Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 03 21 Tuscawilla lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee Regular Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MARCH 21, 2007 CALL TO ORDER The Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee Regular Meeting of Wednesday, March 21, 2007 was called to Order by Chairman Rande Thompson at 7:03 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Chairman Rande Thompson, present Committee Member Mary Brook, present Committee Member Brenda Hayes Brown, arrived at 7: 18 p.m. Committee Member Brantley Tillis, present A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. PUBLIC INPUT No one spoke. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100. Not Used. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINGS 200. Not Used. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICA nON DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING- MARCH 21, 2007 PAGE 2 0F 9 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 300. Community Development Department - Urban Beautification Services Division Review Of Budget. Mr. Steven Richart, Urban Beautification Services Division Manager, Community Development Department presented this Agenda Item. Chairman Thompson stated, "In the last Meeting we had discussed about the lighting and line item 185 - you thought that the Budget was wrong." With discussion, Chairman Thompson added, "Didn't you say that affected [line item] 184 as well?" Mr. Richart said, "It does and it doesn't; I will go ahead and talk about it now - what happened is that Progress Energy neglected to tell us about a rate increase that happened. They neglected to let us know and it was not figured into our calculation. There was an additional amount; a very small percent that came into the Fuel and Energy calculation." Mr. Richart added, "It is a small percentage but it threw the calculation off actually." Chairman Thompson then asked, "So the numbers are right?" Mr. Richart explained, "They're right but it triggered a reaction, now I have to go back and re-calculate everything so there will be some adjustments in the 184 one too." Discussion ensued and Mr. Richart further explained, "The reason that 184 [line item] did not change is because it was based on a number we fixed. So, I have to revise that number so that is going to go up. It will be a journal entry to correct it. But, it is not a whole lot of money. Unfortunately - I did a lot of research, they gave me the charts and everything; here is what the rate is going to be; we did the calculation and then we find out it was not the whole calculation. There is a multiplier that changed just a little bit." With further comments on 185 and the percentage used, Mr. Richart mentioned that "We are way under Budget on that, and that is because of the Progress Energy delays. It has taken them longer to construct the project, therefore they are not billing us the recurring maintenance costs, so that'll carryover." Mr. Richart added, "We will carry the excess over into next year." Discussion. Committee Member Brenda Hayes Brown arrived at 7:18 p.m. Mr. Richart spoke regarding the Maintenance of Phase I and stated, "We had actually put a lot of money into those new signs and Rande {Chairman Thompson] and I talked about it. And we had budgeted to go ahead and replace them." Mr. Richart said that in discussing this with Chairman Thompson, they decided to try to repair the existing signs. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 21, 2007 PAGE 3 0F 9 Mr. Richart continued, "If you guys are okay with that; I think that is the direction that we should go. We actually cut that in half. I may have given you last month the Budgets; I don't know if I did or not; but if I didn't, I will." Advisory Committee Member Brantley Tillis said, "Just to clarify, you can cut the ongoing replacement?" Mr. Richart said, "Yes, the replacement Budget that I made because the numbers - I am showing you now were based on double for the sign replacement than they are currently. So, we reduced it, we cut it in half, and I didn't give you that, but I will. " Chairman Thompson said, "What are your thoughts on that?" Advisory Committee Member Mary Brook said, "Are these street signs...?" Mr. Richart said, "mentrance signs." Chairman Thompson said, ".. .on the monuments." Discussion. Mr. Richartfurther commented, "In light of what is happening currently with the 'Tax Reform, (which I am going to get into later), it might be better to take a more conservative approach. None the less, the signs are in need of repair. " Advisory Committee Member Brook said, "How many are you going to replace to begin with?" Mr. Richart said, "We are going to repair all of them, if that is what you guys want to do - not upgrade." Chairman Thompson stated, "We looked at possibly - putting in granite; we looked at possibly tiling them with granite or other things or just continuing with the signs that we have got; possibly, have someone go in and wax them; since it is basically a car paint - to help protect them. It should bring back a little bit of luster. " Committee Member Brook then asked, "How much life do you think that you will get out of it?" Mr. Richart stated, "I think we will get, again, seven (7) to ten (10) years." With additional comments, Mr. Richart continued, "I really think that the repair avenue is the way to go now. " Chairman Thompson said, "Brantley, [Tillis] what are your thoughts?" Advisory Committee Member Tillis stated, "I think it bears checking out. Because if we go to the automatic replacement mode, I think we are short changing our funds. If this proves to be worthwhile and it does in fact give us five (5) or seven (7) years, it is well worth it to try it." Discussion. Advisory Committee Member Brook said, "Have you found a source to repair them?" Mr. Richart answered, "Sign King in Longwood." Advisory Committee Member Brook, "Have you seen what they can do?" Mr. Richart said, "Actually they have already done Shetland [Avenue] [entrance] for us. And the smallest sign is thirty eight hundred dollars ($3,800.00)." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 2 1,2007 PAGE 4 0F 9 Furthermore, Advisory Committee Member Brook said, "If that seems that it is going to hold up, I would think that that would be the better way to gO." Chairman Thompson said to Advisory Committee Member Brenda Hayes Brown, "What are your thoughts?" Advisory Committee Member Brown said, "I would have to agree that - repairing them would seem to be the way to go, as long as we are assured that it is going to be a good quality of work. It would be a shame to spend the money and it go no further than where they have maybe already. As opposed to finding some other options; but, on the other hand, I understand and I agree with Steve {Richart] has to say about the - depending on what they do with the State as far as funds, it would tap us shorter here - which would be of concern. " Chairman Thompson stated, "What I would like to look at and throw that out there for discussion, is as they start, we do not have to do this all at one time. We can do it a couple of signs at a time. Spread this out, let us tackle the worst ones first and we can spread this cost out. Fundfor it but, do it slowly, methodically." Mr. Richart stated, "I like that. We certainly do not have to decide tonight. We are in the budgeting phase - and if you guys want to appoint somebody to help us research this and look at different options that is certainly fine too." Additionally, Mr. Richart noted, "Again, if you want to appoint somebody to look into that and research the options, I'd be glad to work with somebody. But I do think that repairing is the way to go." With additional discussion, Chairman Thompson stated, "I think that the 'Signs' - look like we came to a Consensus to me, so we need to just address it accordingly. " Further discussion ensued on the issue of Property Tax Reform information. Mr. Richart commented by stating, "I have asked you to get together and write a letter to the City Commissioners; it will help them to know how everybody is feeling. If you feel like, as individuals and groups, that you do not want the City Services reduced, you got to let them know because it is serious." Chairman Thompson said, "I certainly am going to write a letter, but instead of doing it as a Board, I would encourage each one of you to write a letter as a member of the Board [Committee]." Discussion. Advisory Committee Member Brown said, "If you are going to write a letter, I would suggest you write it to the representative at Tallahassee. It is going to lend itself a lot more than here." .:. .:. AGENDA NOTE: THE NEXT TWO (2) AGENDA ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED TOGETHER, AS DOCUMENTED, FOLLOWED BY THE REST OF THE AGENDA IN THE ORDER AS NOTED. .:..:. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 21, 2007 PAGE 5 OF 9 REGULAR REGULAR 301. Community Development Department - Urban Beautification Services Division Maintenance Items And Progress Report. Mr. Richart introduced this Agenda Item. Discussion. REGULAR 303. Community Development Department - Urban Beautification Services Division Update On Connecting Reclaimed Water For Refilling The Entry Fountains. Mr. Richart commented, "Florida Water Features [Inc.] has updated me on the reclaimed water, you - asked me to get some more information. I haven't had a lot of time but I got some, and I just wanted to bring it back to you. It says that they do fountains all over the State. They have like ten (10) that they do that have Reclaimed Water. They are telling me that they saw a rise of five to twenty percent (5-20%) in maintenance cost. That is chlorine and chemical - that is what they saw - five to twenty percent (5-20%), just varied over their locations of an increase in maintenance when they used Reclaimed Water. It depends on - how bright the sun is; and what conditions exist." Chairman Thompson asked, "What would the savings be by using Reclaimed?" Mr. Richart said, "Five to twenty percent (5-20%) of their maintenance costs like ours, is six hundred dollars ($600.00) a month." Mr. Richart further added, "But the savings on water is forty to sixty five percent (40-65%) less than potable water - that's today. As we go down the road, ten (10) years from now, I don't know, the rates could be almost the same for potable and reuse because they are talking about increasing the cost of the reuse." Discussion continued on Reclaimed Water. Chairman Thompson said, "Why don't we put this on as an item for next Meeting to discuss and give everybody an opportunity to think about it more - and give you a chance to get one more water bill; and then we can have some discussion around that, next month." No objections were noted. Mr. Richart noted, "Yes." Mr. Richart asked, "Is there anything you guys see that we can improve; out there, that I am missing?" Chairman Thompson stated, "I have seen in a couple of islands and I could not tell you what islands they are, but they are towards the east end that have the dollarweed - you have noticed that as well?" CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 2 I, 2007 PAGE 6 OF 9 Mr. Richart said, "We are working on it. It is unfortunately some of the areas the heads are not equally patterned. Some put out more water than others and you will notice that some of those areas are just splotchy patches of dollarweed; and in the same - median just twenty feet (20') away it is fine, and it's because of some of the heads. We are in the process of trying to work with that." Advisory Committee Member Tillis said, "Speaking of islands, 1 did notice, 1 think about maybe a mile from the main entrance, one of the islands - there is pine trees that have stakes and the pine trees look pretty established by now. The stakes look pretty old and could be taken out. 1 think they have done their job; but, a closer look, you may have a different opinion." Mr. Richart stated, "You are probably right. That is probably something that just slipped by me. That would be in the area of the Country Club maybe?" Advisory Committee Member Tillis said, "I think a little bit before that." Mr. Richart responded, "A little bit before that. Okay." REGULAR 302. Community Development Department - Urban Beautification Services Division Update On Street Lighting And Decorative Sign Project. Mr. Richart presented this Agenda Item and a discussion ensued about a street light on Northern Way that is blinding at night. Mr. Richart said, "I called Progress Energy." Discussion ensued regarding the Signs and Mr. Richart remarked, "The Sign portion of the project is going to start in May. The Commission approved ordering those [signs]." Further discussion TapeI/Side B Regarding a Meeting various parties including Progress Energy, Chairman Thompson said, "It is looking good though. That drive is really stepped up. 1 just cannot wait for the street signs to get in too." Discussion. Mr. Richart then noted, "Coming up on these streets like Deer Run - Howell Creek [Drive], Dyson [Drive], those types of streets, we're going to have a lot more interaction with the public - Seneca [Boulevard]..." Chairman Thompson then said to Mr. Richart, ". . . Speaking of which, did they get back to you yet - because they have changed from our original 1 -8, those have changed..." Mr. Richart commented, "...Haven't got me the list yet. All 1 do know, and 1 will forward it to you, 1 just got an email from Linda [Burkett, Progress Energy] saying that the next section is going out - but, 1 will send it to you. 1 will send it to all you guys." Mr. Richart then asked, "Have you gotten my emails?" Mr. Richart suggested emailing him back - "Yes, 1 got it." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MrNUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 2 I, 2007 PAGE 7 0F 9 Advisory Committee Member Brown said, "I have a question about Dyson [Drive] considering all the Dyson [Drive] issues and considering there is a sidewalk going in there, we are working with them around that whole sidewalk thing?" Mr. Richart answered, "We are - we're hoping that the sidewalk will be in when we go under construction with Dyson [Drive]; we are hoping that it will be in. They told us that it will be in. If it is not in, we will probably shift it to last." .:..:. AGENDA NOTE: THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM WAS DISCUSSED, AS DOCUMENTED, FOLLOWED BY THE REST OF THE AGENDA IN THE ORDER AS NOTED. .:. .:. 600. REPORTS Next, Chairman Thompson then commented, "I do. Just to let you all know, Ms. Baker [Vice Chairperson Helen] is not on the Board [Committee] any longer." Chairman Thompson continued, "We do need to look at Appointing a Vice Chair. Do you all want to think about it and do it next Meeting, or do you want to do it tonight?" Discussion ensued on an interested individual who had attended a previous Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee Meeting. Mr. Richart noted, "We'll find it." Chairman Thompson stated, "Okay." Regarding electing a Vice Chairperson, Committee Member Brook stated, "1 think we should go ahead." Committee Member Brook added, "Yes." Committee Member Brown remarked, "1 don't have a problem." No objections were noted. "I NOMINATE BRANTLEY TILLIS." MOTION MADE BY CHAIRMAN THOMPSON. SECONDED BY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER BROOK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: COMMITTEE MEMBER BROWN : AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER BROOK: AYE CHAIRMAN THOMPSON : AYE COMMITTEE MEMBER TILLIS: AYE MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 2 I, 2007 PAGE 8 OF 9 CONSENT AGENDA CONSENT 400. Office Of The City Clerk Approval Of The February 21, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes. Chairman Thompson said, "Did everybody have a chance to review the Minutes. 1 know that Mary [Committee Member Brook] had an Item." Advisory Committee Member Brook commented that on page 3, paragraph 3, "I think what 1 said that they use Reclaimed Water on Citrus Groves." Chairman Thompson stated, "Having amended 'They use Reclaimed Water on Citrus Groves' instead of Road; having changed that, does everybody. . ." Vice Chairman Tillis said, "...I just wanted to confirm under Reports; Chairman Thompson stated 'Steve [Richart] again - 1 know you all know how tirelessly Steve [Richart] works. He does a great job for us and we need to make sure that we mention that at every opportunity we get.' So 1 just wanted to make sure we recognize that." Advisory Committee Member Brown stated, "And Carol [Lallathin] as well." Mr. Richart said, "Thank you guys so much..." Chairman Thompson said, "... So noted." "MOVE FOR APPROVAL." MOTION BY VICE CHAIRMAN TILLIS. SECONDED BY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER BROWN. DISCUSSION. WITH CONSENSUS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 500. Not Used. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The subject of the Reclaimed Water should be on the Agenda for next Meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Thompson adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:05 p.m. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES TUSCA WILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - MARCH 21, 2007 PAGE90F9 RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: CAROL A. LALLATHIN ASSISTANT TO THE CITY CLERK NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the May 3, 2007 Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee Regular Meeting.