HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2, 1998 Minutes with Highlights
COUIICIL OF LOCAL GOVBlUIJIBIRS IN SDINOLE COUH~Y
Longwood Cit:y C~.sion Cbaabers
175 W. Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MIRUft:8
SEPTEMBER 2, 1998
Present: Casselberry, commissioner AI Clark
Lake. Mary, collllllissioner Gary Brender
Longwood, Deputy Mayor Ron Sargent
OViedo, Councilman Tom Hagood, Jr.
Sanford,COIDDlissioner Brady Lessard
Winter Springs, CODIIIissioner Cindy Gennell
Seminole COIDIIlUnity College, Stepben Caldwell Wrigbt, PbD
Seminole County Scbool Board, Board MU1ber Larry Purlon9
Absent: Altamonte Springs, commissioner Bddie Rose,
Board of County Commission, collllllissioner Grant Maloy
Also
Present: Longwood Commissioner Annamarie Vacca
Geraldine D. Zambri, City Clerk, Longwood
Mr. Ricbard Gennell
1. Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Cindy Gennell at
7:30.
2. Silent Meditation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairperson Gennell called for a moment of silent meditation
followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Members present introduced themselves.
3. Approval of Minutes of June 3, 1998.
Deputy Mayor Sargent moved approval of the minutes. Seconded
by Councilman Hagood. Carried by voice vote.
4. Treasurer's Report.
Commissioner Brender reported the account balance was $884.48.
A motion waS made, seconded and approved to accept the report
as submitted.
Dr. Wriqht said he was currently filling tbe position of vice
president for Educational Programs on an interim basis.
s.
Program A:
Update on the Education/Government Cable
Channel Television Issue.
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 2
Chairperson Gennell offered a brief uPdate on the Education Cable:
have the following agreements at this time; Oviedo, Sanford, Winter
Springs, Casselberry, Lake. Mary and the School Board; agreement
being reviewe<i by the attorney for Seminole Co~nity College;
will work with Longwood and then Altamonte Springs, has asked
Chairman Morris to expedite getting to the Board of County
commissioners..
Chairperson Gennell discussed that some legal issues were already
worked out with two of the cities, and some clarifications or
issues may still need to be resolved. She thought what had been
worked out with Casselberry and winter Springs would probably be
agreeablato x..ongwood also. Altamonte was having issues of its own
with their cable provider.
Discussion ensued with respect to the County televising their
meetings and that the televising of their meetings had nothing to
do with this agr....nt. <Further, the County wants two channels and
also wants a studio provided, both of which are called for in their
franchise agreement . SCC may have the room for such a studio..
Com.tssioner Gennell suggested letting th t
ho it.tn t.be best int.erests of all.
Juvenile Justice
Presented by Deputy Mayor Ron Sargent, City of
Lonqwood.
Deputy Mayor Sargent said the Juvenile Justice representative was
not in attendance and asked to postpone B to follow Item E.
6.
Program B:
7.
Program C:
CALNO Appointment to the Juvenile Justice
Committee
Chairman Gennell discussed needing a representative to the Juvenile
Justice committee and had asked each member to bring this request
forward to.their respective councils.
Chairman Gennell inquired if commissioner Vacca would be
interested.
Deputy Mayor Sargent nominated Commissioner Vacca. Nomination
was seconded.
As to when meetings were held, Deputy Mayor Sargent advised they
were held on the second Friday of the month at 8:00 A.M.
Nomination carried by voice vote.
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 3
commissioner Gennell indicated disappointment that this was the
second time the JJC has been invited and did not attend.
Deputy Mayor Sargent gave a brief overview of the function of the
Juvenile Justice Council.
Commissioner Vacca left the meeting at this time.
8.
Program D:
Resolution in Support
Eslinger's Work Progr~.
of
Sheriff
Don
Commissioner Gennell asked if a copy of the resolution had been
mailed to each member. No one had racei ved a copy. Commissioner
Gennell explained that the Sheriff was asking if CALHO would pass
a resolution in support of his work program and sbe then read tbe
resolution in full.
Member Furlong moved to approve.
carried by voice vote.
Motion was seconded
9. Program E:
~~
~
Commissioner Furlong advised that the county's comp Plan approval
was the based on their transportation network which is funded by
their impact fee ordinance and it is cemented to the local option
gas tax money, which they had to pledge. Any modification to the
distribution formula would have a huge domino effect.
Discussion continued as to whether any modifications could be made.
commissioner Gennell reminded that this originally came from CALNO
and, if enough interest is generated, a resolution could be sent to
the County.
In response to Commissioner Gennell, Dr. Wright said, at this time,
he would be the SCC representative.
commissioner Brender requested the floor and asked if CALNO wanted
to take a position on the Conference Center that Sanford is
proposing on Lake Monroe. After some discussion, the CALNO
members agreed the Sanford Commission has put the issue to the
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 4
with respect
light rail,
rio~ discussion on hearing information on
10 .. Reports from Members:
Longwood
Deputy Mayor Sargent announced LOngwood would hold its annual Fun
Dog Show , sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, on
September 19, 1998..
