MINUTES
TOWN OF SHALIMAR
COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2001
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Shalimar Town Commission was called to order by Mayor Gary Combs at 6:02 p.m. in the Law Offices of Chesser, Wingard, Barr, & Fleet. He led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL FOR THE RECORD:
Mayor Pro Tem Tom Callen – absent
Commissioner Gene Brown – present
Commissioner John Henderson – present
Commissioner Elaine Tucker – present
Others in attendance: Town Attorney Mike Chesser, Town Clerk Tom Burns, Town Administrator Jill Vanstraten, Shalimar Police Officers Charles Self, Jim Spires, and John Spoon, Kevin Bowyer and Susan Rimsa of Creel, Bryan & Gallagher CPA, Bill Bulla of KMS Associates, Monica Autrey, Jason Autrey and Mark Shaeffer of Jones, Edmunds & Associates, Mr. Abner Saucer, Jr., and residents Ricardo Garcia and Rik Larson.
Mayor Combs conducted a brief introduction of the persons in attendance.
OLD BUSINESS:
I. APPROVE MINUTES OF JANUARY 09, 2001 TOWN COMMISSION MEETING - Comm. Tucker moved to approve the minutes. Comm. Brown seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
II. STATUS OF RACETRAC LAW SUIT - Town Attorney Mike Chesser stated there is no new business concerning this issue.
III. STATUS OF PARK GRANTS - Town Clerk Tom Burns stated the certificate of deposit for Mr. Rials, the owner of the property on Cherokee Road, is being processed by AmSouth Bank.
IV. TOWN HALL RENOVATION - Town Clerk Tom Burns explained the renovation is progressing as planned. After completion, there will be more storage space than previously believed. The construction crew is approximately one week ahead of schedule.
NEW BUSINESS:
I. TOWN RESIDENTS’ TIME – MAYOR COMBS - None.
II AUDIT PRESENTATION - CREEL, BRYAN & GALLAGHER - Mr. Kevin Bowyer of the CPA firm Creel, Bryan & Gallagher gave a brief overview of the recently completed audit for fiscal year 2000. He stated the Town of Shalimar was in good financial standing due to decreased spending and increased revenues. The firm had only one minor comment relating to the audit, and one advisement on new audit procedures for fiscal year 2003.
III. ENGINEERING PRESENTATION - MARK E. SHAEFFER OF JONES, EDMUNDS & ASSOCIATES, INC. - Mr. Mark Shaeffer of the engineering firm Jones, Edmunds & Associates gave a synopsis of various capabilities of the company. He passed out a folder with brochures containing a company overview. There are seven employees in Destin, and one employee in Tallahassee who specializes in grant acquisitions and management. Mayor Combs asked Mr. Shaeffer if the firm charges a monetary amount for estimates on certain projects. He explained that estimates are included in their services and there is no extra charge. Comm. Brown stated that in the future he would like a study done on the left turn lane intersection of Eglin Parkway onto Shalimar Drive.
IV. TELEPHONE
PRESENTATION - BILL BULLA OF KMS BUSINESS PRODUCTS CORPORATION - Mr. Bill Bulla
of KMS Business Products explained the new phone system that his company is
offering the Town. He stated the new
system is classified as hybrid, meaning it will support either analog or
digital phone lines. Mr. Bulla stated the total price of $2, 490.00 is a
one-time cost which will include new telephones, the system box in the electric
room, four voice - mail boxes, installation, training of employees on the system, and a two year
maintenance program. Comm. Henderson asked
Mr. Bulla exactly what the money is going toward, and he replied with a more detailed
description of the entire package.
Comm. Henderson asked Town Clerk Tom Burns
if the Town had any other estimates.
Mr. Burns replied that there had been three different appraisals and explained
the merits of this proposal. Comm. Tucker moved to approve the
contract offered by KMS Business Products for the new telephone system for the
Townhall, at a price of $2, 490.00.
Comm. Henderson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
V. POLICE CAR BID OPENING - Mayor Combs assigned the bid opening process to Comm. Henderson. He opened the individual bids and stated them as follows:
Mr. John Daigneault $1303.00
Mr. Abner Saucey, Jr. $ 752.00
Mr. Tom Burns $ 835.00
Mr. James Taylor $ 500.00
Mr. Charles Hooks $1750.00
Hence, the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice was awarded to Mr. Charles Hooks, the highest bidder.
