Maitland City Talk

Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 was a historic day for Maitland, the Maitland Fire Rescue Department, the firefighters from Station 45 and especially our citizens. As mayor, I was honored to preside over such a very special occasion. Many of us have long anticipated the replacement of the old Fire Station 45 with the groundbreaking of the new Station 45 that will set the stage for the construction of a state of the art public safety facility in the heart of our town center.

First, however, I would like to recognize the following people whose hard work, dedication and countless hours of attention have been instrumental in making that day become a reality: Former Mayor Doug Kinson, Vice Mayor Linda Frosch, Councilman Phil Bonus and Councilwoman Bev Reponen.

I would like to extend a special thanks to Fire Chief Ken Neuhard for his vision in helping create the wonderful design of our new fire station along with the entire design/build selection team of Dick Wells, Sharon Anselmo, Bran Jones and Rick Lemke. They, along with our city staff, have teamed together and given great support throughout the entire process that enables us to kickoff the actual construction of this great city facility.

Furthermore, I would like to commend our design/build team of ACi, AVCON and Wharton-Smith for their tireless efforts in helping Chief Neuhard and our City Council bring about this beautifully designed “green”-certified fire station that you will see become a reality by the end of this year.

To our Station 45 firefighters, thank you for your patience. You have worked under difficult conditions for quite some time. I know how much you are looking forward to and are deserving of making our new fire station your home away from home.

And finally, to the citizens of Maitland, I want to praise you for your wisdom and vision by voting for the municipal bonds that make this much-needed fire station possible for our city, our first responders and our city residents.

City Council meeting of March 14

City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The next meeting is scheduled for March 14 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting. For updates, please check our website at www.itsmymaitland.com

No Public Hearings are scheduled.

Consent Agenda:

• Approval of the City Council minutes of Feb. 28.

• Receive Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes of Jan. 20 and Feb. 17.

• Pass a Resolution to update the City’s Flexible Benefits Plan. The original Plan Document and Plan Summary were implemented on Jan. 1, 1991. However, with often changing rules and regulations, it is necessary to modify and update the Plan Document and Plan Summary.

Decision Items:

• Appointments

–Four appointments to the Senior Citizens Advisory Board

–Four Appointments to the Fiscal Advisory Board

• Consider an ordinance to establish a permitting process to sell and/or dispense alcoholic beverages at Lake Lily Park, Lake Destiny Recreation Facility and Quinn Strong Park.

Movie in the Park

The city of Maitland Leisure Services Department continues its “Movie in the Park” series on Saturday, March 12 when “Shrek Forever After”, which will be presented at 7 p.m. at Quinn Strong Park located at 345 S. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. Admission is free. This movie is rated PG.