CC 04/29/2019 Minutes - Joint Workshop with PRAB

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CASSGLBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of April 29, 2019 — Joint Workshop Page 3 of 4 make an informed decision whether to vote in favor of or against the bond referendum; importance of the City not seeking to influence the decision one way or the other; potential for political action committees (PAC's) either in favor of or in opposition to the referendum to become involved in the process; status of the City's tax base, both residential and commercial and the potential for new development, redevelopment and annexation; the fact that, if approved, the bond would be for the total amount decided upon, but spending would occur in increments as improvements are constructed, without the need for approval of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the City Commission each time; and the fact that planned parks improvements funded by other methods will continue to move forward separately from the bond -funded improvements. Audience Participation: The following individuals came forward: Mr. Neil Landgrebe, 451 Lilac Road, spoke in favor of the proposed improvements and suggested that the City should continue to promote development of home ownership in the North Winter Park Drive area near the proposed Wheel Park which would add to the City's tax base. He expressed appreciation to the Board, the City Commission and staff for their work on the proposed park improvements. Mr. Walt Bagley, 614 Doheny Way, expressed concerns about how many voters were in the City who were not homestead property owners and what effect that would have on the referendum election. No one else came forward. In response to a question from Commissioner Meadows, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer Kelly Brock advised that the consultants had been requested to deliver revised project cost estimates to staff by May 7r' for review prior to their being presented to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on May 14". Discussion: Discussion continued relating to the bond referendum, including: voters having the final decision on the referendum; effect the economy and other taxing authorities would have on the millage rate; potential for the improvements to increase property values; challenges with communicating information in such a way that it appeals to the City's multi -generational population with varying levels of income; utilization of the town hall meeting format for getting information to the public and timeframe for providing that information; timeframe for determining when the referendum election could be held; coordination with Tallahassee and the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections on the logistics of the referendum election and crafting of an ordinance setting out the details, including election date; determination of whether the referendum question would be placed on a general election ballot vs. a City special election ballot; and the importance of timing of the election to ensure the information is fresh in the voters' minds. The Commission as a whole expressed appreciation to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for their participation in the process. Commissioner Hufford also expressed appreciation to Mr. Newlon and staff for providing the financial information and potential tax burden to the residents separately to assist in the decision-making process. Mr. Newlon advised that the next step would be to take the cost estimates to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for discussion and recommendations which would then be brought back to the City Commission for further consideration. Members of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board also expressed appreciation for the entire process, including the joint meetings and presentations, and were excited about the proposed improvements they felt would add to the quality of life in the community.