TOWN OF ASTATULA MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES  ASTK  REGULAR SESSION TUESDAY APRIL: 11, 2023 TOWN HALL  1872  Having been duly advertised as required byl law, Mayor Mack called the Regular Session meeting to order at 6:30pm. He gave the invocation and led the led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Members Present: Mitchell Mack, Mayor Stephen Cross, Vice-Mayor Gayle Sikkema Orita Issartel Zane Teeters  StaffPresent: Graham Wells, Town Clerk Wally Hoagland, Police Chief  Roll Call was) performed, confirmation ofthe meeting notification was acknowledged, and it was determined that a quorum was present. Thel Mayor welcomed Planner Tim Green and members  Smith, Pflugh and Labree from the planning and: zoning board plus guests.  CITIZENS QUESTIONS. AND COMMENT  Mr. Banks Helphric talked about the completion of the trail from Titusville to Clearwater. He said that his farm, orchard, vineyard and vegetable garden at Sams Lake Road in Clermont was open the second Saturday of each month where they grow their own food and teach sustainability, take, takeaway and taste. Next open house isl May 13th at 9:00 am. He encouraged The owners of the food truck by the Sunoco Gas Station brought up the no parking signs that were to go up on Georgia Ave and felt that iti may hurt their business if customers could not park. Mr. John Minger 25012 Begonia Court brought up the replacement of garbage cans from GFL and their lack of response to his calls and that of town hall staff. The Mayor responded that he was aware ofthe issue: and thats staffwere constantly chasingt the canst to replace thel broken ones. He added that he would be happy to pay a little more for better service but that moving to another company would mean a huge increase in the annual assessment. The Clerk reiterated that Suzi spends al lot ofhert time trying to resolve the issues on behalfofthe residents.  everyone tol be al beacon, to get people to meet ini the middle.  AGENDA REVIEW  The Mayor requested that a proclamation for Clerks week be added to the agenda and that a discussion item for medical Marijuana dispensaries be added after item 1 sO that the planner could participate. He wanted to get the council's direction as hel had received a call from a party interested in setting up a dispensary in the town. A motion to accept the change was made by Vice-Mayor Cross; seconded by Councilman Teeters and unanimously approved.  Town ofA Astatula Meeting! Minutes April 11,2023 Page1of9    MEETINGI MINUTES  Approval of Minutes for March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting. Approval of Minutes for March 14, 2023 Workshop Meeting.  MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the minutes shown above; SECONDED by  Councilwoman Issartel MOTION CARRIED 5-0 STAFF REPORTS  For: Sikkema, Issartel, Teeters, Cross, Mack  Town Attorney - Heather Ramos - Absent  Police Department- - Chief Hoagland - brought up the code enforcement case on the damaged and unsafe home on Florida Avenue. This was due to go to a foreclosure hearing, but the owner walked into the attorney's office and handed in a check for $33,921.00 to payt the fines and liens and halt the process. The chief said that the case would continue until the violation was cured. Councilman Teeters said that thel building should be tagged as an unsafe structure. He updated the case on the fence on Adams Street where the owner has been given until june 30th to move the existing fence and bring it into compliance. The sidewalk on CR561 was discussed and' Vice-Mayor Cross said that the' Town should havei it repairedasas safetyissue and charge the homeowner. Responding to a question from the previous meeting, the Code Enforcement Officer is armed when hei isi in the field working code enforcement cases. The town cleanup day is April 29th, and three dumpsters would be provided down at the park. Publix was sending a crew to help and volunteers would be fed at noon with burgers and hot dogs. He thanked Suzi for alll her efforts in organizing the event. The Chiefinvited everyone toa memorial service to honor the fallen officers of! Lake County to be held in front of the historical  courthouse on May 2nd at 9:00: am. Public Works - Wally Hoagland -1 NONE Town Clerk- Graham Wells-I NONE  NEW BUSINESS  DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY PLAT AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PLANS The Mayor deferred to the town planner. Green Consulting Group, Inc. (GCG) has conducted the Final Development Plan review for the proposed Stillwater Cove project. The property is approximately 24.62 acres located west ofWashington Street north of Florida Avenue. The plan proposes 32 residential lots. The review is for plans prepared by HALFF Signed and Sealed  FOR STILLWATER COVE.  