leave their project and they go south and then they make left on 127th Street, which is page four, they start going down this narrow street here. It's a one-way, and it's going to put them now on Alexandria. If you continue going to the pictures, that's a one-way. These trucks are big, heavy trucks, and they're going to be in the one-way. Eventually, you see it's a one-way. Page seven, it's a one-way. You can only go east, I'm sorry, west to east. And so I'm proposing that they not be allowed to use 127th Street, that they come in through 135th, south on Cairo, and then back north on Cairo, and not jam up the rest of the properties they're trying to survive and change the use. Because this isn't just a batching plant. This is a batching plant per their site plan that's going to have 25 trucks. And if one truck does three trips a day, that's 75 80,000-pound trucks going up and down in one way, going into Alexandria, then onto Port Said Road, If they make a left, there's a residential there. If not, they go to 32nd Avenue. But if they just are not allowed to use 127, just for a courtesy to the neighborhood, because they're the first change of use, basically, it would help a lot. I own four properties there, and I don't want really 75 loads of concrete bashing trucks coming across the neighborhood. So the city's invested a lot of money. This is page eight. I want you to look at this, because this is about... what happens with our money. Page eight, this is a fire hydrant on Cairo. I took these pictures today. Page eight, a fire hydrant's been knocked over by this truck. So this money was given by the Biden administration. We're never again gonna see $5 million that picks Cairo land. If we don't protect our own assets and think smart, Cairo may become Cairo of the old days. Hopefully it doesn't. But if I could just extend one quick second, I'm sorry. The way it's supposed to be, the infrastructure is supposed to be page 10. Those fire hydrants are supposed to have protection. They don't have it. Because they don't have it and we didn't require it of the contractor, we have to protect our property. Thank you. Got it.

Thank you. All right. Public hearing is still open. Public hearing is closed. All right. What happened? Oh, Madam Manager. So do we have any questions to Mr. Gay or Madam Manager on this item? Vice Mayor Kelly?

Yes, just a quick question regarding what was mentioned. The way it's proposed, when I looked at it as well, it does not address going either way. So I'm assuming when it went to the planning council and they supported it as well, was that indicated in terms of the flow of traffic, which way it may go? Because my issue, of course, you know, was the heavy trucks. And I guess my concern was supposed to be captured in the development agreement because of the heaviness. But as a part of that same analysis, Does it preclude them from going the other way, the way it was proffered or the way it was brought to your department?

For the record, Gregory Gay, Director of Planning and Community Development. Vice McKellie, as it relates to how this particular item was presented, What was most important was the ingress and egress from the property itself. Cairo Lane being a two-way road, they would have that opportunity to utilize Cairo Lane to come to this particular property and to leave on Cairo Lane to go into regular flowing traffic for this property. At that time, the analysis did not look at 127th Street as an option because it was a one way road and depending on how big your load may be would determine whether you will be able to drive along that particular road. I know improvements have been made since this application was initially brought before us. But at the same time, it was more thought that utilizing access to and from Cairo Lane was the most practical use for this particular project.

um was that a yes or no i don't i'm you gave me analysis but it was so it was never part of the 127th street was not really okay because the idea was at that point when it first came before you we hadn't did improvements or anything correct so it's not even contemplated correct but nothing precludes them from utilizing that roadway

The only thing that precludes them is the size of their truck.

Okay, so based on your experience in that area and improvement we've made, could those trucks go 127?

I can't really make that determination from my knowledge, just based on some of the improvements that have been made. Depending on the width of the truck, if it falls within that one way, They could maneuver through there.

Okay. I guess then you're trying to walk gingerly. I got it. I guess the question I have is because my concern was the trucks, the little dripping of the concrete, as I mentioned in my briefing. So is that something that should be thought about or proffered here as before we vote on it? Because once we vote on it and approve it, Going 127, going 132 is optional for everything unless we put some signage saying you can't do it. So based on what you're telling me now is it would be wide open they could do it because there's nothing precluding it.

They would be able to do it unless there is some type of weight restriction for that particular section of the road.

Okay. To your knowledge, is there a weight restriction?

Not that I know of.

Okay. I guess, Mr. Mayor, to my colleagues, and I guess even to the manager, I don't have a problem with the business because I know we're trying to, you know, the one of the reasons we changed the zoning was to try to get more different type of businesses in there. As I raised my concern, the briefing was more on the weight and the dripping and the concrete. And I think that's supposed to be captured in the second one. So I won't bring that part up, but should we do something different? based on that commentary that was brought to us about the driving. And I'm only bringing it up because I'm thinking of 22nd Avenue when they cut off the Ingram and right now we have nothing that says you can't do it. You know, so people do it. So we need to put something in place. Right now we don't have anything in place. It is your recommendation or do you think we should or just pass it as is and allow it to take its course however?

I would like to say this, the applicants are here so they can speak to whether their trucks can go through that particular area. If it is something that is of a major concern, the development agreement will probably be the most applicable location for addressing how they would ingress and egress from this particular property.

Okay, I'll yield to my colleagues and then I'll come back after, I guess they speak.

So if you would like to hear from the applicant on that particular item.

Well, may I?

Because I have a question on that.

Go ahead.

