All right. All right.
saying no.
>> No.
» No.
>> You good?
» You good?
>> Is he in here?
» Is he in here?
>> Yeah. So, you see Lorie?
» Yeah. So, you see Lorie?
>> Yeah.
» And he's trying to get
sitt.
» That's good for us.
>> Yeah. Oh, yeah. It is.
Good evening everyone and welcome to
USUS City Hall. This is a regular Sunday
commission meeting of the US city
commission. It is now 6:00 p. p.m.
August the 6th, 2026.
Please silence all of your phones. Thank
you. If you would like to join us, the
invocation tonight will be presented by
Pastor Jay Cooknau of Life Community
Church and the pledge of allegian
allegiance by our commissioner Willie
Hawkins.
Let's pray. Father, we thank you for
this opportunity to come and to seek
your guidance. Lord, I would just pray
that you would lead and guide each of
these council members as they uh vote on
things and make decisions for our
community. We pray that you would make
this a peaceful meeting and that your
hand would be upon everything. We ask
this in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
>> Amen.
» Amen.
>> Please join me for the pledge.
» Please join me for the pledge.
I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
>> Thank you.
» We will officially call this meeting to
order. Christine, is there a quorum
present and proper notice have been
given?
>> Yes, Mayor Lee.
» Yes, Mayor Lee.
>> Thank you. Rick, is there an agenda
» Thank you. Rick, is there an agenda
update?
>> There is no agenda update.
» There is no agenda update.
>> Okay. And I think you have a
» Okay. And I think you have a
presentation.
>> Uh yes. So we get started today. We have
» Uh yes. So we get started today. We have
um representatives from Center
Development uh to present information on
the Akilo project um a redevelopment
project downtown [clears throat]
community.
Good evening.
>> Good evening, mayor, commissioners, city
» Good evening, mayor, commissioners, city
manager Garrick, city staff, members of
our community, and the Achil team. My
name is Danell Hoffer. I'm the CEO of
Urban Hideway Development and Center
Green. Before I begin, I'd like to
answer a question I've been asked many
times over the past several months. Why
Achilo? is the name of the project that
we're proposing. Achilo is pronounced
Ailo.
It's the ancient Roman name for the
north wind.
It's associated with fresh breezes,
changing seasons, and renewal. To us,
Ikilo reflects boating, sailing,
sunsets, and the energy of a vibrant
waterfront.
Most importantly, it represents bringing
new life and new opportunity to downtown
Eustace. That's the vision behind the
name. So now I'd like to turn to why
we're here tonight.
Commissioners, tonight our request is
very straightforward. We're requesting
your authorization to direct city staff
to negotiate a purchase and sale
agreement and development agreement with
the negotiated document returning to
this commission for consideration within
90 days. I want to emphasize one
important point.
Tonight authorizes authorizes
negotiations. It does not approve a
final project.
Tonight begins a structured public
process that allows the city and our
team to complete the necessary due
diligence, negotiate the agreements,
[snorts] and bring them back to this
commission for review and consideration.
This slide explains why we believe this
opportunity is important. Our vision is
to transform the community center site
into a true waterfront destination for
downtown Eustace. We believe this
project can serve as a catalyst for
continued revitalization by generating
tourism, supporting local business,
creating opportunities for
entrepreneurs,
encouraging additional private
investment in the community, and
establishing a long-term economic anchor
for downtown.
It also represents workforce
development.
The project is expected to create
hundreds of construction jobs during
development, approximately 175 full-time
jobs once complete, creating
opportunities across hospitality,
dining, retail, wellness, maintenance,
management, and professional services.
Finally, city staff has identified
alternative community meeting space,
allowing this property to be evaluated
for its highest and best community use.
This slide illustrates the overall
vision for the site. The program
combines hospitality, residential,
dining, event space, parking, critical
to the success, and public waterfront
spaces in one integrated destination.
Each use has been planned to support the
others, creating activity throughout the
day and throughout the year while
strengthening downtown Eustace as a a
truly a destination for residents and
visitors alike.
This is our current conceptual site
plan. It reflects the planning completed
to date and illustrates how the various
program elements work together while
maintaining an active public waterfront
as negotiations and due diligence
continue. This plan will continue to be
refined.
Let's talk about project scale. This
represents approximately 70 million in
estimated private investment.
It reflects the project's current
conceptual scope and demonstrates the
significance of the opportunity before
the city.
As with any development of this scale,
the final investment in project details
will continue to be refined through due
diligence and negotiations.
So, let's talk about what has already
been completed. Before requesting
authorization to move [clears throat]
forward this evening, it's important to
recognize the substantial work that's
already been finished. Our vision and
programming are complete. Preliminary
planning and massing have been
completed.
Our professional team has been
assembled, many of which are here this
evening. They are local as we are. or a
local family and they are very very
invested and ready to get to work on the
project.
Initial engineering coordination has
begun. Hospitality discussions have
taken place. Preliminary market
evaluation has been completed.
We've made significant private
investment in bringing the project to
this point and we've begun initial
construction discussions already.
This is why we're ready [clears throat]
to move to the next phase.
So what happens next? It's always the
question. If negotiations are authorized
this evening, the next phase includes
the work shown on this slide.
Independent appraisals,
survey and title review, environmental
review,
utility and storm water coordination,
development agreement and entitlement
work, submission of project team
qualifications,
negotiation of the purchase and sale
agreement to buy the property,
and finally returning everything to this
commission for consideration.
So, commissioners, our request, this is
the action that we're requesting this
evening. We're asking you to direct city
staff [cough] to begin negotiating a
purchase and sale agreement for the
community center property immediately
and proceed diligently towards
completion in a 90-day time frame.
During that process, city staff and our
team will coordinate the appraisals, the
title information, the surveys, utility
and storm water review, the development
agreement framework, entitlements and
zoning, legal review, and all other
documents necessary to negotiate a
mutually acceptable purchase and sale
agreement again for the purchase of the
property.
We're also requesting that city staff
coordinate departments and consultants
as needed, identify any issues requiring
commission policy direction during
negotiations, [clears throat] and return
the negotiated purchase and sale
agreement to this commission
for any approvals required under city
procedures. Again, tonight authorizes
negotiation. It does not approve the
final project.
So, madame mayor and commissioners, I'd
like to thank you for your time. I'd
like to take thank city staff, city
manager for his time. Thank you for the
consideration this evening. We
respectfully request your authorization
to begin the purchase and sale agreement
and development agreement negotiation
process.
We truly appreciate the opportunity to
continue working collaboratively with
the city as this process moves forward.
and we really look forward to returning
to you with a complete agreement for
your consideration.
Thank you. And I'll be happy to answer
questions.
>> Thank you. I'll go. You want to go
» Thank you. I'll go. You want to go
first? Okay. Um I'll go. Um
you say city staff has identified
uh
another property for the community
center.
Um, not necessarily. That's a very, very
good question. I think they've
identified various uh properties that
the city already owns that are meeting
space related, including the senior
center and some other places around the
city. So, they they've definitely
[cough]
hard look at that.
>> Would you by chance know what the
» Would you by chance know what the
capacity is for those buildings?
>> Um, I don't have it with me.
» Um, I don't have it with me.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> We got that in that staff report.
» We got that in that staff report.
>> I think city staff held led that effort.
» I think city staff held led that effort.
>> Yeah. off off the top of my head, I
» Yeah. off off the top of my head, I
don't know the exact numbers. Um the the
senior center is close. It's a little
bit smaller
>> um than the community center, but we did
» um than the community center, but we did
look at the different events housed at
the community center in in a one-year
period.
>> It seemed like all but three or four of
» It seemed like all but three or four of
the events could be housed at the senior
center.
>> Okay. Is that uh is that three or four
» Okay. Is that uh is that three or four
only because we don't have the space?
And if we do this and we go to the
senior city senior citizens building,
does that lock us into not
[clears throat] being able to grow the
community, not being able to to expand?
Um, I don't I don't see that it would
tie us into not being able to expand,
but um, you know, there's there were
the events, I believe, and I don't have
that information with me, but we did a a
deep dive into it. Um, there were a
couple graduations. There was, I think
that like an eighth grade graduation. Um
[clears throat] so you know we looked at
other venues that could be in town but
it would be private venues. Um you know
Life Point Church could handle that
size.
>> Um you we we had talked about outside um
» Um you we we had talked about outside um
events which is a little more difficult
to arrange but it would it would have to
go to a third party facility.
>> Is that fair to our citizens?
» Is that fair to our citizens?
>> Um I I can't speak to that.
» Um I I can't speak to that.
>> Okay. Um
» Okay. Um
this was an uh
have we had any other uh proposals
>> on this?
» on this?
>> No,
» you can't.
>> I cannot.
» I cannot.
>> No, no, you cannot do that. You have to
» No, no, you cannot do that. You have to
have a seat. Please sit down. Please.
You can't do that now. You can't do that
now.
>> She's just asking for us to speak up.
» She's just asking for us to speak up.
That's the speaker.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were asking
» Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were asking
to speak. I apologize. I apologize.
» Okay, ma'am. Is this better?
>> There's a earpiece. Uh, you can get a
» There's a earpiece. Uh, you can get a
earpiece from the gentleman right over
there if that helps you.
>> I apologize.
» I apologize.
>> Help me. I appreciate it.
» Help me. I appreciate it.
[clears throat]
» Yeah. Did we get any other proposals on
this?
And no, we did not.
>> Okay. Um, so why would we negotiate with
» Okay. Um, so why would we negotiate with
just one?
» This um the the
submitt came in. We have not advertised.
This wasn't part of the process.
>> So as the opportunity came in, um we
» So as the opportunity came in, um we
presented it over a year ago to you. Um
there were some things that were
identified um at that point I believe
they were addressed. One was um can we
handle the events that are there? Um I
think we have a good good uh game plan
for that like a mitigation plan. Um the
at this point it is
um you know you're you're being asked if
you want to consider it. Mhm.
>> Um it it is it could definitely
» Um it it is it could definitely
stimulate part of our our downtown
implementation plan. This falls in this
was identified in the steps
um as as being one of the key factors.
>> That's actually Rick. That's actually a
» That's actually Rick. That's actually a
great point. This is this is consistent
with our downtown master plan. It could
it fits within that.
>> It was one of the items that have been
» It was one of the items that have been
discussed in the workshops
>> and and and I don't disagree that it
» and and and I don't disagree that it
fits. Um,
but why the rush with one? Why not put
it out there and see what else is out
there?
