Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It is three o'clock on Wednesday, November 9, for our regularly scheduled City Commission meeting and we have a public hearing that begins at six o'clock. Without further ado, it is my honor and privilege to introduce Dr. Brad Clayton, who is the Senior Reverend for faith Presbyterian Church and who is my reverend. And he is joined by his beautiful wife, Julie, and as well thank you so much we please stand for the invocation.
Let us pray. Dear God, on this day after Election Day, we pause and give you thanks for thankful for our freedom for the right and the privilege to vote. We know there are many around the world who do not have that freedom. We are grateful for that right. And we are thankful for those who came before us and laid the foundations on which we stand. We also pause today and apologize for the ways that we use and abuse that right or the ways that we take our rights for granted. We're sorry for the ways that elections and campaigns and bring out the worst in us, pitting us against each other, causing us at times to turn allies into enemies. And to abandon our better nature. We lament the growing polarization in our world. We lament that our politics have transformed from a spirit of debate to a spirit of hate. As this new day dawns, we pray that a new spirit will fall upon us to a spirit of unity and devotion to the greater good. Bless our city officials and their families, rekindle in them that sense of purpose that called them to public office once before, not a desire to rule but a desire to serve. Not a desire to defeat each other but a desire to work together. A spirit of building up rather than tearing down. As the city officials model that path for us. We pray that spirit will be contagious across our city, that neighbors will be called to serve and help each other that we will not just fight for a giant advantages for our children. But for all children. They will not care not only for the health and safety of our neighborhood, but for all neighborhoods, that we will not only seek opportunity and justice for ourselves, but opportunity and justice for all. Let us be inspired once more. Let us stream once more. Let us believe in each other. And in your call once more to love our neighbors as ourselves. We pray this all in the name of our faithful, gracious and loving God.
Amen. Ladies, gentlemen, please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
Reverend Clayton, thank you so much for the invocation. I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed. That was pretty long for a Presbyterian minister. That was that was almost a little Methodist or Baptist there. That was good. Hey, man, I love you. Thanks for being here for me today. Appreciate it. All right. Mr. Manager. Do we have any agenda modifications?
Yes, Mr. Mayor items 8.01 and 8.02 have been pulled from your consent agenda at the request of Commissioner Porter. They've been renumbered 9.1 and 9.02. Respectfully.
Okay, one more time. 8.1 and 8.02 has been pooled? Yes, sir. Mayor Pro Tem. And renumbered 9.01. In 9.02, right. Yes, sir. Okay, any questions colleagues? say none. Let's move forward. Do we have any presentations today? No, sir. We have any announcements before the City Commission? No, sir. Okay, we are on item number 7.01. The independent ethics board 2022 Annual Report.
Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, Dwight Floyd, the independent ethics officer will present the independent ethics board 2022 annual report.
As for Good to see you, sir.
Good afternoon, and good afternoon to all of you. To the Mayor, City Commission members, to the employees, citizens, and any others that are present. I'm here on behalf of the Tallahassee independent ethics board. The The city ordinance requires that the Tallahassee independent ethics board provide an annual report to the City Commission. So that's the purpose of my being here, and I will be brief. In 2014, the Tallahassee independent exit sport was established through a referendum. As I stated, the city ordinance ethics code in section two dash one four B requires the board given an annual report to this City Commission. To summarize, the board continues to make progress. In February 2022, the City Commission held an ethics workshop to consider recommendations by the ethics board. We were given a seat at the table and allow to discuss the recommendations. We didn't get everything that we wanted, but the changes that were adopted provide the ethics board with more tools to fulfill the board's obligations. During the past year, we put a lot of emphasis on training. We conducted in person training with elected officials and this was my first time providing the rating training directly to the elected officials. And I thought it was very fruitful. And it was an opportunity for us to engage and for the board to clarify, it's perception of its role. We have given the opportunity to conduct ethics training to 76 high school students, or the Tallahassee Future Leaders Academy, a program that is well run it, participants were high schoolers, they were brilliant children. They were very engaged in the training, and I counted a privilege to be able to share in their future. We continue to improve annual training court required for all employees. And the response, especially among those who ask for advisory opinions, says that it is effective. I'm pleased to say that the board continues to attract highly qualified and professional individuals. For example, Attorney Gwendolyn Graham resigned from the board last year to become the assistant secretary for legislation and Congressional Affairs at the US Department of Education. She was replaced by Patrick Kelly, who served as a police chief in two municipalities, and as chairman of the criminal justice Standards and Training Commission, which gives oversight to law enforcement and correctional officers. Finally, I want to share this comment from page two on the report and you have a digital copy. The hard copies are actually on the way fresh from the printer. So I'll make sure you get a hard copy of the a hard copy. But on page two, I make this remark. Work of the ethics board and staff is administrative, yet we produce in a highly political environment. Moreover, we function amid expectations that are often miss informed and unrealistic as people frequently confused their personal values with the ethics standards specified in the ethics code. Thus, the charge is not just to implement rules and execute procedures, but to consistently communicate the boundaries upon which the board has jurisdiction. Last, the staff which includes Attorney John Reed, administrators, administrative specialist specialists, Lucy Atkins and myself, the board members, which includes the chair, Polish Ray, who has general counsel for the Florida Senate, Brian Smith, who is Vice President of Student Affairs and the ombudsman for Florida and University. Mr. Ernie Payne, who's here with us today, retired from the Florida Department of Financial Services and was appointed by this City Commission. Our attorney Ruby Ruby say marklar, who operates a nonprofit law office with a social service referral component. Miss Kristin Costa, who was a fifth position assistant, and was selected by the board. Miss Robin blank, who is the chief compliance and ethics officer for Florida State University and Mr. Patrick Kelly, who I mentioned earlier. We are all committed doing what we can to ensure that the public's trust in our to ensure the public's trust in our city government.
