Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is Wednesday, December 7 at 302. In the afternoon, I'd like to call the City Commission meeting to order. It is my honor and privilege to introduce pastor Terry Delaney of First Baptist Church, our neighbor downtown right across the street. He is the associate pastor of missions and pastoral care, they'll be providing the invocation. Pastor, welcome.
Thank you, as is my practice, I'd like to read some scripture to form our prayer. The apostle Paul writes to young Timothy, I urge that supplications prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God, our Savior, who desires all people to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. There is one God and there's one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Let us pray, Father, for this last meeting of the year 2022. Lord, I pray for our leaders, I pray for those who are in attendance for our city, or that you would provide unity with our leadership, but also within our city, that we would no Lord, that our leaders whom we have elected only want to do what is best for us, for this community. When I pray that you would provide wisdom, I pray that you would provide calmness and, and good speech and Lord that you would provide for us the ability to to voice disagreements in a winsome way. But also know, Lord, that you are giving us these men and women to make these difficult decisions. To see that Tallahassee is run well, but we do pray for peace. We do pray for that quiet life, especially this time of year, when we celebrate the hope and joy that is Christmas. We thank You, Father, for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. And I thank you, for our leaders who are making these decisions. And having these conversations even here in the public sphere. You pray this in Christ's name, Amen. Amen.
Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty. Pastor, thank you so much for joining us today. We certainly do appreciate it. Enjoy the season. Well, ladies and gentlemen, we've got a full agenda today. It's gonna be a great agenda. We have a lot of business. This is our last meeting of 2022 So we're gonna jump right in. We will be taking colleagues is she is and we're gonna we're gonna take care of that just second. We're gonna jump right in. We will colleagues will take a break sometime between 530 and 545. We'll come back for the public hearing at six o'clock. And then whatever business we still have remaining. We will take up after the public hearing at six. Okay. All right. As you can see Commissioner Williams Cox, the Mayor Pro Tem is not with us and chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Are you with us on the phone?
Yes, I am. Good afternoon.
Excellent are our ordinances allow her to put our policies allow her to participate by phone but is there a motion to allow her to participate by phone or move again properly moved by Commissioner Richardson seconded by Commissioner Mallow. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. Okay. Do we have any agenda modifications today? Mr. Manager?
Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor Genda. Item 8.07 has been pulled at the request of Commissioner Porter, about policy that's been renumbered is out of 901 for your discussion.
Okay. Any questions about the modifications? Seeing none, we will move forward. We have two presentations today.
Chris Ravel, we please come join me. Bring the team up. Bring everybody this is Chris Ravel and the community beautification department, the City of Tallahassee, men and women do an absolutely amazing job. We love working With each and every one of you, day in and day out and you make Tallahassee look absolutely fantastic, we certainly do appreciate it. I would like to present this and Chris, you get to pick bad comments or whoever you want at the end. But I'd love to present this proclamation from the governing body of the City of Tallahassee a proclamation. Whereas in 1872, J Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska board of agriculture, that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation in the world, and whereas trees can cut energy used for heating and cooling help clean the air, reduce stormwater runoff, produce life giving oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas Tallahassee has one of the highest percentages of tree canopy coverage in the nation at 55%, and has for 30 consecutive years been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community. And whereas a healthy urban forest has repeatedly been shown to be a critical component to a vibrant and livable community, economically, environmentally and socially. And whereas the City of Tallahassee adopted its urban forest master plan in 2018, as a guide for the future of our communities tree canopy and to improve this vital city asset as our community changes in the coming years, and whereas the City of Tallahassee employs more than 20 certified arborist and tree care professionals, who provide close care for trees within our public right away, participate in real reforestation efforts and help educate residents about proper care for trees on private property. And whereas hundreds of trees are planted by the City of Tallahassee on residential property each year, free of charge through its popular adopted tree program. And whereas trees have always been an essential part of our community's excellent quality of life, adding joy and spurt spiritual comfort to generations of residents and visitors alike. Now, therefore, I John E daily, by the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the City of Tallahassee, do hereby proclaim upcoming Saturday, January 21 2022, as Arbor Day, excuse me, 23 as Arbor Day thank you in the City of Tallahassee, and we urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to help continue the long lasting relationship between trees in our community. I further encouraged Tallahassee residents to support efforts to protect our existing trees so that we may all enjoy the many benefits of majestic mature trees in the future. In witness, I've read into the record in front of each and every one of you signed with my signature Johnny Daly, dated December 7 2022. Thank you so much, Chris. Let me turn it over to you for a couple of comments. But let me officially present this proclamation to you and all of you. Thank you again for all the great work that you do on behalf City of Tallahassee in our community.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, commissioners, appointed officials, we appreciate the support that you've given us through both the policies that you've provided for us to be able to work through the urban forestry master plan. Also City Commission policy 2001, more commonly known as a tree bank, is a very key asset for us as we're doing tree projects throughout the city. And this group, that's with me, this is what makes my job so easy. We've got representatives from Parks, rec, parks, recreation, neighborhood affairs, community beautification, we have a couple folks that aren't here from electric utility. We have a young lady here from planning department that everyone will knows. So we have all of these folks or at least I shouldn't say that are certified arborists, they haven't even additional training beyond that summer as much as you can attain within our profession. So they these folks right here are really great folks to work with and makes my again makes my job so much easier and I'm privileged to have worked with Thank you
excellent. This is always a great time of year when we get to recognize the annual neighborhood Leadership Academy graduates and I would like to ask the one and only Ashley Edwards, Director of Parks and Recreation and please come join us. That will walk us through our graduation. Ashley, thank you.
Thank you, Mayor. It's my pleasure to be here. This evening. We are so excited to introduce you tonight. The graduates of the 220 22 classes, a neighborhood Leadership Academy. They have spent the last 11 weeks spending every Tuesday night with us for two to three hours a night learning everything that they can about city government. I think it has been a very positive experience for them. I know it's been a positive experience for us. And our hope now is that they have not only learned some things, gotten to experience some things they hadn't before, had a little fun along the way. And they now leave armed to be ambassadors for their neighbors, their neighborhoods, in terms of city services and city programs, city project city contacts. So without further ado, I'd like to call their names if you'll hold the applause until the end. I'll ask them to step forward and join us up here. And with without hesitation I want to introduce the nya Blake from Stratford Manor, Destiny Burke from Brookwood Chase, Harlan Caldwell from Bloxom tears. Leticia Daniels from Tallahassee Highlands. Nehemiah Ford from the Kalin neighborhood. Alex Gibson from Grove Park. Let's Anthea Hall from Griffin heights. Hairline Clank from Blair Stone forest. Rosa secure for more Juro from Pine easy. Ashley Leland from Vinson, Dr. Rebecca London from midtown. Anthony quickl for Midtown. And Christina Wiggins, from Brant hills, let's give them all a hand
I know that those of the members of the class that couldn't be here with us tonight, this afternoon rather are watching on TV, we really did thoroughly enjoy them. Being with us for this time, we thank them for spending the time with us and wanting to be engaged and involve leaders in their neighborhoods. I would be very remiss if I did not also recognize our neighborhood affairs staff that did such an outstanding job of putting this whole program together led by our manager, Mr. John Baker. I believe several he and several of his staff are there if y'all would please stand up. Wait. John, you and your team do a great job?
All right, ladies and gentlemen, as we begin the bulk of the meeting, let me remind you, as I like to do at the beginning of every meeting of our civility pledge, but set the example not only at the Dyess but also for all those that are participating and watching on TV, how good government can operate on the local level. I hope that you will join me as well. Do we have any announcements to come before the City Commission today? No, sir. All right. We have appearances by city commission appointed boards, committees and other governments 7.01. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2022 report of recommendations. Who's Are you taking the lead on that Mr. Manager?
Yes, sir.
Excellent. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me invite our Director of Housing Jean Amerson for she's going to introduce provide some brief comments and background and introduce the chairman of the affordable housing Advisory Committee for this year's report.
In Thank you. Hi, good
afternoon. Give us just a minute. I think we have a no
no, no. Okay. All right. That's okay.
Good afternoon, Mayor and commissioners. I'm Jeanne Simpson housing manager for the city, as required by Florida Statutes and I won't go into the whole big statutory citation. The city has appointed an affordable housing advisory committee whose charge it is to review the city's policies ordinances and such and ensure that our policies do not restrict and that they further and facilitate affordable housing. The AHEC is required to meet annually and file a report annually by December 31. This report is presented to you as our City Commission to for acceptance by the deadline of December 31 of each year. Your acceptance of the report does not commit you to any of the recommendations and you can also direct city staff to for further action if needed. The this is the second year that this has been provided annually prior to the new statutory ordinance the Uh, the reports were only done every three years when our local housing assistance plan was put in place, which we did this year. But now the reports are due annually. And we would like to thank the 11. Member, body. Mayor, you are one of those and we have several members. With us today, if you all would stand, please be recognized for your work.
Their diligence this year was incredible. We held nine meetings and three of those were joint meetings with the county's AHEC. So they are also required to have an AI hack in order to get state housing initiatives partnership funding each year. So we're really happy for for their support. And I would like to call up Jim McShane, the chair of the AHEC to report out on the recommendations.
Yeah, um, thanks for joining us.
Okay, all right. Since we have, we apologize, we didn't have the PowerPoint, I'll go ahead and state there were two recommendations that came out of the bodies work this year. One was recommendation, and it actually touched on quite a few of what the statutory citations require us to look at. They recommended that the City Address a setup a PUD on a large tract or a city on parcel and have it developer ready so that we can further facilitate affordable housing. The second recommendation was around an education piece, specifically code enforcement and landlord education on the upkeep of units and making them healthy and safe for our residents. So those were the two main recommendations. They are in your report packet and the materials provided to you. But I'll let Jim, Chair as chair of the AHEC say a few words. Thank you.
Thank you, commissioners. And thank you, Mayor, you were at all our meetings and really appreciate that. I want to also thank Dr. Thomas and Jean, because the staff, as you can see they do the work. I'm sort of like the titular head. So I understand that. But I did want to just go over quickly what we talked about, in just general terms, we talked about workforce housing, we talked about housing demand in our city and county and the fact that the demand outstrips what we have available at this point. As Jean said, we have city and county AHEC joint meetings, again, trying to make sure that we're aligning what we're doing between the city and the county, so that it's better for our developments all around obstacles for development of housing, we talked some about those things, what what kind of policies are in place that hinder our ability to be able to have affordable housing. Obviously, the Fed rate is a big problem right now, with the Fed raising it, I actually sent the fed a note that I thought it's time for them to rethink that that there ought to be a tiered type of rating so that if you're a new homeowner, it's a lesser interest rate. If you're a homeowner, that's got to go out and find a new job and get another house. And it's your primary house, another rate. And then finally, the usual rate. We coordinated those policies between the county and the city. So again, thanks to the committee for great discussions on the policy issues and working towards addressing homeless. And I can tell you this workforce issue is really is really serious. I just came from a meeting two days ago with the county commissioner down in McCullough. And they have a lot of homeless people there. Many of them are using our our homeless shelter. They want to have a job, they don't have transportation. I know Mr. White, I see him in here. He's somebody that really does a lot of great work with getting people to and from work. But we've got some issues that we need to work on. And you know, the business community's crying to us all the time at CareerSource. We can't find the people, well, the people can't get there, it's going to be a problem. And if they can't find a house to live in, or an apartment, at a reasonable cost, that's going to be a problem. So I plead that we keep this conversation going. And I want to thank you for my for being able to serve you all. Thank you. Thank you.
