Good evening. >> We will call to order >> our Monday, May 26, 2026 commission meeting. Would you please stand for the invocation and the pledge?
Heavenly Father, we come before you today representing one Leburg. Help us to lead with kindness, to speak with respect, to listen with open mind and to stand together even when the world feels uncertain amount around us. Bless this
commission, this community and every resident we serve. Let our work today be rooted in purpose, truth, and guided by integrity and reflected of your grace. All this we ask in your name. Amen. >> Amen.
>> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We have one proclamation today.
I will read. Whereas Guy and Dell Ross have been a vital and enduring part of the culture and economic fabric of downtown Leburg, Florida for more than 40 years. And whereas Dell Ross, as the proud owner of Doggy Bags, built a beloved high-end
boutique that became a cornerstone of downtown commerce, known for its quality, creativity, and personalized embroidery services. And whereas Dell Ross served as a founding member of the downtown Leburg Business Association,
helping to shape and strengthen the vision, growth, and vitality of the downtown district. And whereas Guy Ross faithfully served the city of Leburg with dedication and integrity, contributing to the well-being and progress of the community through his
public service. And whereas together, Guy and Dell Ross have exemplified commitment, mentorship, and community spirit, leaving a lasting legacy through their leadership, generosity, and the many lives and businesses they have
inspired. And whereas their influence continues through those they me mentored and supported, helping to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders in downtown Leburg. Now therefore, I, Allison E. Berry,
mayor of the city of Leburg, Florida, do hereby proclaim Thursday, May 28th, 2026 as Guy and Dell Ross Appreciation Day in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and lasting impact on our
community. Thank you. Dell is unable to be here tonight, but she will be presented with the >> Can we do a picture with business association? Yes, sure. >> Dale had eye surgery. Not able to be
here, but I wonder to And you like each other a little bit maybe on this side. >> Thank you. At this time, the public may bring matters to the city commission's attention. We will not discuss issues raised during this time. We will refer
to your comments to the appropriate staff or schedule them for consideration at a future city commission meeting. If you are speaking about an item that would be considered later in this meeting, our your comments will be heard during public limit to ensure
equal opportunity for all participants. Thank you. Are there any public comments at this time? Please state your name and your address, please. Good afternoon, Madame Mayor, city manager, commissioners, uh, city attorney, city clerk, and those in attendance, which tonight includes my
mother, who is 90 years old and became a resident of Leburg in 1936. My name is Bridget Washington and I reside at 1011 East North Boulevard with my husband Anthony Washington who attends with me tonight in Absentia.
After reviewing the minutes of the May 11th, 2026 commissioners meeting, I noted two items that needed correction. First, my name is spelled B R I G E T
and not B R I D G- E T. The last name of my grandfather, who I mentioned was Hub or Dabney's first cousin, is spelled M O R S E and not M O R R I S. The next statement is not a correction, merely my
reiteration of why Anthony and I are passionate about getting this Leburg house in order. Our families have been property owners in this county for over 100 years, and we owe it to those who came before us to improve the quality of life for those who will come after us.
As I previously stated, Anthony and I are here to do the work to continue bringing things to your attention for as long as it takes. We are here to prove that we are indeed worthy heirs of our inheritance. Thank you for your time and you have a pleasant rest of your day.
>> Moving on to the consent agenda. Routine items are placed on the consent agenda to expedite the meeting. If the commission staff wish to discuss any item, the procedure is as follow. pull the items from the consent agenda, vote on remaining items with one roll call
vote, and discuss each pulled item and vote by roll call. Are there any items that the commission would like to pull from the consent agenda? >> Five 5C3 >> and I would like to pull 5C2.
Is there anything else? Can I get a motion to >> I'll make a motion to approve the remaining consent agenda. >> Second. >> Would someone please introduce >> Oh, roll call, please. Excuse me. >> Commissioner Con? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Bur? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Eastman?
