OFFICIAL MINUTES BELLE GLADE CITY COMMISSION. REGULAR MEETING April 3, 2017

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1 OFFICIAL MINUTES BELLE GLADE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING April 3, 2017 Pursuant to due notice, a regular meeting of the Belle Glade City Commission was held in City Hall, 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., West, Belle Glade, Palm Beach County, Florida, on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 6:34 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Wilson. The Invocation was observed by a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Underwood. Upon roll call, the following Commissioners were present: Underwood, Wilkerson and Wilson. Commissioner Martin was recorded absent and Commissioner Burroughs arrived at 6:45 p.m. Members of staff present were City Attorney Torcivia, City Manager Harrelle, Deputy City Manager Scott, Director of Finance Tibbs, Assistant Director of Finance Hughes, Director of Human Resources Hunter, Director of Planning & Community Redevelopment Services Parchment, Assistant Director of Public Works Gooden, Facilities Manager Hood, Parks & Recreation Manager Patrick, Planning & Building Manager Butts, YEC Program Manager Blake, Deputy City Clerk Sautter, and City Clerk Buff. Also present: PBSO Lt. Coleman; and Alicia Wilson, Commission Secretary to County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay. Recess: Mayor Wilson called for a brief Recess at 6:35 p.m. Reconvened: Mayor Wilson Reconvened the meeting at 6:45 p.m. [Commissioner Burroughs arrived at 6:45 p.m.] APPROVAL OF AGENDA: [Approved as Amended] City Clerk requested consideration to Amend the Agenda as follows: Delete; 4. Calusa Estates Project Update approve the Agenda as Amended. [Martin absent] RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES: Mayor Wilson welcomed dignitaries and all other citizens in attendance at the Commission meeting, with special recognition to Alicia Wilson, Commission Secretary to County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay; and members of the Gents Organization. ANNUAL ORGANIZATION OF COMMISSION FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2017 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2018 (Pursuant to City Charter Chapter 5. Article I. Sec. 5-1.) APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR [Motion carried to appoint Steve B. Wilson as Mayor] appoint Steve B. Wilson as Mayor for the period of April 1, 2017 through March 31, [Martin absent] APPOINTMENT OF VICE MAYOR [Motion carried to appoint Mary Ross Wilkerson as Vice Mayor] Commissioner Underwood MOVED, Commissioner Burroughs SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to appoint Mary Ross Wilkerson as Vice Mayor for the period of April 1, 2017 through March 31, [Martin absent] (Continued Next Page) 1

2 ANNUAL ORGANIZATION OF COMMISSION FOR PERIOD OF APRIL 1, 2017 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2018 (Pursuant to City Charter Chapter 5. Article I. Sec. 5-1.) Continued APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER [Motion carried to appoint Johnny Burroughs, Jr. as Treasurer] appoint Johnny Burroughs, Jr. as Treasurer for the period of April 1, 2017 through March 31, [Martin absent] PUBLIC HEARING: RELATING TO FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AMENDMENT Open: 6:49 p.m. City Clerk called for public comments relating to Fiscal Year Budget Amendment, and there were none. Close: 6:49 p.m. PRESENTATION: FEBRUARY 2017 EMPLOYEE SAFETY AWARD, RECIPIENT VERNARD ESTIME, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Mayor Wilson and Commissioners presented the February 2017 Employee Safety Award to Vernard Estime, Public Works Department. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: [Motion carried to approve Consent Agenda items] approve the following Consent Agenda items: [Martin absent] Minutes: Regular Meeting, March 20, 2017 Workshop Meeting, March 20, 2017 Special Event Permit Application, Petitioner Cherish Onega, Relating to Assembly of Tent at Lomax Harrelle Pavilion for Glades Day School Graduation Celebration Task Order No with Craig A. Smith & Associates for an Amount Not to Exceed $66,250.00, Relating to Glades Gateway North Access Road Improvement, Hooker Highway North Access Road Project Award ITB No , Multiple Road Resurfacing and Safety Upgrades, to Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. for an Amount Not to Exceed $371,354.57; and Approval to Enter Into Four Individual Associated Agreements, One for Each Project, Totaling Said Amount Award ITB No , SE Avenue G Resurfacing and Safety Upgrades, to Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. for an Amount Not to Exceed $356,381.05; and Approval to Enter Into Associated Agreement for Said Amount Amendment No. 2, for Increased Funding in the Amount of $27,777.19, to CDBG Agreement No. R , with Palm Beach County Relating to Leased Vehicles and Purchase of Computer Equipment Appropriate and Expend Funds in the Amount of $2,500 to Fund Peace in the Hood Event Travel for Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Wilkerson, Commissioner Burroughs, and Dr. Robert Rease to attend the 32nd National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black Community in Orlando, FL, May 31 - June 3, 2017 (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 2

