City of Groveland Minutes City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2025 The Groveland City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in the E.L. Puryear Building located at 243 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736. Mayor Keith Keogh called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with the following members present: Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines, Council Members Amy Jo Carroll, Judith Fike, and Mike Radzik. City officials present were Acting City Manager Tim Maslow, City Clerk Virginia Wright, Sergeant-At-Arms Chief Shawn Ramsey and Attorney Sandy Minkoff. Excused Absence: City Attorney Anita Geraci-Carver. As an alternate option the public was provided the opportunity to attend the January 21, 2025 City Council Meeting virtually in listen/watch mode only. A public notice with instructions to participate was posted to the City's website under public notices" at www.groveland-f.gov. and in the display board at City Hall. OPENING CEREMONIES a. Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Gaines b. Invocation provided by Pastor Nelson Bloem, Better Life Worship Center GUEST SPEAKER, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS * Swearing in of Police Officer Christopher Cardoso Chief of Police & Public Safety Director Shawn Ramsey performed the swearing-in of Officer Christopher Cardoso. * Proclamation Black History Month Vice Mayor Gaines read the proclamation into the record in its entirety. * Sidjourney Knight = 2022 Governor's Black History Month Essay Contest Winner Ms. Knight was unable to attend this meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. This item will be placed a future council meeting agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Consideration of Approval: A. December 30, 2024 City Council Special Meeting Minutes B. Resolution 2025-1: Approving Conflict of Waiver Letter relating to Kristin Kowalski attorney with Gray Robinson Law Firm's representation of the School Board of Lake County in negotiations of a parking easement with the City of Groveland 1 1 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES A resolution of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Florida, approving conflict waiver letter relating to Kristin Kowalski attorney with Gray Robinson Law Firm's representation of the School Board of Lake County, Florida in negotiations of a parking easement with the City of Groveland; authorizing execution of the conflict waiver letter; providing for an effective date. The City of Groveland uses attorneys in GrayRobinson, P.A. for labor and employment legal services. Approving the Conflict Waiver Letter will allow the School District to utilize the legal services of other attorneys in GrayRobinson,P.A. in negotiating a parking easement with the City of Groveland. C. Resolution 2025-2: Affirming to the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners the City's transportation priorities for inclusion in the MPO's 2025 List Of Priority Projects A resolution of the City of Groveland, County of Lake, State of Florida, affirming to the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners the City's Transportation priorities for inclusion in the MPO's 2025 list of priority projects and affirming the priorities that qualify for the Central Florida MPO Alliance's regional list of priority projects. Resolution 2025-2 is the City of Groveland's formal submission of the unfunded list of priority projects to the Lake Sumter Metropolitan planning organization. The Lake Sumter Metropolitan (MPO) planning organization is designated agency under federal and state law to establish transportation funding priorities. City Clerk Wright read the titles for resolutions 2025-1 and 2025-2 into the record. Motion: Council Member Carroll moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Vice Mayor Gaines. Public Comment: None. Motion passed with all council members present voting aye. City Manager Hein suggested Agenda Item 2 Discussion & direction: Policy for Advisory Committees & Advisory Boards to Limit Appointees Residing within the Service Area should be discussed prior to Agenda Item 1 Appointments to the Planning & Zoning Board. All council members present concurred. City Manager Hein stated at the last council meeting, Council had expressed concern that there were different standards for membership contained within the ordinances/resolutions for each committee. City Manager Hein noted the standards for each board or committee were included in the agenda packet. 2 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES NEW BUSINESS 1. Discussion & direction: Policy for Advisory Committees & Advisory Boards to Limit Appointees Residing within the Service Area Mayor Keogh stated the reason fori the request was the disparities between requirements for each board/committee. He noted his motivation was to get the best people on boards/commitees. Mayor Keogh referenced the membership section of Ordinance 2018-08-18 for the Planning & Zoning Board, pointing out specific professions preferred for the board. He felt the requirements should be standard across all boards/committees. Mayor Keogh stated he would also like some terms to be defined. Such as if the requirement to work within the City included volunteer work. The requirements should not be ambiguous. However, they should not be sO strict that we limited ourselves. Council Member Carroll felt there should be prioritization for residents, but no restriction. She stated volunteers should remain with residents that were qualified and willing. Council Member Carroll resolved that the Charter Review Advisory Committee members should all be residents that lived within the city. Vice Mayor Gaines felt it was a tough call and there needed to be a balance. She referenced the Planning & Zoning Board ordinance, Section B. - Resident Requirements. noting people outside of the city may have a different perspective or hold an expertise that someone within the City does not have. Vice Mayor Gaines asked how we could strike a balance. She reported she