This is the regular city commission meeting of the US city commission. It is now 6 pm on No, it's not. It's 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 19th, 2026. If you would like to join us, I will deliver the invocation and the pledge of allegiance will be by Commissioner
Holland. Please join us by standing. Father God, we thank you for this time that we have together. We have a very large agenda. We got much to consider, but we know that you'll help us get through this. Thank you, Father, that everyone is tuned in to what we have to
do and that we will work in a in a positive environment, all focusing on the agenda and the ultimate outcome. Bless us all as we attempt to do city business and we bless all those who will travel when we are done as we all leave
to go to our homes. We ask this all in your name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me in the pledge. I pledge algiance 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. >> Next, Christine, is there a quorum present and pop a notice been given? >> Yes, mayor. >> Thank you. First item on the agenda is
approval of minutes for January 22nd. And um yeah, that would be it for January 22nd. >> Mayor, before we do that, may I quickly >> Yes. >> Um based on the discussion >> based on the discussion we had at LPA,
uh I'd like to request that we uh while we can't consider items 7.10, 10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14, and 7.15. Uh those will have to come off the city commission agenda uh based on the
decision at LPA. >> Okay. >> 7.15 all the way back to 7 one >> Oh, you said >> uh 7.10 through 7.15.
Okay, >> thank you. That's all. >> Okay. >> Also on the agenda, Madame Madame Mayor, um I'd like I'd like to propose uh a motion to um remove at this point the
presentation uh from Mr. Gman on the update and ask that that go to Levy since we're engaging with him and let that all work through its process so that we have one one guidance uh to be considered especially with today's
agenda. >> Actually I uh actually I agree on that. Is is there any is any new information you're giving us Mike? >> No. Yeah, we don't. Yeah, we've already spent enough time so I'm I'm I'm okay with that too. Do we need to do approval of minutes? >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> That's after the agenda change. >> Yeah. Let's when we get to that. Okay. Let's go with the approval of minutes for December 12th and January 29th. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Second. >> Got a first and second. Roll call, please. Sorry, was that second? Hawkins. >> Uh hearing.
>> Thank you. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Asati. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraftoft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. Mayor Lee. >> Hi. >> Okay. Now we'll pres presentations. Tom, would you
>> uh Yes. Um we are um recognizing uh February as Black History Month and recognizing the 32nd annual African-American Heritage Committee celebration. And so, uh I know, uh Commissioner Hawkins is uh a
representative of the um heritage committee. and we have representatives of the heritage committee in the audience. And so, uh, mayor, uh, if you have the, uh, proclamation, uh, I'd like to call everyone up and have you read the proclamation.
>> Okay. Thank you. reads as follows. Know ye whereas in 1965 the month of February was designated as a time of national observance of the many contributions and achievements of Africanameans. And whereas Black History
Month has been designated for the recognition of black history, black heritage, and black expression in numerous areas. And Throughout the month of February, the 32nd annual African American Heritage Celebration will
feature events and activities throughout the city of Eustace in celebration of Africanameans, their heritage, and their accomplishments. And whereas on Sunday, February 21st, the African-American Heritage Celebration Committee will host
the Day Festival celebrating the African culture commencement with a parade down Bates Avenue. festivities that will include ethnic foods, crafts, and entertainment in Carver Park, but enjoy with our entire community.
And whereas in recognition of Black History Month and the Africanamean Heritage Celebration, the city of US joins other communities throughout the nation in recognizing the significant adv advancements, contributions, achievements, and impacts that
African-Americans have made in the growth and development of our nation, our state, our county, and our city. Now, therefore, I em mayor of the city of Florida 26 as Black History Month in the city of
Houston. I call upon all citizens of our city to participate in the 32nd annual Africanamean Heritage Celebration as well as other ceremonies and activities designated to celebrate, recognize, and honor African-Ameans and their history.
In there, I have here to set my hand and cause to seal the city of the fifth day of February 26. Emily, mayor, >> thank you so much. Thank you. Congrats everyone.
>> We'd like to We'd like to thank the city of Houston for always being a willing partner. Uh for 32 years uh the uh the heritage
committee has been in existence and for much of those 32 years the city has supported uh the vision and uh so we thank you all. Uh and we have our festival and parade uh Saturday morning starting at
and we invite you all to come out and join us uh at the Car Park facility and please come out and join us. Thank you. >> Okay, next Tom.
Yes. Um Sherry uh is going to give a Georgefest update and then I um Sherry is very busy and so after this update we have dismissed her to uh go about her various other duties. So uh don't be offended if Sherry leaves after her
presentation. >> Not at all. >> Not at all. >> I'm going to be offended. >> Good evening commission. My name is Sher Moan. I'm the director of events and communications and I'm here to run through real quickly the the 124th
annual George Fest celebration which kicks off this Saturday 4:00 with our headliner Will Mosley. Really excited about that. Then we're going to roll into Sunday. We've got the Chambers Chili Cookoff, the Bass Tournament, and
we're going to have some live music. And then we have the pageantss over at Life Point Sunday night at 7. both of which are Miss Florida qualifiers, which is really exciting. We have 11 that are competing for Miss Eustace and four Miss
Teens. So, this is wonderful turnout. And then we're going to go into Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night with grassroot um activities for the families and the children with the history recital. Um we've got game night on Monday night, the ice cream social
night. We have the camp um the jump zone at Camp Georgefest. So, we're going to be doing that and uh we'll have some free hot dogs from Sonic. And then on Wednesday night, we have this very cool feature. It's a it's an immersive piano experience. So, if you're looking for a
night to wind down and you want to do something, you wear headphones and listen to live pianist. And then there's art in the park. We're going to have a demonstration. It's going to be a really cool evening out to just in the middle of the week wind down a little bit. Then Thursday night, we have our Sunset
Sounds, which is also our VIP night for sponsors and and commission. And we're going to have Jackie Roar coming in for that. And she's going to be mixing and mingling with all of you before the show. And then Friday night, we have um Mac Mali, who is Jimmy Buffett's
guitarist, and he's going to be coming in and headlining Friday night. And then Saturday, we're going to have um a full lineup. So, you're going to be something a little different this year. I really want to highlight the fact that the band shell is going to be stacked with live music from 12:30 till fireworks. Uh we
are doing a temporary extension on the stage that's going to go the full width of the stage where we can stack bands in once the headliner set up in the morning. We can't take them down. So that has been some of the issues. Um something we've had to overcome, but
we're really excited about that. And uh the carnival's moved into town. I believe that they start tomorrow night and we're really excited about that as well. We're going to have some strolling entertainment downtown. We have a strolling pianist. No street closures, but they're going to be rolling around downtown and we have a strolling DJ and
we have some live music in Pocket Park as well. So, we hope everybody comes out and has a spectacular time. If anybody has questions about the event, please feel free to reach out to me. Um, and really excited about getting this one in the books. >> So, thank you all for your support.
Congratulations. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And also, I saw the email on the p on the the shirt and I thought that was great. And I saw that for the first time we had a pocket that we've never had before. >> Yeah. Well, yeah, we do have a a male with a pock male version and then a a
woman's cut version. And we also have some giveaway kind of Camp Centric shirts for the sponsors. And we also have bandanas which are really fun. So, it is Camp Georgefest. So, we will be selling some bandanas. So, thank you for the feedback. We'll have them ready at the tent for you. >> No, I love love love the picture.
>> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Okay, now we'll go to the government update. What were you saying, George? >> Yeah, I would like to take I would like to uh um have him turn in his report uh to I guess the city manager's office and
have that go to Dr. leave you to look at and help him keep us all keep the the chain going so that we can keep moving forward. Uh at this point there's nothing new uh and we need to keep moving on and keep productive. Uh so
that my motion is to uh pull that off given the rest of the night off. That'll save us at least a grand and uh move on. >> Second. Well, I'd like to hear it, but I guess the votes >> Yeah. >> makes decision. >> I mean, we'll hear it eventually.
>> Got a first and a second. Oh, we do. We have a first. >> George is first. >> Michael second. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> Hi, >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Hawkins. Nay.
>> Mayor Lee. I >> Okay, so we'll go on to appointments. Tom, >> uh yes. Uh you have before you the uh reappointment of Stephanie Carter to the code enforcement board. Move approval.
>> Second. >> She got more seconds. >> If you're if you're watching Stephanie, you got more. You got five seconds. That lady is wonderful. And what a community leader. What a longtime Houston citizen and how lucky we are.
>> Absolutely. >> So, pick your second, Christine. >> Okay. So, got a first and a second. Roll call. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee.
>> Hi. Uh, next you have before you the reappoint of Matthew Callus and Dorothy Dorothy Stevenson to the Historic Preservation Board. >> Move approval. >> I second. >> And we've got a first and a second.
Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Obott. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. Cody. >> Uh that is uh it for appointments and
next would be to audience to be heard. >> Okay. Okay. We'll move on to audience to be heard. If you have comments this evening, please complete a card from the city clerk. Approach to the podium and speak directly into the mic. State your name and whether or not you're a city
resident. And keep in mind that the commissioners may not respond to you, but staff will be directed to get in touch with you. And most importantly, remember, you have three minutes and you will be timed. Thank you. Any cards?
>> I have a card from Pam Revas. Good evening, commissioners. I'm Pam Rivas. I'm a resident of Eustace and I'm representing Mega Work Mega Workplace tonight. I just wanted to give a real quick brief update on what's happening at the UCF incubator. I got an update
from Brian who's the director over at the Mega Workplace UCF incubator and I thought it was so exciting and encouraging that I wanted to share it with you. Um recently they brought on two new incubator clients. Oxford Family Farms and Design Xactor. Um Oxford
Family Farms is going to be um focusing on agricultural education and tourism and um agricultural tech which is pretty exciting. And design Xactor is um originally came from um out of the
excellence in entrepreneurship that UCF just did. I think I talked to you guys about that before and out of that they became um incubator clients and their company deals with automations um in the AI world. So that's pretty exciting. And
then another one which is just recently um incubator client they were just in um Orlando business journal and that's intelligence factory and they were just featured in there and they give a big shout out to the city of Eustace and um mega workplace and talking about the
collaborative environment and how this has been um a partnership that has been really um effective in um in growth and potentially um bringing in more companies. They are going to be doing a
huge hiring which is really great and it's going to be high paying jobs which is really great. And so then um the UCF incubator also um has um coming up in March a um
make lost my place. It's going to be uh another work workshop that's going to help on business scales with intention. Scaling your business with intention. So that's going to really help even our small businesses that are in the area that want to grow on how to do it, how
to do it in intention and smart. And then um there excellence and entrepreneurship program out of that um 12 of the local people that participated in it um have um given their feedback and they're excited about it and they're
looking forward to the next one and as they said it's had a great impact on their companies. So, it's really exciting to see and like I said before with the excellence in entrepreneurship, I didn't realize what how the caliber of companies that we had, tech companies right here in our community. They were
driving to Orlando all the time and now they're able to come here and get the support they need. So, I just want to give you guys a big shout out. You guys have made a great decision when you decided to support the business incubator and it's um given you guys a
great return on that investment. Thank you. >> And those jobs are up to 100 grand >> over >> over 100 grand. >> Over like 150 plus. So it's pretty exciting. >> Beautiful. >> Thank you. >> Daniel D. Vanzo.
>> Good evening. Daniel D. Vanzo, uh, local business owner. I have the restaurant as well, uh, Lake Usus Waterfront Grill and my construction company here as well as the barber shop across the street and my real estate company. Anyway, uh, just a quick update. Uh, I want to commend you
for coming to a consensus with regard to uh, the workshop that you had with Dr. Levy and I'm just going to try to keep focused on that trails, lakefront, and hotel. Uh, I hope you're going to take some steps to get updated on where we are with the bike trails because I do
believe that that is a significant move forward and also a great identity for the city. Coming back also to uh to talk about the lakefront. You know, there's been a lot of back and forth on that. Uh, I don't know if you know, but I was uh I did lease at one time to the SE
plane guy um that's now over in Tavaris. And I'll just tell you, I don't know uh that anybody should move forward with a C plane idea without getting a C plane to land here because when you realize how noisy it is, it can it can actually be very obnoxious. And if you think about that, you want to utilize your
park and the band shell and then how that's going to work in with a sea plane business, I'd say it's questionable. Now, with regard to the boat, um, having a dinner boat, I was approached to actually have a boat stationed at, uh, the Lake Eustsus Waterfront Grill.
Unfortunately, that was not going to work out. And do you know why? Because they needed a minimum of 60 parking spots. And so, I wasn't really conducive for me to give them 60 parking spots so that they could get on a dinner boat and go out and not eat at my restaurant. So,
I just want to let you know those are some considerations for our lakefront. Um, we also I I did want to share this with you. I think moving the pool is a great location, a great idea that was brought up in the same meeting. I think Carver Park is an Carver Park would be an
excellent opportunity for that. Um, also, you know, it would help us to redevelop our lakefront a little bit. Coming forward to, and I I do want to talk about this, the community center. So, um, I've been a long time. I've committed a long a long time here to the
city. I love the city. I think you're all doing a great job. Uh, I looked at the facility to to do 500 people. We really need 12,000 to 12,500 square ft. Um, I would be willing to build that structure. If you want to put together a
committee, I would guide you through the design process, that committee. So, and before we turned it over to an architect for design uh for actual construction drawings and then I would build it at cost at cost. That means nothing on the Daniel D. Vanzo side or Jacob P. Smith
the city could manage the funding. It would be between 3.5 and 4 million. That's a 12,500 foot facility. And I'm working on site locations right now. I'll get back to you on that. And then finally, if you keep this forward momentum, the hotel will happen.
