HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #01 - Minutes
MINUTES
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
April 3, 2007 at 7:15 P.M.
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
I A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular session to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. Commissioner Anderson gave the Invocation and Commissioner Hood led the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and declared a quorum present.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Anderson, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Keller, and Commissioner Johnson.
Also Present:
Assistant City Attorney Palmer, City Manager Frank, City Clerk Eikenberry
I B. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Presentation of Awards to the Winners of the "Drop Saver Contest" - Water Conservation
Coordinator Diana Wagner. (Mayor Vandergrift). Utilities Director Smith,
Administrative Aide Pat Cornell and Water Conservation Coordinator Diana Wagner
presented Certificates and Gift Cards to 27 students from Spring Lake Elementary, Ocoee
Middle School, Citrus Elementary, and Thornbrooke Elementary
RECESS 7:28 p.m. - 7:37 p.m.
Presentation - Merit Award to Firefighter Thomas Smothers for his Life Saving Actions on
March 8, 2007. (Fire Chief Firstner) Fire Chief Firstner explained how Firefighter Thomas
Smothers used CPR and an AED to assist a family whose 15 year old son collapsed on the ball
field and went into cardiac arrest. The teenager recovered quickly and is doing well.
Presentation - 2006 Audit Report - Elden McDirmit, C.P.A. (Finance Director Horton)
Elden McDirmit gave an overview of the CAFR. .
Commissioner Anderson -asked about the Stormwater Fund, if we have projection when it will
be in the positive and not in the negative. Finance Director Horton advised when we added the
stormwater to the tax roll, we were able to recoup some of those properties that we were not
previously getting revenue from; we should be in the black in a few years.
Commissioner Anderson- regarding the Coke property, how is the revenue that we are no
longer getting affect this report? City Manager Frank said that will show in next year's CAFR,
this report covers the fiscal year through September 30, 2006. Mr. McDirmit said that is correct
although the deficit is recorded in the report because it is borrowed money. Commissioner
Anderson asked if we were going to do a mid year budget review to address the lack of revenue
from the Coke property. City Manager Frank said that the way they are going to handle that is
by identifying 2 - 2.5 million dollars in projects that were going to be funded by the Coke
property that may need to be delayed. T e CAFR also shows 2.2 million dollars rolled over from
last year's budget, so they cancel each ther out. We do still have the money coming in for the
Coke property once we close on that. ere is really nothing else to address that would create a
need for the mid-year budget review ince the health plan was funded for the whole year.
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
Finance Director Horton said we have identified projects that we can hold off on because of the
delay in receiving the money from the Coke property. Commissioner Anderson said he would
like a list of those projects that have been identified. City Manager Frank said he will get the list
to him, but also advised that many of the projects that are delayed were associated with the
Crown Point property.
Mayor Vandergrift thanked Finance Director Horton for 17 years of Excellence in Financial
Reporting.
Commissioner Anderson referred to the early retirement issue on Page 50, and asked if we
planned to do another early retirement any time in the near future. Human Resources Director
Carnicella said that with the changes that were implemented in the pension, on the multiplier
and the 81 % cap, there are no plans to recommend another early retirement for several years.
Proclamation - Day of Remembrance - April 15, 2007. (Mayor Vandergrift)
Mayor Vandergrift read the proclamation regarding the Holocaust.
I C. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - none
I D. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner Keller 1) thanked everyone who came out to the Bike-a-thon to raise money for
the SOCS Legal fund; they raised approximately $4300, 2) said the Knights for Nurses event was
a big success and they put on an excellent show again this year.
Commissioner Johnson 1) said the Chamber of Commerce is coming up again this year, at
Varanda Place on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at $31.00 per ticket. We have purchased six tickets
in the past and he would like to do the same this year.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded bv Commissioner Keller moved to approve
the purchase of six tickets for the West Oranae Chamber of Commerce Best Fest.
at a total cost of $186.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Anderson asked if this could be placed in the budget for next year since it is an
annual event; the Mayor responded that the price changes each year.
Commissioner Anderson 1) asked when the pool will be open this year and Parks and
Recreation Director Hayes advised it would be May 5, 2007. It is delayed a little this year due to
the resurfacing of the pool, 2) asked why the crosswalk/handicapped ramp at Silver Star Road
and Bluford Avenue couldn't be done while the kids were out of school. City Manager Frank
said that work was done by the State, not the City, and they do not coordinate with us on their
timeline.
Commissioner Hood - no comments
Mayor Vandergrift- 1) said April 10, 2007, will be the hearing regarding the rezoning of kids to
the Apopka Relief School, 2) said the Relay for Life event will be at Ocoee High School on the
weekend of April 13-15, 2007, and encouraged everyone to attend.
I E. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval and Acceptance of the Regular City Commission Minutes of March 20, 2007.
(City Clerk Eikenberry)
Page 2 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
2. Appointment to the Code Enforcement Board. (City Clerk Eikenberry)
The Code Enforcement Board was created by Ordinance No. 741 on June 16, 1981. The purpose of this board
is to review infractions of the City technical Codes, negotiate compliance and impose fmes for failure to
comply. The Code Enforcement Board is to have seven (7) regular members and two (2) alternate members; all
with three year terms. The board currently consists of seven (7) regular members and one (1) alternate member.
Therefore, there is currently one (1) alternate member position available. One application has been submitted
for a position on the board by Shahzad Ahmad (District 3).
3. Quarterly Financial Report - First Quarter FY 2007. (Finance Director Horton)
The Quarterly Financial Report presents the results of fmancial activity of the City for a three-month period.
The report for the fIrst quarter summarizes the activity for the months of October 2006 through December 2006.
Revenues overall are being received as anticipated for all funds. Expenditures continue to be closely monitored
and compared to revenues to monitor any potential impact to daily operations or capital projects.
4. Award of Bid #B07-03 Ocoee Family Aquatic Center Pool Resurfacing and Leak
Detection Project. (Purchasing Agent Tolbert)
The Parks and Recreation Department budgeted $35,000 for the resurfacing of the swimming pool basin in the
2006-07 budget. The amount of the bid ($43,050) has exceeded the amount that was budgeted ($35,000) and
funds will need to be transferred to offset the difference of $8,050. The Parks and Recreation Department is
proposing to use funds remaining from another project and to transfer funds from another account. The
department does have a balance ($3,169.06) remaining from another project in the same account line, Capital
Expenditure Park Improvement (001-572-00-6204) as the pool work was budgeted, and is proposing to transfer
the remaining funds ($4,880.94) from the operating account Recreation Programs (001-572-00-5900).
5. Approval of Licensing Agreement Allowing the City to Utilize Copyrighted Music as
Part of City Events. (Parks & Recreation Director Hayes)
The City has been contacted by the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
regarding the City's use of copyrighted musical works in its functions. Cities currently are required to gain
permission for the right to use certain copyrighted information at public events and through Parks and
Recreation programs. This right includes public performances that might be construed as sponsored by the city
or the playing music at dances and recreational facilities. All this would be covered under the agreement.
ASCAP has worked with the International Municipal Attorneys Association (IMLA) to author a standard
contract which grants the City use of the copyrighted materials as defIned in the Agreement for a period of one
(1) year for fee of$284.00.
6. Approval of Request from Ocoee Youth Soccer League to Apply for a Field of Dreams
Grant from Orange County. (Parks & Recreation Director Hayes)
The Ocoee Youth Soccer League (OYSL) has approached the City seeking assistance and support to apply for a
Field of Dreams Grant through the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department. OYSL is seeking a grant
to install sports lighting on the open practice fIeld which lies to the west of the Beech Recreation Center. The
amount of the grant that the OYSL is seeking through the Field of Dreams Grant program is $50,000 and the
OYSL has requested the City's assistance by providing a match of $50,000. The deadline for submitting the
grant application is April 26, 2007. If the OYSL were to receive a grant through the Field of Dreams Program
and install lights at this location, under the terms of the grant the City of Ocoee would be required to provide
and allow for the use of the lights by the OYSL and other organizations for a period of fIve (5) years under the
terms of the grant program.
7. Approval of Purchase of Playground Equipment to be Installed at the Beech Recreation
Center. (Parks & Recreation Director Hayes)
The Parks and Recreation Department has budgeted $50,000 for the purchase of playground equipment in the
2006-07 budget. It has received a proposal from Playmore Recreational Products & Services in the amount of
$46,830.94 priced according to a state contract with the City of Jacksonville (SC-0511-06). The proposal
includes the cost of the equipment and installation, and the installation of poured-in-place resilient surface
material. The price quoted for the play equipment is a sale price which will expire on March 31, 2007, however
the manufacturer has extended the sale price to April 4, 2007 for the Parks and Recreation Department. The
equipment which is designed to accommodate the 5 to 12 year old age level and complement the existing 2 to 5
year old play equipment will be installed at the Beech Recreation Center complex.
Page 3 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
8. Approval for Request for Road Closing of Acropolis Circle for Birthday Party.
(Building Official Jones)
In order to temporarily close a public street, the approval of the Honorable Mayor and City Commission is
required. DeeAnn Schaalma of Lake Olympia Club Subdivision has made application to the City for a Special
Events Permit for a birthday party that would require the temporary closing of a City owned street. The event
will be held on May 6, 2007 from 1 pm- 7pm. The street to be closed is Acropolis Circle. 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; 3) An
emergency lane must be maintained at all times; and, 4) Roads must be blocked with proper barricades.
Consent Agenda Vote:
Commissioner Hood seconded by Commissioner Anderson moved to approve
Consent Aaenda Items #1 throuah #8, as presented by staff. Motion carried 5-0.
I F. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
I G. ORDINANCE FIRST READINGS
9. West 50 Commercial Subdivision Ordinance. (Second Reading Scheduledfor April 17, 2007).
(Senior Planner Howell)
The subject property is located east ofSR 429 and north of the Florida Turnpike in unincorporated Orange
County. The applicant is proposing to develop a four lot commercial subdivision on the subject property and the
property to the north, which is currently in the City and is zoned C-3 (General Commercial). Based on the
recommendations of the DRC and Planning & Zoning Commission, staff recommends that Honorable Mayor
and City Commissioners adopt the ordinance to annex 2.25 acres ofland known as the West 50 Commercial
Subdivision and also adopt the ordinance to rezone the property to C-3 (General Commercial).
a. Annexation
b. Rezoning
Assistant City Attorney Palmer read the titles of the Annexation Ordinance and the Rezoning
Ordinance for the West 50 Commercial Subdivision.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that the 2nd Reading and Public Hearing will be heard on April
17,2007, at 7:15 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard.
10. McCully Property Ordinance. (Second Reading Scheduled for April 17, 2007). (Principal
Planner Rumer)
Charles McCully is requesting the annexation of a 0.8 :f: acre parcel and a change of zoning from Orange
County "A-I" (Citrus Rural) to the City of Ocoee "R-l" (Single-Family Dwelling) on a property located on
the west side of Adair Street, 155' North ofVignetti Park. The applicant is proposing two single family homes
after a short form subdivision plat is processed under a separate review. Based on the recommendations of the
DRC and Planning & Zoning Commission, staff recommends that Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
adopt the ordinance to annex the 0.8 +/- acres of land known as the McCully Property, and also adopt the
ordinance to rezone the property to "R-l" Single-Family Dwelling District".
a. Annexation
b. Rezoning
Assistant City Attorney Palmer read the titles of the Annexation Ordinance and the Rezoning
Ordinance for the McCully Property.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that the 2nd Reading and Public Hearing will be heard on April
17,2007, at 7:15 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard.
Page 4 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
I H. REGULAR AGENDA
11. Approval of Redevelopment Master Plan for Central Park. (Parks & Recreation
Director Hayes)
In December 2006 the City contracted with HHI Consultants to develop a master plan for the redevelopment of
Central Park. The City was seeking to upgrade the park to address several areas of concern that included:
accessibility, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. The City sought HHI's assistance in assessing the park's
existing conditions, making recommendation for upgrades and in preparing a master plan for the redevelopment
of Central Park. In January 2007, City staff and HHI representatives met with representatives of both the Ocoee
Bulldogs Pop Warner Football League and Ocoee Little League. The purpose of the meetings was to receive
feedback from the leagues and to determine what their needs were from a facility standpoint. Both groups
provided additional insight into their programs and what their priorities were for the redevelopment of the park.
