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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2009 11 10 Joint Workshop-Oviedo City Council Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Joint Workshop of Tuesday, November 10, 2009 of the City Commission with the City of Oviedo City Council was called to Order by Mayor John F. Bush at 6:05 p.m. in the Lobby of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Mayor John F. Bush, present Deputy Mayor Joanne M. Krebs, present Commissioner Jean Hovey, present Commissioner Rick Brown, present Commissioner Gary Bonner, present Commissioner Sally McGinnis, present City Manager Kevin L. Smith, present City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, absent City of Oviedo: Mayor Mary Lou Andrews, present Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere, present Councilman Keith Britton, present Councilman Steve Henken, present Councilman Stephen Schenk, absent City Manager Richard Gestrich, present Assistant City Manager Robert "Bob" Bentkofsky, present PUBLIC INPUT No one spoke. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 2 OF 10 INFORMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 100. Community Development Department Urban Beautification Services Division Submitting A Presentation From Mr. Steve Richart, Urban Beautification Services Division Manager On The City Of Winter Springs' Urban Beautification Efforts. Mr. Steve Richart, Urban Beautification Services Division, Community Development Department introduced himself Continuing, Mr. Richart gave a presentation on urban beautification efforts by the City of Winter Springs and noted, "There are three (3) employees that serve the entire City in beautification and it's a Contract -based program. All of our repetitive maintenance for the grounds, irrigation, chemical is all contracted." Mr. Richart commented on Assessment Districts; Funding and Grants; partnerships; and Neighborhood improvement programs. Additionally, Mr. Richart explained, "Outsourcing of the maintenance it saves our taxpayers a lot of money. We save up to fifty percent (50 on our grounds care by outsourcing as compared to having in -house staff for this type of work." Maintenance of sports fields was addressed next. Mr. Richart added, "We've achieved a twenty -five percent (25 savings of purchasing of materials plant materials, parts, irrigation supplies." Maintenance of Contracts was then discussed, to which Mr. Richart pointed out that Contracts need to be managed aggressively. Mr. Richart then explained, "We generally do an annual Contract for one (1) year and then we have up to two (2) year renewables." Street lighting; standards; and owning versus leasing streetlights were then brought up. Discussion followed on water conservation; upgraded turf; efforts in reducing turf on medians to better deal with changing water restrictions; and that native plants are being used as much as possible. Continuing, street lights; and costs associated with our Assessment Districts were the next topics addressed. Discussion. Decorative street signage, protecting residents from unlicensed Contractors; Awards; outreach programs; and using a water truck to water 2100 trees was then discussed. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 3 OF 10 Grant writing was mentioned next, and Mr. Richart noted, "There is still Grant money with the State DOT (Department of Transportation) has some Grant money that I think is coming up for Highway beautification." Oviedo City Manager Richard Gestrich added, "Spring 2010." Oviedo Councilman Keith Britton asked if the 2100 trees are tracked. Brief comments. Tape 1 /Side B Components of Assessment Districts were then reviewed. Regarding beautification, Oviedo Councilman Britton stated, "Since you contract out most of your work, maybe there is an opportunity if we want to enter into some Agreement or do some of that type of work, that we could maybe piggyback off of one of your Contracts? Is that something that is feasible Mr. Richart stated, "I would be happy to help with your bidding process we'd be glad to share what knowledge we have." Oviedo Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere added, "It would be great the economies of scale bidding them together." Oviedo Mayor Mary Lou Andrews agreed. Deputy Mayor Joanne M. Krebs remarked, "We have had a few of these Meetings and I am ready to sit down and really talk." Discussion followed on the companies that Winter Springs uses, and whether they could take on another City, to which Mr. Richart noted, "If we were to combine some of our purchasing power, I think you could save a lot of money. The key thought the key to all this is your Manager. You've got to have somebody that is aggressive to manage these Contracts." Oviedo Councilman Steve Henken offered to share their Landscape Ordinance information with Winter Springs. Mayor Bush added, "I think it is time we really start to do something and so I am going to kind of ask our Managers I know they have been talking to each other where can we start and really have a partnership that is going to save us both money. So, the ball is in your court, Managers." AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REGULAR AGENDA ITEM WAS HEARD NEXT. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 10 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Office Of The City Manager Requesting The City Of Oviedo And The City Of Winter Springs Discuss General Items Of Interest Including Possible Joint Lobbying Efforts. Lobbying: Oviedo Councilman Britton asked if the City of Winter Springs had received ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) Funding and said that that was one of the benefits they received through their Lobbyist. Discussion followed on the merits of Lobbyists and the connections they have. Oviedo Councilman Henken mentioned that "I think in four (4) years we've spent about two hundred and forty thousand [dollars] ($240,000.00) and we could account for two and half million [dollars] ($2,500,000.00) back already and we might like Richard (Gestrich) was just saying, we might be getting about twenty million [dollars] ($20,000,000.00) from this new Highway Bill to do (State Road) 426." With continued discussion, Oviedo Councilman Henken added, "It's the firm you pick don't just settle for someone coming in and saying I'm plugged in." Oviedo City Manager Gestrich commented, "One of the questions we asked when we recently had some candidate Lobbyists before us was how many cities are they representing for example, and are they Florida experts versus Arizona experts, and so on and so forth." Discussion. Oviedo Councilman Britton inquired how the City of Winter Springs received their stimulus money? City Manager Kevin L. Smith commented that the City's Public Works Department handled that. Mayor Bush added that the projects were "shovel ready". Furthermore, Oviedo Councilman Henken suggested that using their Lobbyists to represent their City and our City would be very beneficial and suggested that the City of Winter Springs consider interviewing their Lobbyists. Commissioner Gary Bonner asked the Oviedo Officials how they defined their goals for Lobbyists? Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere explained, "Our whole impetus for getting Federal Lobbyists was the (State Roads) 419/426 project. Now, that is a seventy to eighty million dollar ($70,000,000.00 $80,000,000.00) project that is going to require Federal Funding." Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere then remarked, "Our State Lobbyists have been helpful in getting us some Grants for some sewer line extensions." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 5 OF 10 Oviedo Councilman Henken suggested that the Commission visit the Lobbyists' offices once or twice a year; and Deputy Mayor Persampiere mentioned, "Even on our Reclaimed Water Gary (Bonner), there is a tactic they are taking with us going for some Travel Grant Funding." Discussion followed on what Oviedo pays their Lobbyists and Oviedo City Manager Gestrich noted, "Federal Lobbyist, we pay sixty thousand dollars ($60,000.00) a year; State Lobbyist, we pay forty -three thousand dollars ($43,000.00) a year." Oviedo City Manager Gestrich noted that he had advised Mayor Bush and Manager Smith that he had spoken with their Lobbyist about a possible joint representation. Regarding a possible joint project that both cities could be represented on, Mayor Bush suggested SeminoleWAY. Commissioner Bonner and Commissioner Sally McGinnis agreed with this recommendation. Oviedo Councilman Henken suggested that Winter Springs' Mayor, City Commission, and City Manager visit their Lobbyists in person. The City of Windemere was also noted as using the same Lobbyist as Oviedo. Negative press was then brought up and Commissioner Rick Brown suggested, "I think you have to get a lot better at promoting the positive aspects of it." With further comments, Oviedo Councilman Henken pointed out that it is much better if the entire Mayor and City Commission and City Manager visit Lobbyists and Senators /Representatives together. Mayor Bush then said to Oviedo City Manager Gestrich and Manager Smith, "Do you see this as being a problem between the two (2) cities in any way Deputy Mayor Persampiere added, "We have got to erase that line a little more." Economic Development: Oviedo City Manager Gestrich began this discussion and stated, "We just hired, and we kept you in mind we interviewed five (5) firms for an Economic Development Consultant. Of those five (5) firms, each one of them we talked to about the potential for a joint effort, and each one of them was in agreement that they would be willing to do that, cooperate with Winter Springs. We narrowed it down to three (3) and Land Design Innovations, (Inc.) was the firm that we picked and we have since contracted with Land Design Innovations, (Inc.). We have a one (1) year Contract with them; with two (2), one (1) year extensions." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 6 OF 10 Additionally, Oviedo City Manager Gestrich mentioned, "They are going to produce a target -site brochure for us, business welcoming packages, and a business recruitment website as well; and the other thing that they are going to do for us is a business retention program for the existing businesses." Tape 2 /Side A Discussion ensued on both cities working together; that Oviedo was working on a branding statement for their City; improving the focus of an Economic Development Committee; retail development; and a business survey to Oviedo's current businesses. Oviedo Mayor Andrews added that regarding John M. Jones, AICP of Land Design Innovations, Inc., "He also has that vision, as far as Seminole County is concerned, so he is not limited to just Oviedo in his focus." Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere added, "He's thinking regionally. John (Jones) is not thinking everything has to land in the City of Oviedo. John (Jones) is thinking as you said Mr. Mayor (Bush), SeminoleWAY." The CoStar (Group, Inc.) real estate system was discussed next. Partnering with the City of Oviedo and Land Design Innovations, Inc., and Economic Development Committees were then addressed. Commissioner McGinnis commented about the City of Winter Springs' former Commerce and Industry Development Board. Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere recommended that if Winter Springs decides to form an Economic Development Committee, that Winter Springs consider Appointing residents who have a global vision. Discussion on the selection process followed, and Mayor Bush suggested that Mr. John Jones be involved in the Committee process and suggesting Appointment related criteria. Deputy Mayor Krebs and Commissioner Jean Hovey agreed. Mayor Bush asked Manager Smith if Winter Springs could piggyback on Oviedo's Contract; to which Manager Smith said, "We could." The possibility of forming a joint Economic Development Committee was further addressed and Oviedo Mayor Andrews noted, "Once you hit that 50,000 mark of residents, if it was a joint effort between the two (2) cities, you'd have a lot more Grant opportunities." The cost of Oviedo's Contract was noted by Oviedo City Manager Gestrich as "Not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) a year." Manager Smith commented, "I have been anxious to move forward on this; it is near the top of the list; but I didn't want to do anything until we had this conversation." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 7 OF 10 Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere asked, "Would the Commission's have any problems forming a joint EDC (Economic Development [Committee]) Committee amongst our residents Deputy Mayor Krebs stated, "Never." Commissioner McGinnis remarked, "No, I think that is great." Furthermore, Oviedo Councilman Henken said, "Let's get something going that's a big one have a joint EDC (Economic Development Committee). That sends out a great vibe." Discussion followed on Oviedo and Winter Springs, the (State Road) 417 Corridor, that the Oviedo Marketplace also serves Winter Springs' residents, a possible Conference Center, and a hospital. Mayor Bush added, "I think too, by the two (2) cities working together it gives us a lot more clout with the County government." Brief discussion followed on meeting with State Legislators. Health Clinic: Discussion followed on Oviedo's new Health Clinic. Oviedo City Manager Gestrich explained, "We were facing twelve percent (12 increases in health insurance costs on an annual basis." Furthermore, Oviedo City Manager Gestrich added, "We're anticipating to start at sixteen (16) hours a week; and so if we can get a partner the more partners the better for us; the more volume associated with it of course, that increases our hours, then it enhances the operations." Commissioner McGinnis asked about the provider and how profitable they were. Oviedo City Manager Gestrich then pointed out, "We anticipate we will lose money in the first two (2) years. But, there are a couple of different models that we looked at. There was a lot of debate over the two (2) models. Over a five (5) year period, the conservative model is that we'll end up about four hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($470,000.00) in the black; the more liberal model is we're going to end up a million dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the black." Discussion followed on patient records being confidential, a similar Health Clinic in Ocoee, scheduling, and the possibility of adding on additional services. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 8 OF 10 AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REPORTS WERE DISCUSSED NEXT, IN THE ORDER DOCUMENTED. REPORTS REPORTS 401. City Of Winter Springs Commissioner Bonner asked if Oviedo had specific plans for their part of State Road 434 and State Road 417, and suggested, "Going back to the conversation about some joint efforts, if we are headed in that direction, that is a terrific place to jointly work on something." Discussion followed on SeminoleWAY and Commissioner Brown suggested, "It could be a great first part for our EDC (Economic Development Committee)." Mayor Bush added, "I just really see a great advantage in the two (2) cities working together; and with Economic Development, you are ahead of us I think there is no question about that. We just need to work to catch up. So, I think we will probably be discussing this at our next Meeting." Commissioner McGinnis asked, "Can we put this on our next Agenda then Manager Smith stated, "I would like to speak to John (M. Jones) first if that is okay Commissioner Brown noted, "Maybe we can give you the empowerment to go do what you need to do." Oviedo Councilman Britton remarked, "On that intersection, a key component of our Transportation Element of the Comp[rehensive] Plan is the eventual widening of [State Road] 434 down there whatever goes in there, if we could develop that project." Discussion. Tape 2 /Side B REPORTS 400. City Of Oviedo Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere brought up the topic of Events and possibly holding joint Events with both cities. Discussion followed that the Oviedo Marketplace had previously hosted a regional Holiday Parade. Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere noted that Oviedo Marketplace was interested in hosting future Holiday Parades and 4 of July Events. Commissioner McGinnis mentioned that "We have to be very sensitive each community has their own identity." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 9 OF 10 Further discussion ensued on erasing lines, governments having limited resources, that some residents were upset when neighborhood events were moved, and that some Events are specific to just Oviedo or just Winter Springs. With additional comments on the Oviedo Marketplace, Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere stated, "The mall is required by its DRI (Developments of Regional Impact) to put on community Events." Discussion followed on upcoming Events. Commissioner Bonner then suggested, "There is probably an opportunity to create something new." Next, Commissioner Brown stated, "As we move forward in this whole process, I am for one, am open to putting everything on the table." Deputy Mayor Krebs stated, "Yes and even creating a new Oviedo /Winter Springs Event." Commissioner Brown added, "I would like to see everything on the table for us to talk about how we can continue to bring our organizations together." Oviedo Councilman Henken remarked, "We really have got to come away with a little partnership and things like that and not just keep meeting." Discussion. Oviedo Mayor Andrews commented next on Amendment 4 and civics issues and suggested a Joint Workshop be held for both cities on these topics. Mayor Bush thought this would be a good idea and also noted his interest in seeing what Winter Springs can do to also help out the Oviedo Marketplace. Summarizing the evening's discussion, Mayor Bush remarked, "I think we are all on board with the Economic Development I think our Commission wants to move forward with this; I think Kevin (Smith) is smart and he picks up on this kind of stuff. And, I think blurring of the line is a good idea." Mayor Bush then suggested possibly using the term "Twin Cities" for both Oviedo and Winter Springs. Furthermore, Mayor Bush stated, "I think our Commission is still interested in the Lobbyist angle. I am sure we will follow up on that as well." Additionally, Mayor Bush remarked, "I think your idea on the joint Events is a good one." Mayor Bush added, "And Gary's (Bonner) point about a new Event..." Commissioner Bonner commented, "...A new "Twin Cities" Event." Oviedo Mayor Andrews suggested, "Jetta Park." Continuing, Mayor Bush said, "Why don't we give our Manager time to kind of get our stuff together and when we are ready, it will be your turn." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP WITH THE CITY OF OVIEDO CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2009 PAGE 10 OF 10 As to when both cities might meet next, Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere recommended, "Ninety (90 days)." Deputy Mayor Krebs remarked, "I would too and I think we need to start trying to do it at least at that time." Mayor Bush said to Oviedo Mayor Andrews, "Why don't you plan the next Meeting, let us know when it is." Oviedo Mayor Andrews responded, "Very good." Oviedo Deputy Mayor Persampiere suggested, "Sometime in January, right after the holidays." Lastly, Oviedo Mayor Andrews asked, "Can I schedule a Civic seminar joint cities." Commissioner Brown said, "Why not." Commissioner McGinnis recommended, "I think we need to really move on that." No objections were voiced. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Joint Workshop with the City of Oviedo at 8:13 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: AN RA LORENZO LUACES, MMC C Y CLERK APPROVED: c n 7) 6-4 MA9CIR JOHN F. BUSH NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the November 23, 2009 Regular City Commission Meeting.