[1:15] All right. All right.

[1:21] saying no.

[1:23] >> No.

[1:24] » No.

[1:24] >> You good?

[1:25] » You good?

[1:25] >> Is he in here?

[1:27] » Is he in here?

[1:27] >> Yeah. So, you see Lorie?

[1:28] » Yeah. So, you see Lorie?

[1:28] >> Yeah.

[1:32] » And he's trying to get

[1:38] sitt.

[1:43] » That's good for us.

[1:44] >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. It is.

[1:48] Good evening everyone and welcome to

[1:50] USUS City Hall. This is a regular Sunday

[1:52] commission meeting of the US city

[1:54] commission. It is now 6:00 p. p.m.

[1:57] August the 6th, 2026.

[2:00] Please silence all of your phones. Thank

[2:02] you. If you would like to join us, the

[2:04] invocation tonight will be presented by

[2:06] Pastor Jay Cooknau of Life Community

[2:09] Church and the pledge of allegian

[2:11] allegiance by our commissioner Willie

[2:13] Hawkins.

[2:19] Let's pray. Father, we thank you for

[2:21] this opportunity to come and to seek

[2:23] your guidance. Lord, I would just pray

[2:25] that you would lead and guide each of

[2:26] these council members as they uh vote on

[2:29] things and make decisions for our

[2:31] community. We pray that you would make

[2:33] this a peaceful meeting and that your

[2:34] hand would be upon everything. We ask

[2:36] this in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

[2:38] >> Amen.

[2:39] » Amen.

[2:39] >> Please join me for the pledge.

[2:41] » Please join me for the pledge.

[2:41] I pledge algiance to the flag of the

[2:44] United States of America and to the

[2:47] republic for which it stands. One nation

[2:50] under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[2:54] justice for all.

[2:55] >> Thank you.

[3:03] » We will officially call this meeting to

[3:05] order. Christine, is there a quorum

[3:07] present and proper notice have been

[3:08] given?

[3:09] >> Yes, Mayor Lee.

[3:10] » Yes, Mayor Lee.

[3:10] >> Thank you. Rick, is there an agenda

[3:11] » Thank you. Rick, is there an agenda

[3:11] update?

[3:12] >> There is no agenda update.

[3:14] » There is no agenda update.

[3:14] >> Okay. And I think you have a

[3:15] » Okay. And I think you have a

[3:15] presentation.

[3:18] >> Uh yes. So we get started today. We have

[3:22] » Uh yes. So we get started today. We have

[3:22] um representatives from Center

[3:25] Development uh to present information on

[3:28] the Akilo project um a redevelopment

[3:31] project downtown [clears throat]

[3:33] community.

[3:40] Good evening.

[3:42] >> Good evening, mayor, commissioners, city

[3:44] » Good evening, mayor, commissioners, city

[3:44] manager Garrick, city staff, members of

[3:47] our community, and the Achil team. My

[3:50] name is Danell Hoffer. I'm the CEO of

[3:52] Urban Hideway Development and Center

[3:54] Green. Before I begin, I'd like to

[3:56] answer a question I've been asked many

[3:59] times over the past several months. Why

[4:01] Achilo? is the name of the project that

[4:04] we're proposing. Achilo is pronounced

[4:07] Ailo.

[4:09] It's the ancient Roman name for the

[4:11] north wind.

[4:13] It's associated with fresh breezes,

[4:15] changing seasons, and renewal. To us,

[4:18] Ikilo reflects boating, sailing,

[4:21] sunsets, and the energy of a vibrant

[4:24] waterfront.

[4:25] Most importantly, it represents bringing

[4:27] new life and new opportunity to downtown

[4:30] Eustace. That's the vision behind the

[4:32] name. So now I'd like to turn to why

[4:35] we're here tonight.

[4:42] Commissioners, tonight our request is

[4:44] very straightforward. We're requesting

[4:46] your authorization to direct city staff

[4:48] to negotiate a purchase and sale

[4:50] agreement and development agreement with

[4:53] the negotiated document returning to

[4:54] this commission for consideration within

[4:57] 90 days. I want to emphasize one

[5:00] important point.

[5:02] Tonight authorizes authorizes

[5:04] negotiations. It does not approve a

[5:07] final project.

[5:09] Tonight begins a structured public

[5:12] process that allows the city and our

[5:15] team to complete the necessary due

[5:17] diligence, negotiate the agreements,

[5:19] [snorts] and bring them back to this

[5:21] commission for review and consideration.

[5:29] This slide explains why we believe this

[5:31] opportunity is important. Our vision is

[5:34] to transform the community center site

[5:37] into a true waterfront destination for

[5:40] downtown Eustace. We believe this

[5:43] project can serve as a catalyst for

[5:45] continued revitalization by generating

[5:48] tourism, supporting local business,

[5:51] creating opportunities for

[5:52] entrepreneurs,

[5:54] encouraging additional private

[5:55] investment in the community, and

[5:58] establishing a long-term economic anchor

[6:00] for downtown.

[6:02] It also represents workforce

[6:04] development.

[6:05] The project is expected to create

[6:07] hundreds of construction jobs during

[6:09] development, approximately 175 full-time

[6:13] jobs once complete, creating

[6:15] opportunities across hospitality,

[6:17] dining, retail, wellness, maintenance,

[6:21] management, and professional services.

[6:24] Finally, city staff has identified

[6:27] alternative community meeting space,

[6:30] allowing this property to be evaluated

[6:32] for its highest and best community use.

[6:41] This slide illustrates the overall

[6:43] vision for the site. The program

[6:45] combines hospitality, residential,

[6:48] dining, event space, parking, critical

[6:53] to the success, and public waterfront

[6:55] spaces in one integrated destination.

[6:58] Each use has been planned to support the

[7:00] others, creating activity throughout the

[7:02] day and throughout the year while

[7:04] strengthening downtown Eustace as a a

[7:07] truly a destination for residents and

[7:09] visitors alike.

[7:16] This is our current conceptual site

[7:18] plan. It reflects the planning completed

[7:21] to date and illustrates how the various

[7:23] program elements work together while

[7:26] maintaining an active public waterfront

[7:29] as negotiations and due diligence

[7:30] continue. This plan will continue to be

[7:33] refined.

[7:38] Let's talk about project scale. This

[7:41] represents approximately 70 million in

[7:44] estimated private investment.

[7:46] It reflects the project's current

[7:48] conceptual scope and demonstrates the

[7:50] significance of the opportunity before

[7:52] the city.

[7:54] As with any development of this scale,

[7:56] the final investment in project details

[7:58] will continue to be refined through due

[8:01] diligence and negotiations.

[8:05] So, let's talk about what has already

[8:07] been completed. Before requesting

[8:10] authorization to move [clears throat]

[8:11] forward this evening, it's important to

[8:13] recognize the substantial work that's

[8:16] already been finished. Our vision and

[8:19] programming are complete. Preliminary

[8:22] planning and massing have been

[8:23] completed.

[8:25] Our professional team has been

[8:27] assembled, many of which are here this

[8:29] evening. They are local as we are. or a

[8:31] local family and they are very very

[8:33] invested and ready to get to work on the

[8:35] project.

[8:37] Initial engineering coordination has

[8:39] begun. Hospitality discussions have

[8:42] taken place. Preliminary market

[8:44] evaluation has been completed.

[8:47] We've made significant private

[8:49] investment in bringing the project to

[8:51] this point and we've begun initial

[8:53] construction discussions already.

[8:56] This is why we're ready [clears throat]

[8:57] to move to the next phase.

[9:03] So what happens next? It's always the

[9:05] question. If negotiations are authorized

[9:08] this evening, the next phase includes

[9:10] the work shown on this slide.

[9:13] Independent appraisals,

[9:15] survey and title review, environmental

[9:17] review,

[9:19] utility and storm water coordination,

[9:22] development agreement and entitlement

[9:24] work, submission of project team

[9:27] qualifications,

[9:29] negotiation of the purchase and sale

[9:31] agreement to buy the property,

[9:36] and finally returning everything to this

[9:39] commission for consideration.

[9:45] So, commissioners, our request, this is

[9:48] the action that we're requesting this

[9:49] evening. We're asking you to direct city

[9:52] staff [cough] to begin negotiating a

[9:55] purchase and sale agreement for the

[9:57] community center property immediately

[9:59] and proceed diligently towards

[10:01] completion in a 90-day time frame.

[10:04] During that process, city staff and our

[10:07] team will coordinate the appraisals, the

[10:09] title information, the surveys, utility

[10:12] and storm water review, the development

[10:15] agreement framework, entitlements and

[10:17] zoning, legal review, and all other

[10:20] documents necessary to negotiate a

[10:23] mutually acceptable purchase and sale

[10:25] agreement again for the purchase of the

[10:27] property.

[10:29] We're also requesting that city staff

[10:31] coordinate departments and consultants

[10:33] as needed, identify any issues requiring

[10:36] commission policy direction during

[10:39] negotiations, [clears throat] and return

[10:41] the negotiated purchase and sale

[10:43] agreement to this commission

[10:45] for any approvals required under city

[10:47] procedures. Again, tonight authorizes

[10:51] negotiation. It does not approve the

[10:54] final project.

[10:59] So, madame mayor and commissioners, I'd

[11:01] like to thank you for your time. I'd

[11:03] like to take thank city staff, city

[11:06] manager for his time. Thank you for the

[11:08] consideration this evening. We

[11:10] respectfully request your authorization

[11:12] to begin the purchase and sale agreement

[11:15] and development agreement negotiation

[11:17] process.

[11:18] We truly appreciate the opportunity to

[11:21] continue working collaboratively with

[11:23] the city as this process moves forward.

[11:26] and we really look forward to returning

[11:28] to you with a complete agreement for

[11:30] your consideration.

[11:32] Thank you. And I'll be happy to answer

[11:34] questions.

[11:36] >> Thank you. I'll go. You want to go

[11:39] » Thank you. I'll go. You want to go

[11:39] first? Okay. Um I'll go. Um

[11:45] you say city staff has identified

[11:48] uh

[11:51] another property for the community

[11:52] center.

[11:54] Um, not necessarily. That's a very, very

[11:57] good question. I think they've

[11:58] identified various uh properties that

[12:00] the city already owns that are meeting

[12:02] space related, including the senior

[12:05] center and some other places around the

[12:06] city. So, they they've definitely

[12:09] [cough]

[12:09] hard look at that.

[12:10] >> Would you by chance know what the

[12:12] » Would you by chance know what the

[12:12] capacity is for those buildings?

[12:14] >> Um, I don't have it with me.

[12:16] » Um, I don't have it with me.

[12:16] >> Okay.

[12:16] » Okay.

[12:16] >> We got that in that staff report.

[12:19] » We got that in that staff report.

[12:19] >> I think city staff held led that effort.

[12:21] » I think city staff held led that effort.

[12:21] >> Yeah. off off the top of my head, I

[12:23] » Yeah. off off the top of my head, I

[12:23] don't know the exact numbers. Um the the

[12:27] senior center is close. It's a little

[12:30] bit smaller

[12:32] >> um than the community center, but we did

[12:34] » um than the community center, but we did

[12:34] look at the different events housed at

[12:35] the community center in in a one-year

[12:38] period.

[12:40] >> It seemed like all but three or four of

[12:43] » It seemed like all but three or four of

[12:43] the events could be housed at the senior

[12:45] center.

[12:46] >> Okay. Is that uh is that three or four

[12:51] » Okay. Is that uh is that three or four

[12:51] only because we don't have the space?

[12:54] And if we do this and we go to the

[12:56] senior city senior citizens building,

[13:00] does that lock us into not

[13:02] [clears throat] being able to grow the

[13:04] community, not being able to to expand?

[13:09] Um, I don't I don't see that it would

[13:12] tie us into not being able to expand,

[13:15] but um, you know, there's there were

[13:19] the events, I believe, and I don't have

[13:22] that information with me, but we did a a

[13:24] deep dive into it. Um, there were a

[13:27] couple graduations. There was, I think

[13:29] that like an eighth grade graduation. Um

[13:32] [clears throat] so you know we looked at

[13:34] other venues that could be in town but

[13:36] it would be private venues. Um you know

[13:39] Life Point Church could handle that

[13:40] size.

[13:42] >> Um you we we had talked about outside um

[13:45] » Um you we we had talked about outside um

[13:46] events which is a little more difficult

[13:47] to arrange but it would it would have to

[13:50] go to a third party facility.

[13:53] >> Is that fair to our citizens?

[13:56] » Is that fair to our citizens?

[13:56] >> Um I I can't speak to that.

[13:59] » Um I I can't speak to that.

[13:59] >> Okay. Um

[14:01] » Okay. Um

[14:01] this was an uh

[14:05] have we had any other uh proposals

[14:08] >> on this?

[14:10] » on this?

[14:10] >> No,

[14:13] » you can't.

[14:15] >> I cannot.

[14:15] » I cannot.

[14:15] >> No, no, you cannot do that. You have to

[14:17] » No, no, you cannot do that. You have to

[14:17] have a seat. Please sit down. Please.

[14:20] You can't do that now. You can't do that

[14:22] now.

[14:22] >> She's just asking for us to speak up.

[14:23] » She's just asking for us to speak up.

[14:23] That's the speaker.

[14:26] >> Okay.

[14:27] » Okay.

[14:27] >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were asking

[14:28] » Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were asking

[14:28] to speak. I apologize. I apologize.

[14:38] » Okay, ma'am. Is this better?

[14:41] >> There's a earpiece. Uh, you can get a

[14:43] » There's a earpiece. Uh, you can get a

[14:43] earpiece from the gentleman right over

[14:45] there if that helps you.

[14:47] >> I apologize.

[14:50] » I apologize.

[14:50] >> Help me. I appreciate it.

[14:51] » Help me. I appreciate it.

[14:51] [clears throat]

[14:53] » Yeah. Did we get any other proposals on

[14:55] this?

[14:58] And no, we did not.

[15:00] >> Okay. Um, so why would we negotiate with

[15:04] » Okay. Um, so why would we negotiate with

[15:04] just one?

[15:08] » This um the the

[15:12] submitt came in. We have not advertised.

[15:16] This wasn't part of the process.

[15:18] >> So as the opportunity came in, um we

[15:22] » So as the opportunity came in, um we

[15:22] presented it over a year ago to you. Um

[15:27] there were some things that were

[15:28] identified um at that point I believe

[15:33] they were addressed. One was um can we

[15:36] handle the events that are there? Um I

[15:39] think we have a good good uh game plan

[15:42] for that like a mitigation plan. Um the

[15:47] at this point it is

[15:50] um you know you're you're being asked if

[15:52] you want to consider it. Mhm.

[15:54] >> Um it it is it could definitely

[15:57] » Um it it is it could definitely

[15:57] stimulate part of our our downtown

[16:00] implementation plan. This falls in this

[16:02] was identified in the steps

[16:05] um as as being one of the key factors.

[16:08] >> That's actually Rick. That's actually a

[16:10] » That's actually Rick. That's actually a

[16:10] great point. This is this is consistent

[16:12] with our downtown master plan. It could

[16:14] it fits within that.

[16:16] >> It was one of the items that have been

[16:17] » It was one of the items that have been

[16:17] discussed in the workshops

[16:19] >> and and and I don't disagree that it

[16:21] » and and and I don't disagree that it

[16:21] fits. Um,

[16:24] but why the rush with one? Why not put

[16:26] it out there and see what else is out

[16:28] there?

[16:31] >> All due respect, Commissioner, we've

[16:32] » All due respect, Commissioner, we've

[16:32] done the work. We've spent 16 months and

[16:35] a considerable private investment into

[16:37] preparing for this point in time as as

[16:40] was indicated in the workshop that you

[16:42] attended. So, we feel like, you know,

[16:44] we're ready to take the next step. We

[16:46] are um have already invested several

[16:49] million dollars into the community over

[16:52] the last several years in our

[16:53] developments here and we're committed

[16:55] and ready to do this. Um and it's time

[16:58] for the city to be able to move forward.

[17:00] It's time the the citizens want um

[17:03] security in their future. Children need

[17:06] a place to go. People need places to

[17:10] work. the workforce development um that

[17:13] this will create is significant and

[17:16] we've done significant work

[17:19] >> substantial work. Yes, ma'am.

