The meeting of the Orange Park Town Council was called to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. with Mayor Scott Land presiding.

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1 Item No. 5(a) Orange Park, Florida The meeting of the Orange Park Town Council was called to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. with Mayor Scott Land presiding. Other Councilmembers present were Vice-Mayor Gary, Councilwoman Connie Thomas, Councilman Alan Watt and Councilman Ron Raymond. Also in attendance were Town Manager Jim Hanson, Finance Director John Villanueva, Accounting Coordinator Dustin Woolbright, Public Works Director Chuck Pavlos, Utility Supervisor Roger Rich, Capital Projects Manager Glenn Reed, Police Chief Gary Goble, Fire Chief Al Barker, Attorney Sam Garrison of Kopelousos, Bradley & Garrison and Town Clerk Sarah Campbell. The invocation was given by Councilwoman Thomas followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING BASCA AWARENESS WEEK To approve the proclamation recognizing Basca Week. Watt Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Ms. Campbell read the proclamation into the record while Mayor Land presented the proclamation to Beth Clark of Basca. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF JIM HANSON To approve the proclamation recognizing the Retirement of Jim Hanson. Thomas Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Ms. Campbell read the proclamation into the record while Mayor Land presented the proclamation to Mr. Hanson and a gift to Mrs. Hanson. Mr. Hanson thanked the Council. He stated he has enjoyed working and living in the Town for the past three years. He stated he is honored and humbled. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE, ROLLED-BACK MILLAGE RATE AND GENERAL COMMENTS Mayor Land opened the public hearing.

2 Page 2 Mr. Hanson stated the Town s tentative millage rate for calendar year 2017 is mills. The current millage rate is mills. The Tax Digest is up 4.07%. The current year rolled-back rate is mills. The proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled-back rate by 3.40%. He stated the required rolled-back, as required by the state, is calculated to provide the same amount of revenue for the next year as we have collected this year, excluding new construction. He stated in order to achieve that, the rolled-back rate will need to be mills. The purpose of the millage rate is to fund the Town s tentative budget of $18,024,030. There would be a $125,421 drawdown of Fund Balance. PUBLIC COMMENT ON FINAL MILLAGE RATE AND FINAL BUDGET Mr. Harold Brown, 3056 Valkyrie Road, Middleburg, discussed the removal of the OPAA reclamation/well project from the budget. He stated OPAA is the only chance for some kids. He stated there is a childhood obesity epidemic and kids lack teamwork skills. Ms. Sharon Adams, 2254 George Wythe Road, Orange Park, OPAA Treasure, discussed the dire situation they are in financially. She stated she has concerns with the removal of the well/reclaimed water from the budget; that would help them save money. She stated the money they would save from having an irrigation system could be used on general maintenance of the fields. She stated parents and board members are cutting the non-field grass in order to save money. She stated they need help. Ms. Stephanie Vellucci, 2745 River Oak Drive, Orange Park, OPAA Secretary, thanked Council for the improvements at OPAA. She stated her family is military but they plan to remain here. She stated the volunteers are getting burned out. She stated reclaimed water would help them out. She stated they had to cut scholarships for football. Mr. Phillip Hutchens, 1650 Solomon Street, Orange Park, OPAA President, thanked Council for all they have done for the park. The capital budget doubled for the park. He stated the Budget and Finance Committee recommended a well/reclaim system. He stated he is disappointed that it was removed from the budget. He stated this is an opportunity to have a jewel right here in the community. He stated they have paid $7000 this year in irrigation. He pleaded with Council to help reduce the overhead. Mr. Ernest Clemante, 1124 Wyndegate Drive, Orange Park, discussed the OPAA Scholarship Program. He stated children of color had higher participation. He stated new athletic parks have opened up and costs have risen. He stated costs are prohibitive for children of color. He stated Council owes it to the community. Mr. Earl Padgett, 2627 Red Fox Road, Orange Park, stated he supports live streaming of meeting. He stated it is hard to determine who is talking on the audio. He stated military members and busy families who are unable to attend the meetings would still be able to watch them.

