City Council Meeting

Minutes Crystal River City Council Meeting Regular Meeting Agenda Monday, July 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM Citrus County Welcome Center 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Meek called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Council members present: Mayor Meek, Vice Mayor Robert Holmes, Council member Chris Ensing, Council member Cindi Frink, Council member Gabrielle Satchell Staff present: City Manager Audra Curts-Whann, City Attorney Rob Batsel, City Clerk Mia Fink, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Troy Slattery, Community Engagement Director Leslie Bollin, Human Resources Director Mary Helprin, Finance Director Michelle Russell-Maynard, Public Works Director Troy Slattery, Growth Management Director Carly Hanson, Fire Chief Frank Melillo Vice Mayor Holmes led the invocation and Mayor Meek led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Meek recognized Sheriff David Vincent and County Attorney Denise Lyn. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Meek requested agenda be amended, moving Item 10A to the beginning of the agenda. Motion to adopt the agenda as amended was made by Council member Satchell; seconded by Council; member Frink. Motion carried 5-0. 10. CITY MANAGER (10A ONLY) A. Motion to approve an Interlocal Agreement for Enhanced Law Enforcement Services to include Ancillary School Crossing Guard Services between the City of Crystal River, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office in the total sum of $1,434,565.65.00 for the term of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026 City Manager Curts introduced the item and Sheriff Vincent addressed Council regarding contract details, noting cost differential from current year and inclusion of School Traffic Control. Council member Holmes discussed negotiation of future year agreements. 3. PRESENTATIONS 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 5. PUBLIC INPUT (Three Minute Time Limit) Terry Thompson- Crystal River- Discussed item 6E, and wording of motion. Steve Frederick- Crystal River Lion’s Club- Discussed item 10E, lease expiration and subsequent meeting regarding vacation of site and related improvements.

Randy McConnell- Crystal River- Discussed residence being constructed on NE 2nd Street and neighborhood compatibility. 6. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Meek reviewed the consent agenda and City Manager Curts provided further explanation regarding item 6E (Interlocal Agreement for Disposal of Solid Waste), noting inclusion of fees in agenda item summary. Council discussion was held regarding Solid Waste Disposal Agreement with Waste Management, relationship with item 6E (tipping fees) and potential options for negotiations of a WM contract amendment. Staff was requested to pull item 6E from the consent agenda and bring back to a future meeting in conjunction with Waste Management CPI adjustment item. A. Motion to approve minutes of the City Council meeting held June 9, 2025 B. Motion to approve minutes of the City Council Workshop held June 23, 2025 C. Monthly Departmental Report Summary for the month of June D. Motion to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Crystal River, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the reconstruction of the Manatee Release Ramp at Three Sisters Springs. F. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-19 to approve a 5.2% Consumer Price Index adjustment to the U.S. Water Services Corporation contract base fee for FY2026. Motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Council member Ensing; seconded by Council member Holmes. Motion carried 5-0. 7. PUBLIC HEARING A. Consideration of Ordinance 25-O-06 (Application No. PCA25-0001) for an amendment of the Future Land Use Map for 7.44 acres addressed as a portion of 77 and 61 S Suncoast Blvd, owned by RIF 304, LLC, on Second Reading, d conduct a public hearing on July 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This item was continued from the June 9, 2025, City Council Meeting and is associated with the next item. Mayor Meek introduced the item, reviewing the quasi-judicial procedure. He called for disclosure of ex parte communications and conflicts of interest. There were none. City Clerk Fink read each ordinance (25-O-06 and 25-O-07) by title only. City Attorney Batsel advised on applicant’s intent to request continuance, noting recent meeting with County. Darryl W. Johnston, Esq. (representing RIF 304, LLC) 29-S. Brooksville Ave., Brooksville, FL 34601- Addressed Council, requesting continuance in order to draft developer’s agreement, and noting shared desire for airport protection. Denise Lyn- County Attorney- Citrus County BOCC- Confirmed BOCC direction to request denial by City Council and confirmed BOCC would not support the amendments without an underlying site plan. Council discussion was held regarding request for continuance and consensus was reached to deny request for continuance and move forward with public hearing.

