And the pledge of allegian allegiance will be will be by commissioner
» I'll take >> Ashcraft Vice Mayor Ashcraft please join
us by standing.
» Father we thank you for bringing us together for this meeting. We are
grateful for the people present, the opportunities before us and your
guidance in every discussion. Help each of us approach this gathering with
joyful hearts, humility, and appreciation for one another's
contributions. Remove negativity, distraction, or
complaint, and fill us with gratitude and positivity.
May thankfulness shape our conversations, decisions, and actions.
Let our meeting honor you as we acknowledge your blessing in every
moment. Heavenly Father, when we come to the end of this meeting, we will offer
our thanks and praise to you for guiding our discussions. We also ask for your
blessings upon everyone here as we leave.
» Amen. >> Amen.
» Please join me for the pledge. [clears throat] I pledge allegiance 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? >> Yes, Mayor Lee.
» Proper notice been given? >> Yes, ma'am.
» Okay. Rick, is there an agenda update? >> Uh, yes, mayor. We are pulling um item
3.2, the school resource officer vehicle wrap
donation. Um, the the gentleman has some conflicts, so we'll do that as another
date. Um, I'm also pulling item 6.2 from the consent agenda, resolution 2674.
Um there was a incorrect staff report that was opened up. So I will bring that
to the next meeting. And lastly, we're pulling uh item 8.1
under other business uh discussion of solid waste billing practices as um
Nicole had to uh step out early today. So we'll bring that to you at a later
date. >> Okay. Shall we move on to approval of
minutes? quite quite a few
» for our May 22nd to 2026 June 4th 2026 city commission meeting on the 22nd was
the 5year CIP and on June 18th was a city commission meeting on June 24th
city commission workshop and downtown master plan and on July 16th was a city
commission meeting. >> I make a motion for approval.
» Second. >> Roll call, please.
» Commissioner Ozbody. I, >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft.
» Hi, >> Mayor Lee.
» I We now have presentations. We'll get to
that, Rick. >> Yeah. The, uh, first presentation we
have today, um, our fire chief, Mike Swanson,
uh, will present, uh, his personnel for badge pinning and promotions.
» Thank you, Mike Swanson, fire chief of the city of
Eustace. Uh, this is a really exciting time for us.
Every time I do this, I still get butterflies on my side. This is such an
exciting event. Uh this is progression in people's careers and it's it's just
really neat. Uh the first three people I'm going to bring up, they're not
actually getting pinned, but we're going to recognize him for an amazing
achievement. Uh this is for uh becoming a a paramedic. It's not just going to
school. It's also going to school, getting tested, taking national exams,
then And then going back to another program
which we call provisionals where they get trained in the local protocols then
they then they have to go through our round with our FTO's and then they have
to go sit up before the medical director and get blessings and all that stuff. Uh
it almost take it takes pretty close to two years here so at least 18 months. Uh
it's a huge investment in time. Uh any of you that are married or have
paramedics in your family know that it's a lot of study, tremendous amount of
effort is put into this certificate and we're just really proud of these
individuals. If the three of you will come up please. Uh fire medic Alexis
Anderson. All right.
[applause]
Fire medicris [applause]
and medic. [applause]
>> Congratulations to the three of you. If
we could get a photo with them, that'd be great. This is a huge
certific.
» I usually forget to get these out, so I'm kind of proud of myself.
All
» [applause]
» right, the next two that are coming up our firefighters.
» Oh, sorry. >> No, I'm doing firefighter now.
» Yeah. Uh, so these are our two two new guys.
[clears throat] >> There it goes.
» Uh, Jacob Lovestone, could you come up, please? And also Mitchell.
[applause]
So, these two individuals were hired about a year ago
» and uh they made it through our our ruling process of uh probationary
firefighters. Are you guys still wearing the the pumpkin patch?
» No. Okay, good. You don't you don't need to do that anymore. So, what I'm going
to do is I'm going to go ahead and swear you guys in. Okay, which is official. Um
I did pull something out special today because our uh our chaplain is actually
not here. So, I don't have his Bible. So, I pulled my
» This is my dad's Bible. So, this is >> Yeah, this is it's pretty old because
I'm old. So, be real nice. It's kind of falling
apart. So, I'm going to have you both do is I'm You put your left hand on the
Bible right hand. Okay. When I say uh state your name, don't say state your
name. You state your name.
You guys ready? >> Left hand on the Bible. Right hand in
the air. Repeat after me. >> I
» I >> Say your name.
» Mr. >> Having been appointed to the rank of
» Having appointed to the rank of >> firefighter and useless fire department.
» Firefighter and useless fire department. >> Do you solemnly swear that I will
support >> Do younly swear that I will support
» the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution of the United States
» in the Constitution of the State of Florida
» in the Constitution of the State of Florida.
» And that I will faithfully discharge >> I will faithfully discharge
» the duties of such rank >> the duties of such rank
» according to the laws >> according to the laws
» regulations and orders >> regulations and orders
» governing the useless fire department >> governing the useless fire department
» and that I will obey the orders and directions of my superiors
» that I obey the orders and directions of my superiors.
» That was a test. to the best of my ability.
» to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. So help me God.
» Congratulations. [applause]
[applause]
» Now the really fun part to this >> they get pinned by a family member. So
we're going to have Le go first. So because he's nervous as heck.
» Okay. >> Gonna have his father John come up. Is
John here? Here he is. Can you have that?
» We do have new paramedics in the house. So if you go in [laughter]
there,
» it gets better every time.
I hope the rest of the meeting has [laughter]
» the next one. >> You need my glasses. Maybe I should take
my
There you go.
[applause]
» And you're going to have your girlfriend Lexi Price. Where she at?
You have to beat the last one.
You
[applause]
» want to send it back?
[applause]
» [applause]
» Is this your last picture?
» [applause]
» This is an interesting fact. My wife was my girlfriend when she hit me when I was
a ranger.
We've been married for 36 years now.
» Um, next person up is engineer
» Gage Whitaker [applause]
left hand
I say your name.
Having been appointed to the rank of >> the rank of engineer
firearm >> do solemnly swear
» that I will support the constitution of the United States
» and the constitution of the state of Florida
» and that I will faithfully discharge the duties
and governing fire department
orders and
to the best of my ability.
[applause]
» This is pretty cool right here. Wow. >> Yes.
» Chief, he looks better than you. >> He does.
» He's pretty spiffy up.
I was going to say you better know how to do that. [laughter]
» Record time. [applause]
» [applause]
» By the way, for tradition, we wear our long shirts because when you wear your
coat, you can't put the badge on. That's why I put on just in case you guys are
wondering because he does look pretty, right?
» Uh, senior engineer medic.
[applause]
So, this rank is actually a step into becoming an officer. So, this he's just
basically away from being an officer. all the qualifications. He just has to
put the time in the acting. [clears throat]
» Are you ready? >> Let's do it.
