HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-02 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD
APRIL 2,2002
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers. Pastor David Hartbarger led the prayer and Frances Watts led the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag. Deputy City Clerk Whitford called the roll and declared a quorum to
be present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell (arrived at 7:30 p.m.),
Johnson, and Parker. Also present were City Manager Gleason, City Attorney Rosenthal,
City Clerk Grafton, Human Resources Director Diedrich, Recreation Director Farmer, City
Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Assistant City
Engineer Wheeler, Director of Planning Wagner, Principal Planner Lewis, Fire Chief
Strosnider, Assistant Fire Chief Firstner, Police Chief Mark, Communications Manager Ek-
Collins, Building/Zoning Official Velie, and Public Works Director Smith.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Certificate of Appreciation to Sam Woodson. (Mayor Vandergrift)
Mayor Vandergrift presented former Commissioner Woodson with a certificate of appreciation
for his service to the City and thanked him for serving on the METROPLAN Orlando
Citizens' Advisory Committee. Mr. Woodson received the certificate and thanked the City
for allowing him to serve. He stated he hoped the new committee member would be vigilant
in looking for those things that would impact the Ocoee community.
Certificates of Achievement for Dreamers and Doers - Ocoee Elementary and Lakeview
Middle School. (Mayor Vandergrift)
Mayor Vandergrift presented Dian Hooper with a certificate and congratulated her on being
chosen Ocoee Elementary Teacher of the Year. He then presented a certificate to Austin
Bailiff for being Ocoee Elementary's Dreamer and Doer. Mayor Vandergrift also presented a
certificate congratulating Linda Peters who was Lakeview Middle School's Teacher of the
Year. Ms. Peters accepted the certificate awarded Meredith Morrison as Lakeview Middle
School's Dreamer and Doer, as she was unable to attend the meeting.
Proclamation "National Telecommunicators Week." (Mayor Vandergrift)
Telecommunicator of the Month Award to Kim DeLoach. (Communications Manager
Ek-Collins)
Mr. Ek-Collins read a statement giving an overview of all duties of a telecommunicator and
the service they provide their communities. He named all of the telecommunicators in the
Ocoee Communications Department. Following Mr. Ek-Collins' statement Mayor
Vandergrift read a proclamation proclaiming April 14 through April 20 to be National
Telecommunicators Week. Mr. Ek-Collins announced Kim DeLoach as Telecommunicator
of the Month. He gave a brief summary of Ms. DeLoach's history and accomplishments and
thanked her for her service to the City.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
Presentation of Grant Awards to MVP Neighborhood Grant Program Applicants.
(Community Relations/Projects Director Shira).
Ms. Shira presented MVP Grants to the following Homeowners Associations: Johio Bay,
represented by Roy Pressey; Hidden Glen, represented by Dave Eden; and Prairie Lake
Village, represented by Karl Prihoda. Each representative received their grant and gave an
overview of the project their subdivision was undertaking. Mayor Vandergrift thanked all
the participants and explained a little about the program. He encouraged people to apply for
the MVP Grant for their neighborhood even if they do not have a homeowners association.
Ms. Shira explained how associations, businesses, or individuals could apply.
Time was set aside after each of the presentations for pictures to be taken.
Water Shortage Update. (Assistant City Engineer Wheeler)
Mr. Wheeler gave a report on the rainfall and the amount of water pumped and distributed
over the last month and compared the figures to the previous year. He stated Ocoee was
below the national average for rain for the year and below the amount of rain Ocoee received
last year. Ocoee's use was 13.38% less than the year 2001, but still did not meet the
SJRWMD mandate of 15% decrease. He reviewed the water restrictions and reminded
everyone they were still in effect. He also reviewed the totals of violations.
Fire Station Options. (Kevin Ratigan)
Mr. Ratigan gave a power point presentation showing how the site on South Bluford and the
existing site and surrounding areas would be developed as Fire Station One. The presentation
included a rendering of the new site design and evaluation of the new site vs. the Municipal
Complex site. The evaluation portion included a computer rendering of a one-story approach
and a two-story building approach. There was a cost comparison of renovation versus a new
facility; both site improvement and off site improvement costs were covered. Advantages and
disadvantages of using the current Fire Station One location and the new South Bluford site
were reviewed. Following the presentation a lengthy discussion ensued about the location and
design of the building. The Commission asked questions and expressed their concerns and
views. Mr. Ratigan and Fire Chief Strosnider responded to their questions and concerns.
