This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor (Not Present)

Tamara Cornwell, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Not Present)

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk (Not Present)

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant (Not Present)

 

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

 

1.               Vice-Mayor Cornwell called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Commissioner Sunshine Joiner, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.

 

 

All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.

 

 

 

2.               CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

MOTION:                   Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith seconded,

and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the January 22, 2024 City Commission Agenda.

 

 

3.               PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Desirae Davis spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

 

 Chief Tyler read a statement explaining that all information will be released once FDLE has concluded their investigation. He also noted his compliance with submitting use of force incidents to FDLE.

 

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January 22, 2024

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Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

William Griffin spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Gabby A. spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Ruth Beltran spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Sarah Parker spoke on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis. She also submitted a video, that was made part of the Minutes.

Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke again on the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Ruth Beltran spoke again on the accountability of the Police Department.

Franklyn Perez spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Lidia Gueverra spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Nakia Bennett spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Payton Hoey spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Audrey Marsalles spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Jake Giffon spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Alaina Martinez spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Tsi Day Smyth spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Breanna Davis spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

Elle Chasen spoke via ZOOM regarding the death of Breonte Johnson-Davis.

 

 

4.               CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes: 12/18/2023 & 01/08/2024

b. Resolution 2024-02 Council of Governments Meeting

c. Surplus- 1115 10^th Street West- Old PD building Parcel ID # 2707100059

d. Special Function Permit- I love my community 5K

 

 

 

MOTION:                   Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

5.            DECEMBER 2023 CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

 

STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:

 

 

6.               Traffic Update

 

Mr. Rayan reported that there was another vehicular accident at the roundabout at Haben Blvd that damaged the fence. A guardrail may be placed to prevent any future accidents that could harm pedestrian traffic. Temporary lighting is being looked at while the contract for permanent lighting in that area is being addressed.   Commissioner Cornwell and Commissioner Jones highlighted suggestions from the residents at Riviera Dunes regarding a cement rail and guardrail being placed in

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January 22, 2024

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that area, along with speed signs. Mr. Rayan responded that they did add messaging signs there today. Commissioner Cornwell asked Mr. Rayan to update the residents on the proactive measures he has taken.

 

 

 

COMMENTS:

 

 

7.               DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

 

Mr. Rayan noted that construction continues with the roundabout on 8^th Avenue and 23^rd Street. They are hoping for completion to be at the beginning of the next quarter. He also said there has been vandalism at the MLK bathrooms over the last weekend, along with break ins. They are working with the Police Department regarding people sleeping in the restrooms as well. They have made the bathrooms open only during the business hours of 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM until they can figure out a solution moving forward.

 

 Commissioner Smith asked if they had cameras that caught these events occurring. Mr. Rayan and Chief Tyler responded that they did, they are working to identify the individuals. 

 

 Mr. Barnebey stated that if there are any other videos of the incident with Breonte Johnson-Davis’ death to please submit them to the City to be forwarded to the FDLE.

 

 

 

8.               MAYOR’S REPORT

 

The Mayor was absent from the meeting as she was on her way to Tallahassee to speak with legislatures regarding our City.

 

 

 

9.               COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Jones spoke on the multi-cultural festival and the fact that it was a good event, but he would like to have it moved to a different location in the future.

 

Commissioner Jones asked Chief Tyler about his use of force reports and the procedure that is supposed to be followed. Chief Tyler responded that part of the packet he gave to the Commissioners came directly from the FDLE. For several years, local agencies do not report directly to the FBI. They report to the FDLE, who in turn, report to the FBI. He further explained what the FDLE requires submission for.

 

 Commissioner Smith spoke on his problems with the multi-cultural event. He felt like he was being attacked by the public on the event, but he said he had nothing to do with the event. He is hoping to make it better going forward.

 

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January 22, 2024

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Commissioner Smith asked Chief Tyler to clarify the statement he read at the beginning of the meeting regarding reporting uses of force to the FDLE. Commissioner Smith also questioned if Chief Tyler had seen the video that had been presented earlier tonight. Chief Tyler responded that he had, and everything will be shared at a Press Conference in the near future. He cannot comment further.

 

 Commissioner Joiner spoke on the wonderful multi-cultural event and the fair that she attended.

 

 Commissioner Cornwell also attended the fair and multi-cultural event, and they were both great events.

 

 Commissioner Jones apologized to the family of Breonte Johnson-Davis and said if something wasn’t right, the Commission will do what they’re supposed to do. Commissioner Cornwell said Commissioner Jones’ comment was well said.

 

 

 

Vice-Mayor Cornwell adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM.