Thank you, Chief. >> Uh, please join us uh for invocation led by Shannon Carol, Lake Haven Church, and pledge of allegiance led by Vice Mayor Gary Ashcraft. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Let's pray together. Heavenly
Father, only God, creator of all, full of compassion, goodness, and kindness, and so merciful to those who call on your name. We express our heartfelt gratitude to you, your only begotten son, Jesus, our Lord, whose righteous blood shed on that cross in ultimate sacrifice and triumphant victory over
sin, death, and the grave to deliver us from our wayward ways. In his name alone, we are saved. We present these commissioners and our city here before you, these who have offered their lives to serve the city of Eustace and its people in righteousness and justice. We
pray above all for willing hearts and humble sensitivity to your guidance, wisdom in their counsel and their every decision to enable and facilitate accompanied blessings of righteousness and justice to enable true prosperity for all. Blessed are you, oh Lord, God
of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, and the glory, and the splendor, and the majesty. For the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be with you all. Amen.
>> Amen. >> Please join me for the pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Thank you. Thank you. I call to order. Uh Christine, is there quorum and proper notice been given? >> Yes, Mayor Hawkins. >> Okay. Uh Tom, agenda update, please. >> Yes, sir. Uh so we have uh several items to remove uh based on the action at the
uh LPA, I would like to suggest we remove 6.5, 6.6, 6 and 6.7 which are uh ordinance 2528, 2529 and 2530. Uh further I would like to add uh
recognition of senior officer Alred to the agenda under presentations. Uh as well as a very brief presentation on school zone data. uh we uh have to um
uh we have to recognize some data before the end of the fiscal year which this is our uh well technically I suppose we have September 29th now but this is our last regular meeting of the fiscal year so I'd like to add that uh those two items I'd like to add under
presentations prior to 3.1 >> okay >> and then finally uh I would like to recognize and welcome our new uh director of events and communications, Sherry Moan. Thank you for coming and uh
we're uh excited to have you. So, thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you, Tom, and welcome, Sherry. Okay. Uh next up, we have approval of
minutes for our August 8th, 2025 city commission workshop budget. our September 4th, 2025 city commission workshop and our September 4th, 2025 city commission meeting. >> Approval. >> It's been moved. Second, >> properly second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Lee, >> I. >> Commissioner Abott, >> I. >> Mayor Hawkins, >> I. Okay. Next up, uh, presentations. Uh, Chief. >> Yes. The first one we'll do is giving
out a chief's award tonight. The chief's award is given out to an officer uh but the police department does an exemplary work above and beyond the missions and objectives of the department to get recognized. So I'm proud tonight to award a chief's award. Let me get the actual
I got the award in the room here. Senior officer James Albert. Come on, please. [Applause] Officer, not only a great family man and father with all his kids. So, he's got a family to take care of, but let me tell you what else he does. He runs our SWAT
team. He's our SWAT commander. He also is one of our lead SRO's at the US High School. Add on that that he's a football coach for the high school, coaching the back is working with the kids. He's a mentor for numerous kids at the school.
I'm going to keep going here. He also is on our honor guard. He's a US military veteran. How does he find time to do all that in a day? So, he's one of our top best officers we have. I got to tell you, I have a great police department here. You all have a great police
department here. You have no idea how great the caliber of officers we have here. We are blessed. We got a great commission that supports us. We have a great community that supports us and we have great officers like senior officers. So proud to give this award. Thank you very much. Keep the good work.
[Applause] All right. >> Uh uh quick, we have uh uh school board member Stephanie Luke and I know that
she thinks highly uh of Mr. Ri. >> I want to add you work extremely well with the school board. They have I'll tell you I worked with a lot of schools when I was in M County. No one touches what we have here in Lake County. They set the bars to a higher level and they work very well with us. They do a lot
for this community and they do a lot of good stuff. Your kids are getting a great education in a safe environment. We have police officers in every one of our schools here in Houston. And I'll tell you, God forbid something does happen. We are going to take care going in there. We will neutralize that threat and we provide your children safety as
well as the staff. So you you're very blessed. Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief. We're going to keep moving here. Uh we're required, we were the first in the state to get the school zone speed cameras. First in the state. And uh with that being said, we're required, this company is Ultimate is required to do an
annual uh annual report. They thought the report was on the calendar year, which would have been December 31st. Unfortunately, we found out it's the fiscal year, which is September 30th. So, what we're going to do right now is do this quick two slide report and tell you uh some numbers here. If you can hit it, please. Uh there's our jurisdiction.
Uh notice of violations issued, notice violations petty, the numbers right there. Uh >> yeah. Yeah, it's it's all good stuff. I'm going to I'll I'll finish that at the end. I'll I'll cap on that. Next slide, please. All right. Total payments that we've paid out. Uh let let me
explain this. First of all, zero cost to the city, zero cost to the taxpayers, zero cost to anybody. So that's the payouts of of the fines that came in and where they went to. The company got $135,000, but they put all the equipment out
there. That equipment is expensive. We, the city of Eustace, first of all, did not do this to make any money. It's about the safety of our kids and our children walking in school zones. So the city of Houston made zero zero dollars on this. Zero. But what we did do is, and I'm going to show you here right
now, we have had a 97.7% reduction in speeding violations in our school zones. 97.7%. We are first in the state on those numbers with with in all our four school zones. We have people are getting the message. You hit them in the wallet, you
hit them in the pocketbook, you get compliance. No one likes to pay the fines. You know, even the mal contents complain that they that they shouldn't have got a fine, but uh oh well. But I can tell you it's doing its job. It's saving lives. It's reducing accidents. It's getting people to pay attention out
in these school zones. So huge successful program. And oh, on top of that, they are paying the sum of $32,000 for tag readers for our city. Zero cost to the taxpayers. So we have our city ring with tax with the with tag readers. So when the bad guys come in that just
committed a robbery or a homicide and they come in our city, we know where they're at, where they're coming in, and we can set up on them and take them down safely so no one gets hurt. So City of Eustace, zero cost to the taxpayers, benefits unlimited. Any questions? Okay.
Thanks, thank you, Chief. Good job. Okay. Next up, we have a presentation uh St. St. Luke's Medical and Dental. Well, good evening. >> Good evening, commissioners, and thank you for the opportunity to share the
work of St. Luke's Free Medical and Dental Clinic with you. My name is Aaron Burley. I'm the director of clinics for Catholic Charities of Central Florida. Our mission is simple but vital, to provide compassionate, highquality medical and dental care to our neighbors who have nowhere else to turn. We
embrace those in need with hope, transforming lives through faith, compassion, and service. As you know, many in our community have no insurance to cover their basic medical and dental needs. For many, preventative care, especially dental, is out of reach. Without a free clinic to turn to, they
often delay treatment until they end up in the ER, which is costly to the taxpayers and devastating to the families. We step into that gap, offering care that restores both health and dignity. St. Luke's was established in 2013 when the pastor at the time of St. Mary of the Lakes and a local
physician saw this need in our community and wanted to help remedy it. The clinic is located on the campus of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church. St. Luke's is part of Catholic Charities of Central Florida which has five five free medical and dental clinics in Central Florida.
In order to be eligible for a service, an individual cannot have health insurance and their income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. The visits with our physicians are free and due to a partnership with Advent Health, our patients are able to receive free lab
work. Patients do however have to pay for imaging and medications when which can be challenging for them. On the dental side, we provide free exams, x-rays, extractions, fillings and dentures at cost. Our biggest expense
and patients demand is for dental. We currently have over 150 people on our dental weight list. In the past year alone, we provided 929 medical and dental visits. That's not just numbers, that's lives changed. We had a gentleman that came to
us unable to work as a truck driver due to his high blood pressure, a condition that with medical treatment is controllable. His family was facing possible eviction due to the lack of income from their home's primary bread winner. Once he was seen and treated at our clinic, he was able to return to work.
Um, we also had a woman who came to us to see the dentist thinking that she had an abscess in her mouth. After x-rays, exams, and biopsies, it was determined that she had cancer in her jaw. We were able to refer her to Shans, where she had surgery and was able to recover. We
do not do this work alone. Our clinic is empowered by a dedicated network of volunteers, local hospitals, and community organizations. We currently count with four primary care care physicians, two specialists, two dentists, and four nurses in addition to
administrative and clerical volunteers. By providing primary and preventative care, we reduce avoidable ER visits, saving taxpayer dollars, and easing the burden of our hospital systems. Healthy residents can work, care for their families, and contribute to the local
economy. Dental health in particular helps restore employability and self-confidence. I invite anyone here to visit our clinics and talk to our staff andor volunteers. Um, and I put out a request that you know of any dental or medical
professionals that would be willing to volunteer that you please send them our way. >> Actually, I if you remember, I attended the open house. >> Yes. Yes. >> That you had a couple couple months ago. >> Yes, sir. >> And I uh I met with you about my uh about my wife who's a nurse practitioner. >> Yes, sir.
