Maitland City Talk

Did you know that second-hand smoke kills more than 56,000 nonsmokers every year including residents right here in our community? Despite enormous strides over the past decades, tobacco continues to be the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in our nation.

The All Into Health Initiative is working to change that. They are a community effort, overseen by former U.S. Surgeon General Antonio Novello and a volunteer board. Together with business, community and government leaders, they are working to expand tobacco-free spaces throughout Orange County, including parks and other public areas where children commonly play.

This initiative has strong public support. A recent independent survey of Orange County registered voters found 60 percent supported banning tobacco in public parks. Ninety-one percent said local governments should have the right to address health and safety concerns in their communities.

Their initiative has also struck a chord with community leaders throughout Orange County. The Orlando City Council led the way on Sept. 12, passing a resolution urging residents not to smoke in parks and calling on the Florida Legislature to overturn pre-emptive language in state statutes that prevents local government from taking stronger steps to protect public health.

Since then, Apopka, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Oakland, Orange County, Orlando and Winter Park have passed similar resolutions and Windermere will consider passing one next month.

The city of Maitland has now joined in this effort with our City Council passing its own resolution on Dec. 12 in support of this important and necessary initiative. It is imperative for us to continue the effort to urge the Florida Legislature to take the necessary steps to allow local governments to protect their citizens’ health.

City Council Meeting of Dec. 12

The Maitland City Council met on Dec. 12 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. 9.

Special Presentations:

• Jill Hamilton Buss, Executive Director, Healthy Central Florida, provided a Power Point presentation outlining their initiatives to make Maitland, Winter Park and Eatonville the healthiest communities in the nation.

• Marissa Williams, Lakes Management, updated the Council on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria.

Public Hearing:

Adopted on second reading, Ordinance #1223 Amending Chapter 6, Fire Protection and Prevention. The proposed modifications provide for readopting and maintaining the local fire prevention ordinance as required by State law.

Consent Agenda:

• The Council Minutes of Nov. 28 and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of Oct. 5 were approved as presented.

• City Council canceled the regularly scheduled meeting of Dec. 26.

• Approved modifying the contribution made to the Maitland Library as the Library will take over payment and administration of their employee health insurance plan effective Jan. 1.

Decisions:

• Fred Venturoni was reappointed and Lisa Tillery was appointed to the Lakes Advisory Board effective Dec. 13 each for a three-year term.

• Council submitted the name of Cindy Price to the Orange County Membership & Mission Review Board for their consideration for appointment to the Orange County Civic Facilities Authority.

• Authorized funding from the unreserved fund balance enabling the city manager to enter into a contract with AVCON, Inc. in an amount of $17,400 to assist in the extension of Independence Lane and identify utility easements from Horatio Avenue to George Avenue.

• Authorized the city manager to enter into a Joint Participation Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to upgrade the existing traffic signals on U.S. Highway 17-92 at Packwood Avenue and 17-92 at Park Avenue to mast arm installations.

• Authorized the city manager to submit a Transportation, Community and Systems Preservation Program Grant sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration for partial funding of the Maitland SunRail station parking structure.

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