It was mountainous.
So I pull over toward the cliff and goes over
toward the railroad bridge.
I can only have one car with this.
Lindsay went out to get my glasses for me.
I went out and looked and start or wait till she gets it.
Yeah Lindsay went out to the car to get my glasses.
Good afternoon and welcome to the August 19
to very city council meeting.
I'd like to remind everyone to please put your phone on vibrate
or silent.
If you'd like an agenda item up here at this table,
you'll have the agendas.
If you'd like the agenda and there's some little cards you
just fill out your name and the agenda item
you'd like to speak on and give it there to Mr.
Dykes at the end of the table.
He'll get it up to me.
And when we get to that item, I'll call you up.
And with that, I am going to invite pastor Greg watts
from the Leesburg church in Tavares
to come up and lead us in our invocation
and pledge of Allegiance.
All right let's pray.
Lord, thank you so much for this day.
Thank you for this city that we all live in
and do business with.
And Lord, I just pray that you'll
just continue to bless it.
Thank you for these leaders in this room that stepped up
to serve, and I just pray that you'll just bless this meeting
tonight and give the leaders discernment and understanding
and wisdom from you, Lord.
And we ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen amen.
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.
Pastor what.
You struck out.
I guess I wasn't the only one who missed then.
Are they reading glasses.
Yeah maybe I could do those.
They're prescription.
And so are these.
It's just for you.
Oh, yeah.
Kind of.
All right.
We're going to move on to the approval of the agenda.
Staff, do you have any changes.
None from staff council.
Move to approve.
I'll second it.
Motion and second.
All those raise a hand.
Motion passes 5 to 0.
Proclamations and presentations have two to
various governmental advocacy.
Representative update Mr. Drury, previously the city council
selected continental strategies to represent and advocate
on behalf of the city on matters related to federal and state
initiatives.
Ashley spicola, managing partner of continental strategies
in Tallahassee, will provide the council
with an update on the state legislative session that
concluded in March, as well as the special session
that concluded in June.
Come on up.
I will be succinct so we can get to the real star
of the show that's behind me.
So, as we last night was the state primary elections.
Byron Donalds will be the Republican candidate.
David jolly will be the Democratic candidate.
We'll be sending all of you.
I think it goes out maybe right as we speak.
The elections update.
So you guys will get a full rundown
of what's going on statewide.
It will definitely affect what happens here.
I'll start with our federal efforts.
We had a really successful fly in December,
where we met with our Florida delegation,
including members outside of just our local delegation.
We met with Representative Patronis, Senator Scott, Senator
Moody's office as a result of that,
while we weren't on the recommended list,
we're still a project of merit, which means we're still alive.
And I have our office has reached out to us as a result
of the newest developments on the rails to trails program,
and we're going to be looking to set up a meeting,
I think, in September or October,
based on the availability of the folks to rebrief them,
and they seemed very excited about that.
I think the biggest holdout was the property acquisition.
And since that piece looks like it's kind of been handled,
I think that it'll make a lot more
competitive on the next round of the funding.
So I look forward to continuing to work on that.
And then for the state legislative session,
it was another wild one.
If this is your first one you've been following.
We didn't end on time and we had two
special sessions, one for budget, one for property tax.
I don't want to go into the downer property tax,
so I'll just go on to the budget.
This year's budget was 114.5 billion, which is 300 million
than last year with 800 million in vetoes.
I think as a result of our successful fly in guys there
to tell the story is impactful.
And we saw that in the results.
We had one budget veto that was pretty small compared to what
other people experienced.
I think we were very successful.
We got almost $1 million for the city of Tavares,
including the $600,000 for Golden Triangle
and 350,000 for the culvert.
We couldn't have done it without our local delegation.
Senator Trudeau, Senator or representative Bukowski
really came through for us.
And then we follow through with the governor's office.
And they remember talking to you guys.
So it really does make a difference.
The return on investment is there.
Nobody speaks about these projects
better than the people that live it every day except for me,
who's from this area and loves it so much and everyone knows.
So I'm looking forward to another successful year.
I know that you guys have are still discussing your budget,
but I really I'm actually will be down in Lake County
for the next three weeks.
So I talked to James about maybe getting some time next Wednesday
with you guys to hear about what projects maybe we'd
want to work with our delegation to put forward as budget items.
And I think we have a good story to tell here.
And every time I just got to see James's new building.
Amazing like the things that are going on here
are we're so lucky.
And I'm lucky to get to tell that story in Tallahassee.
So I don't know if you guys want me
to throw it to the next person or if anyone has questions.
Well, just thank you for your help
because obviously you were a big one.
You did a great job of getting us around when we were
up there because I was lost.
I had no idea where I was going.
Walking through those buildings.
So thank goodness we had you to get us there.
I appreciate getting to represent a place
that shaped me being from here.
It's an honor to say great things about Seabreeze and Lake
County.
So thank you guys for the honor and I
look forward to keep working.
And it's going to be great.
We're going to have a really successful DC
meetings coming up.
And I think a really great I just
thank you for our Uber driver.
Yeah Yes Ubers everywhere.
I can't walk in heels for long distances.
Yeah he was great.
The guy that drove us around he was great and gave
us a good view of everything.
Made sure we was on time.
So appreciate it.
Awesome well I thank you guys and I'll let
the star of the show go next.
Thank you.
All right.
Thank you so much.
And we're going to move on to tab three
the state appropriations presentation
by Representative Nan Cobb.
Good afternoon, everyone.
I just want to say this.
And you all know this because you were up in Tallahassee
with Ashley.
I represent seven cities and not everybody has the funding,
the opportunities, if you will, that can afford a lobbyist.
And you're very blessed with continental strategies.
We work very well together.
We tag teamed well together between the governor's
office appropriations chairs.
We work very, very well together.
And so you truly, I have no idea what you're saying.
And that's not my business.
But I will tell you, whatever you're paying them,
it's well worth it.
You've got great representation in Tallahassee as well.
So I am pleased to bring you.
We would like to do a check presentation
tonight for and $50,000 to the city of Tavares.
And as Ashley spoke before to the Golden Triangle regional
park, $600,000, and for the ST Clair Abrams culvert
replacement at $350,000.
So any questions on that at all.
Any questions.
Thank you for all the work you did.
Yeah that was a heavy lift.
And you did it.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
This session was dicey, a little dicey,
and we went back and forth.
We had it in the house, not the Senate.
We had it in the Senate, not the house.
I can remember being in between sessions
and being in Miami texting the appropriations chairs
and saying, here we are.
Please don't forget us.
I mean, it was really not a fun trip, right.
It was a fun trip, but it wasn't.
So we were consistently working for the city.
And I just want to thank you for allowing
me to represent you all, and I will
continue to do the good work.
I look forward to actually meeting with you all next week.
And then come to us and let's talk about the appropriations
and what we think we can get bought, if you will.
Make sure we have skin in the game.
And because in Tallahassee, in the House,
the Senate may be a little different.
But in the house we've got our half.
Where's your half.
That's how we operate.
And I don't see much changing from this year to last year.
So I look forward to seeing what the projects are.
All right.
So without further ado, if we could,
would you like to take a picture with us
on the check presentation.
Absolutely, Ashley, I'd like to come up.
And where would you all.
You all want to stand up here.
OK come with us.
OK OK.
One, two three 1.
Two three.
One two.
Three Brandon.
Sorry Brandon.
All right.
Thank you very much.
Very much.
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
I was hoping.
Would you please.
Do that.
That's pretty cool.
OK thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh thank you.
Nan thanks, Nan.
Thank you.
Yeah thank you, Representative Cobb.
And thank you also from southeastern strategies.
Continental strategy.
Continental yeah.
Thank you so much for all the work that you put into this.
Thank you.
All right.
We're going to move on to tab 4 proclamation inaugural
in a mi Lake County walk.
Whereas mental health is an essential component
of overall health and well-being,
and millions of Americans, along with their families
and loved ones, are affected by mental health conditions
each year.
And whereas the National Alliance on Mental illness
is the nation's largest grassroots mental Health
Organization dedicated to improving
the lives of individuals and families affected
by mental illness through education, advocacy,
support and public awareness.
And whereas in Lake County is launching a new chapter
to provide free educational programs,
support groups and resources for residents throughout Lake
County, helping to reduce stigma,
foster understanding, and encourage hope and recovery.
And whereas the inaugural Lake County walk,
to be held on October 10, 2026, will bring together
community members in support of Mental Health Awareness
while encouraging compassion, acceptance, and access
to resources for individuals and families
affected by mental illness.
Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the city council of the city
of Tavares, Florida, that they proudly express their support
for the Lake County inaugural walk
and commend the volunteers, participants, sponsors
and community partners whose dedication helps
promote mental health awareness and support
throughout Lake County.
Past and duly adopted by the city council on this
19th day of August 2026.
And they're here.
So if y'all would like to come up and we'll present you with
this vote on how to vote on it.
I would vote.
OK yeah.
Let's vote.
Let's vote on it.
Yeah, I'll make the motion.
Yeah I moved we have a motion and a second.
All those in favor.
Aye Motion passes 5 to 0.
All right.
Yeah y'all want to.
Y'all have someone you want to take a picture or anything.
OK, OK.
You can present to them.
OK, sure.
Close to the mirror.
Oh, no.
All right.
And again.
You want to say a few words about the event.
Sure as was in the proclamation on October 10,
Tavares will be hosting the inaugural Lake
County Mental health walk.
Because that's October 10 is mental Health Day.
So NAMI is always looking for sponsors.
Anybody out there who would like to sponsor tables or come
out and walk because they do everything for free,
they need to raise money for things so they do not charge
families for any services or all the things
that they do to help people who are dealing with mental illness.
So whatever we can do in the city, get out there and help,
that would be really great.
It's a great organization and it's just
long overdue coming here now.
Luckily, we have people who are doing a great job of putting it
together and making mental health
a priority here in Lake County.
Thank you.
And thank you all for the great job that you're doing.
I'm excited to see your organization grow.
Thank you.
All right.
We're going to move on to tab five.
Rails to trails funding program update Mr. Dillon.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Vice mayor, members of council.
I'm pleased to announce that last Tuesday, the Board
of County Commissioners unanimously approved our $23.5
million public lands and trails application to acquire the 11
mile CSX railroad corridor.
A major milestone for the wekiva trail regional and the city
of Tavares.
This decision affirms firms to very long standing commitment
and strengthening our regional connectivity,
supporting economic growth, enhancing
the quality of life for our residents for generations
to come.
Those who attended the BCC meeting last week
witnessed to various leadership standing
United in support of this transformational project.
