One of a notable topics covered was the evaluation and potential salary adjustment for the city manager. The commission acknowledged that an annual performance review had been overdue since December 2020, with the last recorded evaluation rating the city manager’s performance as high excellence. A comparative salary analysis was presented, showing that city managers in similar municipalities earned between $59,000 and $278,000, with Lynn Haven’s manager earning $143,000. A proposed 15% salary increase aimed to align the city manager’s compensation with regional averages.

Concerns were also raised about the broader challenges of recruiting qualified individuals for leadership positions if salary levels remain uncompetitive. The commission recognized the difficulty of openly discussing salaries, especially with the city manager present, and emphasized the importance of regular evaluations and adjustments based on performance.

Simultaneously, the meeting addressed significant infrastructure projects, notably the future of the wastewater treatment plant. The commission considered a potential $50 million project to transition Lynn Haven’s wastewater operations to Bay County’s facility, requiring a $10 million investment in a force main pump station. This move could alleviate staffing challenges due to the scarcity of licensed wastewater operators in Florida and offer cost benefits by not requiring additional staff for plant operations.

The feasibility of this transition sparked discussions on the need for a formal agenda item to track progress and ensure transparency. Commissioners expressed urgency in pursuing a feasibility study to evaluate costs, implications, and potential legislative funding for the transition. Discussions highlighted the positive working relationship with Bay County, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for infrastructure improvements.

Another topic was the city’s governance structure, focusing on the potential addition of a city clerk position reporting directly to the commission. This proposal aimed to enhance checks and balances within city governance by providing the clerk with direct accountability to elected officials. The debate revealed differing opinions on whether the role was necessary given existing clerical functions, and concerns about potential conflicts between the city manager and city clerk were raised.

Additionally, the commission addressed a variety of financial matters, including the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The resolution discussed reallocating these funds to repay the 17th Street ditch note and support the stormwater department, which faces a negative cash position. Questions regarding the funding sources for the 17th Street project were clarified, noting that S tax money primarily funds paving projects, not the ditch note.

Further discussion involved a development order amendment for the Lynn Haven Charter Academy, seeking permission to construct an additional batting cage in place of a planned Fieldhouse. The commission required confirmation of the Fieldhouse project’s abandonment before approving the new construction, raising concerns about potential further requests for additional structures.

The meeting also reviewed a proposed new structure on Florida Avenue intended to house a pizza establishment. The property owner sought a variance to bypass specific stormwater regulations, with assurances that the area had no historical stormwater issues. Pervious pavers were planned for parking to facilitate drainage, and state permits would be required before proceeding.

Additional financial items discussed included amendments to the city manager’s contract, focusing on compensation adjustments to align with other exempt employees and potential changes to retirement benefits. The commission considered extending the city manager’s contract to her ten-year work anniversary.

The commission also reviewed a task order for additional stormwater outfalls in the North Ridge area to address flooding issues, with a firm conducting a survey and analysis for potential outfall locations. The project was estimated at approximately $5 billion, involving scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Lastly, the commission considered a resolution for police taser purchases and various expenses related to city operations, emphasizing the need for reliable equipment and efficient management of city resources. The discussion concluded with acknowledgments of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and governance, focusing on future agenda items to address these issues.