Graceville Commission Moves Forward on Projects, Addresses Animal Control Concerns in September Meeting

The Graceville City Commission handled a wide range of city business during its September regular meeting, approving a manufactured home variance, recognizing the arts, setting Halloween trick-or-treating hours and moving forward with additional work on the Cliff Street and Second Avenue project. Commissioners also heard updates on several major grant-funded projects and listened to concerns from residents regarding loose and aggressive animals within the city.

One of the first items before the Commission was a variance request for the placement of a manufactured home at 5371 Florida Street. City Manager Michelle Watkins reported that the Graceville Planning Commission had met prior to the regular meeting and unanimously recommended approval. The property is L-shaped, and the prospective buyer plans to place the manufactured home on the Florida Street portion of the property. Watkins said the proposed home meets the city's requirements for manufactured home placement.

Commissioner Walter Olds said development of the property would be an improvement to an area that has become overgrown. The Commission unanimously approved the request.

The Commission also unanimously approved Resolution 26-0908 recognizing October as National Arts and Humanities Month. The resolution highlighted the Graceville Arts League's work since 2004 in funding, sponsoring and promoting artistic and cultural activities in the community.

Commissioner Samantha Angerbrandt praised the organization for its contributions to Graceville, noting that the Arts League has awarded more than $30,000 in grants to schools and individuals and was also responsible for the downtown mural. City officials plan to arrange a formal presentation of the proclamation to Arts League members.

With Halloween approaching, commissioners established official trick-or-treating hours for Saturday, Oct. 31. Staff initially suggested a two-hour window beginning around 5 or 5:30 p.m., but Angerbrandt proposed expanding the hours to 4 to 7 p.m. to provide families additional daylight and more time to visit participating homes. The Commission unanimously approved the 4 to 7 p.m. schedule. The city's Autumn Fest is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Commission also approved Change Order No. 2 for the Cliff Street and Second Avenue project, contingent upon approval by the Florida Department of Transportation. Watkins explained that additional suitable fill and work are needed after a 12-inch water main break eroded soil around bridge pilings during construction.

The change order increases the project cost by $37,365. Watkins said preliminary discussions with FDOT had been favorable and that, pending approval, FDOT would cover the additional expense.

Several major city projects were discussed during Watkins' city manager report, including long-awaited progress on the city's splash pad. Watkins said the environmental review had received approval to move into its final 30-day advertisement period. Once that period expires, the city can move forward with the project.

City staff have visited splash pads in Grand Ridge, Marianna, Chipley and Bonifay to gather information from communities already operating similar facilities. Procurement for engineering and professional services has also been completed and cleared by the funding agency, allowing the city to move forward with plans and specifications.

Progress is also being made on sewer and water infrastructure improvements. Materials for the city's sewer rehabilitation project have been delivered, with construction expected to begin after remaining components arrive. Equipment and materials have also been ordered for the water improvement project, including generators.

Watkins additionally discussed approximately $6 million in funding intended to address inflow and infiltration problems throughout Graceville's sewer system. The work is designed to prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system, reducing the amount of unnecessary water that must be treated while addressing weaknesses in sewer lines, laterals and manholes.

The city continues to pursue additional recreational and infrastructure funding. Staff are preparing an application through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program that, if funded, could complement the splash pad project by providing improvements and updated equipment at the park.

Officials are also exploring funding for roadway improvements associated with the proposed Hobo Pantry development. Watkins said the roadway connecting from Highway 2 to the rear of the proposed development would require significant improvements to safely accommodate 18-wheelers.

Preliminary estimates place the potential funding request between $400,000 and $500,000, with hopes of widening and strengthening the roadway. Wilanne Daniels said no applicable funding cycle was open at the time but that Florida Commerce had recommended preparing a project memo and cost estimate in case funds become available or another funding cycle opens.

Economic development was another topic of discussion. Watkins reported that the city had been communicating with Hardee's corporate representatives and, based on the pace of work at the time of the meeting, the restaurant was hoping to reopen within approximately 10 to 14 days.

