HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 07 08 Consent 309 - Unapproved Minuted from Monday, May 20, 2019 City Commission Special Meeting CITY COMMISSION
Incorporated SPECIAL MEETING
1959
MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 209 2019 AT 6:30 PM
CITY HALL- COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting of Monday, May 20, 2019 of the City Commission was called to
Order by Deputy Mayor Kevin Cannon at 6:45 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of
the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs,
Florida 32708).
Roll Call:
Mayor Charles Lacey, absent
Deputy Mayor Kevin Cannon, present
Commissioner Jean Hovey, present
Commissioner Ted Johnson, present
Commissioner TiAnna Hale, present
Commissioner Geoff Kendrick, present
Interim City Manager Shawn Boyle, present
City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, present
City Clerk Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces, present
A moment of silence was held, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
In terms of the Agenda, Deputy Mayor Cannon said that per the City Manager and
City Attorney, Regular Agenda Item "500" would not be discussed.
Commissioner Geoff Kendrickstated, "No problem." Commissioner TiAnna Hale said,
"No objection." Deputy Mayor Cannon summarized that there were, "No objections
from anyone."
PUBLIC INPUT
Deputy Mayor Cannon opened "Public Input".
Mr. Jeff Crandall, 7239 Stone Harbour Road, Winter Springs, Florida: mentioned that
the Parkstone community bordered some C-2 zoned property as well as the
Seminole County Transportation Depot, and as there had been some recent tree
trimming along the Parkstone border, Mr. Crandall noted concerns from some of the
residents. Mr. Crandall then suggested that for future compatibility discussions,
could the City consider such Land Use issues and buffers; and also asked if the City
could do something to assist with some of the bussing concerns.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Deputy Mayor Cannon noted that he had received an email on this matter and would
forward it on; then asked Mr. Crandall to speak with Captain Matt Tracht, Support
Services Bureau, Police Department, as perhaps Captain Tracht could speak with
some of the residents whose properties back up to the Seminole County
Transportation Depot to see if issues could be resolved.
Deputy Mayor Cannon closed "Public Input".
REGULAR AGENDA
500. Utilities Operations, Maintenance, and Management Services Agreement
with Veolia Water North America - South, LLC
As noted earlier, this Agenda Item was not discussed during this meeting.
501. Round-Table Visioning Session with City Residents
This Visioning Session was held to hear feedbackfrom residents regarding their likes
and dislikes as the City moves forward with other Visioning efforts.
Seventeen (17) residents took part in this discussion and included: Ms. Vicki
Anderson-Ferri n, Mr. Patrick Beers, Mr. Matt Benton, Ms. Cindy Campbell, Ms. Susie
Coffman, Mr. James Evans, Mr. Ken Greenberg, Mr. Bob Henderson, Mr. Richard
Jerman, Ms. Joanne Krebs, Mr. Kevin McCann, Mr. Bob Miller, Mr. James Rodic, Mr.
Christian Sarno, Ms. Gina Shafer, Mr. Ken Spalthoff, and Ms. Laura Leigh-Wood.
Deputy Mayor Cannon reviewed procedural guidelines for this Visioning Session.
Interim City Manager Shawn Boyle and City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese
addressed the Elements of the Comprehensive Plan which was in the process of
being reviewed.
Further remarks.
Deputy Mayor Cannon then asked the residents around the roundtable to briefly
share their highest priority issues.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Mr. Robert Miller. noted he had lived in the City for thirty (30) years on the west side
of Winter Springs,served as a Winter Springs Commissioner for twelve (12) years, and
thought the City should strive to look like the best cities in Seminole County and
adopt the best standards we can.
Ms. Vicki Anderson-Ferrin: as a resident of the Tuscawilla community, said that she
had run for a Winter Springs Commission Seat and while speaking with residents,
many said they wanted to be able to live and work in the City so bringing in
businesses to the City would be helpful, and for families - more events, parks, and
restaurants (not fast food). Ms. Anderson-Ferrin also thought the effects of
greenspaces and setbacks should be considered.
Mr. Christian Sarno: as a resident of Winter Springs Village for six (6) years, he moved
here for lighter traffic, because Winter Springs was touted as being an affluent
suburb, and he thought responsible growth as well as infrastructure was important.