3 CITY CLERK REPORTS: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS City Clerk read the following Resolutions by title: Relating to Fiscal Year Budget Amendment RESOLUTION NO FLORIDA, RELATING TO FINANCES, PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO FISCAL YEAR BUDGET BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017; APPROVING ASSOCIATED BUDGET AMENDMENTS; AND Relating to Release of Lien, Case No , Lloyd Berley RESOLUTION NO , LLOYD BERLEY, AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $621.67; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; Relating to Release of Lien, Case No c, Lloyd Berley RESOLUTION NO c, LLOYD BERLEY EST., AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $839.45; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; Relating to Release of Lien, Case No c, Lloyd Berley RESOLUTION NO c, LLOYD BERLEY EST., AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $357.05; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; (Continued Next Page) 3

4 CITY CLERK REPORTS Continued: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Continued Relating to Release of Lien, Case No c, Lloyd Berley RESOLUTION NO c, LLOYD BERLEY EST., AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $599.52; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; Relating to Release of Lien, Case No c, Hezekiah Brown, Jr. RESOLUTION NO c, HEZEKIAH BROWN JR., AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $480.88; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; Relating to Release of Lien, Case No b, Liliana Santana RESOLUTION NO b, LILIANA SANTANA, AS OWNER, FOR CONSIDERATION OF $480.88; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID RELEASE OF LIEN; OTHER BUSINESS Announcements City Clerk made the following announcements: April 8, 2017 Black Gold Jubilee Parade on Main Street at 10:00 a.m. and Festival Beginning at Noon to 10:00 p.m., Torry Island April 17, 2017 Commission Workshop Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Followed by Regular Commission Meeting at 6:30 p.m., City Hall Commission Chambers (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 4

