City Commission Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingEustis, FL · January 6, 2022
Minutes
APPROVED:1/20/2022
MINUTES
Regular City Commission Meeting
6:00 PM - Thursday, January 6, 2022 - City Hall
INVOCATION: MOMENT OF SILENCE WAS OBSERVED
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: VICE MAYOR LEE
CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 P.M.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE
PRESENT: Vice Mayor Emily Lee, Commissioner Nan Cobb, Commissioner Willie
Hawkins and Mayor Michael L. Holland
ABSENT: Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith
1. AGENDA UPDATE
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1 December 16, 2021 - Regular City Commission Meeting
Moved by Vice Mayor Lee, seconded by Commissioner Hawkins, to approve the
Minutes as submitted. Motion carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
3. ELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
3.1 Appointment of City Clerk as Temporary Chairman and Election of Mayor and Vice
Mayor
Mayor Holland turned the meeting over to City Clerk Mary Montez for the election
of Mayor.
Ms. Montez explained the process for election of Mayor for the audience and then
opened the floor to nominations for Mayor.
Commissioner Cobb nominated Commissioner Holland for Mayor for 2022.
There being no further nominations forthcoming, Ms. Montez asked for a motion
that the nominations for Mayor be closed.
Eustis City Commission Page 1 of 7 January 6, 2022
Motion to Close Nominations for Mayor
Commissioner Cobb moved to close the nominations. Commissioner Lee
seconded the motion.
On a voice vote, the motion to close nominations passed unanimously.
Roll Call Vote for Election of Mayor
On a roll call vote in alphabetical order, the nomination of Michael Holland as
Mayor for 2022 passed unanimously.
Ms. Montez turned the meeting back over to Mayor Holland for the election of Vice
Mayor.
Mayor Holland opened the floor to nominations for Vice Mayor.
Commissioner Cobb nominated Commissioner Lee as Vice Mayor for 2022.
There being no further nominations forthcoming, Mayor Holland asked for a motion
to close the nominations for Vice Mayor.
Motion to Close Nominations for Vice Mayor
Commissioner Cobb moved to close the nominations for Vice Mayor.
Commissioner Hawkins seconded the motion.
On a voice vote, the motion to close the nominations passed unanimously.
Roll Call Vote for Election of Vice Mayor
On a roll call vote in alphabetical order, the nomination of Emily Lee as Vice Mayor
for 2022 passed unanimously.
4. APPOINTMENTS
4.1 Reappointment to Code Enforcement Board - Karen Sartele
Moved by Commissioner Cobb, seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to approve the
reappointment of Karen Sartele to the Code Enforcement Board for a term to expire
October 31, 2024. Motion carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
4.2 Reappointment to the Code Enforcement Board - George Asbate
Moved by Vice Mayor Lee, seconded by Commissioner Cobb, to approve the
appointment of George Asbate to the Code Enforcement Board for a term to expire
December 31, 2024. Motion carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
Eustis City Commission Page 2 of 7 January 6, 2022
4.3 Reappointment to Historic Preservation Board - Ronald K. Musselman
Moved by Vice Mayor Lee, seconded by Commissioner Cobb, to approve the
reappointment of Kirk (Ronald) Musselman to a full three-year term to the Historic
Preservation Board to expire December 31, 2024. Motion carried by the following
votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
5. AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD
5.1 Gail Isaac-Thomas addressed the Commission regarding the City's Facebook
page. She expressed disappointment regarding the lack of a photo from the
presentation to Thomas McClary of a key to the City. She also expressed concern
that there was no information provided regarding Johnny Saunders starting up the
Little League.
Monica Buggs read a prepared statement from Yolanda Taylor regarding the East
Town Community Redevelopment Inc., their meeting held on January 4, 2022 and
the purpose of the organization . She expressed hope that the organization and
the City can work together to accomplish their goals.
Tanya Wilder asked about how to get "bear crossing" signs in her community of
Vildale Park. She commented on the number of children, elderly and delivery
people in the area after dark and the need to let them know there are bears in the
area. She also asked about installing a warning sign on the curve on Getford
Road noting the number of accidents.
Mayor Holland asked Rick Gierok to contact Ms. Wilder.
Lee Conger thanked the Commission for their efforts to continue working with the
residents outside east Eustis.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 2022 Commission Meeting Schedule
6.2 Resolution Number 22-02: Lake Lincoln Final Plat and Acceptance of
Infrastructure
6.3 Resolution Number 22-03: Approving and ratifying an interlocal agreement for use
of Lake County regional opioid settlement funds
6.4 Resolution Number 22-04: Awarding Ten-8 Fire & Safety, LLC the intent to
purchase a Pierce Aerial Platform Truck
6.5 Resolution Number 22-05: Approval of purchase in excess of $50,000 for K-9
Police Vehicle with budget amendment
6.6 Resolution Number 22-06: Approval of purchase in excess of $50,000 for police
vehicles
6. 7 Resolution Number 22-07: Annexation Agreement and Developers Agreement to
Provide Water Service Outside the City Limits (3210 County Road 44)
Eustis City Commission Page 3 of 7 January 6, 2022
Moved by Commissioner Hawkins, seconded by Vice Mayor Lee, to approve the
Consent Agenda as submitted. Motion carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
7. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
7.1 Resolution Number 22-01: Appointing Commissioners to various boards and
committees
Derek Schroth, City Attorney, announced Resolution Number 22-01: A Resolution
by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida; to appoint
liaisons, directors or members and alternate directors or members to various
committees and boards of directors to ensure that the City's interests, as
expressed through the City Commission, are represented on these various
committees and boards.
Mayor Holland asked if there were any Commissioners who wished to come off
their current appointment with Vice Mayor Lee asking to be removed from the
MPO stating she would like to be on an education committee.
Tom Carrino, City Manager, confirmed that the City's liaison to the MPO has to be
an elected official.
After discussion, Vice Mayor Lee agreed to serve on the Upper Ocklawaha River
Basin Working Group and the Wekiva River Basin Working Group with Rick
Gierok, Public Works Director, to contact her regarding meeting dates and times.
He noted that Daniel Millan has been attending as the staff member. He added
they have primarily been meeting via Zoom and that could be set up in the
Commission Room to view.
Commissioner Cobb recommended Pam Rivas be appointed as the alternate to
the Arts and Cultural Alliance. It was noted that would need to go through the
process and then presented to the Commission at a future meeting.
Moved by Nan Cobb, seconded by Willie Hawkins, to approve Resolution Number
22-01 with the Commission appointees as follows: Upper Ocklawaha River Basin
Working Group and Wekiva River Basin Working Group - Emily Lee; Lake County
League of Cities - Michael Holland with Ms. Lee as Alternate; Lake-Sumter MPO
Governing Board - Nan Cobb with Willie Hawkins as alternate; LCAA Board of
Directors - Willie Hawkins with Karen LeHeup-Smith as Alternate; City Audit
Committee - Michael Holland; Lake County Educational Concurrency Review
Committee - Willie Hawkins; and Lake County Arts and Cultural Alliance - Nan Cobb.
Motion carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Vice Mayor Lee, Commissioner Cobb, Commissioner Hawkins, and Mayor
Holland
8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Eustis City Commission Page 4 of 7 January 6, 2022
8.1 Vice Mayor Lee commented on truck parking at CR44 and Orange Avenue. She
noted that Lowe's parking lot is also a problem and asked for the proliferation of
truck parking to be addressed .
Mr. Carrino indicated he would discuss that under his report.
Commissioner Hawkins noted that Tallahassee will be discussing the Thrill Hill
item and asked that discussion be held before then about sending someone to
present the City's position.
Mayor Holland asked that it be placed on the Jan. 20th agenda.
Commissioner Cobb reported that the Junior Panthers have gotten their 501 (c)(3)
and that Coach Saunders is committed to continuing the program. She asked that
the City move forward with installing a scoreboard at the field.
Mayor Holland asked to have that on the next agenda for a formal vote to move
forward with the installation of the scoreboard.
Commissioner Cobb asked to have a community cleanup in preparation for the
upcoming African American Heritage Festival. She asked about the work on
Bates with Mr. Gierok indicating it is not the City, it is the gas company. He stated
he would reach out to them the next day and make sure they are aware of what is
coming up.
