23 p.m. on Thursday, April 2nd. If you would like to join us this evening, we will have a our invocation by uh Mr. David Williamson and our pledge of allegiance by
Commissioner Willie Hawkins. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor, commissioners, city staff, and members of our community. Thank [clears throat] you for the opportunity to offer a few words as you begin your work this evening. We gather here not just as individuals but as neighbors who share something simple and powerful, a responsibility to one
another. The work of a city is not abstract. It lives in roads and infrastructure we rely on in the parks that we enjoy in decisions that shape daily life in quiet but lasting ways. It is at its core about people. April is often recognized as a time that
celebrates service and community. It's a reminder that progress rarely comes from a single grand act, but from steady, thoughtful effort, from people showing up, from listening even when it's difficult, from choosing cooperation over division. With that shared
commitment in mind, let us take a moment to reflect on what it means to serve well. To weigh decisions carefully, to speak honestly, to remain open to new information and differing perspectives, and to remember that behind every policy or vote are real lives, each with their
own hopes and their own challenges. May this meeting be guided by clarity, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good. May the work done here reflect not only good governance but also respect for the dignity of every person in the community. And may we
leave tonight a little more connected and even more determined to build something worthwhile and wonderful together. Thank you. >> Uh please join the pledge. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. M Christine, is there a quorum present and proper notice been given? >> Yes, Mayor Lee. >> Okay.
So now we'll move to approval of minutes for March 19th, 2026. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Obott. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashgraph. >> Hi.
>> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> We'll move to reappoints. Is that Rick? Is that you >> to use this housing authority or shall I do it? >> Yeah, we do. I can cover that. We have a reappointment to the Eustace Housing
Authority. Uh, Mr. Ronnie Bugs. >> I move for approval of reappointment of Mr. Bugs to the Eustace Housing Authority. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins. >> I. >> Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi.
>> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> Now we'll move to audience to be heard. So, we will ask you if you to please complete a form, submit it to Christine and um state your name and if you live
in the city of Eustace, keep in mind that our commissioners that we as commissioners may not respond to you, but we will direct you to other staff who may be able to help you. And most importantly, remember you have three minutes. Three minutes. Thank you.
Do you have any cards, Rich? >> Uh, yes, Mayor. We have two cards. >> Oh, wait. Before we do that, I had to interrupt you. I I would like to ask um if Miss Patina Strong would come up and give us greetings from um Landy Fine's office, please.
>> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Hi everyone. I just want to take a a quick minute. Mayor, >> thank you so much for allowing me to be here on behalf of Congressman Fine. I don't know if everyone knows that we do have an office here in district. My
particular job is to assist your constituents with any federal need that they have as well as come to our office and we can help the city. So, that's what I'm here for. I leave some of my business cards. I appreciate you guys allowing me to uh to be here on Congressman Fine's behalf. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you for being here. It's nice having a congressman's office, a United States Congressman's office in our district and in our city. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. >> Thank you so much. Rick, you have cards? >> Yes, mayor. We have two cards. Um, the
first is Brian Kirsten. >> Hello, my name is Brian Kstein. I am a US city resident. I have lived in my home for over 20 years. It was taken from me on October 26 by backed up sewage water in my house.
I am now out $67,500 of my personal money to restore my house. My children's college funds are gone. My retirement funds are gone. I am now on the verge of bankruptcy. I've pleaded with this city over and over
to come look at the damage done to my house, take accountability for the damage done to my house, and fix the infrastructure that is knowingly wrong with my house with the backflow of sewage. As I've stated before when I've
been here at 305 East Floral Avenue, the city has not only paid once, but twice to come and remove and repair the damage from backed up sewage to their house. They then at their cost put a new
backflow device at the street to stop the backflow of sewage to their house. My house was overlooked, so they know about a pre-existing condition. So, my question is, and I'll I'll give
up some of my time to ask this. Who owns the wastewater plant and the sewage lines that run from Bates Avenue to my house at 307 East Floral Avenue because it's not me. I just want accountability for it. I
want my children to be able to go to college. I want to be able to just be where I was at before the backed up sewage came into my home. I have attempted to call the city manager's office. I've even been up here to try to
meet with the city manager. Nobody will speak to me. The only person that speaks to me is Phil Martin. And unfortunately, I say it like this, but Mr. Martin has no power or authority to make any decision. being that the fact that your
insurance provider or whatever they're referred to as PRM has denied my claim, but if it comes down to me having to litigate and become latigious, it's going to come out of the city's general fund. I already know what all the caps
are and and all that stuff. And I'm not trying to play games. I'm just trying to get my money back from my house that I had to repair from damage. Once again, I stated before I had four to six inches of live sewer water in my house. I am on
the kidney transplant list and I am disabled and and I am a decades old resident of the city of Eustace and I've been in my house for over 20 years and that was almost taken from me.
I'll answer any questions you have, but that's all I have for right now. Are you represented by an attorney? >> No. Anthony Sabatini wrote a letter of demand for me but was not representing me. So, I was trying to avoid that
because I'll just be honest with you, I really didn't feel that I should have to pay some guy 30% of my own money to recover money just to fix the damage done to my house. That is all I've ever wanted. I I I don't want any more, any
less. I just want I just want reimbursement for what I've already paid out. If anybody else in this audience was asked to shell out $67,000 of their own money to keep their life together, I don't think you'd find many many hands
in here. Thank you. >> Again, staff will respond. And >> the city did receive correspondence from an attorney and it stated clearly that they were representing you. At that
point, we have reached out to through Philill reached out to PRM and asked our attorneys to handle it. At this point, our hands are tied once. >> I've never retained an attorney. The only attorney I've ever talked to was Anthony Sabatini, and he wrote a letter of demand, but I've given him no
retainer. I I' I've employed no services from from any attorney ever. I mean, Anthony did it to me as as a favor to see if maybe putting his name on a letter head, letting him know that he
was made aware of the situation might motivate the city to move forward. But as of yet, I just don't feel like costing the taxpayers of the city any un unnecessary expenses. That's not my goal. I I I just want my
life back. That's all I want. That's all I've ever asked for. I I'll be glad to sit down and talk to you and and and and let you know everything, but I nobody nobody returns my phone calls. Nobody meets with me. And and again, the the
statement we have I can show you if you weren't copied on the letter, we can send you a copy of the letter, >> but it clearly states that he is representing you at this point. >> And with that, our our hands are tied. >> I would love to see that because I can show you direct emails and text messages
from him telling me that if I want to hire his services, what his retainer fee will be and all that other stuff, but I've never >> I I'll make sure you get that correspondence tomorrow. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Another card. >> Uh yes, we have one more card. Uh Daniel
Danzo. Greetings to all. Daniel Dvenanzo, local business operator. Uh talking about water. I don't know if any of you know, but the building on the corner that I own at the corner of Bay Street and Lakeshore, uh, previously known as Counter Impressions, in that torrential
rain we had, um, even though it was extraordinary, the water actually came up over the floor level and flooded the building. I know that has nothing to do with the city of EUs, that's the state, but it is interesting. You know, water is always on our mind, isn't it? I wanted to talk tonight. Um, I wanted to
pick up a little bit. Uh I do not know um Sasha Garcia personally, the city's attorney. I have had uh one account uh where she was representing the city with me and that was on a CRA funding issue uh that uh Tom Corino and Al Adamrimer
took issue with with regard to when I built the five-story apartment building. By the way, we're closing tomorrow to repurchase the building. Um, but to but to let you know, um, you know, the conversation came up because they sold the building, do they have to pay the
CRA payments? And of course, uh, you know, Tom, uh, and Al get me in room. Then they bring Sasha in and excuse me, Sasha Garcia in. And then the discussion goes, well, we don't know if we have to pay. I just want to remind you that building would have never happened,
including the $65,000 a year in property taxes had not the CRA invested the money. I'm getting a check for 20,000 22,000 a year for 10 years. That 65,000 is going to come in for the life of that building. You will
literally in the course of 30 years collect well over a million dollars. Well over a million dollars. So, uh, I wanted to visit this because you have a lot of potential with the city and a lot of plans coming up. I myself am still
waiting. I'm very happy that we're going to have a meeting on April 7th, I believe it is, with Dr. Richard Levy. Um, oh, and Madame Mayor, I want to thank you. I I wanted to make sure I did this because of your civility. And for me personally, I believe that you are
absolutely you stand upright. you're morally uh uncorrupted and I believe you brought in civility back to the city commission meetings. Getting back to the city attorney, um with regard to the amount of business you guys are going to be facilitating, I don't think a
part-time attorney at 300 plus an hour is really the deal. Uh I think it's really important that you have a full-time attorney. And I really do remember Tom Corino's well, we do let the staff reach out to her. Do you know
she is your she works for you and I would hope that the current city manager and going forward would always advise you including the city attorney when somebody asks them a question with regard to city business because I believe for the most part you don't know
everything that's going on behind the scenes. So and I know you might say that's a jump. Well, uh, so again, I would I would I would actually say I think putting a full-time attorney on staff would allow you a lot more availability and a lot more credentials
with regard to these situations that keep going forward. >> Thank you. >> Any more cards? >> I have no more cards, Mr. >> Anyone else from the audience would like to speak? Yes, please come up. Hi, my name is Lindsay Biones. Um, I
just have a a question. When somebody who has a medical device comes in through your building, we can't come through the regular um machines because it can set our our devices off. Is there another way how we
can come in because even when you turn off the the machine, my device already kicked on. So, and that creates a liability hazard for you. >> The wander. >> Yeah, we'll we'll uh we'll take care of that. We'll have something set up if you just if you don't wouldn't mind as you
come in, just let them know and we'll make sure that that our staff at the at the entrance. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Takes necessary protocol. Thank you for bringing it up and I apologize. >> Thank you, >> Chief. Did you have your hand up? >> We'll take care of that. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. Anyone else?
Okay, we'll move on then to the consent agenda. >> Resolution 2026-38, Cover Park and Elizabeth Circle Playground Improvements. >> Move approval of ordinance uh number 20 26-38. >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. Commissioner Holland. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> Hi. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> Hi. >> Mayor Lee. >> Hi. >> On to ordinances. Public hearing. Quazi judicial hearings. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. >> Attorney.
>> The uh first item is resolution number 2026-39. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida providing for commission commission determination of a code enforcement lean on property located at 222 South Bay Street.
authorizing, implementing actions, and providing for an effective date. Mr. Martin. >> Good evening, commissioners. Uh, my name is Eric Martin. I'm the code enforcement supervisor for the city of Eustace. Resolution number 20 2026-39 approves a code enforcement board order
reducing two outstanding code enforcement leans totaling $156,500 to $2,480 and releases the leans against 222 South Bay Street upon payment. The resolution also provides the city commission an
opportunity to consider a compromise regarding the fine reduction. The additional options proposed are the lean shall be reduced to an amount uh determined by the city commission payable within um an amount of time determined by the city commission. Uh
the lean shall remain in full amount of 156,500 uh due and payable to the city or no payment shall be due and the lean shall be released. So on um April 19th, 2025, the code
enforcement board reviewed a fine deduction application submitted by Lois Benaglio on behalf of Eustace Rides LLC. At the time, they were the owner of the uh the property. Uh prior to the submittal, Miss Ben Aagglio uh entered
into a commercial contract to purchase the property, but wanted to go before the code enforcement board uh to request request that the fines be reduced prior to her closing on it. So once the board um approved her request and entered the motion to reduce uh she immediately
closed on the property um and a special warranty deed was recorded in public records uh on April 21st uh conveying the ownership to Lois Lane Properties LLC. After that they obtained all the ne necessary permits and brought the
building into compliance with city code. Therefore, staff um staff's recommendation is the board of the city commission approve resolution number 26-39. >> Any questions for Mr. Martin? >> I do.
I hear you say that um a property has a lean because of code enforcement fines. >> Yes, ma'am. >> As I maybe I'm off base or something, but is it a lean? So when you get ready to sell your property, you can't because that lean is there. But do you ever have
to pay that lean? Why would why would um it be sold and the money not come from the seller is what I don't understand. >> All right. I'm not a real estate attorney. Uh, but I do know that it was
a cash purchase and um it's up to the title company I suppose if the buyer is willing to take on that um what's the word I'm forgur >> that liability or that burden
>> then I suppose they went they they go ahead and close. We get deals all the time that are done through quick claim deeds and that transfers the the property to a new owner uh with with no title. So you don't have clear title as
in this case. She doesn't have clear title. She owns she own she holds a deed but she doesn't have clear title because of the city's leans. >> Well, I think that would be a good way to get out of it if I know I have leans. just, you know, make that deal and then
I don't ever have to pay it. It just doesn't sound right to me. >> I'm sorry. Somebody's got to pay it. >> Yeah. But I'm saying >> it's either the seller or the barb. >> I'm saying if I were the seller, it seems to me that's the easy way to get easier way. It's it's not the you know,
>> we always hate for the violator to >> to pretty much get out scot-free and not have to not have to pay any of their fines, but we don't have any control over the real estate transaction. Um,
with the history on this, the the current the owner at the time, USUS rides LLC, she tried to get financing. She couldn't because of the leans. She tried to get the board to wave those leans so she could get financing, but
her plan the board didn't approve. >> Uh so even though she made [snorts] in the tunes of I believe it was $243,000 was the purchase price. Um and she didn't have to pay any of that to the
city. I can't control that. I have no way to stop that. But, you know, we do have a building that was neglected. It had structural issues. So, now that building is in in the hands of a new owner who has taken the responsibility
to get the permits, get the right contractors, and get in there and get the work done. So, overall, we're in a better position because compliance is our general goal. Sometimes we just can't help it if some people get away with what they've already done. You know, we catch the ones we can and some
get free sometimes. That was my question. Why? How? Explain to me, you know, why they get away and how. So, I understand what you're saying, but it just seems like they don't own up to their responsibility after they've allowed it to go this long. But, thank
you for explaining. >> If if they had any other property, right, we could do a partial release of lean and the lean would still attach, but with this being Eustace Res LLC, there's no other assets. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Eric, is this the
recommendation of the code enforcement board? >> What you presented? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> commissioners. >> This was a long thing through I I was sitting on the code enforcement board and I think Commissioner Hawkins was
through some of it. I'm not sure, but uh um we gave her a million chances. We reduced it and asked her to pay it within a certain time. She didn't pay it. you know, tried everything we possibly could and meanwhile we have structural problems, electrical opening,
and uh it got us out of a jam and uh got somebody in there who who could get it corrected right away. So, >> okay. Nothing further from commission anymore. >> Do we have any cards on this item, Rick?
