##VIDEO ID:qkGQ6Ifp2RY## call this meeting to order it is uh 7:01 and this is the uh October 15th 2024 regular City  commission meeting for the city of Ormond Beach we are in commission Chambers and  this is our our second meeting of the month um I hope you felt welcomed as you came in  this evening by our Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier and Human Resources Manager Samantha  Potts who served as the greeters this evening they also would have given you a card if you  need one to speak on any of the items uh on the printed agenda and if you still need one  you can get one from uh either the Recording Secretary or Clerk and I'm going to introduce  those folks to you uh all the folks actually sitting up in front of you to my right and  your left is um Recording Secretary Taylor Lochert next we have City Clerk Susan Dauderis then we have our Commissioner from Zone One Lori Tolland a very sincere welcome to everyone  Commissioner from Zone Two Travis Sargent good evening welcome and to my left and your  right our Commissioner from Zone Three Susan Persis good evening ladies and gentlemen and  welcome to each of you our Deputy Mayor and Zone Four commissioner Harold Briley  good evening everyone and welcome City Manager Joyce Shanahan Assistant City  Managers Claire Whitley and down in front is Shawn Finley then we have City Attorney Randy Hayes  and then way to my left way to your right we have uh proactive Police Chief Jesse Godfrey  and reactive Fire Chief Howard Bailey chief chief gave me five bucks to say that so I'll  leave it I'll leave it at that for those of you listening online I'm Mayor Bill Partington and  uh if you would at this time please silence your cell phones and we'll have the invocation given by  Pastor Cord Bear at Tomoka Christian Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance please rise father it's a privilege to serve other people and grateful for this group and for their  willingness to serve this community want to take a minute to pray pray for all those people that are  continuing to recover from Hurricane Milton uh we pray your blessing upon each of those families we  pray father for your peace and comfort to reign in their lives uh we're grateful for the First  Responders we pray your continued blessing of protection upon each and every one of them and  we pray for our great city of Ormond Beach and ask for your blessing not only upon uh this meeting  tonight and all that will take place but father uh just upon our community, community as a whole uh  we're ultimately grateful father for the community you create through the blood of your son Jesus and  it's in his name we pray amen. I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to  the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all all right we're going to get right into presentations and  proclamations and uh we'll start and I'm going to ask the Deputy  Mayor to come down front with me to help me out with this one uh Hunter Wendelstedt you're with us good deal [Music] Sor I'm [Music] sorry all right sir come on up [Applause] so we're doing a couple different things uh and I say this before every every  time we do proclamations and presentations Ormond Beach is an incredible City because we  have incredible residents and Hunter is one of those uh Deputy Mayor Briley let me know about a  situation uh in Major League Baseball with Hunter and his father uh and you'll hear about that in  the proclamation and also so we got three things going on Hunter if you'll hold that uh we're going  to do a proclamation we're going to give Hunter the key to the city and then if the commission  agrees shortly here uh I've appointed him as an ambassador for the city of Ormond Beach and I just  need you all sign off on that so I couldn't ask you about it before because of sunshine but here  we all are in a open properly advertised public meeting and I'm seeing head shaking so I think  we're going to be I think we're going to be in good shape all right whereas Harry Hunter Wendlestadt III  affectionately known as Hunter is a proud native of Ormond Beach who has devoted his life to the  sport of baseball serving as a distinguished Major League Baseball umpire and educator and whereas  he follows the legacy of his father Harry Hunter Wendelstat Jr who umpired in the National League  from 1966 to 1998 and founded the Wendelstat Umpire school and whereas on May 13th 2024 during the  Yankees vs Giants game he set the record for the most major league baseball games officiated by a  father/son Duo officiating 7,492 games between them surpassing the previous record of 7,491  and whereas throughout his career spanning over two decades Hunter demonstrated exceptional  professionalism integrity and a deep understanding of the game earning the respect of players coaches  and fans and whereas Hunter has officiated at numerous prestigious events including an  All-Star game two Wildcard games four division series four League Championship Series One World  Series and the 2009 World Baseball Classic and whereas the Wendelstat Umpire school which has  operated in Ormond Beach for 33 years moved from Daytona Beach in 1991 founded by Hunter's father  Hunter took over operations in 2003 and continues to positively impact countless aspiring umpires  equipping them with the skills knowledge and mentorship needed to thrive in their careers  and shaping the future of baseball officiating and whereas Hunter's influence extends beyond  The Diamond as he actively promotes sportsmanship fair play and a passion for the game among young  athletes and officials, he also engages with the community through participation in events  like the YMCA Ormond Beach and YMCA Edgewater charity golf tournaments now therefore based  on all that I Bill Partington uh along with the entire Ormond Beach City Commission in  Ormond Beach do hereby Proclaim today October 15th 2024 as a day to honor and recognize Harry Hunter  Wendelstat III in the city of Ormond Beach and encourage all residents to join in commending  him for his contributions and lasting legacy in baseball and the community congratulations [Applause] well I was going to save my comments for the actually I was going to pull the consent agenda  but uh Hunter I just want to to thank you number one for being the great friend that you are to  the city of Ormond Beach this is well deserved uh congratulations to you and the uh the the  the dynasty I guess if you will that your father started with the with the with the Umpire School  you continue on as an Umpire you make Ormond Beach very proud and we were proud to have  the Wendelstat Umpire School in Ormond Beach and again we appreciate you and we congratulate you thank you all right this is where we say but wait there's more because you your dad chose Ormond  Beach and you chose to stay in Ormond Beach for all these years so many Major League umpires know our  city so many umpires in in College High School uh Statewide leagues all know the area of Ormond Beach  because they come to your school for professional training that's an incredible thing uh they spend  time here they learn to love this area as much as we do and uh so because you and your family chose  us we chose you not only for the proclamation but also to receive a key to the city from the entire [Applause] commission thank you all for for the Applause umpires very rarely get that  so thank you that that makes me smile a little bit and uh I'm just going to sit  here and be quiet and watch the rest of the meeting but I would like to thank you mayor  you know how special this city is to all of us we grew up in the same church together and  you've done an outstanding job and I'm glad that I get to be here to tell you that and  the best in your future endeavors and we're behind you all the way so thank you very much [Laughter] congratulations congratulations all right now I need Commissioner Tolland  if you would come down and help me out and we are recognizing National native plant [Applause] month and is it the president of the pawpaw chapter oh so the president  of the pawpaw Society is Karen Walters and her team we're going to bring them all up Y no I don't have my glasses I all right whereas native plants serve as the foundation of Florida's unique natural habitat  that we all know and love native plants support Wildlife including Birds butterflies bees and  other pollinators and whereas National native plant Month celebrated each October raises  awareness of the environmental economic and cultural significance of native plants while  encouraging their preservation and cultivation across communities and whereas native plants  reduce the need for pesticides they conserve water and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological  balance and restoring natural habitats and whereas Florida is home to more than 3,000 native plant  species including the rare rugal paaw which is found only in Volusia County did I say that right  rugal amazing uh found only in Volusia County highlighting the need for local conservation  efforts to protect endangered species and preserving natural biodiversity and whereas the  pawpaw chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society founded by Ormond Beach resident Joanne Ash in 1990  plays a vital role in educating the community about native plants the chapter promotes the use  of native plants in landscaping restoration and conservation efforts ensuring local species Thrive  and whereas preserving and restoring native plants combats invasive species and stabilizes critical  ecosystems like dunes and shorelines which are essential for wildlife and the health of Ormond  Beach's environment now therefore uh based on all of that I Bill Partington on behalf of the  entire commission do hereby Proclaim October 2024 as National native plant month in the  city of Ormond Beach and encourage all residents to to participate in local conservation efforts  and learn more about the vital role native plants play in preserving the environment thank you all [Applause] very if I can hold this um I want to thank you Mayor Partington for  and this all the City commissioners for your endorsement of our Volusia County Proclamation um  I really enjoyed I I like all the other things that you added to that and I especially want to  thank you, commissioner Tolland, for your endorsement and your assistance in the regrow the loop project  Vadner Park and now coming up the regrow Volusia um you're a true champion of native plants we  really appreciate it um our organization is a little obsessed with encouraging uh people  and cities to use more native plants in their Landscapes and this endorsement of our native  plants really means a lot and I thank you from the bottom of my heart thank you very much [Applause] thank on ladies and gentlemen that good you want congratulations all right Commissioner Persis you are next if you'll come down and help me  with this and I need City Manager Shanahan as well we're getting everybody involved tonight all right this is Florida City Government Week and uh whereas City Government is the closest  form of government governance to citizens has the most direct impact it is important for residents  to understand how their City operates and the services it provides and whereas Florida city  government week celebrated from October 21st to October 27th is sponsored by the Florida League  of cities this week aims to raise awareness about the significance of municipal government  in residents daily lives and whereas this year's theme what makes our city great promotes Civic  engagement and pride highlighting the dedicated efforts of City staff who serve the community and  whereas throughout the week the city will be engaging the community through social media  sharing fun facts about City operations and highlighting city employees in their jobs and  whereas events throughout the week will include hosting the chambers youth leadership program  annual Employee Appreciation luncheon OB to go event held at the casements and a special Story  Hour at Ormond Beach Elementary with a reading of the book the city that talks now therefore I Bill  Partington on behalf of the entire commission do hereby Proclaim October 21st through October  27th 2024 as Florida city government week in the city of Ormond Beach and encourage all  residents to engage with the city and take pride in what makes our city so great congratulations [Applause] I just want to congratulate uh our City Manager Joyce Shanahan for creating such  a wonderful City staff and a wonderful city government right here this is the  she's behind all of it you know she she's in charge and she all of our  employees reflect her so I just want to say congratulations we are so proud to have you here this is a team team of dedicated professionals that work every day to  ensure your um safety and well-being um we are truly tested in times like these when we have  hurricanes of unprecedented proportions with rain that uh seem to never end uh  we have wonderful Public Safety staff that uh the police and firefighters Who come out in the middle  of the night to to save you to ensure that our traffic lights are functioning we have dedicated  um Public Works professionals that are clearing streets and unclogging drains  and it's times like these when your staff is tested but I can tell you that they've been  through this before and they shine there are there some things that fall through  the cracks inevitably that happens and we apologize for that but we want you to know  that we are dedicated to serve the community and this commission so thank you very much all right last but not least Commissioner Sargent oh wow if you can help me out you're doing a good job tonight all right is Forest here Forest Reed did he make it there he is come on up I'll let  you hand that to him I don't know if you all know uh thank you thank you so much Outback Steakhouse  in Ormond Beach is uh an incredible restaurant if you like steak or blooming onions or you name it  Chocolate Thunder from Down Under I mean let's just keep them cranking out uh consistently the  Outback in Ormond Beach to my knowledge has been one of the top performers in the entire  Northeast State of Florida uh because of the quality the uh service and all those kind of  things but one thing people may not know is is what I'm