Town Council Regular

Town of Orange Park Town Council Meeting Thursday, November 5, 2026 6:00 P.M. Minutes DRAFT Mayor Winnette Sandlin called the Orange Park Town Council meeting to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Other Councilmembers present were Vice-Mayor Doug Benefield, Councilman Randy Anderson, Councilman Glenn Taylor and Councilman Kenneth Vogel. Also in attendance were Town Manager Gary Goble, Fire Chief John Contestabile, Police Lieutenant Eric Claxton, and Town Clerk Courtney Russo. Attorney Lawsikia Hodges of Smith, Gambrell & Russell attended virtually. The invocation was given by Vice-Mayor Benefield, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. MAYOR COMMENTS Mayor Sandlin opened the meeting with reminders about the annual Veterans Day ceremony organized by the Orange Park Historical Society, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery. She encouraged residents to attend with their families and urged everyone to shop locally ahead of the upcoming holidays. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS David Coughlin spoke about red light camera operations. He presented arguments challenging the statistical validity of the vendor’s (American Traffic Solutions) recidivism claims and advised the Council to hold an open forum before the January 2027 contract renewal. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING DATED OCTOBER 20, 2026 MOTION: Approval of the Council minutes of the regular meeting dated October 20, 2026. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 21, 2026 COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES MOTION: Approval of the October 21, 2026 Council Workshop minutes. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Taylor AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor

Orange Park Town Council Meeting November 5, 2026 2 | P a g e APPROVAL OF NEW ADVISORY STANDING COMMITTEE & BOARD APPLICATION FORMS, ESTABLISHMENT OF ANNUAL COMMITTEE PRIORITIES & ASSIGNMENTS, AND DESIGNATION OF COMMITTEE LIAISONS Mayor Sandlin presented newly drafted application forms for advisory standing committees and the specialized Finance and Budget Committee, alongside the existing standard board application. The Council discussed making these forms available online for public access and past/current applicants. MOTION: To approve the three newly drafted application forms (Standard Town Board, Advisory Standing Committee, and Finance & Budget Committee). RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Taylor SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor The Council reviewed committee operational guidelines, noting that a rotating 3-year term schedule would be established to stagger member turnovers. Priorities for each advisory committee for the upcoming year were discussed and established as follows: Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC): Focus on signage grant implementation, addressing unoccupied buildings/occupancy trends, and local business/bidder preference policies. MOTION: The Economic and Community Development Committee will focus on signage grant implementation, addressing unoccupied buildings/occupancy trends, and local business/bidder preference policies. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor Culture, Arts, and Recreation Committee: Focus on gathering resident feedback, providing input on entertainment/music selections for "OP After Dark" events, and conducting periodic walkthroughs/monitoring of Town parks. MOTION: Culture, Arts, and Recreation Committee will focus on gathering resident feedback, providing input on entertainment/music selections for "OP After Dark" events, and conducting periodic walkthroughs/monitoring of Town parks.

Orange Park Town Council Meeting November 5, 2026 3 | P a g e RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Anderson SECONDED BY: Taylor AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor Public Safety and Public Works Committee: Discuss adding signage instead of red light cameras at the intersection of Wells Road and US-17, explore community gun safety education initiatives, and maintain ongoing coordination with town staff to address emerging departmental needs. MOTION: Public Safety and Public Works Committee will discuss adding signage instead of red light cameras at the intersection of Wells Road and US-17, explore community gun safety education initiatives, and maintain ongoing coordination with town staff to address emerging departmental needs. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Taylor SECONDED BY: Anderson AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor The Council clarified that ongoing coordination with Town staff should occur across all committees to identify, bring forward, and address emerging departmental needs throughout the year. Mayor Sandlin announced the designation of Town Council members as liaisons (rather than chairs) for each committee to support community-led chairpersons: • Culture, Arts, and Recreation: Councilman Anderson (Liaison) • Finance and Budget: Mayor Sandlin (Chair) and Vice-Mayor Benefield (Co-Chair) • Economic and Community Development: Councilman Vogel (Liaison) • Public Safety and Public Works: Councilman Taylor (Liaison) LIGHTING OF THE PARK EVENT FORMAT AND SCHEDULE REVISIONS Mr. Goble presented a proposal to restructure holiday events to improve efficiency and preserve traditions. The plan combines the ceremonial "Lighting of the Park" into the "Hometown Holiday" event at Clarke House Park as a single-day event on December 12th, starting at 2:00 p.m., while keeping Clarke House trail lights illuminated nightly through January 4th. Ms. Sandra DiGiovanni spoke on behalf of the Historical Society of Orange Park in favor of the single-day format. Council members discussed the minimal budgetary impact and the need for clear community communication regarding the schedule change.

