Mayor Gary Combs :  present

Mayor Pro-Tem Rik Larson:  present

Commissioner Ursel Behnken:  present

Commissioner Kevin Reeves :  present 

Commissioner Jerry McCallister:  present

I.

APPROVE MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2003 TOWN COMMISSION MEETING – Commissioner McCallister moved to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2003 Commission meeting as written.  Commissioner Larson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

II.

UPDATE ON CLIFFORD DRAINAGE/CHEROKEE RIGHT TURN LANE PROJECTS – The mayor explained that the Clifford Drainage project should be started no later than May 15, there should be substantial completion no later than July 15, and total completion (final payment) on August 15.  The mayor also briefed that the contractor does have a little leeway with these dates. 

III.

GARDNER DRIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES – Mayor Combs went through the resident’s responses regarding the Gardner Drive traffic issue.  The votes were as follows:

Based on the numbers, The Commission, at this time, will take no action.  The mayor did brief everyone about the town’s suggestion to add a “raised crosswalk” at the future pedestrian only exit on Gardner Drive .

IV.

COUNTY MODULAR BUILDING – The building permit for the county modular building has been issued.

V.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PERSONNEL POLICY MANUALS – The mayor let the commission know that they had copies of both manuals in their binders.  These new copies have all of the updates that have been received to now.  The mayor asked that a special meeting be called in order to finish editing the manuals.  It was decided that the special meeting will be held right before the next commission meeting, on May 13, 2003 , at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Hall .

VI.

OKALOOSA GAS – FRANCHISE AGREEMENT ORDINANCE – The ordinance will raise the fee on gross revenues to the town from 4% to 6%.  This increase will be seen on the residents’ bills.  The mayor asked Manager Burns if the town could change the ordinance to ask for only 4% for residents and 6% for businesses.  After some thought, it was discussed that 6% for businesses and 0% for residents would be best solution.  Commissioner Larson moved to approve Ordinance Number 2003-03 changing the gross revenue percentage to 6% for commercial properties only and give the residents a tax break.  Commissioner McCallister seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  Mayor Combs asked Manager Burns to follow up and make sure that this change is feasible with Okaloosa Gas.

VII.

RESOLUTION 2003-07 – RESCINDING 2003-05 – This resolution was brought before the commission at the March meeting but was not passed because Commissioner Henderson felt that the owner of the property affected (Myron Tassin) should know about it.  Deputy Town Clerk Tina Smith advised the commission that Mr. Tassin had been into the town hall (twice) and stated that the commission had his permission to pass this resolution.  Commissioner Larson moved to accept Resolution 2003-07 as written.  Commissioner McCallister seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

I.

TOWN RESIDENTS' TIME – MAYOR COMBS – Resident Gene Tucker asked that Chief Self do a 3-month check on tickets/speeds on Old Ferry Road .

II.

MIKE KENT – FINANCE BRIEF – Mike Kent of Progressive Management briefed the Town Commission on Bond Issues.  He stated that his company is asking the Town of Shalimar , as a taxing authority, to act as issuer so that his company can refinance some of their bond issues that were originally issued back in 1992-1998 when the interest rates were higher.  He also stated that there would be no exposure to the town and no liability.  Attorney Mike Chesser suggested that he and Tom call the Florida League of Cities and find out if they have any experience with this issue and to find out if it is more widespread than just Gulf Breeze and Mexico Beach and, also, ask if they have a concern with this issue.  Attorney Chesser asked the Commission to authorize him to find bond council that can assist in the project with the understanding that if there is to be a bond council, the fee is to be paid from the issuing price of the bond.  A motion was not needed but there was unanimous consensus among the board members.  Tom will check with the auditors and the Florida League of Cities.  If necessary the resolution will be presented at the next meeting.

III.

FDOT RESOLUTION 2003-08 – Resolution 2003-08 for FDOT reimbursement for right-of-way maintenance was read aloud by Mayor Combs.  Commissioner McCallister moved to pass the Resolution as written.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larson and it passed unanimously.

IV.

SAFE BOATING MONTH PROCLAMATION 2003-02 – The mayor read the proclamation which proclaimed that May 17-23 be Safe Boating Month in the Town of Shalimar .

I.

OKALOOSA COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES REPORT – The League of Cities lunch meetings have moved to the first Monday of the month at the Two Trees restaurant in Fort Walton Beach .  The web site for the league is completed.  The big topic of discussion at the meeting was the possible upcoming gas tax.

The mayor also stated to the commission that all of the town employees (part-time and full-time) have been working hard and should receive a 6 month bonus of $100 each.  Everyone on the commission agreed.

I.

FY03 BUDGET REPORT – Commissioner McCallister briefed that the bottom line budget was still the same.  He also inquired about the procedure for budget change because he had a proposal in mind regarding the town paying for dental.  The mayor explained that it can be done anytime but it is better if the change can be made during the budget cycle.  The mayor stated that Commissioner McCallister’s idea can be addressed again during the budget meetings.

I.

MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – Commissioner McCallister reported that his neighbors had commented to him as to what a nice gentleman Officer Spohn is.

Chief Self stated that his monthly activity report is enclosed in the binders.

I.

SCHOOL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVE – Town Manager Tom Burns asked the commission to appoint a school liaison representative.  Everyone agreed that Commissioner Reeves is the best choice.  It was decided that he will be Shalimar’s School Liaison Representative.