Commission Meeting Draft Minutes
Draft Minutes of the January 20, 2021, 6 p.m. Special Commission Meeting
The special meeting of the Lady Lake Town Commission was held in the Commission Chambers at Lady Lake Town Hall, 409 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, Florida with Mayor Ruth Kussard presiding. The meeting convened at 6 p.m.
A. Call to Order
Mayor Ruth Kussard
B. Invocation
By Pastor Keith Johnson of the Chapel of Christian Faith
C. Pledge of Allegiance
D. Roll Call
| Commissioner (Ward) | Present |
| Hannan (Four) | YES |
| Kussard (One) | YES |
| Holden (Two) | YES |
| Vincent (Three) | YES |
| Rietz (Five) | YES |
STAFF PRESENT
Derek Schroth, Town Attorney; Thad Carroll, Interim Town Manager/Growth Management Director; Mike Burske, Parks and Recreation Director; Pam Winegardner, Finance Director; John Pearl, I.T. Director; Lori Sadler, Library Director; Wendy Then, Senior Planner; Chief Rob Tempesta, Lady Lake Police Department; Julia Harris, Administrative Assistant to Town Manager; and Nancy Slaton, Interim Town Clerk
E. Public Comment
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any comments from the audience. There were no comments.
F. Consent
2. Minutes —January 4, 2021 — Regular Commission Meeting
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners regarding the Consent items. Hearing none, she asked for a motion.
Commissioner Hannan motioned to approve the January 4, 2021 Commission meeting minutes. Commissioner Holden seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
G. Old Business
H. New Business
2. Consideration of Approval for the Lady Lake Dog Park to Install a Concrete Sidewalk at the Park Utilizing Donated Funds for the Project (Mike Burske)
Parks & Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners. Hearing none, she asked for a motion.
Commissioner Holden motioned to approve for the Lady Lake Dog Park to install a concrete sidewalk at the park utilizing donated funds for the project. Commissioner Hannan seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
3. Consideration to Award RFP 2020-001 for Community Development Software to Citizenserve (John Pearl)
I.T. Director John Pearl presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners. Hearing none, she asked for a motion.
Commissioner Holden motioned to approve awarding RFP 2020-0001 — Community Development Software to Citizenserve, to accept the MCCi Master Services Agreement (MSA) 22481 for Laserfiche software, and approve requested GIS consulting services from GIS, Inc. and document retention consulting services from SML, Inc. Commissioner Hannan seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
4. Consideration of Approval of Expenditure of Funds to Relocate Human Resource Offices to Library (John Pearl)
I.T. Director John Pearl presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Vincent stated he believes this is a wise use of the Town’s facilities.
Mayor Kussard stated she was originally opposed to this as she felt Human Resources belonged in Town Hall. She stated she toured the library facilities with Mr. Pearl today and was shown the proposed configuration for the offices. She stated she concurs that this may be at least a temporary use.
Commissioner Hannan stated he originally felt the same way as Mayor Kussard, although he believes it may be necessary. He stated a new Town Manager may want Human Resources to be located at Town Hall.
Commissioner Holden motioned to approve the expenditure of funds requested to relocate the Human Resources Department from Town Hall to the Library. Commissioner Hannan seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4 to 1 (Kussard).
I. Town Attorney's Report
5. Ordinance 2020-08 (First Reading Tabled from Nov. 2, 2020) — Tabled to February 17, 2021 — An Ordinance of the Town Commission of Lady Lake, Florida, Adopting the Eleventh Amendment to the Amended Development Order for the Tri-County Villages Development of Regional Impact Lake County (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth reported that the applicant has requested that this item be tabled to the February 17, 2021 meeting.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Hannan and a second by Commissioner Holden, the Commission approved the request to table the first reading of Ordinance 2020-08 to February 17, 2021 by a vote of 5 to 0.
6. Ordinance 2020-09 (First Reading Tabled from Nov. 2, 2020) — Tabled to February 17, 2021 — An Ordinance of the Town of Lady Lake Requesting Amendment of the Planned Commercial “CP” Zoning Classification for Certain Property Owned by the Villages Operating Company; Located in the Vicinity of Main Street, Alvarez Avenue, and Del Mar Drive in Lady Lake, Florida; Providing for a Second Supplemental Agreement to the Regulations of The Village Downtown Center (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth reported that the applicant has requested that this item be tabled to the February 17, 2021 meeting.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Hannan and a second by Commissioner Vincent, the Commission approved the request to table the first reading of Ordinance 2020-09 to February 17, 2021 by a vote of 5 to 0.