Mayor Mr. Vice mayor Bobby Grenier, council member Walter
price, city administrator John Drury, recreation director Scott
Aldridge, sports services Director Mark O'Keefe were
present to demonstrate the city's commitment to a more
connected, vibrant future.
Although council member Sandy gamble and town
were unable to attend scheduling conflicts,
I wanted to acknowledge that they were very much with us
in spirit.
Fully supportive and aligned with the city's vision.
I would also like to extend a special recognition
to John Drury, whose leadership and advocacy
were instrumental in articulating the long term
value of this acquisition is.
Remarks from the dais at the BCC meeting
underscored that this corridor represents
a once in a generation opportunity to advance safety,
recreation, economic vitality and regional mobility
throughout our community.
So what's next with the Board of County commissioners.
Approval of the full $50 million bond issuance
anticipated in November.
The project is positioned on a strong financial foundation
over the next six months.
Lake County.
The trust for Public Land, Mount Dora Tavares,
will begin with the pre-acquisition due diligence
work and closely work with our government relations
firm on the upcoming build application
to construct the trail.
Congratulations, council!
Your shared vision and steadfast leadership
continue to shape Tavares into a stronger,
more vibrant community.
This achievement reflects your dedication
and contributes to a brighter future for our residents.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Back to you, Mayor.
Thank you, Mr. Dhillon.
Council, do you have any questions.
No, just a great job.
Obviously, we've been working at it for a while
and the County was able to help us out some so.
But I know you have things well in hand and what's next.
So it's nice to see a staff that just doesn't let go of a vision.
No I love watching it and witnessing
that great leadership.
And Mr. Curry, could you tell us are people in the audience who
maybe would like to Could you just touch on how long we've
been working on this project.
I would say we've been working on.
Well, it's been in the works 20 years,
but we've probably been working very hard with the applications
and the studies and the appraisals and the trips
to Washington, DC to get the money and different places,
probably for seven years.
Yeah well, thank everyone for a lot of work.
Yeah I want to thank everyone for their hard work
and their due diligence and not giving up on a project.
That's something that we're good at.
We hang with it until we get it done.
So thank you, James, for your hard work.
You've been involved with this project.
Thank you.
Thanks OK.
We're going to move on to tab 6 to various chamber
of Commerce update.
Hi Stephanie Hays from the Chamber of Commerce.
Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and members of the city council.
So, so far this past month coming in for our traffic,
we had approximately between 100 and 36, 140 people
come in as far as our membership.
We're approximately 310 now.
So we are building.
We actually have a ribbon cutting.
Ribbon cutting coming up on the 27th.
We have 17 businesses doing a ribbon cutting.
So it's going to be held at the graceway church.
We have our luncheon there as well.
Day before.
But this is just the honor.
17 businesses include from Orlando Health
all the way down to small businesses.
So we're all they're each going to get to cut their ribbons
and we'll have a luncheon.
It's catered.
So everybody would love to have you all here and all come.
Other than that, it's pretty much our gala right now
is on a to be determined list.
Just waiting.
And so other than that, we're just
kind of doing our lunches right now
and our ribbon cuttings and new memberships.
So any questions.
Yes question.
Sure on Saturdays, how many people do you
normally have come in to visit.
Majority of the time one.
OK yeah.
And there's many times that we had a girl.
Our girl actually worked there on Saturdays,
and now my boards kind of were taking switching Saturdays,
but when they haven't had anybody.
So it's slower on Saturdays.
I would say during events would probably
be the biggest when people come, maybe try to use
the bathroom sometimes too.
And would the chamber be interested in trying to do.
As years passed, the chamber did a lot of involvement with
the special events that we had, like
4th of July and things of that nature there, most definitely.
As far as raising the funding, sure.
We would love to.
We've been wanting to partner, especially with you
have your Oktoberfest, you have your trunk
or treating all those.
So I think it would be a more beneficial for us to be together
doing it rather than us just on the side
promoting it just for you guys.
I think it would be a better situation.
OK yes.
You're welcome.
You're welcome to come in and ask, because I remember
previously, the chamber was very involved
in the majority of our events that we had, which was great.
So yeah, definitely.
Absolutely welcome y'all to come in and take over some
of the responsibilities for it.
Definitely and let the notoriety go to you.
Hey we'd love to I even besides participating
I mean helping as far as that.
I mean we even wanted to do a float and become involved.
I don't know why we never did.
So we've been talking a lot about that as well.
So well, in my experience, in the past year, the chamber was
involved with the 4th of July.
The city only provided the police and fire and things
of that nature there.
But the chamber did all the fireworks and everything
of that nature there.
I gotcha.
Also light up Tavares.
That was done.
Originally done by the junior woman's club
and the chamber got involved.
But there's other things as well.
Over the past, I'd like to see the chamber more involved.
Yes, sir and help the city alleviate some of the funding.
On that.
Definitely I think it builds a better,
stronger together partnership.
So yeah.
And we're all about partnership, for sure.
Well that's good.
You're welcome to jump in feet first.
OK we're there.
All right.
Thank you guys for having us.
Thanks anytime.
All right, we're going to move on to swearing
in by City attorney.
Disclosure of ex parte communications.
Good afternoon, Mayor and council.
We do have quasi judicial matters on the agenda today
there at tabs 9 through 11, as our quasi judicial nature
of anyone wishing to be heard on these matters
to be considered competent, testimony will need to be
sworn, including city staff.
We'll go ahead and do that at this time.
Please raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you will give
will be the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth.
Thank you.
After city staff presents, if you do come up to be heard,
please make sure you state your name and your address.
The clerk can put it into the minutes and council.
At this time, it would be proper to disclose
any ex parte communications regarding taps 9 through 11.
Have there been any by council members.
Seeing none.
Back to you, Mayor.
All right.
Rating of all ordinances and resolutions
into the record city clerk, MS Novak.
Thank you.
Mayor we have three ordinances for second reading ordinance
2020 604, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the city
of Tavares by annexing 19.18 plus or minus acres
of non-contiguous property located East of County
Road 561, approximately 200 North
of Frankie's road intersection.
Under terms and conditions of the interlocal service boundary
agreement between the city of Tavares and Lake County,
rezoning the property from Lake County MP
planned industrial district and heavy industrial to City PD
planned development subject to the rules, regulations,
and obligations retained by the city of council,
providing for an effective date.
Ordinance 20 2005 an ordinance of the city of Tavares, Florida,
amending the comprehensive plan future land use
map 2040 providing for a change from Lake County.
Future land use designation of industrial I to City of Tavares.
Industrial I for property located at County Road 561,
approximately 200 North of Frankie's road intersection,
providing for severability and providing for an effective date
in 2020 606.
An ordinance of the city of Tavares amending ordinance,
2003 25 2013 21 of the city of Tavares,
generally known as fisherman's Cove PD,
superseding all said ordinances with a newly stated plan
development PD ordinance subject to the rules, regulations,
and obligations ordained by the city of Tavares council,
providing for severability and providing for an effective date.
Back to you, Mayor.
Thank you, MS Novak.
All right.
We're moving on to the consent agenda council.
Would you like to move on that.
I'd like to move out of the consent agenda for discussion.
I hear a motion.
Make a motion.
We approve seven of the consent agenda.
I'll second it.
Motion and second.
All those in favor.
Aye Motion passes 5 to 0.
OK we're going to move on to tab 8 Mr. Price.
Yeah I just didn't know for sure if we actually
needed to vote on this voting delegate thing
because we needed to get official approval.
I just didn't know if we actually
had to carry on a formal vote.
Yeah retroactive.
Thank you.
Yeah Formal vote.
Yeah OK.
So, do I hear a motion.
I move that we had Mr. Price being the official delegate
for the League of cities.
Second, second.
All those in favor, raise a hand to also.
Also, I just wanted to let everyone know
that city of Tavares won the local action
award at the Florida league of cities
conference for our public works facility
out on Captain Haynes road.
The award was featured on the marquee that ran the whole time
of the conference.
It was in the agenda program.
It was on an easel board, and it was on a video that was
shown to the general session.
So everywhere I went during that conference,
people say, where are you from.
I'm from.
Oh, I love to bury.
So you guys are doing great things up there, so
gives you a big head.
When you're here.
All these people praising berries.
But yes, we did win the local action award.
I just want everyone to know that.
Yeah you figure there's 411 cities in Florida five
cities got awards.
We were one.
Yeah mayor, just real quick.
I appreciate Mr. Price filling in.
I'm on call, and I didn't see if I got there.
I would have to leave.
So that's why contact with John.
I may be here today and gone tomorrow because of
my sister-in-law situation, so.
But I appreciate Mr. Price doing that and being there for us.
And I had all intent to be there because I'm
proud of what Tavares has done and proud of that facility
out there.
And so I just wanted to throw that in.
Very understandable.
Council Member gamble, thank you.
And thank you.
Council Member price, for standing in
and being the one in charge when I was unable to go
at the last minute.
So thank you so much.
You're welcome.
All right.
We're going to move on to resolutions or none.
So we're going to move to tab nine.
Thank you mayor.
Good afternoon city council members.
For the record, my name is Antonio.
Everybody most people the director,
we're going to bring over a couple of items
that the city clerk already read,
which is ordinance 2020 604.
It is approximately 19.18 acres of land.
Non-contiguous contiguous property
located East of County Road 561 and approximately 200 North
of Frankie's road intersection.
Some people say junction into Tavares
and rezoning the property from Lake County.
Planned industrial and heavy industrial zoning.
We're going to put it all into one, which
is the planned development.
In summary, the land is presently
used as light industrial, warehousing, and vacant land.
The subject property is located within the interlocal service
boundary agreement, which allows for the city to annex land
from Lake County, which from non-contiguous
into the city along a certain conditions are being met.
Go to the next slide.
With the PD plan.
Development plan development ordinance comes with a plan
development or conceptual plan.
The conceptual plan shows the structures
and some additional structures that are
being added along the frontage.
So they have one or two existing structures
and they're going to be expanding, one providing
the parking and providing two more structures in the front
as a mixture of commercial and of professional offices and some
recreational commercial use.
Can I have the next slide, please.
This is a little bit better because it's
overlaid over the aerial.
You can see the changes that are being proposed.
Next slide, please.
This is a rendering of the elevations
on the front buildings facades.
And next one.
All right.
The proposed annexation and rezoning
is consistent with our land development code.
It's also consistent with the interlocal service boundary
agreement and supports the city's long term
economic development objectives.
And our comprehensive plan staff recommendation.
We always add what happens in the planning
and zoning department.
Planning and zoning board meeting that we have.
So on July 16, 2026, the planning and zoning board
met and voted to recommend approval of the ordinance
as presented.
There were some questions from the planning board
that was addressed at the city council.