But we got to keep that forward momentum. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Daniel. >> Any more? >> Debbie Winert. >> Good evening. >> My name is Debbie Winer. I'm not a resident of Eustace. I started a not for
profofit, as you may remember, Triangle Community Alliance, and I'm the partner with the Dollywood Foundation in Tennessee for the purpose of bringing the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library into Lake County. I brought my fourth quarter 2025 report and at the end I'd like to give it to
the city manager for her to pass him to pass the sheet over to you. But you're going to see that I started with two kids and I'm at 1500 children right now. We've had a marvelous year. We've had many children enroll. I'm in nine cities
now. They're Tavaris, Deer Island, Mount Dora, Louiseburg, Aster, Eltuna, Paisley, Okahumpka, and Howie in the hills. There's a thousand children that were enrolled in 2025. And I would wish I
could say there were some Eustace children enrolled. And right now, there are Waterman Village people. I've helped out doing some volunteers putting in 500 hours. I put in 3,500 hours last year making this happen. Um, I just wanted to say that I hope you
would consider in your budget process monies for the children to be enrolled. More children that could be ready to read and enter kindergarten excited about learning and familiar with books will do much better in school than those that don't have those early childhood literacy goals. When I was here last,
Councilman George Zabati gave me $500 out of his personal pocket. And previous to that, there were some discretionary funds from the mayor's um office. And in addition to donations that I've gathered briefly around town, we're at $2511.
So that's my report up to date and I hope to have a further conversation with you at some point when you have some budget monies. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Unless you have questions. >> Thank you for what you're doing. Our budget comes up in >> Thank you. >> August, September. May I give these to
you? >> Uh, you can give them to the city clerk. Do they >> Is that for the record or did you want me to pass those out right now? >> I don't really familiar with exactly how it works. I just don't write protocol. >> Is that advertising for an event?
>> No. >> Thank you. >> We'll we'll get this to There's not enough for everybody. We'll get it to you. Sure. We'll we'll get it to the commission. >> Um
I'll I'll take from the city clerk. >> Um Ann, did you want to speak now? Ann Ivy. >> That one's lower. Okay. Hi, I'm Ann Ivy, library director. I just wanted to give you a couple updates because there's some things going on. Um, as you know,
we finished painting the library and public works is all on it with the air conditioning. So, that's good. And, um, I I submitted the $500,000 grant for this phase two of the construction uh, two weeks ago. So, we're looking forward to that. The biggest thing going on
right now is that the Lake County Library director of the system is um resigned and he'll be leaving and we're working really well, we're hoping that they hire somebody that um we can all work with well and that is a big deal
for all of us. um in the midst of trying to change the interlocal. Um we're having a lot of issues come up where um I'm concerned about the interlocal changing. It wouldn't be in the interlocal's favor necessarily with all the property tax stuff and I'll keep you
a breast of that. I just wanted you to know it was coming. But with all the um I'm going to use the word anxiety of having a new leader, we just are really happy that last meeting that you guys um consistently all supported Rick and we're excited to be working with him. So, thank you so much.
And I just want to say you picked out the colors to the building. >> Excellent job. >> Yes. >> Excellent job. >> That's it. >> That is it for cards. >> Okay, we'll move on to consent agenda. >> I'm sorry. >> Do you want to see any
>> anymore? Anybody else want to speak before we go on? Yeah, >> I'm trying to make this as possible. All right. My name is Brian Kerstein. I am a US city resident. I have been for over three decades.
>> Wow. >> My wife was actually born at the original Waterman Hospital. So, we live a block and a half from where my wife was born. On October 26, my home was taken from me by flood water, but not
the way you would expect. Uh, a backup of sewage in my house. If you guys are made aware, I'm the house on Floral Avenue that got backed up with four to six inches of sewer water. Um, initially I was offered a claim by the city to be
investigated that the Davies group who the city has hired to overlook this stuff, uh, decided to withdraw their investigator coming to my house 45 minutes before he was supposed to investigate the claim. My insurance company, Slide Insurance, has been out
to my house with an investigator. They had a third party company come out to investigate the piping in my house. They found no obstructions in my house or in my yard for anything leading up to the meter. Come to find out from my next
door neighbor that resides at 305 East Floral Avenue, which are the lackeyis that own Encort Winebar, that on two separate occasions, the city has authorized for the city to come in there and pay to have SurfPro go in there, uh,
look at the the destruction that happened to their house from the sewer backup and paid to repair their house on two separate occasions and put a new backflow device at the street at their house. When they did that, they never
consulted to ask if I was having any plumbing problems in which we come to find out that my dates that we had hired a plumber had come in uh lines up with their dates that they had backup. When they fixed their problem, they magnified
my problem. I then came down to the city. I've always been uh very forthcoming and calm in my discussions with them. I've talked from anybody over at the wastewater plant. Uh I've come and I tried to speak
to the former city manager. He never made himself available. Uh he then subsequently retired. I got to talk to Amanda Burroughs or Miranda, I'm sorry, Miranda Burroughs. Uh her and uh Greg Dobbins informed me that it was an act
of God. Um, sewer backup at my house on that night was not an act of God. It was a backed up of a failed sewer system. Um, they were aware of it from pre-existing conditions from somebody farther down than me. And I'd really
like to talk to somebody about what I can do to reclaim my house. >> So, I Mr. Kirsty, you've retained an attorney. I I spoke with uh Anthony Sabatini who sent a letter of demand and that was
denied. Um that was even after I said I have been forthcoming that I went and I I jumped through all the hoops and I know here we are at four months out but I've never gone through this before. So I didn't know all the ins and outs and
processes and when Miss Burroughs and and Mr. Dobins told me there was an act of God. I felt that I needed to go the height of an attorney. Uh so I went to Anthony Sabatini. Now, as of yet, I haven't
retained him for any civil lawsuit as of yet. But if I don't do something to protect my family, I don't have many more options. I've I've already spent almost $35,000 out of my own personal savings to get my
house back in a condition where my family has a place to go. Um, you know, I'm just I feel completely powerless that in all this stuff, especially when finding out that they fixed the problem
at my neighbor's house and never asked me about it. um if I was experiencing the same problems. So, I just feel like I was ignored and and now I feel like I was brushed off. I'm just trying to be as calm as humanly
possible. >> Sure. I And my reason for asking is if there's if you have an attorney involved, the communication really needs to go uh between the attorneys. >> Well, he on the on uh had wrote me a letter of demand. um
he had done that >> pro bono just out of the kindness to see if that got a reaction but I have not retained him as in giving him a a deposit for services but I'd like to start a conversation with the city at
some point to see if it's something that we can come to an equitable agreement on u before I have to go that route because I said we my wife has been a life lifelong resident and and I've lived here in town and for those of you that
have been here a long time when Carolyn Dennis Mallet had the the car repair shop in the antique store at 26 South Grove I was their resident on the top two floors of that building right there. I mean I so I've been in Eustace for
over three decades. Um >> so I did I see Phil here earlier? >> He's not here. >> He is Karen. Can you have uh Phil make contact? Uh Phil is our risk manager uh and he'll be in contact. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Any more comments? Okay. We'll move on to the consent agenda. Looking for a motion to approve. >> So move. >> We have a second. >> We have a first and a second. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> I. Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> We'll move on to ordinance and public hearings. >> Yes. >> Attorney. >> Thank you. Uh we have resolution number
2026-17. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, approving a preliminary subdivision plaque with waiverss for the Forest Glenn subdivision 2025S04, a 97 lot town home, single family
residential subdivision on approximately 23.13 acres of property located on the east and west side of Palmetto South Street south of Getford Road. Alternate key numbers 119-3532, 11193770,
and 3862860. Mr. Richardson, we have for your consideration resolution 2617 for preliminary subdivision flat for Forest Glenn. Uh owner is Bergland Holdings. Uh Chuck
Hayyatt with Half Engineering is the uh is the applicant and representative. Um believe we also have Jason Lee here tonight with Berlin Land Holdings. Um uh the subdivision itself is
approximately 23.13 acres. There are 15.47 acres which are dry, so outside of wetland and open water bodies. Um this is a town home development. Um minimum lot size is 22 by90 which is consistent
with the town home lot size for the design district. Um proposed density comes out at about 26.27 dwell units per acre. Um outside of the wetlands approximately 47% of the site will count as open space. So that's
about 7.28 acres um with approximately 1.34 acres including dog park, playfield, and some open areas. um for the uh parks. Um just kind of timeline uh original
submittal was back in July of 2025 with final four rounds basically of DRC review um with final approval uh coming in at the mid to end of December. Um location again uh Palmetto Street um
just south of Getford Road right next to the treatment plant. This was also an annexation for I think it was about 6 acres which was an unincorporated parcel um that was added to this. Um so here we have kind of the
preliminary subdivision plan overlay. Um so how it sits on the property the preliminary subdivision plot itself again it's 97 units um it is two land uses we have MCR that
was the existing directly on Palm Meadow to either side and then what we did as the annexation and assignment of land use is the southern war square with the flag that goes back up to Gatford Road coming came in at um the urban residential
general location for the utilities. Uh so they will be making the connections general idea of where the wetlands and flood plane are for the properties. Um so suitability basically where they're planning the development outside of the wetlands are suitable soils for
residential development. Um high recharge 8 to 12 inches per year. Um everything is kind of designed that way. Again the preliminary subdivision flat.
Um we are in the PSB stage. There are still two stages at well a few stages after that but the next stage will be the final engineering construction plan where the actual engineering we will talk about the permits and other things. That's um again through DRC as
administrative approval and then final plat process. Um they are requesting two waiverss. One is to allow for a zero landscape buffer along the western property line which is the property line that directly abuts the treatment plant. Um and the second
is because there are wetlands to the north on the site that they would only run the sidewalk basically on the east side of Palmetto. They would only run the sidewalk where the residential is going to be taking place because otherwise there's interference with wetlands and what they're going to be
able to have for dedication of rightway as Palmetto sits. Now the issue with Palmetto is it is not a dedicated rightaway right now. It is prescriptive rightway. So they will be designing and dedicating that back as we go through the platting process. um again kind of called out the waiver
for the buffer along the treatment plant side and the red indicates basically where the sidewalk would run and then end on that side of Palmetto. Um staff has reviewed this through the development review committee and based
on that we give it to you for your consideration. Um one thing to note in the resolution and this was a discussion that I had with the applicant just before the meeting. Um it is under section two in the resolution
that the way the wording is is a little bit ambiguous. Um that it it went through and described um so under section 2A submit the final engineering construction plans. It did say and final plat. We would suggest striking and final plat to be submitted within 12
months. That was the kind of the ambiguous. I do have an amended resolution that I can give to the clerk. Are there any questions for staff from the commission? >> Can we amend the resolution without being advertised? >> It's in the body of it, not in the
title. So, yes, no questions for staff. >> Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this resolution? >> You can say good evening. For the record, McGregor Love here on behalf of the applicant. Just wanted to um you
know let the commission know that I'm here on behalf of the applicant tonight. So are uh some of the the engineering and design team. So if you have any questions for the applicant, we are here to answer them. Um we appreciate it. >> Thank you.
>> No, you can just state your name. >> Brian Broomfield. I'm a resident. Uh this this project was brought to me to my attention by one of my church members that lives there and got the notice. Um the notice was, you know, not real clear
as to, you know, what was going on. So she didn't understand. So she asked me to come and just see if I could find out a little bit. Um so I want to just ask a few things. You know, you know, it my understanding is 97 attached town homes.
Is that correct? 97 uh you know is it you know where it's a buddy you know are those going to be affordable for any you know for for the average u median income in that area right there. I don't
know what you know what the price range is. you know who who and you know how are we going to handle the density on pal meadow you know those are just questions that you know the city needs to really consider I would think you know because
you know the pal meadow that I know you know one side uh that uh west side I think it's a the u some type of a spray field am I correct okay it's a spray field on the west side
of palmetal And I know the the the east side butts up to back side of Seline Drive. Uh that that's that's what I'm looking at, you know. So we're I'm on the right road and
uh you know, it's just a little dark dirt. I mean, well, you know, I I remember when it was a dirt road. Uh I've been around for a while. Um but you know, it's just a little really small tight already. pretty high densities in
that area. So I think the commission needs to really consider before you know we we we move forward with you know you know putting so many people you know in in those areas that you know consider
what type infrastructure we going to do to to relieve some of the you know the traffic and whatever else. And you know, like if you got 97 town homes, you going to have more than likely some young
children and you only have one side and, you know, zero lot lines. It's just, you know, just just just something to consider. So, I just wanted to, you know, voice my opinion. Thank you. >> Thanks, Rob.
Do we have anyone else that would like to address the commission with any questions? >> No. Um, would you like staff or the applicant to answer any of the questions from the public? >> Yeah, that would be great. I also have a question. Do you have amenities or t
lots or anything else? What do you have amenities there? I am going to ask some of a member of my team who might be able to answer some of the more specific questions. But regarding the the question of uh density that the gentleman mentioned and and he's absolutely right that uh it's really the
city's uh statutory obligation to consider those things when when a development comes in and certainly this uh this developer this this project will will have to provide uh the adequate facilities to support that uh those
additional units. And and as um uh the staff mentioned when uh when they when staff was presenting this project, the the property is currently entitled for up to 12 units an acre and this is but this is um just over half of that. Uh so
this is consistent with sort of the planning objectives of the city. Uh it's a it's a less in a less dense uh project than than would be allowed here. Um, but that I can let the the um the the design team speak to more specifics uh
regarding the project. >> Jason Lee, Burton Land Holdings, would you prefer I answer your question first or the gentleman that was speaking? >> How or do you feel comfortable with this fine? >> You could go ahead and start with mine. >> U first of all, the traffic that was
definitely something that was considered and I don't know if you have the plan up on the screen, but we um something that wasn't necessarily needed, but we put in because of the sidewalks. As a matter of fact, we have speed tables going in on Palmetto. That should help traffic. Um,
we'll have the reflective uh permanent markings. We'll have striping. So, we're trying to slow traffic on Palmetto and we're trying to make it safe. Also, I mean, anything south, I know there's more residential going south. They'll be able to get then to Guford Park using
the sidewalk as well, and there'll be lighting, street lighting, which is going to be helpful as well. And right now, there's a lot of littering, and that should also help alleviate the littering that goes down Palmetto. So, traffic, we've already done that. There was been there's been a lot of conversations about flooding. We already
have our St. John's River Water Management Permit, so we've we've already gone through that. Um, yes, there's going to be essentially like a soccer field, open soccer field. There's going to be a tot lot and potentially a dog park or some other type of amenity, but we we've carved out quite a lot for
amenities. >> Will you have like um a border or a fence? Because there's the facility behind it, right? >> Right now, there actually is a six foot chain length fence. It's already on that entire section. So, in in a way, there's
already a division, a line of division. And as I was as I look at it, if I'm thinking of a town home, most people that are buying into a town home are wanting less maintenance. So, if if I'm there personally, I prefer to look through. And I mean, there's nothing
there at the facility. It's It's actually not a bad view. If you're looking out, it's just nice and open. If you close it off, I mean, I don't know that I would like that if I was living there personally. You know, I mean, a fence, opaque fence is more to help with residential houses that are abutdding
each other, so you're not looking in backyards. That way you're, you know, you have you have privacy and it's still open. It's kind of nice. >> So, these are twotory town houses. >> That's the intent. >> Yes. The garages. >> Okay. >> Any questions from you guys?
