2026-10-21 - City Commission Meeting

00:07Gentlemen, I'd like to call this meeting

00:08of Tallahassee City Commission to order.

00:11It is Wednesday, October 21st at 3:00 in

00:15the afternoon.

00:17I am going to ask Dr. Kimball Thomas,

00:19part of the City of Tallahassee family,

00:21to open us with the invocation. Dr.

00:23Thomas, I appreciate you filling in at

00:26the last minute and thank you. If you'll

00:28please rise for the invocation.

00:31>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

00:33Let us humble our hearts and bow our

00:35heads.

00:37Dear Lord, we thank you for the

00:39blessings that you have bestowed upon

00:41us.

00:42Oh, Father, when the congregation comes

00:44together

00:46and believe

00:47and work together,

00:49there is unity in the building.

00:52We pray for unity for this meeting.

00:55We pray for wisdom and guidance.

00:58Guide this commission as always.

01:01Let's usher in a new city manager with a

01:04spirit of love and unity and working

01:07together.

01:08Let's continue to do this, oh Lord, as

01:10we go through this meeting today.

01:12Give every commissioner the wisdom and

01:16all that getting, let us get

01:18understanding for a common cause. We

01:21pray this in your dear son's name, Jesus

01:24Christ the Lord. Amen.

01:27>> Amen.

01:28>> Ladies and gentlemen, if you will join

01:29me for the Pledge of Allegiance.

01:32>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

01:34United States of America

01:37and to the republic for which it stands,

01:39one nation under God, indivisible, with

01:43liberty and justice for all.

01:45>> Ladies and gentlemen, if you will remain

01:47standing, it is my honor and privilege

01:49to introduce Rabbi Paul Silasky from

01:52Temple Israel, who will also be

01:54providing the invocation. We appreciate

01:57you joining us today, Rabbi. We

01:59understand

02:00>> Thank you, Mayor Daley. I apologize for

02:02my

02:02>> fine. Thank you for joining us.

02:04>> delay, and thank you for taking an extra

02:05minute for me.

02:07As this council prepares for transition,

02:10I begin with thanks to all who have

02:12served.

02:14And special thanks to Mayor Daley at the

02:16completion of his term

02:18for his support and leadership for our

02:20city,

02:22as well as Temple Israel and the Jewish

02:24community.

02:26Mayor Daley, you and your family are

02:27always welcome in our congregation.

02:30I pray that your successor will continue

02:32this support and look forward to

02:34building on our positive relationship

02:37as proud members of the Tallahassee

02:39community.

02:41As for today, we all come to this

02:43meeting with different ideas,

02:45priorities, and approaches, and also

02:48share a love for our great city and

02:50prayers for its future.

02:53May we appreciate the time, skill, and

02:56effort given by all involved in its

02:58leadership.

03:00May inevitable disagreements come purely

03:02out of love for Tallahassee and its

03:04citizens.

03:06May different opinions lead to growth

03:08rather than division as encountering

03:11many voices opens us to greater

03:13perspective, fresh ideas, and growth.

03:17As we prepare for the business of this

03:19afternoon,

03:20let us reflect on the importance of our

03:22responsibilities

03:24as leaders and role models so that we

03:27may fully be engaged and ready for our

03:29task.

03:30We are thankful for the privilege of

03:32living in an open and free society

03:36where all members are able respectfully

03:38to express their opinions, just as we

03:41respectfully consider their viewpoints.

03:44Let us not overlook nor take for granted

03:46this vast aspect of our lives and

03:48government structure, which is not only

03:49a privilege but an inalienable right.

03:53May we have the wisdom to combine

03:54respect for tradition with openness to

03:57innovation. May we be sensitive to the

03:59fact

04:01that a society is ultimately judged by

04:03how it treats those most in need.

04:06May we possess the gift of knowing that

04:08there are many paths that lead to a

04:10shared and mutually beneficial goal,

04:13and that being receptive to varying

04:15ideas and approaches

04:17does not weaken us, but rather makes us

04:21more resilient.

04:22May we reach out to others in the room

04:24and beyond these walls to create an even

04:26stronger shared vision of what our

04:28community is and what it can become.

04:32We ask for the blessings of integrity,

04:35inner strength, and unity of purpose as

04:37we seek to enhance our great city of

04:39Tallahassee,

04:40where all have a place and that all

04:42residents are proud to call home.

04:45Amen.

04:46>> Amen.

04:50>> What a great way to start the meeting,

04:53having different faiths coming together

04:56as one Tallahassee. Rabbi, it has been

04:59an honor and a privilege to work with

05:01you for the past several years, and you

05:04have a beautiful congregation and

05:06community. In particular, I love the

05:08event that you always host, the Bring

05:10Your Neighbor event at Temple Israel.

05:12And thank you so much for all that you

05:14do.

05:15And Reverend, thanks for pinch-hitting

05:16at the last minute as well.

05:18We appreciate you starting the meeting.

05:21We're going to have a great meeting

05:22today, folks. It's going to be a great

05:24one. And first and foremost, it is my

05:26honor and privilege to welcome the new

05:29city manager

05:30city of Tallahassee, Dr. Karen

05:33Jumonville, to the dais. Madam Manager,

05:36it is great to have you here.

05:38>> [applause]

05:38>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

05:45>> How apropos that it is my last meeting,

05:47it is your first meeting, and it is your

05:50birthday today. Happy

05:53Happy birthday.

05:55I know that's exactly what you want to

05:56do on your birthday is be in chambers

05:58with all of us and your family here. So

06:01>> No place I'd rather be.

06:03>> Great answer.

06:04>> [laughter]

06:06>> Madam Manager, do we have any agenda

06:08modifications today?

06:10>> No, sir.

06:11>> Excellent. We have two presentations. I

06:13would love to invite my colleagues to

06:15come join me if you'd like.

06:29And as my colleagues are making their

06:30way down to the well, I would like to

06:32invite Kelly O'Rourke of the Domestic

06:34Violence Coordinating Council to please

06:36come join me as well.

06:38All members supporting the community,

06:41please come.

06:47That's quite all right.

06:54No problem whatsoever.

06:58Well, hello.

07:08Thank you all so much for joining us.

07:13Ladies and gentlemen,

07:15from the governing body of the City of

07:16Tallahassee, a proclamation.

07:18Whereas October is annually recognized

07:21as National Domestic Violence Awareness

07:23Month, and we stand with survivors

07:25always.

07:26And whereas domestic violence affects

07:28every person in Leon County, Florida,

07:30either as a survivor of domestic

07:32violence, as a family member,

07:34significant other, friend, neighbor, or

07:37co-worker. And domestic violence affects

07:39people of all genders, sexual

07:41orientations, ages, racial, ethnic,

07:44cultural, social, religious, and

07:46economic groups.

07:48And whereas domestic violence and

07:50intimate partner violence can have

07:51lifelong consequences emotionally,

07:54mentally, socially, spiritually, and

07:56physically.

07:57And whereas although progress has been

07:59made toward preventing and ending

08:00domestic violence and providing support

08:02to survivors and their families, there

08:04is still a need for action to provide

08:07resources, education, awareness, and

08:09understanding of domestic violence and

08:11its causes, and important work remains

08:14to be done.

08:15And whereas policy makers and

08:16communities must work together to

08:18transform the conditions that cause

08:19domestic violence and support

08:21survivor-centered solutions.

08:23And whereas this year's National

08:25Domestic Violence Awareness Month's

08:27theme, Stand With Survivors Always in

08:30Action, personifies our commitment to

08:32serving domestic violence survivors by

08:34acknowledging, invigorating,

08:36rededicating ourselves to the goal of

08:38eliminating domestic violence for

08:40everyone.

08:41And whereas the Domestic Violence

08:43Coordinating Council, the Commission on

08:44the Status of Women and Girls, the Oasis

08:47Center for Women and Girls, and many

08:49other community partners, programs,

08:51professionals, and advocates of

08:52non-violence have joined together with

08:54Refuge House to support each other in

08:57our work and to provide Leon County and

08:58our citizens with a well-coordinated

09:00community response to domestic violence.

09:03And whereas during the month of October,

09:05the Domestic Violence Coordinating

09:06Council and its many partners will be

09:08intensifying efforts to promote public

09:10understanding of family violence and

09:13increase sensitivity to survivors of

09:15family violence, emphasizing the need

09:17for citizen involvement in efforts to

09:19reduce family violence through public

09:21education and changing public attitudes.

09:24Now, therefore, I, John Evans Dailey, by

09:26the authority vested in me as the mayor

09:28of the City of Tallahassee, do hereby

09:30recognize October as Domestic Violence

09:33Awareness and Prevention Month. Read

09:35into the record in front of each and

09:36every one of you here today, signed with

09:38my signature, John E. Dailey, dated

09:40October 21st, 2026.

09:44It's my honor to present you with this

09:45proclamation, and the floor is yours.

09:48>> [applause]

09:54>> So, Kelly had to go chase her dogs. They

09:56ran out the side gate. And so, as as a

09:59co-chair, I get to step in. My name's

10:01Maria. I'm one of the advocates with the

10:02Leon County Sheriff's Office, and we are

10:04part of the Domestic Violence

10:06Coordinating Council. We are advocates

10:08throughout the city of Tallahassee that

10:10come together, and we meet, and we try

10:12to educate the community, and we help

10:14out however we see impossible. And

10:17domestic violence affects all of us, um

10:19either personally, um but it also

10:22affects us even as co-workers. It takes

10:24time off from work to go get get an

10:27injunction. You have to take time off to

10:28go to the doctors. And so, it does

10:30impact everybody personally and within

10:33the the business realm of things. And um

10:37if you weren't aware of the number one

10:39cause of death to pregnant women is

10:40homicide. And so, it is

10:42very much an issue that we're still

10:44battling, and we're so grateful to the

10:46city that supports what we do, and we

10:48continue to try to educate. And if you

10:49ever feel like you need somebody to come

10:51to your office to do a training or or a

10:54talk, that's what the DVCC is all about.

10:56So, thank you so much.

10:57>> Wonderful. Can we get a picture?

10:58>> Yes.

11:01>> [applause]

12:10>> Ladies and gentlemen, the future mayor

12:12of Tallahassee right there.

12:13>> [laughter]

12:15>> For our final proclamation today, it is

12:18my honor to invite our very own Angel

12:20Charlton, director of retirement with

12:22the city of Tallahassee.

12:24And brother Cook, won't you come on down

12:26and join us as well.

12:28Angel, you do an absolutely fantastic

12:31job, and I think I speak for everyone

12:34who works for the city of Tallahassee

12:37with our retirement benefits and

12:39the straight and we really appreciate

12:40it.

12:41Jim, you're all right too, man.

12:43>> [laughter]

12:46>> Come on, step on up, Jim. Angel, step on

12:48up.

12:48From the governing body of the city of

12:50Tallahassee, a proclamation. Whereas

12:52National Retirement Security Month is a

12:54national effort to raise public

12:56awareness about the importance of saving

12:58for retirement at every level in your

13:00working career. And whereas people in

13:02the United States are living longer and

13:04have increased needs for retirement

13:05income. And whereas all workers,

13:08including local and state government

13:09employees, private sector employees,

13:11employees of tax-exempt organizations,

13:14and self-employed individuals can

13:16benefit from increased awareness of the

13:18need to save for retirement. And whereas

13:20encouraging employees to bring their

13:22future into focus during National

13:23Retirement Security Month and throughout

13:25their career can help them better

13:27prepare for retirement. And whereas many

13:29employees may not be taking advantage of

13:32workplace retirement plans at all or to

13:34the full extent allowed by the plans or

13:36under federal law. And whereas National

13:39Retirement Security Month reminds us of

13:41the importance of adequate retirement

13:43savings and the need to take advantage

13:45of the smallest amount of savings is for

13:46the betterment of your future.

13:48And whereas managing retirement

13:50resources throughout an individual's

13:51retirement years is just as important as

13:54saving funds prior to retirement. And

13:56whereas October is the month observed

13:58throughout the nation to raise awareness

14:00and promote retirement options available

14:02at every point in your career.

14:04And whereas the city of Tallahassee

14:05encourages all employees and residents

14:08to increase their awareness of the

14:09importance of planning and saving for

14:11retirement through available tax

14:13advantage savings programs. Now

14:15therefore, I John Evans Daily by the

14:17authority vested in me as the mayor of

14:18the city of Tallahassee, do hereby

14:20recognize the month of October as

14:22National Retirement Security Month and

14:24call upon all employers, employees, and

14:27citizens throughout our community to

14:29take the time to review your retirement

14:31portfolios to ensure appropriate

14:33retirement saving vehicles are being

14:35utilized to their fullest potential.

14:37Read into the record in front of each

14:38and every one of you here today, signed

14:40with my signature, John E. Daily, dated

14:43October 21st, 2026.

14:46Angel, I can't think of anybody I'd

14:48rather present this to than to you

14:50today. Thank you for all that you do and

14:52the floor is yours.

14:56>> [applause]

15:00>> Yes, sir. [applause]

15:01>> Now's the time.

15:03All right. Good afternoon, Mayor,

15:05Commissioners, and appointed officials.

15:06Thank you, Mayor, for affirming this

15:08proclamation. It is an incredible honor.

15:10My name, as you mentioned, is Angel

15:12Charlton. I'm the retirement director

15:14for the city. And on behalf of the

15:16retirement department, it is a privilege

15:17to accept this proclamation designating

15:20October as National Retirement Security

15:22Month.

15:24Before I proceed, I would like to

15:25recognize my staff who could not be with

15:27me today because they are working

15:29tirelessly to prepare prepare for

15:31tomorrow's 34th annual retiree

15:33appreciation luncheon.

15:35However, I must recognize them. Beverly

15:37Howie, Selecia Thompson, Stacy Peter,

15:41Robbie Burnett Madonsa, Mercedes Caster,

15:43and Jay Nix, our Empower representative,

15:46who works day in and out with the

15:47retirement department. The work they do

15:49behind the scenes to ensure our active

15:51employees, retirees, and our department

15:53runs smoothly is greatly appreciated.

15:56So, I thank you.

15:57National Retirement Security Month is

15:59not just about saving money for

16:01retirement, but it's also about

16:03understanding the why in the first

16:04place. We must ensure we have a peace of

16:06mind, financial security, and dignity

16:09for every working person. Studies have

16:12shown 81% of our Americans believe the

16:14country is facing a retirement crisis

16:16today with 61% of workers

16:20deeply are being concerned regarding

16:22their future retirement independence.

16:24With today's economic environment, 51%

16:27of Americans believe the cost of living

16:29increases is the number one barrier

16:32stopping them from saving for

16:33retirement, which means the median

16:35retirement savings account is less than

16:37a thousand dollars.

16:39If you're amongst one of the 51% of

16:42Americans concerned about their

16:43financial future, let this be your call

16:45to action. The best time to take control

16:48of your finances is now.

16:50We encourage you, as I stand with the

16:52commissioners, the appointed officials,

16:54we encourage you to review your

16:55financial situation this month. And

16:58after,

16:59do it annually to ensure that your

17:01employer is aware, that you are aware,

17:03and you can do it with your certified

17:05financial planners, your financial

17:07institution, and also your resources

17:09that you have here within the city.

17:11Getting started requires little time.

17:13It's only a small small amount to

17:15invest, whether it be five, 10, or 20

17:17bucks. What matters is you've taken the

17:19first step to build a consistent savings

17:22habit. If you're confident in your

17:24retirement readiness,

17:25stay the course. Congratulations, you're

17:27doing a great job. However, we encourage

17:29you to lead by an example. Inspire

17:32others to prioritize their financial

17:34future since the decisions we make today

17:36often impacts

17:38those around us.

17:40Mayor, thank you again for the umpteenth

17:42time for affirming this proclamation and

17:44happy National Retirement Security

17:46Month.

17:47>> All right.

17:48>> [applause]

17:54>> Mayor asked me twice, so that's too many

17:56times. Um, just uh

17:58two quick words. Number one,

18:00speaking to my city family, um, we want

18:02to take care of you cuz you take care of

18:04us. You take care of the whole

18:05community. A lesson I learned early in

18:07my career in the city is we have to make

18:09sure that city employees and state

18:11employees are ready to retire

18:14because they retire to Florida. People

18:15in other states don't have to worry

18:16about it cuz they're going to come here.

18:18We'd rather you be prepared so we don't

18:19have to take care of you later.

18:22>> I'm sorry, YOU'RE 3 MINUTES

18:24>> [laughter]

18:55>> YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT THAT.

18:56>> [laughter]

19:15>> AGAIN, ANGEL, JUST SAY you'll do a great

19:16job. We really do appreciate it. Thank

19:19you.

19:20All right, Madam Manager, do we have any

19:22announcements come for the city

19:23commission today?

19:24>> No, sir.

19:25>> Do we have any appearances by other

19:26governmental boards?

19:27>> No, sir.

19:28>> We're on the consent agenda. Have any

19:29items been pulled off the consent

19:30agenda?

19:32>> No, sir.

19:33>> Move consent agenda as recommended by

19:35staff.

19:36>> Before I recognize that motion, let me

19:38go to Mr. Cook. Do we have any public

19:39comment on consent?

19:40>> We have one speaker on item 8.03.

19:43>> Okay, let's pull 8.03. We'll come right

19:45back to it. And I will entertain a

19:48motion now from the mayor pro tem for

19:50the rest of the consent agenda. Is there

19:51a second?

19:52>> Second.

19:53>> All right, it's been properly moved by

19:54the mayor pro tem, seconded by

19:55Commissioner Williams Cox. All those in

19:57favor signify by saying I.

19:58>> I.

19:59>> I.

19:59>> All those opposed? Passes unanimously

20:025-0. We are now on item 9.03, previously

20:068.03.

20:08Uh

20:09Madam Manager.

20:11>> Uh 9.03, are there questions on 9.03?

20:14>> Can we do a quick is Chief here to do a

20:16quick presentation?

20:18>> Assistant Chief Salesky is here to

20:19answer any questions on the item.

20:21>> Okay.

20:23Assistant Chief, you want to come on up?

20:26We'll take public comment, Mr. Cook.

20:28>> Yes, sir. All right. Our speaker is Tim

20:31Stottlemyer. Um and as our first speaker

20:35tonight, um this is the

20:37You can make come forward to the to the

20:39mic. Um you'll have 3 minutes for your

20:40remarks. Um I'll give you a heads-up at

20:43uh 30 seconds and you'll also see the

20:45light in front of the mayor turn yellow

20:46at 30 seconds.

20:47>> Great, thank you for joining us. Your

20:48name and address for the record, please.

20:49>> Thank you. Tim Stottlemyer, 911 Pow Wow

20:51Trail.

20:52>> All right, so

20:56the systems that we're talking about

20:59funding here are mobile mobile cell

21:00phone towers, okay?

21:03On the face of it, great idea. A storm

21:05blows into town, knocks out

21:07communications, and now we need people

21:10to be able to communicate across

21:11distances.

21:13Great idea. I don't have a problem with

21:14that whatsoever. However, when you look

21:17at the proposal,

21:19we're not just talking about one big

21:20mobile cell phone tower. We are talking

21:22about two smaller mobile cell phone

21:24towers.

21:26What I'm going to say here is that this

21:27is an example of a dual-use technology,

21:30okay? What you do with a smaller cell

21:31phone tower, and I'm going to skip the

21:33acronyms in the interest of

21:36making the best use of my time.

21:38Your cell phone always connects to the

21:40nearest, most powerful signal, right?

21:43So, imagine now that you throw a mobile

21:45cell phone tower

21:47that's the nearest, most powerful signal

21:49in say

21:50a police cruiser,

21:52and you say drive it by

21:55a group of protesters.

21:57And suddenly, you have all of

22:00the cell phone information from these

22:02protesters being routed through that

22:05tower device.

22:07I am not exaggerating when I say that

22:09I've been here talking about Flock

22:10cameras, and frankly, I'm pretty upset

22:12that we still have these things up in

22:13the street because I don't care if

22:15you've suspended use, they're still up.

22:18And uh honestly, I was going to go into

22:19detail about how we are in a really

22:21dangerous position as a country right

22:22now, but I'm I I don't think I really

22:24have to go into detail for you to

22:25understand what I'm alluding to.

22:29These towers are possibly worse.

22:32Because people's identity in a

22:35politically charged time is at is at a

22:38premium

22:39when you're dealing with potential We're

22:41talking about domestic violence earlier.

22:42What about political domestic violence?

22:45What about state-sponsored

22:48political domestic violence?

22:51That's what these systems support.

22:53We're in a position here where we have

22:55camps built,

22:57ICE funded better than

22:59militaries of other countries,

23:01and we're in an election that's likely

23:03going to be contested.

23:05And honestly, I don't really want to go

23:06into greater detail about the grim

23:07implications. There's more stuff I

23:09really wanted to say.

23:10I've been holding back a lot of really

23:12dark stuff

23:13in the interest of remaining

23:15respectable, which to be real, I don't

23:17feel particularly respected, but that's

23:20not necessary. What I need for you to do

23:23is to understand the stakes

23:25and what you're funding and what a

23:27dual-use technology is. I can see

23:30what a dual-use technology is

23:32and how with the best of intentions, you

23:35may be paving the road to hell and I'm

23:37not exaggerating when I say that. I

23:39yield my time.

23:40>> Thank you. Our next speaker, please.

23:42>> That was the only speaker on the item.

23:44>> All right. Uh quick question. Uh

23:47DC,

23:48is this specifically

23:50uh the grant, if I remember correctly,

23:53specifically with in conjunction with

23:56Florida Department of Emergency

23:57Management?

23:58>> Correct. They're giving us three of

23:59these towers, two small ones and a

24:01larger one. And we would specifically

24:02use for hurricane comes in or mass

24:05casualty event, an FSU shooting where we

24:08need to get on and we need to get cell

24:10service or somebody else doesn't, we

24:11would connect to that.

24:12>> Okay. Okay. Any other questions,

24:14comments? Commissioner Porter.

24:16>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, do we have a

24:18policy restricting the use to those

24:21stated purposes?

24:23>> No, ma'am.

24:24>> Okay.

24:25Is there any reason,

24:27Madam City Manager,

24:29that we can't separate these options

24:32because I would like to support

24:35the

24:37the one grant and ask that this FDEM

24:41grant come back to us.

24:44Is there any reason we can't separate

24:46the two?

24:47>> I don't know of any reason why you

24:48couldn't separate that out in a motion.

24:51Assistant Chief.

24:52>> No, ma'am, you could if you wanted to.

24:53>> Okay, thank you. In that case, Mr.

24:55Mayor, if I may, I would make a motion

24:57to accept the fiscal year 26 Edward

25:00Byrne Memorial Federal Jag proceeds

25:03and interest.

25:05That would be my first motion.

25:07>> All right, a motion on the table

25:09specifically uh made by uh Commissioner

25:11Porter. Is there a second?

25:13>> Second.

25:13>> Seconded by Commissioner Matlow. Any

25:15further discussion?

25:16Seeing none, all those in favor signify

25:17by saying aye.

25:18>> Aye.

25:19>> All those opposed? Passes unanimously.

25:21Commissioner Porter, you're recognized

25:22for a second motion.

25:23>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. My second motion

25:26would be that we have an item coming

25:28come back to us at our next meeting with

25:31a little more information about the

25:34deployable communication systems,

25:36including options for safeguards

25:40um restricting its use.

25:41>> Motion made by Commissioner Porter. Is

25:43there a second?

25:44>> Second.

25:44>> Seconded by Commissioner Matlow. Any

25:46further discussion?

25:47>> Yes.

25:48>> Uh yes, ma'am. Commissioner

25:49Williams-Cox.

25:49>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um

25:52um

25:53as I understand, this would be something

25:54from the floor department of emergency

25:56management.

25:57Right?

25:57>> Correct, ma'am.

25:58>> Right.

25:59>> Correct. Have you guys approved that we

26:00would be able to take possession of the

26:01equipment?

26:02>> Okay. So, I'm I'm I'm going to ask uh

26:05Commissioner Porter if they're going to

26:07bring something back. I'm not sure what

26:08it what we're expecting them to bring

26:10back, but would it does would it be more

26:12prudent for for Department of Management

26:15um to provide that information

26:17since they're the ones who are providing

26:19the

26:20uh

26:21the equipment.

26:23>> We don't have So, we don't even have the

26:25equipment yet. You guys would have to

26:26accept it, and then we could tell FDEM

26:28that we would like to accept it. So, we

26:29don't even have it yet.

26:31>> Sure, but we could still we must have

26:33information about it, right? We know

26:35what it does. We know what we're

26:36planning to use it for. And there's

26:39nothing preventing us from having a city

26:41an internal policy about when it's used.

