CC03-01-2021Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
March 1, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Richard Drummond
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matt McMillan
Commissioner Matt Morgan
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, Acting City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David P. Dowda, Police Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director (Zoom)
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director
Judith Rosado, Financial Services Director
Kevin Shea, Police Lieutenant
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Drummond called the meeting to order at 6:00
p.m.
Mayor Drummond read an Expression of Sympathy by the Longwood City
Officials in the death of Rex Wayne Anderson, Sr.,former City
Commissioner.
2. MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Sackett led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. Longwood Movie in the Park will be held on Friday, March 5,
2021, beginning at 7:00 p.m., Reiter Park, 311 West Warren
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Avenue. This is a free event and the movie will be Monster
Zone.
B. The "Downtown Longwood Food Trucks"will be held on
Thursday, March 11,2021,from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at
Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue.
C. The"Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday, March 13, 2021,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
A. District#1 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month
Award for March 2021 to Ms. Sharon Kern, Branch Manager/
Longwood Office, Fairwinds Credit Union,800 East State Road
434.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker read a brief biography on Ms. Sharon
Kern and then presented her with the Business Person of the
Month Award for March 2021. Photographs were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Presentation: Police Chief David Dowda to recognize the
members of the Longwood Police Department who participated
in the accreditation process.
Chief Dowda recognized the following personnel of the Police
Department for their participation in the accreditation process
and they will each receive a Certificate of Appreciation.
Officers:
Pavel Zhukov,Tyler Thacker, Peggy Witt, and Michael Camejo
Corporals:
James Finch and Spencer McCranie
Sergeants:
Brandon Unsinger, Kris Burnham, Bradley Tollas, and Derek
Chenoweth
Evidence Technician:
Marilyn Pardo
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Lieutenants:
Ryan Bruce and Adam Bryant
Manager:
Mel Francis
Senior Administrative Assistant:
Brooke Hammerly
Accreditation Manager for the last three (3)years Lieutenant
Kevin Shea
B. Public Participation.
Jim Maloney, 255 West Magnolia Avenue, Longwood. He said he
is not too happy about the changes in the Alcohol/Beverage
Ordinance.This can be discussed at some other time if anyone is
interested in that. He noted the Police were giving recognition to
some of their own and thanked the Traffic Division and emailed
them. He noted he lives Downtown and walks his dogs every day
and there has been some speeding going on.They have been out
there trying to stop that.They came out the very next day and put
the speed sign up on our street. I hope they change the way some
people drive Downtown because they cut through to get away
from the intersection.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Commissioner Sackett reported attending the State of the
County on Thursday. He approached Commissioner Lee Constantine after
the presentation and told him he believes it was the best arrangement
that he had seen put on by the County Board in its style and flow. He also
reported attending the retirement of Ms. Dianne Rudolph on Friday. He
said he has seen what has happened with our City Clerks, and Michelle
Longo is probably the most superb City Clerk he has seen. She has
organized that office after it was in disarray with catching up on minutes
and such and brought in Ms. Rudolph to serve as the voice of our
community. He said she will be missed and Ms. Longo did a good job on
her hire. He also said Ms. Rudolph always made sure he had jelly beans.
Commissioner Sackett reported attending the Prowler's Event on
Saturday and an Episcopalian Service at Christ Church on Sunday. He said
he is proud of the people in our community for accepting the grant to get
the building fixed. He then mentioned the passing of Rex Anderson Sr.
and his service on the Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
and most recently the Charter Advisory Committee. He also mentioned
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the passing of the former Mayor of Sanford and expressed how they both
will be missed.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker said she is saddened by the loss of
Mr. Anderson and Mr.Triplett. She expressed condolences to the families
and said they will be missed. She reported a fire in her neighborhood on
February 21. She complimented Longwood's Police and Fire Departments
and Seminole County's Fire and Rescue. She requested a commendation
be added in each of the Longwood employee's files that were present
that day as there was a great display of professionalism. She said
fortunately,the homeowner was not home when the fire broke out so
there were no casualties or injuries.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker reported attending the State of the County
meeting on February 25 and agrees with Commissioner Sackett that it
was superb and nicely done. She mentioned participating in a Zoom
meeting with Longwood Club, shared with them the new tab on the City
Website, and passed along any concerns they had to Mr. Gioielli. She
reported attending Ms. Dianne Rudolph's retirement on February 26 and
said she will be missed. She complimented the City Clerk. She also
reported attending Prowlers in the Park on February 27 and said the
ladies were very talented and Elevate Longwood also performed. She
attended the re-dedication of Christ Episcopal Church on February 28.