>> All due respect, Commissioner, we've
» All due respect, Commissioner, we've
done the work. We've spent 16 months and
a considerable private investment into
preparing for this point in time as as
was indicated in the workshop that you
attended. So, we feel like, you know,
we're ready to take the next step. We
are um have already invested several
million dollars into the community over
the last several years in our
developments here and we're committed
and ready to do this. Um and it's time
for the city to be able to move forward.
It's time the the citizens want um
security in their future. Children need
a place to go. People need places to
work. the workforce development um that
this will create is significant and
we've done significant work
>> substantial work. Yes, ma'am.
» substantial work. Yes, ma'am.
>> Um there have been things done and I
» Um there have been things done and I
guess there's more things to do. Who's
going to invest the finances into this?
How you know how much of it are you
going to be a part of?
>> Yes, mayor. That that's a very good
» Yes, mayor. That that's a very good
question. There's a significant
[clears throat] capital stack of course
that that has to exist and take place.
We're in the process of looking at that
now, but we've already made an
investment valued at over $800,000 just
in the last 18 months. And we did that
and everyone sitting on the front row
today has done that. They represent
legal, architecture, civil planning, um
economic development, and we've all made
the efforts to do that. So, um because
we believe in this project and we
believe in the city, we believe in the
economic value. You know, I I I
appreciate that. Uh I appreciate the
work that you put into it, but it was a
gamble, I think, to do that until you
got the okay from us.
>> Um
» Um
>> we do that.
» we do that.
>> It's an investment.
» It's an investment.
>> We do that all the time. You know, we we
» We do that all the time. You know, we we
invest in projects that we believe in.
>> Well, I think I think it's a wonderful
» Well, I think I think it's a wonderful
it is a wonderful opportunity for us.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> For for 20 years, there's been no
» For for 20 years, there's been no
development at all in downtown. So I
think this is a very big catalyst to
economic development for our city. So
it's a yes for me.
>> Well, it and
» Well, it and
why can't we do multiple proposals
>> if everyone agrees?
» if everyone agrees?
>> All due respect, you have done that in
» All due respect, you have done that in
the past and no one has stepped up to
this level.
>> I'm sorry. Not for that site.
» I'm sorry. Not for that site.
>> You have,
» You have,
>> but it's okay. I I think for one thing,
» but it's okay. I I think for one thing,
we need to move on. I mean, we've got to
get started. I made a comment before and
I still believe that that we've got to
get moving. We can't just keep going.
>> Mary, you're right. It's been 20 years.
» Mary, you're right. It's been 20 years.
It's been 20 years since the hospital
left. Nothing has happened in downtown.
This is a wonderful and
very, very great opportunity for us to
change the direction of our town. And
you're right, we need to get moving.
Madame Mayor, one point that I'd like to
clarify is that because the property,
and this has been discussed before is
within the CRA, there needs to be a
notice that's provided. And so I would
take tonight as authorization for staff
to continue discussions and for terms
that are sufficient enough for the city
to be able to provide that notice for
the CRA to be made. And then that will
be the opportunity for others to make a
proposal. And that's a 30-day time
period that that we're looking at once
that notice is given. So, I want to be
clear on that that there would be an
opportunity for others to have that
chance because it's a CRA property.
>> Understand,
» Understand,
>> George.
» George.
>> Um,
my understanding, and I guess I I guess
this is probably a question. Well, Tom
isn't here anymore, but my understanding
from Tom was that he approached them and
he brought up the community center and
asked them to work on this project. Am I
close to anything saying that?
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> You never went and said, I want to He
» You never went and said, I want to He
said I want you to look at this. You
can't look at the three lots. I want you
to look at Okay,
>> that's correct, sir. Thank you. and on
» that's correct, sir. Thank you. and on
the that's a big number of invest a big
investment number. I think it's a
privilege and an honor for our city to
have someone even consider that. Um
I'm a numbers guy which hopefully all of
us are. But when I look at that 70
million, 50 million, 60 million,
whatever it ends up being, usually it
ends up being more than we think. But if
it's 70 million, I think to myself,
at the taxes that are generated there,
we can build a community center every
year, pay for cash.
So,
that's that's important to me. There
were a couple things I I did uh asked to
meet with her that I wanted and I want
to make sure that they're included. Uh,
one is that you pay for the property.
two that if you don't perform, we get
the property back. [clears throat] Uh
what was the third thing? Um
that you would try to use local people
and and there was I think there was
something else much more minor, but
those were the two biggest things that
you have a timeline to do what it is. Is
that still uh something you're okay
with?
>> Yes, sir. Absolutely. It's important to
» Yes, sir. Absolutely. It's important to
us.
>> That's it.
» That's it.
>> If if this was to go back out, Rick, how
» If if this was to go back out, Rick, how
long would it go out for?
Well, it's it's as Taylor said, it it we
would this could be a could serve as the
the public notice and at that point 30
days.
>> Anytime, and this is just me, anytime
» Anytime, and this is just me, anytime
anyone comes to me and says I need it
immediately, that causes me some
concern.
>> Um
» Um
uh I know that there are people that uh
you know, there are commissioners that
think this is a good idea. Um,
I think citizens first. Um,
you know, I don't like the we'll find
someplace for him to go. I don't like
that idea. Um, I don't like the fact
that, uh,
pretty much that's the people's house
and we're being rushed to make a
decision.
I guess maybe I missed something. I
can you explain more about this it being
in the CRA? I didn't
recall that being a part of that is in
>> my understanding is that prior meetings
» my understanding is that prior meetings
and and workshops and I know there was
communication with council for the
presenters that discussed and brought up
the fact that the property is within the
CRA and that that required necessitated
under the statute that there's certain
notice requirements before that that
property could be leased sold or
dispossessed in any Okay. And that's
that's what I'm referring to.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Commissioner Holland,
» Commissioner Holland,
>> I'd like to introduce Logan Ops.
» I'd like to introduce Logan Ops.
>> Commissioner Holland has something to
» Commissioner Holland has something to
say. Let me hear from him real quick.
>> Yeah, thank you. Logan Obsol uh with
» Yeah, thank you. Logan Obsol uh with
Lounge Law Firm, land use council on the
project. U that's fine. I I the previous
council there were discussions back and
forth. I think we're aware that it's in
the CRA and certain things need to go
on. The Community Redevelopment Agency
is an important part of this. That's
what we're we're promoting is is
redevelopment of downtown. Um this isn't
a rush. It's it's been a you know almost
an 18-month process and uh in constant
communication with your city staff who I
applaud has been transparent
informational has requested uh on your
behalf uh a lot of information from us
which has brought us to this point. Um
again and this was covered by Dell at
the top tonight is a direction to allow
city staff to engage with us to provide
a purchase and sale agreement which will
come back before this body. the items
that commissioner as body pointed out as
relates to some sort of reverter time
frame. Those are exactly the items that
are going to go into that document and
again that will come back for your
consideration. So tonight is is uh not
anywhere near the conclusion. It's the
beginning and it's an exciting one uh in
line with the city's vision for
downtown.
>> It sounds to me like this is the perfect
» It sounds to me like this is the perfect
time to get someone else in because
we're at the beginning. We're not in the
middle.
There's probably only maybe two or three
of us that are sitting in this room that
knew the Pendletons that owned that
property where that building's sitting.
Part of me thinks that they would be
excited to see the city finally moving
forward with something.
We're sitting on three city blocks
behind us that will never be developed
unless we have a catalyst to bring
people to downtown Eustace.
This is a project that could probably do
that.
There's a lot of work to be done and I'm
not going to shut it down tonight
without us going ahead and exploring the
avenues. I think that nothing ever hurts
with our staff going ahead and talking
and bringing stuff back. Since it is in
the CRA, you've got that protection
where other people are going to see this
and they're going to want to jump in.
So, I don't see any problem with us
talking, but we're going to have to do
something as a commission that that
opens up the rest of the development of
downtown.
And the way the funding of the CRA
works, the more money that is brought in
by tax money and into the CRA through
the development of our commercial
corridors, the more money there is to
spend in other parts of our CRA. I think
if we understand that, that's why this
is very important to us as a city. Our
businesses downtown are struggling and
if we don't do something and if we're
not proactive, we're going to lose more
and more of those businesses. I know
there are several restaurants that are
hanging by a thread downtown.
It's our job to make sure that they're
able to stay in business. It's our job
to make sure that our citizens have a
downtown that they're proud of and that
we can spend more money in our CRA as we
fill those coffers. I'm with I am for at
this point moving us forward. We're
talking. Nothing has said we're selling
this property yet or anything like that,
but for us to stop talking is a problem.
That's my opinion.
>> Yeah. Were we Rick? Well, we um
» Yeah. Were we Rick? Well, we um
[clears throat]
at one point we talked about uh putting
out uh the solicitation.
Correct.
>> Uh there there was discussion on it and
» Uh there there was discussion on it and
that came back to commission and it was
tabled.
>> It was tabled.
» It was tabled.
>> Yeah.
» Well, I don't think I can make it any
clear how I feel about it.
It seems like the general consensus of
the um commission is to stop moving
forward.
>> It's a yes for me.
» It's a yes for me.
>> Yes, for me.
» Yes, for me.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Absolutely not.
» Absolutely not.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Thank you for your leadership. We look
» Thank you for your leadership. We look
forward to working with you.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
» Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you,
» Thank you,
>> mayor and commissioners. Thank you for
» mayor and commissioners. Thank you for
your time. We appreciate this
consideration. And with your permission,
we'd respectfully ask that the Achil
team and our consultants and guests um
be allowed to quietly excuse ourselves.
>> We'll give you a few minutes to do that.
» We'll give you a few minutes to do that.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, ma'am.
» Thank you, ma'am.
>> Thank you. Thank you.
Okay. Next, we'll move on to
appointments
to the Eustus Housing Authority.
>> Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, this item is for
» Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, this item is for
consideration of the appointment of
Kimberly Desawn Jones to the Eustace
Housing Authority to fill a vacancy of a
4-year term expiring July 18, 2028.
Um, as recommended by the Eustace
Housing Authority Executive Director
Horus Jones and the Eustace Housing
Authority Board.
>> Madame Mayor, I move appointment of
» Madame Mayor, I move appointment of
Kimberly Desawn Jones to the Eustace
Housing Authority Board.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Roll call, please. Commissioner Hawkins,
» Roll call, please. Commissioner Hawkins,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Holland,
» Commissioner Holland,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Asody,
» Commissioner Asody,
>> I.
» I.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
» Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Lee,
» Mayor Lee,
>> I.
» I.
It will go on to audience to be heard.
[snorts] If you have comments this
evening, please complete a card from our
city clerk.
