on Thursday, February 5th, 2026. If you would like to join us, I will give the invocation and pledge of allegiance will be done by Commissioner Asbati. Please join us by standing. Dear God, as we come together in this
meeting, we are humbly ask for your presence among us. Grant us clarity of thought and understanding as we discuss the matters at hand. Help us to make decisions that align with your will and bring about positive outcomes for our community. May our discussions be filled
with respect and collaboration and may we work together for the betterment of our city. Heavenly Father, when we come to the end of this meeting, we offer our thanks and praise to you. Thank you for your presence with us and for guiding our discussions. We ask for your blessings upon each participant as we
depart from here. Now, the pledge of allegiance. Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance 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. >> We'll now officially call this meeting to order. Christine, is there a quorum present and proper notice been given? >> Yes, Mayor >> Tom, is there an agenda update? Yes. Uh
we uh the proclamation declaring February Black History Month and recognizing the 32nd annual African-American Heritage Celebration, we'd like to move that to the second meeting in February. Um and then also um
I would like to propose um adding a discussion item under other business, which we actually don't have any other business on this agenda. So add other business and add a discussion item about the uh city manager position so that we
can get some direction from the commission on that. Uh and that that's all I have. >> Okay. So now we'll move on to um audience to be heard. Tom, >> I do not have any cards. Okay. >> Then we'll go to the consent agenda.
>> Can you just confirm? >> I'm sorry. Is there anyone who would like to make a comment? It's a quiet night tonight. >> Okay. And so we'll go um from there to the consent agenda. >> Minutes.
>> Oh, sorry. Oh, yeah. The minutes. So, let's go to the minutes. And do I hear a motion for approval? >> Madam Mayor, I move approval of uh December the 9th, 2026 city commission
meeting. January 22nd, 2026 city commission meeting. >> Second. >> So, may we have a roll call? >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee.
>> Hi. So, now we'll go to the consent agenda. >> Presentations actually is next. >> Presentation. >> We have TAR 3.2. I'm sorry. >> Targeted industry and smart growth study presentation. >> Al, you're doing that?
>> Yes. >> Okay. I decided to start. >> Good evening, commissioners. Aladr, economic development director. So, um, >> here it is. >> Just uh by way of quick overview, um, we partnered with the, uh, economic
development administration to do a targeted industry study. The goal of that study was to identify businesses that were well matched against our resources here and would uh help diversify our economy and create jobs in sectors that would give us our econ
economy more uh stability and um uh and growth opportunities. So, um we did an RFP. Uh the winner of the RFP was Vision First. Um Grace Swope is the president and CEO of uh Vision First. He will be
talking here shortly. Uh Megan Jakamo um will also be talking uh shortly. She was the one who came to town um feet on the ground, actually spoke with the stakeholders, interviewed them. Um so she's going to do the the majority of
the talking, but uh and and just a disclaimer, uh Megan de Jakamo is not related to Tom Dejakamo. Uh just thought that might be a question. But in any event, um you know, commissioners, we just want you to know
we're working comprehensively across the full spectrum of um economic development programs. Uh we have the incubator to support our entrepreneur, excuse me, our entrepreneurial development programs. Uh you are fully supported and engaged
there. You're engaged in our small business efforts, our development efforts. Uh tonight we're bringing to you the um business of recruitment, going after those businesses to help support um and grow the economy in the
way that is consistent with your vision and your goals. So with that, let me introduce Grace Swopee uh the president and CEO of Vision First. >> Thank you, Mr. Latimer. Uh always good to see you and uh first of all uh great
to see the city commission and I want to say first thank you uh thank you for the opportunity to uh to do work for you and to partner with you on this project and with EDA uh we we are a Florida based firm and to have the opportunity to uh
do work in our home state uh is always an honor and uh a privilege to get to do that. Uh we're very fortunate that we get to do work uh as our team all over the country. Uh I'm proud of the fact that we started our business in Florida. Uh we have physical offices in
Tallahassee and we also have a physical office there uh uh just south of you there in Orlando and u with my business partner there. But uh we have a team that I'm very proud of that's uh done work all over the country. We have professionals that are not only based
here in Florida, but uh in Greenville, South Carolina, where Megan is based, uh also Jackson, Mississippi, uh Dallas, uh Texas, and Chicago, Illinois, where we have uh people from our team. The beauty is we get to see a lot of different things. Uh we get to see where
communities, uh how they approach economic development and our strategy side of the work. We also get to work with uh the workforce analytics side. And then we also do actually location advisory work and site selection and we bring that to the table. So I don't want to spend a
lot of time talking about uh uh uh the the the the uh lot of the uh not details of the report. I rather get to the details and the recommendation. So I'm going to kind of you have this in in the final uh presentation that they are in
front of you. You have some details in our final report. I just want to give you a little context and then we'll get straight to the strategic recommendations for uh industries or business sectors that we think think fit the community based on our research. So I want to be respectful of your time and
do that. Uh so one of the things that we start with is is the kind of a holistic vision just as uh Al shared with you uh we look we when we look at economic development as you do there and used you're looking at holistic approach and so we call them my vibrant communities
and so if you look at the components of a vibrant community it starts with a vision you know there's engagement there's talent there's telling the story there there's uh quality of place that you're working on but the opportunity is where we're really focused on tonight what are opportunities based on the the
the resources and assets you have and what aligns for not only just the target industries today but more some of that would be more what I call stretch goals for take targeted industries as we look at that uh when we when we look at this
we do our research u so there's a lot of research that's built in we build consensus on the front end on what what it is that you want we spent time with Al and the team uh there for the city and looking at what what what what do you need? What are you looking for? We then conduct our research. There's a lot
of analytics you'll see in the final report. Uh we believe then in data and using it, but we also believe that we have to have context and the context is stakeholder input. So that's the engagement. We spent two days there in the community, two and a half days
actually, uh getting feedback from you. We have key takeaways in there that's in the final report. you're welcome to look through that, ask us questions about that. But um that is all part of our process to get to our final report. And so when we when we do that we kind of
come away with uh you know what are what you know what are the targeted industry or the target I shouldn't say target what are the actual industry sectors today and so we look at what you have today as a place to start with and so you this this slide and there's a lot of
data on this is you know what industries are where your employment uh today where you also have uh how the the wages of those employments and then how they fit from the target standpoint. From that we build leverage points. Uh the leverage points are how do you use what you have
today and then build for the future. We look at you know traditional SWAT but then we take that SWAT use the data as I just shared uh and then build that into the leverage points. And so with that uh you then kind of bring back to the holistic viewpoint of economic
development. And so when you start looking at, you know, sectors you want to grow in, we kind of look at it for, and I I wanted to share this with you. When we look at communities and where you want to grow jobs, where you want to grow economic vitality, where you want to create economic wealth, they're
really three pillars that you kind of build that off of. You know, the market opportunities, you know, Al mentioned that about small business growth. It's making sure that you have an environment that's conducive to business startups. uh it's conducive to businesses want to
be there, do business, grow their businesses there, small medium-sized businesses. Facilitated strategies are more are things that you look at from an opportunity to build economic wealth through a facilitated strategy. Tourism is a great example of that. Your
incubator is a facilitated strategy to do that. But tonight, we're going to spend more time on what we call competitive strategies. This is where your economic development team plays its big a bigger role. It's where the you know you as a city and and part of the
local government is part of that, but it has to be led by the economic development because they're out there targeting these businesses and they do so in a way that's in a competitive environment. you want them to locate here versus another location in Florida, maybe another location outside of
Florida, but you have a competitive landscape that you have to work with to make sure that you compete for those industries. So, uh just kind of key considerations uh that we looked at when we were putting our report together for you know that the what we call these competitive strategies. We always and
I'm just going to hit on these so we can get straight to the meat. Uh the things that are very important today are certainly infrastructure and capacity. Uh when you talk about availability of power, water, wastewater availability, that's usually one of the first things that companies will ask us about
locations, they want to know the capacity. Followed secondly and very closely by that is land use and making sure that the land is suited for what they want to do and they want to make sure they comply with what the city and the vision and kind of look for a
marriage together strategic partnership and how that works. Other components that uh just real quickly are the workforce. Uh and in and when we looked at these targeted industries, we actually looked at what aligns well with the workforce that you have and and to
provide the workforce for that targeted industries. And then uh lastly, what is the market reality of it? You know, uh is understanding where you are today versus something that may be aspirational. And so, you know, if you're looking, as we we mentioned here,
high-tech and innovation, which is one of the things that you're really interested in, you it's continued to invest long term. Those are things that don't happen just overnight, but it takes a very strategic approach to build toward that. So, I hope that sets it up well. I'm going to turn it over to Megan
Jakamo. Uh Megan, if you'll now uh share with the the commission the the our targeted rec industry recommendations. >> Absolutely. Thank you, Gray. Um, hi commissioners. Uh, thank you for your time this evening. It's great to see you all again, albeit by screen. Um, I do
want to first thank you though for for your time that you took and dedicated to speak with us one-on-one when we were in town late last year to hear your input. I know your schedules are really busy. Um, but like Gray said, we do a lot of data analytics, but it's really getting
on the ground and and speaking to the thought leaders and key stakeholders in the community that really also help shape the realism and um the actual like meat of our recommendations. Um, we spoke with the chamber, we spoke with
representatives from the county as well. We also got to speak with Miss Carla who she was super lovely, a really great historian that you had there in Eustace um doing a lot of really great work in the community. So I always first want to say thank you because without that input
from y'all um we just be throwing a lot of numbers at you and that's no fun. So everything that Gray said led up to the five uh recommended target industries that fit Eustace not just on paper but also in practice.
And so I also want to say real quick, one Al, you said my last name perfectly. I am not related to your Tom de Jakamo, but coincidentally my dad's name is Tom Dejakamo. Uh so that was always a fun point of confusion when I was working
with the state of Florida back in the day. But um as you can see here, we are recommending five target industries. Um, this is about aligning growth with Eustace' values and constraints and not chasing everything. Um, so you'll see
the the five are food processing and manufacturing, information technology, which is inclusive of data centers with the caveat that I'll get to later. Um, distribution, aerospace manufacturing, and a tech for business. And really when
we were going through and looking at the data and also going through our notes from all the stakeholder engagement you know it the recommendations were really guided by one central question and that is how can Eustace grow economically without overextending infrastructure or
losing its character. So the first one is food processing and manufacturing. Um this industry is essentially res recession resilient. It's going to be one of those industries that is always needed. We're always going to need food. Um when we look back
at the most recent incident with COVID, food manufacturing was deemed an essential operation and those that means those jobs were able to keep going. You're able to keep your economy running. Um and so it's just one of those that's it's a stronghold to have in your community. There's also a
growing demand for processed specialty and healthconscious food products. And then not just for the industry as a whole, but we also looked at why it fits Eustace. And so we don't look at just the city um because companies don't look at just your city. They're going to look
at the ecosystem around it and the strength and the bench strength that you have regionally. So we also benchmarked Eustace within a 45minute drive time. And within that radius, there's over 6,500 food manufacturing jobs. Um we're
seeing uh fast local growth. So 12.6 6 annual employment growth over the last 10 years. And as well um on average uh 61,000 average wages for uh competitive waging. And so that means strong job opportunities for um residents of
Eustace but without pricing out employers. So that is still a pretty competitive average wage for businesses in this industry. We wanted to always look at this through a lens of a smart growth application. And so one of the things that we heard
when we were there on the ground is that you know water capacity is of concern. And a lot of times people will hear oh food processing or manufacturing that's a lot of water. Well not necessarily. So we took it a step further and said you know the focus really should be on low
water and low power impact uses. And those are things like dry foods, specialty foods, or even the packaging and co-acking and assembly operations. Um, but that the goal here is to avoid anything that's a high intensity or waterheavy process. Um, what this brings
though to the community is middle scale jobs with upward mobility. It's going to support your small and mid-size businesses and strengthen the local and regional supply chains. So essentially the bottom line for this recommended industry is it's going to
offer Eustace a proven scalable opportunity that builds on existing strengths within the community without overextending your infrastructure or altering your community character. The next industry is information technology. Um we heard while we were
there on the ground uh data centers is of of interest to some stakeholders. I know that might sound scary and this industry does not just mean um data centers, but there is a rising demand across the country. You've probably been seeing it um for cloud computing and and
digital services and secure data infrastructure. Um, and I know that this can be there's a lot of news about data centers and that they can be scary and use a lot of resources, but you'll see on the next slide there are certain types of those that could be a good fit.
Um, for us and are not as intensive as maybe the hyperscalers. So again, why it fits, you know, regionally there's over 22,000 uh IT jobs within that 45minut drive time radius that I had mentioned earlier. Um over time we've been seeing
the trends of the data that we were looking at. Um wage growth averaging 8.7% annually. So that's signaling high value activity in the industry in the region. Um and then also Eustace is has access to some of those other major metros but
it is a Costco competitive market compared to some major tech hubs. And then another factor is with Eustace' inland location that could support disaster resilience and operational continuity um for for some IT entities
that are looking at the Florida market but might get a little bit nervous being in more of the coastal areas and being prone to things like hurricanes. So from that smart growth application component again focusing on the fact
that we're going to be cognizant of you know power limitations and using limited amounts of water. There are lower impact digital infrastructure types of projects such as edge data centers, modular or containerized facilities or enterprise
and colllocation data centers. And the goal here is I'm not going to say, "Hey, we need to go get Eustace, the next hypers scale data center facility." No, we're saying what makes sense for y'all um and what could be a good fit while still getting into this space um but not
uh going super heavy on your infrastructure. It's going to create high wage jobs with upward mobility opportunities, strengthening that digital infrastructure, supporting all industries, and it can position Eustace for future innovation without heavy land use impact.
So again the bottom line here for this industry you know it would allow us to attract highv value investment by leveraging regional strength while remaining infrastructure conscious and being fiscally responsible. The third industry is distribution. Um
you know there's this continued expansion of e-commerce and regional delivery networks nationwide. There's high regional demand driven by uh logistics growth and some workforce turnover. And this was another stakeholder identified priority during our engagement. Um you know, y'all are
not far from the Orlando market. You're not far from I4. So when we look at that regional strength, again, there's over 52,000 jobs within the distribution industry um in that radius. Again, it's another you're another cost competitive market. average annual wages of just
under 55,000. That's well below the national average, but that creates an advantage for um employers. And so again, this could be a good location for a company that maybe wants to be adjacent to one of those major metro areas to have that distribution network,
but could stand to be offset a little bit for some cost savings. again, a really large labor pool and then um a workforce pipeline with Lake Technical College and regional partners. Again, with the smart growth application, I'm not telling you to go
get a massive distribution facility to cause a lot of traffic on your roads. We're used to focusing on smallcale and niche distribution like last mile and regional delivery, fleet maintenance and vehicle services. And then again kind of coming full circle with that
manufacturing support. Um so distribution of food, packaging and possibly some cold storage. So this would allow um this would support your local manufacturers and regional supply chains and also allow your city to participate in growth but
without heavy truck congestion overload. So this would be your opportunity to be a supporting role and not have an identity shift. So the bottom line here um this industry will be best pursued through targeted right-sized operations that support the
regional logistics while respecting the community scale. Number four is aerospace manufacturing and this could also include aviation. Um they kind of go hand inand um but you know why this one makes sense. explores
it a national leader in aerospace and defense. And y'all are kind of right smack dab in the in the middle of where that's happening. We've seen growth in advanced air mobility, commercial space, defense manufacturing. Um, and then we've been seeing these expanding supplier and support networks across
Central Florida for which y'all could be a good fit. Again, looking at that regional ecosystem is why it fits for Eustace. Over 7,100 aerospace and transportation manufacturing jobs in the region. access to those skilled trade engineers and technical professionals.
