Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The Branford Town Council saw a change in leadership during its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 9. However, before the inductions could begin, the council members needed to tend to some business.
Following the approval of the minutes from the meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, the council moved to hear from Chief Robert Yates with the Branford Volunteer Fire Department. Yates reported that the department was proud to hear that the community enjoyed the fireworks show the department put on for the Fourth of July. He also mentioned that roughly 70 people stopped by the department's booth at the Fourth of July celebration, many of whom were interested in becoming part of the "Grow As You Go" program.
His update was followed by an update from Aleshia Terry, the Town Clerk, who informed the council that the $475,000 grant the town was awarded on July 1, 2023, had been re-appointed by the Florida Legislature, extending its period to June 30, 2025. The grant was awarded for the purchase of a new Sutphen SP 70 aerial platform firetruck.
The council then moved on to the section outlined for old business, including matters involving food trucks and the Hatch Park Community Center. During the regular meeting on Tuesday, June 18, Councilwoman Stacey Griffith informed the council that an individual had contacted her, expressing interest in bringing a food truck to Branford. However, when Griffith went to look the ordinance up, she noticed it mentioned a $150 charge. During that meeting, Griffith asked the council how that amount came to be, as there was no mention in the minutes how the council had chosen that price. Councilwoman Alice Childress stated she had looked at the minutes all the way back to November 2022, when the food truck ordinance first came up, and couldn't find anything mentioning a $150 fee. Councilman Jay Hatch suggested the council offer a $150 per year fee and a $15 per day option. If a food truck vendor decides to return to Branford after the first day and wishes to purchase the yearly option, the $15 they already spent will be deducted from the $150 amount. The council voted unanimously to set this stipulation.
Next on the section outlined for old business was a matter involving the Hatch Park Community Center. At this time, it was brought to the council's attention that the local American Legion had gone from using the building two nights a month to four nights a month without permission. Although this didn't affect its rentability, Terry stated she would like a list of rules for civic organizations wanting to use the building. As of now, she noted the only recurring issue with some of the organizations using the community center was a lack of clean-up afterward. The council suggested setting a retainer or cleaning deposit for nonprofit groups that use the building, but ultimately decided to revisit the issue later if it becomes more prevalent.
The council then moved into the section outlined for new business, starting with the swearing-in of Ken Saunders as the new Mayor. This was followed by a group swearing-in of re-elected members, Hatch and Childress, as well as the council's newest addition, Kevin Knighton. After each elected individual was inducted, the council took on the task of electing a new President and Vice President amongst themselves. By a vote of 3-2, Hatch was selected as council President, and Childress was chosen as the Vice President by a vote of 4-1.
Following the inductions and appointments, the council was presented with an outline for a public records request policy. Attorney Rhett Bullard informed the council that the town currently doesn't have a policy. However, having one would help ensure that all requests fulfilled comply with Florida Statute Chapter 119, or the "Public Records Act." In addition, this policy would instate nominal fees for public records and a fee for extensive clerical assistance, meaning records requiring more than 15 minutes to compile. Following a review of the policy and a brief explanation from Bullard, the council unanimously approved the addition.
The final official item of business was the Branford Youth Football League's request for $10,000 to cover its expenses for the year, including the cost of replacing 27 helmets and pads. After some discussion, the council unanimously approved the request.
Before the meeting ended, the floor was opened for public comment. The only individual to speak was Cathy Harrison, who stated that her daughter was buried at Oak Grove Cemetary. She asked if there were any rules or policies regarding disrespectful headstones. She explained that her daughter's gravestone had become a "spectacle" due to a phrase engraved on it about her living daughter. Although some individuals have gone out of their way to cover the wording with flowers, Harrison stated someone has continued to remove the flowers each time they're put up. As a result, she asked if she could put a camera up in the cemetery as a way to monitor the grave. Although the council couldn't give her permission to set one up on the cemetery's property, Bullard suggested reaching out to one of the owners of nearby graves, stating they might allow her to put one on their plot.
Following a few final comments from the council members, the meeting was adjourned.
The Branford Town Council then met on Thursday, July 11, for a presentation from North Florida Professional Services regarding a request for qualifications (RFQ) professional services package. Following the presentation, Childress made a motion to advertise for RFQs. Griffith seconded the motion, which was subsequently approved.
The council then moved into its workshop concerning planning for the town's future. As appropriations requests are due on Friday, Nov. 1, Griffith stressed the importance of getting started on the proper paperwork. After going through a list of projects the town is interested in working on, the council decided to begin working on the water main along Trail Street; the football/soccer field at Hatch Park, with the amendment of adding specifications for an emergency landing zone; and a combination of safety and beautification, including additional lighting along the Greenway and Plant Avenue Southwest. Additionally, they discussed going after improvements for Hatch Park, such as removing the handball courts and adding new maintenance utilities, pickleball courts and possibly even a splash pad.
The final item of business during the workshop involved creating a five-year plan for the town's improvement projects. However, the council would need input from parks and recreation, along with other departments, to form a more structurally sound plan. As such, the council members decided to hold another workshop in the future to discuss the item more in-depth. However, no specific date has been set yet. Following this, the workshop was adjourned.
The next regular Branford Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall, located at 502 SW Suwannee Ave. To hear the recordings of the regular meeting and special workshop, visit www.youtube.com/@RiverbendNews.