City Commission Regular Meeting

APPROVED:3/4/2021 MINUTES City Commission Workshop 3:00 PM - Monday, February 1, 2021 - City Hall CALL TO ORDER: 3:00 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE PRESENT: Commissioner Nan Cobb, Commissioner Willie Hawkins, Vice Mayor Emily Lee, and Mayor Michael L. Holland EXCUSED: Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith 1. WORKSHOP ITEM WITH DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC INPUT 1.1 Welcome and Group Introductions Erin Bailey, Events and Tourism Manager, opened the meeting and stated that, as of October, the City was back to normal with live events except there are additional sanitizing stations available and additional spacing between vendors. She announced the 2021 Georgefest would be held Feb. 26 through 28. She noted that the City of Laredo, TX, longest running George Washington Festival, has cancelled their event for 2021 so the City of Eustis will move into first place with this year's event. She then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, noted the use of the microphones for recording purposes not amplification. He explained the meeting is being recorded . He asked everyone to use one of the microphones when speaking. Ms. Bailey reviewed activities and entertainment for the February 5th First Friday event. She indicated the times have been adjusted to 6 p.m . to 9 p.m. She commented on the setup time in order to allow time for the setup of the stages and vendor setup. She asked everyone to remind their staff to move their vehicles on First Friday afternoons. She then opened the floor to comments regarding First Friday. Linda Bonds, Finishing Touch Boutique, expressed concern regarding the need for more vendors to be located on Eustis Street to support the Eustis Street businesses. Ms. Bailey commented on City efforts to get more entertainment and vendors in other areas. Eustis City Commission Page 1 of7 February 1, 2021  Tyson Wagner, Soul to Squeeze Records, commented on the good location for the bands and expressed dismay that the last two First Fridays did not have entertainment in his area . Commissioner Hawkins asked if, when there are no bands, the record shop could play music outside with Ms. Bailey expressing support. Mr. Wagner agreed he could do that, just not from inside the store, due to possibly disrupting the neighboring stores. Penny Jenness, Peddler's Wagon, expressed concern regarding how early the streets are closed stating 3:30 p.m. is too early for the downtown retail. She expressed support for improving the quality of the vendors. She suggested placing the booths in front of the vacant storefronts or offices that aren't open. Ms. Bailey noted that the vendors are now going to be spaced 12 feet apart due to the need for social distancing . She agreed that helps the City look busier. She noted sometimes the vacancies are due to a year-round vendor that doesn't happen to attend . She explained that vendors are offered a discount for purchasing a year round membership and they are allowed to select their spot. Commissioner Cobb asked what types of vendors she would like to see with Ms. Jenness indicating more artsy and less flea market-like. Ron Neibert, City Manager, indicated the City could request a list of the vendors from the Mount Dora Art Festival. Aaron Belaire, Elle Marie Pizza and Subs, asked about security for the events with Mr. Neibert indicating the police presence has been increased for all evening events. Ms. Bailey added that the staffing has about doubled and the canine unit has been out as well. Further discussion was held regarding the hours for set up with Ms. Bailey commenting that staff tries to be helpful when possible if there aren't · pedestrians out on the street. Tammi Roundtree, Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce, asked about moving First Friday to Ferran Park. Mr. Belaire stated he would lose all of his parking for the amount of hours the event lasted . Mr. Neibert took a poll of how many businesses stay open during the First Friday events. Eustis City Commission Page 2 of 7 February 1, 2021  Chris McCollum, Chris' Place, explained he is not open yet but chose his location based on the First Friday events. He expressed support for diversity among the vendors , not just one type. Mr. Belaire noted that in St. Petersburg , if there was a business with a street front, they were allowed a 1Ox10 booth to place their wares during the event. Ms. Bailey responded that any of the downtown merchants can have a booth. If they don't want to use their booth, they can donate it to a local not-for-profit, just not to a for-profit organization. Mr. Neibert suggested experimenting with the closure time. Sandy Jones, Great American Pizza, suggested pushing the setup time back an hour with Ms. Bailey commenting on the need to get the stages up and getting the food trucks in but they could try to move back the closing time. Mr. McCollum noted that Terri's