City Council - Regular Meeting

town district. Um part of that was um doing entertainment district permitting. The ordinance permits outdoor alcoholic consumption, music, special events under certain conditions. The um there so there was an issue. There were some issues that were identified in this. So there was a duplicative um permitting process. We had the entertainment district special event permit process and then we had our special event major special event permitting process. So it created duplication. We had two different permits B for the exact same thing. So it was confusing for the organizers um redundant and inefficient uh for permit reviews the proposed so changing changing this it will streamline the permitting process um allow organizer you know will be easier for us uh on staff and also for the organizers. It enhances the consistency and the transparency. Reduces administrative burden to have an entertainment district permit plus a special event permit. Supports the continued growth for the downtown area. Staff recommends approval of ordinance 2025-78. City council requested approval of ordinance 2025-78. In addition, there was one other small change um for the entertainment district. uh the cups that you're allowed to walk around downtown with alcohol. It just um we added clear plastic cups. Instead of it said cups, we just said clear plastic cups.

Council member Urban, thank you. Uh uh thank you for doing the the cups. I think we had talked about at a workshop how it's a little bit confusing to have all these different color cups uh and everything. It was confusing for the for the business owners and the consumers. Um, we also talked about possibly extending the uh entertainment district hours uh for every day of the week instead of just Thursday to Sunday. Are we still looking at doing that? City manager.

Thank you. Excuse [clears throat] me. Uh, at the workshop, the direction to staff was for us to go out and research entertainment districts and come back so that the city council could have a comparison um and we could potentially make additional changes. So, um, as part of that, we would be potentially expending extending the dates and times. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Deputy Mayor Gilbert. I didn't I was quick, [laughter]

but uh uh Council Urban, I agree with you. If we we set some guidelines in some districts, it shouldn't be Thursday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Thursday. There's people that work nights, days, different hours that want to go to an entertainment district. We shouldn't We shouldn't govern them on when that district is open because there's many people that work here in St. Cloud that work midnight or work the mid or mid afternoons or or work the weekends. So, I don't see why it should be date or day specific. If we're going to have an entertainment district, it's going to be governed by the same way. I think it should be every day during the same hours. And I'd ask council to consider that for all the working folks here in St. cloud that work the third shift, that work the second shift, that work the weekends. So, I yield back to you, mayor, but that that's what I'd look at at an entertainment district, not just for the uh the Friday night 20-year-olds, but everybody that lives in the city of St. Cloud. I yield back to you, mayor.

Can I I got a quick question for the attorney, I guess. Can we make a motion with an amendment to this to just add the dates now? No, it's not. It wasn't advertised for that. You'd have to we'd have to bring back a different ordinance to address the code change. Okay. Thank you.

Anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? And what's the pleasure of council? Motion to approve. Motion to approve. Council member Paul.

Second. Second from council member Urban. Madame clerk, please call the role. Council member Fletcher. Hi. Council member Paul. I. Council member Urban. I. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Hi. Mayor Robertson. Hi. Motion carries 5-0. Thank you, Stephanie. Will the clerk please read letter C.

Public hearing for resolution number 2026-0000002 R. A resolution of the city council of the city of St. Florida granting a subst sub subdivision variance to reduce front yard setbacks for lots 52 through 88 on previously approved subdivision construction plans on the R1B zoning district on the plus - 43.259 acres of land known as Tyson Reserved V24-00001 generally located north of KC Durham Durham Road east of Norah Tyson Road and west of Chadzsworth Circle as described in the body of this resolution. Good evening. Melissa Duncan again, director of community development. This item before you tonight is for a subdivision variance for the project known as Tyson Reserve. It is generally located north of Casey Durham Road, east of Nor Tyson Road, and west of Chath or Circle. The subject property has an existing future land use designation of lowdensity residential within R1B, single family dwelling zoning district. The subdivision construction plans for this project were approved on February 19th, 2024, and the subsequent final plat was approved on March 10th.

Excuse me. I'm sorry. Can y'all not lean against that, please? Yeah, I'm seeing it pushing back and that's so we want to preserve that. Thank you. Sorry, Melissa.

Oh, it's okay. Um I I'll start over at the uh prior approvals. They the subdivision construction plan for this project um was approved on February 19th, 2024 and the subsequent final plat was approved on March 10th, 2025 by the development review committee. The land development code requires the front yard setback for the R1B zoning district to be 25 ft from the front property line. The applicant is requesting a variance for up to a 9- foot encroachment to accommodate the front porches. Specifically, the applicant is requesting lots 52 through 58 to only have a 16 foot 88. I'm sorry.

52 to 88. Oh, what did I say? 58.

Oh, oops. 52 to 88. Thank you. Um specifically, um they are requesting to have a 16 foot front porch setback and a front facade setback of 20 ft. Um these are uh the lots are affected by the required sight grading which hinders their ability to have a typical and usable backyard for their product type. Here's a graphic representation of the low density residential future land use. And here is a graphic depiction of the R1B zoning district. This is a snippet uh from their provided concept plan so that you can see how the product would be situated on their site uh with the proposed front setbacks. All the other subbacks for R1B have been met. Staff has reviewed this request for the subdivision variance on and on or before November 24th, 2025, and we recommend approval. Likewise, it is requested that council also approve resolution number 2026-00002R. Staff, and I believe the applicant is available for any questions. All right. Thank you, Melissa. Would the applicant like to speak on this item?

Oh, can you come to the podium, sir? Name and address for the record, please. John Drawer, 1064 Greenwood Boulevard, Lake Mary. Does anybody have any questions? No. Anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? I have a question to either Deputy Mayor Gilbert.

From what I understand in and we have a great audience here that are great St. Cloud citizens, you're looking at a portion of the setbacks to be a southern style porch to be greeting people that come walk through the through the uh the walkway area. It it's almost um it's hard to explain, but it's a southern style porch, big porch in the front. Is that what we're looking at? That's correct. And what percentage of the housing has that? And I know it's you guys put out a floor plan, right? And that's what fits and you say, "Hey, why not do something really cool?" Sure. And put a southern style porching area. Is that am I wrong? And what percentage is that? Uh, you're correct. We try and put them on as many as we can.

Ultimately, it's up to the buyer to select the porch as part of their their structural options and the architectural facade, but as as many as we can get on there. And I'm sure there's costs involved, but what percentage are you asking for for the variance at this point of the housing development to be uh to for the council to give a variance to 17 ft versus 20 ft? That's uh 16% 20 I I just don't Yeah, it's probably sub 20% as a 20% 20%. Okay. I'm sorry it took a long way for me to get to that question, but that's okay. But but thank you very much. I yield back to you, mayor. That's the only question I had. All right. Thanks, sir. And what's the pleasure of council? Motion to approve. Motion to approve. Council member Urban. Second. Second from Council Member Fletcher.

Madame Clerk, please call the RO. Council member Paul. I. Council member Urban. I. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Hi. Council member Fletcher. Hi. Mayor Robertson. I. Motion carries 5. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Uh, did Rocky Hey, is he still in the room? Yes. I I was looking for you. Rocky, you want to come on up here? How y'all doing tonight? [laughter] You know, I got a good feeling this morning. I get a good feeling every time I come down 192 and let's see. I get to about the turnpike. Rocky, can I get your name and address?

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Rocky Heg, um, district aid to the great Rat Paula Stark here at 13009th Street, St. Cloud, Florida 34769. um council members, mayor, city attorney, and St. Cloud's finest this amazing, amazing Chief Gerky. It is so good to be back home to St. Cloud to serve. Paula Stark, everyone in this room, everybody watching with an airshot, you are my boss because I serve your representative. So, here's my cell phone. It's 407583 9443. And we have a wonderful office in this magnificent new city hall. I didn't know what what y'all been doing the last few years I was gone. You have got the framework now. I think St. Cloud is going to be an amazing region to live. The city hall is amazing. I'm I've got a nice little office in Rep. Stark just when y'all come into city hall. It's to your left and left right across from the Toho desk. I just have one vision to share with to share with y'all. I I you've got all the tools. You've got the brain power. You've I know each of you. Not not I'm sorry, not not totally each you, but the people I do know here have got the brain power, the ethics. Victoria's up in there. the city attorney's strong. You got St. Cloud's finest. My challenge to you is to take your people, your IT people, try to become as transparent as possible in all processes. Pour into your IT people. Put out a

little app that will allow anybody in St. Cloud to know the nearest 40 people to them. name, address, people can start knocking on doors. I'd love to see you start identifying the intangible value of St. Cloud. That is peopleto people. Y'all get that fire started. People going to love to hear y'all. It's great to be back home. If y'all have issues with Tallahassee, other needs, please call me, visit us. You are my boss. Thank you, Mayor. Rocky, you got 40 more seconds.

Oh, okay. Well, I just I I'll just brag on uh Chief Gerky. This guy's what a coach. You know, everyone everyone in leadership is a coach, right? And it filters do I just realized today something too. Working out of this office for the great Rev. Stark. I've got one of St. Cloud's finest. I feel safe. I go back there and do some work. Those people are serious. And not just physically, but I mean, you can just tell you can tell a human's attitude. So, but I'm very excited about what each of y'all have done. Victoria, city attorney, councilman, mayor, y'all done amazing work in this city hall. You've got the framework. Get your intangibles going.

You You'll be a living city. Thank you. Good to have you back here. Congratulations, my brother. It feels good. It feels good. You look good, too. Well, thank you. All right. Uh before we get going, um we just heard we just held the uh the vote for public hearing C, but we had John Drawer that wanted to speak on it. Um John, we've already taken a vote. [clears throat] Where's John at? He just filled out a form, but it said for Tyson Reserve. No, that was the Oh, that was the applicant.

Okay. They just handed me this, so that's why I hit. I called as they get it. All right. Next up, we have council action. And will the clerk please read council action A?

Request council's approval of the preliminary subdivision plan for Walker property PSP 24-00001. Good evening. Melissa Duncan, director of community development. This item before you tonight is for a preliminary subdivision plan for the project known as the Walker property. The future land use designation is low density residential and the PUD was approved on April 25th, 2024. The property comprises approximately 25.59 acres. Uh the PUD was approved for 69 detached single family units on uh or at 2.7 dwelling units per acre. This is a snapshot of the property in aerial view showing the location of the proposed project which is located generally west of Narusi Road and south of Chisum Park Trail. Here's a graphic representation of the future land use map depicting the lowdensity residential land use for context. And here is a graphic representation of the zoning map depicting the existing PUD or planned unit development zoning district. Here is a snapshot of the approved planned unit development preliminary master plan and final master plan. The approved development program includes 69 detached single family dwelling units. 32 perimeter units were uh lots were 75 ft wide and the 37 internal units are 62

and 1/2 ft wide. Um they are also required to have 3.69 acres of open space. Uh a 25 foot wide mounted buffer with high buffer plantings and a split rail fence along Albany Avenue. Um a 10-ft multi-purpose trail to extend along Chisum Park Trail to Narusi Road and throughout the development and surrounding the stormwater pond. A six-foot vinyl fence is required. A budding lots 14 through 20 and a split row fence abuing lots 35 through 41 along the western property boundary um along Chisum Park. Okay, here is the proposed preliminary subdivision plan. The proposed development does not depict the 10-ft multi-use trail along Chisum Park Trail that was part of the approved PUD. Therefore, staff is recommending denial because the proposed preliminary subdivision plan does not follow the development standards as set forth in the approved planned unit development preliminary final master plan which requires the construction of a 10-ft multi-purpose trail extending along Chisum Park Trail to Narusi Road. Likewise, we are requesting that council also deny PSP 24-00001 for the preliminary subdivision plan for the project known as Walker Property. Staff and the applicant are both available for questions.

Thank you, Melissa. Would the applicant like to speak on this item?

Good evening. Joe Thacker, 17 South Orlando Avenue, CMI. The PSP that's been presented to you meets all of the conditions of the PD ordinance uh with the exception of the trail that was shown along Chisum Park Trail between Albany and Narusi. The applicant's position is that at the council meeting where the PD was approved, it was made clear that the multi-purpose trail uh the 10-ft multi multi-purpose trail connecting Chisum Park to Narusi would be through the neighborhood as is depicted on the PSP that you have in front of you. I think staff will say that everything else has been met. So, we're here tonight just to talk about the trail. What I want to say is that

Excuse me, Joe. Uh, Melissa, can we pull the trail the the map back up? I think I might be able to do that. Oh, you have that. I'm sorry. Well, who's got the power? That way, while you're talking, explaining it, it'd be nice to to see it as well. Thank you. Can you go back and show the two more? There we go. That'll work.

