Now set for 6 p.m. Tuesday on March 9
The Century Town Council opted to reschedule a public hearing to apply for a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) until Tuesday, March 9 due to a technicality of having the wrong address on the public advertisement for the hearing scheduled incorrectly at Century City Hall Monday night.
According to the requirements of the grant, a public hearing has to be held, and that hearing has to be publicly advertised at least five days before the council meeting to approve a potential project in the town. Once the council approves the project, the process to apply for the grant can begin.
Robin Phillips with Jones, Phillips and Associates out of Pensacola attended the public hearing to hear from citizens on how they feel potential funds from a CBDG grant the town intended to apply for could be used to benefit the town.
At the previous meeting Feb. 15, discussion about using the funds to make improvements to bring the Carver Community Center up to code and upgrading the community center on Highway 4 were suggested. A public hearing would allow residents to voice their opinions.
Councilman Luis Gomez asked for comments and suggestions from the audience.
“Why was the notice of this meeting not sent to northescambia.com?,” asked William Reynolds. “Second, why was it improperly noticed as being at town hall?”
Phillips said she could not answer the questions.
Councilman Gomez referred to Interim City Manager Vernon Prather, Chief Deputy Clerk of Finance Kristina Woods and Mayor Ben Boutwell, who were seated at the table.
Gomez said they were responsible for getting notifications correct.
The address on the public hearing announcement in the agenda packets of council members was Century Town Hall, located at 7995 North Century Boulevard, but the meetings are now being held at the community center at 6001 A Industrial Blvd.
Prather said it was a mistake and suggested rescheduling the meeting in order to meet Sunshine Law requirements.
Reynolds said the advertisement on the town hall door listed 7995 North Century Boulevard for the public hearing, which is the old address. Town authorities decided a larger space to hold any meetings would be more prudent after town hall had to be disinfected twice for COVID at the price of $2,000 each time. The bigger location also allows for better social distancing, according to Mayor Boutwell.
“We are trying to make the transition from the old meeting place to the new meeting place,” said Prather.
The address was correct in the Tri-City Ledger advertisement for the public hearing and meeting, according to Town Planner Debbie Nickels.
“I'm confused as to what is the incorrect address,” said Nickels. “The address is correct in the ad in the paper.”
Discussion led to the suggestion to reschedule the hearing and meeting before the March 15 deadline to submit the application for the grant. Phillips verified that advertisement has to be at least five days prior to the public hearing.
“Being that it is properly advertised in the Tri-City Ledger, do we have any legal repercussions because of one misprint?” asked Councilman James Smith. “I just want to ensure we are doing the right thing because he would love to bash us any way possible.”
Prather said the wrong piece of paper was picked up and suggested rescheduling to be sure.
“Please ma'am, please sir, make sure we are all on the same page at the same time,” said Councilwoman Sandra McMurray. “People came out tonight with questions and concerns. It's very important that one person print, the next person proofread. Dates and times are very important. People have taken time out of their busy schedule to come out here tonight.”
Smith pointed out that people are going to be mistakes and apologized to the residents who came.
The rescheduled public hearing will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, at 6001 A Industrial Boulevard.