Deputy' Mayor Sa~gent reported a Special Meeting was held last week
on reorcjanization during which discussion was held that perhaps
they needed to deal with a decision on replacing the City
Administrator.. Be said there may be further discussion at an
upcoming m~eting..
S~D~l. Co.auDi~y College (SCC).. Dr.. Wright reported enrollment
was up ,SCC has started a new ad caIDpaign as well as being JIlOre
active in the Bigh Schools and are cementing SCC' s relationship so
more peopletjraduating from high schools in Seminole are going to
SCC.. SCCin process of installing 700 new computers, attempting to
bring into state of the art, and recycling the older computers
throughout the c-.pus; now an Bonors Program and a SCience Merit
program; OV.ledo CUlpas scheduled to open in year 2000; some UCF UCF
classes are being held at the SCC campus and SCC is coordinating
closely with UCF..
OViedo.. Councilman Bagood said they have had two instances of
using the Calno interlocal IReCliation agreement; city voted to
mediate a dispute with Winter Springs on Battle Ridge as well as
pursuing court action to maintain their legal rights.. And winter
Springs has asked to have another item mediated reI joint planning
agreement with Oviedo and Seminole County and was still an open
item..
Councilman Bagood said he wanted to pass on to Commissioner
Furlong, on behalf of his wife, that she feels the school schedule
for the elementary schools is better as is and said changing to
what Orange County is bad..
Sanford.. CoDllllissioner Lessard reported Sanford' has welcomed their
new City Manager, Tony Van DerWorp and he bas a number of projects
already on the board, i..e.., economic development, between Mall and
downtown Sanford..
civil Service System no longer in effect as originally designed,
and he explained how tbe new process gives the manager more
CLGSS1SeptelDber 2, 1998/page 5
discretion yet there is still protection in that the City
commission will sit as the Board that an employee can appeal to.
Commissioner Lessard said Sanford was looking at privatizing its
solidwaiste. deplU:tJBent. Sanford bas hired a dozen new police
officers and sixn.w firefighters all without raising the lDillage
rate. AlthoughcurX'ently saddled with third highest millage rate
in Florida, this is tbe first time in 12 years they have been able
to lower their millage rate. Happy to X'eport their property values
are rising and are up there with other rapidly appreciating areas.
Councilman Hagood said Oviedo also did an RFP and selected a
different caX'rier, Illinois Recycling, who came in $3.00 per month
less than current carrier. Interestingly enough, BFI WaS coming
in for an increa.e and when they had to bid they haddJ."opped their
rate to close to Illinois's price. Discussion continued as to
certain aspeCts of the services provided for the costs charged.
CommissioneX' Gennell said Winter Springs also X'ecently negotiated
a renewal with Jennings, for long contract period. Disc!Js8ion about
privatizing, in general, and the point at which privatizing can
become cost effective.
Councilman Hagood said the Council has just authorized the City
Manager to purchase a piece of property in downtown Oviedo, located
near 419 behind the bowling alley, which is intended to be
developed and turned into a trailhead.
commissioner Furlong referred Councilman Bagood to County Wicklow,
in Ireland, who have extensive background in walking trails, etc.
Winter Springs. Commissioner Gennell said their 4th of July fire
works display has not been rescheduled for Labor Day.
Winter Springs has applied for three grants; the Florida COIlllIlunity
Trust, Greenways and Trails, and Historic Preservation, and are
designed to purchase green space in the town center. Concern is to
control that area, as the city has to put in infrastructure and
also to be able to deal with a single entity rather than multiple
owners. She with others went up and spoke to FloX'ida Community
Services on the grant, which .was an interesting expeX'ience, and
that will help them with their town center which is part of the SR
434 v~sioning. The other part is the older section of'434, Haynes
to 17~92, and that portion is in MPO's plan to tear out the middle
lane and build raised medians etc.
Seunole County School Board. commissioner Furlong said there was
a reasonably smooth opening of schools this year, especially given
some of the changes. Just had first year of performance based pay
raises Was very interest~ng, not everybody got the same. School
Board had received permission from Tallahassee to deregulate four
elementary schools as well as Lake Brantley and LYman High Schools.
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 6
This will give almost same amount of autonomy to these schools as
charter schools have. will put lot of local control in hands of
principal and school advisory council. . Derequlation continued to
be discussed and Board Member Furlong did expect it would give
princ"ipals, teachl1llrs and parents far greater control. over their
schools. Whether good or bad will depend on what they do with
their schools.
Believed the voters spoke clearly that they like the direction the
school board has taken t noting- he wa.. pleased with the way
elections turned out. There are incentive pr09rams in place for
schools based on most improved, best test scor.s, etc. They are
bringing forth a payroll deduction plan for their eaployees, giving
them ability to donate to the foundation, whichaone,s then go back
into the schools. This then can be used in requ.st:a.ng assistance,
showing that the employees are contributing t.oward this foundat.ion.
As to when children are introduced to computers, Kember Furlong
said they are introduced to them in elementary school. Said
citizens should be proud of their school system, and noted there
have not been any schools they are interested in a conversion to
bei~g a charter school.