Staff Presentation: Growth Management Director Carly Hanson presented, and addressed questions regarding previous wetland mitigation on the site. Applicant Presentation: Darryl W. Johnston, Esq.- Noted prior presentation in June addressing issues, previous staff recommendation of approval and impact to airport relation to development permit phase. Public Hearing: Denise Lyn- Discussed applicant expectations associated with requested amendments, current zoning of parcel (conservation), county mitigation of wetlands for runway exclusion zone, existing exclusive easement between property owner and BOCC from 2012, and intensity of use being requested. Applicant Rebuttal: Darryl W. Johnston, Esq.- Discussed potential developer’s agreement and concerns regarding lack of information (from expert witnesses not present), and formally withdrew the application. City Attorney provided clarification regarding public hearing process, noting need for future consideration of city airport zoning. Council discussion was held regarding history of parcel, application withdrawal, aviation board position on the application, an potential development of different portion of parcel. B. Consideration of Ordinance 25-O-07 (Application No. PZM25-0001) for an amendment of the Official Zoning Map for 7.44 acres addressed as a portion of 77 and 61 S Suncoast Blvd, owned by RIF 304, LLC, on Second Reading, and conduct a public hearing on July 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This item was continued at the June 9, 2025, City Council Meeting and is associated with the previous item. JOINT PUBLIC HEARING HELD UNDER 7A, APPLICATION WITHDREW. C. Consideration of Ordinance 25-O-11 (Application PCT25-0001) for a text amendment of the City of Crystal River Comprehensive Plan to provide for a transition period for property owners who relied in good faith on the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan in effect prior to the 2024 Amendments and had engaged with the City of Crystal River prior to the 2024 Amendments, on First Reading, and authorize staff to transmit the Amendment to the FloridaCommerce and other state agencies. This item is associated with Item 8.D. City Clerk Fink read the ordinance by title only. City Attorney Batsel noted relationship to item 8D. Staff Presentation: Growth Management Director Carly Hanson presented, noting requirement for initial hearing prior to transmittal to the state and confirming number of applications subject to the proposed transition period (less than 10). Public Hearing: No one spoke for or against. Council discussion was held regarding number of pending applications. Approval of Ordinance 25-O-11 (Application PCT25-0001) for a text amendment of the City of Crystal River Comprehensive Plan to provide for a transition period for property owners who relied in good faith on the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan in effect prior to the 2024 Amendments and had engaged with the City of Crystal River prior to the 2024 Amendments, on First Reading, and authorize staff to transmit the Amendment to the

FloridaCommerce and other state agencies was made by Vice Mayor Holmes; seconded by Council member Frink. Motion carried 5-0. D. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-4-R-20 setting the tentative T.R.I.M. rate at 6.59 mills and Setting the Two-Required Public Hearing Dates for September. City Manager Curts presented the item. Public Hearing: No one spoke for or against. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-4-R-20 setting the tentative T.R.I.M. rate at 6.59 mills and Setting the Two-Required Public Hearing Dates for September was made by Council member Satchell; seconded by Mayor Meek. Motion carried 5-0. 8. INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES A. Introduction of Ordinance 25-O-10 (Application PA25-0001) for the voluntary contraction (de-annexation) of a 17.22-acre parcel addressed as 4264 North Tallahassee Road, as petitioned by Christine Johnson. City Clerk Fink read the ordinance by title only. B. Introduction of Ordinance 25-O-08 (Application No. PCA25-0002) for an amendment of the Future Land Use Map for 0.69 acres addressed 563 NE 5th Street, owned by Crystal River Church of Christ, on First Reading, and set the public hearing for August 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This item is associated with the next item. City Clerk Fink read the ordinance by title only. C. Introduction of Ordinance 25-O-09 (Application No. PZM25-0002) for an amendment of the Official Zoning Map for 0.69 acres addressed as 563 NE 5th Street, owned by Crystal River Church of Christ, on First Reading, and set the public hearing for August 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This item is associated with the previous item. City Clerk Fink read the ordinance by title only. D. Introduction of Ordinance 25-O-12 (Application PZT25-0001) for a text amendment of the Community Development Code to provide for a transition period for property owners who relied in good faith on the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan in effect prior to the 2024 Amendments and had engaged with the City of Crystal River prior to the 2024 Amendments. This item is associated with item 8.C. City Clerk Fink read the ordinance by title only. 9. CITY ATTORNEY A. Riverwalk Update City Attorney Batsel provided an update regarding the project, noting status of Riverwalk permitting (Ayres responding to follow up questions regarding boat ramp), and status of easements. He also provided a 579 US Highway 19, LLC parcel update, noting demolition permit submission and upcoming deadline for sign and fence. 10. CITY MANAGER B. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-23 and award a contract to Sean M. Gerrits, Inc. for Surface Depression Restoration in accordance with R.F.P. No. 25-RFP-05 in an amount not to exceed $297,710.50