about to read in this Proclamation and  that's what good uh corporate citizens you are so whereas on October 9th 2024 hurricane Milton made  landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 3 storm unleashing severe winds tornadoes  and devastating flooding across the state impacting countless communities including  Ormond Beach and whereas in preparation of This Disaster the generosity of a local business went  Above and Beyond in support of our First Responders and essential city workers and  whereas Outback Steakhouse located at 135 East Granada Boulevard demonstrated extraordinary  commitment by donating prepared meals to our First Responders including Public Works police  and fire these meals provided vital nourishment during their long hours of service and whereas  this is not the first time Outback Steakhouse managed by Forest Reed has assisted during a  time of crisis in 2022 during Hurricane Ian Mr Reid and his staff provided chicken dinners to  Public Works employees and supported First Responders with food and supplies during the  storm's aftermath uh I'll also include in here that that they participated as a big part of our  National Night Out program which is a huge community outreach effort of of the police  department and Leisure Services and the fire department uh and Forest doesn't wait to be  asked he called me uh maybe a day or two before the storm knowing that this was something that  our employees were probably going to need and I think I think that's incredible uh I put them with  staff and they were able to work everything out so whereas the efforts of the Outback steakhouse  team exemplify the spirit of community and partnership in times of Crisis serving as  a Beacon of Hope and solidarity now therefore uh based on all of that I Bill Partington on behalf  of the entire Ormond Beach commission do hereby Proclaim October 15 2024 as a day to recognize the  Outback Stakehouse in the city of Ormond Beach and urge all residents to join expressing our deepest  gratitude for their unwavering support and service to our city staff and Community thank you very much um you know we don't do it for this but thank you it it's very handy to send back to corporate  and just be like hey hey here you go um yeah it doesn't hurt at all uh obviously um I was born and  raised in Ormond um so I I love this community um we wouldn't be here without you all I'm sure you  all noticed some of your favorite restaurants you know are either struggling or going out  um you know the the tourist and by October Fest coming up it puts extra money in the pockets but  we wouldn't be open without you guys so uh thank you to you all and we we greatly appreciate it so pi thank you your turn but wait there's more if I could call Mayor Partington to the front  please get your steps in Bill that's right close my all right ladies and gentlemen it is my great honor tonight to present a special gift on behalf  of the city of Ormond Beach to Mayor Bill Partington Bill your leadership dedication and unwavering  commitment to this community over the past 20 years have truly shaped the city that we are  proud to call home you've led with both wisdom and heart making decisions that always reflected your  deep love for Ormond Beach and its people Bill you were born right here at Halifax Hospital  attended our local schools and built your career in service to this community you've been a public  servant in every sense of the word not just in the decisions you've made as mayor but the  example you set every day as a husband to Lori a father to three beautiful daughters and as a proud  son who carries on The Partington name with honor as we present you with this gavel and clock these  symbols speak to the Legacy you leave behind the gavel represents your leadership your ability to  guide this city through both opportunities and challenges with fairness and sound judgment the clock serves as a reminder of the time and tireless dedication you've given to  Ormond Beach always working to make it better for future Generations you have led with a  steady hand and a Compassionate Heart from champing projects like the environmental  Discovery Center to supporting our First Responders and preserving the beauty of Ormond  Beach for generations to come you've always understood that leadership isn't just about  making decisions it's about serving people and you've done that with the utmost care and respect on behalf of the city the commission and the people  you've served so well thank you Bill we know your legacy will continue to  guide Ormond Beach for years to come and we look forward to seeing all the great  things you will achieve in the next chapter of your public service thank you Mr Mayor speech speech speech uhoh all let's see Mom and Dad if you'll come up and Lori and the girls if you'll come up they smell great yep um I'm not good at being recognized I like recognizing other people so forgive me uh I I  kind of suffered through it I got into to it with Joyce when I saw this on the agenda cuz nobody  cleared it with me before before it was on there but uh I should be better should be better about  it it's been an incredible uh time of service being able to uh learn from two other fantastic  Mayors um directly mayor Costello and mayor Kelly uh serving with both of them on the commission and  then also learning from mayor persus um more in directly cuz I just read about him in the paper  and followed his his career but I tried to take the best aspects of both of their service and use  those when when I had the opportunity to serve and um so thank you for that staff made this job  so much easier than it than it could have been and believe me there's cities throughout the  country that you would not want to be mayor of uh but Ormond Beach it's it's always been a pleasure  even with an occasional bump in the road uh with a professional staff that really cares about the  residents who live here uh you don't really have anything to worry about uh Jacob you should get  up here too come on I'm sorry my son-in-law um sorry for that proud University of Miami grad and  they're having a great year so um yeah let me real quick I want want to thank this commission and I  brought them each a copy of the Observer uh from the last election which has one of my favorite  pictures on it uh I saved these and so I'm going to give you each each a copy and commissioner  Sargent if you'll hand those out uh they hit the ground running and have done an amazing job it's  been one of the best commissions that I've served with uh with their years of experience and their  caring and their knowledge about the city and their ability to talk to and listen to Residents  they've really done an incredible job and so they didn't need me but they accepted me and so I  wanted them to have that that picture to remember us all by and then I'm also giving each of them a  key to the city as well mayor Costello did this uh several years ago and it meant a lot and so  it's an honor to give that uh to each of them um and thank thank each of you it's been wonderful  two years we haven't always agreed on anything I mean on everything I couldn't sound right but we  were never disagreeable and that was really the best part we had some inside jokes and banter uh  primarily dealing with native plants and mulch but uh that always you know we can't talk about  much but that one continuing running joke brought a lot of smiles and brought a lot of levity to the  group and so that was always wonderful so thank you all very much it's been awesome and then the  other two people I want to recognize are uh city manager Joyce Shanahan I'm giving you a key to the  city as well and City attorney Randy Hayes uh these two let me get by it real quick have been  incredible individuals professionals to work with thank you and and uh I don't want to say  plot or scheme with but to strategize strategize with uh on the best way to protect this city and  do the best for our residents uh really there's a lot of years of experience and brain power there  and they truly do care about Ormond Beach and so working with them has been just incredible and I  wanted to recognize both of you for that as well so I'll stop talking uh it's been a special time  thank you all for making it extra special and I'm going to call the rest of my family up picture  and uh that's going to be well let me introduce everybody first my lovely wife Lori beautiful and talented middle daughter an youngest daughter Faith and then CJ and Jacob uh CJ is  really she's the oldest but I don't know we don't think of her that way um she's the one we get to  see see the least because she's up in Tallahassee uh working on her doctorate Jacob's working up  there for fishing game and so I didn't know they were going to be here tonight it's extra special  I've already almost cried three or four times uh after they showed up and so thank you all for  being here and then uh my mom of course I love to death helped me keep my head on straight all  these years and uh my dad as well kept me straight all these years and it was growing up at his knee  really with the uh JC's and the Chamber and all the different groups that that he was involved  in he's been my secret weapon because his name is Bill Partington too and so nobody ever knew  I think for the first seven years who the mayor really was so it was nice to have some extra extra  help there now I'm going to call up my sister and her family for the uh for the picture Dawn I see  Emma I didn't see Elina she have dance tonight maybe or Elina I'm sorry is Emma have that's what  I figured Emma's got dance uh Pierce Jude and my brother-in-law Dyson these are the Billings and  then uh Sandy is my sister and Gary and Diane are my brother and other sister Lori's side of  the family if you if you're keeping track that way but come on up and we're going to try to get  in for a picture and commission if you'll stand up behind us that'd be incredible even Joyce and  Randy if I could get you guys on either side of the commission back there poor favore one final request come on Joyce [Laughter] come on Randy all right [Applause] Che all right now we can get to work this is uh audience remarks reg regarding items not on the agenda  and uh I have a couple cards tonight we'll start with Jeff Boyle just in case Jeff Boyle 614 North Halifax Drive I second everything that Harold said uh I'd like to  add my thanks Mr Mayor for 20 plus years of exemplary Public Service strong effective  leadership and particularly in 2024 when we really needed that leadership I think you guys  have handled the most complex and difficult issues in our City's history and you've done  that with with uh great professionalism and style with input from professional staff and  and encouraged input from citizens and so this has been this has worked really quite well and  wouldn't you know after a difficult year at the very end of hurricane with devastating  and uh tragic loss but the silver lining in that was that we're able to witness the work and the  professionalism of the people that serve and protect us and that has uh never wavered I I  believe it's a mindset it's a culture it's a work ethic and that is a tone that's set at  the top by the mayor and the commission and uh the manager and her department heads so that's a  legacy I think that is among your many legacies that uh we will continue to thrive with and I  think we should point out too that uh you're actually the third generation of Partington  that has made significant and positive contribution to this community and I  think also bearing in mind that your family and we got to meet them all tonight uh has  shared you with the community with the city for over 20 years I would submit that we now we now  have four generations of Partington that have contributed to Ormond Beach and thank you thank [Applause] you I ly good evening Ike Leary good evening Cassen Park uh Harold you took all my my uh remarks uh  anyway I want to thank staff all of you for for checking on the bait shop doing hurricane uh especially Joyce Robert Carolin and I couldn't believe that Travis was out  there with a shovel cleaning the walkway up to the pier good man I looked out the window  and here's Travis couldn't believe it uh thank you uh Mayor Bill uh you're great thank you uh uh Ormond is a better place because of you you will  be missed thank you thank you appreciate that [Applause] I Ed Mitchell good afternoon I came here in 1976 on vacation December I fell in love with this place  and I thought I'd move here when I retire I came here in 2001 and bought a house let it set empty  for 2 and A2 years I moved down here in 03 in a little Slice of Heaven on Ormond Parkway but  now it's turned into a sewer Street I don't know what we need to do about it everybody  on the blocks have you know upset about it we just got raw sewage running 700 ft my way  into this sewer next door to me 500 ft the other way goes on the hallifax runs all the way to Seminole  which is another 400 ft that way the city came out tonight did put up thing says we're all sewage on  there so people aren't walking on the walk but we need to do something I've got a video where  it backed up on my neighbor's house I thank you Travis for doing everything that you have  but you know we need to do something I don't know why or who needs to get done thank you thank you Christine yanaka did I say that right hopefully you said that very well Christine Oraka 155 Arlington Way um I know that right now with  debris cleanup and all that's going on this is not number one but we we do need to get this um  on the agenda and started start talking about it um Arlington Way runs from Halifax straight  through to A1A it has become a cut through Street and um running from one end to the other it seems  to have worsened in the past few months Vehicles cutting through seem to have little regard for  the speed limit and little regard for the families living on this street a lot of people walk their  dogs ride their bikes the kids are on their scooters um it really is an issue uh several  months ago a car was speeding down lost control uh struck a neighbor's boat shoved the boat  into their Arbor now across the street that that neighbor's grandchildren lived there and had those  kids been out and that car turned the other way we would have probably had