Approach the podium and please speak
directly into the mic. State your name
and whether or not you live in the um
city of EUs. Um keep in mind that we as
commissioners may not respond, but staff
will be directed to get back to you. And
most importantly, remember you have
three minutes. Thank you.
Yes.
>> Oh, is she? We've got cards.
» Oh, is she? We've got cards.
>> No, we have to wait for the cards to be
» No, we have to wait for the cards to be
called.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Um, first card received was Gary
» Um, first card received was Gary
Winheim.
» Gary Winheim, Unincorporated Lake
County. I'm going to play brief audio.
>> You came in. You talked to everybody but
» You came in. You talked to everybody but
me because you were told I I didn't need
to be here because Ron didn't like me.
>> Ron did say that. But I hold on. That's
» Ron did say that. But I hold on. That's
not true. But Ron did say that. Which
one is
>> No, that I didn't want that. I need to
» No, that I didn't want that. I need to
talk to you. I talk to you all the time.
>> This is the important part.
» This is the important part.
>> And there was never going to be a
» And there was never going to be a
number, too. Just so you know, this
town's too small to have
» that was recorded in November of 2024.
That's Chief Capri telling me this town
is too small for the department to have
a deputy chief. a position you just
approved in next year's budget.
Previously, the department had a deputy
chief and two lieutenants. And when the
former deputy chief retired in 2014, the
third lieutenant position was created,
and the deputy chief position became
unfunded. The three lieutenant positions
became captains with no pay adjustment
to get the title in line with their job
duties. Now, you are again funding the
deputy chief, a position that less than
two years ago, your chief said was
unnecessary in a town this size. What
changed? Not the number of officers or
the overall size of the city. The
department budget has certainly changed
nearly doubling in five years under
Capri in this position. Is this position
needed because Capri is by his own
admission not an admin guy? Prior police
chiefs were able to run the agency
without a deputy chief position and the
cost associated with it. If Capri isn't
able to do that, perhaps you have the
wrong guy as chief. My guess is he's
planning on bringing another Daytona
crony to try and insulate himself
further, much like he did by bringing
Sergeant Barnett. I was hoping to update
you on the chaplain program, but I've
been unable to get any information.
People tell us things and then we try to
verify them. And we were told by a
chaplain and her companion while at a
conference paid for paid for by the
department had a nearly $1,500 room
service bill. I've asked every way I
know how to find out how chaplain
program is funded. And for some reason,
there's no documentation on the process,
no line item in the budget, no receipts
through finance or purchasing, no
tracking on spending whatsoever. You're
a numbers guy. This makes no sense.
Obviously, there's money being spent.
You've all seen the shirts and some of
you have attended the functions they're
involved with. How is there no record in
regard to what this program with 10
chaplain in a town too small for a
deputy chief cost the taxpayers? And
talking about money and documentation,
whatever happened with the nearly 28,000
that you all voted to put into the
forfeite fund that was or wasn't
overdrafted, that subject went away
after Capri stood here shaking his fist
talking about angry people and fake
news, but the questions were never
answered. I've watched a lot of body cam
footage lately, and I'll tell you, I I
feel bad for the command staff and the
sergeants. They are the only ones with
any experience left at EPD. They're so
busy trying to mitigate the mistakes
these new officers are making with bad
tactics and a lack of basic legal
knowledge while trying not to incur the
wrath of their bully chief. You don't
need a deputy chief. Save the money for
the the impending lawsuits. You need a
chief capable of admin duties, not a
liar who's busy trying to buy people's
loyalty instead of properly running his
agency. Thank you for your time.
Kelly Guthrie.
» I think the clerk has
» yellow.
» I don't want yellow.
I got
one.
>> You want to have one?
» You want to have one?
>> One more.
» One more.
>> One more.
» One more.
>> Yep.
[clears throat]
>> Emily,
» Emily,
>> she has one.
» she has one.
>> Yes, I
» Yes, I
>> You ready for her?
» You ready for her?
>> Oh, yes. Go ahead.
» Oh, yes. Go ahead.
>> Yes, ma'am.
» Yes, ma'am.
>> Good evening. My name is Kelly Guppy and
» Good evening. My name is Kelly Guppy and
I'm going to speak very quickly due to a
threeminut time limit. I would like to
start this evening by saying I'm a
lifelong resident of Eustus. I am 50
years old. I lived in the same house on
East Lake Joanna Drive from the day I
was born until the day I got married to
my husband of 27 years. Today, my
husband and I lived in a house 10 houses
down from the exact same house I grew up
in. While growing up, I attended
elementary, middle, and high school. My
mom was a kindergarten teacher at Usus
Elementary while I attended. My father,
Paul Guthrie, was an associate pastor at
First Baptist Eustace, now known as
LifePoint Church. I graduated from UCF
with a teaching degree in 1998 and
immediately beca began my teaching
career in Eustace schools until 2024. I
retired this past May from Tarious
Middle just short of 30 years from the
day I began teaching. My grandfather,
Casey Jones, built one of the very first
houses on Lake Joanna, and he's
responsible for bringing the telephone
lines across 441 to Lake Joanna. The
home my husband and I built and
currently live in is one of a couple
properties that my grandfather obtained
on Lake Joanna after the Great
Depression and the historic US gun and
golf club closed. My grandfather also
owned and began Jones Brothers Feed
Benson Oil which is now known as Harris
Oil in Mount Dora. Needless to say, I
have deep roots and great history in the
city of Eustus and I cherish this town
that I live in. I am here to express
great concern for the future of the US
Community Center building. For over a
year now, the US city commission has
been considering turning over this new
center to Siner Green owned by Joe and
Denell Haer. I have a great concern and
in whom the city is potentially
partnering with two people whom have
extremely questionable business
practices in the past and present. This
includes an over $200,000 uh unsatisfied
IRS tax lean levied against them for
unpaid taxes. And also looking at Lake
County public records, there is a
currently $3.38 million in leans against
the hoppers for unpaid work. As I say
before, I've been a teacher for nearly
three decades in the city of USUS. I
have an excellent reputation of
integrity that I built for myself, which
include being voted teacher of the year
multiple times as well as finalist for
Lake County's teacher of the year. I was
even awarded you as teacher of the year
by the US Chamber of Commerce.
I'm honest and I protect my integrity.
However, last summer after I publicly
stated on Facebook my feelings and
thoughts about the huddle development,
the Hoffers filed a formal written
complaint against me containing lies um
with Florida's Department of Education.
Formal complaints are usually reserved
for things such as child and sexual
misconduct, child abuse, excuse me. I
had to hire a lawyer, Derek Schroth, and
defend myself. I was found to have no
wrongdoing by both the Florida
Department of Education and the Florida
Lake County School Board. When the
Hoppers were notified in retaliation,
they refiled a second time against me.
The second complaint was also dismissed
against me. I have a grave concern with
you associating themselves with a
company whom is known for not paying
their bills to our local business owners
and the federal government. What does
that say about our city? What will
happen when the IRS inevitably takes
action against the hoofers when they are
in the middle of building a hotel for
the city of Eustace and is not even in
line with the culture of Eustace? We
situs will be left with financial
disaster and a cleanup that Eustus
cannot afford. What I provided you with
was a copy of a few of the many lawsuits
current against the Hoppers. It's a lot
of money.
>> Thank you.
» [applause]
>> No, please. We will not have that. No
» No, please. We will not have that. No
clapping. Please, let's just do this and
get it done, please.
>> Next.
» Next.
>> Next card. Carrie Shrier.
Okay. Good evening, mayor and
commissioners. My name is Carrie Shrier.
I am not a resident. My son Jordan Ellis
lived in Eustace until his passing last
July. Over the past year, I've spent
countless hours obtaining records,
reviewing evidence, and investigating
not only what happened to Jordan, but
the investigation that followed. Today,
I'm here because of Chief Capri's
leadership and this city's continued
failure to to address it. In August of
last year, while Jordan's phone was
still in law enforcement custody, we
discovered it had been altered. We went
to the department and showed Sergeant
Barnett the evidence. He dismissed our
concerns and did nothing with the
information. Last I checked, evidence
tampering is a crime. Or does that not
apply to law enforcement? In December,
after questioning the records department
about missing records, missing reports,
and more, Chief Capri inter interjected
into our emails and asked me to come in
so we could work things out. I asked
instead to keep our communications in
writing and sent him a detailed letter
of many of my concerns. After that,
Chief Capri told me further discussions
would not yield productive outcomes.
Yet, public records show that around the
same time, Sergeant Barnett was emailing
Lake County personnel trying to locate
the chain of custody for Jordan's phone.
If my concerns weren't worth discussing,
why were they suddenly trying to
reconstruct the evidence trail? After
both my son Devon and I filed formal
complaints, eventually Chief Capri
directed Captain Fanning to conduct an
administrative review. It found it found
policy violations resulted in incident
reports and repeatedly states that
interviews were needed to determine what
actually happened. Instead of opening an
internal affairs investigation, then
Chief Capri closed the matter. Only
after repeated public pressure was an
investigation finally open months later.
June 24th, Chief Capri gave me an
internal affairs case number. June 25th,
I was told the investigation had been
assigned to an outside agency. June
29th, Detective Kenninger submitted his
resignation. July 1st, the outside
agency confirmed it had received the
investigation. July 2nd, after speaking
with Chief Capri, Detective Kenninger's
remaining notice was waved and his
employment ended that day. Why does this
timely matter? Because under Florida
law, there is a 180day limit to complete
internal affairs investigations. When
investigations are unnecessarily
delayed, meaningful administrative
discipline can become impossible. This
investigation did not get handed over to
Claremont until this 180 days was nearly
up. Chief Capri has described himself as
not an admin guy. Respectfully, being an
admin guy is the job. And if you're not
an administration guy, you probably
shouldn't be running a police
department. From where I stand, after
everything I've laid out, this appears
intentional. Delay, delay, delay. Then
suddenly, the detective puts in his
resignation in just the right amount of
time so he can go to another department
unscathed. My son's case has been a
cover up game from the beginning. What's
even more troubling is that my family's
experience is not the first time
concerns have been raised about Chief
Capri's leadership. Yet, this city has
continued to keep him in charge. Because
ultimately this responsibility belongs
to the city. For months you were copied
in on emails documenting these concerns.
You were made aware. You remained
silent. You hired him. You chose to keep
him. When are you going to hold him
accountable?
» Next.
>> George Warren.
» Oh. Um hello commission. My name is
George Warren. Sorry about the voice.
