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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2005 08 15 City Commission Workshop Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP AUGUST 15,2005 CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Monday, August 15,2005 of the City Commission was called to order by Mayor John F. Bush at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). ROLL CALL: Mayor John F. Bush, present Deputy Mayor Michael S. Blake, arrived at 5:20 p.m. Commissioner Robert S. Miller, present Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore, present Commissioner Sally McGinnis, present Commissioner Joanne M. Krebs, present City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, arrived at 6:45 p.m. A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. .:..:. AGENDA NOTE: PUBLIC INPUT WAS HELD, FOLLOWED BY THE REST OF THE AGENDA, AS DOCUMENTED. .:. .:. PUBLIC INPUT City Manager Ronald W. McLemore presented information on how the Budget process works. Mr. Al Rocco, 953 Glen Abbey Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: asked about the 5 p.m. start time for this Workshop and spoke briefly on a Parking Garage. Discussion. Mr. Edward Martinez, Jr., 205 Little Creek Lane, Winter Springs, Florida: commented on the Budget process, Bonds, and the General Fund. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15, 2005 PAGE 2 OF 13 INFORMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 300. Office Of Commissioner Robert S. Miller Budget Review. Commissioner Robert S. Miller noted some of his Budget related concerns and regarding Police Department funding, Commissioner Miller remarked about needing more police staffing. Commissioner Miller added, "We need more Code Enforcement personnel, in my opinion." With further comments, Commissioner Miller spoke of his concern for more Police Department staff. Deputy Mayor Michael S. Blake arrived at 5:20 p.m. PERSONNEL ISSUES: Discussion. Commissioner Sally McGinnis said to Manager McLemore, "I believe you and Police Chief [Daniel J.] Kerr were working together to come up with a recommendation, an analysis. Have you finished that?" Manager McLemore stated, "No, we have not. We will in September be bringing answers to all these issues for your consideration." Furthermore, Commissioner McGinnis stated, "And, that will include input - what the Police Chief feels and - the projected needs, that is all part of that, correct?" Manager McLemore stated, "That and others." Commissioner McGinnis stated, "Okay, thanks." With discussion on adding Police Officers to the list of Budget Items, Commissioner Miller said, "This, I think, needs to be moved to the top of that list." Discussion ensued on Public Safety. Commissioner McGinnis said to Chief Kerr, "When that Report comes out - we are looking forward to it. One of the things that was mentioned at the National League of Cities, which I find very alarming, is the amounts of monies that have been cut from local Police jurisdictions." Furthermore, Commissioner McGinnis added, "I would like to know, from you Chief [Kerr], in that Report, because I do not know, how much money we lost on a Federal level and how that has affected some of our programs? If you would include that, I would appreciate it." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST IS, 2005 PAGE 3 OF 13 Regarding related costs, Commissioner Donald A. Gilmore stated, "Do we need to increase the clerical personnel, if we would go with that? Secondly, adding twenty-five percent (25%), what about the facilities, are we going to need another Police Station?" Commissioner Gilmore added, "I think when the - Chief [Kerr] brings this back, which he is going to have to do, we have to have the full cost, which means building expansion, and cars, and motorcycles or whatever we have to do." Regarding Code Enforcement, Commissioner Gilmore stated, "I think we do have Code Enforcement problems throughout the City - the two (2) people - handling it may not be adequate to satisfy the needs that the people have. So, I think we need to look at that strongly." Discussion. Mayor Bush stated, "Items 1. and 2. under 'PERSONNEL [ISSUES:'] are going to be addressed by the Report that the Manager and the Chief are going to present at the next Budget Workshop. It will be - on August 23 rd .. ." Manager McLemore stated, "... It probably will not be. It probably will be the first Meeting in September." CAPITAL ISSUES: 1. Residential Traffic Calming: With comments on "Traffic Calming", Commissioner Miller stated, "I feel very strongly that we need to put this in our Budget and get some of these done. We have been talking about it for four (4) or five (5) years now." Tape I/Side B Commissioner Miller added, "I think we need to discuss putting it into a Capital Budget Item that gets done - on some organized manner, in the next two (2) years, or three (3) years at the most. Both Murphy [Road] and Edgemon [Avenue] are going to have problems with Seminole Boulevard which is going to become a four (4) lane road when the County eventually four (4) lanes that road." Furthermore, Commissioner Miller stated, "When that is four (4) laned, there will be five (5), six (6) times more cars going down those roads than there are right now. So, if we are going to do it, now is the time to do it - people would use those as cut-throughs to get where they want to go." Commissioner Miller noted, "I would like to see us include that as a Budget Item that would be put into a potential Bond issue." Additionally, Commissioner Miller stated, I would like to see "Traffic Calming" for those roads and other roads that you all may come up with, put into an issue for a Bond that we would go out for next year." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15,2005 PAGE 4 OF 13 Further discussion on "Traffic Calming" to which Commissioner Gilmore added, "We should probably add Shetland [Avenue] to this one." Commissioner Miller asked the City Manager to "Address the possibility of doing any of these traffic calming requirements in the next two (2) years using gasoline tax." 2. Community/Civic Center: On the issue of a "Civic Center", Commissioner Miller commented, "I think it is one of those issues that we seriously need to think about putting in for a Bond and putting it on our Budget for the next three (3) to four (4) years." Commissioner Gilmore suggested, "If we build it, we need adequate parking also." Discussion ensued regarding Manager McLemore taking Commissioner Joanne M. Krebs and Commissioner Gilmore on a tour of the Longwood Community Center. Mayor Bush said to Manager McLemore, "So this is something that could come before the Commission at the Budget Workshop?" Manager McLemore responded, "Oh, yes. Everything you talked about is going to be there." 3. Splash Pads: Commissioner Miller commented on "Splash Pads" and stated, "I think we should build 'Splash Pads' as soon as we can in the Parks I have identified; which would be Trotwood, Central Winds, Moss, Magnolia." Discussion. Furthermore, Commissioner Miller stated, "The Staff is going to have to come back, if we agree that we want to look into this in more detail tonight. Staff is going to have to work the problem, come back and tell us, 'This is probably what about it would cost' and maybe we can address it in a Bond next year, or maybe not." Mayor Bush said, "The Commission has already asked of the Parks and Recreation Department to do just that." Mayor Bush then said, "The Commission has already addressed the Splash Pads and I think it will be presented to the Commission at the Workshop." 4. City Parking Garage: The Town Center and a Parking Garage was brought up next for discussion by Commissioner Miller. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15,2005 PAGE 5 OF 13 5. Torcaso Park Expansion: Discussion ensued regarding expanding Torcaso Park, which Commissioner Miller stated, "I feel very strongly that we need to have discussion soon about just converting that land to park land and developing - an additional expansion to Torcaso Park. And I wanted to get that on the Agenda tonight because if we are going to look for money to do this, I would like to get it done as soon as possible with regard to the Public Works facility. Because if that is out of here halfway through this next fiscal year, I would like to see - all that property razed and new ball fields put in there, basketball courts." Regarding the road behind the Fire Department, Commissioner Miller added, "It used to be used for all of our junk vehicles that were parked in there. We spent a lot of money on trying to take back that area of the City which has been the highest crime rate in Winter Springs now for many, many years; and I think if we convert that to park property, it will increase land values, it will make the people prouder that live in that area, and I think it will bring back that area of Winter Springs." Commissioner Miller noted, "I would like to see us - have a serious discussion about raising some funds for the conversion of that to "Park Area" next year." Commissioner McGinnis stated, "I would agree with that." Mayor Bush stated, "Mr. McLemore, is this something again the Commission will be looking at?" Manager McLemore stated, "On this particular issue..." Mayor Bush stated, "... On Torcaso Park Expansion." Discussion. Commissioner Gilmore stated, "Ron [McLemore], will you have somebody come back at the next Meeting with a plot plan that shows the property now there and what the City owns, and will be vacating and what will be available so that we can at least see this on a map?" Manager McLemore stated, "We will be more than happy to do that." Manager McLemore added, "The City Commission has not really developed a Consensus yet on whether to sell or keep; and it is a discussion you are going to have to get to. We are in the process of having that property appraised because the Corps of Engineers have changed the Wetland delineation lines on that - we are trying to understand what those new lines are. We need that in order to be able to tell you what the property is probably worth." Manager McLemore added, "It is coming." Mayor Bush stated, "So this will be - something the Commission will be looking at a future Meeting?" Manager McLemore stated, "Yes." Discussion ensued on the Town Center, growth, and revenues. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15, 2005 PAGE 6 OF 13 .:..:. AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC INPUT WAS AGAIN HANDLED, AS DOCUMENTED. .:..:. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Wes Rose, 955 Glen Abbey Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke on the community expanding and that residents shouldn't have to pay for a parking garage. Mayor Bush called a Recess at 6:35 p.m. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese arrived at 6:45 p.m. The Workshop reconvened at 6:55 p.m. Tape 2/Side A INFORMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 301. Office Of The City Manager Review Of Town Center. 1. 434 Access Plan: Manager McLemore introduced Mr. Walter Kulash. Mr. Walter M. Kulash, P.E., Glatting, Jackson, Kercher, Anglin, Lopez, Rinehart, 33 East Pine Street, Orlando, Florida: addressed issues related to State Road 434 with the City Commission. Discussion ensued on local access to the Post Office and City Hall. Commissioner McGinnis suggested that regarding additional signalization, "We will just have to - make a major effort to get information to the residents of the impact of this and how we arrived at this. I think that is very important." With further discussion, Commissioner Miller mentioned Engineers for the Record. Deputy Mayor Blake asked, "When will we have resolution on this issue?" Mr. Kulash stated, "At the technician level, I would say in two (2) to three (3) weeks we will have Consensus that there is no flaw in the process and this is what the results - everyone agrees that this is what the results are of the process." Deputy Mayor Blake then inquired ofMr. Kulash, "When are we going to get a 'Yes'?" Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15, 2005 PAGE 7 OF 13 2. Building Heights: Mr. Donald H. Lang, AlA, President, Lang Architectural Group, 398 West Camino Gardens Boulevard, Suite 108, Boca Raton, Florida: addressed the City Commission on a project "Adjacent to the City Hall here - it is on [State Road] 434 and Doran Drive." Mr. Lang noted, "It consists of 152 units. The site is configured with five (5) main buildings." Continuing, Mr. Lang stated, "The site is accessed on this back street through this main access point here. The main access of the building is derived on the street perpendicular to Doran Drive and this would be our community building. On each side of this building, we have two (2) four (4) story buildings and then we have two (2) three (3) story buildings on [State Road] 434 and one (1) adjacent to this property and we are introducing a six (6) story building up to the north side of the parcel. The site, basically the way these buildings work is each building will have a parking access point - this one is in the center and you have covered parking and elevators for our tenants. Some have side access points - but basically - every building will have covered parking. In addition to the covered parking, we are providing on-site parking and some additional site structures. Adjacent to the community building there is a pool facility and the site is abutting - what we think are future parks in here with big, broad sidewalks and parking, and each building is designed with a lobby point and access - pedestrian access to Doran Drive to promote connectivity to the street and for our tenants. The way the site is designed is we vary the building heights to achieve architectural diversity. We didn't need to introduce the six (6) story building which is slightly above what the Code permits, but what this does is allowed us to achieve different scale elements. The clubhouse is approximately two (2) stories, these go to four (4) story buildings. The three (3) stories are in the back, which we feel were appropriate, and then we did a six (6) story which we believe will be sensational with views to the lake." Mr. Lang continued, "This is a rendering of three (3) stories over the one (1) ground floor. The colors are in development, so these will not be our final colors, but we just did different colors to show you the different massing on the buildings. This is the rendition of a four (4) story over the ground level and this is the five (5) story which is the six (6) stories total - this is the building that we would need your support for in order to achieve additional height. What we are achieving is a variety of architecture - we're achieving the street scale - where all the buildings have access to the street, the sidewalks and we're trying to give you a better diversity through the architecture by varying the heights." Brief discussion followed on building heights. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15.2005 PAGE 8 OF 13 Deputy Mayor Blake asked, "Is this intended to be a controlled access development? Is there going to be a wall around it and gates?" Mr. Lang noted, "We feel that this site - we would have open gates during the day and then at night, we would be able to secure the site." Discussion. Tape 2/Side B Further discussion ensued on access points. Commissioner McGinnis stated, "I would not want to support another gated community." Discussion. Mr. Victor Dover, A.IC.P., Dover, Kohl & Partners, 1571 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables, Florida: spoke on gated communities. Mr. Lang noted, "What we are going to have are these key element features - now that is showing a fountain but that is going to be revised to a gate now." Furthermore, Mr. Lang explained, "There are actually twelve (12) of these features throughout - on the entire property." Additionally, Mr. Lang said, "So what you think as traditionally as walls and fences is actually just a series of gates and access points for the public. There are twelve (12) of them." Commissioner Miller suggested, "I think the key issue is if you make it look friendly to people walking through the neighborhood." Mr. Lang remarked, "What we'll do is bring in the gates and show them to you in more detail when we're back." Discussion. Deputy Mayor Blake mentioned new laser pointers were needed. Then, Deputy Mayor Blake commented on the map and noted, "When this comes back, I would like to see some real effort to make it inclusive." Deputy Mayor Blake added, "When it comes back, I would like to see whatever efforts are possible to make it feel more welcoming, to make it feel more a part of the Town Center as opposed to that chunk over there that nobody is allowed to go into, unless you have the key." With further discussion, Mr. Lang noted, "These areas would have benches and fountains and things that would entice people to want to be there - our residents and people that are around the Town Center." Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15,2005 PAGE 9 OF 13 Mayor Bush stated, "The recommendation is that the City - Commission look at amending the Code on building heights. My only question on building heights is, is it going to require more fire equipment?" Manager McLemore replied, "No." Further discussion. Mr. Dover stated, "We're going to confirm this in the Ordinance Commissioner, but the Ordinance if I'm remembering correctly defines a number beyond which is considered two (2) floors even ifit is a single one. We'll double check to make sure that is in there." Furthermore, with additional discussion, Mr. Dover remarked, "Since you're going to amend the Ordinance to make it consistent with the Comp [Comprehensive] Plan to change the number of stories that are described - that which we go through it and find that language and it's sufficient, we can put that in there as well. So, that way you don't have an inadvertent number of floors with mezzanines." Commissioner Gilmore noted, "I think floor restrictions should apply but I also think there should be a height restriction. " Tape 3/Side A 3. Villa Grande Drainage: Brief discussion. 4. Parking: Mr. Shane Doran, James Doran Company, 216 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 200, Charleston, South Carolina: briefly spoke to the City Commission on parking. Mr. Brian Fields, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Department introduced information related to parking options. Regarding shared parking and the "Engineering" of parking data and the proposed quantity of parking spaces, Commissioner Krebs said, "I would really like to see that data, just to read it." Manager McLemore said, "We'll share that information with you." With further comments, Commissioner Krebs added, "I would really like that information. " With discussion on lifestyle, storage options, and Town Center uses, Commissioner Krebs remarked, "I would still like to see the data; if I could have the data - where you got these numbers, then I could feel more comfortable." Commissioner McGinnis said, "I think we all should." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15, 2005 PAGE 10 OF 13 5. Parking Garages: Mr. Fields led the discussion on parking garage options. Discussion. Tape 3/Side B Further discussion. Regarding locations for additional parking, Commissioner Miller suggested, "I would like the Staff to come back with some information for us on the issue of Eminent Domain." Commissioner Miller added, "What alternate sites are there?" Discussion. Mayor Bush called a Recess at 9:40 p.m. The Workshop was called back to order at 9:58 p.m. Discussion. Deputy Mayor Blake returned to the Commission Chambers at 10:00 p.m. Attorney Garganese returned to the Commission Chambers at 10:00 p.m. .:. .:. AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED COLLECTIVELY. .:..:. 6. J.D. C. Development Agreement: 7. J.D. C. Development Program: 8. J.D. C. GAP Financing: Manager McLemore and Mr. Doran spoke for the record on upcoming plans and Development Agreements, to which Deputy Mayor Blake remarked, "I really don't like being pushed into a comer like this and you know that." Deputy Mayor Blake added, "What I would look for is - the most basic minimal Agreement as possible, with follow- on for any actual development to go through some subsequent Agreements that - do provide planning for the entire section of the phase. Do what we need to do - to get it closed, but understand that that is not the end of the road." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15,2005 PAGE 11 OF I3 Furthermore, Deputy Mayor Blake suggested, "I would advise getting all the absolute requirements to get those down as quickly as possibly Ron [McLemore] and then probably get with each one of us to make sure that there is time to address questions up front so that you can get back to Shane [Doran] and his people - Anthony [Garganese], I am talking to both of you, to get these issues hammered out so that in September when it does come before us that we will be able to act upon it." Manager McLemore noted, "It is probably going to be a very basic Agreement, like you are saying." Further discussion. 