December 21, 2022 consisting of12 pages.  Towno ofAstatula Meeting Minutes April1 11,2023 Page2of9    Mr. Green stated that there were two actions to be taken and gave an overview of the project in his review report. He said that it had been reviewed by the planning and zoning board who had unanimously recommended its approval. He added that the subdivision was in Residential R-1 zoning and that at traffic study had been completed and school concurrency had been reviewed The site development plans had been reviewed and approved by CPWG, the town's engineers. Hes said that there would be driveways on Florida. Avenue: and that thel lots would have individual stormwater swales on eachl lot, with excess' water drainingt to al large stormwater pond.1 Theroads when completed would be dedicated to thet town and there would be al homeownersassocation The Mayor added that the subdivision would be connected to the town's fire control with hydrants throughout and potable water with individual septic tanks. Following discussion, the Mayor asked for a motion to approve the twoi individual parts to the subdivision. MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the Preliminary Plat; SECONDED by  and approved by the school board.  that would be responsible for the stormwater.  Councilwoman Sikkema Ar roll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0 Councilman Teeters Aroll call vote wast taken. Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the Site Development Plan; SECONDED by  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  DISCUSSION ON HAVING Al MEDICALN MARITUANAD DISPENSARY IN THETOWN  Bloom Medicinals from Boca Raton had made an approach to the town to set up a dispensary. The planner went over the various types ofb businesses that were allowed in the: zoning districts and dispensaries, which are not drug stores, are not listed in any zoning district. The code is written in such a way where if the type of business is not specifically allowed, then it is prohibited. The code would have to be revised if the council decided that they wanted them to The Chief opined that he was not opposed to the principle ofhaving a dispensary but did havea concern abouti itbeing robbed as it was ostensibly a cash business and thati it should not be close  be allowed.  tos schools or churches. No action was taken.  Towno ofAstatulal Meeting! Minutes April1 11,2023 Page3of9    The Mayor wanted to bring item 10 - Update on the Georgia Avenue Improvements forward as The Chiefwent over the history and previous discussions on this issue and said that at the last meeting it was decided that the road would be stabilized, and no parking signs would be put up on either side of the road. Councilman Teeters said that he had spoken to the owner of the gas Mr. Teeters said while the sand trucks had to be prevented from parking and breaking up the road. He added that the town needed to support the businesses and not hurt them and find a better solution than what was agreed at the last meeting. ChiefHoagland said that ifthe council did change its mind, he still wanted to put up the signs on the north side of the road. Following extensive discussion, it was decided to give the chief the discretion to limit parking until the road can be stabilized and enter into conversation with the business owners. The Motion was made by Vice-Mayor Cross; seconded by Councilwoman Issartel and unanimously DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL TO MOVE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FROM PART TIME With the increase in Calls for Service (over 500 a month) and with the possibility of one of the officers being out for a long undisclosed period (medical), the Chief proposed to change the The Police department has seen a major increase in criminal activity in the recent few months. The area has seen al large increase in traffic, with the introduction ofthe new turnpike entrance. The population of the town and the surrounding area has grown and continues to grow. The additional subdivisions inside the Town of Astatula will increase the demand for services from The Chiefs proposal is to allocate $8,000.00 dollars towards changing the part-time officers to full-time. This gives an opportunity to respond and investigate crime quicker and more efficiently. It also provides the manpower to cover shifts when wel have an officer out on medical leave, covering vaçations, or out to serve our country on a military assignment. Following MOTION by Councilman Teeters to approve moving the law enforcement officer from  there were. some residents present at the meeting.  