Florist, two doors down from him, just got their alcohol license. He stated that, if the event is moved to the park, then people will be taking up all of their parking to go to the park. He commented on the difficulties for elderly patrons as well. Ms. Bailey indicated the next First Friday they would try closing the streets at 4 p.m . with Mr. Wagner suggesting they stage the closings instead of closing all of the streets at one time. Ms. Bailey explained the difficulties that occur when cars aren't moved and the need to get the food trucks in before the regular vendors. Mr. McCollum commented on the problem with parking is usually tenants that actually do have designated parking but they aren't using it. Sean Jenness suggested putting the signs up as early as possible, such as the night before, to try and get cars off the street. He assumed the reason for closing earlier is due to staff overtime with Ms. Bailey objecting noting it has more to do with logistics and the need to get some people out of the way so others can move in and set up. Discussion was held regarding putting up parking signs sooner. Mr. Jenness commented on the amount of trash on the street the day after First Friday and asked to have people available Saturday to clean up. Ms. Jones stated that the downtown businesses know who the people are that are not moving their vehicles and suggested asking them to please not park there. She noted there used to be a motorcycle that parked in front of her business all day so she left a business card on it and asked him to please park elsewhere so he is parking across the street instead. She suggested telling Eustis City Commission Page 3 of 7 February 1, 2021  tenants that it's OK to park there at night when businesses are closed but don't park in front of businesses during the day. Discussion was held regarding various parking issues. CarShows Ms. Bailey opened the floor to discussion on car shows noting there would not be a February show due to Georgefest. Mr. McCollum noted the show participants are parking their cars at 10 a.m. to get their favorite spot with Ms. Bailey concurring that has been an ongoing problem and has been discussed with the organizers. Discussion was held regarding issues with the car show with the Commission questioning how many actually benefit from the car show. Mr. Neibert suggested moving the car show to the Fountain Green grassy lot with Ms. Bailey indicating the participants don't like to park in grass. The Commission asked how much the City is involved with the shows with Ms. Bailey responding that the City does the flyer and sets out barricades, trash cans and cones. She indicated it isn't actually a City event. It was suggested the two groups get together to talk. Ms. Jones suggested doing a flyer to distribute to the car show participants asking them not to come in so early and not to monopolize one parking space all day. Ms. Bailey noted that the Busker Festival is the same day as the March car show with Ms. Jones expressing concern but noting that was their highest day. Discussion was held regarding whether or not all of the streets would be closed during the Busker Festival. Ms. Jenness commented when all streets are closed everyone has to park so far away. The Commission asked about using the March car show as a test for making them park in the grassy area with Ms. Jones said it would depend on the weather and explaining the car owners dislike for parking in the grass. Ms. Jenness noted the increasing number of car shows in other cities and cited the need to be careful not to mess it up. Linda Bonds expressed support for downtown events and stated First Friday pays her rent. She indicated the car shows don't really benefit her and stated she doesn't care where they park. Eustis City Commission Page 4 of 7 February 1, 2021  Mr. Neibert recommended modifying the blocking during the March event with Ms. Bailey noting that the downtown portion of the Busker Festival will end at 4 p.m . and the streets could be opened up for the car show. They just won't be able to come in at 2 p.m. Ms. Roundtree suggested allowing them to stage in the parking lot. The Commission asked if the car show draws other people in or is it just for the participants' enjoyment. Ms. Jones responded that it draws a lot of other people to see the cars. She indicated she could try to send an email to the car show participants and alert them to the Busker Festival and the need to stage differently. Ms. Bailey asked to obtain an email list. 2021 Georgefest Ms. Bailey reported they are working on a trifold for Georgefest and staff will be coming around asking to place them in their businesses. She stated the plan right now is to place a stage at Orange Avenue and one by My Favorite Things. She stated entertainment will be off and on all weekend . She indicated there will be entertainment of some type all weekend from Friday through Sunday. She explained it starts at 4 p.m . on Friday with the street