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Tavares council approves consent agenda, hears updates on library, parks and public engagement
Summary
At the Dec. 3 Tavares City Council meeting the council approved the agenda and consent agenda, heard a library holiday‑series update, and discussed proposals for quarterly public forums and resident complaints about fiber‑optic contractors.
The Tavares City Council approved its agenda and consent items at the Dec. 3 meeting and heard staff updates on library programming, parks maintenance and a proposal to hold periodic public forums for residents.
Mayor Laurie Pfister opened the meeting with an invocation by Pastor Jonathan Pearson of LifePointe Church and led the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion to approve the meeting agenda was moved and seconded and passed 3 to 0. The consent agenda later passed 4 to 0.
Rubenika Campbell, the library director, described the "Happy and Healthy Holiday" series — seasonal classes, concerts and a traveling picture station — and noted a $10,000 donation that funded a story‑walk installation the library has hosted since August. Staff also said the library will begin serving as an ambassador site for the Florida Braille and Talking Book Library in January.
Deputy recreation director Pete read a seasonal account of recent recreation programming and reminded the council of the downtown Christmas celebration and parade scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Main Street and Ruby Street.
On new business, a council member proposed hosting public forums or workshops — possibly quarterly — to allow residents more time to ask questions and interact with council members outside the formal three‑minute public‑comment slot. Staff told the council any such sessions would need to comply with advertising, ADA and open‑meeting requirements; staff offered to present options at the next council meeting.
Council and staff also discussed complaints about contractors installing high‑speed fiber optics in neighborhoods. Staff said the work is federally funded through the CARES Act, that contractors sometimes cut existing utilities, and that the city is preparing to issue a permit revocation to require a meeting with the contractor's management and supervisors to address excessive cuts and notification gaps.
The meeting closed with praise for holiday decorations and programming, reminders about the parade and a lighthearted note from the mayor encouraging festive attire at the next meeting.
