HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-01 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION
HELD JANUARY 16, 2001
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers located at 150 N. Lakeshore Drive. Pastor Luis Pluguez led in the prayer and
former Mayor Lester Dabbs led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called
and a quorum declared present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners AIiderson, Howell, Johnson (arrived at 8:00
p.m.), and Parker. Also present were Acting City Manager Gleason, City Attorney Rosenthal,
Building/Zoning Official Velie, City Clerk Grafton, City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira,
Assistant City Engineer Wheeler, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Fire Chief
Strosnider, Human Resources Director Psaledakis, Information Systems Manager Ross,
Planning Director Wagner, Senior Planner McGinnis, Police Chief Mark, Public Works
Director Smith, and Recreation Director Nordquist.
ABSENT: None
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamation - Mrs. Willie Fields 100 Birthday
Mrs. Willie Fields was present with two of her sisters, Mrs. Lillian Reese and Mrs. Estelle
Johnson, to receive the proclamation honoring Mrs. Fields for her 100th birthday after it was
read by Mayor Vandergrift. Mayor Vandergrift announced there would be another reception
for Mrs. Fields at the Starke Lake Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
Years of Service Awards
Mayor Vandergrift read the years of service awards for Assistant Fire Chief Richard Firstner
for 5 years and Police Sergeant Kendall Fisher for 15 years. Fire Chief Strosnider and Police
Chief Mark in turn expressed their appreciation for the performance of, and devotion to, their
duties.
Certificate of Appreciation from Census Bureau for Participation in Census 2000.
Mayor Vandergrift presented the Certificate of Appreciation from the Census Bureau to
Senior Planner McGinnis, who had provided assistance during the count.
Certificate of Appreciation to City of Ocoee from The Children's Burn Foundation of
Florida, Inc.
Fire Chief Strosnider read the Certificate of Appreciation from the Children's Burn
Foundation of Florida, Inc. and presented it to Mayor Vandergrift.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
State of the City Address, Mayor Vandergrift .
Mayor Vandergrift read the State of the City address which is attached to these minutes as
Exhibit A.
RECESS 7:50 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
Upon reconvening Mayor Vandergrift asked Acting City Manager Gleason to make a
public service announcement.
Mr. Gleason announced St. Johns River Water Management District's decision to restrict
water consumption due to the drought and he described the City of Ocoee' s response to
cooperate. He listed the ways to be used to get the word out, and he said the City Attorney
had been requested to modify the District's model ordinance to prepare a way for the City of
Ocoee to receive the funds from fines imposed.
Commissioner Parker announced the free irrigation system audit which is a part of the POWR
program and said citizens wishing to participate in this free service should call 407 905 POWR
or 407905-3100 extension 1505.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, and D. Commissioner Anderson asked that a
letter be sent to Bill Cowles, Orange County Supervisor of Elections, regarding the unfairness
of the costs incurred for municipal elections since that office no longer allows municipalities to
piggy-back on their elections with the exception of the Presidential Preference election. Mr.
Gleason said he would write the letter and copy the Commission.
Mayor Vandergrift noted that the agreement with SJRWMD (item III D) did not include their
paying the City's attorney fees and suggested that the City coordinate with the Friends of Lake
Apopka (FOLA) as they may have some funds available for the management of wetlands.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to approve and adopt
the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting
of January 2, 2001, Work Session of January 2, 2001, Joint Work Session
with Orange County School Board of January 3,2001, and Special Session
of January 4, 2001. (City Clerk Grafton)
B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Vote
Processing Equipment Use Agreement and Election Contract with
Supervisor of Elections for 2001 Municipal Election. (City Clerk Grafton)
· The municipal election is scheduled for March 13, with a run-off, if needed, April 10 and
Florida Statutes provide that municipalities will use the equipment provided by the County. This
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
agreement and contract spell out the particul~rs regarding leasing, supplies and services.
C. Approval and Authorization for Transfer of Contractual Services from Glace
and Radcliffe, Inc. to WCG, Inc. (Assistant City Engineer Wheeler)
· Since September 1998, Glace & Radcliffe have provided engineering services under a
Continuing Professional Consulting Agreement. In January of 2000, that company merged with
Barker, Osha & Anderson, Inc. to form the company of WCG, Inc. Approval authorizes the
Mayor and City Clerk to execute the First Amendment to Continuing Professional Agreement
with WCG, Inc.
D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute
Participation Agreement with St. Johns River Water Management District-
Crown Point Conservation Area. (City Attorney Rosenthal)
· This provides for acceptance of $600,000 grant for acquisition of lands adjacent to the Coca
Cola Property.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
Mrs. Rosemarie Morganto,1l012 Groveshire Court, discussed the problem of security and
customer safety at the Wal-Mart stores all over the country and asked that the City of Ocoee let
them know it will not happen here. She also asked that the City have a requirement in the
building code that the hot water heater be placed close to the most used faucet in houses in
order to conserve water.
Mr. R. P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Boulevard, asked if Ocoee citizens are included in
the county's added homestead exemption benefit for senior citizens. Mr. Gleason advised
Finance Director Horton was preparing figures to discuss anticipating this in the next budget.
Mr. Mohnacky noted there was still a Christmas decoration on the telephone pole at Silver
Star and Lakeshore Drive which the crew had missed, and he added that this room has never
been comfortable and asked why there was no thermostat.
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Johnson read a fax message from Dan Mathys saying he was withdrawing
from the 2001 election race for District 3 for personal reasons. His letter included a list of
issues he had discussed with Commissioner Johnson and wished to see in place: 1) the
formation of a city manager selection advisory committee, 2) creation of assistant city manager
position, 3) mandatory Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan training for the
Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Adjustment, and 4) the creation of a small
community theater for the citizens.
Mayor Vandergrift reemphasized the water restrictions now in place.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
PUBLIC HEARING
Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2001-04, Coke Property Annexation, Case No. AP-
2000-10-01 (Senior Planner McGinnis).
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Senior Planner McGinnis
gave the staff report, using the overhead to display details. The subject property contains
approximately 340 acres and is located both east and west of Ocoee-Apopka Road, north of
Fullers Cross Road, east of Lake Apopka, and south of West Groves. The subject property is
proposed to be developed as a mixed use Planned Unit Development and will include a large
conservation area, community park, two public schools, a workforce education facility, a bus
parking and maintenance facility, public safety uses including a fire station and police/fire
training facilities, together with residential, neighborhood commercial and professional service
tracts that may be sold to private developers. The 4th Amendment to the Joint Planning Area
Agreement paved the way for the City to begin the process for the Small Scale Comprehensive
Plan Amendment for this action. No portion of the property currently designated as a
conservation area is proposed to be changed.
Ms. McGinnis advised the Development Review Committee, Planning and Zoning
Commission, and Staff recommended approval of the annexation petition.
The public hearing was opened and, as no one wished to speak, was closed.
Mavor Vanderl!rift. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to adopt Ordinance No.
2001-04 annexing the Coke Property. Case No. AP-2000-1O-01. Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
First Reading of Ordinance No. 2001-05, Relating to Referendum Item Amending City
Charter to have the Mayor Elected by the City Commission. Second Reading and Public
Hearing Scheduled for January 23, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance.
Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to reconsider the issue
of placing this Ordinance on the ballot and to put it before a Charter Review Commission for
consideration when that Commission is appointed next time. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Howell. moved to terminate consideration
of Ordinance No. 2001-05 and direct staff to cancel the scheduled public hearing. Motion
carried 5-0.
During the discussion which followed regarding the fact that this was an issue for the Charter
Review Commission to deal with, Commissioner Howell asked that the record reflect that he
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
wants that Commission to also consider having Commissioners live in the district they
represent but be elected city-wide.
The following citizens addressed the issue: Veronica Royce, 917 Marlene Drive, J. Lester
Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, Kermit Bushur, 441 Vandergrift Drive, Dan Coleman, 112
Hercules Court, Pastor Tom Barnhill, 1802 Center Street, and Max Jacobs, Jr., 2247
Mountain Spruce Street.
Discussion on Change in Holiday Pay Policy for Shift workers. (Human Resource Director
Psaledakis)
Acting City Manager Gleason pulled this item from the agenda.
Change Order #2, Reclaimed Water Mains Phases 1 & 2, Project with Prime Construction
Group, Inc. (Assistant City Engineer Wheeler)
Assistant City Engineer Wheeler gave the staff report which described the history of the
project and listed the changes as follows: I) Renovate connection at Hackney-Prairie Road, 2)
Modify connection to existing pipe at station 61 +40,3) Remove two pine trees on A.D. Mims
Road, 4) Additional fittings for connections to directional drills, 5) Adjustment of contract
quantities, and 6) Install water main on Clarcona-Ocoee Road from Wurst Road to 15th Avenue.
These proposed changes would increase the contract amount by $16,882.49 and increase the
contract time 150 days. Funds would come from the 1997 Utility Bond Issue.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve Change
Order No.2 with Prime Construction Group. Inc. which increases the contract amount by
$16.882.49 and increases the contract time 150 days. and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute Change Order No.2. Motion carried 5-0.
Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Necessary Documents
with Chrysalis for the Creation ofIVR Software. (Information Systems Manager Ross)
Information Systems Manager Ross advised the software to make functional the Interactive
Voice Response (IVR), which was approved at the December 19,2000 meeting, can be provided
by Chrysalis and he asked for approval of the contract and that the Mayor and City Clerk be
authorized to execute the necessary documents.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve the contract
with Chrysalis to provide the software for the IVR and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute all necessary documents therefor. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away
from the dais.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
Approval and Authorization for Change Order # 1 with Gibbs & Register Contract.
(Public Works Director Smith)
Public Works Director Smith advised Gibbs & Register had agreed to hold their price for
sidewalk repair, replacement, and installation to the same as in their current contract and he
asked for approval to extend the contract to September 30, 2001.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve extending
the Gibbs & Register Contract ITB #BOO-06 Part A dated Julv 18. 2000. until September 30.
2001. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais.
Authorization to Reprogram Funds to CIP for Radios for New Employees. (Public Works
Director Smith)
Public Works Director Smith explained that after the budget was approved for this year, he
learned that the portable radios used by his department had increased in price to $1,781, making
it necessary for that item be a part of the Capital Improvements Program. And due to an
oversight, radios had not been budgeted for the three additional people in the street department.
Mr. Smith asked for specific changes in his budget to allow portable radios to be purchased for
his new employees.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve Mr.
Smith's request as follows: I) Reprogram $281 from operating expenses to capital (6400) for the
sanitation division. 2) Reprogram $281 from operating expenses to capital (6400) for the
facilities division. 3) Reprogram $1.781 from operating expenses to capital (6400) for the parks
division. and 4) Reprogram $5.343 from the budgeted two flail mowers (6400) for the streets
division. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais.
Approval and Authorization for Ocoee Boxing Club Parameters. (Recreation Director
Nordquist)
Acting City Manager Gleason pulled this item from the agenda.
Mayor Vandergrift left the dais and Mayor pro tern Anderson chaired the meeting in his
absence.
Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Employment Agreement
for Acting City Manager with Jim Gleason. (City Attorney Rosenthal)
City Attorney Rosenthal discussed the employment agreement he had been directed to put
together for Mr. Gleason.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
The following citizens expressed their opinions about the hiring ofMr. Gleason, his salary, and
his experience: Mrs. Rosemarie Morganto, 11012 Groveshire Court, Mr. Kermit Bushur,
441 Vandergrift, and Pastor Tom Barnhill, 1302 Center Street.
Mayor Vandergrift returned to the dais.
Mr. Gleason responded to the questions raised by the citizens listed above and talked about
cooperation. He pledged to work with all the elected officials and stated his goals were customer
service, quality, and financial integrity.
The following citizens spoke: Ms. Donna Zielinski, no address given, Mr. Max Jacobs, 2247
Mountain Spruce Street, Mr. Mark Fredericson, no address given, Ms. Veronica Royce, 197
Marlene Drive, Former Mayor Lester Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, Mr. Dan Coleman, 112
Hercules Court, Mr. Bob Steen, 1214 Van Pine Lane, Mrs. Beth Vandergrift, 2625 Cedar
Bluff Lane, Mrs. Cheryl Gleason, 856 Hammocks Drive, and Ms. Kim Heberly, no address
given. Telephone or e-mail messages were read from Mr. Mike Minor and Mr. John Resnik.
Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to approve the
employment agreement with Mr. Gleason as presented and authorize the Mavor and City Clerk
to execute. Motion carried 3-2 with Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Howell voting no.
Direction to Staff regarding Procedure for Hiring New City Manager. (Commissioner
Anderson)
Human Resources Director Psaledakis pointed out she had distributed a notebook with the
hiring procedure outlined and stated the Commission could hire a consulting firm, conduct the
search in-house, or appoint a steering committee.
Following discussion, consensus was reached to conduct the search in-house with a cut-off date
for responses in early April in order to get past the elections before beginning with interviews.
Resumes would be copied and distributed for review as received. Ms. Psaledakis said letters of
acknowledgment would be prepared for Mayor Vandergrift to sign as the resumes came in.
STAFF REPORTS
Community Relations/Projects Director Shira introduced Karl Prihoda, TV Operations
Manager, who gave a brief description of his background and experience. Mrs. Shira
expressed appreciation to Building/Zoning Official Velie for the design of the TV room,
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Denver Music, Carpenter Eddie Hornsby, and Building
Tradesworker II David Spears for construction of the TV room and keeping it under budget,
and Producer Tim Blaszczyk, Consultant, for his untiring and gracious assistance in putting
together the TV room.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
January 16, 2001
Acting City Manager Gleason announced to date the foJlowing have picked up candidate
packets for the upcoming election:
District 1, Incumbent Danny Howell, Milton West and Bill Henderson
District 3, Incumbent Rusty Johnson (Dan Mathys withdrew his candidacy)
Mayor, Incumbent S. Scott Vande!grift, Martha Lopez-Anderson
Undisclosed, Ben Griffin
Mr. Gleason directed attention to the Health Central Auxiliary Golf Tournament information
distributed just prior to the meeting and asked for authorization to have the time off for this
tournament February 5 as he had already signed up and paid for it personally. Mayor
Vandergrift said he had no problem with that.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to participate at the
same level and donate the same amount as last vear. Motion carried 5-0.
