is now 6:08 on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. If you would like to join us, I will give the invocation and the pledge of allegiance by Vice Mayor Gary Ashccraftoft. Gracious Father, we ask for clarity and
understanding during this meeting. Remove any confusion or misunderstanding that may hinder our progress. Grant us the ability to communicate effectively so that we may foster a spirit of cooperation in this meeting. Help us to
set aside personal agendas and work towards a common goal. May we support and encourage one another, recognizing that we are stronger together. We ask for your grace to unite commissioners and each staff member to work in harmony
and understanding as we meet the challenges of this new year. Help us to listen to one another with open hearts and minds, valuing each person's contribution. We pray for the positive community support and engagement. We also ask for your blessings upon
everyone as we leave this place. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me for the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> We will officially call this meeting to order. Christine, is there a quorum present and proper notice been given? >> Yes, Mayor Lee. >> Tom, is there an agenda update? Uh, no
ma'am. >> Next, we have approval of minutes for October 23rd, 2025 city commission meeting and November 6, 2025 city commission meeting. >> Motion for approval. >> So, move. >> So, so
November. >> I move. >> Like I say, I don't Do you have a different >> Yeah, I don't have that one. >> Oh, no. >> This one. >> Oh, okay. I was going to change this.
Okay. So, approval of minutes for January 8th, 2026 city commission meeting. >> So, move. >> I'll second it now. Okay. Motion for approval.
>> Have a first and a second. >> We have a first and second. Okay. Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Mr. Hawkins, >> I. >> Mr. Abott, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I.
>> So, we'll now have presentations and appointments. Tom, would you do the honor, please? >> Yes. Um, we uh we have engaged uh Kimley Horn to do a Carver Park master plan. Um, and we have a lot of real estate
irons in the fire um related to uh the uh community center and the woman's club and the uh Kurt Wright Center. And so we had kind of held off in in bringing this to you because of so many real estate irons in the fire. Uh but that said, uh
we do need to present to you the good work that Kimley Horn has done for us, uh and kind of take this all in as we kind of map out where we're heading with our facilities and our our parks. So, what I'd like to do is introduce Sam, uh
our director of parks and recreation, and uh Sam will kind of do a brief intro and introduce our friends from Kimly Horn. Um, good afternoon. Sam Britson, parks and recreation director. Um, as Tom said, over the last, I guess, year or
so, um, there's been a lot of discussion on, uh, the aquatics facility, the community center, Carver Park itself. So, Rick and I thought it was a good thought it was a good idea to, uh, you know, get with a consultant, see if we can come up with a, you know, an overall plan just to give you guys an idea of
what's what's out there, what's possible for, you know, the city and the park itself. So we got with Kimley Horn with Ray Lopez and Scott Ming and they have put together something that I think is very very nice for you guys to see. All right. >> Thanks.
>> Hey Sam, is that on? Is the microphone? >> Uh yeah. >> Am I not speaking loud? >> It's his his nice soft calm voice. >> I am so sorry. >> I apologize. Do I have to go say it all over again?
use his radio voice. >> We'll elevate the conversation. >> That's right. Sam's got this point at my forehead, so we'll bring it back down a little bit. Scott Ming, Kim Horn, thank you for the opportunity to be here tonight. Um,
we've been working with the city for a number of years. We've actually had the opportunity to work with a number of of council uh staff and a long uh going standing relationship with the city and we really appreciate that. But but just a little bit of personal I I'm loving to
be back here at the city. I grew up at the city. Um Eustus Elementary graduate. Tom and I saw each other at the 100redy year anniversary. Eustace Middle School, y'all call it the Kurt Wright Center. I call it middle school, high school, and uh Lake Sumpre Community College graduate as well. On to some other
bigger and better things. So, I I appreciate the opportunity and the reason I say that is because it gives me perspective. We are working on a number of things and we're going to kind of talk about some big ideas. We're going to talk about big ideas that have raised Carver Park, but we're also working with
the county on some things. We've worked with your staff on some other bigger items. And uh we think that gives us great perspective, great understanding what's the heart of the community. I like coming back because I want to help the heart of the community. Um and and also we should have a bigger
understanding. So I think that some of the things that we look to will resonate and I hope that we give you a little bit of a confidence that we have that bigger picture. We have some things we understand what some things at play uh that the city manager has really talked about. So we're going to bring some of
these forward as we get into Carver Park. This can be a dialogue if you like. We're only going to take a couple of minutes and certainly there will be question and answer, but if anything comes up, you need to interrupt us, feel free to and we'll just have that dialogue and go from there. So, really, we're just going to jump right in. Um,
and and I we we talk about this map here and we've we've highlighted a couple of the key things that we're talking. Obviously, we're talking about Carver Park and what that brings and what the opportunities are. And we're going to talk some about some big ideas. with big ideas. Sometimes it costs money, but
sometimes they we just need to know what's our map, what's our future, what's our point, our north to point to and how do all the other things that you potentially have on on your docket to really start to play into, right? How do you align these things? So, we think about projects more than just a single
project. It's one project plus one project means five because it's supports your goals and your objectives for the city. So I throw a couple of things up here. Obviously Eustace High School the Cutright campus just down the street on Bates. How does that play into it? We
think overall is the downtown Eustace the downtown master plan. How is that a part of it? I go back uh again many years of thinking about the visions that we've talked through from year over year. But how do we start to elevate these together and how do we come
together with some actions actionable items that move forward. So, believe it or not, how we think about parks and wreck really do a great job from your economic vitality and how we link some of these things together. That's why we think it's important to talk about and when you get to downtown and
redevelopment. We've been working with Dr. Levy on other projects. I understand he's coming to here to help you out. We've talked to him. Um, he's a key consultant in selecting us to do the Lake County comp plan. So, we're working handinhand with Lake County. As I mentioned, Lake County, obviously, Fen
Park is a crown jewel to the city, but we we're working with the county, and I've just listed it there a little bit, uh, of Lake County North Lake Trail. So, we're working with the county on, uh, options that will take the North Lake Trail from Taris through Eustace into
Umatella. So, how do we think the easy option obviously is the railroad or or some alignment with the railroad, but we've also identified other options and staff, city staff has been working on some of these things. We don't have them to reveal them yet, but we're part of
that consultant team. We're leading that consultant team. So, we're thinking about how we maximize that alignment to be an economic driver, economic engine. And do we need to be thinking about what about cutright? Can we go out baits? Can we uh get to Carver? How do we come up
the backside through city, go all the way to Umatilly? You've got properties. You've got the water treatment plant and some other facilities that can be these connectors, but how do we revitalize downtown through some of these alignment and opportunities? And then the other bullet obviously the Eustus community center in Carver Park. We may talk about
the the a community component or a community center. So I don't want to confuse you that Carver Park is a community center or we presuppose that the community center can go to Carver Park. Now we'll show you how it can potentially alignment in terms of square footage, but that's a big idea. That's a
big thing that is a key cog in your collective wheel of ideas that are moving forward. So these are just some snapshots that we've been thinking about as we've been ide. we can't help but think about the big
idea when we're thinking about. And then last but not least really is your citywide systems parks master plan. We've been talking to Sam and staff and Rick and others about that and it's a critical plan to again set your
direction, set your vision. How do these key land deals happen? Where does the pool go? Does it stay at Baron Park? Does it stay there or can it be moved to a better facility so that you can monetize that? You can use it as a draw,
bring other things in. I swam at that pool in high school on swim teams. So, I know it's been there, but I've also swam at other bigger facilities that become these economic engines and parks can be that one tool in your toolbox to draw uh
folks uh to your community with other assets. So again, I spent way too much time just on the overview. I'm going to let Ray get really into some of the nuts and bolts. Again, these are big ideas. These are big dollars, but we're also trying to think through to set you a
point north. How do how do we potentially get there in some phasing strategy? So, a parks and recck master plan would help us identify that phasing strategy because you'll see what happens if we put something in place of the ball fields. Where do they go? Do you have other ball fields to take place in some
of those things? So, we'll talk through that. Let's get on into it. If you have other questions, feel free to stop us. Thank you, Scott. What a good public speaker he is. Um, my name is Ray Lopez. I also work at Kimley Horn. I'm a
landscape architect. Um, so this is the big the big idea master plan for Carver Park. We've split it up into three zones. We have the North Park location, which is just north of Bates A. We have the central location just south above Willie Lake. And then to the west we
have the southern portion um just north of Orange. So we're going to dive in and do a closer snapshot of each of these locations. So we'll start from the north and we'll work south. Uh for the northern park, we want to keep the uses very similar to
what you have today and just elevate some of the features. So, we're proposing doing an artificial turf field that'll give you the opportunity to have that kind of 247 programming for events, summer camps, sporting events, band practice. Um, a lot of the amenities
that are currently around the sports field, such as the large pavilions, we're proposing to stay and just maybe elevate some of the site furnishings. So, again, it's all one package of Carver Park. It's not just the park north of Carver Park. Um we are
currently uh working on extending Kage Street to the north Kimley Horn. Um so again that'll help with circulation in and around Carver Park. Um and then that'll feed into uh resurfacing that existing uh parking lot and maybe
expanding upon it, getting a few more spaces to uh be able to accommodate those large events. Uh, I know Sam's been working to get some of those wreck courts that are underutilized are now kind of storage facilities to help with some of the park operations. Um, and giving them some of the I think there's
some artistic uh painting on those structures now. Um, and then just really thinking about the sporting events. There are bleacher seating, but could we add some shade structures? Could we make it more of a comfortable experience for guests?
So then now we're going to move south across Bates Street. You can see that bottom lefthand corner. Well, first this is just some some vibe imagery to just you know similar to what you're doing today, just the sporting events, the concession stand um in
different practices. So now we're going to the central park just south of Bates A. This is the core of Carver Park. Um, this is where we looked at a bunch of different test fit studies of where this potential community center, civic center, uh,
could go. Um, and we want to utilize a lot of the features that are there. So, we have an existing parking lot. We just want to extend that south and wrap it around that facility to give, you know, easy access to all these different program elements we're proposing. Um,
and right now, you know, that's where you currently have parking on the east side. is kind of overflow parking that's grass that we're proposing to asphalt. Staying on that east side, we have a a kind of an axis of sports courts. Uh these would be your pickle ball courts,
your basketball court, um different lawns that you could throw a ball or stretch. Um, moving to the south of the community center, we have a large event lawn um that's anchored on the east side with a open stage that you could do big
public events or bands could come and perform. And we want that east west uh um the east west uh vehicular useway. They have parallel spots on that and that's intentional that you could queue up food trucks. Uh maybe those are tents
for a farmers market that could then pull out onto that event lawn. And south of the event lawn, letter O, uh we had the idea of this would be kind of the crown jewel of Carver Park, a two-story observation deck that's also wood that that kind of seamlessly goes with the
boardwalks that are going across Willie Lake. Um and that would kind of anchor the site and give you kind of a 360 view of the whole the whole park. Uh moving to the to the east side that would we want to keep the park and wreck facility that's currently there up in the top
right hand corner but that would be more for operations and staff and a lot of those uses of the summer camps would move internal to this community center. And on the next slide we're going to go into the different uses of what's involved in that building. Um, but staying on the east side, we have the
big open lawns, two large playgrounds, areas for uh grills and picnic tables and a mulch area. So, now as we dive into the actual facility, a lot of this uh inspiration came from
Obie Johnson uh community center down in Hollandale Beach. So, that helped us kind of figure out the scale and what program elements are internal to the building. Uh we have a large athletic gymnasium in the center that that could be, you know, two stories and you could
have the bleacher seings that could pull off to the wall and you could do large events. That's 14 and a half thousand square feet about double what the current community center is. So these are like large large gatherings. Uh on the outside of that gymnasium, we have
different classrooms for again for some of those summer events, an exercise room to help with the sports going on on the outside, and a senior hall with an attached kitchen. Uh just south of the facility, we have um a aquatic center. This would be
purposeful for competition swimming. We'd have 10 lanes uh in a large uh pool deck so you could queue up tents for all the families and friends that come to join and a separate pool to the east side that that could be more of the public pool with the splash pad. Um a
large uh adult slide for uh adults and the kids. Um and uh and the and when we were thinking about the building because that gym is two stories, there is opportunity that on
the roof deck of the of the above the classrooms in the senior center that that maybe could be a rooftop terrace where that could be an additional area to do events and be a money generator for the city. So again, here's just some vibe im imagery of the different uh farmers
market and bands and that can come and different aquatic center activities. So now moving south um we have currently in the top lefthand corner another parks and administration building that would stay as is and we would keep the area
around it with the fence so that that gives more opportunity for a layown area. Maybe those are you could put greenhouse gases to support some of the plant uh plants throughout the park. Um this would be where we are proposing to relocate some of those baseball fields.
