HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-21-97 State of the City Address
Minutes of Ocoee City Commission
Meeting Held on January 21, 1997
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EXHIBIT A
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS JANUARY 21,1997
To all citizens of Ocoee,'lConimiS:Sloners, and Staff: This State of the City message [I Ii
is designed, per our Charter, to revisit the past year's accomplishments and failures,
as well as to present plans and goals for this year and beyond. It's no easy task
putting together a report such as this. First, I would like to thank my wife, Beth, for
typing and especially editing this document. Also, I must thank all the staff
members, employees, businesses, and vollmteers who provided input to help me
make this message accurate and reflective of the true accomplishments of our city in
the past year.
As your elected officials and staff, we are charged by you, the public, to lead the
city and follow your directions to accomplish the tasks you feel are important in the
operation of your city. We must be ever diligent in the total spectrum of government
from safety of the citizens, to maintenance of our lifestyle, to growth that will
enhance our commlmity and keep the image of our city as a safe, well maintained,
and comparatively inexpensive place to live and work.
We have had several "firsts" over the past year that, by all reports and comments to
me, have our citizens excited about the future. The most exciting event, especially to
all the shoppers in the audience, was the opening of the West Oa.~s Mall in October
It was quite a boon to holiday shopping. As exciting as the mall is for shoppers, it is
equally stimulating to the leaders of the commlmity to see the challenges that this
one-million-square-foot shopping Mecca will bring. We are challenged to ensure
that the mall will have a positive effect on the city in all aspects from traffic to
crime to taxes and all the other impacts that might affect our community. I feel
confident that the shopping convenience and positive financial benefits of the mall
will outweigh any negatives that come along with any venture this big.
The impact fees being paid by the mall enabled us to start some much needed road
work, such as Story and Kissimmee Roads, White Road, and other direct road work
to help move traffic in and out of the mall area. The Story and Kissimmee
intersection has been started and White Rd. improvements are complete. On a long
term basis, Silver Star Road will be widened to four or six lanes through our
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community.
The Western Beltway will connect Ocoee and Apopka, and later Disney
World and south to Lakeland and Tampa. Ocoee certainly will be the hub of
transportation in central Florida. The land is b~rchased r;.o,,": JI1d construction
could begin in 12 to 24 months. 0-- +L-- 4- I ; ~ I~'
The completion of the mall has resulted in the employment of some 1,500 to 2,000
people. Many of our citizens are employed there either full or part time. These
numbers will grow with new stores and the 14-screen theater complex coming on
line this spring. With ten more screens to be added next year, this will make the
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West Oaks mall theater complex the largest in central Flonda. The food court offers
an outstanding selection and variety of refreshments. For the children and the young
at heart there is a carousel, and the kids really love the play area. The real estate tax
base offered by the mall will enhance services and possibly reduce your property
taxes.
The mall has been a boon to shoppers in Ocoee and all of central Florida.
Traffic has been even better than anticipated. From October through December,
1996, 1,749,998 people visited the mall. This is 49 percent over original projections.
People spend an average time of just under one hour per visit.
Since Christmas, West Oaks has donated over $10,000 to the community in
the form of various promotions and programs. Ongoing programs include Kids Club
which has 450 members and meets twice monthly. Geared for children 10 and
younger, this club provides information for families, interactive teaching, ill cards,
and so on. Mall Walkers (sponsored by Health Central) has over 700 members.
\tfembers can walk the mall early in the morning before opening, or during the
regular business hours.
1997 promises to be as busy. kVfC Theater will hold a grand opening for
their first 14 screens on March 14. Other upcoming openings include the Disney
Store (this Friday January 24) and two restaurants, a kids store, and kitchen store
also scheduled for this year.
The still-new city hall and police department buildings are a boon to the employees
who work there, and the citizens who use them. However, you have probably read
or heard that we are having trouble with the outside siding. This will be resolved,
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and the situation is still abundantly better than it has been in the past years.
We invite you to come and enjoy the revolving art exhibit in our lobby. There
has been provocative art displayed and some I don't understand, but it has been tnlly
interesting over the past years. On display right now is the work of artist Nico
Ratsma In addition there is an ongoing display of student art presented by our local
schools. Both displays are regularly changed to keep your city hall a pleasant place
to visit. Jl,rrough the efforts orf~~:,maintenance depaqrnent, some very nice benches
have been added to our porches for you to sit and have lunch or just while away an
afternoon. Come on down! Maybe this year we can achieve my goal of adding
rocking chairs.
The Lynx bus system is now covering 60 percent of our cOllllmmity. That is to say
that a bus stop with an hourly route is within one mile of most residents. The system
has been up and running since February, 1995, and is well used by the public.
The plan for the future is to serve the other 40 percent of the city within one or two
years. I have proposed to Lynx the establishment of a route that will connect
Apopka and Ocoee that will not require a trip to downtown Orlando and a bus
change. This proposed route will go up Apopka- Vineland Road to Apopka, and will
service the mall, Sawmill, Forest Oaks, and subdivisions along Clarke Road.
The mall is serving as a Lyn.x "superstop" from which you can catch a bus to
anywhere in central Florida. The park and ride express facility to downtown
Orlando, which takes 35 minutes, is an addition to the front door service at the mall.
Don't forget seniors and students get a break on fares.
The city, through the sanitation department, has moved to a new level of services
with the new garbage container system. All of our community now have received
the new 96-gallon containers, which are automatically picked up by the trucks rather
than the workers. Some 5,000 containers were distributed throughout the city, and
new trucks have been added. People now realize that they can put the containers
out once a week instead of twice, thereby improving efficiency. These containers
are guaranteed for ten years, and they are holding up well so far.
In our Building and Inspection Department, 447 single-family home building permits
were issued in 1996. This is a 380/0 increase over the previous year. The commercial
permits, which included the mall, were up also. The single-family h.Jmes represent
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48 million dollars in construction added to those of the commercial sector of over
300 million dollars.
That's over a quarter billion dollars worth of construction in Ocoee in 1996 -- an
impressive record that probably won't be surpassed in a long time. It is second to
none in Orange county. The permits alone will represent 1,500 to 2,000 new
residents for our community. Welcome, all!
. The. mall kept our fire insJ.?,~ctors and code inspectors challenged until the we,e
hours of the morning, especially toward the end of construction and opening day. It
is a tribute to our city employees and private contractors and workers that upon final
walkthrough the punch list was very small.
This department also conducted over 23,000 inspections--more than double
that of 1995-- of all kinds, from roofs to electrical, on new homes, resale homes, and
additions to homes. Every home and business is now reinspected based on our new
code, which requires such inspection if the water is turned off in one name and then
turned on in another. This sometimes may be a nuisance to the home owner or
business owner, but one of the main reasons for these inspections is your safety.
Another reason is the maintentance of the appearance of our city by bringing the
outside of all homes up to code. This department lmder the direction of Don Flippen
is one of the busiest and most conscientious departments within the city. Keep up
the good work; it's showing!
The Planning Department, under the direction of Russ Wagner, has been busy with
more than 20 development plans either approved or in various stages of review. We
are growing at an average rate of 1,200 to 1,800 new citizens per year, with a
current population approaching 20,000. Our current inventory of building lots is
between 1,500 and 2,000, which could result in an increase of up to 6,000 residents
within the next few years. Before the turn of the century, Ocoee will be the second
largest city in Orange County.
This department mastenninded changes to our comprehensive plan that were
needed to keep up with growth and account for planning of the new mall. Other
subdivisions are under review for coming years. While doing all this, we are
participating in a joint planning agreement with Orange County to help prevent the
duplication of services and taxes, as well as protecting our borders from any
unwanted growth.
Sysco food Services has launched an expansion to its plant thm: almost
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doubles their facility in our city. Sysco is a good neighbor and citizen and deserves
our thanks for their participation in Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners for the
needy. They have been doing this for about the last 10 years and we are very
grateful.
The Fire Department has had an active year in educating fire personnel. All 37
uniformed fire fighters were certified or recertified as either EMTs or paramedics.
The fire department also educated more than 3000 school children during fire
prevention week this year. This department responded to 2,651 calls in 1996, an
increase o(?lmost 12 percent Qy~r 1995. The city has bought 2 parcels of land for
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new fire stations, one on Maguire Rd. in the Publix shopping plaza and one north of
A.D. Mims Rd. on Clarke Rd. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start by the
end of this year. A new 75 foot Pierce Aerial pumper, (ladder truck) has been
purchased and placed into service. The community emergency response team
program was initiated and volunteers from the city were trained in helping in
disaster situations. Thanks to those public-minded citizens for their efforts.
The Recreation Department, under the direction of Jim Beech, has continued to
offer a wide variety of recreation programs. Approximately 4,000 citizens have
participated in activities from ice skating to bingo and cards. Recreation programs
are aimed at citizens, both YOlmg and mantre, from age 3 to seniors. Call the
recreation department for more infonnation. The staff is always open to suggestions
for improvement or to provide better recreation for our community.
The City Commission, in conjunction with the recreation staff and voltmteer
advisory board, has embarked on planning and building a regional park complex C.1
A.D. Wms Rd. just west of Clarke Rd. Illis complex will eventually have ball
fields, a gymnasium, soccer fields, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a nature
park. The complex will be built in phases beginning this year and extending for
years to come. When completed this facility will be worth about 5 million dollars
and will offer the public a multitude of ways to spend leisure time.
The renovation of the city dock and boat launching facility is near completion
and is in use by many citizens. The length of reconstruction was unfortunate and due
to technical difficulties. Sorry about that! But the fish rejoiced at not having so much
pressure about being caught for a few extra months.
We have added new equipment and benches to our parks and we now have 6
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neighborhood parks and 3 community parks to serve our citizens. Rest rooms will
be built this year along Starke Lake. The recreation department's bus, continues to
be well-used by the West Orange Senior Citizens for their numerous outings. It is
almost impossible to keep up with tillS group -- tIley are one active bunch of folks.
The recreation department can always use additional volunteers, so call the
department for more information.
The Public Works department under the guidance of our new director, Richard
Cotwiirrha~!()verseen nuinero'li~~fojects including a lake watch program. This pas~ t
year with our arbor ordinance, which requires 3 trees per each new home built, and
tile new trees included in the new commercial centers including the West Oaks
Mall, we have planted over 2,500 trees. The mall and the city cooperated to beautify
Clarke Rd. with trees and plants. This will be an ongoing project to help maintain
our environmental awareness.
This department is continuing to provide a citywide spring and fall
cleanup at no additional cost to tile citizens. This netted 160 tons of trash this year.
The Christmas tree recycling program is also continuing. The trees are collected and
mulched and the mulch is used in city parks. Once again I am encouraging the use of
live trees that can be replanted by property owners or donated to the city for
planting.
Public Works~ picked up 26,000 tons of garbage and yard waste this year.
This is in addition to 20 tons of recyclables. Good job everybody!
The police department, Wlder the direction of Chief Robert Mark, has been active
with the COPS program coming on line to bring the police closer to citizens and
neighborhoods through bicycle patrols, public relations programs, training in
improved communication with the public. These efforts enable the police officers to
be closer to the people of the city and help make law enforcement less stressful and
more rewarding to our officers.
The police department has applied for over 700 thousand dollars in grants for
more personnel for patrol, administration, and a youth services officer to help foster
a closer relationslllP with our teenagers and youth.
Members of the Ocoee Police Department, both civilian and sworn~
participate in many public relations programs with the citizens. These programs
included DARE, School Resource Officer, S.A.L.T., Toys for Tots, Neighborhood
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Watch, and the Police Citizens Advisory Board. Chief Mark and all members of the
Ocoee Police department want to thank the citizens for their continued support and
assistance in these programs.
The Criminal Investigation Division (C.LD) handled 1,620 cases. The officers
of the patrol division were dispatched to more than 16,000 calls for service.
Dispatchers handled 78,942 calls to the police station. With the influx of the West
Oaks Mall and additional homes being built, calls have increased by only 10
percent, a pleasant surprise to all of us. We still maintain the second lowest crime
rate in Orange County. Two of our patrol cars are equipped with camcorders for
recording actions of officers and the public for the safety of both. A curfew was
instituted in certain areas of the city and has been effective in reducing juvenile
crime in these areas by 57 percent.
The police department converted to the new 800 megahertz radio system.
This enables us to communicate with all surrounding agencies and has been
extremely beneficial to our department.
I'd like to emphasize once again the importance of Crime Watch in our
community. The idea of Crime Watch is for you and your neighbors to watch out for
each other and to call the police if you suspect something is amiss. If your
neighborhood already has Crime Watch, you can get involved. If you don't have
Crime Watch, the police department can help you get one started. Our goal is still
100 percent participation in our city. Please get involved.
The police department, together with the fire department and a team of
volunteers, led by the chiefs secretary, Rose Hatcher, had its annual Toys for Tots
program. Jeny Mask from State Farm Insurance donated $1,000. More than $8,265
in toys and cash, including $712 from the fire fighters boot drive, were raised for
this effort. More than 450 children received toys and stocking stuffers from this
program, without which they might not have received any Christmas gifts. Thanks to
all who participated or donated to this cause, It shows our community has a heart
and that you care for each other..
The Personnel Department, under the direction of Peggy Psaledakis, has continued
the RSVP hotline. Remember, the number is 656-2218. This program provides a 24-
hour hotline for citizens to call to report problems or just to voice opinions about
events or workings within the city. This hotline is a service to you, our citizens, and
last year there 195 calls to this hotline.
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This department has been instrumental in holding down our insurance rates. It
is also responsible for working with the employee committee and handling
community service workers who contributed over 900 hours to help our city.
The Finance Department continues to do a superlative job in all aspects of record
keeping. Once again Wanda Horton and her staff have received an award for
excellence in financial reporting, continuing an eight year record. We are in the
process of revamping and upgrading our computer systems to better facilitate
interdepartmental communications and handling of information.
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Thanks to the Ocoee Historical Commission led by president Karen Woodard, the I
Withers-Maguire House Museum has been completely restored. It officially opened
to the public last Sunday, January 19, 1997. It has obviously been a labor of love to
refurbish and furnish the house. The Historical Commission is still looking for
artifacts and is in need of office equipment. If you have any to spare, please contact
a member of the Historical Commission.
If you attended the opening of the Withers-Maguire House last Sunday, you
may have seen the notice that the Historical Commission is republishing three books
written by Ida Withers Harrison, granddaughter of General William Temple
Withers. These books were published prior to 1924, and the Historical Commission
received permission to republish them from the heirs of the Withers' estate. The
three books--Nfemoirs of William Temple Withers, Forty Years of Service A History
of the Christian Woman's Board of Missions, and Beyond the Battles' Rim A Story
of Confederate Refugees--will be published under the copyright of the Ocoee
Historical Commission and will be available this spring. The Historical Commission
is selling these books to raise money for the maintenance of the Withers-Maguire
House. The books will be $10.00 each and I urge all citizens to support this wonhy
cause.
I'd like to acknowledge that my wife, Beth, working with her employer,
Harcourt Brace School Publishers, has arranged for the completion of this project.
Harcourt Brace staff is keyboarding, proofreading, and setting type for the three
books. In addition the production staff at Harcourt will arrange for printing and
binding, to be supplied from outside vendors. Thanks, Beth, and HB!
As most of you know, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections has enacted a
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policy that forced us to reestablish the dates of our city elections. The elections
originally scheduled for November, 1996, will be held on February 25, 1997. These
elections affect the Mayor and Commissioners from Districts 1 and 3. Because of
the candidacy of Jim Gleason, district 4 also was affected. Since Nancy Parker ran
unopposed, she has been declared the winner in that race. Welcome, Nancy, to the
commission. We wish the best for you and our city in your term.
The February date for our elections corresponds to those of other cities in
West Orange County. In spite of the unusual time of the year for elections, we hope
that all Ocoee citizens will exercise tfteir civic right and responsibility and
participate in the election. Get out and vote!.
Although one of my goals--the holding of periodic town meetings--was not realized
this year, the holding of work sessions has been an instrument of understanding and
action by the Commission. In addition there were training sessions for all
volunteers, board members, and staff on sexual harassment, the Sunshine Law, and
ethics within government presented by our city attorney and his staff. Much was
learned and many areas of confusion were cleared up.
The Ocoee Lions Club once again represented the city at the Central Florida Fair by
overseeing our city's exhibit. The Lions won first prize for the third year in a row for
"Best of Commlmity Displays." Congratulations once again!! The Lions' aIIDual
Christmas parade was rained out this year. Planning for similar contingencies are
being made in case we have bad weather in the future.
The Ocoee Rotary Club celebrated its first year and held a tricycle race at the mall
to promote bike safety. I came in second in my race against Commission Gleason--
even with my outstanding pit crew. Commissioner Gleason won overall against the
school principals and fire and police departments.
Last year I recognized one of our newer citizens, Nancy Parker, for the work she
had done on building problems. This year I am giving recognition to a long-time
resident of Ocoee -- Betty Hager. Betty moved here as an infant some xxxxxx years
ago and has been an outstanding citizen and civic leader. Betty was the first, and
until now, the only woman commissioner. Betty's father, Col. Sam Salsbury, was
Mayor from 1951 to 1954. Betty lost a brother, Bob Salsbury, in the Korean War.
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So Betty and her family have given much to our American way of life as well as to
our great city of Ocoee.
Betty was a conscientious councilwoman. In a time when the elected officials
ran a department, Betty oversaw and directed the water department. I can remember
her reading meters to get the feel for what was required of her workers. This
dedication above and beyond her duties set her apart from others. She has served
recently as chairperson of Founder's Day--one of the most successful city events in
recent memory. Betty has served many clubs and civic organizations, including the
Ocoe'e'~iftI~ League when l~~'tesident. She was treasurer and did an outstandmg
job in an area that is always critical to any organization. This was during the
formative years of Little League.
Betty is a single-minded individual and speaks her mind. Many times we have
disagreed, but I respect her for what she has accomplished in a life of community
service. I salute her and her family for contributions made to our city and our
country. Thank you, Betty!
This Commission is committed to making our government more user fiiendly. To
this end we have embarked on a strengthening of our government style by
empowering employees to be a part of the direction we might take. We as your
elected officials welcome constructive criticism and ideas from employees and from
our bosses -- the public.
As you can see, it has been another busy year in our growing city. If I have left out
any major event or any key individuals who had an impact on our city this year,
please accept my apology.
For the past four years, I have been encouraging interested volunteers to get
involved in their local government. Some of you have gotten involved through the
various commissions within the city. Many of you may not have the time to devote
to a commission, but are still interested in improving conditions iI~ the city. There
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are things you can do that don't take a long-term commitment such as lake cleanup,
civic organizations, crime watch, and school volunteers. Please contact me at City
Hall for more information. With the burgeoning growth of our city, individuals and
their concerns should not get lost in the bureaucracy~rder to maintain the closeness
of a small town within a growing city, we must tap all our resources. So I continue
to ask for your help and involvement in order to keep our city "The Center of Good
Living. "
Thank you. Have a happy and prosperous new year.
Respectfully SUbmitted,~_
S. Scott Vandergrift ~
Mayor of Ocoee /'
January 21, 1997
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