City Commission Regular Meeting

APPROVED:11/7/2019 rl o••"" "", MINUTES ({ .• J Regular City Commission Meeting -~ ·1 EUfiliS r •· ~ ~;,-! !,, .. 6:00 PM - Thursday, October 3, 2019 - City Hall INVOCATION: PASTOR BUDDY WALKER, COMMISSIONED BEYOND BORDERS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: VICE MAYOR LEHEUP-SMITH CALL TO ORDER: 6:03 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE PRESENT: Vice Mayor Karen LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Robert Morin , Commissioner Marie Aliberti, Commissioner Emily Lee and Mayor Michael Holland 1. AGENDA UPDATE: None 2. PRESENTATIONS 2.1 Eustis Police Department Promotion Ceremony - Corporal Matthew Grieves Police Chief Gary Calhoun recognized Matthew Grieves and swore him in to his new rank as corporal. Mayor Holland asked the Chief to report on the re-accreditation of the department with Chief Calhoun confirming that the department was re-accredited and will have to do that every three years. 2.2 Presentation by Pastor Buddy Walker regarding Commissioned Beyond Borders community activities Pastor Buddy Walker provided a report on Commissioned Beyond Borders program at the neighborhood service center on Clifford Street and the food distribution program sponsored by Lake Cares Food Pantry. He noted that Advent Health also comes out occasionally and does health screenings during the food distribution and the Health Department has come out to do tuberculosis vaccinations. He cited Carly Sayles who is director of their program and provided a number of anecdotes from their experiences. He introduced one of their volunteers to speak, Deborah Smith. Ms. Smith read an essay titled "What the Bates Center means to me". 3. APPOINTMENTS 3.1 Appointments to Lake County Library Advisory Board - Donna Bachowski and Aja Lake Moved by Commissioner Aliberti , seconded by Commissioner Morin, to approve the appointment of Donna Bachowski as the City's representative to the Lake Eustis City Commission Page 1 of 7 October 3, 2019  County Library Advisory Board and Aja Lake as the alternate appointee. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith , Commissioner Morin, Commissioner Aliberti, Commissioner Lee and Mayor Holland 4. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Stephanie Carder, President Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Chamber's new Executive Director Laura Stutz. She also introduced their office assistant Tammi Roundtree. Laura Stutz provided a brief biography and stated her pleasure at joining the Chamber. Ms. Carder commented on the Chamber's golf tournament planned for October 18th. Eileen Tramontana , Trout Lake Nature Center, announced that the Center will be sponsoring a table talk event on October 24th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bill Floyd addressed the Commission regarding a planned apartment complex at Dewey and McDonald and issues with homeless people assaulting one of his residents. Kathleen Floyd stated she was representing their 28 residents and expressed concern regarding the increase in the water rates, the lack of stormwater drains in their neighborhood and issues with crime and homeless individuals and the loss in tenants due to that. Fire Chief Mike Swanson announced that October is Fire Awareness and Cancer Awareness Month and stated they have cancer awareness shirts available for $20 with all profits going to cancer research. 5. CONSENT AGENDA 5.1 Resolution Number 19-80: Outside water/annexation agreement - 37410 New York Avenue, Umatilla 5.2 Resolution Number 19-84: Amending the current FY2018-2019 Budget to recognize Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of Hurricane Irma in 2017 5.3 Resolution Number 19-85: Purchase in excess of $25,000 for books and other reading materials 5.4 Resolution Number 19-86: Purchase in excess of $50,000 for Change Order #4 of the Ardice-Ruleme Roadway Improvements Project's Contract with Florida Safety Contractors, Inc. 5.5 Resolution Number 19-87: Purchase in excess of $25,000 for Police Vehicles 5.6 Resolution Number 19-88: Lease Agreement with Commissioned Beyond Borders, Inc. Moved by Commission Morin, seconded by Commissioner Lee, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried by the following votes: Eustis City Commission Page 2 of 7 October 3, 2019  Ayes: Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Morin, Commissioner Aliberti, Commissioner Lee and Mayor Holland 6. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 6.1 Resolution Number 19-83: Authorizing the recording of liens on delinquent utility accounts Derek Schroth , City Attorney, announced Resolution Number 19-83: A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; approving the recording of water, wastewater and irrigation liens. Colleen Scott, Finance Director, explained the need to impose the new utility liens against delinquent accounts and the purpose of a lien noting that it is not a foreclosure . She cited the criteria for placement of the liens. If approved, the property owner will be notified via certified letter and the meters will be pulled so they will no longer be charged an availability fee . Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m . There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:45 p.m . Moved by Commissioner Aliberti, seconded by Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith , to approve Resolution Number 19-83. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes : Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith , Commissioner Morin, Commissioner Aliberti , Commissioner Lee and Mayor Holland 7. OTHER BUSINESS 7.1 Public hearing to receive comments on the requested naming of Corey Rolle Field Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, explained a request had been received for the City to consider naming the Carver Park Annex field in honor of former Eustis Director of Parks and Recreation, Corey Rolle. He stated staff has reviewed the request to insure it meets City policy. He explained the first step is to hold a public hearing to hear comments on the proposal. Mayor Holland opened the floor to public comment at 6:48 p.m. Gail Isaac Thomas thanked the Commission for their consideration and introduced his wife Pamela Rolle and Sidney Dunham who worked with Mr. Rolle. Pamela Rolle thanked the Commission and stated it would be an honor for Corey and his children to have the field named for him. Sidney Dunham commented on his work with Corey Rolle , Mr. Rolle's personality and his work with the children of the community. Moved by Commissioner Morin, seconded by Commissioner Lee, to approve bringing forward a resolution for the naming of the Carver Park field as Corey Rolle Field . Motion carried by the following votes: Eustis City Commission Page 3 of7 October 3, 2019  Ayes: Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Morin, Commissioner Aliberti , Commissioner Lee and Mayor Holland 7.2 Discussion on littering ordinance and increased fines for littering on or near waterways Ron Neibert, City Manager, explained that a resident requested that the Commission consider imposing additional fines for littering on or near waterways. Due to that request, the City Attorney researched the issue and provided to the Commission a memorandum concerning the request. Mr. Schroth stated the Commission has the discretion to levy any amount of fine they wish and can put up monitoring cameras or signage. He noted it would be difficult to prosecute based on a camera. The Commission discussed the need to do something to deter littering and the possibility of obtaining a grant to purchase cameras and provide monitoring . The Commission confirmed that the Lake Walk is now closed at night with Mr. Neibert indicating it has been effective in reducing the vandalism. The Commission further discussed the following: 1) the need to address the overall issue with the homeless; 2) possibly starting with signage and then looking at the feasibility of surveillance cameras; and 3) the need to work with the other cities, the County and LifeStream to address the homeless problem. Mr. Neibert noted there are constitutional issues and that, unless someone is committing criminal activity on public property, they can't restrict someone being on public property. He stated the City has encouraged property owners around the Floyds' complex to post "no trespassing" signs so they can be arrested if they trespass. He indicated the Police Chief has also suggested placing hours of operation on all the City parks. He stated the City does not currently have a littering ordinance but could enact one to be quoted on the signage. The Commission commented on the need to expand the police department to better enable enforcement. Christine Cruz addressed the Commission and stated that FOOT does have grant funding available for surveillance cameras and staff to monitor. Mr. Schroth explained some of the prosecution issues with relying on the surveillance cameras while acknowledging the possibility that placement of the cameras could serve as a deterrent. He noted the City could post any photos of dumping on the website which could also serve as a deterrent. Ms. Cruz commented on the amount of positive feedback she has received regarding the possibility of enacting a littering ordinance and suggested requiring community service for violators. The Commission discussed the level of the requested fine with Mr. Neibert indicating the $2,000 would be the maximum fine. Discussion was held regarding adding illegal dumping. Eustis City Commission Page 4 of7 October 3, 2019  CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission for staff to prepare the enacting ordinance with fines of up to $2,000 with the intent of erecting signage following approval of the ordinance and for staff to research possible grants for the cameras and staffing. 7.3 City Manager Annual Performance Evaluation for FY2018-19 Bill Howe, Human Resources Director, explained that the Commission is required to annually evaluate the City Manager's performance. He stated that each Commissioner has completed an evaluation form which has been shared with all of the Commissioners. In accordance with the City Manager's contract, the salary may be increased from time to time by majority vote of the Commission and that discussion is normally held as part of the annual performance evaluation. He indicated the Commission had been provided a report showing the salaries of other area city managers and citing the general wage increase approved at the last meeting. He recommended the Commission discuss the reviews with the City Manager to determine if future goals or objectives should be modified during the next evaluation period. Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith stated the City Manager has been responsive to concerns brought forward by the Commission, has shown initiative and is respectful. She stated she gave him high marks. Commissioner Lee indicated she also gave him favorable marks but noted that she recommended he work on communication. She stated her desire to see improvements throughout the City, not just downtown. Commissioner Aliberti stated she met personally with Mr. Neibert and that she is happy with his performance and believes he is an effective manager. She stated last year she indicated she would like more information upfront regarding new businesses and staff subsequently implemented a weekly update. Commissioner Morin stated he was fine . Mayor Holland stated he had discussed his concerns with the City Manager and cited the need to work on communication with other entities and looking at the big picture. He commented on his and Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith's efforts previously to have to find a city manager and the responsibility of the Commission to stay in contact with City Hall and do their homework. Mayor Holland opened the floor to public comment at 7:16 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:16 p.m. Mr. Neibert commented on his experience in the community and his intent for Eustis to be his retirement home. He stated his goal is to make the community better than it was yesterday and, hopefully, with the help of staff and the Commission that can happen. Mayor Holland re-opened the floor to public comment at 7:17 p.m. Eustis City Commission Page 5 of7 October 3, 2019  Dan Harrison stated that one of the of biggest problems is communication among the residents. He stated the residents need to come together as a team. He added that the police department needs to grow. The Commission discussed the City Manager's salary with a recommendation of increasing his salary by $2,219 which is the same as the other City staff members. Mr. Neibert concurred with the need to treat him the same as other employees. Moved by Commissioner Morin, seconded by Commissioner Aliberti, to increase the City Manager's salary by $2,219. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Morin, Commissioner Aliberti, Commissioner Lee and Mayor Holland 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith requested that a workshop be scheduled to discuss the homeless problem. It was recommended that the workshop include representation from LifeStream and the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition. Mr. Neibert indicated there are several issues including how to discourage loitering and a programmatic response to homelessness. It was suggested that staff find out how Leesburg is addressing their homeless problem. Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith asked that new chai rs be purchased for the Commission. Commissioner Aliberti noted that at the beach they have flashing signs that activate when someone steps into the crosswalk with Mr. Neibert indicating staff would research crosswalk signage and prepare a report. He then reported that FOOT is finalizing the downtown safety study. Discussion was held regarding the planned Vet Fest activities. Commissioner Lee asked to revisit the budget in order to discuss the Police Department and adding more programs for youth. Commissioner Aliberti commented on the Housing Committee helping to set up a Clean Up day with Mr. Neibert announcing that it has been scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd. Discussion was held regarding partnering with Commissioned Beyond Borders for additional youth programming. Commissioner Lee noted that the Housing Committee talked about the Commission rotating attendance at the Housing Committee meetings. It was agreed that after the October 10th meeting, Commissioner Morin would be the Commission's representative to the Committee. Eustis City Commission Page 6 of7 October 3, 2019  9. COMMENTS 9.1 City Commission Commissioner Morin reported on the Parks and Recreation golf tournament with Mr. Neibert announcing they raised almost $5,000 for Parks & Recreation scholarships. Commissioner Lee thanked Mr. Neibert for connecting with the Lake Sumter State College President to get them more involved with the City. 9.2 City Manager Mr. Neibert reported staff had spoken with Waste Management about a recycle bin decorating contest. They were not in favor of painting residential bins but were supportive of painting the downtown recycle dumpsters. 9.3 City Attorney - None 9.4 Mayor Mayor Holland reported on his attendance at the President Trump event in the Villages. He indicated there were people in attendance from all parties and walks of life. He cited the need for everyone to work together. 10. ADJOURNMENT: 7:34 P.M. *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. MICHAEL L. HOLLAND City Clerk Mayor/Commissioner Eustis City Commission Page 7 of7 October 3, 2019