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Description |
Palatka City Commission Reg. Meeting |
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Date |
9/28/2006 |
Location |
Palatka City Commission |
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Time |
Speaker/Item |
Note |
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Test |
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PRESENT |
Mayor Karl N. Flagg; Commissioners George Sanders, Allegra Kitchens, and James Norwood, Jr. Commissioner Mary Lawson Brown. |
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ALSO PRESENT |
City Manager Allen R. Bush; City Attorney Donald E. Holmes; City Clerk Betsy Jordan Driggers; Assistant City Clerk Karen Venables; Police Chief Gary Getchell; Fire Chief James White; Wastewater Treatment Plant Director Platt Drew, Fire Battalion Chief Mike Lambert |
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CALL TO ORDER |
Mayor Flagg |
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Invocation |
Reverend Tim Hauenstein, Pastor; First Baptist Church of Florahome |
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Pledge of Allegiance |
As a group |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
August 24, 2006 - Commissioner Sanders moved to adopt the minutes as read. Commissioner Norwood seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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PUBLIC RECOGNITION |
Retirement of Fire Chief James White -- Mayor Flagg recognized Fire Chief James White for his 33 years of service with the City of Palatka. Mayor Flagg also presented Chief White with a 6-year Safe Driving Certificate and pin. Departing Planning Director Adam Mengel -- Mayor Flagg also recognized Adam Mengel, departing City Planning Director, for his seven years of service to the City. Mr. Mengel was not present. |
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH |
September 2006 - Mayor Flagg asked Commissioner Kitchens to assist him in presenting certificates for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship and attendance to the following students, representing their respective schools: Brittani
Batchelor Beasley Middle
School Hope
Andrews Browning Pearce
Elementary School Dale
Whitfield Central
Academy School of Excellence Monica
Easterling Children’s’
Reading Center Charter School Jacob
Bryan E. H. Miller
School Valerie
Clower James A. Long
Elementary Brittany
Riley Jenkins Middle
School Krista
Brownell Kelley Smith
Elementary School Ciarra
N. Martin Mellon
Elementary School Carrissa
Hawsey Moseley Elementary Charlie
Overturf Palatka High
School Logan
Barber Peniel
Baptist Academy Esther
Betonio River Breeze
Elementary School |
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PUBLIC COMMENTS |
There were none. |
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CONSENT AGENDA |
a. Authorize expenditure of $1,885.50 in Law Enforcement Trust Funds to purchase equipment to be utilized for unusual occurrences and special operations – Palatka Police Dept. b. Award Police Dept. Wrecker Service Bid to St. Johns Auto Body, the apparent low bidder, for quoted prices of $25 per tow and $8.00/day storage fees, per results of a request for Bid Proposals – Palatka PD c. Declare as surplus K-9 Officer Uran, retired police K-9 dog, for disposal in accordance with Palatka Police Dept. policy and procedure, and authorize transfer of property to K-9 Officer Craig Mikesell. d. Reappoint Kenny Downs as Contractor Rep. and LaSandra Williams as At-Large Member to Code Enforcement Board for three-year terms to expire Sept., 2009 (sole applicants, incumbents) e. Approve Final Budget Amendments F/Y 2005-06
per recommendation from Finance Dir. Ruby Williams f. Concur on appointment of Battalion Chief
Michael Lambert to position of Fire Chief with probationary period of one
year – Allen R. Bush, City Manager, with recommendation from Fire Chief
Interview Committee g. Award SR100 Force Main Construction Project bid to Jerry’s Johns & Const. at quoted price of $32,390 per results of a Request for Proposals – Woody Boynton, Public Works Director |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. |
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PROMOTIONS |
Allen R Bush, City Manager, introduced former Battalion Chief Mike Lambert as the newly appointed Fire Chief. |
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PUBLIC HEARING |
TRIM Calendar - Tentative FY 2006-07 Budget and Proposed Millage Rate (8.65) - Mr. Bush said the budget has been available for public review since the conclusion of the budget workshops. This budget is based upon a tentative millage rate of 8.65, which is the same millage rate adopted for the 2005-06 budget; it represents a 7.708% increase over the rolled-back rate. Tonight is the 2nd reading and adoption of the 2006-07 Budget. |
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Levy Ordinance No. 06-37 |
The Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE LEVYING TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2006 TO RAISE THE NECESSARY REVENUE TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF PALATKA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 in its entirety. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-37 as read. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioners Sanders, Norwood, Kitchens and Mayor Flagg, yes. Nays, none. The Ordinance was declared passed and adopted on second reading. |
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APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO. 06-38 |
The Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF MONIES FOR THE OPERATING EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF PALATKA FOR GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SEVERAL GOVERNMENTAL DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY, AND FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE SEVERAL SINKING FUNDS OF THE CITY OF THE CITY TO PAY INTEREST ON AND PROVIDE FOR THE RETIREMENT OF THE OUTSTANDING BONDS AND OTHER FIXED OBLIGATIONS OF THE CITY, AND FOR PALATKA GAS AUTHORITY, FOR AND DURING THE FISCAL YEAR A.D. 2006-07. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-38 as read. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioners Norwood, Kitchens, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, yes. Nays, none. The Ordinance was declared passed and adopted on second reading. |
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REQUEST TO CONSIDER 100 BLOCK ISSUES |
Lynda Crabill, 609 S. 14th St, on behalf of the Putnam County Historical Society, cited several reasons as to the importance of saving the buildings in the 100 Block along 2nd Street. They can be renovated to coincide with the final design of what will be built on the rest of the block. There have been attempts to save them over the years; there have been reports and studies done over several decades. These buildings should be preserved at any cost. Development plans should always be based upon what the people of Palatka want, not what the developer wants. Their stunning architecture cannot be duplicated today. As to the money to renovate and restore these buildings, she said that money is already in the budget; it has to be spent whether or not they will be saved or torn down. Palatka needs to retain its own look. Letters from Peter Prugh and John Mason Beatty are forthcoming. They have used strong reasoning to save these buildings, and they, along with Mr. Andrew Smith, would like to see the insides of these buildings. The restoration of these buildings should be part of the negotiations with the developer. She distributed letters of support from organizations and individuals to the Commission. |
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Sam Deputy, 917 Carr St., said he had just returned from a trip to Indianapolis where they have taken an entire block of old buildings and used them as the “lobby” of the coliseum. Each of the stores are open; they incorporated them into the design so you can see the old and new together. Winter Park developed a Main Street and Deland developed a Wal-Mart. He also did research on Syracuse, New York, where 1,000 buildings had been put on a list, and to do anything to them you had to go through a process involving citizen input. Palatka has one of the oldest black historical movie theaters in Florida; it shouldn’t be torn down. St. Augustine took advantage of it’s historical buildings for growth, and is now larger than Palatka. They should take advantage of Palatka’s historical presence. Although the buildings belong to the citizens, he understands the Commission is the caregiver. He would like the Commission’s consideration of the Historical Society’s offer of funds towards a study. |
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June Thompson, 2804 St. Johns Avenue, stated she believes Palatka is the third oldest city in Florida. Ms. Thompson read a letter (filed) from Arlene B. Huber that was hand-delivered to each member of the City Commission regarding saving the buildings in the 100 block along North 2nd St. The letter introduced another letter (filed) from Professor Peter Prugh, an architect, planner and associate professor of architecture at the University of Florida. Also enclosed was a report from John Mason Beaty, who has a technical background in historic masonry construction. They both cite the value, heritage and economic asset for the redevelopment of a cohesive historic downtown and their recommendations are noted. The letter states that they were only able to review the outside of the buildings. Mr. Prugh wrote he hopes Ms. Huber and Mr. Beaty's observations will help the community and its civic leaders in pursuing the needed reinvestment in Palatka's downtown and its future. They asked to be contacted and submitted resumes with the letters (filed). Ms. Thompson stated Ms. Huber states the next step would be to set up an appointment for all parties to tour the inside of the buildings so they can prepare a review of the interiors for the Commission. |
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Mayor Flagg asked if there was any connection or relationship between the Putnam Historical Society and Ms. Huber and the research she has done. Lynda Crabill said there was; she said Ms. Huber presented this to the Historical Society and they asked her to help them in pursuing this matter. Mr. Bush stated they are going to be sitting down with the developer and working out the terms. They will bring copies of these documents together with their concerns, and will ask him what consideration he would give. Commissioner Kitchens asked Mayor Flagg if Mr. Bush could be directed to get with Mr. Prugh and Mr. Beaty’s representatives, so that a time could be set up to look at the interior of the buildings. Mr. Bush stated he had made note of it. |
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Mayor Flagg said, although a structural examination is appropriate, they do not want to encourage multiple groups of individuals wanting to go into the buildings and give opinions. The structural examination should concern only the experts, who know what they are doing, going in without prejudice. As to when, Mr. Bush said it could be set up anytime they are ready. |
