City Commission Emergency Meeting

rt.i - .• ~}j • 'EUStiS .• J • - "~ • ._•I '• • > • MINUTES Emergency City Commission Meeting 6:00 PM - Friday, August 30, 2019 - City Hall CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE PRESENT: Commissioner Marie Aliberti, Vice Mayor Karen LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Robert Morin, and Mayor Michael Holland ABSENT: Commissioner Emily Lee 1. OTHER BUSINESS Postponement of September 5, 2019, Regular Commission Meeting Mayor Holland explained the purpose of the meeting is to consider postponement of the September 5, 2019, regular Commission meeting. He stated that the agenda for the September 5, 2019, City Commission meeting includes the first statutorily required public hearing on the 2019-2020 millage rate and budget and a number of other advertised public hearings. Concern has been expressed that due to the delay in the hurricane reaching our area that the Commission and others may be prevented from getting into the building for that meeting. Due to this concern, staff recommends going ahead and postponing the Commission meeting to Thursday, September 12, 2019, as well as other related meetings of the Local Planning Agency and the planned exempt meeting for discussion of union negotiation strategies. Actually postponing meeting will provide a clear direction to the public and insure that all interested residents will have a better opportunity to attend this meeting. Commissioner Alibert moved to accept staffs recommendation and postpone the meeting. Commissioner Morin seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Holland asked Fire Chief Mike Swanson to provide an update on the hurricane. Chief Swanson explained that there is no clear prediction of where the hurricane will go so it has been difficult to make any solid decisions. He stated that there are estimates of 24 inches of rain for the area. He commented on the number of sand bags already obtained by County and City residents. He further commented on the rapid changes in the predictions. He stated the City is well prepared for the storm. Chief Swanson then stated that there are no evacuation orders at that time. He indicated that staff has already gone through the 72-hour portion of the emergency management plan and it is not predicted to hit the area until Tuesday. He stated his recommendation that people in low lying areas put their valuables up high and move to a shelter.  Commissioner Aliberti cited a list of recommendations sent out to residents by the City of Mount Dora. She commented on the need for the small signs to be removed. Chief Swanson noted that residents have been trimming trees and putting debris into the swales which causes a stormwater problem. He added that Public Works is trying to get any debris out of the swales. It was suggested that the County be asked to do a reverse 911 call regarding debris with Chief Swanson indicating he would check on that possibility. Discussion was held regarding the wide range of the predictions and the best way for residents to obtain information and when further decisions might be made. Rick Gierock, Public Works Director, reported on the status of preparations and Acting City Manager Bill Howe assured the Commission that staff was prepared. He stated a decision had not yet been made regarding any closing of City offices and when employees should report. 2. ADJOURNMENT: 4:16 P.M. MARY C~ ONTEZ MICHAEL L. HOLLAND City Clerk Mayor/Commissioner *These minutes reflect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meeting. To review the entire discussion concerning any agenda item, go to www.eustis.org and click on the video for the meeting in question. A DVD of the entire meeting or CD of the entire audio recording or vert:Jatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the office of the City Clerk for a fee.