Okay. This is from the PD itself. And I don't know if this points or not. No. So the blue dash line on the top of the picture is the one at issue. The other blue dash line throughout the whole neighborhood and that circles back around the pond as well uh has been included in the PSP. The some of the problems with the 10-ft trail that goes between Albany and Narusi are that the 10-ft trail would impact those front yards. The tree trees would be taken down. The uh utilities would have to be moved, mailboxes moved, um things like that. But more importantly is that a 10-ft trail requires a South Florida Water Management District permit. Anything greater than eight feet would require that. That means that the storm water for that trail will have to go somewhere and there's nowhere within the existing ride ofway for that storm water to be held. Um, and there's really no place to put that storm water. We have had numerous conversations um the engineers have about this. Uh we continue to have conversations as of today uh with your public works folks. They have asked for additional information concerning how that trail might work in there and how the storm water uh could be done. We're happy to provide that information and get that back to you. Um,

I don't have a concern and I did uh let the city attorney know today. We're happy to amend the PD. Come back and amend the PD to remove that if you want it or to change it. We're we're open to having discussion tonight about the direction from council. Uh we're we've been trying to work this through for the last several months. So staff is in a position where they have to recommend a denial because of this issue. Um but that doesn't mean that we can't come up with a game plan that will work for both the city, the developer, and those folks along Chisum Park Trail. So that's when I'm here to try to get some direction from council and to work with you all on getting a solution that helps everybody.

All right. Thank you, Joe. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? All right. City Council, any comments from council? Yes, please. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Uh Melissa, if you have a second, and we have such a great uh amount of St. Cloud residents here that are attending this meeting, which I'm sure bores most, but it's important to the future of St. Cloud. PSP PUD as simple as you can get. Can you explain it so the folks in nowadays understand the difference?

Sure. Yes. So, a planned unit development or PUD is a negotiated zoning designation for a property which allows the uh applicant to request uh deviations from our code um in order to have a development that is more innovative and [snorts] that gives the city the ability to request uh improvements that are above the minimum requirements of the code. A preliminary subdivision plan is like a pre-plat or a pre-engineered plan that demonstrates that the project can actually work kind of like a plugandplay,

right? Versus, right? Uh we want to work with you, you want to work with us. So if you want this development to be a high-end graded development, we would ask for these specific things and you'd work it out. That's how business is done. Yes, sir. Yeah. you you have a PSB and then you have a PUB and I apologize for being redundant. However, I I I'm on the board of Metro Plan and part of this passage is part of the Ocala to uh Okachobee path. This is going to be an 8 foot path for walkable, bikes, pedestrians. It's going to bring revenue into St. cloud through. It's almost like the West Trail and I'm trying to bring it down to understand

like the West Orange West Orange Trail. This is what this plan is developed for and it's part of Chism Park and I know Avenue D is part of the trail and it's 400 feet after Chisum if you're coming from Maruzi up. But if you're riding a bike or walking you 400 feet should be part of your exercise regimen. But I'm not telling you what should be. But this is huge to the state and county and cities intermodal plan which is intermodal is cars, trains, buses, walks and all that.

This right here is included in that plan from bringing a trail from Ocala to Okachobee. what we're looking at right here today, not today, not two years, not three years, not five years, but this is that's what we're considering at Metro Plan is this to be part of that plan. Right?

So, if we eliminate that, then they may not even come to S Club. I don't have those answers and I might be dead in 20 years, but this is going to happen with or without me. But this is part of what St. cloud should be embracing in a PUD versus PSP is what we talked about. Okay, we'll give you a break, you give us a break. You make us happy, we'll make you happy. That's how business is. I'm business owner. So for me, this this trail is awesome. Now, is it inconvenient for some? Yes. 99.75% of the city of St. cloud people. It's going to be phenomenal and it's going to be additional revenue and it's going to be outside of St. Cloud paying tax dollars. So, I yield back to you, mayor. I just wanted to include all this because I'm in part of that that board that this is part of the if we say no, it's going to affect the trail from Ocala to Okachobee. So again, I I I want to take everybody's picture and and at least bring it to the folks here in St. Cloud. That's what this plan is.

Can you clarify if we say no what you mean? if we say no to the development or if we say no to, you know, getting ready to that section of the trail. If I can only answer this uh and I don't speculate because I've been around too long, but if if this is part of their preliminary trail and if we take it out, they may use Avenue D. I don't know that, but they may uh pass St. Cloud. Okay. They might go to H. They th this is this is a plan trail that's going to be there. I can't tell you, mayor, but I can tell you this is part of the preliminary plan. Your position is leave the you want to see that trend?

Well, I I've been with this program for two and a half years now and I I've been out to this place for 18 times and this was an agreed upon development procedure which the city agreed upon and now it's trying to be changed. Okay. I I I I I'm here for the citizen. It's a tough decision, but this is going to only enhance our trails, our modal trails, our walking, our riding, our biking, these trails into Chisum Park. All right. One second, Joe. Uh, Council Member Paul.

Um, so to Miss Stacker, I know the residents had concerns that are in this area. What were some of the concerns and have those concerns been addressed? The concerns as to the development itself? Yes. From the residents in this area?

Well, none of them will say that all of them have been addressed, but what we did is add in amenities as Miss Duncan was saying on a PD. They're larger lots. Uh there's more amenities. There's more most subdivisions don't require any trails. We've got 10-ft trails all around this. Um, we've got e connectivity, we've got a whole bunch more than what's required in a regular subdivision. So, all of that was addressed in the PD ordinance. Um, we also did not put parking along uh Albany on the one side where the neighbors asked us not to. There were a lot of concessions that were done. And one of the concessions, if we're talking concessions, we did uh get with staff and offer to pay into a sidewalk fund an amount that would pay for this trail at some time in the future when it could be addressed as to how that corner is going to be developed and when the city this is now a county maintain road and not a city road. when it comes under the jurisdiction of the city, uh those kinds of things. We're still willing to pay into a sidewalk fund to have the trail be there. It's a question of how much and we did give an estimated value several months ago. It was initially approved by staff just last week. We were notified that they might want more. Um, so we are we are still looking for ways to move forward to get the development. This development has been going on for many many years. They're ready to go forward to to provide a really nice subdivision in this area so people can live right next to Chisum Park and walk there and enjoy those

kinds of amenities. So I think it's important to understand that we did have a lot of those discussions and we are still willing to move this forward to be able to accommodate both what staff is looking for what the council requested and to be able to to move this forward because the right now that the the PSP doesn't have the trail but we're willing to pay into the fund so you all can build it when the time is right. And also the the only other thing is the size of the trail. There's really not much room for a 10- foot wide trail in there. And you're triggering the South Florida Water Management District permit requirement. you you all probably will want to take a look at that and and and so that's why we're here to try to have those discussions to give direction.

Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Yeah, Miss Sacker, I appreciate you and and I know we're we're on the same page, but we we represent you represent customer. I represent 75,000 people who live in city St. cloud and uh I understand that we talked about a 10 or 8 foot trail or something that that didn't get southwater management ready. I don't want this project to to linger on.

I just want to promise the citizens of St. Cloud I'm looking out for the best interest and the best interest was agreed upon contract with the PUD and Mr. Fletcher and Mr. urban were there when we agreed upon it and these were the stipulations of putting these trails in. Now, we come back and say, "Hey, there's a tree in the way. There's this in the way. There's this in the way. Let's change it." Um, for various reasons, council, one of them is tourist and opportunity. If we have a trail coming through Tur Chisum and going down to Chisum, it's going to attract people from the west, what' you say, West Orange Trail. Kobe, have you ever been on the West Orange Trail? I have not.

It's crazy. You drive up and it's beautiful. You can picnic and it's a 10 foot trail. They bike, they walk, they I don't know if anybody in the comp I would love that here in St. Cloud. So I don't know how to compromise. We look at street D and that could be it. But it's there. I'm looking at 20 years. I'll be dead. But this could be really cool, right? For the city of St. Cloud. It just really The trail is there. Yes. Along street D. You've got a 10 foot trail. Okay. I I yield back, mayor. I just I'm trying to look forward. Any comments from council? Council member Urban.

It was my understanding I I did meet with the applicant uh earlier this week. It was my understanding that they're still building the trail. It's just kind of taken a extra turn because of the the the constraints there. Plus, they're going to be paying into the into the to the fund for it. Um, so if that's the case, I I I completely understand what Deputy Mayor Gilbert is saying. We the trail is very important. Um, if that's the case, eventually we're going to have a trail that goes through Avenue D and also a trail that goes straight down Chisum Park Road. A trail eventually when when that area redevelops, but that that's just how I understood it. I'm just talking this through with the council. Council Urban, I I understood there's a sidewalk fund and I'll have to ask uh the attorney for specifications because one, I don't think it's legal and two is look like 3540,000 to to There's nothing that cost you less than a million bucks.

Are you asking the city attorney to chime in on this? No, we talked about the sidewalk. There were there was an opportunity where I was trying to look at mayor and I apologize. I was talking looking at options. I'm looking at what we can do to make this thing work because this is two and a half years in thing. And they said, "Well, you can put a sidewalk fund in and we'll give you 35 grand." Well, you can probably put maybe one house worth of sidewalk for 35 grand. You can't put 1.1 mile. Uh, city attorney.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, maybe I can help if we can move it forward because I think as Mrs. Thcker pointed out and we all staff and Mrs. stacker agree you can't approve the PSP the way it currently is before you right now because it's inconsistent or it's not consistent with the the ordin the PUD ordinance that was adopted. So what we were looking for is some sort of direction about how the council felt so that we could try to resolve this in one way or the other. The way I see it there's you know there's a couple options right there's actually there's probably two options and one has probably two subsets to it. So the first option obviously is you tell the applicant we agreed we want the trail the way it is and you got to put you got to put the trail in there. The second option is we consider in the future amending the PUD to allow for the trail that's showing on the plan right not on this one but on the other on the other at the top

well to take out the blue piece and then leave it the way it was in there like that. will be consistent with that and you amend the PD to do that. This as a subset of that, you could say we're okay with doing that the way it is there and then we would like the developer to deposit money with the in with the city to for the city to eventually build the extension of the trail as it's shown on that other exhibit. Um either way, if you do if you do any of those options or at least if you do the second options, you're g the PUD is going to have to be amended because the PUD currently doesn't provide for the deposit of the funds and with the city to uh satisfy the condition in the PUD. So either way, we're going to you'd have to do that. So we just need some direction on what you feel is the best the best situation to resolve this.

And we are agreeable to amend the PD as Yes. Can you go back the last slide again, please? Thank you.

Along Narusi Road going north, does that arrow continue up? So, with that, would you be continuing that 10 foot wide or is that an existing sidewalk? That's an existing. Are you increasing that to 10 foot? No. That's that is I just see it's part of the blue line. If you follow it all the way around, it's all right. The graphic and as you all know, the graphic doesn't depict what I think what the council approved.

Okay. I think based on the city attorney's advice that uh We need to amend it if they any of these options that the PUB needs to be amended. Is that correct? Unless you just stick with the language that's in it the way it is right now and require that that 10-ft trail. Yep. Which they're not you're not wanting to put that in. Well, it it will it it may take the city to get some storm water. The PUD does require the city to get any necessary right of way that's needed to build it. Yes. And we but we don't know the cost on it. We don't know how much the storm water we

know what what the cost of the trail will be the estimate. So you won't know if you choose to put money into a fund if if that was the

we we did give a [clears throat] an amount. We we gave that's been um reviewed by staff. It was initially accepted by staff, but then they had some concerns that they brought to our attention. So this afternoon we got a request to do some engineering work to give staff uh more information about what they think might be the cost. That's but we don't know if you'll even be able to get a permit on it or whether storm water will be necessary. So there's a lot of things surrounding the trail. only this little piece of it.

So, we either allow y'all to go amend it to take out the trail, but we can't we can't approve it the way it is right now if you're not in agreeance of developing it at 10 ft. It's got to be at least a 10ft trail. And if we don't know that, there's too many unknowns to approve it tonight. No, I'm we we understand you can't approve it tonight. Okay. What we were looking for was direction so we know if we need to amend the PUD and what we need to bring back. So, we do understand that and that's why we're we're asking for direction. All right. Uh, Council Member Fletcher,

I just wanted to make a a couple I just wanted to make a couple comments because there was one more thing I wanted to add add to the uh to to the approval of the the the master plan. Um, and I like like uh Deputy Mayor Gilbert was talking, we do have a bunch of folks here, so trying to learn about the process or at least understand what our our thinking is when we're going through this. Um, I do want to say thank you to to the applicant. We have worked very hard on this. Um they we have they've they've agreed to enhance landscape buffers. Um the split rail fence all the way around in connection to Chisum Park. Um they did adjust um the lot arrangement for us um the the neighbors um on the south side. They're going to be putting in a 6ft fence and an enhanced landscape buffer to assist with them. We did move um parking on the east side of Albany to the west side of Albany to take into consideration um the neighbors who are here in the the more uh rural setting. Um I did want to to say that I would like it notated on the plan that all construction traffic and equipment come in off of the the street D um which they had to get a county approval for that which I'm understanding that the applicant has that approval now um for street D. Um so so I would be okay with um with what's been discussed, taking it back and and and bringing it back,

city attorney.