And so with that the option one is to accept the report of recommendations for staff. We also like to let you know that as we move into 2023, the work will not slow down. There is going to be great discussions around the inclusionary housing ordinance that has been talked about this year as well. So we'll start out with some joint meetings next year. So that'll be exciting, but I'm here to answer any questions. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Cook. We have any public comment on this item.
We do have one speaker on this item. Robin gray is connected virtually and as we make that connection, I'll let people know that on items where we have speakers virtually and in person, we'll take those here in person first and then go to the virtual speakers, regardless of where you're speaking from. You will have three minutes for remarks and I'll give you a heads up at two and a half. And we will see if Robin gray is prepared with remarks
Robin gray
Robin gray with us.
I think there but hasn't unmuted or made a connection to begin speaking. Look at the city attorney for confirmation here this item you're accepting the report but you're not taking action correct. So any speaker on this would have an opportunity to to speak to the specific actions at such time as you bring them forward.
Robin Greg, I'm here. Oh, wonderful. Thank you so much. Your name for the record please and the clerk will let you know when you have 30 seconds left on your time.
My name is Reverend Robin Gray. I'm a member of the Capitol area justice ministries Affordable Housing Strategy Team and minister emeritus of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee, I reside at 2750 Timber Trail circle. The Affordable Housing research teams work meeting with experts and practitioners represents careful consideration of the alternatives available. More than that it compels us by our hearts as we hear the myriad stories of people who are shut out of affordable housing. Like the City Commission, we are dedicated to representing the people of Tallahassee, not as nameless numbers, but as individual citizens who deserve the very best we have to offer. If Capitol area justice ministries, affordable housing tea could make us safe, secure, affordable housing available immediately to every family with extremely low income and very low income we do so we can't we come to our City Commission so that together, we can draw a little closer to that role every year.
Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker, please, Mr.
Clerk, we have no other speakers on this item.
Okay, I'm gonna come to you in a second Mayor Pro Tem for comment, because I can't see if you have your hand raised or not. But let me start off by saying as a member of the AHEC. Gene, you and your team are amazing. You do absolutely incredible work. It has been a pleasure serving on the AHEC. And thank you for everything that you do on behalf of the city and the community. I mean, it's just a, an incredible team that you have. And Jim as our chair, and to my colleagues that served on the committee, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Jim, you've done a tremendous job as chair and representing us. And as you said, we met quite a bit and really got into the issues. And it was very productive. And I was very proud to be able to represent the commission, but him thank you and my colleagues, thank you all for serving on the AHEC as well. Mayor Pro Tem any comments, are you good.
I want to just say thank you as well for the work that has been done. And we are working very hard to address the housing needs of our residents in Tallahassee. So thank you for being a part of the solution.
Thank you, Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just have a few clarifying questions. And I too want to thank the members of of the board. I think we've talked a lot about affordable housing here. And it's a priority for the city. And it's certainly my top priority. So I just want to one clarifying question, what I could tell from the recommendations, either the things that were reviewed were things the city is already doing, and will continue to do and so there was no recommendation. And for the items that had recommendations. It looked like the summary of recommendations, specifically the PUD and the increase of education, those meet all of those recommendations. Is that the point like those fulfill the aspect of that items recommendation.
Yes, it does when when you think about addressing like something as large as a PUD and making it basically development ready, you tick off a lot of those statutory citations and so that's why it wasn't 10 different recommendations. It was one that just touched on all those points, but everything we do addresses all of those points.
Right. Okay, thank you and Then Mr. City Manager, I know we have to adopt the choose whether to adopt these two recommendations by March 31.
Yes, adopt cording to accept the report today and then you can choose to adopt by March 31.
Okay. I was just curious if there's if we already have a plan for when that's going to come back? Not a specific date, but it won't come back. Will it come back to us before March 31. As the deadline?
We don't have a scheduled date Commissioner, certainly in the will of the Commission, we would follow that gene. If there's a natural trigger, she could share with us. What may bring that back, but this is not scheduled on the futures meeting at this point.
That's correct. City Manager, it would be at the will of the commission. If you wanted to explore one of these items further, we would bring back another item at your at your discretion.
Okay, thank you.
Mr. Matlow.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First off, thank you to the entire committee for their hard work. And recently, we saw a ballot initiative for rent control in Orange County, and it received more votes than any politician on the ballot. So I think certainly people are hurting and really trying to find affordable means to live. My only comment would be on the the second recommendation I assume we're talking about? Well, Lonnie, when we get into the large tracts is we don't really own that many large tracts. Is that probably accurate?
Yes, sir. Commissioner, that's correct. We, we, for the most part, don't have large tracts of land, we have individual lots that you designate every year suitable for affordable housing. We own land and Milani, that's not development ready yet. It's not in that position. So we don't really have I would wouldn't think you have a lot today. But that doesn't mean if you don't, you know, you could be that's a standing order. If you had one, you could you can look to develop in the way that's recommended.
Okay. So yeah, my only thoughts going forward is just to make sure as we develop this proposal, especially if we're going to put city on land on the line, or making sure that the end value is going to the homeowner or the person who would be most affected by it. I would hate to see this become just another developer giveaway. Like we've kind of seen it in the past, I think we just have to be, as we have this valuable public land, we just have to be good stewards of it, and make sure we deliver for the people. Thank you, Mr. Mack.
Thank you, Mr. Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And certainly this is all of our primary one of our second public safety. Housing is one of our most important, affordable housing is one of our most important priorities for the City of Tallahassee. And I want to thank the committee for the work that you all have done as well. I've had the privilege of working with Karen Miller and her team at the Tallahassee Housing Authority, and they are doing a tremendous job as well as following what those that Habitat for Humanity has done to provide housing in our community. And I would certainly encourage anyone who wants to be involved in this initiative, habitat, if you want to volunteer with Habitat, that is certainly a way that each individual and be involved in helping us to achieve this goal of housing affordability in our community. And I think the city has done a great job of partnering with those organizations, again, like TLC that provide affordable housing in our community, and I just want to suggest that we continue that kind of partnership, and making sure that our policies, if they need to be amended or changed in any way, that we do that, so that that we can continue to make housing, affordable housing available to residents of our community, we won't be able to do it. 100%. And, you know, there, the one thing that I would add is that there are individuals out there who may not necessarily want a house. You know, I've talked to individuals in the community, in my travels throughout this community. They don't want a house, they prefer to have, you know, a rental unit, because that's best for them and their families or their their circumstance, but certainly for those who desire that we should be able to provide that opportunity for them. And so, that that certainly would be my support. And Mr. Mayor, I would move that we accept the staff recommendation on adopting this report and look forward to it coming back before March 31. And we are addressing the recommendations of the committee.
Mr. Richardson has made a motion to accept the report. I will second the motion any further discussion? and none. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Pass. Passes unanimously, five, zero. Gene. Thank you very much. We are on the Consent Agenda once again. 8.07 has been pulled from consent. It is now 9.01 Have any other items on consentement? Pool? No, sir. Okay, Miss Clark, do we have any public comment on consent?
Mayor, we have no comment on consent.
Okay. Colleagues move
consent, Mr. Mayor.
Okay. Commissioner Richardson is properly moved the Consent Agenda seconded by Commissioner Porter. Any further comment? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. We are on items pulled from consent 9.01. Formerly 8.07. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item seeks your approval of resolution 22 dash r dash 40, which is supporting grant funding applications to the Florida Department of Transportation for Safe Routes to School funds in the amount of approximately 1.3 million for hawks rods Elementary, and Springwood Elementary School sidewalk projects. It would also authorize us to accept and appropriate these funds, if successful. Steve shapers, our general manager of underground utilities and public infrastructure, you can address any questions you may have on this item.
Excellent. Do we? Well, first of all, do we have any public comment on this item? No, sir. Okay. In pulled the Okay. Commissioner Porter, you're recognized.
Thank you. And I'll be quick. I just wanted to highlight this because it's so important. And when I speak to parents, or you know, I think we all get emails about this. And so the pedestrian safety or children's safety around schools. So I appreciate the initiative. I only had one question, which was, and I know we're only at the beginning stage of this and applying but whether or not we have considered or would like to consider coordinating something with KC CI or some local art group, like we've done in the past for a placemaking project or a mural. I know that we did that with Cobb elementary school and have done with other new sidewalks. And so I just wanted to bring that to our attention. That's something I would like to see if possible. I know that's down the road. But I wanted to make that comment.
Mr. Mayor, Mr. Manager, on that topic, Commissioner Steve, I think we're working on another one of those ways to share that
we have been actually in a couple of different locations for potential artwork on the sidewalks, not necessarily related to the products you have in front of you, but other sidewalks throughout the community. Yes.
Okay, great. Go ahead.
Commissioner Richardson.
Yeah, I was just gonna say these are these are painted crosswalks, not sidewalks. The ones that the one that we did the two that we've done, have been at Kate Sullivan Elementary, and cob on Miccosukee road and we are looking to do some others. We're in the process of completing a crosswalk at NIMS Middle School and I'm blanking on the name of the young lady that's over Casey. Yeah, that's couch. Betsy, Betsy and I have talked about that also, being potentially a location or one of the painted crosswalks once that one is is completely finished, but the the Safe Routes to School is is more about and we've just installed. Correct, correct me if I'm wrong, we are working on that. And we were spending what $2 million for the Safe Routes to School project at Fairview Middle School, if I'm not mistaken.
Yes, you're correct, Commissioner. And we've actually had very good success with working with the state and achieving some leverage funding for sidewalks at Fairview and several other elementary and middle school.
Electric said Commissioner Porter, it is to ensure the safety of our students, those that are within that two mile distance of the school and don't ride the bus to ensure their safety as well as the pedestrians that use those routes on a day to day basis. So this is certainly a great initiative for us to continue to ensure the safety of our kids. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, sir. Commissioner Mallow.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, just thanks for pulling this. It's worthy of conversation. I know. Commissioner Richardson and I serve on CR TPA, and this has been a topic of conversation and something. Commissioner Richardson brings up quite frequently, keeping our children safe. I think it's a priority of everyone on the City Commission as well. So just good work on this.
Mayor Pro Tem. Any comments?
No comment. Thank you.
Thank you. Is there a motion for option number one, so moved. been properly moved by Commissioner Porter seconded by Commissioner Richardson. See no further discussion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed by Passes unanimously, five zero. We are on item number 10.01. The appointment of agency authority and advisory board member positions. The Mayor and City Commission, Mr. Cook.
Mayor this item concerns appointment of members of the City Commission to various local government authorities. There are several which requires City Commission representation. At this time, there are three commission members need to be appointed to the board of the CRT PA, one to serve on the Appalachian Regional Planning Council and one to serve on the DIA as well as one to serve on the affordable housing Advisory Committee. The bills are laid out in your agenda item term links are two to four years depending on which of those and so you as a commission and decide which of you will serve on those various positions.
Excellent. Do we have any public comment on this item?