26:45So, that's the motion. I don't have any

26:47problem with learning more about it.

26:49That's what the motion is. But, I think

26:51the concern here is not

26:54that it is you I think we all

26:56acknowledge I'll speak for myself the

26:58the utility of this, but the concern is

27:02misuse. So, the motion would be that it

27:05come back to us for approval including

27:08options

27:09for

27:11safeguards about its use.

27:14>> All right, so we are we have accepted

27:16the burn grant. That's coming. The

27:18second motion is to bring back policy

27:22regarding the guidelines on how to

27:23implement the

27:25equipment and technology.

27:27>> Yes.

27:28>> Sounds great.

27:29Any further questions?

27:31Mayor pro tem.

27:31>> DC, is that something that you all are

27:34comfortable with?

27:36Uh if that's direction that you guys

27:37want to do, we can come up with a policy

27:41how to use it.

27:42>> So, question, would we be using the

27:44equipment outside of a declared state of

27:46emergency with FDEM?

27:48>> [clears throat]

27:49>> Yeah, we could if we had like the FSU

27:51shoot, we had a hard time getting on to

27:53the internet and so that so we would

27:55bring it to a scene like that if we had

27:57we knew like a big event was occurring,

28:00something like that, but we would use it

28:01for those type of incidents as well as a

28:02storm.

28:03>> Mr. Porter, I'll support your motion on

28:04the table. I think it's a good motion.

28:07There are rules and regs in place during

28:09a declared state of emergency state law

28:11that that that provides some guidance,

28:14but in the situations because state law

28:17probably hasn't been updated to the

28:19extent in the situations that are not

28:21covered, I don't think it's a bad idea

28:22to have a policy in place, so

28:24all those in favor

28:26Mayor pro tem, I'm sorry.

28:27>> So, so DC,

28:29are there

28:30for instance, is the legislature going

28:32to take up this issue in their next

28:34session, do you know about developing

28:37policies guide the

28:40use and implementation of these

28:43cameras?

28:43>> I don't know. I know a lot of agencies

28:45have equipment like this that they use

28:47when they're to national disasters. I

28:48don't know if there's a statewide policy

28:50or internal policies that they have, but

28:52strictly this is what this equipment's

28:53used for.

28:54>> Yeah, I would just hate to see us put

28:56something in place that's going to

28:57conflict with

28:59what the state eventually decides to do,

29:02but for right now I'm

29:04I'm okay with it, but we may have to

29:06reconsider this.

29:07>> We could do some research. We can look

29:08into that, some legal consequences or

29:11guidelines that they have.

29:13>> Sounds great.

29:14>> Thank you.

29:15>> And Mr. Mayor, if I can go back to

29:16>> No, no, Commissioner Williams-Cox.

29:18>> To my question, I'm I'm not satisfied

29:20that I got an answer. I'm I'm saying

29:23that

29:24this equipment is coming from Florida

29:25Department of Emergency Management. So,

29:28is that not where we should be getting

29:29some information from them as well about

29:33what they anticipate the use to be and

29:34why they're providing this for us. I I

29:37agree with the policy development, but I

29:39think that uh

29:41I would like to know why, you know, what

29:44are what are their thoughts on the use

29:46and why they're providing they would be

29:48providing it for us.

29:50>> We can look into that.

29:51>> Okay.

29:52>> Yeah, and the Byrne Grant is a great

29:54federal grant. We have accepted Byrne

29:56Grants before in the past.

29:57They do a lot to help out with our law

29:59enforcement and everything. So, I'm I'm

30:01glad we're moving forward.

30:03>> Okay.

30:03>> All those in favor of the motion on

30:04table signify by saying I.

30:06>> I.

30:06>> All those opposed, passes unanimously

30:085-0. We're on item number 11.1 of the

30:11introduction of ordinances, Madam

30:12Attorney.

30:15>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Item number 11.01

30:17is the introduction of ordinance number

30:1926-Z-14,

30:23an ordinance of the City of Tallahassee,

30:24Florida designating and including

30:26additional territory located on

30:280.53 acres located at 725 East Park

30:32Avenue as an in office residential one

30:36with historical preservation overlay

30:38OR-1 with HPO from office residential

30:43dash one

30:44uh OR-1 on the official zoning map of

30:47the city of Tallahassee adopted and

30:49established by the city commission

30:51adding a structure to the local register

30:53of historic places providing for

30:54conflicts providing for severability and

30:57providing an effective date. The

30:59recommended action is option one

31:01introduce ordinance number 26-Z-14

31:03[clears throat]

31:05and set the first and only public

31:06hearing for November 18th, 2026 at 6:00

31:09p.m. in the city of Tallahassee City

31:11Commission Chambers at City Hall. Any ex

31:13parte disclosures concerning this item

31:15are available via the hyperlink included

31:17in the agenda item as published in the

31:19board doc system.

31:21>> Dr. Clewood only need to take action.

31:23Traditionally, we've always taken a

31:24ceremonial vote to accept into the

31:26record. Uh no public comment on this,

31:28I'm assuming?

31:29>> Motion.

31:30>> So moved.

31:31>> Properly moved by Commissioner

31:32Williams-Cox, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem.

31:34All those in favor signify by saying I.

31:36>> I.

31:36>> All those opposed passes unanimously

31:385-0. 11.02, Madam Attorney.

31:41>> Item number 11.02 is the introduction of

31:44ordinance number 26-Z-16,

31:47an ordinance of the city of Tallahassee,

31:49Florida designating land as general

31:51commercial district C2 on the official

31:54zoning map from office residential three

31:56zoning district OR3 on 1.37

32:00acres located at 1755 Capital Circle

32:03Northeast. Providing for conflicts and

32:05severability and providing an effective

32:07date. The recommended action is option

32:10one introduce ordinance number 26-Z-16

32:14and set the first and only public

32:15hearing for November 18th, 2026 at 6:00

32:18p.m. in the city of Tallahassee City

32:20Commission Chambers at City Hall. Again,

32:23any ex parte disclosures concerning this

32:25item are available via the hyperlink

32:27included in the agenda item as published

32:29in the board doc system.

32:31>> Excellent. I'm assuming we don't have

32:32any public comment on this?

32:33>> Correct. No speaker.

32:34>> No action needed, but ceremonially we

32:36always take an action to

32:38>> Move for acceptance

32:39>> Properly moved by Commissioner

32:40Williams-Cox, seconded by the Mayor Pro

32:42Tem. For discussion, seeing none, all

32:45those in favor signify by saying aye.

32:46>> Aye.

32:47>> All those opposed, passes unanimously.

32:49Do we have any other ordinances to be

32:51introduced into the record tonight?

32:53>> Yes, sir.

32:53>> We're on policy formation 12.01, Madam

32:56Manager.

32:57>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor and

32:59Commissioners, as you know, you have

33:00continued to invest in the Tallahassee

33:02Fire Department and set the standard for

33:05excellence.

33:06Based on your direction to update the

33:08city strategic plan goal to achieve an

33:11ISO one rating, Chief Sanders and his

33:13team have put together their five-year

33:15strategic plan to achieve that benchmark

33:18and implement the Chief's vision for the

33:20department.

33:22The Chief is here today to share his

33:23plans with you, and I'll say I have the

33:26utmost confidence in his leadership of

33:28the department and his ability to

33:30achieve his vision through the roadmap

33:32that he's laid out.

33:34Additionally, as you know, the county

33:36has been the city's customer for fire

33:38services going back decades now.

33:41The fees and assessments are set based

33:43on the rate studies that are done by

33:45outside professional rate consultants.

33:47Uh they've been jointly hired by the

33:49city and the county. These include

33:51Neighbors Giblin and Nickerson, uh

33:53Accenture, formerly GSG.

33:56Uh and we are audited annually by Purvis

33:58and Mayver, formerly MSL. And as you

34:01know, year after year, we've received

34:03unmodified opinions, which are the

34:05highest level of assurance that an

34:06auditor can issue.

34:08There's been a lot of talk about fire

34:10services fees uh and assessments

34:12recently, and lots of misinformation

34:15going around about the delivery of fire

34:17service in our community.

34:20I had our team of accountants, CPAs,

34:22[clears throat] budget professionals, uh

34:24look at all the information that has

34:26been presented, and Robert Wiggin is

34:28here to provide you with the factual

34:30information. I've also asked Robert to

34:33take a step back and provide a

34:34high-level overview of how we got here

34:37and a summary of the county's actions

34:39from their workshop yesterday. So first,

34:42Chief Sanders is here to kick it off,

34:44and make a presentation, and then we'll

34:45go to Robert's portion.

34:47>> Chief, you have done a fantastic job

34:50with the fire department.

34:51>> Mhm.

34:52>> Our full support, you and all members of

34:54the fire department. Thank you very much

34:57for everything that you do.

34:59Floor is yours.

35:00>> Thank you.

35:02So again, thank you, Dr. Janavel.

35:05Good afternoon, Mayor and Commissioners.

35:07On behalf of the entire fire department,

35:09thank you for the resources, equipment,

35:12and support you continue to provide.

35:14These are critical to our mission and

35:17make a direct impact on our ability to

35:19protect and serve this community

35:21effectively.

35:23I have the privilege of leading 327

35:26dedicated and fully committed employees

35:29who serve this city with courage,

35:31professionalism,

35:33and distinction.

35:34Their work ethic and passion for service

35:37are unwavering, and I am proud to stand

35:39with them every day.

35:41The safety and welfare of our employees

35:43is at the core of this plan.

35:46Performance data shows that fire and

35:48rescue calls have increased

35:49significantly during the past 5 years.

35:53The increased volume puts greater demand

35:55on TFD employees.

35:58As our community needs continue to

36:00change and grow,

36:01we must strengthen our personnel and

36:03resources to meet those demands.

36:06We strive to be the best fire department

36:08in the nation and to set the standard

36:10for excellence.

36:13This includes pursuing an ISO 1

36:16rating, which is supported by this

36:18commission.

36:19More importantly, the improvements

36:21required to achieve the ISO rating

36:24will strengthen firefighter and

36:25community safety,

36:27Improve response times and enhance

36:30staffing, training, equipment,

36:32communications, and fire prevention.

36:35As chief, my team and I are fully

36:37committed to ensuring that our

36:39department delivers the highest level of

36:41service to the public, whether in

36:43emergency response, fire prevention, or

36:45community engagement.

36:48We are constantly evolving, refining our

36:50operations,

36:51and aligning with the growing and

36:53changing needs of our residents.

36:56So today, I am proud to share with you

36:58our 5-year strategic plan for years 2026

37:02through 2030.

37:05Critical success factors were developed

37:07based on the department's mission and

37:09informed by data,

37:11stakeholder and employee input, and

37:13operational insight.

37:15These inputs translated into actionable

37:18strategic objectives.

37:20These objectives aligned organizational

37:22efforts,

37:23informed decision-making, and

37:25established a measurable performance

37:27standards.

37:31Advance operational excellence. Increase

37:34our staffing to ensure appropriate and

37:37timely operational readiness.

37:39This goal will be achieved by completion

37:41of fire station 17, expansion of station

37:4415, and the addition of a station 18 on

37:48the east side.

37:50The need for station 18 is based on

37:51analysis of response data.

37:55Moving forward, we will also conduct a

37:57GIS study to determine future needs and

38:00the appropriate placement

38:02of fire station 19.

38:06We utilize emerging technology to

38:08enhance response capabilities and

38:11personnel safety.

38:13With the newly implemented National

38:15Emergency Reporting Information System,

38:17NEMSIS,

38:18real-time command boards for incident

38:20management and employee safety.

38:23AI for report writing to maintain

38:25consistency.

38:27Enhance our current drone program.

38:30Use advanced technology for hazmat and

38:33technical rescue equipment.

38:38Commissioners, preventing fires is the

38:40best fire suppression tactic.

38:43We reduce risk by promoting community

38:44engagement through water days,

38:47neighborhood canvassing events, and

38:49educational programs with local schools

38:51and universities

38:53alongside fire safety messaging

38:56delivered across traditional and social

38:58media platforms.

39:02We will strengthen our workforce. We

39:03implement a strategic recruiting plan

39:06through targeted marketing,

39:08partnerships with local schools, academy

39:10engagement, community outreach, and a

39:13strong social media presence.

39:16Provide additional development

39:17opportunities for newly promoted

39:19personnel and those seeking advancement

39:22within the department.

39:24TFD trains our employees to the highest

39:26standard to deliver top-tier service.

39:29This will be accomplished through

39:30officer development to include an

39:33enhanced driver training program,

39:36officer candidate school, and

39:37implementing a comprehensive promotional

39:39process for all ranks.

39:42This ensures adequate preparation and

39:45selection of the best qualified

39:46candidates who are fully committed to

39:48meeting the mission of the department.

39:55We will provide training, continuing

39:57education in EMS to our personnel.

40:02We'll be committed to new and innovative

40:04patient care practices,

40:06utilize emerging technology to deliver

40:08to deliver the most proficient emergency

40:11medical services.

40:15We use GIS to strengthen emergency

40:17management reporting and proficiency.

40:19Develop early warning systems that

40:21forecast potential critical weather

40:23impacts.

40:25Improve awareness of developing weather

40:27incidents through real-time access to

40:30remote sensors.

40:31Use advanced technology to expand

40:33community public education efforts.

40:38To strengthen our operational structure,

40:41we'll expand our current training

40:42facility to become an integrated

40:44regional fire service training hub. This

40:47will include construction of classrooms,

40:49offices, and structures to house our

40:52reserve fleet.

40:55This expansion will allow TFD to also

40:57become the National Association of

40:59Emergency Medical Technician program

41:02provider,

41:03which right now we outsource that

41:06training. We'll be able to train our

41:08instructors to train it in-house and

41:10provide that service to fire departments

41:11in this region.

41:16In closing, Commissioners,

41:18these steps will actualize

41:20implementation of the goals presented in

41:22this strategic plan.

41:25The priorities, investments, and

41:26performance measures will establish TFD

41:28in the top 1% of highly rated fire

41:31departments.

41:33The plan aligns with the mission of the

41:35City of Tallahassee to be a national

41:37leader in the delivery of public

41:39service, similar to accomplishments like

41:43being a three-time All-American City,

41:45number one public rated utility in the

41:47nation,

41:48number one rated fleet department in the

41:50country.

41:51>> Mhm.

41:51>> Our park system was recognized as best

41:53in America.

41:55And to my brothers and sisters with the

41:56Tallahassee Police Department for being

41:58the longest continually accredited law

42:01enforcement agency in this country.

42:04This plan provides a shared framework

42:06for decision-making,

42:08employee safety, resource allocation,

42:11performance measurement, and

42:13accountability.

42:14It defines where we are, where we intend

42:17to go,

42:18and how we will get there together.

42:22Now, I have

42:24my deputy chiefs in emergency management

42:26here if there are any questions.

42:28>> Chief, I want to start off by saying

42:30congratulations.

42:32I do think that you are the best in the

42:33business. I do think you are the number

42:36one fire chief in this nation. And I

42:38think that our fire department is the

42:39best. And I do think you're national

42:42leaders and you are an award-winning

42:43department. A lot of chatter going on

42:46out there today. And I want you to know

42:48I am proud to work with you in the

42:49department each and every day.

42:51I am proud of the work that y'all do on

42:53a daily basis.

42:55Proud of the work that you do during an

42:56emergency situation.

42:58I'm proud of what y'all do during a

42:59declared state of emergency. And I want

43:02to thank you and specifically the urban

43:05search and rescue team who I know was

43:07deployed with the latest hurricane over

43:09in the panhandle.

43:10>> Right.

43:11>> And they were staged in Crestview, I

43:12believe.

43:13>> Yes.

43:13>> Uh monitoring the rivers to make sure

43:15that no one was in trouble. That's how

43:17we do it here in town. You do a great

43:19job and I appreciate it. Any questions

43:22for Chief or comments before we move on

43:24to Mr. Wiggens? Okay.

43:26>> Thank you.

43:26>> Mayor Pro Tem.

43:27>> Mayor, I I Well, the one thing I want to

43:30first of all say is ditto Mayor to

43:33everything that you've said about uh

43:35Chief Sanders, his excellent staff, and

43:38the work that they do, the services they

43:41provide for the residents

43:43uh of of the city of Tallahassee. I live

43:46not far from the south side station and

43:49I can tell you all times a night I'm

43:52hearing that truck come down Orange

43:54Avenue headed to a site serving the

43:58residents of this city. I am proud of

44:02our our fire department and the work,

44:05Chief, that you all do, the staff that

44:08you've assembled,

44:09uh and you know, I'm I'm always there

44:12whenever you call. I'm always at Jake

44:14Gaither for the water days and

44:17they wet me up quite a bit, but

44:21I appreciate you all for the work that

44:23you do in the community and especially

44:25working with our young people and

44:27letting them know the services that you

44:29provide and the opportunities that they

44:32could have if they choose to go that

44:35route. You know, I have been extremely

44:38disappointed at what the mayor described

44:41as chatter in the community about how we

44:44have operated, that we meaning the city,

44:47this fire department,

44:50and fire services in the city. We have

44:53done an excellent job. You're going to

44:54hear more when Robert does his

44:57presentation,

44:59but I think it it's certainly is a good

45:01thing chief that we have this because

45:05this is something that we can put in

45:07people's hands that they can read and

45:10know where we are and where we're going

45:13under your leadership and what resources

45:17will be necessary to get that done.

45:19We're committed to making that happen

45:22because this isn't a political thing.

45:24This isn't political at all. This is

45:26about serving our community, city, and

45:31county. And our residents expect us to

45:34work together to make sure

45:36that they have those services available

45:38to them, for them when the time ever

45:42comes and I hope that it never does, but

45:45if and when it does, they can be assured

45:49that they will have the services

45:50available to them that they need. So,

45:53Mayor, thank you

45:54for the comments, Chief. Thank you and

45:57your staff. We appreciate you. Thank

45:59you.

46:00>> Councilman Williams-Cox. Thank you, Mr.

46:01Mayor. Uh Chief, thank you you and your

46:04team for your your level of service

46:06um not only um to this community, but in

46:09the region and wherever you're called

46:11on. Um I I thank you for the impact that

46:14you're having on our young people. Uh as

46:16you may know, my my grandson has said

46:18that when he graduates high school, he's

46:19going to the fire academy. And I'm

46:21saying that publicly because I want to

46:23be able to show this to him and remind

46:25him that that's what he said.

46:28>> [laughter]

46:28>> In case he tries to change his mind.

46:31Well, it is it's always impressive to

46:32see that young men and women go through

46:35the fire academy and they're they they

46:37do that training and they come in and

46:39are able to um begin work at a very

46:41young age and begin to work on their

46:43their careers. And some of the young men

46:45that that are working with you, um I was

46:48their football booster president back in

46:49the day at Rickards High School. It's

46:51great to see how they have grown up in

46:53this program. Um I I have a a couple of

46:56questions about the future. Uh this this

46:58is what we're talking about here today.

47:00As our community continues to grow and

47:02we we we talk about we have a uh um a

47:04housing shortage, which we do, and we're

47:06doing what we can to add to that. That's

47:08going to require additional

47:11uh fire services. Because as we grow,

47:14we're going to need, you know, more and

47:16more to do that. And I know that there

47:17are plans for building additional uh

47:19fire stations. One fire station we have

47:22promised a community that would be built

47:25on Lake Bradford. And um I I would like

47:28for you to address that and uh also talk

47:31about any um plans for future

47:34um fire stations that will be needed in

47:36our community as we continue to grow.

47:39>> So, as I indicated, station 17, uh the

47:42call volume in that response area, those

47:45calls have increased by over 500 a year

47:48uh since we started this conversation.

47:51And that station is desperately needed.

47:53We've identified with the growth of on

47:56the east side that we're in a similar

47:58situation as we were with station 17

48:01that we're going to have greater

48:02response times going out east of town.

48:06And we need to put a station there. We

48:07have the data to support that. The

48:09stations that serve that community right

48:11now, there's a long distance for them to

48:14travel depending on what end of

48:17uh

48:18the end of that side of town is on or in

48:21that response zone. So, we need to put a

48:23station out there. Station 19, there's a

48:26couple of other areas that have similar

48:28circumstances that we have greater

48:30response times, but we feel it would be

48:32prudent for us to bring in a GIA- have a

48:33GIS study to truly evaluate our staffing

48:37and look at the way our stations are

48:39situated to ensure that we identify the

48:42best location to create the largest

48:44impact for this community with station

48:4719.

48:48>> Okay. And I remember, thank you for

48:49that. I remember, too, that when you

48:51made your presentation to us earlier

48:52this year when we voted 5-0 to support

48:55what you provided to us, you made it

48:57very clear that um in order to keep um

49:01employees paid, keep firefighters paid

49:04um at the rate they should be paid,

49:05which we've we've um promised to do

49:07that. Also, to make sure that they're

49:09safe, which means that there needs to be

49:11a set number of uh of fire support uh

49:14personnel on on the fire engine. Could

49:17you speak to that?

49:19>> So, this board took action to approve

49:21the 26 additional positions that I

49:23requested. Um make no mistake, when I

49:25asked for those 26 positions, my ask of

49:28the current ci- or the former city

49:30manager at that time was for the safety

49:32and welfare of our employees. Our call

49:34volume had went up over 85% and we had

49:37not added additional personnel to meet

49:40that demand. So, my ask of him was for

49:42the safety of my employees when they're

49:45providing service, we needed more

49:47personnel. We were not meeting the

49:49standard for a single-family dwelling

49:52fire

49:53with arriving with 16 to 17 people, we

49:56were having 12. So, my employees are

49:58working I I'm saying mine because I'm

50:00taking possession of them. If they're

50:02successful,

50:03we

50:04>> Mhm.

50:04>> If we're not successful, I want to own

50:06that.

50:07Um

50:08but they're doing a lot with limited

50:11resources. So, the action that this

50:13board took by approving those 26

50:15positions, now we have four-person

50:17minimum on five of our busiest units,

50:19and that's putting us closer to 100% of

50:22that standard. We're at 90 90% of that

50:25standard right now. So, this board is

50:27already taken action to help us in that

50:29regard.

50:30>> And one final question, in regards to

50:32when we talk about the ISO, tell us what

50:34that is again, and um tell us what that

50:38What is the benefit of achieving the ISO

50:40one?

50:41>> Mhm.

50:42So, the Insurance Services Organization

50:44is an organization that evaluates the

50:47capacity of fire departments all across

50:49the country.

50:50To reach an ISO one, we would be in the

50:51top 1% of all fire departments.

50:56Currently, we're an ISO three.

50:59We feel confident that we could reach an

51:00ISO one with the city-run department.

51:03That's why the targets were realigned to

51:05do so.

51:06But ISOs they they evaluate several

51:09critical factors.

51:10And those factors are your staffing,

51:13your equipment,

51:15the water sources in your juris-

51:18jurisdiction, communication,

51:20and all of that together is what

51:22establishes the rating. The lower your

51:25rating,

51:26in turn, the net benefit to homeowners

51:30would be a reduced insurance premium.

51:33So, they get what they're

51:36They're getting something for their

51:37investment.

51:38>> Thank you.

51:41>> Any other comments or questions?

51:42Commissioner Porter.

51:43>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

51:45And I want to I want to say well first

51:48of all, thank you for the presentation.

51:49Thank you for your work. And I I have

51:52complete confidence in our fire

51:53department. I want to make that totally

51:55clear. So, I agree with my colleagues as

51:58far as that's concerned.

52:00I do want to ask a few questions because

52:02in reading through the strategic plan

52:05it

52:06it was unclear to me

52:09how I'm still not really sure how we are

52:11going to address some of the practical

52:14realities of severing ties with with the

52:18county.

52:20And I know that there this is a

52:21complicated issue. It's still in flux in

52:24in many ways. Um but there wasn't really

52:28much mention of how whether or how we

52:31would work with the county in any

52:33capacity in this report. And so I had a

52:37a few questions related to that and and

52:40some apart from that.

52:44What is the anticipated

52:47Do we have the anticipated cost and

52:50timeline for the expansion of station

52:5215, the constructions of station 17 and

52:5618?

53:00>> So, we have an idea.

53:02I think this

53:04this board you're aware of the funding

53:07that was taking place for station 17 and

53:09station 15. Station 18, of course, we'd

53:12have to put that out for bid to

53:14a design and also get a bid to see what

53:17the cost of that station would be.

53:20>> Okay. We One of the things the the

53:23strategic plan discusses is

53:25and something that is often overlooked

53:27that fire you know, that the department

53:28does is medical response. So,

53:32what do we hope to achieve? What are our

53:34specific goals related to improving

53:37those services in the next 5 years?

