Commission Meeting Draft Minutes

5. Consideration of Approval for the Lady Lake Historical Society to Utilize the Middle Train Car for a Vietnam War Exhibit (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He stated that five members of the Historical Society are also present if there are any questions.

Mayor Richards asked if there were any questions. He thanked the Chamber and the Historical Society for all the work they do; stating they are an asset to the Town. He commented that this should be a good exhibit.

Commissioner Kussard made a motion to approve the Lady Lake Historical Society utilizing the middle train car for a Vietnam War Exhibit. Commissioner Hannan seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

Town Manager Kris Kollgaard asked that the Commission hear Item J-10, Resolution 2019-113, prior to the site plan for the Villages RV Storage, since it has to do with a variance request for the site plan. The Commissioners proceeded with Item J-10.

6. Consideration for the Villages RV Storage — New Major Site Plan MJSP 01/19-001 — Proposing a 152-Unit RV Storage Site Featuring 19 Parking Spaces on an 8.38-Acre Parcel Located along South Highway 27/441, Just South of the Lady Lake Auto Salvage Site, Identified by Alternate Key 1015049 (Thad Carroll)

Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He stated that Mr. Edward McDonald, the engineer, is present if there are any questions. He noted that the Fire Marshall requested that there be five foot spacing between each vehicle for adequate egress. The site plan does not show that, although the owner has provided a letter stating he will try to obtain that spacing and releases the Town for any liability should space between vehicles not be accessible in an emergency.

Mayor Richards asked if there were any questions.

Commissioner Kussard spoke of her concerns regarding the spacing between parked vehicles for safety and liability.

Mayor Richards asked the Town Attorney for his opinion.

Town Attorney Derek Schroth stated that there is typically immunity for planning decisions, although the Commission has discretion to request changes.

Mayor Richards stated he has never seen five feet between parking spaces in parking lots or at storage sites.

Edward McDonald of Thomas Engineering addressed the spacing, stating that there is a mixture of units to include covered parking spaces that are 12.5 feet wide with various lengths, and the width of the spaces in the enclosed building are 15 feet wide, leaving at least five feet between each space. He stated they are providing additional fire safety measures such as sprinkler systems and a fire loop with fire hydrants as well.

Commissioner Kussard confirmed with Mr. Schroth that the Town would be immune in regard to liability.

Mr. Schroth reiterated that planning decisions are usually immune from liability as the sovereign unless there is some kind of gross negligence, which he does not see here; especially as the applicant is meeting the Town’s code.

Commissioner Holden confirmed with the engineer that there is adequate room for fire trucks maneuvering around the roads. He asked the engineer about the location of the fire hydrants.

Mr. McDonald noted there are fire hydrants every 400 feet per the Town’s code.

Mayor Richards asked if there were any comments or questions by the public.

Ed Freeman of 147 Evergreen Lane spoke of his concern for fire safety and liability should there be a fire in the storage unit.

With no further discussion, Mayor Richards asked for a vote.

Commissioner Holden made a motion to approve the Villages RV Storage — New Major Site Plan MJSP 01/19-001 as presented. Commissioner Hannan seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 3 to 2 (Kussard/Vincent

7. Consideration for La Plaza Grande North — Postal Building — New Major Site Plan MSJP 08/19-001 — Proposing a 5,008-Square-Foot Postal Building and 14 Parking Spaces to be Constructed along La Grande Blvd. and Griffin Avenue, to be Addressed as 1 La Grande Blvd., Identified by Alternate Key 2814365 (Thad Carroll)

Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He stated that the applicant has confirmed that the services that were provided at the previous postal facility will be continued at this new facility.

Mayor Richards asked if there were any questions, and hearing none, asked for a motion.

Commissioner Kussard made a motion to approve La Plaza Grande North — Postal Building — New Major Site Plan MSJP 08/19-001 as presented. Commissioner Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

8. Discussion — Request by Charter Review Committee Chairperson for Input from Commissioners Regarding the Charter (Bob Nyce)

Charter Review Committee Chairperson Bob Nyce summarized what occurred at the September 23^rd Charter Review Committee meeting. He stated Commissioner Hannan and Commissioner Holden attended the meeting and provided some comments at that time. He stated the next meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2019.

Mr. Nyce stated he met with the Town Manager who provided copies of past minutes where Charter issues were brought up. He stated he was also provided comments by Commissioner Kussard this evening. He stated he would welcome input from the Commissioners for suggested revisions to the Town Charter. He stated suggestions for language changes from the Town Attorney would be appreciated.

Mayor Richards and Commissioner Kussard stated they had no problems with the Charter.

Commissioner Kussard stated that in the information she gave Mr. Nyce this evening, she noted the purpose of the Charter Review Committee is to make suggestions on whether there should be any changes made that would impact the Town, and it is not what the Commissioners want, but what would be best for the residents of the Town.

Mr. Nyce noted there were no members of the public in attendance at the first meeting of the Charter Review Committee and he hoped that the media would help get the word out that the next meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2019, at 5 p.m.

Commissioner Hannan asked if the issue of having the Charter reviewed every so often was brought up by the committee.

Mr. Nyce stated that is one of the items that have been identified. He stated he believed there is some confusion on what needs to be in the Charter and some issues of policy that the Commission can approve through an ordinance. One of the items brought up by Commissioner Holden was an employee review process and this is an example of something that could be done through Human Resources or through an ordinance.

Mayor Richards stated he is of the mind that “if it is not broke, don’t fix it”.

Commissioner Vincent asked Mr. Nyce if he had a list of items for review.

Town Manager Kris Kollgaard informed Mr. Nyce that she believed when Municode did their review, they made recommended changes to the Land Development Regulations, not the Charter. She stated she would verify that.

Mr. Nyce reported on the six items that have been identified thus far:

1) Order of the sections of the Charter to establish the fact that the Commissioners’ and Mayor’s position were established before the Town Manager.

2) Copies of the Commission meeting minutes where Charter review came up as a discussion item were requested to be provided to the committee. The Town Manager provided these copies.

3) The length of Commissioners’ terms was raised by Commissioner Hannan.

4) A request by Commissioner Holden to include a section where employees could appeal a disciplinary action. Mr. Nyce stated this is what he mentioned previously, whereby this could be acted upon by the Commissioners by policy or ordinance.

5) The question of whether the same individual can hold two key positions, such as Town Manager and Town Clerk.

6) Mandatory review of the Charter every few years.

Mr. Nyce stated that all of these items, including comments received this evening from Commissioner Kussard, will be shared with the Charter Review Committee and there will be open discussions on October 28^th. He encouraged the public to attend.