City Commission Regular Meeting

APPROVED: 5/1/2014 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final* City Commission Thursday, April 3, 2014 6:00PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Bob INVOCATION: Rev. Theotis Bob, Legacy Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Holland ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5 - Commissioner Michael Holland ; Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Kress Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Albert Eckian ; and Mayor Linda Bob I. AGENDA UPDATE- None II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 14111 March 20, 2014- Regular City Commission Meeting A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Vice-Mayor Eckian, to Approve the Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Eckian; and Mayor Bob III. PRESENTATIONS 14106 Presentation by Tom DeBusk of Watershed Technologies, LLC Rick Gierok, Public Works Deputy Director, explained the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) 2007 Upper Ocklawaha Basin Action Plan which includes Lake Eustis and Trout Lake. He stated five lakes are being considered for additional concern one of which is Trout Lake. He reported on a meeting the City had with the Lake County Water Authority, St. John's River Water Management District, FDEP and Mr. DeBusk to discuss opportunities relating to Hicks Ditch, which is the largest identified nutrient feeder to Trout Lake. Tom DeBusk, Watershed Technologies LLC, provided a presentation regarding Trout Lake and Hicks Ditch and their proposal to implement a surface water treatment system for Trout Lake. He stated the support needed for the project includes capital and operating costs from the State of Florida and a land lease from the City of Eustis. He explained they are requesting input from the Commission regarding their interest in the project. The Commission questioned Mr. DeBusk about the project including: 1) what improvements they could see in Trout Lake; 2) how long the project would be; 3) the effect on the land; 4) whether the project would replace the previously included BMAP muck farm treatment project; 5) whether property farther north could be utilized for the project due to runoff from agricultural/and closer to Umatilla; and 6) the amount of phosphorus that would be removed from Trout Lake. Mr. DeBusk responded as follows: 1) the water should become clearer and smell better with possibly a more diverse fish population; 2) the project would initially be run fulltime, as the water quality gets better, it could possibly be run only a few months of the year or even turned off; City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 411812014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final April 3, 2014 3) for the first site, most of the infrastructure would stay in place and would be used to treat stormwater runoff; and the second option could be returned to its original state; 4) the project might be reviewed by the Lake County Water Authority as a replacement for the muck farm treatment project; however, the muck farm is higher in the watershed; 5) the project needs to be as close as possible to Trout Lake so that it can be used to treat actual lake water during the dry season; and 6) he estimated the amount of phosphorus that would be removed at a few thousand pounds per year or better. The Commission discussed the possible benefits to Trout Lake, the need to utilize the lake for agri-tourism, and whether or not the facility would generate any local jobs with Mr. DeBusk indicating it would not be a big job creator with most of it controlled at a distance via computer. Mayor Bob opened the floor to public comment at 6:25p.m. Joan Bryant, President of Trout Lake Nature Center, asked about the operation of the facility and if it would utilize alum. She stated she would support anything that would provide improvement to the water quality in Trout Lake and expressed concern regarding proceeding without additional testing and identification of all the pollution sources. Mr. DeBusk stated they had already tested the water and alum would not be appropriate. He explained that the Hicks Ditch flow would be a wet season treatment and during the dry season the water from the lake would be pulled through an underground pipeline to the site where it would be treated and then returned to the lake. He added they have done some recent testing and there is still a lot of phosphorus coming from Hicks Ditch. He agreed with the need to identify other sources and added that is why they are proposing to also treat the lake water itself. The Commission commented on the state of Trout Lake, possible pollution sources and other unknowns and asked, if there is a delay in getting the project approved, could it be revisited in a year. Mr. DeBusk indicated the possibility that the State may not have funding available next year. Dianne Kramer, Acting City Manager, noted there is still time for a final decision and stated that staff can bring back additional information. She indicated they just need to know the Commission's willingness to have the issue brought back. Mr. Gierok noted that the Lake County Water Authority has been involved in the discussions on the project and they are planning to do some testing. CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission for staff to provide additional information prior to a final decision . 14110 Proclamation Declaring April 2014 as Child Abuse Prevention Month Mayor Bob and Vice Mayor Eckian presented a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to Emily Lee, Bates Avenue Neighborhood Improvement Council. Representatives were also present from KidsCentrallnc., Devereux Kids, and the Lake County Girls and Boys Club. Ms. Lee thanked the Commission for their support. She commented on the amount of child abuse and neglect within the local area and urged everyone to participate in the prevention efforts. She explained the use ofthe child abuse hotline and the 2-1-1 resource phone number. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 411812014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final April 3, 2014 14112 Report on Georgefest by Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Christie Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, presented a report regarding the 2014 George fest. She thanked the Commission and staff for their involvement and support ofthe event. She stated that the 2015 Georgefest theme will be "From Sea to Shining Sea" and will be held from Friday, February 27th through Sunday, March 1st. She reported they will hold a contest for the design of the button with the Lake Eustis Museum of Art displaying the entries and hosting the voting in June with the winner to be announced in July. She noted they will be contacting the officials in Laredo, TX for additional ideas noting they operate the nation's longest running George Washington festival. She further commented on plans for the 2015 festival and noted that the fireworks vendor had agreed to provide the City with a discount for the July 4th fireworks. She stated their three-year contract with the City for operating George fest had concluded and asked the Commission to consider renewing their contract. She presented Georgefest t-shirts to all of the Commissioners and a plaque to the City commemorating the 2014 Georgefest, which was provided by the Village Framer. IV. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Tim Totten, 2617 Waterview Dr., addressed the Commission regarding the Amazing Race for Charity to be held Saturday, April 5th. He noted they have raised over $15,000 to be donated to local charities including Devereaux Kids, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Cornerstone Hospice and the Lifestream Behavioral Foundation . He stated they have over 300 entries for the event and thanked the City staff for their assistance. V. CONSENT AGENDA 14105 Resolution No. 14-24: PBA Collective Bargaining Agreement 14107 Resolution No. 14-25: City Manager Recruitment Firm Contract and Budget Amendment 14109 Resolution No. 14-26: Schedule of Fees for Special Events The Commission asked if the City had charged fees for equipment in the past for special events with Ms. Kramer explaining that the event sponsors would have the option of renting port-a-potties through the City or by themselves. She assured the Commission the City would not be purchasing port-a-potties but would assist with the rental. A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Vice-Mayor Eckian, to Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Eckian; and Mayor Bob VI. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS SECOND READING 14095 Ordinance No. 14-19: Design District Map Amendment for 215 E. Laurel Oak Drive Derek Schroth, City Attorney, read Ordinance No. 14-19 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; Amending the Design District Map to Correct a Mapping Error; Assigning the Design District Designation of Suburban Neighborhood to Approximately 2.19 Acres of Real Property Located at 215 E. Laurel Oak Drive. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:11p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:11p.m. City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 411812014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final April 3, 2014 A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner Muenzmay, to Adopt Ordinance No. 14-19 on second reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Eckian; and Mayor Bob 14096 Ordinance No. 14-20: Design District Map Amendment for Northwest Corner of Waycross Ave. and Abrams Road Mr. Schroth read Ordinance No. 14-20 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; Amending the Design District Map to Correct a Mapping Error; Assigning the Design District Designation of Suburban Neighborhood to Approximately 5. 06 Acres of Real Property Located on the Northwest Corner of Waycross Ave. and Abrams Road. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:11p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to Adopt Ordinance No. 14-20 on second reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Eckian; and Mayor Bob 14097 Ordinance No. 14-21: Design District Map Amendment for 751 Old Mt. Dora Road Mr. Schroth read Ordinance No. 14-21 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; Amending the Design District Map to Correct Mapping Errors; Assigning the Design District Designation of Suburban Neighborhood to Approximately 8.33 acres of Real Property Located at 751 Old Mt. Dora Rd. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:12p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:12p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Holland, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to Adopt Ordinance No. 14-21 on second reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5 - Commissioner Holland; Commissioner LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Muenzmay; Vice-Mayor Eckian; and Mayor Bob VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Mayor Eckian noted that, when the EMS MSTU ordinance comes back to the Commission for renewal, his preference would be for a one year term. VIII. COMMENTS City Commission Commissioner Holland commented on the fire station groundbreaking and the Jazz Band program at the First Baptist Church with catering by the high school culinary arts program. He stated he went to Country Club Mobile Manor with Water Superintendent Greg Dobbins and Fire Chief Rex Winn noting a recent fire there and that they only have two fire hydrants in the park. He stated he was impressed with Mr. Dobbins and Chief Winn and how they worked with the park board. He reported on his attendance at Legislative Days in Tallahassee. Vice Mayor Eckian also commented on the Jazz Festival. He thanked all the City departments for their efforts on the new fire station. He thanked Tim Totten for his work on the Amazing Race and reminded everyone about the Boys & Girls Club fishing tournament to be held April 12th. City of Eustis, Florida Page4 Printed on 411812014 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final April 3, 2014 Commissioner Holland commented on the fire station groundbreaking and the Jazz Band program at the First Baptist Church with catering by the high school culinary arts program. He stated he went to Country Club Mobile Manor with Water Superintendent Greg Dobbins and Fire Chief Rex Winn noting a recent fire there and that they only have two fire hydrants in the park. He stated he was impressed with Mr. Dobbins and Chief Winn and how they worked with the park board. He reported on his attendance at Legislative Days in Tallahassee. Vice Mayor Eckian also commented on the Jazz Festival. He thanked all of the City departments for their efforts to get the new fire station constructed. He thanked Tim Totten for his work on the Amazing Race and reminded everyone about the Boys & Girls Club fishing tournament to be held April 12th. Commissioner LeHeup-Smith further commented on the Jazz Festival and reminded everyone about the First Friday event. Commissioner Muenzmay noted the Habitat for Humanity 25th anniversary and their free concert in the park. He invited the Commissioners to the Partners for Success event and distributed flyers on the event. He expressed concern about Lake County Public Works starting the widening of SR 44 immediately prior to the Lake County Fair and right in front of the fairgrounds. He noted an adjoining road (SR 452) was also closed for tree trimming at the same time. City Manager Ms. Kramer noted she had provided information to the Commission regarding an application for a fee waiver for a Conditional Use Permit. She explained the problem the property owner is having with their lender due to an existing nonconforming use. She stated that the request is for a waiver of the application fee but they would cover all of the other costs. She asked for permission to waive the application fee . CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission to waive the application fee. Ms. Kramer provided sample notecards to the Commission with the City logo. She stated staff will have printed the cards printed and would provide them for use by the Commissioners. She announced the hiring of the Economic Development Director. She cited his experience and education and stated he would begin work with the City on June 2nd. She noted that the Chamber and a downtown business representative assisted with the interviews. She reported on the gateway improvement grant program stating that the first application had been received. She explained that the property owner was originally just going to do a basic recoating of the parking lot but with the City's grant they can actually resurface the lot. City Attorney- None Mayor Mayor Bob presented a photograph of the new construction at Eustis Heights Elementary. She commented on issues that confront many children. She noted that the new building will be two-story and confirmed it will do away with the portables. She announced the cancelling of the April 17th Commission meeting and reminded everyone of the workshop following an intermission. IX. ADJOURNMENT-7:26p.m. City C lerk Mayor/Commissioner *These minutes refl ect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meetin g. 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 meetin g can be obtained fro m the office of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida PageS Printed on 411812014