Orange Park Town Council Meeting November 5, 2026 4 | P a g e MOTION: To approve the Town Manager's recommended holiday event format. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Anderson SECONDED BY: Taylor AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor PURCHASE OF HURST E3 RESCUE TOOLS The Fire Chief requested authorization to purchase a new set of E3 hydraulic rescue tools (spreader, cutter, ram, battery charger) to replace 20-year-old equipment, utilizing budgeted CIP funds and taking advantage of a trade-in discount for one old set. MOTION: To approve the purchase of the Hurst E3 rescue tools. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Anderson SECONDED BY: Benefield AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor REMOVAL OF EQUIPMENT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INVENTORY Following the tool purchase approval, the Fire Chief requested approval to declare surplus and remove the traded-in tools and additional unused equipment from the department's active inventory. MOTION: To approve the inventory removal. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Anderson AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Goble reported that the St. Johns River Water Management District has officially issued the necessary project permit, allowing the Town to proceed with the next phases of development. A pre-construction meeting with Superior Construction, key subcontractors, and Jones Edmunds will take place within the next two weeks to finalize logistics. Beginning in December, Superior Construction will initiate the submittal process for materials and equipment while coordinating with FDOT regarding construction access and traffic control on Park Avenue and Holly Point Road West. To keep the community informed, a neighborhood informational meeting will be held in January to review the project scope and expected impacts, with actual construction anticipated to begin in late January or early February.

Orange Park Town Council Meeting November 5, 2026 5 | P a g e TOWN ATTORNEY REPORTS Attorney Hodges had no reports. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/COMMENTS Vice-Mayor Benefield thanked the public for attending the meeting. He highlighted that upcoming workshops are planned to examine the budgetary impacts of Amendment 3, encouraging both supporters and opponents to attend and participate in these important conversations about keeping the Town fiscally responsible. Additionally, he thanked the Art Guild for hosting Council members at their charity gala held at The Grove. Councilman Taylor seconded Vice-Mayor Benefield's comments regarding the importance of public involvement in the upcoming Amendment 3 budget workshops. He also extended early Thanksgiving wishes to residents and staff, noting this was the last scheduled meeting before the holiday. Councilman Anderson thanked the Sheriff's Office deputy present during the meeting. He reported that Halloween trick-or-treating within Town limits was a great success, noting that Moosehaven welcomed approximately 2,600 visitors over four hours. He commended staff for keeping Town operations smooth, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and encouraged the public to stay tuned to the Town calendar for upcoming workshops. Councilman Vogel thanked everyone in attendance and urged the community to honor local service members for Veterans Day on November 11th. He encouraged residents to attend the local Veterans Day ceremony and reminded everyone to look out for neighbors and those needing assistance during Thanksgiving. Mayor Sandlin expressed deep gratitude to the voters of Orange Park for the opportunity to serve as Mayor and represent the community. She encouraged everyone to take time during the holiday season to reflect on their blessings and small positive moments. She concluded by wishing all attendees and residents a blessed and happy Thanksgiving holiday. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sandlin adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m.