While there was some disagreement as to the location of the new fire station, all of the
Commissioners expressed their dislike of the exterior design, stating it did not blend in well
with the architectural design of the surrounding area of either site. After the motion was
stated discussion ensued and City Attorney Rosenthal clarified that if the Commission wanted
to keep the site at the current Municipal Complex the vote would be yes on the motion, if the
Commission wanted the South Bluford site the vote would be no.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to Droceed with a
different buildim! desilm for Fire Station One at its present location. Motion failed 0-5.
Following the vote there was a brief discussion and there was a determination to hold a
workshop regarding the design.
Page 2 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda consisted of items A, B, C, D, and E.
Item D was pulled by the applicant prior to the meeting.
D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute
Forest Ridge PUD Final Subdivision Plan Extension Project #LS-99-004.
(Planning Director Wagner)
This proposed site is located east of Lakewood Avenue about one quarter mile south of Wurst Road. The
subdivision will include a total of 57 single-family residential lots. The applicant has requested a twelve-
month extension. The owners are currently negotiating sale of the land with Orange County to allow
development of an affordable housing project. Staff recommends that the mayor and city commission
approve a twelve-month extension.
Item E was pulled by Commissioner Johnson for discussion and a separate vote.
E. Approval and Authorization to Piggyback on the Florida Sheriffs Office
& Local Governmental Agencies of the State of Florida Bid and Seminole
County Bid, Authorize Staff to Secure Financing and for Mayor and City
Clerk to Execute Agreement for the Purchase of New Vehicles. (Finance
Director Horton)
This agreement will allow the lease-purchase of 14 new vehicles. The best
pricing for the vehicles was found through the Sheriffs Office & Local
Governmental agencies of the state of Florida cooperative bid # 01-09-0904.
Due to the late order for the police vehicles, the city is unable to utilize the
vendor on the Florida Sheriffs bid. The police vehicles were found at another
dealership, and the city may piggyback on Seminole County's Bid # A/B-
340/JVP. The other vehicles were unaffected by the manufacturer deadline, and
the city may piggyback on the Florida Sheriff's bid. The total cost for the
vehicles is $279,439.00. Staff recommends approval and authorization to (1)
piggyback with Florida Sheriffs Office & Local Government Agencies of the
State of Florida and Seminole County, (2) authorize staff to secure financing,
and (3) for Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreements for the purchase of
new vehicles.
Mavor Vander!!rift. seconded bv Commissioner Howell. moved to aoorove item E of the
consent al!enda as recommended bv staff. Motion carried 5-0.
Item B was pulled by Commissioner Anderson for separate consideration.
B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute
Purchase Agreement with Deborah Stone and Jeanette Stone for their
parcel located on the west side of Maguire Road. Parcel to be used for
Maguire Road Reclaimed Water Tank. (Assistant City Attorney Doty)
Page 3 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
This parcel is located on the west side of Maguire Road just north of the office
development on the corner of Maguire Road and Roberson Road. The Stones
have agreed to sell the parcel to the City for $271,700.00 (the appraised value
plus 10 % ). Staff recommends approval and (1) authorization for the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the Purchase Agreement and (2) authorization for
City Clerk and the Mayor to execute all documents necessary to proceed to
closing.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to aoorove item B of
the consent al!enda as recommended bv staff. Motion carried 5-0.
Remaining on the Consent Agenda were items A and Conly.