>> Yeah. Based on what they and I went out and took a look at it. Uh there's a fence that's right an opening to go to the plant >> where the town homes will go. So we have to move the the fence. Correct. >> The fence doesn't have to be moved. No fence won't have to be moved. Now that
gate will have the gate will have to be moved down. We we're accounting for that. As a matter of fact, there's also >> there's been uh some some residents that are on that south side. There's a subdivision down there with lots and uh they've been accessing some driveways
through the corner of this property and we've accounted for even a corner clip of that and we're going to dedicate that to the city of Eustace for public rideway so they can continue to use that and we did that upon us. We we've seen that so we took care of that as well. >> The lighting out there uh at night is is
pretty dark. Do you have plans to >> Definitely there'll be street lightings. There's there's definitely in the construction phase there'll be a phototric plan that'll be submitted to staff. Yes. >> And that's a required, right? The photometric >> as far as I know and that's that's the plan anyway. But yes, that's typically a requirement. That's what we're
expecting. >> Any further questions? >> Basically just it seems like whatever a 90 I'm not a big crazy growth guy at this point. I think we've gotten that funnel full. Um, I love the fact that he
can put 12 units there and he's doing half, which addresses what Mr. Bloomfield was saying. I think 99.9% of the people I know, developers, will come cramp 12.1 in there and ask for a waiver. Uh, the speed table is similar to what we have in downtown here where it goes up and across and there has been
so much trash. I did go out there as well. It is a mess. It is I'm hoping this will really lift that part of town. And what I like the most that he didn't answer is that these are uh residential single plotted. My problem was I was
planning to vote no if one guy was going to take them and rent them all because I just don't just don't like to feel that. These are single plotted owner occupied starting in the 200s. You don't find that now. Brand spanking new. So I love
that for for that northern part of of town. And uh I'm in I'm in support of it. >> Yeah. I I I think the big thing with me is I I came through today and just the the trash >> and we clean it up and we all clean it
up and it's it's goes right back. >> I was going to say how many times have we cleaned it and then within the next three days it's again >> I think that'll help. >> It's affordable work force housing. U that's what we always say we need and and and uh it's a great thing. I just
can't believe the density they're doing. Has anyone ever seen in your time? I haven't been hanging around here, but someone took half of the density and said that's all I want. >> And if you don't want a fence, a waiver fence between you and a and the and the sewer, good for you.
>> So, I I'm in favor. >> Something else to mention, we're also dedicating an additional 10 feet to the city. It's needed because right now the right of way, the prescriptive rightway is 40 feet. We're giving another 10. So, it'll be 50 and it'll be dedicated right away.
>> Definitely. I'll go right. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Uh, anyone in the audience before I close public input? >> Okay, seeing none, I will close public input now and give it back to you, Madam Mayor. >> Madame Mayor, I move approval of resolution 26-17.
>> Second. >> Okay, we've got first and a second. Roll call, please. Commissioner Holland. >> I. Commissioner Asbody. >> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> I.
>> Next we have resolution number 2026-18. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustus Florida providing for commission determination of a code enforcement lean on property located at 315 Palmetto Street authorizing implementing actions and providing for
an effective date. Um Mr. Martin, I will Do you want to do your presentation first? I think this is the one that um >> Well, I Why don't I Why don't I present and then Allan can come up. Is that okay?
>> Yes. I have a comment to make prior to that as well, but go ahead and do your presentation. >> All right. Uh good evening. My name is Eric Martin. I'm the code enforcement supervisor for the city of Eustace. Um, resolution number 26-18 approves a code
enforcement board u order reducing an outstanding code enforcement fine or lean totaling $21,300 to $2,130 and releases a lean against um a vacant lot located at 315 Palmetto Street upon
payment. The resolution also provides uh the city commission an opportunity to consider um a compromise regarding the fine reduction. The additional option uh the additional options proposed are as follows. The lean shall be reduced to an
amount determined by the city commission uh payable within amount of time determined by the city commission or the lean shall remain in full uh at 21,000 to $300 uh due and pay payable to the city or no payment shall be due and the
lean shall be released. So uh staff's recommending approval of resolution number 26-18. Any questions? What's the history? >> The history. >> How did it get up to $21,300? >> It was a $100 per day fine. Uh it
occurred for 213 days. So that's $21,300. It stayed overgrown for, you know, twothirds of a year. Uh the code enforcement board uh after a lot of discussion chose to the applicant was asking for a reduction to the lowest
amount possible which um that would be admin fees. Admin fees are $915. Um the board rejected that and they decided to reduce it to $10 a day which was is
essentially a 90% reduction. >> And this was more for overgrown grass. It's an over Yeah, it's just an overgrown grass violation. >> Uh the u I know her father lived in there, correct? >> I'm sorry. >> Her father lived in the residence.
>> There was a house there years ago. >> Mhm. >> It became derelict. Uh it was sided probably the early 2000s. Um >> there was no house. >> Well, there was there was a house there years ago. >> I talk about just a second. Yeah, >> there was an unsafe structure there
years ago. Um the city it had actually acrewed fines. The city put it into foreclosure. Uh we settled with the uh property owner at that time to where they agreed to pay the city's I believe maybe it's been years. Uh but we settled for we dismissed the foreclosure. They
tore the house down. Um in 2020 I spoke to Miss Fear's father. If you look in the application, it says he >> he facilitated most of the maintenance because uh in 2020 they had a violation as well, >> but they resolved that really quick.
They were only issued a repeat violator fee of $230. Um he told me when I spoke to him in 2020 because I advised him of this this fine here, he said they were planning on building it building on it, but I never
heard anything else from him. And then um probably in maybe June or July of last year. Um we got an email I guess it came up with a title search was looking to sell it and that's
when she said she became aware of fines. >> Did uh I know that we said we sent uh certified return receipt. Did we ever get any response on that? >> Uh no sir. the uh certified return receipt was uh was returned unclaimed,
>> but we also send the uh all our mailings first class. None of those were returned. >> Uh we all, you know, we we post a copy of the violation at the property. Uh the the address in question for the mailing address for the property owner is in
Apopka, >> right? uh she she when she stated that she doesn't recall receiving any notices, but we you know we definitely did send them to her the Apopka address that that is her homestead. Uh so I don't see her
in here tonight. We did notify her of this hearing >> and she was a traveling nurse, correct? >> Uh in the application it says she's a nurse pra p practitioner I guess currently caring for her father who's fallen into bad health.
Okay. So, we we've got down to 10% of what she would have had to pay. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Right. It's a 90 uh 90% reduction. Uh this was approved by the code enforcement board back in November. Uh but I spoke to Miss Fear and with the
with the holidays coming up, she asked that we move it past uh the new year to so it didn't interfere because she she's she's she's going to pay. She said she was going to pay, but she didn't want it to interfere with her funds during the
during the the Christmas holiday. So, this is as soon as I could get it scheduled for 2026. >> Okay. Any additional questions for Mr. Martin? >> Um, so she lives in Apakka, correct?
>> She got all the mailers. Um, this was before me and uh uh Commissioner Hawkins a couple times during uh my eight, seven years, whatever on
code enforcement and part of the time before he moved up. Um, it's been a repeat I I guess it's not a question for him. It's just a statement I want to make and it's a repeat offense.
The father was supposed to be taking care of the property. She testified to us multiple times and the father, I guess, failed to take care of it to her satisfaction. That's their issue. Um,
that's a corridor where it's so important to try to look good. It's it's part of a secondary gateway and this is not the first, not the second and I think not the third, possibly the fourth violation. The stuff gets sent. Come on
folks, we know what's going on here. There's no desire to expedite and respond to it. And I think if we do something too significant, then what we're telling everybody is don't worry about anything. We'll give
you a 90%. The 90% is my biggest problem. Don't do anything. Don't worry about it and just deal with it when it comes up. We can't do that. I don't think we can do that. As a former code enforcement guy, we can't do that. Um,
so some help I'm not necessarily against. I think code board has done 10% or something like that. But to do a 90% reduction, we would have to do 90% >> for me to feel good about what I'm doing for everybody who comes up here.
>> One thing that I like is that well, and I get what you're saying, but she's trying to sell. >> No, she said she doesn't want to anymore. >> Well, anymore. She she she wouldn't really lock down in November of what her intentions are. Mhm. >> Uh she was kind of wavering on she
wouldn't really disclose what her future plans are because I believe the sale that she had in place probably fell through because of the leans. >> Uh I think she said, you know, she would intend on building on it, but she never really locked down what her intentions were.
>> So go ahead. >> I was going to say um and is and does that really matter what her intentions are? I mean our our our well the code enforcement's job is is against compliance. So, you know, um I I mean honestly, I mean, I think we are being a
little too lenient, but I mean the code enforcement had the same material and they decided to do that, but um >> and especially for a repeat offender, I think I think uh we're a little too lenient right now. >> Yeah. What with me is we can't pick and
choose when we want to listen to the code enforcement report. Uh they made a suggestion and you know, >> right? I think um you know, Allan's here today and he's going to come up and tell you uh he reminded me it was a 4-3 vote
with the board. >> Four yes and three no. >> Yeah. But it doesn't matter, >> right? So, uh you know, that's it. We we just can't pick and choose. You know, this time we want to listen to them. You know, next month we don't want to listen to them. So, you know, if we're giving
them, you know, guidance to go and do it, then I think we need to uh we need to kind of allow them to make that decision. >> I have an issue with the fact that it's not half, it's not three4s, but it's
90%. And I I have some problems or issues with the fact that it's 90% reduction and other people come in and we have to assess that too. Um I I think it if I'm not opposed to reducing it but
not 90%. >> If Yes, ma'am. >> if she comes back and and essentially we've reduced it to what $10 a day or how much a day? >> That's $10 a day. >> Okay. So if she comes back and she's a
repeat, she goes automatically to the 250. Correct. Or higher. >> Well, she is a repeat. The repeat status. >> Okay. >> The the repeat status >> a four time repeat >> only lasts for five years. >> So the last case that we have on on this
property was in 2020. It's 2026. So, even if there was an order of enforcement or a finding fact, well, there was uh in 2020, but if it came in violation today, because what happened when she called in request for a reduction, the lot was overgrown again. So, we notified
her that it didn't qualify for reduction until she brought it into compliance, which once she did, we provided her with the application. Uh but since it's 2026, if it was invi if we issued another violation tomorrow, it would not be a repeat violation per Florida statutes.
>> But it is the same tenant, the sameur abusing >> and not taking one and a second chance and a third chance and now going for four. That's my problem. >> I get it. >> And when these get to the board, you know, you look at the fine amount because this is an absentee property owner. When you send notices out and you
don't get any word back from them, when it comes to the code enforcement board, they don't really they um they impose some pretty steep fines if if they don't get feedback from an owner, especially when you're talking about an absentee owner. >> All right. She came before the code enforcement board
>> uh for the reduction request. >> Okay. So, they had the opportunity to talk to her, >> correct? >> Okay. And after talking to her, they made the decision. >> Yes. >> Okay. Can I uh please short, but can can I uh
um hear from um current from uh Alan? >> Allan. Yeah. >> And Commissioner Asody, I'm going to let Alan Allen speak, but I do have information related to what he's going to um >> No, I'm not bring that up. >> You're not going to bring that up? >> No. >> No. Okay.
>> Cuz you told me you'd rule against it. >> Well, I need to inform them. >> Okay. Well, if you want to explain to them. >> Okay. >> Or I will. E, please. >> Alan Pascowski, chief code enforcement board. First of all, I've been sitting here ever since I had a prior to the
meeting conversation with city attorney uh who said she would overrule one of my members request to at a later date, obviously after the hearing, amend her previous vote.
>> Is that a vote for or a vote against? >> A vote against. This was a 4-3 decision for yay for nay. I would also point out that uh this started in 2018. Notices were sent. She never appeared
front of the board, never responded to anything even though the property was posted and notice sent. Property came into compliance in 2019. at that time had accured a $21,300
fine. Uh didn't hear anything till 2000 September of 2025 because uh in her statement, she went was going to sell the property and when she went to sell the property, she was
informed that there was a $21,300 lean against the property. Uh so then she contacted Mr. Martin's department and he said, "Well, you can't bring a request
to uh reduce your fine because your property is not in compliance." So, she got it in compliance. This was in September of 2025. And then in October of 25, she appeared in front of the board because the
property had passed inspection on October 6th of 2025. In her statement, she said that she be first became aware of the fines against her property when she was attempting to sell her property.
And during questioning, very thorough questioning by various members of the board. Every time a question was asked, her story changed. of of importance is the fact that uh
she said, "Well, I got to sell my property, but I'd have to pay 21,300." And then when discussions went back and forth, and one of the board members threw out the 10%, $2,130,
and all of a sudden she said, well, she said, "I don't have any money. I can't pay anything." And so the board said, well, one of the members of the board said, uh, we, you know, could be reduced to 2130. And all of a sudden, she said, well, I can find that money and I'll pay
it if that's what the city commission requires of me, but I'm not going to sell the property. >> That created some additional questions. >> Sorry. Sorry. Keep going, Alan. We got to go.
