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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-00 Minutes MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD MAY 16, 2000 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the Ocoee City Commission regular meeting to order at 7: 15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Mr. Mike Miller led in prayer and Mrs. Frances Watts led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), and Parker. Also present were City Manager Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal, City Clerk Grafton, Community Relations/Projects Director Shira, Assistant Fire Chief Firstner, Planning Director Wagner, and Police Chief Mark. ABSENT: None PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS PRESENTATIONS: Non-Agenda Item Mayor Vandergrift announced that Mrs. Louise Brown, principal of Citrus Elementary, had submitted a grant application requesting $1,000 to buy golf style school shirts for staff, but that the request came in too late to be on this agenda. After asking Mrs. Brown to display the shirt, Mayor Vandergrift. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve the grant request for $1.000. Motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Johnson voting no. RECOGNITION OF POLICE OFFICERS FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE. (POLICE CHIEF MARK) Police Chief Mark explained that on March 3, 2000 a call was received regarding a child drowning in a backyard pool. Due to the quick action of the Dispatcher and responding Officers the child's life was spared. Chief Mark presented life saving awards to Sgt. Ken Fisher, Officer Suzanne Woidyla, and Communications Operator Pam Sanders. LYNX'S FAMILY OF SERVICES. - Ms. Frankie Callen, Executive Manager of Governmental Affairs Ms. Frankie Callen introduced Mr. Ernie Kelly, who gave a power point presentation showing an update on the Lynx services to West Orange County and central Florida. At the close of the presentation, he responded to questions from Commission and the audience. CHARTER SCHOOLS - The Haskell Group. (MA YOR VANDERGRIFT) At the beginning of the meeting Mayor Vandergrift had introduced special guests in the audience who are involved in education and expressed his appreciation to them for attending this session. He said that the crowded situation in the local schools prompted him to put together a five year plan for schools in Ocoee, and he hoped to open up a dialogue between the citizens, educators, and officials. He said the Haskell Group had been the first to contact him with a presentation and he invited them to present to this Commission. Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 Ms. Stacy Miller, Mr. Doug Storer, Mr. David Balls, and Mr. Allen Oaks, all with the Haskell Group, gave a power point presentation describing the background, capabilities and goals of their educational services in the area of charter schools, as it coordinates with the existing school system in Orange County. At the end of the presentation Mayor Vandergrift asked for questions from the audience. Mr. R.P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Boulevard, asked if they were non-profit. Ms. Miller responded that charter schools can be either by municipality or not-for-profit, but this was a privately owned company that delivers, develops, finances and orchestrates charter school development. Mr. Mohnacky then asked what would be considered a fair return by the Haskell Group. Ms. Miller responded that their company puts together the stake holders, financing, forming the charter school entity, designing/building/constructing/delivering, and the cost per student station is less than the statewide average. Mr. Oaks said they have to operate the schools with the same full time equivalent funding that comes from the state to the public schools. Public schools get approximately $3650 per student and charter schools get 95 % of that. From that they operate the schools leaving 8 % to 12 % depending on how the school is run. He noted that they are able to save in several areas, such as the teachers' retirement goes to a 401K rather than the public employees retirement. If this Commission decides they want to put together a charter school, an application will be written and submitted to the Orange County School Board. That Board then decides whether to issue the charter Mayor Vandergrift read telephone questions from Mrs. Vandergrift: 1) Where do the materials come from? 2) Who develops it? 3) Who reviews it? Re other units of study: 1) Who determines what they will use? 2) Who determines the appropriateness of content for intended grade level? 3) Who determines if it meets FCAT standards? Mr. Oaks responded that a group of educators assure that they meet the state standards and they are currently choosing material using Scholastic Publishers for the language art series and Prentice Hall for math. Former Mayor Lester Dabbs, 619 Caborca Court, expressed (1) his appreciation for many of the items presented, (2) his concern about parental involvement and (3) asked what provisions are made for special education children, handicapped children, for racial/ethnic balance, and daycare. Mr. Oaks responded they do provide special education classes, but have not been able to provide for certain special needs, such as autism, severely emotionally disturbed, blind or deaf. They are open to any students in the county schools and have had to use a lottery to choose who would attend. The demographics match those of the public schools. Before and after school day care is offered for a fee. They have made arrangements for parents who work Page 2 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 by scheduling parent work days, night meetings, and weekend workshops. Some teachers form special care groups, such as bereavement