Commission Minutes 5-2002

Mayor Shuttleworth presented a certificate of appreciation to Ms. Kim Linthicum for her outstanding work as Coordinator for the 10th annual Florida Authors Book Fair.

Mayor Shuttleworth presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Seth Miller for his efforts in organizing the 3rd annual Lake Helen Clean-Up Day.

PLDRC: Vice-Chairman noted the PLDRC was continuing their work on the Comprehensive Plan � Land Use Map.

Historic Preservation Board: Mr. Jim Crenshaw noted that the board was discussing historic sign posts for the city streets and would update the Commission at a later date.

Parks & Recreation Board: Ms. Jane Crenshaw noted that the cost of construction and maintaining a swimming pool for Lake Helen was cost prohibitive but that a splash pool would more economical. She stated that she was now researching the possibility of a skateboard park for the city.

Ms. Snowden said that the board is waiting for the return of the plans for the Lake Macy bathrooms.

Ms. Snowden also said that the board is researching tennis programs.

Code Enforcement Board: Mr. Findell noted that Officer Clarino had responded to 19 animal complaints and 11 code enforcement complaints within the last three weeks. RE: Code Enf. � 6 had been resolved and 5 outstanding. The outstanding: C.J.�s property, Dawne to Dusk, the Girven property, Junque Joe�s and Dionofrio�s vehicle detail business operating without special exception approval.
Ordinance 2002-02 � Animal Control Ordinance was approved on its first reading.

The City Commission authorized city staff to apply for historic preservation grant funding from the State�s Division of Historic Resources for the restoration of Hopkins Hall.

The City Commission awarded the re-roofing of the Public Works garage project to Mr. Leonard Clark, of Clark Roofing, in response to his bid for the project of $2,974.00.

The City Commission authorized the appropriate city official to execute an agreement for services with Ken Smith Architects, Inc. in the amount of $750.00 to draft the Lake Macy Park bathrooms plans.

The City Commission authorized the appropriate city official to execute the FDLE Certificate of Acceptance/Request For Payment form in order to receive Drug Detection K-9 grant funds in the amount of $3,235.00.

Meeting times were set (now passed) for the City Commission to hold public hearings regarding Community Development Block Grant funds for fiscal year 2002/2003.

The possibility of purchasing City shirts for the City Commission, City Hall staff and Department Heads at $16.00 each. Mr. Findell was instructed to coordinate the purchase.

The City Commission authorized Mr. Findell to hire a traffic consultant for the April 5th meeting to represent Lake Helen regarding the proposed 472 Interchange Activity Center�s Development of Regional Impact � expense not to exceed $2,000.

Comm. Snowden spoke of a letter of complaint by Mr. Jim Morris regarding certain PLDRC members and wished to address the matter. A long discussion took place and Atty. Groot will review Mr. Morris� letter and render an opinion at a subsequent meeting.

Mr. Lou Benton noted that he felt that PLDRC members had not violated any Sunshine Laws whatsoever. He indicated that Mr. Morris� letter referred to comments PLDRC members made at meetings under �Commission Comments� which were public. He vehemently denied the allegations that these comments were made inappropriately and in violation of the Sunshine Laws. Mr. Benton stated that he resented the fact that anyone would attempt to deny him his first amendment rights.

PLDRC: Mr. Lou Benton noted that the PLDRC was continuing their discussion regarding the Comprehensive Plan � Land Use Map.

City Hall Restoration Committee: Mayor Shuttleworth indicated that Mr. Ken Smith would be meeting with City officials regarding Phase II of the City Hall Restoration Project. He also indicated that the Division of Historic Resources Special Categories Grant application for this project was due by May 31st.

Mr. Jim Crenshaw requested the City change its current meeting format to allow time for Public Forum at the beginning of the meetings.

The City Commission agreed to place Public Comments to the beginning of the agenda and that speaker cards would be utilized for items not on the agenda and then again for individuals wishing to speak to Commission discussion items. He reiterated that public comment would not be solicited for active legal issues.

Ordinance 2002-03 � Water Conservation Ordinance carried on it�s first reading.

The City Commission approved a Change Order in the amount of $1,540 to McMahan Construction Company�s Agreement for the Water Storage Treating and Pumping Facilities Project. The lettering for the signage for the Water Tower was discussed and decided upon.

The City Commission scheduled the Agreement between the Ballards and Lake Helen to be presented to the public May 2nd � it�s first public hearing.

Chief Chester noted that the Easter Egg Hunt held in Blake Park was a success with approximately 145 children participating and thanked Mr. Lou Benton for his generous donation to this event.

Chief Chester indicated that arrests had been made in the West Ohio Avenue area.

Mr. David Mulholland, Traffic Consultant, had been hired to assist in the review of the DRI study for the proposed Activity Center at the 472 Interchange.

PLDRC: Mr. Lou Benton noted the PLDRC will continue their discussion on the Comprehensive Plan at their April 22nd meeting. They will also hear a vacation request concerning Kester Street.

Historic Preservation Bd.: Mr. Jim Crenshaw noted that the board members were awaiting a response from the County concerning historic street signs
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Parks & Recreation Bd.: Ms. Jane Crenshaw noted that a joint meeting between their board and the Teen Program will be held on April 30th at 7:00 at City Hall.

She also said that the Lake Macy Park bathrooms had been finalized and that a building permit would be applied for soon.
Ms. Crenshaw said that a considerable amount of work would need to be performed prior to the city opening a recreational swimming area at Royal Park.

Code Enforcement Bd.: Mr. Findell noted that the following complaints had been received and all but one had been resolved.

1. Illegal signage on Lakeview Dr. - signed removed.

2. A non-permitted auto detailing business in the Mixed Commercial District. The business has ceased and the owners are applying for a Special Exception.

3. At the same location - selling of used cars. Owner has indicated that he would cease the activity.

4. Abandoned vehicle on the right-of-way at 261 Summit Ave. - vehicle towed.

5. Clearing a vacant piece of property on Pleasant. Owner ceased activity and indicated he would obtain the proper permits to continue.

Mr. Findell noted that notices of violation have been sent to Junque Joe�s, C.J�s, Dawne to Dusk, and Ira Girven but have been returned unopened. If non-compliance continues, the violators will be referred to the City�s Code Enforcement Hearing Officer. He also indicated that a notice of violation had been delivered to Carol Mitchell regarding her property on Macy Ave.

Ordinance 2002-03 (Animal Control) was passed unanimously on its 2nd reading.

Resolution 2002-03 (Administrative fees for code violations) was passed unanimously.

The City Commission approved Change Order #1 to Florida Contracting Company�s Agreement for the McKenzie Road Water Line Extension project.

Mayor Shuttleworth spoke about the 4th of July celebration and noted that Orange City had pledged $1,000 toward the event and will have a float in the parade.

During a discussion initiated by Comm. Finn, joint meetings between the City Commission and PLDRC may occur in the near future regarding the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Findell noted that the computer networking project was advancing nicely, that the fiber optic cable had been installed and computers were being connected.

Comm. Cherry queried as to the reason for a letter from Ms. Millie Dykes regarding her interest in serving as a recording secretary. It was decided to utilize the services of Ms. Dykes.