No, thank you. Okay, you can go first. But my question is, Mr. Gay, you're not the one who built that road.

No, I didn't.

No, I think we have a department that is in charge, and I want to ask him a question. To Adelina. Yeah, please. It's a very simple question. It's nothing, you know, wrong. But I don't want the people for any business, any business, okay, in Cairo Lane or in 127 to feel restriction like day and year. That they only have one way to go. Okay. That road, 127, is built... to support the wait for any truck, because I see very big truck passing through there. Very, very big one and full of metal. And one of the things that I love to see one of these day in the great city of Palatka to stop. you know, to deal with scratch, you know, parts, you know, and all the garbage that they bring here to Apalachian and the John John. But that Road 127 has been built to support the weight for the trucks because that's the only way to escape or to go through in any type of emergency. If that happened again in Cairo Lane with the fire, that's it. That's what I want to know if it's built.

Good. Good evening, Mayor and Commissioners, Adelina Gross, CIP Division Manager. Yes, the road is built for high traffic of heavy trucks. The base is very compacted. Also, it's like seven to probably nine inches of asphalt that was installed. However, there is a section of 127 that it will remain one way. The only section that will be open as a two-way is the closest part to 32nd Avenue, which will allow the left turn.

Yeah, I see. I see. That's a very great job that they do in that role. It's beautiful. The only problem that we have, thank you, Madam Manager, to have her to explain it to us that. But the only thing that I always complain, Madam Manager, and you know that, it's not the traffic, okay? The traffic is running fine out there. It's the mess sometimes that we have. The people own places there. They don't follow rules and regulations. Because if they follow rules and regulations and they keep the road clean and open, it's no problem to the truck go by around and around and moving the traffic. I don't think that that's a problem. Thank you.

Okay.

Well, he answered some of what I was going to say.

But any other questions too, Mr. Gay? All right. Hearing none, Madam Clerk?

Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Commissioner Santiago.

Yes.

Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

Moving on to the second item, which is 15A2.

A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida to consider the development agreement application for the development of a concrete batching plant with the required parking and landscaping on the property located at 13060 Cairo Lane and identified by folio 08-2128-003-0620 in the I-4 zoning district, provided for incorporation of recitals, provided for scrivener's errors, provided for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager.

This is a public hearing item. Can I get a motion? Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly. Seconded. You have a second by commissioner since you are going once again for India once again for a better manager.

This item is to consider a development agreement for the property located at one 3060 Carol Lane and it is a companion item to the item that was previously approved. This item was also presented to the peace that board and received a 4 vote.

All right so this is a public you are the applicant I am the engineer. The engineer. Okay. Are you going to speak to this item or are you going to?

My name is Oscar Urbano, Urbano & Associates, 5723 Northwest 158th Street, Miami Lakes, Florida. I'd like to speak to it just because of the statements that were made with regards to potentially encumbering the property further through the actual development agreement.

Okay, so I'm sure Vice Mayor has questions on the development agreement.

I'm sorry. Give me one second. Let me do public hearing and then we'll answer those questions. So this is a public hearing. Item public hearing is open.

Mark Cooper, 6801 Southwest 75 Terrace. Apart from the how well the road is built, my concern is the 75 truckloads of concrete batching trucks that are going to come down a one way through Alexandria, through Port State Road that could use Cairo Lane where they're situated and not create additional traffic for the neighboring areas. That's my concern. If they know what they're getting into now and they're using Cairo, but they're going to circulate through other areas. I'll give you an example. As part of their application, they had a radius of 500 feet that they had to notify the property owners if they were interested in knowing. Because we're not within 500 feet, we weren't notified, but we're going to receive 75 truckloads downstream. And we have a say, and part of the say is maybe they should be allowed to use Cairo and not 127 because you guys want us to develop these properties into different uses. In the meantime, we're going to have a steady stream of concrete bashing drugs going across their faces. That's what I was trying to bring to your attention. Thank you.

Thank you. Public hearing is still open. Sir, would you like to speak during public hearing on this item? Go right ahead. Say your name and address for the record.

Oscar Urbana, Urbana & Associates. I mentioned my address before. With regards to the roadway, I was actually quite impressed to see that seven to nine inches of asphalt was put down. That's an excessive amount. That's wonderful. For a roadway that does take mostly a lot of vehicles that are loaded almost twice as much in weight as a concrete truck is. That was one of the items that I wanted to bring up. Yes, we did not consider exiting through that area initially. But now that that has been improved, there's nothing to say that when a vehicle exits the property, and The call it the left hand turn to go north towards 135th is completely blocked by different trucks loading and unloading that they would have to wait, where they would potentially turn and go south to exit the neighborhood. The roadway as we're all known and as Commissioner Santiago mentioned, basically operates completely in the right of way to load and unload vehicles. The one benefit to this property with regards to the others is that the intent is to actually do all of the work and have space for those vehicles to operate and inside of the actual batch plant at all times. So that's extremely important to understand that. And it's happened to me when I've left and have to wait 5, 10, 15 minutes for an actual vehicle to finish what it's doing to try to actually go north to 135th because I didn't want to drive south. That's effectively what I wanted to say.

