On the agenda: Groveland meeting — ALPR (Oct 5)

City of Groveland
E.L. PURYEAR BUILDING
243 SOUTH LAKEAVENUE
GROVELAND, FLO RrD A 347 36
(3s2) 42e-2t41

KEITH KEOGH

BARBARA GAINES

MAYOR

VICE MAYOR

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Groveland
FLORIDA
C ity with N atural Charm"

AMYJO CARROLL
CouNcrrMBwBn

MTCHAELJAYCOX
CouNcnMeI\BBn

STEPHEN SHYLKOFSKI
CouNcrrMnmBn

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

ocToBER 5,2026
6:30 P.M.
TIM MASLOW

RICHARD S. GELLER
TNTERTM Crry ArronNpy

TNTERTM Crrv MaNacen

GINNYWRIGHT

Cnv cLERK

GSNBRAL INFoRMATIoN AND INSTRUCTIONS

The Mayor will ask for comments from the public, requesting that anyone desiring to speak on an item.
When recognized by the Mayor, please approach the podium and speak into the microphone, stating your
name, address, if you are a ciizen that lives in the Groveland City limits, and then present the information
you desire. Each person has a maximum of three (3) minutes to speak.
Items listed in the "Consent Agenda'r udli be approved by Council in their entirety by a single motion, unless
otherwise indicated by Council. These are routine items not anticipated to be controversial and ate placed on
the Consent Agenda to expedite the meeting. If a Council Member, staff membet or member of the public
vrishes to discuss any item on the Consent Agenda, they can request the item be removed from the Consent
Agenda for discussion. The remaining items on the Consent Agenda will be voted on with one motion being
made fot all items on the Consent Agenda. Then the item removed from the Consent Agenda will be
separately considered and voted on.

Items identified with a double asterisk (**) are quasi-judicial functions of the City Council other than land
use; the Council Members disclose any ex part6 communications.

Groveland Code of Ordinances Sec. 2-58 (D. A"y person desiring to address the Council shall ftst secure
the permission of the presiding officer and shall give his name and address for the recotd. All temarks shall
be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof unless petmission to do so is ftst
granted by the presiding officer. Unless furthet time is gtanted by the presiding officet or the council,
membet of the public shall limit theit discussion or address to no mote than five minutes. No question shall
be asked a council member or city official except through the presiding officet.

If your addtess is exempt from public record you are not tequired to state it. In addition, do not give out yout
Social Security Number, phone number, email address or any other information you do not want othets to
have access to as the meetings are recorded and those recordings are considered public record.

Pursuant to the ptovisions of Chap. 286, F.S., Sec. 286.0105, if a petson decides to appeal any decision
made by this body with respect to any matter consideted at this meeting, he ot she will need a recotd of the
proceedings, and that fot such putpose, he or she may need to ensure that a vetbatim tecord of the
ptoceedings is made, which record may include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be
based and is advised to make such atrangements at his or her own expense.

In accotdance with the Amedcans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons
with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk's
Office no later than 3 business day prior to the meeting at [email protected].

PUBLIC NOTICE AND AGENDA OF THE GROVELAND CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULED
TO CONVENE AT 6:30 P.M. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 IN THE E.L. PURYEAR BUILDING
LOCATED AT 243 S. LAKE AVENUE, GROVELAND, FLORIDA 34736.
Please note: As an alternate option, the public can attend the October 5, 2026 City Council Meeting
virtually. The virtual meeting will be in “watch/listen mode” only; no public comments will be taken
virtually. Instructions to participate have been posted to the City’s website under “public notices” at
www.groveland-fl.gov
*If you would like additional information regarding an agenda item please contact the Clerk’s Office via email at
[email protected] or (352) 730-9285.
MAYOR
VICE MAYOR
COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER
COUNCIL MEMBER
INTERIM CITY MANAGER
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
CITY CLERK
INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY

KEITH KEOGH
[email protected]
BARBARA GAINES
[email protected]
AMY JO CARROLL
[email protected]
MICHAEL JAYCOX
[email protected]
STEPHEN SHYLKOFSKI
[email protected]
TIM MASLOW
[email protected]
ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE ARMANDO LONEY [email protected]
GINNY WRIGHT
[email protected]
RICHARD S.GELLER

Please note: Most written communication to or from government officials regarding government business are
public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be
subject to public disclosure.
•
•
•
•
•

PLEDGE OF CONDUCT
We may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another.
We will direct all comments to issues.
We will avoid personal attacks.
Audience members wishing to speak must be recognized by the Mayor.
Speaking without being recognized will be considered “Out of Order.”

CALL TO ORDER
OPENING CEREMONIES
a. Pledge of Allegiance
b. Invocation by Pastor Isaac Wilkes, First Missionary Baptist Church

ROLL CALL
AGENDA

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED
PUBLIC COMMENT

GUEST SPEAKER, ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
➢ Formal appointment of Kevin Carroll as the Public Safety Director
➢ Swearing-In of Sammy Anderson as the new Groveland Chief of Police
➢ Presentation - Groveland Four Legacy Timeline Storyboard
CONSENT AGENDA
Routine items and items not anticipated to be controversial are placed on the Consent Agenda to expedite the
meeting. If a Council Member, staff member or member of the public wishes to discuss any item on the Consent
Agenda, they can request the item be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. The remaining items on
the Consent Agenda will be voted on with one motion being made for all items on the Consent Agenda. Then the
item removed from the Consent Agenda will be separately considered and voted on.
Consideration of Approval:
A. September 16, 2026 First Public Budget Hearing Minutes
B. September 21, 2026 Final Public Budget Hearing Minutes
C. September 21, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Consideration of Appointment: Joseph Jeff Paynter II to fill the vacant position on the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board for a term expiring July 7, 2028
Mr. Paynter meets the qualifications to serve on the CRA Board. Staff are requesting Council
consideration to appoint Mr. Paynter to serve the remaining term that is set to expire on July 7, 2028.
Former CRA Board Member Matthew Baumann resigned his position on August 11, 2026.
The Clerk’s Office published the required public notice for intake of applications for those individuals
that may be interested in serving on the CRA Board. Mr. Paynter was the only applicant that had applied
who met the qualifications.
2. Consideration of Approval Ordinance 2026-24: Adoption of 60-day Pause to Utility Rate Increase
– First Reading
An ordinance of the City of Groveland, Florida, amending Section 78-500 governing water utility
system rates; directing reimbursement from general fund to utility for lost revenue; providing for
severability, conflicts, codification, and an effective date.
Implementation of a 60-day pause utility rate increase.

3. Discussion/Direction: Economic Development Incentive Suncoast Projects, LLC D/B/A Hub Steel
Chapter 25 of the City of Groveland’s Code of Ordinances, Economic Development and Business
Incentives, Section 25-2, General authority and administration, authorize the city council to approve
owners, tenants, businesses or industries to receive funds under that chapter as it deems necessary to
fulfill the purposes of the chapter. Suncoast Projects, LLC. d/b/a Hub Steel, located at 7500 Republic
Drive, Groveland, FL 34736 proposes an estimated $20,000,000 manufacturing facility expansion,
which will include an estimated $5,000,000 in new equipment. The expansion will provide approximately
50 new full-time jobs paying an estimated average wage of over $21/per hour. Hub Steel is considering
multiple locations for the planned expansion and an economic development incentive from the City may
be the deciding factor in proceeding with the project construction in Groveland. An incentive of up to,
but no more than, $200,000 in building permit fee reimbursement by the City is conservatively estimated
to be recovered in 2 years of ad valorem taxes and provide a 10-year net return on investment of over
$1,000,000 in ad valorem taxes to the City of Groveland. Additionally, IMPLAN economic development
modeling forecasts approximately $30,000,000 in annual economic impact to the local and regional
economies from this manufacturing expansion.
REPORTS
a. City Council Reports
b. City Manager Report
c. City Attorney Report

ADJOURNMENT
Groveland Code of Ordinances Sec. 2-58 (f). Any person desiring to address the Council shall first secure the
permission of the presiding officer and shall give his name and address for the record. All remarks shall be
addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof unless permission to do so is first granted by
the presiding officer. Unless further time is granted by the presiding officer or the council member of the public
shall limit their discussion or address to no more than three minutes. No question shall be asked a council
member or city official except through the presiding officer.
If your address is exempt from public record you are not required to state it. In addition, do not give out your
Social Security Number, phone number, email address or any other information you do not want others to have
access to as the meetings are recorded and those recordings are considered public record.
Pursuant to the provisions of Chap. 286, F.S., Sec. 286.0105, if a person decides to appeal any decision made
by this body with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he or she will need a record of the proceedings,
and that for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which
record may include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based and is advised to make such
arrangements at his or her own expense.
*In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons with
disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s Office
no later than 72 hours in advance of the meeting at (352) 730-9285; (352) 232-9057 or via email at
[email protected]

EXCERPT OF THE CITY OF GROVELAND CITY CODE
REGARDING PROTOCOL, DECORUM AND CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Link to City Code: https://library.municode.com/fl/groveland/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH2AD_ARTIIICICO
DIVISION 2. - RULES OF ORDER AND PROCEDURE
(e) General public requests or comments. Requests by citizens or the public for information or items that otherwise involve obtaining
a response from the city council, or that otherwise originate from the public shall be placed on an agenda only by following one of
the two procedures described in subsection (e)(1) and (2) of this section:
(1) Submit in writing to the city manager a detailed description of the request, or item or topic. If the city manager determ ines that
the description is sufficient, the city manager in its sole discretion may schedule the request, item or topic on an agen da. If the city
manager determines that the description is insufficient, or if sufficient, but determines that placement on an agenda is best decided
by the city council, the city manager shall bring the written submittal to the city council during the cit y manager's report to obtain
direction from council as to placement on an agenda; or
(2) Submit in writing or orally during public comment at a regular meeting for the purpose of city council giving direction a s to
placement on an agenda. City council shall not take immediate action on requests brought forward in this manner.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this subsection (e) requires that an item be placed on any agenda, or placed on the next
scheduled agenda unless directed by city council or at the discretion of the city manager. However, nothing shall prevent the issue
being raised during public comment at a regular meeting.
(f) If a request under subsection (d) or (e) of this section is placed on a city council agenda for consideration and during his/her oral
presentation at the city council meeting deviates from the detailed description submitted, the mayor or the council can call the speaker
to order, and if the speaker continues to deviate, may end the discussion immediately without further considerati on of the matter.
The presiding officer shall preserve strict order and decorum at all meetings of the city council. He /she shall state every question
coming before the council, announce the decision of the council on all subjects and decide all questions of order, subject, h owever,
to an appeal to the council, in which event a majority vote of the councilmembers present shall govern and conclusively determine
such questions of order. He/she shall vote on all questions called for vote, his/her name being called last, and shall sign all ordinances
and resolutions adopted by the council during his presence.
(c) Interruptions. A member of the council, or of the public, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless it is to
call him/her to order, or as otherwise provided in this section.
(d) Motion to limit debate. A motion to limit debate shall take precedence over all motions, except a motion to adjourn, a point of
order, or a motion to table. It shall not be debatable and shall require an affirmative vote of two -thirds of the members of the council
present in order to carry.
(f) Addressing the council. Any person desiring to address the council shall first secure the permission of the presiding officer and
shall give his/her name and address for the record. All remarks shall be addressed to the council as a body and not to any member
thereof unless permission to do so is first granted by the presiding officer. Unless further time is granted by the presiding officer or
the council, members of the public shall limit their discussion or address to no more than three minutes. No question shall be asked
a councilmember or city official except through the presiding officer.

CONSENTAGENDA

City of Groveland
Minutes
City Council First Public Budget Hearing
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
The Groveland City Council held a First Public Budget Hearing on Wednesday, September 16,
2026 in E.L. PuryearBuilding located at243 S. LakeAvenue, Groveland,FL34736. MayorKeith
Keogh called the First Public Budget Hearing to order at 6:02 p.m. with the following members
present: Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines, Council Members Amy Jo Carroll, and Michael Jaycox. City
officials present were lnterim City Manager Tim Maslow, City Clerk Virginia Wright, Sergeant-AtArms Acting Police Chief Armando Loney, and lnterim City Attorney Richard Geller.
Absent: Council Member Stephen Shylkofski
As an alternate option the public was provided the opportunity to attend the September 16,2026
City Council First Public Budget Hearing virtually in listen/watch mode only. A public notice with
instructions to participate was posted to the City's website under "public notices" at
www.qroveland-fl.gov, and in the display board at City Hall.
AGENDA

1. Ordinance 2026-18: Adoption of FY2026-2027 Millaqe Rate - First Readins

An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Groveland adopting a tentative millage rate
of 5.7000 per $1,000.00 valuation for regular ad valorem taxes to be levied for the city of
Groveland for the fiscal year October 1 ,2026 through September 30,2027; setting forth
the percent by which the millage rate is greater than the roll back rate; providing directions
to the city manager; and providing for an effective date.

City Clerk Wright read Ordinance 2026-18 title and headnote into the record

lnterim City Attorney Geller explained that the City Council had previously established a
tentative millage rate of 5.7000 mills and that the rollback rate was 5.6040 mills. He
reviewed recent changes to Florida law regarding maximum millage rates and explained
the rollback-rate calculation. He further advised that the City Council could adopt the
tentative rate or a lower rate at the final public hearing but could not subsequently increase
the rate above the rate adopted at the first hearing.
ChristopherWilliams Chief Financial Officer presented the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget
and reviewed the impact of alternative millage rates of 5.7000, 5.6000, and 5.5000 mills
(Attachment 1). Mr. Williams provided an example using a typical Groveland residence and
explained the combined impact of the millage rate, the increased fire assessment, and
water rates. He stated that reducing the rate from 5.7000 to 5.6000 would result in
approximately $26 in annual property-tax savings for the example residence, while
reducing the rate to 5.5000 would result in approximately $55 in savings. He further
explained that the revenue reduction associated with lowering the millage rate could be
absorbed by the projected General Fund structural surplus while maintaining reserves.
Council Member Carroll stated that she was comfortable reducing the millage rate to either
5.6000 or 5.5000 mills and had no additional questions.
I

SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CIry COUNCIL FIRST PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
Council Member Jaycox commended the budget presentation and stated that he was also
considering the 5.5000 and 5.6000 rates.

