Good evening. We will call our Monday, April 27th, 2026 Commission meeting to order. Would you please stand for the invocation and the pledge of allegiance? Heavenly Heavenly Father, we come before you
today seeking your presence in times like these. Remind us of who we are and who we represent, one Leesburg. Help us to lead with kindness, to speak with respect, and to stand together even when the world feels uncertain
around >> [applause] [applause] >> At this time, the public may bring matters to the City Commission's attention attention. Please note that issues raised during this time will not be discussed, but your comments will be referred to the appropriate staff or scheduled for
consideration at a future City Commission meeting. If you are speaking about an item that will be considered later in this meeting, your comments will be heard during public hearings. Each speaker is allocated 3 minutes. Kindly adhere to this time 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. Hi, my name is Simone Richardson, um owner of Artists with a Purpose on
100 South 4th Street. Um I just want to give attention to what we're going to do um on May 3rd, the culture around us, which we sent an email to all of the commissioners and leaders of the community. It will be at 3:30. Um, this is our third year doing
something downtown with like the Haiti festival and things like that. And it's under um, United Arts. So, definitely we'll be doing that again this year. Also, too, just want to give a big thank you to just support to everything that we have been doing
downtown at with Artists with a Purpose. Um, we also did go to Harlem Fine Arts in New York, um, which was in February, which was awesome. So, they said that we are selected again to go to next year, um, to Harlem Fine Arts as well as
Miami, um, again. So, we'll be going to Harlem and Miami next year. Also, I also want to talk about a couple things just downtown. I want to talk about some of the side streets downtown are just very dark. Um, I was wondering of
putting more lighting on the side streets just for safety issues. So, um, looking at some of the lighting on just downtown on the side street areas for safety. Um, thank you and that's it. Thank you.
I guess you. Name is um, Pastor John Christian. Tonight, I'll be representing the Community Development Corporation of Leesburg. Um, greetings um, Madam Mayor, city commissioners and and mayor, I mean, city manager. Um, just wanted to share with you the city donated two lots to the Community
Development Corporation in December 2024. Uh, we received our CO last week on the two homes that are completely built and ready for for purchase. So, I just wanted to bring you some color photos to show you um, what the partnership with the CDC
and the city can produce in the Carver Heights community. These two homes are across from Bear Park. They're four-bedroom, two-bath homes um, with a bonus flex room. As you notice, we've um, vinyl fence the backyard, um, epoxy the garage floors, upgrade the
light fixtures, granite countertops, um, wood cabinets. Um, one house has black cabinets, one has white cabinets. So, you notice the backsplash, all brand new appliances. Uh, we simply tell our community to take a pick. Which house you want? You want black cabinets or white cabinets? Uh, you want a brown
house or green house? So, I just want to come tonight to say thank you for the partnership with the CDC. But, this is what can be done with um, community partnership with the city and nonprofit organizations. So, the CDC thanks you and welcomes more um, partnerships with
city of Leesburg. And while I'm here, the Minute of Distinction also says thank you for your support um, with the Black Heritage Festival. Al and the team has done a wonderful job of assisting us in the parade and the other things that we do the Black Heritage Festival. And I can't stop saying kudos to Cliff Cliff
Kelsey and his team. Cuz I said said before, when we build housing Carver Heights, there's always issue with sewer. Um, this is no exception. This These lines had roots growing on the city side. We found that out getting our final CO. But, Cliff and his guys came
out, they corrected the problem, got the roots out of the system. So, I just want to make a public thank you to Cliff and Al, you have a great team at Public Works. Thank you very much. Thank you, Pastor Christian. Those are very nice pictures.
State your name and My name is Anthony Washington. I reside at 1011 East North Boulevard with my wife, Bridget Washington, who's in attendance. First, I want to say that in regard to the matters I am addressing today, I've been patient. Sometimes, I have
been persistent. And all times, I have been professional. Second, my professionalism has not been a result of happenstance or chance. I'm a certified retired law enforcement officer and investigator with the Miami-Dade Police Department. I retired as a sergeant.
I have 18 years of service. Over the next few commissioner meetings, I will be addressing my concerns as it relates to code enforcement, law enforcement, and quality of life issues. Repressing loud music and criminal acts
and activity in my area. On our property as well as traffic enforcement on 441 and trespassers onto our property. Furthermore, my concerns and these occurrences were not under the administration of the current mayor. The findings and statistics that I am
sharing today, this afternoon, is for the fiscal year of 1020 2024 through September 20th, 2025. They were obtained through open records requests. Homicides, two.