9. JDC Balconies: With discussion, Mr. Dover showed photographs of different styles of balconies. Tape 4/Side A During the discussion on balconies, Manager McLemore said to Mr. Dover, "You are acknowledging we can have a mixture of different types, different depths, and things like that." Mr. Dover stated, "Yes." Mr. Doran then noted, "I am not in any way proposing getting rid of something that protrudes at least six feet (6'), to shade the sidewalk. I agree with everything Victor [Dover] said about variety. I agree that ifthey're all inset, it will look like an egg crate." Further discussion. Mr. Dover remarked, "Balconies which are provided in lieu of a downstairs awning, marquee - or colonnade have to be six feet (6'). Balconies that are in addition to one of those other devices for shading the level below can be less." Mr. Doran stated, "If you clear that up, I'm done." Mr. Dover noted, "I think that's something - that one sentence - fix on the Code would fix it." With additional discussion on costs and styles of balconies, Commissioner Gilmore said to Mr. Doran, "You are not building steel-frame buildings?" Mr. Doran responded, "Not in this phase. No." Commissioner Gilmore then said to Mr. Doran, "And you are not putting in concrete, so is it realistic to say the balcony costs twenty thousand - [dollars] ($20,000.00) a piece?" Mr. Doran replied, "No - but it is not realistic to strap a slab to the side of a wood-framed building either." Commissioner Gilmore noted, "I would not strap a slab on there, but there is no reason why that balcony's floor cannot be built with a truss under it." Mr. Doran added, "Absolutely, it's done all the time." Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST 15,2005 PAGE 12 OF 13 Mr. Doran further spoke briefly for the Record on balconies. Commissioner Gilmore remarked, "In my opinion, a little diversity in these things may be good." Commissioner McGinnis added, "I think diversity is key here." Manager McLemore remarked, "We need to do a language fix." 9. J.D. C. 434 Access Plan: Brief discussion. 10. J.D. C. Fire Issues: Discussion. Mr. Doran said, "We need clarification from the Fire Department that if we sprinkle the building, we don't need it." Mr. Doran further explained, "What I can't get in writing yet, is that if I sprinkle both structures - then I don't need a fire access road." Manager McLemore said, "He has to demonstrate an access point for that building, and that can only come either on a road built back there or on the Trail itself." With further discussion, Manager McLemore noted, "I think we need to get to the County right away with an Amendment to the Interlocal Amendment." Discussion. Tape 4/Side B Further discussion. Deputy Mayor Blake pointed out, "I am trying to find something that we can create that will allow Mr. Doran to deliver to his lenders what needs to be done to give him some surety that - this government owned property right here, at least according to us, is available in the event of an emergency and that we have intent to use it if we need to, to provide public safety." Attorney Garganese stated, "I can probably get with Tim (Lallathin, Fire Chief] and maybe - from a fire protection standpoint, maybe the Commission establishes some policy by Resolution that meets with his operational needs." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - AUGUST IS, 2005 PAGE 13 OF 13 Furthermore, Deputy Mayor Blake added, "What I am trying to do is to provide something in as short order as possible, and something that we have the power to do is to provide Shane [Doran] with actual documentation that helps him get to where he needs to be now." Furthermore, Deputy Mayor Blake suggested ifthere is time and "If all it takes is approval by OGT [Office of Greenways & Trails], I think I can get that done," Manager McLemore then said, "I would be perfectly willing to have a meeting with the three of us tomorrow, with the Fire Chief." 11. J.D. C. Expedited Agreement: Manager McLemore introduced this topic and said, "Weare certainly willing to do our part. The way to get things expedited is don't do things that violate the Code; require you to go get Variances; and when a set of plans comes in the door, they need to be clean." Regarding the review of documents, Deputy Mayor Blake said, "I think the Commission, if the Mayor would ask them, would probably commit to meeting - extra Special Meetings, whatever, in order to accommodate something better than a two (2) week, or three (3) week cycle of our Meetings, in order to answer questions or respond to issues as wel1." Mayor Bush said, "Commissioners, are you in agreement with that." Commissioner McGinnis said, "Absolutely." There were no objections noted. Mr. Doran said, "Thank you for that." 12. Magnolia Park: Discussion. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Workshop at 11 :26 p.m. RESPECTFrJLLY SUBMITTED: \ ) . 1.\ \ . .=--~ '0,~- AND ,A LORENZO-LUACES, CMC CITjI CLERt.T( I I I