The BOC (Board of Commissioners) met for special and work sessions tonight (2.6.20) at City Hall including approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lakeland School System (LSS) and the City.
Although there was much discussion about the particulars of the agreement for the use of athletic fields on school property for City recreational sports, the MOU was unanimously approved.
Later in the meeting, Vice Mayor Josh Roman questioned the differences between regular and forensic audits. He was referencing an April statement by Mayor Mike Cunningham about financial anomalies within the City.
Link to the MOU: https://www.lakelandtn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8867
The athletic fields project will include at least five multi-purpose grass athletic fields, a new asphalt drive connecting to Old Brownsville Road, a paved parking lot with no less than 150 spaces, a concessions stand/restroom facility and lighting covering 4 of 5 fields. Cost is $3.2 million and requires a transfer of that amount to LSS for construction of the fields.
The joint use of the fields, according to LSS Superintendent Dr. Ted Horrell, was enabled by the donation last year from the Wiles family of land off Old Brownsville Road providing access to the rest of the school campus.
He said the fields will be on the east side of Lateral B, a small creek running between the current athletic fields on the middle school campus and the new fields.
The City has limited space for sports fields and the agreement with LSS will provide much needed fields for Lakeland Rec sports team to practice and play.
Construction on the fields is expected to start in June and be ready for play Aug. 1, 2021.
The MOU was approved by the Lakeland School Board Monday (2.3.20).
Commissioner Michele Dial praised the MOU, saying this cooperation with the school will help the City provide youth of the City places to play.
“I am pleased this has been brought to the Board. I thank Mr. (Jeremy) Burnett (Lakeland School Board member) for being here tonight and I thank Mr. (Will) Patterson (city attorney).
Mayor Cunningham said he spoke with Mr. Patterson before the meeting for an explanation on the source of the dollars to fund the cost of the fields. Mr. Patterson explained the money comes from the interim financing funds and ultimately a USDA loan which is also funding construction of the first high school in Lakeland. He said that money must be spent on USDA projects.
Commissioner Richard Gonzales, Jr. questioned numerous aspects of the MOU including: Must the City hire personnel to maintain the field?
Does the City buy striping equipment? Who has liability responsibilities for injuries? Can the City sell concessions? Can the City get interest money? The questions were answered by Mr. Patterson and the MOU was approved.
Special meeting agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/910
Work session agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/911
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8989972
City audit and anomalies
During discussion on resolution three to approve Watkins Uiberall PLLC to audit city finances ending June 30, Vice Mayor Roman asked Michael Walker, city finance and human services director, the difference between forensic and regular audits.
Mr. Walker said a special engagement could be added to the regular audit. He said the auditing firm would be told what specifically to review. They would look at certain things and report back.
Vice Mayor Roman said a forensic audit has been the Mayor’s only agenda item. He looked to the Mayor and questioned what particular departments should be examined. He then asked Mr. Walker to reach out to the Mayor and request which departments should be examined.
The Vice Mayor said he wants to remove the cloud of anomalies from City Hall as soon as possible. Several department heads have resigned or announced their resignations since the anomalies were announced, including the finance and human resources director, planning director and parks and recreation department director. Vice Mayor Roman said he would like to keep such employees at City Hall. He expects to bring a resolution on this matter to the BOC business meeting next week (2.13.20).
On April 11th, Mayor Cunningham ended a BOC meeting with a statement that he was requesting a full forensic audit of all Lakeland’s departments and entities including the School Board.
He announced he had researched for three months and found questionable financial anomalies in the double digits. Since that announcement, he has not shared details nor has there been a report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.
ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan
Brian Shamburger with Kimley Horn presented 24 slides detailing barriers within City buildings and spaces which should be remedied.
Included were City Hall, IH Clubhouse, the fire station, parks and walking paths. He said the Plan is long term over the next 30 years. Emily Harrell, city engineer, said the City will start to go through the list and work through it. She noted there are several years and several budget cycles to work on the plan.
Google album to the slides: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZF5KHZSFD4N8wNB98
In other business
City Manager Shane Horn asked BOC members about funding options for the New Canada Road project. It is an 80/20 match with Lakeland’s share about $5 million. He asked if his staff should look at the USDA option for funding the City’s match. Vice Mayor Roman asked that the proposal and resolution be brought to the next meeting.
Commissioner Wesley Wright wants to form a task force to form a vision plan for Lakeland 20 years down the road. He expects to have a visual presentation next week. Mayor Cunningham suggested he consider the newly formed CAB (Community Advisory Board). Commissioner Dial, who is the liaison for that group, said members are already contemplating their ideas for the City. She also suggested getting input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
