[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6281692,"mediaKeyId","2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8","parentId",2603041,"title","Public comments: park request at 441/19, firefighters' pay dispute, and Eustis High FBLA funding pledges","audioSeconds",513,"startMs",817000,"endMs",1330000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8&start=817&end=1330","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8/thumbnail_817000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281692/Florida/Public-comments-park-request-at-44119-firefighters-pay-dispute-and-Eustis-High-FBLA-funding-pledges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281692-a85811a1e57faee54cdd885b3b44fb25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141325&Signature=Hn~9uFBWLwrrzqBABaITce2v9F1-40b88A09bR~1sm2iQP1dMsL24g0twtiFMfZyjkxZmCrar5pTuS6ak9hwS0c9gRyRaAkIPlsTqx6c10GUZJ9OHLIjU-N5CVCBcTsTrcz-avCjtnfGKmISGK1RcD51R1CltFfPx1RNyxazPC10X4TMOzj~rzleXn2pWh-no8~Gpn9jPnLdhOTitROuUZcPDkF~smYpJZ~v-phNHVvhB-nj2OT6GeKIJmtSHbzJ3sRYRLeFQiB1qOo1Lwlzucx5d2VzTb-8jI9-5Ge5pNNID45SZ74wJoKjHsDGJk7iwH2UR3klOnZeZ6CsIu5H~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Eustis, FL","date","2025-03-13T17:14:47.967Z","article","Several residents addressed the commission during the \"Audience to be Heard\" portion of the Feb. 20 meeting.

Carolyn Douglas, representing Eustis Church of the Nazarene, asked the commission to partner with the church to develop a community play area near U.S. 441 and County Road 19. Douglas said the church has existing paved access, sidewalks and a basketball court and requested city help with grant-writing and technical assistance to create a pocket park open to the public. The mayor asked staff to connect Douglas with the parks and recreation department; Miranda (events/rec department staff) was asked to coordinate the follow-up.

Blake Griswold spoke about ongoing contract negotiations between the city and professional firefighters in Eustis. Griswold expressed concern about a widening pay gap with neighboring jurisdictions and said firefighters had requested roughly a 20% increase over three years while the city's offer was a 15% package. He criticized a proposal that would condition retroactive pay on signing within two days and warned of turnover and compression (new hires' pay approaching longer-tenured employees). Griswold pressed the commission to support the department to retain experienced staff.

Sonia White, an Eustis High School teacher, asked the commission for assistance after FBLA students fell short of a $3,300 budget to attend a competition; she said they were short $1,263 with seven days to raise it. Commissioners and members of the audience pledged funds during the meeting. One commissioner suggested the city could provide $1,000 from existing budget lines if the commission agreed; other commissioners and attendees pledged additional amounts. The transcript records donors and pledges that brought the total to $1,500 during the meeting; there was no formal, recorded roll-call vote authorizing a budget transfer in the minutes.

These public comments prompted staff follow-ups: staff were directed to connect with Douglas on the pocket-park grant and to coordinate any budget or administrative next steps related to the FBLA financial shortfall. The firefighters' concerns were recorded in the public record and may inform future labor negotiations or agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Commission Meeting - 20 February, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At public comment on Feb. 20, speakers asked the commission to partner on a pocket park, voiced concern about firefighter pay negotiations, and requested help funding Eustis High FBLA students to attend a competition.","taxTitle","City of Eustis, Lake County, Florida","taxId",71128,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281706,"Eustis commission approves $74,000 Duke Energy audit closing agreement after extended debate",1537,1483000,3020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8&start=1483&end=3020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","/articles/6281706/Florida/Eustis-commission-approves-74000-Duke-Energy-audit-closing-agreement-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281706-8801e2290cc20c3fbdc61cd291f149b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141325&Signature=FMTLLnHWIBIU3QmYP8fNEFZSDpjxrxXPsPHrwgI1klVk~WyCf2Kpq-URlCWyDfGOTrG1ZugIVsYTtOZHJ1VZDyvGS~DIAzfYJ4iEzfKePUvEUQdfl-~qTNsYHoQ098dMVRKahzcYGpeW5DhyYPXURj3mPzBGml7Sl48UUxYDwCU02r4Yf4ZyWZQ5DEmmrmYWGVxp7vqWtQkfeDkkHW6OnXumIRvJN78oCkeOwukAxzsfH416WD1Vesg-KqTm9JSYsCVnAVRup1TUPlx-AHE~aZ5jcgOOTPy2jZ7PNEuCiJBve5sgCoa76LLiMNdfmRVp1NR5t1qqZV7Rl2Qwfiaxmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission of the City of Eustis on Feb. 20 approved Resolution 25-13, a settlement with Duke Energy that resolves an audit finding for $74,000 related to franchise-fee remittances.

