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

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2 (Present via Zoom @ 4:34 pm)

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (Present via Zoom @ 4:31 pm)

Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Paula Hall, Human Resources (joined the meeting at 4:53 pm and left at 5:15 pm)

Kera Hill, Development Services Supervisor

Cheryl Miller, Finance Director

Matt Misco, Senior Accountant (left the meeting at 5:33 pm)

Kenneth Sexton, Code Enforcement Officer (left the meeting at 4:35 pm)

Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

 

STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.

 

 

1.       Swearing In- Code Enforcement Officer

 

Mr. Rayan, Public Works Director, introduced the new Code Enforcement Officer, Kenneth Sexton. Mr. Freeman, City Clerk, swore in Mr. Sexton as the new Code Enforcement Officer.

 

 

 

2.       FY23 BUDGET(J.FREEMAN/C.MILLER)

 

Mr. Freeman introduced the assumptions for the FY23 Budget. He reminded Commission of the upcoming Workshops dedicated to Budget discussions. Once the aggregate millage is established, the millage can stay the same or decrease, but it cannot be increased. Mr. Freeman asked for the Commission to approve the aggregate millage at the 7:00 pm meeting. Our budget hearings are scheduled for September 12^th- Tentative Budget Hearing, and September 26^th- Final Budget Hearing. Mr. Freeman went through, and highlighted different aspects

 

City Commission/CRA Workshop

July 25, 2022

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of the budget as listed in the Version 1 Proposed Budget. Mr. Rayan spoke on the increase that is being asked for by the County for Waste Management. Discussions continued regarding the 10% that is being asked for by Waste Management. Commissioner Smith would like to look at other companies and see if we can save money for the City. Commissioner Jones agreed with Commissioner Smith and asked for a representative from Waste Management to come speak before Commission.  Commissioner Williams would also like to hear from a representative.  Mr. Freeman went on to discuss the employment within the City and the efforts they are making to fill vacant positions. He discussed the proposed cap of an 8% increase for General Employees. He also pointed out the increase that is being proposed for Sworn Officers, which is a step increase with an additional $1,000 added to their base salary. Pension costs have decreased for both Police and General employees. Health insurance has increased 9.5%. Wait time for leasing vehicles was discussed. Commissioner Cornwell asked about hybrid/electric vehicles. The past challenges with electric vehicles were mentioned.

 

 

 

3.       ORDINANCE 2022-01 ZONING APPEALS (M.BARNEBEY/M.RAYAN)

 

Mr. Barnebey discussed the history behind this Ordinance. Currently, the Planning and Zoning Board makes the final decision on Zoning Appeals. In the past, Commission expressed their dissatisfaction with this process and asked for a new Ordinance to be drafted. Mr. Barnebey highlighted the changes that would be in the new Ordinance. Mr. Rayan echoed the same sentiments. Commissioner Cornwell questioned a possible designee if the Director of Public Works is not available. Commissioner Jones felt like steps were being jumped with this proposed Ordinance. Mr. Barnebey said they could make an adjustment where the Planning & Zoning Board would first make a recommendation and then it would come to Commission for the final decision. Commissioner Williams questioned “impact on the community standard” wording. Mr. Barnebey clarified. He also questioned Variances, and the possibility of them going before a Magistrate. Commissioner Varnadore expressed her agreeance with this Ordinance. Mr. Barnebey asked for clarification if the Commissioners would like changes to be made to the Ordinance. The Commissioners agreed they would like to add in the step of going to the Planning & Zoning meeting prior to coming to Commission. Mr. Barnebey suggested taking off the first reading from the 7:00 pm meeting.

 

Commissioner Williams would like to know the difference between a GIS Senior Analyst and GIS Analyst. He asked Mr. Freeman to bring back this information. He also asked about recycling.

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the workshop at 5:56 pm.