closure to be about 2 p.m. Mr. Jenness expressed concern regarding Georgefest and the need for it to be a great event. He commented on the number of vendors in previous years who weren't open during the festival. Discussion was held regarding the street closures during Georgefest. Christine Guiffre, Events staff, explained the purpose of the streets being closed is to keep the pedestrians safe. She stated they cannot be opened and closed and re-opened and still keep people safe. Mr. Carrino said it is impossible to keep just one leg open , you have to keep two blocks open. Ms. Bonds stated a lot of people don't know about the parking lot across the street. She stated they need to direct people there. Ms. Roundtree commented on the difficulty in crossing Orange Avenue at the pedestrian crosswalk. Mr. Belaire asked to have a pedestrian crosswalk at Bay and Macdonald. Eustis City Commission Page 5 ofl February 1, 2021  Mr. Neibert explained the City has been working with FOOT regarding signalization and crosswalks in that area. He indicated a new signal and crosswalk may be coming soon . Ms. Bailey noted the Georgefest packets and invited everyone to participate either as a vendor or in the parade. She indicated the need for volunteers. She then announced that the 2021 Music Festival is still moving forward for the last weekend in April even though Leesburg has cancelled their Bikefest. She announced a new event - Home & Garden Expo of Lake County at the fairgrounds . Ms. Roundtree explained it would include everything for the home and garden . She noted the trails would be highlighted and stated they are accepting applications for vendors. 1.2 Discussion regarding Eustis Gateway Grant Program Mr. Carrino explained the City's Gateway Grant program stating that it only applies to SR 19 (both Bay and Grove) and Orange Avenue. He stated discussion has been held regarding expanding the program to include the roads between Bay and Grove. He further explained that they need to apply for the grant prior to doing the work and stated it usually only takes one or two weeks for payments to be processed . He announced a workshop will be held Feb. 9th at the Chamber office to discuss the program. He noted that it will also now include payment for $175 membership to the Chamber. He provided copies of the flyer for the workshop and application. 1.3 Other Business Gary Marshall , Lake Eustis Historical Society, reported that the museum is open and asked that anyone attending please wear a mask. Mr. Carrino asked everyone to sign in on the sign-in sheets and noted masks, hand sanitizers and snacks available. Gail Isaac Thomas asked about the Gospel Fest with Ms. Bailey announcing that someone has approached the City about assisting with the festival. They are working with Rev. Haywood with plans for it to be held in October. She explained that the first step is to create a budget and explained that the City will provide a certain amount of funding but the rest has to be raised through sponsorships. She indicated the City is waiting for them to contact staff to schedule a meeting . Mayor Holland reported the tentative plan is for the event to be the first weekend in October and run all weekend. He said that the gentlemen who have come forward have done the Miami Gardens Jazz Festival and are very experienced in hold ing large scale events. Ms. Isaac-Thomas asked the City to provide more support to Darius Kerrison with Ms. Bailey indicating she had been communicating him regarding an upcoming comedy show. Eustis City Commission Page 6 of 7 February 1, 2021  Ms. Isaac-Thomas announced the next show would be April 24th at Mieluz Grand Hall and encouraged everyone to attend with Mayor Holland noting they have discussed with him holding an event at the bandshell. Ms. Jenness asked about the flagpoles downtown and asked to have more flags put up. Mayor Holland noted that Tim Totten has purchased a new machine to create the banners right in town. Mr. Jenness complimented the City on the concrete barriers put in place last year during Georgefest and suggested that one be put behind the stage. He suggested encouraging people to park in the old Smith parking lot. Commissioner Hawkins thanked Ms. Bailey and her staff and all of the business owners for attending. He commented on the need to find a way to make everyone happy. Vice Mayor Lee commented that sometimes you have to experience a little inconvenience to get the benefits of the events. She cited the need for a jazz festival. Commissioner Hawkins stated that one of the issues brought to him was the need to have the electrical cords cleaned up after an event. Mayor Holland cited the need for the businesses, City and Chamber to work together. He invited everyone to attend the CRA meeting on Thursday regarding a project that may be coming to the downtown. He thanked the events staff for their work. 2. ADJOURNMENT: 4:27 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 of 7 February 1, 2021