53:40>> So, right now due to action of this

53:42board,

53:43we have 100% coverage of ALS to all city

53:47residents. Um so,

53:50what we're doing now from an employee

53:53enhancement standpoint is to better

53:55train them, make sure that we're

53:56providing them the best tools and

53:58equipment to the continue to deliver

54:00service to this community.

54:02That's what we're focused on.

54:04>> Okay, thank you.

54:05So,

54:07as we are moving forward with severing

54:11ties with the county, we

54:14will

54:16and I don't know that cuz this is all

54:17still being figured out, but my

54:19understanding is we will be losing fire

54:22stations 10 through 14. Is that correct?

54:25That's the operating assumption.

54:29>> So,

54:3210 through 14,

54:34uh based on the language in the

54:36interlocal agreement, would go to the

54:38county.

54:38>> Okay. And and I'll I mean, what I'm

54:40getting at is for for example,

54:44um

54:45that let's just take that as a fact,

54:47just assuming for for the exercise. So,

54:50that means in theory that unless there's

54:52a mutual aid agreement, which as far as

54:54I know is not currently being

54:56negotiated,

54:57we have five fire stations that

54:59currently respond to city residents,

55:01city calls that wouldn't be responding

55:04to city calls unless there was a mutual

55:06aid agreement. Is that correct? That's

55:08how that works.

55:09>> So, the stations that are outlined in

55:11the interlocal agreement are primarily

55:13in the unincorporated area, and they

55:15primarily respond in the unincorporated

55:17area.

55:18>> Right. But so so for example, fire

55:21station

55:2211 on Centerville Road, that's in the

55:25unincorporated county, but it's about my

55:28understanding 2 miles from Roberts

55:30Elementary and Monfort Middle School,

55:32which I thought were in the city limits.

55:34Is that correct?

55:38>> I'm not 100% sure, but I believe both of

55:40those schools are in the county.

55:41>> Mhm.

55:42>> They are in the county.

55:43>> Yes.

55:44>> Okay. So, if they were in the city, I

55:47just want to do the exercise cuz I

55:48actually looked it up and it said the

55:50jurisdiction was the city of

55:51Tallahassee. So, I wasn't sure exactly

55:54what that meant when I used our own city

55:55search for what what was in what. But

55:58so, just using that as an example, even

56:00if it's not,

56:02they're 2 mi from

56:05Fire Station 11.

56:07If they are in the city,

56:10the response time is probably very short

56:13because it's so close to that station.

56:16But like, is there a world where

56:21the city now has to respond even from a

56:25station that's far a farther distance

56:27away? How are we going to address those

56:31issues as they arise?

56:32>> So, that would be a board decision on if

56:36you're going to do automatic aid or

56:37mutual aid if we move forward with

56:39separation. That would be a board

56:41decision.

56:42>> Well, what would be your recommendation?

56:45Like, how are you thinking about that?

56:47How are we having

56:49those conversations as it relates to the

56:52strategic plan? Because the strategic

56:54plan, there's a lot of good in there,

56:56but it didn't tell me how we're going to

56:57work these things through. We've been

56:59doing fire services a certain way for

57:01many decades, and as far as I'm

57:03concerned, although there are clearly

57:05there have been issues,

57:07um

57:09it's worked.

57:11Um so, how are we going to work through

57:15these practical realities as we move

57:17forward?

57:19>> So, the way the strategic plan is

57:20written is written based on the

57:22direction that this board took

57:24uh not to renew the interlocal agreement

57:26in 2028. So,

57:29any decision for us to respond in the

57:32unincorporated area, that would be a

57:33decision made by this board and then we

57:35will adjust accordingly.

57:37>> Okay.

57:39Have we

57:41Have we done yet an operational

57:44analysis? I know that there was an item

57:47that came back to us that I had asked

57:48for.

57:50The decision was made, as far as I'm

57:52concerned, rather abruptly to terminate

57:55and let the agreement expire

57:59without the opportunity for public

58:01comment, without even an agenda item.

58:03So, has there been an operational

58:06analysis

58:07for how we will be impacted?

58:10How the city will be impacted, how that

58:13will change what we do, how we operate?

58:16>> So, internally we've evaluated how we

58:18respond if we respond in the city only.

58:21And that is what's outlined in our plan

58:23by the addition of another station 18,

58:26building 17, expanding 15. Will give us

58:30the resources and the capacity to serve

58:33within the city with no problems.

58:35>> Okay.

58:37Has that come to

58:40the public yet?

58:42>> No.

58:42>> Something like that. Okay.

58:44Okay, thank you.

58:46Thank you, Mr. Chief.

58:47>> Mr. Mayor.

58:48>> Thank you. So, just for clarification,

58:50I've just pulled up the city limits GIS

58:53and it shows Roberts Elementary and

58:54Monfort Middle in the city limits.

58:58>> Okay, so they would be served by station

59:00seven.

59:01>> By station seven. Okay. And what would

59:02the response time from there be?

59:04>> I don't have that. It would be in less

59:06than four minutes.

59:08>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

59:09>> That's great, Mayor. Sure, Mayor. But,

59:10Tim, one one thing I want to call

59:12>> Correct.

59:13>> Commissioner

59:15Porter, is that we didn't vote to pursue

59:20separation from the county.

59:23Uh

59:24I I personally have no interest in

59:27separation. I think we have a model that

59:31works and has worked for what, 30 years

59:34now?

59:35Chief, and from what I understand from

59:38what came out of other than trash in the

59:41city,

59:42what came out of the County Commission

59:44workshop yesterday,

59:47uh was that they are on a two-track

59:49resolution. One is the separation.

59:53The other is to work out an agreement

59:56where we continue this partnership in

1:00:00providing services to our residents.

1:00:03And so, I I I just want to say that

1:00:06and and and I know that there is uh

1:00:09discussions going on

1:00:11uh in terms of whether or not this is a

1:00:13termination or an expiration

1:00:15in the contract and what effect that

1:00:18will have. So, there are there are a lot

1:00:20of issues out there. There's a as was

1:00:23mentioned, there's a lot of

1:00:24misinformation,

1:00:26and I hope that the public will be given

1:00:29correct information about where we are

1:00:32with this issue and where we're moving

1:00:35forward uh in the future.

1:00:38>> Mr. Mayor.

1:00:39>> Yeah, so I I did have a a question about

1:00:41that.

1:00:43Is Station 15's in the county?

1:00:45If this agreement is terminated, doesn't

1:00:48Station 15 get acquired by the county

1:00:51per the agreement?

1:00:53Madam Attorney?

1:00:54>> Yes, sir.

1:00:55>> Sure.

1:00:56>> So, stations 10 through 14 are mentioned

1:01:01in the interlocal agreement uh under the

1:01:04section related to termination of the

1:01:07contract of the interlocal agreement. Um

1:01:10they There is no um explanation in the

1:01:14contract for the expiration and the

1:01:16disposal of assets at the expiration of

1:01:19the contract. 15 is uh has its has a

1:01:22separate provision. It's not included in

1:01:25that group of 10 through 14, but it is

1:01:27also um in the section on termination.

1:01:31So, um the city's position is that in at

1:01:33the expiration of that interlocal

1:01:36agreement, uh there would obviously have

1:01:38to be some negotiation on the

1:01:40disposition of assets, whatever that

1:01:42might look like, but that the interlocal

1:01:44agreement terms do not uh are not the

1:01:47ones that apply because they relate to

1:01:49termination.

1:01:51We are in dispute res- resolution. The

1:01:54The uh county has initiated a dispute

1:01:56resolution process on that issue.

1:01:58>> Okay. My My understanding, and correct

1:02:00me if I'm wrong,

1:02:02the county, after we decided this wasn't

1:02:04a termination, declared it was a

1:02:05termination on on their end.

1:02:08>> They did.

1:02:09>> Okay. So, if it is a termination, then

1:02:11Station 15 would go

1:02:13>> Yes, sir.

1:02:13>> to the county.

1:02:14>> Yes, sir. And in order to declare it a

1:02:16termination, they also have alleged that

1:02:18the city breached the interlocal

1:02:20agreement, and that is why they

1:02:21terminated. It's been our position that

1:02:24we did not breach the interlocal

1:02:25agreement, and therefore it is not a

1:02:27termination. That is why we are in

1:02:29dispute resolution with them right now.

1:02:31>> Okay. And does there need to be a breach

1:02:32for the county to terminate?

1:02:34>> Yes.

1:02:34>> Okay.

1:02:35Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1:02:37>> Excellent. But But there Excuse me, I'm

1:02:38sorry, Mr. Mayor. But there doesn't need

1:02:40to be a breach for the contract to just

1:02:42end

1:02:43at on it by its terms.

1:02:45>> And what's the date on that, um at the

1:02:47time?

1:02:47>> September 30th, 2028.

1:02:50>> Mr. Mayor, I think that's important for

1:02:51the public to hear that um that the

1:02:55contract, without doing anything, uh

1:02:58would expire on September 30th, 2028,

1:03:01which is what we inherited.

1:03:05>> And I'm going to ask Robert to come up

1:03:06to walk us through some numbers, but

1:03:07before you do, Chief, I just want you to

1:03:10know, look, I'm going to be your mayor

1:03:11only for a couple more weeks, and I have

1:03:14thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I

1:03:16will continue to be the adult in this

1:03:18conversation. I'm not going to get down

1:03:20into the sandbox of an elementary school

1:03:22screaming match and try to drag

1:03:25everybody through the mud. Very

1:03:27disappointed in my colleagues at the

1:03:28county, but I've come to accept it. Just

1:03:31know that I will proverbially continue

1:03:33to wrap my arms around you and this

1:03:34department and take every political

1:03:37arrow that comes our way and I believe

1:03:40in you and I believe in the men and

1:03:41women of Tallahassee Fire Department

1:03:43with my whole heart.

1:03:44>> Thank you for your service.

1:03:45>> Thank you.

1:03:46>> Robert.

1:03:49Welcome to the party.

1:03:50>> [laughter]

1:03:52>> Thank you, Mayor. [clears throat]

1:03:54Thank you, Commissioners. City Manager,

1:03:56Jim Manville, also.

1:03:57As you mentioned, I I would like to take

1:03:59a moment to

1:04:00uh

1:04:01step back and remind us how how we

1:04:03arrived at this point. And if you'll

1:04:05bear with me,

1:04:08it's it's about a You mentioned decades.

1:04:11We've actually been paid by the county

1:04:13for 76 years.

1:04:16The first two terms were for $3,000 for

1:04:18a handful of years, $12,000 for another

1:04:21handful of years. And and that was

1:04:24declared by the state. Since that time,

1:04:27we did we have followed memos of

1:04:29understanding and then interlocal

1:04:31agreements and that's where we are now.

1:04:33Those interlocal agreements have been

1:04:35amended six times as you're aware. Most

1:04:38recently effective October 1st, 2023

1:04:42for 2024

1:04:43through 2028 rates.

1:04:46Those rates

1:04:49were established prior to the collective

1:04:51bargaining agreement that was approved

1:04:54by the city commission in October of

1:04:562024.

1:04:58With that agreement, with the

1:05:00recognition of the additional needs for

1:05:01staffing,

1:05:03the the promise of a Southside fire

1:05:06station 17,

1:05:08we noticed the county January 1st, I'm

1:05:11sorry, January 14th, 2025

1:05:14and let them know that the that the

1:05:16rates that we had in place would not be

1:05:19sufficient for the subsequent 3-year

1:05:21period of the original 5-year period.

1:05:24Um, the city and county then agreed to

1:05:26jointly commission an updated rate

1:05:28study. That rate study was completed in

1:05:31May of 2025.

1:05:33Uh, the study applied the existing

1:05:35assessment methodology to updated costs

1:05:37including firefighter compensation, new

1:05:40staffing for fire station 17, which are

1:05:42now within the the busiest five

1:05:44stations, equipment capital needs, and

1:05:47then the the borrowing for fire station

1:05:4917. Um,

1:05:52that uh

1:05:53you know, despite jointly commissioning

1:05:56the study and working closely with staff

1:05:58at the county,

1:05:59uh, they the county acknowledged that

1:06:01certain cost increases including the

1:06:03additional collective bargaining

1:06:04expense. Uh,

1:06:06you know, they accepted those but then

1:06:08rejected others included revised funding

1:06:10estimates for fire station 17.

1:06:13Um, and as well as some questions about

1:06:15debt service payments where we had

1:06:16accelerated some some refinancing.

1:06:20Uh, in Septe- in Septem- in September of

1:06:222025,

1:06:24the city adopted an increased fiscal

1:06:26year 26 rates for properties within city

1:06:28limits so that we could continue the

1:06:30level of service uh directed by the city

1:06:32commission uh, while the county

1:06:34maintains it maintained its existing

1:06:36rates

1:06:37uh without collective bargaining

1:06:39bargaining or the salaries of the new

1:06:41fire station

1:06:42of the new salaries or the fire station

1:06:45on the south side.

1:06:46Uh, the city then provided notice they

1:06:48would not renew the interlocal agreement

1:06:50following the expiration of the current

1:06:52term, September 30th, 2028, and then the

1:06:56remaining contractual issues continue to

1:06:58be disputed.

1:07:02I have to say that when the news broke

1:07:04of the Banish report, um, I was puzzled

1:07:07um, and then very upset also.

1:07:09Um,

1:07:09>> Uh I was not concerned because, uh,

1:07:13I know the finances of the fire

1:07:14department. Uh, they ask and manage the

1:07:17resources to the utmost degree.

1:07:20Uh, if we had a $20 million hole, uh,

1:07:23that would have been addressed

1:07:25sooner than later.

1:07:27Um,

1:07:28uh, we know that the fire department's

1:07:29properly resourced,

1:07:31um,

1:07:32and that it is coming from, uh,

1:07:34resource management, from financial

1:07:36services, from customer billing. It's

1:07:38supported by annual financial reports

1:07:40and audits. And, uh, the findings that

1:07:43are in the Benesch report, uh, are

1:07:45flawed and overstated by the $21.2

1:07:48million.

1:07:49Uh, they arrive at the 15.8 minus

1:07:5321.2

1:07:54million dollars, and we believe the

1:07:56actual differences are zero dollars

1:07:58based on,

1:07:59um, misunderstanding of accounting.

1:08:02Uh, they've reflected the unpaid school

1:08:05board fees in triplicate.

1:08:08There's incomplete analysis and faulty

1:08:10math. When they look at the two years of

1:08:13the first two years of a rate study,

1:08:16they take, uh,

1:08:18an amount and say that that's a loss

1:08:20when the subsequent three years make up

1:08:23for that difference.

1:08:25And then there's just a flawed

1:08:26methodology.

1:08:28Uh, the report admits that, uh, there's

1:08:30no CPAs on staff, uh, at at Benesch. And

1:08:33and the the list of the information that

1:08:35they put in the report of what they

1:08:37relied on is incomplete. So, they they

1:08:40were beginning with one hand tied behind

1:08:42their back. And I'll go into each one of

1:08:44these details, uh, in in more, in more

1:08:47detail.

1:08:49So, again, the assertion that, uh, $15.8

1:08:51million to $21.2 million,

1:08:53uh, is is, uh, includes an extrapolation

1:08:56error.

1:08:57Uh,

1:08:58they have, uh, taken a write-off for the

1:09:01Leon County School Board, uh, which has

1:09:03been reported in in their report at $4.5

1:09:06million, which is actually $6.4 million.

1:09:09They've taken that and applied it to

1:09:11fiscal year 24 and fiscal year 2025 as

1:09:14lost revenue. So, there's an

1:09:16overstatement by $6 million there.

1:09:19They've also then

1:09:21acknowledged the unpaid bills by the

1:09:24school board, but they've

1:09:26included that as lost revenue.

1:09:28So, already we've taken the same amount

1:09:31and amount approximately the same and

1:09:33and doubled it.

1:09:34And then what we see also is then when

1:09:36they look at the phase and timing, they

1:09:38looked at the first 2 years and assumed

1:09:41the escalated rates that are going to go

1:09:44up over time the first 2 years because

1:09:47they were at their lowest point wouldn't

1:09:49recover as much money in the subsequent

1:09:51years and that's just wrong and I'll

1:09:52show I'll demonstrate that in a minute.

1:09:54And then lastly, we did have the

1:09:56recognition of the unpaid school board

1:09:59fees, those were for 5 years. I'll also

1:10:02go into some more detail of why those

1:10:05aren't as impactful as as mentioned

1:10:07here.

1:10:12So, the $3.8 million loss that's

1:10:14mentioned,

1:10:16you know, it's they assert that it's a

1:10:18loss. What we're showing here is

1:10:21Ben Benashe's 2-year window in 24 and

1:10:2525. You'll see the 5-year average as a

1:10:28dotted line across

1:10:31across the graph there. The 5-year

1:10:33average is what the county implemented.

1:10:36What the city implemented was an

1:10:37escalating rate over time. The very

1:10:40simple definite difference is we could

1:10:43implement an escalated rate over time to

1:10:46arrive at the same amount because we

1:10:47bill on utility bills.

1:10:50The average rate

1:10:52was used so that the county had the

1:10:54choice to advertise once rather than

1:10:57every five years on their property tax

1:11:00bills.

1:11:01When you look at the two-year window

1:11:03where they did the calculation of the

1:11:04$3.8 million loss represented by the

1:11:07light orange

1:11:09and the dark orange being the loss, as

1:11:12you look over the subsequent years,

1:11:13fiscal year '26, '27, '28, the dark blue

1:11:18is where we would have been and the

1:11:20light blue is what we would have

1:11:21collected additionally to balance over

1:11:23the five years.

1:11:25These discussions between city and

1:11:27county staff

1:11:29um

1:11:30agreed to this approach and and we're

1:11:34we're well understood.

1:11:36Um lastly, the you know, the 3.8 below

1:11:38the average that's defined as lost

1:11:40revenue

1:11:42um is recovered in the subsequent years.

1:11:45The full cost recovery of a five-year

1:11:47average rate is the same as an escalated

1:11:50rate over that five years and again was

1:11:52just based on a choice of how the

1:11:54billing systems worked. Uh utility

1:11:56billing, we could do it annually. Uh the

1:11:58city property tax bills were required

1:12:00notice annually and they wanted the

1:12:02average rate uh rather than having to go

1:12:04out uh and noticing on an annual basis.

1:12:09Another aspect of the report that was

1:12:10not acknowledged was that rates and

1:12:13actual collections aren't always the

1:12:16same and so when we look at collections,

1:12:19our collections meet or exceed plan

1:12:22revenue. Uh there's been the statement

1:12:24that we collect 88 cents on the dollar

1:12:27uh and the county collect 98 cents on

1:12:29the dollar from property tax bills, just

1:12:32not accurate. Uh the 88 cents on the

1:12:35dollar considers this $20 million as a

1:12:38loss and so recalculates our our our

1:12:41rate of return.

1:12:43Our rate of return over $600 million in

1:12:46annual collections for all of our

1:12:47utilities is at 98.7%.

1:12:51Uh less than .03

1:12:54.003%

1:12:56uh uh uh

1:12:57uh hundreds of a percent uh difference

1:12:59in collections. And when you look at

1:13:01this graphic, what we're showing is the

1:13:03phase rates in the dark blue over time.

1:13:06We're showing the actual uh uh

1:13:09receipts and and revenues uh for the

1:13:12fire services fees in dark green, and in

1:13:15each case they they outpace

1:13:18uh the estimated or phase rates that we

1:13:20put into place. And then as we

1:13:23implemented the rate adjustment, that

1:13:25amount uh that's only applied to city

1:13:27residents is in light blue and um re-

1:13:31represents about $3.6 million that we're

1:13:35not collecting from county residents uh

1:13:38as we move through these last 3 years,

1:13:40and yet still providing the level of

1:13:42service that the chief is committed to.

1:13:45So the uh the actual uh the the

1:13:48estimated amounts are in light green. Uh

1:13:51we expect those to be well above what

1:13:53what rates we've set uh and what uh what

1:13:55collections Benesch claims to uh have

1:13:58identified.

1:14:00So in in summary, Benesch ignores

1:14:02actuals uh or or doesn't mention in the

1:14:04report. Uh the fiscal year 26 rate

1:14:07adjustment keeps fire services at full

1:14:10cost recovery based on a revised cost

1:14:12for city residents. We we support the

1:14:14firefighter contracts, the staffing uh

1:14:17needs, and the fire station 17

1:14:19construction.

1:14:21As far as lost or new revenue,

1:14:23it's a subtle statement to say that had

1:14:27we had an additional

1:14:30amount of monies in '24 and '25, that

1:14:34could have paid for additional costs in

1:14:37'26, '27, '28. All it would have done is

1:14:40put us in an even bigger hole in '24 and

1:14:43'25. We we wouldn't have been able to

1:14:46make up the difference, and so again,

1:14:48it's a logical fallacy to say that

1:14:50there's lost revenues that if the county

1:14:53found them, that would take care of any

1:14:55deficits. We're not in a deficit

1:14:57position.

1:14:58Any lost revenues or new revenues would

1:15:00just go back into reserves in the fund.

1:15:02Um and and

1:15:05and the and the and the financial status

1:15:07is sound.

1:15:08Uh another finding that Benesch

1:15:11elaborated on is they looked at three

1:15:14accounts and then drew conclusions from

1:15:17those three accounts

1:15:19for 120,000

1:15:21active utility accounts on city bills.

1:15:24Um

1:15:25you know, staff at the city

1:15:28processes 1.3 million bills a year.

1:15:31They're screened daily for exceptions.

1:15:34Uh we have eight field auditors who

1:15:36verify charges on site. Um you recall

1:15:40that as we went through the process, we

1:15:41identified

1:15:43the the churches and how they were

1:15:45billed, and they identified the

1:15:47sanctuary area of the community with the

1:15:51city attorney's assistance. We updated

1:15:53that that resolution, changed the

1:15:55definition so it could be more precise,

1:15:58and then 200-plus church accounts were

1:16:00reviewed after the fiscal year 26

1:16:03change.

1:16:04This is the type of effort that we've

1:16:05had with the county, and going through

1:16:07this process is that as we identify

1:16:09these issues, we make corrections to

1:16:11those issues.

1:16:13We've got over 45 customer operation

1:16:15staff supporting the fire

1:16:17billing.

1:16:18I'm behind on my

1:16:20on my clicker, but

1:16:22again, I repeat that we've got 98 over

1:16:2498% collected versus the 95% required in

1:16:28the interlocal agreement, and the 88%

1:16:31just relies upon the incorrect

1:16:33information that was presented in the

1:16:34Benesch report. Uh

1:16:37I'll mention again that we've got

1:16:38citywide checks and balances.

1:16:40We've got 20 CPA-led financial We We

1:16:43have CPA-led financial reporting to GAAP

1:16:46and GASB standards. Uh, we've got 20

1:16:49accountants on staff certified as a

1:16:52certified government financial managers.

1:16:54Um, we we've got annual independent

1:16:57citywide financial audits, inspect

1:16:58Inspector General risk-based reviews,

1:17:01and then outside rate and legal

1:17:03specialists that that City Manager Jim

1:17:05Montville mentioned.

1:17:07Uh, I'll mention these are all online.

1:17:09We're We're totally transparent in in

1:17:12every area of this regard and and and

1:17:14this information's available and and

1:17:17you know, I'll observe that had we seen

1:17:20a draft of this report, we would have

1:17:22worked to

1:17:23uh, correct inaccuracies. We would have

1:17:26worked through through details.

1:17:28Uh, we did receive one call that asked

1:17:30for clarification on the airport and

1:17:34what its payment was.

1:17:36And I'll get into where where government

1:17:39how how we charge government and why we

1:17:40charge government in that way. Um, so

1:17:43Vaness billing assertions are

1:17:45misunderstood accounting, incomplete

1:17:47analysis,

1:17:49flawed methodology, and extrapolation

1:17:50errors.

1:17:53And the last area that I'll cover is

1:17:55school board fees that were mentioned.

1:17:58There are 27 schools in city limits.

1:18:03There are 11 schools in unincorporated

1:18:05Leon County. Uh, when we went through

1:18:07the process of

1:18:10evaluating unpaid bills, it was a

1:18:12five-year process. Uh,

1:18:14we give great latitude to our customers

1:18:16in working through payment plans and

1:18:19alternatives so that they can

1:18:20participate in the services that we

1:18:22have. Bent over backwards during

1:18:24hurricanes to make sure that we weren't

1:18:26cutting people off or

1:18:28not having them

1:18:29in a position to pay their bills.

1:18:31So, this five-year process of working

1:18:33with the school board to see how we

1:18:35could come about in paying for

1:18:37fire coverage.

