CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION
224 S. Jefferson Street
Perry, Florida
May 14, 2002

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Alexander, Richard Frith and Doug Everett

MEMBERS ABSENT: Shirley Scott and Pam Feagle

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 then called the roll.
PRESENT ABSENT
Councilmember Feagle X
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

Mayor Frith stated for the record that Councilmember Scott and Councilmember Feagle were out of
town attending a conference authorized by the City Council.

AGENDA ITEM (3)…APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES.

After a brief review of the minutes, Councilmember Everett made a motion to adopt the minutes of
April 23, 2002, Regular Session and May 7, 2002, Special Session as written; seconded by
Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle ABSENT
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X ABSENT
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (4)…RECEIVING REQUESTS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

There was no one to address the Council at this time.

AGENDA ITEM 5(A)…CITY COUNCIL TO AWARD BID FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK GRANT (EONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-UNITED WELDING SERVICES, INC.)

City Manager Bill Brynes told the Council four bids had been received as follows:

Blankenship Contracting, Inc. $141,506.30

Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc. $149,740.00
Worth Construction $133,434.44
Peavy & Son Construction Co. $124,474.00
Page 2, May 14, 2002, Council Minutes – Regular Session

Mr. Brynes said the low bidder for the project was Peavy & Son Construction Co., Inc. After review of
the tabulated bids, Mayor Frith said he sees no reason the bid should not be awarded to the low bidder.
Mayor Frith asked if there was anyone else to address this item. There were none and Councilmember
Everett made a motion that the bid be awarded to the low bidder Peavy & Son Construction Co., Inc.,
in the amount of $124,474.00. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll
call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle ABSENT
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X ABSENT
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 5(B)…CITY COUNCIL TO AWARD BID FOR MAIN STREET STORMWATER
PROJECT.

City Manager Bill Brynes reviewed the bids received as follows:

Peavy & Son Construction Co., Inc. $268,474.00

Blankenship Contracting, Inc. $297,347.19
Mitchell Brothers, Inc. $389,692.00
Anderson Columbia Co., Inc. $419,429.00
North Florida Asphalt, Inc. $278,695.00
Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc. $264,767.00

Mr. Brynes said although Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc. is the apparent low bidder, this
contractor was higher in some line item costs than other contractors. Mayor Frith asked if any one
knew a reason why Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc., low bidder, should not be awarded the bid
for this project. Councilmember Everett asked the city manager and staff if they saw anything in the
bid that “raises a flag.” Mr. Brynes said he saw nothing significant to this effect. Noting the line item
of re-surface asphalt, Mr. Brynes said it had been the City’s intention, with this bid, to continue and do
some additional paving in the City. Mr. Brynes said with Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc.’s,
square yard price of $12.00, the City will have to re-bid the additional resurfacing the Council has
recently discussed doing.

Councilmember Everett asked the time element to get started on the project. Mr. Brynes said the
project could possibly begin in about 30 days. Councilmember Everett asked the projected length of
time to do the project. Director of Public Works Barney Johnson said it depends on what might be
found under the streets. Mr. Johnson said, assuming the worse, it could take as much as one year; but,
if things go smoothly, the project could possibly be completed in 90 to 100 days. When asked about
closing the road, Mr. Johnson said they intend not to close the entire road.
Page 3, May 14, 2002, Council Minutes – Regular Session

After discussion, Councilmember Everett said, given the city manager’s recommendation, he would
make a motion to award the bid to Charles L. Slaughter Construction, Inc in the amount of
$264,767.00. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Alexander and upon roll call vote was as
follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle ABSENT
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X ABSENT
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM 5(C)…CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS REQUEST FROM TIDEWATER

REVITALIZATION, LTD. FOR FEE WAIVER.

Mr. Jason Larson and John Kennedy, Tidewater Revitalization, Ltd. (Creative Choice Homes)
addressed the Council to request a $10,000 permit fee waiver for renovation of the local Tidewater
Apartments. Mr. Larson explained that Creative Choice Homes has filed an application to the Florida
Housing Finance Corp. to receive tax credit funding to acquire and renovate the Tidewater Apartments.
Mr. Larson told the Council renovation would include installation of central heat and air, modern
appliances and energy-efficient systems, and a range of repair work to the 100-unit complex to put
them in a “like new” condition. Mr. Larson said plans also include expansion and improvement of the
existing community center, creating a more pleasing aesthetic appearance to the grounds and better
security measures. It was noted that 5 to 10 percent of the units would have handicapped accessibility.