Yeah. So, just to try to keep it because we we if we come back, we want to make sure we're coming back with the right path and we can get this done right. So, it seems to me, just sort of reading the room a little bit, that the idea of amending the PUD to allow for a fund to be paid by the develop amount to be paid by the developer into a fund to ultimately be used for the construction of the trail the way it's shown on this on the P on the map on the screen. Um, the only caveat to add to that that would probably require some sort of discussion among staff and the applicant as to the amount to be able to do that. And again, that's not contained in the existing PUB ordinance. So, we would

Ken said $1 million. I did hear him say that. U, but he didn't hold us tomorrow. He didn't hold your finger up. Uh, so sorry, Dad. That's all right. So, the PED ordinance does not allow for that option. So we would bring back the PED ordinance that had some language in it that basically said in lie of constructing it. They could deposit uh the the amount into the fund whatever that amount might be. Uh we put some time frames on when the deposit would have to be made of course and then this exhibit would be changed uh to take off essentially that blue line. Then it would be up to the city at some point if they want to extend the trail at that time to be able to work through all the engineering and do the construction.

Yes, sir. Does that I mean that seems to be some of the consensus as sort of a compromise to ultimately get the trail built and allow the project to continue. Yes. Um Kevin Felinger, do you have a moment please? City manager that's actually a what I wanted to discuss. Cameron back there Cameron's engineer gave me comments on this earlier today. Say something. Would that be okay? While he's approaching the county. Yes, sir. Go ahead.

Uh one thing the city's not in is into building streets and roads. that comes federal, state, and county. We do connectivity roads, but we we're not in the road business. Uh if everybody knows the state streets, all that, but everything's county, state, and federal. If we go into building a pathway and we ask for a half million bucks in a five years, it's two million bucks. the citizens of St. I don't want to get into a business that we're not not saying we're not qualified but we have so many other things on the plate to not getting into building a passage or a road or thoroughare I apologize mayor I just think it's very important that we know that we're not into road building business we're into take care of assistance I yield back and I know Kevin's so much more intelligent than I but we're just not That's business.

Yes, sir. Good evening, Kevin. Yeah, Kevin, what what what's your thoughts on that trail? Um if we have enough rightway there and what South Florida would require.

Well, right now um part of the issue is and part of the reason why um the the question about the sidewalk escro account that was brought up is there's a roadside swale there. Um and we have not seen how they were looking to be able to account for uh that area. Um, like I said, and the proposal that was given to us did not show any uh very minimum storm water. Um, and that's why we asked for them to be able to provide us cross-sections to be able to show what uh would be able to fit in there and what they were proposing. Um, because I know at some point there was talk back and forth about different uh different widths of sidewalks, uh, different times of areas there. And so, I said, so it's about to be able to make sure that we were able to to fit it in there so we minimize the impacts to the residents, but also still provide that connectivity. Um, so like I said, so that's why we ask for additional information and um I I agree the the the number that's been kind of being thrown around if we're just putting in just a a straight sidewalk just to be able to to dig a hole and put put concrete in the soil is going to be pretty close. Um, but I I I have a feeling there's going to be more requirements uh that are going to be as part of that just because of the the way it is. Um, and that's why we asked for them to be able to provide us a little more information. Um and that that's the reason why um that's why our our staff reached out to them to ask for additional information.

All right. Thank you, Council Member Paul. Um I am okay if it this come back and be consistent with that. But to approve something and listening to the challenges that might be all the way to Chisum Park Trail to Narusi Road, um I just don't want to approve something that we might face challenges. Yeah. Okay. Okay. So, were you suggesting, Council Member Paul, that we continue this uh until there's more information? Yes. Yes. Joe,

what I would request is um that we be able to bring back an amendment to the PD quickly and that the a PSP and a PD be approved at the same time. Um, we will continue to work with staff on what could, should, how much could go in there because I think there are so many unknowns. Um, that's one of the reasons that we were bringing it to your attention that it's it's a problem. So, we're happy to continue to work with staff. We've been we've been working with staff and we'll continue. What I guess my concern is um understanding your direction so staff knows how they can help and we can come together and present to you all what you're looking for.

I think maybe during this this next month come put together two options. One where you're amending it, taking it out, and one where you're you're giving us hard numbers on what you feel it's truly going to cost. And um and if staff can come, you y'all can kind of meet together and and find out whether it's even feasible for the city to do it with a swale. What were you saying? We need storm water. We don't know. And we don't know if we can even get a permit, right? And that's where where we there's no way for us to know either to to be able to approve this tonight, I believe. Um so so we would ask then for a continuence of the PSP. Is that Dan? Well, or can we withdraw?

I don't I don't Well, let me put this. So, I don't I think the mayor is kind of on the right track with it now, but I want from a process perspective, we staff and obviously it's not a big issue for staff to amend the existing PUD ordinance. There is a process to be able to go through it. It's not going to be a lot of changes to it. When it ultimately comes back to the city council, the hope would be that we have all this information so that you have enough information to do that at that time. If you agree to amend the PUD, then it moves forward in that direction. If you don't agree to amend the PUD, then you're back where you are right now. Well, or the PSP can be updated

or the PSP be updated consistent with the existing thing. So, at least I don't necessarily think uh I think there is some more work to be done, but I think it could also be worked within the confines of the process so that ultimately when you make your final decision, you could have all the information. One of the the biggest concerns with development which are delays and this is a PSP24-00001. So we are looking to be collaborative and to work through this on a very timely basis and that that's one of the big ask that I'm asking tonight is that we be able to do it pretty quickly. Kevin, how long would it take for for you to determine whether or not we need that swale or whatever with South Florida? Can we reach out to them and see?

Well, that that's what we've asked their engineer to be able to write us information. Um, at the end of the day, like I said, we we've asked for additional information from their engineers. Um, and we'll be glad to be able to review them. Um, if the if the council would like for us to reach out to South Florida, I can reach out to South Florida tomorrow just to ask about uh sizes and that sort of stuff. Uh, but at the end of the day, it really is, like I said, about how creative we get with with with certain things because I mean there's, you know, it's a sidewalk. There's only so many ways you can put a sidewalk in, right? And so, um, at the at the end of the day, if that's the direction of the council, I'll be glad to reach out to South Florida tomorrow. Okay. Mayor, with your provision, may I ask? Deputy mayor. Yes, sir. Is it a sidewalk or is it a path?

It's Well, FDOT, the minimum width for a a trail is 10 feet wide. Okay. Um, so I said, so and I said, but I've heard parts that at some point it may be smaller or bigger. And that's why that that that's part of the confusion we have also because we have a hard time being able to tie down a price to something that may be six foot wide, maybe 10 foot wide. Like I said, may require drainage, may may require pipes, may be able to be done with swelles, maybe have different areas with, I said, if we are able to get vertical curve, maybe move it up a little bit. There there's a lot of variables that we're not aware of and that's why we asked for some typical cross-sections so we'd have a better idea about what's what what the final product would be. Um and that that's why we're working with the applicant to be able to have their engineer provide that stuff to us.

You are so good at your job. I I I've learned so much from you, but a sidewalk is different from a trail. Yes, sir. Uh water is different from runoff. Uh certain regulations happen. you know the cost of doing business. I I just don't think it's a city's business to build a trail. I don't think we need to put $50,000 at 1% return and hopefully we can build it for4 million. I I don't know you I don't know.

But you're putting this burden on our citizens. We've agreed upon a PUD with the applicant and they agreed upon doing this and it's okay. Hey, I sold it. We're cool. And now it's oh we don't want to do that. I don't know as a businessman it you have to question we agreed we shook hands. You signed agreement and now you want to change it. I don't know it maybe revised work order but I just asked the council to consider we are not into the trail building business but that trail that comes through here will create revenues for the city of St. cloud through Ocala to Okachobee. I yield back, mayor, that that's the only way I'm looking at it. I apologize for this, but it's a great thing.

City manager.

Thank you, mayor. Um I was able to find my notes. I met with um Dale Allen from Florida Greenways and Trail Foundation regarding that proposed trail. And when the question about the width was was being discussed, um Mr. Allan informed me that their plan was the trail would be a 12- foot multi-use trail. Um it's it's called the the Laketo Lake Regional Ecoourism Trail. Um originally St. Cloud was not in the path and OciOla County, according to Mr. Allen, I have not confirmed this with OciOla County. Um Ocola County proposed that they choose a path that goes through Sunbridge and connects to the city. We would be the last urban stop before 80 miles of rural trail. um and that they were expecting this project to start in 2027 or 2028. So I just wanted to provide that additional information

on the board of metro. So that's what I fought for. Seriously, that's what I fought for. Bring it through us. Let's get the revenue. Let's get to citizens. Let's get let's get the tourist. So again, I should explain that, but on the metro plan board, that's what I fought for is to bring this trail through. I yield back. All right. Thank you. All right. So, the the two options we we can continue it or deny it, right, Dan? Or approve it.

Well, you could deny the BSP right now, but it it really it doesn't mean they can't bring it back to you at a later date once it's in. Technically, you'd have to deny because it's not consistent with this the PU PUD. So, but I still I really think we could we can work through giving you more information and keep the project at least moving forward to a certain extent. And then at the end of the day, the applicant takes the risk that they come back in front of you and they basically you your your position is you don't want to amend the PED and they got to build the trail. Okay. Joe, are you uh happy if we just uh continue it to the February meeting? Would that give you enough time?

Oh, of course. where and we'll continue to to work. I understand uh C uh Deputy Mayor Gilbert's position. I not sure I understand everybody else's, but um if staff feels like they have direction to work with us on a cost for a sidewalk is what I'm hearing, then we're happy to do that and and present something back to you all. Um working with your public works folks to see what actually will work within that uh right away. just so if if you continue to the February meeting and we're fine with that because that gives staff the time, the ability to to get some information and also council the the ability to review that before the PUD ordinance comes back for an amendment and that will but it isn't it is an ordinance amendment. So that would you wouldn't see the final PUD ordinance on that path until April probably. Well, what I guess if we file a PD amendment now because I because y'all only meet once a month. I don't I want to try to delay or or move forward some of that process. Um, and maybe what we can do not tried this before, but I think it might work is to file two different uh PD amendments. And we could do that to make the process move faster.

That's between you and staff. Well, we we we could do that. And you know, the bottom line is if they could file, respectfully, they could file five or six different amendments. If you deny all of them, then the peed stays exactly the way it is today, right? But then that way if we know we we you all make that decision. So then we can make sure the PSP fits with the PUD. So, so you're working towards over this next month with staff to find a way to get that 10-ft trail in. We're going to work with staff to see if a 10-ft trail will go in, what those costs are, what some other options may be. Okay.

On on width and things like that, because I think movement is what you're looking for, pedestrian movement. You've got a lot of pedestrian movement throughout this uh development. you've you're missing that one little piece between Albany and Narusi. It doesn't impact the regional trails in any way. But if if an a 7 foot path works there um or you know that meets what you're trying to achieve and also would have it may work from an engineering perspective. So we're happy to explore all of those things with staff

and Dan the city's side on this is we are to purchase any rightway additional or pay for any say it's need storm water is that on the applicant or on the city the way the the way the condition read is that they would be responsible to construct it the city would be responsible for acquiring any rightway needed to construct it. So if if a ret if a pond or some sort of storm water pond is needed, then the city would have to require the rightway to do it. I think we could discuss who builds the actual retention area, but the city at least would be required to acquire the property to do it.

Well, let's assume that there's not enough land for that. Then what do we do? the under the terms of the current condition, you'd have the city would have to figure out how to acquire it or it wouldn't get built. Then we'd have to amend the PUB anyway. Well, [snorts] I'd have to look at that issue.

Oh, I stumped you. Well, you did only because I'm I'm picturing that you know the condition is written in there and um what we couldn't what what the applicant would be able to move forward with developing their project if the city just said we don't want to acquire the rideway because the applicant would have been agreed to do everything they said they were going to do. The decision not to build the trail would actually land on the city for not acquiring the rideway. So, the applica will be able to move forward and the trail obviously wouldn't get built. Okay. Thank you all for having the discussion. Thank you, Joe. Do we uh we need to vote to No, I don't think so. I think we got enough direction. All right. Thank you, Joe.

Can we repeat the direction because I I would feel more comfortable with that. Oh, I'm sorry. [laughter] So So the is the the what I heard was coming back staff's going to work with them on the two options. one showing hard numbers for the installation and then the other one was was taking it out. Was that was that correct? I'm sorry. Repeat that. Okay. Uh the that we were going to be in the PUD amendment evaluating two options. One with the hard numbers um including of the installation of the trail and then the other option taking it out not requiring

if it didn't work. If it doesn't work, we have to find a way of removing it. But I think staff needs to work with the applicant on figuring out if it can work through South Florida Water Management, what's required, I guess, to make it work. So, I guess I have a concern. I'm not an engineer. Um, Kevin, but Kevin, wouldn't to to [clears throat] really determine if it's going to work, we need the construction plan level of detail, do we not? so that we're ensuring that we're looking at any utilities that are in the area in addition to the storm water.