Mr. Floyd, thanks very much. Certainly appreciate it. Any questions? None. Thank you. Thank you all. Were on the Consent Agenda. Have any items been pulled?
Yes, sir. I do want an 802.
Excellent. I don't want an arrow to have been renumbered, 901 and 902. Before we get to the motion, do we have any public comment on the Consent Agenda?
No, sir. All right.
Mayor Pro Tem has properly moved the consent agenda. Is there a second second commission, Diane Williams Kok seconds that all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. We are on item number 9.01. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, this item is seeks your approval for an award for the installation of gas main and electric conduits to Equinix energy services. This was done by way of an RFP the selection committee has made a recommendation of their award. If approved, the contract would be for three years with an optional two year extensions on this matter. Only again, our general manager of electric and gas is here. If you have any questions on this item.
Excellent. Do we have any public comment on this item? No, sir. All right. Mr. Porter, I believe you pulled it you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I just had a few questions. And Mr. City Manager's familiar, we got an email and there was a little bit of some background information there. So I'll start with my first question. What exactly is the fiscal impact that we're expecting? I know that there's a cost proposal element to the RFP, you have I know, it sort of depends on the level of services. I'm just curious, a ballpark figure what we have in mind.
Thank you, Commissioner. It's a very fiscal impact. So it's only the work is we need to use it. So a couple million dollars or several million over the life of the contract. Okay, possibly. So.
Okay. And I know the question was raised, why are we installing more infrastructure supporting natural gas, when we are planning to transition and Mr. City Manager are brought up considering that we're looking into renewable natural gas and green hydrogen, and I assume that those would using the same infrastructure? Correct?
That's correct, that that's what we're looking for, in the future, continue to evaluate all of the different technologies that come on board. But what's being worked towards is that an alternative fuel would be used, and we've used that same infrastructure.
Okay. And I know that there are other energy alternatives we've considered of any other that we might consider. Or others other than renewable natural gas and green hydrogen, something that could also use that infrastructure. I mean, I imagine something like solar would not be using that infrastructure. No,
it would not. It that would be for like a fuel, like a natural gas, or, like you mentioned it for that kind of fuel. But we are then also looking, as we're developing our clean energy plan, all the other types of resources that we can use.
Okay, thank you. And those are all my questions. I really appreciate you taking the time. And I intend to support the item I just, this is something that's really important to our community. And I got a couple of questions. And I thought it was important that we have a public discussion about it in case others were interested as well. So thank you. Thank you.
Any further comment? Mayor Pro Tem.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I just want to commend the staff for their forward thinking that it shows that we are a leader in this area, and are committed as our community is to renewable energy and being carbon neutral, by 2050, hopefully by 2035. And so Mr. City Manager, I want to commend you on the leadership that you've provided, but certainly the work that staff has done in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That motion. That's a motion
that's been properly moved and seconded. Moved by the Mayor Pro Tem seconded by Commissioner Williams Cox. No further comment. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. Well, 9.02. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, sir. This item seeks your approval to accept and expend grant funding from the Florida Department of Transportation as part of the fiscal year 2023 Highway Safety Plan. This grant is a $50,000 grant and it requires no match. It has to do with the seatbelt safety and overall traffic safety chief revel TPD chief prevalence here to answer any questions if you have him on this item. Great.
Do we have any public comment on this item? No. Oh, sir. All right, that was pulled by Commissioner Porter, you have the floor. Thank you,
Mr. Mayor. And just like the last item, I am supporting this item as well. I just had a couple questions that I wasn't able to get answered before today. What is, you know, sounds like a dumb question. What do you consider to be high visibility traffic enforcement? What exactly does that entail?
It is just that it is marked vehicles. Very being very obvious, being very purposeful, and being seen and being out in the community in high numbers.
Okay, and how much time usually, if this question makes sense, do we devote to doing this without this, this kind of grant?
Without the grant? Yeah, it's a part of every officer's daily observations, you know, making sure our community safe through all the traffic enforcement that they do. But obviously, seatbelt violations are a primary offense. So if an officer sees that they can certainly stop, or that in and of itself, so it's a part of their daily activity to quantify exactly how many hours or whatever spent, there's probably no way to do that.
And this might also sound like a ridiculous question, do we know in fact, whether it does have an impact on people's people wearing seatbelts
as far as injuries and fatalities? Well,
as far as whether I understand, of course, that seatbelts wearing on reduces fatalities. But whether this kind of enforcement results in higher usage of seatbelts?