[17:20] » substantial work. Yes, ma'am.

[17:20] >> Um there have been things done and I

[17:23] » Um there have been things done and I

[17:23] guess there's more things to do. Who's

[17:26] going to invest the finances into this?

[17:28] How you know how much of it are you

[17:30] going to be a part of?

[17:32] >> Yes, mayor. That that's a very good

[17:33] » Yes, mayor. That that's a very good

[17:34] question. There's a significant

[17:35] [clears throat] capital stack of course

[17:36] that that has to exist and take place.

[17:38] We're in the process of looking at that

[17:40] now, but we've already made an

[17:42] investment valued at over $800,000 just

[17:45] in the last 18 months. And we did that

[17:48] and everyone sitting on the front row

[17:49] today has done that. They represent

[17:51] legal, architecture, civil planning, um

[17:55] economic development, and we've all made

[17:58] the efforts to do that. So, um because

[18:02] we believe in this project and we

[18:03] believe in the city, we believe in the

[18:05] economic value. You know, I I I

[18:08] appreciate that. Uh I appreciate the

[18:11] work that you put into it, but it was a

[18:12] gamble, I think, to do that until you

[18:16] got the okay from us.

[18:19] >> Um

[18:19] » Um

[18:19] >> we do that.

[18:20] » we do that.

[18:20] >> It's an investment.

[18:21] » It's an investment.

[18:21] >> We do that all the time. You know, we we

[18:23] » We do that all the time. You know, we we

[18:23] invest in projects that we believe in.

[18:27] >> Well, I think I think it's a wonderful

[18:29] » Well, I think I think it's a wonderful

[18:29] it is a wonderful opportunity for us.

[18:32] >> Thank you.

[18:32] » Thank you.

[18:32] >> For for 20 years, there's been no

[18:34] » For for 20 years, there's been no

[18:34] development at all in downtown. So I

[18:37] think this is a very big catalyst to

[18:41] economic development for our city. So

[18:44] it's a yes for me.

[18:46] >> Well, it and

[18:50] » Well, it and

[18:50] why can't we do multiple proposals

[18:53] >> if everyone agrees?

[18:54] » if everyone agrees?

[18:54] >> All due respect, you have done that in

[18:56] » All due respect, you have done that in

[18:56] the past and no one has stepped up to

[18:58] this level.

[18:59] >> I'm sorry. Not for that site.

[19:01] » I'm sorry. Not for that site.

[19:01] >> You have,

[19:03] » You have,

[19:03] >> but it's okay. I I think for one thing,

[19:06] » but it's okay. I I think for one thing,

[19:06] we need to move on. I mean, we've got to

[19:09] get started. I made a comment before and

[19:11] I still believe that that we've got to

[19:14] get moving. We can't just keep going.

[19:16] >> Mary, you're right. It's been 20 years.

[19:18] » Mary, you're right. It's been 20 years.

[19:18] It's been 20 years since the hospital

[19:20] left. Nothing has happened in downtown.

[19:22] This is a wonderful and

[19:25] very, very great opportunity for us to

[19:28] change the direction of our town. And

[19:30] you're right, we need to get moving.

[19:32] Madame Mayor, one point that I'd like to

[19:35] clarify is that because the property,

[19:36] and this has been discussed before is

[19:38] within the CRA, there needs to be a

[19:41] notice that's provided. And so I would

[19:43] take tonight as authorization for staff

[19:46] to continue discussions and for terms

[19:48] that are sufficient enough for the city

[19:50] to be able to provide that notice for

[19:52] the CRA to be made. And then that will

[19:55] be the opportunity for others to make a

[19:58] proposal. And that's a 30-day time

[20:00] period that that we're looking at once

[20:02] that notice is given. So, I want to be

[20:04] clear on that that there would be an

[20:06] opportunity for others to have that

[20:08] chance because it's a CRA property.

[20:11] >> Understand,

[20:13] » Understand,

[20:13] >> George.

[20:15] » George.

[20:15] >> Um,

[20:21] my understanding, and I guess I I guess

[20:23] this is probably a question. Well, Tom

[20:25] isn't here anymore, but my understanding

[20:28] from Tom was that he approached them and

[20:32] he brought up the community center and

[20:34] asked them to work on this project. Am I

[20:38] close to anything saying that?

[20:39] >> Yes, sir.

[20:40] » Yes, sir.

[20:40] >> You never went and said, I want to He

[20:42] » You never went and said, I want to He

[20:42] said I want you to look at this. You

[20:45] can't look at the three lots. I want you

[20:47] to look at Okay,

[20:47] >> that's correct, sir. Thank you. and on

[20:50] » that's correct, sir. Thank you. and on

[20:50] the that's a big number of invest a big

[20:53] investment number. I think it's a

[20:55] privilege and an honor for our city to

[20:56] have someone even consider that. Um

[21:00] I'm a numbers guy which hopefully all of

[21:02] us are. But when I look at that 70

[21:06] million, 50 million, 60 million,

[21:07] whatever it ends up being, usually it

[21:09] ends up being more than we think. But if

[21:11] it's 70 million, I think to myself,

[21:15] at the taxes that are generated there,

[21:18] we can build a community center every

[21:20] year, pay for cash.

[21:22] So,

[21:25] that's that's important to me. There

[21:27] were a couple things I I did uh asked to

[21:29] meet with her that I wanted and I want

[21:31] to make sure that they're included. Uh,

[21:34] one is that you pay for the property.

[21:36] two that if you don't perform, we get

[21:39] the property back. [clears throat] Uh

[21:41] what was the third thing? Um

[21:44] that you would try to use local people

[21:46] and and there was I think there was

[21:48] something else much more minor, but

[21:50] those were the two biggest things that

[21:52] you have a timeline to do what it is. Is

[21:54] that still uh something you're okay

[21:57] with?

[21:57] >> Yes, sir. Absolutely. It's important to

[22:00] » Yes, sir. Absolutely. It's important to

[22:00] us.

[22:01] >> That's it.

[22:02] » That's it.

[22:02] >> If if this was to go back out, Rick, how

[22:05] » If if this was to go back out, Rick, how

[22:05] long would it go out for?

[22:07] Well, it's it's as Taylor said, it it we

[22:11] would this could be a could serve as the

[22:13] the public notice and at that point 30

[22:17] days.

[22:18] >> Anytime, and this is just me, anytime

[22:20] » Anytime, and this is just me, anytime

[22:20] anyone comes to me and says I need it

[22:23] immediately, that causes me some

[22:25] concern.

[22:26] >> Um

[22:28] » Um

[22:28] uh I know that there are people that uh

[22:36] you know, there are commissioners that

[22:38] think this is a good idea. Um,

[22:41] I think citizens first. Um,

[22:45] you know, I don't like the we'll find

[22:47] someplace for him to go. I don't like

[22:49] that idea. Um, I don't like the fact

[22:52] that, uh,

[22:55] pretty much that's the people's house

[22:57] and we're being rushed to make a

[22:58] decision.

[23:05] I guess maybe I missed something. I

[23:10] can you explain more about this it being

[23:11] in the CRA? I didn't

[23:15] recall that being a part of that is in

[23:19] >> my understanding is that prior meetings

[23:21] » my understanding is that prior meetings

[23:21] and and workshops and I know there was

[23:22] communication with council for the

[23:25] presenters that discussed and brought up

[23:27] the fact that the property is within the

[23:29] CRA and that that required necessitated

[23:33] under the statute that there's certain

[23:35] notice requirements before that that

[23:37] property could be leased sold or

[23:41] dispossessed in any Okay. And that's

[23:43] that's what I'm referring to.

[23:46] >> Okay.

[23:47] » Okay.

[23:47] >> Commissioner Holland,

[23:49] » Commissioner Holland,

[23:49] >> I'd like to introduce Logan Ops.

[23:52] » I'd like to introduce Logan Ops.

[23:52] >> Commissioner Holland has something to

[23:53] » Commissioner Holland has something to

[23:53] say. Let me hear from him real quick.

[23:56] >> Yeah, thank you. Logan Obsol uh with

[23:58] » Yeah, thank you. Logan Obsol uh with

[23:58] Lounge Law Firm, land use council on the

[24:00] project. U that's fine. I I the previous

[24:04] council there were discussions back and

[24:06] forth. I think we're aware that it's in

[24:08] the CRA and certain things need to go

[24:10] on. The Community Redevelopment Agency

[24:12] is an important part of this. That's

[24:15] what we're we're promoting is is

[24:17] redevelopment of downtown. Um this isn't

[24:20] a rush. It's it's been a you know almost

[24:22] an 18-month process and uh in constant

[24:26] communication with your city staff who I

[24:28] applaud has been transparent

[24:30] informational has requested uh on your

[24:33] behalf uh a lot of information from us

[24:35] which has brought us to this point. Um

[24:37] again and this was covered by Dell at

[24:39] the top tonight is a direction to allow

[24:43] city staff to engage with us to provide

[24:46] a purchase and sale agreement which will

[24:48] come back before this body. the items

[24:50] that commissioner as body pointed out as

[24:53] relates to some sort of reverter time

[24:56] frame. Those are exactly the items that

[24:57] are going to go into that document and

[24:59] again that will come back for your

[25:01] consideration. So tonight is is uh not

[25:05] anywhere near the conclusion. It's the

[25:06] beginning and it's an exciting one uh in

[25:08] line with the city's vision for

[25:10] downtown.

[25:11] >> It sounds to me like this is the perfect

[25:13] » It sounds to me like this is the perfect

[25:13] time to get someone else in because

[25:14] we're at the beginning. We're not in the

[25:16] middle.

[25:23] There's probably only maybe two or three

[25:25] of us that are sitting in this room that

[25:27] knew the Pendletons that owned that

[25:29] property where that building's sitting.

[25:32] Part of me thinks that they would be

[25:34] excited to see the city finally moving

[25:37] forward with something.

[25:40] We're sitting on three city blocks

[25:42] behind us that will never be developed

[25:44] unless we have a catalyst to bring

[25:46] people to downtown Eustace.

[25:50] This is a project that could probably do

[25:52] that.

[25:55] There's a lot of work to be done and I'm

[25:57] not going to shut it down tonight

[26:01] without us going ahead and exploring the

[26:03] avenues. I think that nothing ever hurts

[26:07] with our staff going ahead and talking

[26:11] and bringing stuff back. Since it is in

[26:14] the CRA, you've got that protection

[26:16] where other people are going to see this

[26:18] and they're going to want to jump in.

[26:20] So, I don't see any problem with us

[26:23] talking, but we're going to have to do

[26:26] something as a commission that that

[26:29] opens up the rest of the development of

[26:31] downtown.

[26:33] And the way the funding of the CRA

[26:35] works, the more money that is brought in

[26:39] by tax money and into the CRA through

[26:43] the development of our commercial

[26:45] corridors, the more money there is to

[26:48] spend in other parts of our CRA. I think

[26:51] if we understand that, that's why this

[26:54] is very important to us as a city. Our

[26:57] businesses downtown are struggling and

[27:01] if we don't do something and if we're

[27:03] not proactive, we're going to lose more

[27:06] and more of those businesses. I know

[27:07] there are several restaurants that are

[27:09] hanging by a thread downtown.

[27:13] It's our job to make sure that they're

[27:15] able to stay in business. It's our job

[27:17] to make sure that our citizens have a

[27:20] downtown that they're proud of and that

[27:23] we can spend more money in our CRA as we

[27:26] fill those coffers. I'm with I am for at

[27:29] this point moving us forward. We're

[27:32] talking. Nothing has said we're selling

[27:35] this property yet or anything like that,

[27:37] but for us to stop talking is a problem.

[27:41] That's my opinion.

[27:43] >> Yeah. Were we Rick? Well, we um

[27:46] » Yeah. Were we Rick? Well, we um

[27:46] [clears throat]

[27:48] at one point we talked about uh putting

[27:50] out uh the solicitation.

[27:54] Correct.

[27:56] >> Uh there there was discussion on it and

[27:59] » Uh there there was discussion on it and

[27:59] that came back to commission and it was

[28:02] tabled.

[28:03] >> It was tabled.

[28:04] » It was tabled.

[28:04] >> Yeah.

[28:10] » Well, I don't think I can make it any

[28:12] clear how I feel about it.

[28:18] It seems like the general consensus of

[28:20] the um commission is to stop moving

[28:23] forward.

[28:25] >> It's a yes for me.

[28:26] » It's a yes for me.

[28:26] >> Yes, for me.

[28:27] » Yes, for me.

[28:27] >> Yes.

[28:28] » Yes.

[28:28] >> Absolutely not.

[28:29] » Absolutely not.

[28:29] >> Okay.

[28:30] » Okay.

[28:30] >> Thank you for your leadership. We look

[28:31] » Thank you for your leadership. We look

[28:31] forward to working with you.

[28:32] >> Thank you. Thank you.

[28:33] » Thank you. Thank you.

[28:33] >> Thank you,

[28:35] » Thank you,

[28:35] >> mayor and commissioners. Thank you for

[28:37] » mayor and commissioners. Thank you for

[28:37] your time. We appreciate this

[28:39] consideration. And with your permission,

[28:41] we'd respectfully ask that the Achil

[28:43] team and our consultants and guests um

[28:46] be allowed to quietly excuse ourselves.

[28:48] >> We'll give you a few minutes to do that.

[28:49] » We'll give you a few minutes to do that.

[28:49] Thank you.

[28:50] >> Thank you, ma'am.

[28:50] » Thank you, ma'am.

[28:50] >> Thank you. Thank you.

[29:10] Okay. Next, we'll move on to

[29:12] appointments

[29:13] to the Eustus Housing Authority.

[29:16] >> Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, this item is for

[29:18] » Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, this item is for

[29:18] consideration of the appointment of

[29:20] Kimberly Desawn Jones to the Eustace

[29:23] Housing Authority to fill a vacancy of a

[29:27] 4-year term expiring July 18, 2028.

[29:32] Um, as recommended by the Eustace

[29:34] Housing Authority Executive Director

[29:36] Horus Jones and the Eustace Housing

[29:39] Authority Board.

[29:41] >> Madame Mayor, I move appointment of

[29:43] » Madame Mayor, I move appointment of

[29:43] Kimberly Desawn Jones to the Eustace

[29:45] Housing Authority Board.

[29:46] >> Second.

[29:48] » Second.

[29:48] >> Roll call, please. Commissioner Hawkins,

[29:51] » Roll call, please. Commissioner Hawkins,

[29:51] >> I.

[29:51] » I.

[29:51] >> Commissioner Holland,

[29:52] » Commissioner Holland,

[29:52] >> I.

[29:53] » I.

[29:53] >> Commissioner Asody,

[29:54] » Commissioner Asody,

[29:54] >> I.

[29:54] » I.

[29:54] >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[29:56] » Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[29:56] >> I.

[29:56] » I.

[29:56] >> Mayor Lee,

[29:57] » Mayor Lee,

[29:57] >> I.

[29:59] » I.

[29:59] It will go on to audience to be heard.

[30:01] [snorts] If you have comments this

[30:03] evening, please complete a card from our

[30:06] city clerk.

[30:08] Approach the podium and please speak

[30:10] directly into the mic. State your name

[30:13] and whether or not you live in the um

[30:15] city of EUs. Um keep in mind that we as

[30:18] commissioners may not respond, but staff

[30:21] will be directed to get back to you. And

[30:24] most importantly, remember you have

[30:26] three minutes. Thank you.

[30:28] Yes.

[30:30] >> Oh, is she? We've got cards.

[30:32] » Oh, is she? We've got cards.

[30:32] >> No, we have to wait for the cards to be

[30:33] » No, we have to wait for the cards to be

[30:33] called.

[30:34] >> Thank you.

[30:36] » Thank you.

[30:36] >> Um, first card received was Gary

[30:37] » Um, first card received was Gary

[30:38] Winheim.

[30:50] » Gary Winheim, Unincorporated Lake

[30:52] County. I'm going to play brief audio.

[30:55] >> You came in. You talked to everybody but

[30:58] » You came in. You talked to everybody but

[30:58] me because you were told I I didn't need

[31:00] to be here because Ron didn't like me.