>> No, we don't. >> Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this resolution? Okay. And seeing none, I will close the public hearing component. >> Madam Mayor, I move approval of resolution 2026-39. >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Asbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> That was for the approval of the recommendation of the board. Yes. >> Okay. Great. All right. Um, next for second reading, we have ordinance number 2025-38, an ordinance amending the comprehensive plan of the city abuses specifically to adopt city initiated evaluation and
appraisal review based amendments pursuant to section 163.3191 Florida statutes. Update the goals, objectives, and policies of the future land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, conservation,
recreation, and open space, intergovernmental coordination, capital improvements, economic development, and property right elements of the comprehensive plan. Two, to update the future land use map series, providing for severability, repealing all
ordinances and conflict here with, and providing for an effective date. Um, I know we had a prior presentation on this, Mr. Lane. Is there an update uh to the presentation or anything else for the commission? Okay. Um does the commission have any questions for Mr.
Lane on this item? No. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on ordinance number 2025-38? Okay. Seeing none, I will close a public hearing. Back to you, Madam Mayor. >> Madam Mayor, I move approval of ordinance number 2025-38. >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. Commissioner Hawkins. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Holland. >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashgraph. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. [clears throat] >> Next for second reading, we have ordinance number 2026-13. An ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Eustace Lake County, Florida, approving a conditional use permit for an accessory dwelling unit to an existing single family residence in the suburban residential SR future land use district on approximately 33 acres located at 228 South Center Street. Uh
we had presentation on this item on March 19th by Mr. Wilks. Anything further this evening, Mr. Wils? >> Okay. Uh does the commission have any questions for Mr. Wils on this item? >> No. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this ordinance?
Okay, seeing none, I will close with public input component. May >> move approval of ordinance number 2026-13. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hawkins, >> I. >> Commissioner Holland, >> I. >> Commissioner Ozbody,
>> I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. >> Mayor Lee, I All right. Um, now for first reading, we have ordinance number 2026-20, an ordinance of the city commission of the city of Eustace, Florida, amending the city of Eustace land development
regulations providing for the prohibition of medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facilities within the city pursuant to section 381.986 subsection 11B Florida statutes. Providing legislative findings in support thereof. providing for
definitions, non-conforming uses and enforcement, providing for conflicts, severability, codification, and providing for an effective date. All right, we'll go through the presentation again. Um, so, uh, we have
for first reading ordinance 2026-20 and it's amending the LDRs to prohibit, um, MMTC's within city limits. Again, the purpose is to present the ordinance and provide the supporting legislative record. Um, the presentation outlines
the statutory framework under chapter 381.96 of the Florida statutes, the city's limited land use authority and planning analysis that supports the proposed amendments to the LDRs. And in the purpose of this item is to facilitate a recommendation in this instance um for
the consideration of the city commission. Uh the procedural compliance here uh was we um ensured that ordinance number 2026-20 was processed in accordance to applicable statutory requirements in order for the ordinance to be adopted.
It was duly advertised March 30th, 2026 and April 6th, 2026 consistent with public notice requirements. We also completed a business impact estimate pursuant to section 166.041 subsection 4.
We've had local planning agency hearing just prior to this commission meeting at 5:45 and we have the commission hearing scheduled and have been noticed uh under law. So a little bit of background on this again the city has previously addressed
the regulation of MMTC's through multiple legislative actions. Back in 2017, ordinance number 17-11 prohibited such facilities. Then in 2020 through ordinance 20-46, the city changed its regulatory approach
and reversed the ban and allowed MMTC's to be classified as pharmacies in the LDRs. Following further evaluation of statutory requirements and local land use considerations in April of last year, the local planning agency reviewed
the available regulatory options and recommended reconsideration of the current framework, reaching a consensus to reinstate the MMTC ban. This ordinance reflects the continuation and direction of that policy evaluation process.
And here we have the statutory framework which we covered. So the local governments retain limited authority uh when it comes to MMTC's and land use. The statute that governs this particular um business and restriction is listed
here as 381.986 subsection 11B and it provides municipalities with two options to either allow dispensing facilities in which case they must treat those facilities as pharmacies. So any restrictions that apply to MMTC's would
also need to apply to pharmacies and vice versa or prohibit dispensing facilities within its jurisdiction. The ordinance reflects the city's exercise of its express of this express statutory authority and again a continuation of the land use and policy
evaluation that was previously discussed under the local authority scope. This is strictly limited to land use regulation. The ordinance is not regulated in any way, nor is it intended to regulate patient eligibility, physician
certification, medical treatment, or availability of medical marijuana under state law, as those are preempted by the state of Florida. This ordinance simply addresses the classification and location of uses within the city's LDRs.
The current regulatory conditions um our LDRs classify MMTC's asarmacies. As a result, those facilities are permitted or conditionally allowed in multiple land use districts where pharmacies are permitted. This classification requires
the city to treat such facilities as equivalent toarmacies and limit the city's ability to evaluate them independently as a distinct land use. These are the existing conditions. Um just again to give you guys some spatial
context. The city has legally established MMTC's that are operating within its jurisdiction there. This map illustrates the location of those facilities within the city. And this information is just uh provided to support the city's land use analysis. It
does not evaluate or distinguish between specific operators or locations. having um had the benefit of observations um again not having them before then allowing them and now considering um essentially reinstating
the prohibition. The city has had the opportunity to observe these operational characteristics and see how they operate within the city. Based on these observations and the regulatory requirements of such facilities,
the facilities exhibit the following characteristics which are controlled access entry, on-site security measures, patient verification procedures, restricted interior access, episodic traffic and parking demand patterns. And
I mentioned previously, some of these require um specific outfitting for their windows so that you cannot see the contents of what's within the store. So these observations are based on actual operating conditions within the city and they form a part of the legislative record supporting the proposed
ordinance. MMTC's uh operate as controlled facilities and they serve a limited class of authorized patients. These facilities incorporate securitydriven design elements, restricted entry protocol and regulated dispensing
procedures. These operational characteristics differ from traditional retail and pharmacy uses that are generally open to the public and I previously mentioned for instance uh children would not be allowed in those facilities. The land use compatibility and planning
analysis. So the operational characteristics of these facilities and land use impacts that differ from those associated with traditionalarmacies cover the intensity of use to site design and access circulation and parking patterns compatibility with
surrounding uses and all of these factors. The city has determined that such facilities are not functionally equivalent toarmacies for land use purposes. The current classification of these facilities as pharmacies does not reflect their operational characteristics. Again, um the
classification limits facilities the city's ability to evaluate compatibility independently. Um apply appropriate land use standards or ensure consistent regulatory outcomes since we are required to treat them either as
pharmacies or not have them at all. As a result, the city's regulatory discretion is constrained under the current framework. The city evaluated multiple regulatory approaches available under state law and local land use authority and these were
done um through either prior legislative action or prior discussions um like the presentation that we had um at LPA last year. These alternatives included continued classification as pharmacies which basically meant keep the status quo location restrict location based
restricted restrictions such as buffering or spacing conditional use approval processes. Both of these uh would apply to pharmacies as well according to the the law or a uniform citywide prohibition which is the second
option under the statute. Each alternative was reviewed for consistency with statutory requirements, land use compatibility, and administrative feasibility. The proposed ordinance, it establishes a uniform citywide land use classification
for MMTC's. This approach applies consistently across all land use districts. This avoids uh partial specific or case by case determinations, promotes predictability and land use outcomes, and supports efficient and
consistent administration of the LDRs. This constitutes a generally applicable legislative determination based on land use planning principles. The ordinance allows legally established MMTC's currently operating within the
city to continue as lawful nonconforming uses. The ordinance does not require a cessation of operations. Such uses may continue subject to the city's non-conformity provisions and may not be expanded, intensified, or relocated.
