John M. Holbrook

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous November 5th meeting. A major focus was the initiation of a Strategic Utility Master Plan, which involves hiring Professor Frederick Bloer from Florida Atlantic University to assist in evaluating current and future capacity needs for water, wastewater, and utilities infrastructure. The board discussed the importance of this plan for responsible growth and coordination with regional partners. Additionally, the group reviewed the status of a $40 million wastewater plant grant project, specifically concerning capacity reservations for septic-to-sewer conversions versus development needs, and the expected lower cost of the utility plan (under $19,000) compared to previous estimates. Discussions also touched upon the status of existing plants, including the pending abandonment of the south plant and the necessary connection of the Tamoka plant to the new facility.

The meeting opened with a roll call, prayer, and pledge of allegiance. Public comments primarily focused on the recent departure of the former town attorney, Bert Harris, with several speakers expressing strong support for his long tenure and criticizing the manner of his exit and subsequent handling by the Mayor and Town Administrator. Another speaker provided an update regarding potential grant funding from SRF, noting that a resolution would be needed at the next meeting to authorize the Mayor to sign grant application documents. An update on construction projects was requested, revealing that site review permits for the police station are awaiting minor corrections before final issuance. Regarding the pickleball courts, progress is stalled pending a review of the lighting agreement received from the City of Sebring, as the former town attorney had deemed the agreement insufficient. The agenda proceeded to the consent agenda, which was moved for approval.

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. After confirming quorum, public comments on non-agenda items were closed. The council unanimously approved Consent Agendas A and B. Key discussion points during the action agenda involved CRA updates concerning the Kimley Horn project list, which will have proposals provided in March for future prioritization. Financial updates were reviewed, noting a significant decrease in budgeted alarm revenue. A major topic was the reallocation of $100,000 previously attributed to the Hillrest project, with a motion passed to allocate $70,000 to stormwater management and $30,000 to an unallocated line item for future projects, including covering budget overruns such as the $5,000 increase identified for downtown flower pots. Further discussion addressed specific expenses related to downtown flower pots and the need for budget amendments.

The meeting involved significant discussion regarding consultant services for the utility master plan, including a line item adjustment of $18,125 for Public Utility Management and Planning Services, Incorporated, with concerns raised about contract splitting and future costs. There was discussion and an amended motion regarding the execution of the contract documents, requiring review by the town attorney and signature by the mayor. Furthermore, council members discussed procurement strategies for the Lake June Park pickle ball project, specifically the allowable use of piggyback contracts under the FURDAP and ARPAC grants, noting staff has halted further action pending clear direction from the town attorney and council. Concerns were also voiced about the status of the SWIFTMUD permits and the completion deadlines for the grants, as well as pavement conditions in front of the boat ramp related to the ARPAC grant.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the call for the role. During public comments on non-agenda items, a resident raised concerns regarding the audio/video transmission quality from the previous meeting and inquired about the assignment of a general contractor for the pickleball court project, learning that two licensed contractors are involved and the matter will be addressed in February. Another resident expressed concerns about inconsistencies in minute taking, noting that some public comments were omitted while others, like the Town Attorney's comments on D grant guidelines, were included. Key discussions also involved addressing rumors about a potential Walmart development, confirming no current plans exist, and clarifying that a recent letter was merely an inquiry for water and sewer capacity. Council members discussed procedural matters, including the removal and later reaffirmation of a discussion item concerning the process for choosing a Town Attorney, and a motion was made to move the Town Administrator employment contract discussion to later in the meeting. Under financial matters, clarification was sought regarding an unbudgeted $25,000 FDLE grant received for a police department drone program, including who signed the related memorandum of understanding, leading to a discussion on proper grant handling procedures requiring council resolution and mayoral signature after attorney review.