Once again, a lowerc cost alternative to major metros. And then again, also workforce training available through regional technical and aviation programs. And so again, you're not you're not on the coast right next to the Cape, so you're not necessarily maybe going to be
building rockets that far inland or what have you, but there again are some niche opportunities within this industry sector that could be a good fit for Eustace. That's the component and subasssembly manufacturing, precision machining, tooling and fixtures and composite parts. Things that are needed
in the overall aerospace supply chain, but maybe something that doesn't necessarily have to be built right on top of, you know, the Cape or where they're doing launches and whatnot. This could be a lower cost opportunity for someone to still be in the state of Florida near possibly their end
customers, but a more inland location where they could have some cost offsets. And then here, you know, the aerospace manufacturing industry can it creates a a variety of jobs, but a lot of them are high-skll, high wage. It's going to
support the skill trades and STEM career pathways in the community. And it would integrate Eustace into the state's aerospace economy. So um this is a strategic supporting role for Eustace where y'all could attract specialized high-V value operations
without the scale or intensity of some major production facilities. And last but not least, this one is my favorite. Um I'm from a rural community in Florida, so um a is near and dear to my heart. Um this is one though where I
I think a lot of people say ah we do you know agra business or a tech and and no one ever can kind of fully define what that means and I think that's because it means something different for everybody. Um so in the full report you'll see that
this recommended industry isn't just specified to one um classification code um from an industry standard. I looked at the a industry data but then also the professional scientific and technical services industries because that's the
tech side that comes in with the a and so for this you know why the industry well as we've seen technologies rapidly transforming modern agriculture there's growing demand for sustainable and efficient resilient food systems and we've been seeing a lot of strong federal and state investment in
agricultural innovation why does fitz use this we heard over and over in our um stakeholder conversations that you know there is a a is still very strong and near and dear to the hearts of of the residents of Eustace and at a
regional scale over 8,000 um agriculture and aggra businesses within that 45minute drive time supported by almost 90,000 of that scientific and technical side that would melt together to make this aggra business. It was really also interesting when we were looking at the
data that more than 80% of the local agricultural employment and uses is self-employment. So you have a really strong base of founders and small businesses from an entrepreneurial standpoint in the community and then from a wage potential. So when we're
looking at straight A, you know, maybe those jobs don't always um pay the highest. you know, regionally the average wages are around 43,000 um but they're growing 4.9% annually. And then there are also high skill roles
um like agriculture managers that make almost 100,000 a year. Another thing though that we heard a lot about when we were in the community is that y'all have that hub zone designation. Um, and y'all have the ability to align that with Lake
Technical College access to USDA, SBA, and other state funding opportunities to support a tech startups and scaling firms. But again, when we're talking about a there are certain things that require a lot of water, but then there are a lot
of other modern um applications that do not. So again, looking at something that might be more water efficient from an a innovation standpoint. There are things like the controlled environment agriculture. Those are the things like the vertical farming and green houses,
precision ag startups that uh could be supported through the business incubator that you have. and then specialty and value added agriculture tied to your local identity. So this industry has a lot of potential to preserve your agricultural heritage while still
embracing innovation. It's going to continue to encourage your entrepreneurship and small business growth and then support that sustainability and uh resource stewardship. So the bottom line of this one, you know, it's going to blend your rural roots
with future focus innovation offering that scalable growth that supports the sustainability, entrepreneurship, and economic diversity. So the bottom line here, this is an opportunity to protect your identity
while still modernizing your economy. So the key message here and I'm going to stop rambling and then open it up for questions is focus is the strategy. This is not a strategic plan. This is a smart growth analysis and a target industry recommendation. But these industries
give you three things. Choice, clarity, and confidence. And so now that success is going to depend on alignment across your departments, consistent messaging, and then using this framework to guide decisions moving forward. And so I will wrap this up by saying,
you know, this approach will allow uses to grow intentionally, creating opportunity without losing what makes your community special. And I'm going to stop sharing so I can come back and see y'all because I've only been seeing my
slide. Okay, thank you for that. So, any questions? I know I went a little bit over, but it was it's hard to wrap 43 pages of a report up in 15 minutes, and y'all had to talk to me before, so you know I'm a
talker, so I did pretty well. Do y'all have any questions for me? >> Yeah. Hi. Yeah, this is um this is Vice Mayor Gary Ashcraft. Uh thank you for that presentation. It really was uh informative. But um I think the big
question for me is how do we market these targeted industries? How >> Yep. That's a great question. So in the full report, what we also did was provide recommendations um of some
events that happen um throughout the year. of different types of conferences that Al can research and see if that's something that might be of interest to go to and maybe start doing some targeted outreach and speaking to decision makers there. Um, of course,
there's an important factor of always tracking your ROI on those. Sometimes you go to just see how they shake out. Um, but going to one year over year, if you're not seeing results, then yeah, maybe that's not the same one to go to. Um, but we do have that. So, it's kind of figuring out using the data that's in
the report to show where your strengths are to then create some marketing materials based around your strengths, then going to some of those targeted events. And you don't have to go to those alone. Um, you know, you have Florida Commerce and Select Florida that do various events. And so sometimes
there's opportunity to tag along with what they might be going to do representing the state of Florida. Um, so I also just again I was from a rural rural community and did economic development in my hometown for 5 years and I just anything the state was doing
I tried to hook on to and and find a way to do that in a costconscious way. Greg, do you want to add anything? >> Uh, yeah. So, Vice Mayor, I would also say that in addition to uh the exact recommendations of opportunities and get in front of these
businesses, as part of the marketing work that the economic development department's doing, we also provided uh key messaging based on the data that you have uh looking at the research that we have. We show where not only skills can
align for the workforce, but we give you specific selling points for that industry and how you are have a competitive advantage over others. >> Okay. Thank you. And were um were both of you um aware of
a study that was done by Lake County and our lead our lead uh department for something sim similar to this. >> Yes, sir. And then what I mean and what is really from this report
that's really just uniquely used because I see in my opinion I see quite a bit of overlap here. I think that so overlap is not bad right it means that you then have something that's complimentary that lead thinks is
also important for the community in the region overall. Um, but this report will specifically spell out why these make sense for Eustace. It's looking at your data, your selling points. So, leads looking, you know, countywide or
regionally. This is honed in on y'all. >> Yeah. in our first first meeting when we met with the team there. Uh one of the things too that was uh that was shared with us and that when we said kind of that um when we were kind of doing the uh setting the course of where we wanted
to go, it really what we were tasked to do is provide a specific work plan so to speak and how to go after these targeted industries in a very detailed way for the city economic development department had a kind of a a blueprint on how to
move forward. So it was very specifically uh taking the data that you know we look at it both statewide we look at it regional then we bring it down to the city county and the city we also put it in a way that gives alline the ability
to go target specifically for Eustace >> thank you and I believe I I might be wrong uh vice mayor but I >> tell who you are >> I'm I'm sorry this is George I was one of the commissioners I believe that uh It's really talking to Gary. Gary, I'm
George Husb. But um they uh they also do work with lead and for lead. So that was kind of part of the bringing together of all of us together. So they they uh um do quite a bit of work with lead. Am I correct in that?
>> Yes, that's correct. >> So it's a good collaboration of bringing uh bringing all that together. Mayor Lee, will we get a copy? Each individual commissioner get a copy of this report
in the packet, isn't it? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. The if if if you don't already have a copy of the report, yes, we will get you a copy. >> Okay. Thank you. I think everybody's good with the presentation.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. And thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. >> Take care. >> Thank you. >> So where do we go from here? >> What do you think, Tom?