I attached a draft minutes of what
happened in the proceedings, but it was looked
at pretty much favorably.
Therefore, this information staff
is recommending that the city council move
to approve ordinance 2020 604, which includes
the annexation and rezoning of the property
to Planned development district.
This ordinance, of course, was reviewed by the city attorney
and for legal sufficiency.
The ordinance is included in your packet with several maps,
including the traffic study.
That's the accepted traffic study
that we reviewed and approved, and the environmental report.
That pretty much concludes the staff report presentation on it.
I'm happy to answer any technical questions
on the review process and how it meets
our land development regulations and our comprehensive plan.
We also have the representatives of the development
and the audience as well.
All right.
Thank you Mr. council questions.
OK can you tell me what a recreational commercial uses.
Yes, they want to build a yes.
Actually you can.
They want to build a pickleball court,
and that's my understanding.
They'll be here.
They can elaborate a little bit more,
but it will be an indoor pickleball facility.
That's what they envision that could happen there as well.
So it's not like a machine gun range or anything like that.
Not that I'm aware of.
The applicant is here.
We can ask them.
OK I was just curious what that might entail.
I didn't know if it was ziplines or who knows
what pickleball for right now.
All right.
I think I'd like to say the applicant is here.
Yeah, I'd like to just hear, just touch on what
they're planning on doing.
If they'd like to come up and just briefly,
just briefly touch on it so we know what to get excited for.
Yes good afternoon, Mayor and council members.
My name is Jennifer stone and it's 4850
North highway 19, a Mount Dora.
I'm here on behalf of the owner.
We appreciate staff's work on these applications
and the planning and zoning board's
recommendation of approval.
We are in agreement with the staff presentation,
and we are here to request these ordinances.
And the next one that's coming up,
I do have the owner here to explain
what they would like to do.
It is some light retail and some recreational, commercial,
and some industrial uses.
And we also have our engineer here if there's
any technical questions.
Yeah, I just want to hear just the overview.
Yeah just the overview on overview
of a couple of minutes worth tell me,
tell me what it's all about.
Hi, I'm Scott Brock, resident of Lake County for about 36 years
now.
We believe I believe I've had this property since 20 sorry,
2000, in 2001, and we've been using it
for light industrial sort of refurbishing equipment,
machinery, as well as having a little bit of manufacturing
with my product as well.
Accu cut for flooring, cutting and rolling machines.
And now seeing the growth and seeing what's
happening in this area, we're getting
a lot of requests for warehouse space, some
light industrial manufacturing.
And I've also had some experience
where I built some strip plazas before
in the minneola Clermont area.
So I kind of wanted to tie that theme in the front highway
frontage as well.
OK council, do you have any questions.
Light commercial.
Do you expect or hope to be in there.
What particular light commercial are you hoping to attract there.
Yeah, I mean, I think the days are gone where you have
a lighting store and these kind of things where
everybody's buying online now.
So it could be a lot of specialty, maybe air
conditioning, contract type of businesses
and professional offices, maybe some medical, dental office,
this type of thing.
As far as the pickleball, we had talked about maybe the theme
of having a brewery microbrewery in there as well as pickleball.
I know there's other cities that have done this quite successful.
All right.
Perfect Anyone else.
Well, good luck with your project.
Thank you.
Appreciate it.
Council how would you like to move.
Move to accept the ordinance as is.
I'll second it.
We have motion.
And a second.
Any more discussion.
All those in favor.
Raise a hand.
Motion passes 5 to 0.
Congratulations all right, moving on to.
This is the companion.
Yep tab 10.
Exactly like the city administrator pointed out
is the companion ordinance to this item.
It is changing the comprehensive plan future land use
map from future land use designation County
to the city's industrial.
There isn't really much to that other
than we have to do this because the state
requires comprehensive planning and we
have to change these things.
I think that's probably enough.
All right.
Thank you.
Council, how would you like to move.
I'll make a motion to approve the ordinance.
Second Motion, a second discussion.
All those in favor, raise your hand.
Motion passes 5 to 0.
Moving on to tab 11.
Ordinance 2020 606 fisherman's Cove.
Yes the next item is Fisherman's Cove.
This is the fisherman's Cove that's
out there in the RV center.
There's different uses in there, but in summary, the subject
property is currently operating as a recreational vehicle
resort, with some supporting recreational facilities, marinas
and the dry bulk facility.
The proposed development plan allows for continued operation
of the existing resort and authorizes additional resort
related amenities, including expansion of the dry boat
facility, storage facility, construction of the resort
cottages for short term rental accommodation,
expansion of recreational facilities
and additional RV accommodation.
This is what you see on the screen
is the proposed development.
The ones that have color area around the front, that's
where they're proposing the change, which is the expansion
of along State Road 19 as the dry dock
facility and some cottages internal
and of course, the former golf course that they have,
they want to expand it into the RV use
as well with some cottages.
Next slide, please.
This is the sample of the cottages and they're pre prefab
and there's just very little there.
It's just not there.
They're there for the recreation of the intent of the short term
resort accommodations.
The PD OK.
And then this one, that's the one that's
along the frontage right now.
State route 19.
A lot of people go by there.
They want to expand that.
The last PD that was done prior to this
wouldn't allow them to do it.
So we had to combine this PD and the other PD
and make sure that everything is functioning accordingly.
On July 16, 2026, the planning and zoning board
met and voted to recommend approval
of the ordinance 2020 606 as presented
during the public hearing.
Neighboring property owners and representatives
expressed concerns regarding setbacks
and buffers issues, open space, stormwater,
and utility infrastructure.
These issues were discussed and addressed
during the public meeting.
I have attached the draft minutes.
You can go over that a little bit more
in details in your packet.
In addition, the applicant agreed to meet with city staff
to review and confirm the compliance with all
the applicable setbacks and landscape buffer requirements
associated with the proposed future development
as depicted in the master development plan.
Because most of the questions were related to that issue, what
is the buffer between the future development
plan before the future development and this.
The PD already established that we were going to the buffer
requirements on the land development regulation
when it comes to site planning, and we reviewed it.
The applicant came to the staff again on July 31, 2026,
and we met and they acknowledged that they're
going to meet the landscape buffers are there,
codified in the land development regulations,
because there was a question at the meeting
that may have vested rights for smaller landscape buffers.
But we looked at it, we looked at it twice.
And the landscape buffers, as I described
on our recommendation part, is what he's required to do.
Staff therefore, staff recommends that the city council
approve the ordinance 2020 606 amending
and adopting the proposed master development plan
as presented tonight.
We also.
The ordinance was, of course, reviewed
by the city attorney's office.
It was included in your packet.
I also noteworthy attachments you have 10
was the environmental report, the traffic study.
And I also included the abutting residential opposing letter.
And for your information, I added
the old ordinances that are being replaced
just for your edification.
We also have the applicant available on the audience.
If you want to elaborate on any of his proposal,
and I'll be happy to answer any questions in the review process.
Thank you.
Council any questions.
So this is not expanding the land area at all.
They're all within current land that they own.
Correct And of course replacing a golf course
probably makes no money with RV sites.
Make money will improve the commercial value and therefore
the taxable value of that property.
Correct I would assume so.
And it's not functioning right now.
So it'd be better than nothing.
All right.
It's a very nice resort.
It's not by my area over there.
I go by it all the time.
Any more questions.
How would you like to move.
I'll move to approve the ordinance.
2020 6-6, fisherman's Cove.
Second Motion and a second.
Any more discussion.
All those in favor, raise a hand.
Motion passes 5 to 0.
Thank you.
All right.
We're going to move on to tab 12.
Discussion and direction regarding
the preferred approach for addressing data
center development.
I guess that's still you, Antonio.
That is still me.
Thank you.
Mayor this item.
I did put a little information about the data centers
and how they're being treated, and how they're currently being
approached by Lake County.
So it is for city council to discuss.
However, I'll read this first part of the staff report,
I think is so it's noteworthy as an interest
in data center development and continues to increase.
Staff is seeking policy direction
from city council regarding how the city
should address future applications
for these types of facility.
While data center can provide economic development
and support critical digital infrastructure.
They may also present unique land land use consideration
related to building scale, utility demand, backup power
generator, noise aesthetics, compatibility
with the surrounding development.
As a general thing on data center
that people watch this in the news all the time.
But on June 23, 2026, the Lake County board
of County Commissioners discussed a temporary moratorium
on data centers facilities within the unincorporated areas
of Lake County.
After discussing, the board collectively
agreed to have the Lake County attorney bring
back a proposed moratorium.
Ordinance on August 5, 2026.
The Lake County planning and zoning
board were presented the ordinance
that I just talked about.
So they did draft an ordinance, and it was presented
to the planning and zoning board on August 5, 2026
for a temporary moratorium, a one year moratorium.
The proposed moratorium was approved by Lake County
planning and zoning board.
The moratorium is going to go next to back
to BCC on September 1, 2026.
At this time, the city does not have
any land development regulations specifically
addressing data centers.
As a result, staff requests that the city council
discuss the appropriate regulations or approach,
and provide directions on whether the amendments
to the land development regulations should be pursued.
I have incorporated some options.
There are two potential options to talk about talking points.
This one is adopting a temporary moratorium on new data centers
applications by the city evaluates
the appropriate regulations.
That's number one.
Number 2 is directing staff to prepare amendments
to the land development regulations, regulations
establishing objective development standards
and for the data centers.
And the third one is maintaining the existing regulations
and evaluating future proposals on a case by case basis
through the city's current development
review process right now.
I will open it back to city council for discussion.
All right.
I have a question in our city attorney
do the same thing that the County did as far
as this temporary moratorium.
Bring it back to us in ordinance.
Absolutely can we have a permanent moratorium?
No, no, no.
How about three years.
Yeah One thing that we did go when we were at the Florida
league of cities is they did a presentation on data centers,
and there was a lot of misinformation out there.
I think there were things that people have heard
that are absolutely not true.
But I think what we need to do is pretty much do the one year
kind of what Lake County did to give us the opportunity
to investigate more because again, what we were told
and what we had heard were completely two different things.
And so I think to make sure that we're fully aware of what we're
dealing with, we need to do the one
year moratorium to give time for the city
to look at these things.
Well, as Doug was saying, a lot of misinformation
floating around about data centers out there.
First off, they have what are known as edge data centers,
which are only 1,000 to 10,000ft building
on a tenth to one acre in land.
They have enterprise corporate data centers,
which are 10,000 to 50,000ft only need one to five acres.
They have locations that have a different size go up
to 40 acres.
Once you start getting to cloud, regional or hyperscale, which
can take over 100 acres, I don't think
that we have any land inside the city limits of Tavares
that would accommodate a building these big anyhow.