City Manager Curts presented the item. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-23 and award a contract to Sean M. Gerrits, Inc. for Surface Depression Restoration in accordance with R.F.P. No. 25-RFP-05 in an amount not to exceed $297,710.50 was made by Council member Frink; seconded by Council member Satchell. Motion carried 5-0. C. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-24 and authorize the Mayor to execute a purchase agreement and related closing documents for acquisition of the property located at 41 N. Crystal Street in the amount of $197,000 City Manager Curts presented the item, noting provision of Environmental Assessment (Level 1) and survey. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-R-24 and authorize the Mayor to execute a purchase agreement and related closing documents for acquisition of the property located at 41 N. Crystal Street in the amount of $197,000 was made by Vice Mayor Holmes; seconded by Council member Satchell. Motion carried 5-0. D. Citrus County Impact Fee Study Update City Manager Curts presented the item, noting completion of study conducted by Citrus County and Ms. Hanson provided information regarding the related interlocal agreement between the City and County. E. Lion's Club Discussion City Manager Curts provided background information, noting previous lease expiration and requesting Council direction as to how to proceed. Mayor Meek also provided background information, noting purchase of adjacent lot, utilization of site as welcome center, recent meeting with Lion’s Club representatives, Lion’s Club request for settlement pertaining to items (improvements) located on the property, etc. He sought Council input regarding settlement options (amount), potential assistance with relocation of Lion’s Club, etc. Council discussion was held regarding Lion’s Club partnership with City, storm-related impacts to facility, need for repairs and maintenance, etc. Steve Frederick- Crystal River Lion’s Club- Addressed Council regarding the origin of the train cars (donated by Norfolk & Southern), ownership of the cars, installation on the site, and other items referenced in the settlement request memorandum (lights, clock, bell, out-building). Hilda Fialko- Crystal River Lion’s Club- Discussed circumstances of previous lease expiration, maintenance of property, grant funding received, meeting with city regarding site vacation, and history and background of Lion’s Club (including source of income). Council discussion was held regarding options moving forward, continued co-location, history of partnership and services provided through the Lion’s Club, future utilization of site, and renovation of structure. City Manager Curts recapped status of structures on site and plans for use, and options for renovation.

Mayor Meek sought consensus to move forward with negotiations of settlement, noting timeline in relation to Visitor’s Center lease. Consensus to move forward with negotiations was reached. Further Council discussion was held regarding utilization of Welcome Center for Council meetings and CHIPS Lease. F. Discussion of Developer's Agreement between Edward Sinz and the City of Crystal River for Vacation of NE 1st Ave at Hunter Springs Park City Manager Curts presented the item, noting background information and previous Council discussion on the terms of the agreement. Brenda McKenzie- McKenzie Permitting and Consulting- Addressed Council regarding past meetings between herself, Mr. Sinz and City Staff, as well as previous Council discussion on specific terms of the agreement. City Manager Curts confirmed upcoming agenda item for consideration of a draft agreement. 11. CITY COUNCIL 12. COUNCIL MEMBER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Mayor Meek commented on Fourth of July Fireworks. B. Vice Mayor Holmes reported on CCCCF meeting attendance. C. Council member Satchell noted upcoming Library Board meeting. D. Council member Frink commented on Fourth of July Fireworks. E. Council member Ensing commented on Crystal River Main Street. 13. PUBLIC INPUT (Five Minute Time Limit) Carol Kimbrough- Crystal River- Thanked Council for leadership and commended efficiency of City Manager Curts. Gail Kosterlnick- Crystal River- Commented on Fourth of July Fireworks (and lightning), loss of event venues (Train Depot and Crystal River Women’s Club), solid waste collection (recycling, costs, etc.). 14. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Meek adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.