Sex offenses, 28. Robbery, 11. Aggravated assault, 86. Burglaries, 95. Larceny, 509. 509. Vehicle theft, 59. Calls for
service, 64,674. As I stated, this information came from my open records request. What I'd like to say is this, I think city of Leesburg pay our department heads very well. And expectations should follow the
salary. And I'm going to read off a few of them, which also was obtained through open records. City manager, $251,638. Deputy city manager, $186,222. City clerk, $103,771. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Washington.
Please state your name and address. Greetings, everyone. My name is Candace Chapman. I'm the executive director and founder of Virginia Samers Cares Incorporated. The address is PO Box 492032 here in Leesburg, Florida. Um, I would first like to bring
attention to our event. It is our annual event that we have on the Saturday closest to my grandmother's birthday. She was a city employee for 31 years, hard-working and dedicated. Uh, it will be at the Leesburg Resource Center on the 16th of May from 3:00 to 6:00. I
have flyers I'd like to give Thank you. It is a free event for the community. Um, we pride ourselves in helping those who have been affected by incarceration, stroke, homelessness. We've newly added lung cancer. Advent Health will be there
giving free lung cancer screenings. Uh, we have been backed this year by the Lake County Sheriff, Wawa, Publics, inflatables, um, Yolanda Presley, realtor, and some other ghost uh, sponsors. I
have submitted a request to the city. I I also sent an email to the commissioners. I have yet to hear back. I'm sure someone will at least say no or yes. Um, on another note, I'm so happy to hear that the Leesburg CDC is doing
great things in our community with the surplus lots that were donated to them. Our agency requested those lots as well back in 2023. We just received a denial letter on Thursday, the 27th, 2026, 3 years later.
Um, I'm so happy that someone was allotted a lot or more, but we would like our chance as well. I submitted a new request with the new guidelines that came along with the denial. But, I had a couple questions to make sure that our
agency will be ready when you do start your application process that you have not yet cultivated. Um, the first one was, Exhibit C says on the scoring sheet, it appears you want an entire design prior to the lot donation.
I want to make sure that is a correct assessment of the scoring sheet, numbers three and four. And Exhibit B, B5 to be exact. I want to know, have you established a system for intake because you require it? And also, in the recapture provision,
I want to know what the time frame is for a not-for-profit to have to re-give the land back if we have not, quote unquote, produced a qualified home buyer because you have not explicitly stated a time frame. Thank you and have a great day.
Are there any further public comments? Thank you. Seeing none, let's move on to consent agenda. Routine items placed on the consent agenda to expedite the meeting. If the commission staff wishes to discuss any
item, the procedure is as follows. One, pull the item from the consent agenda, vote on remaining items with one roll call vote, and discuss each pulled. Are there any items the commission would like to pull
or have any questions on, please? Yeah, on in the minutes on page 16, I think it's at the minutes down at the bottom, uh, there's a uh, Mayor Berry Commissioner Berry, and it's should be a Mayor Berry. >> [laughter] >> Been waiting for that to happen. So,
just that little bit. That's all. I would like to Any questions Do you have any I I would like to pull this one um 5B3, and I just have a question and reference to Oh, yes, please.
Go ahead. Approve it. Motion to approve all remaining items on consent agenda. Um 5B3, the stormwater Oh, I'm sorry. Roll call, please. I'm sorry. Commissioner Cannizzaro? Yes. Commissioner Berry? Yes. Commissioner Peterson? Yes. Commissioner Riemer? Yes. Mayor Berry? Yes.
