City Commission Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingEustis, FL · June 3, 2021
Minutes
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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