something very tragic um a few weeks ago two cars came barreling down and looked like they actually were trying to  pass each other in race I don't even know how they thought they had enough room for that um  it's becoming almost a daily occurrence now with the speeding cars down Arlington way so  what I'm asking because during uh big tourist events obviously there's even more cut through  traffic um I research putting uh speed bumps in it what I found said that I can do it with your  permission but I have to pay for it um I really feel like the taxpaying citizens on Arlington  Way deserve better than having to foot the bill for the speed bumps and I don't know what other  Alternatives there are so I'm just asking um to direct me to some resources so that I can  work in the background on this until uh we are kind of through Milton and maybe we can start  moving forward with uh some action for Arlington thank you thank you yep and we'll get you a card  and uh somebody you can talk to because there is a program so yep uh next is Jennifer bright well I was addressing the resolution so um I guess I'll go over them all or until I run out  that these three minutes yes um resolution 178 is a $10,000 grant that the city wants to get  uh grants aren't free this comes with strings attached and it's going to cost the city $849  extra dollars the first year and $9,000 the second year not only that they want this is Grants  being going to used for license plate readers with remote video surveillance systems capable  of automatically detecting vehicles and persons traveling on City roadways this is an infringement  of privacy and disguise as for the common good I don't recommend uh getting grants if it's costing  the taxpayers money resolution 179 once again this is a grant this grant will cost the city $783,059 grants are not free when it comes with the strings and they're putting taxpayers expenses  our millage went up we need to cut our spending resolution 180 the city wants to reimburse a  private company Valiant modular for half the cost of installing additional length of pipe this is a  multi-million-dollar company the city has loans has raised our taxes I really think the city  needs to get its finances in order but for what we're giving away our hard-earned tax dollars to  private companies the biggest one is resolution 32 this is the budget our original budget was  for 97 million they added 39 plus million in amendments to come up with 137 million we're  at the end of the year and now we're another $41 million short which would bring our budget  up to $161,000 million for this year the city's spending is unchecked and out of control and our  city council appears to have been negligent and not keeping a tighter reain on the items coming  to the city council for approval budgets are set except for a reason and we all live within  budgets if the city is allowed to spend un without accountability why even bother with a  budget our city council needs to do a lot better I would hope that the fiscal year 24-25 the city  and the city council will get it spending under control and we will pay off our debt and loans  that we have taken so we have under Financial um security and not in Hawk thank you thank you and next is Marvin Miller to follow that a guys uh uh every time I get to a microphone it's usually for a fundraiser  but not tonight I walked in the door thank you Travis I happen to run into him at a restaurant  he said tonight's the last night for Bill and Counting October November the election and uh  comes up awful fast where the time flies by and I I see a a lot of old friends I must be pretty old  and uh Hunter so good to see you delightful and congratulations tonight and all of you  Lori Travis Susan Harold Joyce hello Joyce where is he Randy okay you've been there in that corner  for an awful long time last time I was there your hair was black look at him good thing you  still have some that's good and uh uh Carl hello mayor Persis I like that ring I like the sound of  that mayor Persis that sound for some reason that sounds really good but congratulations bill I want  to tell you uh you stood up an a a lot for a lot of issues and been there for for my for for me and  for the groups that I stand for and you and you're out there and you put yourself out and you know I  could call this like a sitcom this is I call this friends I mean everybody it's really it's what a  wonderful feel I look at all of your smiling feel but what a wonderful commission led by  you Bill and and I wish you so well on your future Endeavor and and uh and you're so well  deserved of it and well I I didn't realize it's a large family get them all out to vote  you'll win that's right and thank everybody thank you so much thank you Mayor appreciate that Becky Parker hello hi I'm Becky Parker I am the executive director of Ormond Beach MainStreet  and I am just here to offer my sincerest gratitude to you um for your partnership and your support um  over the years there's nothing that I could say tonight that hasn't already been said  but I often um I often say that we definitely would not be able to do what we do without the  support of the city and um that really starts with our elected officials and and and you are  mayor you have always um been our Advocate and um you've been Discerning and levelheaded and  passionate and um I'm I'm just we we don't want you to go but I won't be far I won't be far um  but yes and I um most importantly you show up and I think you you're a true example of what  it means to show up when it's not easy you've led us through um a pandemic and hurricanes  and economic downturns and um you have been a friend to many and um you've been sincere and  authentic and I just um wish you the best thank you we truly truly thank you thank you Becky yep all right Connie Colby she 108 Robel Lane Ormond Beach um I'm going to add lip here for just a second um in 2004 we  moved here and it was the first year I believe you were running for mayor you showed up at we moved  to the falls at that time and you came there and you spoke to the people that were there who were  and I said oh my gosh what have I gotten myself into and I remember your wife showed up a little  bit later with some of your children I don't know who they were she was kind of hoping you would go  home soon and I don't blame her she still is yep anyway um I'd say wow for the last week um this  past week we had a lot of water on our street probably about a foot for a couple of days um  first time it's ever been like that so I don't know what's going on around our neighborhood and  I think some of you who took a little ride around I appreciate that um it has gone down and we had a  wire that took a while to be put back up um things are back to normal sort of um Central Park had um  I thought they were supposed to lower the water in Central Park before big storms for the first time  we have a three-foot drop off in our backyard and this is the first time that the waters actually  come up that high and come a little bit over the banks it's coming down a little bit now so I'm not  sure what's going on with that either so what I'm asking is let charity begin at home when we need  to have our manhole covers pulled up and cleaned out the drains may be cleaned out more often and  if there's anything else going on maybe I don't know if there's a lot of dirt being put in in  places where it shouldn't be um take care of us first before you start building something else  outside of the city no further out in the city thank you thank you Connie and Jim Cameron there's Jim that's right good evening I'm Jim Cameron uh Jim Cameron Consulting and uh I think it's  probably an understatement though we can all say and agree hey last week it wasn't fun for anybody  and and I've just wanted to come up and express my gratitude though for for your staff out there  because I know uh ran and Kevin in public works and there I remember reading about they've done  some advanced work on cleaning out those culs and and some of those drains and stuff I mean  just yeah and we had some uh flooding and stuff on our street and I sent y'all some  pictures and I appreciate y'all attending to that though you had a pump out there and uh  hey I mean I'm even getting my dogs out there on the street again now but uh again I know you  you worked hard on that though in advance and flooding is going to happen though it's happened  all over the county pretty much all over the state but appreciate y'all's attention  to that though and uh like I say just keep up the good work though thank you thank you Jim and last but not least Carl Persis former mayor former Volusia County councilman former current  Schoolboard member yes current Schoolboard member uh thank you uh Mr Mayor and uh  you know you you began when you started talking up here in front of everybody you said you know there  are some cities in the country where you really want wouldn't want to be mayor and I was thinking  you know there are some cities in the county you wouldn't really want to be mayor now I won't call  out any names here tonight but I think you know the one I'm talking about all right I want to  say that sitting in that middle seat requires a different set of skills when you do it right  you do a lot of listening and you got to kind of plate the egos of your Commissioners you got  four of them you know you're trying to be fair you're trying to balance you try not to show  any favoritism you know you got the audience everybody's looking at you and you want to set  that professional Fair demeanor and uh and you do it so well and you do it at every meeting and even  if if you're not sitting here u in person I listen and I I can just hear hear your grace and I I hear  your patience and takes a lot of patience to be a be a good mayor uh because sometimes you just  want people to you know just say it and get over it but they don't they they go on and on and on  and you do it so well one of the things that I'm I'm going to miss Mr mayor is our teacher of the  quarter uh Vince uh mayor Partington and I for the last eight years we have visited uh 10 schools  every quarter so that's about 40 schools every year and we surprise teachers and we go into go  into their rooms with two members of the Chamber of Commerce and it's just a lot of fun and uh they  they love it when you give them the key to the city it it just makes their day so I'm I'm going  to miss doing that with you I I just have to say again you've always served with with dignity in  integrity and compassion you're just you're you're just a fair fair person and that comes  and that comes through uh the last thing I think I would say is that when when people are ready  to praise you for for something you quick divert that praise and you give credit to everybody else  and and that's what that's what Bill does so I just want to say in closing here um I'm glad that  you'll be joining me on the mayor wall of former mayors I'm uh I'm I'm proud of everything that you  have done and most importantly proud to be your friend thank you thank you thank you [Applause] all right uh commission we are now on approval of minutes these are the minutes from the regular  City commission meeting of October 2nd 2024 they've been sent to you for review also posted  on the city's website any additions deletions or Corrections commission like to make a correction  Mr Mayor first thank you um I'd like to correct uh my closing comments at the last meeting I say that  the reports that were in question were showing um that were not showing over a year old that  they were only a few months and I was incorrect they are uh showing a little bit older so I just  want to correct that for the record Mr Mayor good deal is there a motion to uh approve as corrected  I move to approve the minutes as corrected second moved and seconded all those in favor please say  I I oppose like sign and we'll show that passing unanimously we are now on the consent agenda does  any member of the commission wish to pull any item from the consent cons agenda I move approval of  the consent agenda second seconded please call a vote Commissioner Tolland yes Commissioner Sargent yes Commissioner Persis yes Commissioner Briley yes Mayor Partington yes and now would be the  appropriate time if any member of the commission wanted to comment on any of the consent agenda  items we'll start with Commissioner Persis yeah I I just want to mention the um our health savings  account um we get up to $1,850 a year in SA savings through the city insurance and it's  just a wonderful benefit to City staff so I just wanted to say thank you for that and thank you for  keeping that up I appreciate it great Deputy Mayor did you have anything just just one thing Mr Mayor  I was just want to come on on again just not to the point I'm a congratulate Mr Wendlestad now you're  an officially officially a Goodwill Ambassador for the city of Ormond beach you continue to make  us proud and uh thank you very much absolutely Commissioner Sargent and then Commissioner  go okay uh i' like to make a comment on resolution B that is the license plate  readers and I did some research on this with and the national league of cities recommends  that when we put this out for bid there's a few things that we should really focus on one  is community engagement two is choosing a company with uh extensive data privacy so it says choose  a a vendor that implements strict data privacy measures to protect the information collector  um training is another one to ensure the law enforcement Personnel are trained in the use  of the technology and adhere to the established protocols um Regular evaluations and legislation  and regulations um establish clear policies governing the use of license plate readers and  to prevent misuse and protect civil liberties so I think that when we put this out for bid I  think those are some guidelines that I would like staff to to adhere too and and when we  go forward with choosing a vendor because I do think licensed plate readers are a good thing  when they're used properly and I do think that they've uh helped our Law Enforcement Officers  solve crimes more quickly but I also do think that they could be used improperly and I think  that's something that we need to really focus on uh the second thing Mr Mayor would be the  insurance