5B3, it's just one quick question. Um there is I'm just asking for us what area will be addressed for the um stormwater. Is it one specific area or one area will take care of everything for problems? We're hoping Oh, I'm
sorry. You didn't introduce it. Excuse me. Would you please introduce um 5B3? I'll introduce 5B3 to you by title only. Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Leesburg, Florida, authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute a construction services agreement with
Cathcart Construction Company Florida LLC for the Carver Heights Stormwater Improvement Project and providing an effective date. >> Move for approval. Second. Yes. I think he's getting him to talk. So, the the I'm sorry. I went to go get
Cliff. This is on the Carver Heights Stormwater Project. This is Tal- Tal- Talladega, Alabama Tuskegee area, roughly. Correct. Yes, sir. Yes. >> asking on the one. Okay. That was from the flooding from the storm. From Milton. Yes. Yes, ma'am. >> Give a debrief real quick, Cliff, on
what the design concept includes and how we're trying to address >> So, basically, we hired a a consultant to come in and they did a drainage basin study of the area. They saw where all the stormwater was going to be collected, and we developed a stormwater retention pond and some swales to
redirect all the stormwater so we wouldn't have flooding in those houses um in in that area. Mhm. I was just questioning were there um based on the languages was in it um oh, is there any concern for us the time frame on this project? Or
has there been any changes or I mean, will we have to deal with any pushback for times? I was just reading the contract. Okay. >> So, yeah, the period of performance in the contract will allow the contractor to execute the project in a timely manner, and we'll hold them to that and
not assess liquidated damages. >> Okay. That's That's all. I just had just those one question. What does it call for 6 months? Yes, sir. So, it's a 6-month contract. Hopefully, we can complete it quicker than that, but they contractually have to get it completed in 6 months. Okay. Thank you.
Um there were no further line items pulled, so can we please move on to >> Motion uh roll call. Oh. I agree. Just maybe get a motion. A roll call to put it to vote on it. Yes, thank you. Commissioner Berry? Yes. Commissioner
Peterson? Yes. Commissioner Riemer? Yes. Commissioner Cannizzaro? Yes. Mayor Berry? Yes. Now, we would like to move on down further to our Yeah, I'm sorry to jump in. I just want to make sure I know there was a correction to the minutes. Did we get that approved? We got that.
Okay, very good. To public hearings and routine items. Can someone please introduce I got to introduce them. Would you please read the Introduce Yes. An ordinance of the City of Leesburg,
Florida, dissolving the Terra Oaks Community Development District pursuant to section 190.046 {parentheses} 10, Florida Statutes, finding that the district has no outstanding financial obligations and no operating or maintenance
responsibilities, providing for appeal of ordinances in conflict, providing for severability, and providing for an effective date. Move for approval. Second. Thank you, Mayor Dan Miller, Planning and Zoning. This is for the Terra Oaks uh Community Development District
dissolution. Um as you are aware, the Community Development Districts are established under Chapter 190 of Florida Statutes. They're there for funding, financing, acquisition, and establishment of various infrastructure such as security, uh including security, recreation parks, and other purposes. In
2021, the City of Leesburg did approve a CDD for the Terra Oaks area under Ordinance 2117. Um by the way, the Terra Oaks area is located west of County Road 468 and south and east of Lewis Road in the northwest portion of the city.
At the April 13th Commission meeting, the question arose as to why there is a request to dissolve the CDD. Um the representative for this uh action is here tonight. Um and the information we received back from Mr. Earlywine, who is their representative, the property is
and family-owned and was split into two ownership interests. There was a death in the family, and as a result of the passing, the development within the CDD has stalled, so they're not moving forward at the moment. I want to point out that the planned unit developments
development zoning does require the developer to pay for all streets and utilities. And um as the CDD is just a funding mechanism, it does not impact the city or incur any debt or liabilities to the city. It's also anticipated that the applicant will
have to seek to establish a new CDD when the project resumes. Um again, no impact on the city's land development regulations or comprehensive plan. Um in Ordinance 1917, which was the PUD zoning, there is
a section, I believe it's uh section 11F, this for maintenance, and I think that was part of the concern from the last meeting. The City of Leesburg will not be responsible for the maintenance or repair of any of the roads or transportation improvements, so that's a
hard statement there. The permittee shall establish an appropriate legal entity that will be responsible to pay the cost and perform the services to maintain the roads and transportation improvements. In staff's interpretation,
that means that you you have to do something such as a CDD in order to pay for those so the city doesn't. There is still the possibility that the um development could eventually plat what could eventually dedicate those
streets to the city, but they have to do that through a plat, which gives the city the choice to accept or not accept that uh that that dedication. Mr. Jerry Earlywine of the Kutak Rock legal firm in Tallahassee is here to answer any
other questions that you may have. Thank you, Mayor. Dan, just one question. I I guess in the first meeting, I thought it was still unimproved, so they did start the construction of roads and so forth. >> They they did some what we would call um um
If there's no road improvements, I'm fine. I just didn't know if they're going to be any >> they have they have done a lot of work in there. I have not been out there in a while, to be honest. They did a lot of tree cutting and clearing of the property. I do not know the specific level No, that's fine. I I would label
it as rough cut. Yes. It's a good way to put it. But as uh you can't drive through there, right? The highway is still buckling. I mean, the road. Yeah. Okay. Are there any other questions for Dan? Not What You You said, Dan, that the uh
the PUD requires them to basically have a Community Development District Yes, he or a mechanism that would fund the roads which may be an escrow way Potentially. Generally, a CDD is a better way to do it. That's what I thought. And that's
what's commonly happening now. >> So, my my question is why am I throwing out a CDD >> [clears throat] >> in order for them to do anything, they have to have one. So, it just doesn't make sense.
Right, and I would like to ask Mr. Earlywine to answer those questions. He He can be much more specific than I can. Thank you. >> Thank Dan. Thank you all for the question. Uh my name is Jerry Earlywine, I'm with Kutak Rock. My firm represents um little over 400 of the 1,000-plus CDDs in Florida.
We've been doing this for over 20 years and um since the early 2000s, so we know a lot about CDDs, and if it's happened, we've seen it. I I don't think the City of Leesburg has experienced this before, where you've got a CDD coming back to dissolve, and frankly, it doesn't happen very often. Um it happened a couple
times during the Great Recession, and there's a statutory provision that speaks to it. And it basically says if you don't have any assets, and you haven't gone anywhere with your projects, um you can come back and ask the city uh to dissolve the the CDD, or it can
administratively dissolve. There's another process to do that as well. The reason that you would do that is because um if the project's really sitting around for for a long time and nothing's really going on, the city's not doing anything, it administratively costs money to run the CDD, so you're kind of spending
money for no reason. And And secondarily, um there's a time clock on the CDD too of about 6 years before it starts to you know supposed to turn over to residents and it shortens up how much time the developer really has to do the development with the CD. Our CD was established back in 2021 believe it not
so it's been sitting there for 5 years which is a long time to sit there and not have anything happen. And it's also as Dan said originally this is a and obviously we're not in a great recession right now so that's that's when we saw this before and there were cities and counties that would dissolve
them and actually sometimes they would reestablish a new CD at the same time sometimes they come back and do a CD later a couple years later after the market recovered. Our circumstances a little different we don't have a recessionary environment but we've got a family that went through a tragedy the property split there were two brothers that owned the the project it split the
a niece stepped in and they split that project we did a boundary amendment for that and so the piece on the east is under development with her interest and then Said has his piece that hasn't really moved forward other than the clearing that you guys were talking about. But my understanding is there's no real hard assets there's no road
there's no pipes there's the CD is not done anything hasn't financed anything. >> pipes. There's a pipe in the ground? Okay. I thought they had a utilities hookup or issue with um I'm positive there's gas in the ground. Is that on the east side though that's owned by her or the west side that's Said's part?
>> There's gas it's not charged but there's gas pipe in there. Okay. Okay. Well I on the western side that's his though? >> I'm not sure exactly what the >> Okay cuz I think the part on the east is under development but the part that he retained which is the western piece my
understanding is they've done some clearing there but there's no other construction. And I think that's the case. So it's the bottom line here is that you know the developer has an incentive to establish and have a CDD there so if they're going to run the project they're
going to probably want a CD they're incentivized to come back and do that. At the same time the PUD allows an alternative so that might happen too but my expectation once that project actually gets going again that they'll come back and they'll ask for one. Um irregardless
because it's been sitting around for so long they would need to do a new one anyway because they've got they need the time clock to restart and if if you know the best way to do it the most polite way to do is come back to you guys and ask y'all to dissolve it and then come back and reestablish it.
If we don't move forward tonight my guess is because there's administrative expenses and the CD hasn't done anything doesn't own any assets he'll probably opt to administrate dissolve it which isn't quite as clean. Um but anyway do you guys have questions on on any of it?
I'm a little confused you're talking about the east side and the west side I mean Yeah it's the east and west >> Is this the same subdivision? Well it was originally but they split it in two because the one of the brothers passed away and his niece inherited the interest and so she has a different vision and so we actually did a boundary
amendment a couple years ago and split the project up and my understanding is that the niece has actually been able to move forward I think the piece on the west is actually caught up in some litigation with So what's the are they both have the same subdivision name? Terra Oaks? I think they're going to be they may have the same subdivision name
but they're not being developed at the same time or in the same way [clears throat] that's my understanding. >> is the Terra Oaks East then does it have a CDD in place? >> It does not but I don't know that it's got enough unit counts and and things like that to make it make it work. I
think there's some commercial stuff over there too. So was it all was it all the the >> [clears throat] >> Has the east side been platted? I don't know I we don't represent them so I don't know what they're up to. Okay so so are they building in there
yet? They just just haven't recorded the plat? Yeah. So they'll have to come back for the plat on that one too. Okay. But they'll want it I mean there's there's advantages to the city there's advantages to the developer in having a CD but we've already used our time clock up
it's just costing money and there's no no reason to to continue to keep it in place but it's a pretty rare circumstance and I don't know if you have any other questions but it doesn't happen very often. So what is the size of the niece's it
was 194 acres total but what is her side of the development when you I honestly don't remember yeah I can I can find the boundary amendment petition we did a couple years ago with you guys but it's been a minute. But both the east and the west are in
the CDD? No no the eastern piece we did a boundary amendment and excluded her parcel from the CDD about was it 2 years ago Dan? About 2 years ago. And that's that's when the interest split and they had a different vision for how the projects were going to move forward.
And my understanding is that Said's piece is not got pipe and things like that in there. Yeah. Trying to help Commissioner Bury out I think and the PUD requires a CDD does it require a CDD or HOA? Okay but that that answers
my that The CDD wording requires some form of legal mechanism to fund these things. From staff's perspective you wipe the slate clean let the family air out their own issues and they'll come back and start it over and everybody will
will get what we're looking for. Why not why not just bring both a new CDD back to us at the same time we dissolve this? I'm sorry sir. Yeah so so that does happen from time to time but the the thing is is they don't know what they're doing with that other piece yet and they don't know when
that's going to start. Like every every year that's gone by I've said hey Said what are you starting? And and they said well we've got this utilities thing we're still working on with the city and so I don't think he has a sense of timing until he knows when that timing is it doesn't make sense to start the clock over again and and spend the money on the CD.
I mean he's to his credit he's held the meetings he's needed to every year they've done the two meetings a year they've done their budget done all the notice done all the reporting they need to but you know it costs money right? And the CD doesn't own anything hasn't done anything it's just it's just costing him cash and it's not helping
him so. Dan does that PUD have an expiration date on it? Um because it's been substantially commenced it's >> No so it's passed that okay. Are there other Yeah I'm sorry I just had a question about that alternative dissolution
method I guess that you have to not go to the city and do it on your own. Could you just touch on that and I guess why you would choose coming to the city over that process? Yeah like I said earlier it's a little more polite to come back to you guys let y'all understand what's going on. The other way to do it is you
basically let the CDD sit there for a period of time where you don't hold your meetings that you're supposed to and then it gets listed at the state and you can file something with GEO and get it dissolved. Now again that's only if the CD doesn't have any assets and and no obligations which which is our case
right? So that's how it would be dissolved. This is a much cleaner process you get a clean ordinance saying it's it's done with submit your records to the Department of State they hold those and and that's basically it so we like this process better and you guys get a filing fee too so.
Is this holding up any further Dan is this holding up any further building in the area for residents so nothing backs up far as far as gone okay. So >> [clears throat] >> so it's your understanding there is no utilities or nothing on the west this the portion we're talking about which is the west side
>> That's my understanding I asked him that question a couple weeks ago when when this came up and I'll ask him again now if you want me to Cliff would you know? Would you know if there's a gas piping in in the ground already in the the portion of Terra Oaks he's referring to
which is the west portion of Terra Oaks? There is gas piping we don't Commissioner we don't know what side east west Okay. We know there is gas pipe that was installed. It's not connected to the city system. We don't have ownership of it. We have
some refuse to connect issues because it hasn't been maintained since it's been put in. Yeah. Okay. So I mean even if there is pipe in the ground we wouldn't take it. And I think the kind of the last step for lack of better words before they went dark gas department had some issues
with that and they were letting the developer know they have some significant issues with the infrastructure they put in. We fear that it's been damaged by water just cuz the condensation is sitting around not in use. So what is put in it's going to need to be torn out.
Okay. Okay so where there is pipe is that part of the CDD? Is it in in all honesty I don't the answer is I don't know east or west but I also don't think that that's
germane to your decision because the pipe that's in the ground is in not in any way shape or form ready for any city acceptance or dedication to the city. So right so if they would come to us and say hey take this pipe we're going to say no it's not suitable to hook into
the city. So whatever asset they may say they have we're going to say it's not an asset. And they could just say I don't know that your Jimmy's expires I'm excuse me Commissioner Bury cuz you said 6 years it's we're 5 years into it. So I mean they're great questions but I don't see any downside to the city. The
developer paid for the pipe to go in the ground too right? They did. So we've been waiting for a long time on this. We have. And the last time I can recall out there the road buckled and you couldn't even go any further except from the main road.
So how much further I don't like we said you don't we don't know what the east and west is if the niece is ready to move forward what time frame would we give her? I think this this request is indicative of a subdivision that's not ready to be
developed. >> Okay we got it. >> Okay so they started development there is they've cleared the land they did rough cuts. They put in some gas infrastructure and everything has sat for years. They are basically still in the position where they need to start
them new. I I I did talk with Saeed. I may have my directions geographically wrong, but in any event he said that there's nothing been done within the CD boundary. He said there's no infrastructure in there. He said the stuff that has been done is out and whether it's east or west or exactly where it is, I could be wrong about
that. That's probably why I'm confusing you guys. But um >> I would just classify there's no infrastructure in the PUD that the city would accept. Well, and that that may be true, but I and even within the CDD's boundaries as amended apparently there's no infrastructure at all.
So, but there is infrastructure at the site, but it's it's in the >> a troubled subdivision. Its infrastructure's horrible. It's been clear cut. There's no indication of forward movement of the subdivision. Any infrastructure that's put in will not be
accepted by the city. And probably needs to start over. Well, that and that may be on the other site. Yeah. Okay. Keep that's our position. Right. You can argue all you want. No, I'm not I'm not arguing with you. >> is not in a condition that it will be
accepted. Road, water, sewer, gas, anything. >> Right. That subdivision right now is a disaster. The developers have been horrible. They have not moved forward with the project. Well, >> Your request is indicative of a failed PUD.
In in my my conversation that I just want to put on the record that I just had with Saeed is that the part that is within the CDD has not started infrastructure development. The other part does have pipe in the ground and and that kind of thing, but it doesn't sound like it's been turned over. So, this sounds consistent with what what
your your folks are telling me. Does that answer y'alls questions? Do you have other questions? Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Peterson? Yes. Commissioner Riemer? Yes. Commissioner Cannizzaro? Yes. Commissioner Berry? No.
Mayor Berry? Yes. Will someone please introduce Introduce 6B1 to be read by Todd Domer. An ordinance of the City of Leesburg, Florida amending the boundaries of the Grace Groves Community Development District established pursuant to
ordinances 24-33 and 25-67, providing for severability clause, addressing conflicts, and providing an effective date. Move for approval. Oh, first reading. Never mind. This will come Go ahead, Dan. Thank you,
Mayor. This is a request for an ordinance amending the boundaries of the existing Grace Groves Community Development District. This one was established pursuant to ordinance 24-33. This is the property also known as the Barr E property
um general located south of Dewey Robbins Road, east of Bridges and US Highway 27. It has approximately 1,700 units and 717 acres uh 739 acres I should say. So, the CDD for this
property is 739 acres. The request is to reduce that size from 739 plus or minus to about 690, a reduction of 39 acres. The reason for this request is that in I believe it was in 2025 the Florida
Department of Transportation purchased some land for the purpose of creating a retention area that is involved with some road roadway upgrades and I don't remember if that's on US 27 or the turnpike where those upgrades are. So, all they're doing in this case is asking
to realign the CDD boundaries. Has no effect on anything else, but it's due to an outside factor which they could not control. Thank you. And this will come back May 11th. >> Okay. Um there's none no routine items. Um
will someone please introduce 6 D1. Resolution of the US Highway 441-27 Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Leesburg, Florida authorizing the chairperson and secretary to execute a resolution approving fiscal year 2026
facade, sign, and landscape grant awards and providing an effective date. Move for approval. Are there any questions or comments? No, I just want to thank Dan Candy and Diana and their team for all the hard work on the facade, sign, and landscape grants. Commissioner Riemer? Yes. Commissioner Cannizzaro?
Yes. Commissioner Berry? >> Yes. Commissioner Peterson? Yes. Mayor Berry? Yes. Any comments or reports for city manager? I don't have any matters for you. Roll call. I know.
I just Commissioner Cannizzaro? Nothing. Commissioner Berry? Nothing tonight. Commissioner Peterson? Yeah, just one thing. Um in the last meeting um Mr. Mario Nappa stood at the podium and uh quoted me on the discussion on Lake
Bright uh Brighurst and I I challenged him and told him that was an inaccurate statement. I think like I don't remember my exact words. I think I said I assure you I did not say what he said. And it was it was a very his comment made me look like I like I really don't care about
growth in the city and it was um but my point here is I'm going to quote I'm going to read again what what was said and then I'm going to read what I said. Then I'm going to play a short video that he said he was sending me, but he did not. And if I have the wrong
video, Mr. Nappa, please send me the correct video. But he referenced a video when I was mayor in 2022 and I'm pretty sure this is the sit-down interview. So, here's what was said in the meeting that that stirred me up. Um he said quote that Mayor Peterson said
quote, "We build the houses, then we worry about the roads." And I quickly objected. Here's what I said in this minute 30 interview. Uh the interview was longer, but this portion was a minute 30. What I said was and it will flow in the video, "Our state builds the roads after the
development. I wish it was the other way around." And that still needs to be heard in context with the whole video. So, I'm going to ask uh you know, they're going to play the video for me right now. But uh needless to say, I feel like it was an attack on my character. I feel like it made me look like I don't care. And these are gaining momentum city in
Lake County that's growing. It's a it's a it's a huge hot topic here. Um how do you feel that Leesburg is poised for growth now and in the future? Boy. Um well, first of all, you know, people are coming to our state. You know, right or
wrong, they are they are coming to our state. They're coming to Lake County. Uh they're coming to Leesburg. I'm proud of the fact that developers and want to develop here. Uh people want to relocate here. Uh we've approved a a lot of subdivisions. I'm not sure every one of them will come to fruition, but um
it it has been a lot of growth. And I'm noticing the traffic. I'm starting to hear, you know, for the first time, you know, people bending my ear about the traffic. Um so, now we're going to have to look at more of a balancing act. I'm not sure what the answer is. I don't think you're going to slow it down.
People want to live in Florida and it's just a great state and they want to come here. Um so, you know, I've been fair to say I've I've been a pro-growth commissioner. I have turned down some uh developments uh over inadequate roads. Um
I I our state builds the roads after the development. I wish it was the other way around. I do understand that more and more as I sit in this role. But uh we're going to continue to grow. We're going to find ways to manage that and we're going to have to improve our roads. I mean, I don't think we can stop it um in this state. But it's good for Leesburg. You know, I started with this and I
close with this. I'm just glad that this many people want to come live in Leesburg. So, some people told me I should not draw attention to this, but um I just thought that the comment was a completely inaccurate statement and I'm going to read them again. To me there's no comparison from quote, "We build the
houses, then we worry about the roads." I don't see how you can take that and from "Our state builds the roads after the development. I wish it was the other way around." So, I'll stop right there, but I just feel like it was a personal attack and it's you know, with the no growth growth controversy we deal with as commissioners today, it's tough
enough. I don't need inaccurate quotes and statements that were made by me. Commissioner Riemer? Just a couple things. I want to thank the City of Leesburg Special Events and staff uh for all the hard work on BikeFest this weekend. It was a successful in uh my
my opinion. I think uh some record numbers on Saturday for all the years that I've been helping out. So, kudos to Leesburg Police Department, the Fire Department, all the outside agencies, Special Events, Public Works months before, during, and after. So, I just want to say thank you to all them.
Um we hosted our Arbor Day tree giveaway with Public Works and Leesburg in Bloom. I think it was last week. Uh I want to give thanks to Cherry Lake Tree Farm. They donated the 250 trees that we were giving out. Uh that was a good turnout. And then on May 16th at USB in South
Leesburg, I believe it's from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Leesburg Police Department is hosting a shred event. You can bring your documents and get them shredded. So, that'll be it for me. Mayor Berry. Councilor Berry, Grant, would you like to use your comments now for your time?
>> I appreciate it. I don't have any reports or comments this evening. Thanks. I'd just like to add this well, great weekend for the city. Um, kudos to all who worked on the bike fest week. It was major, major compliments as you walk
through town. Everyone saying how nice and how safe they felt and glad to be here and learning the history of Leesburg. Kudos to everyone, the police department, the fire department, all staff of the city, and great job for the
events um, planners and all of the volunteers. There were several, several out there. So, great. Thank you. Are there any further comments? Motion to adjourn. Second.