Item #12 Discussion Regarding Federal Lobbyist Services ocoee
Florida
AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: August 15, 2017
Item # �a
Reviewed By:
Contact Name: Robert Frank Department Director: Rob F n
Contact Number: 1502 City Manager: Robert Fr
Subject: Discussion Regarding Federal Lobbyist Services
Background Summary:
On April 5, 2016, the City Commission held a special meeting for the purpose of hearing vendor presentations
in response to RFP16-001 issued December 20, 2015, relating to Federal Lobbyist Services. The City
Commission selected Global Business Development Consulting, Inc. ("Global") as the federal lobbyist to
provide services on behalf of the City. As had been stated in Global's presentation, the City awarded the
contract contingent upon Global's merger with the law firm, Akerman, LLP. The vote also provided that in the
event the merger did not happen, the City would award the contract to Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc.
At the June 21, 2016, meeting the City Commission voted to extend the contract until November 30, 2016,
contingent on Mr. Bracy, with Global Business Development Consulting, Inc., provided the City Commission
with an update on the status of the merger. As of December 6, 2016, the merger had not occurred, the
Commission voted to postpone a decision until the next meeting. On January 17, 2017, Mr. Bracy addressed
the Commission with an update on the Rose Hill Zip Code issue. During this City Commission meeting the
commission voted to further extend the contract with Global until August 31, 2017.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners continue contract with Global?
Recommendations
Discussion and direction to staff to continue with said contract?
Attachments:
City Commission Minutes from April 5, 2016, June 21, 2016, December 6, 2016, and January 17, 2017.
Financial Impact:
A budget transfer from contingency is necessary should the Commission continue the contract. The current
monthly fee is $2500.00
Type of Item: (please mark with an `5c')
Public Hearing For Clerk's Dept Use:
Ordinance First Reading Consent Agenda
Ordinance Second Reading Public Hearing
Resolution Regular Agenda
Commission Approval
Discussion&Direction
Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney N/A
Reviewed by Finance Dept. N/A
Reviewed by N/A
2
M LiT
Apri ted' a 00 P.M.
SP
Federal Lobb en I°7-'resentations
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Johnson called the special session to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. Present at the meeting were Commissioner Grogan, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor
Johnson, Commissioner de la Portilla, Commissioner Keller, City Manager Frank, City Attorney
Cookson, and City Clerk Eikenberry.
Mayor Johnson announced this is a Special Meeting for the purpose of hearing vendor
presentations in response to RFP 16-001 issued December 20, 2015 for the purpose of soliciting
the federal lobbyist services.
City Attorney Cookson stated that this special meeting will be conducted in two parts. The first
part will consist of vendor presentations and questions and answers. The second part will consist
. of City Commission deliberations and selection.
In accordance with Section 286.0113, Florida Statutes, the portion of this meeting in which we
hear vendor presentations and ask questions of the vendors is exempt from the Sunshine Law.
This portion of the meeting will be closed to the public. However, it will be recorded and
available for public review at a later date. Each vendor will have up to 30 minutes in which to
make their presentation and take questions. You are encouraged to ask your questions of the
vendors during their 30 minute time periods. While on vendor is presenting, the other vendor will
be waiting outside or in the adjoining conference room.
At the conclusion of the three presentations, the meeting will be open to the public and subject to
the Sunshine Law. We anticipate this portion of the meeting to occur at 6:30 p.m. At 6:30 p.m.,
or once all three presentations have been completed, we will invite all vendors to re-enter the
Chambers, invite any public to enter the Chambers, and the City commission will then deliberate
and select a vendor.
Mayor Johnson stated that the order of the three presentations will be 1. Global Business
Development Consulting, Inc. (GBDC); 2.Alcalde & Fay, LTD. Inc.; 3.Capitol Counsel,
LLC. He said we will now ask vendor Global Business Development Consulting, Inc. to remain
in the Chambers. The other vendors are welcome to wait outside on in the conference room
provided. Each vendor will be called when it is their turn to present. He asked that any members
of the public that are not affiliated with one of the vendors, wait outside of the commission
chambers until the public portion of the meeting commences at approximately 6:30 p.m.
