Government & Education news

MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: JULY 30 tax rate meeting

7/30/2019

Our Tuesday July 30th Mount Dora City Council meeting had a very limited (two item) agenda. Please remember that I am reporting not on behalf of city council as a whole but only as one member of council.

The first resolution we approved was a nondisclosure agreement between Mount Dora and the Lake County Property Appraiser for information "exempt" from public disclosure. What the heck does that mean anyway? Well, there are some public servants such as police officers and possibly judges, etc. whose home addresses, phone numbers, etc. are exempt from public records. This protects them from having their home addresses published and offers them and their families some measure of safety from criminals who might use that information to harass or harm them. They definitely deserve that protection.

Most of our meeting was a lively discussion around setting a TENTATIVE millage rate for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget year. The FINAL millage rate for FY 2019-20 will be set in stone on September 19th, that's the rate that really matters. To make a long story a little shorter, we passed a resolution today to TENTATIVELY set the millage rate at 6.5 mills. That slightly higher TENTATIVE rate is the rate that will appear on your TRIM Notice homeowners will receive by mail in August. Don't panic when you open your TRIM Notice. That will not be the FINAL millage rate. A majority of your city council members pledged today that we would not vote for anything higher than the current millage which is 6.3 mills on September 19th. Unless there is a catastrophic event like a major hurricane in the next 7 weeks your millage rate will not increase and it could possibly decrease.

Just for your information, Mount Dora property values have increased by about 10.4% since last year. Some of that is due to rising property values. The value of your house has gone up. Some of that increase is also from the addition of new homes (in my neighborhood alone about 60 new homes have been built since last year). I would guess that city wide about 100 new residences came onto the tax rolls this fiscal year. Another part of that increase in property value comes from new commercial construction such as Epic Theaters or the renovations to the Sunset building downtown just to name a few that came onto the tax tolls in FY 2018-19. Remember, homeowners who live in their own homes (not rental houses) are protected by their Homestead Exemption that limits their property tax increases to no more than 3% per year. Conversely, If property values decrease like they did in 2008-09 your taxes could go down 30% or more in one year.

We listened to community members who voiced their opinions and we argued with our colleagues tonight. That's what democracy looks like and that is healthy and appropriate. We began the budget building process several months ago. There will be several more budget meetings over the upcoming weeks and in the end I am confidant that we will have an FY 2019-20 budget that will be balanced, that will not increase millage rates and will enable us to make progress toward addressing the legitimate needs of Mount Dora.

Comedian Jon Stewart has been in the news recently for his efforts to fully fund the medical bills of first responders who were sickened or died from their heroic work at Ground Zero on 9/11. Our quote tonight is also from Jon Stewart; "There should be a draft where every young person has to do one year of something - military, public works - something so that we all feel invested in the same game, because that's the part we've lost."

No matter if we agree or disagree, thanks for allowing me to be your District 4 City Council Representative.

Dr. Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council Representative, District 4

Voting for the 2019 Best of Mount Dora awards is underway! Get your ballot here

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BROTHERS SUCCEED IN BOOSTING LAKE COUNTY SCHOOLS

7/26/2019

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ABOVE: Brent Frazier, left, with is younger brother Chad Frazier (right).

Two Lake County principals had reason to celebrate when school grades were released in early July. Umatilla Middle School, led by Principal Brent Frazier, not only earned a B for the first time in six years, but also scored 65 points higher than last year – making it the school with the second largest point increase among all traditional public schools districtwide.

It was second only to Eustis Heights Elementary, which improved from a D to a C and made a 104-point gain under the leadership of Principal Chad Frazier, Brent’s younger brother. Chad is the incoming principal for Mount Dora Middle School, a C school, for the 2019-20 school year.

“It’s pretty unique for Lake to have two principals who are brothers who led schools with the top overall improvement,” Chad said.

But having things in common is nothing new for the Frazier brothers. Both started their careers at Carver Middle School. Both taught science there. Each one took a turn as department head and athletic director at the school. Eventually, Brent took on the role of dean at Leesburg Elementary and when he moved on, Chad took his place.

Growing up, it was just the two of them, so to say the brothers are close is an understatement. They even live 200 yards apart in the same Leesburg neighborhood, and when they learned the good news about their schools they celebrated together.

“We’ve always had a pretty special relationship,’’ Chad said. “We’ve been leaning on each other a long time.”

RELATED: "Supplies to Thrive" is a local effort to provide Mount Dora's underprivileged students with basic school supplies needed for success. Here's how to help.

Because of the four-year age difference, they never really competed against each other. That’s still the case today. “As principals, we’re all in this together, trying to educate all the kids in Lake County,” Brent said. “So, no, we don’t compete professionally. In fact, we share best practices.”