[31:03] >> Ron did say that. But I hold on. That's

[31:05] » Ron did say that. But I hold on. That's

[31:05] not true. But Ron did say that. Which

[31:07] one is

[31:07] >> No, that I didn't want that. I need to

[31:08] » No, that I didn't want that. I need to

[31:08] talk to you. I talk to you all the time.

[31:11] >> This is the important part.

[31:12] » This is the important part.

[31:12] >> And there was never going to be a

[31:13] » And there was never going to be a

[31:13] number, too. Just so you know, this

[31:14] town's too small to have

[31:19] » that was recorded in November of 2024.

[31:21] That's Chief Capri telling me this town

[31:22] is too small for the department to have

[31:23] a deputy chief. a position you just

[31:25] approved in next year's budget.

[31:27] Previously, the department had a deputy

[31:29] chief and two lieutenants. And when the

[31:30] former deputy chief retired in 2014, the

[31:32] third lieutenant position was created,

[31:35] and the deputy chief position became

[31:36] unfunded. The three lieutenant positions

[31:38] became captains with no pay adjustment

[31:40] to get the title in line with their job

[31:42] duties. Now, you are again funding the

[31:44] deputy chief, a position that less than

[31:46] two years ago, your chief said was

[31:47] unnecessary in a town this size. What

[31:49] changed? Not the number of officers or

[31:52] the overall size of the city. The

[31:54] department budget has certainly changed

[31:55] nearly doubling in five years under

[31:56] Capri in this position. Is this position

[31:59] needed because Capri is by his own

[32:01] admission not an admin guy? Prior police

[32:03] chiefs were able to run the agency

[32:05] without a deputy chief position and the

[32:06] cost associated with it. If Capri isn't

[32:08] able to do that, perhaps you have the

[32:10] wrong guy as chief. My guess is he's

[32:12] planning on bringing another Daytona

[32:13] crony to try and insulate himself

[32:14] further, much like he did by bringing

[32:16] Sergeant Barnett. I was hoping to update

[32:19] you on the chaplain program, but I've

[32:20] been unable to get any information.

[32:21] People tell us things and then we try to

[32:24] verify them. And we were told by a

[32:26] chaplain and her companion while at a

[32:28] conference paid for paid for by the

[32:30] department had a nearly $1,500 room

[32:32] service bill. I've asked every way I

[32:34] know how to find out how chaplain

[32:35] program is funded. And for some reason,

[32:37] there's no documentation on the process,

[32:39] no line item in the budget, no receipts

[32:41] through finance or purchasing, no

[32:43] tracking on spending whatsoever. You're

[32:46] a numbers guy. This makes no sense.

[32:49] Obviously, there's money being spent.

[32:51] You've all seen the shirts and some of

[32:53] you have attended the functions they're

[32:54] involved with. How is there no record in

[32:57] regard to what this program with 10

[32:58] chaplain in a town too small for a

[33:01] deputy chief cost the taxpayers? And

[33:04] talking about money and documentation,

[33:05] whatever happened with the nearly 28,000

[33:08] that you all voted to put into the

[33:10] forfeite fund that was or wasn't

[33:12] overdrafted, that subject went away

[33:15] after Capri stood here shaking his fist

[33:16] talking about angry people and fake

[33:18] news, but the questions were never

[33:20] answered. I've watched a lot of body cam

[33:22] footage lately, and I'll tell you, I I

[33:24] feel bad for the command staff and the

[33:26] sergeants. They are the only ones with

[33:28] any experience left at EPD. They're so

[33:31] busy trying to mitigate the mistakes

[33:33] these new officers are making with bad

[33:34] tactics and a lack of basic legal

[33:36] knowledge while trying not to incur the

[33:39] wrath of their bully chief. You don't

[33:41] need a deputy chief. Save the money for

[33:43] the the impending lawsuits. You need a

[33:46] chief capable of admin duties, not a

[33:48] liar who's busy trying to buy people's

[33:50] loyalty instead of properly running his

[33:52] agency. Thank you for your time.

[33:57] Kelly Guthrie.

[34:08] » I think the clerk has

[34:18] » yellow.

[34:24] » I don't want yellow.

[34:32] I got

[34:36] one.

[34:36] >> You want to have one?

[34:37] » You want to have one?

[34:37] >> One more.

[34:38] » One more.

[34:38] >> One more.

[34:39] » One more.

[34:39] >> Yep.

[34:45] [clears throat]

[34:47] >> Emily,

[34:48] » Emily,

[34:48] >> she has one.

[34:48] » she has one.

[34:48] >> Yes, I

[34:50] » Yes, I

[34:50] >> You ready for her?

[34:51] » You ready for her?

[34:51] >> Oh, yes. Go ahead.

[34:52] » Oh, yes. Go ahead.

[34:52] >> Yes, ma'am.

[34:53] » Yes, ma'am.

[34:54] >> Good evening. My name is Kelly Guppy and

[34:55] » Good evening. My name is Kelly Guppy and

[34:55] I'm going to speak very quickly due to a

[34:57] threeminut time limit. I would like to

[34:59] start this evening by saying I'm a

[35:00] lifelong resident of Eustus. I am 50

[35:02] years old. I lived in the same house on

[35:04] East Lake Joanna Drive from the day I

[35:06] was born until the day I got married to

[35:07] my husband of 27 years. Today, my

[35:10] husband and I lived in a house 10 houses

[35:11] down from the exact same house I grew up

[35:13] in. While growing up, I attended

[35:15] elementary, middle, and high school. My

[35:17] mom was a kindergarten teacher at Usus

[35:19] Elementary while I attended. My father,

[35:21] Paul Guthrie, was an associate pastor at

[35:22] First Baptist Eustace, now known as

[35:24] LifePoint Church. I graduated from UCF

[35:26] with a teaching degree in 1998 and

[35:28] immediately beca began my teaching

[35:30] career in Eustace schools until 2024. I

[35:33] retired this past May from Tarious

[35:35] Middle just short of 30 years from the

[35:36] day I began teaching. My grandfather,

[35:38] Casey Jones, built one of the very first

[35:40] houses on Lake Joanna, and he's

[35:41] responsible for bringing the telephone

[35:42] lines across 441 to Lake Joanna. The

[35:45] home my husband and I built and

[35:46] currently live in is one of a couple

[35:48] properties that my grandfather obtained

[35:50] on Lake Joanna after the Great

[35:51] Depression and the historic US gun and

[35:53] golf club closed. My grandfather also

[35:55] owned and began Jones Brothers Feed

[35:56] Benson Oil which is now known as Harris

[35:58] Oil in Mount Dora. Needless to say, I

[36:01] have deep roots and great history in the

[36:02] city of Eustus and I cherish this town

[36:04] that I live in. I am here to express

[36:06] great concern for the future of the US

[36:08] Community Center building. For over a

[36:09] year now, the US city commission has

[36:11] been considering turning over this new

[36:12] center to Siner Green owned by Joe and

[36:14] Denell Haer. I have a great concern and

[36:16] in whom the city is potentially

[36:18] partnering with two people whom have

[36:20] extremely questionable business

[36:21] practices in the past and present. This

[36:23] includes an over $200,000 uh unsatisfied

[36:26] IRS tax lean levied against them for

[36:28] unpaid taxes. And also looking at Lake

[36:31] County public records, there is a

[36:32] currently $3.38 million in leans against

[36:35] the hoppers for unpaid work. As I say

[36:38] before, I've been a teacher for nearly

[36:39] three decades in the city of USUS. I

[36:41] have an excellent reputation of

[36:42] integrity that I built for myself, which

[36:43] include being voted teacher of the year

[36:45] multiple times as well as finalist for

[36:46] Lake County's teacher of the year. I was

[36:48] even awarded you as teacher of the year

[36:49] by the US Chamber of Commerce.

[36:52] I'm honest and I protect my integrity.

[36:53] However, last summer after I publicly

[36:55] stated on Facebook my feelings and

[36:57] thoughts about the huddle development,

[36:58] the Hoffers filed a formal written

[37:00] complaint against me containing lies um

[37:02] with Florida's Department of Education.

[37:04] Formal complaints are usually reserved

[37:06] for things such as child and sexual

[37:07] misconduct, child abuse, excuse me. I

[37:09] had to hire a lawyer, Derek Schroth, and

[37:11] defend myself. I was found to have no

[37:12] wrongdoing by both the Florida

[37:13] Department of Education and the Florida

[37:15] Lake County School Board. When the

[37:16] Hoppers were notified in retaliation,

[37:19] they refiled a second time against me.

[37:21] The second complaint was also dismissed

[37:22] against me. I have a grave concern with

[37:25] you associating themselves with a

[37:27] company whom is known for not paying

[37:28] their bills to our local business owners

[37:30] and the federal government. What does

[37:31] that say about our city? What will

[37:33] happen when the IRS inevitably takes

[37:35] action against the hoofers when they are

[37:37] in the middle of building a hotel for

[37:38] the city of Eustace and is not even in

[37:40] line with the culture of Eustace? We

[37:42] situs will be left with financial

[37:44] disaster and a cleanup that Eustus

[37:46] cannot afford. What I provided you with

[37:48] was a copy of a few of the many lawsuits

[37:53] current against the Hoppers. It's a lot

[37:56] of money.

[37:57] >> Thank you.

[38:00] » [applause]

[38:01] >> No, please. We will not have that. No

[38:03] » No, please. We will not have that. No

[38:03] clapping. Please, let's just do this and

[38:05] get it done, please.

[38:08] >> Next.

[38:09] » Next.

[38:09] >> Next card. Carrie Shrier.

[38:22] Okay. Good evening, mayor and

[38:24] commissioners. My name is Carrie Shrier.

[38:26] I am not a resident. My son Jordan Ellis

[38:27] lived in Eustace until his passing last

[38:29] July. Over the past year, I've spent

[38:31] countless hours obtaining records,

[38:32] reviewing evidence, and investigating

[38:34] not only what happened to Jordan, but

[38:35] the investigation that followed. Today,

[38:37] I'm here because of Chief Capri's

[38:38] leadership and this city's continued

[38:40] failure to to address it. In August of

[38:43] last year, while Jordan's phone was

[38:44] still in law enforcement custody, we

[38:45] discovered it had been altered. We went

[38:47] to the department and showed Sergeant

[38:48] Barnett the evidence. He dismissed our

[38:50] concerns and did nothing with the

[38:51] information. Last I checked, evidence

[38:53] tampering is a crime. Or does that not

[38:55] apply to law enforcement? In December,

[38:57] after questioning the records department

[38:58] about missing records, missing reports,

[39:00] and more, Chief Capri inter interjected

[39:03] into our emails and asked me to come in

[39:04] so we could work things out. I asked

[39:06] instead to keep our communications in

[39:08] writing and sent him a detailed letter

[39:09] of many of my concerns. After that,

[39:11] Chief Capri told me further discussions

[39:12] would not yield productive outcomes.

[39:14] Yet, public records show that around the

[39:16] same time, Sergeant Barnett was emailing

[39:17] Lake County personnel trying to locate

[39:19] the chain of custody for Jordan's phone.

[39:20] If my concerns weren't worth discussing,

[39:22] why were they suddenly trying to

[39:23] reconstruct the evidence trail? After

[39:25] both my son Devon and I filed formal

[39:27] complaints, eventually Chief Capri

[39:28] directed Captain Fanning to conduct an

[39:30] administrative review. It found it found

[39:32] policy violations resulted in incident

[39:34] reports and repeatedly states that

[39:35] interviews were needed to determine what

[39:37] actually happened. Instead of opening an

[39:39] internal affairs investigation, then

[39:40] Chief Capri closed the matter. Only

[39:42] after repeated public pressure was an

[39:44] investigation finally open months later.

[39:46] June 24th, Chief Capri gave me an

[39:48] internal affairs case number. June 25th,

[39:50] I was told the investigation had been

[39:51] assigned to an outside agency. June

[39:53] 29th, Detective Kenninger submitted his

[39:55] resignation. July 1st, the outside

[39:57] agency confirmed it had received the

[39:59] investigation. July 2nd, after speaking

[40:01] with Chief Capri, Detective Kenninger's

[40:03] remaining notice was waved and his

[40:04] employment ended that day. Why does this

[40:06] timely matter? Because under Florida

[40:07] law, there is a 180day limit to complete

[40:09] internal affairs investigations. When

[40:11] investigations are unnecessarily

[40:12] delayed, meaningful administrative

[40:14] discipline can become impossible. This

[40:16] investigation did not get handed over to

[40:18] Claremont until this 180 days was nearly

[40:20] up. Chief Capri has described himself as

[40:22] not an admin guy. Respectfully, being an

[40:24] admin guy is the job. And if you're not

[40:26] an administration guy, you probably

[40:27] shouldn't be running a police

[40:28] department. From where I stand, after

[40:30] everything I've laid out, this appears

[40:31] intentional. Delay, delay, delay. Then

[40:33] suddenly, the detective puts in his

[40:35] resignation in just the right amount of

[40:36] time so he can go to another department

[40:38] unscathed. My son's case has been a

[40:39] cover up game from the beginning. What's

[40:41] even more troubling is that my family's

[40:43] experience is not the first time

[40:44] concerns have been raised about Chief

[40:45] Capri's leadership. Yet, this city has

[40:47] continued to keep him in charge. Because

[40:49] ultimately this responsibility belongs

[40:51] to the city. For months you were copied

[40:52] in on emails documenting these concerns.

[40:55] You were made aware. You remained

[40:57] silent. You hired him. You chose to keep

[40:58] him. When are you going to hold him

[41:00] accountable?

[41:04] » Next.

[41:05] >> George Warren.

[41:11] » Oh. Um hello commission. My name is

[41:14] George Warren. Sorry about the voice.

[41:17] Um,

[41:20] I don't know what to say not about that

[41:22] subject. Um, I'm sure that's that's a

[41:25] lot of stuff, but the as far as the uh

[41:29] community considered, but I trust you

[41:30] guys to do the right thing and uh so I

[41:33] think that's it's going to be a tough

[41:35] tough job. Well, I know where you're

[41:37] coming from. Uh, but if uh I think you

[41:40] did the right decision tonight to go

[41:42] ahead and see what's going to happen,

[41:45] right? And um I don't know I have to

[41:49] correct Gary a little bit. Um in the

[41:51] last 20 years there has been investment

[41:53] in downtown but I'm just kidding you. It

[41:56] was $750,000 that we did that building

[41:58] with. So that

[42:00] >> any new any new development

[42:02] » any new any new development

[42:02] >> there you go. Okay.

[42:04] » there you go. Okay.

[42:04] I'll accept your apology.

[42:06] >> Right. [laughter]

[42:07] » Right. [laughter]

[42:07] >> But anyway guys I know you're gonna do

[42:09] » But anyway guys I know you're gonna do

[42:09] the it's a hard job that you've got.

[42:12] sort of thankless sometimes uh because

[42:14] you put in a lot of work. You can't

[42:16] please everybody and I know that. Um so

[42:19] I'm on your side. So that's all I got to

[42:21] say. Rick, you're doing a good job,

[42:23] buddy. But you're just going to be here

[42:24] for a little bit. Just kidding.

[42:27] >> Thank you.

[42:28] » Thank you.

[42:28] >> Thank you.

[42:29] » Thank you.

[42:29] >> Thanks, George. Daniel Devonza.

[42:40] » Good evening. [clears throat] My name is

[42:41] Daniel Devonanzo. I'm a local business

[42:42] owner. I've been here since uh the early

[42:45] 90s 92 and I will tell you uh with

[42:50] regard to development I had to endure

[42:52] Neil Fischer erra realy who thought he

[42:54] was going to save us. I had to endure

[42:57] Greg Mack who had every idea under the

[42:59] sun but never did anything. I had to

[43:01] endure Danny Teams who was going to

[43:03] redevelop Eustace and where is he today?

[43:06] [clears throat] Um and by this way the

[43:08] city had a not too pleasant ending with

[43:10] him. Uh we also had to deal in my opin

[43:14] opinion with uh G3C2

[43:16] who provided us basically elementary

[43:18] school conception plans and uh with no

[43:22] background. But you know what? There

[43:23] were those that wanted to push ahead.

