CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
November 11, 2003

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Pam Feagle, Doug Everett

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, Sarah Drawdy, Bill
Blue and Annette Anderson

Mayor Frith called the meeting to order. Councilmember Scott led those attending the meeting in
prayer. Mayor Frith led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The secretary then called
the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (3)…PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE(S) OF APPRECIATION TO CITY

EMPLOYEE(S) FOR YEARS OF SERVICE.

City employee Buddy Johnson was not present.

AGENDA ITEM (4)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Scott made a motion to adopt the minutes of
October 28, 2003, Regular Session as written; seconded by Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call
vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Mayor Frith recognized the youth pastor for First Assembly of God Church. The youth pastor
requested the Council’s approval of a solicitation permit and said the group would like to solicit funds
at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Highway 27. The youth pastor said the group is trying to
raise funds to have a basketball court at the youth center. Councilmember Feagle made a motion to
approve the solicitation permit as requested. Councilmember Alexander seconded the motion and
upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 2, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM (5)…RECEIVING REQUESTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Mr. Buck Sapp, retired city employee, addressed the Council regarding health insurance costs for
retired city employees. Mr. Sapp said the retiree’s cost for health insurance had increased to the point
retirees can’t afford it. Mr. Sapp asked the Council’s help in this matter. Mr. Sapp said not all retirees
are paying the same cost for the insurance through the City, noting some, like himself, are on
Medicare. Mr. Sapp said his insurance premium recently went from approximately $632.00 to $970.00
per month. It was noted some city employees and some retirees pay for a single plan and others pay
for a family plan. Councilmember Everett asked if the city currently pays for family coverage also.
Mr. Brynes said the City pays a percentage. Mary Tedder, a recent retiree, said retirees are required to
pay the full amount of the premium, except they are allowed a small credit of $4.00 per every year of
service for five years after retirement.

Councilmember Feagle asked if there was anything to compare to what other businesses and
organizations do for their retirees. Mr. Brynes said some do nothing and others might provide
something for retirees. Mr. Brynes said the County’s insurance plan does not cover retirees, explaining
that some carriers do not allow retirees to participate. Mr. Brynes said the City’s insurance increased
partly due to claims and no claims history with the City’s previous carrier (Meridian). Mr. Brynes
explained the present carrier set rates higher to protect themselves. Mr. Brynes said the City had paid
out approximately $433,000 in unpaid insurance claims since Meridian went out of business. Ms.
Rachael Sapp asked how much in premiums were collected from employees. Mr. Brynes said there
was approximately $500,000 collected in premiums with approximately $1 million in claims.

Mr. Brynes commented that insurance is a shared risk program explaining that some individuals have
no need of maternity benefits but it’s included in the plan. Mr. Brynes commented that if a retiree is of
Medicare age, Medicare would be primary and the City’s insurance would be secondary. Mr. Brynes
said he could not understand why someone would be on Medicare (primary) and not have a
supplement but instead pay for full coverage (with the City). Mr. Sapp said he had tried to get
supplement insurance but no one would take him with his medical conditions. Mayor Frith noted there
are other retired employees who have been successful in obtaining supplement insurance. Ms. Sapp
commented Medicare doesn’t pay for medications and some supplements do not. Mr. Brynes said, in
essence, Mr. Sapp is paying a full insurance premium (with the City) for medications. Commenting
that Mr. Sapp’s prescription costs per month are less than the insurance premium, Councilmember
Everett said, from a monetary standpoint, with the way the city’s insurance plan is structured Mr. Sapp
might be better off not to have the city’s insurance.

Asked if he considered retirees when looking at quotes for insurance, Mr. Brynes said he did request
quotes and information considering retirees. Mr. Brynes said the selection of the plan was made as to
the best interest of all employees, including retirees.
Page 3, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmember Feagle asked what could be done. In reference to what might be done, City Attorney
Bill Blue commented about the number of current retirees and questioned how many there might be if
eligible employees were to retire now and in just five years from now. Mayor Frith suggested
gathering additional information and bringing this item back for further discussion. Councilmember
Everett said during the two-week period before the next meeting, he suggested the Council be aware
that whatever the Council does to help the current situation, the policy they might set might set a
precedent and the Council might have to abide by it for years.