>> That created some additional questions and ultimately uh what was discussed? Well, you know, if in fact you now can all of a sudden find the money to pay the 2130 and you're not going to sell your
property and if the city commission approves that uh and the code enforcement board approves that, then in essence what happens is if she pays that $2,130 to the city now when she goes to sell
her property for 40,000 or whatever, she's only out $2,130. Uh that's not our business or our concern on the code enforcement board. But the fact that she came kept changing her story back and forth why it wasn't
kept in compliance uh evidence. She received everything she could. And the problem that city attorney says I cannot bring up is right after the meeting unfortunately was the meeting had been adjourned.
One of the board members came up to me and said uh I voted wrong. I should have voted nay, which would have in fact then just allowed Miss Fair to keep her property,
not pay any fines until she decided to sell her property or whatever happened. But it would it would have denied the motion would have in fact denied her request for a fine reduction since she was still the owner
of the property. It's homesteaded property, you know. that can go forever. >> Um, >> how could it be homesteaded with no home on it? >> And and and and once again, I I don't I don't think it's
our job to to really the intent of whatever she wants to do with her property. I don't think we should be involved in. But I do I do agree. I think I think you guys probably were a little too lenient on it. I just don't know what the right >> I vote against it. >> Yeah. I just don't know what the right to uh to send a message that we're not
going to allow repeat offenders. And once again, this been going on for >> it's going it's been going on for years. >> This is a was on the board. >> This is a semi-judicial process when they come. >> It's quasi judicial. So >> and she testifies under oath.
>> Okay. If she testifies under oath >> and changed her testimony, >> the board is essentially the judge and the jury. >> Correct. >> A sentence was passed and it was 2130. To me, it amounts to double jeopardy. Now, if I may, if you're finished, I'm
not sure if you're done. Okay. >> Um, there's questions. >> Yeah. I just wanted to address the issue about the the voting here. Uh, so first of all, what you have before you in that resolution is a recommendation from the board. You have flexibility to alter that amount because it's built in and to
allow extra time if you want it, if you don't agree with the recommendation of the board because you are in the appellet capacity making that decision um here today and you are to consider the evidence that you have before you and this hearing. What um has
transpired with this vote change which is important. The uh code enforcement board had a duly noticed public hearing and they made a vote and they made a recommendation. That is what you have before you tonight. That vote is
official action and the member communicating a change of mind after the meeting has adjourned that should have been communicated to the attorney of the board um and procedurally seeing how how to approach that. um that should not
have been communicated to another board member. That should have been brought up at a subsequent meeting as well, which was not because we've had uh two months since then. Uh so that is the official action that was taken by the board. Again, um you still have the discretion
to change the amount, change the time frame. All of that is is within the resolution before you. But uh the decision that was made by the board holds >> as it was presented. Um we you know we
can't have these post meeting mind changes communicated by board members to other board members because that is essentially what constitutes a sunshine meeting um outside the sunshine. So
that's that's what I was trying to explain um earlier. It's not that I'm going to overrule. I mean, the ethics are what they are. I mean, we have these public meetings for a reason. Uh, should you choose to remand it, the intent is already there. Um, the it's already been
heard. So, at this point, um, it's it's tainted at the the the procedure, the proceedings would be tainted if you were to send it back just because of the fact that now we know um this change. Uh so what you should my recommendation legally of course is you
have enough information um from from you know both um Allan and Eric if you choose to go with their recommendation you can if you choose to alter that amount you have the discretion to do that that's built in to the resolution so you can do that this evening um and
you can deny it uh because again even if that would have been a a no vote that night she still has a right to appeal that decision and come to you and make her case. She's not here today, unfortunately, but she still would have the right. So, essentially, we would
still be here because you're the ones that are the ultimate decision makers um in in in this particular form. So, that's what I wanted to explain, too. >> In eight years, she's never chosen to appear. >> Yeah. >> Even though she was provided notice and the opportunity,
>> the property's been in and out of compliance since 2008. Well, the 43 vote impacts me because it's not like it was everybody in agreement, but 43 is pretty close. So that >> I had to go with majority. I mean, I had
a, you know, rule that the motion passed even though it was a contentious vote and there were three board members that uh wanted to just deny her request based upon her everchanging
story. and intentions to sell to not sell. Uh >> Alan, >> yes. >> Uh >> it was before you all for the reduction to 900. Correct. >> I'm sorry. >> It was It came before you all to reduce
it to 900. Correct. >> Yes. 985. I believe at that point >> at that point, she still hadn't come to any of the meetings. Correct. >> Yes, sir. Okay. And the board collectively
decided 2130. See, that's where I have a problem is you all you all had two bites at the apple >> and then you come back again for a third bite.
>> It just >> I'm not coming back for a third bite. >> Oh, it's a third bite. I just want to explain to the city commission that you know this was a 43 >> vote and you know the vote motion carried but I wanted to make sure you
all since you are the appellet to our decisions and our rulings understood all the background and all the facts concerning this case. >> But those were still those were still the facts when you did the 21. It's time
to move on. >> What What is the preference of the >> Well, >> before we move to >> anyone in the audience wishing to speak on this item before I close public hearing? No. Public hearing is closed and I'll give it back to you, Madam Mayor, for discussion.
>> Okay. So, do we have a comments from the commissioners on our proposal? >> I I would like you want to go ahead. I would like um my concern in a nutshell in 10 10 seconds which I know you're not gonna believe but in 10 seconds is
>> the Hoffmeisters and the who own the helipad and or whoever is in there we beat on them they go and they mow that lawn. There's two other lawns in the heart of downtown that we pound on them. One of them I actually own and I get code enforcement notices when there's a palm frong in there and the grass and
they got a cone telling me that I'm 12 in and a half and I cut that grass. I spent thousands and thousands of dollars to cut that. Okay. If you're going to do that, then you're sending a signal to everyone else. Don't cut it. Come back after 8 10 years. Let it grow. That's my
problem. I would make a motion to to um drop it as we've done before for probably 10%. >> And I would >> you said drop it >> instead of dropping at 90% do what we do
to everybody else. >> Even though she didn't show up, they all show up. Uh, I think we have to show some leniency in our in our job and our duties, but we don't want to signal to everyone else, don't mow your lawn now. >> But that duty and and I and I get it,
but that duty should fall on the code enforcement board before it gets to us. They have the same information that they're providing to us tonight. We rely on them to do what they do >> with their checks and balance and they went 90. I don't know where they got that number from, but we've always been
doing somewhere around 10. >> I think there might have been a 20, but that's it. 10 seconds. >> Like I said, I I just don't know where the number is. I think I think a 10% reduction is is a little a little is a little excessive. So, I mean, I
would I I'd say probably in the $7,500 range is where I would take it down to. Miss John, >> you know, I'm the third one that sat on that code enforcement board and I've always believed in following what the code enforcement board has told us in the recommendations of the code
enforcement board. But we're dealing with a situation of somebody that is thumbming their nose not only to the code enforcement board to but to the city of Eustace and the residents of the city of Eustace. I think the reduction that's been offered here is way too too
big. Um, truthfully, I'd reduce it 50% and that's where I would go. >> So, mam I put a motion forward and I I I see uh Commissioner Holland has two. So, >> I think Gary has two. >> And Gary has two. So, I guess let's just
go through it and move on. My motion was >> You made a motion, but there wasn't a second. Um, and then you suggested an amount. You suggested an amount and there was no second either. So should I go back to my motion is to reduce it for 10% madam mayor. >> So you guys could be comfortable with
that. >> You need a second. >> Just a 10% reduction. >> No, that's too much. So that's dead. Next. >> Okay. >> Well, one of the things I was considering, it's not too hard to mow a lawn. It's not like she had a raggedy
house that needed to be um demolished. Um, mowing the lawn would be the easiest thing that you have to do. Um, I would I my proposal would be I would say 12. So, we got a bunch of numbers here. So, we
need to agree on 12,000. So, that's almost 50. >> That's 50%. >> I'll second that. >> There you go. >> Now, you got a second. >> Got a first and a second. >> Roll call. >> On $12,000. >> On $12,000 payable within
What? 30 days? 60 days? No. >> 30 days. >> Then the next 30 days >> or it goes away. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> I'm sorry. Just >> Just to clarify, reduction of 12,000 or fine set at 12,000. >> Fine set. >> Good for 30 days. >> For 30 days. And if it's not, then it
reverts back to the original amount. Okay. All right. We got a first and a second. Roll call. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. Commissioner Ansbody. >> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Ashkraf. >> Nay. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Nay.
>> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. >> Right. Next we have resolution number 2026-9. 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
1033 South Grove Street. Authorizing implementing actions and providing for an effective date. Mr. Martin. >> Yes. Resolution uh number 26-9 approves a code enforcement board order reducing an outstanding code enforcement lean
totaling uh $2,600 to $1,000 and releases the lean against the vacant uh against a vacant lot located at 1033 South Grove Street upon payment. Uh the resolution also provides the city commission an opportunity
opportunity to consider a compromise regarding the reduction. The additional options proposed are as follows. The lean shall be reduced to an amount determined by the city commission payable within uh amount of time
determined by the city commission. The lean shall remain in full amount of $2,600 uh payable to the city or no payment shall be due and the lean shall be released. So staff recommends re uh approval of resolution
26-18. >> Any questions from Mr. Martin? Would anyone in the audience like to speak on resolution 2026-9? Seeing none, I will close public input. >> Madam mayor, move approval of resolution 26-9.
>> House second. >> And is that approval for the recommendation of the code enforcement board? >> Yes. Okay. To be clear. >> Okay. Now we'll have a roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asody. >> Hi.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraftoft. >> Hi. Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi, >> Mayor Lee. I >> thank you, >> Madam Mayor. Can I ask for a brief three
minute >> I I couldn't What am I going to yell at you? Don't you know? >> Okay. >> I know. I was there. Thank you. >> We'll take a three-minut break, please. All right. We have resolution number 2026-20,
a resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, approving and authorizing the execution of a purchase and sale agreement for the acquisition of real property located at 100 North Bay Street and related parcels. finding a valid public purpose, authorizing the mayor and the city clerk
to execute the agreement, providing for implementation, and providing for an effective date. Uh before we proceed on this item, I just want to um make an announcement. Um I briefly wanted to note for the record that the seller's representative um Harold Veles and his
wife are here and he had advised me that prior to taking office, Commissioner Asody had been previously involved in a contract related to this property. Under Florida law, any voting determinations are made by the individual elected official. Um, that information has been
shared with Commissioner As and he has indicated he does not believe this will affect his participation in today's proceedings. So, I'm just placing this information on the record for the commission to proceed with full transparency. Those are all the details that I have. And
>> I'd also like to make a uh note into the record. I had four different conversations with attorney Zel Mowski at uh the state of Florida board of ethics. I have provided him with all the documentations and the facts and he has
given me the clear uh at this point there is no binding agreement. There is no financial gain um at all. So therefore, let that be in the record and I accept any responsibility if there is some undone through any channels. Uh if
the city wants to bring action against me is fine. >> Like I said, you've done what you called the Florida ethics line. That's exactly what you were supposed to do. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> So I will do a brief introduction. Um so
this was uh considered by the city commission uh in November as part of resolution 25100. Uh the city commission at that time uh decided to move forward to not move forward um wanted to have discussions uh
wanted to have the um the scheduled workshop with Dr. Levy in December uh and decided to uh postpone any decision until after uh the establishment of priorities. Um and then uh I will uh at
this point I will turn it over to Mike Omen who has been the city's primary point of contact with the sellers uh to do a brief presentation. >> Good evening everyone. >> Excuse me, sir. Is this the same presentation we were going to hear earlier?
>> No. No, that's separate. Uh, >> good evening again. For the record, my name is Mike Gman, principal at Gman New York. And as you're aware, we provide support on economic development and real estate development issues to your staff. I'm here tonight as uh the city manager
has described to follow up on the discussion uh and provide uh some additional information related to your uh questions uh regarding the potential acquisition of the Bank of America building and the related properties uh that came up in your December meeting.
So uh let me uh just refresh your memory if I can. Uh the property information is in front of you. It's three actual pieces of property. 100 North Bay, which is the one we're all familiar with with the building, large building, 17,000 ft, and adjacent parking of about 10,000 ft
for a total land area, including the building and the parking of about 22,400 ft. Uh the second property here on the list is 200 South Bay. Uh it's also known as 200 South Eustace. it its frontage runs along South Eustace and
I'm not sure why it ended up with a 200 South Bay address under the Lake County tax records, but it did. Uh, and it's uh the property that you're aware of is the uh parking and the drive-thru uh for the bank. So, it's 45,500
ft of land, just slightly over an acre, and it has a small building on it with a canopy that uh was their drive-thru facility. Additionally, there is what I've referred to as the uh Bay Street connector, which connects that property I was just mentioning. This 45,000 ft of
parking area drive-thru connects it over uh to the uh to Bay Street and runs that that's the driveway that you'd be familiar with that runs just a little south of uh the dry cleaner. And that's 5600 and change uh square feet of land.
