SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Shalimar Town Commission was called to order by Mayor Gary Combs at 5:58p.m. in Town Hall chambers. He led the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the Flag.

ROLL CALL FOR THE RECORD:

Mayor Gary Combs: present

Mayor Pro Tem Elaine Tucker: present

Commissioner John Henderson: absent

Commissioner Ricardo Garcia: present

Commissioner Kevin Reeves: present

Others in attendance: Town Manager Tom Burns, Deputy Town Clerk Tina Smith, Rik Larson, Town Attorney Mike Chesser, Sandra Dove-McLain, Pat McLain, and all of the Shalimar Police Officers: Charles Self, John Spohn, Michael Miller, David Westrup, and Ron Cabansag.

P&Z BOARD REVIEW – MAY 30, 2001 – MEETING – There were no action items for the Town Commission resulting from this meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

I. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 14, 2001 TOWN COMMISSION MEETING – Commissioner Tucker moved to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Garcia and it passed unanimously.

II. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 4, 2001 BUDGET HEARING – Commissioner Tucker moved to approve the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Garcia and it passed unanimously.

III. TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT – Attorney Mike Chesser simply mentioned that he would like to see a draft of a Stipend Resolution. The stipend mentioned was a result of a motion from the meeting of August 14, 2001.

IV. CHEROKEE PARK PROPERTY UPDATE – Town Manager Tom Burns explained that the renter has moved out and The Town should be receiving the keys from her soon. Manager Burns also mentioned that he talked to Mr. Holt (owner of 14 Cherokee Road) about purchasing his property. Mr. Holt informed Manager Burns that he had already sold this property but that he might be interested in trading. The Mayor told Manager Burns to set up a sit-down meeting with Mr. Holt and Mayor Combs.

V. MARQUEE GUIDELINES – Mayor Combs tabled the marquee guidelines.

VI. PARK ORDINANCE – Commissioner Tucker is against not mentioning alcohol prohibition in this ordinance. Mayor Combs tabled the ordinance discussion. Manager Burns will redraft and edit the ordinance to create a more abridged version before the next Town Commission meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. TOWN RESIDENT’S TIME – Attending resident, Pat McLain, voiced his concern regarding the standing water in the drainage ditch on Old Ferry Road. The Commission determined that The Town Maintenance Department should take a look at it.

II. HOME BUSINESS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEES – The Commission decided that The Town will charge Home Businesses $50 per year for their Occupational Licenses. Any Home Businesses that are already in business are grand fathered in at their $25 rate.

MAYOR COMBS’ REPORT:

I. OKALOOSA COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES REPORT – Town Manager Burns attended the luncheon last month. Manager Burns reported that Mayor Thomas is looking for a replacement as the President of the Board. He also stated that everyone was to get their Penny for Progress speaking meetings scheduled with Rik Larson. Commissioner Tucker addressed the other Commissioners to advise them to attend the next League of Cities Conference because they could get a lot out of it. Commissioner Tucker also brought up the fact that she will not be in the local area on September 20, 2001 to go to the League of Cities Dinner to accept the FRDAP Grant check. Mayor Combs confirmed that Commissioner Garcia would be available that evening to attend and take part in the presentation.

II. WEB PAGE – Mayor Combs has not added or edited anything on the web page. Mayor Combs asked Deputy Town Clerk to add the new Capital Improvements List as soon as possible.

COMMISSIONER TUCKER’S REPORT:

I. FY01 FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT – Commissioner Tucker passed out her updated budget list adding that The Town is coming in under budget for FY 2001.

II. COUNTY ONE-CENT SALES TAX REFERENDUM – Commissioner Tucker thanked Attorney Chesser for doing a great job as a Penny for Progress spokesperson. She reminded The Commission that Rik Larson is the contact person for the speaking engagement schedule and if anyone needs information to get in touch with either her or Rik Larson.

III. FY02 BUDGET STATUS – Commissioner Tucker reminded The Commission of the Final Budget Hearing Tomorrow, September 12, 2001 at The Town Hall at 5:05 p.m.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA’S REPORT:

I. VANGUARD BANK PROPERTY – Commissioner Garcia reported that the property has been demolished and that nothing more will be done about it.

COMMISSIONER REEVES’ REPORT:

I. TOWN SERVICES – Commissioner Reeves listed services that he had come up with that The Town could offer its residents. Manager Burns will e-mail the list to The Commission. Manager Burns will also check to make sure that all of the items will be covered under The Town’s liability and Workmen’s Compensation insurance. The final list will be “advertised” in the next issue of the quarterly newsletter, Tidbits.

COMMISSIONER HENDERSON’S REPORT:

I. HIRING PROGRESS – The Town’s Police Department is now fully staffed with everyone hired and sworn in.

II. POLICE SCHEDULES – Acting Chief of Police, Sergeant Charles Self, explained that since the new police officers were not yet trained, their schedules will mirror Sergeant Self’s so that they can train with him.

III. DOCK ORDINANCE – Manager Burns relayed that Commissioner Henderson should have a draft of the new Dock Ordinance by the next Town Commission Meeting.

POLICE REPORT:

I. Sergeant Self typed up a liability form for anyone wanting to take part in the ride-along program and asked Attorney Chesser to examine it. Attorney Chesser expressed his concern with the ride-along program, claiming that, even with the liability form, The Town could still be sued as a result of something that might happen on the ride-along. He recommended that The Town put a limit on how many rides any one person could have.

II. Sergeant Self informed The Commission that he feels that the Meigs School Zone on Richbourg Avenue is too short. Sergeant Self’s recommendation is to make it longer and Mayor Combs urged Sergeant Self to “make it happen”.

TOWN MANAGER UPDATE:

TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT – Manager Burns asked Mayor Combs about designating a Mayor Pro-Tem because The Mayor and Commissioner Tucker (Mayor Pro-Tem) will be out of town for a short while. Mayor Combs stated that he would select a Mayor Pro-Tem via e-mail.

Manager Burns then brought up the subject of the Christmas decorations and what opinions The Commission has about what kind/color of lights are used. Commissioner Tucker suggested using all white lights because that’s what we already use and will be able to save money by using all the same “color”.

Manager Burns also reported that the Police Pension Board of Trustees authorized him to conduct an actuarial review based on a new 6-year vestment plan. He also stated he had sent a General Pension Fund cancellation letter to the Florida League of Cities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

See attached calendar for all of the upcoming events.

ADJOURNMENT:

Commissioner Tucker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Garcia and it passed unanimously.