station, and he was willing to put some money towards fixing the road.  approved. TOFULLTIME  status ofour part-time officer's position to full-time.  the police department.  discussion, the Mayor requested a motion to approve.  part-time to full-time from May; SECONDED by Councilwoman Sikkema.  Aroll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  Town ofAstatulal Meeting Minutes April1 11,2023 Page 4of9    DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL TO PURCHASE NEW TASER'S FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT The Axon X-2 Taser that officers are currently carrying have started to malfunction and breakdown. The Axon company nol longer makes this brand oftasers or provides updates for the programs they use. Thisl has become al recenti issue and replacement was not needed or planned The Chiefsproposal. ist to use Public Safety Impact Fees to purchase ten new) X-7' Tasers. The clerk advised that there is $40,500.00 dollarsini impact fee fund that can only be used for publicsafety. The cost to) purchase ten Axon! X-7 tasersi is $41,670.00.. Axon is the only manufacturer oft tasers Taser use: isi important notj justf for officer safety, but for the safety of the public as well. This new taser system also works with the existing evidence software that matches our new camera MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the purchase of the Tasers at a cost of  OFFICERS.  fori in this budgetyear.  and therefore three quotes cannot be obtained.  system. Following discussion, thel Mayor requested ai motion to approve.  $41,670.00; SECONDED by Councilwoman Issartel  Ar roll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  DISCUSSION AND APPROVALTOI PURCHASERAPID-D.  The proposal put forward by the Chief is to use the allocated budgeted amount of $6,000.00 dollars set aside for car radio chargers. The car radio chargers have not been available to purchase and may not become available again. The reallocation of this budgeted money would go toi the purchase ofal RapidID: fingerprint scanner. RapidID scanners have become a necessity The RapidID is a fingerprint scanner that gives the ability to find the true identity of a person whoi is attempting to conceal it. The town has had to use other agencies scanners in the past and almost allowed aj person with felony warrants to go free when they gave us a false name and I.D. Officers have encountered more Sovereign Citizens int this areai than has had in the past and this system would help with thati issue. The: system cost of the system is $5,164.00. MOTION by Councilman Teeters to approve the reallocation oft the funds budgeted for the radio chargers to purchase a RapidID fingerprint scanner; SECONDED by Vice-Mayor  int this area.  Cross Cross Sikkema  Aroll call vote was taken.  YES YES  Town ofAstatula! Meeting Minutes April11,2023 Page5of9    Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  DISCUSSIONANDAPPROVALOESCHOOLRESOURCEOFFICER CONTRACTFOR 2023-2024. Thel Lake County School Board hasi issued the School Resource Officer contract for the 2023-2024 school year. The contract payments made by the school board is for the presence of a school resource officer at the Astatula Elementary School. The contract is for ten months of service for one officer. After the school yeari is complete, that officer joins road patrol for the remaining two The amount being proposed for 2023-20241 is $67,317.00: fort the: school year. This amount covers the Officer's salary for ten months plus, healthcare costs, FICA, FRS, equipment, and expenses to attend the FASRO conference. Iti is an increase of five percent over 2022-2023. MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the School Resource Officer Contract for  months and helps bolster staffing to cover vacation time.  2023-2024; SECONDED by Councilwoman Issartel  Aroll call vote was taken. Cross Sikkema YES Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED5-0 SOFTWARE.  DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF BUILDING DEPARTMENT The Mayor gave an overview of the software that is part of a suite of modules offered by Municode. It would enable the department to streamline the building permit process. The Clerk went over the financial impact of building permits and how the fees are allocated and spent. MOTION by Councilman Teeters to approve the purchase of the building department  Following discussion, a motion was requested. software; SECONDED by Councilwoman Issartel  Aroll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  At this point the Mayor read the proclamation for the Municipal Clerks Week.  