Okay. I only allowed you to speak because the commissioner brought it up because we're actually on development. We've already passed the initial thing that he referenced, but I allowed you to speak because it clarified commissioner what he was saying. So that's why I did that. I appreciate that. Yeah. The mayor's back now. So public hearing is still open. Public hearing is still open. Public hearing is closed. Back in the hands of the mayor. i do have a amendment um that was supposed to be uh proffered uh by um that i brought my briefing before we start discussing um they didn't read it you're doing an amendment um before you bring them into the record you have a question yeah just a question thank you we've um heard a lot about the weight of the trucks um

I just wanted to ask, is there a minimum or maximum weight that's allowed per load?

Commissioner Bass, as Gregory gave, The applicant is here. He can probably explain as it relates to the weights for those particular concrete trucks. As Ms. Gross has already expressed, this is an industrial area. So the roadway has been prepared to be utilized by heavy trucks and heavy equipment. So- Mr.

Gay, but definitely, Caroline, the trucks are still gonna end up on regular streets. So I just want to know the weight, some rough estimates, because we have had so many accidents, incidents with overweight trucks messing up our street. Amazon, Amazon, go there. So I just wanted to know, what are we looking at? Are we just protecting that area? And once they're out on our regular streets, then what happens then?

Well, once they leave Cairo Lane, they're on 135th Street, which is a state road. So the state basically does the regulations as it relates to those particular roads. And it's in my opinion that when the state established those particular guidelines, they knew that they were going to be having heavy equipment types of vehicles to traverse in and out of this particular area. So they would have prepared the roadway appropriately to be able to support the weight of those particular vehicles.

So in other words, you're saying that we won't have a problem as a city on our streets and roads.

Can I jump in, Mr. Gay? And I'm so glad you brought it. I know this is a different topic. And this is the reason why I've been asking for the commercial unit in the city of Opelika.

I know we have it, but I just want to say that's...

Opelika thing. So we have to enforce making sure that our roads are taken care of through our police department with the commercial unit that we have. Yes, we know that there's weights and the truck's supposed to be a certain kind of way. They're supposed to do certain things and go on certain streets and they can't turn left, they can't turn right here. But that's something that we have to police and protect ourselves. So that has nothing to do with Mr. Gay. I know you're not saying that. That's why I'm just asking. That's the matter manager police. We need the police to make sure that, and I know this has nothing to do with what's going on now, but I think all of us are saying the same thing. We want to protect our investment. Also, the safety and our investment.

We don't have a scale, but our police department has been actively enforcing. I've been getting complaints from the business owners over there because they've been getting citations and tickets and everything, but the police has constantly been over there Mainly in that area, but they've been over there enforcing.

So, I'm missing them. Mr. Mayor. So, Commissioner Bass, to your point and to Vice Mayor's partially what he was saying, I think we're all on the same page with that. It is very hard. So, yeah. And I'll give it to you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Okay. To my colleagues, too. Okay. Well, we're talking protecting our roads and everybody. This has nothing to do with this. It's the neighborhood, the residential area, the roads that we have inside of the center of Opa-Larga and all, you know, safe neighborhood that we have. But... All these trucks, they running through, you know, to the state road, to 37, there's a county road, to Leun, to 27, all these, 32nd also. They building, built this road for that type of commercial vehicle to move around. Now, we have restriction because if they catch one of these trucks at least, They have to do something when a construction inside of a neighborhood is fine. But they cannot be running traffic every day through our local road. That's totally different than they say, like the mayor say. Totally different.

Let's put this train back on the right track and deal with what we're here for. So I think you, Madam Manager and Chief, I think you heard everything you needed to hear and to Ms. Gross. So I'm going to yield back to Vice Mayor Kelly so he can state his amendment on the record. We can vote it up. We're going to call the question and then we're going to move on to the next item.

Mr. Mayor, I had an amendment for the item because of the trucks. And I know just from my experience, and I was probably aware on 17th, we had the concrete company over there. A lot of times it's residual that I call it drip out the trucks or whatever. So my amendment was, To the attorney's office and manager to put something and I was told it was the best place to put in development agreement and I would hope they reached out to the owners for any kind of mitigation that we recognize or we identify as a city that they will be responsible for. Um, so I want that that read, um, as a part as a amendment. For this, um, because that is my other concern with the number of trucks may be coming in out. I've seen it. And over the course of time, because unfortunately, as you're saying, we did not address it or say anything. It got worse. So, um, and talking to staff is the best time to catch it. Um. Again, I'm for the project, but I also want to make sure we capture that. So, madam is the mayor to the attorney. You can read that amendment language.

Yes, as as additional language that the developer obviously would have to agree to. There is. As the concern that was just stated, and the language that. We have in part would read the developer and we. and we would have a place for it, obviously. The developer acknowledges that the operation of the concrete batching plan involves heavy vehicle traffic that may cause accelerated wear and tear to the roadway directly adjacent to the property. Prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy, the developer and the city engineers shall conduct a joint baseline structural and pavement condition assessment of the designated roadway the maintenance obligation the developer agrees to maintain repair of fund the repair of said roadway to its baseline condition provided that such maintenance obligations are limited strictly to the degradation directly caused by the heavy truck heavy truck traffic generated by the developer's project as determined by an independent engineering study or mutual agreement of the parties. And then finally compliance, failure to comply with the agreed upon repair schedule within, and the city would need to determine it, but we have 60 days of written notice from the city shall constitute a material breach of this agreement and may result in the suspension of local operating permits. So that is the language that the developer would need to agree to. And this is consistent.