Currently the baseball fields are 250 ft. We're going to be trying to get the 300 ft. That would be more of the high school level baseball fields. And that would all be uh anchored around a uh twostory uh restroom facility and scorebox room
up on the top with some ba batting cages nearby. And currently there is one community garden, but it has a lot of popularity, but it just needs a little bit more elevated amenities with have the proper sheds for tools, water spets, the proper planter boxes. So we're
proposing two in that area as well. And throughout the park, we have a lot of pathways circulating through and there could be opportunities to have some community art installations that you're you're kind of orbiting around and bring some of that artistic um sculptural
elements in. And lastly, Carver Park does have a small uh piece heading towards Orange A that we're we're looking into to see if there's an opportunity to get a trail system to connect to Orange A to the south and bring people in uh from that direction
as well. Again, here's some uh additional imagery of some of those baseball fields and events. So, moving back to the overall image, I'll let Scott. >> So, we'll open it up for a second. In a couple of images, everybody talks about,
well, what's next? Again, I think it's critical to think about your park system as a whole so that your parks work handinand with one another. And a lot of times we all ask, okay, does the pool go? Does the pool stay? Could the pool be somewhere else? Could it be a new economic engine somewhere else? Is
it even the right place? So all of your parks master plan is going to help you think through this. And so a quick ad, and Sam didn't paid me to say this either, but your parks master plan really is a critical element. It can also provide you what they call CAPRPA certification which allows you
certification to say listen grant agencies we have alignment with your needs our needs a direction forward and by that Kapper certification it allows you to funnel through andor target specific grants to say yes we know what
we're doing and here's the map and that's why the Kapper certification as a part of that parks and recck systems master plan is so important as well plus it just maps out your future growth everybody Everybody needs a a master plan. So when we think about next part, next step for Carver Park, we can
certainly look at costs and some other things. Sam is extremely familiar with Howlandale. I mean, you were actively part of that. We know and have a great relationship with a contractor that did that, Burkart Construction. We've talked to them just as an idea. Well, how do
you translate that from when you did it to now? Are you talking about in the neighborhood of anywhere from five to 650 a square foot for a facility like that? So, we got, you know, we're talking about real financial uh burdens that potentially may need to be
overcome. So, we're trying to think about the next step, but really, how does it fit into the overall park master plan? How does it fit into what your vision is for Eustace? Downtown's going to be key. The community center is key. how this North Lake Trail potentially
creates the link between each of these elements. Some of the most expensive property in New York City is around the park system. New uh city of Eustus has great assets. You've got great bones. And so hopefully that park system can be
a part of that. And and really we we've done this a bit uh in staff and our real quick ideas to get on the table. So it hasn't have broad community input nor are you just kind of seeing this for the first time too. So it needs to have a
little bit more broader input for sure. U but we just wanted you to get a snapshot of what we see as a potential jewel uh for the city uh and just some big ideas that we can explore. So we'll kind of stop there. There's certainly things that you know I could keep going
but we'll let uh you guys have >> any any idea on I mean this is amazing. This is this is something that I tried to get to saying last year during the budget about the parks and rec master plan and how important it was, but
unfortunately it didn't it didn't make it in this um among other things would set Eustace apart and get us going economically. What's the cost on all this? >> We don't have all of it figured out yet.
We know that the facility alone is probably a a 600 to 650. We could drop it down, but based on facilities or some other things. So, you're talking about a, >> you know, a >> it's okay. Just say it. >> No, really, man. It's okay. >> It It could be anywhere fromion
>> 60 to 70 million >> for all of it. >> Mhm. >> It's not not not the worst. I mean, you could have a a a three and a half million aquatic center alone just in the pool, but if you're going to do a 10 lane, you need a warm-up pool for for
for good facilities like we've shown. >> Um the square footage, is it going to be probably in the six to 650 a square foot on a 40,000 foot facility? Are we going twotory? Are we doing outside areas treatment? >> But but it but if it drives long-term
economic development, it's it's a good investment. If you look across the market analysis, I think Dr. Lee would even talk to you about this too. Market analysis is being driven a lot by sports and facilities. You look at Boom and Sanford, you look at all the aquatic uh the baseball facilities and travel
leagues and soccer is tremendous. >> Uh so those kinds of things where people will travel to and then spend money around those facilities uh are very important. >> Thank you. Thank Could we get a copy of this to kind of go over and study it?
>> Yes, you you have a copy of the PDF and we'll leave >> um >> Okay. >> In doing your stuff um do you um have in your mind uh one the feasibility of this?
Is it when or is it the right time? Um, and aside from the financial responsibility, which is is a job by itself, um, this is a phase thing to do. And what what's the phase in period? Just to give us some layman idea. Is
this a 10-year phase in, a 20-year phase in, a fiveyear? What, you know, >> that will tie into finance, too. But >> yeah, those are great questions. I wish I knew honestly. I'm going to spitball with you a little bit here. um just to give you some, you know, off-the cuff
answers because, you know, that's the that's the big question. If you look at the facility alone, we got to figure out where baseball can go, but I don't have a good handle on what's currently your baseball needs and where could they go. So, we don't have to build the other baseball fields first before we take
away your existing fields. Uh the other thing is a big play could be what is the community center, how's it operating, and how does that offering to the private sector potentially allow you to fund a replacement that would be this part of this facility, not the total
facility. Obviously Ry said that's about a 7,000 square about 7200 square feet of space alone outside of the bathrooms and then the other one piece. So the volume that you have within the community center is about 7200 feet. you could easily accommodate that in some
multi-purpose gym and be able to sell it a lot more fluidly um than you can. So, is it a part of that big idea? It certainly could be a part of that phasing picture, I guess. >> Right. And then and then when you look at it, I I think the north piece is is
is pretty close there, right? So, that could be a first piece if you said I needed to do uh a million and a half or two millions for a synthetic turf field. That may be the first impetus that says yes, I'm going to make a commitment to this area and I'm going to start it with
the north where you already have it. We have uh a lot of understanding for that area. That storm water pond is part of the roadway project that we've been looking at. We've talked to our engineers uh and Rick may know better, but we don't have much capacity in that
pond, but if we could combine a little bit and we talked to them about how do we grow it a little bit so that it accounts for the future needs of the park so that we're doing joint facilities, we don't have something that you're spending double the money on. So, we've talked to him a little bit about that and we would need to have to figure
that out a little bit more when we get into detail. So the cheapest part or the cheapest first way I shouldn't say cheap because that makes it sound like we're we're cutting corners. The least expensive phase one could be let's get this in. Let's start in a direction but I don't know your you know your big
ideas and how you com compare with some other things. Did that answer or was that too much? >> It starts to give us you know every all the information is good that you give us. This is a I don't know what kind of projected budget do you put on this on phase one
>> on on phase one we didn't I don't we didn't break it down by phase but if you generally look at a good synthetic turf field with underground drainage you' be talking about a million and a half to two with ancillary lights and then above and beyond that for just the synthetic turf field that gives you more play
durability to be able to run a bunch of different things >> and then the bathrooms that you got there, the structures you have there, those are in addition. >> Those are those are all they're not going to get renovated, redone or anything. >> Well, can it use Can it be used for a
while? Can we do some prefab structures? Prefab bathrooms are running anywhere from 5 to 600,000 for a really good prefab system that can be brought in. You've got the water and sewer there. You've got some storage uh tanks or or containers that add a little bit of fun,
a little bit of character. you've already got the mural, you know, maybe it is an easy lift and maybe it gives you momentum towards something bigger without interrupt without having to have the entire master plan because that's still good value even if you didn't do Carver Park that would still be good
value in phase one I think. >> Yeah. I mean we went as a commission actually to uh not as a commission I guess whatever but we went to our high school softball championship and we all went and saw just a beautiful facility in Semino County, >> right? Um, and uh
>> were you at Bumba for >> Bumba? No, I don't think we were at Bumba. You mean where the softball tournament was? >> What was that? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I think that's where we went, right? Right. That's where we went. >> I don't know. You drove, Sam. Where'd we go?
>> But, uh, yeah, they're impressive. >> Yeah. >> Tom. >> Yeah. And I a as as I mentioned and and we mentioned earlier the you know what we do here is going to be part of a bigger picture. In other words, uh,
Kurtight is on the table, but it is probably three or four years down the road, but there would be there would be some I don't want to say duplication, but there are some things at Kurtight like classrooms, computer labs, indoor basketball where if that's available to
us and that is usable to us, then we might shift things around a little bit, uh, you're going to have a discussion on the 29th, um, a preliminary discussion about, uh, the pool, our aquatic center. >> Uh if that's going to stay in downtown, then we shift things around a little bit
on this Carver Park master plan. >> If you decide that uh the pool needs to go somewhere other than downtown, then this is a good viable site and it becomes more real here. >> So, I guess I guess what I'm saying is
um I we're going to we're going to eat this elephant one bite at a time. Um, and it's really it's going to be part of a larger plan and it's going to be dependent on what we're doing citywide at other locations. And I, this is great. I really appreciate it. In the
end though, I don't think we're going to build exactly what's here because we have so many moving parts and and priorities citywide. Um, but that said, uh, I think we do have we have a gem at Carver Park and we need to invest. Um, and uh, I think some of what we've come
up with here is going to come to fruition. >> That that's a great point, Mr. Mr. Manager. I mean, there there pieces and parts and ideas that can be bifurcated, can be taken to Kurt Wright Center. Could you renovate or add classroom or
do some other things? As we're thinking about the North Lake Trail, this is a very preliminary in the county. We're working through this what I've shown on the screen here and and the easy route is again taking the North Lake Trail down the railroad tracks. But what happens if it comes and goes out uh
Bates to get to the backside by Hicks Ditch to go to Umatillaa that gets you a lot closer to some of these other facilities. So be thinking about some of those things and how do you have input to say county yeah we want it to go left instead of right or right instead of
left so that it it activates something else that you're thinking about >> and that will we considering the Kurt Wright Center and all so could we do some things prior to that to buy some time before we have to make that decision about a gymnasium and all of
that so can we implement stages that's first and then kind of push that back I think so. Um I don't want to answer for your city manager or Sam, but um I think that's why you want to push
forward or or think about a phase or a component of your parks and recck master plan. Do you have to do the whole thing? Do you need to do a part of it? You want direction. You want clear direction so it's in alignment with the money you're going to spend potentially. So again,
going back to Commissioner Abat's question, could we do the north side? We invest a bit because it's not going to be a throwaway. You still get value. And then you come back, maybe you do some additions to the Kurt Wright Center, but maybe some of the master plan that we're
showing here in in Carver Park gets morphed or moved offline and you put the pool or somewhere else or then it becomes a dedicated pool facility after you have time to think about does it leave Fair Park. So yes, all of those are too many moving parts, but I think the the parks and recck master plan
gives you clarity on your parks and wreck components. >> I think Commissioner Ashcraft, maybe you said that, too. >> Yeah. Gives us clarity on the moving parts, too. So, >> right. Okay. >> How long did it take to to do it?
>> The master plan, the actual >> All depends how robust your community engagement. We think that you need to have a a period of good community cage engagement. You're probably talking from beginning to adoption through that
probably a year. You can do it shorter. >> We can do it certainly less. The technical time that it takes to do it is a lot less. Uh you know, but you want to have the proper time for it to simmer, proper time for you to get the community
engagement that you may need. Maybe we bring some ideas that go that's good thought. Do you wait and bake it into how you're moving forward on the Kurt Wright Center because that's going to be key. So that's why I say a year to make sure you get it through readings and
other things plus community engagement and I think we've given some of those budgetary numbers and we can refine because you can do some of it and wait to do the community engagement if you don't have all the money and then maybe don't do the capper certification yet but plan for it next
year and so I think that's still pretty important because it aligns you with grants. That's the main reason. >> Any other thoughts or discussion? >> I'm good. Thank you. >> I mean, we can talk about it all day. There's pretty exciting, but there's >> there's always
>> more questions. And then the big one is >> getting it funded, getting it going in the process. >> And I think we might have even had some ideas to have a task in the uh parks rec master plan. We have grant specialists.
Um, they'll do anything from a a $3,500 task to evaluate a matrix. And the matrix does a ping of identification. This is coming up. This is an alignment. Working closely with Rick and and public works to look at storm water. How do you
you marry projects together so that you look at storm water grants that then facilitate something else? We're doing parks that are regional BMPPS. That means they're a regional storm water facility inside an area that will store your water underneath the ball fields.
So, if you're able to get a storm water grant for a facility that can clean the water, pay for storage of the water and quality and treatment, but also build it back the way you want to, that's where you get a major bang for your buck. So, I think that we even included a little
bit of those early matrix of ideas for grant within that plan. Or we could certainly make it. >> So you're saying there are special grants for that >> because it's expensive. I've priced those are way expensive than regular parking. >> Sounds exciting. Go get it done and come
back. We'll see you next week. >> That's right. Yes, sir. >> It's a process. It's exciting. >> It's exciting. >> Thank you. >> Good job >> very much. >> Thanks, gentlemen. So, are we talking
about Can we go on and talk about what we do? What next steps I guess? >> Well, I again there's a lot of moving parts, but yeah, I mean, we we should talk a little bit about uh >> what what's lowhanging fruit, what could
be done right away. Um and and financing. Uh you know, portions of Carver Park are in the CRA. Uh the north side of Bates is not in the CRA. And so, you know, what are our funding sources? Um,
grants, uh, bonding. You know, Dr. Levy talked a little bit about what is your appetite for, uh, targeted borrowing for very specific things that are a priority for you. So, uh, that's all going to be part of the package. And I don't I don't
know I don't know how much we're going to hammer out tonight, uh, versus do we have a workshop? Do we have >> Sounds like a workshop to me. Right. Commissioner said that >> right commissioner spotty sounds like a workshop for all this, doesn't it?
