City Commission Workshop Meeting

APPROVED:12/6/2018 City Hall City of Eustis, Florida 10 North Grove street Post Office Drawer 68 Eustis, FL 32727-0068 Meeting Minutes- Final* City Commission Workshop Wednesday, November 14, 2018 5:00PM Woman's Club, 227 N. Center St. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Morin - 5:01 p.m. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF QUORUM AND PROPER NOTICE Present: 5 - Marie Aliberti; Linda Bob; Carla Gnann-Thompsen; Michael Holland; and Robert Morin Also present: Lake County Commissioner Leslie Campione, County Manager Jeff Cole, Lake Sumter MPO Director Michael Woods and Eustis City Manager Ronald Neibert I. Workshop Items - Each item to include Commission discussion 18-0277 Update on Redevelopment of Pine Meadows Tennis Complex Leslie Campione, County Commissioner for District 4, commented on individuals thinking that she is not in support of Eustis' success. She indicated her belief that they are just looking at this issue from different perspectives and seeing different ways of achieving success. She stated her goal is to try to be a resource for the City as its County Commissioner and help facilitate. She noted that Mayor Morin had recently attended a County Commission meeting and expressed concern that Eustis is not mentioned on any of the 429 exit signage. She reported that she had contacted the Expressway Authority and their Executive Director is going to make sure that Eustis is added to the sign that currently says "Tavares". She stated it should be in place by the end of January. Commissioner Campione then provided an update on the Pine Meadows Tennis Complex. She explained the donor has granted Lake County a long-term easement in exchange for the County refurbishing the tennis courts, clay courts, basketball and pickleball courts. She indicated that the speed of the project will depend on what the County finds when they begin to refurbish. She stated there is lighting already in place and the goal is to redo what's already there. She added they will also restripe and redo the parking lot. 18-0278 Update on Dedication of Trail from CR44A to Pine Meadows Conservation Area Commissioner Campione reported on the planned dedication of a trail from CR44A to the Pine Meadows Conservation Area. She explained this would allow people to access Hicks Ditch to reach the trail system with the plan being to eventually extend the trail to Lake May. She explained they are continuing to work on the connecting pieces. She suggested the City of Eustis could create a trailhead on the property the City owns so that people could park on the north side of 44A and not have to cross the road to access the trail. She acknowledged that the Trout Lake Nature Center had wanted the trail to begin on their property and that might be fine eventually but that it makes more sense to have the trail begin on the north side of the road. The Commission questioned how much land would be needed with Commissioner Campione indicating it would depend on the number of parking places and whether or not bathrooms could be included. The Commission discussed the trail, the possibility of extending the trail through the downtown area, and the need to discuss the City's plans for the property before making a decision. City of Eustis, Florida Page 1 Printed on 1112912018 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2018 Ron Neibert, City Manager, suggested that the Public Works department could create a possible site plan which could be reviewed by the Commission after the new Commissioners are seated in January. Commissioner Campione stated an alternative could be to take the trail down 44A and cross over to the Nature Center, making it more family friendly CONSENSUS: It was a consensus of the Commission for City staff to draft up a plan for future review. 18-0279 Update on Umatilla to Astor "Ocala Forest" Trail Commissioner Campione commented on the possible benefit to the City of Eustis from the Umatilla to Astor trail and introduced Lake Sumter MPO Director Mike Wood to discuss the Black Bear Trail. Mr. Wood explained the trail would be a 36 mile trail along State Road 40 and would connect to the 250 mile Heart of Florida loop trail. He stated that Lake County agreed in 2015 to work on the 36 mile trail to close the gap in the Heart of Florida trail. He explained that the project is currently in the feasibility phase and they need to narrow down the location to one alternative before proceeding to the next phase in 2020. He stated that no right-of-way would be needed as it would all be located on federal/and. He added it would also connect to the Sea Trail in Volusia County. Mr. Wood then reported on the plans for the North Lake Trail. He explained that the City of Umatilla had partnered with Lake County to submit an application for the trail and obtain funding. He indicated they are studying the old railroad bed and taking 445 to Astor Park. He stated that the feasibility study will be used to select one of the paths. He then explained that the MPO is currently accepting new project applications and suggested that the extension of the trail into Eustis and on to Tavares might be a viable alternative. He further suggested that that Eustis submit an application and explained that the corridor on the master plan starts