Vice Mayor Gaines thanked Mr. Williams for presenting the financial information visually
and stated that the presentation helped clarify the budget information.
Mayor Keogh asked what millage rate would result in a net-zero impact to residents when
considering the increases in water and wastewater rates and the fire assessment. He
stated that his objective was to avoid increasing the overall cost to residents while
recognizing the City's existing debt obligations. Mr. Williams advised that the difference
between 5.6000 and 5.5000 was relatively immaterial from the overall budget perspective.
Interim City Manager Maslow stated that the break-even rate was very close to the 5.6040
rollback rate but recommended allowing staff additional time to calculate the exact figure.
Mr. Williams stated that additional calculations were necessary to determine the precise
net-zero rate.
RECESS: 6:42 P.M.
RECONVENED: 6:51 P.M.
Mr. Williams advised that establishing 5.5000 mills for this first public hearing would make
that rate the ceiling for the final budget hearing, although Council could adopt a lower rate
at that time.

Mayor Keogh also asked whether sufficient funding was included to address utility
preventive maintenance and infrastructure needs. Mr. Williams stated that no significant
reductions had been made to the Utility Enterprise Fund. Transportation and Public Works
Director, T.J. Fish advised that the proposed budget would allow the City to reprioritize
resources as necessary, including upgrades to the City's SCADA system. lnterim City
Manager Maslow stated that water quality and reliability improvements would be presented
to Councilwith potential projects and estimated costs.
Mayor Keogh further questioned the City's personnel and contracted services expenditures
and requested a detailed breakdown of approximately $19 million in professional and
contracted seryices, including the amount attributable to Woodard & Curran. He also
requested additional information regarding the City's planned use of funds for Al and
technology improvements. Interim City Manager Maslow stated that staff were evaluating
Al applications intended to improve service delivery without necessarily increasing staffing
and anticipated providing more specific recommendations in the October-to-November
timeframe.

Mayor Keogh emphasized the importance of reducing existing debt and avoiding the
continued refinancing of longterm utility obligations. lnterim City Manager Maslow stated
that the proposed General Fund budget included no new debt and would increase cash
reserves, providing Councilflexibility to cash-fund capital improvements or accelerate debt
repayment. He added that, where utility debt was associated with development, staff was
2

SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CITY COUNCIL FIRST PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING
working to ensure that grovuth-related costs were suppofted by developers rather than
existing residents.

Motion: Council Member Jaycox moved to approve Ordinance 2026-18: Adoption of
FY2026-2027 Millage Rate First Reading and adopt the proposed tentative millage
rate of 5.5000 mills; seconded by Council Member Carroll.

-

Public Gomment:
None.

Motion passed with all council members present voting aye.

2. Ordinance 2026-19: Adoption of the FY2026-2027 Budqet - First Readins

An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Lake County, Florida, adopting
the final budget for the city of Groveland, Florida for fiscal year October 1 , 2026 through
September 30,2027; and providing for an effective date.

City Clerk Wright read Ordinance 2026-19 title and headnote into the record

Council Member Jaycox moved to approve Ordinance 2026-19 adopting the tentative FY
2026-2027 Budget based upon a millage rate of 5.5000 mills; seconded by Council Member
Carroll.
Motion passed with all council members present voting aye
Following the vote, it was announced that the public hearing to consider the final millage
rate and final budget was scheduled for September 21,2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the E.L.
Puryear Building.
Mayor Keogh clarified that the 5.5000-mill rate should not be characterized as a tax cut. He
stated that the rate represented essentially a rollback or break-even approach and
requested that the City use that terminology when discussing the adopted tentative rate.

Motion: Council Member Jaycox moved to approve Ordinance 2026-19: Adoption of

-

the FY2026-2027 Budget First Reading, for a millage rate of 5.5000 mills; seconded
by Council Member Carroll.

Public Comment:
None.

Motion passed with all council members present voting aye.

Mayor Keogh announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final budget is
scheduled for Monday, September21,2026, at 6:00 p.m., to be held in the E.L. Puryear Building,
243 South Lake Avenue. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with the provisions of
Section 200-065, Florida Statutes, and Section 5.03 of the Groveland City Charter.
3

SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CITY COUNCIL FIRST PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

The appropriate ordinances necessary to adopt the final millage rate and final budget will be
prepared by City staff and all other actions necessary to comply with the requirements of Section
200-065, Florida Statutes, and will be then undertaken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Keogh adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m

G
Groveland
tLontoA

(:i.! s'/dr ,\ofttrdl ( ftdn'j

Keith Keogh, Mayor

Attest:
Virginia Wright, City Clerk

4

ATTAGHMENT 1

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Groveland
FLORIDA
City with l{aturr:/ Chonn

2027 Budget lst Reqding
September 16,2026

www.groveta nd-f t.gov

aoaa
aooa

Co nte nt
01

AT-A-Gtance

o2

7-Steps - FY27 ldeotogy

03

Revenues

04

GF Expenses

05

Mit. Rate /Citizen lmpact

06

Mit. Rate/Budget lmpact,

o7

Qu estions/comments

a

a

a

a

a

O

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

ATIAIGLANCE
Additional financial health measurements to track progress
Measurement

FY27 Baseline

Percentage of recurring expenses paid by recurring
revenues

Lt3%

Margin

Lt%

Debt service to revenue ratio

4.6%

Weighted interest rate/total amount toward debt
service

2.O3%

Percentage and amount toward cash flowed Capital

lmprovements
Percentage and total amount toward training
Total amounts toward staff/contracted

5 3,934,5941tL.3%
0.60%

| 52o8,2to

services izL.zMlSfS.f Vl

7 Steps- Fino ncio I Heo lth

Simple financial principles and measurable targets to achieve Strategic Plan priority of Financial Health.

Step

Principle

1

Structurally Balanced Budget lOO% Recurring expenses paid by recurring revenues

2

Build the Emergency Fund

3-6 months of operating expenses

3

Keep Debt Low

4

Maintain What We Own

General Fund debt service to incomelO% maximum
Utilities DSCR 2.Ox max/backed by developer surety
Pay down high interest debt
Fund maintenance, replacement, and long-term
obligations

5

Cash Flow Capital

6

lmprovements
Plan Ahead

7

Reporting

Goal

Maximize pay-as-you-go capital funding (guild a
Surplus)

S-year financial forecast for operations and Capital
lmprovement Plan (ClP)
Monthly financial-health reporting
Finance Team FY27 Priority ltems: Monthly Budget v.
Actual Review w/ Dept Heads, Monthly Closing )

4

REVENUES
City of Groveland
FY 2027 Budget

General lmpact on Structural Budget Surplus
. Surplus f
. More "strategic" cuts - surgical knife, not
sledgehammer
. Maintained Aggressive Payroll Allocation

FY 2027 General Fund - Sources & Uses
Structuml - no major Capital
Character Dessiplion (Multiple hems)

Fund #

Fund Description

001
Grand Total

Geneml Fund

FY 2027 Revenua

FY 2027 Expense Variance

34,701,8S8

30,767,304 3.934.584

34.701.888

30,767.304 3.934,584

. A Cost Basis

. cRA & BFo -> UFt)

Expenses:
Capital
927.000
Transfer Out - CemeteL________9q.qqq_
987,000

5

REVENUES & OTHER INFLOWS BY CHARACTER

€eneral Fund Hevenues & inflqws
Charges for Services
lntergovemmental Revenues
Judgements. Fines and Fofiets
N{iscellaneous. Revenues
Permrts. Fees and Special Assessments
Taxes
Other Sources - Transfers-lniReserves

Total Revenues & Other tnflows

5.2"/o

I 71;
O.2o/o

2.496
16.0%
I t.8%

1,812.000
3.379.851
75,000
683,600

19

100.0% s 34.701.88S

r li:;E_r-,, em-iErt.di F.e'. e " ue- j
-lj jqe:narti, : n+- ai,d :ari eti

r fr'i:;: lare:r: iiE!€ru;i

' P:T i:, F-t =r=1p.2'=z: t.:=:.:n-:-,I i{$

r :t: :- .lt,Ur:ir:. Tr:fi jET. n,' :isrrlE_j
5t.096

nter total of all operating ad valorem taxes proposed to be levied by the principal
g authority, all dependent districts, and MSTUs, if any. tThe sum of Line t 8 fron all s
formsJ

16,298,595

ReveN ueS- CAS H
Gity of Groveland, FL
GeneraL Fund - Cash & lnvestments
$25,ooo,ooo
21,712,5,97
$2(},OOO,O{X}

16,180,795
14,4(}8,134

$I.s,ooo"ooo

14,268,11€
13,233,211
11,591,248
9,7(}7,664

L1,0O1,263
$1.o,ooo,ooo

8,962,718

$5,OOO,OOO

445,739
$o
FY201A FY2(}19 FY2(}20 FY2(}21 FY2fli22 FY?O23 FY2024 FY2(}25 FY2026 FY20?7

7

REVENUES VS DEBT
Total" Current Debt

Totat Current Debt
Through FY'27

GeneraI Fund

GeneraI Government

Totat Debt-$l 7, 1 95,488.91

Totat Debt-$1 6,069,479.64

Totat Payments due in 2026-$1,683,089.75

TotaI Payments due in 2O27 -$1,677,855.65

Debt is 60lo of att General Fund Revenues

Debt is 6% of att General Fund Revenues

Totat Governmentat Fund debt through FY'27 for the City of Grovetand is $16,069,479.64

8

GF EXPE N SES
EXPENSE & OTHER OUTFLOWS BY CHARACTER

GeneralFund Expenses & Outlows
?.716

Capital Outlay
Debt Service
Grants and Aids
Operating Expenses
Personnel Services
Transfe$-Out/Reserves
Total Revenues & Other lnflows

2.7%

927,000

0_0%
0_3%

0

98,700

27.4%

9-494_311

61"0%
8.70h

0-$6

@

3.007.584
100.oyo $ 34,701,888

Ojt6

r Capital Outl3y

I Debt SEtriEe
" Grants and Aids

r opEGting gxpEns€s

. PffiElsnkes
r Tmsfes-OuVRservs

9

oge Rote -Citizen lmpoct
Iy[ical housG:

M

ll2, -'2000 sqII
I
-

7

Tax Authority

Market Value

Assess€d Value

Taxable \lalue

Millage

Estimated Taxe.s

LAKE COUNTY BCC GENERAL FUND

$347,7s9

5330.860

S279.,149

5.0254

s1,404 34

SCHOOL EOARD STATE

$347,759

5330.860

s305,860

3.0s70

9S44'19

SCHOOL BOARD LOCAL

$347,759

5330.860

$305,860

2,9980

s916.97

LAKE COUNTY IVATER DISTRICT

$347,759

5330.S60

5279,,149

0.2940

s82.r6

ST JOHNS RIVER FL WATER MGMT OIST

$347,759

$330.860

$279,449

0.1793

$50.11

ClN'OF iJROVELAI.JD

5,i.{7 r59

.ilJ0.E3i)

!27t,419

5.7C00

S 1.591 3ri

LAKE COUNTY MSTU AMBUTANCE

s347,759

s330.s60

$279,449

o,4629

s129_36

LAKE COUNTY VOTED DEBT SERVICE

$347,759

5330.860

5279,449

0 0!100

s'11.18

Total: 17.78S0 Total: 95,131.17

Taxable Value
s

279,44;9.N

Millage Rate Groveland Tax Share A Millaee Rate
5.7000

s

r,592.86

5.6040

s

1,566.03

5.5000

s

1.,536.97

A Fire Assess.

s

s

s

s
10

AWater

Net lmpact

17.41.

14.00

s

31..4I

(26.83)

S

17.4t

14.00

s

4.58

(ss.8s)

S

L7.41

14.00

s

(24.48)

Millage Rate Comparison

5.7

5.6

5.5

Maximum

Rollback

FY25 Rate

So

5zl4,so3

Sszt,88t

Total Budgeted Expenses

530,767,304

530,767,304

530,767,304

Structured Surplus lmpact

S3,934,584

53,660,081

53,362,703

Capital lmprovements

52,069,298

52,069,zgg

52,069,zg8

Projected YE GF Cash lmpact

S16,180,795

its,906,29z

S15,609,314

3-Month Emergency Fund

57,691,,826

57,691,,826

57,691,,926

Add'l Cash Reserves

S8,488,969

58,21.4,466

S7,gl-7,088

Millage Rate
Total Revenue lmpact
(Reduction)

LI

Add'l Cash Reserves Options

L. Add'l Cash Reserves
2. Add'l Capital lmprovements/Existing Facilities

3. Debt Paydown
4. Ai n ha n ced Se rvices
5. Feasibility Studies
E

t2

Thonk You
ANV

auestibns ?
Christopher Williqms, CFO

@ christopher.wittiams@groveland-f[.gov
@ **.groveland-ft.gov

13

Gity of Groveland
Minutes
Gity Gouncil Final Public Budget Hearing
Monday, September 21, 2026
The Groveland City Council held a Final Public Budget Hearing on Monday, September 21,2026
in E.L. Puryear Building located at243 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736. Mayor Keith Keogh
called the Final Public Budget Hearing to order at 6:01 p.m. with the following members present:
Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines, Council Members Amy Jo Carroll, Stephen Shylkofski, and Michael
Jaycox. City officials present were lnterim City Manager Timothy Maslow, City Clerk Virginia
Wright, Sergeant-At-Arms Acting Police Chief Armando Loney, and lnterim City Attorney Richard
Geller.
As an alternate option the public was provided the opportunity to attend the September 21,2026
City Council Final Public Budget Hearing virtually in listen/watch mode only. A public notice with
instructions to participate was posted to the City's website under "public notices" at
www.groveland-fl.qov, and in the display board at City Hall.
AGENDA

1. Ordinance 2026-18: Adoption of FY2026-2027 Millaqe Rate - Second Readinq

An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Groveland adopting a final millage rate of
5.5000 per $1,000.00 valuation for regular ad valorem taxes to be levied for the City of
Groveland for the fiscal year beginning October 1,2026 through September 30,2027i
setting forth the percent by which the millage rate is lesser than the roll back rate; providing
directions to the City Manager; and providing for an effective date.

City Clerk Wright read Ordinance 2026-18 title and headnote into the record

Chris Williams, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of the proposed FY2026-2027
budget and millage rate (Attachment 1). Mr. Williams reviewed the City's debt, noting that a
significant portion was associated with the Utility Fund and carried relatively low interest rates. He
stated that the proposed budget reflected approximately $34.7 million in projected revenues and
$30 million in expenditures, resulting in approximately $3.9 million in structural surplus, with
approximately $987,000 designated for General Fund capital expenditures.