>> So, so I meant I heard the pool mentioned for the 29th. >> Is that going to be is this going to be a part of that? I'm >> not going to comment on that till Mike is uh Commissioner Holland is back to help me. >> I what I I would say is um downtown
Faren Park and the waterfront are a priority and so it will be a discussion item on the 29th. Uh it will be up to you as to how much of you know how much do we uh discuss the pool, the community center, uh Fen Park, uh other uh real
estate opportunities. So I would say uh certainly we're going to discuss the pool. Um I don't know the Carver Park master plan isn't necessarily on the agenda, but there are so many moving parts where it's all related.
>> Okay. I keep hearing about the north and south side of Bates and in and out of the Have you had any discussions or you and Miranda talk about modifying ever the the uh CRA to maybe include that? Is that you're the CRA pro. So
>> yeah, you would you would basically have to create a new CRA. It the process of amending the boundaries of a CRA is the same as the process for creating a new CRA. >> I think Mr. Danzo is in the audience.
uh we added uh a portion of uh Sharps Park to the CRA and we basically had to go do a finding of necessity which is the process for creating a new CRA. So the answer is it's possible uh but it's a lot of work. You have to do a lot of data and analysis.
>> Okay. But wouldn't that be a pretty easy lift, you know, because it's right across the street and because of of what it is, >> you adding it to the CRA. Yeah.
>> You you have to do what's called a finding of necessity. And so you have to look at various criteria and you have to meet so many of those criteria to in effect again you're creating a new CRA. uh and you you have to work with the the
tax collector's office and the property appraiser. Um and so the the proximity I would say the proximity doesn't make it any easier. It is still a full-blown process. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And and honestly the state legislature
it they're not big fans of CRAAS right now. >> That's true. >> Yeah. And but we have a good partner in the county. the county, Lake County has been a very good CRA partner and so we could we could work with them. >> Okay. >> But it's not easy to to amend a CRA boundary.
>> Mr. Manager, I one other addition. I I'll be brief just we have a couple of parks that we're working with other cities in the CRA and we're doing subsurface storm water management. It's really a storm water project. It happens to be helping along the park. So, we're working with city of Cape Canaveral and
others uh that have built these already and in place. So, we'll share some of those with staff and others. But I think it's a great idea and great benefit that Carver Park is inside and within the CRA. >> Yep. >> But thanks so much for the presentation.
So, Tom, we'll go on to the appointments. >> Yes. So you have uh before you um an appointment. So this is this will be an appointment for the city representative to the Leighton County Library Board. Uh
and uh we have recommended Dr. Betsy Doken uh to the position. Uh do you have any questions? >> Anybody any questions? No. >> Nope. I will turn it over to you, mayor, to um >> we vote on >> ask for a motion in a second.
>> Okay. So motion >> uh so move. Second. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Mr. Hawkins, >> I. >> Mr. Osbi, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I.
>> We'll now move to audience to be heard. If you have any comments this evening, please complete a card from the city clerk. Approach the podium and speak directly into the mic. State your name and whether or not you're used as residents. And um keep in mind that the
commissioners may not respond, but we'll ask staff to get in touch with you if needed. And most importantly, remember you have three minutes. Thank you. We have any cards? Uh >> yes, Daniel Vanzo. That's a surprise.
>> Greetings to all. Daniel Dvenanzo, local business operator. Uh, I came to really talk about two things, but now it's three. The first thing is I'd like to know and I'm just asking and really I could have probably called. Who is going to be responsible for now cleaning the
new drainage system along the state highway? I don't know how many of you have noticed, but now they're accumulating trash, and that's not the city's responsibility to clean those waterways, is it? So, it's just a question. Maybe Tom can get with staff
and figure it out, but um even out in front and actually I had this topic and right in front of the the city hall, there's a broken hub cap and some other trash in the drainage system. >> So, I just I'm wondering who's going to be responsible for cleaning those up. It it may be something we want to address.
Uh, I also want to talk to you about spending some money. Um, I think there I know that it's been talked about a little bit behind the scenes about purchasing the Bank of America building. I don't know, uh, you know, first of all, this is a pretty small chamber. Uh,
also, there's there's not a lot of parking nearby here. Also, uh, with the number of staff we have, the parking that we do have is pretty much consumed. I'm not saying move city hall, but there's probably a couple departments here that could use a lot more space and we could uh potentially relocate the
chamber. Uh it's the building um does have a few challenges uh that would have to be addressed engineering wise, but uh I would say that they're fairly minimal and of course it's being adjacent to the park. I don't know that anybody would probably say it's the best use for some
uh building right on the park, but uh once again, if the city took possession of the property, it would be something that you could look at. And I'm I'm sure that they're probably anxious to move the property as it's sitting there vacant. Uh the other that was just a thought I wanted to share with you. Um,
and I was probably going to talk a little bit more about it, but I'll say that um, the presentation we just saw is important and I'm probably going to write a letter to address it, but um, I was in Tallahassee for six years and I don't know how many of you know the word
gentrification. Uh what happens is the people in the community get displaced because something viable's come in and all of a sudden you have other people coming in buying their houses because uh the they can get a good value. The houses are
dilapitated. The people coming in have no intention of reviving them but rather tearing them down and building new facilities. Well, the thing is uh I don't know if anybody knows uh the community. I think we all know the community. Uh there it's a poor
community. uh they have to go somewhere and I'm talking about not only useless but Lake County as a whole. And so if we were going to redevelop that area significantly, I think it's something you definitely seriously want to uh consider because it's going to happen.
You know, um businesses are going to want to go there and follow follow whatever development goes on out there. >> I'll send a letter. >> Thank you. >> Any more cards? Uh, yes, Estella Mosley.
>> Okay. He took my he took my uh most of what I was going to ask you to think about. First of all, did y'all get mad at us or something? Because you about to freeze me right out of here. I mean, absolutely. >> Hey, I'm I'm right there with you.
>> Well, you can smile anyway. >> Listen, I am concerned about what I heard tonight. I don't know it all and I'm certainly not a an engineer or any of that. So, I'm going to be coming back to find out
more about what you're doing. But I want you to think about all of what you have what he presented tonight because I am with this gentleman. You're going to be uh pushing people in that east area out.
Where will they go? How will they will never get enough money? not in this day to do anything of by eliminating their home and getting buying them another home someplace. So, please think about what you're doing and think about the
people over there and I'm all for you uh doing something to improve that property, the properties over there. I don't live over there, but I go to church there. And those folk are my neighbors. there when I say my neighbor because everybody in this cities is my
neighbor. And so I am concerned about those people over in that area and what you can do for them is think about them before you put them out of their homes. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, neighbor.
>> Thank you for turning the air down. >> Uh the uh the only other card is for the time of the item. Okay. >> Okay. We'll move on to the consent. >> Madam Mayor, do you want to see if there's anyone else that >> anyone else have they'd like to comment on?
>> Seeing none, um we'll move on um to the consent agenda. >> Looking for a motion to approve. So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mr. Hawkins.
>> I. >> Mr. Obott. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. We'll move to ordinances, public hearings, and quasi judicial hearings. Um, Attorney Sasha. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor.
We'll start with resolution number 26-04, a resolution by the city commission of the city of Eustace, Lake County, Florida, amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30th, 2026 for the
general sales tax, street improvement, park impact fees, cemetery trust, storm water economic development, community redevelopment grants, water/ sewer utility, RNR and
grants, water impact and sewer impact fees funds, and by adjusting expenditures, repealing all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflicts here with and providing for an effective date. Miss Carr, >> uh Lori Carr, finance director. Um we've
discussed this a few times individually um up here and we're open for discussion if you have any questions. We have appropriate staff here to answer questions about any specific projects that you may have. >> Do we have any concerns and discussion?
>> Any questions? Yeah. >> Questions? >> I mean, we we we met I met with um with Lori and some of the staff and we went through and I think everybody did. We I have a couple items that I don't know whether we need to restate, but we
talked about um and Rick guided us through uh that we can pull and uh put back into uh back into the cash register. Um so at some point here in the appropriate
time or now or whenever you're ready, we can talk about those few items and see if anybody else has something else. Uh, but I have uh the items that I saw that I think need to be pulled and ran by staff and and uh you can ask them and work it out with them. But I think we
had a consensus on that. Um I personally am okay with it ex these items that uh we can either talk about as a group right now or >> you share them with us. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, if you want to look at the big spreadsheet, I guess this city
gave us on uh the second page um down about uh 3/4 of the way. Uh capital traffic coming uh the 78,600 uh we would pull back. I'll keep going. Stop whenever you guys
want to stop. Uh on the next page there is >> I have a problem with that one. Okay. >> The next page we have uh about a quarter up Capital Pomemetto Plaza phase two that was kind of tied in with that
triangle lot and attempt to try to purchase that and going back and forth. So um >> may I I'm sorry. May I interrupt quickly? Do you want to get consensus on each item as we as we bring them up or do you want to wait until we have do you
want to present all the items first or would you like to kind of handle them individually? >> Let's do each item. >> Yes, I I agree with him. >> Is that acceptable? >> Yes. >> Yeah. Does that matter to me? However, we get there >> and they >> Okay. So, on the first one, do we >> What's your commission? >> Could you Yeah. Could you restate the
first one and then is a consensus to remove the item? >> You got to pull it back. Yeah. First item would be600 >> on page 238600. >> No, go back to 78600. The capital traffic calming. >> Second page.
>> The traffic calming is is the one I just read. >> Right. And how? >> Yeah. And I say I'm good with it, >> Vice Mayor. >> 78,600. >> Sorry, just to clarify, good to keep it or good to take it off? >> Pull it back. We won't we won't transmit
it and Lori it then goes back into the fund. Right. >> Right. >> Yeah. No. Yeah. That one should come off. >> Okay. >> Yeah. In that case, it's the 13 fund which is the road fund. >> Okay. >> And my understanding is it can only be used for roads somewhere else where um
we can all agree on um >> is that priority? >> Is it here? >> Yeah. >> This is what we're looking at. >> Yeah. >> So, look at page two. Sasha down. Uh, one, two, three, four, five from the bottom is the one 78,600 is the dollar
amount, which I guess is the big >> the big part. >> Perfect. >> So, what are we doing then? What? >> So, we've we've made a note of that and it sounds like we have consensus. >> We have consensus on that. And then >> page. But in page three,
um I I I left I'm sorry, Laura, I left without good notes on that first item on the top. That's the Duke grant thing. So we're really are we just passing money through? We got the money from the grant and now we're passing it through to pay >> the second one you went to. You went to
counter plaza part phase two was the second one that you discussed. >> Are you talking about professional services >> now? Where are you going now? >> Yeah. Oh, did I maybe my pages are mixed up? >> Are you you on here? >> This is what's on the top of your page.
>> Uh, professional services. >> No, that's problem. >> But he went down below that. >> He's got a different >> I got a different page too. Okay. So, you want to I guess however they stapled them. The one that starts with professional services up at the top 56,000 to do that's just a pass through,
right? We got the grant and then we're paying it back out. >> Uh, no. That was for >> that is the result of the marketing study. Uh the 56,000 is what we're proposing to implement or move forward with a second effort to um design a logo
uh do our market analysis. >> So that's going to stay till we decide where we want >> that that would be implementation money to implement the marketing study that we did. >> Okay. All right. And then coming down from that one, two, three items to the capital Pomemetto Plaza phase two.
That's the triangle lot I was talking about a few minutes ago. That's 469,000. That's a big item. Um, >> yeah, that one I it was part of the whole project. Was that to buy the property, Tom, or was that to actually do everything that we
wanted to do? >> It w it included construction of the top lot, the surface lot, and then the connections between the two? Because there's still things that we talked about doing in that lot next to it. >> Yeah. Can we >> next to the house?
>> Can Yeah. Can we But can we focus it a little better because I don't think we're going to get the the lot for the church. >> Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. >> So, is there any possible way we can we would maybe consider just focusing that taking taking >> think we would need all of it? >> We pull that back and then help me
because I don't I haven't been through it like these guys. We pull that back and then we do a budget amendment to go back out with what we want to do there if it's a lower amount. Right. Okay. So that's I think that's how the process the staff told me would go.
>> So yeah, we would then, you know, have that discussion of what we're going to do whether it's in that one building there or they come around and we end up with that lot, you know. >> Well, we have a lot on the other side. Mhm. >> So that that's that's my concern because
we we talked about uh expanding over there. So >> well this was said it was placed on hold awaiting the potential sale of the church property. Yeah. >> That doesn't seem like it's going to happen. >> No in this lifetime. >> But it was I think as I I asked it was the property and
>> the property next >> and the and the project. >> This is 20 2425. So this would end October 25 26. So Tom, you >> So my opinion on this is uh if you if you want to move on from this, if you do not want to do this project, let's roll
it into reserves and then you tell us down the road what you'd like to use it on >> or let's I don't know if 469 is the number, >> but if you want to do a tot lot and a surface parking lot, I think it will probably be less than the 469.