» I didn't even have to tell you, did I? >> Can you recite this by yourself?
» Repeat after me. I >> I have been appointed to the rank of
» I have been appointed to the rank of senior engineer engineer in the use of
fire department. Do you swear swear
» that I will support the Constitution of the United States
» constitution of the state of Florida >> constitution of the state of Florida
» and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of such rank
» I will faithfully discharge the duties of such rank
» according to the laws and regulations >> according to the laws and regulations
» and orders governing the use of firearm >> and orders governing the use of firearm
» and that I will obey the orders and directions of my superiors
» I will obey the orders and directions of my superiors
» to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability to help me to
help me go >> [applause]
» You're having
» Emily affair.
That's a picture.
[applause]
» This is awesome stuff.
» [applause]
[applause]
» We have one more lieutenant
medicate. Please come up.
» [applause]
» wearing a white shirt. One of our officers, newly appointed officer.
» Feeling good about it? All right, let's do this.
Right hand in the air. I know I've done it like
repeat after me. >> I
have you been appointed to the rank of lieutenant.
in the use of fire department >> swear that I will support
» that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States
» the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of
Florida >> the Constitution of State
» and that I will faithfully discharge >> and I will faithfully discharge
» the duties of such >> the duties of such
» according to the laws, regulations and orders
» the laws, regulations and >> governing the use of firearm
» governing firearm >> and that I will obey the orders and
directions >> I obey the orders and directions
» of My superiors. >> My superiors.
» To the best of my ability. [applause]
» Come on, Mila.
Come here.
» Get that picture. Show her that picture in 30 years.
That's what's >> Yeah. Yeah.
[applause]
My daughters are like 30 and 27 now. Pretty cool.
with that. >> Yep. Yep. If we can get everybody up
real quick for a group picture and I'll get them out of here.
» All right. >> Come on up everybody.
» You're the chief. >> I said you're the chief.
» That's why you get the big bucks.
» Jordan's in the back.
I can say yeah,
» two
» [applause]
[applause] >> We'll take about a few minutes to allow
them to leave.
» [applause]
» are
super happy to be
Awesome.
[laughter]
Thank you.
Okay. So, let's start again.
Um, next we have uh staff from the events and communication department
um that will be uh providing a recap of their trip to the FFA, the Florida
Festival and Events Association. uh they went down to Fort Meyers earlier
this month for the sensational awards and uh they're going to share some
recognition that uh their departments received.
» Good evening members of commission. My name is Sher Moan, director of events
and communication. Thank you all for having us tonight. I'd like to welcome
members of my staff. Got Christine Juay. Can you come on up please? vendor comm
community relations coordinator and our event coordinator Annne Heslop. I' like
to also mention Marissa Cell over here running the tech. She's our acting PR
manager. We recently attended the FFA which is the Florida Festival and Events
Conference in Fort Myers and there along with several other
municipalities and festival event planners we were recognized in uh 10
different categories which we're really excited to sh if you don't mind I'm
going to run through it. The sensational awards celebrate Florida's most
innovative and impactful events. Nominations were judged by a blue ribbon
panel representing media outlets, printing companies, website designers,
event managers, photographers, promotional marketing professionals, and
social media experts. The city of Eustace and events communication
department was recognized in 10 awards across six city events, including the
following. the 124th annual George Fest. We won second place in the children's
program, third place in overall event theme. In Tim Tatton's amazing race for
charity, we won third place in the PR media campaign, third place sponsor
partnership. Eustace first Fridays, we won first place in t-shirt. Second place
multi- agency program, hometown celebration, first place in our
promotional poster, third place in t-shirt. Light up Eustace, third place
with our photo opportunity. and salute to veterans first place with our promo f
poster. These awards recognize the creativity, collaboration, and
dedication of the city's events and communications team as it partners and
its partners producing and promoting events that engage the community and
showcase Eustace. So, we're proud to share that with you all tonight. Proud
of our team >> and we're just going to continue
trending up. >> Thank you for that. [applause]
[applause] >> We're going to do a quick photo.
Marissa's not >> giving up the camera.
» You want to get in this? >> Slide to the middle.
All
» [applause]
» right. our last presentation for the evening. Um
Mike Bishop, our new economic development director, um is going to do
a quick overview of the project underway with Maris West and Banker, our
consultants that are working on the economic developments um marketing,
branding, and marketing concepts. So Mike,
» yep. Thanks, Frank. Um good evening, mayor, commissioners. Um tonight I just
want to give a brief update on the economic development marketing project
underway with Maris West and Baker. Um this is a project that got started
before my tenure and uh jumped in and uh you know continuing the work that uh
Alatimer started with this. Um the goal of this project is create a clear and
professional identity along with practical marketing tools we can use
when speaking with businesses, developers, investors, site selectors,
um and anybody interested in opportunities here in Eustace. Um, as
you know, marketing is a critical factor when it comes to economic development.
So, um, really exciting project here. Um, I'll start with updating you where
we are right now, what's been completed. The initial discovery work is complete,
um, which included stakeholder meetings. I believe members of Marish, West, and
Baker even spoke to some commissioners and other staff, um, as well as other
key stakeholders collecting and compiling all that data. Um the photo
and video shoot was also completed um thanks to our uh um marketing team and
cooperation there. They were able to get some really fantastic assets of uh uh
nature and um other pieces of downtown that are very critical to this. Um once
we received the commission's feedback, um I also wanted to get some um
direction on logo design. They did some logo work and I've included a couple
logo uh renderings that they have there in the packet which we'll we'll get to
here in a second. Um the final phases phases five through seven you'll see are
starting to um collect or I should say develop the um design and sales and
marketing pieces. So once we have direction on logo and branding work, um
then we start putting together pieces that will u help us develop a sizzle
reel if you will um some short form video and um other small media push uh
media paid push to uh to get the word out there about all the great things
happening here in Eustace. And um of course when everything is completed um
I'll put together another comp comprehensive uh presentation for
commission to review and see the work that MWB created. So, on to some of the
fun stuff. Um, we have two logo designs that I just wanted to uh kind of walk
through with you. Um, explain to you what the direction was with MWB. Um, so
the first design, as you can see here on the slide, um, is
inspired by Eustus' sunsets and lakes. Um, a key facet of our, um, economic
development and Eustace, as you know. It combines the sun and water into a clean,
modern mark that is intended to represent Eustace' natural character as
well as movement, momentum, and continued progress.