So another misconception was that it was going
to hurt our electrical power.
But as it turns out, people from Florida Power were there,
and they said that any data center has to provide
their own electrical infrastructure
and they have to pay for it themselves,
and it's added to what's already there.
So it doesn't take away any capacity in the city.
And as far as the water goes, it's not constantly using water.
They fill up their system one time.
It's a closed system and it recycles that whole time.
So they only put water in it one time.
It's not constant sources of water.
So being that there's all different sizes and scales,
we do want some commercial or industrial type.
Business here in Tavares.
I don't think we need to just absolutely
slap a moratorium on there.
I think that would be more appropriate
would be option number three, maintaining the existing
regulations and evaluating future proposals on a case
by case basis, I think would be much more appropriate.
Because we don't want to turn away a 10,000 square foot
small data center that might could
bring some jobs to the city.
I don't think we should do that.
Just one point on your closed water thing.
There's no such thing as you fill it up once, and it's done.
No, take it from somebody who's dealt with closed
water systems his whole life.
Somewhere there will be a breakage,
somewhere there'll be something that
will happen where that will end up having to be refilled again.
There'll always be something that it's
not going to be one time something's going to happen.
And you will end up having repair of that.
Fill up the water again and it could happen a lot.
I've dealt with cold water boilers, cold water,
chiller systems, cold water.
And there's always repairs, there's always refilling.
There's always something that has to be done.
So I just wanted to get that point out there.
So that is not a miss.
I don't misnomer or something that has to go off the table as
far as it's a one time thing.
No, I still want a moratorium.
I can get a moratorium for the next four years.
That would be great.
I can't see us going.
No I think what we do if we do a moratorium is we do it to allow
our staff to be able to come back and develop
some regulations and things of that nature that
will go over for this.
Yeah I'm just being I'm just being the one year.
Yeah I'm just being like.
And the thing is, by us saying one year doesn't mean that we
have to go the full year.
We could actually cancel it at any time once the staff.
But this way it doesn't put all the burden right now
on our staff to try to come up with something
within two weeks or three weeks and allows them to research it.
And, Mr. Price, I appreciate the information
you brought, because that way they would be able to have
more understanding as well.
That's what's out there.
But I would be in favor of a moratorium, maybe not a year,
maybe six months, but at least give our staff the time
and opportunity to be able to do the homework
and bring back something to us.
And how long would it take us.
We could get it done in six months.
But what I'm talking about to get it approved,
though once they bring it back to us,
it depends what you decide to do.
If you decide to do it on a case by case basis is council member,
price said, then you're done.
If you decide you want an ordinance to advertise
and that takes about maybe 3060 days.
Got to go to p and z.
They got to review it.
They have to approve it.
That's another 3060 days.
So you're probably talking.
1234, 5, six months from the time
you say, we want to do this, to get through the planning
and zoning board advertising twice back to the city council
to amend your codes.
I mean, what all you're probably going to do
is amend the codes for these particular types of facilities.
I'd hate to see us pass up an opportunity to not allow
a 10,000 square foot building in an industrial park to not
come in here, because of all the myths surrounding these places.
I just don't think we should limit ourselves like that.
And I think that I don't really know enough about data centers
and don't care to.
That's not the direction I want our city to go.
And I think we're so limited on property.
We're so limited on what we can do commercially
or I know we have industrial parks.
I don't even know how much property is left in those.
I certainly don't want them to start
encroaching on up to Highway frontage
with these industrial parks.
And if we added we're losing out.
We are so limited to what we can do commercially.
I would rather let data centers go to the other cities.
Let us keep our acquaintance, acquaintance that we have
and keep going in the direction that we're going.
I mean, how many other cities have
a Publix on a two lane road.
I really haven't been to one.
I feel like we're really fortunate to have.
I want to keep growing things that are good for our residents
that we have.
I don't really I don't see a data center
as something that would enhance the quality of life
in the city of Tavares.
To be honest with you, I see visually encroaching on up
into our commercial space and I just think we can do better.
And I know the data center will bring in all these tax dollars
and they're not going to use any water in.
They're not going to do anything to our electric
and it'll be jobs.
But, if you go different places that I've traveled
and watch things change like up in,
up in let's say Georgia up there and they
started with one rug place.
And then next thing when you're driving up there,
it's absolutely beautiful.
And then all of a sudden, you have all these buildings just
building after building, after building
these huge, huge buildings and that's all they have.
That's what their town is now.
They have nothing left.
If you go up there in those areas,
there's just nothing left for quality of life initiatives,
quality of life businesses that can
still come into the community and make a good living.
I mean, that's really what I'm looking for.
I don't want to be a city of industrial parks.
I'd rather keep going in the direction that we're going.
Well, I'm saying not.
We have existing industrial parks,
existing land now that could accommodate
one of these smaller things.
And these are high paying, high tech
jobs that you come to our area.
And I just don't think we should hamper ourselves.
If you want to put a limit, fine.
I mean, we limited the amount of those gaming places
that could be to various.
We had an ordinance that limited the number of those.
I mean, you could always limit it if you wanted to
at some point, but I really don't
think we're going to be the hotbed for data centers anyhow.
They're out there looking for 2000 5,000 acres.
They're not looking for one acre and Tavari.
I don't really I think it's all really
going to be kind of a moot point, which is why I'm just
soon leave everything alone.
And if something comes up and we can address it when it comes up.
I don't think we're going to have much of a problem with it.
Well, I mean, one thing I would say
is that if this is off subject but not off subject,
if we lose on Amendment three and we lose on property taxes
coming in, we need to make up.
If we're going to need to make a revenue.
Revenue is going to come from businesses and places like that.
So I think limiting our I agree with Council price
that limiting us from being absolutely out of it
is not a great idea.
I support the moratorium to make sure
that we do a thorough study.
But I don't think we should just say no.
And I really don't even care about having a moratorium,
to honest with you.
If we're going to leave it open, then let's just leave it open.
And whoever suggested case by case,
I mean council member price just a bit.
I think that's a great idea.
I mean, I'm not so close minded.
That's not the direction I saw the city going.
But as long as we keep control, if it's just
not a runaway train, just dropping buildings
everywhere within our city.
I just that that's not what Tavares is.
I agree with you.
So I personally would just say, let's
not waste any more time on this, but that would be option three.
Yeah well, and I'm going to ask I
know that no one has turned anything,
but is there anyone in the audience
that would like to speak Mr. Santoro, come on up.
In my peripheral vision, I could see you flailing back there,
so I thought, I better get.
Mayor members of council, Mr. Drury,
city staff MS Holt, Gary's into our royal harbor every weekend.
As part of my routine, I go by a certain.
I drive-through the city.
There's one section of town that continues
that I continue to watch.
A for sale sign goes up and it comes back down.
It's a large, wide open section off of 448 near Shirley shores.
A structure like this would fit perfectly out there,
and it's adjacent to that waterway lake
that's sitting out there.
So I. I don't know when Phil was here,
a developer talked to him about water and stuff like that.
And then they backed out.
So that's the one big, large portion of property
that you have left that someone's
going to grab to do something.
And it's large.
Thank you, Mayor.
Thank you, Mr. Santoro.
All right.
So any more discussion or do we have a motion.
Well, do we want to put a limit, as Mr. Price may be stipulated?
as far as how many of those we allow.
No someone may come in, and there's a perfect piece
of property on the outside of town
that could bring in thousands, hundreds of thousands of dollars
to the city of Tavares.
I'm willing to listen, but I don't.
What I'm saying is I don't want to structure wise.
Are we talking about one, 2, 3, 4, 10, 20.
Let them come in and make us an offer.
Yeah I mean, why close the door when someone
might bring the perfect.
That's just my thought.
Someone may bring something.
I don't want them here, but if it's on the outskirts of town
that hardly anyone sees unless they're actually driving to it.
As long as it's not taking up anything more or less in town
where we want our commercial frontage
to remain commercial frontage with commercial buildings.
That's my thought.
I don't want to close the door on anything that
could produce good money for the city,
but it has to be done our way.
Well, I'll make a motion that we approve option three.
I'll second that.
Option 3 is the case by case.
Yes, and I'll agree to that.
I just want to say again out loud, this is not Tavari vision.
This is not Tavari.
This is not what we want here.
It's just not with respect to Mr. Santoro,
who I have a great respect for I don't
want Shirley sauce, a gigantic piece of a gigantic building
on this land.
I just don't want it.
It's just not our vision.
These data centers are not our vision here in Tavares.
This is not.
That's Anytown, USA.
Again, I use that a lot.
This is not the quaintness.
The small town charm.
It's growing unwisely.
I do not like this at all.
I will, I'm going to vote with KDKA so that as they come,
we'll review them and see what they want.
That is what we've always done.
So I'm going to continue with that.
I just wanted to be out here saying I don't like them.
That's not Tavares American seaplanes vision
to have these things boom.
Even again, there might be a industrial park
that some of these buildings aren't even being used
and the place wants to come in and get rid of them
and they'll put the building.
That's why I agreed to this, because maybe
if it's an already an established industrial park
that's just dying.
Let's fix it up with one of these.
But I just want you to know that, two, 3, 4.
Nah, it's just not happening.
It's not our vision.
That's not where we want to go.
No, we could limit these to industrial zoning only.
We don't.
We just say they're not.
They're not allowed in commercial.
Absolutely that's why we'll go case by case.
That's what we've always done, that this council
has always done that.
And I agree to that.
That's what makes us work so well together that we do that.
So we have a motion for option three.
But I didn't hear the wording in it.
We just said make a motion to accept option three.
Are we're providing the staff with an alternate direction of
we're going to do case by case.
Correct is that what the motion was.
Yeah right.
So we have a motion and a second.
All those in favor.
Passes 5 to 0 for option three case by case.
OK, now we're going to have Mr. Bob
tweedy, our economic development King King of the kingdom.
Let's hear all that you got to tell us about.
Good evening.
Mayor members of council, for the record,
Bob tweedy, your economic development director.
The city council has prioritized commercial and industrial growth
within the city to enhance employment opportunities,
the commercial tax base, and overall economic, health,
well-being and prosperity of our community.
Although the city has adopted and implemented
a well thought out, comprehensive and successful
economic development strategy and that is attached
in your package, current financial incentives
are limited to a waiver of city impact fees, which
are applicable only to large scale seaplane
plane related businesses.
And that's ordinance 2024 1511, which is also in your packet
as a means of stimulating further economic growth
in these areas, council may wish to consider
enhancement of this incentive with the following one.
