Maitland City Talk

On Thursday, Jan. 19, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, the city of Maitland will host grand opening ceremonies for the New Fire Station No. 45 located on Packwood Avenue between Maitland Avenue and Independence Lane. A flourish of bagpipes, a formal presentation of the colors and remarks from city officials will place the new state of the art facility into operation as the home of the Maitland Fire Rescue Department services and activities on the east side of Maitland as well as the departmental administration offices.

I would like to extend my personal invitation to all Maitland residents to join me, as well as the Maitland City Council, staff and project contractors as we celebrate this great day for the city of Maitland, its residents and the Maitland Fire Rescue Department. Tours of the new facility will be offered and light refreshments will be available.

The new facility will meet many of the Fire Rescue Department’s needs that the old Station No. 45 building could not. One of Fire Chief Ken Neuhard’s key concerns of the facility design was to achieve a drive-through capability so department vehicles would not have to be backed into the station, a tricky and time-consuming operation at best. The new building will also have comfortable and more soundproof facilities for the firefighters, as well as a rappelling area that will be incorporated into the roof structure for training purposes. It also has meeting and training rooms that are appropriate to house the size of the staff that now occupies the station.

The new fire station represents the city’s first step in keeping true to its initiative to set the style and quality parameters for future downtown growth and redevelopment. The new Maitland Fire Station No. 45 is three stories high with quality construction materials that reflect a neo-traditional architectural design and which frame Packwood Avenue with a truly handsome and functional building. Landscaping and exterior site furnishings have been brought up to modern code standards, and the “campus” of the fire station is not only attractive, but utilitarian as well. Existing trees on the site, including the “Century Oak,” have been preserved and incorporated into the landscape plan.

Recognizing the importance of responsible utilization of resources and sustainability of building design and construction, the Maitland City Council determined that Fire Station No. 45 be certified as a LEED building under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED green building certification program encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through a rating system that recognizes projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. The LEED certification ensures that Fire Station No. 45 has a minimal “footprint” on the environment.

Demolition of the old fire station began in February 2011. Since that time, underground utility work and vertical construction has been completed. Interior finish work, sidewalks, landscaping and other final touches are under way in preparation for the Jan. 19 Grand Opening ceremony.

This project is the culmination of the work of many people. I must recognize the contributions made by multiple City Councils, Former Mayor Doug Kinson as well as staff members and consultants, all of whom have made this project possible. The entire city is looking forward to the completion of the finest new downtown building that the city of Maitland has built in many years.

Bridging architect for the project is Winter Park-based ACi, bridging civil engineering is by the AVCON company and the design/build contractor for the project is Wharton – Smith. Learn more about the Maitland Fire Department by visiting www.itsmymaitland.com

City Council meeting Jan. 9

The Maitland City Council met on Jan. 9 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, Jan. 23.

Special Presentation:

Management Services Director, Sharon Anselmo, CPA, was presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Decisions:

Authorized the City Manager to approve Change Order Summary 2012-5, adjusting the Fire Station construction contract from $2,298,951.69 to $2,282,227.94.

Authorized the City Manager to execute a revision to Wharton-Smith’s contract for an additional time (33 days) and money ($22,287) to finish construction of Fire Station #45 and, for additional time to finish construction of City Hall.

Authorized the City Manager to execute a contract revision with ACi/AVCON for an additional $22,500 to cover construction services through final construction of the new City Hall.

Introduced an Ordinance creating the Downtown Maitland Zoning District and, set the two Public Hearing dates for Feb. 13 and Feb. 27.

Introduced an Ordinance to rezone properties within the Downtown Maitland Zoning District and set the Public Hearing dates for Feb. 13 and Feb. 27.

For a recording of the meeting, visit www.itsmymaitland.com