When it comes to applicability and vested rights, the ordinance applies respectively to applications that are submitted after its effective date. Applications must be complete to be considered under prior regulations. Preliminary inquiries and formal requests or incomplete submissions do
not establish vested vested rights. Any vested rights, if applicable, would be determined on a case-by case basis under Florida law. We also looked at availability regionally outside of the city uh to ensure access was still available to
current patients and um staff was able to locate approximately 14 to 15 um other MMTC's in Lake County in cities like with not only Eustace but Leburg, Futland Park, Claremont and Lady
Lake. As such, even with um local access, they also have regionable uh regional distribution. So, there's reasonable access for qualified patients to continue to receive care. Notwithstanding the proposed ordinance, this proposed ordinance is consistent
with the city's comp plan, specifically supporting policies related to compatible land use patterns, protection of neighborhood character, orderly and predictable development, implementation of land development regulations promoting public health, safety, and welfare.
Again, we prepared a business impact estimate in accordance to the law, and the estimate concludes there are no new fees or charges imposed. There are no direct compliance costs that are created for existing businesses. Enforcement will occur through existing city uh city
processes and the impacts are only limited to future businesses that may seek to locate within the city. The proposed ordinance is uniformly applied throughout the city. It's not based on any pending application or
sight specific consideration. constitutes a general generally applicable land use regulation and its perspective in application. So this ensures consistent treatment across all properties within the city and the recommendation of the city
commission is uh to consider approval of ordinance number 2026-20 finding it consistent with the comp plan supported by the record presented and authorized under applicable Florida law. Any questions from the city commission?
No. Anything that you would like to add, Mr. Lane? No. Would anyone in the audience like to speak on this item? >> You can just We know who you are, but if just state your name and you'd have three minutes. >> Yes, it's fine.
>> Thank you, M. And uh my name is George Warren. Uh Bay Pharmacy and Lake Pharmacy and Bay Pharmacy Long-Term Care. I'm really confused about this whole thing because if it's not conforming and you're going
to make it the same as a pharmacy, what I'm hearing is now there's new restrictions on my business that's been here for 63 years. Uh if I wanted to expand my business into another location, >> I'll save you the trouble. It's not impacting your businesses at all.
>> Period. Okay. >> But the word pharmacies that you're that you're talking about classifying this asies? >> No, we're not. It's currently classified as a as a pharmacy under our code. >> Okay. >> MMTC is the medical marijuana dispensaries, but we're the purpose of
this ordinance is to not classify them as pharmacies and to not allow them in the city. It has nothing to do with pharmacies as a separate business. >> Thank you for clarifying that because I was really upset of you. [laughter] >> You are you're fine.
>> But but if if you could allow me to ask another question. Um so if I want to open another pharmacy, >> you can open another pharmacy >> because >> as long as long as >> long as you're not doing medical marijuana, >> which I can't do anyway because I have a DA license.
Still, that's still >> and and as long as it's within the areas that are permitted under our code, >> it essentially separates them out, George. >> Okay. So, I think I could go home. >> Yes, you can. You're good. [laughter] >> George, hey, George, I would >> I was really getting ready to be really
you were primary concern of act of of actually of of our commissioners. >> Yep. Uh but I would like to add that to use the word pharmacy in the state of Florida, there is a law that prohibits that. on the state level. So if you have if you put pharmacy on a shingle, but
they won't, right? >> Yeah. They're regulated um by the state. So these they have their own separate um >> Yeah. So if you have pharmacy in on the building, >> you won't >> you can't No, they they can No, they cannot
>> because that that's that's a big motto. It just so the only difference is that the statute requires that they be given the same difference as far asarmacies are or not be allowed at all. So that's that's the issue. >> You got to give a heart attack.
>> You're [laughter] I wouldn't let them do that to you. >> Oh well I was starting to wonder tell the truth but okay. So we're good. >> You're good. >> You're fine. Don't worry. >> Thank you for the time. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> No problem. >> Okay. Okay. Anyone
else want to open a pharmacy? No, just kidding. >> Oh god. >> Uh, Mr. Deono. >> Oh, >> Daniel Dvenanzo, I just want to confirm. So, I recently bought a large property.
So, does this mean I will not be able to lease to uh whatever this facility is? >> I won't be able to do that. >> What's his business intent? >> Huh? >> What's his business intent? >> He He's talking about >> to distribute marijuana. >> He's trying to be He's trying to be funny.
>> No, he's trying to Okay. I'm just clarifying. >> What if you want to open a pharmacy? >> I'm just clarifying. >> Okay. >> Sit down. [laughter] In the words of Mangob, sit down. >> All right. >> Anyone else?
>> No. All right, then. I'm going to close the uh public input component. >> Madam Mayor, >> Madame Mayor, >> I move approval of ordinance number 2026-20, finding it consistent with the comprehensive plan supported by the record presented and authorized under applicable Florida law.
>> Second. >> Roll call, please. Please. >> Commissioner Hawkins. I >> Commissioner Holland. >> I >> Commissioner Ozbody. >> I carry forward my uh uh recusal from voting in the event that there might be a conflict or not. Decide with caution.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft. >> I. >> Mayor Lee. >> I. >> Thank you. >> We'll move on to other business. And this is discussion on Essie's Road project with the county. Rick. >> Yes. On uh March 9th, city staff wrote a
letter of support for Lake County's efforts on trying to receive federal appropriations um at their request in the com uh the request of Commissioner Hawkins and um that in essence is for a storm
water project um that would provide a drainage basin treatment pond. uh off the Estes Road drainage. Uh that property is
um the drainage areas. Some of it is city, some of it is county. It's kind of checkerboard um whose jurisdiction it is. So we did write the letter of support for the grant appropriation.
Um it was not submitted by Lake County. they didn't see as if it were positioned as they started looking forward and I believe uh Commissioner Hawkins has asked if we could have that as a topic of discussion for today. So, I'll turn it over to
>> any Thank you. Yeah, as as Rick said, uh you know, I I approached them. Uh I'd been in conversation with the county since December on this uh trying to figure out a way to
uh to fix a problem that that uh that we've had, and that's the the the storm water runoff. um you know on Estie's Road uh we had like a three-day turnaround time so it really wasn't enough time for us to to put everything
together. Uh but working with uh uh uh Congressman Fine's office, um we were able to uh quickly put something together. Um but as I said that we
didn't have enough time to get everything through. Uh this the county uh at this point they're looking to put it on their agenda uh with commission and the water authority. uh for funding streams to to
make this happen. Uh uh Congressman Fine's office is still looking for uh funding streams uh to make it happen. U this storm water project is is I think it's important to that area. Uh it's a
problem that we've had for probably 20 years. So, if there's a way that we can, you know, work together to figure out how to make this this better, uh, I I'd like for us to to work with the county
and the federal government, uh, and the state, you know, for that matter. So, >> was it was there ever explored any on-site uh, drainage s storage storm drainage u ideas
for on-site? um not that could carry the flow that comes onto that property. >> Yeah. The um Could you pull up those two pictures? >> While she's doing that, this property was built under county regulations,
right? Not not city. >> Right. >> I will tell you the first time it flooded, I went out there and tried to help. I was out there with Joby with our city pumps running, moving furniture out of the house and trying to save what we could. Um, I'm full favor of us working
with the county and the federal government to come up with some kind of uh system to fix that problem because that's not only affecting that house, it affects several and eventually it's going to affect the Blue Lake community
as well. And we know what we have at Blue Lake when we get into rainy season as well. I mean, we've got some almost million-dollar homes, right, that we're going to lose at Blue Lake if we're not careful one of these days. So, >> um, and I and I agree with you
partially, but how how does the county allow this elevation to be to be okay when they approve the building permit? >> I agree. >> Yeah. So, our commitment to this is to write a
letter of support, let them know that we're supportive of what they are going to do about it. And that's the meat of it. >> And and if we can get, you know, uh uh direct funding, uh you know, like I said, we're working with Congressman Fine's office.
>> Uh if there's funding sources that we can get that would would assist in that, you know, I think that would be a great thing for us to do. Is there is there anything that St. John's can help with help with with this? St. John's water management. >> I I would think if if we proceed, we'll
reach out to St. John's. Um and again, it it'll be the team Lake County taking the lead, but St. John's will play a part of it and um they'll be reached out through the Lake County Water Authority. I would think since they kept the Lake County Water Authority intact the way
they did that that would be the main vocal point of government that should be taking the lead on this with our two commissions behind it trying to get trying to steer this. So, um and I think with Congressman Fine's office behind it and I think we should talk to our our
local delegation to see if the state can help us. Um, I know at one time the state had really big pushes for water issues and this is a problem for us. >> Does any other any other homes on esties flood like this though? >> It maybe one or two.
>> It goes down two or three houses. Yes, sir. >> Not as bad as this. Not like the worst. No. >> I mean, when I went into this house the first time it flooded, I mean, it was up three feet uh inside the house. >> Yeah, I know. and
>> and why this house has been allowed to continue is beyond me. And I think it was even on the market and probably sold after the first flood. >> Um, and how anybody got away with selling it is beyond me. >> Well, my my kind of my issue is is I I
mean, I'm not an engineer, but I don't know how the county's engineers let this elevation be okay for a house to be put on. Don't you think it should have been um should have been filled in with a with with a higher elevation before they before they put the house on >> the information I had they let them
lower the flooring on it. And the other thing is I know you're talking about the sale but I understand that the buyer knew what the problem was but obviously couldn't fix it. And if I'm not mistaken, this house was built before
Blue Lake was built. And they're saying that when things were changed to build Blue Lake, it created some of the shift to cause some of this problem. So that's the only reason I'm willing to try to work and do a letter of support to try
to help fix this whole situation because whether we like it or not, this whole area belongs to us at the end of the day. >> We're providing water out in that direction. Well, once again, I'm not I'm not an engineer, Rick, but I know there are possibilities for on-site
storm water drainage fields and systems that should be explored. >> I don't know. I don't know if that's >> we we've looked at it. Um this is kind of the low point in a large drainage
basin. So it is picking up not just this property but the drainage down esties and from the other side of Estes from east of Estes. So that drainage is coming in and there's no positive conveyance. >> I know but it it almost seems like that
this house is actually just by the way it looks actually built inside a drainage pond. >> It it is at the >> You can see there's there's swells at the at the at the road and and around it's like they build it inside a pond. >> Yeah. And I just can't understand why
the county would even allow that. >> But I understand >> there was talk at one time about the uh property to the to the south of this >> right >> being purchased as a retention pond uh which would help a little bit. It's not going to take away everything, but it
would definitely help. >> And that is still to my knowledge still an empty piece of property. >> Yeah, it and it's still for sale. There is a for sale sign and and uh >> does it cursory >> that >> No, it does not. >> I I didn't see that. I saw just this
one. >> No, it doesn't. >> But when can I Is is it okay for me to ask when this picture was taken? Was it after the hurricane or after >> after this last one? >> Oh, so [cough and clears throat] once again, that's a that's a that's a
thousand-year flood flood. But but like I said, I'm not an engineer, but I have been doing a little research and there are on-site drainage storm water manage drainage system that could be explored that would probably help a lot of this water. This is 100 this is a thousand-y year flood water like a lot of people
experience. Um so regular everyday rains probably are okay, but this is this is I mean this is this is out of the norm. So, if we're saying that we're going to support or are okay with the county
trying to get grant money to figure out whatever they need to figure out, then I I'm okay with that. Um, on the other hand, this is a private property that somebody bought knowing it was flooded before they bought it.
Said they had a plan to clean it up and they didn't. and now their uh information that they believe they could do doesn't and it doesn't fall on the rest of the taxpayers in the community. So at any point in the
future, I would not be okay with taxpayer money >> um fixing a developer's problem. So or land owner in this case that continued for what she was aware. So, I just wanted to go on a record and and say
that. But supporting the county to go out and get a grant and try to help somebody, that's >> it's out of our hands. That that'll be great if they could. But either way, if you go there when it and I was there today, >> the should have never been built there.
It's down in a hole. It is a retention pond. So, it should have never been built there. Hopefully, he should have had flood insurance when he knew it was flooded before bought it and that could have helped him as well. So, we're a it's a bad unfortunate situation, but it's not a
responsibility to the rest of the taxpayers. >> Well, I think that's one of the reasons why we're trying to go after the storm water because it it >> I would talk to St. John's, right? >> That needs to be fixed. >> Yeah. Well, and then you know, and then there's another house there's another house off of Bates Avenue is having the
same problem that's in the county. And and once again, you know, they've they've actually reached out to uh to me more than one occasion saying, "What can we do?" So, I I understand there needs to be some kind of some kind of resolution for that for that area.
>> I agree too because in um Blue Lake, >> those homes on the lake, they've been flooded and everything. We have not used taxpayers money to go and try to remedy it. So we don't want to set a precedence how we should the letter of support like that. Things like that we need to do.
>> Well, I think that we need to because we don't know what the project will entail. Uh it it very well could cure and I don't know because I'm not an engineer either, but it very well could cure or lessen what Blue Lake is going
through. >> I don't think so. Blue Lake is a lake that has no access. It's like a bowl and everything. >> I mean, the water underneath. >> Yeah. >> It It doesn't come out. It just stays there, but it'll build [clears throat] up, >> you know, but it doesn't have any access anywhere like other lakes have other
little access points. This one is just like a bowl with with with no outlets in it at all. And so therefore, >> I don't think that would help Blue Lake much, but I think that a lot of this water too is coming from like this way, right?
>> Yeah. And so I think that that's the big problem that we have to uh but I I definitely believe that we should support the county's efforts to do it, but I believe the county should take the lead on it and not use the taxpayers money, but be supportive of what they're doing and help where we can. Well, the
county is, you know, of course, pending, you know, approval from the commission and from the water authority. >> Uh, >> are the pimp um are they living in the home now? >> No. No. >> Because it's been really severely damaged. >> No, you you get to drive, you can smell
the mold >> at the end of the driveway. >> And and and that that house is flooded since as long as I can remember being in >> I believe they had just completed renovating it when it happened again. And the thing that kills me is like if if it's been sold and the seller signs a
disclosure asking there's ever been any any um flooding to the property and they put no on there. It's like I it's just it's it it's sad. But I I do >> but he knew. But I do believe we should have I I I encourage however this goes
that they explore on-site remedies as well as off-site because I think I'm not an engineer, but I think there might be some possibilities of on-site remedies as well if the if the right if the right storm water drainage system could be put on the property.
>> Is that like a pump or what? >> No, it's more it's more like a septic drain field, but it's just it's just expanded. And uh I think it probably could possibly maybe handle lease the water on this property. No, it's not going to handle water from all the properties. That's not the goal. I
thought the goal is just help remedy help remedy this. But I should disclose I'm not an engineer. [laughter] >> I thought >> but I did do some research on it. >> I I I'm asking is this is the goal to remedy the water coming down and to to
address all of that, not just >> Yeah. All of that. Cuz because the only thing you could do is tear this down and build up all of it. >> So yeah, that's okay. >> But this is the only property that floods continually. >> Most I know all the just about all the neighbors on there's no other property that floods like this every every time.
I mean >> um >> Yeah. Not this bad. The one next to it does. >> Yeah. But they don't get I understand they don't get it up in their house though, I don't believe. So, like I said, I I would really I would really push for like an on-site an on-site
remedy as opposed to But that's that's for the people that know more than me. >> Okay. So, what do you guys want to do? >> Engineers. >> Ex. [laughter] Yes. Exactly. Well, Rick's an engineer. He could talk on >> and >> but you are a pharmacist and that's been a topic of conversation today. >> Give family medication
>> there. There will be a whole series of engineering evaluation to be done on it and you know right now we looked at it knowing what was there looking at just going after the grant as a as a basin treatment area. So yeah it's going to
take it'll take soil borings to find out how much can perk and then that if you go what you're referring to as a exfiltration system or it's like an underground pond >> like it leeches down in the ground. Yes. >> Yeah. It's an underground pond. It's a series of pipes and rocks
>> and it it helps collect the the storm water and then perk it down into the lower aquifer the Florida aquifer. >> Um >> and all that has to be sized off your permeability [snorts] getting way engineering stuff but the engineers will look at what they can do there.
>> Okay. Um, but you know, it's it's trying to pick up as as we looked at it and as I write the letter of support. It was more to to pick up not just this yard, but the the storm water issue on Estes. >> So, which there's no treatment out there at this point.
>> So, I I'm in support of a letter of support uh to the county, to the Lake County Water Authority, to the St. John's to Congressman Bine's office and to the legislative delegation of Lake County, but I am not for at this time
putting the taxpayers abused us on the line for any funding. >> Okay, >> I'll second it. [clears throat] >> Okay. So, do we don't have to vote on this? >> No. >> Okay. All right, then. Um, that discussion is done. Let's move on to
future agenda items and comments. Would you like to start us off by the mayor? >> Oh, sure. Um, yes. Um, can is there been any more any more talks about the um about Lakeshore Drive and and where we at with the county on that? Um, yes.
>> I'm not I mean, I'm not looking for a resolution. Just want to make sure that talks are continuing. >> Um, no, we did have a meeting staff had a meeting. Um, and actually it was a really good productive partnering meeting. Uh the engineering director for
the county has met with um their commissioner had gone through. We shared new um data that we have. We did traffic counts for another week and I had told them that we would partner with them or
support their effort as they as they move forward. So they are looking into what can happen there on Lake Shore. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. And um you know this um this weekend there was quite a quite a few uh quite a bit of people in downtown um for the um for the
Japanese festival. It was good to see the crowds. Um I believe Rick is going to share some data on the what they think the estimates were. Um you know the secretary of state bird uh was in town with his wife. They they took a nice tour of all the businesses downtown
as well as our theater in Fen Park. And one of the things he brought up to me was if we were part of the Main Street USA program. I know we were in the past if I'm correct. >> Correct. >> Um with everything we're trying to do downtown. I think it's something and
they they can possibly help with funding on this. I think it's something we should try to re re-evaluate to see if we can get part of that main street US because honestly downtown is our biggest asset. It it really is. And it it was nice to see the number of people that
came out for this festival as well as the >> I wish >> it is Shamrock Fest. I mean, you know, one of our goals is just to get people that have not seen us before into town. Um, it was really nice. Like I said, I'm not sure the exact numbers, but it was a
steady stream of people all day. Um, and everyone downtown uh was was pleased with the turnout. So, um, and then lastly, um, uh, there's another clean comedy show, uh, this, uh,
Sunday at 700 p.m. at the Hideway Performing Arts Center, 431 Plaza Drive. I've been to so many of these shows. They are so good. Um, it's clean comedy, so you can bring the family. I encourage everyone to come out and support the performing arts. Once another thing
that's unique to Eustace is all the performing arts we have here in town. So if you can try to go try to go see the show and that's that's it for me. >> And here is Main Street does you think that'll tighten up the merchants
downtown like you want to or organizing? >> I Allan and I had a had an email conversation about this. I know that the downtown business association kind of disbanded um and and I don't know the levels of engagement between the downtown business association and Main
Street USA, but I mean I I do believe I think it would it would try to try to gather some more um support for everything we're trying to do. Oh, and thank you for bringing that up. Um, and I didn't write it down, but I So, I did have some conversations with some of the
businesses about notifications about events downtown that they're they're telling me they're only getting one email, which I I don't know if I believe that or not, but if we could try to give them more than one touch about street closures. Um, I did I did actually receive that from three different
businesses. So, if we can try to maybe be a little more uh repetitive with the with the uh communications about street closures, um I think they would appreciate it. >> I'll touch on that in my comments. >> Yeah. And um thanks Willie for bringing that up.