Expanding current permanent waiver of applicable city impact
fees under ordinance 2024 1511 and removing the seaplane
related only provisions, including all manufacturers that
create 25 or more full time employees
or 25 and/or 25 equivalent residential units or eras.
Two development of an additional new ordinance,
waiving all applicable city impact fees,
and/or building permit fees for new commercial development
within the city for a limited period of time, for example, one
year or 18 months with a phase in period,
perhaps of an additional 6 to 12 months at 50%
A similar program was put into place
Citywide for all development in the 2009 to 2011 time frame.
During a period of economic downturn,
that program resulted in significant private commercial
investment in the city to include projects
such as the Downtown hotels, the big house and the osprey lodge,
to name a few.
And that was in the tens of millions of dollars
worth of investment overall.
If the city council approves one or both options,
staff will work with the city attorney
to develop formal ordinances for presentation and consideration
by the Council, by the Council at a future meeting.
And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Back to you, Mayor.
All right.
Thank you, Mr. Tweedie.
Council, do you have any questions.
Do we have any seaplane manufacturers still.
We do not.
We had, as you all are aware, sea ray, which
was located out on 19 by Lake.
They went out of business.
They are in the process of a new Owners have bought that company
the license to produce that aircraft,
and they actually are in the process
of working on a development actually on the other side
of Lake Ida mirror.
They've talked to city staff.
Their engineers are working on a site plan
and coming back with a new development
of a new and improved sea ray and a new and improved sea
ray manufacturing facility, potentially on Lake Mirror.
Figure out is that on the North side,
that would be on the East side of Lake Ida mirror.
So Southeast Southeast corner of the lake.
448 561 61 intersection area, across from the County property
where the.
Yeah where the Renaissance animal shelter.
Yeah, exactly.
And Mr. Drury, can you.
This is something that's very dear to me.
Is this.
These waivers.
And let me explain why.
20 years ago, when I first got on the council
and Mr. Drury first began as our city administrator, the taxes
for the city were 90, 10, 90% of the taxes
were on the back of the residents, which is horrible.
And we went out and when we first did this
and there was all this housing, all this new housing
built and we just had different things going on in Mr. Drury.
We got that down to.
Was it 60-40.
Very close to 60/40.
And then we had all this housing start and we had.
We had housing developments that had been approved,
19 years before.
Which a lot of us didn't even remember.
And all of a sudden.
So now we have all.
These different developments built in all this housing.
And the same thing happened has happened again.
We've crept back up to what I think we're probably in the 70s.
Yeah, somewhere around there.
So I felt like we have lost a lot of traction.
So to me doing this for the commercial
based building build outs, I think it's
going to help tremendously.
I would love the thought of this just filling up all
the commercial highway frontage that we have
when the word gets out.
And I like that they put in here that we can readdress
it and find out, if we need.
And we expanded it.
I remember before when we had it,
we went a little bit longer for whatever reason,
because people were not quite ready to come
in and get their approval, and we had done that.
But I think this is great.
It absolutely worked before, and I think it will work again,
because I would love to see us get those numbers
back to where we once had them.
And we were so close.
And I'm just excited to see what can become of this
if we pass this.
I wasn't aware that we back during that time
that we did the building permit fees.
I know the impact fees we did, but I wasn't
aware the building permit fees.
Well, we did just impact fees.
There was a revision.
So you initially started you did a revision
to include for a limited period, I
think the building permit fees you could pay
after at a later date, I think.
Yeah, we did do building permit fees.
I think you still have to pay them.
But instead of paying them at the time of applicant,
we moved it at the time of Ko.
There had to be paid before, but they had to pay.
I just didn't remember that we completely waived is a deferral.
I believe it was a deferral.
Yeah we could do that again.
I know someone put a $1 million building on an out parcel.
How much money we would lose if we weren't collecting the impact
fees or building fees.
I would punt over to I think, community development director.
Yeah, I think we bring back an ordinance to you.
We would answer that question.
We'd have if you want us to head in this direction,
then we would have all of that information for you.
Well, how is the current commercial,
especially retail interests, into areas going at the moment.
It's pretty good.
We as you're aware, especially Mr. Price,
we engaged thanks to council's appropriation
in last year's budget for a retail consultant.
They've been working hard at it, developed work with us
to develop a very well thought out strategy and plan,
which they've been implementing, and they're
gaining some great traction.
They've got a couple of prospects in the hopper
right now for some properties out on 19
that are in negotiation with potential commercial developers.
So it's going along pretty well.
I spoke to them about this last week in advance of this
and they're very excited.
They said it's a very competitive market.
These retail commercial developers
are looking at they're not just looking at Tavari.
They're looking about around the whole area.
And it could definitely give us an edge
when it comes down to final selection of those types
of commercial operations.
When potential retail clients come to see you,
is this something that they've expressed interest in
is some kind of a waiver of impact fees to help them.
Is that something that would push them over the top.
We have had commercial developers
that have indicated that it would be very, very helpful.
What do you think council.
How would you like to move.
I move to approve the suggestions
from the economic department both items one and 2.
Are we talking about.
I think so, yes.
Yeah this is all for commercial.
This isn't for residential.
No, this is commercial.
Industrial I'll second that motion.
And second, any more discussion.
Just a question.
What was the motion again to approve
the above suggested economic development,
to remove the industrial plane.
Related and to whatever it said, add a new Impact fee waivers
for a limited time for commercial development
and bring that back to you in ordinance
form for your second review and approval
and just under discussion, if you would as Mr. Price asked,
if you could put that together, a million, dollar, billion,
million dollar building, how much revenue would
be lost from the impact fees.
Nothing from the building permit fees.
Because they're just.
Deferred deferred.
Yeah I mean, if we're going to lose 50 grand,
but get a million building on $1 million out
I think that's a pretty good trade.
Yeah we'll give you the tax revenues
and the future contributions to the city.
Yeah, I'm looking forward to. right, right.
Well, and that's where I think when this
was done back in that period, because I
was here at that time, 2009 11.
That was the idea was, yeah, you may lose upfront,
but you gain over a period of years of what you lost,
you're going to gain because of having that building there.
So I think it's a good idea what's
going to happen to projects that are already
in the pipeline, such as heritage square,
depends on when they submit, when this ordinance passed
and when it's approved.
I know I've had a couple of meetings with a couple of people
and they're basically well, we're not
quite ready to move forward.
And we're looking at it closely.
And what I like about an ordinance that says
got nine months to pull it together or 12 all of a sudden.
I mean, that's what happened in 08.
I mean, I had a lot of people who said, yeah,
we're not quite ready to move as soon as we pass it.
And I told the owner of the hotels,
12 months to pull the trigger.
Within 30 days, he was like, OK, I'm going to take the risk.
And it was a big risk.
And it's Roger Kooser.
Yeah Because the economy was tanking.
But I kept telling him, you're going
to get good pricing on your lumber and your concrete
and labor, and which they did.
So it's a very powerful economic incentive tool
to get people to not just sit on property and talk
about doing projects, but actually
do them because they only have 12 months to get it done.
OK, yes.
And I remember the stimulation the last time when we did.
I mean, we were the only city we had people working,
people were going out working every day.
All these houses were being built.
I mean, it was when we had done that back in the whenever
it was 2009, 8, 9, 10, whenever it was when things were so bad.
And I mean, the people in our city,
they were going to work every day and had plenty of work
to do.
It was good.
It definitely was obvious that it.
I have one other point.
I want a question for clarification.
Sure we're talking about commercial.
OK rental houses.
I House would be.
That'd be single family home, right.
Commercially zoned.
You could have commercial within, say,
a multifamily such as heritage square, that sort of thing.
But yeah, I mean, apartment buildings, if it's commercially
zoned, it would be eligible.
It's not commercially zoned.
It would not be eligible.
Because also what we ran into with what's happening
on 19 there on that corner, I don't
know where they went if they've even went any further
where they're trying to build.
Even though we turned low income,
it was where we turned them down.
Actually, it was turned down, but yet they came live, local,
and that is zoned commercial industrial there.
So that would qualify even though that's apartment if it
had a commercial component.
The commercial was going to be on the frontage of 19.
The apartments were going to be six story behind it as I recall.
Yes so let's make sure the right commercial gets here, please.
That's a big thing.
This is a great board.
One of the best we've had.
You all got to remember that I think of Tavares
as a blank Canvas, or that we create
a Currier and Ives scenario with the cemetery Arboretum.
What are we doing here.
Everything that we do has to be visually wonderful.
Beautiful it has to be something that if I can stand there
and I'd want to take a picture of that,
that's how I visualize Tavares.
But what makes this group really good
is that we can discuss how we shall grow,
but at the same time, let's just not
grow for the sake of growing.
Make sure what commercial comes in here is really worthwhile.
There was a period of time there that we
had some things going in here.
Like somebody mentioned.
We don't.
That's not what we want when we talk commercial.
And to give these incentives to these people.
We want to make sure that the right commercials coming in.
I'm looking forward down at Publix.
I'm looking forward to going down there
to go to a bonefish or a Miller's ale house
or something like that, going to fight for
the right commercial cheddars.
Yeah there you go.
There you go.
Something like that.
The one reason with now we approved
that laundromat there, that eyesore
has been there for so long.
And at least the architecture of that laundromat looked good
and we needed something there again.
But would I rather had something else there.
Boy, I sure would have loved to have something else there
besides a laundromat there.
But that the way they've designed it,
it's going to be nice looking.
It's beautiful.
It does enhance the landscape.
And we don't have to look at that eyesore
that's there anymore.
But again, at the same time, I really
want to watch for the proper commercial that comes there.
But we've got a motion and a second.
Yes, there was discussion.
Sandy, when you brought that up about that property,
that because of the Live Local and the low income
housing that was going to go there
along with some commercial.
How do we stop that.
Because they're already getting incentives.
Still live local, still exist.
It's still breathing.
It could happen.
You can't double dip.
I mean, they can't come in and want to do the commercial aspect
of it within the low income housing,
because they're already getting the break
on the low income housing.
They can't double dip.
Yeah we'll work with the city attorney
to have a carve out that meets statutory requirements
in the ordinance that we bring back to you
to address that, to the two concerns
you've just brought forward.
Yeah y'all understand what I'm saying.
Yeah, that's a good point.
All right.
We'll do it.
Have a motion and a second.
Any more discussion.
All those in favor, raise a hand.
Motion passes 5 to 0.
Thank you.
OK thank you for your hard work there, Mr. tweedy.
All right.
We're going to move on to tab 14 budget workshop.
The general fund budget was presented
to the city council on July 15, had a budget workshop.
The enterprise and special revenue fund budgets
were presented to the council at the August 5 budget workshop.
