City Council Meeting Minutes Regular Session: Present Absent
City Council Meeting Minutes Regular Session: Present Absent
City Council Meeting Minutes Regular Session: Present Absent
MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
November 13, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Pam Feagle, Doug Everett
STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, Bill Blue and Annette Anderson
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 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)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: October 23, 2001; Regular Session
After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Scott made a motion to adopt the minutes of
October 23, 2001, Regular Session as written; 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
With the consensus of the Council, Mayor Frith deviated from the agenda to discuss Agenda Item 5(C)
at this time.
Ms. Molly Hendry Lilliott, Supervisor of Elections, and assistant Catharin Norman were present. Ms.
Lilliott acknowledged she was addressing the Council at its request for her to provide information
regarding the feasibility of changing the date of election for the office of city council. Ms. Lilliott said
Taylor County would be using optical scanners, as mandated by the State, for the first primary on
September 10, 2002. Ms. Lilliott said separate ballots would have to be printed for the five city
districts. Ms. Lilliott said the five districts is a result of a civil suit in 1983 and before making a
change the Council would have to visit the court regarding this matter.
Ms. Lilliott said the optical scanners have not yet been purchased but a decision is expected in January.
Ms. Lilliott said she has been told that a city ballot will have to be prepared for each district and the
city will have to have a scanner to itself. Ms. Lilliott provided maps outlining the voting districts as to
Page 2, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes - Regular Session
how it might affect the City. Ms. Lilliott commented that at two locations there would have to be two
city ballots. Ms. Lilliott said regarding extension of terms of Councilmembers and the dates for
qualifying period for candidates, she wished she could tell the Council the exact cost for an election
but there is no way she could do this but she could assure the Council it would cost more than the
$1,600.00 for this year’s City election. Ms. Lilliott said the City was able to use paper ballots in its last
election process. Mayor Frith asked if the Council were not to change its procedure and continue as
before would the City still be able to use the paper ballot. Ms. Lilliott said if the Council changes the
City Charter to say so, this could be done. Councilmember Everett commented he thought it had been
determined that the paper ballot was the best and cheaper way to go (with regard to voting apparatus).
Ms. Lilliott said this was correct. Ms. Lilliott told the Council it is important when the City and
Supervisor of Elections contracts for city elections, the contract be more specific. Ms. Lilliott spoke
specifically about how she thinks that the Council should have the final say as to qualifying candidates
for a seat on the Council. Ms. Lilliott said she does not want this to be her responsibility.
Ms. Lilliott told the Council in January 2002 there will be a large “glitch bill” that will clean and clear
up the 2001 election reform. Ms. Lilliott said the Council would need to address this if the City is not
going to use the optical scanner i. e. state in the Charter that the City wants to use paper ballots for
elections. Ms. Lilliott said if this were not done, the City would be required to use the optical scanner.
There was discussion as to whether having multiple districts within single precinct would necessitate a
voter having to go to two different places to vote. Mayor Frith commented and Councilmember
Alexander agreed this could cause some confusion for some voters. Mayor Frith thanked Ms. Lilliott
for her time and commented the Council’s decision would be based on the information provided by
Ms. Lilliott, as well as other things.
Ms. Angel Colagrossi of Big Bend Hospice, Inc., briefly addressed the Council and thanked the City
for its support of this organization and proclaiming of the month of November 2001 as National
Hospice month.
City Manager Bill Brynes acknowledged the three engineering firms to give presentations: Spectra
Engineering& Research, Inc., William M. Bishop Consulting Engineers, Inc., and Barrett Engineering,
Inc. The individuals were requested, and complied, to wait in another area while each firm gave its
presentation. Mr. Scott Koons, Director of Local Government Assistance with the North Central
Florida Regional Planning Council, briefly reviewed the CDBG project to extend sewer service to
United Welding, Inc., and explained that the Council would hear the three firm’s presentations and at
the conclusion of the presentations the Council would complete a score sheet ranking the firms. Mr.
Brynes explained the need for expediency telling the Council United Welding (UW) had already
Page 3, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
constructed a new building, hired additional employees and is in full production. Mr. Brynes said UW
could run into a problem with its septic system, which may have to be pumped. Mr. Brynes said sewer
extension to UW is a simple project and there are ways to expedite the process.
