HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-02-01 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY, COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
HELD JANUARY 2, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7: 15 p. m. in the Commission
Chambers. Former Mayor Lester Dabbs led in prayer and Mr. R. P. Mohnacky led the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum declared present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and Parker.
Also present were Acting City Manager Jim Shira, Acting Building/Zoning Official
Washington, City Clerk Grafton, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Planning
Director Wagner, Principal Transportation Planner Friel, and Principal Planner Lewis.
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
School Construction (30 minutes) - Orange County Public Schools: Joe Mittiga, Executive
Director, Community Relations and Dan Buckman, Associate Superintendent,
Governmental Relations
Mr. Dan Buckman gave a power point presentation about the school
construction/reconstruction in Orange County.
Mr. R. P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Boulevard, and Mrs. Rhonda Johnson, 5114 Log
Wagon Road, raised questions to which Mr. Buckman responded.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, and C. Commissioner Howell asked for
clarification on item C about how the voters would be advised of the new polling place. City
Clerk Grafton advised the Supervisor of Elections office would send notices to the affected
voters and the information would appear on the City's web page, in the Orlando Sentinel and
West Orange Times and be broadcast on Channel 10.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to approve the consent
agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting
of December 19, 2000. (City Clerk Grafton)
B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Windsor
Landings Subdivision (tka Ocoee Crossings) Final Plat. (Engineer I
Gavrilovic)
· Windsor Landing Subdivision is a 214 lot single family subdivision located on the east side
of Maguire Road, northwest of Parkridge-Gotha Road. All required documentation pertaining to
the platting of this subdivision has been received and approved.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
C. Approval and Authorization to have Two Polling Places for Municipal
Election. (City Clerk Grafton)
· This request provides that Districts 1 and 4 will vote at Beech Recreation Center and Districts
2 and 3 will vote at the Community Center in the March 13,2001, election and the April 10 run-
off election, if needed. .
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
Former Mayor Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, addressed the Commission regarding the charter
school issue, cautioning against assuming extra liability.
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Anderson announced Jason's Restaurant was rated number 1 in the area for
Italian food and desserts.
Mayor Vandergrift
1) Called attention to the agenda for the January 3 joint meeting with the Orange County
School Board.
2) Displayed the new Ocoee Calendar and commended Community Relations/Projects
Director Shira and her staff for a fine job.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Second Readings of Ordinances
Ordinance No. 2001-01, West Oaks Square, Land Use Plan Amendment, Project No. LS-
98-00SA. (Planning Director Wagner)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Planning Director Wagner
gave the staff report, and Principal Planner Lewis assisted with the overhead display. Mr.
Wagner said this is a substantial amendment to an existing PUD on a site located south of
State Road 50, just east of Citrus Oaks Avenue, south of the West Oaks Mall. The Property
was originally approved as a PUD in 1998 and zoned Professional Services, and a portion of it
A-2, Agricultural at that time. There is a small office building to the east of the side of Citrus
Oaks which is also owned by the same property owner and there is a wetland area to the rear.
This was the first project approved under the upgraded Activity Center regulations in 1998.
Currently the site contains a 20,000 square foot building which houses a variety of offices and
retail uses. The sidewalk for a portion of the site has never been completed and the
identification sign for the building has not been built and as a result this building has not
received a permanent certificate of completion. He listed the four separate amendments
requested and advised the Development Review Committee and the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended denial as the developer did not make an effort to change the PUD.
The first amendment requested is to add a restaurant use to this PUD. The second is for a
second driveway along State Road 50. The third request is to eliminate the developer's
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2, 2001
responsibility for constructing the sidewalk on the eastern portion of the project. The fourth
amendment is to change the directory sign from the approved 36 square feet to 100 square feet.
Mr. Dan O'Keefe, 221 Wescliff Drive, representing the developer, said the applicants have
been working with staff a long time and did not envision a restaurant in the beginning. He
requested that each item be considered separately. Mr. Dean Sant spoke also.
The public hearing was opened.
1. On the matter of adding a restaurant use to this PUD:
Mrs. Pat Bond, Chairman of Planning and Zoning Commission, said the P & Z heard this in
October and the consensus of the Board was to hold with the decision made by previous
Commissions regarding the State Road 50 Activity Center - with Professional Services on the
south side of State Road 50. She expressed concern about the balloons and flags flying, making
the place look like a circus.
Commissioner Anderson said he had copies of three different code violations processed for
this property and gave them to the City Clerk to file.
Jason Sams and Denise Lenko spoke briefly.
Following discussion at the table, Mayor Vandergrift announced there was consensus in favor
of this request as only one Commissioner had spoken out against the restaurant.
2. On the matter of an additional driveway east of the existing driveway along State Road
50:
Principal Transportation Planner Friel gave this staff report, saying staff thought it was not
consistent with State and FDOT standards, and that restriping would help safety there.
Following a long discussion regarding curb cuts and DOT, Mr. Friel said staff had repeatedly
asked for something to react to and had received nothing yet. Mr. Wagner had made it clear
the ordinance does not permit a second access and if the developer wished to move the existing
access they should bring in a plan for review.
Consensus was to give this further study with DOT and then come back.
3. On the matter of the sidewalk:
Mr. Friel advised the applicant has asked for a certificate of occupancy even though they have
not finished the sidewalk and they have an agreement with DOT to finish the sidewalk at a
later date. Mr. O'Keefe said they could bond the sidewalk by FDOT if it was not done by a
certain date. Consensus was reached that there was no problem accepting the bond as long as
DOT agrees in writing and will do the sidewalk within two years.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
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4. On the matter of the sign:
The applicant requested a 10 X 10 sign and Mr. Wagner pointed out that the 6 X 6 that was
on the drawing was what was approved. There was no discussion in favor of granting a 10 X
10 sign.
Commissioner Anderson read an e-mail message from Jeff Burns, 363 Seaside Point.
The public hearing was closed.
Mayor Vander!!rift, seconded bv Commissioner Howell. moved to approve and adopt
Ordinance No, 2001-01 with the following revisions and subiect to the following conditions:
1. The approval by the City Commission of the first amendment to the existing
Development Agreement and the execution thereof by the applicant and consistent
with the revisions to Ordinance No. 2001-01 made by the City Commission.
2. The revision of the amended Land Use Plan as proposed by the applicant to delete
the proposed second access from State Road 50 with the understanding that final
action on the request for a second access from State Road 50 and the public hearing
thereon is continued to a future date to be established by the City Commission but
in no event later than three months from the date of this meeting.
3. The revision of the proposed amended Land Use Plan to provide for the
construction of the sidewalk. or the remaining portion of the sidewalk, consistent
with FDOT requirements be commenced within two (2) years from the date of this
meeting by either the Florida Department of Transportation or the applicant and
diligently continued to completion. and in the event such commencement is not
constructed and diligently pursued as aforesaid. then the City mav. at its option,
design. permit and construct. and/or complete, the sidewalk at the sole cost and
expense of the developer. and that the developer be required to post a bond to
secure the obligations with respect to the sidewalk in an amount to be mutually
agreed upon between the applicant and the Citv Engineer.
4. To deny the request of the applicant for a sign waiver and to revise the amended
Land Use Plan consistent with such denial so that there is no change in the currently
approved signage.
5. That Ordinance No. 2001-01. the amended Land Use Plan. and the exhibits thereto
be revised consistent with this Ordinance and upon the happening of all those
authorizing execution thereof bv the Mavor and City Clerk.
Motion carried 5-0.
First Amendment to the Development Agreement (West Oaks Square) dated December 1,
1998. (Not a public hearing)
City Attorney Rosenthal briefed the Commission on the proper wording for the motion,
considering the action just taken on the adoption of the Ordinance.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 2,2001
Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve the proposed
First Amendment to the Development Agreement (West Oaks Square) subject to receipt by
March 7. 2001 of a letter from the Florida Department of Transportation confirming the FDOT
commitment to construct the sidewalk along State Road 50 subject to the availability of funding
within two (2) years from the date of this meeting. such confirmation letter to be acceptable to
the City Manager and the City Attorney and further subject to the draft First Amendment to the
Development Agreement in the agenda packet being revised consistent with Ordinance No.
2001-01 as revised by the City Commission and with those revisions being subject to
confirmation by the City Manager and City Engineer that they have been incorporated. and
upon that happening. authorizing execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion
carried 5-0.
Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell left the dais.
Ordinance No. 2001-02, Amendments to Chapter 7 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances
(Code Enforcement) Based on Recent Legislation Changes. (Assistant City Attorney
Cookson/Code Enforcement Supervisor Simon)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. This Ordinance provides for
amendments to Chapter 7 (Code Enforcement) based on recent legislative changes:
1) a change in the definition of "Repeat Violators," 2) the addition of disclosure requirements,
3) express protection to the City for City-made repairs, 4) the ability to sue to recover a money
judgment, 5) additional notice options to alleged violators. Acting Building/Zoning Official
Washington was present to answer questions.
The public hearing was opened.
. Denise Lenko spoke in support of both this Ordinance and the one following.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Johnson. seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to adopt Ordinance No.
2001-02 and authorize execution thereof by the Mayor and City Clerk. Motion carried 3-0.
Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell were away from the dais.
Ordinance No. 2001-03, Amendments to Chapter 43 of the Ocoee Code of Ordinances
(Animals). (Assistant City Attorney Cookson/Code Enforcement Supervisor Simon)
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. This Ordinance provides that
the City of Ocoee Animal Control Officer will work in conjunction with the Orange County
Animal Control Service office to provide for the animal control issues within the City, and
further provides that the City will retain the revenue received from the citations issued by the
City of Ocoee's Animal Control office. Acting Building/Zoning Official Washington was
present to answer questions.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
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The public hearing was opened and Ms. Lenko's statement in support made in the previous
public hearing was noted. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Parker. seconded bv Commissioner Johnson. moved to adopt Ordinance No.