A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting
of March 19, 2002, and Recreation Workshop of March 14, 2002. (City
Clerk Grafton)
C. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Change
Order # 1 Extension of Lawn Maintenance Contract with Groundtek and
Metroscape through September 30,2002. (Public Works Director Smith)
Groundtek and Metroscape both have contracts with the City to perform mowing, edging and
weed eating for Clarke Road, City Hall, retention ponds and various parking lots throughout the
city. Both contracts are nearing an end and both companies have agreed to continue with the
same service at the same cost until September 30, 2002. Staff recommends approval of the
extension of the contracts.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to aoorove items A
and C of the consent al!enda as oresented. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
Jim Beech, 1206 Kimball Dr., announced the Big Orange Games would be held May 4, 2002,
from 8:45 a.m. through 2:45 p.m. at West Orange High School. He invited the Commission
to be a part of the opening ceremony. He said there was some discussion as to the possibility
of the Big Orange Games being under the auspices of the City. He thanked everyone who
participated in the golf fundraiser and thanked the City for the $500.00 check.
Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, inquired about the location of future middle schools and
high schools. Mayor Vandergrift responded there was a planned middle school site north of
Clarcona Road and a high school on the Coke Property. Ms. Watts also stated during the
Mayor's State of the City Video she noticed the School Crossing Guards had not been
mentioned at all and the Communications Department had very little mention. She said she
would also like some recognition for the Seniors at the Founders' Day Event as they are
Page 4 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
celebrating their 25th year this year. City Manager Gleason assured her that they would not
be overlooked in the future. Ms. Watts also said she was collecting the white bottle caps
from water bottles for a senior craft project. She asked that anyone having any donate them.
Elton Mulkey, 300 Phyllis Street, stated he would like permission to water on Monday in
place of watering on Sunday, as he is unable to be at his residence during the allotted time on
Sunday. City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira stated the City was not able to alter his
watering days as the restrictions were put in place by St. Johns River Water Management
District, not the City. Recreation Director Farmer stated he would volunteer to water for
Mr. Mulkey on Sunday. Mr. Gleason said something would be worked out to make sure his
lawn was watered on Sunday.
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Parker said there had been a developer before the City Commission previously
who had agreed to purchase a swing set and picnic tables for the Hackney Prairie Park. She
said she had received notice they had been ordered and will be delivered to the Public Works
Department at a later date this month.
Commissioner Howell
No comment at this time.
Commissioner Anderson
1. Said he had received an e-mail stating the turnpike will have the entrances of Ocoee,
Winter Garden, and Oakland closed April 15 through April 26 between the hours of
1 :00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., and will be diverting that traffic to Highway 50.
2. Announced spring cleanup Apri113 and April 20. Those who have their garbage pick
up days as Monday/Thursday will have their free pick up on Saturday, April 13, and
those who have their pick up days as Tuesday/Friday will have their free pick up
Saturday, April 20.
Commissioner Johnson thanked everyone who participated in the Relay for Life golf
tournament and said almost $4,000.00 had been raised. He thanked Mike Miller for his help
and especially for the 100 plus hats he donated with Relay for Life embroidered on them. He
said he hoped to have the fund raising event again next year and hoped it would be even
better.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that the Ocoee Education Commission would be presenting a
special televised meeting May 6, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall
to discuss the Ih cent sales tax proposed by the Orange County School Board.
Recess 9:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Page 5 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
PUBLIC HEARING
First Reading of Ordinance No. 2002-10, Amendment to L.D.C. - Revision of Setback
Requirements for Accessory Structures. (Building Official Velie)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance.
The public hearing was opened and, as no one wished to speak, the hearing was closed.
Building/Zoning Official Velie responded to Commissioner Anderson's questions about the
type of structures and as to whether or not it would make a difference if they were attached to
the house.
Mayor Vandergrift announced the second reading and public hearing date of April 16, 2002,
at 7: 15 p.m.
OTHER BUSINESS
This item was taken out of agenda order
ForestBrooke Subdivision Plan, Phase 1 Project No. LS-2001-01. (Director of Planning
Wagner)
Principal Planner Lewis gave a power point presentation showing the location of the
subdivision. Mr. Lewis stated Phase 1 of ForestBrooke, located on both sides of Ocoee
Apopka Road (CR 437), just south of McCormick Road, will have 126 single family
residential lots. Most of the subject property west of CR 437 is currently occupied by orange
groves and a few existing structures, including an existing amount of wetlands in the
southwestern portion of that property which will be preserved. Much of the property east of
CR 437 is currently wooded. Mr. Lewis stated the subdivision includes a mixture of lot sizes
consistent with the property's R-I-A and R-I-AA zoning. He said the Developer is requesting
two waivers from certain Land Development Code requirements, both of which are in Phase 1.
The first waiver is related to the requirement for a buffer along arterial and collector roads, in
this case a brick wall along both sides of CR 437. The Developer is requesting this waiver to
allow a decorative metal fence with brick columns adjacent to the retention ponds instead of a
solid 6-foot brick wall. This will allow for the preservation of existing trees in that buffer
area. The second waiver is related to the requirement for a community meeting room. The
Developer is requesting this waiver to allow the 1,000 square foot meeting room to be
constructed in Phase 2 as originally planned with the PSP. However, there will be a limit on
the number of Certificates of Occupancy they will get on the homes built in Phase 1 (no more
than 99 CO's) until the community meeting room is built in Phase 2. Mr. Allen Keene,
Developer, addressed the Commission saying he appreciated the cooperation he has received
from the City for this project. He stated when the preliminary site plans were approved they
were approved for 70, 80, and 90 foot lots for a total of 362 lots. He said the plan currently
before the Commission has a total of 340 lots and that lessening of total amount of lots was
Page 6 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
done to preserve a number of trees. Mr. Gleason commended Mr. Keene and his company
for the decreasing of the number of lots in order to preserve the trees. Staff recommended
approval with the following conditions:
1) The required 1,000 square foot community meeting room may be built in Phase 2, but
the number of building permits to be issued for homes in Phase 1 and their associated
Certificates of Occupancy will be limited to 99, until the community meeting room is
completed. If the community room is not completed in two years, then the gazebo
provided in Phase 1 must be expanded to meet the size requirements of Ordinance
Number 2001-19 for subdivision with 99 lots.
2) The width of the southern secondary access road west of CR 437 to be constructed with
Phase 1 will be discussed and agreed upon by the City Staff and the Developer. After
discussions and input from the West Groves Developer-the City is obligated to consider
in good faith any input offered by the West Groves Developer. The new road must be
constructed with 24' wide pavement and minimal turn lanes onto CR 437 and from CR
437 onto the new road (if right-of-way is available), consistent with the West Groves
Developer Agreement, unless a different design is agreed upon after giving
consideration to input from the West Groves Developer.
3) The plans be revised to include a complete network of wastewater effluent reuse lines
for irrigation as required by the Code.
Commissioner Howell. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to aoorove as
recommended bv staff with the revised conditions of aooroval and conditions as stated bv the
olanninl! deoartment. Motion carried 5-0.
This item was taken out of agenda order.
Discussion of Founders' Day. (Community Relations/Project Director Shira)
Ms. Shira stated she was there to answer any questions the Commission may have and to get
direction from the Commission as to how they would like her to proceed and what if any
changes the Commission would like to see incorporated into the way Founders' Day is
presented and managed. She stated she was behind schedule and needed to proceed with haste.
Commissioner Parker stated Ms. Shira should do what needed to be done in order to make it
happen and that she would like to hear from the committee what they would like to see in the
future. Founders' Day Committee Coordinator Mr. Miller stated it is too late in the year to
follow through with putting a board in place, but a transition team to help with the 2002-2003
event would be a good goal. He suggested one or more of the Commissioners be on the
transition team. Committee member Nancy Cox addressed the Commission stating she would
like to see the event grow each year. Without obiection. Mayor Vandergrift appointed
Commissioner Parker and Commissioner Johnson to be the liaisons for the Founders' Day
transition team and said all Commissioners would take part when possible. Ms. Shira
expressed some of her concerns and explained how the talent was selected for the event. Staff
was directed to do those things necessary to get the Founders' Day event ready.
Page 7 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
This item was taken out of agenda order.
Establish Fee Schedule for Beech Recreation Center Pool. (Recreation Director Farmer)
Mr. Farmer said the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program says the City does
have the power to establish a non-resident rate for the use of the pool, but they would like to
have the request to charge an increased fee for non-residents to be submitted to them in writing
and they would issue a ruling. He asked the Commission to set a rate of $1.00 for residents
and non-residents until the ruling is received, and to authorize staff to make the change when
/if the ruling is in favor.
Mavor Vanderl!rift. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to aDorove the sim!le rate
for residents and non-residents until there is an oDDortunitv to look at it.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to amend the motion
to aDDrove the rate of $1.00 for residents and non-residents for the present time and make the
cham!e in the rate UDon receivin!! the rulin!! from the State. Motion carried 5-0.
The vote on the motion as amended was 5-0 in favor.
First Reading of Ordinances
1. Ordinance No. 2002-12, Proposed Annexation of Crown Point Case No. AX-01-10-
01. (Director of Planning Wagner)
2. Ordinance No. 2002-13, Amendment to Police Officers & Firefighters Retirement
Trust Fund. (Captain Wilson Ocoee P. D.)
3. Ordinance No. 2002-14, Relating to Personnel Rules and Regulations Regarding
Military Leave. (Human Resources Director Diedrich)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of each of the above ordinances in turn and
Mayor Vandergrift announced the second reading and public hearing date for all to be April
16, 2002, at 7: 15 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers.
Discussion of First Amendment to Second Developer Agreement for Westridge PUD
between Devworth Properties, Inc., Glenmir Properties, Ltd., and the City of Ocoee.
(City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira)
City Attorney Rosenthal explained the amendment related primarily to an accelerated
schedule for the 7th Avenue right-of-way, which is contingent upon the Developer obtaining
approvals of plans to be submitted to the City in the near future. He stated this did not
obligate the City in any way to act one way or another with respect to those plans, but does set
up a framework for certain things to happen if those plans are approved. Commissioner
Johnson commended City Manager Gleason on the good job he did in regards to this
agreement. Mr. Gleason stated he had talked with Gordon Nutt and Mr. Nutt would be
Page 8 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
drafting the documents with Florida Power regarding the additional land right-of-way on the
western side of the road.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to aoorove the orooosed
First Amendment to Second Develooer Al!reement between Devworth Prooerties. Inc. and
Glenmuir orooerties. Ltd.. as Develooer. and the Citv as recommended bv staff and authorize
execution thereof bv the Mavor and Citv Clerk. Motion carried 5-0.
City Manager Gleason announced this item had been pulled from the agenda by the applicant
as Winter Garden would be providing the reclaimed water for this subdivision.
Reclaimed Water ForestBrooke, West Groves Subdivision. (City Engineer/Utilities
Director Shira)
Board Appointments. (City Clerk Grafton)
METROPLAN ORLANDO Citizens' Advisory Committee 4 Year Term.
Mavor Vander!!rift. seconded bv Commissioner Anderson. moved to aoooint JoAnne Jensen
to serve as Ocoee's reoresentative on the METROPLAN ORLANDO Citizens' Advisorv
Committee. Motion carried 5-0.
Board of Adjustment Appointment/Reappointments.
Reappoint Member Resnik to serve a term ending May 2005.
Reappoint Member Savino to serve a term ending May 2005.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded bv Commissioner Anderson. moved to reaoooint
Members Resnik and Savino to serve terms endinl! Mav 2005. Motion carried 5-0.
Appoint an Alternate Member to complete Mr. Ward's term to May 2002, and serve an
additional three year term ending May 2005.
Commissioner Howell. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to aoooint Scott
Kimbrell as an alternate member to comolete Mr. Ward's term endinl! Mav 2005. Motion
carried 5-0.
STAFF REPORTS
City Manager Gleason
1. Said Public Works had been getting quotes on carpet prices for the Chambers as
directed by the Commission at a previous meeting. He stated the quotes all seemed to be
in the $4,000.00 to $5,000.00 range, but because of the time constraints staff was
recommending the carpet be purchased from the company that could get the job done
within the time frame, even though that company may not be the lowest price.
Page 9 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
Mavor Vanderl!rift. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to aoorove the ourchase of
camet for the Chambers from the comoanv that could meet the time constraints with the cost
not to exceed $5.000.00. Motion carried 5-0.
There was a brief discussion about the choosing of the color and the Commission agreed
Commissioner Parker would make the final decision on color.
2. Proposed the Merit Pay Policy be modified. The proposed modifications would
convert the current merit range of 0 to 2.5 % to 0 or 2.5 % for employees receiving above
operational on their review dated April 1, 2002, through September 30, 2002. Secondly
any employee whose review was dated October 1, 2001, through March 31, 2002, and
received an above operational review would receive a total merit increase of 2.5 %. The
difference in the percent earned and the 2.5 % would be adjusted retroactive for all reviews
from October 1, 2001, through March 31, 2002. A discussion followed with Mr. Gleason
responding to questions from the Commission. Everyone agreed the supervisors doing the
evaluations needed better training. Mr. Gleason advised the Commission Human
Resources Director Diedrich was working on a new system that would be implemented in
the next budget year if it meets with the Commission's approval. Commissioner
Anderson suggested that the supervisors who were consistent and did a good job should
have it noted on their evaluation, and it should also be noted in the evaluation of those who
did not do a good job evaluating.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded bv Commissioner Howell. moved to aoorove staff's
recommendation to modifv the merit oav policv from 0 to 2.5 % to 0 or 2.5 % for all
emolovees who received an above ooerational review dated Aoril 1. 2002. throUl!h Seotember
30. 2002. and to make it retroactive to all emolovees who received an above ooerational
review October 1. 2001. throul!h March 31. 2002. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Stated the Chairman of the Reconciliation Task Force, Dr. Stamper, was requesting the
task force finish their original mission under their current structure. He also requested the
Commission advise the intent and goals of the new proposed advisory board and that the
Commission not take any action until there is further discussion between the task force and
the City Commission.
Without obiection the Commission agreed the task force should complete their mission under
their current structure.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Parker reminded everyone that April 12 and 13 is Relay for Life and tickets
for the drawings can still be purchased at City Hall. She said one of the prizes is a leather
motorcycle jacket and another is a free Harley rental. She said there would be lots of things
Page 10 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
going on and there would be lots of food so come out and have fun. Start time is Friday,
April 12 at 6:00 p.m. and it runs all night long.
Commissioner Johnson
1. Said some board members had inquired about shirts for the P&Z board.
Without objection Commission directed staff to get shirts for all City Boards.
2. Asked about the report on the customer number discrepancy between the previous
waste collection company and the current company. Mr. Gleason said those numbers
had been rectified. Mr. Gleason said the City is missing out on the residential
construction. He explained that the intent to exempt residential construction had been
for the homeowner who was adding a room or that type of residential construction.
However, what has been happening is contractors building multiple homes in
subdivisions are taking advantage and whatever companies that are picking up that
trash are not having to pay any franchise fees. Mr. Gleason stated he has asked
Public Works Director Smith to bring some information back for the Commission to
review.
3. Said he would like to charge a ramp fee for non-Ocoee residents using the Starke Lake
ramp. After a brief discussion Commission directed staff to look into possible methods
to implement the fees.
4. Stated the boat ramp is frequently blocked even though there is a Do Not Block Ramp
sign. He said he would like to have them towed. Mr. Gleason said he would make
sure the signs were all legal and the City would begin strict enforcement and ticketing.
Mr. Gleason said staff would bring the Commission a parking plan.
5. Requested someone contact Principal Clark at Ocoee Middle School and have them
water the plants and trees by the sidewalk near the road. He said they were all dying.
6. Inquired about the downtown revitalization. Mr. Gleason said that Public Works had
reported being only a few days away from receiving the installation costs from Florida
Power. Mr. Gleason said that he had met last week with District 5 Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary for this area, Mike Snyder, and Mr.
Snyder reportedly saw no reason why FDOT would not take Kissimmee A venue/
Bowness Road in lieu of Maguire Road. Mr. Gleason said he would have
confirmation on that by the April 16 Commission meeting. He also said if that was
confirmed it would free up some funds that would help expedite some of the downtown
project.
Commissioner Anderson
1. Said he had spoken with Public Works Director Smith regarding the commercial
accounts and stated Mr. Smith has found a sizable amount of accounts that the City did
not have with Waste Management. He spoke about the intent of the exemption of roll
offs and front loaders for residential construction and requested staff to review the
agreements to see how to make sure the individual homebuilder is protected, but
address the commercial builders that are misusing it. City Attorney Rosenthal
Page 11 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
explained that in order to make a change the Commission would need to amend the
Resolution. Mr. Gleason said he understood what was being requested and would
bring it back to the Commission to adopt the change.
2. Said Lakeshore Drive is being used as a short cut and the road is getting worse. Mr.
Gleason said Public Works Director Smith had gotten an estimate from a company that
heats the asphalt so it can be removed from the bricks. He said it was approximately
$67,000.00 and stated he has suggested Mr. Smith put that in his CIP for the next
fiscal year.
3. Read an email from ocean819@aol.com stating the hay being used on Maguire Road
median instead of mulch is not very attractive and would like it changed.
Commissioner Anderson explained the straw was only there temporarily to keep the
newly sown grass seed from blowing away. He reminded people to please include
their name if they were sending an email.
4. Repeated the turnpike closing dates and times.
Commissioner Howell
1. Asked if the old cemetery road was City or County jurisdiction. Commissioner
Johnson said that was actually Maine Street. Mr. Gleason said in reference to Maine
Street he had received a call from a Mr. Hawthorne regarding the covering of the
bricks (as staff had been directed to do in the previous meeting) stating that the City
had no right to cover the bricks, as that was a private road. Mr. Gleason said
following Mr. Hawthorne's claim staff had done research and could find nothing
indicating that road to be private.
2. Said he had received a call from some parents stating the recreation center would not
be having teen dances anymore. Recreation Director Farmer said there had been a
problem in the fact that the City cannot hire any vendor who does not have an
occupational license . He said the offer to get an occupational license was extended to
the previous disc jockey that had been used, but the disc jockey, Mr. Wise, had
declined. Mr. Farmer stated that other vendors with occupational licenses had been
contacted and there was a dance scheduled for the current week on Friday.
3. Said a lady who was trying to rebuild an existing porch could not get a permit even
though she was not adding anything new, just rebuilding an existing structure with
different material. Apparently by using block instead of brick and windows instead of
screen it would now be classified as a room rather than a porch. He said while he
understands the need for permits there is something wrong when you cannot get a
permit for something like this lady wanted to do. Mr. Gleason said he would follow
up on this issue and report back.
Mayor Vandergrift
1. Announced the opening of a new business, Palm Tree Computer Systems, 112 S.
Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, on April 6 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. He said there
would be music provided by the Holy Rollers band, rides, and drawings for prizes. He
Page 12 of 13
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
April 2, 2002
explained that anyone bringing non-perishable foods, which will be donated to the
Christian Service Center of Ocoee and the Bread of Life in Oviedo, would receive a
ticket for a chance to win a $5,000.00 computer system. He said there is a competition
between the Mayor of Oviedo and him as to which city would collect the most food.
The losing city's Mayor would pick up trash in the winning city. He encouraged
everyone to come and help support a worthy charity while welcoming a new business
into the community.
2. Read a letter from the Chairman of the Republican Party commending Mayor
Vandergrift and the community for the coming together in granting a wish for
Thomas's room that the Make a Wish Foundation could not grant.
3. Announced the Florida Fresh Water Game Commission is having their Big Catch event
at Turkey Lake Park, April 6, 2002, from 9:00 a.m. to 1 :00 p.m.
4. Suggested in order to help curb energy use fluorescent lights should be used in the
hallways and motion sensitive switches should be put in the restrooms.
5. Inquired about the recent power outage regarding the lift station and whether it affected
the Luce family adversely. Mr. Gleason advised Mayor Vandergrift that when he
arrived on the scene staff was already there with a generator hooked up to the lift
station. He said there was no back flow into the Luce home. He advised that there
were a total of eight lift stations down due to the power outage, but the auto dialing
system had worked properly.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee
I . JtMi
,. j'''' ~".,/ I ' . }
i . , "...-'\""'/7'-". ",.,.
~. 111 < ~<_.; /Y,/ ::--:??r... j " .
Sally Whitford, Dept)ty City Clerk
~
I,
<..-, ~ <::err;;: . '1 t~';.o\\
c::.) =-~.../" \J /~!
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Page 13 of 13