We certainly believe it does. We certainly have seen the impact, especially around high schools, when we do the click it or ticket, we've seen results of more compliance with those issues, when they know we're out when they see us out, when they know that's an emphasis of what we're doing. We certainly see more compliance and those type of times and anytime we get somebody to wear a seatbelt, they're safer, and therefore that makes our community safer.
Okay, that's all for me. Thank you. And I'll make a motion to to approve. Acceptance of the grant
been properly moved by Commissioner Porter, is there a second? Second? Second by Mayor Pro Tem? Chief forever once again, I just want to say thank you to the men and women of law enforcement for everything that you do for this community. Y'all do an amazing job. It's been a busy couple of weeks, and we certainly do appreciate it. All those in favor the motion on the table signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously. 501, the introduction of ordinances 11.01. Madam Attorney,
Thank you, Mayor. Item number 11.01 is the introduction of ordinance number 22 dash z dash 30 an ordinance of the City of Tallahassee Florida designating then including additional territory located on point nine five acres at the Northwest intersection of Pablo Avenue and Centerville road as an in the city City of Tallahassee neighborhood commercial see one from light industrial and one on the official zoning map of the City of Tallahassee, adopted and established by the City Commission, writing for conflicts providing for severability and providing an effective date. Recommendation is option one introduce ordinance number 22 dash dash 30. Is that the first and only public hearing for December 7 2022. At six o'clock pm in the City of Tallahassee City Commission chambers is City Hall. Any ex parte disclosures was there in this item are available via the hyperlink included in the agenda item as published in the board Doc's system.
All right. Do any public comment on the side of Mr. Clerk? No, sir. Great. The action is simply an introduction of ordinance but we can take up comment and provide the acceptance of the International the introduction of the ordinance if need be. No comment. Probably moved by Mr. Williams Cox. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. No further comment. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed passes unanimously. Five, zero. We're on policy formation. 12.01. Mr. Manager,
thank you, Mr. Mayor. Let me tee this up. I'm gonna ask Angela Baldwin to come forward. And I really want to give her and her team credit. For this. This is something that we've heard about, but this is the final action to accept to authorize the acceptance of $5.1 million grant related to the EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. This will enable us to accelerate the purchase of electric buses. You originally acted on this back in April, and it was to apply for a $4.5 million grant. We've got a little more information and we were able to achieve a $5.1 million grant. I think we'll take it I'm hoping you'll approve it. And it's just really good news. Obviously we're ahead of schedule with the electric buses and I just wanted to provide had Angela an opportunity to share a few words about this, and to acknowledge the good work of her and her team. Angela.
Thank you, city manager. Thank you for providing a great synopsis of the information. And good afternoon everyone. So, earlier this year at the April 6 meeting, the City Commission approved star Metro submission of a $4.5 million grant application to the FDP for its Volkswagen settlement and EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction state grant program. As the manager mentioned earlier, during the application process, working hand in hand with our fleet management department, the team identified two additional eligible diesel buses that could be taken out of service with increased grant funding this application with this specific criteria that's outlined before you was successful, and in August 2022, the city received an award letter with the amount of $5.1 million to be used towards the purchase of electric buses and decommissioning of diesel buses. If approved, these grant funds will be received in installments as reimbursements over the next five years for acquisition of five buses. So in summary, our requested and recommended action is commission approval to adopt the resolution and accept funding from the Volkswagen settlement. And the EPA is there a state grant program. And also I'd like to thank our star Metro team and our fleet management team for their work in their efforts in this application, and efforts to get us closer to our electric electrification about fleet by 2035. So I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Wonderful work. Do we have any public comment on the side? No, sir. All right. Questions direction, Mayor
Pro Tem.
Thank you. Mr. Mayor, I first of all, Angela, want to thank you and the staff at Star Metro for the work that you do. I mean, it seems like every agenda item, we've got some item where you've been proactive in seeking funding for our system, which is primarily funded through or at least, to a large degree from our general fund for Star Metro, this to again, helps us to achieve that goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, having an all electric bus fleet. And again, I want to commend you for the leadership that you've provided in that area. Recently, of course, we saw where you all provided free transportation for people who wanted to get to the polls to vote, to exercise their civic responsibility, the rise that we give for for our students, to help them get to school and places that they need it. So start Metro plays a very important role in our community in a number of ways. And so I wanted to commend you for the leadership that you've provided. In that regard. I did have a couple of questions. One is kind of an update. And the other is a question. The update would be where are we with? Or how effective has the changes that we made to the dollar ride services been thus far?
So actually, Commissioner, thank you for that question with our dollar ride services. At this time, we're still working through the options program. I think it's that that's what you're referring to. There are T and C programs. So we're working with our procurement department, and to work to get that program implemented. So you should see something fairly soon on that.
Okay. And then to I know, the decision has been made to discontinue advertising, on our buses to promote the programs that are sponsored by the city. What kind of impact is that going to have on the budget for Star Metro?
So this manager, there's advertising advertisement resume revenue is a small portion of what we do at Star Metro. And so we don't anticipate it to be a large impact, as you mentioned earlier, that we are looking forward to advertising and promoting some city some of our city services and just you know what we do throughout the city?
