HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-19-10MINUTES
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
January 19, 2010
6:00 P.M. State of the City Report
7:15 P.M. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
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 Keller gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag, led by Commissioner Johnson. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and
declared a quorum present.
Roll Call: Commissioner Hood, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioner
Keller, and Commissioner Johnson (absent).
Also Present: City Attorney Rosenthal, City Manager Frank, City Clerk Eikenberry
B. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Nett Walker, Outreach Director of Congressman Grayson's Office- advised that all
municipalities in District 8 are invited to attend an Appropriations Workshop on January 28,
2010 at 9:00 a.m.; the workshop is designed to teach cities to write good appropriation requests
There is also a workshop from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. for elected officials
Presentation by Felipe Salcedo, Member of Bordeaux Association, Regarding a Program to
Help Homeowner's Threatened by Foreclosure. Mr. Salcedo and Catherine Bell spoke about
the issues with foreclosures at Bordeaux Condominium and would like to start an initiative
between the city and banks to assist residents get through this process without such despair. The
recent fire that destroyed 21 units was started by a resident facing foreclosure. Ms. Bell said a
group of 50 residents asked Wells Fargo to reduce mortgages to the residents who remain there;
they are facing higher maintenance fees because there are so many empty units and no one can
get loans for those condos right now. Mayor Vandergrift said he would like staff to look into
helping them and all citizens in our community with regard to the foreclosure effort.
Consensus, without objection, was to direct staff to look into this issue to see
what they city can do to help residents facing foreclosure.
Mayor Vandergrift presented Beth Otts of Chick-Fil-a with a Key to the City for all her good
work and efforts supporting the community. Ms. Otts said she feels blessed to have the two
Ocoee locations because everyone is so supporting and easy to work with.
Presentation Regarding Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra - Symphony Steering
Committee Member Marge Johnstone - Ms. Johnstone said they are looking forward to
creating not just aone-time event, but regular event to expose the community to symphonies.
Heartland America is the title of this symphony; they are trying to keep ticket prices at $10.00.
She said to date they have received $9,410; $5,000 of which was donated in memory of Ruth
Grafton. They need $12,000 to fund this event, so they are short $3,090 and asked the city if
City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
they can assist with funding. Commissioner Wilsen asked if future events could take place in a
park setting because she feels it would open it up to more people. Ms. Alexander stated that this
orchestra (Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra) was not comfortable playing outside. She said
they would look into outdoor events with future venues, but in the mean time they can pass along
the Commissions' concerns to this orchestra. Mayor Vandergrift said it was done this way this
year because they could not raise adequate funding to do a free concert this time around and it
would be hard to control payment in an outdoor setting; he added that the city is not locked into
doing it the same way in the future. Ticket sales for this event will continue through February
20, 2010, the date of the event. Commissioner Johnson said it they should consider doing it
annually during Spring Fling week where they would have a perfect set up for a concert.
Commissioner Keller stated he would be in favor of loaning the money if the city would be
reimbursed by any funds that were subsequently raised.
Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen, moved to approve a
loan of $3090.00 to the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra Steering Committee.
which will be partially or fully reimbursed to the city depending on money raised
from ticket sales. Motion carried 5-0.
Mark Moore, President of the Rotary Club of Ocoee, presented the City Commission with a
Certificate of Appreciation for their support of the club.
Introduction of New Firefighter Paramedics and Badge Pinning Ceremony. (Fire Chief
McNeil)
Introduced two new firefighters and held badge pinning ceremony; Kenneth Happl and
Poinsett (Trey) Littlefield
C. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
Tony Adams and other new residents from Rose Hill, said they are happy to be part of the City
of Ocoee. He said he was impressed with the State of the City Address and they appreciate that
the city embraced their request to annex into the city and assisted them in making it a smooth
process. They said they are happy to be a part of a city that works so closely with its residents.
He said since they have annexed, Commissioner Wilsen, the police department and all
employees have been very helpful.
Nathan Kimbrell- Eagle Scout Troup 198, asked for permission to do his Eagle Scout project at
the Ison Center. He would like to install pavers, benches and landscaping around the flagpole to
benefit the Golden Stars and to help with funerals and other ceremonies. This would all be done
with fundraising dollars. Mayor Vandergrift asked staff to assist in any way they can and the
Commissioner expressed gratitude for his selection of this project.
