EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING (2026-04-10)

HISTORIC TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

MEETING MINUTES

Friday, April 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM

SPECIAL NOTICE: These meeting minutes are presented in an abbreviated format intended as a public record discussion of stated meeting according to the Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine law. Meetings are opened to the public, noticed within reasonable advance notice, and transcribed into minutes for public record. \*\*Audio Recording are available through the Town's website on the Council Agenda Page.

CALL TO ORDER AND VERIFICATION OF QUORUM

Mayor Critton called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and a quorum was established by Mrs. King.

PRESENT: (5), Mayor Ruthi Critton; Councilman Tarus Mack (By Zoom), Councilwoman LaDwyana Jordan, Councilwoman Wanda Randolph (Arrived after Roll Call); Vice Mayor Angela Thomas

STAFF: (3) Marlin Daniels, Chief Administrator Officer; Veronica King, Town Clerk; Clifford Shephard, Town Attorney; Lt. Boone, EPD;

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mayor Critton led with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION- (3)

Joyce Irby - Thanked the council for appointing Angela Johnson to the CRA Board; Karen Castor General, Supervisor of Elections, who was our school board member, read a list of all the property they sold, how much money they made, it was very disturbing, more recently feels like the school board has given us a gift, an opportunity, the school board started reading off a list of things over many, many years, opportunities we had to get the property, to collaborate on the property, were responsible generally for messing that up. It is not like we did not have chances, we have never owned the property and belonged to us, feel like Dr. Phillips does not have to do anything with us if they choose not to, they are a charity, they are choosing to do their work, their record is impeccable, and I would appreciate it if we would give them the opportunity, start the dialogue and see what progress can be made.

Ryan Novak - Did the CRA board approve a lawsuit against the town; in the lawsuit was the remedy to reinstate, an individual back to the CRA, that is more of a wrongful termination lawsuit, if an individual feels that they have been wrongfully terminated, they should seek their own counsel and file their own suit, not from the board on behalf of the entity for which a person is seeking revenue, it is odd that you are suing yourselves. I do not think you approved a lawsuit, with a legal defense against this (lawsuit), it will get tossed out quickly.

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COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS/DECISIONS:

Establish Legal Services For Imminent Lawsuit Filed With Orange County - The purpose of this meeting tonight is case numbers 2026-CA-003759-0, notified on the 7th of April of a potential lawsuit and served April 9th. (Town Attorney) seeking, authorization to file something on behalf of the town to defend it, to the extent it needs to be defended from the CRA, as a town attorney, I cannot defend lawsuits without authorization, the client directs the action, nothing has been filed but prepared to file something, if authorized, asked Mr. Daniels to notify the insurance carrier, have not heard back from them, in the meantime, we have 20 days to respond, from the date we were served. (Councilman Mack) very unapologetic about showing the best interest in the town of Eatonville, want to protect the best interests and the integrity of both agencies, which is the town and the CRA, having two different entities within itself, especially with the lawsuit and litigations, potentially file against each other, do not think it gives us a good image and does stains the community, both

Councilwoman Randolph MOTIONS to hire Attorney Shepard to represent the town responding the lawsuit of the CRA versus the Town; moved by Vice Mayor Thomas, second by Councilwoman Jordan. ALL, MOTION PASSES. (4/0) - Note: Councilman Mack was unable to vote by zoom; Summons was served on April 9, 2026.

ADJOURNMENT Mayor Critton Motions for Adjournment of Meeting; moved by Vice Mayor Thomas; second by Councilwoman Randolph; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Meeting Adjourned at 7:21pm.

ATTEST Veronica I

King, Town Clerk

APPROVED

Respectfully Submitted by:

Bull Cr

NOT

Ruthi Critton, Mayor