One notable issue addressed was the conduct of Planning Commission member Mr. Lurman following a complaint filed by a resident. The complaint alleged ethical misconduct in interactions between Lurman and his neighbor, which had escalated into a community concern. The City Attorney presented an investigative report detailing the findings from the complaint, which led to a public hearing where residents voiced their concerns.

Mr. Lurman expressed regret for any misunderstandings caused by his communications, stating that his intention was never to cause discomfort. In contrast, the complainant, Mr. Broen, disputed Lurman’s account, raising concerns about discrepancies in Lurman’s statements. Other residents, including Ms. Maoy and Ms. Ingram, highlighted inaccuracies in Lurman’s claims and questioned the credibility of the investigative report.

Council Member Sandy Golding initiated the council’s discussion by emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct. Golding criticized Lurman’s assumption that his neighbor had called the police and his comments regarding the height of her grass, which contradicted municipal code. Golding suggested a verbal reprimand for Lurman to reinforce the necessity for council members to uphold ethical standards.

Council Member Greg Sutton supported Golding’s remarks, expressing disappointment in Lurman’s conduct and emphasizing the need for council members to be above reproach. Sutton echoed the call for a verbal reprimand, stressing that council members must maintain high standards in their interactions with the community.

The council ultimately reached a consensus to issue a verbal reprimand to Lurman. Golding moved to recommend the reprimand, which received unanimous support from the council members. The city attorney clarified that the motion itself could serve as the reprimand, but the council could revisit the issue in a future meeting if necessary. The council expressed a desire for Lurman to learn from the experience and avoid similar actions in the future.

Following the discussion on Lurman’s conduct, the council addressed a maintenance service plan for the blowers at the Water Reclamation Facility. Dennis Baron, the Director of Public Works, presented a proposal for a five-year maintenance service agreement with APG Neuros Corporation. The agreement aimed to ensure the optimal performance of the facility’s blowers, which are critical and expensive equipment. The council unanimously approved the agreement and authorized the Mayor and City Manager to execute the final agreement.

Additionally, Baron requested an additional $50,000 in funding for construction administration services related to the Wastewater Plant’s coordination elimination project. He explained that the project required further engineering work due to ongoing challenges, including an overflow that had delayed construction.

Another notable segment of the meeting was the recognition of City Clerk Sherry Goslin for receiving her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation. Leanne Williams, the Northeast District Director of the Florida Association of City Clerks, presented the award and detailed Goslin’s career trajectory. Williams noted that only 35% of members within the association have achieved the CMC designation.

Goslin’s journey involved numerous roles within the city, culminating in her appointment as city clerk in August 2021. Williams emphasized that a true professional never rests on their success but continues to strive for excellence in municipal governance.

The council also considered Resolution Number 2177-2024, which sought to amend the position classification and pay plan by adding a construction project superintendent position. Deputy City Manager Karen Nelson explained that the new role would be funded through a combination of sources, including the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Public Works. The resolution aimed to adjust the pay plan and create a career advancement path for existing employees without increasing the total number of authorized positions. The council adopted the resolution unanimously.