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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-16-99 MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD MARCH 16, 1999 SWEARING IN CEREMONY At 7:00 p.m. the swearing in ceremony was held for Commissioner Johnson, District 3, Commissioner Howell, District 1, and Mayor Vandergrift with City Clerk Grafton administering the oaths of office. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. He introduced Mack McLaughlin, who was serving as Mayor of the Day by virtue of a silent auction at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Lester Dabbs, Jr., former mayor of Ocoee, led in prayer, and Tommie Sanders led the pledge of allegiance. The roll was called, and a quorum was declared present. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Howell, Johnson and Parker. Also present were City Manager Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal, City Clerk Grafton, Planning Director Wagner, Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira, City EngineerlUtilities Director Shira, Police Chief Mark, Public Works Director Smith and Capital Projects/ Transportation Planner Friel. ABSENT: None. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Presentation of Retirement Chair to Commissioner Glass Commissioner Howell presented the chair to Commissioner Glass and expressed appreciation to him for his service to the City. Proclamation Mayor-for-the Day McLaughlin read the following proclamation: INTERNATIONAL BUILDING SAFETY WEEK - APRIL 4 -10,1999 Mayor Vandergrift read the plaque presented to the City by the Bulldogs football team at their annual banquet. Mayor Vandergrift read his proclamation recognizing the 80th year for the American Legion. Posts 63 and 109, represented by Joe Brier, Sixth District Commander; Tommie Sanders, Commander, Post 109; John Linebarier, past Commander and present Adjutant, Post 63; Kathryn Boyer, second vice commander, Post 63; Wendell Willie Williams, Commander, Post 63; Bob Moore, Post 109; Ed Bowers, Post 109; Darrell Wolf, Post 109; Lester Dabbs, Jr., Post 109 were present to accept the proclamation, along with the district president of the American Legion Auxiliary. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, D, E and F. Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 Commissioner Howell pulled item B for discussion. Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner HowelL moved to approve the consent agenda, less item B. Motion carried 5-0. A. Approval and Acceptance of (1) Minutes of City Commission Ree:ular Meeting of March 2. 1999 and (2) Canvassine: Board Meetine: of March 10. 1999. C. Approval and Authorization to Participate in the Survey of Northwest Ditch with Orane:e County in the Amount of $8.438.32. . This ditch serves as the outfall for an area stretching from Franklin Street on the south, to Peach Lake Manor on the east. This survey will identify the portion that is within the city limits for maintenance purposes. D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Easement Agreement Granting Easement to Time Warner Communications Across City Property on Bluford Avenue. . This proposed easement is located across the southern tip of a parcel of land acquired by the City as part of the lands purchased from Mr. Ron Stucki a few years ago. This easement will allow Time Warner to run cables from their facility on Maguire Road east to Bluford, and thence north and south along Bluford Avenue. E. Approval and Authorization to Amend the Authorization to Use Forfeiture Funds to Purchase a Crime Capture Svstem. . At the March 2, 1999 meeting this item was presented under agenda item III E and the purchase was approved. This authorizes waiving the bid process for the purchase. F. Approval and Authorization to Award to Georgetown Enterprises. Inc. in the amount of $409.028.05 for the Construction of the Phase 2 Water Distribution Mains Project. . This project is funded under the 1997 Utility Bond Issue. B. Approval and Authorization for Payment of Retainer - Juarez & Associates. The City's share of the retainer for the Legislative Lobbyist Juarez & Associates for the 1999 year is $11,664. Commissioner Howell asked what was on the books that necessitated spending almost $12,000.00 for a lobbyist. Mr. Shapiro advised this is a joint bid with the three cities, and the money is Ocoee's pro rata share for the total cost of the contract. Discussion followed. Commissioner Howell stated he wanted to go on record that "since we have already made the agreement with the other cities, I will go with it, but I am all for looking elsewhere." Commissioner Anderson asked for the Commission to be more informed regarding this lobbyist's activities. Mr. Shapiro said they should already have received a report, and Apopka 2 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 1) had been advised that the City wanted to see more reports from the lobbyist during the session, which should be monthly for the rest of the contract. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Mavor Vandergrift, moved to approve and authorize the payment of Retainer for Juarez and Associates. Motion carried 5-0. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Bill Henderson, 32 Lakeview Street, invited the public to attend the production of "Hello Dolly" presented by the West Orange Drama Department, Troop 1983 and the West Orange Chorus at West Orange High School, April 8 - 10, 1999, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00. For information, call 656-2424, extension 282. Ben Griffin, 345 South Lakeshore Drive, advised he went to the Building Department to obtain a permit for Jim Jocoy to operate an open air vegetable and flower market on property Mr. Griffin leases from the City and was told he would have to secure the permit from the City Commission. City Manager Shapiro said he would get the city attorney to work on it with Building and Zoning Official Flippen on Thursday and present it at the next City Commission Meeting. Mr. Griffin also advised he sold a piece of property to the City recently, and all the bricks that formed a driveway are gone, leaving a big drop-off from the street with the sidewalk. Mr. Shapiro said he would make sure the situation was corrected. Jim Gleason, 856 Hammocks Drive, thanked the American Legion, saying he had participated in an oratory contest for scholarship money about 26 years before. He also paid tribute to Commissioner Glass and congratulated Commissioner Johnson on his election and recommitment to the City. Commissioner Glass recognized his wife Kathie, his daughter Megan, his son Connor and his mother-in-law, Karen Streeter. He said without the sacrifice his family made, he could not have served. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Howell 1) Thanked the citizens of Ocoee and District 1 for the last two years he had been in office. He said he had nothing but support from the citizens and hoped he was doing a satisfactory job in keeping them happy. He said the way to keep them happy is to get some of the projects done that he had been talking about for two years. He said citizens call about Wurst Road and A. D. Mims Road, and he tells them they are in the works. He said in the next two years, he intends to push harder to get the projects done instead of leaving them on the burner. 3 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 Commissioner Johnson 1) Commented he sat on the City Commission for 11 years and was off two years watching the meetings on T.V. He said his wife said more people asked him questions after he left office than when he was in office. He said he was new to the City Commission and wanted to do some things for the older sections of towns. Mayor Vandergrift took agenda items out of order from this point onward. SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM AND BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Howell. moved to elect Commissioner Anderson Mayor Pro Tern. Motion carried 5-0. MOST V ALUABLE PARTNERSHIPS (MVP) NEIGHBORHOOD MATCHING GRANTS Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira presented her staff report requesting authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the award agreements and to present the grant funds to each applicant. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson. moved to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the award agreements for the Most Valuable Partnerships (MVP) Neighborhood Matching Grants. Motion carried 5-0. Mayor Vandergrift presented the following: A check for $1,972.00 to Coventrv at Ocoee. John Zerrip, president of the homeowners association, introduced Debbie Rose, vice president of the homeowners association, and said they were purchasing new signs and landscaping for the entrance. The old signs will be used at additional entrances into their neighborhood. A check for $2,500.00 to Lake Olympia Club. Nick Pagano advised the money would be used for landscaping on the Clarke Road and Silver Star Road entrances, to repaint the walls and to put up a message board. A check for $1.250.00 to Richfield Subdivision. Odessa Bowser said they will install an identification sign at the east entrance of the subdivision that borders on Coventry. A check for $800.00 to Shoal Creek. Glenn Richardson, president of the homeowners association, advised their project is to upgrade their irrigation system and replace some sod along White Road after the road is widened. A check for $2,500.00 to Sleepy Harbour. Tom Slimick, treasurer of the homeowners association, introduced Lee Elliott, president, and Smitty Branch and said they intend to replace decking on the dock on Prima Vista, put up some handrails to keep children from riding bikes into the lake and build a retaining wall and put some sand on the lot so the children will have a 4 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 place to play. Mr. Branch expressed his gratitude to the City and commended Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira for her work. A check for $2,500.00 to Wesmere. Laura Murphy, on the board of directors for the Wesmere Homeowners Association, advised the money will be used to improve the playground to bring it up to United States Safety Product Commission Standards. Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira reminded everyone there would be work days in the communities and to let the Commissioners know. Some time in September or October there will be a party where everyone will look at the others' projects and have a nice dinner. Recess 8:30 p.m. to 8:41 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTION NO. 99-09, ABANDONING AND VACATING A PORTION OF A CERTAIN SIDE YARD UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED IN THE COVENTRY SUBDIVISION. City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Resolution No. 99-09: A resolution of the City of Ocoee, Florida, abandoning and vacating a 47.5 foot long segment of the western three feet of a ten foot wide utility easement lying and being along the eastern portion of lot 109, "Coventry at Ocoee - Phase 2," according to the plat thereof as recorded in plat book 27, page 36, of the public records of Orange County, Florida; providing for recordation; providing for severability; providing an effective date. Capital Projects/Transportation Planner Friel presented the staff report in which he recommended that the City Commission approve Resolution No. 99-09 vacating a portion of a certain side yard utility easement which lies along the eastern portion of lot 109 in the Coventry Subdivision. The public hearing was opened and, since no one wished to speak, was closed. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve Resolution No. 99-09 vacating a portion of a certain side yard utility easement which lies along the eastern portion of lot 109 in the Coventry Subdivision. Motion carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES. SECOND READINGS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 6, 1999 AT 7:15 P.M. ORDINANCE NO. 99-13, COLVIN, REZONING, CASE NO. R-99-01-02 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 99-13, Case No. R-99-01-02: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, changing the zoning classification from C-l, Neighborhood Shopping District, to C-2, Community Commercial District, on certain real property containing approximately 0.14 acre located on the northeast corner of Lafayette Street 5 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 and South Bluford A venue pursuant to the application submitted by the property owner; finding such zoning to be consistent with the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan; providing for and authorizing the revision of the Official City Zoning Map; repealing inconsistent ordinances; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-14, DEVON COVE, ANNEXATION, CASE NO. AR-98-12-15 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 99-14, Case No. AR-98-12-15: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, annexing into the corporate limits of the City of Ocoee, Florida, certain real property containing approximately 5.0 acres located approximately 150 feet southwest of the intersection of Prairie Lake Boulevard and Log Run Court pursuant to the application submitted by the property owners; finding said annexation to be consistent with the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, the Ocoee City Code, and the Joint Planning Area Agreement; providing for and authorizing the updating of official city maps; providing direction to the City Clerk; providing for severability; repealing inconsistent ordinances; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-15, DEVON COVE, SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, CASE NO. SSCPA-99-001 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 99-15, Case No. SSCP A-99-001: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida amending the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan as adopted on September 18, 1991, by Ordinance No. 91-28, as amended, as follows: Amending Figure 2 of Appendix A to change the future land use designation from Orange County, Rural Settlement ( < 2 dwelling units per acre) to Ocoee, low density residential ( < 4 dwelling units per acre) on certain real property containing 5.0 (more or less) located approximately 150 feet southwest of the intersection of Prairie Lake Boulevard and Log Run Court pursuant to the application submitted by the property owner; providing for and authorizing the revision of the official future land use map; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-16, DEVON COVE, REZONING, CASE NO. AR-98-12-15. City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 99-16, Case No. AR-98-12-15: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, changing the zoning classification from Orange County, "R-IAAA," Residential Urban District to Ocoee "R-IA," Single Family Dwelling District, on certain real property containing approximately 5.0 acres located approximately 150 feet southwest of the intersection of Prairie Lake Boulevard and Log Run Court pursuant to the application submitted by the property owners; finding such zoning to be consistent with the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, the Ocoee City Code, and the Joint Planning Area Agreement; providing for and authorizing the revision of the official City Zoning Map; repealing inconsistent ordinances; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-17, FIRST UNION/PEASE, ANNEXATION, CASE NO. AP-95-08-05 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance 99-17, Case No. AP-95-08-05: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, annexing into the corporate limits of the City of Ocoee, Florida, certain real property containing approximately 37.8 acres located on the southeast corner 6 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 of Silver Star Road and Clarke Road intersection pursuant to the application submitted by the property owners; finding said annexation to be consistent with the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, the Ocoee City Code, and the Joint Planning Area Agreement; providing for and authorizing the updating of official city maps; providing direction to the City Clerk; providing for severability; repealing inconsistent ordinances; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-18, OLYMPIA DEVELOPMENT, SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, CASE NO. SSCPA- 98-002 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance 99-18, Case No. SSCP A-98-002: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, amending the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan as adopted on September 18, 1991, by Ordinance No. 91-28, as amended, as follows: Amending Figure 2 of Appendix A to change the future land use designation from low density residential to commercial on certain real property containing 9.98 acres (more or less) located at the southeast corner of Silver Star Road and Clarke Road intersection pursuant to the application submitted by the