Commissioner Cobb then asked to schedule the community cleanup for February
12th. She cited Bates Avenue and Palmetto as locations for the cleanup.
Mr. Gierok reported that his crews always do a lot of cleanup on Bates Avenue
prior to the festival.
9. COMMENTS
9.1 City Commission
Commissioner Hawkins noted he previously met with people regarding the state of
Virginia Avenue and the last thing they heard from the County was they did not
take it in so the City decided to accept it for maintenance. He announced for the
public that it is on the schedule to be paved in the FY2022-23 fiscal year. He
commented that just because a project is not started immediately does not mean it
is not being worked on. He then announced the Tyler Williams football game
would start at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the Corey Rolle Memorial
Field. He stated that the proceeds from the game will go to Runway to Hope
which assists with pediatric cancer. He announced that Mark NeJame, the
founder, will be in town on Saturday so he can meet Tyler.
Vice Mayor Lee announced that on January 22nd there would be a community
block party and health fair. She stated it is being sponsored by the Eustis
Community Alliance, Tri-City NAACP Health Committee, One Blood and Advent
Health.
Eustis City Commission Page 5 of 7 January 6, 2022
Mr. Carrino confirmed they would be doing Covid vaccinations, but not testing, as
well as flu vaccinations.
Chief Swanson explained they wou ld not do testing as it would encourage people
with symptoms to attend. He also indicated they would not be able to do
vaccinations at First Friday due to lack of staff.
Commissioner Cobb provided a prepared statement citing a number of
accomplishments of the City in 2021. She thanked all the City employees for their
hard work and dedication. She provided a list of the events attended by the
Commissioners.
Vice Mayor Lee recognized the Eustis Community Alliance and their efforts to
revitalize the former Resource Center on Clifford Street and provide new
programming. She indicated they would be providing a presentation at a future
meeting.
9.2 City Manager
Mr. Carrino indicated that the majority of the Commission agreed to hold a meeting
with Randall Arendt to be paid for by Lake County. He explained the Commission
needs to find a date and stated that Commissioner LeHeup-Smith is available on
Wednesday, January 19th; Monday, January 24th and Thursday, January 27th.
He suggested that the time would most likely be in the evening.
Following discussion, it was a consensus to tentatively schedule the meeting for
Monday, January 24th in the evening with Mr. Carrino to check with Lake County
to see if Mr. Arendt would be available that day. He indicated that the joint
Commission meeting would be scheduled for some time after that.
Mr. Carrino then reported that they are working on a job description for an internal
grantwriter position. He indicated it would be for someone that can seek a variety
of grants as well as help administer the grants and keep the City in compliance.
Mr. Carrino announced that the City is working with Tavares, Umatilla and the
County regarding an interlocal agreement for trails development which will enable
them to seek grants. He explained the process for trails development. He then
reported on a phone call he and Derek Schroth had with Derek Bruce regarding a
possible agreement with Atrium. He stated they also discussed the possibility of
utilizing his services regarding Map #19, the JPA agreement and other land use
issues. Mr. Bruce will be providing a proposal and an estimated cost for his
services.
Mr. Carrino stated that staff looked at the Abrams road site regarding truck parking
and they are working to determine if there are code violations that can be
enforced. He then reminded the Commission that the next CRA Review
Committee meeting will be held on January 13th and staff will be getting out
additional information ahead of that. He stated the CRA Review Committee
Community Meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 25th, at 6 p.m. at the Curtright
Center.
Eustis City Commission Page 6 of 7 January 6, 2022
Mayor Holland asked to have Derek Bruce attend a Commission meeting and
introduce himself with Mr. Carrino confirming that he has asked him to attend the
January 20th meeting.
9.3 City Attorney - None
9.4 Mayor
Mayor Holland thanked Commissioner Cobb for her review of the 2021 activities.
He commented on how hard the Commission works for the community. He cited
various organizations that they are involved with. He expressed pride in what they
do for the City and how dedicated they are to improving the City. He thanked
everyone for their attendance and the Commission for again selecting him as
Mayor.
10. ADJOURNMENT: 6:55 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 January 6, 2022
Get email alerts for Eustis
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.