Lake Helen Commission Minutes

1. The Commission heard farewell statements by Comm. “Cookie” Cooke and Comm. Lous Benton.

Commissioner Cooke said, “I just want to say from the bottom of my heart and I mean what I’m saying, I’ve really enjoyed the two years working as your commissioner. It was an honor to serve this community and contribute to her accomplishments but just because I’m no longer sitting in this seat, doesn’t mean that I’m going away. I have projects I want to see through to their end and I’m going to continue working on new projects, whatever they may be. “

“We are lucky to live in this wonderful city but there still exists strong divisiveness that is not constructive. The city staffing issues have been addressed and we have in place a group of people who are working hard to keep the city running smoothly. Opposition to this effort is counter-productive. We should work toward a single goal of making life here what it should be.”
“I want to wish Vernon Burton a lot of luck in his new position. Thank you.”

Commissioner Benton, “I want to thank all the people that supported me. While sitting here the past four years, I tried to do my best and make the right decisions.”

“Lake Helen was always been number one in my mind and I always volunteered wherever I was needed. I tried to save the taxpayers money by donating my time and always looking toward the future.”

“As General MacArthur said, “I shall return.” I already told Cameron (Lane) I’m going to run in 2010 so the people that supported me, I hope you think of me in 2010. Thank you.”

2. City Attorney Lonnie Groot then swore in our new Commissioners Burton and Lane. At the end of the meeting they said the following:

Commission Burton thanked everyone for the welcome that had been expressed by all. He said that he was looking forward to working with everyone and the citizens. He indicated that prior to being elected as Commissioner of Zone 2 but sat in the audience and thought he felt the Commission could have served its people better but now he’s sitting as a Commissioner and hopes the citizens will hold him accountable for serving them. He feels he has an obligation and responsibility to the citizens as their employee.

Commissioner Lane said he was truly humbled to be sitting as a commissioner and considered it an opportunity to serve his city and all its citizens. He thanked “Cookie” Cooke and Lou Benton and noted that they were both civil and pleasant to work with. He ended by saying he looked forward to working with all the the City Commission members.

3. Mr. Richard Taylor said the Lake Helen Historical Society wished to thank the city and Lou Benton for the wonderful work that was done on the museum room. The Lake Helen Historical Society is in the process of completing their by-laws and waiting on the final paperwork to arrive.

4. Ms. Betty O’Laughlin said that letters and flyer’s about the Christmas parade have gone out to Deltona, DeBary, Orange City, Deland and other cities. Butler Express will be in the parade with the church choir riding and singing as suggested by Sharon Jackson. Wendie Levings is handling the Volusia Pines Elementary choir. Road closing and port-a-potties have already been planned out. Flyer’s will be passed out to the students at Volusia Pines. Santa and the fire engine has been handled. The Crafty Ladies will be serving complimentary popcorn and cider. Wayne Bishop will orchestrate the parade that will be launched from the Wachovia Bank property like the 4th of July parade. Horses and their riders will participate. She asked that businesses do not advertise or politicians not promote anything political since this parade is suppose to be an old fashion/small home town parade with kids riding decorated bicycles or people driving decorated golf carts, etc.

5. Wayne Miller, President of New Wine Ministries International indicated that they anticipate the submission of a revised Site Development Plan in about a month.

6. The Final Development Plan and Development Order for the Chappel light manufacturing project was approved.

7. After the reappointment of Gary Adams to the PLDRC, Comm. Snowden requested a second appointment be postponed until he could interview all of the applicants (He had only interviewed two.). It was postponed.

8. City Clerk Nancy Wilson was removed from her six month probationary status and designated as a full-time employee.

9. City Administrator Don Findell presented the Commission with a proposed lease agreement with Ridan Industries to to construct a “stealth” communications tower on City property at the Mitchell Brothers Sports Complex. It was decided to ask a representative of Ridan Industries to come to subsequent City Commission meeting to deliver a presentation

1. The Hollosi Home Occupation Permit Application was approved unanimously.

2. The reinstatements of Amy Duffy and Sharon Jackson to the Parks and Recreation Board were approved unanimously.

3. Two applications for the Parks & Recreation Board from Sean Abshire (age 16 yrs.) and Monica Jencks were approved unanimously.

4. Six applications for one seat on the PLDRC were considered. The applicants were: Lou Benton, Terrance Cherry, “Cookie” Cooke, Ann Nehrig, and Roxann Reid-James. Commissioner Robbins nominated Ms. Nehrig. Commissioner Burton stated he was considering Terrance Cherry. Commissioner Lane indicated that he interviewed 5 out of the 6 applicants and thought Lou Benton was the most knowledgeable and Ms. Nehrig would also be a viable candidate but also liked “Cookie”. Commissioner Snowden didn’t nominate anyone and motioned the Commission submit their nominees on a ballot to the City Clerk. Commissioner Robbins voted against voting for a candidate via a ballot system but all other board members voted for it. The Commission began writing down their nominees on pieces of paper and passed them to the City Clerk.

Mary Dickenson (Custom Realty) asked Commissioner Snowden who he had interviewed previously. Commissioner Snowden indicated that he had spoken to Terrance Cherry, Lou Benton, and “Cookie” Cooke.

The City Clerk read the results of the ballots: The first choice was two votes for Ann Nehrig, two for “Cookie” Cooke, and one for Terrance Cherry. The second choice was one for Lou Benton, one for Terrance Cherry, one for Ann Nehrig, one for “Cookie” Cooke and one did not enter a second choice. The City Attorney indicated that there would be a second round of ballots to vote between Ann Nehrig and “Cookie” Cooke so the process continued.

The City Clerk announced that Ann Nehrig won by 3 to 2. Which Commissioners voted for who was not revealed but the ballots are available for inspection at City Hall. Please see Nancy Wilson, City Clerk.

5. The request by Steve Provost, City Engineer, for compensation exceeding the original contract amount for the Lake Helen Consumptive Use Permit Renewal project was approved unanimously.

6. Engineering Services Agreement with ECT for Phase II of the So. Summit Ave. Road Improvements Project in the amount of $29,850 to be paid by the CDBC was approved.

7. The Commission approved the work change order on the John St. well.

8. The request by two churches to waive the Hopkins Hall rental fees for celebrations held in December and February was approved.

9. The request for an easement across the City cemetery property to access 422 Root St. was discussed but not voted on at this time. The property owners’ usual access had been prevented by the new cemetery fence.

10. Chief Chester indicated that Orange City would like to donate two used police cars to Lake Helen that appeared to be in good shape.

11. It was noted that Market in the Park generated $692 in the first 5 weeks including one of the Saturdays that it was virtually rained out.