Watkins also said communication was continuing with developers working toward bringing McDonald's to Graceville and that the city planned to remain in contact with Hobo Pantry regarding its development timeline.

Commissioners also received an update concerning backup power for the Graceville Fire Department. Watkins said a generator being replaced through the sewer project would be relocated to the fire department. The building had previously been electrically prepared for a generator, which should make installation relatively straightforward.

During the meeting, Angerbrandt brought attention to continued problems with semi-trucks traveling through restricted areas near Cliff Street and the Graceville Laundromat despite posted signs. She asked whether additional patrols could be placed in the area in hopes that increased enforcement would discourage drivers from using the route.

Mayor Terry Nichols said officers had already stopped numerous trucks since the signs were installed and indicated enforcement efforts would continue.

Animal control became one of the most extensively discussed issues of the evening during citizen comments. Residents expressed frustration with loose dogs and cats throughout the city and asked officials to consider stronger enforcement of existing ordinances.

One resident urged the Commission to take a more aggressive approach to animal control and code enforcement, saying residents have become frustrated by roaming animals and deteriorating properties. Angerbrandt added that complaints are not limited to dogs, noting that she has heard from parents and grandparents concerned about roaming cats getting into children's sandboxes and play areas.

Resident Christina Deon described an especially serious situation involving aggressive dogs. Deon said she had filed two police reports after dogs charged her granddaughter at her front door and damaged furniture on her porch. According to Deon, one of the dogs involved was later connected to an attack on a neighbor that resulted in the neighbor requiring hospital treatment.

Deon told commissioners that she was concerned about what the outcome could have been had a similar attack involved her three-year-old granddaughter.

Officer Lloyd Laycox said animal control officers had attempted for several days to locate one of the dogs involved but were unsuccessful. He also explained that county animal control is operating with two officers covering more than 900 square miles, which can affect response capabilities.

Another challenge discussed was where the city could temporarily house an animal if Graceville officers captured it but county animal control could not immediately respond. Officials discussed the possibility of the city taking a more active role in capturing animals, but noted that temporary housing and associated costs would have to be addressed.

Commissioners agreed that the issue deserves additional attention. Commissioner Curtis Pinkard said residents should not have to be afraid to walk outside their own homes because of aggressive animals and suggested the city may need to further discuss possible solutions.

Code enforcement was also discussed during the meeting. Officials reported progress on properties along 12th Avenue and near Pelham Avenue, while residents encouraged the city to continue addressing neglected properties and other code violations as part of efforts to improve the appearance of Graceville.

As the meeting drew to a close, commissioners thanked residents for attending and participating in city government. Several members of the Commission commented on the increased attendance at recent meetings and said cooperation among residents, commissioners and city staff is important as Graceville continues working to address community needs.

Pinkard thanked residents for attending and expressed appreciation to the city's first responders. He also reiterated concerns raised during the meeting about aggressive dogs, saying residents should be able to feel safe on their own property.

Commissioner John McClendon said he was encouraged by the atmosphere of the meeting and the way the community and Commission have been working together. He said continued cooperation and a focus on what is best for the entire city will help Graceville continue to improve.

Commissioner Walter Olds thanked residents for becoming more involved in city government and encouraged the community to continue offering ideas and feedback.

Angerbrandt thanked residents for attending and said it was encouraging to see increased participation at Commission meetings. She also thanked fellow commissioners, city police officers, volunteer firefighters and other first responders for their service. She concluded her remarks by recognizing the late Coach George Donahue Johnson for his decades of service to Graceville's students, athletes and community. Johnson was part of Graceville's 1963 state basketball team as manager and later served as head basketball coach for 31 years coaching two state championship teams during that tenure.

Nichols also encouraged the Commission to consider ways to recognize local students and school achievements at future meetings. He said Graceville has good schools, teachers and students and encouraged the community to continue highlighting positive accomplishments throughout the city.

The meeting concluded with city officials thanking residents for their participation and encouraging continued involvement as Graceville moves forward with infrastructure improvements, recreational projects, economic development and efforts to address community concerns.

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