Alright, that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Williams. Cox.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I also want to pile on and say thank you, Angela, into your your team. I'll just mention that you just yesterday, we received a call from a resident who has some impediment. We're getting some disabled individuals out to be able to vote. You all sprang into action. And we're able to get there and get them out so that they could do their civic duty. And I understand you all did three runs of that on yesterday. So thank you for being responsive and not having a whole lot of red tape we have to go through to make sure that we get people where they need to get to it Sad. So thank you all for thinking out of the box and being able to make that happen all yesterday. So, with that, Mayor, I would make the motion that we accept the option number one.
Okay. Option number one has been properly moved by Commissioner James Cox seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. Commissioner Porter for questions.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was wondering since Commissioner Richardson brought up this question about advertising and bus wrapping, have we ever considered as we make whatever changes we make, to not have if at all possible, the windows of our buses be wrapped? I've read that this can be a potential safety concern. If people do not know what is happening inside a boss, and you've got people potentially, you know, vulnerable or hostage in other cities, that's been something that they've considered when, when discussing bus wrapping is something I thought I'd make. Absolutely.
We'll take that in to consideration. Thank you. Thank you.
All those in favor the motion on the table signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. Thank you very much. We are on item number 12. Point out to Mr. City Manager.
Thank you, sir. This this item. I will invite Dr. Campbell Thomas Ford. He is going to provide a brief presentation but this item seeks your approval is authorized million dollars towards phase two of the Tallahassee housing authorities. Orange Avenue apartment. Redevelopment Project, you know groundbreaking just took place for phase one, this would be phase two. And I believe this will put in place the final financial pieces necessary to move forward with it. Our staff has worked hand in glove with our counterparts at the county. I know you as a CRA Board have discussed this matter as well. I think this has been a very good solution for something that's immediately in line with your priorities of affordable housing in our community. Dr. Thomas has a presentation with some details, numbers of units and things of this nature. He'll share it at this time.
Wonderful dot coms. Thank you,
Mayor commissioners, City Manager Go to respective on officials at the Dyess who's going to give you a brief overview of how our commitment that this commission made in the county as well since 2017, on this orange elm Avenue development. Phase two, as you can see is 160 units. And you can see it's going to be a mixed family unit. Great focus on those that extremely low and low income set aside for 6% of AMI or below and 32 at market rate, you can see that there's been a commitment and an investment not only from the city, or from the county as well, and the CRA. And the day we're asking for our continued commitment for this project to help them with their gap funding by an additional $1 million. And that would just be an amendment to the letter that we've already had with them as far as our commitment. And the county will be taking up a similar option as well on the 22nd of this month. So we are recommending option one to you at this time.
Great do any public comment on this item? No, sir.
That's great looking for direction. Mayor Pro Tem
move that we adopt option number one is recommended by staff been properly
moved by the Mayor Pro Tem seconded by Commissioner Williams Cox. Commissioner Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm Dr. Thomas. I was wondering if you could correct me if I'm wrong. So right now what we're, what we're moving forward with is so we're hoping 1 million from the county, 1 million from the city. And then the discussion we had at the CRA was up to 2 million. Was it 2.5 originally that you needed? Correct. Miss Williams. Okay. And so that's obviously 3 million. And that adjustment, we presume, will come from a reduced CRA contribution. Or two, I mean, I guess I'm wondering the, the request was 2.5 million in addition to Okay, okay, thank you. That was my clarifying question. All right. Thank you. That's all for me.
Thank you. Mr. Malla. You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I'm going to support this item. But I did have a question. Mr. City Manager. This wasn't part of our budget discussion of the budget we just approved right.
Actually, I think Dr. Thomas can probably help when this when this the funds to be used are part of what you have assigned in the rescue plan so that you assigned a certain amount of dollars for housing. This fits within that and so that was approved and Dr. Thomas correct
me That is correct. And Mr. City Manager As part of our funding from our Harper dollars, our existing corporate
funds. Okay, and I just want clarification, because when we were having our budget conversation, we specifically discussed reserving our dollars for future deficits. And I'm wondering how this impacts future deficits?
Just not gonna answer that. So that was a portion of the dollars. There's you set aside a certain number for revenue makeup, but you also carved out a considerable amount for housing and other other services. So this comes out of that intended category that you've already approved.
Yeah, that's what I was asking. Thank you.
Mr. Mehra. One? Sure. I think it's important for us to note that this is reserved not writing a check today, just as a discussion we had and CRA. We, they asked for a commitment letter. But the funds would not be needed until 2025. So we're not talking about writing a check for a million dollars today. That's correct. Tomorrow is is to reserve it. Or that time in 2025. Oh, it's time it is needed.
motion has been made by Mayor Pro Tem seconded by Commissioner Williams, Cox. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed Passes unanimously, five, zero. We are on item number 12.3. Mr. Manager.
Thank you, sir. This item seeks your approval for a leaf plan back at the conclusion of this calendar year, you'll recall that has been authorized the last two years, we found it to be beneficial for those employees that couldn't take all of their leave. And that would be rolled over in essentially become a long term liability for the city potentially. It has been successful. And we're once again asking for your approval of this. If approved, it would apply to all city employees, including those members of the bargaining units and police and fire as they've reviewed it and in agree with this, this action if you approve it. Wonderful. Do any public comment
on this item?