the savings uh health and I don't know when the last time was that was bid out  I know we bid out this year and saved the city some money so I don't know if maybe next year  that's an item that staff could look at um just want to throw that out there as um something to  potentially look at in the future that's all I have Mr Mayor great thank you commissioner  Commissioner Tolland yeah on uh consent agenda a I just wanted to officially congratulate Hunter  as well um being an ambassador I was a good friend of your dad's and he was very special to me and um  I I know that you know you've honored the game of baseball and um you're and you will also thank you  for honoring the community of Ormond Beach thank you thank you commissioner and Hunter um you  talked about going to the same church and being an Ormond Beach local I I mean you and your dad are  such an integral part of our community we're so proud that you kind of belong to Ormond Beach and  the lifestyle that a Major League umpire leads I don't think most people really understand uh  how much you travel you're sometimes in I don't know three or four different cities in a week  for months on end but yet when it's all said and done you still come back to home which is which is  Ormond Beach and I think that's that's incredible uh knowing now that you're an ambassador makes me  feel great and thank you deputy mayor Briley for for uh you know the proclamation suggestion and  uh making sure that this happened we were running out of time I wasn't sure it was going to happen  but uh staff managed to pull it all together and your schedule worked and so we're grateful  for that and congratulations again um if there's nothing else on the consent agenda commission uh  we'll go to public hearings I'll open the public hearings and ask the clerk to read 9A ordinance  ORDINANCE NO. 2024-30: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, ARTICLE IV, SIGN REGULATIONS, SECTION 3-47, BUSINESS PREMISES SIGNS, SUBSECTION G, ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS, OF THE CITY OF ORMOND BEACH LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BY EXPANDING THE ALLOWANCE OF ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS, AND ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS OF OPERATIONS AND PERMITTING STANDARDS; REPEALING ALL INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. date this is the first reading of ordinance number 2024-30 read by title only thank  you and since it is a first reading I'll ask our planning director Steven Spraker to speak on this item good evening Steven Spraker planning director with the city this is a request for a Land  Development code Amendment based on direction from commission back in May of this year um  there was Direction to go to the planning board and develop standards for electronic changeable  copy signs over the course of three meetings the planning board um formed the amendment which  is in your packet tonight um there was really four points that came a part of discussion one  was are are electronic changeable copy signs an appropriate type of signage what areas of  the Cities would these signs be appropriate what should be the conditions of electronic  changeable copy signs and then who should be the approval process whether it be St  a special exception or plan development so the planning board work through those items and the  IT the conditions are within your packet um they recommend that staff have approvability of these  signs signs that couldn't meet the staff criteria would come before the board and before the city  commission planing board did recommend approval 70 of the Land Development code Amendment if there  are any changes that the commission uh wants we'd be happy to discuss it or go from there staff is  recommending approval based on on the planning board thank thank you Stephen any questions for Stephen Mr Mayor if there's no other discussion of no cards no cards no  sir I'll move approval of uh ordinance 2024-30 second moved and seconded any  other discussion please call the vote commissioner Sargent yes commissioner  Persis yes commissioner Briley yes commissioner Tolland yes mayor Partington yes 9B ORDINANCE NO. 2024-31: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2, DISTRICT AND GENERAL REGULATIONS, ARTICLE III, GENERAL REGULATIONS, SECTION 2-50, ACCESSORY USES, SUBSECTION (W), OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, OF THE CITY OF ORMOND BEACH LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO UPDATE THE CONDITIONS AND PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES; REPEALING ALL INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. title only thank you Susan and again I'll ask our planning director Steven Spraker to speak on this  this is a request for our Land Development code for outdoor activities these outdoor activities  are temporary in nature they're approved by staff they could include uh sidewalk sailes um Church  events basically items that are are temporary in nature um there are are really four types  of outdoor activities um retail special events the seasonal holiday items like Christmas trees  or pumpkin patch sales U nonprofits uh school car washes what we've seen is a number of of corporate  entities trying to do outdoor events related to their business operations no retail sales  no general public that is something that our code doesn't really address so we've amended the code  to allow it we also took the opportunity to reorganize the section the planning  board reviewed this amendment and recommend approval with a six to zero vote thank you  any questions for Steven I move approval of ordinance number 2024-31 second moved and seconded  any discussion please call the vote commissioner Persis yes commissioner Briley yes commissioner  Tolland yes commissioner Sargent yes mayor Partington yes 9 C RESOLUTION NO. 2024-195: A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENTION OF THE ORMOND BEACH CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER VACATING A PORTION OF CORBIN AVENUE, A PLATTED PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY WITHIN THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1 SOUTH BEACH STREET (VOLUSIA COUNTY PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 4215-14-03-0010), KNOWN AS “CASSEN PARKâ€; ESTABLISHING A TIME CERTAIN FOR A PUBLIC HEARING; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 2024-195 read by title only thank you and we'll go to planning director Steven Spraker good evening Steven Spraker this is a request for a partial right of way vacation of the Corbin Avenue  right of way so we're located right here in the commission Chambers across the street this is  a right of way that goes through Cassen Park the goal is to vacate that right of way as part of the park  Redevelopment um staff has coordinated with um all applicable utilities they have no objections  if if the notice of attent is approved it would come back as an ordinance in uh December and in  January of 2025 perfect thank you I think, I move approval second moved and seconded any other  questions or discussion please call the vote commissioner Briley yes commissioner Tolland yes  commissioner Sargent yes commissioner Persis yes Mayor Partington yes 9d RESOLUTION NO. 2024-196: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND ISSUANCE OF A DEVELOPMENT ORDER FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN REGARDING CASSEN PARK, LOCATED AT 1 SOUTH BEACH STREET; ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS AND EXPIRATION DATE OF APPROVAL; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. number 2024-196 read by title only thank you and again we'll go to planning director Steven Spraker this is a special exception related to the Cassen Park Redevelopment uh when the item  went through the site plan review committee there were certain standards that the uh design could  not meet um primarily based on setbacks setbacks to uh Corbin Avenue which we're vacating which  we'll take care of that the Granada Boulevard uh rideway along the bridge and the Waterfront  yard um the structure is being moved further from the Waterfront but it still needs a variance and  then there's some minor Landscaping requirements that are sought to be waved the uh planning board  reviewed the application and recommend approval the design team is here if there are  any questions staff is recommending approval based on the planning report thank you Steven  any questions for Steven no questions just a comment if I may sure I'm just super excited  that it this is on our agenda and that we're actually moving forward with it and we'll have  a Cassen park at some point agree agree we all are so excited great and I do have one card from Jim cookie good evening good evening I'm Jim cookie I'm partner in Ormond Landing LLC and office at  12:30 North US Highway one here in Ormond Beach and my partner Jane doson 222 Oak Trail so uh uh as  one of the only private property owners within 300 feet of Cassen park I got a letter and said if  I had any comments I could come here uh to speak and I'd like to just take uh the opportunity to  briefly address the commission uh we appreciate the acknowledgement of our ownership which heret  for has been kind of ignored by the city uh that proceeded with dredging and construction of the  Breakwater a portion of our property along with other uses uh it is private property and have  same property rights as any other piece of private property but that said we would have accommodated  any request if they had been made by the city and we applaud uh your efforts to improve the  park and obviously offer no objections to this ordinance or the variance little background we've  approached the city a couple times over the years with concepts for the parcel I gave you a little  hand out there uh the late Bill Dodson and I were Partners on the Tomoka river and uh bill um we  realized I realized because I appraised marinas and stuff all over the State of Florida that uh  private ownership of submerged land adjacent to underutilized public Uplands in an urban setting  does offer offer some unique opportunities that otherwise might not be permitted on Sovereign  submerged land uh controlled by the state so for the record I gave you a little hand out  there with the kind of summarizing the vision of like I said Bill n used to sit on the Tomoka River  and talk about stuff and this property was here and reason we bought it because it was there and  Bill was one of the city City's leading advocates for historical preservation and bills he passed  away in 2022 and he was also a promi prominent creative Visionary in the area uh he was part of  the architectural team that designed the Daytona Beach International Airport in 1991 so I I realize  you know we floated some ideas pun intended uh but uh it it may be up to the Next Generation to  realize the potential at this location raise my family here my grandchildren are here living it  might be the next Generation but in the meantime it is an ideal location for a family house boat  to park there um why can I could complain you dredge the property and you put a Break water  there on a property uh but I would also like to inform the commission that there is an offer on  the table was made to the city manager a while back uh to lease the property to the city for  a very nominal amount at any time in the future you feel you might want to control the Basin there  and again congratulations on Cassen Park it's beautiful and uh that thank you for the uh thank  you for your time and thank you for the your service to the city thank you Jim Jim you're a  great guy I also had long conversations with Bill Dodson about this and other other things he was a  Visionary and a great individual himself and uh I miss miss those conversations so uh commission  I don't have any other cards commissioner Persis yeah I I just wanted to for those in the audience that  may not know all of this the Redevelopment of Cassen Park includes relocating the bait shop  further from the water restroom renovations native landscaping Improvement opportunities for public  art Improvement to the veterans memorial and reconfiguration of parking spaces and walkways  and this plan is compliant with the 2019 downtown master plan and I know we're all so excited to  have this so I just wanted the people out there to know what what we were talking about in case  you didn't thank you great anyone else Mr mayor move approval 90 second moved and seconded any other  discussion questions or comments please call the vote commissioner Tolland yes commissioner  Sargent yes commissioner Persis yes commissioner Briley yes Mayor Partington yes and we will close  the public hearings and move to 10A ORDINANCE NO. 2024-32: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BY AMENDING THE GENERAL FUND (001); DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND (104); STORMWATER UTILITY FUND (107); AIRPORT FUND (108); ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND (110); PENSION CONTRIBUTION PASS THROUGH FUND (113); RECREATION FACILITY FEE FUND (115); FINANCING DEBT SERVICE FUND (205); CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND (301); EQUIPMENT RENEWAL & REPLACEMENT FUND (302); PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT FUND (305); TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS FUND (308); FACILITIES RENEWAL & REPLACEMENT FUND (317); LEISURE SERVICES CAPITAL FUND (322); WATER AND WASTEWATER FUND (401); VEHICLE REPLACEMENT FUND (408); RENEWAL & REPLACEMENT FUND (409); WEST ORMOND REUSE IMPACT FEE FUND (433); WATER SYSTEM IMPACT FEE FUND (434); WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPACT FEE FUND (435); 2024 WATER & WASTEWATER BONDS; AND THE GENERAL LIABILITY FUND (504); AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. this is the first reading  of ordinance number 2024-32 read by title only thank you Susan and I'll ask our finance director  Kelly McGuire to speak on this item thank you very much so we have uh your annual budget amendments  good good have that up the largest portion of this are capital projects that we're asking you for to  move from fiscal year 22-23 to last fiscal year so it's important to note that this 19.6 million is  not new dollars we're asking you to expend they're dollars that were included in the original budget  for 22 23 and because they're capital projects and it takes time to bid them out bring them back for  approval and so forth we end up having a timing issue effectively so this is this is it's an every  year we do it every year and it's kind of up the budget for transparency purposes so everybody  knows where everything is that's what I thought exactly and the state requires us to do that right  we have to have that budget in the fiscal year that we actually expend the dollars so these are  budgets that started in the 23 year we're moving them to the 24 year but they're not new dollars  similarly the mayor will know this right I'm going to talk about the transfers $15.7 million we have  this very quirky thing we do in governmental accounting which is we end up taking dollars  in one fund and we have to transfer them to the to another fund when we do that they get budgeted  twice but we only spend the dollars once that's the $15.7 million those two items together make  up 85% of this budget amendment so those are the ones I want to focus on but also I'll talk about  the police CBA right that's the collective bargaining agreement that is a timing issue  um that was retroactive back to 22 so that's why we're asking you to amend that that also includes  $400,000 of State funding that we're receiving to help us with the pension cost so that's a  positive for us uh the new grant funding that's for Business Park Drive Phase 2 that has been  our in our CIP for many years but unfunded because because the city has not had the funds or decided  to put our funds towards paying that so more than half of that would be funded through a grant so  that is also a positive for us the next item includes two things that really are not within  our control but very important the PAC fire and the fuel Farm so that's the $1.6 million and  then we have the inflationary additions which for the most part are chemicals for the water  and wastewater Plant so that's the total of all the budget amendments that we're asking you to approve  thank you Kelly any questions for Kelly no good job all right I don't oh I do have two cards  actually Jennifer bright first up did you already cover it yes ma'am thank you and then Connie Colby Kobe 108 Robel Lane um I did see one item in there that I would like to I don't understand  what it's about um under transportation there's a item that says fuel Farm analysis for $60,000  um I would appreciate some information as to what that might be thank you thank you and  Joyce did you want to take that I thought we were having or Kelly either way I thought we  were having a study done um in our efforts to continue to uh understand the impacts to  the city of what a fuel Farm might involve yes you didn't need either of us okay perfect so  that's what it was good deal commission any other questions I don't have any other cards  I move approval of ordinance number 2024-32 second moved and seconded any other discussion  please call the vote commissioner Sargent yes commissioner Persis yes commissioner  Briley yes commissioner Tolland yes mayor Partington yes 10 B ORDINANCE NO. 2024-33: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE IV, POLICE OFFICERS’ PENSION TRUST FUND, OF CHAPTER 16, PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING SECTION 16-74, FINANCES AND FUND MANAGEMENT; ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. I move Approval, Seconded. Please call the vote. Commissioner Briley, yes. Commissioner Persis, yes. Commissioner Tolland, yes. commissioner Sargent yes mayor Partington yes 10c ordinance number  ORDINANCE NO. 2024-34: AN ORDINANCE RECOGNIZING A DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, EFFECTIVE THROUGHOUT THE STATE INCLUDING VOLUSIA COUNTY AND THE MUNICIPALITIES SITUATED THEREIN; RECOGNIZING A DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY ISSUED BY VOLUSIA COUNTY, EFFECTIVE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY INCLUDING THE MUNICIPALITIES THEREIN; RATIFYING AND AFFIRMING A DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY ISSUED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ORMOND BEACH, EFFECTIVE THROUGHOUT THE CITY; AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF EXPEDITIOUS MANAGEMENT OF BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ON-SITE PERMITS FOR REPAIR OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE MILTON; PROVIDING FOR THE WAIVER OF PERMIT FEES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH; PROHIBITING UNLICENSED OR UNAUTHORIZED CONTRACTORS FROM ENGAGING IN UNLICENSED OR UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE. this is  the first and only reading of ordinance number 2024-34 read by title only thank you commission  any questions about this move approval second second moved in seconded any other discussion  please call the vote commissioner Briley yes commissioner Tolland yes commissioner Sargent yes commissioner Persis yes mayor Partington yes and we are now on discussion and Direction  items and we'll start with 11a the city attorney evaluation I don't have any cards commission and  I don't know who wants to to go first but we were provided all the materials and the  evaluations completed thank you all for getting that done in a timely manner anyone want to start  I'll just say good job Randy y thank you very much commissioner Persis yeah I'll just I I will just read  um my comments um thank you Randy really for everything you do for us you keep us keep us  straight and you keep us informed and you know no questions ever silly or or you know unreasonable  so I appreciate that but I did I did write on my comments um our commission and City are incredibly  fortunate to have you Randy Hayes as our City attorney your ability to navigate challenging  situations with a positive proactive approach is invaluable and your dedication consistently  benefits our community and just recently and what of of late the most wonderful thing you've done is  to guide us through the Vadner situation and thank you so much for that all right commissioner Tolland  and then commissioner Sargent so I just used a couple adjectives one is knowledgeable  approachable Fierce protector of our community and the residents that live here I appreciate  your leadership and your proactive guidance to protect and serve our community and I'm 100%  grateful to you as our City attorney thank you thank you, commissioner and commissioner Sargent, thank you Mr Mayor I think my comments go for both the City attorney and the city manager you know I  think as uh Mr Boyle mentioned this commission's been faced with lots of tough issues probably  more than most previous commissions with badier Tomoka Oaks we can just kind of go on and on and  and through y'all's leadership both of you um very fortunate to have your knowledge and Leadership to  to guide us through all these difficult situations so thank you that goes for both great comments and  Randy I'll just say that uh you've always been a pleasure to work with extremely knowledgeable um  I'm constantly Blown Away by how well you know whatever the issue is from the very beginning  however many years ago it started all the way to where we are at present day and you retain  all that and uh can repeat it and you analyze it and it's just incredible any City would be  lucky or any County any governmental entity would be lucky to have your services uh you  rely on your staff you talk to other attorneys and then you critically analyze each and every  item and uh develop a strategy that protects Ormond Beach residents ultimately and uh we've  seen success after success with that and I expect only continued success in the future  so thank you for thank you for that um did you want to comment at all you don't have to but I just want thank everybody for the kind remarks um it's really a reflection of your  leadership and the staff that works in the city Attorney's office and Joyce would tell you saying the  staff that works in her office uh we we would not have the success without the cohesive leadership  from this commission and uh it makes our job so much easier and it helps having uh very solid  staff to work with it's a pleasure working with each and every one of you and and I just  appreciate the opportunity to work for you thank you thank you Randy and we'll go next to 11b which  is the uh city manager evaluation commissioner Persis I'll go first and Joyce I'm I I would like  to compliment you I know you get embarrassed but no I'm just going to I would like to read my  comments that I wrote on the um on the application um I have deep admiration for the incredible  work you do as a city manager your unwavering dedication to Ormond Beach as and its residents  is truly remarkable your leadership has made a lasting impact on our city and it's clear that  our city thrives because of your vision and your commitment so thank you for all you do thank you  who's up next Deputy Mayor Briley Mr Mayor thank you I'll just keep like it was short and sweet keep  up the great work we appreciate you and we're all support to that Joyce thank you well said  commissioner Tolland so my definition of you as a caring leader my description of you I  appreciate your vast experience managing our city finances as we've had many discussions about that  and identifying the needs of our community um to ensure our citizens quality of life um together  with Randy um you both are proactive protecting not only the Commissioners but also the residents  in our community um and we're very appreciative of that and we have had some real issues in front of  us and um we did work together as a cohesive unit with your leadership and um I also appreciate  I don't know if anybody's going to mention your active participation in other organizations um  within our community you being visible in our community to others is much appreciated and I  know you're very well respected and your input is very impactful so thank you so much for everything  thank you commissioner commissioner Sargent I said it before with Randy's comments it's  all tied in together but I'll just say thank you perfect and uh yeah it is a little intermingled  I was forgot to say when talking about Randy the way that Randy and Joyce and their staff's work  together is also incredible and a huge benefit for our city uh always in lock step and always  checking with each other never getting ahead of one another and uh collaboration is kind of the  word that that comes to mind I appreciate that uh Joyce I wrote you continue to perform form  at an exceptionally high level well respected by all I continuously hear great things from  the community about you uh in regards to not only you as a person being of strong character but also  to your service to Ormond Beach and how lucky we are and uh some people have commented that  they were going to try to steal you I hope that never happens but uh you know you serve and all  the other organizations that you serve on just not just Ormond Beach but our entire area in the State  of Florida um our city is lucky to have such a dedicated consument professional at our Helm  and you're an excellent role model for all Ormond Beach with a great work ethic great communication  and you can always trust you to do the right thing for our residents I didn't write this  part but I thought it even when no one's looking you always do the right thing and i' I've always  appreciated that so uh excellent evaluations for both of you um it says motion second and call vote  here I don't know for sure commission if there's anything other than other than accepting we we  approve their evaluation i' second it all right mov been seconded any other discussion comments  and Joyce did you want to respond before we um just a brief moment um you know we don't do this  alone and Randy's correct that you sent the tempo you set the leadership at the commission level  you are a collaborative group you listen to one another and you take each other's advice and you  truly deliberate on the things that are important to our residents and so we Randy and I take our  cues from you and I think um our employees take our cues from Randy and I and I I couldn't be more  proud of our our employees and how hard they work and I'll talk about that a little bit during my  comments thank you very much thank you uh anyone else please call the vote commissioner Tolland yes  commissioner Sargent yes commissioner Persis yes commissioner Briley yes mayor Partington yes  and uh related to item 11 is the issue of salary for the city manager and the City attorney they  would never ask for an increase commission I can tell you that from having been here in years past  uh never even bring it up so I'm bringing it up because I know it's our responsibility as  a commission to to review their situation and uh uh make those decisions regrettably in some ways  I won't be here probably to make that final decision but I wanted to at least discuss  it amongst ourselves and uh you'll be a new commission next time you meet uh to see if perhaps  you wanted to direct staff to bring you back uh information on salaries uh for comparable size  cities both in Volusia County and around the state not only comparable size but comparably situated  a coastal city of approximately 45,000 people with an airport and uh whatever other amenities we have  I don't know how many of those exist but and then look at the uh compare the salaries for both City  attorney and city manager I think it's important just so that we're staying current um uh we don't  like I talked about other people uh hopefully jokingly saying they want somebody they want  somebody to come work for them we don't want them to offer them more because we're underpaying in  any particular way um and I think it's smart just to review it every so often so I wanted to bring  that up as as a discussion for the commission and then we could uh if there is a desire to do that  give direction to staff to bring that bring that back to you I think it's appropriate that we it's  appropriate get the gather the information and bring it up um for discussion I agree I don't  know like how long how long it's been since a raise I you know so all that information would  be very important to know perfect um any other information that you would like with that along  with you know some Sal