Um, if we had a typical cross-section and we had a survey for the area, um, I think we'd be able to get to I'd call them 60% plans pretty pretty quickly to be able to have an idea about what kind of uh, areas you have. The biggest thing is like I said, finding the pens, finding the elevations because that's gonna be the biggest issue is how you'll be able to grade it to be able to make sure that that it meets all the standards because like I said with I said with rural swell sections there there's that they always they're not a constant area. There's ups and downs and and you can't have that in trails. Um you want to make sure that that you actually are able to do that. And so without um a little bit more of that data um we definitely would need um some more information. That's why we had started with asking for a cross-sections. you'll see what was being proposed with be able to fit within the existing rideway. Um because like I said, if it's only take 20 feet to be able to fit a 10 foot section through there, we're not have a hard time. Um but if it's only if we can fit it in a 12 to 13 foot section, if we're able to get it up against the the road with a vertical curve and be able to do get a little creative like that, we we might be able to fit it fit it in a little bit easier. And so

you're you're comfortable with just the a cross-section and a survey for us to be able to get hard numbers to determine if it's feasible, right? I I I think like I said once we have that then then then I mean it's we're talking about the geometry. So we're we're not asking to have you know 100% plans but it's just you know once we have the geometry we should be able to have a pretty good idea of what would be able to fit into that the the constraints. Deputy Mayor Gilbert,

I apologize uh for this long. Kevin, are we good at building trails or when we have a developer say that they're going to take care of it for us that we work together with them or should we put our resources with the 34 projects that St. Cloud goes on and we're growing and we're not into the road business, we're in connectivity business. You think we should say, "Hey, we need to build a trail." Just yes or no. That's all I'm asking. And we're cool. Well, we we are in the process right now of of of building a trail along Rumbl Road. Um that that that's not one of my projects. Have we started it yet? No, sir. We're in the process of being able to try to bid it out. Just answer the question. I'm sorry. Yes. Yes, sir.

So So the the direction was the the two options, one with hard numbers and one with taking it out, right? Is that what the That was what That's what I was Okay. Yep. All right. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you, Joe. We're going to go ahead and take a five minute break.

All right, we'll go ahead and call this meeting back to order.

And will the clerk read item B? Resolution number 2026-011R, a resolution of the city council of the city of St. Cloud, Florida, amending the and updating the facility users agreement between St. City of St. Cloud and St. Cloud Little League providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date.

Good evening, mayor, council. Again, Stephanie Whole Camp, parks and recreation director. Oh, council action item resolution number 2026-011R, the St. Cloud Little League facility use agreements. It's proposed agreement. I just want to give you some background um information. A lot of this information was provided in the staff report. there's been some updates. Um so the so there'll be some information that you see on the slideshow that's not um the same as the staff report because we received updated information late this afternoon. Um, as you remember, we had a workshop back in March of 2025, um, where the direction was for staff to, um, evaluate all of our facility use agreements, sports agreements, just regular facility user agreements with different organizations, and then the fee structures that are associated with those agreements and differentiate um, between city and county residents. We all uh so that led us to here um in some other agreements staff developed a proposed little league St. Cloud little league agreement and fee module to ensure equitable cost allocation between resident non-residents. So I also want to want to stop for a moment when I talk about resident versus non-resident. Residents as it relates to this presentation are um adorum taxpayers. Residents are people that pay taxes for the city. Non-residents are people that do not pay city taxes. Coordination meetings were conducted with St. Cloud Little League leadership throughout 2025. The first one was in May of 2025. Staff met with a newly appointed Little League president at the time or the interim

president uh who later became permanent the permanent Little League president and the board members. At this time we revised the revised fee structure was discussed that the fees were changing and the structure of how the fees would be changing. literally uh leadership indicated the proposed was reasonable and raised no concerns at that time. Fast forward to October 13th of 2025. Staff met again with the Little League president board members to review proposed agreement changes and revised fees. Little League advised the proposal would be reviewed by their full board in early November. On December 19th, staff followed up regarding the board feedback since we hadn't received any yet. The Little League president indicated that they did have a redline version with comments and it would be provided to us. December 29th, staff received the redline version for review with their comments. Staff immediately prepared an updated agreement addressing their concerns for city council. staff met with Little League again on January 6, 2026 and came to an agreement on all terms with the exception of the fee structure. The city's annual cost to maintain the fields, the total annual cost to maintain all fields at the civic center complex approximately $392,48. This includes the maintenance of the newly construct constructed fields. It's also important to note that these costs cannot be funded through parks and recreation impact fees. The annual ongoing maintenance and expenses including staffing um operational costs

must be supported through the general fund. The maintenance of these fields again have to be paid for through the general fund. There were no grants utilized to fund the new ball field expansion project. Little League uses approximately 1100 hours of field time annually which equates to 60% of all field usage. Operation costs for baseball fields are approximately 257 per field or per hour. Correction per hour. Little League's current agreement has been in place since 2015 and requires $5 per per participant per season regardless currently regardless you're a resident non-resident. Little League sets their own fe uh fees for their program. We do we do not set any Little League fees. In 2019, Little League charged $91 to participants. In 2022, Little League charged $137 to participants. 2025, they charged 140. And this afternoon, we found out uh they are charging 170 $170 to participants starting spring of 2026. Recent participation for fall of 2024, 801 participants. Spring of 2025, 829 participants. I'm going to leave this this slide up while I talk about the next next slide because they and then we'll stop at the next slide. So this information this table of information this is from spring

of 2023 to spring of 2025 numbers. This participation data shows the majority of players are nonresidents. On average, 56% of participants reside outside the city limits of St. Cloud. Non-resident participants do not contribute to property tax revenue to support field maintenance. City advorum taxpayers support non-resident participants. This is the data that I This is the data that I was just speaking of that correlates with the table I just showed you. Uh our field cost analysis. The city has an adopted rental rate policy for the civic center ball fields. It's as follows. um in the table below. So Monday through Friday for ad advorum um taxpayer 65 an hour non-advelor is 85 and it goes up getting more expensive on the weekends. So on the weekends it's $85 an hour for a resident 110 for non-resident then there's a field prep fee and a light fee if you're playing in the evening time. comparable. Uh the school district facilities charge approximately $435 per two-hour block, including staffing and utilities. All fields um are are booked that are booked through the school board are booked via online their reservation portal. Now, to the best of my knowledge, that's what they've told me. The regional Little League comparison fee

um St. Cloud Little League registration for 2026 is 170. This is the additional information that we received this afternoon. So in the staff report it was $140. Comparable programs. This information came directly from the former uh Little League president at the time back in March of 2025. St. Cloud Little League at the time charged $140. Celebration Little League charged 150. South Orange Little League 150 to 190. Conway Little League 175. Again, those prices from TW March of 2025. The proposed fee model that staff proposed to Little League was $200 per team per season and $75 per non-resident participant. This would provide a more equitable dis distribution of costs between the resident and non-resident users. Little League has the ability again to determine their own fees. What is the fiscal impact of this proposed model for St. Cloud Little League? The average particip participation which is this this this numbers came from little league on average 50 teams per season approximately 12 players per team. The base team fee 50 50 teams times 200 is 10,000 per season. Cost per participant 10,000 divided by 829 equals $12.7 per player. This is an increase of approximately $7 per participant if passed on to the participants. It's also important to note that this $7 per participant increase does not

include if you are a non-resident. If you are a non-resident, which from the numbers we've been provided, 46 non-resident participants times 75 is $34,200. Uh we met uh this past Tuesday with uh St. Cloud Little League and their um executive board. Uh there was four four of them there, four or five of them. Uh they had discussed about implementing a three-year phased approach that was requested by them to gradually transition to the proposed fee model. Some other things that were talked about, the fall season, uh the start time would be adjusted to the third week in August. So, the last two weeks in August, um they wanted on there because their seasons start in September. So, they needed two weeks of practice. So, we added those two weeks in August. Spring season, we clarified that the spring season would conclude following the completion of our allstars in case it went beyond the end of June. They also um asked if we would provide them two keys instead of one. That wasn't uh that wasn't a problem. Okay. So this uh summary of the presentation I apologize there's many slides. 56% of all 50 56% of participants live outside of city limits of St. Cloud. Little League has paid only $5 per participant to the city since 2015. City does not determine Little League fees. Little League has increase their fees from $91 in 2019 to $70 in 2026. Staff proposal would increase fees paid

to the city from $5 per participant to approximately $12 per participant. non-residents would pay an additional 75 per participant per season. And I'm here to answer any questions you may have. All right. Thank you, Stephanie. Uh, really quick, you said that no grants were used to build the new park. That is correct. The seven fields, the 17 million. Where did that money come from? Debt. Debt. We got a bond. any of that from all these folks parks and recck that the bond is guaranteed by by city adorn taxpayers that lives here [clears throat]

impact fees at all impact fees can be used to repay the bond they can't be used to secure the bond they're a repayment source

all I'm going to let council um have any any comments prior to any any part public participation. If if I may, mayor, if I may. Thank you. Uh, mayor, uh,

I coached for 26 years. Uh, Harmony football, basketball, baseball, girls track, girls. Uh, I had five children that all participated in u sports and activities. Uh, and we did the little league, but we did a AU, USSA, and all the other uh, functions. And although it did cost at five kids there five years apart, it was uh the social ex the the what they got from it. Not just the sport, the the social uh encounters, the the coaches, the teams, the this a as a coach it it there's not a dollar that can put onto it. They're just not there just there's not there there's not. However, you know, I I I paid for Florida Prepaid College. who did SRN. I had five kids at college at the same time,

you know, eight beanie weenies the whole time. But part of that, the leagues helped them succeed. So now as a city council person, I I have to juggle do do I want the taxpayers that are 97% of the taxpayers that don't play baseball to pay $350,000 out of taxpayer money or do I want the three or 4% that play baseball not to be able to pay the cost of doing business? I struggle with it. I'm sure every citizen here would. I'm sure every business and parent would. if there's not a good answer, but costs have gone up. In 2015, we didn't raise prices. So, you're looking at 16 years of no prices raised. They said, "Well, do an escalation of pricing. If we raise the prices by 4% each year, that'd be over 70%." And and we can make math is you can do whatever you want math, good math, bad math, but I asked the citizens of St. cloud in a council is what is fair to the 98% of the citizens in St. Cloud that don't they could be participating in volleyball. They can participate in BMX, skateboarding, shuffling, pickle ball, and then when we raise their rates, are they going to say, "Hey, we don't want to pay for it. Let the baseball people pay for it." So, I I don't have that answer right now, Stephanie. I just know that it's a foundation of the growth of the children and the social expectations of children that are in sports or in activities, but I also know that the city has to pay for it somehow. So, I wish I had an answer, but but I don't. But I see the problem. But the rate increases have to exist. Nobody's electrical bill in 2015 is in 2026. We still have to use electrical. So, I I I I'm so glad that these folks are here, council. I really wish I could have an answer to it, but we have to find some

kind of median to say we want this stuff, but we don't want 97% of the people that don't have kids or grandkids or cousins or in baseball to pay for it. So, I implore everybody here in the mayor and council, let's figure a solution up. But $7 per kid. My wife goes to Starbucks every Friday. It's eight bucks. But I'm not saying that she can't because I wouldn't be married. But but we have to kind of figure that out. And I I hope the citizens and and the council will help us do that today because I think baseball is a great My dad played for the Yankees in the Tigers. I didn't make it. I didn't play that well. But but but those things happen that it's a great social experience. So I yield back to you, mayor. I I I wish I had a comment for that that had some stability.

Yeah. And I would agree that that this this is an important program in the community. It shows obviously the the parents and and the public here tonight. I know y'all care deeply about it as I do. I grew up on these fields ever since. I mean, I had a brother that was two years older than me. So, I spent the first 15 years of my life on those fields every single Saturday. Either my mom was coaching or my dad was coaching all the way through. Um, one of your members on your board. I grew up through the, you know, baseball with him and actually one of our sergeants, the police department, uh, was the only person to struck me, strike me out that year. So, um, everybody that knows me knows I have 100% supported this. You guys, um, we're in a unique position up here where we are, [clears throat] you know, yes, we are the city. You know, all powers are vested in the city council, but we are citizens and we work for you. we are representatives um your representatives here. We represent you um but we also represent the city. So it's it's a very unique situation that we're in. Um and I know all of us love this community and we want to do the best we can and as as we continue to grow. We have a lot of growing pains and I think the fact that there has not been an increase in all these years. I think that that um I think that kind of uh it hurts a little bit the increase. I don't I don't know that that what has been proposed is is the answer. Um I know y'all have spoken with with little league about a step up program. Stephanie, can you describe a little more about that? What what you mentioned? Yeah. So, we we uh we discussed a a step up program. I'm just going to grab my

Yeah, you're fine. Take your time. We're not going anywhere.

I want to thank all of y'all for hanging out all night until we got to this. So, thank you for coming and it shows that you do care about this community and the the program. Yeah. So, it it'd be a step-up program over three years. So, the spring of 20, we had uh discussed spring of 2026 and fall of 2026. Those two seasons would be $150 per team and a $25 non-resident fee. That's year one. Again, that was $150 per team and then $25 for non-residents.

