Winter Park City Talk

Oct. 22 City Commission meeting highlights

There was a City Commission meeting Oct. 22. Below are a few highlights of decisions made:

Mayor’s Report

• A proclamation was presented declaring the week of Oct. 27 as the Week of the Family

• A presentation was made awarding Gary Olson the 2012 Employee of the Third Quarter Award

Consent Agenda

• The minutes of Oct. 8 were approved.

• The budget adjustment to purchase software that improves the efficiency of the permit issuance and payment processes was approved.

• Brown & Brown of Florida Inc. was approved as Insurance Agent of Record.

• The closing of City Hall and cancelation of the City Commission meeting Monday, Dec. 24, was approved.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• Mead Botanical Garden lease and operational agreement was approved with amendments.

• The Denning Drive project was discussed, and staff was directed to broaden the scope of the project.

Public Hearings

• The resolution rescinding and terminating the development agreement for 821 and 830 W. Swoope Ave. was approved.

• Request of Michael Collard Properties Inc. regarding the properties at 407 and 409 St. Andrews Blvd. was withdrawn by the applicant.

• The first reading of the ordinances related 901 and 911 N. Orlando Ave. for WaWa were approved.

A full copy of the Oct. 22 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org the week of Nov. 12, pending approval by the City Commission.

New fire apparatus dedication ceremony

On Friday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m., the Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department will hold a traditional dedication ceremony formally accepting into service the agency’s newest piece of firefighting equipment. This ceremony will take place at Fire Station 61 located at 343 W. Canton Ave.

More than a year ago, the department initiated discussions that led to a change in the type of aerial apparatus it would purchase to replace the existing unit. Seeing an opportunity to improve efficiency and mobility, the modern design of this unit will offer the department the following efficiencies and added benefits:

• Increased maneuverability through traffic,

• Quicker access to some of the city’s narrow streets and turns which are more difficult to negotiate,

• Additional 300-cubic-feet of storage space

o The use of a long trailer design where one firefighter sits in the rear allows for the consolidation of existing tools and equipment onto one unit

This new firefighting unit combines the technology of today with the proven maneuverability of tiller-driven trucks. The new tractor-drawn aerial truck represents the return of an apparatus style that is seeing resurgence around the country. Winter Park joins other Florida cities such as Tampa, Jacksonville and Clearwater, which have recently returned these maneuverable units to their fire apparatus fleet.

The dedication ceremony will include a tour of the unit, driving demonstration and will conclude with the traditional “push back” of the unit into service. For more information, please call 407-599-3298.

Early Voting at the library

The Winter Park Public Library located at 460 E. New England Ave. is a site for early voting for the General Election. Voting for Orange County residents only will run from Saturday, Oct. 27, through Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Please visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections FAQ for information about required ID, absentee ballots and other voting matters. During Early Voting, please be extra patient and courteous in the library parking lot.

Trick or Treat on Park Avenue

Kids in costume can trick or treat at participating stores along Park Avenue Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event is presented by the Park Avenue Merchants Association.

Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park

The Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Winter Park will present “Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park” on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., adjacent to the Winter Park Community Center at 721 W. New England Ave.

Munchkins of all ages are invited to attend this free family-friendly event. Fun-filled activities will include games, bounce houses, a costume contest, Trick-or-Treat Trail and safe Halloween fun for everyone. If inclement weather tries to dampen the evening, the event will be moved into the Winter Park Community Center gymnasium.

For more information regarding Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park, please call 407-599-3275.

Second annual Veterans Day Celebration

On Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., the city of Winter Park will present its second annual Veterans Day Celebration. This event will be held in honor of all of the veterans of Winter Park at the Winter Park Community Center Ruby Ball Amphitheater located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be entertaining guests as they visit with organizations and services that offer resources specifically for veteran needs. At 10 a.m. the official program will begin with musical tributes, anecdotal speakers and recognition of veterans according to the various military branches and campaigns served.

For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

“Operation Gratitude” remembers soldiers

The Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department (WPFD) is once again supporting “Operation Gratitude,” a program designed to collect candy and gifts for American service men and women who are currently deployed in the remote regions of Afghanistan and other hostile regions of the world.

Residents of the community are encouraged to drop off candy and letters of appreciation between now and Saturday, Nov. 10, to one of the following Winter Park locations:

• Station 61 > 343 W. Canton Ave.

• Station 62 > 300 S. Lakemont Ave.

• Station 64 > 1439 Howell Branch Road

• City Hall > 401 S. Park Ave.

• Winter Park Public Library > 460 E. New England Ave.

Items will also be collected at the city’s annual Veterans Day Celebration Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Winter Park Community Center Ruby Ball Amphitheater, located at 721 W. New England Ave.

For more information regarding “Operation Gratitude,” please call 407-454-0878, email [email protected] or visit operationgratitude.com

Visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and watch us on Vimeo.