Um, so it's we I I I guess we're at the point where we either move forward with we wanted with what we wanted to do or uh we roll it into reserves and use it for another purpose >> or the same purpose modified, right? >> Or could we? No, I if we're going to use
it for the same purpose modified, what I would say is reduce the amount, >> leave some in there uh for the top lot and the surface lot and then roll the balance into reserves rather than roll everything and then rebudget uh for the
same project. That would be my recommendation is if you still want to do something, reduce the amount and then roll the rest into reserves. Yeah, because I actually think 469 is is a lot of what what >> we know we wanted to do on that other
side. So, >> and if we're not there with the church and the property, I I I don't have a problem. >> So, Rick, can I put you on the spot? >> If we wanted to do a top lot, >> I'm kind of jumping up the bit to get up
there. So, um, so the 469 what we have a few years back, probably three or four years ago, uh, we got our landscape architect, uh, Murray Design, and we went through, looked at the top lot, some sidewalk connectivity back to the
existing park. Um, there was like some some local historians and and um, some some African-American history items and some plaques. and we met with some people and got some information and
did a walk through there. And then the small parcel that we have on the triangle piece, we do have a parcel there in and around Everlasting Life Church that we were looking at doing some some paving there. I've already got
St. John's. We accounted for it when we did the first phase. So storm water's not an issue. So that 469 was kind of set for the improvements that were done that got put on hold. Um if you like I
can brush that off and bring it back to you next commission meeting and kind of show you where we were at because we got pretty far with it >> and that's what the 469 did. Now again, that was that was probably precoid. So I
don't know where the numbers are. It was a while ago, so I don't know how that that money holds, but I can kind of show you. We can get an idea of what you want to do. It's a change of commission. Maybe there's a change of desire, but we did go through the process.
>> Yes, sir. >> But no estimate on just the top lot and the and the parking lot. That's I think it's I think it's what we're trying to get at. >> Yeah. I'd have to really look at that and break that down. >> So if and if you don't have any numbers I mean I think the only thing we can do is pull it all off and then and then
reuse it later >> and then Yeah. And we can go back. I can like I say I can get that look at it. What do we want to do? Do we want to do the same thing? I can put some conceptual numbers to it. >> No move it back. >> No, because I think we committed to the tot lot and the parking lot. It's just
that the the triangle the whole triangle from the church is wrapped up to this. So, I think we have no choice but to pull it all off. >> See, I know that the the playground we did at Fair Park was like 225 >> and then the paving for the >> parking lot doing the paving. We're
probably looking at about 350. We want to get some sidewalks because that that lot is on the other side of the building, >> right? >> And the food pantry. So, we need to get some walks to tie back into that existing park.
>> So, I'm I'm thinking it's probably to get a decent playground. And I'd defer to Sam on on he's he's probably got better numbers on what we're looking at and what we want to do, age group, so on so forth, but you're probably looking at 3 350 to do the parking lot, the
playground, and sidewalks. >> Okay. So, do we >> So, do we leave 350 there and then the balance goes to fund balance? >> Yeah. Or or do it at 300. We'll come in. We don't have the money. >> We can do a budget amendment then, >> right? I'm going to have to bring you a construction contract anyway and at that
time we would do a budget amendment and ask for the rest of the money. >> Okay. How's that? How does how does everyone feel about that for now? >> So, we're going to reduce this to three or are we going to move it and come back later and get what we need out of it? >> Well, >> we can do however you want to work it.
>> Yeah. But what happens um if it's still under the 300 or three just >> then as we're done whatever's left is going to go thumbs. Okay. >> Yeah. >> I I Yeah, I would rather see us pull the the whole thing back, regroup, let you work on what you're doing, get your
pricing updated. It's probably going to drag through the end of the year and go into anyway into the to the budget uh into next year. Uh clean this up and um not saying to do anything else with the money, but just move it move it back uh and regroup.
>> You still want a todd lot and parking? Well, that's a whole discussion, but >> well, I mean, >> we we verbally, you can be wrong, Willie, but didn't we kind of commit to that? And >> it was like already determined that we
were going to do that. >> Not if we don't have the church lot, we can still do it in the in the lot that we have >> next door. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's my concern. Taking it off is out of sight, out of mind. That's that's my concern. So,
>> well, I think we're pretty responsible financially. We know it's there. It's not going anywhere. I don't think Rick's going to use it for anything. Um, >> when were we thinking of even doing this? >> It's >> It's been in there for how long? It's been in there. >> I'm saying hold. So, it's kind
>> It's been in there since waiting for direction on it. >> I got put on hold when we were looking at the church, right? >> And then nothing is is really moved. Give me the green light. I can start looking that package and and tweak what we need. I think the bigger thing I need
to get that in front of you, but I can probably it it I can do a one page conceptual and just send that to everybody. Make sure we're still on the same page because it's been years and then if you need I can do a short presentation >> and and fellow commissioners, this is
over $1,000. So it hasn't come back to us anyway. >> Am I correct? And how does this play into what we just heard too about um >> suspend it >> about the other stuff uh the other things going on up over that way. So >> I mean >> that's kind of you know and I get what
you're saying that's it's kind of secluded in the neighborhood um and it it is used a lot um you know for community events and things like that. So so the property is being used
>> and and and Tom, am I right about that? >> So, if you if you move this to reserves, then a dollar has to come back to you. Okay? >> If it goes into reserves, only you have the ability to move money out of reserves. >> If you leave it where it is, if it's
over a h 100,000, then it has to come back to you. >> It's coming back to us anyway. So, why why are we why are we uh spending so much time on it? >> What's the will of the commission? I'd like to pull it back, us regroup,
come out with a plan, and and make our plan, make our commitments, keep it clean, keep it and I think that's what I got from uh staff as a as a recommendation. But I guess uh >> and and I'm good with us cutting it to
300 uh and moving forward. >> It has it has to come back to us anyway. So I'm I'm good at 300 as well. >> Okay. So it seems like the consensus is the 300. >> I don't know. You were the last one. you're the tiebreaker. >> Um, let's let's just leave the 300 and
go with that. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> And then the the rest of it >> or do we have to do >> or do we have to now wait, Sasha, because we're
>> No, I guess that's it. That's three people who want 300. So, >> and the 169 will go back into reserves. Yes. Assuming that's what the will of the commission. >> Is that the will of the commission? >> Second. >> Okay. Judge, what's next?
>> Uh, next was uh >> Harbor Park Court Pavilion. >> That one note I had on >> depends on what page you got. My next page starts with the professional services pavement assessment. So, the 69,000 up there. >> No, it's 56.
>> Okay. So, I'm on a different page. >> Oh, you understand? >> Sorry. Um, who stapled my pages together? >> No, I think you're right. The next one is 69. >> Well, um, sorry if it if if it's okay if I can jump in this this Capital Carver
Park Basketball Court pavilion. I thought we all talked about definitely taking that off because I don't think Sam says he even wants it. So you you had the master plan presentation tonight plus we've been talking Kurt, right? Uh I think uh what
we've been discussing at the staff level is the the shade structure doesn't really accomplish it doesn't bring basketball indoors. Uh we have several options uh that we're working on to bring basketball indoors. Uh and so that
is one I think where there a staff would recommend that uh we roll that into reserves. Again, it's but it's the will of the commission >> reserves for me. >> Now, we were >> Why don't we make sure we all have the
same pages in the same order? >> You want to So, I must have the most odd order. >> Okay. Want a number? >> Yeah, >> maybe let's start from page one and see if anybody has something to bring up. Would you like to conserve?
>> Yeah, Willy's uh um got my back. >> Okay. He's got the >> All right. >> Contractual. >> Contractual is first. >> Second one. >> Capital with the sir >> with the 68 grand. Next one is the 56 grand.
>> Yep. >> The next one is 69,000. >> Mhm. >> 276. >> And then the final summary. That's it. >> Okay. Okay. So, me and me and uh uh >> we're all on the same page now. >> Us two are on the same page, but I think
Ashcraft just brought one up that's later down the line for us. So, >> uh >> No, we're at Carage. >> We're at Capital Car. >> So, that 400 is what we I'm sorry, the perimeal plaza of the triangle out to 469. We cut down to 300. So, yeah.
>> Actually, Gary Gary was right. I was wrong. >> 400,000 to reserve. >> The 400 comes back. Yep. 400 comes back and Sam doesn't need it. >> I'm sorry. Can we go back because I think there's I have different maybe a
different construction here. Um my first page. No, I just want to start with the very first one. That way it shows >> contractual trail study at 44700. >> Yes. >> Correct.
>> Is that everybody's first page? >> Yep. >> And we have no changes there. Nope. >> Okay. The next one is I'm going to label this page two then. Uh is the capital improvement at >> Elizabeth Circle
>> 682. >> Yep. And we have >> and there we had the cap uh the traffic >> traffic calming >> removal >> 78,600 one and two. The next page would be three
professional services at 56,000. And here we talked about the Palmetto Plaza. >> Correct. >> Okay. And Carpa Bank Park baseball >> and then three >> 300,000 adjustment 169 goes back to reserves >> on line on line four there. Yep. >> Goes to 300.
>> And then three more down is capital Carver Park Basketball Court Pavilion 400,000. >> And that goes back to reserves. Yes. >> Well, or is that being discussed though? >> It's been discussed. >> Okay. So, your last question.
>> Um, I know we had it set aside for and it may mean we have to to come again, but I know Sam is looking to expand at least the building that he has. Do we come back, send it back and then
come back out with the expansion of his building? My recommendation would be roll that 400,000 into reserves >> and then that comes back to commission and is spent how uh you and uh staff uh >> so when it comes back to us then we
>> okay we discuss it got it >> and and with that expansion is that part of the master plan we just discussed >> could be depends on what we decide >> exactly >> but that's a probably a good thought. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So that's that 400 I'm proposing to go back.
>> And and that's that's what John was talking about. Maybe that's us getting started on what we want to do. >> Okay. I I don't have anything else on that page. Does anybody else do? >> Okay. Then we move to the next page. It starts with the 69,000 item for payment
uh assessment study. And I've got uh I've got that being pulled back. >> Which one? >> Uh first item on the top. >> Okay. >> 69 uh,000. I I met with uh Rick on that and um he he actually suggested that or that was an opportunity to pull back. So
I think he's okay with it, but I'll let him speak for himself. >> Is that covered under what we we got from the city? >> I mean the the state. >> So that we have right now we have Kimley Horn under contract doing the payment study. That was contingency if we wanted
to expand or change their scope and their contract has rolled over. This was just extra funds. >> They've collected the data. I've seen a draft report on it already. I think we're good. We're not going to need the contingency. Send it back. If something happens, >> I'll come to you and ask for more money.
>> Okay. >> So, where's it going to go to? >> Back into the fund. >> Back in fund. >> Yeah. >> Next item. >> So, that is >> I'm I was just going to say that's in the 40 fund. That that money has to stay in the fund where it appears. So it
would go back to the 40 fund fund balance. >> Okay. >> Is there consensus on that? >> Do we have consensus on that? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next item I have if uh if I may go on, Mr. Mayor, is the the next line
below it 55,300 the engineering wetland monitoring. Um and I went through that also uh with Mr. Garrett and um pulling that back. Um >> that's okay with you madame mayor. I'll
continue from that if you want to do your test. >> Yeah. Again, we're we're good. That's test. We have a consultant comes out and does the testing. It's yearly. It's part of received date and we're good for this year. >> And what does it go back to? >> Also, everything goes back to the funding
>> fund. Okay. >> Um jumping down three items to the 84,400. I'd like to see that move to Eastern District Analysis. Uh pull that back as well. Are we still in the um
Are we still working? Yeah, may as well. >> That was money set aside for the consultant that we've now already >> done consultant. Yeah. And and that's if we end up doing a special assessment for
development after we expand. So, right now, as we've looked at it, there's two properties out at Eastern >> that we can serve. Um, it's going to be all the improvements will be on their dime, but at that point, our plants
close to capacity. If somebody else wanted to come in and it was a desire of the commission to serve it, there's going to be some heavy cost components. And at that point, rather than putting it on all the users, we'll do the special >> thing. of 84,000. I don't see that
happening anytime within the next couple years. >> Kill it. We'll come back to you when we need it. Or make the developer pay for it. >> That's better. >> Hallelujah. If we're moving on. >> Okay. All right. Thanks. >> We're in consensus on that one. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> All right. Moving uh moving down. I don't have anything else on that page. if anyone else does. I mean, we have that big number for the Jeffre, but it's got to be collapsing this thing. Uh, jumping to the next page
that starts with the $276,000. Um, I personally had some some issues on that. I talked through it with staff and and and with Rick ultimately. Um, and uh, I guess we're keeping that there,
keeping it rolling it forward. Um, >> the second item down involves a a new tank, a water tank that's literally starting if that thing corrods or the roof is in terrible shape and we don't want our water, drinking water even close to potentially anything. So that
big number has to has to stay and roll forward. Uh moving down the third item, the 66 6700 isn't much, but uh we're we're pretty much done with all that on there. So 6700 will roll back to clean that account out if everybody's okay
with that. >> And that that was the phase three, the work that was completed a couple years ago. We saved that money in case there was tie in stuff that we needed to do. Okay. >> Um we're under contract right now. >> Um for the rest of the construction. We
don't need that. We can we can send that back to fund balance. >> Okay. >> And then moving down, there's some big numbers on that list. I mean, I don't know if anyone has an issue with that 338,000, but that is uh you know, that's for generators. Our
generators go out during um especially this last storm and we only have a certain amount of sewer capacity that holds within the line. And if if we don't, then we have backup of sewer in into people's houses and everything. So, uh Rick has been doing studies on
monitoring those as they go. And this is a phase in of of a generator. Uh we've got about 10 of them out there still that need to be done. Uh and this is just one. So, we're spreading it out over over a course of time. So, we'll probably see him present another generator for us uh in the following
year, but no way around that even though it's a big number. Uh the next one underneath it is the eastern plant uh term buying. Um that's the the reclaim water stuff 240,000. That's okay. We have to we have to we have to go with
that. So nothing else on that page and that's the end of my the end of mine. If uh any of the other commissioners have an item they want to pull back. >> Do you have anything? Do you >> No, I No, I think we were really
thorough on that. So Okay. Um, and thank you. >> Thank you, >> Sasha. You got that to put that in the paperwork. >> I did not because I was talking to your finance director. Sorry about that. >> So, um, some of these had already been previously removed. Um,
>> okay. As long as we remove the ones we talked about, then the rest I would be making a motion. >> Let's go through those >> if so allowed to carry the the others forward. >> Let's go through those again if you don't mind. That last page. >> I'm sorry. What's the last one you got? >> Last one. Was it the 7900? Yeah, I remember. Well, I'm not sure.
>> Just let's just have them go from the beginning for my benefit and then we'll explain the next problem. >> So, I 67 actually, I think, Lori. Right. >> Do you want the entire list? I can go through the entire >> No, no, just the last page cuz I've been highlighting everything. >> It was the coolage
>> coolage water mane expansion. Uh, we are removing $6,700. >> I'm totally not at that page. I was on page five, which is the 26 276700 capital improvement. >> That's the one. That's the page. is three down. >> So it's 276.
>> No. >> On or off? >> 6700. >> Everything else is on. >> The only one off is 6700. >> 6700 is the only one on that page that's being removed. >> Everything 6700 actually has previously
been pulled. It just didn't get pulled from this list. It is not on the resolution as it >> Okay. >> And then that's it. That's the only one on this page. Okay. >> And you got the 69. 000 on the previous page.
>> What do we page four? 69,000. I got the 55300 and the 8440 400. There are three on those. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Can I confirm just on my notes so that we make sure we I've got this right from
the resolution. >> Oh, wait. Sorry. I think we have one more last page. Anything else on the last page? >> No. >> Okay. I have the traffic calming is going away. >> Go back to the front, Lori. Just so >> I am not in any particular order. I'm actually going from the resolution attachment.
>> Okay, >> then let let us >> um I have Palmetto Park going to 300,000. >> Correct. >> I have Palmetto Park uh being reduced to 300,000. >> I have Carver Park Basketball Court
Pavilion completely gone for 400,000. Um going to the utility fund, the pavement assessment study for 69,000 is going away. >> Correct. >> Uh professional engineering wetland monitoring for 553 is going away
and the US water works um contractual service 844 is going away and the 6700 is already gone. >> So I have a total of one. >> Is that everything? >> Yep. >> Sense as a commission. Any other ones to
discuss? >> Okay. Um, I'm going to open it up for public input. Um, and then we'll talk procedure. Does anyone want to comment on this resolution? >> Do we have any cards, Tom? >> No cards on this item.
>> Okay, I'm seeing none. So, I will close public input for this. Uh, we will not need to readvertise because the title was correct. But, um, I've asked Miss Carr to go ahead and just make the adjustments that we just went over to the exhibit. And, um, when she gets an
opportunity tonight, so that way the exhibit, it corresponds with um, exactly what the amount will end up being, which is going to be less than the >> Do we want to total that and and and throw out a number on the table or are we okay with? Well, the number on this
exhibit is different than the resolution because there was already a reduction of the 6700. So, she's going to go ahead and and do that now. That's why I wanted her to since we're here, we will double check everything and have you >> All right. So, we'll come back to this item. >> Uh yes, we're going to come back uh for
purposes of of the vote. Okay. Okay. So, I would just need a uh we did close a public hearing component. I just want to have a motion on the table to a motion to table this item to make those revisions and then uh we'll move it to
the last item on the agenda under my portion so that gives her time to fix that just so everyone's on the same page. >> So we have a motion. >> I'm asking for a motion. >> I'll make a motion to table the this item to the final
>> item on the to Yeah. >> And I'll second it. >> And do we do a roll call? >> Yes, please. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Mr. Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Mr. Obott. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. Thank you.
That was a big exhibit. Okay. Um. All right. Next, we have resolution number 26-13. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, authorizing the city manager to execute a memorandum of understanding with Habitat for Humanity of Lake Sumpter,
Florida, Inc. for the city home repair program, providing for findings of public purpose, providing for administrative authority, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. Um, so uh I assisted with preparation of this uh program. So
I'll just um kind of go over what what's already in the staff report. um vice mayor has uh been an advocate of trying to you know assist um usage residents with housing uh repairs
um that would qualify and there's certain criteria for for that. Um the city commission has identified preservation and rehabilitation of existing ownership um existing owner occupied housing as a valid municipal purpose. It also supports uh
neighborhood stability, code compliance, and public health and safety. This uh city home repair program is intended to address health, safety, accessibility, and building code deficiencies for income eligible households subject to available
funding and commission adopted guidelines. So um Habitat as an forprofit w has a demonstrated experience in residential rehabilitation and repair and they have worked with income qualified homeowners. The uh memorandum of understanding that is
before you tonight provides a structure mechanism for Habitat to assist the city in program delivery while maintaining oversight, budgetary control and legal compliance. Uh so basically this um memorandum of understanding is a formal
framework for the city's home repair program under which Habitat will assist the city with intake eligibility screening um project development construction oversight and compliance monitoring for income eligible owner occupied residential properties within
city limits. Theou will preserve the city's full discretion over funding, eligibility criteria, and program guidelines, and it includes strong fiscal controls, insurance, and indemnification, public records, compliance, and termination protections.
The approval of the accompanying resolution would authorize that the uh city manager or his designate can um sign uh theou and would have delegation of any administrative authority. Just to summarize what we're looking uh
at as far as the provisions for theou the program scope is again owner occupied residential properties within city limits uh income eligibility of up to 80% AMI with a priority of below 50% AMI. The financial controls um there's a
cap of $25,000 per unit um or per project for a particular home. uh the annual is not to exceed the amount that is subject to commission appropriation which is done at budgeting. Uh so this is subject to appropriation
reim this is a reimbursement only program so there are no advanced payments. Habitat would advance the work and uh remmit to us receipts of uh you know the work that's been conducted and receive reimbursement for
the work that they've done. uh risk management component. Again, we have insurance um requirements laid out in theou and demification for the city. They are licensed um con subcontractors that they're supposed to work with. Um
they're not related, you know, they're not city employees and that's very clear and they have a workmanship warranty so that any work that is done is guaranteed for a period of one year after completion. the oversight and compliance. Of course, they have to go through the permitting,
inspections, audits, and everything that would have to be done to make any kind of improvements within city limits. And we have uh the city has suspension and termination rights incorporated. Public records are full compliance of that um stated in there. the uh policy
considerations. Theou provides flexibility to suspend projects or program uh or the program itself based on funding availability compliance public interest considerations while minimizing disruptions to the participating
homeowners. So, um that doesn't create an entitlement if you've signed up or this isn't a joint venture. This is not an agency relationship. We're still preserving sovereign immunity for the city, but we're there be a situation um of an emergency nature that would
require us to have to suspend the program or stop for a particular reason because we need those funds for other purposes. That's built into the program as well. And um the program while we do have something similar in the CRA, we
can't use CRA funds for nonCRA properties, but it does not prohibit nonCRA funds to be used on CRA property. So, we're opening it up to the entire um you know, city limits for that, but we
will ensure that there isn't a duplication of benefits. So, uh no double dipping. We are recommending approval of this um of resolution 2613 authorizing that the
city manager or designate execute the memorandum of understanding and again subject to annual appropriation and city adopt city commission adopted guidelines. Um this is because it could exceed $100,000. It is
coming to you just on the aggregate. So let's say we have a year where you allocate 125 or 150,000 for the project and we have six applicants that would exceed the threshold. So just in an abundance of caution it's coming
to you so that we have um the guidelines for u the program and everyone understands the intent and and what it covers and and how it would work. Are there any questions? Does Habitat do
any multi- uh tenant properties? They do any duplexes, triplex quads, any such thing? >> I I mean, knowing knowing Danielle like I do, I don't think she she does they're mostly I'd say >> 99% all single family
>> because we we refer to uh per unit. So, if so, we probably want to uh clarify that. And if it's owner occupied, we want to clarify owner occupied of 51% or greater. Um something along that way in case there is a duplex, do we want the
duplex uh rented second unit to be included or not? Just some thoughts on what what you want where you want this money to go or is that being uh is that >> I think you know a lot about that Gary. >> Owner owner occupied. Correct me if I'm wrong. Primary residence. >> Yes, it's primary residence. Um and
again this is for those that are um fall within a certain income threshold that may have code violations, safety issues, accessibility issues and the um city manager or designate would be essentially administering the program. So the city has a full retention of
guidelines. So once the project is presented to us uh for approval for you know reimbursement at that point conditions can be raised. >> Have we allocated just an understanding. It's not a uh >> yeah it's a memorandum of understanding of basically kind of building out the
framework but the discretion still lies within the city um and >> at the time of the grant >> at the time yeah that the project come uh comes before for the city manager in this instance for approval it's uh the funds are allocated I think right now we
have funds uh based on last year's uh budget approval that could change on a year-by-year basis and again we can always um uh the guidelines are modifiable as needed. So um then that would be done through the program
administrator. >> I have one request. I feel that we should uh definitely do a background check on anyone who applies on both the programs where we help um home owners. >> But but and I understand your concern, but that's that's Habitat's
responsibility, not not all. >> But I'm saying that should be required that they do that. Well, and I'm c I'm certainly she she would I mean this this this whole program is just a mirror of the rehab program for the CRA. Um we I think we all realize there's there's
help needed outside the CRA. So that's why all the it's really the same program. I mean uh Lake Community Action screens their participants. Correct. >> Yeah. >> And and have do background checks >> and they don't do criminal. No,
>> but but I I don't want us to to to put another obstacle in the way of people that need help. And what what we're saying is you could have screwed up and got your life together,
but because you had a a hiccup. So, I'm I'm not really in favor of it. Um, and and if it benefits the kids or if it benefits the the elderly,
>> but that's a case by case scenario. I see what you're talking about. Um, madame mayor, u it's a yeah, we don't you want of obviously throwing in the kids and and the elderly gets gets us all concerned, but uh
>> what we don't want to do is >> bring in something that is going to um worsen the safety of those same children and elderly. So, >> I think it warrants some discussion what what what you're saying probably wrapped
in a little bit of a different way. But yeah, I think you got you got a great point there. >> Yeah, I I disagree. >> The reason why I'm saying that is um if it may endanger children, if their background indicates that, then
I don't think we should be supporting it. >> Uh what but sorry to matter. I'm and willing. Sorry. You know, you I we I hope we don't over complicate this because this is really a good thing and these are these are already original
homeowners. We're not bringing anyone in. These are already original homeowners. And Willie makes a good point. If they've had a commit criminal conviction down the road and now they're just trying to better themselves, I don't I don't think that's our job. I mean, and I'm not sure what once again,
another good point to bring up. I don't think we ever talked about that with Danielle. I mean, I don't I don't think she screens people for criminal because these are already existing homeowners that live in our city limits and all we're trying to do is get them some help outside the CRA. That's all this program
is. I just I I don't want us to over complicate this. I >> I'm not I'm not I'm not trying to over complicate, but I do think that we are responsible for um checking back. I'm not saying like if somebody um committed a crime of rob a bank or a store or
something like that and then they've come back and that's okay. But I'm saying that if someone has >> is known to be someone who's molested children >> I and and may have them in danger and they do and they are capable of owning owning a home. I think we should be
aware of those things and make and and make better decisions. >> But what about those people that never get >> but Emily? They're already there. >> I'm saying there should protect >> but why why are we I'm sorry. Go ahead, fellow commissioners. Why are we over complicating this? This is what we do.
We spend an hour and a half on something that doesn't need this kind of complication. I'm sorry. You know, I've been working on this program for a long time and it's nothing any different. So, if you know, if we're going to set that standard for this program, then we do the same. >> No, I'm saying for both programs.