No, sir. Colleagues,
I'm assuming nobody wants to move. Everybody wants to stay where they are. Okay, I am going to roll off the advisory housing advisory council did three years I thoroughly enjoy it. Commissioner Richardson because of the nature of another board that you are currently serving on is something that you would be interested in.
Absolutely. It would tote totally complimentary to what we're doing through LC. Okay, well with the
commissioners blessings, I'm going to nominate Commissioner Richardson on to serve on the affordable housing Advisory Committee Commissioner Porter.
Thank you. And, and I'm happy to support that I before you mentioned that I would or this time and moving forward. I would love to serve as well, but I'm happy to accept that nomination of course.
Alright, so the motion will be for option number one. I will make it as amended. That would include Commissioner Richardson as our affordable housing advisory committee so it will be for C rtpa. Commissioner Richardson missioner Matlow. In the Mayor Pro Tem Williams Cox, the Appalachian Regional Planning Council will be Commissioner Porter for the downtown improvement authority. It will be Commissioner Matlow. And then again for the affordable housing Advisory Committee. Commissioner Richard, any comment? There second to the motion. Okay. And properly seconded by Commissioner Richardson. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously. Five, zero. We are on item number 10.02. Mr. Cook?
Yes, Mayor, item 10.02. Is downtown improvement Authority Board appointment, there is one seat, they can own that. Sharon James is recommended for appointment for a term that will expire may 31 of 2025.
Do we have any public comment on this item?
We do have one speaker on this item. Okay, we have Stanley Sims.
Your name and address please. Thank you for joining us.
My name is Stanley Sims. I'm sorry. Commissioner Richardson based on communication, or lack of communication that I have received from the Tallahassee Police Department.
From the inspector general that the city employees can interpret any move I make way at all to be hostile.
Mr. Simpson, we're on We're on Item 12. I'm sorry, 10.02, which is an appointment to the DIA.
I'm clearly aware of what item we're
on. Okay. Want to make sure it's germane to also
clearly aware of the hostile environment. I perceive. Mr.
Senator will have time at the end of the meeting for unagented speakers. Do you want to speak to the appointment that we are about to consider?
I would like to speak because that's why I came up. Right but I was
on this agenda item
I was explaining is this tone too aggressive for you or is this good enough? Do you feel threatened?
Are you speaking to the agenda item sir
That's what I came up here for.
Okay? Proceed please.
It is very important that diversity beyond these borders is not only important that diversity beyond these boards. But the culture that the diversity brings on the bowl Elizabeth has done a awesome job in trying to diversify
the downtown with various business partners. Diversity is good economically. Diversity is good for Tallahassee. The reason why I say it at this particular moment, we also need the diversity on the ball so that they can understand every element of our downtown. If I got if I go for downtown, is to be an 18 hour working open to Tallahassee. Let's open that up to everyone. And the greatest strategic plans that I'm from diversity is from the direction of the board. On of information, Mr. Mayor, there are no lights up here. So I'm being developed, defiant. And I'm praying that I two or three months later, I won't be fine for this.
Mr. Simms, you are at about 30 seconds. I apologize that the lights not functioning, but the timer is going for you.
Out of courtesy and growth. I will end my comment.
Thank you. Do we have any other public comment?
Not on this item
will be accepted to staff recommendation. Second.
I was gonna if you don't mind since Michigan metal is our recommendation. Oh, yeah. Representative. I'm gonna come to you in a second just to make sure. Mayor Pro Tem any comment on this item.
I am pleased to support this item.
Okay. Commissioner Matt, look for motion.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I assume this will pass. So welcome. Miss James to the committee. It has been brought up ever since I first got on the DA that we were looking for more diversity and it is trending in that direction. And that's a good thing to see. So I'll move acceptance of this item.
We've probably moved by Commissioner Matlow. Seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I I will support the motion. My only comment was just I believe in the recently we talked about including the information of all applicants. So I'm not sure if there were others in this case, but I believe that's direction that's been given. So just in the future. I would love to have that information. Thank you.
Welcome. Miss James will be a wonderful addition and I look forward to supporting her as well see no further comment. All those in favor of the motion on the table that was made by Commissioner Matlow seconded by Commissioner Richardson signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously. 501, item number 10.03. Mr. Clerk.
Thank you, Mayor. Item 10.03 is four appointments to the citizens police Review Board. As you're all aware that board has nine members when it was constituted in 2020. The terms the initial terms were set on a staggered basis so that there are three seats that have terms expiring on December 31 of this year. Because it's new board. Each of those is eligible for reappointment. One of those current members Suzanne van Weick has decided not to seek reappointment. The other two whose terms expire or Edward Gaines and Barry Monroe. Each of them would be interested in reappointment. As you also are aware none of these three are individual appointees of the mayor or a commissioner. They are all three in seats sponsored by Social or or civic groups and would continue to maintain that character. And with that, I believe the city attorney might have a couple of comments about duties and responsibilities and then we'll turn it to Hill.
Alright Madam Attorney.
Thank you. I just thought it would be helpful to give some brief statement regarding the purpose of this of this board and why it was established in 2020. So as the treasurer clerk has said the board was established in 2020 and the City Commission essentially was responding to the requests of the community and establishing this board but also recognize the very important fact that there are a number of limitations that had to be placed on this board because of the fact that police officers have a bill of rights that the city must abide by as well as the fact that we have a city charter, which basically set states who is to supervise various departments, including the police department, which is the city manager. And based on those limitations, however, the City Commission still want it to be responsive to the community, and establish a way to increase transparency, as well as several other purposes, which are outlined in the policies and procedures. And these purposes are to enhance the trust between the department and the community by demonstrating police credibility and responsiveness, ensuring citizen complaints are welcomed and taken seriously by the department, identifying trends of conduct departures from department policies and procedures, and increasing the public's knowledge about the complaint and investigation process of the department. And with those purposes in mind, as well as the limitations that are that are imposed by law. There were essentially four functions that were outlined for this citizen police Review Board. It was to review completed Internal Affairs reports involving use of force or issues of importance or interest to the community or the city based on a majority vote of the board. And to review those to determine if they were consistent with department policies and procedures. And if they had recommendations regarding any revisions, or additions, they could make those represent those recommendations to the police chief. They also could consider matters that were of importance or interest to the community and they would by a majority vote determine what those issues were. And based on a review of those matters, they also could make recommendations to the chief of police as to any additions or revisions. If further could make recommendations regarding current or proposed Tallahassee police department policy procedure are practice. And then finally they had the opportunity opportunity to annually present a report to the City Commission, the city manager and the chief, which included the following the nature of matters which they had considered during the year, any recommendations that they had and the Chiefs response to those recommendations, summaries and statistics related to citizen complaints, comparison of board findings and conclusions with actions taken by the chief and then they could provide in that report any recommendations that they had regarding changes in policies and procedures. This board was to be a think tank a very deliberative body which would carefully consider the policies and procedures of the police department and make recommendations to the chief of police.
Thank you, Miss Clark, any public comment on the silence?
Mayor, we have about eight or 10 speakers, most of them in person, but we do have a couple of virtual Okay. The first speaker we have is Barney Bishop, followed by Mike Goldstein.
Again, I apologize that the lights in front of the mayor are not working tonight, but I'll give you a heads up when you have about 30 seconds remaining.
Okay, your name and address for the record, please? Yes, sir.
Good evening. My name is Barney Bishop. My address is 1454 VOOC Ray drive Tallahassee. The mission and purpose of the citizens police review board was outlined by your general counsel. But I wanted to concentrate on three things number one, in the very first sentence of their mission and purpose, it talks about transparency. And it talks about accountability. And in the third respect, it says that the members must be unbiased because of newspaper stories, and because this video has spoken to the press, she is admitted that she is anti police. Therefore that makes her biased. That makes that makes her prejudiced. And somebody that is biased or prejudiced should not serve on this board. In fact, in reading the annual report today for the second time, I saw again, that the board itself is recommending in the annual SLS station that everybody on that board is unbiased. Yet Miss Brito would either have to admit that she is biased because she said it in the paper she is and she's got a coffee mug that says anti police on it. Or she'd have to commit perjury by signing that form and saying that she was not biased. You can't have somebody serving on that. It is prejudiced. And if I was anti Hispanic, and you had a board that oversaw Hispanic activities or actions in this community, you certainly would not put me on that board. And I'd be smart enough to not apply for the board. But it appears the MS Brio wants her cake and eat it too. If I was anti firefighter, and you had a board that oversaw the actions of the firefighters, and I told you that I was bias I was against them, you would not appoint me to it. And you would be right. And that's the way things should be done in a proper fashion so that you know that people don't come in with a bias, they don't come in with an agenda. So it is the opinion of back the Badger group that I'm here representing tonight, civilians that support law enforcement, that Miss Brio cannot be allowed to continue to serve. If you are, it doesn't matter, by the way, whether she's taken action and or not. She is admitted that she is biased. So if you decide to keep her on this board, then I'm telling you right now that I am pro law enforcement. I'm biased in favor of law enforcement. And I demand that you appoint me to that board, because that board is entitled to have as many people that are for law enforcement, as there are people against law enforcement, otherwise, you're stacking the deck. It can't be that this board decides that every action by law enforcement, they've got a problem with it. They can investigate it. But the reality of it is ladies and gentlemen, it that police officers have to make a decision. They don't know for they're coming home every night. You're their family. You guys come home every night to your family. They don't. So please don't get reappointed. Thank you take her out, or put me on there.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bishop. Our next speaker.
Next speaker is Mike Goldstein, followed by Chuck white,
your name and address for the record, please.
Hey, guys, I'm Mike Goldstein to unsend Wesak Avenue. Been a while happy end of the year. I love the new seating arrangements right away. Good at regionalization. Believe that, Mr. Mayor, you said that while the last meeting with the organization of the new commissioners elected in, we don't want to go forward in the year with more civility and like move forward past last year's drama, if I remember correctly. So I think the point is like if the process was there in place, then why was she not stopped to be pointed at the first step of that process? So why are we even having this conversation right now, if it was a bad appointment, it should have been nipped in the bud in the beginning of this process not being talked about X amount of months later saying she's not the right fit for the board. When the board is supposed to be built with diversity, if I'm not mistaken. Not everyone can get along with the police. That's not the point of the board itself. But to like, Miss Jackson said earlier, those roles that were discussed, were the point of the board itself not to get along and Kumbaya and all this stuff about what the board is about, because that's confusing to us in the public about as well. So if you're gonna, and I read the homework ahead of time in the lobby, I don't think this bureau is on the list of requirements, if I'm not mistaken, and reading the literature provided to us to read. So is this a witch hunt elf in the room to get her off and put Mr. Bishop on the board, because that's gonna be a nice discussion for another day, because I don't think people really want him on board as much they don't want her. So that's gonna be something to think about as well. And, again, the lights not working. So I'm not sure how much time I got left. But this is a discussion for a bigger discussion, because if the process in place was not how it should have been then finished, unfortunately, were appointed this bureau in first place, because now we're still having discussion about why she's on the board. And at this point, and I'm not the board itself is just one aspect because they're trying to help the police, I believe advise on what you're doing. There's other things in play besides a cup saying whatever it said, to Coster and in the media about it. There's off duty police detail that changed over the last year that is making things unsafe for people at night, and I talked everyone in the room or tried to talk to everyone in the room. Mr. Mayor, he didn't respond to email about this. And that's an issue I've been having for a year now since that process changed over. That's a discussion for another day. But why are people why is there a lapse in judgment or in time I talked to the chief earlier, when there's a time waiting, that's where that board is therefore to help with those kind of situations and guidance, because when we're waiting on before night, there's a like a time lapse when issues could arise like a shooting that happened last week that made the 100 in the news, according to the media 100 shootings in the year. That's not good. Right, guys. So how do we move past the crime situation over a board members in the room here to be discussed about getting kicked off the board was just got appointed. You have about 30 seconds. Thanks for having us. Happy New Year. I'm up to more time. So I'm here for the long one today. But good to see everyone again. And it's good to be back in this but not for a reason I wanted to be I'm happy to be back here and to Wayne as a citizen concerns that are valid. But that kicks off the board when he just got on there from a process that was in place that wasn't explained well enough to have a conversation about this. Now, it should have been nipped in the bud when it first started. Thank you.
