On the agenda: Pierson Minutes 09-01-2026 — data center (Sep 1)

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
PIERSON TOWN CENTER
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1. Call meeting to order
Mayor Gray Leonhard called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. and asked Town Clerk Yvonne
Braddock to take the roll call.
2. Roll call
PRESENT:
Mayor Gray Leonhard
Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund
Councilmember Jimmy Anderson
Councilmember Linnie Richardson
Councilmember Brandy Peterson
Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith and the Volusia Sheriff were also in attendance.
3. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation and Pledge were done at workshop prior. Councilmember Linnie Richardson gave the
invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mayor Gray Leonhard
a. Regular Meeting Minutes

September 1, 2026

Mayor Gray Leonhard read the title and asked if there were any additions or deletions, if not he
would entertain a motion for approval.
Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund made a motion to approve the above listed minutes as
written; seconded by Council Member Brandy Peterson. All agreed, motion carries.

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5. NEW BUSINESS

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a. 3rd Annual Dylan Jackson Hom Run Derby January 16, 2027 – Little League

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Northwest Volusia Little League representees Katie and Lindsey came to the podium. The explained of
its great success last year and look forward to doing it this year. They stated it would be in the back ball
fields and they would need the barricades set up as prior at entrance across from the airport.

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All the council agreed that this is a good idea. Mayor Gray Leonhard stated that he would entertain
motion.

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Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund made a motion to approve the 3rd Annual Dylan Jackson Home Run
Derby on January 16, 2027. Second Council Member Linnie Richardson, all agree and motion
carries.

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b. Water Bill Adjustment 479 Shaw Lake Road – Steve Kennedy

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Mr. Kennedy came to the podium and explained that he had a water leak and a few high-water bills and
was looking for any forgiveness that the council would give. He stated it was 2 bills for 500.00 dollars.
Discussion ensued concerning the cost of each invoice. Mr. Kennedy stated that the leak has been fixed.
Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund stated that he feels we should forgive one of the invoices and discussion
ensued.

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Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund made a motion to approve forgiveness for water leak in the amount
of 537.00 Dollars. Second Council Member Jimmy Anderson, all agree and motion carries.

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c. Run for the Cause October 31st -Sergio Erick Guevara
Mr. Guevara stepped up to the podium and gave a summary of what they were planning. He stated
it would start at the health clinic, and it would go to the elementary school and back. They are
working with the school district, but they need approval from town to proceed. It will start at 8 am
and take about an hour. Mayor Gray Leonhard asked where they would be parked and Mr. Guevara
stated that if the school participates in that property or the health clinic and side of the road. Council
explained that he would need to get a special event permit. Resident Lester Pulley asked if they
would have T-shirts and awards. Mr. Guevara stated they will have medals and awards and Tshirts. He stated it will be $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for kids and that will go towards the
scholarships. Council Member Brandy Peterson stated that it has always been a great success and
she hopes its successful.
d. Discussion about truck for louis Longo Public Works – Mayor Gray Leonhard
Mayor Gray stated that the transmission in truck has failed and it would be 4000 to be rebuilt.
Council Member Linnie Richardson asked if they have a warranty for that. Discussion ensued.
Mayor Gray Leonhard stated he is sure that there is one. Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund stated that
the truck is not worth repairing. He stated that Chris and Louis can ride together to the next fiscal
year in less than 4 weeks. We can’t touch the reserves and its not that long off and we can discuss
and budget meeting. Council Member Brandy Peterson stated that have we looked in to the state
auctions for a used vehicle I mean they just drive in a five-mile radius. We need to discuss it at the
budget meeting. Deputy Clerk Ryan smith asked if it should be contingent on amendment 3 in
November. Mayor Gray Leonhard stated that we have 3 public works employees and need 3 trucks.
Discussion started about needing a bat wing for the ditches.
6. OTHER BUSINESS (Mayor, Council and Staff Reports)

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Mayor Gray Leonhard started with a letter received from Ormond Beach about the Data
Centers and creating an ordinance. Town Planner Mark Karet stated that our land development
code doesn’t allow data centers. Vice Mayor Robert Greenlund brought up properties looking
like junk yards and that he would get addresses to the town clerk. Council member Jimmy
Anderson stated that he has nothing. Council Member Linnie Richardson asked about the
ditches at the airport and was informed that they were taken care of. She also asked about the
playground equipment at the park if it has been removed. Council Member Jimmy Anderson
stated not yet but he will get public works working on it. Council Member Brandy Peterson
stated that we need to plan a workshop for the Christmas Event and include all the churches.
She decided that on December 12th from 3 to 8 PM, all of counsel agreed. The council set a
date of October 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM for the workshop. She then asked about getting a load of
asphalt to fill in the potholes all around town. Mayor Gray Leonhard stated that the bag asphalt
worked well. Discussion ensued. Council Member Brandy Peterson stated that the social media
issue is getting out of hand and that we can only speak at a council meeting and that residents
need to bring their concerns to council meetings where council can answer the questions they
have.

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Melissa Borquist stated that she is a member of the Deleon Springs Association and they filed
code enforcement issues under their name and maybe the town could file under the town.

Town Planner Mark Karet stated that he will be here Thursday to meet with residents on their
Land use and zoning questions. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith stated residents have a commercial
account, and they only have a barn and cows on property and want residential rate. Town
Attorney Scott Simpson read water ordinance and if it is not residential it will be charged the
commercial rate. Discussion ensued. Town Planned and Town Attorney stated that the water
balance needs to be balanced. Deputy Clerk Ryan Smith stated we need an answer be it a new
classification. We need to discuss it at the next meeting and get an answer.
7. GOOD AND WELFARE (Public Participation)

Resident Sue Elliott stated that the palm fronds on Wahington and Pine Street are blocking
traffic view when you are trying to pull out. Mayor assured public works will take care of it.
Mayor Gray Leonhard stated that a resident called oasis with FDOT and they will be out next
week on Tuesday or Wednesday for the US highway 17 issues. He thanked the resident for
calling.
Mayor Gray Leonhard stated being no further business meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM

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Minutes prepared by:
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Yvonne Braddock, Town Clerk

Minutes approved by:
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Gray Leonhard, Mayor