Mr. Williams reviewed the estimated impact of the proposed millage rate on residents and
corrected the calculation presented at the previous hearing. Using an average utility bill of
approximately $73.83, he stated that a millage rate of approximately 5.3250 mills would represent
the estimated break-even point when considering changes to the fire assessment and utility rates.
Mr. Williams advised that staff did not recommend reducing the millage rate to that level and
recommended maintaining the proposed rate of 5.5000 mills based on the City's debt obligations,
future capital needs, and potential financial impacts associated with Amendment 3.

Council Member Jaycox asked about reducing the millage rate from 5.5000 to 5.4000 mills and
the resulting impact on the City's surplus. Mr. Williams advised that the reduction would decrease
revenues by approximately $275,000. He clarified that although the budget reflected
approximately $3.9 million in surplus, approximately $900,000 was already allocated toward
1

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL FINAL PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

capital improvement projects, leaving approximately $3 million in available cash flow before any
further millage reduction.
Council Member Shylkofskistated that he was comfortable with the proposed 5.5000 millage rate.
He acknowledged the desire to further reduce the rate but emphasized the City's need to invest
in infrastructure, particularly following recent utility issues.

Mayor Keogh concurred with maintaining the 5.5000 millage rate and stated that further
reductions could affect the City's ability to address existing debt and future obligations. He noted
that utility debt service was expected to increase substantially in future fiscal years as previously
deferred loan payments became due and emphasized the importance of addressing current
obligations rather than shifting costs to future generations.

Motion: Council Member Jaycox moved to approve Ordinance 2026-18: Adoption of
FY2026-2027 Millage Rate - Second Reading as the final millage rate for the city;
seconded by Vice Mayor Gaines.

Public Comment:
None.

Motion passed with all council members present voting aye

2. Ordinance 2026-19: Adoption of the

Budoet - Second Readinc
An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Lake County, Florida, adopting
the final budget for the City of Groveland, Florida for fiscal year October 1, 2026 through
September 30,2027; and providing for an effective date.

City Clerk Wright read Ordinance 2Q26-19 title and headnote into the record

Motion: Vice Mayor Gaines moved to approve Ordinance 2026-19: Adoption of the
FY2026-2027 Budgef - Second Reading for a millage rate of 5.5000 mills; seconded
by Council Member Jaycox.

Public Comment:
None.

Motion passed with all council members present voting aye

2

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL FINAL PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Keogh adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.

G
Groveland
FLOiIDA
Clttrlfil{gfilfiet

Keith Keogh, Mayor

Attest:
Virginia Wright, City Clerk

3

ATTACHMENT 1

?

-dF

Groveland
FLORIDA
Ciry rvirh ,\'aturol Chornr

2027 Budget2 nd
Reading & Adoption
September 21,2026

www.groveland -fl.g o v

aoaa
aaaa

Co nte nt
01

At -a-glance

02

DebVDebt Svc.

03

Revenues

o4

Revenues - Cash EY

05

Personnel vs. Contract Svc

06

Mil. Rate/Citizen lmpact

07

Mil. Rate Recommendation

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

2

AT-A-GLANCE
Additional financial health measurements to track progress

Measurement

FY27 Baseline

Debt service to revenue ratio

4.6%

Weighted interest rate/total amount toward debt
service

2.2t%

Revisit Breakeven Analysis - Citizen lmpact on
Millage Rate

0.60%

| 52o8,21o

Totalamountstowardstaff/contractedservices iz2.LMlSfg.fMl

De bt lDe bt Se rvice
lnterest

Original

Current

Rate

Balance

City Vehicles
Series 2021-4
Add'l Const. & Furnishing PubSafComplx &

5.640/o 5

L,r0o,9L7.61, s

Balance
430,954.55

2.tL% s

3,706,000.00 s

acquisition Dwntwn Property
Capital lmprovement Revenue Note, Series

2.75%

s 4300,000.00 s

Funding

Title of Debt

Source
GF
GF
GF

Fire Station #3

GF

Special Projects
Special Projects

2.s3% 5

FDOT Realignment Right of Way Acquisition

L.99o/o

Capital lmprovement Revenue Note, Series

337,304.68

S 9,986,000.0O

Weighted

Debt

IR

o.a9%

O.O5o/o

3,r22,OOO.@

3.OO%

o.06%

3,659,000.00

3.48%

o.to%

7

00

7.96%

o.34%

S 134,534.26
S 9,986,000.oo

o.27%

o.oL%

a.o7%

o.16%

\o.14%

0.38% s

4.32%

Lake County Note-Radio Loan

Percent Total

Soeci al P roie cts

2025-South Lake Resional Park

Uti lities

SRF-CW35061-2 Wastewate r Plan ning & Design

3.74% s 12.s88.7s0.00 s 12.s88.7s0.00
0.67% 5 3,618,s80.0O S 1,783,300.2s

Uti lities

SRF-DW350620Villa City Drinking Water Facility
Pl anni ng/Design

LsT% 5

3,052,000.00

Uti lities

SRF-SW350630 Stormwater Faci I ity Planni ng

Utilities

SRF-LS350640 Lead Service Line

L.s4% 5
o.78% 5

300,000.00
572,000.00

2.93%

O.O2o/"

2.47%

o.04%

o.24%

o.oo%

291,721.@

o.46%

o.oo%

2.35o/o

s 8,249,000.00 s 8,249,000.00

6.67y"

o.t6%

La5%

s

2,863,180.00

2.L5%

o.o4%

7.32%

s 38,260,302.00

S 38,260,302.00

5.64Yo

5

149,660.O0

s 2,789,057.@
5 :oo,ooo.oo
5

L7

55

22,709,284.26

SRF-DW350521 Construction forWater Main &
Uti I iti es

Meter Replacement
SRF-DW350621 Construction

Uti lities

forWater Main &

Meter Replacement

2,663,180.OO

s

SRF-WW350613 Wastewater Construction &
Uti lities

Sunshine Reclaim Pump &Sunshine Headworks
Bancorp Equipment Fi nancing
SRF-CW350610 Wastewater Faci ity Planni ng
Water & Sewer Rev Refunding Note, Series
2021-Refined prior Water & Sewer debt (2007 &

o.22%

tJti l itites

2015)

2.O4% 5

Uti I iti tes

Water & Sewer Rev Refunding Note, Series
2O23-R&RProjectLoan
Utilities Line of Credit

4.650/o 5 2,000,000.00
!.9Qo/o 5 1-5,000,000.00

Uti I i tites
Uti I itites

Uti I iti tes

I

30.93%

o.4r%

s
500,000.0o s

100,039.s6

o.12%

o.oL%

203,341.09

o.40%

o.oo%

5

s,978,000.00

6.O4%

o.L2%

S 1,s1s,ooo.oo
S 8,1oo,ooo.oo

L.62%

o.o8%

12.13%

o.23%

S 123,704,G94.29 S 110,203,179.81

1(X).O(Vo

2.27o/o s

7,47Z,OOO.OO

)

70,432,940.90
110,203,179.81

4

REVENUES
City of Groveland
FY 2927 Budget
FY 2027 General Fund - $ources & Uses
Structural - no major Capital
Character Description (Multiple lterns)

Fund #
001

Fund Description
General Fund

Grand Total

FY 2027 Revenue

FY 2027 Expense Variance

34,701,998

30,767,304 3,q34,594

34.70{.888

30,767,304 3,934,584

Expenses:
Capitat

Transfer Out - Cemeten

s27,000
60 000

s87.000

5

Reven uesr CAS H
Gity of Groveland, FL
Generat Fund - Cash & lnvestments
$2s"ooo,ooo
21 ,7t2,557

$2o,ooo,ooo
16,1aO,79s

14,408,134

$15,OOO,OOO

14,26a,116

13,233,2LX-

11,001,263

8.962,714

$10"OOO,OOO

11"591,244
9,VO7,€64

$5,OOO,OqO

445t
$o
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2(J24 FY 2A'25 FY 2026 FY 20.27

5

FY 2025 Bud

lSeryices

FY 2025 Act

FY 2026 Bud

FY 2027 Bud

Q6,528

444,457

441-,64s

460,900

580,099

City Admi nistration Al located Costs

183,091

782,543

184,300

203,227

0

City Clerk

26t,3t6

259,055

330,900

256,438

367,478

City Clerk Allocated Costs

86,2t6

85,4L0

109,900

85,479

0

Code Compliance

13&200

L15,756

L86 400

106,135

zffi,86

Communications

239,581

198,676

163,900

tt8,7L3

335,236

Communications Allocated Costs
Community & Economic Development Administration

79,499

9,547

s4800

39,692

0

301,900

299,314

3L8,600

253,855

352,798

Community Policing lnitiative

33,500

30,o74

0

9,008

0

Conservation & Strategic lnitiatives

212,700

206,2W

238,000

89,497

259,805

CRA Admin

753,776

95,740

163,000

100,m7

239,324

Dispatch

762,O27

719,720

810,100

60L,902

Facilities Management

251,860

251,24r

246,700

22O,431.

829,342
222,238

Fi nan ce

575,900

495,607

1-,440,497

336,392

319,694

6t7,400
424,5m

480,789

Finance Allocated Costs

327,783

0

5,706,9r7
t93,972

5,673,357

6,293,468

5,5L7,676

7,506,925

r93,072

20s,000

r78,s37

L83,623

Greenwood Cemetery

79,765

7,].62

33,100

24,476

3,600

Human Resources

304,6il

289,2L5

323,7W

324,838

285,806

Human Resources Al located Costs
lnformation Technology Al located costs

34s00

3',J-,78r

37,m

32,708

0

147,450

145,851

210,500

767,107

0

lnnovation and Technology

460,664

444,773

631,500

504.,7tO

88/.,7ZO

Fire

Fleet

Local Fi rearm Safety Trai ni ng Program CS FA 71.103

36,101

36,101

0

40,o43

0

Mayor and Council

49,500

49,301

49,600

45,357

(34073)

0

114,247]'

49,462
(as90,000)

Parks/comm Svcs

829,993

812,ffi4

920,000

789,397

L,096,72t

Planning and Zoning
Police

2t6,300

203,722

222,700

202,775

238,118

6,772,951

5,7t8,269

6,797,800

5,405,298

7,410,128

Procureme nt

r12,631

89,698

tt7,3w

44,715

t93,917

Procurement Allocated Costs

54,207

29,069

57,7W

24,534

0

PublicWorks Admin

88,857

87,593

L97,2W

L70,O92

899,5L7

Streets

44s,032

39L833

547,LW

382,728

588,446

TPW Admin Allocated Costs

294,300

270,745

199,1-00

L77,O73

0

No n-De partmental

Wate
I Seruices Total

FY 2025 Act

City Administration

Ad ministration

767
21

17

7

967

Person nel

Deot- Desdiotion

Deoaatment

FY 2O25Act

FY 2025 Bud

2,358,736

2,3fi,3@

2,151,800

990,422

r.rcqo6

City Administration

63,491

61"180

70,000

59,180

7q(m

City Clerk

34,507

25,755

30,000

5,4M

25,(m

Code compliance

10,000

0

Lo,mo

Communictions

9!,424

52,9C0

8&mo

60,025

9gm

Community & Economic OevelopmentAdministration

15,959

15,959

16,M2

932

Cons€ruation & Strategic I nitiatjves

45,443

L2,&

80,000

CRA Admin

75,626

52,02€'

60,000

53,727

50,m

0

12,540

4,699

70,0m

787,941

372,633

808O2

30,m0

0

1,938

5,(m

CRA ProgEm

Drinking Water Compl iance & Reporting

250,000

10,m0
t5,o15

81m

Facilities Management

6,500

2,771

0
7,Lr5

Finance

61,900

33,201

56,500

741,n3

5&520

Fire

141,636

132,412

69,M7

33,584

Gadson StreetTEil

240,9@

0

174,972

880

6t3m
10zm

Human Resources
Hydmu lic Modeling Support

15,4@

2,28

1t4OO

1s6

0

o

Innovation and Tedrnology

213,104

r95,119

203,9@

Lightning Vul ne€bility lmprovements

25,0@

0

0

Mayor and council
Non-Departmental

1,X00

450

1100

11,€s

11m

40,0@

37,78

40,000

32,034

40,m

Parks/comm svcs

289,833

235,253

281551

204,837

Planning and Zoning

554,250

405,556

545,000

389,306

Poiice

53,538

27,76

53,500

33,040

44esm
525qp
3Zsm

50,200

50,152

65,000

80 803

10,0@

4n,974

38,447

18,000

6,ffi4

33,000

Emergency Management

P

rod rem en t

PublicWorks Admin
Ronald sefton Gaffney Park lmprovements

10,fix)

15,4&
50,m0

93,163

213,5q)
50,000

338,745

5,7L6

88,025

39,725

71000

Sampey WWTP UpgEde

3,055,647

0

2,774,525

981,088

7,4Tt,236

Sanitation

3,007,8m

2,517,747

3,259,520

3,S1,88

3,325,000

System lmprovements
Stormwater Facility Planning

4,8m

0

o

300,000

120,0m

1m,00o

14,Om

1m,(m

Streets

237,771

231,242

285,mO

1G,017

46,m

30450

329m

SCADA

Streets@pe
Sunshine Reclaim Pumping system UpgEdes
Sunshine WWTP LFA Well & Redaimed system Upgrade

45,0m

0

o

0

128,800

250,@O

6,{m

0

0

0

155,000

144,5m

267,O20

0

259,700

63,312

50,m
50,m

153,484

0

153,400

80,233

137,rffi

0

272,sffi

132,350

60,m

0

250,0m

122,275

2m,(m

7,215,454

0

7,262,76L

269,W

8{D,0@

376,063

0

297,694

42,739

376,t6

1,250,m0

1,2sgmo

61,000

Wastewater Compliance & Reporting

0
0

2tmo

22,ffi

31Zsm
60,om

Water Audits

0

30,000

250,089

0

181,730

@.49

30,m
207,9

5,22l,M7

5,225,047

5,870,!42

4,773,339

Sunshine WWTP RAS lmprovements
Utility Opections Building - CW SRF

Utility Operations Building - DW SRF
Utility Replacement for SR50 Relo@tion {Wastewater)
Utility Replace me nt for SR50 Relo€tion (water)
Villa City Drinking Water Plant
Villa City Watermain Construction
Villa city wwTP (Formerly Regional)

