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III (A) Approval and Acceptance of the Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of January 19, 1999 Agenda 2-02-99 Remit' A MINUTES OF THE OCOEE REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD JANUARY 19, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the regular meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Pastor Ron Cargil, Harvest International Ministry of Orlando, 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 (arrived at 7:22 p.m.). Howell and Parker. Also present were City Manager Shapiro, City Attorney Rosenthal, City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira, Planning Director Wagner, Director of Community Relations/Projects Shira, Public Works Director Smith, Finance Director Horton, Assistant City Engineer Wheeler, Finance Supervisor Carter, Acting City Clerk Green, Buyer Meridith and Technical Support/Trainer Vogt. ABSENT: None. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS PRESENTATIONS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS- MAYOR VANDERGRIFr Mayor Vandergrift read the State of the City Address, which is attached to these minutes as Exhibit A and gave a PowerPoint presentation in conjunction with his speech. CONSENT AGENDA The consent agenda consisted of Items A. B, C, D. E, F. G. H and I Mayor Vandergrift seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to approve Items A, B, C, D, E, F. G, H and 1 of the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried 5-0. A. Approval and Acceptance of the Minutes of City Commission Regular Meeting of January 5, 1999. B. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Florida Power Distribution Easement across Forest Lake Golf Course. • Easement is required to provide power to golf course irrigation pumps. C. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Maguire Road: Purchase Agreement with Ferdinand. • This Agreement is for the land for the traffic signal at Maguire/Moore Road intersection. D. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Services Authorization No. 99-001 with Glace & Radcliffe, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of S39,012.00 for Lift Station No. 22 - Relocation and Upgrade. • This project includes (I) Site Location and Planning Study, (2) Detailed Design of the new Lift Station No. 22, (3) Assist the City in the Construction Phase Engineering Services. Staff recommends awarding to low bidder Glace & Radcliffe, Inc. at$39,012.00. Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 E. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Services Authorization No. 99-002 with Glace & Radcliffe, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $34,560.00 for Vehicle and Material Storage Building. • This project includes (I) Detailed design of the Building and Site Improvements and. (2) Assist the City in the Construction Phase Engineering Services. Staff recommends awarding to low bidder Glace & Radcliffe, Inc. at $34,560.00. F. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Interlocal Agreement with Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority relating to Western Beltway/State Road 429 Construction and Water Service in the Amount of$199,897.62. • This Agreement provides for the construction of the water system improvements included under the 1997 Bond issue program from the end of the City's system on Franklin Street west to East Crown Point Road, north to Palm Drive, and east to connect to the water main near Pioneer Key No. 2. G. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Transfer of Contractual Services - Phillips & Jordan, Inc. dba Linco, Inc. • Linco, Inc. was one of the five construction companies which was selected to assist the City in performing construction of various pipeline improvements in the City. 1.inco has been sold to Phillips & Jordan, Inc., which sale includes the current projects under construction. City Attorney has recommended executing a new contract with Phillips & Jordan, Inc. dba Linco, Inc. H. Approval and Authorization for Additional Funds for Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. • These additional funds are requested due to the increase in size to some boards and the addition of several boards since last year. I. Approval and Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute Joint Participation Agreement with The State of Florida Department of Transportation. • FDOT has proposed funding assistance to the City in the amount of$100,000 to aide in the construction of two scheduled intersection improvements projects: Bluford/Orlando and Taylor/Franklin. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC Mr. Smitty Branch, 428 N. Lakeshore Drive, appealed to the Commission for additional street lighting in his neighborhood, Fast Lakeshore Drive/Orlando Avenue (Sleepy Harbour). He said this issue was discussed at the Sleepy Harbour HOA meeting and this was the consensus of the members. They would also prefer underground wiring for the lights since the neighborhood has underground wiring. Mr. Branch said they would appreciate improvements to their sidewalks in the area. City Manager Shapiro said he would have Public Works take a look at the lighting around the City but cautioned the Commission that setting up a lighting plan for the City could get very expensive. Commissioner Glass asked that they also take a look at Prima Vista and commented about optional pole heights. Mayor Vandergrift requested three months for the study to be finished. Mr. Shapiro responded that Florida Power would be involved so he could not be certain on a time frame. 