>> Um she she has a question about the uh liability medical. Can you can she she's halfway through the application and she does understand the liability insurance. >> Yeah. Can she call you? We talk about it later. >> Well, let her call. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> Do you want give me a call or answer it? Just >> just give him a call. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> I want to thank you. I uh I like Gary. You know, we went up and we uh >> I don't think we went at the same time because I didn't see you. >> I think he was a little >> But uh I thought it was a great idea.
I've been driving by that building for years and I didn't know it was there. >> Uh and I thought it was important that that the city know about it. So, >> I thank you for the invite. >> Yeah. Well, thank you so much and we'll be in touch. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> It's uh 7:22 South Gro Street across the street from the police station. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Do you take donations like >> Yes, ma'am. >> Monetary. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Does she have her?
>> Uh next up we have a presentation by Eustus Community Alliance. And I guess uh you've been uh voted as the speaker. >> I know that's not fair. I did it last time. I'll do it this time. They made me do the slides.
>> Okay. File agreement leader. Yeah. Yeah. >> Could you state your name, please? >> Kelly Hadley. >> Okay. >> I'm with the Houston Community Alliance along with my partners in crime over there. Um, we want to first thank the city for partnering with us to help us get the building, the maintenance. Um,
we try to do a lot with the building. We have a new sign on the front of the building. It showed there on the first uh on the first slide. Um, oh quicker. There we go. Maybe. There we go. Um, we have several programs that we do
throughout the year. The first one I want to talk to you about is the summer fun, summer feed program. when the kids are out of school looking for things to do. Um we actually partnered this year with the Orange Avenue Church of Christ. They have a nice big beautiful building. Um they've allowed us to come in and um
have our program there. So we have classes, activities, uh day camps. Um we take them in buses and go to Orlando. We go to the zoo. Um we have church activities with them. And it it just really gave them a lot of places to run
and play this year, more than we had last year because the building that we have is small, but it did do the purpose. And now in our building, we have um access Florida coming in. So we're actually using more of the rooms um for helping the community. So the
kids were just we moved them to a bigger area. The church loved it. It was a great partnership. Um next we have backpack for education, which just happened a um a few weeks ago. We partnered with the city, uh the
park and recck department, uh the uses African-American committee and other people. We had about 300 backpacks that were filled with school supplies by the different ages. We handed them out to the school kids. You had to be present to get one. Um which was a caveat this
year. We had um prizes, we had games, we had food. It was just an allaround good day for the kids to come out and have fun and get, you know, all excited about going back to school. >> And this is a picture from last year, correct? >> I'm sorry. >> This is a picture from last year.
>> Yes. I Everybody that I asked, they're like, I don't have one, so sorry. Yes, this is last year's picture. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> But but it did happen. It >> absolutely happened. >> So it did happen. >> It did happen. You were there as others were. Um, next. Wait till you
see this picture. >> Oops. Back. Um, we had a Christmas party last year. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for stepping in as Santa yet again. >> That's the best looking son I've seen. Where's Sam? Sam,
>> this is what a real Santa looks like. >> I'm sure we'll we'll get you a new one. Um, again, we partnered with local churches, um, the park and recck department, the police department. They escorted Santa to his chair. The kids were pretty excited about that. Um, we
had games, we had prizes, every child that came got a present uh, pretty much for their age. So, a few of the older kids got gift cards because, you know, they don't need a toy anymore. Um, but it was a great time by all. Everybody looks forward to it every year and I think this year is even going to be
bigger. I like how enthusiastic that little boy is about Santa. >> He's like that all the time. >> That little boy's happy about everything. >> I get like that around the mayor, too.
>> Only when you're on his lap, I'm sure. >> Um things that we do all the time, another old picture. We still partner with um with Lake Cares, but now we've actually moved the food distribution to the Orange Avenue Church of Christ. It gives a little bit more area for people
to come in. It's a little safer. Um, better distribution. Um, so far everybody seems to like it. We feel it's going to be very popular. We're going to have a lot more people coming in. Um, we're a small but mighty group that put does this with with lit cares. It's like
a welloiled machine. Um, we're in and out and the church again is very thankful that we're we're doing this in their area. So we do have regular services that we have either at our Clifford House or we
also have Pandora who is over at the Eustace Housing Authority um working on another program. So we're kind of seeing people in both places right now. Um we're actually doing going to start doing more uh more classes in our house
in Clifford, but right now we're still doing um Access Florida. They've closed the office in uh Tberaris and they have our phone number listed all over the place to call. So Pandora is getting a ton of calls for Access Florida and she's really stepping in there and
helping people get their get their assistance. Um but we still do uh help people with emergency food, clothing, uh people call and say they didn't have uh clothes for school, we helped him with that.
Um I'm I'm just going to hit this real quick. Uh we're starting basic computer classes. We have eight laptops that were gifted to us. Um we're going to start them in October for four weeks, about an hour and a half. Uh they're mainly just basic things. How to log into your
computer, how to get your Gmail, that kind of thing. Um we also are with um I believe you, Mayor Hawkins, and Pandora are talking about an IMIN program for mentorship. It's just in the infancy. Um she said there was a lot of interest
there. So there's more training coming and it looks to be like a fantastic thing for the city. And then lastly um the FSS program which I was hoping that Pandora would be here she could talk more about it but this is really it's a partnership with HUD's
housing authority to get people out of housing and into their own homes. um they have stepby-step ways of uh helping them get jobs, helping them get um child care, and really helping them step up more, helping them save money so they
can take that money and put down on a house or help them get into better conditions. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. You know, I have to say that uh you know, she said it, you know, they're
small but mighty. Uh it's five of them. Uh and this has turned into a labor of love. You know, a lot of times the things they have to do, they go into their own pockets. Uh you know, to make things happen and I just want to say I appreciate it. Uh Kelly, could you uh
have the other people with you introduce themselves, please? >> Would you please stand up? Introduce My name is Kurt Musleman. I'm the president. >> My name is Terry Jackson. I am whatever I need to be.
>> Okay. And young man Rashad the team support. >> Okay. All right. I just wanted to thank you all. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Okay. Next up, we come to audience to be heard. Uh please if if you have something to say please approach the
mic. Uh state your name. Uh is a citizen of Eustus resident of Eustace. Um uh three minutes and are we ready? >> Okay. Uh three minutes. Uh cards. Tom. >> Yes. I have a card from Mark Bobick.
>> Mr. Bobbit. Mayor Mayor commissioners. My name is Mark Bobick. A couple of years ago, I attended my first annexation meeting for the Huddle 44 property. I spoke out against it. Uh at the time, one of the
commissioners, who I believe was Nanco, I could have been mistaken, had said, "If we don't annex it, Mount Dora would." And that comment took me by surprise because I realized then that people who run cities have a different
set of concerns and perspectives that I never imagined. From that perspective, the commission's view sounded like leadership. Then at subsequent commission meetings, I heard many times the commission considered or characterize SR44B
as an urbanizing corridor. I did not then and do not now agree with that view and I believe then and believe now that the commission has not given appropriate consideration to the important issues of water, flooding, pollution, noise and
traffic. Nevertheless, I recognized that and gave credit to the commission for what I would call vision and I've watched and it has been instructive for me uh government local government in action and I believe that it is founded
on a basis of ethical behavior. However, this huddle 44 project is something different. I believe that in its support of this Huddle 44 project that the commission has made a mistake. I think you got it wrong when you
improved the drive-thru at all for this project. And I think you got it wrong when you approved the other on September 4th, this terrible waiver to have the drive-thru window placed facing homes across 44B.
How is it leadership to affect the home values of so many upstanding citizens? We are not talking about the Marxist League of Revolution there. We're talking about middle class people. How is it vision to have this type of
environment impact the quality of life that these people are going to experience? Many of those people are quite old and elderly sort of like me. and how is it ethical to do harm to those people kind of in contravention of what this document that you approved the
other day talks about which is you know that you are essentially operating at of course can't find it the will of the people and for the benefit of the people so I'm citizen a resident a homeowner a
taxpayer and a voter in Eustace for my sake you should revoke your approval of the huddle 44 drive-thru waiver. And in fact, I'm asking you to withdraw your approval for any drive-in at all at huddle 44 for the sake of all the
citizens, residents, homeowners, taxpayers, and voters of Eustace. You should revoke your approval of the huddle 44 drive-thru and every part of it. And finally, I >> Your time is up. You have three minutes and it's expired.
Okay. Okay. Thank you though. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh Tom, next >> uh I have a couple cards for the time of the item, but that's it for audience to be heard. >> Okay. >> All right. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on this matter?
