CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
September 12, 2000

MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Moore, Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Don Cook

MEMBER ABSENT: Richard Frith

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, Luther Gunter, Bill
Blue, Annette Anderson

Vice Mayor Scott called the meeting to order. Councilmember Cook led those attending the meeting in
prayer. Vice Mayor Scott led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was then
called by the secretary.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (3)…PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE(S) OF APPRECIATION TO CITY

EMPLOYEE(S) FOR YEARS OF SERVICE.

Employee Debbie Clark was not in attendance to accept the certificate.

AGENDA ITEM (4)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES.

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Alexander made a motion to adopt the minutes of
August 22, 2000, Regular Session as written; seconded by Councilmember Cook and upon roll call
vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM (5)…RECEIVING REQUESTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

City of Perry Police Officer Jamie Cruse addressed the Council regarding recent information provided
to the Council for considering salary increases for police officers. Councilmember Cook said he had
read the information and some points of this issue were made clearer. Officer Cruse said he realizes
the Council might not be at the point to make a decision; but, he would like to know when he and other
officers could come back to the Council and discuss the issue further.

Vice Mayor Scott asked the Council if a more appropriate time to discuss this would be at the second
public hearing of the fiscal year 2000-01 budget. Councilmembers agreed this would be a more
appropriate time.
Page 2, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

Councilmember Cook said many staff members and police officers were not represented at the first
public hearing of the budget on September 11. Councilmember Cook said the Council had voted on a
tentative budget that they were compelled by law to do, but it is not a good budget. Councilmember
Cook said the Council is committed to dealing with the health plan issue first and suggested City
Manager Bill Brynes could work with Officer Cruse and notify the police department if the health plan
issue comes to some resolution. Councilmember Cook assured Officer Cruse he would not participate
in any budget meeting that pertains to salary increases if he (Officer Cruse) and other officers have not
been notified of such meeting.

City Manager Bill Brynes commented that just because the budget becomes finalized, does not mean
this closes doors to anything. Mr. Brynes said the budget year begins October 1, 2000 and the
insurance plan year begins November 1, 2000. Mr. Brynes said, even at some point in the future, the
Council could address these issues.

Ms. Jan Curry, 303 N. Quincy Street and owner of The Gardens bed and breakfast establishment
addressed the Council. Ms. Curry said she has been to the City Council, to the City’s Planning and
Zoning Board and now back to the Council for some resolution to the issue of being able to have small
groups assemble at the bed and breakfast establishment and serve food items such as tea, cookies,
cakes, etc. Ms. Curry said the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDR’s) do not permit such
activity. Ms. Curry said she has waited seven months for some answers.

Mr. Gunter said a text amendment to the current LDR’s is needed for Ms. Curry to be able to serve
other than guests who are lodged at the bed and breakfast. Mr. Gunter told the Council the regulations
could be changed and certain time restrictions placed on the events, but that Ms. Curry has not
submitted an application for a text amendment to the LDR’s. Ms. Curry said to go through the process
she would have to pay $500.00 and these changes would apply to the entire city. Mr. Gunter said the
text amendment process would take approximately 45 days due to legal advertising and public notices
requirements and hearings.

Councilmember Cook asked, if the Council wishes, could the Council legally seek and secure this
rezoning without going through the Planning and Zoning Board and the entire process as discussed
above. City Attorney Bill Blue stated that he was not entirely certain, but his gut reaction is that the
Council could not do this. Mr. Blue said this process should have started seven months ago. Mr. Blue
said the City could not circumvent the process because of requirements for public input.

Ms. Curry complimented Mr. Gunter saying Mr. Gunter does his job well and makes sure things are
done right. Ms. Curry said the ordinance was written before there was a bed and breakfast in Perry and
she feels the ordinance should be changed.

Councilmember Moore asked if the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council has input into
these issues. Mr. Brynes answered yes. Councilmember Moore commented that if some of these
(regulations) are not acceptable to the public, they need to be changed. Councilmember Cook said the
Page 3, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

Council aims Mr. Gunter toward enforcement of the ordinances but need to give him some reasonable,
contemporary guidelines. Councilmember Cook said when he was first elected, there were a number
of rules and regulations “on the books” that did not make sense or apply anymore, such as requiring
mosquito mesh over windows. Councilmember Cook said he seeks to have (Council) do things that
make good sense for the community that reflects the Council’s desires.