In January and February 2007, City staff and HHI representatives presented conceptual plans for the
redevelopment of the park to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. The conceptual plan, cost estimates and
phasing recommendations are meant to serve to guide for the City in its planning and budgeting for future
improvements to the park. In addition to this, these documents will assist the City in applying for local, state
and federal assistance through various grant programs. The estimated costs to accomplish the improvements
identified within the plan are anticipated to exceed four million dollars. The Parks and Recreation Department
has developed a phasing plan that would spread this cost out over several years. The phasing plan is based upon
the assumption that funding levels will remain consistent for the first three phases with that of the current fiscal
year, $500,000. However, it is understood that funding could certainly vary form one year to another, based
upon the overall needs of the City Commission. The phasing plan attempts to address the identified deficiencies
that are related to safety and accessibility, and to take advantage of undeveloped or underdeveloped assets
within the park that will enhance the use and enjoyment of the park by the general public.
Parks and Recreation Director Hayes gave an overview of the design process thus far. He
said that money was budgeted this year for the redevelopment of Central Park. In December
2006, the City contracted with HHI to develop a Master Plan for the Park. Areas of concern
included issues of accessibility, safety, functionality, and overall aesthetics. Mr. Hayes said
that the plan has been presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory board also
Ginger Corless, President of HHI Consulting and Laura Mims, Senior Associate reviewed
the Master Plan for Central Park with a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Vandergrift asked if they considered linking the bulldog field with the cemetery for
parking purposes. Ms. Corless pointed out the pathway on the Northwest comer that
connected to the parking area near the old cemetery. There was some discussion regarding
the erosion of the field and the sloping, and HHI said they are working with the sloping of
the ball fields with a retaining wall which also becomes a decorative enhancement along the
walkway.
Commissioner Anderson asked where the money will come from. City Manager Frank
said that $500,000 was earmarked in the budget for Phase 1, and we will have to consider the
other phases in future budgets.
Commissioner Anderson asked about switching the placement of the tennis courts and
basketball courts. Ms. Corless said there was discussion on that at the Parks and Recreation
Meeting, but it was decided that basketball courts need to be kept apart from playgrounds or
tennis courts because of the different types of users.
Commissioner Hood added that this is long past due and he hopes we will be proactive at
budget time to make this happen.
Page 5 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
Further discussion occurred regarding a skate park, the appropriate use of the Vignetti
Complex, condition of the restrooms at Vignetti Parks, etc. City Manager Frank said most
of these issues will be considered during the Master Plan.
Commissioner Keller asked if the tennis courts would be better used as something else
because the tennis courts are always vacant. Commissioner Johnson said the reason people
don't use those courts is because of the terrible condition they are in. Commissioner Hood
said we have people in place now that will maintain them and not let them get into such poor
condition.
Mayor Vandergrift said part of our problem is that we are not properly advertising what
facilities and programs are available in each park. He would like to see large signs posted
around the parks and a brochure given to new residents. City Manager Frank said we do
not really want to spotlight the parks until we get done with some of the improvements in our
Master Plan. Commissioner Hood said the parks have been neglected for a long time and it
will take time and money to get them corrected. Commissioner Anderson said the
$500,000 for Phase I are just the basic things we are looking at that need to be improved right
now. He asked if we have looked at any of these items to see if Impact Fees can be used.
City Manager Frank said some items such as the second basketball court or second tennis
court should be able to be funded from impact fees. Mavor Vanderarift said he would
like to see an overall survey for parks and recreation needs done, and the
consensus of the Commission was to make that a part of the Master Plan.