3 Page 3 Mr. Kenny Radwanski, 2061 Azalea Lane, Orange Park, thanked the Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for their hard work during Hurricane Irma. Ms. Jennifer Masters, 2319 Oakdale Drive East, Orange Park, spoke in support of OPAA. She stated the park means a lot to the children. She stated it is cost prohibitive. She stated she moved to Orange Park because of the community. She stated it is a high cost and there is strong parental support through volunteering and fundraising. She stated she would appreciate any support from the Council. Mr. Eugene Nix, 862 River Road, Orange Park, thanked the Public Works Department. He stated he is disappointed in how the citizens were treated at the last meeting. He stated the public is not being heard. He stated Ms. Davidson offered information and she was shut down. He stated Mr. Ricketts revenue suggestions were ignored. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, Orange Park, urged Council to keep millage as is. She discussed the budget published in the newspaper versus the ordinance. The ordinance shows the Enterprise Fund revenues being $6.275 million and the paper shows the revenues as $5.475 million and adjusted to $ million. She stated the total expenses shown in the ordinance is $5.386 million and in the paper the expenses are shown as $5.386 million with only one itemized. There is a transfer out of $463,000 in lieu of taxes. She stated the ordinance and what was printed in the newspaper are not transparently consistent. There is $953,600 in the General Fund for service charges. She stated 70 percent of the Town Manager s salary is from the Water and Sewer Fund. She stated a study was done, but those percentages are not used in this budget. She stated she is thankful for the conservative employees of the past. She stated we also need to take care of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Frank Ricketts, 2253 Marcia Court, Orange Park, stated these are same issues we had in 2010 and He stated Ms. Davidson s concerns are legitimate. He stated there is a conflict with the published numbers. He stated Council could hold the current budget for 30 days and fix the problems. Mr. Radwanski suggested taking the $15,000 budgeted for cameras and giving it to OPAA and the T.C. Miller Center. APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CALENDAR YEAR 2017 FINAL MILLAGE RATE TO LEVY AGAINST REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF ORANGE PARK FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING MUNICIPAL TAXES Councilman Raymond stated prior to last week he wanted to roll back the millage, but the storm has changed his mind.

4 Page 4 To approve a resolution adopting a final millage of mills for calendar year Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond ADOPTION OF A FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR For a second reading, by title only, of an ordinance adopting the final budget for fiscal year Watt Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Ms. Campbell read the ordinance into the record, by title only. Councilwoman Thomas moved to include $50,000 for an irrigation system for OPAA. Vice-Mayor seconded the motion. Councilman Raymond stated Partridge Well Drilling Company said a well is possible. He stated this is a valid project, but not ready for the budget. He stated the speakers that spoke tonight on behalf of OPAA, only one was a Town resident and the rest were from the county. We are asking Town residents to pay for the well. He stated we need to involve the county and private money. Councilman Watt stated a well can be put in for $12,000. Reuse is impractical and does not save as much money as people think. The $50,000 would go to Clay County Utility Authority for reclaimed water, but you would still have a water bill. The responsible solution is a well and it can be budgeted for $15,000 for one. He requested the motion be amended. Councilwoman Thomas stated she did not think a well was possible. Mayor Land stated lines for potable and irrigation may be comingled. Councilwoman Thomas amended her motion to include $20,000 for a well at OPAA. Vice-Mayor amended his second. Councilman Raymond stated this still does not resolve the county contribution issue. He stated he will support this budget item, but there needs to be a serious discussion on this project.