2027, both seasons, uh, it would be $175 a team and a $50 non-resident fee. So 175 per team, 50 non-resident fee. And then in year three, we would get to the 200 per team and $75 for non-resident. All right. So year one, 2016, [clears throat] when would that be implemented? If if you if it went down this path 20

uh spring of 2026 now that's right now um and that is they're currently accepting registration on that that is the program they're they're working on right now I believe so I believe registration is open you'll have to yeah little you'll have to answer that question

I'm sure I've got a few to from the link here all right thank you and and folks I'm asking all these questions because we don't get to talk about this outside of a meeting so we have to sit here to understand this, we're from everybody's viewpoint right here in in front of everybody. So, um it's while we can talk to staff and we can talk to little league and we talk to parents, um you know, some and and obviously sometimes we get we get the advice of consultants, you know, we're, you know, we're shown one side and when we're not shown the other side, we don't know how it plays out in real life. So, if we don't currently have kids out there playing, we're not seeing how it's being played out. And sometimes we don't always get it right the first go around. So, um that's why we're always willing to to to revisit every single thing. If we want to talk about something that we voted on 40 years ago, I'm open to it. So, thank you Stephanie for laying that out. So, year one, was that something that Little League was um they were okay with a year one paying that for year one? It was it was a step up. Yeah. When we when we met with them on January 6. Now, it wasn't the entire board, but it it was uh the league president um and some of the other executive board members and that was what was discussed.

Okay. Council member Urban, I'll go ahead and

Yeah, thank you. Um I I would echo the same comments. Uh love baseball. It's true American pastime sport. Uh little league, one of the best in the entire United States. So, I completely support it. Uh I'm I would also be in support of the step up program uh to phase it in. One of the questions I have is um and I've heard from several people who uh maybe they don't physically live in the city, but they own businesses or property in the city where they pay uh taxes into the city. Could we find a way for those uh business owners or property owners in the city who have kids to pay the resident rate? Is that something might be an attorney question?

We've done that in the past where if the if an a particular applicant or requesttor can demonstrate that they own real property and therefore they're paying advorum taxes to the in the city that they would get the resident rate even if they didn't physically reside in the city. I I would like to propose uh doing something like that if if the council would be interested in that as well. All right. Thank you, sir.

So, Harmony does Harmony's got a pop order, but they don't they're not looking at that area. There's no plans. The county is not looking at they're not doing a little league out in that area, right? So, all of those kids, everybody way out in Harmony, they all play St. Cloud Little League. If they play Little League, if Yeah. If they were within Little League's boundary, St. Cloud Little League's boundary. I'm not sure the exact boundaries. I I saw the Little League president here. you can probably explain more on on the boundaries and how far they reach. So, anybody in the JPA qualifies for our little league. If they're in Orange County, do they play in our little league or is that

I don't know the exact I don't know the exact boundaries. And I do know from speaking um to to the president that I think the city of CM is getting a little league, but not not a full like baseball, softball. She's here if you want to ask her to explain that. Oh yeah, we're we're going to talk to the president a little league. Um [laughter]

uh I'll go ahead and call Council Member Paul first. So, I do want to say I think we should do um come to at least a balance and um in our JPA I did pull um and it states um it is further acknowledged that the city allows residents of unincorporated Oyola County to benefit from the additional services provided by the city. Therefore, the county agrees to supports efforts by the city of St. cloud to fund this higher loss, which is level of service standards for parks and recreation facilities for new development within the JPA. Does that incorporate residents already established or is this for residents incoming in

I think you referencing the JPA, right? Yes. The joint planning area. So, but I don't know that that in uh incorporates everybody in the county that plays for St. Cloud Little League. just within this [clears throat] the JPA uh city manager and then I'll I'll go to council members.

Sure. Um regarding that that section of the JPA helps us with the county's provides us with parks and recreation impact fees for any new construction within the JPA. That language is basically saying that yeah, we do allow county residents to use our facilities, but it doesn't outline how much county residents have to pay to use our facilities, but it does cover that they're going to contribute through parks and recreation impact fee donation to the city to help us build additional facilities.

Correct. So, we're not seeing the county residents can't pay I mean play in the um these parks within the city limits. Correct. And I previously did ask the county manager if they would contribute to the cost since there were so many county residents in our program. I I brought it up a few times. What was your answer? No. Okay. Council member Fletcher,

I just wanted to I just wanted to make some general um comments before I know we're going to be taking um um public comment. Um you know, I grew up I that's I grew up in our parks and wreck programs. I've said it many times. Um, I think we have one of the best parks and w programs in the entire country. Um, you know, every almost every child, um, teenager, whatnot that grows up in our city touches parks and wreck somehow, whether it's it's coming to an event downtown, Veterans Park, playing somewhere, it it it helps with their upbringing and basically what St. Cloud is all about. Um, so so as we go through this, you know, we'll eventually get get to a spot. Um, but I appreciate everybody taking the time um to join us here this evening. Um, it it it really means a lot. It shows how you're how much you're dedicated um um to your city. So, so thank you for being here and uh we can uh move forward.

Deputy Mayor,

I I just agree with you, Sean. I just agree 1,000%. Uh these programs are necessary. We're we're trying to help the citizens by say take taking some cost factors, but sports in general, even the glee club, even the band, that's always necessary in the growth of our children. I agree with uh council member Urban. Let's step it up. Let's go a year year. We should have done this in 2015 and we wouldn't be having this meeting today. But for 11 years, we haven't increased our prices. I guarantee you fertilizer has gone up, labor's gone up, water's gone up, security's gone up, and even light bills have gone up. So, what we say is, "Hey, we're cool." And then 10 years later, hey, we're going to stump you with this. So, uh, people can handle stepups better than they can handle an an outbreak. And I'm going to ask my wife not to get Starbucks because it's eight bucks and then seven bucks. I yield back to you.

All right. Yeah, Council Member Paul. um with these agreements with um other organizations, I think this also should be something we look at of looking at all the agreements that might be outdated and so we don't have this problem in the future again and no surprises. Council member Fletcher, um um so when we were talking about um the rate um between uh residents and non-residents, um how do we how do we verify how do we verify that? How do you verify the resident versus non-resident? Right. How do we Is it submitted by them? How do we we look at that? We have a process.

Yeah, they they provide an Excel spreadsheet. Well, the former president would supply Excel registration spreadsheets um strictly just the addresses um of the participants. No names included, no ages, just addresses we give them to our GIS folks. They'd map out the location. That's how we know exactly where they're from. Deputy Mayor, you got more? Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, mayor. I yield back. I apologize.

All right. Um, I agree in a step up program. Uh, I think although I think in within the three years, I think they're looking at these numbers and it's scaring the hell out of them. I think that there's some unknowns as to what's going to happen in Tallahassee this year. So, what I want to do is go ahead and allow some of the public comment. uh all of the public comment and then we'll um then we can wrap it up with more council discussion if we'd like to after that. I think maybe we'll learn some more. So um thank you Stephanie. Appreciate it. Is that all? Is that all for us? Yes, that's it. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thank you Stephanie.

Um first up, let me go ahead and ask the little league president Danielle. I'm going to butcher your name. Mo Momenteller. Did I do it right? Yes. All right. Hello again. Hi.

Hi. Good evening. Daniel Momenteller, 3413 Village Green Court, St. Cloud, Florida. Good evening, mayor, city council members, and city manager, city attorney, and staff. My name is Danielle and I'm the president of St. Cloud Little League. For the past 50 years, St. Cloud Little League has been more than a sports program. It has been a foundation of this community. These fields are where childhood memories are made. Where kids learn teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Where they learn how to win with humility, lose with grace, and keep going when things gets hard. This is not just a place to play ball. It's a brotherhood and a sisterhood. Excuse [clears throat] me. It's a second home. For some kids, it's the only consistent positive outlet they have. It is a mentorship and a guidance. It is about creating better humans for our community. This league exists because of its volunteers. People have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this complex. They have donated their time, resources, and energy because they believed in this city and its kids. We didn't just use this park. We've invested in it. We've took pride in it. We've bought back into it. Quite simply, we cannot afford an increase of this magnitude. Absorbing the cost this large would force impossible choices. choices that would directly impact our families and more importantly the children. Our goal is to continue to make continue to make it affordable and not outpric our program. Youth sports should never become a privilege. It should remain an opportunity. This program matters to me deeply, not just as the president, but as a parent. My own son grew up on those fields. He is an adult and I'm still here still fighting for the kids and families of this community who deserve the same opportunities he had. So tonight I ask you not just as council members but as leaders and neighbors to stand with us and work with us and find a solution that allows this program to

continue without without pricing families out. Please do not let a 50-year legacy end on a spreadsheet. We know the fee has to go up. We are requesting to move forward with a one-year contract instead of a five-year proposal. This allows time for us to see what the year brings with the [snorts] increased fees to the league. Aside from the player, aside from the player increase alone, we are very concerned with this fee and feel due to such an increase as a yearly agreement would be best for this year and next. We respectfully request that you consider accepting a counter offer of $150 per team and $25 per non-resident as an amendment, which is a 30k per year increase and a $21.50 per player increase. I've given you guys the breakdown. I know the numbers are a little jaded. Um, we do have 75 teams in the spring, which is 900 kids, and we have 50 teams in the fall, which is 600 kids. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Well, you right on three [laughter] minutes. Look at Hold on. And we got a lot of questions. Danielle, you are the chosen one. Okay. Um, I want to thank you first. I know you stepped into a big role. I think last president was there for 15 years or so, right? Or 12 years, I don't know. 17. 17 years. Yeah. Yes. Um and I know it's a lot of work that that the parents and the coaches and I know I don't think you even have a child playing right now, right? And I know Franny doesn't and I know Ryan doesn't. I mean, I know there's quite a few of us. Yeah. Stepping up for the betterment of the community for our children. It's amazing.

Um and I remember, you know, Dale Wheeler was one of my coaches and he was another one. Even after his kids were out of there, he was still coaching or umpiring and and um you know, those were great days. You know, the kids remember those days. Um, I know Franny's husband, Jim, you played those fields, right? Um, and I remember the days, you know, opening day, you'd have the the the the the wild pig catch, you know, the grease pig contest or on the car. One of our board members wants to bring it back. So, okay. [laughter] Well, let's do it. Maybe it will happen.

It's an important part of our community as you know that we've discussed this for how many hours? I don't know. You know, you and I have spoken a lot and with Franny and and Ryan as well. Even when Dwayne was around, you know, I spoke with him a lot. I support this 100% for a one year, I think you're you're still paying what was agreed upon in the stepup program just in year one. It lets cooler heads prevail. It lets everybody give a little breathing room. It gets our kids playing ball. And we're we're not missing out on anything. We're just not and we're not saying we're not stepping it up the next year. It's g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting g getting getting allowing y'all a better a chance to better understand your program this year and how these fees apply to it and

and um and it lets us understand what happens in Tallahassee this year uh come June. So uh I support that. I I I appreciate you presenting that because that is that year one was already agreed upon between you and city staff. I believe it was I'm just candid. Right. Not as we right we it actually was brought by the deputy city manager. He proposed that three step up. We did say at that time we would go back to the board with it. So it was never really verbally

agreed upon. I also told Stephanie that on the phone yesterday that we never said it out loud. Not that, you know, not that we weren't going to agree to the year one increase. I just wanted that to be clear that it was never Yeah. until your your board votes and signs it, there's no agreement. And as you said, the three-year is a scary number for us. You to go three three year three, four, and five at that rate is a is scary for us when we don't know the variables. It just gives everybody a little more breathing room to to I think there's other moving parts that that that need to be worked out as well with batting gauges and and whatever else. So,

a lot of expenses, right? And that's where I I just believe that that this that's a fair deal. Scott, thank you for for working with the little league on this three-step up program. I I believe you've worked out year one. Uh and I still we I think we have more work to do and I think we we've been talking about that. you know, we don't always get it right and and it's it's great when we can revisit this kind of stuff and you know, we haven't had a we [snorts] didn't have an opportunity for a workshop. Um, you know, obviously we we have to get you guys under contract for this year for this season. So, I support that. Um, I don't know what the pleasure of the council is. I know, you know, if there's other people in the audience that'd like to speak on this as well.

Um, but I'm going to tell you all right now, I support that year one. I I I would agree with that. Mayor, sorry if I may speak. Um I appreciate you bringing um that forward [clears throat] and and uh you know what you can do now for the league because we do got to get it um underway. I would support that. Um so thank you, mayor. All right. And and it's not we're just saying this year it's an one-year agreement to be revisited for 2027 and we can start revisiting it next week. Okay. I want to hear from every citizen. might need to I [laughter] want to take a tour of the facility, have a, you know, of the modern facility, everything that's going on. We'll see you out there on Saturday. Um,

I mean, we we've got 19 of these. Um, if everybody wants three minutes, we'll be here all night, but I think Franny wants to talk. I think she's standing up right now. So, we'll have Franny McNut come on up here and talk. I'm getting antsy. Ron,

all right. Well, at least we'll start with the board members here. Um, I'm going to start by piggybacking on most of what Danielle said and someone else said, "You guys look really great and the chairs are comfortable." So, um, I just I do firmly believe and I speak I believe on the majority of the board members and we know that it's time for increases. That to us is a no-brainer. I mean, like you said, fees go up, everything goes up. So, this is definitely overdue. So, we appreciate you guys helping us come to a resolution on it. I have just a couple of concerns. Um, I'm the player agent. For those that don't know, I have been sitting on the board for 23 years. My kids are old enough to have children of their own. So, um, I love this place. Um, with that, um, I did bring up a concern with the prior, uh, how it was handled with us giving you guys the addresses. I did ask if that could be addressed with the attorney. Um that when I did my own research on the matter, I came to the understanding that we were not allowed to disclose that. So I feel like on behalf of the Little League, we would like to have some background and confirm that we are giving out information that we're legally able to do so.