Mr. Ken Greenberg: mentioned he had been a Winter Springs Commissioner, was
the President of a local Association, and during his recent campaigning, residents
advised him of their interest in a local hotel and meeting space. Mr. Greenberg then
pointed out that Red Bug Lake Road and portions of State Road 434 were actually in
Seminole County, said he was concerned with the high rates for businesses, the lack
of visibility at the Winter Springs Town Center, and the current tax base of
approximately ninety-one percent (91%) residential.
Mr. Patrick Beers: as the newly elected Commander of the Winter Springs' VFW
(Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States) 5405, Mr. Beers said he would bring
ideas from Veterans, commented that they would like to be more involved, and
referencing the apartments in town, Mr. Beers hoped that in the future, apartments
would not be on the main thoroughfare.
Commissioner Jean Hovey.• deferred her time to others.
Mr. Kevin McCann: noted that he was the President of the Tuscawilla Homeowners
Association (THOA), agreed with Ms.Anderson-Ferrin that setbacks and greenspaces
should be prioritized, would like more emphasis placed on the west side of the City,
perhaps through the City's Comprehensive Plan; and in consideration of this
document, pointed out that the Winter Springs Town Center looks different,
especially in light of the apartments.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Mr. James Evans: commented that he was a Realtor, has been a resident for thirty
(30) years, that schools were a big priority to him and hoped this would be a priority
for the City; spoke of his concern with infrastructure and water quality and inquired
how they play into a ten (10) year plan; and as a resident of the west side, Mr. Evans
thought that a unified building aesthetic was needed and referenced uniformity in
the City of Oviedo.
Commissioner TiAnna Hale: thanked everyone for participating, agreed that
redevelopment was needed on the west side of town, was concerned with the
ninety-one percent (91%) of taxpayers, hoped that the area near U.S. Highway 17/92
could be rounded out so that the City could possibly annex some of that area, and
was supportive of community involvement.
Mr. Bob Henderson: remarked that he also was a thirty (30) year resident, hoped that
in twenty (20) years, we would not have a ninety-one percent (91%) residential tax
base, thought that the City needed to develop the State Road 417 corridor, and Town
Center Zoning needed to be changed. Mr. Henderson added that he agreed with Mr.
McCann in that the Comprehensive Plan had not been followed and suggested that
the City follow it going forward.
Ms. Cindy Campbell: liked greenspaces, hoped Winter Springs would have more
development like the Cityof Lake Mary,suggested a Farmer's Marketwould be a nice
addition, and was supportive of responsible growth.
Ms. Joanne M. Krebs: noted she was a former City Commissioner, had served on
other committees, referenced the City's Strategic Plan which she had distributed
with information from previous Visioning Sessions, hoped to see the GreeneWay
Interchange District built out, and favored low taxes.
Deputy Mayor Cannon commented briefly on the GreeneWay Interchange District
(G I D).
Mr. James Rodic: was a resident of the Winding Hollow community and he spoke of
wanting the City to prosper, however he did not want to lose the trees along State
Road 434. Mr. Rodic added that he thought that a hotel was a good idea, especially
as there were a lot of tournaments held in the area.
Mr. Richard Jerman: pointed out that he lived in the Tuscawilla community,
acknowledged that everyone here wanted responsible growth and development,
and thought that while the Comprehensive Plan was reviewed, what remained in
the City should be carefully considered, so that the best development plans were
considered, especially keeping in mind, the area west along State Road 434.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Ms. Laura-Leigh Wood: remarked that she had served on the Code Enforcement
Board, loves the City, wanted to be able to see eagles, and as a Realtor, some clients
have said they do not want more apartments, and for older clients, they would like
luxury 55+ condominiums, as well as more restaurants/businesses.
Commissioner Ted Johnson: thanked everyone for attending and thought these
processes were going forward on the right track.
Commissioner Geoff Kendrick.• echoed what Commissioner Johnson said, also
thanked everyone for attending, and encouraged everybodyto thinkoutside the box.
Ms. Susie Coffman: said that she loves Winter Springs and had been a resident for
more than thirty (30) years, residing on the west side of the City, has been unhappy
with the situation regarding the former Winter Springs Golf Course property and
non-development, and was generally concerned with schools.
Ms. Gina Shafer. spoke of first being a resident of the Avery Park community and the
original vision, thought that infrastructure, parks, greenspaces were the basics and
were very necessary, and mentioned that she felt a well-planned City does not need
many exceptions.
Mr. Ken Spalthoff thought that everyone was saying the same thing -water quality,
traffic, schools, family activities/events, land preservation, greenspaces, best
standards for aesthetics throughout the entire City, and everyone just needed to
decide on the right balance.