The city council set the maximum tentative millage rate
of 7.2 Mills, and the maximum tentative
voted debt service rate of 0.1335 Mills
at the July 15 budget workshop.
At this meeting, the five year capital improvement
plan will be presented, after which the council will have
an opportunity to discuss it and then the proposed budget
at the next item, tab 15.
So with that, I'm going to ask our finance
director to present the five year
capital improvement program.
Council I'm here to present to you
some highlights of the capital improvement program.
Staff has prepared some extra large copies
for easy reading of the complete program at the dais for you.
Yes This thing if you want to.
So that should you have questions,
it will be easier to read.
And if you don't mind, I'm going to read it from.
I'm going to go through the presentation from here.
It is going to be short and we're just
going to hit the highlights.
That way it'll come back to council for your discussion.
Sure all right.
First, let's go over what does capital assets mean.
The government finance Officers Association defines capital
assets as assets of significant value
and having a useful life of several years.
City of Tavares.
Anything with a useful life of five
or more years is capitalized, and our capital
threshold is $5,000.
If an item costs that much, it goes through the capital plan
capital improvement program.
The capital improvement program, or CIP,
is a plan for capital expenditures
to be incurred each year over a fixed period of several years,
usually five or six, setting forth each capital project
and identifying the expected beginning
and ending date for each project,
the amount to be expended in each year,
and the method for paying for those expenditures.
As you know me, I love quotes that are right on target
with what we're doing.
Louis Pasteur said chance favors the prepared mind.
Our Ci plan SIP plan land gives us that preparation
for a prepared mind.
Let's look at an overview of the categories within the SIP plan.
The total amount is $99,655,806.
From fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2031.
As you can see, we have beautification,
economic development, public buildings and facilities,
parks and recreation, transportation, water facilities
and improvements, wastewater facilities and improvements,
water reuse and reclamation, solid waste, stormwater
and general government.
And as you can see, some of the largest categories
is the water, transportation and wastewater
sectors, as well as the public buildings and facilities.
Abilities OK, let's take a look at the five year
CIP categories in a graphical perspective.
And as you can see, potable water, public buildings,
wastewater, our parts of the largest parts of our capital
plan with transportation and parks
and recreation and general government
coming in right behind.
And then if you look at the proposed funding
on a graphical pie chart, you can
see that most of your funding is going to come from general fund.
This is the proposed funding, state revolving loan funds
for those capital projects for water
and wastewater and stormwater.
And then we have wastewater impacts
that are going to fund and strategically
offset some of the SRF funding.
And we have water wastewater operations, general fund
operations, operating revenue.
27% is proposed.
That's pay as you go.
There's 0 amount in the proposed plan
for general government debt.
Now this is a favorite quote that Bret loves.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree.
And I will spend the first four sharpening
the x Abraham Lincoln.
Now let's look at some of the highlights
for the general government CIP.
This does not include all of the capital items,
but it's just intended to highlight those that are.
In fiscal year 2027, total $1,566,682.
As you can see, we've got police vehicles.
We've got breathing apparatus for the fire department.
We've got alleyway improvements, road paving.
We've got the West Main Street streetscape.
We've got signs to define the waterfront,
we've got the Veterans Memorial plan and columbarium,
and we've got cemetery, laboratory, Arboretum
and irrigation repair.
And then we've got new vehicles for parks and recreation,
and then we've got the Golden Triangle
regional park, West parking, restrooms,
and sidewalk construction.
Now let's look at some of the highlights
for the enterprise fund. $22,655,000 you've got
several projects here.
The largest one I'll draw your attention to
is the Citywide improvements to drinking water system design
and construction that is anticipated
to be all loan forgiveness.
We will apply for an SRF loan.
We meet all the requirements as we go through the process.
And then the loan is forgiven.
That is, we think that is just absolutely awesome.
We have a base read phase 9.
That's our antenna program for me to read.
Wastewater treatment pump station.
Upgrade their lift station.
Install a bypass for lift station 38.
Pipelining wastewater upgrade panel for pumps.
Low pressure for the sewer system.
Hundreds kilowatt portable generator and then some storm
line repairs.
Now let's take a look forward for some of our locked projects.
And if you look on the screen above,
you can see some of the largest ones of the pavilion AC
in design.
We've got a fire engine replacement there.
We've got a senior center on the long range
planning for 1,000,008 50.
We've got 9 million can plan for SRF or wastewater treatment
plant expansions and upgrades.
We've got a million 725 on the plan
for reclaimed water in 2028, and then more in 2029.
And we have let's see.
We've got several for the recreation.
We've got the dock pier.
Well I won't go there.
The ST Clair Abrams project, which
should that we're currently working on
should finish this year.
But there's several there.
And I encourage you to take a look.
And as we go through the budget process each year,
we take a look at all of these projects,
look at the priority for them, and they may move up.
They may move further out into the future depending
on the expected funding opportunity
to offset the needed projects.
And that pretty much is a high level view of your CIP plan.
And we're here to answer any questions that you may have.
Mayor, back to you.
Thank you.
All right.
Council, have any questions for MS
Houghton or discussion questions for Mr. Questions anywhere.
Comments hello.
No thank you on this.
Once again great job.
Thank you.
As you're reviewing it this through the budget process.
Should you have any questions Brett and I
will be happy to assist you.
All right.
How would you like to move.
I think the next item is I think this was to receive the budget.
I don't think there's a vote required on this.
All right.
So we're moving on to continued deliberations and updates Mr.
Drury, and opportunities provided the council to resume
budget deliberations and then finalize a draft budget
for the first public hearing, which is on Thursday,
September the 3, 2026, at 5:05 PM and the second and final
public hearing, which is on Wednesday,
September 16, 2026 at 5:05 PM.
Based on discussions at the last budget workshop,
the proposed budget has been updated to include
two additional police officers.
Starting on 7, 127 and two new police vehicles.
Additionally, the proposed budget
has been updated based on current updates from the city's
health and dental staff vacancies, changes in health,
dental insurance coverage, et cetera.
Exhibit A contains the adjustments
to the proposed budget.
Should be noted that the city is still waiting on final revenue
estimates from the state for state shared revenues
and final costs for general liability
and workers' compensation from the city's
public entity insurer.
It is anticipated that these figures
should be available before the first public hearing.
The original proposed budget had in it 158,884, to be added
into general fund reserves.
The updated proposed budget, reflecting the changes above,
resulted in a $245,242 more in expenditures
than in budgeted revenues.
The changes we did have increased
what I recommended by 245.
242 therefore, in order to have a balanced budget,
it's recommended to reduce.
The amount provided for general fund reserves from 158 894 down
to 0.
This still maintains three months of general fund
reserves and the budget.
And results in a lowering of the 7.2 tentative millage
rate down to a millage rate of 6.992,
to have a balanced budget based on the changes
you made at your last meeting.
After the council deliberates and finalizes the budget millage
rates, they will be brought back to the council
with any final adjustments from the state,
along with supporting resolutions for the two
public hearings in September for further public input
on the council.
So at this point, you have an opportunity to instruct staff
to move forward and bring back the resolutions
for the public hearings, as is to make further adjustments
to the budget and deliberate anything you want pulled out,
put in.
We'll take notes and then we would bring back any changes
you have in the final, at the next, at the next meeting,
back to you.
I have a change.
So I know at the last meeting we had discussed the opportunity
to give over 20 years, five years
health insurance going forward.
I thought about that.
I heard countless and I mean countless responses
from constituents, and no one was in favor of that.
I heard a lot of and I listened to a lot of people's reasoning
wise on that, and I have come to agree with what they told me,
so I am voting against that.
So you're saying you want to pull that back out.
It's back in OK.
Correct all right.
I have and I could not go with that
because to me that's telling our staff that is not a director.
You really don't mean anything to us
deal that we're only concerned about the upper echelon.
And that's not I don't think this council's viewpoint.
What I asked Mr. Drury, was what could
we do similar to what Leesburg did with their employees
over there to help out.
And they came up with a longevity plan over 20 years
that we would contribute so much money into that on our budget
hearing this year.
I would love to do it this year.
But if we did it this year, we would have to go into reserves
to be able to do it.
And I'm not for going into our reserves
until I know what happens in November.
But if we were able to do it, fund it, and the funding
to do this would be $66,658.
And they came up with a plan that starts at five years
and goes all the way up to 20 years.
But I would ask Mr. Drury to share this with everyone,
but I just.
If you're interested in something of this nature
that it allows gives them an incentive.
It also what it does.
It puts money in and is paid out each December.
But he can give that.
And you can get what MS Lori about it.
Get more information that way.
I'm not giving second hand and mixing it up, but to me this way
it gives every employee something.
And technically what it comes out to
is like a bonus at December, that they could even keep it
in there or roll it over however they want to do,
or they could do something else with it.
But it's something that tells our employees.
We care about you.
We may not be able to give them a raise per se,
but if we could do something like this,
it would be something there.
But I talked to another individual
and they said it sounded like this is a great way to do it,
but I would prefer that you gave the employees more money.
If what you're telling me their average salary is we
need to increase their pay.
And this would be an incentive.
But like I say, this is something
that Mr. Drury can share with you between now
and the next meeting.
And you can review it and see and if you've
got any questions about it.
But this tells every employee that you matter to us.
We care about you and I. I just I can't just nail down
just one group of people and say, OK,
we're just going to do this.
And I appreciate Mr. Collins pulling back his vote on that
because it does set a precedent.
But if we could come up with a 66,000,
I have an idea for this year, but I don't think Mr.
Bernier would like it.
And that would be the $50,000 for that special event.
I have a question about that too.
The 50,000.
What does that cover.
We would go out for proposals.
They would submit a proposal to this council,
and then you would be given what they're going to use it for.
It would be various costs associated with putting
on an event of this caliber.
So you'll get to see that in the proposal process, probably
in the October, November time frame.
They'll be making the presentations to you
on what that money would be spent on,
and it would be legitimate event costs.
Because that covers police fire and clean up afterwards.
I would assume everything would be included in there.
OK Mr. Mr. Grenier, the reason I asked chamber what I did
was because of this.
If they would get on board and they would come up
with the funding for that themselves
because it benefits them and the businesses around more than
it does the city of Tavares.
This is not a chamber type of thing.
Well, I'm just saying chamber type of thing.
It is an event that they could do and promote and go,
but I would be more apt to put that $50,000 toward helping
our employees on something there that goes over a 20 year period.
I think his event will generate a lot of income for our city.
A lot of income for our businesses.
It's projected to fill every hotel room that we have.
It's huge.
We have people coming nationwide or coming to the city of Tavares
for this grand finale of rival rails and history.
It surprised me.
I've never been interested in it, but I'll be honest.
Every time they did it before.
What?
you did it a couple of years before.
Five years.
However long it was.
And I just remember it was very, very
lucrative to the businesses.
It truly was.
I think we have to have things like this.
We have to promote things like this
to make sure that our businesses here in the city
remain and grow, which they should be entitled to do.
I darn sure would not take that $50,000 from that.
I love your idea.
I mean, if you feel like we need to do
something more for the employees, I understand that.
I mean, I like to do a whole lot more than we're
doing for all of our employees.
It's just.
What can you do.
Well, my interest is keeping them here.
That's what I want to do.
We invest in them, and I want them to stay.
And I think something like this would more likely
keep them here versus us.
Become a training ground, and they go somewhere else.
That's what I'm saying.
Because years ago our thing was with the police department when
Stoney was when I was on council years ago and we were hiring
policemen, they were here for maybe two years,
and then they went elsewhere because they got two years
of training here and they went elsewhere making maybe
$10,000 or $15,000 more a year than
what we could pay them here.
And so what we got to do to correct it.
Well, we did over a period of time,
the council approved, we increased the pay
for the police officers, and we did the same thing
with the fire department.
And we've tried to do it with everybody.
So I think we're on the right track
to try to create some type of incentive to keep our employees
so that they don't go elsewhere.
Well, my thing on this, what I wanted to do,
I definitely was not trying to wipe out the other employees.
When you think about it, general employees,
they provide daily services every day.
Our general employees are out there.
They provide services for our residents
like police protection and fire protection and parks and water
and sewer and roads and they're paid by the taxes
that we bring in the resident taxes.
And if they work extra, all of our employees,
if they work extra, they get paid time and a half overtime.
They have ways to make extra money by volunteering to do this
where your department heads, they manage the people
and of course, they get paid more.
They're have much more experience.
They have much more education.
They're out there they have to be qualified to do this.
But they manage the people, they manage the budgets.
They schedule the services, daily services that we
provide for our residents.
They're also paid by taxes and fees
that we get by the residents.
But they work extra to they work extra applying
for grants, securing grants, and they
don't get anything for that.
They don't get anything.
Their day is spent managing their employees
and their schedule and doing logistics and getting
people where they belong.
It's the night time.
It's the midnight oil that they're
burning most of the time trying to get these grants,
and they get a Pat on the back.
I mean, that's all they get.
And the city manager and all the Department
heads they have secured.
And I want you to hear this number.
They have secured over $100 million in grants.
Our department heads, Mr. Drury, and our department heads,
have secured over $100 million in grants for infrastructure
and for the residents of Tavares.
So they get a Pat on the back for all this extra work.
And we are huge with what we're doing.
We have some of the best.
I tell them all the time.
Our department heads are 1 in a million.
I mean, I don't want them to go anywhere.
I don't feel like we're not as competitive
as we could be with their pay.
So I'm back again wanting to fight for this insurance.
And I've just learned different things.
And to me, of all the things that we could give them,
this was one of the most economical but meaningful.
That would help a lot of them in different situations.
I'm not sure of the exact money, but how many
department heads do we have.
John, and how many department heads do we have that
are even close to 20 years at this moment.
I think there are 10 department directors,
and we probably have two or three that are.
Yeah so it's minimal.
It's absolutely minimal.
But it's meaningful.
So it's minimal.
It's minimal but it's meaningful.
So I suggested it because it's to provide health
and wellness longevity benefit.
That's what I want to call it who have worked
here for over 20 years securing the grants
and doing what they do.
So I really want y'all to think a little bit more about this
and let's find out the cost.
It we'll get no cost this year.
Is that correct.
This won't affect this budget this year.
No no it will not affect the budget this year.
If for some reason things change, you can always come back
and readdress this.
You hate to take things away, but if the economy tanks,
then you have to do what you have to do.
And then as far as the employees,
and I'd be real excited to hear what you
have to say of something we could also
do for the general employees.
We have good people here.
I want to take care of them.
And you're right.
I was wrong to single out.
I was more or less thinking about what our department heads
bring in, and that they don't have the ability
to make extra money.
There is no time.
At the end of the day.
They've been here since some of them o'clock this morning
and they're still here now.
This is what happens.
They don't get paid any more for this.
They get paid X amount of dollars.
That's the point I'm trying to make.
I don't want to lose them to another city
because they get more benefits.
I'm not.
And the residents, every resident I've talked to that
has asked me about this.
They completely understand as long as it doesn't
really affect them, they understand and said,
well, that's nice.
I haven't had any.
I had one person who told me, a person
who's not reasonable to begin with told me,
oh, well, I still don't like it, so I'm willing.
I mean, I really want to keep this in here
for so many reasons.
Again, it's meaningful but minimal cost.
So let's talk to see what we can figure out.
Let's talk now, Sandy.
What you're thinking for the employees.
What are you thinking for the employees.
Is there a way that we can work this out where again,
it's minimal to our budget.
Well, like I say, the total for this year, if we were to do it
and go forward with it.
But I really don't think this is the year to do it with November
hanging on us right now.
As much as I want to do it, the total would be 66 5565.
I'm sorry.
Yeah, 66,006 58.
What this does is it puts this in there
and it gives them like I said in December,
it gives them like a bonus and all it is deprived of $50
a month for everything.
Is that all employees or is it.
Yeah, that would be employees or employees or department heads,
not Department heads.
Every employee.
Everybody includes department heads.
Every employee.
And what it does is the first five years
would be a payment of $250.
They've been here.
Yeah the first five years or after five years,
the employee with five years of service
would receive $250 at December.
And then it goes each year after that at $50,
all the way up to 20 years, where they
would be eligible for $1,000.
And this turns out to be a bonus,
but it gives them an incentive.
What I can do is bring it to you at your next meeting.
We're going to be doing a budget,
and I can give you the effect on if you want to do it this year,
I'll give you the effect on this year's budget.
And then you can at that meeting,
I'll give you the whole plan that he's been working on
and present it to you the next meeting
and show you what the impact of the two things are.
Well, and I just see right here in this email
that we got director's health proposal isn't with no impact
on city administrator recommended budget and no impact
on the millage there for this year.
For this year.
We discuss it next year, but it has to go away.
It goes away.
I mean, at the following year and again, then we could also
talk about what you would like for the rest of the city staff
there.
I think this is a great incentive for directors who
are here for that extra work that they do
that now keeps directors in a nice, great administrative
position.
We continue to get all the wonderful things they do
that these not JustGrants, but a lot of things
that are done here.
But at the same time, I'd still like
to come because we do give raises to our staff members
each year.
But what other incentives.
Yeah, that's right, that's right.
But it's usually pretty good.
And to see what we can do to make it even better is Cola.
That's the cost of living.
I mean, it doesn't make sense.
Yeah, but I've had others say, well,
you're giving your staff that much where
others not even given the Cola.
So anyways.
But that's besides the point.
What I'm saying is that we can come up
with something, some incentives for the rest of the staff
as well.
Well, before y'all say no to any of this,
I would really like for John to bring
us back something to give us an idea of what the cost will be.
I Sandy, you figured it out.
I want to hear from John.
We started it.
They figured it out.
OK, well, they figured that much out,
but I want to know about this.
For the directors, the insurance.
I still want to know about it.
I haven't seen the exact figures.
I'd like to know the expectations
of where it would take us.
And again, you can always go back.
And if it has to go away, it has to go away.
If you get in tight times, I think
everyone, when you're in your home and times get tight,
things go away.
You do away with Netflix or do you make adjustments,
and I feel like and I don't want to live.
I've never been one to live.
And this is because I'm not like y'all.
I'm not going to oh, we better not spend any money because we
might have a hurricane or we better not spend any money
because we might get a flood.
I mean, I just can't live that way.
We'll make the adjustment if this happens and if this
happens, I don't know how they think
we're supposed to figure it out, but I guarantee you we will.
One way or another.
We've figured out worse times than to me
than you saying about the property taxes,
I mean, 2029 or when was that.
I mean, those were horrible, horrible years.
Every other house was being foreclosed on.
People were homeless.
I mean, it was really sad times.
And somehow the city made it through.
And I have complete confidence that we will see through again.
We have Walter, the number cruncher here,
who will make sure that if something needs to go away,
it will go away.
There's no doubt about that.
And I wouldn't vote to keep something
that we couldn't make work.
I wouldn't but this just seems so workable.
And, Sandy, even what you're saying, that seems fair.
That seems very fair to do.
But I'm not so sure I'd want that.
I mean, I don't think the directors need both,
I would rather divide it up.
I'm more interested in trying to keep my directors here for 20
years because they're good.
They bring in money, they're familiar,
they get things done, they know where not to waste their time,
where to put their efforts.
They find us money.
I don't think, but.
But the employees would much more the employees,
not the directors.
Let's divide that up.
Now we have employees and we have directors.
I know they're all employees, but just
for the sake of conversation, I would like to divide that up
and say our directors, I think, would
appreciate more having that insurance at the end,
I really do.
I'm finding with Meta, whatever you call that stuff right now.
So I just told my age and it's horrible.
I've never had so many deductibles,
and I have all these different parts that everybody said,
I pay more for insurance than if I had a city policy.
I pay more this matter.
Something or other.
You gotta get one for pharmacy.
You have to get one a different plan.
You need this plan you need.
That gives me a headache.
But anyway, can I make a couple.
You make.
OK let's see.
As far as Sandy's plan, I don't think I'd want to look
at that this year again.
For the same reason.
We don't know what's happening in November
with the property tax thing.
If it's fine and we still have a budget next year,
let's take a look at it then.
As I was against the extending the health insurance for
the directors for five years.
I was a no on that from the beginning.
And I too have received several phone
calls this week from Citizens saying, no, no, no, no, no.
The problem is, if our department heads were CEOs
of their own corporations, and they
wanted to arrange for their own golden parachutes.
For their retirement.
Great fantastic.
But as far as the taxpayers paying for additional.
Health care for insurance, for directors.
No, I don't think that's a taxpayer thing.
So I would still be a no on doing the five
year extended health care.
Plus, if they retire before age 65,
they can still continue to buy insurance
through the city at that rate.
Is that correct.
She's gone up.
Or they can switch to Medicare once they're at that age.
But I can answer that.
I'm still the answer is yes, but keep going.
So I'm still against that.
I do, though, after hearing about the potential economic
impact of the rails program that councilman
Bernier has brought up.
I'm still in favor of going ahead with that event.
I think the benefit to the hotels, the restaurants
and everything else around here will way
come in way more than 50 grand.
I think it's a good return on the investment
for that particular event.
You want to get the steam train here for four days.
I think that's going to bring a lot of people into town just
to want to see that, if nothing else.
