CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
July 24, 2001

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Don Cook, Doug Everett

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, George Stamos, Bill
Blue, Annette Anderson. Councilmember-elect Pam Feagle was also in attendance.

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

AGENDA ITEM (3)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: July 10, 2001 Special Session and
July 10, 2001 Regular Session.

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Alexander made a motion to adopt the minutes of
July 10, 2001, Special Session and July 10, 2001, Regular Session as written; seconded by
Councilmember Everett and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (4)…RECEIVING REQUESTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

There was no one to address the Council at this time.

AGENDA ITEM 5(A)…CITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW INFORMATION FROM COMMITTEE FOR

PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CITY PARK.

Ms. Jeanette Edwards and Ms. Emily Ketring presented additional information to the Council
regarding playground equipment for the city park. Ms. Ketring said based on review of several
companies’ equipment and price she and Ms. Edwards had contacted and received “bids” from three
separate companies. Ms. Ketring said similar criteria and price range was given to each company. Ms.
Ketring said the three companies submitting price quotes were: Miracle, Landscape Structures and
Park Structures and they are all on state contract. Ms. Edwards and Ms. Ketring reviewed the
warranties offered by the companies and the different places where these companies had constructed
playground equipment. Ms. Ketring said Miracle is currently doing the Perry Primary school
playground. Ms. Ketring told the Council Park Structures and Landscape Structures offer an option of
“community building” where the equipment is purchased and the community puts the equipment up.
Ms. Ketring said if this option is chosen the company would put a certain percentage back into
additional playground equipment. After a brief discussion, Councilmembers agreed not to go with this
option due to potential liability concerns. Ms. Edwards and Ms. Ketring told the Council of the three
Page 2, July 24, 2001, City Council Meeting Minutes

companies, they were more impressed with either Miracle or Landscape Structures, but thought
Miracle provided the better arrangement. Ms. Ketring noted that Miracle also has structures built with
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. Councilmember Everett asked about delivery times.
The Council was told that Landscape Structures said they could deliver in six to eight weeks, whereas,
Miracle said they could deliver in four to six weeks.

Councilmember Alexander spoke at this time to say that if the City installs new playground equipment
at the City Park on Jefferson Street, it should also consider installing new equipment at the Jerkins
Park. City Manager Bill Brynes said the Council might also consider putting up covered picnic
shelters. Mr. Brynes told the Council funding for the playground improvements would come from the
City’s cash reserves and he would suggest the City’s purchasing department proceed to check the state
contract. Mr. Brynes suggested that both parks could be done at the same time. Councilmember
Everett asked the estimated cost for improvements per park. Mr. Brynes estimated $40,000 per park.
Councilmember Everett asked Mr. Brynes to prepare a total cost by the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Everett said the City needs to be more expedient with putting down some type of “fall
surface” at both city parks.

The women then spoke about putting gates on the four corners of the park and installing locks so that
there would be only one regular entrance (on the backside) to the park. Ms. Ketring said the gates
could be unlocked for community events such as the festival activities. The women also suggested the
possibility of putting up four-way stop signs. After discussion, the Council requested that Ms.
Edwards and Ms. Ketring provide the bid information to the city manager and complimented the
women on the fantastic job they did in gathering this information.

AGENDA ITEM 5(B)…MS. WYNETTE HUXFORD, TAYLOR COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES TO

ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING PROPERTY FOR THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Ms. Diane Ching, Ms. Wynette Huxford and Ms. Cee Johnson of the Taylor County Senior Services
(TCSS) Board addressed the Council. Ms. Ching spoke for the group. Ms. Ching told the Council the
TCSS is pursuing a vision to move forward to provide a new senior services center in order to provide
better services for its elderly citizens. Ms. Ching said the Board has been working closely with the
Taylor County Board of County Commissioners (TCBCC) to secure a partnership to obtain land to
build a new center. Ms. Ching told the Council the TCBCC had approved to make a three to six acre
parcel of property available near the new hospital but was recently informed that because of the way
the property was acquired through a vote of the one-cent gas sales tax that the property may not be able
to be used for anything except the building of the new hospital. Ms. Ching said because the County is
in partnership with the City on this issue, the TCBCC asked the TSS to obtain a letter of consent from
the City Council authorizing allocation of a portion of the property to the senior center and stating the
City supports this concept. Ms. Ching referred to a draft letter for the Council’s review. Ms. Ching
said in talking with Doctors’ Memorial Hospital officials they looked at a potential parcel that might be
larger than the three to six acres. With the possible acquisition of land for the senior center, Ms. Ching
referred to the ability to apply for certain grant funding for the organization, but the Board is under a
Page 3, July 24, 2001, City Council Meeting Minutes

deadline to do so. Mayor Frith asked if there would be any significant importance as to whether the
TCSS has title to the property or whether a 99-year lease at $1.00 per year would be sufficient for the
TCSS purpose. Ms. Ching said a lease would be sufficient for the organization’s purpose. Mayor Frith
said he talked with the attorney for the hospital board and was told the hospital attorney is working
with the TCBCC attorney and felt this hurdle could be overcome.

