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Lady Lake commission approves log-cabin renovation, police vehicles, mobile computers and office upgrades; dog-park proposal fails
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Summary
The commission approved a $15,000 log-cabin renovation (wiring estimate pending), purchase of four patrol vehicles (~$256,203), 35 Panasonic Toughbooks, and $46,619 in office upgrades; a $54,648 Snooki Park dog-park proposal died for lack of a second.
Commissioners approved several staff-recommended budget and capital items drawn from leftover FY25 funds.
Log cabin renovations: Joella Latan presented a plan to adapt an existing log cabin (about 600 sq ft) into an events office for the town—s events coordinator. Staff estimated materials and initial infrastructure at about $15,009, excluding a wiring estimate that staff said would follow; building and IT staff described additional needs (firewall, switching, Ethernet cabling, digital signage and a copier) and estimated additional wiring at roughly $2,000. The commission voted to approve the renovation and asked staff to return with final wiring costs.
Police fleet: The police department described repeated major mechanical failures and rising repair costs on existing Dodge Chargers and Durangos (more than $25,000 in repairs since October 2024). The department requested three standard patrol vehicles and one fully outfitted K-9 vehicle to restore spares and K-9 capability. The commission approved purchase of four vehicles (total cost presented as $256,203) and discussed moving to Ford police-interceptor packages for longer-term reliability.
Patrol mobile data computers: Staff requested 35 ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook mobile computers (33 primary, 2 spares) to replace consumer-grade laptops as part of a 5-year hardware lifecycle plan; the commission approved the purchase.
Office upgrades: Staff requested $46,619 to complete furniture, lobby and other post-renovation finish work across Town Hall, growth management and parks & rec (including items for the events coordinator); the commission approved the request.
Dog park proposal: Staff proposed a two-section dog park at Snooki Park estimated at $54,648. Commissioners debated equity with the existing leased Greater Lady Lake Dog Park (which vets animals and charges $50/year), liability, monitoring and proximity to the current dog park. A motion to approve the Snooki Park dog-park proposal received no second and died.
All approved items were funded from leftover FY25 budgeted funds per staff statements; staff will return with wiring and site plans as required.