1:18:39Um, That's not acknowledged in in the

1:18:41report in that we it's a shared

1:18:44responsibility by by both the city and

1:18:46by the county.

1:18:47You know, the government the

1:18:50the amount that's charged to government

1:18:53the state local

1:18:56school district it's about 12% of the

1:18:59calls that are that have been

1:19:01identified. If we apply the rate to the

1:19:04total square footage of all of those

1:19:06properties, we would over collect and

1:19:08therefore that's why there's a

1:19:10difference in what their square footage

1:19:12is and what they're paying.

1:19:14And this originates with the original

1:19:17fee study where we identified that 12%

1:19:19and what the rate could be. It's a $2.67

1:19:23for the county. It's a $2.89.

1:19:27I'm sorry.

1:19:28.289

1:19:30cents

1:19:31for the city per square foot. .267 per

1:19:35square foot for the county. Had

1:19:38we would have had a number that was so

1:19:39infinitesimal to collect the amount to

1:19:42cover that 12% that it wouldn't have

1:19:44been computed. And so what we did was

1:19:46apportioned it across the government.

1:19:48And again, that was that was

1:19:51eyes wide open with with the county

1:19:53involved at the table with our experts

1:19:56at Neighbors

1:19:58to affirm that that was legal and and

1:20:01with our rate study consultants also.

1:20:04A question came up yesterday when we

1:20:06then wrote off as uncollectible the

1:20:09school board fees. The question was are

1:20:11reserves appropriate? Were reserves

1:20:13appropriate to use for that? So having

1:20:15worked through that for 5 years

1:20:18on a payment plan alternative fee plan,

1:20:22you know, we met the limit to carry it.

1:20:24And so we brought to you in December the

1:20:26recommendation to use those reserves.

1:20:28It sure would have been high on our

1:20:31list of things to accomplish in the next

1:20:34rate study now that we know what the

1:20:37what the apportion of the unpaid

1:20:39revenues are.

1:20:42I know that's a lot of information. I

1:20:44know it's

1:20:46it's it's it's complicated but very

1:20:48simple also

1:20:51and so I'll I'll hold here and and and

1:20:53thank you for your attention and and see

1:20:54if you have any questions.

1:20:55>> Questions. Mayor Pro Tem.

1:20:57>> Thank you.

1:20:59Mr. Mayor.

1:21:01Robert, first of all rhetorical

1:21:03question, who the hell is Benesh?

1:21:07Who in the hell is that to bring

1:21:10information like that to the county

1:21:13commission, no cooperation with staff or

1:21:16consulting with our staff to get this

1:21:20same information that's available to

1:21:22anyone in the public who wishes to

1:21:25access it. I'm I'm I want somebody to

1:21:30answer that question at some point. Um

1:21:33but

1:21:36were you consulted? Was anyone from our

1:21:40staff, Madam City Manager, consulted by

1:21:44even Benesh or anyone from the county

1:21:47before this false information was made

1:21:50available to the public? I want to know

1:21:52that.

1:21:53>> No, sir.

1:21:54>> I didn't think so.

1:21:56So they produced a report of this nature

1:22:01with all with all of this false

1:22:04information misleading the public on how

1:22:07we had handled uh these issues as a

1:22:11city.

1:22:13I

1:22:15Maybe somebody will answer and I hope

1:22:18I hope that our local media will report

1:22:22what they've heard today

1:22:25and and and and educate the public

1:22:28because a lot of them have been misled

1:22:32by what was put out there before it was

1:22:34even confirmed.

1:22:37I hope that our local media will report

1:22:40what what has been presented here this

1:22:42morning.

1:22:44Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1:22:45>> You're welcome.

1:22:46Uh, any questions, comments?

1:22:47Commissioner Porter.

1:22:49>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Robert,

1:22:50for the presentation.

1:22:53As you said, it's it's extremely

1:22:55complicated. It's it's and I also

1:22:58understand your position. It's also

1:23:00simple in other ways

1:23:02and extremely serious. There's the

1:23:05city's position.

1:23:07We have this report from the county.

1:23:10Um,

1:23:11complicated by ongoing legal

1:23:13proceedings.

1:23:14I think where where I am at is

1:23:20if the city has done nothing wrong,

1:23:23let's prove it. If the city has made

1:23:25mistakes, let's find out and address

1:23:28that. So, what I know that there's no

1:23:31recommended action other than to accept

1:23:34the report and I will make a motion to

1:23:36accept the report. But, additionally, I

1:23:39wanted to see if there is interest in

1:23:41having the Inspector General come back

1:23:44to us with an item for options to be

1:23:47considered for how to structure an audit

1:23:51of the Fire Services Fund if we were to

1:23:54go in that direction. I think that

1:23:56residents have a right to know what's

1:23:59going on in an independent fashion and I

1:24:02also think that a brand new commission

1:24:03that has not gone through this for the

1:24:05past 2 years, um, would want that

1:24:08information. So, that is that is where

1:24:11where I'm at.

1:24:13>> All right, let me take a break real

1:24:14quick. Let's go to public comment and

1:24:16then we'll continue the conversation

1:24:17because we're getting more into

1:24:18discussion. So, public comment.

1:24:20>> Thank you, Mayor. We have speaker on the

1:24:22item, Stanley Sims.

1:24:25>> Name and address for the record, please.

1:24:26You have 3 minutes.

1:24:40>> Name is

1:24:42>> [clears throat]

1:24:43>> My name is Stanley Sims.

1:24:45I'm at 1320 Avondale Way.

1:24:49The proud father of a firefighter.

1:24:53Also,

1:24:54I'm very, very proud

1:24:58of our firefighters.

1:25:01And I'm proud of them not by what

1:25:04people say,

1:25:06but I'm proud of you of the experiences

1:25:09that you have done with me

1:25:13coming to my rescue having heart issues.

1:25:18This is a not about

1:25:20you guys.

1:25:22This ain't about you.

1:25:25Everybody knows,

1:25:27even the city and the county says that

1:25:29you do a damn good job.

1:25:33The problem,

1:25:35ego.

1:25:38Ego is the problem.

1:25:42But with this problem, who suffers?

1:26:11Now, this is not the National Enquirer.

1:26:14This is not Tallahassee Democrat.

1:26:17This is an elected county official.

1:26:46If that's not what this is about,

1:26:49then why can't we have some grown-ups?

1:26:53It's very challenging to me. It's It's

1:26:55It's very challenging to me, and I'm 60

1:26:58years old, to understand

1:27:01why adults

1:27:05adults

1:27:07And this is a public safety issue.

1:27:16People lives are on the line, not your

1:27:21ego.

1:27:22>> 30 seconds.

1:27:28>> Let's stop the games. I hope November

1:27:313rd bring us some adults,

1:27:35and the children will leave the room.

1:27:38Our next speaker, please.

1:27:40>> That was the only speaker on this item.

1:27:41>> All right.

1:27:42>> Your time is up. Your time is up. Your

1:27:45time is up. Please sit down. Your time

1:27:47is up. Your time is up, and you are out

1:27:50of order.

1:27:52We are in recess.

1:28:02In the order?

1:28:03Ladies and gentlemen, apologize we had

1:28:05to take a quick recess to

1:28:07reset, but not surprised. It's a good

1:28:09meeting. Here we go. Our next public

1:28:12speaker, please. Mr. Clark, I believe

1:28:14that was the only one he said. Madam

1:28:15Attorney, can you look over to see?

1:28:17>> Yes, I don't see anything else.

1:28:19>> All right, we'll go back into uh

1:28:21discussion on the item.

1:28:23Questions, comments.

1:28:25I'll jump right in. Robert, will you

1:28:27come join me at the podium?

1:28:34Thank you so much for the wonderful

1:28:36presentation. In the eight years that

1:28:38I've had the opportunity to serve with

1:28:39you, sir, I got to tell you that's

1:28:40probably the most upset I've ever seen

1:28:42you.

1:28:43>> [laughter]

1:28:43>> And you kept it under wraps.

1:28:45>> I told him he did it without cussing.

1:28:48>> [laughter]

1:28:49>> That report

1:28:51um

1:28:52if you would like to call it a report

1:28:54>> Mhm.

1:28:55>> um was quite interesting. Robert, you

1:28:58started off by saying, "How many

1:29:00certified

1:29:02government finance accountants do we

1:29:04have on staff on your team?"

1:29:07>> On my team, we've got one CPA and one

1:29:11certified government finance officer.

1:29:14On the financial services team, we've

1:29:16got 20 that are either CPAs or certified

1:29:19government finance officers.

1:29:21>> Collectively, if you take

1:29:24your experience and their experience

1:29:26combined, would you say that's over 100

1:29:29years of professional experience

1:29:31not only in local governments, but in

1:29:33the city of Tallahassee in particular?

1:29:35>> That's that's a safe estimate, yes.

1:29:36>> Robert, how many years in a row has your

1:29:39department been recognized on a national

1:29:41level for excellence and transparency?

1:29:44>> Uh 41 years.

1:29:46>> 41 years in a row with over 100 years of

1:29:48professional experience

1:29:50of people that are true certified

1:29:53government government finance officers

1:29:56accountants.

1:29:58How many times did this uh organization

1:30:03reach out to you for consultation

1:30:06uh outside of some phone call they

1:30:08placed about the airport. Um

1:30:11>> That's the only one I'm aware of.

1:30:14>> And correct me if I'm wrong, did you say

1:30:16that no one within the organization that

1:30:18produced that report

1:30:22is an accountant?

1:30:23>> Uh that that's their their presentation

1:30:26in in the report itself. They're

1:30:28economists,

1:30:30planners,

1:30:31financial advisors, and GIS specialists.

1:30:35>> Let alone they're not even government

1:30:38finance officer accountant certified.

1:30:42>> Correct. Not that I'm aware of.

1:30:44>> Chief, how many members of the

1:30:46Tallahassee Fire Department from you all

1:30:49the way down to the newest hire? Remind

1:30:52me, you said it earlier, 320?

1:30:55327?

1:30:57Collectively, if you took every member

1:31:00of the Fire Department, how many years

1:31:02of service, sir, do you think? I mean,

1:31:04are we talking 500 years of service

1:31:07to the city of Tallahassee with

1:31:09expertise?

1:31:18>> [laughter]

1:31:20>> A lot.

1:31:21>> A lot.

1:31:21>> A lot.

1:31:22>> Chief, how many times

1:31:24>> 3,207.

1:31:25>> How many times did this organization,

1:31:27since they're talking about you and the

1:31:30Fire Department, how many times did this

1:31:32organization reach out to you in regards

1:31:36to the study that they did

1:31:38and the day-to-day operations of how we

1:31:40manage a fire department? How many times

1:31:43did they sit down with you to discuss

1:31:46their findings and and what they were

1:31:48talking about in the report?

1:31:49>> We didn't meet with this company. We

1:31:51haven't had any conversation with them.

1:31:53>> Okay, so this organization that the

1:31:55county contracted never once reached out

1:31:58to Robert or anyone on our team except

1:32:00for a clarifying phone call about the

1:32:02airport, never once reached out to the

1:32:04actual chief or the fire department at

1:32:07all. Madam Manager,

1:32:09how many senior staff members do we have

1:32:12in your office? Um

1:32:14in in what? About a dozen up there?

1:32:17Collectively, when we add up your years

1:32:19of experience, are we talking what? 200

1:32:21years or so?

1:32:22>> At least.

1:32:22>> At least 200. How many times did this

1:32:25organization reach out to you to sit

1:32:27down to talk about the fire station that

1:32:30you are the city manager over?

1:32:32>> Nobody contacted me.

1:32:33>> Not once?

1:32:33>> Not once.

1:32:34>> Madam Attorney, was there any legal

1:32:36counsel that called to

1:32:38to sit down and talk to you about some

1:32:40of the legal issues that they are

1:32:43accusing the city of?

1:32:44>> Not from this organization, no.

1:32:46>> I mean, let's be clear, too. It's my

1:32:47understanding that yesterday the county

1:32:49commissioners actually accused the city

1:32:51of fraudulent activity, right? So, if

1:32:53this came out of that report, how many

1:32:55times did they call you?

1:32:58>> They did not call me about the content

1:33:00of the

1:33:00>> Okay, the content of this report. Jim,

1:33:02we'll let you play. Did they call you?

1:33:04>> [laughter]

1:33:05>> I'm going to go with no, sir.

1:33:07>> Uh is is Dennis Sutton or any member

1:33:10Auditor General, will you please come

1:33:11down? Let's make sure this is on the

1:33:12record cuz I'm pretty hot right now.

1:33:14>> You and me both.

1:33:21>> Now, when we talk about the operations

1:33:23of the fire department and to get to

1:33:24Commissioner Porter's

1:33:26point, which I think is a strong point

1:33:28to be made, isn't it true? Don't we do

1:33:30an outside audit on our fire department

1:33:33on a regular basis?

1:33:35>> Annually, we have an annual financial

1:33:36statement audit.

1:33:37>> I'm sorry, I didn't hear that correctly.

1:33:38An annual financial statement audit that

1:33:41takes place

1:33:42>> statement audit by an external CPA firm.

1:33:45>> A by an external CPA firm. And I am sure

1:33:48that this organization called you for a

1:33:50copy of not just the past years, but the

1:33:52past 5 years

1:33:55audit?

1:33:55>> We we did not receive any communication

1:33:57from you.

1:33:57>> You have not received a single bit of

1:33:59communication. Dennis, you are

1:34:00recognized as one of the best in the

1:34:02industry. Between you and your team, how

1:34:04many years of professional experience

1:34:07uh are represented in the Auditor

1:34:09General Inspector General's office?

1:34:11>> In In our small office, we have well

1:34:13over 100 years.

1:34:14>> Well over 100 years. Collectively

1:34:16between management, Robert's office, the

1:34:19fire department, Jim's office, Amy's

1:34:22office, and your office, probably well

1:34:24over 1,000 years of professional

1:34:26experience at the city of Tallahassee

1:34:29alone. Nationally recognized as one of

1:34:32the best And oh, by the way, Robert,

1:34:34wasn't the city of Tallahassee just

1:34:36recognized as the most efficiently run

1:34:39city government in the state of Florida

1:34:42out of 411 municipalities in top 20 out

1:34:46of 19,500

1:34:49local governments across the United

1:34:50States?

1:34:51>> Yes, Mayor.

1:34:52>> We are the most efficiently run. We

1:34:54audit our program on an annual basis. We

1:34:58have got nationally recognized talent

1:35:00that is truly certified

1:35:04in finances, specifically to the fire

1:35:06service fee, and how we run our

1:35:08department. And we got a report that

1:35:11came out literally

1:35:13leading county commissioners to thinking

1:35:16that there is illegal activity going on

1:35:18in City Hall.

1:35:20And they did not reach out to you once,

1:35:23you once, you, you, you, or you once.

1:35:28>> Once.

1:35:30Correct.

1:35:31>> I rest my case. I'm not spending any

1:35:33more time on this junk that's coming out

1:35:36of the county, and I am disappointed

1:35:40in the behavior of certain county

1:35:41commissioners, including the chairman,

1:35:43for gaslighting this community on false

1:35:47narratives.

1:35:49We expect better as a city of

1:35:51Tallahassee. Yes, this is a big issue.

1:35:56But this is not a way to come

1:35:59to an agreement to move forward.

1:36:02Robert, I apologize that you and your

1:36:04team even had to spend time

1:36:08looking at this report. Quite honestly,

1:36:11if it was up to me,

1:36:13there is a governing board, I am sure,

1:36:16that they would report to this

1:36:17organization, and they should be

1:36:19reported.

1:36:20>> Mhm.

1:36:20>> Just like if there was an attorney that

1:36:23gave bad legal advice, there's the

1:36:24Florida Bar that you could file a

1:36:26complaint.

1:36:27But this is serious what is being

1:36:30peddled over there.

1:36:32And I hope that by having this hearing,

1:36:34not only are we clearing it up for the

1:36:38great people of the city of Tallahassee

1:36:39and Leon County, that we're setting the

1:36:42record straight, but we can truly move

1:36:45on from this point forward. Robert, I

1:36:48don't have any more questions. I

1:36:49appreciate it.

1:36:50>> Let me see if my colleagues do.

1:36:51Commissioner Matlow, you have the floor.

1:36:52>> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1:36:54Uh

1:36:57Seems the only thing we've accomplished

1:36:58on fire services is how loud we shout

1:37:01across the street at at each other. Uh I

1:37:03want to thank the fire chief for for the

1:37:05report today. I think you've done an

1:37:06exceptional job of looking at what the

1:37:09city commission direction has been and

1:37:11where we would go and what that would

1:37:12look like. Uh fantastic, great work. Uh

1:37:15I do have concern over what this looks

1:37:18like financially and operationally,

1:37:20particularly if we don't end up uh being

1:37:23able to maintain fire station 15 serving

1:37:25the Summerbrooke area, how that's going

1:37:27to cost the

1:37:29existing city rate payers, what all how

1:37:31we are going to maintain the workforce

1:37:33that we have today without the 10-12

1:37:35million dollars um from the county.

1:37:37That's the conversation I would like to

1:37:38be having. Um it seems what we're doing

1:37:41is just having political disputes at the

1:37:43dais, and I don't think it's productive

1:37:46uh for anyone, but what I do know, and

1:37:48I'm not going to dwell on any of the

1:37:49issues today, is because

1:37:52I've been to candidate forums and seen

1:37:54everybody running for city commission,

1:37:57and no matter what happens this election

1:37:58cycle, it seems they're going to be a

1:38:00majority that wants to make a deal with

1:38:03the county to continue a joint service

1:38:05with the city providing fire services. I

1:38:08think that's the reality of where we're

1:38:09going. So, I don't think we need to

1:38:11debate the inner details of what this is

1:38:15now because it's likely going to change

1:38:17in just a few days. Thank you, Mr.

1:38:18Mayor.

1:38:19>> Uh Commissioner Williams-Cox, and then

1:38:21Commissioner Porter, I will come back to

1:38:22you for a motion to simply accept the

1:38:24report as presented.

1:38:26>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1:38:28I want to thank the chief, his staff,

1:38:30everybody who who played a part in this.

1:38:32Robert and your staff will all continue

1:38:35to do the great work. But, I I I have to

1:38:37say this, Commissioner Matlow.

1:38:40We didn't We didn't necessarily start

1:38:41this. We're just responding to what

1:38:45what's out there. And, I you know, when

1:38:48I was growing up, I was bullied as a

1:38:49child. And, till my grandmother told us

1:38:52that if you don't fight back, you're

1:38:54going to have to fight me.

1:38:55And so, I didn't want to fight her, so I

1:38:57had to fight back. So, here's an

1:38:59opportunity where we are trying to make

1:39:01sure that our community knows clearly

1:39:05what the city of Tallahassee is, that

1:39:06we're defending our workforce,

1:39:09we're defending our practices, we're

1:39:12defending the fact that we have all of

1:39:14this experience here that no one took

1:39:16advantage of to make sure that the

1:39:18report that was produced was at least

1:39:21have have two a couple of views

1:39:23their side, our side, and the right

1:39:24side. I just think that

1:39:27if we want to continue to be

1:39:28commissioners or mayors in this city,

1:39:31we've got to be able to defend our

1:39:34workforce, we've got to be able to

1:39:35support our workforce, and when people

1:39:37are putting stuff out there saying

1:39:39things about them that are not true,

1:39:41we've got to call them to the carpet.

1:39:43We've got to do what we did today

1:39:46with facts. Robert didn't shout. Robert

1:39:48gave it gave it to us just like it was.

1:39:51The chief didn't shout. He gave it to us

1:39:52just like just like it was.

1:39:55And I agree with you. There is there

1:39:56does seem to be a lot of political

1:39:57whatever going on, but I hope when this

1:39:59silly season is over, we will return to

1:40:02trying to be a unified city and stop

1:40:04eating our young and stop fighting one

1:40:07another and continue to work together.

1:40:10Now,

1:40:11I appreciate you coming and providing

1:40:14this information. I'm I'm glad we did

1:40:16because the only voice that's been out

1:40:18there is folks across the street who,

1:40:22you know, I don't I don't I don't have

1:40:23anything bad to say about anybody across

1:40:26the street. They're doing whatever they

1:40:27think they need to do. But I think that

1:40:29if you're going to go public with the

1:40:30report, you need to at least talk to the

1:40:33source of the information or at least

1:40:37talk to the people who could possibly

1:40:38help you make sure that the report is a

1:40:40good report because the general public

1:40:43is concerned with dinner table issues,

1:40:46pocketbook issues, gas issues, and the

1:40:49last thing they need to hear is

1:40:51misinformation that then someone has to

1:40:53come behind and correct. And so, what

1:40:56has happened tonight, I believe, is a

1:40:58correction because we have been accused

1:41:02of falsely accused of doing some things

1:41:04to the point where someone's talking

1:41:05about taking us before judge, uh

1:41:07reaching out to the state auditor to

1:41:09audit us. I think that this was

1:41:12necessary. And it needed to happen in

1:41:14the public realm because that's where it

1:41:16occurred on across the street in the

1:41:18public realm. So, this was the

1:41:20opportunity to respond because we were

1:41:23criticized, according to what I read in

1:41:25the paper. We were criticized for not

1:41:27responding.

1:41:29And so, we choose to respond here at the

1:41:31commission meeting, and I think this was

1:41:32the appropriate place to to to that to

1:41:35do that response. So, I thank you for

1:41:37walking through it and as I said to

1:41:39Robert when doing the recess, I would

1:41:41like for this to be and I've said it to

1:41:42the city managers as well, I would like

1:41:44for this to be available out there in

1:41:46the on the public sphere for anyone who

1:41:48wants to get it and to study it, ask

1:41:50questions, do whatever it is that they

1:41:52need to do because what we have provided

1:41:55is what we know. This is the the agency

1:41:58that runs the fire department.

1:42:00So, who better knows how it operates and

1:42:03who pays how it gets paid for than the

1:42:05ones who are running it? We have a

1:42:08interlocal agreement, which means that

1:42:11we have a client.

1:42:13We have a client.

1:42:15And the client apparently thinks that

1:42:18we're doing something that we should not

1:42:19be doing and that has been proven

1:42:22tonight to not be true and I think this

1:42:24was necessary to to put that in in the

1:42:27atmosphere as well. Let the media pick

1:42:29that up. And if the media don't pick it

1:42:31up, we have put our story out there for

1:42:33everyone to understand where we are and

1:42:36what we're doing. I have full faith that

1:42:39you say 76 years we've been we've been

1:42:43providing fire service here in this

1:42:45county. That's older than I am.

1:42:48So, they've been doing this a lot longer

1:42:49than me. And so, I just think that

1:42:53responding here tonight was necessary

1:42:56and it was good trouble because we're

1:42:59trying to clarify

1:43:01and keep our public informed. I heard

1:43:03someone say yesterday

1:43:05in that meeting we're trying to protect

1:43:07our residents. We're trying to That's

1:43:09what we're doing by providing good

1:43:10information, right information so that

1:43:12we can protect our residents and help

1:43:13them to understand that we're doing the

1:43:15right thing.

1:43:17City residents are right now subsidizing

1:43:21because we could not wait, we had to

1:43:23continue to to to do what we were doing

1:43:25to keep things moving so we could

1:43:26provide the quality of service that we

1:43:27were providing. So, the city city

1:43:29residents,

1:43:31be clear.

1:43:32City residents are subsidizing

1:43:35because we were not able to reach

1:43:37agreement with the county.

1:43:39For and I you know, the paper keeps

1:43:41saying 22%. Let's make those real

1:43:43dollars. Less than $5

1:43:47per household per month is what we're

1:43:50talking about. Less than and let's do

1:43:52the math. 5 * 12

1:43:55is 60, right?

1:43:57So, less than $100

1:43:59is what a a a year is what we are having

1:44:03all of this back and forth for. And for

1:44:05our staff

1:44:06to spend the time that they spend to do

1:44:08all of this at the at at you know,

1:44:09calculating the time and effort the

1:44:11labor that was in the resources is more

1:44:14than that.

1:44:15It's more than that. And we still have

1:44:17to deal with a resolution um a dispute

1:44:19resolution, right, Madam Attorney?

1:44:21>> Yes.

1:44:21>> Still got to deal with that. We got

1:44:23outside attorney to do that. That's

1:44:24taxpayer dollars being spent at a law

1:44:26firm to do this.

1:44:28It

1:44:29It's what It was necessary to have this

1:44:31clarification tonight and I appreciate

1:44:33you uh you all taking the time to do it.

1:44:35>> All right, let's move on. Commissioner

1:44:36Porter previously made a motion to

1:44:37accept the report as presented. There's

1:44:39a second by Commissioner Williams-Cox.