City Attorney Bill Blue said the City’s interest in the property, if there is any, stems from the resolution
the Council entered into with the TCBCC when the City waived receipt of it’s portion of the one-cent
tax. Mr. Blue said the City does not own title to the property. Mr. Blue said his concern with the draft
letter would be to clarify any interest the city may have and offer support the TSS request for allocation
of property. Mr. Blue cautioned against the City expressing this in terms of consent, as the Council
does not have the authority to do this.

Referring to comments about the City’s waiver of its portion of the one-cent sales tax, Councilmember
Cook said that tax was ending and the City gave nothing away. Councilmember Cook said the City
does not need to document anything reflecting that the City feels it is in a financial partnership with the
County, but could offer its support for TCSS in seeking to acquire that property. Councilmember Cook
suggested a revision of the draft letter removing the word “authorize” and stating to the effect that the
City “would be pleased if the TCBCC works with the Taylor County Senior Services on this matter.
Mayor Frith said if this is the consensus of the Council, he would sign a revised letter. It was the
consensus of the Council that the revision be made to the letter and the Mayor sign the letter offering
the Council’s support for allocation of the property to TCSS for a senior center.

Ms. Ching thanked the Council for their support. Ms. Ching said the TCSS Board was also asked by
the TCBCC to bring another matter before the Council, although the Board is not quite comfortable
doing so. Ms. Ching said the TCSS Board was asked by the TCBCC to advise the Council that if they
get into a situation where they have to enter into a “buy-back” plan to buy the property to honor their
commitment to the TSS, if the Council would consider some financial support of that process. Mayor
Frith stated no, saying the citizens of Perry would be doubly taxed because they already pay county
taxes as well as city taxes. Mayor Frith said this would not be proper for the City to fund monies for
any “buy-back.” The other Councilmembers agreed.

AGENDA ITEM 5(C)…CITY MANAGER TO PRESENT TENTATIVE CITY OF PERRY BUDGET

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 PURSUANT TO SECTION 5.02 OF THE CITY CHARTER.

City Manager Bill Brynes presented the tentative budget for fiscal year 2001-02 and reviewed various
departmental funds and general fund items. Mr. Brynes discussed costs for the new sprayfield and told
the Council when the project is complete the sprayfield itself would not generate any monies for the
City but there will be costs to operate it. Mr. Brynes said the City may be able to generate some
monies if it seeks to lease the property for growing hay or sod or items of this nature.

Page 4, July 24, 2001 City Council Meeting Minutes

Mr. Brynes said the proposed capital outlay items total $407,483 and these items would be funded by
the city’s cash reserves or cash brought forward. Other items reviewed included: Fiscal year 1994-95
was the last year ordinance numbers 567 and 568 provided for increases in water and sewer rates and
that there are no salary increases proposed at this time. On health insurance issues, Mr. Brynes said
last year the Council opted to pay the cost increase in health insurance for those employees effected.
Mr. Brynes said this amount is reflected in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2001-02. Mr. Brynes
then reviewed organizational requests saying funding requests total $186,000, which is a $50,000
increase over approved funding ($136,000) last year. Mr. Brynes said only $136,000 is in the proposed
budget. Councilmember Scott commented that several years ago, the Council had voted that funding
to organizations would not increase.

AGENDA ITEM 5(D)…CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS 2001 CERTIFICATION OF TAXABLE

VALUE MILLAGE RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002.

Mr. Brynes said the Council would need to take action on this item this meeting. Mr. Brynes said the
city’s present millage rate is set at 4.73 mills. Mr. Brynes explained how the millage rate is
determined. Mr. Brynes further explained that to collect the same amount of dollars that was collected
last year, the millage rate would have to be set at 4.61 (roll-back rate), but by maintaining the rate at
4.73 mills would generate an additional $20,000. Mr. Brynes said once a rate is set it cannot be
increased but could be decreased. It was noted that this really is a tax on property that was not on the
tax roll last year (improvements and assessed values up). Councilmember Everett questioned what the
additional tax monies would be used for if the millage rate is left at 4.73. Councilmember Cook said
monies would be used to offset some of the other increases incurred by the City that go hand in hand
with city operations. Councilmember Everett said the perception would be the City raised $20,000 in
new taxes. Mr. Brynes explained that the law says it has to be said in this manner.