property owners; providing for and authorizing the revision ofthe official Future Land Use Map; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. ORDINANCE NO. 99-19, OLYMPIA DEVELOPMENT, REZONING TO PUD, CASE NO. Ls-98-007 City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 99-19, Case No. LS-98-007: An ordinance of the City of Ocoee, Florida, changing the zoning classification from Orange County "A-I," Citrus Rural District, to Ocoee "PUD," Planned Unit Development District, on certain real property containing approximately 37.8 acres located on the southeast corner of Silver Star Road and Clarke road intersection, pursuant to the application submitted by the property owners; finding such zoning to be consistent with the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, the Ocoee City Code, and the Joint Planning Area Agreement; providing for and authorizing the revision of the official City Zoning Map; repealing inconsistent ordinances; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. Mayor Vandergrift announced that the second readings and public hearings for these ordinances are scheduled for April 6, 1999, at 7: 15 p. m. SELECTION OF WATER RATE STUDY CONSULTANTS: BURTON & ASSOCIATES; HARTMAN & ASSOCIATES City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira introduced the two firms, in order of rating, to give five- minute presentations. Mike Burton, Burton & Associates, and Mike Roca, Hartman & Associates, made their respective presentations. Discussion followed. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to begin negotiations with Burton & Associates and, if unsuccessful. negotiate with Hartman & Associates for water rate study consultant. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais. RESOLUTION NO. 99-10, SUPPORTING THE CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS 7 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 Lester Dabbs, Jr., Education Commission Chairman, presented Resolution No. 99-10, and City Attorney Rosenthal read the title: A resolution of the City Commission of the City of Ocoee, Florida, in support of the Character Education Program for Orange County Public Schools; providing for an effective date. Mavor Vandere:rift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to adopt Resolution No. 99-10 supporting the Character Education Program for Orange County Schools. Motion carried 5-0. ORDINANCE THAT PROVIDES MONTHLY EXPENSE ACCOUNTS FOR CITY COMMISSION Commissioner Howell explained that many times Commissioners incur expenses in the course of their duties, but the cost to the City to reimburse a Commissioner is sometimes more than the reimbursement. He said he brought the issue of expense accounts before the Commission for discussion. Commissioner Johnson said he would not support this ordinance. Commissioner Anderson concurred. Commissioner Parker said the reimbursement process had not been explained to her and said she did not think she would need $300.00 a month and could not take it without proving she needed it. Mayor Vandergrift said he had been advocating a mileage car allowance for several years. He said that, due to the cost to the City of issuing small reimbursement checks, he proposed the allocation of $150.00 a month for the Mayor and $100.00 a month for each Commissioner for local travel (that being within 25 miles ofthe City) with mileage submitted for that travel outside of the 25-mile range. Commissioner Anderson said he would not be opposed to $100.00 a month for the Mayor and $25.00 a month for the Commissioners. City Manager Shapiro said, regardless of what it is called, a 1099 form has to be issued since it is taxable income. A record would have to be kept of all the miles, which would have to be turned into the IRS. He said the Mayor had become more active in the last year and a half and is spending more money than he did two years ago. He said for the record he had become more aggressive in expense accounts. Regarding the expense of cutting checks, a check run is done every two weeks. Lester Dabbs, Jr., 619 Caborca Court, said he had read that the Commission can authorize travel by private vehicle for the Commissioners. Mr. Shapiro said they have a great deal of latitude as long as they do not violate state statute. Commissioner Parker said she did not see why a Commissioner would have to lose money when he has to take off work without pay to see to City business. City Attorney Rosenthal explained that a per diem for travel would become a compensation issue, which is governed by ordinances that have time frames in terms of sitting Commissioners. 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 If that subject were addressed, it would have to become effective after the next election. Travel reimbursements, expenses, are within the prerogative of the Commission and are not considered compensation to the extent that it is taxable income unless the deduction is documented to the IRS. It is the prerogative of a Commissioner to decline benefits. Commissioner Johnson said he considered the Commission job part time and did not expect to be reimbursed his salary. City Attorney Rosenthal said he researched charter and code questions on compensation, and his opinion was that the charter and code required that this be adopted at a public hearing, which would not be done if it were a resolution. Mr. Dabbs advised on December 3, 1996, the Commission adopted a pay increase for all elected officials that would go into effect in February 1998. In her presentation at the time, the Human Resources Director brought forth the issue of raising the pay from $1,200.00 a year for the Commissioners and $1,800.00 for the mayor, stating it was to take care of incidental expenses concomitant with service as a Commissioner. Mr. Dabbs said he was philosophically opposed and had financial data that would show it is at best poor policy and is at its worst a veiled attempt at a salary increase. Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to gO to the first reading of the Ordinance that provides monthly expense accounts for the City Commission to get more public input and discussion. Motion carried 3-2. Commissioners Anderson and Johnson dissented. Early in the meeting, a Mayor Pro Tem was selected, but the subject of Board Responsibilities was not addressed at that time. SELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM AND BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES Commissioner Johnson, without objection, was placed on the Innovative Idea Committee. All other responsibilities remained the same. CACOPD - ED DORFMAN RESIGNED - 3-YEAR TERM EXPIRES FEBRUARY 2001 Commissioner Parker, without objection, recommended appointing Richard S. J. "Dick" Luce to complete Mr. Dorfman's term on the CACOPD. Commissioner Parker asked what the purpose of the board is, and City Manager Shapiro said it is an oversight group that suggests to the Police Department the interests of the citizens. A discussion ensued regarding the need for representation from all sections of the City and whether increasing the membership would make the size of the board unwieldy. Mayor-for-the-Day McLaughlin asked if it was necessary to be a resident to serve on this board, and the Clerk was directed to provide this information for the Commission and City Manager and to place it on the membership list for each board in the future. 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 ENGINEERING SERVICES AUTHORIZATION NO. 99-003 WITH PEC FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR REUSE TREATMENT PLANT Assistant City Engineer/Utilities Director/Construction Administrator Wheeler presented his staff report, which recommended that the City Commission authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Services Authorization No. 99-003 with Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of$123,828.00. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Services Authorization No. 99-003 with Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of$123,828.00. Motion carried 5-0. CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD - PATRICIA TICE RESIGNED - 3- YEAR TERM EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 2001 Without objection, Robert Godek was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Patricia Tice. RECREATION BOARD - JIM BEECH'S 2-YEAR TERM EXPIRES APRIL, 1999 Without objection, Jim Beech was reappointed for a term that will expire October 1, 2000, according to Ordinance 98-29. PERSONNEL BOARD - ALL TERMS EXPIRE MARCH 1999: DEBBIE BERTLING, JEAN GRAFTON, BETTY HAGER, JOHN RESNIK Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to reappoint Commissioner Howell to the Personnel Board. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Howell was away from the dais. Commissioner Howell returned to the dais. Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to reappoint Debbie Bertling, Jean Grafton, Betty Hager and John Resnik to the Personnel Board with terms to expire March 16, 2002. Motion carried 5-0. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION - 9TH MEMBER Commissioner Parker. seconded by Commissioner Johnson, moved to aoooint James H. McNeal Jr. to the Planning and Zoning Commission with term to expire Februarv 2002. Motion carried 5-0. ST AFF REPORT City Manager Shapiro reported that the Orange County Commission finally approved the Johio Shores Agreement this date, March 16, 1999, to provide water in the unincorporated area, and it should be on the City Commission Agenda April 6, 1999. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 10 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 Commissioner Anderson 1) Asked if Ocoee is the second largest city in Orange County. Mr. Shapiro said he felt it was close. Commissioner Anderson declared it so. 2) Requested that all the Commissioners get a copy of the price of all proposals. Mr. Shapiro said the staff reports should include it. 3) Mentioned both the Mayor and Commissioner Johnson had brought up the issue of redevelopment of the downtown area. Mr. Shapiro said the City Attorney would be asked to get the state statute that indicates how the area has to be treated. He said a CRA allows the taxes within a certain district to be used to improve that district. 4) Asked about borings under private property. Mr. Shapiro said new fiber optics are being laid. Wanted to know if Time Warner is laying the cable, how do they know they will get the contract. Mr. Shapiro said they do not. They could be capitalizing something they will not have later in the year. He said there were a lot of issues regarding revenue that the City is not getting because of crossovers. Some things are being hidden behind franchise versus non franchise. A legal firm is under contract. Lebowitz and Associates out of Boca Raton. 5) Asked about the legality of Lynx buses stopping on City roads and stopping traffic. Mr. Shapiro said a letter was sent to Lynx asking why they stopped in the middle of the road creating a traffic hazard but got no response. Commissioner Parker 1) Said she is also interested in downtown redevelopment and solving the drainage problems there and in the trailer parks. 2) Thanked Fire Station 4, Lt. Larry Brass, and his shift that was on duty when she went to ride with them, Tony Daum and Paul Whitaker. 3) Asked when the front of the fire station would be completed. Mr. Shapiro said the City would be contracting to get it completed. 