spoke to several constituents and most of them felt membership should be limited within the City and not go outside of the city limits. Vice Mayor Gaines stated she wanted the process to be fair and for all thoughts to be considered. Council Member Fike felt applicants should pay city taxes and vote within the city to be considered for board/committee positions whenever possible. Council Member Radzik asked why this was an issue now. He noted Mayor Keogh and Planning and Zoning Member Bob Proper were appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board using the same residency requirements. Council Member Radzik stated he especially did not understand why residency would be an issue at this time as seventeen (17) diverse applications were received, which had never happened in the past. He felt applicants considered for boards/committees should be tax paying residents. If that were to change, there should be a preference given to residents via additional points. Mayor Keogh stated thirty percent (30%) of the Strategic Planning Committee would not qualify for any other board/committee due to the residency requirement. He noted it was important to be clear on who would be eligible, and that qualifications were consistent across the board before starting a new application process. Council Member Radzik stated one size did not fit all with regard the different boards/commttees. He noted some were set by Florida Statute and some were at Council discretion. Council Member Radzik felt there should not be strict requirements across all boards/committees. There should be fluidity to allow for what was needed for each. He felt the Planning & Zoning Board was as good 3 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES as it would get apart from a few modifications. Council Member Radzik stated one of the first things to be considered should be an applicant's profession and expertise, as their benefit to the city. Mayor Keogh asked how the applicant ranking process should be handled. Council Member Radzik stated there should be a revision to the City of Groveland Policy for Advisory Committees and Advisory Boards in which a workshop is scheduled and applicants are interviewed and ranked at that time by the Council as a whole. Council Member Carroll agreed with Council Member Radzik. She stated she had spoken with the applicants. However, it would have been a benefit to hear questions other Council members had. Public Comment: Lowry Brown stated he was an outsider and did not live within the city, but he saw both sides of the issue. Mr. Brown noted the decisions of the Planning and Zoning Board would affect everyone, not just the people within the city. He stated whether or not you included someone from outside of the city on the Planning and Zoning Board, you could consider allowing them to serve as a non-voting member. This would give them an opportunity to provide input and study the issues prior to the meetings. Mark Lacek stated he lived on Max Hooks Road. He asked that Council be open-minded to citizens that lived on the boarder or close to the City that drove on the roads. Mr. Lacek stated they cared about what goes on in the city of Groveland, the management and the infrastructure. Keith Breedlove stated he did not understand why it could not be specified that a majority of the positions must be filled by people who lived within Groveland, voted in Groveland, and paid taxes in Groveland. Mr. Breedlove suggested to advertise for specific positions instead of broadly stating, 'We need five people.' Specify the need for a landscape architect or an engineer. He stated the approach would allow people to focus on their strengths. Mr. Breedlove stated that if a position could not be filled based on these criteria, it could be opened after a specified period, such as fifteen (15) or thirty (30) days, or by the next council meeting. This way, all needs were accommodated without excluding or making anyone feel they had been excluded. Mayor Keogh stated Council was to provide direction to City Manager Hein. Council Member Fike stated those applicants that pay city taxes such as business tax and/or property taxes should be considered for appointments. Council Member Carroll agreed with Council Member Fike's comments. However, she noted she did not want to tie Council's hands, as there were individuals who did not live within the city limits who were very involved. Council Member Radzik agreed with Council Member Fike. He referenced his earlier comments, that anyone who lived within the city should receive a preference. Then any 4 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES applicant who met the specified expertise qualifications would be a second priority. Lastly, the ranking process should be an interview with each applicant during a Council workshop. Mayor Keogh asked for Council input if a non-voting member were included to server on the board. Vice Mayor Gaines felt having non-voting members was a good idea. She referred to the Strategic Plan Committee, asking if thirty percent (30%) of the members were not allowed to serve, what type of strategic plan would the city have had. Vice Mayor Gaines stated there had to be balance. Council Member Radzik noted there was nothing preventing anyone from adding value to meetings via public comment. He referenced the Council and Planning & Zoning Board Joint Training Session. Council Member Radzik stated with the Planning & Zoning Board we were looking at important things such as land use and property rights. He felt it important not to lose sight of what the Planning & Zoning Board was commissioned to do. Council Member Radzik stated he was unsure of why a Lake County School Board representative was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board but did not attend the meetings. Attorney Minkoff stated there was a statutory requirement to have the school board serve on the Planning & Zoning Board. Council Member Fike stated she had no issues with a non-voting member to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board. Council Member Radzik stated he was ok with a