Town of Orange Park Town Council Regular Meeting Thursday, November 5, 2026 6:00 PM Agenda 1. Call to Order-Mayor Sandlin 2. Roll Call 3. Invocation-Vice-Mayor Benefield 4. Pledge 5. Mayor Comments 6. Proclamations/Presentations-None 7. Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items 8. Consent Agenda a. Approval of the Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting Dated October 20, 2026 b. Approval of the October 21, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes 9. Strategic Discussion/Updates a. Approval of New Advisory Standing Committee & Board Application Forms, Establishment of Annual Committee Priorities & Assignments, and Designation of Committee Liaisons 10. Old Business-None 11. New Business a. Purchase of Hurst E3 Rescue Tools b. Removal of Equipment from the Fire Department Inventory 12. Town Manager Comments 13. Town Attorney Comments 14. Councilmember Comments 15. Adjournment Upcoming Meetings a. December 1, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting b. January 5, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting c. January 19, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE: Members of the public wishing to speak must first complete a speaker card and submit it to the Town Clerk prior to speaking. A total aggregate of three (3) minutes is allotted to each speaker for 2042 PARK AVENUE | ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA 32073 | 904.278.3011 townoforangepark.com 1

non-agenda items. Five (5) minutes are allotted to each speaker for any agenda item. All remarks and questions shall be directed through the Presiding Officer. APPEAL OF DECISION: If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Town Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and, for that purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the Town Clerk’s Office at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (904) 278-3011 or by email at crusso@townop.com, or through Florida Relay by dialing 711. Requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. 2042 PARK AVENUE | ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA 32073 | 904.278.3011 townoforangepark.com 2

Town of Orange Park Town Council Regular Meeting Thursday, November 5, 2026 6:00 PM Agenda 1. Call to Order-Mayor Sandlin 2. Roll Call 3. Invocation-Vice-Mayor Benefield 4. Pledge 5. Mayor Comments 6. Proclamations/Presentations-None 7. Audience Comments on Non-Agenda Items 8. Consent Agenda a. Approval of the Council Minutes of the Regular Meeting Dated October 20, 2026 b. Approval of the October 21, 2026 Council Workshop Minutes 9. Strategic Discussion/Updates a. Approval of New Advisory Standing Committee & Board Application Forms, Establishment of Annual Committee Priorities & Assignments, and Designation of Committee Liaisons b. Lighting of the Park Event Format and Schedule Revisions 10. Old Business-None 11. New Business a. Purchase of Hurst E3 Rescue Tools b. Removal of Equipment from the Fire Department Inventory 12. Town Manager Comments 13. Town Attorney Comments 14. Councilmember Comments 15. Adjournment Note: This agenda has been amended on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 2:45 PM to include Item 9b. Upcoming Meetings a. December 1, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting b. January 5, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting 2042 PARK AVENUE | ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA 32073 | 904.278.3011 townoforangepark.com 1

c. January 19, 6PM-Regular Town Council Meeting PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE: Members of the public wishing to speak must first complete a speaker card and submit it to the Town Clerk prior to speaking. A total aggregate of three (3) minutes is allotted to each speaker for non-agenda items. Five (5) minutes are allotted to each speaker for any agenda item. All remarks and questions shall be directed through the Presiding Officer. APPEAL OF DECISION: If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Town Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and, for that purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA ACCOMMODATIONS: Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the Town Clerk’s Office at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (904) 278-3011 or by email at crusso@townop.com, or through Florida Relay by dialing 711. Requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. 2042 PARK AVENUE | ORANGE PARK, FLORIDA 32073 | 904.278.3011 townoforangepark.com 2

Town of Orange Park Town Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2026 6:00 P.M. Minutes DRAFT Mayor Winnette Sandlin called the Orange Park Town Council meeting to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m. Other Councilmembers present were Vice-Mayor Doug Benefield, Councilman Randy Anderson, Councilman Glenn Taylor and Councilman Kenneth Vogel. Also in attendance were Public Works Director Kyle Croce, Police Chief Cody Monroe, Attorney Lawsikia Hodges of Smith, Gambrell & Russell and Town Clerk Courtney Russo. The invocation was given by Councilman Anderson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. MAYOR COMMENTS The Mayor opened the meeting with a recap of the successful weekend Fall Festival and urged residents to prepare for the November 3rd Florida General Election by reviewing sample ballots, particularly three proposed constitutional amendments, on the Clay County Elections website. Voters were encouraged to research the potential impacts on local services, contact Town officials with questions, and take advantage of early voting from October 23rd through October 31st (available locally at the Orange Park Library). The comments concluded with a call to support local businesses. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS David Coughlin urged the Council to publicly review the Town’s red-light camera contract with American Traffic Solutions before its expiration in three months. To align operations with due process and statutory norms, he recommended requiring positive driver identification via extra cameras, issuing citations in a timely manner instead of taking up to 90 days, and refraining from ticketing during the two-second "all-red" signal phase. APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING DATED OCTOBER 6, 2026 MOTION: Approval of the Council minutes of the regular meeting dated October 6, 2026. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Taylor AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor 3