[43:27] Let's push ahead. Let's get something

[43:31] done. And now we have a group and we

[43:34] hear spirious rumors and uh charges

[43:37] which by the way I have looked into uh

[43:39] the current developers background

[43:41] extensively. I've had very specific

[43:44] questions with them because I've had

[43:45] people come to me and say well you know

[43:47] they did this you know they did that.

[43:49] Let me tell you how development works.

[43:51] First of all there will be a bond in

[43:52] place. Second of all, the city will have

[43:54] numerous with through the attorneys

[43:55] that'll use it, which by the way, we'll

[43:57] be spending money on, but it'll be good

[43:58] money spent that will protect the city

[44:00] against any, shall we say, project

[44:02] derailment, delays, or exposure,

[44:05] including potentially bankruptcy. And

[44:07] you know that a bond will be in place to

[44:09] asssure that the construction is

[44:10] completed. I don't know how many people

[44:12] in this room understand what a

[44:13] construction bond is. Uh the next thing

[44:16] that I'll also advise you to, let's talk

[44:18] about moving forward. Since 1992 when I

[44:21] came here, I can tell you um I've built,

[44:24] designed, and built the last four

[44:25] buildings that were built here. I own

[44:27] numerous buildings. I have over 60

[44:29] employees. Um I want to thank all of our

[44:32] uh third, second, and third generation

[44:34] business operators who have hung in

[44:36] there. George Warren, Bay Pharmacy, Mary

[44:39] Jeweler, Mary uh Judy Mary, Mary Mary

[44:40] Jewelers, the Porters, David uh with

[44:43] Porter Camera, Cards and Gifts, and you

[44:46] know we Oh, how about Kevin and Penny

[44:47] Janess with Peddler's Wagon downtown

[44:50] anchors that have hung in there and you

[44:51] know what's happened downtown? Nothing.

[44:54] Nothing. So, we finally got a commission

[44:57] and I want to thank you all for being

[44:58] proactive and for doing something ahead.

[45:01] one. I have a hard time saying to know

[45:03] somebody that wanted to enter into just

[45:05] some discussion to get to a potential

[45:07] agreement that's going to o offer over

[45:10] 150 jobs. And by the way, I looked at

[45:12] their jobs proposal and I know from what

[45:14] I pay how much money that's going to

[45:16] bring. Do you know I want to explain

[45:18] something else to you. I am estimate

[45:21] that their taxable value will be at

[45:23] minimum 1.4 million a year. Do you know

[45:26] how many houses that will cover that are

[45:29] going to go off the tax roll under

[45:30] Dantis's plan? Over a thousand.

[45:33] A thousand houses that are going to go

[45:34] off the tax roll. That one project, one

[45:38] project is going to make up for that.

[45:40] So, you're going to have employment,

[45:41] you're going to have opportunities, and

[45:43] it's going to put us on the map. Thank

[45:44] you.

[45:46] >> Thanks, Shane.

[45:49] » Thanks, Shane.

[45:49] >> Dedra D. Lewis.

[45:56] Good evening. Thank you, Dear Lewis, 1

[45:59] 1992 Meadowside Drive, Eustace, Florida

[46:01] 32726.

[46:03] Few months ago, you guys talked about

[46:05] this same project at that time. You

[46:07] talked about where would the citizens go

[46:10] if you sold the community center. You

[46:12] didn't have an idea. you wanted to get

[46:14] the previous city um attorney to put out

[46:18] a RFQ that included

[46:21] putting in their system to pay for a

[46:24] community center for the city of

[46:26] Eustace. Now we're here. I've worked for

[46:29] developers. I work in construction and I

[46:32] work in medical. You are about to give

[46:35] an advantage to these people over 30

[46:38] days for any other developer to come in.

[46:41] That is totally unfair. Now, in most

[46:44] construction, that means there's been

[46:45] some backdoor communication because I

[46:47] don't know anybody who would spend that

[46:49] much money to develop something when

[46:51] they don't even have approval. That's

[46:53] that's unreal. That's unheard of. And as

[46:57] Barack used to say, I don't think that

[46:59] was a good waste of good time of

[47:00] spending of your money. Here's the

[47:02] thing. People need an opportunity. The

[47:05] citizens needed an opportunity. Now, you

[47:07] told us that you sold the um senior

[47:10] center. Did you sell it or did you not?

[47:13] Someone else is using it and has the

[47:15] control of it. We citizens don't get to

[47:17] always go and use it. The community

[47:19] garden is not big enough. Th that's one

[47:22] thing. The second thing, you're putting

[47:25] a hundred or almost $200,000 into grass

[47:28] for a field and you haven't put handicap

[47:32] um tables for the community garden. You

[47:34] can't get to the community garden. You

[47:36] can't do anything with the community

[47:38] garden. No one answers you back when you

[47:40] call about the community garden. Since

[47:42] returning to Eustace, I have had a lot

[47:44] of your citizens ask me to please come

[47:47] back and start the community garden. I

[47:49] have tried and I have not been able to

[47:51] get anybody from your um recreation

[47:54] department to talk to me. You also want

[47:57] to put in $200,000 worth of grass and

[47:59] you haven't done anything with the

[48:01] promise that you made over there with

[48:03] Miss Lewis when her daughters died.

[48:06] You've put mulch around the fire

[48:07] station, but that section has been

[48:09] buried and you did a whole ceremony. It

[48:12] is time out for ceremonies. It is time

[48:14] for you guys to put up what you

[48:17] promised. You haven't done anything with

[48:19] the pavilion down in um east town. You

[48:23] put a gateway to nowhere. You haven't

[48:25] done anything with it. Citizens are

[48:28] getting tired of not getting what you

[48:30] promised them. Please consider these

[48:33] things when you decide to spend this

[48:34] kind of money. As far as the library, I

[48:37] think it's a wonderful thing. But I do

[48:39] want to ask you, is it going to be open

[48:41] on Saturday since you're about to spend

[48:43] $160,000 to renovate that?

[48:47] Because that was something we talked

[48:48] about as well. Something I know that the

[48:51] librarian had talked about, but it still

[48:53] hasn't been done. How are we supposed to

[48:55] use the library with our kids come for

[48:57] reading sessions if it's only open

[49:00] during the week? Ma'am,

[49:01] >> so as you play that, please consider it.

[49:03] » so as you play that, please consider it.

[49:03] Thank you.

[49:07] » Pam sentence.

[49:10] >> Chief, smile at me. Chief, smile.

[49:14] » Chief, smile at me. Chief, smile.

[49:14] All right. I'm here to talk about the

[49:16] community center. First of all, don't

[49:19] y'all let them take our community center

[49:21] because that community center got

[49:22] memories. It got love. People live down

[49:26] there. We got this man here can't even

[49:27] talk coming here to represent himself.

[49:30] What do we need a hotel for the brao

[49:32] germs in our community when we already

[49:35] got our own germs? They got their own

[49:38] money. We is just fine and uses building

[49:42] all these stoages. Take all them places

[49:44] where you building stoages. Go build a

[49:46] hotel what you want. Stop building all

[49:48] these stoages. Ain't that much moving

[49:50] and going on? So me, myself, and a lot

[49:53] of more us here, we stand behind the

[49:55] community center. These folks over here

[49:57] got money. Go out there where y'all live

[50:00] at and build whatever y'all want to

[50:02] build. But let us be. Do not get rid of

[50:04] our community center. We got folks live

[50:07] down there. We got folks love down

[50:09] there. Do not do that for us for them

[50:13] because they got money. Money is not

[50:15] everything. But money is very important.

[50:17] But still in all again that community

[50:19] center holds too much memories and love.

[50:23] Okay. So now when they take care of the

[50:25] building where we got to go

[50:27] >> in the yard then when you go in the yard

[50:29] » in the yard then when you go in the yard

[50:29] it's a problem the music too loud or

[50:32] something is wrong. Do not give them

[50:34] folks over there and I wish they was

[50:36] here to hear me. Do not give them folks

[50:38] over there

[50:40] that community center because there's

[50:43] nothing wrong with that community center

[50:45] and we need that community center. We

[50:47] have nowhere to go. Just like they say

[50:49] the garden room is too small. So, don't

[50:52] give them what they want. Again, please.

[50:55] And no, I ain't f to sit down. I'm f to

[50:58] talk my minutes out because number one,

[51:00] I don't like it. I don't appreciate I

[51:02] got to be down here in the rain cuz this

[51:04] is something we shouldn't even have to

[51:05] be down here for for y'all to even have

[51:07] a thought to get them people that

[51:10] building and all that stuff. This man

[51:11] been here 63 years before I was even

[51:14] born. Now, y'all mean to tell me y'all

[51:16] going to go move him out the spot to

[51:18] bring them? No, no, no, no. Stay out

[51:20] there in Lock Haven. Wherever y'all at,

[51:22] build whatever y'all need out there. Do

[51:24] whatever y'all need to do out there.

[51:26] Leave us alone. We're just fine. Okay,

[51:30] now it's time for the George Washington

[51:32] parade. Now you got the motel sitting up

[51:34] there. Whatever they trying to do. I

[51:35] don't know, but I'm against it. I don't

[51:37] care what it is. But the main thing, oh,

[51:38] I got some more time. I got plenty of

[51:40] time.

[51:41] >> Nope.

[51:41] » Nope.

[51:42] >> Oh, I got it on time.

[51:43] » Oh, I got it on time.

[51:43] >> I know you I know you saw the timer get

[51:45] » I know you I know you saw the timer get

[51:45] started late. Your time your time's up.

[51:47] Every time I get up, y'all do it. I got

[51:49] sit down. I can get

[51:52] >> Okay.

[51:55] » Okay.

[51:55] Y'all do me wrong every time I

[51:59] >> Isaac Thomas.

[52:14] Good evening, commissioners.

[52:17] city manager and attorney. You all know

[52:20] who I am. I am here on behalf of the

[52:24] Eustace Community Center. Also, I've

[52:28] been sitting up there with you all for

[52:31] three and a half years on the CRA. I was

[52:35] your first CRA rep

[52:38] and I am sick and tired of everything

[52:42] being taken away in the CRA.

[52:46] Stop taking away money and put money in

[52:50] the CRA.

[52:52] It's wrong. It is so wrong. And that

[52:56] clock is not right.

[53:00] >> It's running here. You're at 45 seconds.

[53:02] » It's running here. You're at 45 seconds.

[53:02] >> It is not right. I did not come up here

[53:04] » It is not right. I did not come up here

[53:04] with 3 minutes.

[53:05] >> No. No. But anyway,

[53:06] » No. No. But anyway,

[53:06] >> it's running till three. It's going to

[53:08] » it's running till three. It's going to

[53:08] It's going to go It's going up.

[53:09] >> So, Pam, you still had some time.

[53:13] » So, Pam, you still had some time.

[53:14] But anyway, like I said last week when I

[53:18] was here two weeks ago to give a

[53:20] $100,000 to American Bloom Eustace Bloom

[53:25] out of the CRA fund. Wrong. That's

[53:29] wrong. I don't care how you try to use

[53:31] it for beautifification.

[53:34] Like I said two weeks ago, flowers are

[53:37] not in our CR

[53:41] and that is wrong. Now here we are again

[53:45] giving away

[53:47] in the CRA.

[53:50] Wrong. That's wrong. And you all sitting

[53:54] up here, you're not but one person born

[53:58] and raised in this city. You don't know

[54:02] about the city of Eustace. You only know

[54:05] about the city of Eustace since you've

[54:07] been here.

[54:09] Born and raised here. That community

[54:12] center as Pam Simmons as you all call

[54:15] her. Hild the guard pale Simmons is how

[54:19] I know her.

[54:21] She went to Eustace High School while I

[54:23] was there. Kelly went to Eustace High

[54:26] School while I was there. Many functions

[54:29] have been done in that community center.

[54:32] Why are you all just coming into use

[54:35] this morning to wipe away our memories

[54:38] by giving away? You giving away land out

[54:41] here on 44 to Lake Sumpter

[54:47] when it could have been given to

[54:48] somebody right here in this city.

[54:51] Enough is enough.

[54:56] And if all the citizens get together,

[55:00] and I like each one of you up there, but

[55:02] it's time for you to get down because

[55:05] you're not doing right by the citizens

[55:07] of Eustace. You're doing what's best for

[55:10] you. You took that seat because of our

[55:13] votes.

[55:17] And that's all I'mma say. Remember,

[55:19] you're there because of our votes, the

[55:23] citizens of Eustace. And you're wrong.

[55:28] Patrice Hatcher.

[55:47] » Hopefully I can put some smiles on y'all

[55:49] faces now [laughter] after all that. My

[55:53] name is Katrice Hatcher and I'm a

[55:55] resident of Eustace. I come to you

[55:59] before to give you good news. Uh

[56:04] first I want to sincerely thank you guys

[56:08] from the last meeting. I was able to um

[56:12] acquire the Eustace Garden Center for

[56:15] the Beyond the Backpack

[56:18] and that allowed us to have additional

[56:22] funds to go on uh with the program. I'm

[56:27] happy to share with you

[56:29] uh Orlando Health, whom I've been

[56:32] employed with for the last 18 and a half

[56:35] years, decided to meet me halfway on my

[56:38] goal. My goal is to provide 150 kids

[56:42] with the uniforms. My budget is 10,000.

[56:46] So do the math.

[56:49] So with that being said, my co-workers

[56:54] have volunteered to assist me with this

[56:57] adventure by volunteering as well as

[57:02] providing some of the funding out of

[57:05] their pocket. Okay. Texas Roadhouse did

[57:09] a Christmas in July

[57:12] and contribute all those uh donations to

[57:16] the Beyond the Backpack.

[57:21] As I stated to you, it's my goal is to

[57:24] provide 150 kids with the uniforms. So,

[57:27] this is being done by a referral

[57:29] process. I've contacted

[57:33] Eustace Elementary as well as Eustace

[57:36] Heights and also Triangle personally um

[57:42] to uh let them know about the referral

[57:45] process which it has already begun.

[57:53] Beyond the Backpack will be held Sunday,

[57:56] September the 13th at 2:00 p.m.

[58:00] at the Eustace Garden Center. And I just

[58:02] wanted to personally invite you guys to

[58:05] that event so you can see what we're

[58:07] doing. And that's it. If you have any

[58:10] questions, feel free to ask. If anybody

[58:12] in the building want to contribute, see

[58:15] me. Thank you.

[58:17] Um, Rick, will you u will you will you

[58:19] please make contact with her and give

[58:21] her $500 for my uh for my fund for the

[58:24] backpack, please?

[58:25] >> We'll do.

[58:32] » Any more cards?

[58:33] >> Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, John Labriola.

[58:50] Good evening, uh, council. My name is

[58:51] John Labriola. I represent the Christian

[58:53] Family Coalition. We are a statewide

[58:55] organization dedicated to defending

[58:57] religious liberties and, uh, protecting

[58:59] family values in Tallahassee and

[59:01] throughout the state. During the

[59:02] session, we're in Tallahassee lobbying

[59:04] for um, different legislation. and the

[59:06] rest of the year we're before uh county

[59:09] school boards and county commissions as

[59:11] well as city commissions like yourself

[59:13] to ask uh you to do different things.

[59:15] I've actually been before your late

[59:17] county commission in the past, but this

[59:19] is my first time at a US city council

[59:22] meeting. Um but the reason I'm here

[59:23] today is uh because of something called

[59:26] book page. It's a magazine. It's a

[59:29] national magazine. It's actually

[59:31] available in your library here in

[59:33] Eustace uh as well as a number of

[59:35] libraries throughout the country. And

[59:37] it's a very woke uh magazine. It's a

[59:40] book review magazine. It's not like a

[59:41] regular magazine that's up on the rack.

[59:43] It's available in large quantities. It's

[59:45] purchased in large quantities by the

[59:47] city and placed in the lobby. I sent you

[59:49] an email about this with more details,

[59:51] but basically uh this magazine um is

[59:55] very woke. It just pushes uh it's a book

[59:58] review magazine that only uh recommends

[1:00:00] books that are either of the left or a

[1:00:03] lot of the books in the magazine do not

[1:00:05] have a political bent, but but when they

[1:00:07] do, they're invariably from the left.