Mayor Vandergrift said another Eagle Scout is having a ceremony for the project he completed
in Windermere which involved a 911 monument with a 600 lb. piece of debris that was obtained
from the twin towers.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
D. STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Frank made the following reports and announcements:
Gun Safety Class- announced that the Police Department will be holding a Gun Safety class on
February 6, 2010, from Sam-lpm. The program is free and will be held at City Hall but space is
limited to the first 30 eligible participants. Preference will be giving to Ocoee Residents and
anyone under the age of 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult. If interested please contact
Diane Turner at 407-905-3160 ext.3042.
Prairie Lake Park Improvement Project -Prairie Lake Park Improvement Project is underway
and they do have an item on the agenda this evening to close the park during construction.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of April 2010. The improvements
will include new bathrooms, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, non-motorized boat launch,
multi-purpose field, and a trail system.
Clarke Road Reconstruction Project- Clarke Road Reconstruction Project will be holding a
pre-construction meeting in early February with construction anticipated to start by the end of
month. They do expect traffic in the area during the construction and will be communicating
with the effective businesses in the area and using the programmable signs to notify drivers of
the impeding construction.
Upgrade in Lighting at Central Park- in February, they will be upgrading the lighting at
Central Park, specifically in the parking and playground area on the east side of the park. They
will be installing upgraded lighting like the ones along Lakeshore Drive. Additionally
improvements will be overflow parking, reconstructing/adding new sidewalks, moving the sand
volleyball court, raising/widening Armstrong Alley, and constructing anon-motorized boat
launch. These improvements are anticipated to be completed by the end of Apri12010.
Update on Commercial Solid Waste- Public Works Director Krug reviewed the progress that
has been made so far. He said Veolia and WasteWorks have a schedule for switching the
dumpsters, compactors and roll off containers. Upon an inspection, they have enough containers
to service the city and the containers have been labeled. Where customers allowed, they have
staged containers for a smooth transition. The compactors and roll off containers are at
WasteWorks. They have purchased a front load truck; it is lettered and ready to roll. They have
a back up truck as well. Mike Yant, the new customer service manager for Waste Works, is
meeting with Veolia tomorrow to finalizing the compactor schedule and verifying that the billing
system is in place. Customers are being notified of the switchover. The new bond and amended
contract is due back to the City by Friday.
E. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commissioner Wilsen -thanked the HRDB board for the great MLK Parade and the Sunday
evening reception
Commissioner Johnson- no announcements
Commissioner Keller - 1) thanked HRDB and Joy Wright for their work on the MLK Parade,
2) said that Building Homes for Heroes is trying to build a home for a veteran who recently
returned from the war. There is a Golf Classic on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at the
Windermere Country Club; it is $475 per foursome. Contact James Kelly with the Fire
Department if interested.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
Mayor Vandergrift- said he has a comment from a Tampa Resident who stated that he traveled
to Ocoee to see the parade and the events thereafter; he enjoyed the events and he is looking
forward to getting a copy of the speech given by Doctor Ortiz, the Keynote Speaker.
F. CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Hood, seconded by Commissioner Keller, moved to approve
Consent Agenda Items #1 through #5, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Clerk Eikenberry)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Approval of 2010 Vote Processing Equipment Use Agreement and Elections Services
Contract for Municipal Elections. (City Clerk Eikenberry)
The Supervisor of Elections Office submitted a contract for the March 9, 2010, General Municipal Election.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Reappointments to Citizens Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department
(CACOPD). (City Clerk Eikenberry)
The terms of Members Victoria Laney and Robert Minarcin have both expired, and both have indicated an
interest in being considered for reappointment. The following reflects the attendance of the board members:
Victoria Laney attended 8 of 8 meetings and Robert Minarcin attended 4 of 8 meetings. There are no
applications currently on file.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
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Prll~'oCject in the Amount of $34,583.32 in Order to Closeout Project. (CIP Manager
Butler)
The new Lift Station No. 7 and the new 16-inch force main connecting that facility to the force main on Clarke
Road have been put into service and the related construction project has concluded. As with any construction
contract that includes unit pricing and estimated quantities, the actually installed quantities need to be
reconciled with the contract. The proposed change order will revise contract item quantities up and down in
order to match the actual number of installed units. The funds required for this change order are included in the
project budget.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
Recreation Director Hayes)
Construction activities began on January 11, 2010, for the next phase of improvements at Prairie Lake Park.