For discussion at the next meeting, Councilmember Feagle said she would like to know what other
organizations do for their retirees and how it might compare to the City’s insurance plan.
Councilmember Feagle said she would also like information about supplement insurance for retirees.
After discussion of this item, it was the consensus of the Council to bring this matter back for further
discussion at the November 25, 2003, Council meeting.

Another individual to address the Council was Ms. Ruth Cazzort. Ms. Cazzort said she is asking the
Council’s approval on establishing a passive park at the old high school property. Ms. Cazzort
explained that a passive park is one that requires no fencing or restroom facilities. Ms. Cazzort said
the purpose would be to develop a walking area for the citizens of Perry and Taylor County and to
beautify and maintain an area that has historical significance for the community. Ms. Cazzort said
what would be needed is:
• The City would designate the site of the old high school and vacant lot next to the site as a
Passive Park
• Develop a walking area. The old high school site will continue to be a practice area for soccer,
baseball and other sports but the perimeter of the area would become a walking path.
• Replace the sidewalk. A new four-feet wide sidewalk that would encircle the entire site.
• Plant trees. Purchased and those obtained with grants.
• Placement of a historical marker documenting the site of the old high school.
• Watering system to be established to allow for watering of the trees.
• Enhancements. As grants are obtained, the purchase of benches and other enhancements.
• Continued beautification. Development of the lot next to the old high school as grants are
obtained.
Ms. Cazzort presented a proposed budget as follows:
• 1,700’ of 1 ½ inch water line and 10 faucets $ 2,254.15
• Concrete for walking path 10,000.00
(materials only, labor not included)
• Trees to landscape the path; historical marker 5,000.00
Total $17,254.15
Page 4, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmember Feagle said if the Council agrees to commit the property for a passive park she would
like to see a sign put on the site so citizens would be aware of the Council’s intent to dedicate the
property for that purpose. It was the consensus of the Council to commit the property for a passive
park and post a sign on the property to that intent. This item to be brought back for discussion at the
next Council meeting.

Another individual to address the Council was Ms. Debbie Walker, a resident of Florida Homes
Subdivision. Ms. Walker said she would like the Council to consider posting 20 mph speed limit signs
in her neighborhood with a four-way stop at Julia and Marqurite. After some discussion,
Councilmember Everett made a motion that Director of Public Works Barney Johnson look at the
situation and post a 20 mph speed limit sign and that the intersection of Marqurite and Julia be made a
four-way stop. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 6(A)…MR. DAN WARD, ING, TO MAKE PRESENTATION OF DEFERRED

COMPENSATION AND 401A PLAN TO THE CITY COUNCIL.

Mayor Frith asked Mr. Ward if he is asking the Council to allow him to present these plans to eligible
employees and for the City’s cooperation in bringing this about. Mr. Ward answered yes and then gave
a presentation of both plans. After presentation of the deferred compensation plan and 401A plan,
Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Brynes his opinion. Mr. Brynes said he would like to run some
figures on the 401A plan before he could say. It was the consensus of the Council to bring the 401A
Plan back for discussion. In discussing the deferred compensation plan, in which employees could
choose to participate or not participate, Mr. Ward said if the Council chooses to approve and adopt the
deferred compensation plan, he would suggest they adopt the plan that would have the loan provision
in it. Mr. Brynes said he had no problem or questions with the deferred compensation plan.
Councilmember Scott made a motion to approve the deferred compensation plan with the loan
provision, allowing those employees who chose to participate, to do so. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 5, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(B)…MR. ERDMAN WEST, CITY TREE BOARD CHAIRMAN, TO ADDRESS
THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING A WRITTEN PLAN FOR THE WOODLAWN CEMETERY.

Mr. West presented the Council with a written plan to improve the appearance of the Westside of the
City cemetery (Woodlawn Cemetery) that borders Center Street as outlined below:
1. Remove 13 trees
2. Grind 20 stumps
3. Dig 33 holes for ten-gallon container.
4. Purchase 33 Shumard Oak trees.
5. Plant the trees on Arbor Day.

Mr. West reviewed the cost figures, based on actual bid offers or estimates, as below:
1. Purchase 33 Shumard Oak trees in 33-gallon containers $ 706.20
2. Remove trees and grind stumps 1,310.75
3. Deliver of trees 100.00
4. Digging holes ($60.00 per hour @ six hours) 360.00
5. Planting and watering trees 200.00
Total $2,676.95

Mayor Frith said the plan, as presented, sounded good. Councilmember Feagle agreed.
Councilmember Everett asked if, of those quotes received, the individuals were licensed and insured.
Mr. West said none are binding quotes at this time.