Water Meter Replacement
Water/Sewer Administctim

Openlinq Expenes Tolal

FY 2O25Act

FY 2t2', A,td

FY z)25 Bud

Building and Permitting

200,tm

25,8U,598 13,457,008 22,66s,299 13,209,242

6

'qa

?q5

18,179,866

Co ntrot Svcs

M iil

oge Rote -Citizen lmpoct
Typical
house:
312, -200 0 sqft

Market ValuB

Assessed Value

Taxable Value

Millage

Estirnated Taxes

Y BCC GENERAL FUND

$347,759

5f,30.860

$27S,44S

5.0254

s1,404-34

tRD STATE

$347,759

5330.860

$305,860

3_0870

s944.1 S

rRD LOCAL

$347,r59

s330.860

$305,S60

2,9980

s9i6.9l

Y \$ATER DISTRICT

$347,75S

s330.e80

$27S,449

0.2940

s82.16

VER FL'v!'ATER FJGIdT DIST

$347,r5S

5330.860

$2rs,449

0.1 7S 3

IVELAND

$347.75S

5330.850

$27S,44s

5_7000

Y I,,4STU AMBULANCE

$34t,r59

s130,860

$2r9.449

0 4629

Y VOTED DEBT SERVICE

$347.759

5130.880

$2rs,449

D_0.400

s1,592.S5

s1j 18

Total: 17,7866 Total: 55.13'!.'ii7

L
i{

31-% Total

rle Value
279,4/,9.OO

Millage Rate

qct on o

Tax

HH

A Millaee Rate J

Groveland Prop Tax Share

5.7000

s

L,592.86

s

5.6040

s

1,566.03

s

Fire Assess. 5olo

A Water 107o

f

Net lmpact
L85.4t

$

17.47

168.00

(25.83)

s

77.4L

168.00

s
s

s

77.41

168.00

s

r29.52

5

L7.41

168.00

s

101.58

168.00

s

73.63

158.58

s.s000

$

1,536.97

s

(ss.8e)

5.4000

$

1,509.02

s

(83.83)

s

1,481.08

( 111.78)

s

17.41

/1-39.721 s

L7.41

168.00

s

4s.69

ft67.671 s
(18s.41) s

L7.41.

168.00

s

17.47

168.00

s

17.74
(0.00) Net Zero

5.3000
5.2000

s

L,453.r3

s
s

5.1000

s

1,425.19

s

5.0365

s

L,407.M

S

9

M iil

oge Rote -Citizen lmpoct

Florida Waier Rates (per 4.000 gal)
stlil ci)

1

."1-!-;t,.

s7c.3 0
(iia

i-rLl

I

i

i.cia .1,'r

I
lj

,,

i

-\

ri
'l
-t- - - .i- - - rl':i - .1 1

I

I

,i
i:

!1

$3C iJO
Sir,_r.li_r

r$i0 :liri

t;'

/

$

,j.

.J

"-$

ir

Q'

o'

c

,r,,$

lxable Value
279,M9.OO

Millase Rate

Groveland Prop Tax Share

A Millaee Rate rl,

Fire Assess. 5olo

AWater 10% t

Net lmpact

5.7000

s

L,592.86

s

s

t7.41

88.08

s

5.6M0

s

1,566.03

s

(26.83)

s

t7.4r

88.08

5.5000

)

L,536.97

5

(ss.89)

S --78.66

s

17.4L

88.08

5

1,509.02

5

(83.83)

s

17.41

88.08

s.4000

105.49

4s.60
s( ---_zrss

5

5.3225

s

1,487.37

s

( 10s.49)

s

17.41,

88.08

s

s.3000

s

1,481.08

s

nr1..78) s

17.41

88.08

s

(0.00) Net Zero
(6.29)

5.2000

$

L,4s3.r3

s

17.41

88.08

)

(34.231

s

1,,425.79

s

(139.72) s
(167.67\ s

17.4L

88.08

5

s

(18s.41)

17.4!

88.08

s

(62.r8l.
(7e.e2)

5.1000
5.0355

s

r,4a7.M

Sr

n

Millage Rate Comparison

5.7

5.5

5.6

Prev. Maximum

Recommended

Min. Citizen lmpact

so

5szt,88t

527 4,so3

Total Budgeted Expenses

530,767,3o4

530,767,304

530,767,3o4

Structured Surplus lmpact

S3,934,584

53,362,703

S3,660,091

Capital lmprovements

52,069,zg8

52,069,298

52,069,zg8

Projected YE GF Cash lmpact

S16,180,795

S15,609,314

5t5,906,292

3-Month Emergency Fund

57,69r,826

57,691,826

57,691,826

Add'l Cash Reserves

S8,488,969

57,gr7,og9

58,2t4,466

Millage Rate
Total Revenue lmpact
(Reduction)

11

Add'l Cash Reserves Options

L. Add'l Cash Reserves
2. Add'l Capital lmprovements/Existing Facilities

3. Debt Paydown
4. Ai Enhanced Services
5. Feasibility Studies

L2

Thonk You

au"tfi[ns ?
Ghristopher Williams, GFO

8 c hristopher.williams @groveland-fl.gov
@ * groveland -fl.gov

13

City of Groveland
Minutes
City Gouncil Meeting
Monday, September 21, 2026
The Groveland City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, September 21,2026
in the E.L. Puryear Building located at243 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland,FL34736. Mayor Keith
Keogh called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. with the following members present: Vice Mayor
Barbara Gaines, Council Members Amy Jo Carroll, Stephen Shylkofski, and Michael Jaycox. City
officials present were lnterim City Manager Timothy Maslow, City Clerk Virginia Wright, SergeantAt-Arms Deputy Chief Armando Loney, and lnterim City Attorney Richard S. Geller

As an alternate option the public was provided the opportunity to attend the September 21,2026
City Council Meeting virtually in listen/watch mode only, A public notice with instructions to
participate was posted to the City's website under "public notices" at www.qroveland-fl.qov, and
in the display board at City Hall.
OPENING CEREMONIES

a. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Keith Keogh
b. lnvocation provided by Pastor Jonathan Brinkley, Vision Church of Groveland
Public Gomment
Judith Fike stated that two of her campaign signs had been removed from the Walgreens property
at State Road 50 and County Road 525 despite having written permission from the property
owner. (Attachment 1) Ms. Fike also encouraged attendance at an upcoming meeting in Tavares
regarding efforts to preserve Wilson lsland.

Susan Ducey expressed concern regarding potential fuel and supply-chain disruptions and
encouraged the City to ensure adequate supplies of fuel, oil, and replacement parts for police,
fire, and other City operations and infrastructure. Ms. Ducey also expressed appreciation for the
City's efforts to manage its finances, avoid unnecessary debt, and maintain Groveland as a
community where families would want to remain for generations.
Alan Joyce thanked the Council for its work and stated that its actions were making a positive
difference for Groveland. Mr. Joyce encouraged residents and community leaders to become
involved in efforts to preserve Wilson lsland, emphasizing the importance of protecting the
property as a legacy for future generations.
GUEST SPEA KER- ANNOUNCEMENTS. PRESENT ATIONS- AND

MATIONS

Proclamation: lnaugural Groveland Hispanic Heritaqe Latin Festival
tr/ayor Xeogh read a proclamation recognizing the inaugural Groveland Hispanic Heritage
Latin Festival and Better Life Worship Center for organizing the event. The proclamation
recognized the contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents to Groveland and the Lake
County region and noted the City's annual observance of Hispanic Heritage Month from
September 15 through October 15. Mayor Keogh stated that the festival provided an
opportunity to celebrate Latin cultures and establish a new community tradition. Nelson
I

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Bloem of Better Life Worship Center thanked the City for the recognition and stated that
the festival would be held October 3, 2026 at Lake David, bringing together families,
churches, businesses, community leaders, and residents to celebrate Hispanic heritage
and strengthen community connections.

Oualitu - Woodard & Curran
Uodate: Strateqies to lmprove
Justin DeMello, Vice President and Professional Engineer with Woodard & Curran,
provided an overview of the City's drinking water system and strategies to address water
quality, pressure, reliability, and infrastructure concerns (Attachment 2). Mr. DeMello
explained that the system consists of four active water treatment plants operating within
three service zones and approximately 160 miles of water mains. He noted that the City's
existing treatment plants do not contain mechanical filtration systems and that water
pumped from the aquifer is chemically treated and disinfected before entering the
distribution system. He explained that seasonal changes in groundwater conditions can
therefore affect the color and characteristics of the water entering the system.
Mr. DeMello reviewed previous utility planning efforts, including a 2021 facility plan that
identified approximately $28 million in critical drinking water improvements and a
subsequent utility master plan identifying approximately $90 million in overall investment
needs. He stated that approximately $11 million of those improvements had been
completed, including chlorine conversion projects, water meter replacement, and
downtown water main replacement. He also discussed the approximately $25 million grant
funded Villa City water treatment project, which is anticipated to be completed in May 2028
and will provide access to the Lower Floridan Aquifer. Mr. DeMello explained that the City
had elected to pursue grant funding rather than accelerate the project through borrowing.
Mr. DeMello reported that Woodard & Curran had received 52 formal water-related
complaints during the preceding 18 months and that eight outages had resulted in boil
water notices. He attributed the outages to one lightning strike, a SCADA issue at Water
Treatment Plant 3, two water main breaks on U.S. 27, and four contractor related strikes
or disturbances. He stated that pressure complaints were concentrated primarily in
Cypress Bluff, Hidden Ridge, and the downtown area south of State Road 50, while water
quality complaints were concentrated primarily downtown and around Water Treatment
Plant 5.
Regarding Cypress Bluff and Hidden Ridge, Mr. DeMello stated that pressure monitoring
showed normal City system pressures of approximately 55 to 65 psi but that elevation
changes within the developments contributed to reduced pressure at individual properties.
He recommended working with the developers and their engineers of record while
construction remained active to determine appropriate solutions, potentially including
booster systems, rather than allowing the City to inherit unresolved pressure problems. For
the older downtown area, he explained that the existing water tower, undersized and aging
water mains, and elevation constraints limited the City's ability to increase pressure without
potentially creating additional infrastructure failures.

Mr. DeMello discussed water quality concerns surrounding Water Treatment Plant 5,
including chlorine odor and orange, rusty, or cloudy water associated with higher iron
concentrations. He stated that Woodard & Curran had increased flushing and purchased
2

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

four automatic flushers to improve water turnover and potentially reduce the amount of
chlorine required. Longer term options included evaluating mechanical filtration
technologies or potentially developing an alternative water supply source. He further
discussed improvements to system resiliency, including critical spare parts, generators,
SCADA upgrades, electrical system redundancy, interconnections with neighboring
utilities, and additional drinking water facility planning.

Vice Mayor Gaines questioned the number of outages and expressed frustration that
recurring water problems continued despite previous presentations regarding proposed
improvements. She emphasized that residents and Council were directly affected when
outages and water quality problems occurred and requested measurable improvement
rather than additional promises. Mr. DeMello confirmed that the eight reported outages
occurred over the preceding 18 months and that only one resulted from a lightning strike.

Council Member Jaycox questioned what immediate action could be taken regarding
pressure problems in Cypress Bluff and Hidden Ridge. Mr. DeMello stated that the City
should immediately engage the developers and engineers of record and explained that
booster systems could be one potential solution. Council Member Jaycox also questioned
whether mechanical filtration had been evaluated for Water Treatment Plant 5. Mr. DeMello
stated that a formal evaluation had not yet been completed and estimated that an
alternatives evaluation could likely be performed for less than $100,000. He explained that
different technologies would need to be evaluated based on water characteristics,
permitting requirements, operating costs, energy consumption, maintenance requirements,
and overall effectiveness. Council Member Jaycox requested that Woodard & Curran first
examine its existing experience and resources for potentialsolutions and identify available
funding within the Utility Enterprise Fund rather than relying on the General Fund,

Council Member Shylkofski questioned Woodard & Curran's role in reviewing utility
infrastructure proposed within new developments and whether other developments could
experience similar pressure problems. Mr. DeMello explained that Woodard & Curran
reviews proposed infrastructure for compliance with City standards but does not
independently redesign or recalculate the developer engineer's entire system. TJ Fish
Transportation and Public Works Director further explained that the developer's engineer
remains the engineer of record and is responsible for the internal design. Mr. Fish stated
that the City could use maintenance bonds and continued developer involvement to
address deficiencies discovered before the infrastructure was fully transferred to the City.
Council Member Shylkofski emphasized the importance of holding developers accountable
before the City inherited unresolved infrastructure problems.

Council Member Shylkofski stated that residents experience the financial and service
impacts first, particularly when utility rates increase while residents continue experiencing
brown water, outages, or pressure problems. He stated that Woodard & Curran should
have greater accountability for addressing the issues and emphasized that residents
receiving City utility services should be viewed as a shared responsibility between the City
and its contractor.

3

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Mayor Keogh questioned the City's annual expenditures with Woodard & Curran and was
advised that the operations and maintenance contract was approximately $5 million, while
totalexpenditures, including engineering task orders, were approximately $9 million during
the prior year. Mayor Keogh questioned whether the City was receiving an appropriate
return on its investments and discussed accelerating replacement of older water meters to
capture additional revenue. Mr. DeMello stated that meter replacement programs typically
produce an approximately 20 to 30 percent annual return on investment through improved
accuracy and revenue collection. Mayor Keogh also questioned the remaining asbestos
cement water mains, cybersecurity of the City's SCADA systems, and whether the new
Villa City water treatment plant would include filtration. Mr. Fish explained that older mains
were being replaced in phases, the City's SCADA systems had cybersecurity protections
and had not been identified as the cause of the recent outage through an external intrusion,
and aeration was included as an option for the new plant, with additional filtration potentially
capable of being incorporated.
Mayor Keogh asked whether the City had defined scopes for the various utility projects and
studies, including the anticipated costs, timelines, and expected improvements. He stated
that providing this information would allow the City to better communicate to residents
where utility funds were being spent and what outcomes they could expect. Mayor Keogh
also questioned whether minimum water pressure requirements for new developments
should be incorporated into the City's development standards to ensure pressure issues
were addressed during the review process rather than after homes were constructed.
lnterim City Manager Maslow stated that staff were working with Woodard & Curran and
the City's communications staff to provide clearer information regarding project scopes and
expected outcomes. He explained that water pressure requirements could potentially be
addressed as a level-of-service standard through the development review process and that
staff could evaluate whether a code amendment was appropriate.