Councilmember Moore asked the possibility of giving Ms. Curry permission to operate temporarily
under the condition Council foresees the request for rezoning will be passed. Mr. Blue said advance
approval could not be given, stating there has to be a public hearing for public input.

Councilmember Cook said he is not satisfied with the time frame of this process and suggested
eliminating the P&Z Board’s approval part of the process. Mr. Brynes said the P&Z needs to be part of
the process. Councilmember Cook asked if it was by ordinance or Florida Statutes that the Council
must only approve or reject a decision of the P&Z in its entirety. Mr. Blue said there is a way to
accomplish anything the Council wishes to do. Councilmember Cook spoke of repealing the ordinance
and establish a new procedure and come to a decision. Councilmember Cook said he is not happy with
the way (it) works and has not been for a long time. Councilmember Cook said he does not feel the
Council should give the Planning and Zoning Board the authority to tell the Council what to do.

After some further discussion, Councilmember Cook said he would like the P&Z to be asked
courteously by the City Council to assist the Council in this matter. Upon agreement by the Council, a
meeting was set for Monday, September 18, 2000 at 6:15 p. m. to consider this issue.

Mr. Joe Robertson, 801 Dundee, addressed the Council to thank the City for fixing the problem of
water coming off Highway 19 and flooding his property.

AGENDA ITEM 6(A)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SOLICITATION

PERMIT AS REQUESTED BY THE PERRY SHRINE CLUB.

Mr. Charles Walker, 105 Bishop Blvd, addressed the Council to request approval of a solicitation
permit. Mr. Walker said the organization would like to solicit funds on September 29-30, 2000. Mr.
Walker said the funds collected would be used to help provide services for those in need.

Councilmember Moore made a motion to approve the solicitation permit as requested by the Perry
Shrine Club. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT
Page 4, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(B)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SOLICITATION

PERMIT AS REQUESTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TAYLOR COUNTY HIGH
SCHOOL SENIOR CLASS TRIP.

Mr. Lonnie Houck, student at Taylor County High School, addressed the Council to request approval
of a solicitation permit to solicit on September 14, 15 and 22, 2000. Mr. Houck said funds collected
would be used for costs of the school-sponsored senior class trip.

Councilmember Moore made a motion to approve the request for a solicitation permit for the school-
sponsored senior class trip. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll
call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(C)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SOLICITATION

PERMIT AS REQUESTED BY A REPRESENTATIVE FOR PARENT-SPONSORED SENIOR
CLASS TRIP.

Ms. Cheryl Addison addressed the Council to request approval of a solicitation permit for the parent-
sponsored senior class trip. Ms. Addison said the group would like to solicit fund on October 6-7,
2000. Councilmember Moore made a motion to approve the solicitation permit for the parent-
sponsored senior class trip. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call
vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(D)…RESOLUTION NO. 2000-10; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF PERRY, FLORIDA ASSUMING LIABILITY FOR ROAD CLOSING FOR THE
TAYLOR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE ON NOVEMBER 10, 2000.

Taylor County High School student Lonnie Houck addressed the Council to request approval of road
closing for the High School Homecoming Parade. Mr. Houck said information has been submitted to
the Perry Police Department concerning the request for road closure. Mr. Houck said a Hold Harmless
Agreement has been drafted and he anticipates the School Board will sign the agreement this night at
their board meeting.
Page 5, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

Councilmember Moore made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2000-10. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Cook and upon roll call was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(E)…CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE “911” INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERRY AND THE TAYLOR COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.

City Manager Bill Brynes told the Council this is the standard agreement approved each year between
the City of Perry and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department to provide for “911” services.
Councilmember Moore made a motion to approve the “911” Interlocal Agreement; seconded by
Councilmember Cook and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(F)…CITY COUNCIL TO APPOINT/REAPPOINT CITIZEN TASK FORCE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

Director of Community Development Luther Gunter, Jr., told the Council two members (Vivian
Sheffield and Jean Weatherington) have decided not to serve another term on this committee and one
member has since died. Mr. Gunter said Ms. June Byers and Mr. Mike Deming have agreed to serve
another term. Mr. Gunter said the Council needs to reappoint these two individuals and appoint three
additional members to the committee. Mr. Gunter said Mr. Jack Scott has agreed to serve if the
Council wishes. Vice Mayor Scott addressed Mr. Joe Robertson, 801 Dundee Street, and asked him if
he would be interested in serving on this committee. After an explanation of the responsibilities of this
committee, Mr. Robinson agreed to serve a term on the committee. Councilmember Cook said for the
third individual to be appointed, he would like to see an individual from the business community serve
on this board.