non-voting member as well. Vice Mayor Gaines believed it advantageous to have a non-voting member serve on boards/committees. She felt recommendations and comments coming from a board/committee carried more weight than comments made at the podium. Mayor Keogh stated his goal would be to have a wide net to cast for applicants. He felt it would be unproductive to have everyone on an advisory board that thought the same. Mayor Keogh noted that council meetings were the only place where Council could discuss and pass items due to Sunshine Laws. He requested a resolution be placed on the next meeting agenda to include language that no more than two (2) of each specified profession be appointed to the Planning & Zoning Board. Also, to ensure that someone was responsible for checking that applicants met the requirements. Council Member Fike stated an email was provided to Council requesting confirmation of their selections for members to serve on the Charter Review Advisory Committee that lived within the City. She reported going back to make sure her selections met the requirements. Council Member Fike felt the language could be tightened up to avoid being subject to interpretation. Mayor Keogh summarized the changes to include business or working in the City meant a business within the City that paid city taxes. Also, to limit each specified profession to one (1) per category. 5 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Council Member Radzik noted there was no Lake County School Board representative when Council acted as the Land Planning Agency (LPA). He asked Attorney Minkoff why it would be required for the Planning and Zoning Board. Attorney Minkoff reported the requirement was added to Florida Statutes several years ago. OLD BUSINESS 2. Appointments to the Planning & Zoning Board There were five (5) open positions to serve two-year term limits on the P & Z Board beginning February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2027. Staff requests Council appointments to the P &Z Board. City Clerk Wright read a letter into the record that was received from applicant Marty Proctor included with these minutes as Attachment 1. Motion: Council Member Radzik moved to approve the first four (4) applicants Alisha Kissee-Garcia, Robin Hoover, Kerry Lambert, and Stephen Shylkofski to the Planning & Zoning Board; seconded by Council Member Carroll. Public Comment: Lindsay Crum reported real estate was her main career. However, she also owned a business in Groveland, was a farmer, and a second-generation homesteader. Motion passed with all Council Members present voting aye. Motion: Council Member Radzik moved to interview applicant Lindsay Crum, Mike Archer and Michelle Holcomb; seconded by Council Member Carroll. Amended Motion: Council Member Radzik moved to appoint Lindsay Crum to serve as a member of the Planning & Zoning Board for a 1-year term limit; seconded by Council Member Carroll. Mike Archer reported he moved to Groveland approximately five (5) years ago. He was a trade mechanic and was now the manager of engineering services. Mr. Archer stated Groveland reminded him of the small town he grew up in. That town was overrun with development. He believed in sensible growth. Council Member Carroll asked if there would still be an alternate. Mayor Keogh agreed that an alternate was necessary. Public Comment: None. Motion passed with all Council Members present voting aye. 6 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Ms. Holcomb reported she was also in real estate. She stated she did not believe there should be another real estate representative on the P & Z Board; she felt there would be no benefit and the city would benefit with Mr. Archer being on the Board. Motion: Council Member Fike moved to appoint Mike Archer to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board for a 2-year term as a non-voting alternate; seconded by Council Member Carroll. Public Comment: None. Motion passed with all Council Members present voting aye. PUBLIC COMMENT Keith Breedlove stated the Lake County Property Appraiser website was easy to use. All the information to determine if someone lived in Groveland or paid taxes would take someone fifteen (15) minutes to research. Robin Hoover thanked Council for her reappointment to serve on the Planning & Zoning Board. She requested the Lake County School Board representative be required to attend the meetings that would cover residential density. She asked if the alternate position would be a voting or non- voting member. Mayor Keogh stated the position would be non-voting. REPORTS Council Member Fike > 1/15 attended the City Council and Planning & Zoning Board Joint Training Session. > 1/17 attended the South Lake Chamber Breakfast Meeting. > 1/17 attended the Elese Tomlin Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 1/17 attended a conference call with the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. 1/18 attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration that was held at the Puryear Building. > 1/18 attended the City of Mascotte 100 Year Anniversary Celebration. > 2/19 South Lake Chamber Health Initiative Kickoff Event. There would be more details to come. Council Member Radzik > Suggested a Council retreat, as it would be great to hear everyone's ideas and priorities. Council Member Radzik requested dates for a retreat. He added an official moderator would help. > 1/13 attended a meet and greet at Trinity Lakes Community with City Manager Hein, Chief Ramsey and Chief Carroll. > 1/15 attended the City Council and Planning & Zoning Board Joint Training Session > 1/17 attended the Elese Tomlin Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 7 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 1/17 attended the orientation meeting in preparation of the trip to Tallahassee with Council and residents to meet with legislators. 1/18 attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration that was held at the Puryear Building. 1/18 attended a meeting with the Groveland Historical Society & Museum. Council Member Radzik noted there was a need for storage. A 1/21 attended a meeting for the Wilson Island Project. Council Member Radzik inquired if the school board had decided on anything for Groveland. Council Member Radzik stated he would like to see more information on the South Lake Regional Park and Cypress Reserve traffic analysis. Council Member Carroll > Attended some oft the same events as other council members. 1/18 attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration that was held at the Puryear Building. Attended the 2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David. Vice Mayor Gaines > Attended a meeting with city staff to find ways to enhance the recognition of small businesses. Met with the Executive Director of LEAD on how to enhance the economic development in Groveland. > Attended the 2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David. > 1/14 attended the Youth Council Meeting. Kudos to Ashley Wright. > 1/17 attended the Elese Tomlin Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 1/18 attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration that was held at the Puryear Building. Vice Mayor Gaines thanked all those who participated. The event was well attended with over 100 attendees. > 1/24 will be attending The Groveland Friends of Marion Baysinger Library Sip and Spell Fundraiser that was being held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. located at Barrels & Boards. > A Keep Lake Beautiful Cleanup is scheduled for January 25th. Those wishing to participate would meet at the Festival Park at 9:00 a.m. January 30th will be attending the Flag Presentation Ceremony at Congressman Webster's office at 9:30 a.m. for the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville. Will be attending the January 30th Neighborhood Huddle. Mayor Keogh > Mayor Keogh requested Council consensus to place the ladder truck on the next Council Meeting agenda for discussion. Council Members Fike and Radzik voted nay, and Council Member Carroll, Vice Mayor Gaines and Mayor Keogh vote aye. A Mayor Keogh provided a presentation attached to these minutes as Attachment 2. 8 JANAURY 21, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES City Manager Hein Special Operations Lieutenant Heather Vinson referenced Mayor Keogh's presentation and reported she was the first responding officer on the scene at the accident that claimed the life of four (4) year old Melanie Whitehurst. She reported the person responsible for the accident received only a careless driving citation due to the way the law was written. Lieutenant Vinson stated she has spent the last four (4) years trying to get the law rewritten to hold negligent drivers accountable. Attorney Sandy Minkoff Nothing to report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Keogh adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. - Groveland ORIDA City with Natiralcharm Botas Keith Keogh, Mayor AA Attest: Virginia Wright, City Clérk 9 ATTACHMENT 1 ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, City Council is authorized by Ch. 166, Florida Statutes, to enact legislation and the City Council finds the adoption of this ordinance serves a municipal purpose. WHEREAS, the City Council desires to change the timing for appointment of members to the Groveland Recreation Advisory Committee to occur subsequent to the seating of councilmembers following election. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVELAND, FLORIDA: SECTION 1. That Section 2-297, Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Groveland, is hereby amended to read: Sec. 2-297. Membership; terms. (a) The recreation advisory committee shall consist ofnot less than seven members nor more than nine members, who serve for terms asset forth in this section. Membership shall include a representative from the Lake County School District, one resident from each ofthe four council districts, threemembers coming from the residents at large, and one at large member who is not required dto beresident An applicant with disabilities or experience with people with disabilities, and a personunder the age of 18 shall receive special consideration. No person shall be eligible for appointment who currently serves on two or more city boards or committees unless such person resigns from a board or committee prior to or coincident to commencing.service to the committee. The term for members appointed by the mayor (district 1), council members of districts3 and 5, the Lake County School District representative and one at large resident member shall commence on the first Tuesday following the second city council meeting in Nevember December or assoont heeafermemctisaliain even-numbered years. The term for members appointed by council members of districts 2 and 4, one at largeresident member and one at Jarge-member (may be resident or non-resident) shall commence on the first Tuesday following thesecond city council meeting in Novembet-December or as soon thereafter as practicable in odd-numbered years. Initially, each member's term will commence upon appointment and will continue until a subsequent appointment is made in accordance with the appointmentschedule outlined in this subsection (a). - (b) The city council may, in its discretion, from time to time, name ex officio members to the committee as it deems appropriate. Ex officio members may participate in all meetings. but shall a CRA BOARD RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVELAND, FLORIDA: Section 1: Membership. That Section 74-42 in Division I, Article III, in Chapter 74 of the Code ofOrdinances, City ofGroveland, Florida, is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 74-42. Membership. There shall be seven members of the governing body of the Agency. Five ofthe seven members shall be the City Council ofthe City of Groveland lawfully serving in that capacity at any time whilc the Agency remains an active entity. The other two members shall be chosen by the Groveland City Council from members of the public who reside or are engaged in business within the Groveland Community Redevelopment Area. P&Z BOARD RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Sec. 2-313. Membership; terms. (a) The City of Groveland Planning and Zoning Board shall consist of seven members, who reside in or work in the municipal boundaries of Groveland, appointed by the city council. An additional member shall be a non-voting representative of the Lake County school district appointed by the Lake County School Board to attend those meetings at which the Planning and Zoning Board will consider comprehensive plan amendments and rezoning that would, if approved, increase residential density on the property that is the subject of the application. (b) Any person residing in or working in the City of Groveland may be appointed, but those with experience or interest in the field of land use regulation shall receive special consideration. Whenever possible, the Board shall Linclude at least one ofthe following: (i) an architect or landscape architect, (ii) an engineer, (i) a person engaged in real estate sales or development, or (iv) a natural or environmental scientist. FIRE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS (b) At a public mecting, cach council member shall appoint a resident or business owner within his or her district and the mayor shall appoint a resident or business owner from within any district within the City ofGroveland. The city council at a public meeting, by majority vote. shallappoint any members exceeding five. Except for one at large member, all members must bc a resident ofor own a business in the City of Groveland. In the event no applications are submitted from a particular district. then the council member'sappointment may be from the residents orbusiness owners at large who submitted an application. Any vacancies occurring in the membership shall be filled by the appointing authority for the position which becomes vacant. CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Section 1. There is hereby created the City of Groveland Charter Review Advisory Committee (hereinafter the "Committee"). The Committee is created to review the City of Groveland Charter and make recommendations to the City Council on any amendments thereto. Section 2. The Committee shall be composed ofnine members whose membership shall include two residents from each of the four council districts with the remaining member being selected at large. Section 3. Each council member shall appoint two residents from his or her district and the - mayor shall appoint a resident from any district within the City ofGroveland. All members must be a resident of the City of Groveland. All members must sign a Code of Ethics and Conduct Form. Mayor Report Groveland 0S00 € - Youth Council Inaugural Meeting Elise Tommlin Center Opening uII 160 G Groveland M MLK Day Viewpoints A 600% price increase Chamber Ready for 2 l Ces nd dur ED a - - a - - n Clermont, Groveland, Minneola, a l wa dur sy r - Montverde andA Mascotte A - - - - Clermont ah - - - The - Sun Nb2IDEDWN X - : - a - - 6 - - Mmlen y f * rmontSun - e - : -d a iny - G - PUR YOUR 55 a 515 : NEWS. VIEWS. - Mumhert Cene y de panins - TMe S4 - V - aWe FREE Cat: 9 81 k the SEC D * y Falip Chl - - lquen an Stte celebrates centennial milestone 100-year de tdins ht - ki la K 1 - P y Co 1 hs th 00 an San à - p uki ake Huinn ad a - ne 2014 e de - a lal - 0 - DE KANKIN Clermontsun G35WHighay 1471935225 pi Mmng tfinn Thu - daalalas ClermontSun n dr - The Clemme Sun sull àu - - APPROVEDA AUDITOR NFOASREQUIREDFOR syn PAlite - i PUBLIC NOTICESPERS SEC CTION 50.11EL.FS. Surnkatk fate btied - AAh Amnaasan beryeeck d sDyint Lalte Cradatien Manger bliy Crubitony Veihctioncound Puns Bunila Markatiaga Conitant eo y 1 - - - 121660 04454 BendHosdsunezo Chnscurpa Manating gConsitant - = Caudte MO63122 com Cinasapn Markrting Cemultant poithedes - 3145 9067 7711 Cnsrn MarsungCamiatant o - 9 MASC T OLIC Dbervadm MunetgCanshut OItNeC 4 a - - - - - - - - - - orhemdiao Designa adhodaction Vwwop, dj * Ppun CNTINNIAL - - - : - - - - - - - - - - Award- Winning Care Co om nmunit ty Focus ORLANDO HEALTH choose well. : S u have an idea for a story? Music Lessens our - Editor at Maahrguadamoutusen 352-243-5868 Repain a State Road 19 Update 1/21/2025 GROVELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT PuL FFICER GDYLES Shawn Ramsey, Chief of Police POLICE FL 6825 S.R. 50, Groveland, Florida 34736 Phone: (352)-429-4166 Fax: (352)429-5559 DATE: December 28th, 2024 INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Chief Ramsey FROM: Lt. Vinson RE: THI G21013475 MESSAGE: CFS G21013475, a vehicle crash turned traffic homicide investigation, occurred at 6:02PM on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021, on State Road 19 just north of the intersection of Bible Camp Road. A vehicle occupied by Mona Harrison (grandmother of victim), Britney Thomas (mother of victim), and Melanie Whitehurst (juvenile victim), were stationary on State Road 19 waiting to turn left into their residence located on the southbound shoulder of State Road 19. While waiting for traffic to pass, a Ram pickup truck traveling northbound on State Road 19 failed to stop and crashed into the rear of the stationary vehicle, which traveled 234 feet before coming to final rest. The juvenile victim was located in the front center console area, having been thrown forward from the impact. She was initially seated in the second row in the left seat in a child restraint system. Lifesaving measures were attempted on the juvenile by myself, Ofc. R. Rodriguez, and Groveland FD; the juvenile was pronounced deceased approximately 15 minutes later. Iwas the primary investigator for this crash and can provide any documentation needed. Victim: Melanie Rayne Whitehurst, age 4 UCY ND State Road 19 State Road 19. - City of Groveland Whyi it's Needed Long Range Planning: The FDOT and local governments conduct long-range SR1 191 from! SR 50 north to CR455 seeing a major increase in local and regional traffic, transportation planning on an ongoing basis to identify and prioritize individual projects. including a significant increase in freightt traffic. Improvements to this segment of SR 19 will enhance