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It is now 6 PM on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. If you would like to join us, an invocation that will be given by Pastor J Cultell Life Community Church, escorted by his family, and I I welcome him here and I thank them for being

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here. And the pledge of allegiance will be done by Commissioner Willie Hawkins. Please stand. >> Let us pray. Father, we thank you for this opportunity to come tonight and to seek your divine guidance and wisdom on the affairs of this city. And we pray, Father God, that you'd be with each

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commissioner uh work in their hearts tonight. We pray, Father, that you'd bring peace um in our city, that you'd bring uh unity in our city. We pray, Father God, that you would just give uh divine wisdom and guidance to each person that has to make decisions tonight. Um we pray, Father, for those

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that are brokenhearted, that you would bind up their wounds, that you'd give them compassion and comfort tonight. Lord, uh we thank you for this great city and uh we do pray for um each person on the commission that you would just bless them. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

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>> Uh please join me for with the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

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justice for all. Play ball. I heard someone else finally say that instead of me. >> We will officially call this meeting to order. Christine, is there a quorum present and proper notice been given? >> Yes, Mayor Lee.

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>> Rick, is there an agenda update? >> We have no agenda update, but I would like to introduce uh Taylor Treml, who will be sitting in as a city attorney. Um he's with Bowen Shroth and be joining us tonight. >> Happy to be here. Thank you. Thanks.

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>> We'll go for approval of minutes for April 16th, 2026 and May 7th, 2026 Commission City Commission meeting. >> So move. >> Second. >> First and second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner As

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>> I, >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I. We'll move so it's the presentations from the USUS Memorial Library, an update for their summer programs and then economic development leases.

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>> Hi everyone, this is Ann Ivy, library director. I I bombarded your mailboxes with a bunch of flyers already, so I'm not repeating all that. I just wanted to highlight some of the great things we're doing this summer at the library. And um the ones I'm excited about, you got this brochure, which tells you all the fun

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things we're doing for the kids. Um, highlights of that include the Central Florida Zoo. Gatorland will be back tomorrow. So, that's exciting. And, um, we also have doing a partnership with Trout Lake, so they're doing a wildlife series that's on your calendar, too. So,

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we're very excited about that. This year, instead of doing the same theme for both kids and adults, we started this adult theme for reading where you can win prizes just for reading. So, um, apparently after my time, there was a thing that Pizza Hut did called Book It,

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and you got rewards or something for reading. So, we did a whole library theme around pizza, and you get pizza prizes, and it's really cool. So, come check that out. And the thing, the other really thing I'm excited about is that we are having a bald eagle and a hawk

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come in July in the library, in the main part of the library for everyone is welcome to go see that. and we're just really excited. That's part of our America 250 celebration that we did that. So, I know you have all the other information, but I just wanted to brag a little bit, but also get you to come. So, please, I hope to see you there.

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Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Al, >> Aladr, economic development director. [clears throat] uh commissioners, as you continue to work toward the uh implementation of the strateg of the um uh master plan and the

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uh development of a strategic plan, we thought staff thought this would be a good time for you guys to take a look at the economic development leases uh that will serve as some of your assets. Um in front of you, you have a sheet that's a table looks like this front and

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back. uh and uh it has uh terms uh the rental amount and then some provisions uh and let me just in terms of time uh walk through all nine of the um uh terms. So for the chamber uh that

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contract has expired or did expire uh and um you approved an addendum and they are operating on a month-to-month lease right now. Uh Lake Action Community uh agency uh again uh that contract is

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expired and they are operating under the previous agreement. Elm Marie uh that contract or uh agreement is is expiring um uh July 31st of this year 2026.

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Win1 [clears throat] Ministries uh you approved an addendum that extends that agreement through December uh 31st 2027. um Eustace Properties, uh which is the O heellipad lot, you have that under

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control, uh until May 31st, uh 2028. Uh Lake Ventures LLC, which is Crazy Gators operating uh the lease uh and sale of uh watercraft, um canoes, paddle boats, things like

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that. uh uh you have an franchise agreement with them where they pay you 3% of the gross sales uh under that lease. The Girl Scouts um building, that building is under a

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100year lease uh and doesn't uh come off um until 2073. >> [clears throat] >> uh the National Guard uh National Guard Armory of course we all know that will expire when the states uh you know need

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for it no longer uh exist and then the Eustace Community Alliance um again that's a contract or an agreement that has expired and is operating under the previous agreement. So again, that uh is

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to inform your decision making for your redevelopment activities in downtown. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we're going to move to audience to be heard. If you have comments this

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evening, please complete a card from our city clerk. Approach the podium and speak directly into the mic. State your name and whether or not you're a city resident. Keep in mind commissioners may not respond, but staff will be directed to

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get back to you if needed. And almost, well, not almost, but certainly remember you have three minutes to speak. I'm asking you to please be respectful of this time. There lots of people who want to speak. We have quite a few cards. So, when your

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three minutes are up, please consider that and go to your seat. I have one more request. We have a very large crowd here for different issues. I'm asking you not to applaud our yell out anything.

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And if you do and if it continues, you'll be asked to leave the chamber. Thank you. Cards. >> Yes, mayor. First card is Mike Gambino. >> [clears throat] >> Hi, I'm Mike Gambino and I am a city resident. [clears throat]

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I'm here this evening to bring to your attention the absolutely unprofessional behavior that this city's police chief engaged in at Walmart on the morning of May 29th. I had to go to the store before work to pick up some things. And while I was

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there, Chief Capri walked by me and realizing it was me, he ended the phone call he was on and proceeded to get in my face in a confrontational manner. He was not in uniform and he was not within the jurisdiction of the Eusta

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city limits, but he made sure to try to intimidate me by boowing up at me and getting in my personal space. His issue with me was presumably regarding a post I had recently shared and commented on Facebook regarding the loaded shotgun

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that was returned to Miss Shrier a couple of weeks ago. And my opinion that an that an error of that magnitude and one that was made out of such egregious incompetence should not be forgiven with simply an apology, but rather that it

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should be atoned for with a resignation or termination of the police chief. He wanted to know what my problem was with him. And honestly, I have many issues with him, but airing my grievances in the middle of Walmart when I'm trying to run a quick errand before

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work [snorts] was neither the place nor the time for those grievances to be aired. I don't have to like him. There's not a law or an ordinance in any statute book that requires me to like the police chief of the city of Eustace. >> [snorts]

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>> I exercise my First Amendment right to comment about things I think that are wrong with our city government. And that right will not be infringed or abridged through intimidation by the police chief. The police chief is a bully, but he will not be bullying me.

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>> [snorts] >> In the words of a former mayor of Eustace last year when he was exercising his first amendment right to speak at a local charter school board meeting, something stinks up in here and it starts at the top. Thank you,

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>> Carrie Shrier. My name is Carrie Shrier. I am not um city. I do not live in the city of Eustace. Um, good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is Carrie Shrier and I'm the mother of Jordan Ellis. On July 5th, 2025, my 21-year-old son received a phone call from Eustace

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Police Detective Kenninger regarding an IAC cyber tip. That call was not simply questioning. Jordan was accused of serious conduct. He denied that allegation. During that call, Jordan had to identify himself, state that he lived in Eustace, and provide his address.

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Jordan was told an I'm sorry, Jordan was told investigators would speak with him later in the week and said less than an hour after denying the allegations and providing his address, officers arrived at his home. Shortly thereafter, Jordan suffered the gunshot wound that took his life. I am not here tonight to debate the medical examiner's ruling. I am here

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because our family has spent nearly a year uncovering facts that were never disclosed to us, records that cannot be produced, and investigative concerns that remain unanswered. Police never told our family that officers had gone to Jordan's home that morning. We had to discover that ourselves through ring footage and [clears throat] then con

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confront the department with it. We also later learned that the medical examiner had been told law enforcement was shielding the family from details surrounding the IAC investigation. Given that officers never disclosed their contact with Jordan and never disclose their presence at his home, it is difficult to understand when or how we

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were ever intended to be informed. We also discovered that an officer was positioned across the street for approximately 10 minutes before approaching the home. That same officer later stated that he never heard a 12- gauge shotgun discharge, despite being there at nearly the same time the 911 call was being placed. I have repeatedly

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asked for records showing what evidence existed before my son was accused and contacted. To date, I have not been provided records showing how that attribution independently verified was ver independently verified before [snorts] direct contact was made. In fact, the IAC materials provided to Eustace did not only identify Jordan as

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the listed did not only not identify Jordan as either the listed customer or subscriber, making the question of how that attribution was made even more important. I discovered that despite the significance of the scene, it was never fully forensically processed. I discovered ring footage and audio that raised questions about whether that

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morning occurred as described, particularly when compared to comments made by his girlfriend that everything had been normal and calm prior that morning. I discovered significant concerns involving evidence handling, including a shotgun that was ultimately returned to my family loaded. I also discovered that Jordan's phone was not

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logged into evidence for approximately 5 weeks after it was seized. The department's own review now provides detailed dates and times regarding when the phone was allegedly transferred, examined, and returned. Yet, despite those specific times, neither US Police Department nor Lake County Sheriff's Office has been able to produce basic

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records documenting receipts, possession, transfer, or return of the device. I filed formal complaints and was told investigation would occur. Later, I learned that a formal internal affairs investigation was never opened, only a review, and I have repeatedly been told there is no complaint tracking system. At the same time, examinations

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of Jordan's devices reportedly found no illegal materials supporting the allegations that led to police conduct. A young man was accused of a serious crime. Officers arrived at his home within an hour. Police failed to disclose that conduct. Excuse me. No, your time is up. Please leave the podium.

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Gary Winheim. >> Good evening, commissioners. My name is Gary Winheim. I'm a resident of unincorporated Lake County and I'm a [clears throat] retiree of the city of Eustace, having spent over 26 years with Eustace Police Department. Nothing I say tonight is in any way a threat to Chief Capri. No need to file another false

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police report against me. In my career at Eustace PD, I served as a K-9 handler, a corporal, patrol sergeant, implemented the current CAD system, criminal investigations sergeant, special enforcement unit sergeant, patrol lieutenant, criminal investigations captain, and retired as the administrative services commander. I was one of the founding members of used

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to SWAT, was a team leader and SWAT commander. I was [clears throat] the traffic homicide investigation supervisor, range master, department armor, and reality based trainer. I've been involved in countless investigations, misdemeanor, felony, accidental deaths, suicides, and homicides. I've been a part of many critical incident scenes in every

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capacity from assisting officer, lead investigator to officer involved. I've been in two officer involved shootings and I survived an ambush. I've been to more schools, classes, and seminars than I can list in three minutes. I attended the Florida Leadership Academy, class 20. I'm a graduate of the

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FBI Florida Executive Development Seminar, and I was accepted to the FBI National Academy. I'm one of, if not the most decorated officer in the history of Eustace Police Department. I utilized a good portion of my time to tell you all that because it qualifies me to have the opinions and beliefs that I have. I've

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reviewed the response to and investigation of Jordan Ellis's suicide as well as the subsequent public record requests done by the Shrier family. I'm standing here tonight in support of the Shriers because based on my training and experience, the Eustace Police Department and its leadership have failed this family. Starting with the

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initial call that was made to Jordan by Detective Kenneder based on an old unverified cyber tip. The initial scene was not handled properly. No assistance was offered to Jordan's 16-year-old brother after he rendered initial aid. There was not a proper processing of the scene. Evidence was mishandled, not

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properly placed into evidence or documented, and key pieces are now unaccounted for to include the forensic examination of Jordan's phone. When Jordan's mother asked for an internal investigation to be done, an inquiry was initiated. Captain Fanning did one and stated it was limited and interviews would need to be conducted. Interviews

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can only be done if an internal investigation is initiated at the direction of the chief, which Chief Capri has refused to do. In my professional opinion, Chief Capri does not want the truth of this investigation and how it was handled to come out. In my time with Eustace Police Department, I worked for four chiefs. I've worked with and for some great leaders. Chief

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Capri is not one of them. He lied to me when I worked for him and has continued to be untruthful. I've stood here before you in the past. I've sent you documentation that shows who he is, a liar and a failed leader. There was an investigation by FDLE into things that my wife and I reported to

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Chief Capri and members of his staff to have done. He said in his interview with FDLE that he is not quote an admin guy. I sent you all the report to review. Some of you have told me privately you believe he lied. Yet this city leadership has chosen to do nothing in

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response. The city doesn't even document the complaints on Chief Capri which continue to pile up. The people of Eustace deserve better. Thank you for your time. Michael J. Watkins. >> I am Michael J. Watkins and I'm a

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citizen uh resident of Terraris. Uh I just want to share that I worked with um Chief Capri uh with community events uh here in Eustus and in Terraris. I found him to be a fair man. I found him to be one that's concerned about the

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community. One of the things that a police has to do is build relationships with other um organizations and people of the community. And I've seen him reaching out to the organizations, the citizens. I've seen him uh seem to care

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for all the residents, not just some. And so it's very important for uh the city of Eustus to understand that when you have someone that's building relationships and making it better for the police department to serve in the community, uh I think you would be doing

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yourself an injustice to the residents to have him removed or force him to resign. Uh from what I see, nobody's perfect. And so if it be something that's that was made wrong or whatever and he apologized, you know, you got to

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move forward from things, you got to look at his total service to the community. His total service to the community and the city of Eustace. And when you look at that, you see that he is doing a good job. I noticed even the officers of

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Eustace uh seem to have a a much better attitude reaching out in the community with people. you see officers uh stopping and talking with citizens for a long time. Stuff like that just didn't happen. It didn't. And so uh he's building those type relationships that

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are very important for a city. And I believe he's doing a good job from everything I have seen. And so I would ask you all to just uh look at what the man's doing for the city, how he's training his officers, and how he's working in your community to make this

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community a better place. Thank you. [clears throat and cough] >> May Hazelton. >> Good evening. My name is May Hazelton and I am a resident of Eustace. We live in a time where leadership is

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tested by transparency, integrity, accountability, and results. For over five years, Chief Capri has consistently delivered all four. He has my unwavering support. I have witnessed what genuine leadership looks like. [snorts] He has

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not simply managed an organization. He has built one by cultivating a culture of responsibility, of excellence, and of service above self. Under his direction, the department has grown stronger, more efficient, and more responsive to the

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needs of the people it is entrusted to protect. That does not happen by accident but by vision, the discipline and the daily commitment of a leader. Last year, the department achieved a flawless 100% CFA accreditation

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compliance which is a rigorous, demanding and highly respected standard of excellence. It requires intensive self assessment, strategic planning, and demonstrated superior performance across dozens of categories, including training

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standards, staffing practices, fiscal management, and community interaction. It's not handed out, it is earned. The panel didn't just look at paperwork. They specifically highlighted Chief Capri's energy and his total, undeniable

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commitment to his community. I highly recommend everyone in this room, I'm sure you have, but everybody in this room read that nine-page report. The departmental excellence is a direct reflection of this his leadership. Now,

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let's look at how Chief Capri handles adversity. He does not hide. He does not deflect and he does not make excuses. He stands up, takes personal responsibility, offers a sincere public apology, and immediately changes

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internal protocols to address issues. That is not a weakness. That is the exact definition of accountability and integrity. Chief Capri has fundamentally changed how our officers interact with our neighborhoods within our

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neighborhoods. He does not manage from a desk. He is on the ground building trust every single day. He has made this community safer and that is the most com important measure of all and we deserve to keep it that way. Commissioners, I

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respectfully and sincerely urge you to retain Chief Capri as the leader of our depart police department. He has earned it. This community has benefited from it and the path forward is much clearer with him at the helm. Thank you for your

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service to this community and thank you for your time this evening. Vivian Miller Mitchell Good evening. My name is Carla Vivian Miller Mitchell. I'm 83 years old. I

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have been in this town all of my life. I have a few things to say. I have lived in this town, as I said, all my life. I've seen some good chiefs. I've been some not seen some not so good

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chiefs. I've seen some awful chiefs. But let me tell you, Chief Craig Capri is the best or when I say best chief we've ever had as long as I have been in this town. Thank you very

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much. Devin Turner. [clears throat] >> Devon Turner, lifelong Lake County resident in and out of the city. Currently, I do not live in the city. Um, I've heard some good things, bad things about Chief Capri. Um, I just want to bring to light my [clears throat] personal um, experience

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with this gentleman. Excuse me. I'm friends with Gary Wenheim. I know the background. I know he was forced retirement because of issues beyond his control. U I felt that the chief should support him and not throw him to the wolves as I think no

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disrespect but the commissioners did as well. But I went to approach him at a first Friday about a year and a half ago. Chief Capri um was harassing for better ter lack of a better term gentleman in a he he's wears a leafy suit like a tree. He stands there and

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jumps out and uh kind of scares people and then they have a good old laugh and that's it. Well, he was telling the guy, "I'm going to trespass you from downtown. You need to leave. You're harassing people." I kind of interjected and said, "You can't do that." Then he comes on to me um tells me he wants to

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take me down the street. Let's fight. Um which he doesn't want any part of that, I can assure you. Um literally his um sergeant had to calm him down. I looked at his sergeant. I said, "He's kind of out of control. You maybe get him under control." Um, couple weeks later, uh, he

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sees me in Publix. I'm working, doing my job. He comes up to me and he says, "Yeah, I checked with the sheriff's office and he says,"They don't like you very much over there." I said, "You must talk to the asskissers because a lot of people over there like me." So, um, you know, that's that that's that. So basically want to bring to the to the

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commissioner's attention is if he does this activity and he touches someone uh does whatever illegal anything that happens after that uh is all suppressed from evidence. So the chief can to free ass women for lack of better language,

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>> man. This is free speech. Just you're not supposed to be talking. I am. >> Yes. No, but you have to have respect in this in this case. >> Okay. That was very nicely. Okay. Free speech. Um basically um Chief Capri tries to be a bully. Um he he wants to,

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you know, he wants to come over as he's almightier than thou. He can overspe you and so forth. So basically um I move tonight for the commission maybe to have a vote on this guy. Um he is going to get every commissioner now that you know these things happen. Now you know he's threatening. He's threatened Gary Winheim. He's threatened Mr. Gambino.

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He's threatened to fight me. He wants to fight somebody and I'm willing to do it to be honest with you. But um the commission should move a no vote of confidence or remove him from office tonight in my opinion. Um I mean either that or you're going to have to get your lap dog under control. That would be my suggestion for all of y'all because he's

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a problem. any hill. Uh good evening to everyone. My name is Benny Hill. I'm of Win1 Ministries. I born and raised here in this city, city of Eustus. as uh and at present I live in Tares

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but uh as was stated earlier I've been in this city a long time and I've seen a lot take place here and uh we've had some decent chiefs okay chiefs but I will say this to you

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this evening if you can clone Chief Capri I would clone him because that is what is needed in these days and times someone who cares about the community and not trying to divide the community. And I've seen enough go on here to know

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that Chief Capri by far is the best chief that's ever represented the city of Eustace. And we appreciate him and he's trying to bend uh uh men the gap between the communities and that's a great thing. So if I'm asking you to

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please disregard what is being said regarding him. If a mistake was made, I'm quite sure he's man enough to own up to it and say that. But yet and still, it's no reason to remove him because he has started a good work in this city and he's and he's loved by the city

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residents. Thank you, >> Renee Hill. Good evening. I am Renee Hill and along with my husband Benny, we are pastors over here at Win One Ministries. We reside in Tares. I want to say

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probably about three years ago, I had the opportunity of sitting with then the mayor, uh, Mike Holland, city manager, some commissioners, chief of fire, fire chief, as well as Chief

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Capri. And I had something on my heart and my heart was to begin a chaplain. I'm also lead chaplain for the useless PD to begin a chapency in the city of useless that would make a

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difference. Chief Capri heard me. He had the chance to say no. Not at this time. He said yes. and we have been building and growing and being in the community, being

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present in the community ever since. Now, we've heard what the citizens of Eustus would say the wonderful things about Chief Capri, but I traveled with him to Daytona

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where he spent many years as chief, and I've heard nothing but good things. And one or two of the people that approached the podium years ago, years ago, there was something that

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could be said of that person. But I'm going to bring the Bible back to you. He who is without sin cast the first stone. >> [clears throat] >> Now, if our chief has done what he's

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supposed to do regarding those circumstances, then we move forward. Useless. We cannot go backwards. We got too much at stake here. too many people are joining

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together, becoming as one because you know that there's been some divisiveness in our city, but now we're coming together and it's a good thing. So, I thank you tonight. I thank you

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commissioners, mayor, vice mayor for all that you all are doing. So, let our chief stay and let's move on from this. Thank you, >> Pam Simmons. >> Hey,

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good evening everybody. I want you to know I'm Pam Simmons. I'm from Eustace. Mel, you ain't got to look at me like that. I know you still love me and I love you too. But this is what I want everybody to know. They can back off Chief cuz Chief is a good man. Now, let

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me tell you something. tallest chief we ever had. I had interaction with all of them and they could be all right. But that over there, when I first met him, I told him, "Get out my yard. I don't like you. I don't want you in my yard." And guess what? I hated to say it, but I love him. He's a good man. You know what

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he do? He goes to games and stuff, football games, interact with our children. What none of the chiefs ever done. The way our people used to be scared to walk at night, walk their dog. They don't have to worry about the police coming want to handcuff them and do all crazy things to them. He's a good

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man. He have lifted this city up. He has bought us together. I don't care what nobody say. And let me tell you something. People can hate these days where they want to be in his position and it's not in his position. And the thing about it, let me tell you something. I was drugged on Facebook

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today by Winhand wife just because me and Capri we having a talk or whatever. So, you know, I went back there and approached them when I came cuz I want to know why they did that. First of all, if you got a PROBLEM WITH CHIEF CAPRI, WHY YOU BRING Pam Simmons in it? Cuz see, everybody know I'm very nasty. I'm

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good people, but when you touch ME THE WRONG WAY, I'm nasty. Cuz I don't like to be mistreated and I don't like nobody in this world. Color don't matter to me. But when you're dealing with black folks, I lean a little harder because we caught it back in the days. But white people, our Chief Capri, I love you. And

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don't y'all send him nowhere. Keep him right here. Him and Mayor HAWKINS HAS BROUGHT GOOD THINGS TO THIS CITY. They have lifted us up where the black folks were scared to do this. Scared to do this man. This man come interact with our children. He come interact with us.

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Everywhere you see these two here together. These two right here is together. They communicate with us. They make sure we're okay. They don't just be over here in the hood. They be everywhere. I get so sick of seeing Mr. the honkas. He everywhere. Those are

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some good men's, good leaders. I love them. Please keep them there. So us black folks and us crackheads and us convicted felons where I am. All of us, we need good leadership who going to not

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judge us by our color, who not going to judge us cuz I'm a convicted fella. Who's not going to judge our children because they don't have a daddy in the house. When our girls got killed a few years ago, these two and me went to them

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parents' house, fed them girls, talked to them girls, and reached out to them. WELL, WE NEVER would have had a chief and a a male to do no stuff like that. These are some good men. >> Your time is up, Miss Simmons. Thank you.

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Next. Next. >> What happened? No. [laughter] >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Next. >> Latoya Young.

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>> Latoya Young. >> Latoya Young. >> Let it calm down. >> Try to talk. Good evening, mayor, commissioners. Um, I feel a little out of place because uh, my name is Latoya. I am a U resident of the city, but I do

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feel a little out of place because I came here, I was planning on coming to the meeting to personally thank the city and the commissioners for your efforts and getting uh, PvOT Street back open. It's greatly appreciated. A special

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shout out to Willie Hawkins for all of his efforts and um his coordination with working with the county and also Greg. I believe he's with the public works department. He called me, he kept me up to date on everything that was happening. So, I want to thank you so

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much. But since I'm here, uh for not the reason everybody else is here, but I have I feel like I have to speak on my personal interaction with Chief Capri because I have time. I got two minutes. Um um he uh I don't judge people based

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on what other people say. I judge you based on my personal interaction until you show me differently. And my personal interaction with uh Capri has been uh great. He showed up to our office. He was working with a group to bring boxing

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to the city. he was looking for a physician that was required um to be on staff there to monitor um the situation and he came in with joy, with happiness, very excited about what was happening in the community. So that's my experience

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with him. Thank you >> Johnny Saunders. Good evening, uh, city manager, commissioners, Johnny Saunders, city users resident. I'm sitting in the back and I'm really asking myself, wow, what what are we

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really doing here? Character assassination is at its best. What do we want from our police chief? Everybody's supposed to like him.

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Supposed to do his job. He's supposed to lead. He's supposed to solve problems. And that's what we got. I was coming home one night, heard a little girl call out my name. Look to my left. It was a family of five sitting on

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the side of the road. No place to go. Didn't have any plans. I made two phone calls. Second call was to the chief. That young lady had a place to stay that evening. That's the kind of dude we got leading us here in the city. All of this

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personal BS that we got going on, we got to get past this. We asked for a leader, we got a leader. Facebook, everybody wants to get on this thing and call each other out. Chief is human. I'm a soldier. I like him. You talk nonsense with me, I see you at Walmart. Hey, I'm

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here. Let's talk about it. Now, he's a bad guy. No, he's not a bad guy. He's a real guy. Real living guy. Few guys I walk around with their phone number in my pocket. I call them friends. He's one of them. Tonight, I'm

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supposed to be at practice. I don't like missing practice. I got to call S be here tonight. Because of who he is, I'm here. >> [snorts] >> Let's not make a mistake and get caught up into this nonsense. We got a good leader here. He stands for unification

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of all of us. Okay? A dark-kinned guy like me when I get stopped. Police at night, I don't even worry about it no more cuz I know who is leading these guys. If you don't see the turnaround, if you can't feel it since this guy has

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taken leadership here in town, then you have not been a part of this city. Okay, straight up. I've been all around the world. I'm a soldier. He cares. Every project that I'm taking part of, he's right there. My little kids when they go out to play ball, they can hold their

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head up proudly. Eusts police department on the back. No other chief show that kind of love. No other chief show that kind of support. Hey chief, I'd like to go fishing with the kids. Let's make it happen. He's there. Hey chief, I'd like to run some race boats. Boom. Son, we're in the park. He's right there.

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everything that we need to do here in the city, this gentleman has been part of it. There's a few people are out to assassinate him and we understand that. Remember, leaders are not supposed to be liked everywhere. He's a human being. He's got a lot of people gunning him.

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And I'm asking each and every one of y'all to look past this mess and let's keep him where he's at. >> I'd like to interject. Please, please check your phones and turn them off. Thank you, >> Kale. Ellison.

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>> My name is Kaitlin Ellison. I am a US resident. I'm 36 years old. Um I've been here all my life. Um like like everybody said, it's been a few chiefs that's been through here. Um but for me, this been the first time

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I've ever been able to like sit down with a chief and not been profiled, not been looked at different. So for me, you know, I've started a little league for program. Mr. Hawkins, Chief Capri,

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anything we need help, one call away. If we need this, Chief said, "Hey, let's do it." I remember one time I said, "Hey, Chief, we need some stuff for a game tomorrow." He said, "Hey, meet me at Home Depot so we can get those kids what they need." So,

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I understand everything that's going on, but my thing is that sometimes people don't understand change. And a lot of people that think that how this city used to be, that's how it's supposed to always stay. And change, it comes in all

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different ways of form. And sometimes they come in our leadership with our chief. And I I stand behind them. I'm pretty sure it's a lot more people that stand behind them as well. But like for me, you know, I just want to say that, you know, out of all the years I've ever

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been here, you know, the leadership that we do have with the the city um of Houston is the police department. You know, I've been very comfortable with being able to go to the police chief about whatever it is that we need as far as with our youth youth um program, and he's been nothing but good to us and our

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and our kids that we have in our program. Thank you. annual divanzo. Good evening. Daniel Dvenanzo, uh, local business operator, Lake Eustace Waterfront Grill, right down around the corner. Anyway, uh, notice I'm wearing

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my jacket tonight. I got smart here. Uh, I wasn't going to talk about Chief Cre Capri, but I'm going to I'm going to interject. Uh, so this is extemporaneous. I will tell you because I have a number of properties and businesses. I used to get constant complaints about transients, vagrants,

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sleeping, laying around, um public urination, public defification. Had to deal with all that, the cleanup. I can tell you this, I don't have to deal with that anymore. That that's a big event. And coming back to uh by the way, man, you're an excellent orator. Uh

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and so I I will tell you that um you know when you hear accusations made it it has to be taken with a little bit of uh you know consideration because me myself you know I'll always have people complaining and then I'm like well I have to look at the thing. So is there a

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pattern and is the pattern verifiable by witnesses because the Bible says it has to be verified by two or more. You can't it can't be one and then and it has to be a public a public inquiry. Right? so that uh the person who's being charged has the opportunity to basically defend

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themselves or make a case. Again, with Chief Capri, I found him. Oh, by the way, the guy's a bulldog. Look at him. And I, who am verbose, am careful around him. And isn't that the kind of chief of police we want? We got 20,000 plus

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Indians in this town, not physical Indians. Diversity. Okay, everybody. and you need a chief that everybody knows there's no fooling around. So, uh, you know, again, I would tell you to take consideration of the case at hand and,

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you know, uh, move carefully. In hand with that, there's something that I did want to talk about, and that was the dismissal, uh, excuse me, uh, the resignation of, uh, Mike Lane. And the what I want to bring to your uh, it's interesting that this is happening with the chief. We do not want to be

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identified in a city that arbitrarily can dismiss people just arbitrarily. Okay, you're gone. You're gone. Because what kind of talent are we going to be able to draw here when they know if somebody gets uh something stuck in their craw and they're just going to dismiss somebody? You know, it's just

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not good. Mike Lane and I I got 37 more minutes. Uh the guy told me Oh, 30. Yeah. 32 twice the guy told me no. Many I did many projects here. Twice he told me no. I didn't like hearing no, but he sat me down with the code. The guy the the guy knew everything better than

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anyone else. With regard to his uh his scope of work, smartest guy I ever met. Right up there with uh with Lori. Lori um I can't remember. >> Barnes. >> Barnes. Lori Barnes. She was awesome. Uh I didn't like her though, but she was

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awesome. Uh so so what I'm saying is we we want to be cautious that we do not become a community of termination. >> I'm married. [laughter] >> And the last card Amy Harris Hello, my name is Amy Harris. I'm a

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resident of Eustace. Five years ago, my sister was murdered. I made a complaint back then to Gary Winheim. At that time, he told me the complaint that is it formal or is it informal? Because I cannot prove it. So, he asked

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me. So, nothing was done with it. Gary threw it out. Two years later, I start hearing that Gary is making accusations towards Chief Capri about the things that I told him

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and was using my sister's murder to try to take out Chief Complete Capri. I do not agree with this. He's the one that has continued to go after Capri. >> Yes. >> And I do not agree with it at all. He's

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using different things and lied under oath and also lied to FDL about this. They probably think I was here for them, but I'm not. I'm here [snorts] to stick up for Chief Capri. I

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think he's done a great job. He's done things after my sister was murdered. My nieces and nephews also lost their father. He has helped me with daycare for summer camp. He has done things for

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this community. And I think people throwing him under the bus need to know the whole story before they judge him. And just listening to somebody and somebody texting on Facebook and putting lies out there, if you're going to put

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the lies out, at least make them true. That's all I have to say. >> No more cards. >> Okay, great. We'll move on. >> I say a lie on his face >> there. There's cards we have uh for

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Doris Park, but none for audience to be heard. >> If I speak after my wife, you don't remember that >> on I did call you. >> No, you didn't. >> Sorry. All right. You're you're welcome. >> All right. My name is Eric Shrier. Good

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evening, Madame Mayor and commissioners. Um I'm not a resident. My son Jordan was. Uh I want to talk about what happened Jordan after Jordan died. What our family has discovered over the last year. What we now know is a very different from what we were initially told. We learned that detective Kenned

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contacted Jordan regarding the IAC cyber tape shortly before his death. We learned that officer Rap was positioned across the street for approximately 10 minutes before approaching the residence. We learned that officers were at the door at the 911 call reporting Jordan's shooting was being made, but none of this was disclosed to us. We

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discovered it ourselves through ring footage, body camera footage, public records, and countless hours of work by my wife. As parents trying to understand how our son died, we should not have to uncover critical facts on our own. And unfortunately, the pattern continued. As records were released, we found reports

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and statements that did not match body camera footage and other records. We found significant discrepancies regarding who was present, when they arrived, and what they occurred that day. We found statements attributed to Sergeant Barnett regarding his presence and involvement with our family did not match body camera footage and other

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records. We found reports that appeared only after questions were raised about missing documentation. We found evidence that was not properly logged for weeks. We found a scene involving a 21-year-old man, the death of a 21-year-old that was never uh fully forensically processed.

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We found serious concerns involving evidence handling, including a firearm connected to Jordan's death, that was ultimately returned to our family, fully loaded. We discovered that while Jordan's phone was in police custody, he was removed from multiple family group chats, not friend chats, family group

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chats. While it was in police custody, we reported it. We asked for answers. We still not have them. And despite all this, we filed former complaints. We're told investig investigation would occur. Later we learned that a formal internal affairs investigation was never open. At

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some point reason people have to ask how many discrepancies are too many, how many missing records are too many? How many contradictions are too many? How many questions must go unanswered before accountability becomes necessary? Also I want to talk about my son Jordan. Jordan was a child. He encountered a

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critically injured brother. Tried to help save his life. He had a significant period of time. He was in extreme emotional stress at the scene. was suffering a panic attack. He was clearly traumatized. No chaplain was called. No victim advocate was provided. No

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meaningful trauma and foreign support was offered. Today, Devon continues to suffer from severe PTSD as a result he experienced that day. What happened to Jordan matters. What happened to Devon matters and the way this city responds and families raised legitimate concerns

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matters because what we have seen over the last year is not transparency. It's not accountability. It is not leadership. We are asking for accountability. We are asking for transparency. And I am asking this commission a simple question. If this had happened to you, would the answers

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that we got be good enough for you? Thank you. >> And mayor, I've got one more card. Since uh Stephanie Winheim, >> Stephanie Winheim, unincorporated Lake County. I just want to address a few things that were said. One, Amy Nice's

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complaint was brought to Chief Capri. He lied to her. She knows that. We've had conversations. I have documentation where another person actually spoke to Chief Capri and I have it documented a few months later and he chose not to do anything with the complaint that was

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possibly a dirty cop in Eustace tipping off dope dealers who looked like her uncle Mikey and was an exact picture of a Eustace police officer who's no longer here now because he was supposedly caught doing something wrong per a text

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I have from a commissioner because I believe he was caught looking in the Barracuda email archive system and got caught doing that and they sent him off to another agency. I have all the documentation. It's all truthful. Your complaint went to Capri. He lied to you and now he's trying to cover up for it

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and I've told you that and I've produced the documents. As for your chaplain program, I have multiple families that have never gotten any help from any of your chaplain. They were OD's, they were suicides. You have nine. When are they

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showing up? Or is this just parading around playing games and PR campaigns? You are failing. He is failing your community. They can come up here and say sports programs and

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$10,000 to Johnny Saunders. So, he's going to show up for you and you can try to buy all the loyalty that you want. You are failing your community here and you guys are just sitting there letting him act like a clown every day in this commission meeting. He's threatened me.

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He's called me inept. He's called me untruthful. He's threatened my husband. He's filed a false police report. This man is unhinged. And I'm telling you, he's a problem. He's a liability. And you guys are all aware of it. So now you

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have no plausible deniability in it. and Carrie and her family, the Shriers, they are owed the truth. The lack of investigation, the lack of forensic, the evidence being lost, the logs, the lies.

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They're only running coverups. They're covering it up. And you guys are letting them do that. Rick, you're letting them do it. He's harming people in your own community. I don't care how many people you pack the room and lock out the door because you put up new signs for capacity, which you never did before.

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You had 400 people here for high school stuff, but you're blocking out your community because you didn't want us all coming here to tell you exactly what the truth is. And I'll keep putting it out there. >> No more cards. >> Okay, we'll move on to the consent

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agenda. >> Yeah. Anybody else? >> Yes. >> Is anybody leaving because we would before we go on? >> Okay. Anyone else wish to speak?

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>> Okay. >> Does anyone else want to speak for public comment? Is it okay that I come up? >> I'm only going to be a minute. Okay. >> Okay. Renee Hill. >> Renee Hill. Leave

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lead chaplain. She asked me was this my rebuttal. It's not a rebuttal. Number one, she needs to know procedure regarding the chapency and when we were established and um what we are supposed to do and not supposed to do. We have

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been um very very on call. We have been on call. We still are on call. We are on call 24/7. We have gone out probably so many times. I have it written down at

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home, but I didn't know that I would have to address it tonight. We are doing an excellent job under the direction of Chief Capri. Thank you. >> Can I speak?

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>> No, you're done. Thank you. [laughter] >> Okay, let's move the meat. >> Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] >> Good evening. My name's Casey Boatight. I am Carrie Shrier's sister. I am reading a statement on behalf of my 16-year-old nephew, Devon McKenna.

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Uh Jordan Ellis is my brother. I was 16 years old when he died. For the last 11 months, it has felt like people decided who my brother was before they decided what was true. A cyber tip came in and it felt like nobody wanted to ask if it could have

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been wrong, if it could have been malicious, or if they had the wrong person. Instead, they it felt like people were trying to make Jordan fit the accusation. What hurts the most is so much was ignored.

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I told Detective Kenneker over and over that Jordan's girlfriend woke me up. Not the gunshot, but that was the story told. My mom kept telling the department that Ring audio did not match Jordan's girlfriend's story. Nobody seemed to

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care. I will never forget Riley waking me up and what I walked into. I will never forget trying to help my brother. Jordan was still alive. More than 25 minutes passed before he

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was taken out of the house while he was alive and bleeding to death. I want people to watch the body camera videos for themselves. There was no urgency. My family was told Jordan was dead. Then we were told he was alive.

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Later we were told he was gone. Those are the moments we can never get back. We lost time with Jordan. And after everything that was said about my brother, no illegal material was found on his devices. Jordan deserved better than becoming a

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narrative used to explain away mistakes. I would also like to continue on what my sister was saying earlier. A young man was accused of a serious crime. Officers arrive arrived at his home within an hour. Police failed to disclose that contact to his family. He

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died that day. No illegal material was reportedly found on his devices. The scene was not fully processed. Significant evidence handling concerns remain unresolved. Serious complaints were not formally investigated. And nearly a year later, our family is still

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fighting for basic answers. Tonight, I am asking for the truth, accountability where mistakes were made, and an explanation for why so much was withheld from our family while we were led to believe a narrative about our son that the evidence was never supported.

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Thank you. >> Okay, that move on to the consent agenda. that a mayor move approval of the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> I'm sorry. >> Vice Mayor, did you second?

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>> Oh, yes. >> Thank you. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. We'll move on to ordinances, public

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hearings, and quasi judicial hearings. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. First tonight, we have resolution number 2026-37, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, authorizing an adjustment to the city's

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rate for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to provide for an annual adjustment for ordinance number 2016-10 to be effective June 1st, 2026. [clears throat]

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and believe we have a report from staff. >> Mary, >> the purpose of resolution 2637 is to establish new water, wastewater, and reclaim water rates to ensure the facilities are maintained. >> Just just hold up a minute. Let's let

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them. >> Anyone else? Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. The purpose of resolution 2637 is to establish new water wastewater and reclaim water rates to ensure the facilities are maintained in proper

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working order and to comply with regulatory mandates. The city seeks to increase these rates by a modest 2.5%. The notice of this increase will be will begin with bills sent after approval of res resolution. Res residents will see

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an increase in their July bills for June consumption. In 2021, the finance department conducted an in-house study to review the current rates and future projections. The results of the in-house study were to increase the rates by 2 2.5%

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through June 2025. A new rate increase is currently being conducted by an outside consultant, Raphelis. Rafelis is a local government and utility management consulting company. They have a process that deals

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with inflationary factors previously not projected. Refellis will present their findings to the commission at a later date. Until that time, the current rate increase will continue with the previous recommended annual 2.5% effective June

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1st, 2026. The commission has always provided for and ensured proper rates that are in effect for the utility. This due diligence satisfies outside agencies such as lending institutions and bond holders, bond rating companies and bond

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holders, allowing the city to obtain financing when necessary. Staff recommends um approval of resolution 2637. Any questions? >> Um actually, yes, I do. Um what what is our unrestricted fund balance for water

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and sewer right now? I >> I don't have that number with me right now. Yeah, I don't know off the top of my head. Um, [clears throat] I can get that to you. >> We have >> There we go.

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>> Our unrestricted fund balance. Um, if you hold on just a moment, I can get that for you. Is um, >> excuse me. >> Good catch. I'll just hold it. >> Um, as of our audit at the end of the

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year, we had um unrestricted of 12 million. However, we are estimating that to go down to 9 million this year and that is our unrestricted fund balance and that it's that provides the um for everything that's all the utilities,

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the repairs, the maintenance, uh renewal and replacement. Uh >> but there's a restricted fund balance as well. Correct. >> Correct. >> Yes. And that is primarily the um all the capital within the system. It's reported differently than a general fund because it is treated as if it's a

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business >> and it is self-supporting through utility rates. >> So, and and I'm assuming the uh consultant took took the fund balances into effect when they were recommending this rate increase. >> Actually, they're not recommending this one. We are just staying with what we've

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been doing the past three years. um because they had been working on the water rate increase which will also include the fees which haven't been increased in many many years but um storm water became an issue and they had to focus on that prior to that the

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impact fees uh so we've kept pulling them off task because of other things >> so they're currently working on it and yes they are they will be taking those fund balances into account >> okay thank you >> any more questions

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Rick, do we have any cards for this item? >> I do not. >> Is there anyone from the public that would like to be heard? who were looking at a rate increase, you better do it. And I'll tell you why. Because our representative in

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Tallahassee, I don't know how many of you saw what's happening with property taxes on private homeowners. And everybody wants to say, "Hooray. They're the homestead exemption is going to go up and it's going to continue to go up and cap out at 250,000." And I wonder if I our financial analyst

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has figured out how much that's going to impact the city because it it's going to be devastating. And I hope that we can figure out how many more things we can pay with our utility fees because we're we're going to have a big gap. >> I mean, I I don't know if anybody's

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realized what's going to happen. So, that's it. >> Thank you. >> The actually the utility is separate from the property tax. I I know utilities are separate from property tax, but what do we pay in the city of EUs with property taxes collected? What I'm saying is that fund

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is going to diminish exponentially. How many houses in the city of Essus are worth over $250,000, which means we're going to have numerous properties that are completely property tax exempt. And everybody might think that's a good thing. I will tell you everything's going to get more expensive

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in the state of Florida and it's going to fall on commercial property owners because what's going to happen? How are they going to make the revenue shortfall? Everybody thinks it's a good thing. We'll see how it comes out. >> Okay. Are you finished with your report?

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Any questions? >> Questions? [snorts] >> And madame mayor, just point of order. If there is public comment on an issue, there's not going to be a questions for the staff on it. So once you've spoken and you've sat down, your public comment

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period has ended, even if you had time left, just so everyone understands. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other public comment? Madame Mayor, if there's nothing else, I'll turn it over to you for discussion. >> Move for approval. >> Madame Mayor, I move approval of

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resolution 2026-37. Second. [clears throat] >> First and second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Asody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, >> I.

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Next we have resolution number 2026-45, a resolution of the city commission, the city of Eustace, Florida, approving a preliminary subdivision plat for the Doris Park landing subdivision S-25-001 and 18 lot single family detached and

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230 lot town home single family residential subdivision on approximately 41.17 acres of the property of property located on the east side of State Road 44 and south of Eustace Airport Road.

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Alternate key numbers 17847784140 253 5628 14444756 and 258 5153 Good evening, mayor, commissioners. For the record, Kyle Wils, P uh development

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services department. A few items of housekeeping before I begin the presentation. I did want to let you know that your uh there was a typo in your staff report. It mistakenly referenced S-26-001. It's actually S-25 as the city attorney

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just read 001. uh additionally that those it was correctly referenced in all the uh public notification requirements as the correct case number as well as in the resolution. So I just wanted to make that clarification and

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also we noticed we we've heard that you've had some issues with printing with the plan sets. We're going to be working on that moving forward uh to help get make sure that you get those ahead of time and that they're allegible. So, I just want to bring that up before I get going. So, as we

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discussed, it's a resolution number 2026-45, a preliminary subdivision plat for Doris Park Landing. The property owner is MC Group Enterprises LLC. The applicant is Jeffrey Summit for Summit Engineering and the consideration before he denies a

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preliminary subdivision plat for Dors Park Landing of proposed 248 lot subdivision composed of 18 single family homes and 230 single family attached homes town home town home lots on 41.17 acres.

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This chart gives you a breakdown of uh the site. The gross acreage is 41.17, but the net acreage comes out to 38.91. Um, there are two h two lot typologies that are being proposed for this. The

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house lot, which is a single family detached, as well as the town home lot. Uh, each must meet those minimum uh minimum requirements as shown below. I'm to the right, I'm sorry. Um, the 8, the 55x120 as well as the 22x 80 for the

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town homes. Uh the density allow is MCR. Uh the future land use on that property is MCR makes commercial residential which does allow up to 12 dwelling units an acre. The proposed density on this site is 6.37 dwelling units per acre. Um and the

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proposed open space is 38.9%. With 3.32 acres as park space. Now this was annexed and I apologize the slide is a little hard to read. uh this site was annexed and signed a future land use uh district and design district

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amendment on April 6 and then again on July 20th a properties came in separately u but they were assigned mixed commercial residential and suburban neighborhood design district. So this kind of gives you a little bit bit of a background of where we're at in the approval process. Uh at that time

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community meeting and the concept plans were both optional as they are now and the applicant did not pursue a plan unit development. So it went next to the preliminary subdivision plat and review by the development review committee for consistency with our code.

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So we received the application a little bit of background here. We received the application October 172. uh we they had three iterations of the development review committee with comments. Uh the third DRC was held on April 14th of this year and that's when

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DRC found the preliminary subdivision plan technically sufficient with our land development regulations. This area shows the location of the property east of State Road 44 south of US airport road.

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This gives a bit of an over this is the overview site plan of the for the PSP showing the 248 proposed units. This is kind of hard to kind of broke it up a little bit here, but this is along

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Eustus airport road the northern portion. This is in the uh kind of the central area of the PSP. the southern boundary as well as the portion along state road the ingress egress along state road 44

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and I will mention that there is a proposed as part of this PSP a proposed right-hand turn lane and a lefthand turn lane uh this was part of the uh transportation impact analysis which I'll go into later in the presentation uh but the applicant has included this

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as part of their PSP submitt This shows the landscape plane with the existing trees buffering along the eastern side there. Those will remain and I'll let the applicant go into further detail when they come up um to go into uh what is being proposed. But

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they will keep the trees along the eastern boundary as shown here. Again they will existing trees will remain buffer as well as additional plantings to the south. Uh this is a residential to

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residential so a vinyl fence or or wall is is not necessarily required and again the landscaping as proposed. Again, there are single family detached lots of numbers at 18 uh with

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130 front loaded town homes as well as rear loaded town homes at 100. This gives you an examples of the detached elevations as well as the town homes. Again, it's MCR miss commercial residential. You'll see here that the

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subject property as well as the property adjacent is mixed commercial residential. [snorts] This shows the utility locations and availability. Sewer and water are available to the site.

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There is a portion of this site in the flood zone which will need to be mitigated and go through the proper process uh should development occur. Next is the soil shows the soil solility excuse me is very limited >> with high recharge.

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>> High recharge. >> High recharge. Yes. 12 to 20 and 20 and above. Uh staff did evaluation as we always do on our proposed PSP. Um we did find that

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adequate facilities are available in terms of water and sewer uh to meet the maximum development uh which is not proposed but is available. [snorts] Um there is a 100-year flood plane present on a portion of the property. Uh flood plane again flood plane mitigation will

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require permitting through the appropriate processes. Um it is within the private study area and again high recharge. [cough] We did uh comprehensive plan review as well. It's consistent with the city's future land use element comprehensive

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plan as well as the future land use assigned to the property and it is consistent with the land development regulations. Uh the applicant has not requested any waiverss for this site. Now I'll go a little bit into the transportation. Uh this was the

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executive summary that was provided by the city's transportation consultant. Uh it does show that state road 44 it would be and is uh under operating at a level of ser below level service as well as um

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it has some mitigation factors there that one of them I mentioned earlier is providing a left-hand turn lane as well as a right-hand turn lane in and ingress egress onto the PSP site as well as the other recommendations widening of state

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road 44 which which of course again is a state road and county county and state maintained. >> Kyle, did you say it's below? >> That's what I was saying. >> Yes. >> Doesn't take a rocket scientist drive down there. It's not below. It's packed. >> I know. >> I don't know where that study.

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>> No, no, no, no. I'm sorry. I I misspoke. I misspoke. I meant >> the the road is failing. >> The road is what? >> The road is is is not operating at adequate capacity. is not after. >> It's not. >> Please do not please do not make

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comments out loud. Let's get through this. >> So, the road is under It's over >> It's over capacity. >> Over capacity. So, can you go back? >> It's over capacity. >> Can you go back to that last one? >> Sorry about that. I'm sorry, sir. >> Can you go back to the last one?

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>> Okay. State Road 44 is projected to operate below it overall adopted. Now, you saying it's different than that? >> Well, with the proposed development, uh the mitigation factors are as proposed,

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a lefthand turn lane, right-hand turn lane to mitigate any increased trips as well as future widening of State Road 44. >> So, if So, this I'm confused. So, is this Sorry, Kyle. Is this saying

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it's below use after the improvements are done or is it overused now? >> That's I need >> Do not speak out please. Thank you.

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>> Go ahead, >> Jeff. Sir, please answer my question. Excuse me. Excuse me. Um, the road is below adopted level of service. Below means it starts at A, B, C, D, E. Believe the adopted is an E

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level E. This would probably be at an F or a G if that even exists. I mean, it's the traffic has been that way since like 1996. Um, I'm saying that since 1996 because >> please let them finish. Stop. The

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traffic has been excessive on the road and there obviously have been issues for a number of years. Everybody's been trying to work on it, but it is a it is over capacity from our adopted comprehensive plan level of service. The

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applicant did submit the TIA. We only included the executive summary because that's what had the mitigation factors as recommended by the city of Eustace' staff consultant transportation which is Kimley Horn. Oh no, that sorry that's

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TMC. >> So the road is over capacity. >> Correct. >> Okay, that's all I need. >> So [clears throat] >> it's all I have. >> Well, okay. All right. Because this doesn't say that. Okay. All right. Go ahead. I'll ask.

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Okay. It says it's it's projected to operate below. Can you go back to that? >> Oh, sure. >> It's projected to operate below its overall adopted loss due to background traffic. >> What's background traffic? >> I'm not a traffic engineer, but I will

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say again, the roadway is over capacity. It is failing. Um, and so that's why it's operating below an A B CDE E. So, so what you're saying, Kyle, or what they're saying is in once this project, if it's approved,

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goes in, then it'll definitely be >> there will be more trips. >> Well, obviously there'll be more trips. >> Would it take it would it take it above capacity? >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Yeah. Would it take it above capacity?

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>> It already is. Well, no. >> Okay. This doesn't make sense. Capa capacity is is the amount of traffic that can fit onto that road. It's currently over capacity meaning o over the number of cars that can hand

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the road can handle. >> So the so the road has more cars than it can handle. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't know that that says that, but I'm going to take you for that one. It's it the the level of service it's it's a

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little confusing as it's called out where we're saying below. >> So a level of service A is a wonderful road. Great shape. >> This is below the level of service. So it is it requires

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>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Sorry about that. Go ahead. >> No, that's great. Uh we did advertise uh this proposed PSP the daily commercial on May 11th. Notices were mailed also on May 11th and the public hearing signs

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were posted on May 11th. Uh with that uh development services and the city of Eustace uh development review committee has found this proposed PSP uh in compliance with the city of Eustace code and comprehensive plan and we present it to you for your

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consideration. Hey, um Kyle, thanks for all that. Um what's the um pvious [clears throat] surface percentage for this development? >> I don't think we have a I don't have I'll leave that to the applicant if if if you don't mind. I don't think that

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number is broken down out here, but I can give you the open space number. >> But let's go back and see. >> Kyle, do you know if it broke it down into how many trips on that road? I saw something

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>> under findings. It does have generation. Is it is it legible for you? Can you read it? >> Yeah. >> 2020. >> Is that >> 2021? >> What is ADT? average daily trips.

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>> Okay. Uh and who counts that? Because >> I can sit behind 500 at three o'clock in the afternoon. >> Yeah. >> Average daily trips is based on a and this is going back. I'm not a subject matter expert. Um [clears throat] I

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didn't identify myself as Jeff Richardson. I'm the interim >> development services director. >> We got you. >> Um I am not a transportation consultant. I do not have that sub subject matter expertise, but my understanding is the way that they work through these a

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methodology is set. The methodology that is used is that that is adopted and accepted by the Lake Sumpter MO. Um, so kind of the transportation overlords. I know that's kind of bad way to say

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>> they're the ones that kind of set what the methodology is. Models are set up. The numbers are plugged in for the number of units. They run those and that's where that comes out. >> Is that an accurate number or is that a number that they just pulled? >> If you are going based on 248

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I think probably the average daily trips in the IT the Institute transportation engineers manual used to be at 10. It is lowered now. I can't remember what that number is. It's about nine or so. So I would say that's in the accurate ballpark or in the in the right in the

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right area. This is like it was done at 2 am in the morning, not peak time. >> When was this done? When was the study or 20? What? >> When was this study done? Did you see it? Michael, did you say somebody said

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something? >> Emily shot everybody. >> Okay, we need to be able to hear, please. Thank you. We don't have the uh the exact data in front of us, but it was it was done as

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part of the PSP submitt. So, it would been within this time frame. >> I I I would like to see whoever the consultant who did this, they've got to give us a date of the test, the date of the the study. >> It's February of 2026.

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>> February of 2026. >> Yeah. >> It is an account. It is a blank piece of land. I am doing looking at analyzing for 15 minutes. So that is what this development is generating. That's not

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what's there. In other words, that's not counting the trips that are on the road. This is what it's >> counting the trips for the development. >> Okay. Okay. So, so 2,000 will be added to what's

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there already. >> And between in between 6:00 in the morning and 10:00, they've already hit that number on that road already. So, I'm out there every morning. >> The uh the other two numbers, which is the other numbers that are analyzed are the AM peak and the PM peak. Can't

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remember what those time frames are, but they're like three hours in the morning when people are leaving to go to work and three hours in the afternoon when people are coming home and or andor coming home and then going out and going shopping again. >> Those numbers read out at 124 a.m.

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>> Mhm. >> and 149 p.m. >> And these are just projected based on the possibility of of >> they are projected numbers. Correct. Correct. All right. Well, it it to me I don't think that's,

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you know, it gives us a good good reading because I want to know what's happening on the road now in conjunction with what's proposed. >> And I I really and I would really like to know the impervious surface. >> I mean, we're looking at a site plan that we're trying to approve. We have to have that,

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>> especially for a high recharge area. >> Yes. Yes. And I and I apologize for that. We'll have the applicant break that down. >> Okay. Thank you. Are you all comfortable with making that? >> I I think I got the part that this

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letter really only applies to the exiting and entering >> within that. What I'm concerned about is the mess that's on 44B, >> right? >> We don't have any data on that. We don't have any stats on that. They're not required to give or do anything on that.

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They're not. You don't have to go find what some old reports. I want to know are they required or did they do any current ones for that? >> Just what was provided uh the TCIA? Yes. Correct. >> Yeah. And and and it to me it just it

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doesn't tell me anything. It it makes me it makes me uncomfortable. It makes it look like they're trying to hide something. So, but that's just me. So, >> Commissioner Ashcraft. >> Yes. I will let you know that on page 138 of the agenda there's a reference to

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40% impervious surface area. >> Yeah. Could you please talk about >> is that is 40% allowed in high high recharge areas. >> We do not have a uh a differential uh between impervious service. The 40% is

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this blanket citywide. So whether or not you're in the downtown area or elsewhere, that would be the the max. >> I thought it was I'm sorry. I'm I'm I've only been up here year and whatever, but I thought it was Where's the 25 come in?

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>> That's section 121-24. Um, it has to be if it's in a certain distance with a high recharge area. It's supposed to be at 25% with a possible increase uh to 50 for infill locations and development.

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>> So this isn't a high recharge. So should it be 25? >> I'll I'll leave that to the applicant, but under the code 25 would be the starting point. >> And then how do you move from that? What's what's moving it from 25 to 40?

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[snorts] >> Who did that? How did that happen? >> I don't know. I'm sorry. I don't have the answer on on that commissioner but >> okay >> the under the um density intensity table which unfortunately I can't quote off

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the top of my head what section that is but MCR has is broken down is broken down between the residential and a commercial under the residential it's a maximum of 40% ISR under the MCR we do not have a separate code or anything

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that breaks down for a high Recharge area just impervious surface throughout our table basically starts at 25. >> What am I missing? >> So I don't know. I'm I'm learning in the process. I thought you said that you

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just quoted high rechargers was 25%. >> But it could go up to 40. >> It's under the wellhead protection groundwater and wellhead protection. >> This would not fall within a wellhead protection area. >> But it's high recharge. It's high recharge, but it is not a wellhead protection area. >> It's just wellhead protection. That's

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it. Not high recharge. >> Correct. >> I thought Kyle said >> wellhead protection refers to the >> That's all right. That's all right. >> Yeah, there there's there's a map uh map E8 that's referenced off that LDR

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>> and it's a high recharge area that is is called out and it is with the the wellhead. It's part of the wellhead protection section. The wells being the portable water wells that we use for our water plants. So there is an area I went

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and looked at that map that map E8 and um this project does not fall in that classification. So the the permeability of this land is considered high recharge. It's a different designation that we're

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referencing in the LDR. >> Okay. Kyle, can you go back to the the progression the order of of where we are? Uh to

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back. Keep going. I'll tell you when. >> Okay. And then and then also we we have an MCR designation but we don't have a requirement of commercial within that MCR designation. We have a an overall uh

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percentage but not uh as a mix on site. Uh for if a development came in, it could be residential, it could be commercial, but we have an overall percentage citywide that is maintained. >> And there's no commercial um proposed for this.

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>> No proposed commercial. Correct. >> Actually, there's two commercial ALF parcels on the State Route 44 entrance. >> One to the north, one to the south. How large are those parcels? >> Um, I actually can't recall.

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>> Are they pretty big? Are they on this? That one. Go back. >> Go back. >> Go back. Right there. >> Right there. >> Go back. >> Yeah, that's >> based on based on where we are now. In in a perfect world, how long would it

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take us to get to building permits? In a perfect world, >> yes, >> they could probably get through site development on a single phase, 18 to 20 months plus minus if they're really pumped.

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>> And there's nothing uh in the books to correct to correct the road >> and we're looking to add >> there. There is some stuff there work on now. It's not done yet. >> Yeah.

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>> But it's in the process and I need to know that too. >> But >> are we discussing >> There [clears throat] is a FDA has a project that is slated for bidding um August this summer. But it is only a

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resurfacing project, not a widening project. The widening project is it's been identified on the Lake Sumpter MPO. Um they have a what they call the lop. It's a list of priority projects. >> It's a number one project for the Lake

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Sumpter MPO. It has been on that number one for a several years now. Um the funding for FDOT is not secured. It's list the project's listed as in rightway meaning their rightway acquisition at that

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point. Um the cost of the project I believe was 26.1 million. and it is not scheduled for the widening because they're still in right away phase. There are some discussions

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um about trying to get it moved up and I actually have a meeting with DOT tomorrow um via a conference call and also with state and county. Um, but at this point

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we're looking at what we can do to get this moved up. >> You know, that was on the uh that was number one when I was on, you know, on the board and um and that's been four years. Uh

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that concerns me that we're looking to add to uh and we're nowhere closer than we were four years ago. That concerns me. >> I guess we're still in the process of the presentation. Are we done with that?

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>> Are you done, Kyle? >> Yes. Oh, >> unless you have any other questions. >> No, we derailed him. So, [laughter] >> sorry. We'll ask. >> Madame Mayor, would you like to take cards or hear from the applicant first? Do you have cards on?

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>> Uh yeah, I have a several cards. >> Okay. >> Um first one, Cindy Newton before she gets out the door. Acknowledge Molly Cingham. Molly, >> she's not listening. She's trying to get

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out. There she is. >> School board, right? >> School board. >> Yes. I failed to to acknowledge that uh Miss Molly Cunningham, school board member, was present tonight. Thank you for being here. READY? [applause] >> YES.

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>> Maybe not. >> Just another minute. Sandy. Thank you. I'm Cindy Newton and I'm an unincorporated Eustace. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. The first page of your handout is an elevation condor

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map and I want you to note the elevation changes in the east side of the airport between the airirst strip and the lakes of Mount Dora. This appears to be a drainage area under a tree canopy. The second page is of the prelim

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preliminary subdivision plat overlay on the GIS map. Please notice the proposed storm water ponds on the east side. The northern one is right up against the drainage area with lakes on the other side of the drainage. The southern pond

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is also directly across the property line from the lakes and extends south to the huge water pond that's already at Minden Hall. >> [cough and clears throat] >> Meet Boulevard. This pond overflowed causing flooding

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during the last year's rain bomb. So I would like to know what measures are going to be taken to ensure the excavation of these storm water ponds does not breach the drainage area, the lakes or the existing storm water pond

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either adjacent to or through the subsurface. Any breach could be catastrophic to this area. Page three is a map from DVO Engineering showing several branches of underlying water coming off of the B

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ridge which surface and then run into sink holes. The blue lines going south are the wolf branch flows. The blue lines on the north side flow north. These go underneath 44

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and end up in sink holes eventually in uh Lake Lincoln. We don't know the extent of the disturbance that's already gone on at the current development that's in its

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first stages. We don't know how many of these springs have been destroyed or redirected. We don't know [clears throat] where that water's going to go. These are all very high

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capacity flows and they've got a lot of head pressure with the elevation in this area. It's about around 165. Now the the fourth page shows the DVOS uh found branches underllayed on the GIS

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map and as you can see it's farreaching and the disrupt disruption could cause major flooding. The area around the airport is so important to several subdrainage areas. is specifically

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mentioned in the technical publication SJ90-7 flood plane study of the H ditch Hicks ditch basin in Lake County, Florida. >> Ma'am, ma'am, >> your time is expired. >> Okay, thank you.

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>> Thank you, >> Mark Lake. Orin Owen was a neighbor. >> My name's Orin Owen. I live on Eustace Airport Road. Uh the lady that preceded me

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gave you a lot of details. I've been I stood before you back in March of last year and I com I made comments. There's Mark if you want. He's back up on that like a good neighbor. >> Thank you.

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This This is what my backyard looked like in October of 2025 after I spoke with you in March about the huddle development. This has been occurring ever since Lakes of Mount Dora went in place. I've been in my property

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over 20 years and all that's I've seen is worse storm water. The the storm water does not flow. It's not going where it needs to go. If the airport gets developed like they're planning to, where's the water going to

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go? They've already showed you the flood plane. There's a problem with a flood plane on the airport. That means they've got to do something probably going to increase the elevation that's going to impact me. That's an

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economic impact to me. The traffic you've already commented about. I've lived here over 20 years. The traffic to get onto 44B from my road sometimes takes six to seven minutes

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just to get on the road. I used to turn left to go to a job in Waterman, but I don't go that way. I go right and it's still six to seven minutes to turn right. So imagine if I was to take a

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left at the fire station. It wouldn't be possible. The widening of Eustace or of 44B hasn't even been funded. You can't put more traffic on a road that won't support it. And neither can you add more

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water. Where's the water going to go? Storm water is not being considered. Thank you for your time. >> Mark Blake, [laughter] >> you good? >> Okay. >> Cecil Pentecost.

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I give these to you to pass down. Okay. It's just a view. There's just one one set of copies. >> Okay. My name is Cecil Pentecost. I am a resident of Eustus. I've lived in Lake County since 1971.

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I disappeared in the military for about eight years and came back. And I'm nervous. [laughter] So, here goes. I lived here since 71. I've seen a lot of things happen. I grew up on Eustace Airport Road. I now live in Eustace, but I still have property in Eustace Airport Road.

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My concerns of the development, which has been addressed, is y'all raising the level of the property. And where's the camera? This picture right here is the huddle house as it faces the airport. I'm 5 foot eight. This is how much dirt

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they're putting there. When Eustus airport, you put the the what is it called? The Doors Park development. How much dirt are they going to be putting on that piece of property? And I live back over here on this side. And I already have lakes of Mount Dora that

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is 18 to 20 in above my grade. And I have flooding problem when it rains from their parking area. And turn around. I'm going mess up a lot of the stuff here, but the flooding is my number one concern. The roads, which you have been talking about, is my second concern. According to the Google

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2033 is when they're planning to do four lane 44 and 44B is what they're planning, unless you guys can expedate that somehow. The county does or the city or the state. And with the addition of the huddle or the doors park landing, which now my daughter informed me about

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the hull house, we're talking between 5 to 2,000 people that are going to be coming in and out of that area. You figure two to four people per dwelling and then all of a sudden we have what three more developments going toward going toward Lowe's and one across the

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Circle K on 44. How many more people be using that road right now? You all said last time we were here, you don't control the roads, but you do control the developments. And when you turn around and you try to pack all these houses in here like sardines in a sardine can, there's something wrong with our system. And we're destroying

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the lifestyle of people who lived here for a long time. And we don't appreciate that. And my last thing I'm going to go to is our drinking water. Back in the 70s, my dad knew an old farmer that lived that grew up in Florida and he said, "Land will never be a problem with Florida. We

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have more than we really need, more than we can get used to. Number one concern is drinking water. How many more homes? How many more yards are we going to water before we run out of water? The well, the aquafer can only support so many people and that's it. Unless we start taking the water from the ocean,

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Lake County would be suffering like Georgia did two or three years ago with the drought. So, that's all I got to say. Thank you, >> BJ McCarti. Good evening, Madame Mayor, Mr. Vice Mayor, committee

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members. My name is BJ McCarti, 13-year resident of uh Eustace, president of the Parkplace and Lake Joanna board of directors. I want to address the Florida Senate Bill 180 because I know that's something that's been really a difficult thing for everybody. Signed into law last June, it's framed as hurricane

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disaster relief, effectively prohibiting local governments from enacting developmental moratoriums and reasonably restrictive rules, tying your hands to cities and counties to make responsible decisions for the safety and livelihood of the residents. [clears throat] Because of how it was written, it

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applies to all 67 counties when in fact only 14 received individual federal assistance after the 24 hurricanes. Lake County had some storm damage, had some funding, but to treat us the same as they do with communities across the Gulf Coast and the panhandle that were

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catastrophically devastated and strip our local authorities from the the ability have responsible planning on that is just it's basic overreach. It's gross overreach. The courts are already began to invite it. More than two dozen Florida cities and

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counties have filed suit describing SP80 as being the largest intrusion into home authority. excuse me, home [clears throat] real authority in the history of Florida since the adoption of the 1968 Constitution. These are communities that take their obligations to their residents seriously. Fort Lauderdale is one of them. Naples is one

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of them. And there a smattering of of counties that are getting involved already. This brings me to Doris. 44B is served by Lake County Fire Rescue Station 27. The road is being inundated with new residential and commercial development. Emergency response time is

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a function of road capacity and call volume. every rooftop, every business added without corresponding infrastructure degrades that response. If a cardiac event, a structure fire happens, this is not an inconvenience. It's a devastating outcome. There's also

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a financial impact. The community's ISO rating, which partially partly determines the homeowner insurance rates, is directly tied to response times. You degrade the access, you're degrading a rating. In a state where insurance costs are already punishing, that is a serious threat.

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We are not opposed to growth. Nobody's opposed to growth. We're opposed to growth that outpaces roads, water, drainage, emergency services that make our communities survivable. Not thriving, survivable. This committee should be on record and

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standing with communities across Florida that are fighting SB80. And you should be voting to deny resolution 2026-45. Thank you so much for your time. Mark Bobick, commissioners,

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I have been here many times and in every one of them I have asked us asked you and asked this city to pay attention to the welfare of all its residents, not just the favored few. I think that uh

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these previous speakers have identified issues such as flooding, such as emergency response, but I also want to talk about the trust that we're supposed to have that you will look out for our interests. Do we have to be wealthy? Do

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we have to be connected? Do we have to be one of the boys club to make sure that our homes are not destroyed by a flooding? Do we have to be connected and wealthy to know that we'll have a park in our neighborhood, that our kids will have schools? When and where is it that

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you will draw the line to overdevelopment? When and where is it that you will actually take our side on one of these debates? We all know that some of you are wealthy land owners and land business owners. We don't resent you for being business owners. Even that

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fellow with the blonde hair, we don't resent him either. But I have to tell you that I certainly certainly feel that you are not representing us. You are not and you are not representing my neighbors. You are not giving a damn about us. And I would ask you once and

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for all to at least put the pedal down on this kind of development where they are just jammed in cheek by jowl to maximize the profit for one person. It should not be true. You should be able

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to craft a community and you obviously have successes in doing that and I applaud the commission and the chief and all these people for the good things you're doing in Eustace. But this is not a good thing. On the day of the big rain, I sat across from I stood across

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from the so-called puddle development as a wave of water poured across that 44B into my into my neighborhood. And nobody seemed to care when I asked about it, when we we do we presented proof. Nobody

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cared that Huddle was a threat. All our requests, all of our evidence-based cautions were completely and coldly rejected. Again, you guys do good. Many good things.

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Please take our side for a change. Thank you, >> Stanley Blackwell. Stanley Blackwell. I'm a resident of Lakes of Mount Dora. Um, I can see that this project is good for the land owner

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who will make money with this approval. It is good for the developer who will make money and is good for Eustace who will make money from the taxes if this is approved. But this approval is not good for the residents of Eustace and

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Mount Dora. The increased traffic on 44 will make a bad situation worse. I'm asking for the approval of this project be delayed until the infrastructure is in place. There is a plan for 44 to be widened. Please delay approval until 44

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is widened. Delaying the approval will be better for the residents of Eustace and for your Mount Dora neighbors. The landowner, developer, and the city of Eustace will still make their money, but not at the inconvenience of the current

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residents. Thank you, >> Christine Collins. >> Good evening. My name is Christine Collins and I do live in Eustace. I have lived in Park Place for 26 years. We have not had a major traffic issue

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until about the last two years. It takes at least 20 minutes to get out of our subdivision in the morning. Whether you take a left turn or a right turn, the traffic is backed up for one and a half miles to 441

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every single morning. I worry about the fire department that's just down the road. There are culverts on both sides of 44B. They were just redone last year. That tells me that there's no widening of the

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road being planned anytime soon. They spent millions doing that. Where will cars pull over? Where will the fire engines go? There's culverts with ditches. there's no way they can go around all this traffic.

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Uh same thing with police. So, we're all very concerned in Parkplace about the infrastructure, the lack of infrastructure. Um the only the only thing we could do right now is consider another light at

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Park Place. Then we'd have to put in another light at Lock Le 11 and another light at Lancaster because none of us can get out of our subdivisions in the morning. None of us. Ask any resident. Um

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the other issue is the semitrs. They're now using 44B as a truck route. It starts at 5:00 in the morning. It wakes me up every single day. My house is two doors in from 44.

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Um the downshifting, the upshifting because there's now a light on Estie's road in 44. So they have to stop and then they have to start up again to go to the light at 44B and now they're turning right on 44B to get out to 441.

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I think a lot of that has to do with Brit Road. They can't take Brit road so they're taking 44B instead. Hopefully Brit Road will be repaired soon. Um, and finally, as a retired Lake County school teacher, 33 years, I would

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just like to know what you're going to do with all these children that will be moving into all of these subdivisions. We have two subdivisions in Eustace on 44B and there's two more being built in Mount Dora on 44B. Now, we're talking school buses.

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This Dora Park alone, that's going to be 500 more cars a day. Now multiply that by the other three subdivisions. Where will these children go to school? Eustus Elementary is full and so is Seminal Springs. Those are the

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only two schools we have. Thank you, >> Brian Rothchild. [cough and clears throat] >> Hi, my name is Brian Rochelle. live in Eustace and in Parkplace and I concur with everything they've said. The the the quality of life in Eustace is

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nosediving. You guys are in charge. The the next election, this is really important for you for the next election because if you monitor Next Door and all that, they're not happy with you. They're not happy with you at all. It's going very badly. Traffic's getting

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horrible. The flooding is a big issue. You just approved a ridiculous. And by the way, I've been in commercial real estate for 30 years. Know a lot more than you guys do for Fortune 500 companies. George Asbait knows that. Okay. So, and what I see you're

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improving is ridiculous. The density is absurd. That's where the traffic is coming from. Right. You just went through a project with Huddle, right? It's a failure. Yeah. They finally got it going again. Four months they sat idle. Why? because of the exact problem

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that we're talking about today, which is the water problem. The water table, you don't even know. You're approving stuff that you have no clue how to approve it and what it's all about. Okay? The these are lives that you're affecting all these people and a hell of a lot more.

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Okay? And they're worried about their community. You have to stand up to these people and you have to make sure that what they're building is what needs to be built. the density needs to be coming down. And by the way, whoever on the on

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this day is here is is conflicted by owning properties and or representing landlords somehow, they should be recused and they should get off the any kind of a a vote that that comes forward to you guys because it's a conflict of

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interest. Okay? And you need to look that at that as well. Okay? It's time for you to have a backbone and help and help the people in your community to to stop this overdevelopment. By the way, the best thing that ever happened was what he just presented. That was one of

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the worst pres presentations I've ever seen. Okay? Quite frankly, it was so minimal. There was nothing to it. Did you see even the landscape? Is this is what you guys are approving? Is this what you guys are all about? Just to rubber stamp stuff? No. It's not going

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to happen anymore. We have a big community now. The last meeting they came here and overwhelmed you. Okay? There's people that's starting getting angry and it's time for you to to be accountable to the community. Okay?

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Don't look away. That's the truth. Okay? Be accountable to the community. Don't just sit up here and rubber stamp stuff. We're done with that. This one is going to see it through and we want it rejected. the impervious service. He

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doesn't even he didn't even put it up. It's the biggest issue with the whole devel development. You got to be kidding me. This is what we're doing is these developers that come in to just make a killing and then end it and and then walk away and we're all in trouble. No.

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Stop it. It's over. Done. >> And the last card, Lindsay. >> [clears throat] >> Hi, my name is Lindsay. Um, last time I spoke up here, I told you how I came from Valuchia County because my former home was flooded. Um, I am in Lake

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Lincoln. I am the direct right across from this. We have KB Homes coming directly behind my house. um October 2025, it was all flooded out. My backyard was flooded. Brand new development. My whole backyard was flooded. Our entire um our swailes are

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failing from that storm. Esta's road. Everybody knows the issues on Esta's road and the house on the end. If this home, not this home, if these homes are approved, I can promise you I have the money and the backbone to sue not only

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you guys, >> but you as well. I have the money. People know who I am in Valuchia County. I will make myself known here. Do not approve this. He lacks common sense. He can't even

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form a basic >> Yeah, you've gone too far now. That's he cannot even aform. You're not hearing insult. You won't staff. So you calm yourself down. You won't insult. >> Leave the >> I'm not saying the staff. I said the developer. >> He was the staff. >> I did not know that. I'm sorry.

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>> The the developer lacks the common sense with the report that he did. >> No, you're wrong. >> I didn't know who is who. >> But the report is not done correctly. >> Okay, you're done. >> But I will be suing you if this is approved. >> Next. I just find it funny.

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>> No more cards. >> Okay. Where do we go from here? >> Additional public comment. Madame Mayor, >> that's it. >> No more cards. >> No more cards. So, >> is there is there anyone from the the audience that would like to make public comment?

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>> Madame Mayor, seeing none, I'm going to turn it back over to you. >> Okay. So where are we >> with the with the size of this development and the road conditions? I cannot be supportive of this uh tonight.

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So um I I can't make a microphone. >> Please stop yelling. >> You all are rude. >> Yes, >> we are trying to talk to each other to try to make a decision for you. >> Come on. You've been talking all night

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long. It's hard to hear up here the way you all keep talking. We're trying to do the best thing in the world for you, but your rudeness turns people off. Okay? Sorry. What I said was with the

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conditions of the road and the size of this development, I cannot be supportive of it tonight. So, I will not make a motion. That's what I said. Now, if you want to continue being rude, I'll change my mind because this is a preliminary site uh plan. It'll come back to us

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eventually. >> Okay? So, >> thank you. >> I have to agree I have to agree with Mike. I'm I'm not comfortable, you know, with with the amount of traffic that's already there and and what could

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potentially come. I'm And there's no plan there. There's absolutely no plan. I'm not I'm not comfortable >> commissioner. >> Yeah, I mean I heard a lot of things some that were inaccurate a lot that is I drive through

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that road. There's a problem. There's a problem you can't ignore and other commissions way past before us have done things that fall on us. And I'm not ready to do something that's going to fall past my time off of here. So, I

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need [snorts] I've got way more questions. I need to see way more stuff to make an intelligent decision. I mean, if we're going to be forced to vote, I mean, my vote's going to be no. I don't mind telling you that, but I think we

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should probably table this, get the additional information that we need together to be able to address this globally as to all the circumstances. We have some more questions I would like for development services to work on and

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everything. So with that in mind, I would be willing to make a motion to table this to a date certain so that we can get all of this information. Uh and and there's a lot and there's the road stuff. There's all kinds of things. Uh

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so just to share with you guys that might uh >> are you making a motion? >> Uh I'm I'm having a discussion. >> Okay. I'm having a discussion about that. Um so, uh I think when the motion time comes up, I would be willing to

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make that motion. Yes. >> That's Bobby comments. >> Um I agree with everyone. There's too many unanswered questions that I need more time to think. So, uh I agree. We should um table this into another date.

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And I feel like there's not a lot of there's a lot of information missing that I'd like to know. We need to know more of before we make a decision such as this. And I also think we need to find out what's going to happen with the roads and give give time to figure all

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that out. So based on that, those are my comments. Everybody's made comments and you're willing to do >> public safety should be number one. >> Yeah. >> And and I have some questions about that. >> I make the motion. Madame Mayor, >> I think we still have >> I just want to >> Yeah,

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>> make sure I did not realize that you were the applicant. So, Madame Mayor, I think we need to let the applicant speak and respond. >> Sorry, Jeff Summit with Summit Engineering and sorry for having to make it a point of order, but I just wanted to come up here and talk to you guys.

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Obviously, we have a lot of emotion with the residents in regards to the area. There's been some things that have transis out there that obviously haven't gone the way that everybody would like them to do. With regards to your concerns about traffic, I'm not going to say that it isn't a concern because the road has been failing and nobody's going

429
02:04:36.800 --> 02:04:52.080
to argue that it isn't a failing roadway segment. However, there's only so much an individual property owner can actually do to affect a roadway problem. This is a DOT issue. This is a state issue. This is a county and this is a city issue. And this is where local

430
02:04:52.080 --> 02:05:07.840
government needs to get involved to help mitigate a problem that was a problem long before we made an application to the city. With regards to things like this preliminary plat, the storm water, the open space, which is 41 and change

431
02:05:07.840 --> 02:05:24.080
percent by the way, just to answer your question, this plan's consistent with your code. It's been reviewed by your DRC. It's consistent with the land use that was assigned to the property and and consistent with the annexation when that was done in 23. We're not asking for

432
02:05:24.080 --> 02:05:39.280
special treatment. We're not asking for anything else. Anyone who has another piece of property in the city could come to you and ask for. So, I just want everyone to understand this is not an extreme request. The maximum density

433
02:05:39.280 --> 02:05:56.560
allowed for this site based on the land use you adopted is 12 units an acre. We're at a little over six. We're not packing and stacking this site. The reason we're not packing and stacking this site is because the storm

434
02:05:56.560 --> 02:06:12.960
water is an issue. That's why our ponds are so big for this property. We understand the issues. We understand the concerns, but this is the first step in the process for us to get to a point where we can actually dive in and put numbers together and provide it to your

435
02:06:12.960 --> 02:06:31.639
staff for review and approval. So, yes, you have a lot of questions, but you also have to understand those questions don't necessarily concern the applicant or the property owner because the bulk of those concerns deal with items outside of our control.

436
02:06:31.840 --> 02:06:48.159
And I would ask if you feel that you can't support the application and you feel you need additional information. I don't want it to be an abstract ask for information. I would like to know exactly what items your concerns are and what information specifically you would

437
02:06:48.159 --> 02:07:05.679
like to see. I don't like the ambiguity of we just need more information. One of the things I did hear is that there's an effort being made to um I think with the representative and to Did I hear that

438
02:07:05.679 --> 02:07:23.840
to talk about the road or to do some research about it? >> They're they're having discussions. I mean there's nothing scheduled >> and it is just discussions at this point. I will be sitting in on that tomorrow. >> Okay. you know, from where I sit, you

439
02:07:23.840 --> 02:07:39.760
know, uh, one of the major because that's that's a major road >> in the city. And truth, it it may not be an issue for them, but it's an issue for everyone around that that community. And that's a big deal.

440
02:07:39.760 --> 02:07:59.760
>> Uh, if we bring more homes in there, we need to figure we excuse me, >> we need to figure the roads out. We've got to figure that out. So what >> are you done sir? >> Yes sir. I Yeah I was just roads is what

441
02:07:59.760 --> 02:08:15.679
I'm hearing. So I'm assuming that's what the issue is for me. There's a lot of things for me but [snorts] [clears throat] >> most importantly I think to give time to hear back what kinds of thoughts there might be about the road. I I don't

442
02:08:15.679 --> 02:08:32.400
that's so important that there are other things that just said, but I think we need to um give time for those who know about it and who's looking into it to give them time to do that before we make some concrete decisions here. >> And one of the things that that that we

443
02:08:32.400 --> 02:08:49.040
talked about, and I don't know at what point in the process it was, but didn't we talk about the developers talking to the neighbors at at some point? that that's something and listening to them and hearing them.

444
02:08:49.040 --> 02:09:04.159
>> I don't know if >> I thought you had a requirement over a certain amount of homes to have a public meeting that was that was sorry uh that was in >> that was in the new the new LDRs which we can't really enforce because I set up a bill. >> Yeah, but that was one of the things

445
02:09:04.159 --> 02:09:30.079
that we wanted and I [clears throat] don't know if anyone's spoken to the the community. [snorts] Hi everybody, my name is Yasamin Rahman Par. My family owns the airport property. Um the only um concern that

446
02:09:30.079 --> 02:09:45.920
the neighbors brought up to us last time specifically, which we did address, was the tree line. I specifically remember on the east side we spoke with the lakes of Mount Toro residents about preserving that and I think I see some familiar faces you sir [laughter]

447
02:09:45.920 --> 02:10:02.079
who brought up the concern not only for beautifification separation but also dust control in the construction phase. So we made sure to include the tree line and and preserve the tree line. Um regarding storm water of course that's a

448
02:10:02.079 --> 02:10:19.440
completely valid concern we were all here for. Was it Hurricane Helen that we all had the really bad flooding? Was it last year? And to my knowledge, the storm water calculations and requirements were updated after that hurricane. So unfortunately, for

449
02:10:19.440 --> 02:10:35.119
example, for the madam who spoke about her development, I think it was the KB homes development, that one was under previous storm water uh calculations that they had to meet. So, our wonderful

450
02:10:35.119 --> 02:10:52.239
engineering team here, they made sure that they um attributed all of the calculations to the future calculations and the calculations after that devastating hurricane. Um, and like Mr. Summit said, I agree. I'm a little bit

451
02:10:52.239 --> 02:11:08.159
concerned about like the vagueness regarding the information that you guys need. I know that um the staff who presented the report, they only showed an abbreviated version of our project and obviously it didn't have all of the

452
02:11:08.159 --> 02:11:24.000
information that you guys were expecting to get an overview from. So, I don't think it's um necessarily the most fair to make a decision tonight if you guys don't feel comfortable if you don't have all of the information that you guys need at this time. Because I'm going to

453
02:11:24.000 --> 02:11:39.840
be honest with you, I myself worked on this concept plan. I myself have a home here in Eustace. I made sure that this plan was going to be a beautiful place for people to live, not only in terms of how many people were going to be there,

454
02:11:39.840 --> 02:11:56.880
which is half of what you know we're allowed to put there. But I really thought about the design and how people are going to move through the community, where the park spaces going to be, where's the commercial. It was very thoughtful. So, I would hate for the way that the presentation of the information

455
02:11:56.880 --> 02:12:12.480
was done, uh, the overview if and if you guys don't feel like you have enough information to make a decision tonight. And I'm happy to work with you guys and Jeff and Jeff Richardson on providing the information that you guys need because we did work really, really hard

456
02:12:12.480 --> 02:12:29.199
and have um, a lot of thought and a lot of heart that went into this. My family's owned this property since 2005. My dad held it through the Great Recession. I'm extremely proud of him. We've never had a dollar of municipal or

457
02:12:29.199 --> 02:12:44.159
federal or state funds to run our airport. Yet, many of the residents who live in Parkplace or Lakes of Mount Dora or Lock Levven or any of these places, they call me to complain to me about the

458
02:12:44.159 --> 02:13:01.440
noise that my airport causes. Even though my airport has been around since 1950 the 1950s much much earlier than any than many than me sir I get >> quiet please go ahead

459
02:13:01.440 --> 02:13:18.800
>> ma'am I'm >> is my time up I'm happy to to step aside if you guys would like me to step aside to you >> yeah I'm just responding to everything that you guys said so I was trying to be respectful of that um so Like I said, I'd be happy to work together with our

460
02:13:18.800 --> 02:13:34.960
team and your team to present the information that you guys need so you have a better understanding of the project because the traffic concerns are absolutely valid and we in our plan with our relief lanes, our right turn lanes, our left turn lanes, that was the number one concern going into it. So, we'd love

461
02:13:34.960 --> 02:13:51.280
to illustrate that for you so that it's more understandable of how we would manage the traffic. So feels like we do need to table this until time certain so we can get together all of this information that we >> are absolutely willing and happy to do that. >> Thank you.

462
02:13:51.280 --> 02:14:06.320
>> Thank you. >> Um ma madam madam >> no >> madame mayor if if I may I would like to make a motion to table this to a date specific so that we can see all of the things that are going on with this which

463
02:14:06.320 --> 02:14:23.760
I uh seem to think won't be before 123 of of this year. So, I'd like to table this to 123 of 2026 is my motion. >> I'll second it. >> 123. >> Second. We have a second. >> Yeah. >> Welcome. I mean, I'm sorry.

464
02:14:23.760 --> 02:14:42.400
>> Any further discussion? >> Yeah. Any further discussion? >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Asi. >> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi, >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. Okay, let's take a five minute break and

465
02:14:42.400 --> 02:24:06.800
be back at 21 Marissa go ahead. >> So this is for resolution number 2026-48. the approval to establish a formal fund balance reserve policy for the city. Laura Lori,

466
02:24:06.800 --> 02:24:22.800
>> hi. Lori Carr, finance director. Uh, I'm here tonight to present uh two resolutions that go hand in hand. And uh I don't know if you're aware or not, but our finance policies have not been um updated since 2014. So, I'm going to

467
02:24:22.800 --> 02:24:39.600
very slowly be adding to these. So this is the first one that I'm coming officially to the commission for to make um you know a commission policy. A fund balance reserve policy is something that um we had actually had been talking

468
02:24:39.600 --> 02:24:55.680
about prior to the most recent uh sudden changes with property tax and uh coming up with this policy is it's fiscally prudent for us to do it. It's recommended best practice by the GFOA which I know you've heard me

469
02:24:55.680 --> 02:25:10.960
mention several times which is the government accounting standards board and it also provides their transparency and accountability and the fund balance is it represents basically in terms that most people

470
02:25:10.960 --> 02:25:26.000
would understand your savings account after you have everything that you have budgeted you've got your expenses going out your revenue coming in and fund balance is what's left. And what it can do, it it's uh very valuable to have a

471
02:25:26.000 --> 02:25:42.000
good uh healthy fund balance if it's not misused. And it can provide uh financial stability during irregular cash flows. And one of the most um problems the cities uh deal with this is when at the end of

472
02:25:42.000 --> 02:25:57.200
the year in September, taxes don't come in until November, December, and cash flow is a big problem at that time of year for some cities. I was actually at a city where they almost couldn't make payroll in the months of October. So, um, but it's very important to have

473
02:25:57.200 --> 02:26:13.520
that. It, uh, gives you funds for unseen unforeseen events, which we've had our share of those lately with, >> [clears throat] >> um, the thousand-year flood that was not named. And it gives you, um, availability of funds during economic shifts, which we are seem to be in one

474
02:26:13.520 --> 02:26:29.920
right now. uh gives you maintenance of your um operational stability so that you can set money aside to continue operation should something devastating happen. It gives you leverage for borrowing. It can help increase your credit rating if should you go out for

475
02:26:29.920 --> 02:26:46.240
debt. Um or you can leverage it for the actual borrowing. Um as I just said, it gives you an environment for a more favorable credit uh rating and it provides for transparency. There's five different types of fund

476
02:26:46.240 --> 02:27:01.600
balance that have been determined by the Gazsby. And when we do our reports at the end of the year, we have to show those different designations. Currently, our only designation is, I believe, $463,000

477
02:27:01.600 --> 02:27:18.720
set aside for hurricane reserve. And we have uh significant funds. And there's other things that we should really have set aside and have them become designated as opposed to undesated. Uh the first type of fund you have is your inventory. It's things that can't

478
02:27:18.720 --> 02:27:34.880
be spent, non-spendable. It may be money that has restrictions like a trust or something like that. Um inventory, again, your infrastructure, things you can't spend. Uh another thing that would fall under that would be like the pension funds. even though we hold those

479
02:27:34.880 --> 02:27:51.120
funds and they're reported on the city's books, they're not the city's funds. And then you have um money that is restricted and that's for specific specific purposes as determined by external restrictions or legislations

480
02:27:51.120 --> 02:28:06.160
and that is typically our special revenue funds. For example, storm water. We can only use storm water funds, the fees that we received on storm water projects and operations. We can't fund the general fund of storm water. So

481
02:28:06.160 --> 02:28:22.800
those funds are restricted legally by whatever restrictions are imposed on them. Uh sometimes uh your grant funds are restricted funds because they can only be spent on those specific items. Then you have uh committed which are where you would come in and it's the

482
02:28:22.800 --> 02:28:38.560
constraints formally placed by a highest level of authority within the entity and so the city commission can put these restraints on and then the city commission is the only one who can remove those restraints. So you can put

483
02:28:38.560 --> 02:28:54.800
those restraints on nobody can do anything to them until it comes back to you for removal of those restrictions. Then we have um assigned fund balance and that is constraints placed on by management and that's really our budget.

484
02:28:54.800 --> 02:29:11.760
We have we don't spend thing on things that are not budgeted. I'm not talking about an extra pencil or two but capital projects and things like that. And then you have your unassigned fund balance which is what's remaining after everything else is designated. And best

485
02:29:11.760 --> 02:29:28.560
practice is that you have 90 days worth of operating expenses in the event that you have a complete shutdown for whatever reason, you are still able to continue your operations. [clears throat] >> That doesn't seem like a long time. >> I know. >> You know, another Yeah.

486
02:29:28.560 --> 02:29:44.800
>> Yeah. I know with um this kind of aside, but with all the property tax talk that's been going on, I was down in South Florida when Andrew hit and they had their property tax wiped out overnight and there there's a great case study out there about that.

487
02:29:44.800 --> 02:30:00.880
>> Fortunately, we're not by the water. >> Uh so some of the key points is that it just provides uh financial stability. It gives you buffer during times of uh cash flow fluctuations. can um reduce the need for debt or help

488
02:30:00.880 --> 02:30:16.960
you uh leverage your debt better and get better credit ratings. You um when you have excess funds, you can invest them to um generate additional revenues and interest. Uh it helps with your creditworthiness and it allows for

489
02:30:16.960 --> 02:30:33.040
strategic planning and bud budgeting allowing the city to allocate funds for future projects or initiatives. And that's a real important one with what we have going on now with our whole downtown um plan that we're trying to move forward with. And some of the key

490
02:30:33.040 --> 02:30:47.760
components is you have target fund balance and it defines the optimal reserve levels and it's usually based on a percentage of annual revenues or expenditures and typical best practice is 25% of your operating expenditures.

491
02:30:47.760 --> 02:31:04.560
Uh it gives you specific circumstances under which the funds can and cannot be used. And those funds are um monitored those designations each year through the budget process. And so they can change in the budget process,

492
02:31:04.560 --> 02:31:23.520
but just the undesated funds, the other ones would have to come to you specifically to release those uh restrictions on them. Do you have any questions? So, the first resolution is to actually

493
02:31:23.520 --> 02:31:39.200
just adopt a fund balance policy for the general fund. >> Madame mayor, I make a motion to uh pass resolution 2026-48. >> Second.

494
02:31:39.200 --> 02:31:56.240
>> Roll call, please. >> Discussion. >> I'm assuming that we we don't have any cards read. Yeah, we have I see no public comments. So, sorry. >> Thank you though. [laughter] >> Roll call. >> Can you please just review the motion

495
02:31:56.240 --> 02:32:10.880
was >> motion by me and I second. Commissioner Hawkins second. >> Thank you very much. >> Commissioner Hawkins >> I. >> Commissioner Holland is not here. Commissioner As >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraftoft. >> I. >> Mayor Lee.

496
02:32:10.880 --> 02:32:30.240
>> I. >> Next. Mayor, we have resolution number 2026-49. That's what I get that right. Miss card, >> what's I'm sorry. >> 202649. >> A resolution by the city

497
02:32:30.240 --> 02:32:45.520
>> commission of the city of Eustace, Florida approving a fund balance designations and amounts for general fund and providing for an effective date. Miss card. >> Okay. So, we just explained what the different types of fund balances are and we are a very fortunate city that we have a very healthy fund balance in our

498
02:32:45.520 --> 02:33:01.760
general fund and it's very prudent that we uh make circumstances so that we protect those funds to the best that we can and use them for what they really need to be used for. And we have worked together to come up with some designations that

499
02:33:01.760 --> 02:33:19.280
we're recommending. Um, as I said, the emergency hurricane reserve was about $463 or $63,000 and we'd like to increase that to a million. 400,000 won't get us very far when a hurricane hits. A million will go

500
02:33:19.280 --> 02:33:34.960
further at least until we can start getting reimbursements from FEMA who or whomever insurance. The second one that we're recommending is $5 billion for a rate stabilization designation. And what that will do is if

501
02:33:34.960 --> 02:33:51.359
should we get hit really hard with this property tax, we can use some of those funds so that we don't have to increase um our millage rate significantly or even we can maintain it. It gives us the flexibility to help our residents by

502
02:33:51.359 --> 02:34:08.080
keeping that set aside for rate [clears throat] stabilization and it specifically deals with the military. And as I think I said, we recommend $5 million for that. We are um also recommending uh $5 million for CIP

503
02:34:08.080 --> 02:34:24.720
projects. And this would be funds that are designated for some of the CAP projects as we're moving forward with our master plan and our strategic plan in downtown. And then the um next one that we are recommending a million-doll grant match.

504
02:34:24.720 --> 02:34:41.520
We never know when we have grants or when we're going to get them and we would come to you with a fund balance redesignation. At the time we came to you with a budget amendment requesting any match that we would need when we

505
02:34:41.520 --> 02:34:59.280
awarded are awarded the grant. >> This is that's basically reserve money to match a grant that we might apply for that we want. >> Yes. >> And as you heard last time >> otherwise it just goes back into the general fund, right? >> Oh yeah. Yeah. It sits Yeah. It just sits there and u you know Veronica is

506
02:34:59.280 --> 02:35:15.439
very aggressive with trying to get the city some grants. So, um, it's important that we have that grant match. And then the last category, so those would all have to be removed by you if you approve them tonight. Nobody else can do anything with them. Then the last is the

507
02:35:15.439 --> 02:35:29.280
unassigned fund balance. And that is 90-day operating reserve and it does not have to go through formal commission approval. you you would know obviously if something happened and we had to go into

508
02:35:29.280 --> 02:35:49.680
those reserves for the 90-day operating and uh that figure will change annually during the budget process because it will be 20% or 25% of our operating revenues for the general fund. >> Any questions?

509
02:35:49.680 --> 02:36:05.680
>> Well, I um I'm okay with everything except for two things. I think the emergency fund is too low. I mean, we've spent well over a million dollars with the flood. Now, I know that's once >> in a thousand years.

510
02:36:05.680 --> 02:36:23.200
>> I mean, but it's I I really think that one should be increased. And I don't think um you said 90 days of operating, but I think that should be that should be approved by us as well. How much is that? >> Uh 6.6 million. That's approved. That'll

511
02:36:23.200 --> 02:36:38.960
be approved through the budget process. >> I know, but but if you have to go into it, then we should still have to approve. >> Oh, yeah. Absolutely. >> Okay. >> So, so yeah, I I think there needs to be a little bit more reconsideration. At least for me on the emergency fund, I think it should be a little higher.

512
02:36:38.960 --> 02:36:57.760
>> So, that was to hold us over until we got FEMA or other funds coming in >> or collect trash and debris if we have to >> or all those things. >> Yes. But if if if we we take all of that out, can

513
02:36:57.760 --> 02:37:15.439
you then go into the unassigned? >> Oh, yes. Pull money from there. >> Absolutely. If there if there's any available, absolutely. >> What kind of number are you thinking if 1 million is too low? >> Um I mean based on what we just went through, I mean that was a million and a

514
02:37:15.439 --> 02:37:31.200
half and I mean I know that includes Spring Ridge, but I mean that can still happen. So, I think it should at least be a million and a half >> or even possibly two. >> Uh, just for reference, we do have uh just over 20 million and this is about

515
02:37:31.200 --> 02:37:46.080
18. So, you do have 2 millionish. I don't know exactly off the top of my head. >> I missed that. What did that mean? What What was that now? So, we you told us what our reserve was, but then we have 2 million. 2 million. >> We have in in total 20 million and these

516
02:37:46.080 --> 02:38:02.880
figures here add up to about 18 million. So we still have about 2 million. >> We could move the million to a million five is what you're saying. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I mean, at the end of the day, I don't know this, but from the layman's side, it seems like we're putting things that we're controlling in an account we can control.

517
02:38:02.880 --> 02:38:18.399
It almost seems to me like, but I guess it's smart accounting, but otherwise, >> I mean, we can move everything out of these uh designated anytime we want, right? >> Absolutely. It just has to come to you. whether there's a million >> not enough, we could always

518
02:38:18.399 --> 02:38:33.520
>> transfer other monies into it. >> Oh, absolutely. >> Not if we use it for something else and then back up. So, I think that was the intent is to say, "Hey, hold hold on to this in your emergency fund and if at the end you don't use it, okay, we could look at it, but don't go spending it on

519
02:38:33.520 --> 02:38:49.520
something else. Be prepared for emergency, which is smart management." Mhm. >> So I I don't necessarily disagree with with with um uh vice mayor on that. It's still stuff we control. So it's just numbers in a different column. But

520
02:38:49.520 --> 02:39:04.800
>> I'd be okay with that. [snorts] >> Yeah. >> And I guess Yeah. So what do we do there? Can you amend? Uh I heard him. I heard >> I'm fine. I'm fine. >> Make the motion with the amendment. >> Is it a motion that we make or we just

521
02:39:04.800 --> 02:39:20.720
ask you to make a change in that? I think you would make a motion to increase it to two million or 1.5. >> Well, the mo there is a motion. Is there a motion for the million? >> No, that's what I don't see any motion attached. >> No, the resolution say >> I mean resolution. Is there a resolution? >> Yeah.

522
02:39:20.720 --> 02:39:34.319
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> And it says a million. >> A million on the emergency. >> So, can we just correct that now and pass that as it is? Does it require readvertising? Does it require any of those? >> Well, and wouldn't you [clears throat] in the motion to approve include that

523
02:39:34.319 --> 02:39:51.520
change? I believe so. >> To revise to revise the emergency disaster relief to 1.5 million. >> And was there any specific reason why we picked a million? >> Okay. >> No.

524
02:39:51.520 --> 02:40:07.680
>> Okay. >> Just that what we had was definitely too low. >> Okay. Okay. Good. >> You just say did you just say what we had was too low? The million was too low or what we >> No, the 400 and change that we had. >> Okay.

525
02:40:07.680 --> 02:40:24.319
>> So, yeah, I would like to see us probably move that to a million five. >> Yeah, because we only raised it 600. >> Yeah. So, yeah. >> So, we'll make a motion to approve and state the modify motion >> and modify the emergency fund from 1

526
02:40:24.319 --> 02:40:40.399
million to 1.5. >> Well, it's really Gary. He's been steamrolling that. So that's that's [laughter] >> I'm still waiting for the attorney. >> I don't want to steal I don't want to steal your party, >> but that >> this is not an ordinance. This is a resolution. So we can amend this on the fly. Correct. I can make a motion to

527
02:40:40.399 --> 02:40:56.560
approve with the amendment of the emergency being 1.5 instead of one. Correct. >> Correct. All right. That's my motion. [laughter] >> So I'll make a motion we uh we adopt this as is >> but with the amendment that the emergency fund be million.5 instead of 1

528
02:40:56.560 --> 02:41:11.840
million. Wait, wait. I'm sorry. We need We need public I know. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> I didn't want to jump in. >> I just I just don't want to be here till 10, so it's okay. >> There any There are no cards, I see. And I don't see anyone that has public

529
02:41:11.840 --> 02:41:27.040
comment on this agenda item, so turn it back over. >> Okay. >> So, you want me to make it again? >> Yeah. So, I'd make a motion that we adopt this resolution as is, but amending the emergency fund from 1

530
02:41:27.040 --> 02:41:42.880
million to 1.5 million. >> A second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody, >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

531
02:41:42.880 --> 02:42:09.520
>> I. Mayor Lee I. Next we have ordinance number 2026-26 an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace Lake County Florida amending chapter 70 pensions and retirement article 3 city of US municipal firefighters pension and

532
02:42:09.520 --> 02:42:26.240
retirement system section 70-69 titled retirement age of the city's code of ordinances and providing an effective date. We've had this is the second reading. We've had discussion on this before. Does the commission have any questions

533
02:42:26.240 --> 02:42:44.479
of staff on this? Is there anyone from the public that would like to make comment on this? >> With that, Madame Mayor, I'll turn it back over to you. >> Okay, I hear a motion. >> Madame Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve uh ordinance number 202626.

534
02:42:44.479 --> 02:43:05.359
>> And I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins. I >> Commissioner Abbody >> I >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft >> I >> Mayor Lee I >> Madame Mayor that concludes our agenda

535
02:43:05.359 --> 02:43:20.800
items for the public com >> okay then we'll move on to other business. First thing being a discussion about the me >> Yeah we we've got a discussion item um that that follows our our last meeting two weeks ago.

536
02:43:20.800 --> 02:43:38.160
Um, you know, with with Tim Totten passing, um, he affected so many people here. Um, we've talked some different ways of doing a memorial and a remembrance for him. Um, some items that that we

537
02:43:38.160 --> 02:43:53.840
discussed, you we're already make the city's making the move to um put a memorial bench and plaque in at Fair Park. Um, there was also discussion about renaming the Amazing Race um to

538
02:43:53.840 --> 02:44:09.359
Tim Totten's Amazing Race for charity. Uh, I think each of you have a idea of the logo if that is something that commission desires. We can certainly um do that inhouse and and uh you know

539
02:44:09.359 --> 02:44:26.319
that that's an amazing charity that Tim started. Um, it's got legs. he built it to where he could pass it on and and the city ran with that successfully. >> Um so, you know, that that's something there. Um and then also there was

540
02:44:26.319 --> 02:44:44.240
discussion about um renaming a facility or a park. And to let you know, per per a resolution um it takes city commission a consensus to proceed. And if if we discuss and and that is the

541
02:44:44.240 --> 02:44:58.479
desire, um staff will prepare a resolution for consideration at the next meeting. Um but it we need to be able to talk publicly um make that request, figure out what you what you would like to do,

542
02:44:58.479 --> 02:45:14.240
what you think's appropriate, and then I will direct staff to bring resolution back to you in the next meeting in in late June. >> We kind of talked about that at the workshop and in in public. I I I think all little Gary wasn't there, but I

543
02:45:14.240 --> 02:45:38.080
would love to see that. I think uh >> Oh, yeah. I totally agree. He's done he's done so much for the u for the city. And how many years have we done amazing race? >> Eight to nine. >> 12. >> 12. >> 12. So, think think about all the money that that he's generated. has gone right

544
02:45:38.080 --> 02:45:54.160
back to our to our city. So yeah, uh >> the charities to nonprofits >> to the impact, not to mention even >> TED TED X and and >> yeah, by all means, by all means >> with his own time, never paid for his

545
02:45:54.160 --> 02:46:10.319
own just phenomenal. Unbelievable. >> And and I and I did notice that I think Dr. Summers initiated it, but she had put out there and asked people to >> pick up signs and put them along the pathway.

546
02:46:10.319 --> 02:46:29.680
>> Um, and and I'm pretty proud of >> all the signs on Bay Street. >> I have much more if somebody wants >> and u I I I Robin, it's an honor to have you here.

547
02:46:29.680 --> 02:46:45.920
Um, your son will leave a legacy in a park in a bench and uh you have a lot to be proud of. >> Pain will never go away. >> And I like >> learn how to deal with it. >> I'd like to see I believe that the race

548
02:46:45.920 --> 02:47:02.000
will grow even more because I think that's how we're going to start distributing funds getting everybody organizations who come to us to get into the race, you know, and um and earn the funds that you're seeking. So, I think it's going to get even larger than it is

549
02:47:02.000 --> 02:47:18.319
already. >> And it continues to support all of the charities that 10, >> right? >> 50 years old, >> younger than any of us up here. Well, except for the new boy on the end.

550
02:47:18.319 --> 02:47:35.439
>> That's a very attractive photo of him. >> Yeah. >> Fire of course took it. >> Yeah. I'm going to obviously miss him. I stop there all the time and and go inside and complain and and and uh he's

551
02:47:35.439 --> 02:47:51.680
always been just a friend of friend would love to have >> and during my campaign both of them I don't know what I would have done without him just amazing man. >> Okay. So, do we >> So, I would like to ask or a motion to

552
02:47:51.680 --> 02:48:07.120
to have uh >> is it require a motion >> for no the amazing race? We can >> no to get to get it on to get it off done. Okay. Thank you, Sherry. >> Robin done >> and then Amy do we have a process?

553
02:48:07.120 --> 02:48:23.040
>> That's a process. Yeah. Public process >> that right. so that um we can discuss you come up with uh consensus amongst commission and uh I will bring a resolution back um from your decision. I'll bring that in for the next meeting

554
02:48:23.040 --> 02:48:41.600
on June 18th. >> I'm a yes. I think we all are. But >> are are you and Jacob comfortable, Robin? >> I'm a yes. >> Is that for Sunset? >> Yes. Sunset Park. Sunset Island Park.

555
02:48:41.600 --> 02:49:04.640
>> Okay. >> All right. I will bring a resolution at the next meeting. >> Okay. >> Great. >> So, we'll go on to the um discussion of legal services. >> Yes. So um our last meeting um that we had the the second meeting in

556
02:49:04.640 --> 02:49:22.000
May um there was discussion a lot of discussion about uh continuing with the legal services. Um we ended up stopping the discussion and and wanted to reconvene at this meeting.

557
02:49:22.000 --> 02:49:40.880
Um so with that I'm I'm welcome to to hear, you know, the uh city attorney works at the will of the commission. Um we have uh Taylor is is going to preside

558
02:49:40.880 --> 02:49:57.200
with us. Um but if if there is the the desire to move on from Bowen and Shroth, uh you would need to take action on that.

559
02:49:57.200 --> 02:50:15.000
Um, and then we need to to discuss how you would want there was comment about in-house um attorney uh versus an RFP. So, at at this point, I'd like to just open it up for for commission's discussion on this.

560
02:50:15.200 --> 02:50:31.120
Well, I um since I'm the one that brought it up first, I mean, I really think we should consider an RF for for a possible in-house attorney.

561
02:50:31.120 --> 02:50:47.600
Uh I know we were shown some numbers. I very skeptical of those numbers and I would like to see someone that works exclusively for us the hours of the week and no disrespect.

562
02:50:47.600 --> 02:51:05.359
Um, that's not having another another job while they're trying to represent us at the same at the same time. So, we've all seen the contract for the uh the attorney. I cannot believe we've actually let it go on this long. There's

563
02:51:05.359 --> 02:51:21.760
no there's no there's no performance [snorts] criteria in the uh in the contract. There's no clauses. There's no notices. There's no extra clause. There's there's no expectation of performance. It it all needs to be redone. And if we're going to do that,

564
02:51:21.760 --> 02:51:46.960
then why not just send out an RF an RFQ? >> I've had the pleasure of dealing with Bow and Shroth for multiple decades. I think the world of Derek and um but my job up here I believe is to

565
02:51:46.960 --> 02:52:03.040
financially maneuver the city and if we could get for the same amount of money spent a full-time attorney giving us 40 plus hours or around 40 and picking up some other responsibilities that we have. We I think we got to look at it. Uh we don't know what we're going to

566
02:52:03.040 --> 02:52:18.880
find out there. Um but I'd like to look at the whole thing. I'd like to look at an in-house potential attorney and we also probably have to entertain um an out uh well yeah a parillegal

567
02:52:18.880 --> 02:52:35.680
would come with a yeah >> space >> and uh the space now we have plenty of space um but I would also like to entertain both I don't know what RFP would in can or in incorporate an in-house attorney

568
02:52:35.680 --> 02:52:50.960
and a look at uh an alternative outsource as well for an altern alternative law firm. >> Yeah, excuse me. Um with if we were looking at in-house that would be a a

569
02:52:50.960 --> 02:53:07.439
city employee and we would go through our normal recruiting process inhouse. It it wouldn't necessarily be an RFP. It wouldn't be an advertisement. But but sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off. >> But but but point of order, they they

570
02:53:07.439 --> 02:53:23.600
were for us though, >> so we should be the one that weeding weeding them out. So >> absolutely. You would be you would do the selection. We would just offer >> Okay. >> Because I I don't know how >> the you could get together to advertise.

571
02:53:23.600 --> 02:53:38.640
>> No, I understand. >> So we would do the advertisement, but that process the the interview process would be through a commission. Um if you were looking more at an outside council, that would be the RFP.

572
02:53:38.640 --> 02:53:56.399
Um we do have um purchasing been working on a a draft um of what that RFP would be. Um I would send that to you guys if that's the way you wanted to go. >> Is is is can we do those simultaneously? Is that too much work or

573
02:53:56.399 --> 02:54:15.040
>> um No. I I I think an RFP would go much quicker than getting inhouse. I you know I don't know the challenge of of what that would be. We haven't we haven't done it. Um to to help if I could a

574
02:54:15.040 --> 02:54:32.240
little bit on the numbers. I know some of the numbers got presented last time and it was kind of chunks of the departments and some of the numbers were very high but also they included multiple attorneys. Um there

575
02:54:32.240 --> 02:54:48.960
were a lot bigger cities. I I think if we come in with with one attorney and one parallegal um I kind of looked the what was presented last time the and I I have that if if you'd like I can give you

576
02:54:48.960 --> 02:55:05.040
each a copy of it but I know there was a lot of information there that was was full but like city of of Okella has a city attorney assistant city attorney a second assistant city attorney and a legal assistant. If I

577
02:55:05.040 --> 02:55:21.200
look at the the top salary of the city attorney is 243,000. The the parallegal is 67. Um now that salary you would have to do a loaded price. You're looking at a loaded price. It's 388,000.

578
02:55:21.200 --> 02:55:36.960
>> And and and you're right, that does that does seem high, but think about the return on investment where they would be working just for us for whatever 40ome hours a week. I think that's not a bad not a bad price. Now the city of Cala is what

579
02:55:36.960 --> 02:55:53.760
>> hund some thousand people that's you know we're kind of comparing the little apples and oranges. >> Yeah. Well well also they have they have a staff of four. Yeah. And I would only suggest the staff. >> No. But like I said if we we have someone dedicated to us then then I really think it's a good a good use of

580
02:55:53.760 --> 02:56:11.200
the taxpayers's money and that's who's paying for all this. Um, if we can't find one, then I guess we have to do an R maybe an an RF an RFP. So, um, but an RFP would have to, um, we'd have to really look at a contract that would

581
02:56:11.200 --> 02:56:29.279
spell out for me the civic performance because once again, they would be what we have now almost like an independent contractor and we don't really have control unless we can try to have them enter into a specific, you know,

582
02:56:29.279 --> 02:56:44.880
contract for performance. >> Yeah. I I I have a draft. Um I've got like some red line comments on it, but I would definitely um send that through to you to all of you for your comments

583
02:56:44.880 --> 02:57:01.040
on the RFP. And it and it does have specific criteria in there and then awaiting. >> Um >> is this for the full time? >> This No, this would be if if um we were outsourced. >> Okay. So if we have kind of as we do now

584
02:57:01.040 --> 02:57:17.720
>> do you do you have information on a city about the size of our or someone who has just two people what their cost is for the two people? >> I can't find anywhere cities are size generally are outsourcing.

585
02:57:18.319 --> 02:57:37.120
Yeah, I um you know I was at a conference last week and you know we have a position that uh that that's out there and uh I was told

586
02:57:37.120 --> 02:57:54.000
that they considered it but after watching our commission meetings they said no. That's my concern. If we get an in-house, they can up and decide, I'm done. And

587
02:57:54.000 --> 02:58:11.279
guess what? I would think we would have to have somebody on second stage backup that can come in if they're out, if they're sick. Uh, we have to have a backup. And then if we have certain litigation, we would probably be going outside. Well, yeah.

588
02:58:11.279 --> 02:58:28.399
Yeah. So, we, you're right, we got to have a backup. ju, you know, just like we do now. I see I'm I'm um I know that we had you know there was some concern about uh you know the firm and and who we had

589
02:58:28.399 --> 02:58:45.600
but we have someone sitting here uh that comes highly recommended uh and who has worked with a city that's similar to to us uh but been able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

590
02:58:45.600 --> 02:59:03.120
You'll get used to hearing that. uh walk and chew gum at the same time. And from everything that I've been able to find out has done except anyway, why don't we see where this goes? Uh we have a city manager we're trying

591
02:59:03.120 --> 02:59:19.520
to to find. We have uh what? Development services. Uh who else? >> Economic development. >> Economic development. you know, we have a lot of issues going on in our city right now. Let's get everything

592
02:59:19.520 --> 02:59:37.520
straightened out before we go out and create u you know another uh another void for lack of a better term. >> Yeah, I I don't want a void either. I agree with you. I I think my if I could

593
02:59:37.520 --> 02:59:53.760
share just my thought is that uh Taylor will remain where he is. We're going to go do I think we should do both of these. Put them out, see what we got, get all the information in front of us and make an intelligent decision based on what we see. We might come back to

594
02:59:53.760 --> 03:00:10.240
wherever we It's our choice or it's choice of the majority of it. So >> yes, that's possible, but we won't know that to all. I just think that we have, you know, uh Rick and Miranda

595
03:00:10.240 --> 03:00:28.080
that they're trying to run, uh that they're trying to run the city, and we just keep I don't want to say throwing things at them, but we just keep piling more stuff on their plate. Uh less >> No. Yeah. And you're you're right to a

596
03:00:28.080 --> 03:00:42.479
point. >> I know, but that's what they get paid for. I I know, but we have a lot we had a lot of we have a lot of stuff piling up on our plate, too. And as we saw here tonight, it's always land use. >> Land use is it's why we're here till 9:00.

597
03:00:42.479 --> 03:00:59.840
>> And we need we need someone dedicated to us and get us through these things as fast as possible. >> But if if you if past behavior is the best of future future projections, >> but if you get an in-house, your in-house is not going to be on land use.

598
03:00:59.840 --> 03:01:17.200
Oh, I would want them to be very well expert um at a big chunk of >> And is that going to cost us more money? >> Yeah, but we'd have 40 some hours dedicated to us to get that done. I mean, it's I mean, you guys all saw the contract. I

599
03:01:17.200 --> 03:01:32.800
just can't believe we're paying $300 some thousand dollars with a halfpage contract that doesn't have laid out specific criteria on on a lot of things. So, if we're going to redo the contract, if that's what we're thinking, why don't we just go

600
03:01:32.800 --> 03:01:48.160
ahead and see if we can find someone that'll work that'll work that will be dedicated to us for most of their most of their time. >> I'm just I mean, we can we can still I mean, this is not going to happen soon. We all know that. and he's he's more

601
03:01:48.160 --> 03:02:04.720
than wellqualified and and un and and willing to uh to help us out. So, you know, as as we can use your saying, Willie, we can walk and chew gum at the same time so we can get through what we're trying to get through while we're trying to get through seeing if what we

602
03:02:04.720 --> 03:02:20.240
can find. >> I just think we have a lot of loose ends we need to tie up, tighten up. >> And I think this could help us having help staff. it could help us get 40 hours of it. Uh, and we don't know what's behind the curtain. So, we've got

603
03:02:20.240 --> 03:02:37.680
to put out bring this up in front of us and then make a decision based on what we got in front of us. And your question is good. Do they true? Do they are they land use? >> Well, if they're not, I'm probably not going to be in favor of it, but we have to explore that and and see where we go.

604
03:02:37.680 --> 03:02:53.600
We're growing. We're advancing. This commission's done more uh you know than than in a short period of time than I've seen long going back and we're we're getting into the pros and at least for

605
03:02:53.600 --> 03:03:10.319
the next five years I think we need it need a maximum amount of hours for the best bang for our buck and if we don't find that then you know we go out and they can be considered in there as well but I think we'll get 40 hours for

606
03:03:10.319 --> 03:03:25.120
whatever that number is. Uh, and if it doesn't look good, we don't do it. But we got to look behind the curtain. >> So, are you saying you're going to you want [snorts] to have possibly consider or explore

607
03:03:25.120 --> 03:03:42.080
a full-time person dedicated to to to the city of uses at the same time look at the possibility of someone who's going to be part-time? >> No. Who are you doing both? council >> and that outside counsel no matter what

608
03:03:42.080 --> 03:03:59.040
we do if we take a full This is just my vision. I'm just 105. If we pick someone that we decide, let's just say hypothetically we decided to go with an inside counselor. We do this RFP, we also should be looking at during that RFP for a backup attorney that we would

609
03:03:59.040 --> 03:04:14.319
have. We have Derek and not Derek Schroth, Derek in uh Orlando. We've never used that guy and he's a land use supposed expert. That's >> I've seen him once. Yeah, that's that's embarrassing that we haven't had him here, but um or lack of utilization of

610
03:04:14.319 --> 03:04:32.240
of resources. So, we'll be I would suggest that we would be looking at that RFP as well for the backup to fill in like uh Commissioner Hawkins is saying if the in-house is uh not available or litigation outside um or we can

611
03:04:32.240 --> 03:04:47.200
depending on the type of litigation and the experts at Bon and Roth, we could go there too >> if if we're taking uh and and we don't think we're doing uh you know Bo and Trump is is doing the

612
03:04:47.200 --> 03:05:03.279
land use. Do we renegotiate that contract and then just get someone for keep them and then just get someone for land use? We don't get the 40 hours at half the pay. That's the whole thing.

613
03:05:03.279 --> 03:05:18.000
Bang for bang, you know, ROI, return on the investment. And if we turns out that your that that your suspicion turns out to be negative, then we don't do it. It's it's financially driven. It's a it's a number. At the end of the day, we should have

614
03:05:18.000 --> 03:05:37.040
promised is 40 hours employing XYZ worth it or going back to the other. It's we're just asking to lift the curtain and let us see what's there. I would like to see more information

615
03:05:37.040 --> 03:05:52.800
about the cost factor. Um we're being compared to Ocala, you know. find out. I I guess he's saying our size dictates that. It's It's also maybe hard to find a comparable

616
03:05:52.800 --> 03:06:09.359
city because in our size because I don't generally do that. I also thought that if we were going to um outsource it and you got a very good firm who also had um u land use people in there and and so

617
03:06:09.359 --> 03:06:24.399
you're utilizing all of their services rather than what we've experienced before is it that land use part has been missing. >> Yeah, good point. We won't know till we know what's what's out there. So I would want to see us do both

618
03:06:24.399 --> 03:06:41.200
>> and and have Does Bowen and Shroth now have a land use attorney? >> I don't know. >> Is that you? >> Yes. So, there are multiple land use attorneys at Bowen and Stroth. And our your deputy city attorney, Derek, is

619
03:06:41.200 --> 03:07:00.080
obviously a land use expert. Zack Broom, one of the other partners is extensive representation and litigation in land use and representing municipalities. >> So, the land use expertise is there.

620
03:07:00.080 --> 03:07:17.279
We I'm here because the firm heard the commission's concerns and they they wanted to respond to it in a way that they thought was best. I know that Derek would be open to talking to any of you individually about your concerns,

621
03:07:17.279 --> 03:07:37.920
but there did he tell you that? >> Yes. So that and use expertise is there. My hope is that with additional communication from me individually to each of you that some of

622
03:07:37.920 --> 03:07:54.960
the questions that have come up can be answered ahead of time so that there's not things that are are continued from meeting to meeting and that there can be definitive answers and that can have a better working relationship. But the firm is a priority.

623
03:07:54.960 --> 03:08:13.120
the city is priority for the farm board. >> So what I'm hearing are three options. One, continue with Bowwin and Straw Squ um with the uh contract with plan and also continue with them with a plan to replace our current attorney

624
03:08:13.120 --> 03:08:29.760
with Mr. Tremble until the end of the contract in February. That's one option. >> Did I make that clear? >> Yeah. >> Okay. The second one would be to submit an RFQ immediately for another attorney. Allow Mr. Taylor, Mr. Trimble to remain

625
03:08:29.760 --> 03:08:46.479
until a new attorney is hired. We have one meeting in July, two in August. And will we have one by then? And Mr. Trimble is also welcome to apply. Then the third one would be the full-time attorney with staff.

626
03:08:46.479 --> 03:09:01.200
So those are the three options I just heard discussed. The only problem is we want to see those people and that's how you make the decision. You know, just like when we hire employees and the city and the department heads and Rick and these team

627
03:09:01.200 --> 03:09:17.920
do that, they look at them, they see what they do. We're a little different here because we have options. We can go with an economic development guy or outsource economic development. That's what we have a scenario like that. And I'm just using that as an example. We can either outsource or this it's time

628
03:09:17.920 --> 03:09:33.279
to shop. We don't want to we don't want to order something without seeing seeing what we got. So >> So what are we going to do the staff to do? Let's move this along. What are we going to [snorts] direct the staff? >> I would make a motion that we would do both. that we would put the RFP out that

629
03:09:33.279 --> 03:09:51.359
uh we discussed and that HR would would move forward right up and uh put out a job and we stay working with uh Taylor and unless something unexpected occurs which I don't expect to happen

630
03:09:51.359 --> 03:10:06.720
and then we take all that and we look at that and we make the best decision. I'll be looking strong on financial financial return on it and qualifications and we don't have that now. So until we see that we can make all the decisions.

631
03:10:06.720 --> 03:10:24.960
So I would I would move that we would do both those and that's what I'm thinking as well. I mean they can they can represent us until we find someone else. >> And I'm totally opposite. I think that we have a lot that we need

632
03:10:24.960 --> 03:10:45.279
to clean up before we, you know, we put something else on our plate. >> You said uh you had an RFP red line kind of ready. >> I've got a I've got a a draft. I've got some comments to put into it which we can get incorporated. I could have something in [snorts] front of you early

633
03:10:45.279 --> 03:11:01.840
next week. >> So that's that's my that's I'm sorry. I was gonna ask Rick if he had any more comments, but >> um again, they they the attorney works at at your will. It's your it's your

634
03:11:01.840 --> 03:11:18.720
decision. Um I myself I'm not a huge fan of doing both at the same time. Um just because of the look to it, but I I imagine it could be done. Um it's It's going to be

635
03:11:18.720 --> 03:11:35.760
more like an either or which way you decide. And I and I know that's the unknown is I can't give you a solid what an in-house attorney is going to cost. And and I referenced Ocala just because they gave a breakdown of

636
03:11:35.760 --> 03:11:51.279
the different salaries >> and I and I was using those salaries, not using them overall. Um the other cities that had in-house council, I think the numbers were created from the the budget. So, it was a lump and not separate line items. So, it's kind of

637
03:11:51.279 --> 03:12:08.160
hard to break that out. Um, they're really I I have searched hard for someone in the 20 to 25,000 population that has in house and I I can't find it. Um, so I think it would be a matter we

638
03:12:08.160 --> 03:12:23.760
would go out through HR. We would advertise um see what we get. Um you can you can do first reviews um online. Um I would suggest that it's you short list and and bring in a

639
03:12:23.760 --> 03:12:38.560
smaller group to interview um for the for the RFP. Um there is criteria in there and and I don't know the number of applicants. You know say we get 12. Um just pulling a

640
03:12:38.560 --> 03:12:54.399
number. I think that's a lot for each of you to look at. Um it if you would like I could be I'm I'm wellversed at doing the selection committee stuff. I'm on almost all of

641
03:12:54.399 --> 03:13:09.600
them here for the city. Um I would be willing to sit with um a a designate from commission. We could short list bring it down to the top three, top five. Um, at that point, you would each

642
03:13:09.600 --> 03:13:26.720
have a one-on-one interview with them. Um, but then the selection process needs to be public. So, you would come in after you've had your one-on- ones in private, then you would come together and and basically rank your your top and

643
03:13:26.720 --> 03:13:43.040
you come to a selection and pick your top firm. >> Um, >> you know, >> either either way and and sorry. >> No, go ahead, >> Commissioner. Um either way, there is a transition period um that it is

644
03:13:43.040 --> 03:13:59.439
important to have um attorney to keep us going. Um there is, you know, you you don't just cut ties. There's there's a litigation that we're involved in. There's a number of different cases. Um

645
03:13:59.439 --> 03:14:14.239
and they're involved in a lot of stuff for staff as well. So there has to be a point where as the new attorney comes on, there's even a a bit of a handholding to get that process started

646
03:14:14.239 --> 03:14:30.640
to where Bowen and Shroth would transfer that liability if you would because right now they're carrying the risk is acting as attorney and that would need to be transferred over. So there's a point where that information

647
03:14:30.640 --> 03:14:47.279
has to be shared even once we have them. So the process um is is going to take some time to do um even moving aggressively. The you know going out the the RFP is going to be quicker. >> Um

648
03:14:47.279 --> 03:15:03.040
>> we do RFP or RFQ which one >> it would be an RFP. We would put the pricing in it as well. And it's and it's it's a little bit different than like a standard construction um package. It it's just like hard number. um it's number and qualification

649
03:15:03.040 --> 03:15:20.080
and all that would go into your your weighing criteria for for the selection. Um and I would highly recommend price not be your top option um with an attorney. You're looking at credentials much like me as an engineer.

650
03:15:20.080 --> 03:15:36.720
There's a lot of us license and there's a lot of different levels of engineers. Um, you know, so you want to dig in and make sure that it's a firm that's going to meet what you're looking for and they have those credentials. Um, you know, there's advantages both ways as we're talking it out. If you have an in-house

651
03:15:36.720 --> 03:15:52.239
account, so it's one, um, when they're on vacation, we have to have somebody backing them up. Um, if they were to leave, if they were to leave, um, >> they're you're at a lag. So there there needs to

652
03:15:52.239 --> 03:16:09.200
be a a mechanism for for back support. So I I just it's kind of new new terrain if you would. So I'm not sure how to to handle all of that. It's just I'm I'm bringing it up just things

653
03:16:09.200 --> 03:16:24.160
that we need to consider. >> Yeah. I'm thinking >> I'm just my years of of negative, >> you know, working with attorneys. >> Typically, I would think the the person

654
03:16:24.160 --> 03:16:40.800
that you're going to find to come to a city our size is going to be fresh out of law. >> That wouldn't work for me. Then we go back to plan B. >> Yeah. See, that's that's the thing that concerns me. Uh because if you have someone that has

655
03:16:40.800 --> 03:16:56.160
all the qualifications that you want, they're not going to want to come here for the salary that you want to pay. >> You'd be surprised, but we don't >> especially people who are seasoned and want to slide in and don't want There's a lot of stress in being in a law firm.