>> Well, what let me let me say this. I have I have worked with with Lake Community Action and we've done probably 20 25 30 H homes and we've never had an issue. >> No, I mean really I mean and and and and
and even even if someone did, but they're already there. We're just trying to make their living conditions better. We're not trying to make it worse on anybody. Um I'm I'm just asking you guys to have an open mind. We can agree to disagree, but that's where I stand and I understand what you're saying, but we
need to move on. I want to get that >> and just to be clear, I mean, we do have the guidelines. They'll do the vetting and they have to come to get approval to proceed on that particular home before they invest their monies because if we don't agree, then there's no
reimbursement. So, there's it's it's a cooperative relationship. >> There's another bite at the apple. >> There's another bite at the apple here. I I agree with the point Gary's making too that we this is a good thing for our community and a good thing for people. What we don't want to do is punish someone who isn't in that. But there is
a percentage of it. You're right. They're there >> and hopefully in the in the process and we can maybe have you can maybe have a personal talk along with her and and share your concerns to her. I think she's fantastic and she'll make sure >> I want to make it very clear it's not just about Habitat but but both programs
and and in the process of them checking I just want us to have that in the back of our minds that that is a possibility. Now I'm not going to belabor it anymore and we can move on but I just wanted to drop that note in there >> and I I agree with you. That's a good point. Good point. Yeah.
>> And Tom, you've heard the comments. So, >> yes, you know, as the administrator, you know, again, they have to come and >> and both of them, not just the case. >> Okay. Anything further from commission on this? >> No. >> Would anyone in the audience like to
speak on resolution 23 26-3? >> I have Daniel. One second. I have a card from D Gretzler, please. >> All right. Miss Wrestler, you have three minutes. >> I um I just wanted to say as a resident
uh and an affordable housing advocate, I commend you for what the efforts that you are endeavoring to follow and encourage you to continue looking into programs that support the retention and creation of affordable
housing. So, thank you for that. And I'm with you. Please don't complicate this. And I do appreciate the need to look into who's living in our homes, but again, they're living there already, so let's make sure that they're safe.
>> Thank you. >> Oops, Mr. Donanzo. >> So, I don't I don't know how how many dollars you're committing to this, but I will just say I'd be curious. Um, for instance, I know a number of homes could use, you know, doors with locks on them
to enter and exit the house. And, you know, that can be facilitated for less than $1,000. I'd be curious what Habitat for Humanity is going to charge to manage a project like that. $25,000, you can do windows in a house, but I think
there there's needs because I I drive around. There's needs for doors. There's needs, but most likely, most of them have some kind of plumbing need. Um, you know, how much does it cost to change a toilet? So, if they have a functioning operating toilet that's working properly, you know, you can do that for
$300. A water heater that's not working, they don't have hot water in their house. That's $800. So, I just be curious on these smaller items. It's nice to be able to say, "Oh, we're going to spend $25,000 here and we're going to manage that program for 12 or $1,500." I
I'm just curious if we have that kind of oversight of what we're paying the company to manage the dollars that we want to benefit those uh disadvantaged homeowners. >> I I can I can say for 100% certainty that Habitat and Humanity can leverage
the funds they need to complete projects and we don't have to spend $25,000 on each project. That's not again that's not guaranteed for each project. >> Yeah. I think that when we we talked to Danielle And I think she even and it
wasn't her, it was um I think they actually minimized some of the administrative fees associated with it. So >> yeah, she she said she would she'd be willing to do that. >> Great. Anyone else wishing to speak on this item?
>> Okay, seeing none, I will close public input and I'll give it back to you, Madame Mayor. >> Commissioners, are you done with the discussion? Anything else? Okay. Roll call, please. >> No, we need a motion for Sorry. >> Oh, we made a motion. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Madam Madame Mayor, I make a motion to approve resolution 2613.
>> And I second. >> Got a first and a second. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mr. Hawkins. >> I. >> Mr. Obott. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> All right. Um, so we're almost near 8 o'clock, but I do
have Miss Carr back with the adjusted numbers. Did you want to leave that to the end or do that now? >> If she's got to go back and make a resolution for the mayor, then let's give it to her now or no? No. Okay, it's up to her. >> We have to sign it today. So, you can
work with um Christine during the break. So, then we'll move on. We'll just move you to the back. Um, next on here is page 23. I mean, we've um if I if I can, Madam
Mayor, I mean, we've had people waiting here a long time for the for the next um why why can't we do those and we can do this uh this budget? >> I was trying to make sure we had uh the development agreement on here because I wasn't seeing it directly.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Um we have next for second reading uh ordinances number 25-34 35 and 36.
We had um first reading and presentation on December 9th of last year. Will there be any further presentation this evening? >> Okay. Uh, first is ordinance number 25-34, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace,
Florida, voluntarily annexing approximately 5.6 acres of real property at alternate key numbers 121 3835, generally located north of County Road 44 and east of State Road 19. Any questions uh from the commission for
staff? >> Do you have any cards on this item, Tom? >> I do not. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance 25-34? Okay, seeing none, I will close public input and I will give it back to you, madame mayor. >> Commissioner, do you have any further
discussion? >> Looking for a motion? >> So moved. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mr. Hawkins, >> I. Uh, Mr. Obott. I.
>> Um, Mayor Lee. I >> second ordinance for this group is ordinance 25-35 an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustus Lake County Florida amending the city of Eustace's comprehensive plan pursuant to Florida statute 163.3187
changing the future land use designation of approximately 5.6 6 acres of real of recently annexed real property at alternate key numbers 121 3835 generally located north of county road 44 and east of state road 19 from urban low and lake
county to mix commercial industrial in the city of Eustace we've already had presentation any questions from commission for staff would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance 25-35 seeing none I will close public input and give it back to you madame mayor Any
further discussion, commissioners? No. Okay. >> Looking for a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> And the last set uh is ordinance number
25-36, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Lake County, Florida, assigning the suburban corridor design district designation to approximately 5.6 6 acres of recently annexed real property at alternate key number 121
3835 north of County Road 44 and east of State Road 19. We've had presentation. Any questions for staff from commission? Seeing none, public input. Um do we have anyone in the audience that would like
to speak on ordinance 25-36? And seeing none, I will close uh the public hearing component and give it back to you, Madame Mayor. Commissioners, do you have any further discussion? Looking for a motion. >> So move. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I.
>> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I um next we have ordinance number 26-01. We had first reading on this at our LPA
meeting just today at 5:30 p.m. Uh we will have this for second and final reading now at city commission. This is ordinance uh again 26-01, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, approving and authorizing the execution of a
development agreement between the city of Eustace and Grand Island Crossings LLC, a Florida limited liability company for the development of approximately 19.96 acres of real property into a single family residential subdivision, providing for implementation, providing
for severability, and providing for an effective date. Uh we had presentation previously but would commission like to see the presentation again. Okay.
Any questions for staff on this? No. Okay. Now we do have the um applicant representative here. Um, we just we had some questions on the open space that um we did get a response for
via email that has been disseminated to staff and there are copies for the public if they'd like it. Um, I would love it if their attorney um, Mr. Jones could come up and speak and answer any questions for commission. >> Good evening. Brett Jones, 700 Dolman
Street, Claremont. Uh, I think I hope you got a chance to look at the email, but just to clarify, there there are top lots we're going to have to comply and and willing to comply with all the requirements for the city. So, there's there's nothing new there. Um, we do meet or exceed the open space requirements, etc. So, I'm happy to
answer any questions that you may have. >> I mean, I I think Vice Mayor had brought up some concerns that I uh that I agree with. I it's just maybe it's me, but uh I I I'd like to see a site plan that
gives us a little bit more than than >> Well, and he you want to explain? >> Yeah, I'm happy to. Um you're saying site plan, but but I'm not sure that's what you mean. Site plan is when you pay an engineer a half a million dollars. So, this conceptual plan is substantially similar to what will be
there. The only thing is if the water management district, your staff, FDOT or D says it can't be done this way. That's the only reason it would vary. staff told us it's going to look significantly different than that. >> Yeah, I think your staff maybe said something was not accurate. Yeah,
>> I'd be happy to >> bring your staff up and clarify that point. >> Could you make it accurate? >> Yeah, >> I don't know what what your staff said. >> Yeah, just for the record. I mean, as I said, I I said um it it is my
>> Are you okay with what he said? That's all I probably need to know. Well, well, the fact is is that will change. I mean, irregardless. I don't anticipate uh 95 lots on that that that plan. I mean, at the end of the day, your code, our code says that there's going to be 25% open
space. And right now, we haven't seen any plan on that uh that that storm water pond to to call it a storm a a recreational park amenity. So until we actually see that, I mean, you know,
it's our anticipation that we're going to see the the storm water pond and the 25% open space, which is generally what we see now. This is a this is a a I guess we're treading into unique waters at this point. But again, >> I agree with that.
>> You know, since I've been here, I just we've not seen anything that the typical con concept plan always changes at this point. it might before it gets because DRC sees it at what point right what point >> well the DRC has looked at the
conceptual at this point and we've offered just some some comments as I said the previous one uh that we this is I think version two >> uh and and it did change and a lot of that had to do with comments that the county had made about uh you know
Sparrow Lane so uh again that's that's again the the reviewers weighing in and the changes being made based on the comments from the reviewers >> and and then and once we we'll see a site plan eventually anyway, right? >> You will see the preliminary plat as as
is typual right now. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. >> So, Mike, are you comfortable with the process as we're going through? Are you are you in support of the the steps that we're going through and kind of making the layman feel like the cart got before
the horse? Are we okay? You okay with that? for unfortunately. See, this is where the development agreement issue kind of is it jumps the gun to some extent. I mean, because uh you're seeing something that you don't normally see. You don't normally see a conceptual plan
unless it is based on like a uh a uh a PUD, a plan unit development. I mean, so the the concept plan could have very easily just been a bubble diagram that just said we're doing these number of lots that are on here and we're our our
goal is to do 40, 50, and 60 foot wide lots. So, >> and I don't like >> but they're but they're they're agreeing to do something that they don't have to do, which is design standards that we were trying to pass. So >> I'm happy to clarify that because I agree 100% with what he's saying in
generality, but to say it in layman's terms in a different way that that I understand is norm what Tom said is normally this is planning and zoning, right? So we're just doing zoning and future land use stuff. Later we'll go back to site planning with your staff. We'll have to go through developmental
review committee as you mentioned. have to check all of those boxes and there's all of those stop gap measures to make sure that all the things are complied with and I agree with them like you don't know until the civil engineer gets a slide rule out in his microscope and looks at these things and like oh the water table's higher than we thought so
the pond's going to be bigger smaller at different locations so to from that perspective it will change and could the lot number unit count go down yeah does it usually happen that way yes so I think we're on the same page that way >> so it will change
>> yeah but it will it it I don't know if it will you don't know but I think it'll be substantially similar to this >> and I wasn't here earlier >> discussion if we go through this process again on are we protecting the city and not boxing oursel into a corner that's
really probably the way I could ask you >> again I I I think that's kind of why I laid out the presentation the way I did earlier just to kind of say look here we're in the DRC process we're going to make sure that all the land development code regulations are met I mean Again,
we I guess it was that assurance that I want you guys to to have in the DRC and staff that yes, you may not have a a full-fledged plan that's ready to get a building permit or ready to get site development approval tomorrow, but you know, rest
assured that when we come back, we're we're going to basically have it uh locked down when it comes to compliance with the land development rates. >> I just need to hear from you and make sure you're happy. >> Okay. I'm I'm fine. >> I have a question. How How do you make a
retention pond um accessible and and usable amenities >> for that space? >> You can actually do all kinds of little trails. Uh you can put benches there by our landscape regulations now are going to require some some trees around the storm water pond to make it more
aesthetically appealing. and and so, you know, instead of it just being maybe a a hole in the ground, it becomes more of an amenity uh and it it kind of draws people to there. Uh you know, if it's a big enough stormwater pond, uh and it
does have maybe benches around it, uh you know, the kids can maybe go play football, frisbee, you know, and and even, you know, various games and stuff in in the bottom of that if it's a a dry storm water pond. So, >> well, and it's um let's keep in mind
that, >> you know, they don't have to do any of the design standards that we were trying to do. They could just go by our own co our old code and not not put anything around there. >> I don't disagree. I'm just trying to say it's it's give and take. They're doing correct. >> They're doing they're doing things that
we were trying to do before Senate Bill 180 cut us off. So, they're willing to give >> um because that's what they've heard that we want. Um and in return they get they get certain things as well. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Do we have any any other questions? >> No. Okay. Do we have any cards on this item? >> I do not. >> Would anyone in the audience uh wish to speak on ordinance number 26-01? Okay. Seeing none, I will close public
input. Now we'll give it back to you. U madame mayor, did you want further discussion and maybe do a straw poll? >> Yes. Any further discussion from any of you? >> Okay. How about a straw poll? Commissioner >> I Yeah. >> As commission commissioner
>> and I am too. >> Okay. So we can proceed with a motion. >> Madam Madame Mayor, I make a motion to approve 2601 >> and I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. Hi, >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi,
>> Commissioner Ozbody. >> Hi, >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi, >> Madame Mayor. We've uh reached the 8:00 point. >> That's what I was concerned about. >> Yes. Did you want to ask the commission if they want to continue forward or if they want to take a break? >> Commissioners, you need a break or you
want to move forward? What do you want to do? >> I wouldn't mind a fivem minute break. I'm sorry. >> Well, I was like, let's keep going, but let's give him a five. Thank you. You can take your five minute break. >> Okay. >> Well, we need we need him here because we have first reading. So, let's take a
break. >> Five minute break. Yes. Uh thank you. We'll continue with first first readings ordinance number 26-0203 and 04. We'll have presentation on all three ordinances. Um, and we'll start
with ordinance number 26-02 of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, voluntarily annexing approximately 31 acres of real property at alternate key number 1197309 located at 77 West Seinal Avenue. Mr.