So I'm still a no on the health insurance,
and I don't want to start with either.
Any other new plans right now, because I'm
very concerned about November 3 and the property tax Amendment.
Anyone else.
Just as a point of clarification, Bob,
I am not against the rails and rifles.
I'm just against the way the funding is.
OK I still think the chamber could get involved and help
with the funding, but to youth for them
way out of their league.
Well, way hey, they used to do more than that.
Way out of their league.
I'm sorry.
Yeah OK, well, can we at least have
Mr. Drury bring back the information
that I'd like to see or.
And I'd also like to see the information
for the Department heads if we brought them up
to a more competitive salary.
How much would that cost.
So I want to see what comes out of.
The thing to understand is, I think also is that the military.
Has to be approved by all five, I think for four.
Yeah OK.
So the 6.95 was the original.
And from what I'm seeing now it's Yes And so got to make sure
we can justify that difference.
Well, could still go down a little
depending upon when we get actual.
Yeah, our costs will be in probably in two weeks.
Yeah we'll have the updated numbers.
It could be worse.
Yeah, well, but it could be better.
I like your positive attitude.
Yeah, it could be better.
Well, you're lowering the tentative
from 7.2 down to 6.9 right now.
And if we can get it lower, we will.
There you go.
All right.
That's all I got on that.
So what are we asking.
So I think what I'm going to do, what I'm going to do
is leave the budget the way it is with no under these changes
that we heard today, we're going to bring it forward to you.
And in the meantime, I'm going to put
together more information on the two proposals
and the fiscal impact.
And I will get that all to you, and you'll have
it before the next meeting.
And then you can either say, we're putting it in
or we're not putting it in.
Is that fair with everyone.
Absolutely I don't mind looking at actual numbers.
Yeah, I'll get it to you.
What was the thing that we said.
The data that those data buildings.
So we're going to allow Mr. Drury to put together the data.
Yes the data pull up.
You will have the data.
All right.
So what else do we need to talk about.
Budget anything.
No, I think we're good.
We're going to put together the resolutions, the budget.
I'll give you the data and then you'll
make a final decision, a semi-final decision
at your September meeting.
And then you'll make a final decision
at your two September meeting.
And that's where it all.
That's where the rubber comes.
The rubber hits the road.
All right.
Perfect OK.
We're going to move on to New business council.
Any new business about any old business.
About new old business.
New old business in between.
Normally she has the new old business.
But I just have been a hard couple of weeks.
I have my thought process has been elsewhere,
to be honest with you.
OK we're going to go to audience to be heard.
I guess our only choice Mr. Santoro, you and your wife
are it.
And we appreciate you staying for all of this.
Yeah, right down to the end.
Mayor and members of council Mr. Drury.
City staff MS Holt, Gary Santoro, Royal harbor.
First and foremost, I'm a proactive person.
When I brought to you about the property on 448,
it was not because I wanted to see
the data processes out there.
I'm concerned what's going to happen out there.
We ought to be proactive on what we're going to do.
If you go back into the minutes, maybe three, four years ago,
I brought before this council, the city ought to consider
buying a sliver of property out there to put
a remote pumping station, because the way
they're building out there, and I don't want
to speak for his department, it's got to reach
its maximum sooner or later.
And what's going to happen.
So that's my concern is what's going to happen out there.
I agonize with you on your discussion
on the salaries and stuff like that.
God knows I've sat through them and there's nothing
more demoralizing than sitting in their seat listening
to what you have to say.
Whether they're worth it or not has nothing to do with that's
what it is.
But that's the perception.
And I can say that because I sat in their seat
and I went through it for 25 years,
I listened to that during budget season.
So I understand you have to look out for the constituents.
But I can also tell you, I've sat
in this audience where I've heard people say, don't do this,
don't do that.
And those people have moved out of Tavares.
Guess what.
I'm still here and I still support this city.
And I'll pay whatever you want because I understand
where it's coming from.
And the last thing I want to leave you with
is I got something from this.
This from somebody in this room many years ago.
Have a lot of admiration for this person.
Vision without implementation is an illusion.
Is that not right, Mr. drury?
Yep continue the vision that the city has been going.
It's working.
Yeah it may cost us a few more dollars,
but look at what it's got us.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, Mr. Santoro MS Santoro.
Would you like to come up.
All right.
He's the spokesperson.
All right, so I guess we're going to close.
Audience to be heard, Mr. Drury.
I guess I want to first of all, congratulate the mayor
for being re-elected unopposed.
Congratulations on that.
Vice mayor re-elected unopposed.
Congratulations on that.
Walter price has qualified.
Congratulations on that.
And with that, I will just ask that the clerk read
into the record the formal thing that occurred in your office
recently.
Thank you, Mr. Drury.
Qualifying closed on August 17 because the 15th
was on a Saturday at o'clock o'clock
o'clock o'clock o'clock noon.
And the following people are fully qualified.
Seat one.
Bob Grenier is a qualified incumbent with no opposition
for Tavares city council seat one,
and will not be placed on the ballot
and is elected without opposition.
Seat three.
Amir Asghar and Walter price have qualified
and will be placed on the ballot and seat five.
Lawrie foster is a qualified incumbent with no opposition
for Tavares city council.
Seat 5 will not be placed on the ballot
and is elected without opposition.
Congratulations Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Susie is that all you have to say.
Sorry back to you.
OK, Chief.
I have nothing to report, Mayor.
Thank you, Mr. tweedy.
Nothing further this evening.
Thank you.
Mayor Mr. O'Keefe, as we look outside and see the dark skies,
the National Weather Service has just issued a severe weather
statement for Tavares.
So, are you telling me to hurry up.
I think he is.
Hang on to your hat as you leave.
Nothing further.
Mayor, thank you.
They're looking at the clouds.
I'm just looking at everybody.
Scott nothing to miss Houghton.
Thank you.
Antonio thank you.
No report.
Mayor, thank you.
Couple of things.
The retention pond.
The park going on.
ST Clair is moving along.
That's good.
And I've had contacts with individuals
from Lake Francis there, and they're asking questions.
And I've told them and they're like, wow,
that'd be great to get rid of some of that water over there.
Those that are into sports, little League
World Series baseball is going on as we speak now.
Alabama was playing whenever I left to come here,
and I recorded it so I could watch it later.
But also.
Arch of various police department has been conducting.
What do you want to say.
Speed control on ST Clair Abrams in the morning and afternoons.
And I appreciate their attendance
as I was there speaking with one of the officers. there he goes.
Because somebody going through there about 25 miles an hour
and I'm like, oh, no.
But the thing that I understand at the time,
they were just issuing warnings to slow down
that school has started back.
And also we've received, I'm sure you
have some emails from some residents
about the traffic and things.
And as I was telling our chief, this
is something that's been going on since she was
in elementary school and that we've had traffic every year,
the first two weeks of school, and sometimes it
runs into the third.
But by the time the parents get to the place
where they feel confident that their children can ride the bus
or walk or something of that nature there,
then the traffic dies down and it's back to normal.
But our police department has been
doing a great job there, overseeing that and trying
to ensure the safety.
And as I mentioned earlier, I'm maybe
here tonight and gone tomorrow.
I don't because of my situation with my wife's oldest sister,
but if we have to go, I plan to be back before the next council
meeting.
But just be in prayer for us for safe journey,
because you never know what we saw so many accidents happening
as we were coming back from Tennessee a couple weeks ago,
and one was real severe.
It had the whole I-95 intersection, all four lanes
tied up, one car on the side, so be safe out there
and please observe the school zones.
Be safe there in the school zones.
Thank you.
All right.
A couple quick things.
I think I know we kind of touched on the Florida league
of cities, but I think there was some good information put out
there.
I know I learned a lot of things during that time.
So I appreciate the opportunity to go
and hopefully I can bring some of those back Mr. Santoli,
I appreciate what you said.
I see your perspective without a doubt.
I think it's a tough situation.
I hate to think that I would be a lower
morale for our directors.
I try to be as considerate of them as possible.
But I can understand what you were saying.
So I certainly see that but I will.
I'm going to start doing my whatever you want
to call open house Thursdays, the third Thursday of the month,
from o'clock to o'clock.
That would be tomorrow, but I just did one a week ago.
So I will start that next month and not instead
of tomorrow, just because I've already done one this month
and I have to take the dog to the vet.
So I already had that kind of dog, had to go to the vet.
And then the last thing I had is just great job again.
Public works and us getting that award
I think that was like I said, Walter and I were beaming
as we were standing there and one of the only names coming up
across the thing, I mean, again, five names coming across,
and here's Tavari one of them's like Tallahassee.
They were ones everybody heard of.
Nobody had really heard that much of us by the time
they were done.
They knew who we were.
So that's a great thing.
So good job.
Yeah, I mainly was just going to talk about the Florida
league of cities conference we went
and to various winning the award.
Like I say, it's very good for you
to hear when other people say, oh, I know where Tavares is.
I love Tavares, I go through there all the time.
You got a great thing going on and I'd
just love to hear that and keep up the good work, everybody.
It's great.
It really is great to hear all of that.
God bless Tavares and happy days and be careful out there.
Mayor oh.
It's me Mr. Santoro, you talked about what John says,
and I love that statement that he makes all the time.
It's a great one.
You said something that resonated with me.
The very first email you ever sent me at the bottom.
And I use it today when I send letters out to people.
You said, when it's all over, it's not who you were, it's
whether you made a difference.
And I have lived by that from the day you sent it to me.
I always think about that when I'm trying to make decisions.
The right decision.
But somehow now you've changed it.
So now we have those that fail to learn from history
are doomed to repeat it.
I hadn't really gotten into that one yet, I like it.
I'm still stuck on that other one.
But I want to tell you, I really appreciate
you sending those out to me because they
do make a difference to me.
But thank you.
And I really have nothing else to say other
than it was a good meeting.
I love how we discuss things.
Other councils will be screaming at each other
and throwing their budget books and blowing up.
And we just always seem to get through it.
And we still like each other when we leave here, regardless
if we disagree or not.
And that's something we've always been able to do.
And I'm going to have to just give Mr. Drury a little promo
here, because of him.
Because I am a little out there.
I mean, I'd like to jump into a conversation
and get loud and get my way.
But he's taught me how to be better at this.
How to be respectful to all the other members,
how to be respectful to the audience.
And he's a great, great teacher.
That's why you've got such a great council.
I would put our council up against any council
in this whole state of Florida.
That's how good that I think we are.
We're the best.
But, Mr. jury, thank you for you've trained us
even though you really didn't train,
but just the way that you lead us it.
I think it makes us all want to be as good as we can be.
And without further objection, this meeting is adjourned.
Y'all be safe.