City Council Meeting (2024-11-25)

Regular City Council Meeting A Regular Council Meeting was held on November 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall and Via GoToMeeting (872) 240-32123 - Access Code: 842-242-597. Council President Kenneth M. Burgess Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Roll call was taken. Present were members Kenneth M. Burgess Jr., Charles Proctor, Jodi Wilkeson, Lance Smith, Steven F. Spina, PhD. and Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson. City Manager William Poe was also present and City Attorney Matthew Maggard attended virtually. Staff present: Chief of Police Derek Brewer, Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc, Utilities Director John Bostic III, Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, Airport Manager Nathan Coleman, CRA Director Gail Hamilton, HR & Risk Management Director Sandra Amerson, IT Director Mike Panak, Public Information Officer Kevin Weiss, Lieutenant Gardner, K-9 Officer Limoges and Acting City Clerk Ricardo Quiñones. The Invocation was led by Pastor Kendall Ford. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. CITIZEN COMMENTS 1. Cliff McDuffie - 6130 17th Street - spoke from the floor. Former Mayor McDuffie thanked Council for the time to speak. Mr. McDuffie raised concerns about traffic accidents at the intersection of 12th Street and North Avenue, urging Council to consider a four-way stop or barriers for safety. Kenneth Burgess expressed condolences to Mayor McDuffie. City Manager Poe said a traffic engineer would need to review and design solutions for the intersection. Steven Spina agreed it needs to be reviewed. Council agreed other hot spots should also be reviewed. 2. Charlene Tidd - 6042 Jane Lane - spoke from the floor. Mrs. Tidd shared concerns about flooding in her neighborhood adjacent to the YMCA property, exacerbated by elevated nearby developments. She requested City and County advocacy to ensure compliance with elevation and drainage regulations. City Manager Poe said Lance Smith reached out to County and the City has reached out to our consultants to assess and review the development plans. City and County will have conversation related to this neighborhood. Mrs. Tidd asked, what she (and neighbors) should do. Mr. Smith said he may have a reliable contact with the County 3. Rick Hillman - 39142 Sabal Ave. - abstained 4. Vicki Wiggins - 8550 5th Ave - Chamber of Commerce - Mrs. Wiggins invited Council to the upcoming Chamber Day event Dec. 12th. She also reminded Council that the Economic Summit is Dec. 11th. 5. Rodney Alalia - 7422 16th street - spoke from the floor. Mr. Alalia asked if barriers could be used to protect properties near the lodge on 12th Street if a 4- way stop is not viable.

1. MAYOR **Item 1.2 was moved to the first Mayor item.** 1 .2 Retirement of Canine Bolt Chief Derek Brewer celebrated K9 Officer Bolt’s remarkable career, including over 1,100 deployments, 473 arrests, and the seizure of nearly $1 million in illegal narcotics. Officer Lorenzo Limoges shared his gratitude for Bolt’s partnership and thanked colleagues and mentors who supported their work. Bolt’s retirement follows a life-saving surgery funded by a generous donor. Officer Limoges gave a special thank you to Johnny Rucks for the training and encouragement. Johnny Rucks shared a story of when Officer Limoges and Bolt started, the smallest guy got the biggest dog. Mayor Monson gave words of encouragement, thanking Limoges for being a quality officer. 1.1 Freebee Presentation Claudia Miro, VP of Freebee -371 NE 61st Street, Miami FL – presented from the floor. Mrs. Miro introduced Freebee, a microtransit solution providing free, on-demand, door-to-door transportation using electric vehicles. Council discussed potential applications in Zephyrhills, particularly for seniors and areas with limited public transit options. Steven Spina asked if the City pays, who determines the number of vehicles. Mrs. Miro said that Freebee will do the analyst but the City can adjust based on the desired level of service. 2. CONSENT ITEMS 2.1 Approval of August 12, 2024 Workshop Minutes 2.2 Approval of August 12, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes 2.3 Purchase of 4 new vehicles for the Water Division 2.4 Front Load Commercial Truck Purchase - Public Works 2.5 Approval to purchase seven patrol vehicles - Police Department 2.6 Canine Transfer of Ownership 2.7 Dias Change Order Steven Spina motioned to approve consent items as presented. Seconded by Jodi Wilkeson. Motion passed unanimously. 3. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 3.1 Generator Purchase for the Police Department City Manager Poe said ZPD needs to purchase a new generator for $11,300, funded through Police Impact Fees, to replace the current 21-year-old generator. Steven Spina motioned to approve consent items as presented. Seconded by Lance Smith. Motion passed unanimously.

3.2 Request to move the March 24, 2025 council meeting to March 31st, 2025 - Legislative Action Days Lance Smith motioned to approve consent items as presented. Seconded by Steven Spina. Motion passed unanimously. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS - NONE CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS - NONE CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENTS - NONE CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Steven Spina - Complimented Chief Brewer for the detailed and impactful presentation on K9 Bolt’s contributions to the community. Charles Proctor - NONE Jodi Wilkeson - NONE Lance Smith - Acknowledged former Councilman Clyde Bracknell’s and former Mayor Cliff McDuffie’s attendance and encouraged storm recovery planning. Kenneth Burgess - NONE 4. NOTED ITEMS 4.1 Kimley-Horn Work Order No. 24-165 Engineering and design for GoPasco bus stops. ADJOURN 7:00 p.m. - followed by the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Submitted by Ricardo Quiñones