City staff and Duke Energy officials described the amount as a one-time settlement tied largely to properties that were annexed and were not charged or remitted correctly during a transition to a new billing system. Tom, a city staff member who spoke during the public hearing, said the figure \"includes things like properties that were annexed that didn't immediately get charged the proper amount.\" Duke Energy's government-relations manager, Nancy Dodd, told the commission she and the company's subject-matter expert were available to answer questions.

Why it matters: Commissioners debated whether the city should accept the settlement or pause to hire an independent auditor to search for potentially larger liabilities. Some commissioners and members of staff said prior audits and legal review supported Duke's calculations; others said the consultant Tryon (an outside auditor engaged earlier) had raised concerns suggesting higher potential amounts and that the city owed it to taxpayers to be thorough before closing the matter.

During the hearing, Sasha (city legal/staff) and Duke representatives explained that the disputed $74,000 was not money that Duke withheld from the city but monies that had been collected and not properly remitted for certain accounts. Nancy Dodd summarized Duke's position: \"[W]e would be collecting money from nonprofits and governmental\" customers only under a different interpretation; she added that Duke had been applying the franchise agreement consistently across the state.

Several commissioners said they wanted more confidence the city was not \"leaving any money on the table,\" and asked for additional review before signing away possible claims. City staff said the legal opinion reached in discussions with Duke's counsel supported the settlement as appropriate given the contract language and historical practice. Tryon's representative (the outside consultant originally engaged) did not concur with Duke's interpretation and was terminated before the final agreement was reached; the commission debated the effect of that termination on the reliability of Tryon's findings.

At the end of the hearing, a motion to approve Resolution 25-13 passed with a roll call of four ayes and one no. The transcript records the vote as: Vice Mayor Ashcraft — Aye; Commissioner Asvadi — No; Commissioner Lee — Aye; Commissioner Holland — Aye; Mayor Hawkins — Aye.

What the resolution does: Resolution 25-13 approves the Duke Energy audit closing agreement and repeals any conflicting prior resolutions. The settlement amount in the agreement is $74,000; the agreement also provides for an effective date and finalizes the audit process as represented in the meeting materials.

Next steps: The commission approved the agreement despite calls by some members for a deeper independent review. Commissioners discussed but did not direct new litigation or additional immediate audits at the meeting; staff indicated they would continue communication with Duke regarding future application of the franchise agreement and possible contract revisions going forward.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-13 — motion to approve (mover and seconder not specified on the record), outcome: approved (yes 4, no 1).","The City Commission of the City of Eustis on Feb. 20 approved Resolution 25-13, a $74,000 audit-closing agreement with Duke Energy after a lengthy public discussion about whether to pursue further independent auditing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281687,"City recognizes Eustis Community Alliance, police SWAT graduate and employees in opening presentations",481,133000,614000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8&start=133&end=614","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8/thumbnail_133000.jpg","/articles/6281687/Florida/City-recognizes-Eustis-Community-Alliance-police-SWAT-graduate-and-employees-in-opening-presentations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281687-959e6be4643d04fd87feafbf335fefdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141325&Signature=LXUWDCoC1LpZR0dXUrknXlY9-EKwTJT5YI9aASqVu04XCqGLBTku2E303eRkoNdHVQhnLZe18Vvqcbqvejd9gNA7sBp7kVzOFMdvXSaVeGX3KMOFS8FotYpgKNMD1-5fM8PsDH175yDPsqH82Y7SlJBI0ZPnZuvudAuKIulwSOUoDZzzvnk1FcoBdUQKDxb6WUZWAJhRA3aFPzFVIurSi9FGr2K8ImZXyQe5hX1xT2pxaKhcuCnv2x5e9LDvNElqs~2A5gje19rusJKzgCm0VxCq6y4tPBpYSA6iEVk6GD-wQEUKmEUI-DWBr4IpOf6h4NCeVNeB3wJIqxI4qK2ARQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The meeting opened with several recognitions and a presentation.

