HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII (A) Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of January 2, 2001, Work Sessions of January 2 & 3, 2001, and Special Session of January 4, 2001 Agenda 01-16-2001
Item III A
THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORK SESSION WITH
THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
HELD JANUARY 3, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift and Chair Arkin called this work session to order in Conference Rooms
A & B of the Educational Leadership Center, located at 445 West Amelia Street, Orlando,
Florida at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the City of Ocoee charter school application. Chair Arkin
welcomed all and asked those present to introduce themselves.
PRESENT:
Orange County School Board: Chair (District 6) Susan Arkin, District 1 Mrs. Barbara
Trovillion Rushing, District 2 Mrs. Linda Sutherland, District 3 Mr. Judge Rick Roach,
District 4 Mrs. Karen Ardaman, District 5 Mrs. Kathleen Gordon, District 7 Mr. Bert
Carrier, Superintendent of Schools Ronald Barker, Associate Superintendent of Education Nick
Gledich, Senior Director for Program Services Lee Baldwin, Marculas Marchino, Counsel,
and Mr. Frank Kruppenbacher, General Counsel.
City of Ocoee: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners District 2 Scott Anderson, District 3
Rusty Johnson, and District 4 Nancy Parker, Former City Manager Ellis Shapiro, Acting City
Manager Jim Shira, and City Attorney Paul Rosenthal.
Also present for the Haskell Company were Mr. Doug Storer and Ms. Stacy Miller.
Also present were future Acting City Manager/Former Commissioner Jim Gleason and
members of the City of Ocoee Educational Commission: Chairman Rev. Johann Bergh,
...Peterson, Mrs. Inge Loeffler, Mrs. Rosemary Davis, and Mrs. Martha Lopez-Anderson.
There were other interested citizens present who did not identify themselves.
ABSENT: Commissioner District 1 Howell
Chair Arkin announced that, as the City and the School District staff have been working on
this together, she would ask Mr. Blocker to open the remarks. Mr. Blocker gave a brief
overview, saying municipal charter schools were something new to the school system, and they
were approaching the issue with caution. He said they were aware they were establishing a
template for future action and they wished to flesh out a successful venture to he used as a
basis for the future. He commended Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Gledich, and Mr. Kruppenbacher for
their efforts in working with Mayor Vandergrift and the City Commission toward this end. He
then asked Mr. Kruppenbacher and Mr. Gledich to continue the review, whereupon Mr.
Kruppenbacher distributed agendas for the meeting and several other documents.
Review of Ocoee Public Schools and Future Plans.
Mr. Kruppenbacher announced that this item was the presentation made by Mr. Dan
Buckman at the Ocoee City Commission meeting on January 2 and that it had already been
reviewed by the School Board as well.
Ocoee City Commission Joint Work Session with Orange County School Board
January 3, 2001
Review of purpose for charter schools and answers to questions regarding the law.
Mr. Kruppenbacher said this document was a review of the purpose for charter schools and
the necessary components to properly administer and operate a charter school.
Review of proposed structure for Ocoee Municipal Charter Schools with OCPS
instructional contract.
Mr. Kruppenbacher reviewed the proposed Concept for Agreement which had just been
distributed, and said this agreement would call for the Orange County School Board to create a
non-profit Orange County Public Schools Innovation Instructional Delivery Corporation to
work with it and the City of Ocoee and a community based Charter School Governing Board.
(This board would be appointed by the sponsoring group and would include a member
appointed by the School Board.) Staffing and Operation and Management would he provided
by Orange County Public Schools Innovation Instructional Delivery Corporation. There would
be a contract between the Charter School Governing Board and the Orange County Public
Schools Innovation Instructional Delivery Corporation that would report to the superintendent
and that would work for world class innovative solutions to learning. He said that there would
he no incentive bonus or management fee and the five percent administrative fee would be
trimmed in order to put that money back into educating children.