Wilks, >> mayor, commissioners, this is the first reading or the first item that you saw or the item you saw last at LPA. Uh, ordinances 26023 and 04 for annexation, future land use, and design district amendment for 31 acres at 77 West Seinal
Avenue. Uh, as as noted before, the the address or the property is located in a fairly large enclave in the city. Um, they're requesting annexation uh for city services. The request is for.31 acres to go from
urban low county to city residential office transition and assign a a urban neighborhood design district. This is the location of the property uh west of Bates along the north side of Simol Avenue. Shown here. There's existing single
family residence on the property. This is the existing future land use urban low and the requested residential office transition future land use for the city as well as the requested urban
neighborhood design district uh just west of the urban corridor there. This shows the generalized utility map showing water and sewer are available and capacity is present or is uh sufficient excuse me uh to service
the site. Uh it is in a medium recharge area 48 in but the soils are suitable for development and it is developed. Uh the county was notified uh of the of the request for annexation on January
2nd. It was advertised again in the newspaper on the 12th and the 19th, two consecutive weeks, and mailings were sent out on January 9th. Again, we evaluated this per chapter 163 for statutes, our future land use element appendix, and one 102 of the
LDRs. Um, the this is I'm incorrect. I'm sorry. the 100-year flood. There is no 100-year flood plane or uh the property is not within the Wakiva property, Wakiva study
area. Uh it is a medium recharge. Uh transportation level of service has not been evaluated, but it is developed. Water and sewer capacity is available. It is consistent with the city future land use and comprehensive plan and consistent with surrounding future land use designations and the established
patterns in the area. and staff recommends approval of but of approval of ordinances 2602 03 and 04. And we're available for any questions. >> Okay. Do you have any questions on this item
for staff? >> Any cards on this item, Tom? Any >> do not have any. >> Okay. Anyone in the audience wishing to speak on ordinance 26-02? Okay. Seeing none, I will close public input. Give it back to you, madame mayor, for discussion. >> Commission nurse, do you have any
further discussion on this item? I'm looking for a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Commissioner Asat. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> I.
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 and lake county to residential office transition in the city of Eustace. We've had presentation on this item. Are there any questions for staff from
commission? Okay. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance 26-03? >> Seeing none, I will close public input. Back to you, Madame Mayor. >> Commissioners, any comments or discussion? >> Looking for a motion.
>> So moved. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody. I, >> Mayor Lee, >> I. >> And the last ordinance is 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 real property at alternate key number 117309, 77 West Seinal Avenue. We've had a
presentation. Any questions from commission? No. Anyone in the audience wishing to comment on ordinance 26-04? Seeing none, I will close public input. And back to you, madame mayor. >> Any discussion? Commissioners? No, >> ma'am.
>> Looking for a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Vice Mayor Ashcraft. I. >> Commissioner Hawkins. Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. I. >> Mayor Lee. I >> and we agreed to come back to resolution
number uh 26-04 before you you have um an updated attachment A um sorry did you want to go through and
confirm the changes and for commission's and the public's reassurance >> I think We did that with Lori, right? >> Well, as far as the new exhibit that you have before you, just to be safe and that way the public knows that we
took out and then we can give them the new number. Uh, just what I had handed out to you. The first copy was the original um attachment and it had strikethroughs and zero for a dollar amount. And then the second version I gave you is with those
lines completely removed. So, if you just look at the ones that have the striketh through to confirm, those are the ones that you had removed. >> Am I just going through them for the record? >> Yes, you can.
>> The ones uh the strikethroughs, the ones that are going away are the um traffic calming on the first page in the street improvement fund. Um the uh Palmetto Park Plaza is being reduced to 300,000.
The uh pavilion at uh Carver Park is being um cut or has gone away. um in the water and utility uh fund pro professional services for the pavement assessment study and for the engineering
wetland monitoring and for US waterworks. All of those professional services are being removed and that would bring the new total of carryover funds to 4,911,600. What did we end up pulling off? What was the total we pulled out? Did you do that
by chance? No. Okay. Just curious. >> Is everything consistent then >> with the original request? All right. >> So, at this point, um, we did have a motion to table. We can have a motion to reopen the item for voting and then proceed.
So, m >> Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to reopen this item for uh votes. And I'll second it. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Vice. Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I.
>> Mayor Lee. I >> um >> and >> since we've already had discussion, public input, and all of that, we just need a motion to approve resolution number 26-04 with the amended exhibit and the
corrected amount of 4,911,600. Madame Mayor, I make a motion to approve resolution number 2604 with the amended amount um of 40 or 4,911,600. >> Second. >> I'll second.
>> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. >> Thank you. Okay. Okay. Now we'll move to other business
and um we have right here. Okay. Um I'll leave that to you. >> Yes. Um so uh discussion on agenda process. Uh we've gotten uh some requests from the commission to uh take
a look and see if we can get the agenda out a little earlier. And uh basically what we've done is uh we've provided you a breakdown of the process. And so what we think we can realistically do so we have commission meetings every two weeks
and uh we realistically we think we can we can uh reduce uh or get the agenda out one day earlier without running into the previous meeting uh or the inability to get something on the agenda from the previous meeting. And so just to
summarize um right now uh we give staff Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday to prepare items. They have to be in the system by close of business Wednesday. Uh we think we can reduce that. Give staff Monday, Tuesday uh time to uh prepare items,
have items in the system by close of business Tuesday. That then would give uh the city manager and the city clerk uh two days to review, format, prepare the agenda, and then get it out to you uh Thursday afternoon as opposed to
current process which is Friday afternoon. And so um I don't I I I don't think we need um I I am assuming everybody is okay if we get the agenda out to you one day earlier. Uh I don't know if we need any feedback
necessarily. Uh we're just committing to uh try to get you the agenda one day earlier. >> So So that I'm sorry, mayor. Go ahead. >> If something comes up and it's not possible or may be pushing it, you would let us know.
>> Yes. And and there may be cases where we get the agenda to you on Thursday and then make an addition. uh and then we would notify you that hey we've added something or we've made an addition. Uh but our goal would be to get you the entire agenda on Thursday.
>> Okay. You had something? >> Well, I could say I you know just for full disclosure I think I was the one that was actually asking for this and it was really for for two reasons. you know, number one, um, you know, someone that's working back full-time, um, you
know, an extra day to prepare for the meetings for me is going to be really, really worthwhile. And then two, you know, usually we get the we get the agenda on Friday and staff's not available um, on the weekends,
not always not available, but it's you more difficult to get them. And with this, you know, we have Thursday now, Friday to answer questions before the weekend. So hopefully some of the questions that you know we we have on the agendas could be answered um before staff leaves for the weekend. So that's
that's really one of the two reasons I was really pushing forward. >> Would we really have Thursday? I think you're saying by end of the day Thursday. So we would likely have Thursday. >> You would have Friday now instead of going right into the weekend Friday. So, if we get it to you 5:00 p.m. Friday,
you you you can't get in touch with certain people over the weekend and you have to wait until Monday. I think this revised process will get it to you end of business Thursday. That would give you Friday to um get with staff. Um certainly you wouldn't have to. You
still have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of the following week. Uh but it would give you one additional business day uh in the prior week. I mean, I'm in I'm I'm in total favor of it. I mean, I know there's probably going to be some meetings where we we
don't get it, but I really I really hope um staff will make a really good effort to get I mean, one I one day will definitely definitely make a difference for me. >> Okay. >> How do we say no to that? >> Anything we can get?
So we will work on it and uh starting next agenda u we will uh we'll work to get that to you by Thursday afternoon. >> Okay. So I think we have a discussion of the interim city manager. >> Yes. Um so we um I want to give you an
update um on what's happening with the um um both the interim and the full-time city manager. So we have uh secured the services of um strategic government resources or SGR. Uh I executed uh the
agreement with them yesterday. Uh they sent us a request for information. Um they want things like our what's our budget? What's what's our uh code? What's our charter? Um pictures of the city. Uh because they're going to start
putting together their marketing materials. uh they will um they will engage the commission and we will um facilitate that uh so that uh they can work with the commission to put together their ideal candidate profile uh which
will then be uh advertised. Um and so that's moving forward. Um I did uh we were able to move forward uh through a piggyback situation. and they have an agreement with uh Gainesville and um I think I sent information to you about
examples of what they've done uh for other government agencies and uh also uh kind of a a proposal that included a list of qualifications. So that is all moving forward. um their process um if
it goes perfectly is a four to five month process um because uh there's uh they have to put together the advertisement. Then they have to advertise, they have to vet candidates, there's uh probably multiple steps in that candidate vetting. Uh and
so that process is going to take uh four to five months um assuming everything goes very smoothly. Uh that said, uh I am departing mid-March. Uh and so there will unfortunately not be any overlap
between my being here and your new city manager being hired. Uh and so um the charter requires uh that we have a u acting or interim city manager. Uh and so there's been a lot of discussion uh
about that position. Uh we did look a little bit uh there's a um a program um called a senior advisor program that ICMA and FCCMA so the international city county managers association and the
Florida city county managers association um they have a senior advisor program uh it used to be called uh range riders uh now it's called the senior advisor program in looking into that program I get the impression it is currently more about specific
um specific expertise, specific areas of expertise where you can get assistance on planning or uh finance or HR. Um but it's not necessarily a program where you can bring bring on someone to be your
full-time interim city manager. So, it's certainly something we can look into if we have areas of expertise that we need. uh but I don't think it's an alternative for a permanent not permanent interim uh city manager. So again there's been a
lot of discussion um I would um so based on uh the need for institutional knowledge uh the need for uh consistency stability uh the need for um continuing our
positive momentum um there have been some discussions about internal candidates and so what I would like to recommend uh With the full support of Miranda Burroughs, uh I would like to recommend uh that you consider Rick
Garrick as your interim city manager uh to um serve you uh during that gap uh until you can hire your full-time city manager. At this point, I will turn it over for comments and questions. >> Will Rick work with you up until you
leave? >> I assume so. Yes. I mean, the answer is yes. Um, we, um, Rick and I have a great relationship. Um, I will, um,
I I've committed to staying until mid-March. I think that gives an opportunity for Miranda, myself, and Rick to work together to to give you all those things, >> the continu continuity, the institutional knowledge, the continued
positive momentum. Will Rick have the opportunity to go back to what he's doing or will he manage both positions while he's doing this? >> So I I mean I think I can speak a little bit to this. Um the the city will need
to negotiate with Rick on what this arrangement looks like. Um we I would say we cannot go out and backfill Rick's position because Rick wants to go back to that position. Uh and so um Rick's team will of course
give him all the support he needs. Uh Miranda Burroughs will give Rick all the support he needs on the city management side. Uh but to some extent Rick will be doing portions of two jobs uh during the interim. >> Well, I I would encourage the
commissioners we to have good consensus that we are all in agreement with this or we're not. But I think that the more we show support for the person who's doing this and our commitment to to work with him would be very very important.
So on that based on that, I'd like comments from the commissioners. >> I think it's a no-brainer for me. >> Yeah, I'm I'm I'm in agreement. I'm I am a little concerned about, you know, him doing two jobs,
trying to juggle that, you know, public works and and this and but if you know, if Miranda is going to be totally supportive, I I I think it's a good thing. Yeah, >> I do. If if if I may just
So, we have a public works director. Greg is our public works director, but yes, Rick will be doing the engineering and capital projects and um he'll be getting support from his team and Miranda of course will be supporting him
on the city manager side. Um, I >> I think >> I just wanted to point out that Rick was previously public works director, but Greg is doing an admirable job, admirable job and will continue to support Rick on the public works side.
>> One of the things that makes it uh real easy for me is Rick was doing, you know, the engineering >> and the public works. So he can he can for lack of a better term he can walk and chew gum if you know what's coming
>> at the same time. So >> and and and I agree but one of my concern is we know we have so much to do. >> Yeah. >> This year and we every every bit of time and is important and I just don't want things to just be slowed down because of
it as well. >> Um we have a lot we have a lot that we need to get done this year. So, but I know uh you know good thing about our about our staff. We all support each other. So, hopefully uh everybody will step up to get it done. >> Commissioner body.
>> Yeah, I'm I'm 150% behind that. Um I think Rick is a plethora of information. Uh I think this is an opportunity to trap him into a contract, make him stay longer than his retirement. So, I encourage us to strategically negotiate
his contract. where where um that is. But in all seriousness, uh with a new city manager coming in, I want to make sure uh speaking for myself that he stays here as long as possible. So I want to ensure that he has his position
guaranteed to go back to uh when the time comes and of course in the contract. Um I'm sure he'll speak very well for himself but uh I think the compensation has to be looked at as well and the whole global package which I think is part of the process anyway.