5 Page 5 To include $20,000 for a well at OPAA Thomas Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Councilman Raymond stated Ms. Davidson s work on the budget is excellent. He stated she does not have an issue with the expenses; she has an issue with the transfer from the Water and Sewer Fund. He stated after the budget is passed, we need to go back and reduce transfers and use Fund Balance. Attorney Garrison stated the budget can be amended at any time. Councilman Raymond moved that the budget include $500,000 for Hurricane Irma clean up. He stated Hurricane Matthew cost $300,000 and this storm was bigger. Vice-Mayor seconded the motion. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, Orange Park, stated Council can increase the budget now to include the $500,000 for hurricane cleanup or wait until staff needs it and a budget amendment can be done then. Mr. Phillip Hutchens, 1650 Solomon Street, Orange Park, thanked Council for putting a well in the budget. He stated 85 to 95 percent of the OPAA kids do not live in the Town. Mr. Frank Ricketts, 2253 Marcia Court, Orange Park, commended Councilman Raymond s recommendation to include $500,000. He questioned whether that was enough. He suggested $650,000-$700,000. Councilman Watt asked if the Town is in worse shape after Hurricane Irma than it was after Hurricane Matthew. Mr. Hanson stated yes. He stated we are going to spend far more now than we did with Matthew. He stated all the cleanup will not be by October 1, so we will need money in next year s budget. He stated $500,000 is a good number; the current estimates are lower than that. It will need to be disbursed between the three funds. Mr. Villanueva stated his estimates would be for $134,500 to go into the General Fund, $185,500 to go into the Sanitation Fund and $180,000 to go into the Capital Fund. Councilman Raymond amended his motion to reflect that the $500,000 be proportioned based on Mr. Villanueva s recommendation. Vice-Mayor amended his second.

6 Page 6 That the budget include $500,000 for Hurricane Irma clean up and that it be proportioned based on Mr. Villanueva s recommendation. Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Ms. Campbell discussed grant money received from the Tourist Development Council (TDC). She requested for that money to be appropriated for both the revenues and expenditures. That would be an increase of $12,100 in revenues and $12,100 in expenditures in grant funds for the Fall Festival. Councilman Watt moved that the grant funds from the TDC for the Fall Festival be appropriated for both the revenues and expenditures. Councilwoman Thomas seconded the motion. Councilman Raymond asked why expenses are up too. Ms. Campbell stated the money was for advertising and it is required that the money be used for that. That the grant funds from the TDC for the Fall Festival be appropriated for both the revenues and expenditures. Watt Thomas Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Mr. Hanson provided Council with a hurricane impact report, while Mr. Villanueva incorporated the amendments to the budget. Mr. Hanson went through different pictures of before and after the storm. He stated $255,819 has been spent so far. There are still many unknown costs. The total costs that were submitted to FEMA for Hurricane Matthew was for $271,870. He stated currently there is a lot of positive support with debris removal, but people will start to lose patience. Currently the Town is using all available assets for debris removal. Advanced Disposal is working alongside us. Debris removal started Tuesday evening after the storm. Advanced Disposal has brought in extra assets and provided the Town with six extra crews to help pick up debris. Town crews are working 12 hours a day with three trucks. He stated the right-of-ways are on hold and are focusing on debris only. He stated the first pass for debris removal on all Town streets could take three to four weeks to complete. He stated the Public Works, Police and Fire Departments slept in their buildings during the storm. Police and Fire worked double shifts. He stated Mr. Pavlos and Chief Barker worked an excessive amount of time on the job. He stated Mr. Rich minimized sewer overflows; there were only three

7 Page 7 minor ones. He stated Lt. Jock saved a boat loose in the St. Johns River. JEA had crews stationed at the Town. He stated a Florida Municipal Insurance Trust adjuster slept here and worked claims right away. Orange Park has had four major storm events in one year. A long term tree replanting program is needed; many trees were lost in all of these storms. Mr. Villanueva provided the updated budget that reflects Council s amendments made tonight. To approve the final budget for fiscal year Thomas Watt Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Mayor Land closed the public hearing. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mr. Kenny Radwanski, 2061 Azalea Lane, Orange Park, stated he previously pledged $5000 for the Clarke House green house. He stated he will pledge another $5000. He asked Council to support the project. Mr. Ron Flowers, 461 McIntosh Avenue, Orange Park, discussed the property next to the T.C. Miller Center. He asked if there are any funds budgeted for it or the T.C. Miller Center. He discussed additional improvements to the T.C. Miller Center. He stated improvements to the back sidewalk are needed. He stated the property could be used for parking, a water park, or pool. He stated the Town could build another facility to rent out. He stated the range is damaged and the fridge is moldy. He suggested adding upkeep money in the budget for the T.C. Miller Center. Mr. Phillip Hutchens, 1650 Solomon Street, Orange Park, stated this Friday OPAA is having their homecoming event and Saturday is the homecoming games. APRROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING DATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 To approve the minutes of the regular meeting dated September 5, Watt Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond

8 Page 8 APPROVAL OF ANNUAL USER AGREEMENT WITH HEADSTART CANINE Councilwoman Thomas moved to approve the Agreement with Headstart Canine. Councilman Raymond seconded the motion. Mr. Hanson stated there are no changes except for the dates. Mayor Land suggested striking item (i) from the contract. It looks like it was carried over from a previous contract. To approve the Agreement with Headstart Canine. Thomas Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond APPROVAL OF ANNUAL USER AGREEMENT WITH HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF ORANGE PARK To approve the Agreement with Historical Society of Orange Park. Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond APPROVAL OF ANNUAL USER AGREEMENT WITH ORANGE PARK PATRONS Vice-Mayor moved to approve the Agreement with Orange Park Patrons (OPP). Councilwoman Thomas seconded the motion. Councilman Raymond asked if security cameras have been added. Chief Barker stated the two additional cameras will be added this week; he wanted to wait until after the storm to install them. Mayor Land asked if there are helmet requirements when OPP is not there. Attorney Garrison stated the Agreement does not require OPP to enforce helmets if they are not there. To approve the Agreement with Orange Park Patrons. Thomas Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond

9 Page 9 APPROVAL OF ANNUAL USER AGREEMENT WITH CLAY COUNTY YOUTH CHARACTER BUILDING, INC. To approve the Agreement with Clay County Youth Character Building. Thomas Watt Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond Councilman Raymond suggested all to go see the summer camp. DISCUSSION ON LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Councilman Watt stated Clay Delegation Day is scheduled for October 18. He stated funding of FDOT work for the north end of US 17 and EMS and Home Rule are some of the issues to discuss at the Clay Delegation Day. He stated the Town should name a speaker. He stated if Mayor Land is going to attend, he would be the obvious person to be the spokesperson. Vice-Mayor discussed the waterway issues. He stated the recent storm was unprecedented. He stated Dudley Branch is blocked. He stated Senator Bradley is good with water issues. Councilwoman Thomas stated was at the last Legislative Session, and Senator Bradley identified the waterways as a priority. She stated it may be a long time for DEP to help. She stated clean up needs to start. Councilman Raymond stated he believes that the flooding is related to the lack of maintenance to Dudley Branch. He stated we can ask for help, but it is going to need to be cleaned out regardless. Vice-Mayor stated the last time Councilman Raymond was on Council, was probably the last time Dudley Branch was cleaned out. Mayor Land discussed cell towers. Mr. Hanson stated the Town has very little authority over them, except maybe the color. He stated legislation is already in place. He suggested looking at the Florida League of Cities Legislative positions. Mayor Land stated there would be more discussion on this at the next meeting and to place it under old business on the agenda. DISCUSSION ON AMENDING TOWN MANAGER SPENDING AUTHORITY FOR IRMA RECOVERY Councilman Raymond stated the main mission of the Town is recovery. He stated he wants to eliminate any hurdles. He would like to temporarily vest Town Council oversight in the Mayor in all matters related to Irma recovery. He would also like to temporarily amend the Town Managers

