MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2017

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council representative, District 4

I'm leading off my meeting summary tonight with this Mark Twain quote; "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please". It never ceases to amaze me how critically important it is avoid distortions of facts if our goal is to make progress and show respect for one another. We spent a good deal of meeting time today debunking assertions from a few people in order to assure city council members and city residents that the approved Stormwater Management Plan for Phase 3D at Medallion Home's Lakes of Mount Dora development has been carefully reviewed by Mount Dora city staff and correctly permitted by Saint Johns River Management District. Rumors have been circulating recently on some on-line sites that the safety of some Mount Dora residents was going to be compromised due to careless disregard for their property and wellbeing. In fact, information from City staff, Lake County Water Authority staff and the staff of Saint Johns River Management District has confirmed that those rumors are not true. I certainly believe that when citizens have questions or concerns they should be encouraged to ask their questions and get information to alleviate their worries, however we should be aware of Charles Spurgeon's wise admonition that; "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes".

The other discussion topic of import was in regard to the carefully planned and highly beneficial reclaimed water connection soon to be built between Apopka and Mount Dora. An easement has been purchased near the front of the Sullivan Ranch Development so that the underground reclaimed water pipes can be installed. Sullivan Ranch residents will have access to a good supply of reclaimed water to sprinkle their lawns and plantings as will other neighborhoods that depend on reclaimed water for irrigation. In my estimation their representatives are throwing up unreasonable roadblocks that could end up costing Sullivan Ranch residents and Mount Dora taxpayers time and money.

I've already voiced my views on two topics so I want to remind my readers that I am not writing as a representative of Mount Dora City Council as a whole. I am a city council member but I'm reporting only my own opinions.

We passed a resolution approving the purchase of about 739 linear feet of book shelving and a new circulation desk for the W. T. Bland Library's Children's section. This $69,000 expenditure is part of a comprehensive renovation of the children's area. Participation and circulation at the library are booming and we have donors and volunteers as well as a great staff to thank for their efforts for our youngest library users.

Resolutions were also passed that will extend our fiber optic upgrades and provide enhanced security system upgrades in several locations.

FYI, on April 23rd. we will celebrate the 66th. anniversary of Mount Dora becoming a "city" back in 1953. Happy anniversary to the best small city around for miles around!

We are beginning the process of developing our city budget for the upcoming fiscal year. We will be holding a Work Session beginning at 9:00 a.m. on April 30th to work on our Capital Improvements Budget.

Despite a few frustrations, I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as one of your city council representatives.

Dr. Marc Crail
District 4 City Council member

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