OFFICIAL MINUTES BELLE GLADE CITY COMMISSION. REGULAR MEETING November 2, 2015

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1 OFFICIAL MINUTES BELLE GLADE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING November 2, 2015 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, November 2, 2015 at 6:32 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Wilkerson. The Invocation was observed by a Moment of Silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Martin. Upon roll call, the following Commissioners were present: Burroughs, Martin, Underwood, and Wilkerson. Mayor Wilson was recorded absent. Members of staff present were City Attorney Torcivia, City Manager Harrelle, Assistant to the City Manager Scott, Finance Consultant Wood, Director of Human Resources Hunter, Director of Planning & Community Redevelopment Services Parchment, Assistant Director of Finance Hughes, Assistant Director of Public Works Gooden, Facilities Manager Hood, Parks & Recreation Manager J.D. Patrick, Planning & Building Manager Butts, Grants & Special Projects Manager Tomeu, YEC Program Manager Blake, Public & Community Relations Coordinator Evans, and City Clerk Buff. Also present: PBSO Lt. Terrence Carn; Barbara Davis, District Secretary for State Representative Kevin Rader; Alicia Wilson, Commission Secretary to County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: [Approved as Amended] City Clerk requested Commission consideration to Amend the Agenda as follows: Amend; 8. Approval of Travel for Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners Burroughs, Martin and Underwood, City Manager, City Attorney and Resident Dr. Robert Rease to attend Palm Beach County Day 2016 in Tallahassee, FL, January 12-13, 2016 Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Commissioner Martin SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to approve the Agenda as Amended. [Wilson absent] RECOGNITION OF DIGNITARIES: Vice Mayor Wilkerson welcomed dignitaries and all other citizens in attendance at the Commission meeting. PRESENTATIONS: SCOTT DUNCAN, DEP, ASSISTANT PARK MANAGER, JOHN D. MCARTHUR STATE PARK, CEREMONIAL CHECK RELATING TO BELLE GLADE MARINA OBSERVATION TOWER Scott Duncan, Department of Environmental Protection, Assistant Park Manager of John D. McArthur State Park, presented a ceremonial check in the amount of $50,000 to assist with construction of an observation tower at Torry Island. Said funds were a portion of a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant in the amount of $5.4M to be divided among 110 communities in Florida this year. CHRIS PRENTISS, PRESIDENT, PASSAGES BELLE GLADE UPDATE Not Present. RESULTS OF CITY FLAG DESIGN CONTEST Public and Community Relations Coordinator Evans said Chris Prentiss, Passages Belle Glade, had suggested a contest, whereby, local students could submit designs for a City of Belle Glade Flag. Said all seven schools in Belle Glade had submitted flag designs, with one flag design selected to represent each school. Ms. Evans recognized and introduced the following Glade View Elementary School students to share and explain their individual drawings depicting significant assets of the community, i.e.; City Seal, fertile muck soil, agriculture, Lake Okeechobee, Athletics, etc., as submitted for the City Flag Design Contest: (Continued Next Page) Jer Niah Dixon; E Rinze Murphy; Khyler Murphy; and Elijah Smith 1

