Minneola: Minneola City Council: February 3, 2026
Summary. The Minneola City Council meeting focused heavily on development-related items, including lighting plans for Education Avenue, architectural design guidelines, and several annexation and variance requests. The most contentious issue involved nine variance requests from Del Webb/Pulte Homes for retaining walls that were built without proper permits, leading to heated discussion about developer accountability. The council ultimately tabled these variance requests until March to gather more information. Other significant items included approval of the Shepherd's Landing development project (approximately 1,095 residential units) and discussion of a proposed ordinance to allow TPO roofing materials for commercial buildings, which was postponed until November due to concerns about timing with potential big box store applications. The meeting also featured public comments from Derek Alexander, a young adult with autism who will represent the community at the state capitol advocating for first responder training funding, and Cheryl Pavlak providing a legislative update on voter ID bills. The council approved lighting plans for Education Avenue and moved forward with first readings on several development-related ordinances.
Agenda Items
1. Agenda Review
Discussion about adding four variances (items 12-20) to the agenda that were received late, with council ultimately deciding to proceed
- Items 12-20 received at 9:21 PM the previous night
- Councilmember wanted time to review but agreed to proceed
- Items were already advertised and went through planning and zoning
2. Public Comment
Two speakers addressed the council during public comment
- Derek Alexander spoke about autism advocacy at the state capitol
- Cheryl Pavlak provided legislative update on voter ID bills
3. Manager's Consent Agenda
Routine approval of consent agenda items
- No specific items discussed
4. Lighting Plan for Education Avenue
Duke Energy presented lighting design for Education Avenue with modifications due to transmission line constraints
- Lights will be on south side from SR 27 to Grassy Lake due to SECO transmission lines
- Four poles at Grassy Lake intersection for crosswalks
- Additional pedestrian lighting proposed for north side sidewalk
- All LED fixtures with dark sky compliance
7. Architectural Design Guidelines Ordinance 2026-01 (First Reading)
First reading of ordinance to allow TPO roofing materials for commercial buildings, postponed to November due to timing concerns
- Would allow TPO roofing instead of requiring tile or metal
- Addresses repeated variance requests for industrial/commercial buildings
- Public concern about timing with potential big box store applications
- Council decided to postpone second reading until November
8. Grassy Lake Medical Office Development Agreement Amendment (First Reading)
First reading of development agreement amendment to allow TPO roofing and restrict signage lighting
- Permits TPO roofing instead of tile or metal
- Prohibits wall signage lighting from 7PM to 7AM adjacent to residential
9-11. Shepherd's Landing Annexation, Rezoning, Development Agreement, and Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Approval of major development project with 652 single family units, 443 townhomes, and commercial space
- 194 acres to be annexed
- Development agreement includes enhanced perimeter buffer
- 10-acre public facility site for wastewater
- Retaining walls up to 18 feet with black aluminum railings
- Cohesive signage and street lighting throughout project
12-20. Del Webb Variance Requests
Nine variance requests for retaining walls that were built without proper permits, tabled until March for more information
- Walls built after homes due to stem wall construction error
- Four lots still owned by Pulte, five sold to residents
- Mayor expressed strong concerns about developer accountability
- Need for construction team and permit information
- Residents to be contacted by city staff
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve manager's consent agenda
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve ordinance 2025-14, Shepherd's Landing annexation and rezoning
Moved by Speaker 7, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve resolution 2025-16, Shepherd's Landing development agreement with conditions for black aluminum railings and cohesive signage/lighting
Moved by Speaker 7, seconded by Speaker 3
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve comprehensive plan amendment ordinance 2025-14
Moved by Speaker 2, seconded by Speaker 4
Passed 5-0
Motion to table items 12 through 20 (Del Webb variance requests) until the first meeting in March
Moved by Speaker 7, seconded by Speaker 4
Passed 5-0
Motion to adjourn
Passed
Action Items
Post and advertise workshop dates for February 10 and 24
Assigned to City staff
Bring back architectural design guidelines ordinance for second reading
Assigned to City attorney/staff · Due November 2026
Bring back Grassy Lake Medical Office development agreement for second reading
Assigned to City staff · Due February 17, 2026
Gather construction team information and permit records for Del Webb variance requests
Assigned to Pulte Homes · Due First meeting in March
Contact residents affected by Del Webb variance requests
Assigned to City staff
Coordinate with Lake County on e-bike prohibition on trails
Assigned to City manager
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Minneola City Council meeting focused heavily on development-related items, including lighting plans for Education Avenue, architectural design guidelines, and several annexation and variance requests. The most contentious issue involved nine variance requests from Del Webb/Pulte Homes for retaining walls that were built without proper permits, leading to heated discussion about developer accountability. The council ultimately tabled these variance requests until March to gather more information. Other significant items included approval of the Shepherd's Landing development project (approximately 1,095 residential units) and discussion of a proposed ordinance to allow TPO roofing materials for commercial buildings, which was postponed until November due to concerns about timing with potential big box store applications. The meeting also featured public comments from Derek Alexander, a young adult with autism who will represent the community at the state capitol advocating for first responder training funding, and Cheryl Pavlak providing a legislative update on voter ID bills. The council approved lighting plans for Education Avenue and moved forward with first readings on several development-related ordinances.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Agenda Review; Public Comment; Manager's Consent Agenda; Lighting Plan for Education Avenue; Architectural Design Guidelines Ordinance 2026-01 (First Reading); Grassy Lake Medical Office Development Agreement Amendment (First Reading); Shepherd's Landing Annexation, Rezoning, Development Agreement, and Comprehensive Plan Amendment; Del Webb Variance Requests.
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?
6 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Speaker 2 (Mayor), Speaker 3, Speaker 4, Speaker 7, Speaker 13, City Manager Mark, City Attorney, Contract Planner Eric Roche.
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 Minneola in?
Minneola 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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