No, sir. Excellent.
Do we have any further comment Commissioner Williams Cox,
I will I wholeheartedly would like to support this. And I want to just thank our our city manager and his team for thinking of ways and looking at ways that we can continue to reward our staff. You know, once upon a time, you know, I'm just old enough to remember the Christmas club we used to have at the bank or credit union so that we could afford Christmas. And I think that what this what this does is it helps our employees not have to rely on a Christmas club, but to be able to benefit from the work that they've put in and the time they've earned. And so I moved that week. So option number one.
Option number one has been proudly moved by Commissioner Williams Cox seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem Miss Blair, if you wouldn't mind, please, let's redouble our efforts to communicate with all employees on this particular item. I do realize that sometimes the collective bargaining units might not completely understand it, and therefore missed out on the opportunity last year. So we need to make sure that all of our employees truly understand this incredible advantage. That's before us. Appreciate it. All those in favor the motion on the table signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. We're on item number 12. Point of four. Mr. Manager,
sir. Thank you. This is the 2022 annual report the Tallahassee Community Resilience plan report. Dr. Thomas and his staff, including Adam Jacobs, take the lead on this and this is our opportunity to share with you the progress that's taking place. Let me ask Dr. Thomas to tee up the item and then Adam Jacobs will make the presentation.
Mayor commissioners again, we thank you for this opportunity is going to give you a brief overview of our community resiliency plan. I'm very privileged to have with me as City Manager Go to Sid Adam Jacobs. He's our sustainability and resiliency manager, and probably aside from Michaels and there's probably nobody more of an expert on this issue than Adam is and we're certainly glad to have him with us. Just want to give you an overview of what you'll be hearing today briefly, the four goal areas in our resiliency plan public safety and preparedness, hazard mitigation and climate adaptation, equity and social cohesion and planning and integration. And I can tell you that Adam will go into a brief little detail about where we're meeting those goals. We're very proud of it and Ellen, Miss, do you have Kelly here with you? We just hired Kelly, she's our sustainability coordinator. Kelly, if you'll come forth and sit up here next to Adam Hale is a new hire. She's going to give us a tremendous amount of asset when it comes to natural sciences, environmental planning. Great to have her she'll tell you a little story when I was principal to Rick as I actually recruited her for the International Baccalaureate program. She said no at that time as a middle schooler, so I'm glad that she the Lord had a circle back to me and I was able to have her say yes, because she's well qualified for the job. We were going to have you and welcome aboard killing
Thank you, Mayor, commissioners, Mr. City Manager for the opportunity to present today. As Dr. Thomas pointed out the city is making tremendous efforts and progress toward a greater resiliency. We'd like to quickly highlight some of that progress. So you see before you go one of the resilience plan addresses public safety and preparedness and saw movement on actions that range from funding human services needs and resilience hubs to expand a neighborhood prep and more. One of the many highlights in the school area includes the city's allocation of $32 million to the community Human Services partnership, goal to addresses hazard mitigation and climate adaptation and saw progress on many fronts, including mitigating tree hazards, advancing clean energy and energy efficiency and construct and complete streets. A significant highlight under this goal area is the $67 million allocation to purchase low and no emission vehicles. Goal three addresses equity and social cohesion and saw progress on a variety of actions including the preservation of existing housing stock move in the neighborhood first plans forward, expanding opportunities for youth and improving transit access. One of the significant highlights under this goal is the graduation of 122 participants. Dr. Thomas from the tempo program. Go for addresses the integration of resiliency throughout the city and included actions such as an update to the Green Print sustainability framework, the use of community development block grant funding to support resilience hubs, and the continued diversification of our local economy. highlights in this area included the city receiving an additional $157,000 to help fund backup power generation at the jack McLean Community Center, and over $720,000 allocated for hardened projects at the city's designated resilience hubs. These are just some of the highlights of the progress has been made over the last three years since the adoption of the community resilience plan. As we move ahead, we'll continue to collaborate with departments across the city in implementing the plan. And we look forward to continuing to move the needle toward greater resiliency across the city. Thank you. Spanner,
the assertion that concludes the presentation we asked you to accept this year's report.
All right. Any public comment on this?
No, sir. All right.
Well, the acceptance The other option was been
probably moved by Commissioner Williams Cox, I guess seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioner Porter, for comment.
Thank you. And I just wanted to say, you know, with with the storm a couple of weeks ago with tropical storm, Nicole that may be coming with COVID. And with everything, this is so important. It's kind of that thing that no one knows we need until we really need it and it's too late. And I have always been really impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness in this kind of preparation. And so I do want to thank you and, and that's all I have.
Thank you, Adam. Big fan. You did great work.
He put up. Thank you, Kelly, welcome to the family. All right. All those in favor the motion on table signify by saying aye. Aye. All those bears. Passes unanimously, five, zero. Do we have any other business come before us on the policy formation and direction? No, sir. We have a scheduled public hearing at six o'clock. We stand adjourned until then.