After discussion that City employee and inmate labor could possibly be used, Councilmember Feagle
made a motion that the City contribute the $706.20 for purchase of the 33 Shumard Oak trees. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Everett and upon roll call vote was as follows:

YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 6(C)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY

SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR A STRIP SHOPPING CENTER NORTH OF THE WAL*MART
SUPERCENTER AND CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A CHANGE IN THE DECEMBER
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

Director of Community Development, Billy LaValle, introduced Mr. Tommy Buckle with Duplantis,
which is the civil engineering firm hired for Spectra Group, which is building the strip mall.

Director of Community Development, Billy LaValle, reviewed the process of approval of the
preliminary plat for the strip shopping center. Mr. LaValle said it had already been before the City’s
Planning and Zoning Board and the Board recommends approval by the City Council. Mr. LaValle
Page 6, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes – Regular Session

said it now presented to the Council for consideration of approval. Mr. LaValle said if the Council has
any recommendations or changes they are to be noted on the preliminary plat and Mr. Buckle would be
notified to incorporate this into the plat. Mr. LaValle said the city’s ordinance requires a 30-day
interval between approval of the preliminary plat and final approval, hence, the request to change the
December Council meeting date from December 9 to December 16.

Councilmember Everett recognized Attorney Michael Smith as wishing to address this issue. Mr.
Smith addressed the Council saying he represents Hoyt and Betty Jo Ragans to inquire as to the facts
of the City’s intent that the lift station on the Ragan’s property be used to provide wastewater services
to the strip mall. Mr. Smith said, if this is correct, Mr. Ragans has objections to this. Mr. LaValle said
it is in the plans to hookup to this lift station.

Councilmember Everett addressed the issue saying if the lift station is to be used by the strip mall, the
City should reimburse Mr. Ragans. Councilmember Everett commented when the lift station was
installed in 1995, it was to be used for the development of Mr. Ragans’s development. Councilmember
Everett said there is a concern that if the mall utilizes the lift station, use may exceed the criteria of the
lift station and limit Mr. Ragans’s use of it. Councilmember Everett said Mr. Ragans paid
approximately $15,000 for materials for the lift station and fencing, paid the cost of a surveyor and an
easement for the City’s access to maintain the lift station. Councilmember Everett said Mr. Ragans
would like the Council to give him assurance that if the lift station is utilized by anyone else, the City
takes whatever action to provide waste water treatment for a third building on the Ragans’s property
and reimbursement for the cost of putting the lift station there.

Councilmember Scott asked Mr. Johnson if Mr. Ragans’s request was a reasonable one. Mr. Johnson
said his personal opinion is that it is not reasonable. Mr. Johnson explained the deal with Mr. Ragans
was that the City would furnish the labor and Mr. Ragans would furnish the materials. Mr. Johnson
said there were discussions that addressed future development and others hooking up to the lift station.
Mr. Johnson said it was agreed this would be acceptable as long as Mr. Ragans’s properties had
capacity. Mayor Frith said he sees the City has an obligation to Mr. Ragans and as long as there is
adequate and sufficient wastewater flow to his properties, the City has met its obligation to him.
Mayor Frith also commented that as long as Mr. Ragans’s develops his property it is incumbent to the
City to make improvements to the lift station.

Mr. Smith said he is just bringing this matter to the Council and expects no decision at this time. Mr.
Smith said he would determine what Mr. and Mrs. Ragans want him to do as to the projected flow,
future flow and purchase of materials. Mr. Smith said he would send a letter to the City as to what Mr.
and Mrs. Ragans wants done.

Mayor Frith asked where this would put Spectra (in the process of proceeding). Mr. Buckle said he
doesn’t want this to hold up the plat—that if something needs to be worked out down the line, it could
be worked out. It was suggested the Council could make a recommendation of approval to proceed
Page 7, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

based on resolving this issue. Mr. Smith told the Council he had no problem with the Council doing
this. Mr. Smith said it could be made subject to flow and capacity. Councilmember Everett asked at
whose expense any upgrade would be done. Mayor Frith said it would be at the City’s expense.
Councilmember Scott then made a motion to approve the preliminary plat subject to flow and capacity
information forthcoming from the applicant and to approve changing the Council’s December regular
session meeting from December 9 to December 16, 2003. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

At this time, City Attorney Bill informed the Council, if they wished to do so, they could approve that
Agenda Items 6 (E, G, H, I) be moved to a “consent agenda” and then they could then vote to approve
those items under the “consent agenda.”