She said she is happy for the Church and happy the City was able to help
them with the grant.
District#2. Mayor Drummond reported attending the Mayors and
Managers meeting for Seminole County a couple of weeks ago.They
talked about the COVID-19 response and an interlocal agreement coming
up between Seminole County and Seminole County Public School Board.
He said the details are still being worked out and as soon as they come to
a final working document they will require all cities to sign it to move
forward into 2021. He noted the next Mayors and Managers meeting will
be held in person at Longwood rather than on Zoom. He also reported
attending the Tri-County League of Cities meeting where they talked
about vaccine distribution and COVID-19 health updates. In attendance
were the health officers in Osceola and Seminole County and the Director
of Emergency Management of Seminole County. He said between
Seminole County and Florida, we are doing an excellent job of
disseminating vaccines and getting people vaccinated. Unfortunately, we
rely on the Federal Government to get vaccines to us. As soon as they can
ramp up the distribution, we will be more than happy to get people
vaccinated.
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Mayor Drummond reported attending the Florida League of Mayors
Candid Conversations with Mayors. He said they talked about mental
health concerns. It comes back to first responders, school-age children,
and everyone affected by COVID-19.There are a lot of mental health
ramifications that come from something like this. First responders are
dealing with the ravages of COVID-19 with people being ill and dying and
dealing with the families.The Counties, especially those in Florida, are
cognizant of what is going on and are trying to make sure we take care of
our first responders and other people affected by COVID. He reported
also attending the Annual State of the County luncheon. He said it was a
good presentation and we are lucky to live in Seminole County because
we have a Board that does a good job and has done everything they can
to deal with COVID-19.
Mayor Drummond mentioned Ms. Dianne Rudolph's retirement last
week and said he will miss her. She was always smiling and happy when
you entered the front office and always had to remind him what the code
was to get through the door. He reported attending the Orlando Prowler
Tryouts. He said it was a great show and estimated around three-
hundred (300)to four-hundred (400) people there. He had an
opportunity to speak to the owner of the Prowlers and met the coach
and players. He told them to think about Longwood first for their tryouts
next year. He reported also attending the re-dedication at Christ
Episcopal Church. He said they had the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Central Florida, Gregory Brewer who gave a good sermon.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan congratulated the Police
Department. He said it was good to see outside independent reviews and
audits come back with superlative results. He mentioned stopping by to
wish Ms. Dianne Rudolph a Happy Retirement last week. He said she will
be missed. She was the friendly smiling face of our City when you came
into City Hall and did a great job. Although we are an institution, when
you deal with our citizens you have to have people that have people
skills.
Commissioner McMillan reported attending the Orlando Prowler's
Contest at Reiter Park on Saturday. He said it was a good mix of people
and he liked how they had Elevate and a couple of other groups. He
noted they selected twelve (12) out of twenty (20) contestants. Many of
them came in with their resumes and traveled from around the state
because they wanted this position as a sideline dancer/performer at the
arena football games. He then explained the competition's breakdown
and said he was happy to see that all come together. He said he was
there with his friends from St.Andrews Society and mentioned they will
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be hosting another event at Reiter Park called Tartan Day on April 10,
2021.
Commissioner McMillan continued with his theme of"The true,the good,
and the beautiful". For"The True", he reported attending the State of the
County and thanked the County Commission.The event was put on by
the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce who he also thanked for
putting the event on. He mentioned the details and statistics on the
report that was received and specifically made mention to those related
to COVID-19. He recommended going on the County's website and
downloading it. He suggested possibly adding this information to our
website.
Commissioner McMillan reported on "The Good" and commended public
servants. He said public service is important. He mentioned the passing of
the Mayor of Sanford,Jeff Triplett, and said he was a very active
community leader and did a lot for his City during the very intense period
of the Trayvon Martin shooting. There was a lot of tension in the City of
Sanford and he remembers meeting him and noted he was a solid leader.