Here's a couple mockups here um that you can see as they uh as they present on a
great facade in front of a great project coming in as well as um a mockup on a
polo shirt there. So, so you can kind of see how we work on different different
assets on design two. Um, this one
uses our uh blue heron, one of the most recognizable natural symbols associated
with Eustace. Um, one of the first things I noticed it when I first came to
Eustace, actually, beautiful blue heron statue in Fair Park. Um, the mosaic
treatment is intended to represent the individual pieces coming together
through collaboration, investment, and community effort. It has a more artistic
and locally distinctive appearance while still connecting to Eustace' natural
setting and heritage. You'll notice the color pattern still brings out the
facets of the sunset and uh ties into our current street mosaics on Magnolia
Avenue. Um so and that's um also um concept of
mockups with a shirt and also a banner there. So um no formal action is
requested tonight. just uh would appreciate direction uh commission's
feedback and general consensus on which logo design uh we want to go with. Um
that direction will allow me to communicate to MWB and have them
continue on through the phases as we work through uh continuing that project.
So with that, I'll answer any questions. >> You want to have that discussion now or
you're saying we'll do that after we think through it?
» I'm open to have that discussion now and get your feedback now. Um, the first
thing I saw when you showed us, and please I I'm grateful for everything,
but I just want to share my uh my thoughts. Uh, the first logo that I saw,
I liked, but I didn't know what it was till you explained it.
» Um, and I do think this is Home of the Million-Dollar
Sunset. >> Um, but I didn't get that out of that
logo. Maybe I'm
whatnot, but I didn't get that out of that logo.
Um, the second one, I love I love the birds,
you know, our our our cranes, but I I have to ask myself, what's the
biggest thing? And really be a good question. Now's not a time to have the
public talk, but what's the what's what's the biggest thing we know, love
about Eustace or that we are most proud of? Um,
» Sunset >> Sunset Emily is saying, Mayor,
» which I agree with. >> Um, and these are all constructive
criticism, if I could say that, but >> of course. Yeah.
» Um, these are all um I don't I want to say I don't know the right word. I want
to say cartoon rendering or um perhaps something that might be more live like a
picture, but that would be hard to put into a logo. So maybe the logo and the
background is two different things. >> I like where you're going. I think you
picked the perfect things. The sunset being your first one was a home run
because that's that's what we are, >> right?
» Um but uh I didn't realize I didn't know that was sunset or what it was. So, um,
and I wouldn't mind if we had, and it's probably out of line, something about
million-dollar sunset or might be too much, too busy, but those are the quick
without seeing this before >> general thoughts um that I have.
» Yeah, I appreciate that. >> The rest of the stuff and the ideas that
you're working on, you know, you've only been here a short period of time. I
really haven't sat and talked with you, but um I think you're off on a great
great road. So, thank you for being here. I'll uh I'll do some uh I'll do
some piggybacking on that. Um I I agree the sunset is important, but I
actually did a search about other cities that have similar logos to this.
» Okay. >> I think we need something more more more
unique. Now, the the heron is definitely unique to us, but I would like to see
something else in there. Did they ever think of combining the two somehow? I
can certainly relate that information. Yeah, I like both facets of that.
» I mean, I I the you know, the heron is is, you know, is undoubtedly us, but I
would like to see something that shows the sunset as well. And I actually, my
opinion, I like the I like the font on the first one better than the second.
Okay. >> I think it's a little bit I think it's a
little bit more modern. And I think that's what we need to uh we need to
consider. But if they could somehow take the second logo and somehow put a put a
sunset behind it or that these are just these are just my thoughts.
» Okay. >> So um and but that that this marketing
logo on its own I did a search there's many many many many towns in in Florida
that have a logo something similar to >> circular imagery. We need something we
need something more unique for us. >> Yeah. Thank you, Commissioner.
» I u somewhere in my 4,000 photos, I have what I think we're talking about with
the crane with the sun light behind it, the sunset behind it. And I I like that
idea of putting some light behind the crane. Okay. Or above it. And um I will
find it and show you what I'm thinking about.
» That'd be great. >> But thank you. You're doing a wonderful
job. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks, Mark.
» Yep. Did you make those logos [clears throat] or do we have somebody
do that or that you made those? >> Those um a graphic designer I am not. Um
that is all through MWB, the contracted marketing firm that's working through
the entire plan. Um so I'll take this feedback and uh relay that to them and
come up with some uh new concepts here. >> And also Marissa is really good at doing
things like that >> like that with her too. Yes, Marissa was
instrumental in working with the MWD team in collecting um the great assets
and photography that will go onto an eventual new economic development web
page. Um so that as we're attracting new business here, they have somewhere to be
directed to to get all the information they need.
» I I think of the Florida logo, the state logo, and I think of the, you know, that
has the the the background, the sun, whatnot, something. I don't know, maybe
that's an influence in my mind, too. But uh
» and I've actually I've actually over the last couple weeks shared some some
sunsets to the events department. >> Okay.
» I mean our sunsets are completely amazing. I honestly I think our location
has better sunsets than any other any other area around here maybe besides Key
West. But yeah, our sunsets we we we need to we need to try to tap into that
somehow. I think if we think about where we're going to be in 10, 20, 40, 50
years, that's got to be an influence in there. We don't want to be changing the
the the logos as we go. So, where are we going to be? Are we going to be
recognized as a, you know, lakefront water community? Are we a historical
downtown? Maybe then it would be historical looking um are we, you know,
are we nature center and with trout lakes influences and all that? I think
it's uh >> pretty important
» pretty all valid points but >> thank you sorry
» no no thank you very much appreciate you >> no thank you
» thank you
» so now we'll move on to appointments >> yes mayor the um the next item is for
the consideration of an appointment to the west town representative of the uh
CRA uh we advertise a vacancy can see in we
received three applications. Ryan Baglio, Amy Cardona, and Vladislav
Kashuk. Um staff reviewed the applications. All
three applicants meet the eligibility requirements and um completed the
required background checks. Uh so these applications
um are up for your consideration. We'd like for you to select who would you
would like for a four-year term starting August 20th uh 2026
and ending on August 20th, 2030.
» Commissioners, >> um I first off and the first thing that
comes to my mind is is thank you that three people wanted to do this.
» Yes. >> And to understand the commitment
um to public service, to the community, to economic development because I think
CRA plays an important part in that. Um I don't know that I know Amy. Is she in
here? No, she's not here. Okay. Um and uh
obviously involved a great newcomer to our community and a wonderful merchant
in the cabinet business who um I adore and Ryan
been in our community for quite a while and uh a contributor as well. I think
we're just lucky uh to have u the commitment uh and the willingness to
volunteer for that. Um, I I think when I look at them, I look
for exposure in the city, knowledge, experience, knowing, seeing, and u I
think it's a tough decision uh between Ryan and and Bald, but I think with the
years of service and family and whatnot, uh I would tend to uh probably lean
toward Ryan. Vice Mayor.
» Um, kind of the same way. I I know Ryan Ryan
lives in the city. He's uh he's well connected to downtown and the west side.
So, I actually had an idea cuz we always seem to not get, and no offense, we
never seem to get CRA people here all the time. So, why not have one and an
alternate? >> What What do you think about that,
Commissioners? >> I It's a great idea if we could do it.
