In the minutes: Pierson Minutes 10-06-2026, Flock Camera (Oct 6)

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
PIERSON TOWN CENTER
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1. Call meeting to order
Mayor Gray Leonhard called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and asked Town Clerk Yvonne
Braddock to take the roll call.
2. Roll call
PRESENT:
Mayor Gray Leonhard
Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund
Councilmember Jimmy Anderson
Councilmember Linnie Richardson
Councilmember Brandy Peterson
Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith and the Volusia Sheriff were also in attendance.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation and Pledge were done at workshop prior. Councilmember Linnie Richardson gave the
invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mayor Gray Leonhard
a. Regular Meeting Minutes

Mayor Gray Leonhard read the title and asked if there were any additions or deletions, if not he
would entertain a motion for approval.
Council Member Linnie Richardson made a motion to approve meeting minutes for
September 15, 2026, September 16, 2026, September 23, 2026, and October 1, 2026 minutes
as written; seconded by Council Member Brandy Peterson. All agreed, motion carries.

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October 6, 2026

5. NEW BUSINESS

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a. Ordinance 2026-11 Platting Procedures Update – Mark Karet, Zev Cohen first
read

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Town Attorney Scott Simpson read the ordinance. Town planner Rebekah Cottle and Mark Karet
explained that these 2 ordinances are state law we are just adding them to the land development
code. Platts are now to be done administratively and are not allowed to be brought to a public
hearing. We will bring the construction plans forward and they will follow as always Planning
commission and then the town council. Some rules have changed that now we have 7 days to
acknowledge receipt of plat for review and set schedules for the other processes. Council
Member Linnie Richardson asked if this is state mandated. Mayor Gray Leonhard stated that
state law must be followed.

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Mayor Gray Leonhard asked if anyone else had anything otherwise he would entertain a motion.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson made a motion to approve ordinance 2026-11. Motion
seconded by Council Member Brandy Peterson. Roll call vote taken, all agree and motion
carries.

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b. Ordinance 2026-12 Fair Housing Act- Mark Karet, Zev Cohen

first read

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Town Attorney Scott Simpson read the ordinance. Town Planner Rebekah Cottle explained the
ordinance and that it pertains to safe houses, rehabilitation homes. They can have 4 unrelated
people and are limited to square footage of the house. They must provide parking spaces for all
people in the home. Mayor Gray Leonhard stated 4 people and 4 parking spaces. Correct.
Council Member Linnie Richardson asked if this is state or federal. It is both. Town Attorney
Scott Simpson explained an issue similar in Holly Hill, so we did this ordinance to add to land
development code. Recovering addicts, ADA in single family setting. It sets the process up and
similar language to Holly Hills. He explained an issue in Holly hill with a subdivision and a
women building a barn in back yard for her emotional support horse. Resident Louis Taylor
asked so an addict can move into a residential neighborhood. Town Attorney Scott Simpson
stated a recovering addict. Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund asked for confirmation that it’s for
disabilities and recovery.

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Mayor Gray Leonhard asked if anyone else had anything otherwise he would entertain a motion.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson made a motion to approve ordinance 2026-12. Motion
seconded by Council Member Brandy Peterson. Roll call vote taken, all agree and motion
carries.

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c. Resolution 2026-15 Special Exception 410 W. Washington Ave – Mark Karet
Town Attorney Scott Simpson read the resolution. Town Planner Rebekah Cottle this is a request
for a special exception for her daughter to build an ADU with separate utilities. Planning and
Zoning Commission approved it and staff recommend approval. This property is zoned A-1 and
2.5 acres the applicant is requesting an ADU with 1800 Square feet where code states 1200

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square feet. Mayor Gray Leonhard asked so staff approve this and Town Planner resounded with
a yes. Council Member Linnie Richardson asked for separate utilities and Town Planner Mark
Karet stated it would be very difficult to sell without a lot split and easement to the property.
Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith asked if they would be sharing a septic tank. We haven’t got that far
yet. Council Member Linnie Richardson asked if we do for one will we have to do this every
time. Town Planner Mark Karet stated that no it’s a special exception every time.

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Mayor Gray Leonhard asked if anyone else had anything otherwise he would entertain a motion.

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Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund made a motion to approve resolution 2026-15 Special
Exception 410 W. Washington Ave. Seconded by Council Member Jimmy Anderson. Roll
call vote taken, all agree and motion carries.

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d. Air Conditioner Quote for sheriff office – Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith

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Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith stated that the compressor blew up and received 3 quotes for the
repair. 2 are for traditional air handlers and one is for a mini split. This is our most renovated
room and if sheriff leaves in the future we can turn around and rent it. Discussion ensued about
the quotes. One is from Jacob and one from Fisher. The quote from Heritage is for a split unit
because Robbie will not do a traditional. Resident Lester Pulley stated that they have split units
and they work so well. It costs about 100.00 a year to maintain. Mayor Gray Leonhard then
explained the issue with the cafeteria and how Jacob Heating in air solved it on the first try fixed
it for the league of cities dinner. Discussion ensued about the cost difference, Town attorney
Scott Simpson asked about warranties. Council Member Jimmy Anderson stated that Robbie
from Heritage put split unit in his home and if you clean the filters, he hasn't had a problem.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson stated that it's already plum for traditional air handler.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson made a motion to approve Fisher in Bunnell to fix air
conditioner handler in the Sheriff room. Second, Council Member Jimmy Anderson, all
agree and motion carries.