656
03:16:56.160 --> 03:17:11.680
Poor Taylor probably gets beat up and hours in production. Here they come in. >> We don't know what we don't know because we've never done it before. and and and and and honestly, how long are we going to debate? How long are we going to debate this? >> Yeah. Okay.

657
03:17:11.680 --> 03:17:27.680
>> I mean, do we need to make a decision tonight? >> Well, I have a motion on the floor. >> We don't need a motion. It's just a consensus. So, um I mean, but >> Well, I I still I want to state the concern that I have. Whatever we do, we have to stay under the contract that

658
03:17:27.680 --> 03:17:44.479
currently have. I have not been happy with the way the the uh billing has occurred and how much we're spending. Um so if [snorts] we do whatever we do, we're still under that contract, right? That onepage contract, >> right? We I asked Sasha when she was

659
03:17:44.479 --> 03:18:02.319
here um directly specifically and and if she was going to hold us and she said if it's the will of the commission to part ways, she'll do that. So that's on the that's on the record that's on the recording. Um but in the meantime, yeah,

660
03:18:02.319 --> 03:18:20.800
I mean that might be the end result, but >> our relationship with Bo and >> for now. Yeah, >> we're under that contract. >> I don't know that that brings up a whole other discussion. But >> Sasha said if it's the will of us uh to

661
03:18:20.800 --> 03:18:35.920
move on that she would it would be she would do that. State to motion again. >> It was not a motion. I guess >> we need to do both. Let's put them both out and see what we got. >> What does that mean? Both. >> Do an RFP, okay?

662
03:18:35.920 --> 03:18:52.720
>> For an outsource and then do HR and advertise for an in-house and let's look at them all >> at the same time. >> At the same time, look at them and decide what's good. We're going to learn and we'll take what's best and we're not committing now. We can't commit now. But do you think people are going to apply

663
03:18:52.720 --> 03:19:10.479
when they see this one and this one? >> I think a uh uh I think what we're stating right now is that our prime at least I think I picked that up from from Gary. Our primary drive is to get an in-house attorney with experience as as

664
03:19:10.479 --> 03:19:28.160
uh >> commissioner [laughter] as as uh Willie said and uh that's out there. I'm saying it again, but there will be a backup firm. There needs to be a backup and there and these guys are very happy doing uh you know

665
03:19:28.160 --> 03:19:45.439
doing work on call. >> I think we >> that's a standard practice that's that's been that's been out there. Emily, this is not something I created. >> No, I'm saying so so in essence, we're hiring two attorneys. >> Back up. If we hire an in-house, if we hire an in-house attorney, we would like

666
03:19:45.439 --> 03:20:00.560
I would think that we would, but it would be depend on what we see. We would have an engaged standby like we have Derek, not Shroth, the other Derek in in Orlando. >> And if we have to go to him, we'd go to him. >> We will be preparing oursel to deep. We

667
03:20:00.560 --> 03:20:17.920
have a fire chief. We have an assistant fire chief. When fire chief goes on vacation, fire chief, the assistant steps in. Same mentality. We have a primary employee. If he's not available, we have to have a backup. We have some big litigation. We probably go out and

668
03:20:17.920 --> 03:20:36.319
we have them there. I would I would suggest if if you want to look hard at the in-house, advertise for the in-house. Let's see what we get. rather than doing both at the same time. I think doing both at the

669
03:20:36.319 --> 03:20:51.840
same time, you're going to be very limited at the same time. >> Now, you you would need as we get that person on, there still needs to be a backup firm, but that's a different that's different than bringing a a firm on under a retainer to provide the

670
03:20:51.840 --> 03:21:08.479
services. It's more having somebody that you can go to as needed. So, my I I think we would be limiting ourselves as to we advertise. Let's see what we can get. If if there's not the level of interest or the level of of

671
03:21:08.479 --> 03:21:24.080
caliber person that you're looking for, we've looked at it. We've seen what's out there and then we're going through on the RFP. Again, it's my suggestion on it. >> Then we start the whole process over and we still need a backup. So, I don't necessarily agree with that.

672
03:21:24.080 --> 03:21:41.040
>> Or you may get someone who that you interviewed who's more interested in doing part-time that is really good. a part-time in-house. >> No, when you when you're interviewing and it may be someone who >> Well, the problem with that is the costs. We're getting a good value when

673
03:21:41.040 --> 03:21:57.359
we bring if we can find someone to bring in house, we get a great value. >> Then we start over again if we don't. >> No, that's why I want to do them together. We don't want to start over. We'll have them already there. >> I I agree. I think it's messy when you do them both together. Well, I think if you're transparent and you tell them

674
03:21:57.359 --> 03:22:14.880
what we're doing, I mean, I think you can get on the phone right now and you can probably find 10 attorneys with great land use, some 30, 40 years, who will come sit in for us or come stay permanent. Our choice.

675
03:22:14.880 --> 03:22:35.439
That's that's out there. Gary, you wanted to I I'm uh I'm I'm not sure at this point. Um I mean, if we if we did the in-house, I think we should only do it for a specific amount of time. And if we don't

676
03:22:35.439 --> 03:22:53.680
fill it, then we do we we do vote or we go to the RFP and then we'll just have >> we're still going to need an RFP. >> But I mean, if we get a firm, then maybe the firm can can can have more than one person that can be a backup.

677
03:22:53.680 --> 03:23:10.239
I mean, >> okay. So, the consensus is that you want to do an RFP and we're going to put that out. Now, you guys got to agree to one or two. >> One or two? What? >> You're saying put one out for the project? >> No. No. No. We go in-house first, but we

678
03:23:10.239 --> 03:23:26.319
only do it for for specific amount of time. So, we only do it for >> six months or five months, whatever we decide. And then if we can't find anybody, then we put out the RFP. said they're not dealing with two things at once, but we're making progress. >> You could even limit that time frame.

679
03:23:26.319 --> 03:23:42.479
You could bring that time frame down. Um, you know, aggressively recruiting for it. Um, you know, it's you prepare the advertisement. I would think you you leave the advertisement out for 30 days. Um

680
03:23:42.479 --> 03:23:57.279
and and at that we'll see the level of interest and and the level of caliber and at that point bring it back and make a decision off of what we saying just because we advertise and we get some you know some applicants in we don't have to

681
03:23:57.279 --> 03:24:14.239
to pick them um you know and and >> it it would at that point I think you would pull the plug. You're trying it [snorts] to see what's there. Um, and then at that point, you know, we could already we could be working and

682
03:24:14.239 --> 03:24:32.479
having the the RFP done and ready to go. When you decide the time has come and and you know, as far as reaching out and having people that would be interested, do that. Have them submit and then have them submit the application and see. Um,

683
03:24:32.479 --> 03:24:48.239
and if we are unable to get it at that point, we pull the plug and we go with the RFP. >> You know what I was thinking too? Just think, you got two of them out there. That's a lot of interviewing when you're going to get all these coming in. Got this coming in. You got two sets of interviews going on.

684
03:24:48.239 --> 03:25:05.840
>> That's what growing and growing and advancing takes >> [snorts] >> um infrastructure and infrastructure takes our time. Those are the two responsibilities we have the city attorney and and and that we still are going to need an outsource

685
03:25:05.840 --> 03:25:23.120
backup. We still need an out uh we need both. So, let's get them going. [snorts] Get them in in the in the queue and see if you're going to put out I I mean I I've got a couple ads out right now for employees in in our private sector. You put something out on on

686
03:25:23.120 --> 03:25:38.160
you don't always get somebody right away. I'm sorry, Gary, you're saying put it out for a short period. That's not how it works when you look for in-house. These guys are not sitting there waiting on Indeed or whatever ready to apply. It's it's a it's a little bit of a

687
03:25:38.160 --> 03:25:53.680
process. I wouldn't want to short change it and wait and then what we we know we definitely need a firm to be back uh to be available. There are firms out there who have five, six top top land use

688
03:25:53.680 --> 03:26:11.040
people and top government attorneys uh and they're sitting there. They would just die to have the business here. But you said they're top, so that means they're going to be more expensive. We have a firm. >> We don't know that for a fact.

689
03:26:11.040 --> 03:26:26.880
>> I I'm thinking they probably will, but um uh we have a firm that we've been with for 18 years. We have the principal that has said he will talk to us. Uh the possibility of maybe renegotiating the

690
03:26:26.880 --> 03:26:43.520
contract. We have the attorney that said they have several land use attorneys. We have historical knowledge. We have all that here. Why are we talk to us? Didn't mean I'll come. >> We don't know. We don't know.

691
03:26:43.520 --> 03:27:00.640
>> No, we do know. I did ask and the answer was no. [snorts] So share that with you. >> Either way, you're right. We don't know what we don't know. >> Uh let's see what's behind the curtain and let's see if it's something great.

692
03:27:00.640 --> 03:27:16.319
And uh it's going to take effort on us and it's going to take some time. But what is it going to take? A couple days of interviewing on our part. If that much if if they do their thing, this is important. This is a very important part of going. We're going to go through so

693
03:27:16.319 --> 03:27:33.200
much growth, land use, contracts, um with anything we do in just this downtown sector area, uh zoning changes, [clears throat] zoning things, uh annexations. Yeah. Okay. >> Well, it it doesn't it doesn't sound

694
03:27:33.200 --> 03:27:49.359
like we're going to agree to anything here tonight. So, can we continue this to another another time or >> and Mike is the one that actually asked for us to put it on. So, we probably ought to try and do it when he's here. >> Well, I mean, I don't know where I don't know where where we're at.

695
03:27:49.359 --> 03:28:06.000
>> I mean, we I mean, this is the third time we've talked about it and we we don't we don't have a we don't seem to have a consensus on on a way in his mouth. So, I'm just going to say I I would like to see us put out vote, see what we have, take a look at the qualifications. That's my

696
03:28:06.000 --> 03:28:23.279
vote, if you want to call it, >> and >> go down the line. >> And um let's let's work with them. Let's see how we can fine-tune it and let's make it work. >> So, he stay with bone as well. >> No, I'm I'm the same way. I'm say we we we find we go out with both. I know

697
03:28:23.279 --> 03:28:39.520
that's a lot more work, but I say we go out with both and see what we can find. And if we don't find it, then we don't find it. And then we have to take a next step. But we don't know what we don't know. But we need someone that that's really going to aggressively and confidently navigate us through all

698
03:28:39.520 --> 03:28:56.239
these all these annexations, land issues, and zoning that we deal with most of our agendas. But now we know that we have them available at that firm. Do

699
03:28:56.239 --> 03:29:11.279
we want to give them the opportunity to prove themselves? >> I think they will have the opportunity to prove themselves while we're doing this and they can still have the opportunity to apply or to get involved. >> Um, only because I feel like I it's my

700
03:29:11.279 --> 03:29:27.200
turn, I guess, to say that >> you run the meeting. [laughter] >> Uh, that I I really have not been very happy for a long time. I and I and a lot of it has to do with I feel like we need more um

701
03:29:27.200 --> 03:29:44.399
assertive people, more um knowledgeable and also I I really got stuck and and I still have a problem with the building process. That was big to me and and I think that's important for me. I that we

702
03:29:44.399 --> 03:30:00.800
acknowledge that that we know that I I think we need to explore. We probably should have done that at the very beginning and you know instead of waiting this long when when when Derek decided he couldn't do this anymore. We probably should have done it then and we

703
03:30:00.800 --> 03:30:18.080
didn't. Um and I had suggested it but I think now maybe we need to explore see what else is out there and even come back if this is what we have. This is what we have but we know it. And sometimes, you know, you think you want something really badly, you go out there

704
03:30:18.080 --> 03:30:35.760
and find out, you come back and say, I got this is what I should have had. So, I think we need we need to explore. We need to figure out what we're going to do or who who what else there is out there. >> So, there you go. You have three. >> What's the saying, Gary?

705
03:30:35.760 --> 03:30:52.720
>> It's 9:30. That's the same. >> Okay. So, are we directing staff to heard it? >> Okay. All right. Um, so let's go to future items and comments. >> No.

706
03:30:52.720 --> 03:31:09.520
>> Okay. >> I have 15 items. >> You going to talk to yourself. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, um, we're going to What are we going to do with the medical marijuana treatment center discussion? I know that that um he is talking with

707
03:31:09.520 --> 03:31:25.359
another attorney and they're going to work it out among themselves like he directed. It was I guess a disag misunderstanding [snorts] that was why we adjusted the minutes as to what we wanted. So he's he's working on that. He's reached out. I think he's doing great. Let's let him see what he can come up with.

708
03:31:25.359 --> 03:31:41.200
>> So we'll table that. >> Well, we just continue to ask Taylor to keep doing what he do. Okay. >> Get us something that's good for the city. get us something that's fair and we'll decide. >> Okay. Comments, city manager.

709
03:31:41.200 --> 03:31:56.720
>> Um I've got a few, but I'll pass them up. Um one thing real quick, we did get a D grant of $440,000 uh dollar grant for two heavy trucks with a zero match. That that I got to tell you because that was that was a big

710
03:31:56.720 --> 03:32:15.680
hit. Um but the other thing is uh the first meeting in July falls on July 2nd, the day prior to a federal holiday, July 3rd, which is also our fourth of July. Um at this point it is a very light

711
03:32:15.680 --> 03:32:31.200
empty agenda as we look ahead. Um is there interest by commission to cancel the July 2nd meeting? >> Yes. Yes. [laughter] most unanimous thing we've done. >> On that, I'll I will pass comments off to the city attorney if

712
03:32:31.200 --> 03:32:47.600
>> you unanimous on the door on a couple things. >> All right, >> I don't have any any updates unless there's something specific. I know it's late, so we've already gone over the MMTC statute ordinance.

713
03:32:47.600 --> 03:33:03.840
Anything else that you'd like me to report back on? >> Oh, I'm done. Yeah, I I I I did have honestly a few things, but I'm going to just cut it to one. Can you look into for us? I've been

714
03:33:03.840 --> 03:33:21.040
asking and I haven't got a response back where we are with Spring Ridge and the repayment process and and the agreement that supposedly Sasha said there's an agreement going back and forth between the HOA uh attorney, I think, get something for us and come back with us

715
03:33:21.040 --> 03:33:36.479
to us with an update. got 700 and something thousand bucks sitting out there. You know, we're losing return on our investment there. So, I I we need to that needs to be a priority in my in my book. >> I know that it's being reviewed, but I'll I'll get more information on

716
03:33:36.479 --> 03:33:51.680
exactly where it's at and and report back. >> And can we see it? Can you send us a copy of where you guys are at in a red line? >> Okay. So, if you can send it to all the commissioners, I think it has to go to That's all I have. >> Okay. I I have some quick things. I just

717
03:33:51.680 --> 03:34:09.359
want to make everybody aware that um you is in bloom um the fields of faith who's connected to the Methodist church and going to revive the um Cardinal Cove community garden. So you're going to see something there. Um we also are working to start a downtown mural projects. Um

718
03:34:09.359 --> 03:34:25.120
the county provided 250 celebration flags for our polls. They gave us those. Did we ever receive them? The flags from the county? >> Yes. >> Okay. got that. And I was wondering, I think we're going to have a really big

719
03:34:25.120 --> 03:34:41.600
celebration. I don't know all the details for the 4th of July, which we're going to celebrate on the third, but I was wondering if you guys would be interested in hosting a commission reception for elected officials and other dignitaries. We're trying to get monies. We're trying to get funds and all of that. So, would you guys be

720
03:34:41.600 --> 03:35:01.920
interested in doing that? just >> Yeah, I think anytime we can we can build an alliance with with with people out there >> and uh get support. I think the county has so many resources that our relationship has been severed a little

721
03:35:01.920 --> 03:35:17.600
bit and beat up and it's time now to at least open up with the staff who can give us economic development support, uh the trail support, all of that. So, yeah, I would be all for that. So, would you be tired? >> Um, I'll be t I'll be here, but I'll be

722
03:35:17.600 --> 03:35:34.279
tied, but I should be able to come back and forth. >> What do you think is a good idea? >> Oh, yeah. I think it's a great idea. >> Okay. Um, what do you think about that? >> No, it's a great idea. Yeah, I'm all >> Okay, then I'm done. Any um >> Tim's Tim's

723
03:35:34.560 --> 03:35:49.680
the memorial. >> Tim's memorial on on Saturday. >> Saturday. Yes. >> I'm going. I imagine everybody's going. You're going to We have a proclamation. >> You going to do a proclamation? >> Are we going to say anything about what we're doing and with the park and and

724
03:35:49.680 --> 03:36:04.399
with any of that? >> Yeah. >> Maybe you would share that we're working on that again. >> I think it's in the proclamation. >> Oh, it is the park. >> Yeah, I have to see it review again. I think it is. >> It's not. It's not. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, >> I don't think it's a place in there, but

725
03:36:04.399 --> 03:36:20.720
>> make comments on that. Perhaps we should all go up >> together. >> Together like we did for Aaron. Yeah. >> So, you'll speak and we'll all go up with them. >> Okay. >> Gary, are you going to be able to go? >> Uh, depending on the day. >> It's been advertised for this Saturday. >> A month and a half.

726
03:36:20.720 --> 03:36:36.239
>> 1:00. >> Uh, I'll try I'll try my darnest to be there. But hey, before you go, you skipped me. >> Oh, I'm so sorry. What? >> No, no. So, the only the only thing I have is u I have a packet in front of you, commissioners. um the Japanese Arts and Cultural Center and I are gearing up

727
03:36:36.239 --> 03:36:51.680
for the next Japanese festival that um I put together some really just a marketing materials and a letter of support. Um this will help them and us

728
03:36:51.680 --> 03:37:08.640
um get get um get sponsorships and and some and some bigger sponsorships. So, um, I just put this together. Um, I would just ask for your consideration, support of it so I can, uh, I can send it out if you would

729
03:37:08.640 --> 03:37:24.880
like. I'll put all of our names at the bottom if, uh, that would make everybody happier. I'll put all of our names at the bottom of the letter. So, just give me your give me your thoughts on that. >> You're driving it, dude. I don't need my name. >> I don't. >> This is your baby.

730
03:37:24.880 --> 03:37:34.520
>> Thank you. I appreciate that. >> So, >> and that's it for me. >> Okay. >> Okay. This meeting is ajourned. Thank you.