Maitland City Talk

Saturday, Feb. 18, was the annual opening day parade for Maitland’s Little League. As usual, the parade began at Maitland Middle School and continued through various neighborhoods ending at the Maitland Ballfield Complex on Keller Road. However, this was not your usual opening day, for on this day we were celebrating 50 years of Little League tradition in Maitland. It all began back in 1963 at Maitland Middle School’s baseball fields. Through the years, Maitland Little League also played at Dommerich and Lake Sybelia Elementary schools until 1991 when our beautiful Maitland Ballfield Complex on Keller Road was completed. Since then, that has been Maitland Little League’s home.

It was an honor for me to be a part of this historic celebration. Councilman Ivan Valdes and I were in the first car behind the fire engine that was leading the parade. We were waving and exclaiming “50 years” as we passed the many residents lining the streets. By the time we got to the ballfield complex, I had almost lost my voice.

The MC for this historic year’s opening day was Buddy Pitman who did a great job. He highlighted much of the League’s exciting history over the years, especially the 2005 All-Star Team that went to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn., and the addition of the Girls’ Softball Program in 2006. As usual, tasty hamburgers and hot dogs were served by the Maitland Men’s Club along with pizza from Domino’s Pizza. After the opening ceremony, there were games and activities for all the Little Leaguers.

The Little League is not only a tradition in Maitland but throughout our entire country. It is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that exists for the fun of playing baseball while at the same time developing honorable character in our young people. It teaches teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play as well as honesty, courage, integrity and respect. These values are crucial in forming a strong foundation for our country’s future generations.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who make Little League in Maitland possible. From this year’s president, Steve Ball, the League’s Board of Directors, to all the parents who volunteer their time and all the financial and in-kind sponsors, without you the existence of this important youth development organization would not be possible. Our hats are off again to our Little Leaguers for the start of another exciting season. It is time again to “play ball.”

City Council Meeting

The Maitland City Council met on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Below is a synopsis of that meeting. The next regular scheduled Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 12.

Public Hearings:

Moved to continue the Public Hearings creating the Downtown Maitland Zoning District and the rezoning of properties within that District until the March 12 Council meeting.

Consent Agenda:

The Council minutes of Feb. 13 and Workshop minutes of Feb. 10 were approved.

Council received various Advisory Board minutes.

Passed a resolution supporting anti-stalking legislation that includes Senate Bill 950 and House Bill 1099.

Authorized the purchase of a Crew Cab for the Fire Department from Don Reid Ford for $39,065 and a Pickup Truck for the Public Works Department from Alan Jay Automotive for $27,874.70.

Approved a contract with Wise Marine Construction for $91,168 to design and construct a police boathouse and replace the existing boat ramp at Ft. Maitland Park.

Approved Change Order Summary CH2012-2 to the City Hall contract with Wharton-Smith, adjusting the contract from $3,571,247.30 to $3,543,012.77.

Authorized the purchase of 18 laptop computers and 15 hand-held Electronic Ticket Writers for the Police Department.

Decisions:

Introduced ordinance amending Chapter 2, Division 4, Police/Fire, of the City Code and set the Public Hearing date as March 12.

The Council tabled a request from Mr. Dan Bellows to separate impact fees from an existing development (Gem Lake Apartments) and to make them available on the open market until additional information is received.

To listen to a recording of the meeting, visit www.itsmymaitland.com