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e. Quotes for New Work Truck - Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith
Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith explained that the quotes are for 1500's and 2500's. They are all 4wheel drive. Mayor Gray Leonhard asked if we are still going to try to use utility back from
other trucks. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith stated it's a straight bed. Discussion ensued with Kyle
Dubberly, Louis Longo and Mayor Gray Leonhard about best trucks to work on. Louis Longo
gave an example of driving to Gainesville for a generator and transmission going out in truck.
Mark Dubberly stated that a Chevy has many interchangeable parts, for sucks for parts and Doge
trucks are not bad to work on. Council Member Brandy Peterson asked why we can't get a used
truck from auction. Discussion ensued about the risk of getting a used vehicle. Vice Mayor
Robert Greenlund stated either way we need a new truck for public works.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson made a motion to approve a Chevy 1500 with a v8
engine. Second, by Council Member Jimmy Anderson, all agree and motion carries.
f. CTST Meeting updates - Lester Pulley
Meeting was last week on October 1st the sheriff office discussed Biketoberfest is coming and
they are doing extra detail due to road work. Lots of tickets for cell phone use and for speeders in
school zones. Volusia County library will be doing the bike helmet and safety helmet on October
21, 2026. Flock Cameras are not running. Pedestrian crashes are up and fatalities are down. Did
you know Taylor High school has no football team. That is all I have.

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6. OLD BUSINESS

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a. Water Ordinance Agreement (tabled 9/15/26) - Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith

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As we discussed prior, we have 2 categories for water residential and commercial services, but
we had an issue with a property that is A-1 with just a barn. Vice mayor Robert Greenlund stated
we need to clarify a category for non-commercial. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith explained we had
same sort of issue with trash service for mixed uses and are not sure of the answer to this. Town
Planner Mark Karet asked how many properties like this and the answer is one. Deputy Clerk
Ryan Smith explained that prior town clerk checked residential but charged a commercial rate.
Town Attorney Scott Simpson explained that if they have a business tax receipt it is commercial
otherwise it is not. Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund stated we need to create a 3rd category for
non--business tax receipts. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith stated he would prepare an amendment to
bring back to council. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith explained a law that went into effect that you no
longer can charge a rate for unincorporated Pierson it iis a flat rate across the board. Town
Attorney Scott Simpson stated no one will complain it's a resolution and will start next month.

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b. Solid Waste Assessment (tabled 9/15/26) - Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith

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Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith started with we need something for residents that are exempt if the
property is vacant with no electricity or water. Like residents now get exempt if they have a
dumpster or other service for business. We need to create a form that staff review and approve
for an exemption. Scott Simpson stated we may need an amendment to the ordinance.

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7. OTHER BUSINESS (Mayor, Council and Staff Reports)
Mayor Gray Leonhard stated he had nothing at this time. Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund stated he
had nothing. Council Member Jimmy Anderson stated he had nothing.

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Council Member Linnie Richardson stated she received a non-emergency call about lid being
broken on meter. I explained we will get public works to handle it on Monday but what if there is
an emergency. We stated that all cell phones are listed on our website for public works. Foreman
Louis Longo explained how the schedule rotates. Council Member Linnie Richardson stated that
Dora Jean stated that the pastor Max would like to do Christmas program at 6:00 PM. Discussion
ensued. Council Member Brandy Peterson stated that we already told elementary school at 5:30
or 6:00 so I don't think we will have a problem. Council Member Brandy Peterson reminded
council that we still have issues at the high school, and she sent an email to Jamie Haynes and
explained if they changed the bus entrance to parents it would elevate a lot of things. Resident
Lester Pulley stated all schools are having the same problem. Mayor Gray Leonhard explained
the parking on Frederick Street has gotten way better and no cars are parked on it.

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Town Attorney Scott Simpson stated that he had nothing. Town Planner Mark Karet stated that
he will be here Thursday the 15th to meet with residents to discuss their zoning questions.

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8. GOOD AND WELFARE
Resident business owner Leroy McDuffy approached the podium and explained he owns 245 W
2nd Ave and town of Pierson owns the driveway and is looking to see if he can purchase the
driveway because his parcel is land locked. Discussion ensued and council agreed that they will
work on it. He also stated that Pierson has many pieces of property they own and he is starting a
tiny home business and requested a list of all these properties. Mayor Gray Leonhard explained
that he would need to schedule appointment with Mark Karet and they can discuss it.

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Mayor Gray Leonhard asked council and audience if they had anything to discuss.

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Mayor Gray Leonhard stated being no further business meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM

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Minutes prepared by:

Minutes approved by:

_____________________________
Yvonne Braddock, Town Clerk

_____________________________
Gray Leonhard, Mayor

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