Mali Gardner

The meeting began with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the appointment of a Mayor and Vice Mayor, with Jimmy Pitman appointed Mayor and Commissioner High Slope appointed Vice Mayor. The commission addressed the consent agenda, which was approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved a public hearing and second reading discussion for Ordinance 2024-Z3, which concerns the storage of Recreational Vehicles (RVs) on private residential property. Discussions focused on amending the code to potentially allow RVs in front yards due to issues with backyard enforcement and RVs being used as dwelling units. The commission debated allowing up to two RVs and the implications for property setbacks and public access, noting that the technical review committee suggested front yard placement while opposing the use of RVs as residences. Other agenda items included adding a change order (SE Construction, number 14) to the regular agenda.

The meeting addressed the Treasurer's Report, which indicated a current balance of $5,890.34 after accounting for outstanding items. Library statistics and program calendars were reviewed. Under Old Business, discussions covered new library funding, including the Room to Read Grant providing $2,500.00 each for Hendry and Glades County Libraries for literacy events, and the $2,332.00 STEAM Grant funding utilized for summer programs. Adult programming updates included the cancellation of 'Coffee with the Chief' and scheduling a return workshop for 'Hurricane Preparedness.' The Summer Reading Program's success, featuring various performers and activities, was also noted. New Business included planning for an author visit by Joe Palmer, a potential Halloween contest and sleepover, a decision by the Hendry County Library Cooperative Board to increase the Admin/10% fee to 25%, authorization for the Friends group to offer wine at the author visit, the purchase of fire truck-related books with a memorial donation, and concerns regarding the State of Florida discontinuing funding for Interlibrary Loan (ILL) shipping costs after September 30, 2025. The Board noted upcoming city vacancies.

The meeting involved several key discussions and actions. Director updates included reporting on Insignia installation issues being addressed and the purchase of Tech Soup for discounted library services. Old business confirmed the library website address remains unchanged due to domain rights acquisition. New business focused on the discussion and adoption of several Cooperative Policies: Animals in Library Building, Internet Access Policy (with modifications regarding patron data deletion), Reciprocal Borrowers, Braille & Talking Books Library service expansion, CMON (Children Museum of Naples) pass program details, and the Florida Literacy Program. Discussions also covered vacancies within the county, including the interim Director role. Reports from Barron Public Library highlighted ongoing programs such as Chess Club, book club, technology workshops, and successful past events like the annual dessert auction. Florida B. Thomas Library reported on continuing social programs (Domino, painting classes) and new activities like the Black History Event and Intro to Spanish Classes. Clewiston Public Library highlighted successful events including STEAM LAB with Virtual Reality, LEGO Builders Club, and the Sugar Festival. All libraries are currently planning summer programs.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum. Agenda changes included preparations for a swearing-in ceremony and an amendment to the consent agenda regarding the termination of a portion of the Tyler Technologies contract for building services. A swearing-in ceremony for the new Chief of Police was conducted. During public comments, a resident raised significant concerns regarding an increase in coyote attacks on pets, attributing the problem to the current directive of Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) for cats, which they argued created an abundant food source. The resident requested the commission uphold Chapter 14 of the city ordinances and revoke prior TNR directives, and also requested penalties for those violating the ordinance by feeding stray cat colonies. The commission acknowledged the concerns and stated the need to review the directives against city ordinances. A presentation was then given by a representative of the Hendry County Fair Board regarding their upcoming fair, requesting support from commission members and city employees to volunteer at their Cook Shack booth. Following this, a presentation was given regarding the city's defined benefit plan, detailing its history since 1989, the number of participants (146 total), and its current financial status, noting a surplus of approximately $13 million since 2013.

Key discussions included the transition of Overdrive to Libby for patron access to ebooks. Under Old Business, the Long Range Plan 2024-2028 was completed and accepted, and the Annual Plan of Service 2023-2024 was reviewed and approved. The Florida B Thomas Library appointed a new cooperative board representative and an alternate. The TLC scheduled a system migration. New Business featured welcoming the new director of the Florida B. Thomas Library and the decision not to renew the Tumbleweed Press Subscription due to costs not being justified by statistics. Member Library Reports detailed successful ongoing programs and new initiatives, such as a poetry event and chess group at the Harlem library, and finalized Summer Reading Program plans at the Clewiston Library.