Mayor Keogh requested clearer prioritization of the proposed capital improvements,
emphasizing that projects should be prioritized based on their impact on residents rather
than simply addressing lower-cost or easier improvements. lnterim City Manager Maslow
stated that staff were working to provide greater detail regarding short-, mid-, and longterm projects, including anticipated funding years and priorities. He identified regulatory
water quality requirements and system reliability as primary considerations and stated that
staff could return to Council to further discuss capital improvement priorities and potential
codification of water pressure requirements.

Vice Mayor Gaines later questioned improvements to communication during water

emergencies. Mr. DeMello explained that Woodard & Curran's operational staff primarily
focuses on responding to and correcting the emergency and acknowledged the need for
improved administrative communication between field personnel, City staff, and the City's
communications team, particularly during after-hours incidents. He stated that Woodard &
Curran intended to provide additional support to improve that process. Vice Mayor Gaines
also questioned whether projects previously presented as high priority were funded and
referenced prior descriptions of the projects as a "wish list." Mr. DeMello stated that many
of the projects were beyond the point of being merely desirable and were necessary to
maintain the system.
4

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Vice Mayor Gaines emphasized that the City should prioritize projects based on the
improvements that would have the greatest impact on residents rather than focusing on
"low-hanging fruit." She requested clearer identification of the City's priorities and who was
responsible for establishing them. lnterim City Manager Maslow stated that staff could
return to Council to discuss the prioritization of capital improvements and the potential
codification of water pressure requirements within the development review process.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jenn Eastridge expressed concern regarding the City's acceptance and oversight of water
mains installed within residential developments. She questioned whether City engineers
were independently verifying infrastructure designed by developers' engineers and
referenced issues in her neighborhood involving erosion and flooding. Ms. Eastridge also
questioned the use of lower-aquifer water to supplement reclaimed water and raised
concerns regarding water quality and the City's investment in the system. She further
expressed concerns regarding smart water meters, citing an example of a resident whose
reported water usage increased despite a reduction in household occupancy, and
questioned the accuracy of the meters.
CONSENT AGENDA
Consideration of Approval:

A.
B.

Auqust 20. 2026 Citv Council Svmposium Minutes

C.

September 8. Citv Council Meetinq Minutes

D.

Resolution 2026-45: Groveland Place Condominium Variance
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Groveland, Florida, granting variances
from Section 133-67 of the City of Groveland Land Development Code to allow a
reduction in the required type C Landscape Buffer along the SR-50 frontage of the
Groveland Business Plaza Development and to reduce the required landscape
plantings; granting variances from those provisions of the City of Groveland Land

September 3. 2026 Gitv Gouncil Workshop Minutes

Development Code and Community Development Code relating to impervious surface
ratio, open space requirements, and setback requirements due to impacts of FDOT
acquisition of SR-50 frontage of the Groveland Business Plaza; providing conditions;
and providing an effective date.

A request to reduce the property's minimum required landscape buffer width along the
SR-50 frontage for the Groveland Place Condominium shopping center from 15 feet to
a minimum width of 5 feet, reducing the required plantings to one row of hedges due to
the reduced S-foot minimum width, and variances for any reduction to the imperuious
surtace ratio, open space requirement, and sefbacks below the City's criteria caused
by FDOT's acquisition for the Coasf to Coast Trail.
5

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Motion: Council Member Shylkofski moved to approve the Consent Agenda as read
into the record; seconded by Council Member Jaycox.

Public Gomment:
None
Motion passed with all council members present voting aye.

OLD BUSINESS
None.

NEW BUSINESS
None.
1

Discussion/Direction: The Sprinq Games LLC - Special Event Request For Alcohol
and Fee Reduction at South Lake Reqional Park
A request to authorize the sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages
limited to the Special Event being requested at South Lake Regional Park on March 1st
20th by The Spring Games LLC and consideration of a fee reduction.

-

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Walker presented The Spring Games; LLC request to use
the softball fields at South Lake Regional Park for a 19-day collegiate softball tournament in
March. Mr. Walker explained that The Spring Games has operated in the area for approximately
20 years and that the event would bring collegiate softball teams to Groveland. The request
included authorization for alcohol and a reduction of the City's established tournament fee. Based
on the adopted fee schedule, the requested use would generate approximately $38,000 in field
rental fees, while Mr. Walker estimated the City's expenses at approximately $10,000. He stated
that the event would require significant staff involvement but would be more manageable in March
because the event would occur outside the primary growing season and weekday games would
largely occur during normal staff hours. Mr. Walker noted that the Recreation Advisory Committee
had previously recommended waiting one year before hosting an event of this size; however,
staffs experience with two tournaments held in September indicated that the event could
potentially be accommodated.
Keith Young and Bob Borak, representing The Spring Games, stated that the organization hosts
more than 200 collegiate softball teams and that utilizing South Lake Regional Park would allow
additional games to be moved into South Lake County. Mr. Young explained that the organization
requested a reduced rate because of the extended, multi-week use of the facility and compared
Groveland's fees with rates charged at other tournament venues. He also explained that alcohol
service at other venues was handled by a licensed caterer with off-duty law enforcement present.
Council Member Jaycox questioned the proposed fee reduction and the costs the City would incur
to host the tournament, including staffing, maintenance, and the impact of extended tournament
use on the new fields. He also discussed whether the event would provide sufficient economic
benefit to Groveland to justify reducing the established fees.
6

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Council Member Shylkofski discussed the economic impact of the tournament and noted that,
although the event could bring a significant number of participants and visitors to the area,
Groveland currently has no hotel accommodation and therefore would not receive the same
tourism-related benefits as neighboring communities. He also expressed concern regarding the
precedent that could be established by reducing the adopted tournament fees.
Vice Mayor Gaines questioned the financial benefit that would remain for the City after accounting
for the costs associated with hosting The Spring Games. She asked about the anticipated residual
revenue to the City and whether the proposed fee reduction would still provide an appropriate
financial return after expenses. Mr. Walker discussed the estimated costs associated with the
event and the revenue anticipated from the use of the fields.
Mayor Keogh discussed the overall financial benefit of hosting the tournament and noted that,
although the event would bring a significant number of visitors to the area, Groveland currently
lacks hotels and therefore would not directly receive much of the lodging and tourism-related
revenue generated by the event. He questioned the City's costs compared with the anticipated
field rental and other revenues and discussed whether the City would receive a portion of
concession and alcohol sales associated with the tournament.
City Attorney Geller advised that applying proportionality based on the actual portion of the day
available for tournament use could be legally justifiable.

The representatives of The Spring Games requested authorization to sell alcoholic beverages
during the tournament and explained that alcohol service at their other venues was handled
through a licensed caterer. They stated that the caterer carried liquor liability insurance and that
off-duty law enforcement was utilized for security. The representatives explained that beer and
wine were commonly offered and that hard liquor was not required by a sponsor but had been
requested based on feedback from participants.
Council Member Jaycox questioned how alcohol sales would be managed during the tournament,
including who would hold the applicable license, how service would be controlled, and the
measures that would be taken to prevent attendees from bringing their own alcoholic beverages
into the park. The representatives explained that alcohol would be provided through the licensed
caterer and that security measures would be implemented to control alcohol consumption.
Council Member Shylkofski questioned the need to include hard liquor rather than limiting alcohol
service to beer and wine. The representatives explained that hard liquor was not a sponsorship
requirement and that the request was based on feedback received from participants at other
tournament locations.

Vice Mayor Gaines raised concerns regarding safety, responsible alcohol service, and the City's
potential exposure associated with allowing alcohol at the park. Discussion included liquor liability
insurance, security, and the responsibility of the licensed alcohol provider.

Council Member Carroll discussed the alcohol request in relation to the overall tournament
operation and the controls that would be necessary to ensure alcohol service did not interfere with
other users of the park, including the City's recreational programs.
7

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Keogh questioned the financialarrangement associated with alcohol and concession sales
and whether the City would receive any portion of the proceeds. Mr. Walker explained that the
existing arrangement did not provide the City with a percentage of the alcohol proceeds and
discussed the City's anticipated concession procurement process, which could provide for a
percentage of concession revenues to be returned to the City.

The City Attorney clarified that, under the City's existing policy, authorization to serve alcohol at
City parks and facilities was within the City Manager's authority and therefore did not require
separate approval by Council. lnterim City Manager Maslow stated that he would work with Parks
staff, legal counsel, and law enforcement to establish appropriate requirements for alcohol
service, security, and event operations, emphasizing that public safety would be the priority.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jenn Eastridge questioned whether the necessary permits for South Lake Regional Park
would be approved before The Spring Games event scheduled for March. She stated that
the building permit had not yet been approved and that the flood permit had expired and
referenced recent flooding at the park. Ms. Eastridge asked whether those permits would
be approved before the event brought participants and visitors to the facility.

Motion: Council Member Shylkofski moved to direct staff to proportionally adjust the
$500 per field, per day fee for The Spring Games based on the amount of time the
organization would be permitted to use the fields; seconded by Council Member Carroll.

Public Gomment:
None

Motion passed 4-1, with Mayor Keogh and Council Members Shylkofski, Carroll,
and Jaycox voting Aye and Vice Mayor Gaines voting Nay.
RECESS: 9:02 p.m
RECONVENED: 9:06 p.m.

2. Discussion/Direction: Automatic License Plate Recoqnition (ALPR)
FDOT recently prohibited ALPR cameras on state highway rights-of-way. ln response, the
Groveland Police Department suspended its Flock Safety camera use and canceled its
contract. Ihis decr'sion was made as a precautionary measure while concerns regarding
technology oversight, governance, and appropriate use are fufther evaluated.

Interim City Manager Maslow introduced the Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
discussion and explained that recent actions had been taken at the state and county levels
regarding license plate reader cameras. He asked Acting Police Chief Loney to provide an
overview of the technology, the actions taken by the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT), and the steps taken by the City.
Acting Police Chief Loney explained that FDOT revoked permits effective August 31,2026, for
license plate reader cameras located on state roadways. He clarified that the State had not
8

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

banned the cameras but had revoked the permits amid concerns that included privacy and
potential misuse of the technology. Acting Police Chief Loney stated that the Police Department
suspended access to the system on September 1, preventing officers from accessing the
database, and subsequently canceled the City's contract. He confirmed that the cameras had
been removed from the City.

Acting Police Chief Loney stated that ALPR remained a useful law enforcement tool and
recommended against permanently banning the technology. He explained that the system had
assisted law enforcement with locating missing children and habitual runaways by providing
vehicle-location information. He stated that the technology could potentially be reconsidered after
the State completed its evaluation and additional safeguards, controls, and training requirements
were established to prevent misuse and restore public confidence.
Mayor Keogh stated that the cameras were already removed and that the City could revisit the
matter after the State took further action. He indicated that the cameras should not be reinstalled
without returning to Councilfor a vote and stated that he was uncomfortable with reports regarding
the technology and believed strict controls would be necessary before reconsideration.
Council Member Shylkofski stated that he understood the concerns surrounding the technology
and supported reevaluating ALPR after receiving additional information and direction from FDOT
and the State.
Council Member Jaycox stated that he was glad the cameras had been removed and indicated
that he did not believe he would vote to reinstate them, even if additional safeguards were
established.

3. Update: RFP 2026-009 Professional Leqal Services for the Citv of Groveland
Update, nexf sfeps with tentative timeline for RFP 2026-009 Professional LegalSeryices.

Interim City Attorney Geller advised that he had a conflict of interest regarding the item and
stepped away from the dais. Attorney Drew Smith remained available to answer legal questions.
lnterim City Manager Maslow explained that Council had previously selected Dominic Fishback
to provide interim city attorney services and had directed staff to pursue two parallel options: an
RFP for contracted legal services and recruitment for a full-time, in-house City Attorney. He stated
that the in-house position had been advertised for several months, two applications had been
received and interviews conducted, and staff were seeking Council direction regarding the next
steps.

Coraly Vasquez Procurement Manager reported that seven responsive proposals had been
received and evaluated by a five-member evaluation committee, with three firms receiving the
highest rankings. She explained that interviews and presentations were scheduled for September
24,2026, after which the committee would conduct a second evaluation and ranking. A notice of
intent would then be issued, followed by a 72-hour protest period and negotiations before a
recommendation was returned to Council for consideration.

I

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Mayor Keogh stated that the City was deeply involved in several ongoing legal matters and that
he was uncomfortable changing legal representation in the near future because of the time it
would take a new attorney or firm to become familiar with those matters. He asked whether
Council wanted to continue the RFP process or instead negotiate with the current interim legal
provider.
Council Member Shylkofski stated that he had been very impressed with Dominic and shared
Mayor Keogh's concerns about changing legal representation while the City had numerous
ongoing legal matters and was preparing for a new City Manager. He supported negotiating with
the current provider and removing the interim designation.
Council Member Jaycox agreed with Mayor Keogh and Council Member Shylkofski and stated
that negotiating with the current provider was a prudent approach given the matters currently
facing the City. She supported maintaining stability with the existing legal provider.
Council Member Carroll added that the City had already seen how expensive it could be to bring
a new attorney up to speed, referencing the legal bill from May. She stated that she did not want
the City to incur that expense again with another firm and that she had been impressed with the
legal services the City had received.
Vice Mayor Gaines asked whether it was understood that the city would not pursue a hybrid model
involving both in-house and outside counsel.

lnterim City Manager Maslow addressed keeping the current provider while leaving open the
possibility of evaluating other legal-service models in the future as the City grows.

Motion: Council Member Shylkofski moved to reject all current bids and negotiate
with the current interim legal provider to become the permanent City Attorney;
seconded by Council Member Carroll.