0 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 COMMISIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE Commissioner Parker: None. Commissioner Glass: I) Announced a Public Hearing Notice received from Orange County regarding the widening of Old Winter Garden Road from SR 50 to Apopka Vineland Road on February 9, 1999, at 4:30 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers, 201 South Rosalind Avenue, Orlando. City Manager Shapiro said the County had not decided what costs the City would share in this project but had sent a letter suggesting the City participate in the Clarcona Ocoee Road project. 2) Thanked the Orlando Sentinel and Craig Quintana for the article in the paper. Ile also thanked Mrs. Martha Lopez-Anderson and others for their kind comments and added that the co-workers and staff he had to work with made serving a pleasure. 3) Received a call from Chairman Martinez regarding the cell tower issue and thanked him and the Board of Commissioners for supporting the City of Ocoee's position concerning the cell tower. Commissioner Anderson: None. Commissioner Howell: None. Mayor Vandergrift: I) Announced the RSVP line 656-2218 for any Citizens' concerns or questions and said Staff would respond quickly. PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTION No. 99-04 - AUTHORIZING. THE ISSUANCE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES, 1999. City Attorney Rosenthal read the ordinance by title only. Finance Director Horton gave a Staff report and asked Mr. Mark Galvin, of First Union Capital Markets, to continue with a report on the trip to New York. Mr. Galvin explained the rating system and said the City of Ocoee received a solid "A" rating. He said this also gave the City some financial advantages. Mayor Vandergrift left the table. Commissioner Anderson had questions concerning the rating to which Mr. Galvin responded. He also asked if it was possible for the Commission to change any of the projects identified in the staff report. City Manager Shapiro said it stated "other public projects" and referred the question to Ms. Grace Dunlap. of Bryant, Miller and Olive, the Bond Counsel for the City of Ocoee. Ms. Dunlap said the changes to the list would come back to the City. The public hearing was opened and, since no one wished to speak, was closed. Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 Mayor 1 andergr((i returned to the table. Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to adopt Resolution No. 99-04 authorizing the issuance of Capital Improvements Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1999 as presented by Staff Motion carried 5-0. City Manager Shapiro thanked the professional staff who worked with the City on this and said he appreciated the support of the Commission. Finance Director Horton asked if they needed to authorize the underwriters to market the Bonds. Ms. Dunlap stated that it was included in the Resolution. City Attorney Rosenthal suggested a motion for the record which included the balance of the Staff recommendation regarding Resolution No. 99-04. Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to authorize the underwriters (SunTrust Equitable Securities and William R. Hough & Co.) to market the bonds and present a purchase contract to the City Commission at the special meeting to be held on January 28, 1999. Motion carried 5-0. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE No.99-08, REGULATION OF BORROW PITS, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT. City Attorney Rosenthal read the ordinance by title only. Planning Director Wagner presented the staff report explaining the need for the ordinance and asked that the ordinance be adopted permitting Borrow Pits only within the Ocoee I-2. General Industrial District as a Special Exception as recommended by Staff. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Rosemarie Morganto, 11012 Groveshire Ct., opposed having borrow pits anywhere in the City. City Attorney Rosenthal explained that staff felt the City would be in a stronger position to limit borrow pits in 1-2 as a Special Exception, rather than as a general prohibition, and they would still require a public hearing. Mr. R. P. Mohnacky, 1820 Prairie Lake Blvd., had comments concerning someone buying agricultural property and getting it zoned for I-2 zoning. He also said he would have other comments when this comes for the second public hearing. Mayor Vandergrift closed the public hearing and announced the second public hearing for Ordinance No. 99-08, on February 2, 1999, at 7:15 p.m. ORDINANCE NO. 99-09, INCREASE THE MEMBERSIIIP OF TIIE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FROM 7 TO 9 MEMBERS, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT. City Attorney Rosenthal read the ordinance by title only. Mr. Wagner briefly presented the staff report and gave the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board to request expansion to nine members with no alternates. 4 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 The public hearing was opened. Commissioner Glass commented that because the ordinance had been drafted to continue the alternate positions, the Commission needed to give direction to the City Attorney regarding what they would like to see come back for the second reading. He added he is in agreement with the Planning and Zoning Board on the nine permanent members. It was the consensus of the Commission to so instruct the City Attorney. DEVON COVE - MAP AMENDMENT TO JOINT PLANNING AREA (JPA) AGREEMENT, CASE NO. JPA- 98-002. Planning Director Wagner gave a staff report and for the petition to change the boundaries and text of the JPA to add a 4.5 acre parcel located approximately 150 feet southwest of the intersection of Prairie Lake Boulevard and Log Run Court. He explained the changes and said the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the DRC, the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff all recommend the Commission approve this amendment to the JPA and further authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. Commissioner Parker said she would prefer that density remain two units per acre. Mayor Vandergrift asked if approval of this amendment to the JPA would affect the zoning. Mr. Wagner said this had no affect on land use as to units per acre. Mr. Wagner explained further with a map on the overhead projector and pointed out the access issues as mentioned by City Attorney Rosenthal. Mr. Shapiro said annexation of this parcel was at the discretion of the Commission and raised questions concerning water services if it were not annexed into the City. Mr. Wagner stated they would have septic tanks, as no sewer services would he available, and in the Forest Oaks subdivision with septic tanks they have 2.5 units per acre gross. Mayor Vandergrift, seconded by Commissioner Glass, moved to extend the JPA without implication of density. and to approve the Second Amendment to the Joint Planning Area as presented, and further authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City per Staff recommendation. Commissioner Howell asked for a further clarification to which City Attorney Rosenthal responded in detail. Mr. Rosenthal added that if the Commission chose to annex, the zoning question would come before the Commission, but he cautioned that the developer would be in a position to request a zoning consistent with the surrounding properties. Mr. Wagner gave the history of this property. The vole on the Map Amendment to the.IPA Agreement. Case No. .IPA-98-002 was taken later. Commissioner Glass stated that he would like staff to look into finding appropriate sites for larger lots, because there is a market for those in the City. The public hearing was opened. 5 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 Mr. R. P. Mohnacky said he thought that the lots in Forest Oaks were 1/4 acre lots. lle stated that he would not like the lots to be any smaller than those in Forest Oaks. The public hearing was closed. Mayor Vandergrift mentioned a drainage problem in the subject area and asked if they could charge sewer impact fees now for use in the future. Mr. Shapiro explained that the City could not charge an impact fee for a service that is not being provided. Discussion about future sewer plans for the City continued. The rote on the motion made by Mayor Vandergrifi was taken at this time. Motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Parker voted no. OTHER BUSINESS EMPLOYEE SURVEY PRESENTATIONS Buyer Meridith presented Cody & Associates, Inc. and Office of Corporate Services for Valencia Community College, the two firms which were selected by the Commission to give a short presentation. She said Staff recommended (I) selecting one firm to administer the employee survey, collect and analyze the data resulting from the survey, provide management comments, and (2) authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute all documents necessary to consummate an agreement between the City and the selected firm. Recess 8:55 - 9:10 p.m. Buyer Meridith introduced Mr. Nick Pelligrino, Senior Partner with Cody & Associates, Inc., who gave background about the firm and presented their proposals. He said the firm would meet with the Commission or Staff in order to customize the survey to meet the City's needs and would do their best to insure complete confidentiality. Commissioner Howell asked if there was some way for the questionnaires to go directly to them without going through the City's offices and said that he thought some of the statistics requested would keep the employees from filling out the questionnaires. Mr. Pelligrino responded to these concerns. Buyer Meridith introduced Mr. Kevin Faubel, Manager, Government Accounts. Office of Corporate Services for Valencia Community College, who gave background of their services and surveys to public organizations and private clients. Ile said they use facilitators with business expertise, have flexibility to modify their service to meet the needs of the clients and are a cost and time effective solution for their clients. Mr. Faubel introduced Mr. Tim Nevell of TNB Consulting Group, who would be working with Valencia Community College to obtain the information necessary to create a beneficial employee survey. Mr. Nevell presented his firms approach and methodology and explained how the survey would be administered. He then described the report analyzing the results. 