City attorney. So you're not giving the identity of the individuals. You're only giving street addresses basically in zip codes. And so as long as you're not tying it to a particular person, individual, family, or individual, I think it uh I don't think there's any issues with that.

Okay. Um, given that information, um, that brings me to our next matter, which is, um, how you would like us, and I think this might be something that you might have to talk amongst yourselves, maybe come back and give us directive on it, but we are not equipped to give you the difference of resident, non-resident. our uh platform that we use to register our players is not that um intelligent uh and honestly I believe that you guys enlist a GIS for the same services which we don't have in our budget to accommodate. So with that, um, I think the the majority of the up uproar that you guys are hearing is because the fee that you're facilitating is going to have to be something that everybody within the program feels because there's not a way for us to differentiate and coming after the season's over to try to collect those fees is not something that we have the resources to try to do as well. Okay.

So, these are just some concerns I wanted to bring up regarding the here. I think we have an answer for you. City attorney first.

Well, I' I've understood the question to be a little different once you got to the end of it all. But for the agreement, we would expect that they would give us the addresses for everybody that registered. Right. The way the agreement works, there are no fees to be paid to the city until the conclusion of the season, right? So there I agree that's a probably a a a an issue that would have to be worked out. Um I'll leave it up to Veronica to explain why, but it wouldn't seem to be very too difficult for the city to basically verify the resident versus non-resident information very early on as soon as we get the data from the registration roles for the league and provide that information to the league. So they know you have we verified there are X number of residents and Y number [clears throat] of non-residents.

All right, city manager. Thank you. Um I [clears throat] was going to say we'll obviously work with you. Um we the earlier we get addresses, we can help verify it. However, the city also has a GIS portal on our website that you can type in any address and it will tell you if it's in the city limits or not. So you will at your hands have that information. There's maps you can look at it. um property appraiser website also has that tax district 100 is the city of St. Cloud, but we'll work with you throughout the process. There's multiple resources even if you don't have a GIS tech like we do, who is amazing, but we'll work with you. But that in that GIS map, we put a lot of money into that. That's a great very uh intense thing. Yeah.

Since I have just a couple minutes left or a couple seconds, um I'm just going to throw out there since you guys have seen me up here before and you know that I have ideas. So, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for you guys to come up with a player package that you charge the residents and collect the fee and then you would eliminate us and we pay you our facility fee. Just something to think about for the future. Please talk to Stephanie on that to see how they I think she can tell you how that works. May I comment on that? Thank you, Frannie. May I comment on that? May I don't think we need to get into the uh player uh um registration. I just don't Yeah. And those are all things that are not,

you know, those are other details that can be worked through. I just think right now we need to work on this year one thing. And Ron Pricer, name and address.

Uh, good evening everybody. And first of all, I'd like to thank all of our participants who came tonight on very short notice, as you guys probably know. Um, and as it's been said so far, it demonstrates exactly the dedication, the commitment to what we're doing and trying to do going forward. Just a [clears throat] couple of things. My name is Ron Pster. My address is 2712 Cherry Blossom Loop. I live in Sunbridge, I think it was mentioned. Uh, however, I'm one of those parents who have two kids that came through the league when we moved here from Illinois, Chicago. immediately got into little league and we've been in ever since. So, both my kids are through college now and we're still uh dedicated to the league. [clears throat] A couple things that need to be uh clarified. Um it sort of seems that uh the league has full responsibility and we do to an extent uh for the registration fees, but those registration fees also include some costs that are um mandated from Little League International. We're affiliated with Little League Internationals. We run by their rules, their regulations. We participate in Allstars, which is part of Little League International. That's the televised version of of the tournament. So, we adhere to their guidelines. We also pay them fees, insurance. So, my point is, and I I realize there's a limited amount of time. There are fees that uh within that 170 that we talked about, and we did look forward uh anticipating that there would be some increase and we agree that everything is going up. We we realize that. We agree with that. The step-up program is something we also thought about ahead of time. So, uh, if we can, uh, get an agreement on this year, plus the step-up program, that gives us some

opportunity to understand what the homestead exemption and other things that are up in the air are going to have an impact on us. That would be very helpful. In addition to that, we are very happy about some of the new facilities. I think most pe people have seen them. Those new facilities, however, come with some significant costs for us. For example, uh just the pitching mounds for the multi-purpose fields uh before we get started in a couple of weeks is going to cost us $20,000 for those portable p pitching mounds. Um so the city is also helping us with that, but it's an example of the increased cost that we're going to see. And one of the other things in the final 17 seconds here, um I think most of the citizens here will tell you that uh beyond just all the benefits that we've talked about when we represent St. Cloud in all stars, all of the uniforms, all of the fees and all-star fees by the way uh are in addition to what we're talking about. So lots of costs. I think our ask is that we workshop this. we understood there is a workshop process where we can really um detail all of the budget issues that we have would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, sir. Ron, thank you. I think going through your first year, I think I think there's there's a y'all need to understand how this is going to play out over this first year so that we can figure out what to do next year. Um, that's why I believe in just a a one year and not jump right into the step up, but but do the one year that was going to be the step up. Council member Fletcher,

I just wanted to I just want to echo the same comments actually. So, it it kind of sounds like Little League's going through the same thing that that we're going through. So, our cost and everything is going up. Therefore, you know, the same thing is happening with Little League. So, I think that the the the year one is is a good solution um for that exact reason. so that you have the opportunity to go through and see like all these new additional charges, how is all this going to play out and then we can come back and the following year and then wrap it all together where we know, you know, where we're at. Yes, sir. Uh, Council Member Paul,

um, I do support the one-year um, agreement, but I also think there is room for a workshop where we all sit at the table and have a conversation moving forward so that way we can at least all come to a balance because yes, we still want to see the youth out in the community doing what they love to do. So, I think a workshop is definitely necessary.

Okay. Well, so far I I I'm seeing three council members and myself and two others that are in supportive of the one year. So, you know, if everybody wants her three minutes and and and beat a dead horse, but I think that's kind of the direction that everybody wants to see this. Um, I will ask the the St. Cloud League president if she can come back up here for one second before we move on. Um, going back to the conversation earlier, so you are still in support of one year. Um, and and then we can talk. I have a workshop later.

I I think any of y'all can contact any of your council members here and invite them out to the ball fields, give them details. Um, I've spent numerous hours talking to the the little league members, the board members. So, um I think for us, we would be able to sleep easy easier like council member Fletcher had said it there's a lot of variables. Ron mentioned the the expenses and [clears throat] we don't know what this year is going to bring for us. So, any kind of jump with all the other increases, uniform, we pay over $150,000 a year in uniforms and equipment. Mhm.

So when you're looking at these numbers that we're getting on the screen, we're worried about going under and that is not what we want all these people. Yeah. I think you said you're just celebrating your 50 years of being a actually we just got our certificate this year. It's our golden year. 50 It's our 50th year chartering a little league. Very cool. Council member Gilbert, just one question. Uh, as as the city's grown, I I I know our mayor's um was born and raised there. I only been here for 36 years and five kids from here. Uh, but St. Cloud was 9,000 folks and that was our district.

So, my kids played AU, they played UTA, they played low league, we did all that stuff. Is there anything in Little League that says, "Hey man, harmony's getting bigger." I said, "When can we redistrict where all these kids are getting it?" And our kids from St. Cloud, I don't like to see the 56% of the folks that we're paying $340,000 for not to be in the city. Not that I don't want every kid to do it. I would love to sponsor them all, but how when can we redistrict? I mean, that's

So, to your point, I'm glad you brought that up. We, for those of you that don't know, we follow the boundaries given to us by Little League International. So, we don't have a say in who can play for us. So, with this differential, we don't have a say in that. We're thinking about all of the kids in our community as a whole as one unit, right? Our boundaries are set. There's no other little leagues actually. Actually, St. Cloud Little League is one of the largest leagues in the southeast region forever

in this in one in one in the state as well. So, for us, we have such a large area [clears throat] of children that can come and play for us, which is only expanding. As Stephanie mentioned, St. uh Kimmy is starting a little league, but only softball. So, they are taking some of the boundary back. However, any player that has played for us is grandfathered in so they can continue to play for us. for baseball. They want to move us out further to John Young Parkway and absorb Celebration can absorb some, South Orange can absorb some, and then St. Cloud will absorb some. Yeah.

So, that we're looking at that as well when we're thinking about fees coming in the future. Yeah. And Council Member, I mean, Deputy Mayor Gilbert, as we continue to annex in within the JPA, they will become citizens and that ratio will kind of be a little better. I I just don't and I love Lily, right? You triple AU coach for 26 years. I would just like to ask you a favor. Can you go to him and say we're not 9,000 folks? When Ken Gilbert moved in in 1989, we're 70 or 80,000. And so is Celebration. So some So if any were to expand Little League, we're in the heart of it. Look at the U-Haul.

Unfortunately, we got more people coming from U-Haul. They want to go back over. Unfortunately, they have to have fields somewhere to play on and someone to want to start it up and it's a lot of work. We I did in South Orange. You remember the South Orange of Orange Avenue? Yes. Yeah. The Bears. I mean that those things happen, but it takes great people like you and your staff and and the volunteers and all the parents to say we we got to we got to do that. But I got I appreciate you all. I appreciate you do. I'm a parent and and a grandparent and what you all do and what these folks do here, I'm honored and it makes my I'm going to be Thank you so much. It means be a water baby right now. You guys are cool, man. It means a lot. Good folks. We really care about the kids. Council member,

I just wanted to say I appreciate everybody being here tonight and and sticking around for this. I've received uh probably 50 emails today. I couldn't possibly get back to all of them. So, I wanted to just tell you now, I really appreciate I did read every single one of them, and I appreciate the input in the emails. I'm perfectly fine moving forward with this one-year plan. And as the mayor mentioned, you can always reach out to us directly. Our our public uh phone number and email address is on the website. Please feel free to reach out to us. I'd love to uh come visit the little league and looking forward to being there Saturday and playing a game with you guys.

All right. I do you want me to continue going through the list of public comment? Does anybody else still want to speak? Christie, we'll go ahead and Christy Dup Dupe Dup. I just want to say thank you all and I also want to thank all our wonderful families that have showed up tonight, past and present, to show you guys how important this program is. Yes. Thank you all. Good evening, mayor. We recognize you. Yes. Good evening, mayor and council. My name is Christy Dew. Depw. Sorry.

I've been living in St. Cloud since 2002 and I began volunteering with the St. Cloud Little League in 2004. In all my years of involvement, I have never experienced a stronger sense of community than I have found within our Little League Little League family. In 2009, my friend John Jambron had a vision to create a Challenger League here in St. Cloud. For those who may not be familiar, the Challenger League is an all-inclusive baseball league designed specifically for children within adults with special needs. Our athletes receive the full Little League experience with accommodations in place to ensure their success and safety. One of the most meaningful aspects of our program is the use of volunteer buddies who assist our athletes on the field, allowing parents the rare opportunity to simply sit in the bleachers and watch their child play. an experience that most of them do not often get. This program is only possible because of the incredible support we receive, not just from our sponsors, but also from St. Cloud League itself. Our sponsors generously cover all registration costs for our our challenger families, recognizing that many already face significant medical and caregiving expenses that far exceed those of an average family. In addition, St. Cloud Little League consistently goes above and beyond to support our program by accommodating our field needs and even providing financial assistance when our funds are low. Their commitment ensures our athletes are never left without the opportunity to play. The proposed fee increase poses a serious and immediate threat to the future of our Challenger League. The portion of the increase that specifically targets non-residents would disappropriately affect our program as many of our Challenger athletes travel from surrounding communities, some as far as Orlando, to participate in our league. Families seek out our program because it is truly one of a kind, offering a level of inclusion, support, and dignity that is rarely found elsewhere. Implementing this increase would place an undue burden on the very families and sponsors who make this inclusive opportunity possible. Passing these costs on to our family is not feasible. Without our sponsor assistance and the community flexibility of Little League, our Challenger League would cease to exist altogether. This would be devastating loss, not only just for our athletes and

families, but our entire community. The Challenger League represents inclusion, compassion, and the very best of what St. Cloud has to offer. I respectfully ask you to reconsider the unintended consequences this proposed fee increase would have on our program like ours. We are not just a league, we are family, and we provide opportunities that truly change lives. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration. Thank you, Christie. Uh, how many players are in the Challenger [clears throat] League? Uh, this season, uh, last season we had 42. 42. And these are all special needs children. Very exciting. You'll see majority of them on Saturday. What are what are the fees that are currently being paid for them? Are they Do they pay the same fees as every

They do not pay. No, they don't pay. We I get sponsors from um from the city uh from our local businesses here. I we have a grant that OciOla County gives us every year. Um and that's how um so we don't pass any of the costs on to our families. So because of the cost if those fees but there is a fee that the city charges for that. So there is a fee from our side to to Yes. But our sponsorship pay but they get sponsored. Okay. Um is it the same fee right now? Do we currently charge the same fee? Are they registered through the literally? Yes. Then it would be the same. Okay. There's no difference.