[1:00:09] Things like pushing witchcraft, pushing

[1:00:11] LGBT, um pushing hatred for our

[1:00:13] president. There there are never any

[1:00:16] best-selling conservative authors

[1:00:17] presented. And uh so this is really a

[1:00:20] waste of taxpayer money. And we've been

[1:00:22] before the Citrus County. I live here in

[1:00:25] in central Florida. Um, and we've been

[1:00:28] to to the Citrus County Commission

[1:00:30] asking them to cancel their subscription

[1:00:32] to it. They cancelled it. Hernando

[1:00:34] County also canceled it. And here in

[1:00:36] Lake County, the Leburg City Council

[1:00:38] recently did so. And yesterday, I was in

[1:00:41] front of the Tavari City Council and

[1:00:43] they made a motion right there at that

[1:00:44] meeting to cancel it. Uh, because this

[1:00:47] particular magazine is also available

[1:00:48] for free online. There's no reason to

[1:00:51] pay for a physical subscription. Um, and

[1:00:53] so I I wanted to just I I brought a few

[1:00:57] copies um which I I'd like to make

[1:00:59] available to the clerk and and uh the

[1:01:00] five commissioners, but this is just the

[1:01:03] current edition, the August edition. And

[1:01:06] um I'll just give you an example on page

[1:01:08] 15. Uh there's a book that's

[1:01:11] recommended. It's called Realm Sweep.

[1:01:13] And it's listed under the category of

[1:01:15] for children. Um, and this is a book

[1:01:18] that actually combines witchcraft which

[1:01:21] with a with transgenderism. Um, it it

[1:01:24] it's by an author who is described as a

[1:01:27] I looked her up a radical lesbian. Um,

[1:01:30] and this particular book actually

[1:01:32] promotes the idea there. The main

[1:01:34] character is uh called um Rowdy Buckner,

[1:01:40] the prince of Texas. It's actually a

[1:01:42] girl and uh it says that she desperately

[1:01:45] wants a gender affirming transformation

[1:01:47] tonic which is essentially trying to

[1:01:50] push transgenderism on children and we

[1:01:53] feel that that's very inappropriate. So

[1:01:54] please uh ask you to cancel this the

[1:01:57] subscription. Thank you so much

[1:02:00] >> mayor. The last card is lawyer Laura

[1:02:03] » mayor. The last card is lawyer Laura

[1:02:03] Conurs.

[1:02:08] » [snorts]

[1:02:15] » Good evening. This is a new place. It's

[1:02:17] beautiful, by the way. Your building is

[1:02:20] beautiful. Um I'm with John with the

[1:02:23] Christian Family Coalition and also um I

[1:02:28] would like to ask you to kindly to

[1:02:30] reduce the um if you can reduce the

[1:02:32] budget but cancel the subscription that

[1:02:34] would be great. Um uh he gave you some

[1:02:38] examples of how this magazine really is

[1:02:42] not teaching, it's indoctrinating and

[1:02:45] and that is wrong. Um it's already

[1:02:48] online and it never promote um

[1:02:51] conservative um reviews and books. So to

[1:02:56] me it's only one-sided. Um so um we're

[1:03:00] asking you to if you know it will help

[1:03:03] you reduce your your cost of the city.

[1:03:07] So that is um what I came here to kindly

[1:03:11] ask you. Um and so if I have a little

[1:03:16] bit more time

[1:03:17] um also John was uh talking about um to

[1:03:22] me about um if every city could do a

[1:03:26] date of remembrance for it's coming the

[1:03:29] um the time of October 15 coming the

[1:03:33] assassination of Charlie Kirk. If um we

[1:03:36] went to the city of Leisburg and they

[1:03:39] listened to us, we are asking um very

[1:03:43] nice if you can have a day of

[1:03:45] remembrance for him to um in honor of

[1:03:49] his birthday, in honor of what he did

[1:03:51] for our country and um I am thanking you

[1:03:55] for your time. Thank you so much.

[1:03:59] >> Thank you.

[1:04:00] » Thank you.

[1:04:00] >> I have no more cards. Mayor,

[1:04:01] » I have no more cards. Mayor,

[1:04:01] >> are there is there anyone else who Yes.

[1:04:08] » [clears throat]

[1:04:16] » I'm going over here because I guess the

[1:04:18] video isn't working. That's what I was

[1:04:20] trying to tell you. So, you guys don't

[1:04:21] have it captured on video, the public

[1:04:23] speaking. I hope that wasn't on purpose.

[1:04:32] Stephanie Winheim, unincorporated Lake

[1:04:34] County. First, I want to talk about some

[1:04:36] falsified form 61s. This was a problem

[1:04:39] that was going on during the FDLE

[1:04:41] investigation into Chief Capri for

[1:04:43] public corruption and falsifying

[1:04:45] documents. Well, it looks like they're

[1:04:47] still falsifying documents on the form

[1:04:49] 61. I want to let you know per car's

[1:04:52] timeline

[1:04:54] that Kenninger actually didn't leave

[1:04:56] until 72,

[1:04:58] but

[1:05:00] the IIA number came out on June 24th,

[1:05:05] which means Kenninger was actively under

[1:05:07] investigation when he resigned. That is

[1:05:09] not what was put on the form 61,

[1:05:12] voluntary separation not involving

[1:05:14] misconduct. So that is falsified to

[1:05:18] FDLE. Once again, I don't know what it's

[1:05:22] going to take, but this is bad. It's not

[1:05:25] admin. It's falsifying documents, which

[1:05:29] is criminal behavior by your chief of

[1:05:32] police.

[1:05:34] Next,

[1:05:35] let's go with ECA.

[1:05:39] It's interesting that ECA, the community

[1:05:41] Eustace Community Alliance, was formed

[1:05:44] right after Willie Hawkins became a

[1:05:46] commissioner. I don't believe I've asked

[1:05:49] for emails. I've asked for form 8B

[1:05:51] filings of disclosures. It was never

[1:05:54] publicly disclo ex disclosed that his

[1:05:57] husband, Ronald Kirk Muscleman, opened

[1:06:00] up the nonprofit.

[1:06:02] That is required. That is an ethics

[1:06:05] violation. Mr. Hawkins.

[1:06:08] Also, it was never disclosed when they

[1:06:10] received preferential treatment with

[1:06:12] free leases, paid for utility bills by

[1:06:15] taxpayers, and whatever else the city is

[1:06:18] doing with ECA. Those are required

[1:06:21] disclosures. They're within 15 days.

[1:06:24] That's an ethics violation.

[1:06:28] Let's go to Corey Rollfield and Win One

[1:06:31] Ministries, who by the way is taking

[1:06:34] care of the senior center, which you

[1:06:36] guys don't have youth for for the lease.

[1:06:38] So that right there, that money, it was

[1:06:41] $98,000.

[1:06:42] Gary asked about it. I believe Gail

[1:06:45] Isaac Thomas asked about it as well.

[1:06:47] That money was supposed to be going to

[1:06:49] Corey Rolf Field. Gary received an email

[1:06:52] from financial that the $125,000

[1:06:55] was part of that 95 $96,000

[1:06:59] and now it looks like it's coming on the

[1:07:01] consent agenda which I'm asking you to

[1:07:03] pull it that that money is coming from

[1:07:06] sales tax. So, your finance department

[1:07:10] is either sending us the incorrect

[1:07:12] public records or this is just another

[1:07:15] game of shuffling money around instead

[1:07:17] of being transparent, accountable, and

[1:07:19] truthful with the public on what's going

[1:07:21] on.

[1:07:24] Moving on, let's talk about the

[1:07:26] combining of the titles so that you guys

[1:07:30] could circumvent the community property

[1:07:33] being deed for public enjoyment by

[1:07:41] Thank you.

[1:07:42] >> Thank you for

[1:07:43] » Thank you for

[1:07:43] >> and also please get read a book page.

[1:07:49] » Anyone else?

[1:07:51] Okay, [clears throat] let's move on to

[1:07:52] the consent agenda.

[1:08:05] » So move on.

[1:08:08] Move approval of the consent agenda

[1:08:10] >> and I'll second it.

[1:08:12] » and I'll second it.

[1:08:12] >> Roll call, please.

[1:08:14] » Roll call, please.

[1:08:14] >> Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:08:15] » Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:08:16] >> I.

[1:08:16] » I.

[1:08:16] >> Commissioner Holland,

[1:08:17] » Commissioner Holland,

[1:08:17] >> I.

[1:08:18] » I.

[1:08:18] >> Commissioner Asbody,

[1:08:19] » Commissioner Asbody,

[1:08:19] >> I.

[1:08:19] » I.

[1:08:19] >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:08:21] » Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:08:21] >> I.

[1:08:21] » I.

[1:08:21] >> Mayor Lee,

[1:08:22] » Mayor Lee,

[1:08:22] >> Idances,

[1:08:26] and public hearings. Madame Mayor, we

[1:08:28] have first tonight for second reading

[1:08:31] ordinance number 2026-28,

[1:08:34] an ordinance of the city commission of

[1:08:36] the city of Eustace, Lake County,

[1:08:38] Florida, approving the annual update of

[1:08:40] the 5-year capital improvement schedule

[1:08:42] of the comprehensive plan under Florida

[1:08:44] statutes 163.31773B

[1:08:49] providing for conflicting ordinances,

[1:08:51] severability, and effective date.

[1:08:54] >> Uh, good evening, Lori Carr, finance

[1:08:56] » Uh, good evening, Lori Carr, finance

[1:08:56] director. This is the second reading of

[1:08:58] the five-year CIP plan and we uh the

[1:09:01] city commission held a workshop on May

[1:09:03] 22nd and there was only one change

[1:09:07] between that workshop and the uh first

[1:09:10] reading on July 16th and that was uh

[1:09:13] additional funding for the EOC

[1:09:15] improvements and uh asking seeking for

[1:09:19] approval for the um final adoption of

[1:09:21] the ordinance.

[1:09:24] Do you have any questions?

[1:09:27] questions. Nope.

[1:09:34] » Is there any public comment?

[1:09:35] >> Yeah.

[1:09:37] » Yeah.

[1:09:37] >> Anyone from the public want to speak on

[1:09:38] » Anyone from the public want to speak on

[1:09:38] this matter? Madame Mayor, seeing none.

[1:09:42] >> Madam, mayor, move approval of ordinance

[1:09:44] » Madam, mayor, move approval of ordinance

[1:09:44] number 2026-28.

[1:09:47] >> Second.

[1:09:48] » Second.

[1:09:48] >> Roll call, please.

[1:09:50] » Roll call, please.

[1:09:50] >> Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:09:51] » Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:09:51] >> I.

[1:09:52] » I.

[1:09:52] >> Commissioner Holland,

[1:09:53] » Commissioner Holland,

[1:09:53] >> I. Commissioner Azbbody.

[1:09:55] » I. Commissioner Azbbody.

[1:09:55] >> I,

[1:09:55] » I,

[1:09:55] >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:09:57] » Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:09:57] >> I.

[1:09:57] » I.

[1:09:57] >> Mayor Lee,

[1:09:58] » Mayor Lee,

[1:09:58] >> I.

[1:09:59] » I.

[1:10:00] Madame Mayor, next we have for first

[1:10:02] reading ordinance number 2026-29,

[1:10:05] an ordinance of the city commission of

[1:10:06] the city of Eustace, Lake County,

[1:10:08] Florida, amending chapter 66, article 3,

[1:10:11] regulation of watercraft on Lake Gracie

[1:10:13] of the city of Eustace code of

[1:10:15] ordinances repealing section 66-78

[1:10:19] entitled no petroleum based fuel

[1:10:20] watercraft allowed on Lake Gracie,

[1:10:23] providing legislative findings and

[1:10:25] recital, providing for conflicts,

[1:10:27] providing for severability, providing

[1:10:29] for codific ification and providing for

[1:10:30] an effective date.

[1:10:33] Madame Mayor, after discussions with

[1:10:35] staff, I was going to present this item.

[1:10:38] It's a very narrow cleanup of our code

[1:10:42] as discussed in the staff's report. Uh

[1:10:44] Tallahassee passed the new law dealing

[1:10:47] with regulation petroleum based

[1:10:50] watercraft. We are just striking that

[1:10:52] provision from our ordinances that dealt

[1:10:54] with that and leaving everything else

[1:10:56] the same. Happy to answer any other

[1:10:58] questions.

[1:11:02] » Is

[1:11:03] >> do we have to move approval on that one?

[1:11:04] » do we have to move approval on that one?

[1:11:04] >> No, this is just first reading.

[1:11:06] » No, this is just first reading.

[1:11:06] >> Just Okay. First reading.

[1:11:07] » Just Okay. First reading.

[1:11:07] >> Is there anyone from the public that

[1:11:09] » Is there anyone from the public that

[1:11:09] would like to speak on this?

[1:11:17] » Thank you. You could please state your

[1:11:19] name.

[1:11:20] >> Mary Samario. I live on Lake Gracie

[1:11:22] » Mary Samario. I live on Lake Gracie

[1:11:22] Drive.

[1:11:24] I love Lake Gracie. It's It is home for

[1:11:29] sure. Um, talking about putting boats on

[1:11:33] there, I don't know. Has anybody in this

[1:11:36] room been around Lake Gracie lately?

[1:11:40] It's receding.

[1:11:42] Even the duck boxes that are supposed to

[1:11:45] be in the water is now land. Um, there

[1:11:48] are places that I could walk across Lake

[1:11:51] Gracie and my name isn't Jesus.

[1:11:55] Um,

[1:11:58] it's I understand I've only been here

[1:12:00] six years, but I understand it was

[1:12:03] springfed at one time and I don't know

[1:12:06] if that has anything to do with it

[1:12:08] getting

[1:12:10] drier, but I just thought before we put

[1:12:14] boats with motors on it, um, might want

[1:12:17] to consider just how big Lake Tracy has

[1:12:20] become.

[1:12:21] >> Mr. attorney. Excuse me. Am I right in

[1:12:24] » Mr. attorney. Excuse me. Am I right in

[1:12:24] understanding or am I wrong this is

[1:12:27] removing or you're allowing them to come

[1:12:29] back in because the state is requiring

[1:12:32] unfortunately the state has preempted us

[1:12:34] once again. But

[1:12:36] >> what we did leave in place is still the

[1:12:39] » what we did leave in place is still the

[1:12:39] no wake zone on Lake Gracie and there's

[1:12:41] a 5 mph speed limit on Lake Gracie. So,

[1:12:44] while gas boats are permitted, we don't

[1:12:48] have an option with that because

[1:12:49] >> well, right now canoes and kayaks are

[1:12:51] » well, right now canoes and kayaks are

[1:12:51] having a hard time. So,

[1:12:53] >> yeah, I don't I don't think it's going

[1:12:54] » yeah, I don't I don't think it's going

[1:12:54] to materialize to anything, but

[1:12:55] >> No, I don't think so either. I just

[1:12:57] » No, I don't think so either. I just

[1:12:57] didn't know if if I know that Lake

[1:13:00] Gracie used to be a whole lot bigger

[1:13:02] before people that have grown up here,

[1:13:04] they talked about how big it was. And

[1:13:08] I'm not sure when it happened that they

[1:13:10] filled in so that the spring dead part

[1:13:14] doesn't come into Lake Gracia. I guess

[1:13:16] they were afraid it was going to get too

[1:13:18] high, too close to the drive, but um I

[1:13:22] just didn't know if there was an

[1:13:24] alternative to get the lake a little

[1:13:27] healthier.

[1:13:28] >> Our hands are tied. It's a state

[1:13:30] » Our hands are tied. It's a state

[1:13:30] >> and I I I lived near it and at one time

[1:13:33] » and I I I lived near it and at one time

[1:13:33] it did get very very low and almost like

[1:13:37] no lake at all. and then it refilled and

[1:13:40] hopefully this is like a periodic thing

[1:13:42] and it'll come back

[1:13:44] >> but um we have no no control over this

[1:13:47] » but um we have no no control over this

[1:13:47] as far as the state mandate.

[1:13:50] >> Well, thank you.

[1:13:51] » Well, thank you.

[1:13:51] >> Thank you.

[1:13:53] » Thank you.