the process. Discussion was held regarding the costs for trails with Mr. Wood estimating a study and construction at $1 million per mile. He explained that construction is not done with local dollars but with federal and state dollars. Mr. Neibert explained the report was just an update on the program as the master plan was just recently adopted. He stated that the Commission could discuss submitting an application in the spring. Further discussion was held regarding utilizing the railroad bed for trails as well as other uses and how the trail is proposed to run on the master plan. 18-0280 Update on Round Lake Road Extension and POE Study Commissioner Campione provided an update on the hearings regarding the Round Lake Road extension and PD&E study She stated the County is still evaluating all of the impacts and has not selected an alternative. She noted traffic problems in the subject area and stated that an extension to 44 is needed. She indicated it would provide a connection from Eustis to the parkway. She explained the new steps would be after they receive the consultants' evaluation of the costs. She stated that a cost needs to be determined for each of the alternates as well as the number of residents that would be impacted for each. She stated they had been in contact with FOOT to determine if a traffic light is warranted for the intersection of Britt Road and 44. She noted that a property owner along Britt has not been willing to negotiate for an easement. She added that FDOT has funding in 2020 for design of the road and it will require a 50% match from Lake County utilizing impact fees. City of Eustis, Florida Page2 Printed on 1112912018 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2018 Commissioner Campione then reported that the County Commission had voted to increase the traffic impact fee for the north region which goes along 441 to 448 and on up to Umatilla. She explained that the district places Eustis, Umatilla, Tavares and Mount Dora into one impact fee district so they will all have the same traffic impact fee. She stated that future increases have been phased in to increase in February 2019, then again in August 2019 and again in the following year She reported that the County has applied for a public infrastructure grant to build the Round Lake Road extension which will include a trail on one side and a sidewalk on the other She suggested that, when Eustis proceeds with development of its master trail plan, they may want to consider that as a way to connect. 18-0283 Lake County Fairgrounds Commissioner Campione announced that the Lake County Fair Board is proceeding with relocating the fair in order to provide for more space and be more centrally located. She stated that Lake County has appraised the property with the intent of selling the property and utilizing the funds to construct facilities at the new site. She stated that the new site backs up to the County landfill across from Lake ldamere and adjacent to the new animal shelter She explained that the relocation would not require purchase of new property She noted that she had recently been informed that there is an old document which requires the City and County to consult if the property is discontinued for use as the fairgrounds. Mr Neibert provided a review of the history of the City's donation of the property for the fairgrounds and stated the property was deeded to Lake County in June 1967. He indicated that City staff could not locate a copy of the agreement which formalized the details of the donation. The Commission discussed the history of the donation with Commissioner Campione apologizing that the information regarding the relocation was in the news prior to the City being made aware of the situation. She stated the County is considering a couple of options for the property and want to insure that the property receives the highest and best use. She suggested the comer parcel should probably be designated as commercial. Mr Neibert suggested that the Commission could discuss the property at their first meeting in December 18-0281 Discussion regarding East Crooked Lake, Lake Joanne, enclaves and similar unincorporated areas Commissioner Campione acknowledged that, legally, the Commission could not discuss certain aspects of the East Crooked Lake proposed project. She noted the current land use designation for the property has a wide range of allowed density of one to five units per acre. She stated that can be scary to the surrounding residents and commented on how developers can promise one thing but don't always follow through. She suggested the City consider creating a new land use designation with lower allowable densities which could help the development patterns remain in keeping with what's already in place. She stated that, if the standards are set high, the developers will find a way to make it work. The Commission discussed the possibility of changing land use designations in order to protect some areas with Mr Neibert reporting that there have been some staff discussions regarding a similar proposal and that will be presented at a future date. 18-0282 Discussion regarding homelessness concerns throughout Lake County Commissioner Campione commented on the effects of homelessness on the area's cities and cited the pockets of homeless camps within the