[0:00] 
[2:55] Keep an eye on the cameras.
[2:58] Library and recreation.
[3:01] OK is there a box over there.
[3:02] Get the thumbs up there.
[3:06] 
[3:10] Good afternoon, everyone.
[3:12] Welcome to the
Tavares city council
[3:14] meeting for December 4, 2024.
[3:18] Before we get started, I would
like to bring in and introduce
[3:23] the tarvarious high
school brass ensemble
[3:25] who have been playing Christmas
music for us out in the lobby.
[3:27] If they would come in and
be recognized, please.
[3:30] Y'all come on in.
[3:33] It's right there in the middle.
[3:35] Just go in the middle there.
[3:37] Middle left turn.
[3:41] There you go.
[3:41] There you go.
[3:43] Turn around and think.
[3:46] You look wonderful, all of you.
[3:47] Sister wants to say something.
[3:49] No, I just was.
[3:51] No, I'm so happy that you
all are here again this year.
[3:54] We just love it.
[3:55] It kind of kicks off our.
[3:56] Our Christmas
season, so Thank you.
[4:00] Y'all are very, very good.
[4:02] Thank you.
[4:03] Thank you very much.
[4:04] Thank you.
[4:06] Thank you.
[4:09] Now y'all can go get your cake.
[4:10] 
[4:17] And if anyone from
the public is here
[4:20] to speak on any of
our agenda items,
[4:23] please fill out one of
the request to speak.
[4:26] They're on the back
table by the door
[4:27] there and make sure you
give them to Phil Clark
[4:31] and he'll get them
up here to us.
[4:34] That's what we're
going to start with,
[4:36] an invocation and pledge from
Pastor chase Allen of the First
[4:39] Baptist church of Umatilla.
[4:41] 
[4:44] Well, good afternoon.
[4:46] As always, every time you
guys allow me to come,
[4:47] I'd like to say thank
you for allowing
[4:49] me to come and represent first
Baptist church of Umatilla.
[4:51] And most importantly, Jesus.
[4:52] Let's pray.
[4:53] Father, we love you.
[4:54] And Thank you so much
for this afternoon.
[4:56] God, I Thank you for this
great city, for all that
[4:58] it stands for all that it does.
[5:00] And so, Lord, I pray that you
would be with today's business,
[5:02] that you would be
with today's dealings,
[5:04] that you would be with
calm minds and cool hearts.
[5:07] God, that you would
just allow business
[5:08] to be taken care of
God, and that everything
[5:10] that happens in
this room would be
[5:11] honoring and glorifying to you.
[5:13] Thank you so much
for your son, Jesus.
[5:14] It's in his name.
[5:15] We pray.
[5:15] Amen Amen.
[5:18] I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
[5:22] and to the Republic
for which it stands.
[5:25] One nation under
God, indivisible,
[5:28] with liberty and
justice for all.
[5:30] Thank you guys so much.
[5:32] Thank you.
[5:33] Thank you.
[5:34] 
[5:41] Are there any changes to
the agenda from staff.
[5:44] None from staff.
[5:45] Make a motion to
approve the agenda.
[5:48] Second OK we have a motion duly
seconded to approve the agenda.
[5:53] Any other discussion.
[5:55] All those in favor,
signify by saying Aye.
[5:57] Aye Any opposed.
[5:59] OK agenda has been adopted.
[6:02] We have no proclamations
or presentations swearing
[6:07] in by the city attorney
and disclosure of ex
[6:09] parte communications.
[6:10] Yes Thank you, Mayor.
[6:11] There are no quasi judicial
matters on the agenda today.
[6:14] And we have no
ordinance or resolutions
[6:20] to read into the
record, is that correct.
[6:22] That's correct.
[6:22] Mayor, Thank you.
[6:23] The consent agenda.
[6:28] Council members
do I have a motion
[6:31] to approve the consent agenda.
[6:32] Make a motion to approve.
[6:33] Second OK.
[6:35] We have a motion and a second
to approve the consent agenda.
[6:37] Any other discussion.
[6:39] All in favor.
[6:40] Signify by saying Aye.
[6:41] Aye no resolutions
and no ordinances.
[6:47] OK, so that moves
us into tab three.
[6:50] The discussion of removing
fluoride from the drinking water
[6:54] into the.
[6:55] 
[7:01] If you will, if everyone
here will indulge.
[7:05] We're going to start out with a
video, a seven minute video that
[7:11] will explain why we're here and
why the agenda item is before us
[7:18] today.
[7:18] So, Mark, do you want to
go ahead and start that up.
[7:22] 
[7:27] Good morning.
[7:28] Thank you very much for
joining us here this morning.
[7:30] I'm Dr. Joe Ladipo, the
surgeon general of Florida.
[7:34] And I am joined today by
Dr. Ashley Mallon, who
[7:39] is a professor at the
University of Florida, and Dr.
[7:42] Claire Stagg, who is a dentist.
[7:45] So thank you again
for joining us today.
[7:47] I'd like to Thank
the Fairfax water
[7:49] treatment plant for hosting us.
[7:52] Water fluoridation has been
in the news a lot lately
[7:55] and it started probably
a few months ago
[7:58] when a judge ruled
that the EPA needed
[8:01] to make some additional rules
about safety regarding water
[8:06] fluoridation systems
and the policies
[8:09] that communities in
the United States
[8:10] follow related to
water fluoridation
[8:13] in the United States.
[8:15] In Florida, somewhere around
75% or 80% of Floridians
[8:19] are in communities that
have water fluoridation.
[8:23] As a medical physician, I
actually have historically
[8:27] supported this practice.
[8:29] It's something that we've
learned in medical school,
[8:31] is a public health
measure that is helpful
[8:35] and is something that as a
physician, we should support.
[8:39] The ruling several months ago
prompted me and other people
[8:43] to look more closely
at the issue,
[8:45] and that ruling was
based on a report
[8:47] that the National Toxicology
Program assembled, that they
[8:52] started actually
working on it years ago,
[8:54] reviewing data and studies of
harms and benefits associated
[9:00] with water fluoridation
and increased
[9:02] levels of fluoride in water.
[9:05] And as I started both
reading this report
[9:08] and reading the actual studies
that the report was based on I
[9:14] was appalled, frankly, to just
to be completely Frank with you,
[9:18] while there's no question that
fluoride is like other minerals,
[9:24] an important mineral
and fluoride absolutely,
[9:26] positively can strengthen
teeth, it is also the case
[9:30] that fluoride is neurotoxic
and the effects in terms
[9:37] of any neurologic effects
or any behavioral effects
[9:40] are actually something that
have been in the literature
[9:43] for many years.
[9:45] When this issue has
arisen in the past.
[9:47] What you've typically heard from
organizations like the American
[9:51] Dental Association, and
many of my colleagues,
[9:54] and frankly, you probably would
have heard it from me if I had
[9:57] been asked, is that the studies
that have found harms related
[10:02] to fluoridation were
in communities that
[10:05] had much higher
levels of fluoride
[10:07] than what we allow here
in the United States.
[10:11] Well, the fact is that
not only, first of all,
[10:14] did these studies find really
very, very bad outcomes.
[10:18] Specifically, many,
many studies have
[10:22] found a relationship between
fluoride and fluoride
[10:26] exposure and intelligence.
[10:28] So typically, the relationship
is somewhere on the order
[10:33] of a half a standard
deviation drop
[10:36] in IQ in areas with higher
levels of fluoridation,
[10:39] which is a profound
effect on health
[10:42] and has profound implications.
[10:45] But there are also
neuropsychiatric risks
[10:48] that have been raised, including
things like attention deficit
[10:52] hyperactivity disorder,
including things like problems
[10:56] with executive function
and decision making
[10:58] and other behavioral
problems in children.
[11:01] And so the typical criticism
has been that these studies were
[11:05] in countries like China or
India where say, the naturally
[11:09] occurring amounts of fluoride
are much higher than what we
[11:12] have here in the United States.
[11:15] Well, it turns out that,
in fact, that wasn't true.
[11:18] So in the last
five or six years,
[11:21] there have been several studies
that have been published.
[11:24] Dr. Malin has actually
published some of these studies
[11:27] in communities in Canada, also
in the United States, where
[11:32] levels of fluoride
are actually quite
[11:34] similar to the levels that
we have here in this state
[11:38] and in this country.
[11:40] And these studies have actually
found the same findings
[11:43] that moms and children exposed
to higher levels of fluoride
[11:50] have experienced adverse
neurologic and neuropsychiatric
[11:55] effects.
[11:55] I mean, it's appalling, but
it's actually been documented
[11:59] in multiple studies now.
[12:01] So based on these findings
and in recognition of the fact
[12:07] that there are other
sources of fluoride
[12:10] that people in communities have
access to whether it's brushing
[12:14] with fluoridated toothpaste or
whether it's using a fluoride
[12:19] mouthwash.
[12:20] And there are other sources too.
[12:22] People go to the
dentist and receive
[12:23] fluoride there that it is.
[12:26] It is.
[12:26] It is public health malpractice
with the information
[12:30] that we have now to
continue adding fluoride
[12:34] to water systems in Florida.
[12:37] It is public health malpractice.
[12:39] And so we are issuing
guidance to every community,
[12:43] every municipality,
every County in Florida
[12:47] to stop adding fluoride to
their community water systems.
[12:53] And I will tell you that
the data that we have,
[12:57] the studies that
we have primarily
[12:59] are focused on pregnant
women and children.
[13:02] Those are clearly the most
sensitive and vulnerable
[13:04] populations for
fluoridation in terms
[13:07] of these adverse
neuropsychiatric effects.
[13:10] But I personally
in my family, we've
[13:13] pulled back in terms
of sources of fluoride
[13:16] because we're concerned
about the effects.
[13:19] There's less research there.
[13:21] My sense is that
those that research
[13:23] will also show adverse effects
and that remains to be seen.
[13:27] But in this day and age,
with the additional sources
[13:30] of fluoride that
people have access to
[13:32] it is public health malpractice
to continue adding fluoride
[13:36] to community water systems
that women and pregnant women
[13:40] and children have access to.
[13:43] So that's the announcement
that we're making today.
[13:46] We'll be issuing
formal guidance that's
[13:49] going to be available
for every Floridian
[13:51] to read and to better
understand why we're
[13:54] making this recommendation.
[13:55] And we have a tool
for Floridians
[13:59] to look up their dresses and
see whether their communities
[14:03] add fluoride to the water.
[14:05] And we encourage we encourage
municipalities and counties
[14:08] to look at the guidance to make
the decision that is in the best
[14:11] interest of your
communities here
[14:15] in Florida and your
local communities.
[14:17] And we encourage Floridians
to look at the guidance
[14:19] and speak to your local
leaders, because this
[14:22] is something that has been
defended for a long time.
[14:25] And it is public
health malpractice
[14:28] to continue doing it.
[14:29] So next, we're going to have.
[14:31] 
[14:34] And for those of
you that would like
[14:36] to watch the rest of that
video in your own time,
[14:39] it's on YouTube.
[14:40] It goes on for about
20 minutes total.
[14:43] The interview is a dentist, a
doctor and some other people
[14:47] that are also in favor
of removing fluoride
[14:50] from community water systems.
[14:54] So at this point.
[14:56] We're going to start
with our public comment.
[14:59] 
[15:03] We're I'll start with
Dr. Johnny Johnson.
[15:07] 
[15:11] Please state your name
and address for the record
[15:12] and you have three minutes.
[15:15] 33 3.
[15:17] OK I could fill up for
hours, but that's OK.