VI. NOMINATIONS FOR NEW TOWN COMMISSIONER - Mayor Combs explained that Comm. Brown decided not to run for re-election. He stated that Comm. Brown has diligently served the Town of Shalimar for eight years, and will be missed. Mr. Ricardo Garcia, who resides at 904 Avalon Lane, has volunteered his time to serve as Commissioner. Mayor Combs stated the appointed position is two years in duration, and Mr. Garcia could then campaign for re-election. Comm. Henderson asked the Commission if they should wait on nominating and appointing a new commissioner until Comm. Callen could be present. The Commission decided to proceed with nominations and appointments. Comm. Henderson moved to appoint Mr. Ricardo Garcia as the new commissioner. Comm. Tucker seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Town Attorney Mike Chesser stated Mr. Garcia would be subject to the Florida Sunshine Law commencing with the passing of this motion.
VII. APPROVE RESOLUTION 2001-07 SUPPORT OF THE TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL - Comm. Tucker moved to approve the resolution. There was some discussion concerning the Tourist Development Council and the revenues collected by that organization. Comm. Henderson was concerned with the monies and how they are dispersed. Comm. Tucker stated she would try to acquire more information about the Council and their budget. Comm. Brown seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
VIII. APPROVE
RESOLUTION 2001-08 PERSONNEL POLICY AMENDMENT - Comm. Tucker moved to approve the
resolution. Comm. Henderson seconded
the motion. Mayor Combs initiated discussion concerning
the wording of the paragraph relating to alcohol on Townhall property. Town Attorney Mike Chesser expressed his discontent
with alcohol being allowed on the property by any off-duty employee at any time. Comm.
Tucker amended the motion to delete the text in Item 13, Page 14 to read
"working under the influence of liquor/illegal drugs or use of such liquor
or drugs while on duty". Comm.
Brown seconded the amended motion and it passed unanimously.
IX. POLICE DEPARTMENT MANNING - Comm. Henderson discussed the issue of Sgt. Gary Loafman's resignation effective February 15, 2001. He appointed Officer Charles Self as officer in charge until a decision can be reached on how and when a new Police Chief will be selected. Comm. Henderson recommended that Officer John Spohn be upgraded to full-time employee.
Town Clerk Tom Burns asked about the Commission's desire on Spohn's full time status. The Commission agreed to keep Officer Spohn on an hourly status and allow the Police Department to schedule him for up to forty (40) hours per week. Mayor Combs stated that he would like an inventory of all police department assets to be conducted by Officer Self. The Mayor also advocated the Commission the necessity to vote on a new Police Chief as soon as possible. The Commission directed Mayor Combs, Commissioner Henderson, and Town Clerk Tom Burns to meet in order to compose a recommendation to the Commission concerning the appointment of a new Police Chief.
MAYOR COMBS REPORT:
I. LEAGUE OF CITIES REPORT - Mayor Combs stated the League of Cities supports the one-cent sales tax referendum sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners. The League of Cities also endorses giving the three smallest county municipalities twice the revenue share generated from the sales tax on a per capita basis.
COMMISSIONER TUCKER’S
REPORT:
I. FY 01 FINANCIAL STATUS - Comm. Tucker passed out the monthly expense report to the Mayor and Commissioners for review. She stated the Town was in a good financial position, but warned of keeping expenses at a minimum until the Townhall renovation was completed.
II. COUNTY
COMMISSION WORKSHOP - JANUARY 23, 2001 MEETING NOTES - Comm. Tucker gave a
brief summation of the notes she wrote during the workshop meeting. She opined that the Town should support the
building of the new judicial center, which will be located north of Shalimar
Elementary. Comm. Tucker also announced
that Mrs. Jill Miller, 14 Old Ferry Road, is the new chairperson of the Town's Beautification
Committee.
COMMISSIONER CALLEN’S REPORT: There was no report at this time due to Comm. Callen's absence.
COMMISSIONER BROWN’S REPORT: Comm. Brown expressed his gratitude to the Town for the past eight years of serving as a commissioner. He stated that in the future, he would like the Town to explore Community Development Block Grants for residential upgrades on Cherokee Road.
COMMISSIONER
HENDERSON’S REPORT:
I. RETIREMENT FAREWELL FOR SGT. LOAFMAN - Comm. Henderson stated that he would like the Town to order a plaque for Sgt. Loafman.
ADMIN REPORT:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
FEBRUARY 19, 2001 - PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY
FEBRUARY 28, 2001 - P & Z MEETING
MARCH 13, 2001 - TOWN COMMISSION MEETING 6:00 P.M.- MIKE CHESSER'S OFFICE
MARCH 22, 2001 - OKALOOSA COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES DINNER, NICEVILLE, 6PM,
RSVP TO JILL BY MARCH 16, 2001.
ADJOURNMENT: Comm. Tucker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Seconded by Comm. Henderson and passed unanimously.