Food trucks, Animal Control Impound Policy, and Alcoholic Special Exceptions were among topics discussed at the Commission meeting on November 9.

City Planner Shellie Johnson speaks to the board about changes to the Alcohol Special Exception Policy at the November 9, City Commission Meeting. (Submitted photo/Megan Narehood)

Mayor David Lyons began the Regular Commission meeting by recognizing veterans.

“Thank you for your service,” said Mayor Lyons.

The audience in attendance at the meeting applauded the veterans.

Ron Zimmerly led the opening prayer.

Commissioner Wilkins was absent due to the flu bug going around town.

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda to consider approval of October 2017 vouchers and paid bills, the minutes from the September 21, 2017 Regular Commission Meeting, and the September 21, September 26, and October 5, 2017 budget hearings passed 4-0.

Public Hearings, Resolutions, and Concerns

• Mike Shough appeared before the commission updating them on the status of the monthly Food Truck Invasion.

“It could not be going better as far as I’m concerned,” said Shough, “The food trucks are wonderful, the people are wonderful, we have nice manageable crowds.”

“The food trucks are there so we can make money,” said Shough, “so we can fix up the gallery, get the things we need and maintain the building.”

The motion to have Mike Shough report back on the status of the Food Truck Event in six months passed 4-0.

• Resolution No. 2017-25, 2017-26, 2017-27, 2017-28, and 2017-31 extending a Local State of Emergencies related to Hurricane Irma to be ratified passed 4-0.

• Dean Tanner read a letter he wrote to the commission about supporting Doug Morgan and the staff at animal control on the proposed change to the impound policy from holding an animal from five days to three days before they become property of Animal Control.

“I’m standing with Doug Morgan and all the folks at Animal Control,” said Tanner, “These folks do the very best job that can be done.”

• Jennifer Grieb spoke representing James Burkett for the property at 597 W Hickopochee.

“We want to make it one master meter so instead of four bills we only have one bill a month,” said Grieb.

The commission passed Grieb’s request 4-0.

• Christine Eaton spoke on behalf of the Woman’s Club and requested permission to have a parade on December 9 from 5-5:30 p.m. Permission was granted.

• Kelly Boone reminded the board the Wharf Walk was approaching and thanked the city for all their help.

“Thank you for the lights, cleaning the road, the banners, the generators, and everything else,” said Boone, “We really do appreciate it.”

• Ellen Woosely, Chairman of the Swamp Cabbage Festival, asked the Commission to wait to make the renovations to the Civic Center on behalf of the Cattlewomen’s Association who uses the Civic Center for their dance and fundraiser for scholarship money.

“We’re not even there yet,” said Mayor David Lyons.

Staff Reports

• Clint Walker, Assistant Fire Chief, reported calls returned to normal after Hurricane Irma and on the status of the truck build.“I was told a delivery date of May,” said Walker.

• Lieutenant Shawn Reed reported there was 1 assault, 3 batteries, 4 personal crimes, 2 stolen vehicles, 3 thefts, one business theft, 3 residential burglaries, 1 business burglary, 4 vehicle burglaries and an arrest was made, 2 criminal mischiefs, 16 property crimes. There were 7,686 calls for Hendry County in October, 305 traffic stops, 115 arrests, and residential and business checks.

• Superintendent of Public Works Michael Boyle reported on the Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) paving project.

• Shellie Johnson, City Planner, spoke about changes made to Ordinance 2017-21, Alcoholic Beverage Special Exception pertaining to businesses whose majority of sales come from alcohol, application process and criteria that can be used in addition to the Special Exception criteria. She also said there can be more discussion at another time.

“The Alcoholic Beverage Special Exception will be put on the agenda for December’s meeting.” said Johnson.

• Ron Zimmerly, Finance Director, brought Resolution No. 2017-29 and 30 before the commissioners.

Resolution No. 2017-29 SCOP agreement maintenance of sidewalk one built for the mayor to execute authorization for agreement with DOT and to take on maintenance responsibilities passed 4-0.

Resolution No. 2017-30 to authorize Hendry county staff and equipment to clear debris from private roads passed 4-0.

RFP (Request for Proposal) 2017-01 to hire the Salsar firm to take care of some of the paperwork due to Hurricane Irma was approved 4-0.

“The Salsar group has been involved with FEMA after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and with Hurricane Harvey,” said Zimmerly.

Zimmerly reported on the amount of debris removed since Hurricane Irma.

“As of November 4, 2017, 54,390 cubic yards of Debris removed from the city of LaBelle,” said Zimmerly, “The county will begin to pick up construction and demolition debris Monday, November 12.”

• The Fire station project was discussed, and a deadline was set for first week of December.

• A motion to authorize the Mayor to execute contract documents contingent upon legal review and staff approval passed 4-0.

• A motion to proceed with normal Christmas gift cards for city employees passed 4-0.