1:44:41Any further discussion? Seeing none, all

1:44:43those in favor signify by saying I.

1:44:44>> I.

1:44:45>> I.

1:44:45>> All those opposed, passes unanimously

1:44:475-0. We're on item number 12.02.

1:44:51Madam Manager Oh, Commissioner Porter.

1:44:53>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'll be quick. I

1:44:56did just want to say on the record it's

1:44:58my understanding that the annual audit

1:45:00that we do would is different from what

1:45:03I was proposing

1:45:05um but I will reserve that for our next

1:45:07meeting.

1:45:08>> Okay.

1:45:08>> And see if the new commission is

1:45:10interested.

1:45:11>> 12.02, Madam Manager.

1:45:13>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is

1:45:15seeking your approval to apply for and

1:45:17accept grant funding from the Florida

1:45:19Department of Environmental Protection

1:45:22to support the Alabama Street Gateway

1:45:24Enhancement Project in the Griffin

1:45:26Heights neighborhood. If awarded, this

1:45:28grant will offset costs associated with

1:45:31landscaping enhancements that will

1:45:33approve improve the stormwater

1:45:35treatment. Molly Leveck from UUEPI

1:45:37public infrastructure team is here to

1:45:39make a short presentation.

1:45:40>> Great.

1:45:41Thanks for joining us.

1:45:43>> Of course.

1:45:44>> Mhm.

1:45:50>> So, the grant opportunity before you

1:45:52today is to DEP for non-point source

1:45:56management, which is a fancy way of

1:45:58saying stormwater quality treatment. Um

1:46:01for this project, it is a project in the

1:46:03Griffin Heights neighborhood and is

1:46:05really a smaller part of a much larger

1:46:08project.

1:46:09The larger project is the Alabama Street

1:46:12Gateway Enhancements Project. That was

1:46:15part of the Neighborhood First Plan that

1:46:18the Griffin Heights community put

1:46:19together in the commission adopted in

1:46:222021. A part of that Neighborhood First

1:46:24Plan, the community agreed to enhance

1:46:28key roadways within the community,

1:46:31Alabama Street being one of them.

1:46:33So, for the Gateway Enhancements

1:46:34Project, um the proposal is for

1:46:37bump-outs that serve many purposes. This

1:46:40helps naturally slow traffic down,

1:46:42provides a buffer between the sidewalks

1:46:44and the roadway, and also gives an

1:46:47opportunity to landscape the corridor.

1:46:51In addition to these bump-outs, we are

1:46:53going to propose um crosswalks

1:46:56specifically in the areas of the

1:46:58schools. We got kids commuting to and

1:47:00from Riley Elementary as well as Griffin

1:47:03Middle School. Um there's also uh some

1:47:06sharrows for cyclists, um landscaping,

1:47:09ornamental trees, and decorative

1:47:11lighting.

1:47:13As a

1:47:15subset of this project is the bioswale.

1:47:19This bioswale is proposed to be in front

1:47:21of the Griffin Heights Park, which was a

1:47:23recent project that took a stormwater

1:47:26facility that was fenced in and

1:47:28transformed it into a community space

1:47:31and part is part of the vacant to

1:47:33vibrant program.

1:47:35Um, so the bioswale will be located in

1:47:37front of this park and really adds to

1:47:39the beauty of the corridor as well as

1:47:41the water quality treatment. Roadway

1:47:44water, um, after a storm will be uh

1:47:48uh through the um curb line and into

1:47:50this bioswale where it is then treated

1:47:53through infiltration as well as plant

1:47:55uptake.

1:47:56Um, there will also be educational

1:47:58signage proposed to let the community

1:48:01know um the importance of treatment and

1:48:04the infrastructure around the community.

1:48:07This is an estimate of a $40,000 project

1:48:11with a proposed 50/50 match. So, the

1:48:14proposed um ask for FDEP would be about

1:48:18$20,000.

1:48:21So, in conclusion, we recommend option

1:48:23one to to submit this grant application

1:48:26to the Florida Department of

1:48:27Environmental Protection and happy to

1:48:28answer any questions.

1:48:29>> Excellent presentation.

1:48:31Uh Mr. Clark, do we have any public

1:48:33comment on this item?

1:48:34>> No, sir.

1:48:34>> Move for acceptance.

1:48:35>> Second.

1:48:36>> Been properly moved by Commissioner

1:48:37Williams Cox, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem.

1:48:39Mayor Pro Tem?

1:48:41>> A question of staff.

1:48:43Do you all Have you all made the Griffin

1:48:46Heights

1:48:47neighborhood aware of the kinds of

1:48:51improvements that we're recommending for

1:48:53their neighborhood?

1:48:54>> Yes, sir. We've had um about two public

1:48:57meetings

1:48:57>> Okay.

1:48:58>> and this was part of the checkbook

1:48:59exercise that the um was part of the

1:49:02neighborhood first plan. And so, the

1:49:04community voted on this project um to

1:49:06fund it, one, and then we've had a

1:49:08community meeting um to update the

1:49:10community about the project.

1:49:11>> Okay. And will the match

1:49:14the non-state match, will that come out

1:49:17of the neighborhood

1:49:19first

1:49:20funds, the $6 million

1:49:22or will that be separate from

1:49:26the neighborhood first funding?

1:49:28>> Yes, it would be a part of the already

1:49:29funded project for Alabama Street.

1:49:32>> Okay. And and Mr. Mayor, what I would

1:49:34like to for those who may not know

1:49:37uh the Griffin Heights neighborhood, you

1:49:39can you can I don't have any more

1:49:40questions. The Griffin Heights

1:49:42neighborhood is one of the five

1:49:45uh predominantly African-American

1:49:47neighborhoods that had gone neglected

1:49:50for years

1:49:52uh that we have put an emphasis on as

1:49:55part of our in

1:49:57uh

1:49:58I'm blocking on her name. Looking right

1:50:00at our new director, our new beautiful

1:50:02director.

1:50:03>> Yes.

1:50:04>> Leanne, I'm sorry, Leanne. I'm 70 years

1:50:07old now, so I I want the one thing is I

1:50:10ain't a child.

1:50:12>> [laughter]

1:50:12>> But the second thing is I have some

1:50:13memory issues from time to time. No, I'm

1:50:16kidding. Uh but but what what Leanne and

1:50:20her staff is doing

1:50:22uh with these neighborhoods and the

1:50:24kinds of improvements that we're making,

1:50:27one of the things that uh has always

1:50:30been important to us and me in

1:50:32particular

1:50:33is that regardless of where an

1:50:36individual lives in this city

1:50:40they can be proud of the fact that they

1:50:41live in an all-America city that she has

1:50:46three times been designated now. That's

1:50:48our goal. Uh that's our vision and we're

1:50:52making that happen in five of the

1:50:55predominantly African-American

1:50:56neighborhoods in addition to the

1:50:58Southside action plan that we've adopted

1:51:01and are implementing as well.

1:51:04Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

1:51:05>> Excellent. Motion's been made by

1:51:06Commissioner Williams-Cox. Staff

1:51:08recommendation seconded by the Mayor Pro

1:51:09Tem.

1:51:10Seeing no further discussion, all those

1:51:12in favor by saying aye.

1:51:13>> Aye.

1:51:14>> All those opposed. Passes unanimously

1:51:155-0. We are on item number 12.03 Madam

1:51:18Manager.

1:51:19>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is

1:51:21seeking your approval to apply for and

1:51:23accept grant funding from the US

1:51:25Department of Transportation. If

1:51:27awarded, the grant will provide funding

1:51:28for the Alberta Crate Alb- Alberta

1:51:31Community Resilience Project that

1:51:33includes the replacement of two bridges

1:51:35and enhancements to the stormwater

1:51:37conveyance system to reduce flooding.

1:51:40Again, Molly Leveck is here to make a

1:51:41short presentation.

1:51:44>> Welcome back.

1:51:45>> [laughter]

1:51:45>> Glad to be here.

1:51:47Um so, this grant opportunity is for the

1:51:50Alberta Community Resiliency Project for

1:51:52the Protect Grant. And that stands for

1:51:56Promoting Resilient Operations for

1:51:58Transformative, Efficient, and

1:51:59Cost-Saving Transportation.

1:52:02It's a bit of a tongue twister.

1:52:03So, this project really starts at the

1:52:06Airport Drive Bridge. This bridge was

1:52:08built in 1979 and is nearing the end of

1:52:11its service life. Therefore, City

1:52:13Engineering is planning its replacement.

1:52:17Just upstream is the Jackson Bluff Road

1:52:19Bridge. Built in 1974, this is also

1:52:23nearing its end of service life. And we

1:52:26are also planning for replacement of

1:52:28this bridge as well.

1:52:29Both of these bridges span the Central

1:52:32Drainage Ditch. This is a large ditch,

1:52:35one of four major ditches in the City of

1:52:37Tallahassee that conveys stormwater.

1:52:41Zooming out, you can see the two

1:52:44locations of the bridges, the Airport

1:52:46Drive closer to the bottom, and the

1:52:48Central Drainage Ditch crossing the

1:52:50screen.

1:52:51Towards the top of your screen, you see

1:52:53Stadium Drive and Gain Street. And then

1:52:56on your right, to the east, is Lake

1:52:59Bradford Road.

1:53:01Where Airport Drive crosses Where

1:53:04Airport Drive crosses the Central

1:53:05Drainage Ditch, there is a hydraulic

1:53:08constriction. And that hydraulic

1:53:10constriction means this area floods.

1:53:13The city is well aware of this flooding

1:53:16and has done studies on this project and

1:53:19downstream improvements to help correct

1:53:21this flooding and make it alleviate the

1:53:24flooding.

1:53:25Um

1:53:26through preliminary

1:53:28um stormwater models, we have looked at

1:53:33enhancing the ditch and replacing the

1:53:36two bridges with a box culvert system.

1:53:38The box culvert system would be

1:53:40multi-barrel and would span between the

1:53:42two bridges.

1:53:44Um as you can see in the screen, this

1:53:46replacement would drastically reduce the

1:53:48flooding. You can see the map on the

1:53:50left, the dark blue is severe flooding

1:53:53in the area and the map on the right,

1:53:55you can see that dark blue is

1:53:56significantly limited to those most of

1:53:58those areas are actually water bodies

1:54:00and planned stormwater facilities.

1:54:06So, the foundation of this project

1:54:07really is underground. It is upgrading

1:54:11bridge infrastructure and reducing

1:54:13floodway. These underground improvements

1:54:15pave the way for above-ground

1:54:18improvements that are also

1:54:20uh needed in the area.

1:54:22Um these improvements include taking

1:54:24these roadways, Jackson Bluff Road, Epps

1:54:26Drive, Airport Drive, and transforming

1:54:29them into complete streets. That means

1:54:31wide sidewalks, pedestrian buffers, a

1:54:34safer intersection at Airport Road and

1:54:37Epps Drive, and um an extension of the

1:54:40State Marks Trail East uh connector.

1:54:44So, like I said, the foundation of this

1:54:46project is really flood reduction and

1:54:48upgrading infrastructure. And this is a

1:54:51perfect fit for the protect grant. The

1:54:53main goal of the protect grant is to

1:54:55harden infrastructure and improve

1:54:57resiliency for uh future weather events.

1:55:01The total project cost is estimated to

1:55:04be $48 million

1:55:06and it requires a 20% match. Therefore,

1:55:10the request for the grant is $38.4

1:55:13million. Um

1:55:15By implementing this project, it really

1:55:17fulfills decades worth of planning

1:55:20activities. This is a brown field, so it

1:55:22encourages brown field redevelopment. Um

1:55:25this

1:55:26comes off of some CRTPA intersection

1:55:28studies. This ties into helping improve

1:55:31the flow in the area.

1:55:33Um it fulfills the Greenway master

1:55:35plan's goals and most importantly, this

1:55:38is the last section of the Gain Street

1:55:40revitalization area.

1:55:43This project creates development and

1:55:46redevelopment opportunities by reducing

1:55:48the flood stages, providing multimodal

1:55:51options for transportation, and removing

1:55:54the barriers that have been preventing

1:55:56investment.

1:55:58In conclusion, the staff recommends

1:56:00option one.

1:56:00>> Excellent. Do we have any public comment

1:56:02on this item?

1:56:03>> No, sir.

1:56:03>> Move for acceptance. Second.

1:56:05>> Probably been moved by Commissioner

1:56:07Weems Cox and by the Mayor Pro Tem.

1:56:08Further discussion.

1:56:10Mayor Pro Tem.

1:56:11>> Just a couple of questions again, Molly,

1:56:13for for you. Um has the Alberta

1:56:16neighborhood

1:56:17uh association been involved with this

1:56:20project and know what's coming to their

1:56:23neighborhood since they're not part of

1:56:25our neighborhood first initiative?

1:56:28>> Um the I understand that I believe uh

1:56:30Ms. Watts-Williams has reached out to

1:56:32the Alberta Empire neighborhood and let

1:56:34them be aware of the project.

1:56:35>> Perfect. Perfect. And then, where will

1:56:38the

1:56:39city match come from? How will that be?

1:56:42>> So, staff has identified a few

1:56:44preliminary sources of funding,

1:56:47um but we will go through the um

1:56:50proper budget request process and go

1:56:53through when at the time of

1:56:55uh budget requests.

1:56:56>> Okay. All right. Perfect.

1:56:58>> Commissioner Porter and then

1:56:59Commissioner Williams-Cox.

1:57:00>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Do we know what

1:57:02are the eligible in-kind contributions?

1:57:06>> Um, so those can include, um, staff

1:57:09time.

1:57:10>> Okay.

1:57:10>> And that is usually the main, um,

1:57:12eligible in-kind contribution.

1:57:14>> Okay, thank you. That's all for me.

1:57:15>> Commissioner Williams-Cox.

1:57:16>> I just wanted to say to, uh, Molly, we

1:57:18were together yesterday, uh, looking at

1:57:20another community project that's coming

1:57:22and we talked about timelines because,

1:57:23you know, we, uh, we come to meetings

1:57:25and we we talk about these presentations

1:57:27and look really, really good, but, uh,

1:57:29the timeline or how long it's going to

1:57:31take for these things to happen, I think

1:57:33our public needs to understand that this

1:57:35is not an overnight process. It takes a

1:57:38lot of coordination with, uh, DOT, uh,

1:57:40the county, the, uh, the state, and

1:57:43others who do some of these projects and

1:57:45that, uh, funding, uh, acquiring the

1:57:47necessary funding also, um, the timely,

1:57:50uh, also helps to, uh, get these

1:57:52projects underway. So, we do we At this

1:57:55point, do we have any idea, uh, when

1:57:58this could possibly happen?

1:58:00>> That is a great point cuz it does take a

1:58:02long time to implement these types of

1:58:04projects. Um, so we, our current

1:58:07timeline is by 2029. Our goal would be

1:58:10to, if we, if we receive the grant, um,

1:58:12to execute the agreement with DOT. From

1:58:16then, design would take place from 2029

1:58:18to 2032, and then construction in 2032

1:58:22to 2034. So, it is a large, a large

1:58:26timeline and, uh, because of the federal

1:58:29grants and executions, um, it does it

1:58:32does increase that timeline.

1:58:33>> Okay, thank you. I think it's important

1:58:35for us to let folks know that it could

1:58:38take a little while. And, uh, we also

1:58:40talked about what happens and we we're

1:58:41seeing this in some of the conversations

1:58:43we're having in Blueprint where, uh,

1:58:45when you, when we began, we gave an

1:58:47estimation of what the budget would be,

1:58:49but of course, you don't know what it

1:58:51really is going to cost until

1:58:52construction begins. And uh, by that

1:58:54time so many things have changed and

1:58:57cost of things have gone up. And so

1:58:58that's that's contributing many times to

1:59:01why projects are um

1:59:03often not what we thought they were

1:59:05going to be, you know, 10 years from

1:59:07when we we first said it.

1:59:09>> Yes, and this project the $48 million

1:59:12number does include an inflation

1:59:15estimate, too.

1:59:17>> Thank you.

1:59:18>> All right, motion on the table made by

1:59:19Commissioner Williams, seconded by the

1:59:20Mayor Pro Tem. This is for staff

1:59:21recommendation. All those in favor

1:59:23signify by saying aye. Aye. All those

1:59:25opposed passes unanimously 5-0. We are

1:59:27on item number 12.04, Madam Manager.

1:59:30>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is

1:59:31seeking your approval to apply for and

1:59:33accept grant funding from the US

1:59:35Department of Transportation that will

1:59:37support increased resiliency to our

1:59:39traffic signal infrastructure and

1:59:41support the strategic plan goal for

1:59:43connected and autonomous vehicle

1:59:45capability.

1:59:46As you know, we currently pre-deploy

1:59:49generators to all tier one and certain

1:59:51tier two intersections to power the

1:59:53traffic signals and maintain safe

1:59:55traffic operations. If awarded, the

1:59:57grant would fund the installation of

1:59:59resilient traffic signal cabinets. And

2:00:02we have Josh Hollingsworth, our UEPI

2:00:04Manager of Traffic Operations, and he's

2:00:07here with a presentation.

2:00:08>> All right, Josh.

2:00:09>> All right, good afternoon. I'm glad to

2:00:11be back here again. I actually had the

2:00:12opportunity to brief you guys about 2

2:00:14years ago on the same project. We

2:00:16applied for this resiliency grant at

2:00:18that time. The grant was placed on a

2:00:20hold, so we're just simply wanting to

2:00:22reapply for that same opportunity. Just

2:00:24to give you a kind of brief update, I

2:00:26won't go into as much as I did last time

2:00:28of what this project entails, but it's

2:00:30as Madam Manager mentioned, replacing

2:00:32our traffic signal control cabinets. The

2:00:34picture you have before you on the left

2:00:36side is our existing traffic control

2:00:38cabinet. That is the brain of an

2:00:39intersection, where the controller

2:00:41lives, all the sensors, and all the

2:00:43components that actually drive that

2:00:44traffic light.

2:00:46Right in front of those two cabinets you

2:00:48see the one in the foreground is a

2:00:49battery backup system that is at some

2:00:51locations, about 100 locations around um

2:00:54our area in Leon County. Um but the

2:00:56infrastructure is about 25 to 30 years

2:00:59old. I was in just starting to drive

2:01:01when these cabinets were being put in.

2:01:03>> [laughter]

2:01:03>> I did some math on that. So, uh it's

2:01:05getting a little bit outdated, end of

2:01:06service life. Uh we need to upgrade the

2:01:08equipment. We've been planning to do

2:01:10some upgrades, but we're looking at an

2:01:11opportunity to not only upgrade the

2:01:13equipment, but actually make it more

2:01:15resilient.

2:01:16You can see an example of the cabinet on

2:01:18the right that we're moving toward, and

2:01:19I want to break down the benefits of

2:01:21that in a little bit more detail. So,

2:01:23there's three main components. There's

2:01:25the cabinet itself, the ATC. There's

2:01:27also an uninterruptible power supply,

2:01:29UPS or battery backup system. And

2:01:31there's also a managed field Ethernet

2:01:33switch.

2:01:34So, the benefits of the cabinet, as you

2:01:36can see, is a little bit larger than the

2:01:37previous cabinet, the ones we have

2:01:39today. That gives us space for

2:01:40additional components, so that we can

2:01:42take advantage as technology continues

2:01:44to grow and increase, we have more

2:01:45hardware that has to go inside of our

2:01:47cabinets. So, we need the space to

2:01:48accommodate that. Uh additionally, the

2:01:51the cabinets are smarter, right? There's

2:01:52more diagnostic information, more

2:01:54monitoring capabilities that we have.

2:01:56And so, it's going to give us a more a

2:01:57reliable platform for us to work with uh

2:02:00and reduce the troubleshooting time, so

2:02:03we can reduce that downtime.

2:02:05The second piece is that battery backup

2:02:07system that I mentioned. Uh the idea is

2:02:09that when utility power is cut off to

2:02:11the intersection due to a storm or any

2:02:12sort of power outage, uh that will

2:02:14automatically transfer to a battery

2:02:17backup system. These are designed to run

2:02:194 to 6 hours. Now, we've got a really

2:02:20good electric utility in Tallahassee.

2:02:23When we do have outages, they rarely go

2:02:24beyond 2 hours. So, we expect and

2:02:26anticipate that a 4 to 6-hour run time

2:02:29will be able to last most of the outages

2:02:31that we experience. And when we do have

2:02:33those longer outages like in the larger

2:02:35storm events, we have a heads-up we can

2:02:37go ahead and get those generators put in

2:02:38place uh to kind of keep the signals

2:02:40operational.

2:02:41Uh so, that's going to be a major

2:02:43benefit to keeping our signals

2:02:44operational.

2:02:46And then the last piece is the

2:02:47communications piece. So all of the 365

2:02:50intersections that are in Leon County,

2:02:52they all communicate back to traffic

2:02:54management center so we can monitor

2:02:56what's going on and make real-time

2:02:58adjustments as needed to traffic signal

2:03:00timing when there's incidents and things

2:03:01like that. So we have a great system in

2:03:03place now, uh but when a squirrel gets

2:03:06happy and decides to chew on that fiber

2:03:08and cuts the communication line, we

2:03:10could lose communication to some of

2:03:11those signals. Um this additional switch

2:03:14in the cabinet is going to be more

2:03:15advanced. It gives us more advanced

2:03:17routing capabilities so that we can have

2:03:18redundant paths, potential for cellular

2:03:21backup in some cases. And so that would

2:03:23just give us a reliable communication

2:03:25and ability to reach out and touch and

2:03:27monitor what's going on at the

2:03:29intersections so that we can keep those

2:03:31things working in good operation uh

2:03:33conditions.

2:03:34So what is this going to going to cost?

2:03:36We're looking at it about $26 million

2:03:38to do a complete upgrade of all of the

2:03:40cabinets in Leon County.

2:03:43Of that with an 80/20 uh match and

2:03:45breakout, we're looking at about $5

2:03:46million for the local match. You can see

2:03:49that there are uh different owners of

2:03:51these intersections. So the city

2:03:53operates and maintains the traffic

2:03:54signals, but the state and the county

2:03:57all uh have portions of that that they

2:03:59own. So we've already had communications

2:04:00with our partners and we have agreements

2:04:02in place to be able to uh to

2:04:04proportionally share those uh upgrade

2:04:06requirements from the capital costs. Um

2:04:08the city's portion of that is expected

2:04:10to come out of our uh our capital budget

2:04:13that we've been kind of putting in for

2:04:15uh cuz we need to replace these cabinets

2:04:17anyways. So why not take advantage of

2:04:19some additional funding and get this

2:04:21done in accelerated and get a a better

2:04:22bang for our buck.

2:04:24So with that, our recommendation is that

2:04:26we authorize uh you'd authorize our

2:04:27staff to move forward with the

2:04:28opportunity. Uh that's all that I have

2:04:30and happy to take any questions you may

2:04:32>> Great. Any any um public comment on this

2:04:34item?

2:04:35>> No, sir.

2:04:35>> I got a quick question. Where exactly on

2:04:38the cabinet am I supposed to point my

2:04:41key fob to turn it green?

2:04:44>> [laughter]

2:04:44>> That's right. You you you

2:04:46>> We actually have mayor I should have

2:04:48brought you we've got a a stress ball

2:04:50that you can just squeeze that it does

2:04:52>> Squeeze that. Okay. All right.

2:04:53>> [laughter]

2:04:53>> It changes it eventually.

2:04:54>> All right. All right. All right. Good

2:04:55answer. Good answer.

2:04:57>> Move to the next

2:04:58Probably move

2:05:00Commissioner Williams-Cox about the

2:05:01mayor pro tem. Commissioner Porter.

2:05:03>> Thank you. I just have a few questions.

2:05:05So

2:05:07are

2:05:08these upgrades prioritized by traffic

2:05:11volume, by like where are we

2:05:14prioritizing where they go?

2:05:15>> Sure, that's great great question. So

2:05:17certainly the high volume locations are

2:05:19going to be important ones. Those are

2:05:21also state usually state owned

2:05:23intersections. So we're having to

2:05:24coordinate those priorities with the

2:05:26state's priorities as well since they

2:05:27would be the ones funding some of that

2:05:29capital upgrade.

2:05:30As far as other locations, we're looking

2:05:32at age of the cabinet. Some of those

2:05:34cabinets have been replaced through

2:05:36whether that's attrition or knockdown.