Councilmember Scott made a motion that Fiscal Year 2001-02 Millage Rate be set a 4.73 mills. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Cook and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Mr. Brynes told the Council it would also need to set a first public hearing for the City’s Fiscal Year
2001-02 Budget. Mr. Brynes told the Council the City has to set their public hearing after the School
District and the County has set theirs so as not to conflict with the School or the County hearing dates.
Mr. Brynes said the Council can set its first budget public hearing on September 11, 2001,
Page 5, July 24, 2001 City Council Meeting Minutes

which is a regular meeting date for the City Council. Councilmember Everett made a motion to set
Tuesday, September 11, 2001, as the City’s first public budget hearing date. The motion was seconded
by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Councilmembers then discussed setting a budget workshop. It was the consensus of the Council to
meet on Tuesday, July 31, 2001 at 6:00 p. m. for a budget workshop. Councilmember Cook
commented that his term of office will be expiring and he will serve in any way until that time, but he
feels it would be appropriate for incoming Councilmember Pam Feagle to attend the budget workshop.
Councilmember Cook noted there would be no voting at the workshop, just discussion, and Ms. Feagle
could receive input as a Councilmember.

Councilmember Everett suggested the Council go ahead and set a second workshop date.
Councilmember Everett said if a second date is not needed, it could be cancelled later. The Council
agreed to set a second budget workshop for Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 6:00 p. m.

AGENDA ITEM 5(E)…PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL READING-ORDINANCE NO. 753

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PERRY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 2.02 OF THE

CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF PERRY TO CHANGE THE DATES THAT CANDIDATES MUST
QUALIFY FOR ELECTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL, AMENDING SECTION 7.05 OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PERRY TO CHANGE THE DATE OF ELECTION FOR THE
OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL, AMENDING SECTION 10.03(B) TO ALTER THE TERMS OF
SITTING COUNCILMEMBERS TO PROVIDE FOR AN ORDERLY TRANSITION OF OFFICE AS
A RESULT OF THE AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 2.02 AND 7.05 OF THE CHARTER FOR THE
CITY OF PERRY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN
CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mayor Frith stated he would very much like to postpone voting on this ordinance for 60 days and
asked fellow Councilmembers their consideration of allowing the postponement. Mayor Frith said
there really is no urgency in this issue; and, he would really like to have a sit-down workshop with
Supervisor of Elections Molly Lilliott and find out more about what the City might be incurring with
the potential change. Councilmember Scott asked why 60 days postponement, as Council would be in
the middle of budget issues. City Manager Bill Brynes suggested if the Council wishes to postpone
this item, it could formally extend the public hearing date to a future date. City Attorney Bill Blue
reminded the Council Ordinance No. 753 had been advertised for a public hearing and suggested the
floor be opened for public comment. Mayor Frith opened the floor for public comment. There was no
one to address this issue.

Councilmember Everett said the Council has had some discussion at length but, unfortunately, at times
when Mayor Frith was unable to attend a meeting.
Page 6, July 24, 2001 City Council Meeting Minutes

Councilmember Everett said it was his impression there was consensus of the Council that they could
not find where this would cause additional expenses for the city. Councilmember Everett said it was
not “presumed” that the City was going to save money, but that there could be some savings to getting
voters to the polls on the same day. Mayor Frith said he has a concern that some voters will be voting
at different precincts than they do now and having different city ballots. Mayor Frith said there also
may be some reason to buy some more (voting) equipment. Mayor Frith said he would probably vote
for it, but is just asking for a period of time. Councilmember Scott said since this is not a pressing
issue, she would be in favor of honoring Mayor Frith’s wish that this item be postponed for a period of
time. Councilmember Cook said if a vote were called this meeting, he would vote for it, but agreed
action could be deferred to a later date. Councilmember Everett said he did not have a problem as long
as it does not enter into any legal issues due to the advertising of the public hearing. Mr. Blue said if
the Council is going to continue the public hearing to October, the ordinance would have to be re-
advertised for that hearing date. Councilmember Scott made a motion to continue the public hearing
on Ordinance No. 753 to the October 23, 2001 City Council meeting. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 5(F)…MR. RODERICK WILLIAMS, CO-CHAIR OF THE POLICE AND

COMMUNITY COMMITTEE, TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL.

Mr. Williams briefly addressed the Council to request this item be placed on the August 14, 2001,
regular session agenda. Mr. Williams explained he did not have information available to discuss at this
time. Mr. Williams invited the Council to attend a Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)
meeting at 6:00 p. m. on Thursday, July 26, 2001 at the Middle School. Mayor Frith directed that this
item be placed on the August 14, 2001 regular session City Council agenda.

