The Board of Commissioners (BOC) met for about an hour tonight (3.5.20) in a work session at City Hall with six discussion items garnering more conversation than five resolutions.
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/919
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/9027970
Item #7, “…filing a complaint or request per City Charter” was raised by Vice Mayor Josh Roman.
He referenced a BOC meeting last April when Mayor Mike Cunningham announced he was calling for a forensic audit over double digit financial anomalies within the City and Lakeland School System (LSS). At the time, the Mayor said he had done extensive research for three months and was obligated by law to report the anomalies at the state level. The investigation was to be conducted by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. There were no other details provided about the investigation.
In the almost 11 months since the announcement, there has been no information provided to City staff or elected officials about the results of the investigation.
Vice Mayor Roman acknowledged the manner of reporting the irregularities was appropriate but to date, said there has been no response. He said he thinks it is appropriate for the BOC to petition the Comptroller for a response. He asked City Manager Shane Horn and City Attorney Will Patterson to draft a letter or resolution and do so in a respectful manner.
On Dec. 12th, Matt Shorter, senior associate with Watkins Uiberall, PLLC, said an unmodified or clear opinion was provided for Lakeland in financial statement and compliance audit opinions. He said the net position of the City June 30th was $75,982,677 with $56M invested in capital assets, $3.4M in restricted assets and $16.3 in unrestricted assets. He said it is an increase of almost $7M in net position. He said there were no deficiencies in internal controls with either material weakness or sight deficiency. He noted there was one prior year finding in 2018 related to TDOT but that was corrected.
Link to story: https://lakelandcurrents.com/boc-tonight-audit-report-accepted-new-judge-is-official-townhomes-ok-for-tld/
And the rest of the meeting
Resolutions relating to new volunteer members for Parks and Recreation/Natural Resources Board and Board of Appeals/Stormwater Board of Appeals were moved to the business meeting March 12th. Put on the consent agenda for March 12th were resolutions 3-5.
Finance and Human Resources Director Michael Walker said while working on the annual budget document this year, he noted there is a requirement to have a financial policies manual. He said all policies are in one comprehensive document which is kept updated. The draft manual has been reviewed by the City Attorney, he said, and will come to the April meeting as a resolution. He noted the annual budget workshop is March 23rd.
Vice Mayor Roman talked of limiting the number of liquor stores in Lakeland. Right now, he said, one store is allowed for every 5,000 people or three in Lakeland. He referenced that a liquor store is planned for the two new retail developments, The Lake District, and Lakeland Town Square/Lakeland Commons. Commissioner Richard Gonzales, Jr.
asked how this would impact The Stock Market, a grocery store planned for The Lake District. Mr. Patterson said The Stock Market is a grocery store and allowed to sell wine and beer.
Vice Mayor Roman said the numbers might have to be raised and he asked that something be ready for next week. Mr. Patterson said it would have to go before the MPC (Municipal Planning Commission). Their next meeting is March 11th.
Commissioner Michele Dial said she would discuss potential Parks and Recreation Department projects next week. She did comment on a potential real estate purchase off U.S. Highway 70, north and toward the south end of Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (LMPS) property and south of Lateral B (a small creek running between the current athletic fields at LMPS and planned fields).
The property is about 20 acres and could be used for softball, baseball and tee ball. She would like a letter of intent from the BOC to purchase the property. Mayor Cunningham said due diligence on the property would be required before actual build-out.
Commissioner Dial said the fields are greatly needed and should be built sooner than later. Vice Mayor Roman said there is unassigned fund balance which could be invested if this is the right choice.
Commissioner Wesley Wright discussed areas of Lakeland which don’t have high-speed internet. Mr. Horn mentioned Chambers Chapel, Cobb and Monroe Roads along with areas of north Lakeland. Commissioner Wright said half of Lakeland geographically doesn’t have internet.
The Mayor mentioned a Verizon 5G program with mini-towers and Mr. Horn talked of sequencing for broadband grants which start in June. Mr. Horn said he would look into both possibilities.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