2:05:38So they're newer equipment even though

2:05:39it's an older platform. So we're going

2:05:41to focus on the ones that are the most

2:05:42outdated or the ones that need some of

2:05:44that additional like detection equipment

2:05:46I was mentioning needs to go inside the

2:05:47cabinet. If we have a need for

2:05:49operational improvements, then we want

2:05:51to go ahead and maybe get that cabinet

2:05:52changed out so we can put the additional

2:05:54detection system in and that's going to

2:05:55drive where we put those at.

2:05:57>> Thank you. I see in the item we are

2:06:01estimating about $5.6 million

2:06:04in benefits. Could you

2:06:06delve into that a little bit more where

2:06:08where those benefits are coming from,

2:06:09how we calculate that?

2:06:11>> Sure. Yes, so when the benefits when it

2:06:13comes to these sorts of things is we're

2:06:14looking at reduction in potential for

2:06:16crashes and just operational

2:06:18efficiencies. So what we'll do is we

2:06:20will look at what we think the impacts

2:06:22of a dark traffic signal are from

2:06:24operational standpoint. It's going to

2:06:25slow traffic down. We can then begin to

2:06:28put an estimate on how much people's

2:06:30time's worth sitting in that in that

2:06:32delay. So, we'll use that and compare

2:06:34that also with the cost to come up with

2:06:36with an anticipated benefit cost-benefit

2:06:38analysis with it.

2:06:40>> And And final question, what is the

2:06:41lifespan of these upgrades, these new

2:06:44systems?

2:06:45>> So, we we use between 25 to 30 years,

2:06:48which is about where we are with our

2:06:49current cabinets. Some of the components

2:06:50have different lifespans, but but

2:06:52overall we're going to go with that that

2:06:53number.

2:06:54>> Thank you.

2:06:56>> All right, we have a motion to approve

2:06:57made by Commissioner Williams-Cox,

2:06:58seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem.

2:07:00I I will say that I think traffic

2:07:02management is something we take for

2:07:04granted in this community. Y'all do a

2:07:05tremendous job. You really do. Moving

2:07:08300,000 plus around the community

2:07:10between the county and the city and

2:07:12those that visit in the neighboring

2:07:14I we don't think about it as much and

2:07:16give enough thanks. Y'all do a great

2:07:17job.

2:07:17>> We've got a great team, yes, sir.

2:07:19>> Yep. All those in favor signify by

2:07:20saying aye. Aye. All those opposed,

2:07:23passes unanimously, 5-0. Item 12.05,

2:07:26Madam Manager.

2:07:27>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At your September

2:07:289th meeting, you renamed a portion of

2:07:31West Virginia Street to Doctors R.B. and

2:07:34Gloria P. Holmes Street and further

2:07:36directed staff to bring back an item to

2:07:38recognize the street's historical

2:07:40significance.

2:07:41This item provides an overview of

2:07:43existing historical significance of West

2:07:45Virginia Street in Frenchtown, as well

2:07:48as the current historical markers in the

2:07:50area. This item seeks your approval to

2:07:53direct staff to place a historical

2:07:55marker along Doctors R.B. and Gloria P.

2:07:57Holmes Street in recognition of the

2:07:59historical significance of West Virginia

2:08:02Street. LeAnne Watts-Williams, our

2:08:04Neighborhood Affairs Manager, is here to

2:08:06make a brief presentation on this item

2:08:08and answer any questions.

2:08:09>> Right.

2:08:09>> Thank you, Dr. Jamainneville, and good

2:08:11evening, Mayor, Commissioners, and

2:08:12appointed officials. Again, I am LeAnne

2:08:14Watts-Williams, Manager of the

2:08:16Neighborhood Affairs Division under the

2:08:18leadership of our director, Ashley

2:08:21Edwards, of the Parks, Recreation, and

2:08:23Neighborhood Affairs Department.

2:08:26Thank you for the opportunity to provide

2:08:27you with follow-up information that you

2:08:29requested at your September 9th meeting

2:08:32where you approved a resolution to

2:08:34rename West Virginia Street in

2:08:35Frenchtown to Doctors R.B. and Gloria P.

2:08:39Gloria P. Holmes Street.

2:08:41Following that action, you directed

2:08:43staff to review existing historical

2:08:46preservation efforts and provide a

2:08:49recommendation that recognizes one,

2:08:51Frenchtown's role as a welcoming

2:08:54destination for African-American

2:08:56residents and travelers during

2:08:58segregation, and two, the historic

2:09:01significance of the former West Virginia

2:09:03Street, including the businesses and

2:09:06institutions that contribute to the

2:09:08neighborhood's history.

2:09:10Following commission direction, staff

2:09:13connected with the Riley House to

2:09:15examine artifacts, existing preservation

2:09:18efforts, and resources regarding the

2:09:21historical significance of West Virginia

2:09:24Street and its relationship to the

2:09:26Frenchtown's historic business district.

2:09:29This item seeks commission approval to

2:09:32direct staff to place a historic marker

2:09:34along Doctors R.B. and Gloria P. Holmes

2:09:37Street between North Adams Street to

2:09:40North Copeland Street in recognition of

2:09:42the historical significance of West

2:09:45Virginia Street.

2:09:48Frenchtown's history dates to the

2:09:50reconstruction and Jim Crow area era

2:09:53when formerly enslaved people

2:09:56established homes, businesses, churches,

2:09:59schools, and community institutions in a

2:10:02period when racial segregation

2:10:04segregated access to many

2:10:06establishments.

2:10:08There are records of published creations

2:10:10that illustrate Tallahassee and

2:10:12Frenchtown's impact beyond the immediate

2:10:15neighborhood, showcasing showcasing its

2:10:18importance to African-American travelers

2:10:21as a welcoming destination and

2:10:23well-established tight-knit community

2:10:25that gained a national awareness.

2:10:28Some examples of publications where

2:10:30Frenchtown and Virginia Street were

2:10:31highlighted as a safe place where black

2:10:34motorists could travel comfortably

2:10:36include the Baltimore Afro-American

2:10:40newspaper, the Go Guide to Pleasant

2:10:43Motoring, the Negro Motorist Green Book,

2:10:46and the Travel Guide. Specifically, West

2:10:49Virginia Street served as a focal point

2:10:52of the Frenchtown historic business

2:10:53district and reflected the

2:10:55neighborhood's economic independence,

2:10:57community connections, and cultural

2:10:59vitality.

2:11:03The city's strategic plan and objective

2:11:057.2

2:11:07states that enhance that the City of

2:11:09Tallahassee is committed to enhancing

2:11:11livability and preserving the unique

2:11:13characteristics of neighborhoods.

2:11:16Further, in January 2020, Frenchtown

2:11:19residents, business owners, and other

2:11:21stakeholders developed the Frenchtown

2:11:23Neighborhood First Plan with assistance

2:11:26from the Neighborhood Affairs Division.

2:11:28The plan identified six community

2:11:30priority areas, one being placemaking

2:11:33and neighborhood image, of which this

2:11:35agenda items falls up under.

2:11:37A goal of that priority area includes to

2:11:41enhance the sense of place in the

2:11:42neighborhood by transforming the

2:11:45community and changing the perceptions

2:11:48so that Frenchtown is seen as a historic

2:11:51and vibrant community where all people

2:11:53can enjoy a high quality of life.

2:11:56Once this goal is attained, the outcome

2:11:58will be that Frenchtown is a vibrant and

2:12:01thriving community where residents and

2:12:03visitors alike can enjoy amenities,

2:12:06activities, and events that support and

2:12:08celebrate the neighborhood.

2:12:10The recommended action of this agenda

2:12:12items item aligns with strategy 1.1 and

2:12:171.2 of the priority area. 1.1 being to

2:12:21implement strategic and creative

2:12:23projects that promote the identity of

2:12:25Frenchtown, celebrate its assets, and

2:12:28solidify it as a sense of place.

2:12:31Strategy 1.2, create opportunities to

2:12:34positively promote the neighborhood.

2:12:39Frenchtown has an established foundation

2:12:41of historic recognition and preservation

2:12:44efforts located on the segment of

2:12:46Doctors R.B. R.B. and Gloria P. Holmes

2:12:49Street, formerly West Virginia Street,

2:12:51on the segment between North Adams

2:12:53Street to North Copeland Street. Today,

2:12:56there are four markers located along

2:12:58this segment. In 2001, the James and

2:13:01Dorothy Tooks House National Register

2:13:03Register of Historic Places marker was

2:13:06installed by the National Park Service

2:13:08and recognizes the property's important

2:13:11importance to African-American history.

2:13:14In 2019,

2:13:16Soul Voices Historical Marker number

2:13:18one, Frenchtown Had It All, was

2:13:21installed using funding approved by the

2:13:24city, county, and CRA and celebrates

2:13:27Frenchtown as a thriving

2:13:29African-American community. In 2020,

2:13:32Soul Voices Historical Marker number 13,

2:13:35Commerce and Community, was installed

2:13:38using funding approved by the city,

2:13:40county, and CRA and highlights

2:13:42Frenchtown's vibrant business district

2:13:45and black-owned establishments that

2:13:47supported the community. In 2024, the

2:13:51Tooks House received the installation of

2:13:53a Florida Historic Marker installed by

2:13:56the Florida Department of State and

2:13:57recognizes the property's importance to

2:14:00Florida's cultural heritage. This is

2:14:03where the markers are currently located

2:14:05along this segment.

2:14:07And these recognitions

2:14:09and preservation efforts demonstrate an

2:14:12investment in preserving and sharing

2:14:15Frenchtown's history by documenting the

2:14:17people, businesses, and institutions

2:14:19that shaped the neighborhood. The

2:14:21proposed marker would complement the

2:14:23existing network and provide meaningful

2:14:26distinct historical context.

2:14:30This action

2:14:32This recommended action seeks commission

2:14:35approval to direct staff to place a

2:14:37historic marker along Doctors R.B. and

2:14:41Gloria P. Holmes Street between North

2:14:44Adams Street to North Copeland Street in

2:14:46recognition of the historical

2:14:48significance of West Virginia Street.

2:14:51The marker will preserve a visible

2:14:53connection to the street's former name,

2:14:56align with the Frenchtown Neighborhood

2:14:58First Plan Strategy 1.1 and Strategy 1.2

2:15:02of the Placemaking and Neighborhood

2:15:04Image Priority Area, and complement the

2:15:07existing markers.

2:15:09That concludes my presentation, and if

2:15:11there are any questions, I'm happy to

2:15:12address them. Thank you.

2:15:14>> Excellent. Excellent. Do we have any

2:15:15public comment on this item?

2:15:16>> No, sir.

2:15:17>> All right. Uh Commissioner Williams-Cox.

2:15:19>> I would like to move for staff

2:15:21recommendation.

2:15:22>> Second.

2:15:22>> It's probably moved by Commissioner

2:15:23Williams-Cox, seconded by the Mayor Pro

2:15:25Tem. For comment, Commissioner

2:15:26Williams-Cox.

2:15:27>> Thank you. And thank you, uh Ms.

2:15:28Watts-Williams.

2:15:29Uh after we did last commission meeting,

2:15:32uh she accompanied me to meet with

2:15:34members of the um community, Mrs. Daryl

2:15:37Scott and uh Ms. Maiesha Mitchell. And

2:15:40we had very uh good conversations about

2:15:43some of the things that could uh could

2:15:45occur here, and this was one of the

2:15:47things that they um agreed that would

2:15:49would would help. Uh because, you know,

2:15:51um

2:15:52it's homecoming, and and they're saying

2:15:53that people come come back homecoming

2:15:56and other events, and sometimes because

2:15:58the streets have been renamed, they are

2:16:00they're not able to find the streets

2:16:01that they once knew. So, this will be an

2:16:02opportunity to uh help never forget that

2:16:06um um

2:16:07that all of this was Virginia Street and

2:16:09it's not even you know, we did rename

2:16:11the whole street. There's portions of

2:16:12it. And so having this marker here, I

2:16:14think will help to

2:16:16inform those who will come and for those

2:16:18who are growing up to to um the

2:16:21importance of Virginia Street.

2:16:23>> Thank you.

2:16:24>> Great. Any other comment?

2:16:27Seeing none, all those in favor signify

2:16:28by saying I.

2:16:29>> I.

2:16:29>> All those opposed. Passes unanimously

2:16:315-0. We're on item number 12.06, Madam

2:16:34Manager.

2:16:35>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At your September

2:16:3723rd meeting, you requested an

2:16:38informational item reviewing street

2:16:41renaming practices of other local

2:16:42governments.

2:16:44This item provides an overview of street

2:16:46renaming policies and procedures for

2:16:48other municipalities around the state

2:16:49and region, as well as a summary of our

2:16:52standards for considering the renaming

2:16:54of city streets. Our Growth Management

2:16:57Director, John Reddick, is here to make

2:17:00a very brief presentation and then

2:17:01answer any questions that you

2:17:02>> Great. Mr. Reddick.

2:17:04>> Thank you, Mayor and Commissioners. As

2:17:06the City Manager stated, this is

2:17:09coming at your request previous

2:17:12commission meeting.

2:17:13As you know, for for since May 2024, the

2:17:16City Commission in Tallahassee has had

2:17:18the authority to rename streets,

2:17:20certainly at the commission's

2:17:21discretion, also through city

2:17:23citizen-initiated

2:17:25requests. At

2:17:28in response to to to the request for

2:17:30this agenda item, we looked at a variety

2:17:32of cities.

2:17:34I think the conclusion is that there are

2:17:35no no two cities handle this the same

2:17:37and there's no specific best practices.

2:17:39There are some common areas, especially

2:17:41looking um something we're recognizing

2:17:44what Tallahassee is in size and

2:17:45historical significance, the the cities

2:17:47we looked at to try to recognize ones

2:17:49that had some historical,

2:17:51layers of history,

2:17:53and certainly a certain size threshold

2:17:56>> [clears throat]

2:17:56>> to warrant similar questions that we've

2:17:57managed. I would say the the largest

2:18:00overlaps with what we do are going to be

2:18:02a the the local the city jurisdiction is

2:18:05always going to be in control of of who

2:18:07is renaming

2:18:09streets rather than having say a county

2:18:10authority as we had previously in charge

2:18:13of that. Uh the others being ultimately

2:18:16the city commission or that elected body

2:18:18having control over the approval process

2:18:21and having um

2:18:23thresholds for citizen of support for

2:18:26for citizen initiated requests

2:18:28and then a very common theme is having

2:18:30alternatives to renaming such as our

2:18:32honorary designations uh that we've

2:18:34taken advantage of.

2:18:35Um I will say other items that we

2:18:37recognized were

2:18:39processes were reviewed by other boards

2:18:41or commissions

2:18:43uh

2:18:43reviews of historical significance of

2:18:45the street names or any other aspects of

2:18:47of the roadway that may be of historical

2:18:49recognition.

2:18:50Um

2:18:52and

2:18:53perhaps specifications around the

2:18:54individuals that are that are seek

2:18:56sought to be recognized

2:18:58with the renaming. Uh so that's a

2:19:01certainly a high-level summary but I

2:19:03wanted to make myself available for

2:19:05questions discussion.

2:19:06>> Excellent. Do we have any public comment

2:19:08on this item?

2:19:09>> No, sir.

2:19:10>> All right, colleagues.

2:19:11Mission Porter.

2:19:12>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor and and thank you

2:19:14for the item.

2:19:16It was interesting. I always love seeing

2:19:17what what other communities are doing

2:19:19and considering. I have just a few

2:19:21questions. So I understand there was at

2:19:24one time a coordinating committee. Is

2:19:28that correct? That would convene to

2:19:30discuss street renamings? Was that

2:19:33>> Yes.

2:19:33>> prior to the changes that happened last

2:19:36year or is that still

2:19:38>> There there is an addressing steering

2:19:40committee.

2:19:40>> Okay.

2:19:41>> I would say renamings weren't frequent

2:19:43for them. It still exists. It's

2:19:46largely operated by the county but we

2:19:48have staff growth management has staff

2:19:49who who's members of that other

2:19:52entities who are involved with street

2:19:54addressing. Addressing is the primary

2:19:56primary focus versus street naming.

2:19:58>> Okay.

2:19:59>> But that is still in place, but not

2:20:01specifically for

2:20:02for

2:20:03the ordinance that we have in place for

2:20:04renaming

2:20:05>> Okay. So, when we have

2:20:10renamed streets, it hasn't gone to the

2:20:13this street renaming committee or the

2:20:15conven- the committee that you're

2:20:16describing. What is the title of the

2:20:17committee?

2:20:18>> Addressing Steering Committee.

2:20:19>> Addressing Steering Committee. Okay.

2:20:22>> They

2:20:23I'll say that that same body of

2:20:25individuals is notified when we when

2:20:27there's direction to to rename a street

2:20:30and

2:20:31usually for an informational purposes,

2:20:33but often times as well in case they

2:20:35have any concerns with it, but

2:20:37>> Okay.

2:20:37>> But they are notified. It's not rather

2:20:39than going as an agenda item to that

2:20:41that group.

2:20:42>> And the concerns are what? Like it's it

2:20:44this committee exists for safe for

2:20:46public safety purposes, for coordination

2:20:49between EMS and that

2:20:51>> That's that's the primary purpose for

2:20:53that group. Yes.

2:20:54>> Okay. And do they

2:20:57issue recommendations?

2:20:59Like have they ever weighed in on the

2:21:01street renamings that we have

2:21:03proposed?

2:21:05>> On the ones that we have proposed and

2:21:06I'll say because our policy is

2:21:08structured when we

2:21:10when the ordinance was was in place and

2:21:11we

2:21:12had that authority, our policy is very

2:21:14much structured by what the county had

2:21:16at that time previously which had its

2:21:18own procedures for like best practices

2:21:21for renaming, numbering, sequencing,

2:21:23things like that for addresses. Um is

2:21:26that

2:21:27we when we take into consideration

2:21:29what's recommended by by by the

2:21:30commission or by individuals, we already

2:21:32as staff run it through that that

2:21:34process. So, I'll say no, but it's not

2:21:36because of their dismissal of it, it's

2:21:37their recognition that we're we're

2:21:39reviewing it under the same standard

2:21:41that it was before the city commission

2:21:43had that authority.

2:21:44>> Thank you. And just one final question.

2:21:45How do we as does the city staff at this

2:21:49point

2:21:51how do we vet

2:21:54recommendations that come from the city

2:21:57commission or from anyone? Because, you

2:21:59know, one of the reasons I asked for

2:22:01this item

2:22:02was because

2:22:04I'll just speak for myself. I'm

2:22:05mistaken, you know, I would have

2:22:08I would have handled the renaming of

2:22:10Wanis Way differently had that

2:22:14historical context been included in the

2:22:16conversation. I also was not aware of

2:22:20the extent of the historic significance

2:22:22that was brought to us by members of the

2:22:24Frenchtown community and others

2:22:26regarding the renaming of West Virginia

2:22:28Street. So, what, if any, vetting do we

2:22:32do

2:22:33to when the commission or citizens bring

2:22:37renaming

2:22:39um street recommendations?

2:22:41>> Sure. So, beyond the technical aspects

2:22:44uh for for safety purposes,

2:22:46uh it we do uh

2:22:49try to do a a

2:22:51historical review to see if there's any

2:22:53any issues with I mean, we've learned a

2:22:54lot about some of the old plats of our

2:22:56of our community as a as a result of it.

2:22:58Um

2:22:59certainly recognize the

2:23:01the issues that were raised with recent

2:23:03renaming. Um I'll say there is a there

2:23:05is an effort by staff to coordinate on

2:23:07these agenda items to try to identify

2:23:09the

2:23:10any conflicts that may be in place. Um

2:23:13we typically had not not seen any. And

2:23:16and often times it may be, for example,

2:23:18if there's citizen-initiated uh

2:23:20requests, um we've had ones like Best

2:23:22and Brightest Way where we worked with

2:23:25an individual to identify a roadway that

2:23:27we knew would not be

2:23:29would not be a conflict with from safety

2:23:31or from naming

2:23:34Um so, there is an effort to identify

2:23:36those. Certainly recognize your point on

2:23:38this, Commissioner. Um but but we do

2:23:40make a concerted effort to try and

2:23:42identify any conflicts like that.

2:23:44>> Thank you.

2:23:45I know I'm the only one who's spoken, so

2:23:47others may um want to share as well or

2:23:49have questions.

2:23:51Where I'm at, I I would make a motion

2:23:53that we accept the informational report.

2:23:55I'd like a little bit more time to

2:23:58to speak to other people in the

2:23:59community who are involved in in

2:24:02historic preservation to see if they

2:24:04have thoughts on some of the

2:24:06whether there's a different model or

2:24:08process we might want to follow. But for

2:24:10today, I would just make the motion um

2:24:13for option one that we accept the

2:24:14informational report.

2:24:15>> Motion made by Commissioner Porter to

2:24:17accept the report, seconded by

2:24:18Commissioner Williams-Cox.

2:24:20Any further discussion? All those in

2:24:21favor signify by saying aye.

2:24:23>> Aye.

2:24:23>> All those opposed? Passes unanimously.

2:24:26Do we have any other business come

2:24:27before us during policy formation

2:24:28direction?

2:24:29>> No, sir.

2:24:30>> All right. We are on unagendad speakers.

2:24:32Mr. Clerk, how many unagendad speakers

2:24:34do we have?

2:24:34>> Mayor, at this point I have eight

2:24:36speakers.

2:24:37>> Eight speakers, let's go.

2:24:38>> All right. We'll take our first speaker,

2:24:40uh Irwin Jackson.

2:24:43Followed by Stanley Sims.

2:24:46>> You name and address for the record,

2:24:48please, Dr. Jackson.

2:24:49>> [cough and clears throat]

2:24:50>> You have 3 minutes.

2:25:01>> Dr. Irwin Jackson, 1341 Jackson Bluff.

2:25:05Unfortunately, tonight I'm here to talk

2:25:07about lies, half-truths, and corruption.

2:25:11Two weeks ago, I asked Commissioner

2:25:12Matlow if he

2:25:15if he knew his campaign manager, Chris

2:25:17Estragon no, Estranga

2:25:19and his commission aide, Ray

2:25:22uh Ryan Ray, were creating false names

2:25:26and posting political action

2:25:29ads against their political enemies.

2:25:32Matlow said Estranga was no longer his

2:25:34campaign manager,

2:25:36which is good news.

2:25:37He forgot to tell the public

2:25:40that the following day, he hired a

2:25:43private company

2:25:45recently started by Ms. Estranga and

2:25:50that she's now hired as a senior

2:25:52political consultant.

2:25:56>> [clears throat]

2:25:56>> When I asked if he was aware that his

2:25:59aide Ray was creating fake names and

2:26:02then attacking Matlow's political

2:26:03enemies and misleading the public,

2:26:06Matlow remained silent.

2:26:08For 2 weeks now he's remained silent.

2:26:11When the editor of the Tallahassee

2:26:12Democrat asked him the same question,

2:26:15Matlow refused to comment.

2:26:18The truth is that Jeremy Matlow Jeremy

2:26:22Matlow was not only aware of the

2:26:24criminal behavior going on in City Hall

2:26:27by Ray, but Matlow was an active

2:26:29participant in these actions which have

2:26:32been ongoing since 2022.

2:26:35More specifically, Ray was being paid

2:26:38$90,000 as a city employee but spent

2:26:41most of his time engaged in political

2:26:43activities including sending out 343

2:26:48posts

2:26:49>> Woah.

2:26:49>> from a fake name from a fake name he

2:26:52created

2:26:54Anne E. Moderate attacking several

2:26:57politicians and political leaders and

2:26:59including members on this commission. In

2:27:02addition, he sent out 1,340 posts as the

2:27:05chairman of the Democratic Leon County

2:27:07Democratic Party. These actions are

2:27:10illegal because over 40% of all these

2:27:14posts were sent from Ray who was working

2:27:17in City Hall according to his

2:27:20timesheets.

2:27:22Therefore, since Matlow nor Ray are

2:27:25willing to admit their corrupt actions

2:27:27to the public, tomorrow I will be filing

2:27:30an ethics complaint with the City of

2:27:31Tallahassee Independent Ethics Office

2:27:34>> Mhm.

2:27:34>> against Jeremy Matlow and Ryan Ray for

2:27:36misuse of public position.

2:27:38>> You're at 26.

2:27:39>> I will also be contacting the city of

2:27:41Tallahassee Inspector General, Vanessa

2:27:44Sutton,

2:27:46regarding [clears throat] criminal acts

2:27:47of stealing from citizens of

2:27:48Tallahassee.

2:27:50Commissioners, I do not want my tax

2:27:52dollars to fund the political activities

2:27:55and objections

2:27:57objectives, sorry, of Matlow and his

2:28:00sidekick Ray. Finally,

2:28:02>> You're at 3 minutes.