I. CLOSED SESSION- VENDOR PRESENTATIONS, 5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
1. Global Business Development Consulting,Inc. (GBDC)
2. Alcalde& Fay,LTD.Inc.
3. Capitol Counsel,LLC
Vendor presentations and questions and answers were conducted in a closed session as follows:
1. Global Business Development Consulting, Inc. (GBDC) 5:08—5:38 p.m.
2. Alcalde& Fay, LTD. Inc. 5:40—6:10 p.m.
3. Capitol Counsel, LLC 6:12—6:32 p.m.
IL OPEN SESSION-SELECTION OF FIRM, AT 6:30 P.M.
ONCE THE PRESENTATIONS WERE COMPLETED, THE COMMISSION
RECONVENED FOR PUBLIC DELIBERATION AND SELECTION OF THE
FEDERAL LOBBYING FIRM.
City Attorney Cookson advised that the commission either make a motion and vote or they can
fill out the ranking sheet that was provided and turn them into City Clerk Eikenberry to tabulate
the scores. The scores were tabulated in order of ranking: 1, 2, or 3, with the firm receiving the
lowest number being the winning score.
Global Business Alcalde & Fay, Capitol Counsel,v
Development LTD, Inc. LLC
> .>L ,•-< ,Consulting, Inc.
Mayor Johnson 1 2 3
Commissioner Grogan 1 3 2
Commissioner Wilsen 1 3 2
Commissioner de la 1 2 3
Portilla
Commissioner Keller 1 2 3
Total 5 12 13
RANKING First Second Third
Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen moved to select Global
Business Development Consulting, INC. as the Federal Lobbyist Firm to
represent the City of Ocoee. No vote at this time due to subsequent
amendments.
Commissioner de la Portilla asked about how we would address the matter of the Global
Development Business firm must have an affiliation with Ackerman as they presented tonight
because that was not in their original proposal. City Attorney Cookson said the contract could
be awarded with the condition that they finalize their affiliation with Ackerman.
Commissioner de la Portilla, seconded by Commissioner Grogan amended the
motion to add that prior to executing a contract with the City of Ocoee, that
Global Business Development Consulting, INC. would provide documentation
proving a business affiliation between them and Ackerman.
Commissioner Wilsen questioned what would happen if they don't make that finalize that
affiliation with Ackerman; would they want to add to the motion that the second place firm
would then be offered the contract. Discussion followed.
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT:
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Keller, made a motion to
amend the amendment to include that if no documentation is provided showing
an affiliation between Global Business Development Consulting, INC and
Ackerman, then the award of the contract will go to the second place firm,
Alcalde and Faye, LTD, Inc. Motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner de la Portilla
and Commissioner Grogan opposed.
VOTE TAKEN ON THE AMENDED AMENDMENT MADE BY COMMISSIONER DE LA
PORTILLA:
Motion carried unanimously.
VOTE TAKEN ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED
Motion carried unanimously.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
INV1 41, ‘Ni,
e Eiken erry, City Clerks Rusty Joh,. ,Mayor
i
Regular City Commission
June 21, 2016
2. Elected HRDB officers Officers shall each serve for a term of one (1) year or until their successors are
elected.Officers shall not be limited in the number of terms they serve. At each election.the members may
vote to retain the current slate of officers in their present positions rather than allow the progression of
officers to occur. Vacancies which occur among the officers of the HRDB during the term of service may
be filled by the HRDB at its next regular meeting, provided that there is at least one week's notice of the
election prior to the meeting;however,no election of a substitute person.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Firstner absent.
