City Commission Regular Meeting

APPROVED: 1/16/2014 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes- Final* City Commission Tuesday, January 7, 2014 7:30PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Muenzmay -7:30p.m. INVOCATION: Rev. W. H. Volland, Epiphany Anglican Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner LeHeup-Smith ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5 - Vice-Mayor Linda Bob; Commissioner Albert Eckian; Commissioner Michael Holland; Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith; and Mayor Kress Muenzmay I. AGENDA UPDATE- None II. OUTGOING MAYOR'S MESSAGE- Mayor Muenzmay Mayor Muenzmay presented a certificate to Commissioner Eckian in recognition of his attendance at an education symposium "New Developments in Municipal Finance and Special Assessments". Mayor Muenzmay then presented his outgoing message as follows: "It has been an honor to serve as your mayor for the past year. At the beginning of the year /laid out four points that I felt needed to be addressed: • Solving the deficit gap between recurring revenue and expense in the General fund. • Reviewing both the Fire and Police pension funds to understand the ongoing fiscal impact on the city. • Bring economic development to the city of Eustis. • Community support from both the private and public sectors on improving the educational experience for our children and adults. On the issue of closing the deficit gap between recurring revenue and expense in the General fund, we made very little progress. As a commission we chose to address the compensation issues for the city staff. At the same time lYe instituted a performance review system that is performance based with the goal of retaining and attracting top performers. The deficit gap was controlled by an increase in the millage rate. Consultants presented reviews of our police and fire pensions. It was determined that after fiscal year's end (October 2013) we would review the status of the plans and then review options for changes if any. This issue is difficult for local government as pension reform is controlled at the state level. Presently there is no willingness to add more flexibility for municipalities to deal with the ever growing non sustainable financial obligations of these plans. During my first year as city commissioner, I felt that the role of our city manager could include the role of economic development director. During tough economic times when the need to survive is first and foremost in your mind, curtailing expense is a priority. But we know that some areas require additional effort not less in these times. Economic development is one of those in my opinion. It is clear to me that the city needs focused attention on economic development and the addition of an economic development director is the correct direction for the city to move. Infrastructure for economic development is moving forward. The completion of the storm water project in the central business district 2 years ago eliminated the need for retention ponds, lowering development cost and increasing developable land. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 11912014 City Commission Meeting Minutes -Final January 7, 2014 The completion of continuous weld railroad track from Orlando to Eustis in January of 2014 adds an environmentally friendly, cost effective, mode of transportation that begins to set Eustis apart and fills a transportation need in the equation of economic development. Education is the basis for a strong viable community. In the big picture the movement from Community College to State College at Lake Sumter is an important building block. Lake Tech continues to monitor the needs of our community and add curriculum designed to provide a skilled workforce for our local businesses. The Lake County Business Opportunity Center in Eustis is providing educational classes for local businesses free of charge. Class size is 25 and they have been full since the first class. Keeping businesses and helping them grow is as important as attracting new businesses. The Eustis High School Culinary department has for the past 2 years catered the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce Community Awards dinner. The Video Production department has created a video documentary of GeorgeFest, the longest running celebration of George Washington's Birthday in Florida and 2nd longest in the United States, opportunities for two of our Career Academies to interact with both the public and private sectors and gain rea/life experience and exposure. Ground breaking took place on the new Eustis Heights Elementary School and the Bates Avenue Neighborhood Council sponsored a successful GED program for adults. I believe that every new experience should provide you with lessons teamed. Being mayor is no different. Even if the lesson has been teamed before it gets reinforced. Everything you do effects someone and not always in a positive way. The younger your constituents, the more impressed they are with the title mayor. You are mayor not king. Eustis is a reflection of its citizens, and it's a reflection /like. With your continued involvement in the present and future of Eustis, all things are possible." lll. PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING MAYOR Dianne Kramer, Acting City Manager, presented a plaque to Commissioner Muenzmay in recognition of his service to the City as Mayor during 2013. IV. APPOINTMENT OF CITY CLERK AS TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN Mayor Muenzmay appointed the City Clerk as temporary Chair for the purpose of conducting the election of the Mayor. V. ELECTION OF MAYOR 14004 Election of 2014 Mayor and Vice Mayor Mary Montez, City Clerk, reviewed for the audience the procedure to be used for election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, then opened the floor to nominations for Mayor. Commissioner Holland nominated Commissioner Bob as Mayor. There being no further nominations for Mayor, Ms. Montez asked for a motion to close the nominations. Commissioner Eckian moved to close the nominations, seconded by Commissioner Muenzmay. On voice vote, the nominations were closed. Ms. Montez then took a roll call vote on the nomination of Commissioner Bob as Mayor. The nomination passed as follows: Aye - 5 - Commissioner Bob, Commissioner Eckian, Commissioner Holland, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Muenzmay City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 