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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2024 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES 0 ve RV Tr �PWFRL:.n `'JLC JULY 89 2024 WORK SESSION The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at the Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Alt Woodruff Vice Mayor Patty Mahany Commissioner Sheena Britton Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Commissioner Patrick Austin City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. Assistant City Attorney Lonnie Groot City Clerk Traci Houchin Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio Absent: City Attorney William L. Colbert Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:10 PM. 1. Discussion RE: Rules of the Commission, by Lonnie Groot, Assistant City Attorney. Mr. Groot provided a power point presentation regarding Quasi-judicial hearings. Some Developers will hire a Court Reporter for some Quasi-judicial hearings. He provided the differences between legislative and quasi-judicial decision making. Quasi- judicial matters include; site plan approvals, site-specific rezoning of land, specials exceptions, variances, preliminary and final plat approvals, development agreements, and appeals from an administrative staff determination. There are three elements to quasi- judicial hearing standards; due process, competent substantial evidence, and essential requirements of law. Due process means fairness for all. Mr. Groot described the meaning of ex parte. He said ex parte communication means any communication "on CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 892024 WORK SESSION behalf of or involving one party to a legal matter" that is "conducted in the absence of or without notice to the other party". Mr. Groot provided a Case Law Example of an ex parte communications, and the disclosure must include; the subject of the communication and identity of the person, group or entity; written communications; site visits; and expert opinions. Individuals with contrary positions must have the opportunity to respond/refute the communication/experience. Mr. Groot said the Best Practices include all ex parte must be fully disclosed to avoid due process issues. Disclose at the beginning of each hearing and after any continuances.; If the Commission has not engaged in anything, there is nothing to disclose.; All unsolicited emails/written communications can be included in the record by the City Clerk.; Best response(s) to interested citizen is "Thank you" and invitation to participate in the quasi-judicial hearing with the entire Commission at a specific date/time. Commissioner Austin commented that he did not like how staff was put in a bad position at the last meeting. He is concerned that there is no one to protect staff. Commissioner Britton said she did not like how Eileen Hinson, Planning Director, was questioned during the Catalyst Site item. The questions the attorney had were regarding a former employee, not Ms. Hinson. Commissioner Britton asked Mr. Groot if the Commission is allowed to research planning items. Mr. Groot said the Commission can ask questions. Mayor Woodruff asked for clarification. Commissioner Austin said there are times when staff says an item is good, but the Commission knows it does not meet code. Mayor Woodruff said the Commission does not have to agree with CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 89 2024 WORK SESSION staff if an item does not meet code. He asked if this process could be simplified. Commissioner Britton suggested the rules of the Commission should be a part of the Citizen's Academy, to show the residents what the Commission can and cannot do. Commissioner Austin stated Social Media needs to improve. Mr. Bonaparte said he would speak with Lisa Holder, Chief Communications and Cultural Affairs Administrator. 2. Fire Department Update by Ronnie McNeil, Fire Chief Chief McNeil provided a power point presentation. He provided updates on the total number of personnel, the department answered over 22,794 unit responses, and the department responded to 13,290 incident responses (70 — 75% were medical in nature). Chief McNeil the challenges of the Fire Department are employee retention, succession planning and capital needs. Commissioner Britton asked if the new firefighters were under a contract. Chief McNeil said no they are not. Commissioner Austin expressed concern with employee retention, that the Commission needs to get serious about this. He said the City equips the new firefighters with all new gear and then they leave. He said the City needs to get serious about public safety personnel. Chief McNeil said he needs more units and personnel for better response times. Mayor Woodruff asked how many people he will need for each unit. Chief McNeil said three people per unit. Commissioner Britton agreed with Commissioner Austin that the City needs more public safety personnel, however there is no funding available. Commissioner Austin said the City is hiring too many people at City Hall. Vice Mayor CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 812024 WORK SESSION Mahany said she wants to see public safety personnel receive more money before she leaves, and a millage rate increase would help this. Mayor Woodruff said he would like to see the labor negotiations begin sooner. 3. Regular Meeting Items — additional items Mr. Groot provided additional information regarding Resolution No. 2024- 3265, informing the Commission the delegation of authority for the City Manager would only be for things if there is a strict timeline for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, stipulated penalties. Commissioner Austin said the Commission needs to be informed about all procurements. 4. Briefing Items Mr. Bonaparte said the Utilities discussion is waiting for information from Raftelis regarding the Utilities Fees. 5. City Manager Comments Commissioner Britton asked if the trees were going to be replaced by the Jeff Triplett Center. Mayor Woodruff asked Robert Beall, Parks and Grounds Operations Manager, and Chris Smith, Project Planner, Urban Design, to please replace the trees. Commissioner Britton thanked Mr. Beall and Craig Radzak, Assistant City Manager, that provided her with a walk and talk on Sanford Avenue. Vice Mayor Mahany said there are many campaign signs located on the right-of-way at US 17/92 and I" Street that should be removed. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM. Attest: City Clerk (CL) JULY 89 2024 WORK SESSION