Town Commission Meeting (2025-06-16)

Page 1 of 12 MINUTES OF THE TOWN COMMISSION MEETING TOWN OF LADY LAKE, FLORIDA June 16, 2025 The regular meeting of the Lady Lake Town Commission was held in the Commission Chambers at Lady Lake Town Hall, 409 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, Florida, with Mayor Freeman presiding. The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION Reverend J.T. Wheeler – Village Church of Christ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Freeman ROLL CALL Commissioner (Ward) Present Regan (Four) YES Gourlie (Two) YES Roberts (One) YES Sage (Five) YES Freeman (Three) YES STAFF PRESENT Thad Carroll, Growth Management Director; Becky Higgins, Senior Planner; Police Chief Steve Hunt; Deputy Chief Jason Brough, Lady Lake Police Department; Elisha Pappacoda, Communications Director; Tamika DeLee, Human Resources Director; and Carol Osborne, Deputy Town Clerk. Town Attorney Derek Schroth was also in attendance. A. PROCLAMATIONS 1. Proclaiming June 2025 as Pride Month in the Town of Lady Lake Mayor Pro Tem Treva Roberts read the proclamation aloud. B. PRESENTATIONS – no presentations C. CONSENT

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 2 of 12 1. May 15, 2025 – Town Commission Workshop Minutes 2. May 19, 2023 – Town Commission Minutes Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented; Commissioner Regan seconded. Motion carried 5-0. D. NEW BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Transfer for A/C replacement at the Library. (Joella LeDonne) Finance Director Joella LeDonne stated this request is to transfer money within the budget and does not affect the final budget total. This will leave a balance of $16,000.00 in the contingency fund. She stated that one air conditioning unit at the library was replaced earlier this year and repairs are needed for two additional air conditioning units. She stated that Maintenance Supervisor Ted Williams explained to her that the town has been maintaining and repairing the air conditioning units at the library rather than replacing them. Mayor Freeman inquired if the repairs would enable the units to work effectively or should the A/C units be replaced. C.T. Eagle, Public Works Director Mr. Eagle stated that several air conditioning units have failed since the library was constructed in 2009. New replacement units are included in the annual budgets. There are 27 air conditioning units at the library and are repaired until they can no longer be repaired. Commissioner Sage inquired if this repair goes out to bid and a vendor awarded. Ms. LeDonne stated the town’s contract with Nash, who installed the air conditioning units, includes maintenance and repairs. Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve the budget transfer for A/C replacement at the library; Commissioner Sage seconded; Motion passed 5-0. 2. Consideration of Request to Participate in a Proposed Independent Study through Lake 100 to Better Understand the Local Government Taxing Structure in Lake County. (Thad Carroll) Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented this item on behalf of Bill Lawrence. Mr. Carroll stated that over the past several months the Board of County Commissioners has had discussions regarding growth within the county. He stated that citizens have voiced their concerns regarding annexations, the development occurring within municipal boundaries and what is occurring within the county because of municipal expansion. On June 2, the Lake County

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 3 of 12 Commissioners held a meeting to discuss growth management and who has powers to steer that growth. He stated that the topic of becoming a charter county was discussed. Mr. Carroll stated that Lake 100, a private sector business leadership organization, wants to embark on a study that will examine how county revenues are spent, i.e. what services are being provided to the county residents and what services are being provided to the municipalities. Each municipality is being asked to contribute financially to the study. He stressed that this is an independent study and is not bias toward an outcome that would favor the county or the municipalities. He noted that other county officials have contributed toward this study. Mr. Carroll advised that Mr. Lawrence attended the Lake County City Managers’ meeting on June 5 and verbally committed that the Town of Lady Lake would contribute $3,000.00 toward the study, pending Town Commission approval. He clarified that the Board is seeking a proportionate share toward the study based on population. The final scope of the study will be approved by the county manager and each respective city manager. Mr. Carroll stated that he received an email from Lake 100 and read it into the record: Hello from Lake 100, Attached, please see Lake 100's position paper regarding charter county discussions in Lake County that was submitted to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. After careful review and consideration, the Board has adopted a position opposing any move toward a county charter structure at this time. The concerns center around the potential for increased bureaucracy, politicization of administrative functions, and the impact such a shift could have on economic development and local autonomy. Mr. Carroll stated there was no attachment with the email. Mr. Carroll advised that this email does not indicate that the study has been withdrawn and will go forward as a fact-finding mission. However, the direction of Lake County becoming a Charter County may be withdrawn. Commissioner Regan inquired as to the benefit for the town to partake in this study. Mr. Carroll stated that the information gathered will indicate how expenditures are being utilized across the county by identifying which services are being provided to county residents and what the county does for each municipality. He stated that the scope of the study has not been developed to date. Commissioner Roberts stated that she is in favor of the study as it will identify what the county is doing and whether the town is subsidizing county service areas outside of the municipal limits. She stated that there have been claims that the county alleged the municipalities are not doing