G. PUBLIC HEARING - None
H. REGULAR AGENDA- 8:23 PM
11 City Center West Orange. (City Planner Ruiner)
The City Center West Orange project is generally located south of Maine Street, east of Bluford Avenue and
north of West Colonial Drive (SR 50)adjoining Lake Bennet. On July 6,2010,the City Commission adopted
the "CRA Target Areas Special Development Plan." The subject site is located within what is considered
"Target Area 2." Target Area 2 was further divided into two general sub areas("Sub-Area 1" and"Sub-Area
2"). Sub-Area 1, which is located along the frontage of Bluford Avenue and SR 50, provides for a more
conventional suburban design while Sub-Area 2 is intended to be a more urban environment. The proposed
site construction is generally located in Sub-Area 2. On April 21, 2015, the City Commission reviewed and
approved the Preliminary Site/Subdivision Plan. The City Center West Orange Final Site Plan (FSP) for
Phases I -3 will be developed as a mixed-use commercial,hotel,and multi-family development. Phase 1 will
consist of a multi-story (8 stories) building complex (Building C-J) containing 54,250 square feet of Retail,
75,000 square feet of Restaurant, 106 Dwelling Units(Condos)and a Hotel containing 122 rooms.This multi-
story complex building will have all the requisite infrastructure and amenities (tennis court, swimming pool,
volleyball sand court, pavilions, and clubhouse) including an internal parking facility. Stormwater abatement,
dedication of right-of-way for the extension and construction of Maine Street and access roadways will also be
done as part of Phase 1. Phase 2 and 3 will consist of one(1)additional(8 stories)building complex(Building
A-B) with an internal parking facility. The building complex (Building A-B) will contain 20,820 square feet
of Retail, 22,040 square feet of Restaurant, and 166 Dwelling Units (Condos). On March 8, 2016, the
Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Final Site Plan for City
Center West Orange,subject to resolving any remaining staff comments.
a) Final Site Plan
b) Development Agreement
Motion: Approval to Continue City Center West Orange -- Final Site Plan and
Development Agreement agenda item to the July 19th City Commission Meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Keller, Seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion
passed 4-0 with Commissioner Firstner absent.
12. Update on Federal Lobbyist Services, RFP 16-001, (Continued from the June 7,`2016 City
Commission Meeting) (City Attorney Cookson)
On April 5,2016,the City Commission held a special meeting for the purpose of hearing vendor presentations
in response to RFP 16-001, issued December 20, 2015, relating to federal lobbyist services. At the April 5,
2016, special meeting, the City Commission heard presentations from the following vendors: Global
Development Business Consulting, Inc.,Alcalde&Fay, Ltd. Inc.,and Capitol Counsel, LLC.
After hearing the presentations, the City Commission selected Global Development Business Consulting, Inc.
(Global)as the federal lobbyist firm to provide services on behalf of the City. As had been stated in Global's
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Regular City Commission
June 21,2016
presentation, the City awarded the contract contingent upon Global's merger with the law firm, Akerman,
LLP. The vote also provided that in the event the merger did not happen (with no timeframe given for
providing evidence of the merger) the City would award the contract to Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc. To date,
Global has retained Akerman to assist in providing lobbying services to the City of Ocoee; however, the
Global-Akerman merger has not occurred. On June 7, 2016, Mr. Bracy, principal at Global, will provide the
City Commission with an update on the status of the Global-Akerman merger.
Three options are available to the City Commission:
I) Provide a time period during which Global can provide evidence of its merger with Akerman and authorize
staff to negotiate the contract with Global upon the merger occurring;
2) Determine that the Global-Akerman merger has not occurred in the reasonable time period that has
transpired, award the contract to the second ranked firm, Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc., and authorize staff to
negotiate the contract with Alcalde&Fay, Ltd., Inc.;or
3) Rescind action taken by the City Commission at the April 5,2016,meeting,reject all proposals,and reissue
an RFP for federal lobbyist services at such time as the City Commission determines is required.
City Attorney Cookson explained that back in April the City Commission awarded the Federal
Lobbyist contract to Representative Bracy's firm conditioned upon the firms merger with
Akerman Law Firm. The merger is still in the process and has not happened yet.
Three options are being recommended to the City Commission:
1) Provide a time period during which Global can provide evidence of its merger with Akerman
and authorize staff to negotiate the contract with Global upon the merger occurring;
2) Determine that the Global-Akerman merger has not occurred in the reasonable time period
that has transpired, award the contract to the second ranked firm, Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc., and
authorize staff to negotiate the contract with Alcalde& Fay, Ltd., Inc.; or
3) Rescind action taken by the City Commission at the April 5, 2016, meeting, reject all
proposals, and reissue an RFP for federal lobbyist services at such time as the City Commission
determines is required.
Mr. Bracy,principal at Global, apologized and briefly explained the process he has taken with
Akerman regarding the merger; further, sharing that this has been a long drawn out process that
he did not anticipate. He has been told that the merger can be finalized at the latest in 3 months.
He indicated that he has deliberated coming back to the Commission to consider moving forward
as the merger is being negotiated so he can sit down with the City Manager and discuss what the
City is looking for from the federal agencies so he can further begin preliminary work.
