City Council Meeting

Minutes

Crystal River City Council

Regular Council Meeting

Monday, October 28, 2024 5:30 p.m.

Citrus County Welcome Center

915 N. Suncoast Blvd.

1. CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Meek called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

Council members present: Mayor Joe Meek, Vice Mayor Cindi Frink, Council member Mindi Hastings, Council member Robert Holmes

Council members absent: Council member Ken Brown

Staff present: City Manager Audra Curts, City Attorney Rob Batsel, City Clerk Mia Fink, Community Engagement Director Leslie Bollin, Growth Management Director Jenette Collins, Assistant Growth Management Director Carly Hanson, Human Resources Director Mary Helprin, Fire Department Manager Frank Milello, Assistant Public Works Director Paul Wammack

Council member Robert Holmes led the invocation and Mayor Meek led the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Motion to adopt the agenda as amended was made by Vice Mayor Frink; seconded by Council member Hastings. Motion carried 4-0.

3. PRESENTATIONS

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

5. PUBLIC INPUT

6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Motion to approve minutes of the City Council meeting held October 14, 2024

Monthly Departmental Report Summary for the month of September

Motion to approve both the Letters of Engagement and Contracts with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC for the FY 2024 Audit Services for the City of Crystal River and Crystal River Community Development Agency in the amount of $38,700 and $6,200, respectively

Motion to approve road closure requests for the 2024 Crystal River Christmas Tree Lighting Festival and Christmas Parade

Council member Hastings noted previously corrected scrivener’s error in draft minutes.

Motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Council member Holmes; seconded by Vice Mayor Frink. Motion carried 4-0.

7. PUBLIC HEARING

8. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES

9. CITY ATTORNEY

City Attorney Rob Batsel briefly discussed debris removal contract negotiations and meetings related to the Riverwalk project and provided an update regarding the 579 US Highway 19, LLC property, noting upcoming consideration of demolition services estimates and method of foreclosure and recouping cost. Further discussion was held regarding structure of demolition services contract structure (piggyback agreement with Citrus County). He also reported on a recent request for relief associated with the denial of a rezoning application by the Planning Commission.

Mayor Meek also provided a detailed update regarding debris collection.

10. CITY MANAGER

A. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-02 appropriating funding for the playground remodel associated with the “Copeland Park Improvement Project, Phase I”, award a contract to Kor-Kat Playground Site Amenities in the amount of $82,356.50 for the remodel and authorize staff to negotiate a continuing services agreement with Kor-Kat for future playground needs

Mayor Meek briefly introduced the item.

Assistant Public Works Director Paul Wammack discussed cost savings from fishing pier element and grant funding source, and introduced Kristen Libby, representing Kor-Kat.

Ms. Libby provided background information regarding the company and addressed Council questions regarding timeline.

Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-02 appropriating funding for the playground remodel associated with the “Copeland Park Improvement Project, Phase I”, award a contract to Kor-Kat Playground Site Amenities in the amount of $82,356.50 for the remodel and authorize staff to negotiate a continuing services agreement with Kor-Kat for future playground needs was made by Vice Mayor Frink; seconded by Council member Hastings. Motion carried 4-0.

B. Motion to ratify “Interlocal Understanding Regarding Emergency Debris Removal and Hauling” between Citrus County and the City of Crystal River to authorize utilization of SMG for emergency debris removal and hauling

Mayor Meek briefly introduced the item and City Manager Curts provided background information regarding emergency debris removal, hauling and monitoring, including piggyback agreement with County and circumstances by which SMG was engaged. Mayor Meek noted need to ensure associated expenses were reimbursable through FEMA and also discussed status of other recovery efforts throughout the city. Further discussion was held regarding identifying local emergency debris management providers.

Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-01 extending the declaration of local emergency due to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in accordance with Chapter 21 of the City’s Code of Ordinances titled “Emergency Management” was made by Council member Hastings; seconded by Council member Holmes. Motion carried 4-0.

C. Motion to authorize the purchase of a replacement breathing air compressor from Channel Innovations Corp. in the total amount of $42,973.00 for the Crystal River Fire Department

City Manager Curts provided a brief overview of the item.