Mr. Kruppenbacher asked for authority and direction to get the staffs together to work on a
contract. He said the construction of the school was to be done by the City. He proposed the
City would handle the ongoing maintenance of the facility and the School Board would handle
the instructional delivery. He discussed the siting of the facility at South Park, where the
School Board is two years away from opening a school, and said further that Haskell has said
they could he ready in August. He added that if another site is chosen it would be brought
hack before the School Board. Mr. Kruppenbacher expressed confidence that the two staffs
could put together a working document that would serve both entities well.
Chair Arkin asked whether Ocoee had anything further to add.
Commissioner Parker said that the City wanted a partnership to assist the School Board to
have schools and have demonstrated this already by working with developers, requiring them
to provide space or facilities for schools. Now the City is going a step further and is willing to
build the school and would like some assurance that this would alleviate the situation for the
children who live in the City of Ocoee and the others who would attend there. She wanted to
know if it would work for all concerned and if the attendance can be capped.
Mr. Kruppenbacher responded they typically cap the classes, particularly in elementary
schools, and they also provide a feeder pattern. He said when the staffs meet, one of the issues
to discuss would be possibly controlling growth.
Discussion involving Mrs. Rushing, Mr. Kruppenbacher, Commissioner Anderson, Mr.
Roach, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Ardaman, Mr. Marchino, Mayor Vandergrift, Mr. Carrier, and
2
Ocoee City Commission Joint Work Session with Orange County School Board
January 3, 2001
Mrs. Sutherland continued until Mrs. Loeffler, a school teacher, invited this board to spend a
few days in her classroom and witness the crowded situation first-hand.
Chair Arkin summed up the comments and responses and said she would like to work with
Ocoee and extend the discussions as they had never had a city say they want to be a part of the
solution.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to direct staff to move
forward and work together with the School Board staff and come back in 30 days with a
proposal for parameters.
Commissioner Johnson and Mr. Gleason said they must know the cost and the source of the
funds.
School Board Member Rushing, seconded by Member Carrier, moved to work together and
come back in 30 days.
Although this was a Work Session, a voice vote was taken at the same time by both hoards
with all voting in favor.
When the discussion turned to making a concerted effort to advise the public. Mrs. Rosemary
Davis said she would get a flier out and Mrs. Sutherland said that should be a cooperative
venture to be sure all of the needed information was included.
Mr. Kruppenbacher said he would contact Mr. Rosenthal, who will have the Ocoee team
together. Mr. Rosenthal said the City Commission planned to meet January 4 and would
appoint the Ocoee team at that time.
Mr. Carrier pointed out that a charter school is still a public school and the School Board is
responsible for the education involved.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
APPROVED
Attest: City of Ocoee
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
3
Agenda 01-16-2001
Item III A
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
HELD JANUARY 2, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers. Former Mayor Lester Dabbs led in prayer and Mr. R. P. Mohnacky led the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum declared present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and Parker.
Also present were Acting City Manager Jim Shira, Acting Building/Zoning Official
Washington, City Clerk Grafton, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Planning
Director Wagner, Principal Transportation Planner Friel, and Principal Planner Lewis.
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
School Construction (30 minutes) - Orange County Public Schools: Joe Mittiga, Executive
Director, Community Relations and Dan Buckman, Associate Superintendent,
Governmental Relations
Mr. Dan Buckman gave a power point presentation about the school
construction/reconstruction in Orange County.
Mr. R. P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Boulevard, and Mrs. Rhonda Johnson, 5114 Log
Wagon Road, raised questions to which Mr. Buckman responded.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, and C. Commissioner Howell asked for
clarification on item C about how the voters would he advised of the new polling place. City
Clerk Grafton advised the Supervisor of Elections office would send notices to the affected
voters and the information would appear on the City's web page, in the Orlando Sentinel and
West Orange Times and he broadcast on Channel 10.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve the consent
agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting
of December 19, 2000. (City Clerk Grafton)
B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Windsor
Landings Subdivision (tka Ocoee Crossings) Final Plat. (Engineer I
Gavrilovic)
• Windsor Landing Subdivision is a 214 lot single family subdivision located on the east side
of Maguire Road, northwest of Parkridgc-Gotha Road. All required documentation pertaining to
the platting of this subdivision has been received and approved.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
C. Approval and Authorization to have Two Polling Places for Municipal
Election. (City Clerk Grafton)
• This request provides that Districts I and 4 will vote at Beech Recreation Center and Districts
2 and 3 will vote at the Community Center in the March 13, 2001, election and the April 10 run-
off election, if needed.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
Former Mayor Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, addressed the Commission regarding the charter
school issue, cautioning against assuming extra liability.
