Emergency Designation for Public Services to procure the services of Stage Door II to implement a temporary pumping operation intended to reduce high lake water levels in Clearwater Lake. Approval of this item requires a budget amendment to assign funds for these services under Resolution 2023-03 on today’s City Council Meeting Agenda.
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The commissioners, who have witnessed the critical remarks during public comments, and received multiple emails on the subject, had questions for Earp but ultimately agreed with the proposal.
"I do think it's a reasonable allocation of city resources to address this issue.," said Commissioner Kyle Becker."And again, I would assume, maybe just a general confirmation that the authority of this Council is to be able to assess these things on a case-by-case basis, enter into this type of an agreement that we feel like it's for the best interest of our city as well as our taxpayers. Otherwise, I just thank the staff and thank the individual communities for participating. I'm sure we'll hear from other people. But thank you for the time and energy that you all took."
"Well, my concern was that at the last meeting, the community was totally against the same proposal," said Commissioner Diane Velazquez. "And then I have some concerns about the meeting with the mayor. I don't know what was discussed. I have to be responsible to the other taxpayers who are literally reaching out and saying they understand that we need to help this community even though it's a private community and a private lake, but they understand that that's something we need to do."
"I just want to share what I'm kind of having to decipher here because I literally went back and listened to the council meeting we had for over two hours," said Commissioner Nick Nesta. "But I also made a lot of notes. And I remember when you left here, you were adamantly opposed to this proposal. And so that's why it was important for me to find out what happened between then and now, and now the same proposal is coming back. So that is a concern for me because I want to tell my taxpayers, the ones calling me, that utility reserves will be replenished in five years. And that's important because, you know, you're one development, but we have so much development going on, others are going to look towards the same problem. If we have this problem, we're going to go to the city. And so that's my concern."
"Let me first say I was very appreciative that the two communities were willing to come in and discuss, as was previously mentioned, at the last [Council] meeting, a lot of contention is going on in reference to this particular project," said Commissioner Alexander Smith. "And to come to this point to an agreement, I think, is a great deal. I, too, received some phone calls from individuals opposed to what we have asked to do today, as well as some who were supportive of what we're about to do today. And so, in the process between Monday and today, I did some homework on my own to make sure that what we were doing today, as far as my board is concerned, was due diligence. And from the legal aspect, one question was what we're doing is going to set a precedent. And so, after doing all my due diligence, I'm fine."
So, it's staff-recommended, HOA, and resident-approved, with all four commissioners in agreement. It seems like a slam dunk, right?
But a funny thing happened on the way to a unanimous vote... take a look at this dialogue:
After a 5-0 vote on the first item, Nelson called for a second vote.
"Anybody from the public wishes to speak on this one? If not... look for a motion to authorize an emergency designation for public services to procure the services of Stage Door II to implement a temporary pumping operation intended to reduce water levels in Clear Water Lake. So moved motion by Commissioner Nesta. Second by Commissioner Smith. All those in favor say, Aye... to which all four commissioners vote in the affirmative.
"Those opposed? Aye," Nelson says, meaning he voted against the measure.
"Okay. Four to one. So motion carries. Okay, next up, public hearing ordinance number 20," Nelson said, ready to move on from his mystifying vote against his staff's own presentation.
"I'm sorry, you said 4-1?" Velazquez asked - clearly puzzled.
"Yes," said Nelson.
"Who was the no vote?" Velazquez asked.
"Me," said Nelson
"I mean, it's typically the case where we know why people vote no," said Becker.
"I'm just voting no," said Nelson.
"But what I find interesting is he had the meeting and proposed it, and he's the one disapproving it.," said Velazquez. "That doesn't make sense. You just beat me down to vote for it. What reason... why did you vote no?"
"Susan, next up," Nelson said to City Clerk Susan Bone, ready again to move on.
Politicians have made several classic "flip-flop" type votes and quotes over the years. There is President George Bush's "Read my lips, no new taxes remark" and John Kerry's "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it." and Mitt Romney touting his Massachusetts Health Care Bill, only to denounce it in the 2012 election. But has anyone ever voted against a proposal his own staff presented with no warning or explanation?
Yes, both parts of the initiative to assist the residents of Clear Lake Estates and Clear Lake Landing in their time of need passed, but what would make Nelson flip on the second part? The Apopka Voice contacted Nelson by text to ask him why he voted against his staff's proposal but did not respond before the article's publication.