Brent attributes Umatilla Middle’s success to the hard work of his staff and their students, and “doing the right thing for kids every day.” Last year was his first as a principal and his first at Umatilla Middle, where a staggering 23 percent of students were homeless and 78 percent qualified for free or reduced-price meals at school two years ago, just before the district started providing free meals to all students through the federal Community Eligibility Provision for districts in low-income areas.

The older Frazier established a theme – “We strive to give our best” – and he carried the message throughout the year on flags, signs in the hallway, and everywhere else he could think of in order to get buy-in from students and staff. He said that mindset along with setting aside a 30-minute block of time four days a week when students could either get support in areas where they were struggling or participate in “acceleration options,” helped bring about a successful outcome.

For Chad, the key to success at Eustis Heights was getting the right staff with a heart for kids and compassion. “We created a safe culture, where teachers felt it was okay to try new things,” he said. “I would teach some classes myself and had teachers come in and watch. I would tell them they didn’t have to be perfect, just do what’s best for kids.” The idea of building a strong team – not just with teachers and administrators, but with every adult on campus – is a strategy he is taking with him to Mount Dora Middle School.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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ROUND LAKE EARNS AN "A," WHILE MANY LOCAL SCHOOLS SLIP TO "C" GRADES

7/11/2019

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There's good news for Round Lake Charter School this year. The grades are out and once again it earned an "A" while Tavares Middle, Triangle Elementary, Altoona Charter, Astatula Elementary, Umatilla Elementary, Umatilla Middle were among the fourteen "B" rated schools throughout Lake County in 2019, according to data released today by the Florida Department of Education.

Many of the public schools in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis did not perform as well. Seven schools in those cities slid from "B" grades to "C" grades including Mount Dora High, Eustis High, Tavares High, Mount Dora Middle, Eustis Middle, Eustis Elementary, and Sorrento Elementary.

Umatilla High and Tavares Elementary maintained their "C" grades from last year. Eustis Heights Elementary rose from a "D" to a "C".

For the third year in a row, the district increased 12 points and earning Lake County Schools a “B” district rating. The data shows the number of “A” schools in the entire district increased to 10 in 2019, up from eight in 2018. Statewide, 1,172 schools earned an “A” in 2018-19 compared to 1,043 in 2017-18.

LAKE COUNTY'S 2019 "A" SCHOOLS:
Round Lake Charter, The Villages Elementary.Cypress Ridge Elementary, East Ridge Middle, Grassy Lake, Imagine South Lake Charter, Lake Minneola High, Lost Lake Elementary, Pinecrest Lakes Academy Charter and Pine Ridge Elementary,

LAKE COUNTY'S 2019 "B" SCHOOLS:
Tavares Middle, Triangle Elementary, Altoona Charter, Astatula Elementary, Cecil E. Gray Middle, Clermont Middle, East Ridge High, Lake Virtual, Minneola Elementary Charter, Seminole Springs Elementary, Spring Creek Charter, Umatilla Elementary, Umatilla Middle and Windy Hill Middle.

The Florida Department of Education calculates school grades annually based on up to 11 components, including student achievement and learning gains on statewide, standardized assessments and high school graduation rate. School grades provide parents and the general public an easily understandable way to measure the performance of a school and understand how well each school is serving its students. Vew the statewide 2019 school grades here.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA FIRES POLICE CHIEF AFTER INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION

7/2/2019

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ABOVE: Fired Mount Dora Police Chief John O'Grady

After a lengthy investigation, Mount Dora's Public Safety Director has been fired. An independent investigator’s report cited numerous concerns gleaned after interviewing over 40 Mount Dora police officers of various ranks, plus a number of civilian City employees and O'Grady.

“The investigation concluded that there was overwhelming evidence of a department fraught with distrust and a lack of respect for O’Grady’s leadership. It also concluded that O’Grady engaged in behavior unbecoming a City of Mount Dora employee," said Mount Dora City Attorney Sherry Sutphen in a prepared statement.

Less than 24 hours before the press briefing to announce O'Grady's firing and distribute the completed report, City Manager Robin Hayes stated "The investigation is still on-going." when formally asked if the report was completed. At that time, credible sources were reporting to Mount Dora Buzz the investigation and the report were complete.

The independent investigator, Lindsay Greene of the DSK law firm, submitted a written report dated July 1 that did not find that O’Grady’s behavior reached the threshold of unlawful harassment or discrimination. However, Greene's report stated “there exists a number of issues of concern.”

Among the issues cited in the report are:

Ethical concerns
Improper policies and procedures
Favoritism
Insensitive comments

Here are the important issues of concern that Greene highlighted:

ETHICAL CONCERNS
In Mount Dora, the police department oversees animal control and code enforcement. During separate interviews, two officers had consistent recollections of O’Grady, 56, taking a lost puppy and giving it to friends and then refusing to return the dog when the owners were located shortly thereafter. Both officers recalled O’Grady wanting them to impose penalties on the owners or find code violations in order to dissuade the owners from seeking the return of their puppy. The incident happened in November of 2017. One of the officers notified Mount Dora City Manager Robin Hayes of the incident in early 2018. Hayes did not follow up with the other officer, launch an investigation or place O’Grady on leave.

