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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-87 e MINUTES OF THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 3. 1987 Mayor Ison called the meeting to order at 7:33 P.M. and Commissioner Hager led in prayer and the pledge o~ allegiance to the ~lag. PRESENT: Mayor Ison, Commissioners Johnson, Dabbs, and Hager; City Manager Ryan, Acting City Attorney Linda Barnby, City Planner Wagner, City Engineer Kelley. City Clerk Catron, Water Superintendent Cockrell, Building Official Hurst and Deputy Clerk Green. ABSENT: Commissioner Bateman was unable to attend due to illness with flu. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS e Mayor Ison reported many events had been scheduled in the Ocoee area for the coming months. He especially noted the ~ollowing: West Orange Y Kick-ox% campaign for fund-raising Winter Garden Rotary Pancake Supper - February 13th at West Orange High School Rebel Soft Pitch Softball Tournament - March 1st (1400 players and 500 managers & assistants expected) Boat Races on Starke Lake - March 13th thru 15th Big Orange Games - Ocoee Junior High (May) State Little League Games State BMX Races Recreation Department - Fun Run Lions Club Fun Day (October) Mayor Ison also reported that he had contacted the Tri-County Transit Authority about the extension 0% their service to the Ocoee/West Orange area. In addition to bus service, the Authority's program included vans and assistance with car- pooling. A "wind-screen" study to determine possible ridership is now being conducted by the Authority. And Mayor Ison will request that a "ridership" questionnaire be printed in the newspaper with instruction to send responses to City Planner Wagner. The Mayor explained that the transit service is now funded by fares at forty percent and subsidized at sixty percent. He was encouraged by the cooperative attitudes he found at the Authority and noted their willingness to consider privatization and/or other options. He announced a meeting to be held on March 12th at 7:30 P.M. with the Transit Authority to provide citizens an opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions. A telephone hook-up is to be provided so that those unable to attend may pa:t-ticipate. - 1 e Pase 2 City Commission Meeting February 3. 1987 APPROVALS - CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Johnson moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Dabbs seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The items approved were as follows: A - Regular Commission Meeting Minutes of January 20, 1987; B - Approval to hold Boat Races on Starke Lake, March 13 15, 1987; C - Approval of Annual Contract for School Liason Officer, Chief Brandt; D - Approval of Purchase of New Building Department Vehicle, C. Hurst; and E - Authorization to Bid Replacement of Major Little League Lights, J. Beech. OLD BUSINESS SPECIAL STAFF REPORTS - CITY ENGINEER e Proposed Ordinance, Vacating a Portion of Cumberland Avenue, 1st Reading. C. Snider City Planner Wagner explained that the Commission had approved, by previous action, the Final Plat of Hidden Oaks Subdivision which required the developer to move Cumberland Avenue to the West. The vacation of the portion of the existing Cumberland Avenue lying between Delaware and Washington Streets will permit a swap with the developer so that the preferred street right-of-way may be dedicated to the City. The formal shifting of ownership needs to be accomplished to permit the Final Plat to be recorded. Commissioner Dabbs moved to approve the first reading of the Proposed Ordinance, Commissioner Hager seconded and the motion carried unanimously. City Manager Ryan read the Proposed Ordinance by title only. The second reading will be held on March 3rd. Discussion of Temporary Cul-de-sac on Delaware Street, C. Snider City Planner Wagner explained that Delaware Street will not be permitted by DOT to cross the railroad so the street must terminate Just east of the railroad track. A small cul-de- sac will meet the need for a turn around and for access to the retention pond. If the property to the north 1S developed, a full sized bulb would be constructed at that time. Commissioner Johnson questioned the adequacy of the turning radius for fire trucks, but Chief Strosnider assured him that it would not be a problem. City Engineer Kelley recommended that the elevated culvert be removed. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the temporary cul-de- sac as proposed and the removal of the existing culvert. Commissioner Hager seconded and approval was unanimous. - 2 e Page 3 City Commission Meeting February 3. 1987 SPECIAL STAFF REPORTS - CITY PLANNER Approval of Revised Layout for Harbour Highlands Village, Phase I City Planner Wagner explained that upon review of the City's original preliminary Subdivision Plan approval requirements, the developer reevaluated the stormwater retention requirements for his proJect and decided it would be more feasible to retain 100 percent of the run-off on site. This change prompted modifications to the retention pond configuration, which also affected the proposed street layout. At the same time, the eyebrow cul-de-sacs originally proposed are to be deleted to smooth out the street pav~ng configuration. Except for a slightly different method of providing for the required 12 inch water main extension, the subdivision will still conform to the requirements of the City of Ocoee as originally specified in the November 18, 1986, approval. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the revised layout for Harbour Highland Village Phase I, Commissioner Dabbs seconded and the motion was unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS e Acceptance of Public Improvements for Phaae II, Forest Oaks, Wayne Rich Steve Miller, engineer for Forest Oaks, was expected but had not yet arrived, so this item was tabled until later in the agenda. Later Wayne Rich, the developer of Forest Oaks, confirmed that Steve Miller would not be attending and requested postponement to another meeting. Prairie Lakea PUD/Sylveatri Inveatmenta Discuasion of E/W Beltway - G. Silvestri Gustavo Silvestri had written a letter to the Board of Commissioners expressing his displeasure with the Commission's recommendation 0% an East/West Beltway route. Mr. Silvestri was not present. Commissioner Hager commented that the more westerly route (between Ocoee and Winter Garden) which the Commission had originally supported had been eliminated from consideration by the Beltway Authority. The Authority contended that this route would not be as well- traveled ae more easterly routes would be. Miscellaneous ProJects - City Engineer e In response to questions from the Commissioners, reported that the Russell Drive Rehabilitation been completed on time and within budget. He similar type rehabilitation may need to be done Lane. Mr. Kelley proJect had agreed that on Oakwood 3 . Poge 4: City Commission Meeting February 3_ 1987 City Engineer Kelley also reported that two of the City's elevated water storage tanks need to be repaired. He is comtemplating a way to take them out of service one at a time for the repairs. He will report back with a bid summary when the scope of the work is determined. Mr. Kelley stated that bid documents are expected this week for work on the county ditch and Palm Drive. He suggested that the problems of all the ditches in the City need to be addressed and especially those in Industrial Park. Appointments to Boords Commissioner Dabbs nominated Lowell Boggs as a full member and Genevieve Foster as alternate to the Board of AdJustment. He nominated Gerald Weeks as an alternate to the Planning and Zoning Board, and Robert Williams as a full member to the Damage Reward Board. Commissioner Bateman had earlier requested nomination of Tom Breeze as an alternate to the Planning and Zoning Board. After some discussion, the Commission Appointments to the Boards as follows: approved the e Board of AdJustment: Full - Lowell Boggs 604 North Jay Street 656-7382 Alternate - Genevieve Foster 824 East Starke Lake Circle 656-3372 Damage Reward Board: Full - Robert W. Williams 905 Hawaii Drive 656-4409 In consideration of Commissioner Bateman's absence, Commissioner Dabbs asked that the appointment of an alternate to the Planning and Zoning Board be tabled to the next meeting. Also tabled until that time were appointments of one alternate member to the Board of AdJustment and two full members to the Damage Reward Board. Commissioner Dabbs moved to approve the appointments and postponements as noted above, Commissioner Johnson seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The other appointments will be on the agenda for the meeting of February 17th. e 4 . Page 5 City Commi.aion Meeting February 3, 1987 COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC As a representative of homeowners in Forest Oaks, Ray Wood of 1504 leon Lane, asked the Commission to direct the Building Department to take a look at how their homes are being built. Repeated complaints about Eaulty rooEs, siding I and plumbing to the builders <Mason and Catalina) have not rectiEied the problems. Mayor Ison requested that Building Official Hurst investigate their complaints by the next Commission meeting, and asked that the matter be on the next Commission agenda under Old Business. Sara Murphy, 1524 Ison Lane, objected to the proposed East/West Beltway route near Forest Oaks. Ninety-four area residents had recently met in her home to discuss their objections. Mayor Ison explained that the City Commission can express preference for a route, but the state statute had been changed last year so they will not even be consulted about acquisition of rights-of-way. The Authority is appointed by the Governor and no representative from West Orange County now serves on the board. A Public Hearing with the East/West Beltway Authority will be scheduled in March, and the Mayor urged all interested citizens to attend. e e Attorney Ben Griffin, 345 South Lake Shore Drive, spoke to the Commission about serious traffic problems at several intersections in the City. He had appealed to the Commission tlbout two years ago for improvements for some of these intersections and he continued to be seriously concerned that the traffic congestion would kill Ocoee commercial businesses. Mr. Griffin urged the Commissioners to give service to the people who had been long-time supporters of the City. The intersections to which he referred and the improvements he suggested were as follows: 1 - Silver Star and Ocoee-Apopka Roads ditches, sidewalks, and turn lanes 2 - Silver Star and Bluford turn lanes, improved signalization 3 - Bluford and McKey turn lanes 4 - Story and Kissimmee turn lanes 5 - Franklin and Apopka Road improvement at Bowness Service Station 6 Bowness Road paving Mayor Ison urged prompt action to start on these proJects. Commissioner Johnson commented that he believed the City would have to go through DOT for those intersections which involved state roads. Commissioner Hager stated his concern about the City's ability to pay the 2.5 to 3 million the projects could cost. Commissioner Dabbs expressed concern that immediate action would not be according City Staff its proper function and that it would be more appropriate to 5 . Page 6 City Commission Meeting February 3, 1987 include these projects in the Capital Improvement Plan which the Staff had been directed to provide. The Commissioners agreed that Ocoee has serious traf%ic problems, especially at the intersections indicated, and indicated concern that the problems be alleviated. City Manager Ryan expressed the concern and interest of the Staff in projects to improve the six intersections, and advised that transportation impact fees might be a source of funding for them. Mayor Ison responded that it was his understanding that "impact fees can not be the sole contributor to previous problems." After further discussion, Commissioner Johnson moved to take on the six proJects and turn them over to the City Engineer for a preliminary study and then to report back to the City Commission. Commissioner Hager seconded the motion. Commissioner Dabbs stated that he was not comfortable with the timing of this motion and would have to vote against it. Commissioners Johnson and Hager voted yea, Commissioner Dabbs voted nay, and the motion carried two to one. RECESS: 9:15 P.M. e CALL TO ORDER: 9:30 P.M. NEW BUSINESS Report on Audit for 1985/1986 Elden McDlrmit, ox McDlrmlt Davls and Company, highl~ghts of the audit ~or the tisca~ year ended 30, 1985. He concluded that the Clty lS ln sound position. presente'::1 ::ieptember tlnanclal Request from Staff and Faculty of Ocoee Elementary 5chool to Waive Rental ~e./D.po.1t tor 1~/U4/~1 After discussion about posslb~e dlttlcultles arls1ng trom setting a precedent by granting this request. the Commlssioners agreed to waive the Communlty Center rental tee and security depOSit for December 4, 1987, for the Staff and Faculty of Ocoee Elementary Slnce they are a quasl governmental entity. Mayor Ison discussed some problems which involving the rental of the Communlty Center. Ryan will review the situation and report Commission with a recommendation. have arlsen Clty Manager bac.k to the e Proposed Ordinance, Reestablishment of Development Review Fees, First Reading - Russ Wagner City Planner Wagner explained that the procedures for the b - Page 7 City Commi..ion Meeting February 3_ 1987 collection and accounting of the Development Review Fees as dictated by the current ordinances have caused a "bureaucratic nightmare" and he recommended enactment of the proposed ordinance in order to simplify the collection system by requiring an up-front deposit as security for any potential unpaid bills, but otherwise requiring payment to match invoices received from our Consulting Engineer. The ordinance also boosts some of the deposit and flat fee amounts to better reflect current conditions. Commissioner Dabbs asked if the fee schedule would be based on in-house Sta%f rates and time spent in review. Mr. Wagner con%irmed that those factors would be reflected in the fees. e David Outlaw, an area developer, asked that the Commissioners give serious thought to setting of rates %or the fees and the allowance of reasonable time for developers to pay them. He suggested developers be provided with copies of PEC's master agreement. He further recommended the Commission provide checks and balances to assure equitable treatment of developers. Mayor lson commented that though each developer must pay the cost of the review, charges should be equitable for the Job at hand. City Manager Ryan added that a minimum fee could be set with Staff given the power and flexibility to increase if appropriate. After further discussion, the Commission agreed to table this ordinance to the study session. REPORTS AND INFORMATION - CITY MANAGER City Manager Ryan reported that the Capital Improvement plan is not all-inclusive, but does include the most significant proJects and some possible funding sources. A Special Session of the City Commission is scheduled for Monday, February 9th at 7:00 P.M. in the conference room. Following this session, the next Special Session and its agenda will be determined. A fund raising basketball game between the Commissioners of Ocoee and those of Winter Garden is scheduled for May 2, 1987. CITY ATTORNEY Acting Attorney Barnby reported that the Adult Entertainment Ordinance wlll be available tomorrow for Staff review and for a first reading at the next meeting. . She also reported that title problems have developed for the Thomas property. The costs involved will be investigated and the Commissioners notified possibly by the Special Session. 7 ~ -- e - Page 8 City Commi..ion Me.ting Februery 3, 1987 COMMENTS FROM COMISSIONERS Commissioner Dabbs reported that he appreciated the opportunity to attend the Florida League o~ Citieg legislative session in Tallahassee and that he was encouraged by the responses from the Speaker of the House, the Chairman of the Finance and Tax Committees. and the DER. He also noted that the bill suggested by Mayor Ison was being well received. Mayor Ison reported that he and four other mayors had met with the Lake Apopka Restoration Council. Most of the members view the "Hyacinth ProJect" as an unlikely solution for the pollution problem, but it will be tried in a test area. An agreement is being sought with area muck farmers to achieve a reduction in a maJor source of the pollution. The Mayor also reported that the ProJect 2000 of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce includes area needs for improvements in transportation, Jails, education (especially portable housing), emergency room care, and restoration of Lake Apopka. Mayor Ison commended Chief Strosnider and the Fire Department for the great Job done on the bookcases for the Maguire House. The Mayor also commended the Building Department for doing a good Job. Complaints which he had received indicated that good work is being done. Mayor Ison also address periodic Manager. commented that the Commission reviews for rate increases for needs to the Clty The meeting adJourned at 11:00 P.M.. __~"Q___L____ MAYOR _ _AL4t14.'4dIL _JJ~- - - - -- DEPUTY CLERK 8