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Anderson announced Jason's Restaurant was rated number 1 in the area for
Italian food and desserts.
Mayor Vandergrift
1) Called attention to the agenda for the January 3 joint meeting with the Orange County
School Board.
2) Displayed the new Ocoee Calendar and commended Community Relations/Projects
Director Shira and her staff for a fine job.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Second Readings of Ordinances
Ordinance No. 2001-01, West Oaks Square, Land Use Plan Amendment, Project No. LS-
98-005A. (Planning Director Wagner)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Planning Director Wagner
gave the staff report, and Principal Planner Lewis assisted with the overhead display. Mr.
Wagner said this is a substantial amendment to an existing PUD on a site located south of
State Road 50, just east of Citrus Oaks Avenue, south of the West Oaks Mall. The Property
was originally approved as a PUD in 1998 and zoned Professional Services, and a portion of it
A-2, Agricultural at that time. There is a small office building to the east of the side of Citrus
Oaks which is also owned by the same property owner and there is a wetland area to the rear.
This was the first project approved under the upgraded Activity Center regulations in 1998.
Currently the site contains a 20,000 square foot building which houses a variety of offices and
retail uses. The sidewalk for a portion of the site has never been completed and the
identification sign for the building has not been built and as a result this building has not
received a permanent certificate of completion. He listed the four separate amendments
requested and advised the Development Review Committee and the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended denial as the developer did not make an effort to change the PUD.
The first amendment requested is to add a restaurant use to this PUD. The second is for a
second driveway along State Road 50. The third request is to eliminate the developer's
Page 2 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
responsibility for constructing the sidewalk on the eastern portion of the project. The fourth
amendment is to change the directory sign from the approved 36 square feet to 100 square feet.
Mr. Dan O'Keefe, 221 Wescliff Drive, representing the developer, said the applicants have
been working with staff a long time and did not envision a restaurant in the beginning. He
requested that each item be considered separately. Mr. Dean Sant spoke also.
The public hearing was opened.
1. On the matter of adding a restaurant use to this PUD:
Mrs. Pat Bond, Chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission, said the P & Z heard this in
October and the consensus of the Board was to hold with the decision made by previous
Commissions regarding the State Road 50 Activity Center - with Professional Services on the
south side of State Road 50. She expressed concern about the balloons and flags flying, making
the place look like a circus.
Commissioner Anderson said he had copies of three different code violations processed for
this property and gave them to the City Clerk to file.
Jason Sams and Denise Lenko spoke briefly.
Following discussion at the table, Mayor Vandergrift announced there was consensus in favor
of this request as only one Commissioner had spoken out against the restaurant.
2. On the matter of an additional driveway east of the existing driveway along State Road
50:
Principal Transportation Planner Friel gave this staff report, saying staff thought it was not
consistent with State and FDOT standards, and that restriping would help safety there.
Following a long discussion regarding curb cuts and DOT, Mr. Friel said staff had repeatedly
asked for something to react to and had received nothing yet. Mr. Wagner had made it clear
the ordinance does not permit a second access and if the developer wished to move the existing
access they should bring in a plan for review.
Consensus was to give this further study with DOT and then come back.
3. On the matter of the sidewalk:
Mr. Friel advised the applicant has asked for a certificate of occupancy even though they have
not finished the sidewalk and they have an agreement with DOT to finish the sidewalk at a
later date. Mr. O'Keefe said they could bond the sidewalk by FDOT if it was not done by a
certain date. Consensus was reached that there was no problem accepting the bond as long as
DOT agrees in writing and will do the sidewalk within two years.
Page 3 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
4. On the matter of the sign:
The applicant requested a 10 X 10 sign and Mr. Wagner pointed out that the 6 X 6 that was
on the drawing was what was approved. There was no discussion in thvor of granting a 10 X
10 sign.