10 Page 10 spending authority of $25,000 and a new authority would be unlimited with the Irma recovery authorization, if the Mayor concurs with single items over $25,000 in matters related to Irma recovery. Attorney Garrison stated the Town has some emergency authority already. He stated this would be separate and apart from that emergency authority. Councilman Raymond stated he does not want to limit authority. He stated he would like to have the Mayor agree to the expenses. To temporarily amend the Town Manager s spending authority of $25,000 to unlimited for matters related to Irma recovery, provided that the Mayor has signed off on single expenses that are over $25,000. Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond To temporarily vest Town Council oversight in the Mayor in all matter related to Irma recovery, except for some contracts that may require Council approval. Raymond Land,, Thomas, Watt, Raymond TOWN MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Hanson recognized his wife, Janet. This is her first Council meeting she has attended in 41 years. He stated he is thankful for the opportunity to live and work in Orange Park. He has enjoyed his time here. Many things were accomplished during his tenure. He stated there has been facility improvements, financial reform, pension reform, value to citizens has increased, and increased community pride. He stated little is done by one person; it takes staff and Council as a whole. Great communities come from victories made over a long period of time. He stated to make those victories occur, you have to have smart people with professionalism and integrity and cannot care about who gets the credit. He stated you need bright people who know what they are doing. He stated you have to believe in the democratic process. Decisions are made better by groups. Democracy works if elected officials work together. It is appropriate to debate, but personal attacks detract from public business. He asked Council to give Ms. Campbell their support; this job is not easy and they need to work together. He stated he hopes to remain in contact with everyone, to

11 Page 11 know that they are doing well. He referenced the Athenian Oath, which means you vow to leave your city in better shape than when you found it. ATTORNEY REPORTS Attorney Garrison had nothing to report. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/COMMENTS Councilman Raymond had no comments. Councilman Watt stated it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Hanson. Councilwoman Thomas congratulated Ms. Dockery on winning Bold City s Best for Kids Fest. She stated the web link to report waterway debris is up on the Town s webpage. She stated Mr. Hanson has done a great job and is very professional. She stated Town staff is cohesive and that is an asset to the Town. Vice-Mayor stated he has worked for nine governments. He stated he has not worked with anyone that has worked harder, made more sacrifices or led any better than Mr. Hanson. He stated Ms. Campbell has big shoes to fill. He stated you can tell a leader s abilities by his staff. He stated many left Atlantic Beach after Mr. Hanson did. He stated Janet has made a tremendous sacrifice. He stated Mr. Hanson rose to the top of many organizations. He stated Mr. Hanson made a commitment to stay a minimum amount of time. He wished him the best. Vice-Mayor thanked the Public Works, Police and Fire Department for their work during the storm. Vice-Mayor asked about the Plainfield Avenue storm line. He stated the road is sinking on Campbell Avenue and Winfred Drive. Mr. Pavlos stated they are monitoring the sites, and there is no imminent failure of the road collapsing. He stated there is a storm drain on Winfred that is 13 feet down. He stated a TV crew will come out and look at it, and if there is an issue than hopefully they can line it. He stated Plainfield Avenue is also dipping. He stated there was no stormwater work done during construction. They will also TV this section. Only the sewer lines were inspected previously; they did not do work on the storm line before. Vice-Mayor asked if this has anything to do with the work that R.B. Baker did. Mr. Pavlos stated that will be determined when they TV the lines. He stated final payment has not been made to R.B. Baker. Mayor Land thanked the Police and Fire Department and most importantly the Public Works Department. He thanked Mr. Hanson for all his hard work. He stated Mr. Hanson helped him be a better Councilman. He thanked Janet for lending Mr. Hanson to the Town for the past three years.

12 Page 12 AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mr. Earl Padgett, 2627 Red Fox Road, Orange Park, thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work and the first responders on evacuations during the storm. He stated debris pickup has been great; a supervisor was following along as well. He thanked Councilwoman Thomas for stopping by and checking on him after the storm. He thanked Mr. Hanson. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, Orange Park, stated the years she has spent with the Civil Engineering Corp. have been some of the best. She stated she has great respect for the Seabee Community. She stated in 1964 a study of stormwater was done in Orange Park. She stated she has never seen water like this before Hurricane Irma happened. She is thankful for all Seabees and others. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:34 p.m.