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Home My WebLink About09-10-2025 CC MinutesCI"I'Y OI' AT SEBAsTIA HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 — 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. Mayor McPartlan called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. A moment of silence was held. 3. Vice Mayor Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Bob McPartlan Vice Mayor Fred Jones Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton City Attorney Jennifer Cockcroft City Clerk Jeanette Williams Finance Director/CFO Brian Stewart Community Development Director Alix Bernard Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Procurement Manager Jessica Graham Social Media Coordinator Avery Joens Police Chief Daniel Acosta Deputy Police Chief Tim Wood 5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS - None 6. PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS 25.066 A. Recoanition of Naiomi Charles. Sebastian Police Deoartment's 2024 Civilian of the Year Chief Acosta recognized Ms. Charles for her nearly 25 years of outstanding service, first as a dispatcher and now as a Records Specialist II. In addition to her primary role, Ms. Charles has consistently gone above and beyond by also taking on the responsibilities Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 2 of a Code Enforcement Specialist and covering the vacant Records Specialist I position. Her reliability and commitment to excellence have made her a cornerstone of the department —when Ms. Charles is on the job, everyone knows it will be done, and done right. In recognition of her dedication and exceptional contributions, Chief Acosta presented her with a plaque of appreciation. 25.066 B. Recoanition of Detective Terrence Pizzuti, Sebastian Police Derartment's 2024 Officer of the Year Chief Acosta highlighted Detective Pizzuti's exemplary service since joining the Sebastian Police Department in January 2021. During his tenure, Det. Pizzuti has investigated a wide range of cases, including financial crimes, property crimes, and crimes against persons. His most notable case began in July 2024, when child pornography was discovered on a local resident's device. Through meticulous investigation, Det. Pizzuti identified a suspect who was actively exploiting children in the Philippines. Working in collaboration with Homeland Security, he secured an arrest warrant, leading to the apprehension of the individual. The investigation further uncovered a disturbing international case in which a mother was found to be exploiting her own three children. She was subsequently arrested. Thanks to Det. Pizzuti's dedication, thorough investigative work, and relentless pursuit of justice, countless children were protected from further harm. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, Chief Acosta presented Det. Pizzuti with a plaque of appreciation. 25.131 C. Constitution Week Proclamation - September 17-23 - Pelican Island Charter Dauahters of the American Revolution and the Treasure Coast Society Children of the American Revolution Mayor McPartlan read and presented the proclamation to members of the Pelican Island Chapter Daughters and the Treasure Coast Society Children of the American Revolution. They thanked Council for their support and reminded them that when the bells ring at 4:00 pm on September 17, it is the moment when the Constitution was signed 238 years ago 25.132 D. Presentation from the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition Janay Hall, Community Programs & Operations Manager and Shala Edwards, Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Girls Coalition introduced themselves. Ms. Hall said the coalition educates, elevates, and empowers girls to be their "best self." They would like to be more embedded into the community and she invited the community to donate their time, treasures and talents to the girls by visiting their facility at 457 Sebastian Blvd., Suite A across from Sebastian Middle School. Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 3 25.110 E. Florida League of Cities Gold Certificate of Excellence Presented to Council Member Ed Dodd and Council Member Christopher Nunn Mayor McPartlan announced that Council Member Dodd and Council Member Nunn were recently awarded the gold certificates recognizing their participation in a variety of League events and conferences aimed at strengthening municipal leadership and learning best practices to better serve their community. Brief Announcemen ts. Thursday, September I I - Patriot Day Observance at Veterans Memorial in Riverview Park - 8:30om Saturday, September 13 - Touch and Tour Event at City Hall Complex -10am to 2pm Monday, September 15 - Special City Council Meeting for First Public Hearing on the Millage, Budget and Capital Improvement Program - 6pm in Chambers Friday, September 19 - POW/MIA Ceremony at Veterans Memorial in Riverview Park - 11 am Vice Mayor Jones announced the upcoming events. 7. PUBLIC INPUT - None 8. CONSENT AGENDA 25.133 A. Consideration of Road Closure at Dyden Avenue for the Sebastian Scream 5K and Haunted Trail 25.134 B. Consideration of Road Closure Around Riverview Park for the 1 st Annual City of Sebastian Kids Fest 25.135 C. Consideration of Purchase Orders for Network Services dba Network Distribution Not to exceed $5,800, and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute all Appropriate Documents 25.136 D. Alcohol Beverage Approval - J. Young 25.137 E. Alcohol Beverage Approval - K. Young MOTION by Vice Mayor Jones and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve Consent Agenda Items A-E passed with a unanimous voice vote of 4-0. 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS - None Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 4 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS 25.128 A. Ordinance No. 0-25-13 — Second Readina and Adopting Hearina Establishina a Retirement Plan and Trust for the General Emplovees of the Citv of Sebastian The City Attorney advised that the public hearing should be opened to allow for public comment on the ordinance. However, no action would be taken at this time, as the ordinance was advertised for a second reading to be held on September 24. Mayor McPartlan invited public comment, but no one came forward to speak. MOTION was made by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to continue Ordinance No. 0-25-13 to September 24 passed with a unanimous voice vote of 4-0. 