City Commission Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingEustis, FL · February 1, 2018
Minutes
APPROVED:2/15/2018
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 1, 2018 6:00PM City Hall
INVOCATION: Pastor Buddy Walker, Commissioned Beyond Borders
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sabatini
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Morin - 6:07 p.m.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE
Present: 4- Commissioner Carla Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Anthony Sabatini ; Commissioner Linda
Bob; and Mayor Robert Morin
Absent: 1 - Vice-Mayor Marie Aliberti
I. AGENDA UPDATE
Mayor Morin announced that public input would be taken regarding the backyard chickens only
during Audience to be Heard.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
18-0050 January 18, 2018 - Regular City Commission Meeting
A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner
Sabatini, to Approve the Minutes. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
III. PRESENTATIONS
18-0045 Presentation by Pastor Buddy Walker regarding Commissioned
Beyond Borders community activities
Pastor Buddy Walker reported on the Commissioned Without Borders activities in the past year at
the Bates Neighborhood Resource Center and provided a brief video highlighting some of those
programs. He noted their partnership with Lake Cares Food Pantry and cited the number of
families served by the program. He introduced Carty Sales, from Fresh Start Ministries, and Fran
Shanaver; master gardener with UF Extension and 4H programs. He explained she has started a
4H program utilizing the City's community garden.
18-0052 Presentation of Black History Month and African-American Heritage
Celebration Proclamation
Mayor Morin presented a proclamation recognizing Black History Month and the Eustis
African-American Heritage Celebration.
Vivian Carta Miller Mitchell, president of the Eustis African-American Heritage Committee, accepted
the proclamation and introduced other committee members - Pat Miller; Sandra Purdue, Tonya
Wilder; Janice Martin, and Kelly Garrett. She thanked the City for their support of the annual
celebration. They distributed flyers of the activities.
Mayor Morin noted the absence of Vice Mayor Aliberti due to the death of her mother
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IV. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD
Mayor Morin reminded the audience that anyone wishing to speak about the backyard chickens
should speak at this time as public input would not be allowed during the Commission discussion on
the issue.
Commissioner Sabatini suggested that the Commission discussion be moved up to after Audience to
be Heard so that the audience members could leave following the Commission action.
Mayor Morin declined to change the agenda.
The following individuals addressed the Commission regarding the possibility of allowing backyard
chickens and a proposed pilot program to allow 4-H and FFA students to have chickens: 1) Christine
Cruz; 2) John Horan, Seminole County Commission Chair; 3) Dallas Daniels, University of Florida
Extension SeNices; 4) Christina Sauls, owner of Happy Feet Hatchery; and 5) Judson Giddens.
Gail Isaac Thomas announced that Tiquanda Watkins Wright, a Eustis High School graduate, was
recently promoted to Army Sergeant First Class and requested that the Commission do something to
recognize her accomplishment.
Ron Neibert, City Manager, asked her to send him the young lady's information and he would have
something drafted up.
Commissioner Bob asked that discussion of the chickens be postponed to the next meeting so that
there is a full Commission present.
Joe LaPolla, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on the upcoming 2018 Eustis Running of the
Georges 5K race. He explained that this is a/so a fundraiser for the Parks and Recreation
Department to fund their scholarship program. He stated they have utilized over $10,000 for those
scholarships. He noted that the chili cook-off would follow the race.
Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, announced the upcoming City events including the
February First Friday, chili cook-off, 2018 Miss Eustis pageant, African-American Heritage
Celebration and Parade, the 116th annual GeorgeFest, and first ever Golden Triangle Jazz Festival.
Mayor Morin announced that the Triangle News Leader that was published that day had erroneous
information regarding Georgefest. He encouraged interested individuals to check the City's website
for correct information.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
18-0036 Resolution No. 18-11: Approval of Annual Purchase in Excess of $25,000
for Street Milling Services
18-0046 Resolution No. 18-12: Renewal of Lease Agreement with Commissioned
Beyond Borders, Inc.
18-0039 Resolution No. 18-13: Release of Lien- 803 Edgewater Drive, Code Case
#05-171
18-0037 Resolution No. 18-16: Approval of purchase in excess of $25,000 for a
Used Grapple Truck
18-0038 Resolution No. 18-17: Purchase in excess of $25,000 for installation of a
Security System for the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility
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A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Bob, to
Approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
VI. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
18-0048 Resolution No. 18-14: Lease Agreement with Eustis Partners, LLC
Derek Schroth, City Attorney, announced Resolution No. 18-14: A Resolution of the City Commission
of the City of Eustis, Florida; authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement renewal
with Eustis Partners, LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation, for property bounded by Clifford
Avenue, Grove Street, Magnolia Avenue and Eustis Street.
Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, reviewed the proposed lease agreements with Lake
Eustis Properties and Eustis Partners for the City to lease the vacant downtown parcels and the
parking lot.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 6:59p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 6:59p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner
Sabatini, to Approve Resolution No. 18-14. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
18-0049 Resolution No. 18-15: Lease Agreement with Lake Eustis Properties, LLC
Mr Schroth announced Resolution No. 18-15: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of
Eustis, Florida; authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease agreement renewal with Lake
Eustis Properties, LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation, for property bounded by Clifford
Avenue, Eustis Street, McDonald Avenue and Bay Street.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:00p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:00p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bob, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson,
to Approve Resolution No. 18-15. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen ; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
SECOND READING
18-0024 Ordinance No. 18-01: Amending Chap. 10, Sec. 10-86(a) Amusements and
Entertainment, expanding the on-street possession/consumption of alcohol
to Monday through Sunday with no time restrictions
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-01 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the
City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; amending Chapter 10, Section
10-86(a) Amusements and Entertainment; providing for codification; and providing for an effective
date
Mr Carrino explained the changes to the ordinance based on discussion on first reading. He
stated that the hours of operation have been omitted from the ordinance. He added that the
Police Department had expressed some concern regarding omitting the hours; however, the
Entertainment District regulations requires that the alcohol must be purchased at a downtown
business.
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The Commission requested that the downtown businesses be notified about the changes.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:02p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:02p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sabatini, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-
Thompsen, to Adopt Ordinance No. 18-01 on second reading. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen ; Commissioner Sabatini; Commissioner Bob; and Mayor
Morin
18-0029 Ordinance No. 18-06: Amending Chapter 62- Offenses; adding Article
Ill -Aggressive Solicitation
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-06 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the City
Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, amending Chapter 62 - Offenses; adding
Article Ill- Aggressive Solicitation; providing severability; providing an effective date.
Chief Calhoun explained that the ordinance is not intended to focus on people seeking donations on
street comers only those that engage in harassing behavior
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:04p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:04p.m.
The Commission asked what would constitute harassing behavior with Chief Calhoun explaining it is
defined in the ordinance.
Mayor Morin commented on the recent "point in time count" to try and count the number of
homeless people within the City. He noted that the ordinance is directed, not at the homeless, but
the individuals engaging in aggressive solicitation. He stated the count showed there are about 26
homeless individuals in the City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sabatini, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-
Thompsen, to Adopt Ordinance No. 18-06 on second reading. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen ; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
FIRST READING
18-0041 Ordinance No. 18-02: Conditional Use Permit for a Retail Use Located at
827 N. Bay Street
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-02 by title on first reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission
of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, approving a Conditional Use Permit for a retail use in the
Residential Office Transitional (RT) land use district on approximately 0.373 acres located at 827 N.
Bay Street.
Lori Barnes, Development Services Director, reviewed the requested Conditional Use Permit to
allow a retail store to offer arts and crafts, classes and baked goods for off-site consumption. She
stated it has been used as a professional office since 1990. She reviewed the conditions for
approval, compatibility with surrounding area, and stated staffs recommendation for approval.
The Commission discussed the possibility of opening up all RT to retail use without a CUP and
confirmed that the applicant was notified they are eligible for the gateway grant program.
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At the Commission's request, applicant Sylvia Karvasale commented on her history in Eustis and
plans for the business.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:15p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:15p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bob, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson,
to Approve Ordinance No. 18-02 on First Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen ; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and Mayor
Morin
18-0042 Ordinance No. 18-03: Voluntary Annexation - 2089 Morris Street
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-03 by title on first reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission
of the City of Eustis, Florida; voluntarily annexing approximately 4.45 acres of real property located
at 2089 Morris St. , Eustis, FL.