2:28:03>> individual

2:28:04funds [clears throat]

2:28:05>> Dr. Jackson

2:28:06>> that were taken

2:28:07>> Thank you.

2:28:07>> need to be repaid to the citizens of

2:28:09Tallahassee.

2:28:11>> Thank you very much.

2:28:12>> Thank you. Our next speaker, please.

2:28:13>> I want to make this

2:28:14>> Stanley Sims

2:28:15>> including all the individual text

2:28:18messages.

2:28:19>> Handed that gentleman right there.

2:28:20>> Thank you very much.

2:28:21>> Yep.

2:28:22Next speaker, please.

2:28:24>> Stanley Sims is the next speaker and

2:28:26then Scott Henderson.

2:28:28>> My name is Ryan Ray. I'm at 1320

2:28:31Avondale Way.

2:28:33Uh I just wanted to do Crime Watchers. I

2:28:36I saw in the paper that no one knew

2:28:40who those construction signs belonged to

2:28:43that had that political advertisement

2:28:46saying vote for Diane and Ausley. I'm

2:28:49not sure,

2:28:51but TPD, I think they may belong to the

2:28:54Ghazvini.

2:28:56I think that's who they belong to.

2:28:59You may want to check because those that

2:29:03that construction equipment is very

2:29:06expensive.

2:29:07So, it has to be registered. And so,

2:29:10that's all I wanted to know.

2:29:12Um my name is Ryan Ray.

2:29:15All power to the people.

2:29:17>> Next speaker, please.

2:29:18>> Scott Henderson

2:29:20followed by Tim Stottlemyer.

2:29:28>> Your name and address for the record,

2:29:29please.

2:29:31>> Good evening. Scott Henderson,

2:29:33Tung Hill Drive.

2:29:34Wanted to talk with you a little bit

2:29:35about the recently adopted Canopy

2:29:38Developers Agreement.

2:29:40That Developers Agreement was drafted by

2:29:42the developer, was submitted to the

2:29:44city, it was supposed to be submitted to

2:29:46a wide variety of departments, it

2:29:48wasn't. It was only submitted to two

2:29:50people.

2:29:51Uh

2:29:52there was no staff report apparently,

2:29:55and there was a significant amount of

2:29:56critical information that was not

2:29:58presented to you for your consideration.

2:30:01One of those things that was a

2:30:02critically important was the fact that

2:30:04the developer was responsible for the

2:30:07Dempsey Mayo extension.

2:30:10There were a number of critical

2:30:12statements and very important statements

2:30:15that were made by the developer's

2:30:16attorney.

2:30:17This said, I quote,

2:30:19"There are no financial obligations

2:30:21being shifted to the city or the

2:30:22taxpayers in this agreement. No one is

2:30:25asking the city to pay for the roadway.

2:30:28That narrative [clears throat] is

2:30:28patently false."

2:30:30However, the specific language within

2:30:32the document speaks differently. Page

2:30:35nine, the developer is not obligated to

2:30:37construct the Dempsey Mayo extension.

2:30:40Since the developer has not elected to

2:30:42construct the Dempsey Mayo extension as

2:30:44of this date, the developer agrees to

2:30:47sign the necessary easements and rights

2:30:48to the city and otherwise cooperate with

2:30:51the city to facilitate the city's

2:30:53construction of the Dempsey Mayo

2:30:55extension.

2:30:57Exhibit seven on uh B number seven, and

2:31:00the city's responsible for the

2:31:02fifth and sixth lanes for the entrance

2:31:05of Wellani Boulevard.

2:31:07Under the utility section, it struck the

2:31:10responsibility of the developer to pay

2:31:12$165,000

2:31:13towards the gas line.

2:31:15I don't understand why that wasn't

2:31:17retained in in the city's obligation for

2:31:20repayment.

2:31:21The agreement also changes the

2:31:24methodology for property valuation

2:31:27uh by extending agricultural exemption

2:31:30classification. I would suggest that the

2:31:32city commission does not have the

2:31:34authority

2:31:35to dictate changes

2:31:37to a separately

2:31:39elected constitutional officer simply

2:31:42because you want to try to help the

2:31:44developer reduce his taxes.

2:31:46The agreement exempts the entire

2:31:48development from any future city land

2:31:50development codes. I challenge the

2:31:53commission's authority to grant

2:31:55exemptions from the developer for future

2:31:58actions by the city commission.

2:32:00There was not a single word within that

2:32:02document that was changed by anyone in

2:32:05the city.

2:32:07>> You're at 30 seconds remaining.

2:32:08>> that the developer

2:32:10be noticed that their obligation to

2:32:12construct the Dempsey Mayo extension

2:32:14remains with the developer and the city

2:32:16commission direct the staff to revise

2:32:18the developer's agreement, eliminate all

2:32:20language and any financial obligations

2:32:23by the city. I believe that the material

2:32:25representations by the city and

2:32:28omissions at the public hearing should

2:32:30be the basis for a renegotiation of the

2:32:33public

2:32:35agreement.

2:32:36Thank you. I'll be happy to answer any

2:32:37questions.

2:32:38>> Thank you.

2:32:39Our next speaker, please.

2:32:40>> Next speaker is Tim Stottlemyre

2:32:42followed by Donald Axelrad.

2:32:45>> Your name and address for the record,

2:32:47please.

2:32:48>> Tim Stottlemyre, 911 Pow Wow Trail.

2:32:51I'd like to speak out on

2:32:54the Amazon delivery drone demo that I

2:32:56attended yesterday.

2:32:58I attended and

2:33:01correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't see

2:33:03anybody

2:33:05before me here who was personally in

2:33:06attendance at this event.

2:33:08I did speak to an aide of Jack Porter,

2:33:12Commissioner Porter, sorry.

2:33:13And uh

2:33:15relayed some of my concerns. I also saw

2:33:18Commissioner Porter's post on Facebook

2:33:20asking some questions about basically

2:33:22community feedback about these drones.

2:33:24Um

2:33:25let's throw out some stats.

2:33:27These drones weigh 83 lb and have a 5-lb

2:33:30payload capacity and I'd like you to

2:33:32remember that term payload capacity.

2:33:35Okay?

2:33:37Let alone

2:33:39the danger of an 80-lb thing that can

2:33:41fly 75 mph flying falling out of the sky

2:33:44and hitting a person or hitting anything

2:33:46important. Um

2:33:49regardless of the fact that this was a

2:33:50well-managed event, really kind of like

2:33:52a textbook example of how to roll out

2:33:55and manage public reception to a system

2:33:59like this. Um none of the questions that

2:34:02I was asking about the potential

2:34:04militarization of drones like these down

2:34:06the line could really be answered well.

2:34:08Um

2:34:09in the last 4 years and 7 months, I have

2:34:12watched

2:34:15in detail on the battlefields of Ukraine

2:34:17how commercial drone technology

2:34:20by the necessity

2:34:21by the

2:34:23necessity of invention

2:34:25has gone from

2:34:26being a fringe asymmetrical tactic into

2:34:30something that has turned into the

2:34:32future of modern warfare.

2:34:34The front lines have evolved from

2:34:36something that resembles something

2:34:37that's conventional pure on pure

2:34:39conflict

2:34:40with

2:34:42something that would resemble warfare as

2:34:43we understand it into something where

2:34:45now we're talking about a long and deep

2:34:48zone that is a kill zone of just recon

2:34:50drones and kamikaze drones taking out

2:34:54individual people that are somehow

2:34:55trying to cross this zone. Okay? That's

2:34:58the technology where it stands. I have

2:35:00grave concerns

2:35:01about these drones being overhead 24/7

2:35:05because

2:35:06what is a machine if not just a sum of

2:35:09its parts? How many parts need to be

2:35:11replaced in these drones before

2:35:13that 5-lb payload isn't a package

2:35:16but it's a weapon.

2:35:18I don't think I'm exaggerating at all.

2:35:20>> You're at 30 seconds.

2:35:21>> And frankly, uh I would like to speak to

2:35:26a report by the Institute of and Faculty

2:35:29of Actuaries,

2:35:32which is a governing body

2:35:34of actuarial scientists in the United

2:35:37Kingdom.

2:35:38They're insurance people. Last year

2:35:40there was a report

2:35:42Planetary Solvency: Tipping Into the

2:35:44Wild Unknown that predicted

2:35:48billions of people dead in 25 years.

2:35:50>> You're at

2:35:51>> When I talk about

2:35:52>> Thank you very much.

2:35:53>> police states,

2:35:54Thank you. That's the context within

2:35:56which I'm speaking. Thank you.

2:35:58>> Thank you.

2:35:59>> Our next speaker, please.

2:36:00Donald Axelrad is our next speaker.

2:36:05Donald Axelrad.

2:36:08Then, uh

2:36:12Brandon Beckett.

2:36:14Brandon Beckett is next.

2:36:17Followed by Sophia Palermo.

2:36:20>> Your name and address for the record,

2:36:21please.

2:36:22>> Uh my name is Brandon Beckett. Uh my zip

2:36:25code is 32301.

2:36:27And uh I'm a I'm the vice president of

2:36:29the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights

2:36:30Alliance, and we are here to demand that

2:36:32the City Commission immediately repeal

2:36:34287G.

2:36:36They're

2:36:37You know, ICE has been attacking our

2:36:38communities consistently, and we we've

2:36:40just seen with the past Chuli and

2:36:41Chuli's raid that, you know, this is

2:36:44this is continually active. And people

2:36:45are getting their lives thrown away.

2:36:47People are getting put in detention

2:36:48centers. And you know, these detention

2:36:50centers are completely unsafe

2:36:52conditions. People are going on hunger

2:36:54strike because of how terrible these

2:36:55detention centers are. And right now,

2:36:58you know, we we call on the City

2:36:59Commissioners to make a stand right now

2:37:01and stand with the people of Tallahassee

2:37:03and the people that make up Tallahassee,

2:37:05the people that do our construction

2:37:07jobs, the people that, you know, make

2:37:08this city great. And

2:37:11you know, stand with stand with the

2:37:12people here and make sure that like our

2:37:14neighbors are safe because uh

2:37:16you know, the attacks the attacks that

2:37:18uh

2:37:19the attacks that Trump is making, you

2:37:21guys don't have to be complicit, but

2:37:22right now, you know, with with the

2:37:24continuance of uh

2:37:26continually refusing to back out of the

2:37:29287G agreement, you stand with those and

2:37:31those lives are on your hands. And uh

2:37:34you know, there's there's there's

2:37:36someone like, you know, from the Chilean

2:37:38Chili's raid, like there is someone that

2:37:39is sitting in ICE detention, you know,

2:37:41waiting waiting to see back from their

2:37:43waiting to see their families, just

2:37:45wanting to see their families, wanting

2:37:46to get back to their loved ones, but

2:37:48their lives are being torn apart and I

2:37:51we won't stand here to we won't stand

2:37:52here to watch the city take part in this

2:37:54agenda.

2:37:55And uh

2:37:57yeah, so I I I call on the city

2:37:59commission to immediately revoke the

2:38:01287G agreement. Thank you.

2:38:04>> Our next speaker, please.

2:38:05>> Sophia Palomo.

2:38:09And followed by uh Aiden.

2:38:11>> Your name and address for the record,

2:38:12please.

2:38:13>> Hi. Um my name is Sophia Palomo. Um my

2:38:16zip code is 32304.

2:38:19Um many months ago, dozens of

2:38:21Tallahassee residents came to the city

2:38:23commission, nicely asking their local

2:38:26leaders to listen when they say they

2:38:27don't want

2:38:29uh they don't want their police officers

2:38:30to act as ICE agents.

2:38:32When the majority of this council

2:38:34decided to ignore them by opting to stay

2:38:37in the agreement, we were assured to not

2:38:39worry about the policy at all since TPD

2:38:42has only trained one person for the task

2:38:44force model.

2:38:45That's not protection. There will be

2:38:48expansions and pressures to train more

2:38:50officers into ICE agents. We know this

2:38:53because the county commission accepted

2:38:56state funds to put towards these

2:38:57expansions.

2:38:59One of the most popular Tallahassee

2:39:01protests was in solidarity with the

2:39:03restaurant Chilean Chili's.

2:39:06This raid was done by the Florida

2:39:08Highway Patrol under the task force

2:39:10model.

2:39:11With this protest, we have a clear-cut

2:39:13example of how the community stood up

2:39:16against ICE and 287G, but we can't say

2:39:18the same for most of you.

2:39:22Speaking to the Latino parents and

2:39:24children nearby was heartbreaking to

2:39:26hear how they live in a constant state

2:39:27of fear because our law enforcement

2:39:30agencies patrol the streets they play

2:39:32on.

2:39:33It's not right that entire neighborhoods

2:39:35live in fear because many of you did not

2:39:37want to lose your jobs.

2:39:40By principle, the 287G agreement is

2:39:42wrong for many reasons we've been

2:39:44presented with,

2:39:46but the task force model is

2:39:47exceptionally bad. We were in the

2:39:49warrant service officer agreement in

2:39:512019. Reading through and comparing the

2:39:54memorandums of agreement was jarring to

2:39:57learn how blatantly so many protections

2:40:00were rolled back and how much more

2:40:02authority was granted.

2:40:05They removed the section mentioning

2:40:06screening candidates before training.

2:40:09They removed a civil rights clause. They

2:40:11removed the standards of what makes a

2:40:13qualified interpreter.

2:40:16These are changes that two unelected

2:40:17officials decided to sign on to, and

2:40:20these are changes that many of you chose

2:40:22to uphold.

2:40:24But I please, I beg you, please end this

2:40:26287G agreement now to make things right.

2:40:29Thank you.

2:40:31>> Our next speaker, please.

2:40:32>> Aidan is next,

2:40:34followed by Jennifer Smith.

2:40:39>> Name and address for the record, please.

2:40:40>> Uh my name is Aidan, and my uh zip code

2:40:43is 32301. Uh I first want to start off

2:40:45by saying I see we have a new city

2:40:47manager here. Um let's just hope that

2:40:49you're nothing like your predecessor.

2:40:51But it doesn't matter too much to us too

2:40:53much if you are because I mean, if

2:40:55you're anything like Reese Goad, then

2:40:57we'll just be here every every month

2:41:00until, you know, we can force any of you

2:41:03into an early retirement just like we

2:41:06did Reese code and I just like to start

2:41:08off by saying that when we brought this

2:41:11issue up to the city commission the 287G

2:41:13last time Diane Williams Cox

2:41:16who you may see from those ads you get

2:41:18on Instagram where she lies about her

2:41:20record and she lies about how much she

2:41:21cares about the residents of

2:41:22Tallahassee. She said, I don't want to

2:41:25lose my job. Well, let's face it Diane.

2:41:28You might lose your job in a few weeks

2:41:30anyways. So, why don't you stand with

2:41:34the immigrants of Tallahassee and repeal

2:41:36the 287G agreement which we know that

2:41:38you guys have the power to do.

2:41:40Repeatedly repeatedly you guys have sat

2:41:43up here and lied. Lawrence Rebel has

2:41:45come up here and lied. Murderer Lawrence

2:41:48Rebel has come up here and lied and said

2:41:50the city attorney has lied and said that

2:41:52they are sup- they are to the best

2:41:55ability supposed to they they know

2:41:57they're supposed to be in this

2:41:58agreement. They've had their best law

2:42:00minds on the problem and they're

2:42:02supposed to be in the 287G G agreement.

2:42:04But when the city of South Miami brought

2:42:06this case to and they sued the state of

2:42:08Florida state attorney the state

2:42:11attorney who is not a good guy at all.

2:42:13His lawyers said that by no means were

2:42:17municipalities required to enter into

2:42:18the 287G agreement.

2:42:21The state attorney so I mean are we

2:42:23saying the state attorney is he he knows

2:42:26something that you guys don't and or you

2:42:28guys know something that he doesn't and

2:42:29we actually are supposed to be in the

2:42:31287G agreement. It's ridiculous and you

2:42:33guys have full power to decide how where

2:42:36you stand on this issue and we demand

2:42:39that the 287G agreement is repealed and

2:42:42Diane if it's not then we'll just repeal

2:42:44you. So, thank you guys.

2:42:46>> Next speaker, please.

2:42:48>> Jennifer Smith

2:42:51>> Will be followed by Alonzo

2:42:54Garrett?

2:42:55>> Name and address for the

2:42:56>> Garcia, I'm sorry.

2:42:57>> Hi, my name is Jennifer Smith, uh zip

2:42:59code 32303.

2:43:02I am here before you today because our

2:43:04community is still not safe, and we need

2:43:07you to do something about it. Please.

2:43:10Just in Tallahassee alone, we somehow

2:43:12have at least six different 287G

2:43:14agreements between FSU, FAMU, TCC, LCSO,

2:43:19FDLE, and of course the city of

2:43:21Tallahassee Police Department, which is

2:43:23the one that I brings me here before

2:43:25you. All right. Um why do you think we

2:43:28have so many agreements in one city?

2:43:31It's because they need you. All right?

2:43:34Without your cooperation in these 287G

2:43:36agreements, our current administration

2:43:38would not be able to successfully carry

2:43:40out this massive attack on innocent

2:43:42lives across the nation.

2:43:44I cannot help but wonder how many people

2:43:46would still be alive and with their

2:43:48families right now if every city and

2:43:50every state decided not to sign or

2:43:53participate in 287G.

2:43:56They needed you all to sign those

2:43:58agreements in order for their plan to

2:44:00work.

2:44:01So, they threatened you, and they

2:44:02incentivized you, and they make you feel

2:44:04like you don't have a choice. But, your

2:44:06participation is a choice.

2:44:11What if we just choose to say no? There

2:44:13has to be another way. There has to be a

2:44:14way to revoke this agreement or limit

2:44:16your involvement completely so that we

2:44:18can keep the people of this community

2:44:20safe.

2:44:21Lives are ruined every day. People are

2:44:23scared to leave their homes, and it is

2:44:25our own police department that is

2:44:26creating fear in this community. That's

2:44:29not right.

2:44:31I know you guys saw what happened at

2:44:33Chili's and Chili's, and that's just one

2:44:35instance of the many that are not

2:44:37publicized the way that that instance

2:44:39was.

2:44:40Is that what a safe community looks like

2:44:42to you?

2:44:45You have a choice,

2:44:46and right now you are choosing to hurt

2:44:48the people of Tallahassee.

2:44:50How many more lives have to be ruined

2:44:51before you decide that this has gone too

2:44:53far?

2:44:54You have to refuse to accept this. You

2:44:56have to stop TPD's collaboration with

2:44:58ICE.

2:44:59You've made a choice and I'm asking you

2:45:01to please make a new choice today, right

2:45:04here, right now. Revoke 287G, please.

2:45:07Thank you.

2:45:09>> Our next speaker, please. Alonzo Garcia.

2:45:14Followed by Thomas Spears.

2:45:17Your name and address for the record,

2:45:18please.

2:45:19>> Hi, my name is Alonzo Garcia. Zip code

2:45:2132304.

2:45:24As I'm sure you're all well aware,

2:45:26election season is around the corner and

2:45:28you know, early voting has started. And

2:45:31now is the time, you know, to really put

2:45:32your best foot forward in terms of

2:45:34showing that like, you know, you care

2:45:35about the immigrant community. To those

2:45:36of you who are up for re-election or

2:45:38seeking higher office. Uh whether it's

2:45:40show that, you know, do it that you will

2:45:43make the motions necessary to repeal

2:45:45287G by putting it on the agenda or

2:45:47actually voting for this, you know,

2:45:48despite, you know, multiple members, um

2:45:51such as Diane and other other members,

2:45:54um voting against 287G or even just

2:45:56considering the the the question on the

2:45:58table because it shows that

2:46:00um you know, this city commission is not

2:46:03uh beholding by high ideals but rather

2:46:05by fear. Fear of the state government

2:46:07coming down, perhaps plucking you out of

2:46:09your seats. And that's something that,

2:46:12you know, doesn't inspire leadership and

2:46:13certainly doesn't inspire me to cast a

2:46:15ballot in your favor. In fact, I would

2:46:18rather rather at this point, you know,

2:46:20cast one in for your challengers.

2:46:22But

2:46:24this agreement is the reason that many

2:46:26immigrants, whether they know they might

2:46:29not know that 287G isn't on the books

2:46:31but they know that law enforcement in

2:46:33this city collaborates with ICE. They

2:46:34know that LCSO collaborates with ICE.

2:46:36They know TPD collaborates with ICE. And

2:46:38they they know that, you know, when they

2:46:40report things, if they report things,

2:46:42that they will that the specter of being

2:46:45uh targeted by law enforcement

2:46:47increases. They already live in a part

2:46:49of the city that is already making it

2:46:51that already makes it pretty easy for

2:46:53law enforcement to swoop down on them

2:46:55whenever there are coordinated raids.

2:46:57And it is

2:46:58incumbent upon the city to consider the

2:47:00fact that

2:47:01if

2:47:03that it is a first step in rebuilding

2:47:05that trust that between the immigrant

2:47:06community and the city of city of

2:47:08Tallahassee to ensure that immigrants

2:47:10can actually feel safe, report report

2:47:12incidents of, you know,

2:47:14public safety

2:47:16to the to the proper authorities. But

2:47:18instead

2:47:20this this city has mad many times the

2:47:22opportunity to repeal the 287G agreement

2:47:24and it has failed to do so despite us

2:47:26coming here and we will continue to come

2:47:27here until this agreement is is done and

2:47:31dusted in the dust bin of history.

2:47:32But it is [snorts] again something where

2:47:36we will keep coming here. And, you know,

2:47:38whether this it's this city commission,

2:47:39the next city commission,

2:47:41and, you know, whether, you know, it

2:47:43happens this year, next year, we will

2:47:45continue to be on this fight because it

2:47:47is important. It matters to the families

2:47:50that live under this fear

2:47:52that, you know, blankets every aspect of

2:47:55their of their lives. And, you know,

2:47:59at the very least, you know, there is an

2:48:00aspect of, you know, pick the fight

2:48:03because, you know, some of y'all aren't

2:48:05even up for re-election. I'm not sure

2:48:07what is like, you know, what what the

2:48:08calculus here is. Like, is it, you know,

2:48:10going for the next seat? Like, you know,

2:48:12it's not going to look great, you know,

2:48:13to say, "Well, you know, I was the guy

2:48:14who like, you know, sat on top of an

2:48:16agreement that like, you know, targeted

2:48:17immigrants. Can I have your vote again

2:48:18now?" It's like, come on. Like, so I'm

2:48:21asking y'all like

2:48:22>> 3 minutes.

2:48:23>> Thank you very much.

2:48:24>> Yeah, your time is up.

2:48:25>> Thank you. All right, thanks so much.

2:48:27And well, vote.

2:48:28>> Our next speaker, please.

2:48:29>> Thomas Spears is next.

2:48:32He'll be followed by Angelina Loche.

2:48:38>> Name and address for the record, please.

2:48:40>> It is Thomas Spears, I'm at 32303.

2:48:43And I'm here on behalf of the

2:48:44Tallahassee Alliance Against Racism and

2:48:46Political Repression. We are part of the

2:48:48National Alliance, which was refounded

2:48:50in 2019 during the Black Lives Matter

2:48:53uprising and protests. Um and racism and

2:48:56political repression is exactly what the

2:48:58287G agreement is. It's not anything

2:49:00more than that. It's not about

2:49:02protecting any communities. It's not

2:49:04about protecting anyone who may be legal

2:49:07or illegal. No one's legal on stolen

2:49:08land.

2:49:10The task force agreement was entered

2:49:11into with TPD behind the scenes without

2:49:14any

2:49:15word from the commission by former

2:49:18former city manager Reese Goad with the

2:49:21killer cop himself, Lawrence Revell, who

2:49:22killed George Little Nuke Williams back

2:49:25in 1993.

2:49:27That's not democracy. No one in

2:49:30Tallahassee chose that. It was made

2:49:32behind the scenes. There was the

2:49:33opportunity to make it democratic. And

2:49:35the three of you, Dianne Williams-Cox,

2:49:37Curtis Richardson, and John Dailey, you

2:49:39voted to keep

2:49:40You voted to keep immigrant people

2:49:44immigrant people staying to go into

2:49:46these

2:49:48what are modern

2:49:49modern concentration camps. We don't

2:49:51know how many people died in Allegany

2:49:53Alcatraz, for one example. Baker still

2:49:55over there. We don't know how many

2:49:56people are dying there.

2:49:58And a dozen other in this state.

2:50:01Police Chief Revell claimed that legal

2:50:03experts told him that he was legally

2:50:04obligated to sign this agreement. Either

2:50:06those legal

2:50:07legal experts aren't very much of

2:50:09experts, or he's lying.

