Winter Park City Talk

Dec. 14 City Commission meeting highlights

Mayor’s Report

• The “America In Bloom” and “Winter in the Park” Holiday Window Contest winners were recognized.

• Susan Johnson, founder and president, shared information regarding “Support our Scholars.”

• The appointment to the Civil Service Board was approved.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes for Nov. 23, 2015, were approved.

• The various purchases and contracts were approved (for a complete list, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/ccpackets).

• The three-month contract extension with Waste Pro of Florida was approved.

• The budget amendment for the stormwater capital fund was approved.

• The addition of janitorial cleaning to the Winter Park Train Station on the weekends was approved.

Public Hearings

• Request of Rollins College:

— The first reading of the ordinance to amend Chapter 58 “Land Development Code,” Article III, “Zoning,” to allow for childcare and educational facilities operated by non-profit entities subject to certain limitations was approved.

— The Conditional Use for a childcare and educational facility operated by Rollins College on the property at 315 Holt Ave., and providing for the approval of a development agreement was approved.

• The request of SVAP Winter Park L.P. for Conditional Use to redevelop and renovate the Winter Park Center (K-mart shopping center) at 501 N. Orlando Ave., was approved with the conditions placed by the Planning & Zoning Board.

• The request of Sydgan Corporation for Conditional Use to construct a third story onto the existing two-story building at 425 W. New England Ave. was approved.

• The request of Sydgan Corporation to construct a steeple on top of the Grant Chapel Building at 216 W. Lyman Ave. was approved.

• The request of Warner Chapel Primitive Baptist Church for Conditional Use to construct a fellowship hall addition to their church building for Sunday school classroom space and fellowship hall activities in conjunction with the church at 753 W. Comstock Ave. was approved.

• The first reading of the ordinance to vacate and abandon the utility easements located at 110 S. Orlando Ave. was approved.

• Request of Benjamin Partners, Ltd. resulted in the following:

— The second reading of the ordinance to amend the “Comprehensive Plan” to change the Future Land use designations at 1531 Lee Road and 1325 Lewis Drive was approved.

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

• Second reading of the ordinance creating regulations for street performers in certain areas of the city was approved.

• Historic Preservation:

— The second reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 58 “Land Development Code,” Article VIII, “Historic Preservation,” was approved.

• The resolution accepting recommendations for incentives for Historic Preservation from the Historic Preservation Board was discussed and directed to the Historic Preservation Board for further review.

A full copy of the Dec. 14 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org/ccminutes the week of Jan. 11, pending approval by the City Commission.

Holiday safety tips

Now in the very busy holiday season, here are some very important safety tips to help protect yourself:

• Always park your vehicle in well-lit areas.

• Never leave valuables in plain view in your vehicle, especially a purse or packages. Put them in your trunk rather than covering up with a towel or under a seat.

• Always pay attention to your surroundings, and try not to walk alone while talking on your cell phone.

• Lock your vehicle.

• Travel in numbers when possible.

• Report any suspicious person(s) via 911 if the situation is currently happening.

Dinner on the Avenue tables on sale Jan. 4

The city is proud to announce the 15th annual Dinner on the Avenue will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016, from 6 to 10 p.m. Hosted by the city, this unique, fun-filled dining experience has become the social event of the year.

Tables will go on sale Monday, Jan. 4, at 8 a.m. at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Gather a table of friends, family, co-workers or neighbors to dine under the stars on beautiful Park Avenue. Tables of eight are available for just $125 each. Only the table, white linen tablecloth and chairs are provided – everything else is up to you. Get creative with table set-up and let your appetites decide whether you bring your own potluck dinner or hire a local caterer to satisfy your palate.

Creativity is encouraged and each group is challenged to develop its own unique look and individual décor. Awards will be presented to winners in various categories including most colorful, most elegant, most original, best TV/movie-themed and honorable mentions. New this year to recognize Earth Month, Earth Day, and Winter Park’s Sustainability initiatives, Keep Winter Park Beautiful and Winter Park Blooms are sponsoring an award category for “greenest” décor. The judging will begin at 7 p.m. sharp, and awards will be presented once the judges have decided on the winners. For more information regarding this unique dining experience, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/dinner or call 407-643-1613.

For more information regarding the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org. Like, follow and watch us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, and YouTube.