salary analysis how long it's been comparisons you know and you similar  size cities like you said no perfect sorry so I would consider that a motion commissioner  Persis I move approval to do some research on uh providing us information on um salaries on similar  cities for our for city managers attorneys and and information on the last time they had raise and  bring that back to us so we could talk about it I make I'll second that and second commission any  um further discussion comments or questions please call the vote on that Susan yes commissioner  Persis yes commissioner Briley yes commissioner Tolland yes mayor Partington yes and now we are on  reports suggestion and requests and we start with city manager Joyce Shanahan uh thank you Mr Mayor  um as you know we've uh just finished um the major parts of um the storm itself hurricane Milton we  activated our EOC I think it was Wednesday uh late afternoon early evening and closed it down  Friday um I will tell you we had unprecedented Reigns the likes of which we've not seen for a  very long time the water rose quickly in some areas uh notably in Central Park um uh there's  a lot you can't do about Rising water you just kind of have to wait until it it recedes um we  have interconnected the lakes in Central Park and that did make a difference over in the Fleming  area as you recall Mr Mayor in the storm of 2009 the no-name storm we had unprecedented flooding  over there um the efforts that we uh went through to get hazard mitigation grants to uh help with  that pumping has made a significant difference over there there are many low-lying areas in the  city that um need future uh addressing uh we're working on the areas around putam um around the  PAC around uh US1 there those are areas that have to be addressed and we'll continue to look at  those and find ways to to make improvements to those um sadly we had um loss of life during this  storm uh one individual succumbed to a cardiac arrest and another individual succumbed to a tree  falling in their home um just a tragic accident that happened um so we we pray for their families  and offer them uh support uh in their time of need um your city employees were there the whole  time um you you don't have to ask them to work hard uh they they work hard uh the day before  the Wednesday we uh handed out 10,000 sandbags in two total of 10,000 in two different locations and  that's unprecedented we've had a sandpile active all summer long we've had I think over six truck  loads of sand um I don't know how many tons that equals but it's a heck of a lot of sand so um  we've had that sand pile open since June 1st so we gave out a lot of sandbags and we hope that helped  a lot of people but every storm is different you never know where the W wind's coming from or how  much rain you're going to get um it's always a learning experience from us and we know that  there's areas that we can improve but I'm here to tell you that um everybody from police and  fire to Public Works and Parks and Recreation uh Leisure Services uh city clerk's office everybody  worked hard as a as a team together to uh try to get the best for this community and now we're in  the recovery phase that's a little bit longer of a phase and we continue to work to ensure that our  community gets cleaned up that we identify those areas that need future improvements look for grant  opportunities to improve those areas and move forward um just a couple of other things um we  have uh we say goodbye to you Mr Mayor tonight um it's uh when you call me up on the phone and said  I didn't I didn't approve that item on the agenda and I said yeah you're right I made an executive  decision because I knew you wouldn't approve it um but I'm glad your family was here to uh see you on  your last night here at at the Dais um you've been a great leader um and you truly have the  heart and history of Ormond Beach um and we we are going to greatly miss you um I know our employees  uh respect and appreciate you you always come out and share with them any exciting things that are  happening our community relies upon you to be the face of our community and you represent our city  so very well and you will be greatly missed um see what else you have a couple of items  coming up and I know they're near and dear to your heart so I'll just uh read those activities to you  uh number one is the Veterans Day luncheon on November 7th it's a uh located at the Ormond Beach  uh Senior Center the veterans tickets are free and they may purchase the guest ticket for $7 Hometown  Heroes uh program we've been doing that for a number of years the Hometown Heroes um uh Banners  are up along um the Halifax Bridge the Granada bridge I guess we should say um Halifax Health has  routinely sponsored that event and they provide uh drive-thru meals for our veterans and so we and  last year I think we honored 96 veterans alone so um the Hometown Heroes drive-thru recognition will  be held on Saturday November 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the senior center and that's um  great for that um you have a number of different activities um ghost stories at the casements sadly  is sold out but that is a wonderful um event they do something exciting every year for Halloween and  um hurricane Milton as I said was tougher than we expected um but we are strong and resilient  and we will persevere I'm happy to answer any questions any questions for the city manager  commissioner Sargent thank you when is our third party huller coming to start when will they start  that process and pick up the debris thank you for bringing that up so um Crowder Gulf is in town  and we expect them to get um trucks by Friday  Shawn do you want to speak to this um just a little  bit of uh background uh because of the state being so severely impacted these haulers are  um challenging to uh get here and there's become a bidding war the State of Florida has indicated  uh certain requirements for local governments um and Sean will talk a little bit about that yes  um with any with any storm um we're not the only Community affected we had a hurricane Helene that  affected state two weeks ago and that puts us in a whole different situation than we normally  are so with that getting getting those hollers is a little bit more difficult we have Crowder  Gulf who is our who is our who is our contract we met with them yesterday we met with Thompson who  is our auditor they're on site here yesterday we opened our D our debris management site today um  one of the things to make sure until we get those in in house we certify three of our trucks so our  our crews are out there collecting that those as well um we had a commitment from three that that  backed out because the FEMA rates just under $10 of cubic yard Hillsborough County is paying $15 a  cubic yard so we're we're trying to get to figure out how we combat that how can we get a how can we  get a rate that is competitive with them that will be fully reimbursed by FEMA so we're we're working  with Ann Margaret and the city attorney's office to make sure that we we do everything we can to  get those on we were informed by Crowder Gulf earlier today that we have six trucks headed to  us from Wisconsin we want to make sure that those those trucks that as they come down from Wisconsin  they come down on I 10 they make a left on I'm sorry they come down on I75 they make a left on  I10 they can they continue down to I95 they don't they don't continue to Tampa, but we want to make  sure that we keep them them here everything indicates that we that we will we do have one  of our locals who has signed on with Crowder Gulf to help us out as well so we're going to  we intend to do everything we can to supplement what we can get from Crowder Gulf and from from  from from our other haulers um we expect them we expect them th Thursday as Joyce mentioned um and  again we we'll continue to to work on that as best as we can and and we will keep you informed every  step of the way we with our crews we're going to work them on on on on some of our collector roads  they were on halif North Halifax today trying to get some of that that some of those side street  working on John Anderson um one of the the additional things that we're going to try and  do that came out with the executive order is that the governor mandated that we do a 24/7 operation  that's going to be tricky um but if that's what we need to do we're going to figure out a way to do  that and and and and there's different things that we can do not necessarily in in the neighborhoods  you know that that's one of the things that we're we're looking at maybe limiting those  to two shifts you know a shift that starts at 5:00 A.M that works till 3 a shift that works from 3 to 11 um we we want to be aware of our residents we don't want to disrupt their lives by having  people out there at 3:00 in the morning collecting but there's things that we can do that maybe are  quieter at that de at that debris management site scoping things out maybe some quieter things we'll  keep you in in line if there's anything that's out of the ordinary with this one than than previous  ones again our goal is to be fully picked up well within that 90day period that will get us 100 re  100% reimbursement and and and and make sure that we get 100% reimbursement of what we're spending  and if you have any other questions question have it answer thank you any other questions for Shawn  no all right or Joyce thank you assistant city manager Claire Whitley good evening um so first  I just like to say um as you probably know from years past this is my favorite meeting of the year  uh Joyce and Randy are both equally dedicated and humble and Incredibly deserving of the high marks  and compliments they have to endur publicly um this year is especially poignant as it may be  the last one with mayor Partington at the home um and when I think about all the goals they've  achieved and obstacles they've overcome it's always been with the mayor the city manager and  the City attorney working hand in hand they're com compassionate they're committed and truly a force  to be reckoned with and I learned tonight that all three are equally good at deflecting credit for  their amazing work is why you all work together so well I'm sure um all right also um i' just like to  comment and say thank you so much for your support on the employee health insurance benefits and that  package especially the health savings account um we worked so hard on that several years ago to  create a an affordable and high quality health care plan for our employees it's incredibly  challenging and your support has been um just so important through that um as well as our  partnership with Florida Healthcare as you know they provide um you know so many no cost health  care services for our employees so they never feel like they're that they can't get the care they  need um and we've done some really um wonderful initiatives with them Wellness initiatives to  address Healthcare problems and so it's it's so satisfying not just financially to um to  get competitive rates and make it affordable for our employees but also to impact their health and  and that's just been wonderful to watch over the years so thank you for continuing uh to support us  in doing that and we will uh commissioner Sargent as you mentioned we did Market it this year even  though um our renewal was lower than budgeted and Below Market the industry Market um we do um we do  go out to Market every couple years just to make sure we are competitive on that because we don't  want to take for granted at any time um that we're not spending those dollars wisely um and um also  just one more comment on um the salary comparison for the city manager and the City attorney um I  will bring that information back to you the um all of our employees do receive small increases  every year that you all approve with the budget and then as you know we do paying classification  plans um studies you know maybe every 3 to seven years depending on the market and that is when  we adjust our employees due to Market changes you know up or down any any direction and we just did  one about two years ago for our employees the city manager and City attorne attorney are not  included in those adjustments the last time they had an adjustment um was 2017 so I will prepare  all of that and the comps and I'm happy to bring that back to you for you to review yes so thank  you that's all I have appreciate that Claire and City attorney Randy Hayes thank you mayor  um I just want to say thank you very much for the opportunity to work for with you these past  two decades that's a that's a long time that's almost like being married um I remember when you  first started and you are a very good Statesman here uh as a City Commissioner and anybody that's  that works in uh government knows that for any length of time that it's an evolutionary process  and you have evolved into a wonderful leader and it's going to serve you well in Tallahassee um we  will always be a resource for you here so you may be gone but you won't be forgotten thank  you thank you and good luck thank you thank you all right and tonight we start with Deputy Mayor  Briley thank you Mr Mayor um I guess it's kind of an honor to to be the first on your on your  last evening but um first off I want to thank our city staff um I had a discussion with the  chief today and you know it seems like like we we were kind of experienced a hurricane hanging  over the last few days um everything just kind of seems to be a blur but I want to thank our  city staff for the hurricane relief and and and and Shawn Finley I know that you've uh your phone  your phone's been burning up as as well as joyes but you know all of our folks our Public Works  folks our public protection folks obviously police and fire um you know every position of the city I  just want to thank our entire staff for the hard work they have put in during this storm they've  been responsive they've done great work and I really want to thank our city staff and the  work they continue to do um unfortunately I did have the well I did have the pleasure of knowing  some fine folks that unfortunately were on the the sad end of the uh the tree that fell and and  killed the wife and the husband is still in ICU in the hospital um very sad I'm