Minneola Development News
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Minneola City Council: June 16, 2026
Published: Jun 16, 2026
Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction May Receive Federal Funding; State Revises Building Permit Rules
Mark Johnson reported that the city is still in the running for up to $700,000 in federal funds to assist with the construction of the wastewater treatment plant. He also noted that the state has changed building permit rules effective July 1st, shifting fees from job cost to square footage, with small projects under $7,500 being permit-free but still requiring inspection.
City Grapples with Cemetery Capacity and Management Issues; Reclaimed Water System Infrastructure Challenges Highlighted
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the city's cemetery situation. Residents expressed concerns about the current cemetery's capacity, historical inaccuracies in records, deteriorating gravestones, and the potential for expansion. Options discussed included developing columbariums, partnering with private entities, or establishing a new cemetery on city-owned land. The city has obtained quotes for columbariums and is seeking better pricing. The management of the existing cemetery, including boundary issues and encroaching structures, was also highlighted as a complex challenge. Discussions also touched upon reclaimed water availability, with explanations that wastewater treatment produces reclaimed water, but the system requires significant infrastructure upgrades (piping, pumps, well connection) before it can be fully utilized for irrigation, and it will never be 100% sustainable due to the 7:1 ratio of wastewater input to reclaimed water output. The need for a Parks Director was also raised in relation to managing large park projects.
City Council Approves Annexation and Rezoning for Citrus Ridge Commercial PUD
The City Council discussed and approved the annexation and rezoning of approximately 15.878 acres of property located west of North Hancock Road and north and south of Citrus Grove Road. The property was rezoned from county agricultural to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) within the City of Minola. This was presented as Ordinance 2026-11 (second reading), Ordinance 2026-02 (second reading), and Resolution 2026-01. The development agreement was approved with modifications, including conditions on signage, building height for mini-storage, blower direction, and restrictions for the convenience store. The property sale to Citrus Ridge Retail LLC for $375,000 was approved with a price reduction to account for the cost of relocating gopher tortoises, as documented in the purchase and sale agreement.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades, Grassy Lake Road Project Underway; Ardmore Traffic Logistics Considered
The council reviewed updates on the wastewater treatment plant. Approval of the Seamar contract and screw press are on the agenda, expected to start plant upgrades and biosolids management upgrades. The cost analysis for the screw press payback period suggests it's a worthwhile investment given the city's growth. Current capacity is at 75.8%, with anticipated increase to 1.2 with new equipment. Concerns about growth sustainability were addressed, with assurances that upgrades will support projected growth. The city is working on obtaining easements for the Grassy Lake Road striping and widening project, which is expected to start within weeks, with potential completion by August. Ardmore Elementary's back-to-school traffic logistics were noted as a concern.
City Council Eyes Millage Rate Reduction Amidst Budgetary Pressures and Potential Tax Exemptions
During budget season discussions, the council explored strategies to potentially lower the millage rate while maintaining city services. A projected annual loss of approximately $1.2 million is anticipated if a statewide property tax exemption is approved by voters. This financial pressure may necessitate reviewing the fire assessment fee and exploring increased revenue from the commercial sector to offset residential tax burdens. The need for a Parks Director was also reiterated in the context of budget planning for park projects.
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The Minneola News archive
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Minneola Planning & Zoning: June 1, 2026
Minneola City Council: May 19, 2026
Minneola City Council: May 5, 2026
Minneola Planning & Zoning: May 4, 2026
Minneola City Council: April 21, 2026
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