Mr. Matt Benton: as a resident of the west side of Winter Springs for twenty-six (26)
years, he moved here to be close to the big city for the benefits, but not to deal with
big city problems; however, since moving here, he has not appreciated the loss of
greenspace, increased traffic, impact from the school district, especially bussing of
schoolchildren to other areas, and mentioned that the benefits from new
developments/businesses on local residents should be greater than what might be
lost as a result of any new developments/businesses.
Deputy Mayor Cannon: referenced the City's Comprehensive Plan and Economic
studies to promote the Town Center and the GreeneWay Interchange District (GID),
which he said had not been followed; and had found out that the most common
profession in the City according to Business Tax Receipts was "Handyman". Deputy
Mayor Cannon thought that a vision for a City needed to have quality employment
opportunities as well as quality employers for the residents.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Interim Manager Boyle: summarized that the most comments related to
"Greenspace - I'm assuming that means parks; hotels; many people were concerned
about the balance between the tax base ninety/ten (90/10), being
residential/commercial; and the quality of new businesses coming in - that may be
a quality of life issue for most of the residents." Interim Manager Boyle added,
"Infrastructure, from what I heard focused on quality of water." Deputy Mayor
Cannon specified, "Water and sewer."
Deputy Mayor Cannon referenced what Mr. Richard Jerman had brought up, the
issue of what was the existing land that is new/developable land - and by and large,
most all of that is commercial. It is along [State Road] 434. And, what dovetails with
that I think rather nicely is the ninety/ninety-one percent (90/91%) tax base of being
residential and only about nine percent, (9%) commercial. And, so as many people
said around the table here,we do need to increase our commercial tax base, because
that takes some of the burden off of us as residential taxpayers."
Regarding this matter, remarks followed on the need for commercial development,
that traffic counts are involved to determine the viability of potential new projects,
the importance of developing the State Road 417 Corridor/GreeneWay Improvement
District (GID), some of the factors related to the success of the City of Lake Mary, how
the GreeneWay Improvement District (GID) was an important long-term commercial
enhancement for Winter Springs, the need to bring in high quality type employers,
the merits of Winter Springs, and that there is not a lot of land left in the City that can
be developed.
Continuing this discussion, it was pointed out that the tax base has actually not
improved as it had been previously noted. At one point it was an eighty-eight/twelve
percent (88/12%) split. Remarks followed on how desirable it would be for Winter
Springs to be styled as a live-work-play community, that during the Visioning
Sessions held ten (10) years ago, greenspace and parks were very important then,
and going forward, we should consider the property near State Road 417 that has
been known as "Jetta Point", as such property could possibly house a hotel at that
location.
Further comments ensued on the former Winter Springs Golf Course property and
some efforts to develop it which did not work out due to Zoning and the perception
of dealing with the City, the importance and benefits of trees and greenspaces, how
the City should look into incentivizing offices and other projects at State Road 417,
that jobs drive more restaurants, the need for hotel(s) in Winter Springs and/or
Oviedo, Airbnb's and related legislation, that people drive commercial (although
apartments were not preferred), that Moratoriums damage perceptions of the City,
and how apartments impact schools.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Fiscal aspects and tax bases were addressed next by Interim Manager Boyle.
Next, residents spoke of branding, Lake Jesup as a border, restaurants, landowners,
taking nearby residents into consideration should the "Jetta Point" property be
seriously considered for development, and some residents had noted their possible
support for a boutique hotel on the "Jetta Point" property.
Deputy Mayor Cannon then turned the discussion to the next priority, Parks and
Greenspace and pointed out that Staff was working on updating the Arbor
Ordinance, the need for greenspace, and setbacks and signage concerns.
Remarks followed on the importance of greenspace, investing in one's City, that
many of the highest rated cities often have enhanced greenspaces, the importance
of having a vision, the vision of a previous Commission who purchased the land
which then became Central Winds Park, past Commissioner Robert S. Miller's
recommendation that the City buy the former Winter Springs Golf Course property,
and his suggestion that the City purchase the land west of the City's Dog Parkwhich
could be used to expand Central Winds Park.
Further discussion on the subject of parks and greenspaces focused on Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at all City parks, possibly turning a
conservation area near Blumberg Boulevard into a small playground, houses
wrapped around trees, that Winter Springs had been designated as a highly ranked
place to live, the price of purchasing the former Winter Springs Golf Course property
and how much of the land was developable, and possibly creating parks or
restaurants on and/or near Lake Jesup.
