CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
March 11, 2003

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Bill Alexander, Richard Frith, Pam Feagle, Doug Everett

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Billy LaValle, Glenn Ratliff, Bill Blue and Annette
Anderson

Mayor Frith called the meeting to order. Councilmember Alexander led those attending the meeting in
prayer. Mayor Frith led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The secretary then called
the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (3)…PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE(S) OF APPRECIATION TO CITY

EMPLOYEE(S) FOR YEARS OF SERVICE.

Police Department employee Tommy Norman was not present.

AGENDA ITEM (4)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES.

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Feagle made a motion to adopt the minutes of
February 18, 2003 Special Session and February 25, 2003, Regular Session as written; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (5)…RECEIVING REQUESTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Mr. Johnny Sirmans, Taylor County Leadership Council (TCLC), addressed the Council to ask the
Council’s consideration of waiving the permit fees for Leisure Time Associates to put on a carnival at
the Jerkins School site. Mr. Sirmans said the organization is a non-profit organization. When asked by
Mayor Frith, Director of Community Development Billy LaValle said the total cost would be $100.00.

Councilmember Feagle said someone had told her the TCLC no longer existed and that recently some
rotten food had been hauled off from TCLC location. Councilmember Feagle said she was also told
that Mr. Marty King, who had addressed the City Council seeking funding for TCLC was no longer
associated with TCLC. Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Sirmans if he knew anything about this
information.
Page 2, March 11, 2003, Count Minutes – Regular Session

Mr. Sirmans said, unfortunately, TCLC had to cut some programs because of funding and one of those
was the Kid’s Café (Second Harvest). Councilmember Scott asked if it was correct that TCLC was not
responsible for the distribution of food and did not run that organization, but instead allowed the Kid’s
Café to use the space. Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Sirmans why it was so costly for the program
to remain. Mr. Sirmans said utilities (water, electricity, etc.) were costly. Councilmember Feagle
asked if the monies the City gave to TCLC last year were used to pay for these utilities. Mr. Sirmans
answered that the monies were used for utilities. Councilmember Everett asked what the proceeds
from the carnival would go towards if this request were to be approved. Mr. Sirmans said the purpose
is to bring money into TCLC so they can better assess situations in the community. Mr. Sirmans said
the money would also help provide heat and air-conditioning for the building. Mr. Sirmans said TCLC
is trying to generate funds to put back into the community.

Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Sirmans if he was the leader of the organization. Mr. Sirmans stated
he resented that question and said TCLC was comprised of board members. Councilmember Feagle
asked the name of the chairman of the TCLC board. Mr. Sirmans said Rod Williams was the chairman.
Councilmember Feagle asked Marty King’s role. Mr. Sirmans said Mr. King is the executive director
of TCLC. Councilmember Feagle asked if the Board was currently organized and meetings held. Mr.
Sirmans answered yes.

Mr. Sirmans said the organization had looked at other concerns with holding the carnival and said
traffic and security could be a concern. Mr. Sirmans said the organization would also like to request
the City supply the community with security by using local police officers on the carnival days (April
3rd -5th ). Mr. Sirmans requested the City allow the police officers to direct traffic as well as oversee the
security of the area. Mr. Sirmans said the hours would be 5 p. m. to 9 p. m.

Councilmember Everett asked if any precedent on such issue had been set as it pertains to specific
organizations. City Manager Bill Brynes said no. Councilmember Everett said Mr. Sirmans would
have to talk with the city manager and chief of police regarding use of city police officers as requested.
Mr. Brynes asked Mr. Sirmans what they would do about water for the carnival. Mr. Sirmans said they
would run hoses to the units. Director of Public Works Barney Johnson said doing this would be in
violation of the city’s ordinance on this issue. Councilmember Everett suggested back-flow prevention
could be used. Councilmember Alexander then made a motion that the City waive the $100.00 fee for
the Taylor County Leadership Council to hold a carnival at the old Jerkins school site. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 3, March 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(A)…A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PROGRESS ENERGY TO ADDRESS THE

CITY COUNCIL AT THE COUNCIL’S REQUEST TO DISCUSS ISSUES RELATED TO SERVICES
PROVIDED TO THE CITY BY PROGRESS ENERGY.