[1:13:53] >> Is there anyone else that would like to

[1:13:54] » Is there anyone else that would like to

[1:13:54] speak on this matter? [clears throat]

[1:13:58] And Madame Mayor, there's no motion

[1:13:59] needed tonight. So, I'll turn it back

[1:14:01] over to

[1:14:02] >> Okay,

[1:14:02] » Okay,

[1:14:02] >> you.

[1:14:05] » you.

[1:14:05] >> Okay. So, um, we'll go to other business

[1:14:07] » Okay. So, um, we'll go to other business

[1:14:07] and discussion of the city commission

[1:14:09] meeting minutes.

[1:14:11] >> Uh, yes, mayor. Um, on the June 18th

[1:14:17] » Uh, yes, mayor. Um, on the June 18th

[1:14:17] commission meeting this year,

[1:14:20] >> we need to take a vote on that, please.

[1:14:22] » we need to take a vote on that, please.

[1:14:22] >> Yeah, there has to be a vote taken on

[1:14:24] » Yeah, there has to be a vote taken on

[1:14:24] that.

[1:14:25] >> On this

[1:14:27] » On this

[1:14:27] >> on the first reading of ordinance number

[1:14:28] » on the first reading of ordinance number

[1:14:28] 202629,

[1:14:30] >> we had the public hearing. Now, we need

[1:14:32] » we had the public hearing. Now, we need

[1:14:32] to take a vote on motion and second. I

[1:14:34] move approval of ordinance 2026 fast-

[1:14:36] 29.

[1:14:38] >> Second.

[1:14:40] » Second.

[1:14:40] >> Roll call, please.

[1:14:41] » Roll call, please.

[1:14:41] >> Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:14:42] » Commissioner Hawkins,

[1:14:42] >> I.

[1:14:43] » I.

[1:14:43] >> Commissioner Holland,

[1:14:44] » Commissioner Holland,

[1:14:44] >> I.

[1:14:44] » I.

[1:14:44] >> Commissioner Ozbody,

[1:14:46] » Commissioner Ozbody,

[1:14:46] >> I.

[1:14:46] » I.

[1:14:46] >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:14:47] » Vice Mayor Ashcraft,

[1:14:47] >> I.

[1:14:48] » I.

[1:14:48] >> Mayor Lee,

[1:14:49] » Mayor Lee,

[1:14:49] >> I.

[1:14:52] on um on June 18th um I presented a

[1:14:57] discussion we started a discussion about

[1:15:00] the preparation of the meeting minutes

[1:15:02] and kind of laid out some some varied um

[1:15:07] examples be it just um action brief

[1:15:11] summary detailed summary transcripts up

[1:15:14] to verbatim the different levels um of

[1:15:17] information we could provide uh we had

[1:15:20] some pretty healthy conversation took us

[1:15:23] a little while. Um and we had agreed to

[1:15:26] go with a hybrid type option and to try

[1:15:29] that. Um so in the staff report attached

[1:15:32] to the staff report um we have provided

[1:15:35] the meeting minutes for the uh June 4th

[1:15:39] meeting and we did it in this hybrid

[1:15:41] format. So it gives you an opportunity

[1:15:45] to look at it. Um staff's recommending

[1:15:47] that that's the approach we take.

[1:15:49] Hopefully that information is there and

[1:15:51] it's it's getting you the detail that

[1:15:54] you're looking for. So, I'm just looking

[1:15:56] to see if you've had a chance to look at

[1:15:58] it if if um we're in line um with your

[1:16:03] with your desires as far as the meeting

[1:16:05] minutes. And um without any change of

[1:16:09] direction, we'll continue

[1:16:12] um in this manner um until I receive any

[1:16:16] any change of direction from you. How

[1:16:18] long did it take to do this one? Rick

[1:16:22] >> Christine, could you this this method?

[1:16:26] » Christine, could you this this method?

[1:16:26] >> This was much faster, I will say. Much

[1:16:28] » This was much faster, I will say. Much

[1:16:28] more efficient for us to do. I don't

[1:16:30] have a time specifically on that. I did

[1:16:32] try to do several different repetitions

[1:16:34] just trying to see what would give us

[1:16:36] the right kind of information

[1:16:37] >> per your direction.

[1:16:39] » per your direction.

[1:16:39] >> So, I mean, this was nine pages. Um, so

[1:16:43] » So, I mean, this was nine pages. Um, so

[1:16:43] it it still is a significant amount of

[1:16:45] time. I think we can still rely on the I

[1:16:47] can't remember the uh amount or the

[1:16:49] amount of time that we commented on last

[1:16:51] time per hour of discussion. I can I can

[1:16:54] check on that and get back to you.

[1:16:57] >> I'm I'm good with what we've been given

[1:16:59] » I'm I'm good with what we've been given

[1:16:59] and it fulfills state law with what

[1:17:01] we're required to do. So, I'm fine with

[1:17:03] what we're doing.

[1:17:09] I if I could comment on that.

[1:17:11] >> Um, you know what it really comes down

[1:17:13] » Um, you know what it really comes down

[1:17:13] to is when when we have

[1:17:17] um

[1:17:19] high impact important meetings that

[1:17:22] involve some really specific details.

[1:17:26] It seems like we, you know, we need more

[1:17:30] detail than when it's, you know, gets in

[1:17:34] that u um point where it's real close to

[1:17:38] a fine line. And I think you can handle

[1:17:42] that, Christine, and help us just get

[1:17:44] better detail when, you know, it's

[1:17:45] something that's, you know, uh, could

[1:17:49] potentially be questioned. But I think

[1:17:53] what what that looks like to me, I'm

[1:17:56] happy with it. Uh but there will be

[1:17:58] times where the magnifying glass kind of

[1:18:00] has to come out. When you know that

[1:18:02] we're not all in agreement and we're

[1:18:04] going in different directions, you

[1:18:05] probably have to zoom in a little bit

[1:18:07] more. And then when it's general stuff,

[1:18:09] obviously

[1:18:11] things that that might not require that

[1:18:13] in there. when we're deciding futures of

[1:18:16] development and big things like that,

[1:18:18] I'd ask you to take the magnifying glass

[1:18:20] maybe a step in, but other than that, I

[1:18:22] personally am happy with it uh where it

[1:18:24] is knowing that at times it has to be

[1:18:26] adjusted for detail.

[1:18:29] >> We did try, if I may, we did try to look

[1:18:30] » We did try, if I may, we did try to look

[1:18:30] back at this given your direction. and I

[1:18:32] relistened to what you all talked about

[1:18:33] at the last meeting and really focus on

[1:18:35] the commission actions, policy

[1:18:37] direction, ordinances, resolutions, and

[1:18:40] significant discussions recognizing the

[1:18:42] need to improve the efficiency but yet

[1:18:44] still present the information that

[1:18:46] you're requesting.

[1:18:46] >> Well, good then. I think

[1:18:47] » Well, good then. I think

[1:18:47] >> and we have noted that if at any point

[1:18:49] » and we have noted that if at any point

[1:18:49] in time you all say for the record type

[1:18:51] of thing, then we will give that almost

[1:18:53] verbatim.

[1:18:54] >> I think I think it's much better. I

[1:18:56] » I think I think it's much better. I

[1:18:56] think it's good and I think the that

[1:18:58] procedure there you're talking about it

[1:19:00] but just reassuring to you Christine for

[1:19:01] the record please. I think I think we're

[1:19:04] on the right track. At least I'm

[1:19:05] [clears throat] happy with it.

[1:19:06] >> Yes. And if at any point in time you all

[1:19:08] » Yes. And if at any point in time you all

[1:19:08] are and you review the packet and review

[1:19:11] the minutes and there's some issue

[1:19:12] requiring something to to move

[1:19:14] differently, please reach out to me um

[1:19:17] and Anna. We're both work we'll work

[1:19:18] very diligently to give you the product

[1:19:20] that you're looking for.

[1:19:21] >> I think one day technology will take

[1:19:23] » I think one day technology will take

[1:19:23] this and make it quicker. We might not

[1:19:26] quite be there, but um I'm happy with

[1:19:29] what you're doing, [snorts]

[1:19:31] >> commissioners.

[1:19:32] » commissioners.

[1:19:32] >> I'm good with that.

[1:19:33] » I'm good with that.

[1:19:33] >> All right,

[1:19:33] » All right,

[1:19:33] >> I'm good. Yeah,

[1:19:35] » I'm good. Yeah,

[1:19:36] >> there you go.

[1:19:43] » Okay. So,

[1:19:47] so we're okay with with what we have

[1:19:49] here?

[1:19:50] >> Mhm. All right. Thank you.

[1:19:53] » Mhm. All right. Thank you.

[1:19:53] So, let's go to future agenda items and

[1:19:55] comments. Start with our city attorney.

[1:19:59] >> Madame Mayor, a lot of work going on

[1:20:01] » Madame Mayor, a lot of work going on

[1:20:01] with the city, different issues. The one

[1:20:03] that I emailed you all about today is

[1:20:05] just the clarity on the NMTC ordinance

[1:20:09] for I want to make sure that that's

[1:20:10] something that the commission still

[1:20:12] wants to move forward on. And I

[1:20:14] summarize the two points that are in the

[1:20:16] document that I want to ask direction on

[1:20:19] at the next meeting. those options are

[1:20:21] in the ordinance. I think it's it's

[1:20:23] pretty clear. So,

[1:20:25] just a simple consensus from the

[1:20:27] commission that that's still something

[1:20:28] to move forward on is what I'm looking

[1:20:30] forward tonight.

[1:20:30] >> Move forward, please.

[1:20:32] » Move forward, please.

[1:20:32] >> Okay.

[1:20:32] » Okay.

[1:20:32] >> Yeah.

[1:20:33] » Yeah.

[1:20:33] >> Agree.

[1:20:34] » Agree.

[1:20:34] >> You okay with it, Commissioner?

[1:20:36] » You okay with it, Commissioner?

[1:20:36] >> I haven't read it. Um there is some

[1:20:39] » I haven't read it. Um there is some

[1:20:39] questioning. I don't even know what to

[1:20:41] comment. I haven't read it yet.

[1:20:42] >> We all just got it though. George,

[1:20:43] » We all just got it though. George,

[1:20:44] >> yeah,

[1:20:44] » yeah,

[1:20:44] >> I I had sent it before. I wanted to

[1:20:46] » I I had sent it before. I wanted to

[1:20:46] resend it um so that you could review

[1:20:48] it.

[1:20:50] It's It's ready to [clears throat] be be

[1:20:52] filed and move forward on with just a

[1:20:54] little direction on two items.

[1:20:56] >> So, you want to want us to give you an

[1:20:58] » So, you want to want us to give you an

[1:20:58] answer next meeting is what you said.

[1:21:00] >> I would like that. Yes.

[1:21:01] » I would like that. Yes.

[1:21:01] >> Okay.

[1:21:02] » Okay.

[1:21:02] >> Sounds fair.

[1:21:03] » Sounds fair.

[1:21:03] >> Okay.

[1:21:03] » Okay.

[1:21:04] >> And happy to talk. Um if there's any

[1:21:05] » And happy to talk. Um if there's any

[1:21:05] questions in between this, please

[1:21:07] contact me. I'll answer.

[1:21:09] >> Okay.

[1:21:11] » Okay.

[1:21:11] >> City Manager Rick.

[1:21:13] » City Manager Rick.

[1:21:13] >> Uh yeah, a couple things. um one the

[1:21:16] » Uh yeah, a couple things. um one the

[1:21:16] package um that I left on

[1:21:20] on your seats on your chairs.

[1:21:22] >> Um that's the receipt of the attorney

[1:21:25] » Um that's the receipt of the attorney

[1:21:25] RFP packages. Um we talked a little bit

[1:21:28] in the couple previous meetings. Um

[1:21:32] we're out for RFP. Um we received four

[1:21:38] proposers.

[1:21:40] At that point with only having four, we

[1:21:43] had discussed if if we had a larger

[1:21:45] amount that we would do a short list

[1:21:47] prior. At this point, I'm suggesting we

[1:21:49] skip the short list,

[1:21:51] >> look at all four. Um I've gone through

[1:21:53] » look at all four. Um I've gone through

[1:21:53] them. Uh it seemed qualified, seem to

[1:21:56] meet the intent of the the RFP and the

[1:21:59] request. Um so I have attached a copy of

[1:22:02] each of those for you also with an

[1:22:04] evaluation sheet. And what I'd like to

[1:22:08] do is have you

[1:22:10] The commission will be the selection

[1:22:12] committee as the attorney works you know

[1:22:15] for you.

[1:22:16] >> Um you will be the selection committee.

[1:22:18] » Um you will be the selection committee.

[1:22:18] So understand the selection committee is

[1:22:20] governed by sunshine as is your

[1:22:22] commissioner role. Um so any of that

[1:22:26] communication would have to be in a

[1:22:27] public format

[1:22:29] um and need to follow the the rules that

[1:22:32] we have associated with the procurement

[1:22:34] policies. Um, where we'll go from here

[1:22:37] [laughter]

[1:22:38] is I'd like to set up some meetings. Um,

[1:22:42] [clears throat]

[1:22:43] where it can be kind of a roundroin that

[1:22:46] each of the commissioners can meet one

[1:22:48] on-one with each of the proposers,

[1:22:52] take that evaluation form and rank out

[1:22:55] if you can, you know, your one to fours.

[1:22:57] Um, have your thoughts from your

[1:22:58] one-on-one meetings. Then we will

[1:23:01] reconvene in a public meeting and each

[1:23:04] of you will then take and share your

[1:23:08] rankings with each other. Um Tracy

[1:23:10] James, our purchasing director will lead

[1:23:12] the effort. Um she does these for staff

[1:23:15] all the time. Um and then at that point

[1:23:18] you'll have your discussions. you can

[1:23:20] rerank after there, you know, after some

[1:23:23] some conversation

[1:23:25] and be able to select hopefully a a

[1:23:28] number one that you would proceed with.

[1:23:31] Um also though we have been looking at

[1:23:36] your request of in-house attorney

[1:23:39] um [clears throat] HR human resources

[1:23:42] when we have a new position um we use a

[1:23:46] third party firm to to look at the the

[1:23:50] job responsibilities the education

[1:23:52] requirements testing requirements and we

[1:23:55] come up with a price point or a a pay

[1:23:58] band. Um the original information we got

[1:24:02] um we asked them to relook at it came in

[1:24:05] really low. Um asked them to relook and

[1:24:08] and understand that you know you the

[1:24:12] firm has to pass the bar. There's a a

[1:24:15] lot of education requirements. We're

[1:24:17] asking for a lot of information and a

[1:24:20] lot of credentials for each of those. Um

[1:24:22] the pay band was reooked at. They

[1:24:25] re-evaluated it. it came in um the

[1:24:29] minimum is uh 159,000

[1:24:34] and the max of the pay band is 195,600.

[1:24:38] So I think that falls a little more

[1:24:40] realistic where potentially you can get

[1:24:43] in-house counsel

[1:24:45] um that does not take into account a

[1:24:48] parallel. um kind of my my thought on

[1:24:51] it. If if we're bringing an attorney in,

[1:24:55] they need to be the one that would hire

[1:24:57] that [laughter] parallegal, not us

[1:24:58] hiring for them. Um and I think you

[1:25:02] would definitely if we wanted to look at

[1:25:04] in-house counsel, um you're going to

[1:25:07] need an attorney and a parallegal. Um

[1:25:09] there's still going to be holes. You

[1:25:10] know, there'll still be litigation. Um

[1:25:14] potentially if if somebody is if that

[1:25:17] attorney is out, who do we have to

[1:25:18] cover? Um you know, now as as we have an

[1:25:22] outside firm, there is a a stable of

[1:25:25] attorneys, if you would, that they can

[1:25:27] draw from if if the the primary attorney

[1:25:29] is out. Um so, you know, there's some

[1:25:33] things we would have to to look at. Um

[1:25:36] right now, we are advertising. It is out

[1:25:38] being advertised.

[1:25:40] Um, I don't think we've got anything

[1:25:43] back yet. I have not seen it. Um, and at

[1:25:46] that point, if we do proceed with that

[1:25:49] route, we would ask again that you would

[1:25:51] be the interviewers

[1:25:53] um, for that. You know, again, as the

[1:25:56] attorney is primarily working for you.