Ms. Barnes explained the proposed voluntary annexation for property located at 2089 Morris Street
and reviewed the proposed future land use and design district designations to be considered under
Ordinance Nos. 18-04 and 18-05. She further explained that the property owners well failed so they
have applied for annexation in order to receive City water
The Commission confirmed that the City already has the water lines available and questioned
whether the property owner has plans to build anything else on the property with Ms. Barnes
indicating he has not indicated he would.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:22p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:22p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Bob, to
Approve Ordinance No. 18-03 on First Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Sabatini; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
18-0043 Ordinance No. 18-04: Small Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan - 2089 Morris Street
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-04 by title on first reading: An Ordinance of the City
Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, amending the City of Eustis Comprehensive
Plan pursuant to 163.3187 (1) FS.; changing the Future Land Use designation of 4.45 acres of
recently annexed real property located at 2089 Morris Street from Urban Low in Lake County to
Suburban Residential (SR) in the City of Eustis.
Mr Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:23p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:23p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sabatini, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-
Thompsen, to Approve Ordinance No. 18-04 on First Reading. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 4 - Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Sabatini; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
18-0044 Ordinance No. 18-05: Design District Amendment - 2089 Morris Street
Mr Schroth read Ordinance No. 18-05 by title on first reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission
of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; assigning the Suburban Neighborhood design district
designation to approximately 4.45 acres of recently annexed real property located 2089 Morris
Street.
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Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:23p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing
was closed at 7:24p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bob, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, to
Approve Ordinance No. 18-05 on First Reading. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Commissioner Sabatini ; Commissioner Bob; and
Mayor Morin
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
18-0035 Provisions for Backyard Chickens in the City Limits
Commissioner Bob moved to table the discussion until the next meeting so that a full
Commission would be in attendance. Commissioner Sabatini seconded the motion.
Commissioner Bob stated that while she is not in favor of chickens within the City; however, she
might be willing to support allowing chickens for the children. She stated she would prefer to wait
so there is not the possibility of a 2 to 2 vote .
Commissioner Sabatini stated he is only talking about a pilot program to allow children in
agricultural education programs to have chickens.
Mayor Morin stated his opposition to allowing chickens in the City and expressed his opinion
regarding the number of actual Eustis residents in the audience that are in favor of the chickens.
He stated the City doesn't have the staff to implement and enforce a pilot program. He suggested
interested residents could possibly identify property outside the City limits to allow 4-H youth to raise
chickens. He commented on the possible effect on the health of the City's housing market. He
stated he would rather proceed with the vote rather than wait.
Commissioner Gnann- Thompson stated the Commission has to look at the whole City not just what
certain individuals want. She expressed her support for Lake County 4-H and stated she liked the
idea about the pilot program but noted she had received resident concerns that the program would
the open door to allowing other animals in the City She expressed concern about the City's ability
to enforce a pilot program.
VOTE: The motion to postpone failed on a 2 to 2 vote.
The Commission discussed whether or not to hear staffs presentation.
Commission Sabatini stated that a pilot program for a limited number of hens would not open the
door to larger bamyard animals. He emphasized his opposition to allowing larger animals. He
noted that in all of Seminole County, only 13 permits were pulled and estimated that probably the
City would only have about 15 families that would request permits. He added that the issues with
chickens are the same as with cats and dogs.
Commissioner Bob stated she did not want chickens in Eustis; however, if the Commission can
approve alcohol 7 days a week for adults, why can't they approve a pilot chicken program for the
youth?
Mr. Neibert reminded the Commission that even a pilot program would require an ordinance and
code change. He stated that staff could draft an ordinance that would restrict permits to people
under a certain age that are confirmed members of an agricultural program.
A motion was made by Commissioner Sabatini, seconded by Commissioner Bob, to have
staff draft an ordinance to allow only youth that are part of a traditional educational/civic
program and have completed chicken university to have chickens. On a voice vote, the
motion failed 2 to 2 with Mayor Morin and Commissioner Gnann-Thompson dissenting.
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VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -None
IX. COMMENTS
City Commission
Commissioner Gnann- Thompson recognized the Eustis Police Department and Fire Department for
saving three elderly people at Haselton Village. She also thanked the LifePointe Church and Open
Door for opening their doors and providing shelters for people without heat.
Commissioner Sabatini noted he had received comments about City forms and applications needing
to be electronic such as building permit applications.
Mr. Neibert stated he would look at what else could be electronic. He said there are some statutory
requirements for some items to be presented in person but, where possible, the City would make
sure they are available electronically.
Commissioner Bob commented on the need for the City to show people we care about them.
Mayor Morin announced he had gone to the LifePointe homeless shelter; however, there were only
seven people there. He explained that bus tokens were distributed to help people get to shelters.
