A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the employment status of Police Chief Richard Ry. The debate was sparked by a member of the public who brought up Chief Ry’s testimony in a federal trial. This was further compounded by a commissioner who cited a hit-and-run accident involving Chief Ry and other past incidents as reasons to consider his termination. The commissioner invoked the city charter, which mandates that department heads be appointed by the city manager with the advice and consent of the majority of the commission. The commissioner highlighted the need for the commission to discuss Chief Ry’s future with the city. Another commissioner, while withholding their comments until more information was available, acknowledged receiving accusatory emails and stressed the importance of following legal counsel experienced in personnel matters.

Amidst this heated topic, the city manager provided updates on the city’s current and future initiatives. The report covered community events such as a spring concert series, International Food Truck Day, and sports programs for both adults and youth. Additionally, the city manager attended a child care task force meeting addressing the shortage of quality child care in Bay County. The city’s mid-year budget preparation and the finance review committee’s involvement were also discussed, highlighting Lynn Haven’s proactivity in fiscal management.

The commission’s attention then turned to the presentation of the city’s audit report by a representative from James Moore and Company. The auditor detailed the components of the audit report, which included the city receiving an unmodified opinion, meaning the financial statements were materially correct. However, the auditor noted a recurring comment regarding fixed asset adjustments. The chapter 10550 audit report did not contain any issues.

During the public comments section, a member of the public inquired about the scheduling of meetings for the debt review or financial review committee and sought updates on the Florida Avenue revitalization grant. The pursuit of anonymous code enforcement complaints was also raised. Additionally, praise was given to the city’s improvements in sports programs, and a desire for increased investment in outdoor recreation was expressed.

In civic celebrations, the mayor presented a proclamation declaring April 24th as Arbor Day. The commissioners shared their participation in various community events such as an Easter egg hunt and a benefit concert. They also expressed gratitude towards city employees and first responders.

The meeting also covered the Lynn Haven financial report, which emphasized the city’s healthy fund balances and the Disaster Recovery Fund’s positive financial projections, including FEMA reimbursements. The unrestricted net position of the city’s utility funds was reviewed, showing an upward trend, and the pension funds were discussed, focusing on funding percentages and required contributions. The consent agenda was approved, addressing closures for the annual 4th of July parade, temporary city office closures, and an appointment to the general employee pension board. Discussions and approvals ensued for amending a contract for sludge cake hauling and awarding a utility engineering services contract for wastewater treatment facilities design.

The commission grappled with the responsibility for maintenance of street lights after the Homeowners Association ceased payment, which could lead to their removal. A motion was passed to replace them with fewer, but brighter, standard street lights, although there were concerns about formal confirmation from the HOA.

Additionally, the commission initiated a review of city code chapters relating to animal regulations. The aim was to update the language to make it less ambiguous, particularly regarding definitions of “nuisance” and “livestock.” The guidelines for public meetings were also set to be incorporated into the ordinance to facilitate future adjustments.