[15:21] My name is Johnny Johnson.
[15:22] I'm a pediatric dentist.
[15:24] I live in Chiefland, Florida.
[15:25] P.o. box 2,450.
[15:27] I'm also the president of the
American Fluoridation Society.
[15:30] Like our sister organization
in the UK, British Fluoridation
[15:34] Society and in Canada
Canadian Fluoridation Society,
[15:37] we disseminate evidence
based scientific information
[15:40] from around the world
on water fluoridation,
[15:42] good, bad, or otherwise.
[15:44] I will tell you that the
benefits of fluoridation
[15:46] are well established.
[15:48] There's no doubt that
there are benefits
[15:51] of at least 25% to 50% cavity
reductions for everybody.
[15:55] Those that are the most
impoverished, those
[15:57] of in your town that are 10% one
out of every 10 people you walk
[16:02] by that live in
poverty, they have
[16:05] double the number of cavities
that all the rest of us do.
[16:08] They don't get to go to
the dentist hardly at all.
[16:11] If ever.
[16:11] The only preventive
tooth, the only
[16:13] preventive dental
protection that they get
[16:16] is fluoridated water.
[16:18] What happens when you
remove fluoridated water.
[16:22] Two cities, three
cities for Israel.
[16:25] Juneau, Alaska.
[16:27] Calgary, Alberta, Canada
and Windsor, Ontario.
[16:30] Remove fluoride from
your water fluoridation.
[16:33] In Calgary, they saw
a huge, huge increase
[16:37] in cavities from 2011 when
they stopped it to 2019
[16:41] when they reinstated it.
[16:43] The rises were so
horrible that these kids
[16:47] had to go to the
hospital for treatment
[16:49] under operating room
with general anesthesia.
[16:51] The increases were skyrocketing.
[16:53] They've reimplemented it.
[16:55] It's going to go back down.
[16:57] Buffalo, New York, stopped
in 2015, didn't tell anybody.
[17:01] They were going to move
some equipment around.
[17:03] Investigative journalists
found out about it in 2022.
[17:07] Revealed it.
[17:09] Class action lawsuit was brought
against the city of Buffalo.
[17:12] I'm not threatening lawsuits.
[17:13] I'm just giving you facts.
[17:15] The city of Buffalo.
[17:17] The two attorneys brought a
lawsuit, 1 over $160 million
[17:21] just settled.
[17:22] And that money was
not for pocket money.
[17:24] That money was to go towards
setting up clinics to treat
[17:27] the kids that had been harmed.
[17:29] That's all.
[17:30] That's what happens when
you stop fluoridation.
[17:33] Your community saves over
$600,000 in dental treatment
[17:37] costs by fluoridating
water, $32 per person per
[17:42] person every year,
taxable money that
[17:45] they get to spend in your city.
[17:46] They don't get taxed
on the money when they
[17:48] go spending at the dentist.
[17:50] Lastly, let me also
say that Dr. lopatto.
[17:54] The adipose excuse me is
entitled to his own opinions,
[17:57] but not his own facts.
[17:59] He is 100% wrong in
what he's saying.
[18:02] We have fantastic research
from around the world
[18:04] where we know what
people are taking
[18:06] in as far as fluoridated water.
[18:08] And there are no changes.
[18:10] The studies he's
referring to they
[18:12] have no clue what
the intakes are.
[18:14] They're just measuring it
in urine from a biobank.
[18:17] And I can go into that
much further if you'd like.
[18:19] All right.
[18:20] Thank you.
[18:20] Thank you.
[18:20] Keep please keep
fluoridation in your water.
[18:22] 
[18:27] Dr. Wade Winkler.
[18:30] Please state your name and
address for the record.
[18:33] And you have three minutes.
[18:36] Thank you.
[18:37] Good afternoon.
[18:38] I'm Dr. Wade Winker and
I live at 728 Boylston
[18:42] Street in Leesburg, Florida.
[18:44] I commend the commissioners
for considering
[18:47] this important preventive
Healthcare Initiative.
[18:49] I rise in support of community
water fluoridation for Tavares.
[18:54] I'm a Leesburg resident
and practiced dentistry
[18:57] in Eustis for 29 years.
[18:59] My family resides
in Leesburg, where
[19:01] community water
fluoridation is scheduled
[19:04] to be reinstated early in 2025.
[19:08] The information I'm
about to share with you
[19:11] is from the Center
for Disease Control.
[19:13] Community water fluoridation
has been identified
[19:16] as the most cost of excuse me.
[19:20] Effective method of
delivering fluoride
[19:23] to all members of the
community, regardless
[19:25] of age, educational
attainment or income level.
[19:29] By preventing tooth decay,
community water fluoridation
[19:33] has been shown to save
money both for families
[19:35] and for the health care system.
[19:37] Too many of our residents.
[19:40] Too many of our residents
present to our hospital
[19:43] emergency departments
and urgent care clinics
[19:46] for treatment of dental related
emergencies, which put an added
[19:50] strain on a health care
system that is already
[19:52] overburdened and understaffed.
[19:55] Hospitals do not
provide emergency
[19:58] dental care into various.
[20:00] The return on investment over
would be over $26 million over
[20:05] 10 years based on a $75,000 a
year annual maintenance cost
[20:11] that as Dr. Johnson
just said, that's $30
[20:15] saved for every dollar spent.
[20:17] 
[20:21] We can also prevent countless
amount of pain, suffering, loss
[20:25] of productivity and
improve quality of life.
[20:28] I support community water
fluoridation for tavaris.
[20:31] This will be a tremendous health
benefit for tavaris residents.
[20:35] Let's give our children a
fighting chance for a lifetime
[20:38] of dental health.
[20:40] I leave you with a question.
[20:41] Will we allocate $3.75
per resident per year
[20:47] to protect them
from dental decay.
[20:49] Or will we continue
to allow our residents
[20:52] to spend an additional
$2.6 million a year.
[20:58] In local dentists offices.
[21:01] A couple of points to what the
surgeon general had to share.
[21:04] All of the reports that he cited
where he's saying that there
[21:08] were adverse effect,
we're well aware
[21:10] of that, which is why the
recommended percentage
[21:13] is at 0.7 part per million.
[21:17] All of the reports
that he references
[21:19] are where it's more
than double that.
[21:23] And we know that there concerns
when you start raising that you
[21:28] may not in the wrong
concentration water
[21:31] can kill you hypokalemia.
[21:34] Look it up.
[21:34] People die from
drinking too much water.
[21:37] Nothing in it.
[21:38] I rise in support
of fluoridation.
[21:41] Thank you.
[21:44] Dr. Alan Hayes.
[21:45] 
[21:48] We state your name and
address for the record.
[21:52] Thank you, Mr Mayor,
and good afternoon,
[21:54] commissioners and staff.
[21:56] It's good to see you all.
[21:58] I'm Alan Hayes.
[21:59] I practice dentistry in
Umatilla for 27 years.
[22:03] I reside on B&B
road in Umatilla.
[22:05] For the last 20 years, I've
been an elected official in this
[22:08] state and one sort or another.
[22:10] I'm here today completely
embarrassed by the four times
[22:14] that Surgeon General
stated medical malpractice,
[22:18] public health malpractice.
[22:20] That is one big pile of baloney,
pure garbage, to be very candid.
[22:27] And I would tell him that if he
were sitting here or standing
[22:30] here today, I
vehemently disagree
[22:33] with the characterization
that the surgeon
[22:35] general of this
great state has put
[22:37] on the wonderful addition of
fluoride in the proper dosage
[22:44] to the drinking water.
[22:45] The residents of
Tavares are currently
[22:48] blessed with that benefit.
[22:50] You have heard from two
other dental professionals.
[22:54] You got to understand, folks,
if we were in it for the money,
[22:57] we would say, please
don't put fluoride in.
[23:00] It's going to be more
money in the dentist pocket
[23:02] and less money in the.
[23:04] And it really doesn't have
anything to do with money.
[23:06] It's about the health of
those children and the adults
[23:10] that they're going to become
to be maximally effective.
[23:15] The fluoride ion must be
incorporated in the enamel rod
[23:19] as it's being formed in
the jawbone of the infant
[23:23] and the youngster.
[23:25] It's most effective if it
happens before the age of 16.
[23:29] He mentioned the application
of topical fluoride gels
[23:33] and toothpaste and things
that all of that is temporary.
[23:37] That's like your wife putting
on some makeup in the morning
[23:42] and the first time
she cries, it's
[23:44] going to run down the cheek.
[23:46] And if she doesn't cry all day
long, she's going to take it off
[23:49] before she goes to bed at night.
[23:50] The superficial application
of topical fluoride
[23:54] is advantageous, but it doesn't
do anywhere near the benefit
[23:59] that the incorporation of
this is in the formation
[24:03] of that enamel.
[24:04] It's just the best thing to do.
[24:08] If you want to do the right
thing, you do nothing.
[24:12] Keep the fluoride in the
water as you're doing already.
[24:15] Thank you.
[24:17] Thank you.
[24:17] 
[24:20] Justin Harvey.
[24:21] 
[24:25] Please state your name and
address for the record.
[24:27] 
[24:32] My name is Justin Harvey.
[24:34] I live at 103 South Osceola.
[24:35] Orlando 32801.
[24:38] I'm here to speak in full
support of removing fluoride
[24:41] from the public's water supply.
[24:42] As you all have noted, the
Florida surgeon general
[24:44] has advised all communities
to halt the practice of water
[24:47] fluoridation and has called
it public health malpractice
[24:50] to continue doing so.
[24:52] The incoming health and Human
Services director, Robert F
[24:54] Kennedy jr. is going to
oversee all major health
[24:57] agencies said on January 20.
[24:59] They're going to advise all
US Water Systems to halt water
[25:02] fluoridation as it is quote,
an industrial waste associated
[25:06] with arthritis,
bone fractures, bone
[25:08] cancer, IQ loss,
neurodevelopmental disorders
[25:12] and thyroid disease.
[25:14] So far, Collier County,
Brooksville, Winter Haven
[25:16] and Stuart, Florida have
all removed fluoride
[25:18] from the public's water supply,
with many more communities,
[25:21] including yourself and Naples,
talking about this today
[25:24] and in the coming weeks.
[25:25] Two other important factors
to remember with this.
[25:27] We are indeed mass
medicating the public
[25:30] without their informed consent.
[25:31] Since when did
local officials get
[25:33] tasked with the
responsibility of putting
[25:35] medicine in the water.
[25:36] Doesn't really make
much sense, does it.
[25:38] We don't put antidepressants
or statins in the water.
[25:40] Why are we adding fluoride
to treat gum or teeth.
[25:44] This is a mass medication
without informed consent.
[25:48] If you also remember RFK jr.
called this an industrial waste.
[25:52] Well, he's right.
[25:52] This is not naturally
occurring fluoride.
[25:55] It's from the groundwater.
[25:56] As many mainstream
media news articles will
[25:58] quote that this is natural.
[25:59] This is hydrofluosilicic
acid, something
[26:02] bought from a third party.
[26:04] It is from the
phosphate and fertilizer
[26:05] industry, a substance
that is so toxic that it
[26:08] can't be dumped anywhere.
[26:09] So they have found what they can
do is sell it to municipalities
[26:12] and spread it very thin and
put it in the water supply.
[26:15] As a fluoridating agent,
there are no safety
[26:17] studies on this substance.
[26:18] It is so dangerous it
will eat through steel,
[26:21] glass and concrete.
[26:22] A utility worker
once told me they
[26:24] would prefer not to deal with
it because it is so dangerous.