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Commissioner Norwood noted concerns with the safety of the buildings related to just letting people go into them; he noted they had received a report on the ‘toxicity’ of the buildings, and suggested looking at that before letting anyone in. Mr. Bush concurred and said there are structural issues with the upper floors. He noted anyone who goes in should be accompanied by City Staff already familiar with the buildings. Mr. Holmes said they should also sign a form indemnifying the City of any liability should they get sick or injured prior to entering the building. He has concerns for respiratory issues as well as structural issues. The City should have signed disclaimers in hand. Mayor Flagg noted this is not an open house, but a structural examination, and asked Mr. Bush to respond with a letter stating the City is willing to coordinate an evaluation. Commissioner Kitchens concurred. Ms. Thompson felt this was reasonable. Mayor Flagg said the entire Historical Society should not think they will get to tour the buildings. They should not be able to influence the outcome or dictate what goes into the report. |
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Ruth Burk 510 Mulholland Park, stated she spoke with the State, both on the Main Street Program and also on the historical value of these buildings and her buildings. The State told her they would like to come down and examine the interiors of the buildings as well as the exteriors. The head of the Florida Main Street Program visited her today and was appalled to know that the Commission has held control of the Main Street Program, as it should be a ‘grass roots’ program. Mayor Flagg asked if Ms. Burk could leave the contact information for the woman she spoke with. Ms. Burk said the State would like to know if there is any way they can preserve the buildings. They do not want the Commission to make a decision to just tear them down, because they have become Main Street. They are Main Street and should remain; they own the buildings and pay the taxes on them, which the Commission raised tonight. Commissioner Kitchens stated, for the record, the Commission did not raise the taxes; the millage is the same as last year. If the taxes went up it is because the County’s assessments went up. Ms. Burk said she will be in contact with the head of the State Historical Society. |
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Ms. Thompson said she would like a date on the meeting to review the inside of the buildings. Mayor Flagg stated Mr. Bush will coordinate the date, time and persons involved. |
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Christy Sanford 312 Dodge St., representing the Main Street Board of Directors, addressed her comments to Ms. Burk, Lynda Crabill and the Commission, and said when they were working on the Tilghman House project they contacted David Farrow at the State Historic Preservation Board and he came very willingly. She recommended he be included in this. She feels the state is willing to help with this type of thing. Mayor Flagg stated no one could say that the City has “knee jerk reacted” on any of these issues. The City has been sensitive and responsive to all concerned. |
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PUBLIC COMMENTS, Revisited. |
Ruby Singleton, 216 St. Johns Ave., stated the President of Downtown Palatka Inc. was unable to be present, and had asked her to represent him and make a statement about the hiring of the Main Street Manager. She said they went over the job description and thought it needed some adjustments before someone was hired by those rules. They would like the Commission to table the hiring of a Main Street Manager until after they had contacted the National Main Street program and the Chamber of Commerce to assist in the administration of the Main Street Program. They also want to be involved in the hiring of the Main Street Manager. She asked that all this be tabled until they find out where the Program stands and what the Program is supposed to be doing and accomplishing for the Downtown Merchants. |
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ORDINANCE NO. 06-39 |
The City Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, BE AMENDED BY REVISING APPENDIX "A" TO SECTION 86-314 AND APPENDIX "A" TO SECTION 86-315 THEREOF, PROVIDING NEW WATER RATE SCHEDULES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2006, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS RESPECTIVELY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-39, setting forth new water rates, as read. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioners Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, yes; Commissioner Kitchens, No. The Motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1, and the Ordinance was declared adopted. |
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ORDINANCE NO. 06-40 |
The Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA BE AMENDED BY REVISING APPENDIX "A" TO SECTION 86-344 AND APPENDIX "A" TO SECTION 86-345 THEREOF, PROVIDING NEW SEWER CHARGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2006, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS RESPECTIVELY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-40, setting forth-new sewer rates as read. Commissioner Norwood seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioners Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, yes. Commissioner Kitchens, no. Motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1. The Ordinance was declared adopted. |
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ORDINANCE NO. 06-41 |
The Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THAT THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA BE AMENDED BY REVISING APPENDIX "A" TO SECTION 66-9, PROVIDING NEW GARBAGE COLLECTION RATES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2006; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-41, setting forth-new garbage collection and disposal rates as read. Commissioner Norwood seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioners Sanders, Norwood and Mayor Flagg, yes. Commissioner Kitchens, no. Motion passed to adopt by a vote of 4 to 1. The ordinance was declared adopted. |
