The commission’s immediate focus was on the local state of emergency resolution due to Hurricane H. With Commissioner Cynthia Burton excused, the commission swiftly moved to approve the resolution, which declared a state of local emergency effective at 3 p.m. that day. The resolution was subject to scrutiny, particularly regarding its wording. One commissioner suggested that it should clearly state it was adopted by “Michele Myers, mayor and the city commission” to avoid any ambiguity. This amendment was necessary because the resolution was initially printed as a proclamation, although the city charter required it to be a resolution.

Further discussion focused on designating authority in the absence of the city manager, who was temporarily out. It was proposed that the assistant administrative supervisor or interim city manager should also be included in the resolution to ensure continuity of authority. This proposal was debated, especially the section on suspending city regulations during the emergency. A commissioner recommended specifying that the authority could be exercised by the city manager, the assistant administrative supervisor, or the interim city manager, and that any actions taken should be documented. These amendments were agreed upon, and the resolution was passed by a roll call vote.

Following the emergency resolution, the commission addressed a grant application for $200,000 from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program intended for improvements to a city park. The commission aimed to finalize the resolution before the weekend, despite the grant application deadline being extended into October. The proposed improvements included constructing a two-stall bathroom, installing a new playground set, adding mulch around existing playground equipment, and installing safety lighting. Public input had already been solicited through a prior hearing.

One commissioner expressed unease about voting on the resolution without reviewing the specifics of the grant application. The city manager assured the commission that the application was prepared and emphasized that applying for the grant did not obligate the city to accept it if awarded. Trusting the city manager’s handling of the application process, the commission voted to proceed with the grant application.

The meeting also delved into the background check process for a candidate for the city manager position, referred to as Mr. Brart. Concerns were raised about the transparency and comprehensiveness of the background check, including the time period covered and the databases searched. One commissioner highlighted an incident from 2003 when Mr. Brart was a candidate for a position in another Florida jurisdiction but was not hired due to prior issues.

A commissioner noted that the negative information about Mr. Brart related to health concerns from over 30 years ago, specifically linked to his diabetes. They argued that such historical issues should not overshadow his qualifications and contributions. The sentiment was to create a supportive environment for Mr. Brart, acknowledging that some negative perceptions might persist despite efforts to clarify the facts.

The commission also took a moment to bid farewell to the outgoing city manager, Charles Rudd, who had served for three years. Commissioners expressed gratitude for his contributions and acknowledged the challenges he faced during his tenure. One commissioner praised Rudd’s leadership, stating, “you did the hard stuff… you were not just taking the easy route.” Rudd reflected on his experience, thanking the commission for their support and mentioning that transitioning from a director to city manager had been a significant but valuable change for him.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the interim city management structure and preparation for the approaching storm. The commission recognized the need for the interim city manager to have signing authority, suggesting that the assistant administrative supervisor, who would be temporarily taking on responsibilities, should also be considered for signing authority. The commission expressed appreciation for the staff’s efforts during the emergency situation and shared hope for the future as the city prepared to welcome the new city manager.