[26:26] They don't want the
liability on their workers.
[26:29] So you can by
ending fluoridation,
[26:31] you will not only save money,
you will prevent your workers
[26:34] from dealing with
this hazardous waste
[26:36] chemical, which why are we
adding that to the water anyway.
[26:39] You will not be mass
medicating the public anymore
[26:41] and we can get the neurotoxin
out of the public's water supply
[26:44] that is posing this
unreasonable risk that
[26:47] is cited from a federal judge.
[26:49] The individuals before me cite
this as Dr. oladipo's opinion,
[26:52] but it is not it is clearly
from a federal judge ruling
[26:56] that this is a neurotoxin,
something that we have
[26:59] been stating for a decade now.
[27:01] And in case you're
wondering how we're
[27:02] going to protect
the public's teeth,
[27:04] people can supplement
on their own.
[27:05] We've got data from fluoridated
and non-fluoridated communities
[27:08] and there is no
significant difference.
[27:10] Look at Portland, Oregon,
who has never fluoridated.
[27:13] You can match that with
other countries overseas.
[27:16] Most of the world
does not fluoridate.
[27:18] It's actually America
that is heavily
[27:19] fluoridated as 5% of the
entire world fluoridated.
[27:23] In closing, I would just
like to say Winter Springs
[27:25] and Castleberry have been
fluoride free for decades,
[27:27] citing health concerns
and informed consent.
[27:29] The public should have
the right to choose
[27:31] what goes into their water.
[27:32] Let's end the practice today.
[27:34] Thank you very much.
[27:34] Thank you.
[27:35] 
[27:37] Chad Cameron.
[27:38] 
[27:43] Please state your name and
address for the record.
[27:45] 
[27:48] My name is Chad Cameron.
[27:50] I reside at 10:09 Second
Avenue, Crescent City.
[27:55] Today I stand before you
with a grave concern that
[27:57] should alarm each one of us.
[27:58] The presence of fluoride
in our drinking water.
[28:00] This isn't merely a
water treatment issue.
[28:04] It's a pressing
public health crisis
[28:06] demanding immediate action.
[28:08] Fluoride has been classified as
a neurotoxin, a substance that
[28:11] can harm our nervous system.
[28:13] Florida surgeon general.
[28:14] As we saw, said
it's a public health
[28:16] malpractice to continue
adding fluoride to the water
[28:19] systems in Florida.
[28:21] And he urged every
community to ceasefire
[28:23] this practice immediately.
[28:24] Fluoride toxicity
is well documented
[28:26] in the science is settled.
[28:28] The National toxicity
program conducted
[28:30] a comprehensive review,
culminating in a 2024 report.
[28:34] This report concluded
that fluoride
[28:36] exposure from drinking
water is associated
[28:38] with lower IQ in children.
[28:39] Furthermore, September
27, 2024, federal court
[28:44] has mandated that the EPA
strengthen its regulations
[28:47] on fluoride, citing the
current level possesses
[28:50] an unreasonable
risk, particularly
[28:53] to infants and pregnant women.
[28:54] Toothpaste labels warn
us to call poison control
[28:56] if a pea sized amount
of if ingested,
[29:00] if a pea sized amount
necessitates such caution, why
[29:04] is it in our drinking water.
[29:06] At least with toothpaste,
people can choose,
[29:08] but with water they
are denied this choice.
[29:09] And that's criminal.
[29:10] In my opinion, the stakes
are immense, especially when
[29:13] children with their
developing brains
[29:15] are highly susceptible
to toxic substances.
[29:18] The consequence the health and
future of our next generation.
[29:22] Why should we accept the
deliberate addition of such
[29:24] a chemical in our water.
[29:26] Ethically, this is indefensible.
[29:28] We are being medicated,
poisoned without our consent,
[29:32] a violation of our
fundamental rights
[29:34] to choose what enters our
body in a society that
[29:37] cherishes personal freedoms.
[29:39] How is this acceptable.
[29:40] This is not just about
public health policy.
[29:43] It's a personal it's about
personal autonomy and freedom.
[29:48] Let's also consider the
environmental impact.
[29:50] The byproducts of
fluoridation can
[29:52] leach into ecosystems, harming
aquatic life and biodiversity.
[29:55] Moreover, the economic
burden is significant.
[29:58] Maintaining these fluoridation
systems is a waste of resources.
[30:01] How can you justify spending
money to poison our community.
[30:04] The fact that I need to
take time out of my day
[30:06] and come here and educate you
on the dangers of a documented
[30:08] neurotoxin is beyond insane.
[30:11] If I could fire all of you, who
would even consider supporting
[30:15] neurotoxins in drinking water.
[30:16] I would.
[30:17] In closing, let me reiterate
the Surgeon General's words.
[30:20] It is public health
malpractice to continue adding
[30:24] fluoride to our water systems.
[30:26] So I ask you, are you
going to heed the advice
[30:27] of the Surgeon General.
[30:29] Will you continue to
use taxpayer money
[30:31] to poison the
community, or will you
[30:33] choose to protect the children.
[30:35] You have the power
to change this.
[30:37] I will remind you,
with great power
[30:38] comes great responsibility.
[30:40] You are responsible.
[30:41] All of you are responsible.
[30:43] You can either heal or harm.
[30:45] Please make the right choice.
[30:47] Thank you.
[30:48] 
[30:51] Is there anyone else.
[30:52] 
[30:55] OK, we will close public
comment and the remainder
[30:59] will be comments from
the council members.
[31:02] Who would like to start.
[31:04] Well, I thought we were
going to hear from Mr Clark.
[31:08] The cost factor of this.
[31:10] Sure you're more than welcome
to ask them Mr. Clark.
[31:15] What do you want, Sandy.
[31:16] I think it said that you were
going to give us an update
[31:20] of how much it costs us.
[31:22] Yes so annually.
[31:27] The chemical itself is around
$15,000, about $5 a gallon.
[31:32] OK, back up.
[31:33] Chemical that's
the chemical alone.
[31:36] I have a cumulative cost.
[31:38] The water staff, with their
sampling and their maintenance
[31:41] of the equipment
and their drive time
[31:43] is around 4 to $5,000 a year.
[31:46] That's the water staff.
[31:48] The lab staff who do
analysts and doubt
[31:51] prepare reports deal with
the regulatory people.
[31:54] Their cost is around
3 to $5,000 a year.
[31:57] Equipment maintenance,
which is pumps because it's
[32:00] very, very harsh stuff.
[32:02] So we have to
replace the equipment
[32:04] and keep it up and maintain.
[32:05] That's around $5,000 a year.
[32:07] We do $1,000 a year
on the poly tank
[32:12] depreciation because
about every 12 years
[32:14] we have to buy a $15,000 tank.
[32:17] So add all that up.
[32:18] It's about $30,000 a year.
[32:20] Do we add anything
else to our water.
[32:22] Chlorine?
[32:24] no, not chlorine.
[32:26] Yes, sir.
[32:28] OK because, I mean, if you were
to ingest chlorine by itself,
[32:31] isn't that harmful.
[32:32] Yes, sir.
[32:33] OK I just.
[32:36] Concern because I went
to my personal doctor
[32:39] yesterday for a checkup and
which I'm good right now
[32:42] I don't know about after the
meeting, but I'm good right now.
[32:45] And he educated me on
some things as well.
[32:50] He's been doing physicals for
athletics in various high school
[32:55] for many, many years.
[32:57] And his father before him.
[32:58] And he has noticed
over a period of times
[33:02] that the students from Tavares
itself versus the students
[33:08] from astatula or Bassfield
park or somewhere else
[33:11] outside the city
limits, that their teeth
[33:14] are stronger than the ones
that are outside the city.
[33:17] So I'm like, OK.
[33:21] So what I'm hearing is also
and somebody called me today
[33:25] and I don't know if
they liked my answer
[33:28] because some of what was
presented here today,
[33:31] on one side, if it's not.
[33:36] Taking care of and
it's not monitored
[33:38] as far as the proper amount is.
[33:41] Where I understand the
harm is where it's at.
[33:45] And if you do also
and I pulled up,
[33:48] I don't know how many
people like the eye,
[33:51] but I pulled up eye and I
asked, how harmful is it if
[33:55] or is there any benefit.
[33:56] Because this one person
said, well, kids don't drink
[33:58] water today like they used to.
[34:02] OK So a lot of little
kids drink Kool-Aid.
[34:05] So if it's.
[34:06] If they drink Kool-Aid, does
the fluoride still benefit them.
[34:10] And they said Yes.
[34:12] Even in the Kool-Aid.
[34:14] So with what I'm hearing
today, you got one side that
[34:18] says it's not good for you.
[34:19] You got one side that
says it is OK for you.
[34:22] And it's been
operating since 95.
[34:25] That's 29 years that we've been
in operation going on right
[34:29] at 30 close.
[34:30] And we haven't had
that much of a case.
[34:33] And the thing about.
[34:37] Every time something like this
comes up, it's cancer related.
[34:41] Cancer this cancer that.
[34:43] Well, you might want
to stop breathing
[34:45] the air you're breathing
now because you
[34:46] may get cancer from that.
[34:48] 
[34:50] But the thing is it
beneficial for our children.
[34:55] Yes, it is.
[34:58] As long as it's in
the proper amounts
[35:01] and as long as we're monitoring
that, I got no problem with it.
[35:07] So, Mr Clark, can
you explain how
[35:11] much fluoride we have in our
water and how that's taken
[35:15] care of.
[35:16] Yes so naturally we have
about 0.07 part per million
[35:22] naturally in the water.
[35:25] The EPA has recommended
dosage of 0.7 to 1.3.
[35:30] Their maximum
level is 2 to four.
[35:35] If you exceed two
part per million,
[35:38] you have to report
that to your residents.
[35:40] We've never exceeded
two actually,
[35:43] we averaged 0.7,
which is the lower
[35:46] end of the residual
recommended for public use.
[35:51] So I'm looking at a
year's worth of data
[35:54] and our largest residual was
0.72, which is in the lower
[35:59] end of the EPA regulation.
[36:02] OK we have never exceeded 0.73.
[36:07] So we're it's well regulated.
[36:10] We have a very
constant water source.
[36:13] So the fluoride is very,
very, very constant at about
[36:16] a 0.71 part per million.
[36:19] And we dose about
that with chlorine,
[36:22] you may dose four parts per
million to get two parts per
[36:25] million residual because it's
eaten up by demand and it also
[36:28] dissipates, fluoride doesn't.
[36:30] So if you put 0.7 part
per million of fluoride
[36:33] in it, the plant, you're
going to get about that
[36:35] anywhere in your system as long
as you're low proportion dosage.
[36:40] So very regulated on our
dosage, very stringent.
[36:44] It's tested daily, it's tested
in monthly in a certified lab.
[36:49] So I have a year's
worth of data and
[36:52] we've never gone above
0.72 residual of fluoride
[36:56] in the water.
[36:57] And, I did my own
research and by no means
[37:00] do I consider myself
an expert at all.
[37:02] I have to rely on
the information
[37:04] that I can receive from the
experts that have spoken here.
[37:07] Our surgeon general
and just have to make
[37:08] a decision based on that.
[37:10] And the things that
I've seen is it
[37:12] seems like the studies say
that the fluoride in too much
[37:18] quantity is not good for you.
[37:20] But as we're seeing
here, the municipalities
[37:23] are able to regulate that,
and that's beneficial
[37:27] to our underserved community.