6 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 _. Commissioner Howell asked what happens to the originals after the survey is completed. Mr. Nevell replied that the originals were compiled by Wonderlik Testing, Inc., and would become their property. Commissioner Parker had questions concerning the flexibility of the questions on the survey and the demographics. Mr. Nevell and Mr. Pelligrino responded to these questions. Commissioner Class questioned Mr. Nevell's response that the individual original surveys would not be subject to Florida Public Records Act. Mr. Nevell said his information came from the testing agency, but that is not a formal legal opinion. Mr. Pelligrino said, from his experience, the survey would be under the Public Records Act, and it would need to be constructed with that in mind. Commissioner Anderson asked if unanswered questions would skew the results. Both replied that they would not. Commissioner Anderson commented on Valencia's subcontracting the survey to another company. Mayor Vandergrift asked how often they recommend an employee survey be done. Mr. Pelligrino suggested every 4-5 years or as warranted by conditions. Mr. Nevell said they would recommend doing a survey every 2-3 years. Mayor Vandergrift also had questions about using the old survey as a benchmark. Mayor Vandergrift thanked both men for their presentations. Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to select Cody & Associates, Inc. Management Consultants to administer the employee survey, and to collect and analyze the data resulting from the survey and provide management comments. and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute all documents necessary to consummate an agreement between the City and the selected firm as recommended by Staff Motion carried 5-0. CENTRAL FLORIDA INVESTMENTS- REQUEST TO WAIVE CROSS ACCESS REQUIREMENT PROJECT No. SS-9S-916. This item was continued to the February 16, 1999, meeting. CITY OF OCOEE REGULATORY AUTHORITY REGARDING THE SITING AND CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Mayor Vandergrift made a short statement concerning City Attorney Rosenthal's report saying this would be a cooperative effort between the City of Ocoee and Orange County Public Schools. There was no discussion. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS APPOINTMENT TO CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD - Robert Godek and Bruce E. Ilolmes 3 year terms expire January 1999. Mr. Godek did not wish to be reappointed. Commissioner Glass, seconded by Commissioner Parker. moved to reappoint Member Holmes to a 3 year term expiring January 2002, move Alternate Member Konicek to full member Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 for a 3 year term expiring January 2002, and appoint Patricia Tice as an alternate to till Member Konicek's remaining term to September 2001. Motion carried 5-0. APPOINTMENT TO EDUCATION COMMISSION - Nancy Reilly resigned - two year term expires August 2000. Commissioner Glass moved to move Lavon Williams to permanent member for term to expire August 2000, and appoint Kristi Failla as an alternate with term to expire August 2000. Commissioner Howell pointed out that Kristi Failla preferred to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board. Commissioner Glass_ seconded by Commissioner Anderson, amended his motion, and moved to move Lavon Williams to permanent member with term to expire August 2000. Motion carried as amended 5-0. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD - Nancy Reilly resigned - two year term expires October 1, 2000. Commissioner Howell, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, moved to appoint Kristi Failla permanent member with term to expire October 1,2000. Motion carried 5-0. Item VII U was considered at this time. ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES City Engineer/Utilities Director Shira was present to answer questions and said this would be a process of dividing up the projects in order to proceed with these projects in a timely manner. Commissioner Anderson had questions to which Mr. Shira responded in detail. Commissioner Anderson said he was concerned about who would be watching the dollars. City Manager Shapiro said that there were several people at City Hall who would be watching the dollars. Commissioner Anderson asked that the competitors prices be checked occasionally. Mr. Shira said that they could do peer reviews. Mayor Vandergrift asked if the Commission needed to write a policy on this. Mr. Shira suggested trying this process for the first two groupings, coming back to the Commission with his estimate and the engineers proposed cost and comparing them. He said if they meet with Commission approval then they can proceed with the process. Mr. Shira said each project will be brought before the Commission before it is awarded. Mayor Vandergrift seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to endorse the method of assigning tasks to the four engineering firms, Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. Hartman & Associates, Inc., Glace & Radcliffe, Inc., and Ivey, Harris & Walls, Inc., and authorize staff to begin immediately developing task groupings and issuing assignments as recommended by Staff Motion carried 5-0. AETIIORIZATION TO AWARD EMERGENCY PURCHASE ORDER AND CHANGE ORDER TO EMERGENCY PURCHASE ORDER (Cleanup of Emergency Repair of Lift Station No. 1) Assistant City Engineer Wheeler explained this project and said it had already been completed but had not been brought before the Commission due to an oversight. 