2 PRESENTATIONS Continued: RESULTS OF CITY FLAG DESIGN CONTEST Continued Ms. Evans and Tri-Cities Education Committee member Eddie Rhodes presented trophies to the following schools in recognition of their participation in the City Flag Design Contest: Pioneer Park Elementary Represented by Pamela Buckman Gove Elementary Belle Glade Elementary Represented by D End Greer and Queen Miller Glade View Elementary Represented by Linda Edgecomb Cross Roads Academy Lake Shore Middle School Represented by Wilehelmenia Jacobs Ms. Evans announced the winner of the City Flag Design Contest and $1,000 scholarship award, courtesy of Chris Prentiss, Passages Belle Glade. WINNER: Glades Central Community High School Represented by Angela Moore, Principal Vice Mayor Wilkerson and Commissioners expressed appreciation to teachers and parents, and commended students for their research and participation in the City Flag Design Contest. SAFETY PATROL Pamela Buckman, Principal, Pioneer Park Elementary, provided a brief overview of accomplishments and advancements of Pioneer Park Elementary School students over the previous two years. Said seventeen (17) Safety Patrol students visited Washington, D.C. the previous year and approximately twenty (20) students were in the process of raising funds to travel to Washington, D.C. this year. Ms. Buckman requested Commission support with fundraising efforts to ensure students had the opportunity to visit the nation s capital. Recess: Vice Mayor Wilkerson called for a brief Recess at 7:01 p.m. Reconvene: Vice Mayor Wilkerson Reconvened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: [Motion carried to approve Consent Agenda items] Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Commissioner Martin SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to approve the following Consent Agenda items: [Wilson Absent] Minutes: Regular Meeting, October 19, 2015 Workshop Meeting, October 19, 2015 Transfer 2007 Sterling Street Sweeper Asset # , Serial #2FZACGDT6DT69AY74527 to Surplus Property Evaluation Committee s Ranking of RFQ 16-15, Contractor for Commercial Air Conditioning at Belle Glade Museum Facility, with First Ranked Firm Being T & S Construction, Inc. and Authorization for Staff to Begin Contract Negotiations With Said Firm Second Amendment to Transportation Services Agreement with District Clinics Holdings, Inc. d/b/a C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics with Authorization for Mayor to Execute the Same Travel for Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners Burroughs, Martin and Underwood, City Manager, City Attorney and Resident Dr. Robert Rease to attend Palm Beach County Day 2016 in Tallahassee, FL, January 12-13, 2016 Second Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with Palm Beach County, No. R , with Authorization for Mayor to Execute the Same, Relating to Youth Violence Prevention/Youth Empowerment Center (Continued Next Page) 2

3 CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Continued: [Audience comments were received after the vote and placed in this portion of the Minutes for consistency] Following the vote, City Clerk said a Request for Comment card had been inadvertently overlooked, relating to Evaluation Committee s Ranking of RFQ 16-15, Contractor for Commercial Air Conditioning at Belle Glade Museum Facility, with First Ranked Firm Being T & S Construction, Inc. and Authorization for Staff to begin Contract Negotiations with said Firm. Javin L. Walker, 2SBW & Associates, Inc., said his company had submitted a proposal in response to RFQ 16-15, and expressed concern that the Evaluation Committee had ranked his company third out of the three proposals submitted. Said his company is local and met all qualifications required for consideration. Mr. Walker requested, for the record, to receive documentation regarding the City s evaluation and scoring process, for his personal edification. City Clerk said Mr. Walker s request would be accepted as a Records Request, and said City Clerk s office would provide the requested documentation accordingly. REVOTE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS [Revote after Audience Comments: Motion carried to approve Consent Agenda items] City Attorney advised it would be appropriate to revote on the Consent Agenda items, in consideration of audience member s comments. Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Commissioner Martin SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to approve all Consent Agenda items. [Wilson Absent] CITY CLERK REPORTS: SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES City Clerk read the following Ordinances by title: Relating to Municipal Elections - Exempting City from Sections 2 (Qualifying Period) and 5 (Take Office Date) of Chapter Laws of Florida [Adopted] ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BELLE GLADE, FLORIDA, EXEMPTING THE CITY OF BELLE GLADE FROM SECTIONS 2 AND 5 OF CHAPTER LAWS OF FLORIDA (UNIFORM MUNICIPAL ELECTION ACT) REGARDING CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PERIODS AND COMMISSIONER TERM COMMENCEMENT DATES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Commissioner Underwood MOVED, Commissioner Burroughs SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to adopt said Ordinance. [Wilson Absent] Relating to Elections - Amending Charter, Chapter 6, Section 6-15, to Change the Qualifying Period to Begin/End Noon on Third Tuesday in November to Fourth Tuesday in November [Adopted] ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BELLE GLADE, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHARTER, CHAPTER 6 ELECTIONS, AT SECTION 6-15 RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PERIODS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AUTHORITY TO CODIFY, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Commissioner Martin SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to adopt said Ordinance. [Wilson Absent] 3