Clerk's note: The supporting material to the June 20, 2000 City
Commission Regular Meeting indicates the package offered was for a team of 4
players and hole sponsor for the amount of $650.00. This year's tournament
offers a 4 person team and hole sponsor for $550.00.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Johnson announced the Health Central Golf Tournament and asked if the City
would have the same team as last year. After brief discussion, Mr. Gleason said to contact his
office to make a reservation and the registration would be sent in.
Commissioner Howell said he soon would be talking about a Little League scholarship to help
kids who do not have money to pay for participation.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Ocoee . ,1
S~h
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Exhibit "A"
to
Minutes of City Commission
Meeting held January 16, 2001
Ocoee 2001-The Future Is Now.
Explosive Growth Our Greatest Challenge
Welcome to the year 2001 version of the state of the city address reflecting our
accomplishments in 2000. Depending on your perspective this is the first report of the
21st century. I am happy to report to you, the citizens, that your government services
never faltered because of the Y2K bug everyone predicted. This is because of a dedicated
staff that made advance preparations to prevent a loss of services. With the upgrading of
our computer system and a new user-friendly telephone system, we are prepared to give
optimum service to our citizens over the next several decades.
We remain the fastest growing city in Orange County, averaging more than one new
home per day over the past seven years. Our current population is approximately 24,000,
which means in the year 2003 it will be over 29,000 and in 2010, nearly 35,000. The City
Commission, in partnership with city employees and countless volunteers throughout the
community, has managed some phenomenal achievements.
The greatest achievement of this past year was the purchase of the Coca-Cola property.
This property of 365 acres, located on the northwest quadrant of our city and bordering
on the edge of Lake Apopka, will contain a phoenix-like Ocoee High School, an
elementary school, a 40-acre park, and other educational, recreational, research, and
people-oriented activities for our community. The High School could be started within 2
years. There is already an Ocoee High School Alumni Association to support our school.
This purchase could not have happened without a working partnership with Orange
County School System, the Saint Johns River Water Management District, our staff, and
the commission coming together to improve our community.
In addition our planning department put together a grant that will purchase 200 acres of
wetlands along the shore of Lake Apopka that is an extension of the Coca-Cola property
to the South and includes Crown Point. These funds $600,000 will come through the
Saint Johns River Water Management district from mitigation for the Western
Expressway. The coke property and a 400-acre tract being developed to the north will
give Ocoee nearly 2 miles of lake front property on Lake Apopka, larger than any city on
the lake, and will help the lake to continue to recover from abuse over the past hundred
years. Lake Apopka is making a rapid recovery through the efforts of FOLA, Friends of
Lake Apopka. A hearty THANK YOU is expressed to all concerned. We pledge to
continue this effort.
Only because there are so many achievements to report to you that I had to decide where
each needed to go in this speech. So the second greatest achievement of the past year
relates to our schools. We opened Citrus Elementary School this past August to a full
house of students. Today it is like our other schools - overcrowded. What it did for
Ocoee Elementary, Spring Lake, Hiawassee, and Frangus Elementary Schools was to
ease their overcrowding. I visit the campuses as much as I can and it is a pleasure to see
Spring Lake Elementary School in action. The traffic in that neighborhood has been cut
by as much as 50%. You can feel an air of excitement if not hear an audible sigh of the
parents, teachers, principal, and children with more opportunity of one-on-one learning
possibilities.
Citrus Elementary has had its troubles with traffic, but under the guidance of an excellent
Principal, Louise Brown, the challenges are being met. It may not be to the timeline of
some parents that get caught in the morning and afternoon rush. All I can say is be patient
and try to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Louise and her staff have
given selflessly of their time and effort to ensure. that a diverse group of students from all
neighborhoods have come together in the best possible atmosphere to produce a learning
environment that is nothing short of WORLD CLASS. Thank you for educating our
children and keeping them safe. Keep up the good work - we do appreciate you.
Right next door to Citrus Elementary School is West Oaks Community Library set to
open later this summer. This library will benefit not only the children at Citrus
Elementary school, but also the whole community. This was made possible with a
partnership between Ocoee and The Orange County Library System.
Ocoee Middle School has moved into half of its new digs, meaning that the buildings are
being replaced half at a time. The first half has been completed for the students to be
housed in, the second half will be completed by this coming August, and for the first time
principal Kate Clark will have a whole school to oversee. My hat's off to her for the
construction superintendent she has become while trying to maintain her sanity and all of
those around her. Thanks for all those 12 to 14 hour days that you and your staff have put
in to make this the best demonstration project the state has ever seen. You do our
community proud.
While we are on the subject of schools for our city, I would like to tell you of an
extraordinary effort made by members of our community and our Education Commission
in hard work to address the overcrowding issue facing all of the schools in our city and
across Orange County. For the past 8 to 12 months we have been studying Charter
schools as a possible part of the answer for our city. Martha Lopez Anderson as a citizen
and member of the Education Commission has put in countless hours of work and
research to bring information to the City Commission and citizens about the nature of
charter schools and what they can mean to our children and city. This is cutting edge
innovation for Orange County, and us so we are to some degree writing the book on this
kind of alternative education. Our goal remains clear - we want WORLD CLASS,
uncrowded schools of which our citizens can be proud. We can have a hands-on effect to
move toward these goals.
We are within reach of those goals if we don't let the naysayers literally look under every
rock for reasons not to do it. There is some risk for us but it is worth taking for what has
been proven to work in other cities and counties in Florida and across the nation. It took
some time for me to see the whole picture before I could embrace the idea and tell people
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that I am in favor of it, but now I support moving ahead to eliminate overcrowding and
ensuring that our children have the tools through education to become productive
citizens.
The event of the year had to be Founder's Day, with 10 to 15 thousand folks enjoying a
parade, our lake front with craft booths, kiddie rides, foods of all kinds, antique car show,
5k road race, golf tournament, Withers Maguire House tours, and a whole lot more. The
most exciting part of the day was some of the local entertainment alomg with a nationally
recognized country music star Joe Diffey. He gave us a rousing free concert, and
everyone is still asking how we got him. normal tickets for a show like he preformed
usually go for $35 to $50 per person. I don't know how she did it, but I offer kudos to
Janet Shira, staff, and the volunteers who met all year long to organize and implement all
of the fun things that we were able to do. We had a shower of fireworks from a barge in
the center of the lake that put Disney's fireworks to shame - so quoted to me by some
expert fireworks watchers.
The community relations department was busy as usual with founder's day, the POWR
program, securing grants for the city, and the MVP program, among other highlights
from that department. The POWR program is an ongoing water-conservation program
through which we try to instill in our citizen's ways and means to save water. Using
every method possible we try to communicate to you a sense of urgency to make a
concentrated effort to conserve water and money. You should be already observing this
concern as our lakes are suffering form a prolonged drought condition.
