We'll call the order of the January 15th, 2025 meeting of the Clearwater City Council. This time we'll move to item two on the agenda. And tonight I'd like to call forward Father Bob Swick from St. Francis of Assisi. And we're going to ask all in attendance to remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. Folks, let us pray. Heavenly Father, never living God, thank you for the gift of these devoted leaders of our city. Inspire them to continue to act with good character and conviction, to listen to understanding the good will, and to speak with charity and restraint. Remind them always that they are stewards of your authority. And Father, we ask that you renew within these good people the strength of your presence and the joy of helping to build a community truly worthy of the human person. And dear Lord, help us all to better understand that the common good isn't measured merely by material social well-being, but more deeply by the measure of our charity to those in need and kindness to all of our neighbors. We ask all this in your name, Father. Amen. Thank you, Father. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Before we continue further into our meeting agenda, I'd like to introduce our dais tonight. To my far left is our Deputy City Clerk, Nicole Sprague. To her right is our City Clerk, Rosemary Cole. Good evening. To her right is our City Attorney, David Margolis. Good evening. To his right is Council Member Ryan Cotton. Hello. To his right is Council Member Mike Menino. Good evening. To my right is Council Member David Albritton. Good evening. To his right is Vice Mayor, Ayrton Chirap. Good evening. To her right is the City Manager, Jennifer Poirier. Good evening. To her right is Assistant City Manager, Dan Slaughter. And to his right is Assistant City Manager, Al Battle. With that, we'll move to Item 4.1 on the agenda. And I'd like to call forward the reigning City of Clearwater Employee of the Month. And Kelsey Johnson from the Parks and Recreation Department to give us a report on the volunteer program and a recap of the activities in 2025. Thank you for the shout-out there, Mayor. And it's an honor to be Employee of the Month this month. My name is Kelsey Johnson. I'm the Volunteer Specialist here with the City of Clearwater's Parks and Rec Department. And I'm here to present to you our Fiscal Year 2025 recap. This is going to be an overview because volunteers do a lot in the city. And if you want a more detailed report, I'd be happy to give that to you. Okay. So, first up, we'll just take a little look at the overall numbers. In 2025, we engaged 4,630 volunteers. That's overall, not unique volunteers. These volunteers gave to the city 14,879.15 hours. Volunteers do a lot in the city, and we'll show you that throughout the presentation. But one of the things that they do is collect litter from our parks, streets, trails, and beaches during volunteer litter cleanups. In the year 2025, they cleaned up 63,455.14 pounds of litter. That's equivalent to 31.73 ton. And that does include the post-storm cleanups. To give a simple calculation of the value that volunteers provide to the city, we'll just take the amount of hours that they gave by a simple wage of 16 an hour. And that is equal to $238,066.40. Of course, if you try to quantify the spirit that they bring, that's just priceless. Volunteers cultivate a culture of service, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and community within the city of Clearwater. A couple of other quick stats here. The events with the greatest number of volunteers in hours in 2025 were the big cleanup, Clearwater. With 776 volunteers over the course of one week. And then we also had the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. And that was 485 volunteers over the course of just four days. All right, now for the fun part, I'm going to take you through. You're going to get to look at these pretty pictures while I talk to you about what volunteers do in the city of Clearwater. Volunteers participated in important environmental and beautification projects throughout the city in 2025. You'll see here a variety of those kinds of projects from volunteers collecting recyclable items at the Sea Blues Festival in that top left corner there to adopt program cleanups, invasive plant removals, weeding, gardening. Volunteers even cleaned stickers and graffiti from the fixtures along the beach. So if you notice that difference this year, that was volunteers. We had 29 adopt groups this year working diligently on these projects all across the city. Additionally, volunteers were at practically every event in the city. From rec center community celebrations to large special events, you could find smiling volunteers running game stations, taking tickets, greeting guests, and so much more. A notable special project they got to work on this year was being volunteer actors and the active assailant training exercise that our police and fire departments put on. So that was really cool. They should win an Oscar for that one. And, yeah, a very notable part of the volunteer program that's kind of a section in and of itself is the program housed at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. This facility hosts daily dedicated volunteers, including both general park volunteers and volunteers specifically dedicated to assisting with the birds of prey program. Which is an entirely volunteer program housed out of the park. In the fiscal year 2025, volunteers gave over 2,200 hours just to Moccasin Lake Nature Park. They are there every single day. And I do have a little video here from one of the volunteers speaking, so we'll see. I have unique experiences with getting to interact with the animals that are endangered and feel like you're helping, you know, to preserve the wildlife in the area. And then it just feels great to give back to the community. The other thing that I like about it is I started here with my oldest son. He was getting his Bright Futures hours for the college scholarship. And so that kind of to have, build a relationship with my son, but then also learn new things and learn about wildlife and get a relationship with the birds. It's been really rewarding. That's just one of the many experiences of volunteers at that park. The city of Clearwater, we also partner annually with Keepin' All is Beautiful, a nonprofit with the mission to conserve and beautify our natural environment by means of community engagement and education. In the fifth of the year, 2025, Keepin' All is Beautiful engaged 3,071 volunteers just in Clearwater. They completed 94 educational presentations and 153 community projects with volunteers just in Clearwater as well. Okay, now for the fun, fun part. I would like to present some volunteers, some amazing volunteers with awards. Some of them are here this evening. So if you are here, can you come up when I call your name? And then maybe we could take a group picture at the end. Okay, so firstly, we have the volunteer who gave the most hours at one-time events and projects throughout 2025. This person is one of the first volunteers I personally met when I started at the city and has consistently been a loyal, dedicated volunteer who serves as a friendly face that our local families come to expect, especially at our rec center events. During the fiscal year 2025, she volunteered at 15 events serving multiple different rec centers and parks across the city. And that volunteer is Jane Grossman. Yeah, yeah. Okay, awesome. All right. So next up is the Community Champion Award. This award goes out to someone whose volunteer service to the city has created an entire culture and guest attraction for visiting families. This volunteer comes to Moccasin Lake Nature Park every Wednesday for the now-famous Dennis Day, during which he provides reptile education to guests, allowing them the opportunity to touch, observe, and learn about reptiles. This program serves tourists, locals, homeschooling groups, and more than that. They also serve the community through great American teaching programs and more. The Community Champion Award goes to Dennis Beaker. All right. I'm not sure if this volunteer is here, but we'll honor her. So this is for the volunteer with the best attitude. And I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever seen this volunteer without a smile. She shows up with a positive spirit for every project, from gardening at Coachman Park to being a volunteer actor at the Active Assailant Training and helping run the VIP area, the Clearwater Celebrates America event. This volunteer also makes everyone around her smile. And that is Miss Edna. Thank you. Okay. This next award goes to a volunteer