Item III (A) Approval and Acceptance of the Minutes of the Minutes of (1) City Commission Regular Meeting of September 15, 1998, (2) Final Budget Public Hearing Special Session of September 23, 1998 Agenda 10-06-98
Item III A 1
MINUTES OF THE OCOEE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
HELD SEPTEMBER 15, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers. Commissioner Anderson led in the prayer and Mrs. Frances Watts led in the
pledge of allegiance. The roll was called and a quorum declared present.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Glass, Howell (arrived at 7:25 p.m.)
and Parker. Also present were City Manager Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal, City
Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Fire Chief Strosnider, Planning Director Wagner, Finance
Director Horton, Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira, Assistant City Engineer
Wheeler, Lieutenant Goclon, Finance Supervisor Carter, Capital Projects/Transportation Planner
Friel, City Clerk Grafton, Bond Counsel Dunlap and Consultant Hooper.
ABSENT: None.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
PRESENTATIONS
MAYOR VANDERGRIFT presented a Certificate of Recognition along with a check to Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator "C" John Bostic for an Outstanding Innovative Idea. City
Engineer/Utilities Director Shira spoke briefly of John's hard work for the City and
congratulated him.
Fire Prevention Poster Awards will be presented at the October 20, 1998 City Commission
Meeting.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Vandergrift read the proclamation and declared October 4-10, 1998, FIRE PREVENTION
WEEK.
THIRD ANNUAL FREEWHEELIN' SAFETY FEST-ROTARY CLUB OF OCOEE.
Ms. Karen Turpin, President of the Rotary Club of Ocoee, introduced Peggy Issacson, who
spoke of their fund raising efforts and requested a $2,000 sponsorship from the Commission.
Ms. Issacson announced their program would be a part of the Ocoee Founders' Day Celebration
this year. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to grant
$2,000 from the Contingency Fund to the Rotary Club of Ocoee. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATION-TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS.
Mr. Ken Hooper, of Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. (PEC), briefly presented the
Roadway Improvement Projects. Mr. Hooper named and described the three specific road
projects as: (1) Maguire Road (in three phases) $8.3 million, (2) Professional Parkway $2.4
million, and (3) Maine Street $2.1 million. He also said Phase 4 would extend from money left
over from the three projects and would be used for small roadway projects as approved, such as
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting �� if u
September 15, 1998 u
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resurfacing. Mr. Hooper explained that this request was for funding approval only and the
design would be brought back later for the Commission to approve.
City Manager Shapiro said for the record that they felt there would be money left over, and
added these projects as Phase 4: (1) $150-180,000 to finish Orlando Avenue, and be done as soon
as possible, (2) $70-80,000 for the grassing of the swales on Wurst Road, and (3) resurface A.D.
Mims. He said, "we feel like we should be able to complete every one of the projects that were
discussed and feel that we not only therefore are doing the projects that we have said we were
going to do but are adding three projects that we all feel as necessary to our community." Mr.
Shapiro said that they hope to do 6 projects altogether. Mayor Vandergrift asked if these
projects would have to wait till the main project was finished. Mr. Shapiro said they could use
the money from the impact fee fund and should not have to wait for three years.
Mr. Hooper introduced the design engineer, Fursan Munjed of PEC, who presented the design
for signalization at the intersection of Moore Road/Roberson Road and Maguire Road.
Mr. R. P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Blvd., questioned the Professional Parkway Project
being a priority compared to other roads in the City that needed work. Mayor Vandergrift said
there was a new business moving onto the street bringing jobs to the city and this was one of the
incentives. Mr. Shapiro said Professional Parkway would be a parallel road to State Road 50
(SR 50) and would help to keep the traffic down on SR 50.
Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to authorize Staff to put
out for bid the traffic lights at the intersection of Moore Road/Roberson Road and Maguire Road
pursuant to Staff recommendation. Motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda consisted of items A, B, C, D, E, and F. Commissioner Howell raised
several questions to which Staff responded.