In the grant field we have secured over one million dollars, for parks, police work, and
general use in the city. Another half million dollars are currently being requested. This
is your state and federal tax dollars coming back directly into our community to enhance
specific areas of need. The MVP (Most Valuable Partnerships) program offers city grants
of up to $2,500 per year to organizations, home owners-organizations, schools, and
citizens to enhance our community with projects that will add to the good life of Ocoee.
The group has to match tax money with in-kind labor, materials, or money to apply to
these projects. Last year the city granted $20,600.25 to get a return of $34, 11 0.32 in
matching funds and another 1,477 hours of volunteer services, that would in the over all
show a return on your tax money between 75,000 and 100,000 dollars. The deadline for
you or your group to apply for this year is Feb 23. For more information or to volunteer
on any of the just- mentioned projects, please contact the community relations
department through city hall.
Last but not least in the way of providing information to our community is our TV
network just getting started. We have been televising our city commission meetings since
1974, longer than any other city or county in the Central Florida area or maybe even the
state. Today we broadcast live with live call-in questions as well as live e-mail. We are
probably the only city in the nation who does this. A few years ago we attempted to set
up a network that carried local community programming to the West Orange area. It
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struggled along for almost a full year but couldn't mak<;l it for reasons that were beyond
my control. We are now embarking on the same course with better funding and a
director/producer on staff and I think some day soon you may see yourself, your children,
or your neighbors on Ocoee TV at events like the commission meetings, planning and
zoning meetings, code enforcement meetings, or entertainment festivities held around
town. These are just a few of the ideas for TV coverage within our community, not to
mention, fire and police informational type. programs causing your government to be
closer to you and to better represent you. It may be a little rough in the beginning but we
pledge to you that ours will be the informational community of the future. Stay tuned to
channel 10 Ocoee TV on Time Warner cable.
The 3,300-square-foot addition to the Beech Recreation Center will open this month with
the current dance class and acting class relocating there to the new dance room. A new
exercise room will be open to the citizens of Ocoee to get into shape for the New Year.
New classes in Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Yoga are planned. The Recreation Department
along with the YMCA will be starting new programs in boxing and aquatics for the
upcoming year. The boxing program will be located at a new address off Professional
Parkway and a new boxing coordinator has been hired to kick off the program. The new
Family Aquatic Center will be opened sometime this summer and there will be numerous
swimming pool activities for young and old alike.
Many volunteers are utilized throughout the year to assist the diverse programs offered by
the Recreation Department. Contact the recreation department for more information or
to volunteer. The Recreation Department has received two grants: one for the acquisition
of a ten-acre park on the south end of town and the other is for assistance in building the
Aquatic Center. In total the grants represent $300,000.00.
The engineering and utilities department is continuing to move toward a citywide water
reuse system that will not only save energy but also save you money in the long run by
allowing you to water your lawns with recycled water at a lower rate. It should be up and
working for part of the community by mid summer. Public awareness is the cornerstone
of our water conservation program, embodied in the POWR program. This logo stands
for "Protect Ocoee' s Water Resources." Through education we are trying to get citizens
to look at ways we waste water and to reduce our consumption by 1 0%. There may have
to be an adjustment in water rates for reasons of conservation, but we pledge to you that
we will not leave any stone unturned in our search for better solutions. Your help is
critical in this endeavor so think "How Can I Save Water?" and give more POWR to your
money.
We have also been busy with the widening of Maguire Road to four lanes from south
Roberson Road to Story Road, north of Highway 50. This project is due to be completed
within two years. The project of widening of Professional Parkway to four lanes from
Maguire Road to Hempel Drive is due to be completed probably within four years.
Wurst Road is being widened and upgraded and should be completed within twelve
months. A number of interior subdivision roads, such as Foxfire, have been resurfaced.
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The Western Expressway (Beltway) has opened the link between Ocoee and Apopka.
The interchange involving Colonial Drive, Highway 50, the Turnpike, East-West
Expressway, and other local roads is under construction, probably to be completed within
twenty-four months. This interchange when completed will be four tiers high and will be
largest interchange in Central Florida. It has been suggested to me by former Mayor Tom
Ison that we pursue giving the interchange a name of "Veteran's Interchange" to
represent all the veterans of wars in the past and of our military today that have given of
their time and, in some cases their lives, for the protection of our democracy. I
personally support Tom in his endeavors and would hope that the powers that be would
think long and hard about an idea like this.
Part C of the Western Expressway from Ocoee to 1-4 is about seventy percent under
construction and will be completed in the next thirty-six months. Now all we need to do
is to convince the higher ups that the expressway should be a beltway starting at 1-4
somewhere around Sanford and proceeding south to somewhere south of Disney World.
If this were completed as a true beltway, it would take fifteen to twenty-five percent of
the traffic off of 1-4 through downtown Orlando and cost a whole lot less money that
some of the other proposals.
The Police Department is finishing up a $1,500.000 grant that has seen 15 new officers
added to the force over the past three years. We under their protection continue to be the
city with the second lowest crime rate in Orange County, out of 14 reporting
governmental agencies. We have had a 14% increase in calls to the department to bring it
up to over 32,000 handled by our busiest department in the city, the Police and Fire
dispatchers. Well done.
The citizen of the year for this report is by circumstance probably the oldest living citizen
in our city. Willie Fields turns 100 this week and is still going strong. She moved to
Ocoee in 1929 and was the mother of one of our former city commissioners and leading
citizens, Delma Fields. While growing up here myself, she was a neighbor and was
known to me as Mrs. Fields. During my preteen years I used to walk by her house going
to Ocoee Elementary School. When I got old enough to mow yards she was one of my
clients. Mrs. Fields has sisters that are also in there nineties and they have been
celebrating with her this week with parties, and visits form friends. In the time I have
known Mrs. Fields, I don't think I have heard an unkind word spoken about her. Mrs.
Fields, congratulations, and may you live through the next millennium.
In closing, I want to thank this commission for their tireless efforts in tackling some
tough challenges in the past year. We don't have problems, just challenges and
opportunities. The quality of dialog and thoughtfulness applied to every decision made,
no matter your views has been unsurpassed in my years of public service. I hope it will
continue in the future regardless of whom represents our city. Thanks also to my editor in
chief, my wife Beth, and my aide Pat Ferguson, without whom this speech would not
necessarily make sense. Their continued support has allowed me to accomplish a lot
5
more for our city than I could imagine alone. Last but not least are the volunteers that
make up our commissions for the city and all of those that volunteer through the civic,
school, and athletic organizations within the fabric of our community. You have made it
a super year.
I'd like to welcome new citizens and new or enlarging businesses. We need all
businesses and all our citizens to help and partner with your government to build our
community ofOcoee into the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. So join in.
We are here to make Ocoee truly the "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING" for all of us.
Have a Happy and Prosperous 2001.
Respectively Submitted,
S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
6
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor S. Scott Vandergrift <u\ d/
Bob Smith, Public Works Direc~
January 9, 2001 '
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
State of the City
At your request I am attaching input from each of the divisions in Public Works for your
State of the City address. I am proud of the strides this department has made this year,
particularly with employees furthering their education and the additional personnel we
have hired.