Commissioner Keller shared his concerns with hopes to have issues resolved by this summer,
since it is an election year, and feels another 1-3 months waiting on the merger will be too late.
Mr. Bracy said he would be happy to start the process before the merger happens if he is able to
do that. Mayor Johnson shared that he would be open to continue with the merger process and
finalize this in October during the budget. The City Attorney reiterated that the City
Commissions' decision was to award the contract to Global conditioned upon the merger. City
Attorney Cookson said he did speak with Mr. Bracy regarding a contract with Akerman;
however, it was not consistent with the merger decision. Discussion ensued regarding the Rose
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II
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Regular City Commission
June 21,2016
Hill zip code issue; and further, if Mr. Bracy would be able to move forward while the merger is
still in the process since he is not a registered lobbyist in Washington. City Attorney Cookson
explained that one of the options they can have is approving Global as a Federal Lobbyist to sub-
contract with the Akerman Firm as the registered lobbyist until such time the merger comes
about between Global and Akerman.
Motion: Approval to move forward with Global as the Federal Lobbyist and
allowing Global to sub-contract with Akerman as the registered lobbyist in the
interim until such time as the merger between Global and Akerman is finalized.
Discussion ensued regarding a time certain date on the merger; and further; clarification was
given on what was approved at the April 5th meeting.
Amendment Motion: In the event the merger between Global and Akerman is not
finalized by November 30, 2016, the City shall have the right to terminate the
contract with Global.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, Seconded by Commissioner Keller; Motion
passed 4-0 with Commissioner Firstner absent.
Motion w/Amendment: Approval to move forward with Global as the Federal
Lobbyist and allowing Global to sub-contract with Akerman as the registered
lobbyist in the interim until such time as the merger between Global and Akerman
is finalized. In the event the merger between Global and Akerman is not finalized
by November 30, 2016, the City shall have the right to terminate the contract with
Global.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, Seconded by Commissioner Keller; Motion
passed 4-0 with Commissioner Firstner absent.
I. STAFF ACTION ITEMS
J. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS-8:50 PM
"ott e; ,,' ; t r —None.
s x? `3+ + e —None.
of `` — Reminded the Board and residents of the neighborhood meeting
tomorrow night.
sl4 — Announced that he attended the vigil for the Pulse victims that was held in
Winter Garden and further shared that the loss of those lives deeply affects everyone. As a City,
we are also saying our prayers to those families that have lost someone and will help in any way
that we can.
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Regular City Commission
December 6,2016
City Clerk Sibbitt announced applications that were submitted for the Districting Commission
by the November 18`h deadline were provided to them in their agenda packets. Only three (3)
residents applied prior to the November 18th deadline. The City Charter requires that the
Districting Commission consist of five (5) members and that they be appointed no later than
December 15th which is why the Commission was also notified to bring forth a nominee for
appointment.
Mayor Johnson inquired what districts the three (3) applicants resided. It was shared that Lou
Forges and Rob McKey were both from District 2 and Gregory Keethler resided in District 1.
Commissioner Firstner shared that he has chosen Edward Strickland to be his appointment for
District 3.
Commissioner Keller shared that he has chosen James Thomas as his appointment for District
4.
Commissioner Wilsen announced that for District 2 she would like to have Lou Forges
appointed as Mr. McKey is very active on many other boards and it is nice to have a new
volunteer.
Mayor Johnson shared that he would like to have Michael Hopper as his appointment to the
board.
Motion: Move to appoint the following five (5) applicants to the Districting
Commission: Gregory Keethler, Edward Strickland, James Thomas, Lou Forges,
and Michael Hopper.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion
carried 5-0.
24. Update on Federal Lobbyist Services,RFP 16-001. (City Attorney Cookson).:
On April 5,2016,the City Commission held a special meeting for the purpose of hearing vendor presentations
in response to RFP 16-001, issued December 20, 2015, relating to federal lobbyist services. At the April 5,
2016 special meeting, the City Commission heard presentations from the following vendors: Global
Development Business Consulting, Inc., Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc., and Capitol Counsel, LLC. After hearing
the presentations,the City Commission selected Global Development Business Consulting,Inc.(Global)as the
federal lobbyist firm to provide services on behalf of the City. As had been stated in Global's presentation,the
City awarded the contract contingent upon Global's merger with the law firm, Akerman, LLP. The vote also
provided that in the event the merger did not happen, the City would award the contract to Alcalde & Fay,
Ltd.,Inc.