[1:25:59] Um, so we're

[1:26:02] it's kind of a tough spot now right now

[1:26:04] that we're going down two different

[1:26:05] paths. one with the RFP and then also

[1:26:08] looking inhouse.

[1:26:11] Um, so I guess I'm looking for some

[1:26:14] direction. If if we want to continue to

[1:26:17] look in house, do we let

[1:26:20] the the time go to where we're seeking

[1:26:25] the opportunity to get the applicants in

[1:26:28] and evaluate those and hold on the

[1:26:31] evaluation of the RFP?

[1:26:34] or should we look at the RFP

[1:26:39] and

[1:26:40] determine

[1:26:42] >> how long

[1:26:42] » how long

[1:26:42] >> after that how

[1:26:44] » after that how

[1:26:44] >> how long how long has the advertising

[1:26:45] » how long how long has the advertising

[1:26:46] been going on for in house?

[1:26:47] >> Uh it's just a week when we got the

[1:26:49] » Uh it's just a week when we got the

[1:26:49] >> price we got to go longer than that. I

[1:26:51] » price we got to go longer than that. I

[1:26:51] mean could I Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean

[1:26:52] it's that's that's what I'm saying. So

[1:26:55] we I wanted to get you this information

[1:26:57] because there [snorts] is going to be

[1:26:58] some time involved in going through this

[1:27:00] package.

[1:27:01] >> Um so yes ma'am.

[1:27:02] » Um so yes ma'am.

[1:27:02] >> Yeah. May I make a proposal to um the

[1:27:05] » Yeah. May I make a proposal to um the

[1:27:05] other commissioners?

[1:27:07] Maybe we should just focus on one

[1:27:09] direction. We're going two different

[1:27:11] ones. Number one. Number two, I think

[1:27:13] that we um we're slicing our budget and

[1:27:18] trying to narrow down everything. And

[1:27:22] yeah, we're going to take on an in-house

[1:27:25] attorney along with a parallegal along

[1:27:28] with a place for them to be. Um, I would

[1:27:31] suggest we focus on these four that we

[1:27:33] have and go with that. Also, would a

[1:27:37] large firm who might consider being our

[1:27:40] attorney really think about do I want to

[1:27:42] do to this? They're also looking for

[1:27:44] in-house. So, what are they trying to

[1:27:45] do? So, I I think we should focus on on

[1:27:49] the um [snorts]

[1:27:52] getting looking at those four and making

[1:27:54] a decision from there. If we should feel

[1:27:56] like that's not what we want, then

[1:27:58] consider the other. But it seems like

[1:27:59] we're going so many directions and I'd

[1:28:01] like y'all just think about that.

[1:28:03] >> I think madame mayor, going back to my

[1:28:07] » I think madame mayor, going back to my

[1:28:07] thought to share with you from when this

[1:28:09] all originated,

[1:28:11] um there are benefits to both of them.

[1:28:14] Having an in-house attorney gives us

[1:28:16] somebody here all the time and reduces

[1:28:19] our hourly rate tremendously as a

[1:28:22] savings. Regardless of that, in in a

[1:28:24] normal practice when cities do have they

[1:28:28] also have outside attorneys as well.

[1:28:31] They're not used as much. They're used

[1:28:33] when needed, but they have both. So both

[1:28:35] steps are important to the to the

[1:28:38] process. So the thought that I had

[1:28:41] shared before and I just wanted to

[1:28:42] reiterate is if we can get an in-house

[1:28:45] attorney to take away headaches uh and

[1:28:48] things that maybe even the city manager

[1:28:49] are dealing with give better service to

[1:28:52] our the public and to our community and

[1:28:54] answering and addressing stuff uh then

[1:28:56] that's

[1:28:58] would be at a much lower rate for us and

[1:29:01] then the in-house attorney would be the

[1:29:03] backup I'm sorry the outsourced attorney

[1:29:06] would be the backup for it and if

[1:29:08] they're out and And again, you know,

[1:29:10] really if we found the right person, it

[1:29:12] it all kind of dictates it and we won't

[1:29:16] we got to we got to look at these that

[1:29:18] he just gave us and then we got to look

[1:29:19] at what comes in from the week and then

[1:29:21] we'll make a I trust that we'll all make

[1:29:23] a good decision. But we got to see the

[1:29:25] the see the proposals and and uh and do

[1:29:29] that. And it it it can and should only

[1:29:32] be done for an in-house if it saves us

[1:29:34] money and it gives our staff someone to

[1:29:37] go to right away.

[1:29:38] and things to move along, especially

[1:29:40] with what I think we're going to be busy

[1:29:41] with for the next uh two to four years.

[1:29:46] » Commissioner Hen,

[1:29:48] >> um I want a chance to

[1:29:50] » um I want a chance to

[1:29:50] >> look at this, you know, um and then

[1:29:54] » look at this, you know, um and then

[1:29:54] we've only been out a week. Um so ask me

[1:29:57] at the next meeting and I'll tell you

[1:29:59] which direction I think we should go.

[1:30:01] But right now, I want a chance to look

[1:30:03] at this packet and let's dive in. two

[1:30:06] weeks. We might have some

[1:30:09] >> to look at.

[1:30:10] » to look at.

[1:30:10] >> Maybe

[1:30:11] » Maybe

[1:30:12] >> Oh, I'm sorry. Were you done?

[1:30:13] » Oh, I'm sorry. Were you done?

[1:30:13] >> No, I'm done.

[1:30:13] » No, I'm done.

[1:30:13] >> Oh, go ahead. Um I mean, maybe we should

[1:30:17] » Oh, go ahead. Um I mean, maybe we should

[1:30:17] look at it. Like, do we need to look at

[1:30:18] Do we need to make a decision right

[1:30:20] away? Like, what's the timeline on this?

[1:30:22] I thought it was we were going to maybe

[1:30:24] look at this towards the end of the

[1:30:25] year. So, there's not really a rush now,

[1:30:27] right?

[1:30:27] >> And we and we I mean I I mean, I said it

[1:30:31] » And we and we I mean I I mean, I said it

[1:30:31] before, too. We don't know what we don't

[1:30:33] know. Uh, and if if the in-house has

[1:30:36] only been advertised per week, I think

[1:30:38] we need a lot more time and then we can

[1:30:40] in the meantime can look at what we just

[1:30:42] got.

[1:30:44] >> And I think we're being well served as

[1:30:46] » And I think we're being well served as

[1:30:46] as we are right now.

[1:30:48] >> Yeah.

[1:30:49] » Yeah.

[1:30:49] >> Yeah. I I agree with you actually. Um,

[1:30:52] » Yeah. I I agree with you actually. Um,

[1:30:52] you know, I think we need to kind of

[1:30:55] focus on one avenue

[1:30:57] >> things

[1:31:00] and you know, and as Gary said, we're

[1:31:02] looking you know, towards the end of the

[1:31:04] year anyway. So, you know, focus on

[1:31:06] this. If we don't see we'll find what we

[1:31:09] want, then, you know, we look at the

[1:31:12] >> the in house.

[1:31:14] » the in house.

[1:31:14] >> Okay.

[1:31:16] » Okay.

[1:31:16] >> So, at this point, I'd ask I'd ask look

[1:31:19] » So, at this point, I'd ask I'd ask look

[1:31:19] at look at the package you have.

[1:31:21] >> Okay.

[1:31:21] » Okay.

[1:31:21] >> We're still we did not put a a closing

[1:31:25] » We're still we did not put a a closing

[1:31:25] time on the applicants. Um I'm thinking

[1:31:29] we need at least 30 days to be able to

[1:31:31] get stuff in. Um, we're advertising a

[1:31:33] couple different, um, you know, legal,

[1:31:37] uh, periodicals, if you would. Um, I

[1:31:40] noticed like right now in in Florida, I

[1:31:42] think there were eight different mun

[1:31:44] municipalities that are looking for for

[1:31:47] uh, legal service for for in-house.

[1:31:51] >> So, larger larger cities or counties.

[1:31:54] » So, larger larger cities or counties.

[1:31:54] >> What size are they compared to?

[1:31:55] » What size are they compared to?

[1:31:55] >> Yeah, pretty pretty large cities and

[1:31:58] » Yeah, pretty pretty large cities and

[1:31:58] counties. Um, but you know, we can also

[1:32:01] reach out and kind of see where those

[1:32:03] price points are, see what type of

[1:32:04] information we can find from there,

[1:32:06] >> but we'll go through with the process.

[1:32:08] » but we'll go through with the process.

[1:32:08] You know, the the evaluation time for

[1:32:10] these RFQS. You need a month anyway to

[1:32:14] look at that. So, let's

[1:32:16] >> I'd ask you go ahead and look through

[1:32:17] » I'd ask you go ahead and look through

[1:32:17] that. Um, we won't at this point.

[1:32:21] >> I wanted to make sure there wasn't a

[1:32:23] » I wanted to make sure there wasn't a

[1:32:23] sense of urgency of getting these

[1:32:24] scheduled. I didn't want to be the one

[1:32:26] holding you back. No.

[1:32:27] >> Um, so

[1:32:29] » Um, so

[1:32:29] look through then

[1:32:32] the next meeting maybe the subsequent

[1:32:34] meeting in in September we'll have a

[1:32:37] feel for what we have for in-house

[1:32:39] counsel at that point you can have a

[1:32:41] better idea of where we're building

[1:32:43] >> okay

[1:32:43] » okay

[1:32:43] >> so

[1:32:43] » so

[1:32:44] >> okay

[1:32:45] » okay

[1:32:45] um

[1:32:46] >> anything else

[1:32:47] » anything else

[1:32:47] >> uh yeah two more I'll be quick um also

[1:32:50] » uh yeah two more I'll be quick um also

[1:32:50] we had RFP out for revolving line of

[1:32:52] credit um we got two submitters back um

[1:32:56] you you're aware I hired PFM as a

[1:33:00] financial a municipal financial

[1:33:02] management company. They are evaluating

[1:33:04] those two firms. Um they came in pretty

[1:33:08] aggressive. It looks pretty good. Um so

[1:33:10] I will have a recommendation

[1:33:12] um to proceed with that at the next

[1:33:15] meeting um with a a uh selected firm uh

[1:33:20] for your approval and then at that point

[1:33:22] we would start [snorts] preparing the

[1:33:23] closing documents for that. Um the city

[1:33:26] manager search uh the one on one

[1:33:29] meetings have been in the uh they're

[1:33:32] down on the short list. Um I think they

[1:33:34] cut down to about 10 and right now

[1:33:38] they're doing the video interviews

[1:33:40] that'll be taped for you and they're

[1:33:43] also doing a vetting of of that that

[1:33:46] short list. Um he said the time frame

[1:33:49] for the next set of interviews is

[1:33:50] roughly two weeks.

[1:33:52] So week after next.

[1:33:55] um it'll give you a point where you can

[1:33:57] start looking at those video interviews

[1:34:02] and from there the goal would be to cut

[1:34:05] down to a smaller number that you would

[1:34:08] bring in and have face to face.

[1:34:09] >> Okay. Will will will they make those

[1:34:13] » Okay. Will will will they make those

[1:34:13] easier to access than the the other

[1:34:16] forms that they sent us the video

[1:34:19] interviews?

[1:34:20] >> At what point does the resend? I can

[1:34:23] » At what point does the resend? I can

[1:34:23] give that feedback back to uh to the

[1:34:25] firm.

[1:34:26] >> Yeah, it disappeared and then they had

[1:34:27] » Yeah, it disappeared and then they had

[1:34:27] to resend [clears throat] it again to

[1:34:28] start all over again.

[1:34:29] >> Yeah.

[1:34:30] » Yeah.

[1:34:30] >> Um and then last a little bit of good

[1:34:32] » Um and then last a little bit of good

[1:34:32] news. We talked in the in the capital

[1:34:34] meetings um about the need for a school

[1:34:37] bus for park and wreck. Um and we had a

[1:34:40] pretty big ticket item [snorts] in

[1:34:42] there. Um I reached out to our um

[1:34:46] maintenance supervisor, uh Jeff Krider,

[1:34:49] does all of our equipment purchases.

[1:34:52] and asked him to keep an eye on the

[1:34:53] Gideon auctions, which is where we take

[1:34:55] our used in our used uh surplus

[1:34:58] equipment. And we purchased a bus for

[1:35:03] park and wreck. Um pretty decent shape,

[1:35:07] uh dual air conditioners, everything

[1:35:09] works, it runs. Um he's changing out

[1:35:12] some of the lights um for the stop,

[1:35:14] painted white. Uh $3,810.

[1:35:18] >> Wow.

[1:35:19] » Wow.

[1:35:19] >> Wow.

[1:35:19] » Wow.

[1:35:19] >> It's ours. We're getting it titled now.

[1:35:21] » It's ours. We're getting it titled now.

[1:35:22] >> Wow.

[1:35:22] » Wow.

[1:35:22] >> So, we hit we hit that one good.

[1:35:25] » So, we hit we hit that one good.

[1:35:25] >> So, uh we let Sam know today and uh

[1:35:29] » So, uh we let Sam know today and uh

[1:35:29] >> that is screaming.

[1:35:30] » that is screaming.

[1:35:30] >> He's going to be pretty happy. So, yeah.

[1:35:32] » He's going to be pretty happy. So, yeah.

[1:35:32] Jeff Crowder in our maintenance group.

[1:35:33] >> He has someone who can drive with the

[1:35:35] » He has someone who can drive with the

[1:35:35] license to drive it.

[1:35:36] >> Uh Sam,

[1:35:38] » Uh Sam,

[1:35:38] >> do you have CDLs on staff now?

[1:35:41] » do you have CDLs on staff now?

[1:35:41] >> I have four.

[1:35:42] » I have four.

[1:35:42] >> There you go.

[1:35:43] » There you go.

[1:35:43] >> Oh, wow.

[1:35:43] » Oh, wow.

[1:35:43] >> Solves that problem.

[1:35:44] » Solves that problem.

[1:35:44] >> Good to go then.

[1:35:45] » Good to go then.

[1:35:45] >> And he'll still keep the others,

[1:35:47] » And he'll still keep the others,

[1:35:47] >> the other buses, the smaller buses.

[1:35:49] » the other buses, the smaller buses.

[1:35:49] He'll still keep those.

[1:35:50] >> Yeah. Yep. Yeah. This is just this is

[1:35:52] » Yeah. Yep. Yeah. This is just this is

[1:35:52] something we

[1:35:54] >> we have two pieces of equipment. We've

[1:35:56] » we have two pieces of equipment. We've

[1:35:56] got a Bobcat in and we've got a um a

[1:36:00] bucket truck. So, we will make enough

[1:36:03] money on the sale of those to be able to

[1:36:05] purchase those.

[1:36:06] >> So, and then I'm getting a flag from the

[1:36:09] » So, and then I'm getting a flag from the

[1:36:09] city attorney.

[1:36:10] >> Just one thing to update on the

[1:36:11] » Just one thing to update on the

[1:36:11] presentation we received at the

[1:36:13] beginning of tonight. My suggestion,

[1:36:15] madame mayor, commissioners for the

[1:36:17] staff would be to work out a

[1:36:19] non-bindingou or term sheet. That would

[1:36:22] give us all the information we would

[1:36:24] need for the required notice. Uh the PSA

[1:36:27] is a binding contract and that's going

[1:36:29] to require a lot more attorney attorney

[1:36:32] involvement reviewing all the terms and

[1:36:34] that's going to slow the process down. A

[1:36:37] term sheet orou would give us everything

[1:36:39] that we need for the required CRA

[1:36:41] notice. So that would be my suggestion

[1:36:43] to stop

[1:36:45] and then if if necessary and if

[1:36:48] everything works works out then we would

[1:36:51] negotiate the PSA contract.

[1:36:56] » Don't we have it?

[1:36:58] No, we we we we

[1:37:03] processes. Okay. [snorts]

[1:37:06] >> Okay. On to our city commission.

[1:37:10] » Commissioner Aspati, would you

[1:37:13] >> um

[1:37:13] » um

[1:37:13] >> do you have anything?

[1:37:14] » do you have anything?

[1:37:14] >> Yeah.

[1:37:16] » Yeah.