2:50:12That's not the case.

2:50:13In fact, the during the 2025 special

2:50:16legislative session, the legislature

2:50:18considered and rejected a bill that

2:50:19would have required any agency with 25

2:50:22or more officers to enter into a 287G

2:50:24agreement. This demonstrates that the

2:50:26law the Florida legislature chose and

2:50:28not to mandate municipal 287G

2:50:31agreements.

2:50:32But the thing is, I'm preaching to the

2:50:33choir. Y'all know this.

2:50:34Y'all are not ignorant. The three of you

2:50:36particularly, you know this. And of

2:50:38course,

2:50:39Risko knew. knows this.

2:50:41Lawrence Revell knows this, too.

2:50:44The fact is

2:50:46you think that you're saving your jobs.

2:50:47You're trying to play some of the

2:50:49political game with people's lives.

2:50:51Dozens, hundreds, thousands of people's

2:50:53lives.

2:50:55And the sad thing is, well, of course,

2:50:57John Dailey's leaving, thank God. But

2:50:59Diana Williams Cox is still up for

2:51:01election. And the fact is not going to

2:51:03work. You have someone who does stand

2:51:05with the people that's going to be

2:51:06running against you. I think she's going

2:51:08to win. But you have an opportunity to

2:51:10maybe get another good little Instagram

2:51:12and Facebook ad out there.

2:51:14>> You have 30 seconds remaining.

2:51:15>> you put up the vote for 287G the way you

2:51:17say you put up the vote for the flock

2:51:19cameras after you had previously voted

2:51:21against getting rid of the flock cameras

2:51:23and you still chose to you were the

2:51:25specific ones to go against black

2:51:27bagging the cameras and you didn't want

2:51:29to actually take them down physically.

2:51:32Hey, take this opportunity, maybe, and

2:51:34the commission should file a lawsuit

2:51:35against the state of Florida way the

2:51:37South Miami did to challenge the same to

2:51:40clarify the stances of sanctuary policy.

2:51:43You have an opportunity to

2:51:43[clears throat] do something right with

2:51:45Stewart this time.

2:51:46>> up. Your time is up.

2:51:47>> Mr. Clark, we have time for one more

2:51:48speaker on the on the agenda.

2:51:49>> That That speaker is Angelina Lashea.

2:51:56>> Your name and address for the record,

2:51:58please.

2:51:58>> Angelina Lashea, zip code 32303.

2:52:02Always forget cuz I moved from up north.

2:52:04Um first of all, I'm going to start by

2:52:05saying that

2:52:06from you guys and I'll never pretend to

2:52:08understand the positions and the

2:52:09decisions that you all have to make.

2:52:11Some of the things that you laugh at

2:52:12would have probably had me crying cuz

2:52:14man, we can be tough on you guys.

2:52:17Um I'm here for a personal matter. I

2:52:19spoke at the county commissioner's

2:52:20meeting and Matlow, I did see you there

2:52:23when I spoke about evictions and Section

2:52:258 and housing and how right now Congress

2:52:29is coming against

2:52:31all the housing authorities in America

2:52:32because they're finding so much fraud

2:52:35and so much misuse of the funding.

2:52:38Currently in our

2:52:40community, people are facing evictions

2:52:42due to housing miscalculating their

2:52:44numbers.

2:52:45From what I understand, you all hold

2:52:48that power to put people on the board.

2:52:51If I'm incorrect, then my apologies. But

2:52:54if you guys are the ones making

2:52:55decisions about who's being on the

2:52:56board, then I feel like the board you

2:52:58guys can push the board to step up and

2:53:01call for a mass audit on HUD

2:53:04and the Section 8 department and

2:53:06re-evaluate why, and I have proof,

2:53:10your case workers are are overriding

2:53:13federal decisions.

2:53:16Your federal decision say that a

2:53:19independent contractor or a

2:53:20self-employment person, their income

2:53:22should be calculated as net. I have a

2:53:25email of your case worker saying, "I am

2:53:27calculating your income as gross."

2:53:30That is big. Not the not to mention the

2:53:33incorrect numbers and math. And for that

2:53:36reason alone,

2:53:38several of your individuals are facing

2:53:40evictions.

2:53:41And they are not all willing to speak,

2:53:43and they're all not willing to wear a

2:53:44Christmas shirt and stand before the

2:53:46people because it's not even easy for

2:53:47myself because, as I said,

2:53:50some of the things I see people the

2:53:51pushback I see people give you all, I

2:53:54can't take it.

2:53:55So, even standing before this podium

2:53:57right now is not the easiest decision

2:53:59for me because it's not even

2:54:02it's embarrassing, really,

2:54:04to see people going through what they're

2:54:06going through and say that you represent

2:54:09a city

2:54:11that actually isn't being evaluated by

2:54:14Congress while all the other cities are.

2:54:16So, I'm saying, "Hey, Congress, put us

2:54:18on the list, too." Because

2:54:20Oh. Well, thank you y'all. They be

2:54:22clocking the tea. I like how they be

2:54:23doing that snap thing.

2:54:24Um I'm saying, "Hey, look at this."

2:54:27This is hard.

2:54:29This is hard. I see homeless people all

2:54:31the time, but we have a group of people

2:54:32that don't have to be homeless. We have

2:54:34a group of people Thank you. We have a

2:54:36group of people that are willing to

2:54:37claim income, claim self-employment, and

2:54:39be off of these programs. But, if your

2:54:42people that like I'm told that you are

2:54:44over are intentionally saying, "Hey,

2:54:46we're

2:54:47trumping

2:54:49federal government," then that's

2:54:50something that we all have to consider

2:54:52because I didn't know you all had the

2:54:54power to trump government, but if you

2:54:56do, all I ask is to show me the

2:54:58documents. Again, my name is Angeline

2:55:00Lachey, and I'm for the people.

2:55:02>> Thank you.

2:55:03>> Mr. Mayor

2:55:04>> Mr.

2:55:05Commissioner Woody Scott

2:55:06>> Mr. Mayor, I I I don't want her to leave

2:55:08here misinformed, but it's the

2:55:10Tallahassee Housing Authority,

2:55:12not the city of Tallahassee.

2:55:16We're Tallahassee Housing Authority is a

2:55:18separate entity. It's not a part of the

2:55:20city of Tallahassee.

2:55:21>> And we don't appoint the

2:55:22>> It's not a part of the It's not a part

2:55:24of the city of Tallahassee. It's It's

2:55:26It's section 8, Tallahassee Housing

2:55:28Authority.

2:55:30>> So, Dr. Thomas, if you can spend some

2:55:33time

2:55:34>> And thank you, Mr. Scott. I mean, I know

2:55:35the people got fired for you.

2:55:37>> There we go.

2:55:38>> It's all good.

2:55:39>> Okay, we're going to roll right into the

2:55:40public hearing. We're 3 minutes late. I

2:55:42apologize. 16.01, Madam Attorney.

2:55:45>> Thank you.

2:55:48>> Uh item number 16.01 is the first and

2:55:51only public hearing on ordinance number

2:55:5326-Z-12,

2:55:55an ordinance of the city of Tallahassee,

2:55:57Florida, amending the official zoning

2:55:59map of the city of Tallahassee located

2:56:01on 3.75 acres located on the west side

2:56:04of Paul Russell Road approximately 150

2:56:07ft north of the intersection with Paul

2:56:09Russell Road and Orange Avenue East on

2:56:12the official zoning map of the city of

2:56:14Tallahassee changing the zoning

2:56:15classification of the land from critical

2:56:18planning area CPA to Paul Russell Road

2:56:21right of way abandonment planned unit

2:56:24development providing for conflicts

2:56:26severability and an effective date. The

2:56:28recommended option is recommended action

2:56:31is option one adopt ordinance number

2:56:3326-z-12

2:56:36thereby changing the zoning

2:56:37classification from the critical

2:56:39planning area CPA zoning district to the

2:56:42Paul Russell Road right of way

2:56:44abandonment plan unit development zoning

2:56:47district based on the findings and

2:56:49conditions of the planning commission

2:56:50the information contained in this item

2:56:52and any any other evidence presented at

2:56:54the hearing. Any ex parte disclosures

2:56:56concerning this item are also available

2:56:59via the hyperlink included in the agenda

2:57:01item as published in the board docs

2:57:03system.

2:57:04>> Excellent. Do we have any public comment

2:57:05on this item?

2:57:06>> Mayor Richard D'Robbio and Lindsey

2:57:08Finistermaker here for questions,

2:57:10otherwise no speakers.

2:57:11>> Colleagues.

2:57:12>> Move forward.

2:57:14>> It's been properly moved by Commissioner

2:57:15Williams-Cox seconded by the Mayor Pro

2:57:16Tem. Any further discussion?

2:57:19Seeing none, all those in favor signify

2:57:21by saying I.

2:57:22>> I.

2:57:22>> All those opposed? Passes unanimously

2:57:255-0. Do we have any other items coming

2:57:27before us at the public hearing?

2:57:28>> We do not.

2:57:29>> We're on the sharing of ideas,

2:57:30Commissioner Porter.

2:57:32>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

2:57:34Um I want to thank everyone for coming

2:57:36out and I want to say that I I think

2:57:38it's already been said, but I I agree. I

2:57:40voted I mean that we should have never

2:57:42entered into the 287G agreement. I voted

2:57:46against it and I will vote against

2:57:48exiting it at any point.

2:57:50Um I I do want to return to

2:57:53um

2:57:55a motion that I didn't make earlier in

2:57:57the meeting just to say that I I I've

2:57:59thought about it a little bit more and I

2:58:01do want to make

2:58:02a motion um that we have that we direct

2:58:06the Inspector General to come back with

2:58:08options to be considered for how to

2:58:12structure an audit of the fire services

2:58:14fund from fiscal year 24 to present. Um

2:58:19the motion is not that we commit to

2:58:21doing that, but I do think that I am

2:58:23curious to know what those options are.

2:58:26Um and I firmly believe that if we have

2:58:30done nothing wrong, then I want to be

2:58:32able to definitively say that from an

2:58:35[clears throat] independent review. And

2:58:37if we have made mistakes, I want to know

2:58:39that too so that we can address them.

2:58:42I had said earlier tonight that I would

2:58:44wait until our next meeting and and a

2:58:47new commission, but I do think that I

2:58:49would like to make the motion tonight so

2:58:51that in the interest of time that comes

2:58:53back to us sooner rather than later for

2:58:55for the review of of the new commission.

2:58:57So that is my motion.

2:58:59>> Motion on the table by Commissioner

2:59:00Porter. Is there a second?

2:59:01>> Second.

2:59:02>> Any further discussion?

2:59:04Seeing none, all those in favor signify

2:59:05by saying "Aye".

2:59:06>> Aye.

2:59:07>> All those opposed?

2:59:08>> Aye.

2:59:09>> The motion fails 3 to 2 with

2:59:11Commissioner Porter and Commissioner

2:59:12Matlow in favor. The mayor the mayor Pro

2:59:15Tem and Commissioner Williams Cox in

2:59:17dissent. Commissioner Porter, you have

2:59:18the floor.

2:59:19>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That's all for me.

2:59:21>> Commissioner Matlow?

2:59:22>> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um Mr. Clerk,

2:59:24do we have speakers that we didn't get

2:59:26to with the time limit?

2:59:28>> I'm sorry?

2:59:29>> I was just asking if there were

2:59:30additional speakers that we didn't get

2:59:31to with the 30-minute time limit.

2:59:33>> We had 30 minutes and how many more

2:59:34speakers do we have?

2:59:36>> Mayor, we have I have two speaker forms,

2:59:38um one of which I apologized to uh was

2:59:40on the unagendad speaker uh card but was

2:59:43on 1601. Um so we have a one one speaker

2:59:47unagendad.

2:59:48>> Great.

2:59:48>> Okay. Yeah, I I moved to wave policy to

2:59:50hear from the remaining speaker.

2:59:52>> We'll hear from the speaker after we get

2:59:54through

2:59:55commission discussion.

2:59:56>> Okay.

2:59:57Um

2:59:58on the the follow-up item on the

3:00:00Tallahassee Housing Authority Mr. Clerk,

3:00:02who appoints the Tallahassee Housing

3:00:04Authority board members?

3:00:08>> You appoint um

3:00:09members on the Tallahassee Housing

3:00:11Authority.

3:00:12>> Okay, that was yeah, that was my

3:00:13understanding. Uh I'd like to make a

3:00:14motion that we bring back an item uh for

3:00:18review and invite the Tallahassee

3:00:20Housing Authority uh board chair uh to

3:00:23address the city commission uh to speak

3:00:24to concerns of the the public speaker uh

3:00:27we heard earlier.

3:00:28>> Motion on the table to invite the chair

3:00:30of the Tallahassee Housing Authority to

3:00:32come to address the city commission to

3:00:35specifically address the concerns that

3:00:37were raised this evening?

3:00:38>> Yeah, for for an update on

3:00:40a general update just to the city

3:00:42commission of how things are going at

3:00:43the Tallahassee Housing Authority.

3:00:44>> For a general update

3:00:46uh before the city commission of the

3:00:47Tallahassee Housing Authority. Is there

3:00:49a second to the motion?

3:00:50>> Second.

3:00:50>> All right.

3:00:51Any further discussion?

3:00:53Commissioner Williams-Cox.

3:00:56>> Um I think that we need to make a

3:00:58distinction.

3:01:00We appoint a a citizens advisory group.

3:01:04The Tallahassee Housing Authority has

3:01:06its own structure with an executive

3:01:09director.

3:01:10And they are the ones who provide the

3:01:12case management and all of those things

3:01:14that were being discussed here tonight.

3:01:16The citizens advisory board uh I would

3:01:19venture that they do not get into the

3:01:22weeds like that.

3:01:24Because I would think that there would

3:01:25be some regulation that required um the

3:01:27executive director to run her

3:01:29organization. I don't have a problem

3:01:30with her coming in providing some

3:01:32information, but not the citizens

3:01:33advisory group.

3:01:35>> I agree. If you're willing to amend your

3:01:36motion, it should be the executive

3:01:38director of the Housing Authority, not

3:01:39the chair of the board.

3:01:40>> I I I wouldn't invite both. I would like

3:01:42to hear from our our appointees as well.

3:01:44>> Both? All right.

3:01:45>> Okay.

3:01:47>> All those in favor signify by saying

3:01:48aye.

3:01:49>> Aye.

3:01:49>> All those opposed.

3:01:50>> Aye.

3:01:51>> Passes 4-1 with the mayor pro tem in

3:01:53dissent. Commissioner Matalin, you have

3:01:54the floor.

3:01:55>> Uh thank you. So, it's been 1 year since

3:01:58October 2025

3:02:00uh when we brought a motion for the city

3:02:03to exit its 287G agreement uh with ICE.

3:02:07Um in that time, we've got clarification

3:02:10from the state that there's no

3:02:11requirement for municipalities to enter

3:02:13into these agreements. There still

3:02:15dozens of Florida cities who have not

3:02:16entered into these

3:02:18agreements at all. I think I think it's

3:02:20it's pretty settled

3:02:22um

3:02:23law right now that there is no

3:02:24requirement for our cities to enter into

3:02:26these agreements. What we have seen take

3:02:28place

3:02:29over the last year is more and more

3:02:31egregious violations from ICE in our

3:02:34community. And yes, most of those have

3:02:36been in association with Florida Highway

3:02:38Patrol and not the Tallahassee Police

3:02:41Department, but I don't think we should

3:02:43cooperate

3:02:46and fund with local tax dollars

3:02:49federal civil issues. It makes no sense.

3:02:52We have too many concerns in our

3:02:53community to allocate even a single

3:02:56dollar to civil federal issues. That's

3:02:59been my position for since the very

3:03:01beginning.

3:03:02And you know, watching how these things

3:03:04are playing out, I think we should exit

3:03:06the 287G agreement. I would make a

3:03:08motion that we direct the city manager

3:03:11to exit the 287G agreement.

3:03:13>> Second.

3:03:14>> Motion and second. Any further

3:03:15discussion?

3:03:16Commissioner Williams-Cox.

3:03:17>> I'd make a substitute motion.

3:03:19>> Okay.

3:03:20>> Because in a couple of weeks

3:03:23as everyone keeps alluding to the

3:03:24election, we'll have a new governor. And

3:03:26it is not it is it is it is the

3:03:28governor's office that is is is

3:03:32allowing these things to happen.

3:03:34I would my motion would be that we will

3:03:36wait until the new commission and the

3:03:39new governor is in place before we act.

3:03:43>> Is there a second to the substitute

3:03:44motion?

3:03:44>> Second.

3:03:45>> It's been properly moved and seconded.

3:03:47All those in favor of the substitute

3:03:48motion signify by saying I.

3:03:49>> I.

3:03:50>> All those opposed? Pass it. I'm sorry.

3:03:53Call it again. All those in favor of the

3:03:55substitute motion signify by saying I.

3:03:57>> I.

3:03:59>> All those opposed?

3:03:59>> Nay.

3:04:00>> And the motion passes 3 to two with

3:04:02Commissioner Porter and Commissioner

3:04:04Matlow in dissent. Commissioner Matlow,

3:04:05you have the floor.

3:04:06>> Uh thank you. Uh I just wanted to

3:04:08congratulate our new uh city manager on

3:04:10a successful first meeting. We saw North

3:04:13Monroe explode and then a hurricane

3:04:15seemed to be coming our way. So, you've

3:04:17gotten trial by fire and uh good job.

3:04:20Thank you.

3:04:20>> Thank you, Commissioner.

3:04:22>> Commissioner Williams-Cox.

3:04:23>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

3:04:24>> Commissioner Williams-Cox.

3:04:25>> I would like to um

3:04:27uh um

3:04:29discuss the Wansley Cigar Factory. I've

3:04:31I've had conversation with our city

3:04:33attorney. I've had conversation with uh

3:04:35citizens in the community. I've had a

3:04:38conversation with the attorney

3:04:39representing the the developer. And what

3:04:42I would like to do is to uh ask this

3:04:45commission to give me an opportunity to

3:04:48uh work with those entities, all of

3:04:50those parts, and see if we can't come to

3:04:53some type of uh resolution

3:04:55to uh that we all can live with um

3:04:59in the very near in the very near

3:05:00future. I I would say by the by the next

3:05:03meeting.

3:05:04Um

3:05:05cuz that's that's kind of quick, but

3:05:07bef- before before the end of the year.

3:05:09I don't know what the timeline is, uh

3:05:10Madam Attorney, but if we can bring

3:05:12bring not not move on any action to do

3:05:16any more uh demo- to have a permit for

3:05:18demolition until we have bring we

3:05:21brought all of these entities together

3:05:22to see if there is some way that we can

3:05:25preserve this history.

3:05:27>> Mr. Mayor.

3:05:28>> Yeah.

3:05:28>> Madam Attorney.

3:05:29>> Thank you, Commissioner. So, as you

3:05:30know, I I sent a legal opinion last week

3:05:33about the vote um on the Wansley Cigar

3:05:36Factory at the Architectural Review

3:05:38Board. Since that time, there have been

3:05:40some additional issues that have been

3:05:41brought to our attention, and we are in

3:05:44the process of researching those as

3:05:46well. It's um

3:05:49my understanding of the vote that was

3:05:51taken last week after some consideration

3:05:54this week is that

3:05:56we would bring an item back to the city

3:05:58commission for with information and that

3:06:01there would be no permits for demolition

3:06:03issued prior to that. John Reddick is

3:06:05here as well. I've had a conversation

3:06:07with him. I do know that there's a DRC

3:06:08meeting on Monday and if you don't mind

3:06:11letting him at tell you what he expects

3:06:13to happen there and how that plays in.

3:06:15[clears throat]

3:06:15>> Sure. Thanks you Madam Attorney. The

3:06:18the development review committee

3:06:20has a meeting on on my regularly

3:06:22scheduled meeting on Monday which has

3:06:24site plan specifically for for this

3:06:26project on it and that again for general

3:06:30knowledge the site plan is not a

3:06:31development permit. That's a 10,000 foot

3:06:34assessment of the full site layout and

3:06:35as you're aware

3:06:37the building in question is a small

3:06:39portion of the the larger block that's

3:06:41being evaluated for for redevelopment.

3:06:43What we would expect because

3:06:46there's certainly the the the evaluation

3:06:48of the

3:06:49of the

3:06:51certificate of appropriateness the city

3:06:53attorney's office is is working through

3:06:55right now.

3:06:56We wouldn't be issuing a demolition

3:06:58permit until we have that confirmed

3:06:59whether it's the validity of that. It's

3:07:01a requirement my code to have that in

3:07:03place before we could do any sort of

3:07:05permitting for that. But again, I I

3:07:06think that's down the line where we're

3:07:08looking at it at a very at the at its

3:07:10highest level for development review

3:07:11right now for

3:07:13utility services, building location,

3:07:16sidewalk design, storm water management.

3:07:19I think what we would expect is a which

3:07:21is typical would be a conditional

3:07:22approval which is not a final approval

3:07:24by any means. That's a that's a standard

3:07:26procedure for us to say

3:07:28it it for across departments not even

3:07:31just growth management but that um

3:07:34based on the site design and the

3:07:36technical aspects of it, there's a

3:07:38feasibility to move forward and there

3:07:40are a number of things that need to be

3:07:41worked through before we would give any

3:07:43sort of final approval to then go to the

3:07:44actual steps of

3:07:46development permits like their

3:07:47environmental management permit and

3:07:48building permits.

3:07:50So all to say um

3:07:53it's certainly still in line with what

3:07:55uh

3:07:56what Commissioner you're you're

3:07:57envisioning from timeline, what the city

3:07:59attorney's suggesting, um

3:08:02and and it

3:08:04plays well to our normal uh process in

3:08:06development review.

3:08:07>> Okay. Thank you.

3:08:11>> That's all I have.

3:08:12>> Excellent.

3:08:12>> Oh, happy homecoming, fam. You

3:08:13>> Happy homecoming.

3:08:14>> Go, Rattlers.

3:08:15>> And go, Rattlers.

3:08:16>> Mr. Mayor pro tem.

3:08:18>> I don't have anything, Mr. Mayor.

3:08:19>> Great. We have one one more public

3:08:21comment.

3:08:22>> Yes, sir. Uh that speaker is

3:08:24uh Mariana Guimaraes.

3:08:29May have been in the group to left, but

3:08:30Mariana

3:08:32Guimaraes.

3:08:36Not here? M- Ladies and gentlemen,

3:08:39>> Mr. Mayor, but before you hit the gavel,

3:08:41>> Yeah.

3:08:41>> is this your last meeting?

3:08:42>> Uh this is my last working meeting

3:08:44before the ceremonial meeting.

3:08:45>> Okay, well, it's been a plum pleasing

3:08:47pleasure to work with you.

3:08:48>> Thank you.

3:08:49>> As

3:08:49uh thank you for the sacrifice, thank

3:08:51you for the arrows, thank you for the

3:08:53all the things that you you've taken to

3:08:55to lead us. Um love you, hate you,

3:08:58whatever it is, you I know you did your

3:08:59level best. I I know this because that's

3:09:01what we all do. So, uh congratulations

3:09:03on your future endeavors, and um we wish

3:09:07you nothing but the best.

3:09:08>> Thank you.

3:09:09>> Appreciate you.

3:09:10>> Yeah. Mr. Mayor pro tem.

3:09:12>> Question for the city manager.

3:09:13>> Yep.

3:09:14>> And and Carrie, you may have to look

3:09:15into this, but

3:09:17has [clears throat] any of the other law

3:09:19enforcement entities

3:09:21uh in the area, particularly in uh uh

3:09:26Tallahassee and Leon County, have they

3:09:28taken any action to repeal their

3:09:31uh uh

3:09:33approval of the 287G?

3:09:36>> Not not to my knowledge, but I can check

3:09:38with the the chief.

3:09:39>> Okay, if you would, please. I'd be

3:09:41interested in knowing if that's been the

3:09:43case.

3:09:44>> Okay, I can get you that information.

3:09:45>> On point, Mr. Mayor.

3:09:47>> I Okay, okay. I don't want to start the

3:09:49whole conversation back. You go back.

3:09:51Come Come on, Commissioner Matlow.

3:09:53>> I just going to say municipalities

3:09:55aren't statutorily obligated to enter

3:09:57while our counties and our sheriff were

3:09:59as well as state law enforcement. Thank

3:10:01you.

3:10:02>> Commissioner Porter, you had your hand

3:10:04up as well.

3:10:05>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was going to add

3:10:06many have not entered into the

3:10:08agreements. So, I want to make sure that

3:10:11distinction is clear.

3:10:15>> Okay. We're adjourned.

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