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 to respect the social
distancing guidelines.
Elected Officials Present in Chambers:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor
Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Entered the
meeting at 4:32 p.m.)
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Tambra Varnadore, Commissioner, Ward 2
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Staff Present in Chambers:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Jeff Burton, CRA Director
Karla Owens, Development Services Director
Wesley Beauchamp, Facilities & Events Specialist
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant (Not Present)
Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk
Staff Present Electronically:
Todd Williams, Information
Technology (IT) Consultant
Mayor Bryant
opened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
1.CELEBRATIONCENTERDISCUSSION(K.Owens)
Mrs. Owens, Development Services Director, presented the options
for the disposition of the Celebration Center at Lamb Park and reported that $100,000
is budgeted for the task. The options consisted of repairing Lamb Park where
it stands, demolishing the structure, relocating the structure to Hidden Lake
Park or Estuary Park, and demolishing and rebuilding a new structure. After explaining
the proposed option cost and provisions, Mrs. Owens welcomed the Board’s comments
and recommendations.
Commissioner Varnadore expressed that she was not in favor
of investing $100,000 into the Celebration Center where it stands and selected
option 5, Demolish and Rebuild New Structure. Then, she asked if there were
any other available sites for the people to use while the new structure is
being built. Mr. Burton, CRA Director, suggested the VFW and stated that this
structure improvements will take about 1 year to complete, or the Women’s Club since
it is used mostly on weekends and not the week days. He added that rent for
the Women’s Club is $1300 per day, but could be lowered on the days least used
for smaller events. Then, Mrs. Owens questioned if the $100,000 could be
transferred to the CRA to expedite the VFW improvements instead of waiting for the
grant. Mr. Freeman, City Clerk, replied that the $100,000 budgeted generated
from the 1/2 cent sales tax.
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And, if the City provides the funding and based on the
Board’s option, it will have to be determined if the option is eligible where the
funding is budgeted.
Commissioner Smith suggested that if the Celebration
Center is rebuilt, it should be a block structure and not relocated to another
park since the people are familiar to the present location. Then, he selected option
#1, Repair in Place. Mr. Burton agreed that it is a good location, and the
rebuilt can be a block structure.
Commissioner Cornwell commented that the Celebration
Center was used frequently, and Mr. Freeman acknowledged that the center was
used more than the other facilities when it was available. Commissioner
Cornwell inquired why the structure was raised. Mr. Freeman answered that the
underlining structure had degraded over time due to the environment.
Commissioner Jones stated that he is in favor of tearing
the building down because the structure is unstable and out dated. And, he chose
option 5, Demolish and Rebuild New Structure, but to relocate the structure to
the MLK Park. Mrs. Owens declared that the request can be discussed, and the Commission
would make the decision.
Commissioner Williams favored option 5, Demolish and
Rebuild New Structure, and expressed that an enclosed structure is not
necessary, and a pavilion could be built. He also suggested a modular unit
with a kitchen and 2 restrooms.
Mayor Bryant reminded the Board to review the previous
proposal before making a decision.
Commissioner Smith inquired about the cost to build
restrooms for the new structure. Mr. Rayan answered that a survey of the parks
needs to be conducted and the information will be brought back to the Board.
Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Jones on the relocation to MLK Park
because new restrooms are being installed, which will help with the expense.
Commissioner Williams requested clarification on the MLK
Park’s restrooms project cost. Mr. Freeman commented that about $200,000 was
allocated from the 1/2 cent sales tax, and when the bids are returned, we will
know if that amount is sufficient.
Mayor Bryant asked if the Board’s choice is to have the
Celebration Center item placed on the 7:00 p.m. agenda tonight for demolition,
and Mr. Burton recommended to use the word remove instead of demolish because
someone could buy it and move it. The Board chose the structure to be removed.
Mayor Bryant communicated that a survey of the parks will be provided to the
Board to assist in selecting the location of the new structure.
Discussion ensued among the Board on the usage at the park
locations. A list of the parks amenities was requested and will be provided to
the Commissioners.