MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 2011
- CALL TO ORDER- Mayor Surrency
- Invocation- Rev. Joe Williams
- Pledge of Allegiance- Commissioner Roberts
Moved to approve the agenda
Motion- Commissioner Carlton Second- Commissioner Roberts
Commissioner Carlton |
Yes |
Commissioner Randall |
Yes |
Commissioner Roberts |
Yes |
Vice Mayor Howard |
Yes |
Mayor Surrency |
Yes |
Vote- 5-0
- RECOGNITIONS & GUESTS- None
- COMMITTEE REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
- Florida City Government Week- Recognition to former City Commissioners
Mayor Surrency- In recognition of Florida City Government Week, staff came up with the idea to recognize former City Commissioners that served the City of Hawthorne.
Mayor Surrency presented the former City Commissioners with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hawthorne.
Vice Mayor Howard- Hawthorne Life Enrichment field trip to Lake Wahlburg is this Thursday and all are welcome to attend.
Commissioner Randall- Her niece was sworn in as a Lieutenant in the military in Washington DC and is asking everyone to keep all military personnel in your prayers.
CEO Al Davis- His quarterly report is late due to his recent illness and hospital stay. Can address any questions the City Commission may have.
No questions from the City Commission.
- CITIZEN COMMENTS- None
- AGENDA ITEMS
September 28, 2011 City Commission Workshop
October 4, 2011 City Commission Meeting
Moved to approve the minutes for September 28, 2011 and October 4, 2011
Motion- Commissioner Randall Second- Vice Mayor Howard
Commissioner Carlton |
Yes |
Commissioner Randall |
Yes |
Commissioner Roberts |
Yes |
Vice Mayor Howard |
Yes |
Mayor Surrency |
Yes |
Vote- 5-0
City Manager Vause- Mr. Gosnell of the First Methodist Church contacted the City of Hawthorne because the First Methodist Church wishes to strip the Old Health Department of any reclaimable construction materials to use for construction projects in our community. As of now no offers to remove or demolish the building have met the insurance requirements. She is working with a vendor that may be interested in doing the project, who may have the appropriate insurance but staff is asking for more time from the City Commission.
Moved to allow the City Manager additional time to work with the interested vendor and if that falls through allow the Methodist Church to strip the building.
Motion- Vice Mayor Howard Second- Commissioner Roberts
Commissioner Carlton |
Yes |
Commissioner Randall |
Yes |
Commissioner Roberts |
Yes |
Vice Mayor Howard |
Yes |
Mayor Surrency |
Yes |
Vote- 5-0
- PUBLIC HEARING
- SECOND READING- None
- FIRST READING
City Attorney Harris- City Commission adopted an Ordinance decreasing its own salaries by 10% in order to address financial issues. Now that the City’s budget is balanced, a proposed Ordinance removing the 10% decrease and returning the salaries to their pre-decrease amounts has been prepared. The proposed Ordinance must be approved by a super majority vote of at least 80% of the Commission.
Moved to adopt Ordinance for Commissioner Salaries going back to the previous amount on 1st Reading.
Motion- Commissioner Randall Second- Commissioner Carlton
Discussion continued by City Commissioners, Citizens, and Staff
Commissioner Carlton |
Yes |
Commissioner Randall |
Yes |
Commissioner Roberts |
Yes |
Vice Mayor Howard |
Yes |
Mayor Surrency |
No |
Vote- 4-1
Commissioner Roberts- Because of the water rate increase she did a research on how to bring money to the City of Hawthorne without taxing the Citizens in Hawthorne. Is asking the City Commission to consider using the fire building as a rental sight if the Fire Department doesn’t return to the City of Hawthorne.
City Manager Vause- CRA did agree to use the money to reroof the fire building. Would have to work on the next step by bringing the building up to code. Had a joint meeting with Alachua County and have a meeting on October 20 to further discuss the fire department coming back to Hawthorne.
Discussion continued.
Commissioner Carlton- Spoke with City Manager Vause and now has a better understanding of the P&Z and has no further questions.
- Lindsey-Phillips Boat Ramp Update
City Attorney Harris- the City of Hawthorne has been maintaining the property at the Lindsey Phillips Park even though the City does not own the property. Staff is doing research on cost for her to present to FDOT.
Parks & Rec. Director Wynkoop- As best as he could he tried to determine the cost associated with Lindsey Phillips Park. From FY 2006-2011 the City has spend an estimated cost over $68K. An estimated cost for 12 years is $163,282.55.
Discussion continued and City Commission agreed to allow the City Attorney to present figures to FDOT.
- 2010-2011 Year End Review
City Manager Vause passed out and summarized the 2010-2011 year end review. The final figures will be completed on 10/31/11.
Mr. Terance Pollard- Owner of Thrift Store across from City Hall and will be opening the Barber Shop on November 1, 2011. His water bill is higher at his business than at his home. Is it possible to grant a waiver for the $15 surcharge so he would not have to pay it at 3 locations?
Mayor Surrency- Water Rate study was done and the surcharge will be removed. Customers will now only be charged for the water they use. If you use less your water bill will be cheaper than those that use more water.
Ms. Vivian Wagner- Everyone is invited to her 89th Birthday Party on November 12 from 2PM-4PM at the First Baptist Church.
- REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/INFORMATION
City Manger Vause- Welcomed back Commissioners Randall and Roberts. Also gave an update on Staff, City Finances, and FDOT 5 year plan, Fire Dept, Public Works Dept, CDBG Grant, Lift Stations, and Parks & Recreation Dept.
City Attorney Harris- City Commission will be presented with a comprehensive Ordinance for Water and Sewer issues. She has to clean up paper work with SHIP Program. Commissioners may see an upcoming agenda item on the SHIP program. Code Meeting today was a great success; more people are starting to comply.
Commissioner Roberts- Is grateful to be back and thanks to everyone for the calls, prayers, flowers and cards. Hawthorne Life Enrichment Center doing BINGO and giving away house hold items as door prizes.
Commissioner Randall- Grateful to be back as well and thanks to everyone for the calls, prayers, flowers and cards. Thanks to all former City Commissioners and it’s an honor to follow in your footsteps.
Commissioner Carlton- Ask City Manager Vause to explain the CRA.
City Manager Vause- CRA is the Community Redevelopment Agency. The City must designate a certain area as the Redevelopment District in the City and the city receives certain tax money to do things in that assigned area.
Vice Mayor Howard- Welcome Commissioners Randall and Roberts back. Seniors fieldtrip to Lake Wahlburg this Thursday all are welcome. Transportation will be provided.
Mayor Surrency- Thanks for coming out and if you know any former City Commissioners who may have been omitted please add their names on the list. Thanks to the former City Commissioners for serving and coming out tonight. This Saturday is a Semi Formal Class Reunion fundraiser for Hawthorne High School Athletics. The cost is $30.
Moved to adjourn.
Motion- Commissioner Randall Second- Vice Mayor Howard
Commissioner Carlton |
Yes |
Commissioner Randall |
Yes |
Commissioner Roberts |
Yes |
Vice Mayor Howard |
Yes |
Mayor Surrency |
Yes |
Vote- 5-0
These minutes are submitted for approval.
LaKesha H. McGruder, CMC Matthew Surrency, Mayor
City Clerk
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