Those representing Progress Energy were Mr. Tom Tuckey, Community Relations Manager; Bill King,
Operations Manager for North Florida; Steve Buchanan, Line Foreman; David Crumb, Engineering;
and Eddy Holman, Line Foreman. Mr. Tuckey first addressed the Council noting that he had met some
time ago with city staff Bill Brynes and Barney Johnson, Buddy Humphries from the Taylor County
Development Authority, and county manager Ed Harvey to discuss several concerns. Mr. Tuckey said
Progress Energy is committed to excellence and has pledge to do everything possible to correct these
issues and provide the services expected.

Mayor Frith began discussion telling Mr. Tuckey several residents are concerned about lighting in their
neighborhoods and staff has said there didn’t seem to be the level of cooperation from Progress Energy
as there had been in the past. Mayor Frith noted there are approximately 118 to 120 street lights out of
service throughout the City at this time. Mr. Tuckey addressed this information saying that they would
prefer to receive notice of streetlight outage in a timelier manner rather than to receive 100 notices at
one time. Director of Public Works Barney Johnson explained the city checks for outages
approximately twice a year but if it is known that a streetlight is out, it is turned in to Progress Energy.
Mr. Johnson said he has a list of 107 streetlights that are currently out that he would provide to Mr.
Tuckey. Mr. Johnson commented about the length of time it takes to get streetlights installed. Mr.
Tuckey said there had been an internal problem with that particular work area. Mr. Tuckey said he
would make a commitment that this does not happen again.

Mayor Frith spoke of the City’s streetlight policy whereby streetlights are not to be placed closer than
300 feet apart, excluding so-called private lights that residents themselves install. Mayor Frith said it
had been found that this is not always a workable policy. Mayor Frith asked Mr. Tuckey if there was a
standard placement of lights that the City could follow. Mr. King said most of the time it depends on
the roadway upon which lights are installed. Mr. King said placement of lights upon local city streets
is entirely up to the Council.

Mayor Frith said most requests come from residents in neighborhoods and are not for installation on
major highways. Mayor Frith said, in the past, the Council has been generous in granting street light
requests when residents have shown a need for them. Mayor Frith said also there seems to be a
difference of opinion concerning the candlepower in some of the lights. One of the Progress Energy
representatives said when it comes to street lighting there are certain regulations (state and federal) and
there has been some changes in the specifications. The representative said Progress Energy has a
department that specializes in the laws and regulations regarding lighting (candle power) that can work
with city staff to offer suggestions to meet the new standards. The representative said Progress Energy
could also consider checking streetlight outages themselves on a quarterly basis.
Page 4, March 11, 2003 Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmember Everett asked the time frame for installation of streetlights if the Council should
approve placing streetlights in a certain area. The representative said the lead-time runs between four
to eight weeks, longer if the Department of Transportation is involved. There was some discussion
about the cost of streetlights. The representative said there are so many variables such as whether it is
new or old lighting and pole sizes. Mayor Frith asked if certain specifications are given to Progress
Energy when the City requests street lighting. Mr. Johnson said they are given only the pole number.
In discussing the monthly fees, individual said the cost has not changed in several years.
Councilmember Scott asked who determines the wattage of lighting. The representative said the
customer (City) makes that decision. Councilmember Feagle asked if checking the lights twice a year
is adequate. Mr. Tuckey said no and said maybe PE could look at checking the lights on a quarterly
basis. Mr. King said the lights could then be fixed as they are found. Mr. King suggested the city’s
police officers could also spot and note streetlights that are out. Mr. Tuckey said citizens can also call
PE to give location of streetlights that are out and PE has three days to fix.

