City Commission Regular Meeting

City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes- Final* City Commission Thursday, February 7, 2013 6:00PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Muenzmay INVOCATION: Rev. Skott Jensen, Eustis First Assembly of God PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Holland ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5 - Commissioner Michael Holland; Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith; Vice-Mayor Linda Bob; Commissioner Albert Eckian; and Mayor Kress Muenzmay I. AGENDA UPDATE Paul Berg, City Manager, announced there were three changes: 1) Resolution No. 13-06 would be removed from the agenda; 2) Under "Other Business", Police Chief Fred Cobb would review traffic control for the African American Heritage Festival; and 3) Under "Comments", Public Works Director John Futch would provide a report on current Public Works projects. The Commission recommended that any future items regarding the Meadows project be placed on the regular agenda rather than the Consent Agenda. It was noted that when the previously approved Rules of Order were discussed it was agreed the City would try to avoid removing items from the agenda after it had already been publicized. However, if an item was removed that anyone attending the meeting to speak regarding that item would be given the opportunity to speak. IT. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 13031 January 17, 2013- City Commission Meeting January 17, 2013- City Commission Workshop A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to Approve the Minutes as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Vice-Mayor Bob; Commissioner Eckian ; and Mayor Muenzmay lli. PRESENTATIONS 13017 Waste Management Presentation on First Six-Month Period of New Solid Waste and Single-Stream Recycling Program. Jim Myers, Finance Director, introduced Janie Coleman from Waste Management Inc. to give their presentation. Ms. Coleman provided a presentation regarding the new single-stream recycling program and the transitioning to once-per-week garbage service which was initiated in July 2012. She stated they would come back in July to provide a report on the full year results. The Commission thanked Waste Management for bringing the program to the City and for their responsiveness to the issues that arose. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 211212013 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 7, 2013 13023 Black History Month Proclamation Mayor Muenzmay read the proclamation recognizing Black History Month and he and Vice Mayor Bob presented it to Carta Mitchell and the Eustis African-American Heritage Celebration Committee, Inc. including Lucille MacLain, Nicie Allen Parks, and Cynthia Blount. Ms. Mitchell thanked the City for their contribution and support over the past twenty years. She introduced the following ladies as three of the oldest African-American ladies in Eustis and the Parade Marshals for the 2013 Festival- Elsie Broomfield (former high school teacher), Altamease Young (retired educator for Harryanna Children's Home), and Ozzie B. Nelson (retired cook for the Green Tile Restaurant). She invited everyone to attend the festival and requested that Deputy Chief Robinson lead the parade. 13032 Presentation of 2013 Horizon Award from Lake-Sumter MPO Mr. Berg presented to the Commission the Horizon Award provided to the City by the Lake Sumter MPO in recognition of a joint project of the cities of Eustis, Mount Dora and Tavares to improve the Dora Canal. IV. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Sue Hooper, 621 N. Eustis Street, commented on the Eustis Police Academy noting that she graduated from the program and completed her eight-hour ride-along with Officer Morales. Mayor Muenzmay asked if there was anyone present who came to speak about Resolution No. 13-06. No one came forward. V. CONSENT AGENDA 13012 Resolution No. 13-04: Public Works Temporary Labor 13013 Resolution No. 13-05: Purchase of Asphalt in Excess of $50,000 13025 Resolution No. 13-08: Local Agency Program Agreement for Design of Sidewalks on Orange Ave. 13028 Resolution No. 13-09: Foreclosure Settlement Offer for Property Located at 1116 Hazzard Ave . A motion was made by Commissioner Eckian, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to Approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of Resolution No. 13-06. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Vice-Mayor Bob; Commissioner Eckian; and Mayor Muenzmay VI. OTHER BUSINESS Police Chief Fred Cobb reviewed the public safety plans for the festival. He explained that the majority of public safety concerns stem from the unofficial street celebrations. He provided an historical overview of the traffic control concerns and noted that Bates A venue, between Glover and Cardinal, had been closed to only local traffic during the celebration since 2009. He explained there would be two control access points for the area - one at Glover and Bates and one at Cardinal and Bates. He further explained that the parking lot in front of the Curtright Center would be used for pick up and delivery of senior citizens and handicapped. He stated that this year there also would be two sign boards to provide on-site notification of local traffic only access, as well as door to door prior notification and the mailing of flyers to approximately 1600 residents. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 211212013 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 7, 2013 The Commission confirmed that resident guests would be allowed access, that nonresident vehicles would be directed to parking areas and asked if the Curtright parking lots would be open. Chief Cobb explained those are school property and that, following the parade, access to that parking has been restricted due to problems that have occurred there in the past. Mr. Berg asked if the church would provide parking with Ms. Mitchell indicating they charge for the parking there. 13018 Request to Re-name Bates Ave. to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Dianne Kramer, Development Services Director, explained the history of the request to rename Bates Avenue in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She explained the complications involved in renaming the street including difficulties with the County procedure and criteria for renaming a street. She commented on other possibilities for honoring Dr. King concluding with a review of staff's recommendation to rename a portion of Kensington from Orange Avenue to Macdonald noting the upcoming improvements with the new gateway and the landscaped median which would make the "boulevard" designation more appropriate. The Commission confirmed that if there is a sign off Orange A venue it could be in the same style as the new larger wayfinding signs not the smaller signage. The Commission discussed the plans for the gateway park including a "ribbon of history" theme with emphasis on artist Hughie Lee-Smith Mayor Muenzmay opened the floor for public input at 6:41p.m. Nicie Allen Parks, 1110 South Street, suggested Grove Street or Orange A venue could be considered as alternatives due to their high visibility. Georgia Lewis, 1000 Wall Street, Apt. 28, suggested that the Community Building be renamed to recognize Dr. King which would not require anyone to change their address or incur cost for new street signs. Hugh Brockington, 827 Edgewater Circle, expressed support for Grove Street or Orange Avenue noting that Dr. King worked for the unity of all people. Public comment was closed at 6:45p.m. due to no further public comment. At the request of Mayor Muenzmay, Carla Mitchell came forward and stated her support for the renaming of Bates Avenue due to the resident petition. The Commission discussed the need to have the recognition be centrally located and how to carry out an honorary designation of a street. Mr. Berg said the street signs are usually a different color with both street names on the signs. The Commission discussed the contributions of Dr. King, renaming Bates A venue or Orange A venue, placing a memorial in the new park, the possibility of naming the community building particularly in light of the planned improvements to Ferran Park and the waterfront and possible doing more than one alternative such as renaming Bates A venue and naming the community building. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission to have the issue put on the CRA community meeting agenda to get feedback on the renaming of Bates A venue and/or the community building with Ms. Mitchell who brought forth the petition also speaking to the community. City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 211212013 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 7, 2013 13030 Discussion on Eustis Main Street, Inc. financial status Mayor Muenzmay explained he requested to have the issue placed on the agenda due to his review of their financial reports and concern about them not being able to fulfill their obligations under the agreement due to lack of sufficient funding. He noted his prior request that the City Manager meet with Eustis Main Street, Inc. (EMS) to determine their plans for addressing the shortfall and fulfilling their contract and commented on the subsequent resignation of Mark Zimmerman from the Eustis Main Street, Inc. He indicated he would save any further comments until after hearing from EMS. Bob David, representing Eustis Main Street, Inc. , provided a report on the financial status of the organization noting their historical dependence on CRA funding and their efforts to reduce that dependency. He stated that the budget was approved with a $14,650 deficit which was pointed out to the Board at every meeting in order to maintain a level of awareness. He explained the organization has been addressing the shortfall through increased efforts on fundraising, membership and controlling expenses. He reviewed the planned fundraisers and the benefits to the City emphasizing the new events - Magnolia Stroll Wine Walks and Lake Eustis Fine Wine Festival. He cited a major loss on the Lake Eustis Fine Wine Festival primarily due to a major sponsor withdrawing. He then reviewed the special events and the financial impact of each. He cited the traditional revenue sources for Main Street organizations and then explained their plan for the deficit reduction including recruit and retain major sponsors, increasing event sponsors, member recruitment and retention, increasing grants, gifts and contributions, reducing event expenses, increasing competitive bidding for event merchandise and services, increasing in-kind donations for events, and improving marketing for events both regionally and locally. He then stated their goals as follows: 1) 4 new major sponsors; 2) secure event sponsors to fully fund events within two years; 3) increase membership by 25%; 4) grant committee formed to meet goal of $5000 for current year; and 5) maximize return on existing events and fundraisers. He provided a summary of the Eustis Main Street, Inc. organization including the amount of volunteer hours utilized. Mayor Muenzmay explained the concern is not about what they've done in the past but about the continuation of their events under their contract with the City, specifically First Fridays. He confirmed that the EMS charter has not changed in the last five years. He commented on his attendance, prior to being on the Commission, at an EMS organizational meeting. He read a letter from Mark Zimmerman, who was the EMS Vice President. He expressed concern about the City's taxpayer funds being used by the organization and commented on the benefits to the City of the First Friday events. He expressed support for the City continuing First Friday if the organization is unable to do so. He emphasized the need for them to fulfill their contract with the City. The Commission expressed support for continuing the First Friday events in the event EMS cannot complete its contract, discussed the comments from Mr. Zimmerman's letter, cited problems with vendors being denied access to the First Friday events and some constituents not feeling comfortable in the downtown businesses and at the events, and requests from residents that funding for EMS be discontinued. Mayor Muenzmay requested the EMS Executive Director schedule a meeting with the City Manager to review the next First Friday plans. VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -None VIII. COMMENTS John Futch, Director of Public Works, distributed a written report to the Commission and reported on the progress of the following projects: 1) Kensington Gateway project; 2) reclaimed water ground storage tank; 3) wastewater treatment plant denitrification project; 4) sidewalks that have been completed or repaired; and 5) Grand Island well. He explained that every Friday morning the Public Works staff meets to review the status of all the projects. The Commission explained the milestones they would like to have reported on and cited improvements at the wastewater plant. City of Eustis, Florida Page4 Printed on 211212013 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final February 7, 2013 City Commission Commissioner Eckian commented on the recent Sailing Regatta, activities at the Trout Lake Nature Center, the Lake Eustis Museum of Art opening with an award to Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and noted the upcoming Lake County Days in Tallahassee. Commissioner LeHeup-Smith asked about transportation and timing for the upcoming parades. She cited the Eustis Service League bunco event at the Raymond James building in Tavares on Tuesday evening. Commissioner Holland commented on his attendance at the Bates A venue group meeting and cited the African-American Heritage and GeorgeFest Festivals. Vice Mayor Bob encouraged attendance at all of the upcoming events. Mayor Muenzmay reported on the Orlando Economic Development Council meeting. He indicated he would be reporting on the MPO meetings due to the time lag in receiving minutes of the meetings. City Manager Mr. Berg reminded the Commission about Saturday workshop on the strategic plan and encouraged attendance at all of the upcoming events. City Attorney Derek Schroth, City Attorney, reported he had received correspondence from John Keating and asked if the Commission wanted to schedule a closed session. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission to meet in closed session. IX. ADJOURNMENT - 8:01 p.m. *These minutes refl ect the actions taken and portions of the discuss ion 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 verbatim transcript of the meetmg can be obtamed from the office of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida Page5 Printed on 211212013