City of Groveland Minutes City Council Meeting Monday, April 01, 2024  The Groveland City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 01, 2024 in the E.L. Puryear Building located at 243 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL3 34736. Mayor Evelyn Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Vice Mayor Mike Radzik, Council Members Barbara Gaines, Richard Skyzinski, and Dina Sweatt. City officials present were City Manager Mike Hein, City Clerk Virginia Wright, Sergeant-At-Arms Chief Shawn As an alternate option the public was provided the opportunity to attend the April 1, 2024 City Council Meeting virtually in listen/watch mode only. A public notice with instructions to participate was posted to the City's website under "publicnotices" aty www.groveland-l.gov and in the display  Ramsey and City Attorney Anita Geraci-Carver.  board at City Hall. OPENING CEREMONIES  a. Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Radzik  b. Invocation provided by Pastor Ben Brittan, Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church  GUEST SPEAKER, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS  Proclamation - November 5, 2024 City of Groveland Municipal Election Mayor Wilson read the proclamation into the record in its entirety. She provided the  proclamation to City Clerk Wright.  Proclamation = Water Conservation Month  Mayor Wilson read the proclamation into the record in its entirety. She provided the proclamation to City Clerk Wright to forward on to the Public Works Department.  CONSENT AGENDA Consideration of Approval:  A. March 4, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes B. March 18, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes  C. Resolution 2024-39: Approval to vacate motion and reconsider findings for code Ar resolution of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Florida, approving the waiver of fine for Case #CE230800020 at 304 East Broad Street; authorizing the City Manager  compliance Case #CE2308-0020 304 East Broad Street to take any necessary action; and providing for an effective date.  1    APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  D. Resolution 2024-40: Approval of Settlement of Code Fines Case #CEG07-11- A resolution of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Florida, approving settlement of code fines for Case #CEG07-11-1197 at 9450 Water Orchid Avenue; authorizing the City Manager to release and satisfy the lien upon receipt of the E. Resolution 2024-41: Authorizing Conveyance of Property to Palisades  1197 9450 Water Orchid  funds; and providing for an effective date. Homeowner's Association, Inc.  Ar resolution of the City of Groveland approving the transfer of real property from the City of Groveland, Florida to Palisades Homeowner's Association, Inc.; authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the special warranty deed for same; providing legislative findings; providing for severability, conflicts, and an effective date.  City Clerk Wright read the titles for resolutions 2024-39, 2024-40 and 2024-41 into the record.  Motion: Council Member Gaines moved to approve the Consent Agenda as read into the record; seconded by Council Member Skyzinski.  Public Comment: None.  Motion passed with all Council Members present voting aye.  OLD BUSINESS  1. Authorizing Foreclosure of Code Enforcement Liens on 219 East Waldo Street, 219 Authorizing foreclosure of three code enforcement liens on three properties owned by Community & Economic Development Director Tim Maslow reported this is a code compliance case that was continued from the last City Council Meeting. He provided a Richard Klaas, owner of the said properties explained that students/kids had been vandalizing the property. He stated Officer Hendricks apprehended the kids in which they were entered into a program that would counsel these children. The students were turned over to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The next step would be jail for any repeat offense. Mr. Klass stated every time he repaired the property, the kids would again vandalize it. Mr. Klaas requested Council approval for sixty (60) days to make the repairs. Council Member Gaines inquired if the disrepair was due solely to the kids vandalizing the properties. Mr. Klaas stated the doors had been put back together several times. Council Member Gaines inquired if there were items within the interior ofthe structures that needed to be repaired. Mr. Klaas stated yes. He reported the kids had cut and kicked holes in doors; broke glass, threw paint all over the house and the hardwood floors. Council  Waldo Street, and 762 S. Main Avenue Richard J. Klaas Revocable Trust.  PowerPoint presentation as attached to these minutes.  He stated he did not feel the kids would vandalize the property again.  