>> Okay. Anything? >> Something different. >> That's fine. Hi, my name is Lee Baresi and I am a resident of Eustace. I've lived in Lake County most of my life. Um, for many years there's been an issue out at the
corner of um, Orange Avenue and the 44 bypass cut off. The one that goes off from 44B or is it I think it's considered be the one with Bates Avenue going between >> near Tony's Pizza. >> Tony's Pizza that corner there. So,
we've been fighting for the last 10 years to try to get somebody to put a crosswalk in there. Um, I understand that the crosswalk has to be put in by Lake County, but until Eustace actually finishes the road between Bates Avenue
and Orange Avenue, the county cannot do anything. >> Did you reach out to me? >> I did. And unfortunately, my father had >> sick and had passed and so >> talk to me afterwards. >> I will, but yeah. So, I really feel that we really need something done there. I've had my own kids in my community
come and ask me to please do something because um they've been hit by cars. They've been >> I'm sorry. I think >> we got approval for sidewalks. >> Did we finally all the way to the edge? >> We just talked about I saw something last week that the side they were putting sidewalks. I want an email something about sidewalk.
>> If we have finally approved it, that's wonderful. >> I hadn't seen anything. >> I saw something about the sidewalks out cuz you sent me an email. >> Yes, we um I sent an email. >> I got it also and we followed up on it and I got I'll have to follow I'll get with you offline, but I did see something about sidewalks because I mean you can't wait. that everybody needs to
know is that I mean that there's no way for that that light is purely dependent on cars. >> I'll talk. >> You cannot have anything change at all. >> You get stuff done. Remember that. >> And then well, it's been 10 years. So, it'd be wonderful if we >> We don't give you fluff here. That's where you go to the county.
>> All right. Give me the chief and we'll talk. >> Okay. Is there anyone else? >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> Good. Good evening, council. Uh I am uh Dr. Keith. I'm from Orlando, but I'm
here on behalf of a residents, a resident of Eustace. Um the company I represent is Camp Rose LLC, a service disabledowned business. We are acquiring 430 West Charlotte Avenue here in uh Eustace. Uh the plan
is to uh restore this nuisance as it is um uh the goal is to make it more productive. We respectfully request your support in reducing. >> It's on the agenda coming up. 2574. >> Oh, >> that's probably best for him.
>> Yeah, you want to wait. Yeah, let's talk at the time of the item. >> Willie, >> thank you. >> Can I say something after all of this? >> Okay. >> Um Okay. Uh okay. There's no nothing else. Audience, have you heard? Okay. Emily?
>> Yeah. Before we begin tonight's agenda, I want to take a moment to speak from my heart. Not just as a commissioner, but as someone who cares deeply about this city and the people who call it home. We're living in a time of opportunity,
and you is growing. We have new families moving here, businesses are opening, and our downtown continues to thrive. This kind of progress doesn't happen by accident. It takes a commission with vision, commitment, respect for each other, and most importantly, collaboration. Each of us was elected to
serve the people of Eustace, not just the specific district, our interest group, but the whole city. And the best way we can do that is by working together. We won't always agree on every issue, and that's okay. In fact, it's healthy. Our differences in perspective
are not a weakness. They're our strength. Let's use those that complement each other. When we lead with respect, when we listen with open minds, and when we stay focused on the greater good, there's no challenge we can overcome. So tonight, I'd like to propose a simple but
powerful suggestion. Let's recommit ourselves to unity. Let's assume the best in each other. Let's have the tough conversations with respect and unity. And remember that every decision we make impacts real people, real neighborhoods,
and the future of Eustus. Let this be our shared commitment to lead by example, to support one another, and to always put the city first. Let's keep the lines of communication open and the spirit of cooperation strong. Let's work
together with our consultants to create a vision and a map for the future of Eustace. Let's move forward together. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. All right. Next up, uh the consent agenda.
>> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of the consent agenda. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. It's been moved and properly second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Lee. >> I. >> Commissioner Obott. >> I. >> Mayor Hawkins. >> I.
>> Okay. Next up. >> I'm next. >> Okay. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor, city commissioners and members of the public as required by section 200.065 Florida statutes. I will now read into the record the required disclosures for the adoption of the proposed millage rate. The taxing
authority is a city of Eustace. The roll back rate that is the rate that would generate the same advalorum tax revenue as last year excluding new construction is 7.0709 mills. The proposed millage rate to be levied for the final sorry for the
upcoming fiscal year is 7.3898 mills. The proposed rate exceeds the roll back rate by 4.51% thereby representing a tax increase under Florida law. This announcement is being made in accordance with the Florida truth and millillage requirements and must be made prior to
the adoption of the millage resolution. At this time, the city commission may proceed with the consideration of the resolution adopting the millage rate. That is resolution number 25-61, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Lake County, Florida, adopting the final millage levy
advalorum taxes for the city of Eustace Lake County for the fiscal year 202526 and providing for an effective date. Miss Cartr, >> hi. Uh I have no presentation tonight. You've seen quite a bit about budget,
but I'm here to answer any questions if you have them. >> Any questions for Miss Cart? >> Okay. Do we have any cards on this item, Tom? >> Uh, not on this item. >> Okay. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on resolution number 25-61?
>> Seeing none, I will close public input. I'll give it back to you, Mr. Mayor. >> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of resolution 25-61. >> Second. >> It's been moved and properly seconded. Roll call, please. Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> nay. >> Commissioner Holland, >> hi.
>> Commissioner Lee, >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody, >> no. >> Mayor Hawkins, >> I. >> Next is resolution number 25-62, a resolution by the city commission of the city of Eustus Lake County, Florida, adopting the final budget for the fiscal year 2025-26,
providing for an effective date. >> No presentation, but I'm here for any questions. Any questions for Miss Carr? Any cards on this item? No. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on resolution number 25-62? >> Okay. Seeing none, I will close public
input. Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of resolution 25-62. >> Second. >> May I make a quick comment just for clarification. Um, when I voted no, and I will vote no on this, it is not, it is with my intention the no to be
interpreted as I would like to see a lower tax rate for us. I think we're in suffering times and I would like to see it lower, but I think we've come together uh with the best that we can put forward, but my vote no represents that I would like to see it lower. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, it's been moved and
properly second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> n. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. Commissioner Lee, >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody, >> no. >> Mayor Hawkins, >> I. >> Next, we have resolution number 25-74,
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, providing for commission determination of a code enforcement lean on property located at 430 West Charlotte Avenue, authorizing implementing actions, and providing for an effective date. We'll have presentation from Eric and then uh the
code enforcement chair is here. He'll be speaking after and I believe there's a representative right as well. So, >> good evening commissioners. Eric Martin, code enforcement supervisor for the city of EUIS. Resolution number 25-74 approves a code
enforcement board order uh reducing an unpaid code enforcement lean from $743,185 to $8,700 and releases the leans again well the lean against 430 West Charlotte Avenue >> payment. Yes, sir.
>> I'm sorry. Uh that was 743 correct >> the I'm sorry >> the initial was 743,000 >> 743,185 as of today. >> Okay. All right. Just want to make sure. >> Yes sir. >> And we can get into that further. Uh so the resolution also provides the city
commission an opportunity to consider a compromise regarding the fine reduction. Um the co the additional options would be no payment due uh full payment of the 743185 just shy of a million or the lean shall
be reduced to an amount determined uh payable within a time specific time period uh deter determined by the commission. So um the code enforcement board reviewed this request on September 8th. Uh, it was submitted by Elena
Jquist, the property owner and the seller, and uh, Keith Lrade. He's with Campros, um, LLC. He's the buyer. They've entered into a sales contract. The application uh, requested that the
acred fines be reduced to $8,700. That is 6% of the $145,000 sales contract. Um so after considerable cons uh consideration by the board uh they approved the request and passed a motion
to reduce the fines uh upon approval from the city commission and uh payment being made within 30 days. So I know it's a big number I've heard um but this property has been a thorn in my side for
many years. Uh Elena Quest obtained uh title to the property in 2013. It was given to her by her mother. Um it's her homestead property. So all you know foreclosure is not an option in this matter. Um the the code department
we we received our first complaint in 2006 2016 and since then we've received 50 complaints in that n uh 9-year period. So uh we've conducted 182 inspections. There's been 38 notices issued, 11 code
enforcement board hearings, uh, consuming approximately 1770 staff hours, uh, generating more than $6,900 in administrative costs. So, um, it's important to to let the commission
know in addition to code issues, there's been over 200 calls for service for the US Police Department on that address alone. So, um, at present, the property remains in non-compliance. It was a repeat violation. So, there was a $500
per day, uh, fine imposed, and it's acrewed for 1,486 days. Uh, all efforts to obtain a compliance have failed. Um, fortunately we we were a we've been able to put some pressure on Miss Quist over the last uh
year or so uh with their fines and you know get it on the market, sell it and then we'll do what we can to help you get these reduced and get you some uh you know move on out of the neighborhood. I did Is there anyone
in the audience today from the neighborhood? Because I did call We have I get a lot of calls. I filled a bunch of calls, emails, I called them all. You know, they're very ecstatic. They're very excited about this. Uh they want this nuisance out of their neighborhood.