Orange Park Town Council Meeting October 20, 2026 2 | P a g e FDEP SRF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION (HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON) – WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM RESILIENCY AND HARDENING UPGRADES PROJECT (PROJECT NO. WW10013) Mr. Croce presented three requests regarding Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Clean Water State Revolving Fund supplemental appropriation funding for hurricane- related wastewater collection and treatment upgrades. The Town was shortlisted for up to $13.325 million at 0% interest with 50% debt forgiveness, with repayment terms spread over 10 to 20 years depending on the project phase. He noted that these funds will support critical infrastructure improvements already included in the Town’s five-year capital improvement plan. During the discussion, Council members emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the program while exercising fiscal restraint to spend only what is necessary. It was clarified that loan proceeds will strictly cover pre-identified locations and projects. The Council subsequently considered three separate actions: approving the FDEP loan agreement up to $13.325 million, approving a master agreement for professional engineering services with CPH Consulting, LLC, and approving Work Order No. 1 with CPH Consulting for the $100,000 planning phase. MOTION: Motion to approve the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Town of Orange Park, Florida Clean Water State Revolving Fund Planning, Design, and Construction Loan Agreement in the amount of up to $13,325,000, utilizing State funding at a 0% interest rate and 50% debt forgiveness, and authorize execution of the agreement. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Vogel SECONDED BY: Anderson AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor MOTION: Motion to approve the Master Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with CPH Consulting, LLC for the FDEP SRF Supplemental Appropriation for Hurricanes Helene and Milton (SA- HM) Collection System Resiliency and Hardening Upgrades Project (Project No. WW10013). RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Taylor SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor MOTION: Motion to approve Work Order No. 1 with CPH Consulting, LLC for Professional Services covering the Planning Phase of the FDEP SRF SA-HM Collection System Resiliency and Hardening Upgrades Project. 4

Orange Park Town Council Meeting October 20, 2026 3 | P a g e RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Taylor SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield, Taylor UPDATE ON THE JOHNSON SLOUGH ROADWAY PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED LOAN The Council discussed final requirements for permit issuance, specifically the submission of wetland mitigation credit reservation documents (Normandy and Star 4 Mitigation Banks). MOTION: Motion to authorize the Town Attorney to add the contractor as a party with payment authority on the Normandy Mitigation Bank Credit Reservation and Purchase Agreement and the Star 4 Mitigation Bank Credit Reservation and Purchase Option Agreement and that the Town Manager can execute them. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Vogel, Anderson, Benefield Taylor MOTION: Motion to modify the Superior contract third amendment to reduce the contingency by $74,900 for the mitigation credits. RESULT: PASSED MOVED BY: Benefield SECONDED BY: Vogel AYES: NAYS: Sandlin, Anderson, Benefield Taylor, Vogel The Council reviewed the upcoming loan closing date. Because the 21-day public notice and appeal period for Sovereign Submerged Lands (SSL) runs through October 30, closing cannot happen on the original October 22 date and is instead set for October 29. The Council debated the risks of closing on October 29 prior to the formal expiration of the appeal window versus postponing to November. Town advisors noted that delaying the loan closing into November would risk higher interest rates, potentially adding roughly $427,000 in extra debt service. While some Council members expressed unease about finalizing the loan before the permit appeal window completely closes, project engineers and municipal advisors emphasized that challenges to such permits are exceedingly rare and that proceeding keeps costs minimized. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Goble reported that following budget discussions in September, when it was revealed that Clay County will no longer fully fund the 100% Disabled Veterans Solid Waste Exemption, he 5