Thank you, Madam Attorney. That's a lot of wording, a lot of language, just simplistic. As I stated, coming in and going out, if we notice that they're my language, the concrete is having issues, dripping, whatever, that we would notify them that they would address it and take care of it. Um, I know the attorney gave you all the language. That's the bottom line, because over the course of the number of times that could happen. Um, and so I wanted and I was told the best time to address was in the development agreement. So that's why I'm bringing it forward. I don't even know if you had time to send it to them. Um, they are here, I guess. So, um, if they need. to be able to digest it and whatever. We could always defer it, in my opinion, or if the rest of my colleagues don't deem it necessary, move forward. But I think that's prudent to have that language in there because once we do it, we don't get another bite of the apple that's there. And I've seen over the years with concrete, whatever, that's a challenge. Not that you're trying, but it just happens sometimes. And we are investing a lot of money in that roadway as been stated. So I just wanted that in there. And that's why I proffered the amendment.

All right. So the amendment is on the floor. Madam Attorney. You know what I mean. What you have is what she read.

Right, but yes, that's their language.

That would go into the contract if the developer agrees.

And then you said something about if it's not done or agreed upon in 60 days.

Well, if this for the compliance, because you want to have a way to enforce it. Oh, that was on the compliance part.

I thought you were on the agreement part. So that was on the compliance part.

Yes, Mr. Mayor, let me be sure that I understand that amendment because they have a very long language. This is going to be... in the agreement for the particular developments? Or it's going to be for everybody there in that area?

It's for that particular development. And I think what Vice Mayor is saying, which I agree with, any development going forward, we want to make sure that they know that they got to take care of the area.

And if residue comes off that truck, they need to clean it. They need to make sure that area is clean.

Essentially what you're saying, right? Got it. All right. So the motion was made by Vice Mayor and Madam Attorney, what we'll do is we'll vote on the motion and then vote on the item. If you and the applicant, you all don't agree, bring it back and then we'll do that.

Right. So you would vote on the amendment first and the applicant is here so he can state it on the record, which I would ask that the applicant agree on record if that's agreeable.

Okay, so we're going to vote on the amendment first. The motion was made by Vice Mayor Kelly. Can I get a second?

But if the applicant can state whether or not. You said we need to vote on the amendment and then they do it. I think we should get the applicant to agree if that's what they agree to and then you vote on the amendment and then on the main motion.

So somebody should come up and state whether or not they agree. Do you all agree to the amendment made by Vice Mayor Kelly?

So I've explained it to him. The amendment as was described by the city attorney, and he's okay with that, maintaining that area, abutting his property.

Okay. So that language would be inserted and I'm happy to show it to you just to make sure that everybody's on the thing. You heard it. Okay. Okay.

So he's, he's, let me tell you guys that somebody, nobody has said that we are all, all day long going with bigger trucks down that we're going to use for, for concrete right now in the, in the operation we're doing, we have the, we, we're using 53, uh, long combinations like, uh, They loaded with 80,000 pounds. Sir, you're winning. You're winning.

Let it go. You're winning. Now you're going back down another rabbit hole. You're winning. You're winning. It's going to happen. Trust me. I believe we'll be all on the same thing. You're winning. You're winning. Just let it be. So let's go ahead and vote on the motion was made by Vice Mayor Kelly to add the language read into record by the city attorney, which was agreed upon by the applicant. That is the motion made by Vice Mayor Kelly. And can we have a second onset motion? The motion was entertained by Commissioner Irvin. So Madam Clerk on the motion. On the amendment. I mean, the amendment.

Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion on the amendment passes 5-0.

And now we can pass the item in totality. Madam Clerk, go ahead and call the court.

Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Irvin. Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

All right. So moving on. We almost there. Down to the ordinances. First reading, 16A1.

An ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida to consider a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map and to amend the land use designation for the properties from commercial land use to an industrial land use designation for a 1.6 acre or 71,370 square square foot site consisting of three parcels located at 3570 Northwest 135th Street, 3530 Northwest 135th Street, 3450 Northwest 135th Street, and identified by folios 08-2128-003-0391, 08-2128-003-0390, and 08-2128-003-0380, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for scrivener's errors, providing for severability, providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by the city manager.

This is a public hearing item. Can I entertain a motion at this moment? Motion.

I'm moving.

I'm moving. So the motion was made by Commissioner Santiago, seconded by Commissioner Irvin. Madam Manager, go ahead and introduce it. Then we'll open up a public hearing and then we'll...

