Tallahassee City Commission Meeting Briefs: March 22, 2023

Below are the news briefs from the Tallahassee City Commission meeting that took place on March 22, 2023.

The Commission approved acceptance of $572,052 in grant funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Resilient Florida Grant Funding for the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Orange/Meridian Placemaking Project.
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The Commission accepted the City of Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency’s FY 2022 Annual Report.
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The Commission approved a settlement to resolve the claim of Shirley Greenwood, individually, against the City of Tallahassee for a total sum of up to $134,000. The settlement of this case for this amount has been approved by the Liability Oversight Committee. The amount will be paid from Risk Management funds.
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Leon County Sheriff McNeil provided the City Commission with an update on the status of the Council on the Status of Men and Boys. At its February 16, 2022, meeting, the City Commission voted to contribute startup funding for the proposed Council on the Status of Men and Boys, in conjunction with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners, and Leon County Schools.
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The Commission received an update on the 2023 Florida Legislative session, which convened on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 and runs through May 5, 2023. Every year, the City of Tallahassee submits funding requests to support the City’s strategic efforts.

Additionally, the City tracks potential legislation that may have an impact on the City through our contract lobbyists and partners such as the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Municipal Electric Association.
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The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt an ordinance that includes a provision to regulate outdoor amplified sound originating from establishments which serve alcohol and are located within the Urban Core and zoned Central Core. The proposed change would prohibit the establishments from creating, transmitting, or producing any outdoor amplified sound which is plainly audible 200 feet from their establishment between 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M on Monday-Thursday and between 12:00 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. on Friday and Saturday.
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In a 3-2 vote, the Tallahassee City Commission voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the Big Bend Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA).

Commissioner Matlow and Commissioner Porter supported certain financial provisions of the contract, however opposed the language that provided discretion to the police chief related to a positive drug test for controlled substances. Matlow argued the provision was inconsistent with city policy and should be removed.

Mayor Dailey, Commissioner Richardson and Commissioner Williams-Cox voted to approve the contract.
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During the sharing of ideas part of the meeting, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow proposed that the City Attorney Cassandra Jackson be considered for the city manager position. Matlow stated his dissatisfaction with current City Manager Reese Goad and said the city is “broken.” Mayor Dailey, Commissioner Richardson and Commissioner Williams-Cox Others, denounced Matlow’s comments.

On the drug testing controversy, Commissioner Williams-Cox challenged her colleagues to take a drug test. Commissioner Richardson stated that the controversy related to the TPD officer that was reinstated after a positive drug test for a controlled substance was being sensationalized to divide the community.