Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-04 Minutes MINUTES OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION HEL.D SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 I CALL TO ORDER I Mayor Pro Tem Anderson called the regular session to order at 7:18 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in City Hall. Commissioner Parker led the Invocation and City Manager Frank led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. City Clerk Eikenberry called roll and declared a quorum present. Roll Call: Mayor Vandergrift (arrived 7:30 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tem Anderson, Commissioner Howell, Commissioner Johnson, and Commissioner Parker. Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Rosenthal, City Clerk Eikenberry, and Deputy City Clerk Brasher I PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - None I COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC R. P. Mohnacky, 1320 Prairie lake Blvd, asked about back up lift stations if power is lost. Public Works Director Wheeler said we never lost our power at the waste water plant, we lost power to 14-15 lift stations, many of which have on site generators and we have two portable generators, staff worked tirelessly and prevented any overflow from occurring in the system throughout Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Charley. Lester Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, voiced his concerns with the flashing yellow light on Bluford Avenue and McKey Street. Deputy Public Works Director Zaitooni said he would resume the light to normal function; it was changed due to construction on McKey. City Manager Frank asked Police Chief Goclon to have police monitor the traffic flow to see if problems are still occurring. I COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Parker - no comment Commissioner Johnson - announced that the benefit golf tournament for emplolee Theresa Braddy-Bagwell has been moved from September 10th to September 17 at the same time, and thanked the staff for their great efforts during Hurricane Frances. Commissioner Howell- no comment Mayor Pro Tem Anderson- thanked staff for their hard work during the hurricane. I CONSENT AGENDA I A. Approval and Acceptance of the Minutes of the City Commission Regular Session of August 17, 2004 and Budget Work Sessions of August 16 and 23, 2004. (Acting City Clerk Brasher) City Commission Regular Meeting Minntes SepteDlber7,2004 B. Approval and Authorization of Ridge South Subdivision Plat; and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Plat. (Public Works Director Wheeler) (Continued from August 17, 2004, City Commission Regular Meeting) This plat is for Ridge South subdivision, which consists of 2-unit single-family homes located at the south tip of previously pennitted and existing Forest Ridge subdivision and west of the cemetery. Access to these 2 lots is through Forest Ridge subdivision, which is located on the east side of Lakewood Avenue and across from FX Scenery & Display, Inc. through Walnut Ridge Avenue to Basking Ridge Court. All required documentation pertaining to the platting of this development has been reviewed and approved by City staff. C. Appointment of Elizabeth Finnemore to Education Commission. (Acting City Clerk Brasher) Only one application was submitted at this time and should the City Commission wish to appoint Elizabeth Finnemore to the Education Commission; she would serve a two-year tenn ending September 1, 2006. D. Reappointment of Lee Ann Stanley as Alternate Member to the Code Enforcement Board. (Acting City Clerk Brasher) Alternate Member Lee Ann Stanley of the Code Enforcement Board respectfully requests the Commission to certify her reappointment to serve another tenn ending September 30, 2007. E. Reappointment of Thomas Ison, Sr. as Trustee for the General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund. (Acting City Clerk Brasher) The Trustees of the General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund respectfUlly request this Commission to certify the reappointment of Thomas lson, Sr. to serve another tenn ending September 30, 2006. F. Approval and Authorization for an Additional $6,000 to be Transferred from Contingency to the Education Incentive Program to Continue the Program Through the End of the Fiscal Year. (Human Resources Director Diedrich) The Educational Incentive Program provides funding for employees to pursue course work related to their job or to the long-range value of the employee to the City. Not only has usage increased, the users are seeking advanced degrees or more costly certification programs related to City positions. The initial request for this line item for FY 2003-04 was $27,165. A transfer from Contingency of $8,000 approved by the Commission on August 3, 2004 has already been exhausted. G. Approval and Authorization to Pay Sprint an Additional $2,065.61 from Capital Budget Account 522-00-6405 for Fire Station One Computer Interface. (Fire Chief Strosnider) The funds that are being requested to pay for the computer interface card will be obtained from the same capital budget account (522-00-6405) that was originally budgeted for computers. These funds are considered savings due to the Emergency Management Grant that provided computers for the Fire Department. The computer interface card connects the computer network from Fire Station One to City Hall. H. Approval and Authorization to Close Brush Creek Court To Use For Construction Site for Old Winter Garden Road Widening Project. (Public Works Director Wheeler) The City has received a request to temporarily dose Brushy Creek Court to allow for Prime Construction Group, Inc. to use this area for an office trailer location and equipment and material storage site. Therefore, the Public Works Department is requesting that the City Commission approve of the closure of Brushy Creek Court for a duration from September 2004 until May 2006, the projected completion end date for the Old Winter Garden Road Improvements Project. Page 2 of? City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 7, 2004 I. Approval and Authorization of Vineyards Subdivision Plat; and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Plat. (Public Works Director Wheeler) This plat is for The Vineyards subdivision, which consists of a 100-unit single-family residential development with its associated roads and storm water management system. This subdivision is located west of and adjacent to Ocoee-Apopka Road and just north of West Road. All required documentation pertaining to the platting of this development has been reviewed and approved by City staff. Consent Agenda Vote: Commissioner Parker. seconded bY Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve items A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H and I from the consent aaenda as presented. Motion carried 4-0 with Mayor Vanderarift absent. I PUBLIC HEARINGS - None I OTHER BUSINESS A. First Reading of Ordinances. (Second Readings and Public Hearing Scheduled for September 21,2004, at 7:15 p.m.) Ordinance No. 2004-22 - Relating to Automatic Fire Protection Systems Required In Certain Multi-Family Residential Units. (Assistant Fire Chief Flrstner) City Attorney Rosenthal read by title only ordinance No. 2004-22 There was consensus of the Commission to have staff research fire sprinkler installation for new construction of residential properties. includina mobile homes. Mayor Vandergrift arrived at 7:30 p.m. B. Request for Reduction of Fine/Lien on Code Enforcement Board Case #94- 19 - Maria Vela. (Building Official Phelps) Building Official Phelps discussed the history of this lien, which had accrued at $200.00 per day to approximately $367,500.00 plus interest totaling $401,483.13. Mr. Phelps said a previous City Manager agreed to accept an amount of $3,000.00, which the owner felt was too much. The City felt the fee was reasonable because of legal and staff time spent. The Code Enforcement Board on August 4, 2004, heard this case and recommends the lien be reduced to $3,000.00 provided it is paid within 30 days following the final judgment. Discussion followed whether any reduction of the lien should occur. Wes Benton, Real Estate Consultant representing Mr. Marsh, advised the intent is to place a permanent residence on this property, and asked the Commission to consider the reduced lien. Mayor Pro Tern Anderson said he would like more time to consider other options. Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to continue this Item until October 5. 2004. and directed staff to brina back other alternatives. Motion carried 5-0. Page 3 of? City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 7, 2004 C. Report on State Road 50 BJ's Site, Amendment to Access Management Plan. (Community Development Director Wagner). Community Development Director Wagner stated that F.D.O.T. made the decision to move the access point on S.R. 50 without the input of the City. Staff's recommendation is to prepare an ordinance, which would to amend S.R. 50 Access Management Plan, subject to the developer providing a letter requesting the amendment and the developer agreeing to pay all attorney costs and advertising expenses assodated with the ordinance change and all public hearing advertisements. Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to direct Staff to prepare a Land Development Code Ordinance per Staff recommendation. which will gO before the Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing and then two public hearings before the City Commission. Motion carried 4-0. with Mayor Vandergrift away from the dais. D. Approve JPA with FOOT for Landscaping Improvements on Sliver Star Road between Olympus Drive and Wood haven Court and Authorize Mayor and City Clerk to Execute JPA. (Deputy Public Works Director Zaltooni) City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of the resolution. Deputy Public Works Director Zaitoonl said once the monies have been obligated by FOOT we can proceed with the design implementation. Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to adopt Resolution No. 2004-08. approving the JPA. Motion carried 3-0. with Commissioner Johnson and Mayor Vandergrift away from the dais. E. Update on Storm Debris Removal from Hurricane Charley and Compensation for City's Contractor. (Dep. Public Works Director Zaitooni). Deputy Public Works Director Zaitooni said the Commission initially authorized $50,000.00 for clean up of Hurricane Charley, and he estimates the clean-up efforts to cost near or above $200.000.00 with additional damage from Hurricane Frances. FEMA required a cut off date of Sept 4th between Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances. City Manager Frank said if costs should rise above the $200,000.00 with additional damage assessment from Hurricane Frances, it would be brought back to them at a future Commission Meeting. Mayor Vanderarift. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to authorize the emergency expenditure of an additional $150.000.00 for continued clean UP of hurricane debris. Motion carried 5-0. There was also a consensus of the Commission to direct staff to research ways to enforce the trimming or removal of trees on properties that would pose danger to homes in a strong wind event. F. Discussion re: Christmas and New Years Holiday for 2005. (Multimedia/Community Events Manager Elliott) Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve December 23. 2005. and December 26.2005. as the days City Hall will be closed for the Christmas holiday and designated January 2. 2006. as the day City Hall will be closed for New Years Day. Motion carried 5-0. Page 4 of7 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 7, 2004 G. Discussion re: 2005 Ocoee Community Calendar Theme. (Multimedia/Community Events Manager Elliott) Without objection, the Consensus of the Commission for the Community Calendar theme was to highlight various departments with photo collages depicting what each department does. H. Discussion re: Subdivision Close Out and Maintenance Bonds for Repairs. (Public Works Director Wheeler) Public Works Director Wheeler reviewed his staff report regarding Maintenance Periods for Constructed Developments. He advised his recommendation was to keep the maintenance period at two years at this time and monitor the issue should the industry standard increase toward three years. A discussion ensued among the Commission, staff, and City Attorney regarding: whether or not a three-year bond is available in the market and what the cost would be; when the two-year bond period should begin; ensuring the inspection process of the roads in new developments are thoroughly done by the city and the developers engineers, to which the City Attorney said the City reviews the inspections but the responsibility lays with the engineer who puts their seal on it; problems in Orchard Park, Windsor Landing, Prairie Lakes, and Silver Glen; and that the Prairie Lake developer is now working on another project in Ocoee at this time and more closely scrutinizing this new project. I S1 AFF REPORTS Chief Ron Strosnider gave a summary of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions throughout the storm. They had two people at the County EOC and established phone and email contact with them. They handled approximately 450 calls. He said the overall performance was excellent, and they will be discussing ways to overcome issues such as losing phone communications. He told residents to spread the word that ice and water is being given out to residents free of charge at the mall. Deputy Public Works Director Zaitooni said the garbage recycling is proceeding as normal. Residents should not place debris in the garbage carts; debris should be placed at the curb and will be picked up separately. We anticipate the debris removal to be completed in approximately four weeks. Leaves bagged by residents will also be picked up free of charge in an attempt to keep the storm drains from clogging. He announced the number for Public Works is 407-905-3170 and updates will be posted on OGTV. Commissioner Parker asked about chipping trees and giving away free mulch, to which Mr. Zaitooni said that it is very time consuming and at this time he recommends staying with the hauling and burning process until the bulk of the debris is cleared up. Mayor Vandergrift asked if we had a location where residents could haul debris that would be more convenient. Mr. Zaitooni said the city yard is very wet at this time but they will look into finding a site that will work. The Mayor urged residents not to place debris near shrubs, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or any location that would make it difficult for the claw to pick it up. Page 50f7 City Commission Regnlar Meeting Minutes September 7, 2004 Public Works Director Wheeler asked commercial and residential customers to turn off their sprinkler irrigations systems, since additional water will run off and not soak into their yard. He further mentioned the drinking water system held up well, pipes were broken from rocking trees and some water had to be shut off; those areas were fixed today and precautionary boil water notices were issued. Water was tested today, and the results will be in tomorrow but he does not anticipate any problems. Thanked utilities and public works employees for the long hours they put in to keep the water and sewer systems running, and the roads cleared as much as possible. Mr. Wheeler asked residents to call the engineering department at 407-905-3100 ext 1505 to report problems with water or sewer systems. They are working with Orange County and surrounding cities to assist each other. Commissioner Parker asked about mosquito control, to which Mr. Zaitooni said they have been looking into contracting out spraying, but got sidetracked with the hurricanes. Commissioner Anderson asked about flooding on Highway 50, and a discussion followed among the Commission regarding monitoring the water being pumped to make sure it does not flood residents on Geneva Street and other areas. Parks and Recreation Director Farmer said there is no school tomorrow but the Beech Center will be open from 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. The community center roof sustained heavy damage and they are getting quotes for repairs; all activities will be relocated. Mr. Farmer further stated Parks employees are assisting with debris removal at this time; clean up in the parks will begin next week. Residents are urged not to use the parks for practice because there is so much water. The Bulldogs game to be played in Ocoee is being rescheduled to another site. Police Chief Goclon thanked Police Department Employees and Explorers for their hard work, and the Fire Department for assisting his officers throughout the storm. He further asked residents to drive safely, avoid standing water, be cautious at intersections with no lights, report downed lines and don't drive or walk near them, and abide by the curfews that are in effect in the mandatory evacuation areas. Mayor Vandergrift asked if the light on Highway 50 had been fixed and Chief Goclon said it was working as of 4:00 p.m. today. Chief Goclon thanked residents for their cooperation. Jim PhelDs thanked the Community Development employees for their hard work and spoke about what types of repair work will require permits. He said the governor issued an executive order allowing regular contractors to do shingle roof repairs because there is so much to be done. He further mentioned that mobile homes fall under the DMV and there are Statutes that govern who can make repairs on them. He asked residents to report price gouging to the police or the building department. Mayor Vandergrift asked that Hurricane information continue to run on OGTV with updates and contact numbers. I COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Mavor Vanderarift apologized for being tardy; he went to a school-zoning meeting and found it had been cancelled. While there, he received a complaint about no power to the new school and he stayed to assist them in getting power for kids returning to school tomorrow. Thanked Progress Energy for getting the power back on downtown, and thanked all of the people who came from out of town to help in the aftermath of the Page 6 of7 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 7, 2004 hurricanes. He said there is ice and water available at the mall that was brought down from New Jersey. He thanked staff for their efforts, the Church of the Latter Day Saints, the City's Explorers, and all those who had to stay in shelters for their cooperation. He also welcomed Beth Eikenberry, the new City Clerk, to the City of Ocoee. Commissioner Howell discussed the trash pick up problems with Florida Recyding Services, to which City Manager Frank said they are looking over the contract to see what can be enforced to get a better response from them. Commissioner Johnson said there was a complaint about low hanging cable wires on Bluford and the cable people told her not to worry about it. He is concerned about a vehicle getting caught up in them and asked staff to follow up. He further wants to see if Progress Energy can rectify the power problem with five neighborhoods around 102 Magnolia Street, because it always takes much longer to restore power to them. He said, regarding the refuse pickup, he feels it was the right decision to privatize to save money and not raise fees, but they may have selected the wrong company. He inquired what the process would be to have a representative from the City keep an eye on the tax deeds at the Courthouse so we can bid on things such as the trailer park. Mayor Vandergrift added that we should consider foreclosing on liens that are in place right now. Thanked the City employees for doing an excellent, professional job dealing with the hurricanes. He further added he heard FEMA might pay for generators purchased for the hurricane. He said he would like the City to send Progress Energy a thank you letter for their excellent response during and after the hurricane. Commissioner Parker thanked employees for the excellent job they did during the hurricane. She said employees did a great job at the recent landscape seminar. Announced that Health Central is holding a function on October 18th to help raise money to put nurses in Orange County Schools. I ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: City of Ocoee 'f~E__\~ i, Beth Eikenberry, City Page 70f7