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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIII(A) Approval And Acceptance Of Minutes Of Commission Regular Session Of April 17, 2001 And Special Session Of April 19, 2001 Agenda 5-01-2001 DRAFTItem III A MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD APRIL 17, 2001 At 7:00 P.M. City Clerk Grafton administered the oath of office to Danny Howell, District 1 Commissioner, while his son, Austin, held the Bible. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. . Commissioner Parker led in prayer and Ed Campanero led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS West Orange High School Drama Club - excerpts from South Pacific Scott Graham, as the spokesperson for these students, announced the presentation of South Pacific at West Orange High School May 3, 4, 5 at 8:00 p.m. and May 6 at 2:30 p.m., directed by Ms. Sara Rush. Mr. Graham introduced each soloist in turn: Elizabeth Shepard sang "Happy Talk," Gabe Preisser sang "Some Enchanted Evening," and Julie Miller sang "I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy," accompanied by Mr. Pee. Years of Service Awards: Mayor Vandergrift presented the following years of service awards and each recipient's department director in turn expressed appreciation for the devotion and commitment shown by the employee. 5 Years - Jerry Lewis 20 Years - John Cockrell 25 Years - Robert "Wayne" Vaughn Certificates of Good Citizenship for students who cleaned up lot in Prairie Lakes Subdivision - Anthony Reed, Jasmine Reed, Lindsey Brennan, Kayla Ward, Erika Ward, Nicholas.... (Commissioner Parker) Commissioner Parker presented Good Citizenship awards to the very young people (ages 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 years) listed above because they saw a need and volunteered to take care of it, picking up nine 30 gallon garbage bags full of litter to clean up the lot. OGTV Programming Update - (Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, TV • Operations Manager Prihoda) Community Relations/Projects Director Shira reported on the status of the live programming, asked for input from officials and public, and TV Operations Manager Prihoda was present to answer questions. Mayor Vandergrift asked that a program for people to talk to their elected officials be implemented. There was discussion regarding budgeting for music. Mrs. Shira thanked Mr. Prihoda, the Public Works Department, Mr. Music, Mr. Hornsby and their crew for completing the TV room so quickly. Mrs. Shira announced the department's e-mail address: OGTV@ci.ocoee.fl.us. AT Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, and D. Commissioner Anderson asked Public Works Director Smith to clarify item C. After Mr. Smith finished his statements, Mr. R. P. Mohnacky asked about recycling, and Mr. Smith reported the tonnage collected each month for recycling, stating it was not a money-making project but rather a landfill saving project required by state law. Mayor Vandergrift asked Mr. Smith to provide a comparison chart showing the amount of garbage/recyclables collected each year. Acting City Manager Gleason pointed out there were neighborhoods coming online soon that are not in the city's water/sewer service area and a method for billing them for garbage service still must be worked out. Without objection Mayor Vandergrift proposed having a study done regarding putting the garbage bill on the tax bill instead of the water bill. Mr. Smith said Mr. Rosenthal's office was already working on it. Mayor Vandergrift pulled item D for discussion. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to approve items A, B, and C of the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of Commission Regular Session of April 3, 2001 and Canvassing Board Meeting of April 11, 2001. (City Clerk Grafton) B. Approval and Authorization to Grant Special Permit for Road Closing of Oakland Avenue from Bluford Avenue to Lakewood Avenue for Historical Society Arts & Crafts Festival. (Building/Zoning Official Velie) • Staff recommends approval with the following requirements: 1) All residents that will be affected by the road blockage must be notified in advance; 2) Health Central Ambulance must be notified of the road closure in advance: and 3) Roads must be blocked with proper barricades. C. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Interlocal Agreement with Orange County for the Use of the County Solid Waste Management System. (Public Works Director Smith) • This Agreement establishes a contract under which the City will deliver all household garbage to County designated transfer stations for further disposal by the County, and will run for ten(10)years. Mayor Vandergrift said he had a report that Silver Star Road goes through the property in the Silver Ark Replat. City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira advised this was not so. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to approve item D of the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 5-0. D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Silver Ark - Replat. (Engineer Gavrilovic) Page 2 of 9 © EAT Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 • Silver Crossings is a commercial site located at the northeast corner of Clarke Road and Silver Star Road-. This replat separates out the existing Lot 1 into 2 lots. This additional lot is located in the southeast corner of the property and is called Lot 2. All required documentation pertaining to the platting has been reviewed and approved by City Staff. Both a Performance Bond and a Maintenance Bond have been posted to guarantee the workmanship of the improvements. Non-Agenda Item Mayor Vandergrift read a proclamation proclaiming the month of May Ocoee Christian Church month in the City of Ocoee. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC There were no citizen comments at this time. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Howell thanked citizens for their support in the election and thanked his campaign workers for their efforts. Commissioner Parker announced the Arts and Crafts Show at the Withers-Maguire House on Saturday, April 28. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Both of these have been rescheduled for May 1, 2001. Request for Variance Case No. 01VR-2001:Satchell - CANCELLED Request for Variance Case No. 03VR02001:Smith - CANCELLED OTHER BUSINESS This item was taken out of agenda order: Selection of Master Planning and Engineering Consultant for Development of the Coke Property. (Planning Director Wagner) Planning Director Wagner gave the staff report, pointing out there were four responses to the RFQ for the development of the Coke Property. All four were interviewed by the Selection Committee and were ranked with Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin, Inc./Canin Associates number one in the ranking. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve the Selection Committee's selection of Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin, Inc., and to direct Staff to enter into contract negotiations for Master Planning and Engineering Services for development of the Coke Property. Motion carried 5-0. Founders' Day Entertainment and Fireworks. (Community Relations/Projects Director Shira) Page 3 of 9 DRAFT Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Community Relations/Projects Director Shira asked for authorization for Staff to enter into contract negotiations for the entertainment (not-to-exceed $20,000) and fireworks (not-to- exceed $15,000 with Zambelli Internationale) for Founders' Day and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the resulting contracts. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to approve the staff recommendation to allow staff to offer, negotiate, and book the headline talent for this year's Founders' Day in an amount not-to-exceed $20,000 of City funds, to negotiate and book the fireworks for the event at a cost not-to-exceed $15,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the referenced agreements without the need for the specific agreements to come back before the City Commission. Motion carried 5-0. MVP Neighborhood Grant Program Recommendations. (Community Relations/Projects Director Shira) Community Relations/Projects Director Shira said this program has grown in popularity and there were eleven applicants this year. She said she regretted not having enough funds to accommodate all of the applicants as she presented the top eight applicants and recommended them for full funding at $2,500 each: Windermere Groves, Ocoee Elementary, Johio Bay, Silver Bend, Reflections, Waterside, Sleepy Harbour, and Lake Olympia Club. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to approve staff recommendation to fully fund at $2,500 each Windermere Groves, Ocoee Elementary, Johio Bay, Silver Bend, Reflections, Waterside, Sleepy Harbour, and Lake Olympia Club. And further to put the remainder of the applicants (Lake Olympia, Cross Creek, and Wesmere) on a priority list and as funds become available fund them this year, and if not, place them on a priority list for next year to be funded first. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais. Mrs. Renne Leatto, 11011 Groveshire Court, as the preparer of the grant for Windermere Groves, stated objections to placing an organization that had not done its homework at the top of next year's list. Mr. Spencer Solomon, 534 Gold Moss Loop, Cross Creek, addressed the amount of effort and money the grants generate for the community. Mr. Lance Schnacky, 1236 Hawthorne Cove Drive, Lake Olympia Village, said they would settle for less, if necessary. Mrs. Shira asked the winners to attend the May 1 meeting to receive their checks, and she asked for authorization to continue to work with those who were not ranked among the winners. Page 4 of 9 ID RAFT Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Commissioner Johnson suggested awarding a lesser amount to those. Without objection, Mr. Gleason was directed to look for more money and see if all could be funded. Maguire Road Widening Project - Change Order Number 2 with Ryan, Inc. Eastern. (City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira) City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira gave the staff report, saying this Change Order #2 covers eleven different items, ten of which are additional project costs, and one of which is a credit, with a total increase in expenditure of$48,577.64. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve the Change Order #2 for Ryan, Inc. Eastern as presented. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais. RECESS 8:47 - 9:00 P.M. Agreement with Conserve II for the Delivery and Use of Reclaimed Water. (City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira) City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira gave the staff report, saying this agreement covers the delivery of reclaimed water by Orlando and Orange County acting as Consery II, to the City of Ocoee. The Maguire Road widening project includes construction of a reclaimed water main along Maguire Road that is to be connected to the Consery II main. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Water Consery II Agreement for the delivery and use of reclaimed water. Motion carried 5-0. Elect Mayor pro tem and Consider City Commission Board/Committee Responsibilities. (City Clerk Grafton) Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to appoint Commissioner Anderson to serve as Mayor pro tern. Motion carried 5-0. Board/Committee Responsibilities: Referring to a list provided showing the current responsibilities, Mayor Vandergrift said the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council no longer exists, so he is no longer representing the City in that capacity. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to appoint Commissioner Johnson to represent the City on the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Motion carried 5-0. Page 5 of 9 IDEMF Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to appoint Commissioner Parker to serve as Ex Officio Member of CACOPD. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to appoint Commissioner Howell to serve as Ex-Officio Member to the Education Commission. Motion carried 5-0. Without objection Commission agreed that the remainder of its responsibilities would remain the same: Commissioner Anderson - Ex-Officio Member of Parks & Recreation Board Commissioner Howell - Member of Personnel Board Commissioner Parker - Member of Educational Incentive Committee Commissioner Johnson - Member Innovative Idea Committee Commissioner Anderson - Representative to West Orange Health Alliance After a lengthy discussion regarding the City's involvement with the West Orange Airport Authority, Commissioner Johnson made it clear he was opposed to remaining a part of the Authority. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to retain Harold Maguire as the City's Representative on the West Orange Airport Authority. Motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Johnson voting no. Set Meeting Dates. (City Clerk Grafton) Special Session - City Manager Selection (Human Resources Director Psaledakis) Commissioner Johnson stated he thought the Special Session tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 19, could be best used to work out the details of a contract with Acting City Manager Gleason, as he had reviewed all of the resumes and had found none he felt could do a better job than Mr. Gleason. Commissioner Anderson made positive remarks about the last three months with the City under the guidance of Mr. Gleason and said he was a true leader. Commissioner Parker also spoke in favor of hiring Mr. Gleason. Commissioner Howell said he had looked at all of the resumes and had not found any that impressed him. Commissioner Johnson said the City could never have made it to where it is without Ellis Shapiro and he wanted to keep someone who knows the town and the people. City Attorney Rosenthal suggested using Mr. Shapiro's base employment agreement and he could identify issues that need discussion at that meeting. Page 6 of 9 DEAF ET Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to schedule a special meeting of the City Commission at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2001, to meet with Acting City Manager Jim Gleason to discuss the terms and conditions of an employment agreement for employment as city manager and to take such actions as may be appropriate at that meeting. Motion carried 4-1 with Mayor Vandergrift voting no. Mayor Vandergrift read an e-mail message from a concerned citizen regarding the resumes being ignored. Commissioner Howell said he had personally called 10 of the applicants by telephone and still felt Mr. Gleason was the best man for the job. Non-Agenda Item Insurance Coverage for Ellis Shapiro Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to pay Ellis Shapiro's insurance to the end of the fiscal year. Motion carried 5-0. Work Session - CIP (Finance Director Horton) Without objection the Work Session to review the CIP was set for May 3, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. Appointments to Boards. (City Clerk Grafton) Planning and Zoning Commission - Milton West Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to reappoint Milton West for a term ending February 2002. Motion carried 5-0. Code Enforcement Board - Bill Henderson Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to reappoint Bill Henderson for a term ending September 2001. Motion carried 5-0. Education Commission - to Complete Jenny Wilsen's Term Ending August 2002 Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to appoint Susan Miller to complete Jenny Wilsen's term which ends August 2002. Motion carried 5-0. Discussion/Action re: Volunteer Boards/Commissions. (Acting City Manager Gleason) Review of Resolution No. 98-07, establishing the Education Commission. Acting City Manager Gleason said this item was on the agenda to give an opportunity to make other suggestions to amending Resolution No. 98-07 besides the change requested by Mayor Vandergrift at the April 17 meeting to change the word shall to may in section 5.e. Commissioner Parker asked what schools are not represented and the City Clerk was asked to provide that information. Page 7 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to change Section 5.e to read as follows: Each public school within the City of Ocoee shall may have at least one representative member. Motion carried 5-0. Policy Concerning Continued Absences from Board Meetings. Acting City Manager Gleason discussed the different absentee policies for the volunteer boards and asked for direction for the City Attorney to write up a general policy which would serve for all the boards. He pointed out the City Charter addresses absences from the City Commission meetings by providing that absences from four consecutive meetings shall vacate the seat of the member absent, unless the absence is excused by the City Commission by resolution setting forth the fact of such excuse duly entered in the minutes. Commissioner Anderson said he would prefer to measure the absences in months rather than meetings and go with two cycles or two months. City Attorney Rosenthal asked if Commission wished for all boards to be treated uniformly and if the vacation of the position would be automatic. Commission agreed that boards that meet as needed may need a different treatment, but that the vacation would be automatic. Mr. Rosenthal will prepare a draft ordinance for review. STAFF REPORTS COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Each official in turn congratulated Commissioner Howell for his win in the election. Commissioner Parker said Mr. Gleason is checking on getting a car to drive seniors to their card game meetings and she will find out the results Wednesday when she checks her e-mail. Commissioner Johnson 1) Suggested sending an application/directions on how to run for city office to the address on Perce Street. 2) Said he wants the City to send letters to the downtown owners and set up a committee of volunteers to revitalize downtown. He is setting up a golf tournament in June to raise funds. Commissioner Anderson 1) Discussed the 5th grade essays presented at the Ocoee Woman's Club at noon today and asked that they be put on the agenda for May 1. 2) Congratulated City Manager Gleason. Page 8 of 9 DRAF Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting April 17, 2001 Commissioner Howell 1) Asked that a trash can be placed at the bus stop at Burnt Tree and North Lakewood. Mr. Smith will take care of it. 2) Asked Mr. Smith if a street light that he had reported out to Mr. Smith had been taken care of. Mr. Smith advised it had been reported to Florida Power. 3) Said he wants the Jamela Street water tower painted and also wants to have it converted to liquid from gas. Mayor Vandergrift asked if the sidewalk had been forgotten in front of the library on Silver Star Road. He asked Mrs. Lopez-Anderson, who was in the audience, if she had information regarding this. She responded that she had not, but that she had a concern about the retention pond at Citrus Elementary School which was dangerous. City Manager Gleason said he would check into both issues and report. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. APPROVED: Attest: City of Ocoee Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor Page 9 of 9 Agenda 5-01-2001 [i ) (1 n �( Item III A MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION HELD APRIL 19, 2001 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM Mayor pro tern Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Commission Chambers Conference Room. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENT: Mayor pro tem Anderson, Commissioners Howell, Johnson, and Parker. Also present were Acting City Manager Gleason, City Attorney Rosenthal, and City Clerk Grafton. Also present in the audience were Former Commissioner Betty Hager, her son, James Fleming, Former Mayor Lester Dabbs, Martha Lopez-Anderson, Police Lt. Steve Goclon, an unidentified gentleman, and later in the meeting several members of the CACOPD arrived. ABSENT: Mayor Vandergrift (unable to attend) DISCUSSION/ACTION RE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR CITY MANAGER GLEASON City Attorney Rosenthal said this Special Session was pursuant to Commission direction on Tuesday, April 17 in order to discuss and take action with respect to an employment agreement with Jim Gleason as City Manager. He said the action taken Tuesday night was to call this meeting for this purpose, but a motion to appoint Mr. Gleason as City Manager had not yet been made. He recommended that, after that motion was made, the employment agreement with former City Manager Shapiro could be used as a guideline for this agreement, with particular changes discussed at this meeting regarding the term, clarification of automatic renewals, salary, annual salary reviews/adjustments, life insurance, deferred compensation, severance pay, etc., incorporated into an agreement to be adopted at the May 1 regular meeting of this Commission. He added the formal appointment of City Manager could be made at this time, and the Human Resources Director could be directed to send notices to applicants advising the decision has been made. Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to appoint Jim Gleason as City Manager of the City of Ocoee for a term of one year, as of today. Motion carried 4-0 Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to request Human Resources Director Psaledakis to advise all of the applicants for the City Manager position that it has been filled. Motion carried 4-0. RECESS 7:12 - 7:21 P.M. (TO MAKE COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT) As there were several citizens who wished to speak, Mayor pro tem Anderson gave them an opportunity to speak at this time. ffifl Ocoee City Commission Special Session April 19,2001 James Fleming, 511 Orange Avenue, listed the following issues: 1) The 10% clause bothered him about the previous City Manager agreement. 2) He had looked through some of the resumes and found several that he felt were more qualified than Mr. Gleason, but they did not live in Ocoee. 3) He wanted to be sure the City contributed to a pension program for the City Manager. 4) He believed there should be a training wage for the City Manager. Former 'Mayor Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, said he was disappointed that the process had been short circuited and the public did not get a chance to speak. He asked about a reported lunch attended by elected officials and Mr. Gleason. In response, several Commissioners simultaneously said they had gone to supper to celebrate Commissioner Howell's winning the election, that it was a purely social evening, and that Mr. Gleason was not present. Mr. Dabbs said at least two commissioners had told him they were not going to hire Mr. Gleason and also he objected to the new City Manager salary being the same as Mr. Shapiro's. Former Commissioner Hager, 511 Orange Avenue, said there was no reason for her to speak, as the decision had already been made, but she recalled the problems experienced by all during Mr. Gleason's term as commissioner. She also recalled that both Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Anderson had told her they were not going to hire Mr. Gleason. Martha Lopez-Anderson, 2438 Alclobe Circle, said it appeared the decision was made Tuesday Ito hire the City Manager. Lt. Goclon, Ocoee Police Department, said Mr. Gleason's lack of experience should not be a hindrance as he had good department heads who were experienced. He added that, due to Mr. Shapiro's management style, the years he was City Manager were difficult for staff, and Mr. Gleason has treated employees decently as Acting City Manager. At this point in the meeting a page by page review of the agreement began. Page 2 ; 2. Term: change 180 days to 90 days 3 A. Compensation and Benefits: There was discussion here regarding a chart which had been distributed showing city manager salaries along with populations of various cities. Without objection Commission agreed to leave the salary the same as the budgeted amount ($84,635.20 annually) until the end of the fiscal year and the salary will be discussed through the budget process and may be increased effective October 1, 2001, as part of the budget process. Mr. Gleason had distributed a list of contract discussion points which he said was to show the amount needed for the City Manager to be paid more than the next highest paid employee. He added he was aware of the budget issues and would not press for a higher salary at this time. 2 AFT Ocoee City Commission Special Session April 19,2001 The visitors left the room and the discussion continued. Page 3 & 4 4.A, B, C, D, and E. Without objection Commission agreed on standard retirement, perks, insurance, professional dues etc. Page 4 F. Deferred Compensation: 10% of base salary up to $8,500 paid directly to agency of the employee's choosing. Without objection Commission agreed to include the City Manager when a cost of living increase is provided other employees. Without objection Commission agreed to provide the City Manager a car every other year (not a police interceptor car) and move the old car to staff use. Page 7 & 8. 7.A, B. Resignation and Termination: (Without cause) 3 months and benefits through the 3rd month (health, life, disability) Commissioner Parker asked if this Commission was under any legal obligation to go through any application process. City Attorney Rosenthal responded, "No." Commissioner Parker asked if this Commission was under any legal obligation to go through any public going over of the applications once they were received. City Attorney Rosenthal responded, "No." Several members of the CACOPD arrived. Commissioner Johnson stated for the record: "I've sat at - and he was making enuendos about us having lunch the other day - but, let me tell you something, I have sat at plenty of lunch tables with ex-Mayor Dabbs - publicly I'll tell you - ain't got nothing to do with what we were doing with city business - but we sat with City Manager Ellis Shapiro setting right there with us. So there ain't no difference if any one of them is along. But I'm telling you. That's a fact of life. I'm telling you, it burns my gut to be told just because you make a vote, you know, you're, in the sunshine law, you've done something wrong or you're - You know I sit with these people, in tables with them eating, and sitting at places, and all of a sudden it's wrong when we go and do it with somebody else. So don't tell me that. And another thing I want on record, and I wanted Goclon to come back in here, but he's probably gone. But I'll tell you for public record and I hope - I wish you'd give him a copy of this. How long did he say he'd been working here? (Response from voices at the table: 12 years) Well, he can...he's made a misnomer or mis-statement. I'm going to tell you right now, we, whether you wouldn't want to think so or not, but this is my opinion and I can verify it through plenty of people, and Jim 3 DRAFT Ocoee City Commission Special Session April 19,2001 will probably would say it. Ellis Shapiro is what we had to have when we were in the ages coming through. He put us on the right road how to finance, how to bond issue. We wouldn't have the police department we've got over there this day. He can think what he wants to about the way it was run, about the other chief that left. But I'm telling you, sitting in this city with what happened to us with Ted Ryan, with Mr. Burgess, or .. Ellis Shapiro has sat in plenty of meetings that I've sat in and I've watched him handle lawyers,.developers, and everybody else, no matter what we liked or disliked about him or what he did, he knew and he knew how to run a government. And they, and I've been to Cape Coral and he's full of crap. That's another police officer saying that. "scuse me, I mean it ain't nothing I personally know my brother was there in that city. He was assistant city manager. The fire department and chief of police and the firemen used to ride with them everywhere, made them honorary members. So you get a focus of what you want to think. This police department right here, Ellis Shapiro always helped them. And this city would not be where it's sitting with the roads - with the access through the County with what all we've done without Ellis Shapiro. Now you can not like him. I mean, anything you want to. But let me tell you what, we wouldn't have been where we are and he wouldn't be making the. salary he's making as a police officer he's making today if it wasn't for Ellis Shapiro. And I, I, I'm, I don't care, Ellis is gone. Ellis is done. But I don't want to hear that, `cause I can show you out in this town, this building, our taxes, our- salaries - look at these employees' salaries we've got here, the benefits. That they've never, ever been shied from. But he led us into the 90's and into this part. I'm not trying to be a preacher, folks, but I know, and the only reasons - and I got - it just makes me sick that I've sat here for fourteen years with people that don't judge my theory or my thinking. That I have a lot of respect for, that don't think I can think. And I'm telling you there's something wrong if they can't believe that we can make a judgment. I'm elected by the citizens of this town to make.a judgment, and I'm going to make it. When he sit with me, Lester sit with me on the board, he made a judgment. So what's the difference? When Ellis Shapiro did what he was supposed to do in this town, you can think what you want to and the employees can, but there's also employees here that will tell you that he did what he was supposed to do, that he got us to where we are. Maybe he didn't have the nicest demeanor, you know, and all. But he did what he was supposed to do to help us, and we're sitting here tonight with all of us here, and this city that I think is the best thing that ever - and our police department is not behind. We've got - way update every equipment, and we've got first standards of what we're supposed to have. So, I'm personally, I should have said a while ago it offends me and I really respect that young man because-he is a good officer. But that's his statement, That's not what I feel and I think Ellis was done an injustice when you say stuff like that. And I think we will move ahead and I think Jim's going to do a great job and I also want to make a statement and I called my wife tonight before I came up here after I heard this comment. She was standing right there with me and that's her cousin. I asked her, I said, 'Did I say that?' She said, 'No, you did not say that.' That's all I'm saying, don't read into things that I say that I haven't said. I mean,-you're not going to make that statement to me because I'm going to say something back. We're going to give you the chance to do the job. 4 D AFL--= Ocoee City Commission Special Session April 19,2001 We couldn't lay them 120-something applications out into the public. We'd never get it solved. And let me tell you what, you can bring them all in from New York City and New Jersey and everywhere else. That don't mean they're going to be able to do the job. So we're where we're at and we are the ones who are going to take the hits if we don't do it right. So that's my - I just wish everybody would get to thinking in modern times. You look at these salaries on these cities. Winter Garden starts at 85; they are one-third the size of us. Jim, I want you to know, you've got us on the hot seat here too, but I know you're going to do it and I think you can do it and not a one of us has had the conflicts that you and I have had and as I told you, it's forgive and forget. And move on with what we've got to do. And now I'm off the record." After Commissioner Parker and Commissioner Howell made a few remarks, City Attorney Rosenthal said he would finalize the agreement and it would be on the May 1 agenda. • ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. APPROVED: Attest: City of Ocoee Jean Grafton, City Clerk Scott Anderson, Mayor pro tem 5