City Council Workshop - Amended to add backup to item #8a and item #9a.

SASS -R- City of Dunnellon City Council Workshop Date: February 03, 2025 Time: 5: 30 p. m. Place: City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Green called the meeting to order at approximately 5: 35 p. m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Opening Prayer/ Moment of Silence Mayor Green invited any citizen wishing to volunteer to open with prayer. No one stepped forward and a moment of silence was observed. Roll Call Walter Green, Mayor, Seat 1 Vacant, Councilperson, Seat 2 Tim lnskeep, Vice- Mayor, Seat 3 Valerie Hanchar, Councilwoman, Seat 4 Rex Lehmann, Councilman, Seat 5 Staff Present Mandy Odom, City Clerk Chad Ward, Public Works Manager Schonna McLean, Finance Officer Michelle Leonard, Assistant City Clerk Captain Ron Bray, Police Department Julie Danowski, Records Clerk Legal Counsel Andrew Hand, Shepard, Smith, Kohlmyer& Hand, P. A. Proof of Publication The agenda was posted on the City' s website and City Hall bulletin board on Monday, January 27, 2025. The agenda was amended on Tuesday, January 28th to add item # 5d and add backup to item # 5b and again on Wednesday, January 29th to add backup to item # 8a and # 9a. Mrs. Odom announced the presentation for agenda item # 4 will be postponed until the meeting on February 12th

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 2 of 11 1) Public Comments Jan Cubbage, 18255 SW HWY 484, stated she left her position on Council because of the disrespect Mayor Dunn expressed during the discussion of the purchase of Nine Island Cove and therefore is against him filling the vacant Council seat. John Setzer, 8992 SW 192 Ct. Rd., stated he is here to support Wally Dunn for Council. He spoke about Wally' s successes during his time as Mayor for City of Dunnellon. Don Dewitt, 19665 Fox Trail., stated he was unaware of the Council seat opening until recently and when he tried to apply discovered the application period had already closed. He said if Mr. Dunn is not selected he would like to be considered. Lynn McAndrew, 20390 The Granada, asked Council to take their time considering whether to keep the Dunnellon Police Department. She said she spoke to a lot of her neighbors and they all wanted to keep our police local. David Koger, 11983 Palmetto Way, stated he is in favor of keeping the local police as well. He said he appreciates the timeliness and personal touch received from our Police Department. He suggested postponing the vote for Councilmember to allow an opportunity to review Mr. Dewitt' s credentials. David Porter, 11835 E. Blue Cove Dr., said running a City when Council meets only twice a month is difficult. He spoke in support of Wally Dunn' s appointment to Council by stating Mr. Dunn has demonstrated the qualities needed and he reviews everything with a logical mind. 2) Board Reports There were no Board Reports. 3) Dunnellon Chamber& Business Association Report Judy Terwilliger, Executive Director, read the monthly report into the record: New Members Rainbow Lakes Estates Kidney Care Center of Dunnellon Point Grand Timberidge T- Mobile Market on W 40 Upcoming Events Feb 1, 15, 22 - Dunnellon Feed & Farm Swap, 8: 00 am— 12: 00 pm. 2915 W. Dunnellon Rd. Feb 1 - Pop- up Valentines! 1: 00 pm — 3: 00 pm. At Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon 20804 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Class fee $ 50 plus$ 10 supply fee. Rowena Murillo, Instructor. Feb 7— Business After Hours, 6: 00 pm at Mostly Mattress. 11352 N. Williams St.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 3 of 11 Feb 8- Psychic Fair at the Historic Train Depot, 10: 00 am— 5: 00 pm 12061 S Williams St. $ 5 cash at the door. Feb 8 - Flower Fun at Rainbow Springs Art Class, 1: 00 pm — 3: 00 pm. Class fee $ 50 plus $ 10 supply fee. Instructor Rowena Murillo. Feb 11- Resin Ocean Heart at Rainbow Springs Art, 5: 00 pm— 7: 00 pm. Class Fee is $ 65 plus a 10 Supply Fee. Feb 11, 18, 25 - Greater Dunnellon Historical Society, open 9: 00 am— 12: 00 pm. Feb 14 - Introduction to Gouache, 10: 30 am — 12: 30 pm. Class fee $ 45 plus supply fee $ 10 Instructor Bridget Hanley. Feb 16 - Back 40 Barn Wedding and Event Venue Open House, 10: 00 am — 4: 00 pm. 11740 N. Farmwood Ave. Feb 21 = Coral Oasis at Rainbow Springs Art, 1: 00 — 4: 00 pm. Class Fee is $ 40 plus $ 10 Supply fee. Instructor Ro Martinez Rimes Feb 25- Florida Sunset Paint and Sip at Rainbow Springs Art, 5: 00— 7: 00 pm. Class Fee $ 55 plus 10 supply fee. Instructor Linda Reitz. Feb - 28 Let' s Try Plein Air Painting, 10: 30 am — 12: 30 pm. Class fee $ 45 plus $ 10 supply fee. Instructor Bridget Hanley" 4) Presentation 4. a) Tobacco Free Partnership of Marion County— Missy White, Liaison Mrs. Odom stated Ms. White is unavailable to attend the meeting tonight. She said the presentation has been postponed to the February 12th meeting. 