Council elects vice mayor, appoints homeless coalition representative and fields ADA concerns

At the Dec. 1, 2025 meeting, Lake City council members elected Miss Young as vice mayor for 2026 after a secret ballot and runoff. Nominations were opened and three candidates were on the ballot; an initial round produced no majority (Carter 2, Young 2, Jernigan 1). A runoff between the top two candidates produced a 3–2 vote in favor of Miss Young and she was congratulated as vice mayor for 2026.

Council then filled an appointment required under the United Way MOU: by consensus the council appointed Councilwoman Harris to serve as the city’s representative on the homeless coalition associated with the United Way of Suwannee Valley.

During public comment and council discussion several speakers raised concerns about accessibility and transparency for agenda materials. Public commenter Stu Lelberg said consent-agenda items lack monetary limits and that some high-dollar items have been placed on consent without full reading; he also urged the city to make agenda materials readable for people with disabilities. Council members agreed to have staff review ADA compliance for agenda postings and to ensure online viewers can see timers and materials.

Other routine items and department reports included staff confirmation that netting remains on city hall for masonry safety while procurement seeks repairs, and that a fire‑department study is being scheduled for a future meeting. Mayor Walker announced several December holiday events, including the Light Up the Night tree celebration (Sunday, 4–7 p.m. at Olustee Park), the city Christmas market and parade (Dec. 13), and the Lake City Holiday Hall event on Veterans Street (Dec. 19).