Thank you The next speaker please.
Chuck white. And then next will be Michael McLoughlin.
Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
Chuck white. My address is 537 Frank Shaw road. I'm a longtime resident here in Tallahassee. I guess the first thing I want to say is to thank each of y'all for your service to this community. You all know what it takes to serve the community and what an awesome commitment that you make on behalf of the public. I'm here to tell you that I know Taylor Brito. And I've known her for several years, she has that same commitment, if not a stronger one. She's out in the woods working with our homeless, she works with our teens that are having difficulty. She brings a perspective to the that from the community's point of view that that you don't typically hear. So I I think are contrary to what Mr. Bishop says, I think we got a very strong police department. And I think our police department can can stand a criticism and not be afraid of that. And if Taylor Bria was able to bring ideas and concepts to our oversight of our police department, I certainly think she should do it. So I recommend strongly that you support her and keep her there. And it's not gonna it's not gonna police departments and I'm not afraid of her. So that's what I have to say. God bless you all. Thank you very much for your again for your service.
Thank you. Our next speaker, please. Michael McLaughlin,
followed by Brian loopy Yanni.
Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please,
listeners. My name is Michael McLachlan. I live at 100, Cadiz Street and I'm a member of the telehealth Community Action Committee. And I just want to say regarding the appointments, I've attended the CCRB meetings a lot out there last month. And I can say that Edward games and Aaron Monroe are both superb members of the CPRP and should be retained as members. As you look for a replacement for Ms. Suzanne van White has also been a good member, I urge you to bring to the board and I urge you to appoint someone who brings to the board extensive experience thinking through how to develop, implement and enforce policies to reduce and eliminate police brutality as the attorney because Andrew Jackson mentioned the beginning this Commission was established in response to 1000s of Tallahassee, Ian's taking to the streets demanding community control of the police. And while those while we were demanding a civilian police accountability council that would have much more extensive powers. We have the sport as is. And it still has an opportunity to, you know, to offer critical recommendations to reduce the harm that happen from the police in our community. And so as you're thinking through who to appoint to the sport, I encourage you to look at Taylor Bureau as a model. Taylor Bureau is incredibly well qualified to be on the CRB she has. She's literally wrote the curriculum that the Florida Department of law enforcement uses on trauma informed trauma related to sexual violence. That's the sort of experience we need on that board. And I just want to say that the board members need to be willing to maintain their political independence with respect to both the Police Benevolent Association and this commission. I'm deeply concerned by the controversy that has emerged following Commissioner Dianne Williams Cox's public misrepresentation of a sticker that Mitt Spiro has on her water bottle. And so, as you think about you appoint I also encourage you and urge this commission to respect the political independence of the CPRP. Let it do its work at the needs to, except Except its recommendations. The worker does very deeply. Don't make public comments, especially false comments, regarding standing members, thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker please Mr. Clerk,
Bryan, Luciana Luciani, who will be followed by Stanley Simms.
Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
Thank you. Good evening, Brian Luciani 607 McDaniel Street. First, I just want to say something about the the process of removing misbehavior or anybody on on the board. I haven't dug deep into it but I tried to find the The story the documents behind the creation of the board and I didn't see anything about how it would be removed. And also, I may be wrong in this, but it's my understanding that she was one of the group appointments, that the commission is a whole made out of recommendations by local agencies. If that's the case, and you all voted to put her on, I would think in order to remove her, you all need to agree on that. And you also should get some input from whatever agency recommended or don't from there. I don't know, Miss Bureau, I've met her I was acquainted lightly acquainted with her some years ago. I don't know exactly what her position is on this. I just, you know, get my information from the Tallahassee Democrat. So looking to say, you know, they had a quote from her in there, and it really doesn't matter what she thinks I'm I don't think I agree with her. But I think her position, whatever it is, should be on the board. I think there are a lot of people in the community that feel that way. And something that you wouldn't know just by reading the Tallahassee Democrat is that the board itself unanimously endorsed her last week, and said in that, that she was Hold on a second here. I noted that she's demonstrated unquestionable professionalism and integrity. And she's never shown bias. I'm not completely naive. I know, there could be something going on behind the scenes, but from everything out in the public, this all started this little this movement to get rid of her started from what turned out to be an erroneous report about what she had on her mug. And that erroneous report was repeated, including by a city commissioner, and the head of the PBA, apparently, without checking to see if it was true.
You're at about seven seconds.
Okay. Just want to say I hope we learned three things from this. That we that free speech is important when we need a diverse view diverse viewpoints on this board. Public officials should get their facts straight before they make public accusations of someone's character. And I think we need to think about whether or not the people being reviewed should have a veto over who's reviewing them. Unless you want to answer the old question of who watches the watchers. With the watched. I think we need to keep Miss Barrow on the board. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker, please.
Stanley Sims, and then we'll Crowley
thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
My name is Stanley sin, I'm at 1320 Avondale way. bias and we even be consistent with bias. Our police chief went to a Billy Graham, anti LGB y'all Forgive me with those letters. I can't get them right. And then he came back in these chambers and say it his religion does not allow him to condone homosexuality. But he said in my professional realm. I can do my job. Boom shakalaka. Now he's sitting over there calling me a liar. He is outbursts and why I'm speaking, calling me a liar. The Tallahassee police chief. Now if Miss Taylor was in this room while I was speaking, and Miss Taylor yelled out, lie her. What type of bias with this board give her bias and bias and bias towards my kids. I'm biased when I walk down the street and there's a McDonald's on one side and a burger key goes the other I'm bias and bias. But do I handle myself in a professional? I'm sorry, I pray I'm not threatening you all because I'm moving my hand. I pray that when I come into your business, or I'm conducting myself that I'm handling myself within the provisions, and according not to me, but her board She says she does that. I would really it was kind of difficult for me to swallow. And it's still difficult for me to swallow that our police chief was able to go to a Billy Graham that is known anti. And because that was his personal thing, and I had to get used to that. You're at 30 seconds. And so her personal feelings is she feels that the police chief, the police system is broken. But even as a taxpayer, she's saying I'm willing to commit my personal time, not like $180,000 salary like we pay the chief. And handle myself professional, even though I'm by
Thank you. Our next speaker, please.
Next speakers will Crowley be followed by Malik. Gary.
Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
Thank you commission. My name is Wil Crowley I live at 2308 Cypress Cove drive. First, I'd like to give my support to the individuals seeking reappointment to the board. I don't know how many of y'all watching have been to this board meeting. And if you are a civic nerd, like I am, and like many others watching that aren't getting paid to be here. It is riveting, you will really enjoy it. It's not time wasted. Other than that, I would like to take a few moments to speak in favor of Miss bureau. I'm an acquaintance of hers. I don't know her personally. But from what I've seen, she's an upstanding citizen and represents me well, on the board. I'd like to speak about a couple of items. First, I'd like to speak about bias. We've talked a lot about what bias means what constitutes bias and what we should do about bias. Is it biased to have concerns about how the police department functions historically and presently? And what should be done about it? Is it biased? To take money from the police union as a as a candidate for office or a sitting Commissioner? Did those things influence the way that you approach policy? If you have a bias? Can you set it aside and make the right decision anyway? Is it easier to address bias when you're up front about your bias, or when you try and hide it and pretend that you have none. I would like to see everyone recognize the point of view that they're coming from. And when they bring it to the table so that it's easier to set it aside. Besides bias, I'd also like to speak for a moment about responsibilities or about duties, we all of us have a responsibility and a duty to make sure that when we are raising concern about an issue that we have as much of the facts under our hands as possible. I think that duty is even stronger when you've been elected by the people to represent and to make decisions on their behalf. A member of this body failed in that duty. When that member shared this shared a concern that sparked this whole thing. The details just weren't right. The specific content of the sticker at hand was factually incorrect. And as was the PBA statement that followed, you have 30 seconds. So my hope is this, that when we say that, before you react, get the facts, then that goes for yourself as well. I encourage you I urge you to support Miss bureau. And, you know, one thing that's going to raise interest and abolishing the police more than anything else is kicking somebody off for believing that. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker, please. Next is Malik
Gary. And then Mayor, we will go to the two speakers that we have connected virtually.
Okay. Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
Good afternoon. My name is Molly Gary. I say 2215 Cedarbrook court 32303 Tallahassee, Florida to the Marin City Commission. I stand in favor of Miss Barrow. First of all, let's talk about diversity. Diversity is something that we lack in this city on almost every diversity board. There's not more than two African Americans that sit on a board and our diversity as we talk about diversity. Let's talk about biases, biases here, right? We gave $27 million to FSU, Doak Campbell stadium. What's money also went to some of your campaigns, but you still do your job. Why are we facing this issue about Miss Biro that has a false statement of what was on her cup? When we have children at the age of 15, and 14 year olds going into our jobs and our justice system for marijuana that are less than five grams, when we have kids dying by a gun violence situation, who is that as our rage we go back to 2015 When our city was one of the top 10 for gun violence in the state, we got other issues to focus on y'all. We got other issues that focus on affordable housing. I heard y'all talk about it. I was on online watching. We got people, more homeless people in our nation's cap in our state's capital than any other city in the state of Florida. We got work to do. This issue is not at work for us to do. We need her on the board. You need me on the board, which is why I was appointed and confirmed. Nobody on this commission voted no against me to be on the board. I am abolitionists. But I'm not bias. Because I understand we got to rebuild the trust in our community, with our police officers. Because, yes, in a sense, police officers have not been great to the black community for a long time. Let's talk about how policing started. It was to catch runaway slaves. Let's look why people are abolitionists. Let's look at the foundation of system of policing. That's the problem. Not some of our police officers. It's the system itself. We got other stuff to do. I wore this hat there bro liberty to see how you would react to me wearing a Dream Defenders hat. I am proud to work for a grassroot organization that believes that we have other issues in our community than to be focused on police. Here at about 30 We got other stuff to do, y'all. We got other stuff, other money, other grants that need to be done to protect our children that are dying. You can't even go and play basketball outside of FAMU and not get shot. But we want to talk about Miss Barrows cup. We got other issues, you have been reelected to do the job to protect the citizens of this city. And let's let's do better. I said this at our last meeting, we got other issues that need to focus on. And I hope you hear me clear. This won't be my last time speaking if this happens again. Thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker, please.