He also mentioned the passing of Mr. Rex Anderson who he came to
know on the Charter Advisory Committee. He said he was very passionate
and much understood the importance of our City and the Charter. He
also said that although they went back and forth and had their exchanges
when Mr. Anderson heard he had problems with his transmission he
texted him numbers of people to take a look at it and never let it get
personal.That is what we need in public servants. He was an institution
in the City of Longwood with everything he has done with the Police
Explorers. He will be missed as well.
Commissioner McMillan mentioned the passing of his friend Sam Weeks,
who lived just outside the City limits. He lived a good life full of civic
service. He noted that years past he was the Treasurer for the Seminole
County Republican Party. When he stepped down from that position,
Sam stepped up into that position as a replacement. He said it is hard
when you are in a non-profit or volunteer organization in charge of the
books, numbers, and money to find somebody who wants to do,
understands and can do it, and be trusted with it.Sam was all three of
those things. He was very professional,trustworthy, and stepped up for
it. He was also active on the Citizens on Patrol with the Sheriff's
Department and a Poll Watcher for the Supervisor of Elections.This was
all after a twenty-six(26)year career in the Navy and Naval Reserves
retiring as a Chief Sworn Officer Third Class, thirty(30)years serving as a
Postal Inspector for the United States Post Office, and fifteen (15) years
with the Florida Department of Revenue doing audits.That is a full life of
public service. He gave a lot to his community. He said he will be missed.
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Commissioner McMillan reported on "The Beautiful", as the re-
dedication by Bishop Gregory Brewer at Christ Church he attended
yesterday. He said after the ceremony there was a reception in the
courtyard and then he wandered over to the little cemetery where he
saw azaleas in full bloom, live oaks, spanish moss,the Historic Hotel in
the background, and a statue of an angel with the light coming through. It
was a beautiful image in our Historic District. He noted it was a beautiful
memorial to the lives lost.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan mentioned there is a Seminole County
Public School Board Special Meeting on picking the next superintendent.
He reported touring Inspire in Casselberry on Tuesday, February 16.
Inspire of Central Florida is an organization that helps young adults with
special needs when their primary caretaker passes away and continues
their treatments, teaches them a skillset, and puts them to work. He
noted they are only able to take about one-hundred (100)young adults
due to COVID. He said he took the tour with County Commissioner Bob
Dallari and Amy Volpe, who is on the Seminole Soil and Water Board,
who also has a special needs child and explored ways they can potentially
raise money so they can expand and take in more young adults.The next
day, he reported being a guest speaker for Turning Point USA at Lake
Brantley High School.This non-profit organization allows kids to hear
about the importance and different perspectives of freedom of thought.
He said he has helped organize five different Turning Point USA High
School Chapters in the County and will continue to do more. He
commended Maria Millian, class president of Lake Brantley. He then
explained how the speech went.
Commissioner Morgan reported attending the Longwood Historic Society
meeting at the Civic Center on February 21. Each Committee gave their
year-end report. He said he was going to help find ways to help raise
money for work that needs to be done to the Bradlee-McIntyre House.
That same afternoon, he reported attending a Board meeting with Next
Step Seminole, a group similar to Inspire,that wants to build a bigger
setup for special needs children and young adults.They eventually want
to have one in each of the Seminole County cities. On February 22, he
reported attending Teen Challenge Board and Committee Meeting. He
gave a testimonial on overcoming his addiction and about faith-based
addiction centers. He explained Teen Challenge and what they do, and
said it is a great organization. On Tuesday, February 23, he reported
speaking at Lyman High School to the Young Men of Excellence, an
innovative program with a vision of increasing the overall graduation and
achievement rates of minority male and female students in Seminole
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County Public School (SCPS) system. He brought Longwood resident, Mr.
JP Gilbert, as a guest speaker and said he provided a great message.
Commissioner Morgan mentioned the Propel Challenge that the City of
Longwood took part, along with eleven (11) other entities.The City of
Longwood came in first. He explained how the Propel Challenge worked
and commended everyone who participated. He then reported visiting a
sound studio on North Street in the Industrial area of Longwood, with
Sheriff Dennis Lemma, Michelle Smith, and Ashley Dupre from Opera del
Sol group. He said they are trying to create a video about the importance
of the war against opioids for Seminole County Public Schools.
Superintendent Walt Griffin has assured us he will be able to splice this
into their social media as well as sending emails to the kids. He said it is a
very impressive studio.
