Lynn Haven Commission Debates Ethics and Recreation Fees
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/11/2024
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Recording Published:
06/11/2024
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Duration:
57 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Bay County
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Towns:
Lynn Haven
- Meeting Overview:
The Lynn Haven City Commission recently convened to discuss several issues affecting the community, with notable topics being the ethical standards of the local Chief of Police, Chief Ry, and the sharp increase in recreation sponsorship costs for football and baseball. These discussions took center stage during the meeting.
Public commentary opened with citizens expressing their worries on various matters. Mr. Walker, a concerned citizen, questioned the relevance and potential impact of items within the consent agenda, particularly pointing out the 1911 plat and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). He also voiced his dissatisfaction with the lack of opportunity for public discussion on items prior to the commission’s vote. Ms. Parker, another citizen, addressed the commission with concerns surrounding Chief Ry’s conduct. She emphasized the importance of upholding high ethical standards for the Chief of Police by highlighting a signed copy of his code of ethics and conduct. Parker also brought to light issues regarding election interference and the handling of Chief Ry’s infractions, calling for a review of his actions.
The meeting progressed with discussions on various community concerns and city initiatives. A commissioner addressed the littering issue in local parks. Focus was also given to citizen engagement, with an announcement of an upcoming event designed for residents to meet and discuss any concerns or questions directly with city officials. Furthermore, the commission recognized the exemplary performance of two city employees, whose contributions to the community were detailed by their supervisors.
Commissioner reports included a detailed clarification from Commissioner Perno regarding the 1911 plat and the residential paint program. Perno also shared insights from his participation in meetings related to the estuary program and discussed the potential formation of a Transit Authority for Bay County. Commissioner Peoples showed appreciation for public engagement and announced a forthcoming coffee meet-up intended for community interaction.
One discussion emerged around the substantial increase in recreation sponsorship costs for youth football and baseball programs. City staff explained that the fee hike was attributed to an increased number of participants. However, concerns were raised about the clarity and consistency of the document outlining the fees, prompting a motion to table the item for further review. Additionally, the City Manager’s proposal for a resolution to amend the city’s fee schedule was discussed, focusing on language changes, classification changes, and the introduction of new fees in specific chapters of the city’s code of ordinances.
During the session, the City Manager encouraged residents to adopt paperless utility billing to save the city money and announced the upcoming participation of six city teams in a Mississippi event. Other community-related items included the repair of sun shades in parks, the launch of softball and kickball leagues, and the acquisition of banners to honor Hometown Heroes.
The City Attorney informed the commission about a temporary injunction against the enforcement of Senate Bill 774, which pertains to the submission of a comprehensive financial disclosure form. This legislative matter could potentially impact the July 1 deadline for compliance.
The consent agenda, which involved the approval of meeting minutes and the residential paint program, was approved without opposition. No old business was brought up during the meeting. New business included the proposed amendments to the fee schedule, with the City Manager presenting comprehensive details on the proposed changes.
Jesse Nelson
City Council Officials:
Sam Peebles, Jamie Warrick, Judy Vandergrift, Pat Perno
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/11/2024
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Recording Published:
06/11/2024
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Duration:
57 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Noteworthy
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State:
Florida
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County:
Bay County
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Towns:
Lynn Haven
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