Councilmembers and staff then heard presentations from the three firms, one by one, and questioned
each regarding their experience with CDBG projects, the capacity of staff to handle the project, length
of time to complete project, etc. When asked about the need for geotechnical work on the project,
Barrett Engineering, Inc., said “off the top” they did not see a need for this work, while William M.
Bishop Engineering, Inc., said geotechnical work is a must for this area. After making their
presentations, the three firms waited in another area while Councilmembers and staff discussed the
three presentations and the project itself. There was discussion that other businesses in the area might
wish to get on this sewer line. Mr. Brynes said the current CDBG funds can only be used to provide
service to United Welding, Inc. and any future tie-ons would have to be paid for by those businesses.
Mr. Brynes said funding these additional tie-ons could not be justified when there are areas within the
city limits that do not yet have sewer service. Councilmember Scott asked if the City could look in the
future to get CDBG funding to pay for those tie-ons. Mr. Koons said that would be an option. Mr.
Buddy Humphries, Taylor County Development Authority, told the Council that Taylor Technical
Institute is interested in tying into that sewer project. Mr. Brynes said he feels like the School Board
would be glad to pay this expense. Mr. Koons stated that the Department of Community Affairs said
this could not be done, that gravity flow could only be provided for United Welding, Inc. Mr.
Humphries asked if the engineers, when going out to bid, could put a separate addendum to deremine
the cost if it were agreed this could be done. Mr. Koons and Mr. Brynes said this could be done.
Councilmember Feagle asked about the City’s experience with William M. Bishop Engineers, Inc. Mr.
Byrnes said the City has had good experiences with this firm, commenting they are flexible in working
with the City and one of the key aspects is the geotechnical work. Mr. Brynes said this firm is aware
of what is in the area because of the other work they have done in the area. Another point is the
surveyor that will be used. Mr. Brynes said the City has done work with the local business, Delta Land
Surveyors, Inc. Regarding Spectra Engineering and Research, Inc., it was noted that this firm probably
has the least amount of experience with local (City) government projects--that most of their work has
been with the state. Mayor Frith noted that the score sheets become public record and asked if any
firm ever contests the results. Mr. Koons said none have contested, but have asked to look at the
results. Mr. Koons then collected the score sheets to determine ranking of the firms.
While Mr. Koons was tallying the score sheets, Mayor Frith proceeded with the next business item.
Page 4, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
Detective Michael Anderson, Chairman for the Perry Police Officer’s Pension Trust Fund Board,
addressed the Council. Detective Anderson said the officers and members of the Board have opted to
have the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) as part of their retirement benefit package.
Detective Anderson introduced the Board’s attorney, Mr. Scott Christiansen of Christiansen & Dehner,
P.A. to address this matter. Mr. Christiansen explained what the DROP program is and how it works.
It was explained that in order to add the DROP benefit, the police department must come out from
under the Chapter 185 plan and a Local Law Plan Ordinance must be adopted by the City Council. Mr.
Christiansen said the ordinance would still follow the Chapter 185 guidelines but would allow the local
law enforcement plan to initiate additional benefits into their pension plans. Mr. Christiansen explained
there are two proposed ordinances to be considered for the Council’s adoption.
Councilmember Scott asked city attorney Bill Blue’s opinion. Mr. Blue said from what he’s hearing, it
sounds like a good deal for everyone (the City and the police officers). Councilmember Everett said,
from a cost perspective, it would not actually cost the City anything. Councilmember Everett asked
what the Council needs to do at this time. Mr. Brynes said the ordinance would be reviewed for any
changes necessary and brought back for an introduction and first reading, possibly in January. It was
the consensus of the Council to move forward on the proposed ordinances.
Mr. Koons then addressed the Council with the results of the score sheets for ranking the three
engineering firms for the CDBG project. Mr. Koons said William M. Bishop Consulting Engineers,
Inc. with 6 points received the number one ranking; Barrett Engineering, Inc., with 10 points received
the number two ranking and Spectra Engineering & Research, Inc., with 11 points received the number
three ranking.