[1:37:16] Back to the back to the same thing. I

[1:37:18] got some updates, but we have no

[1:37:20] resolution to this several hundred,000

[1:37:23] we um gave to Spring Ridge that we

[1:37:27] haven't gotten u gotten back and I think

[1:37:31] they're giving us the runaround. Um

[1:37:35] so I think we need to look at that.

[1:37:37] maybe even uh

[1:37:42] turn turn up some uh heat and try to uh

[1:37:46] try to see where we go with that. Um I

[1:37:49] continue to bring this up all the time.

[1:37:51] Um Duke Energy is in their phases of

[1:37:54] doing their what they do best is which

[1:37:57] is whatever they want to do. Um, I would

[1:38:00] like to see us, and I've asked since the

[1:38:03] day I I got sworn in that day, that we

[1:38:07] have some type of requirements. Um,

[1:38:10] while they have their easements and they

[1:38:13] have many rights within their easements,

[1:38:15] these lines need to be underground

[1:38:18] uh going forward. And I think to me

[1:38:21] that's my top priority. Uh, I say it all

[1:38:25] the time. That's probably the most

[1:38:26] embarrassing thing I could ever have

[1:38:28] about this city are those power lines

[1:38:31] out there. And my uh third and final

[1:38:33] item is the uh awareness of the electric

[1:38:38] bikes. They continue to escalate and

[1:38:42] knock on wood. None of our kids uh most

[1:38:45] of them are by kids though adults use

[1:38:46] them. Um, I don't know if that's what

[1:38:48] happened to you with the neck thing on

[1:38:50] electric bike, [laughter] but um, we

[1:38:53] need to have some guidelines uh to to uh

[1:38:57] keep everybody safe. So, three items.

[1:39:00] Um, and I'm going to talk with the city

[1:39:02] manager about some of those and and some

[1:39:05] ideas. Uh, but uh, those continue to be

[1:39:09] there.

[1:39:10] >> That's [snorts] it, ma'am.

[1:39:11] » That's [snorts] it, ma'am.

[1:39:11] >> Yeah, I I agree with you on the electric

[1:39:13] » Yeah, I I agree with you on the electric

[1:39:13] bikes. Uh, and I know there's some other

[1:39:17] cities that are are looking at doing

[1:39:19] some things and uh the city commission

[1:39:23] is kind of nervous about making

[1:39:25] decisions, but but at the very least I

[1:39:28] think we should look at requiring the

[1:39:30] kids to wear helmets. Uh and I don't

[1:39:33] know if that's something that we can do.

[1:39:34] >> Kids only or kids and adults or anybody?

[1:39:37] » Kids only or kids and adults or anybody?

[1:39:37] Um, I mean the

[1:39:39] >> I don't think you can require just kids,

[1:39:41] » I don't think you can require just kids,

[1:39:41] but

[1:39:41] >> Yeah. I mean, it'd be good to do uh do

[1:39:44] » Yeah. I mean, it'd be good to do uh do

[1:39:44] them all, but

[1:39:46] uh

[1:39:46] >> but isn't sorry, isn't the state looking

[1:39:48] » but isn't sorry, isn't the state looking

[1:39:48] at this as well?

[1:39:49] >> Yeah. Yeah, that's what we're saying.

[1:39:50] » Yeah. Yeah, that's what we're saying.

[1:39:50] They're looking

[1:39:51] >> and how can we pass something more than

[1:39:53] » and how can we pass something more than

[1:39:53] what the state will allow us to do. So,

[1:39:56] >> then just be cognizant of it on keep it

[1:39:58] » then just be cognizant of it on keep it

[1:39:58] on the forefront. Yeah.

[1:39:59] >> And I'll be happy.

[1:40:00] » And I'll be happy.

[1:40:00] >> Exactly.

[1:40:02] » Exactly.

[1:40:02] >> Commissioners, I did forward out some

[1:40:03] » Commissioners, I did forward out some

[1:40:03] draft ordinances. So, if that's

[1:40:05] something that if you'd like me to bring

[1:40:07] forward, we can we can do that.

[1:40:10] >> I don't think we want to spend money on

[1:40:12] » I don't think we want to spend money on

[1:40:12] you doing that quite right now, but we

[1:40:14] need to keep it in our forefront and

[1:40:16] keep I'm just going to keep reminding

[1:40:19] everybody about it and let's see what

[1:40:21] the state's coming out with. Let's talk

[1:40:23] to our people in the state and see if

[1:40:25] it's, you know, got a good life to it,

[1:40:27] kick to it. But um we don't want to go

[1:40:30] down not saying that we fought for

[1:40:32] >> No, my my my biggest my biggest fear

[1:40:36] » No, my my my biggest my biggest fear

[1:40:36] with those things is they hit somebody

[1:40:40] >> and then

[1:40:41] » and then

[1:40:41] >> and no insurance

[1:40:42] » and no insurance

[1:40:42] >> and then Yeah. And then who's

[1:40:44] » and then Yeah. And then who's

[1:40:44] responsible? So I mean I know the

[1:40:46] state's really looking at these uh over

[1:40:48] a certain amount mile per hour. So I

[1:40:50] hope they come up with something.

[1:40:52] >> We should start hearing something from

[1:40:53] » We should start hearing something from

[1:40:53] the legislature within the next two to

[1:40:55] three months on what's going to be on

[1:40:57] next year's agenda. So, and from what I

[1:41:00] understand, it is being pushed heavily.

[1:41:02] >> Okay.

[1:41:02] » Okay.

[1:41:02] >> Yeah, I see that there are a lot of kids

[1:41:05] » Yeah, I see that there are a lot of kids

[1:41:05] now that are actually doing tricks on

[1:41:07] these things. So, I expect uh

[1:41:09] >> things to get a lot worse before they

[1:41:11] » things to get a lot worse before they

[1:41:11] get better. Unfortunately,

[1:41:12] >> are they required [snorts] to have

[1:41:13] » are they required [snorts] to have

[1:41:13] insurance?

[1:41:14] >> No.

[1:41:16] » No.

[1:41:16] >> No. Like a bicycle.

[1:41:17] » No. Like a bicycle.

[1:41:17] >> If they hit you,

[1:41:18] » If they hit you,

[1:41:18] >> just like a bicycle.

[1:41:20] » just like a bicycle.

[1:41:20] Um, one of the things I'd like to bring

[1:41:22] up is, you know, a couple of years ago,

[1:41:25] um, you know, we, uh, uh, we pushed to

[1:41:29] have those clothing boxes.

[1:41:32] >> Uh, we to limit and I think our limit

[1:41:34] » Uh, we to limit and I think our limit

[1:41:34] was two.

[1:41:36] >> For the city,

[1:41:37] » For the city,

[1:41:37] >> two or four,

[1:41:38] » two or four,

[1:41:38] >> was it?

[1:41:39] » was it?

[1:41:39] >> I don't remember. I'd have to I'd have

[1:41:41] » I don't remember. I'd have to I'd have

[1:41:41] to dig that back out.

[1:41:42] >> But I know one place where there's at

[1:41:44] » But I know one place where there's at

[1:41:44] least four in the one parking lot. So,

[1:41:46] >> really?

[1:41:47] » really?

[1:41:47] >> Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I'd like for

[1:41:50] » Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I'd like for

[1:41:50] us to kind of uh take a look at that.

[1:41:52] And I don't know if that's something

[1:41:53] that Eric,

[1:41:54] >> you know, Eric would do.

[1:41:56] » you know, Eric would do.

[1:41:56] >> Yes.

[1:41:56] » Yes.

[1:41:56] >> I'll we'll we'll discuss it tomorrow as

[1:41:59] » I'll we'll we'll discuss it tomorrow as

[1:41:59] uh lead team meeting.

[1:42:00] >> Okay. And uh a couple of days ago um

[1:42:04] » Okay. And uh a couple of days ago um

[1:42:04] Miranda and I uh

[1:42:07] uh had the fortune of of going to the uh

[1:42:11] FBI National Academy um

[1:42:15] uh event in Daytona uh where they swore

[1:42:18] in our Chief Capri as a president uh for

[1:42:22] the uh the upcoming year. So

[1:42:26] congratulations to the chief. A job well

[1:42:28] done.

[1:42:29] um

[1:42:31] you know to to sit there and to see how

[1:42:34] the the uh the law enforcement community

[1:42:38] respects this guy. Um uh

[1:42:43] you know I it was you know it was um

[1:42:47] it was something to see them uh

[1:42:51] to to appreciate them. But but

[1:42:53] congratulations again uh Chief Capri uh

[1:42:57] on your selection as president and that

[1:43:00] would be it for me.

[1:43:02] >> Commissioner Holland

[1:43:04] » Commissioner Holland

[1:43:04] >> um I just want to uh thank public safety

[1:43:07] » um I just want to uh thank public safety

[1:43:08] whether it's the police department or

[1:43:09] the fire department for keeping us so

[1:43:11] well in the loop uh when there is

[1:43:14] something going on in this community.

[1:43:16] Nothing is worse as a commissioner than

[1:43:19] to us to get calls from folks in our

[1:43:22] community and not hearing and us not

[1:43:25] knowing about it before um we get that

[1:43:28] phone call. Um please keep all of our

[1:43:32] public safety folks in your thoughts and

[1:43:34] prayers. We had that incident the other

[1:43:36] night where we had our officer drug um

[1:43:40] and it was all over Fox News. It was all

[1:43:42] over most of the major news. We need to

[1:43:45] make sure that we keep them in our

[1:43:47] thoughts and prayers constantly um as

[1:43:50] they're out there protecting us on a

[1:43:53] daily basis. Um so that's all I've got

[1:43:56] tonight. Thank you, Mayor.

[1:43:58] >> And I'm good. Thank you.

[1:43:59] » And I'm good. Thank you.

[1:43:59] >> Okay. Good. I just had a couple of

[1:44:01] » Okay. Good. I just had a couple of

[1:44:02] comments. First of all, congratulations,

[1:44:04] Chief. We should I wasn't aware of it.

[1:44:06] So, um that would please let us know in

[1:44:09] the future so that we can congratulate

[1:44:12] him. Um

[1:44:14] >> I know but that's not the future.

[1:44:16] » I know but that's not the future.

[1:44:16] [laughter]

[1:44:17] [gasps]

[1:44:17] >> Okay. Um I had the opportunity to join

[1:44:20] » Okay. Um I had the opportunity to join

[1:44:20] Pastor Renee uh Representative Cobb and

[1:44:22] Chief Capri and other community members

[1:44:25] um doing prayers at the gates of the

[1:44:28] city. It was for different areas

[1:44:30] northwest, east and south. And it worked

[1:44:33] out. It was really nice a very u nice

[1:44:35] event. Um and I want to say happy third

[1:44:39] retirement to Mary Montes. Um, and

[1:44:43] hopefully there won't be a fourth unless

[1:44:45] [clears throat] she's committed this

[1:44:46] time.

[1:44:48] And um, this is in bloom. We're I'm

[1:44:50] looking forward to participating in the

[1:44:52] uh, August downtown merchants meeting. I

[1:44:56] I'm really encouraged by that, having

[1:44:58] our retailers come together and start up

[1:45:00] again. I there was an alliance once upon

[1:45:02] a time and it's kind of waking up again

[1:45:04] and um, I think we'll see some really

[1:45:06] good things downtown. And yes, flowers

[1:45:09] and decorating and and enhancing our

[1:45:11] city is important and we will continue

[1:45:13] to do that. Um also, um we are

[1:45:18] submitting nominations for the American

[1:45:19] Bloom Conference. We have some really

[1:45:21] good um nominations that's going forth

[1:45:24] and uh and we're thankful to for Tim to

[1:45:27] Tim for all that he's doing. And um the

[1:45:30] community garden is taking shape um with

[1:45:33] Fountain Outreach, the Fountain Outreach

[1:45:35] organization. So, it's all been platted

[1:45:38] out and um I think Sam has plans for it

[1:45:41] and we're also working with Sean. So, I

[1:45:44] think we have a really good start on

[1:45:45] that and uh Pocket Park is our next big

[1:45:48] project. Sam talks to teach.

[1:45:52] >> Okay. So, I I think that's it uh from me

[1:45:57] » Okay. So, I I think that's it uh from me

[1:45:57] and yes,

[1:45:57] >> sorry, one more thing. And uh uh we had

[1:46:01] » sorry, one more thing. And uh uh we had

[1:46:01] an event in uh in the park um last

[1:46:05] weekend and I don't know uh what the

[1:46:09] taste is for the commission on this but

[1:46:13] you know we have the car show that comes

[1:46:14] in uh uh the third or fourth Saturday of

[1:46:19] the month. Um

[1:46:22] I'm going to say it. I don't see them

[1:46:26] contributing anything to to our

[1:46:30] downtown. They don't go and they don't

[1:46:32] shop at our stores, uh, our restaurants.

[1:46:36] Everything that they do, they do there.

[1:46:38] >> So, I I I'd like for us to to think

[1:46:41] » So, I I I'd like for us to to think

[1:46:41] about that. I mean, we have the surface

[1:46:43] lot that would be great for them, but

[1:46:47] I don't know what everybody else is

[1:46:49] think everyone else thinks, but uh, it's

[1:46:52] just something I want to bring up. So,

[1:46:54] uh we are using our park more and more

[1:46:57] um

[1:46:59] and um I I think we should would look at

[1:47:05] relocating them

[1:47:06] >> and really if you'll remember that was a

[1:47:08] » and really if you'll remember that was a

[1:47:08] challenge we had when we moved them to

[1:47:10] the park is they were parking in front

[1:47:11] of our businesses

[1:47:13] >> and they were never utilizing so it is

[1:47:15] » and they were never utilizing so it is

[1:47:16] worth another conversation

[1:47:17] >> I agree

[1:47:20] » I agree

[1:47:20] we close the park when they do that no

[1:47:22] it's open to the public. They're just in

[1:47:24] there doing their thing.

[1:47:25] >> Yeah, it is open, but they utilize um

[1:47:30] » Yeah, it is open, but they utilize um

[1:47:30] >> most of the space.

[1:47:33] » most of the space.

[1:47:33] >> Anything else for the good,

[1:47:35] » Anything else for the good,

[1:47:35] >> you know. Can I just add one thing on

[1:47:36] » you know. Can I just add one thing on

[1:47:36] that tone? Because otherwise Gary would

[1:47:38] would [laughter]

[1:47:40] >> Yeah, this is why we got done so early

[1:47:41] » Yeah, this is why we got done so early

[1:47:41] last time.

[1:47:42] >> See,

[1:47:43] » See,

[1:47:43] I knew [laughter] exactly

[1:47:45] >> and I and honestly, I swear you're doing

[1:47:47] » and I and honestly, I swear you're doing

[1:47:47] it on purpose, too. You must have

[1:47:49] watched the video. [laughter]

[1:47:51] Madame Mayor, I think he's out of line,

[1:47:53] but uh the

[1:47:55] >> bet everyone thinks I'm right.

[1:47:57] » bet everyone thinks I'm right.

[1:47:57] >> The uh associate the

[1:48:00] » The uh associate the

[1:48:00] Daniel and George and uh some of the

[1:48:03] other key people are working on starting

[1:48:05] a downtown association. And in that

[1:48:07] meeting I went to uh their first meeting

[1:48:11] uh there was talk about the car show and

[1:48:13] and all that. So, I think let the let

[1:48:16] the downtown community evolve and maybe

[1:48:19] come give us a thought about that. Let

[1:48:21] the downtown businesses tell us

[1:48:24] >> whether they feel it's a a plus or not

[1:48:26] » whether they feel it's a a plus or not

[1:48:26] or whatnot. But there's some good things

[1:48:28] going on with that. We've all wanted

[1:48:30] them to restart that and and it's in the

[1:48:32] process. So, I just wanted to tell you

[1:48:33] all that.

[1:48:35] >> Thank you. Anything else?

[1:48:36] » Thank you. Anything else?

[1:48:36] >> I'll quit saying that. [laughter]

[1:48:39] » I'll quit saying that. [laughter]

[1:48:39] >> Okay. So

[1:48:42] » Okay. So

[1:48:42] at um what 8 7:48

[1:48:47] it's hard this is a glare on that clock.

[1:48:49] >> We'll call this meeting a journey.

[1:48:55] All right. All right.

Regular City Commission Meeting - 6 August, 2026

Agenda

Transcript