City Commission Briefs from July 7, 2021 Meeting

City Commission Briefs from July 7, 2021 Meeting

Mayor John Dailey and the City Commissioners recognized the Capital Park All-Star baseball team who represented Tallahassee in Mississippi, at the Dizzy Dean World Series. The team finished in third place and received the Sportsmanship Award for the tournament.

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Mayor Dailey and Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox recognized the former president of FAMU, Frederick S. Humphries, Sr., Ph.D. during the meeting, speaking about his life and many accomplishments. Dr. Humphries passed away on June 24, 2021.

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The Commission authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute a sole source agreement with Vector Airport Systems, LLC, in a vote 3-2. The agreement is for the use of a full-service Automated Aircraft Landing Fee Collection System. The system will be used to collect landing fees that are imposed by The Tallahassee International Airport.

Commissioner Jeremy Matlow explained he does not believe it is necessary to expend funds to a vendor in order to collect fees and ultimately the city is spending funds to collect funds.

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The City Commission passed, 5-0, the appointment of Ms. Gabrielle Gabrielli to the joint City/County Bicycling Workgroup. Currently Ms. Gabrielli is the President and CEO of Gabrielle Consulting, Inc., and she has previously served 3 years as the Chair of the Animal Shelter Advisory Board.

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Mr. LaRoderick McQueen was confirmed for the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission School Board seat, that became vacant June 30th, when Ms. Martha Chauncey stepped down. Currently, Mr. McQueen is a member of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee, a member of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, and a member among other affiliations.

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The Florida League of Cities Board requires one elected city official to fill a seat on their board. Mayor John Dailey is currently representing Tallahassee and during the meeting Wednesday evening, Dailey was appointed by the City Commission to serve again.

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Ms. Patricia Swain was appointed to the Downtown Improvement Authority whose primary function is to preserve property values and prevent deterioration in the downtown area. Ms. Swain previously owned a local restaurant and is currently an Association Manager.

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Ms. Ashely Lacey was appointed to a vacancy on the Environmental Board. Ms. Lacey is an Environmental Science Doctoral student with background in health science and public health. She is currently a scholar for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (CCME).

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The Community Engagement and Integration Director for the South City Foundation has requested that the city waive all fees associated with the site use, equipment, and utilities for the Soul of Southside Arts & Humanities Festival, that was held this past May. The cost to be waived is $2,609.57. The request was approved 5-0.

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The City Commission approved the sale of the Chevron and Johns parcels, owned by the city, to the Valencia Development Corporation, for $8 million. The item passed 3-2, with Commissioner Matlow and Commissioner Porter in descent.

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The Green Building Policy, “which incorporates energy efficiency, sustainability, resilience, health, and wellness standards into city-owned building renovations and new construction projects,” passed unanimously.

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Dr. Kimball Thomas spoke regarding the negotiation between the city and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. He commented that with the continued funding they are able to put 40 scholarships in the hands of individuals to participate in Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity (TEMPO).

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The Board heard updates regarding the Affordable Home Construction Loan Program (AHCLP), by Jean Amison, Housing Manager, she stated that the full $1 million is fully obligated at this time for new and ongoing projects.

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The City Commission unanimously approved the revised proposal by TLH Arts to move forward with their multi-purpose and performing arts project. The project utilizes $1.8 million in funds from the Tourist Development Tax.

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The vote was unanimous by the city for the Tallahassee Police Department to move forward with applications for grants from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grants will be used to expand the city’s Crisis Intervention Team, to implement additional de-escalation training, and to enhance the department’s use of body-worn cameras.

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The City Commission approved the revision of rules and regulations for backflow prevention and cross connection control to the city’s water system. Commissioner Porter expressed concerns about increases in water utilities for customers, however with further explanation it was made clear that there are no expected increases in cost to customers in general. The item passed unanimously.

7 Responses to "City Commission Briefs from July 7, 2021 Meeting"

  1. No Stanley, it’s since we got rid of two of the worst commisoners, Maddox and Gillum. It takes a little time for all the new commisoners to get corrupt. Give it time.

  2. Is it me…. Or anyone else noticed the big drop in negative articles about the City of Tallahassse by the Tallahassse Report since we now have a white Mayor and a white City Manager?

  3. I hope that the City Commission will in a few months evaluate the city’s Crisis Intervention Team. I want to know what are their goals and how they plan to meet them. I also understand that the city has developed this team so they meet federal requirements and are eligible to meet qualifications for new grants under the Biden administration. I am not a fan of defunding law enforcement, but I will hold judgement about the crisis team and prayer that no one gets hurt on the job.

  4. “Commissioner Matlow and Commissioner Porter in descent.” descent or dissent? They may sound alike but they have different meanings.

  5. Why no mention of the Commissions plan to rename Holton Street to Obama Street?
    Oh wait my bad its East Pensacola Street that they are planning to rename Obama Street!!!

  6. “The agreement is for the use of a full-service Automated Aircraft Landing Fee Collection System” …………….. This is so WASTEFULL.
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    “joint City/County Bicycling Workgroup” ……………… WTH is THIS? More Waste.
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    “Currently, Mr. McQueen is a member of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee, a member of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, and a member among other affiliations. ” ………. How will he find time?

  7. At least Commissioner Matlow was smart enough to question spending money to collect money as unnecessary. Who was the other No vote? I will have to go look it up. Now we just need to elect more officials with some common sense.

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