Because the Global-Akerman merger had not yet occurred, on June 21,2016, Mr. Bracy, principal at Global,
provided the City Commission with an update on the status of the Global-Akerman merger. At that time,the
City Commission voted to approve moving forward with Global as the federal lobbyist and allowing Global to
sub-contract with Akerman until such time as a Global-Akerman merger was finalized. The motion further
provided that, in the event the merger between Global and Akerman was not finalized by November 30,2016,
the City would have the right to terminate the contract with Global. To date, the City has not received
information from Global confirming the merger. The City now has the right, but not the obligation, to
terminate the contract with Global.
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Regular City Commission
December 6,2016
City Attorney Cookson shared that almost a year ago the City went out for an RFP for the
Federal Lobbyist Services and they had three vendors present before the Commission. After
hearing the presentations, the City Commission selected Global Development Business
Consulting, Inc. (Global) as the federal lobbyist firm to provide services on behalf of the City.
As had been stated in Global's presentation, the City awarded the contract contingent upon
Global's merger with the law firm, Akerman, LLP. The vote also provided that in the event the
merger did not happen, the City would award the contract to Alcalde& Fay, Ltd., Inc.
Because the Global-Akerman merger had not yet occurred, on June 21, 2016, Mr. Bracy,
principal at Global, provided the City Commission with an update on the status of the Global-
Akerman merger. At that time, the City Commission voted to approve moving forward with
Global as the federal lobbyist and allowing Global to sub-contract with Akerman until such time
as a Global-Akerman merger was finalized. The motion further provided that, in the event the
merger between Global and Akerman was not finalized by November 30, 2016, the City would
have the right to terminate the contract with Global. To date, the City has not received
information from Global confirming the merger. The City now has the right, but not the
obligation, to terminate the contract with Global.
Mayor Johnson commented that he has received information from Global that the Rose Hill
mailing address which was a major issue, has gone through the House and is waiting on the
Senate. He is proposing if this can be brought back in February so they can wait to see what
happens. Commissioner Keller shared that he would rather wait until January before making a
decision. Commissioner Grogan inquired if waiting would automatically put the City into a
contract. City Attorney Cookson advised that would not put them into a contract but would
allow them to terminate any point until a merger has occurred. If the merger does occur before
the end of the year then they would lose the right to terminate. Commissioner Wilsen asked the
opinion of the attorney. City Attorney Cookson shared he does not have an opinion but only
brought this forward because the Commission set the time as November 30th and now would be
the time to terminate if they chose to do so. He has not personally been in communication with
Mr. Bracy to know where the Rose Hill issue stands. Mayor Johnson further shared that he has
a meeting this week with Senator Rubio regarding the zip code issue. Commissioner Wilsen
asked for legal advice. City Attorney Cookson shared that legally the Commission can
terminate but if they do not want to terminate then they do not need to take any action.
Commissioner Keller shared that he would rather continue with Global as this is the furthest
they have gotten with the mailing address issue.
Commissioner Wilsen inquired if they would want to continue with their State lobbyist contract
with Gray-Robinson and if it is beneficial to the City with what they are paying them. City
Manager Frank shared that the contract can be cancelled with 30 day notice. Commissioner
Grogan commented that maybe they can bring this back once they have more information. Brief
discussion ensued.
Motion: Move to have staff bring forth discussion on the State Lobbyist at the
upcoming January 3"i Commission Meeting.
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Regular City Commission
December 6,2016
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Keller; Motion
carried 5-0.
City Manager Frank clarified that for the Federal Lobbyist the only written documentation they
have is to pay Global until November 30th. If they would like to extend the contract with Global,
he would request they make a motion so they would have the necessary approval they need to
pay Mr. Bracy.
Motion: Move to continue the services with Global for the Federal Lobbyist
Services until the end of January.
Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion
carried 5-0.