City. She noted how other areas have implemented programs which causes the homeless individuals to migrate to other areas. She stated that the City could become a magnet for homeless if they do not have a program in place. She reported on various programs offered through HUD and noted that Lake County does not have a transitional or overnight housing as well as no bridge housing which would provide housing for people waiting to City of Eustis, Florida Page3 Printed on 1112912018 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2018 qualify for housing vouchers. She stated her hope to find a place to create bridge housing and noted that communities that don't want to allow overnight housing might be willing to allow transitional housing for those individuals who actually want assistance and need a place to live until their application is processed. Commissioner Holland recommended having a workshop with all of the community partners before moving forward with anything. He recommended inviting Commissioner Campione, Open Door and Lifestream. He noted that, prior to Open Door, there was a homeless community that went back and forth between Eustis and Leesburg. Discussion was held regarding the need for a transitional shelter, the amount of special needs students located at Eustis Heights Elementary and the probability that bringing in more homeless people will increase those levels, and the losses in housing and mental health funding through the legislature. Mr. Neibert recommended having a standalone workshop, possibly in February. He also suggested the Commission consider holding a weekend retreat to discuss a variety of goals and objectives. Commissioner Campione reported they are looking at the possibility of working with the United Way to do a point in time survey to better identify the pockets of homeless, what services are already available, and what organizations could assist. She noted that the State has been utilizing SHIP money for other purposes and stated that the County's legislative priorities include addressing that issue with the legislature. She indicated that they need to lobby all of the legislators about leaving the SHIP funding alone. Commissioner Campione then noted she had provided to the Commissioners a copy of a promotional booklet the County has developed to recruit new businesses and stated their desire to update it. Commissioner Gnann-Thompson asked about the location for the 429 signage for Eustis with Commissioner Campione indicating that the federal government dictates the location of certain signs. She stated that the sign closest the exit currently just say "Tavares" and that is where they are working to add Eustis. Mr. Neibert indicated that he had received an email confirming Eustis would be added to the sign with Mayor Morin indicating they could possibly add Eustis to the southbound sign in Zone 5 as well. II. Public Input Mayor Morin opened the floor to public comment at 6: 11p.m. Nan Cobb asked about the Pine Meadows project with Commissioner Campione responding they have been given a 100-year lease but, once the improvements are completed, the owners may convey the property to the County. Eileen Johnson thanked the Commission for discussing the East Crooked Lake land use designation issue. She questioned how the property on East Crooked Lake was presented to the Commission with the recommendation for the higher density and asked for clarification of the Commission's stance on the issue. Commissioner Bob noted she had met with staff about the project and agreed that if the allowed density is one to five, then the developers will try to get the maximum. She stated she asked staff to look at changing the allowed densities noting that she will no longer be on the Commission after December. She stated her belief that two homes per acre would be sufficient. Ms. Johnson noted that there are approximately twenty homes in the area for sale. City of Eustis, Florida Page4 Printed on 1112912018 City Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes - Final November 14, 2018 Commissioner Campione explained that the City Attorney is not present; however, he would be cautioning them against discussing the issue at this time. Mayor Morin explained the Commission could not provide an answer at that time. He noted the amount of time the Commission allowed for public input at the meeting on the issue. Ms. Johnson announced she would email to the Commission a show from National Public Radio regarding how to resolve the homeless issues and providing training. She volunteered to help with the homeless issue. Mayor Morin noted that the show and program in question was in a Virginia city with over 400,000 people while the City of Eustis only has 20,000. Erica Wilson, Open Door, commented on the homeless problem and explained the amount of funds available to the homeless. She stated that housing for a night doesn't help and that what is needed is transitional housing. She recommended bringing in people who work with the homeless when the City holds it workshop. She noted that point in time counts are not completely accurate. III. Commission Direction No additional Commission direction was provided at that time. IV. Adjournment - 6:25 p.m. City Clerk 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 PageS Printed on 1112912018