5 CITY CLERK REPORTS Continued: OTHER BUSINESS Continued Resolution Opposing Florida Senate Bill 10 (SB10) City Clerk requested direction to move forward to prepare a Resolution on behalf of the City Commission opposing SB10. Said primary wording in Resolution would include language indicating that the City opposes Senate Bill 10 and any similar or substitute legislation that would cause the purchase of utilized agricultural property south of Lake Okeechobee and vary from the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program and current Everglades Restoration Projects underway. Commission consensus was determined to move forward with preparation of said Resolution. City Clerk said she would prepare Resolution to be presented on next Regular Meeting Agenda for Commission consideration. CITY MANAGER REPORTS: DISCUSSION RELATING TO PROPOSED AGREEMENT FOR DEMOLITION SERVICES WITH PALM BEACH COUNTY City Manager requested Deputy City Manager to provide comments relating to proposed agreement for demolition services with Palm Beach County. Deputy City Manager said their office had been working with City Attorney and Palm Beach County Community Development regarding the City s Demolition Program. Said the County is requiring an amendment to the Demolition Agreement with the City that would require property owners to sign a Declaration of Restrictions before structures were demolished. Said if property owner refused to sign a Declaration of Restrictions, the City would be responsible for any demolition costs over $25,000. Noted that small demolitions may not cost over $25,000, however, larger demolitions and structures containing asbestos could easily surpass $25,000 in cost. Said the Declaration of Restrictions would be enforceable for 5 years. Director of Planning and Community Redevelopment Services had informed Deputy City Manager that similar County or City sponsored demolition service projects frequently require 15 year restrictions. Deputy City Manager said most property owners would willingly sign a Declaration of Restrictions in order to have their property cleared at no cost. Said staff s recommendation would be to reject a demolition application if property owner refuses to sign a Declaration of Restrictions. LAKE SHORE PARK RENAMING [Motion carried to rename Lake Shore Park in honor of Louis James Butts] City Manager said he had recently received a request to name the weight room in Lake Shore Civic Center in honor of Louis James Butts. Said Mr. Butts had supported youth in the Glades area for decades, even in his recent declining health. Suggested it would be more appropriate that Lake Shore Park be renamed to honor Mr. Butts, and wished to present this suggestion to the Commission for consideration. Commissioner Underwood expressed agreement with City Manager. Said he heard of Mr. Butts for years during his time as a youth coach. Said it is extraordinary for a person to dedicate their life to Glades area youth by acting as a father figure and mentor. Said renaming the entire park in honor of Mr. Butts was a small way to show appreciation for his lifelong support of youth and youth athletics. Encouraged Commissioners to move forward as quickly as possible so that this honor may be recognized by Mr. Butts and his family. Commissioner Burroughs expressed enthusiastic support of renaming Lake Shore Park after Mr. Butts. Said that as a child, he participated on many teams led by Mr. Butts. Said that Mr. Butts had been involved with youth activities for over 40 years as a role model and father figure, ensuring that local children were constantly introduced to new sports and activities. Said no one in the community would oppose renaming Lake Shore Park for Mr. Butts. Vice Mayor Wilkerson said she cannot think of a more deserving person to be honored in this way. Noted that Mr. Butts was an influence on her own children. Mayor Wilson expressed appreciation to the City Manager for honoring Mr. Butts in a way that reflects his passions. Applauded Mr. Butts for never complaining and continuing to make an impact, even in declining health. Stated that he would like for all City parks to be updated and improved, and he would like to invite the family to a groundbreaking at the renamed park when improvements were completed. Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Vice Mayor Wilkerson SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to rename Lake Shore Park in honor of Louis James Butts. [Martin absent] City Clerk noted that a formal resolution would be presented at the next Regular Commission Meeting. 5

6 Recess: Mayor Wilson called for a brief Recess at 7:15 p.m. Reconvened: Mayor Wilson Reconvened the meeting at 7:19 p.m. PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORTS: Public Relations Coordinator not present. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM: FEBRUARY 2017 ACTIVITY REPORT YEC Program Manager Blake and YEC student representatives provided a report of Youth Empowerment Center Activities for the month of February Highlights of activities as follows: Activities Total of 35 students participated during the month of February, with an average of 30 students per day. 15 students participated 100% of the time. 23 out of the 35 students participated 50% of the time or more. YEC Students participated in Black History Brain Bowl hosted by Glades Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Glades Central High School students, including 8 YEC youth, were recognized at the school s Principal s A Team ceremony. Representatives from the school district, local principals, and community leaders were present as seniors who were on track to graduate this year were given jackets and honor cords to wear during the graduation ceremony. YEC Student Jean Noel recently received the Mary O. Evans Sprit of Excellence Award. YEC Student Wesley Edourds signed with Geneva College during National Signing Day Mayor Wilson inquired about this year s Urban League Conference, and YEC Program Manager said he was currently working on arrangements. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS: None. PBSO (PALM BEACH SHERIFF S OFFICE) COMMENTS: PBSO Lt. Coleman provided the following comments: Black Gold Jubilee Said PBSO would have officers present at Black Gold Jubilee events. Said President Trump and President of China would be arriving in Palm Beach County this weekend, which limits staff availability; however, they were working around the clock to ensure all events were staffed. Crime Rates in Belle Glade Said crime was down in the community, specifically property crime and burglary. Expressed appreciation to citizens for heeding advice to secure belongings and lock vehicles. Mayor Wilson asked Lt. Coleman if he felt as though PBSO had a handle on crime in the community, specifically in relation to recent shootings in Belle Glade. Lt. Coleman said that shooting investigations and occurrences can be frustrating. Said that, for example, the victim in a recent shooting refused to prosecute the perpetrator. Said some shootings were gang-related, which results in arrests and confiscation of weapons; however, these types of crimes tend to be cyclical. Said PBSO is constantly working to do the best they can to prevent shootings and put criminals in jail. Traffic Enforcement Addressed conversation held during Workshop Meeting on today s date regarding vehicles speeding on newly paved roads and as a result, residents requesting speed bumps be installed. Said he prefers to educate community on safe driving before enforcing tickets and fines, as sometimes enforcement can cause larger problems for the department and community. Said he would be willing to place citation officers in the community, however with President Trump visiting, would not have time to do so for a week. Mayor Wilson said it may be prudent for Commissioners to sit down and speak with PBSO regarding a solution to speeding in the community. City Manager confirmed there is an overwhelming number of requests from citizens for speed bump installation on residential streets. Said that paving of streets had caused drivers to speed on newly resurfaced roads. Said the City had received millions of dollars in grant money to pave roads, with millions more yet to be received and it was imperative that a solution is found to stop speeding. (Continued Next Page) 6