The property owner submitted a request for a comprehensive plan future land use map amendment to redesignate the commercial portion of the property to industrial, resulting in a uniform industrial designation across all parcels being used by All Parts International, Inc., business name which is their business name also known as proper investment inc the future land use map amendment is intended to align the long-standing industrial use with the correct designation and also when the time is appropriate mr gay can answer any additional questions you may have got it so this is a public hearing item public hearing is open

Audra Dominguez 1147 gen avenue planning and zoning board member, this was brought to the planning and zoning it was approved. I just wanted to let you know if you know me if you see me in the planning and zoning I don't normally like changing you know the zoning, however. The area all the area is industrial and somehow they missed this location. So they're changing it to industrial and it was noted at the time of the planning and zoning meeting that it was just to be in conformity with all the other. businesses located near, behind, around, across, everywhere, so they can all be the same. So it was passed through the planning and zoning, so it's up to you guys.

All right. Any other public hearing? All right. Hearing none, public hearing is closed. Any questions to Mr. Gay on this item? Mr. Mayor. Vice Mayor Kelly.

Thank you. I believe Mr. Gay had asked the question... because we're making this change, could they expand without city approval? Were you able to get that answer or get it clarified?

For the record, Gregory Gay, Director of Planning and Community Development. Regarding the question of whether this particular business will be able to expand without any other approvals, In essence, they would not, whatever any other approvals in any other modifications that they would be able to make to the property, they will have to bring it before the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission for consideration.

Okay. I just want to be clear because when I looked in the analysis, it says, you know, that good faith measure, but I just want to make sure it's clarified. Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

All right. All cards and minds are clear, Madam Clerk?

Commissioner Irvin.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Kelly.

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago. Yes. Commissioner Bass. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5-0 first reading.

And the companion item 16-2.

An ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, to consider a rezoning request for approximately 1.6 acres of land located at 3570 Northwest 135th Street, 3530 Northwest 135th Street, 3450 Northwest 135th Street, and identified by folio 082128-003-0391. 08-2128-003-0390 08-2128-003-0380 from the current commercial intensive b3 zoning district to the liberal industrial storage and salvage i4 zoning district providing for incorporation of recitals providing for scriveness errors providing for severability providing for an effective date and this is sponsored by the city manager

Can I get a motion? Move it. Move by Commissioner Irvin, second by Commissioner Bass. Madam Manager.

The applicant's request is to rezone the properties to liberal industrial storage and salvage I-4 district, which is consistent with the historic use of used auto parts sales and storage. This zoning designation is compatible with the adjacent industrial uses south of Northwest 135th Street and is not an expansion or expansion or an intensification of the current use of this property and the rezoning will eliminate the current nonconforming status of this building of this business operation.

All right, this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open. Hearing none, seeing none, public hearing is closed. We have any questions to Mr. Gay or Madam Manager on this item. Looks like our hearts and minds are clear. Madam Clerk.

Vice Mayor Kelly. Commissioner Santiago.

Yes.

Commissioner Bass. Yes. Commissioner Urban. Yes. Mayor Taylor. Yes. Motion passes 5-0, first reading.

All right, moving on to item 16-3.

Mr. Mayor, on behalf of the applicant, thank you. We appreciate it.

Thank you. 16-3.

Mayor, this item is pulled. You want me to? 16-3.

Oh, I see. I didn't. Nobody said it during the agenda.

They didn't.

Okay. This item is full. All right. Moving on. Oh, I see. Item four. Thank you, Madam. I didn't read them. Moving on. 16-4. It's been a long night, y'all.

In ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, renaming the Opelika Government Center in honor of Mayor Myra L. Taylor, providing for incorporation of recitals, providing for authorization, providing for implementation, providing for conflict and repealer, providing for severability, providing for scrivener's errors, and providing for an effective date. This is sponsored by Commissioner Santiago.

All right. This is a public hearing item. Can I have a motion? Move it. Move it by Commissioner Santiago.

All right.

This item dies for lack of a second.

Moving on to 16B1. An ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Opelika, Florida, amending Chapter 21 of the City's Code of Ordinances entitled Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utilities, adding certain new definitions, amending Section 21-202 to add new subparagraph c to require certain construction site operators to use and maintain appropriate erosion sedimentation and waste controls providing for plan review prior to construction providing for size thresholds providing for the construction site inspection of permit work providing for the notice of failure to comply with approved plans and specifications providing for post construction stormwater standards providing for enforcement review provided for codification conflict severability and for an effective date first reading public hearing was held on july 8 2026 this is sponsored by the city manager

All right, this is a public hearing item. Can I get a motion? Moved by Vice Mayor Kelly. Second. Second by Commissioner Santiago. Madam Mayor.

The city of Opelika is required by state regulations to adopt a stormwater ordinance as a co-permittee under FDEP MS4 permit. The city must maintain ordinances that prohibit illicit discharges and require construction site operators to install and maintain erosion, sedimentation, and waste controls. If you have any additional questions, Mr. Austin will be available to answer them.

All right, this is a public hearing item. Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed. Any questions to the manager or Mr. Gay on this item? Hearing none, Madam Clerk.

Commissioner Bass? Yes. Commissioner Irvin? Yes. Vice Mayor Kelly?

Yes.

Commissioner Santiago? Yes. Mayor Taylor? Yes. Motion passes 5-0.

All right. So, Madam Manager, we're going into the city manager's report, but I'm going to skip you really quick. We're going to do commission. I'm going to ask you all to just be really, really, really, really, really, really free on our reports because I want to give the manager adequate time to explain this binder that we have. The one that I have, and I know it's the same being, and I yield to Vice Mayor, but the financial oversight, he talks about fiscal responsibility and I talk about accountability. Where are we at with the efficiency audit?