So um we have um we had a presentation uh previously related to uh economic development marketing efforts. Um we now have some information on uh target markets. And so, uh, what I would say
is, um, we need to we need to continue working on our marketing efforts. And we're going to be bringing, um, well, I don't know if we're bringing any I know we have, uh, something in the budget related to additional marketing efforts. I don't know if that's coming back to
commission or not. Uh, but we have about $56,000 budgeted uh, for additional marketing efforts. um uh develop development of uh materials um and then uh using this information uh we can
target certain industries uh with those marketing materials. So um what I would say is uh the next step is put together materials, put together branding um to some extent look at things like logos
and taglines and then uh start hitting these uh targeted markets. Uh, one thing that uh, we've also talked to commission about is we uh, we're working with a company and I forget their name but that
company has key contacts for key people in these industries that have been identified. In other words, uh, we're getting uh, leads and contact information for the decision makers within these industry sectors. And so
again, develop marketing materials, develop messaging, and then get this stuff in front of decision makers so that um they can they can look at Eustace. Now, all of this goes along
with what what's our inventory? Where's our inventory? Do we have land? Does that land have infrastructure? Is that land available? Uh is it being marketed? And so, um, I mean, there's a there are a lot of moving parts, uh, but that's
where we're heading. >> You know, if I can, uh, say something just a little bit, she mentioned, um, she mentioned going to conferences to promote Eustace and economic development. I say it and I I uh I just did that in
October and nobody wanted to see the value in it then. How about how about now? Well, I one thing that I would say is um I think they're they're recommending that we go to targeted events. So events related to >> uh aggra business or events related to
>> or or uh aerospace manufacturing. >> Yes, that's one of the targeted industries. >> Yeah. Okay. I was pretty impressed on a side quick thing, but that Walmart started its um drone delivery last uh last week from
the Walmart in Claremont. That was pretty uh pretty cool to see within a 5 mile radius they'll deliver uh within 30 minutes. I think 30 minutes deliver something to you. I think what the what city manager said
is very very on target as far as uh inventory availability. Keeping my thumb on the real estate side of of of stuff, we don't have any uh warehousing in our city. Um the Cobbs have done what
they've done and uh they sold one of their pieces, two of them. They built warehouses and they're almost completely full overnight. So, we definitely have a shortage um of of u of places to put them. So, we got to that's got to move
before we get them here. That's it for me. >> Any comments? Okay. So, we'll move on then. >> Yes. You'll we'll we'll work with Al. uh
Al is going to be spearheading uh our marketing efforts uh getting information related to those targeted industries inventory and so again that's all got to come together and we will um we'll be reporting back to you on that. >> Okay. >> Will we have an opportunity to see
before you get before you go out and spend that 56,000 on what a scope and and what's going to be in that or is this something uh we can be involved in? >> Yeah, I mean we'll we'll figure that process. I mean, we have we have a procurement process in place, we will
follow that procurement process, but because this is so high-profile and something the commission is very interested in, we'll keep you engaged. >> And does that apply to you? Were you thinking about the 56,000? And I was wondering about like when she talked
about materials, branding, logos, and taglines and all of that. So, is that something we would participate in and be a part of? Yes, we'll come here to engage. >> Something I would like to be so we can prioritize some of the input as to where some of that should go and what should
be u most important first. >> Okay. All right, then let's move on to the ordinances. Attorney Sasha, >> well, we actually have the consent agenda next. >> Do we need a consent for this? >> No. Um, we did audience to be heard
before the presentation. So, item five, consent agenda. >> Oh, I missed consent agenda. Okay. So, let's go to consent agenda and uh looking for a motion to approve. >> So, move. >> Second. >> Okay. We'll have our first and second. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner As >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> Okay. Now it's your turn. >> It is correct. Um and just a reminder since we have we don't have a full
commission we'll be requiring straw polls for discussion once the items come back to you madame mayor. Um next we have ordinances number 26-02 03 and 04. This is second reading. We
had presentation and first reading on these items on January 22nd by Mr. Wilks. Will there be any additional presentation this evening? >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so we'll start with ordinance number 26-02, an ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Eustace, Florida, voluntarily annexing approximately 31 acres of real property at alternate key number 117309 located at 77 West Seinal Avenue. Are there any questions from the commission
for staff on this item? No. >> Would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance 26-02? Seeing none, I will close public input and I will give it back to you madame mayor for discussion on the strole. >> Okay. Any discussion on this? How straw
hold then at this point? >> I'm ready to move forward. >> Yeah, me too. >> Okay. So, yeah. >> And you need a motion. >> Need a motion. >> I make a motion to approve ordinance uh 2602.
>> Second. Okay. This been first and second. May we have a roll call. >> Commissioner Asody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. Next is ordinance number 26-03, an ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Eustace, Lake County, Florida, amending the city of Eustace comprehensive plan pursuant to Florida statute 163.3187 changing the future land use designation of approximately 31 acres of recently annexed real property at alternate key
number 117309 located at 77 West Seinal Avenue from urban low in Lake County to residential office transition in the city of Eustace. We've had presentation. Any um additional questions from commission for staff?
>> No questions. Anyone in the audience wishing to speak on ordinance 26-03? >> Seeing none, and we'll close with public input. Back to you, Madame Mayor. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> Okay. Straw pole. >> I'm good. >> I'm good. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Madame Mayor, I move approval of
ordinance 2603. >> Second. >> And first and second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Abbody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee, >> I. >> Next is ordinance number 26-04.
An ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace Lake County, Florida, assigning the urban neighborhood design district designation to approximately 31 acres of recently annexed bill property at alternate key number 1173097
West Seinal Avenue. Are there any questions for staff from commission on this one? No. >> Would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance 26-04? Okay. Seeing none, I will close the public um input component. Back to you.
>> I'm good. >> I am too. >> Madame Mayor, I move approval of ordinance 26-04. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. Mayor Lee
>> I. Now for first reading we have ordinance number 26-05 an ordinance of the city of Eustace Florida approving a conditional sign permit for the property located at the out parcel of the public shopping center at state road 19 and county road 44
Burger King number 13907 allowing a freestanding pylon sign with a maximum height of 30 ft and a sign cabinet with a copy with a copy area of 88.8 88 square ft providing for conditions of
approval providing for conflicts severability and an effective date. Mr. Lane. >> Yes. For the record, Mike Lane, development services director. This is a conditional use permit request. Uh it actually is predicated on a um a code
enforcement violation. Obviously, uh the u the pre-existing pole that's there is 42 feet. Uh the uh let me back up and just point out that the applicant is Eddie Alvarez with uh Adiser Orlando LLC representing the Burger King uh who is the property
owner of the um the site. It's an out parcel at uh at the public's shopping center at 44 and 19. Uh the um the interesting thing is is that um the um the restaurant over the
last year has undergone a renovation uh 1.25 million uh in investment. Uh the um the sign company that was hired to uh to actually uh install the new signage uh did so without a permit from the
building department. And as a result uh the uh the height remains the same as it previously was. However, the copy area was enlarged uh from the previous uh circular logo that they had up there. So um again
the code does allow uh certain circumstances for variances for signs before you uh you know in in specific or or cert certain circumstances. Uh and obviously this seems to be one. Um you
know we also u or the code also allows the u the the u the variance if if the sign blends in and is compatible with the area and uh of course um you know the u
the applicant in I guess after he received uh the violation he was quick to reach out to us and try to remedy the circumstance. Um obviously he had already paid his uh his sign contractor. Uh at the end of the day he did reference the the fact that yes uh he
would be willing to work with us on that. Uh the sign code actually requires a 15t high sign. Uh being that it's a 42ft sign uh that that that's a significant drop in in what the the pole uh that is currently there. Uh at this
point he is requesting that uh they drop the sign down 12 feet to 30 ft and that they they maintain the uh the actual 89 square ft of of copy area that he's got on there simply because of the fact that
the uh the pole itself would have to be redesigned because it the the current pole that is there isn't capable of of bringing it down that low. They would certainly have to go back and re-engineer that pole to meet the wind loads and and that sort of thing there.
Again, this is a a copy of of basically the the sign on the left shows the the 30-foot sign as it would be. Uh the the logo in the middle shows that it's basically a 9 ft 10 inch by 9 foot type sign. That is basically that that logo
that's on the sign on top of the pole. And uh again um the u the poll does predate uh the the renovation. It has been there probably since the the the first uh time the the restaurant opened.
Um and we recognize that u you know the u the the site itself has is raised so that the 42 foot actually is is really from from the parking lot level. It is you can really only see probably
uh you know 30 maybe 36 feet of that pole there. Again we uh we recognize that uh you know that the sign itself is a commercial type sign uh there is not adjacent to a residential area. Um you know the uh that the state road 19 is a
a corridor that's highly traveled. And and so again with with this I guess request uh I guess we we actually wanted to to talk about just some of the conditions. Again, he is asking for it to be uh removed from 42 foot height down to 30 and uh that they maintain
that that u 88 89 uh type square footage on the the logo itself and uh basically this will resolve the code violation as it currently is if this
variance is I guess granted. So, if you'll see what I did is I tried to to bring or or show what the the site would look like. Uh, if you'll look on the photo, you can see the current height of the sign. And with them bringing it down 12 feet, it will be
somewhere in that range right there. So, but at this point, we staff is recommending approval for for this request. >> So, they're still going to have to bring it down, but they're just gonna >> and he is certainly willing to do that. Yes, sir. To a 30-foot height.
