A key issue addressed during the meeting was the existing regulation that restricts RV parking to rear yards, which has reportedly resulted in over 300 violations. The commission considered adopting an ordinance, inspired by Panama City’s proposal, that broadens the definition of recreational equipment to include RVs, boats, trailers, and similar vehicles. The proposed changes would allow for RVs to be parked in front yards provided they do not obstruct visibility for drivers, thereby aligning with a “visibility triangle” concept. However, this raised concerns among commission members about the potential increase in front-yard parking of other vehicles, potentially impacting neighborhood appearances.

Commission members noted the necessity of public engagement, suggesting workshops or input sessions to gather feedback from residents, especially those currently in violation of the existing regulations. The increased RV ownership in the area, attributed to housing challenges post-hurricane, highlighted the need for code reevaluation. The commission contemplated suspending enforcement actions against current violators while deliberating on revised regulations, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions in the code to minimize confusion.

In another major discussion, the commission examined the city’s procurement policy, particularly the challenges faced by mid-level supervisors in securing quotes for projects. The current requirement mandates obtaining three quotes for purchases exceeding $2,000, which supervisors argued slows down acquiring necessary materials. They proposed raising this threshold to between $3,500 and $4,000, citing that most departmental purchases fall below this range and that suppliers often provide only two quotes. This adjustment aims to streamline operations without compromising internal controls, balancing cost considerations with quality.

Attention also turned to the Lynn Haven Fire Department’s proposed use of impact fees to purchase two Chevrolet Tahoes for $129,600. This procurement was presented as a strategic investment, anticipated to negate the need for new vehicles over the next decade. The impact fees, drawn from non-general fund sources, would offer budgetary flexibility, especially given the rising call volume for medical emergencies.

The meeting further delved into the evaluation and compensation of the city manager, where the commission reviewed performance scores and salary adjustments. The city manager’s evaluation yielded an overall score of 4.22, with high marks in public relations, prompting discussions about salary fairness. The current base salary, following a recent cost-of-living adjustment, stands at $158,324.61. Proposals for increasing the base salary to $165,000 or even $185,000 were debated, with considerations for merit-based raises, historical compensation trends, and comparisons to salaries of city managers in neighboring municipalities.

The commission recognized the need for a transparent and consistent approach to salary evaluations, with some members advocating for performance-based increases akin to historical school system practices. This discussion extended to the intricacies of contractual obligations, including the city manager’s presence at city-hosted events on holidays and the implications for compensation. Suggestions to clarify these expectations in the contract were discussed.

Finally, the meeting addressed the city manager’s contract amendment, focusing on extending the contract to December 2027 and proposing a salary increase to $178,000. Discussions emphasized aligning the city manager’s benefits with those of other salaried employees and ensuring consistency in compensation structures. The amendment also explored provisions for salary adjustments based on annual performance evaluations.