Next speaker is virtual and we'll be done Cottrell and then rose Heinz. First, I'd ask
your name and address for the record, please.
Good afternoon. My name is Donna Cotterill, and I live in a neighborhood. I am so pleased to hear my leeks words. I too was other citizens police Review Board had to step down when I ran for county commission and really took my place and my gosh, I couldn't have said anything better than he did. I too am a colleague. And I consider Taylor a friend of mine. I have worked side by side and shoulder to shoulder with her on the review board as well as, as a workmate never have found the more upstanding person and compassionate and a leader who thinks critically and clearly before making decisions. And I echo the words of others who said she had that cup from day one. That sticker was on there from day one. I sat beside her and saw the sticker on the cup. Why now? And why are we so focused on a false accusation, as Brian mentioned that it wasn't even, you know, the propaganda to say it's a proceed propaganda wasn't even what was actually on the sticker. So I asked you to please keep Taylor on the board. And also Barry Monroe, as well as the Chair Edward Gaines, amazing individuals. I think it's an excellent board. It's diverse, as Malik said, and they do their due diligence. They do their research before making any decisions. And I had witness bore witness to tailor bringing information and research to the board in an unbiased way to make sure that we all are nuanced and some of the traumas that are experienced through not our police, but just police in general. And most of you know my father was in law enforcement, so in no way shape or form against law enforcement. I respect our law enforcement, but I also know that Taylor Bureau needs to stay on that board. So thank you.
Thank you. Our next speaker please.
Next is Rose Heinz. rose Heinz.
Rose Heinz one more time Rose. Hi. Miss clerk, our next speaker.
That's the last speaker we have we've
muted. Oh, thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
My name is Mr. Hines, and I'm speaking in my personal capacity and as a citizen here in Tallahassee, I live in Dry Creek run subdivision. Can y'all hear me okay? All right. What we're here discussing today is a passive expression of an individual's personal view. under the First Amendment, it seems pretty ridiculous that you would want to remove someone from a board that works to ensure that law enforcement is not infringing on people's rights, merely because they have a personal critical view of law enforcement, that there is no evidence that is ever infected, or in any way hurt the work they do on the review board. They're more important things to do, as others have mentioned and a showdown over a volunteer board member. There's unsolved cases are timely at times, there's a housing crisis. Review Boards should be a cross section of the community, which means there are going to be shows who are more critical of law enforcement than others. There are going to be some in our community who are abolitionist, I consider myself one. And so we should also be represented on this community review board. Again, there's never been an allegation that Taylor's beliefs have in any way affected their actions on the community. civilian review board. And individual board members should be able to have whatever private feelings they wish and they should be able to passively express that T shirt or face. We were wearing masks for a while if they want to wear a mask a shirt, have a cup with a sticker that expresses their beliefs, I don't think that affects their ability to do the job they were put or the volunteer position that they were put there to do. As long as the panel as a whole provides independent, unbiased views and transparency, then there shouldn't be an issue with the individual ideal of that board members hold this independent body reviewing the actions of the police, not just a cheerleader for the police department is that is the case, then there should be dissenting opinions about the message, the necessity of the police department should be allowed. Taylor has in no way been alleged to have done anything out of character. And individuals are allowed to have their own personal opinions about law enforcement, they are spending their spare time trying to make our community better by joining this civilian review board. And I think that should be commended and they should be retained. Additionally, I know there were two other members who were out for retention or not. And I do think those members should be retained. And as you are looking for a new member to the civilian review board to replace the members who had to leave the leaves the Boyd individuals like Taylor's should be the model standard. Thank you.
Thank you. Miss Clark. Our next speaker, please.
That's the last speaker we have Mayor. All right.
We'll go to commission discussion and direction. Mayor Pro Tem. Any comment?
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me let me say clearly thank you to the citizen police review board for the work that they've done. And but in that vein, I would like to offer this motion. I want to move staff recommendation for option number one, and option number four for board direction. The direction that I offer is to allow for more organizations to have the opportunity to participate, that we appoint that we read that we reappoint to their large board members from above and another organization because these current members on representing organizations we want more organizations to have this opportunity. So I recommended that we accept applications from those organizations for individuals to come to the board. I also offered included in this motion that we remove board members Bureau based on commission policy 110 B, Section eight, which states that all city appointed citizens serving all communities and they'd be removed from their community by the City Commission. If it is only it will be in the best interest of the City of Tallahassee. And my motion further is that we accept the resignation of any other board member who wishes to resign upon us, upon receiving a second to that motion, I want to further clarify.
Okay, let me see if I have the motion correctly. As for option number one, which is the authorized office of the city treasurer clerk to collect applications for the vacancy seven applications to be provided to the City Commission for consideration, option number four, which is to provide other direction. Your third point of your motion is the removal of Taylor B route from the board. And then your fourth point, I'm sorry.
In your any resignation of any other board member who chooses to resign?
Okay. All right. There's a motion on table. Is there a second to the motion?
I'll second it for discussion. Okay.
There's a second by Commissioner Richardson for discussion. Do you want to provide further comment now that your motion has been made and accepted?
I would appreciate the opportunity to do so. Let me let me first say that I have, I have been accused of something that I have not done. So let me just clear, clear the record. And you can go back and clearly see this in the October 12. Board meeting. Board Chairman Gaines share with me the presence of a cup Ormos that appear to be inappropriate. This was shared through a telephone conversation that I had with Mr. Sherr in the presence of the Inspector General, as my witness, this is the reason I mentioned the cup, I did not mention the board member, I mentioned the cup, doing his presentation of the annual report, you can go back and check and never mentioned the board members name. But I had no way of knowing about it, unless I had been told and I was that was shared with me by the Board Chair via phone conversation. I've had further conversation with him, to remind him that this is where I first heard about the cup. Again, you know, I did not call for the removal of his girl. I only mentioned the cup. Now I had no conversation with PVA, and there's they're supporting the removal of hurt. But it has come to my attention that the actions of this board the production of to press releases to the media, which is outside of our policy for City Commission, board or committees to do, I find it very difficult to believe that this board can continue to function with the original intent that I had in mind, when we led the effort to bring this board to fruition. It was prior to my first election to the City Commission that a meeting was held by a group of citizens, predominantly African American, who asked for a board such as this. And this was back in 2018. And this is why I brought this board forward and work very closely with the city city attorney looking around the state to find a model to follow. And so I am very bested in making sure that I kept my promise to do this. But we've got to make sure that this board remains credible and can work to make sure that our community and the police are you have a good working relationship. So I honor that request by doing it. And based on the issuance of those two authorized press releases. I feel as though the board has gone away from its mission and has been focused are distracted by these these things. And we need to return to that. And I believe in order to just to be able to do that. And be able to continue to have the transparency and working together as a community that this motion that I'm making is an effort to get us there, get us back to where we're supposed to be. So for that reason, I stand by the motion that I've made. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Richardson.
But if you could go to sure wishes Porter
Commissioner Matlin.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Largely, I think this is just a huge distraction. You know, when we talk to people in our community, what we're looking for, is a conversation to strengthen The relationship between our police department and our community, we have to have that line of communication open, which was the whole point or part of the point of the creation of this board by by single handedly wiping out half the board. Because of a difference of opinion, I think this board will lose all credibility moving forward. And it may not have a purpose at all. But I do want to just stick to the options before us today. Taylor bureau. First off was not on the agenda tonight what was on the agenda is two very appointments. And then there is an open seat on this board. Mr. Bishop has volunteered to serve, I would support you, if you applied for this board and would like to serve because I do think we should have all viewpoints represented on this board. And we have an open seat coming up. And anybody can apply. All viewpoints, to me are welcome. Because we need to have a diversity of viewpoints, they come up with a consensus. And we need to have a relationship between all aspects of our community and our police department. If we don't forge that relationship. We're just spinning our wheels. This board serves no real purpose at all we need to push for conversations about how are we going to reduce gun violence? Why do we still have ongoing troubles of people getting their gun stolen from their unlocked cars? And we're not locking up cars? How is it that we have situations where you know more than 15 individuals are open caring in our community. There's real problems in Tallahassee and there's a I think what we should be discussing, so I want to put the motion on the table. I will make a substitute motion for options. One, two, and three. And I really do encourage everyone to apply for that open seat.
Okay, there's substitute motion on the table made by Commissioner Matlow. For options, one, two, and three. Is there a second to the motion, seconded by Commissioner Porter Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. First, I want to acknowledge I think we all probably agree that this has been a frustrating and confusing situation, I understand why members of the public and members of our law enforcement are offended her upset over this, I understand as well that there are other members of the community that are upset for different reasons. I think we can all agree when we're speaking about perspectives or biases, that there are certain perspectives that we as a society, do not agree should be given a platform. We as a society have said, you know, racism is not a perspective that we will entertain sexism, you know, when we're talking about a perspective on a class of people, because of their race, their religion, their nationality, that is totally different to me than having a perspective about an institution. If I were to say, which, by the way, I don't support charter schools, if I were to say, I don't support charter schools, I don't think anyone here would think that I hate teachers, that I hate teachers that charter schools that I hate people who support charter schools that I hate the parents who send their students, their kids to charter schools. Um, you know, one of our speakers said himself that he has a bias in that he considers himself to be pro law enforcement. I think that's a fair perspective, to have a fair perspective to be represented on this. On this board. I would not consider removing someone because they had a blue lives matter. sticker on their cup, though, I know that that would be offensive to to plenty of people. I think if we really are honest with ourselves, every single one of us here has a perspective, especially on an issue as political or close to home, as as policing and as criminal justice as the police. I mean, law enforcement officers as well as the system at large of public safety. But I think we would also if we're being honest with ourselves, acknowledge that there have been times where we have been in a role or position where we bring that perspective and are able to be open minded, able to be respectful, I think of you know, I was a legal assistant, and I know we can make comparisons and they're all They're not all direct comparisons, but I was a legal assistant for a public defender's office. I was doing work, that there were aspects of that work that I was uncomfortable with. I did not that Job was not an endorsement of the entire system of our criminal justice system. So I think that we acknowledge ourselves that we've been in those situations where we might not agree with everything our job entails. But we know that we've signed up to do a job and we are willing to do it. I spoke to a lot of people who are involved in this probably over 10. And I will say that and of all, you know, people who are board members, people who are in law enforcement, people who are staff, and from, you know, I will let those people if they wish to speak for themselves, but I'll just say, at least for the board members, and and others close to this board, not a single person said that Miss Bureau has exhibited a bias in her work, that she has been disrespectful, that she has been disruptive, this would be a totally different conversation. If that were the case, if someone would just say this person is acting as an obstacle to the mission of the board, we are not able to do this work with this person. I think that's a totally different conversation. And in that case, we should probably go ahead and remove that person, no matter the board, I think it's important to recognize as well, that Miss Barrow is one of nine members, she is not the staff person who is the only person charged with you know, this is not the person who's leading internal affairs or whatever. For, for TPD. This is someone who sits on a nine member board, or we're including every single other member said just about said that they did not they did not agree with Miss Bureau on this issue or other issues. There there is we can discuss whether we want more diverse viewpoints on that board. But I have to say from what I saw, there were a diversity of viewpoints, a diversity of membership, have perspectives of backgrounds, of professions, there's a lot of diversity on that board. I do think as well, as a commissioner I think about and I encourage all of us to think about, you know what it might say about us, and I know things change, people change their minds, people do things, you know, when we make these, when we make these appointments, or I'll speak for myself, you want to balance people who you know, and trust personally, to do a job with the fact that you don't want to just appoint people, you know, because you want to consider other ideas and give everyone a fair shake. So that's all true. But I think it's also true that I want to think about what does it say about me, if we've appointed a board, that of people that supposedly we trust, to carry out this mission, or else we wouldn't have appointed them in the first place, I hope, and that they have unanimously said, We don't want this person's removal. Under the strongest terms. And feeling very, very strongly about this. It seems clear that this is at least the conversation about the board, and how we review their annual reports or their recommendations. There's clearly unmet expectations, you know, on both sides here. Finally, you know, I would ask that the people today, here today that are opposing Miss Spiro, I do wonder, and I mean, this with all due respect, you know, if any of you have actually watched a meeting, or attended a meeting in person, to see her demeanor, to, to see how she approaches these issues, no matter what you think about it, but I'll tell you, I haven't heard a single person say that she has been anything but thoughtful and respectful. So, you know, for those reasons, I cannot support her removal. I have a question for whomever has the answer to this question. If I may, you know, have we I understand per policy, it is absolutely within our authority to remove a board member of any advisory board. Is that something we have ever done? In a situation like this? I'm not talking about someone who's moved away. I know we dealt someone who doesn't meet the eligibility requirements. You know about where they live, where they reside, someone who has missed, you know, attendance requirements. Have we ever just removed someone With cause or with without cause.
