Winter Park City Talk

July 28 City Commission meeting highlights

If you were unable to watch or attend the City Commission meeting held July 28 in City Hall Commission Chambers, below are a few highlights of decisions made at the meeting:

Mayor’s Report

• Curtis Camron-Walls was presented a Civilian Award of Merit by the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department for assisting a friend in medical need.

Non-Action Items

• The May 2014 Financial Report was presented and accepted.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes of July 14, 2014, were approved with a modification.

• The contract with The Davey Tree Expert Company, Utility Vegetation Management Amendment 2 was approved.

• The fee waiver request of the Tri-County League of Cities for use of the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, was approved.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• The tentative millage rate was approved at the same operating millage rate of 4.0923 for the past five years.

Public Hearings

• The requests of Georgiana Harkins for the properties at 1141/1143 Orange Ave. resulted as follows:

— The second reading of the ordinance amending Article I, "Comprehensive Plan” to change the Future Land Use Designation was approved.

— The second reading of the ordinance amending the official zoning map was approved.

• The resolution indicating the city’s support for the continued use and management of the Lake Baldwin Veterans Administration (VA) medical clinic by the VA was approved.

A full copy of the July 28 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org the week of Aug. 11, pending approval by the City Commission. Remember, if you are unable to attend the City Commission meetings, you can watch them live, gavel-to-gavel, as they happen. During the meeting, simply log on to cityofwinterpark.org/cclive to easily stay tuned-in to official city business.

Seeking a UAB member

The city of Winter Park has approximately 20 boards that help advise the city on various issues. One of those boards is the Utility Advisory Board (UAB) that helps make recommendations to the City Commission on the city’s water and electric utilities. If this is an area of interest for you, please submit an application to become a board member at cityofwinterpark.org > Government > Boards.

Chamber and city to explore value of great schools

On Thursday, Aug. 21, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and city of Winter Park will host an Education Update at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave. Presented by Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, the event will explore “Education & Economics: The Value of Great Schools,” via panel discussion moderated by WESH 2 News reporter Gail Paschall-Brown. Panelists for the breakfast event include:

• Mark Brewer, president/CEO, Central Florida Foundation

• Honorable Sarah Sprinkel, commissioner, city of Winter Park

• Honorable Bill Sublette, chairman, Orange County Public Schools

• Dr. Harry Kypraios, associate professor of economics, Rollins College

Throughout the morning, panelists will explore how quality educational opportunities help develop intellectual capital, inspire entrepreneurs, add economic value to our community, and instill a sense of civic pride.

The Chamber of Commerce will also hold a school supply drive in conjunction with the breakfast event. Attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to the event for A Gift For Teaching’s Back-to-School Drive. Recommended items include notebook paper, spiral notebooks, 24-count crayon boxes, 8-count marker packages, and 12-count colored pencil packages. A representative will be on hand to collect supplies and donations at the event.

Event registration will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by breakfast and the program at 8 a.m. Admission is $25 for Chamber members in advance and $30 for non-members. Corporate tables are also available. Reservations are required by Wednesday, Aug. 13, and can be made by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at 407-644-8281, or online at winterpark.org.

The event is made possible by presenting sponsor Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, in addition to support from city of Winter Park and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

CoffeeTalk featuring Vice Mayor Steve Leary

If you have a latté beans to grind or you simply want to espresso your thoughts, CoffeeTalk may be the cup for you. The popular CoffeeTalk series this month features Vice Mayor Steve Leary on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 8 a.m. and you are invited to join him for conversation and a cup of coffee provided by Palmano’s Cafe, Coffee & Wine Bar. CoffeeTalk will be held at the Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

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