Um,
I don't know what to say not about that
subject. Um, I'm sure that's that's a
lot of stuff, but the as far as the uh
community considered, but I trust you
guys to do the right thing and uh so I
think that's it's going to be a tough
tough job. Well, I know where you're
coming from. Uh, but if uh I think you
did the right decision tonight to go
ahead and see what's going to happen,
right? And um I don't know I have to
correct Gary a little bit. Um in the
last 20 years there has been investment
in downtown but I'm just kidding you. It
was $750,000 that we did that building
with. So that
>> any new any new development
» any new any new development
>> there you go. Okay.
» there you go. Okay.
I'll accept your apology.
>> Right. [laughter]
» Right. [laughter]
>> But anyway guys I know you're gonna do
» But anyway guys I know you're gonna do
the it's a hard job that you've got.
sort of thankless sometimes uh because
you put in a lot of work. You can't
please everybody and I know that. Um so
I'm on your side. So that's all I got to
say. Rick, you're doing a good job,
buddy. But you're just going to be here
for a little bit. Just kidding.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Thanks, George. Daniel Devonza.
» Good evening. [clears throat] My name is
Daniel Devonanzo. I'm a local business
owner. I've been here since uh the early
90s 92 and I will tell you uh with
regard to development I had to endure
Neil Fischer erra realy who thought he
was going to save us. I had to endure
Greg Mack who had every idea under the
sun but never did anything. I had to
endure Danny Teams who was going to
redevelop Eustace and where is he today?
[clears throat] Um and by this way the
city had a not too pleasant ending with
him. Uh we also had to deal in my opin
opinion with uh G3C2
who provided us basically elementary
school conception plans and uh with no
background. But you know what? There
were those that wanted to push ahead.
Let's push ahead. Let's get something
done. And now we have a group and we
hear spirious rumors and uh charges
which by the way I have looked into uh
the current developers background
extensively. I've had very specific
questions with them because I've had
people come to me and say well you know
they did this you know they did that.
Let me tell you how development works.
First of all there will be a bond in
place. Second of all, the city will have
numerous with through the attorneys
that'll use it, which by the way, we'll
be spending money on, but it'll be good
money spent that will protect the city
against any, shall we say, project
derailment, delays, or exposure,
including potentially bankruptcy. And
you know that a bond will be in place to
asssure that the construction is
completed. I don't know how many people
in this room understand what a
construction bond is. Uh the next thing
that I'll also advise you to, let's talk
about moving forward. Since 1992 when I
came here, I can tell you um I've built,
designed, and built the last four
buildings that were built here. I own
numerous buildings. I have over 60
employees. Um I want to thank all of our
uh third, second, and third generation
business operators who have hung in
there. George Warren, Bay Pharmacy, Mary
Jeweler, Mary uh Judy Mary, Mary Mary
Jewelers, the Porters, David uh with
Porter Camera, Cards and Gifts, and you
know we Oh, how about Kevin and Penny
Janess with Peddler's Wagon downtown
anchors that have hung in there and you
know what's happened downtown? Nothing.
Nothing. So, we finally got a commission
and I want to thank you all for being
proactive and for doing something ahead.
one. I have a hard time saying to know
somebody that wanted to enter into just
some discussion to get to a potential
agreement that's going to o offer over
150 jobs. And by the way, I looked at
their jobs proposal and I know from what
I pay how much money that's going to
bring. Do you know I want to explain
something else to you. I am estimate
that their taxable value will be at
minimum 1.4 million a year. Do you know
how many houses that will cover that are
going to go off the tax roll under
Dantis's plan? Over a thousand.
A thousand houses that are going to go
off the tax roll. That one project, one
project is going to make up for that.
So, you're going to have employment,
you're going to have opportunities, and
it's going to put us on the map. Thank
you.
>> Thanks, Shane.
» Thanks, Shane.
>> Dedra D. Lewis.
Good evening. Thank you, Dear Lewis, 1
1992 Meadowside Drive, Eustace, Florida
32726.
Few months ago, you guys talked about
this same project at that time. You
talked about where would the citizens go
if you sold the community center. You
didn't have an idea. you wanted to get
the previous city um attorney to put out
a RFQ that included
putting in their system to pay for a
community center for the city of
Eustace. Now we're here. I've worked for
developers. I work in construction and I
work in medical. You are about to give
an advantage to these people over 30
days for any other developer to come in.
That is totally unfair. Now, in most
construction, that means there's been
some backdoor communication because I
don't know anybody who would spend that
much money to develop something when
they don't even have approval. That's
that's unreal. That's unheard of. And as
Barack used to say, I don't think that
was a good waste of good time of
spending of your money. Here's the
thing. People need an opportunity. The
citizens needed an opportunity. Now, you
told us that you sold the um senior
center. Did you sell it or did you not?
Someone else is using it and has the
control of it. We citizens don't get to
always go and use it. The community
garden is not big enough. Th that's one
thing. The second thing, you're putting
a hundred or almost $200,000 into grass
for a field and you haven't put handicap
um tables for the community garden. You
can't get to the community garden. You
can't do anything with the community
garden. No one answers you back when you
call about the community garden. Since
returning to Eustace, I have had a lot
of your citizens ask me to please come
back and start the community garden. I
have tried and I have not been able to
get anybody from your um recreation
department to talk to me. You also want
to put in $200,000 worth of grass and
you haven't done anything with the
promise that you made over there with
Miss Lewis when her daughters died.
You've put mulch around the fire
station, but that section has been
buried and you did a whole ceremony. It
is time out for ceremonies. It is time
for you guys to put up what you
promised. You haven't done anything with
the pavilion down in um east town. You
put a gateway to nowhere. You haven't
done anything with it. Citizens are
getting tired of not getting what you
promised them. Please consider these
things when you decide to spend this
kind of money. As far as the library, I
think it's a wonderful thing. But I do
want to ask you, is it going to be open
on Saturday since you're about to spend
$160,000 to renovate that?
Because that was something we talked
about as well. Something I know that the
librarian had talked about, but it still
hasn't been done. How are we supposed to
use the library with our kids come for
reading sessions if it's only open
during the week? Ma'am,
>> so as you play that, please consider it.
» so as you play that, please consider it.
Thank you.
» Pam sentence.
>> Chief, smile at me. Chief, smile.
» Chief, smile at me. Chief, smile.
All right. I'm here to talk about the
community center. First of all, don't
y'all let them take our community center
because that community center got
memories. It got love. People live down
there. We got this man here can't even
talk coming here to represent himself.
What do we need a hotel for the brao
germs in our community when we already
got our own germs? They got their own
money. We is just fine and uses building
all these stoages. Take all them places
where you building stoages. Go build a
hotel what you want. Stop building all
these stoages. Ain't that much moving
and going on? So me, myself, and a lot
of more us here, we stand behind the
community center. These folks over here
got money. Go out there where y'all live
at and build whatever y'all want to
build. But let us be. Do not get rid of
our community center. We got folks live
down there. We got folks love down
there. Do not do that for us for them
because they got money. Money is not
everything. But money is very important.
But still in all again that community
center holds too much memories and love.
Okay. So now when they take care of the
building where we got to go
>> in the yard then when you go in the yard
» in the yard then when you go in the yard
it's a problem the music too loud or
something is wrong. Do not give them
folks over there and I wish they was
here to hear me. Do not give them folks
over there
that community center because there's
nothing wrong with that community center
and we need that community center. We
have nowhere to go. Just like they say
the garden room is too small. So, don't
give them what they want. Again, please.
And no, I ain't f to sit down. I'm f to
talk my minutes out because number one,
I don't like it. I don't appreciate I
got to be down here in the rain cuz this
is something we shouldn't even have to
be down here for for y'all to even have
a thought to get them people that
building and all that stuff. This man
been here 63 years before I was even
born. Now, y'all mean to tell me y'all
going to go move him out the spot to
bring them? No, no, no, no. Stay out
there in Lock Haven. Wherever y'all at,
build whatever y'all need out there. Do
whatever y'all need to do out there.
Leave us alone. We're just fine. Okay,
now it's time for the George Washington
parade. Now you got the motel sitting up
there. Whatever they trying to do. I
don't know, but I'm against it. I don't
care what it is. But the main thing, oh,
I got some more time. I got plenty of
time.
>> Nope.
» Nope.
>> Oh, I got it on time.
» Oh, I got it on time.
>> I know you I know you saw the timer get
» I know you I know you saw the timer get
started late. Your time your time's up.
Every time I get up, y'all do it. I got
sit down. I can get
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Y'all do me wrong every time I
>> Isaac Thomas.
Good evening, commissioners.
city manager and attorney. You all know
who I am. I am here on behalf of the
Eustace Community Center. Also, I've
been sitting up there with you all for
three and a half years on the CRA. I was
your first CRA rep
and I am sick and tired of everything
being taken away in the CRA.
Stop taking away money and put money in
the CRA.
It's wrong. It is so wrong. And that
clock is not right.
>> It's running here. You're at 45 seconds.
» It's running here. You're at 45 seconds.
>> It is not right. I did not come up here
» It is not right. I did not come up here
with 3 minutes.
>> No. No. But anyway,
» No. No. But anyway,
>> it's running till three. It's going to
» it's running till three. It's going to
It's going to go It's going up.
>> So, Pam, you still had some time.
» So, Pam, you still had some time.
But anyway, like I said last week when I
was here two weeks ago to give a
$100,000 to American Bloom Eustace Bloom
out of the CRA fund. Wrong. That's
wrong. I don't care how you try to use
it for beautifification.
Like I said two weeks ago, flowers are
not in our CR
and that is wrong. Now here we are again
giving away
in the CRA.
Wrong. That's wrong. And you all sitting
up here, you're not but one person born
and raised in this city. You don't know
about the city of Eustace. You only know
about the city of Eustace since you've
been here.
Born and raised here. That community
center as Pam Simmons as you all call
her. Hild the guard pale Simmons is how
I know her.
She went to Eustace High School while I
was there. Kelly went to Eustace High
School while I was there. Many functions
have been done in that community center.
Why are you all just coming into use
this morning to wipe away our memories
by giving away? You giving away land out
here on 44 to Lake Sumpter
when it could have been given to
somebody right here in this city.
Enough is enough.
And if all the citizens get together,
and I like each one of you up there, but
it's time for you to get down because
you're not doing right by the citizens
of Eustace. You're doing what's best for
you. You took that seat because of our
votes.
And that's all I'mma say. Remember,
you're there because of our votes, the
citizens of Eustace. And you're wrong.
Patrice Hatcher.