These improvements include the construction of a basketball court, volleyball court, gazebo, perimeter fence,
service drive, trails, restroom, non-motorized boat launch, and playground. Due to the scope of this construction
and area of the park to be impacted by this construction, staff is requesting authorization to temporarily close
the park during this period of construction. The construction of the park is estimated to be completed in April of
2010.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
December 10, 2009). THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE DECEMBER 15, 2009,
COMMISSION MEETING; HOWEVER, WILL BE PULLED INDEFINITELY. (Senior Planner
Howell)
The subject property is located south of SR 50 and north of the Florida Turnpike in unincorporated Orange
Countti~. The applicant is proposing to develop a three lot commercial subdivision on the subject property.
a. Annexation
b. Rezoning
c. Preliminary Subdivision Plan
City Attorney Rosenthal stated this item was pulled indefinitely and will be re-advertised when
it comes back before the commission.
H. REGULAR AGENDA I
7. Approval of Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Permits for Temporary Use of Signs by
Retail Businesses. (Development Services Director Shadrix)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the ordinance.
Development Services Director Shadrix reviewed the issues that brought about the necessity of
this resolution. He explained a survey they did with other cities. He said the sunset date of this
resolution is December 31, 2012. Deputy Development Services Director said we have been
trying to work with businesses requesting temporary signage to draw business during these
difficult economic times. They came up with a permitting process so that it can be tracked and
controlled by building department and code enforcement. He stated they are seeing all types of
homemade signs and the ones that will not be regulated are the human signs. Most businesses
are not impulse type business; they are just those that need to let people know they are there.
Commissioner Hood said they should use the permit stickers to show which signs are approved.
He added that we need to entice businesses with such things as reducing impact fees and enticing
people to buy homes in Ocoee perhaps with free water or utilities for a year, etc. He stated when
homes sit vacant we are not making money anyway and they create a hazard. Commissioner
Johnson said they are having the discussion about impact fees at an upcoming Paul Day meeting.
Consensus, without objection, was to have staff look into specific enticements
for businesses and bringing new homeowners into the city and holding a
workshop in the future to discuss some options.
Discussion followed with regard to signage and Development Services Director Shadrix said
that one of the things that Mr. Wagner is looking at with the CRA is a beautification and
marketing program that they will be bringing back at a later time.
Commissioner Keller added that the Highway 50 widening will occur in the future and we may
want to look at a signage ordinance that allows business to let travelers know they are still open
for business.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
Manor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen, moved to approve
Resolution No. 2010-002 authorizing the issuance of permits for temporary use of
signs by retail businesses
The resolution as approved carries the following title:
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-002
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, FINDING THAT CURRENT
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS JUSTIFY THE TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION OF
CERTAIN SIGNS; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR THE
TEMPORARY USE OF CERTAIN SIGNS BY RETAIL BUSINESSES FOR FOUR
NONCONSECUTIVE TWO WEEK PERIODS PER CALENDAR YEAR; PROVIDING FOR
THE EXPIRATION OF THIS AUTHORIZATION ON DECEMBER 31, 2012; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Presentation of the Parks and Recreation Department Community Needs Survey
Summary Findings. (Parks and Recreation Director Hayes)
The Parks and Recreation Department conducted a community attitude and interest survey to assist in
establishing priorities and to serve as a guide for the future development of park and recreation facilities,
programs, and services within the community. The survey was administered through a community wide mailing
to all households within the city. A total of 1580 surveys, approximately 14%, were completed and returned to
the Parks and Recreation Department, recreation staff then worked to tabulate the results of the survey.
This item was heard after Items #9 and #10.
Parks and Recreation Director did a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the results of the survey.
There was discussion with regard to user fees and making sure children of all incomes can
participate, the location of those residents who were not happy with the location of current
facilities, and the strongest interest being in favor enhancing things that we already have, with
the exception of the strong interest in a dog park, which we do not have. Consensus was that
they would like to have a have a discussion to consider bonding. The Commission thanked Mr.
Hayes for the effort that went into this and said it will help guide them in the future.
9. Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Serving of Alcoholic Beverages at a City-
owned Facility during a Fundraising Event Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ocoee.
(Parks and Recreation Director Hayes)
The City of Ocoee has received a special event application from the Rotary Club of Ocoee requesting
permission to serve alcohol at a fundraising event taking place on March 13, 2010, at the Community Center.
Proceeds from the event will go towards providing academic scholarships for Ocoee High School Seniors.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the resolution.
Manor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Keller, moved to approve
Resolution No 2010-003, approving the serving al alcoholic beverages at the city
owned facility during a fundraising event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ocoee.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
The resolution as approved carries the following title:
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-003
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE SERVING
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT A CITY-OWNED FACILITY DURING AN
UPCOMING EVENT SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF OCOEE; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Grants. (Community Relations Manager
Thirteen applications were received for this year's cycle. The total amount of grant monies requested is
$23,211.71. There is $10,000 funded for this year's MVP grant program. There is not adequate funding
available to award grants to all 13 organizations. Staff respectfully recommends funding 8 grant projects for
$10,000, upon completion of the work and submission of the proper paperwork.
Commissioner Wilsen requested that any vote with regard to giving money to the Christian
Service Center be done separately so that she may abstain from voting due to voter conflict; she
is a paid employee of the business.
Commissioner Wilsen said she would like to see the $10,000 spread out over all of the
organizations that submitted applications, excluding the Florida Symphony who was given
$3090 earlier. Commissioner Johnson confirmed that the committee is made up of Public
Works, Director, Finance Director, Senior Planner, and Community Relations Manager. He said
the Florida Safety Council that was approved is not in the city. Ms. Wright explained that the
board felt the business would benefit residents in Ocoee. Commissioner Wilsen felt that
application would be better suited for the CMA grants.
Commissioner Johnson said he would like to give the four of the five organizations that were
rejected $1,000, with the excluding of the symphony. Commissioner Hood said he would second
that motion; more discussion followed. Commissioner Wilsen said she would rather stay within
the $10,000 budget and apportion it differently, excluding the Symphony (who already received
money earlier tonight) and the Florida Safety Council (who are not in the city). The Christian
Service Center will be voted on separately.
Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hood moved to grant $909
each of the following ten applicants: Admiral Pointe, The Hammocks, Neuman
Village, Ocoee Christian Church, Ocoee Historical Commission, Prairie lake
Homeowners Association, Sleepv Harbor Homeowners Association, Ocoee Little
League, Sleepv Harbor Condominium Association, Windsor Landing HOA,
Motion carried 4-0, with Mavor Vandergrift away from the dais.
Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hood moved to grant $909
the Christian Service Center. Motion carried 3-0, with Mavor Vandergrift away
from the dais and Commissioner Wilsen abstaining.
Commissioner Wilsen declared voter conflict and will file the appropriate paperwork.
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City Commission Regular
January 19, 2010
I. STAFF ACTION ITEMS -none
J. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Hood thanked the HRDB and everyone for the MLK ceremonies and parade.
Commissioner Wilsen had no comments.
Commissioner Johnson 1) asked about reclaimed water for the high school. Commissioner
Hood said he talked to County Commissioner Boyd and it seems we are finally coming to an
agreement. City Manager Frank said there were some sticking points with regard to the
County wanting to assume the territory if we did not meet their timeframes. He said most of the
issues have been ironed out, but we need to give it a little more time and a little more negotiating
so that we will be happy with the terms. Assistant City Manager Croteau said the contract that
Orange County sent to us has been redrafted and is on the agenda for Paul Day before going back
to the County Commission. City Manager Frank said we should know something in the next 30
days. Mayor Vandergrift said those residents should contact their county commissioner. There
was also discussion regarding the water tower the county wants to charge 2 million dollars for
even though they are not using it.
Commissioner Keller 1) said that Building Homes for Heroes is trying to build a home for a
veteran who recently returned from the war. There is a Golf Classic on Tuesday, February 23,
2010, at the Windermere Country Club; it is $475 per foursome. Contact James Kelly with the
Fire Department if interested. Mr. Kelly said they are also selling hole sponsorships for $225.
They will be bringing back information about the St. Patty's Day fundraiser they will also be
holding for the same home. 2) would like to see another one-day strategic planning session with
the Commission and key personnel after the March election.
Mayor Vandergrift said the Florida Symphony is coming to town on February 20, 2010, please
come out and see them.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Attest:
.. _. ~ r ~ -~L~
Betf~Eikenberry, City Cler
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
- ~` ~ `,
°~
S. Scott Vandergri ,Mayor
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