I I I tell you I don't mind it the other way. Um it's less visible in a way. It's above the ey line and with the 15t rise that's in there as well. You know, it might Yeah, I don't really
have a problem with the with it the other way if we were >> if if the commission wanted to grant >> Well, I mean I'm sorry. Sorry. Yeah, I mean I'm I'm kind of like the same way. I mean, what's the advantage of bringing the sign down where it's already at? >> Again, he is offering that as as
basically a means to to >> because it doesn't it doesn't it doesn't um remedy the fact that the copies bigger than we allow? So, >> correct. >> And and don't we have other signs that are about that high? Isn't the marrow insurance sign that high?
>> We have a number of signs that that base are still that height. Yes, sir. And when I was in code enforcement too, they there were some things that came up and their landscaping and stuff and they were fantastic. I mean they came and redid all that. Now they put a million and a quarter into it. Um I mean if we
want to stick to it and we have the leniency to give, I think this is a good partner who's who's done a um a good job reinvesting, rebuilding in our community, building a new a new place or renovating and bringing it up. I I personally don't have a problem if it stays that way.
>> I mean, I'm kind of the same way. I don't see I don't see the advantage of if we're if the copy if the copy is what's really out of code, what's what's bringing the sign down help? I don't I'm just confused. >> Yeah, I I'm in favor of leaving it alone
right where it is. From the standpoint, too, from a distance, you're going to see the sign better anyway if you're coming from Umatillaa. >> But >> so, and as it grows out that way, they're going to want that. I mean I am yeah I agree with you. I mean I am a little curious why you would think that >> replacing a sign would need a permit
though. >> Again sir you know it's in the code you know the sign code requires that that everyone get a permit for a new sign when they actually are working on it whether they're getting a face change for that logo or not. So yeah,
>> I would like to uh and I think the mayor would probably love this, but I would like to ask you to maybe ask them to that's such an important corner growing for us. >> U to maybe ask them to take that money >> and put it into beautifying and some
extra uh seasonal >> maybe as well and and improve the decor of that corner. If they would be willing to do that, I would be willing to allow them to to vote to allow it to stay that way and in exchange beautify that corner for us more. >> That would be great.
>> Yeah. Okay. Same here. >> And I was headed so it's >> I was afraid you were like, >> but and also the building looks so much better. What they've done has improved it substantially. So I think we ought to encourage businesses who spend that much money in the renovation process instead
of getting nitpicky about it. So I would be okay with that. And I definitely um think uses in bloom should be activated there. Thank you, >> Mayor City Manager. >> So I I would just like to ask, do we So
the the ordinance title actually has the height in it if we're going to change that? Can we do it on the fly? Do we have to revertise it? What's if they they will need uh a special approval. I mean, we we can
say we're okay leaving it as is, but leaving it as is requires a special approval from you. >> Okay. >> Um, >> right. >> And so, what do we do with the current ordinance? >> It has to be revised because the language that was advertised was the specific um
requirements that um you know they asked for looks like to bring it down to the 30 ft. And I'm also unclear as to the existing um code enforcement violation. Is the instruction a waiver of that or because
that that doesn't like code went out and there's an existing case. So I don't Do you have any info as far as how that would be corrected? Well, the code basically the the violation was that they didn't get a
permit to basically install the cabinet and that's pretty much >> So, it's just the permit, not the the size of the >> sign because I'm reading the report and it just looks I just want to make sure we're being consistent here because this could set a precedent. So, I want to make sure. >> Well, they can't they can't pull a
permit for an illegal sign, >> right? So, they they're being enforced against because they didn't pull a permit. So, they came in and tried to pull a permit, but you can't pull a permit for an illegal sign. Um, and so this this special approval allows them
to then go and pull a permit. Correct. >> Does code enforcement need to rule on this first or I mean, are we putting the cart before the horse? Well, I mean certainly we've had discussions with code enforcement and again they they were just kind of wait
awaiting the the discussion tonight to basically you know close the case. the if the applicant pulls a permit then the code case is resolved there there is no ongoing code action if they pull a permit >> right
>> except the permit won't be given to them under the conditions of the current sign because it doesn't meet our code >> correct and so this approval tonight or a subsequent approval if you're okay with the current height
then we need to amend the ordinance we need to revertise it you need to approve it, then they can pull a permit and then there's no code case. >> That >> my question is do we can we say to them about the part about the
beautifification concept that's based on >> I think that's a condition. >> Yeah. Is that >> that's why it's called conditional use. >> It can be a condition. Um, so it would have to be a condition they agreed to and also um it would be
essentially we'd have to readvertise this as almost u I mean it it is a waiver or variance for permit. >> We can't sorry we can't I mean we can't make a motion just to amend this ordinance now. >> No, >> not at all. >> No. Okay. >> Um because they're legal requirements as
far as what the public has notice for. So essentially the public will need to know that this sign is being allowed as is. That would um essentially dissolve um the code case because either a permit you have to decide if you are going to
wave the permit for this particular property or allow a permit that is non-conforming to take place as long as they use the funds to beautify that specific area. And in a situation like that, I think the applicant >> So,
>> are they here? >> So, >> he had indicated that he was he was here. >> I mean, why sorry, why didn't why isn't this a conditional use permit now? >> Well, originally when the uh the restaurant the restaurant was built, I mean, it it did comply with the
>> No. Why isn't that conditional use permit for the for the for just for the copy? that it it is that was rolled into this. This is the the copy as well as the height of the sign. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Because if this was a conditional use
permit now, it'd be okay. I don't understand why we have to revertise it. >> You're adding conditions that the applicant >> I know. So that's why I'm asking why wasn't this brought as a conditional use permit now? >> Well, again, I mean early on as we prepared it, the applicant was willing
to come down to 30. Okay. >> I I I understand they were willing to uh to do um Okay. >> But what what you're approving Well, what is before you tonight is a conditional sign permit. >> But we can't add anything,
you know, beautifification standards without the applicant being aware of it and agreeing to it. And secondly, we still need to address the code enforcement case because he was doing this in order to do to essentially get your permission to pull a permit. That
would be compliant with commission's. >> Okay. But if we're, you know, there has to be a decision as to whether you're waving the permit entirely or you're allowing the permit to conform uh to this specific height with the condition of beautifification. >> Yeah. I'm just trying to be efficient,
but I but I understand what you're saying. if they if they had come ahead of time with a condition use permit instead of opening a code case, I get it now. Okay. Thank you. >> And if that whatever decision happens tonight as far as I mean we can't vote on it. So the language that um needs to
be done for the next one and the condition of the beautifification that has to be communicated to the um to the applicant and they should be here for the next reading just to >> speak to commission.
The only other thing I just want to throw out there is not to undermine uh the integrity of the code enforcement board. Is is there anything we're missing that uh we need to know we need to know about? Can we >> can we hear madam from uh Allan looks
like he wants to say something to make sure we're not missing anything >> as permissible? >> Yes, of course. We have to allow for public input because it was advertised already as well. So we can certainly hear from you and any other member of the public that wishes to speak.
>> Do you want to give him just the three minutes or >> won't take long? >> Okay, I'll give you the three minutes. >> Alan Pascowski, chairman code enforcement board. >> Oops, wrong way. >> To the best of my recollection, and I could be wrong, but I have two other members of the board in today's
audience. I do not recall this ever being brought before the code enforcement board for a ruling. Now, you need to understand there's a difference between Mr. Martin and his officers pointing out a code violation
and then that being put on the agenda for the code enforcement board to hear the evidence and make a decision with respect to compliance, non-compliance and issue corrective action to mitigate
the thing. I I don't recall this case ever being brought before us. It may be something that the code enforcement officers alerted them but has not to my recollection been brought in front of us
provided evidence to support >> so there's >> request and so >> so we're not undermining >> we haven't made a decision >> right so as of as of right now there is no code case in front of the code board >> not that I can recall on this particular >> I think that's >> so there's a difference between the code
enforcement officers finding a violation. >> I understand. >> And then putting that on the agenda >> for my board >> to hear evidence and make a ruling. >> Okay. >> One way or another and impose a proposed
time frame for corrective action. >> Okay. >> So, I just want to clarify that. >> Thanks for clarifying that. >> This is draws a blank to me. All right. >> I know I'm getting old and forgetful, but I would have remembered this. >> Thank you. Okay.
