Lake Helen City Observer

1. Bills in the amount of $86,225.79 for fiscal year ending September 30, 2001 were approved for payment.

2. Mr. Tim Dolan, representing Waste Management, Inc., said that there have been changes in recycling – more products will be accepted as recyclable material. Residential rates will remain the same; however, Lake Helen Villa rates would rise to equal residential rates. Business rates would increase approximately 7 ½% The City of Lake Helen and Waste Management, Inc. are negotiating a new contract.

3. The annual Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for December 11th at 7:00 p.m. in Blake Park.

4. Mayor Shuttleworth commented that the movie “Dunsmore,” filmed partly in Lake Helen, was chosen as one of 100 movies out of 2,500 entries considered for showing at the Sundance Film Festival. He indicated that there would be another selection to reduce the number of films shown to 30 some time in January.

5. Fees were waived for the development review and permit/inspection fees for the new fire station that will be built on Main Street by the county.

6. Steve Provost, City Engineer, noted that the cost for the McKenzie project was funded for approximately $280,000 with 85% being derived from a CDBG grant. The City’s portion was approximately $50,000. Mr. Provost requested an additional cost in the amount of approximately $3,500 be approved. It was.

7. The City Commission approved motorcycle, lawnmower parts, equipment, and service as a permitted use in Mixed Commercial zoning.

8. Rev. Wilburn Harpe requested use of Blake Park for a BBQ and musical event on October 20, 2001 and for a waiver of the mobile vendor permit. Request approved.

9. The City Commission discussed the possibility of increasing their salaries to about $200 a month for Commissioners and $300 a month for the Mayor. The matter was placed on the Agenda for the next Commission meeting.

10. Comm. Tamburro requested a discussion concerning procedures during an emergency situation. Chief Chester indicated that he had a county pager that would receive emergency broadcasts and directions in emergency situations. He also indicated that Public Works, the Utility Superintendent, police officers, the Mayor and Dennis Pullen had received emergency training. He indicated that the Commission Chamber was tied into the generator so that the room could become an emergency operations center. He said that he had coordinated with Villa residents to utilize trained personnel for search and rescue missions when necessary. The Chief indicated that the Reverse 911 program would be implemented to allow residents to know when there is an emergency.

11. Mayor Shuttleworth requested a discussion about Cassadaga possibly annexing with Lake Helen. He mentioned that he had distributed copies of an annexation request form to several Cassadaga residents to solicit feedback. He noted that several residents were interested in a possible annexation but that they wanted legal assurance that they would be able to retain their name “Cassadaga”, their post office and their zip code. (I noticed that some of the old post cards that are displayed at City Hall read “Cassadaga Camp, Lake Helen, Florida.” – Pat)

12. Atty. Groot indicated that the revised Charter had been prepared for Commission review. He commented that the appointment of Vice-Mayor would be made by the members of the Commission instead of seniority. The revised Charter was placed on the Agenda for the next meeting.

13. Comm. Tamburro requested that the City place video camera/alarm systems at the City wells and pumping stations. Chief Chester indicated that research was currently being performed on this subject.

14. Lake Helen citizen Mr. Jim Morris noted that Junque Joe’s business on Pleasant Street was an embarrassment to the City but that nothing seemed to be getting done concerning this problem. Chief Chester commented that Junque Joe’s was a priority for code enforcement.

1. Bills in the amount of $23,730.84 were approved for payment.

2. Mayor Shuttleworth read a proclamation declaring November 2001 as “National Epilepsy Awareness Month.”

3. City Commission voted to support the Christmas Ball which will be under the direction of Ms. Sara Hyde, Chief Chester and the Teen Program to be held December 15, 2001 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

4. A Certificate of Achievement was presented to Jeannie Grammatikas in appreciation for her work performance and positive disposition.

5. Mayor Shuttleworth expressed his concern that grant funds for the second phase of the restoration of City Hall were in danger of being cut.

6. Mayor Shuttleworth indicated that his volunteer tree committee would welcome additional volunteers.

7. City Commission voted to approve Ordinance 2001-08, amending the Code of Ordinances regarding billboard signage on the first reading.

8. City Commission voted to approve a request by Ms. Jerutha Hough, Executive Director of the Bread of Life Program for program members to utilize the Shuffleboard Club building to conduct program activities with certain conditions.

9. The Lake Helen Fire Station Final Development Plan was approved.

10. Kim Linthicum was appointed to serve as a member of the Parks and Recreation Board.

11. The COA to Mr. Danny Echt regarding his proposed development at the corner of Lakeview and Pennsylvania Avenues was approved.

12. The bid of $8,130.00 by Semsco for a TapMate Main Drilling Machine and accessory parts was approved.

13. Mr. Shown Schleuter was removed from probationary status and designated as a permanent city employee.

14. The Lake Helen Museum Policy and Guidelines were approved with the exception of the addition of the position of registrar who would inventory museum donations and incorporate this additional responsibility into his/her city employee job description.

15. Mr. Oscar Brock was appointed as Curator for the proposed museum.

16. City Commission raised their salaries to the following: Mayor, $5,000 a yr., Vice-Mayor, $3,500 a yr., Commissioners, $3,000 a yr.

17. Atty. Groot was authorized to submit the revised Charter to the Volusia County Legislative Delegation but only after some discussion concerning Section 31. Comm. Tamburro expressed concern that this section had been changed. He said that historically it had been the practice of the Commission to appoint the most senior member on the Commission as the Vice-Mayor but that it now read that the Commission would appoint the Vice-Mayor. Comm. Sonnenfeld suggest that the Vice-Mayorship be extended to the most senior member of the Commission and that if that person declined the appointment, then the Commission could utilize an election process for that position. Atty. Groot indicated that he would make the necessary changes.

18. The Teen Program was approved to continue one more year and to execute the agreement with Volusia County.

19. City Administrator Don Findell’s annual salary was increased to $71,800 though Comm. Tamburro indicated he was uncomfortable offering him an increase due to the unstable economy.

20. Atty. Groot indicated that the City had been served in the Ballard lawsuit and noted that an aggressive defense would be launched against the claim.

21. Mr. Findell indicated that a request for bids/proposals to use the Water Tower as a communications tower had been advertised in the News Journal with a pre-bid meeting to be held on November 2nd and the bids/proposals to be received by the end of November.