[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6341843,"mediaKeyId","2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33","parentId",2256315,"title","Votes at a glance: Feb. 10 Leesburg commission approves multiple consent and resolution items","audioSeconds",2181,"startMs",1624000,"endMs",3805000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33&start=1624&end=3805","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33/thumbnail_1624000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6341843/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Feb-10-Leesburg-commission-approves-multiple-consent-and-resolution-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341843-06b200236cdea6deaaab20d97a58675e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209948&Signature=HcuZaNYKEuPiaE1bYGkNSF1n8AECfk5SJW863jBRhGVslm6xA-iR57XjuyA3ZmXb4OdDFxiaB2AaR-ksPXHInCt~cEQow0M72SHyrSDG13JWnGcmnkh4lzfZV4iY2fGnSFTN-wFXBW0PbAMkNRNp52iD2ZUI2HBwcY1YlwDunCZD5CFVnLv9uFBiY97OTzufekIflkF97077Nho~INcT3qbpVq4ZBHO~5vL9L~HE13E5hEc0dM2ATsjHGdhOL0VdiY0a9RZEDrSySD5HUlL2p8ReVzMl-vxord7zN7UTdau~2WldiYEx5lsJqobmNTZYvo1BGVTadJQPZiHgWwccEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Leesburg, FL","date","2025-02-10T01:57:51Z","article","The Leesburg City Commission voted on a series of consent and resolution items during its Feb. 10 meeting. Key final actions and short summaries follow; vote tallies are recorded where the roll call was clear in the meeting record.

Proportionate share mitigation agreement (5C1)
The commission approved a resolution authorizing a proportionate share mitigation agreement among the Lake County School Board, M and C Hunt LLC and the City of Leesburg to allow payment of Lake County school impact fees. Staff clarified that impact fees are collected at time of issuance (certificate of occupancy or permit issuance) and are not paid up front unless the development proceeds. Outcome: approved by roll call (unanimous yes).

Interlocal agreement — bus stop shelters / transfer station (5C6)
The commission approved an interlocal agreement authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute an agreement related to bus stop shelters with Lake County. Discussion focused on a previous airport property sale and a county request to relocate a transfer station that serves Lake Sumter (LakeXpress). Staff explained that relocating the transfer station off state/college property and into another city (Tavares) required a negotiated payment; the city’s portion to facilitate relocation was described as up to $50,000, which staff said would come from proceeds of the sale of airport property. Outcome: approved (roll‑call result recorded in the meeting as 3 yes, 2 no; two commissioners voiced opposition during debate on principle).

Downtown building redevelopment grant — Dance Dynamics LLC (5C7)
A resolution approving a downtown building redevelopment grant to Dance Dynamics LLC for 606 W. Main Street was approved. Commissioner Connell stated policy concerns about the downtown grant program’s lack of strings attached (she voted no based on policy), while other commissioners supported the project’s potential to bring foot traffic downtown. Outcome: approved, roll call 4 yes, 1 no.

Post‑closing occupancy agreement — Frostenberg LLC (5C9)
The commission approved a post‑closing occupancy agreement between the city and Frostenberg LLC related to a property the city had sold and is leasing back temporarily for gas department storage and parking. Staff said the arrangement reflects a short‑term month‑to‑month occupancy and estimated the lease would cost roughly $4,800–$5,000 per year to cover taxes and insurance; commissioners noted the amount was small relative to the sale proceeds and that the gas department needs the site. Outcome: approved by roll call (yes: unanimous among recorded commissioners).

Leesburg Art Festival Inc. commercial lease (5C10)
Commissioners debated a proposed commercial lease with Leesburg Art Festival Inc. Commissioner Connell and others expressed concern about very long lease terms; the commission considered an amendment to shorten the lease from 25 years to 10 years. The amendment to reduce the term was proposed and put to a vote (commissioners split); the amendment did not carry. The final lease, in its original form as presented, was approved by roll call. Outcome: amendment to shorten term — failed; final lease — approved by roll call.

Transfer to electric fund — Itron AMI agreement (5C11)
The commission approved a resolution transferring $840,584 from the general fund to the electric fund to pay costs tied to switching the automated metering infrastructure from GE to Itron. Staff explained the early termination/transition costs and argued the long‑term agreement with Itron will provide savings after the initial period. Commissioners discussed electric fund reserves, storm restoration expenses and rate pressures; staff noted the general fund carries higher reserves and the transfer avoids depleting the electric fund. Outcome: approved by roll call (unanimous yes).

