City Commission Agenda Packet 07 27 26

City Commission Meeting · 2026-07-27 · agenda_packet

[501 W MEADOW STREET] City Commission meeting agenda for July 27, 2026, includes multiple items for public works and development. Key items include a Construction Services Agreement with EZ Contracting LLC for water main replacement, an agreement with PAQCO, Inc. for street resurfacing and striping, and resolutions for disposition of surplus city-owned lots and School Resource Officer services. Several ordinances are scheduled for second reading, including annexations and zoning changes for properties totaling approximately 10.24 acres (Reserve at 44), 7.53 acres (Perry-Smith), and 0.30 acres (Goodman RZ). First readings include ordinances for annexations and zoning changes for approximately 65.0 acres (JCQ Leesburg Palmetto Drive), 118.05 acres (Merritt Ranch ANNX), and 445.38 acres (Merritt Ranch LSCP/PUD). Public comment section is reserved for general concerns and opportunities for praise, with a three-minute limit per speaker. [501 West Meadow Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748] This document outlines the contractual requirements for contractors working with the City of Leesburg, Florida. It details insurance obligations, including Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence) and Business Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), as well as Workers' Compensation. The contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and licenses, complying with all applicable codes and regulations, and maintaining public records. The document also specifies requirements for indemnification, waiver of lien, and employment eligibility verification (E-Verify). It defines terms such as 'Work', 'Substantial Completion', and 'Shop Drawings', and outlines procedures for inspections, tests, and change orders. The contractor must provide a Construction Superintendent and coordinate with utility companies. The City of Leesburg retains ownership of all project documents prepared by the contractor. The contractor is identified as EZ Contracting LLC, with John Barile as President, located at 5324 56th Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa, FL 33610. Notices to the City should be directed to Hosea Goodwyn, Procurement Manager, at 501 West Meadow Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. This document outlines the responsibilities and procedures for contractors working on city projects. It details requirements for construction layout, stake preservation, survey provisions by the city, permit acquisition by the contractor, and payment of royalties and license fees. The document also covers protection of work and property, deductions for uncorrected work, procedures for delays and extensions of time, correction of work before final payments, the city's right to do work, suspension of work, removal of equipment, use of completed portions, prompt payment policies, application for payment processes including retainage, payments withheld, final payment application procedures, contractor's continuing obligations, damages, equipment startup, completion of work, acceptance of finished work, final cleanup, tree protection, contractor warranties and guarantees, indemnity clauses, assignment limitations, rights of various interests, separate contracts, lands for work, access to records, execution and intent of documents, contractor's understanding of the site and local conditions, familiarity with laws, sales tax obligations, clarifications and interpretations of contract documents, limitations on the engineer's responsibilities, safety and precaution measures, record documents, physical conditions including underground facilities, review of applications for progress payment, and substantial completion criteria. It emphasizes the contractor's responsibility for site layout, safety, obtaining necessary permits, and adherence to all laws and regulations. The city will provide environmental permits unless otherwise specified and is responsible for securing easements for permanent structures. Payment terms, including retainage and conditions for withholding payment, are detailed. The document also specifies procedures for handling defective work, delays, and final acceptance. [Various streets within the City of Leesburg, Florida] The City of Leesburg is authorizing the execution of a Construction Services Agreement with PAQCO, Inc. for the resurfacing and striping of streets within the city. The project aims to preserve and enhance public infrastructure, improve safety, and extend the service life of existing streets. The procurement will utilize a piggyback agreement with Lake County, Florida Contract No. 19-0921. The total construction cost is not to exceed $210,766.50, funded by Gas Tax Funds. [Various City-owned lots within the City of Leesburg, Florida (specific addresses listed in exhibits)] The City of Leesburg is authorizing the advertisement for the disposition of surplus City-owned lots in accordance with the Surplus Lot Donation Policy. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for affordable housing development in the Carver Heights/Montclair CRA. Lots are categorized into those cleared for disposition (Exhibit A), those needing commission approval (Exhibit B), and those to be retained by the City/CRA (Exhibit C). The policy outlines a process for advertising, application, and performance requirements for non-profit organizations receiving donated lots for affordable housing construction. The City of Leesburg is establishing a program to provide vacant lots as subsidies to eligible homebuyers to reduce the cost of home purchases. The program is administered by the City of Leesburg Housing Department and involves non-profit partners for counseling and education. Priority is given to residents and workers within the City of Leesburg. Subsidies are provided as second forgivable mortgages. Homebuyers must meet income, residency, family status, special needs, and creditworthiness criteria. A minimum of two 4-hour homebuyer training sessions are mandatory. The program involves recapture provisions requiring principal occupancy for five years. [Leesburg High School, Leesburg Elementary, Beverly Shores Elementary; case SROA26] The City Commission of Leesburg approved an agreement for School Resource Officer (SRO) services for the 2026-27 school year. Four SROs will be assigned to Leesburg High School (two), Leesburg Elementary (one), and Beverly Shores Elementary (one). The agreement is a continuation of a contract with the Lake County School Board. The term is from August 10, 2026, to May 2027. The Lake County School Board will pay the City approximately $386,440.00 for these services. The City Commission of Leesburg accepted a Utility Easement from The Salvation Army affecting property described in the document. The easement is granted to the City of Leesburg. [Generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court; case ANNX-26-955] The City Commission of Leesburg approved an ordinance annexing approximately 10.24 acres of real property. The property is generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court, in Section 1, Township 19 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida. The property is currently undeveloped. Upon annexation, it will be subject to City laws and ordinances and placed in City Commission District 5. The proposed use is for 23 single-family residential lots. The current Lake County zoning is R-1 and R-3, and the proposed City zoning is PUD (Planned Unit Development). [Generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court; case SSCP-26-956] The City Commission of Leesburg approved an ordinance amending the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. The designation for approximately 10.24 acres, located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court (Section 1, Township 19 South, Range 25 East), was changed from Lake County Urban Low to City of Leesburg Estate Residential. The property is undeveloped and proposed for 23 single-family residential units. The Planning Commission recommended denial of this amendment, citing concerns about lot size, density, and traffic. [Generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court; case PUD-26-957] The City Commission of Leesburg approved an ordinance changing the zoning of approximately 10.24 acres from Lake County R-1 (Rural Residential) and R-3 (Medium Residential) to City of Leesburg PUD (Planned Unit Development). The property is generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court, in Section 1, Township 19 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida. The change allows for single-family residential uses, specifically 23 single-family residential lots. [Generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court; case PUD-26-957] Rezoning of approximately 10.24 acres from Lake County R-1 (Rural Residential) and R-3 (Medium Residential) to City of Leesburg PUD (Planned Unit Development) to allow for 23 single-family residential units. The Planning Commission recommended denial on May 21, 2026, citing concerns about lot size, density, and traffic. The City Commission passed and adopted the ordinance on July 27, 2026. The property is generally located east of County Road 44 and north of Spring Court. [Generally located west of U.S. Highway 27 and south of the Florida Turnpike; case PERRY-SMITH ANNX] Annexation of approximately 7.53 acres from Lake County A (Agriculture) zoning to City of Leesburg SPUD (Small Planned Unit Development) zoning. The purpose is to create a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a retail store. The property is generally located west of U.S. Highway 27 and south of the Florida Turnpike, in Section 7, Township 21 South, Range 25 East. The City Commission approved the annexation on July 27, 2026. [West of U.S. Highway 27 and south of the Florida Turnpike; case SPUD-26-879] This document details a proposed small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for a 7.53-acre property located west of U.S. Highway 27 and south of the Florida Turnpike. The land use is changing from Lake County Urban Low Density to City of Leesburg General Commercial, and the zoning from Lake County Agriculture to City SPUD (Small Planned Unit Development). The proposed development includes a coffee shop, restaurant, and retail stores. The Planning Commission recommended approval on April 16, 2026, and the City Commission adopted the ordinance on July 27, 2026. The property is legally described in Section 7, Township 21 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida, with