Commissioner Hood seconded bv Anderson moved to approve the conceptual
desian for Central Park and directed staff to move forward with the Phase I as
recommended bv staff which includes improvements and replacements to
existina fencina, bleachers, ADA ramps, sidewalks and plavaround
eauipment. Motion carried 4-1 with Mavor Vanderarift opposed.
Mayor Vandergrift stated he was voting against it because he does not want to approve a
$500,000 expenditure until he sees a Master Plan. City Manager Frank said this will be
part of the overall Master Plan, but staff was directed to move forward with Central Park,
Phase One to take care of some items in need of immediate repair.
12. Approval of Request for Reduction of Fine and Release of Lien - Code Enforcement
Board Case No. 05-004, Global Realty Brokers. (Building Official Jones)
On November 29, 2004, Code Enforcement Officer Robert Siegrist observed violations of city code on the
property located at 5001 Water Wheel Court, Ocoee, Florida. The violations observed were overgrown
grass/weeds, accumulation of miscellaneous trash and debris, and the presence of an untagged vehicle. A notice
of code violation was sent to the property owner on December 6, 2004. A re-inspection of the property on
December 22, 2004, revealed the property remained in non-compliance. A Notice of Hearing was sent to the
property owner to appear at the Code Enforcement Board on January 25, 2005. A Compliance Order was issued
by the Code Enforcement Board giving the Respondent until February 15, 2005, to comply or pay a fme of
$100.00 per day until the property was brought into compliance. The property was re-inspected on February 16,
2005, and found in non-compliance. An Affidavit of Non-Compliance was issued on February 16, 2005. An
Order Imposing Fine and Lien was ordered at the Code Enforcement Board Meeting on February 22,2005. The
fme accrued daily until the property was inspected on January 19, 2007, and found in compliance. The total
amount of the fine is $70,100.00. The Code Enforcement Board recommended the property owner's request for
a reduction of fmes to $35,050.00 if paid within 30 days of City Commission approval or it will revert back to
the $70,100.00. It is stafr s recommendation to support the decision made by the Code Enforcement Board.
Page 6 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
Building Office Jones gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Commissioner Johnson seconded by Commissioner Hood moved to approve
the fine reduction and release of lien for Global Realty Brokers in the amount
Q!...j35.050.00. per staff and Code Enforcement Board recommendations.
payable within 30 days of this date or fine reverts back to $70.100.00. Motion
carried 5-0.
13. Approval of Request for Reduction of Fine and Release of Lien - Code Enforcement
Board Case No. 06-102, Aluminum and More Inc. & Carolyn B. Mitchell TR. (Building
Official Jones)
On August 8, 2006, Code Enforcement Officer Robert Siegrist observed violations of city code on the property
located at 332 Maguire Rd, Ocoee, Florida. The violations observed were installation of a fence without first
obtaining a required permit and an accumulation of miscellaneous trash and debris. A notice of code violation
was sent to the property owner on August 8, 2006. Are-inspection of the property on August 25,2006, revealed
the property remained in non-compliance. A Notice of Hearing was sent to the property owner to appear at the
Code Enforcement Board on September 26, 2006. A Compliance Order was issued by the Code Enforcement
Board giving the Respondent until October 10, 2006, to comply or pay a fme of $100.00 per day until the
property was brought into compliance. The property was re-inspected on October 17,2006, and found in non-
compliance. An affidavit of non-compliance was issued on October 17, 2006. An order Imposing Fine and Lien
was ordered at the Code Enforcement Board Meeting on October 24, 2006. The fme accrued daily until the
property was inspected on December 15, 2006, and found in compliance. The total amount of the fme is
$6500.00. The Code Enforcement Board denied to hear the request to reduce the fme and deferred the decision
to the City Commission. A statement was made at the Board meeting that the Board would not support a
reduction.
Mayor Vandergrift read a letter from Code Enforcement Chair Bob Godek explaining why the
Board voted not to hear this case. Mayor Vandergrift said he did not feel they should have
refused to hear it, and the Commission has the option of sending it back to the Board if they
would like to.
Building Official Jones stated it is unusual that the Board would not hear a case, but they were
advised by the Attorney that they could vote not to hear it. He played a copy of the tape from the
Code Enforcement Board, but the audio was difficult to hear.