for the Longtime Service Award. This volunteer has been serving the city of Clearwater for over 20 years as a volunteer. She has participated in waterway cleanups, rec center events, special events, and she even led an Adopt-a-Street effort on Druid Road for 20 years. The Longtime Service Award goes to Diane Ingram. I'm going fast. Thank you for letting me go through these. We have a lot of awesome volunteers in the city. All right. This one, he couldn't be here today, but I'm calling him the Keeper of the Land. He was nominated by Lloyd Simmons and Lonnie Walker at Moccasin Lake Nature Park. He dedicates his own time, energy, and resources towards tending to the park, building bird gardens, maintaining the bird feeders and water dishes at the park, as well as consistently contributing to other tasks around the park. And so that is Lou Peterson. And next is an outstanding Birds of Prey volunteer. This volunteer stands out to the leaders of the Birds of Prey program for her hard work, dedication, passion, and adeptness with the rescue birds on the property. You've seen her face once already. That's Chris Adkins. Last but not least, I have the honor to recognize four volunteer coaches, and I think only a couple of them could be here today. But these volunteers were nominated by the rec centers where they volunteer at. They all go above and beyond the call of duty. Coaching basketball is just the start of what these volunteers do. More importantly, they create meaningful connections with the youth in our city and provide a safe space for children to learn, grow, and connect. So we have Adam Orris, Dave Burek, and Sean Sperbeck from Countryside, and Rocco Ladani from North Greenwood. And then I'd love to get a group photo with everyone. Yeah. And just before you do, just thank you so much for what you do for our city and our citizens. You know, every time I go to, you know, a holiday or a fall harvest festival at one of our rec centers, it's largely staffed by volunteers. People are coming out there to make it a fun event for the kids. And whether you're coaching or whatever role you're playing at Moxon Lake, you make such a difference in this community. We couldn't do the many things we do without you and your volunteering. So thank you so much on behalf of the city council, on behalf of all the citizens. Thank you for what you do for Clearwater. Thank you so much. Yeah, thanks for coming out. Before we move into the next item, just to remind folks that if you want to address the council tonight, please complete a comment card. The comment cards are located by the clerk to the right of the dais. When you call to speak, please hand your card to the clerk. That will move to item 5.1 on the agenda. I approve the minutes of the December 4, 2025 city council meeting. So moved. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Move to item 5.2 on the agenda. Amend the September 18, 2025 city council meeting minutes. Council members, I forgot to include an e-comment, although the action of the item does not change. We did receive an e-comment for opposing an item for page 13, so it's just recognizing and a copy of those comments are included. Is there a motion? I'll move to approve agenda item 5.2. Second. Opposed? In favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. We now move to the consent agenda. Are there items to be pulled from tonight's consent? Yes, items 6.1 through 6.3, 6.8 through 6.14, and 6.22. 6.8 through 6.14. 6.8 and 6.22. 6.14. 14. 14. And 22. Okay. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda except for the items that were asked to be removed just now? Motion to approve agenda items 6.1 through 6.3, 6.8 through 6.14, and 6.22. Those are the ones that are pulled? No. No, those are the ones that are pulled. Gotcha. Everything except those. Everything except those to be approved. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. We will move to item 6.1. Authorize purchase orders to Florida Industrial Products of Tampa, Florida, Hughes Supply, H-A-J-O-C-A, Corp of St. Pete, Florida, Mine and Mill Supply Company of Lakeland, Florida, Tampa Wind Supply of Tampa, Florida, and Technico Gas, LLC of Lake Worth, Florida, for the supply of galvanized steel pipe and fittings and the cumulative annual not to exceed amounts of $200,000, with the option for two one-year renewals pursuant to invitations to bid 02-26, and authorize the appropriate official to execute soon. Good evening, Council. My name is Alex Leon. I'm the Assistant Director for CPS Energy. This item was presented on the work session on Monday at the 12th. I'm happy to answer any questions. Okay. Does anyone here from the public desire to speak to this agenda? I'm Mr. Haluba. This is primarily for the Natural Gas Department, and we're talking about galvanized pipe and fittings and such things for the Natural Gas Department. Not every citizen of Clearwater has natural gas service. Many customers of Clearwater gas don't even reside in Clearwater. Now, why does that matter? It matters because if general tax receipts from Clearwater taxpayers are being used to make these purchases, then these galvanized goods, you know, used outside the city limits of Clearwater are only for the benefit of non-Clearwater residents. It's a misuse of funds. And that becomes a wrongful financial burden to Clearwater taxpayers if tax money is used, but nobody can answer whether it is or not. It also, you know, is a total windfall to gas customers that don't live in Clearwater. Now, since Clearwater gas charges a fee for gas service, that makes it an enterprise-funded expense, benefiting only gas customers, no matter where they reside. Is this expenditure coming from tax receipts, which would make it wrongful, or is it expended from gas company sales receipts only? It makes a huge difference. Anyone else here from the public tonight desire to speak to Agenda Item 6.1? Hearing and seeing none, is there any council discussion? There's no discussion. Is there a motion? Motion to approve Agenda Item 6.1. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda Item 6.2. Authorize a purchase order to AECOM Technical Services of Tampa, Florida for design consulting services of Clearwater, Beach Gas, Pipeline, Intercoastal, Sub-Aquias Crossings, and then not to exceed amounts of $934,000 to pursuant to request for qualifications 30-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening. Good evening. Once again, my name is Alex Leon, Assistant Director for CGS Energy. This item was presented on Monday's work session. I'm happy to answer any questions. I want to take public comment on this. Is there any council discussion before we invite the public? I mean, I'm reading. Thank you, Mayor. I saw the email and read the majority of these that are being pulled off. I think every single one of them attached to the agenda item, if I'm not mistaken. It says that it's being paid out of the enterprise funds. Is that correct? For 6.2, that's correct, yes. Well, 6.1 as well. Yeah, 6.1 as well, too, yes. Thank you. Correct. Just wanted to clarify. Any other council discussions? Hearing none, is there anyone here from the public tonight that desires to speak to agenda item 6.2? I'm Mr. Haluba. Mr. Menino, if these items are from enterprise funds, as you stated, why are they not listed as such on the agenda? Why are they not? That's why I'm here. I want to know where these funds are coming from. And not only that, you personally don't have such a great background on keeping track of funds. Not only should it be published what fund these are coming from, as a matter of openness in government, the amount of money in these accounts should also be published. Otherwise, we don't know what's going on. Nobody does. Nobody does. Not even you all. But this underwater gas line, $943,000 just for consulting. It's not for the gas line. So I'm going to give you my opinion for free. Sub-aqueous gas intercocial pipeline is really a foolish, bad idea. One reason is I don't know of any underwater gas customers. It may even become dangerous. I mean, what happens if it begins to leak, you know, or get struck by a boat? I see you smiling, Slaughter. Keep your head up. What if the boat is a non-Coast Guard compliant vessel like the Clearwater Ferry? We sure don't need any more Clearwater Ferry catastrophes. The gas line, in this instance, can be run right along the causeway. That's where the customers are, not underwater. That would serve, you know, island estates, right next to the road, and everything beyond safely. If the gas company is paying for this out of enterprise funds, that needs to be publicly disclosed in these documents. Is there anyone else here from the public that I desire to speak this agenda? Councilman Ricciardi? Yes, sir. Thank you very much. Just so everybody is clear, maybe there's just a little discrepancy on where to find that. They are published, and both agenda items have both been asked. If you go to the legislative text portion, it's on one of the pages under Appropriations Code. It literally says funded by revenues from the Clearwater Utility Enterprise Fund. So on both of the past brought up agenda items, it is clearly listed there on the legislative text. And I would add on all these agenda items, there are always attachments in here, and the attachments show what entity, which one of our entities is making the purchase. So thank you for that. Any further council discussion? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.2. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.3. Gratify and confirm an increase of the purchase order with Trillium Transportation Fuels LLC doing business as Trillium of Houston, Texas for maintenance, remote monitoring, diagnostics, and repair services of compressed natural gas stations in the amounts of $15,575,74, bringing the total purchase order amount for year one ending November 30, 2025 to $130,575,74, pursuant to ITB 61-24, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening. Alex Leon, assistant director for CTS Energy. This item was presented on the work session on the 12th. I'll have to take any questions. Is anyone here from the public desire to speak to this agenda item? I'm Mr. Haluba. Cotton. Where does it say on here? This is the public disclosure. Not on here. Can we get that done? I mean, you know, you're not going to answer the question, but, you know, do any of you read the PDFs? I'm not sure you do. This item, with no questions from you all, is for $15,575,000 for maintenance, remote monitoring, diagnostics, repair service, all these things. And one of the biggest problems that I read into this is it's for over several years. In fact, it's until you see it right offhand. But most of these expenses are going to cover several years. That's not the way it should be done. Because in several years, most of you are not going to be here. And hopefully a couple of you will definitely not be here. So then who's going to be watching that money? The next group, it's this money that should be appropriated on an annual basis. And if it comes from enterprise funds, it needs to be disclosed in the minutes, not in some buried document so that later on it gets lost. I don't think this project for these compressed natural gas stations benefits anyone. I think this is a wrong-guided expense for, you know, environmentally conservative whatever. I think that's the big idea. But it's still $15 million that could easily be saved, and nobody would notice the difference. And like I say again, enterprise funding should be on the agenda as such. Does anyone else hear from the public that I desire to speak this agenda? I guess we'll start on the end. Yes, sir. Thank you. Again, maybe it's just a little bit confusing of where the public can find this. First off, the 6.3, it's $15,575.74, just for the record, not $15 million. Secondly, I just went to the City of Clearwater's website, agendas. You can go right there, find the agenda for the meeting that you wish to see. Once it fully pulls up, maybe this is where the confusion is, it gives you the details with the attachments in PDF form. If you click Reports, it'll take you right there, the first thing, legislative text. It is what this is. It is what this is. It is what this is in digital form, and you can scroll all the way down to the areas already mentioned. So, thank you. Okay. That's Member Menino. Anyone else? No further discussion. Is there a motion? Move to approve agenda item 6.3. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Move to agenda item 6.8. Approve an agreement with Cayenne, Division of North Harris, Computer Corps of British Columbia, Canada, for support and maintenance, professional services, and hosted AI agent services in support of the utility billing management system for a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,192,873.13 for the five-year term beginning November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2030, pursuant to clear water code of board into Section 2.63 for N1.D, non-competitive, purchased, impractical, and authorized appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Jay Ravens, Finance Director. This item was discussed at Monday's work session. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Does anyone hear from the public tonight desire to speak to agenda item 6.8? I'm Mr. Halooza. It's a utility expense. If it is, you know, enterprise-funded, it needs to be disclosed on the agenda, not without. You all don't even read the PDFs, so why would you expect citizens to do it? This is what they read. But to my point, my previous point, this is for pipe fittings, billing software, you know, other things. This is $1,192,000, basically for software. From Canada, also here in the meeting agenda, it states, five-year term beginning November 1, 2025, so we're voting on something that's past tense, which is really goofy, through October 31, 2030. You're going to be here in 2030, Slaughter? Let's hope not. Anyone else desire to speak to this agenda? Any saying none? Is there a motion? Move to approve agenda item 6.8. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.9. Accept for Department of Transportation grant agreement amendments in the amounts of $1,100,000 for the parking lot expansion rehabilitation at Clearwater Executive Airport and to authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, Council Mayor. Mike McDonald, Marine and Aviation Director. This is to amend a current Florida Department of Transportation grant that was discussed on Monday. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Anyone here from the public desire to speak to the agenda item 6.9? I'm Mr. Haluba. It might have been discussed on Monday, but none of you ask any questions. For instance, are there any upshots with this, you know? Do they really need a parking lot? Now, again, this is, you know, Marine and Aviation is under the auspices of a utility. So if it is, you know, or if it were enterprise funds, that needs to be disclosed. Just like it's disclosed on this one, Mr. Cotton, that it is coming from FDOT. Very clear where the money is going to come from. But there's many citizens, including myself, that don't want the Clearwater Airport expanded in any way, parking lot or otherwise. It's a noisy intrusion to many citizens' lives. I can tell you personally that they don't really stick to the hours of operation. Many citizens, including myself, would prefer to have this noisy, unnecessary Clearwater Airport just shut down completely, not expanded. This is a precursor to expanding the runway that people don't want. Accepting this FDOT grant opens a Pandora's box. It begins a slippery slide to runway expansion, which, again, most citizens do not want. But you're just going to sit there and approve it anyway, no matter what anybody says, without any real in-depth thought on it. So just go ahead, unanimous. Anyone else here from the public, and I desire to speak this agenda? I feel like I've said this a million times, but just because no one up here asks questions about agenda items during work sessions does not mean we have not done considerable research, and we've spoken with the staff extensively about each one of these items at one point or another. Some of them are cumulatively. We've had many agenda items in the past two years since three of us have been on here and more since the two others have been on here regarding the airport. So this isn't something that we need to waste everybody's time asking the same questions over and over again. I can tell you that, on average, like all of us five probably spend at least two or three hours a week going over the agenda, reviewing the documents that are attached, asking questions of the staff. We all have meetings twice a week with the staff. So this idea that unless we ask questions on the record public at a work session indicates somehow that we haven't researched and we haven't dove into it, we don't know what we're doing, that's just completely inaccurate. The five of us work very hard to know what we're talking about and know what we're voting on every time. And we've been up here at least three years, excuse me, two years. So we've gotten in a rhythm now, and it's not always the first time we've addressed any of these agenda items. So I just want the public to know this is not accurate, what's going on. We do know what's going on. We all have a great working relationship with our staff, and we're very educated and up-to-date on each of these agenda items. So with that, is there any council comment on this particular agenda item? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.9. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.10. Approved of purchase order to and lease agreements with Mobile Modular Management Corporation for the lease of one five-wide modular building to temporarily house fixed-space operator operations at Clearwater Executive Airport during terminal and parking lot construction in the amount of $147,833.16 pursuant to city code 2.563, paren 1, paren C, piggyback and authorize the appropriate officials to execute. Mike McDonald, Marine and Aviation Director. This is Talese. This is a module of building to house the FBO during construction of the terminal. We will be using the FDOT, Florida Department of Transportation, grant to pay for this. I'll be happy to answer any questions. Is there any word here from the public that I desire to speak to this agenda? I'm Mr. Haluba. That's the first I've heard that FDOT is paying for this. Also, not disclosed like it should be, Mr. Cotton. But I take exception, Mr. Director, to you saying that, you know, you all know everything that's going on and you have all these meetings and everything. Well, that's done in the shade. That's not done in public. And therefore, there's every reason for any citizen to doubt this, this money that's being spent. And why and how? You know, let's not forget, once upon a time, Parks and Rec was operating, you know, disclosing things that were not correct. There was money disappearing and it went on and on for a long, long time. So how are we standing out here looking at millions of dollars being spent, supposed to rely on statements that, oh, well, you know, we met with staff and staff says we need this. And, you know, it's comical. I don't trust you people, and I know a lot of people that don't. But this, again, is for something that most people don't want, and that is expansion at the airport. Now, you, sir, you said it was for the terminal. You used that word just now. Is it for the terminal or is it, as stated, you know, in the agenda, temporary housing while the parking lot is done? So now there's another, there's a question I would ask of any of you to have us, man, come back up here and make clear. Does anyone else desire to speak to this agenda, okay? If not, is there any further counsel? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.10. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Humanity. Thank you. To an item 6.11. Authorized purchase orders to core and main LP and Pasco Pipe Supply, Inc. of Florida for ductile iron pipes, fittings, mechanical joint restraints, and polyethylene tubing in the accumulated annual not-to-exceed amounts of $400,000 for the term January 16, 2026 through January 15, 2027, with two one-year renewal options pursuant to ITB 57-25 ductile iron pipes, fittings, and authorized appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, Mayor, Council. Mike Flanning, Public Utilities Interim Director. As discussed on Monday, this is really for the ability to make connections within our water and wastewater system. It's important for us to be able to have water that flows to our customers and wastewater that is received at the wastewater treatment facilities. I'm happy to respond to any questions you may have. Does anyone here from the public desire to speak to agenda item 6.11? I'm Mr. Haluba, and I would absolutely agree it's important if you're going to bill people for the water that it actually gets there. God, you people. This is another instance where if it is enterprise-funded, it should be disclosed on the agenda, and it is not. You hold it up and show me, Mr. Cotton. It's not. You can say, oh, you've got to pull the PDFs up and look at those, and you go to the dashboard. You know, Ms. Poirier is big on the dashboard. But this is actually for an expenditure that just needs to be disclosed as to why, you know, which, of course, you don't really want to get our water, but why it is needed so badly. And it can easily be resolved, and I hope you all will do this. Just put on the agenda where the money comes from. That's why I'm going through all this. And, Mr. Rector, I gave you an opportunity the other day to e-mail me and say just that, and you didn't. Does anyone else here from the public desire to make a comment regarding this agenda? And for the record, Mr. Libba, I offered to have a conversation with you today, and you refused that. So you need to be clear about that as well. So is there any council discussion on this agenda? If not, is there a motion? Move to approve agenda item 6.11. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.12. Authorize an increase in a 90-day extension of the existing purchase order with Odyssey Manufacturing Company of Tampa, Florida, for the supply of liquid sodium hypochlorite in the amounts of $300,000 increase in the annual not-to-exceed amount from $1.5 million to $1.8 million and extending the term for 90 days through April 16, 2026 pursuant to ITV04-23 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, Mayor, Council White-Flanney, Interim Director of Public Utilities. The item before you is for bleach that we utilize at both our water and our wastewater facilities. It's important for us to meet regulatory compliance, and we have certain standards that we have to meet. I'm happy to respond to any questions you may have. Is anyone here from the public tonight desire to speak for this agenda item? I'm Mr. Haluba. I think this is a rather exorbitant expense for something that's fairly common, you know, chemical. And once again, if it was disclosed as a enterprise-funded expense, I wouldn't be standing here, Mr. Cotton. Does anyone else desire to speak for this agenda item? Hearing seeing none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion? Move to approve of agenda item 6.12. Second. Those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.13. Approved an agreement between Hedronix and Inc. Doing business as Smart Cover Systems of Escondido, California, and the City of Clearwater Public Utilities Department for the use of Smart Cover software for online mapping and monitoring service. Continued hardware and extended warranties for all existing wastewater system units. Participation in the Smart Care Maintenance Program, including system troubleshooting, routine proactive maintenance, parts and labor for the term February 1, 2026 through January 31, 2028. In the amount of $438,398.64 pursuant to City Code, 2.563 per n1 per nD, non-competitive purchase, impractical and authorize the appropriate officials to execute, same. Good evening, Mayor. Council Mike Fleming, and again, Interim Director of Public Utilities. These Smart Cover Systems are, in my perspective, very excellent systems. They help us prevent sanitary sewer overflows within the wastewater system. So it helps us prevent the opportunity for wastewater to travel, the pathogens to travel into homes, into the environment, and they impact our community. I'm happy to respond to any questions you may have. Does anyone ever in the public desire to speak to this agenda? Mr. Haluba, this, again, is a utility expense that should be disclosed on the agenda as an enterprise-funded expense. But it's not. But I do find it rather amazing that the City of Clearwater is so concerned about monitoring sewage when there's maybe that sort of attention that should be paid elsewhere, like the streets, which any of you that drive around have noticed have taken a beating recently. It's another big expense that's going to be an ongoing expense past most of your time here serving citizens of Clearwater. Does anyone else desire to speak to this agenda item? Hearing say none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.13. Second. Lows in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Gen item 6.14. Authorized purchase orders to Cora Main LP of St. Louis, Missouri, Empire Pipe and Supply Company, Inc. of Sanford, Florida, Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Ferguson Water Works of Tampa, Florida, Staline Water Works of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tampa Wind Supply of Tampa, Florida, for the supply of service brass and brass valves in the cumulative annual not-to-exceed amounts of $395,000, with the option of two one-year renewals pursuant to invitation to bid 60-25, service brass and brass fittings, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, Mayor, Councilman, Clanny, Interim Director of Public Utility. The item before you allows