Public Comment:
Chris Walker expressed support for the City's current interim legal counsel, stating
that he believed counsel demonstrated good character and appropriately advised
and redirected Council when necessary. Mr. Walker encouraged the City to ensure
that compensation for legal services was appropriate for a city of Groveland's size
and expressed concern regarding the cost and outsourcing of legal work under the
previous City Attorney. He also stated that the City should have legal representation
willing to defend the City rather than routinely settling claims through insurance.
Allen Joyce expressed support for the City's current interim legal counsel, stating
that, based on his observations, counsel provided the Council with knowledgeable
and patient advice, appropriate direction and timing, and treated individuals
respectfully regardless of their position on an issue. Mr. Joyce stated that he
supported the Council's proposed direction.
Motion passed with all council members present voting aye
10

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
REPORTS

Council Member Javcox
Council Member Jaycox reported that he attended the recent police pinning ceremony at the Lake
David Center. He stated that the ceremony was personally meaningful because his son is a police
officer in San Jose and he had been unable to attend his son's pinning ceremony because it was
canceled during COVID. He expressed appreciation for being able to attend Groveland's
ceremony.

Gouncil Member Shvlkofski
Council Member Shylkofski thanked City staff and Council for their efforts, specifically referencing
their work distributing water the previous week. He also mentioned that he planned to attend an
upcoming community huddle,

Council Member Garroll
Council Member Carroll reminded residents about the Wilson lsland meeting scheduled for
Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and encouraged residents who had not already submitted a letter to do so.
She also asked for confirmation that the City Council meeting scheduled for September 28, 2026
would still be held.

Vice Mavor Gaines

Vice Mayor Gaines requested consensus to improve the City's emergency communication
process. She stated that during the previous week's water outage, she did not learn of the issue
until lnterim City Manager Maslow contacted her at approximately 8:38 ?.ffi., although the water
issue had reportedly begun around 5:00 a.m. She expressed concern that elected officials and
residents could learn about emergencies through social media or other sources before receiving
information from the City.

Vice Mayor Gaines requested that the City establish a text notification system for water outages
and other emergencies so information could be distributed promptly and asked that staff be given
a specific deadline for implementation. lnterim City Manager Maslow agreed with the need for text
notifications and stated that staff anticipated having a system operational in October. He also
discussed improving the communication process with Woodard & Curran so residents could
receive immediate notice that an issue was occurring even when complete details were not yet
available.

Vice Mayor Gaines further asked whether department directors could have a procedure allowing
them to immediately notify Council when an emergency or significant incident occurred. lnterim
City Manager Maslow agreed that Council and the City Manager should be notified as soon as
possible during emergencies.
David Jones Communications Director explained that the City's existing Tyler system charged
approximately 15 cents per text message per recipient. During the previous week's water
emergency, approximately 3,800 residents received two separate text messages, costing the City
approximately $1,000. He stated that the existing system could also take approximately 90
minutes to distribute a message.
11

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Jones stated that his department had begun developing a branded communications campaign
and was moving fonruard with CivicPlus, the vendor associated with the City's website, for a new
notification system. ln response to a question regarding implementation, Mr. Jones stated that
implementation officially began the previous week and the vendor estimated four to six weeks to
complete the process. Existing utility billing contacts would need to be migrated into the new
system, and staff would also require training. He anticipated implementation by the end of October
and stated that Communications and lT would work to expedite the process.

Mr. Jones explained that CivicPlus would provide unlimited SMS texting at no additional per-text
cost and that messages would be distributed immediately, compared with the approximately 90minute distribution time associated with the Tyler system. He explained that the existing process
required staff to work with Finance to geographically identify affected addresses before sending
notifications and described the current process as antiquated.
Mr. Jones explained that utility customers who had already opted to receive notifications would
have their contact information migrate into CivicPlus. He stated that staff were also developing a
campaign encouraging additional residents to opt in to receive notifications. Council Shylkofski
compared the proposed system to outage notifications provided by utilities such as SECO and
Duke Energy, which notify customers when an outage is known and being addressed.

Vice Mayor Gaines renewed her request for consensus regarding the text notification system
Council indicated unanimous consensus to move forward.
Vice Mayor Gaines stated that she had visited Encanto Kids Academy to read to the children, met
with a veteran-owned small business, attended a responder breakfast, assisted with water
distribution for two days, attended the Legends for Youth Clinic, visited lmagination Village, and
attended the Career and Health Fair in Mascotte.

Vice Mayor Gaines also announced that she would hold a community huddle on Thursday,
September 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Waterside Clubhouse and noted that residents
did not have to live in District 3 to attend (Attachment 3).

Mavor Keoqh
Mayor Keogh reported that he had toured the construction site for the City's new treatment plant
and described the visit as educational. He suggested exploring an open house or similar
opportunity to help residents better understand the size of the project and the significant
investment being made in the facility.

Mayor Keogh then discussed efforts to preserve Wilson lsland, emphasizing the importance of
maintaining public access to the Clermont Chain of Lakes for current and future generations
(Attachment 4). He stated that Wilson lsland represented a unique opportunity to preserve
waterfront property before it was developed and encouraged residents to participate in the
upcoming meetings and advocate for funding the property.
Mayor Keogh announced that a meeting would be held Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. to review
talking points in preparation for the following morning's meeting. He stated that transportation
would be available Thursday morning for residents traveling to Tavares and encouraged strong
12

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

community participation. He emphasized the importance of securing funding for South Lake
County and noted the level of public participation associated with competing projects.
Mayor Keogh also promoted the City's October 10,2026 Gala, noting that the inaugural event
would feature a 1920's theme, entertainment, and sit-down dinner service. He stated that future
galas were planned around subsequent decades and announced that the event's awards would
be called the "Groveys."

lnterim City Manaqer Maslow
lnterim City Manager Maslow thanked Council, the public, and the Finance team for their work
throughout the budget process. He stated that despite staff turnover, the team had come together
and made progress toward the strategic plan's financial health goals by increasing reserves,
reducing reliance on debt, and lowering the millage rate. He specifically recognized Chief
Financial Officer Chris Williams, April Allman, and the entire budget team for their work.
lnterim City Manager Maslow also thanked Fire Chief Carroll and Acting Police Chief Loney for
reviewing public safety operations and identifying potential improvements within the Police
Department. He stated that they were completing an analysis and anticipated presenting Council
with a report and recommendations in October.
Regarding the permanent City Manager recruitment, lnterim City Manager Maslow reported that
the process had been narrowed to four finalists. He advised Council to keep their schedules
available on September 28, 2026, for individual interviews throughout the day, followed by public
interviews with the full Council beginning at 4:00 p.m., prior to the CRA meeting.

lnterim City Manager Maslow reported that the City had received several strong candidates for
the Human Resources Director position. Staff would conduct virtual interviews, narrow the
candidates to approximately three finalists, and then conduct in-person interviews in the coming
weeks.
Interim City Manager Maslow referenced the upcoming neighborhood huddle and the planned
transportation to Tavares. He also noted the previously discussed text alert system and stated
that Communications was developing a cohesive communications plan aligned with the strategic
plan's informed and engaged category.
lnterim City Manager Maslow stated that the impact fees discussed during the recent workshop
were anticipated to return to Council in October for direction. He noted that some proposed fees
reflected increases while others did not and stated that staff would consider a selective approach.
lnterim City Manager Maslow concluded by discussing Wilson lsland, noting that he had followed
the property through the development review process for approximately seven years. He thanked
Council for pursuing preservation of the property despite not being a budgeted item and stated
that the property owners also wished to see the land remain in conservation.
13

SEPTEMBER 21 ,2026 CIry COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

lnterim Gitv Attornev Geller
lnterim City Attorney Geller thanked Council and members of the public for their comments
regarding his service to the City. He stated that he had come to enjoy working with each member
of Council, including through challenging circumstances. He also recognized several residents
who regularly attend City meetings, including Chris Walker, Allen Joyce, Mr. and Mrs. Ducey,
Jenn Eastridge, and Tim Loucks, and stated that their continued participation demonstrated their
dedication to the city.

Further Discussion
Council members discussed traveling together by bus to Tavares for the Wilson lsland matter,
Interim City Attorney Geller cautioned Council to avoid any potential Sunshine Law violations. He
advised Council members not to discuss City business with one another while traveling or during
the event because the Wilson lsland matter could foreseeably return to Council for consideration.
He stated that Council members could discuss personal matters such as family, weather, or
sports, but reiterated that they should not discuss City business.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Keogh adjourned the meeting at 9:52 p.m

G
_t-3

Keith Keogh, Mayor

Grclveland
f!onl0A
r'lrFnl lrtlrtr nr.'

Attest
Virginia Wright, City Clerk

14

ATTACHMENT 1

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This Tommy Khatib I am
authorizing Judy to place two
signs at our property in
Groveland.
Thank you Tommy.
Read 12:29PM

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lf you did not expect this message from an unknown sender, it may
be spam.
Report Spam

+

ATTACHMENT 2

A

Woodard
a Curran

Strategies to
lmprove Water
Quality

City of Groveland
City Council Meeting
Septem ber 21 , 2026

Agenda

Before

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Dri nking Water Service Area and S stem

Summary
Treatment
Plants

Water Main

Valves

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Typical Dri nking Water Treatment Plant Schematic

4 High Service Pumps

Chemical Building

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Ground Storage Tank
750,000 Gallons

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From Well No. 8

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Past Planning Efforts and Needs
Project

Cost

Drinking Water Production and Treatment Facility

$19,306,500

Asbestos Pipe Replacement

$1,801,500

Utility Operations and Emergency Operations Center

$3,639,700

Water Meter Change-Out Program

$3,608,950

Total $28,356,650

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Recent, Ongoing & Planned Projects

lnfrastructure Project ($7.t V)

by May 2A28

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Utility Rates

Florida Water Rates (per 4,000 gal)
$110.00
$90.00
Avg. $zl.as

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($1o.oo)

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Utility Capital Costs
Last 5 years:

170

150

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O&M Cost lndex (derived from PPI)
Consumer Price lndex (8LS)

110

20'15

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2425

Source: 'Accounting for lnflation in Water and Wastewater Capital Planning",
Environment Finance Center; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Water Concerns

Ridge, Cypress Oaks
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Water Concerns & Solutions

ELV:180

ELV: lO5

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nearby water mains are -50-55 psi
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Construction

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Water Concerns & Solutions
ELV: lO0

(B/28-e/B/26)
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change

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(Cannot produce additional pressure
with existing equipment)
50 PsI
ELV: I45

ELV: 165

elevation

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Water Concerns & Solutions

and cloudy from Well
ELV:120

and Advanced Treatment

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Water Concerns & Solutions

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INNOVATIONAND
IN'IELUGENT
lECHNOLOGY
ASSESSilIENT

City-wide Resiliency & Redundancy

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) Construction Disturbances

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Additional Capital Needs & Backlog

> Additional Critical Spare Parts

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+Current High Priority Projects: $28.95M iestimate)
' $15M: Emergency Operations Center Building Construdion
' 50.65M; Utility Site Security Enhancements
' 5O.75M: Water Treatment Plant Security Enhancements
{1O total)

SCADA lm
S2=151V1: SCADA System

Plan from 2022 Utility Master Plan

at Water Plants

lmprovements for 43 Lift Stations

&rr.

$O.5M: Asset Management System lmprovements
$3.5M: Replace AC,/CI Water Main in Dorvntown (Phase 4)
$Q!ly!: Sunshine Rapid lnfiltration Basin Rehabilitation (RlB #3)
$O.25M: WTP #2 & WTP #3 lrrterconnect Design (SR l9, Trinity
Lakes & Cherry Lake Road)

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Relative Costs / lnvestment

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Project Description

Location

Cost

Timeframe

Funded
Status

Auto-flushers and Flushing

WTP-5

$20,000

lmmediate

Yes

Smart Pressu re Gauges/Meters

City-wide

$11,000

lmmediate

Yes

Pressu re lmprovements: review

> $ 10,000

Short

No

w/developer;

Hidden Ridge &
Cypress Bluff

Update City-wide Hydraulic Model

City-wide

$100,000

Short

Yes, FY28

Fast Tracked Alternative Evaluations

Area Specific

$2s-1 s0K

Short

No

Additional Critical Spare Parts

City-wide

$200,000

Short

No

SCADA lmprovements at WTPs

City-wide

$1,000,000

Medium

Yes, FY28

Critical DW Electrical System
Redundancy

City-wide

$1,000,000

Medium

No

DW Facility Planning SAHM Resiliency

City-wide

$200,000

Medium

Yes

DW Facility Planning 2.0 Other Critical

City-wide

$ 150,000

Medium

No

Capital lmprovements

Area Specific

$reo

Med-Long

TBD

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Questions

' TJ Fish - Director of Transportation and Public Works
' Justin deMello, PE - Woodard & Curran

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Protect public access fo
the middle Palattakaha River

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Blueway paddling trail I Waterfronl park I Safeguards water quality I Passive recreation

TWO FUTURES FOR
WILSON ISLAND
CONSERVATION
PARK VISION

177 +/- acres at risk
Approved preliminary plat includes:

Preserves unique

topography; passive
recreation opportunities
(kayaking, fishing,
camping, stargazing)

851592ift,*commerc*r

181 sinste-famity homes
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
Approved plans include
residential, commercial.
and mixed-use

development

CALL

ONE

Urge the Lake County Public Lands & Trails Acquisition Advisory
Committee (PLTAAC) to recommend Wilson lsland for conservation.

TO

ACTION This is our chance to bring dedicated conservation funding home

to

ue natural treasures.

WRITE persona/ letters of support to the Lake County PLTAAC

HOW SEND at your earliest convenience, or no later than September 21,

TO
to ma ry.moffett@g roveland-f l.gov
HELP

ATTEND Lake County PLTAAC meeting, 9:OO a.m. on September 24
Lake County Administratiorr Building, 3.l5 W. Main Street, Tavares,FL32778
Andrew Landis
Marv Moffetf
C",i.LTr{tiJ,i!'pftiarist lnterim Comrlurrifyl! Economic
''*'",i',#"it,il;;"";i";fi-?qou ""0,.3;Y":J:l#;il7"i5fj?i, n*

SCAN FOR MORE

INFORMATION

or visit
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E!EE:* blt.lylwllson-lsland

NEW BUSINESS

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Groveland
AGENDA ITEM T

MEMORANDUM
TO

HONORABLE CHAIR & BOARD MEMBERS

VIA:

TIMOTHY MASLOW, INTERIM CITY MANAGER

FROM:

GINNYWRIGHT, CITY CLERK

SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
REDEVEOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD APPOINTMENT

DATE:

OCTOBER g,zoz6

GENERAL SUMMARY/BACKGROUND :
The Communrty Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board Member position formerly
held by Matthew Baumann became vacant following his resignation on August tt,
2026. Mr. Baumann's term is scheduled to expire on June 7,2o.28.
The City subsequently published two public notices seeking qualified applicants to
fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term. The first public notice was
published from August LB, 2cl26 through September z, z0z6. A second public
notice was published extending the application period from September 2,2c.26
through September t8, zoz6.

