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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-15-17 Minutes MINUTES AUGUST 15,2017 at 6:15 P.M. REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING A. CALL TO ORDER- 6:15 PM Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was led by Commissioner Keller followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Commissioner Grogan. City Clerk Sibbitt called roll and declared a quorum present. Present: Commissioner Grogan, Commissioner Wilsen, Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Keller B. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - 6:17 PM Kristin Kehley, Owner/Director of N.Y.C. Dance, gave a brief presentation highlighting their studio, which is located in Ocoee, and highlighted the achievements of their dancers who are currently the regional and national undefeated champions. She further thanked the City Commission for honoring them and presented a brief video. Proclamation—9/11 Remembrance, read by Commissioner Firstner and accepted by Fire Chief Miller and Deputy Chief McCosker. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to City Staff for their Assistance in the National League of Cities Small Cities Council Summer Meeting of 2017: • Miranda Justice, Water Conservation Coordinator • Carolina Vaca, Event Leader • Mark Johnson, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation • Steve Krug, Public Works Director • Margie Rivera, Development Review Coordinator • Saima Plasencia, Deputy Police Chief • Gequita"Gee" Cowan, Executive Assistant to the City Manager • Brent Marvich, Business Analyst • Sherry Seaver, Executive Aide to the Mayor and City Commissioners Presentation - Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO) Video Presentation Mrs. Ginger Cook, Deputy Director of the Central Florida Film Festival, provided a video highlighting some of the films that will be shown at their upcoming event scheduled for September 1St—3rd She further explained some of the highlights included this year and the films that will be showcased as well as the Q&A sessions scheduled. This event will take place at the West Orange Cinema. For more information go to www.centralfloridafilmfestival.com. Presentation - Charter Review Commission Final Ballot Titles and Summary Charter Review Commission Chairman Hopper briefly introduced and thanked all the staff involved in the Charter Review process. He further introduced the board members and highlighted the meeting dates of the Charter Review Commission. Assistant City Attorney Crosby-Collier continued the presentation by outlining the eight (8) ballot questions that the Charter Review Commission is proposing to amend the charter. At the conclusion of her presentation, Assistant City Attorney Crosby-Collier advised that if the City Commission is 1 Page { Regular City Commission August 15,2017 happy with the recommendation of their Charter Review Commission, then the next step would be for staff to bring forward an ordinance to the City Commission for approval of the ballot questions. The floor was open for discussion and input from the Commission. Discussion ensued with regards to Ballot Question #5 and the commencement of the four (4) year terms beginning at the 2022 election. Commissioner Keller recommended that it be considered to have the four (4) year terms begin on an odd year starting with the 2019 election. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Grogan asked for clarification on how the ballot questions would be approved. Assistant City Attorney Crosby-Collier explained that all eight (8) ballot questions are being recommended to be ballot questions, and they will be phrased in a way that the voter will have to answer the questions with a"yes" or "no". Charter Review Commission Facilitator Rosenthal advised the board that if they disagree with anything on the report that was presented this evening, they can provide a response to the Charter Review Commission so they can further discuss their response. He clarified all issues should be resolved before this is presented to the City Commission in an ordinance format. The presentation of their ballot questions was not such that a final decision had to be made tonight. Chairman Hopper briefly shared that a lot of time and effort was put into their ballot question decisions, and he would like for the City Commission to consider approval if they do not have any issues. He further shared that the City Commission has the authority to appoint a Charter Review Commission at such time as deemed necessary should they decide in the future that they would like to amend the charter sooner than the ten (10) years. Discussion reconvened with regards to the term limits beginning in 2019 as Commissioner Keller shared that would be a change he would like to make. The City Commission supported the change presented by Commissioner Keller and shared they did not have any issues with any of the other questions. Assistant City Attorney Crosby-Collier inquired if they would also be in favor to move the two (2) year term limits forward to begin in 2023 and 2025. Motion: Move to approve the Ballot Questions #1-4, and #6-8 as recommended by the Charter Review Commission with Ballot Question #5 — Establishing four year terms for Mayor and City Commissioners to be amended to commence in 2019 (Mayor, District 1, and District 3); and further direct staff to prepare an ordinance for public hearing and adoption by the City Commission. Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0. Motion: Move to amend Ballot Question #2 — Establishing Term Limits to commence in 2023 (Mayor, District 1, and District 3) and 2025 (District 2 and District 4) in accordance with the 4 year term. Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion carried 5-0. 2IPage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 Presentation - Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB) to discuss the African American Memorial Site HRDB Chairman Kathleen Crown introduced herself and announced that the Board has partnered with the Equal Justice Institute (EJI) of Montgomery, Alabama. The Equal Justice Institute is creating a remembrance project for lynching in America, and the HRDB Board is proposing to work with them in remembering those that lost their lives during the Ocoee massacre of 1920. The EJI is willing to provide a $3,000 monument to be placed on a site in the City of Ocoee for this proposed remembrance project. The HRDB Board would like to propose the current cemetery "hallowed ground" site for this monument. The text for the monument has not been approved at this time, and they are just seeking approval of the location. The EJI will also provide the funding for installation of the monument if the City's Public Works Department cannot assist with the installation. Dr. Kristin Congdon, University of Central Florida, briefly introduced herself and shared that she convenes the Orange County Equal Justice Initiative Task Force to place monuments where a lynching may have occurred. She shared information with regards to the number of lynchings within the State of Florida and Orange County. She further explained that the HRDB Board approached them with regards to placements of two (2) monuments; one to be placed at the cemetery, and the other to be placed in a more visible site such as Starke Lake. Dr. Kristin Congdon provided information with regards to museums that EJI will be opening soon in Montgomery, Alabama and explained the exhibition that they are proposing to the Orange County Regional History Center. HRDB Chairman Kathleen Crown shared that the HRDB would like to work with EJI and the exhibition they are proposing. Mayor Johnson shared that he would like to meet with them and speak further about this exhibition as he supports their efforts if it is based on factual information. HRDB Chairman Kathleen Crown reiterated that this evening they are just seeking to get approval for two (2) monuments as the HRDB and EJI are trying to repair the harm and move forward in a positive way. William Maxwell, HRDB member, addressed the Board and explained the efforts of this project which began in 2007 by former Mayor Lester Dabbs. He understands there are concerns in terms of the undetermined number of African American lives that were lost during the horrific event of 1920, but he would like to proceed with trying to complete a project his dear friend, Mr. Dabbs, began a decade ago. Mayor Johnson voiced his respect for the efforts being proposed and shared that staff has done their research and would like to work with the HRDB to establish the facts so the City can memorialize these events properly. He further asked for consensus from the board to have the City Manager and staff to come up with some options on where to put a memorial to bring forward at a later date. He advised that he is not objecting to a monument at the hallowed ground location as is being requested. Further discussion ensued regarding the Veteran's Memorial Garden. Commissioner Grogan inquired if all the information and research that was conducted could be sent to City staff Dr. Kristin Congdon commented that she has forwarded a great deal of information to Community Relations Manager Joy Wright including the dimensions of the monument they would like to install. She further shared she would be happy to forward the research they respect the most by scholars and historians that are vetted by Universities. Commissioner Wilsen confirmed that they are seeking two (2) monuments. She further shared her concern with the monument they are requesting to be placed at Starke Lake as the City will be beginning improvements to the lakefront in the near future. HRDB Chairman Kathleen Crown shared that the HRDB would be willing to pay the cost to move the monument by Starke Lake if it had to be removed for any renovation around the lake. She further advised that the HRDB has not determined the wording that will be placed on the monument as of yet. They 3IPage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 would like the wording on the monument to be positive and forward thinking. They can bring the wording back to the Commission after their board and EJI has made their approval. Further discussion ensued. Motion: Move to approve placement of monument at the African American Cemetery after the wording of the monument is presented before the City Commission for review. Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0. C. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 7:48 PM Marcus Kittendorf, Eagle Scout, shared photos of his Eagle Scout project which was to honor the heritage of Ocoee High School while also beautifying the campus. He explained how he was given permission to relocate an old crest from the original Ocoee High School which was built in 1925. The new location for the crest is a visible location by the parking lot within a planter with pavers in front of it. A walkway was also added for the teachers. He shared that he is hoping to purchase a plaque to place on the site to honor the history of the crest. Mayor Johnson said that he is aware that he covered a portion of the cost and is seeking to have the other portion paid for. Mr. Kittendorf answered in the affirmative and advised that with some of the extra cost he incurred that $800 would be the maximum they would need, but $700-$750 would be helpful. Motion: Move to approve $800 donation to Eagle Scout Marcus Kittendorf for completion of Eagle Scout Project. Moved by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion carried 5-0. William Maxwell, 558 Woodson Ave, shared his concerns regarding voting restrictions imposed by the City charter which does not allow residents the ability to vote at large. He opined that since the City Commission makes decisions as a whole for the residents during the budget review and budgetary process, then why are there restrictions on who they elect during the election process. Charter Review Commission Chairman Hopper answered that this was brought up at the Charter Review Commission Meetings, and it was decided that at large voting was not a change they wanted to consider. He further shared that the reason districting was put in place relates to minority voting. Further discussion ensued. D. STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW- 8:08 PM City Manager Frank announced before them is the following: Emergency Item #1 Create a New Capital Project, Award the Work, and Transfer Budgeted Funds Between Cost Center 001-521 (Police) and Cost Center 001-516 (General Government) to Replace the Security Camera System at the Police Headquarters Building at a Cost of$11,987. (Support Services Director Butler) Wage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 He briefly explained that this was not anticipated in the current year's Capital budget, but the network video recorder used at the Police Department Headquarters Building has failed. Motion: Move to approve Emergency Item #1 and Transfer Budgeted Funds Between Cost Center 001-521 (Police) and Cost Center 001-516 (General Government) to Replace the Security Camera System at the Police Headquarters Building at a Cost of$11,987, per staffs recommendation. Moved by Commissioner Grogan, seconded by Commissioner Keller; Motion carried 5-0. Emergency Item #2 - Approval of Second Amendment of Emergency Ambulance Services with Rural Metro/AMR. (Fire Chief Miller) The initial term of the agreement with Rural Metro was for three (3) years, beginning September 1, 2012, with two (2) twelve month optional extensions for a total of five (5) years. They are at the end of their extension. Staff understands that the Commission is looking over the next year or two, during the budgeting process, adding another Fire station and possible transport. The proposed Second Amendment is only for an additional 13-month extension with Rural Metro/AMR who will continue to provide services under the AMR name. City Manager Frank shared that he just received a letter today from AMR that they are being purchased by another entity. So this will be brought back before them, again, at some point in the future. Motion: Move to approve Emergency Item #2, Second Amendment of Emergency Ambulance Services with Rural Metro/AMR, per staffs recommendation. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0. 8:10 PM - BREAK E. COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS - 8:18 PM Commissioner Grogan—None Commissioner Wilsen—None Commissioner Firstner—None Commissioner Keller—None Mayor Johnson — 1) The Code Enforcement Board currently has (5) five vacancies and is in urgent need of members. This Board meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 pm. 2) Food Truck and Movie in the Park is this Friday, August 18th from 6:OOpm-9:OOpm. This month's movie is "Power Rangers". Movie starts at 8:30pm. Also on Friday will be FREE tours of the historic Withers-Maguire House from 6:00pm — 8:30pm. 3) Coffee with a Cop is next SIPage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 Wednesday, August 23rd from 3:00pm — 5:00pm at Kona Ice. 4) The 12th Annual Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO) is being held September 1st — 3rd at West Orange Cinema. 5) The City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th has been canceled. 