care. Mr. Harvey Hertsman, 2605 Ellwick Street, expressed concern about how charter schools can address the problems - as cheaper does not mean better quality, and teachers should be compensated adequately. Mr. Oaks said their teachers' salary schedule is $100 over that of Broward County, that they give them a chance for a bonus at the end of the year based on their deliverables, stock options at the end of the year. Ms. Miller addressed the funding and said that charter schools have funding available to them not available to public schools. Mr. Balls explained the process and planning used to put together the budget and the school itself. Mrs. Frances Watts asked what happens to the children excluded by the lottery. Mr. Oaks said those children would stay in the schools they would have been scheduled in if the charter school did not exist. Ms. Teresa Jacobs, 8652 Sugar Plum Court, asked if the Haskell Group's participation would bring additional bonding capacity to the school district. Ms. Miller said it would be outside of the school district's bonding capacity and by partnering with the municipality, the municipality would act as issuer. When the FTE funds were received by the Haskell Group they would be deposited with the City to offset that capital expense. Mrs. Enid Loeffler, 2372 Cory Court, said the charter would return to Orange County public schools within a time period of ten - fifteen years. Ms. Miller said charter schools can have a term of 10 years, and if partnering with a municipality the term can be fifteen years. At the end of the term of the charter the applicant can choose to extend the term for increments of five years or it can revert back to the school district (at the option of the school district). Mr. Oaks added that if the City uses its bonding capacity to finance the schools at the end of the term the building would go to the City. Randy Freeman, Esquire, 513 East Lakeshore Drive, said he was a strong proponent of volunteerism, participation and community in Ocoee and he was sure the citizens would stand behind the school whether it is public or charter. Mr. Mickey Spenser, 2623 Wall Avenue, asked if the charter schools would be subject to the same tests as public schools. Mr. Oaks responded that they are. Mr. Spenser asked about sibling rules and Mr. Oaks responded that if a child is chosen by lottery, siblings would be chosen as well. Page 3 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 Mrs. Rosemary Morganto, 11012 Groveshire Court, asked about the autonomy from the district. Mr. Oaks responded that charter schools are not required to adopt the special courses that may be required of public schools, e.g., safe bicycle riding. Mr. Mike Miller, 1305 Ridgefield Avenue, said he understands that the state has reduced the K-2 class sizes to 20-23 students and earlier in the presentation the Haskell Group said their classes are 25-27 students. Mr. Oaks said there are two ways to reduce the size of a class, one by having that number of children in the classroom (but there are not enough classrooms to do that) and the other is by the use of teacher aides or assistants. Mrs. Kate Clark, principal of Ocoee Middle School, asked about charter schools bankrupting and also about the cost per student. Mr. Oaks responded that a very large school overextended and went under but that most of those who failed were mom and pop outfits that were disgruntled with public schools. He added that the most expensive schools to deal with are middle schools. Mr. Balls responded to the question about the cost per student. Martha Lopez-Anderson introduced Dave Robertson, Center for Education Entrepreneurs, and Lee Arnold, chairman of Florida Charter Schools Review Panel. Mayor Vandergrift called attention to the notebooks prepared by Mrs. Lopez-Anderson for distribution to this Commission and the Education Commission regarding charter schools, Mr. Burt Carrier, chairman of the Orange County School Board, said the Board has already demonstrated they are not anti-charter schools, that they are in favor of charter schools established for the good of children. He said he knows the motivation behind Ocoee is to do what is right for the children of Ocoee, but that it must be remembered that the school must be opened up to all children in Orange County. He said he is working with the City on school sites and is committed to finding an answer to the problem of overcrowding. Mayor Vandergrift thanked all those present and the Haskell Group for their presentation. RECESS 9:30 p.m. - 9:40 p.m. City Manager Shapiro introduced the new Information Systems Manager, Brian Ross, who spoke briefly about his experience and education background. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, D, and E. A. Approval and Acceptance of Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of May 2, 2000. (CITY CLERK GRAFTON) Page 4 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 B. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Emergency Management Grant Contract for Disaster Response Radio System. (FIRE CHIEF STROSNIDER) . Staff requests authorization to proceed with this grant application for $49,940 with a cash match of $3,500 and an in-kind match of $2,132 by the City. C. Approval and Authorization to Grant $2,500 Sponsorship to the Mid-Florida Quarter Midget Racing Association. (COMMUNITY RELATIONS/PROJECTS DIRECTOR SHIRA) . The MFQMRA is hosting a national event June 25 to July 1. This grant is requested for the purpose of funding a Red Bandanna BBQ for a community event June 30, 2000. D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute the Sidewalk, Utility, Drainage and Access Easement and a Utility Easement Agreement with Wesmere Maintenance Association. (ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY DOTY) . Based on the Maguire Road Widening Project design prepared by PEC, the City needs to acquire a Sidewalk, Utility, Drainage and Access Easement and a Utility Easement from Wesmere Maintenance Association, Inc. Wesmere has agreed to grant these interests in exchange for the City's planned construction of a right-turn lane into the Wesmere subdivision off of Maguire Road, and Staff recommends payment of $250.00 to the Wesmere Maintenance Association to cover their costs in reviewing and executing the agreement. E. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Purchase Agreement with Charles N. Young as Trustee for 450.3 Square Feet Located at the Northeast Corner of the Intersection of Professional Parkway and Maguire Road. · Based on the Maguire Road Widening Project design prepared by PEC, the City needs to acquire 450.3 square feet located at the corner of the intersection. This parcel was appraised at $6.50 per square foot, bringing the total to $3,000. Dr. Young has agreed to convey the property for $3,500 under threat of condemnation. Staff recommends approval in order to avoid the cost of condemnation. Commissioner Johnson pulled item C for discussion, saying that he thought the amount requested was too high. Mr. Mike Miller, 1305 Ridgefield, explained that the purpose for the request was to involve the community and elected officials in hosting a red bandanna BBQ offering hospitality to the people who will come nationwide for the event. After discussion Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Johnson. moved to sponsor at the $1.000 level rather than $2.500. Motion lost 2-3 with Mayor Vandergrift. Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Howell voting no. Commissioner HowelL seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Parker voting no. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Mayor Vandergrift read a question submitted by telephone by Mrs. Alice Bass, 411 C Orlando A venue asking what prompted the City to remove the growth along the shoreline of Starke Page 5 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 Lake and replace it with sand. He explained that the growth in the lake was removed under the auspices of, and with the cooperation of, the Fresh Water Fish and Game Commission. He added that the machinery used to remove the growth left the shoreline rutted and the sand was used to even it up. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Howell congratulated his granddaughter who was graduating from kindergarten and expressed his regrets that he missed the ceremony. Commissioner Johnson announced the birth of his granddaughter, Carissa Marie, at 10:00 a.m. today. Commissioner Parker advised that she has been working with the Police Department and Vicki Prettyman on the next women's self defense class and will have an announcement regarding the time and place soon. Mayor Vandergrift: 1) Announced the RSVP number 407-656-2218 and asked that Public Works put up signs around town displaying the number. 2) Gave Carissa Marie her first real birthday card - his "Get out of jail free" business card. PUBLIC HEARINGS SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE No. 2000-16, AMENDMENT TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. (SENIOR PLANNER MCGINNIS) City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Planning Director Wagner presented the staff report which contained, along with the details of the amendments to the Intergovernmental Coordination Element, a letter from the Department of Community Affairs indicating that the Objections, Recommendations and Comments report will be waived and the City may proceed immediately to adopt the amendment. Mr. Wagner advised that the Development Review Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission, along with Staff, recommended adoption as presented. The public hearing was opened and, as no one wished to speak, was closed. Commissioner Anderson. seconded bv Commissioner Howell. moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2000-16. amending the Intergovernmental Coordination Element of the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried 5-0. ORDINANCE No. 2000-19, OCOEE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, ANNEXATION, CASE No. AP-09-08. (SENIOR PLANNER MCGINNIS) City Attorney Rosenthal read the title only of the Ordinance. Planning Director Wagner presented the staff report. This 4.6l:t parcel is located on the east side of Clarke Road, between White and Silver Star Roads, and is vacant. Mr. Wagner advised that this annexation Page 6 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 would reduce an existing enclave, and that the Development Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommended approval of the annexation. The public hearing was opened and, as no one wished to speak, was closed. Commissioner Anderson. seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2000-19. annexing the parcel described in Case Number AP-97-09-08. the Ocoee Church of the Nazarene. Motion carried 5-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTION AMOCO-CASE No. 1-35E-99:AMoco STATION. (PLANNING DIRECTOR WAGNER) Planning Director Wagner presented the staff report, explaining that the first special exception granted Amoco for a convenience store with gas sales on the one acre of property at the northeast corner of Silver Star/Clarke Road had lapsed. He explained that BP/ Amoco would return at a later date for a small scale site plan. He noted that the Development Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommended approval subject to six (6) Special Exception conditions, i.e., 1) This Special Exception approval shall expire twelve (12) months from the date of approval by the City Commission unless a building permit is obtained prior to such date permit being for the construction of the proposed use authorized by the Special Exception. Further, upon issuance of the building permit, the owner (or its agent) shall diligently proceed in good faith to complete construction in accordance with the terms thereof. Failure of the owner (or its agent) to proceed as aforesaid shall provide a basis for revocation of the Special Exception by the City Commission. 