» I thought we had done that in the past. >> Did we?
» Yeah. I don't. >> So you'd have a west that's a good a
good idea. >> So you have a west side alternate,
» right? Kind of like they do on code enforcement. So there's like an
alternate in case uh you know someone someone can't do that.
» Can we do that? Is there anything that prevents us from doing that?
» Taylor, do you know of anything that would preclude us from
» if we approve them? Now >> only the resolution provided for two
members and did not provide for alternates. So that would be the one
challenge there is that alternates aren't provided for the resolution.
those two members. >> So what would we have to do? Redo an
ordinance, repost it, readvertise it or >> and do we do we have any side?
» Do we have eides there? >> So to answer your question about
reposting, there's also the option to have advis advisory members as well. And
so there's different ways that we could go about adding some additional input.
But I can look to see if having alternates would require a new
resolution. I think that it would because what's put in place
only provides for two and not for alternate.
» So maybe we can make our motion based on that and if any of it isn't doable then
you can adjust to it. >> Yes.
» As a primary and a secondary if you want to call it.
» I would need to know the motion would need to identify who the primary is and
then if poss and then who the alternate would be if it's provided for in
» I like that. I think uh vice mayor's idea is great unless there's something
I'm missing. I think it's fantastic. >> Well, so often we have people who can't
attend, so that would kind of assur us that we'd always have someone.
» Yeah. Yeah. I think it's really great. >> But sorry, I know this is a little off
topic, but do we have an east side CRA rep?
» Do we have what? >> An east side CR?
» We do. Yes, we do. >> Oh, okay. Sorry.
» Okay. Well, um, >> so then we would have to go back and
find an alternate for for the east side, too.
» If we want to or we don't have to. I think that's a good idea to do it in
both sides, but >> Yeah, we would have to.
» Yeah.
» What's the will of the commission? >> So, I I would make a uh a motion to uh
appoint Ryan Benaglio and as a primary and to I'm not going to
try the names. I'm going to go by what I call them and appoint a vout to uh
» Vlad. >> Sorry,
» Vlad. >> Vlad.
» I butchered that up. I don't know how many years so far. So, my checks will go
through you the right way though.
» As the alternate >> as the alternate. Yes.
» Okay. >> I will I'll second it.
» Okay. So, at this point, do we do roll call with three? We have three. Seems
that we have consensus here. >> I I concur with the motion.
» So we vote on it or roll call it or >> Yeah. Roll call.
» Okay. >> Commissioner Asbody.
» I. >> Vice Mayor Ashcraft.
» Hi. >> Mayor Lee.
» I.
» Okay. With that, we'll move on to audience to be heard. If you have
comments this evening, please complete a card from the city clerk. Please
approach the podium and speak directly into the mic. State your name and
whether or not you are a city resident. And please keep in mind that
commissioners will may not respond, but staff will be directed to get back to
you. And most importantly, remember you have three minutes to speak. I also
would like to encourage using the three minutes to present your information to
the commissioner in a calm and professional manner. This allows
everyone to hear the information, your information without distractions or side
comments. Thank you. Do we have cars? Uh,
» yes, Mayor, we do. Um, the first one is Gail Thomas.
» Good evening, Commissioner. >> Good evening.
and attorney.
I just wanted to know since you are voting on the CR
are they going to have voting privileges?
And that's very important for the representatives
to know whether they have voting privileges
as being your first CR rep in 2019 and I was there for three and a half
years and I did not have a voting privilege
and that's the reason it's hard to get someone as a representative. They feel
like they're wasting their time. They come they to you what needs to be done
and that's it. You as commissioners of Eustace were voted in by the people to
come out in the communities and see for yourself
what needs to be done in each community not just downtown.
And that's very important just as well as when we come to the podium we each
and every one of your undivided attention because we voted for you to be
in that seat. Some do, some don't, but it's unfair
that we do not get to undivided attention.
As far as asking questions, you can't respond.
Staff are get right with you. We didn't vote for staff. We voted for the five
commissioners to represent us and that's who needs to get back with
us. So I said that because I have not heard
anything about the questions I asked two weeks ago
and that's unfair. I'm a tightkin citizen
and I have a right to know the answer to the questions. If you've
forgotten, go back and look at the video. See what questions I asked
last week and the last two weeks. And I have not got a response from anyone. And
that is totally unfair, disrespectful,
and we on the east side are tired of being discriminated against. We've been
discriminated against all our our lives and it's time for it to stop.
We are a part of the city of Eustas too. Show us show us some love.
Show us some respect and transparency.
Thank you. No, no, we will not have the applause.
Thank you.
Laura Baxley.
» Hi, good evening. I am a citizen Lori Baxley. I was here yesterday with my
son. He chose to dispute a speeding ticket and as you can imagine, he was
quite nervous. He's 17 years old, but he came here with a jacket and tie with
case law and evidence. And there are two things that concern me that I'd like to
share. First, we have Life 360 on our phones. And Life 360 is a tracking app
application, not just for location, but also for routes. And routes can be
replayed with the speed in which they are traveled. And it also documents the
highest speed for each trip. He was fortunate enough to have the trip
documented on Life 360 and he screen recorded it and put it on a thumb drive.
When my son went to present it on the screens, he was told he was not allowed
to submit a thumb drive. And nowhere does it state that a thumb drive is not
permitted. So it is unconstitutional that this court did not allow him to
submit exculpatory evidence. He is was allowed to show the magistrate the video
and I showed the gentleman detective the video as well. So, it showed that his
highest speed on Bay Street was 38 mph and his highest speed on the trip was 52
in Grand Island. He did not clock 60 on Bay Street nor anywhere else on his
trip. So, the magistrate said he would consider the video he saw, but he would
not admit it into evidence. Second, and shockingly, after he
presented the case, which obviously showed reasonable doubt, the female
officer chose to approach the magistrate with a supposed two tickets she stated
were pending and would be coming in the mail. After which, the magistrate
actually asked my son if he wanted to address these tickets. Now, mind you,
the said vehicle is not registered in my son's name. It's a family vehicle. So,
we have not received any tickets in the mail and uh to show if my son was even
driving at that time. How were we to address something we had not received?
The officer was attempting to place my son in a bad light and negatively
influence him in the eyes of the magistrate, as evidenced by the
magistrate actually taking it one step further and asking my son if he wanted
to address those tickets. This is something an attorney should know and
should not have been brought up. I'm bringing uh they were bringing in
collateral issues into the hearing that were beyond the scope of what were we
were there for without any due process of notice of what the allegations were.
So, of course, I stepped in and explained that we were there to address
the actual ticket we received. And honestly, I'm shocked that this was done
in the city. You know, this is frankly frightening. I believe that my son's
ticket should be thrown out immediately and there should be recourse so this
does not happen again. Thank you,
» Jessie Harris.