I'm not aware of any, at least in in recent years, we have had individuals removed, as you described for a couple of reasons also for lack of participation. But in terms of a just a straight decision by the Commission, I don't recall that in recent years, but I've not gone back and researched it either.
Okay, thank you. And I'll wrap this up, I think it's probably clear, you know, where I sit on this issue that I don't support her removal. I want to make one final comment, which is, you know, to put this in perspective, we've had, we had at least one senior staffer who was being subpoenaed by the FBI. And there was no conversation about, you know, is this someone who we should suspend or fire? I understand that's not the role of the commission. But it wasn't something that I believe was brought up by city management, and that's not really a distract you, it's just sort of talking about our how putting this into context, we had a, a member on an advisory board who was publicly calling, or the removal of one of us was sitting City Commissioner saying that he was of unfit character, low moral character, encourage trouble, no conversation about whether that's someone who is appropriate to sit on a board. So that's why I'm supporting the substitute motion. And that's why I can't I can't support the motion that was made by Commissioner Williams Cox.
Thank you, I'm gonna weigh in now. The barrel boy on point.
Oh, boy, let me let me correct something. The reason that the reason that I included it in the motion was based on the policy commission policy 110, I did not mention anything about the board members, bias this or anything like that, I'll only mention that the only reason I knew about the cup was from the chair, I cited the policy, because I'm focused on the on the board, not on the individual. I am not attacking this rural character, or her beliefs or whatever she whatever, I never call for her removal until I made the motion. And I'm simply doing that based on the destruction the time. So we're the direction that the board has taken. And I'm trying to do what I think is best to restore the board to what their mission is. And it is not to be politically active, and taking sides and producing press releases. And because there's action caused that, that is why I made my I made that a part of my motion. Thank you.
Thank you. So I fully intend to support the original motion on the table and not the substitute motion. And my reasons why is, look, there's been a lot of great comments here this evening. And a lot of things that I agree in supportive individuals and against individuals as well, because there is one common thread that I do think that we can all agree upon. And that is we do need diversity of opinion. And we do need to have people to the table that want to engage. But let us not confuse the issue here at the table. And anyone that is currently serving on the police review board that would like to I would welcome them with open hands to serve on the Citizens Advisory Council for the police department. That is the public forum where we do pull people from all different walks of life. To talk about the bigger issues, we need to keep in mind that the police Review Board has a very narrow focus. And that is why we expect up front the only board that we have, that they sign a pledge to be non biased. They are dealing with officer involved shootings. And they are dealing with the review of the current policy. Now it's my understanding that since its inception, the board has reviewed policies, they've made recommendations by understanding that the majority and chief I'm looking at you you have accepted and incorporated and there have been some differences that you did not accept. At this point. We have a police review board specifically tasked with the scope and mission to review officer involved shootings, heaven forbid as they happen in our community. This is not an advisory council like other advisory councils, I am very much in favor of taking a hard pause. These are wonderful people that are up for reappointment this evening. I look forward to meeting and talking to them. That does not mean that I'm not going to take a positive step forward in the future. But in the past couple of weeks, I have had three of the four appointed officials, the city manager, the city attorney, and the inspector general who actually staffs this body, come to my office with concerns, formal concerns specifically about the direction and the scope and mission creep of the police Review Board. Therefore, I will be not supporting the substitute motion on the table. But I will be supporting the original motion on the table. And I look forward to future conversations on the mission in the scope of the police Review Board, as we originally intended it for debate. Commissioner Richardson,
Thank you, Mayor. And there has been a lot of good discussion, I want to thank everyone who has come out and voiced an opinion on this, it's been a very difficult subject. But here we are. And we've got a decision to make, I will tell you upfront, I will not support the substitute motion. Because like the mayor, I think that now this the relationship, and what we failed to realize is that there has to be a relationship, there has to be a working relationship between this board and the police department, there has to be that trust, there has to be a working relationship. And in my mind, it has been irrevocably broken. It may not have been with just the contents on a cup. And I don't know where to hell this came from. Because there's some people say it was there. Some people say it wasn't. I don't know if it was or wasn't. Because people have been on both sides of that. That issue but but that, regardless of that, I think that what this and I give Commissioner Williams Cox, a lot of credit for championing this board, in light of what and this is what really bothers me, in light of what had been happening in the black community, not the community generally. And certainly it would impact whatever decisions the the board makes, and the chief accepts will impact the entire community. But let me tell you this was this board was brought about largely almost exclusively because of issues in the community between the police department and those in the African American community. If there was there's somebody that wants to challenge that, I'd be welcome to hear your challenge. But I can almost guarantee you that that's why this board was established. And so we're not talking about pay people bringing viewpoints to this board. It was never established for that you heard the attorney, talk about why this board was established what its vision or what its mission is, what its standards are. It wasn't about people bringing viewpoints to the board, Democrat, Republican abolitionist, non abolitionist. It was not about that. It was about this board reviewing actions by the police, that largely impacted the African American community. And now we're talking about our damn cup. And one person that's more important than what's happening to people in the African American community. I refuse to accept that. I want a board that looks at what the police department may or may not be doing that impacts our citizens in a negative way. That doesn't depend on one person. It doesn't depend on their viewpoints. It depends depends on policies and actions. And I'll give you an example. The example was and this was one of the policies that the Board reviewed was the instance where the young man fell asleep at a traffic light and he was arrested taken aside and he was beat with batons. He was African American. The Board reviewed that policy and made recommendations it didn't have a damn thing to do with anybody's viewpoint. What it had to do with was this young man African American being beat with baton by the police. That policy was reviewed by the board chief i If correct me if I'm wrong. You accepted the recommendations of the board.
But he can be there for the public hearing that he called me he's upset about rebel calling them a liar intuition meaning he says you have to You don't do that.
Keep gains, you have an open mic. He.
Chief reveler, am I wrong that you accepted the board's recommendations on that policy? Okay. Okay. But but but my point is, is that's what we're looking for from this board. I'm not looking for people to bring viewpoints to this board. And that's why they are moving in the direction of if you're going to serve on this board, that you're going to have to declare that you do not have biases. And if you know, I have biases, but I don't publicly exhibit those biases on my sleeve, or on a cup, or on a t shirt, or a cat. Because when I'm elected to this commission, I'm expected to represent every citizen in this city. And that's what I attempt to do. Regardless of what my biases may be, I don't know if there's anybody in here could identify a bias on my part that I've exhibited. That would prohibit me from serving on this commission. I don't know that it would be the case with any of my colleagues up here. And certainly, we all have biases. So what I'm suggesting is that we get back to the original intent of this board. And I don't think we can get there from where the relationship is now. We are committed to this board. I'm as committed or more committed than anyone to seeing that this board exist, but that it is successful and what the mission of it is. I don't think we get there from here. And so in that respect, I would I would be willing to support the original motion, that we move this board forward. And it's not that, you know, I've heard some people say, Well, you just want people who are going to agree with the police. So you just want people who are going to be yes, people, I can tell you, the people that I know that I know, that serve on this board are not that, especially my appointment. I know him he's an independent thinker. And those are the kinds of people that we're looking for, to serve on this board. And so I think we are committed to seeing that this board exist, for the very reasons that it was initially constituted. And that we move forward with the support of this commission and the staff of the city. I don't think we can get there from where we are now. I just I don't see it. And so I can't support the substitute motion. But I will entertain the original motion. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Thank you, Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, the first thing I want to say, and I, I'm not trying to really debate this, at this point, I do want to say that I really reject the idea that you cannot expect accountability of our law enforcement, the methods that we use to police, and also support law enforcement. There are officers who are critical of themselves, of how we police. We're currently officers who I have spoken to. So I just want to say I really, really reject this idea that you are one or the other. I want to clarify to that, at least to the public. My point isn't that we necessarily are asking for people to bring their perspectives as if they are, you know, as if we're like creating some collage. My point is just that people have those perspectives. I also just want to say that, you know, since since he's not here, I and I have his permission to say this. Chair Gaines does have a different perspective here about how that conversation went with Commissioner Williams Cox. That's really between them. But as far as where this came from, what his recollection is that he said emphatically that's not what the sticker says. And I've personally seen sticker I can guarantee that's not it does not say f the police are for what it's worth. However, we move forward, I think we all would agree that the relationship Ship between the board and the law enforcement community, you know, no matter how we move forward, and I'm not saying it hasn't been this way, but it's a two way street. It's a two way street. And I definitely don't think that we want to set ourselves up in the future, or with all due respect to the union, a situation where we are pressured into removing a board member, because they want us to. Thank you.
Mr. Malla. Yeah, just
one final thought on on this motion and all the further comments if this motion does not succeed, but the motion on the table is to reappoint Mr. Edward Gaines. Mr. cleric, that's a black male, I believe. Yes. Okay. And the second is to reappoint Mr. Barry Monroe, also a black male, correct. And then the third was option one, which would be to take applications for the vacant seat. Okay, I just reject any any. We're removing black men, from a citizens police Review Board. That's what voting against this motion would do. It doesn't speak to the other seat that can be taken up in a subsequent motion if that was the will of the body. But the motion on the table is whether Mr. Edward ganz and Mr. Barry Monroe who have served faithfully and have had no implications against their character whatsoever, should be able to continue to serve. And then I just have one further question before we take this vote. Mr. Treasurer, clerk board police chief from the recommendations we received from the citizens police Review Board. Do you feel those recommendations come from a place of anti police bias?
Mr. Mayor, I'm not sure how we answered that question.