2) Approval of this Special Exception does not authorize the commencement of development. Prior to issuance of a Building Permit, it will be necessary to obtain site plan approval pursuant to the provisions of Article IV of the Land Development Code. Further, compliance with all other applicable provisions of the Land Development Code shall be required. 3) Should the uses permitted by this Special Exception be terminated or substantially modified or expanded in a manner inconsistent with the Conditions of Approval for the Special Exception, then said, the Special Exception may be revoked by the City Commission at its sole discretion. 4) Prior to Site Plan approval, the owner will submit to the City for review and approval a drainage easement permitting the discharge of storm water to an off-site storm water collection facility. This form and content of easement must be acceptable to the City. 5) The applicant shall make a good faith effort to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for use within six (6) months of issuance of the building permit. 6) The Special Exception for a convenient store and gasoline sales facility shall be applicable only to BP/ Amoco, its direct subsidiaries, affiliated companies or successors in interest and is not transferable to another owner prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. The public hearing was opened. Page 7 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 Mr. Brian Sykes, representing BP/Amoco, thanked staff for their assistance and explained that the delay was due to a merger and he noted a change relating to the assignability of the rights in number six (6) of the Special Exception conditions listed in the staff report. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed Following a brief discussion regarding traffic and turn lanes, Commissioner Howell seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to approve the Special Exception for an Amoco Station. subiect to the six (6) listed Special Exception conditions according to Staff recommendation. Motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Anderson voting no. OTHER BUSINESS SURVEY - BOARDS OF THE CITY. (CITY MANAGER SHAPIRO) City Manager Shapiro presented the proposed Volunteer Board Survey for Commission review. Mayor Vandergrift noted that question number three (3) "Would you be willing to participate in paid training sessions?" should be changed to "Would you be willing to participate in training sessions that the City will provide?" in order to avoid confusion. Without objection, staff was directed to follow up with sending out the survey to all volunteer board members. SET DATE FOR FIRST MEETING IN JULY. (CITY CLERK GRAFTON) As July 4 is the first Tuesday of the month as well as a national holiday, without objection, Commission agreed to tentatively schedule the first meeting of the month for July 5 at 7: 15 p.m., with the understanding that, absent matters that required immediate attention, the meeting would be canceled. STAFF REPORTS There were no staff reports. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Parker - No comments at this time. Commissioner Anderson - No comments at this time. Commissioner Johnson: 1) Said he has been approached by a group who wished to be appointed a citizens committee to work on veterans' memorials. City Manager Shapiro advised that such a committee serving as an advisory board to the Commission would require staffing, a secretary, recorded minutes, etc., and would be required to operate under the sunshine law, while a volunteer committee not appointed by City Commission would possibly be able to create a not-for-profit organization and start raising funds for the memorials. He said he would provide a breakdown for what they would need to do to get started. 2) Asked for a list of donations given to different organizations. Page 8 of 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting May 16, 2000 3) Reported that the June 3rd reunion of Ocoee graduates at Ocoee Middle School would begin at 9:00 a.m. and go to 3 or 4:00 p.m. with welcoming different classes at 1:00 p.m. He said the books are ordered and a photographer will be present. There was discussion about getting the information out on e-mail and on the Website as well. Commissioner Howell - No comments at this time. Mayor Vandergrift: 1) Said that the government has just announced that those men who did not finish school because they joined the military service and went away to World War II would receive a high school diploma and he would like to survey the community to see how many would be affected, as that could be incorporated into the June 3rd reunion somehow. 2) Announced the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Gazebo at 8:00 a.m. and said he would then go to Woodlawn for their service. 3) Called attention to an article in Nations Cities Weekly. 4) Called attention to a fax of Kissimmee's RFP for charter schools from the Mayor of Kissimmee. 5) Read a letter from Jim Hawkins, a citizen who is reluctantly moving from Ocoee. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m. and immediately reconvened for a brief discussion about the question of waiving the restriction on alcoholic beverages at the wrestling match which will be held at Vignetti Park June 10 to benefit therapeutic riding. Discussion led to a decision that this was not an emergency item but one which could be considered at the June 6 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: City of Ocoee Page 9 of 9