The City received one qualified applicant for the vacant CRA Board Member
position. The applicant submitted the required letter of interest and r6sum6 for
consideration.
The Applicant was invited to attend this meeting.

BUDGET IMPACT:
None.

LEGAL NOTE:
None.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Appointment of Joseph JeffPaynter II to fill the vacant position on the Community
Redevelopment Agency (Cnel Board for a term expiring July 7, zoz8.

ATTACHMENTS:

l. Application

2. Public Notices
3. Ordinance 2o12-o3-os

"Ctg wtf6 Vlafotra f C 6a rzvt "

ATTACHMENT 1
Application

Joseph Jeff Paynter ll

q
Letter of lnterest - CRA Board Position
September 3,2A26
City of Grovetand Attn: Ginny Wright, CMC, City Cterk [email protected]
Dear Ms. Wright,
I am writing to formatty express my interest in the open position on the City of Grovetand's

Community RedevetopmentAgency (CRA) Board, as published on September 2,2026.My
name is Joseph Jeff Paynter ll, and I am submitting my apptication on behatf of GP
Construction and Gayn & Payn Properties, two organizations activety engaged in
Grovetand's continued growth and development.
Through my work in construction management, property ownership, and tocat project
detivery, I have gained firsthand experience with the chattenges and opportunities present

within Grovetand's Redeve(opment Area. I am deepty atigned with the CRA's mission to:

r Address conditions of stum and btight,
r Direct tax-increment resources toward meaningfut infrastructure and pubtic-reatm
improvements,

. Encourage responsible private investment,
. Support pubtic-private partnerships that strengthen economic activiry and job creation, and
. Uphotd att additionat duties tawfutty assigned to the Agency.
My professionat background includes teading comptex construction projects, navigating

regutatory and permitting processes, coordinatingwith city departments, and working
directl,y with tocal. businesses and property owners. These experiences have equipped me
with a practical understanding of redevetopment needs, community priorities, and the

importance of strategic investment within the CRA boundaries.
I am committed to contributing my expertise, time, and perspective to support Grovetand's

tong-term vision and to hetp ensure redevetopment efforts continue to benefit residents,
businesses, and the broader community.
Attached is my resume foryour review Pl,ease tet me know if any additional. information is
needed as part of the apptication process.
Thank you for

Sincerety,

phJ

ter

q
Joseph "left" Paynter ll

Owner lVice President
GP Construction & Gayn & Payn Properties
8Bg E. Anderson Road, Suite 100, Grovetand, FL 34736

O: 321 -200-227 6 | C: 352-51 6-3984
ieff@soconstru ction co m Da nv.com

ProfessionaI Summary
Third-generation Lake County contractor with extensive experience in commerciaI
construction, redevelopment, and property management. Vice President of GP

Construction (12 years) and Gayn & Payn Properties (6 years), teading design-buitd
efficiency, contract negotiation, m u nici pa I coo rd i nation, a nd
economic-devetopment-focused property operations. Recognized three of the [ast four
years as Best Commercia[ Contractor by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce. Active
contributor to Groveland's redevetopment efforts through consuttative rotes, property
annexation, and [ong-standing cotlaboration with the Buitding Department.
Gore Gompetencies

Construction Management . Design-Buitd Efficiency . Contract Drafting & Negotiation .
Redevetopment & Btight Mitigation . MunicipaI Coordination . lnfrastructure Ptanning.
Property Acquisition & Annexation . Economic Devetopment Support . Public-Private
Partnerships . Budgeting & Cost Controt. Risk Mitigation . Community Engagement
Professiona I Experience
GP Construction - Owner lVice President

Grovetand, FL Lead operations for a famity-owned commercial contractor serving Lake
County. Oversee project delivery, design-buitd ptanning, permitting, and municipaI

coordination. Compteted major commerciat and institutionaI projects for Ortando Heatth,
South Lake Hospitat, Montverde Academy, RubyTuesday's, North American Mining,
Retiabl,e Carriers, and others. Provide consuttative input to the City of Grovetand and
maintain a decade-long working retationship with the Buitding Department.
Gayn & Payn Properties - Owner I Vice President
Grovetand, FL Co-owner of tight-industriaI ftex space housing 20 active businesses,
incl.uding executive offices, within Grovetand city timits and the CRA district. Manage

q
property acquisition, redevetopment, tenant retations, and strategic annexation of
properties from Lake County into the City of Grovetand.
Union Bridge Company - Carpenter Foreman
State of Michigan Carpenter Foreman on a $ZOg mittion state infrastructure project,

coordinating union crews and structural work under strict engineering and safety
standards.
Paynter & Sons Buitders - Contractor
Lake County, FL Worked within the famity construction business, contributing to residentiaI

and commerciatbuitds throughout Lake County. Strengthened muttigenerationaI

contractor experience, hands-on construction knowledge, and earty exposure to locaI
devetopment p ractices.

Education
Lake-Sumter State Cottege

Attended South Lake High School & graduated from East Ridge High Schoot

Gommunity & Civic lnvolvement
Consuttative rotes with the City of Grovetand . Volunteer at locaI basebatt f ietds . Active
South Lake Chamber of Commerce member . Contributor to The Neighborhood Center,
Buitding Btocks Ministries, Fettowship of Christian Athtetes, Find, Feed & Restore .
Supporter of locaI business growth within the CRA district
Awards
Best Commercial Gontractor - South Lake Chamber of Commerce (3 of the last 4 years)

ATTACHMENT 2

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Groveland
FLORIDA
City with Natural Charm

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE lS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Groveland will be
accepting applications for open positions for the Gommunity
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board beginning August 18, 2026
through September 2, 2026.

Currently there is one (1) open position to serve the remainder
of a four-year term limit on the Gommunity Redevelopment
Agency Board expiring on June 7,2028.

Duties and responsibilities of Community Redevelopment
Agency Board Members:
The functions, powers, and duties of the Community Redevelopment Agency
Board shall be, in general:

. To address conditions of slum and blight within the Redevelopment
Area.

. To use tax dollars collected within the Redevelopment Area to fund

infrastructure improvements, public realm improvements and

business assistance programm ing.

o To encourage private developers to invest within the Redevelopment
area.

o To encourage public-private partnerships that would result in
increased economic activity and job creation within the
Redevelopment Area.

. To perform any other functions, duties, and responsibilities which
may be lawfully assigned to it.

Those interested in applying should submit a letter of interest and a resume to Ginny
Wright, City Clerk, email: [email protected], telephone (352) 730-9285

Virginia Wright, CMC
City Clerk
Gity of Groveland
Posted 08-18-2026
Website; Facebook, Gity messaging sign;
News media release; City Hall display board.

Groveland
FLORIDA

City rvith Ndrrrql Chdm

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE lS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Groveland will be accepting
applications for an open position to serve on the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board beginning September 2,2026 through
September 18,2026.

Currently there is one (1) open position to serve the remainder of a fouryear term limit on the Community Redevelopment Agency Board expiring
on June 7,2028.
Duties and responsibilities of Community Redevelopment Agency Board
Members:

The functions, powers, and duties of the Community Redevelopment Agency
Board shall be, in general:

. To address conditions of slum and blight within the Redevelopment
Area.

. To use tax dollars collected within the Redevelopment Area to fund
infrastructure improvements, public realm improvements and

business assistance programming.

. To encourage private developers to invest within the Redevelopment
area.

. To encourage public-private partnerships that would result in
increased economic activity and job creation within the
Redevelopment Area.

. To perform any other functions, duties, and responsibilities which
may be lawfully assigned to it.

Those interested in applying should submit a letter of interest and a resume to Ginny
Wright, City Clerk, email: [email protected], telephone (352) 730-9285.

Ginny Wright, CMC
Gity Clerk
City of Groveland
Published 09-02-2026

ATTACHMENT 3

ORDINANCE 2012-03.05

AIY ORDINANCE OF TI{E CITY COUNCIL OF 'I'HB CITY OF GROYELAND,
FLOIIIDA, AMENDING SECTION 74-42 ENTITLED MEMBERSHIP,IN DWISION I OF'
ARTICLE III IN CHAPTI,R 74, BY PROVIDING FOR BOARD MEMBER
ATTENDANCE RtrQUIREMENTS; REPEALING CONF.LICTING ORDINANCES;
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; I,ROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; ANI)
PROVIDING AN EF'FECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the City Council of thc City of Groveland, Florida, adopted a linding of necessity
under $ 163.355, Fla. Stat., for the crcation of a Conrmunity Redevelopment Agency for the City oi'
Croveland; and

WI{EREAS, the City Council adopted a resolution finding that thei'e was a need for a Community
Redevelopment Agency to function in the City of Groveland to carry out the purposes o1'Chapter
163, Part III, Fla. Stat. in a portion of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council by previous enactments established the boundaries oL the area to
be served by the Colnmunity Redevelopment Agcncy for Groveland; and
WHEREAS" the City Council created the Community Redevelopment Agency lbr the City of
Groveland, and to appoinled persons to serve on the governing body ofthat agency;
WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is very important that the Comrnunity Redevelopment
Agency board memhers attend the Board's meetings and planning retreats which set direction for
the Board and sta{l
WHEREAS, the City Counoil clesires to implement a policy requiring attendancc by its Board
members, as well as a means for removing a board member in the event a board member does
not aclhere to the attendance policy.

NOW ]'I]EREFORE, BE IT ENACTED RY '|IJE C]TY COLTNCIL OF T}[E CJI'I'Y OF
GROVELAND, FLORIDA:
Section l: Membcrship, That SectionT4-42 in Division I, Arlicle III, in Chapter 74 of the
Clode of Orclinanccs, City of Groveland, Irlorida, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec, 7 4-12. Mcmbership.

There shall be seven tnembers of the goveming body of the Agency. Five oi'the seven rnembers
shall be the Clity Council of the City of Ciroveland lawfully serving in that capacity ar any time
whilc the Agency remains an active entity. The other two members shall be chosen by the
Groveland City Council frorn members of the public who reside or are engaged in business
withirr the Groveland Community Redevelopnrent Area.

The terms of otfice o1'the Board Members of the Community Redn'elopment Agency shall be

Ibr 4 ycars, except that three of the members first appointed shall serve tenns of one, two, ancl
three years, respectively, fiom the date of their appointments, ancl all other rnembers shall be
designated to scrvc for teuns of 4 years f'rom the date of their appointments. A vacancy occuring
cluring a ternl shall be filled for the unexpirecl tenn.
For those memben of thc goveuring body of the Agency who arc city councilors, the individual shall remain
a mcmber for the governing body of the Agcncy lbr only as long as hdshe continues to sere as a city
cotmcilor; and shall be succetxlecl es amember ofthe goveming body of the Agency fbrtlre rcrnainder ofthe
tetm shown by any person elected or appinted to fill his position as a city councilol with such successor to
serye the balance of the tenn of ihe person on tlre goveming body of the Agency. lhe chair of the govenring
body of the Agency shall bc flre Mayor ofthe City of Grnveland, and the vicc chair shall be the Vice Mayor
ol tlrc City of Groveland.

Ila rnember, who is not a city corurcilor, is absent without just cause, tu detennined in the sole discretion
of the Agcncy, fiom tluee consecutive meetings ol the Agency, or from tlree meetings ofthe Agency in
any t',velve month period, the Cily Counqil will remove such member at a duly noticed City Corurcil
rnee,ling. For purposes of tlis sectiott, a meeting of the Agency shall mean amy regular or special rneeting
of the Agency, or any plarrning retreat of the Agency.
Section

2.

Codification.

It is the intention of the City Council of the City of Groveland that the provisions of this
Ordinance shall become and be made a parl of Clity of Groveland Code of Ordinanccs and that
the seclions of this Ordinance ntay be re-numbered or re-lettered and the word "Ordinance" may
be changed to "Section'', "anticle", or such other appropriate word or phrase to accomplish such
intentions.
Section

3.

Savings clausc.

If any portion of this ordinance is declated invalid or unenforceable, thcn to the extent it is
possible to clo so without destroying the overall intent ancl cffect of tliis ordinance, the portion
dcemed invalid or unenforceable shall be sovered here fi'om and the remainder of this ordinzurce
shall corrtinue in lull lbrce tuid cffect as if it were enacted without including the pottion found to
be invalid or unenforceable.
Section

4.

Conflict.

All ordinances or parts of ordittances which are in cont'lict with this ordinance are hereby
repealed, to the extent necessary to alleviate the confliet, but shall continue in ellbct insofbr as
they are not in conflict herewith, unlcss repeal of the conflicting portion dcstroys the overall irrtent
and ellect ol any of the conflicting ordinances, in which case those ordinances so afTected shall be
hereby repealed in their entirety.

Scction 5.
Effective Date.
'l'his Ordinance shall bccome effbctive irrrrnediately
upon passagc by the City Council o1'the City
of (iroveland.
PASSBD AND ORDAINED in regular session of the City Council of the City ot'Grovcland,
I-ake County. Florida. this *_ day of_
__,2012.

1,,^t^ f/r"!*

Mike Radzik, Mayor
City of Groveland, FL
ATTEST:

'feresa Begley

City Clerk

Approved as to Fonn:

Anita Geraci-Carver
City Attorney
Passed F'irst Readi

0

Passed Second

AUfnU

councir Member
moved the passage and
foregoing Ordinance. Motion rvas seconded by Council Menr
call on the motion the vote was as follows:

YEA
.lohn Griffln
'I"im Loucks
Jared Mincey

Mike Radzik
James Srnith

l/

NAY

of the above and
and upon roll

Groveland
FLOfIOA
Clrt vLh Nanrroi f:luml

AGENDA ITEM 2
MEMORANDUM

TO:

HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

VIA:

TIM MASLOV/, INTERIM CITY MANAGER

FROM:

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

SUBJECT:

CON SIDERATON OF APPROVAL : ORDINAN CE 2026 -24 60-DAY PAUSE ON

UTILITY RATE INCREASE _ FIRST READING

DATE:

OCTOBER 5,2026

BACKGROUND:
Due to repeated system failures responsible for potable water outages and boiled water advisories
affecting thousands of the City's Water Utility customers, the City Council directed staffand the
City Attomey to prepare an ordinance pausing the lUYo portable water rate increase mandated by
Section 78-500(g) of the City Code, scheduled to go into effect in October 2026, for 60 days.

