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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 10 26 Consent 207 Requesting Approval Of October 7, 2009 City Commission Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP OCTOBER 7, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Wednesday, October 7, 2009 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 Joanne M. Krebs, absent 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, present City Manager Kevin L. Smith commented that he had consulted with the City's Financial Advisor and advised the City Commission that approximately six hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars ($656,000.00) in "Senior Center debt on a line of credit" would be paid off tomorrow. Mayor Bush asked if there were any questions or comments from the City Commission. No comments were noted. Next, Manager Smith spoke about the City's Strategic Plan and distributed to the City Commission a copy of the City's Strategic Plan. Manager Smith then asked the City Commission to review the proposed Strategic Plan over the next two (2) to three (3) weeks. PUBLIC INPUT s~=~~ ~.,.m,~ No one spoke. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 2 OF 4 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Office Of The Mayor Requesting The City Commission To Receive A Presentation From The Seward Square Group. ~ Mayor Bush introduced this Agenda Item for discussion. ,~P Mr. James Pericola, The Seward Square Group, 517 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC: spoke briefly about unique funding federal opportunities that are currently available. t Mr. Christopher Pedigo, The Seward Square Group, 517 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC: introduced himself and commented on his background. A PowerPoint presentation was shown. Discussion followed on stimulus spending opportunities, what other cities this company represents; and the company's suggested strategy. With further comments, Mr. Pericola noted, "We take a bipartisan approach and I just think that's the only way to go in Washington to be successful." Discussion. Commissioner Sally McGinnis inquired, "Do you sign a Contract; do we sign a Contract; are we bound by a year or what?" Mr. Pericola responded, "On the Fee side and obviously we would certainly welcome the opportunity to explore anything that you'd like to, but that is on the lowest end of our Fee structure." Mr. Pericola noted, "We're very confident that there'll be some opportunities in the near future that will -pay for this Contract. I can't promise you that obviously or put that in writing but - I do think there are a number of opportunities out there and just looking over -some of the City's needs and matching that up with what is available at the federal level, I really do think that you'll have some results and some benchmarks to show your constituents in the very near future." Discussion followed on the suggested "four-prong plan" approach; to which Mr. Pericola added, "We need to sit down with you and figure out what are your priorities? I think the Reclaimed Water Plant would be one where we could deliver an immediate sort of win for some of your constituents; so perhaps we would focus on that." Mayor Bush noted, "I want to give Kevin (Smith) credit for -bringing that one up." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 3 OF 4 Further comments continued. Tape 1/Side B Discussion ensued on other clients; whether there might be funding opportunities for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection ~ Agency (EPA); the City's Strategic Plan; this company's Plan and related timeline; goals and accomplishments; apriority list; and the political process. Commissioner Jean Hovey inquired about opportunities related to education. With additional comments, Commissioner Rick Brown suggested also possibly meeting with mom,,; individuals running for Political Office. Discussion followed on transportation issues, and Winter Springs residents getting to future jobs in Orlando's "Medical City". Commissioner Gary Bonner remarked, "I appreciated your comment regarding not wanting to grow to be a forty (40) city representative firm -are you all actively pursuing this relationship with multiple entities within Florida at this time?" Mr. Pericola responded by saying, "No." Further discussion. Commissioner Bonner asked if other lobbyists should be considered before making a commitment and Manager Smith suggested four (4) possible options: to continue pursuing Grant opportunities by Staff; to contract with the Seward Square Group; issue a Request for Proposal (RFP); and possibly, partnering with the City of Oviedo. Discussion. As for how to proceed, Commissioner McGinnis mentioned being in favor of going forward with something new like this lobbying effort; and Commissioner Brown suggested waiting to make a decision until after the Joint Meeting with the City of Oviedo. Brief discussion followed on how a Lobbyist firm might be funded. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese was asked if other cities that he represents, had hired lobbyists and how it worked for them. Tape 2/Side A CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP -OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 4 Attorney Garganese suggested that "You need to be comfortable with the lobbyist that you pick; make sure that they are consistent with your character and approach. You need to look at things like obviously the fee; you need to look at references; you need to look at whether they are lobbying for competing entities including but not limited to other municipalities -that is a major factor. ~"'°' ..~ You have got to look at the specific types of appropriations that you are requesting ~ because as you know lobbyists have to educate themselves about the specific project and how well versed they are; and whether they have the appropriate connections to see your project through; and then look at face-to-face time." Discussion followed on timelines and what opportunities might be missed if the City Commission waited until after the Joint Meeting with the City of Oviedo. ~ In closing, Mayor Bush mentioned he would not be at the next Regular City Commission Meeting. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Workshop at 6:46 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ANDREA LORENZO-LUACES, MMC CITY CLERK AND JOAN L. BROWN DEPUTY CITY CLERK APPROVED: MAYOR JOHN F. BUSH NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the , 2009 Regular City Commission Meeting. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP OCTOBER 7, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Wednesday, October 7, 2009 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 Joanne M. Krebs, absent 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, present City Manager Kevin L. Smith commented that he had consulted with the City's Financial Advisor and advised the City Commission that approximately six hundred and fifty -six thousand dollars ($656,000.00) in "Senior Center debt on a line of credit" would be paid off tomorrow. Mayor Bush asked if there were any questions or comments from the City Commission. No comments were noted. Next, Manager Smith spoke about the City's Strategic Plan and distributed to the City Commission a copy of the City's Strategic Plan. Manager Smith then asked the City Commission to review the proposed Strategic Plan over the next two (2) to three (3) weeks. PUBLIC INPUT No one spoke. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 2 OF 4 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Office Of The Mayor Requesting The City Commission To Receive A Presentation From The Seward Square Group. Mayor Bush introduced this Agenda Item for discussion. Mr. James Pericola, The Seward Square Group, 517 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC: spoke briefly about unique funding federal opportunities that are currently available. Mr. Christopher Pedigo, The Seward Square Group, 517 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC: introduced himself and commented on his background. A PowerPoint presentation was shown. Discussion followed on stimulus spending opportunities, what other cities this company represents; and the company' s suggested strategy. With further comments, Mr. Pericola noted, "We take a bipartisan approach and I just think that's the only way to go in Washington to be successful." Discussion. Commissioner Sally McGinnis inquired, "Do you sign a Contract; do we sign a Contract; are we bound by a year or what Mr. Pericola responded, "On the Fee side and obviously we would certainly welcome the opportunity to explore anything that you'd like to, but that is on the lowest end of our Fee structure." Mr. Pericola noted, "We're very confident that there'll be some opportunities in the near future that will pay for this Contract. I can't promise you that obviously or put that in writing but I do think there are a number of opportunities out there and just looking over some of the City's needs and matching that up with what is available at the federal level, I really do think that you'll have some results and some benchmarks to show your constituents in the very near future." Discussion followed on the suggested "four -prong plan" approach; to which Mr. Pericola added, "We need to sit down with you and figure out what are your priorities? I think the Reclaimed Water Plant would be one where we could deliver an immediate sort of win for some of your constituents; so perhaps we would focus on that." Mayor Bush noted, "I want to give Kevin (Smith) credit for bringing that one up." CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 3 OF 4 Further comments continued. Tape 1 /Side B Discussion ensued on other clients; whether there might be funding opportunities for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the City's Strategic Plan; this company's Plan and related timeline; goals and accomplishments; a priority list; and the political process. Commissioner Jean Hovey inquired about opportunities related to education. With additional comments, Commissioner Rick Brown suggested also possibly meeting with individuals running for Political Office. Discussion followed on transportation issues, and Winter Springs residents getting to future jobs in Orlando's "Medical City Commissioner Gary Bonner remarked, "I appreciated your comment regarding not wanting to grow to be a forty (40) city representative firm are you all actively pursuing this relationship with multiple entities within Florida at this time Mr. Pericola responded by saying, "No." Further discussion. Commissioner Bonner asked if other lobbyists should be considered before making a commitment and Manager Smith suggested four (4) possible options: to continue pursuing Grant opportunities by Staff; to contract with the Seward Square Group; issue a Request for Proposal (RFP); and possibly, partnering with the City of Oviedo. Discussion. As for how to proceed, Commissioner McGinnis mentioned being in favor of going forward with something new like this lobbying effort; and Commissioner Brown suggested waiting to make a decision until after the Joint Meeting with the City of Oviedo. Brief discussion followed on how a Lobbyist firm might be funded. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese was asked if other cities that he represents, had hired lobbyists and how it worked for them. Tape 2 /Side A CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP OCTOBER 7, 2009 PAGE 4 OF 4 Attorney Garganese suggested that "You need to be comfortable with the lobbyist that you pick; make sure that they are consistent with your character and approach. You need to look at things like obviously the fee; you need to look at references; you need to look at whether they are lobbying for competing entities including but not limited to other municipalities that is a major factor. You have got to look at the specific types of appropriations that you are requesting because as you know lobbyists have to educate themselves about the specific project and how well versed they are; and whether they have the appropriate connections to see your project through; and then look at face -to -face time." Discussion followed on timelines and what opportunities might be missed if the City Commission waited until after the Joint Meeting with the City of Oviedo. In closing, Mayor Bush mentioned he would not be at the next Regular City Commission Meeting. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bush adjourned the Workshop at 6:46 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ANDREA LORENZO LUACES, MMC CITY CLERK AND Iht X JE AN L. BR WN EPUTY CITY CLERK APPROVED. 1 s OR JOHN F. BUSH NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the October 26, 2009 Regular City Commission Meeting.