Councilmember Moore made a motion to reappoint Mr. Mike Deming and Ms. June Byers and to
appoint Mr. Jack Scott and Mr. Joe Robertson to a two-year term on the Citizens Task Force
Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT
Page 6, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(G)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2001

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PERRY AND THE NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE
PLANNING SERVICES.

City Manager Bill Brynes told the Council this is a standard agreement approved each year between
the City and the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council. Mr. Brynes said the amount to
provide local government comprehensive planning services is not to exceed $29,000. Councilmember
Moore made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2000 Agreement between the City of Perry and the
North Central Florida Regional Planning Council for Local Government Comprehensive Planning
Services in an amount not to exceed $29,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander
and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(H)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF INDIVIDUAL TO A

TWO-YEAR TERM ON THE CITY’S FIREFIGHTER PENSION TRUST FUND BOARD.

Mr. Brynes said the Council needs to appoint one individual to fill the vacancy of former board
member Daryl Tucker. Mr. Brynes informed the Council that Mr. Buddy Humphries has agreed to
serve on this board if the Council so wishes. Mr. Brynes said another member, Jerome McLin, has
agreed to serve another term and would need to be re-appointed if the Council wishes.
Councilmember Moore made a motion to reappoint Mr. Jerome McLin and to appoint Mr. Buddy
Humphries as a new member to the City’s Firefighter Pension Trust Fund Board. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Cook and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM 6(I)…INSURANCE.

Mr. Brynes told the Council the Hunt Insurance Group has an underwriter re-insurer that is willing to
talk to the City about its health insurance plan. Mr. Brynes said staff would continue to seek other
health insurance possibilities.

Councilmember Cook briefly discussed a program called “employee leasing.” Councilmember Cook
commented that business and industries are looking at this option because they are in the same
situation as the City regarding health insurance. Councilmember Cook briefly explained how this
program works saying the City retains all its employees who are leased to this group and employees
retain all the benefits they are currently receiving, including their retirement. Councilmember Cook
Page 7, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

says the city would pay a third party to become its human resources (HR) department that would
administer every facet of this department. Councilmember Cook further explained that the group
(employees) is put into a pool with a company that will compete for unemployment compensation
rates, workers compensation rates, insurance, etc. Councilmember Cook said it is appropriate right
now to learn something about this (employee-leasing program). Councilmember Cook told the
Council (participating ) does not change the security of the employees, in that an organization would
simply be leasing its employees from this company and paying a certain fee. Councilmember Cook
said he was just showing some options to consider.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…CITY MANAGER.

Items discussed with the Council:

1. Mr. Brynes said there has been previous discussion about resurfacing Quincy Street between
Capital City Bank and Weiss Building Center, Inc. Mr. Brynes said he recently received a letter
requesting the road be resurfaced. Councilmember Moore discussed a (stormwater) drainage
problem in this area that the Department of Transportation is going to look into. Councilmembers
and staff agreed to wait a while before considering resurfacing the street.

2. Mr. Brynes informed the Council the changes to the Personnel Manual had been made as directed
by Council. Mr. Brynes told the Council there was one area of the manual that the attorney
recommends be changed because it places restrictions on employee leave time, which is prohibited
by the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Section 6.3 Sick Leave (A). currently reads: “An
employee eligible for sick leave shall use such leave for absence due to illness, exposure to
contagious disease or injury. City Attorney Bill Blue said the new manual took out language that
would allow employees to use up to 32 hours of annual sick leave for family sick leave. City
Attorney Bill Blue suggested redefining the language in this section. It was the consensus of the
Council that the language pertaining to Sick Leave for employees be redefined to comply with the
FMLA as recommended by the city manager and city attorney.

Vice Mayor Scott asked if copies of any changes to the employee manual are distributed to the
employees. Mr. Brynes answered yes and told the Council the Florida League of Cities has asked
the City to provide a copy of the employee manual as an example for other cities.