» Hopefully I can put some smiles on y'all
faces now [laughter] after all that. My
name is Katrice Hatcher and I'm a
resident of Eustace. I come to you
before to give you good news. Uh
first I want to sincerely thank you guys
from the last meeting. I was able to um
acquire the Eustace Garden Center for
the Beyond the Backpack
and that allowed us to have additional
funds to go on uh with the program. I'm
happy to share with you
uh Orlando Health, whom I've been
employed with for the last 18 and a half
years, decided to meet me halfway on my
goal. My goal is to provide 150 kids
with the uniforms. My budget is 10,000.
So do the math.
So with that being said, my co-workers
have volunteered to assist me with this
adventure by volunteering as well as
providing some of the funding out of
their pocket. Okay. Texas Roadhouse did
a Christmas in July
and contribute all those uh donations to
the Beyond the Backpack.
As I stated to you, it's my goal is to
provide 150 kids with the uniforms. So,
this is being done by a referral
process. I've contacted
Eustace Elementary as well as Eustace
Heights and also Triangle personally um
to uh let them know about the referral
process which it has already begun.
Beyond the Backpack will be held Sunday,
September the 13th at 2:00 p.m.
at the Eustace Garden Center. And I just
wanted to personally invite you guys to
that event so you can see what we're
doing. And that's it. If you have any
questions, feel free to ask. If anybody
in the building want to contribute, see
me. Thank you.
Um, Rick, will you u will you will you
please make contact with her and give
her $500 for my uh for my fund for the
backpack, please?
>> We'll do.
» Any more cards?
>> Uh, yes, Mayor. Uh, John Labriola.
Good evening, uh, council. My name is
John Labriola. I represent the Christian
Family Coalition. We are a statewide
organization dedicated to defending
religious liberties and, uh, protecting
family values in Tallahassee and
throughout the state. During the
session, we're in Tallahassee lobbying
for um, different legislation. and the
rest of the year we're before uh county
school boards and county commissions as
well as city commissions like yourself
to ask uh you to do different things.
I've actually been before your late
county commission in the past, but this
is my first time at a US city council
meeting. Um but the reason I'm here
today is uh because of something called
book page. It's a magazine. It's a
national magazine. It's actually
available in your library here in
Eustace uh as well as a number of
libraries throughout the country. And
it's a very woke uh magazine. It's a
book review magazine. It's not like a
regular magazine that's up on the rack.
It's available in large quantities. It's
purchased in large quantities by the
city and placed in the lobby. I sent you
an email about this with more details,
but basically uh this magazine um is
very woke. It just pushes uh it's a book
review magazine that only uh recommends
books that are either of the left or a
lot of the books in the magazine do not
have a political bent, but but when they
do, they're invariably from the left.
Things like pushing witchcraft, pushing
LGBT, um pushing hatred for our
president. There there are never any
best-selling conservative authors
presented. And uh so this is really a
waste of taxpayer money. And we've been
before the Citrus County. I live here in
in central Florida. Um, and we've been
to to the Citrus County Commission
asking them to cancel their subscription
to it. They cancelled it. Hernando
County also canceled it. And here in
Lake County, the Leburg City Council
recently did so. And yesterday, I was in
front of the Tavari City Council and
they made a motion right there at that
meeting to cancel it. Uh, because this
particular magazine is also available
for free online. There's no reason to
pay for a physical subscription. Um, and
so I I wanted to just I I brought a few
copies um which I I'd like to make
available to the clerk and and uh the
five commissioners, but this is just the
current edition, the August edition. And
um I'll just give you an example on page
15. Uh there's a book that's
recommended. It's called Realm Sweep.
And it's listed under the category of
for children. Um, and this is a book
that actually combines witchcraft which
with a with transgenderism. Um, it it
it's by an author who is described as a
I looked her up a radical lesbian. Um,
and this particular book actually
promotes the idea there. The main
character is uh called um Rowdy Buckner,
the prince of Texas. It's actually a
girl and uh it says that she desperately
wants a gender affirming transformation
tonic which is essentially trying to
push transgenderism on children and we
feel that that's very inappropriate. So
please uh ask you to cancel this the
subscription. Thank you so much
>> mayor. The last card is lawyer Laura
» mayor. The last card is lawyer Laura
Conurs.
» [snorts]
» Good evening. This is a new place. It's
beautiful, by the way. Your building is
beautiful. Um I'm with John with the
Christian Family Coalition and also um I
would like to ask you to kindly to
reduce the um if you can reduce the
budget but cancel the subscription that
would be great. Um uh he gave you some
examples of how this magazine really is
not teaching, it's indoctrinating and
and that is wrong. Um it's already
online and it never promote um
conservative um reviews and books. So to
me it's only one-sided. Um so um we're
asking you to if you know it will help
you reduce your your cost of the city.
So that is um what I came here to kindly
ask you. Um and so if I have a little
bit more time
um also John was uh talking about um to
me about um if every city could do a
date of remembrance for it's coming the
um the time of October 15 coming the
assassination of Charlie Kirk. If um we
went to the city of Leisburg and they
listened to us, we are asking um very
nice if you can have a day of
remembrance for him to um in honor of
his birthday, in honor of what he did
for our country and um I am thanking you
for your time. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> I have no more cards. Mayor,
» I have no more cards. Mayor,
>> are there is there anyone else who Yes.
» [clears throat]
» I'm going over here because I guess the
video isn't working. That's what I was
trying to tell you. So, you guys don't
have it captured on video, the public
speaking. I hope that wasn't on purpose.
Stephanie Winheim, unincorporated Lake
County. First, I want to talk about some
falsified form 61s. This was a problem
that was going on during the FDLE
investigation into Chief Capri for
public corruption and falsifying
documents. Well, it looks like they're
still falsifying documents on the form
61. I want to let you know per car's
timeline
that Kenninger actually didn't leave
until 72,
but
the IIA number came out on June 24th,
which means Kenninger was actively under
investigation when he resigned. That is
not what was put on the form 61,
voluntary separation not involving
misconduct. So that is falsified to
FDLE. Once again, I don't know what it's
going to take, but this is bad. It's not
admin. It's falsifying documents, which
is criminal behavior by your chief of
police.
Next,
let's go with ECA.
It's interesting that ECA, the community
Eustace Community Alliance, was formed
right after Willie Hawkins became a
commissioner. I don't believe I've asked
for emails. I've asked for form 8B
filings of disclosures. It was never
publicly disclo ex disclosed that his
husband, Ronald Kirk Muscleman, opened
up the nonprofit.
That is required. That is an ethics
violation. Mr. Hawkins.
Also, it was never disclosed when they
received preferential treatment with
free leases, paid for utility bills by
taxpayers, and whatever else the city is
doing with ECA. Those are required
disclosures. They're within 15 days.
That's an ethics violation.
Let's go to Corey Rollfield and Win One
Ministries, who by the way is taking
care of the senior center, which you
guys don't have youth for for the lease.
So that right there, that money, it was
$98,000.
Gary asked about it. I believe Gail
Isaac Thomas asked about it as well.
That money was supposed to be going to
Corey Rolf Field. Gary received an email
from financial that the $125,000
was part of that 95 $96,000
and now it looks like it's coming on the
consent agenda which I'm asking you to
pull it that that money is coming from
sales tax. So, your finance department
is either sending us the incorrect
public records or this is just another
game of shuffling money around instead
of being transparent, accountable, and
truthful with the public on what's going
on.
Moving on, let's talk about the
combining of the titles so that you guys
could circumvent the community property
being deed for public enjoyment by
Thank you.
>> Thank you for
» Thank you for
>> and also please get read a book page.
» Anyone else?
Okay, [clears throat] let's move on to
the consent agenda.
» So move on.
Move approval of the consent agenda
>> and I'll second it.
» and I'll second it.
>> Roll call, please.
» Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Hawkins,
» Commissioner Hawkins,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Holland,
» Commissioner Holland,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Asbody,
» Commissioner Asbody,
>> I.
» I.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
» Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Lee,
» Mayor Lee,
>> Idances,
and public hearings. Madame Mayor, we
have first tonight for second reading
ordinance number 2026-28,
an ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Eustace, Lake County,
Florida, approving the annual update of
the 5-year capital improvement schedule
of the comprehensive plan under Florida
statutes 163.31773B
providing for conflicting ordinances,
severability, and effective date.
>> Uh, good evening, Lori Carr, finance
» Uh, good evening, Lori Carr, finance
director. This is the second reading of
the five-year CIP plan and we uh the
city commission held a workshop on May
22nd and there was only one change
between that workshop and the uh first
reading on July 16th and that was uh
additional funding for the EOC
improvements and uh asking seeking for
approval for the um final adoption of
the ordinance.
Do you have any questions?
questions. Nope.
» Is there any public comment?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Anyone from the public want to speak on
» Anyone from the public want to speak on
this matter? Madame Mayor, seeing none.
>> Madam, mayor, move approval of ordinance
» Madam, mayor, move approval of ordinance
number 2026-28.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Roll call, please.
» Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Hawkins,
» Commissioner Hawkins,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Holland,
» Commissioner Holland,
>> I. Commissioner Azbbody.
» I. Commissioner Azbbody.
>> I,
» I,
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
» Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Lee,
» Mayor Lee,
>> I.
» I.
Madame Mayor, next we have for first
reading ordinance number 2026-29,
an ordinance of the city commission of
the city of Eustace, Lake County,
Florida, amending chapter 66, article 3,
regulation of watercraft on Lake Gracie
of the city of Eustace code of
ordinances repealing section 66-78
entitled no petroleum based fuel
watercraft allowed on Lake Gracie,
providing legislative findings and
recital, providing for conflicts,
providing for severability, providing
for codific ification and providing for
an effective date.
Madame Mayor, after discussions with
staff, I was going to present this item.
It's a very narrow cleanup of our code
as discussed in the staff's report. Uh
Tallahassee passed the new law dealing
with regulation petroleum based
watercraft. We are just striking that
provision from our ordinances that dealt
with that and leaving everything else
the same. Happy to answer any other
questions.
» Is
>> do we have to move approval on that one?
» do we have to move approval on that one?
>> No, this is just first reading.
» No, this is just first reading.
>> Just Okay. First reading.
» Just Okay. First reading.
>> Is there anyone from the public that
» Is there anyone from the public that
would like to speak on this?
» Thank you. You could please state your
name.
>> Mary Samario. I live on Lake Gracie
» Mary Samario. I live on Lake Gracie
Drive.
I love Lake Gracie. It's It is home for
sure. Um, talking about putting boats on
there, I don't know. Has anybody in this
room been around Lake Gracie lately?
It's receding.
Even the duck boxes that are supposed to
be in the water is now land. Um, there
are places that I could walk across Lake
Gracie and my name isn't Jesus.
Um,
it's I understand I've only been here
six years, but I understand it was
springfed at one time and I don't know
if that has anything to do with it
getting
drier, but I just thought before we put
boats with motors on it, um, might want
to consider just how big Lake Tracy has
become.
>> Mr. attorney. Excuse me. Am I right in
» Mr. attorney. Excuse me. Am I right in
understanding or am I wrong this is
removing or you're allowing them to come
back in because the state is requiring
unfortunately the state has preempted us
once again. But
>> what we did leave in place is still the
» what we did leave in place is still the
no wake zone on Lake Gracie and there's
a 5 mph speed limit on Lake Gracie. So,
while gas boats are permitted, we don't
have an option with that because
>> well, right now canoes and kayaks are
» well, right now canoes and kayaks are
having a hard time. So,
>> yeah, I don't I don't think it's going
» yeah, I don't I don't think it's going
to materialize to anything, but
>> No, I don't think so either. I just
» No, I don't think so either. I just
didn't know if if I know that Lake
Gracie used to be a whole lot bigger
before people that have grown up here,
they talked about how big it was. And
I'm not sure when it happened that they
filled in so that the spring dead part
doesn't come into Lake Gracia. I guess
they were afraid it was going to get too
high, too close to the drive, but um I
just didn't know if there was an
alternative to get the lake a little
healthier.
>> Our hands are tied. It's a state
» Our hands are tied. It's a state
>> and I I I lived near it and at one time
» and I I I lived near it and at one time
it did get very very low and almost like
no lake at all. and then it refilled and
hopefully this is like a periodic thing
and it'll come back
>> but um we have no no control over this
» but um we have no no control over this
as far as the state mandate.
>> Well, thank you.
» Well, thank you.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Is there anyone else that would like to
» Is there anyone else that would like to
speak on this matter? [clears throat]
And Madame Mayor, there's no motion
needed tonight. So, I'll turn it back
over to
>> Okay,
» Okay,
>> you.
» you.
>> Okay. So, um, we'll go to other business
» Okay. So, um, we'll go to other business
and discussion of the city commission
meeting minutes.
>> Uh, yes, mayor. Um, on the June 18th
» Uh, yes, mayor. Um, on the June 18th
commission meeting this year,
>> we need to take a vote on that, please.
» we need to take a vote on that, please.
>> Yeah, there has to be a vote taken on
» Yeah, there has to be a vote taken on
that.
>> On this
» On this
>> on the first reading of ordinance number
» on the first reading of ordinance number
202629,
>> we had the public hearing. Now, we need
» we had the public hearing. Now, we need
to take a vote on motion and second. I
move approval of ordinance 2026 fast-
29.
>> Second.
» Second.
>> Roll call, please.
» Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Hawkins,
» Commissioner Hawkins,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Holland,
» Commissioner Holland,
>> I.
» I.
>> Commissioner Ozbody,
» Commissioner Ozbody,
>> I.
» I.
>> Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
» Vice Mayor Ashcraft,
>> I.
» I.
>> Mayor Lee,
» Mayor Lee,
>> I.
on um on June 18th um I presented a
discussion we started a discussion about
the preparation of the meeting minutes
and kind of laid out some some varied um
examples be it just um action brief
summary detailed summary transcripts up
to verbatim the different levels um of
information we could provide uh we had
some pretty healthy conversation took us
a little while. Um and we had agreed to
go with a hybrid type option and to try
that. Um so in the staff report attached
to the staff report um we have provided
the meeting minutes for the uh June 4th
meeting and we did it in this hybrid
format. So it gives you an opportunity
to look at it. Um staff's recommending
that that's the approach we take.
Hopefully that information is there and
it's it's getting you the detail that
you're looking for. So, I'm just looking
to see if you've had a chance to look at
it if if um we're in line um with your
with your desires as far as the meeting
minutes. And um without any change of
direction, we'll continue
um in this manner um until I receive any
any change of direction from you. How
long did it take to do this one? Rick
>> Christine, could you this this method?
» Christine, could you this this method?
>> This was much faster, I will say. Much
» This was much faster, I will say. Much
more efficient for us to do. I don't
have a time specifically on that. I did
try to do several different repetitions
just trying to see what would give us
the right kind of information
>> per your direction.
» per your direction.
>> So, I mean, this was nine pages. Um, so
» So, I mean, this was nine pages. Um, so
it it still is a significant amount of
time. I think we can still rely on the I
can't remember the uh amount or the
amount of time that we commented on last
time per hour of discussion. I can I can
check on that and get back to you.
>> I'm I'm good with what we've been given
» I'm I'm good with what we've been given
and it fulfills state law with what
we're required to do. So, I'm fine with
what we're doing.
I if I could comment on that.
>> Um, you know what it really comes down
» Um, you know what it really comes down
to is when when we have
um
high impact important meetings that
involve some really specific details.
It seems like we, you know, we need more
detail than when it's, you know, gets in
that u um point where it's real close to
a fine line. And I think you can handle
that, Christine, and help us just get
better detail when, you know, it's
something that's, you know, uh, could
potentially be questioned. But I think
what what that looks like to me, I'm
happy with it. Uh but there will be
times where the magnifying glass kind of
has to come out. When you know that
we're not all in agreement and we're
going in different directions, you
probably have to zoom in a little bit
more. And then when it's general stuff,
obviously
things that that might not require that
in there. when we're deciding futures of
development and big things like that,
I'd ask you to take the magnifying glass
maybe a step in, but other than that, I
personally am happy with it uh where it
is knowing that at times it has to be
adjusted for detail.
>> We did try, if I may, we did try to look
» We did try, if I may, we did try to look
back at this given your direction. and I
relistened to what you all talked about
at the last meeting and really focus on
the commission actions, policy
direction, ordinances, resolutions, and
significant discussions recognizing the
need to improve the efficiency but yet
still present the information that
you're requesting.
>> Well, good then. I think
» Well, good then. I think
>> and we have noted that if at any point
» and we have noted that if at any point
in time you all say for the record type
of thing, then we will give that almost
verbatim.
>> I think I think it's much better. I
» I think I think it's much better. I
think it's good and I think the that
procedure there you're talking about it
but just reassuring to you Christine for
the record please. I think I think we're
on the right track. At least I'm
[clears throat] happy with it.
>> Yes. And if at any point in time you all
» Yes. And if at any point in time you all
are and you review the packet and review
the minutes and there's some issue
requiring something to to move
differently, please reach out to me um
and Anna. We're both work we'll work
very diligently to give you the product
that you're looking for.
>> I think one day technology will take
» I think one day technology will take
this and make it quicker. We might not
quite be there, but um I'm happy with
what you're doing, [snorts]
>> commissioners.
» commissioners.
>> I'm good with that.
» I'm good with that.
>> All right,
» All right,
>> I'm good. Yeah,
» I'm good. Yeah,
>> there you go.
» Okay. So,
so we're okay with with what we have
here?
>> Mhm. All right. Thank you.
» Mhm. All right. Thank you.
So, let's go to future agenda items and
comments. Start with our city attorney.
>> Madame Mayor, a lot of work going on
» Madame Mayor, a lot of work going on
with the city, different issues. The one
that I emailed you all about today is
just the clarity on the NMTC ordinance
for I want to make sure that that's
something that the commission still
wants to move forward on. And I
summarize the two points that are in the
document that I want to ask direction on
at the next meeting. those options are
in the ordinance. I think it's it's
pretty clear. So,
just a simple consensus from the
commission that that's still something
to move forward on is what I'm looking
forward tonight.
>> Move forward, please.
» Move forward, please.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Agree.
» Agree.
>> You okay with it, Commissioner?
» You okay with it, Commissioner?
>> I haven't read it. Um there is some
» I haven't read it. Um there is some
questioning. I don't even know what to
comment. I haven't read it yet.
>> We all just got it though. George,
» We all just got it though. George,
>> yeah,
» yeah,
>> I I had sent it before. I wanted to
» I I had sent it before. I wanted to
resend it um so that you could review
it.
It's It's ready to [clears throat] be be
filed and move forward on with just a
little direction on two items.
>> So, you want to want us to give you an
» So, you want to want us to give you an
answer next meeting is what you said.
>> I would like that. Yes.
» I would like that. Yes.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Sounds fair.
» Sounds fair.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> And happy to talk. Um if there's any
» And happy to talk. Um if there's any
questions in between this, please
contact me. I'll answer.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> City Manager Rick.
» City Manager Rick.
>> Uh yeah, a couple things. um one the
» Uh yeah, a couple things. um one the
package um that I left on
on your seats on your chairs.
>> Um that's the receipt of the attorney
» Um that's the receipt of the attorney
RFP packages. Um we talked a little bit
in the couple previous meetings. Um
we're out for RFP. Um we received four
proposers.
At that point with only having four, we
had discussed if if we had a larger
amount that we would do a short list
prior. At this point, I'm suggesting we
skip the short list,
>> look at all four. Um I've gone through
» look at all four. Um I've gone through
them. Uh it seemed qualified, seem to
meet the intent of the the RFP and the
request. Um so I have attached a copy of
each of those for you also with an
evaluation sheet. And what I'd like to
do is have you
The commission will be the selection
committee as the attorney works you know
for you.
>> Um you will be the selection committee.
» Um you will be the selection committee.
So understand the selection committee is
governed by sunshine as is your
commissioner role. Um so any of that
communication would have to be in a
public format
um and need to follow the the rules that
we have associated with the procurement
policies. Um, where we'll go from here
[laughter]
is I'd like to set up some meetings. Um,
[clears throat]
where it can be kind of a roundroin that
each of the commissioners can meet one
on-one with each of the proposers,
take that evaluation form and rank out
if you can, you know, your one to fours.
Um, have your thoughts from your
one-on-one meetings. Then we will
reconvene in a public meeting and each
of you will then take and share your
rankings with each other. Um Tracy
James, our purchasing director will lead
the effort. Um she does these for staff
all the time. Um and then at that point
you'll have your discussions. you can
rerank after there, you know, after some
some conversation
and be able to select hopefully a a
number one that you would proceed with.
Um also though we have been looking at
your request of in-house attorney
um [clears throat] HR human resources
when we have a new position um we use a
third party firm to to look at the the
job responsibilities the education
requirements testing requirements and we
come up with a price point or a a pay
band. Um the original information we got
um we asked them to relook at it came in
really low. Um asked them to relook and
and understand that you know you the
firm has to pass the bar. There's a a
lot of education requirements. We're
asking for a lot of information and a
lot of credentials for each of those. Um
the pay band was reooked at. They
re-evaluated it. it came in um the
minimum is uh 159,000
and the max of the pay band is 195,600.
So I think that falls a little more
realistic where potentially you can get
in-house counsel
um that does not take into account a
parallel. um kind of my my thought on
it. If if we're bringing an attorney in,
they need to be the one that would hire
that [laughter] parallegal, not us
hiring for them. Um and I think you
would definitely if we wanted to look at
in-house counsel, um you're going to
need an attorney and a parallegal. Um
there's still going to be holes. You
know, there'll still be litigation. Um
potentially if if somebody is if that
attorney is out, who do we have to
cover? Um you know, now as as we have an
outside firm, there is a a stable of
attorneys, if you would, that they can
draw from if if the the primary attorney
is out. Um so, you know, there's some
things we would have to to look at. Um
right now, we are advertising. It is out
being advertised.
Um, I don't think we've got anything
back yet. I have not seen it. Um, and at
that point, if we do proceed with that
route, we would ask again that you would
be the interviewers
um, for that. You know, again, as the
attorney is primarily working for you.
Um, so we're
it's kind of a tough spot now right now
that we're going down two different
paths. one with the RFP and then also
looking inhouse.
Um, so I guess I'm looking for some
direction. If if we want to continue to
look in house, do we let
the the time go to where we're seeking
the opportunity to get the applicants in
and evaluate those and hold on the
evaluation of the RFP?
or should we look at the RFP
and
determine
>> how long
» how long
>> after that how
» after that how
>> how long how long has the advertising
» how long how long has the advertising
been going on for in house?
>> Uh it's just a week when we got the
» Uh it's just a week when we got the
>> price we got to go longer than that. I
» price we got to go longer than that. I
mean could I Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean
it's that's that's what I'm saying. So
we I wanted to get you this information
because there [snorts] is going to be
some time involved in going through this
package.
>> Um so yes ma'am.
» Um so yes ma'am.
>> Yeah. May I make a proposal to um the
» Yeah. May I make a proposal to um the
other commissioners?
Maybe we should just focus on one
direction. We're going two different
ones. Number one. Number two, I think
that we um we're slicing our budget and
trying to narrow down everything. And
yeah, we're going to take on an in-house
attorney along with a parallegal along
with a place for them to be. Um, I would
suggest we focus on these four that we
have and go with that. Also, would a
large firm who might consider being our
attorney really think about do I want to
do to this? They're also looking for
in-house. So, what are they trying to
do? So, I I think we should focus on on
the um [snorts]
getting looking at those four and making
a decision from there. If we should feel
like that's not what we want, then
consider the other. But it seems like
we're going so many directions and I'd
like y'all just think about that.
>> I think madame mayor, going back to my
» I think madame mayor, going back to my
thought to share with you from when this
all originated,
um there are benefits to both of them.
Having an in-house attorney gives us
somebody here all the time and reduces
our hourly rate tremendously as a
savings. Regardless of that, in in a
normal practice when cities do have they
also have outside attorneys as well.
They're not used as much. They're used
when needed, but they have both. So both
steps are important to the to the
process. So the thought that I had
shared before and I just wanted to
reiterate is if we can get an in-house
attorney to take away headaches uh and
things that maybe even the city manager
are dealing with give better service to
our the public and to our community and
answering and addressing stuff uh then
that's
would be at a much lower rate for us and
then the in-house attorney would be the
backup I'm sorry the outsourced attorney
would be the backup for it and if
they're out and And again, you know,
really if we found the right person, it
it all kind of dictates it and we won't
we got to we got to look at these that
he just gave us and then we got to look
at what comes in from the week and then
we'll make a I trust that we'll all make
a good decision. But we got to see the
the see the proposals and and uh and do
that. And it it it can and should only
be done for an in-house if it saves us
money and it gives our staff someone to
go to right away.
and things to move along, especially
with what I think we're going to be busy
with for the next uh two to four years.
» Commissioner Hen,
>> um I want a chance to
» um I want a chance to
>> look at this, you know, um and then
» look at this, you know, um and then
we've only been out a week. Um so ask me
at the next meeting and I'll tell you
which direction I think we should go.
But right now, I want a chance to look
at this packet and let's dive in. two
weeks. We might have some
>> to look at.
» to look at.
>> Maybe
» Maybe
>> Oh, I'm sorry. Were you done?
» Oh, I'm sorry. Were you done?
>> No, I'm done.
» No, I'm done.
>> Oh, go ahead. Um I mean, maybe we should
» Oh, go ahead. Um I mean, maybe we should
look at it. Like, do we need to look at
Do we need to make a decision right
away? Like, what's the timeline on this?
I thought it was we were going to maybe
look at this towards the end of the
year. So, there's not really a rush now,
right?
>> And we and we I mean I I mean, I said it
» And we and we I mean I I mean, I said it
before, too. We don't know what we don't
know. Uh, and if if the in-house has
only been advertised per week, I think
we need a lot more time and then we can
in the meantime can look at what we just
got.
>> And I think we're being well served as
» And I think we're being well served as
as we are right now.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Yeah. I I agree with you actually. Um,
» Yeah. I I agree with you actually. Um,
you know, I think we need to kind of
focus on one avenue
>> things
and you know, and as Gary said, we're
looking you know, towards the end of the
year anyway. So, you know, focus on
this. If we don't see we'll find what we
want, then, you know, we look at the
>> the in house.
» the in house.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> So, at this point, I'd ask I'd ask look
» So, at this point, I'd ask I'd ask look
at look at the package you have.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> We're still we did not put a a closing
» We're still we did not put a a closing
time on the applicants. Um I'm thinking
we need at least 30 days to be able to
get stuff in. Um, we're advertising a
couple different, um, you know, legal,
uh, periodicals, if you would. Um, I
noticed like right now in in Florida, I
think there were eight different mun
municipalities that are looking for for
uh, legal service for for in-house.
>> So, larger larger cities or counties.
» So, larger larger cities or counties.
>> What size are they compared to?
» What size are they compared to?
>> Yeah, pretty pretty large cities and
» Yeah, pretty pretty large cities and
counties. Um, but you know, we can also
reach out and kind of see where those
price points are, see what type of
information we can find from there,
>> but we'll go through with the process.
» but we'll go through with the process.
You know, the the evaluation time for
these RFQS. You need a month anyway to
look at that. So, let's
>> I'd ask you go ahead and look through
» I'd ask you go ahead and look through
that. Um, we won't at this point.
>> I wanted to make sure there wasn't a
» I wanted to make sure there wasn't a
sense of urgency of getting these
scheduled. I didn't want to be the one
holding you back. No.
>> Um, so
» Um, so
look through then
the next meeting maybe the subsequent
meeting in in September we'll have a
feel for what we have for in-house
counsel at that point you can have a
better idea of where we're building
>> okay
» okay
>> so
» so
>> okay
» okay
um
>> anything else
» anything else
>> uh yeah two more I'll be quick um also
» uh yeah two more I'll be quick um also
we had RFP out for revolving line of
credit um we got two submitters back um
you you're aware I hired PFM as a
financial a municipal financial
management company. They are evaluating
those two firms. Um they came in pretty
aggressive. It looks pretty good. Um so
I will have a recommendation
um to proceed with that at the next
meeting um with a a uh selected firm uh
for your approval and then at that point
we would start [snorts] preparing the
closing documents for that. Um the city
manager search uh the one on one
meetings have been in the uh they're
down on the short list. Um I think they
cut down to about 10 and right now
they're doing the video interviews
that'll be taped for you and they're
also doing a vetting of of that that
short list. Um he said the time frame
for the next set of interviews is
roughly two weeks.
So week after next.
um it'll give you a point where you can
start looking at those video interviews
and from there the goal would be to cut
down to a smaller number that you would
bring in and have face to face.
>> Okay. Will will will they make those
» Okay. Will will will they make those
easier to access than the the other
forms that they sent us the video
interviews?
>> At what point does the resend? I can
» At what point does the resend? I can
give that feedback back to uh to the
firm.
>> Yeah, it disappeared and then they had
» Yeah, it disappeared and then they had
to resend [clears throat] it again to
start all over again.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Um and then last a little bit of good
» Um and then last a little bit of good
news. We talked in the in the capital
meetings um about the need for a school
bus for park and wreck. Um and we had a
pretty big ticket item [snorts] in
there. Um I reached out to our um
maintenance supervisor, uh Jeff Krider,
does all of our equipment purchases.
and asked him to keep an eye on the
Gideon auctions, which is where we take
our used in our used uh surplus
equipment. And we purchased a bus for
park and wreck. Um pretty decent shape,
uh dual air conditioners, everything
works, it runs. Um he's changing out
some of the lights um for the stop,
painted white. Uh $3,810.
>> Wow.
» Wow.
>> Wow.
» Wow.
>> It's ours. We're getting it titled now.
» It's ours. We're getting it titled now.
>> Wow.
» Wow.
>> So, we hit we hit that one good.
» So, we hit we hit that one good.
>> So, uh we let Sam know today and uh
» So, uh we let Sam know today and uh
>> that is screaming.
» that is screaming.
>> He's going to be pretty happy. So, yeah.
» He's going to be pretty happy. So, yeah.
Jeff Crowder in our maintenance group.
>> He has someone who can drive with the
» He has someone who can drive with the
license to drive it.
>> Uh Sam,
» Uh Sam,
>> do you have CDLs on staff now?
» do you have CDLs on staff now?
>> I have four.
» I have four.
>> There you go.
» There you go.
>> Oh, wow.
» Oh, wow.
>> Solves that problem.
» Solves that problem.
>> Good to go then.
» Good to go then.
>> And he'll still keep the others,
» And he'll still keep the others,
>> the other buses, the smaller buses.
» the other buses, the smaller buses.
He'll still keep those.
>> Yeah. Yep. Yeah. This is just this is
» Yeah. Yep. Yeah. This is just this is
something we
>> we have two pieces of equipment. We've
» we have two pieces of equipment. We've
got a Bobcat in and we've got a um a
bucket truck. So, we will make enough
money on the sale of those to be able to
purchase those.
>> So, and then I'm getting a flag from the
» So, and then I'm getting a flag from the
city attorney.
>> Just one thing to update on the
» Just one thing to update on the
presentation we received at the
beginning of tonight. My suggestion,
madame mayor, commissioners for the
staff would be to work out a
non-bindingou or term sheet. That would
give us all the information we would
need for the required notice. Uh the PSA
is a binding contract and that's going
to require a lot more attorney attorney
involvement reviewing all the terms and
that's going to slow the process down. A
term sheet orou would give us everything
that we need for the required CRA
notice. So that would be my suggestion
to stop
and then if if necessary and if
everything works works out then we would
negotiate the PSA contract.