5) Discussion 5. a) Police Chief Vacancy Mrs. Odom provided a brief update and printouts regarding recruitment options. She shared the different opportunities for advertising. She stated we can advertise on the Police Executive Research Forum and on the Florida Police Chief' s Association website. She also presented cost statistics which Mrs. McLean prepared. She said she reached out to Sheriff Woods who provided some terms, which she emailed each Councilmember earlier in the day. Councilwoman Hanchar stated this is an important decision and doesn' t feel comfortable discussing the documents Mrs. Odom provided because she hasn' t had time to review them. She shared she has been gathering citizen opinions and their main concern is community. She explained the businesses enjoy having the officers come into their establishments and getting to know them. She stated they want one- on- one communication with them. She informed Council she is still conducting her own research, which includes other ways of policing, obtaining more citizen opinion, and speaking with the Sheriff' s Office. She suggested Dunnellon Police Department conduct a reset and really obtain community involvement. She commented she isn' t sure the Sheriff' s Office can provide the stability our constituents desire. She added we shouldn' t linger on making a decision and suggested a special meeting to hear from the rest of the residents.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 4 of 11 Councilman Lehmann stated he is in favor of keeping our Police Department, but the people want to know how we can ensure accountability. He said until that is resolved we will continue to have the problems we have been dealing with. He asserted all Councilmembers need to be kept abreast of the issues. He commented he is still listening and open to other possibilities. He spoke about his experiences in his former city and the negative way the County managed things after they assumed control of the Fire Department. Vice- Mayor Inskeep stated the last time a Chief of Police left the City in good standing was 2008. He asserted what we have been doing hasn' t been working. He pointed out every time there is as major issue with the Police Department there are several months of distractions for the rest of the City staff, which prevents the City from moving forward with other projects or issues. He explained law enforcement is a special organization and we don' t have a Human Resources Department which is trained to handle law enforcement issues. He said the Sheriff' s Department is cutting edge with experts and resources we can' t provide. He spoke about the Sheriff' s ability to handle real time growth, their willingness to take care of Dunnellon' s needs including community policing, and the idea to keep Captain Bray on as a liaison between the City and MCSO as a Community Resource Officer. Vice- Mayor Inskeep suggested a contract with MCSO for an Interim Chief, who would be a MCSO Lieutenant, to temporarily fill the vacancy until Council decides how best to proceed. He asserted our administrative and evidence officer is resigning, we need someone to assume control, and we need experienced professionals to insulate us from liability while we are considering our options. He strongly suggested staff put an article out to quell citizen concerns. Councilwoman Hanchar reminded Council we have a charter which mandates we maintain a Police Chief and it cannot be amended without a public vote. She asked Attorney Hand if the charter poses any issue with contracting MCSO to provide an Interim Chief. Attorney Hand replied it depends on how the contract is structured, but there is case law which provides for similar issues. He commented it doesn' t appear to be insurmountable. Councilwoman Hanchar stated in one year alone there have been 320 car accidents within the City limits and Florida Highway Patrol is short staffed. She said Sheriff Woods informed us there are only two or three FHP in our area and it took them an hour and forty minutes to arrive at an accident with fatality. She reminded Council MCSO does not investigate traffic accidents. Vice- Mayor Inskeep addressed Councilwoman Hanchar' s concern regarding the Charter. He stated if we utilize MCSO for law enforcement services, our Community Resource Officer would also be the Chief of Police. He said we do have the ability to negotiate with MCSO for services. Mayor Green stated he has done a lot of homework and received a lot of input from the community. He said we had been through this a few years ago and working with MCSO went very well. He added after which we transitioned back to managing our own Police Department. He asserted he wants the very best law enforcement we can have for our businesses and citizens. He explained our acting Chief is doing a fine job, but we need the professionalism of our Sheriff' s Department as well. He explained MSCO brings an array of talent and resources, while having the ability to eliminate staffing issues. He remarked it doesn' t matter what is painted on the side