If you have any comments or questions, I would be happy to discuss them with you at
your convenience.
BS:jh
attachments
C: Jim Shira, Acting City Manager
Danny Howell, Commissioner District 1
Scott Anderson, Commissioner District 2
Rusty Johnson, Commissioner District 3
Nancy Parker, Commissioner District 4
POW'"
STATE OF THE CITY
Prepared January 5, 2001
Public Works Administration
The following is a list of important accomplishments during the past year:
. Completed the Beech Center addition
. Completed the design for the Aquatic Center and will bid out the
work
. participated in Founder's Day with Waste Management to
provide give aways and information on recycling
. oversaw construction of Starke Lake restrooms
. oversaw construction of fishing pier
. fenced, paved, and cleaned up pig paths for Spring Lake school
. negotiated new inter-local agreement with Orange County for
garbage disposal
Bob Smith
Public Works Director
STATE OF THE CITY
The following is a list of accomplishments for streets and stormwater divisions for
the past year:
. patched approximately 15,000 pot holes
. poured approximately 6,000' of sidewalks (new and replacements)
. poured concrete and cleaned shore line for fishing dock
. supervised resurfacing of Palm Drive, Professional Parkway, Foxfire,
Noelwood, Kindling Ct., Pickwood Ct., Owltree, Starfire, Catwood,
Tangerwood Ct., Mack St., Melva St., and Christine Ave.
. hired three new employees
. picked up approximately 8,000 bags of trash from ROW
. created a concrete crew
. one employee received his high school diploma
. in our 5th year of the N.P.D.E.S permit
. take samples for N.P.D.E.S. permit
. sample 12 lakes, 60 retention/detention ponds monthly; sample 165
industrial discharge sources annually, along with 38 high risk industrial
facilities and 133 random outfall inspections
Respectfully submitted,
Buddy Elmore, Supervisor
StreetlStormwater Division
PUBLIC WORKS
PARKS DIVISION 2000
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Special Projects:
Completely re-landscaped the Community Center.
Upgraded City Hall's landscaping.
Designed and installed irrigation system for Parkside Park.
Built new Soccer field.
Designed and installed irrigation system for new Soccer field.
Added new playground equipment to Forest Oaks Park and Central Park.
Upgraded landscaping at Parkside Park.
Individual Accomplishments:
Ferron Young obtained his High School Diploma.
Jimmy Collazo obtained his Commercial Driver's License.
Durrell Smith and David Hritz passed written portion of Commercial Driver's License
test and wait scheduling of driving portion.
All employees attended various training seminars including re-certifications in CPR.
This year promotional layers were added to the Parks Division and the
following promotions took place:
Ferron Young to Crew Chief
Steve Edmondson to Irrigation Specialist II
Rick Jeunette to Irrigation Specialist I
Tony Brooks to Parks Specialist II
Jim Banker to Parks Specialist II
Keith Hendrix to Gardener
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Bob Smith, Public Works Director
FROM:
Denver Music, Facilities Supervisor
DATE:
January 5, 2001
RE:
State of the City information
At your request, the following are accomplishments from the Facilities
Department for last year:
. TV booth construction
. Renovation of Community Center
. Denver Music, Edward Hornsby and David spears received State
Certification in Facilities Maintenance
. David Spears received his high school diploma
. The fireworks barges were rebuilt
. Continuous remodeling and upkeep of City Hall, 21 buildings, and 17
structures (dugouts, concession stands, etc.)
State of the City
2000/2001
TO:
Bob Smith, Public Works Director
FROM:
Darrel Dees, Sanitation/Recycling Supervisor
DATE:
December 22,2000
Bob, here is a list of our department's accomplishments over the past year, along
with our goals for next year.
We have increased the number of houses collected on each route without
adding any new employees.
The Shop has done a good job keeping our trucks running over the past year.
None of our vehicles had to be taken to QUe for repairs.
Participation in recycling is approximately 65%, with 35 tons of co-mingled and
56 tons of newspaper collected. This was accomplished with 2 people on two
routes, four days a week
We currently have five residential garbage routes that are each collected by one
person. The average monthly collection is 653 tons, with over 8,000 tons
collected for the year.
Due to growth, we plan to add an additional residential garbage route this year..
I set a goal for myself and met that goal. I obtained my high school diploma. I
am proud of the accomplishment and want to thank you for your encouragement.
TO:
Bob Smith, Public Works Director
FROM:
Mike Keller, Traffic Technician
DATE:
December 5, 2001
RE:
Accomplishments
This past year the traffic department provided the following:
. installed six solar powered school lights
. installed over 50 school signs
· invested over 80 hours installing road markings for school zones
· replaced (constructed and set) over 100 street signs
· replaced 38 damaged stop signs
· installed 62 new speed limit signs
. installed ten new 4 way stops with bars
. installed two new stop sign beacons
· placed signs for Founder's Day and Christmas Parade
· over 150 hours spent in setting up work zones
1-10-20" 8: 27At-.1
FROt-.1
P,l
"CENTER OF GOOD [.IVING - PlUDE OF I-VEST ORANGE"
MAYOR. COMMISSIONI!R
S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT
CITY OF OCOEE
150N. LAKESHORf. DRIVE
QCOEE, FLORIDA 34761-2258
(407) 905-3100
COMMISSIONcKS
DA~Y HOWELL
scorr ANDERSON
RUSTY JOHNSON
NANCY 1 PARKER
eny MANAGER
ELUS SHAPIRO
MEMO~ANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
S. SCOTT V ANDERGRlFT, MAYOR
MARTIN VELlE, BUILDING AND ZONING OFFICIAL
DECEMBER 19,2001
SUBJECT:
ST A TE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
The Department of Protective Inspections (Building, Zoning, Code Enforcement, and Animal
Control) has had an excellent year of progress with 26 new commercial projects, 319 new homes,
and 12 new apartment buildings. The City is growing very nicel y .
The Department has just finished with its new professional look. Zoning and Code Enforcement
continues to keep our City nice and dean. Our ne\v Animal Control division has made a big
difference in our City.
QUI Department is looking forward to more professional progress for the year 2001.
'"T-~l' S
~-
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S.Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Page 1
January 9,2001
The Communications Section is one of the busiest sections within our department, and is the
heart of the agency. This section is responsible for the handling of all radio communications for
the police & fire departments, handling all the 911 calls, walk in complaints, informational calls
and many other associated tasks. This is one of the most difficult and thankless jobs with the
agency. At this time I would like to acknowledge these dedicated individuals for all of their hard
work and on behalf of the department express our sincere appreciation for a job well done. This
section has 16 allotted positions and is under the direction of Captain Wilson.
The Support Services Bureau is under the direction ofLt. Cherrie Toms. This bureau is
comprised of the Criminal Investigation Division with 1 Sgt., & 5 Detectives assigned to this
interoffice
MEMORANDUM
To:
S.Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
From:
Robert E. Mark, Chief Of Police
Subject:
Police Activity for 2000
Date:
January 9,2001
cc:
Mr. James Shira, Acting City Manager
It is with pleasure that I submit to you the Ocoee Police Department Activity for the year 2000.
As in the past, with the continuing growth that the city is experiencing, the police department's
activity has increased by responding to over 32,000 calls for service this year. This is an increase
of 14% from 1999. Due to the increase in the city's growth, the crime statistical data reveals
overall 7.9% increase in crime.
As in the past years, the police department has participated in Federal Grant Programs to assist in
the hiring of police & civilian personnel and the purchasing of some equipment. This past year,
under the "Cops More Grant", ($75,000), allowed the department to hire an" Evidence
Technician" and two "Administrative Personls" in assisting various bureaus in their duties. Five
more police officers are in the process of being hired under the" Cops Grant",($1,500,000.00),
which were the last of the 15 Police Officers requested in 1998, under this three year program.
We had applied for 15 more officers this past spring and due to the election year, no grants for
S.Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
Page 2
January 9, 2001
The Communications Section is one of the busiest sections within our department, and is the
heart of the agency. This section is responsible for the handling of all radio communications for
the police & fire departments, handling all the 911 calls, walk in complaints, informational calls
and many other associated tasks. This is one of the most difficult and thankless jobs with the
agency. At this time I would like to acknowledge these dedicated individuals for all of their hard
work and on behalf of the department express our sincere appreciation for a job well done. This
section has 16 allotted positions and is under the direction of Captain Wilson.
The Support Services Bureau is under the direction ofLt. Cherrie Toms. This bureau is
comprised of the Criminal Investigation Division with 1 Sgt., & 5 Detectives assigned to this
the hiring of police officers were approved for any municipality in the state this year. We feel
after the new administration is in office, the Federal Government will release the funding for the
hiring of additional officers and allow us to participate in grant process. We also applied for
funding in another federally funded grant, the" Byrnes Program Grant" was approved and
received $35,000, for the hiring of an "Crime Analyst". The administration of these grants is
currently being handled by Captain Tony Wilson, the department's Executive Officer.
The Ocoee Police Department is divided into three distinct bureaus, the Administrative Bureau
which in der the direction ofLt. Cherrie Toms~ the Operations Bureau, under the direction ofLt.
Chuck Seaver; and the Support Services Bureau, under the direction of Lt. Steve Goclon. The
above bureaus are under the direction of Captain Tony Wilson - Executive Officer.
Utilities and Engineering Department
During the course of the past year, we have been involved in a number of projects which will have far-
reaching benefits for Ocoee's citizens and utility rate-payers. Among those projects are:
· Work began on the widening of Maguire Rd. from two to four lanes. When completed, Maguire Rd.
will be a four lane divided road, with median lighting and landscaping. There will be 8 foot wide
sidewalks on both sides of the road for bicycle and pedestrian use.
· An agreement was reached with Orange County for the widening of Professional Parkway and Old
Winter Garden Road from Maguire Rd. east to Hemple Avenue. This agreement gives the City of
Ocoee control over this section of roadway, and allows us to perform the work years sooner than
the County planned to.
· Construction was completed on our reclaimed water storage and pumping facility. This facility
allows us to provide reclaimed water for irrigation use to residential and commercial customers.
· Work is nearly complete on construction of a major reclaimed water transmission main along
Clarke Rd. When complete, this main will receive reclaimed water from the pumping facility, and
will make reclaimed water available for irrigation along Clarke Rd. from the Prairie Lakes
subdivision area south to the West Oaks Mall.
· Work on several miles of large diameter water mains was completed. These new water mains will
provide increased flow, pressure and improved fire protection throughout the city.
Page 1 of I
mayorscott
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
Mayor,
"Psaledakis, Peggy" <ppsaledakis@ci.ocoee.fl.us>
<mayorscott@msn.com>
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 7:37 AM
Comments
I had a death in my family and I was away through the Christmas holiday and
forgot all about this. I have no excuse at all. So, the following are my
comments:
In 1990 the City of Ocoee employed about 130 individuals for various jobs in
the City. The year 2000 ended with 325 employees which meant that the City
projected this increase for the labor force in 1990 and it turned out to be
true. The Human Resource office expanded and the Human Resource staff added
and additional person to assist in providing in house assistance to all City
employees. The Workers Compensation modification reduced once again to a
.67 modification factor. This is very important in cost savings for the
citizens in Workers Compensation premium dollars paid out for employees.
The money saved in this area has allowed the City to provide the benefits to
City employees at a highly competitive rate. The Human Resources department
made extraordinary efforts in reducing the cost of all benefits provided for
City employees. The department faced a dilemma this year in trying to
obtain the annual flu shots for its employees. By the middle of November,
the long awaited shots arrived and employees have rolled up sleeves to
receive the shots and avoid the flu for another year. Now, the Human
Resource department will work very closely with the Mayor and elected
officials in their effort to hire a new City Manager this will be the
primary goal for 2001.
1/10/2001
Page 1 of I
mayorscott
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Horton, Wanda" <wandah@cLocoee.f1.us>
"Scott Vandergrift (E-mail)..<mayorscott@msn.com>
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 10:02 AM
FW: State of the City-Finance Department
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Horton, Wanda
> Sent: Wednesday, January 10,2001 9:42 AM
> To: Scott Vandergrift (E-mail)
> Subject: State of the City-Finance Department
>
>
> Accomplishments:
>
> *Citizens can now pay their utility bills electronically
> *Secured financing for the purchase of the Coca Cola Property
> *Revised and updated the purchasing process providing more
> efficiency and maintaining controls
> *Currently working on generating the Comprehensive Annual Financial
> Report totally in house reducing the reliance on outside agencies and cost
>
>
>
1/1012001
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 12,2001
TO: Jim Gleason, Acting City Manager
FROM: Russ Wagner, Director of Planning
THRUEllen King, Development Review Coordinator
SUBJ:
Annual State of the City Address
During the Year 2000, the Planning Department accomplishments included a variety of projects that will ensure
the quality of future development in Ocoee.
1)
"'\
3)
4)
5)
Processed and approved Final Plans for: The Vintage of Lake Lotta; Glenfinnan; West Oaks Branch
Library; Florida Auto Auction of Orlando; Silver Crossings (Publix); Willows on the Lake; Red RoofInn;
Hess Station @ Plantation Grove; Pizza Hut; Watson Plaza; Ethison Office Parking Addition; Zagari
Dental Office; Prairie Lakes PUD, Tract "E"; Wal-Mart Supercenter; and Health Central Hospital, Parking
Addition and S.R. 50 Access.
Processed Final Plats for: Dorwood; Silver Crossings (Publix); Windsor Landing - Phase I; Remington
Oaks - Phase II; Geneva Manor; Glenfinnan; Ocoee Cemetery; Orchard Park; and West Oaks Towne
Center Retail "E".
Received and initiated review of a variety of large scale projects including: Meadow Lakes PUD;
AvantilWest Groves; Wellington Place; Colony Plaza Redevelopment; West Oaks Square PUD - Land Use
Plan Amendment; Health Central Hospital Parking Addition & S.R. Access; Brookestone Subdivision -
Phase III; Heavener Subdivision; Kanes Furniture @ Ocoee; Extra Attic II; Cambridge Village PUD
Subdivision; Orchard Park - Phase 3; Health Central Hospital- Expansion 2000; and West Oaks Towne
Center - Retail "E".
Received and initiated review of a variety of small scale projects including: Pizza Hut Renovation; Watson
Plaza; West Oaks Branch Library; Bradshaw Office Building; Ethison Office Parking Addition; Newman
Office Supply Building; Haynes Brothers Furniture; Zargari Dental Office; Usmani Medical Facility;
McDonald's Restaurant Expansion; St. Paul's Presbyterian Church - Phase 3; Burger King @ Good Homes
Plaza; Sysco Food Services Northwest Parking Expansion; Burger King @ Olympia PUD; and Cumberland
Avenue Improvements for Milton Subdivision.
Received and initiated review of Special Exception plans on St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, and Wal-Mart
Tire Lube Express.
1L!CE ]IREl \PLANNING\EKINGw'L_ DATA\EKPDFILE\memorand\MFPO 1 0 12.doc
Annexations received and under review in 2000 (412.29+/- acres):
Forest Lake Estates (+/-33.67 acres)
- "lke Property (+/-340 acres)
~.;:nter Lake (+/-38.62 acres)
Final Large Scale Subdivision / Site Plans approved in 2000:
The Vintage of Lake Lotta
Glenfinnan
Florida Auto Auction of Orlando
Silver Crossings (publix)
Willows on the Lake
Red Roof Inn
Prairie Lakes PUD, Tract "E"
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Health Central Hospital, Parking Addition and S.R. 50 Access
Final Small Scale Site Plans approved in 2000:
West Oaks Branch Library
Hess Station @ Plantation Grove
Pizza Hut
Watson Plaza
Ethison Office Parking Addition
Zagari Dental Office
sco Parking Expansion
Impact Fee Estimates Gained by Completed Projects in 2000:
To be issued under separate cover.
Land Development Code Amendments in 2000:
Ordinance No. 2000-22 Metal-Skinned Building and Structures
Ordinance No. 2000-27 Motor Vehicle Wholesale Districts and Definition of Development
Current Projects Under Review
Lake Lotta Center DR! - NOPC
West Oaks Mall DR! - NOPC
Citrus Medical & Executive Park
Forest Ridge PUD
Ocoee Church of the Nazarene
Clarcona Crossings
Meadow Lakes PUD
A vantilW est Groves
HTellington Place
Jlony Plaza Redevelopment
West Oaks Square PUD - Land Use Plan Amendment
West Oaks United Methodist Church
Brookestone Subdivision - Phase III
-- ~avener Subdivision
udnes Furniture @ Ocoee
Extra Attic II
Cambridge Village PUD Subdivision
Orchard Park - Phase 3
Health Central Hospital - Expansion 2000
West Oaks Towne Center - Retail "E".
Bradshaw Office Building
Newman Office Supply Building
Usmani Medical Facility
McDonald's Restaurant Expansion
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church - Phase 3
Burger King @ Good Homes Plaza
Burger King @ Olympia PUD
Cumberland Avenue Improvements for Milton Subdivision.
Miscellaneous Activities:
Fire Impact Fee Update
Coke Property Feasibility Study & Acquisition
Master Plan for South Park
Initiated Lakefront Master Plan Study
Initiated Police Impact Fee Update
tiated Recreation Master Plan
Initiated Recreation Impact Fee
$600,000 Grant from Beltway Mitigation Fund to Purchase 200 +/- Acres ofWetlandlUplands known as Crown
Pointe
Appeal Orange County Cell Tower in JPA
Initiated Clarke Road Extension Feasibility Study
Professional Parkway / Extension Study
Turnpike Coordination
West Road Realignment Coordination with Orange County and Property Owners
Clarcona / Ocoee Road Four Laning (coordination)
Hemple Avenue Extension (work with property owners, FDOT and Orange County)
S.R. 50 Widening (coordinate with FDOT and MetoPlan)
Southwest Orange County Transportation Alternatives Study
Update Land Development Regulations (in process)
Inspections of various projects under construction
S.R. 50 Access Management Plan implementation
\\POLICE ]IREl \PLANNING\EKINGWL _DAT A\EKPDFILE\memorand\MFPO l012.doc
1ayor,
Below please find information for your State of the City Address for the Community Relations
Department. I did not include everything we do, considering the amount of information you have to
include from all departments. I tried to include what I thought would be of most interest to citizens and
businesses. If you have any questions or need more details, please let me know.
- Janet Shira
MVP Neiahborhood Matchina Grants:
9 projects were accomplished during the year 2000 (see attached booklet)
The 9 projects were successfully completed with:
· $20,600.25 coming from City funds,
· $34,110.32 coming from the neighborhoods,
· and 1,477 hours contributed in volunteer time by the neighborhoods to complete their projects
* This year's applications are due February 23rd. For more information,
contact the Community Relations Department.
POWR Prooram:
Since the City staff has taken over the POWR program this past May, several things have been
accomplished:
· Handed out more than 1,000 back-to-school POWR packs to elementary school children at
"Meet the Teachers" nights at Spring Lake, Ocoee, and Citrus Elementary Schools.
· Took part in the "Teach-In" at West Orange 9th Grade Center where we spoke to 9th grade
science classes about water conservation
· Contracted with the Mobile Irrigation Lab through the St. Johns River Water Management District
to conduct free irrigation audits to any Ocoee water customer during specific weeks throughout
the year
· Started a weekly "Ask the Doctor" column in the West Orange Times to answer water-related
questions and promote water conservation
· Conducted several tours of the water plants (boy scouts, girl scouts, etc.)
· Established a dedicated e-mail address(powr@cLocoee.f1.us) and a dedicated phone line (905-
POWR) for the POWR program where people can contact the city about their water questions,
concerns, suggestions, etc. and added a section on the POWR program to our city web site.
· Developed a mascot character for the POWR program and had a costume professionally made.
Dr. H20 has attended many functions since his arrival in town including: Founders' Day, the
Christmas parade, school open houses, and elementary school classrooms studying water
conservation.
· Staff will be presenting a conference session at the Florida Water Resources Conference in
Jacksonville in April. This will be the only session presented by a municipality regarding
development and implementation of a water conservation program.
** The St. Johns River Water Management District awarded the City of Ocoee
$7,500 as a grant to assist in developing and implementing the POWR
program with additional funds committed for related projects.
PAGE 2 - COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
(For State of The City Address)
Grants: (These are grants that were written in whole or part by the Community Relations
Department. )
The following grants were applied for during the1999/2000 time frame:
· South Park land acquisition (FRDAP grant) for $150,000 FUNDED
· Beech Rec. Center, ph. 2 development (FRDAP grant) for $150,000 FUNDED
· South Park development (FRDAP grant) for $191,250 NO DECISION YET
· Lake Apopka-Coca Cola Property land acquisition (for the 10 acres that will be used for boating-
related activities) through Orange County Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant for
$78,965 NO DECISION YET
· Starke Lake Municipal Park, Boat Trailer Parking Expansion through O.C. Florida Boating
Improvement Program Grant for $64,000 NO DECISION YET
· Emergency Management Grant for a generator at the Public Works Complex to provide
emergency power for $28,000 NO DECISION YET
· COPSMore2000 Grant for civilian personnel in our Police Department. This grant provides
civilian personnel to perform research, assist with paperwork, and provide assistance so that
officers can spend more time on patrol. We applied for 3 admin. Assist. positions and an
evidence and property specialist (total of $104,000) FUNDED (decision was made by the City
to only fund 3 of the 4 positions)
· Boxing grant through the Department of Juvenile Justice LEGISLATURE DECIDED NOT TO
APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THIS PROGRAM THIS YEAR
Founders' Day
The City's biggest festival continues to grow. It includes a day-long festival of food, music, a
parade, car show, arts and craft vendors, rides, historical displays/tours, and fireworks. This year
marked the first time the festival included national entertainment with Joe Diffie headlining the event.
The Founders' Day golf tournament had 95 participants this year and the Founders' Day 5K had
close to 250 runners and walkers. A small group of citizen and business volunteers help to plan the
event. If anyone is interested in joining the Founders' Day Committee, please call the Community
Relations Department.
Channel 10 -
The City has just hired a TV Station Manager who will be finishing the work on the TV booth and
then purchasing new equipment in order to have better audio and video as well as capability to show
live and taped programming. The plan is to begin covering more of the City board meetings (some,
but not all, Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Education, Recreation, etc). This will be done by
live broadcast and then these meetings could be replayed during the day and evening like the City
Commission meetings are currently shown. Edited programming will be produced as time and
budget allows. Community Relations will be bringing suggestions to the City Commission for
programming probably at the end of February. After input from staff and elected officials, a program
schedule will then be set for the remainder of the budget year, subject to any special meetings or
events that warrant television coverage.
Page I of 1
mayorscott
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Whitford, Sally" <swhitford@cLocoee.f1.us>
<mayorscott@msn.com>
Tuesday, January 09,2001 3:17 PM
FW: State of the City address
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nordquist, Bruce
> Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 3:02 PM
> To: Vandergrift, Scott
> Subject: FW: State of the City address
>
> Sent again, Tues. 01/09/01
>
> -----Original Message--u-
> From: Nordquist, Bruce
> Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2001 10: 15 AM
> To: 'mayorscott@msn.com'
> Subject: State of the City address
>
> The 3300 square foot addition to the Beech Recreation Center will be
> opening in January with the current dance class and acting class
> relocating there to the new 'dance room and a new exercise room will be
> open to the citizens of Ocoee to get into shape for the new year. New
> classes in Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Yoga are planned. The Recreation
> Department will be starting new programs in boxing and aquatics for the
> upcoming year. The boxing program will be located at a new address off
> Professional Parkway and a new Boxing Coordinator has been hired to kick
> start the program. The new Family Aquatic Center will be opened sometime
> this summer and their will be many new swimming pool activities. Many
> volunteers are utilized throughout the year to assist the many programs
> offered by the Recreation Department. Volunteers assist in the Founders
> Day events (parking cars/Car Show), West Orange Senior Citizens
> Association (board members, trip advisors, public relations), Ocoee Golf
> Association (board members, sign up committee, tournament chairs), the
> Teen Dances (chaperones), the youth Basketball League (coaches, clock
> timers, scorekeepers), the numerous special events-The Big Orange Games
> (all track &field events, stager, stop watch staff, field event staff,
> food commitee), meet Santa (greeters, elfs, food committee), the
> Christmas Light Judging Contest Uudges), the Easter Egg Hunt (volunteers
> to hide eggs), the Big Orange Golf Tournament (course events staff), and
> the summer program field trips (chaperones).
>
> The Recreation Department received two grants offered by the Florida
> Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) for Outdoor Recreation.
> These grants were awarded for the acquisition of the new South Park and
> the development of the new Family Aquatic Center. A new grant for the
> FRDAP was applied for by the City of Ocoee for the development of the
> South Park (actually Janet applied for this grant).
1/9/2001
;'
Page 1 of 1
mayorscott
From: "Nordquist, Bruce" <bnordquist@cLocoee.fl.us>
To: <mayorscott@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 03,2001 9:25 AM
Subject: Addition - State of the City Address
Please add this to the volunteer list for the Rec. dept.:
the Therapeutic Horseback Riding (walking guides, horse caretakers)
The list of volunteers would be approximately 100 people and several groups
(girl scouts, 4-H, etc) and if you need names and a complete listing, please
let me know. thanks.
Bruce
1/812001
Page 1 of I
mayorscott
From: "King, Ellen" <eking@ci.ocoee.fl.us>
To: 'Vandergrift, Scott" <svandergrift@cLocoee.fl.us>; "Shapiro, Ellis" <eshapiro@cLocoee.fl.us>;
<mayorscott@msn.com>
Cc: 'Wagner, Russ" <rwagner@cLocoee.f1.us>; "Alexander, Carolyn" <calexander@ci.ocoee.fl.us>
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2001 12:02 PM
Attach: MFP01012.doc
Subject: Annual State of the City Address (Revised to show Impact Fees Collected)
The Impact Fees Collected for Calendar Year 2000 is a Grand Total of
$3,026,789.00
See attached revised memo that reflects Impact Fees collected.
<<MFPO 10 12.doc>>
1/13/200 I
Page lof2
mayorscott
From:
To:
Sent:
SUbject:
"Whitford, Sally" <swhitford@ci.ocoee.f1.us>
<mayorscott@msn.com> .
Tuesday, January 09, 2001 8:38 AM
FW: State of the City Address
-----Original Message-----
From: Jules53123@aol.com [mailto:Jules53123@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 6:26 AM
To: svandergrift@cLocoee.f1.us
Subject: State of the City Address
Scott .
Here is the information you requested. Hope it. s what you wanted.
January 9. 2001
To: Mayor Vandergrift
From: Rosemary Davis
Re: Education Commission - 2000; Information for the State of the
City Address
During the year 2000. the members of the Education Commission dealt with the
following issues:
Rezoning for the new elementary school. Citrus;
Dedication ceremony for Citrus Elementary and the new demonstration
school at Ocoee Middle School;
Transportation issues including start times for buses. traffic
congestion. and walkinglbicycle routes
for students;
Overcrowding issues at area schools most especially Citrus Elementary
opening with portables;
Solutions to overcrowding including Charter Schools;
Acquisition of the Coca-Cola property and its impact on future schools
in Ocoee;
Selection of a company to build a Charter School; the Haskell Group was
recommended by the
1/9/2001
Page 2 of2
selection committee from this Education Commission.
It is an honor for me to be nominated as Chairman of this
Commission. I look forward to an exciting year in which our municipally
chartered school will open and where we continue to deal with educational
issues of community concern.
Sincerely,
Rosemary A. Davis
Email: davisreocps.k12.fl.us
Voice: (407) 877- ~7 x40!5
Fax: (407) 877-!5062
Let me know if there is anything else I need to do.
Rosemary A. Davis
1/9/200 I