We do have one speaker would you'd like to take them now that will take up after the public hearing. Thank you. We're Jinda
We're adjourned. Gentleman it is 601. In the evening, the time for the City of Tallahassee publicly noticed public hearing. Before we get started. With the public hearing, I'm afraid to announce that recently we lost a member of the task police department to and related work causes. But nonetheless we lost a member, Lieutenant Adam Miller and I do think it's appropriate for us to take a moment of silence in his
honor. Thank you. We have
three items on public hearing this evening. 14.01 Madam Attorney if you want to walk us through.
Thank you, Mayor item number 14.0 was the first and only public hearing on ordinance number 22 Dash Oh dash 25 an ordinance of the City of Tallahassee Florida amending section six of the charter of the City of Tallahassee next within the corporate area The City of Tallahassee, Florida upon adoption of said ordinance property being situated in Leon County, Florida south east of the intersection of capital circle, South East and Woodville highway in accordance with the voluntary annexation provisions of Section 171 point 04. For Florida Statutes, writing for severability conflicts and an effective date. recommended action is option one, conduct the public hearing and adopt ordinance number 22. Dash Oh dash 25.
Excellent. Mr. Clerk, do we have any public comment on this item?
We have one speaker Sean Marston.
Mr. Carson, your name and address for the record, please.
Yes. 2051 Remington green circle. This parcel was recently approved for land use change from rural to suburban and was rezone to our three. As part of the 2022 comp plan amendment the urban services boundary was extended to include this parcel is adjacent to city limits and we would like to bring this parcel into the city. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer. Excellent.
Thanks, speaker. No other speakers your action comment
will be accepted as adoption. Actually, one
has been properly moved by commission Dan Williams Cox seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem. Any further comment? Seeing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously. 500. Number 14.02. Madam Attorney,
I didn't know 14.02 is the first only public hearing on ordinance number 22 Dash Oh dash 26 an ordinance of the City of Tallahassee Florida amending section six of the charter of the City of Tallahassee to a next within the corporate area of the City of Tallahassee, Florida. Upon adoption of said ordinance property being situated in Leon County, Florida on Southwood plantation road south of Apalachee Parkway in accordance with the voluntary annexation provisions of Section 171 point 044 Florida Statutes binding for severability conflicts and an effective date. The recommended action is option one to conduct the public hearing and adopt ordinance number 22 Dash Oh dash 26
Thank you, Mr. Clerk any public comment?
We have two speakers Sean Marston is first and then an RO
is marching you name and address for the record again, please.
Shawn Marston 2051 Remington green circle. This parcel was also approved for land use change from rural to suburban and rezone to our three. And again as part of the 2022 comp plan cycle. The urban services boundary was extended to include this parcel is adjacent to existing city limits and we would request to bring this parcel into the city.
And thank you. Our next speaker, please.
Next speakers and row.
Row thank you for joining us your name and address for the record please.
And row 1213 Victory Garden drive. And I am the former public affairs director for the Florida Department of Community Affairs.
As you begin, Mayor I forgot to provide instruction speakers have three minutes there is a light in front of the mayor that's green, it'll turn yellow and then red at your three minute mark.
Like actual comments are much longer. I'll try to do my very best. Who knew that this book the little house written by Virginia Lee Burton in 1942. And one of my favorites since childhood in the late 1960s. would be so more meaningful today than it was back then. tells the story of a little house happiness very rural location, situated on top of a small hill, watching its inhabitants live grow and prosper. Time passes and progress on many levels makes its way to the little house. Inevitably it is abandoned, headed pitifully shuttered and huddling between two large skyscrapers. One day the great great granddaughter of the original owner passes by and recognize this the little house. She and her family arranged to move the little house far from the now overdeveloped city into a rural spot similar to its original surroundings. As a 31 year resident of Tallahassee, Leon County, what drew me here from my home state of Maine is rapidly deteriorating. I'm not alone in my thinking. I implore you, the City of Tallahassee commissioners to take the symbolism and lesson this story provides to heart do you not do the right thing? Say no curd future development of our current green space is an urban tree canopy, at least those within your purview. Two and a half years ago, I reached out to the Tallahassee Leon County planning departments director to better understand why we're allowing increased development when we currently have a vast inventory of empty buildings, storefronts structures, especially along Apalachee Parkway, and the surrounding areas, and loss of immense amounts of green space tree and tree canopies and forest within just outside our city limits. I have it on good authority, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County wants to grow at all costs. Yet, I must ask what is the true cost to us? My numerous suggestions to the commission, including logical growth management options, the retrofit of existing buildings for housing needs, especially portions of the governor Square Mall and Coker Center, as well as a sensible public education campaign to lower the evergrowing litter problem in our city. The impacts of unfettered growth is causing our area's wildlife. Your three minutes all have been ignored. Please, no, I'm not against appropriate development. If there's a need
on your comments, that'd be great. Right?
I just got one more sentence. Okay. Sure. Contrary to popular belief, there's no need other than the varying levels of house housing, that could be creatively constructed with potential ship and CTB G dollars in our cities, large scale empty buildings and storefronts, and the reimagining of other storefronts for small businesses. Thank you and happy to speak with you about my suggestions. And please now, when the land is gone, it's gone.
Thank you. Our next speaker please.
No other speakers on this item.
Mr.
Wu acceptance of option number one.