[37:29] And I trust, what our utilities
director has just said here,
[37:35] that we're dosing
the proper amount
[37:37] that needs to be served
to help the individuals
[37:41] in our community.
[37:44] I know you brought this up in
the year that I was off counsel
[37:52] and there was a discussion
about bringing a workshop.
[37:54] And first of all, I'm
sitting here thinking,
[37:55] why wasn't there an
advertised workshop for this.
[37:57] It really is important.
[37:58] This is a safety
and health issue.
[38:00] The money aside, it's a
safety and health issue.
[38:03] And I wish instead of just
coming here at City council
[38:06] meeting and having to
respond back and forth as we
[38:10] see great responses
on both sides
[38:15] of the aisle on this bad good.
[38:18] And there's bad and good.
[38:20] And you have we're
sitting up here having now
[38:21] to make a decision by 5,
6 people coming up here
[38:25] and saying things where we could
have had a workshop advertised
[38:28] workshop That could have gone
over a few weeks, a few days
[38:32] to talk about this because I
know you can't just well, let's
[38:35] do a test on this and take
the fluoride out for a month
[38:38] and then see what happens
I don't believe you can get
[38:40] a good test from
that, especially
[38:43] since fluoride was put
in there since 1995
[38:46] here in the city of Tavares.
[38:48] I wish that this is
what we would have done.
[38:50] I'm still sitting
here studying this
[38:52] and I've been studying
this for the last
[38:53] since I got my agenda on Friday.
[38:56] So I'm sitting here doing this
self-study on all the stuff
[38:58] and listening to people,
but it's even on both sides.
[39:02] So I'm sitting
here, what do I do.
[39:04] What decision I make.
[39:04] I see somebody come up.
[39:05] OK We'll take it out.
[39:07] See nobody.
[39:07] OK, we'll leave it in.
[39:09] I still want more data.
[39:12] I still want more information.
[39:13] I still want to hear more.
[39:14] I want workshops.
[39:15] I want.
[39:16] We have 23,000 people
in the city of Tavares.
[39:18] I want to hear more
advertised workshops
[39:21] to see these people come in here
and see what they have to say.
[39:24] I really do.
[39:25] I think this is something
that we just can't right here
[39:28] after this is my first time
discussing this matter, to have
[39:32] a half a dozen people come
up, not even to say Yay or nay
[39:36] on this and what we should do.
[39:37] I really think we
should step back here.
[39:41] Step back.
[39:42] Let's set some
advertise workshops.
[39:45] I'll even get people
out there to come.
[39:48] And we need to discuss
this as a community.
[39:51] As a community.
[39:53] We did this years ago
when we wanted to have
[39:56] a direction for our town.
[39:57] Which way are we to go.
[39:58] How are we to develop.
[40:00] America's seaplane city
was born from that.
[40:02] Now we're sitting here with
a health and safety issue.
[40:04] And again, the money
I'm putting that aside
[40:06] because it's a health
and safety issue
[40:08] that we're discussing here.
[40:10] I say we need to bring in
more people to discuss this.
[40:13] I really do, because
I'm seeing Yay
[40:15] or nay on both sides of this.
[40:17] I see one person.
[40:18] OK I think maybe
we'll take it out.
[40:21] Let's see the next person.
[40:22] Maybe we should leave it in.
[40:23] That's my view at this
moment, as I sit here.
[40:27] 
[40:30] Vice mayor.
[40:31] OK well, I'm.
[40:35] I'm not really
interested in a workshop.
[40:37] This is.
[40:38] It's kind of something
medical related to me,
[40:42] and I just don't want
to have a workshop.
[40:44] I don't mind putting it off and.
[40:46] And at the next meeting and
having a vote and giving
[40:50] me time, because I'm.
[40:52] I'm a little disturbed with
what I've heard here tonight.
[40:55] I've heard that it's good.
[40:58] It's good.
[40:58] It's good.
[40:59] And then I've heard it's bad.
[41:00] It's bad.
[41:00] It's bad.
[41:00] And both of them were very
I believe both of them.
[41:06] So I'm confused with that.
[41:08] But then the next thing is I
have a council member telling me
[41:11] that the guy doing the sports
physical is also doing a dental.
[41:16] When do they do dental
checkups for a sports physical.
[41:19] I mean, I don't
really believe that.
[41:21] And then the water with the.
[41:24] Yeah, but I don't
ever remember them.
[41:26] They never looked
in my son's mouth
[41:27] when we were doing a
sports physical they
[41:30] weren't looking at his teeth.
[41:31] But anyway and then
the thing about you
[41:34] mix it with the Kool-Aid
because nobody drinks
[41:36] water, which is true.
[41:38] So the fluoride is still
in there with the Kool-Aid.
[41:42] It's still water,
but yet my doctor
[41:46] tells me to drink more water.
[41:47] And I say, well, I
drink tea all day
[41:49] and no, that's not the
same thing as water.
[41:52] Or beer.
[41:54] Beer is a lot of water in.
[41:56] But yet they say no,
you can't count that,
[41:58] but yet you can count
Kool-Aid for fluoride.
[42:01] So I'm confused
with that one too.
[42:03] And I know Councilmember
gamble, you got your information
[42:07] from wherever, and I
just need a little time
[42:09] to get my own information.
[42:11] So I would like to bring
this back at the very
[42:14] next council meeting.
[42:16] And as council member
Grenier, I just
[42:20] got this information on Friday.
[42:22] It was on the agenda.
[42:23] I'm going to be honest, I
didn't look at my agenda
[42:26] until probably Monday,
and I saw it on there.
[42:28] And I didn't really
think much of it.
[42:30] I really didn't
understand why we
[42:32] were bringing it back up because
I have failed to watch the news.
[42:36] I did hear RFK jr.
just saying that he'd
[42:41] like to take the fluoride out.
[42:43] I didn't really understand why.
[42:46] That anyway, I'm kind
of torn with this,
[42:50] and I believe both of y'all,
but I wouldn't be doing I
[42:53] wouldn't be doing my job here
if I just made a haphazard
[42:57] decision on what I want to do.
[42:59] So I think I want a little
bit more information.
[43:02] And I really don't want a
study from Australia that
[43:06] really didn't do much for me.
[43:07] I mean, I don't want to look
at an Australian dental study
[43:11] that was given to me.
[43:12] So I think I want to
get more information.
[43:15] I want real figures on
what the fluoride, show me
[43:20] the different cities
and you know fluoride so
[43:23] easy to come by they
can for $1 they can
[43:25] get a gallon of fluoride water.
[43:27] If you're telling
me that it's good,
[43:29] you really need this up
till 16 years of age.
[43:31] Well, if they're not going to
take their kid to the dentist,
[43:35] well, at least by the gallons
or when they get their whatever,
[43:40] food assistance let them
get their fluoride water,
[43:46] I think that's a
way to still do it.
[43:47] But that's not fair to say.
[43:49] Let's take it out.
[43:50] So I really want to bring this
back at our very next meeting
[43:54] that gives each
of us two weeks to
[43:57] and I think the city
can help us by finding.
[44:02] Some true reports and where
we can compare to cities that
[44:07] do have and I know you all have
mentioned that but you're here
[44:10] and you're on your side.
[44:12] So of course, if you
want the fluoride,
[44:15] you're going to tell me a
story about not a story.
[44:17] I don't mean it's not the truth,
but you're going to tell me
[44:19] about how it is in this city.
[44:21] But I want to go out and do a
generic little research myself
[44:25] and find out exactly
what's going on.
[44:27] So that's where I'm
going to leave it.
[44:29] So I'd like we're
going to hear from you,
[44:32] Mr. price, but go ahead and
then I'll make a motion.
[44:36] Well, I have here's my concerns
with the fluoride issue.
[44:43] First off, in Lake
County, we have 14 cities.
[44:47] And only three of them.
[44:49] Currently have fluoride
in their water.
[44:52] That's Tavares,
Eustis and Umatilla
[44:54] and Leesburg just voted a
few months ago to incorporate
[45:00] fluoride into their water.
[45:02] So you're going to have four
cities out of 14 in Lake County
[45:06] that have fluoride, which
puts us in a minority amongst
[45:12] and we don't hear any complaints
from Claremont or lady
[45:15] lake or Groveland or
anywhere about teeth problems
[45:18] for kids because of it.
[45:22] I'm also concerned because
a lot of kids these days,
[45:24] they don't drink
water out of the tap.
[45:26] They're drinking sodas,
they're drinking juices,
[45:29] they're drinking bottled
water, all of which
[45:34] do have fluoride in them.
[45:35] But it's actually in my
opinion, I'm not a doctor,
[45:39] but all the sugar in
those sodas and juice
[45:42] is probably doing a lot of
damage to their teeth as well.
[45:46] Our own utilities director
just happened to say
[45:50] that it was a harsh chemical.
[45:52] I have been out to where we
store the fluoride, where
[45:57] it goes into the water system.
[45:59] And you don't even
have to get near it.
[46:02] And all the metal parts and
things around it are corroding.
[46:06] They haven't been in contact.
[46:07] They've just been near
it like within 10 feet,
[46:08] and they're corroding.
[46:10] It's a very corrosive chemical.
[46:14] And it's bad for if
it's bad for metal,
[46:18] it's got to be
bad for your body.
[46:21] So our surgeon general,
this was his recommendation.
[46:25] He has called it a
neurotoxin, that it
[46:28] affects people's intelligence,
it affects the ADHD.
[46:32] It's bad for pregnant
women and their babies.
[46:34] 
[46:37] And not only are we
drinking this in our water,
[46:40] but we're cooking with it
and we're bathing in it.
[46:43] And every time we take a shower,
all that fluoride is getting
[46:46] soaked into our skin as well.
[46:48] So we're getting a lot
of fluoride exposure.
[46:51] And I think.
[46:54] We have a lot more seniors in
Tarvaris than we do children.
[46:59] And it's been documented
the damage to seniors
[47:03] in their brains from fluoride.
[47:06] And personally, I'd like
to see us take it out.
[47:10] The phone calls and
texts and emails
[47:12] that I've been getting, as you
can imagine, have been numerous,
[47:15] and every one I've got has said,
please take the fluoride out,
[47:18] please take the fluoride out.
[47:19] These are citizens
of Tarvaris, so I'm
[47:22] on the side of removing it once
and for all from Tarvaris, so.
[47:31] Well, I'd like to
make a motion that we.
[47:35] Put this on the next
agenda to vote on it.
[47:39] I second it.
[47:40] And because I think it's
just irresponsible on this.
[47:45] Health and safety issue to
just go over these four days.
[47:49] I want to next weeks.
[47:50] I really want to dig
deep, deep because I
[47:52] think everybody's right.
[47:54] There's something about
this that everybody
[47:56] is right about this issue and
I know which way I'm leaning,
[48:01] but I still would prefer that.
[48:02] I think it's more responsible to
let's take a couple more weeks.
[48:06] Let's study this.
[48:07] Let's do our research,
and within two weeks
[48:09] we can make a decision and
move forward with this.
[48:13] I to second it.
[48:14] OK council members, we have
a motion and a second to.
[48:21] Table this issue until our
next city council meeting.
[48:26] Is there any discussion
on that motion.
[48:28] Yeah I'd just like to say I
know that we brought this up
[48:31] four years ago and
there was the talk
[48:33] of getting a workshop together.
[48:35] But yeah, this is not just
something I want to make
[48:37] a knee jerk reaction to.
[48:40] We talk about all these studies.
[48:42] I mean, the studies that I see
talk more about the benefits
[48:45] and it's been mentioned
about the studies
[48:47] that say it's bad for us.