City officials presented a $1,000 check to the Eustis Community Alliance (ECA) in acknowledgment of the organization's community services, including food programs, tutoring, summer camps and senior computer classes. A representative described the Alliance's expanding activities and new volunteer hours and said ECA will provide a local hub for career services and family support.

The police chief recognized Officer Torres for completing an intensive two-week SWAT school and praised his performance. The chief also recognized an officer named Fleetwood as Officer of the Year for 2024 and presented Jesse Powell as the city's employee of the year for his work as an analyst supporting investigations and interagency intelligence-sharing.

City staff also acknowledged a local volunteer who has used a personal drone to document city infrastructure — water plants, downtown, city buildings — to support claims and emergency-preparedness footage.

These items were presented as ceremonial recognitions; no formal votes or policy actions were associated with the presentations.","At the start of the Feb. 20 meeting the commission presented a $1,000 check to the Eustis Community Alliance, recognized a police officer who completed SWAT training and named Jesse Powell employee of the year; a volunteer drone operator was also acknowledged for infrastructure footage work.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281696,"Commission tables land-development ordinance after debate on hookah bars, smoke shops and tattoo parlors",230,3838000,4068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8&start=3838&end=4068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8/thumbnail_3838000.jpg","/articles/6281696/Florida/Commission-tables-land-development-ordinance-after-debate-on-hookah-bars-smoke-shops-and-tattoo-parlors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281696-815ee6edb4f655cd9e7670d224cb08aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141325&Signature=DSOo0NMe7o8EX8NWClOP0XFNBv7HEYBnV16zV7zj2PXdJK1~txkWMJh-hwkoJ71f6ML4PHNsVeiwq4iyXfIWgpwYwF40qQz0WMQz8knkLl0mukn~h-lgUoTyFhTJFXSx4E~RDrq0ANGQRT7ljj0tyNNp2vJOrJDSTKQXu~QtDL-301wsHTdAUHpd8AmUCRrozyYSEkfzENw7xgwgxNDfdsICC4XAdo-UyF-ivliMhIdm~W3zXs1q018jLD5htuG~zKHsqL7iT6ByogYfmVn3ITqvup6FieDF0y6Z-POizBFvKD4O9K5AmhM8san4mzy3EyZpgAjrLpvzMi1EHPdgJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Feb. 20 tabled Ordinance 25-01, which would amend the land-development code to add pre-application community meeting requirements, add hookah and vapor bars and taverns as conditional uses in commercial districts, and revise where self-service storage is permitted.

Mike Lane, the development services director, described the proposed changes: mandatory pre-application community meetings with documentation (attendee lists, minutes, affidavit), adding hookah/vapor bars and taverns as conditional uses in commercial zoning districts, and moving self-service storage to conditional use status in the general industrial district. Lane said community meetings would require developers to provide attendee lists, minutes and an affidavit confirming the meeting occurred.

Commissioners discussed whether other uses such as smoke shops, tattoo parlors and marijuana dispensaries should be considered alongside the proposed changes. Several commissioners expressed concern about the character of the downtown and wanted additional legal and policy analysis to determine whether those uses could or should be restricted. Staff warned that changes not advertised in the ordinance could not be adopted at the same meeting and would require re-advertisement and additional readings.

After discussion, a motion to table Ordinance 25-01 prevailed; commissioners directed staff to return with additional information about smoke shops, tattoo parlors and dispensaries so the commission could consider those uses together with the present proposal. The roll call recorded in the transcript shows the motion to table passed with all ayes.

What the ordinance would have done: It would have formalized pre-application community meeting requirements (attendee list, minutes, affidavit), listed hookah and vapor bars and taverns as conditional uses in commercial districts, and changed the allowed status of self-service storage in certain zoning districts.

