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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-02 Minutes MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 15, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Commissioner Parker led in the prayer and Frances Watts led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Deputy City Clerk Whitford called the roll and declared a quorum present. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and Parker. Also present were City Manager Gleason, City Attorney }\osenthal, City Clerk Grafton, City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Assistant City Engineer Wheeler, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Human Resources Director Diedrich, Recreation Director Farmer, Public Works Director Smith, and Police Chief Mark. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Water Shortage Update. (Assistant City Engineer Wheeler) Assistant City Engineer Wheeler gave a brief report on the rainfall statistics, stating Ocoee had less than half of what was reported at Orlando International Airport (OIA). He said Ocoee was 6.4 inches below normal in comparison to the amount of rainfall received in the year 2001, and the amount of water pumped in the month of December did not decrease. But rather an increase of 1.2% occurred. Mr. Wheeler reminded everyone the SJRWMD restrictions were still in place and a 15 % decrease in usage is mandated. He said overall Ocoee had a 14.6% decrease which is good, but not quite enough. Mr. Wheeler said the enforcement actions continue and he gave the statistics on violations and fines. He recapped the days and times for watering and reminded everyone to check timers on their irrigation systems after a power outage. City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira gave an overview of a meeting with SJRWMD he had attended earlier in the day. He advised the Commission of an upcoming meeting to be held January 31, 2002, at the Orange County Convention Center between the hours of 1 :00-4:00 p.m. He strongly urged all of the Commissioners to attend if at all possible. Mr. Shira stated the meeting will cover a variety of subjects, the primary one being the Central Florida water situation. He said that current predictions indicate by 2006 the Central Florida area will be withdrawing over 85 % of the water that was anticipated to be withdrawn in 2020. Mr. Shira said that if the Central Florida area doesn't do something by 2020 the area is in big trouble. NON-AGENDA ITEM City Manager Gleason introduced the Honorable Rick Keller, U.S. Congressman, and gave a brief overview of the Congressman's credentials, including the committees on which he serves. Mr. Gleason presented Congressman Keller with a pen set as a memento of his visit to Ocoee, after which Congressmen Keller spoke briefly about his first year in Congress. The Congressman gave a thumbnail sketch of the major legislation passed by Congress during the past year, some of which included an increase in the amount of Pell Grants and the Anti- terrorism bill. He explained the Keller Amendment, which he authored, that states known terrorists will no longer be allowed to board an airplane. Congressman Keller said that now when a drivers license is checked at the airport it is checked against a "watch list" of known Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 terrorists. He talked about the legislation that has passed the House but has not yet passed the Senate, and briefly spoke about two significant issues for the upcoming year. Those two issues being the war on terrorism and the economy. Following Congressman Keller's update a brief recess was called to allow a time for photographs to be taken. Recognition of Staff for Competition at FS/ A WW A. (Assistant City Engineer Wheeler) Mr. Wheeler explained the different competitions that were held at the Florida Section of American Water Works Association Conference (FS/ A WW A) and said Ocoee had been well represented by the team. The Ocoee team consisted of Jimmy Butler, Bob Clark, Stephen Hollingsworth, and Hector Rivera. Mr. Wheeler presented the team members with a plaque and congratulated each of them. Recognition of Public Works Employee Ronnie Hodge. (Public Works Director Smith) Director Smith introduced City employee Ronnie Hodge and his wife Iris. He told how they had found a purse containing a large amount of money, how they had contacted the rightful owner, and personally hand delivered it to them. Mayor Vandergrift presented Mr. and Mrs. Hodge with a Good Citizenship Award and read a proclamation proclaiming January 15, 2002, to be Ronnie and Iris Hodge Day. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, and D. Mayor Vandergrift inquired as to whether there were any adjustments to the agenda. City Manager Gleason stated item III C - Final Site Plan Prairie Lake Subdivision Tract "E" had been pulled due to lack of necessary documentation. A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of December 18, 2001, and December 12, 2001, Workshop. (City Clerk Grafton) B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Change Order #2 to the Contract with Goldenmark (aka OneSource Facility Service) to Eliminate Service at the Fire Department's Administrative Offices. (Public Works Director Smith) · This Change Order will result in an annual savings of $1 ,644.00. The Fire Department no longer requires the services of One Source, the City's contractor for facility cleaning. C. This item pulled. To be placed on the February 5, 2002, agenda. D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute a Contract with Gibbs & Register for Water and Sewer Service to the Public Works Office Complex. (City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira andAssistant City Engineer Wheeler) · This project was publicly advertised and five contractors submitted bids on this project. Gibbs & Register submitted the lowest bid. The utility service connection is part of the overall project to purchase and setup the modular office building as approved by the City Commission on May 15, 2001. The contractor's executed agreement has already been Page 2 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 secured and is in City Attorney Rosenthal's signature packet. The contract amount will be $61,145.00 for the Water and Sewer Service to the new Public Works Office Complex. Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to accept items A. B. and D of the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Kathie Glass, 2417 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, Florida, addressed the City Commission on behalf of the West Orange Junior Service League regarding their annual fund raiser. Ms. Glass explained all the funds raised at this event will benefit the West Orange Health Alliance Family Care Center. She asked for the City's help in sponsoring the event in the amount of $250.00 or $500.00. Commissioner Parker. seconded bv Commissioner Anderson. moved to help sponsor the West Orange Junior Service League annual fund raiser in the amount of $500.00. Motion carried 5-0. Ben Griffin, 345 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ocoee, Florida, addressed the Commission about a dirt street in front of his residence which causes flooding to his property. The property is owned by Orange County School Board, but Mr. Griffin would like the City to correct the problem. Assistant City Engineer Wheeler and City Manager Gleason addressed the issue and responded to Mr. Griffin's requests. Commission directed staff to work with Mr. Griffin to try to resolve the flooding issue. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, Ocoee, Florida, announced two Senior Citizens events, a Sadie Hawkins Day dance February 14, 2002, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and the appearance of the AARP Kitchen Band after their next regular meeting January 17, 2002. Max Jacobs, 2247 Mountain Spruce Street, Ocoee, Florida, inquired as to when reclaimed water would be available in the Prairie Lakes subdivision. City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira responded stating that Prairie Lakes Phases III, IV, and V have reclaimed waterlines in place. Mr. Shira said reclaimed water should be moving into that area within the next six months. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Howell said he had received the material on Teen Councils, the purchase of which the Commission had approved during a previous meeting. He said he hoped all the Commissioners would read it and consider something similar for Ocoee. Commissioner Anderson - No comment at this time. Page 3 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 Commissioner Johnson - No comment at this time. Commissioner Parker said she had been drafted by an enterprising young Cub Scout to see if any of the Commissioners would like-to place a business card ad in the Cub Scout 198 program. She said she had forms available for anyone who wished to place an ad and help the young gentleman out. Mayor Vandergrift announced January 17,2002, is the lOpt birthday of Willie Mary Fields, a longtime local resident. He read a proclamation honoring her and declaring January 17, 2001, Willie Mary Fields Day. He said all those who know her should call her and wish her a happy birthday. PUBLIC HEARINGS Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2001-33, Prohibiting Camping on Public and Private Property. (Police Chief Mark) City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of Ordinance Number 2001-33. Chief Mark explained what the Ordinance would and would not cover and he responded to questions by the Commission. The public hearing was opened. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, Ocoee, Florida, inquired as to whether violation of the ordinance would result in a fine. She was advised that it would. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to adoot Ordinance No.2001-33. Motion carried 5-0. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2002-01, Proposed Rezoning from A-1 to R-1-AA of the Dill/Ravensdale Property - Case Number RZ-2001-03-01. (Planning Director Wagner) City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of Ordinance Number 2002-01. Director Wagner stated the subject property is located on the north side of Clarcona Ocoee Road, west of Hobson Road and south of Lake Sims. The amount of the subject property that is being requested to be rezoned is 57.3 acres. Mr. Wagner explained that the property is designated Low Density Residential on the City Future Land Use Map and on the Joint Planning Area Map. He stated that staff has determined that the proposed rezoning is also consistent with Ocoee' s Comprehensive Plan as well as the surrounding land uses and zoning classifications. Staff recommend the adoption of the proposed ordinance. Page 4 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 As Mayor Vandergrift was away from the dais, Mayor pro tern Anderson opened the public hearing. During a brief discussion Commissioner Parker indicated that while she has no problem with the rezoning she would be expecting something more consistent with the plan presented to the citizens and homeowners groups, rather than the plan that was presented to the Commission at a previous Commission meeting. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Parker, seconded bv Mayor oro tern Anderson. moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2002-01. Motion carried 3-0. Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Johnson were away from the dais. Recess 8:40 p.m. - 8:46 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS COMMISSION TOPICS/PROJECTS FOR DISCUSSION Brick Wall Prairie Lakes Tract E. (Commissioner Howell) Commissioner Howell said he would prefer to have a natural buffer of trees as opposed to the City paying $175,000.00 for a brick wall buffer. Commissioner Parker stated she not only preferred the brick wall, but said it was a requirement that had been included in the plans that were previously approved by the Commission. City Attorney Rosenthal responded to several questions asked by the Commission, as did Planning Director Wagner and Jeff Perlman, of Ryland Homes. Developer Agreements Vested Rights -Time Frame. (Commissioner Howell) Commissioner Howell inquired as to whether vested builders were bound by any new ordinances the City might adopt. City Attorney Rosenthal addressed the issue and clarified the areas of concern. American Power Boat Association (APBA) Races March 23, 2002 Starke Lake. (Commissioner Anderson) Commissioner Anderson stated the American Power Boat Association (APBA) had expressed interest in holding a races on Starke Lake as' they had in the past. They proposed a date of March 23,2002, which would be one week after the Winter Nationals held in Crescent City. Commissioner Anderson stated he would meet with a representative from APBA, City Manager Gleason, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Public Works Director Smith, and himself to address concerns regarding noise and speed. Silencers would be used on the exhausts, and the speed would be between 35 and 85 mph. He stated the hours of the proposed races would be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and nothing would begin on Sunday until after 12:00 noon. Commissioner Anderson advised in response to a mail-out there seemed to be overall acceptance by the community and he too thought it would be a good Page 5 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 way to bring people to the area. He said the City would not be the sponsor, but until the Commission gave their stamp of approval he did not want to pursue possible sponsors. The Commission reached a consensus to allow the races. City Manager's Evaluation. City Manager Gleason indicated he had received evaluations from each Commission member and copies of each evaluation have been provided to. each member. He asked if there were any additions or comments. Commissioner Johnson suggested that individual meetings with each Commission member be scheduled to discuss any issues or concerns. City Manager Gleason said he would copy all the Commissioners and Mayor with his response to any specific issues or concerns posed by any individual Commission member. Boxing Committee Report. (Recreation Director Farmer) This item was pulled from agenda to be considered February 5, 2002. Approval of New Community Merit Awards Program. (Community Relations/Project Director Shira) Director Shira presented her proposal to the Commission instituting specific criteria for applicants requesting funds from the City. Ms. Shira stated a more formalized process would help both the Commission and the applicants. Some of the areas addressed in the proposal were to appoint a review board, set a funding cycle, limit the number of times an applicant can make a request, and limit the dollar amount awarded to each applicant. A brief discussion ensued. Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to adoot the Funding Cycle and aoolication orocess as recommended by Community Relations/Proiects Director Shira. Motion carried 5-0. Appointment of a Five Member Review Board. To be appointed by March 5, 2002. Mayor Vandergrift named Mike Miller as his appointee. STAFF REPORTS City Manager Gleason 1) Offered the Starke Lake Drainwells Staff Report as an emergency item. Mayor Vandergrift declared it to be an emergency item. City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira explained the urgency of the situation and the time constraints involved. A brief discussion ensued with Director Shira responding to questions. Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to aoorove the construction of two (2) new drainwells as recommended bv staff. Motion carried 5-0. Page 6 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 2) Suggested there be a change back to the previous method of merit pay (0 or 2.5 % rather than 0 to 2.5 %) for the balance of the current fiscal year 01-02. 3) Talked about the merit increase policy and reverting bflCk to the previous method. After some discussion it was determined to wait for Human Resources Director Diedrich to submit some possible alternatives and possibly do a mid year review. 4) Gave a brief update on the Downtown Redevelopment and Maine Street projects. 5) Explained part of the reason Item VII C had been pulled from the agenda was that after talking with Congressman Keller, the possibility of Federal funding for a Senior Center/Veterans Facility was very good. 6) Advised the Commission of the frequent lack of quorum and lack of topics on the agenda of the Education Commission for the past several months. He asked the Commissioners to consider what can be done to revitalize this board and get them back on track. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS. Commissioner Anderson thanked everyone who responded bye-mail regarding the boat races. Commissioner Howell I) Announced the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Saturday January 19,2002, at 11:30 a.m. 2) Suggested the City consider the purchase of a small parcel of land to be used as a skate park. Mayor Vandergrift stated Orange County is building a skate park and the BMX park is being moved from Horseman's Park. He said perhaps the Coke Property could be considered. Commissioner Parker said Peachtree City has a really nice skate park and that she would write and get the information for future consideration. 3) Inquired as to the cost of this years Founders' Day and expressed concern that the event was too expensive. 4) Said he believed more volunteers should be used for Founders' Day. City Manager Gleason said he would get a breakdown of the costs for Founders' Day for the Commissioners. He also explained that some of the tasks required paid staff and that volunteers were often unreliable. Commissioner Johnson I) Stated he would like Mike Miller to head a committee of volunteers who would cover things like the Founders' Day event under the City's guidance. 2) Inquired about the property at 28 McKey Street and suggested the City make an offer to purchase it. City Manager Gleason indicated that was already in the process of being done. 3) Asked who owned the property across from Commissioner Anderson's home and said it really needed to be cleaned up. 4) Advised that the City of Winter Garden was getting old fashioned looking gas lights for their downtown area and would like to see something similar for Ocoee. Page 7 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 15, 2002 Commissioner Parker stated she would like to see a summit on recreation to review what the City has, what the needs are, and in what direction the City should proceed. Without objection staff was directed to set UP the necessary meetings. Mayor Vandergrift I) Asked if the City needed to hire a consultant regarding the weeds at the edge of Starke Lake. 2) Stated if there is no set schedule for shampooing the carpets one should be established (perhaps quarterly). ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Attest: APPROVED City of Ocoee /1 ..--,:.-- :> "" .....:=) ~- S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor Page 8 of 8