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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-01 Minutes MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 20, 2001 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Commissioner Anderson led in the prayer and Frances Watts led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Deputy City Clerk Whitford called the roll and declared a quorum present. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson, and Parker. Also present were City Manager Gleason, City Attorney Rosenthal, City Clerk Grafton, Human Resources Director Diedrich, Recreation Director Farmer, Police Chief Mark, Fire Chief Strosnider, and Public Works Director Smith. PRESENT A TIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS United Community Inc. Ocoee Housing Renewal Plan CEO Mr. John Parke III gave a brief presentation on low cost affordable housing. He outlined the areas that would be targeted and for what reasons. Mr. Parke requested the Commission approve the concept and a minimum of $25,000.00. Mayor Vandergrift said it was time for the community to begin to look at this type of solution for improving some of the less desirable areas. Commissioner Johnson said he would like to have a local company from Apopka come and make a presentation. Commissioner Parker said she would be touring some homes and refurbished apartments in the Oakland area and an entire subdivision in Lake County. She said there certainly is a definite need for affordable housing and there were two other groups, Hands and Homes and Partnership, that she would like to see presentations from before the Commission makes a decision. Without objection Commissioner Anderson directed staff to see if any other agencies provide a similar concept that may want to do a presentation. West Orange Center for the Arts (Ken Anderson, CEO) Mr. Anderson presented the hi-lights of the business plan for the West Orange Center for the Arts (WOCA). He said the proposed center would be located at 615 Dillard Street in Winter Garden. He listed all the facilities and programs that would be available and what is envisioned for the future. Mr. Anderson enumerated the benefits ofWOCA to the West Orange community and requested the Commission donate $1,000.00 this year and $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 next year to help fund the facility through July 2003. Commissioner Anderson inquired as to why the center is locating in Winter Garden. Mr. Ken Anderson indicated the available facility size and the lease rate of the proposed building were the two main deciding factors. Mayor Vandergrift suggested WOCA look into the Wal-Mart building in Ocoee that will be vacant upon completion of the new Wal-Mart Super Center. Mayor Vandergrift advised Mr. Anderson that no money is available in the budget at this time and thanked him for the presentation. Fire Department Recognition and Promotions (Fire Chief Strosnider) Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 Chief Strosnider introduced Joe Moy and Tim Hoover and gave a brief summary of their histories with the City of Ocoee Fire Department. Chief Strosnider announced their promotions, Joe Moy to Lieutenant and Tim Hoover to Engineer. He then presented Joe Moy with his new helmet and badge and Tim Hoover with his badge, the badges indicate their new rank. Both men introduced their families and thanked all present. Chief Strosnider announced the retirement of Lieutenant Wayne Vaughn after 25 years and gave an overview of Lieutenant Vaughn's years with the City. Chief Strosnider presented Lieutenant Vaughn with a commemorative helmet and an office chair inscribed with his name and the City logo. Ocoee Elementary teacher Ms. Cornele came forward and presented Lieutenant Vaughn with an album from the children of Ocoee in appreciation for all he has done for all the children. Ms. Cornele also gave Lieutenant Vaughn a pin which reads "You are never as tall as when you bend down to talk to a child" and she said Lieutenant Vaughn has gone above and beyond in helping the children of Ocoee. Lieutenant Vaughn introduced his wife and mother, thanked the City for allowing him to serve, and said he would cherish his many memones. The new employees who were to be introduced were not present. Chief Strosnider presented the 2000 Life Safety Achievement Award receiyed by the Fire Department October 1, 2001, to Mayor Vandergrift. Chief Strosnider stated the Fire Department could not do all the things they do without his support and the support of the Commission. Mayor Vandergrift accepted the award on behalf of the Commission and citizens of Ocoee. Recess 7:55 p.m. - 8:05 p.m. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K. Mayor Vandergrift pulled item B, Amended Settlement Agreement between Foxfire Apartment Associates and Cross Creek Homeowners, for separate consideration. Commissioner Anderson pulled items G, Agreement with Orange County School Board for School Resource Officers and I, the leasing of Christmas Banners, for separate consideration. A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of Commission Regular Session of November 6, 2001. (City Clerk Grafton) B. This item pulled for separate consideration. C. Approval and Authorization for the Commission to Reappoint Commissioner Johnson as Representative to the West Orange Chamber (City Manager Gleason) · Commissioner Johnson has served in this capacity since April 17, 2001, and the current term ends December 31, 2001. Page 2 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 D. Approval and Authorization for Temporary Closing of Enterprise Street, Bowness Road, and Oakland Avenue on December 1, 2001, with a Rain Date of December 2, 2001, for the Christmas Parade. (Building/Zoning Official Velie) · This closing from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. is for the Ocoee Lions Club Christmas Parade. The event will take place December 1, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. with a rain date of December 2, 2001, at 1:00 p.m. The applicants have been advised that (1) All businesses that will be affected by the road blockage must be notified in advance, (2) Health Central Ambulance must be notified of the road closure in advance, and (3) Roads must be blocked with proper barricades. E. Approval and Authorization for Temporary Closing of Oakland Avenue from Bluford Avenue to Lakewood Avenue on November 24,2001. (Building/Zoning