safety, quality of life, and better Project Development and Environment Study (PD&E): During this step, design options serve commerce to and from the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park which is the most and their social and environmental effects are examined. active industrial employment center in Lake County. Design: During design, detailed construction plans are prepared. AProject Development and Environment (PD&E) Study would be the next step, currently #17 on the MPOI list of priorities. Right-Of-Way. Acquisition: This phase entails acquisition of necessarylright-olway, ADT is about 15,000 near SR50 and 11,000 near Turnpike based ont the construction plans. About 29% of ADT was from semi-trucks in 2021 Kimley-Homn study, prior to County's Construction: The roadwayi is built during this phase. recent resolution to close' Villa City Rd off to semi-trucks. Groveland to initiate a formal request to have the freight corridor of SR 19 & SR33 added to FDOT's! Strategic Intermodal! System. What is al PD&E Study? AI Project Development. and Environment (PD&E) Study is conductedi to meet the requirements of the National Environmental! Policy Act. During the study, FDOT determines the location and conceptual design of feasible build alternatives for roadway improvements and their social, economic and environmental effects. ANo-Build Alternative, which considers leaving the roadways in their present state with routine maintenance, remains a viable alternative throughout the study. APD&E study is finalized when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), reviews the documentation and recommendations then provides al Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA). A PD&E Study is required even iff federal funds arer not used. The Study would need tor meet state requirements which are similar to federal requirement in analyzing the effects of the proposed improvements." The state equivalent document is called a State Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) or a Non-Major State Action (NMSA) and the document is signed! by the FDOT District Secretary/Delegated Authority or designee. The FHWA would not be involved in this process. Ift the study results in a Build Alternative selection, the project may proceed to the next phase, whichis the Design Phase. Five Steps ini the Transportation Development Process Wilson Island Wilson island = City of Groveland Whyit's Ncoded Rare and unique uplands withinl Palattakaha Consorvation Corridor 40-50 feet above Thep projecthasr receivedb both preliminaryplata ando developmenta agreement: approvalsf from the wator level ideal for Conservationf Park, simllar tol Hiowathal Preserve. CityofGroveland,a andaproposed: site developmentp planis under staffr review. Helps establisha apassiver recreationt based regional blueway alongLake County: and BPAS/IMeRAgAOwene thep propertyvalue tobe Groveland chain oflakes. abouts18milion. Enhances County'st brandingof "Real Florida, Real Close" and Groveland's" "Cirywith The omaspeelesainatumdlwc topursuea aparallel Natural Charm" byp preserving! beautifulr natur al values, enhancing propertyvalues, and qualityof ReMERPpAsAtsN life. cemtpmenugamntreecentanageemem: cannotber reached. Saved from higher density entitlod development thatv would signiticantly: alter the Background character of this pristine area. Uniquetopogaphicaly, Wisonislandr rises 40- 50feet above thePalatlakahal River withviews of thes sumoundingvelandsa andr marshest through dense fcrestcoverage. Thepopenyhasbenn Advancing State & Countyl Priorities privatel familyownershiptor over fortyyearst followingthed declinedfanorange goved operation. Thet mmymsPasinimImsate familyreunions. White oak, water oak, andmagnolia The conservation ofV Wilson Island within the Palatlakaha Conservation Corridor advancos the vesihmegpanaaaynea. mostofthed orange treesa are longgone. Teislandsuplandarea Stato'spriorities of protectingw water quality, wildlifal habitat, and corridor linkages putt forward! by Thep the Floridal Witdlife Corndor Act. Hdsimiisawewalbast portionafthep paayemamsiniadsmaue pasture viths somey woods. Tesecmesypocammerdit. lagiculture operatienhappenngon Thoc conservation ofWilson Island cand contributot tot the movement ofp piants anda animals through thet threeparcels. the wider mosaic of connectivity across the state duet toits proximityt to the Greens Swamp Area of Critical State Concern and Withlacoochee Statel Forest. Fort Lake Countyt this opportunity advancost tho goals outlinedi int then recent Lake County Conservation Strategya as woll ast thel Lako Forever referendum for conservation lands acquisition approved by over 80% of voters in! November 2024. The Cityh hasl led the effort to acquireV Wilson Island asp port oft broader strategies outtinedi int the Joint Planning Agreementy withl Lake County andt the City's Comprehensive ands Strategic Plans to conserve atleast 50960 oflandi in agriculture or conservation: and to pursuca a "greenbelt" network oft biodiverse wildlife cordors. Possiblel Funding Partners Cityo of Groveland Lake Forever Bond Referendum- funding prioritized for distribution by citizen's advisory committee Lake Foreve er PAC St. Johns River Water Management! District -Land Acquisition Trust Fund for Critical Wetlands Real Estate Activity The property owner has development entitlementst tob build 181r residential units and 1.94 acres ofc commercialmixed use on thet threo combined parcels. Healthcare Team Healthcare Addressing the lack of healthcare in our community S an important initiative. Here are a items we could ask the state government to consider:. eligible low- -income individuals and families. Florida administers Medicaid funding to support a wide range of healthcare services. 1. **Increase Funding": Advocate for increased funding for local healthcare facilities, ensuring 2. **Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)"*: Inf Florida, it's known as Florida KidCare. theyl have the resources needed to provide quality care. andi it offers low- cost health insurance for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid butt too little to afford private coverage. 