Kay Dennis

The workshop meeting primarily focused on potential strategies for acquiring and redeveloping the Jackson Square property, which previously had contamination issues that deterred developers. Discussions revolved around whether the City should pursue acquiring the 3-acre property, estimated to cost approximately $280,000 for demolition, especially since they secured grant funding to resolve the environmental concerns. Alternative strategies included exploring if the property qualifies for the dilapidated structure list to shift demolition costs, or partnering with the current owner for development proposals in exchange for City assistance with demolition/cleanup, to be reimbursed upon sale. A consensus emerged to contact the owner to address the property's hazardous condition, including significant dumping and lack of security, with the City Attorney directed to draft a certified letter requiring the owner to clean up and secure the area, failing which the City would perform the work and place a lien. Furthermore, the potential demolition of Jackson Square was recommended to be budgeted for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year, possibly funded by proceeds from the Marianna Health & Rehab sale.

The special meeting focused on several key administrative and financial matters. Discussions included entering into a one-year contract with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (JCCC) for Mainstreet and West End Marianna services, which was approved by a 4-1 vote. The Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-07, contingent on language regarding annual rate increases for garbage service based on CPI or tipping fees (not exceeding 5%). Approval was granted unanimously for Change Order #4 on the Citywide Wastewater Improvement project to cover additional costs for sewer line repairs. The Commission also unanimously approved an agreement for professional services with Mott MacDonald for a water meter replacement project and voted to set aside purchasing policy to award the MERE Restroom renovation contract to the low bidder, Rally Point Restoration, as discovered in the previous month's meeting records.

The Regular City Commission Meeting agenda included several key discussions and actions. Matters considered under 'Other Policy Matters' included the purchase of pass-thru evidence lockers for the Marianna Police Department, an extension agreement for legal services with Fuqua and Milton, P.A., approval of Change Order 3 for Citywide Wastewater Improvements Parts C & D, authorizing the application for FDOT SCOP funding for the Borden Street Improvement Project via Resolution No. 2026-08, an extension of the Regions Financing Agreement via Resolution 2026-09, recommendation of award for City-Wide Stormwater Resiliency Phase 2 Improvements funded by CDBG, a property lease for Caledonia Street, authorization to apply for FDEP SRF funding for Sanitary Sewer Overflow mitigation via Resolution 2026-10, and a proposal from Anderson Columbia for additional roadway paving. Planning/Development involved a January report and consideration of Major Development Orders for the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and the MERE Multi-use Recreational Facility. The Commission also reviewed project updates including Bumpnose Road, Jackson Square, and street paving priorities.

The Regular City Commission Meeting agenda addressed several key areas. In Planning/Development, discussions covered the January Planning and Permitting Report and consideration of Major Development Orders for the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and the MERE Multi-Use Recreational Facility. Other policy matters included the purchase of Pass Thru Evidence Lockers for the Police Department, review of an Agreement for Attorney/Legal Services, and updates related to Citywide Wastewater Improvements, specifically Change Order 3 for Parts C & D. The Commission also reviewed items concerning the FDOT Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) Borden Street Improvement Project requiring Resolution No. 2026-08, an extension for the Regions Financing Agreement requiring Resolution 2026-09, a Recommendation of Award for City-Wide Stormwater Resiliency Phase 2 Improvements via CDBG funds, a property lease for Caledonia Street, and authorizing an application for FDEP State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding related to Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) requiring Resolution 2026-10. Finally, the agenda included a proposal from Anderson Columbia for additional roadway paving.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items for discussion and potential action. Key topics involved reviewing minutes, discussing two major development orders, one concerning MERE and another related to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. The meeting also included a section for Other Business, specifically a Planning Report.