City Commission Regular Meeting

APPROVED:1/19/2017 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final City Commission Thursday, January 5, 2017 6:00PM City Hall INVOCATION: Pastor Buddy Walker, Commissioned Beyond Borders PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Bob CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holland - 6:02 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 7 - Commissioner Marie Aliberti ; Commissioner Linda Bob; Commissioner Carla Gnann- Thompsen; Vice-Mayor Karen LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Robert Morin; Commissioner Anthony Sabatini; and Mayor Michael Holland I. AGENDA UPDATE - None II. RETIRING MAYOR'S MESSAGE FOR 2016 16268 Retiring Mayor's Message Retiring Mayor Holland invited Retiring Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith to provide some parting comments. Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith thanked the department heads and staff for their support and encouraged the new Commission to take advantage of their expertise. Mayor Holland presented his State of the City address and farewell comments: "Eight years ago I took the oath as a first-time city commissioner with big ideas for Eustis. But a rough national recession had drastic local consequences. It would have been easy to be discouraged by the challenges ahead. But my focus changed to helping my beloved hometown ride out the financial storm. Dwindling tax revenues forced us to re-think the way we do business. As a team, the commission tackled the difficult cuts and found compromises. Purchasing programs were scrutinized and reduced. Reserves were used to supplement essential services. Open positions went unfilled and many were eventually eliminated. The remaining staff were asked to do more. While their living expenses went up each year, their salaries didn 't because we suspended merit increases during the crisis. To maintain subsidized health insurance for our employees, we asked them to shoulder more of the cost for their dependents. It's a testament to city staff that they maintained our high standards despite increased demand for services. There is no way that I can truly tell our employees how far their sacrifices went to saving this city. Despite those difficult choices, we were also able to accomplish some very impressive things. To spur development and business, we implemented a partial sewer impact fee waiver program. We streamlined our development plan approval process. We revised our business tax receipt ordinance to simplify that process. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 111312017 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 5, 2017 For our students, we tackled the Safe Route to Schools project that provided new and improved sidewalks so they can get to our schools safely. We improved the Eustis Memorial Library facilities, renovated the building, upgraded the computer systems and added e-book inventories. We built Palmetto Point Park and installed fantastic workout stations to the peaceful half mile track around the pond. We completed beautification efforts in Ferran Park to include a revitalized pool with a fantastic new splash pad. We secured grants for the Sunset Island Skate Park, Carver Park and for the Palmetto Plaza project. We added street lights, resurfaced streets, beautified our corridors and upgraded vital water and sewer lines. Essential services have also been improved. Staff secured a 2.5 million dollar grant that will fund expansion of the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Eustis Police Department, already the finest agency in Lake County, added a neighborhood watch program, implemented a citizens academy and completed an arduous and prestigious accreditation process. The county's best fire department improved to the second best ISO rating available, completed a long process for Advanced Life Support certification, replaced two fire trucks, outfitted a new state of the art rescue vehicle and completed construction and staffing of a second fire station to provide better service to our citizens in North Eustis. We accomplished all of this while facing a wave of retirements in key positions. Because we worked as a team, the Commission was able to hire a fantastic new city manager and find dynamic leaders for so many departments, including fire, police, finance, public works, human resources and development services. I could spend all night listing the things we 've accomplished as a city, but what is most important is NOT what we 've done, but how we've done it. We accomplished these things by working together. When citizens from all parts of Eustis are engaged in the process, everyone wins. When we engage citizens encompassed by the CRA to proactively tackle the issues, we all win . When we improve downtown streets and bring outsiders into our city with programs like Explore Eustis, the Busker Festival and the Bike Fest Music Festival, we all win . When partnerships between city leaders, school leaders and business leaders help our halls of learning like Eustis Heights Elementary improve the school's grade from an 'F' to a 'B ' we all win . When we put aside our differences to work toward a better Eustis, we ALL win . Growing up in this great city, I remember meeting the mayor. I was impressed by Verdual Hamlin 's leadership and steadfast devotion to Eustis. Verdual was a partner in a local funeral home and a funeral director. As you may know, I am, today, a funeral director. As your mayor I have tried to honor the legacy of those who went before me. Steadfast men like Verdual Hamlin and S. TE. Pinkney. Honorable and caring women like Alta Trask, Gwendolynn Manning and Evelyn Smith. Why? Because every kid in Eustis deserves the same chances I've had in life. The opportunity for a good education. The support of an engaged and caring community. And community leaders who they can look up to and, one day, aspire to be. I challenge our incoming Commissioners to realize your place in our community isn 't just on this dais. You are a living embodiment of what Eustis already is and what she can be. It has been one of the proudest achievements of my life to serve Eustis in such an important role . It is a responsibility I have not taken lightly. To the citizens of Eustis I say thank you for this profound opportunity. I hope in my short eight years as a public servant that I have done my hometown proud. III. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES TO OUTGOING COMMISSIONERS AND MAYOR 16263 Presentation of plaques to outgoing Mayor Holland and Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 111312017 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 5, 2017 Ron Neibert, City Manager, presented Commission Se!Vice recognition plaques to Michael Holland and Karen LeHeup-Smith and a gavel plaque in recognition of his term as Mayor to Michael Holland and thanked them for their se!Vice to the community. IV. APPOINTMENT OF CITY CLERK AS TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN Mayor Holland fumed the meeting over to City Clerk Mary Montez and he and Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith retired from the dais. V. SWEARING-IN AND SEATING OF NEW COMMISSIONERS 16266 Swearing-in of Commissioners-Elect Ms. Montez administered the Oath of Office to newly-elected Commissioners Marie Aliberti and Anthony Sabatini and returning Commissioners Carla Gnann-Thompson and Robert Morin. VI. ELECTION OF MAYOR 16261 Election of 2017 Mayor and Vice Mayor Ms. Montez explained for the audience the procedure to be used for the election of Mayor to be followed by the election of Vice Mayor. Ms. Montez opened the floor to nominations for Mayor. Conymissioner Sabatini nominated Commissioner Morin for Mayor. There being no further nominations forthcoming, Ms. Montez asked for a motion to close the nominations. Commissioner Sabatini moved to close the nominations. Commissioner Gnann-Thompson seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion to close the nominations passed 4 to 1 with Commissioner Bob dissenting. On a roll call vote, the motion to elect Robert Morin as Mayor passed on a 4 to 1 vote with Commissioner Bob dissenting. Ms. Montez turned the meeting over to Mayor Morin. VII. ELECTION OF VICE MAYOR Mayor Morin opened the floor to nominations for Vice Mayor. Commissioner Gnann-Thompson nominated Commissioner Bob for Vice Mayor. Mayor Morin nominated Commissioner Aliberti for Vice Mayor. There being no further nominations forthcoming, Mayor Morin asked for a motion to close the nominations. Commissioner Gnann-Thompson moved to close the nominations. Commissioner Aliberti seconded the motion. The motion to close the nominations passed unanimously. On a roll call vote, the motion to elect Commissioner Bob as Vice Mayor failed 3 to 2 as follows: Aye: Commissioner Bob and Commissioner Gnann-Thompson Nay: Commissioner Aliberti, Mayor Morin and Commissioner Sabatini City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 111312017 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 5, 2017 On a roll call vote, the motion to elect Commissioner Aliberti as Vice Mayor passed 3 to 2 as follows: Aye: Commissioner Aliberti; Mayor Morin and Commissioner Sabatini Nay: Commissioner Bob and Commissioner Gnann-Thompson VIII. SEATING OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR Mayor Morin and Vice Mayor Aliberti assumed their respective seats. Mayor Morin thanked Michael Holland and Karen LeHeup-Smith for their dedication to the community and the benefits of their work to the community He commented on the need for the new Commission to build on their legacy, growth within the county and city, the City's potential for the future and the need for the City to address community development, housing and veterans' issues, public safety, recreation, annexation and other quality of life issues. He cited the need for the City to work with state and county government and chambers of commerce to develop local business and more jobs. He commented on the need to work with the County Commission and School Board to improve academic outcomes and job climate for graduates. He ended with a quote from John Bryson's "Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations". IX. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 16267 December 15, 2016- Regular City Commission Meeting A motion was made by Commissioner Sabatini, seconded by Commissioner Gnann- Thompsen, to Approve the Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Commissioner Bob; Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Vice Mayor Aliberti; Commissioner Sabatini; and Mayor Morin X. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Tim Totten welcomed the new Commissioners and thanked them and the returning Commissioners for their service. He commented on the upcoming Amazing Race for Charity and invited the new Commissioners to participate. Vance Yochim, Fiscal Rangers, congratulated the new Commissioners and addressed the Commission on the new school board superintendent. He cited the previous joint meeting with the previous school board superintendent and suggested they hold a similar meeting. Gail Isaac Thomas also congratulated the new Commissioners and encouraged them to get out in the east CRA. She reminded everyone about the next Christian Comedy Show on February 18th. Leonard Wheeler, noted he is a defendant in a lawsuit by the City, he complimented the City Attorney and the City's new City Manager on issues they have assisted him with. He addressed the Commission regarding the Jack of streetlights on Kurt Street and on the relocation of the bus stop from Kurt Street due to the lack of lighting and not meeting ADA requirements. He stated that the County informed him that the City can request additional bus stops and recommended they get a stop on Kurt and at City Hall and install additional lighting on Kurt Street. Sonja Haught explained there is a City tree at the comer of her property, which she has been caring for She stated she is no longer able to care for the tree and it has become a nuisance to her property She stated she asked the City to remove the tree and her request was denied. She cited spiders and the Spanish moss in the tree and asked that the City have the tree removed. Robin Douglas thanked Michael Holland for his support and the proclamation regarding anti-bullying. She noted that they obtained one of the "mow to own" properties and they will be creating a community garden. City of Eustis, Florida Page4 Printed on 111312017 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 5, 2017 XI. CONSENT AGENDA 16260 2017 Commission Meeting Schedule 16264 Reappointment of Danielle (Schmidt) Wiles to Police Pension Board 16265 Reappointment of Monte Stamper to the Historic Preservation Board A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Sabatini, that the Consent Agenda be Approved . The motion passed by an unanimous vote. XII. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 16259 Resolution No. 17-01: Appointing Commissioners and Staff Members to various Boards and Committees Derek Schroth, City Attorney, announced Resolution No. 17-01: A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, to Appoint Liaisons, Directors/Members and Alternate Directors/ Members to Various Committees and Boards of Directors to Ensure that the City's Interests, as Expressed through the City Commission, are Represented on these Various Committees and Boards of Directors. The Commission noted the need for each Commissioner to consider the meeting times to make sure they can attend regularly and questioned why the Finance Director has been the liaison to the pension boards. Colleen Scott, Finance Director, explained the boards discuss various investments with the consultants providing quarterly reports so it was felt that the Finance Directors financial expertise would be beneficial to the boards. Following discussion, the Commission agreed on the following appointments: 1) Fire and Police Pension Board liaison - Finance Director Colleen Scott; 2) Ocklawaha Basin Workshop Group liaison - Commissioner Sabatini with Public Works Director Rick Gierok as alternate; 3) Lake County League of Cities Director- Mayor Morin with Vice Mayor Aliberti as alternate; 4) Lake- Sumter MPO Board- Mayor Morin with Economic Director Tom Carrino as alternate; 5) PRMG Group Health Trust Board- Human Resources Director Bi/1 Howe with Karen Crouch as alternate; 6) Lake Community Action Agency Board - Commissioner Gnann-Thompson with Commissioner Sabatini as alternate; 7) Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce Board- Commissioner Sabatini with City Manager Ron Neibert as alternate; 8) Lake County Education Concurrency Review Committee - Commissioner Bob; and Lake Eustis Museum of Art Board- Commissioner Sabatini. A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Sabatini, to Approve Resolution No. 17-01 with the appointments as discussed. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Commissioner Bob; Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen ; Vice Mayor Aliberti ; Commissioner Sabatini ; and Mayor Morin XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Gnann- Thompson noted a phone call she received regarding chickens within the City and stated she had referred them to the City Manager Commissioner Sabatini commented on the number of other cities that allow chickens in residential areas. Mr Neibert stated he would send information to the Commissioners regarding the City's current regulations and those from surrounding cities. City of Eustis, Florida PageS Printed on 111312017 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final January 5, 2017 Vice Mayor Aliberti announced the Police Department was hosting a community meeting on January 12th in Carver Park. XIV. COMMENTS City Commission Mayor Morin announced the upcoming First Friday event and the Bay St. Players performances of the "Great American Trailer Park Musical". City Manager Mr Neibert reported that the City had again received certification as a Tree City USA. Mayor Mayor Morin commented on the neighborhood forum being sponsored by the Police Department on January 12th in Carver Park. He encouraged everyone attending to discuss whatever issues they are interested in. He cited the other organizations that will be attending. Mr Neibert announced Lake Legislative Days would be held in Tallahassee on February 14th and 15th with January 15th being the deadline for Commissioners to indicate if they will be attending. Vice Mayor Aliberti thanked Michael Holland for his support and his service to the community. City Attorney Mr Schroth announced that he would be providing a Sunshine Law and ethics law presentation at the next Commission meeting. He reviewed some basic information including the handling of public records. He cautioned the Commissioners to discuss public business with other Commissioners only during the official meetings. He stated he would provide details regarding prohibitions against their use of influence as a Commissioner XV. ADJOURNMENT - 6:59 p.m. 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 verbatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the office of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida Page6 Printed on 111312017  City of Eustis, Florida January 5, 2017 OATH OF OFFICE I, Marie H. Aliberti, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that 1 am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Eustis; and that l will faithfully perform all the duties of the office of City Commissioner, Seat #3, on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Marie H. Aliberti, City Commissioner, Seat #3 Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5'h day ofJanuary, 201 7, By Marie H. Aliberti, who is personally known to me.  City of Eustis, Florida January 5, 2017 OATH OF OFFICE I, Carla Gnann-Thompson, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Eusti s; and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of the office of City Commissioner, Seat #5 , on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Carla Gn missioner, Seat #5 Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5'h day ofJanuary, 20 17, By Carla Gnann-Thompson, who is personally known to me.  City of Eustis, Florida January~ 2017 OATH OF OFFICE I, Robert Morin, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Eustis; and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of the office of City Commissioner, Seat #4, on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5'h day ofJanuary, 20 17, By Robert Morin, who is personally known to me.  City of Eustis, Florida January 5, 2017 OATH OF OFFICE I, A nthony Sabatini, do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Eustis; and that 1 will faithfully perform all the duties of the office of City Commissioner, Seat #2, on which 1 am now about to enter, so help me God. Ah ~ nt ony a atm1, 1ty ommissioner, eat S#2 Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5'h day ofJanuary, 2017, By Anthony Sabatini, who is personally known to me.