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City manager recommends outside counsel for firefighter negotiations; council hears infrastructure updates
Summary
City Manager Mr. Sessions recommended the council authorize a retainer with attorney Mr. Larkin to advise on firefighter union negotiations and to schedule a workshop; staff also updated the council on street‑light requests at King Street and plans to deploy cameras to address illegal dumping at Scott Street.
City Manager Mr. Sessions recommended that the council authorize him to execute a retainer agreement with attorney Mr. Larkin to advise the city on firefighter labor negotiations and recommended scheduling a workshop so the attorney can brief the council and meet with the union.
Mr. Sessions said the retainer would allow the attorney to advise the council and then negotiate with the firefighter union if authorized. He told the council staff would coordinate dates and logistics and that the attorney might appear by Zoom or in person. Mr. Sessions said staff did not have an estimated total cost for all services at the meeting and that the attorney is based in Tallahassee. "No, we don't have that," he said when asked about total costs, and added it was encouraging that active firefighters appear to support the proposed new shift, which could make negotiations quicker.
On infrastructure, staff reported that a Florida Power & Light (FPL) representative visited the requested location at 721 West (King) Street; installation will follow FPL’s timelines and costs may include one‑time installation and monthly charges typically borne by requestors (including churches when applicable). Staff estimated a recurring charge around $17 per month per light but said the exact amount must be confirmed with FPL.
Council also discussed illegal dumping at a retention pond on Scott Street; staff said the city cleaned the site and planned to install cameras to identify the responsible parties and will update council after the investigation.
No contract or retainer was executed at the meeting; Mr. Sessions asked council to allow him to execute a retainer on the city’s behalf and to schedule the workshop so the attorney may advise the council and meet with the union.