And so you've got a total uh building area of 17240 plus the drive-thru facility of 1684. So total of 18924 square ft of building and about 73,525
ft or 1.69 acres of land. So that's the aerial photo. The blue areas on the photo are the areas that we're talking about. The little small rectangle is that connector that what I've referred to as a connector. It shows up on the
tax records but doesn't show up in the street address. But that that's the property we're talking about. The uh proposed purchase price is 1.8 million for the uh combined three parcels. The uh draft agreement which
you have in your packet I believe done by your attorney has a number of things in it but the highlights are there are some conditions uh precedent one being your approval uh two being the statutory appraisals that are required which is
two MAI appraisals and I'm going to talk about that in a second. Uh the appropri act actual appropriation of the funds and then a clear title and and a survey. uh you're allowed under the agreement a 90-day due diligence period, inspection period. You will typically do a number
of things uh during that period, but the key ones here are a phase one and probably a phase two environmental. Phase one is a review of the public documents and a and a walk through the site. uh because of the properties and their age and a few other issues, I
think you'll probably want to end up doing a phase two, which is some actual physical testing of some of the uh building and the land on the uh on the site. And of course, I mentioned the title and survey. The way the appraisal process, the
statutory appraisal process works is that you average the two appraisals that are received. And the way this has been negotiated, uh, there are some, uh, built-in adjustments depending on what the average comes out. And I've
summarized them here. So, if the average comes up with a price greater than 1.8 million and the price is adjusted up to that average, however, under the agreement, it can't exceed uh $2 million number. If, on the other hand, the
average is less than basically 10% of the one point or one 1.62 62 million. The city can then elect to close if they wish at 1.8 million. If the appraisal average comes in at 20% less than the
1.88 million being 1.44 to 1.62 million, uh then it comes back to you as a commission for review and presumably further discussion and a decision. If the average is even less than that one point, the average of the two appraisals is even less than that 1.44, 44. Uh,
then it would require an extraordinary vote of commi of your commission pursuant to Florida 166.045. So there were two questions, two primary questions that uh were asked uh in the December discussion. Uh, is it a
reasonable market value at 1.8? What's the market value of the properties? and two uh how much of the main building uh will be utilized by the city and we've got some additional information on these questions that I can share with you. So
on the value have a couple of slides here on the value uh this is our information. We do a lot of this work uh as I've described in the past we're probably doing 15 different uh projects for our municipal clients right now. Everything from libraries to uh new
headquarters buildings and we do a lot of work in the commercial real estate arena. We use RS means local data. So, it's it's the East Central Florida data uh to come up with costs. Uh so, we started off by answering the CL costs of
well, what would a new office project cost to build? And it it's a a wide range as you can see, anywhere from about a low of 350 a foot to a high of a,000 a foot. And if you think about this for a minute, 350 would be a basic kind of shell structure without a lot
inside it. A thousand tends to be things like libraries and uh you know large uh public buildings that are open uh to the public, museums and so on. A big range. Uh but that's what we see and again we do a lot of this kind of work. Municipal
buildings and we're doing one right now uh that's 35,000 square feet. Uh municipal buildings come in uh between around $500 and $750 a foot. The one we're doing right now will be a little higher than that because they want to build in some architectural features.
It's a it's a it'll be a very public building and they expect to have a lot of people going in and out of it all day long. So they're they're prepared like you would find in a museum and a library to spend more money on. Uh so you know on that basis uh somewhere between that
350 to a th000 a foot is what we would uh expect to see on a on a an office building. uh additional market >> as a excuse me sir as a replacement brand new construction >> as a replacement brand new construction right
so uh the other thing we did is we looked at some of the comps in the area there weren't a lot I mean the office building business right now is kind of uh more abundant if you will uh but we had we found a few comps using the databases we use co-star and and kxy and
a few others uh this was one that we thought was reasonably comparable and in both in time and size. Uh the Interstruct Office building in Orlando is 15,000 ft. You remember this building 17,000 ft. Uh that building is coming in at 4.5 million. This is a building
that's being built on spec for office tenants. So using those numbers, it's about $300 a square foot. Now the important thing about this one to recognize because it's a little below our 350 range is this uh uh is construction cost, reported construction
cost. So it likely doesn't include an in an office spec office, it doesn't include that whatever tenant file allowances they would expect to add on as part of a lease agreement. And for your benefit, we've included the uh references, the links to the references if you want to read these articles. The
second uh one we thought was comparable was CMI city hall edition. It opened last year. It's 12,500 ft. So roughly 2/3 of the size of this Bank of America building. a high price, $12 million. This is a building that's open, as I
said. Uh, so $1,000 a square foot. And again, we've cited the source, information source. Uh, another one, 100 East Pine in Orlando. And this was an Orlando Business Journal article, uh, talking about the downtown office building. and their quote, which we've
included here, said uh the building of this quality would be close to $600 a square foot >> without consideration for location. >> Right. Without consideration, >> without consideration specific. >> And in New York City would probably be 5,000 a foot. I'm sorry. >> And in Manhattan, New York City probably
be 5 to 10,000 a square foot. >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> Dramatically higher. Yeah. >> Make sure I'm on the right slide here. Uh 128 East Magnolia uh also came up. That's the building right next door to us here. The My Favorite Things
building. It sold last year at $76 a square foot uh for the building. Now we feel that price reflects the age and the condition of the building. There were clearly some issues. Uh it is a historic building which tends to limit fairly significantly limit the redevelopment
potential of the building. And of course you're all familiar with it. There's no parking, no land. It's not a lakefront property. There isn't a frontage isn't any frontage or it doesn't front on a main road like Grove or Bay Street where you can attract the uh the uh attention
of the traffic going by. Uh so that's deals with market value. uh on the city operations side, which is also one of your questions. I just lifted this from a memo uh from one of your uh deputy building official folks uh to to your
city manager. And the uh the highlight is is ours, the yellow highlight. And the intent uh based on that report, fairly lengthy and detailed report was the expectation would be to use about 66% of that 17,240
feet. So, let's talk about a couple of other things on the value side. Uh, you know, we've we've gotten quite familiar with your master plan and with the overall market and uh agree with Dr. Levy's advice on on your direction on the
master plan. Uh the immediate positive impacts that we see as your adviser are a that it returns this property the Bank of America property to a productive and active use and it also uh and this is something we see quite often it uh ends
up preventing it the utilization of a vacant building for what we euphemistically call suboptimal purposes. So, for example, if that building uh if doesn't get purchased by someone like the city, uh the odds are
uh probably at least even that it ends up being some kind of other use. It could be tattoo parlors, nail salons, all kinds of things which really don't >> come on >> add anything downtown. >> Sorry, does anybody own a tattoo parlor? I didn't mean to insult anyone. No, I
think that's I think that's a diminish uh very subjective attempt to to to frighten us as to what potential I'm on your side. >> And for your great on your side and for your also updated uh the mayor made a
motion and an ordinance which banned tattoo polars. So >> So whether it's that whether it's I'm picking on them, you know, I I apologize to everybody that runs one. Uh but the point is that we see this a lot when when buildings like that remain vacant for a period of time. They end up being
backfilled and often not with good uses. Uses which add uh to the to a downtown. >> Uh Mr. Mr. Gleman, just for you to know, the last foreclosure in the downtown area that went to public sales at the courthouse was a building that I did purchase, which was a former Lake
mechanical building, which they insisted on having $200 a square foot for it. It went to sale over there for greater than 70% less. The city came to the same sale. Mr. Corino sat right in front of me. The seller and the bank wanted $525,000
for the vacant parking lot on half the block right over there. And Mr. Corino did a fantastic job and bought the place at public auction for less than 50%. So, um, that might be something we should think about. >> That's a chance you take. >> Okay. That's a chance that we take.
Yeah, we you know we see this a lot. We we have >> but for you to say that it will go to tattoo parers and would go for a much greater amount is completely inaccurate. >> Well, you and I can uh debate that and at length, I'm I'm sure, but we we've had a lot of experience with this these
kinds of buildings across the country. There are a lot of them around and we know what happens to many of them. So, the long-term positive impacts I've listed here, of course, are that that the acquisition of property along the waterfront is very consistent with the
master plan. It supports this goal uh described in your master plan of activating the waterfront. Uh it recognizes and protects the long-term strategic value of this property. It's a it's a key property uh along that street and and backing up to Fair Park. uh
provides the option that uh the city would have long term uh to include that property in future plans. So if you decide at some point that I know the intent is if you buy it to use it for uh city uh department offices but 15 years or 20 years down the road you would have
the option to uh make it available for other some other form of development that would be consistent with the development of your master plan. uh the uh property which is known as the drive-thru property and that connector also gives you opportunities for either
additional development uh or additional parking and again both of those are important components consistent with your master plan. Uh the I'd point out uh if we had the aerial backout the uh I'd point out that this property also
backs up to other city-owned properties immediately to the north of the drive-thru property. So it it together they end up giving you a pretty interesting opportunity. Uh the last thing I would say is that you know what happens in situations like this and and
commissioner raised the question of what happens if it goes to auction. Uh you know what we find in our experience is that a lot of our client municipalities when properties like this come up they only get one opportunity every decade or every 20 years to acquire a strategically located property. We're
dealing with one right now that that did go to auction a number of years ago and it's it's languished 10 years later. The city is wishing that they had bought it when they had the chance but instead it went into foreclosure went to auction the buyer has been done nothing with it
in 10 years. Uh so again uh we see this kind of thing uh unfortunately a lot in the in the uh properties which have become both functionally and and market uh suffering from both functional and market obsolescence. So let me summarize so we can turn it over to you for
discussion. Uh this again the purchase price is 1.8 million for the three parcels. Uh the rea the rationale uh sort of laid it out here. Uh you heard me refer to prices per square foot sort of 350 and up. Uh if you just look at the 17,240
and we used an acquis total acquisition cost of an estimate for 1.9 million being the 1.8 and some additional closing costs uh to be conservative at that 17240 and 1.9 you're spending $110 per square foot to buy this building. If
you then uh add in the drive-through facility, that brings it down a little bit to $95 a foot. If you assume, and this was a discussion that I had with your city staff, if you assume the renovation cost of 1.2 million, uh then
you've got a total project cost uh of course 3.1 million. And the numbers are are similar. you're at about $180 a foot if you just use the 17,000 ft of the main building and $164 a foot if you add in the drive-through building. The point
being there, you're still well below uh what it would cost you to build the ex extra space that you need for your staff and well below uh well within reason of market value for other buildings. Uh the point the summary here is that you end up with a facility that you need at well
below the replacement cost. So, thank you for your attention. I'm just going to turn it over to you for discussion unless the city manager or anybody else has anything to happy to answer questions. >> Any questions from >> No. Are there are there any other
properties now that >> we should be looking at besides this one? We did a quick survey of the immediate area uh and uh really didn't see anything that was the right size. Uh we did look at the uh property uh across
the street Bay Pharmacy to city hall, but it's less than half the size. I think it's 7200 square ft, something like that. >> No, it's more than that. Has to be >> quite a bit smaller uh than the bank building is. And uh >> it's got a it's got a top and a bottom over there.
>> It is. Yeah, that's not correct. that I think that's it. >> It has to be I mean I would I mean I've been in the building. It has to be larger than 7200 feet. >> The the property appraiser has it listed at 9,132 feet including the drive-thru canopy,
>> right? I think we didn't look at the drive-through canopy. Our number was just the main building. >> Yeah, it's 7,842 square feet under roof. >> That sounds right. Yeah. And it changed hands a few years ago for around $95 a foot.
I going back to your question though uh Vice Mayor Ashcraft I mean there's a long list of properties that uh as part of the waterfront and um Faren Park discussion I mean we're we've had commissioners talk to us about um Sharps
Park. We've had commissioners talk about Crazy Gator. We've talked about the pool. We've talked about the community center. And then off of Bay Street, uh we've talked about the the helellipad, we've talked about the women's club, uh as part of a poss I mean there there is
a long list of properties that we are working on as part of your priorities. uh you established Farah Park and and the lakefront uh as an important priority and then as a subpriority to
that you asked us to look at real estate and so uh yes there are a number of properties to look at. >> Well I I guess maybe I should have clarified my question a little more. It it seems like the intent of this building is is is for our city staff.
So, I guess I should have said, are we looking at any other properties that would satisfy what we need besides this one? >> I think the answer focused on this one. >> The answer to your question, well, I would say that this building serves um
two priorities. one, we're busting at the seams in this building, and it would provide a short-term option for city offices, but long-term, the real value in this site is the redevelopment potential and the the the ability to
incorporate it into the Faren Park master plan and waterfront development, which again commission has established as a priority. Um, yes, there are other opportunities for office space, uh, and we can certainly look at those. One
being, um, I've had some discussions with Mr. Warren, uh, about the Wells Fargo building across the street. Um, that said, um, if there are other interested parties, we wouldn't want to necessarily interfere with any
transaction that he's got going. Uh, that said, I've talked to him and expressed our interest. um if there's an opportunity where we're not interfering with another transaction >> and and how how many staff members are we are we hoping to move into the new
building. You know, Terry Tar did a wonderful job with buying just homes to put in some of their staff and not paying not paying this kind of money for just offices, although I know the value uh long term. Um have we ever looked at that?