Mayor Frith said the Council could address agenda item 6(G) at this time also. (AGENDA ITEM
6(G)…CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS CITY OF PERRY STREETLIGHT POLICY.)
Councilmember Scott then spoke about requests for streetlights in the El Rancho Subdivision area,
specifically El Matador, El Dorado and El Primero. Mr. Johnson said the installation of streetlights in
the middle of these streets would not meet the criteria. Councilmember Feagle said she viewed these
streets at night after the last Council meeting and agrees the streets are dark. Councilmember Everett
said there is nothing that says the City can’t keep making exceptions and still keep the streetlight
policy in place and commented the City really doesn’t have a lot of streetlight issues. Councilmember
Everett said the streetlight policy was put in place for new development in the City. Councilmember
Everett commented that, unfortunately, there is not a lot of new development and the issue doesn’t
need to be addressed a lot in his opinion. Councilmember Everett suggested continuing to address
streetlight requests on a case-by-case basis. Councilmember Everett said he personally would like to
see streetlights installed as close as possible to lot five on El Matador, El Primero, El Dorado and
Nancy Street without installation of new poles and space the light on Nancy Street in the same fashion
to give equal amount of coverage. Councilmember Everett said he would also charge Progress Energy
to “put it in gear” and install the streetlights as soon as possible. Councilmember Feagle seconded the
motion. Upon roll call vote, Councilmember Scott asked if a streetlight could be placed at 12th Street
and 14th Street. Councilmember Everett amended his motion to include streetlight installation at 12th
Street and 14th Street. Councilmember Feagle seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 5, March 11, 2003 Council Minutes-Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(B)…CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF INTERLOCAL

AGREEMENT BETWEEN SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND THE
CITY OF PERRY FOR STORMWATER ENHANCEMENTS.

Mr. Brynes said when the City did the storm water project on Main Street, Suwannee River Water
Management District (SRWMD) advised the City to treat the storm water. Mr. Brynes said this
agreement allows for reimbursement of costs from SRWMD. Councilmember Everett made a motion
to approve the interlocal agreement between Suwannee River Water Management District and the City
of Perry for storm water enhancements. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon
roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 6(C)…PROCLAMATION – FAMU DAY.

Mayor Frith read the proclamation aloud. The proclamation recognizes the president of the Florida A
& M University (FAMU) who will be honored locally. It was the consensus of the Council to adopt
the proclamation.

AGENDA ITEM 6(D)…PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK.

It was the consensus of the Council to adopt the proclamation for National Public Works Week.

AGENDA ITEM 6(E)…CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS CITY’S SEWER PROJECT.
Mr. Brynes told the Council the City had to have a facilities plan in place and approved before any
reimbursement from the state. Mr. Brynes said the City had received a letter from the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection regarding reimbursement for the City’s sewer project. Mr.
Brynes said the project could continue moving forward. Mr. Brynes said part of the project involves
doing an inflow and infiltration study. Mr. Brynes noted there had been infiltration into the sewer lines
with the recent heavy rainfalls and he thinks the City should proceed with selecting an engineering
firm to do the study. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the City proceed
with selecting an engineering firm to do the study.

AGENDA ITEM 6(F)…CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS RECREATIONAL ITEMS

(SWIMMING POOL AND CITY PARK)

Mr. Brynes first reviewed the cost for a fence and installation around City Park and construction of
additional parking spaces. Mr. Brynes said the cost for a four-foot fence would be $15,000 and the
cost for a five-foot fence would be $18,000. The Council discussed leaving the gate entrance
accessible. Mr. Johnson suggested putting a spring on the gates so they will close automatically.
Page 6, March 11, 2003 Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmember Everett suggested putting a gate in the center of the fence on Leon Street and leaving
the gate at the north corner of the park. Councilmember Everett made a motion to approve the
installation of a four-foot fence at City Park at a cost of $15,000. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

The next recreational item discussed was the rehab of the City pool. Mr. Brynes said the estimated
cost would be $70,000. Director of Recreation Glenn Ratliff said this would include repairs inside the
pool and tile work. Councilmember Everett asked about the time required to complete the repairs
questioning whether this would be done in time for the swim team to have access to the pool. Mr.
Ratliff said it would take approximately three weeks to start and approximately 20 days to finish the
job. Councilmember Everett said if the City’s objective is to provide a certain level of service to the
community, he doesn’t see any way but to pay the $70,000 to repair the pool. Councilmember Everett
then made the motion that the City pool be repaired at a cost of approximately $70,000. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Councilmember Scott then asked Mr. Ratliff about the shortage of lifeguards for the City pool and the
Jerkins pool. Mr. Ratliff explained that not all those who sign up actually show up for training or pass
the training. Mr. Ratliff said the City does recruit for lifeguards and five lifeguards would be returning
this year and ten individuals have signed up. When asked by Councilmember Feagle what lifeguards
are paid, Mr. Ratliff said most are paid the minimum wage. Councilmember Feagle said for the
responsibilities the lifeguards have the wages of the lifeguards should be considered. Mr. Ratliff
briefly discussed the training through the American Red Cross. Mr. Ratliff said there is a limited time
frame given to Perry for this training.

Councilmember Everett asked to be excused from the meeting at approximately 7:25 p. m. The
Council excused Councilmember Everett at that time.

Councilmember Scott suggested, if possible, that black lifeguards be recruited for the Jerkins Pool
rather than Caucasian females, as the black lifeguards seem to function better at the Jerkins Pool.
Councilmember Scott requested this be taken into consideration.
Page 7, March 11, 2003, Council Minutes-Regular Session

AGENDA ITEM 6(G)…CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF TO DISCUSS CITY OF PERRY

STREETLIGHT POLICY.

This item discussed earlier in the meeting.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…CITY MANAGER.

Mr. Brynes updated the Council on the land clearing at the site of the spray field. Mr. Brynes said
workers have been using a bush hog but a plow is needed to complete the work. Mr. Brynes said the
cost would be approximately $2,500.00. After a brief discussion, Councilmember Scott made a motion
to approve the purchase of a plow at a cost of approximately $2,500.00. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (8)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

Director of Public Works Barney Johnson said he had received a request from Wachovia Bank (W.
Green Street) for additional parking. Mr. Johnson said there might be room for one parking space on
the most west part of that area. It was the consensus of the Council to add the additional parking
space.

Director of Recreation Glenn Ratliff said there have been complaints about mosquitoes, especially at
the ball fields. The Council suggested the County be notified about this problem.

City Attorney Bill Blue told the Council he was asked by staff to review an agreement from the
Department of Transportation (DOT) between DOT and the City for traffic signal maintenance. Mr.
Blue told the Council it was not an advisable agreement. Mr. Blue explained the agreement provided
for the City to take over the operation and maintenance of the street traffic lights on the right-of-way.
Mr. Blue said both the State and the City have caps on damages they could be required to pay. Mr.
Blue said if the City signs the agreement it would be agreeing to reimburse DOT what it pays out
whether damages are limited or not. After discussion, Councilmember Alexander made a motion that
the City not sign the agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott and upon roll call
vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X
Page 8, March 11, 2003 Council Minutes-Regular Session

Mr. Blue informed the Council staff had requested he check on a problem with a local contractor. Mr.
Blue said his recommendation would be to file a complaint with the Construction Industry Licensing
Board in Tallahassee and not pursue the issue locally.

AGENDA ITEM (9)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

Councilmember Feagle commented favorably regarding the City’s recent blood drive commenting that
there was a good response. Councilmember Feagle spoke about the flooding problems in the City and
mentioned a specific area on Washington. Mr. Johnson said a drainage system had never been put in
place there.

Councilmember Scott noted a problem with water on a certain portion of Church Street. Mr. Johnson
said the County owns this area of the street.

Councilmember Feagle asked about getting prison inmates to clean the creeks out when the water is
low. Mr. Johnson said the City could get inmates everyday but they are usually busy elsewhere and if
the inmates don’t want to do this work, the City employees have to do it.

Councilmember Alexander asked what could be done about getting water off Martin Luther King and
Warner. Mr. Johnson said the pond could be made bigger, but there has just been so much rain this
year recently.

There was discussion about water problems associated with the Tidewater Apartments. Mr. Blue asked
if the owner had altered the slope of the property in the last four years. Mr. Johnson answered no. Mr.
Blue said the owner is probably not liable for the water.

Councilmember Scott thanked Mr. LaValle for the cleanup of property on Willow Street.

AGENDA ITEM (10)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 7:50 p. m.

ATTEST:

_______________________________ _________________________________
William E. Brynes, City Manager Richard D. Frith, Mayor

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date