Mr. Kevin McCann: had some photographs displayed which showed different
choices of buffers the City of Lake Mary requires be installed in front of businesses
along Lake Mary Boulevard and which greatly enhanced this major thoroughfare.
Mr. McCann thought something similar could be done here, including along our
trails.
Comments followed on the need for greenspaces, people moving to Winter Springs,
the status of schools in the City, possibly earmarking some land for new greenspace,
providing more family related activities, not missing possible new opportunities,that
businesses near Tuskawilla Road and Red Bug Lake Road were in Seminole County,
bringing in new businesses, looking into a possible boardwalk, restaurant(s), or other
features along Lake Jesup, developing the Solary Canal propertywhich has large oak
trees and which would be a great new greenspace, and/or that the spray fields
behind Winding Hollow could also be developed.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
Discussion ensued on a potential boardwalk extension on the property north of the
City's Dog Park, and possibly other property in that area, green initiatives to include
community farming which is a relatively new concept, building a boat ramp(s) along
Lake Jesup, and communicating with residents more when trees are taken down by
other landowners.
Deputy Mayor Cannon opened "Public Input".
Ms. Loretta (Dolly) Ames, 750 3rd Street, Winter Springs, Florida: thought the City
needed more businesses like the Perkins restaurant which was a family friendly and
busy restaurant.
"Public Input" closed.
An events center for the City of Winter Springs was suggested next, similar to the
successful Lake Mary Events Center, land in Winter Springs that was purchased for
the Trail connection, and there were plans that could possibly include a venue for
events, which was needed.
Comments continued with a suggestion that civic organizations in the City could be
highlighted to show more of a sense of community; and regarding potential
redevelopment, it was recommended that the City could look into a warehouse
complex situated on De Leon Street; as well as a shopping center on the west side of
town.
Brief remarks followed on the current time and possibly extending the meeting.
MOTION TO EXTEND. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HOVEY. DEPUTY MAYOR
CANNON SUGGESTED UNTIL 9:00 P.M. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
JOHNSON. DISCUSSION.
VOTE:
COMMISSIONER KENDRICK: AYE
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON: AYE
DEPUTY MAYOR CANNON: AYE
COMMISSIONER HOVEY: AYE
COMMISSIONER HALE: AYE
MOTION CARRIED.
MONDAYCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I
The next topic of discussion was Infrastructure, specificaIlywater and sewer.
Deputy Mayor Cannon began the discussion by addressing water odor, taste,the use
of water filters by residents, and acknowledged there was a cost to any possible
improvements. Deputy Mayor Cannon then asked for a show of hands of those
around the table that use filters or bottled water, and almost everyone raised their
hand.
Continuing, penny tax increases and Bond issues were mentioned, that a related
question could be included on the City's upcoming survey, and that any potential
Bond issue would need significant education outreach by the City.
Further remarks focused on costs for professionals to assist the City regarding aging
infrastructure, that this was a concern to the legislature also, reverse osmosis, what
costs would be involved for possible changes, lift stations performance and
maintenance, surface water, fertilizer run-off, stormwater, providing more education
for residents, Solary Canal, highlighting some of the proactive efforts the City does,
native plants, crabgrass, efforts that Seminole County has been providing, and that
the City could work more with area schools in terms of providing educational
information.
Board Member Amy Volpe, Seat 3, Seminole County Soil & Water Conservation
District: was in attendance and offered the services of Soil and Water Conservation
District for conservation information and education or other needs.
Discussion continued on pesticides, and the need for the City to work closer with
Seminole County Public Schools in accordance with Interlocal Agreements.
PUBLIC INPUT
Deputy Mayor Cannon opened "Public Input".
There were no Speakers.
Deputy Mayor Cannon closed "Public Input".
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I MONDAY MAY 20 2019 1 PAGE 10 OF 11
Comments followed on schoolchildren in the area who need assistance with food,
civic organizations who help,the need for mentors, conservation efforts, and how our
City's tax base compares with other cities.
Deputy Mayor Cannon thanked everyone for attending.
ADJOURNMENT
Deputy Mayor Cannon adjourned the Special Meeting at 9:01 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
ANDREA LORENZO-LUACES, MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
MAYOR CHARLES LACEY
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the 12019 City Commission Regular Meeting.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES I SPECIAL MEETING I MONDAY • 2019 1 PAGE 11 OF 11