Commissioner Anderson read an e-mail message from Jeff Burns, 363 Seaside Point.
The public hearing was closed.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to approve and adopt
Ordinance No, 2001-01 with the following revisions and subject to the following conditions:
1. The approval by the City Commission of the first amendment to the existing
Development Agreement and the execution thereof by the applicant and consistent
with the revisions to Ordinance No. 2001-01 made by the City Commission.
2. The revision of the amended Land Use Plan as proposed by the applicant to delete
the proposed second access from State Road 50 with the understanding that final
action on the request for a second access from State Road 50 and the public hearinn
thereon is continued to a future date to be established by the City Commission but
in no event later than three months from the date of this meeting.
3. The revision of the proposed amended Land Use Plan to provide for the
construction of the sidewalk, or the remaining portion of the sidewalk, consistent
with FDOT requirements be commenced within two (2) years from the date of this
meeting by either the Florida Department of Transportation or the applicant and
diligently continued to completion, and in the event such commencement is not
constructed and diligently pursued as aforesaid, then the City may, at its option
design, permit and construct, and/or complete, the sidewalk at the sole cost and
expense of the developer, and that the developer be required to post a bond to
secure the obligations with respect to the sidewalk in an amount to be mutually
agreed upon between the applicant and the City Engineer.
4. To deny the request of the applicant for a sign waiver and to revise the amended
Land Use Plan consistent with such denial so that there is no change in the currently
approved signage.
5. That Ordinance No. 2001-01, the amended Land Use Plan, and the exhibits thereto
be revised consistent with this Ordinance and upon the happening of ail those
authorizing execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk.
Motion carried 5-0.
First Amendment to the Development Agreement (West Oaks Square) dated December 1,
1998. (Not a public hearing)
City Attorney Rosenthal briefed the Commission on the proper wording for the motion,
considering the action just taken on the adoption of the Ordinance.
Page 4 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve the proposed
First Amendment to the Development Agreement (West Oaks Square) subject to receipt by
March 7, 2001 of a letter from the Florida Department of Transportation confirming the FDOT
commitment to construct the sidewalk along State Road 50 subject to the availability of funding
within two (2) years from the date of this meeting, such confirmation letter to be acceptable to
the City Manager and the City Attorney and further subject to the draft First Amendment to the
Development Agreement in the agenda packet being revised consistent with Ordinance No.
2001-01 as revised by the City Commission and with those revisions being subject to
confirmation by the City Manager and City Engineer that they have been incorporated, and
upon that happening, authorizing execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion
carried 5-0.
Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell left the dais.
Ordinance No. 2001-02, Amendments to Chapter 7 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances
(Code Enforcement) Based on Recent Legislation Changes. (Assistant City Attorney
Cookson/Code Enforcement Supervisor Simon)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. This Ordinance provides for
amendments to Chapter 7 (Code Enforcement) based on recent legislative changes:
1) a change in the definition of "Repeat Violators," 2) the addition of disclosure requirements,
3) express protection to the City for City-made repairs, 4) the ability to sue to recover a money
judgment, 5) additional notice options to alleged violators. Acting Building/Zoning Official
Washington was present to answer questions.
The public hearing was opened.
Denise Lenko spoke in support of both this Ordinance and the one following.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to adopt Ordinance No.
2001-02 and authorize execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion carried 3-0.
Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell were away from the dais.
Ordinance No. 2001-03, Amendments to Chapter 43 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances
(Animals). (Assistant City Attorney Cookson/Code Enforcement Supervisor Simon)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. This Ordinance provides that
the City of Ocoee Animal Control Officer will work in conjunction with the Orange County
Animal Control Service office to provide for the animal control issues within the City, and
further provides that the City will retain the revenue received from the citations issued by the
City of Ocoee's Animal Control office. Acting Building/Zoning Official Washington was
present to answer questions.
Page 5 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
The public hearing was opened and Ms. Lenko's statement in support made in the previous
public hearing was noted. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to adopt Ordinance No.
2001-03 and authorize execution by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion carried 3-0. Mayor
Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell were away from the dais.
