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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2002 03 18 City Commission Workshop Minutes CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MARCH 18,2002 I. CALL TO ORDER The Workshop of Monday, March 18, 2002 of the City Commission was called to order by Mayor Paul P. Partyka at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers 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, present Commissioner Robert S. Miller, absent Commissioner Michael S. Blake, present Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr., present Commissioner David W. McLeod, present City Manager Ronald W. McLemore, present City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese, arrived at 6:44 p.m. A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. II. AGENDA A. Presentation On Paw Parks By Mr. Bob Rucci. Mr. Bob Rucci, 973 Turkey Hollow Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: addressed the benefits of a "Paw Park," and suggested that such a park could be a location for the training of law enforcement canine units. In regards to construction and amenities, Mr. Rucci spoke of the need for available water, "Good cover," and that a "Double gated entry and the complete perimeter fence is a mandatory item." Dr. Alex Suero, 4550 East Lake Drive, Winter Springs, Florida: assisting Mr. Rucci, Dr. Suero, a Veterinarian (affiliated with Tuscawilla Animal Hospital), spoke in support of a "Paw Park." Dr. Suero also remarked about his concerns with diseases and suggested that protective policies be implemented. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese arrived at 6:44 p.m. Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - MARCH 18,2002 PAGE 2 OF 6 B. Guest Speakers: Individuals Who Manage Dog Parks. .:.Sanford, Florida Mr. Howard Jeffries, City of Sanford, Manager of Parks and Grounds: spoke positively about the one and a half acre "Paw Park" facility in Sanford and commented on maintenance and clean up; dog fights; noise; liability; and water problems. It was highly recommended by Mr. Jeffries to install a "Community Bulletin Board" to educate dog owners. Additionally, Mr. Jeffries suggested that sets of rules be placed throughout the park and to stress that there is "No Attendant On Duty." Discussion followed on the costs involved in such a facility. Mr. Jeffries explained, "We had to add fencing, in fact that was the bulk of our cost. The whole park cost around $20,000.00 dollars for everything we did." Further discussion. .:. Winter Park, Florida Mr. John Hollerman, City of Winter Park, Director of Parks and Recreation: spoke of the City of Winter Park's evolving "Paw Park" at Fleet People's Park. Tape IISide B Mr. Hollerman stated, "One of the stipulations that we had regarding the "Friend's of Fleet People's Park," which is an organization of dog owner's - we requested that they formulate and incorporate and work closely with the City and work with our rules. And they have abided by that tremendously. We have not had any problems. They have formed an organization that's there on the weekends - they help police it, and they have a poop patrol that does an excellent job." Mr. Hollerman continued to say that the biggest problem on a Monday morning was about "150 pounds of waste left over in a trash can." Furthermore, Mr. Hollerman added that, "We have a Park Ranger that makes his way through the park on several occasions during the day. And if there's someone violating our policies, he has the authority to ask them to abide by our policy or leave; and we have yet to really ban anyone from the park. They've been very obliging." .:.Sarasota, Florida No representative was present from Sarasota, Florida. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - MARCH 18,2002 PAGE 3 OF 6 .:. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida No representative was present from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. III. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Bob Ogus, 668 White Oak Court, Winter Springs, Florida: informed the City Commission of public interest groups that will provide concrete and fencing at cost if such a "Paw Park" was established. Mr. Tom Vander Vennet, 370 Woodstead Circle, Longwood, Florida: stated he would volunteer time and materials for concrete pumping at a "Paw Park" - for a "Paw Park" in the City of Winter Springs. ' Ms. Diane Ferraro, 307 Cello Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke in favor of a "Paw Park" in the City. Mr. Gregory Ferraro, 307 Cello Circle, Winter Springs, Florida: also was in favor of a "Paw Park" in the City of Winter Springs. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs, Florida: remarked that she was in favor of a City "Paw Park." Ms. Shelby Thompson, 106 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs, Florida: spoke in favor of a "Paw Park" in the City of Winter Springs. Mr. Tyler Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs, Florida: also was in favor of constructing a "Paw Park" in the City. IV. DISCUSSION' City Manager Ronald W. McLemore discussed a possible nine (9) acre land site at Jetta Point, which would be a joint facility in coordination with Seminole County. In regards to "Paw Park" visitors using the existing trail system bathrooms, Commissioner Michael S. Blake stated, "My concern is if we escalate the numbers ofthem, does that create some additional risks or hazards if we were to utilize the current bathrooms?" Manager McLemore responded by saying, "It's certainly one of those things we'd have to look at. There are a lot of questions to answer." Manager McLemore spoke briefly about parking concerns. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - MARCH 18,2002 PAGE40F6 Commissioner Edward Martinez, Jr. said, "Where do you City Manager propose to get the money to build this park?" Manager McLemore stated, "I tend to think we could probably raise a fair amount of money through donations and fundraiser events. I don't think we're going to have a big amount of money going into the park, with a big question mark over the additional parking spaces and who pays for that. The County - their discussions with me has been that they want to enter into a joint use type of arrangement with us - as I understand, it included them building and us operating. Manager McLemore then stated, "If your direction is let's move to the next step, 1've given you my list of questions and I think we should have answers to all those questions before we get to step three (3). Step two (2) is we need to do more definitive work on answering all these questions. I think we had a good start tonight and I think we're beginning to develop some kind of understanding - kind of get our arms around it. These people may be further down the road because they've been working with it longer." Discussion. Commissioner David W. McLeod spoke of a possible location and in regards to the "Paw Parks" supporters he said, "I don't know that it is totally up to them to determine where that site may be. I think that's part of our Parks and Recreation Department and our job to - locate that site." Commissioner McLeod further stated, "I don't think it should be something to put on the back burner. I think it should stay on the front burner and move on through the process - so, I would be very favorable to trying to find a way to move through these issues - perhaps with a Committee that could be established between our Parks and Recreation Department and the people for the "Paw Park." Manager McLemore said, "I think we need to give it some structure so if it's your direction, 1'11 come back with a Resolution for you forming that Committee." Further discussion. Deputy Mayor Cindy Gennell asked if the City Manager had received a time frame from the County Manager? Manager McLemore said, "He has not and my intent after this Meeting, if you were receptive to this idea, was I need to go sit down with him and have some more detailed discussion about what we're planning to do and kind of see what their time line looks like. It needs to be in a report to you, what's the timing of this, what's the schedule on it realistically. That's all information we can pull together for you if you turn on the green light." Deputy Mayor Gennell stated, "I would favor the formation of a Committee as outlined by Commissioner McLeod and you would bring a Resolution in front of us to form it and give us a time specific." Commissioner Blake acknowledged his agreement with going forward and stated, "I am wondering if we need to go through the procedure of having a Resolution and setting up an official Committee for something like this given that they've already done so much work and brought it to us. Have they done enough at this point where we can turn it over to Staff and have it done with the normal level of public input from interested parties that we normally have as we go forward and do projects? What I am looking for is a way to streamline it." Manager McLemore responded, "In this case, I would suggest not and CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - MARCH 18,2002 PAGE50F6 what I would rather have is Staff working with this group of people to just polish up the information, fill in the blanks that we don't have, talk about ideas of how this could be unique. Obviously when we do it we want to do it the best!" Commissioner Blake spoke of Levels of Service and said, "I think we need to make sure we build in that common thread of all the parks that we have so it's recognizable as one of our Winter Springs' parks." Commissioner Blake further stated, "I would suggest we move forward and have these discussions with the County on Jetta Point. I am in favor of that being the target parcel, especially if they're going to buy it." Discussion followed on fencing. Commissioner Blake pointed out, "I am not a real fan of chain link fence." .:..:. AGENDA NOTE: "PUBLIC INPUT" WAS AGAIN HELD AS DOCUMENTED NEXT. .:..:. III. PUBLIC INPUT Ms. Kelly Campana, 4005 Stonehaven Road, Orlando, Florida: as a Behavior Specialist/Dog Trainer, Ms. Campana spoke on different types of animal behavior and the benefits of a "Paw Park" in the community. Discussion continued with Mr. Chuck Pula, Parks and Recreation Director. Tape 2/Side A Mr. Pula spoke of the need for separate areas for small and large dogs; maintenance issues; and the importance of shade and double gates. Additionally, Mr. Pula gave a brief overview of a "Paw Park" in Sarasota, Florida and Fort Lauderdale, Florida as those representatives were unable to attend tonight's Workshop due to prior commitments. Mayor Partyka said in reference to Mr. Pula's notes, "Do we have copies of this?" Mr. Pula stated, "No you don't. All of this is from phone conversations." Mayor Partyka stated, "It would be worthwhile to provide copies of this one at some point." v. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Partyka asked for "An adjournment." "MOTION TO ADJOURN." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BLAKE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MARTINEZ. DISCUSSION. WITH CONSENSUS OF THE COMMISSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS MINUTES CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP - MARCH 18,2002 PAGE60F6 Mayor Partyka adjourned the Workshop at 8:14 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: HOLLY PIERSTORFF ASSIST ANT TO THE CITY CLERK, AND .... /.....: ~. ,. .. .. .- ...... ~ ...' /~~ \ ? '. ....:-,. .;' " r " ~~: - L .: -~~. ~ ,;~ - -- ~~ ZO-LUACES, CMC -.' ..1/