Yeah. And and that that's that's a hard thing for me. Um that you said there's 42 kids. May I suggest something, mayor? Yes, sir. Can we wave those fees? Wave those. I mean, I don't think any citizen of the city of St. Cloud wouldn't be willing to wave a fee for those 42 or 50 people. How many children in all of Blue League do we have? So, what are we looking at like 42 of how many? Up nine 900. 900 something, right? So it's not Council Member Fletcher. I would absolutely agree.

Okay, then let's go ahead and uh if we can work that into We got three here already. Everybody's good with that. If Scott, Stephanie, if we can work that in, wave the 42. So you're So if I could So what you're suggesting is that the non-resident fee you're considering not apply to the non-residents in that program. Yeah. No, that the special needs. That's what I mean. the non-resident fee, whoever they are, they need to be welcome.

Well, we're going to we're operating on this if they registered through the little league and the 42 participants, some of whom are obviously city residents, some of whom are non-residents. So, the council is inclined to say the additional charge we talked about for the first year, the $25 non-resident fee would not apply to the non-residents in that program. I think that's what I the $25 non-resident fee that doesn't exist right now. Correct. That's correct. But that's part of the that would be what you're talking about of the stepup. Yes. Let's treat them separate if we can if that's good for you guys. So the 42 How many teams is that? Four.

Okay. So no 150 per team or $25 non-resident fee. Just what you guys are currently. Would that be? Yes. That would be amazing. Scott, we can find a way, Stephanie, to incorporate that into the one year. We can work that. Okay, we can find a way. Okay, thank you very much. Appreciate it. Good idea, guys. Thank you, Christie. Marina Mcnut.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council. My name is Marina Mcnut. I live at 4212 Lavender Way. Was I supposed to tell you anything else? You're doing good. Okay. Um, no, we're good. Have a nice evening. [laughter] Um, much of what um I agree with and um support has already been expressed, so I would like to pass on my three minutes. So, thank you. Thank you for coming tonight. Thank you for your attendance. It was awesome. Nick eyed, did I pronounce that right? I think ID. I think he just left. He left. Okay. All right. Michael Burgess, I'm good. You good? All right. Nelly Hernandez, I just want to say thank you.

Oh, you have to come to the podium. Sorry, Nelly. I apologize. That's okay. Yeah, it's just got to Yeah, it's got to be on the record. It's I apologize. I'm Nelly Hernandez. My address is 4853 Eastlo Bronson. Uh, sorry, I'm out of breath from walking all that [laughter] in heels. I apologize. Um, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for helping out the little league. We are very much involved with helping out the children. I think that's very important to us. Involved kids in sports means that they are out of the streets and they're not doing anything they shouldn't. So, we appreciate you guys considering the first year. So, I just want to say thank you. Awesome. Thank you.

All right. Next up, Carrie Burgess.

You good? Jennifer S. Jennifer Song, 3465 Court Avenue, St. Cloud. And um I have a lot of grandkids in the program. I'd like to thank you for taking the first year into consideration. I would also like to just hope that we can get um a [clears throat] little bit of a timeline of the workshop so it can get started and this process can be shortened a lot. It seems like there was a lot of back and forth between the city and little league. Um and no resolution. So if we could start the workshop as soon as possible, we can get this all said and over with before the next season starts. Thank you.

No, thank you Jennifer. Yeah. And and I think that as our city has grown, it it's been a difficult um progress here for for this for the our staff, for Scott and and our assistant deputy city manager and our parks and rec director, Stephanie. I know our staff's worked hard to figure this out and and and try to come up with something that would please the rest of us. So, uh city attorney,

yeah, I just want to clarify as we move forward, the discussion has clearly been along the around a one-year agreement. So just to clarify way I understand that that would include the spring season and the upcoming fall season. So the a new agreement would not be needed to be in effect until after the fall season of 2026. Correct. So it include this season one full calendar versus fiscal, right? Yeah. Calendar versus season. Yeah. Okay. Yes. Danielle, is that Balser? Palser. Balser. Danielle, I'm good. You're good. Okay.

Thank you for coming, Stephanie Sfield. Stephanie, she left. Okay, we'll we'll wait on her if she wants to come back. Uh, Vita Uber Tani Tatiano. Huh? Was I close on that? Not even. You don't need I'm sorry. I couldn't [laughter] do it. I couldn't do it, mayor. Robert Suffield. Okay. He's He's probably out in the overflow as well. Uh Timothy Psalm Jr.

My name is Timothy S Jr. I live at 4104 Bob White Court. Uh, a little bit about me before I get started. Um, my family, uh, for generations has used the little league. Um, actually Mikey was one of my coaches when I was a child. So, I have five kids that play in this league and I'm just I'm so against out of county um, fees. I've been a coach here for five years straight, you know. um it's a big part of my life and when I do the math the numbers on the three years in three years my price for my five children will be doubling and I just don't think that's something that

may I ask a question deputy mayor there there there's different programs that you're involved in and and it might not be little league but sometimes the coaches either didn't have to pay or got a is that not the little league again it's just a broad question uh some of you and AU coaches kids didn't have to. There's participation fee or a discount because the coaches volunteered their time. And is that not it, Lily?

Um, it's a give and take thing. It depends on what position of coach that you take. Um, so we have head coaches, we have assistant coaches. Um, so depending on the position, sometimes I have had that opportunity, sometimes I don't. It just depends on what I'm able to do as a coach for that particular season. Um, but even with those implemented, you're you're talking between five kids. If you're say you're three, I understand right now you guys are looking at a one-year, but if you do a three-year, you know, your plan pricing plan um between five kids, you're talking that's a $750 more per season, right? And I feel you're paying. You're preaching to the choir. I had five kids five years apart. Yeah.

And they all were in college and high school and all that together. So, you know, wean beanie weenies a lot, but I one thing I have to tell you, sir, I appreciate everything you're doing for your children and it's such a wonderful job and God bless you. I I mayor I yield back but having five kids and being participatory. Thank you, sir.

Yep. Thank you, Timothy. Appreciate you, sir. Brandon Henderson. Let me keep this open because my memor is terrible. Uh Brandon Henderson, 200 Vermont Avenue, St. Cloud, Florida. Uh so first off, I want to say thank you guys for being so considerate and one giving us your time and being here. So we appreciate you guys for that. Um, one thing I know, and I know, uh, Deputy Mayor Gilbert, you preached on this a lot, and there's a lot of ramifications when you consider non-residents, is that you also have to consider that these people aren't from here, which means tourism. So, it applies. I've had people who have talked to me that I've been on my team that because again, I coach I've coached now for the past two years. You'll have people who come in and that brings in a layer of tourism because these people have never been to our city. They don't know anything about our city, but they saw people who have recommended the league to them, people who have talked about the league to them. So, they signed up, they put their children in the league, now they're visiting our city. So, I just want that to be put into consideration when you're looking into these non-residents and you're applying such a great taxation of a fee onto them that you consider that the ramifications it has for tourism that these people are now going out, hey, we love this league, but now it's x amount of money to play for said league. So just getting an understanding that, you know, it does bring in a layer of tourism for our city and can benefit our city by them seeing how great of a league we can have to offer.

But thank you for your time. Thank you guys so much. You guys have been awesome. You got it. Thank you, Brandon. Logan Flowers, Jacob Dresser with Ocio Response Team. All right. Josh Meyers. You don't want to say anything. Don't encourage him. [laughter] [laughter] Hold on. What's on that shirt? Hang on. Let me overthink this. Okay. Uh, Robert Sufffield. Has he come back in the room yet? Or Stephanie Sfield?

Nobody. All right. Then we'll go ahead and act like they left. And anyone else in the audience like to speak on item B? All right, we have one more. Hello, Adam Richards. Uh 2519 Redlegged Thrush. What's up, buddy?

Rice Market. Um played when there was no MLB teams. It was who your sponsor was. So me and Chris played together. I was your neighbor at one time. I was on the board with your dad before. [laughter] Okay. So, um, what he brought up the the fees for multiple I only have one plan now. All mine are old and out of the house, but that brings on a lot of money for people. You know, 25 times five kids and then you add it to 50, then 75, and then who knows from there. If you go year four, now you're going to 100. That's going to get costly. And so is that per season? So like if you play spring and fall, you're playing in both times.

So now, so now you're doubling that on top of that. So how many times you got to pay the city to play on these fields? Is it not a one-year thing? Because the league pays you for one year, right? Let let me ask that our staff. Um, Scott, that's 25 non-resident for both per season. The less per season, so it's twice a year. So it's $25 and then $25 the city twice a year as well. Okay. Okay. All right. Yeah. So that was just Yeah. I mean, so that's going to be another fee that you're adding on to them more than once. So Okay. All right.

Good to see you, Adam. It's been a while, man. All right. Anyone else in the audience like to speak on this item? All right. Come on up. [clears throat]

Hello everyone. My name is Jen Harmon. Um I actually did not intend to speak. It's why I'm dressed like this. So forgive me. Um but I did want to address um Mr. Galbert. you kept bringing up that um you've had five kids go through um you trip and all this stuff. Um congratulations because that's awesome, right? Um but some of you guys might not know that's like thousands of dollars different. So that's like different tax brackets of people that can afford that. Um so I just want to put that out there. Um also putting out there that the reason why I was here not only because I do have an athlete in the program, but I also run another youth organization in the county. um which will be part of your guys's problem soon um in October. So, we're going to have to go through these same talks. So, I wanted to see what the process was, right? Um but my biggest concern is all of these parks that the county is giving to you guys are now going to be these residents that for no fault of their own have to play at St. Cloud. Well, let me let me uh backtrack. I'm sorry. My biggest concern is you have people that are by no no fault of their own have to play in St. Cloud because there's no no other options. Um for me specifically, I live in the city of CMI and there was no little league for years because of whatever. I'm not even going to go there on why there is none. Um but they've gone through so many programs that there's no option there. So we're forced to come to St. Cloud. Um, and so I feel like that's something that we should probably keep in um, in our minds as well because it's not something that everybody is able to do. So it's not just as easy as going somewhere else. We're forced to. So that's what I wanted to add. Thank you.

Well, we do support our little league. We are the the greatest city in the state of Florida and the number one safest city in the state of Florida thanks to our police department. So, let's give a round for our police department. Like a celebrity. I know. All right. Anyone else in the audience like to speak on this item? Yes, ma'am.

Hi, my name is Adessa Reed. I live at 4104 Bob White. Um, so from my understanding, it was $5 a person. So, if you want to do the math and there's 12 players on a team and there's an average of 75 teams in the spring and 50 teams in the fall. So, you do the math, then it's 75* 12 equals 900. And then multiply that for my f by five for the $5 per per um player. It would be $4,500 for the spring. For the fall, it' be 50 * 12 = 600. You multiply that by five. For the $5, it'll be $3,000. So, the total of little league is what has been charged is 7500 from my understanding. So, I didn't calculate a one year. I only calculated for a three-year. But if you do the new contract and say it's $75 or 75 teams and you multiply that by $200 per team, you would get 15,000. If you do 50 teams that are in the um fall and you multiply that by 200, that's 10,000. So you're looking at 25,000 right there just for the new contract for the three-year plan if I'm not mistaken. Then you want to say on the paper that you can read that says 436 players are out of um the county. So that's $75. You multiply that that's $34,000. So that's a total of um $59,200. So you're looking at from our this is why we are like a little worried because you're looking at say $7,500 contract and then it jumping up to a $60,000 contract or more. So that's what we're, you know, concerned at. And then now, like my husband just came up here and spoke, but we I have five kids. We live out of county. $750 on a like for the three-year contract on top of what we pay for the 170 per kid. It's expensive.

Like, you know, we're we're concerned about it. We're concerned like we won't be able to play. Our kids love it. They have been doing it from season to season to season since they were in T-ball. And I think I just, you know, I just want to bring that concern because people think, oh, it's a $12 fee, like it's going from $5 to $7, but it's not because it's going to be as a whole kind of deal is how we're looking at it. That's what I want to say. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much. Anyone else in the audience like to speak on this item?

And any other council discussion? All right. Well, I guess we already we've already spoken about a lot of what we'd like to do. Anybody want to put that into a motion? A motion that mayor, I I think uh thank you for the citizens and and thank you for the council. Uh at their pleasure, I'd like to do the one year in motion that and I don't know, Dan, where we have to go with that, but I would like to carry this on because it is important. You can see by the participation. So, it's how we how we move on. So, you want to make a motion for the one year at the 150 per team, $25 non-residential. Um, that is for the 2020 26, correct? If it's motionable, I mean, uh,

year and the I'm sorry. [clears throat] And then no increase for the challenger. Yeah, all all fees waved for any of the challenger participants. uh for what the city of St. Cloud recovers. Okay. So, all fees wave. So, now we need what are they now getting? I I don't know. So, yeah, that's as I understand it, the challenger program runs through the little league. They are considered teams like any other teams.