Before and after school program still having staffing- problems at
low end of scale. There is a waiting list to get in, their problem
finding people to fill the positions. commissioner Furlong said
unemployment rate in the County was currently very low, 2%. to
which he attributed the inability to fill the positions.
Commissioner Genne11 questioned Commissioner Lessard as to their
pay raises. Commissioner Lessard said they will go into effect
following the election to those elected. Reimbursements will go
into effect on Oct. 1, 1998, went from $150 to $300.a month. This
is for automatically recurring expenses, noting he receives more
from reimbursements than from salary. commissioner Gennell said
their charter calls for the Commission to receive a salary which is
done by ordinance and then for them to be reimbursed for their
expenses which can be done by resolution. For what.verreasons,
the Commissioners have never received a salary. ReimburseJRent has
gone from $350 to $700 per month for commissioners and Mayor from
$500 to $800. They determined the amount from surveys of like
cities. Lake Mary receives a flat $400 per month and i. reimbursed
for expenses. Commissioner Brender said he spoke to the Mayor from
Tallahassee and they have tied their city commissioners' salaries
to the county collllDissioners' salaries, so when County get increase,
the city gets an increase. Casselberry ties their to the state
employee i~crease, so it is automatic. .
Casselberry. Commissioner Clark reported a referendum issue will
go to voters asking. if Casselberry should pass an ordinance
separating sale of liquor from nudity in the clubs. This is
essentially the same direction the County is heading in with the
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 7
citizen referendum that mayor may not make ballot as it is being
challenged by the adult entertainment people. Casselberry has
three seats up for election and the adult entertainment people are
rounding up candidates for these seats. If this were to pass, it
will come before city commission, and the adult entertairunent
people would like to have those seats. Seats open are
commissioners Benson, Sheppard and Robe~tson, Robertson being the
only one who cannot run again.
Police Chief Gatch has resigned and ,a search will begin.
commissioner Clark reported their millage has gone down, yet they
have to advertise that the taxes are going up. Discussion ensued
about the TRIM bill and requirements for advertising a tax increase
when in fact the millage has not gone up.
Commissioner Clark said Casselberry played the City of Winter Park
in a golf tournament, a scramble; the people who played paid.
Thought it was nice for the two cities to get together.
Lake Mary. Commissioner Brender said he would like to lobby the
state to revisit the TRIM bill. The members discussed having the
issue revisited by the state and perhaps sending a resolution to
the State. The members decided to place this item on the next
agenda as new business. commissioner Brender said he would talk to
Donna McIntosh, City Attorney, about this issue and where it
stands, also about a draft of a proposed resolution. Be noted that
this was an item of discussion at the past League meeting.
commissioner Gennell initiated discussion
legislative delegation to speak at CALNO.
with Tespect to how to bring them to CALNO.
o . .
about inviting the
Discussion continued
Invitin ~.. tive
.g~n' .CJ
time. ..rhe Reception would open with an hour of info~l discussion
and then perhaps into a question and answer forwa with the
delegates sitting on the dais. In checking the calendar, it
appeared t.he January meeting was echeduled to be hel.d at Seminole
Community College. Dr. Wright will check to see if they would be
able to host this reception. An attempt will be made to hold the
Reception this January, but if too late, would then consider doing
the following year. Inviting the entire Central Florida delegation
was discussed.
CLGSC/September 2, 1998/page 8
commissioner Gennell asked if there was a motion to host on
the first Wednesday or on any other Wednesday. Deputy Mayor
Sargent so moved. Seconded by Councilman Bagood. Carried by
voice vote.
Commissioner Brender continued with his report. Be said Lake Mary
had the honor of having the Florida Police Chief and Fire Chief
Association's presidents as their police chief and fire chief,
Chief Beary and Chief Bahn.
Qualifying ends September 10th. Seats open, Mayor Mealor,
Commissioner Green and himself. All are running again.
Downtown redevelopment continuing. Will authorize funds tomorrow
night and as a part of that is their new police station for which
they "are purchasing property in the downtown, construction will
most likely begin in November. Cost of facility will be 4 · 5
million dollars with some space for expansion.
Lake Mary celebrated its 25th anniversary, had a thousand people
attend. Also building a $400,000 parks maintenance building.
Be also reported the following; no tax increase, will retain 3.76
millage; 310 apartments coming in; office growth oontinues, two in
Beathrow, etc.; Rhinehardt Road well under construotion, should be
completed in December, is footprinted for eventual six laning~
Trailhead just now beginning to come into play, will be spending
$432,000 to build a park, which will funded from sale of some
property to primera; Lake Mary/Beathrow Festival will be held at
Oval Park at Beathrow International Center in October.
upon request, commissioner Brender said he would be happy furnish
25th anniversary pins to the members.
commissioner Gennell presented a pen to Dr. Wright in appreciation.
11. Adjournment. There being no further business "the meeting
adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
Submitted by:
Geraldine D. Zambri, City Clerk
City of Longwood