7 PBSO (PALM BEACH SHERIFF S OFFICE) COMMENTS Continued: Traffic Enforcement Continued Mayor Wilson noted that during the Workshop Meeting, it was discussed that the PBSO Citation Team may help solve issues by enforcing traffic laws. Said his concern was for citizen and child safety. Vice Mayor Wilkerson expressed concern regarding vehicles parking in roadways and subsequently diverting traffic around their vehicle. Said these vehicles were not PBSO Officers, and expressed concern over safety of pedestrians, children and drivers. Said issue is particularly dire around 10 th Street. Mayor Wilson expressed appreciation to Lt. Coleman and PBSO for their continued cooperation. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: [The following comments were made earlier in this meeting and placed in this portion of the Minutes for consistency] WAIVER OF RENTAL FEES FOR TWO (2) UPCOMING GENTS ORGANIZATION EVENTS [Motion carried to waive rental fees for Lake Shore Civic Center, Pool, and Park in relation to Gents Organization Egg Hunt on April 16 th and Gents Organization Back to School Program on August 10 th ] Alphonso Royal, Gents Organization member, said the Gents have provided services and activities to children and elderly in Belle Glade for over 30 years. Said organization efforts have included meals for the elderly, special events for youth, scholarship opportunities, mentoring programs, and athletic programs. Said the group wishes to provide a wholesome atmosphere for the people of Belle Glade. Mr. Royal requested Commission support by waiver of rental fees for Lake Shore Civic Center and Pool on April 16 th for an Egg Hunt, and August 10 th for a Back to School Program. Mayor Wilson yielded to City Manager for his opinion as to how to proceed. City Manager stated his support for the Gents Organization and their request to have Civic Center rental fees waived for said programs. Mayor Wilson clarified that the fee waiver for both events would require ratification. Confirmed that there were two dates under consideration for fee waivers: April 16 th and August 10 th. Vice Mayor Wilkerson MOVED to waive rental fees for Lake Shore Civic Center, Pool, and Park in relation to Gents Organization Egg Hunt on April 16 th and Gents Organization Back to School Program on August 10 th and Commissioner Burroughs SECONDED. Discussion ensued as Mayor Wilson called for Commission comments. All Commissioners expressed strong support and admiration for the Gents Organization. Upon roll call, the Motion carried 4-0 to waive rental fees for Lake Shore Civic Center, Pool, and Park in relation to Gents Organization Egg Hunt on April 16 th and Gents Organization Back to School Program on August 10 th. [Martin absent] RELATING TO WORKSHOP DISCUSSION REGARDING TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT Resident Ralph Walker said the City Manager had addressed his concerns following the Workshop Meeting, therefore, he had no further need to address Commissioners. EMPLOYEES COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: None. COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS: BURROUGHS: Economic and Business Development No new report. Appreciation for Law Enforcement Expressed appreciation to law enforcement for an outstanding job in helping to move the community in a positive direction. Parliamentary Procedure Books/Youth Programs Said Parliamentary Procedure books were being donated to the AVID Program at Lake Shore Middle School. Said the City s donation was a small part of what he wished to do for youth in the community. Said he is working diligently to gather resources to put together a Youth Camp this summer. 7