2. **Build More or Expand Current Clinics"*: Request the construction of more healthcare centers in underserved areas to reduce travel time for residents and improve access. 3. "Statel Health Improvement! Plan (SHIP)**: This program focuses oni improving the health of Floridians by addressing public health issues and priorities. leveraging funding to support 3. **Expand Telehealth Services**: Ask for investmenti in telehealth infrastructure to allow various health initiatives. remote consultations, making healthcare more accessible to those in rural or hard-to-reach areas. 4. "State Grant Programs" Florida offers various grant programs that focus on health-related issues, which might include funding for communityl health clinics, mentalhealth services, and 4. "*Offer Incentives for Healthcare Professionals"*: Encourage programs that provide substance abuse programs. incentives, like student loan forgiveness or housing assistance, for doctors and nurses to work in 5. "*Block Grants**: Federal block grants, liket the Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, are underserved communities. allocated to states like Florida to support specific healthcare areas, providing funding flexibility to meet local needs. 5. "*Support Preventive Care tnitiatives"*: Advocate for programs that focus on preventive healthcare, such as vaccination drives, health education workshops, and regular screenings. 6. "Local Health Departments Funding"*: The Florida Department of Health supports county health departments, which might have additional funding mechanisms for localhealthcare 6. "Strengthen Community Health Programs": Request support for programs that will projects. engage and educate the community on health issues, nutrition, and wellness. 7. "Public Health Emergency Funds**: These are available during public health crises to 7. **Improve Transport Services**: Suggest enhancements in public transport options support rapid response actions and ongoing healthcare needs. specifically catering to those needing to access medical facilities. Fors specific funding opportunities: Florida Department of Health Each of these proposals can help us enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes in *Please familiarize yourself with our current Community Health Clinic our community. Each of you are our engaged local stakeholders and showing community htps/Awwchdllorylocationsygioveland) support that will: strengthen our request Funding Ideas In Florida, there are several sources of healthcare funding from the state government. Here are some that we must be familiar with to answer the question: "How can we pay for it" 1. **Medicaid": This is aj joint federal and state program that provides healthcare coverage to Education Team Education Funding Sources Here are talking points toc discuss ande emphasize upgrading educationi ino our community. There are several possible funding opportunties. available from the Florida State Government to 1 "Economic Growtha and Workforcel Development" Emphasizet that improving education support educational initiatives. Here ares some programs to understand. ande explore: directly contributes to economic growth by creatinga awell- equipped workforce. Upgraded educationall facikties and programs can attract businesses seekinga askilledi labor pool 1. "Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Grants: : The FLDOE offers a variety of grants aimed at different aspects of education, including technologyi integration, school improvement, 2. "Equity, and Acces" Highlhght thei importance of ensunng all students have access to andt teacher development quality education, regardless of their socio- economic background. Upgradese can bndge gaps and provide equal opportunities for success. 2. "Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund: : Thisf fund has been used to 3. "Technology Integration": Argue for incorporatingr modernt technolagy and digital provide grants for various educationalr needs, especiallyi in response to emergencies like the resourcesi in classrooms. which are essential for preparings students for the future job market COVID- 19 pandemc. thatisimcreasingly tech-driven 3. "Innovativel Programs: - Some grants support innovative education programs within the 4. "Teacher Support and1 Training": Stress the needf for continuous professionald development state. These might focus on! STEM education, early childhood education, or career andt technical and support fort teachers tor maintain highi leaching standards and adapit to new educational education. tooks andmethods 4. **21st Century Community Leaming Centers (21st CCLC):" This program provides federal 5. "Community Engagement": Point out thatu upgraded education encouragess greater funding through the state for after school ands summer learing programs. which can be communityi involvement andi investment, fosteringe environments where parents. businesses. and localc organizations collaborate for better educational outcomes. beneficial to communities looking to enhance educational opportunities outside regular school hours. 6. "Long- Term Savings": Investingir Ine education now can result in! long- -term savings by reducing future costs associated wthy unemployment. healthcare. and crime. 5. "Partnerships with Universities: : Florida state univer sil aties may have funding opportunities or collaborative grants for research and educational projects, offering another 7 "Innovation and Creativity" Supportf for education upgrades can! lead tou innovative avenue for support. teaching methods ande curriculs, encouraging creativity: and critical thinkingi in students, which arei invaluable skillsi int ther modern warld. 