Commission Meeting Minutes

Corporal Heather Couch

Officer Devin Daniels

Officer Dennis Pranouskes

Mayor Kussard announced that these presentations were tabled to the November 15^th Commission meeting at the request of the Police Chief.

4. Consideration of Approval to Add “Juneteenth” to the Town’s Scheduled Holidays (Tamika DeLee)

Human Resource Director Tamika DeLee presented the background summary for this item.

Commissioner Hannan stated he understood the motive for this request, but he is not in favor of adding an additional financial burden of approximately $8,000 to the budget, which would be the cost of adding this to the Town’s holiday schedule.

Commissioner Holden stated he feels staff gets enough paid holidays and is often given Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as well. He was in agreement with Commissioner Hannan.

Commissioner Vincent asked for clarification on how this affects others.

Mayor Kussard asked how many other municipalities were granting this holiday.

Ms. DeLee replied that, thus far, only Mount Dora has added this holiday to their holiday schedule.

After discussion, Mayor Kussard asked for a vote on this matter.

Commissioner Hannan motioned to deny the request to add “Juneteenth” to the Town’s scheduled holidays. Commissioner Holden seconded the motion. The motion to deny passed by a roll call vote of 4 to 1 (Kussard).

5. Ordinance 2021-21 (First Reading) — An Ordinance Granting Approval to Rescind the Development Order for The Tri-County Villages Lake Development of Regional Impact (Thad Carroll)

Town Attorney Derek Schroth read the title of the ordinance.

Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item. The Florida Statutes, under 380.115, affords a process by which a DRI no longer subject to operation of law may elect to rescind the development order. The applicant has stated that they have satisfied all required mitigation of the development order; specific mitigation with respect to transportation, housing, and wildlife are listed in “Exhibit 2” of the applicant’s submitted materials and have been incorporated into Ordinance 2021-21 under “Request for Rescission” on pages 13 and 14 of the Ordinance. The Tri-County Villages Planned Commercial (CP) zoning and supplemental Memorandum of Agreements shall remain in effect, in addition to the Mixed Residential Medium Density (MX-8) and Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning designations, as the established land use entitlements for further development of the property. Mr. Carroll stated the applicant’s attorney, Jo Thacker, is present to answer questions.

Mayor Kussard asked if the Commissioners or the audience had any questions.

Jim Cipollone of 162 Madera Drive stated he feels more information should be presented to the Commissioners before a vote is held because it covers more than one area.

The Villages Attorney Jo Thacker reminded the Commissioners that the statute was changed a few years ago which made it easier for the developer to request the DRI to be rescinded once the mitigation was completed. She stated they have met the intent of the statute.

Edward Regan of Spanish Springs commented that renovations have been ongoing at the Rialto Theatre for quite a while, a year or more; he asked if this project has anything to do with the mentioned mitigation. He also asked what will happen if the DRI is voted down.

Mr. Carroll replied that the Rialto renovation has nothing to do with this DRI; they are governed by the Town’s Building Department. Once the DRI is taken off the table, The Villages will just need to comply with the Town’s Land Development Regulations and the Comprehensive Plan, just like any other properties of the Town.

Mr. Schroth stated that If the DRI is denied by this reading, The Villages would have the option to pursue other legal remedies that they deem appropriate.

Upon a motion by Commissioner Holden and a second by Commissioner Rietz, the Commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 2021-21, by the following roll call vote:

Mayor Kussard asked if any of the Commissioners had anything to report.

Commissioner Rietz stated he is disappointed with The Villages.

Commissioner Vincent said he just wanted to say “goodbye”.

Presentation of Appreciation of Service Award to Commissioner Dan Vincent

Mayor Ruth Kussard stated that Commissioner Vincent has served the Town of Lady Lake for the past ten years and has done a wonderful job. She presented a plaque to Commissioner Vincent in appreciation of his ten years of service on the Town Commission of the Town of Lady Lake. Everyone wished him well on his retirement.

Commissioner Vincent stated he has learned from all the Commissioners and that it has been a great experience. He thanked everyone and stated he was ready to retire.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.