Town ofAstatulal Meeting Minutes April 11,2 2023 Page 6of9    DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF THE BIDS FOR FENCING AROUND THE PD/PW Therei is an amount in thei infrastructure budget of $9,600.00 to replace the 4-foot fence around the Police and Public Works compound with a 6-foot fence. The actual cost of the new fence is $14,000.00 which includes the cost of a 16-foot roller gate. There is an additional cost for the electric operator for the gate of $7,950.00. Hercules Fencing, who are the low bidder, installed the fencing around the water treatment plant and well 2. Their qualityofworki is outstanding. A similar quotation was received from Superior Fence and Rail which was $15,556.00 for the fence and gate and an additional $7,717.85 for the motor to operate the roller gate. Following MOTION by Councilman Teeters to approvei thel bid from Hercules Fencing for $21,950.00;  COMPOUND,  discussion, a motion was requested. SECONDED by Vice-Mayor Cross Ai roll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES YES  MOTION CARRIED 5-0  DISCUSSION LANDA APPROVALTOI PURCHASEAUTVFOR PUBLICWORKS.  An amount of515.0000wasputinto. thei infrastructure budget toj purchase a new Kawasaki Mule. This vehicle is not available, and quotations were sought for an alternative utility vehicle; Kubota RTV-X900G-A Off Road Utility Vehicle 4x4 3 Cyl. Diesel 21.6 Hp/ROPS/2- Quotations were received from Crystal Tractor and Equipment ($20,591.43), Florida Coast Equipment (22,337.14),and Ridge Equipment ($17,077.00) which is piggybacked on the Florida SheriffsAssociation Bid #FSA20-EQUI80Odtober: 1st, 2020, through September 30th, 2023. MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to approve the purchase of the Kubota Utility Vehicle from Ridge Equipment: at a cost of$17,077;S SECONDED by Councilwoman Sikkema  Range HST/Standard Cargo Box/ATV' Tires.  Aroll call vote was taken. Cross Sikkema YES Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES NO YES  MOTION CARRIED4-1  Towno ofAstatulal Meeting! Minutes April1 11,2023 Page 7of9    DISCUSSION AND APPROVALTOREPIACETHEPANEISONTNEMARQUEESIGN. The Mayor gave an overview of an opportunity to upgrade the sign in the town hall parking lot with two full color refurbished light panels manufactured in 2020. Krier Signs and Lighting Service would retrofit the top of the sign to fit them with LED gltingatacsafs325900. MOTION by Vice-Mayor Cross to not approve the purchase of the sign panels; SECONDED  Following discussion, a motion was made not to approve the purchase.  by Councilwoman Issartel Aroll call vote was taken.  Cross Sikkema Issartel Teeters Mack  YES YES YES YES NO  MOTION CARRIED 4-1  DISCUSSION OF LOBBYIST- - GRAYROBINSON.  The Mayor outlined thel benefit ofe engaging al lobbyist to assist with getting funds and grants for the town and associated retainer costs of $5,000.00 per month. No action was taken.  BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORT REVIEW  The Clerk requested that the finance report bel brought forward to an earlier time in the meeting within the staffr reports section. The council approved this, and it would take effect from the next The Clerk then proceeded to give his report on the financial health oft the town for all funds. The  meeting.  full report is available on the town'swebsite.  The Bank balances on February 28, 2023 are shown below.  General Fund: Impact Fees: Transportation Fund: Infrastructure Fund: Enterprise Fund: Cash Drawer:  830,145.86 96,006.43 63,615.87 86,915.53 14,687.59 150.00  COUNCIL DEPARTMENT & COMMITTEEI LIAISON REPORT  Councilman Cross (Finance) Gave an update of meetings regarding the fiber grant. Councilwoman Sikkema (Public Safety/Code Enforcementy)-NONE Councilman Teeters (LDR's, Ordinances, Legal, Grants) - NONE Councilwoman Issartel (Economic Development) - NONE  Mayor Mack (Public Works) NONE  Town of Astatula Meeting! Minutes April11,2023 Page 8of9    REVIEW  Items for Workshops and possible dates-  Amendment to the PUD for Sterling Meadows. Scheduled to be a joint session with the planning and Zoning Board for Friday April14"at2:30 at the community center.  Items for Next Regular Council meeting -  Councilman Teeters wanted to discuss an emergency call box for the town Hall parking lot. Councilwoman Issartel wanted to discuss benefits for part time employees.  Items for Special Meetings and possible dates NONE COUNCIL MEMBER MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS-NONE  ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 9.48 pm.  Respetfulysubmitted,  Mitchell Mack, Mayor ATTEST: Graham Wells, Town Clerk Ths  Towno ofAstatula: Meeting! Minutes April11,2023 Page 9of9