25. Options Regarding the Code Enforcement Board(CEB): (City Attorney Cookson)
On October 25, 2016, the City of Ocoee Code Enforcement Board (CEB) considered an action brought by
Code Enforcement on property located at 1 Taylor Street. Following a CEB ruling finding a violation, but
allowing an unprecedented 22 months for the property owner to come into compliance with the City Code,
City staff began exploring options and alternatives to ensure more consistent and reasonable code enforcement
adjudication in the future. A previous memorandum to the City Commission was circulated by the City
Attorney on November 1, 2016, summarizing the matter and offering some options that the City might
consider with regard to future code enforcement adjudication. Following a brief discussion at the November 1,
2016, City Commission meeting, the Commission requested additional information on the City's options to
support and encourage more meaningful enforcement of the City's codes while maintaining the CEB. If the
City intends to maintain the CEB, staff recommends that a meaningful application and vetting process be
established regarding appointees to the CEB. Staff recommends that the City Manager or his designee reach
out to the community to encourage qualified applicants to apply and to review applications for CEB positions
to ensure that qualified appointees are selected for the CEB. Qualified applicants would be those persons,
selected when possible, from the following professional groups: an architect, a businessmen, a general
contractor, a subcontractor, and a realtor. These professional preference categories are specified in state law
and in City Code as desirable members of a CEB. Another item discussed on November 1, 2016, was to
abolish the CEB and establish a special magistrate for code enforcement matters. If the City Commission
votes to adopt an ordinance establishing a special magistrate to solely handle code enforcement matters, staff
recommends that the code enforcement special magistrate be an attorney. The fiscal impact associated with
establishing the special magistrate is minimal as the City will no longer pay for legal counsel to the CEB,and
these funds can be directed to pay the special magistrate.
City Attorney Cookson at the last Commission Meeting they had discussion
regarding the Code Enforcementshared Boarthatd (CEB). He has met with City staff and before them are
two options to consider. If the City intends to maintain the CEB, staff recommends that a
meaningful application and vetting process be established regarding appointees to the CEB. Staff
recommends that the City Manager or his designee reach out to the community to encourage
qualified applicants to apply and to review applications for CEB positions to ensure that
qualified appointees are selected for the CEB. Qualified applicants would be those persons,
selected when possible, from the following professional groups: an architect, a businessman, a
general contractor, a subcontractor, and a realtor. These professional preference categories are
specified in state law and in City Code as desirable members of a CEB. The second option as
discussed on November 1, 2016, was to abolish the CEB and establish a special magistrate for
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MIk1i>'ITES
JANUARY 17,2017 ai€7,:15 P.M.
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
A. CALL TO ORDER- 7:16 PM
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 7:16 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. The invocation was led by Commissioner Keller followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag, led by Commissioner Firstner. City Clerk Sibbitt called roll and
declared a quorum present.
Present: Commissioner Grogan, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Johnson, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Keller
B. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS- 7:18 PM
Assistant City Manager Shadrix briefly explained where the City stands with the downtown
implementation project. As of today, conceptual projects have been converted to buildable
projects, price proposals have been solicited for building Maine Street extension, Bluford
Avenue reconstruction is in design, and advance surveying is being completed for the new city
hall site and the property adjacent to the creek. He further explained some other items in place
and shared that capital bonds are being prepared for general fund projects. Support Services
Director Butler further summarized the list of projects and timeline, which has been added to
the City's website with a tracking tool to allow citizens to view work completed, bond projects,
capital project phases, procurement methods, and project schedule. Assistant City Manager
Shadrix announced that they anticipate on planning a couple of large community meetings to
inform the public of the projects as they get underway.
C. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 8:32 PM
The below discussion occurred out of agenda order and after Item #9.
State Senator Bracy addressed the Commission to give an update on the zip code issue that was
brought before the Congressional Session. He shared that it passed the House and went to the
very last day of the Senate Session. He is working with Senator Rubio and Senator Nelson who
will present the Senate Bill next week at a Senate Community Meeting. He shared that he
believes this will get done.
Mayor Johnson inquired if a letter could be sent to the City Manager summarizing this issue.
City Manager Frank explained that an extension was given for use of service of Global until
January 31St; furthermore, if they would like to continue with Senator Bracy's services, a motion
will be needed. They can continue with his services for the remainder of the one year, which he
believes ends in August; and when the options come back for renewal, they can bring something
forward at that time.
Motion: Move to continue the services with Global for the Federal Lobbyist
Services until August 2017.
Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion
carried unanimously.
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