Mayor Vandergrift asked that the September 1, 1998 minutes reflect that Commissioner Glass
assisted in the presentation of awards as Mayor Pro Tern. Mayor Vandergrift asked on item III
B if there should be roads blocked for the fireworks display. Mr. Shapiro said the closing of
Flewelling Avenue from Cardinal Street to Spring Avenue should have been included on the
special events permit. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved
to approve the Consent agenda items A, B, C, D, E and F as presented. Mayor Vandergrift,
seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to amend the motion to add to Item B the closing of
Flewelling Avenue from Cardinal Street to Spring Avenue for the Founders' Day Celebration
October 17, 1998. Amendment to the motion carried 5-0. Amended motion carried 5-0.
A. Approval and Acceptance of the Minutes of (1) City Commission Regular Meeting of
September 1, 1998, (2) Special Session of September 1, 1998, (3) Tentative Budget
Public Hearing Special Session of September 9, 1998, (4) Public Meeting on
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting L� e
September 15, 1998 U
Manufactured Homes Safety Issues held July 30, 1998, and (5) Summit Meeting of
August 26, 1998 in Apopka.
B. Approval and Authorization to Issue a Special Events Permit for Founders Day.
• The committee plans to close two roads for this Saturday, October 17 event: (1)
Lakeshore Drive from the boat ramp to Oakland Avenue and (2) McKey Street from
Bluford Avenue to Kissimmee Avenue (railroad tracks).
C. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Reclaimed Water
Agreement with SCI Funeral Services of Florida, Inc. for Orlando Memorial Gardens
Cemetery.
• This agreement provides that the Orlando Memorial Gardens will accept up to 155,000
gallons of reclaimed water per week for irrigation purposes.
D. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to execute Construction Contract
with Prime Construction Group, Inc. in the amount of$424,570.00 for Phase I Capital
Improvement Program Projects Group 2, Projects 3a, 3b, 17, & 29.
• Four of the five contractors prequalified under the Continuing Horizontal Construction
Services program submitted bids on these projects. Prime Construction Group, Inc. was low
bidder. Approval of this item will (1) authorize the Engineering Department to execute the
Notice of Intent to Award and secure executed contract document, bonds and insurance
from the contractor; and (2) authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract with
Prime Construction Group, Inc. at such time as the contract documents are reviewed for
compliance by staff and legal counsel, as needed.
E. Approval and Authorization for Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Distribution Easement
Agreement with Florida Power to Provide Electric Power to Beech Recreation Center.
• This agreement will allow Florida Power to cross a portion of the wastewater treatment
plant grounds to provide electrical service to the Beech Recreation Center.
F. Approval and Authorization to Award Bid #98-07 to Zabatt and Authorize Staff to
Proceed with the Acquisition of an Additional Standby Generator for Liftstation #17
(Silver Glen).
• Four bids were received for this purchase which was authorized as an emergency item at
the August 18 regular Commission meeting. Zabatt was low bidder at $30,999.32.
Approval of this item authorizes staff to proceed with the acquisition of this equipment.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC -None
COMMISIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
Commissioner Howell:
1) Thanked Pastor Cargill and Harvest International Church for the work they do for the citizens
of the community. Mayor Vandergrift added that the City owed a debt of gratitude to the
chaplaincy of Ocoee,they all have given assistance when the City was not able.
Commissioner Anderson: None.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting LF,j 1 1
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Se tember 15, 1998 ` 1J
Commissioner Glass:
1) Reminded everyone of the District 3 Road Show Thursday, September 24, 1998, 6:00-8:00
p.m. at Lake Whitney Elementary School.
Commissioner Parker
1) Announced the RSVP line 656-2218 for any questions or concerns that would be responded
to quickly.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION No. 98-13, TRANSPORTATION REFUNDING AND IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BOND
ISSUE, 1998 SERIES.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the resolution by title only. Finance Director Horton presented
the staff report stating the money would be used for Roadway Improvement Projects including:
(1) Maguire Road, (2) Professional Parkway, (3) Maine Street, (4) other Road Projects as
approved by the City Commission, and (5) refunding of the Series 1990 Transportation
Refunding and Improvement Bonds. She requested that Resolution No. 98-13 authorizing the
issuance of City of Ocoee, Florida Transportation Refunding and Improvement Revenue Bonds,
Series 1998 be approved as presented by Staff.
The public hearing was opened.
Mr. Mohnacky asked about the interest rates. Mr. Mark Galvin, of First Union Capital
Markets Corp., (City of Ocoee's financial advisor) said that he would bring the actual contracts
to the next Commission Meeting (October 6, 1998) for signature but interest rates right now are
approximately 5%which would replace the existing 7 1/2%.