OTHER BUSINESS
First Reading of Ordinance No. 2001-04, Coke Property Annexation, Case No. AP-2000-
10-01 (Senior Planner McGinnis). Second Reading and Public Hearing Scheduled for
January 16, 2001 at 7:15 p.m.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Mayor pro tem Anderson
announced the second reading and public hearing would be held January 16 at 7:15 p.m.
Mayor Vandergrift returned to the dais during the consideration of the next item.
Approval and Authorization of Change Order #1 - Maguire Road Project (Acting City
Manager Shira)
Acting City Manager Shira was present to respond to any questions. This Change Order
consisted of five items: the deletion of gear drives from thirteen 16" gate valves, an increase in
the quantity of filter fabric wrapped storm sewer pipe joints, closing an abandoned well on
property intended for use as Pond #1, the installation of an additional storm sewer manhole, and
the repair of a water main damaged by Sprint telephone company's sub-contractor. The total
amount of the change order is $39,728.88, with $30,080.60 items for which the City is
responsible, and $9.648.28 for which Sprint is responsible.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute Change Order #1 to the Maguire Road project in the amount of
$39,728.88 and direct staff to charge $9,648.28 of that amount to Sprint's Contingency Fund as
established by the Sprint-Florida/City of Ocoee utility relocation agreement. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Howell was away from the dais.
Appoint Acting or Interim City Manager
Mayor Vandergrift advised this Commission had met with the department heads earlier in the
day to receive input regarding filling the Acting City Manager position. The discussion during
that meeting had focused on the advisability of going outside of this organization versus staying
inside the organization for an Acting City Manager and he asked for the will of this Commission.
Consensus was to go outside. I lc said he had contacted the ICMA and they had sent the names
and resumes of Range Riders, some of whom were retired and interested only in the temporary
position, while others were interested in being considered for the full time position. Mayor
Page 6 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
Vandergrift said he had distributed copies of that information.
Commissioner Anderson stated he would prefer to choose someone he knew rather than to read
resumes and then have to take the time to interview, and he moved to bring Jim Gleason on as
Acting City Manager until further notice. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion, but later
in the discussion both the motion and the second were retracted in favor of a more detailed
motion.
Commissioner Johnson spoke in favor of hiring Mr. Gleason and Commissioner Howell said,
although he felt he would do a good job, he wished to review the resumes before making a
decision. Mayor Vandcrgrift was not in favor of hiring Mr. Gleason.
City Attorney Rosenthal said several details, such as effective date and salary, should he
established and included in the motion. Commissioner Anderson said he wanted the salary to
be whatever the starting salary in the City Manager position pay grade was. Commissioner
Johnson said use the same pay grade Mr. Shapiro was being paid. Mayor Vandergrift said he
was a contract employee and someone should be negotiating with him on those issues. Mr.
Rosenthal said this is not a contract employee situation, but rather a temporary employee which
this Commission would be appointing as Acting City Manager until such time as the City
Commission takes further action to appoint the permanent City Manager. l le then reviewed the
City Charter paragraphs on the issue.
Mr. Gleason said he had not been a part of the process, and when he was first approached he
expected Mr. Shapiro would not leave. He said, since that has happened, his employer has
advised he could take whatever time is necessary to fill this position and he would need two
weeks to take care of the needs at the hospital. He said he would be available January 15.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to continue the
appointment of Jim Shira as Acting City Manager through January 15, 2001, whereupon Jim
Gleason is appointed Acting City Manager effective January 16, 2001, to serve until such time as
the vacancy in the position of City Manager is filled or until such time as the City Commission
appoints another Acting City Manager, with the salary and benefits (without a contract) being the
same as previously existed with City Manager Shapiro. Motion carried 3-2. Mayor Vandergrift
and Commissioner Howell voted no.
Mayor Vandergrift asked Mr. Gleason to tell of his experience in this field. Mr. Gleason
advised he has served as a City Commissioner, has been involved in the process of planning and
development, has been an active member in the community involving the school systems and the
Chamber of Commerce. He said, in addition to that, he sits on the hoards for the Senior
Resource Alliance, I lealthy Start (for pre-natal children), and he has a masters degree in public
administration. He listed his contacts that would he of value to him and the City.