Yes, Daniel, you can come up here, too. So that would mean that if you don't do anything special for the challenger program based on your initial discussions, that program would pay $150 per team. Those those teams, there's I think Christie said there were four of them would each pay $150 and then the non-residents in that program would pay the 25 if you follow what we've been talking about. I thought what the council said was we did what we don't want to charge them either of those fees, the team fee or the non-resident fee. Okay. But they're still paying a rate. There's already a there is a fee of some sort. I don't they're not they're paying $5 per player right now.

So they would just pay the $5 per So with with Challenger, if I may, they are paying the $5 per player right now. Um, I know that Christie, who's amazing, did mention the grants. However, this year there was no money. So, we would never What are we talking about? 200 bucks. Well, we're talking about No, no, no. I'm No, I'm not No, no, no, no. I'm not talking about paying her $5 per player. I'm talking about us, the the little league, absorbing the cost of their uniforms, their trophies, their those things as well. So when you're coming when she was coming a sidebar on the uniform stuff person to person.

Yes. Uh I'd like to ask the city to wave the fees that we charge for any of the the challengers uh at separate motion if we can meet about okay uniforms and stuff. Can we just I do have one question about the fee the 150 and per per team plus the 25. So with that fee structure the non-residents are also in that per team price as well as the $25. So they're kind of double dipping in a sense. Correct. I I just want clarification. Well, I think the 150 per team is every team, is it not? What's every team, right? Okay. Which in Well, then there's the non-residents fee. So,

it's an additional fee. It's additional fee. Yeah. I just want clarification. Okay. All right. So, I mean, so essentially with the challenger, we'd be waving $210. I've been agreeing to that. So, we're challengers coming out ahead on this one. So, um, of course, we're still going to we're going to play hard on Saturday. [laughter] Is there a game? We're playing our kids.

Um, take it easy on Ken. So to to wrap up that motion that deputy mayor was stating, one year at the 150 per team, $25 for each non-residential kid uh child and then completely waving all of the city fees for the challenger kids.

Right. So the way they proposed the agreement is this is a revised agreement. It does not include the $5 fee is not in the current agreement. it is being replaced by a flat fee of $150 per team, right? Plus the $25. So, the provision of the agreement would read that each team would pay $150 per team plus $25 for each non city res registered. And then I added the language that would say the fee shall not apply to the teams and participant in the challenge league for participants with special needs. All right. Thank you.

It's your pleasure. We'll let Scott with your pleasure. It's going to be $600 because it's 150 per team and the Florida Challengers team. I would I guess pleasure the council to consider waving that because that's what the fee is. We're not losing it. We're just not getting it. Correct. Scott David off deputy city manager. The city attorney. I just wanted to talk all night.

No. I I I think everyone here has done a great job. The the the city attorney uh explained it very well. Basically what will happen is the however many teams there are in the challenger program because nothing is paid to the city the little league there there's no $5 there there's nothing of that nature all it is is the total number of teams so what we would get from the little league program is the total number of challenger teams and so if there were in the entire little league program if there were 75 teams and if four of those teams are challenger program teams we would subtract four teams from that and there would be no nonre and there the non-resident fees would not apply to those those participants from there and we would get a list of the number but the 150 per team wouldn't apply

correct that's what we were saying that's the the team fee that would no longer apply okay so we know how to incorporate that into the agreement can we vote on that agreement now no I just made those made those suggestions to you it would be a one-year agreement and we could have a I think everybody understands it except I just I'm sorry go back to Mr. Urban's comment a little while ago, I don't know, 30 minutes ago, the about the advor versus resident piece. Do you want that apply now or do you want to wait for maybe a subsequent year on that? Well, at the pleasure of the council, I was going to ask if we can include the definition of a resident to include any property owner in the city.

Okay. So, it would be avalorum taxpayer is how we've worded in other agreements. They might have to tell us their names in order to Well, they're gonna have to yet where they were not wanting to give us names. That one's going to apply need additional information for us to be able to confirm it with um property records and and Sunbiz, but that would be up to the particular participant if or the league if they wanted to basically avail themselves of not they'd have to give us the information to prove that. Oh, it would have to be the parents of the children. Oh, yeah.

If they own a business and they say that it's not just owning a business, it's being a taxpayer, a property taxpayer in a remember your maintenance funds come out of your general fund. So the theory would be these people are contributing to your general fund because they pay property tax to you because they own real property in the city. So it's not businesses, it's not it's a real property owner. So mayor, this is something that that guy can fix. Well, we've done it with other agreements. We have a similar we have similar language in the marina birth leases for the marina. So we we would incorporate that similar language into it. Okay, I'm good with that. Do we have to vote on this to incorporate all of that? Yes, please.

All right. Can we get them? Well, that is the motion. Uh would do you want to go ahead and restate the whole motion? Sure. Make a motion with all the um changes and I'm sure Dan's wrote them down. I wrote them down. Restated. [laughter] one one calendar year all fees sorry one an agreement for one calendar year $150 per team with an additional $25 additional fee for non-residents the challenger program will have all fees waved and property owners within the city of St. Cloud City limits will be charged the resident rate. May I motion what the city manager said? All right, we have a motion from Deputy Mayor Gilbert. Second.

Second from Council Member Fletcher. Madam Clerk, please call the RO. Deputy Mayor Gilbert. I. Council member Fletcher. Hi. Council member Paul. I. Council member Urban. Hi. Mayor Robertson. Hi. Motion carries 5. All right. Thank you all very much for coming out tonight. [applause] There are no first readings and introductions at this time. Deputy mayor, we're almost done. I know, man. We're almost done. Uh, city attorney, you have anything for us? Um, I'll defer my time to Victoria. [laughter] I'm gonna be called that for a while now. I have a feeling. [laughter] Vanessa,

city manager.

Thank you. Um, I just have a a few things. Um, first I I hope all of you come to the ribbon cutting for the new fields on 17th Street this Saturday at 9:00 and and and then stay after the ribbon cutting to support the city council who is playing the challenger league. Um, also we are accepting applications for all of our citizen advisory committees right now. The applications are available on the city website. And um, question for the city council. We recently decided to move our workshops to 1:30 because we've had so many topics and so many things to to to go over. Unfortunately, after we made that decision, uh we learned that the Tri County League of Cities um regularly is going to cause a conflict for us. If any council members attend, they they won't be able to get back in time. So, we would like to instead um move forward with workshops starting at 2:30 instead. I'm just looking for consensus for that.

Tri County gets out at 1:30. Anywhere in Central Florida gives an hour to get back. Yeah, that that's all I have. Thank you so much. And and um actually want to congratulate um David Bridal for this amazing council chamber renovation project. [applause] Is David in the room anywhere? David, will you raise your hand? He did a great job um being the project manager for this. There's a lot of visible changes, but there's a lot of other I think he's matching the chairs dressed to his tie.

The fact that you have comfortable chairs is the is the city clerk's [laughter] um gift to to everyone in the audience this evening. But there was there's a lot of people involved. Um and I I I just want to say um thank you to all the staff that were involved with that. and we're going to thank everybody um on Saturday for the ball fields. That's all. Thank you. All right, Council Member Fletcher.

Um I just want to say it's nights like tonight that really make serving on the city council um amazing. Um you know, obviously we had to go walk through this process, but we have, you know, great facilities. We had the community come out. [snorts] We were able to work together um and spend a couple hours tonight going over um how to make our city better. and I really appreciate that and it warms my heart um that we were able to do that in a civil manner. Um so so thank thank you to the community for that. Um and the council of course. [snorts] Um second I would like to appoint Ed Mateo to the veterans council. Um and with that thank you and have a good night. We have to vote to confirm.

You just need a consensus for that for those unless anybody objects. Thank you. C uh Deputy Mayor Gilbert. I defer to um what was your new name? Victoria. Victoria, I defer to Victoria. [laughter] You're all done. Nothing. You had nothing to say after. You had a lot to say tonight and that's it. You're out. I'm sorry. I I It's an honor to serve on this council with the pleasure of this council member. You're not speaking into your microphone. Jay can't hear you up there. Look at him. He's He's nodding. All right. Council member Paul.

Um I want to say happy new year to everyone. Hope everyone had a great um Christmas with their family. Um, one thing I wanted to share, um, I did receive a concern over the Christmas break from a resident in Canopy Walk, um, about their trash not being picked up. And the next day or a week later, he sent me a message saying that they picked it up. So, he was very grateful for that. I believe I forward that email to um, our city manager, Veronica. And then also back in December, I did [clears throat] bring up about sponsoring a community day for David Edy Senior. Um the location would be at David Edy um the field at Hopkins Park which is named after Mr. Edy and his honor February 7th um 2026. Um Scott did get um information regarding the fees. So, there will be $315 permit application fee, a $45 additional trash recepticles, and then $940 facility fee, which brings it to $1,300 that I ask if I can get Wave um to sponsor this event. So, and I invite everyone out to come and have a great time at the Hopkins Park field.

Awesome. Thank you, council member. It's right before um the construction starts out there. So So all right, Council Member Urban. Thank you. I just uh uh first of all, beautiful room. David in the cool UCF tie over there uh did an amazing job with with this and uh so thank you. It's looks like a brand new room. Um, secondly, I hate to be a Grinch right after the holidays, but does Mike [laughter]

the uh the there um I received several complaints and witnessed this myself, but the fireworks on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, like well into early Christmas Eve morning, like 2 3:00 a.m. were out of control this this year in our city. And um you know there there's there's u you can be a good and respectful neighbor and I think that's what we should all be in the city of St. Cloud, but there are also laws in the state of Florida. There's only three acceptable days that you can set out fireworks and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are not one of those days. Dan said my birthday was [laughter] pushing that through the legislature this year. It takes majority vote.

Uh so and and I I love fireworks myself. I think uh America's 250th birthday this 4th of July, we should set off a record amount of fireworks in the city of St. Cloud. But uh just ask everybody to be respectful neighbors and if it does become an issue, maybe we need to look into tightening up our ordinances. I don't want to put more work on our awesome uh police chief over there uh being the safest city in in in the state of Florida, but uh just asking everybody to be good and respectful neighbors moving forward. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. Yep. I want to thank the audience uh the the public for participating tonight. Um even after we were kind of figuring out where we wanted to go with it, I I did enjoy hearing from each one of you that that got up and spoke. So, thank you. We always enjoy the public participating in this. I wish we'd get more people coming in here and and not for negative reasons, but for positive things. And um I think this was a positive thing. I think it allowed us to obviously we're not allowed to communicate outside of this. So, it allows us to open up discussion about this and and and better understand Little League, which is, as Danielle said, has been here 50 years. So, only 50 years. I'm 45.

Jim, you she already told me how old you are. [laughter] Oh, that you played in some other league, right? Was it Rush Jeff? What? What did you say? Okay. Is that what they call it? The Rush Jeff league. No, they had Mayor I'm sorry. Yeah, that's all right. I'm just the Babe Ruth. Yeah. [laughter]

Um, no, it's I I do enjoy all of y'all coming out here. I'm glad we did reach an agreement on this and and to get through the first year and hopefully throughout this next year we can work out other additional issues. So, um, uh, New Year's was amazing downtown. I think that with 3,500 people, is that what the the count was? I think it was cold. I think it would have been more if it weren't so cold. Um uh all the council members were out there. Love seeing everybody. City manager uh all their families. The police department did an amazing job. Everybody was safe. Fire department uh the fire chief actually responded to a fire that night and uh over at the apartment complex there. And uh he he was working all night. So um everybody was safe. I can tell you. the the the chief gave me a tour of of the security features that night with the drones, with the surveillance cameras around. I can tell you everybody was safe. And um lastly, I received, as y'all know, we got um the the fair and and livestock show coming up in February. Oh, but I do want to thank Scott and Stephanie for working on these uh this agreement, you know, and the rest of staff and city managers. So, and the attorney, I know we Yeah, but we pay you so much that, you know, you don't need to be thanked. Uh, that's a joke, Dan.

Thank you, sir. [laughter]

Um, no, it it's a lot of work. It really is. It's a lot of growing pains in this city. And, um, but we do have the fair coming up in February and livestock show. And I received a buyer letter from from uh from Hannah Wild, actually, Stacy's daughter. And I'm going to read this to you. It says, "Dear potential buyer, and y'all will get many of these in the mail. I would be honored to see you show up at my market hog auction. and I've been blessed to have this opportunity to show a market hog this year at the Ocula County Fair. I hope you take this letter into consideration to possibly have bacon or ham in your stomach at the dinner table. [laughter] Is that the two the names of the two pigs? Bacon and ham. No. Uh may God, my God has blessed me with this opportunity and I would be honored to see you at my market auction. Sincerely, Hannah Wild. So, please thank Hannah for sending this letter and she handwrote it. So really love seeing that. Uh with that we have at the end here we do have an information section in reports. We have the warrant list number three fiscal year 26. Thursday January 15, 2026 city council workshop 1:30 p.m. City Hall council chambers.

2:30. We just changed it to 2:30. Oh yep. You are so right. 2:30. All right. Monday, January 19th, 2026. City offices closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Thursday, February 5th, 2026, Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, 3:00 PM, City Hall Council Chambers. And Thursday, February 12th, 2026, City Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers. And this meeting is adjourned.