25.128 B. Ordinance No. 0-25-14 — Second Readina and Adoation Hearina Establishing and Creatina the Board of Trustees for the Retirement Plan and Trust for the General Employees of the City of Sebastian Mayor McPartlan stated this ordinance would also be continued to September 241h. He invited public comment, but no one came forward to speak. MOTION was made by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to continue Ordinance No. 0-25-14 to September 24 passed with a unanimous voice vote of 4-0. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 12. NEW BUSINESS 25.138 A. Consideration of Selecting Sage Services. Inc. as the Primary Vendor and STS Maintain Services. Inc. as the Alternate Vendor for ITB 25-19. Citywide Right of Wav and Ditch Mowing The Procurement Manager reported that the bid had been issued, and she, along with the Public Works Director, met with the two lowest bidders to ensure they fully understood the scope of work. Following the meetings, both officials were confident in the vendors' ability to perform the required services. The Procurement Manager requested approval of the two vendors as well as the associated renewal terms. She also clarified that no price changes would be permitted during the initial term of the contract. Mayor McPartlan invited public input, but no one came forward to speak. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to approve the citywide right of way and ditch mowing contracts to Sage Services, Inc. as the primary vendor and STS Maintain Services, Inc. as the alternate vendor. Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 5 Roll call: Council Member Dodd aye Council Member Nunn aye Mayor McPartlan aye Vice Mayor Jones aye Motion carried. 4-0 25.139 B. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-19 ADDrovina the Investment of City Funds into iThink Financials Public Fund CD. and Authorize the Citv Manaa__ er to Execute all Necessary Documents The Chief Financial Officer announced plans to open a $8M, 15-month CD with iThink Financial at an interest rate of 4.25%. This investment is expected to guarantee an exact revenue amount, positively impacting the budget. Council Member Dodd expressed his support for the initiative, noting that Anthony Farina, a financial advisor with iThink Financial, is personally known to him. He facilitated communication between Mr. Farina and the CFO, citing the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council's positive experience securing favorable CD terms with iThink Financial. Anthony Farina emphasized that the funds would be insured by the State of Florida and would be reinvested locally, supporting the community through business loans, mortgages, and car loans for residents. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to approve Resolution No. R-25-19. Roll call: Council Member Dodd aye Council Member Nunn aye Mayor McPartlan aye Vice Mayor Jones aye Motion carried. 4-0 Council Member Nunn commended the Chief Financial Officer for finding new ways to bring revenue to the City which is beneficial to the taxpayers. 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS 25.140 A. Discussion and ADD_ roval of Resolution No. R-25-30 Reaardina_ the Citv's ParticiDation in the S13180 (2025) Litiaation in Conjunction with Other Local Government Jurisdictions in Florida The City Attorney stated that she introduced the resolution at the Council's request to challenge the legislation, which was initially a response to storm -related repairs but has Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 6 since been expanded to include additional regulations that will impact local governments. She said 17 jurisdictions have joined the lawsuit. She cautioned that the litigation attorney would seek a state-wide injunction on the legislation but that was not a guarantee and might only apply to the named plaintiffs. Council Member Nunn said this is a perfect example of the state making decisions while forgetting that municipalities know how to run their cities best. This bill was written for developers, giving them control at the expense of local authority which isn't what we want. MOTION by Council Member Nunn to approve Resolution No. R-25-30 for the City to participate in the SB180 Litigation. Council Member Dodd said the bill was started originally because after the last couple of hurricanes, some jurisdictions tried to use the fact that property was damaged to stop developers from trying to rebuild. He said the bill doesn't stop Sebastian from doing anything we want to do but many jurisdictions have been sued by developers. He said he wasn't convinced there weren't enough advantages to join the suit to offset the disadvantages of being a city involved in the lawsuit. Vice Mayor Jones said he wasn't convinced either right now. Mayor McPartlan called for a second but one wasn't offered. The motion DIED for a lack of a second. Case No. 4D2025-1929 - Bonnie Gilliams and Damien Gilliams v. City of Sebastian The City Attorney advised that the 4ch District Court of Appeal denied the Gilliams' request for a rehearing. Outside Counsel The City Attorney requested approval to engage attorney Sean Mickley, Esq. to assist with a complex construction matter. The estimated budget for initial legal services is up to $10,000, primarily focused on resolving the issue and avoiding litigation. She further advised that, should litigation become necessary, she would seek to have the City's insurance carrier cover the associated legal costs. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to engage Sean Mickley for the complex construction matter. 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS - None 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS - None Regular City Council Meeting September 10, 2025 Page 7 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS Mayor McPartlan invited the public tojoin Council for the Patriot Day service tomorrow at the park. Council Member Nunn - None Council Member Dodd - None Vice Mayor Jones also invited everyone to join them tomorrow. 17. Being no further business, Mayor McPartlan adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 6:40 p.m. Approved at the Se�pteember/22442025 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Bob McPartlan ATTEST. J nette Williams, City Clerk