Um so staff recommends uh approval of resolution number 25-74 as approved by the code enforcement board. >> I thank you, Eric. Uh I drove by and yeah I I I I see. Uh question I have is
in in looking at the the paperwork there were a lot of no fines. >> Right. Those are ones you know we issue violations and they get corrected by the deadline date >> or they go before the the board and they get corrected by the deadline deadline date established by the uh code
enforcement board. So currently the city actually has three leans against the property. Um, the one lean we're talking about today, it's the biggest. There's two other leans uh totaling $1,300. I won't even consider a reduction on a on a lean so small. So, when they do close,
the city will uh receive $10,000 >> in code enforcement funds and payments. >> Say $10,000. >> $10,000. Yes, sir. my uh my concern uh and and I'm just going to be be straight up is what we did
at the last commission meeting and and I understand it's Homestead um what we passed down at the last one and the the fine was a lot less and he ended up with a whole lot more that that kind of bothers me. >> Inequity. That's right.
>> Yeah, that that and and I get it. homestead. I get that. >> I I understand. Uh keep in mind with with those properties, it did take a lot to get them in compliance. They got maybe a total of four complaints. Um they were they were violations that were
initiated by staff to you know, we we noticed that they were an issue. Uh but take the Glover Street one. It just took four years to get everything. But with this one here with the history, uh,
she's already told, you know, when they when they dropped off the application, because normally what I will do is, all right, we'll recommend 10 to 20% of the sale price. They came back at 6%. Um, and pretty much if we don't do what
we're going to do, she's going to walk and she's going to stay there and she's still going to wreak havoc on the neighborhood. So, it's a it's a Catch 22. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's a um two evils, I guess. I
don't know. It's >> uh has they closed on the house yet? >> They can't. >> No. >> No, they can't. >> Got to get this >> cuz I saw a dumpster out there and I know she >> That is the dumpster. That's them cleaning out there. You know, there's been
>> So, let's in today's terms, a lot of unhoused individuals They it's it's like a secondary open door. They come and go. They're gatherers. They go around on their bicycles and their carts and they just gather stuff and they bring it
back. Uh there was reports that they were um they were being paid some some of the inhabitants were being paid to clean up other properties and they were bringing it in and and dumping it in the backyard. We've had people sleeping in
sheds, sleeping in the carports. We've had them tampering with the electric meter there. I got called out there by the power company one day. They they broke open up they broke open the the meter box and use saw blades to to
activate the power. And then we've got another call that there's two times of where that they've altered with the meters. The second time they actually had to go up climb the pole and cut it from there. So, right now, the property doesn't have any water. The property
doesn't have any electrical service. It's currently occupied. We did have a violation for it being occupied without water, without electric, but we put that on hold when the sales contract came in. >> Is it occupied by the seller, sir? If I could jump.
>> It's occupied by the seller and um every other individual you can you can you can imagine. How did you come to 6% that number? >> That was that was the number that the applicant, the the buyer and the seller came up with $8,700.
>> Okay. >> What about the code enforcement board? It seems like it's I heard I remember Allan making a comment that the other applicant was expecting us to lower everything and he would make
more profit. So it's kind of like that now if if we if they propose 6% they'll make more profit. But I think we should expect more are come forth expecting more >> sometimes and I agree with you but sometimes there's there's value in
getting this getting this done for the greater good. So that's that's where I would be on it. I >> I think I'd like to hear from the uh >> the well the chairman is here from the code enforcement board. He'd like to speak. I don't know if he can say anything other than what >> yeah I mean >> what Eric has done. So I think
>> he can speak >> I mean if you want to speak but yeah >> and then we can hear from the gentleman >> if we don't have anyone else from the public >> just to wrap it up. >> City commissioners for the record my name is Alan Pascowski and I'm the chairman of the code
enforcement board. Um, I know city commissioners are aware of this, particularly the three of you who have previously been members of the code enforcement board. And in fact, two of you were members of this case has been developing
for the past decade plus. But I did want to explain one thing. I'm not certain that everybody in the audience understands that code enforcement board is not part of the code enforcement department. They are
city employees. They work for the city. They're paid by the city. Their job is to enforce code violations that are either reported by homeowners or that they discover through surveillance. And then they bring those
cases that they believe are appropriate in front of the code enforcement board who are all volunteers, vetted, and appointed by the city commission. We work for you. Our objective is not and has never been to
make money for the city. It's to provide an impartial fair evaluation of the evidence that is presented to us by code enforcement department Mr. Martin and his officers
under the supervision of Chief McCree to evaluate that evidence and then make a judgment which is in the best interest of the property owner in the city with our ultimate goal being timely compliance. I just wanted to clarify that because
I'm not so certain that everybody's aware of the relationship and it's really easy to associate code enforcement department >> code enforcement board. So I hope I've clarified that on behalf of the audience
here today and those who may be listening in. With respect to this particular case, neither the property owner and seller Miss Quist nor the buyer Cam Pros LLC
appeared at the 8th September 2025 hearing of the code enforcement board. But during that hearing, both parties through Mr. Martin submitted authorized notorized applications requesting reduction in acrude fines
from what was $657,685 as of March 31st to date $743,185 which as Mr. Martin explained represented $8,700 or 6% of the sale price on this property.
At the same time, the code enforcement board received an ASIS residential contract dated 21 August 2025 for the sale and purchase of the property at 430 Charlotte Avenue in the amount of $145,000.
So that's where the 8700 came from. Presenting the fine reduction request to the code enforcement board, Mr. Martin shared with the code enforcement board that in conversation with Miss Quist, the owner of the
property, she stated that any changes to her reduction request would result in her not selling her property and allowing fines to acrew at a rate of $500 per day
as her property was protected by Florida's homestead status. So, right Then and there you see the dilemma faced by the code enforcement board. A
idle threat maybe but nonetheless uh there was much legal discussion among the board with our attorneys with Mr. Martin and a final decision was made by code
enforcement board to grant reduction. Although that approval was not unanimous, but as you must operate on a majority rules, so does my board. Seven members,
each with an independent and equally weighted vote. It was not universally approved. A major importance before the code enforcement board in which we very seriously considered was
the fact that this reduction request was in part predicated on the sale of a homestead property. We had a sales contract in front of us, the owner of which has accured repeated violations and they've been
uncooperative since 2016. We placed a code enforcement lean on that property in April of 2022, but once again being homesteaded, that lean could not be foreclosed upon.
Another major consideration was the fact that the reduction request was accompanied by a signed ASIS sales contract. Without question, the sale of this property would be in the best interest of the city.
Since its sale would also achieve the following. Recover the city's administrative fees and result in the change of ownership of the habitually non-compliant, troublesome, and unsightly dangerous
property. Also buting a reduction request of this magnitude the following additional facts. The buyer who is present has paid Miss Quist
had paid Miss Quest a move out cash advance of $2500 on August 21st, 2025 on the promise that she would vacate the property no later than September 9th,
2025. Now, why is that September 9th date important? Because she presented her request to the code enforcement board on September 8th. If we would have said no,
September 9th and her threat to continue to not sell that property and acrew fines was kind of up some level. So, we had her agreement in writing to vacate on September 9th.
The buyer also agreed to pay all closing costs to further incentivize Miss Quiff's sale of this property. And the buyers agreed to resolve all existing code violations and assume full responsibility for redemption of the
property. Three of you have sat on the code enforcement board. Trust me, this was a very difficult, sometimes heated, controversial decision, but in the end,
I would suggest and recommend that the city commission approve the reduction fine, although it's horrendous, because it's in the best interest of the city of Eustace to remove this owner from that property and bring it up to
the status that the buyer as under oath promised to do. There are any questions? I'll be happy to answer that. >> Did she move on the ninth? >> We can have the the applicant.
>> Um he he can talk about that. >> We'll have the gentleman speak. >> Okay. >> If there's anyone else other than the applicant that wishes to talk about this on this item, >> you can come to this one. >> No. Okay. Um, >> state your name, please.
>> Keith Lra. >> You spell your last name? >> L A P R A D E. >> Thank you. >> Um, I've been in back and forth with Miss Quist and apparently there are some
disabilities that she has. Uh, maybe be learning or just adherence to to basic basic uh talk. Um, I did spend some time with her. Um, I did, uh, go into the
house, look at the house. Um, it's pretty much destroyed. U, there's there's people living there that don't reside at that residence. And as stated, they come to and from on bicycles. And
even the shed in the back is occupied by three different people. When I got there, Um there's no running water or there's no electric at that house. There is a generator that they do run
occasionally. Um today uh I advanced her $2,500 to move out after speaking with uh Mr. Eric. Uh, and uh, I advanced her again another $2,500 just two days ago
because she didn't have any money. >> Um, and uh, today uh, she signed the closing statement tonight at 6 o'clock in front of the notary. So, the money is in the title company
escrow's account just waiting on approval from the uh, board. Thank you. >> So you've already done the you've already signed a closing paperwork. So if this gets approved immediately >> immediately.