Okay. Do we have anyone in the audience that would like to comment on this? Okay. Seeing none, I will close public input. So, um, what is the will of the commission as far as >> I would like to see staff bring this
back to us. Uh, leaving it the way it is. They have invested a lot of money. That corner looks best that it's looked in a long time. I would like to see it beautified a little bit around that sign. >> Yeah. >> Um but I would like to see staff bring it back to us and let us make the fixes
that need to be done. >> Yeah. >> Or something Mike along the ways of the the estimated cost was and that over the period and I'm just guessing I'm making something up but over the course of the next five years they'll work maybe with American and Bloom and and do it
community. It'll be a great PR move for him too. >> Would be. So something like that was what I was thinking. >> Okay. So do we just >> do you need a motion to move this to another meeting or >> Well, this item it's essentially going
to be >> able dismissed. >> No, let's see. We're going to we're going to rehear it. Um but it's going to change the language. So it's just going to come back to you with everything that you've just stated. Staff has enough information on that.
Okay. So, um it's just to have the item brought back to commission with the requested conditions. We'll have a motion on that. >> Madame Mayor, I move that this be brought back to the city commission uh with the recommended adjustments that we've talked about tonight um at a later
date. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Asody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> hi. >> Mayor Lee, >> I. And that's it for me. >> Thank you. >> Uh we have other business now added to
the >> city manager position. Tom, will you >> Sure. I can I can introduce the subject. Uh so um obviously um I have uh given notice. I will be with the city through um mid-March.
Um, as part of a previous discussion, I think the uh, city commission directed staff to move forward with a consultant. Um, and we have been working on that. Um but sub subsequent to that discussion um
the the city commission unanimously uh decided to move forward directing staff to work with uh Rick Garrick on an a contract for interim city manager. Um those discussions have continued. Uh
there has been some discussion on the length of uh how long will Rick be serving as interim and whether there are um there's an opportunity to move forward with Rick on a more uh permanent
basis. All of that is working uh concurrently with staff working with the consultant. uh we reached out to commission to uh set up some time for the commissioners individually to meet with the consultant to develop your
ideal candidate profile. And so the reason I bring this up tonight is uh previous direction from commission was move forward and do it quickly with the consultant. But um that was when there was some uncertainty uh about the
interim position. Uh and uh now that there's a little more certainty uh with Rick uh what uh we need some direction on uh how do we move forward with Rick? Uh is it truly on an interim basis basis? Uh it is is it uh a little bit
more extended and do you want us to continue the process uh with the consultant? Uh an alternative would be uh to put the consultant on hold uh if we're going to move forward with Rick on a a longer term basis. Um so you can
again put the consultant on hold. We can uh the agreement with the consultant uh we can thank them for their service uh and then we would just have to pay them uh for work that they've done to this point. So the question is um how are we moving forward with Rick and how do you
want us to move forward with the consultants? Uh, and I'd love to get some feedback from the commission on that. >> Commissioners, you here our charge. What do you think? >> Rick knows this city probably better than anybody on this staff. Um, and
since Rick is willing to take the position as in for since he's agreed to do that, I would like to see Rick stay as long as we could keep him in the in the position. um with the things that we have in front of us, Rick has been down
the road with us on it. Um and I think he can keep this commission focused um and dedicated to see through some of the things that we have in front of us. My personal opinion >> and mayor,
>> yeah, I'm I'm I'm okay with holding the consultant right now. I still want to have some discussions with Rick um about uh many things, but um I agree with Michael. You know, Rick's been here a long time. I think he'll serve us well. Uh but I um I but I still want to have
some discussions about some things. >> I think uh I think we're lucky to have Rick as part of our our team and It was great to hear him willing to take
the interim position. Um, and hell did freeze over the last weekend as well. So, that at least meets meets meets his first requirement. Um, I do have to say that I think he's a
phenomenal person, but I'm trying to prove that. And I think one of the ways we prove that is by seeing and going through a process that makes us grateful for what he does bring to the table. He
has a fantastic advantage over anybody else. Um and he's an intricate part of what we need in the city to stay no matter what. Um, so I think
there's a process. Um, he would obviously be part of that process. And I think we've made some mistakes in the past where we have gone where we're comfortable. And I'm certainly
comfortable with Rick. However, I have to take the personal part out and say, should we go through the process and include him in that process and then make a a final decision then
it be based on what we see and his merits. So, um I'm not sure if I'm explaining that the right way, but uh we're awful lucky to have him and we're
awful lucky uh and I believe he will stay much longer than the two years he threatened. So, um so that's kind of where where I'm at. I don't know if I'm making any sense to the to the rest >> to the rest of you. >> You want me to try to paraphrase it for
you? >> You're going to paraphrase what I'm thinking? >> Yeah. Go ahead and go ahead and keep the consultant on, but make Rick part of it. >> Um, I would think that that would be our duty to see and look under every rock.
Um, but I can tell you he has a tremendous advantage. Yeah. >> So, um, >> but I mean, but for me, and I agree with you, but for me, if if we're if we wind up in the same place and we pay all that money, then that's
that's what I'm worried about. >> Well, then we've proved the fact that we believe that he is the best. And then I think we try to lock him in for as long as we can lock him in. So, how do we compare what's best for the city when we don't know what's on the
other side? Um, so that's that's what is it? How much was it to do that? >> Uh, just under $30,000. >> 2029 and change.
So, is that a lot to determine our leader for for the long term? I mean, we want a city manager. We want a leader. The average life of a city manager is one thing. We need we need somebody to be here for for a while to carry us through
the development that's coming and and and everything. Um, it's a ser it's it's the most serious thing we do as far as hiring I guess we control only two people but um
>> I think I'm done for now so yeah go ahead. >> Well in my thoughts I understand what you're saying. However, I feel for the first time we are sort of all on the same page and
we're we're tech making steps forward. We're being focused. There's an opportunity for us to keep that momentum going. But if we have to stop and do a search, it's fine time. The the money is not a lot. However, it's more to me time
and what we need to do with our time and how we have to for the first time. It seems like we're making some movement towards that and I'd like to see us continue that. I believe that Rick can take us there. Um he knows all aspects of what we're trying to do. Now in two
years we could evaluate that. But I really believe that we need to keep going, keep our momentum going. And if we stop and to do all of these things, that's just that's another distraction. And I think that we need to stay focused, know where we're going, and and
get moving on it. So that's my thoughts. And I think Rick could take us there. We need a team. We got a team. We we're started. So we need to add to that team. We've got Rick. We've got Miranda, you know, we've got our staff who's here and everybody for the first time. It seems
like there's some some positive vibes going on. Let's keep it going. And I believe that Rick can take us there. >> So how many years, Rick? 10. You'd be willing to commit to 10. >> Do five.
>> So that's my thoughts. Any more? Do you have anything? >> No, actually agreement with you. >> Yeah. Really good points on both sides. >> So it's a consensus just for Tom's purpose is to um halt or pause. >> Yeah. We need to make that decision.
the process with the company >> and we we make a definite decision tonight that that's where we're going to go with Rick or >> you know do we want to continue with that? >> Yeah, you're right. Where where where are they at right now? Where's the consultant at right now?