Commissioner Morgan reported attending the Orlando Prowlers event
and said it was a very packed event. He noted the event brought a lot of
new people into the City and the Tartan Event will do the same. He
advised receiving many calls about coyotes at the Skylark Subdivision and
residents being scared to walk their dogs at night. He called Seminole
County's Fish and Wildlife Department and they, along with every other
specialist he contacted, advised they could not take them out of their
area. He reported Longwood Elementary reached out to him to speak
specifically to their boys on the importance of athletics and academics.
He connected them to the Young Men of Excellence and Principal Mike
Rice from Lyman High School to work with them.
Commissioner Morgan commended and thanked Atif Fareed and the
American Muslim Community Center and Clinic for getting a vaccine
station set up. He advised they are giving out three-hundred (300)
vaccines every Saturday afternoon. He said Mr. Fareed wanted to post
this on social media two weeks before they opened it up to the rest of
the County and held the vaccines for Longwood seniors. He is a good man
who cares about our residents. He reported residents calling to see if
anything can be done about the noise of the road construction last night
near Judy's Dolls and Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital. He spoke
with Mr. Gioielli and the only time to do that project and repave that
portion of the road is during the night because it is an important area for
our emergency services, both for the Fire Department and Hospital,
during the day. He said the main culprit of the noise was a street sweeper
truck parked in an area they did not need to be. He noted the truck
would be moved farther down the road.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA.
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Mayor Drummond moved to add Item 12C, the reappointment of
Mr. Gioielli as Acting City Manager. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of the February 15, 2021, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for February 2021.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Items 10A and
10B as presented.
Commissioner McMillan requested Item 10A be pulled for
separate discussion.
Commissioner Sackett amended his motion to approve
Item 10B as presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Discussion ensued on Item 10A and Commissioner McMillan
noted that in his report he indicated he identified Jason Kirby,the
group one supervisor for Seminole Soil and Water Conservation
District, and it is listed as Greg Kirby, Purchasing Manager in the
minutes. He would like to make an amendment to correct his title
to the minutes.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Item 10A, with a
correction to the title for Jason Kirby in the minutes.
Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 21-2197,which
updates Longwood City Code Chapter 6—Alcoholic Beverages.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 21-2197 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and confirmed that the State
considers Elementary, Middle, and High Schools as schools. He
said they included the definition in the Ordinance. He noted Day
Care Centers are not part of the definition and would not apply,
which would address the 212 W Bay Street situation. He noted
there was discussion about accessory wine bars and included a
provision where an accessory wine bar, that is an accessory to
personal services, could be within five-hundred (500)feet of a
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place of worship or school.There are several requirements
including the revenue of alcoholic beverages must not exceed
thirty-five percent(35%) of the total gross revenue of the business
and that the area for the on-premises alcohol consumption does
not take out more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the total floor
area. Nothing changed with stand-alone bars.The Commission
has a more clear authority to consider a special exception for a
stand-alone bar if they wanted to at a certain point. He noted that
was something allowed in the previous Ordinance and clarified in
this Ordinance as far as what the process is. He said he spoke to
Friends Preschool Academy,Jeanette Friend, who was excited
about a new business coming into the City. Her biggest concern
was traffic on Wilma Street but did not see this as being
something that was going to relate to that. He also pointed out
this year marks the 10th anniversary of Friends Preschool in
Downtown Longwood.
Mayor Drummond opened the public hearing.
Jim Maloney, 255 West Magnolia Avenue, Longwood. He said the
only thing he is against is the special exception. He does not want
to see that involved in there.
No one else spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No. 21-
2197.
Commissioner Sackett moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to adopt Ordinance No.
21-2197 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No.21-1551,amending
the Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual,Chapter 5,
Personal Property Control and Disposal,Section A authorizing
increased capitalization threshold of tangible and intangible
capital assets valued at$5,000 or more.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 21-1551 by title only.
Mr. Gioielli presented the Item and answered questions.