Larry P. Studer, Attorney for the property owner Carol Mitchell, stated their case. He also
advised that Mr. Mitchell did have the property in compliance two weeks prior to the re-
inspection, and the City was notified at that time, but the re-inspection was delayed because the
Code Enforcement Officer was out sick and the fines continued to accrue for two more weeks.
He stated that property owner felt that it would be fair to reduce the lien by one-half due to the
misunderstandings and delay in re-inspection.
Mayor Vanderarift moved to reduce the fine by one half. to $3.250.00. Motion died
for lack of second.
Commissioner Anderson seconded by Commissioner Keller moved to approve a
reduction of the loan to $5100.00. removina fines that accrued during the two
week period when the re-inspection was delayed; fine shall be paid within 30 days
of this date or it reverts back to $6.500.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Page 7 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
Mayor Vandergrift asked City Manager Frank to write a letter to the Code Enforcement Board
addressing their duties to hear all cases that come before them.
I I. STAFF REPORTS
City Manager Frank reminded the Commission that the Insurance Workshop had been
scheduled for April 17, 2007, at 6:00 P.M., prior to the next Commission meeting. Consensus
of the Commission was that they needed more time to discuss this issue and they
wanted the workshoD rescheduled at 6:00 D.m. on a niaht with no reaular
meetina. Staff was directed to coordinate with the Commissioners to select a
date for the workshoD.
I J. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Keller 1) said that Saturday, April 18, 2007, is Hazardous Household Waste
Collection Day; items can be taken to Orange County Services Building 475 West Story Road, 2)
Ocoee High School Drama Club is having a play "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" on April
12-14,2007.
Commissioner Anderson 1) asked if Ocoee will have a swim team this year. Parks and
Recreation Director Hayes advised they will, 3) asked about the report on the Impact Fees and
noted that he would like more information than just a spread sheet or maybe tie it in to the CIP.
He agreed to come to City Hall and discuss the issue with City Manager Frank.
Commissioner Johnson returned to the discussion on ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. He
said he thought we should consider having external experts come in and analyze our planning
process to see if there is some way that we could increase the efficiency. Commissioner
Anderson said he would like to see a report on all the phases of approval to see how long each
phase is taking. Mayor Vandergrift said if complaints are coming in from a developer, it is
legitimate to research the matter to see what may be causing delays, but it is not practical to
research every project being handled. Commissioner Johnson said if we don't improve our
process we are not going to get development businesses in here and we will keep building
residences and overloading schools, roads, and parks, and not getting the tax base that we can get
from commercial development. City Manager Frank said that Commissioner Johnson wanted
timelines for our current processes, but he felt it would be more appropriate to do an internal
operational audit if the Commission felt this was something we needed to look into. He said we
have looked into different situations when complaints have been made, but it is frequently
caused by developer delays. Commissioner Keller said he would not mind seeing some type of
internal audit, although his experience is that there has always been an explanation for delays due
to added notes, etc., but we may find a better way to streamline the process. He said he did not
think we should spend a lot of time and money with an efficiency expert, but do some type of
quick study to see about streamlining. Commissioner Anderson said he agrees that we should
only look into the projects where the developers are complaining because there are many that are
not complaining. Commissioner Johnson said he agrees with Commissioner Keller that we
should do a quick internal study to see if there are problems with our process. Commissioner
Hood quoted someone who said," Where the is no vision the people will perish"; over the years
we concentrated too much effort on bringing in residential and now we don't have enough
Commercial to support it. He asked if we could return to Commission Comments because he
Page 8 of 10
City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
had other issues to discuss. He said without knowing what state legislators are going to do and
where our budget will be, it is difficult to make plans regarding Economic Development.
Commissioner Hood 1) thanked Utilities Director Smith for the work on the water break at the
Jamela Plant, which was caused by tree roots, 2) asked if we were going to implement a system
to exercise the valves so they can be caught before they break. Utilities Director Smith said
staff has been working on that for the past several months and identifying them on CAD maps.