[48:49] I don't see those studies.
[48:50] So I would like to see the
studies brought forward both for
[48:54] and against and
give this council
[48:56] another two weeks to be
able to study both sides.
[48:59] And that way we can make
a more educated decision
[49:02] and do what's best for the
majority of our residents.
[49:05] So I'm in support of
bringing this back
[49:07] and voting on it in the
next council meeting,
[49:10] and I would appreciate any
information that you all
[49:14] have that you all
want to send to us,
[49:16] that tells if you probably have
more access to that than I do.
[49:22] So if you could send
that on through the city
[49:25] and they can get
it to all of us,
[49:26] I think that would
be a big help to.
[49:29] My question is realistically
at the next meeting,
[49:32] is that going to be
feasible or should we
[49:34] wait till the meeting in
January because of everything
[49:38] happening between
now and Christmas.
[49:40] I think I'm good in two weeks
because the next two weeks
[49:43] I'm not going to
be doing anything.
[49:44] We're going to be going
over Christmas and New year,
[49:46] so we might as well just
watch fresh on our mind.
[49:49] I just as soon get it over with.
[49:50] That's my opinion.
[49:52] OK, so our motion is
to table this until
[49:58] our next city council
meeting, which
[50:00] would be December the 18th.
[50:02] Is that correct That is correct.
[50:04] OK all those in favor,
signify by saying Aye.
[50:07] Aye All opposed.
[50:09] Aye OK.
[50:11] And one final comment
for those of you
[50:13] who will be sending your studies
and your links, send them to.
[50:20] USC Novak at Tavares, fl.gov.
[50:27] And if you didn't get that
and didn't write it down,
[50:29] just go to our website and
look for the clerk's email.
[50:34] You're going to email
to the clerk of Tavares.
[50:39] Your information, your
studies, your links,
[50:42] your views, your thoughts.
[50:44] The clerk will collect them and
disseminate them to each council
[50:47] member and the council
members will all
[50:50] be informed with
the same information
[50:52] and can absorb the information
that you submit to the clerk
[50:58] at two various.org.
[51:01] Thank you.
[51:02] And while it's fresh on our
mind Councilmember gamble.
[51:06] Yeah our next meeting,
New Year's day.
[51:09] We're not going
to have a meeting,
[51:11] so we'd be pushing it all
the way back to mid January.
[51:13] I'd rather get it
over with while we're.
[51:15] That's what I was thinking,
pushing it back to mid January
[51:18] where you have enough time
to get all the details.
[51:20] Well, that's too much time
for me to forget stuff.
[51:22] OK Yeah.
[51:23] The motion is already passed.
[51:26] OK OK, then we'll move on
to the next agenda item.
[51:30] Thank you for everyone
who came to speak.
[51:32] Appreciate it.
[51:34] I do have one
question, if I may.
[51:37] OK can you go up to
the podium and so we
[51:41] can get you on the record.
[51:43] If you look on the
periodic table of elements
[51:46] in your chemistry lab,
you'll see fluoride
[51:49] is just above chloride.
[51:54] Are you going to take
chlorine out of the water next
[51:56] if you decide to
take fluoride out.
[51:59] I guarantee you too much
chlorine will kill you.
[52:02] Graveyard dead.
[52:03] Too much fluoride will kill you.
[52:06] Graveyard dead.
[52:07] But the proper amount will give
you a lifetime of benefits.
[52:13] And there's where the
real thing comes in.
[52:17] Your evidence right here
of the proper dosage
[52:20] is what you really need.
[52:21] Thank you.
[52:22] 
[52:27] All right.
[52:27] We'll move on to tab 4 to
various public library happy
[52:32] and healthy holiday series.
[52:35] That's good.
[52:36] We've been talking about health.
[52:37] We're segue right into.
[52:38] 
[52:44] Good evening, Mayor.
[52:46] Council, Mr Drury.
[52:48] Let's see.
[52:50] The Tiberias Public Library's
happy and healthy holiday series
[52:54] returns for its second year
for meditation and karaoke
[52:59] to cooking and budgeting.
[53:00] The Tavares public library team
has curated a slate of programs
[53:05] designed to keep us
all at our happiest
[53:07] and healthiest this
holiday season.
[53:10] The series kicked off in
November with programs
[53:13] on budgeting and cooking.
[53:15] 
[53:19] And programs such as
aroma therapy and Tai Chi
[53:22] are scheduled to take place
to keep us at our healthiest.
[53:26] The offline project holiday
edition meets Thursday,
[53:30] December, December 19.
[53:32] Patrons will turn in
their digital devices,
[53:35] listen to holiday
music, and spend time
[53:38] finishing their Christmas cards,
working on puzzles or reading,
[53:42] all while listening
to holiday music.
[53:45] And the graphics that you see
with the red ribbon, those
[53:49] are the graphics
that we're using
[53:51] to promote the series on the
library's social media pages.
[53:54] 
[53:57] The library offered
Christmas karaoke last year
[54:00] and it was so much fun.
[54:01] We decided to bring it
back for a second year.
[54:03] 
[54:06] On Wednesday, December
18, Tori Harris
[54:09] will present a festive concert
featuring traditional carols
[54:13] on the saxophone and
delight your ears
[54:16] and your soul this
winter solstice
[54:18] with violinist Isabelle Palmer.
[54:20] 
[54:23] And patrons are welcome to
take their photos by the winter
[54:26] themed backdrop and wrap their
presents at the free gift
[54:30] wrapping station.
[54:31] All supplies provided.
[54:33] 
[54:36] It is a December to remember at
the Children's cookie decorating
[54:40] party and Santa's storytime.
[54:42] 
[54:45] That's various public
library is both
[54:47] an application site and a toy
donation site for Toys for Tots.
[54:52] Between October and
November, we signed up
[54:54] 349 individuals to receive
toys from toys for Tots.
[55:00] We're also a donation
site for the Tavares
[55:02] police charity drive.
[55:04] 
[55:07] And national Thank you
note day is December 26
[55:11] and we will have a Thank
you letter writing station
[55:14] available for the entire week.
[55:16] All supplies provided
except stamps.
[55:17] 
[55:20] And the Tavares public
library is happy and healthy.
[55:23] Holiday series was
selected as a program model
[55:26] on the American
Library Association's
[55:28] programming librarian blog.
[55:31] This blog is a number one
resource for library programming
[55:34] and meet Natalia.
[55:38] Natalia is a library
operations specialist.
[55:40] She joined us this past August.
[55:43] In addition to her
regular duties,
[55:45] she is putting together
Christmas book bundles,
[55:48] and she is also
managing the Thank you
[55:50] letter station outside of work.
[55:53] She enjoys writing
and she's currently
[55:55] writing a book of poetry.
[55:56] 
[55:59] So do you have
houseguests visiting.
[56:01] If so, send them to the library.
[56:03] All programs and activities are
free and open to the public.
[56:07] You only need a library card if
you want to borrow something.
[56:12] And from our bookshelf to yours.
[56:14] Thank you.
[56:15] Happy reading.
[56:16] And have a very Merry Christmas.
[56:19] Thank you.
[56:20] Thank you.
[56:20] Thank you.
[56:21] Merry Christmas to you.
[56:21] Lots of good programs.
[56:22] 
[56:30] All right.
[56:30] Tavares recreation department
fall program update.
[56:33] 
[56:43] I was back there.
[56:44] Can you go ahead and handle
the slideshow for me.
[56:47] All right.
[56:49] Mayor council members,
Vice mayor, staff.
[56:53] Thanks for coming out tonight.
[56:55] Thank you, everybody.
[56:56] I'd just like to give you all an
update on the great fall season
[56:59] that we just had and
what we're looking
[57:01] forward to even better spring.
[57:04] It takes a whole team,
and that means not just
[57:06] all out here in front of me.
[57:08] It takes a community as well.
[57:09] So all you back here in the
back of the locker room and all
[57:12] out you out here
watching that weren't
[57:14] able to make it here today.
[57:15] So let's go ahead
and get started.
[57:17] I like to hit some of the high
points from this past fall
[57:20] that we had.
[57:22] We had some great points.
[57:23] Some great things happen for us.
[57:25] We have some obstacles
and some challenges,
[57:27] but we learned from those and
go ahead and move forward.
[57:30] So with that being said, let me
go out and get some of my tools
[57:34] out here.
[57:34] 
[57:38] All right, let's see
what we got here.
[57:39] All right, slide one.
[57:41] Slide 1, slide one.
[57:44] That's youth soccer.
[57:45] Youth soccer.
[57:46] We got here.
[57:47] So what we have here
in youth soccer.
[57:49] So as you can see, we are
out at the regional park.
[57:55] For some of y'all.
[57:56] That was the Golden
Triangle shades.
[57:57] Now, the Golden
Triangle regional park,
[57:59] we host soccer out there.
[58:00] If you notice, one of the
things that nice green,
[58:03] luscious new sod out there.
[58:05] So we have two 45,000
square acres, 45,000 acres
[58:11] of brand new site out there.
[58:12] These kids are playing on.
[58:13] So in our fall season
of soccer, they
[58:16] weren't getting dirt stains.
[58:17] They were getting grass stains.
[58:19] So sorry for all your
parents out there.
[58:21] That's what you had
to take care of.
[58:23] And those uniforms.
[58:24] So with for that
fall season, we have
[58:27] future stars, age groups,
5 to six instructional,
[58:30] 7 to 8, juniors, 9 to 11.
[58:32] That brings us to a grand
total of 119 participants.
[58:39] Don't mind my spelling.
[58:41] That's a program we're going
to probably get on the slate
[58:43] in spring to help us all out.
[58:44] So that's 119 participants
for our program,
[58:48] for our fall program.
[58:49] That's pretty excellent.
[58:50] There's a lot of other
programs in soccer
[58:52] going on taking place throughout
the Golden Triangle area.
[58:56] So we're pretty
excited about that.
[58:58] And we look to build on that.
[59:01] All right.
[59:01] All right.
[59:02] Slide 2 to slide two.
[59:03] That's art 92.
[59:05] Why slide two.
[59:07] All right, all right.
[59:09] Gamble all right, gamble.
[59:10] This is right in
your wheelhouse.
[59:11] This is right in your
wheelhouse, Babe Ruth
[59:14] so we had our fall
season of Babe Ruth.
[59:16] 
[59:18] All right, Babe Ruth.
[59:20] All right.
[59:21] We all know that.
[59:21] Babe Ruth, baseball
and softball.
[59:24] So we had from ages 4 to 15,
we had 14 baseball teams.
[59:31] All right.
[59:32] All the way up from
6 ball up to 15.
[59:34] You and we had four
softball teams.
[59:38] Yes, you heard that right.
[59:39] We had four softball teams.
[59:42] So we usually always
have a challenge
[59:44] of getting the softball teams
to participate in our programs.
[59:47] We have four this year.
[59:48] That brings us to a
grand total of 189
[59:52] participants for our fall.
[59:54] Babe Ruth.
[59:55] I think that was about
a 5% to 7% increase.
[59:58] So we're doing a really
fantastic job with our Babe Ruth
[1:00:01] programs, especially with
all those Babe Ruth baseball
[1:00:04] softball programs going on
around the other cities,
[1:00:07] travel ball and such.
[1:00:08] So we're looking forward
to a very exciting spring.
[1:00:12] Again, if you look
at those pictures,
[1:00:13] man, them fields
are looking amazing.
[1:00:15] That's right there at our
Woodley Sports Complex.
[1:00:17] And we also play some
of our programs out
[1:00:19] of the Stover Sports Complex.
[1:00:22] Come right on in here, sweetie.
[1:00:23] Come on, grab a seat.
[1:00:25] You're a little late.
[1:00:25] Can we run some wind
sprints after this.
[1:00:27] OK, sir.
[1:00:28] All right.
[1:00:30] All right, let's go
to slide number 3.
[1:00:32] Slide number three.
[1:00:34] All right.
[1:00:34] We got our full steam
ahead right here.
[1:00:37] We had some feast or
famine smarts out here.
[1:00:39] That program.
[1:00:40] Full steam ahead.
[1:00:41] What does that stand for ask.
[1:00:43] We're a recreation department.
[1:00:46] We want we do treat
the athletic inclined,
[1:00:49] but we want to treat
everyone in the community.
[1:00:51] So S stands for Science.
[1:00:55] I'm not it might be
a little bit nervous,
[1:00:57] so my writing might be a
little bit off right here.
[1:01:00] So we got the ST
is for technology.
[1:01:04] E is for engineering.
[1:01:06] I'm just going to
scribble out like that.
[1:01:07] What that means.
[1:01:08] A is for art and M is for math.
[1:01:11] So six week program, one night
a week, we had about 13 kids
[1:01:16] show up each night.
[1:01:17] They did a little
something different that's
[1:01:19] related to one of these topics.
[1:01:21] So it was a little
bit different for us
[1:01:22] because it wasn't just
recreation or sports
[1:01:24] that we are all used to.
[1:01:25] It was going to grab a
little bit of something
[1:01:27] different in the community,
bring some of these other kids
[1:01:29] out that weren't maybe not
interested in the athletics.
[1:01:32] That was a tremendous success.
[1:01:33] Second time we did that.
[1:01:35] So we're a super excited.
[1:01:37] Everyone's excited
about that program
[1:01:38] and we're going to
be we're very excited
[1:01:39] and we're bringing that
back in the spring.
[1:01:41] So you let the grandchildren
know it's coming.
[1:01:43] 
[1:01:47] All right.
[1:01:48] We're going to move right
on to slide number 4.
[1:01:50] Slide number four.
[1:01:51] That's our flip 92 point.
[1:01:52] Remember that.
[1:01:53] OK, slide number 4.
[1:01:55] All right.
[1:01:55] We got our home school programs.
[1:01:57] Now, these are our
big hit because we
[1:01:59] do these during the day.
[1:02:01] So all our home homeschool
kids, that's usually about 10
[1:02:04] o'clock AM, 11:00
AM during the day,
[1:02:06] we got our home schooled kids.
[1:02:07] We're looking for
something educational
[1:02:09] to get out of the house.
[1:02:10] Well, we ran into a little issue
with our aquatic invertebrates
[1:02:14] program, had a couple
storms come through.
[1:02:17] So that one got canceled on us.
[1:02:18] But we hope to
reschedule that one.
[1:02:21] Well, we did do is, hey,
we're all the sea plane city.
[1:02:24] So we did we've been working
with the Marina Thanks
[1:02:26] for Mr tweedie's the squad
over there, they do a great job
[1:02:30] and we do an aviation program.
[1:02:32] That thing, as soon as we
put that up for registration
[1:02:35] maxes out at 25, kids get
a waiting list of 17 to 20.
[1:02:39] They want more of that aviation.
[1:02:41] So we bring them out there.
[1:02:42] Jones Brothers over
there helps us out.
[1:02:44] They walk around with
the pilot, pilot Eli.
[1:02:46] He's great.
[1:02:46] He gets up there and shows that
kids in the cockpit there how he
[1:02:49] drives that plane around,
lands it on the water
[1:02:51] takes off from the water
and everything else.
[1:02:54] The kids and parents
love that thing.
[1:02:56] So we also have done programs
with the wastewater department.
[1:03:00] So clock.
[1:03:00] Your team there and they
do great over there.
[1:03:02] The lab, we go over
there and sometimes too,
[1:03:04] and it's a great
team got over there.
[1:03:06] They do fantastic.
[1:03:07] So our homeschool
programs, they're
[1:03:09] a big hit with all the kids.
[1:03:11] We usually do those
about once a month
[1:03:12] and we're looking to pick those
up and do even more of them.
[1:03:16] So those have been a fantastic
hit and they want more of them
[1:03:20] because like I
said, every time we
[1:03:22] put one up there
with registration,
[1:03:23] there's a waiting list.
[1:03:25] All right.
[1:03:26] Moving right along.
[1:03:28] All right, we got Boo Fest.
[1:03:29] Boo fest.
[1:03:30] That's the next slide.
[1:03:31] Next slide is boo Boo Fest.
[1:03:32] All right this one live.
[1:03:34] Y'all, everyone knows this one.
[1:03:35] It's the Boo Fest.
[1:03:36] OK, so this one was
important because we had.
[1:03:39] We had over here.
[1:03:41] Let me draw this up.
[1:03:43] This is a very important one.
[1:03:44] So we have Main
Street right here.
[1:03:45] We had price right here
dishing out the candy.
[1:03:48] You swing out over here into the
event park section over here.
[1:03:53] Even more important,
we had singer picking
[1:03:55] winners at the costume contest.
[1:03:57] So we appreciate y'all out
here participating, helping
[1:04:00] us out with this big prize.
[1:04:02] Thousands descended to downtown
Tavares with this boot fest
[1:04:06] once again.
[1:04:07] So we had a tremendous success.
[1:04:09] Lines everywhere.
[1:04:10] I don't know why
they form a line.
[1:04:11] We told them, you don't
have to form a line.
[1:04:13] It's just like a buffet style.
[1:04:14] But no matter what,
they form a line.
[1:04:17] So we're still working
on that, how we do that.
[1:04:19] But we had a great time.
[1:04:20] We moved everything
from the square.
[1:04:22] We did it in a Wooten park.
[1:04:23] I think everyone loved the
feel and loved the flow.
[1:04:26] Having everything
condensed right down there.
[1:04:28] So it was an electric event.
[1:04:30] Fantastic, great weather.
[1:04:31] So we just continue to look
forward to building on that
[1:04:34] and seeing what other
things we can add to that.
[1:04:38] So we enjoy everyone
coming down, down for that.
[1:04:41] All right.
[1:04:41] Next up next up.
[1:04:43] All right.
[1:04:43] We got this is a good one.
[1:04:45] Age 51 solid.
[1:04:46] You ready.
[1:04:47] Next slide.
[1:04:47] Age 51.
[1:04:48] Solid all right, this
is our tiny tots.
[1:04:50] This is where it all starts.
[1:04:52] This is.
[1:04:52] This is the fundamentals.
[1:04:54] All right.
[1:04:55] How important the
fundamentals they
[1:04:56] talk about the fundamentals
in every sport.
[1:04:58] This is where it is.
[1:04:59] OK, tiny tots.
[1:05:00] All right.
[1:05:01] You got.
[1:05:02] Do they start out small.
[1:05:04] They start out small.
[1:05:06] What we want.
[1:05:07] We're trying to execute, get
them up to the big leagues
[1:05:11] up here.
[1:05:12] So you got the fields up here.
[1:05:14] So we teach them down here.
[1:05:15] We want to get them up here
to the youth soccer program.
[1:05:18] So what we do, we do these
tiny tots start small programs.
[1:05:21] We got the 3 to five-year-Olds.
[1:05:23] We did two sessions,
as you can see
[1:05:25] there, October, we did August 26
through August or September 30.
[1:05:28] Then we did October 7
through November 18,
[1:05:32] we had about 22 kids in
session one and 22, 23 kids
[1:05:35] in session two.
[1:05:36] So that's once a week,
every Monday night, 6 to 7.
[1:05:40] Again, look at that graph.
[1:05:41] It's shining.
[1:05:42] We don't spray paint it.
[1:05:43] It's like it comes like that.
[1:05:44] You go out there
and look, it looks
[1:05:45] just like that in the picture.
[1:05:47] So once I say one night a
week for six weeks last night,
[1:05:51] they do a little scrimmage.
[1:05:52] And as you can see there,
we give them some pizza,
[1:05:54] have a nice little pizza
party and some metals.
[1:05:56] Fantastic time.
[1:05:57] Next thing they're ready to
move on up to the future stars
[1:06:00] program of our youth soccer.
[1:06:02] So that's the way it works.
[1:06:03] We kind get them ready,
build those fundamentals,
[1:06:05] and they move on up.
[1:06:06] All right.
[1:06:07] So moving on around,
are we going to talk
[1:06:09] about some more fundamentals.
[1:06:10] We can move on to the next
slide along the same lines
[1:06:12] as we had a little
sluggers program.
[1:06:14] So that's where your baseball
and softball comes in,
[1:06:17] your fundamentals.
[1:06:18] It's the same idea here.
[1:06:19] We got our kids
one night a week,
[1:06:21] little sluggers, 3
to five years old.
[1:06:23] They meet out at Woodley 6 to
7:00 PM on Monday nights for six
[1:06:27] weeks, teaching the
basics and fundamentals
[1:06:30] max out that program.
[1:06:31] 25 kids for each
of those programs.
[1:06:33] We're looking to figure
out how we can do.
[1:06:35] If we do a session,
maybe we can do a Monday
[1:06:37] night and a Wednesday night.
[1:06:38] So we can maximize maybe even
more kids out of those programs.
[1:06:43] All right, let's
move right along.
[1:06:46] Yeah This is early.
[1:06:47] 42 or early 42 arc.
[1:06:50] All right.
[1:06:50] We're going to go
into a TLC of cooks.
[1:06:53] All right.
[1:06:54] This is very important.
[1:06:56] Now, as as a team, we've
got to work together.
[1:06:59] So we have a staff of
only so many folks.
[1:07:02] So you got to have build
what we call relationships.
[1:07:06] We build relationships.
[1:07:09] So we have WREC over here,
we have TLC over here.
[1:07:13] So we build our programs
and TLC, our programs,
[1:07:17] and then we join forces.
[1:07:19] That's how it works.
[1:07:20] You work together, relationships
and what that creates.
[1:07:22] So we can do here and here.
[1:07:25] So then we generate even more
programming for the community
[1:07:29] if we build relationships
with other organizations
[1:07:32] within our area.
[1:07:33] So TLC, toddlers of Lake County
is a perfect example of how we
[1:07:36] build a relationship with them.
[1:07:37] And out of the Civic
Center, they've
[1:07:39] been doing a kinder
cooks program
[1:07:40] with young kids and
toddlers where they
[1:07:42] come in with their parents.
[1:07:44] They learn basic
skills of cooking.
[1:07:46] So the kids come in,
they mix the ingredients,
[1:07:49] the basic stuff.
[1:07:50] Now we don't let them get
into the ovens and the stoves
[1:07:52] and the stuff like
that because we don't
[1:07:53] know what's going to happen.
[1:07:54] That's for the adults.
[1:07:57] But they come in
there, they learn
[1:07:58] how to mix the
ingredients, put them
[1:08:00] together, cook up some meals
and with their parents.
[1:08:03] And then the very
last day of the month,
[1:08:05] they actually be able
to serve it to one
[1:08:08] of their parents or guardians.
[1:08:09] They come in and have a
little like a little banquet
[1:08:11] where they come
out, take a menu.
[1:08:13] They come out and
take down their order,
[1:08:16] fix it up, bring it
out and serve it.
[1:08:18] So we do that with them.
[1:08:19] One, they do it one
day a week for a month.
[1:08:22] And kinder cooks program has
been they've been loving it.
[1:08:26] And we're looking to do more
with the toddlers of Lake County
[1:08:29] also.
[1:08:29] So that's one of an
idea of a relationship
[1:08:31] that helps us expand our
inventory of programs.
[1:08:34] 
[1:08:37] All right.
[1:08:38] Let's go ahead and move
on along to our next one.
[1:08:42] 
[1:08:45] Again we're talking about.
[1:08:48] Our senior programs.
[1:08:49] 
[1:08:52] OK, so we got our senior series.
[1:08:55] So this.
[1:08:57] So we used to do Tuesdays.
[1:09:00] Tuesdays we used to do
Tuesdays 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
[1:09:04] So what we decided to do to
maximize our participation,
[1:09:09] we found out checking
schedules around the area
[1:09:12] that Tuesdays from 1
to 3 seems like to be
[1:09:14] very busy activity for seniors.
[1:09:17] So we went ahead and
said what, let's go ahead
[1:09:19] and move those programs from
an October for one to three PM.
[1:09:24] Once we did that in
October, we found
[1:09:25] we got a little bit of an
increase in our senior programs
[1:09:28] for our senior series.
[1:09:29] So in October, we started
doing our senior series
[1:09:32] every Monday from 1:00 to 3.
[1:09:33] Now one Monday will be
bingo, another Monday
[1:09:37] be karaoke and dancing.
[1:09:38] Another Monday is chair
yoga and another Monday is
[1:09:41] line dancing, arts and crafts.
[1:09:42] So we average about
18 to 19 seniors
[1:09:46] every time we do one
of these programs.
[1:09:48] So it's been going off great.
[1:09:49] And then in January, we're
looking to mix it up and refresh
[1:09:52] it and we'll start adding
in a little bit more,
[1:09:54] a little bit some
new stuff in there.
[1:09:56] Keep them active,
entertained and socializing.
[1:10:00] Now take a hike.
[1:10:03] I don't know.
[1:10:04] I try to keep up to
take a hike, folks.
[1:10:06] It's pretty tough.
[1:10:08] They meet at Wooten park.
[1:10:10] So you got Wooten.
[1:10:10] They go down here.
[1:10:12] Wooten park.
[1:10:13] We also ought to call.
[1:10:14] 
[1:10:17] Pontoon promenade.
[1:10:19] We start teaching
them that language.
[1:10:21] They beat their.
[1:10:22] They walk all the way
over to Ingraham center.
[1:10:26] Sit down.
[1:10:27] We do some puzzles, suduko.
[1:10:29] Don't if you've ever done those.
[1:10:30] Those are tough.
[1:10:30] I'm almost going.
[1:10:31] Give me an easy one.
[1:10:32] They do that suduko puzzle chat.
[1:10:35] We talk about some health and
health and wellness issues
[1:10:37] for the senior community.
[1:10:39] After about 15 or 20
minutes, turn around,
[1:10:42] walk back to Wooten.
[1:10:43] We started off about
five or six seniors.
[1:10:46] We're up to about 15 or 16.
[1:10:47] Now that participate,
and we're looking
[1:10:49] to continue to build that up.
[1:10:51] So that's going to
take a hike program
[1:10:53] in a good way, not a bad way.
[1:10:54] 
[1:10:58] All right.
[1:11:00] We're moving right along.
[1:11:01] Slide number 10.
[1:11:02] Slide number 10.
[1:11:04] All right.
[1:11:04] This is another one.
[1:11:05] OK how can we maximize
our program inventory.
[1:11:10] Again, would be very important
if anybody's watching out
[1:11:13] of the recreation
staff that we do
[1:11:15] a writing and spelling program.
[1:11:18] Here we go.
[1:11:19] So, Orlando club sport, there
are sports social organization
[1:11:23] out of Orlando.
[1:11:24] We started talking with them
not too long ago about expanding
[1:11:27] their inventory of sport.
[1:11:29] Adult sports programs
out into this area.
[1:11:32] Help us out because we're
a lean, mean fighting
[1:11:35] machine Mr. Drury that's
what you always say.
[1:11:38] We take that to heart.
[1:11:39] So, hey, how can they come
in and help us and support
[1:11:42] us with some adult programs.
[1:11:44] So they've been very successful
doing some kickball programs out
[1:11:47] here for us.
[1:11:48] And they just kicked off an
adult softball coed program.
[1:11:52] They had about, I think, five
teams for the first time.
[1:11:55] That's pretty good.
[1:11:57] So they just did that
in the middle of that,
[1:11:59] wrapping that up soon
and we're getting
[1:12:01] ready to meet with
them again and start
[1:12:02] looking at doing some
adult flag football
[1:12:04] and some more adult kickball.
[1:12:05] So they've been
doing very great,
[1:12:08] talked to some of the
participants there.
[1:12:10] They've loved it.
[1:12:10] They said it's run
great, organized
[1:12:12] and everything like that.
[1:12:13] So we're very happy
about that relationship
[1:12:15] and continue to take
small steps with them
[1:12:18] and build on that and
doing it the right way.
[1:12:22] All right.
[1:12:23] I'm so excited you guys
taking the time here.
[1:12:26] I know it's been a long season
and we're ready to get some time
[1:12:29] off and stuff like that.
[1:12:31] Just really to recap,
we got some great stuff.
[1:12:34] We know we had a great fall.
[1:12:35] We learned from it.
[1:12:36] We had some challenges
and obstacles.
[1:12:37] Like I said before,
coming up, we have
[1:12:39] some great stuff coming up.
[1:12:40] The spring.
[1:12:41] We got our spring, Babe
Ruth, that's our big season
[1:12:43] going into all stars.
[1:12:45] We got our star smart programs.
[1:12:47] I mentioned the tiny
tots and little sluggers.
[1:12:50] We got homeschool programs,
full steam heads coming back.
[1:12:54] We're going to do adult
flag football programs.
[1:12:56] Don't worry, Mr gunner.
[1:12:58] We're going to be doing
some historical programs,
[1:13:00] so we'll get you.
[1:13:02] You go in there and go to your
historical Research Center,
[1:13:04] make sure you're all readied
up for that, because it's going
[1:13:07] to be we're going to be putting
the ball in your hand soon, sir.
[1:13:10] So you better be ready for that.
[1:13:12] So we have all kinds
of great things coming
[1:13:14] down the pipe for everyone.
[1:13:15] And again, we Thank everyone for
being a part of our programs,
[1:13:19] supporting the rec department
and everything you do,
[1:13:21] the community.
[1:13:21] We appreciate everything
you everyone does.
[1:13:24] And I think that's
all I have for now.
[1:13:27] Or remember, we in the
offseason stay healthy and safe
[1:13:31] and we'll see you
back in the spring.
[1:13:33] All right.
[1:13:34] There you go.
[1:13:34] Thank you.
[1:13:35] Very good.
[1:13:36] 
[1:13:39] All right.
[1:13:40] I think I'm going
to skip the tab 6
[1:13:43] and then come back to New
business and old business.
[1:13:46] So tab six update on rails to
trails project public works.
[1:13:50] 
[1:13:53] Thank you, Mayor.
[1:13:54] As some of in January 2023,
we received unexpected news
[1:13:58] from CSX regarding
their decision not
[1:14:00] to sell the 11.5 mile corridor.
[1:14:02] As a result, Lake County,
Mount Dora and city of Tavares
[1:14:05] agreed to pause and
in grant applications
[1:14:07] until CSX reached a
definitive conclusion.
[1:14:10] During this interim period,
the unwavering commitment
[1:14:12] of Lake County, Mount Dora
and the city of Tavares
[1:14:15] has been vital in keeping
this initiative alive.
[1:14:18] Our collaboration efforts have
led to successful completion
[1:14:21] of the planning, development
and environmental study
[1:14:24] for segment 5, which has been
finalized in August 2024.
[1:14:28] Furthermore, the lake
Sumter Metropolitan planning
[1:14:31] organization has included
both segments of the trail
[1:14:34] in their 2024 list
of priority projects,
[1:14:37] reinforcing our projects,
progress and potential
[1:14:40] for future success I am also
pleased to announce that we have
[1:14:44] received confirmation from the
Trust for Public Land, which is
[1:14:47] a nonprofit organization
dedicated to improving
[1:14:50] public access to
outdoor recreation,
[1:14:52] has confirmed that CSX and
Florida Central Railroad has
[1:14:57] expressed their willingness
to sell the corridor
[1:14:59] and associated lands.
[1:15:01] At the upcoming meeting on the
18th trust for Public Land,
[1:15:05] along with city
staff, will present
[1:15:07] the memorandum of agreement for
the council's consideration.
[1:15:10] This agreement will
clearly outline the roles
[1:15:12] and responsibilities
of all parties
[1:15:14] involved developing the corridor
as a Rails to trails project.
[1:15:19] This recent development
has strategically
[1:15:21] positioned us to apply
for the 2025 race grant.
[1:15:25] In this response to this
positive progression,
[1:15:28] Lake County, Mount
Dora and Tavares
[1:15:31] have developed a
comprehensive scope of work
[1:15:33] with kimley-horn to assist
in preparing and submitting
[1:15:37] this year's application and
ready to initiate their task
[1:15:40] order.
[1:15:42] If council has no objections
to pursuing this year's raise
[1:15:44] grant application.
[1:15:46] Taking advantage of this
opportunity will require
[1:15:48] a total investment of $36,000.
[1:15:51] This amount will be shared
equally among Lake County,
[1:15:54] Mount Dora and city
of Tavares, with each
[1:15:57] entity contributing $12,000.
[1:16:00] The city's proportionate
share of $12,000 is budgeted
[1:16:03] and will come from the
Department of Public
[1:16:04] works engineering budget.
[1:16:06] Back to you, Mayor.
[1:16:07] And just one thing.
[1:16:08] The grant we're going
after is a $25 million
[1:16:12] raise grant to get that
trail from downtown
[1:16:15] to various to downtown
Mount Dora completed.
[1:16:19] We're very excited.
[1:16:21] I know if Mr Singer
wants to add anything.
[1:16:23] He's been in a lot
of our meetings.
[1:16:24] In fact, we just had a meeting
today on our horizon team.
[1:16:28] Do you want to add anything.
[1:16:29] No I just want to say
it's been a pleasure
[1:16:31] to serve on this horizon team
for the past several years.
[1:16:33] And I know we hit a little bit
of a roadblock a few years back
[1:16:38] when CSX was not willing
to relinquish the property.
[1:16:43] But now it's great
news understanding
[1:16:45] that they're willing to partner
with us, do this project.
[1:16:51] And, this is just going
to be a huge thing
[1:16:53] for the city of Tavares.
[1:16:55] And not only the city of
Tavares, but the County
[1:16:57] and the YMCA as well.
[1:16:59] So really excited
about this project.
[1:17:01] And I know it's been
a little while coming.
[1:17:05] Thank you, Mr Dillon, for all
your work behind the scenes
[1:17:07] and getting this project
continuing to roll forward.
[1:17:10] And I'm fully support
of this and it's
[1:17:12] just going to be it's going
to be great for our community.
[1:17:14] It's going to be a
huge economic driver
[1:17:16] and just can't wait for this
project to come to fruition.
[1:17:20] That's all I have.
[1:17:21] Mayor, Thank you.
[1:17:23] Thank you, Jean.
[1:17:24] Thank you, Mr Dillon.
[1:17:25] That's great news.
[1:17:27] OK council.
[1:17:28] Is there any new business.
[1:17:29] 
[1:17:32] Do we have any old business
we need to bring up.