Orange Park Town Council Meeting October 20, 2026 4 | P a g e consulted with staff on how the Town could continue covering the remaining 50%. The proposed solution is to provide a credit on the veterans' bills to maintain their 100% exemption, pending legal review. The Town Attorney noted that she is currently researching how other jurisdictions handle this and will report back to the Council with a recommendation and formal item for a Council vote at the next meeting. TOWN ATTORNEY REPORTS Attorney Hodges had no formal comments other than reminding the Council and public about the upcoming workshop scheduled for tomorrow regarding the new standing rules that went into effect on October 1st. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/COMMENTS Councilman Vogel praised the successful Fall Festival (noting it was windy) and strongly encouraged citizens to vote early or on election day after doing their proper research on pros, cons, and community impacts. Councilman Taylor shared that he was able to attend parts of the Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday, calling it wonderful, and wished everyone a happy Halloween. Councilman Anderson thanked attendees, Emily for managing a great Fall Festival, and the Sheriff's office for providing a deputy. He emphasized the importance of voting (noting early voting runs October 23rd to 31st and Election Day is November 3rd) and thanked staff and the Council for their hard work on the ongoing project, noting it is just the beginning. Vice-Mayor Benefield echoed praise for the Fall Festival and noted how wonderful it is that the public can now freely utilize the St. Johns River property by Moosehaven (contrasting it with past years), adding that they even caught a free sighting of a Blue Angel flying over. Mayor Sandlin thanked everyone for participating, reminded the public and Council of tomorrow's noon workshop on the new standing rules (designed to be quick and efficient during the lunch hour), and listed upcoming meeting dates (November 5, December 1, and January 5). She also thanked Emily for managing the Fall Festival, commended Kyle and the public works staff for their consistent kindness and hard work, and urged everyone to drive safely and watch out for excited children during Halloween. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Sandlin adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m. 6

Town of Orange Park Town Workshop Standing Rules Wednesday, October 21, 2026 12:00 P.M. Minutes DRAFT Councilmembers present were Mayor Winnette Sandlin, Vice-Mayor Doug Benefield, and Councilman Randy Anderson. Councilman Glenn Taylor arrived late, and Councilman Ken Vogel was absent. Also in attendance were Town Manager Gary Goble, Police Chief Cody Monroe, Assistant Police Chief Joel Grant, Fire Chief John Constestabile, Public Works Director Kyle Croce, Administrative Assistant Ginny York, Town Attorney Lawsikia Hodges and Town Clerk Courtney Russo. The Town Council met in a workshop session led by Attorney Hodges on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at noon to review and discuss the implementation of the Town's standing rules, which were passed earlier in the year and took effect on October 1st. The primary goal of the session was to establish a predictable, routine schedule—described as a "nicely oiled machine"—for annual training, strategic planning, committee assignments, and agenda workflows. To ensure proper preparation, the Council discussed scheduling annual training on ethics, sunshine laws, public records, and parliamentary procedures. While December, January, and February are generally lighter meeting months, November and December were favored for these sessions due to election cycles and candidate filings. Additionally, the Council agreed that November is an ideal time to kick off annual strategic planning discussions, incorporating one-year, three-year, and five- year outlooks like capital improvement plans and flood mitigation to align properly with the upcoming budget cycle. Regarding standing committees, the rules dictate that committee assignments should ideally happen by November 1st, though transitional assignments and resets will be addressed at upcoming meetings. New, separate applications have been created for advisory committees welcoming Town residents, local business owners, and Clay County residents, with staggered terms of one, two, and three years. Committee members will also be encouraged to interact directly with the Council during meetings, while the Mayor will continue to appoint committee chairs to ensure alignment and continuity. To streamline meeting agendas, a new "Strategic Discussions/Updates" section has been added to the official agenda template, allowing Council members to informally bring up high-level ideas, policy concepts (such as lien reduction programs), or constituent feedback by emailing the Town Clerk ahead of time. The Council also clarified that returning topics with updated elements should generally be categorized under "Old Business" for clarity. Furthermore, the rules mandate a seven- day review period for large agenda packets, and agreements and ordinances require prior internal review by the Town Manager, Finance Director, and Town Attorney, creating an internal submission deadline roughly a week before packet distribution. Finally, the Council reviewed staff communication protocols, noting the one-hour staff research limit per request before items require broader Council consensus. Staff highlighted the value of individual pre-meeting briefings with Council members to clear up questions, review background materials, and ensure smooth, efficient public meetings. The Council also expressed interest in 7