Councilmember Feagle made a motion to approve that Agenda Items 6 (E, F, G, H, I) be moved to a
“consent agenda.” The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Councilmember Scott then made a motion to approve the “consent agenda.” Councilmember
Alexander seconded the motion and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 6(D)…CITY COUNCIL AND CITY ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS PROPOSED

ORDINANCES:
A. PUBLIC INFORMATION; PRIVACY, AND SECURITY ORDINANCE
B. CODE ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE.

Mr. Brynes said Council had been provided information for review and discussion this meeting. Mr.
Brynes said the Public Information; Privacy and Security Ordinance could be scheduled for
introduction and first reading at the next Council meeting. It was the consensus this be done.

Page 10, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Page 8, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmembers agreed they would need additional time to discuss the Code Enforcement Ordinance
and requested this item be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 6(E)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL

AGREEMENT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITY PLANNING BY AND BETWEEN THE BOARD
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDA, CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PERRY, FLORIDA AND SCHOOL BOARD OF TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDA.

This item approved under “consent agenda.”

AGENDA ITEM 6(F)…CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS A RESOLUTION OPPOSING CREATION

OF A STATEWIDE WATER AUTHORITY, PRIVATIZATION OF WATER RIGHTS AND THE
TRANSPORT OF NORTH FLORIDA WATER RESOURCES TO CENTRAL AND SOUTH
FLORIDA; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

After a brief discussion, Councilmember Feagle made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2003-14. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 6(G)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SCHOOL RSOURCE

OFFICER’S CONTRACT BETWEEN DISRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF TAYLOR COUNTY AND
CITY OF PERRY POLICE DEPARTMENT.

This item approved under “consent agenda.”

AGENDA ITEM 6(H)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR

DISTRICT TRUANCY INTERVENTION OFFICER.

This item approved under “consent agenda.”

AGENDA ITEM 6(I)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT TO

PROVIDE SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD.

This item approved under “consent agenda.”

AGENDA ITEM 6(J)…CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS SEPTEMBER MONTHLY

FINANCIAL REPORT.

Mr. Brynes briefly reviewed information through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2003. Mr.
Brynes said unrestricted cash decreased approximately $401,000 from $5.7 million to $5.3 million.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…CITY MANAGER.

Mr. Brynes noted it has been the Council’s practice to have only one Council meeting during the month
of December. It was the consensus of the Council to have only one meeting in December, which
would be December 16, 2003. Mr. Brynes told the Council some employees have requested the
Christmas holiday be changed from December 24 and 25 to December 25 and 26 to allow for a four-
Page 9, November 11, 2003, Council Minutes

day weekend. After a brief discussion regarding the garbage pickup schedule, it was the consensus of
the Council that the Christmas holidays be changed to December 25 and 26, 2003.

Mr. Brynes informed the Council of a life insurance plan for employees that would provide the same
coverage for less money. It was the consensus of the Council that Mr. Brynes get more information
and bring this item back for discussion at the next meeting.

AGENDA ITEM (8)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

There was no discussion.

AGENDA ITEM (9)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

Councilmember Feagle had questions about street striping on Green Street. Mr. Johnson said this
could not be done until the County mills and resurfaces the street and he understands this street is not
on their list to do now. County Manager Buddy Humphries was present and said the street would be
done at some time.

Councilmember Feagle asked about a weatherization program. Mr. Humphries said this done through
the County’ SHIP program.

Councilmember Alexander said there is double parking on Howard Warner Street and requested the
Chief of Police look into this problem.

Councilmember Alexander requested staff find a way to lock and secure the newly installed restrooms
at Jerkins Park to help prevent vandalism. Mr. Johnson said this would be difficult to do.

Councilmember Everett asked for an update on O’Quinn Street. Mr. Johnson said he had found
nothing that indicates the City owns this street but there is a water line on it.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 8:25 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date