[1:17:37] All right.
[1:17:38] Just one.
[1:17:39] James the cemetery gate.
[1:17:41] What's the update on our gate.
[1:17:43] Something happened Yes, it
was damaged during Hurricane.
[1:17:47] We do have a
contractor lined up,
[1:17:48] and the repairs
should be completed
[1:17:50] by the end of next week.
[1:17:51] OK, great question.
[1:17:52] 
[1:17:55] Any other old business.
[1:17:57] All right, audience to be heard.
[1:17:59] Is anyone in the
audience that wants
[1:18:01] to come up and say anything.
[1:18:02] OK come on up Mr.
Santoro, state your name
[1:18:04] and address for the record.
[1:18:05] 
[1:18:09] Speak softly.
[1:18:11] Mayor members of
council Mr. Drury.
[1:18:13] City staff.
[1:18:13] Miss Holt. Gary
Santoro, Royal Harbor.
[1:18:16] I don't have a dog in
a fight on the floor.
[1:18:18] I really don't.
[1:18:19] But let me tell you something.
[1:18:20] His report tonight was spot on.
[1:18:22] He was able to give you the
information that you needed.
[1:18:25] Any chemical is
bad for you if you
[1:18:27] don't follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
[1:18:29] It is a corrosive.
[1:18:30] I know that from being
in the fire service,
[1:18:32] these guys know it too.
[1:18:33] But if you don't use it
correctly, Yes, it is harmful.
[1:18:37] But Mr Clark, Thank you
for your information.
[1:18:39] It was very informative to
be able to give them exactly
[1:18:42] what the staff is doing.
[1:18:43] Thank you very much.
[1:18:44] 
[1:18:47] Anyone else.
[1:18:48] 
[1:18:50] OK we'll close public comment.
[1:18:55] City administrator report.
[1:18:57] I just want to highlight
that the next two meetings
[1:18:59] for the city council
are December the 18th
[1:19:03] and then January the
15th and no meeting
[1:19:08] on the first Wednesday of.
[1:19:12] January that's it for me.
[1:19:15] There's no bag.
[1:19:17] Nothing Thank you, Mayor.
[1:19:19] You're not Sarah.
[1:19:22] OK, sweetie.
[1:19:25] Thank you, Mr Dylan.
[1:19:26] Nothing to report today.
[1:19:27] Thank you, Mr Clark.
[1:19:28] 
[1:19:32] Thank you, Mayor.
[1:19:33] Thank you, Gary.
[1:19:35] All the information
that I spewed tonight
[1:19:37] was given to me by my staff.
[1:19:39] So they did a great job
of making me look like I
[1:19:42] know what I'm talking about.
[1:19:44] So thank you.
[1:19:45] Thank you Mr. O'Keefe.
[1:19:47] 
[1:19:50] Captain Yes.
[1:19:52] Thank you, Mayor.
[1:19:53] Council, Mr Drury.
[1:19:54] Department directors.
[1:19:56] I am not Richard
Keith, the fire chief.
[1:19:59] He had to step out today,
so I stepped in for him.
[1:20:03] We wanted to give you
a little update of what
[1:20:04] is going on in the
Prevention Department
[1:20:06] with Tavares fire department.
[1:20:08] Lee, will you go ahead
and stand for me.
[1:20:10] So after you this year's budget,
we increased a little staffing
[1:20:16] in the Prevention Department.
[1:20:17] As we've grown as a city, time
on task has grown a little bit,
[1:20:21] so I needed a little
bit of help there.
[1:20:23] We have decided and hired
Lee Chaney, new employee,
[1:20:27] started on December 2, and
he's very excited to be here.
[1:20:32] He's with me now.
[1:20:33] He's cross training
a little bit.
[1:20:34] We're getting out
into the city and I'll
[1:20:35] give you a little
bit of information
[1:20:36] about his background.
[1:20:38] Lee started in the fire service
as an Explorer at the age of 14
[1:20:43] with the town of
Allenstown fire department.
[1:20:45] In 1997, New
Hampshire, Lee worked
[1:20:49] as a full time fire
Lieutenant and EMT
[1:20:51] with Allenstown department.
[1:20:53] From 2004 to 2010.
[1:20:56] He moved to Florida in 2018
from New Hampshire, worked
[1:20:59] for Orange County Public
schools as a fire inspector
[1:21:02] from 2022 to 2024.
[1:21:04] He's currently certified
as a fire inspector to.
[1:21:08] With the state of
Florida, and he's
[1:21:09] currently working on his fire
investigator license, too.
[1:21:12] Lee is excited to be here
and just wanted to welcome
[1:21:14] him to the Tavares family.
[1:21:16] Thank you.
[1:21:17] 
[1:21:22] Welcome Mr Aldrich, welcome in.
[1:21:27] Lee, just a quick reminder,
this coming Saturday
[1:21:31] is our tavaris
Candyland Christmas
[1:21:33] parade and celebration.
[1:21:34] The parade starts at 5:00 down
Ruby street and Main Street,
[1:21:38] followed by the
festivities in the park
[1:21:40] afterwards with
ice skating, music,
[1:21:42] and all kinds of activities.
[1:21:43] So hope to see you there.
[1:21:45] Thank you.
[1:21:45] OK Thank you, Ms.
Thank you, Mayor.
[1:21:49] I have no business tonight,
but I do want to say
[1:21:51] welcome aboard to Mr Cheney.
[1:21:54] Proud to have you on our team.
[1:21:56] Thanks, Mr Faber.
[1:22:01] I have nothing to report.
[1:22:03] Welcome aboard.
[1:22:04] We already met already in one
of our pre-application meetings.
[1:22:08] So you already have a
little taste of Tiberius.
[1:22:11] All right, Mrs. Holt.
Thank you, Mayor.
[1:22:13] No report.
[1:22:15] Vice mayor.
[1:22:18] I wanted to ask y'all.
[1:22:20] We've got some
projects going on,
[1:22:23] some really good projects
such as the regional park
[1:22:26] and the rails to trails project.
[1:22:28] And years ago, we had a
lobbying firm that we used.
[1:22:34] But the stars weren't
quite aligned for us
[1:22:37] because just the difference
of a Republican governor,
[1:22:41] maybe in a Democratic
president, I mean,
[1:22:43] that does make a difference.
[1:22:45] It does.
[1:22:46] And right now things
are aligned very well.
[1:22:49] So my thoughts are,
could we entertain,
[1:22:53] put it on the agenda
for the next meeting.
[1:22:56] To talk about hiring a lobbying
firm because that they get
[1:23:02] one grant for us and
they're paid for plus
[1:23:07] and I think things are lined
up right now perfectly.
[1:23:12] So would y'all be willing
to entertain this.
[1:23:14] Can we.
[1:23:14] But it's on the agenda
next time and discuss this
[1:23:19] about a lobbying
firm because we're
[1:23:20] going to need more
money than what
[1:23:21] we've got for these projects.
[1:23:23] Well, I think with the
$25 million raise rent
[1:23:25] that we're looking at and I
just I think we're so close.
[1:23:29] I know we've applied for
that a couple of times.
[1:23:32] And I just think, we're
almost over the finish line.
[1:23:35] And I think a
lobbying firm would
[1:23:37] definitely help us possibly
get over that last hurdle.
[1:23:41] And $25 million, I
think the investment
[1:23:44] would be well worth it.
[1:23:45] So I'd be fully in support of
putting that on our next agenda.
[1:23:49] OK Yeah, because those are
just two big projects that we
[1:23:52] need to move forward with.
[1:23:54] I mean, once the property
and everything comes through,
[1:23:57] we've got to move on those.
[1:23:59] So OK.
[1:24:00] And the regional parks
going to need money
[1:24:02] and just this is the perfect
opportunity with the way things
[1:24:06] are set up as far as
in the legislature
[1:24:10] and through the state and
through the federal government.
[1:24:12] I think it's a perfect
time for us to do this.
[1:24:15] OK I don't see any
objection from the council.
[1:24:17] So Mr Drury, can you
put that on the agenda.
[1:24:20] We'll do OK.
[1:24:22] Councilman that was
all, by the way.
[1:24:25] That was all other than.
[1:24:27] Hi, Mr Cheney.
[1:24:29] Welcome no, no report today.
[1:24:32] Great job, Steve.
[1:24:33] Thank you.
[1:24:35] Councilman singer.
[1:24:36] Welcome, Mr Cheney.
[1:24:37] Glad to have you on board.
[1:24:38] Thank you for your service.
[1:24:40] Looking forward to this
year's Christmas parade.
[1:24:43] Always a good time.
[1:24:45] Miss Clark, I think I might
be riding with you so excited
[1:24:48] about that.
[1:24:49] I know we had a good
time last year, so it's
[1:24:52] a great event seeing
all the families
[1:24:54] and the community come out.
[1:24:56] So I'm really
excited about that.
[1:24:58] And one thing I
just Mr. Tweedy, I
[1:25:00] think we have our
new boardwalk set up
[1:25:05] and that's fully completed.
[1:25:06] Is that my understanding.
[1:25:08] Yes, sir.
[1:25:09] Yes the trail bypass
around the seaplane base
[1:25:12] is now fully complete.
[1:25:14] We have our final walk through
tomorrow with the contractors
[1:25:17] and engineers.
[1:25:18] Just a few punch list items to
complete in the next few weeks.
[1:25:21] But it is open and
being used and it
[1:25:24] seems to be well received.
[1:25:26] Great new safety
feature for sure.
[1:25:29] Thank you for all you did
to get that up and running.
[1:25:31] Really appreciate it.
[1:25:32] Thank you for all your support.
[1:25:36] That's all I have, Mayor.
[1:25:37] OK Thank you.
[1:25:38] I forgot something
because y'all rush me.
[1:25:42] Well Well, I was doing business
and didn't get to talk.
[1:25:45] I just wanted to
make sure that you.
[1:25:48] We have some of our mayor's
Youth Council here tonight.
[1:25:52] I just wanted to recognize them.
[1:25:55] Yeah good seeing
y'all here tonight.
[1:25:57] Yes Thank you for coming.
[1:25:59] And they've picked their.
[1:26:01] You all have picked
your departments.
[1:26:03] Two departments that
you'll be touring
[1:26:06] over the next couple of weeks.
[1:26:07] So thank you for doing that.
[1:26:10] They'll be paired up
with two departments
[1:26:13] that they've picked over
the next couple of weeks.
[1:26:17] Nice good.
[1:26:19] And we're going to get
that information of what
[1:26:22] each of our candidates
picked and what they did.
[1:26:26] Yes Yep.
[1:26:26] You'll get an email
that when they did it,
[1:26:29] what department they picked
and what they got from it.
[1:26:32] Good Thank you.
[1:26:34] Great Thank you.
[1:26:35] Councilmember gamble.
[1:26:37] Welcome aboard.
[1:26:39] And that's all I got.
[1:26:41] That was quick.
[1:26:43] OK, well, too, want to
welcome our new inspector
[1:26:48] on board there.
[1:26:51] My son's a firefighter.
[1:26:53] Captain right up, Captain.
[1:26:55] So I'm very sensitive to all
you guys, so congratulations.
[1:27:01] I hope everyone had
a nice Thanksgiving,
[1:27:03] and I, too, am looking
forward to our Christmas
[1:27:06] parade on Saturday night.
[1:27:08] I think it will be a great
event, as everything always is,
[1:27:11] in Tabriz.
[1:27:12] So with that, this
meeting is adjourned.
[1:27:17] Happy days.
[1:27:18]