If...

Is it done or is it what are we doing?

No, it's not done. It's not done.

So we're moving. We're going to move because I want you to have time. So we're still waiting.

And we are expected to receive our regular audit this week.

Okay. And then so just keep the commission abreast of what's going on. Vice Mayor, I yield to you because you're on the thing for policy revision. Oh, but that is this. But do you have any other announcements?

Yeah, I have a lot, but I'll forego that and do it later. I do want to go back to the point I think the mayor mentioned too. Going forward, if it's possible, when you have development of folks that are going before planning and zoning that may have heavy equipment or whatever, that we capture those kind of amendments that we just had, that they may damage the roads or whatever, that we captured ahead of time. So it'll be part of the whole process. So we'll have to go through it and have an applicant. If it's a part of the process already, we'd already know about it, whether they accept it. And I want to say that because I know you mentioned the same thing I did. So if it requires legislation, you know, you can bring it back. But if it can be incorporated, it's just a part of the process that can work. Yeah, there's a lot going on.

All right. So I'm going to start left to right. But I'm asking you to do 30 seconds. 30 seconds. Commissioner Bass.

30 seconds. On this Saturday at Shibanda Village, myself along with my colleague, Natasha Irvin, we will be hosting our fifth community baby shower. If you are a resident of the great city of Opelika, you are still eligible to register for the event. That's it. Done. Thank you.

30 seconds? 30 seconds. Oh, my God. Hello. Hi. How are you? Fine.

This is going to be the one. I won't do all of them. This coming Monday for Meet Me Monday at Helen Miller, we're going to have the Opelika CRA doing a presentation about proposals for development downtown, and they've asked to come to present the because there's a lot of misinformation being put out about possible downtown developments. So it'd be good opportunity for citizens and anyone that wants to just know they're gonna be presenting there because there's nothing been done and it's in stone. There's no final anything contrary to what you might be seeing in social media, whatever, but they're gonna be there to talk about what is potentially can be proposed, what is being talked about. And so they're going to be a part of Meet Me Monday on this coming Monday at Helen Miller at 6 p.m. All the rest of the stuff. Thank you.

All right. And I'm good. We're good. All right, Madam Manager, we don't have any official board appointment. You're going to have a floor. No official board appointments, and after you, we're going to move for adjournment. So, Madam Manager, you have the floor.

Okay.

So, I just want to let y'all know, she's holding up for dinner.

You don't have to report it.

So I did not submit my regular city managers report. I will be providing that to you all via email tomorrow. Instead, I provided a special event reduction plan and the 1st. Document that I want to discuss is the 1 that's labeled under tab 1. The current special event budget is 291,250 dollars. As a city manager, I am recommending reducing the city's special events budget from $291,250 to $47,600 for the upcoming fiscal year. Under this recommendation, the city will suspend city-sponsored celebration events, city commission requested events, and other recognized observances currently funded within the special events budget. The city will continue funding only the holiday-related programs identified in the proposed budget under national holiday total. This recommendation will reduce special event expenditures by $243,650, representing an 83.7 percent reduction while still preserving a limited number of holiday programs and maintaining opportunities for community engagement. given the city's ongoing infrastructure needs and the importance of prioritizing essential municipal services i am recommending that the commission approve this item the 243 650 dollars in savings will be reprogrammed specifically towards part toward priority infrastructure needs These funds should be placed in a separate budgetary line item to provide transparency, accountability, and the ability to clearly track expenditures associated with infrastructure improvements. Are there any questions so far?

No.

Okay. The next page outlines the events. as national holidays. Those events are Christmas toy celebration at $6,000, Christmas tree lighting, $500. Easter event, $2,500. July 4th, 25,000. Juneteenth, 5,000. Labor Day, 3,000. Memorial Day pool party. There's no budgetary line item for that one. MLK walk, 3,000. Thanksgiving turkeys, 1,500. And Veterans Day, 1,100. That total is $47,600. And this consists of nine events. The dollar amounts that's listed are the amounts that was discussed with the commission during our budget workshop. For this upcoming budget, I am proposing that we suspend Arabian nights, city birthday, school book bag, which totaled $201,000. Commission events, including the baby shower, bingo, chess and dominoes, and karaoke, which totals $31,650. Other recognized observances, including Black History Month, Conca Loca, Haitian Heritage, Halloween Fun Night, and National Day of Prayer totals $11,000. My apologies. In lieu of spending those dollars, the city may issue proclamations, social media messages, a ceremony recognition for the suspended observances when those activities create no material event cost. The infrastructure reprogramming framework, I have prioritized it from one to three, with one being urgent public safety and service failures. Number two, preventive repairs. And number three, projects ready for construction. The last page of that document is just a recap of what I've mentioned. Special event expenditures do not exceed $47,600. At least $243,650 will remain available for infrastructure reprogramming. No event exceeds its individual funding ceiling without commission approval. And that's all I have for tab one. Should I move to tab two or are there questions? Okay. Tab two, special event staffing cost report. I have listed each event that I previously discussed. The estimated overtime wage cost to staff the proposed holiday events is $13,958.11. Juneteenth does not have a overtime cost based on the previous year's event that was held during the daytime. I'm not sure if it will be the same moving forward, but that's why there's no dollar amount for staffing listed for Juneteenth. So with the overtime dollar amount of $13,958.11, the event budget of 47,600, the total cost for those events is $61,558.11. Are we saving questions to the end? Yes, ma'am. And tab three is the same as tab one. It just gives you charts and percentage.