I'm I'm very sad that  we've lost a couple of lives in our city during the storm um kind of brings me to another subject  I have received actually prior to the storm an email from a constituent um regarding a tree the  tree that was removed the tree was removed without a permit and apparently not the the resident that did  not consult with an arborist before having the tree removed the the the the individual felt the  tree was uh an imminent Hazard to their their home and so they had the tree removed um and I  didn't know if it would interest this commission to possibly have a workshop in the future in the  near future to discuss how some of these hazardous what could be deemed hazardous trees on people's  property how that how that would be handled um you know I I have one of those I actually  have one of these types of trees in in my yard it's about a 400 year old oak that leans right  over the house and if it were to fall it would probably just destroy my house um but I leave  it there because it's a Historic Oak and I like it my wife feels differently but you know she's  probably home right now cutting it down I don't know but I don't know if there's any interest uh  with the Commission in in having a workshop to discuss maybe how we address these in the future  how you know how we can just maybe just revive even just review the ordinance and see if if we want to  tweak it at all so right now the the um planning department and our landscape architect they are  discussing all the tree ordinances the landscape ordinances and maybe that can be part of that  discussion we didn't have a we're on round two of that discussions and I don't remember that being  specific as far as trees that are um threats to your homes but Steven maybe you can help me there  there is a there was a section in there about that in so maybe we can add that to their discussion  to help us good yeah there there is a state law that allows an arborist or a registered landscape  architect to issue a letter for imminent trees um um so absent that letter they have to follow the  tree permitting requirements right so we would be happy to to wrap it up in the landscape discussion  that's coming before the commission or or whatever your pleasure is that's perfect that's that's what  we need I don't think a so what I was saying is I don't think a workshop is I think they're already  sure I think part I think part would be too though if if you remove an imminent dangerous an  imminent tree if you would be required to do the replacement ratios at the same ratio because you  know why would you take down a ha this tree and put one in his place just for it to fall you know  in the future I mean it's all it's it's all good discussion it is it is agreed in educational for  uh not only the commission but all the residents I don't know if you had the chance to see Mr  dunbar's oped in the news journal talking about the Ormond Beach tree ordinance directly on point  with Mr lome I think is who you're referencing and I got his email too uh and I don't know exactly  what the answer is I think he fell victim to a contractor who led him to believe he was  following all the appropriate steps and then turns out he wasn't I don't know if the city can uh put  something in the code that allows for documentary video uh or picture evidence of the condition of  the tree because we all see these Oaks that are chopped down that are solid beautiful oak wood looks super  healthy and then we see the ones that have huge rotted holes in the middle of them we can figure  out what was dangerous and what wasn't but uh I don't think they're allowed to review that after  the fact when the proper procedure wasn't followed in the first place but all of those kind of things  are the types of things I think it's a good idea Deputy Mayor um at least to discuss that when  it comes up and get as much education on that as possible city manager Shanahan if you discuss that to piece is um what kind of mitigation is necessary uh replacement of trees and how  many and that's something that you can also talk about because even with the imminent trees like  I'll just use as example the trees is very healthy but prior to the hurricane prior to  the storm we had 5 to 6 inches of rain which just saturated the ground and I've seen a lot of these  trees is just uproot because the the the root structure I mean the the ground couldn't hold the  root structure the tree was healthy but it came down because you know the ground was saturated  so some of these imminent trees are not they're even healthy trees but just how do we you know  how do we how do we look at it so um I'll move on to the uh the state of the city lunch today  was fantastic it was a wonderful event at the Oceanside Country Club Mr Mayor did a fine job with  the ace Awards and uh I thought was a good event I want to I once again just congratulate Hunter  wendelstad on your Proclamation and your Goodwill ambassadorship to the city of Ormond Beach you make  us proud and you give us a lot of exposure when when you're on uh when you're out doing  your thing so we appreciate that um something I think the commissioner Boyle former commissioner  Boyle discussed this evening was the city commission and I think Mr Mayor you've touched on it as well  I am just over the top pleased with how this commission gets along I mean we really we we we  work together as I think Mr Mayor you said we we can be disagreeable at times we can disagree but  we're never disagreeable so I just want to shout Kudos out to my fellow Commissioners great work  you all do a great job um and and lastly I guess I'll start off congratulating Mayor Partington on  your last meeting thank you for everything you've done I've known you over well over 20 years before  you were even elected official um in fact I was serving on the planning board when you were elected to  the commission I think in 2000 back when you used to have City commission elections on odd years I  think it was 2003 I think is when you were elected and uh I was on the planning board in the DRB yes  and remember working with you back in those days um but you've been a tremendous leader a consensus  Builder you know residents and Commissioners look to the mayor for guidance and Leadership and you  have certainly provided that uh as as your term as mayor um again just you're a great mentor and  a great friend and I wish you luck in Tallahassee has know you represent as well with that Mr Mayor  I'll say good night thank you thank you Deputy Mayor and commissioner Tolland thank you so mine  not is not in any specific order um I do want to just shout out again um to the native plant  month celebration so thank you thank you guys for putting up with me with all the native plants I do  appreciate it think we're making good progress um I just want to see what I want to see what a paw  paaw is yeah honestly I learned something tonight can you bring one no I don't know what a pawpaw  plan is so but I know it's native anyway I I do appreciate the fact that um you know they they  are a society that has worked behind the scenes for a long time and it's just cool that they're  getting some recognition and getting some Traction in Volusia County and in Ormond Beach um I wanted to  piggyback on what Joyce was saying when she was thanking her staff and all her employees and she  named quite a few people in all the hard workers I did go up to Nova when they were giving out the  sandbags I thought oh in my little way I would go up and take a little lunch order and go over  to Burger King and get some lunch they had it was such an efficient system and there was probably a  100 employees out there in Orange shirts sweating putting sand in bags in everybody's car there was  a line of traffic stacks of pizza boxes so my little offer was like thank you lady just go  home we're got we got we got it um but what I what she I think she failed to mention was an  oversight is the amount of public information that we received by Jen Elston she was amazing I I would residents would call me and I would say look on you know look on our on Instagram  and and on our website or what's what's what's going on and she was always right  on it and you know I know probably just like all of you all up here you would have  a resident call and say hey the water Main break we got raw sewer going in our garage  we have this and that one phone call and within 15 minutes you would get a response  from our city manager or from Shawn or whoever saying here's a picture of that  truck already addressing that issue so it it it the responsiveness was amazing um let's see also want to um just let you all know that I did attend the um Florida League of cities policy  committee um last week on utilities natural resources and public Public Works we are in  the process of creating a legislative statement for tally um some of the discussions were on water  um how you provide water to neighboring cities the surcharge if that's what they want to  do what they don't want to do so there was a very lively discussion if you are a water provider or a  water receiver what how you are going to address that so I'm not sure if we're going to come up  with an answer on that um there was also a good discussion on the state park initiative um that  the um FDEP was was um talking about let's say last last month to increase public use in state parks  and that was a very vehement no that nobody wants that and we'll probably work through that and then  there was also some recycling initiatives and talking about Recycling and obstacles so it's  all good discussion I'm really happy to be on this um committee I think it really will make an impact  in all of um Florida at some point um also want to thank those that did walk with the American Heart  Walk and those that donated to it um um I hope next year that I will be a better team leader and  try to get more people involved and raise more money I think we raised about 500 thou 500,000  gez 500 yeah $5,000 5,000 no $500 see I've never been good with money anyway um we did raise a good  amount of money and we had a nice walk two and a half mile walk around the um Speedway so thank you  for those that came to that event um Bill change to Saturday yes I think Friday night is a bad  night but I'm not in charge um Bill I you know we this has been like the Bill day I I can everywhere  I go it's a Bill day and and you deserve it um I just want to thank you um for your years of  service to Ormond Beach as a commissioner and as a mayor I've only really gotten to know you the last  few years um as a mayor and um your commitment and I'm to really preserving home role was really  is really notable and protecting our residents from that heavy Industrial Development for all of  us to make a statement and for you to help lead us through there was really appreciated and I  just wish you the very best as you move forward in your career and um I'm sure you won't forget  Ormond Beach when we uh contact you with with all our needs and our wish lists um and lastly um but  not leastly I want to I do want to thank the city manager and staff and all our First Responders  for their 24/7 attention um and the efforts to keep our community safe from the hurricane it  has been amazing um you know Mother Nature never shows any um mercy when it decides to show when  she decides to show up and our community is very blessed um to have caring hardworking personnel  and Leadership and with that I'll say good night thank you commissioner. Commissioner Sargent thank  you Mr Mayor um I have a lot tonight first I would like to Echo my fellow Commissioners uh heartfelt  thank you to staff I mean working tires tirelessly through this hurricane and on Sunday seeing all  these employees out there fixing the drainage pipes fixing everything when I'm sure some of  them have their own personal issues to deal with at home and they're doing it with a smile um just  so thank you um Saturday I had the privilege of meeting with the CEO of FPL out at the speedway  along with Senator Wright and Daytona Beach commissioner Quanita May um it was great for for  you know he asked us our concerns and questions and what we needed and here we are Tuesday and I  don't see anyone that's without power right now in the grid that I just looked on online I'm  sure there's some one-offs but for the most part everyone has our power back I mean this is almost  unheard of um so that's a a great commitment that they have to to you know partner with the city of  Ormond their efforts were greatly appreciated I would like to you know as we move forward from  recovery to start looking maybe at these the city culverts and how can we inspect them and maybe do  better and we do a great job but I always think we can do better um some of them are old collapsing  and I just think that as much rain as we had I know there's it was a lot at once but I just  think that we need to look at these culverts I also think that I've been thinking about this for  many years and some people think I'm crazy but if it would be great if we could have staff look at  working with someone about maybe doing a study of doing an inlet up at Highbridge it would open up  the flow of the river clean it out reduce water levels that property just north of Highbridge  has a natural cut all the way to A1A it's already federal land you're not taking anyone's property  I know it's kind of a far-fetched it's outside of the city's realm but if you look at it the flow of  this River here is pretty stagnant because of all the bridges that have been put in over the years  so going to pont's Inland it doesn't flow well and then we have the small inlet at Matanzas that  really doesn't empty out that much either so just a thought to throw out there um at the Highbridge  area I don't know what it would do to the Tomoka River or the Basin I mean there's a lot of things  to look at it um just just thought there Ike Learry left but another great fishing tournament that we  had last weekend the Sargentt boys came first and third and their age divisions nice um I  broke one of the trophies putting one to bed the other night but think have to glue that together  um and it was great too even after a hurricane Robert the fields out at the Hull road we were  able to have a baseball game last night wow I mean four I think four of the fields three of