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 4 of 12 their job. She stated that this study will provide a clear understanding of what the town does and what the county does. Commissioner Sage stated that he anticipates learning what services could be provided by the county, such as when the county provided the function of the dog pound. He stated that the governor has indicated he wants to eliminate property taxes. If that occurs, the town could relinquish our police department and the county would then provide the town police protection. Mayor Freeman stated that he is in favor of contributing to the study. Commissioner Roberts made a motion to contribute $3,000.00 to participate in a proposed independent study for Local Government Taxing Structure in Lake County through Lake 100; Commissioner Sage seconded; Motion passed 5-0 E. TOWN ATTORNEY’S REPORT 1. Lady Lake Senior Living Facility Delinquent Utility Bill Update. (Attorney Derek Schroth) Town Attorney Derek Schroth stated as of June 9, the Lady Lake Senior Living Facility owed $33,262.79. He stated that although a payment plan was established, the payments have been sporadic, noting two payments were returned for insufficient funds. Attorney Schroth advised that a title search of the property resulted in an extensive amount of information showing debts owed to the Florida Department of Revenue, the Internal Revenue Service, a first mortgage holder, and a second mortgage holder. He advised that foreclosure is not a possibility due to this new information. Attorney Schroth asked the commission what course of action they would like to pursue in notifying the facility’s owners that the utilities will be turned off, including a timeline for them to rectify the arrears. He advised that because they have not complied with the payment plan, the town has discretion to cease utility services to the facility immediately. He stated that a 30-day notice is sufficient. Attorney Schroth stated that the property will be posted and a process server will serve all respective parties, including the manager onsite. Commissioner Regan stated that the facility’s owner has not shown a desire to rectify this issue and agrees that formally serving them notice is the only option. Commissioner Gourlie agreed with Commissioner Regan. He stated that when this issue was presented at a previous commission meeting, the topic of how to notify the residents’ next of kin was discussed. He stated the residents of the facility need to know that the utilities are going to be turned off.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 5 of 12 Attorney Schroth advised that the residents’ information is private. It will be evident to all visitors to the facility when the notice of utility termination is posted on the property. Commissioner Gourlie suggested advertising this in the local newspaper. Mayor Freeman stated that a 30-day notice does not seem to be sufficient time for the residents to locate a new facility. Commissioner Gourlie asked how many residents are currently living at the facility. Attorney Schroth stated it is unknown how many current residents are at the facility. He noted the website states that there are spaces available. Commissioner Roberts inquired as to the shut-off policy for an individual. Attorney Schroth advised that an individual would be given a 30-day notice. Commissioner Roberts stated that she is in favor of serving the manager and staff a 45-day notice. Commissioner Gourlie suggested mailing the notice to the occupants. Mayor Freeman expressed his concern that the manager may be unaware of the situation. He stated he is in favor of posting a 45-day notice and try to contact the onsite management to give them the opportunity to inform the residents. Attorney Schroth reiterated that utilizing a process server is essential due to the number of corporate entities involved. The main company is in New York. Commissioner Sage stated that the town is threatening to turn off water and sewer to the facility. He expressed his concern regarding the town’s responsibility to move the residents to ensure they are safe. Mayor Freeman stated that is not the town’s responsibility. Commissioner Gourlie stated the facility would be condemned if the facility has no water and sewer. Attorney Schroth clarified that without water the facility would be considered uninhabitable for its current use. Mayor Freeman asked Attorney Schroth if this is a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Many residents in an assisted living facility could have the ability to drive. Attorney Schroth clarified that this is an assisted living. Commissioner Sage inquired as to whether this facility has a memory care unit. He stated that individuals placed in memory care require a higher standard of care and would need to be protected.