Road naming: Soule Court
The commission voted to name the new cul‑de‑sac at the Veterans Road project “Soule Court,” honoring Jody Soule. Outcome: motion passed by roll call (unanimous yes).

Why this matters: the consent and resolution votes together move several neighborhood and infrastructure items forward (annexation/readings, relocations, downtown redevelopment, an AMI contract transition) and allocate city funds as part of normal capital and operating decisions. Several items generated substantive discussion about policy (downtown grant criteria), intergovernmental relationships (bus transfer station relocation), and long‑term lease practices (arts lease).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Leesburg Commission Meeting February 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Leesburg City Commission voted on a series of consent and resolution items on Feb. 10, advancing annexations, interlocal agreements, downtown grants, lease arrangements and a transfer to cover an AMI vendor transition.","taxTitle","Leesburg City, Lake County, Florida","taxId",4692,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341849,"Commission hears first‑reading for Wayne Storage annexation and SPUD to allow indoor storage and RV/boat parking",725,4516000,5241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33&start=4516&end=5241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33/thumbnail_4516000.jpg","/articles/6341849/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Commission-hears-firstreading-for-Wayne-Storage-annexation-and-SPUD-to-allow-indoor-storage-and-RVboat-parking","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341849-41664a82aab2fffe86d5ce5faaff5108/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209948&Signature=V8-zj6y6bhOHttUfGZgqo566JpPkH9uyIb~uLqUWUfhbMYfOtMuxBsevtylFrlYU7abyMbpiNCGvcOA3LYreAuOv1Y8mIIrs13lAUHW3jj3dl0dA1dM8zeGmtuP9XmS1hHOeUF4ffPilbJfipEIzHe~m6jw3XpJFlKrKDPPB9w8TsaCEjLshFHl9uTDykeR4xg-4VloYx-MFcSkFIv8hLALH8fnfLae4blIm0LCr07V98szmRDrcmlnhHKknUn-Av3AIeA8MPNOfYUeXI~-U~DvafpP~N74J7vfv-FZXKqe9kRZR2EQrQKYW01DnazCc7R04PHZww0cfnmtgwMlkEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Leesburg City Commission held first readings on Feb. 10 for three ordinances to annex and rezone roughly 6.52 acres northwest of County Road 44 and south of Hickory Hollow Road for a self‑storage facility called the Wayne Storage project.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning, told the commission the package includes annexation, a small‑scale comprehensive plan change from Lake County rural transition to City of Leesburg general commercial, and a SPUD rezoning to permit an indoor self‑storage facility with limited outdoor storage (boats/RVs) and one on‑site manager apartment. The property would be subject to SPUD standards including 35% open space, a 15‑foot perimeter landscape buffer and opaque fencing where the site abuts residential lots.

Danica Oliverio, the applicant’s planning representative, presented a conceptual site plan showing one gated office with five parking spaces, single‑story storage buildings, stormwater basins, and two access points (the southern access from a paved segment of Variety Tree Road and a northern emergency gate proposed to remain closed). Oliverio said the applicant provided a signed water and sewer connection covenant committing to connect when utilities are available, and that a field survey and ecological report found no hydric soils, no designated plant communities on site and no listed species habitat within the parcel. She cited an estimated PM peak of 14 trips for the use and said the use would not materially affect levels of service for water, sewer, traffic or schools.

Neighborhood concerns: three residents spoke during public comment. Donald Shoemaker asked whether the annexation was parcel‑by‑parcel (the city confirmed it was only the subject parcel). Linda James of Hickory Hollow Road opposed tree clearing and urged the commission to preserve habitat and reduce land clearing. Steve Clark, whose property most adjoins the site, said he bought his house two years ago and said converting wooded land to metal storage buildings would lower his property values and change the character of the area; he also asked for higher fencing than a 6‑foot fence and said he had not seen explicit prior notice that outdoor boat/RV storage would be permitted.

Key standards and conditions discussed: the SPUD as filed would require a 6–8 foot opaque fence adjacent to residential lots, a 15‑foot perimeter buffer with planting requirements (two canopy trees per 100 linear feet and shrub requirements), dark‑sky full‑cutoff lighting, architectural façade standards for any building with public‑road visibility, and a four‑year expiration for substantial commencement (automatic reversion to prior zoning if not commenced).

Next steps: the applications were set for second reading on March 24 (the Feb. 10 hearings were first‑reading items only). Planning staff and the applicant said they would return with final illustrations and any revisions requested by commissioners; neighbors were advised to submit written comments for the record prior to second reading.