>> That's good news. >> Well, it is if we go with what you say. >> I can sum it up real quick. >> Mhm. meth house, den of inequity, problem in the neighborhood, uh, neighborhood terrorists is what they are. They're terrorizing these neighbors
and it needs to go. The place, it's bad. It's really bad. I I've went out there before. The neighbors are begging and pleading for help. This is a home run for us. Unfortunately, sometime we have a few of these house, very few in our city, and we've had to deal with them maybe one or two a year. And this one definitely is probably the top of
the list that needs to go for the neighborhood, for the sake of our community. and and we got to get rid of this riff raff and run them out of here and this is a good opportunity. >> Yeah, I think that that we would just put in a a position that I'm not comfortable with. >> I agree with you. >> Um, you know, money was advanced to on
the >> You never give a drug dealer money. Not once, but twice. >> Don't feed the drug dealers. >> Did she ever move? >> All right. Hold on. One one at a time, please. >> But but once again, there's there's there's value in what he's done. there's value in what the code enforcement has
done >> um for the for the greater good because if not she would still it would still be there and we'd still be dealing with it. So >> there's nothing we can do. >> No, I I agree. >> He's basically handing us a lifeline for the community. >> I I agree. I It's no brainer for me.
>> Emily. >> Yeah, he advanced twi twice. But did she move? >> She has no choice now. We'll go over there right now. Well, >> what will you do? >> You come up here. left the house uh in good faith. She the
place is just you can't walk through it. So we provide a dumpster a 40ft I think it's a 40 yard dumpster. >> It's a small one >> a small one to put out in front of the house uh and so they could evac evacuate and apparently some of the folks living there were going to help do that and she
doesn't live there anymore. She's well she lives in some she won't tell me where she lives. She texts me and it's been hard to to keep up with her, but uh she she will text back when I text and she's wanting to move forward. She has a son and she's wanting to start her life
over. Just want to say too, there's tons of uh there's three leans from here that will be paid at closing and there's tons of Lake County leans. >> Also, the water department has a lean, too. Our city water department >> water department is going to be paid. There's tons of leans on the closing
statement. Are those all leans that we paid out of her closing? >> They're going to come out of her closing before she gets the proceeds. >> Do you have an idea what that total might be roughly? >> I think it's 29,000. >> Okay, that's close enough. >> Okay. >> Well, can I ask what's your intent with the property once you get it? >> Um, totally renovation, new roof, new
paint, new AC, gut the place, uh, bring it back to, uh, a nice residence for that community. >> New windows, >> everything, the whole. >> All right. Can I have a couple questions? Can I All right. Um
the uh contract that you made with her obviously it had a closing date of >> 99 >> so it's out of contract right now. >> We have an extension to October 2nd. >> Okay. We didn't get a copy of that. So >> I can provide a copy for you. >> Uh we assume that in paragraph 7 um
you're asking in that contract which weighs on me. uh the right to assign that contract and dismiss yourself. Um you're shaking your head. Do you disagree? >> There's no there's no assignment to that. U it's just something we do in in
uh in case there is another buyer. That's an option and we just always check that. >> Another buyer meaning you you flip it to someone before. >> But we're not. >> But we're not. >> Yeah. I can show you the HUD statement the entire thing. >> Right. So, it says that you have the
right to assign it and be released. Um, and then in paragraph nine, which concerns me, you also have in there where you're designating the uh closing agent um as well rather than that. I I think I can live with that based on what you were saying. Um, and the v the
vacating date is already passed. My concern just for everybody is I'm a little familiar with this market and um we're relying on testimony from this gentleman, but he has a right to assign
this and we'll never see him again by contract. Eric. >> Okay. Uh sorry to interrupt, but I do want to put out in the resolution it specifically states upon sale of the property to Camros LLC. So the the reduction does not exist unless he
closes that contract. >> No, I don't doubt that he's going to close that contract. What what what I'm saying is I think he's going to the doors open for him to just flip it, be gone, and we don't know who comes in. >> Maybe that doesn't matter. Maybe that doesn't matter. >> That's not our business, though. >> But once again, we can't we're getting
in people's business and we can't do that. >> No. And and and you're right, Chief. The only thing I want to do is I don't want to trade one set of problems for another set. Oh, I can assure you there going to be no more problems. This is before me. It's BC before Capri. But I can tell you I can tell you that uh the guy's given
us a life. I don't know we're even talking this long on this. This this this place needs to go. We have a chance to get rid of it. Let's just do it and move on. >> Other than other than that, I I I think the code enforcement board does a fantastic job. They're people for the people, by the people. Uh I I agree with
Willie. I and and I think Emily mentioned as well. I that number just yeah just I don't know that I could get my arms around it. But let's let's continue. >> I feel I feel better knowing that that there's 29,000 coming out of a closing
house even though it may not come to us. Um but if it takes $8,000 to get the people in the neighborhood, you know, >> we need to go out there tonight with you, sir, with the trespass paperwork and we need to throw everybody out of there tonight, trespass them and get it posted tonight. >> Yeah, there are a lot of people there
when I went by. So, >> yeah, we're going to we're going to take we're going to go there tonight. I'll get with you after. We're going to get this cleaned up. We just we've been way too long on this. This is a no-brainer. >> All right. And and what I would say is and and I hope that we're not kind of
instructing people to to give them money to get out because if we say no, you would have been stuck. >> Yeah. >> That's his risk. >> Yeah. >> That's his risk. >> Yeah. >> Well, yeah, but I don't want us to give that. >> That's his risk. I I know that's his
risk, but he's he's taking it from us, >> which gives it some legitimacy. So, >> we got lucky because you give a you give a methhead $5,000, they ain't leaving. They're smoking it all up. We're stuck for another 30, 45 days. So, I said we take the money and run on this one. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Anyone else in the audience on this item? >> Okay. Seeing none, I'm going to close public input. Thank you. Um I'll give it back to you. Any any further discussion before we hear a motion? No, I >> I don't clarification that this sale is in is in escrow and that it goes into
effect immediately upon waving this. You're good with you you verified that or you're comfortable with that. Um, madam attorney? >> Well, the email I got from the uh from the title agent said the closing date was uh October 2nd or sooner.
>> So, the reason they put October 2nd is because normally the code enforcement board was on a Monday. The deadline for this agenda item was on Wednesday. I don't usually stop everything I'm doing and put a staff report together so it can go immediately to the next meeting, but I thought this was important enough
to do so. >> Uh, so the October 2nd date that they got, they actually got from me because originally I didn't give them any guarantee it could go as long as that. >> Okay. Thank you, Eric. >> Thanks, Eric. >> Thanks. >> The this is expressly conditioned on the sale taking place
>> to this entity. So if that does not transpire, the any reduction considered would not be in effect. Is there a timeline on that closing other than the contract? >> The ordinance itself, I'm sorry, the resolution. >> You have a time in your >> the It's just 30 days to pay the reduced
fine, but the re really the reduced fine doesn't become effective until >> It doesn't matter if he buys it. He's stuck with the penalty. >> Right. Right. All right. >> Okay. Let's take a vote on this, please. >> Well, we need a motion first, and I'll make a motion to approve uh the ordinance as >> Are you done, sir? >> Yes. I close by.
>> Second motion. >> Motion. Got a first. Second. >> And then uh first and probably second. A roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Lee. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Mayor Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Thank you, Sash.
>> Okay. >> Thank you, Eric. >> Allan. Thank you. >> Next. >> Make us proud on that property, sir. >> Yes. >> I'm a drive by every day. Yes, sir. >> Could also come under presentations and maybe do a little slideshow. I am kidding.