8. "Healtha andy Wellbeing". Improved educational facilities can: ako focus an students' physicala and mentalheahht byi includingp programsa andr resources promoting weliness. Team Education Using these points. we may be ablet to ellectively communicate the mulifaceted! benefis of Toam Loaders Jim O'Neil, Khrystynal McCoy, Robin Maynard-Harris, Jose Rubio, Tony educational upgrades. advocating for act tic on thate can significantly impact our community. McCoy Standby Toam TIMcCoy, Shantel Ocampo, Brad Hebert, Vanessal Herbert, TedLogan Agriculture Team Agriculturo Small farms in Florida maybenefit from several state programs and funding opportunities designed to support and preserve smaller agricultural opcrations. These include: I. **Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)**: Theys ofler various programs and. assistance initiatives, such as the Florida Agriculture and Livestock Fair, cost-share prugrams for water conservation, and markeling programs lo enhance the sules of Florida- -grownp products. 2. "*Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program"*, Run by the University of Floridal IFAS Extension, this prognm provides support through cducation. outreach, and resources specifically tailored for small farms. 3. **Rural and Family Lands Protection Program": This program, administered! Jby! FDACS, fncuses on protecting working agricultural lands by purchasing conservation casemenis from willing farm owners, ensuring the land remains used for agriculural purpuses kerping! land in agriculture and preventing development. This helps preserve nural landscapes and keep farming viable. 4. **Florida Agriculture! in the Classroom Grants-"*: This might nut directly fund farmi operations, but it supports educational prjects relatedt to: agriculture, which couldi involve partnerships with small fams ur farn-hased leaming initiatives. 5. "*Agricuttural Best Management Practicos (BMPs)*": Cost-share programs are availahle to help farmers implement practices that enhance environmental stewardship andI land sustainability. which can result in long-tem savings ande efliciency improvements. 6. **Floridal Farm Buroaul Federation** They sometimes offer grants and suppont for farm innovation, sustainability, ando community-oriented. agricultural prajects. More information needs lo be documented. 7. **Stato Funding and Grants*: Various state-managed grants may be available intennittently. fucusing on areas like local fod pruduction, finni innovation, and sustainability practices. Let's lind ouI where lo access these. *Items one through five need tol be topics covered extensively Team Agriculturo Toam Leadors Ric Freeman, Robin Maynard Harris, Tony McCoy Standby1 Team Vanessal Hebert, Brad Herbert, Debbie Prosienski, Ed Prosienski Neighborhood Huddle THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 7:00 PM-8:30PM WATERSIDE POINTE CLUB HOUSE 110 Honeymoon Island Way, Groveland,FL34736 First Purchase "food for thought" at Mayor and our on-site food trucks starting: at 5:30 p.m. 6 District Water Bill, State Road 19, Topics of Wilson Island Project, and Councilwoman Discussion Growth ASK YOUR QUESTIONS, SHARE YOUR VOICE. Round Table SPEAKERS: Keith Keogh City of Groveland Mayor Councilwoman Barbara Gaines Vice Mayor & District: 3 Council Representative For more details, contact us: 352-437-9570 asheypwrightegroveiana* -fl.gov Thank You ATTACHMENT 2 mar Ku frocloy Groveland Planning and Zoning Board qualifications 01-2025 Please consider Marty Proctor for reappointment to the Groveland Planning and Zoning board. Most of you know me and my engagement with Groveland and Lake County, growth and planning issues, conservation and the preservation of quality of life for both current and future residents. My wife of 39 years, Julie and I are on an extended vacation in New Zealand. Thus I won't be at the January meetings. Do not take this as a lack of interest but rather an example of my keeping my commitments. My only commitment to you is that I am experienced and knowledgeable in the areas of planning, zoning, and land use and will do the best I can for you and Groveland. Personal: An engineer and resident of south Lake County since 1990 living on Lake Emma, (Outstanding Florida Water) Palatlakaha Creek system which includes the Clermont Chain of lakes. All the boards, experiences, and group engagements below are interconnected and create a larger, overall view of surface water, environmental protection and land conservation. Planning experience: Groveland Planning and Zoning Board current member appointed by City Council. Also appointed to Groveland Master Plan and Lake County Parks and Trails boards. Darksky.org regional advocate leading the Central Florida Chapter as Technical Liaison and Advocate since 2019. Preserving our night skies and understanding light pollution mitigation. Surface water specific experience: Lake County Water Authority District 1 Board Trustee elected by Lake County residents to represent them in November 2020. Nominated by District 1 LCBCC Doug Shields and appointed by the BCC in 2023 and elected Chairman (past) after the change to dependant board. Lake County Parks and Trails former advisory board member. Road/traffic experience: Lake Sumter MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) current citizen advisory board representative appointed and approved by LCBCC and representing Groveland. Nature, plant, soil experience: Active for years with Trout Lake Nature Center, Florida Native Plant Society, Florida WildFlower Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Lake County Conservation Council, Florida Waste to Energy Coalition and other conservation groups. Youth participation: Take Stock In Children of Lake & Sumter, active mentor to two high school students each year at East Ridge High School for over 7 years. Helping ensure all my assigned students graduate successfully completing the scholarship program. Active volunteer at The Neighborhood Center of South Lake food pantry (formerly FAITH Neighborhood Center) for over 6 years. Also a mentor for FIRST Robotics Team 8057 All Wired Up, Groveland since inception. Energy and resilience experience: SECO Energy Board of Trustees (current), elected by Co-Op members to serve as District 8 Trustee and recently certified by NRECA as a Credentialed Cooperative Director. Former SECO Foundation Board of Directors, appointed as the initial District 8 Director and served as the first Vice President of the Board.