Okay. So we will, the next page is talking about the budget, right? And the reallocation of the monies.

Which one?

Which page? Tab three.

Tab three is basically the same as tab one. It just gives you charts and percentages.

Yeah. All right. So since you asked first, Madam Commissioner Irvin, are you okay with that?

Yes, really quickly, I guess. I noticed for the Christmas toy giveaway, what overtime wages are those? Because it's during work hours.

Christmas toy giveaway is on a Saturday.

The park is open on Saturdays.

Yes, but we still have other staff, police, and we'll have Ms. Mary Lisa. And then depending on the staffing at parks, it may be a need for additional staff. We don't know that yet. Based on previous years, there was an overtime cost, so that's why it was included.

Okay. I was just curious.

No, that's okay.

All right. Any other questions for the manager? Okay.

Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, that's a very drastic reduction. I'm surprised. I don't want to say scared, but it scared me because I don't know what I'm going to do when $500 to light out the whole city in Christmas. It's only $500, you know? No?

No, that just takes care of the actual ceremony. Like we might buy, I'm sorry, we might buy light refreshments, cookies, water, drinks, something like that for the actual ceremony. That's not for the actual tree lighting.

Where the money is going to come from, from the tree lighting?

The tree lighting comes from beautification's budget. It's already budgeted.

Oh, okay, it's there.

Just as a reminder, the city owns that Christmas tree that we put here. We just paid for them to install it and remove it.

Now, the other question, the turkey giveaway. I know that I never bother you with my turkeys, but city, what are we going to do with $1,500? Okay, explain that to me, too.

We got more than enough turkeys. Everybody got turkey giveaways. I mean, giveaways. Got donations for turkeys. And I don't think we expended what we thought we were going to do during that turkey. I don't think we expended any money.

We didn't expend what we budgeted for, but these amounts that's listed were the amounts that were given to staff during the budget workshop. So this is where we came up with these amounts.

Okay.

So I have a question, Mr. Mayor. If these companies that donated money to us last year decide to take a drastic cut like we're taking now, then where does that leave us?

I don't ever see, I don't ever remember a time where we lacked turkeys for Opelika. I remember we lacked hams, but we never lacked turkeys. We've always gotten donations for turkeys because I've been here for six years and I started during the pandemic.

Right. But I'm just saying to you, I think that we have to also just, just food for thought. Think about if these people decide to take drastic cuts in their budgets, like we're doing, I just don't want us to be looking like on phone food. That's it.

I don't think we would. $1,500, I think, is a good amount for turkeys.

Okay. Would that $1,500 cover who the employee means? Did they work in that day?

It's for the community. Last year, we didn't budget for turkeys. We didn't give the employees turkeys only. I think maybe the employees that were helping out, some of you all decided to give them a turkey, but we didn't give them out to the entire staff like we did previous years.

Okay, thank you. Let me ask you the last question, and then I can close. Madam Manager, we've been talking before about the situation that we still have in Tallahassee when the over... Yeah, okay, the supervision that they had to us. Okay, and we've been talking about that already, I can say for myself, they are sitting here already two years and something months, okay? And I think that we're talking a little bit in my agenda briefly that day. In this particular item here that we have another reduction for the event, it's gonna helping us to get out of the oversight That's the only problem that we have.

I'm not going to say that this is going to get us out of oversight because this doesn't get us out of oversight, but it does show that we are trying to be fiscally responsible.

Very good. That's what I wanted. They see that we are a physical responsible. Yeah. But all the things that we have, we have to sit down and talk because we need some changes to the day waiting for us to do it. To get out of the oversight. It's not only that. That's probably going to help them a little bit, or maybe they're going to see it. But what I know from out there, and I know that you already go with the mayor, you know, one time, and you're busy, and now they are good, and you're giving us some kind of information to make us happy. But I don't see any, what are we calling, like, it's only talk. I don't see any action yet, okay, to get out of the oversight. 15 years already in the oversight. 15 years. And I want to make it clear, I'm very happy to kill all the Spencer, okay? All the things that we are spending, we're not even this and that. It's fine. But I hope we take care of all the problems too because the only thing that we sacrifice is

My colleagues.

Yes. Okay. We have restrictions to do a lot of things. Okay. But we don't see the other side, the expenses that we have that we're not supposed to have. And I believe you know what I'm talking about. Madam Manager. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Madam. I hope we can work together, everybody, to get out of the oversight soon.

I don't know.

That's why I said I don't know.

I think that's a fair assessment because we cut across the board. Even with CIP, we cut projects for CIP, roads, streets, projects that we've had and we're moving it to next year. But I don't think any, I think everybody's cool.

I eliminated a position in the city manager's office. So we're taking cuts everywhere.