October water usage will be determined by meter reading on or about November 1,2026.If
Council approves of the proposed ordinance, utility customers will see the rate increase reflected
on the January 2027 billings for their December water usage.

BUDGET NOTE:
This 2-month moratorium on the water rate increase has an estimated revenue impact of
$320,000. This estimated revenue reduction in the Enterprise Fund will be subsidized by General
Fund reserves, which will result in a net zero impact on the Enterprise Fund.

LEGAL NOTE:
None.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of Ordinance 2026-24.

ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 Ordinance 2026-24

ATTACHMENT 1

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-24

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GROVELAND, FLORTDA,
AMENDING SECTION 78.500 GOVERNING WATER UTILITY
SYSTEM RATES; DIRECTING REIMBURSEMENT FROM
GENERAL FUND TO UTILITY FOR LOST REVENUE;

PROVIDING FOR

SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS,

CODIFICATION, AND AN EFFECTM DATE.
WHEREAS, the City has the authority under the City Charter, Section 2(b), Article VIII
of the State Constitution, and Section 166.021(1), Florida Statutes, to exercise any power for
municipal purposes except where expressly prohibited by law; and

WHEREAS, on August 12, 2024, the City Council of the City of Groveland adopted
Ordinance 2024-5 establishing water utility system rates in Section 78-500 of the Groveland City
Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the rate schedule listed in Section 78-500, the water utility system
rate is set to automatically increase on October 1,2026; and

WHERf,AS, recent issues at the Sunshine Water Plant have resulted in repeated boil water
advisories for numerous Groveland residents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2024-5 on the assumption that water
utility services would be reliably provided to the residents of Groveland being billed; and
WHEREAS, due to the recent water utility system issues, the City Council desires to
freeze the potable water utility system rates at the existing rates for a period of 60 days, delaying
the effective date of the rate increase until November 30,2026; arld

WHEREAS, the City Council finds such rate freeze to be an appropriate measure in
response to the concems of residents negatively impacted by recent boil water advisories; and

WHEREAS, the water utility system rate schedule listed in Section 78-500 must be
amended to reflect that the increase in water rates will occur on November 30, 2026, rather than
on October 1,2026, as currently stated; and
WHEREAS, the City Council ofthe City of Groveland finds that, under the circumstances,
freezing the potable water utility system rate increase for a period of 60 days is fair, equitable, and
in the best interest of the City's residents; and
WHEREAS, to remain in good standing with creditors, general funds should be transferred
to reimburse the utility for the loss of increased revenue; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Groveland finds that this Ordinance is in the
interests of the public health, safety, and welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council ofthe City of Groveland,
Florida, that:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are hereby ratified and confirmed as being
true and correct and are hereby made apart of this Ordinance.

SECTION 2. City Code Amendment. Section 78-500 of the City Code of Ordinances
is hereby amended as follows (words that are s+deke+eut are deletions; words that are underlined
are additions):

Sec. 78-500. Water utitity system rates.

The water utility system rates shall:

(a) Produce adequate revenue to fund all operation, maintenance, and replacement and
debt service costs of the water utility system and provide for a capital improvement
progr€rm for the water utility system.

(b) Be based on each user paying its proportionate share of operation, maintenance and
replacement costs of the water system.

(c) Include an adequate financial management system to accurately account for revenues
from and expenditures for the water utility system.

(d) Establish an availability base charge. For this pu{pose, a potable water availability
charge base charge is a charge by the city council for the availability of potable water
service provided by the city to a property. Potable water service is deemed available to
a property if a water meter is located at the property regardless of whether the property
is actively receiving potable water service.

(e) Establish water conservation rates.

(0 A surcharge of 25 percent of the adopted rates and charges is imposed on consumers
outside the municipal boundaries pursuant to F.S. $ 180.191.

(g) Effective October 19.2026+12+24 the city establishes the following rates:
POTABLE WATER RATES
Base

October I,2024

October 1,2025

Availability
Charge*
Residential
Residential - 2
homes l meter
Commercial
3/o
- inch
-inch
f
I %-inch

November 30.

M
-6gex*s1
$10.04
$20.06

$11.04
922.07

$r2.t4

$10.04

$11.04
$27.60
$ss.20

$r2.14

$25. I 0

$s0.20

$24.28

$30.35

$60.70

October 1,2027

$13.35
$26.7t

$13.3s
$33.38
$66.7s

2-inch
3-inch
4-inch
6-inch
8-inch
10-inch
*

$80.32
$160.64
$2s 1.00

$502.00
$803.20
$r.1s4.60

$88.32
$176.64
s276.00
$5s2.00
$883.20
$1.269.60

s97.t2
$r94.24

October I,2025

November 30.
2026Oe/,ebe**

October 1,2027

$303.s0
$607.00
$97r.20
$1.396.10

$106.80
$213.60
$333.7s
$667.s0
$1.068.00
$1,535.25

Includes 0 gallons of water consumption
Usage Rates

October 1,2024

per gallon
Residential
Block 1 (0 -

M

$1.6s

$1.82

$2.00

$2.20

$3.30

$3.63

$3.99

$4.39

$3.8s

$4.2+

$4.66

$s.13

$6.s9

$7.2s

$7.98

$8.78

$6.0s

$6.66

$7.33

$8.06

4.000)

Block 2 (4,0001
- 8,000)
Block 3 (8,0001

- 12,000)
Block 4 (above
12.000)

Commercial

All usaee

IRRIGATION AND RECLAIMED RATES
Base

October 1,2024

October 1,2025

October 1,2026

October 1,2027

$s.03
$12.s4
$2s.10

$s.s3
$13.79
$27.61
s44.17
$88.33

$6.08

$1s.17
$30.37
$48.s9
$e7.16

$6.69
$r6.69
$33.4r
$s3.4s
$106.88

October 1,2024

October 1,2025

October 1,2026

October 1,2027

$3.63
$4.23

$3.99
$4.6s
$7.98
$r0.27

$4.39
$s.12
$8.78

$4.83

Availability
Charge*

Meter Size
3/o
- inch
f -inch

| %-inch
2-inch
3-inch
*

$40. I s

$80.30

Includes 0 gallons of water consumption
Usage Rates

per gallon
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
Block 4

$7.2s
$9.34

$1 1.30

$s.63
$9.66
sr2.43

Block 5

Meter Size

Block 1

3/+-inch

Range
0 - 6,000

1-inch

0 - 6,000

I %-inch

0 - 15,000

2-inch
3-inch

$r2.69

$11.s4

0 - 15,000
0 - 30,000

$r3.96

Block 2
Ranqe

Block 3
Range

6,001 16,000
6,001 16,000

16,001-

15,001

40,000
15,00140,000
30,00180,000

30,000
16,00130,000
40,00175,000
40,00175"000
80,001150,000

$1s.36

Block 4

Block 5

Range
30,00150"000
30,00150,000
75,001125,000
75,001125.000
150,001250,000

Range
Above
50.000
Above
50,000
Above
125,000

Above
125.000

Above
250,000

SECTION 3. Rate Freeze to be Retroactive to October 1. 2026. The rate freeze
described above shall be retroactive insofar as potable water rates shall be calculated at the rate
described for FY 202512026 as of October 1,2026, rather than the effective date of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. Reimbursement to Utility from General Fund. The City Council hereby
directs that the utility shall be reimbursed from the general fund for the amount of lost revenue due
to the water utility system rate freeze.

SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word
or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court
of competent jurisdiction, whether for substantive, procedural, or any other reason, such portion
shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect
the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 6. Conflicts. In the event of a conflict or conflicts between this Ordinance
and any other ordinance or provision of law, this Ordinance controls to the extent of the conflict, as

allowable under the law.

SECTION 7. Codification. Section 2 of this Ordinance shall be incorporated into the
Groveland City Code. Any section, paragraph number, subsection number, letter and/or any
heading may be changed or modified as necessary to effectuate the foregoing. Grammatical,
typographical and similar or like effors may be corrected, and additions, alterations, and omissions
not affecting the construction or meaning of this ordinance or City Code may be freely made.

SECTION 8. Effective date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon
adoption by the City Council of the City of Groveland, Florida.

ADOPTED this
Florida.

_

day of October,2026, by the City Council of the City of Groveland,

Keith Keogh, Mayor
City of Groveland, Florida
ATTEST:

Virginia Wright, City Clerk

G
--5

Groveland

Approved as to Form:

FISHBACK DOMINICK

Richard S. Geller
City Attorney
Passed First Reading
Passed Second Reading

Council Member
moved the passage and adoption of the above
and foregoing Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Council Member
and upon roll call on the motion the vote was as follows:

YEA
Amy Jo Carroll
Barbara Gaines
Michael Jaycox
Keith Keoeh
Stephen Shvlkofski

NAY

Groveland
FLONIDA

AGENDA ITEM 3
TO

HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COLINCIL MEMBERS

VIA:

TIM MASLOW,INTERIM CITY MANAGER

FROM:

FRANK CALASCIONE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & CRA
DIVISION MANAGER

SUBJECT: ECONOMICDVELOPMENTINCENTIVE
SUNCOAST PROJECTS, LLC DIBIA HUB STEEL

DATE: OCTOBER 5,2026
BACKGROUND:
Chapter 25 of the City of Groveland's Code of Ordinanceso Economic Development and
Business Incentives, Section 25-2, General authority and administration, authorize the
city council to approve owners, tenants, businesses or industries to receive funds under
that chapter as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of the chapter.
Business Hub Steel, located at7500 Republic Drive, Groveland, FL 34736, proposes an

estimated $20,000,000 manufacturing facility expansion, with the addition of
approximately $5,000,000 in new equipment. The expansion will provide approximately
50 new full-time jobs paying an estimated average wage of over $2|lper hour.
Hub Steel is considering multiple locations for the planned expansion and an economlc
development incentive from the City may be the deciding factor in proceeding with
project construction in Groveland.
The proposed incentive of up to, but no more than, $200,000 in building permit fee
reimbursement by the City is conservatively estimated to be recoveredin2 years of ad
valorem tax received and will provide a l0-year net retum on investment estimated to
exceed $1,000,000 in ad valorem taxes to the City of Groveland.

Additionally, IMPLAN economic development modeling forecasts approximately
$30,000,000 in annual economic impact to the local and regional economies from this
manufacturing expansion.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council provide consensus direction for staff to negotiate an
economic development incentive agreement with Hub Steel, for up to, but no more than
$200,000 in building permit fee reimbursement for the proposed manufacturing
expansion. The agreement would then return to Council at a subsequent meeting for
consideration.

BUDGET NOTICE:
The reimbursement of fees will be paid from the Building Fund and/or General Fund-

Economic Development.

ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Return on Investment Data Projections Report-Hub Steel Project.

ATTACHMENT 1

Steel- Labqr, VA, & Output
Economic lndicators by lmpact
lmpatt

Labor lncmre

^ Emptoynrent

Output

Vnlue Added

't - Direct

50.00

$2,221,440.40

s3,577,109,94

s17,322,299.66

{,- tndir*.t

4t1.03

t2,850,342.74

$4,473,341.85

*9,411,8fr5.29

3- lnduced

15.00

$882,330.71

sI,944,277.O2

$3,1423A4.48

113.04

$s,954,313.4s

$9,994,728.81

Created by the business
Suppty,chain, B2B, truck driver,s, etc.
Consurner-facing, when workers:spend money in the community
i

1
I

2
I

3

Source: IMPLAN Economic Modeting

I

I
I

, em4oyre

Gomprrngdon

Prcprictor
llrcornc

Other
Proprrty
lncome

Ttxcs on
Production + lntormadiata
lnput3

rnd tmports

gtlabor t***.

Groveland
rLolrDt

S Valuc
*So,r,p,,a

C1q}ildet{fttCcil.rtf

ubSteel- Labor, VA, & Output ROI Cont.
lntermediate lnputs are the purchases of non-durabte goods and services-such as raw materiats,
energy, components, and contracted services-used by an industryto produce its own goods or
services. They represent business-to-business (B28) transactions rather than sates to finaI

consumers.
Other Property Income (OPl) represents the non-labor, capitat-related income generated by
industries within an economic region. lt accounts for the returns on capitaI assets, corporate profits,
net interest, and property-derived revenues before taxes.
Taxes on Production and lmports [roPl) represents allgovernment revenues collected from

industries duringthe production, sate, or tnansfer of goods and sevices, exctuding corporate income
taxes.

Ernployee

Compensation

+

Proprictor
lncome

Other
Prop€rty
lncome

+

Taxes on

+ Productlon + lntermediate
lnputs
and lmportr

lPl taUor lncome
+.

$ value
*(trou,o*

Groveland
'LOTTEI

CXUn drl{.drdetgar'

Steel- Ad \ralorem ROI ) Building

& Equipment
Building lnvestment

s

City Millage

20,000,000.00 0,0057000 s

Annual Tax
114,000

lncentive Amount
Net 10 Year Tax Yield to City of Groveland on Building Only
Tanglble Personal Property (Equipment)

s

s,000,000,00

Total Tax Yield - All Sources

Equlpment Cost
Mlllage Rate
Annual Depreciation

1,140,000
200,000

940,000

s

156,750

$

1,096,750

ss,000,000
0.0057000
Ssoo,ooo

Year

Beginning Value

Depreciation

En di

Value

AnnualTax (Millage Rate)

ss00,000
ss00,000

s4,s00,000

s28,500

s4,000,000

s2s,650

s3.s00,000

s22,800

$3,000,000

S19,950

s3,000.000

ss00,000
ss00,000
ss00,000

s2,s00,000

s17,100

6

s2,500.000

s500,000

s2,000,000

s14,2s0

7

s2,000,000

ss00,000

s1,s00.000

s11,400

8

s1.s00.000

ss00.000

s1,000,000

S8,sso

9

Sl,ooo,ooo
ss00,000

S5oo,ooo

$5oo,ooo

ss,700

ss00,000

$o

7

ss,000,000

2

s4,s00.000

3

S4,ooo,ooo

4

s3,s00,000

5

10

lGYear Tax Yield

10 Year Tax Yield

s
s
$

$2,850

S1s6,zso

G

Groveland