Mr. Brynes reminded the Council that time is critical with this project. Mr. Brynes said if the Council
continues its policy of having only one meeting in the month of December, the Council might have to
have a special meeting just to approve the contract documents. Mr. Koons suggested that the Council
could authorize the city manager to negotiate the engineering contract for the Mayor’s signature and if
the fees are within the grant budget, this item would not have to come back before the Council.
Councilmember Scott made a motion authorizing the city manager to negotiate an engineering contract
with William M. Bishop Consulting Engineers, Inc., if the fees are within the engineering budget for
the grant. 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
Page 5, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
Councilmember Everett made a motion that Ordinance No. 753 be read by title only; 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
The secretary read Ordinance No. 753 by title only. Mayor Frith opened the public hearing. There was
no one from the public to address this item. Mr. Blue explained the ordinance is currently drafted with
two different aspects of city elections. Mr. Blue said one aspect is a matter that is not in conformity
with the city charter (dates to qualify). Mr. Blue said this was realized when an issue was raised with
respect to qualifications for candidates running for office. Mr. Blue said the other aspect had to do
with holding city elections on the same dates that other national, state and county elections are held.
Councilmember Scott said it is her opinion that the first aspect of dates to qualify needs to be
addressed and brought into conformity with the city charter. Mayor Frith commented he thinks the
Council is compelled to follow the charter, but just has not done so out of lack of knowledge to this
issue. Mr. Blue told the Council they just need to decide what problems they want to fix and how to
fix them and have a vote on what to do. Councilmember Everett asked about the second aspect of
election date. Mr. Blue said this would be taken care of by just following the charter. Mr. Blue said
there is one other issue he would like to discuss with the Council. Mr. Blue said, although Supervisor
of Elections Molly Lilliott said she prefers the Council have the responsibility of qualifying candidates,
he would urge the Council to advocate the responsibility to her. Mr. Blue told the Council the
Supervisor of Elections has this responsibility for all other elections. Mr. Blue said he sees a conflict
of interest when three or four members of a body (Council) get to decide who sits with them on the
Council. Mayor Frith said the couple of times the Council has had something brought before them, the
issue was decided based on something definite and decisive. Mr. Blue agreed that when this came up
in the past, it was handled appropriately, but feels the Supervisor of Elections should have this
responsibility. Mayor Frith commented that the Council needs to make a decision on this matter.
Councilmember Scott made a motion that the City Charter be followed as written. Councilmember
AGENDA ITEM 5(E)…MR. MORALIS AND MR. RONNIE KINSEY TO REQUEST THAT THE
CITY COUNCIL CONSIDER CLOSING THE ALLEYWAY BETWEEN THEIR PROPERIES ON N.
JEFFERSON STREET.
Councilmember Everett made a motion that Ordinance No. 748 be read by title only. 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
This item to be brought back for public hearing and final reading at the November 27, 2001, Council
meeting.
Councilmember Scott made a motion that Ordinance No. 758 be read by title only; 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
The secretary read Ordinance No. 758 by title only. Director of Community Development, Billy
LaValle, told the Council the City’s Planning and Zoning Board had met in emergency session the
night before to discuss this item and had recommended approval of adoption. This item to be brought
back for public hearing and final reading at the November 27, 2001 Council meeting.
Councilmember Feagle made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-23; 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
Page 8, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
Mr. Brynes told the Council this information is not yet available for discussion but should be by the
November 27, 2001 Council meeting.
Mr. Brynes suggested the tables be moveable so individuals could move them to suit their needs (ex:
parties, to get out of or into the sun, etc.) There were comments that if the tables were moveable they
might be removed from the parks. Councilmember Feagle and Councilmember Scott said they were in
favor of the tables being made stationary. Councilmember Feagle said, for the future, she would like to
see new fencing put up around the City Park.
It was the consensus of the Council these park improvements be made. Councilmember Everett noted
a safety concern at City Park.
Mr. Brynes had provided Council with a map of the property to be donated. Mr. Brynes noted the
property is located near the city garage. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to
accept the donation of property.
Mr. Brynes briefly discussed the possible need for safety measures in the city workplace. Mr. Brynes
said the workplace had recently experienced some problems and is suggesting certain safety measures
be put in place. Mr. Brynes said the door leading into that office definitely needs replacing with a
stronger door. Mr. Brynes also mentioned installing an alarm system, safety glass, and a camera.