Option number one's been properly moved by Commissioner Williams Cox. Seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem. Any further comment? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Passes unanimously. Five, zero. Item number 14.03. Madam Attorney.
Thank you. Item number. Point 14.03 is the first and only public hearing on ordinance number 22 Dash Oh dash 27 an ordinance of the City of Tallahassee Florida amending section six of the charter of the City of Tallahassee next within the corporate area of the City of Tallahassee, Florida upon adoption of said ordinance, privately being situated in Leon County, Florida on Blountstown Street, South Park lawn Street, in accordance with the voluntary annexation provisions of Section 170 1.04. For Florida Statutes, writing for severability conflicts and effective date recommended actions option one conduct the public hearing and adopt ordinance number 22 Dash Oh dash 27.
All right, any public comment on this item Mr. Clerk,
Shawn Marcin is the only speaker
Marcin your name and address for the record, please.
Okay. So I'm Marston 25th, one Remington green circle. This project site is approximately five acres comprises of a condominium with 10 buildings in it. It is within the urban services boundary and requesting that the entire parcel be brought into the city.
Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker please.
No further speakers.
Commissioners, Commissioner Williams Cox.
I have a question and it may be unrelated but this particular owner saw something in the media recently there's been a lawsuit or something to do with sale of hold a property and prices being changed. That's something I can speak to I'm just asking because I see is the same thing.
Move adoption of ordinance number 22. Dash. Oh dash 27.
Then probably move by the Mayor Pro Tem Is there a second? I'll second it.
Any further discussion? Hearing none,
all those in favor of the motion on table signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed? Passes unanimously, five, zero. Do we have any other items come before us at the public hearing? No. Mayor. Okay, we are on unagented speakers. Mr. Clerk, how many speakers do we have today?
Mayor we have one virtual speaker that's the only speaker that I have for an agenda. That will be Erica Holbert Erica Halbert, and as soon as it comes up, she can begin
Lows. Yes, your name and address for the record, please.
Okay. My name is Erica Halbert. Sorry 2021, Warwick street 3331 else. And my marks are really in in regards to the Altera 3100 project. We're having a hard time. I'm sorry,
we're having a hard time. Is that audio on our end? Or did you? Alright?
Can you hear me better?
We can hear you better yesterday.
Okay, now, so my question is regarding the Altera 3100 project here. And it's been billed as affordable housing, but But my question is really, who exactly is it affordable for? I mean, we're talking about 253 square foot, basically motel rooms that go from $770 to $1,145. And the deposits go up to 1600. So I'm just trying to figure out how we could justify that and call that actually affordable. And how does this help people who actually need affordable housing? You know, as a lot of people pointed out on the actual post about this, you know, just just even, for example, at $15 an hour, which the city has not made a minimum wage, by the way, a single person will be paying no less than 45% of their net income monthly on housing. And that's way more than the recommended limit of 1/3. So I mean, I'm just my, I guess, underlining How is below market value, it doesn't address the fact that the market value is too high, a market price is too high. And it also does not address the high end. I mean, I'm not exactly sure who can we know what single person number one can afford to live alone. And also what what type of family that are low income can have a family and a 253 square foot apartment, which does not have bedrooms, just one room. And I guess my issue is that we need to have real affordable housing solutions. And number one, I want to figure out how this I want the city to tell us how they're actually going to do that, like actual affordable housing. And I'd also like some clarification on the actual bidding process, and and who won that be.
Understanding what bidding process
as far as like, the developers, was there no bidding process as far as developers go? That particular that
particular property rabbit talking about is a private development, the city did not have any dollars involved?
Okay, so about the rest of my questions.
It was not affordable, it was workforce.
Okay, so then why is it billed as affordable?
It was no, it wasn't?
No, it's the I can even show you the posts where it's billed as affordable by the city of Alaska government. Okay, on November 1. So why was unfamiliar why it's affordable, if it is not affordable?
Well, we're not, we're not gonna get visionless. Don't get it back and forth.
I know, for clarification for pure listening, because I did comment on that post. Yeah. It what it said was that affordable, and workforce housing is a priority of the city. It did not say that that particular property was affordable.
But that's what the implication was to give. I think we both know that. Well.
There was no RFP, there was no government dollars involved. So I would suggest maybe contacting the owner of the property, because I don't think that we're gonna be able to answer the questions that you're proposing. But we appreciate you showing up and in commenting.
I mean, my question is how affordable you still have an answer that at all, I believe you can answer that question. And because it's not affordable. I'm not the only one. I'm not the only one who's raised this issue and the fact that you want to gloss over it and not exactly listen to your constituents. It's very telling. Well, thank you for showing that you actually address my question. Thank you. Thank you for nothing.
That was that's the last speaker we have
an agenda. Is there anybody else here that like to speak on agenda items? Okay, we'll move into sharing of ideas. Commissioner
Porter.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I don't have anything other than to reiterate my condolences for Lieutenant Miller. I was able to attend the viewing. And I just want to especially extend my condolences to Edie.
Thank you, Mr. Williams. Cox.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to congratulate you on your win last night. And so now that you're married for the next four years, what are you going to do next?
Oh, and I'm sure it'll all come through.
