City Commission Special Meeting

APPROVED:7f7/2016 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove Street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes - Final* City Commission Thursday, June 9, 2016 5:30PM City Hall CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holland - 5:30 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 4- Commissioner Carla Gnann-Thompsen; Vice-Mayor Karen LeHeup-Smith; Commissioner Linda Bob; and Mayor Michael Holland I. CONSIDERATION 16118 Selection of Interim City Commissioner, Seat #2 Mayor Holland explained the process to be used for the interviews and requested that all of the applicants adjourn to the Development Services conference room where they would wait to be called in turn. Brandon Avallone reviewed his background for the Commission. He commented on the strong small business community within the City and the benefits from having strong small businesses. He stated his focus if appointed would be to empower local business owners and establish programs to reward those local businesses that hire local youth. The Commission asked what other employment Mr. Avallone had prior to his current job with Mr. Avallone indicating he has worked other retail and call center positions. The Commission asked if he was considering running in the November election with Mr. Avallone responding affirmatively. Mayor Holland announced that Jan Glessner withdrew her application. The Commission had previously been informed that applicant Kress Muenzmay had withdrawn. Bill Gay reviewed his personal and employment history. He noted his involvement with the Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay Street Players. He stated his intent to view all issues with a common sense approach. The Commission confirmed Mr. Gay's intent to run in the November election. James Melanson commented on his volunteerism within the community. He cited the traditions within Eustis, his enthusiasm for the city, the need for commissioners to be aware of what is occurring within the city and the need to be mindful of his position and to respect each commissioner's viewpoint. The Commission confirmed Mr. Melanson's intent to run in the November election. Robert Morin explained his family's relocation to the City and their experience within the community. He stated his intent to run for Seat #2 in the November election and reviewed his employment history and experience with government programs. He commented on the important issues facing the City. The Commission confirmed Mr. Morin's experience with governmental budgeting. Commissioner Bob disclosed she had previously spoken with Mr. Morin about the position. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 6113/2016 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2016 Nicie Allen Parks stated her belief in the process and in government. She noted her experience with government for over 30 years. She stated her intent to interact with residents and be visible within the community. She commented on her attention to detail, her training in budgeting, housing and public relations, and the need for good public safety and economic development. Commissioner Bob commented on emails the Commission had received regarding Ms. Parks. She asked for Ms. Parks to be allowed a few extra minutes to address the content of those emails. Ms. Parks explained the emails stated she was untrustworthy because she was accused of stealing money from a housing program and accused her of approving repairs for family members. She explained she did not have direct access to the funds and that, at the time the funds were not accounted for, she was no longer over the programs. She further explained the state informed her that her relatives had the right to apply for the program. She indicated that those relatives were on the waiting list for five years and her supervisor was well informed with documentation regarding her relationship in the files. She stated she did not believe any funds were actually missing but there was some inaccurate record keeping. She added that the state recommended to the County that she be put back over the programs. Commissioner Gnann- Thompson emphasized that all of the accusations against Ms. Parks were unfounded. Michael Strong reviewed his personal and employment history including the U.S. Army, law enforcement, and as a self-employed private investigator and security agency. He commented on the new growth in the City and the need to maintain traditional life within the City. He cited the need to do something about things rather than sit and complain. The Commission confirmed Mr. Strong's intent to run in the November election. Patrick Thomas explained he is a retired city manager with 27 years of experience in local government. He commented on his business experience as a newspaper owner. He cited his extensive government experience and commented on the need for strategic planning. He stated it would be a privilege to serve the community. The Commission asked about his ability to sit on the opposite side from being a city manager and whether he would have difficulty in making the change. Mr. Thomas responded he is aware of the Commission's job and stated how glad he is about the stability of the City's governing body. Leonard Wheeler complimented the City Manager on how quickly he has responded to complaints. He thanked Commissioner Bob for her coming to his home to provide him some paperwork. He commented on the history between him and the City government through the years and on issues with City streets and sidewalks and difficulties for veterans within the City. The Commission thanked Mr. Wheeler for his efforts to improve the City. Mayor Holland asked all of the applicants to return to the Commission Room. He opened the floor for public comment. He explained that if someone commented negatively on an applicant that applicant would be allowed time to address the comments. Gail Isaac- Thomas thanked all of the applicants for applying. She commented on divisiveness within the City and asked whoever is appointed to work to bring the City together. She commented on Ms. Parks and her experience with the program she worked for. Mayor Holland asked for a motion to open nominations. A motion was made by Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Gnann-Thompson, to open the floor to nominations. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 611312016 City Commission Meeting Minutes - Final June 9, 2016 On a roll call vote, the motion to open nominations passed unanimously. Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith nominated Robert Morin for the Interim Commissioner, Seat #2. Commissioner Bob indicated her intent was also to nominate Mr. Morin. She commented on difficulties with racism in the City and emphasized the need for the Commission to work as one body for the betterment of Eustis. Commissioner Gnann- Thompson concurred with the nomination of Robert Morin. A motion was made by Commissioner Bob, seconded by Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, to close the nominations. On a roll call vote, the motion to close nominations passed unanimously. A motion was made by Vice Mayor LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Bob, to appoint Robert Morin as the Interim Commissioner for Seat #2. On a roll call vote, the motion to appoint Robert Morin as Interim Commissioner passed unanimously. II. ORDINANCES, PUBLIC HEARINGS & QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS 16119 Resolution No. 16-48: Appointment of Interim Commissioner, Seat #2 Mary Montez, City Clerk, announced Resolution No. 16-48: A Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida, appointing a 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. A motion was made by Vice-Mayor LeHeup-Smith, seconded by Commissioner Bob, to Approve Resolution No. 16-48 and appoint Robert Morin as the Interim Commissioner for Seat #2. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 4- Commissioner Gnann-Thompsen; Vice-Mayor LeHeup-Smith ; Commissioner Bob; and Mayor Holland III. SWEARING-IN OF NEW COMMISSIONER Ms. Montez swore in Robert Morin as Interim City Commissioner, Seat #2. Commissioner Morin stated he was glad to be there. He noted he would be running in November and would need the support of the public. He thanked the Commission for selecting him. Commissioner Gnann-Thomas thanked everyone who applied for the position. Mayor Holland also thanked each applicant and encouraged them to qualify for the November election. IV. ADJOURNMENT - 6:38 p.m. MICHAEL L. HOLLAND, Mayor!CO'h1missioner *These minutes refl ect the actions taken and portions of the discussion during the meeting. To review the enti re discuss ion concerning any agenda item, go to www.eustis.org and cl ick on the video for the meeting in question . A DVD of the entire meeting or CD of the entire aud io recording or verbatim transcript of the meeting can be obtained from the offi ce of the City Clerk for a fee. City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 611312016