Muyni
← Back to Eustis

City Commission Regular Meeting

Regular Meeting

Eustis, FL · June 3, 2021

PacketMinutes

Minutes

' --: :: • &.. . 9°''"",, • L ~ - ..-- MINUTES APPROVED:6/17/2021 \~ '\. Regular City Commission Meeting ·,,, .# l ' lerlda 6:00 PM - Thursday, June 3, 2021 - City Hall INVOCATION: ELDER ELIJAH PERRY, CHURCH OF GOD BY FAITH PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: COMMISSIONER COBB CALL TO ORDER: 6:11 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE PRESENT: Commissioner Nan Cobb, Commissioner Willie Hawkins, Vice Mayor Emily Lee, Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Michael L. Holland 1. AGENDA UPDATE: NONE 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1 May 20, 2021 - Regular City Commission Meeting Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Cobb, to approve the Minutes as submitted . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 3. PRESENTATIONS 3.1 Recognition of Sergeant Officer Wayne Perry upon his retirement Mayor Holland and Police Chief Craig Capri presented Sergeant Wayne Perry with his retirement commendation and service weapon. He commented on his 35 years of service to the community and announced he was promoted to sergeant on his last day of service. Sgt. Perry thanked the department and his family for their support noting that he achieved all of his goals that he set for himself when he joined the department. 4. APPOINTMENTS 4.1 Appointment to Police Pension Board Ron Neibert, City Manager, explained that Adam Bolton currently sits in one of the City appointed seats on the Police Pension Board and Ken Birkhofer was serving in one of the elected positions and has now applied for the appointed position due to his retirement from the Police Department. Eustis City Commission Page 1 of 13 June 3, 2021 Ken Birkhofer explained he has served on the Pension Board for seven years and has attained certification as a pension board member. Capt. Gary Winheim, Pension Board President, expressed thanks to Adam Bolton for his service on the Board. He noted that Mr. Bolton is the Chief of Police for Umatilla making it difficult for him to attend meetings. He stated Mr. Birkhofer is now retired and expressed support for his appointment. Moved by Nan Cobb, seconded by Emily Lee, to appoint Ken Birkhofer to a two-year term on the Police Pension Board . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 5. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD Gail Isaac Thomas addressed the Commission regarding a code enforcement violation she was sent back in September 2020. She stated her belief that it was a vendetta against her due to a complaint she had submitted . She noted trash that was left in front of her property and it was left there for a month before it was cleaned up. She also asked that the street sweeper come down the street to clean up the trash that was left. Mayor Holland stated he would look into the allegations and respond to her. Seford Olsen, representing Bay Street Players, announced they would be holding an open house to celebrate their 100 years of the theater's existence on Sunday, June 6, 2021, and invited everyone to attend . He indicated they would be back open fully with the Mama Mia performances . Mayor Holland acknowledged that Barry Bostwick would be in attendance at the open house. David Serdar addressed the Commission regarding law enforcement and acknowledged the Eustis Police Department. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.1 Resolution Number 21-31: Bates Avenue WWTP Expansion - Preconstruction Services 6.2 Resolution Number 21-35: Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between the Eustis Police Department and Lake County Sheriff for staffing an lnteragency DUI Task Force 6.3 Resolution Number 21-37: Approving the assignment of a developer's agreement with Redtail Club Services to Deoworks, Inc. 6.4 Resolution Number 21-38: Approving Memorandum of Understanding between area cities to enter into the Mid-Florida Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Eustis City Commission Page 2 of 13 June 3, 2021 6.5 Resolution Number 21-39: Foreclosure Authorization - 1000 South Bay Street (Colonial Inn Motel), Code Enforcement Case 19-01297 Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins, to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 7.1 Resolution Number 21-40: Approving the 3rd amendment to the agreement for sale and purchase of property between the City and SpenceTF, LLC Derek Schroth, City Attorney, announced Resolution Number 21-40: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; approving and ratifying a third amendment to an agreement for sale and purchase of property between the City of Eustis and SpenceTF, LLC. Tom Carrino, Economic Development Director, reviewed the requested third amendment to the sale and purchase agreement with SpenceTF, LLC. He stated the amendment would extend the due diligence period to December 31, 2021, and converts the earnest money to nonrefundable and increases the full amount of the earnest money to $10,000. He explained the current diligence period expires August 20, 2021 and Mr. Spencer has requested to extend the diligence period to the end of the year. The Commission asked what has been done so far with the property. Spencer Follmar reported on their progress and noted they are scheduling a pre- development conference with the City. He announced they have an appointment with Lake County to discuss the traffic study. He indicated that, in the beginning, they stated it would take at least two years to complete the due diligence. He confirmed that the site survey has been completed. He noted that all of the studies will be provided to the City. The Commission questioned how much money has been spent so far with Mr. Follmar indicating he would have to double check with his investors. At the Commission's request, he reviewed what was originally proposed and what is now planned with the initial construction to have two large screens with room for three additional screens. The Commission asked when the lighthouse will be constructed with Mr. Follmar explaining that will be essential as it will hold the food and beverage and the projectors. He confirmed that in the initial contract he committed to two screens with the hope to build five. He emphasized that they have hired all the essential professionals and are still planning to open by summer or fall 2022. He then explained that he lost all of his previous investors due to the pandemic and now has Central Florida based investors. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Sharon Oughterson asked where the drive-in will be located and where will the entrance and exit be located. Eustis City Commission Page 3 of 13 June 3, 2021 Mayor Holland responded that Mr. Follmar had already reported that he was meeting with the County to discuss the traffic flow. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:48 p.m. The Commission acknowledged delays in construction in the area due to the pandemic and manufacturers being closed . It was noted that, if the project falls through , the City will still have all of the studies to provide to the next buyers. The Commission then indicated they would be more comfortable knowing more about the funding and speaking to the investors. They further discussed how other businesses have handled the pandemic. Mr. Carrino confirmed that the actual approval of the project occurred in March of 2020. Mr. Follmar explained his previous investors suffered and had to back out but he now has new local investors. He indicated they have done over 650 commercial projects in Florida. Discussion was held regarding the planned number of screens and how there have been no new movies released . Mr. Follmar indicated that the expectation is that the movie industry will be more normal by next year. Additional discussion was held regarding any plans for the unused property and how long the reports would be good for. Rick Gierok, Public Works Director, stated any geotechnical reports should be good for years and would be good for almost any development. He noted that foundation stability tests would vary depending on the planned use. He added that the environmental study would shift over time but he was unsure what the limitation would be for other agencies . The Commission expressed concern regarding the state and riskiness of the movie industry with Mr. Follmar indicating that drive-ins have been opening due to the need for social distancing. He indicated it would be a family destination. The Commission asked what they will do with the property if it doesn't succeed . Mr. Follmar noted that the food and beverage will be a large part of the success and the property could be utilized for a number of other types of outdoor events such as concerts. He confirmed that the environmental study had been completed. He indicated that the financing had to be in place before additional work could be completed . Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith , seconded by Mayor Holland , to approve Resolution Number 21-40. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Hawkins, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland Nays: Commissioner Cobb and Vice Mayor Lee 7.2 Ordinance Number 21-06: Amending Chapter 42 Code of Ordinances requiring franchise agreements for textile recycling bins Eustis City Commission Page 4 of 13 June 3, 2021 Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21 -06 by title on second and final reading : An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida; amending Chapter 42, Franchises, of the City of Eustis Code of Ordinances, adding an additional article to provide for franchise agreements for textile recycling collection bins (clothing donation bins) located within the City limits; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; providing for codification , severability and effective date. Mr. Schroth reviewed the amendments to Ordinances 21-06 and 21-07 as requested by the Commission at the May 30, 2021 , meeting . He indicated that he had spoken with Lori Barnes and they will be notifying the affected businesses and they would have until July 5th to come into compliance. He opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m . Moved by Commissioner Cobb , seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to adopt Ordinance Number 21-06 on second read ing . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb , Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.3 Ordinance Number 21-07 Amending Chapter 34 Code of Ordinances establishing regulations for placement of textile recycling bins Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21-07 by title on second and final reading : An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; amending Chapter 34, Article 11 , by adding the regulation of textile recycling collection bins (clothing donation bins) to the Code of Ordinances; repealing all prior Eustis ordinances inconsistent herewith ; and providing for codification, severability, and an effective date. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m. Moved by Commissioner Cobb, seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to adopt Ordinance Number 21-07 on second reading . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.4 Ordinance Number 20-32 : Voluntary Annexation of property located on north side of CR 44A, east of East Eldorado Lake Drive Mr. Schroth read Ordinance 20-32 by title on second and final reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida , voluntarily annexing approximately 20.691 acres of real property located on the north side of County Road 44A, east of East Eldorado Lake Drive. Mr. Schroth stated that no further progress has been made on the negotiations nor on the issue with the Department of Environmental Regulations; therefore, the Commission's options are to continue to a date certain , continue indefinitely or deny. Eustis City Commission Page 5 of 13 June 3, 2021 Mayor Holland explained that he has been in contact with County Commission Chairman Sean Parks to try and get another meeting scheduled. He indicated they were waiting to see if the Governor completed the appointments to that DEP Board and those have been done; however, they do not expect any action until the fall. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Sharon Oughterson commented on how much construction costs have increased and the state of the economy. She expressed support for continuing the ordinances. The Commission confirmed that no specific development request has been submitted for the subject property only the annexation request. Lee Conger expressed concern that the future land use map does not include any rural or agricultural uses. She commented on discussions with City staff regarding how properties brought into the City would be designated as Suburban Residential. She expressed support for continuing with the joint planning first. Major Stacey addressed the Commission as a representative for Ms. Harper. He stated that since the County cannot provide utilities for the development so it makes sense for them to annex into the City. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m. The Commission discussed whether to deny the ordinance, when the DEP Board would be likely to meet, expressing support for the applicants and the possible repercussions if the ordinances are voted down at that time . Mr. Neibert explained what would happen if they vote to deny and what would happen if it is continued to a date certain . Discussion was held regarding lack of willingness by the County to negotiate, the need for the commissions and community to work together on a vision for the area and the need for the Commission to stand behind the property owners . Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to continue Ordinance Number 20-32 to the date certain of September 2, 2021. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, Vice Mayor Lee, and Commissioner Hawkins Nays: Commissioner Cobb and Mayor Holland 7.5 Ordinance Number 20-33: Comprehensive Plan amendment assigning future land use designation to above property Ordinance Number 20-34: Assigning a design district designation to the above property Ordinance Number 20-35: Voluntary annexation of property located on the south side of CR 44A and west of Thrill Hill Road Ordinance Number 20-36: Comprehensive Plan amendment assigning a future land use designation to the above property Ordinance Number 20-37: Assigning a design district designation to the above property Eustis City Commission Page 6 of 13 June 3, 2021 Ordinance Number 20-38: Voluntary annexation of property located on the east side of Thrill Hill Road. and north of Reedy Road Ordinance Number 20-39: Comprehensive Plan amendment assigning a future land use designation to the above property Ordinance Number 20-40: Assigning a design district designation to the above property Mr. Schroth stated the next item would be for continuance of Ordinances 20-33 through 20-40. He opened the public hearing on continuance of those ordinances at 7:25 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:25 p.m . Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith , seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to continue Ordinances 20-33 through 20-40 to the date certain of September 2, 2021 . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner LeHeup-Smith , Vice Mayor Lee, and Commissioner Hawkins Nays: Commissioner Cobb and Mayor Holland 7 .6 Ordinance Number 21-09: Amendments to Chapters 110 and 115 of the Land Development Regulations Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21-09 by title on first reading : An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, amending the Land Development Regulations, Section 110, Development Standards and Chapter 115, General Building and Site Standards; providing for codification , severability and an effective date. Lori Barnes, Development Services Director, reviewed the proposed amendments to the Chapters 110 and 115 of the Land Development Regulations (LDR's). She stated the amendments are intended to address discrepancies, inconsistencies between sections and to clarify for practical application of the code. She then explained the individual amendments. She stated the proposed amendments are consistent with the comprehensive plan and indicated staffs recommendation for approval. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Lee Conger expressed concern regarding the proposed transition regulations and the size of the buffers. The Commission questioned what she would consider appropriate buffers with Ms. Conger declining to state something specific at that time. Sharon Oughterson agreed that ten to fifteen feet seemed insufficient. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:49 p.m. The Commission questioned when the LDR's were last amended with Ms. Barnes indicating they are amended on a regular basis with the last substantial amendment being in 2015 with the intent of making it more understandable and usable. Mayor Holland indicated that these changes actually would give him something to work with in negotiations with the County. Eustis City Commission Page 7 of 13 June 3, 2021 The Commission thanked Ms. Barnes for the review held at the workshop that explained the regulations. It was noted that the amendments are not aimed at any specific part of the City but are intended to be applied Citywide. It was further noted that these changes have been discussed since January. Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Mayor Holland, to approve Ordinance Number 21-09 on first reading. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.7 Ordinance Number 21-10: Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment Mr. Schroth announced that based on the actions of the Local Planning Agency first reading of this ordinance was to be continued to June 17, 2021. He opened the public hearing on continuance of the ordinance at 7:54 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 7:54 p.m. Moved by Commissioner Cobb, seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to continue Ordinance 21-10 to the June 17, 2021, meeting. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.8 Ordinance Number 21-11: Voluntary Annexation of approximately 10. 