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS |
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City Manager |
Allen R. Bush, City Manager, said a workshop on adoption of Impact Fees is scheduled for the October 12 City Commission meeting, and the consultant would like to meet individually with each commissioner for around 45 minutes each, prior to the public workshop to discuss the material they will be covering. He asked if the Commission would prefer to hold a workshop prior to the regular Commission Meeting instead. Commissioner Norwood said he would prefer to have a workshop prior to the Commission Meeting. |
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The Clerk asked if there was consensus to schedule a workshop meeting just prior to the regular meeting. Commissioner Norwood said he did not think he wanted to hold it the same day as the Commission meeting. Mayor Flagg noted that GSG wanted to do it all the same day. Mr. Bush said they do not have to be at the City Commission meeting, but he would prefer they were so they could answer questions from the audience. Commissioner Norwood stated there might be questions that need to be answered before the meeting. Commissioner Kitchens noted the e-mail states they would like to address the commissioners individually before the workshop, which will take about 45 minutes per person. Mr. Bush noted he believed they wanted to avoid talking to the Commission as a group, and preferred a one-on-one conversation with each; he believes they can accomplish the same thing with everyone sitting around at the table. He will try to arrange this. Mayor Flagg said they can come to the first workshop meeting on the 12th and allow the public to get in on the first presentation, and then the Commission can hold a workshop afterwards during the Commission meeting. They can give input at both. Then they can come back with a final draft. Commissioner Kitchens concurred, saying the Commission can hear the public input first, prior to the workshop. |
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City Clerk |
The Clerk invited Commissioners and staff to attend the City’s Annual Employee Safety Luncheon, Friday, September 29 at noon at the Golf Course Clubhouse. |
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS |
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Mayor Flagg |
Mayor Flagg stated he is seeing abandoned shopping carts all over Palatka. Mr. Bush said they are picked up and taken to the City lot, where store owners/managers can retrieve them for a fee. Mayor Flagg asked that code enforcement take the issue up, as they are blight on the City. The merchants should take care of this; there are rules in place that address people removing shopping carts from store property, but those laws are not enforced. At airports one has to pay for the cart rental, and gets one’s money back when the cart is returned. |
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Commissioner Kitchens |
Commissioner Kitchens said she noticed that the old 1886 water tank on Twigg Street has been demolished, and the spot where it stood looks bleak. She asked the Commission to consider building a nice park there, in conjunction with Keep Putnam Beautiful. She suggested calling it “Memorial Park” to coincide with the Memorial Stadium across the street. People could be asked to donate shrubbery or plants in honor of or in memory of a veteran or soldier. Mayor Flagg inquired as to the size of the property; Mr. Bush stated it was not a very big piece. The Commission recently deeded all the property directly south of it to the State for the enhancement of the Ravine Gardens. They could probably work something out with the Gardens to take over maintenance of the area. Mr. Holmes noted the School Board might also be interested in it, as they are using the baseball field next to it for games. Mr. Bush stated it could be used for parking. |
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Commissioner Sanders |
Commissioner Sanders said the Florida League of Cities has combined several of its committees into about three groups. He sits on one of these. His group has been discussing Affordable Housing and Juvenile Justice. He goes back the 20th of October for another meeting. |
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Commissioner Norwood |
Commissioner Norwood said, as to the WWTP and anticipated citywide development, it is time to start looking for grants for expansion. The City and County should pass resolutions in support of state grants for WWTP expansion and get the Legislative Delegation on board with this. They need to show a united front. Mr. Bush concurred and said he will schedule a meeting with Commissioner Norwood and Staff to develop this. Commissioner Norwood suggested that, come January, a few commissioners should travel to Tallahassee and do some lobbying. They should cultivate these relationships. Mayor Flagg asked that Commissioner Norwood and Mr. Bush get together and present a resolution back to the Commission at the proper time. |
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Commissioner Kitchens |
Commissioner Kitchens said she noted an article in the Palatka Daily News wherein the County is discussing privatizing the landfill. She knows the City has to pay for landfill usage, and believes they should be concerned about its privatization. Mr. Bush said he will ask the county to come give them a presentation on the matter. |
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Commissioner Norwood stated he is looking forward to working with Fire Chief Lambert. He offered him his congratulations and support. |
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ADJOURN |
At 7:41 p.m. upon a motion by Commissioner Sanders, seconded by Commissioner Kitchens. |
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