Yes, you are. >> I'm totally kidding. Um, all right. So, we have her first readings. Ordinance number 25-27, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace Lake County, Florida, relating to municipal impact fees, amending chapter 2, article 4,
division 4, law enforcement impact fees. Chapter 38, article 5, fire impact fees. Chapter 58, article 3, library impact fees. Chapter 66, article 2, parks and recreation impact fees. and chapter 94 article 7 water and wastewater capacity
impact fees of the code of ordinances adopting updated impact fees for police fire parks and recreation library and water and wastewater services based on the 2025 municipal impact fee study prepared by Raphis Financial Consultants Inc. making legislative findings
including extraordinary circumstances justifying an exemption from the phasing limitations of section 163.31 801 Florida statutes providing for codification severability and conflicts and providing that this ordinance shall be adopted prior to October 1, 2025 with
an effective date of January 1, 2026 pursuant to section 163.31801 Florida statutes. We will have the presentation again. Hi, Lori Bar, our finance director. Uh, back in March of 25, you all approved an
agreement to uh conduct an updated um impact fee and water and wastewater uh rate fee and we have the results of the impact fee and um as required for statute, we need to have two workshops. The first one was held as you know prior
to this meeting. Uh will again come up and present their findings. Um >> thank you Thank you. >> Good afternoon. Michelle Galin with Rap Telus and I'm here with Tristan Thompson to go over the same presentation that we
gave during the workshop. Um, so we're going to be reviewing the methodology for the calculation of the impact fees. We're going to show the extraordinary circumstances, the existing and proposed fees, and how that compares to your near communities. So the city is considering the adoption
of impact fees as it relates to police, fire, library, parks, water, and wastewater. And uh as mentioned, the uh Florida impact fee statute limitates uh how much you can increase impact fees unless there's an extraordinary circumstance um which was part of the
workshop. And so it is recommended that the fire and police impact fees are increasing based on the extraordinary circumstances uh that the city is facing due to considerable growth that is requiring um significant investment into
the existing facilities for police and fire. Um the cost for construction and uh purchasing additional vehicles has increased significantly over the last few years. So it is uh recommended to adopt the police and fire impact fees as calculated and shown in this
presentation and to uh phase in the remaining impact fees uh as it relates. So the main objectives of this study was to update the existing methodology of the impact fees based on current and
local data. We reviewed the historic assets using the fixed asset listing and any planned improvements that will benefit new development. And by updating the impact fees, the city will minimize the burden of costs uh from new development uh on from falling onto
existing residents and businesses. And the study follows generally accepted statutory perimeters and case law as it relates to the Florida impact fee act. So impact fees are one-time charges that are charged to new development to recover the cost of infrastructure and
capital equipment needed to meet the demands of new growth. They do not fund the replacement of existing assets. They don't fund um any deficiencies in level of services and they do not fund the ongoing operating and maintenance of these facilities.
And the impact fee study follows the general rational nexus test which shows that the city has a need to collect the impact fees. They will provide a benefit to new development and that the costs are proportionate to the services uh the demand placed on the services.
So the methodology to calculate the municipal impact fees is to uh calculate the total capital costs which is used um by taking the existing investment into the facilities in vehicles and then looking at the future investment needed to meet the demands of growth. We then
allocate the capital cost to residential and non-residential using functional population and census data. um and functional population is a widely used way of calculating impact fees um as it measures the amount of time people spend at various land uses across the city.
And then we divide these capital costs by the functional population unit and we're getting a fee per residential dwelling unit and a fee per non-residential unit which is generally a thousand square feet or beds, things like that. And the city currently has over 40 different uh non-residential
land use classes. So, we are recommending um to reduce that down to the eight that you'll see shortly. >> For police, the city has about $2.6 million invested into existing vehicles. And the major capital improvements
identified um in the impact fee study was the need for a public safety complex in conjunction with the fire department. And that will lead to about $6.4 million on the police side included in the impact fee calculation. And then as the city grows, they'll need to hire
additional officers to maintain existing level of service. So we're estimating that will be about a million dollars. So the city is planning on adding about $7.5 million to their police department when they have an existing investment of about $2.6 million. So that's significant investment in large part due
to growth. And so you're seeing strong increases on the recommended land uses shown on this table. So the single family home is increasing from about $138 to $746. And largely um the other land use
classes are also increasing by a significant amount besides a couple of them that are decreasing due to updated methodology um from the most recent data available for fire. The department has about $3.3 million invested into the existing
facilities and vehicles and they have identified several capital projects um like an administration building, several engines and a command vehicle as well as a additional fire station 3 and again that public safety complex with a
portion for fire about 6.4 billion. So the city is planning on investing about $13.3 million in growth related infrastructure which is a significant um investment on top of the 3.3 currently. So this is also leading to large
increases for the fire impact fees. The single family increasing from 146 to about uh 1,230 and again largely across the board a lot of the impact fees are increasing. For parks, the city has about $11 million invested into the existing
facilities with current planned improvements for additional capacity of about $2 million. And so the total calculated impact view for single family home is 1,253. But in comparison to police and fire, there isn't currently significant
investment in growth related parks improvements. So it is recommended to uh stick with the 50% max at the 8.98 and phase that in over the four years as shown here. For library, the city has about $1.5
million invested into the existing facility with plans to expand the library for about $2 million. And we factored in some uh potential grant funding. So we're assuming about $1.5 million of additional um expansion.
So, compared to the existing fee of $293, the fee is increasing to $295, which is a $2 increase. So, that will be phased in over two years based on the Florida statute. And we look at the municipal impact fees for a single family home. The existing
fees are increasing from $1,177 to by about $2,000 to $3,169. And that amount is the fully phased in amount by year four. So, now I'll have Tristan speak to the utility impact fees.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Tristan Townson. I'm going to walk you all through the utility impact fee um portion of our presentation. So, um similar to how the municipal impact fees are um for water and wastewater, we also
look at kind of your total investment, existing and um future. And we kind of divide that out um across instead of the functional population we divide it across the eru or the equival equivalent residential units. So um for your water
system your existing investment is about $18 million and your future investment um that are growth related are about 3.75 million. Um so those uh expansion related projects include expansion at the water plant, the eastern water plant specifically and some water main
extensions. On the wastewater side, your existing investment in the system is about $47 million. And for future expansion related investments, it's um about $12.86 million. And some of those projects include expansion at the Bates
wastewater treatment plant which just wrapped up um lift station upgrade an expansion and some extensions of force manes and reclaim water manes. So you can see on this table here your existing water and wastewater impact
fees as well as the four-year phasin um amount. So, for water, it's going to be going from $854 up to uh $1,183 by 2029. Um, that's kind of the fully calculated amount and it's getting
phased in over the four years. For wastewater, the existing impact fee is $2,668 and over the four years, it's going up to $4,02. That's a little less than the fully calculated amount um of 4390.
you can see below. But since we're not pursuing extraordinary circumstances for water and wastewater, it's going to be limited to the maximum 50% cap per the statute. So what you see here is a local comparison of other communities um near
the city of Eustace. Um you can see in the dark blue that's going to be the city of Eustace fees existing and then the phased in over the next four years. Um, so your existing fees right now, which include the fire, the police, the
parks and recreation and library services, as well as water and wastewater are all kind of shown here. Um, so existing is $4,699. And by year four, you're going to be going up to $8,354.
And so you are kind of moving up um in this comparison, but you're certainly not the highest of the group. there's a lot of communities nearby who have significantly higher um fees. So, kind of the next steps that you would
take in this process is kind of what we're doing right now. Before we did the extraordinary circumstances workshop right before this, we're doing the first reading of the ordinance. Um right now in this meeting on September 29th, we would do the second extraordinary circumstances workshop and the second
reading of the ordinance. So, just kind of in summary, um impact fees are going to help align the recovery of expansion related capital costs um with new development. We kind of like to call that as growth paying for growth. Um, and if you're going to
um increase your impact fees, that's going to help minimize the burden on your existing citizens right now by kind of getting that those costs um recovered from the development um that these expansion is um there to serve. Um so the impact fee study is using recent
local data as required by the statute and we take a conservative approach in our calculations. Um by adopting the impact fees, you guys are making a commitment to um doing a significant amount of capital uh expansion and improvement. Um and it would be
projects, you know, either what is outlined in your CIP right now or projects that are similar to that. Um and so we would recommend that you all consider adopting the impact fees um as presented um including the fully calculated fees for police and fire and
the phased in fees for um library services, parks and recreation, water and wastewater. So we can take any questions at this time and thank you for your time. >> Thanks to you. >> Any questions from the commission? >> No. Do we have any cards, Tom?
>> Yes, I have a card from Cindy Newton. Newton. >> Good evening. Cindy Newton, unincorporated Eustace. Um, I am in support of this. You do need your impact fees raised.
I am wondering about what this is doing with the East Eustace plant and how that's going to affect your out of city fees. I know that that study has
not come back yet, but it looks like you're approving approval on this. Uh also you're approving your capital improvements on that plan. So, I'm wondering what cost that is to
the city. Um, currently the inside city residents are paying for quite a bit of that. This looks like it'll help offset that some, but what cost will this be on top of that for the city for the
expansion of that plant? Thank you. >> Any other cards? Uh that's it as far as cards. >> Is there anyone? >> Okay. Is there anyone in the audience that would like to speak on ordinance number the one we just did uh 25-27?
All right. I am seeing none. I will close public input. I'll give it back to you, Mr. Mayor, for discussion or motion. >> Okay. Um can I get a move for uh approval? Move approval of ordinance number 25-27.
>> Second. >> Okay, it's been moved and properly second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Lee, >> hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Mayor Hawkins. >> Hi.