AGENDA ITEM 5(G)…CITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW LIST AND MAKE CHANGES TO SOME
CITY STREET NAMES.

City Council and staff reviewed the remaining list of street names to be changed. The street names
were changed as follows:
Street with One Suggestion:
Current Name Suggestion
Calhoun Avenue Elmo Scott Avenue - accepted by City Council
Jenkins Avenue Givens Street – accepted by City Council
Landry Drive Shady Oaks Drive – accepted by City Council
Magnolia Drive Dodge Drive – accepted by City Council
Maloy Street Arthur Moore Street
Page 7, July 24, 2001, City Council Meeting Minutes

There was discussion that the Maloy Street suggested name change to Arthur Moore Street be shortened
to Arthur Street to provide for a street name change for J. Tom Moore and to alleviate any confusion in
the two names. It was the consensus of the Council to change Maloy Street to Arthur Street.

The following streets were selected by the “lottery” method as suggestion by Councilmember Cook at
the July 10, 2001 regular meeting.

Streets with Multiple Suggestions:

Current Name Approved Name
Cedar Drive (behind Pizza Hut) McCall Street
Cedar Road Cedar Road
Dove Street Carter Street
Forest Drive Marshall Drive
Magnolia Street Bowers Road
Parker Place Elizabeth Lane
Austin Street Happy Street
Maple Avenue J. Tom Moore Avenue
Willow Avenue Kindle Drive
Bishop Lane Peck Smith Lane
Dona McGregor Street
Hampton Springs Powell Drive
Sand Pedro Maurice Linton Road

After review and discussion of the street name changes, Councilmember Scott made a motion that the
city street names be changed as noted above. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Everett
and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (6)…CITY MANAGER.

Mr. Brynes briefly reviewed a proposed ordinance to amend the City’s Land Development Regulations
in regard to clarifying the procedures to file a lien against a hazardous building. City Attorney Bill
Blue said, after review of the proposed ordinance, he would do some “word smithing.” It was
explained that this ordinance would do the minimum that is required to give the code enforcement
board authority to place a lien on a hazardous building after it has been razed. It was the consensus of
the Council to have discussion of this issue before setting a first reading of the ordinance.
Page 8, July 24, 2001, City Council Meeting Minutes

Mr. Brynes told the Council the Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament finished and overall things went well
for the community. Mayor Frith expressed thanks to Director of Recreation Glenn Ratliff and the
recreation crew for their hard work.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

There was no discussion at this time.

AGENDA ITEM (8)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

Councilmember Alexander noted to Director of Public Works Barney Johnson where there was a street
light out. Councilmember Alexander requested Mr. Johnson also check on a left-had turn lane at the
west end of Thomas Demps Lane.

Councilmember Everett asked if a weed letter had been sent to the property owner at 115 Magnolia
Road. Director of Community Development George Stamos said a letter had been sent.
Councilmember Everett asked for an update on Ms. Lisa Arrowood’s request for a building permit.
Mr. Stamos said the permit had been issued. Councilmember Everett asked what could be done, short
of resurfacing, about the condition of Osceola and Seminole streets. Mr. Johnson stated he did not
think anything could be done, but he would contact an individual with more knowledge of what could
be done. Councilmember Everett spoke of improvements to the city park saying he would like to see
some “fall surface” material placed at the park the next day.

Councilmember Alexander asked about the progress of the Dorsett Stadium restrooms. Mr. Brynes
said this work is still going on.

Mayor Frith asked if the city street department still fills in areas that have been routed out by mail
carrier vehicles. Mr. Johnson said the city still does this. Mayor Frith spoke of a program where
abandoned vehicles are collected and monies are given to charitable organizations. Mayor Frith said a
certain procedure is followed to identify abandoned cars and owners and suggested the City might look
into this option of disposing of abandoned vehicles in the city. Mr. Stamos said this could be done.

Councilmember Scott requested clean up of an area near Spring Hill Church on Myrtle Avenue.
Councilmember Scott said another area that needs clean up is an area at Malloy and Swartz Street.
Councilmember Scott asked Mr. Johnson if a 30 MPH speed limit sign could be placed on Martin
Luther King. Mr. Johnson said as long as it is not below 30 MPH, the City could place a speed limit
sign. Councilmember Scott commented about the West Nile Virus concern in the community. Mr.
Brynes said the County has stepped up spray control for mosquitoes.
Page 9, July 24, 2001 City Council Meeting Minutes

AGENDA ITEM (9)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 9:20 p. m.

ATTEST:

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

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date