Mr. Larson said their plan also includes commitment to on-site social programs, such as home
ownership incentive programs, literacy training, job training, health care, financial counseling and
other resident activities designed to promote a safe and happy lifestyle. Mr. Larson said these plans
rely upon their success in acquiring the highly competitive state resources. Mr. Kennedy said one of
the criteria for scoring the application is the award of a monetary incentive offered to affordable
housing by the local city and/or county for leveraging state resources, which is $10,000. Mr. Larson
said they had talked with the County about the possibility of a SHIP loan or grant for the renovation of
the complex, but the County only awards funds to single family home ownership. Mr. Larson said they
are requesting the City waive $10,000 in permit fees in order to meet the minimum threshold required
by Florida Housing Finance for application.

In further discussion, Mr. Larson said in doing the renovation local contractors would be hired and
materials would be purchased locally. Mr. Larson said if the City decides to waive the $10,000 in
permit fees, he thinks it would come back to the City three to four times over in the way of property
taxes. Mayor Frith said he sees a lot of positive things that could be done for the city and county and
he personally has no reason to object to the waiver of these permit fees. Councilmember Everett had a
Page 4, May 14, 2002, Council Minutes - Regular Session

few questions to which Mr. Kennedy responded. Councilmember Everett asked the effect of the rate
structure charged per unit. Mr. Kennedy said Housing Urban Development (HUD) pays a portion of
the fair market rate and the residents pay a portion, stating that the residents’ rate (for rent and utilities)
would not change at all.

It was noted that Creative Choice is a “for profit” corporation. Councilmember Everett expressed his
concern that the City might be setting a precedent by granting the request for a fee waiver. City
Attorney Bill Blue said through “home rule” the City has the ability, on a case-by-case basis, to do this.
Mr. Blue further explained that some time ago the City had discussed setting certain criteria to follow,
but had decided to consider such requests on a case-by-case basis rather than following a certain
criteria. Mr. Blue stated he does not think it would be setting a precedent should the Council agree to
waive the permit fees as requested by Creative Choice. Mr. Blue said just because the City decides to
make an investment for one, they are not legally obligated to do so for everyone. Councilmember
Everett said the City needs to justify its actions. Chief of Police Wayne Putnal commented that these
people (Creative Choice) are offering residents a decent place to live.

Councilmember Everett asked about the option of deferral of permit fees. Mr. Larson said the reason
that option would not work is the deferral amount is not large enough. Mr. Blue asked, assuming the
Council approves the fee waiver, if this would be contingent upon Creative Choice receiving their
financing. Mayor Frith answered yes. After discussion, Councilmember Alexander made a motion to
approve the request from Tidewater Revitalization, Ltd. (Creative Choice) for a permit fee waiver of
$10,000. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Everett and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle ABSENT
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X ABSENT
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (6)…CITY MANAGER.

Mr. Brynes reminded the Council about the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference in August and
suggested they get their registration information to the secretary for processing as soon as possible.

AGENDA ITEM (7)…DEPARTMENT HEADS.

Chief of Police Wayne Putnal told the Council the city’s insurance company had “totaled” the wrecked
police vehicle in the amount of $11,300.00; and, he would like to request the vehicle be replaced.
Page 5, May 14, 2002, Council Minutes – Regular Session

Chief Putnal said this would require a budget adjustment. After a brief discussion, Councilmember
Alexander made a motion to approve a budget adjustment for the replacement of the police vehicle.
The motion was seconded by Councilmember Everett and upon roll call vote was as follows:
YEA NAY
Councilmember Feagle ABSENT
Councilmember Alexander X
Councilmember Scott X ABSENT
Councilmember Everett X
Mayor Frith X

AGENDA ITEM (8)…CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS.

AGENDA ITEM (9)…ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to come before the City Council at this time, the meeting was
adjourned at approximately 7:00 p. m.

ATTEST:

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

Recorded in Official Minute Book:

___________________________ _________________________________
Annette Anderson, Secretary Date