>> Next, we have ordinance. Go ahead. >> Let's take a break. >> Let's take a break. >> Two minute break. I don't know why we laugh. We just gamble. >> Okay. >> Okay. We're back in session. Okay. Okay. Madam Attorney, >> thank you. Uh we will have explanation
on ordinance numbers 25-31, 32, and 33. First ordinance is ordinance number 25-31, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, voluntarily annexing approximately 20 acres of real property at alternate key numbers 174320
and 1407940 on the north side of County Road 44 east of Sparrow Lane. Mr. Wils, >> thank you, Miss Garcia. presentation here. Okay. I will give the presentation for all three ordinances right now for
ordinance 2531, 32, and 33 for annexation, future land use, and design district amendment for approximately 20 acres owned by Betty John and Betty Drowy. Uh applicant is Brett Jones who is here and available for questions after this presentation for Moss
Development LLC. the annexation 20 acres to assign a future land use map amendment from Lake Excuse me Lake County for dwelling units an acre urban low to suburban
residential up to 5 units an acre. Here's the location of the property south of 452 and along 444 east of Sparrow Lane. Again, this property contains a
residence with a vacant orange grove. Here's the future land use urban low in the county. Proposed suburban residential land use up to five units an acre and the proposed design district amendment which would assign a suburban
neighborhood designation. Uh it is in a low to medium uh recharge area with suitable soils mostly suitable soils. It is within the JPA and adequate services are available. It's contiguous to the city limits. A notice was
provided to the lake to Lake County on August 28th and it was advertised both on the September 8th and 15th in the daily commercial and ma mail mailings were uh sent to area residents and oh and just one other thing as the second reading adoption will be
advertised again as before adoption. uh staff evaluated based on chapter 163 our future land use element appendix as well as chapter 102 of the LDRs we found that adequate public facilities are available no wetlands are present no
100-year flood plane present properties are not within the maka studia area again the load immediate recharge transportation and water supply are adequate and the comprehensive the requested comprehensive plan feature land designation is compatible with the
surrounding areas. So, we recommend uh adoption of all three ordinances. Ordinance 2531, ordinance 2532, and 33. Staff's available for questions, and the applicant is here. >> Thank you. Any questions for staff from the commission?
>> Great job, K. >> Okay. Is there uh do we have any cards? >> Uh I do have a card from uh Brenda Kaine. She was not able to stay, but she's uh I have her contact info. She's asked to be kept inform of any uh community meetings or any uh progress on
the project. >> You heard that, Mr. Jones. Um any questions for Mr. Jones on behalf of the >> property owner? How will you how will you notify the residents for community? >> I was actually going to ask the city attorney for recommendation on that. I
know Miss Kaine and she also gave me just in case I didn't have it her contact information and um I know her to be someone that is connected to several people but other than that I'm up to recommendations from the city attorney. I >> think you can get addresses um a radius
of the people that should be notified from development services. >> I can do that. I'm happy to the clerk's office however you want how you whatever you recommend. Would you be able to help with that, Kyle? >> Yeah. >> For for notification >> and um possib if if it's possible to
maybe post it on the website >> and if I can get a recommendation, should we do it down um the community building by the lake? Is that a good spot to do it? >> Think um >> I don't think you'll need anything that big, but I mean >> Yeah, I don't think we need anything that big. >> So So maybe here or do you need a coffee
shop? >> Yeah, here's fine. >> Yeah. >> I mean it's a city administration. We can we can check I mean based we probably uh first step would be to try to nail down a date and then we could check availability of our facilities. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So yeah. >> Okay.
Thanks Brett. >> Okay. Um any other questions from commission or anyone in the audience wishing to speak? Seeing none, I will close public input. >> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of ordinance 25-31. >> Second.
moving properly. Second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> We We need more commercial in in the city uses, but I >> say we like, >> Commissioner Holland. >> I,
>> Commissioner Lee. >> I, >> Commissioner Asbody. >> No. >> Mayor Hawkins. >> I. Next is ordinance number 25-32, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Lake County, Florida, amending the city of Eustace comprehensive plan pursuant to Florida
statute 163.3187, changing the future land use designation of approximately 20 acres of real property at alternate key numbers 174320 and 1407940 on the north side of County Road 44 east of Sparrow Lane from Urban Low and Lake
County to suburban residential in the city of Eustace. We've had presentation. Are there any additional questions for staff or the applicant on this ordinance? Anyone in the audience wishing to speak on ordinance number 25-32?
>> Seeing none, I will close public input. Back to you, Mr. Mayor. >> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of ordinance number 25-32. >> Thank you. Sec. >> First and properly second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> we need more commercial in the city of
uses, but I Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Lee, >> I. >> Commissioner Abbody, >> no. >> Mayor Hawkins, >> I. And last ordinance number 25-33, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustus, Lake County, Florida,
assigning the suburban neighborhood design district designation to approximately 20 acres of real property at alternate key numbers 174 3320 and 1407940 on the north side of County Road 44 east of Sparrow Lane. We've had presentation.
Are there any questions from commission on this item? Anyone in the audience wishing to speak on ordinance 25-33? Seeing none, I will close public input. Mr. Mayor, >> Mr. Mayor, I move approval of ordinance number 25-33. >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Go ahead. >> No, please don't say it. >> Hi. >> Oh, that was sweet. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Lee. >> Hi,
>> Commissioner Asat. >> No. >> Mayor Hawkins. >> Hi. or we >> that is it. >> Okay. Is that it? >> That's it. >> Okay. All right. >> Uh next up we have other business uh
discussion for economic and culture advisory committee. >> Well, yep. Speaking of uh commercial uh business, um we we have some pretty unique things here to uh Eustace. Um I know we have American and Bloom. We have
the African-American Heritage uh festival committee and parade. We've got the Japanese cultural center and now we've got the WG Sports Center. What I'm trying to do is how do we leverage having all those into economic
development and I think we need we need some help in advising us on how to do that. So that's the idea of the committee. Um, I had a meeting with Pam today. Um, Pam is really really good
verse um on how maybe we can do this. Uh, I know Christine Cruz has been a big uh big part of meeting with her. So, I'm just I think we need help on having those things and how do we how do we leverage those into economic development
for the for the city because those those are unique. We there's not any other city that has that has those right now. So, just looking for thoughts. >> I like the idea of a committee. I'm not sure that it belongs here at city hall. I think it's another layer of
government. I think that it falls under sunshine because of the way that the way it would be set up. I think it belongs under the Chamber of Commerce. >> I think that's what he was meeting with Pam about was really meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. I I think that if
it's under the chamber, that committee can work with Al and his team to bring that stuff back. That is my opinion. >> And that's a good one. I mean, but if it's an advisory committee, it's it wouldn't be subject to sunshine. >> Yes, it would.
>> Oh, really? >> Yes. >> That was my concern. It would be under sunshine. And it's like adding another layer of government. And and I I think that that would be kind of it would be better if the chamber it wouldn't have to be, right? If it's under if it's a chamber event.
>> Yeah. It wouldn't be associated with affect. Yeah. >> And Gary, I love everything you've laid out. >> It's just I I just think you don't want to put it under the city. I think it needs to go under the chamber and the chamber needs to be a greater
partner, which they have been. >> Yeah. um with economic development. I think that they could really work well with Al and move advance us forward with some things and I think also with a new direction maybe in events, >> right? >> Um I think that
>> it can be a full circle thing. >> Yeah. I I with everything that's going on at the chamber, what Marie's doing and they're they're like really doing some good stuff over there. So Okay, that's fair enough. >> Okay.
Okay, next uh future agenda items, comments. Uh >> I have a suggestion. I think we should have a workshop with code enforcement. Um we have always have a lot of questions as to why, but they have their reasons why they have their procedures
that they follow, but we're not fully aware of it. At least I'm not. So I it would be nice, I think, if we got together with them and understood what they do, why they do, and how they do it. Yeah. >> Uh, what do you all think? I've I I know
what they do. >> Um, >> I'm fully aware of what they do. >> Um, I hate I hate the reduction in fines, but it has always been about getting compliance. >> Um, this situation tonight is something
totally >> off the charts. um because of the homestead >> that that is on that piece of property. I think that we need to monitor closer and Allen's here listening to us reduction of fines when it's not
um you know a homestead um because there's a lot of time and effort that goes in from from all of our folks um >> and I've always said this that's why we have a board
>> and they do a great job. They spend a lot of time working diligently with our with our residents. This tonight is just something that's totally different than what's been before us lately. >> I like the way they've been explaining it too, breaking it down to us that >> it is. And this is probably for the
chief. Well, probably Eric if he had been here. Uh if there's no power and there's no uh water, does the health department come in and can they condemn it? >> Yes.
>> Do they know that if there's no running water, you can't live in a house without running water. >> Electricity, they don't care about running water, you can. >> And then you got it's getting everybody to do their job and go out there and do it. the city used to can handle it, but sometimes there's other outside agencies we rely on and stuff like that.
