City Council Workshop

1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Meek called the meeting to order at 1:03 PM Council members present: Mayor Joe Meek, Vice Mayor Chris Ensing, Council member Mindi Hastings, Council member Robert Holmes, Council member Gabrielle Satchell Staff present: City Manager Audra Curts-Whann, City Attorney Rob Batsel, Deputy City Clerk Sabrinna Utter, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Troy Slattery, Community Engagement Director Leslie Bollin, Finance Director Michelle Russell-Maynard, Growth Management Director Carly Hanson, Assistant Finance Director Cindy Marihugh, Director of Visitor Services Andrea Hullstrung. 2. PRESENTATION A. Monarch Presentation regarding City Hall Barnett Chenault and Annelies Gielstra of Monarch Design Group, as well as Gary Levengood and Elizabeth Naylor of Kimley Horn, presented to Council on site plan, ground floor programming, level 2 floor plan and council chamber (layout and design direction). Mr. Chenault sought Council consensus regarding parking options. Following Council discussion consensus was reached to move forward with parking underneath, provided it is not considerably costly. Scorpio to provide estimate of parking costs for selected option. Mr. Chenault also sought consensus on floor plan, specifically for council chamber space. Council discussion was held regarding funding, style options, value engineering and interior building materials. Consensus was reached regarding ground level dais option. 3. CITY COUNCIL A. Discussion on matters related to Kings Bay Mayor Meek introduces the item and purpose (to facilitate discussion of issues and options to resolve issues) and confirming that no decisions would be made during the workshop. Consensus was reached to allow for public input following Council discussion. City Manager Curts confirmed staff support of Council. Council member Ensing discussed “Waterway Use Binder” (attached to item 3A of agenda packet), providing background regarding research process, and noting emphasis on resource protection. Discussion was held regarding potential ways to regulate on-water commercial Minutes Crystal River City Council Special Workshop Wednesday, April 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. Citrus County Welcome Center

activity in Kings Bay, during which City Attorney Batsel provided clarification regarding Home Rule authority, addressed questions regarding use of BTR issuance as a regulatory mechanism, and jurisdictional challenges. Vice Mayor Ensing discussed meeting with Tom Ankerson, who provided guidance regarding options for regulating on-water activities. City Attorney Batsel suggested better defining perceived issues, noting greater ability to control access points. Further Council discussion was held regarding data collection and potential impact of potential regulations to residents or business owners. Council member Holmes requested list of S.U.P. holders and B.T.R.s and further discussion was held regarding safety concerns, environmental concerns, capacity limits and licensing requirements. Discussion was also held regarding prioritization of local businesses, challenges related to connectivity to navigable waterways and reiteration of potential regulatory options. City Attorney Batsel discussed Manatee Protection Element of Comprehensive Plan (second oldest in state) and possibility of updating (in collaboration with Citrus County and USFWS), while emphasizing need to clearly identify problems City will working to address (prior to hiring legal expert to assist in development of new regulatory structure). Further Council discussion was held regarding potential options, legal challenges, and related costs. Staff was directed to plan for a follow-up workshop with Tom Ankerson to address Council once Council members provide a list of perceived issues to address. City Attorney provided Orange County definition of commercial activity at boat ramps, noting ambiguity in Crystal River definition and offering to draft an ordinance to clarify City definition. Council member Hastings had further questions, Mayor Meek confirmed process moving forward would allow for public participation and Vice Mayor Ensing encouraged citizens communicate via email. The meeting was then opened up for public comment. Bob Bennet- Discussed safety and common sense (swimming under boats). Scott Davis- Discussed multi-agency effort to address issues moving forward and previous paddlecraft count conducted in 2012. Cody Cummings- Birds Under Water- Discussed impacts of promotion of local tourism, and disparity between land-based and water-based operations, and need for better communication with the public. Scott Brooks- Discussed behavior of commercial vessel captains vs. visitors, levels of crowding at different times throughout the year, potential capacity limit on paddlecrafts and self- regulation. Dixie Hollins- Discussed vessel demarcation program (commercial and private), and traffic issues when navigating the channel. Ron Ross- Belkos Expeditions- Discussed the mechanisms established through USFWS SUP program, noting requirements including data reporting, insurance, and education. He also discussed “beach tag” programs used in other communities.

Bo Braccio-Pete’s Pier- Discussed wrist band program established for businesses operating from Pete’s Pier, noting safety issues, crowding in neighboring communities, and self-regulation. Peter Webber-Go Local Manatee Tours- Discussed local business owners registered under fictitious name, issues routed in perception, and adequacy of existing BTR program and commercial access requirements. Fred Gross- Discussed need for respectful interactions while on the river, and issues related to right-of way in the channel and anchoring practices. tc. Paul Cross- Manager- Paddletails- Discussed need for stakeholder education, noting monthly provision of data discussed by Council and proposing a working group. Mandy Brown- Manatee Paddle- Confirmed commercial tour operators carry insurance, educate patrons and report numbers. Charlie Kish- Discussed access issues when navigating through canals, as well as anchoring in the channel. Scott Hanson- Waters Edge Adventures- Discussed desire for manatee protection among commercial operators, self-regulation and mechanisms already in place (wristband, education, navigational instruction). Suggested increasing launch prices, limiting number of paddlecrafts and supporting funding of CCSO and FWC for additional enforcement. Tony Powell- Discussed benefits of multi-agency collaboration in enforcement efforts, suggesting multi-agency meeting. TJ Fridrich- Save the Manatee Club- Discussed Manatee Protection Plans and potential mechanism for funding law enforcement, if updated (in conjunction with Citrus County), noting Save the Manatee Club collaboration with local governments. 4. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Meek adjourned the meeting at 3:55 PM