>> So we um um Karen uh has been uh kind of leading the process internally. We're getting them a lot of information about the city uh so that they can start uh with marketing materials. Uh the next step um and and one of the reasons this
has come up tonight is uh the next step is going to involve uh some travel because they will be coming to town and meeting with you individually to help develop that uh ideal candidate profile. Uh and so I think you all received an email about scheduling some time with
the consultant. Uh so where we are is we are developing the marketing materials um with your input uh and then once those marketing materials are developed um and you've given the consultants uh an idea of what your ideal candidate
looks like, they will then go out and market on all of those um those uh at all of those locations um where you would you would hope to find a city manager. So we're talking about time, a learning curve for the for
the people who are going to develop the process and then a learning curve for the new person who comes in where we can start right now where we are and keep going. So um that's food for thought. >> I I don't think there'll be a learning curve we'll have Rick unless he's
planning to unless this is a all or nothing deal. Um, >> are you saying if we get a new person then we continue depending on Rick? >> No, what I said is I don't think this is an all or all or you you said it's an
all or nothing. Um, and that it's halt it will be halting our progress. I I with all due respect, I don't know that I think that that would would do that. Um, I I think there's also some there's some detail that we're not aware or that
we haven't asked. Um but um I imagine from what I'm understanding Rick is willing to stay for five years in a permanent position as a city manager and you're saying at least for two years and
we'll see. So I'm I got to kind of get an idea of >> before I heard him say five years. >> That's before you heard him say five years. So, you're good with committing to him stopping everything and moving five years. >> And not only that, he's going to have to
>> work at two departments. So, if we get if we know that it's him, then we need to get somebody to replace him. We need to make all of these movements and decisions. >> Will you be able to do with an assistant? You'll be able to do both things for lack of putting you on the
spot. you'll be able to continue to do your engineering, your uh capital improvements, uh projects, and act as or not even act, be the city manager >> for a period of time. Yes, I can I can
do that. >> Um five years. >> No, for five years. >> I I >> He's saying he can't do both jobs for five years. >> I can't do both jobs for five years. So, I'm willing to on a on a permanent basis, I'll move my retirement plans out
for a five years period. I need some time to procure a residence here and to buy a place. I want to have the time and not be under pressure to have to do that. You know, Ron when he
had his contract, he closed on his house almost the day he started. So going to interim role for me allows me as an interim and I'll defer to Sasha on this as well. As an interim I don't
need to meet that residency requirement. So what I'm looking at is if I do the the interim role I promise you within two years I'll buy property. I'll have property here that'll give me some time to look at it. This has all come down
for me in two weeks. So this this has just I spoke with my wife last weekend. We're committed. Um, both her and I, but I need to be smart. I am very uh conservative in my finances.
I'm not going to just pull the trigger on a half million dollar house here and do that in two weeks. I need some time. I need some time to figure that out. So, I can do the interim for two years. I promise you within the two
years. And I I think this is in accordance with some of the other contracts that have happened here is an interim role until you meet the residency requirement and then >> it'll it'll go over. >> Rick, your wife plan on retiring.
>> She's planning on retiring in 2031 as well. >> Okay. >> Five years. Five years. >> Five years. >> I actually have good news for you on that. By the way, >> do you >> I I don't feel like as a as a commissioner, I don't feel like we should have a requirement. Uh I know we have it that you have to live
here in the city and you're a perfect example of why we don't with what you've done. You've responded to emergencies. It was never an issue. So I think we and this is going beyond you after you retire. I think putting that limitation of whether they live in Umatillaa or
down by you were across the border Mount Dora. They Umatillaa guy lives in Mount Dora. This one lives there. I we need I I don't like that. >> I really don't. It's a case by case scenario. I don't want a guy who's going to be down in >> I think I think I think mine of attorney had some input.
>> I was going to say I want to hear first of all it is in the charter so that requires a referendum. The voters would have to agree with that revision. Um the charter does not have a uh residency requirement for interimm appointment. And as far as a city manager on a
permanent appointment um it actually says that at the time of the appointment you do not need to be a resident of the city. you just have to become a resident during your tenure in office. Um, so there is flexibility that's built in there that the commission has. They're
certainly able to grant you um, you know, a reasonable time to achieve that and that would be part of the um, the condition of employment. So that's I'm I'm reading from the charter right now. Um, >> sorry. >> So yeah,
>> I mean it just says during the tenure. >> Yep. If there's a time limit after after appointment, >> at the time of his appointment, >> he need not be a resident of the city or the state, >> but during this his tenure of office, he shall reside within the city. So there
you can give him flexibility. >> So once he's appointed as >> I understand what it says. I just don't I can't believe there's not like a definite time frame. I mean we >> it has to be reasonable obviously and that's up to you. >> What's reasonable to you is not madam
attorney. was I I know that it's up to you. >> You know, that is a once again a very good example why we need a charter review. We have to get our charter more >> more um more definite on some things, but I understand. >> Well, we have a a a great solution of
good news. So, where do you guys want to go with this? >> I say hit the pause button on a on the company um and let's work toward an agreement with Rick. >> I'm I'm the same. >> Okay. I agree. >> I do too. >> Welcome.
>> Welcome aboard. >> Thank you. >> Welcome aboard. >> Thank you. >> We're going to hold you to that. >> Chief, if he doesn't show up, you need to bring him in. >> Okay. All right. So, now it go to future items and comments.
Um, Commissioner Holland. >> Um, I just want to thank you all for the, uh, trip to Tallahassee. Um, I think we got a lot accomplished. Um, I think that the years that we have spent going to Tallahassee and working with the legislature is hopefully will pay
off as we go through this session. There's a lot of strange things that are going to happen during this session. We're just going to have to stay patient and watch it through. So, there's some things that the House of Representatives had brought up that the Senate has not yet touched, and I don't know if they
will unless they go to a special session. So, we'll give updates as we go through it. >> Yes, >> that's it, >> Vice Mayor. >> Um, yes, a couple things. Um, >> uh, tables in the park. Where are we? I don't know.
>> We have We have more tables installed yet. >> Um, I have not been down. I was not down there today. Um, the Christmas tree was in that location until um, January. And uh so I think we've um we've talked
about the fact that we can fit uh probably two more picnic tables on that concrete slab. Um beyond that um we have talked about uh doing a fair and park master plan. Uh that'll be something we can discuss as part of fair and park
master plan as far as uh do we do more on a larger scale. >> Okay. Um and then um update on Spring Ridge Estates and where we're at with their with with the with the bridge being done
and how we progressing towards >> I've reached out to uh their attorney obviously with the holidays. Um he had been out for some time and he's getting up to date with the board. So we've been in communication and co working through that. >> Okay. And then I mean and then lastly, I
know there was something on the agenda about the city owned lots. Um it didn't seem to make it on the permanent. Was there any any particular reason why it it it didn't stay on? >> It it was not scheduled for tonight. Uh that ended on there ended up on there as as an error.
>> Uh there was no staff report um because we need to work on the staff report and come back to you with that. >> Okay. Thank you. just well we ordered uh title searches on those because we wanted to ensure that we were good there. We've gotten three of them back.
Um I so we have one more pending and then once we have that we would be bringing >> Okay. >> the resolution. >> Thank you. Thank you for that. >> Commissioner, >> one more thing. Chief Capri, I just wanted to thank you and your department for what went on yesterday uh in Fairen
Park. The quick reaction shows why we put the money we do into our police department. >> If if the mayor's okay with that, um I just wanted to say thank you you and your guys for doing >> we got back in 2023. >> Yes.
>> Over there on >> went to trial started Monday and I just got this text just now. Uh conviction first-degree murder. >> All right. >> He got convicted. He took it to trial. Uh the defense attorney thought we were a bunch of dumb idiots is what I was told and he was going to beat us up on
the stand. They tried to throw out all the evidence and uh actually it was on Palm app. I'm sorry. >> And uh we're on Thursday evening and in 4 days we got a uh conviction >> for that doesn't happen without police work being done properly.
>> We got a great police department. >> We're fully staffed. We have no openings and these men and women do a great job every day. So yeah. Thank you. Can you stay up there, Chief, because I'm going to say something whenever my I'm I'm doing >> Okay, your turn. >> Yeah. In in light of what's happened in
the in the last week, um I don't think anybody would disagree with me, but so be it. We It is time and I've heard the previous commission and I've seen um live stream come here and talk with us, but it is time to make a move. They need
to relocate. They need to relocate out of our downtown. We need to help them. I am believe that other municipalities surrounding us who benefit from this need to also participate, but they need to be
relocated out of here um and put in a better facility where they can better control and help people. Uh but it's not it's outgrown where it is. And uh I don't think anybody's going to convince me of
otherwise. It is time. We've been talking about this as a city for five years. I think I know uh um it's just time. >> Well, the problem is it's it makes no sense to leave that in the downtown business area. We want to help these
people, but what it is it's it's it's an optical illusion there. It's like let's drop all the homeless people off in Eustace and let them hang out there all day and do nothing. Sleep on the sidewalks, urinate on the walls. We got to constantly deal with that when they need help. The gentleman yesterday
has mental problems. He stabbed this guy nine times. Now, how do you stop that? How do you predict that? You really can't. There's no pattern like a burglaries or robbery. You can put your resources. This is an act that you just can't predict when that's going to happen. But what you can do is is is get these people help. It's not going to
happen downtown. It's not for some reason it they like to dump all their problems here in Eustace and I'm not going to take tolerate it. Let's get together. Let's get them. We got smart people in this county. Let's get together. Let's get a a a shelter built somewhere we can get these people
helped. Get them affordable housing. Get them the mental health they services they need. They did it in Valuchia County and I've seen it work where they they actually got people into affordable housing and got them the help they needed. But until we stand up and stop telling people to dump their problems in our city, we're going to keep having
this and things are moving on the up and up for Eustace with businesses coming in here. You know, like I said, >> we can't have that in our in our down. Great program. I love the program. Love the people who started it. Love the people who dedicate themselves. >> Program is doing nothing. What do you mean a good program?