4) Asked about the property for Fire Station 1. Mr. Shapiro said Assistant City Attorney Doty had been in contact with both property owners and was waiting for one of the owners to get a private appraisal. City Attorney Rosenthal said in the event condemnation becomes necessary, they want to do both cases at the same time. Commissioner Howell 1) Said he had talked to Mr. Shapiro about scheduling a meeting with people on Wurst Road. Mr. Shapiro said an e-mail would be sent with some dates and start getting it out to the public regarding swales and suites of mailboxes. 2) Asked about the consultant on the Beech Center, i.e., when he hires a consultant, who pays? Public Works Director Smith said he asked Mr. Cassady to bring in a painting consultant regarding an issue of painting that was done on the steel of the building. It was added to Mr. Cassady's bill as a sub-consultant. Another issue arose regarding groundwater, and Ardaman, who was already under contract, was brought in. He said the money spent on the sub-consultant was well-spent. 11 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 3) Asked what Mr. Cassady's job is. Mr. Smith said he is "clerk of the works." He does daily inspections and a weekly report to Mr. Smith. He reviews all contractor submittals and pay requests, etc. He is not a consultant. 4) Said he could not see having an employee working for the City for ten to 15 years and not being able to get a promotion because of a G.E.D. For a new hire to have to have a diploma is fine, but he thinks it is not fair to the employee who has years of experience. Mr. Smith said the lack of a diploma was not the sole determining factor but was part of the whole equation. He said all equipment operators need to have a stormwater operator license, which requires a high school diploma to take the test. Commissioner Johnson 1) Said sidewalks are needed on Palm Drive. Mr. Shapiro said there is not a public right-of-way to do it. Commissioner Johnson said the City should do whatever it takes to get sidewalks. 2) Advised something should be done about the drainage on Palm Drive. 3) Said citizens told him garbage trucks park in the middle of the road working both sides of the street instead of going down one side at a time. Citizens are having a hard time getting by on the way to work. 4) Asked about the wax myrtles to be planted as a buffer for the right-of-way on Delaware Street. Mr. Smith said the trees would be planted. 5) Advised he would like to see a commission of businessmen from the City to give input at a workshop regarding problems in the City. Mr. Shapiro asked if he wanted a town meeting for them, and he agreed. Mr. Shapiro they would discuss it and see how to get it done. 6) Asked the Wesmere Homeowner Association to contact him. 7) Said some neighborhoods have no homeowner association, and there is a need to provide them a way to get MVP. Mr. Shapiro said Director of Community Relations/Proiects Shira had attempted to get those neighborhoods involved. Mayor Vandere:rift 1) Thanked John Vogt and his son for filling in for the T.V. Said there is a good possibility the program will be closed due to cutbacks. Wants to look at the setup in the Orange County Commission Chambers for televising meetings, which can be operated by two people. Suggested hiring a consultant who knows computers and television for broadcast quality. Would like to see the Chambers used as a studio for other programs. Mr. Shapiro said the biggest problem is the telephone system that will not last past August because of the growth, and $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 will have to be spent in the next four months. Said a work session would be requested in advance of the April meeting so there could be a first reading of a budget amendment at that meeting. Commissioner Anderson suggested not doing anything until the first of the year and asked where the City stands regarding Y2K. Mr. Shapiro said the answer would be coming from MIS. 2) Stated Ocoee is the only city in Orange County that does not have some form of a CRA. 3) Said there are not enough parking spaces at City Hall and that the lot across the street is marked "employees only." Mr. Shapiro said the "employee only" signs should be bagged for meetings. 12 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting March 16, 1999 4) Advised there was a time when it was thought the Western Beltway would take Palm Drive, but since it is not, he wants to proceed with the sidewalks. 5) Said drainage in Pioneer Key 1 and 2 is a problem. Suggested using redi-mix concrete to fix potholes in roadways in those neighborhoods. He had come to the conclusion that few people in those neighborhoods own their property. Most of them are owned by slum landlords, and he said would like a housing committee to look at a place for low income housing possibly to move the residents out of Pioneer Keys 1 and 2 and close the areas. Mr. Shapiro asked if he wanted to create a housing authority. He said a housing authority can accept debt and get a deed. A housing committee cannot do that. 6) Referred to the businessmen's committee Commissioner Johnson proposed and said he proposed it some years before but could not find anyone who would lead it. 7) Recognized his family, who had been present for the swearing in ceremony. 8) Commended Mack McLaughlin, mayor for the day, who thanked the Commission for the opportunity to participate. Mayor-for-the-Day McLaughlin thanked Mayor Vandergrift for the opportunity afforded him in presiding over the meeting in an honorary capacity. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11 :20 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: 13