The problem is that the small 2 inch valves, that aren't typically used in infrastructure, are
difficult to classify their status until there is a break. They have $150,000 budgeted and are
currently looking at Alaska and Hawaii, and will also be making an alternate recommendations
to lay some new line going up Sabrina to Jamela; and a recommendation to purchase new
equipment (approx. $13,000) that will allow them to put services under the road, so that once the
main is put in they can move services from the back yards to the front yards. They will use
money they saved from the excavator, 3) asked about the score board that is not working at
Central Park on Field 1. Parks and Recreation Director Hayes said he was not aware of that
and will look into it, 4) said on April 27, 2007, the City ofOcoee will have an annual Landscape
and Irrigation Seminar at the Community Center from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Commissioner Hood said we have lagged behind on
Commercial Development for a long time, and we are going to have to make some tough
decisions at budget time, such as raising water rates. He said it is not an easy fix; it will take a
long time to catch up. Hiring someone to assist with Economic Development would just cost
more money. Commissioner Keller said he does not think we need to hire someone
permanently, just have them come in to review our process. Mayor Vandergrift said they are
talking about two different things, Commissioner Hood is referring to Economic Development;
or what is considered a Utopia for a City in terms of percentage of residential, commercial,
manufacturing plants, etc. and Commissioner Keller is talking about examining the process for
approving plans and moving projects through more efficiently. We set the stage when we bought
365 acres for the City; we should have figured out the highest and best use for the land. He said
he had suggested a business center, college campus, etc. The legislator may decide to get rid of
real estate taxes and recoup the money by increasing sales taxes, but that would hurt Florida
badly. People from states where taxes are much higher will move here, and they may still make
large purchases, such as vehicles, outside of the state. Commissioner Anderson said he feels,
until the legislation is adopted, the Commission should consider putting a moratorium on the
development of new single family homes. Mayor Vandergrift said he thinks the City should
consider partnerships with developers, where they would build an office building and the City
would get a portion ofthe rent forever. He added that the city is getting a lot of Doctor's offices
because of Health Central and felt that was a positive thing. He stated, with the tax legislation on
the table, we need to consider alternatives such as buying real estate and giving ground contracts,
or building a tall building on the police station site and renting offices; we need to find balance
between commercial, residential, agriculture, etc. One of the economic engines that we have is
our schools; good schools bring people to a Community, and that is another reason to look at
charter schools or college campuses. He said he would like to see the planning department focus
on three things: Be Strict, Be Fair, and Be Expedient.
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City Commission Regular
April 3, 2007
I COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - continued
Mayor Vandergrift - 1) asked about the development of Clarke Road, north of AD Mims, if we
are going to be able to finish the four lane-ing and will we make that part of the responsibility of
the new development? City Engineer Wheeler said a requirement of Prairie Lake Tract A is to
fill in the area in front of their development to where the finished grade will be; they will have
two entrances on Clarke Road and none on AD Mims because of the railroad. One of the access
points will be across from the fire station and they are paying their share of the traffic signal
which is in design right now; the second will be north of there and it will be a right in - right out.
2) said he would like to have Finance Director Horton look into bonding more projects such as
Clarke Road or Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and other projects. City Manager Frank
said that our bonding ratio, as compared to other cities the same size, is higher than average; we
have bonded utilities systems and roadway projects, etc. Commissioner Anderson said we
chose to roll back taxes and lost money to do projects and now we are thinking about bonding
and passing debt onto our children. He said we need to look at taxes as much as possible and not
get bonds.
Commissioner Hood said with regard to previous discussions on the Emergency Warning
System, we need to wait until budget time because we can't do anything with it right now. Chief
Firstner distributed information to all Commissioners for their review. Commissioner
Anderson said this would be a good time to combine with the project of getting a radio station.
I ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Beth Eikenberry, City Clerk
Page 10 of 10
Workshop
Economic Development Workshop
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Conunission Chambers
150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL
April 3, 2007
MINUTES
6:00 P.M.
Mayor Vandergrift called the workshop to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Commission Chambers
Conference Room of City Hall. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and declared a quorum present.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner Keller, Commissioner Johnson,
Commissioner Anderson.
Also Present: City Manager Frank, Assistant City Manager Croteau, City Clerk Eikenberry, and
Community Development Director Wagner.
Community Development Director Wagner began the workshop by describing items that were
distributed on the dais. There were charts that are currently underway or recently completed in
the City for residential and commercial projects and maps that showed physical location of these
projects. He said today there are 1400 dwelling units underway and 900 additional projects
expected to occur in the next 12 months. He said he also included projects that should occur
over the next 5 to 7 years, based on preliminary discussions with the developers, which consist of
3428 additional dwelling units in the City for a total of 5729 dwelling units. That will add over
17,000 people to our current population, placing the City over 50,000. There are many other
projects being discussed that are not included, but will be added to the list over time. He said the
interest in building in the City is increasing. We can expect 600-800 dwelling units per year
once the housing downturn ends. Commercial development follows residential growth; you
cannot have one without the other. The Commercial developers are interested because they see
the growth in residential development.
Community Development Director Wagner gave a PowerPoint presentation showing the
commercial development projects that are currently underway and those proposed in the next
three years. The PowerPoint is attached. He added in the last few months there has been a huge
increase in interest in high-quality commercial development projects.
Commissioner Anderson asked if we have any plans of looking at our Impact Fees, particularly
transportation impact fees. Community Development Director Wagner said we have
considered doing that; we did some comparison studies showing that Winter Garden and Orange
County have recently raised their transportation impact fees including a surcharge that Winter
Garden adds on development south of SR 50. He said we need to revisit this issue because we
are not generating enough revenue to build the roads we need. Commissioner Johnson said, on
a list of impact fees he recently looked at, Ocoee was the highest in the area. Community
Development Director Wagner said Winter Garden has a 2-tiered rate scale that caused theirs
to be higher. City Manager Frank said he believes the chart Commissioner Johnson is referring
to is the January 2007 Home Builders Association (HBA) compilation of rates, which showed
Ocoee as the highest, but there has been additional movement in Orange County and Winter
Garden since then. Community Development Director Wagner said the HBA list is for
housing, and doesn't reflect the Commercial and Industrial rate changes that have occurred.
Mayor Vandergrift asked Community Development Director to furnish the Commission with
the comparison information on impact fees.
Commissioner Anderson asked if we can work with the county to fix the traffic issue at Good
Homes Road and SR 50 to see if we can improve the roads before the West Oaks Shopping
Center adds more traffic. Mr. Wagner said they have been to two meetings regarding that area,
and their planning commission spent an hour discussing the Ocoee input, which was that the
development needed to provide adequate right-of-way for both of those roads and they were
concerned about the turn lanes, etc. He said he thinks there is a strong level of interest and that
he and Planner Rumer are going to a Public Hearing on that issue in a few weeks.
Commissioner Anderson asked about the Goodman property at SR 50 and Clarke Road; he said
he knows there is interest in putting a drugstore there but he hopes we will try to continue to get
a restaurant at the comer. Mr. Wagner advised that someone just purchased that property last
week from the original owner, and the new owner has a named restaurant that they are planning
to put there. It will probably be a restaurant, a bank, and some retail.
Commissioner Keller said he is impressed with what he sees happening in the city, but
wondered if there was a way we could streamline the process to get projects get through more
quickly. Community Development Director Wagner said they have been dealing with specific
projects where developers complain the process was too slow, and there have been no situations
where the city was inordinately slow in our review compared to the developer taking a lot of
time to get the project back. He said given the volume of development that is going on, that staff
has done a very good job. He said there is always room for improvements in the process.
Commissioner Johnson said there are problems with the process and that he can point out
several developments on the current lists who complained about the length of time it took. He
felt someone should be hired from outside to streamline the process and show us if there is a
better way to do things. We also need to help the small business people in a more positive
manner that we currently are. He would like to have the City Manager look into bringing in
someone to analyze and improve the process.
This workshop was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. with the understanding that they would continue the
discussion on Economic Development at the end of the regular commission meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
Beth Eikenberry, City Clerk
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor