REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

HISTORIC TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM Town Hall – 307 E. Kennedy Blvd. SPECIAL NOTICE: These meeting minutes are presented in an abbreviated format intended as a public record discussion of stated meeting according to the Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine law. Meetings are opened to the public, noticed within reasonable advance notice, and transcribed into minutes for public record. **Audio Recording are available through the Town’s website on the Council Agenda Page. CALL TO ORDER AND VERIFICATION OF QUORUM: Mayor Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and a quorum was established by Mrs. King PRESENT: (5), Mayor Angie Gardner, Vice Mayor Theo Washington, Councilwoman Wanda Randolph, Councilman Tarus Mack; Councilman Rodney Daniels STAFF: (7) Demetris Pressley, Chief Administrative Officer; Veronica King, Town Clerk, Ryan Knight, Town Attorney, Katrina Gibson, Finance Director, Valerie Mundy, Public Work Director, Chief Murray/Lt. Fletcher Boone, EPD INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Gardner led the Invocation in a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA: Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the meeting agenda with amendment (correcting the name “Arby” to “Irby” in all areas in the meeting minutes for May 20, 2025; Moved by Councilman Mack; Second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. 5/0 Discussion: Gardner identified a correction needed in the meeting minutes. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – (5) Kelvan Franklin – ( 133 Thomas Avenue, Maitland, Florida.) Provided information from the Chamber of Commerce as one of the ambassadors; Mayor's Business Development Academy: aimed at empowering local businesses and preparing them for participation in Eatonville’s infrastructure and economic revitalization projects, over the next eight weeks, Eatonville small business owners will engage in a rigorous training program designed to build technical knowledge, business acumen, and readiness to compete effectively in the regional marketplace. The Eatonville Chamber is excited to partner and to be a part of this valuable training opportunity for our community, thank you Mayor, the turnout was very well attended. Angela Johnson – (Resident) it is understood that the grant funds for the community room has to be spent by January, 2026 (request for clarity and accuracy), if correct, what is the timeframe for the community engagement for the design, construction and will there be any penalties if the timeframe is not met; there was a shooting and the ring cameras did not record everything, hearing the concerns about people's rights, there is a right for safety, talking about the cameras in the school zones, may want to address cameras throughout our community; love hearing that Eatonville has the lowest crime rate, is the crime rate per capita in the area; there are a number of cars that come through the community bypassing the right hand side when trying to turn into Catalina Park creating a safety hazard, with the flashing lights, individuals are still going through the walk zones, whatever can be done to have a safe walkable community should be considered most; inquired about the dates for the budget meetings; expressed concerns about the air conditioner at the Denton Johnson Center, asked that the issue be addressed. 1of 5 060325COUNCILMeetingMinutes  Ryan Novak – (Resident) traffic control devices do not deter nor help public safety, have nothing to do with public safety, studies have shown that it is more about revenue generation than public safety, throughout Orange County, the installation of red light cameras has seen an increase of 10% in rear end collisions, the net reduction in pedestrian fatalities in 2024 were zero, 10% increase in rear end collisions, no deterrent of fatalities to pedestrians, it is about revenue, Winter Park alone collected $4 million in red light camera violations in 2024, they kept roughly 60% to pay the companies that want to generate the money. Joyce Irby – (Resident) want to thank the mayor for the one-on-one conversation about historic preservation, there are some things coming up with an available grant, there were some issues involved, have to look at what is good for the town, feel very hopeful; thanks to the council, the administration who deals with crazy stuff, especially the officers who get cursed out and called names; thanks to the citizens that show up, Ms. Johnson is appreciated for the information/data she provides; inquired about the Pickleball (the town has Pickleball); it is an honor to be a part of this community have an incredible history Ruthi Crittin – (Resident) Encouraged the council, residents, and personnel to participate in the “Let’s Talk Eatonville” sessions held on the 2nd Saturdays, 10:30am – 12pm located at the Eatonville Library (next June 14); to discuss Historic Preservation, if preservation is important and it should be in a historic town, then we need to be active, tell your neighbors, bring a friend, it is free and usually have donuts and coffee. PUBLIC HEARING Approval of the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4 for School Zone Speed Enforcement within the Town of Eatonville: (Preamble Read) Chief Murray reiterated the opportunity to be in Eatonville and thanked the council for reviewing this item, it is a necessary item, do understand Mr. Novak's concerns, rear accidents are not due to an electronic device, is due to someone not paying attention, whether at a stop sign, stoplight, if someone hits another vehicle, it is because they are not looking forward in a timely manner to hit their brakes, prepared to still move forward, will review with more companies and bring back to the council for approval. Citizen Comments: Ryan Novak - against speed control devices on Kennedy Blvd during school zone hours, the company that previous did a presentation stated that the moment the cameras stopped generating revenue, they uninstall the cameras (not about public safety), suggest looking at another option, for an example in Orange County on Orange Blossom Trail around 39th Avenue and Holden, the large long speed humps were installed, fatalities have dropped 80%, speed infractions have dropped 70%, this is an ongoing deterrent to speeding and improves to public safety, The speed humps carry over outside of the 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM window to catch someone potentially speeding in a reduced speed zone, providing public safety 24 hours a day; suggested doing a proper assessment, a proper survey and study of the intersections and crossings to determine what is the best approach, digital devices is not the best approach; the cross walks need more lighting, improving public lighting increases public safety, not traffic control devices, have no problem putting cameras up, it helps with crime in general when on all the time, but to take money for the sake of taking money and not looking at the surveys for public safety, I am vehemently against. Ruthie Critton - a parent of children that go to Hungerford, there are a lot of things to help, having more manpower could potentially mitigate some of Mr. Novak's claims about public safety, would rather have an Eatonville officer but will take whatever can help, in favor of whatever will help whether increasing the budget for more officers, investing in more reserve officers, whether it is the west side where the children are coming under the overpass or whether it is on college street and coming off of lime, lemon, orange streets, and walking down college, need to find something to help address this matter; addressed putting signage in specific areas, since the school is tucked off into the neighborhood, need some deterrents on College street and Ruffle street coming westbound from West Street to the school; Angela Johnson - in favor of the town implementing a program, cameras, or whatever will best serve as an opportunity to deter and reduce the speed along Kennedy, the cars are not stopping for the children (the town is a thruway, transient street), requested for Chief to address if the cameras will be uninstalled after certain period of time, appreciate the comments that were made on the news media today, parents are concerned about the safety of their children, the islands on OBT (Orange Blossom Trail) are not high enough to stop cars from speeding, needs to do 2of 5 060325COUNCILMeetingMinutes  whatever to mitigate the risk of injury to the children that are walking to school, if it generates revenue for the historic Town of Eatonville, the town needs revenue, if you get a ticket, there is money that comes back to the municipality to help cover operating costs; implore public works and administration to look at all of the signage throughout the community to ensure clear visibility, agree to move forward with the ordinance, hoping more residents especially parents to speak in favor of this for the second reading; Bradley McWithy - (Owner of Drain Daddy, new local plumbing company) it is enlightening being in this room, if the Chief is understaffed, that could be a really good way to generate revenue, people seeing those cameras and having the flashing lights would act as a deterrent, however, it will not make you hit the brakes, having speed tables and other deterrents will force people to hit the brakes, generating additional revenue for the town of Eatonville is not a bad idea, use of flashing lights and crosswalks should be standard, mentioned speed tables and other things that do not become digitally invasive in people's lives, understand that things (digital detection devices) can be easily manipulated and used for nefarious purposes (potential Liability), a speed table will not and 90% of people will most likely hit the brakes, if they see the camera and there is no one nearby to hold them accountable, they are willing to risk it; it is discouraging to know that tree branches are blocking the school zone signs and cannot be read accurately; if understaffed, whether it is having crossing guards or people to walk kids to and from school, it may be enough people in this community and in this room that would be willing to step up and help, just ask the questions, if there is any opportunity that I can step up and help, be on call for a crossing guard, would love to step up and help; Joyce Irby - do appreciate speed bumps, live behind Family Dollar and after eight o'clock at night individuals are having a race going 70 miles an hour for two block and then slamming on the brakes when