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 5 of 11 of the patrol car if the officers are dedicated to our citizens. He advised everyone Council can' t expect Captain Bray to hire officers when we don' t know where we are going with the department. He said it is a wise choice to contract with MCSO. Mayor Green invited public comments. Lynn McAndrew, 20390 The Granada, stated she has lived in Dunnellon for 24 years and the Sheriff' s Department has had the same turmoil. She asked if we contract with MCSO permanently, what happens with the contract when Sheriff Woods retires. Mayor Green responded and explained the contract is with the Sheriff' s Department, not the individual. He stated when a new Sheriff is elected the contract remains in force. Attorney Hand confirmed this statement. There was further discussion regarding negotiations and when they would occur. Kathy Dunn, 11386 SW Hendrix Dr., stated MCSO has a policy in place where they are required to follow up if someone makes a complaint against them. She said when you keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same results, it is time to make a change. She commented we need to move away from every meeting revolving around the Police. David Porter, 11835 E. Blue Cove Dr., stated it is important to give everyone a clear picture of what is being proposed. He said it sounds like we are talking about having dedicated Sheriff Deputies for the City of Dunnellon. He explained this means they will be here every day and get to know the citizens. He suggested Council put this information in the newspaper. He explained social media is currently the only place this topic is discussed and the information being put out isn' t accurate. Mayor Green clarified the proposal and stated it is to place six MCSO Deputies in Dunnellon. • He said they would be dedicated to Dunnellon City limits and a part of our community. He asserted there will be public interaction and a positive step for the City. He explained it will be a change, but it will ensure the safety of our citizens. He added it will give us the time we need to present information and receive feedback from the public. Don Dewitt, 19665 Fox Trail., asked Council not.to give up on the Police Department because of the current turmoil. He shared his concern regarding the different price points he has heard today versus what he heard a couple years ago. Vice- Mayor lnskeep replied we are not giving up on the Police Department because of the turmoil, but it has caused eye opening and a need for research. Vice- Mayor lnskeep stated MCSO can give us a much better product. He explained we will not lose months of forward movement because we have tied up the City Clerk. He pointed out MCSO has everything from dedicated HR to technology. He said he believes we need to restructure, but this would include keeping Captain Bray. He agreed we need to get the information out but we need to be cautious, because even the paper didn' t post some things accurately.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 6 of 11 Councilwoman Hanchar stated she appreciates the hard work but there are things being discussed which she hasn' t heard about. She said the discussion leads her to believe the change is a done deal. There was further discussion regarding engagement and time needed for review. Jan Cubbage, 18255 SW 484, stated as much as we like having our own Police Department, we cannot pay them what they are worth. She suggested Council include contractual information related to the number of years and services MCSO will provide. She advised Council they should obtain a five- year contract and make sure MCSO can only raise their fee by a specified percentage. Mayor Green stated the price quoted per Deputy is approximately $ 128, 000 per year which includes everything they need such as uniforms, weapons, vehicle, gasoline, and more. He commented it is all encompassing. He said MCSO would handle the administration, which will free up our City Clerk to work on other important business. He announced the Council will continually listen to more input and this is not a done deal. He affirmed the City should bring on the Sheriff' s Department to help us with the situation we have right now. Mrs. Odom stated she could put the topic on next week' s agenda and MCSO could have a contract ready to bring someone in as acting Chief. She asked if Attorney Hand is okay with this. He replied it is a tight timeline but it is doable. Mrs. Odom reminded Council they have a copy of the 2015 Agreement where we similarly obtained MCSO assistance and the new agreement should be similar. Councilwoman Hanchar suggested holding a public meeting in March. She said she would be happy to knock on doors and pass out flyers because we really need to hear from the general population. Mayor Green replied the first priority is to request the assistance of MCSO, because we need help now. He said after that we will have time to discuss with the citizens and make a permanent decision. Mrs. Odom summarized and stated staff will bring to the next Council meeting a temporary service agreement with MCSO. She said this agreement will provide oversite for a temporary period to allow Council time to make their decisions. She explained then we need to educate people about what Council is considering and why. Sheriff Billy Woods, Marion County Sheriff' s Office, came forward to address the questions and issues presented by the citizens and Council. He stated Dunnellon has never truly had the Sheriff' s Office for their law enforcement services and when you never had something you don' t really know what it' s going to be like. He said no one from Dunnellon has ever come forward and asked him questions until now.