>> But like the these houses are very few and far between where we have these den of inequities where we can just, you know, as fast as we can remove them, the better. So I think we need to stay on top of these a little bit better as soon as they >> pop up so we can >> get on top before it has to drag out for five or six years and have to deal with
this. I can tell you, you hit a home run with the neighbors today because the poor lady there's been two years calling me, emailing me, scared, and I've been down there and uh it it it's a real shady place. So, >> it really is. >> But do the health department really come or do they just let y'all?
>> They come. They come. It's just it's one of those things. >> Does somebody loos you come on up, Michelle? I mean, Nicole, >> cuz she's got a new haircut. >> Oh, okay.
>> It looks good. >> Yeah. >> We're discussing your haircut. We all We all drop it all. >> We all approve. >> So, when we turn off water, they have the two weeks to get it turned back on. And then we do notify code
>> um that somebody is living in the home without water. They then have if it's a home owner, we remove the meter. >> So we do let code know, >> but at that point it just keeps accumulating.
>> We put a lean on the home at the water department and then code finds them daily and then at that point they put a lean on the home as well. So same as this Charlotte, I have a lean at the water department. Code has several leans. >> Um that's all we can do.
>> We got lucky. this guy's paying all this stuff because this was a, you know, but like I said, these places need to be airirst strike, air strike quicked and removed. Greed merchant owners that uh let these places go on and they need to be held accountable. And we're fortunate we don't have too many places like this in the city.
>> We had the one over there on Mary Street when I first got here. That's a parking lot now. Beautiful parking lot. So these places are, you know, we got to just stay on top of it. They're very few and far between. >> We just have to wait until it sells. >> Okay. All right. Thanks. Okay. I'm sorry, Emma. Anything else?
>> Oh, I'm No, that's it. I'm done. >> Okay. Uh Mike, >> um >> it sounds like no consensus just to address her request for a work. >> I I would I'm sorry. We skipped over that. >> Yeah. I I guess I would withdraw it because I just thought about there's three of you who all know what's going
on and I'm the only one perhaps not as familiar and I can talk always talk to Allan. >> Allan, do you feel the need for a workshop? Okay. >> If you want to do one, Emily, I'll I'll support that. Communication is always good. But
>> yeah, >> we don't have a consensus. >> Yeah. Even even like talking about the U >> consensus, there's no consensus. >> Yeah. >> Well, let's do uh Mike >> I don't see this. >> Okay. Me neither,
>> Gary. No. No. Okay, >> I'll take care of it with Alan. >> Okay, so she was withdrawing hers. >> So, it's withdrawing. >> If you feel like you got to bring it back up, bring it back up. >> Okay. >> And and thank you, Allan, Colonel, for all that you do and and and the the the
>> the unity that you and the chief have come to to uh make our city look pretty is is much appreciated. >> Thank you. I got to say to the go. >> Thank you. Okay. Um Mike,
>> um you know, we've got football season going on uh with the high school. Get out and support our kids. It's not just the high school football team. It's the cheerleaders. It's the band. They're having a rough season. After the first game, the the coach was fired. Um you
you know, there's just a lot swirling right there. Homecoming is next week. There's a parade Monday through downtown. >> Who's riding? Who's going to be on the float? >> I I plan to be back in time for that. Emily, I know will. >> Okay. >> Right.
>> Okay. I'm I'm a maybe. >> Okay. All right. >> So, there's a possibility of all five of us. So, get out, support our young people. It It's so important. It's the future of our community. Welcome to all of our new staff members. I'm excited to work with each and every one of you. And
thanks to Representative Cobb's staff for hanging out with us all night tonight. Thank you all. >> Tell her we did big things here. We did big things. >> She'll be proud of us. >> Exactly. >> That's it, Mayor. >> Okay. Thanks, Mike George.
>> Um, yeah. I um this this uh week uh lead who who we uh contract with or support is having their annual uh dinner and uh the mega workplace which in full disclosure I'm a part of uh is going to
attend there and uh we're bringing along our largest employer from Eustus and the largest employer in Mount Dora uh to foster continued economic development and uh jobs jobs job and higher pay. That's that's that's a big goal. Um and
u we'll be doing that. The other thing is uh the city is is the chamber of commerce is having their first home and garden expo. Uh and it is at the fairgrounds Friday and Saturday from 9 in the morning till 3. Uh so please uh
they have 70 plus vendors. It's free to the public and uh a lot of those people there are local businesses here within our city. uh some that we saw at the soccer uh uh field when we were doing that uh we're doing that promotion. So if you have a chance, please come out,
support. It's free and uh there's some really cool stuff going to be there. So home and garden and uh that's it. Mr. Mayor, >> also encourage them. We have uh attached a butterfly, so take pictures with the butterfly and share with us. It's it it looks really beautiful.
>> Oh, speaking of butterflies, um Trout Lake, they want their butterfly. >> Okay, >> so We'll make it happen. >> Yeah, that's a good place. That's a good idea. I never thought it. >> Um Gary, um I I I continue to get
uh comments about tables in the park that there's only one and I've been asking for maybe one or two more. Is Is that >> in Fen Park? >> Yeah. Is that not a possibility or is it just spacing or
>> I I can uh talk to um we so we intentionally did not when when we renovated Fen Park, we removed all the picnic tables because they were attracting negative activity. Uh so we removed them all. Uh we did put uh when
we concreted where the Christmas tree goes, we did put one picnic table out there. Um, so I can let me circle back with the staff, see if we feel the negative activity maybe has moved on. Um, so we'll uh
we'll take a look at it. >> And um and where where where are we on the um the chicken the chicken ordinance? >> I uh she sent the draft that we're looking at and I think it'll be back to her this week. >> Okay. Um, and then lastly, speaking
speaking of other other cultures, um, it's National Hispanic Heritage Month. It's running u September 15th through October 15th. So, just shout out for that. And I'm done. >> Okay. Thank you. Good shout out. Okay. Next, Tom.
>> Yes. Uh, just a few items. Um, so thank you to everyone uh related to the budget process. Thank you to the commission. Thank you to the staff. Uh I think the finance department jokes a little bit. There's two seasons. There's budget season and there's audit season. And so
we are exiting budget season and we are now entering audit season with the close of the fiscal year. >> So it's not a joke. >> So thank you to the commission. Thank you to uh all the staff, but especially thank you to the finance department and
everything they do. Uh just a reminder, we have rescheduled the regularly scheduled meeting on October 16th to October 23rd. Uh that is to accommodate uh those who are interested in going to the Florida Redevelopment Association.
Um uh city attorney performance evaluation, we sent you a draft form. Uh we're looking for some feedback. if that's the form you'd like to use. Uh if we determine that is the form that you would like to use, then we will need you
to uh fill out that form and get with the city attorney as to uh the process and then uh my performance evaluation. Um I think uh Karen has reached out to everyone. If anyone is interested in scheduling some time with Karen and I uh
we are happy to do that. Uh and then um uh wanted to give an update on uh Dr. Levy. Uh we are working with Dr. Levy to put together a proposal. Uh we uh sent a lot of information to Dr. Levy about
vision and mission. And then um he asked for I don't know uh Commissioner Abbody I don't think was on the commission but we had hired Will Dan as a consultant to do a strategic planning process and they started but we never finished it. And so
Dr. Levy asked for all of the information that Will Dan had done which wasn't a ton. Uh but we did get that to Dr. Levy and he wants to review that and put together a proposal. So, we are working with him on that and we will be back to you shortly on that. Uh, and
that's all I have. >> Okay, >> madam attorney. >> Nothing for me tonight. >> Okay, great. >> Yeah, I um I don't know if if you've all Well, we we've had some great hires this week. So, kudos to to Karen and Tom and
Miranda. uh if you haven't had the the opportunity to meet him, uh I'm really impressed with with with the the uh the talent that that we've been able to pull into the city. Uh so Eustace is on the
move. Um the security I I think that uh uh when we first came up with the idea, there was some concern about why we were doing it. Uh, and I think based on everything that's happening in the world now,
>> definitely >> you all see. >> Yeah. Why why we were doing it. So, kudos to public works. Um, you did a good job. It looks like it's always been that way. So, so great job. Thank you.
>> Um, homecoming Monday. Um, I think we have three or four people that are are going to judge. Uh, so, uh, I think the kids will enjoy us being a part of of what
they're doing. So, uh, that is it for me. Um, I think based on what we had uh, on the agenda, we did good. I think one of the reasons why we were able to get through so fast is there was no interruptions,
no overt talking. Uh, and I'm not looking just at you. I'm looking all over. Um, one of the things that, uh, >> we made eye contact. >> We made eye. One of the things that, uh, uh, Christine and and Mary said when
they try to to do the uh, >> minutes, >> the minutes, >> they can't make out what anyone's saying. So, please from this meeting on, you know, please let me acknowledge you before you speak and try not to talk
over one another. I think that just makes it easier for them, easier for us, and we can get out of here a lot quicker so I don't have to hear any more complaints about we're here past somebody's bedtime. Okay. Ajourn.