Government & Education news

MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2017

4/17/2019

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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5 Comments

Tom

4/17/2019 10:11:44 pm

Dr. Crail,

You opened your post with a Mark Twain quote about getting facts. Then you go on to comment on Sullivan Ranch concerns around reclaimed water claiming residents will have access to reclaimed water to sprinkle the lawns and are at risk for missing out over unreasonable concerns. Those are not correct facts. Sullivan Ranch residents already have access to and use Mt. Dora reclaimed water (and a hefty price as they are charged double connection and sewer fees). So Sullivan Ranch is not opposed to reclaimed water. Sullivan Ranch is opposed to the current plans to run the connection to Apopka along Round Lake road in a manner that will tear down 30 plus year old oak trees that line the street. The concerns being raised are about the destruction of the trees and the fact that permits do not appear to have been properly pulled. Utilizing reclaimed water is a positive thing, that is why Sullivan Ranch already enjoys that right. Destroying beautiful trees and failing to follow proper process in doing so to run lines that are meant to simply bring revenue to the city is not.

Of course, the Mark Twain tree in the Sequoia National Park was cut down in 1891 to have parts put in a museum, so maybe he would have been ok with the distortion of facts stated in your post.

Anne

4/17/2019 10:22:49 pm

Councilman,

You have grossly misstated the facts regarding Sullivan Ranch. We don't need your reclaimed water line as we already have access. Mount Dora does not own the easement right for the strip of land with the beautiful oak trees. Lake County does, and Commissioner Campoine and Lake County both oppose their destruction. I am aware of a cease a desist order that was put in place by Lake County to stop the sneaky and expedient tree removal. A removal for which Mount Dora was mysteriously unable to provide copies of the permits for.

The open field across the street from Sullivan Ranch would be the ideal place for your water/cash line. The residents of the 700+ homes in our neighborhood won't tolerate your lies and attempts to take what isn't yours!

Daniel

4/17/2019 10:24:40 pm

Crail,
It seems that the council continues to volley for the best interest of the council and not the citizens of Unincorporated Mount Dora, namely the residents of Sullivan Ranch. We have expressed our concerns in regards to the trees that are on the the HOA property. We are also not within the city limits and while we do have access to the reclaimed water of Mt Dora, we pay a hefty premium to use it. The city wants to take our property through bully powers of the government but do not want to give any concessions to its citizens that own the property. The trees that are along Round Lake Rd are over 30 years old and lend to the aesthetics of the neighborhood. There has been no guarantee that they will be replaced in kind and the compensation suggested to our neighborhood is laughable. As you said, get your facts straight, and the reality is that we have our facts and you do not.

Mount Dora homeowner.

4/17/2019 10:58:57 pm

Don't let the city of Mount Dora tell you about there wonderful plans for improvements.
Look what they did to all of the beautiful tree's that were
on Donnelly in down town.

Also the tax payers had to pay $15,000 for the blunder
the Mayor caused on the Van Go house painting.

Mary Curtis

4/18/2019 07:51:29 am

Has the council considered the future use of 5G and the fact that Brussels and some cities in Oregon are not allowing it because the effects of this type of WiFi have not been investigated for insects, animals and people?

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Government & Education

MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: APRIL 16, 2017

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