Are you asking the question
the citizens police revolt report Review Board has made recommendations to the police chief he's accepted many of them and rejected some Aren't they being rejected because he thinks they're being recommended based on anti police bias? My question,
if you like the police chief come I don't know how we answer the question. I understand the question. But
I mean, the board is unable to function with the current members because there's anti-police bias. I'm just trying to. There's been no due process for these applicants at all to make a case we haven't reviewed the individual decisions they've made. Nobody's made any argument that they're making recommendations that are distracting. The only distraction we've really seen, has been through Tallahassee reports about a cup about a cup with a sticker that was not factually what it was. So I'm just trying to get to the underlying issue. Is there anti police bias on the citizens police review board that's being brought to the police chief?
Probably want to come answer please.
Mr. Mayor, I don't know how we answer that. And I don't I don't believe that the staff is not making the case for this. This is not a motion of staff, not a recommendation of staff. And
by us, we don't interact with the citizens police Review Board, they have an individual job. They are they make recommendations to the staff. And I'm asking for the staffs professional opinion, if there's an anti police bias in those recommendations,
I think we can say and the chief will will agree without a doubt that we have taken all the recommendations on face value that they come from a genuine place from the board. We have not accepted all the recommendations for a variety of reasons, but have also reviewed the recommendations in good faith not assuming that there is any motive other than to be constructive. And so I think I think we can firmly say that that there's no suspicion of it coming from the wrong place. Okay.
So we have taken a vote on two black men who have served on this board, who there's been no implication that they've made any recommendations that are anti police whatsoever, and we're going to remove this from this board. I just don't understand why. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Mr. Richardson, Mr. Mayor, pro tem, I got you in line right after Commissioner Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and Commissioner Matt Lowe with all due respect. You know, I understand your statement, because I resent it like ill. You will not sit here and tell me a black man who's lived black for 66 years, that you're more concerned with black representation on this board than I would be, sir. That's what I have fought for all of my political career in the City of Tallahassee is equity among every citizen in this country. Unity. If these two individuals are not reappointed, they have the opportunity to apply again. And there are more than two black men in this community that could serve on this board. And I'm sure would be interested in serving on this board. So that is that to me, Mr. Matt Lowe should not have been made an issue. Your point, Mr. Mayor,
I'm just trying to get it done.
I'm not done. Identity, Matt load.
before I'm
done with this, when he's done with his comments, I'll come to you on point. But let's let Mr. Richardson finish.
So that I that bothered me, I have to tell you, I really do. And again, what we're what we're looking at is is are those issues, not not viewpoints. And even this thing about bias, apparently, it's important to the board itself, because now the board has said, the board has said, we want our members to state specifically, that they come to this board without bias. So apparently, it's an issue for them. It's an important issue for them now. There have been statements made, and I don't know, Miss Darrow. As a matter of fact, she and I texted each other about working cooperatively to address homeless issues. In the community. I recently did a ride along with the sheriff's host, homeless outreach street team. And she texted me or emailed me and thanked me for doing that, and indicated that she would like to work with me. And so that's the only interaction that I've had with Miss Bureau and I really look forward to working with her on those issues. But there have been statements made now since all of this came about stating her position. With the police department, I understand that there was an article written written in the Tallahassee Democrat that said that the police department was again irrevocably broken and needed to be abolished. That is bias, stated bias if I don't know what else you call it, and the board has said that is an issue and a concern for them going forward. So that's, that's the issue that I have with this whole thing. And I just, I really want this board to get back to what it was originally constituted for. Because it primarily impacted people who look like me from the communities that I live in. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
All right, Commissioner matla. Do you still want to speak on point?
Let's we'll take the vote on this and then upcoming, hey, I
got the Mayor Pro Tem in queue to speak in after your comments. Mayor Pro Tem we're gonna we're gonna move forward with the votes Okay, so there is a substitute motion on the table made by Commissioner Matlow for options One, two, and three sigma Commissioner Porter. See no further comment. All those in favor of the motion on the table signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye All those opposed? Aye Mr. Williams Cox was that a yay or nay on the substitute motion
and we just lose Commissioner Williams Cox.
Colleagues bear with me when the motion would fail on a two two tie anyway yeah, let's let's for the record record commission with
anybody seen any good movies lately?
Yeah, what kinda forever
how are we with re establishing communications with the commissioner?
All right, Commissioner Williams Cox. The motion on the table was for the substitute motion options One, two and three that was made by Commissioner Matlow. Seconded by Commissioner Porter. We called for the yeas and the nays and I could not hear your vote. Can you confirm in the affirmative or in the negative for the substitute motion?
A vote against a substitute motion.
Okay, so the motion fails. On a two three vote with the mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioner Richardson voting against the motion. We are back on the original motion that was made by the Mayor Pro Tem seconded by Commissioner Richardson. Any further comment? Commissioner Matlow.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And on this, I'll go back to what my previous comment was. Mr. Directors and I wasn't trying to imply that I'm speaking on behalf of black individuals, I was just trying to make clear that that that motion only applied to those two individuals, not the other seat. But I will say I think this sets a very dangerous precedent. We're talking about removing three board members from the citizens police Review Board. And I do think what we're gonna end up with is a sanitized version of a report Review Board. That reminds me of when Governor DeSantis didn't like the Broward County School Board, he removed its members. When the governor didn't like state Attorney Warren he removes data tour attorney Warren, when the governor appointed a commissioner to serve in Gaston County. We can't just appoint people who fall into line. And I think it sets a very dangerous precedent on any board that we have, if we expect people to share a certain viewpoint. And maybe a police mug that says abolish the police is too much for some members, and we should vote on that. But we're talking about removing Barry Monroe, we're talking about removing ever gains, and not one single person can come forward with one single piece of evidence to say this board has shown any anti police bias not a single person. The board actually voted unanimously to support signing a pledge that you won't show bias. And they also voted unanimously to support the members that were serving on the board. So I think again, we're marching down a very, very dangerous path of how people will serve on boards. Thank you, Mr.
Man. motion on the table has made a dime. Yes, ma'am.
Let me let me let me let me please state to say this. And then we want to I want to move to the to the vote. We're not removing individuals, we're allowing opportunities for other organizations to sin representation. And we believe that with that other organizations will that includes African American organizations and other types of organizations that we will get good citizen participation, nothing against Mr. Gates are very, did a fantastic job. It has nothing to do with their character on the work that they did. It's just an opportunity to allow for other organizations, more organizations to participate. So thank you
appoint mr. mayor
onpoint. Commissioner,
I just wanted to respond and say that that the the initial board was not sanitized. We weren't looking for people that shared a common viewpoint of the police, pro or con. What we were looking for was citizens who who had an interest in those things that were spelled out that we felt as a commission because we adopted this board were important to improving relationships between the police and the community. Those are the people that were appointed to this board. It wasn't based on what is your opinion of the police, you support the police. Okay, I want you to serve. It was not that I want to be clear, it was not that and for reappointments or appointments, we will not look for that. We will look for people who are independent thinkers. And at some point these people are going to have to be replaced on this board anyway because they can only serve so many terms. So you're telling me that well, once they're gone, we can't find other people who are independent thinkers that they have to reflect our thought. I didn't talk to my appointment. appointee about my thoughts of the police one way or the other. I knew he was a trustworthy person who would have the best interest of this kid immunity at heart. And that's why I asked him to serve on the board. And he has done that fully. So nobody's looking for a sanitized board or, like thinkers to serve on this board. We're looking for community members who are willing to volunteer their service to accomplish the stated mission of this board. And so those are the kinds of people that we're looking we're looking for. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, commission, Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to make a recommendation for, you know, future reappointments or items like this, I think it would be helpful and maybe this is a conversation we can return to, if we perhaps advertise or reach out to community organizations so that we can be reviewing other recommendations at the at the same time that we make these reappointments or are considering these reappointments. So that we don't have to have, you know, vacancies and sort of return to this, but we can just deal with it all at once. I think it's a best practice, I don't have any problem with bringing other people to the table and just, you know, not taking seriously that these are reappointments. And they're serving their terms. And it's not a guarantee that they're going to be reappointed. But that that might be something that we should consider so that we can have all of that information at once and and make that decision. And then just finally, before we take this vote, I do want to take a moment to just say to law enforcement who are listening law enforcement who are here, I do value your service. When I've had car accidents, I call you when I've had someone banging on my door at 3am. You know, and it's scary. I've called you and you've shown up, and you have treated me with nothing but respect. And I do appreciate your service. And I hope that you really trust and believe that and I want to do everything I can to work on my relationship with all of you in the community. And I hope that that is not in question because of this single disagreement or vote. Thank you.
Thank you. Okay, motion on the table is made by Mayor Pro Tem seconded by Commissioner Richardson's the original motion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
Aye. All those
opposed, nay. And the motion passes three, two with Commissioner Porter and Commissioner Matlow. In dissent. We are now on item number, if I could sure. Attorney,
yes, there there is a provision in the policies and procedures that provide for legal counsel to annual review the policies and procedures and evaluate them for revision and if it would be the will of this commission. I would like to bring back some some matters which might help to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the citizen review board.
I think that'd be wonderful. Absolutely. We're on item number 12.01. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is your 22 fiscal year 2022 budgetary close out this is. We do this each year, shortly after the end of the fiscal year. That concludes September 30 of each year Robert Wiggin is our Director of resource management he and his team by lead the charge with the assistance of our accounting group and Patrick Twyman. The close out reflects good budgetary practice and a balanced budget overall, Roberts here to provide a brief overview.
Thank you, city manager Mayor commissioners appointed officials. As mentioned by the city manager This is the last step in our milestone of the fiscal year 22 budget, the fiscal year 22 budget represents the strategic plan gave us direction on support in the community, increasing neighborhood support. Also infrastructure investment and economic development. This responsible planning and management enabled us to also address challenges in the labor market. With your leadership and direction. We identified a labor plan four and a half percent raise for for employees and a $2,500 minimum. What you see here are the 14 operating funds that are balanced as detailed and in this summary table and attachments. I'll be glad to answer any questions about the actions that we're taking to close the year end process. They're all in accordance with policy where we've identified any surplus going back to reserves to bolster the funds and or to invest in infrastructure for the particular plants. The action that we're asking you to take is to accept excuse me to accept There we go. You accept the budget close out Pour it as presented and authorize all these fiscal year 22 Year End adjustments as presented. The city manager mentioned the support that we have from financial services, grants and ERP procurement goes through a tremendous effort to close out contracts to close out projects, the department's and their staff. The directors also work with us closely to ensure that we're following policy and, and balancing the budget for fiscal year 22. I'm glad to answer any questions that you may have.
Excellent. Do we have any public comment on this item?
Mayor information for our virtual connections. I've got one item that's not clear. I have Julian Currer. Speaking on 1201, which is this item but the description as he says noise ordinance. And
so then we have no speakers
on this item.
Okay. Let's open it up for discussion. Direction. motions. Robert, great job. I certainly do appreciate what you're doing. The Mayor Pro Tem has properly move staff recommendation of option number one, I will second it any further discussion. See none. All those in favor of the motion on the table signify by saying aye.
Aye. Aye.