>> Yes. >> Mayor Bry? >> Yes. Would someone please introduce 5C2? Resolution of the city commission of the city of Leburg, Florida, authorizing staff to submit a grant application to Lake
County for community development block grant CDBG funding for sidewalk construction and or replacement projects in the CDBG target areas and providing an effective date >> for approval. Second. >> Um, yes. I would just like to add for
this one that we would like to include instead of the west side of town, it's for east side which is Pine Street in this corridor. It we I think our application mentions west the resolution mentioned CDBG target
areas. So I think the mayor is wanting us to focus on that Pine Street area. So, I asked her to pull it so that that we could get that on the record and we'll amend the application accordingly depending all's vote. >> Do we need a motion? >> Yeah. >> So, I'll make a motion to amend it to
the Pine Street corridor. >> Thank you. >> Will someone please a roll call please? >> Commissioner Burray. >> If we I was I just wanted a little information. I was waiting for discussion.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. >> If if that's okay. >> Yes. Um >> so, uh when when by including Pine Street, are we we're just including it in the area that is eligible for these funds or what is >> the the area that I'm really asking for
are streets um further north of Pine Street. And that would be Ferguson Street, Mil Street, and um Baker Street. That needs sidewalks in the area. Pine Street is pretty much secure far as the street everything. Yes. >> But I was just saying the Pine Street
corridor as versus naming all of the streets because I don't know which names which streets would be chosen or selected, but those all three areas are on the east side of town that needs attention. >> Yeah, east side of town. Now, are they on the north side of 441 or the south side? M they're between
>> the lake and 441 >> Dixie and 441. Yes. >> What's that? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, that neighborhood. I got you. Okay. >> And I'm fine with that. I just, you know, wanted some clarification. That's all. >> Is it is it Pine Street and Westside? I
mean, I don't care. >> No, I just Okay. Can I >> just Pine? That's fine. That's fine. The reason I'm asking this one because last year we put in for a CBDG grant for the west side and th that was granted and this time I'm asking for the east side. Good enough.
>> Roll call. >> Commissioner Burray. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Eastman. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Conell. >> Yes. >> Mayor Barry. >> Yes. Would someone please introduce 5C3? >> I'll introduce to be read by title only. Resolution of a city commission of the
city of Leburg, Florida, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a lesser consent to sub lease agreement between the city of Leburg and Melon Patch Players, Inc. for a sub lease agreement between Melon Patch Players, Inc. and 199 Church, Inc. and providing an
effective date for >> approval. Second, >> go ahead. I guess I just to back up for a minute just to kind of recap how we really got here with this building.
The city purchased this building I a couple years ago, a year and a half ago for $2.4 million. Then within a month or two, the city enter entered into a contract or a lease agreement, if you will, with Melon Batch
for $3,000 a year on a $2.4 million purchase um for 50-year lease at 3,000 a year and we maintain the building. It was quite a deal for Melon Patch. Um quite a deal. Well, now they've came back obviously
before us down and they want the option to be able to subleasase this space um at a cost of $500 per use according to the the lease agreement.
So, they got a sweetheart of a deal at $3,000 a year. By the way, that's $250 a month. So they want to subleasase it for $500 a use, but they're getting to use it for $250 a month and we maintain the building. So now they want to subleasase
it. So in essence, there'd be two different tenants in there that we would be maintaining the building for. Yeah, I know they're they're saying they'll throw a few dollars our way when they subleasase it. They'll split the 500 with us. Uh I think it's a bad deal. It was a bad deal. We should have never
got into this um for this with them, but I I think for for them to come back with such a sweetheart deal and have the nerve to ask us to to amend the lease to let them subleasase it is absurd. Um I just think it's it's craziness to
allow them to subleasase this when they're not even really paying anything. I mean, in essence, I mean, they're going to be making money on our building. They only pay 250 a month. I mean, if they lease it out or subleasase it twice a month, they're making money
and the city of Leburg losing its rear end on this this deal to start with and then let them subleasase it and make money on that money. I I think it's absurd and I I can't believe they they would have the nerve to come in and ask us to do this. So, um, Jacob, may I ask, are you
concerned with the business itself that's asking or just renting sub? >> Well, I mean, I I think it's on record, and I think it probably shows tonight. I wasn't a fan at all to purchase or to lease this for $3,000 a year for 50-year lease, but absolutely not to let them
subleasase it on top of it. Let's not add insult to injury here. And like I said, the more tenants you put in there, the more maintenance going to be, and we have to maintain it. Are there any other comments? >> I'll just speak. I think I supported purchasing the Tropic. Um I talked to
residents from all over the city that come downtown, businesses downtown. They say this is one of the best investments the city's ever made. It's been a huge draw to our downtown. And the residents from all over the city, including all of our districts, say thank you for supporting the arts and investing in that building. So, I respect
Commissioner Canel's comments about the building, and I respect his decision in that. But this was a good decision for the city and it's been returning good value to our city. Um, I think the sub lease I think we have some expenses coming up on the building and this is a
little bit of a way to offset some of those costs and this is only a six-month lease. >> My position on this would be I'm in agreement with Allen to a point. I understand Jay's position that we he didn't like going into it in the
beginning, but we're in it. And with this deal, we get $250 every time somebody uses the building. And if we say no to this, then we don't get $250. And the sublease,
which my understanding is it's a church, doesn't have a place to have Sunday church. So, you know, I I think this is something we at this point we definitely need to support. >> Okay. It it appears to be a startup church, you know, which, you know, at
first I which I'm I'm fine with. Um, you know, I think we're helping them out, get them going. Um, I did support the uh the purchase of the building. It was in conjunction with the parking lot uh to do that project, right? But, uh, I'm also proud to support the arts. You know, this one is not going to make
you're not going the dollars of cents aren't going to make sense. This was a to support the arts downtown and hopefully draw more people downtown. So u um if it was a longer term lease, I I'd be more concerned, but it's a short-term six, sevenmonth lease. Uh do does I think the tenant pays a utility
bill, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. So Okay. So my logic goes to this will help fund that. >> A more detailed answer on the utilities. Melon Patch pays 50% of the utility bill. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Okay. I'm Todd. Can I correlate this just to like the high school? The Church of Lakes actually started in the Tropic and they're in the high school and that's been a really good partnership for the high school of the church investing in the building, helping with the building, things like that. So,
>> well, just to clarify things, this has nothing to do with arts or melon patch or churches. This strictly a financial is where I'm coming from. I mean, the more tenants you put in, the more maintenance you're gonna have in this
building. It's just the way it's going to be. Um, and if you look at that lease, it doesn't say Sundays only. It says $500 per occasion. >> Sunday. >> I did not see that in there. >> Yeah, it says Sunday only.
>> What section's that in? Sundays 6:30 a.m. to Sundays at 12:00 noon. >> And what section is that? >> It's on the >> It's on the sub section three. Section three
of the lease period. And this is a six months rental contract, right? >> From August 6 from August 16, 26th to December 2026. I think Commissioner Canel's right. I don't think that that speaks on every
Sunday. Remember, you're approving the consent to sub lease. So the Sunday may be that may be the red line between Mel and Patch and the church. So the sub lease is just saying we're
okay with it. that you can lease to this entity and this is what you need to do. I don't I don't see that section. I don't I don't think it's material by the way, but I just to just to so everybody's reading
from the same sheet of music. It grant it grants them access for that specific time period. um it doesn't necessarily grant more flexibility. If they want to change anything, then they have to come back to the city to ask for permission to adjust
anything, >> right? It's specific >> to the tenant, which is 99 church. It's specific to an amount. It's specific to a term, >> but it it's not it doesn't say that the
church has to have church on Sunday. It just it references occurrence. Now, that's the consent to sub lease. That's the document you're approving. The the red line lease was just a document in there for your reference. >> But there is a per event. >> Yes.
>> Closet. So, it's >> that's right. 250 to the >> That's correct. However many events occur, it's 250 per Sunday. It's 250. That's correct. >> Let me ask I didn't see the Sunday only in in what we were proving tonight. Yeah, in the subleas >> it it's in the sub lease and the sub
lease can only change if the city approves it or else it would be a void modification. >> No, I you don't need to make any changes >> in my opinion. >> J, do you have any other comments? >> No, I think I've said everything I need
to say. Anyone else have any comments they would like to have? Um, roll call. >> Commissioner Peterson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Reeseman, >> yes. >> Commissioner Connell, >> no. >> Commissioner Murray, >> yes. >> Mayor Barry, >> yes.
Moving on to public hearings. During public hearings and non-rine routine items, the commission requests that those in attendance respect the process and maintain order as such in accordance with Robert's rules of order. Please refrain from speaking out, cheering or
applauding during these proceedings. Your cooperation helps ensure a fair and respectful hearing. There are no >> public hearings or ordinance. So, >> I was joking with Reese. I say, can I applaud that there's no first second reading? >> I'm just going to say it's no first or
no second routine items. So, we're going to move on to ourformational report. I just thought I should read that to remind us a good reminder. Yes, Grant. Any city attorney reports items that you want to >> something this this evening everyone? Uh
we had talked about PAS a little bit in the past and I've been talking to various law firms and uh basically narrowed things down to um two local law firms that that we have to choose from both of them. So the the way this works
just very briefly is there are a couple of national law firms that are pursuing the settlement fund. And so the two law firms, one in Orlando, one in Leburg that I've been talking to are serving as the local attorneys for the same law
firm that's in New Orleans. So whichever one we work with will ultimately be working with the same national law firm. So, there's no real difference in terms of which law firm will really be doing the heavy lifting. Um, regardless of
which one of those we would choose from, um, I don't really have, you know, the fee structure is the same, the the contract's the same. It's just one local firm as as opposed to a different one. So, there's no real material difference
um in either one. You know, I would say on one hand, Dan Manzeras, his firm, Dan was the Claremont city attorney for like 20 years. Uh, he's the St. Cloud City Attorney, and so he sort of has a local
government lawyer heart, I guess, as far as everything goes. Um, Dan's firm is handling a couple of uh other cities in Lake County, so there might be some continuity as far as that goes. Um, the other firm, uh, Phil Smith's firm, you
know, Phil's in Leburg. He was with Mlin Burns Head forever. I I'm sure probably some of y'all might know him already. Um, Phil's a good guy. He's right here in town. Um, you know, both of them are very responsive. I have no concerns with
either one of them. Um, so I don't know if anybody has a preference as far as um, Phil's firm or Dan's firm. Um, but I I don't. So, if anyone has one, I'm happy to to go that direction. If you guys don't have a preference, then then
I'll choose one. And >> just to clarify a little bit for everyone. >> Yes, sir. >> The the POS money, the chemical companies have had this huge chunk of money that they have had to put forward.
Correct. >> Yes. There is a settlement fund of like $1 13 billion. >> Right. So, all this money sitting out there waiting for people who are going to try to make claims against it and that could come in the form of claims
against our uh you know because we're in the water business basically is >> well yeah so the settlement fund is basically to pay out the water system operators and so this the idea with this
and this particular fund is just for drinking water. This is not sewer. Correct. Airports have also been identified because the the main culprit for the PIFA seems to be firefighting foam. And so that was used widely at airports and so they seem to be in the
the claim window as well. So this fund DuPont and 3M set $13 billion aside and said we're going to pay this out to the people that are on the list. The people on the list need to make a claim. give us their numbers on where they're
testing and then depending on their flow rate and what their POS number is, they'll get X dollars of this settlement fund. It's not allocated, you know, it's not tied to any specific expenditure. So, it's unallocated money. It would
come to the city, go to the general fund. Basically, the deal is the city either makes a claim to try and get some of this money or the claim window passes and then the city has no claim to any money from DuPont or 3M ever again. So,
this is the only opportunity to get money from either one of those companies through this particular fund. And so, and the idea of us getting money from that is intended to be used to upgrade the system or necessarily local claims.
>> Not necessarily. The idea is that the system has been cleaning these chemicals over time and has incurred expenses associated with having to clean this stuff out of the water. And so all the damage that has been done compounded
over the years, that's basically the idea. You've had to spend a lot of money to clean these harsh chemicals out of your water. And so as a result of that, you have basically spent a lot more money on the crap we were sending you. And so
>> here's some money. >> And so here's some money to settle that out. Yeah. >> That explains it. >> Go ahead. >> Are the lawyers on a contingency basis or fee basing? Okay. Um >> it's a third either one. >> Okay. And and I know Phil, I would lean
toward the local local firm, you know, unless you had a strong recommendation otherwise. >> I do not. Nope. I I like both of them and am comfortable with either one. >> And what is the time frame again that we can expect? >> Uh that's not entirely clear. Um I I can get more information and report on that,
but I wouldn't expect that in the immediate future. Probably, you know, probably somewhere within nine months to a year. I'm not really sure. I' I'd have to look at what the claim payout window is again, but I I'll
absolutely report on uh more details as far as what that time frame is, but I wouldn't expect it, you know, immediately. But the good news is the money's already in the pot. So, uh it's just a matter really of getting the claim in, getting
it processed, and uh getting it paid out. And and I do think that they cut those checks sort of on a you know they sort out the claims and then there's a window where they send out the payments. >> You need a motion. >> Uh yeah, if we could have a motion to
approve either Smith Campbell or DSK Law, that would be perfect. >> Yeah. Motion to approve Smith Campbell to handle this matter. >> Second one call. Any discussion? >> Commissioner Reeseman? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Conell?
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Bur? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Peterson? >> Yes. >> Mayor Barry? >> Yes. >> Thank you all. I appreciate it. Uh, no other reports this evening. I'll get uh with Mr. Smith and get a cleaned up
contract and I'll get that to Andy so we can get that executed moving forward. Right. Uh, nothing else. Thank you all. >> City manager. >> No matters. >> Okay. >> Roll call. Commissioner Conell, >> nothing. >> Commissioner Bur,
>> uh, just one question with regard to Bikefest. Do we know, have we heard anything moneywise? What? >> Uh, I'm not going to give you any huge numbers. No. >> Other than I think we did okay. We didn't have a big loss leader. Bry's
polishing those up. We're waiting on some final expense reports. The the preliminary stuff looks like we broke about even. So, I don't think we have any loss. >> I'll get you a more detailed report. It will it it will be forthcoming. >> Good.
>> And and in that break even or loss is a fair amount paid to nonprofits. I think last year it was 150. I just want to point that out. So, even if it's break even, the the community benefits greatly from it. I don't know. We know the numbers. >> That's not correct. We did not pay out civic groups with the money this year.
That's pretty much why we broke even. >> Okay. Because we went to the contract when we changed the contract over that that shifted monies around >> and so we we we we budgeted civic funding again, but we budgeted it this
year from the general fund. So the general fund absorbing that and and those are, you know, pretty much the same benefactors. Um the the chamber we changed theirs because since we we gave the chamber more money since we shifted the alcohol money to bike fest so that
bikefest would float better. Um and then the the same groups I'm not going to name them off because I'm sure I'll forget or add somebody but th that that ex the cemetery is the other big recipient of those monies. That all comes from general fund. The bike fest
now stands on its own. We probably will be a little bit in the black. So when I have those numbers for you, we'll report that and our recommendation is probably going to be to keep those funds, which we have to in the bikefest line. Sure. >> And and then hopefully that will become
less and less of a liability each year moving forward as long as we stay with this process, which was to use the outside vendor for alcohol. >> And I'm sure you know, you may get the few civic groups. You've had a couple of those complaints come up to you about us not funding civic groups, but I'm sure
you will deal with that in fiscal year 27 as we get into the budget process. >> Thank you for that reminder. Um, but there still I mean putting that aside, there there were churches and other groups around downtown that did make money parking bikes and so forth. So, it did benefit the community, but I I apologize. I apologize for getting the
contract. If you just do a AI search about Leburg's Bikefest, it'll tell you that it does uh something like $40 million worth of uh regional impact. >> Yeah. You know, hotel rooms, gasoline, restaurants, whatever. So, I mean,
there's huge reasons for the county, for our area to keep >> keep it going. It's, you know, people make money on this. So, >> Commissioner Peterson, >> Commissioner Reeseman,
>> couple things. Uh, just a heads up, this Thursday at 7 a.m. is the chamber breakfast at the Venetian Center. Um, also Friday night is opening night for the Leburg Lightning at 700 p.m. That's a great time. Bring the whole family out. And then on Saturday, the Leburg Arts in the Melon Patch is doing an
event called the Art Heist at Saturday at 7 PM. You can learn more on their website and their Facebook. So, that'll be it for me. >> Mayor Barry. >> Um, yes, I received a phone call on May 11th and I was I neglected to give the
um kudos at the last meeting, but I was called and asked, "How do you acknowledge an employee for their service that they provided from the city?" So, I'd like to give kudos to Ryan Girden, our deputy director of wastewater, for his timely, outstanding
service and our commitment to servicing our citizens by providing outstanding customer service is what we stand for and what we believe and should always be acknowledged. And I just wanted to say thank you to him publicly. And also um
June, the month of June, the Rotary Club of Leburg will be celebrating 100 years of service in this community. And the Rotary proudly presents the inaugural purple for a purpose. And that's when we
are turning Leburg to purple and to make awareness of our Alzheimer's. And this is a fundraiser that we're expecting to sell the purple light bulbs, your purple yard signs, and everybody purple, purple, purple everywhere. And it's a community effort um that we're bringing
visibility, education, and actions to families, caregivers, and neighbors affected by this um Alzheimer's disease. On June 1st, we're asking all businesses to please stay open late if you would until 8:00 p.m. to encourage people to
shop, eat, and visit our businesses downtown. At 6:00 p.m., the Rotary President will speak, and then we'll have a caregiver to speak and then a call to action. And at 7:00, we'll countdown the time. And we are asking to flip the switch to turn purple for
Leburg, downtown, our major quarters of Leburg, your neighborhoods, residents, and all friends. So, please, please pass the word. And at 7:15, we're asking everyone to dine and shop in our downtown businesses to support who we stand for again and how we represent
them as well. On the 27th, there will be a 5K run and run walk um downtown. All of this is in downtown square both nights. And it's a 5K runwalk and it's the same pattern as the um pancake flapjack um pattern just around the
town. and we'll have vendors, food trucks at that time. Um, local resources and kids and a memory wall will be up for the whole month of June. So, if you have a loved one that you would like to play pro pay tribute to, the wall will be accessible for you to put up your um
signed picture or whatever you may have. This is a hope to bring our city together. And it is a community filled with showing support to a illness that not just hits elderly, it's hitting much younger people. And I just want to make
sure that we all understand that we know someone or we are experiencing some of the same um issues that we can support and make a smile on from the city. And I'd like to thank the city of Leburg for their support and their willingness to be
backing this. And hopefully next year going forward, this will be one of Rotary's signature mark for the month of June and we all can make a true true visible point for anybody's riding through Leburg to ask what in the world
is going on. So find your purple, put it on, and we're going to turn the city purple. And last, I think, oh, you me mentioned the rolling out the baseball. I'm excuse me, the first pitch by me by
the mayor. So, rolling out the baseball. >> Yes. And also, I just like to encourage everyone, as you mentioned, um, Mayor Reeseman, the Leburg Arts is supporting, um, their first one of their first fundraisers, and it's who stole the artwork.
>> Art Heist. So, please come and support. >> Mayor Barry, can I ask you a question? Where would someone learn more or get how would they get this information to participate? >> All the information is out on social media for um Leburg word of mouth. The
city has put out a statement as well and there's Facebook page. I think you have one on everyone is sharing it. So, I think you can buy the supplies at the chamber as well. >> Yes, supplies are at the chambers, but if you need supplies, just put it out there and someone will get them to you.
So, and of course, the Rotary location at noonday at Venetian Center every Wednesday from 12 to 1:30, someone will be there with supplies. So, if you need anything, just please ask. It's just a statement we're trying to make and I thank you.
Any further comments? Can we get a motion? Motion to adjurnn. Good.