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Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-
1551 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 21-1554,a fiscal
year 2020/2021 budget amendment to transfer funds from
General Fund Reserves and to approve funding for
improvements and renovations to Candyland Park.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 21-1554 by title only.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item and reviewed changes that have
been made to Candyland Park. He said he applied for a Florida
Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant that
if awarded will be used toward the further improvements and
renovations, which he described.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-
1554 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Added On C. City Commission discussion and consideration of reappointment
of the Acting City Manager for one-hundred and twenty(120)
day period commencing at 12:01 a.m. on March 14, 2021 and
ending at 12:00 a.m.July 12, 2021. If the City Commission
reappoints Mr. Gioielli for an additional period,the
provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement, as previously
amended,shall continue to apply as contemplated by the
Second Amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement.
Commissioner Sackett moved to reappoint Clint Gioielli for
an additional one-hundred and twenty (120) day period
commencing on March 14, 2021. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
Mr. Gioielli reported the County and City continue to see an increase in
active COVID cases and a decrease in the positivity rate. Additionally, the
original COVID Cares Act, managed by Seminole County, closed out on
February 28.The City of Longwood staff has continued to be active
including submitting additional expenses in hopes for reimbursement up
to the very last time-period.Testing continues and Seminole County has
had over 54,000 vaccinations completed.This includes many of the
second doses as required. He noted the Publix Pharmacy has opened
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back up and there are twenty-two (22) locations in Seminole County our
residents have as an option for their vaccination.
Mr. Gioielli reported the Longwood Firefighters have started to prepare
to join other firefighters throughout Seminole County to support
vaccination efforts for our residents.There was a change in the Executive
Order from the Governor today starting to expand the vaccination
eligibility to those over fifty-years (50) old that are firefighters, police
officers, or teachers.Johnson and Johnson's vaccination has been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He thinks we will
see that start to come out.
Mr. Gioielli reported the West Warren Avenue Project has started. It is at
night and has caused some unintended consequences. He noted they
tried to make adjustments not to interfere with residents in the area.The
project was anticipated to last for three (3) to four(4) nights. He said they
ended up with extra money, which will allow extra paving east of the
intersection of West Warren Avenue and Milwee Street and halfway
down West Warren Avenue into the Historic District. He announced there
has been a partial Certificate of Occupancy provided to Alta Apartments.
He drove by and saw residents moving in. He noted a delay unrelated to
the developer.They cannot have a full Certificate of Occupancy until they
have all their appliances.There is a supply delay.
Mr. Gioielli passed out a flyer containing a brief overview of Annexation
Benefits. He hopes the staff and Commissioners consider sharing with
residents and citizens they come in contact with who are considering
annexation. It is basic and he hopes it gets the conversation started and
this dialogue may generate some annexation interest. He said this is a
rough draft and asked the Commission to email him if there was anything
they thought should be added, changed, or modified and he would get it
updated.
Mr. Gioielli commended staff for scoring first place on the Propel
Challenge. He reported the Blue Collar Employee Union Contract is still
under negotiations.There have been some modifications in an attempt
to move the contract forward. He noted they are waiting on a response
from the Membership of the Union.
Mr. Gioielli said they received an update from the Seminole Cultural Arts
and Mrs. Bundy advised there was another internal delay with their
organization in completing the Traffic Box Art the Commission approved.
Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of the Commission requesting
a presentation about Coyotes.There has been a great deal of interest
from our residents. Commissioner Morgan spoke with Ms. Sarah Hall, an
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associate supervisor for the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation
District, an employee of the Central Florida Zoo, studying Biology with a
focus on Coyotes, who was willing to give a presentation about what to
expect and how to live within the same areas as coyotes.
It was the consensus of the Commission to have Ms. Sarah Hall at
the next meeting to provide a presentation.
Mr. Gioielli reported there are one-hundred and sixty-four(164)
registrants for the next Babe Ruth League.This is higher than the one-
hundred and thirty-four(134)they had Pre-COVID. He said they are
hoping that the upgrades, recommitment, and efforts in advertising to
the park will continue to see the Babe Ruth program grow back into a
larger option for our kids.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT.
Ms. Longo said she received a final date to present the certificates to
Lyman High School Girls'Volleyball Team on April 6, 2021, before their
game at 7:00 p.m. She thanked the Commission for attending Ms. Dianne
Rudolph's retirement on Friday. She noted Ms. Rudolph was with the City
for fifteen (15) years and will be missed. She appreciated everyone who
came by to say goodbye and thank Ms. Rudolph for her time with the
City.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Drummond adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 03-15-2021
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Richard Drummond, Mayor
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City Clerk
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