I had mentioned that at the last meeting and and it's still on the market. There's a house just a couple blocks away that was a dentist office and uh it's beautiful. It's ready for move in. It doesn't this bu this building, the Bank of America is by far completely outdated and I believe the estimate that
I came up with to bring it up to a level is probably an additional $2 million which would put us into it somewhere around 4 million. Um when Mr. Mr. Gleman came here on 12925 just to refresh your memory. He brought or uh contacted 40 firms and
they expressed their concerns as to what they felt about Eustace and their number one concern was Sharps Park. Folks, we got to have our priorities. I I like to buy everything, but there's a reality here. and uh bringing up uh
Wells Fargo. Uh with that, we get two parking lots behind it at the gateway to our city. At the gateway to our city and and uh there's discussion from uh Evan's wife that she will have an interest at some
point to sell that building, which will pretty much give us everything, give us an outlet for a garage, a parking garage there when time is right. We have floor parking now and uh I think they spent some money. Um I know they hired Daniel to to to clear it out. Um that's
something I think we have to look at and address what his findings were. I think I agree with Mr. Gman, believe it or not. Sharps park is number one. Uh this Wells Fargo now is right up there with me. Grove Square was number two from him. A smaller parcel like this, let the
market make its determination. Uh we are not pay the $1,000 900 a square foot with all due respect to Mr. Goman is a completely irrelevant thing. This place has been for sale for years and years. Let the market determine its value. Not
us. Don't let us be the first person to pay three or four times by the time we're into it and make it occupied. So I would >> I I would love to have the building, but I'm not willing to pay $1.8 million for
it nor turn around and put $2 million back in it to a renovation. I think we would be we would look stupid uh to the taxpayers of the city of Eustace if we try to do something like that. The building across the street, I say we enter to talks and try to get
that building. Uh there's a lot that could be done u with putting staff in there, maybe moving water customer service over there. it would have a drive-thru um and then sell that building on the corner if we could um because that would give us off enough
office space. There's some things we need to look at. Sharpsmart needs to go away. >> It's the biggest cancer in our city. >> And I'm sorry to the owners of that, but it's got to go away. If we're going to become the city that we want to be, that's got to go away. So, and if we put
all this money into this building downtown, >> we're we're we're sinking the boat. >> And I would have liked to buy the My Favorite Things directly behind us. I I remember I had mentioned it to Commissioner Hawkins that it was up for sale. That's all I said. And uh I I
think that was a steal, uh good deal, a market deal, 75 bucks. We should have grabbed it and and everything. I think this Wells Fargo uh building uh in the in the uh to be transparent to you now that uh the
city manager has brought it up, I helped him purchase that. We purchased that online in an auction. Uh the bank gave me a price for that building of nothing less than $1.8 million. And I was on the phone with George if if he was here to
the last second and he bought it for less than half of that. And he is willing now to sell it to us for his costs and what it's cost him to carry it. But there is another party who is not in any contract. And he has given me his word that he will give the city the
opportunity to move forward on that if we want to. But he needs an answer by next Friday because he doesn't want to side with us. But he prefers, and I'm speaking on his behalf, which I shouldn't, but he conveyed to me he prefers the city to own it. And I
thought that was just very noble and very respectful of him. >> Nothing else. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Questions? >> So, we have to open it up to the public.
>> All right. All right. Um, >> you have three minutes, Mr. Vanzo. >> Good evening. Daniel Donanzo, local business owner. Um, I really like the direction of the conversation. Uh, I'm very familiar with both the properties. I was uh I was actually, you know, you
know, Bob um that had the Bank of America building. I will tell you um I absolutely do not believe the city should own lakefront property right there. I think if you look at the back of this building, it does not read well in the park. I think we need to look for somebody to pay market value for that
building, which I can assure you will not be 1.8 million, and they're going to have to open it up because the building faces Bay Street, but we would really, it would really make a difference to have it face the rear. When I bought the, uh, Grand Magnolia, uh, which is
basically now where Magnolia Breeze is, all of the windows on the backside were blocked over because it was a furniture store. And what happened is what I did is I opened all those windows up. So now the building has a, you know, facing the lake there. I want to talk about the Wells Fargo building. The Wells Fargo
building is a good deal. Um, I actually have been in there. I have the floor plans. Mr. Gman, you're incorrect. The building is two floors and it has an elevator to the lower floor. It's 15,000 square feet and it has over 60 parking spots um, with regard to the land. And
that's an incredible opportunity. And you know what else? George Warren paid me to gut the building. So, it's basically a clean slate and it's actually a spectacular structure. Very very well built. Um, I actually think the lower level could be could almost be
a bomb shelter. Um, but there is an elevator that goes to it. The only thing George didn't do is he didn't pay me to remove the safe. Um, there is a safe in there. >> George Warren, not me. >> Yeah, George Warren. Exactly. George Warren. I'm sorry. >> I wouldn't pay you anything. >> I I refer you to as Mr. Asbach. >> I wouldn't pay you anything.
>> Yes. Anyway, so uh it's a great location. You know what else is nice? This is a neocclassical structure that's kind of a revivalist over there. The, you know, they got the colonade out front. It's right across the street. I like the idea of city vehicles being
over there and not next to this building next to our our uh you know retail area. And also I don't see city vehicles being parked along the lake. I think that would be a much better location. also planning. You know, when you get a clean
slate, you can get and by the way, the architect has already agreed um he'll forward all the CAD drawings that he's done for George Warren on that building, which means that if you want to get a quick start, you you're already there because the building's already been drawn and then you can adapt it. So then
your redevelopment time frame is going to be much quicker to go into the Bank of America and try to redevelop that building. Right now you're going to be a year a year in drawings before you ever decide what you want to use it for. And then we come to Eustace Street. You know what Eustus Street needs to be? That needs to be extension of our retail area
because if we're ever going to get anywhere, what is our growth? North Eustace and South Eustace. I got to go. I just hope that this is a no. It needs to go on the market. They need to break out the two parcels and they need to see what they can get. >> Up.
Do we have anyone else in the audience that would like to speak on this item? >> Joshua. >> Joshua wants to speak on the item. >> No. Okay. Um All right. We have the representatives. Did you want to say anything?
>> I'll introduce myself. Certainly. >> Madame Mayor, members of the commission. Uh my name is Addie Goss. I'm here as a proxy for my mother, Addie Goss, and my late father, Robert Goss, who owns properties. Uh we've lived in Eustace for 25 years. I moved about a year ago
with uh my husband and my child to Orlando where we run a law firm. Um I'm certainly not here in uh an attorney uh position, just here proxy to hear the comments of the commission and see how the vote goes. Thank you so much for your consideration. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? >> All right. Seeing none, I will close public input and give it back to you, Madame Mayor. >> Any questions or discussions on the commission? I was uh I was
leading but hearing that there may be another possibility. I think it's something we need to kind of take. The only thing I don't like is and I would like for us to control the
waterfront, but we we have to choose our battles. >> Question. >> Nope. I'm ready to make a motion if you're ready. Uh uh Madame Mayor, >> just a minute. Tom, you had something? >> Yeah. So, we will uh we will move
forward uh in inquiring with Mr. Warren uh advanced discussions on the um Wells Fargo building. Uh the other question I wanted to ask is are if I could get a clarification are we not interested at
all in the Bank of America building or is there a certain price where we would be interested? Just so we can we can tell if we are not interested then we can tell the sellers we're not interested please move on with other options. uh or if there is a price at
which we are interested, we would need to know that. So, that's the clarification I'd like to hear. >> In my opinion, if we could get a a price on that building that's reasonable and get both of them, >> but it's all about price. >> Yeah, we certainly can't do it. Not 1.8 million.
>> I'd love that to be a parking lot. The building needs to go. It's half woodframe. It needs to go. Uh it's it's full of safes. It's full of all that stuff. I had budgeted way over a million just in minor stuff. So everything for the right price should we have it? It's a small piece though. It's a small
piece. I love I love that sharps park. Um Mr. Gleman said our number one thing. So we need a priority and I thought we did that with with with Go. But yeah, I think there is a price but now is not the pri time time to start that. So that's that's another
day. But yes, madam. I I personally believe at the right price it makes sense. >> Yes. I I agree. Like price it makes sense. >> Yeah. For uh for me, I think we need to focus on something that's better better suited for what we're trying to do. And
I don't think that one's it. >> And I don't think the price that would make sense to us will ever make sense to them. >> So, >> with that in mind, if I so may, I'm prepared to make a motion uh if you would allow. >> We've already closed public input. It's up to the madam uh mayor if she would
like to hear from you after closing public input. >> I think we need to move on. We need to move on. >> So I move forward. >> George is trying to make a motion. Yeah. >> Ma'am, may I make a motion uh to deny deny resolution 2620 uh for the approval
and sale of the acquisition at both 100 North Bay Street and the 200 both and in addition the third parcel that accesses through Bay Street. Second. Okay. First and second roll call. Commissioner Holland. >> I.
>> Commissioner Ozbody. Hi, >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi, >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi, >> and and I want to say this. I know they're sitting here and I want them to hear it at the right price.
And the market so far over a course of years and years dictates that it would be a beautiful parking lot for us on that side, but today is not the day to talk about it. We need to move on. So, >> and I always have the option of contacting Tom >> respond to
>> not now. Not not not today. >> Get with Tom, please. >> City manager. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. We'll keep moving on. Or did you want to take Well, we've hit um 8:20. >> Um >> did you We still have quite a bit of
business left. >> Will the commission you want to keep? >> Do we? We only have um everything else was struck out from >> No, we have a few more. We got a lot there. >> Yeah. >> All right, let's go. >> I I would like to go ahead and and ask
uh Tom and uh to get with the mayor or with George. It's up to the mayor to go ahead and start negotiations with George Warren. >> I don't want that to fall through and there there to be a problem with us being left behind on that deal.
>> I think it's also true of the Bank of America. I think she's trying to say something, but I would prefer again that she contacts if you guys have a different thought about it. Um, please contact Tom. >> Well, I was just going to offer a response to insurance. >> Yeah, that's not at this point.
>> We have to please visit with Tom and we'll go from there. >> Mayor, if you don't mind though, if you would get with Tom and if if and the only reason I said George is George knows the numbers on that building so well, but you all work it out. I'd like to see somebody work with city staff to
get that moving forward sooner than later. >> Okay. I'll defer to Georgina's script for the general list. >> All right. If everybody else is okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Let's move. >> Good to move on. Okay. >> So, we have resolution number 2026-27,
a resolution by the city commission of the city of Eustace Lake County, Florida, approving the employment agreement between the city of Eustace and Rick Garrick as set forth in exhibit A. Is Karen presenting on this item? >> I um I've got a I'm sorry, Karen. Did
you want to I just have a brief introduction. Okay. >> Uh and then I will turn it over to commission for discussion. Uh so before you you had given us direction uh to bring um an agreement before you uh with
Rick Eric uh to be the city manager of Eustace. Uh before you you have uh the resolution and the agreement. Um, the agreement includes things such as salary, severance, and benefits. >> Um, at this point, I would turn it over to
the city commission for uh discussion. >> Okay. Are there anything that Karen wanted to add or no? No. >> Okay. >> Commissioners, >> I have a couple comments. when uh if
everybody wants to go first. I I I do I I I do have some comments to make. >> Um in the interest of being transparent, I have met with Rick. I have been um out of contact for the practically the last
two weeks. Um Rick is our Tom Brady. He's an MVP. He's a fantastic,
educated, knowledgeable person. We are lucky to have him in the city and we need to do whatever we can to try to reasonably use him in the best interest of our city, in the best interest of our community.
With that being said, we have an obligation and a process to what we do and a process is practiced everywhere and is the best practice standards for municipalities in the replacement of a city manager. And that
is that it has to go out for us to see what is out there to put in all the options in front of us and as a board uh make a determination of what the best option may be for the city and
that is what needs to be done. Um and I encourage that he be involved in that process. Um, and being that done, with that being said, I would want to see him be our interim
city manager immediately without affecting any of Tom's remaining uh, pay or monies or zero impact I want to anything with Tom. his ability, his offering to stay and help us to the
bitter end and his answering the phone calls at any time shows you what a guy he is outside of his outside of his capacity. So I would be in favor of him uh becoming the interim city manager
immediately us going into the process of uh doing the searches and if the searches determine to us that he is our best choice as us five decide then so let it be. he would have made it here on his own merits which are strong
experience, global experience. Uh but he needs to remain part of this city and we need to protect him that if something else and somebody else ends up being selected by here, this guy has to stay here. He has to stay here. He is our franchise
player. I would suggest that we um work with him. He he had an intim contract that he was working on and then it got flipped. Get that back up and on the March 5th meeting. We need to put him in place
and uh he will work with Levy. Phenomenal. Levy loves him. Um we all love him. We all love him. I have never had a staff member, a director, anyone say he isn't a good uh uh contributor to our community. There are qualifications
and there are questions and there are concerns. So let's let the market determine that. Let's see what's out there and that is our responsibility. So I would I would want to see us enter into an interim contract with him and if at the end we want to uh go with him
that's always up to us. >> I agree. I after rethinking um and I did also have a meeting recruit um after the last meeting and rethinking I uh I came to the same conclusion. We we owe it to the citizens. We have to we have to go
out and make make sure that we're getting we're getting the best and Rick is phenomenal and he'll be part of that process. But we we do owe it to our to our citizens to do that. Could
we get is it possible to get feedback when >> of course I think you should be entitled to speak? Absolutely. He is our hopeful leader for the interim. >> So originally this came up as interim.
Um, I had discussions with everybody and and a concern I had was how effective with really pushing our initiatives can you be in an interim role in a short-term role. And that spurred the second series of discussions and it was
like, yeah, go forward with the the city manager, the permanent position. And that's where we were at the last meeting. I went back, prepared the contract for that, read it through the attorney, um, got their comments and
that's what came to you today. Um, there were some discussions. I was concerned about a interim role and just the effectiveness with the understanding of my
understanding of of where you wanted me to take this and can I be effective in the short duration and then as we do bring someone else in be able to go back into my role and
still be effective with the other directors. ers in in running their capital programs. >> I think you're one of the most respected, if not the most respected uh in the categories of what you do. Um I I think if you end up going back to your
role, I don't want to see you go back to your role. I want I see you as our Roberta. I see you elevate Robert. Roberta, that was I'm just playing with her. I see you as the capital guy. I see you driving the trails through this town. I see you driving the redoing of
the storm water that is just ripping us apart. Um, so um, and you are not a shy guy. So you will call the ace where you see it and you'll call it how it is. And if the staff doesn't respect you for that, that's okay as we do.