4 CITY CLERK REPORTS Continued: SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES Continued Relating to Elections - Amending Code to Reflect City s Exemption from Sections 2 (Qualifying Period) and 5 (Take Office Date) of Chapter Laws of Florida and Amending Appointment of Election Board (Election Workers/Poll Workers) [Adopted] ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BELLE GLADE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 9 ELECTIONS, AT SECTION 9-2 SUBJECT TO LOCAL ACT RELATING TO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS TO REFLECT EXEMPTIONS FROM SECTIONS 2 AND 5 OF CHAPTER LAWS OF FLORIDA (UNIFORM MUNICIPAL ELECTION ACT) AND AT SECTION 9-4 APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION OFFICIALS TO REFLECT CURRENT PRACTICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Commissioner Burroughs MOVED, Commissioner Underwood SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to adopt said Ordinance. [Wilson Absent] Relating to Vehicles for Hire [Adopted] ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BELLE GLADE, FLORIDA, REPEALING CHAPTER 30 VEHICLES FOR HIRE AND ADOPTING AN UPDATED CHAPTER 30 VEHICLES FOR HIRE TO REFLECT CURRENT PRACTICES; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Commissioner Underwood MOVED, Commissioner Martin SECONDED, and the Motion carried 4-0 to adopt said Ordinance. [Wilson Absent] OTHER BUSINESS Consideration to Schedule Workshop Relating to Amendments to Reduction and Release of Liens Policy Commission Consensus to postpone consideration to schedule Workshop until next regular Commission meeting. Announcements City Clerk made the following announcements: Mayor s Proclamations: Declaring November 23-29, 2015 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Week; and Declaring Special Recognition and Congratulations to Head Start in Celebrating Their 50 th Anniversary November 11, 2015 City Hall Will be Closed in Observance of Veterans Day November 16, 2015 Commission Workshop Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Followed by Regular Commission Meeting at 6:30 p.m., City Hall Commission Chambers CITY MANAGER REPORTS: None. PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORTS: None. (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 4

5 YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM: SEPTEMBER 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT YEC Program Manager Blake provided a report of Youth Empowerment Center Activities for the month of September Highlights of activities as follows: Activities Total of 33 youths participated during the month of September, with an average of 21 youths per day. 11 students participated 100% of the time. 15 students successfully completed the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program provided by PBSO. Program included discussion sessions such as How to Become an Entrepreneur, How to Live With and Prevent HIV, and Life After Parole. Male students participated in My Brother s Keeper mentoring program, facilitated by Mr. James Green. Deputy Kenneth Torrence introduced himself to YEC students, as the new Director of the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) Captain Bob Cawood of Florida Fishing Association provided fishing lessons at the Lomax Harrelle Pavilion. Expressed congratulations to the Youth Empowerment Center s Council Officers and Council members for their service to the Center. Vice Mayor Wilkerson commended YEC Program Manager Blake for his excellent work with YEC students, and requested PBSO Lt. Carn to express congratulations to Deputy Torrence upon his appointment as Director of P.A.L. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS: None. PBSO (PALM BEACH SHERIFF S OFFICE) COMMENTS: PBSO Lt. Carn provided the following comments; Recent Homicide Said PBSO was working diligently to solve a recent homicide which occurred on October 20, Hit-and-Run Said PBSO was working to solve a hit-and-run accident which occurred on October 23, 2015, involving a blue Ford extended-cab F150 which struck a bicyclist. Encouraged residents to report any available information to PBSO. Muck Bowl Said the Muck Bowl activities would begin at 5:00 p.m. on November 6, 2015, and requested dignitaries to arrive at 5:00 p.m. for festivities. Said PBSO would provide officers and deputies to be on duty at the football game. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM CITY ATTORNEY Ralph Cab Walker, 848 SW Avenue C Place, said he had met with Mayor Wilson on the previous Thursday, at which time, he was assured he would be provided with information as to who was responsible for the road (Avenue J). Said City Attorney had indicated at a previous meeting that his office could provide documentation to indicate the original developer was responsible for the road (Avenue J), which documentation had not been provided to date. Mr. Walker contended that the road belongs to the City of Belle Glade. Mr. Walker alleged there was legal malpractice because the Mayor and City Manager had directed City Attorney to provide information, which had not been forthcoming. Said he wished to go on record, to state that he still expected City Attorney to provide the requested information, and if not, legal action would be initiated. City Attorney objected to Mr. Walker s allegations and said Mr. Walker had misquoted him. Said We Help still owes the City $5,000 and We Help had done a poor job on original construction of the road. Said he had not yet determined who owns the road, or who is responsible for the road, and said he did not appreciate Mr. Walker s threats of legal action. Mr. Walker repeated that City Attorney had said he could provide information, which had not been forthcoming. Said he wished to know who is responsible for the road. Said if City Attorney had the information, he would expect it to be provided, and if not provided, necessary steps would be taken. (Continued Next Page) 5