3. Mr. Brynes provided the Council with a map of certain railroad property and a letter from the Gulf
& Ohio Railways agreeing to sell the City a certain parcel of property at (Folsom Park) Spring Park
for $7,500.00. Mr. Brynes discussed the possibility of contacting the Suwannee River Water
Management District to see if they would participate in this purchase (issuing a check).
Page 8, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

Councilmember Moore made a motion that the City of Perry purchase this property for $7,500.00 and
request the Suwannee River Water Management District’s participation as discussed above.
Councilmember Cook seconded the motion and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Cook X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Moore X
Mayor Frith ABSENT

AGENDA ITEM (8)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

Director of Community Development Luther Gunter, Jr., informed the Council the terms of three
members of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board will expire October 1. Mr. Gunter told the Council
Mr. Shahene Neshat and Mr. George Clayton have declined to serve another term, while Mr. Walker
Bassett has agreed to serve another term on this board. Mr. Gunter said Mr. Clayton has suggested Mr.
Charles August be considered for a position on the board. Mr. Gunter said he knows of one other
individual who may wish to serve, but he has not yet confirmed this. Councilmember Cook stated he
would like to know more about these two individuals and their interest in serving on this board.
Councilmember Cook noted that Councilmembers could also bring forth names of individuals for
consideration.

On another matter, Mr. Gunter said another issue he would like to address is (animal) code
enforcement, as the present system is not working at maximum efficiency. Councilmembers expressed
their receptiveness to looking at this issue after budget issues have been resolved.

Director of Public Works Barney Johnson informed the Council the sanitation trucks have now been
retrofitted and are ready to begin picking up garbage using the new garbage containers. Mr. Johnson
asked the Council if they had any preference as to when and how to distribute the containers. Mr.
Johnson said his plan is to start September 20 on the north end of the city and proceed slowly to work
out any problems. Mr. Johnson said he hopes to have the containers distributed within a month.
Councilmember Cook asked how the public would be informed. Mr. Johnson said the plan is to have a
notice issued to each residence.

City Attorney Bill Blue addressed the Council. Mr. Blue informed the Council that the City has not yet
received an application from the Taylor County School Board District to request rezoning for the
proposed new school site. Councilmember Cook stated the School Board has failed to follow the
procedures set out by the City by not providing the City with the timely preparation of the documents
needed to get the proposed new school sited at a particular location. Councilmember Cook said he
expects there might be unfavorable advertising in the local paper indicating the City has not done what
it should have regarding this issue.
Page 9, September 12, 2000, Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM (9)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

Councilmember Alexander said he had a request from a resident near Folsom St. for a streetlight to be
located off his driveway. Councilmember Alexander asked Director of Public Works Barney Johnson
to look into this request.

Vice Mayor Scott asked whose responsibility it is to clean Spring Creek. Mr. Johnson said the City has
done it for years, but whether or not it is the City’s responsibility is up to the Council. Vice Mayor
Scott commented about the water in the creek. Mr. Johnson said the City contracts with an individual
to spray the creeks four times a year. Mr. Johnson said he would check on the issue.

Vice Mayor Scott said she has been asked again by Mr. Buckhalter for the Council to consider
changing the name of Montrose Place to Buckhalter. Vice Mayor Scott said a few years ago, Mr.
Buckhalter had asked this be done in honor of the many service years his father and he had put into the
City. Vice Mayor Scott asked that the City Council minutes be researched as to discussion of this
request.

Vice Mayor Scott said she has received a request that the City put up “Slow”, “Children at Play” signs
on Richard Bell Avenue from Highway 19 and Swartz Street.

Vice Mayor Scott informed Mr. Gunter there have been complaints of overgrown property where the
Deitrich Smith house was torn down.

Vice Mayor Scott asked for an update on the hump on the side of the road near the entrance of a
church on Highway 98. Mr. Johnson said said he talked to the Department of Transportation Monday
and they were to get back with him. Mr. Johnson said they have not yet done so.

Vice Mayor Scott asked members of the Council for permission to attend the National League of Cities
Conference in Boston, Massachusetts since she did not attend the Florida League of Cities Conference
with other Councilmembers in August. It was the consensus of the Council that Councilmember Scott
be allowed to attend the National League of Cities conference.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 8:30 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard Frith, Mayor

Recorded in official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date