>> It's just in a wrong place. >> It's it's not a good program. It's a failing program. feeding people and letting them lay outside, smoke cigarettes, and hang out is a failed program. It's it's it's a dumping ground. >> It has its flaws. I agree. But u >> I'm telling you, from what I see in my optics, it's it's a waste of money when
that money could be used to help people. >> But we both are in agreement that it would probably be better served somewhere else. >> Yeah. Everybody needs to chip in. We got people getting dropped off in buses here. >> Absolutely. >> And we got people I got a report yesterday that they're bringing them here in U-Hauls. >> Yep. So, it's it's the mentality of,
yeah, to bring them to Eustace. It's pass the buck. It's not going to happen because I'm not going to tolerate it. I mean, I'm not going to ship them back to those cities, but I got to try to get these people some help. >> Yeah. And that's kind of what I'm saying. We need to we need to uh get them a facility outside of our main. It's part of our revitalization of the
downtown. Um and and uh and figure it out. >> We've tried other strategies. >> Start. Where do we start? How do we get >> We need to get the county involved. We need to get all the cities involved that these League of City things you go to. Can't get everybody get together and hey, let's figure this out. This is a problem. It's only going to get worse.
It's only going to get worse. Let's put these minds. You got smart people here. You got county councilmen that are smart. You got you guys are smart. Put the minds together and and and come up with a plan, a strategy, and get something built and get these resources. Take care of these people because right now it's not working. A hangout place to watch TV, wash clothes, smoke
cigarettes, lay on benches passed out in our downtown is not the answer. And until we stand up and say no, it's not happening in Eustace. Do this in Mount Dora. I don't see it happening in Mount Dora or Tavaris. Why? So, we need to get get together, put these minds together.
Uh otherwise, you know, it's never going to fix itself. It's it's putting band-aids on things. It's not going to work. I've seen it where, you know, I we've thought outside the box. We've gotten bus tickets. We reunited pe homeless people with family members where we reaching out doing the research. We're not just putting them on buses and send them away. we're actually
making contact with somebody in the other end so they can take them and help them. You're not going to arrest your way out of this problem. But then again, I always said it's not against the law to be homeless, but it's against the law to commit crime if you're homeless. You know, I'm all about helping people. But people urinate in public, running around the streets, yelling, no shirts on, and
and I mean, this is just these people got mental illnesses. >> I appreciate I appreciate everything you do, Chief, for that. So, an idea just to throw in in in my closing of it. Uh, finding with other municipalities uh a
location um with more free space around it. Um, and whether the municipalities and the cities participate and we buy that facility or buy that building or buy a home that's on the outskirts on some property and then do an exchange and exchange with live stream. give us
that building and we'll give you the outskirts building and then we can take the building where that is and use it for fire or for some other municipality I'm sorry for from other department who who is bursting on the side as offices
as Mount Dora Tavaris Leburg all have these uh small buildings close by uh but we need to help them relocate >> well it certainly doesn't create a safe image far apart. It really doesn't. And
um that's really sad. And I also think that those other cities have probably more land available where they could institute a facility. So let's go on. City Manager Tom, do you have anything? >> Uh just a few items. Uh Chief Swanson,
uh could you give us a brief update on the Tri City food drive? >> Well, I >> want to say thanks for the uh support. We did win. Uh so it'll be the sixth annual I told they need to change it to
EFD, so useless food drive instead of what they're calling at the Tri City Drive. Um we we uh all together we raised about 12,000 pounds of food. Uh what was really nice about it was it was kind of close in the middle and then
uh a bunch of people showed up at at our fire station waiting for the closing. Uh Commissioner Abbody was one of them that showed up and uh Loretta was there and they just cut a bunch of checks and a bunch of people showed up with food at the end and it pushed us right over the way over the edge actually. We jumped to
7,000 pounds and so we won seven to two to two. So we we really we really did a lot better than I thought we were going to do. um because we lost some of our big contributors. Also, the police department fantastic job for us. Uh the schools uh had their own competitions
going and uh Starling jumped in there and uh encouraged them and got the schools to run against each other. Uh it was it was a lot of fun actually going out and picking up the food at the schools and interacting with the kids. So, we're going to uh close that out with pizza parties with the kids. uh you
guys are interested, I'll try and let you know when we do them. But they're kind of uh they're they're only 20-minute windows because you get lunchtime with kids. So, they're kind of short and fast, but they're fun if you can make one with that. Thank you for your support and uh it was a good time.
It was very cold, but we did have a good time. >> Thanks. >> So, Tom, there's some Can we put something in our minds on addressing the open door? Do we reach out and see if other municipalities want to sit with us? What do what do we do with that or
do we just leave it to you for right now to figure out? >> Uh let us put our heads together. Um >> talk amongst ourselves. I mean if I if if this is going to be multi-jurisdictional that sounds great, but that stuff takes
forever to put together. uh as opposed to if we were well I think the first step is let's talk to open door and liveream about their uh willingness to relocate uh if they are open to relocation then maybe we move forward
more quickly unilaterally meaning do we find an alternate location uh and get moving on that um rather than try to put together this multi-jurisdictional plan but um let let us uh talk, put our heads together and figure out how to
move forward. >> Yeah. I mean, we did before and they they didn't really do anything. I think uh certainly not an attorney or anybody, but if they're bringing in people and they're welcoming them in here and people are doing stuff, they they have a
they have an exposure of responsibility. Um and I'll just I'll just end it at that, but let's see where they go. >> Yep. We'll we'll work on it. >> You have one more time. >> Well, I uh following up on uh
Commissioner Holland's um mentioned the Tallahassee trip uh Continental Strategy, our lobbyist uh did a lot of work setting up meetings for us and we of course met with our local delegation uh and made a lot of progress. we have their support on our appropriation
project, but uh something continental opens up for us is uh they get us meetings with the governor's office. Um and that's the second step. And the the first step in appropriation is work with your delegation to get it in the budget. The second step is make it through the
budget process, get past the governor's veto, and uh in order to do that, we meet with governor's uh policy and budget staff uh and talk to them about our projects. And so, Continental was able to set that up. And then we also
had a meeting with uh staff of Senator Broer who was very busy because I he was filling in while Senator um um Albertton right
>> was uh in the hospital. And so um that uh so lots of great meetings uh made a lot of progress with not just our appropriations um but uh also our legislative priorities. So I I think we uh did a lot
of good work up in Tallahassee. And then um the uh I just wanted to let you know that uh I will be out of the office uh for just a couple days uh two days over the next week. But uh if it's okay with you, I would like to ask Rick Garrick to be the acting city manager in my
absence. Um and uh that's all I have. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> madam attorney. >> Is that okay with >> I have no report. >> Okay. Well, again, I would um concur with everyone about the meeting in
Tallahassee was very productive. One of the things that I came away with that I was um concerned about is that and I guess it's really going through moving pretty quickly. The uh legislators focused on the BTR taxes and
in cities. So I think it's important for our city to be seen as a businessfriendly community and I also think we should be prepared and start looking to this how we might be able to change the structure of this if it's coming down the pike. um and we have a
plan or even if we implemented a plan, I think it would be good for us and I'd like us to think about what we can do to head off what's coming before us. The other thing I wanted to uh compliment Chief Capri on the awards banquet. It
was very very nice and we heard a lot of things that just impressed you about what they are doing in that in in in in that department and the kinds of things they're doing in the community and the and the hard work and the time that they're putting into it. So that was
eyeopening and uh thank you for inviting me and I appreciate it. And let's see. So with that, I conclude my remarks and um anything else for the good of the
I'm so proud of us. Look what time it is. So at this point, God bless everybody and this meeting is adjourned.