getting to Kennedy, would like to revisit having speed bump in the future; want cameras and revenue because the town need the money; Bradley McWithy inquired about doing a speed survey to determine the areas in the community with the most amount of speeding, this could be a viable option to determine where those speed bumps would be most effective. Ryan Novak - if it is about the money, just say that but doing it under the guise of public safety is disrespectful; the removal of the speed bumps was because the humps mountainous and damaging vehicles, we absolutely need public safety using larger humps throughout Eatonville, other areas, and side streets where people are speeding, the humps will go a longer way to public safety. Council Comments: Mayor Gardner – This hearing is only for the school zones, although I definitely understood your comment; when this was first done we did have a study that did count the number of vehicles and average speed which is about a year old now so it needs to be updated; my other thing is that when we talk about safety, it is okay to have multi-levels. The Chief and I talked about volunteers, traffic callers, but if putting these cameras will help change behavior, and they start seeing our strip of town just as they see their own then perhaps it's worth trying; then after we get the data and analyze it then we can see it doesn’t work, and I don’t think it's going to be a big money maker, but if it is going to be there and hitting someone’s pockets then that is where the money comes in. Vice Mayor Washington – Does not support the speeding camera being active for 24 hours. Councilman Daniels – I think the safety of our citizens, especially kids in particular, is very important; I commend you [Chief Murray] for implementing this item and I appreciate the other citizens who gave their opinion. I think this proponent will add value. I am for having the system set up during school hours. Councilman Mack – Are we able to extend to the whole Kennedy [Boulevard]? Chief Murray answers stating that it is not what was designed; it is designed for school zones. Councilman Mack suggests that with more officers, it would be good to have a 24-hour speed deterrent. Chief Murray said if that were the case then there would be no school zone title. Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the First Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4 for School Zone Speed Enforcement within the Town of Eatonville; Moved by Councilman Mack; Second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Gardner Motions to APPROVE the Consent Agenda approving Town Council Meeting Minutes 5-20-25; approving the Architectural and Engineering Design Services for Frances Jerry Community Building/Police Substation; Moved by Councilman Mack; Second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES 4/0. Comments/Notes: Councilman Daniels was 3of 5 060325COUNCILMeetingMinutes  recused from voting due to voting conflict (voting conflict due to relative) towards item #2 (Approval of the Architectural and Engineering Design Services for Frances Jerry Community Building/Police Substation) COUNCIL DECISIONS: (No Action Items under Council Decisions) REPORTS: CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: Demetrius Pressley – The 4th Master Plan workshop is coming up on June 11th. This will have a draft of what is been projected from the community, met with several community members along with the planner, Tara, and staff members. It is important for the community to continue to voice their opinions on what they would like to see in the Master Plan. The State of the Town is this upcoming Thursday. On June 14th, we have the hurricane preparedness expo at the Boys and Girls Club. Vendors will be talking about the different measures and discussing hurricane preparations. It will be hosted by the Police department and Public Works. With the approval of the first reading of ordinance No. 2025-4, Mr. Pressley had two reminders: first, we have the safe routes to schools project that will bring in flashing beacons that will be placed along Kennedy and we are in the final stages of getting that to happen. There was a small survey done during the speed hub analysis and we can bring the company bank to look at the overall assessment and come up with where those zones are and work with the County. Congratulations to the Town for another 8.3 million that is now helping with our stormwater mitigation. Regarding the DOJ community project, there was an extension that was given so we have until March 2026. Miss Johnson has further details on the time frame. Valerie Mundy – Cormier group knows that they must get this done rapidly. We are hoping to get the design done by late July to put it out on the street and get rapid construction. So, we are working on getting it done by the end of the year. Mr. Pressley – Once the final scope is given, we will give it to everyone to know. Lastly, I am a proud father, I had my daughter graduate last week. Budget meetings will be the third week of July. Councilwoman [Randolph], you did ask for an updated fiscal statement and it is in your box to pick up on your way out. TOWN ATTORNEY: Ryan Knight – No Report TOWN CLERK: Veronica King – Reminder that early voting starts June 14 through June 22nd; we have a new records