>> Okay, >> that's it. Sorry. >> Nice. Sorry, >> you're fine, >> Commissioner Holland. >> Um I sorry I missed the last meeting. Uh I have been really ill for the last three or four weeks and just now getting over some of that. So feeling better and
back up and moving. Um I want to congratulate everyone that did this the St. Patrick's Day festival and the uh the Japanese festival. Um when you hear the numbers that it brought into our downtown corridor that Rick will share with you, they're quite impressive. Um
and it goes to show you that government doesn't have to truthfully lead everything. um it can be led by other organizations and other folks with our help. Um so anytime our downtown can be used and be bringing people in, that's
what we need to be doing. Um Tim Totten, medical update on him. He had robotic open heart surgery >> uh last week or the week before. He has not done very well. He was supposed to be up in Adam within three days of that
surgery. He is still in ICU and not doing well at all. So, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Um, and on top of that heart condition, he is fighting cancer as well. And he's had to put the cancer treatments on hold until
after they can get the heart fixed. So, he's strong enough to withhold that. So, with that said, just keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He does a lot for us as a city. Um, and it's it's hard not having him out there helping us. So, and I wish everybody a very happy
Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Easter [laughter] going backwards in or moving forward. Maybe I'm moving forward because it's the end of the year. So, [laughter] >> thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Okay, next >> me. >> Um
couple of things. Uh Sasha, the electric charges, how are we looking on those? >> So, I was um this was part of our triage meeting. I was told there was a possible change in direction
and to hold off on that. >> So I will tie in with you all and talk to you each of you about that. >> Okay. And uh and and I was going to talk to you about this prior to the meeting uh Rick, but I spoke to Greg, the
company that comes in and all these companies that are coming in and laying the cables, they're just coming in and doing whatever they want. >> Uh they're not notifying anyone. And I think one of the things that that we required was for them to send
out notices. Haven't done that. Um, to be honest with you, I don't think they know what they're doing half the time. Um, you know, I've seen places in the city where they've run the cable and the
sidewalks are starting to bubble. Um, I don't know if there's any way that prior to them coming in that they either have a meeting with you all or meeting with us. But I mean, they come in, they do their business, and then they're gone. And
then they leave the cables just >> just sticking up. Yeah. >> So it is >> Yeah. We we did some cursory revisions. Some of the stuff going on are the ones that where permits were already issued. >> Um but we did require door hanger
notification on the new ones and we're taking it yet another level. So we're revising that permit process. We can't restrict them >> from working um statutoily, >> right? >> Um but they need to do a better job on
notification and we need to follow up with the cleanup and make sure that it's being restored. >> Okay. >> It's not just here. It's it is something that's happening everywhere and the process needs to change. >> And a little grass. There'll just be
like a dirt path where they've removed grass. >> A lot of times you're pulling the side up and That's it for me. >> Commissioner Espott. >> Um there's so some of you might have got a postcard
or not if you live in in certain areas, but Duke Energy is back up and geared up for the Eustace beautifification of poles version two going north. And uh
their plan is to go from the north power center and continue up through parts of Eustace and head toward the land from what I can tell. And we just need to try to do anything and everything possible to um keep the beautifification of our
community. what they've done through Grove, through the city is is the most selfish um I can't come up with the right words without using inappropriate words that they have done to to our community and
to the land value and to the value of the land. When you sit and look at that y >> um and uh we're not talking about it. We've got to bring it up now. And uh I I I know Rick is new to this and and it no
reflection of you at all. This just getting thrown in and I got a postcard um on this next step and um I had asked for an ordinance probably six months ago, eight months ago uh to require all underground. I understand this is a
existing easement uh that's in place uh but uh we have to find u ways to check this and this is not going on in a lot of other municipalities. This did not go on in many municipalities. Many
municipalities challenged Duke and uh got concessions and we don't we're used to we just lay I feel like we just lay down and let them run all over us. um they got us for probably millions and millions of dollars in an audit and we
just keep feeding Duke and uh their contracts coming up. I'd like us to look at what other options we might have other than them. Um but um it is not a good relationship for our city. >> It is not. >> And if and it's not generally the the
thing for people to speak up against a billion dollar company, 52 billion just to be exact. Um, but this is hideous what what what we see out there. So, >> Commissioner, can I can I >> Yes, sir.
>> Can I uh show you a picture I took from my boat the other day on Lake >> It's It's hideous. >> It's It's >> You can pick Eustace up when you're in an airplane coming back now to Orlando International Airport. You can find Eustace now in the lake. Just look for the poles and you can see them from
20,000 feet up in the air. And that's >> that's that's not fun. >> That's what the uh that's how the landscape is uh or the the landscape has changed from the water. >> You can use the poles as your um as your identifying mark now. >> Then it's u it's definitely changed the
look the look of the uh the look of downtown. I just wanted to share that with you. >> I have a question related to that. And when I was looking through the comprehensive plan on page 19 and it's um 3.1.3
utility comp com compatibility. It says, "Protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods from the effects, if any, of bulk electric transmission corridors and similar facilities by prohibiting to the maximum extent of the city's
jurisdictional authority their location through or immediately adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods. Does that apply?" >> I will have to get with staff and get back to you on that. I don't know off
the top of my head. Um, what is that the reference again? >> It's the policy FLU 3.1.3 page 19 >> on the city use comprehensive plan. >> Yeah, I'll discuss that tomorrow with staff and and get something
>> if so already lost about >> if you know I'm glad George brought that up. Um, you know, and at this point there may not be much that we can do but Like you said, those things are hideous. And I
think prior to us pri once they started going in, one of the things that we talked about, can they paint them? Can they do something? You know, we have people coming in for uh you know, the different festivals and they drive past these polls
>> um >> and it's it's not a good look. You know, we have America in Bloom. Why can't we do something? What I was just going to propose, why don't we do like we did with Burger King, um the uses in bloom that they do some beautifification with
trees, with flowers, at least people's eye level would be there, not all the way up. >> You know, when I spoke to them, because you know, I have the biggest one in the city. You do >> uh one of the things that that I was told was that they would do something
like that to kind of hide it so it's just eye level. And I don't see that happening. >> Even murals. >> Exactly. >> You know, we could do something like that too. But um I think we we need to have some conversations maybe.
>> And I know we approached them about that. >> And her comment was clear that no, you're not doing that on ours. And we said, well, we'll just paint some stuff. And they said, if you paint that, we will sue you. >> So they are not a good partner. They're a bully in the in the playground.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I asked them. I asked them directly too and they say something about the paint >> does something to the integrity of of the metal, but we have battleships that have been painted for for 50 years and it doesn't it doesn't affect them. So,
um so I don't understand why we can't come to some kind of compromise on that. >> Well, even on the highways they have evergreen looking trees >> that covers the poles. >> Yeah, it looks very nice. I think we
have to consider and this is Adomaya uh I don't have a plan or any research on but if there's a consultant and we we've learned to love and hate that word somebody who has dealt with that or
legal to help us um in what we can do to protect ourselves with this going forward and putting together uh ordinances for future transmission lines or anything going forward. We're still wide open. We're wide open. Um so we
have to act on those on those things. Um so and their contract comes up, that's a good leveraging point u to to get some stuff. So if we let it pass, we lose it. All right. I think we talked about that.
I have one other thing which is everybody's already touched on it. I spent almost the entire day in downtown during the uh Japanese festival and some [snorts] pretty good time during the Irish festival. And I cannot tell
you how many businesses and and if there some of them are here have come up to me and said, "Wow, I've never seen so many people here. This is the best best thing." Uh the Japanese festival had complaints and the
complaints from the Japanese festival is the lines and too many people are here and the parking they parked all the way up over our property which is I welcome and they parked all the way up to the halipad on the north end. This town was
rocking and uh the two the uh one of the restaurants said the best day they've ever had better than any George Fest. So, and that's really half because Georgefest has the park side and they didn't really have the park side. The the antique cars were
there. Um, and I was fortunate enough to do the tour with to take Secretary Boyd and and his wife Esther who are phenomenally [clears throat] u good cultural people and and uh show them around. But the private sector,
private public relationships are where they go. and and I apologize that we gave them a little bit of push back and not opening our minds to to uh diversity with Japanese and Irish. I don't know if we pushed back on the Irish, but I know
we did to uh um Commissioner Ashcraft and and uh we were we were wrong. And uh but this is good. We're moving forward. Things are good. Things are getting better. We're working hard. Uh and uh
Rick has done a phenomenal job for weeks and days only. So um we need the Irish festival to be permanent. We need the Japanese festival to be permanent and we need to keep going. So uh I was proud that day
to talk to businesses. I never seen everybody so happy. So good job to those who put it in place. Thank you, Gary, for the Japanese festival and whoever put together the Irish just as just as great. That's it.
>> Madame Mayor, before you go, can I make one correction? The comedy show is actually this Saturday, April 3rd and 4th, not Sunday. Sorry. Yeah. Thank you. >> City Manager Rick. >> Yes. Um, just want to try to keep you
all updated on some of the stuff and just kind of touch on the high points. anything that you want more clarification, I'm happy to talk with you about it. Um, one on Tuesday, April the 7th, we have our downtown master
plan workshop that'll be here um from 1 to 3 and kind of show you some of the the progress we've made in the in the time since uh we last met. uh touched a little bit on the the
meeting we had with Lake County Public Works on the streets. Um in addition to speaking to Lakes Shore, we also talked to them about Prevat that came up last week. Um they're receptive. We shared the ideas um that you brought up,
Commissioner Ashgraph, and and we've looked at it in detail. We're working on the design. I should have the design. We're doing in-house design on it. Uh we should have that completed next week, get that over to the county, but they were very receptive on that. Um being an exit only. Um didn't see any problems.
Had a really good partnering meeting with them. Um it was kind of refreshing. So, uh the special events permits that we have, uh we're going through a process um change. We're refining that a little bit. We're working on that. Um
there's a couple of different things that we're after staff-wise that we need to get fixed and corrected. Um a big part of that is the communication. One is we issue the permits. We're looking at making sure we send that out so everyone knows what it is. Um but then
also bi-weekly we've got a list of all the different activities that are going to go downtown and we'll add the new ones. We'll keep the other ones happening. So that way it's kind of a reoccurring message to them what's happening. Um
we've look I looked at a draft um today. Any street closures we're highlighting um so it so it's clear and we're getting that communication out. So um we hear the businesses, we hear you all.
We're going to fix that. So um the numbers um >> so yeah the Japanese fest on Saturday had 8,100 people come in. These are our placer
numbers. The Shamrock Fest Friday was kind of the chili competition there and and this kickoff. Uh there were 3,000 people there Friday evening and 5,280 on Saturday. So combined 52 almost 5300
people [clears throat] or pardon 8,300 people that came in. And the numbers on the African-American Heritage Festival was 3,300 which was a was a big turnout there for what we've had in the past. So, um,
yeah, a lot of lessons learned on that on these events that we've been having. Um, I have handed off a letter um kind of a a thank you letter to Secretary Boyd and um, as long as Commission's
okay with it, I'd like to have uh, the mayor and the vice mayor sign that and then I will get that up to them tomorrow. Um the surplus properties that we discussed in the last meeting, um that RFP is out right now. Um the respondents
are due back May 6th. So we'll keep you up on that one. The marketing services, um that a selection committee, that RFP, um they came back. We had 10 submitters.
Um the selection committee met and um made a word to a company MTG. Um they've got uh familiarity here in the state. They also are working with Lake Lead um on those efforts and I've looked at those services. So um we'll be
doing some kickoff meetings with them to you know and have all the shareholders involved in that one. And lastly, the city attorney evaluations. Um, we had sent out the evaluation form. If
at this point I've only gotten two back and we only have two meetings scheduled. If you can please get those evaluation forms back to us. Um, it's really helpful as we go through the process. And um, I spoke to uh, our attorney and she's going to make some more dates
available. And with that, I'll I'll pass the baton over to to our attorney and she can speak more on that. Um, thank you. So, I just wanted to say that Rick had come in with the wonderful idea of
doing a triage framework um to pretty much uh be more efficient in this process. So, earlier this week um Rick Miranda and I were able to have a a meeting. We did um an initial assessment of the pending items and um started
looking at how that triage framework framework would work. Um the focus of course being that we align the workloads with the city commission's uh priorities and reallocating certain items back to staff um so that it could improve um
efficiency and also reduce costs because I know that that's um a very important matter and um we wanted to keep that focus um in mind. So once I get the opportunity to have all of your feedback and um hopefully have meetings with each
of you, then uh the plan is to um then meet with the city manager's office again and see how uh we can refine that process so that we as it as um administration as well as my the city attorney's office can most
effectively uh support the commission and the city in the efforts. So that's uh we are we took the feedback from last meeting and we're moving forward with that. >> That's it. >> So thank you. >> Okay. Well certainly I attended both the
um [clears throat] Shamrock event and also the Japanese event and they were wonderful and it was just good seeing a lot of people. Also got to talk to people. a lot of people from were from out of state and um I thought that was pretty cool and I've walked downtown and
and [clears throat] met people from Wisconsin, people from other cities in in Florida. So I think we're getting noticed and people are are are beginning to want to come to Eustace. I really support and I I'm hoping the next we've
had the Shamrock, we've had Georgefest, Shamrock, Japanese. So now I'm hoping that someone will come forth with Cinco de Mayo and then a fall festival. Nothing like a fall festival. So um I I would like to see us continue to offer
cultural events. Um the um American Bloom advisors and evaluators will be here from the 10th through the 13th. So I'll keep you guys informed so that you can be available during that time. April of April. >> May of May. >> May 10th through
>> May 10th through 13th. >> Um I am very excited. I got pictures and so every time I get pictures I drive by. The Veterans Memorial is just coming forth and materializing and I'm very excited about it. So hopefully we can
get it done and we're going to have a special event um from that. Also um business working together. I have found that on Bay Street with the honey people, the coffee shop, they are doing
a phenomenal job of working together and even like the restaurant is using the honey and and they're doing a really great job. So, I'm hoping and encouraging and actually going to them to try to get Magnolia Street to get
working together and we can have a new downtown um um partnership and and and a better communication and all of them. So hopefully that can happen. So y'all say a prayer for me. >> And um that's it. And I was going to ask about Prevad Street. Oh, you you
mentioned that. So I'm all done. And is there anything else with it? >> So are you saying that you want us or do you want to move forward in exploring either becoming a main street that we were before which is kind of like a
franchise or a group of a part of the state or a business owners in downtown um unification group? Um is that what you're working on? were saying >> I I yeah I I was thinking in terms of the of getting them to work together,
communicate with each other to try to work together the the um what is it called the >> is it it's well we we used to we used to have our downtown business alliance but then there's the Main Street USA main street which is different >> that one I would like for staff to get us more information about
>> um before we can make a decision we're going through >> yeah cuz do they just pull everyone together I guess we need to know do [clears throat] they pull everyone the other half as >> Yeah, that I don't know much about. So, some more information on that would probably help. >> George, you were involved in Main Street before, right?
>> President, >> you were past president. Okay. >> So, >> let's let's get more information and then see what we could do and I'll continue. And everyone, if you get an opportunity, just visit with the downtown merchants and >> and probably ask George what he thinks. That's what I'm going to do.
>> Okay. >> All right. Anything else we got at this then at this point? We are joined at