8 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 Commissioner Howell asked why there was such a large difference in the bids. Mr. Wheeler said one of the contractors wanted to keep his name on the list but did not want to do this particular project. Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Parker, moved to approve the action of the City Manager in awarding the Emergency Purchase Order #1004398 to Preferred Mechanical, Inc. in the amount of $11,430.00 and Purchase Order #10044449 to Preferred Mechanical, Inc. in the amount of $5,100.00. In addition, moved that the City Commission approve the increase of $1.904.00 to this Emergency Purchase Order for the increase in cost associated with the use of epoxy coating on the replacement piping as recommended by Staff. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF REPORT - None COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Howell: 1) Asked about the water lines being placed on Flewelling Avenue. Assistant City Engineer Wheeler explained that the work being done was part of the stormwater improvements and the water line had to be moved to the other side of the road. Mr. Wheeler added that the work on the water lines on Wurst Road would start within the next month. Commissioner Howell inquired if the new water lines would yield a higher pressure. 'there was a lengthy response. 2) Asked if a meeting had been set up with the Wurst Road residents concerning the road improvements. Mr. Shapiro said meetings with Staff and the Postmaster would be needed before a neighborhood meeting could be set up. Commissioner Anderson: I) Said the Ambassadors did an excellent job of helping with the UCF presentation and thanked them. 2) Asked how the Police Department checked commercial vehicles such as dump trucks. Mr. Shapiro explained that the City contacts the State Commercial Vehicle Bureau to spot check for overweight vehicles. 3) Said the Christmas lights were taken down at 2:00 a.m. Mr. Shapiro said he would send a letter suggesting, for safety reasons, they remove the decorations during the day. 4) Commended the Mayor on the UCF presentation. Commissioner Parker: I) Commended the Mayor on the UCF presentation. 2) Said the Leadership West Orange application deadline was Friday, February 5. 1999, and asked if the City would be sending anyone. Mr. Shapiro said he would have 2 persons from Staff and would ask the Commission to possibly consider, in the future, sending the Board Chairmen from the City's Advisory Boards. 3) Asked if it would be possible to place a directional sign on SR 50 for the Withers Maguire I louse. Mr. Shapiro said he would check into it. 9 Ocoee City Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 1999 4) Apologized to Mayor Vandergrift for "sniping" at him earlier in the meeting. Commissioner Glass: I) Asked that a sign be placed to direct customers to the Drop Box for utility payments. Mayor Vandergrift: I) Asked what was being built on the north corner of Good Homes Road and SR 50. Mr. Shapiro replied a Circuit City, and said the developers were playing the City against the County and the County was tired of this game also. Mayor Vandergrift suggested the City and County learn to cooperate with each other knowing that the developers are doing this to both sides. 2) Announced that he was under budget, about $3,500, on the UCP presentation and was considering having promotional tapes made with that money. 3) Said he attended a meeting with a council of Mayors, formed under County Chairman Martinez's guidance, concerning education and was proud that Ocoee was used as an example for their planning. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:42 p.m. Attest: APPROVED: Marian Green, Deputy City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor to LXH137'L "19 O� Ocoee �k o To _ �ii a 0 Ocoee City Commission %© � ] 999 Of GOOt £ Scott et'Jecre Minutes of January 19, '"'""'"''"'''YY'"'''DD'"' Mayor 150 N. LAKESHORE DRIVE OCOEE, FLORIDA 34761-2258 (407)656-2322 FAX(407) 656-8504 Welcome to the 1999 version of the state of the city address reflecting our accomplishments in 1998. Depending on your perspective this will be the last report of the 20th century. The next report will be given in year 2000 if all the doom, computer and otherwise, predicted does not occur and I personally feel it won't. With our almost new computer system and the confidence in our computer department I can say we are ready for almost anything. We remain the fastest growing city in Orange County, averaging more than one new home per day over the past seven years. Our current population is approximately 22,800. Which means in the year 2003 it will be over 29,000 and in 2010, we will be nearly 35,000. The City