Town of Brooker

Key discussions included setting a minimum reserve amount of $25,000.00 for the bid to sell the Old Fire Station property and establishing the bid opening date for the February 10th meeting. Updates were provided on the New Fire Station, noting a ground breaking ceremony was held, but the site plan application required corrections regarding zoning compliance prerequisites like combining lots. The council addressed past due water reports and confirmed the limitations of Automated Meter Reading for early leak detection. Liability insurance regarding injuries on town property was clarified, leading to the approval of a $1200.00 expenditure to repair cracks in the tennis court surface. Due to unforeseen circumstances with their long-time auditor, the council approved engaging Powell & Jones for the 2024/25 audit at a cost of $20,000.00. A meter for the well behind the tennis court was ordered. Old business included a reminder about required ethics training completion. In new business, Bernard Carter's bid of $1000.00 a month was accepted for the "Class C" Operator position for a two-year term, and the Town Clerk received a Christmas bonus of $500.00.

The meeting included the appointment of a new member to Seat #4, discussions on fire assessment, special exception paperwork, and the need for a site plan for the new fire station. The council discussed past due water reports, the disconnection of electricity at the old fire station, and a new state mandate requiring the designation of an administrative official for plat approvals. They also addressed a bill from Ring Power, the final public hearing on the Millage and Budget, and plans for Trick or Treat. Other topics included water department alarms, sidewalk edging, rentals at the Community Center, and an Inter Local Agreement with Bradford County for fire and emergency services. The council also discussed mowing the new property for the new fire station, cleaning up around the antenna tower, tree limbs over Michigan Avenue, modifying water rates, and an estimate for edging sidewalks on CR 18.

The council discussed several topics including the new fire station, a legislative delegation meeting, and a request for continued partnership to complete the construction. The town clerk reported on past due water bills, the potential sale of the old fire station, bids for a Class "C" Operator contract, and the need for ethics completion. Issues with the generator alarm, potential water leaks, broken carts, road signs, and property cleanup were also addressed.

The council discussed and took action on several key items, including signing a contract with M&R Construction of North Florida to build a new fire station, contingent upon Bradford County Commissioners approving the M.S.B.U levying the taxes and the Memorandum of understanding. An Inter Local Agreement between Bradford County and the Town of Brooker for fire and emergency response services was reviewed, with further consideration scheduled for the September meeting. The council also addressed water-related issues, such as past due accounts, billing for non-potable water usage, and a stolen cut-off valve. Additionally, they discussed a comprehensive plan amendment for the new fire station's land use and zoning, ethics information for council members, the new millage rate, and the resubmission of a FRDAP application. The council approved increasing water rates by $1.00 starting October 1st and accepted a proposal from Andy Easton and Associates for CDBG grant administration services.

The council discussed and approved Resolution 2025-02, designating an administrative authority for plat submittals. They also approved an Inter Local Agreement with Bradford County for fire and emergency services. The Fire Department provided updates on their new location, including site plan progress and the need for additional funding. The council addressed past due water bills and approved the use of TextMyGov for communicating water-related notices to customers. Budget amendments for both the General Fund and Water Fund were approved. Additionally, the council discussed moving a radar speed sign and authorized the Mayor to sign the CDBG Fair Housing certification. Several locations within the town limits were identified for cleanup.