6) The City's Tentative Budget Public Hearing is being held Wednesday, September 6th, and the Final Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 18th. Both meetings will begin at 6:00 pm here in City Hall. Eli Jacobson, 9055 Floribunda Drive, spoke in regards to the Rose Hill zip code issue and shared comments that were from the United States Postal Service (USPS) Policy. His concerns were that if the only method they go after is through legislative, which has only become law once, then how will they ever count on something getting done. His request to the Commission is to have a plan in place to go after the USPS Policy as he opined it is an abuse of that position. If he is correct about their abuse of power, then it is the Inspector General's responsibility to help them through this process. Having a congressman assist could also be beneficial. Commissioner Keller briefed Mr. Jacobson on the processes the City has taken and where they are currently with the zip code issue. Further discussion ensued. It was asked if Mr. Jacobson could share the information he had on the USPS Policy. F. CONSENT AGENDA - 8:37 PM Consent Agenda Motion Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 -#10. Moved by Commissioner Grogan, seconded by Commissioner Keller; Motion carried 5-0. 1. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular Commission Meeting held August 1, 2017. (City Clerk Sibbitt) Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 2. Approval of Reappointment to the General Employees' Pension Board of Trustees: (City Clerk Sibbitt) Trustees for the Pension Boards serve four (4) year terms, as amended in Ordinance 2009-020. The City Commission appoints two(2)of the trustees,two(2)are elected from the employee body, and the fifth trustee is chosen by those four (4) trustees and presented to the City commission for certification of the appointment as a ministerial act. The term of Trustee Jean Grafton expires on September 30, 2017, and she has indicated she is willing to serve another term, if appointed. At this time no other applications have been received for serving on this board. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. Wage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 3. Approval of Reappointment to the Police Officers'/Firefighters' Retirement Board of Trustees. (City Clerk Sibbitt) Trustees for the Pension Boards serve four (4) year terms, as amended in Ordinance 2010-019. The City Commission appoints two (2) of the trustees from the legal residential body of the City of Ocoee,two (2) are elected from the employee body(one (1) police officer and one (1) firefighter), and the fifth trustee is chosen by those four (4) trustees and presented to the City commission for certification of the appointment as a ministerial act. The term of Trustee Charlie Brown expires on September 30, 2017, and he has indicated he is willing to serve another term, if appointed. At this time no other applications have been received for serving on this board. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 4. Consideration for Request from Doug Goddard with Access-Life to have Fees Waived and Road/Boat Ramp Closure for the 6th Annual Access-Life Event to be held on November 11,2017, at Bill Breeze and Lakefront Park. (City Clerk Sibbitt) Doug Goddard representing the Access-Life organization, which is a community outreach program for people with disabilities, is requesting to have the rental fees associated with the use of Bill Breeze Park and Lakefront Park be waived for their annual event on November 11, 2017. This event in previous years has included boat rides, kayaking, bank fishing, archery, arts and crafts. He is also requesting the approval for road and boat ramp closure for the event. In the past, the City Commission has waived the fees and granted the road/boat ramp closure for the Access-Life event. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 5. Approval of Change Order No. 1 to Roadway Construction Maine Street Extension, Bluford to Maguire Reimbursement. (City Planner Rumer) The Maine Street Extension Project was to construct a new road from Bluford Avenue to Maguire Road. Part of the project included installation of a water line. During construction, Staff desired to modify the original design by upgrading the water line material from PVC to Ductile Iron Pipe, the addition of 60 feet of 8" DIP, 3, an additional 8" gate valve, and an additional fire hydrant. To accomplish the work, Change Order No. 1 was initiated in the amount of$13,100, which was approved by the City Manager. Picerne Construction and City Representatives utilized the current bid item quantity costs to estimate the change order costs. The Development Agreement for the Oasis at Lake Bennet apartments, which provided for the construction of the Maine Street extension provided for a "not to exceed" cost of $524,381.00, which was approved by City Commission on February 21, 2017, but did not provide for any contingency funding. Staff recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commission approve the increase in funding for the Maine Street Extension ti Project by$13,100.00 from the original approved funding of$524,382.00 to$537,481.00. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 6. Approval of Contract Extension with Treasury Management Banking Services. (Finance Director Briggs) The City contract for Treasury Management Banking Services with SunTrust is currently provided by piggybacking with Marion County Clerk of Courts. Prior to this arrangement, it was competitively bid and awarded in 2007. Over this term, the City has enjoyed favorable terms/rates and working arrangements through unexpected financial downturn conditions,mitigating the City's related risks. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 7IPage { Regular City Commission August 15,2017 7. Approval of Traffic Signal Study and Design with Pegasus for Maine Street at Bluford Avenue and Maguire Road. (Public Works Director Krug) The City is completing construction of the Maine Street Extension project from Maguire Road to the current western terminus at Bluford Avenue. This new roadway is part of the street network parallel to State Road 50, which will provide motorists alternative routes in this busy corridor. The intersections were designed to be signalized at a future time as development and traffic volumes warranted the construction. With the growth in the 50 West Corridor, the next step in providing signals is the design of an integrated system for both intersections. Public Works approached the Continuing Engineering Services firm, Pegasus Engineering, with the project due to their roadway and traffic signal design experience. The $87,354.78 for this design work is funded in the Maine Street Extension project budget from the General Fund Bond. Public Works recommends approval of the design work with Pegasus. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 8. Approval of the Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Solid Waste Inclusion on the Orange County Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2017/2018. (Public Works Director Krug) The City commission approved Resolution No. 2006-003 to provide for collection of Solid Waste fees through the annual Orange County tax roll. The agreement between City of Ocoee and Orange County Tax Collector requires the City to annually certify the non-ad valorem assessment roll by September 15th. The fiscal year 2017/2018 tax roll for Solid Waste calculates revenue to be$3,119,760.00. This is based upon the residential Solid Waste fee which remains unchanged at $21 per month. This is an increase of$56,448.00 from the current year and is attributed to annexations and new homes. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 9. Approval of the Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Stormwater Inclusion on the Orange County Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2017/2018. (Public Works Director Krug) The City commission approved Resolution No. 2006-003 to provide for collection of stormwater fees through the annual Orange County tax roll. The agreement between City of Ocoee and Orange County Tax Collector requires the City to annually certify the non-ad valorem assessment roll by September 15th. The fiscal year 2017/2018 tax roll for Stormwater calculates revenue to be$3,228,551.25. This is an increase of$332,228.25 from the current year and is attributed to annexations and new homes. The 2017/2018 fiscal year also incorporates the final correction and adjustment of impervious area attributed to the auto auction properties. Assessment fees remain the same as the previous year. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. 10. Approval of the Annual Fire Protection Special Assessment Resolution and Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Tax Roll for Fire Protection Assessment for Fiscal Year 2017/2018. (Support Services Director Butler) Amendments adopted on November 1, 2016, made the original process of adopting the Annual Rate Resolution obsolete and applied the same process used for other non-ad valorem special assessments to the Fire Protection Assessment. This annual resolution conforms to the requirements of Section 77-12 of the City Code of Ordinances, as amended in 2016, and Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for use of the Uniform Method of Collection. Since there is no proposed change in the rate of assessment,no properties were annexed into the city without the owner(s) signing an acknowledgement that the Fire Protection Assessment would be levied, and all construction permits issued by the city carry a notice as to the assessment of the fire protection levy,there is no legal requirement to hold a public hearing. The fire protection assessment will be imposed on all improved and privately owned parcels within the city. Parcels without covered structures are not assessed. 8IPage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 Using the Applied Assessment Rate of$69.50 and the estimated number of FPUs determined by the currently available data,the gross revenue generated will be$2,007,868.95. Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0. G. PUBLIC HEARING -None H. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE -None I. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE—PUBLIC HEARING -None J. REGULAR AGENDA - 8:37 PM 11. Consideration for Approval of Districting Commission Report. (City Clerk Sibbitt) The Districting Commission ("Board") presented a report to the Ocoee City Commission at the Commission Meeting on July 18, 2017. Districting Commission Chairman Keethler explained that after creating and reviewing three (3) Board plans and reviewing two (2)public plans, the Districting Commission held a public hearing on Board Plans 1 and 2. At the conclusion of their Public Hearing, the motion adopted by the Board was to recommend Board Plan 2 to the City Commission as the most preferred plan. After further discussion at the City Commission meeting on July 18, 2017, the commission consensus was to have the Districting Commission reevaluate the Bay Street proposed boundary, as presented in Board Plan 2, and consider all homes within that street be incorporated within the same district. The Districting Commission met on August 7, 2017, and by unanimous vote moved to adopt Board Plan 4, which incorporates all the residents on Bay Street. The Board also adjusted the boundary line to include a small census block north of Oakland Avenue between Taylor Street and Kissimmee Avenue which is undeveloped and did not affect the deviation percentage. City Clerk Sibbitt updated the City Commission on the August 7, 2017, Districting Commission Board meeting in which they discussed the recommendations made by the City Commission at the July 18, 2017. The Districting Commission Board brought forth a new Board Plan 4, which entails the recommended changes to incorporate an entire census block, which incorporates all residents on Bay Street and a small triangular census block north of Oakland Avenue between Taylor Street and Kissimmee Avenue which is undeveloped and did not affect the deviation percentage. Districting Commission Chairman Keethler shared that they had originally not incorporated the census block behind Bay Street because it was mostly industrial property; but after incorporating it in, they realized it improved the deviation numbers. He thanked City staff and the City Commission for allowing him to serve on the board. He also shared that the two (2) Commissioners that were affected by the boundary changes did attend their last meeting and made positive comments when they made the adjustments. Motion: Move to accept Board Plan 4 as recommended by the Districting Commission and direct staff to prepare an ordinance drawing new geographic boundaries for the four single-member districts; and further, bring an ordinance back to the Commission for public hearing and adoption. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion carried 5-0. 9IPage Regular City Commission August 15,2017 12. Discussion Regarding Federal Lobbyist Services. (City Manager Frank) On April 5,2016,the City Commission held a special meeting for the purpose of hearing vendor presentations in response to RFP16-001 issued December 20, 2015, relating to Federal Lobbyist Services. The City Commission selected Global Business Development Consulting, Inc. ("Global") as the federal lobbyist to provide services on behalf of the City. As had been stated in Global's presentation, the City awarded the contract contingent upon Global's merger with the law firm, Akerman, LLP. The vote also provided that in the event the merger did not happen, the City would award the contract to Alcalde & Fay, Ltd., Inc. At the June 21,2016,meeting the City Commission voted to extend the contract until November 30,2016, contingent on Mr. Bracy, with Global Business Development Consulting, Inc., provided the City Commission with an update on the status of the merger. As of December 6, 2016, the merger had not occurred, the Commission voted to postpone a decision until the next meeting. On January 17, 2017, Mr. Bracy addressed the Commission with an update on the Rose Hill Zip Code issue. During this City Commission meeting the commission voted to further extend the contract with Global until August 31,2017. City Manager Frank shared that during their meeting in January they voted to further extend the contract with Global until August 31, 2017. Staff needs direction on whether to terminate or continue on for a period designated by the commission. Commissioner Wilsen shared concerns regarding the merger of the lobbyist and the law firm, Akerman, LLP, not occurring as approval of the contract was contingent on that. She wondered if there is presence in Washington D.C. from their current lobbyist without this merger. She further asked for verbal confirmation from the City Manager that the merger has not occurred. City Manager Frank answered in the affirmative. He further commented that in January Mr. Bracy reported to them that the merger did not happen and was not likely to happen. It was decided by the commission to let him continue with his contract as he was dealing with the zip code issue. Mayor Johnson suggested if they do not continue the lobbyist contract, then they should consider hiring an attorney for just the purpose of handling the zip code issue. Discussion ensued. Motion: Move to direct staff to terminate contract with Global Business Development Consulting, Inc. and proceed with asking Alcalde and Fay, Ltd., for consideration of a six (6) month contract. Commissioner Keller shared that he has an issue with the six (6) month contract, because he opined that the bill is most likely not going to pass this year, and they will find themselves asking for an extension with the contract with Alcalde and Fay, Ltd. Discussion ensued. Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner Grogan; Motion carried 5-0. K. STAFF ACTION ITEMS - 8:58 PM L. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - 8:58 PM Commissioner Keller— 1) Stressed a concern from a resident in regards to the newspapers that are tossed in everyone's driveway, they are considered an annoyance and no one truly reads them. He inquired if there was something they could do in the way of an Ordinance to stop this. City Manager Frank confirmed that the City could look into a possible Ordinance. He also 10IPage Regular City Commission August 15, 2017 commented that he recalls this concern being discussed in the past, but because it is a newspaper, there is the issue with freedom of the press. 2) Shared another concern that they have discussed before about the non-commercial and commercial trucks (box trucks) which are parked within subdivisions overnight. HOA's are constantly questioning why they are allowed? City Manager Frank said the biggest hardship with this matter is determining what constitutes a commercial vehicle. The code states it is by weight, and many of those box trucks fall within the weight limits for a non-commercial vehicle. Assistant City Attorney Crosby-Collier shared that she has looked into the issue as well and the City Manager is correct that it is hard to distinguish what is non-commercial. Commissioner Firstner — Stated that he noticed the developer of the Assistant Living Facility, which is proposed to be built off Roberson Road near Wesmere, is having a community meeting with the public in the surrounding area at the Hiawassee Library. He inquired if there is a requirement for the meeting to be held within the general vicinity. City Manager Frank said there are no requirements for even holding such a meeting, and suggested that if they are looking for waivers, the City could reach out to them and suggest they hold another meeting closer to the project. Commissioner Wilsen — Announced that Bates Seafood is having their Grand Opening Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. They are located on Highway 50 in the old s' Chevy's building near the West Oaks Mall. Pizza Hut is having a grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting on August 24th. We also have the new Starbucks which will be opening very soon in the old Pizza Hut location. Popeyes is also coming along and should open very soon. She strongly encouraged all to please support local businesses. Commissioner Grogan — Thanked the Utilities Department and staff for an amazing job on resurfacing Wurst Road. The road came out very nicely; he is looking forward to many more road projects throughout the City. Mayor Johnson — 1) Shared that there is a section on Malcolm Road, within the 800 block between Flewelling and Russell on the South side which has not been paved in years, and should be addressed immediately. Public Works Director Krug shared that they had roughly $40,000 in contingency for this budget year, which they have used for additional work off Wurst Road. He is working currently on the final change order and should be complete by next week. He can work on a cost for paving this section. City Manager Frank said he would get with staff to look into this. 2) Said he asked City Manager Frank to look into getting a hospitality room for their upcoming local conference so they will have a place to relax and take breaks in-between meetings. Commissioner Wilsen shared that she realizes the City's ordinance does not allow them to get a room if it is local travel, but that is a problem when you arrive at 7:15am and do not leave until 10:00pm in the evening. City Manager Frank stated it is a resolution and not ordinance so they can vote by consensus as he agrees that it is a good idea to get a hospitality room. Consensus of the City Commission was to authorize up to $1,000 from contingency to book a hospitality suite for the Commission and a room for Commissioner Wilsen for their upcoming Conference. 3) Announced that every two (2) years they have allowed the Ocoee High School Alumni to host their High School Reunion at the Jim Beech Center, and they approved waiving the fees. The Alumni is seeking approval again 11 ( Page F Regular City Commission August 15, 2017 this year. Consensus of the City Commission was to waive fees for use of Jim Beech Center by the Ocoee High School Alumni to host High School Reunion. 4) Inquired when the Maine Street Road would be opening. Public Works Director Krug advised that they finished the irrigation today and sod was delivered so he is hoping by the end of the week. He also inquired about the improvements on Bluford Avenue as he has seen signs up. Public Works Director Krug advised that they will be starting construction next week, and on the week of August 28th there will be dirt moving and equipment out on the site. The project will begin on Bluford Avenue by Silver Star Road and move South. Mayor Johnson inquired about the lighting on Maguire Road. Public Works Director Krug advised that they are waiting on some pricing for the Ingram Road, Forest Oaks, and Johio Shore lights. ADJOURNMENT - 9:14 PM APPROVED: 14teAttest: ity a f Ocoee }v(141( . . Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty lion, Mayor , 12IPage