72 acres located at the northeast corner of Fish Camp Road and Grand Island Shores Road Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21-11 by title on first reading: An Ordinance of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, voluntarily annexing approximately 10.72 acres of real property at the northeast corner of South Fish Camp Road and Grand Island Shores Road. Ms. Barnes reviewed the annexation application and requested future land use and design district designations for 10. 72 acres of real property located at the northeast corner of South Fish Camp Road and Grand Island Shores Road. She explained the request is to change the future land use designation from Urban Low in Lake County to Suburban Residential in the City and to assign a design district designation of Suburban Neighborhood. She stated the request is compatible with the surrounding development patterns and consistent with the City's comprehensive plan and land development regulations. She noted staff received three phone calls inquiring about the request but they did not indicate support or opposition. She added they did express concern regarding traffic. She stated staff's recommendation for approval. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. Samantha Huchingson questioned if the existing homes would be annexed with the Commission indicating they would only be annexed if they requested it. She expressed concern regarding increased traffic. David Cleaver agreed with the concerns regarding the traffic impact. He noted a subdivision that exits only onto Grand Island Shores Road. He asked if that Eustis City Commission Page 8 of 13 June 3, 2021 subdivision could be changed to also exit onto Hwy. 44. He noted the lack of sidewalks and people walking in the street. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:05 p.m. The Commission questioned whether or not the back gate could be opened up to allow access onto 44. Ms. Barnes indicated that was probably designed as an emergency access only. She stated she can look into the issue and have that information available prior to any subdivision plat. She noted that City regulations will require sidewalks although it will not provide connections throughout the entire area. She indicated that the City can work on getting more interconnection . The Commission asked where the City limits are with Ms. Barnes indicating Fish Camp and Grand Island Shores Road are both County maintained roads . She stated that everything west of Fish Camp Road is unincorporated. She indicated that many of the existing developments were developed under County regulations. Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins, to approve Ordinance Number 21-11 on first reading. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.9 Ordinance Number 21-12: Comprehensive Plan Amendment changing the future land use designation of the above 10. 72 acres Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21-12 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 163.3184 F.S. ; changing the future land use designation of approximately 10.72 acres of recently annexed real property located at the northeast corner of South Fish Camp Road and Grand Island Shores Road, as more particularly described herein, from Urban Low in Lake County to Suburban Residential (SR) in the City of Eustis. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:09 p.m. Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins, to approve Ordinance Number 21-12 on first reading. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.10 Ordinance Number 21-13: Assigning the Suburban Neighborhood design district designation to the above 10.72 acres Mr. Schroth read Ordinance 21-13 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 10.72 acres of recently Eustis City Commission Page 9 of 13 June 3, 2021 annexed real property at the northeast corner of South Fish Camp Road and Grand Island Shores Road. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 8: 10 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:10 p.m. Mayor Holland noted that when a subdivision plan comes forward the public will have another opportunity to speak and a traffic study will be required. Moved by Vice Mayor Lee, seconded by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, to approve Ordinance Number 21-13 on first reading . Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner LeHeup-Smith and Mayor Holland 7.11 Ordinance Number 21-14: Establishing a fire assessment fee procedure Mr. Schroth read Ordinance Number 21-14 by title on first reading: An ordinance by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; amending Chapter 86 of the Code of Ordinances; creating Article VI - Fire Services Special Assessment; providing for the implementation of a fire services special assessment; providing definitions for the proposed fire assessment and collection method ; providing for legislative determinations of special benefit, general authority, and applicability throughout the city; providing for initial proceedings; directing imposition of initial assessment roll; providing notice by publication and mail; providing for adoption and effect of final assessment resolution; providing annual adoption procedures; providing liens for and revisions to fire services assessments; providing for procedural irregularities and correction of errors and omissions ; providing for interim assessments and an alternative method of collection; providing for conflicts, codification , and severability; providing an effective date. Mike Sheppard , Finance Director, explained the purpose of the ordinance is to establish the procedures by which the City would implement a fire assessment but would not provide for the actual assessment. He noted the workshop held that afternoon pertaining to the ordinance. Mr. Schroth opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. There being no public comment, the hearing was closed at 8:13 p.m. The Commission confirmed the ordinance only sets up how an assessment would be implemented but does not implement the assessment with Mr. Sheppard also noting that, if the ordinance is approved , the City would have to provide to the Tax Collector the rate selected for the assessment by July 1st . Mr. Neibert explained that, if the ordinance is approved , it will take the City into