Page 9, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
Councilmember Feagle suggested replacing the door first. Mayor Frith said those employees working
in that area have brought these safety concerns to attention. Mayor Frith said whatever the City can do
to assure the employees’ safety and feelings of safety should be done and suggested the city manager
investigate the cost of providing these safety measures. It was the consensus of the Council that the
city manager does this.
Mr. Brynes spoke of a workshop meeting in December. Councilmember Feagle asked if the monthly
financial statement would be prepared by the first meeting in December. Mr. Brynes said he does not
know for sure that it will be ready. Councilmember Feagle asked what it would take to make it
happen. Mr. Brynes said the City might need to change banks. Mayor Frith suggested going over
October’s monthly statement the first meeting in December. Councilmember Everett and
Councilmember Feagle said this would be too far behind. Mr. Billy LaValle, Finance Department,
asked if it would be out of reason to suggest the statements be reviewed the second meeting of each
month. Councilmember Everett said he is not opposed to reviewing the monthly statement at the
second meeting of each month. Councilmember Feagle indicated her agreement as long as there is
consistency. Mayor Frith asked Councilmember Feagle what she proposes to do with the monthly
statements and asked if she plans to go over the items line by line. Councilmember Feagle said in
looking at the monthly statements, one would be able to see where departments have overspent their
budgets; and in such case there is a need to know why that department overspent and what can be done
to reconcile it. Mayor Frith suggested Councilmembers could phone Mr. Brynes or Mr. LaValle and
get this information. Councilmember Everett said this could be done, but some members might want
to discuss it as a Council. Councilmember Feagle asked Mayor Frith his concern. Mayor Frith said
the Council could spend hours going over the monthly statement. Councilmember Feagle said, for
herself, she doesn’t care how long it takes. Councilmember Scott suggested Councilmembers could
review the monthly statement and if they see a concern, discuss it, without going over it line by line.
Councilmember Everett commented Councilmembers receive their meeting mail packages before a
Council meeting and could go over the statement before the meeting.
City Attorney Bill Blue spoke to the Council about the need for a clear and concise consensus by the
Council when such is made. Mr. Blue said when dealing with himself, the city manager or other staff,
if a consensus is not heard, there is not a charge or mandate to go and do something. Mr. Blue
reminded the Council to make sure their understanding is the same as the staff’s understanding.
Mr. Blue then addressed what he said were “myths.” Mr. Blue said the first one is “rift” (referring to
recent newspaper article). Mr. Blue said he doesn’t think a 3-2 or 4-1 vote makes a “rift.” Mr. Blue
said he has always been proud to work with the body (Council) that is willing to work together and not
be disagreeable when there are obvious differences.
Page 10, November 13, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session
Mr. Blue said another myth is that the prior composition of this body (Council) always voted together.
Mr. Blue stated this was untrue as he remembers several 3-2 votes. Mr. Blue said sometimes a citizen
can perpetuate myths and sometimes people try to profit from it.
Councilmember Feagle said she would like to recognize Perry police officers, Gene Franklin, Scott
Lee and Frank Gorski for a recent heroic rescue. Councilmember Feagle said these individuals as well
as the police officers mentioned at the last Council meeting should be recognized by the Council with a
plaque.
Councilmember Feagle said she would like to request that the city manager contact other cities and
towns to get their current natural gas prices for a comparison. Councilmember Feagle said she would
like this done between now and the next Council meeting.
Councilmember Feagle said she had received several calls regarding the vehicle tent sale in town.
Councilmember Feagle asked if they are regulated. Mr. Brynes said they are regulated by the
Department of Motor Vehicles and they buy a license locally from the City.
Councilmember Feagle expressed the concern that there is no way to contact these people if the buyer
has a problem with the vehicle. Councilmember Feagle questioned whether citizens have protection
against this and if a background check is done on these people. Councilmember Everett commented
that buyers should beware and need to be responsible with their own purchases.
Councilmember Feagle asked about city roadside trash pickup. Mr. Brynes said truck drivers start at
one point in the City and make the round through the City and start all over again. Mayor Frith said it
works out that trash is picked up about once a month or less.
There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 9:15 p. m.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor
___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date