The Board of Commissioners (BOC) meet tonight for a business session at City Hall with forceful words from the Vice Mayor, the Mayor and commissioners about new apartment projects in the City and a moratorium.
The resolution for a moratorium on new multi-family developments was approved in a 5-0 vote.
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8852805
Link to Livestream from 10.3.19: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8842489
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/880
Following the reading of resolution #4 (new multi-family developments), Vice Mayor Josh Roman announced he had a lengthy statement to read. (Video provided top of story).
Vice Mayor Roman said the only stand-alone multi-family apartment complex in Lakeland is Somerset at Lakeland annexed into the City in 1999.
He was unable to attend the BOC work session last week (10.3.19) but said he reviewed the City Livestream and listened to Mayor Mike Cunningham’s words about a suggested 200-unit multi-family development at the northwest corner of Canada and East Davies Plantation Roads by John Hyneman.
Vice Mayor Roman noted the Mayor said last week he did not have a problem with apartment buildings, first come, first serve and brownstones are not apartments. The Vice Mayor explained there are two projects with apartments on the books: The Lake District (TLD) and Lakeland Commons. He said approvals for those projects are already in the books. He said the Mayor’s suggestion to take 200 units away from either project is illegal, diminishes the value of each project and is highly irresponsible.
The Mayor posted a more than 700-word explanation to his position on apartments in Lakeland on his Lakeland Mayor Facebook page Wednesday.
Commissioner Gonzales said the current BOC freely authorized 766 apartments (speaking of TLD and Lakeland Commons). The Vice Mayor said no one on the Board voted for apartments. They voted to move forward with construction plans, he said. Plans already adopted.
Citing history of the projects, Commissioner Wesley Wright said there was a lawsuit involving Lakeland Commons under the term of Mayor Scott Carmichael. “They won,” said Commissioner Wright. “That gave them the right to do as they wish.” Under Mayor Wyatt Bunker, the project became more of a Town Square, said Commissioner Wright. Of TLD, Commissioner Wright said the earlier version had more apartments which were garden apartments. “Now it is much more upscale, and there are less now. It is a totally different project. There will be less impact with families and children.”
Vice Mayor Roman asked City staff to create a history and timeline on both projects to be ready for a November BOC meeting.
The Mayor said he wanted to clarify a couple of things. He accused the Vice Mayor of selecting certain words in his social media post. “I think creatively and critically,” he said, noting his post said “What if?” He said he knows posting on social media causes bantering back and forth. But he thought his words had been parsed. He said he defended his stance on his social media post and he would not comment any further.
Security cameras for the City
An amended resolution for 20 Flock security cameras to be placed throughout Lakeland was passed on a 5-0 vote. The cost for the cameras is $40,000 per year, according to Commissioner Wright. Commissioner Wright said it is unclear how much the Shelby County Commission will contribute to cameras.
Vice Mayor Roman asked City Manager Shane Horn to have staff provide a budget amendment or budget impact on how to pay for the cameras. Commissioner Wright reminded the other commissioners payment is not due until completion of a 90-day grace period with Flock.
Interim financing for Lakeland High Preparatory School
The Vice Mayor introduced an additional resolution, #7, dealing with interim financing for the first high school in Lakeland.
“Motion to direct staff to prepare authorizing resolution granting LSS (Lakeland School System) the full amount via PNC Bank Fixed Rate lump Sum Interim Financing.”
He said among four proposals received today was one from PNC Bank at an interest rate of 1.5% on the entire amount of the $40 million+ loan amount.
Mr. Horn had already proposed a date later this month for a special BOC meeting to consider four proposals received for the interim financing.
The motion passed with 3 votes yes, and the Mayor and Commissioner Gonzales abstaining.
Other business
Deputy Matt Mercer
with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office gave the September crime report. There were four residential burglaries, two of which had open garage doors. Four thefts from motor vehicles were reported, all vehicles were unlocked. A vehicle was stolen from the Citgo Station on U.S. Highway 64. The car was running, unlocked, with the keys inside.
Mr. Horn said the annual City audit will be Oct. 28th – Nov. 8th. In the absence of a city finance director, he said the City is using a consultant to help with the audit. Bids are out on the Canada Road Bike Ped Path and expected back Oct. 21st. He also reported on the Clear Creek Interceptor and Oliver Creek Interceptor.
The consent agenda of minutes and a resolution for a grant for the Parks and Recreation Department was approved.
On the regular agenda, a vote of 5-0 approved a residential subdivision contract with Renaissance Developments LLC for Lakeland Meadows.
Resolution #2 dealing with Evergreen Manor Subdivision was removed.
A budget amendment was approved on a 3-2 vote for new access off Canada Road with lighting for the dog park project. Commissioner Gonzales and Mayor Cunningham voted no.
Commissioner Gonzales introduced a resolution to utilize Livestream video for all Lakeland volunteer board meetings. He said citizens should be able to watch these volunteers at work since the decisions impact the City. He said if the volunteers take the job, they should take the good and the bad. Commissioner Michele Dial said volunteer board members should not be subjected to the same scrutiny as an elected official. After explaining her position, Commissioner Gonzales asked for the floor and said, “Mrs. Dial’s nonsense…” to which Mrs. Dial said “Point of Order. He doesn’t need to be addressing me.” The Mayor allowed Commissioner Gonzales to continue and the Vice Mayor said point of procedure and said the next step would be censure. The Mayor allowed Commissioner Gonzales to continue his statement.
… Videos, photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