us to connect water lines and meters within our infrastructure. I'm happy to respond to any questions that you may have. So you want to hear from the public desire to speak to this agenda? Mr. Haluba, and this is another expense that I don't believe is necessary. We're talking about, you know, a big expense to Empire Pipe Supply for service brass, whatever that is, and brass valves, not a tax expense. It needs to be disclosed as enterprise-funded on the agenda. Now, there's been numerous requests tonight by various utility departments for a whole host of different piping types. Pipe, hose-fitting, galvanized steel, brass, plastic, ductile iron. It goes on and on and on. Why is all this coming to a head at this time on this evening? Did they not need these things six months ago? Did they not need them a year ago? Well, but none of you asked these questions. You're just going to sit there and approve it. Now, the money from these expenses, you know, for these expenses, all this piping and so forth, valves, you know, absent public disclosure, beyond meeting with, you know, staff and behind closed doors in secret, which technically is against the law, it just appears to be, you know, something evil and unethical, something may be slaughtered. It is very interesting that the city of Clearwater spent so much time and effort on monitoring the sewer system and other utility things, given that no effort is made or has been made to verify the contractual residency requirements of the city manager. Does anyone else hear from the public tonight as I speak to this agenda? Hearing none, is there any council discussion? None. Is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.14. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.22. Schedule a special work session on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 9 a.m. and on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. for the purpose of holding a strategic planning session at Morningside Recreation Center. Council members, as discussed on Monday, this year staff is requesting two strategic plan sessions to be held at Morningside, and this is to be in compliance with Council Policy 3-11. Okay. Is there any council discussion? Is there anyone here from the public tonight desire to speak to this agenda? Mr. Johnson? Yeah. Good evening, and yes, I'm still Bill Jensen, a Clearwater Academy graduate. I want to address the amount of time that is being scheduled in these two strategic planning sessions by this agenda item. Last year, I personally observed the two strategic planning sessions that you folks made significant progress in adopting strategic objectives for the city manager. The meeting seemed to be proceeding well with open discussions in front of the entire senior staff, yet the second meeting concluded before the top strategic priorities list was identified. I know that this is a difficult task in that you have a variety of passions for the city. Back in 2001, the city invited Dr. and Professor Lance D. Haven Smith from Florida State University to conduct a work session on governing leadership for the council. One of his messages, and the prime message, was that the council is fundamentally a collaborative body representing the community. Its greatest success from arriving at those things that have full agreement across all the council members, not those that are divided by votes. Without focus priorities, the city manager must constantly divine the mix of projects and services to allocate resources. She does this, as Mr. Margolis reported to the Citizens Academy, partially from her one-on-one meetings with the council members. In discussions with each of you, I know each of you have a passion for excellence, but without common priorities, we seem to fall short and arrive at almost good enough. Coachman Barker comes to mind as the best example of not quite good enough, yet something you all express support for. It is important for the rest of the 1,800 staff members to know your priorities so that they can support your collective wishes. Please allocate sufficient time to this important task. I assure you it will also benefit all of the citizens as well. Thank you. Do you want to tell anyone else here from the public that I desire to speak to this agenda? Not. Is there any council discussion? No discussion? Is there a motion? Motion approved. Agenda item 6.22. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. To agenda item 6.23. Sunset the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and adopt Resolution 26-01. 7.1. Excuse me. Yeah, 7.1. Sunset the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and adopt Resolution 26-01. Sorry. Good evening. My name is Dylan Mayo. I'm the Housing Manager. On Monday, I've presented Resolution 26-01. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee has concluded its work for the 2025-2026 program year, and this resolution will sunset that committee. Happy to address any questions. May we have a reading? Mayor, we have Resolution 26-01. Just kidding. Mayor, we have Resolution 26-01, a resolution of the City of Clearwater, Florida, sunsetting the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee required for purposes of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program, providing an expiration date for terms of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members appointed under Resolution 25-11, providing an effective date. Does anyone here from the public tonight desire to speak to Agenda Item 7.1? We see none. Is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion? Move to approve Agenda Item 7.1. Second. Those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unameless. Thank you. Agenda Item 7.2. Declare a surplus certain real property located at 706 North Missouri Avenue, Clearwater, Florida, 33755. Approve the transfer of property to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Good evening, council. I'm going to address this one. As our staff mentioned on Monday, we did put out a declaration to declare a property surplus for 706 North Missouri, commonly referred to as the Armory. The proposal period for the ad actually expired on Tuesday after a meeting on Monday. So our goal was to bring the property item before you on Monday at the work session with adoption, hopefully tonight. I'm here to let you know that on Tuesday, which was the last date for us to receive any letters of interest, we did receive one on the morning of Tuesday. So it's at your discretion in terms of how you'd like to proceed. But I'll defer to council if there's any procedural issues you want to discuss. But you can either, as my understanding, proceed tonight or we can hold it over until the next council meeting, which will give us an opportunity maybe to provide you any feedback on what we received. We haven't really reviewed it. We have the letter. We haven't spoken with the folks who presented us with said letter of interest. But that would at least be some additional information for you to have at that time. So either way, we think we're in a good position to address the item as it's been presented to us. It's the inclination of the council. Mayor, thank you. I think this is probably something, being as though it just came up this week, that we take the time to allow staff to do a little homework on it and read through it and fully understand the project and the moving parts of it. And we get it updated and maybe revisit this at the next session. Okay. Good question. Declaring it as surplus, we need to, that extra, I guess, request or submittal of interest, how does that affect us approving or not approving this item as a surplus? We're not assigning it to anyone. We're just assigning it as a surplus to the CRA. But because the CRA is a separate legal entity, the item would transfer the property to the CRA. And so as part of the surplus declaration, it will go together with the transfer. So I don't believe there would be any benefit to us to separate them because ultimately, if you were, say, to, let's say, I mean, you could. But let's say you were to declare it surplus but not approve the transfer. You're not saving any time. You're not really saving anything. So they typically do go together. So, I mean, legally, you could treat them as two separate things. But I don't know that you would necessarily either save time or benefit from that. So my suggestion would either be to, as Council Member Menino said, to continue it to the next item if the council would like more time to review it and would like staff to provide input or if you are comfortable moving forward with the item as presented. And if you've had a chance to review the proposal that came