All those opposed? Passes five zero. Thank you very much. We're on item number 12.02. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is regarding the what's described as a multifamily Gordon style development to be located on May hand drive in the inclusion of approximately 70 certified affordable housing units 12 of which would be set aside for extremely low income, which is defined as 30% of AMI, and the balance for 70% of area median income households. Were asking the commission to set aside $115,000 That would be an amount equal to that, that the Leon County would contribute. And this certainly is in line with your priorities for affordable housing. Dr. Kimball Thomas and his staff are on point for these matters. And he's here to provide additional details on this proposed project. Getting me Thank you, Thomas. Good
to see certainly our commissioners, thank you. We're very excited about this particular item working with our counterparts in Leon County Housing, and through their Finance Authority. This particular developer, as you notice the location of this particular development, 2120 may hand drive, it will consist of multifamily units of the 72 units at 70% of below ami 36 of those a one bedroom, one bath 36, two bedrooms, two baths. And this really is exciting that they're committed for this, up to 12 of these units will be set aside for those at 30% or below Ami. That just doesn't happen all the time. But we're very excited. They're partnering with us. The site plan calls for three storey garden style apartments, there'll be a recreational area, clubhouse patios, very good design, that information is in your packet. The developer was able to go through the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit, that's a very competitive process. So we applaud them in this ask of you tonight is that we continue our partnership with Leon County, also the Financing Authority with respect to our share of the match of $115,000 and our contribution.
Alright, do any public comment on this item? No, sir. All right, looking at commission direction,
move staff recommendation. Option number one. All right,
option number one fan properly moved as their second seconded by Commissioner Porter. Any further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion on the tables? Excuse me, Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just have a couple of questions. And some of these we'll get we've got a few affordable housing items. So some of these are just general questions. Do we happen to have that I'm not asking you for this right now necessarily? Do we have a breakdown of the AMI levels of units being built? Generally, like we've got the pipeline we know how many are in process. What do we know can we say I see someone shaking their head you know, we certain number or this AMI level certain number this
we do, right? We do and we could provide that information. Okay.
And do we happen to know I'm supporting this obviously, we happen to know if the applicant or developer if this is their first project in town or not? Do they have more than one
I'm not certain they went through Leon County with respect to the application. So I think they're of Athens, Georgia, but we could check on that and provide an informant. And the
reason I ask is it can be hard to find, you know, affordable housing developers. And so, you know, if when we find ones that we work well with, you know, I hope to see more projects if this one is accessed successful, and I certainly hope that it is. Thank you. Thank you.
No further comment. motion was made by Mr. Richardson. That's right and seconded by Commissioner order. Correct. All right. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye, All those opposed? Passes unanimously. 501, item number 12.3.
Thank you. Thank you, sir. This next item is related to housing affordable housing, as well as Neighborhood Preservation in our neighborhood first program in particular for our Frenchtown neighborhood first program. It seeks your approval to award a contract for up to $900,000 to the Tallahassee Urban League to administer the Frenchtown housing rehab program. John Baker is our manager of the group in our parks and recreation and neighborhood affairs department. He's been working with the various teams on this and Frenchtown and other neighborhoods for that matter. And he's here to share any additional details and answer your questions.
Thank you, Mr. Manager, Mayor commissioners, approving this contract will allow us to implement the Frenchtown rehab program. This is a program developed by the Frenchtown Community Action Team. We implemented in in the community we have 32 homeowners who have been approved to receive a grant Urban League responded to the RFP that was placed at the selection committee recommend that the contract be approved to them. So I'm here if you have any additional questions regarding the program.
Excellent. Do we have any public comment on this item?
We have one speaker on the side of mayor that is Curtis Taylor. Lee Taylor.
well enough alone, Kurt.
Thank you. Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. I'm Curtis Taylor. My second address his knack for his three obey Miss row Red Dead to Tara certainly. And I want to thank Mira, thank our city commissioners, thank our CRA staff thank the City of Tallahassee, but not only providing rehab dollar, but all the other dollars that are not going to be available to help transform French town. So I want to thank you for Miss Johnson. Thank you for Ms. Cause. Thank you for Mr. Austin. Thank you for all of our French town residents that will benefit from this funding. And our goal is not only to rehab houses, but we want to transform fresh town. And we're going to need your help. We've already reached out to several local banks that have agreed to provide support and dollars and making that happen. So we're going to do everything in our power. We are we're Our main office is in a hotter French town. And so every day, before he saw me, it was almost 50 years. Seen fresh town, go from the golden era to where it is today. And nothing really has happened in Prince town for decades. So I applaud you. I thank you. I think our commissioners and I think our Mayor, thank you and God bless and thank you and we're going to continue to do everything we can to empower our communities and change lives at the Terra Certainly. Thank you.
Thank you. Okay, do we have a motion for action?
move staff recommendation option number one.
Okay, it's been probably number one by Curtis Richardson. Commissioner Richardson seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem, you know further, excuse me, Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I first want to say this is really exciting. I think this is exactly. I mean, I think this is a perfect example of what the neighborhood first planning process, you know, the best version of that process, the best outcome. I think the partnership with the Urban League is the perfect kind of partnership for this project. I love that there's going to be the concentration on the D streets to make sure that it's a has a visual impact that hopefully will inspire you know, a triple you know that other people in the community. You know that we expand hopefully this kind of grant project so I just wanted to say say that and the other thing that's the you know, this is a super The effective method for expanding affordable housing. I mean, it's so much cheaper to retain affordable housing than it is to build new affordable housing. I mean, that's a plus in its own right. But it's also the fact that when we do things this way, the chances of people being displaced are significantly reduced, because they're able to stay, you know, you're not having in the same way, where we're we're building something new. Sometimes that's in a plot of land that's in a different kind of neighborhood. You know, we've seen that already in Frenchtown, where there was opposition to even affordable housing projects. So that's all to say that this is great. And the fact that they're owner occupied is great, too, because that's the kind of stability that we want. I have a few questions. So there's options for renter occupied units, and then there's options for or sorry, homeowner, home occupied owner occupied units, and then renter occupied units. My question is, is it still the case that the application is coming from the property owner, even if it's being rented? Correct?
That's correct. It comes from the property owner with a awareness of the tenant that the property owner is applying for it.
Okay, that's what I figured. And then I just have a few questions about the Frenchtown. neighbor's neighborhood first plan generally, and maybe this is going to come back to a review. I'm wondering, you know, obviously, I, I looked up and saw kind of the guidelines, the the goals? And do we have an update of that anywhere, just to track the progress.
We intend, in the first part of next year working with the CRA to bring an update to the CRA board on implementation of not only French known but great IBAN as well.
Okay, great. I just was curious to see what progress had been made, since of course, I see there's been progress. But you know, it was just wasn't like, checked off or anything. And then the last thing I want to say is, you know, I made the request that that we include as an attachment in this item, the neighborhood first plan and the application. And although I trust the Urban League, and I trust our staff, I think that's just really critical information for the public to have and for me to have, you know, and that that comment is not directed at you just, you know, moving forward, I think that's really important information, or for us or for myself, and the public to have. So just keeping that in mind for future projects like this, you know, not everyone's going to know to Google the Frenchtown neighborhood first plan and pull it up. So, you know, moving forward, that's something I'd like to see. Thank you. Thank you.
Okay, so you know, that Commissioner, Mayor Pro 10 in the comments.
I am excited about what is not to be happening in French towel, and I'm excited that we are partnering with the Urban League, who has a proven track record. What what happens when communities work together. So thank you, Mr. Taylor, for you and your staff and what you all are doing, and thank you to the city staff, Mr. Baker, and and everyone involved for helping us to continue to move our city forward.
Wonderful. There's motion on the table made by Commissioner Richardson, seconded by Commissioner Porter. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. We're on item number 12. Point of for, Mr. Manager.
For clarification, that motion was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem.
I apologize. I apologize for the record. It was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem 4.4. Please,
Mr. Mayor, this is you know, along the lines of the discussion we just had in the previous two items, it's related to housing. And you recall, the Commission adopted a proclamation back in May, which was to join house America. And that proclamation set several goals very, very significant goals and lofty goals and the partnership is between the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and local communities. In this case Tallahassee, the city pledged several goals, including the Rapid Rehousing of homeless households. I won't steal your thunder duck Thomas, don't worry. We We pledged to have a number of houses that are affordable, certified affordable and the development pipeline, as well as heavies. minimum number of those to be available to only the the lowest AMI level of 30%. Extreme poverty. I will say this, Dr. Thomas is going to give us an overview but at the time, I wasn't sure we could accomplish these goals. They were very they call them a stretch goal. But But I knew I had challenges, I can tell you that we have accomplished all three and this is a report regarding them. So Dr. Thomas I stoled. A little bit of your thunder but but make it real loud because this is a good news story. And it's in line with the Commission's direction and priority.
Thank you, Mr. Manager, Mayor, commissioners, it was a great deal of enthusiasm that I would like to tell you from what that proclamation on May 11, the hard work of the last several years in housing and community resilience, the dedication of staff, none of us will ever rest on our laurels. We understand the importance of the work that we do. The house America goes as follows We need to 2200 affordable housing units by the end of this month in our pipeline. 100 of those need to be at extremely low income. And 200 of those housing had to be through homelessness, Rapid Rehousing, I would do a drumroll. But we're gonna keep rolling. When you look at the two numbers of those units that have been completed and those in our pipeline, we have 2391 units, we have exceeded the goal. We have those units 110 of those are for extremely low income, median income families, and of those who have been rehoused through homelessness through rapid rehousing working with Big Ben COC and other partners 205th. The City of Tallahassee has exceeded the goals that we said we would be challenged for in the house America. And I want to applaud the city and applaud my staff and the hard work and dedication that they do day to day to make sure that we continue to rest and have these goals and never rest on our laurels. And I recommend here's a map of all where our affordable housing units are geographically in Tallahassee, and I recommend option one, that we can go ahead and now submit this application in the submission of our accomplishment to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Thank you very much. Do we have any public comment on this item? Mr. Cook?
Mayor, we do have speakers on this item. The first is James Halston, followed by Robert Gibbs.
Thank you for joining us your name and address for the record, please.
My name is not James Houston. Mr. Houston had to leave at 430. I'm one of four speakers that signed up to speak on behalf of the capillaria Justice Ministry and with your indulgence, we'd like to shuffle the order, and there will only be three of us. You're okay with that.
And your name and address.
So my name is Robert dial. I was Speaker Number Three. I'll be followed by Mr. Reverend Gibbs and you'll be followed by Reverend Sylvia Jones. So my name for the record is Robert dial. I am the co chair of the Capitol area justice ministries Affordable Housing Strategy Team, and I live at 2409 Oakdale street Tallahassee. Last spring, the capillary Justice Ministry asked each of the commissioners to support our proposal to create and finance a dedicated very low income, affordable rental housing trust fund. And not all of you were ready to do so at that time. However, we have continued our work. And we welcome this opportunity to continue that conversation that we started last spring. I'm here this evening with my colleagues to continue that dialogue. And this update on the city's house America goal offers an ideal context, those numbers of the numbers that we've been looking at as well. We spent the last eight months extending our understanding of the causes for the grievous shortage of rental housing for families with extremely low and very low incomes. This deficit touches each of us members of our families, our friends, people with whom we work and play and pray. Mr. J and his wife are an all too common example. They lived in a mobile home in the three to 304 zip code. until an out of town business bought that mobile home park drastically raised the rent and forced most folks out of the park. Mr. J and his wife had to scramble to find somewhere else to live where the landlord would accept their section eight housing voucher. They ended up in a small first floor apartment, excuse me, in a poorly maintained house with an extremely