Official Velie) · This closing from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. is for the Historical Commission Arts and Crafts event. This event will take place on November 24,2001, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The applicants have been advised that (1) All businesses that will be affected by the road blockage must be notified in advance, (2) Health Central Ambulance must be notified of the road closure in advance, and (3) Roads must be blocked with proper barricades. F. Approval and Authorization for Awarding Architect and Engineering Fees for South Park. (Recreation Director Farmer) · The master plan for the City Park site was completed in February 2001 by Spillis Candela DMJM. The City has been awarded two grants for this project in the amount of $341,250. According to the grant documentation, the park construction should be completed by September 30, 2002. Staff recommends entering into a contract with Spillis Candela to provide Design and Construction Documentation and Administration for the Development for Ocoee South Park. G. This item pulled for separate consideration. H. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Mutual Aid Agreement Between the Member Agencies of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (Police Chief Mark) · Under Florida State Statue 23.12 through 23.127, "Florida Mutual Aid Act" municipalities and legal entities have the authority to enter into a mutual aid agreement with each other. This agreement will be a continuation of the current agreement which expires December 1, 2001. I. This item pulled for separate consideration. J. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Resolution No. 2001-13, Amending Resolution No. 2001-06 to Increase the Elected Officials' Monthly Stipend. (City Manager Gleason) · Approval of this item also authorizes the transfer of $3,900.00 from Legislative Contingency to account number 001-511-00-11 01. K. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Agreement Between the City of Ocoee and the Coca-Cola Company. (City Attorney Rosenthal) · This proposed Property Access Agreement grants Coca-Cola the right to enter onto property owned by the City commonly known as the Coca-Cola property to conduct limited soil and Page 3 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 · This proposed Property Access Agreement grants Coca-Cola the right to enter onto property owned by the City commonly known as the Coca-Cola property to conduct limited soil and groundwater sampling in connection with Coca-Cola's ongoing environmental assessment of the Property . Mayor Vanden!rift. seconded bv Commissioner Parker. moved to approve items A, C. D. E, F, H. J. and K of the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0. B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute the Amended Settlement Agreement Between Foxfire Apartment Associates and Cross Creek Homeowners Association, Inc. and the City of Ocoee. (City Attorney Rosenthal) .Funding for the City's portion of the settlement ($15,469.25) has already been provided in the previously approved budget. Approval of this item also authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute appropriate releases and other documentation necessary to implement the aforesaid settlement. Mayor Vandergrift asked for clarification about the City's involvement in the lawsuit between Foxfire Apartment Associates and Cross Creek Homeowners Association, Inc. City Manager Gleason explained it was the most prudent and fair solution to the existing problem. Mr. Gleason advised the settlement had been anticipated and therefore had been included in this fiscal year's budget. Mavor Vander!!:rift. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to approve consent agenda item B. Approval of the Amended Settlement Agreement between Foxfire Aoartment Associates and Cross Creek Homeowners Association. Inc. Motion carried 5-0. G. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Agreement with Orange County School Board for School Resource Officers for the 2001-02 School Year. (police Chief Mark) . This agreement will permit the Ocoee Police Department to provide three school resource officers to the Orange County School Board in return for funds for services rendered not to exceed $40,000.00. Commissioner Anderson expressed his concern about the amount of money the City currently receives from the Orange County School Board for the School Resource Officers (SROs) program and inquired about the funding of additional officers when Ocoee builds additional schools. Commissioner Anderson said he would like Chief Mark to negotiate for a COLA to be added into the contract each year. Chief Mark and City Manager Gleason both indicated they would do as much as possible with the county to insure maximum funding. Chief Mark pointed out that when school is not in session over the summer months and holidays the officers return to regular patrol duties. In addition the amount of money the county pays towards the SROs is only for nine months, not a full year. Page 4 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve consent agenda item G. the Agreement with Orange County School Board for School Resource Officers for the 2001-02 School Year. Motion carried 5-0. I. Approval and Authorization to Lease Christmas Banners (Public Works Director Smith) . This approval would allow the piggybacking on Winter Garden's contract with Clark Display Sales. The price of $17,850.00 is the same amount as last year and would allow for the decorations, erecting, maintaining, and removing the displays. The amount budgeted for leasing in the Street Department account is $20,000.00. Commissioner Anderson said that after talking with a lot of citizens he would like to see the City do something different in decorating for the holidays. He said he would like to see non-lighted as well as lighted decorations. One suggestion made by the Commission was to add to the decorations each year and eventually have all of Maguire, Clarke, and Wurst Roads decorated. Another suggestion was to alternate banners and lights or create a program where citizens, businesses, or associations could sponsor the cost of decorating a pole. After a brief discussion the Commission decided to used any monies left from the $20,000.00 budgeted for the leasing of banners to decorate Maguire Road. Commission directed staff to have a plan for decorating options ready by next year's budget meetings. Mayor Vandergrift. seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to authorize consent agenda item I. the leasing of Christmas banners and to approve the piggy backing on Winter Garden's contract with Clark Display Sales for an amount of $17. 850.00 for 175 poles. Motion carried 5-0. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Mrs. Fran Watts, 43 Shell Key Court, addressed the Commission, telling them how much she appreciated the many things the City does for the senior citizens. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Johnson 1) Regarding the sliding scale for merit raises: Cautioned that the evaluators must be coached and then monitored to be sure they are truly measuring employee performance. 2) Said the Police Officers should be writing down the numbers of the street lights that are out while they are cruising. Mr. Gleason said they could also report sprinklers running on the wrong day/night. 3) Said Maguire Road next to Wal-Mart should be dressed up somewhat until the construction is finished. Commissioner Parker Page 5 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20,2001 1) Expressed her appreciation for the food baskets the City employees put together for the Christian Service Center to distribute. 2) Announced the Ocoee Historical Commission Arts and Crafts Show at the Withers- Maguire House on Saturday, November 24. Commissioner Anderson 1) Announced the time to line up for the Christmas Parade December 1 is 9:00 a.m. 2) Noted that Winter Garden sends out letters for applications for those who wish to participate in the Winter Garden parade and asked if the City of Ocoee did the same thing. 3) Read an e-mail message from Martha Lopez-Anderson accepting Mayor Vandergrift's appointment to the Districting Commission. Mayor Vandergrift 1) Announced Food for Families would be assembling boxes Wednesday night and distributing on Thursday and he asked for volunteers to help. 2) Asked that the December 18 meeting be either cancelled or kept very light. 3) Said the Christmas Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and goes down Bowness Road and Franklin A venue to McKey Street. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Ordinance No. 2001-31, Relating to the General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund, Amending Contributions and Adding a Supplemental Benefit. (General Employee Pension Board Attorney Lee Dehner) Public Hearing continued from November 6, 2001. The public hearing was opened. City Manager Gleason advised the Commission of the request made by the General Employees' Pension Board for a continuation of the public hearing until the January 15, 2002, meeting in order for more input from the employees to be obtained. Without objection the Commission agreed to continue the public hearing until the January 15, 2002, meeting. Second Reading: Ordinance No. 2001-32, Relating to Changes to Personnel Rules and Regulations. (Human Resources Director Diedrich). City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of Ordinance No. 2001-32. The public hearing was opened and, as no one wished to speak, was closed. After a brief discussion staff was directed to look at restrictions for elective position changes. Mavor Vander!!:rift. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2001-32. Motion carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS Appointments to Boards ( City Clerk Grafton) Page 6 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 Appoint Fifth Trustee to the General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund Board of Trustees. Pat Cornell was chosen by the General Employees' Pension Board to be their fifth trustee, and without objection, Commission made this appointment. Appoint Five (5) Member Districting Commission. City Clerk Grafton apprised the Commission they have until December 15, 2001, to select the five members needed for the Districting Commission. Mayor Vandergrift appointed Martha Lopez-Anderson to be his appointee. STAFF REPORTS City Manager Gleason reported that, as directed at the last meeting, he had contacted the Mayor of New York City re presenting the donations received from the sale of the United We Stand t-shirts. He listed some of the options and pointed out the Mayor of New York City will personally only accept donations to the Twin Towers Fund and will guarantee that 100% of the donation will go where the donor requests. Without objection, Commission directed Mr. Gleason to make travel arrangements and schedule Mayor Vandergrift and Michael Miller to deliver the funds in person. Mr. Gleason said he had received a request from Michael Miller, owner of Photograph-X Print Shop, to use the City Seal on shirts or hats to be sold to the public and he had requested an opinion from Mr. Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal had opined that the City Code prohibits the use of the seal without the express approval of the City Commission and should Commission wish to authorize such approval, procedures and criteria for licensing the use of the seal should be established. Mayor Vandergrift said staff should look into how other cities have handled this type of use. Mr. Gleason reported there were 400 tickets for the annual Community Holiday dinner on Friday, December 7 at the Ocoee Middle School from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mr. Gleason said the supervision of the boxing coordinator has been moved back to the Recreation Department and a follow-up meeting will be held December 7, 2001. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Parker No comment at this time. Commissioner Johnson No comment at this time. Commissioner Anderson No comment at this time. Commissioner Howell asked all citizens to make the best they could of their holiday in light of the world situation and economy. Page 7 of 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting November 20, 2001 Mayor Vandergrift 1) Reported that Thomas's room will probably be finished before Thursday and furnished as well. He added he had invited Thomas and his family to ride with him in the Christmas Parade. 2) Said the City should pursue the CRAs diligently. Mr. Gleason advised the counties are about to take over the CRAs, preventing cities from doing them. Each official closed his/her remarks wishing all a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: :s,~ ~,jfJJ- S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor Page 8 of 8