On the agenda: Lynn Haven City Commission Meeting — Flock Camera (Jul 28)

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
CITY COMMISSION MEETING - 5:30 PM
Present:

Mayor Dave Lowery
Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
Commissioner Sam Peebles
Commissioner Jamie Warrick
Commissioner Judy Tinder

Apologies:
OPENING ITEMS
1.

Call to order.

Mayor Lowery called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M
2.

Invocation by Mayor Lowery followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The invocation given by Mayor Lowery was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.

Additions, Deletions, Modifications of Agenda.

Tinder - to add memorial gardens (#20)
City Manger Lightfoot - to remove item 10
Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Perno to Approve additions of Memorial Gardens for
Commissioner Tinder as Item 20, and removal of Item 10 by City Manager Lightfoot..
Second to Motion : Commissioner Sam Peebles
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

PROCLAMATIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
4.

Disability Independence Proclamation

Mayor Lowery read the proclamation.

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
CONSENT AGENDA
5.

Approve Amendment 4 for the W 10th St Utility Improvements Project M0022.

6.

Approval to declare utility bill pay kiosk as surplus and auction off on Govdeals.gov

7.

Approve Commission meeting minutes dated 07/28/26

8.

Approve Service Agreement Contract Transfer for Waste Water Treatment Plant staffing.

9.

Approval to appoint Mr. Hines to the Finance Review Committee.
**MOTION NEEDED TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

City Manager Lightfoot - item 5 PROJECT # should be 22032 on the CAR.
City Manager read the resolution for Item #8.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tempore Perno to Approve all items on the Consent Agenda with
correction on the minutes being 07/14/26..
Second to Motion : Commissioner Sam Peebles
Discussion by the public:
Ms. Jodi Moore queried if there would be an increase in price for item 8's contract being moved.
- City Manager advised no
Mr. Bearclaw spoke against moving to US Water for item #8. The mayor confirmed - we are not
using them for anything other than providing staff for our WWTP.
Commissioner Tinder asked the City Manager if he is comfortable with the company. CM - yes
and they will retain the Yates staff there.
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

OLD BUSINESS
10. Attorney selection contract - removed at this time
Item was removed at this time due to not being resolved.

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
TABLED ITEMS
11. Discussion and possible approval of SMART goals for the City Manager. (Commissioner
Warrick)
Commissioner Warrick - sent Ms. Hodges his SMART goals.
Mayor - smart goal #2 of Cmr. Perno may need to be amended after the August election primary financial person will be the city clerk, CM maintain operational control.
Commissioner Perno - feels CM should be involved in his own goals. public private partnerships,
manager city-wide budget, report at least semi-annually on various aspects of city government
(budget, comms, overall health of the city).
Cmr. Peebles - sent his list to Mrs. Hodges - read further from his list.
- suggested consolidating the goals submitted by each of the commissioners. Ms. Hodges will be
happy to do a consolidation and circulate it to them and have it ready to review at the next
meeting. the idea is also to not set a goal that is dependant on other people's input.
Commissioner Warrick - after it is consolidated it should be published for the public.
Everyone will send their versions to Ms. Hodges.
NEW BUSINESS
12. Discussion and possible approval to accept the annual renewal of Employee Benefits Plans
and associated costs. (Assistant City Manager/HR Director)
Ms. Hodges and Mr. Wingate explained the item.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Wingate will get them comparisons with other cities in a spreadsheet.
Motion by Commissioner Peebles to Approve Annual Renewal of Employee Benefits Plans and
Associated Costs.
Second to Motion : Commissioner Jamie Warrick
Mr. Scray - Kudos to them as the numbers look great. the coverage is phenomenal. challenges
the city to look into a medical savings pretax lifetime HSA plan for those who don't use medical
very often.
Mr. Wingate - we did investigate HSA plans and didn't seem to be enough premium spread to be
advantage to employees.
Ms. Day - did you put this out for bids? There are a few other companies that offer better health
plans. Mr. Wingate - we did not because we were able to secure such a great renewal with the FL
blue.
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

13. FY 2025-2026 Special Budget Amendment (Director of Finance)
City Manager read the resolution by title only.
Director of Finance explained the budget amendment. Only change is the Finch settlement
amount.
Motion by Commissioner Peebles to Approve FY 2025-2026 Special Budget Amendment..
Second to Motion : Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

14. To approve the Service Contract with Gulf Coast Utility Contractors, LLC for Project #
25030 - Mill Bayou Boulevard Drainage. (City Manager)
City Manager read the resolution by title only and explained the item.
Motion by Commissioner Peebles to Approve the Service Contract with Gulf Coast Utility
Contractors, LLC for Project # 25030 - Mill Bayou Boulevard Drainage..
Second to Motion : Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
nay
aye