We're taking cuts. Mr. Mayor, if I may, we asked the city manager to do this. Mind you, it doesn't taste good. But I understand because we ask you to be real with us and let us see what we're dealing with. And it's just not us having to do this. One of our sister cities, one of their major events is gone. The garden is gone. So all the cities are making drastic cuts. But I want to ask if we were to be able to secure funding or partnerships for events, right? What would that look like in regards to staff?

So it will still be an overtime cost. What I can say is we can try our best to get reserve police officers. It's not guaranteed, but we can try our best to get reserve officers to reduce some of that cost. But anytime we have an event, especially if it's after hours on the weekend, it's going to be a dollar amount.

I would say to my colleagues, if we can move forward as a team, I know we all have our babies that we like to work with like for me the baby shower i'm crying inside not to be able to do the baby shower and that's why i asked that question so maybe if we can get together as a team and decide what was taken away what can we bring back together and make it work um with partnerships so the city won't have to be bothered with it maybe not as many but maybe we can do three maybe five i don't know but with partnerships

Commissioner Bass, exactly what you're saying is what was suggested by the oversight board. And it was actually one of the findings. They asked us to develop an events policy that include Oh, sorry. They asked us to develop an event policy that encourages us as commission to go out to seek donations for these events so that we can help offset those costs. So what you're suggesting is what was suggested by the state. And it was one of the findings, I believe, a part of one of... Not sure, but I do recall that conversation.

Yeah.

So yeah, I'm thankful that you did. And you also included the overtime that Vice Mayor requested, which I know is a tedious.

Well, Mr. Mayor, if I may, and then I'm done. I'm moving by faith and not by sight. I need partnerships for the baby shower next year. So if any of you who are sitting here want to partner with myself and my colleague on the end, you're more than welcome to do so. Thank you.

All right, Vice Mayor. Thank you for bringing it to us. I guess let me start to make sure I understand the numbers. I'll just use the top one. The toy celebration is the maximum city funding is $6,000. And then your overtime analysis says $8,000. So are you saying Christmas toy giveaway is $14,000? Are you saying?

No, it's $8,000. It's $2,000 for the overtime and then $6,000 for the event. So the total is $8,000.

Okay, so it's $8,000, $2,000 for the overtime. Yes. Okay. Okay. Okay. I guess following the train of thought that we're going with the national holidays, which is what we had kind of said before, then it comes down to, as my colleagues saying, you're getting partnerships, which always tends to go the other way because people partner, but then they don't really bring a lot to the table. We still want to wait overtime and stuff like that. I don't really have a problem with it. I'm sitting here now. grappling because i don't know which weekend which week friday it is but how do we you know all the folks we have coming to bingo how we even deal with that and i get it i understand what we're doing i understand some of our sister cities cutting stuff but they got access to more other dollars than we we have so they'll probably all set something maybe a lower scale But I'm looking at just that one particular thing because it encompasses the whole community. It's such a diverse thing where everybody is a part. So I guess we would have to implore to get some sponsorships. To make it work. The other thing I'm trying to get a clarity on is the, it's in light writing, I guess, at the bottom. We can do a proclamation, special message. I got that. But $11,000, you're basically saying it's for all of the other events that's on that line. Yes. Is that the way to interpret it? Yes. So how would that $11,000 be broken up?

So as it is now in our proposed budget, the $11,000 is for It's for black history. Konga Loka. I'm sorry. The black history was 2,500. Konga Loka is 2,500. Haitian heritage was 1,000. Halloween fun night, 3,500. National Day of Prayer is 1,500. There were other ones, but they were zeroed out during our setting.

I'm sorry.

There were other ones, but they were zeroed out according based on comments from the elected officials doing our budget workshop.

Okay. I just saw Halloween fun night.

This isn't, that's not in Parks budget, Halloween?

All of these events are in Parks budget.

I mean, but it's actually a Parks event that we don't really...

Remember, my recommendation is nationally recognized holidays. This is my recommendation. The commission can go whatever decision that you guys decide, but this is my recommendation.

Okay. Okay, so... $11,000, so the analysis you just gave, that's how you got to the $11,000? Yes. Okay. So if you got to $11,000 based on those numbers, does that comport with the legislation that was passed about national holidays and can't spend money? Because I know there was a lot of discussion about using city dollars for certain things and I guess maybe the attorney can weigh in where that is because I know that was a big concern as to why we needed to take a look at all of our events. So, how does that play into what you proposed?

Celebrating and recognizing the nationally recognized holidays will not be affected by the new law that's going to go into effect because it's national. We're not singling out or catering to one group of individuals for a certain holiday.

I think the national holidays were listed. I didn't bring mine with me, but I think they were listed.

They're okay. They're fine to have.

Right. They're fine to have. But the ones you have down at the bottom are not because you consider them other recognized. So that's why you got them down at the bottom. Because I'm trying to remember if you're doing national, well, even though it's listed as a pool party, but Memorial Day is a national.

Now what we do is, I mean, what we have, but isn't that, isn't that one of the holidays that we are keeping, but doing the budget process, doing the budget workshop at the recommendation of commissioner urban.

Okay. Okay. So it was more.

Yes.