IMPROPER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The report stated an overwhelming number of police officers interviewed said O’Grady told them that he implemented traffic stop mandates (often referred to as quotas) in order to argue for a greater need for funding. According to the report, officers felt they were being directed to stop citizens for petty offenses in order to meet the mandate.

On another matter, O’Grady did not notify the Human Resources Department or the CIty Attorney when a female officer made a harassment complaint against her supervisor, Sergeant Keith Taylor. Taylor resigned from Mount Dora Police Department last month after he was investigated again for inappropriate behavior toward another female employee.

The report also stated a major change to allow minors to participate in the MDPD’s Ride-Along program was implemented by O’Grady to help a friend’s high school son. Although the change affects the city’s legal liability, it was never discussed with the city’s risk management professional or the city attorney.

FAVORITISM
The report stated that almost all of the commanders confirmed O’Grady showed favoritism with employees. At least one employee was allowed to abuse sick time and O’Grady encouraged her supervisor to alter her evaluation.

INSENSITIVE COMMENTS
The report cited that “an overwhelming number of employees interviewed believe O’Grady gets pleasure out of making employees uncomfortable and often makes a comment at their expense.” Greene also points out that even individuals in the department whom O’Grady identified as favorable said he “routinely makes ‘unnecessary’ comments.” Those individuals “overwhelmingly agreed that many of his comments are not ‘Chief like’ and do not serve to elevate officers.”

Former Mount Dora Police Officer, Francis Smith, the well-respected Student Resource Officer for Mount Dora High School, had also filed a detailed complaint against O’Grady. It was not referenced in the investigator's report, although Smith was interviewed. He alleges he was intimidated by O’Grady after filing his whistle-blower complaint and was subsequently handed a pre-written letter of resignation with non-disclosure requirements to sign last year. Hayes did not provide the answer when asked who prepared the letter that Smith signed.

Assistant Mount Dora Police Chief Robert Bell has been Acting Police Chief since O’Grady was placed on paid leave on April 18 pending the outcome of the investigation. Now that O’Grady has been terminated, Bell will remain in the role of Acting Chief until a formal search is complete.

O’Grady was hired as Mount Dora’s Police Chief over 5 years ago after 26 years at the Orlando Police Department. In 2017, Hayes promoted him to Public Safety Director which includes oversight of the City’s Fire Department.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE RUNNING FOR MOUNT DORA MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL

7/1/2019

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When it comes to government, there are lots of armchair quarterbacks and second-guessers. In the end, there are only seven elected representatives in Mount Dora serving their community--one mayor and six council members that have the final say on decisions. Four of those seats will have open elections this year and the qualifying period is just around the corner. In recent elections the mayor seat was unopposed, as were some council races.

Here’s some timely information for residents interested in serving in their community:

1. What are the requirements?
A candidate must be an eligible voter in Mount Dora for no less than 12 consecutive months prior to filing for candidacy. Paperwork must be filed by the end of qualifying period (August 16 at noon).

2. What experience is required to run for mayor or city council?
None.

3. What and when is the qualifying period?
The qualifying period is the timeframe to turn in paperwork to start the process of your candidacy. The qualifying period for the November 5, 2019 city election begins at noon on August 12 and ends at noon on August 16. View and download the packet with complete instructions and forms here.

4. What are the four seats open this election?
Mayor, city council seats for District 1 and District 4, plus an at-large council seat. View district map below.

mount_dora_city_council_district_map_2019.pdf
File Size:	1048 kb
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5. What is the difference between the responsibilities of mayor and council members?
In Mount Dora’s form of government, the mayor has the same amount of influence as council members. The only difference is that the mayor chairs the council meetings and may serve as one of the City’s spokespersons.

6. What is the difference between district council members and at-large council members?
District candidates are elected by voters residing in that defined district. At-large council seat and the mayor are elected by all the voters throughout the City.

Additionally, at-large city council seats and the mayor seat allow candidates to live anywhere within the city limits. District council members are required to live in their specific district. (See district below)

mount_dora_city_council_district_map_2019.pdf
File Size:	1048 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

7. How long are the terms?
All city council and mayoral terms are two years.

8. How much money to candidates typically raise?
Historically, that can vary greatly depending on the district, the number of candidates vying for the same seat and the effectiveness of a candidate's campaign strategy. The ballpark range for the specific district seats this year may be $2,000 to $5,000. The mayor seat and at-large council seat requires additional money to reach more voters in a larger geographic area, so the ballpark amount is likely $8,000 for a 2-person race.

9. How much are the council members and mayor compensated?
Approximately $6,000 and $10,000 respectively.

10. Where do I turn in my paperwork?
City Clerk’s office located on the second floor of CIty Hall at 510 N. Baker Street.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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