Good evening, commissioners, attorney, city manager. My name is Guestnner
Harris and I am a resident in Eustace, Florida.
I have two things that I'm here to speak on. First, I would like to know I was
told that they may be doing away with Eustace Community Center. Well, we've
already paid a deposit for next year. So if this is going to happen, we have a
very important event. We have a deputant ball in February. So if they are going
to do away with this, will we be notified because we would need to make
some sort of to do the event someplace else and we
can't wait till 30 days before. This is an event that is prepared and planned
like a year ahead of time. Will we get our refund back? Our monies
back? What? I don't know what's going on. I'm just getting bits and pieces and
I would like to know if someone could address and tell me what the future is
for next [clears throat] year, February at Eustus Community Center.
The one thing that I have that I am totally confused about,
we vote for you all as commissioners to represent us. If they're going to tear
every building that we have in the city down,
why wouldn't it be put on a ballot or something and give us as the citizens a
chance to vote? You represent us, but you all don't represent us. We vote for
you, but nothing we say matters to you. And I'm sort of confused as to where
we're at. I'm looking at surrounding cities. Leburg, beautiful center. They
still have all their buildings. Mount Dora, new building. They still have all
their buildings here. We've lost the American Legion. We've lost buildings.
So, where are we supposed to hold events as citizens of Eustace?
I I understand where you all are coming from, but at some point, do you all not
pay us any mind? You come with your signs for us to put in the yard to vote
for you all, but then when events and things come up, you pay us no mind. I'm
just totally confused. My second thing is the speed bumps in the road. Should
there not be a sign when you're coming approaching saying speed bump ahead?
Those things are very high in the road. And there is nothing indicating until
you're there that those things are in the road. I have asked this question
several times. I don't know if it's the state, the city, the county. I know it's
State Road 19, but who do we ask to have those signs put up because there
should be something there stating that? >> Actually, I I will actually address that
one. There actually are signs. There are yellow signs.
» Not saying bumps in the road. >> There's a yellow sign says quarter a
mile of speed speed humps ahead. 20 miles per hour coming from each
direction. Bay Street as well as >> Bay and Grove. I'm on the NO board, so I
know I know those are there. And actually, I'm the one that requested
those to get there. >> When were they put there?
» Uh, probably about three weeks ago. >> Okay. I have I don't I don't come down
here if I can. I go the other road. So, they just been put down there. Okay. I
can buy that. But I know they haven't been there.
» Yes.
» Hatcher.
As a general point of order commission, we don't generally share time or allow
the three minutes to be shifted to someone else.
» Okay. But it has been done before. Taylor,
» if we're okay with it, is that all right with you?
» I'm just asking a question. Emily, >> I know that I'm saying I think that if
if there was consensus to allow that, then that would be appropriate. Okay.
» Um, >> but I just wanted to make
» I just ask I'm not saying yes or no. I just want to know if there was a way
around it. Okay. >> No, I was saying he was still talking.
» No, I understand. >> Okay. Next.
» No, he said he can't.
Next.
» Thank you. >> Next.
» Hi. >> You have another one.
» Yeah, she's gonna She's going to use her time.
» She had more to say, so I was going to let her say it. Um, good afternoon,
mayor, um, commissioners. Um, thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak
today. Um just want to give you guys an update. Um registration for Beyond the
Backpack is in full force. I want to still um say thank you um for the
building. Thank you for the donations. I really appreciate it. Um it's really
going to help um children walk in school with confidence for those who can't
afford it. Um the event as I stated is Sunday September the 13th from 2 to 4 at
the US Garden Center. Um we're preparing the registration. I
have a thick book here and I still have about 50 more kids to register
um through Beyond the Backpack. We will be providing school uniforms, socks,
hygiene items. Um, so far, like I stated, um, Walgreens,
um, has signed on to give out, um, um, flu, um, vaccination and any
immunizations the kids may need, as well as hygiene items. Orlando Health is
going to be there with a table, as well as um, Eustus Police Department as well
as Lake County Sheriff's Office. So, we're going to have some resources there
for them as well as Texas Roadhouse who has been a awesome supporter. And I do
appreciate all the vendors that have reached out to me thus far. Um, we are
still a little shy of our goal, um, financial goals. So, anyone looking to
support, I greatly appreciate it. And that's all I have for you. Thank you
guys for supporting me. >> Thank you.
Dana Anderson.
» Hi, my name is Dana Anderson and I have been living in Eustace, Florida,
unincorporated area of Pine Lakes for about 40 years.
And uh we have a beautiful park, Pine Forest Park. Um
recently I have started playing pickle ball
so um I can be active and um our park does not have a pickle
ball court. I um have played at the basketball court but
every time I go to do that uh or someone always comes and wants to play
basketball. Then I have played in the parking lot,
but that's really not safe. And I have played on the street.
Um, so I'm just coming here because um I would like court.
[laughter]
You know, there's a there's quite a few nice ones that uh the county along with
I think the city participated in that were built in Pine Meadows. Uh they're
really really nice. You ought to check them out.
» I say there's one on and there one on on the um Sunset.
» Yeah, Cardinal. Sorry. Cardinal. >> Yeah.
» I don't go there. I live in Pine Lakes, Eustace, Florida.
Pine Forest Park is where I get is my local park. We It's beautiful park.
» It's in Pine Lakes. >> Pine Lakes.
It's a beautiful park. We have a basketball court. There's a playground.
There's a court for baseball and um there's a lot of room there that you can
build a pickle ball court >> that will refer to staff, right, Rick?
And >> yeah, I'll get Sam on that.
» We We don't have a pickle ball court on Sunset Sunset off of Ward Avenue.
» No, >> not Okay. All right. Thanks.
» Thank you. >> You're Thank you.
any Margaret. >> Uh, yes. And I was just checking that
Pine Forest Park is actually Lake County.
» That's what I got.
» Um, Precious Miller.
» So, ma'am, if you get to Lake County on the pickle ball, if you get to Lake
County's county commission, that'd be great to let them know, too.
» Okay. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Precious Miller and I'm here to talk
about the police chapy program. I'm here to let you know that I have been in the
program I think about three years and so I find it a great
» the mic down a little bit. >> Okay. I find it a great honor and a
privilege to be a part of the chaplain service because when I moved here to
Eustace from Sanford, I've been here about 20 years and my heart desire has
always to been to be a part of the Eustace community. And so when I had the
opportunity and to join the Eustace chaplain, I
decided that I would. And so because of my love for the city of Eustace and my
love to serve people that was a great opportunity for me and I thank the Lord
for letting me allowing me to be a part of the chaplain program. We go and we go
to meet people needs by praying with them and meeting community needs also.
You have to forgive me. I'm a little nervous, but I I love this community and
because I love the community, I wanted to serve the community. That's why I
became a chaplain. So, I also love the police department because they have
needs just like everybody else and they need prayer. And so that was our job and
that's what my heart desire and that's what all of our heart desire is to serve
the police department to pray with them and to meet their needs as well as to
meet the needs of the community as well. That's all I had to say. Thank you,
» Chaplain Hill.
Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners.
I am the lead chaplain for the useless police department, Dr. Renee Hill and
senior pastor along with my husband Benny of Win1 Ministries. I have been
handed some information from a certain party and I wanted to address this
information and I'm going to just go because I only
have three minutes line by line or skip some of it. It reads as follows. The
chaplain program at the US Police Department is
extremely unusual. Sure it is. You know why? Because all of us love the Lord
» and all of us love community. So yes, we are unusual.
They also stated in their email that we only responded to
five incidents or five times since 2023. That's incorrect.
That is incorrect. What I would like to do is invite the
individual who forwarded this email to personally meet
with me so that they can get their facts and their information correct.
The only sin in the Bible that will not tear before the Lord is a liar.
So we want to make them get them in a position that they can
tell the truth. The following week lead let's see what
else they have here. They want to know about the relationship that the police
officers would have with Win1 Ministries. Well, we have a relationship
not only with the city of use police department, but we have a relationship
with everybody in the city of use that desires to have a relationship with us.
Yes, they come, they help us with the food pantry, but anybody is invited.
Anybody. So, don't hold that against the useless
PD. And they also said that I get my nails
done. I have money. I get my hair done. Well, my husband takes good care of me.
So, useless PD, city of useless do none of that.
But what I would like to say before my minutes uh in my 23 seconds is I am
proud, very proud to be a chaplain and I will continue to build that program. I'm
so proud of Chief Capri and each one of you in your position. Yes, we must get
some things right, but we are well on the way to something great in this
community. Thank you.
» Maris Meny.
» Good evening. um mayor, vice mayor, attorney, and commissioners. U my name
is Marquis Miny. I'm also um a volunteer chaplain for the US Police Department,
and I would like to piggyback on what has been spoken before about the
chapency. I count it as an honor and a privilege to serve in the community.
The especially the officers, they have so much to endure. have challenges they
face each and every day. Not only them but of course our
civilians in the city of Eustace. If I could describe one word that many
words that explain what the chaplain do we are the glue the glue for the police
department as well as the civilians the citizens of Eustace Florida. We see um
very difficult situation, very horrible situations,
but we are there to bring support, bring help in any way that we can. And um I
like again I say I count it's a privilege and honor to serve as a
volunteer chaplain for the city for our civilians as well as the police
department. And um thank you so much for your time and your ear. Thank you.
And last card, and I'm having a little trouble reading the last name, but it
looks like Kimberly Gary. >> Thank you.
My name is Kimberly Gary. Good evening, U mayor, vice mayor,
commissioners, and city manager. I just want to speak a little bit about the
chapency program as well. I'm um a member of the USUS police department
chaplain. Um I know the complaintant said that a lot
of times that the police give us funds and stuff, but I can stand here because
I am the treasurer of the usage chapency program and every dollar that we hold is
what we we did raffles. We also out of our little raffle monies,
we did different little fundraisers. And guess what we do with the monies that
we've earned for Christmas? We went and we gave every officer um a Christmas
card and also a gift card to go to the coffee shop. If a officer has a new baby
or recently gotten married, we take those funds and we show them some love
through our chapency program. A lot of times when we go to seminars,
when we go to conferences, we self-support, we finance ourselves.
Um, we're not doing it for money. Everybody that's on the chaplain program
did it because of their heart and their compassion and their love for the people
and the citizens of this community. The chapy program was organized with the
invitation to every citizen in our community.
those that wanted to become a part of the chapency
either they showed up to get information or either they stayed to serve.
So I say again we're strictly volunteer. We love what we do. We've been on
multiple calls on many calls. Where was our accusers when a little baby shot
himself? Where was our accuser when a mother
child was deceased and we had to go out and go to the hospital to hold hands and
pray with them at that moment. Where are our accusers?
So, I just want to say if you don't know about the program,
please come directly. We have a head chaplain
that has invited anybody that need to know more about the chapency program to
come and see her and she will definitely give you all the information that you so
desire. Not only am I a chaplain with the city of Eustace, I am also a
chaplain at Low Prison um through an organization called Chyros International
Prison Ministry. So I choose to serve our people through prayer, fasting.
I'm a native historian. I've been here my whole life. I know nothing but Eustus
and I am invested in Eustace and I'm proud of the city. There are some things
can be improved, but I am yet proud of the city of Eustace. Thank you.
» No more cards. Is there anyone [clears throat] else who
would like to make comments?
» How y'all doing? Gary Winheim, unincorporated Lake County. I wasn't
going to speak tonight, but when I called out, I'm going to have to. Uh,
I'm not an accuser, by the way. I I sent an email. You know exactly the email I
sent because I CCD you in it. And Christine, you have the email as well. I
sent it to you. I'm not sure how Miss Hill got it. Uh, I only sent it to two
people and I sent it this afternoon. But I can tell you it started out like this.
It started out, "Thank you for your response in the production of these
records. Records I've been asking for and asking for since May. All I'm
wanting to know is the financials, the relationship financially between the
police department and Win1 Ministries. It's all I've been asking.
I've sent multiple emails requesting public records in reference to the
chaplain program. At times, I have not been responded to. I've had to send
emails requesting an update. I've been told there were no records. When I
questioned that, and I was told there were no records responsive to my
request. And when I questioned that, I received obviously partial records. I
received 46 pages of records, 23 of which were actual records. I got
receipts for purchases of shirts, name tags, uh 14 name tags. I have 10
chaplain, uh pants, one conference that sixth of them went to for a day. and
then another conference that Lee Chaplan Hill and Officer Santos went to for two
nights. That's all I've gotten as far as a treasury chaplain treasury. I had no
idea and I've asked for these records.
Four chaplain have got up here and told you the benefit of the chaplain program.
And I'm telling you, the chaplain program is beneficial. I know because I
was over the chaplain program when Pastor Harry was the chaplain. He was
here at the last meeting. I don't have a problem with a chaplain program. What I
have a problem with is the financial ties between the city of Eustace Win1
Ministries and them being the only chaplain involved in the police
department. When I asked Sasha previously, I said this really looks
really close to violating the establishment clause. When one scrubbed
their Facebook of all the pictures of the police department, police officers
in uniform on duty handing out food. It if you're not suspicious, don't look
suspicious. If you have the information, just give me the information. That's all
I'm asking. Well, am I being laughed at tonight?
Need to check. Thank y'all. Of course, I'm going to
address you, Miss Lee. Miss Lee, you guys know me. Gary, you and I have had
beers together at Wolf Branch. I organized the uh parade for your your
mother's birthday. Remember, >> George, I got socks with a guy with a
missing ear after I got shot. Remember, I know you guys I'm not up here trying
to stir stuff up just to stir it up. I have legitimate questions and I'm being
blocked on the information. Thank you,
» M. I'd love to sit down and talk to you sometime. Okay, just come down. We can
do this quietly. Thank you. >> Nothing more.
» No more. >> Then we'll move on to our consent
agenda.
» Uh make a motion to approve the consent agenda.
» Second. >> Roll call, please.
» Commissioner Ozbody, >> I.
» Vice Mayor Ashcraft, >> I. Mayor Lee
» I
ordinances public hearings and quasa judicial hearings.
Madam Mayor, we have one item for tonight for ordinances. Second reading
of 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
recitals providing for conflicts providing for separability
providing for codification, providing for an effective date.
Madame Mayor, this is the the second reading. We've reviewed this before.
Is there any questions from the commission?
Would anyone from the public like to comment on this item?
Seeing none, Madame Mayor, turn it back over to you for motion.
» Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve ordinance 26, sorry, 2026 29.
And I second. >> Roll call, please.
» Commissioner Osbody. >> Hi.
» Vice Mayor Ashcraftoft. >> Hi.
» Mayor Lee. >> I
just do this. >> I've got it. I'll get started.
» Um, so yeah, eight, uh, item 8.1 we we pulled, but item 8.2, the central
business district event and stimulus initiative. Um, at the request of one of
the commissioners, um, we were asked to to look into, um,
some considerations for formalizing practices
associated with alcoholic beverage sales within uh, the central business
district, the entertainment district, and Fair Park. Um, with the intent of
supporting the downtown businesses and and help them benefit from the event
related activities that we have. Um there were a couple of questions. The
first one I'll I'll address before I hand it over. Um as far as like the
first Fridays, businesses that are located with their storefronts,
um they are offered complimentary space at the first Fridays. Um we have talked
internally. Sherry's going to make sure that her team makes sure everyone is
aware of that. um that that information is out there.
Um we also there was a a request there that is um complimentary
basically there's no fee associated with it. They're also offered spots at Fair
Park but there are fees associated. So at Fair and Park when they if they want
to set up a booth, um they're off their spot if it's
available, but there are at this point there are fees. Um you know, if you want
to change that, that is definitely within your perview to let us know that.
Um as far as selling alcohol at Fair Park, I'll let uh Taylor pick up on that
a little bit. And you know, we have Sherry and and Mike here to weigh in as
we need. Sherry Sher and I spoke today
and she has a very good handle on she's been in a couple different
municipalities as you know and work through these issues.
There are some options that that we're looking at on how to address the alcohol
lensure issue and for it to be provided in Fairen Park.
There's a lot of there's some easy solutions. Um some of them would require
business if they are a restaurant to have a caterers caterers license and
that would allow them to serve alcohol food at Fair Park. There's also
extensions of their their license to allow them to serve off site and that
fee is a $100 fee to have that temporary extension. And what we were looking for
is direction from commission to move forward on looking at ways
to achieve that goal. letting alcohol being able to be be served and if
there's [snorts] >> obstacles to downtown businesses that so
actually I'm the one that brought this though. So I've had more than two
downtown businesses ask me what is you know what's the city what
can the city do to help them possibly during this downtime. I know all
businesses are hurting but our downtown businesses are hurting especially the
ones that are selling food and alcohol. So just an idea. I mean they honestly I
think any business in the central business district should have all fees
waved to get into any event. So I don't know how you all feel about that. But
the other prong to this thinking was you know right now they have to go through
so much paperwork for every event to get into every event to sell alcohol in the
park. And what what I'm trying to do is find a streamlined process to make this
a little easier for them to get into the park to sell alcohol. And and the and
the irony of this whole thing is downtown businesses have a harder time,
but if you're a nonprofit, you can get a temporary permit and sell alcohol
anytime you want. I don't think that's fair. So, I think we need to support our
downtown businesses right now. um this is just an idea to do that. So I don't
know what uh your thoughts are on it. So >> we have an ordinance right that we did
for the open container that's for just drinking that doesn't address the
selling of it. that doesn't address sales.
» The state alcohol tobacco, they regulate that licensing, right?
» So, I don't think can we undermine them or can we alter alter them? That was the
first thing that came to my mind for good or for bad or for whatever reason.
Can we even alter a a stat Florida statue? I don't know that we can.
» There there is an option to address the the lensure issues. Eustace has actually
done it before back in 2010. there was a special special law passed addressing
uses and um allowing additional permits for nonprofits um when there's a road
closure to various has a similar ordinance um there's several
municipalities that have done this gone to Tallahassee and had a special law
passed so far they've only really addressed the additional permits or
clarifying the the issues around the selling of of
alcohol and then having it leave a venue.
» So >> So it is to answer your question,
Commissioner, it is possible and I think part of that would be talking to the
downtown businesses and seeing if that's what that impediment is and how we can
fix it. >> Hope I Sorry. Go ahead.
» So, if a business has a license to consume alcohol on site,
» are you saying that we can generate an ordinance that would go beyond that?
» No, we can. So, we >> or you talking about just waving fees?
» We can petition Tallahassee to pass a special law addressing the downtown
business district, the entertainment district,
adjusting the the issues with selling offsite because it's
the site that is the kind of the crux of it. You're supposed to sell onsite
and it is possible to do that. >> Well, you sorry.
» Would that be a discussion with the regulation over there or is that going
to be a state uh sponsored bill that has >> It is a state sponsored bill which is
something that we have done before. Is that added to the to the one for the um
organizations? They can sell the alcohol.
» How do they get the license? >> So that that's actually kind of where
this is coming from. I mean, you know, we have an event here and we bring all
these people here, but nonprofits can get a one-day temporary permit and sell
on the park and our central business people can't. That seems backwards to
me. >> And that was a special law. Is that what
I heard you say? That is the struct current structure of
the Florida. >> I believe there's some other towns that
have something like this similar in place. And I believe we talked today
that we're going to we're going to do some research to see if there's a way uh
besides getting Tallahassee to to to pass a special law which I mean possibly
could go seems to me quite a quite amount of work. Um, but I mean I think I
think it's what we need to do for our downtown businesses right now. We need
to make it easy for them. So I think we should wave all fees for any downtown
business that wants to get into any any of our events. Um, and I would hope you
guys would support that. >> Sherry, have you had a request from any
of the businesses? >> Thanks.
» Thank you for having me. >> Yep.
» You are correct. The DPR does not make it easy for
restaurants to sell. There are different%
they can come into the park and they have come into the park
inspired discussion and since I came here I realiz
We just want to make sure. >> No, no, I understand. We Yeah, we have
to be careful, but it's a license, but most are catering.
» Um, first Friday would likely be an extension premises and we are totally
fine. They have not been doing this, but we will be
out. I'm curious who does
have That's kind of between them. We just got
to make sure that we're not saying you can sell alcohol and we don't override
with >> No, I totally understand that
misconception. >> No, no, no. I I totally Yeah. And I and
I appreciate uh all the um all the info, but isn't isn't there a
» like their storefront to the curb is considered extension on their premises?
» Yes. If it's on a sidewalk or out in the road, that would be
» So, they don't they don't need a permit for that, right? actually should have a
temporary extension of premises for that. Yes,
» that's a city permit, Sherry, or is that a state
» that that would be done? That would be state. So, ABT, it's it's uh $100 for
them to do that. Um, and I've got more information on happy to send you some
money >> per year or per
» per event. >> Wait a minute. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.
So, but I thought the storefront's already
considered a natural extension. The curb is considered a natural extension. They
don't need a permit. >> Not based on what I received from a
representative at the at the alcohol and beverage tobacco division.
She said sidewalk or street. So we can verify that with and I would she lives
in what I will do is send her a sketch and an example of what we're talking
about because that is what they require in order for them to get the permit is
for them to sketch it out. >> Mhm.
» Um so we can do that and say in this
instance would it cost you know would it be considered that and we'll go from
there. >> Well I didn't now I think I've opened a
can of worms and that wasn't the point on this. Um, I really wasn't. So, um,
» I would think if they're >> in front of their establishment and
they're right beside the curve, we've never enforced it before.
So, okay. Thank you. >> Can you help? I think one of the point
the things that happens here is that um in this in this industry in this type of
practice whether it's sip and strolls or different alcohol events the the license
holders um sometimes they take certain risk and they make a value judgment on
how great a risk this is in my license just like sometimes people may speed
they may be 5 10 over 15 20 they're making a value judgment with their
license and so what Our goal is is to not put the city in a position where
we're stamping with approval something that they're doing and also not giving
them the false premise that maybe their license isn't somehow put at risk. So
protecting the city and protecting them. >> Okay.
» To the best of our ability. Yes. >> So we are working on refining that
process. We actually already were. >> Okay. Um, and so we'll represent
something at a later time, but we're happy with waving the fees.
» Well, thank you. >> You're welcome. So, uh,
» Madam Mayor, I would think it might not I I'm in favor of maybe delegating this
to uh, Vice Mayor Ashcraft to work with
them and and walk us walk it through and and and uh, and and and actually I have
and everybody's been >> it'll get us across the line or where or
what. >> Yeah. So, um,
» along with along with attorney Taylor. >> Yes. Absolutely. Yeah. Um but uh the
legal um the thing we can control are the fees. So I would really like your
support to wave the fees for any business in the central business
district business that wants to set up at any event to have the fees waved
» at any of our events. Any of our events. >> I think that would be something maybe we
can add into the CRA incentive thing that we're doing for downtown uh and
make that one of the additional outline items. and you're done.
» I just need a consensus. >> Well, the consensus would be that
providing everything is >> in order,
» right? >> Yeah. You're subject to Florida statute.
Yeah, of course. Yeah. >> Okay.
» Thank you. >> Yeah. So, I I'm I'm for that.
» I'm okay with that. >> Okay. Okay. I appreciate that.
» Okay. So, we're done with that one? >> Yes.
» Okay. So, let's go to a future agenda items and comments. was saw with city
attorney.
» City's continuing to be busy. Madame Mayor, um I don't have any specific
items to brief you on tonight. If there is anything that you have questions on,
I'm happy happy to answer them. >> City manager,
» uh just a couple things. Um, when we were down at League of Cities, uh, I got
a nice phone call from Representative Cobb. Um, I thought I was in trouble,
but actually it was, um, she called to share comments. She was at a Lake 100
meeting and she was with one of the Orange County commissioners
and the commissioner was raving about the American Bloom project. Don't let us
change that and just had a lot of really good things to say. um went on about the
five-year-old son and the butterfly and how easy it was for him to navigate
through and um she said that the son just wore out the commissioner chasing
around the butterfly. So, I wanted to share that with you because it was it
was some really nice feedback um to get. And uh lastly, just um hopefully you all
have been receiving uh Kevin Kudson's emails. Um there was a package that went
to you for you to download. Um if you're having any trouble, please uh reach out
to myself, Karen, or Kevin himself. Um there's some scoring sheets in there.
and he has asked that prior to your next meeting with him, the online meetings,
um to be able to go through those candidates and and fill out those
scoring sheets. So, but he should be reaching out to you if he has not
already to uh set up the next the next uh meeting with y'all. And that's all I
have. >> Okay,
» Vice Mayor. >> Nope. I've talked enough. Thank you,
» Commissioner. I'll take his time. Um, but uh really
just one thing. >> I didn't I'm sorry I didn't yield the
balance of my time. >> You in trouble again. [laughter]
» Um, just a quick just a quick note, something we're proud of being me being
involved in uh helping get the UCF incubator um into Eustace. I just wanted
to let you know that UCF won an award for the best incubator in the nation.
» Wow. So >> awesome.
» Awesome. >> Congratulations. Great. [applause]
It's a great university, a great program and and and really the entire community
is getting behind it lead and everybody and and we're changing uh and helping a
lot of people and and that's that's pretty cool. Um the the the free time
and effort that UCF gives is is is priceless. And uh this is another award
that that just came out uh this yesterday.
» Yeah, this week. So, uh, congratulations to UCF and and, uh, thank you to the
commission and obviously to the county commission who funds a big part of it.
Um, I think we're we're we're doing some some great stuff.
» Other than that, that's it, Madame Mayor.
» Congratulations. >> I have just a few things. Um, I did
attend the Eustace Business Allian alliance and I I think they're just
going great and they're become beginning to come together and we have plans that
they'll work together and that's what we really wanted and we're looking forward
to um working with them and and um increasing all of the activities
downtown, working together at it. That's what we've been trying to do and it
seems to be effective and I thank our Mike for being there because he made
that connection and uh and I saw a lot of people all of them surrounding you
and being willing to work and do their share about it. So, thank you for that.
Also, the community garden is going really well.
And um we're getting people involved and it's on Cardinal Street and so it's
called Cardinal Cove Community Garden. If you guys ever get a chance to ride
around or if you're interested in being volunteering to work in it, you're
certainly welcome. Um, we attended the Florida uh League of Cities convention
and it was great. It gives us an opportunity to get to know other elected
officials to learn things, the new things that are coming up. Of course,
the biggest area of discussion was uh the property taxes and um we we learn a
lot. We get to network and that's the best feeling. We find out what other
cities are doing and uh it gives us an opportunity to compare and sometimes
they have some great ideas that we can tap into and uh and get more information
about it that would be beneficial beneficial to us and we in turn uh often
provide opportunities for them that they would like to know more about what we're
doing. So it was great and uh and I enjoyed it and I'm just glad that we had
the opportunity to participate. Uh I think I'm so proud to say that it's
25 minutes maybe 27 minutes to 8 and um we're done.
So with that I call this meeting ajourned.