CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
December 11, 2001

MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Scott, Richard Frith and Pam Feagle

MEMBERS ABSENT: Doug Everett and William Alexander

STAFF PRESENT: Bill Brynes, Barney Johnson, Wayne Putnal, Billy LaValle, Bill Blue and
Annette Anderson

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

Mayor Frith noted that Councilmember Alexander had a death in the family and was unable to attend
the meeting.

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

EMPLOYEE(S) FOR YEARS OF SERVICE.

The employee was not present.

AGENDA ITEM (4)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: November 27, 2001 Regular Session
and December 4, 2001 Special Session.

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Feagle made a motion to adopt the minutes of
November 27, 2001, Regular Session and December 4, 2001, Special Session as written; seconded by
Councilmember Scott and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander ABSENT
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett ABSENT
Mayor Frith X

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

Mr. Louis Sadler addressed the Council on behalf of his mother regarding her utility bill. Mr. Sadler
said his mother’s utility bill has been approximately $30.00 each month, but this month it was $345.00,
with $280.00 of this amount being for water service. Mr. Sadler said it appears this is a “catch up” bill.

Director of Community Development/Finance Billy LaValle told the Council that, apparently, Mrs.
Sadler has a well and is able to use water without being hooked up to the city water system. Mr.
LaValle told the Council he does not know why but Mrs. Sadler’s water meter had not been read in
about seven months and the amount on her utility bill reflects the current reading. Mayor Frith asked if
water through the well is running through the meter. Mr. Sadler said no.
Page 2, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Director of Public Works Barney Johnson told the Council there appears to be two problems. The first
being that the City is at fault for not reading the meter; and second, the ordinance does not allow a
private resident to be hooked to a well—they have to be hooked to city water.

Councilmember Feagle asked Mrs. Sadler if she has continued to receive a bill these past seven
months. Mrs. Sadler answered yes and said the water bill has been $3.00 each month. Councilmember
Feagle asked how a bill could be generated each month if there is no usage. Mr. LaValle explained this
amount is the minimum that would be charged to any resident. City Manager Bill Brynes further
explained the amount is a meter charge and not a consumption charge.

After further discussion, Mayor Frith suggested a moratorium be put on Mrs. Sadler’s bill until staff
could find out more information on this matter. Mayor Frith said Mrs. Sadler could continue paying
whatever she has been paying each month for water until this matter is resolved. Councilmember Scott
and Councilmember Feagle agreed.

AGENDA ITEM 6(A)…RESOLUTION NO. 2001-26

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PERRY, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FORM OF AN ALL

REQUIREMENTS GAS SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF GAS
AND OTHER SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING NEGOTIATIONS OF RELATED FINANCIAL
PRODUCTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AS PROVIDED FOR THEREIN; AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTION OF THE ALL REQUIREMENTS GAS SERVICES AGREEMENT AND
RELATED INSTRUMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE DELIVERY OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS
TO FLORIDA GAS UTILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE MAKING OF PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO
SAID ALL REQUIREMENTS GAS SERVICES AGREEMENT, AND MAKING CERTAIN
COVENANTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAID PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE MAKING
OF PAYMENTS PURSUANT TO SAID FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS PROVIDING FOR
FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AUTHORIZED BY THE ALL REQUIREMENTS GAS SERVICES
AGREEMENT AND IMPLEMENTED BY THE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE, AND MAKING
CERTAIN COVENANTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAID PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE
APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE; PROVIDING CERTAIN OTHER
AUTHORIZATIONS; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING CERTAIN OTHER
DETAILS WITH RESPECT THERETO.

Mr. Brynes told the Council this is the resolution discussed at the November 27, 2001 Council meeting
regarding increasing the credit worthiness of organization. Mr. Brynes told the Council the City has
the option of passing this resolution or putting up $71,000. When asked by Councilmember Feagle to
further explain, Mr. Brynes said by passing the resolution the City would be committing to an 18-
month notice to Florida Gas Utility rather than having to put up the $71,000. Councilmember Feagle
made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2001-26. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Scott
and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander ABSENT
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett ABSENT
Mayor Frith X
Page 3, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

With the consensus of the Council, Mayor Frith deviated from the agenda to discuss item 6(C) at this
time.

AGENDA ITEM 6(C)…COUNCILMEMER FEAGLE TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE

VETERANS’ PARK AREA.

Councilmember Feagle provided Council, staff and others with a copy of her proposal for
improvements to the Veterans’ Park area. Local veterans Randy Trammell and Ed Sheffield were
present and addressed the Council to express their support and willingness to help with this project.

Councilmember Feagle suggested a marble-type memorial dedicated to veterans could be erected at

the park and questioned the possibility of funding the project through a grant. Councilmember Feagle
said the Council could partner with the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a committee that
could develop proposals and suggestions for funding. City Attorney Bill Blue suggested that the
County Veterans Affairs Officer be contacted for input on funding. Councilmember Feagle also
addressed initial maintenance and a repair work list for Veterans’ Park.

Mr. Trammel, post commander of the local VFW, presented several ideas that veterans been working
on for some time. Mr. Trammel suggested the possibility of painting a mural on the side of the
pavilion building that faces the Woodlawn Cemetery. Mr. Trammel also suggested individual plaques
with veteran’s names rather than one big memorial. Mr. Trammel suggested this could also be done in
other areas, such as at Loughridge Park. Councilmember Scott said she would prefer to see the names
of veterans in one place and this should be at Veterans’ Park.

Mr. Sheffield thanked the Council for their support of the veterans in renaming the Jaycee Park to
Veterans’ Park and changing College Street to Veterans’ Drive. Mr. Sheffield said these gestures are
very much appreciated by local veterans.

AGENDA ITEM 6(B)…CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS NATURAL GAS PRICING.

Mr. Brynes provided information to the Council reflecting the City’s gas revenue fund cash receipts
and expenses from the September monthly financial statement for years 1995 to 2001. Mr. Brynes also
reviewed information reflecting volumes and costs of gas to the customer for October, November and
December of the past five years.

Councilmember Feagle said, as was discussed last meeting, the City has the next lowest rate per therm
of several comparable cities. It was noted the City of Live Oak has the lowest rate per therm.
Councilmember Feagle questioned why the City could not charge the same rate per therm as Live Oak.
Mr. Brynes explained the City of Live Oak and the City of Perry have the same formula but the City of
Live Oak charges a 10% tax to the rate, whereas the City of Perry does not. Mr. Brynes said if the City
were to lower the gas rate it might have to raise taxes in order to make the revenue needed for the City.
Councilmember Feagle asked if there was any other source of income that could make up for that
revenue. Mr. Brynes said one way would be to cut (reduce) employees. Councilmember Feagle
suggested cutting expenses. City Attorney Bill Blue commented that to the extent of lowering the
Page 4, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

amount of revenue received from a given service that revenue would have to be made up somewhere
else or a service that is funded by that revenue might be reduced. Mr. Blue said the City of Live Oak
might charge more for other things than the City of Perry. Councilmember Feagle said she has heard
so many people complain about the gas prices and she feels it is her responsibility to look at ways to
try to reduce gas prices. Councilmember Feagle said she does not want to raise taxes. Councilmember
Scott asked Mr. Brynes if, at this point, the City has gas prices set at a rate whereby the City needs to
be able to operate efficiently. Mr. Brynes answered yes and to be able to offer the same level of service
it now offers.

In discussing possible ways to cut costs, Councilmember Feagle asked if training for certain city
personnel (police and fire particularly) is a requirement each year. Chief of Police Wayne Putnal said
part of the Police Department’s training is required. Chief Putnal said the police officers have not had
hazardous materials training but will have to have this training soon. Chief Putnal said the Department
takes advantage of state paid tuition when possible, but the City still has to pay for per diem and
lodging costs. Chief Putnal said some training is also done in Madison and also in Perry.

Mayor Frith said in reviewing information provided by Mr. Brynes, it seems gas prices have been
reducing themselves over the past few years. Mayor Frith said except for the unusual circumstance
with the price of gas last year, it looks like the product is coming down in price. Mayor Frith said he
thinks the big portion of the cost the City pays is for transportation of the gas through the pipeline and
distribution.

Councilmember Feagle asked Mr. Brynes if staff has done everything it could to look at ways possible
to make up for the gas rate. Mr. Brynes said this was done when the budget was prepared. Mr. Brynes
said cutting overtime could be a way if it had to be done. Mayor Frith said he asks the city manager
periodically if the City has cut anyone’s gas off and he is assured the City has not and will not cut off
resident’s gas.

On another matter, Mayor Frith recognized Mr. Jack Scott from the audience. Mr. Scott, who is a
member of the City’s Construction Industry Licensing Board, addressed the Council regarding a recent
meeting of the Board. Mr. Scott said only two members were present—he and Mr. Mike Deming. Mr.
Scott said no action could be taken to reorganize and select a chairperson and vice-chairperson
according to the city’s ordinance establishing this Board. Mr. Scott said the ordinance states that in the
event there is no quorum or agreement on selection of chair and vice-chair a person from the board is
designated to let the Council know and to request an extension of time to elect the officers. Mr. Scott
said he is requesting this now. Mr. Scott said the Board plans to meet on Monday, January 7, 2002,
(the day before the City Council’s regular meeting of Tuesday, January 8, 2002) to attempt to elect a
chair and vice-chair.
Page 5, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Mayor Frith commented that, at the present time, the Board has only four members of a five-member
board. Mr. Scott said this is correct. It was noted that the vacancy needs to be filled and the past
chairperson (who had resigned) has an interest in returning if certain conditions could be worked out
with the Council and city manager. Mr. Scott asked what is going to be done in regard to city attorney
Bill Blue’s suggestion to the Board, and which has been fully accepted by the Board, to incorporate
F.S. 162 (enforcement statute) to Chapter 489, which is the regulatory statute. Mr. Scott said currently
the Board is a regulatory board and can do nothing but attempt to regulate only licensed people in the
construction industry. Mr. Scott said the board currently has no authority over unlicensed people. Mr.
Scott said Chapter 489 covers all and reduces the necessity for the Board to go to a lawyer and paying
fees to take someone to court. Mr. Blue said he had recommended this a year ago.

Director of Community Development Billy LaValle told the Council that a local contractor, Mr.
Lawrence Howdeshell, said it would be an honor to serve on this Board if Council wishes. Mayor
Frith suggested placing Mr. Howdeshell on the Board. Mr. LaValle told the Council that Mr.
Howdeshell meets the criteria for serving on the board. Mayor Frith asked Mr. Blue if this would be
the proper thing to do. Mr. Blue said he did not see anything improper. Councilmember Scott made a
motion to appoint Mr. Lawrence Howdeshell to the City’s Construction Industry Licensing Board. The
motion was seconded by Councilmember Feagle and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander ABSENT
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett ABSENT
Mayor Frith X

Referring to members on a board not attending the meetings, Councilmember Feagle said there should
be provisions that if a member misses so many meetings consecutively, they could be removed from
the board. Mr. Scott said there is a provision that lets the Board set its own rules.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…CITY MANAGER.

Mr. Brynes told the Council there are a number of delinquent utility accounts on the City’s accounts
receivable that should be “cleaned out” of the accounting system. Mr. Brynes said this totals about
$298,000, which has accumulated over a period of approximately 20 years. Mr. LaValle said these
accounts had been turned over to a collection agency and even they were unable to collect.
Councilmember Feagle asked what prompted Mr. Brynes to bring this to the Council at this time. Mr.
Brynes said the finance department has asked this be done. Mr. Brynes said the city’s annual audit is
currently being done, and it was felt this was a good time to clean the system.
Page 6, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Councilmember Feagle made a motion that staff be allowed to clean the City’s accounting system of
the delinquent accounts totaling approximately $298,000, as requested by staff. Councilmember Scott
seconded the motion and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander ABSENT
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett ABSENT
Mayor Frith X

On another matter, Mr. Brynes informed the Council of some Hazardous Materials Training courses
(for domestic preparedness) that the Police Department has applied for to attend. Mr. Brynes said the
cost for training was not included in the budget because it was not known the course would be
available. Mr. Brynes said this is something the City and the County needs to have training in.

Chief Putnal said the course is sponsored by the Department of Justice but there is a waiting list to get
into the school and said because of the events of September 11, 2001, there are about 15,000
individuals on the waiting list. Chief Putnal said the course is actually free but there would be costs for
travel. Chief Putnal said attendees would stay in barracks and eat at the mess hall at an old military
fort. It was noted this would require overtime in both the police department and the fire department
when employees are able to go. Councilmember Feagle asked if the trainee ever becomes the trainer
(where the trainee comes back and trains others). Chief Putnal said this is done whenever possible.

AGENDA ITEM (8)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

There was no discussion.

AGENDA ITEM (9)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

Councilmember Scott asked who is responsible for painting the fire hydrants. Mr. Johnson said, in the
past, the fire department has painted them. Mr. Johnson said residents could paint the fire hydrants as
long as no lead paint is used and as long as the paint does not obscure visibility of the hydrant.

Councilmember Feagle said she had received calls about the traffic light at Center Street and Veterans’
Drive. Councilmember Feagle said the concern is that the caution light is not staying on long enough.
Mr. Johnson said Superintendent of General Services Bobby Counce and Lieutenant Vern Clark of the
police department are working on this problem.

Councilmember Feagle said she also received concerns about there not being sufficient lighting at
Washington Street near the fish market and the dry cleaning business. Mr. Johnson said this has come
up before and after looking into the matter at that time, it was determined that the placement of street
lights in this area is sufficient and meets the criteria, unless a bulb is blown at this time. It was noted
that this area might appear darker because those businesses in that area do not leave lighting on in their
stores as those around the courthouse square do.
Page 7, December 11, 2001, Council Minutes-Regular Session

Referring to the presentation of certificate to employee for years of service, Councilmember Feagle
noted that the employee did not show up to receive the certificate. Councilmember Feagle said this is
one reason she feels the Council should go on the job to the employee to show appreciation.
Councilmember Scott commented this may be difficult to do and Mayor Frith said this would fall
under Sunshine Law. City Attorney Bill Blue said this could be done but the Council would have to
schedule a certain meeting time (at a Council meeting) and post notice of the meeting.

Councilmember Scott suggested something other than a certificate could be given to employees as a
show of the Council’s appreciation. Councilmember Scott also suggested the presentation to
employees could be collectively rather than one by one. Mr. Brynes suggested this could be done at
the City’s annual fish fry for employees.

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