Page 7 of 8
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
STAFF REPORTS
There were no staff reports at this time.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Parker said she would like a report on the interviews for dispatch manager.
Commissioner Anderson asked that the e-mails received during this meeting (but not read
aloud) he made a part of the record. There were two messages from Jeff Burns, 363 Seaside
Court, addressing the West Oaks Square issue and requesting Commission to support the
requirements of the Activity Center Ordinance. Also a message from a person named Mary
requesting a type of policy that would require a homeowner applying for a building permit to
first show a signed approval from the HOA ARB.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
APPROVED
Attest: City of Ocoee
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Page 8 of 8
Agenda 01-16-2001
Item III A
THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2001,
TO DISCUSS ACTING CITY MANAGER APPOINTMENT
Call to Order
Mayor Vandergrift called the Work Session to order at 12:05 p.m. and, at Commissioner
Johnson's request, delayed proceeding with the meeting another ten minutes until
Commissioner Johnson would be available to take part in the meeting by telephone.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Howell and
Commissioner Johnson was present on the speaker phone. Also present were Acting City
Manager Shira, Acting Building/Zoning Official Washington, City Clerk Grafton, Community
Relations/Projects Director Shira, Finance Supervisor Carter, Assistant Fire Chief Firstner,
Human Resources Director Psaledakis, Human Resources Analyst Bertling, Human Resources
Specialist Dabbs, Human Resources Specialist Johnson, Police Chief Mark, Planning Director
Wagner, Principal Planner Lewis, Public Works Director Smith, and Recreation Director
Nordquist. Also present were former Mayor Lester Dabbs, former Commissioner Jim
Gleason, and Candidate Milton West.
ABSENT: Commissioner Parker
Discussion re: City Manager Appointment
Mayor Vandergrift explained the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the appointment of
the Acting City Manager and to receive input from the department directors. Each
Commissioner in turn made a statement expressing a desire to move forward with the process,
get the best person available for the job, and keep the work of the City moving without putting
too much pressure on any one employee.
Mayor Vandergrift asked those staff members present to express their feelings on this. In
response Mr. Shira said there were department directors who were willing and able to do the
job while the search for a City Manager could be conducted. Several agreed with this position.
Mrs. Psaledakis, on the other hand, said that the ICMA Range Riders are available for this
purpose and would be better able to handle all the facets of the job. She added that going into
the corporate world for this position would place the department heads in the position to have
to train the person for a period of time, as public administration is different from business
administration.
Former Mayor Dabbs spoke briefly.
After a period of open discussion during which each person present was given an opportunity
to speak, Mayor Vandergrift thanked staff for their time and said he wants to see a closer
relationship between staff and the elected officials.
Work Session with Staff re Acting City Manager
January 2, 2001
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
APPROVED
Attest: City of Ocoee
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Agenda 01-16-2001
DRAFT AU Item III A
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION HELD
JANUARY 4, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the Special Session to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers. The roll was called and a quorum declared present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson and Parker.
Also present were Acting City Manager Shira, Future Acting City Manager Gleason, City
Attorney Rosenthal, City Clerk Grafton, Assistant City Engineer Wheeler, Community
Relations/Projects Director Shira, and Recreation Director Nordquist.
ABSENT: None
NON-AGENDA ITEM
City Attorney Rosenthal reviewed the meeting with the Orange County School Board on the
previous night and the meeting with staff this morning and asked for direction for the staff
team and its charge. He said Haskell would prefer to be engaged by contract rather than
hourly and he could strip down the previously presented contract to suit that situation.
Ma 'or Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson moved to en a e the Haskell
Group for a single phase over the next 30 days for a not-to-exceed amount of$10,000 and
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract to that effect. Motion carried 5-0.
Ms. Stacy Miller said that 45 days would be all right and they were dedicated as a partner in
this venture.
Commissioner Howell stated for the record that his vote in favor of the contract was not to be
interpreted that he was committing to going forward on the charter school, as he was still
undecided.