Motion Passed: Yes 4, No 1, Abstained 0

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM

15. Award of ITB 25.26-20 – Culvert Removal, Installation, and Site Restoration
Services. (City Manager)
City Manager read the resolution by title only and explained the item.
Discussion ensued.
Motion by Commissioner Peebles to Approve the Award of ITB 25.26-20 – Culvert Removal,
Installation, and Site Restoration Services to American Sand & Asphalt Paving in an amount not
to exceed $250,000..
Second to Motion : Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

16. Discussion only of the bid award for James Rogers Park
City Manager explained the item and asked for direction for the staff.
Staff recommends nothing be awarded for this project at this time.
The item will be brought back to the next meeting for a final decision from commission.
Peebles - at a minimum make the site safer by clearing up the safety hazards, and maybe create a
simple green space. CM - that is something we can do all in house and reject all bids.
Tinder - agrees with Peebles.
Perno - reminded Tinder that they made a promise to the residents to do something decent with
it, even one new piece of playground equipment. CM - just the playground is a min. of $100k.
Commission - bring back an item next meeting to reject all bids with tidying it up in-house.
17. Discussion and possible approval to set the proposed millage rate and hearing dates, for the
purpose of submission on the Certificate of Taxable Value to the Property Appraiser's
Office pursuant to the TRIM Act. (Director of Finance)
Director of Finance explained the item.
Dates Tues 8th and 22nd.
Right now you are only voting on the ceiling. when you eventually vote on the millage rate you
will be limited to this amount.
Currently at 4.05 this year
4.5869 to balance (would require 5 votes) - with all cuts described.

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
4.35 (requires a 4-1 vote) - still leaves a deficit - this is 110% of the roll-back rate.
Tinder - what kind of staff cuts are you talking about? Director of Finance - 29 which would take
us to 191.
Peebles - will not be here on 8th, but can call in.
Tinder - how will you determine which 29 people will be let go. CM - looking at duplication of
services and what job they do.
Motion by Commissioner Peebles to Approve maximum millage of 4.5869.
Second to Motion : Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
Mr. Scray - this will be the last year you will have the opportunity to set the millage rate if
amendment 3 passes.
Mr. Beshearse - wants to see a balanced budget, so set the rate where it needs to be.
Mr Langford - doesn't matter what you set it at tonight. You have a financial review meeting.
they should be meeting weekly and peeling back the onion of services now. This committee is
being heavily underutilized. They should be deep-diving into the budget. They should meet with
the chairman of the FRC and find out why they are not meeting weekly to provide advisory
assistance for the budget.
Ms. Day - spoke against the millage process. Encouraged the commission to undo the services
contract with Panhandle Engineering.
Ms. Moore - wanted to clarify - no room in the budget for festivals, 4th July, Easter etc.? CL yes.
Mr. Switzer - this is the most sobering meeting. there are ways to earn more money, and there
are ways where it sounds like charity. Suggested they cut 50 people and balance the budget. With
the tree give-a-ways — you could use those to plant some trees there.
Mr. Bearclaw - Agrees with Mr. Switzer, is happy to volunteer and give a hand.
Mrs. Beshearse - exercise in futility right now - all you need to do is set the highest rate. don't tie
your hands tonight.
Mayor - directed City Manager to connect with FRC chair and get them activated to assist with
the budget.
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

18. Discussion and possible award of ITB #26.26-15 Florida and Ohio Ave. corridor
improvements construction. (City Manager)

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
City Manager explained the item.
City Attorney explained the method of choosing the lowest bid.
Motion by Commissioner Warrick to Approval to award ITB#26.25-15 Florida and Ohio Ave.
Corridor improvements construction to Gulf Coast Utility Contractors, LLC.
Second to Motion : Mayor Pro Tempore Pat Perno
Mr. Janke - clarified his recommendation is a phased bid award.
Mr. Beshearse - this is grant funded? CM - yes, 100%
Mr. Scray - concerned with the phrase lowest most qualified. Explained further.
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

19. Discussion and possible approval of Resolution 2026-07-572 Amending the Fee
Schedule. (Deputy Director of Finance)
City Manager read the resolution by title only.
Assistant Director of Finance explained the item.
Motion by Commissioner Warrick to Approve Resolution 2026-07-572 Amending the Fee
Schedule.
Second to Motion : Commissioner Judy Tinder
On Vote:
Peebles