>> Uh you will the city will need to negotiate uh a a contract with Rick >> and does that come back to us for approval? >> It does. >> Okay. Then uh if he would do it um I will go look for the monkeys he said
that would be swimming on the beach if he's ever do does it. So, >> well, I'm in agreement. I I think it's it um will help kind of keep everything balanced and and we can work together. I'm impressed with his I've worked
closely with Rick and and his staff and I feel like they're capable and will be supportive of his keeping everything going. So, I think it's a good choice. I especially for just keeping the continuity and the stability that we need through this process.
So based on that, we're all >> we um we I think we will need to have to figure out the um the contract and the negotiation process, but we have consensus and we'll move forward. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So now we will move on to
>> Congratulations, Rick. >> Yes. And by the way, no hiking. Um, okay. We'll go on to future agenda items and comments. So, we'll start with U. Commissioner Asbati. >> I feel like you're picking on me. Um,
Madame Mayor been going first. I am. >> Uh, it's been it's been a it's been a great uh few couple weeks since our last meeting. I had the privilege uh and I know um Commissioner Hawkins uh was there. I saw
him to uh judge uh multi- high schools for the future business leaders of America. Something that uh actually Commissioner Hawkins brought me into it when I was uh just a civilian out there and it's been a great honor. uh and uh we ranked the top three uh that
participated in our in our county uh over at uh at Lake Sumpter College and it was a a great uh a great morning uh and some just really good prospects of what's coming up. Um so I I think uh
that's something to be proud of uh for for us. Um, couple personal uh small things just to mention cuz I know they're watching. Um, I was fortunate enough to have a uh
cancel my meeting with Rick, so I didn't get to meet with him earlier in the week, but uh I was uh proud, selfish uh just to mention that uh had a grandson at get this 10 lb 12 oz. >> Whoa.
That guy's going to eat us out of house and home. And uh and second uh most important thing and she left. Uh there's a lady that hangs out in this room here that I dearly love. And uh tomorrow she celebrates the 30th
anniversary of her 30th birthday, which >> which I'm a numbers guy and if you play with that, she said I'm not allowed to say how old she is, but she celebrates her 30th anniversary tomorrow uh of her 30th birthday. Um with that in mind, uh Rick, thank you for changing your mind
and coming to uh to help uh uh to help us move on from there. Uh other than that, I don't believe I have anything else. Madam Mayor, >> thank you. Commissioner Hopkins. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I uh I want to second uh what Commissioner's body said. You know, uh
being able to go up and to be a part of the FDLA and to meet the kids, to judge the kids. Um you know, I say this, you know, we as older people, boomers, we think we're doomed. Um the world is
doomed. Uh because we're not in charge. But sitting there and listening to some of those kids from eighth grade on up uh to get up and uh present in front of us was, you know, it was humbling. So um I
think we're going to be all right um with our future. Um, today I I uh, you know, I stopped in and I I talked to to Mike Lane and um, and this kind of goes back to what uh, Kimberly Horn uh,
brought up with the parks and all that earlier today. We have a lot of city land. Uh, we are waiting on the trails. We are talking about the trails every meeting. The trails, the trails, the trails. We have a lot of city land and I
think that maybe we should start discussing how we can do what we want to do and what we can do inside our city limits uh on our city property. You know, whether it's making
trails, uh we need to start generating uh activity and you know, once if we build it, they'll come. But I think we may want to start talking about u you know possibly doing some trails on some of our city
property and if it means you know a trail head will come there or something like that as something we can work on. But I'd like for us to give that some thought. And I told Mike that I would bring it up and he was okay to give me credit but I'm not I'm not that guy. It
was his idea. >> So that's it for me. Hey, mayor. >> Oh, thank you. Um, just one thing for me. Um, Sunday I was out I was out at the uh Hideaway Performing Arts Center with uh Darius Carrison. They did a so
funny Sundays. If you guys haven't attended, it's a really great, really good show. Tickets are tickets are, you know, reasonable. Um, they had a really decent crowd. Um, clean comedy, uh, familyfriendly. So, uh, shout out to Darius and what he's doing out there. we
have so many so many wonderful people in the in the city that are given a lot of their time to to to to do good. So, um if you haven't gone out, I just uh I just encourage you to do that. And then secondly, I would like to piggy back off of what Commissioner Hawkins said and
and he's right. We we we've got to get something economically going for our city. I I personally have been trying to do that for the last year um with certain activities. I mean, I think I think economic development needs to be
somewhat of a priority for us. Uh, we do good with everything else in my opinion. We we're kind of not really thinking of the big picture and you know, this this master plan Carver Park is just it's just one part of that, but it's looking
at a bigger picture on where we want to go where we want to go forward and parks can generate us economic uh development as well. So, um I really encourage us to have open minds when it comes to what we're trying to do big picture-wise uh
for this year. And and that's it for me. >> Okay. Then next we have city manager. >> Sure. Uh Chief Swanson, you want to come up and talk about the Tri City food drive? >> Sure. >> Just remind you all it's that time of
year. Uh Mike Swanson, fire chief, city of Eustus. It's the tri city food drive. It's going to be uh January 31st, which is a Saturday, from 10:00 to 2 at our station 22. Uh there are no other collection points. All the food has to come to that station. That That's funny.
Right. >> Right. Yeah. >> My wife says if you have to tell them it's funny, it's not funny. >> That's funny. >> That part is funny. >> Um there's a little bit of a challenge this year. Wind Dixie was my big
contributor and they're kind of closed. So, uh I I'm having trouble finding where I can do my my whole coupon thing and my coupon person isn't really in play this year. So, we I I did uh deploy all the schools. Um so, I've got uh all the schools have competitions going on
in the city of Eustace. So, we'll see how well that does. And we've been we've been soliciting pretty good. We got a pretty good pile of food at the station right now, but not like we did last year. But uh uh it will be a little harder, but I think we'll still win. I just don't uh don't wanna uh not win as
less than I did last year. You know, last year we did what? Seven tons of food. So I'd like to try and do something around that. But >> what's that hole leave you with when Dixie out? What is that? A thousand pound hole? >> It it's uh Say that again. >> Is it a thousand pound hole that gets created that you got to refill? Um it it
varies because it depends on uh you know coupons and everything else that we come up with, but uh Windixie was the big one that we worked with to to do that buying pallets of food. So it's it's just kind of it's just kind of hard to do it without that that piece there. So we're
feeling around and trying to figure out uh other methods, but >> Okay. Let me ask. She she's not going to do it anymore. >> Uh you mean the uh coupon? Yeah. She's going to help a bit, but it's just it's a little harder when you lose some of
your some of your main main contributors. >> Say, can we because Wind Dixie is still open in Tavaris? >> Yeah, but that's in Tari. That's our competitor. >> Yeah, that's our gonna get I'm not going to get her over there and get to Do you
want me to just give them the trophy? >> She's using her coupons to bring the food to us. >> What about Publix? They're not in >> Yeah, Publix helps us, but not as big as as Windex did. >> I mean, Publix does help us, but just not at the volume at what Windixie did. So,
>> um, you you did the schools in the city. Have you reached out to Seminal Springs? >> No, sir. I haven't. >> Would you? >> I don't have I don't really have a >> I got a contact there, but I mean, it's kind of late in the game. It's, you know, you got two weeks, so I mean, and
then, you know, and then I have to do that. I mean, the bribe is uh we supply a lunch to the winning group. So, >> you know, I'd have to go do it at Siml Springs. Not that I can't do that, but I try to keep it within the city. >> And and I and I can't remember what's
the conversion per dollar per pound. >> It it it varies. >> It varies. Uh I don't I don't think uh Rotary gave you the number yet. >> Well, someone gives you cash. How much? >> Yeah, we convert it. I I don't usually keep it in cash. Yeah. >> We usually convert it to coupons and then go buy food.
is what we do because I I mean it's like 78 cents a pound or something where I can go buy >> okay >> you know five cans of food with a coupon for >> you know I mean that's usually how it works. >> Okay. >> So >> but uh it's a good time. I mean regardless of the outcome it's a good time. It's for a good cause.
>> You there's a lot of jokes about it because we're undefeated but >> um it's it's still going to be a good time regardless. >> It's a good time if we win. >> Yeah we will. >> Yeah. But anyhow, I just don't want you all forget about it because we won't have another meeting by then and it's uh
January 31st at from 10 to 2 at station 22. >> Okay. >> So, we'll have like we always do, Tom will bring food and pizza and feed everybody. >> And that's not part of the food drive. That's just Tom. >> The the 7 the 7,000 pounds that you
collected, can you give me a street value? Not a street value. Can you tell me what that what what that relates to moneywise? So, >> oh gosh. >> If somebody made a contribution like a private contribution from somebody, what
what does that equate to? Is it a,000 bucks a pound? Is it >> it's it's pretty close to that. I mean, if you go if you go straight off the number, it's like 75 cents a pound. I I mean, think I think that's what it was somewhere in there. 70 I give you the number. I'll give I'll give uh collecting money.
>> I'll give Dickerson a call and see what the number is this year. But uh you know that I mean that's that's where it ends up and uh yeah it it's I now I don't know what the other two cities are doing. So >> are churches involved?
>> Um somewhat. The the problem with the churches is the churches want the food. >> They do their own food drive. >> Yeah. They do their own food drive. So when you get a church involved they then they want the food. >> So that's why we kind of stayed away from that. >> Um you know it's a great idea but it doesn't usually work. So, uh, the
schools work because they don't necessarily need the food or it goes it actually goes to the pantry that gives them the food back. You know what I mean? So, that that's kind of a good reciprocating process. So, and I don't know if you've been to the new lake cares facility. It's it's really amazing what they did over there.
It's it's a great facility. >> So, anyhow, thank you for for your time. >> Y look forward to seeing you guys on the 31st. >> Absolutely. Um, just a couple of items. Uh, wanted to thank, uh, the team. Uh, we got
notification from Florida Commerce this week that, uh, we're receiving a 1.5 million grant for road improvements. Uh, I want to thank Greg Dobbins who took the lead on that. Uh, pulled it together very quickly. Uh, thank you to Veronica
and finance um, um, working on that as well. Um so um great effort pulled it together quickly and uh resulted in significant funding for road improvements. Um speaking of funding uh a group uh
from the city of Eustace is heading up to Tallahassee uh next week uh Sunday into Monday Tuesday back on Wednesday. Uh we're going to be uh working on state appropriations, but also uh talking to
our legislators about um legislation that's out there. Uh both items that we support, items that we have concerns about. Um and we will connect with our lobbyist, Continental Strategy, who does a great job getting us access to things
that we wouldn't normally have access to. Uh people in the governor's office that aren't easy to meet with. uh we get access to through Continental Strategy. So, they do a great job. Um but it's it's a busy few days and so we have a group uh heading up hoping to do some
good for the city of Eustace. Uh related to that, um Miranda and I will both be up in Tallahassee. Uh we will certainly be reachable, but uh we need to uh ask you uh to name an acting city manager in
our absence. I would recommend Rick Garrick. >> I was gonna say obviously gonna be Rick. We I think we broke him in today so he should start. >> That's the easiest question you've asked. >> Yeah. >> Is um I mean Michael's not here, but is I mean he's usually the spurhead for
that. Is he going? Do you know? >> Uh he is scheduled to go. >> Okay. >> Um so yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yes. Uh and that's all I have. >> City attorney? >> No reports for me. >> Okay. I guess it's up to me now at this point.
>> Well, I was really um happy to hear commissioners talking about the trails and activating things. And so what I was going to do is encourage each commissioner to come prepared to um have a productive meeting on the 29th with
with um uh Dr. Levy. These are all the ideas that I think that we need to bring forth and and come in ready and prepared to do that. Um, and I'm going to suggest if you have a self agenda or an attitude, check it at the door before you come in. And we're going to work.
We're going to be a team and we're going to take the I out of team and we're going to work and and uh and have a good meeting so we can get focused on where we're going with all of this. >> The me out of team. >> No. Yeah, that too.
>> I'm sorry. >> I wasn't going to say a word, but they were all saying it. >> No. No. team does not have I in it >> is what I meant. >> But it but it does have a me. >> Yeah, >> you're adorable. >> So anyway, that was my encouragement.
The other the other there's two other things I I wanted to encourage us to have shorter meetings and so but tonight we didn't make it. But we will that's that's the one focus and one goal that I have. And then um the other issues that
I want us to start paying attention to after hearing Sanford and what's going on there and Doge and all these kind of things, I want us to start um as a commission looking at how we might be able to tighten our belts and how when we're doing the budget, what kinds of
things we can do to um make us have a smaller budget and a more meaningful one. So I think that that's important. And I also want to make sure we make this a a businessfriendly city and there are things that we can do I think that would help and we're going to focus on
that. And um we I think thinking about the property taxes and all of that that's swirling around that we really need to focus on how we as a city can doge ourselves. And so those are my my concerns and ideas that I I would like
to um move forward with. And I thank you guys for being patient as I get through this process and I learn how to do it. And um it's scary but I'm I'm here for the long haul. So thank you all. And anything else we need to Okay. So at
what is it? 8:48 this meeting is adjoined.