coordinator, Marissa Bellenger. She is very good for the town, has a heart for the town, and has worked in the town. So, we look forward to working with her, and that you have an opportunity to meet her. MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Angie Gardner – Condolences to the Spencer family who just buried a loved one. Congratulations to the graduates. Encouraged everyone to come out for the State of the Town. The Life Cycle Club is this Saturday. Congratulations to the Town for the CDBG. When I first came onto the board, I knew that Catalina needed engineering to stop flooding and then this money came along, so thank you. TOWN COUNCIL REPORT/DISCUSSION ITEMS - Vice Mayor Theo Washington – Wanted to confirm next meeting will be at the Denton Johnson Center due to early voting. Denton Johnson does not have A/C; it is embarrassing that we still have this building up, years ago we should have made a new building. We need to use these funds to get buildings up–it does not take long. I need to talk to the chief about cameras in neighborhoods. Congrats to all the graduates and condolences to all the families who lost loved ones. Councilman Rodney Daniels – Great ideas and observations. We can use all of this to help deter speeding and figure out a way to make our city safe. My condolences to the Spencer family. Suggests citizens become volunteer deputies to get them involved. Where are we on changing the moment of silence, it does not necessarily have to be named prayer. I keep saying that we can say words of encouragement. Mr. Pressley – Met with county commissions today, and they are still working on the process. I will formally bring it back [to the council], just waiting on information on the county on the process they use. 4of 5 060325COUNCILMeetingMinutes Councilwoman Wanda Randolph – Asked for the status of the swimming pool. Mr. Pressley said the pool is open. We have a couple of residents in disagreement with their water bill. Mr. Pressley met with staff to go over the commercial, but has not seen many residential, so we went over the extension of those. We still have a parking issue on Bethune with parking at Mrs. Kim’s restaurant, if a fire truck tries to get through, they would not be able to, would like to try and get one-side parking on that street. Mr. Pressley will follow up on this with the chief, who stepped out. Also suggested a street sweeper. Residents have been complaining about potholes on Clark street. Concurs with Vice Mayor Washington on the Denton Johnson Center as far as needed improvements. Asked if donations collected by the Boys and Girls Club had anything to do with the town. Mr. Pressley said that the town has their own separate programs running, so those donations are for the Boys and Girls Club. Asked for the status of the historic preservation grant for $125,000. Mr. Pressley stated that town planner, Tara Salmieri, is generating ideas including a historic survey of the town which has not been done in 30 years. The survey would give us information to add to the Master Plan. Councilwoman Randolph worried about the timeline for applying for the grant. Mr. Pressley said they are assessing options. Councilwoman Randolph would like the issues being brought up to be presented to the council so they can analyze whether or not they should pursue a survey. Mayor Gardner said this is strictly administrative. Councilwoman Randolph says that she has looked at the grant, but other council members may have not so she would like Mr. Pressley to make justification. Another issue, after the last meeting, Randolph checked if the town had an ongoing lawsuit against them, and found that they did, but the council was not notified. Councilman Tarus Mack – Condolences to the community and congratulations to recent graduates. 1887 Farmers Market this weekend, run by Julian Johnson. There will also be a cleanup day in Eatonville on June 14th. Asks residents to have things on the curbside ready for pickup. Looking forward to the State of the Town and encouraging anyone who wants to know what is going on in the town to attend; would like to see community engagement between officers and residents in Catalina before moving forward with anything in terms of new construction of a building. Juneteenth celebrations are something we should be a part of. We need to be more engaged in these types of events including the “Let’s Talk Eatonville” series by the P.E.C. Thankful for the presentations and participation tonight. Congrats to the town for receiving $8.3 million in grants. Thanks to Ms. Monday for adding aspiration and gratitude to this community. Police calling in the community has gone down tremendously which tells you how significant things are going in the community from a safety perspective. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gardner Motions for Adjournment of Meeting; Moved by Councilman Mack; Second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Meeting Adjourned at 8:44pm. Meeting Handouts: Flyer about the State of the Town; Eatonville Police Department Call for Service Report; Automatic School Zone Enforcement Program Capabilities Overview Document. Respectfully Submitted by: APPROVED _____________________________ _______________________ Veronica L King, Town Clerk Angie Gardner, Mayor 5of 5 060325COUNCILMeetingMinutes