aye

Perno

aye

Warrick
TInder
Lowrey

aye
aye
aye

Motion passed: 5-0

20. Discuss Memorial Garden

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Commissioner Tinder explained the vandalism that is ongoing at the Children's Memorial
Garden next to Kinsaul Park.
The are looking for volunteers to bring equipment to fix the gate and solar panel lights on the
property at Memorial Garden Park that was deeded to the 501c and that is maintained by a 501c,
that has been damaged by vandalism of kids. The Chief of Police is going to ensure the cameras
are going to be on at the entrances and should think about blocking two entrances. Invited Ms.
Terry (steering committee) to come and speak on the matter.
weeding, electrical, landscaping, plumbing.
Tinder will create a flyer and post it on the website.
Tinder - spoke about a child who was taken to the ER with 2nd degree burns from a slide where
there was no shade over the slide. need to post a sign that says please check the temperature of
the playground before you get on.
PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Ms. Day - addressed the commission on various topics. Do we have any lawsuits pending? City
Attorney - yes, they're all public record and listed with the clerk of court.
Zack Howard - LH - Shared his vision for the city.
Ms. Moore - asked CM why the format and platform has changed for this meeting. Read from
something on her phone about Vickie Gainer and her poor management of the city in the past.
The large photo of her on the foyer mural needs to be removed. There are a few people who
would pay out of their own pockets to remove her picture.
Ms. Parker - spoke about Ms. Day's reference of people being disruptive. Recommended firing
Chris Forehand. Jennifer and Jerrod allowed VG back in this facility after she was let go.
Mr. Switzer - Spoke about Flock Cameras, and the difference between the sins of commission
and the sins of omission, especially as it relates to flock. Explained his experience about deputy
enfinger who would not answer his questions. he would like a town hall just dealing with flock
where a police officer can teach us about flock in public.
Mr. Bearclaw - spoke about the memorial gardens cometary and how good it would be to get the
news out there to get people to help. Flock is no good. quoted Benjamin Franklin
Mr. Scray - that quote by Benjamin Franklin is the most misquoted one in history. Vice Chair of
Charter Committee, August 18th every voter in LH is a charter referendum and he wants
everyone to vote on it.
Mr. Langford - spoke positively about flock cameras, and provided a different opinion about how
Deputy Chief Enfinger responded to the questions, and he learned a lot from him.

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
REPORTS
21. Mayor’s Report.
Nothing to report.
22. Commissioners’ Reports.
Commissioner Perno - no report - thanks all staff.
Commissioner Peebles - eventful week with coffee with a commissioner. Hosted kids
government day that was very successful. Thanked Harold for the idea to have a mock
commission meeting.
Commissioner Warrick - spoke about his time with a commissioner discussion about ALRP
systems. was surprised that there were only 8 people because there was so much more discussion
online. Everyone indicated that they had received answers to the questions they were looking for.
Appreciates Deputy Chief Enfinger for his professionalism.
Resident contacted him about a contractor taking water from a fire hydrant. He reached out to
CM who had his permit to work in the city pulled.
Rules of decorum - should be at the next meeting.
31 August is next bay county league of cities dinner at simpli seafood with a guest speaker who
will speak about policy - doors open at 5.30pm look out fo the invite.
Commissioner Tinder - spoke about Commissioner Peebles kids government day.
four signs at the different park - dedications to various people - just wanted to know if they are
still there.
The sign directing to Kinsaul letters are missing.
23. City Manager’s Report.
Explained the new agenda system, which is more efficient.
CJ will reach out to set up a joint planning workshop to discuss ULDC changes.
Commended Deputy Chief Enfinger, who spent two weeks away at training and attending the
flock the next day. Gave sports update. Splash pad update dates and times were provided and
will be updated on the website.
There is an opening on the General Employee Pension board to be appointed by the commission.
The Mayor thanked CJ for her assistance setting the Board up with the new Agenda
Management Software.
A. Finance Report. No questions.
B.

Cemetery Discussion

City Manager explained some ideas about the cemeteries, and costs, and potentially increasing
the plot sales to $1500, to be effective October 1st after the fee schedule is updated in
September.
Mayor Lowery recommends doing this from January 1st, 2027 - to give them a few months to
plan.
ommission all agreed.

Minutes from the City Commission meeting called July 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Commission all agreed.
24. City Attorney’s Report.
Rules for Decorum - will circulate the ordinance and resolution.
This will be his last commission meeting. Its been an honor and a pleasure.

ADJOURN
There being no further business teh meeting was adjourned.
APPROVED THIS 11th DAY OF AUGUST 2026
_______________________________
Dr. Dave Lowery, Mayor
ATTEST:

____________________________
Chris Lightfoot, City Manager
Prepared By: Cicelia Rushing

07.28.26_Minutes
Final Audit Report
Created:

2026-08-12

By:

Cicelia Rushing ([email protected])

Status:

Signed

Transaction ID:

CBJCHBCAABAA_HEjmcpOjmzbVcMDpT1heEHgq0z6JAuG

2026-08-12

"07.28.26_Minutes" History
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