There was discussion regarding the filing of the appeal and whether to abate that, with
consensus to continue it rather than lose the right to appeal.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to have Mayor
Vandergrift, Acting City Manager Gleason, Consultant Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal,
Bond Counsel Ken Artin, and the Haskell Group be the negotiation team with Orange County
School Board, with Mr. Gleason the lead coordinator. Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. Rosenthal asked for direction for the team regarding the issue of the school site at South
Park or the north site. After the discussion he said what he heard from the Commission was
that the negotiating team has the discretion to say if the result of all this is Ocoee funds South
Park site with a bond issue and there is not a second school in Ocoee and the School Board
money goes elsewhere that there will be heartburn in Ocoee. He understood that they should
try to get the second school in Ocoee in some combination.
DRAFT'
Ocoee City Commission Special Session
January 4,2001
DISCUSSIONS:
The items were taken out of agenda order.
PRESENTATION: Water/Wastewater Rate Study Report
Discussion re Reclaimed Water Rates
Mr. Mike Burton, president of Burton & Associates, said they had been conducting the
water/waste water rate study for the City and he was prepared to give the preliminary results
of that study. He gave a power point overview of the material included in the Rate Study
Report he distributed at this time.
During the presentation, Mr. Burton advised there was no up-front cost included in the report
and Mayor Vandergrift asked that it be provided.
At the conclusion of the report, Acting City Manager Shira asked if they were on the right
track. Commissioner Parker said she would need to read the handout just distributed before
making that decision and asked that it he on the next agenda. Mr. Shira said he and Mr.
Burton would look at other towns' rates and how they have expanded and return with a report.
Ms. Denise Lenko asked how the City would deal with citizens who, after the retrofitting,
decide to put down a shallow well after they have hooked up with the City reclaimed water for
irrigation. Mr. Shira said it had been his experience that there was a two to five year payback
period, plus the hassles, plus the uncertainty that the water is going to be there. Mr.
Rosenthal pointed out there would be a minimum charge to those who have water and sewer
service.
Mr. Burton thanked the Commission for allowing him to continue to be of service to the City.
RECESS 9:25 P.M.- 9:35 P.M.
DIRECTION FOR NEXT YEAR'S FOUNDERS' DAY (Community Relations/Projects
Director Shira)
Community Relations/Projects Director Shira reviewed the documents she had prepared for
this meeting and said there were many items on which she needed direction for the next
Founders' Day. Discussion on this item was postponed until a Special Session at 6:30 p.m. on
February 6, 2001.
CITY GRANT PROGRAM - Policy Concerning Grants to Individuals.
Discussion on this item was postponed until a Special Session at 6:30 p.m. on February 6,
2001.
ADDRESS TRAVEL POLICY (Ordinance No. 2000-24 continued from November 21,
2000)
oDQQfi►
Ocoee City Commission Special Session
January 4,2001
Mayor Vandergrift expressed his opinion that the Travel Policy should be a policy rather than
an ordinance, and City Attorney responded it would be proper to be adopted as either an
ordinance or resolution.
Commissioner Parker suggested each elected official write what they would like to see
changed and place it on the next agenda. She added it should be a non-moving target and easy
to understand.
Mayor Vandergrift said to furnish the desired changes to the City Clerk who would collate
and compile the proposed changes and circulate back to the elected officials for review before
the Special Session on February 6.
APPOINT Acting or Interim City Manager
City Attorney Rosenthal advised he could have a document including specific benefits
prepared for Acting City Manager Gleason ready for the next meeting.
Mayor Vandergrift moved to serve as City Manager at no charge. Motion died for lack of a
second.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to put on the ballot for a
strong mayor form of government. Motion lost 2-3 with Commissioners Howell, Johnson and
Parker voting no.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to have the Commissioners
run City-wide and live in the district they represent. Motion lost 2-3 with Commissioners
Anderson, Johnson and Parker voting no.
Mayor Vandergrift discussed briefly his feelings about the events over the past weeks, and his
remarks included a reference to three votes. Mr. Gleason asked that the record reflect that he
was not the person who said anything about three votes.
Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to put on the ballot to
take the Mayor's position away and rotate the position of chairman every year. Motion carried
3-2 with Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell voting no.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m.
APPROVED
Attest: City of Ocoee
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor