At the meeting, Avon Park’s airport consultant Lowell Cleary went over the details of the pact. Under the 30 year lease agreement, FAM will assume all grant obligations. While the administration of the airport will be under FAM’s control, the city still will own the property and get it back should there be a bankruptcy.
Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation is reviewing the lease, and it will be up to FAM to notify the Federal Aviation Administration once the deal is finally approved.
“It was a long time comin'” Anderson quipped before FAM officials asked for a group photo.
The first major event under the new administration will be the “Fast or Nothing” event slated for December.
Homeless Ordinance
City council members moved to “put something on the books” to begin to deal with the problem of homeless individuals in the City of Charm. They passed a measure that would prevent any camping or sleeping by people in public areas of the city. Many other municipalities have passed similar measures.
Avon Park Code Enforcement Officer Randy Labelle told council members that, as presented, the measure would do little to deal with the problem currently.
“This says ‘overnight’ and we have people daily sleeping in the Gazebo,” he said.
Avon Park City Attorney Gerald Buhr noted that the measure still may be “tweaked.” He told the council the measure is designed to bring the city in line with state statute. Councilwoman Shelly Mercure asked if the city might partner with the county to construct a homeless shelter. Other council members agreed that could be something the city can further explore.
Welcome to Sebring
Councilwoman Brittany McIntyre reported on a meeting she had with Highlands County officials and members of the Tourist Development Commission. They mulled over many things, including Water Activity and Sports Facilities & Expansion grants. One thing they did not discuss was the controversial “Welcome to Highlands County” sign.
“We wanted to keep it positive,” she said.
Round Two
To start the meeting, three incumbent council women were sworn in. Bernice Taylor, Brittany McIntyre and Shelly Mercure were re-elected in balloting earlier this month.
There was some intrigue, when former city manager Maria Sutherland finished out of the running by some 16 votes. She demanded a recount. The new tally found her short by 17 votes. All three of the incumbents will now serve 4-year terms.