in, then you could vote to approve this item tonight. But to Mr. Battle's point, it is important to emphasize that although it came in late in the process, that proposal was timely. And so I do think there's at least some responsibility on the council's part to acknowledge that proposal. I think Mr. Battle did the right thing by doing that and by disseminating it to the council. So I think those are really your options, either if you've had time to review it and you feel comfortable moving forward with this transfer tonight, you can absolutely do that. Or in the alternative to Mr. Menino's point, you could continue it to the next council agenda item, whatever you're comfortable with. And just the only other thing I'll add on this is that I know this one feels a little bit different than some other, I would say, property transfers that we've had because it is an internal transfer kind of to the vice mayor's point. This is an intergovernmental transfer that I know feels like it's coming to ourselves because it is from the city to the CRA. But technically, the CRA is a separate legal entity. And if this item is approved, whether it's tonight or at the next meeting or whenever, then we will actually execute a deed from the city to the CRA. So I know it feels like it's not really transferring the property, but technically it is. Council Member Albrighton? You know, this has been a long time coming. But I would just as soon transfer it to the CRA because I think that's our best option right now to get it into the CRA and then decide what we're going to do with the CRA. That's just my opinion. I think that's my question. My question was transferring it to the CRA does not assign it to anyone else. It is not an acceptance or a rejection of any proposal. It's just simply transferring it to the CRA so we can make that decision and just transfer it without having to assign it to somebody or approve or not approve, right? I know it sounds strange to say it, but you actually are accepting a proposal from the CRA to obtain the property. But we're talking about that submittal on a Tuesday. Yes, that's correct. That's correct. There's no impact on that proposal going forward. That's my question. Yes. If the council approves the item tonight, then it will be in the hands of the CRA. At that point, the Community Redevelopment Act will govern the future disposition of the property. And it's not that much different from city protocols, but it does give you more flexibility in terms of how you dispose of property. So if the Vice Mayor's question is whether you can approve this item tonight and still later revisit the proposal that has come in, the answer is yes, you can do that. So then I would like to approve this agenda item tonight and transfer it to the CRA. That's my view. Does anyone want to hear from the public desire to be heard on this agenda? We have participated in the sentence. Ma'am, Ma'am. Ladrilla Jenkins. Just give the clerk her name, yeah. Ladrilla Jenkins. But in my community, they call me Ms. J. Nice seeing you, Mr. Slaughter. I, inquiring about the NAC, it was back in the day, I was born and raised in that community. It was the National Guard Armory. James Brown and many artists came and performed. There's been many memories of me learning how to play baseball, softball, basketball in that National Guard Armory. I also was the center director for the Head Start Center that's right across from it. That was our place to go in case of an emergency, a gas leak, or we had to evacuate the building across there. I'm just inquiring whether or not has it been put out to the citizens or the residents in that community of what we would like to or do a collaboration with the city. What I'm seeing now, there's a lot of decisions being made without the input of some of the residents in our community. I remember Jack Russell Stadium with the Phillies. That's where we skate and rode our bicycles at Christmas and all of that. Those are memories that are leaving. I am now retired, and I'm taking my 15-year-old and 16-year-old grandchildren, and I'm showing them the various areas of where I played. So I would also like to know who else is inquiring about that building. I see the potential of where we could have a 16-year-old when women are coming of age or men are coming of age or your grandpa is 75th. It could be an event hall. It's too much erasure leaving the North Greenwood community. I can remember the child's friendship playing over there. It's just too much. And then when the city came in, everybody talks, but I'm one, I'm getting back into that community. So you will be seeing me a lot. You'll be hearing me a lot. As a director, I never told staff what to do. If there was a problem or an issue, come in with a solution, and we can work it out. I may be at the top, but the teachers and the parents made my centers successful. I've worked from North County to South County. I've worked with two 15-year-olds. I did 22 years with our club, and I just retired from Head Start. And I have a good collaboration and relationship with Chief Slaughter. Thank you, ma'am. Just put it out there in North Greenwood community. Thank you, ma'am. Would you mind filling out a comment card for us or just for speaking so we remember who you are and if one of us wants to get in contact with you, we can do that. Okay. Anyone else who's in the public desire to speak this evening? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve. Agenda Item 7.2. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda Item 7.3. Approve the annexation initial future land use map designation of residential medium RM and initial zoning atlas designation of medium density residential MDR district for unaddressed South McMullen Booth Road together with a budding right of way of South McMullen Booth Road and pass ordinances 9866-26, 9867-26, 9868-26 on first reading. Good evening. Good evening. Lauren Matzke, Planning and Development. This is a voluntary annexation request for a vacant 0.64-acre parcel. It's located on the east side of McMullen Booth Road just north of Gulf Bay Boulevard. Parcels to the north, south, and west are within the city's jurisdiction, therefore making it eligible for annexation. It will be designated with the residential medium future land use category and will be zoned medium density residential on the city's zoning atlas, both of which are consistent with the current designations in the county. The development review committee is recommending that a tiny little sliver of McMullen Booth Road that's not currently within the city also be annexed at this time. It's about 0.005 acres. Sanitary sewer is not actually readily available to this property, but the owner is aware of that, and if at any time it does become available in the future, they're aware of the fees that would be necessary to pay in order to connect, but staff does not see any impacts to city services as a result of this annexation. The request is consistent with the city's comprehensive planning and community development code, as well as Florida statutes, and staff is recommending approval. See, I want to hear from the public, and I desire to speak to this man. If not, may we have a reading? Mayor, we have three ordinances in succession. First up is Ordinance No. 9866-26, an Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, annexing certain unaddressed real property located on the east side of South McMullen Booth Road, approximately 350 feet north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida, 33759, together with abutting South McMullen Booth Road right-of-way into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition, providing an effective date. Next up, we have Ordinance No. 9867-26, an Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending the future land use element of the comprehensive plan of the city to designate the land use for certain unaddressed real property located on the east side of South McMullen Booth Road, approximately 350 feet north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida, 33759, upon annexation into the city of Clearwater as residential medium, RM, providing an effective date. Finally, we have Ordinance No. 9868-26, an Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain unaddressed real property located on the east side of South McMullen Booth Road, approximately 350 feet north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, Florida, 33759, upon annexation into the city of Clearwater as medium density residential, MDR, providing an effective date. Any council discussion? If not, is there a motion? A motion to approve agenda item 7.3. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Ananimous. Agenda item 7.4. Approve the annexation initial future land use map designation of residential suburban RS and initial zoning atlas designation of low-density residential LDR district for 2265 North McMullen Booth Road and past ordinances 9869-26, 9870-26, and 9871-26 on first reading. Great. Good evening again. Lauren Matzke, Planning and Development. So this voluntary annexation request would bring in a detached dwelling located on a 1.07-acre parcel just west of McMullen Booth Road on Warren Lane. No relation. Parcels to the north, south, and west are also within the city of Clearwater, thus making it eligible for annexation. And as noted, it would be designated residential suburban on the future land use map and low-density residential on the zoning atlas upon annexation. The applicant is requesting city services, including sanitary, sewer, and solid waste services. And the development review committee, upon reviewing it, sees that there would be no impact to our ability to provide those services. It's consistent with the city's comprehensive plan, community development code, and the Florida statute. So staff is recommending approval. Is there anyone here from the public that I desire to speak to this agenda? My name is Joe Corey, and I represent the applicant, and I'm just here to answer any questions. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else here from the public that I desire to speak to this agenda? If not, maybe we have a reading. Mayor, we have Ordinance 9869-26 up first. An Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, annexing certain real property located on the east side of Lauren Lane, approximately 550 feet west of North McMullen Booth Road, whose post office address is 2265 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition, providing an effective date. Next up, we have Ordinance 9870-26, an Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending the future land use element of the comprehensive plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property located on the east side of Lauren Lane, approximately 550 feet west of North McMullen Booth Road, whose post office address is 2265 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater as residential suburban RS, providing an effective date. Finally, we have Ordinance 9871-26, an Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property located on the west side of Lauren Lane, approximately 550 feet along North McMullen Booth Road, whose post office address is 2265 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater as low-density residential LDR, providing an effective date. Okay, is there any council discussion? Not, is there a motion? Move to approve agenda item 7.4. Second. Closed and favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 7.5. Appoint an individual to the Marine Advisory Board with a term set to expire on January 15, 2030. Council members, for your consideration, the agenda item has applications from Toby Bradenberg, Yvette Compton, David Farrar, James Martin, Jamie Smith, and Eric Van Cleef. Okay, on this one I'll go first, just because I think Monday I didn't express, you know, really a preference for any one of them. So I indicated all of them were, I thought were good, but I've had a chance to look closer at it, and I'd like to see us consider David Farrar. David served on the Code Enforcement Board. The only reason he went off that board was because he turned out, and he led that board and just did a really good job, dedicated job. It was not easy for the board to serve on and lead, but he did it, and he didn't go off that long ago. Now he's ready to get back and serve the community again. And then also, he lives on the island of the states. He's a boat owner out there, and although we do want to keep a distribution of folks from throughout the city, on this particular board, I think having a voice out there where, you know, arguably there are more boat slips out there or, you know, separate, private, individually-owned boat slips anywhere else in the city. And so the number of docks, the number of boat owners out there in that area, I think that, and David's very active in the Island State Civic Association and knows most of those boaters out there, recreates, owns a boat himself, so although there are two or three others that I think would be great too, I just, I'm persuaded to support David just because of those things I just mentioned. So that's my role, Britton. Yeah, I think, I just want to say, I think all these people that apply for this are great applicants, and thanks for asking to be of service. I know that I had said, Jim Martin, I've known Jim a long time, and he owns a boat, and he lives on the beach. There's a lot of people that own boats, you know, on the beach as well. But I do know David very well, and David serves his community very well, not only Clearwater but Island Estates as well. I would be fine with David. And, you know, the other people that applied maybe could come into service at some other point. So I would be good with going with David. I agree. I looked at all the applicants, and I was actually quite happy with the caliber of applicants we're getting. But simply because I served on the board with David Farrar, and it was a difficult board, you're right, very challenging. I saw his leadership skills, his commitment. And so just based on what I witnessed, I would go with David Farrar as well. I mean, I'm going to stick with Mr. Bradenborough of the zip code 33765. It isn't represented, and he's been a long-term Clearwater resident since 1967 with direct marine experience and U.S. Navy service. So I respect your all's opinions, but I think that that would probably be best suited in accordance with how these boards are determined. Menino. Thank you, Mayor. I agree, Councilmember. I thought the same thing. And then Navy service and experience when we're talking about marine and aviation is pretty important. I think we can kind of count so that we can probably go ahead and move to approve David Farrar for Agenda 7.5. Before we do that, are any of the folks who have applied, are they here tonight? Would they like to say anything? Does anyone here from the public like to comment on this agenda? If not, then we'll entertain a motion. Motion moved. You made the motion, I'll second it. Yeah, okay, I'll second it. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Aye. Okay. It would be for and support, and Councilmember Cotton opposed. We will move to item 8.1. Mayor, 8.1 is a second reading, and so we'll bring that up. We have ordinance number 9858-26, an ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending Chapter 2, Article 5, Division 3, Employees Pension Plan. Amending Section 2.063, Qualifications and Appointment of Members. Amending Section 2.411, Purpose of the Plan and the Trust. Amending Section 2.412, Definitions. Amending Section 2.413, Plan Administration. Amending Section 2.425, Pension Fund Records. Providing for inclusion in the Code. Providing for severability. Providing for repealer. And providing for an effective date. Is anyone here from the public desire to speak this agenda? If not, is there any council discussion? And if not, is there any motion? Motion to approve. Agenda Item 8.1. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? To your analysts. Agenda Item 8.2. Mayor 8.2 is the second reading of Ordinance Number 9859-26, an ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida, amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 3, Purchasing. Amending Section 2.561, Methods of Source Selection. Repealing Subdivision 5, Private-Public Partnerships. Repealing Sections 2.581 through 2.587. Providing for inclusion in the Code, providing for severability, providing for repealer, and providing for an effective date. Does anyone want to hear from the public desire to speak this agenda? Hearing saying none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve. Agenda Item 8.2. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Move to Agenda Item 9. City Manager Reports? Okay. Item 10. City Attorney Reports? Nothing right now. Item 11.1, Discuss City Attorney Search Process. That's mine. Before we talk about the process, you know, I discussed with City Attorney today that perhaps it might be good to formally ratify, so to speak, what we did on Monday, and that is to formally accept his resignation, effective February 9th, per the terms that we discussed, just to have it on the record, that we did that, and that would also make it clear that we're opening it up for the next thing, which is this process that we're getting ready to go through, to make sure that we are able to tell candidates that the position is officially open. So moved. Second. Just real quick, I thought that we were still looking for, is this pertaining to the search company that we're looking for, because, or just solely to his updated resignation? Accept his resignation, under the terms that we discussed, effective February 9th, so that we can tell that whoever we select, or if we select, that we can move forward to fill the open position. Understood. Okay. At this time, does anyone want to hear from the public tonight desires to speak for or against the motion? It's for or against the motion. Hearing none, is there any council discussion? And if not, is there a motion? Mayor, if I may, also was discussed the item on appointing an interim city attorney. Does council want to do that as well, or is that something you want to do on another item? I think we've got time to do that. I think I've... I mean, I spoke with the city attorney today, and we could just, I mean, do a compounding motion that authorizes that, as well as appointing Owen, which is what he stated in his letter as well. I mean, Owen would just take over February 9th or 10th? It would be the 10th? Yeah. I can amend my motion to make it a compound motion with that. Okay. The only comment I have is not really for or against, but the manager and I have also been talking about the process of making sure that Owen gets appointed successfully, and part of that could involve an employment letter or amending his employment letter. And so I think there's a couple ways that council can do this. Number one, as Council Member Cotton said, and as Council Member Albritt just indicated, you could make a compound motion tonight. I think that's totally fine. I think that's appropriate if you choose to. I'm making it effective February 10th. However, the disadvantage to that is that if you would like to wait, and to the mayor's point, there's no immediate urgency for it. We could, at the next meeting, bring back an actual more formal employment agreement with him so that you would see something a little bit more formal. But it's not right or wrong decisions. The manager and I have talked about this. You can do it both ways. I don't want to speak for her, but I think we're both comfortable either way with that. But since you do have time, I think that's, you could wait until the next time, or you could just do it tonight. But if you do it tonight, I think both the manager and I need to know if you would like us to bring back an amended employment letter with Mr. Kohler, or whether you'd like the motion to stand on its own. Does that make sense? So with that, I mean, maybe letting the motion stand with the original motion, and then getting the paperwork drafted so that we have time for that. We'll stop in, probably in the procedure, but if that's okay, we'll just go through with the original motion. Perfect. And we'll make sure that we have it on the agenda for the next one. Thank you. Okay. So I'll drop back to my original motion. Okay. All those in favor? All right. All right. Opposed? Unanimous. Okay? So... The motion was in second. Oh, money in a second. He's seconded. Yeah, he's seconded. Okay. But you seconded it with the change as well, correct? No. That's what I need you to do? Yeah. Yeah. No, I didn't comment on his when he changed it. Okay. All right. Yeah. Okay. Good. So then the rest of it is the search process, which we decided Monday we were going to ask HR to help us seek some more potential search companies for that. So I haven't seen anything come through. I don't know if we've made progress on that or not. Good evening. Tiffany Macris, HR Director. We've reached out to the four recruitment agencies that were mentioned at Monday's session. We've heard back from three. The fourth one, we're still waiting. But we do have a deadline of having something from them by tomorrow. Okay. So it's a very quick turnaround. I hope to have something to share with council by tomorrow evening. And I think we tentatively have a date for a special meeting to talk about. Actually, I have a few dates for council to consider. So the first meeting would be, or the first date to consider would be Friday, January 23rd. That's next Friday at 3 p.m. The second one would be Tuesday, January 27th at 8 a.m., and that seems to be the one that has the most availability of everyone of council. And then Monday, February 2nd, which is the regularly scheduled work session, either before or after the scheduled work session. If the 27th is when we have the most availability, that would be fine with me. I don't know. I think that gives us enough time to get out on the next council agenda as well. I will not be here. I will be in Washington. Okay. I was told 8 o'clock a.m. would still work for your schedule. It shouldn't take too long. I actually have to confirm that. Okay. Sorry. It's okay. Speaking of moving the flights around, is it falling too late for everyone? I would like, personally, I would like to do it sooner rather than later, so one of the first two for me. And I think I'm available on all of them. 23rd, I'll be in St. Augustine. Okay. So 27th, it is. Okay. Thank you, Larry. 27th. Okay. Thank you. Okay. With that, we'll move to item 12 on the agenda. Closing comments by council members. Council member. First meeting of the new year. Thank you all for standing by and coming out tonight. And I look forward to what 2026 has to bring for the city of Clearwater and for everything that we have to look forward to. So wishing everybody a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026. Council member Menino. Yes, sir. Council member Albrecht. Yeah. I'd like to, on the next work session, I'd like to add a discussion regarding a resolution opposing inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing off the coast of Florida. I know the feds are talking about doing this and opening it up. Florida right now is pretty clear, but if they come in, I don't want to see any of that. You know, our main industry here is tourism, and we've been affected by oil spills before, and it has not been pretty. And so I'd like to, I sent, I guess I've sent you a resolution that can be modified, but it's going to be, you know, you need to read it because it will be signed by you and supported by city council. But if we could put it on the next work session and talk about it, I think I'd like to have that. Vice Mayor? Well, welcome back from all the holidays. I want to take this opportunity to share with you all something important as well as personally. My family, like many others, are navigating the challenges that come with aging parents. In our case specifically, a parent facing an aggressive illness. After speaking to my family and the healthcare workers last night and having much reflection, I made the very difficult decision to not seek a second term so that I can focus on my family at this point. This does not mean that my love or passion for this city has diminished in any way. It just means that the journey I'm on right now will not allow me to commit to this position in the manner that I think it deserves. I'm not going away. I will continue to contribute in any way that I can, just not in this role. With that in mind, I have a lot of people to thank. My family, who has been with me every inch of the way. The staff, you've been welcoming, very welcoming, and quickly became part of my life. First responders, both the CPD and the fire. Great group of people that I'm very proud of. And last, but never least, thank you to the citizens for the privilege of allowing me to serve this great city. The honor has meant the world to both myself and my family and will stay with us a lifetime. I will leave this position grateful, proud, and forever inspired by this city. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Mayor. A very difficult decision for you, we know. And I don't have any closing comments other than to say that, you know, tonight you shared with us before we came in here that you were going to make that statement. And I just want you to know that not just the council, but the whole community has come to love you with your service to the city, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know that it's a very difficult decision for you and been very difficult for you to talk about it tonight. But we will be there with you as colleagues and friends and the many friends you have in this community to help you and your family through a difficult time. So that's all I wanted to say. We appreciate you so much. And our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work through this with your family. With that, we will adjourn the meeting of January 15, 2026. Thank you.