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 6 of 12 Commissioner Gourlie inquired if there are agencies that would be able to assist these residents. Attorney Schroth stated the Department of Child and Family Services could be notified and acknowledged this is a good suggestion under the circumstances. He stated that most residents may not have secured alternative housing as the 45-day cutoff approaches, adding that there is normally a 30-day wait list for these facilities. Commissioner Sage asked if the town could hand-deliver the notice to the residents. Attorney Schroth advised that this is a private facility and visitor clearance is required to enter the residential unit.It is the consensus of the Commission to direct Town Attorney Derek Schroth to draft a letter notifying the registered agents for the corporations involved with the Lady Lake Senior Living Facility, the onsite management team, and the Department of Children and Families, with a 45- day notice that the utilities will be shut off. The property will be posted. The letter will be served via a process server. 2. Ordinance 2025-07 – First Reading – Annexation – Barney Weldin – An Ordinance Voluntarily Annexing One Property being approximately 2.29 acres, owned by Barny Weldin, located on the North Side of East Hermosa Street, approximately 105 feet east of Massachusetts Street, addressed as 129 East Hermosa Street, within Lake County, Florida. (Becky Higgins) Senior Planner Becky Higgins presented this agenda item stating that the property is currently within Lake County’s jurisdiction. Its Future Land Use designation is Lake County Urban Medium and the zoning designation is Lake County Rural Residential. She advised that there is an occupied residential home on the property. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2025-07. Ms. Higgins stated the property is located on the north side of East Hermosa Street, approximately 105 feet east of Massachusetts Street. The application was received on May 1, 2025. Upon failure of the existing well and septic, the property will be required to connect to the Town’s water and sewer, if available. She advised that the applicant is seeking to annex their property because the well is failing and there is a town waterline located directly in front of this property. She advised there are no sewer lines in the immediate vicinity of the subject property and it is being serviced by a septic system. Ms. Higgins stated that this property is contiguous with the existing municipal boundary on two sides. The Technical Review Committee found that Ordinance 2025-07 was ready for consideration for recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Board. At the June 9, 2025 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 to forward Ordinance 2025-07 to the Town Commission with the recommendation of approval.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 7 of 12 The Town Commission’s second and final reading of Ordinance 2025-07 is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Notices to inform the surrounding twelve property owners within 150 feet of the subject property were mailed on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The property was also posted on Thursday, May 22, 2025. To date, staff has not received any correspondence in support or opposition of this application. Ms. Higgins stated that there have been inquiries regarding the application. Commissioner Regan stated that Mr. Eagle explained at the Local Planning Agency meeting earlier this evening that it is too expensive to run a sewer line to these properties. He asked Ms. Higgins to if the town would be required to run the sewer line if the septic fails on this property or would the property owner need to get a new septic system. Ms. Higgins advised that the town has no plans currently to run sewer lines in this area. She explained that if sewer lines were constructed to that property in the future and their septic failed, the property owner would be required to connect to town sewer. Commissioner Sage inquired to the process to replace a failing septic system if no sewer line is located near this property. Ms. Higgins explained that the process for septic systems is conducted through Lake County Environmental Health. The property owner will submit a permit application and a representative from LCEH will contact the town’s utility department inquiring where the closest connection to this property is located. If the property is located near the town’s utility lines, LCEH would require the property owner to apply to the town for utility services. The property owner would be granted a permit for a new septic system if connection to town services is not possible. Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-07 on first reading; Commissioner Gourlie seconded. Commissioner (Ward) Vote Regan (Four) YES Gourlie (Two) YES Roberts (One) YES Sage (Five) YES Freeman (Three) YES Motion passed by a 5-0 vote. 3. Ordinance 2025-08 - First Reading – Small Scale Future Land Use Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Barney Weldin – Requesting a Change to the Future Land Use Designation from Lake County Urban Medium Density to Lady Lake Single Family Low Density (SF-LD) for one

