Planning and Zoning Board (2025-07-17)

CITY OF TAVARES PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING TAVARES CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 201 E. MAIN STREET, TAVARES, FLORIDA 32778 JULY 17, 2025

BOARD MEMBERS' PRESENT

Gary Santoro, Chairman Jay Cunningham, Board Member Deborah Murphy, Vice-Chairperson Brooke Matthews, Board Member - Absent Bruce Peterman, Board Member James Sweezea, Board Member Dara Treadwell, Board Member

STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT

Antonio Fabre, Community Development Director Anarquis Frias, City Planner Amanda Boggus, City Attorney Michelle Winegard, Deputy City Clerk Michael Willis, Division Chief

Chairman Santoro led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Gary Santoro welcomed the newest Board Member, Jay Cunningham

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III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Tab 1. Approval of May 15,2025, Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Minutes

Chairman Santoro asked if there were any additions or corrections to the May 15,2025 minutes of the Planning & Zoning Board meeting minutes.

Board Member Treadwell stated there was one grammatical error on page 4. She noted that where Chairman Santoro asked for comments, it should be "there were none, not there was none".

MOTION

James Sweezea moved to approve May 15,2025, Planning and Zoning meeting minutes with the correction, seconded by Bruce Peterman. The motion passed unanimously 6-0.

IV. SWEARING IN BY CITY ATTORNEY AND DISCLOSURE OF EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS

V. PUBLIC HEARING

Tab 2. Amending Chapter 3 Alcoholic Beverages, Section 3-3, and Chapter 14 Parks and Recreation, Sections 14-1 to 14-3 and adding Sections 14-4 - 14-5 & 14- 56 - 14-62, including Article IV, Sections 14-63 - 14-65 "Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A Trail Program" of the Code of Ordinances - Ordinance 2025-02 (Public Works)

Chairman Santoro asked Mr. Fabre to explain the proposed ordinance amendments. Mr. Fabre stated that the change was initiated by the Public Works Department Director, James Dillion, who was unable to attend. He further explained that Mr. Frias would present the staff report on Mr. Dillion's behalf. Mr. Fabre emphasized that the ordinance was a collaborative effort among multiple departments, and the proposed changes were intended to update and clarify appropriate conduct within city parks.

The proposed amendments to the City of Tavares Code of Ordinances, specifically concerning Chapter 3 (Alcoholic Beverages) and Chapter 14 (Parks

Mr. Frias made the following presentation:

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and Recreation), along with the introduction of the Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A-Trail Program, are intended to clarify regulations, enhance the usability of the affected areas, align with established local best practices, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

Furthermore, several Lake County Parks, including Lake Gem and Lake Idamere, are located within the City's Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement (ISBA) area. City staff conducted a comprehensive review of the Lake County Code of Ordinances, initiating a comparison with the City's documentation to ensure consistency and uniformity for all parks within the City's ISBA area.

All stakeholders affected by the proposed amendments—including the Tavares Police Department, Community Services, Economic Development, Community Development, Public Works, and the City Attorney—collaborated to review, update, and provide feedback on the proposed ordinance amendments based on their areas of expertise. A strong consensus has been reached that the proposed amendments will significantly contribute to the greater public good. Therefore, staff recommends the approval of all the presented ordinance amendments as depicted in Ordinance 2025-02.

Chairman Santoro opened the floor for questions from the Board.

Board Member Peterman referenced Section 14-54 and inquired whether e-cigarettes should be included in the ordinance. Mr. Fabre stated that e-cigarettes were different from tobacco products and not specifically addressed in the draft. Mr. Fabre then stated that he would consult with legal counsel regarding their inclusion. Board Member Sweezea concurred that the ordinance should address e-cigarettes.

Chairman Santoro asked Attorney Boggus for her input, She offered to conduct research, if requested. Mr. Fabre stated he would follow up with Mr. Dillon and the City Attorney.

Board Member Cunningham inquired about the fee structure outlined in Section 14-60 and asked whether fees differed between recreational and passive parks. Attorney Boggus explained the distinction between recreational parks, which typically included active-use amenities, and passive parks, which were more natural and quiet in use.She

There was a consensus from the Board to include language regarding e-cigarettes and vaping.

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stated that she would provide revised language clearly defining both park classifications and would incorporate recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Board for City Council review.

Board Member Cunningham also addressed Section 14-62 concerning park advertising. He requested clarification on the program's intent. Mr. Fabre explained that the idea originated with Mr. Dillon and was modeled after similar initiatives in other municipalities. Attorney Boggus provided examples such as advertising banners at ball fields and noted that type of advertising would not be appropriate in nature parks. She stated that the City Administrator would be responsible for final decisions regarding advertising approvals. The Board agreed that keeping the decision-making authority with the City Administrator would allow for flexibility and reduce the need for recurring board involvement.

Board Member Treadwell inquired about the administration of the Adopt-A-Trail Program. Mr. Fabre responded that the City Administrator would have authority over appointments. Attorney Boggus added that the program could not officially begin until the ordinance was adopted.

Chairman Santoro then called on Vice-Chairperson Murphy, who stated she was comfortable with the information provided but supported the inclusion of the earlier mentioned updates regarding e-cigarettes and e-bikes.

Chairman Santoro brought attention to Section 14-50 regarding animals and pets. He noted that the ordinance referenced guide dogs but made no mention of "service animals." Mr. Fabre acknowledged that a service animal exemption would need to be added. Board Member Treadwell remarked on the ease with which individuals could claim a pet as a service animal. Chairman Santoro clarified that, according to federal guidelines, only dogs and miniature ponies were recognized as service animals. Attorney Boggus stated she would research what questions the City is permitted to ask under federal law concerning service animals.

Chairman Santoro requested that Attorney Boggus complete the research and that all Planning and Zoning Board suggestions be incorporated into a revised draft. He directed Mr. Fabre to present the final ordinance to the City Council after legal review was completed.

MOTION

Deborah Murphy moved to approve Chapter 3 Alcoholic Beverages, Section 3-3, and Chapter 14 Parks and Recreation, Sections 14-1 to 14-3 and adding Sections 14-4 - 14-5 & 14-56 - 14-62, including Article IV, Sections 14-63 - 14-65 "Adopt-A-Park/Adopt-A-Trail Program" of the Code of Ordinances - Ordinance 2025-02

The Board accepted the proposed ordinance as amended, pending legal review and final City Council approval.