11912014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 7, 2014 VI. ELECTION OF VICE-MAYOR Mayor Bob assumed control of the meeting and opened the floor to nominations for Vice Mayor. Commissioner Muenzmay nominated Commissioner LeHeup-Smith as Vice Mayor. Mayor Bob nominated Commissioner Eckian as Vice Mayor. There being no further nominations, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith moved to close the nominations. Commissioner Muenzmay seconded. On voice vote, the nominations were closed. Ms. Montez took a roll call vote on the nomination of Commissioner LeHeup-Smith as Vice Mayor. The nomination failed by a vote of 4 to 1 as follows: Nay - 3 - Commissioner Eckian, Commissioner Holland, Commissioner Muenzmay, Mayor Bob Aye - 2 - Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Muenzmay Ms. Montez took a roll call vote on the nomination of Commissioner Eckian as Vice Mayor. The nomination passed as follows: Aye - 5 -Commissioner Eckian, Commissioner Holland, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Muenzmay, Mayor Bob VII. SEATING OF MAYOR AND VICE-MAYOR VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 14001 December 5, 2013 - Regular City Commission Meeting A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner Eckian, to Approve the Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Mayor Bob; Vice-Mayor Eckian; Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; and Commissioner Muenzmay IX. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Christie Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Commission for their support in 2013 and reported to the Commission that the Chamber has been selected to run the Leadership Lake County program. She commented on her experience with the program and how it resulted in her position with the Chamber. Theodis Bob, 2115 Sandridge Circle, thanked the Commission for their efforts over the past three years, the good work they have accomplished and congratulated the Commission on their selection of Linda Bob as Mayor for 2014. X. CONSENT AGENDA 14003 Approval of 2014 Commission Meeting Schedule A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Mayor Muenzmay, to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Mayor Bob; Vice-Mayor Eckian ; Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; and Commissioner Muenzmay City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 11912014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 7, 2014 XI. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 14002 Resolution No. 14-01: Amendment of the FY 2013-2014 Budget. Derek Schroth, City Attorney, announced Resolution No. 14-01: A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, Amending the F¥201312014 Budget for the Various Funds and the Capita/Improvement Plan of the City of Eustis; and Authorizing the Finance Director of the City of Eustis, Florida, to Make the Necessary Adjustments. Jim Myers, Finance Director, reviewed the resolution and proposed budget amendment noting the six items to be added to the Capita/Improvement Plan as follows: 1) Police Station roof repairs; 2) Police radio tower removal; 3) Fire substation construction; 4) Kurt Street improvements; 5) Community Center roof repairs and 6) Increase in funding for gateway signs. He cited the budget amendment to the Sales Tax Revenue Fund and Fire Prevention Capital Expansion Trust Fund. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:54p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:54p.m. The Commission commented on the total increase in the CIP budget from $2,649,000 to $4,224,000 and expressed concern about why some of the items were not included in the original budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to Approve Resolution No. 14-01. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Mayor Bob; Vice-Mayor Eckian; Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay XII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Eckian requested that staff bring to one of the upcoming meetings possible dates for the summer budget workshops. XIII. COMMENTS City Commission Commissioner Holland congratulated Mayor Bob and Vice Mayor Eckian and reminded the rest of the Commission about the upcoming Lake County Days on February 18th and 19th and encouraged them to register to attend. Commissioner Muenzmay congratulated Mayor Bob and Vice Mayor Eckian, wished everyone happy new year, and commented on the Florida State/Auburn football championship game. Commissioner LeHeup-Smith congratulated Mayor Bob and Vice Mayor Eckian and stated she was looking forward to 2014. Vice Mayor Eckian congratulated Mayor Bob, thanked the rest of the Commission for their support and expressed support for Mayor Bob. City Manager Ms. Kramer reported there would be a "shade" meeting on Thursday, January 9th, at 5:15p.m. for discussion on the fire union collective bargaining. She confirmed that the January 18th workshop would begin at 9:00a.m. in the Lakeview Room at the Community Building. She indicated she would provide some information to facilitate the discussion on the direction the Commission envisions for the City. City of Eustis, Florida Page4 Printed on 11912014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 7, 2014 City Attorney Mr. Schroth reported to the Commission that a Motion to Intervene had been submitted by two properly owners regarding the Keating litigation. He stated that the judge will probably ask if the City objects or supports the intervention. He recommended that the City remain neutral on the issue. The Commission questioned the additional cost to the City if the intervention is allowed. Mr. Schroth responded it could result in additional costs if the intervention is allowed due to possibly some additional discovery costs and required attendance at additional hearings but it could also reduce the expense due to the interveners preparing the information rather than the City. The Commission concurred with Mr. Schroth's recommendation and discussed the benefit to remaining neutral. Mayor Mayor Bob thanked the City and staff for flowers and support during the death of her mother. She commented on the excellent EMS response and the atmosphere at the funeral. She stated she looks forward to working together as a team in 2014 and thanked everyone for their support. XIV. ADJOURNMENT - 8:06 p.m. d.~~Wv~._- &rk LINDA DURHAM BOB 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.eustts.org andchck 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 PageS Printed on 11912014