All Council Members present.

PRESENTATIONS

Public Comment: Larianne Stutts promoted the Village Improvement Association Women’s Club Special Event on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 10 AM - 3 PM, 17 N. Palmetto Avenue. Guests will get the chance to meet R. L. Lewis Jr. and view his artwork.

1. Proclamation - Arbor Day

2. FMPA - January 2026 Bob Page

FMPA Vice Chair Bob Page stated natural gas prices averaged $3.50 last month, but colder weather in northern states pushed prices higher, ranging from $3.88 to $5.45 over the past 30 days. Natural gas provided most of the electricity generation at 78%, followed by coal at 9%, nuclear at 6%, and solar at 3%. The highest electricity demand for the month occurred on November 8 at 4 p.m.

He added the FMPA Board of Directors approved a temporary agreement to safely shut down the Stanton I power unit during cold conditions. They also received updates on regulatory compliance, human resources, and operations at the Stock Island power plant.

In addition, he added the Executive Committee approved several items, including an extension of a natural gas capacity contract, targets to help stabilize gas prices, a software support agreement, the Stanton I interim agreement, and the purchase of a turbine from New Smyrna Beach. They also reviewed information on future power supply options, along with quarterly compliance and human resources updates.

Council Member Gaw inquired about the energy extensions past 2030 and the rapid movement of excess energy capacity. Page stated that utility companies that have not been a part of the All-Requirements Project have received lower costs but that is going to go away. He added the need to build for more capacity may raise costs in the future and the need to get ahead of this is important. Council Member stressed the need for stable energy costs.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

3. City Council approval on Second and Final Reading of Ordinance O-20-2025 adjusting Capacity Connection Fees (formerly Trust Fund / Impact Fees) for the Water and Wastewater Funds.  Scott Schultz

Water Utilities Director Scott Schultz presented the second and final reading of Ordinance O-20-2025, which updates the City’s Water and Wastewater Capacity Connection Fees (formerly impact or trust fund fees). He stated City staff and consultants completed a study in 2024 to ensure the fees support current and future infrastructure needs, accounting for completed projects, new partnerships, funding decisions, and budget updates. 

The City Council reviewed and approved the study during a public meeting on December 9, 2025. Approval of the ordinance updates fee names and rates across City documents for consistency and helps cover the cost of capital improvement projects (CIPs). If approved, the Water Capacity Connection Fee would increase from $1,000 to $2,372, and the Wastewater Capacity Connection Fee would increase from $2,000 to $2,531, with the larger water increase due to limited state and federal grant funding.

There were no public comments.

Council comments: Council Member Gaw stated neighboring counties are also increasing Impact Fees and how those increases affect new residents and asked what statutory limits apply to development-related fees. Water Utilities Director Scott Schultz explained that larger communities with more than 10,000 residents receive less grant funding, requiring them to fully fund their capital projects. As a result, these costs are typically much higher when passed on to new development. Schultz noted that the City’s fees are in line with surrounding utilities and are based only on the actual cost of providing capacity, which helps avoid legal challenges. He added that while some communities use higher fees to slow growth, the City does not.

Schultz emphasized that the purpose of the fee increase is to cover true capacity costs in the Water and Wastewater Funds. City Attorney Arnold stated he will review state statutory limits on these fee increases and provide an update at the next meeting. Council Member Stutts added that these increases are easier to defend than electric rate changes and asked about the potential use of a development impact fee.

Motion passed 5-0.

4. Second and final reading of Ordinance No. O-21-2025 which amends the retirement plan for the Police Officers of the City of Green Cove Springs. City Attorney Arnold

City Attorney Jim Arnold presented the Second and final reading of Ordinance No. O-21-2025 which amends the retirement plan for the Police Officers of the City of Green Cove Springs. This amendment would allow a surviving spouse to begin receiving benefits immediately following a member’s death rather than waiting until the member’s scheduled retirement date. This is primarily a wording update that enhances the benefit. A cost analysis was completed, showing only a 0.045% increase to the budget, approximately $1,000, which is a minimal impact to the City. 

There were no public comments.

Motion passed 5-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Item #6 pulled for discussion (see notes below). Items #5 and #7-11 passed 5-0.

5. City Council approval of the Black History Month Proclamation. Erin West

6. City Council emergency approval for a budget amendment / funding in the amount of $57,684.84 for Lift Station #305 rehabilitation and $51,685.62 for Lift Station #327 rehabilitation to RCM Utilities, piggybacking on the Zephyrhills Continuing Services Agreement No. 41-25-13.  Scott Schultz

Council Member Gaw asked for discussion, noting that this had been cut from the budget and the City is now facing emergency repairs. Water Utilities Director Scott Schultz explained that the City operates 35 wastewater lift stations, many of which are more than 40 years old and beyond their expected lifespan. While the department budgets $400,000 each year for lift station repairs, spending was limited in recent years to control costs, resulting in lower actual spending and more emergency issues. Several lift stations now have serious problems that cannot be patched and require full replacement of failing parts. These repairs require temporary pumping and full rehabilitation using longer-lasting materials. 