Commission, in partnership with city employees and countless volunteers throughout the community, has managed some phenomenal achievements. The most significant influence on our community this past year was the ground breaking of the Western Beltway that has been planned and discussed for more than 30 years. The section between Apopka and Ocoee will be completed in 18 months. Part "C" from Ocoee to 1-4 south of Disney World is still under study. However it is to the point that a route has been chosen and much of the engineering has been completed. It is hoped that within 2 years this portion will be started and finished within 5 years. Part "B" north of Apopka to Lake Mary, and the Apopka bypass from Maitland Blvd. to connect to the beltway between Ocoee and Apopka are still under discussion. The connection and overpasses between the Turnpike, Highway 50, the East West Expressway, and Maguire Road will be started in March of this year and will be 4 levels high in places. It will be the highest and largest road structure in Central Florida. In recreation, the dedication of the West Orange Trail through our city has to be right up there with anything in Central Florida most influencing our leisure time, and that of others all over Central Florida. The trail now covers more than 17 miles from Lake County to Apopka. Plans will continue it to Seminole County and interconnect with other similar trails. You will be able THE PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE to make an hour trip, day trip, or travel the state or nation when the network is completed. We in the city need to come up with plans to connect all of our city to this great trail. The recreation department has broken ground on the Beech center to be completed by mid summer or earlier. This gymnasium is part of a regional park that will have all kinds of recreation facilities contained on 180 acres of land. There will be a soccer field, baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts, picnic area, nature trails, and a pool being financed as we speak. The old Vignetti fire station has been converted to a recreational facility that has already been in use for several months. We have active recreation programs from Senior Citizens field trips, to all kinds of after school activities for our youth, and everything in between. This past year the various city departments have been extremely busy with growth and all of the challenges that go along with it. I could write a speech on each department alone of their accomplishments and challenges for the future but in the interest of time I will only touch on the significant ones that represent the tip of the iceberg that their everyday duties require them to perform. The most significant change was in our Planning Department with a closer relationship with the Orange County School District in planning and siting of schools within Ocoee. At present there is 1 high school, 4 elementary schools, and 1 middle school being contemplated and planned for the next 10 years in our community. In addition the Ocoee Middle school is to be rebuilt to be modernized and more efficient within 2 years. This project is being accomplished through the state and as a pilot project for other school districts. The funds already earmarked for the project are nearly 27 million dollars. Not only will the school be modernized but will allow more students to be accommodated in a better and more educationally conducive atmosphere than present. The school will be without portables whcn finished. The planning department in addition has processed community housing plans (with a strong sense of environmental protection in mind) for between 750 and 1000 home sites and numerous businesses that wish to settle in our city. We have currently enough stock in building lots and plans for subdivisions to make us the 2°d largest city in Orange County by the millennium. After all of this planning, the Building Department has the charge of making sure that all buildings are built to code and will withstand the forces of nature we sometimes endure by living in Central Florida. This Department has, under it's umbrella of responsibilities, code enforcement; plans review and approval; electrical, plumbing, framing, and general inspections of new homes; mobile homes; arbor ordinance enforcement; and, last but not least, the new animal control officer devoted to the raising awareness of animals to our community in all aspects from neutering, to strays, and making us aware of pet ownership. These dedicated employees have performed over 11,300 inspections in the past year, and we can all feel a little safer in our homes because of them. The most dramatically changed department regarding physical appearance is our Fire Department. They have build and equipped 2 new fire stations that contain the most up-to-date technology that we can afford. Besides the relentless quest to prevent fires and ensure the safety of our citizens, they have gone beyond the call of normal duty and helped the state of Florida with this summer's statewide fire storms and have honored our city with services to these victims. The Department coordinated a Central Florida wide live practice and demonstration of fire-fighting techniques that involved numbers other departments in actual