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 8 of 12 property being approximately 2.29 acres owned by Barny Weldon, 129 East Hermosa Street, within Lake County, Florida. (Becky Higgins) Senior Planner Becky Higgins presented this agenda item stating that the current Future Land Use is Lake County Urban Medium and the proposed Future Land Use is Lady Lake Single Family Low Density. She explained that Lake County Urban Medium allows seven dwelling units per acre and Lady Lake Single Family Low Density allows three dwelling units per acre. Ms. Higgins noted that the property currently has one occupied residential home. Ms. Higgins stated that staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2025-07. The application was received on May 1, 2025. EXISTING FLU — Lake County Urban Medium Density - Allows a maximum density of seven dwelling units per acre and the conversion of existing residential units into residential professional office uses. PROPOSED FLU — Lady Lake Single Family-Low-Density (SF-LD) – Limited to detached single family dwelling units, not to exceed three dwelling units per acre. Ms. Higgins advised that the applicant does not currently intend to split the property. Their sole purpose for annexation is to obtain town water service. Future Land Use Designations of Adjacent Properties — North - Lake County Urban Medium; East - Lake County Urban Medium; South - Lady Lake Mixed Residential Low-Density; West - Lady Lake Mixed Residential Low-Density. Ms. Higgins presented the existing Lake County Future Land Use map, along with the Town of Lady Lake Future Land Use map. She indicated where the property borders the existing town boundary on two sides. IMPACT ON TOWN SERVICES — POTABLE WATER: The property will be required to connect to water at the time the existing well fails. SEWER: The property will be required to connect to sewer, if available, at the time the existing septic fails. TRANSPORTATION: No additional impact on transportation will occur. This property is located on the unpaved portion of East Hermosa Street. FLOOD: The subject property does not contain any Special Flood Hazard Areas nor wetlands as per FEMA FIRM Map 12060C0170E effective 12/18/12. The Technical Review Committee found that Ordinance 2025-08 was ready for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 9 of 12 At the June 9, 2025 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 to forward Ordinance 2025-08 to the Town Commission with the recommendation of approval. The Local Planning Agency heard this item at the June 16, 2025 meeting and voted 5-0 to forward Ordinance 2025-08 to the town commission with the recommendation of approval. The Town Commission’s second and final reading of Ordinance 2025-08 is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Notices to inform the surrounding twelve property owners within 150 feet of the subject property were mailed on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The property was also posted on Thursday, May 22, 2025. To date, staff has not received any correspondence in support or opposition of this application. Commissioner Roberts made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-08 on first reading; Commissioner Sage seconded. Commissioner (Ward) Vote Regan (Four) YES Gourlie (Two) YES Roberts (One) YES Sage (Five) YES Freeman (Three) YES Motion passed by a 5-0 vote. 4. Ordinance 2025-09 – First Reading – Rezoning – Barny Weldin – An Ordinance Changing the Zoning Designation for Certain Property being approximately 2.29 acres owned by Barny Weldin, located north of East Hermosa Street approximately 105 feet east of Massachusetts Street from Lake County Rural Residential (R-1) to Lady Lake Single Family Low Density Residential (RS-3) within Lake County, Florida. (Becky Higgins) Senior Planner Becky Higgins presented this agenda item stating that Ordinance 2025-09 will establish the zoning classification of the subject property within the town limits, if annexed. The applicant is requesting to rezone the subject property from Lake County Rural Residential (R-1), which allows one residential dwelling unit per acre, to Lady Lake Single Family Low Density Residential (RS-3), which allows up to three dwelling units per acre. Ms. Higgins stated there is one occupied home on the property currently. Growth Management staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2025-09.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 10 of 12 Ms. Higgins advised that the existing zoning classification for the subject property is R-1, Rural Residential District. Per Lake County Land Development Regulations, the purpose of this district is to provide a transition between Agricultural and Conservation Areas and the more urban residential communities. The proposed zoning is RS-3, Single Family Low Density Residential. Per the Town of Lady Lake Land Development Regulations, it is established to implement comprehensive plan policies for managing low-density, single-family residential development at a density not to exceed three single-family dwelling units per acre. Ms. Higgins stated that staff believed this zoning designation would allow a good transition from Lake County’s properties that are one dwelling unit per acre to the Town’s adjacent properties, which are six dwelling units per acre. Zoning Designations of Adjacent Properties — North - Lake County Rural Residential (R-1); East — Lake County Rural Residential (R-1); South — Lady Lake Single Family Low-Density Residential (RS-6); West - Lady Lake Single Family Low-Density Residential (RS-6). Ms. Higgins