You know, you're not going to Disney World. Look at what But seriously, just want to congratulate you looking forward to continuing to work with you to move our city forward. And I will say that I tried to answer the question that was asked. Because there we've done workshops on housing because there is great confusion about what's affordable. There's a federal definition for affordable housing, not what I can afford, but a federal definition. And that's, that's what we work by, as well as our workforce. And there's a difference between affordable and workforce and other types of housing, low income housing, I think that our community needs to continue to be educated on so that we don't have this kind of conversation that causes more confusion. So I'm hoping that we can do I don't know what we can do to describe it, explain it more define it more, except to keep putting the same information out there and hoping that it will be absorbed in understood because we didn't create the definition. We abide by the definition that the federal government created. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Matlow.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just add on that, no, I don't think $100 or 250 square feet is affordable. I mean, obviously we're in the same boat most of the country is and we have a lot more work to do on housing, affordability. And in the coming months. I wanted to address the incoming storm. Mr. Mr. City Manager, can you give us just a brief update, I got the 5pm email I was interested in our city facilities open. I know we have a CRA meeting scheduled for the morning.
Right now we've not cancelled any city facilities or city workforce operations will continue as as normal. We do believe the storm the forecast is, is a little more than what we've seen. It's kind of worsened over the last little bit. We believe there will be some winds overnight into the morning hours. The peak impact of the storm somewhere after midday. One to five is what we're being told Will will receive two to four inches of rain and winds maybe in excess of 40 miles an hour. So we're operationally ready. We've not stopped any services. We certainly may do that. If if it if it comes to we don't believe we need to at this point. And so we do believe there could be impacts and we'll be we'll stand ready to address those.
And then finally, the as Commissioner William Scott said the campaign season has come to an end so our TV and all boxes will clear out as Christmas music takes over the airwaves. I think I do want to congratulate Mayor John Daly, as well. You know, now that the election is is over, it's time to get back to work for the people of Tallahassee. Look forward to another year. Thank you, Mr.
Mayor. Mayor Pro Tem.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor in line with the discussion that Commissioner Williams Cox had with in terms of affordable housing. And I hope the young lady is still on the line because what we have done is change our housing ordinances to make it possible for property owners who either own or purchase abandoned structures like the hotels, and apartment complexes around town to be able to purchase those and make them available as affordable housing for those who can afford that housing. It's not low income, it's not workforce, it's affordable for those individuals that can afford that housing. When we were at what was it in SPIRE. The ribbon cutting we had the other day.
Oh, Terry, I think it was 3100 Watt, I forget the name of it.
What that that project was 25% occupied. The day we had the ribbon cutting, there were people coming into the parking lot seeking to purchase those apartment studio apartments the day that we were there. So it's affordable for somebody, it may not be low income, but it is affordable. And we're making that type of housing available to those who seek that type of housing studio apartments. So it's affordable for somebody. I would also add to that, that we have 2300 low income and affordable housing units in the pipeline. And that's what our community needs to understand that those units will be coming online. The one that comes to mind right off the top of my head because I'm by there all the time and it should be coming online very soon as Magnolia Oaks at the corner of Country Club and Magno Your drive that should be coming online very soon. That is low income housing. And there will be units designated for those who are transitioning from homelessness or house lessness. However you want to describe it. There will be units designated for persons that are transitioning from a homeless situation. So we are addressing that issue. The city does not provide housing. We do partner with agencies like Habitat for Humanity, the Tallahassee lenders consortium of which I'm proud to be our representative on the board. We partner with those agencies to provide low income and affordable housing. But the City of Tallahassee itself does not provide housing in our community. And I think that's the misunderstanding that a lot of people have. In line with that, as well. I want to announce I just got the email today, that Lafayette gardens apartments, the low income apartments on Lafayette Street next to the moon, we'll be having their grand opening on November 15. At 11am. That is low income, housing 30% area median income, that is low income, affordable housing on Lafayette Street, behind the Ross shopping center on Appalachia Parkway. And we're all I think invited to be there. They invited me to come I hope everybody got the same email. And then lastly, just a question about the Veterans Day events. Mr. City Manager Have we heard anything about that? This we're
in very close contact with them. The parade, I believe starts at 10 festivities prior to that first thing on Friday morning. And at this point is moving forward. I just talked to our parks and recreation director. There are no conflicts with our resources necessary to support that parade. So as long as the weather is cleared, and there's no really unexpected events, I believe it will continue on. Okay, that's all I had. Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much.
Mr. Mayor. Could I interject with the same day as the veterans they were planning to move forward with the showing of the race to be human at 730 at cascades Park, free of charge. We have a local group who has recorded a old school old school song wake up everybody and they are going to kick us off and young people will kick us off. For this event. It is for youth youth groups. And for those who are young at heart, free of charge, please come come out. Depending on what Nicole does, the seats might be wet. Bring a towel. We do plan to move on but we've already rescheduled at once. Thank you,
everybody be safe during the storm and Happy Veterans Day. We stand adjourned.
At 795 I'm really excited about the neighborhood facade grant program because it provides an opportunity for the greater bond neighborhood become a vibrant, strong, productive component of the city to Tallahassee.
Hey, I'm John Daly proud Mayor Tallahassee, it is sick