Orange Park Town Council Workshop October 21, 2026 2 | P a g e holding a future workshop on municipal procurement processes, such as comparing continuing services contracts with RFPs and piggybacks, to build shared consensus and educate newer members. The workshop concluded at 1:30 p.m. 8

To: Town Council Agenda Date: November 5, 2026 Submitting Department: Administrative Town of Orange Park Agenda Memorandum Item No. 9.a Consent Agenda X Regular Agenda Item Title: Approval of New Advisory Standing Committee & Board Application Forms, Establishment of Annual Committee Priorities & Assignments, and Designation of Committee Liaisons Check one: Financial Impact if Applicable: N/A Background Information: With the adoption of the Town Council's new standing rules (Article 7, Advisory Standing Committee; Other Committees), the Town has restructured its committee framework. Previously, the Town utilized a single, unified board and committee application form. To comply with the distinct qualification criteria, mandates, and specialized scopes introduced under the new standing rules, staff has developed three separate application forms: Standard Town Board Application: Retained for traditional advisory and regulatory boards created by the Town Charter or Town Code (e.g., Planning and Zoning, Environmental Quality, Nuisance Abatement, Historical Preservation, and Magnolia Cemetery boards pursuant to Article 7, Section 8). Advisory Standing Committee Application: Tailored for the general advisory standing committees (Culture, Arts, and Recreation Committee; Economic and Community Development Committee; and Public Safety and Public Works Committee) to vet applicants against residency, business interest, or philanthropic criteria under Article 7, Section 3. Finance and Budget Committee Application: Specifically designed for the specialized Finance and Budget Committee, which comprises five (5) Town Council members and two (2) citizen permanent residents of the Town, ideally with public-sector budgeting, municipal finance, or auditing experience. Additionally, under Article 7, Section 6, the Town Council is required to establish annual committee priorities and assignments on or before November 1st of each fiscal year. Finally, pursuant to Article 7, Section 2, the Mayor is authorized to appoint Town Council members to serve as liaisons to each advisory standing committee. Action Requested: 1. Approve the three newly drafted application forms (Standard Town Board Application, Advisory Standing Committee Application, and Finance and Budget Committee Application). 2. Review and establish the Committee Priorities and Assignments for each advisory standing 9

committee for the upcoming fiscal year pursuant to Article 7, Section 6. 3. Confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Town Council Liaisons for each advisory standing committee pursuant to Article 7, Section 2. Information Attached: Article 7 of the Standing Rules Town Board Application Advisory Committee Application Finance & Budget Application 10