He reported on the Mount Dora Live event and thanked Mr. Neibert for his presence and
representation of the City. He commented on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Leesburg
and on the Skateboard Park meeting.
City Manager
Mr. Neibert asked to reschedule the development workshop for Thursday, February 8th; however,
that date was not available for most of the Commission. He stated he would send out some
alternative dates for consideration.
City Attorney
Mr. Schroth reported that he had sent out the acceleration letter to Teems Inc.
The Commission asked to receive copies of the Jetter and he indicated he would email it out to
them.
Mayor- None
X. ADJOURNMENT- 7:46 p.m.
City Clerk
~ ROBERT R. MORIN, JR.
Mayor/Commissioner
*These minutes refl ect 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 Pagel Printed on 21812018
Agenda
City Hall
City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street
Post Office Drawer 68
Eustis, FL 32727-0068
Meeting Agenda
City Commission
Thursday, February 1, 2018 6:00 PM City Hall
INVOCATION: Pastor Buddy Walker, Commissioned Beyond Borders
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sabatini
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Morin
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE
I. AGENDA UPDATE
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
18-0050 January 18, 2018 - Regular City Commission Meeting
III. PRESENTATIONS
18-0045 Presentation by Pastor Buddy Walker regarding Commissioned
Beyond Borders community activities
18-0052 Presentation of Black History Month and African-American Heritage
Celebration Proclamation
IV. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD
V. CONSENT AGENDA
18-0036 Resolution No. 18-11: Approval of Annual Purchase in Excess of
$25,000 for Street Milling Services
18-0046 Resolution No. 18-12: Renewal of Lease Agreement with
Commissioned Beyond Borders, Inc.
18-0039 Resolution No. 18-13: Release of Lien - 803 Edgewater Drive, Code
Case #05-171
City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 1/31/2018
City Commission Meeting Agenda February 1, 2018
18-0037 Resolution No. 18-16: Approval of purchase in excess of $25,000 for a
Used Grapple Truck
18-0038 Resolution No. 18-17: Purchase in excess of $25,000 for installation of
a Security System for the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility
VI. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
18-0048 Resolution No. 18-14: Lease Agreement with Eustis Partners, LLC
18-0049 Resolution No. 18-15: Lease Agreement with Lake Eustis Properties,
LLC
SECOND READING
18-0024 Ordinance No. 18-01: Amending Chap. 10, Sec. 10-86(a)
Amusements and Entertainment, expanding the on-street
possession/consumption of alcohol to Monday through Sunday with no
time restrictions
18-0029 Ordinance No. 18-06: Amending Chapter 62 - Offenses; adding Article
III - Aggressive Solicitation
FIRST READING
18-0041 Ordinance No. 18-02: Conditional Use Permit for a Retail Use Located
at 827 N. Bay Street
18-0042 Ordinance No. 18-03: Voluntary Annexation - 2089 Morris Street
18-0043 Ordinance No. 18-04: Small Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment
to the Comprehensive Plan - 2089 Morris Street
18-0044 Ordinance No. 18-05: Design District Amendment - 2089 Morris Street
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
18-0035 Provisions for Backyard Chickens in the City Limits
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
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City Commission Meeting Agenda February 1, 2018
IX. COMMENTS
City Commission
City Manager
City Attorney
Mayor
X. ADJOURNMENT
This Agenda is provided to the Commission only as a guide, and in no way limits their consideration to the items contained hereon. The
Commission has the sole right to determine those items they will discuss, consider, act upon, or fail to act upon. Changes or amendments to
this Agenda may occur at any time prior to, or during the scheduled meeting. It is recommended that if you have an interest in the meeting,
you make every attempt to attend the meeting. This Agenda is provided only as a courtesy, and such provision in no way infers or conveys
that the Agenda appearing here is, or will be the Agenda considered at the meeting.
If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency or commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or
hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the
proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (Florida Statutes, 286.0105). In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should
contact the City Clerk 48 hours prior to any meeting so arrangements can be made. Telephone (352) 483-5430 for assistance.
"Any invocation that may be offered before the official start of the Commission meeting shall be the
voluntary offering of a private citizen, to and for the benefit of the Commission and the public. The
views or beliefs expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved
by the Commission, and the Commission is not allowed by law to endorse the religious beliefs or
views of this, or any other speaker.
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