Groveland: Groveland City Council: January 5, 2026
Summary. The Groveland City Council meeting of January 5, 2026 addressed several significant issues including a presentation from representatives of the Sister City initiative with Poland seeking an invitation letter, consideration of conservation land acquisition, and ethics committee formation. The meeting featured extensive public comment regarding the Palisades property matter and concerns about proper public notice and code violations. Key decisions included unanimous consensus to write an invitation letter to Polish Sister City representatives, tabling of a Florida Communities Trust grant application for Shelley Forest Preserve due to funding concerns, and postponement of ethics committee creation pending workshop discussion. The council also continued a highway maintenance agreement for further review. Multiple agenda items were deferred for additional analysis and public input, reflecting the council's cautious approach to significant expenditures and policy decisions.
Agenda Items
Guest Speakers. Poland Sister City Group Presentation
Representatives from the Poland Sister City group requested an official invitation letter for Polish officials to visit Groveland
- Sister city agreement was signed in July with Poiviat of Otwock
- Request for official invitation letter for Polish dinner polka party fundraiser
- Possible tour of Groveland and proclamation ceremony
- No cost to city as visitors would pay their own way and be housed by residents
Consent Agenda. Approval of Meeting Minutes and Related Items
Partial approval of consent agenda with one item removed for corrections
- Item B (workshop minutes) pulled for corrections regarding charter amendment discussion
- Items A, C, and D approved
- Missing legal question to city attorney needs to be added to minutes
2026-2. FDOT Highway Maintenance Agreement Renewal
Discussion of $26,775 annual contract for State Road 50 maintenance, continued to next meeting
- Three-year agreement for maintenance of State Road 50 rights of way
- Question about adequacy of $26,000 annual payment versus city costs
- Request to explore one-year agreement option instead of three years
1. Planning and Zoning Board Appointments
Appointed three members to Planning and Zoning Board for two-year terms
- Three vacancies filled by returning volunteers
- Two-year terms from February 1, 2026 to January 31, 2028
- Dr. Brandon Dixon gave presentation on qualifications and vision
2. Shelley Forest Preserve Grant Application
Rejected proposal to apply for Florida Communities Trust grant with 50% city matching funds
- 90-acre conservation property with house and trails
- Request for $1.57 million total project with $785,000 city match
- Concerns about using infrastructure budget funds
- Alternative phased approach suggested
- Business plan and financing alternatives requested
3. Ethics Committee Creation
Tabled resolution to create ethics committee pending workshop discussion
- Consensus for five-member committee
- Concerns about selection process transparency
- Request to expand scope to include staff and contractors
- Questions about consultant costs and necessity
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve items A, C, and D from consent agenda
Moved by Council member Schalkowski, seconded by Council member Carol
Passed 5-0
Motion to continue resolution 2026-2 to the next meeting
Moved by Council member Carol, seconded by Vice mayor Gaines
Passed 5-0
Motion to table item B from the consent agenda
Moved by Council member Jaycox
Passed 5-0
Motion to accept three people for planning and zoning board appointments
Moved by Council member Carol
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve the 50% matching funds for Shelley Forest Preserve grant
Moved by Council member Carol, seconded by Council member Schalkowski
Failed 2-3
Motion to table resolution 2026-3 and discuss at workshop to determine committee member selection
Moved by Council member Carol
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Prepare official invitation letter to Polish Sister City representatives
Assigned to City staff/Ashley
Research option for one-year FDOT highway maintenance agreement instead of three years
Assigned to City Manager Mike Hein · Due Next meeting
Add missing legal question to workshop minutes regarding charter amendments
Assigned to City Attorney Anita Geraci Carver · Due Next meeting
Develop comprehensive business plan for Shelley Forest Preserve including financing alternatives
Assigned to City Manager Mike Hein and staff
Meet with Ducey/Joyce group regarding Palisades property issues
Assigned to City Manager Mike Hein and City Attorney
Prepare agenda item for full operational audit discussion including costs
Assigned to City Manager Mike Hein · Due Next meeting
Individual meetings with council members regarding audit issues
Assigned to City Manager Mike Hein · Due This Thursday
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Groveland City Council meeting of January 5, 2026 addressed several significant issues including a presentation from representatives of the Sister City initiative with Poland seeking an invitation letter, consideration of conservation land acquisition, and ethics committee formation. The meeting featured extensive public comment regarding the Palisades property matter and concerns about proper public notice and code violations. Key decisions included unanimous consensus to write an invitation letter to Polish Sister City representatives, tabling of a Florida Communities Trust grant application for Shelley Forest Preserve due to funding concerns, and postponement of ethics committee creation pending workshop discussion. The council also continued a highway maintenance agreement for further review. Multiple agenda items were deferred for additional analysis and public input, reflecting the council's cautious approach to significant expenditures and policy decisions.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 6 agenda items: Poland Sister City Group Presentation; Approval of Meeting Minutes and Related Items; FDOT Highway Maintenance Agreement Renewal; Planning and Zoning Board Appointments; Shelley Forest Preserve Grant Application; Ethics Committee Creation.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
7 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
9 members were recorded as present: Mayor Keith Kehoe, Vice mayor Barbara Gaines, Council member Amy Jo Carol, Council member Michael Jaycox, Council member Steven Schalkowski, City manager Mike Hein, City attorney Anita Geraci Carver, Sergeant at arms Chief Sean Ramsey, City clerk Virginia Wright.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Groveland in?
Groveland is located in Lake County, Florida. Browse other Lake County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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