>> Okay. Now, let's let him finish. >> I'm sorry. Yes. >> Well, he asked the question so I answered. So, but yeah, and and I met with those that were available earlier this week and had a discussion and at
that point I shared my concerns and really didn't want to look into an interim role just because I don't think I could meet your expectations. um had some more consideration, thought about it, and I would consider an interim
and to be able to keep it moving. I don't know there are still some concerns and even as we spoke with Dr. Levy, one thing to me, we have to get pushing on a strategic plan. His recommendation is wait until you have the city manager on board
>> and otherwise it's it's that is something that I would be pushing knowing that I could be handing this off in whatever that duration is 6 months to a year. Um honestly I see it in my best
guess it's going to be to the end of the calendar year before we get a decent applicant in. um I'm willing to undertake it. So I I will do my best to push the initiatives that we have with the
constraints as as interim and if if they end up not being as as constricting as I you know would thinking it could be, we'll be able to make some good ground. So,
but I I've been here since 2008 and um you are probably one of the best employees we've had and I don't want to take any chances of losing you at all. Like George said, you are our superstar. Um
I would love for you to be in. I do want to open it up and and go ahead and get a company in to start working. I would hope even as intram you would apply for that position. I I um I think you have every ability to do it. You definitely
have the education. You have every bit of the engineering backgrounds that we need as a city. Um but I think to be to to serve the citizens in the proper way, we do need to open it up. Um, and I've
made a lot of phone calls over the last few weeks, and I didn't get a chance to meet with you because of work schedule. I've called a lot of people with the League of Cities. I've called a lot of different cities. Um, and their recommendation was for us to open it back up. Um, but if you take the
interim, I want to take the handcuffs off. You're running the city. Okay. I think that's a that's a problem that we make a lot of times as we try to step in as commissioners and try to dictate to the city manager or to an interim with
what goes on. I want to take the handcuffs cuffs off and let you and Miranda work and do the things that you need to do to make this the place that's going to be good for the next city manager whether that's you whether it's Miranda or whether we find somebody else
to bring in. So that's my recom that's what I would like to see done. You have every bit of my support and I'll do everything I can to help you succeed. And I am a full believer that it's going to be a year to a year and a half that you're sitting in that position as an
in. >> Okay. Great. >> Thank you, sir. >> Vice Mayor, >> I already said I I agree. We should we should open it up. And nothing against you, Rick. It's just I think it's the best. It's the best for the for the son.
>> No, I um I met with Rick and um and we all we're all impressed with it. Uh you know, he he took a project that everyone thought would take months and he had it done within
a couple of weeks if >> Yeah. Yeah. Less than that. Uh what he's done with our uh public works team you know, over the course of time he's been here, he's he's supervised and managed like 41%
of our staff. Uh, so we know you have the potential and the ability uh uh to be a great city manager, and I would love for you to be it, but listening here, I think that the interim is probably going to be the way
that that it goes. Even though I would love for you to be uh our city manager, um I think that when the rest of us are sleeping, you're thinking about what you can do to move this city forward and it
shows. You know, you talked about trails, uh you talked about concrete, uh you talked about, uh you know, different things. So, this this city is your heart. So, I see that. I get that. Um, and I'd love for
you to be our our interim. U you know, I'd love for you to be the permanent. I'd love for you to be our in. So that's what I'm saying. >> I stand in agreement with everyone and um I feel emotional about it because
it's what I really think we need you. And as I said last meeting, we need to get going. We need to be focused. we need to stay on the track while since we're on it and keep going and I believe that you can help us do that until we get where we need to be. also think
about the um resignation of the the president of the college of of Lake Sumpter and um the um foundation director was offered the interim position and you know what she did both
of them so well her she kept that going the foundation in that the search committee went out and came back and said you got it right here no all the people we interviewed whatever we saw she is the best that we should have for the college and I believe that's what will happen with you. >> Absolutely.
>> So, I'm I'm pleased. Thank you so much, Rick. >> But I I I I want to second what uh what Mike said. You know, if we're going to put him in that position, >> we can't sit up here and second guess what he does. >> Let him do what he needs to do. >> I don't believe he's going to wait for
us to second guess. >> I think we're going to have to rope him up. >> I also think that if we were trying to second guess it, he would tell us where to go. and and he would tell the story >> and and he and I have had that conversation and continue to be who you are. >> We know you're going to tick us off,
>> not me, >> but you and Miranda, you and Miranda do what you and Miranda are paying to do, and that's to run this city. >> So, great. >> Thank you. Mayor, I I make a motion to uh have you and the city attorney go ahead and work
out a contract uh to offer Rick as our income city manager and to instruct staff to go ahead with a company uh to start the search for a new city manager. >> Okay, great. >> Um before the second, I just want to add to that. That's great. I just want to
add to that that I would like to see um that contract up before us in the next meeting. I saw there was an effective date on the last one. U but I wanted I would love to have an effective date at that comm next commission meeting as soon as we pass it. And I do not want
any impact on Tom's pay, his loyalty to stay here as long as we can and my assurance and knowing and guarantee to you that he will always be wherever he can support our city. >> Yes. >> So
>> I make that part of my motion. George, >> you said effective. We have a March 12th. Did you want it as of March 12? >> I want you guys to negotiate what makes him happy and uh come to us. I would suggest you email to all the commissioners for our individual review
and if there's a problem we can and we're coming to that meeting and I'm expecting him to leave here in that meeting as as our acting city manager. Okay, >> let's get rolling. >> I have a draft contract for >> you. He's ready. I mean, >> boy, that's a surprise.
>> And you have all the trails drawn out. I understand. >> We actually do. So, yeah, we're good. >> And Dr. Levy will is scheduled. I guess we've engaged him. >> That's what I wanted. Well, I that's in my notes. Okay. Come to that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, we got we've got a second.
>> We use the same resolution as just add that to to the motion. We'll use the same resolution for number for your interim. >> Okay. >> So, I made a first short and second. >> Second, please. Yes. >> So, it's been moved and second. Roll
call. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi, >> Mayor Lee. >> I One second. >> Tom wants to say something.
>> I'm sorry. I just want to uh bring to everyone's attention that we had already engaged strategic government resources. We had put them on hold. Um we're going to re-engage. And if you remember, one of the next steps was they wanted to
meet with each of you to put together the ideal candidate profile. And so we're going to uh be in touch very shortly about scheduling those meetings and get you working with them to to put together that profile, get together the
marketing materials, and then uh if it's the will of the commission, which it sounds like it is, uh get it ad advertised. So, we're going to re-engage strategic government resources. Karen Karen was already working with them. Uh she'll re-engage and we'll get moving on it.
>> Okay. All right, we have for first readings ordinance number 2024-05A, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, repealing ordinance number 24-05 and adopting a replacement ordinance
providing for the voluntary annexation of certain real property into the corporate limits of the city of Eustace pu pursuant to section 171.044 044 Florida statutes. Providing legislative findings and recitals, providing for incorporation of a complete meets and
bounds legal description and location map, providing for filing and notice requirements, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. Want to present again? Chef, >> we don't really have a presentation with
this. This is a repeal of ordinances that were passed in 2024 and a replacement with the 20240 XAS. Um there are no changes other than the ownership. Um if you pull that back
up because I can. Grand Island Admix LLC is the current owner of the property. Previous was was the Susan Venel Trust. um as it was originally adopted. So, the only changes to all of the ordinances
are basically the new signature dates um for approval and the addition of the full legal description versus the truncated legal description that were in the originals. Would you like to see the maps or as any additional part of this presentation?
No, >> we're just voting to repeal >> repeal and replace. And this is the property up at the corner of of um >> fish camp and 44. >> And is there water and sew? What are they going to do with that property?
>> Uh I think there is only water available there right now. It is intended to be commercial. It came in as an MCR as a mixed commercial residential. All the we've actually had a pre-app discussion with them I believe for commercial out
parcels. And I think when this came up, I met with Mike and he said that uh the forest man was like way down. >> Uh I think there the entrance to Grand Island. So kind of directly across it's in the millions. >> Yeah, it's a ways away.
>> And it's consistent with what's on the other side. What's across the street? Oh, the grocery store. >> Across the street is the shed folks and storage. Um, and then I think it's Dollar General >> and 7-Eleven is on the south side. Yeah.
>> I don't know. I don't see. I mean, we have to repeal it, right, Sasha? >> Yes. Well, and >> it's the replace part. I just wanted to know. So, yeah, I'm fine with that >> because we're missing um >> an alt key. So, we need to >> No, the legal descriptions were truncated
>> um in the original adoption. >> Um, >> let me Google that. >> Yeah. and and the new meets and bounds legal descriptions are included within the ordinance based on survey um language write written writing. Sorry. >> Yep. >> It's getting late and I'm starting to get very
>> Yeah, it is loopy. >> Okay. Any other questions on this item? >> Would anyone in the audience like to speak on or ordinance number 2024-05A? Seeing none, I will close public input and give it back to you, Madam Mayor. Madame Mayor, I move approval of
ordinance number 24-05. >> Second. >> Have a first and a second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Asody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I. Second set of this is ordinance
number 2024-06A, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eucus Lake County, Florida, repealing ordinance number 24-06 and adopting a replacement small-cale amendment to the city of use's comprehensive plan pursuant to section 163.3187
Florida statutes providing for legislative findings and recital changing the future land use designation of certain real property generally identified by the Lake County alternate key numbers 1213355 5 and 123347 providing for incorporation by reference
of a complete meets and bounds legal description and future land use map amendment on file with the city clerk providing for severability and providing for an effective date. Um do we have any additional questions on this one for Jeff? No. Anyone in the audience wishing
to speak on this ordinance? >> Seeing none, I will close public input and back to you madam mayor. Madame Mayor, I move approval of Warrants 24-06A. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> I.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> Next is ordinance number 2024-07A. An ordinance of the city commission of the city abuses Lake County, Florida, repealing ordinance number 24-07
and adopting a replacement ordinance assigning a design district designation to certain real property generally identified by Lake County alternate key numbers 1213355 and 1213347. Providing for legislative findings and
recital. providing for incorporation by reference of a complete meets and bounds legal description and design district map on file with the city clerk providing for severability and providing for an effective date contingent upon annexation. Any questions for Jeff on this ordinance?
No. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? Seeing none, I will close public input. >> Mayor approval of ordinance 24-07A. >> Second. Now the first and second roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I. >> Next, we have ordinance number 2026-05.
An ordinance of the city of Eustace Lake County, Florida, approving a conditional sign permit for the existing freestanding sign located at Burger King restaurant at 1909 State Road 19 North allowing a maximum height of 42 feet and
89 square foot sign cabinet, authorizing the city commission to establish conditions of approval at adoption, including but not limited to beautifification or maintenance commitments, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing for an effective Mr. Lane,
>> good evening. For the record, Mike Lane, development services director. I don't want to belabor this issue. I I will just share with you that I did reach out to Mr. Alvarez, the uh the Burger King franchisee, and uh we did have a good conversation. they have agreed to not
only uh expand their maintenance and landscaping, uh they they're going to uh I guess get their crews to start maintaining the the rightway there. You know, if you'll notice in the past, there's been some really tall tall weeds
in those ditches. So, they're they're adding that to their maintenance. Now, now we talked about flowering pots. The interesting thing is is that that he he pretty much said that look with with the as as hot as it really is, it's really kind of difficult for them to to
maintain flowers all year round. So, uh they are exploring right now some flowering plants. you know, maybe some purple plants and and you know, they may not have all the flowers uh that uh that we had asked for that, but they are looking at at trying to to mimic
something very similar to what you see on on on the screen. >> Well, also we can get Tim to work with them and help them select what might be >> more. I I think that they're they're very receptive. Unfortunately, he he wasn't able to be here tonight, but he
did just uh want me to share with you guys that that they're they're certainly welcome. to to work with us on on whatever we would like them to to work on. So, >> that's really pretty. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I worry about those dying. So, you guys got to pick something that's going
to last us for a long time and make it good. But I I just so happy when we can take a negative and turn it into something awesome. >> The negative and turn it into something awesome. So, >> anything further on this item? Would anyone in the audience like to speak on
ordinance 2026-05? Seeing none, I will close public input and give it back to you, Madame Mayor. >> Madam Mayor, I move approval for 25-05. >> Second. >> First and second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Obott. >> Hi.
>> Vice Mayor Ashkra. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. The remaining items are removed from the agenda. So we'll go to other business and I have a brief
presentation. Okay. Um you may recall we had uh talked about some surplus residential lots and what to do with those maybe um partnering with Habitat for Humanity etc. And um the vice mayor was designated as our contact for that. So
we've had some meetings um and essentially we're looking at an affordable home ownership initiative. um the legislative purpose and public policy findings that allow for this um basically we'll say most of these are in
the CRA um component of the city. So we will have a declaration of surplus residential lots um these are currently vacant and under uh Florida law. the disposition uh will take place pursuant to Florida law which requires that we advertise that. And
we're also going to put out an RFP to ensure that we have um qualified um programs applying uh for those particular lots to build homes on. Um the goal of course is to provide
affordable home ownership and um which would be the advanced uh recognized public's purpose and to provide an increase in taxable value for the municipality. Right now we have about just four or five lots and I'll go through those. Um
so the program structure um would be through competitive solicitation. The commission of course sitting as a CRA board would authorize the RFP issuance. Um eligible applicants would be um qualified 501c3 affordable housing
providers. This would be um they would be required to have a mandatory partnership with a licensed residential builder because we would not be building the homes. We're looking for um them to apply tiered criteria um as far as affordability. We
want to give a range to not be too exclusive. Um, and this would require a 30-year recorded affordability covenant. The protections for the city here um and enforcement mechanisms, we would
essentially convey the land to um the partner that gets chosen. Uh it would be done through a development agreement and we would have those restrictions recorded. They'd be required to have a building permit within nine months of the deed being recorded and a
certificate of occupancy would be required within 18 months. They failed to perform um then we would essentially get the property back. Um impact fees would be deferred to closing, but we would not be waving those so that we can
continue uh to preserve that revenue for the city. the uh fiscal and operational impact. Uh conversion of non-performing vacant lots would be improved to taxable property. Uh there would be no financing exposure
because we would not be involved in the construction or even in the qualification of the um homeowner. All of that would be administered by the nonprofit partner. That's why they would have to be qualified for that. And we would of course um retain the ability to
audit and enforce any of those rights. These are the lots that we um have available. This one on Gold Street. Um we have one on Getford. There's actually two there. That's one and two.