Parcel ID 07-21-25-0003-00001600. The applicant is Dixon Beale Perry-Smith, Jr., Trustee (Perry-Smith). The development will have a maximum of 20,000 square feet of commercial uses. Public comment is not stated. [South of E North Boulevard, east of E Dixie Avenue, and north of E Main Street; case RZ-26-949] This document concerns a rezoning request for a 0.30 +/- acre property located south of E North Boulevard, east of E Dixie Avenue, and north of E Main Street in Lake County, Florida. The zoning is changing from City R-3 (High Density Residential) to C-3 (Highway Commercial). The property is currently developed with one warehouse and the rezoning is described as a 'spot zoning correction'. The Planning Commission recommended approval on May 21, 2026, and the City Commission adopted the ordinance on July 27, 2026. The applicant is William Goodman. The legal description is specific to Government Lot 1, Section 25, Township 19 South, Range 24 East, Lake County, Florida. Public comment is not stated. [North of Plantation View Drive, south of Palmetto Drive, and west of U.S. Highway 27] This document pertains to the annexation of approximately 65.0 +/- acres of vacant undeveloped land located north of Plantation View Drive, south of Palmetto Drive, and west of U.S. Highway 27, in Section 36, Township 20 South, Range 24 East, Lake County, Florida. The current zoning is Lake County A (Agriculture), and the proposed zoning is City PUD (Planned Unit Development). This annexation is part of a request for a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning to allow for mixed-use residential and commercial development. The Planning Commission recommended approval on June 18, 2026. The annexation is expected to have a positive fiscal impact due to increased tax revenue. Public comment is not stated. [Generally located north of Plantation View Drive, south of Palmetto Drive, and west of U.S. Highway 27; case ANNX-26-983, LSCP-26-984, RZ-26-985] Annexation and rezoning of approximately 65.0 acres for a mixed-use residential and commercial development. The property will be annexed into the City of Leesburg and rezoned from Lake County A (Agriculture) and Lake County Urban Low Density to City of Leesburg PUD (Planned Unit Development) and City of Leesburg Estate Residential. The development will include single-family homes, townhouses, and retail space. The Planning Commission recommended approval. [Generally located south of CR 48, north of Shady Grove Road, and east of the Sumter County Line; case ANNX-26-983, LSCP-26-984, RZ-26-985 (for annexation); LSCP-26-905 (for Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment); PUD-26-906 (for Planned Unit Development)] The City of Leesburg Planning and Zoning Department is processing multiple applications related to the Merritt Ranch development. This includes an annexation of approximately 118.05 acres (ANNX-26-983, LSCP-26-984, RZ-26-985), a Large-Scale Comprehensive Plan amendment for approximately 445.38 acres (LSCP-26-905), and a rezoning to Planned Unit Development (PUD) for approximately 445.38 acres to allow for 523 single-family homes (PUD-26-906). The annexation and LSCP amendment were recommended for approval by staff and the Planning Commission. The PUD rezoning is also recommended for approval by staff and the Planning Commission. The property is generally located south of CR 48, north of Shady Grove Road, and east of the Sumter County Line, lying in Section 07, Township 21 South, Range 24 East, Lake County, Florida. The developer's agent is Erika Hughes, RVi, on behalf of owners Jerl D. Merritt, Sarah H. Merritt, Richard D. Merritt Estate, and Caldwell Citrus Grove Management, LLC. The proposed development is for a residential subdivision with a mix of lot sizes and house sizes, with specific setback and building height requirements. Public comment is not detailed in these documents. [South of CR 48, west of North Austin Merritt Road, and east of Sumter County Line; case LSCP-26-905, PUD-26-906] The Planning & Zoning Department recommends APPROVAL for the Merritt Ranch project, which involves a rezoning from Lake County A (Agriculture) and City R-1-A (Single Family Residential) to City PUD (Planned Unit Development). The project also includes a Large Scale Comprehensive Plan amendment from Lake County Rural and City Neighborhood Mixed Use to City Estate Residential. The property is located south of CR 48, west of North Austin Merritt Road, and east of the Sumter County Line. The developer, Richland Communities/Richland Acquisition Fund, LLC, is responsible for all on and off-site improvements, including utility infrastructure, road construction to City of Leesburg standards, and stormwater management. Specific conditions include a minimum of 35% open space, 25-foot wide landscape buffers, split-rail fencing, specific exterior building material requirements (e.g., 35% brick or stone), Dark Sky lighting principles, and recreational facilities totaling at least 104,600 sq ft or 2.4 acres. The project must be completed within four years of final approval, or the PUD will expire and revert to RE-1 zoning. Public Works noted the developer is at the end of the line for existing water and sewer infrastructure and may need to install their own. Fire Department noted response times may exceed recommended standards.