2    APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  Member Gaines inquired if there were any issues with the gas, plumbing, or electrical. Mr. Vice Mayor Radzik stated there is twenty-six thousand four hundred and seventy-five dollars ($26,475) in code fines and legal fees. He asked Mr. Klaas if he intended to pay Vice Mayor Radzik reported there are code violation notices that go back to July 15, 2022. He inquired if Mr. Klaas had receipts for the repairs. Mr. Klaas responded yes. Vice Mayor Radzik stated the structural deficiencies were not made by these kids. He inquired if Mr. Klass had a structural analysis conducted on the properties. Mr. Klass responded no. Vice Mayor Radzik noted the receipts and photos of repairs over the years could help the case. Mayor Wilson asked if the properties had been rentals. Mr. Klaas responded yes. He noted he had not rented them out over the last two (2) years due to the issues and his illness. Mayor Wilson felt Mr. Klass should have spoken to the City staff years ago when the code enforcement issues began. Mr. Klass stated he thought the police would handle the issue Vice Mayor Radzik suggested Mr. Klass also have the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems inspected to ensure they are up to code. Vice Mayor Radzik noted the fines may Council Member Gaines stated she would like to have as much information as possible when making decisions. She stated she was not aware of the juvenile issues. Council Member Gaines stated she would like for the juvenile problem to be addressed byas subject Council Member Sweatt stated some of the properties looked very damaged, as there was aroof missing and debris not picked up. She inquired if Council were to approve the sixty (60) day extension as Mr. Klaas requested, would he be able to comply with completing the repairs to the properties. Mr. Klaas responded he would work with staff to accomplish Council Member Gaines inquired if the repairs were not made within the timeline allowed what would happen. City Attorney Geraci-Carver stated the item would be placed back on Mayor Wilson inquired if Mr. Klass had pressed charges for the vandalism. Mr. Klaas Council Member Skyzinski inquired if Mr. Klaas considered vandalism the reason for damage on all three (3) sites or only the two closest to the middle school. Mr. Klaas reported neighbors may have video of the incidents. However, the footprint evidence was  Klass stated one of the properties had an electrical issue.  them. Mr. Klaas reported he intended to work it out with City staff.  because there was evidence and proof against the offenders.  outweigh the costs to repair.  matter expert before making a final decision.  the repairs.  the agenda in the same manner as this meeting.  responded no.  destroyed before any useful proof could be acquired.  3    APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  Vice Mayor Radzik asked if after three years of vandalism was there any fingerprints/DNA that would tie the crime to the six (6) kids involved. Mr. Klaas stated a neighbor's son could Vice Mayor Radzik felt he would have very little wiggle room when it came to the twenty- six thousand four hundred and seventy-five dollars ($26,475) in code fines and legal fees. He noted in the past, Council had not supported code enforcement in their efforts and this  identify the kids. However, the police declined to interview the son.  incident had been going on for two (2) years.  Motion: Vice Mayor Radzik moved to continue this item for thirty (30) days upon which receipts for repairs made to the property, photographs, and videos will be produced and provided to Council for their review; seconded Public Comment: Robin Maynard-Harris stated the properties were dangerous. She inquired as to where the police reports and case numbers were. Ms. Maynard-Harris reported that there was a letter on the door of one of the properties dating back to last July. She stated there was no contact made with the City by the property owner. Mr. Maynard-Harris expressed her concerns stating the stairs are caving in, there are safety issues and a fence  by Council Member Sweatt.  needed to be installed around the properties.  Motion passed with all Council Members present voting aye.  NEW BUSINESS None. PUBLIC COMMENT  Jennifer Eastridge inquired if the Mayor had heard anything from the State Attorney's Office regarding the invoices for HR files. City Attorney Geraci-Carver stated she had communication Ms. Eastridge stated information was posted on Facebook regarding a claim for a thirty-nine thousand-dollars ($39,000) settlement in which the funds were paid to Mayor Wilson's spouse. Ms. Eastridge noted another claim against the City dated November 11, 2017 for ninety thousand dollars ($90,000) that she stated had been paid to Mr. Wilson. Mayor Wilson stated this in fact was nottrue. Ms. Eastridge stated she made a public records request fori insurance claims against the City and copies of campaign funds. However, she was told it would take time due to required Ms. Eastridge stated having letters that showed the date of a closed-door meeting and insurance payouts of approximately half a million dollars ($500,000) over the span of a year. Fred Costello a resident of Palisades development thanked the Mayor, Council Members, City Manager Hein and City Attorney Geraci-Carver for working as a team with the Palisades HOA  with the State Attorney's Office and had provided a response.  redactions.  and for approving Resolution 2024-41.  4    APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  Kim Pineda expressed her concerns with the construction and growth that Groveland was experiencing. She felt there should be more checks and balances in place and transparency for budgeted projects. Ms. Pineda stated she wanted to learn more about how the City intended to Banks Helfrich provided his viewpoint on community resilience. Mr. Helfrich stated he is a sustainable farmer. Events are held on his farm located in Clermont, once per month. Events can  maintain levels of service.  be found on EventBrite/Here on the Farm.  REPORTS  Council Member Sweatt  March 23rd Attended the City's Founders Day Celebration  March 30th- Attended the Daughter's of the American Revolution event. It was a day of remembering the Vietnam Veterans and presenting each with a lapel pin that  was created just for them. Council Member Gaines  Attended the March 25th CRA Board Meeting.  