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 7 of 11 He stated based on the data, six Deputies is what would be required for this area. He said all law enforcement is trained to work crashes and he will provide any additional training required to his Deputies in our area. Sheriff Woods explained the proposals he presented in the past were exactly what he had been asked to present. He said he doesn' t offer anything else. He spoke about the reason the quoted price is lower than in the past and shared it is related to the cost of the vehicles. He stated vehicle cost is always included in the Deputy cost. He spoke about the MSTU, his budgets, and his willingness to negotiate. He added when the contract is up for renewal, he wouldn' t raise the rate astronomically because it wouldn' t be good for him either. Sheriff Woods stated his Deputies are required to conduct community policing and the Deputies assigned to us would be dedicated to the City of Dunnellon. He spoke about enforcing our Ordinances, an exit clause for both parties, the negotiability of the contract, and law enforcement liability. He asserted law enforcement is " one bad shoot away from a 500- million- dollar lawsuit" and the City cannot absorb those costs where the County could. Sheriff Woods stated he believes allowing MCSO to service our area is a good idea and he emphasized his commitment to serving the entire County, which includes the City of Dunnellon. He invited Council to ask him if they are interested in more information or options. He asked to be a part of the town hall meeting because he would like the citizens to be able to pose their questions directly to him. Council thanked Sheriff Woods and Mayor Green called for a short recess to allow guests to leave the chamber. 5. b) 5- year Capital Plan Mrs. McLean stated she has calculated the projections for the next five years to provide an anticipated, conservative estimate for reserves minus the proposed Capital Plan. She said we have limited funds for resources, such as computers. She shared she is projecting $ 29, 065 for the General Fund Capital Replacement Reserve and the 1% Sales Tax balance is projected at 507, 299. She explained she left out the playground equipment because staff is currently seeking grants. She finished by stating the CRA ( TIFD) balance is projected at$ 1, 029, 496. Councilwoman Hanchar stated she would like to ensure Council continues to work with the 5- year budget and keep planning for our future. She tasked the department heads to bring ideas forward. 5. c) CRA Grant Program Vice- Mayor lnskeep stated he reviewed the CRA programs Mrs. Wyen provided from various cities. He said he created a list and highlighted verbiage in which our program matches what the other cities have incorporated. He explained he also included topics which might be important to add to our program. He shared his plans to meet with Mrs. Odom and Ms. Elder next week to work on trimming the list back.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 8 of 11 Councilman Lehmann asked about next steps. Mrs. Odom replied we would provide the new list to the Council for review and bring it back to a workshop for further discussion. She invited Council to support her suggestion to adopt the CRA Grant program via Resolution. She explained it will make it easier to track and make future amendments. She said the final Resolution should be ready by April. 5. d) City Council Vacancy Mrs. Odom informed Council Mr. Stocker submitted his resignation. She stated staff has prepared a vacancy notice and it has been re- advertised. She said on January 30th we received our first application from Wally Dunn. Councilwoman Hanchar stated she appreciates anyone willing to step forward and especially someone who knows what it takes to be here. She pointed out in the past when Council wasn' t excited about the options, we would advertise again. She explained there was a person who told her last week they were interested and because we know there is other interest, it wouldn' t hurt to allow them the opportunity to apply. Vice- Mayor lnskeep shared Mr. Dunn' s many accomplishments while he was seated in the past, which included increasing revenue substantially, increasing employee wages, going back to roll- back rate for the first time in 13 years with zero loss of service, removal of surplus vehicles and subsequent insurance fees, and eliminating the flooding in Vogt Springs. He explained why the Vacation Rental Ordinance was enacted, stating it was not because of an issue with Mr. Dunn' s neighbor. He stated Mr. Dunn kept the Ordinance legal fees down and the Ordinance now mirrors the State Law. He added Mr. Dunn also developed a great relationship with our County Representatives. Vice- Mayor Inskeep said Mr. Dunn will greatly compliment this Council. He asserted we are at a serious crossroads regarding the City' s Comprehensive plan and we need to have leaders with time to invest. He shared this is a person who has no agenda, has the available time, and has the expertise. He advised Council he asked staff about their relationship with Mr. Dunn and was informed they had an outstanding working relationship with him. He said we have a perfect candidate and he sees no reason to delay. Mayor Green stated anyone who has come to the City with a desire to make the City a better place is welcome. He said he believes Mr. Dunn is highly qualified and it takes a lot of dedication to recommit. He advised Council he would proceed with the application we have and vote for Mr. Dunn. He commented it is time to fill the seat and sees no reason to object. 6) Regular Agenda Items 6. a) Historic Board Appointments Mrs. Odom stated we have several board member terms which have expired. She advised Council Viola Soffe and Dane Meyers both wish to continue as full members and Wilton Martins has submitted his resignation. She said we have advertised the vacancy and staff recommends