a process that would cost the City approximately $10,000. The Commission discussed the need to plan for growth for both the police and fire departments, what other options the City would have to provide additional funding for public safety, and approving the ordinance utilizing the 50% rate. Eustis City Commission Page 10 of 13 June 3, 2021 Sandi Walker, Government Services Group, explained that the ordinance is procedural only and authorizes the Commission to impose an assessment. She further explained that the methodology, rate and exemptions would be adopted by resolution. The Commission discussed how much of the funding derived from the assessment would go to the Fire Department with Mr. Neibert explaining that the total amount would be budgeted for the Fire Department but only $525,000 would be used to increase the Fire Department budget. He indicated that the $500,000 would enable the department to put the rescue truck back on the road with six additional employees. He further explained that currently the Fire Department is totally funded by General Fund dollars. If the assessment is approved, then all of the assessment dollars would be used to fund the Fire Department and General Fund dollars would be reallocated for other General Fund purposes. He confirmed that the Fire Department budget would be increased by approximately $500,000. It was also confirmed that the assessment could be changed every year. The Commission acknowledged the increasing public safety needs and the possibility of increasing the millage rate to increase revenues. The Commission questioned how much the millage rate would have to be increased to raise another $1 million with Mr. Neibert estimating another 1.1 mils for a millage rate of 8. 7. Discussion was then held regarding where the budget could possibly be cut with Mr. Sheppard noting that 80% of the budget is personnel costs. It was noted that cutting Water and Sewer does not affect the millage rate. Mr. Neibert added they also cannot cut from the Building Department as that is not funded by ad valorem dollars. He cited the following as being the only areas that would be affected by a millage rate cut: Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation , Streets, Library, and Administration. Mr. Neibert noted that the only budget surplus on an $18 million budget was $180,000. He indicated that reviewing the current year's budget would give them a head start on seeing what might be cut as there won't be much difference. He indicated staff is working to present the draft budget but they are still waiting on additional cost estimates on items such as liability and health insurance in order to put the draft together. He indicated the workshops should be scheduled for some time in early July. Discussion was held regarding holding a workshop on the current budget and the cost for the rescue truck and additional personnel with Mr. Sheppard noting that the amount of personnel has not increased in a number of years. Discussion was held regarding how much can be transferred from Water and Sewer to the General Fund with Mr. Neibert indicating they have been looking at that. They currently transfer $1.8 million and think they can justify another $200,000 for an even $2 million. The Commission questioned how much is the Fund Balance in Water & Sewer with Mr. Neibert indicating approximately $6 million . Further discussion was held regarding holding departmental budget workshops. Mr. Neibert indicated that the final vote on the assessment would not be until September. Eustis City Commission Page 11 of 13 June 3, 2021 Further discussion was held regarding what would be gained by the different rate levels with Ms. Walker explaining that whatever is initially set is the maximum the City can charge. She added they could later reduce the amount but they can't go up. Mr. Neibert added that anything over $1,000,000 would be used for millage rate reduction . The Commission asked how much the millage rate could be reduced if they used the 75% rate with Mr. Neibert indicating it would probably be reduced down to close to 7%. He then explained the functional millage rate. He indicated staff would prepare figures for the Commission showing how a property owner would be affected. It was a consensus for staff to prepare information based on the 55.5% rate. Moved by Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins, to approve Ordinance Number 21-14 on first reading. Motion carried by the following votes: Ayes: Commissioner LeHeup-Smith, Commissioner Hawkins and Mayor Holland Nays: Commissioner Cobb and Vice Mayor Lee 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: NONE 9. COMMENTS 9.1 City Commission Commissioner Cobb cautioned people to be careful as the gators are very aggressive right now. Commissioner Hawkins commented on the need to speed up some things in the City. Commissioner LeHeup-Smith encouraged people to participate in the library's book club. She commented on the Memorial Day event. Vice Mayor Lee reported on the excellent attendance at the Resource Center grand re-opening. 9.2 City Manager Mr. Neibert announced he would be on vacation the next week and he would be appointing Bill Howe as Acting City Manager. 9.3 City Attorney - None 9.4 Mayor Mayor Holland congratulated the Eustis Panthers Ladies' softball team on their state championship and thanked staff for their support of the team . He complimented everyone on the Memorial Day event and congratulated the graduating seniors. Eustis City Commission Page 12 of 13 June 3, 2021 Commissioner Cobb thanked Rick Gierok for the mulch being placed in the islands. She also noted the cleanup of Lake Willie. Vice Mayor Lee complimented Chief Capri on the bicycle ride. The entire Commission complimented the Chief on the department's recent enforcement activities. Commissioner Hawkins expressed support for putting code enforcement under the police department. 10. ADJOURNMENT 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 Clerk Mayor/Commissioner Eustis City Commission Page 13 of 13 June 3, 2021

Get email alerts for Eustis

A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.

Report an issue with this meeting