presented the Town’s existing zoning map, along with Lake County’s zoning map. The Technical Review Committee found that Ordinance 2025-09 was ready for consideration of a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Board. At the June 9, 2025, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board voted 5-0 to forward Ordinance 2025-09 to the Town Commission with the recommendation of approval. The Town Commission’s second and final reading of Ordinance 2025-09 is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Notices to inform the surrounding twelve property owners within 150 feet of the subject property were mailed on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The property was also posted on Monday, May 22, 2025. To date, staff has not received any correspondence in support or opposition of this application Commissioner Gourlie made a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-09 on first reading; Commissioner Sage seconded. Commissioner (Ward) Vote Regan (Four) YES Gourlie (Two) YES Roberts (One) YES Sage (Five) YES Freeman (Three) YES

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 11 of 12 Motion passed by a 5-0 vote. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Carroll stated that the Town owns property at, 224 Longview Avenue, and the Town Manager has received inquiries by several individuals and realtors to purchase the property. He stated that the town has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity years ago, and this organization has built several homes near the subject property. Mr. Carroll stated that the property could be listed as a real estate sale. Other options are to dedicate the property or sell the property to Habitat for Humanity. He stated the property is vacant and the land value is approximately $6,800.00. Mr. Carroll stated that Habitat for Humanity works with The Villages Charter School’s Construction Management Academy, and the students help build the home. When the home is completed, it is added to the county tax roll. Mr. Carroll stated that the new homeowner must reside in the home. He stated if the property was sold through a realtor, the new owner could construct the home and lease it. Mr. Carroll stated that he has discussed this property with the local Habitat for Humanity representative, Danielle Stroud. He stated this property is approximately one-quarter acre and is of no value to the town. Commissioner Sage inquired if the town has donated land to Habitat for Humanity in the past. Mr. Carroll replied affirmatively and will confirm with Ms. Stroud. Mayor Freeman inquired to the price the town paid for the property. Mr. Carroll stated the town paid approximately $7,400.00, not including fees. Attorney Schroth stated the property was acquired through a tax deed sale. Commissioner Gourlie stated that he is in favor of recouping the money that the town has invested in the property. Mayor Freeman stated that he is in favor of donating the property to Habitat for Humanity. Commissioner Sage and Commissioner Roberts stated that they are in favor of donating the property to Habitat for Humanity. Commissioner Roberts stated that a lot of our residents contribute in many ways, and this is a minor way that the town can contribute to the tax rolls. Commissioner Regan stated that he is undecided and is open to further discussion. Mr. Carroll stated that he and Attorney Schroth will prepare the backup documents regarding the property and place it on a future commission agenda for discussion and consideration.

Commission Meeting Minutes June 16, 2025 Page 12 of 12 Commissioner Gourlie cautioned that if the property is donated to Habitat for Humanity, the improvements to the property might not begin immediately. Mr. Carroll concurred and stated he would talk to Ms. Stroud regarding the anticipated timeframe for construction. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER’S REPORT Commissioner Roberts invited everyone to the fireworks display on June 28. Commissioner Roberts advised that she is attending the Board of County Commissioners Joint Planning Agency meeting on June 30 at 1:00 p.m. at the Venetian Center in Leesburg. Mayor Freeman stated that he will be attending the meeting as well. He stated that the upcoming annual convention of the Florida League of Cities is in Orlando. Mayor Freeman stated that the Lake County League of Cities is now known as the Heartland League of Cities. This is because the league includes Sumter County and Marion County. He stated that the League acts as a local lobbying group in Tallahassee. He stated to contact him if anyone is interested in being on the Legislative Action Committee. Mayor Freeman stated that he is on the Florida League of Cities nominating committee. Three individuals were interviewed for the position of Second Vice President and would eventually become the president of the FLC. He stated that it was an interesting experience. He stated that the meetings inspire him to continue to improve as an elected official. He encouraged the commissioners to attend an FLC meeting and for those in attendance to visit the Florida League of Cities website as it has a wealth of information, such as writing to our representatives and a listing of the bills that are presented to the State Legislature. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no comments. ADJOURN There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m. s/ Carol Osborne, Deputy Town Clerk s/ Ed Freeman, Mayor