Um has a different address. And then one on Pinkney Street right up there. Uh all of these uh we've submitted title searches for and confirmed ownership. So this is essentially the framework of the
program. We're trying to keep it um straightforward. We publish essentially what's available online, put out those RFPs, look for those partners um and really reduce the time for staff um to be involved in that as far as u you know
having to continue to monitor it. That's why we want to make it so that it's really on the partnership that we establish. So, this would confirm the framework of the policy as far as disposing of surplus lots. Um, it authorizes the preparation of a formal
resolution where we would declare those lots that I just showed you as surplus lots. And then um it would also allow us to issue an RFP that is compliant for um CRA advertising as well as partners that qualify for
this particular program and we would be coming back to you for final approval upon completion of the required notice period of who we get to apply for the lots. >> Is it is it possible? and uh and I don't know if I I missed it in all of this. uh
I don't even know if it's even possible uh to make uh you know like first time first responders uh a part of this you know we have teachers you know police officers you know nurses
is that possible to make them uh you know the primary focus on this >> they can be included as if that's if that's the will of the commission if they want if you want to get preference uh preferential treatment.
Now, we don't want to get too >> I don't you don't want to get too far in the weeds, >> right? Because we don't want to discriminate against others that, you know, may qualify because initially we were looking at the affordability component. That's why we went up as high as 120. So, we're we're not excluding >> because I'm looking at, you know, we
have teachers that are working two and three jobs. >> Uh affordability there. you know, we have police officers that I mean, one, it would help them and it helps the neighborhood. So, >> now we we could look at giving a
preference, I guess, on a tier system of of if you're if you're a resident of us >> um that's a point in your favor as far as uh being eligible for the program versus not living here. but they, you know, they would still have to qualify
independently and we all of that as far as um the financial component and and down payment and all that would all be handled by the partnership that we enter into. >> Um >> I think that well me I I like it but I
I'd love to see something for you know firsttime responders. I'd also like to make sure that they're used as residents rather than someone from Orlando coming and claiming the land land. We could have make sure as much as possible that
they our um residents have used this. >> I think it should be useless only. >> Well, we run into discrimination at that point. That's why we can give a preference point, you know, for useless residents. um we don't want to get into housing
discrimination issues but we can include that there. Uh now as far as the other component, you know, if there's a specific profession, how does the rest of you feel about that? We can kind of include it in
there. Madam, I I I I'm sorry. I'm sure everybody else knows this, but I I don't I have not been able to review the package like I normally do because of being out. What lots are you talking about? Is are they in the package? I've
been looking through. You >> just showed them. >> Just those right there. >> There's There's just Yeah. four five lots right now. >> These are the five. >> Let's tell people what's up. Let's get it going. So, I'm waiting to hear from the rest.
>> Yep. >> It looks good. >> I mean, I I mean, I like it the way it is because I helped put it together. >> Well, I mean, and you did a good job. >> And I just I mean, we should let whoever partner we deal with, let let them qualify the people. And I don't think we shouldn't we shouldn't exclude anybody.
If they they qualify income wise, they're going to be useless residents anyway because it's going to be inside the city of Eustace. And the whole the whole goal of the program was to take these mod lots that we have had on our books for how many years now, ladies and gentlemen? >> Too long. >> And just do something and and and just
do something good with them. That's all it is. Just do something really good with them and let a let a partner come in that does affordable firsttime home buyer housing and just do do some goodwill with them. So >> yeah, that's where >> and and they would bring in people.
That's why I didn't want to exclude anyone. Also the there are uh the development agreement itself with the with the partner um has restrictions in it. I mean they can't just there's resale restrictions. They have to occupy it as their primary residence. I mean we're we're looking to have them as
youth residents >> and and I spoke I spoke to one one partner that I mean background checks are mandatory for this for this program. So um you know we're covered with with with all of that. I'd like to see and uh Carrie, you did a
great job, but I'd like to see a a point system, you know, but you know, if you're useless residents, you get points. If you're a first-time responder, you get points. So, but that's me. >> I just need consensus from you guys so that I know what we need to include as
far as the criteria. >> So, what do you think about the point system? Gary Gary put it together. Gary, what do you think about the point system? >> I mean, I'm I'm fine with it the way it is. I mean, I I just it >> fine with it means yes. Point system means >> No. No. Fine the way it is. Let the
partner qualify the people that are going to come in there. I mean, they they have a waiting list now. I don't know how long. So, this is just opens up another another opportunity to give housing to five five other families.
Okay. >> Package. >> You all in agreement to >> I mean, I'll def I'll defer to Gary, but I just gave my input. >> I I like what what Commissioner Hawkins
said. You know, I have a a a heart for some of that, but uh let's just go. Let's just move forward. He's doing it. Run with it, Gary, in my opinion. And and and get them filled. Get them used to his people. take care of them and let's do what we were told five years
ago to do, focus on infill. >> Let's get a motion for approval. >> So, I make a motion to approve um >> I just need consensus. >> Consensus. Okay, great. So, >> consensus move >> but point system or no point system? No
point system. Okay. So, then we will come back with the um resolution and our fee for approval. >> Okay, >> that was it for my presentation. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Okay. Um, let's talk about future agenda items and comments.
Um, let's start with Commissioner Office. >> Okay. >> You look at me. Can I try not to because I'm used um on the 28th
uh uh right after the parade uh the Daughters of the American Revolution uh they're dedicating a uh a little library there in Baron Park. Uh the little library is and it'll be next to the the the playground
uh is where they have free books. uh for kids to come and get a book and and uh you know take it home to read it and and they'll replace it. They'll take care of it. Uh the little library is being built by the construction academy at the high
school. Uh so there'll be a dedication there. Should only take about 15 20 minutes. >> Um >> after the parade, you said? >> Yeah, after the parade. Immediately following the parade. uh uh this 32nd annual
uh African-American Heritage uh parade and festival happening uh this Saturday morning on Bates. It's going down Bates uh ending up in Carver Park uh a change
of v venue so hopefully everyone can come out and attend. Uh, I received a um a couple of of um emails from the principles at Eustace Heights and Eustus Elementary. Uh, and I
reached out to them to find out how the uh the city manager's uh education initiative was going and glowing reviews. Um the kids are the kids are
reading more. The parents uh the parents are excited about the involvement uh the continued involvement of the um uh um the teachers, you know, outside of u the normal eight hours. Um and I think there
has been an improvement in in in some of the scores that they've seen so far. Uh kudos to to Tom and Chief uh for putting that together. Uh I think it was money money well spent. Uh I think the
teachers and the parents uh I think it was money well spent. So that's it for me. >> Okay. Commissioner has >> I have nothing.
>> She's so dramatic. No, I know. Okay. Um, Commissioner H. >> Um, just uh looking forward to all the celebrations we've got over the next week and a half and encourage all the residents to take take a look at what's
on the schedule and come out and enjoy our city. >> Yeah, it's a busy busy time for us. >> thing to contribute. Uh yeah, just just one thing with since since we're going out to look for a um
a uh city manager and with all the financial challenges we might have coming down the line, I think and I'd like to have a discussion about putting out a a search for an in-house in-house attorney for us
to see if uh we can possibly save save uh save the taxpayers any money. I'd like to see that on a discussion item for the next agenda or two. >> Okay, that's it.
>> That's it for me time. >> Uh just a couple of items. Um, we're going to get information out to you on African-American Heritage uh parade as far as staging and locations and uh
we'll get you transported to wherever you need to be and wherever you need to go. Uh, and then same for GeorgeFest. Uh, we'll get that information out to you on staging, location, and uh, back and forth. Uh, something I meant to mention uh, two weeks ago uh, but failed
to. Um we just prior to two weeks ago's meeting uh we participated in a joint meeting with the county and the other municipalities in Lake County. Uh it's been kind of a recurring I think it's quarterly uh discussion about planning
and land use and uh this one uh touched a little bit on transfer of development rights which is something we've talked about previously with the county. Uh I think uh they've hired some consultants to take a look at transfer of development rights. Uh the theory being
you preserve certain areas of the county but then you allow higher densities in other areas of the county um so that uh development happens in appropriate places at appropriate densities. So more to come on that. Uh, and then also as part of that meeting, the county has
hired a consultant to do a countywide land use analysis of um what developable land is out there and how many units can be built on that developable land and then plan out the future of Lake County as far as population growth and
development. And so, uh, anyway, uh, it was a good discussion and, uh, more to come on that. Um, and it's been a good effort. uh most of the municipalities uh continue to attend and the county uh manages the uh process and the meetings.
So uh again more to come on that um as we one thing that we may be asked by the county to do is enter into a TDR agreement with the county with the other municipalities. Uh and if we do that,
we're all going to have to work together on what needs to be preserved and what what can and should be developed. Uh so again, uh more to come on that and possibly some agreements moving forward. And that's all I have, >> Madame Attorney.
Okay. Well, I have a few things um that I'd like to address. First of all, I want to know what dates have been established for workshops with Dr. Levy. So we have um we have established >> we had a doodle.
>> Yeah the the working on the doodle uh I don't know have do we have a date est it's April >> the dates are due by the 27th of this month so I think we've asked commissioners to complete that doodle poll as soon as possible. >> Um I've been doing doodle polls since I got
here which isn't long. Why is this one does? You know what helps me is when I look at it and I see four of you are okay with a date, I start moving my stuff around to go on there. If we got 10 dates now and we got five people, we're going 10 different directions. So,
I want to be able to see just us that it looks like I got to change my schedule because all of you want to do it on X day. I don't want us to go 10 different ways. So, I don't know why this is a different doodle poll, but I'll move my
schedule to help. But we need to see where everyone's at. So, >> yeah, >> that's a different doodle poll. >> The doodle is is good, but I I prefer we take 10 minutes and just figure it out. >> I do, too. But then we tell everybody, go break into our house.
Well, no, we can do it like at the end of a meeting. >> Okay. >> So, >> what do you mean they're not here? They leave. You mean off the record? >> Well, off the official agenda. >> See, I'm not I'm not worried about you. Can we pick a doodle date for a future meeting off the record? >> No. >> Okay. So, just add everybody to the
doodle so we can see it, Miranda. And then we'll do it. The one I did now. >> The re Miranda Burrow is deputy city manager. The reason it looks different, we had somebody else doing this doodle poll and so I will get that fixed so that you have that option. >> They took that away from me.
>> So, you were doing it right. >> Yeah. >> Uh I Right or wrong, they took it away from me. >> So, you were doing it right. >> Yes. You were doing it in a way that is more suitable for unity. >> Yes. Yes. >> If you can get it to us, I can answer mine tomorrow immediately. >> And and you know what I like? You just
pick three dates and send them to us and we we >> don't give us too many choices. >> Don't make it so many. >> Just make it on Thursdays. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. And then um I want to thank you all tonight. I know it's been late, but I mean, we worked in harmony
and discussions, and I appreciate the fact that uh the input, and we made some tough decisions, but thank you guys. I appreciate it. And and I want to um give kudos to Ellis. She put together um with with our um
YouS and Bloom um um staff to do Valentine's for the schools. All did Valentine's. those were to go to the seniors who were in homes and everything. So there was an exchange and it was so wonderful and the kids did
such a good job and it made a lot of um home by own I say people who were living living in the homes made them very very happy. So that was a really good um project and I appreciate the effort that was made. >> She did hold back one. She told you the
one she held back. Mhm. >> I think I think she should have sent that one out. >> Yeah, it it was from one of the students and uh he had a whole different perspective on this. Let's put it that way. And I want to thank Tim. You know,
things have been looking so ugly on landscape wise. And if you in the front, he's put in the liies and and and around the corner to um of the building. And he's done Clifford House. and he's doing a wonderful job of helping us to uh kind
of wake up everything. So, um and all of the flowers that you see, he grew in he grew them in the greenhouse. >> So, that's wonderful. And um um I think that's it. I'm done. >> Madam, to follow up on the doodle poll,
um >> we were supposed to see a copy of uh the the agreement that was made with I guess the engagement of Dr. E and I never got a copy of that. Um, how long is he engaged for? What did we do? A retainer
with him. Um, where is how come we never heard about that? >> Um, I we can get you an example. We have not done a retainer agreement, but uh we have had discussions with him
on what a long-term relationship would look like. I don't know how you guys feel, but we need to lock him up because somebody else wants to take them from us. >> And I don't mind saying it on the record. Claremont wants to take him. So, um, and he doesn't have time to do both of us. So, if you guys all agree, I do,
we need to get him locked up into a retainer and get him working with us. >> Yes, >> I agree. >> Yeah, it's agreed. Yes. >> Okay. >> One of the things I just wanted to say and then we can get out of here. Keep Tim Totten in your prayers. You know, Tim has worked very hard with the city
of Eustace over the years developing programs and things. Tim has had cancer over the last couple weeks, months and has been going through chemo treatment. The last round of chemo affected his heart and he is in Waterman. So, please
keep him in your thoughts and prayers. If you want to send him a note, send it to city hall. I'll make sure that he gets those any encouragement he can get. right now would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> I know the past couple months there's been some confusion on the forfeiture fund and there were some issues and uh my fan club likes to blame me for using it as a slush fund or whatever. Um I don't write the checks. I have nothing to do with the checks. I can tell you that there's been some more confusion
with the accounts. We were never in the hole. I want to clarify that. Right now, the balances are as they did their whatever they do in finance, $31,316.32 in the federal account and $51,28.93 in the state account for a total of
$82,6625. And I'm telling you now, I'm going to give it all away to every charity to help kids get a fighting chance, whether it be for education, whether it be for church programs. So, it was never in the hole. You know, I'm just letting you know that I have nothing to do with
>> Was a mistake, an error. >> What's that? >> You were saying there was a mistake or an error in the >> Yes. I have nothing to do with finance. There's a lot of inep reporting from in people that don't know what's going on. Their hatred Their hatred for people clouds the facts. And the facts are the
chief does not have a checkbook. The chief does not write checks. The chief gets all the information from finance. And that's what they're telling me. So once again, fake news, inept reporting. These are the facts. Thank you. What about the >> Oh, no. No. We won't have that here.
Please stop. >> We're not going to do that. >> Okay. So, we call this meeting adjourned at 8. What is it? >> 8 >> 9 12 12