» Don't we have it?
No, we we we we
processes. Okay. [snorts]
>> Okay. On to our city commission.
» Commissioner Aspati, would you
>> um
» um
>> do you have anything?
» do you have anything?
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
Back to the back to the same thing. I
got some updates, but we have no
resolution to this several hundred,000
we um gave to Spring Ridge that we
haven't gotten u gotten back and I think
they're giving us the runaround. Um
so I think we need to look at that.
maybe even uh
turn turn up some uh heat and try to uh
try to see where we go with that. Um I
continue to bring this up all the time.
Um Duke Energy is in their phases of
doing their what they do best is which
is whatever they want to do. Um, I would
like to see us, and I've asked since the
day I I got sworn in that day, that we
have some type of requirements. Um,
while they have their easements and they
have many rights within their easements,
these lines need to be underground
uh going forward. And I think to me
that's my top priority. Uh, I say it all
the time. That's probably the most
embarrassing thing I could ever have
about this city are those power lines
out there. And my uh third and final
item is the uh awareness of the electric
bikes. They continue to escalate and
knock on wood. None of our kids uh most
of them are by kids though adults use
them. Um, I don't know if that's what
happened to you with the neck thing on
electric bike, [laughter] but um, we
need to have some guidelines uh to to uh
keep everybody safe. So, three items.
Um, and I'm going to talk with the city
manager about some of those and and some
ideas. Uh, but uh, those continue to be
there.
>> That's [snorts] it, ma'am.
» That's [snorts] it, ma'am.
>> Yeah, I I agree with you on the electric
» Yeah, I I agree with you on the electric
bikes. Uh, and I know there's some other
cities that are are looking at doing
some things and uh the city commission
is kind of nervous about making
decisions, but but at the very least I
think we should look at requiring the
kids to wear helmets. Uh and I don't
know if that's something that we can do.
>> Kids only or kids and adults or anybody?
» Kids only or kids and adults or anybody?
Um, I mean the
>> I don't think you can require just kids,
» I don't think you can require just kids,
but
>> Yeah. I mean, it'd be good to do uh do
» Yeah. I mean, it'd be good to do uh do
them all, but
uh
>> but isn't sorry, isn't the state looking
» but isn't sorry, isn't the state looking
at this as well?
>> Yeah. Yeah, that's what we're saying.
» Yeah. Yeah, that's what we're saying.
They're looking
>> and how can we pass something more than
» and how can we pass something more than
what the state will allow us to do. So,
>> then just be cognizant of it on keep it
» then just be cognizant of it on keep it
on the forefront. Yeah.
>> And I'll be happy.
» And I'll be happy.
>> Exactly.
» Exactly.
>> Commissioners, I did forward out some
» Commissioners, I did forward out some
draft ordinances. So, if that's
something that if you'd like me to bring
forward, we can we can do that.
>> I don't think we want to spend money on
» I don't think we want to spend money on
you doing that quite right now, but we
need to keep it in our forefront and
keep I'm just going to keep reminding
everybody about it and let's see what
the state's coming out with. Let's talk
to our people in the state and see if
it's, you know, got a good life to it,
kick to it. But um we don't want to go
down not saying that we fought for
>> No, my my my biggest my biggest fear
» No, my my my biggest my biggest fear
with those things is they hit somebody
>> and then
» and then
>> and no insurance
» and no insurance
>> and then Yeah. And then who's
» and then Yeah. And then who's
responsible? So I mean I know the
state's really looking at these uh over
a certain amount mile per hour. So I
hope they come up with something.
>> We should start hearing something from
» We should start hearing something from
the legislature within the next two to
three months on what's going to be on
next year's agenda. So, and from what I
understand, it is being pushed heavily.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yeah, I see that there are a lot of kids
» Yeah, I see that there are a lot of kids
now that are actually doing tricks on
these things. So, I expect uh
>> things to get a lot worse before they
» things to get a lot worse before they
get better. Unfortunately,
>> are they required [snorts] to have
» are they required [snorts] to have
insurance?
>> No.
» No.
>> No. Like a bicycle.
» No. Like a bicycle.
>> If they hit you,
» If they hit you,
>> just like a bicycle.
» just like a bicycle.
Um, one of the things I'd like to bring
up is, you know, a couple of years ago,
um, you know, we, uh, uh, we pushed to
have those clothing boxes.
>> Uh, we to limit and I think our limit
» Uh, we to limit and I think our limit
was two.
>> For the city,
» For the city,
>> two or four,
» two or four,
>> was it?
» was it?
>> I don't remember. I'd have to I'd have
» I don't remember. I'd have to I'd have
to dig that back out.
>> But I know one place where there's at
» But I know one place where there's at
least four in the one parking lot. So,
>> really?
» really?
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I'd like for
» Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, I'd like for
us to kind of uh take a look at that.
And I don't know if that's something
that Eric,
>> you know, Eric would do.
» you know, Eric would do.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> I'll we'll we'll discuss it tomorrow as
» I'll we'll we'll discuss it tomorrow as
uh lead team meeting.
>> Okay. And uh a couple of days ago um
» Okay. And uh a couple of days ago um
Miranda and I uh
uh had the fortune of of going to the uh
FBI National Academy um
uh event in Daytona uh where they swore
in our Chief Capri as a president uh for
the uh the upcoming year. So
congratulations to the chief. A job well
done.
um
you know to to sit there and to see how
the the uh the law enforcement community
respects this guy. Um uh
you know I it was you know it was um
it was something to see them uh
to to appreciate them. But but
congratulations again uh Chief Capri uh
on your selection as president and that
would be it for me.
>> Commissioner Holland
» Commissioner Holland
>> um I just want to uh thank public safety
» um I just want to uh thank public safety
whether it's the police department or
the fire department for keeping us so
well in the loop uh when there is
something going on in this community.
Nothing is worse as a commissioner than
to us to get calls from folks in our
community and not hearing and us not
knowing about it before um we get that
phone call. Um please keep all of our
public safety folks in your thoughts and
prayers. We had that incident the other
night where we had our officer drug um
and it was all over Fox News. It was all
over most of the major news. We need to
make sure that we keep them in our
thoughts and prayers constantly um as
they're out there protecting us on a
daily basis. Um so that's all I've got
tonight. Thank you, Mayor.
>> And I'm good. Thank you.
» And I'm good. Thank you.
>> Okay. Good. I just had a couple of
» Okay. Good. I just had a couple of
comments. First of all, congratulations,
Chief. We should I wasn't aware of it.
So, um that would please let us know in
the future so that we can congratulate
him. Um
>> I know but that's not the future.
» I know but that's not the future.
[laughter]
[gasps]
>> Okay. Um I had the opportunity to join
» Okay. Um I had the opportunity to join
Pastor Renee uh Representative Cobb and
Chief Capri and other community members
um doing prayers at the gates of the
city. It was for different areas
northwest, east and south. And it worked
out. It was really nice a very u nice
event. Um and I want to say happy third
retirement to Mary Montes. Um, and
hopefully there won't be a fourth unless
[clears throat] she's committed this
time.
And um, this is in bloom. We're I'm
looking forward to participating in the
uh, August downtown merchants meeting. I
I'm really encouraged by that, having
our retailers come together and start up
again. I there was an alliance once upon
a time and it's kind of waking up again
and um, I think we'll see some really
good things downtown. And yes, flowers
and decorating and and enhancing our
city is important and we will continue
to do that. Um also, um we are
submitting nominations for the American
Bloom Conference. We have some really
good um nominations that's going forth
and uh and we're thankful to for Tim to
Tim for all that he's doing. And um the
community garden is taking shape um with
Fountain Outreach, the Fountain Outreach
organization. So, it's all been platted
out and um I think Sam has plans for it
and we're also working with Sean. So, I
think we have a really good start on
that and uh Pocket Park is our next big
project. Sam talks to teach.
>> Okay. So, I I think that's it uh from me
» Okay. So, I I think that's it uh from me
and yes,
>> sorry, one more thing. And uh uh we had
» sorry, one more thing. And uh uh we had
an event in uh in the park um last
weekend and I don't know uh what the
taste is for the commission on this but
you know we have the car show that comes
in uh uh the third or fourth Saturday of
the month. Um
I'm going to say it. I don't see them
contributing anything to to our
downtown. They don't go and they don't
shop at our stores, uh, our restaurants.
Everything that they do, they do there.
>> So, I I I'd like for us to to think
» So, I I I'd like for us to to think
about that. I mean, we have the surface
lot that would be great for them, but
I don't know what everybody else is
think everyone else thinks, but uh, it's
just something I want to bring up. So,
uh we are using our park more and more
um
and um I I think we should would look at
relocating them
>> and really if you'll remember that was a
» and really if you'll remember that was a
challenge we had when we moved them to
the park is they were parking in front
of our businesses
>> and they were never utilizing so it is
» and they were never utilizing so it is
worth another conversation
>> I agree
» I agree
we close the park when they do that no
it's open to the public. They're just in
there doing their thing.
>> Yeah, it is open, but they utilize um
» Yeah, it is open, but they utilize um
>> most of the space.
» most of the space.
>> Anything else for the good,
» Anything else for the good,
>> you know. Can I just add one thing on
» you know. Can I just add one thing on
that tone? Because otherwise Gary would
would [laughter]
>> Yeah, this is why we got done so early
» Yeah, this is why we got done so early
last time.
>> See,
» See,
I knew [laughter] exactly
>> and I and honestly, I swear you're doing
» and I and honestly, I swear you're doing
it on purpose, too. You must have
watched the video. [laughter]
Madame Mayor, I think he's out of line,
but uh the
>> bet everyone thinks I'm right.
» bet everyone thinks I'm right.
>> The uh associate the
» The uh associate the
Daniel and George and uh some of the
other key people are working on starting
a downtown association. And in that
meeting I went to uh their first meeting
uh there was talk about the car show and
and all that. So, I think let the let
the downtown community evolve and maybe
come give us a thought about that. Let
the downtown businesses tell us
>> whether they feel it's a a plus or not
» whether they feel it's a a plus or not
or whatnot. But there's some good things
going on with that. We've all wanted
them to restart that and and it's in the
process. So, I just wanted to tell you
all that.
>> Thank you. Anything else?
» Thank you. Anything else?
>> I'll quit saying that. [laughter]
» I'll quit saying that. [laughter]
>> Okay. So
» Okay. So
at um what 8 7:48
it's hard this is a glare on that clock.
>> We'll call this meeting a journey.
All right. All right.