7. Ordinance 2020-11 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Annexing Property being Approximately 1.26 Acres Owned by M & L Lady Lake, LLC; Referenced by Alternate Key Number 1237998 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vincent and a second by Commissioner Rietz, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-11 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
8. Ordinance 2020-12 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Amending the Lady Lake Future Land Use Comprehensive Plan of Property Being Approximately 1.26 Acres from Lake County Urban Medium to Lady Lake Commercial General (Retail Sales & Services) (RET), Owned by M & L Lady Lake, LLC, Referenced by Alternate Key Number 1237998 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Holden and a second by Commissioner Rietz, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-12 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
9. Ordinance 2020-13 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Rezoning Property being Approximately 1.26 Acres Owned by M & L Lady Lake LLC, from Lake County Planned Commercial (CP) to Lady Lake Planned Commercial (CP), Referenced by Alternate Key Number 1237998 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Holden and a second by Commissioner Hannan, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-13 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
10. Ordinance 2020-15 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Voluntarily Annexing Property Being Approximately 0.25 Acres Owned by Richard R. and Edith C. Rollins; Lots 34 & 42 of Orange Blossom Gardens Unit 3, Within Lake County, Florida; Referenced by Alternate Key Numbers 1483549 and 1200458 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vincent and a second by Commissioner Holden, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-15 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
11. Ordinance 2020-16 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Amending the Lady Lake Future Land Use Comprehensive Plan from Lake County Medium Urban Density to Town of Lady Lake Manufactured Home High Density (MH-HD) for Property Being Approximately 0.25 Acres Owned by Richard R. and Edith C. Rollins; Lots 34 & 42 of Orange Blossom Gardens Unit 3, within Lake County, Florida; Referenced by Alternate Key Numbers 1483549 and 1200458 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rietz and a second by Commissioner Hannan, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-16 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
12. Ordinance 2020-17 (Second and Final Reading) — An Ordinance Rezoning Property Being Approximately 0.25 Acres Owned by Richard R. and Edith C. Rollins; Lots 34 & 42 of Orange Blossom Gardens Unit 3, from “Lake County Residential Medium” (RM) to “Lady Lake Mixed Residential Medium Density” (MX-8), Referenced by Alternate Key Numbers 1483549 and 1200458 (Thad Carroll)
Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the ordinance by title only.
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Mayor Kussard asked if there were any questions or comments from the Commissioners or the public. There were no questions or comments.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vincent and a second by Commissioner Holden, the Commission approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 2020-17 by the following roll call vote:
| Commissioner | Vote |
| Hannan | YES |
| Kussard | YES |
| Holden | YES |
| Vincent | YES |
| Rietz | YES |
J. Town Manager's Report
Interim Town Manager Thad Carroll reported that Art in the Park will be held this weekend on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mr. Carroll asked for the Commission’s feedback regarding water utility cut-offs during the pandemic. He stated there are currently 181 delinquent accounts totaling $28,000. He stated that Leesburg, Mt. Dora, and Eustis have re-established disconnects, and he asked the Commissioners whether they wanted the Town to also re-establish disconnects in February after notifying delinquent customers.
Commissioner Hannan stated he would like to work with these people and suggested that staff set up a payment schedule for delinquent accounts. He stated he would not like to disconnect utilities during this time.
Mr. Carroll stated staff could meet and discuss options and report back at the February meetings.
Commissioner Holden asked the amount of the average past-due bill. He asked if there is government funding available to help the residents.
Finance Director Pam Winegardner stated the average past due bill is $200 and there are a lot of repeat offenders. She stated that if someone calls regarding their bill before disconnect happens, staff always gives them consideration. She stated money is available to residents if they apply for CARES Act funding through the Lake County. Also, some churches and organizations such as St. Timothy’s and Love, Inc. have assisted with payment of the utility bill.
Commissioner Holden stated the Town needs to move ahead and start up disconnects again.
Commissioner Rietz asked if the residents are aware of CARES Act funding.
Mr. Carroll stated the Town has put this information on the web site.
Ms. Winegardner confirmed that inserts regarding this information was included with paper bills that have been sent out.
Commissioner Vincent asked if residents are making an effort to make payments. He stated the stimulus checks are being sent out and they could at least make a partial payment.
Ms. Winegardner stated some customers try to make partial payments, but many do not.
Mr. Carroll stated staff will distribute information regarding available funding but will begin implementing disconnects again. The Commissioners were in agreement with this.
Mr. Carroll reported that he recently reached out to department heads to see what identified needs were cut from last year’s budget that may be able to be purchased utilizing the balance of the reimbursed CARES act funds.
Mr. Carroll stated there are a few items that were cut from last year’s budget which includes five new fleet vehicles for the police department and a new ¾ ton truck for Public Works. He suggested that perhaps the K-9 vehicle and one of the patrol cars could be replaced utilizing these funds.
Mayor Kussard asked the amount left in reimbursed CARES Act funding, and what the cost of these vehicles would be.
Mr. Carroll replied the balance after the Human Resource office relocation will be approximately $250,000. He stated the police vehicles will cost approximately $50,000 and $55,000, and the ¾ ton truck for Public Works is estimated to cost $61,000. I.T. is requesting an additional firewall for security at a cost of $6,000. These items would be under the available balance.
Commissioner Hannan stated that the police vehicles should be a priority.
Commissioner Vincent felt any needs are a priority. He stated it would be a good use of the money to help get caught up, even if reserve funds are used. He stated he does not want to defer purchasing needed items.
Mr. Carroll stated he was hoping to spread the funds for the needs between the departments. He stated staff will compile the list of needed items that were cut from the budget last year for various reasons and bring accurate figures to the next meeting for the Commissioners’ consideration.
Commissioner Hannan stated he would like to vote on approving funding to purchase the police vehicles this evening.
Mr. Carroll stated this would need to be a publicly noticed agenda item for the next Commission meeting. He stated staff will provide current quotes for needed items and bring it back for a vote at the February 1st meeting.
Mayor Kussard mentioned that the Commission should take into consideration that the Town has some large projects planned which include the new water tower, the wastewater facility, and the Growth Management building expansion.
After further discussion, the Commission agreed this should be on the agenda for the next meeting.
K. Mayor and Commissioner's Report
Mayor Kussard asked if any of the Commissioners had anything to report. There were no reports.
L. Public Comments
Mayor Pro Tem Kussard asked if there were any comments from the audience. There were no comments.
M. Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
___________________________
Nancy Slaton, Interim Town Clerk
___________________________
Ruth Kussard, Mayor
Minutes transcribed by Nancy Slaton, Interim Town Clerk