Met with the Communications Department and the IT Department to discuss where we are now and future projects, as well as issues, concerns, and solutions. Attended the Housing for All meeting. The discussion was regarding affordable Met with a small business to discuss a possible local chapter of a national start up Council Member Gaines stated sometimes when you are sitting on the other side it is easy to see what is not being done. She stated if there are questions or concerns from the public to contact City Council Members; they are available for discussion. Civility and respect for other ideas needs to be practiced, as well as respectable listening; we can agree to disagree. Council Member Gaines asked that constituents try to gain an  housing for the community.  Attended the City's Easter Egg Hunt event.  organization.  enhanced understanding by contacting City Council Members. March 23rd- Attended the City's Founders Day Celebration. March 25th- - Attended the CRA Board Meeting.  Vice Mayor Radzik  Vice Mayor Radzik noted Council Member Gaines spoke on reality. He reported his reality of Groveland began in 2005 and acknowledged that some residents' reality was not as old as his. Vice Mayor Radzik stated their only reality for the years before them was to pull public records and report on a time without understanding how we got to that point. Vice Mayor Radzik stated a lot of the history was in the Comp Plan- - audits, budget workshops, revisioning plans and other such documents. He noted a better job  had to be done about getting the word out.  Council Member Skyzinski  Attended the March 25th CRA Board Meeting  Met with the Communications Department and the IT Department  5    APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES  Mayor Wilson  March 20th - Met with Cecil E. Gray Middle School Principal Melissa Frana to discuss possible projects the students could work on with the city. Examples would  be a tour of the Aquaponics Farm.  Met with the Communications Department and the IT Department. March 23rd- Attended the City's Founders Day Celebration. that will be showcased in the awards display case. Attended the City's Easter Egg Hunt event.  Invited to attend Dark Sky Initiative event. Approximately twenty-five (25) students from Hong Kong attended. They presented Mayor Wilson with a memento banner  Mayor Wilson reported that the consensus was the City of Groveland was the best in the area. She noted that a person from the media shared with her that City Manager Hein was always very aware ofexactly the things that were going on, he takes the time tor meet with people, and schedules in person meetings, whereas this was not always the case with other jurisdictions. Mayor Wilson stated she felt the City was right on track. She stated she has offered regularly if there were questions to please contact her; she offered her business card to anyone who would like to discuss an item(s). Mayor Wilson noted that she had offered to meet with Ms. Eastridge, however, Ms.  Eastridge never responded to her offer.  City Manager Hein Nothing to report at this time. City Attorney Geraci-Carver Nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT  Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.  Groveland FLORIDA CiywihNawalchem  Gch bl Eyélyn Wilson, Mayor  mu CSH  Attest:  Virginia Wright, City Clerk  6    CITY OF GROVELAND  City Council Meeting  April 1, 2024  p 3    20788  339  Old Business  1720779  8883425  1521530  Authorizing Foreclosure of Code Enforcement Liens on: 762 S. Main Avenue  1521556  1720575  642370.  219 East Waldo Street  1522021  1522030  219 Waldo Street  1642388 42396  6883427  1762235  1642647  0642485    762S. Main Avenue  Case #CE2207-0024  Special Magistrate Hearing: February 13, 2023 - notice of violation  Compliance: April 14, 2023  Lien Recorded: September 26, 2023  Special Magistrate Hearing #2: August 14, 2023 - affidavit of non-compliar Special Magistrate Hearing #3: February 12, 2024 - consent to foreclose  Fines accrued: $8,825.00  Violations: Repair or replace all damaged windows, exterior trim, handrails,  hanging materials, and rotted boards. Pictures taken March 29, 2024                                        219 East Waldo Street  Case #CE2207-0016  Special Magistrate Hearing: February 13, 2023 - notice of violation  Compliance: April 14, 2023  Lien Recorded: September 26, 2023  Special Magistrate Hearing #2: August 14, 2023 - affidavit of non-compliar Special Magistrate Hearing #3: February 12, 2024 - consent to foreclose  Fines accrued: $8,825.00  Violations: Repair or replace all exterior trim and hanging materials. Remove all  trash and debris from the property. Pictures taken March 29, 2024            9                    ASATL        219 Waldo Street  Case #CE2207-0017  Special Magistrate Hearing: February 13, 2023 - notice of violation  Compliance: April 14, 2023  Lien Recorded: September 26, 2023  Special Magistrate Hearing #2: August 14, 2023 - affidavit of non-compliar Special Magistrate Hearing #3: February 12, 2024 = consent to foreclose  Fines accrued: $8,825.00  Violations: Repair or replace all exterior trim and hanging materials. Remove all  trash and debris from the property. Pictures taken March 29, 2024        4    , 0            Staff Recommendation  Motion to authorize foreclosure of the code enforcement liens on three properties:  - 762 S. Main Avenue (alternate key 1818583)  219 East Waldo Street (alternate key 1521521)  219 Waldo Street (alternate key 1521513)    Cityof Groveland Department  Community & Economiç, Development  Planning & Zoning Division 156'S.Lake Ave, Groveland, FL-34736 Pamnigegroeencice.  352.429:2141