8 COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS Continued: BURROUGHS Continued: Senate Bill 10 (SB10) Said he hopes the community can work together to fight SB10 and prevent it from being introduced on the floor. Expressed concern that supporters of SB10 have not visited the Glades and know little about the community and its residents. Encouraged everyone to band together, use social media, and use a collective voice to oppose SB10. Proposed Amendment to City Manager s Employment Agreement [These comments were made later in this meeting and placed in this portion of the Minutes for consistency] Commissioner Burroughs said he was recently asked to evaluate the work of the City Manager. Said he and City Attorney drafted an amendment to the City Manager s Employment Agreement that he wished to present to Commissioners. City Attorney advised Commissioners that they would need to amend the Agenda so they may consider the amendment and discuss terms of the agreement. Approval to Amend Agenda [Motion carried to Amend Agenda to address Ninth Amendment to City Manager s Employment Agreement] Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Vice Mayor Wilkerson SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to Amend Agenda to address Ninth Amendment to City Manager s Employment Agreement. [Martin absent] Ninth Amendment to City Manager s Agreement [Motion carried to approve Ninth Amendment to City Manager Lomax Harrelle s Employment Agreement] Vice Mayor Wilkerson addressed City Manager, mentioning the difficulties that must arise in dealing with staff, commissioners, citizens, travel to Tallahassee, and other important job duties. Said there were not many City Managers that have the spunk he exhibits, and is appreciative of all he does. Said the City had come a long way under his leadership. City Attorney explained that there were two main components to the Ninth Amendment to the City Manager s Employment Agreement. The first component is a temporary six-week salary increase to compensate for frequent travel to Tallahassee during the 2017 Florida Legislative Session; the second component is a base salary increase. Vice Mayor Wilkerson MOVED, Commissioner Burroughs SECONDED and discussion ensued regarding the status of project funding for Avenue J Road Reconstruction. Mayor Wilson asked about the status of the Avenue J Road Reconstruction project. City Manager said that both the House and the Senate were currently in favor of supporting this project and he feels hopeful that funding will be secured. Upon roll call, the Motion carried 4-0 to approve the Ninth Amendment to City Manager Lomax Harrelle s Employment Agreement. [Martin absent] UNDERWOOD: City Parks No new report. Grants No new report. Appreciation Expressed appreciation to staff and PBSO for their hard work. Said he hoped to see everyone at the Black Gold Jubilee on Saturday. (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 8

9 COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS Continued: WILKERSON (Vice Mayor): Beautification No new report. Job Training No new report. Commission Meeting Times Proposed that Commission Meeting times be changed, with Workshop Meetings held at 5:30 p.m. and Regular Meetings at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Wilson determined Commission consensus to discuss this proposition during the next Workshop meeting. Cost of Living Increase Expressed support of City staff and proposed that during FY17-18 Budget preparation, the City consider a cost of living wage increase similar to what was given in FY Senate Bill 10 (SB10) Requested Deputy City Manager to update Commissioners regarding visitors that recently toured Belle Glade in relation to researching SB10. Deputy City Manager said she recently met with four St. Augustine residents of who had previously supported SB10, regarding proposed reservoir to store water south of Lake Okeechobee. Said Vice Mayor Wilkerson originally met these residents while in Tallahassee for Palm Beach County Day, and spoke to them at length regarding SB10 and related issues. Said Vice Mayor Wilkerson invited them to visit the City. Deputy City Manager said following separate tours with Vice Mayor Wilkerson and herself, the residents expressed opposition to SB10. Said speaking to people regarding SB10 and introducing them to the people that live and work in the Glades area seemed to be helpful in having them understanding the effect SB10 would have on this area. WILSON (Mayor): Recreation Activities No new report. Transportation No new report. City Parks Expressed appreciation to Director of Human Resources and Recreation Manager for efforts put into maintaining City parks. Said one goal of the City Commission is to secure funding to improve parks to be manicured, safe and up to current standards. City Manager said staff is working with Palm Beach County to generate new park designs in order for City staff to be aware of park needs and funding requirements. Said this knowledge and advance planning would help in search for improvement funding. Mayor Wilson clarified that his concerns about City parks were not a reflection on City staff and their hard work, stating that staff is doing the best they can with limited resources. City Manager concurred with Mayor Wilson, stating that a lack of personnel can limit City staff. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. ATTEST: Steve B. Wilson, Mayor Debra R. Buff, MMC, City Clerk 9