the four  of the fields we had games playing kids running around after we just got done with the hurricane  that's great and they weren't flooded anymore so I'm looking forward to Nova Road getting opened  up hopefully tomorrow tonight great cuz the kids are really want to play ball um what else do I  have here um and I guess I'll I'll I'll end with you Mr Mayor thank you for your leadership thank  you for your service to our community um I pride myself on being able to read people I took a class  years ago I got to tell you I can't read you you have Poker Face I never know which way it's going  to go and it's always a surprise and it's great I appreciate your leadership and and your commitment  to the city of Ormond and look forward to your leadership in Tallahassee um just wish you the  very best and with that I'll say good night thank you thank you commissioner and commissioner Persis  thank you, mayor um let's see what commissioner Sargent I just want to tell you what you  mentioned about Highbridge all these old timers I know that have that have gr grown and raised here  have always talked about that having an inlet at Highbridge that's something that I'm I'm so happy  that you brought that up because that's that's been out there it's been talked about so I'm glad  you brought that up I just have to say that's wonderful um I just want to also thank staff  for everything you did for during and after the hurricane it was it was quite a storm that we had  and unprecedented rain and um you know Ormond Beach is is a wonderful City and they show it you know  when the times are good and when the times are bad and they definitely did you know showed up um and  helped everybody as as much as they could during during this terrible storm I would like for us to  keep the families of those who lost someone during this hurricane in your prayers at least you know  two people we we you know knew in our community um passed away very very sad um that that had to  happen um so please keep keep them in your prayers uh to today we had the state of the city um and  Mr Mayor you did a great job leading that it was a it was wonderful our City's thriving and we're  and we're just doing great it's something to be so proud of I just I love being there and I  also wanted to say that I also attended the of my committee meeting at the Florida League of cities  um last month or was it it was this month earlier and um I'm on the municipal operations legislative  policy committee this year and each committee what they do is they set priorities we meet about three  times during the year and then we at the end we we will vote and decide what what priority we want to  to focus on and bring it up to Tallahassee to see if we can get funding or get support with  that and um so the four priorities we talked about that we ended up um all liking was Public  Safety Recruitment and Retention and that's goes with our First Responders you know and and our  firefighters and people that help us and I think that's so important that we are focusing on that  I was absolutely thrilled the next one was cyber security inabit liability because that's starting  to happen a little bit more with cities and and businesses so that's something that we need to  look at um virtual governing body meetings which is like if you have a YouTube channel  which I think we're going to be getting um those people can see our meetings um live and then the  last one was public records exemptions for City Clerks and staff because that's something that  um they didn't think that was that important that they needed to go through all that paperwork for  for those folks so I'll keep you posted on that um let's see um I did that I also want to thank um uh  Hunter Wendle Stadt for being our ambassador thank you very much that's wonderful you I can't think of a  better person just just perfect so very proud of you um and and lastly Bill this is real hard for  me to say goodbye to you sitting here I don't want to when I want to cry but I've known the  Partington family a long time and I see you know Lori out there and Ann and faith and and CJ I was  Ann's principal I was Faith's principal and Lori was always at the school helping and Bill would be  would come and give the teacher um teacher of the quarter Awards and I got to know the family and  um and and now here we are at at this point and it's just I'm very excited for you I'm thrilled  I'm going to miss you a lot um I'm just so glad we're friends and I feel like I'm friends with  your whole family and I really care about each of you and I know good things are coming I mean good  things and I think change is always good and and um you know we always have to move on but um just  thank you for all you've done over 21 years for the city of Ormond Beach and how you've led us just  so in such a wonderful classy and sophisticated and just wonderful manner and I think we have all  all of us you've heard all of us say we've all learned from you and um and that's what you do  you take all the good things and you use them and whatever comes up in your life so thank you again  for everything I'm just very very proud of you and with that I'll say good night thank you   and thank you all for the for the kind words uh is very special um the heartwalk was fantastic  I love the speedway anyway and so to be there walking around it it has so much history and  you know most of the time you see it on TV or you see it if you're lucky enough to go to a race in  person um but to be out there on the track next year I'm looking for the heart saunter because  Joyce and commissioner Tolland really walk fast so I was I didn't let them know like I didn't want  to look uh weak or anything but I was struggling to keep up it was good for me probably two and  a half miles uh right off the bat but a great event and commissioner Tolland thank you for your  leadership on that a great community spirit out there for that for that whole thing uh the state  of the city was fantastic if you haven't seen the video I think it's one of the best that staff has  put together each of the Commissioners did a wonderful job in their segments and it's so  much better than a than a long speech and I think so much uh the way it portrays all that happens  in a year it's almost mindboggling to see all the things that are going on my guess is you can pull  that off of Facebook or even on search YouTube or so it's all over it's out now there's a QR  code also that you can get it but uh or text me or email me and I'll send it to you but it  was one of the best and uh so many great people that we were able to recognize uh as far as the  policy committee goes with the Florida League of Cities and the national league as well I want to  thank the commission for being so involved in that you learn so much and you get ahead on so  many of the issues um and then you also share your knowledge with other people from around  the state and with FLC staff and it's just a wonderful wonderful opportunity to do all those  things and it benefits the city of Ormond Beach so thank you all for it's extra time and extra work  but you've committed to it so thank you thank you for that um the hurricane was a gut punch  to the city of of Ormond Beach our ground was already saturated super wet already from weeks  of rain prior to Helene uh also brought rain and then to get almost 2 feet I think Ormond Beach  had the most rain rain in the entire County I think I heard Jim judge say that almost 2 feet  of rain within uh less than 18 hours it's just an incredible amount and uh was going to overwhelm  our systems no matter what uh I checked with the city manager my understanding is that there were  only 11 homes that had water in them you hate to have water in any home but that 09 storm I want to  say we had 30 or 40 homes if not more with water in them so we we have improved in a way you can  never completely solve the problem uh they say men men plan and God laughs uh but we can try and we  have tried and we've made great strides the one thing um Joyce and Shawn I hope you'll continue to  push for the funding of the uh Fleming pump to the river underground that's the south end of Central  Park I feel like that pump would be able to get a lot more water out quicker and uh really solve a  lot of the problems not only for Ormond Beach but being on the North End of the Nova Canal system  would help Daytona Holly Hill and Port Orange as well uh prevent flooding and and move a lot  of water um regrets of course and sympathies I hate the fact fact that we lost two Ormond Beach  residents terrible situation um very sad and so uh just unfortunate I don't really think there's  anything we could have done when a tree falls like that you never expect it Deputy Mayor like  you said we all have and probably all of us have trees around our houses that something like that  could happen and just but for the grace of God it didn't uh the other was a heart attack situation  and we couldn't get to him in time um nobody's nobody's fault just terrible terrible timing but  certainly regrets and sympathies to the families on that our staff is amazing uh you say the word  hurricane and they have like a muscle reflex reaction where they spring into action every  time and they know exactly what to do and when to do it it's amazing to watch it's amazing to listen  to I had a radio uh for the last two storm events and when you listen to Public Works you listen to  police and you listen to fire uh the number of calls that they go on and the professional  bearing that they have in dealing with all those situations uh Wednesday morning I think it was I  was listening to the the scanner and there was a uh naked man reported on Walter Bordman Lane and  I thought thought to myself all right here we go the storm has begun luckily that's in Volusia  County so it wasn't Ormond Beach's problem but it's just it's just a you know you never you  never know yeah you can't you can't make it up but uh there were a lot of heart attacks there  were a lot of strokes that our fire department was responding to uh police had to calm a lot of  situations people really get on edge during these events and uh listening to Public Works and the  professionalism that they responded to water main breaks and sewer issues um traffic issues whatever  it was everybody worked so hard and did an amazing job I really appreciate that Joyce has Claire and  Shawn as assistant city managers who have extreme expertise and specialties in different areas I  think I mean I just love that team structure and it's just kind of developed in the last couple  months and I've been meaning to say that but um each of you is special to the city Shawn and  Claire and we're lucky to have you and thank you for all you do for Ormond Beach and to help Joyce  um because I know she relies on you quite a bit uh the sewage issue the one gentleman spoke about  I know you're working on that it's hard any City when you get hit with that much water uh  and we I know as a city we self-report that to Department of Environmental Protection I get  those emails from around the county because I signed up for them uh years ago and our problem  isn't as bad as many other cities and the county but uh when you get that much water you're going  to have some overflow and uh we treat it uh rake it spread lime do all the things that you can do  to mitigate whatever the spill was and we didn't have huge spills from from the numbers that I saw  but we self-report it then to make sure that FDEP knows that what we're doing and it's transparent  nobody's nobody's trying to hide the fact and I think it's well well understood and accepted  that that's a problem when you have these huge storm events electricity commissioner Sargent  you talked about uh we got ours back yesterday afternoon thank gosh it was a little cooler so  it was easier to deal with versus those summer storms where it's just miserable hot when there's  no electricity uh but there's no rhyme or reason to it we have underground utilities some people  say well if we just undergrounded them we'd be able to survive a storm and never lose electricity  not true because we have underground uh utilities and and we didn't have power for 4 days uh I know  in Tomoka Oaks I think it's Pine Valley Circle they have have above ground utilities and they  didn't have power for almost 4 days if I if I recall correctly so really there's no no rhyme  or reason to it I think hardening is good and I know along uh gosh is it Tomoka Avenue there's  some old infrastructure there with FPL and the lines are working and the power is on now but  I think they really need to look at improving that area and maybe hardening that infrastructure there  also the uh tree on Orchard West of Arby's the trees really got hit hard there and it's going  to change the look of that area which I hate because between the bank and and there there's  some beautiful there were some beautiful old oak trees uh one of the largest ones in front of the  bank but the tree that I'm thinking of West of Arby's uh is half of it has sheared off and what's  left of it is cracked in a precarious way where that huge Branch I I worry is going to fall on  somebody's car when they're least expecting it and I think I don't know if that's the city's  responsibility but if you could look at that just to make sure it just looks like it's ready to let  go and I don't want anybody hurt um make sure I covered everything I think that's everything  really commissioner Sargent I love the inlet idea at Highbridge when when you sit at Matanzas or you  sit at ponts and you look at the beautiful clear water coming in and out of there and to think we  could have that uh in the Halifax River again and have the Tomoka river uh continuing to be  a a beautiful natural pristine river I love that idea commissioner Persis you talked about people  have been talking about that for years and uh so I would be all interested in trying to figure out  how to make that happen I'll close just by saying that uh there are exciting times ahead for Ormond  Beach this particular commission has been wonderful to work with and I've enjoyed every  minute of it uh the picture that I gave you again is one of my one of my favorite pictures and I'll  cherish these last two years uh so thank you all for that and with that we are adjourned good night.