6 AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Continued: INFORMATION REQUESTED FROM CITY ATTORNEY Continued Commissioner Martin encouraged decorum, as Mr. Walker had been given the opportunity to publicly express his concerns. City Attorney said Mr. Walker was not his client and he did not have to answer Mr. Walker s demands. Should the City Commission direct him to provide information, when the opinion was finalized, the information would be provided to the City Commission, for dissemination to Mr. Walker if the City Commission directed him to do so. Commissioner Burroughs suggested it would be appropriate to move forward with the Commission meeting, as guests and children were present, and everyone would be expected to conduct themselves as professionals whether from the Dais or from audience members. Vice Mayor Wilkerson assured Mr. Walker that his request would be addressed appropriately and legally, and concurred the meeting should move forward. ABIDJAN ESTATES ROAD Quesona Peterson, 143 Dabou Loop, inquired if Commissioners Martin and Underwood had an opportunity to visit and view the road conditions at Abidjan Estates, as they had indicated at the previous Commission meeting. Commissioner Martin said he had visited and viewed the road conditions at Abidjan Estates, and concurred that the road was in deplorable shape. Said no one would argue the poor condition of the road, however, once responsibility for road improvement was determined, the next issue would be to identify a funding source to bring the road up to acceptable standards. Commissioner Underwood said he too had visited and viewed the road conditions at Abidjan Estates, and concurred with Commissioner Martin s comments. EMPLOYEES COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: City Clerk read comments submitted in the Employees Comments/Suggestions Boxes (paraphrased for Minutes) as follows: Comment: Expressed appreciation to City Manager and City Commissioners for employee raises. Comment: Expressed appreciation to City Manager and City Commissioners for employee raises, which were long overdue. Comment: Expressed appreciation to all City personnel who helped make employee raises possible. Vice Mayor Wilkerson said employee raises were well-deserved. COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS: BURROUGHS: Economic and Business Development No new report. Housing No new report. Youth Programs No new report. Conduct of City Business Expressed apology to guests and AVID students in attendance, regarding disagreements expressed during discussion of issues as Commissioners conducted City business, as there was no personal offense intended in the discussions. Appreciation Expressed appreciation to citizens in attendance at the Commission meeting. (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 6

7 COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS Continued: MARTIN: Airport No new report. Business Park No new report. Marina Campground No new report. School Students Expressed congratulations to school students for their participation and success in the City Flag Design Contest. Evaluation Process Concurred with Mr. Javin Walker that it was important to understand the evaluation process for consideration of RFP s and RFQ s. Avenue J Assured Mr. Ralph Walker that the road issue would be resolved. Appreciation Expressed appreciation to citizens in attendance at the Commission meeting. UNDERWOOD: City Parks No new report. Grants No new report. City Flag Contest Expressed appreciation to students for their participation in the City Flag Design Contest. Avenue J Assured Mr. Ralph Walker that City Commissioners and staff were working diligently to address the road issue. Appreciation Expressed appreciation to citizens in attendance at the Commission meeting. WILKERSON (Vice Mayor): Beautification No new report. Job Training No new report. American Red Cross Recognized and welcomed Dr. Lucy representing the American Red Cross. Lake Shore Park Inquired if City Manager was working to have the lights turned on at Lake Shore Park, and City Manager answered in the affirmative. City Marquee Expressed appreciation to City Manager and Facilities Manager Hood for the addition of colorful plants around the City Marquee. Street Damage Inquired if Palm Beach County Water Utilities was responsible to repair damages to streets resulting from installation of water and sewer lines, as 10 th Street was severely damaged at the intersection. City Manager said PBCWU was responsible for repairs and had been notified, accordingly; however, staff would contact them again. Observation Tower Expressed appreciation to staff for their diligent efforts to obtain grant funding for construction of an observation tower at Torry Island. City Flag Design Contest Expressed appreciation to students, teachers, and parents for the wonderful presentations for the City Flag Contest. AVID Students Expressed appreciation to Dr. Jacobs and AVID students for attendance at the Commission meeting. (This Portion of Page Left Blank Intentionally) 7

8 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Commission, Vice Mayor Wilkerson adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. ATTEST: Mary Ross Wilkerson, Vice Mayor Debra R. Buff, MMC, City Clerk 8