Ending: Commissioners did not vote on the ordinances at first reading; the matter will return for second reading and final action on March 24.","The Leesburg City Commission held first readings on Feb. 10 for three ordinances to annex and rezone roughly 6.52 acres northwest of County Road 44 and south of Hickory Hollow Road for a self‑storage facility called the Wayne Storage project.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6341853,"Lake Community Action Agency reports repairs to 12 Leesburg homes, delivered under $300,000 grant",974,351000,1325000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33&start=351&end=1325","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256315-f73359e9b8ae793d23d1e1a90bfd0e33/thumbnail_351000.jpg","/articles/6341853/Leesburg-City/Lake-County/Florida/Lake-Community-Action-Agency-reports-repairs-to-12-Leesburg-homes-delivered-under-300000-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341853-6239029d70ed7be53dbb32c8b69a862b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771209948&Signature=IQs2vqrkOhwJs2empw03D-mTLM9~RcxOl5nk-CkHGjUkO~UQcYWKlUKvmmBSYmwooU8bHoRX2-KGZ7Rr11xH2EFEHQ~qyLigY0LR4x3LzQkEMWuYlQ5Qpqf4bCS-XPj33LYApArv-Y2usdRbCFVPKeKwNhgY5KLODSlIFC76ch6-n6HxIuXsxHddOHivNd4MUpkEKAW-AEpdemRq7Jtbqc1hCdS~6BTdT6nQzX2KmEFveCNTzwAdNkMwjNlvO4Wnc~xHnI0uEyyT5ZXTc01mPLlE2pYnUWRTKDtpWA0cKs3Tp5zFtCe6I3bEmwM0IrXHM2jMZ4lzqMlvhvkVn32Elg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derek Blue, a representative of Lake Community Action Agency, told the Leesburg City Commission on Feb. 10 that his organization completed rehabilitation work on 12 owner‑occupied homes in the city’s CRA district using a mix of city funds and agency contributions.

Blue said the city allocated $300,000 for the program; Lake Community Action Agency completed the work at $293,618 and averaged $20,468.17 per home. The program’s stated priorities were to correct health and safety hazards, improve energy efficiency and, last, address cosmetic issues.

The work included roof replacements where active leaks existed, replacement of inefficient HVAC equipment (Blue said older 10–11 SEER units were replaced with 16 SEER systems), insulation upgrades (to about R‑40 in some houses), lead testing in some cases, plumbing and kitchen repairs, bathroom gut‑outs with accessibility improvements, door and security upgrades, added exterior lighting and landscaping. Blue said the agency requires contractor warranties for at least one year and provides occupant training on new HVAC equipment.

Why it matters: agency representatives said the work reduced home energy burdens for low‑income households and addressed indoor air quality issues that contributors linked to residents’ breathing problems. Blue said the agency partners with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Energy on health, safety and energy‑efficiency assessments and that the organization invested approximately $100,000 of its own materials and labor to leverage the city funds.

Blue thanked Commissioner Allison Berry and City staff—he named “Al,” Sandra Wilson and the building and zoning department—for coordinating permitting and outreach. He said the commission and staff helped the project move through permitting and CRA processes.

Blue read a letter from Dorothy Jackson, a homeowner who received work on her home at 2207 Waitman Avenue. Jackson’s letter, included in the project's record and read aloud at the meeting, thanked the city and Lake Community Action Agency for restoring her house; Blue told commissioners Jackson died a few weeks after writing the letter but was able to “sit in her house and enjoy the upgrades” before she passed.

Public‑facing details and process: Blue said the program used a standardized pricing system to limit the number of separate trade vendors entering a single home and to control costs; he said the program prioritized local contractors where possible and invited local trade firms to register at lakecaa.org. He also said the program must meet the limits of the original agreement: the maximum per‑home grant under the contract was $25,000.

No formal action was taken by the commission during Blue’s presentation; the item was a presentation to the commission rather than an agenda vote. Blue answered questions and offered his cellphone number to staff for follow‑up.

Ending: Commissioners later thanked the agency for the presentation. Commissioner Berry noted the program’s neighborhood impact and said she would follow up to support phase two or similar projects in the CRA district.","Lake Community Action Agency told the City Commission it used a $300,000 CRA allotment to repair health, safety and energy problems in 12 owner‑occupied homes, finishing the project at $293,618 and averaging about $20,468 per home.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Feb. 10 Leesburg commission approves multiple consent and resolution items

Commission hears first‑reading for Wayne Storage annexation and SPUD to allow indoor storage and RV/boat parking

Lake Community Action Agency reports repairs to 12 Leesburg homes, delivered under $300,000 grant