Council Member Gaw noted that cutting funding does not eliminate maintenance needs. Interim City Manager Mike Null added that the reduced funding was tied to pressure to limit rate increases last year, more so than the budget process, and Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of recognizing these needs during the next budget cycle.

Motion passed 5-0.

7. City Council approval to continue utilizing Barrett Supply and Szoke Power as Preferred Vendors per Chapter 9 of the Purchasing Policies of the City of Green Cove Springs.  Scott Schultz

8. City Council approval of funding in the amount of $25,117 to Gresco for “Fault Indicators” to be used by the Electric department. Marsha Lowry

9. City Council approval of Minutes. Erin West

• Regular Session: 11/4/2025
• Special Sessions: 8/7/2025, 11/17/2025

10. City Council approval of engagement letter with the Florida Group for state government relations consulting services for the Calendar Year 2026 in the amount of $36,000.  Mike Null

11. City Council approval of grant agreement L2505 with the state in the amount of $475,000 for the St. Johns River Trail, Ph I.  Mike Null

COUNCIL BUSINESS

12. Consideration of approval on first reading of Ordinance No. O-01-2026 which is attached and will allow City electors to vote on proposed Charter Amendments. The Ballot Title verbiage cannot exceed 15 words per section101.161, Florida Statutes. City Attorney Arnold

Arnold stated the City Council directed him to draft an ordinance that would place three proposed Charter amendments on the ballot for voters to consider at the next City election. 

The first proposal would update the oath of office language so Council Members can be sworn in by a notary if a judge is not available. The second proposal would allow the City Council to waive the requirement that the City Manager live within the City’s utility service area, giving the Council more flexibility when hiring qualified candidates. The third proposal would allow the Council to waive residency or office location requirements for the City Attorney, also providing more flexibility in hiring. These changes do not remove the requirements but allow the Council to approve exceptions when needed. 

This was the first reading, and the second reading and public hearing will be held on January 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 

Public comments and Council discussion focused on balancing flexibility with reasonable limits, with Council Members noting that too many restrictions can limit qualified candidates and if the amendments pass in the upcoming election, any exemption would still require a 3-2 City Council approval.

Motion passed 4-1. Council Member Glisson voted against.

13. Council discussion regarding proposed Spring Park Veteran’s Monument.  Mike Null

Interim City Manager Mike Null explained that community member Richard Johnson has requested approval to place a Veterans Monument in Spring Park. Mr. Johnson plans to raise all funds for the project, meaning there would be no cost to the City. Staff have met with him and suggested a low-profile granite monument with a bronze eagle, featuring the seals of each military branch but no individual names. The proposed monument would be about 20–25 feet in size and located near the gazebo, with an estimated cost of $100,000 to be raised by the GCS Preservation Society. Mr. Johnson is also willing to personally provide a $5,000 deposit to begin the design, with final approval required by the City.

Staff shared concerns about keeping Spring Park a family-focused park and preserving as much green space as possible. 

During public comments, some residents said Spring Park should remain unchanged and suggested the Historic Triangle as a better location. 

Council Members discussed alternative locations, including the Historic Triangle and City Hall grounds, and raised concerns about the size of the monument. 

Council ultimately asked staff to continue discussions with Mr. Johnson about possibly reducing the size and considering placement at the Historic Triangle instead of Spring Park.

14. City Manager & City Attorney Reports / Correspondence

Arnold stated he sent the response documents from the Huntley lawsuit to the City Council. City is moving forward with discussions and may update Ordinances as appropriate moving forward. 

There was discussion amongst the Council about how this matter translates over to other properties in the City. Arnold said this would be looked at. Council Member Stutts stated this should be settled before it goes to trial. 

Null stated a complete stormwater review is currently being completed and a Special Session will be held on March 31, 2026, 6 PM, at City Hall to present the findings. He added City staff is reviewing every property, including new developments, and doing a complete technical and legal review. 

Null reminded the Council of the following upcoming events and meetings:

• City Council Special Session, focus on utilities, specifically the Water and Wastewater Rate Study Update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6 PM, City Hall
• State of County luncheon: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:30 AM, Thrasher Horne Conference Center
• Florida League of Cities: Thursday January 15, 2026, 5 PM, St. Augustine Rod and Gun Club
• Arbor Day Ceremony: Friday, January 16, 2026, 9 AM, Clay County Habitat Admin Building
• MLK Ceremony: Monday, January 19, 2026, 11 AM, Vera Francis Hall Park. 
• City Council Special Session, focus on Q1 Financial review: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6 PM, City Hall

15. City Council Reports / Correspondence

Council Members Glisson and Starnes thanked City staff for their work on the Christmas events and Starnes added the praise she received from her customers about the Parade of Trees. Council Member Starnes also encouraged support of the VIA and attending the event on Thursday.

Council Member Stutts encouraged outreach to residents to explain the proposed ordinance amendments before the April election, and Council Member Gaw agreed. Interim City Manager Mike Null clarified that, due to legal requirements, the City must remain neutral in any promotion it does. City Attorney Arnold added that individual City Council members are allowed to discuss and promote the proposed amendments within the community.

Executive Assistant Kimberly Thomas thanked Art Yeaman and Mike McNaney for their help with the Parade of Trees, as they were the founding members of the event.