7 SGR/81204581.9 for the record and limit his or her address to five (5) minutes, unless a lesser time is fixed for all speakers by the Presiding Officer or further time is granted by the Town Council. Each person may speak only about matters germane to business or questions under discussion by the Town Council. All questions of Town Council members shall be directed through the Presiding Officer. Section 5. Suspension of Standing Rules. Any standing rule contained herein may be temporarily suspended for special reasons by a vote of two-thirds of all members unless such suspension conflicts with provisions of the Charter or ordinances of the Town. No permanent change in the standing rules shall be made without notice specifying the purpose and wording of the change given at a previous regular meeting of the Town Council and the adoption of the permanent change by vote of two-thirds of all members. Article 7 Advisory Standing Committee; Other Committees Section 1. Advisory Standing Committees; Other Committees. (a) Advisory Standing Committees. The Town Council’s advisory standing committees shall be as follows: (i) Culture, Arts, and Recreation Committee. The Culture, Arts, and Recreation Committee shall make recommendations, as assigned by the Town Council, regarding culture, arts, and recreation in the Town; (ii) Finance and Budget Committee. The Finance and Budget Committee shall be a committee composed of five (5) Town Council members and two (2) citizen members who are permanent residents of the Town of Orange Park. The Mayor shall serve as the chair of the committee. On or before August 31st of each fiscal year, the Finance and Budget Committee shall make recommendations to the Town Council regarding the Town Manager’s proposed annual budget. The Finance and Budget Committee shall also make recommendations, as assigned by the Town Council, regarding financial reviews and internal audits, including any findings, enterprise funds, budget monitoring, and grants; (iii) Economic and Community Development Committee. The Economic and Community Development Committee shall make recommendations, as assigned by the Town Council, regarding the Town’s economic and community development; and (iv) Public Safety and Public Works Committee. The Public Safety and Public Works Committee shall make recommendations, as assigned by the Town Council, regarding traffic control, rights-of-way/easements, public welfare and safety, Police and Fire Departments, code enforcement and animal control, public utility systems, infrastructure, sanitation and recycling. 11

8 SGR/81204581.9 The Town Manager shall assign a Town employee to assist each committee in performing its assignment and tasks. The Town Council may create additional advisory standing committees only by amending these standing rules. (b) Additional Committees. The Town Council may form additional committees, including but not limited to, ad hoc and special committees, from time to time. Section 2. Advisory Standing Committee Organization; Appointment of Members; Meetings; Attendance. Committee members shall be persons who meet the qualification requirements of Article 7, Section III. Except for the Finance and Budget Committee referenced in Section 1(a)(ii) herein, Town Council members shall not serve as committee members on an advisory standing committee but may be appointed by the Mayor to serve as a liaison to a committee. Committee members may be nominated by any member of the Town Council and shall be approved by the Town Council. Each advisory standing committee shall be composed of a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum of five (5) members. Committee members shall by appointed by the Town Council to serve a three-year term and may be reappointed to serve an additional three-year term. Each committee shall meet at least quarterly and may hold more frequent regular meetings as needed. Committee meetings may be called by the chair, vice chair, Mayor or the Town Manager as necessary and appropriate. The Town Clerk, in consultation with the committee chair, shall prepare an agenda for each committee meeting and such agenda shall be published at least seventy- two (72) hours in advance of the committee meeting. If the committee chair is unwilling or unable to call committee meetings, the vice chair may call the meeting. Generally, committees should endeavor to schedule committee meetings on days other than the Town Council regular meeting days. A committee member will forfeit their committee seat if he or she misses three (3) consecutive meetings without being excused by the chair prior to the meeting. Committees shall adhere to applicable laws and public notices in the same manner as set forth in Article III, Section 1 herein. The Town Council may prescribe specific organizational rules for other committees created by the Town Council. Section 3. Committee Qualification Requirement. All committee members shall either (i) be permanent residents of the Town of Orange Park, (ii) maintain a substantial economic business interest, or (iii) have substantial philanthropic interest as determined by the Town Council within Clay County. At least three (3) committee members shall be residents of the Town of Orange Park. Failure to establish and maintain residency within Clay County, and the Town of Orange Park as applicable or failure to maintain a substantial economic business interest or substantial philanthropic interest as determined by the Town Council within Clay County shall automatically and forthwith divest any committee member from the appointed committee and the committee seat shall be declared vacant. The appointment resolution shall designate whether the appointee is or is not a resident of Clay County and/or Town of Orange Park. If the committee appointee does not reside in Clay County, the appointment resolution shall clearly state the substantial business or philanthropic contribution of the appointee, or that these rules are being waived. Committee appointees may be requested by the Town Council to appear before the Town Council on such date that the Town Council approves the committee appointee. The committee qualification requirement may be waived by a majority vote of the Town Council. 12

9 SGR/81204581.9 Section 4. Quorum; Officers; Procedures. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of meetings and tr