2001-03 and authorize execution bv the Mavor and City Clerk. Motion carried 3-0. Mayor
Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell were away from the dais.
OTHER BUSINESS
First Reading of Ordinance No. 2001-04, Coke Property Annexation, Case No. AP-2000-
10-01 (Senior Planner McGinnis). Second Reading and Public Hearing Scheduled for
January 16, 2001 at 7:15 p.m.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Mayor pro tem Anderson
announced the second reading and public hearing would be held January 16 at 7:15 p.m.
Mayor Vandergrift returned to the dais during the consideration of the next item.
Approval and Authorization of Change Order #1 - Maguire Road Project (Acting City
Manager Shira)
Acting City Manager Shira was present to respond to any questions. This Change Order
consisted of five items: the deletion of gear drives from thirteen 16" gate valves, an increase in
the quantity of filter fabric wrapped storm sewer pipe joints, closing an abandoned well on
property intended for use as Pond #1, the installation of an additional storm sewer manhole, and
the repair of a water main damaged by Sprint telephone company's sub-contractor. The total
amount of the change order is $39,728.88, with $30,080.60 items for which the City is
responsible, and $9,648.28 for which Sprint is responsible.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to authorize the Mavor
and City Clerk to execute Change Order #1 to the Maguire Road proiect in the amount of
$39.728.88 and direct staff to charge $9,648.28 of that amount to Sprint's Contingency Fund as
established bv the Sprint-Florida/City of Ocoee utility relocation agreement. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Howell was away from the dais.
Appoint Acting or Interim City Manager
Mayor Vandergrift advised this Commission had met with the department heads earlier in the
day to receive input regarding filling the Acting City Manager position. The discussion during
that meeting had focused on the advisability of going outside of this organization versus staying
inside the organization for an Acting City Manager and he asked for the will of this Commission.
Consensus was to go outside. He said he h~d contacted the lCMA and they had sent the names
and resumes of Range Riders, some of whom were retired and interested only in the temporary
position, while others were interested in being considered for the full time position. Mayor
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Vandergrift said he had distributed copies of that information.
Commissioner Anderson stated he would prefer to choose someone he knew rather than to read
resumes and then have to take the time to interview, and he moved to bring Jim Gleason on as
Acting City Manager until further notice. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion, but later
in the discussion both the motion and the second were retracted in favor of a more detailed
motion.
Commissioner Johnson spoke in favor of hiring Mr. Gleason and Commissioner Howell said,
although he felt he would do a good job, he wished to review the resumes before making a
decision. Mayor Vandergrift was not in favor of hiring Mr. Gleason.
City Attorney Rosenthal said several details, such as effective date and salary, should be
established and included in the motion. Commissioner Anderson said he wanted the salary to
be whatever the starting salary in the City Manager position pay grade was. Commissioner
Johnson said use the same pay grade Mr. Shapiro was being paid. Mayor Vandergrift said he
was a contract employee and someone should be negotiating with him on those issues. Mr.
Rosenthal said this is not a contract empl?yee situation, but rather a temporary employee which
this Commission would be appointing as Acting City Manager until such time as the City
Commission takes further action to appoint the permanent City Manager. He then reviewed the
City Charter paragraphs on the issue.
Mr. Gleason said he had not been a part of the process, and when he was first approached he
expected Mr. Shapiro would not leave. He said, since that has happened, his employer has
advised he could take whatever time is necessary to fill this position and he would need two
weeks to take care of the needs at the hospital. He said he would be available January 15.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded bv Commissioner Parker, moved to continue the
appointment of Jim Shira as Acting Citv Manager through Januarv 15. 2001. whereupon Jim
Gleason is appointed Acting City Manager effective January 16,2001. to serve until such time as
the vacancy in the position of City Manager is filled or until such time as the City Commission
appoints another Acting City Manager, with the salary and benefits (without a contract) being the
same as previously existed with City Manager Shapiro. Motion carried 3-2. Mayor Vandergrift
and Commissioner Howell voted no.
Mayor Vandergrift asked Mr. Gleason to tell of his experience in this field. Mr. Gleason
advised he has served as a City Commissioner, has been involved in the process of planning and
development, has been an active member in the community involving the school systems and the
Chamber of Commerce. He said, in addition to that, he sits on the boards for the Senior
Resource Alliance, Healthy Start (for pre-natal children), and he has a masters degree in public
administration. He listed his contacts that would be of value to him and the City.
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STAFF REPORTS
There were no staff reports at this time.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Parker said she would like a report on the interviews for dispatch manager.
Commissioner Anderson asked that the e-mails received during this meeting (but not read
aloud) be made a part of the record. There were two messages from Jeff Burns, 363 Seaside
Court, addressing the West Oaks Square issue and requesting Commission to support the
requirements of the Activity Center Ordinance. Also a message from a person named Mary
requesting a type of policy that would require a homeowner applying for a building permit to
first show a signed approval from the HOA ARB.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED
City of Ocoee
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