Commissioner Anderson asked why are we not refunding all of the old bond money. Ms.
Grace Dunlap, of Bryant, Miller and Olive, (City of Ocoee's bond counsel) explained what was
going to be done with the different monies in the accounts. Finance Director Horton said the
money in the road impact fee account would be held in reserve.
Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Howell, moved to adopt Resolution No. 98-
13 as presented by Staff. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess 8:35 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Mayor Vandergrift announced that Item VII C would be considered at this time.
ORLANDO AVENUE/WHITE ROAD PLAN.
City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira briefly explained the project for repaving/rebuilding of
White Road/Orlando Avenue and introduced Mr. Fursan Munjed of PEC to explain the paving
portion of the road. Mr. Munjed displayed the plan on the overhead projector and said it would
be divided into two phases (1) Bluford Avenue to E. Lakeshore Drive and (2) E. Lakeshore over
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Ocoee City Commission Regular MeetingLA
September 15, 1998
to the Hammocks. Mr. Munjed explained that most of the road project was resurfacing but
there were some areas that would be widened.
Mr. Bill Salmons, 612 Aldama Ct., asked how much White Road would be widened and how
much base at the Hammocks. Mr. Munjed said at B.C. Terry Road it would be widened about 6
feet exclusive of curves and the base would be approximately 8 inch limerock base over subgrade
with a 3 inch of type S structural course.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the sidewalks would be done "in house". Mr. Shira said
they could probably get a better price from the contractor if they were built as part of the project.
Former Commissioner Vern Combs, 310 Sabinal St., gave the history of their neighborhood
and expressed concern about what would happen to the plants they had planted along Prima
Vista when the street was widened and sidewalks added. Mayor Vandergrift said that the road
was not to be widened there and the City would move any trees that needed to be moved for the
sidewalks and take care of them.
Ms. Catherine Salmons, 621 Aldama Ct., said their main concern was the aesthetics of the
entrance to the subdivision. She said they would like to see the City maintain the roadsides
better and thinks that the City should use weed killer along the sides of the roads rather than
having people pulling the weeds.
Mr. Bill Salmons expressed appreciation to Mr. Shapiro and the City for all their efforts in
turning Tiger Minor Park around and making it a nice park.
Mrs. Frances Watts, 43 Shell Key Ct., a school crossing guard, spoke in favor of the sidewalks
for the safety of the children.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to approve the general
design concept of Orlando Avenue/White Road and authorize to go out to bid as presented by
Staff. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Glass said that the safety of the children had to take precedence over the
aesthetics but he thought both could be accommodated.
Ms. Salmon said that they needed a crossing light at Sleepy Harbor for the children to cross and
also need an"Entering School Zone" signal light at Prima Vista.
TEE PEE LUMBER EXPANSION-PRELIMINARY/FINAL SITE PLAN.
Director of Planning Wagner displayed a map on the overhead projector and gave a brief
description of the expansion project. Mr. Wagner described the waivers requested by Tee Pee
Lumber due to the unique nature of the property as:
• Vehicle Use Area Landscaping - Additional landscaping in the interior of the parking area is
constrained by the size of the site and the required truck turnaround space.
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September 15, 1998
• Right-of-way Landscaping - Existing adjacent railroad track and the pond at the southern
corner of the site preclude adequate planting space.
• Landscaping Abutting Adjoining Property - There is a major utility line located along the
western property line which precludes landscaping along that line. To compensate,
additional trees have been shown along Kissimmee Avenue.
• Landscaping Abutting Retention Pond - There will be a new stormwater pond located along
northern property line. To compensate, cypress trees have been shown in the pond and
additional trees have been shown along Kissimmee Avenue.
• Stormwater Pond Setback - Moving the existing stormwater pond at the southern corner of
the site is not feasible.
Mr. Wagner said these waivers had been approved by the Development Review Committee
(DRC), and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the project but
recommended additional landscaping to create a better noise and visual buffer. Mr. Wagner said
Staff recommended approval of the Preliminary/Final Site Plan for the Tee Pee Lumber
Expansion ( Case #LS-98-002 ), as date stamped received by the City on September 3, 1998,
subject to consideration of additional landscaping and buffers to help screen the property from
surrounding residences.
The public hearing was opened.
Ms. Teri Harrison, 405 S. Cumberland Ave., said she had addressed the Planning and Zoning
Commission about landscaping and a brick wall as a buffer and wanted to know what the final
design would be.
Ms. Terry Ann Hays, 409 S. Cumberland Ave., said she is concerned also with adding a brick
wall or landscaping to control the noise level, especially in the early morning.
Ms. Maggy Musial, 406 S. Cumberland Ave., spoke of the noise from the trucks at the
dumpster/compactor at 5:00 a.m.
Mr. Steve Akerman, General Manager of Tee Pee Lumber, said they wanted to be good
neighbors and would take care of the 5:00 a.m. noise. He said the expansion would relocate the
noisy area of work and they have already moved some trees and would be moving more.
Mr. Dan Homblette, of Boyle Engineering Corp., displayed on the overhead projector a new
diagram of the landscaping plan and talked about the added trees and landscaping for the site.
Commissioner Anderson asked about the wall that had been mentioned. Mr. Akerman
responded that the wall would not provide a visual buffer and the cause of the noise would be
moved, so they saw no purpose for a wall.
Former Commissioner Jim Gleason, 856 Hammocks Ct., said that a wall could be viewed as a
divider between residential and industrial areas and not as a screen to hide the structure.
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September 15, 1998 U
Commissioner Glass agreed with Mr. Gleason that walls do not function well as sound buffers.
Commissioner Anderson asked if they could move the dumpster.
Ms. Teri Harrison said one of the problems was the unsightly pallets and debris facing the
residential area.
Commissioner Glass asked if they could shield, buffer or relocate the dumpster/compactor.
Mr. Akerman said he would look into that and address the fact that they have a sound problem.
There was continued discussion at this point on ways to shield the dumpster/compactor.
The public hearing was closed.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to approve the
Preliminary/Final Site Plan with the landscaping plan as presented September 15, 1998 and add
screening/buffering around dumpster/compactor for sound control to the satisfaction of the
Planning Department, also subject to the waivers as presented by Staff. Motion carried 4-1 with
Commissioner Anderson voting no.
Mayor Vandergrift announced Item VII F would be considered at this time.
AGREEMENT WITH ORANGE COUNTY REGARDING LAKE JOHIO SHORES WELL.
City Attorney Rosenthal explained the Stipulated Settlement Agreement and said it was
unanimously approved by the Orange County Commission and there would be an additional
agreement coming to the next meeting. He said the plaintiffs had not approved or signed the
agreement yet.
City Manager Shapiro said he had already authorized the design to get the permits.
Commissioner Howell said if we go ahead with this and the plaintiffs decide not to hook up to
city water the city would still have the same problems.
Mr. Rosenthal said that if this agreement was approved it would put the City in a better position
with the court and with this solution DEP would allow for the well to be put back the way it was
before.
Mayor Vandergrift suggested (1) reopening the drain well, (2) plumbing the water out to dry
retention ponds. Mr. Shapiro said that he would look at this.
The public hearing was opened.
Mr. Vibhu Agrawal, 2421 Johio Bay Dr., talked about the loss of trees and the potential liability
of trees falling on the neighbor's house and wanted a better time frame for a solution.
Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15, 1998 �u I�
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Mr. Wilbur Cook, 2425 Johio Bay Dr., said he was concerned with losing the sale of his house
because of the rising water.
Mr. Gerald Watson, 2443 Johio Bay Dr., asked Mr. Shapiro if the Department of
Environmental Resources [sic] regulated the opening of the drainage well. Mr. Shapiro said it
depended on who asked the question as to whether the Department of Environment Protection
would approve the opening of the well.
Mr. Shapiro said if there is a drinking water source available to guarantee the health and safety
of those people then there is less of a problem with opening the well. Mr. Shapiro said they
have been told they could have a design in 10 days and could have a permit from DEP in 7 days,
waiving the usual 30 days for permit so, it should take 30-40 days to get the total job done.
Mr. Watson asked who originally closed the well and gave his and his neighbors' side of the
story.
Mr. Agrawal spoke for a neighbor, who could not be present, who is closer to the lake and was
concerned about the erosion to his property. Mr. Shapiro responded, giving the background of
the City's efforts and what they would be doing in the future.
Mayor Vandergrift wanted pumping of the lake to be included in the motion. Mr. Shapiro
said there was no need to attach it to this motion and would pump the lake, if necessary,
regardless.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to approve the Stipulated
Settlement Agreement dated September 14, 1998, as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
PURCHASING TABLE AT HEALTH CENTRAL FOUNDATION DINNER.
Former Commissioner Gleason explained the difference between the table rate and the
corporate table rate for the Health Central Foundation Dinner Scheduled for September 19, 1998.
Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to grant $1,000 from the
contingency fund for the purchase of the table at the Health Central Foundation Dinner. Motion
carried 5-0.
EMERGENCY ITEM
Mayor Vandergrift declared this to be an emergency item and then left the table.
ORDINANCE No.98-25 BORROW PITS.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the Ordinance by title only and explained that for construction of
the Western Beltway they are looking for borrow pit locations and the City had nothing in place
to govern the question.
Mr. Shapiro said Mr. Jennings had brought this to his attention.
The public hearing was opened.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting Q
September 15, 1998 1i ��
Mr. John Jennings, 8425 Sand Lake Shores Ct., said he had been contacted by contractors who
are bidding on the job of providing fill dirt for the Western Beltway Project. He said he wanted
to work with the city to locate areas that could be used for this purpose and still have value after
the removal of the earth.
Mayor Vandergrift returned to the table.
Commissioner Anderson said he had mentioned before about building a water park and thought
this could be an opportunity for this idea.
Mr. Shapiro said that there was not enough information about this and he needed more
information on the pluses and minuses as well as the hydrology to consider this.
Commissioner Glass said it was a good idea to look at the regulating of the borrow pits to
prevent what has happened in other areas of the county.
Commission Howell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to approve Ordinance No.
98-25 imposing a moratorium on the permitting of borrow pits in the City of Ocoee for a period
of 120 days from the effective date of this Ordinance as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.98-23,WESTRIDGE SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT.
ORDINANCE NO.98-24,WESTRIDGE PUD REZONING.
City Attorney Rosenthal read each of these Ordinances by title only and Mayor Vandergrift
announced the Second Readings/Public Hearings for these Ordinances were scheduled for
October 6, 1998.
MELVA STREET CLOSING.
Commissioner Howell said that the owner of the property, at the end of Melva Street, wanted
$2,000 and an 80' chain link fence put up across the front of his property.
Commissioner Anderson moved not to exceed $7,000. Motion died from a lack of a second.
Commissioner Glass asked what the value of the property was. Mr. Shira said lot 16, assessed
at $24,561, was owned by Ross and Connie Rayburn and lot 1, assessed at $30,207, was owned
by Annie Chiles but the city only needed a piece of lot 16.
Commissioner Howell said other street closings were paid for by the people who wanted the
street closed and he had a hard time saying the citizens should pay for this closing.
Mayor Vandergrift tabled this item until the October 6, 1998 meeting.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15, 1998 '1 l "D5T
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APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS
APPOINTMENT TO RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD - Chris Caldwell resigned - 2 year term expires
October 1998.
Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to appoint Rachel Maxwell
to the Recreation Advisory Board for a term to expire October, 2000.
STAFF REPORT -None.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Parker:
1) Said she would like to hold the first Employee Survey RFP meeting in October now that they
have the committee set up. Mr. Shapiro said to contact his secretary to set up the date.
Commissioner Glass:
1) Announced Commissioner Howell's birthday and wished him a happy and prosperous
birthday.
2) Reminded everyone of the Road Show again at Lake Whitney Elementary School, September
24, 1998, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Commissioner Anderson:
1) Announced the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Beech Recreation Center on Wednesday,
September 23, 1998, 10:00 a.m. at the Sewer Plant on A.D. Mims Road.
Commissioner Howell:
1) Asked about the parking lot at the football field. Mr. Shapiro said the DEP had turned the
City's permit request down twice but they expected to get the permit this week. Mr. Shapiro
also said he would like to remove the building before the fence is taken down.
2) Said he would bring up the water rate increase at the next meeting. Mr. Shapiro said he
would put it on the agenda and have a full discussion of the new rate table and how it breaks
down per customer.
Mayor Vandergrift:
1) Said he would like a reasonable facsimile of how St. Johns River Water Management District
had treated other cities concerning water consumption and rates.