Next steps: Staff will prepare additional information on smoke shops, tattoo parlors and marijuana-dispensary regulation and return the ordinance for future consideration and advertised readings.","Ordinance 25-01, which would amend land-development regulations to require pre-application community meetings and add conditional-use status for hookah/vapor bars and taverns, was tabled so staff can return with additional analysis on smoke shops, tattoo parlors and related uses.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281701,"Eustis approves exclusive waste-hauler deal with Waste Management, authorizes waste-to-energy service and modest rate increase",381,3053000,3434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8&start=3053&end=3434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2603041-11cb944365d846762507ddf3e3e595c8/thumbnail_3053000.jpg","/articles/6281701/Florida/Eustis-approves-exclusive-waste-hauler-deal-with-Waste-Management-authorizes-waste-to-energy-service-and-modest-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281701-49d2af4a5f42a528aed1194d79190360/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141325&Signature=HbWi2YEqttzzSuTMwfJ9Ip-9P-BmWC8vXTBB94pKeeWJhbIuJfP1~Io~IwC-XAkYgMabN5zvHNKAgK0UHI2CN1--ZC0yKrgrnkD0-Cdrg9yfvbhCm-dj207OzeQLXMSnGlMQBBapySAyZoA1LW07f~vz~6L8l4Ih2r6yk9RoChk9nzdjsBurtZB02FuE~4elSCKc97-bCeEMbEH7~HDRIR0-T1hewxQP-pPXCJXpn3EdLHjh0MiUHps2gIL3WT4AI6cOnnWOCneqA7fotbtcWhxd9E10tfg6Q0oUDyY0Ix1dKm0LYEyqo9cbYKMdBSzODpiJeomqP93n9E0xWzbzcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission of the City of Eustis on Feb. 20 approved Resolution 25-17, a franchise agreement naming Waste Management as the city's exclusive residential waste hauler and authorizing a waste-to-energy service delivery option.

City staff said the agreement carries an initial five-year term with up to three additional five-year extensions (a potential total term of 20 years if both parties agree to each extension). Under the agreement Waste Management will be the exclusive residential hauler within the city limits except for construction debris, which property owners may contract out separately.

Staff recommended the Waste Management proposal because it included a waste-to-energy option and continuity with an experienced contractor. The staff presentation stated the new monthly residential rate would increase from $19.02 to $21.80, a $2.78 per-month increase. Staff noted $2.48 of that increase is attributable to disposal fees passed through by the contractor; the net change equates to roughly $0.09 per day per household.

The contract also includes commitments by Waste Management to support community cleanups, provide recycling dumpsters, and accept tires collected by public works for disposal at no cost to the city (a dedicated tire dumpster for public-works use only, not an open public depot).

Commission discussion touched on the length and mutual nature of the extension options and continuity with past practice. Staff said the extension options are mutual — both the city and Waste Management must agree to extend the contract beyond the initial five-year term.

Waste Management representatives Doug and Jose were singled out in the meeting for flexibility and cooperation during negotiations. The commission voted to approve Resolution 25-17; the roll call in the transcript records all commissioners voting aye.

What the resolution does: It approves a franchise agreement with Waste Management that makes the company the exclusive residential hauler (except for construction debris), allows a waste-to-energy service delivery model, and sets new rates with an initial monthly increase to $21.80.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-17 — motion and second recorded on the floor; outcome: approved unanimously (roll call: Vice Mayor Ashcraft — Aye; Commissioner Aspati — Aye; Commissioner Lee — Aye; Commissioner Holland — Aye; Mayor Hawkins — Aye).","The City Commission approved Resolution 25-17, awarding an exclusive franchise to Waste Management including a waste-to-energy option, a five-year initial term with up to three five-year extensions, and a residential rate increase from $19.02 to $21.80 per month.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public comments: park request at 441/19, firefighters' pay dispute, and Eustis High FBLA funding pledges

Eustis commission approves $74,000 Duke Energy audit closing agreement after extended debate

City recognizes Eustis Community Alliance, police SWAT graduate and employees in opening presentations

Commission tables land-development ordinance after debate on hookah bars, smoke shops and tattoo parlors

Eustis approves exclusive waste-hauler deal with Waste Management, authorizes waste-to-energy service and modest rate increase