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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_1999 04 05 City Commission Workshop Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUM/WORKSHOP APRIL 5, 1999 I. CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of the City Commission was called to order by Mayor Paul P. Partyka in the East Training Room of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). ROLL CALL: Mayor Paul P. Partyka, present Deputy Mayor Cindy Gennell, absent Commissioner Robert S. Miller, present Commissioner Michael S. Blake, present Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr., present Commissioner David W. McLeod, present City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present Law Firm of Frank Kruppenbacher, P.A., Attorney Robert Guthrie, present Interim City Clerk Andrea Lorenzo-Luaces, present Before commencing the Workshop, Mayor Partyka stated that he wanted to make the following statement: "The City has received a decision from the Fifth District Court on the appeal concerning the City Attorney termination. I am glad that the Appellate Court has finally ruled on this issue. We received a written decision today and we are still reviewing the documents. So beyond that, there's nothing additional. And so, to the citizens of Winter Springs, I just want to thank you, again, for your patience during this matter, for the entire eighteen months; but soon, I think, we'll get to some kind of conclusion". II. DISCUSSION ON FLUORIDATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY Mr. Ronald W. McLemore, City Manager gave a brief background on the Fluoridation issue and introduced the Panel Members for tonight's Public Forum/Workshop. · Dr. James Taylor, Ph.D., P.E., Technical Moderator. Dr. Taylor is a resident of Winter Springs; the Director of the Environmental Systems Engineering Institute, University of Central Florida; and has studied the water treatment process for twenty-two (22) years. · Mr, Timothy P. Brodeur. Mr. Brodeur is a resident of Winter Springs; A WW A (American Water Works Association) Honorary Life Member; and an Engineer with twenty-six (26) years of wastewater process design experience, the last thirteen (13) with Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUMIWORKSHOP - APRIL 5, 1999 Page 2 of 4 · Mr. Richard Lott, P.E., P.G. Mr. Lott is the newly appointed Drinking Water Program Manager, Central District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection. · Ms. Rhoda Lawrence, RDH Ms. Lawrence is the Fluoridation Project Coordinator for the Florida Department of Health (Tallahassee). Dr. Taylor stated that each of the Panel Members will make an opening statement and then the panel would open the forum to general questions. Dr. Taylor also mentioned that Ms. Lawrence will speak about the "dental issue"; Mr. Lott will speak about the "regulatory aspects"; Mr. Brodeur will speak about the "engineering aspects"; and that he would "sum up from a general chemistry standpoint and application". Ms. Lawrence stated that the purpose of the Dental Program, within the Florida Department of Health, is to maintain and improve the dental health of the people of Florida; and that the purpose of the Fluoridation Project is to promote fluoridation and assist communities in Florida to initiate fluoridation. Ms. Lawrence presented pictures of dental diseases and spoke about the cost of fluoridation; the fluoridation process; dental disease; the benefits of fluoridation; and funding for fluoridation. Mr. Lott passed out copies of Florida Administrative Code Requirements and spoke about the role the Department of Environmental Protection will play in the fluoridation process. Mr. Brodeur spoke about the role of Engineers and the fluoridation process. He presented pictures of other fluoridation facilities and discussed the chemicals that are involved in the fluoridation process; safety and handling; and the reliability of the equipment. Dr. Taylor spoke about the toxic nature of fluoride, if used improperly; studies that have been performed regarding fluoridation; the effects of fluoride on the teeth; the fluoridation process in the Northern States; and how he has taught his students at the University of Central Florida that there needs to be a "great deal of safety in the care and administration of the fluoridation program". The panel added, for clarification, that a "Part per million" is about the same as "One milligram per liter", or "One drop of vermouth in sixteen gallons of gin". The Commission directed their questions to the panel members regarding: . The number of toothpaste brands that do not have fluoride · Issues that may have caused other communities not to fluoridate their water . The cumulative effects of fluoride · If fluoridation has caused health problems anlOng the elderly, such as Osteoporosis . Possible studies that show the accumulation of fluoride in cooked foods CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUM/WORKSHOP - APRIL 5, 1999 Page 3 of4 · If the Panel Members that are Winter Springs residents support fluoridation · If the Panel Members were aware of anyone being diagnosed with a serious health problem, or a death that has occurred, from fluoride poisoning · Errors that have occurred in the delivery process · If there was a connection between fluoride and cancer . The effects of Fluorosis Mayor Partyka opened the Meeting to the Public, Ms. Carol Melon, 1705 Littleton Court, Winter Springs, Florida: stated that she is a Pediatric Nutritionist and a Registered Dietician; and that she was a proponent for fluoridation. Ms. Melon also spoke about fluoride supplements; and the manner in which fluoride should be ingested. Tape IISide B Ms, Paula Jobin, 1217 Swan Street, Winter Springs, Florida: said that she was opposed to the fluoridation of the water supply. She presented the Commission with a "Fluoride Information Packet"; and spoke about the amount of fluoride in toothpaste and fluoride treatments, and the effects of Fluorosis. A resident, (She did not identify herself), who lives in the Chelsea Woods Subdivision, Winter Springs, Florida, asked that the City's water supply be fluoridated. She spoke about fluoridation in other areas and said that she represents the parents that could not attend because they were home with their children. Mr. Jerry Mineato, 753 Bear Creek Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: stated that he is a local Dermatologist; and that he and his neighbors are in favor of fluoridation. Mayor Partyka closed this portion of the Meeting. Mr. Kipton D. Lockcuff, P.E., Director, Public Works/Utility Department, informed the Commission that it was not his intent to have a "pro bias" panel; and that he asked Dr. Taylor and Mr. Brodeur to be on the panel because they are Winter Springs residents and without the knowledge of their opinions. The Commission asked additional questions regarding studies that have taken place regarding fluoride; and the daily sources of fluoride. Additional information was requested about cost estimates; the type of system that staff would recommend if fluoridation was approved; capital; operations; and grants. There was discussion about postponing the decision on fluoridation so that more information can be gathered; holding future Workshops; and the possibility of a Referendum. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC FORUM/WORKSHOP - APRIL 5, 1999 Page 4 of 4 After further discussion, it was decided that this subject will next be on the Agenda for the first City Commission Regular Meeting in May, 1999. Ms. Kim Eely: spoke about Pediatricians giving prescriptions for fluoride when the child does not live in a fluoridated area. III. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Partyka adjourned the Meeting. 4 -~ ,- .~":. :..' .I Respectfully Submitted By: " -- ~ - .- - ~_..-~"" . Amy R, Lovingfoss, Interim A-Jsz.stantf:.ity Clerk~~ City of Winter Springs ~ --- -;'.:.~ "' --' .~ ~ " ~ ...... ;]~ /,