2) Reported a sidewalk at the Little League Field that was overgrown with grass.
3) Stated the new restrooms at the field needed an ell shaped wall to protect the site line. Mr.
Shapiro said he would take care of it.
4) Suggested putting hanging flower baskets around the porch areas of City Hall. Mr. Shapiro
said he wanted to wait awhile.
5) Asked if the City had established a speed hump policy. Mr. Shapiro said a traffic calming
ordinance had been passed.
6) Said he would like no through traffic or weight restrictions (to eliminate school busses) on
Lakeshore Drive when it is reopened. Commissioner Glass suggested putting it on an
upcoming agenda to get input from the schools.
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Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting
September 15, 1998 r
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7) Congratulated Commissioner Howell on his birthday.
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8) Thanked Bumble Bee and the TV crew.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Attest: APPROVED:
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
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MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
HELD SEPTEMBER 23, 1998
Mayor Vandergrift called the Special Session to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers. The roll was called and a quorum declared present. Mayor Vandergrift announced
that this was an advertised public hearing to finalize the budget and adopt a final millage rate for
the City of Ocoee. The City Commission has previously approved a tentative millage rate of 4.0
mills which represents a 1.755% increase in millage over the rolled-back rate of 3.931 mills.
PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Glass, Howell and Parker. Also
present: City Attorney Rosenthal, City Manager Shapiro, Finance Director
Horton, Personnel/Employee Relations Director Psaledakis, Director of
Community Relations/Projects Shira, Public Works Director Smith, Information
Systems Manager Tartar, Finance Supervisor Carter, Budget Analyst Strickland
and City Clerk Grafton.
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
Finance Director Horton announced that the purpose of the 4.00 mill tax rate for Fiscal Year
1998-99 was to generate revenues to be used for:
• the implementation of the modified Indianapolis Plan for the Police Department
• continued upgrading of the computer system
• additional personnel and reclassification city-wide
• leasing vehicles to continue upgrading the rolling stock throughout the City, and
• new equipment
The public hearing was opened and Mayor Vandergrift asked for citizen comments.
Ms. Bruni Massa, 611 E. Lakeshore Drive, said she understands the needs of the City, but asked
if they should budget more wisely rather than increase the millage rate. She cited seeing an
employee using a city vehicle while shopping with a child on a Saturday and other waste. Ms.
Massa said maybe too much money was given in grants and could be better used for the
operation of the City.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Mayor Vandergrift said he gave Commissioner Howell papers concerning past City tax
information that he did not have a chance to duplicate for everyone. Mayor Vandergrift
proposed taking what was left in the contingency fund (approximately $70,000) in order to go to
the roll-back rate.
Finance Director Horton and City Manager Shapiro advised they had put $23,000 aside for
possible hurricane expenses such as public services for the residents.
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OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION
September 23, 1998
Mayor Vandergrift addressed the advisability of having an in-house attorney.
Commissioner Anderson said he liked the way things were running now, as he thought the City
was well represented. He said Foley and Lardner have given a good detailed breakdown of their
monthly charges.
Mayor Vandergrift asked them to just look at the options. He asked what the deductible on the
City's insurance was.
Human Resources Director Psaledakis responded that it was $1,000 deductible. Ms.
Psaledakis and Mr. Shapiro explained that some of the attorney fees were for the labor
attorney, code enforcement attorney, the attorney for the City Hall building, etc. Mr. Shapiro
said that the City had been very successful in litigation with Foley and Lardner representing them
and thought it was "too late in the game"to look at this now.
Mayor Vandergrift said he thought maybe the City could use the attorney services less than
they do. He suggested using model ordinances to write new ones rather than pay Foley and
Lardner to write them. Mayor Vandergrift asked if the COLA affected the contract employees,
such as the City Manager. Ms. Psaledakis responded that it did not and that several department
directors would earn more than the City Manager after October 1, 1998.
Commissioner Howell had a long discussion with City Manager Shapiro concerning salaries
of City employees, especially in the Engineering Department. Commissioner Howell said he
thought that the City of Ocoee had the best staff of any of the surrounding cities.
Mayor Vandergrift said he would like the City Manager to keep his car a few more years. Mr.
Shapiro advised he left the new car in the budget this year in case the Police Department would
be needing another car and that he would rather keep his existing car.
Mayor Vandergrift, addressing the issue of road paving, said Winter Park had been the only
other city doing their own paving and they had only been doing it for a year. Mayor
Vandergrift suggested piggy backing on an Orange County standard bid for paving. Mayor
Vandergrift said he wanted the statistics presented concerning the cost effectiveness when the
paving starts, and would like to start with Prima Vista and Foxfire. He also spoke about the
sidewalks.
Commissioner Anderson expressed his concern regarding the amount budgeted for computers,
as he felt that the City would be paying too much for their computers with all the prices going
down. Information Systems Manager Tartar responded that the City goes for State contracts
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OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION
September 23, 1998
that are for name brand equipment and these usually had 12 month caps on the prices but they
did get new quotes monthly. Mr. Tartar said the prices in the budget included software and
other equipment needed with the computers, and he did watch the market all the time for new
products and prices.
Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to amend the budget to use
the rolled-back rate using the proceeds from the contingency fund. Motion failed 2-3, with
Commissioners Howell, Glass and Parker voting no.
City Attorney Rosenthal announced that, based upon the action, the proposed final Millage rate
is 4.00 which represents a 1.755% increase in millage rate over the rolled-back rate of 3.931
mills. This is the proposed percentage in property taxes.
Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve Ordinance No.
98-21 setting final millage rate of 4.0 mills for Fiscal Year 1998-1999.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 98-21 setting a final millage rate of 4.0
mills. He then announced that the name of the taxing authority is the City of Ocoee, the rolled-
back millage rate is 3.931 mills, that the percentage by which the proposed millage rate exceeds
the rolled-back rate is 1.755%, and that the millage rate proposed by the Ordinance is 4.0 mills.
Mayor Vandergrift asked for comments/questions from the citizens present and no one wished
to speak. He then asked for comments/questions from the Commission and there were none.
When the vote was called for the above motion on the millage rate the motion carried 3-2 with
Mayor Vandergrift and Commissioner Anderson voting no.
Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve Ordinance No.
98-22 adopting a final budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 1998 and ending
September 30, 1999.
City Attorney Rosenthal read the title of Ordinance No. 98-22. Mayor Vandergrift asked for
comments and no one wished to speak.
When the vote was called for the above motion on the final budget the motion carried 4-1 with
Mayor Vandergrift voting no.
City Manager Shapiro said he had asked Commissioner Glass and the rest of the
Commissioners if they wished to continue with the Road Show as planned and Mayor
Vandergrift said he was concerned with tying up the Fire Department's equipment in light of
the storm warnings. Consensus was to continue with the Road Show as planned.
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Ltflj?
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION
September 23, 1998
Mr. Shapiro spoke concerning a memo sent to the residents of Johio Shores Road Area. Mr.
Shapiro said they had drilled holes into the well cap to begin to reduce down the lake due to the
potentially hazardous weather that had been predicted. He said there would be a meeting with
DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) and others to discuss removing the cap, and that
Orange County had agreed to provide water for these residents if needed. Mr. Shapiro said for
the record Assistant County Administrator, Warren Gelch, had been very patient and cooperative
since he had taken over the position and complimented him. Mr. Shapiro said that they had not
heard anything from the plaintiffs so far and he hoped the DEP would allow uncapping of the
well.
Mayor Vandergrift said he appreciated the action taken to get the pumps in and wanted the
residents there contacted advising them of the City's immediate plans for the lake.
Mayor Vandergrift stated that the Governor had declared Central and South Florida emergency
areas and read a section of the City's Charter stating that the Mayor is in charge of the City in
such cases.
Commissioner Glass announced the birthday of Commissioner Howell on September 22, 1998.
In turn, Commissioner Howell said that Commissioner Glass had a birthday on September 21,
1998. All wished the Commissioners a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Vandergrift talked about the Democracy Forum at Borders book store scheduled for
Saturday afternoon. Mr. Shapiro said he had discussions with the Staff and Community
Relations and advised that the open forum to discuss events that happened in history is a citizen's
right. Mr. Shapiro said that it may be Pro-Ocoee because some of the seniors are willing to
discuss the issues and the history.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
APPROVED
Attest: City of Ocoee
Jean Grafton, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
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