fire fighting. The engineering and utilities department are continuing to move toward a city-wide water reuse system that will not only save energy but save you money in the long run by allowing you to water your lawns with recycled water at a cheaper rate. The city, under the direction of the Saint John's Water Management District, raised water rates this past spring with the grand design of reducing water consumption of our households. It hasn't worked, and even if it had worked the best estimate and data that our Commission saw showed only a 3 to 5 percent savings in other cities. The City Commission has rolled back the rates effective January 1, 1999, and is endeavoring to get a better system going. Public awareness will be the cornerstone as well as a full audit of ourselves to be sure all of the figures are accurate and represent the very best data available. There might have to be an adjustment in water rates for reasons of conservation, but we pledge to you that we will not leave any stone unturned in search for better solutions. Your help is critical in this endeavor so think "How Can I Save Water?", and not waste money. The engineering and utilities department are in the second stages of correcting some of our long-standing drainage problems. If you look around town or maybe even in your neighborhood you will see contractors hard at work fixing these nagging issues. In addition to the aforementioned duties, theirs is to oversee the upcoming road replacements, widening, and four lanings. Public works has it's hands full with maintaining of road ways, ditches, garbage removal, and building maintainenance among other duties that don't fit into other departments depositions. They have moved the public works center from Flewelling Drive to the Industrial park and are in the process of adding back into their portfolio the up keep of all Ocoee fleet vehicles. The department has continued to update, renew, and add new equipment to better serve our needs. The parks department has rebuilt several athletic fields including the Bulldog field, which has garnered raves from visiting teams when playing here. They continue to spruce up the city and its parks to make your community a more delightful place to live. The police department has had substantial changes this past year to better protect our community with the take-home car plan which allows an officer to be assigned his or her own car to drive home and be responsible for. At present eligible officers must live in the city. With this plan police cars will be parked in our neighborhoods instead of at the police station. After thorough study of similar programs from other governmental entities, this program was implemented with the endorsement of our police advisory board. The commission and the police department will be reviewing extensions of the program this year. The Police Department sought and won a grant that will allow us to add 15 police officers in the next three years which, with our growth, will keep us in the upper percentile of officers per populace compared with other local governments. Currently we have 61 sworn officers. The new Fire Stations are police sub-stations also that should enhance safety of the public. Our bicycle patrol seems to be popular with the public and allows our officers to communicate more directly with our law abiding citizens to encourage cooperation. Crimewatch members are keeping an eye out for you and if you don't belong or have a group in your neighborhood you should. Call the police department for more information. The Police department is processing grant applications of more than one million dollars. The department responded to over 28,000 calls this year, and yet we still have the second lowest crime rate in Orange County, only following our neighbor Windemere. The finance department has been outstanding in their resourcefulness in adapting to the new computer system for reporting our income and expenses 4 over the past year. For the 10th year in a row they have received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting given by a national accrediting agency of governmental organizations. To meet our transportation needs the finance department was responsible for all of the paperwork and reports that successfully got us a more than 19 million dollar bond. They are currently working to reorganize our bonding structure to allow us to refinance 12 million dollars to get lower interest rates as well as about 4 million dollars extra to build a pool and meet other needs of the city. The personnel department is the heartbeat of our city employees, with hiring, transfers, promotions, insurance responsibilities, and all things relating to our more than 270 employees. In addition this department is in charge of the youth art display at city hall. Several volunteer commissions have been established this year to give you, the citizens, more input into your government and to provide you with an avenue to get involved to be sure that we, as leaders, take the right directions on issues. The first was a Charter Study Commission to review our charter to see if it meets the needs of our community today. After several public hearings they reported back to the commission recommendations for 3 year terms for elected officials to reduce the need for elections every year and give more time to the officials to make decisions on challenges without the need to campaign every other year. They also recommended some other small clarifications of wording to allow a better understanding of the document that is the foundation for our community. These changes will be on the ballot in March for your consideration and vote. The Tornado commission led the way for state-wide reforms in tie downs and other safety measures for mobile homes in our community and elsewhere in the state of Florida. The Education commission has the most potential to elevate our community spirit in the quest to see that our children have the greatest opportunity for a quality education that our city and the county school board has to offer. In the few short months of their existence they have launched a dialogue within our city and with the Orange County school district that has been rewarding and enlightening to all concerned. Under the direction of Former Mayor Lester Dabbs, our education czar, new attention has been paid to the community concept that it takes a whole village to raise a child and a big part of this is S the child's education as well as parental guidance. I look forward to many quality suggestions from this commission beyond what the city is doing now to ensure our children are safe and well educated. One of the innovations fostered by this commission is the partnershiping with the school board to locate and secure school sites, giving the joint use of same to the community and the school board. An example is locating of schools in or near parks to help defray the costs of playgrounds that are only used 9 months out of the year. While speaking of Lester Dabbs, I would like to recognize him for the years of citizenship he has devoted to our city. Lester is an educator through and through, not just a teacher, which is where he started upon moving to Ocoee many years ago. He was until retirement in 1997 a teacher, a middle school principal, a high school principal, a trainer of principles for the Orange County school system, and solid citizen and family man in our community. He has served on many volunteer boards, as a city commissioner, and mayor. His continued support of our city in spite of an election loss speaks volumes as to the character of this citizen. Lester isn't here tonight because he is giving of his time to our city at a conference on employee benefits a board on which he currently serves. He has former students come up to him and refer to him as Mr. Dabbs, a sign of respect from years past. I too shall use that phrase although he never taught me formally in school, I have learned a lot from him. Although we have not always agreed on every aspect of life and government, I want to say on behalf of our citizens now and in the future: Thanks, Mr. Dabbs. We have added a Community relations director who has moved us forward with programs of citizen involvement, more education and information getting out to the populace, and several other areas that have been overlooked in the past because of too much and too rapid growth. The MVP-Most Valuable Partnerships is a grant program instituted by the City Commission to get neighbors involved in enhancing their neighborhoods and thus the entire city. The program allows for groups to apply for matching grants from the city up to $2,500 to do good things for the neighborhoods. Founders Day Fireworks was another project. Another innovation was the Road Shows, featuring the mayor, commissioners, and all departments going out to each of the districts to answer questions and inform the public of services that the city offers. F Our task as elected officials is to keep you the public informed as to how we spend your hard earned tax dollars. The city newsletter has been received with enthusiasm and we intend it to grow with our community. One of the foremost ways of communication is through live television coverage of our commission meetings. This is done through the hard work of the television crews furnished and trained by West Orange High School and West Side Tech at little cost to our citizens. Our city is the only city in Central Florida that does it "live." We experimented with call in service but we were unable to sustain volunteers to answer the phone during the meetings.. You may watch on Channel 19 on Time Warner Cable the first and third Tuesday of each month, with reruns in between. Ahead of the news: last week we hosted a group of University of Central Florida officials including Dr. Hitt the president and some of his top aides. The purpose to lure them into placing a satellite campus in our community. The response was very favorable. Now all we have to do is find the money and continue to convince them of the worthiness of the project. In closing I'd like to welcome new citizens and new or enlarging businesses including CFI, Sysco, the auto auction, and West Oaks Mall - 2 years old and expanding. We need all businesses and all citizens to help and partnership to build our community of Ocoee into the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. So join in. We are here to make Ocoee truly the "CENTER OF GOOD LIVING" for all of us. Have a Happy and Prosperous 1999 Respectively Submitted S. Scott Vandergrift� Mayor 7