City Commission Special Meeting

APPROVED: 7/16/2015 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final* City Commission Tuesday, June 30, 2015 6:00PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holland - 6:01 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 4 - Commissioner Linda Bob; Commissioner Bill Brett; Vice-Mayor Karen LeHeup-Smith; and Mayor Michael Holland I. CONSIDERATION 15138 Selection of Interim City Commissioner, Seat #5 Mayor Holland explained the procedure for the presentations and opened the floor to the first applicant. The Commission discussed having the applicants step outside during the interviews and calling them in individually. Derek Schroth, City Attorney, confirmed they could ask but it is a public meeting so they could not require them to. Following the request, all of the applicants retired to the Development Services conference room. Robin Corbeil, 1005 Lake Nettie Drive, explained her qualifications and intent to provide an objective approach to serving on the Commission. The Commission asked if they were to appoint her would she run in the special election and she responded affirmatively. The Commission then asked how she prefers to communicate with the community with Ms. Corbeil responding that she is comfortable in person and by email. Christine Cruz, 813 E. Lemon Avenue, commented on her experience on the City's Street Parking Committee and reviewed her other public experience. The Commission asked if she were appointed would she run in the special election and she responded affirmatively. William Gay, 3041 Brighton Road, cited his experience in living in both small and large towns in Florida and commented on his selection of Eustis as his hometown. The Commission asked if Mr. Gay were appointed would he run in the special election and he responded affirmatively. The Commission then asked if he is an analytical or bottom line thinker with him responding he is a little of both. Carla Gnann-Thompson, 1203 Chesterfield Court, commented on the needs in the City, her experience in working with the City's grant program and other public experience. The Commission asked Ms. Gnann-Thompson if appointed would she run in the special election and she responded affirmatively. The Commission then asked what she sees as the number one and number two issues facing the City with Ms. Gnann-Thompson responding economic development and the City's youth. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 71912015 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final June 30, 2015 Sean Jenness, 25 E. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 3, commented on his and his family's life in the City, cited various needs in the City, his volunteer efforts, and the need for public involvement. The Commission asked Mr. Jenness if appointed would he run in the special election and he stated he was unsure. The Commission then asked what he sees as the number one and number two issues in the City and he responded loss of collaboration, understanding and mutual respect. Steven Moulden, 560 S. Exeter St., cited how much all of the applicants care about Eustis, explained his move to Eustis from Gainesville, his decision to return to Eustis following his service in the Navy and how his experience would benefit the City The Commission asked Mr. Moulden if appointed would he run in the special election and he responded affirmatively The Commission then asked where he sees Eustis in ten years with Mr. Moulden citing the need to bring more opportunities to the City for higher level employment. Thomas Mullen, 1425 Osprey Ridge Drive, reviewed his background in the military, law enforcement and business, cited his volunteer experience and family life in the City He stated that local government is closest to the people so it is most important. The Commission asked Mr. Mullen if appointed would he run in the special election and he responded affirmatively The Commission then asked Mr. Mullen what he sees as the most important issues facing the City and he cited the need for more businesses especially small businesses rather than big box stores. Nicie Allen Parks, 1110 South Street, commented on her dedication to the City, her vision for the City and her desire to represent the City with professionalism, dignity and honesty. The Commission asked Ms. Parks if appointed would she run in the special election and she responded affirmatively Thomas Poole, 1033 Smith Street, commented on the need for public/private partnerships and economic development, particularly light industry with the possibility of focusing on the medical industry. He also emphasized the need for multi-jurisdictional cooperation. The Commission asked Mr. Poole if appointed would he run in the special election and he expressed his intention of doing so. Larry Turnbow, 2810 Pineapple Lane, reviewed his experience on the City's Code Enforcement and Fire Pension Boards. He noted he had to resign from those boards in order to apply for the interim seat. He cited his other volunteer work within the City and expressed his enjoyment in helping in the City. The Commission asked Mr. Turnbow if appointed would he run in the special election and he expressed his intention of running. Leonard Wheeler, 521 W Seminole Avenue, reviewed his employment background, his work as an ADA activist and other work regarding issues in the City particularly concerning damaged sidewalks and bathrooms not available at the bus stop. The Commission asked Mr. Wheeler if appointed would he run in the special election and he stated he would. Mayor Holland thanked the applicants for their presentations and interest in serving on the Commission. He commented on his knowledge of all the applicants and noted that Carla Gnann-Thompson is married to his cousin. He opened the floor to nominations. Commissioner Brett nominated Carla Gnann-Thompson. Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith nominated Christine Cruz. Commissioner Bob nominated Nicie Allen Parks. Mayor Holland nominated Tom Poole. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 71912015 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final June 30, 2015 There being no furlher nominations, Mayor Holland asked for a motion to close the nominations. Commissioner Bob moved to close the nominations. Commissioner Brett seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, the nominations were unanimously closed. A roll call vote was then taken on each nominee in alphabetical order as follows: On the nomination of Christine Cruz, the vote was three Nays and one Aye. On the nomination of Carla Gnann-Thompson, the vote was one Nay and three Ayes. On the nomination of Nicie Allen Parks, the vote was two Nays and two Ayes. On the nomination of Tom Poole, the vote was two Nays and two Ayes. Mayor Holland congratulated Ms. Gnann-Thompson on being the successful applicant. II. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 15139 Resolution No. 15-42: Appointment of Interim Commissioner Mr. Schroth announced Resolution No. 15-42: A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, appointing Carla Gnann-Thompson, qualified elector (voter) and resident of the City of Eustis to fill a vacancy created on the Eustis City Commission through the resignation of one of its members; such appointment to be made on an interim basis until a newly elected City Commission member is qualified. Mayor Holland opened the floor to public comment at 7:04 p.m. There being no public comment, the floor was closed at 7:04p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Brett, seconded by Vice-Mayor LeHeup-Smith, to Approve Resolution No. 15-42 with Carla Gnann-Thompson as the Interim Commissioner. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4- Commissioner Bob; Commissioner Brett; Vice-Mayor LeHeup-Smith ; and Mayor Holland III. SWEARING-IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER Mary Montez, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to Carla Gnann-Thompson as Interim City Commissioner, Seat #5. Ms. Gnann-Thompson thanked the Commission and commented on the need to continue to work to make the City stronger. Mayor Holland thanked everyone for their parlicipation and all of the applicants. He cited the upcoming election on August 25th and noted three seats will be up for election in November 2016. IV. ADJOURNMENT- 7:07p.m. MICHAEL L. HOLLAND Mayor/Commissioner *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 of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 71912015