A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the debate over the city potentially taking responsibility for the street lighting in a subdivision, specifically on M B Boulevard in front of North Bay Haven Charter School. Commission members expressed safety concerns that prompted this consideration. However, the original development agreement’s stipulations, which might have assigned responsibility for the lighting to the homeowners association (HOA), were scrutinized. The cost implications for the city and the precedent it could set for other subdivisions were central to the debate.

Further discussions at the commission meeting revolved around the need for clarity and precision in city ordinances. The city manager and staff pointed out ambiguities in Chapter 10, Articles One and Two, particularly regarding the management of feral cats and the criteria for designating dogs as vicious. The commission discussed various approaches to amending the ordinance, including the mayor’s suggestion to use pre-commission meetings for consensus-building and open discussion. The possibility of sending a list of proposed amendments to the next meeting was also considered.

The process for adding items to the commission agenda was another focal point of the meeting. Some commissioners argued for a more formalized agenda adoption process to ensure that consensus is reached on the agenda items before any official commission meeting. While there was agreement on setting the agenda during pre-commission meetings, concerns were raised about handling disagreements. The commission agreed on the importance of having sufficient time to review and gather information on agenda items prior to voting.

The commission evaluated the contract with Green Solutions LLC, which includes sludge cake hauling services at a rate of $1,000 per 20-yard rolloff. Detailed questions were asked about the costs associated with Green Solutions and the potential savings from the hauling service. An amendment to this contract was approved.

Additionally, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional utility engineering services was discussed, focusing on the wastewater treatment facilities designed by Mount McDonald Florida LLC. The engineering company’s scoring and experience became a point of debate among commission members.

The meeting also touched on the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the approval of the Lynn Haven City annual report for the fiscal year. Items on the consent agenda included the temporary closure of Highway 77 for the upcoming 4th of July parade, permission for the city manager to close all city offices on July 5th, and the appointment of Michelle Basher to the general employee commission pension board.

The discussion on the comprehensive plan’s progress highlighted the need to set a deadline for completion. The commission considered reviewing specific items in the plan further and discussed the value of working through the plan’s chapters during pre-commission meetings. This approach was seen as a way to ensure that the commission is well-informed and able to move forward with a clear and comprehensive strategy.