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 9 of 11 Council reappoint Mrs. Soffe and Mr. Meyers next week. Council agreed to add the topic to the consent agenda. Mrs. Odom stated Don Dewitt' s term on the Planning Commission is about to expire and he would also like to continue as a board member. Council agreed to add this topic to the consent agenda as well. 7) Ordinances 7. a) Ordinance# ORD2025- 01 Planning Commission School Board Member Appointment Attorney Hand stated this is a very simple Ordinance which provides for a non- voting school board member to be a part of the Planning Commission. He explained it mirrors the State statute which requires the availablilty of the appointment. Mayor Green pointed out the importance of this Ordinance especially now when there is a new high school and middle school on the agenda. Mrs. Odom stated this Ordinance must be reviewed by the Planning Commission before Council moves forward and their meeting is scheduled for next week. 8) Resolutions 8. a) Resolution# RES2025- 03 Public Records Exemption Mrs. Odom stated this Resolution was recommended by the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of City Clerks. She said it works to urge the State to enact legislation to provide a public records exemption for the personal information of Municipal Clerks and employees who perform municipal elections work or have any part in code enforcement functions of a city. She stated Code Enforcement Officers personal information is already protected. Council agreed to add this to the meeting agenda. 9) Agreements 9. a) Agreement# AGR2025- 07 Azavar/ Localgov, Vacation Rental Software Mrs. Odom stated this is the same agenda summary Council saw last month, except for a couple of number changes. She said Attorney Hand has made the changes and they have been accepted by Azavar. Council agreed to add this topic to the consent agenda. 10) Department Reports Mr. Ward provided an update for The Granada paving project. He stated he has been working with Pave Rite and Alan Garri to insert a storm drain which will eliminate water build up. He said he hopes to have a price by the end of the week and the entire project should be complete sometime this month. Vice- Mayor lnskeep added the last thing we want to do is allow the parking lot to become a swimming pool, so the storm drain is necessary. Mr. Ward stated his staff has started working on the city parking lot across from the Police Department. He said it will be seal coated and striped. He said it should be back open on Thursday.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 10 of 11 Councilwoman Hanchar asked when they planned on paving the Fire Department lot. Mr. Ward replied staff is required to go through the bid process. Councilman Lehmann asked Mr. Ward about the process of replacing the playground equipment. Mr. Ward replied they plan to have a meeting with a couple Florida companies who will provide some ideas, along with a quote. Councilman Lehmann reminded Council Mr. Ward would like a mulching machine. He explained an idea Mr. Ward had about utilizing the equipment to help bring in revenue. He stated the equipment would end up paying for itself. Mrs. McLean spoke about FEMA and stated they are. particular about where yard waste is deposited. She commented they were very precise in their questioning after the last storm. Mrs. Odom stated Captain Bray is working with Dunnellon Little League regarding their procession down CR 484 for their annual parade. She said he will work with Mr. Ward on a temporary traffic control plan. 11) Council Comments Councilwoman Hanchar stated Marion County offers a Citizen' s Academy and she plans to participate. She said it begins in March and she will share what she learns with Council. She pointed out this Council has not decided on liaison tasks yet and asked if the topic could be added to the March agenda. 12) City Attorney Comments There were no City Attorney comments. 13) Public Comments Dave Porter, 11835 E. Blue Cove Dr., stated if the public doesn' t listen to the meetings, they don' t know what' s happening. He said to many citizens the City is silent and there are a lot of people bad mouthing staff. He asserted there is a lot of misunderstanding and the last Council meeting was a disgrace. He remarked it is important for Dunnellon to provide the real story to our citizens and there needs to be a good method of communicating with them. Wally Dunn, 11386 SW Hendrix Dr., thanked everyone for their consideration regarding his appointment. He said it was interesting to hear certain comments and appreciates Council' s support. Kathy Dunn, 11386 SW Hendrix Dr., agreed with Dave Porter and said sitting in the January meetings was embarrassing because of the way Council and staff were verbally abused by a disgruntled employee. She spoke about unpermitted and unlicensed businesses and City codes which are unclear allowing signage to be in places they shouldn' t be.

City Council Workshop February 03, 2025 Page 11 of 11 Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8: 31 p. m. Penned signature of: Walter L. Green, Mayor Attes : Penned signature of: Amanda Odom, CMC, City Clerk