by LISA MACNEIL
Hernando Sun Reporter
One day after her election to the Executive Directorship of Brooksville Main Street, Natalie Kahler was rushing off to a meeting. We were somewhat able to catch up with her.
by KATHRYN DENTATO
Executive Session
There was an hour-long Executive Session prior to the regular Council meeting to discuss strategies with the negotiating committee in preparation for the Collective Bargaining session with the Firefighters Union. Executive Sessions are closed to the public but are recorded. The recordings are available once all the bargaining is completed and the contract is signed.
Portions of the city council meeting are reviewed in our “highlights” report
by JULIE B. MAGLIO and KATHRYN DENTATO
D. CERTIFICATES AND PROCLAMATIONS
1. Arbor Day Proclamation
Accepted by: Beautification Board Chairman
2. Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month – April, 2019
Accepted by: Kelly Detweiler
3. Autism Awareness Month – April, 2019
Accepted by: Crystal Cruz
4. Sexual Violence Awareness Month – April, 2019
Accepted by: April Johnson, Community Engagement
Coordinator, Dawn Center
E. PRESENTATIONS
by KATHRYN DENTATO
Hernando Sun Reporter
The meeting was opened by Pastor Kent Heaton of Brooksville Church of Christ, who led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Approval/Modifications - Vice Mayor Joe Bernardini, requested the addition of the introduction of the graduates of the Jericho Road Ministries in the Proclamation and Certificate portion of the meeting. City Manager Mark Kutney asked for time to review the proposed ordinance format of the Parks and Recreation Rules and requested the item be removed from the agenda.
City Manager Mark Kutney introduced Bill Geiger, City Development Department, to discuss code enforcement. He provided a brochure of the most common code violations to council members. Geiger stated the brochure is shared with residents who have questions. He also gave a memo to the council members, broken down into categories, to show the different issues code enforcement has dealt with over the past year, along with a comparison to fiscal year 2017. Fiscal years begin October 1 and end September 30.
City Manager Mark Kutney introduced Shawn Foster and Sam Wagoner from Sunrise Consulting, the firm that represents the interests/needs of Brooksville and Hernando County to the Florida legislature. In addition to the information presented in the agenda packet, Kutney stated that council members were provided maps, additional funding costs, etc. The project packet is virtually the same as last year.
Mayor Erhard opened the meeting by introducing Father Paul Pecchie of St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church in Brooksville. Father Pecchie gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL/MODIFICATIONS OF THE AGENDA
by KATHRYN DENTATO
Hernando Sun Writer
A promotional website has been created, http://visitrockridgetrail.com, which features nearby areas with a historical link to phosphate mining, accessible by bike through the Withlacoochee State Trail and Good Neighbor Trail. Historic places, activities and natural areas of Brooksville, Dunnellon, Inverness and Floral City are featured in an online map. A blog to showcase local businesses is planned. Representatives from the City of Inverness spoke to the Brooksville City Council on the possibilities for joint marketing.
by KATHRYN DENTATO
Hernando Sun Writer
At the Nov. 19 Brooksville Council Meeting, Ginger Broslat, Duke Senior Public Engagement Specialist for the Targeted Undergrounding Program, explained that Duke Energy will be investing more than $25 billion over the next ten years to move power lines from overhead to underground. Following a ten-year study, Duke Energy has identified areas where they will begin the energy grid improvements. The purpose for the presentation was to request new easements to be signed so the work can be scheduled and begun.
