Maitland City Talk

Whether you’re the captain of a schooner or a passenger on a ski boat, following safety guidelines ensures your safety and that of all other seafarers.

Be weather wise:

Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports.

Bring extra gear you may need:

A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, suntan lotion, first aid kit, extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.

Tell someone where you’re going, who is with you and how long you’ll be away.

Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

Learn to swim:

The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross Chapter.

Alcohol and boating don’t mix:

Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance and coordination — more than 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reason, it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol; people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.

Look for the label:

Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for yourself and your passengers when boating and fishing.

Develop a float plan:

Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, gets lost or encounters other problems, you want help to be able to reach you.

Find a boating course in your area (U.S. Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Sailing, etc.) These courses teach about navigation rules, emergency procedures and the effects of wind, water conditions and weather.

Watch the weather:

Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Stop boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

Let’s all take a little more time. Maitland residents matter!

City Council Meeting of April 9

The Maitland City Council met on April 9 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, April 23.

Public Hearings:

Moved to continue the Public Hearings creating the Downtown Maitland Zoning District and the rezoning of properties within that District until the April 23 Council meeting.

Consent:

Approved various meeting minutes.

Authorized the city manager to approve Change Order Summary CH2012-4 to the City Hall contract with Wharton-Smith, adjusting the contract from $3,339,694.30 to $3,317,079.27.

Approved a change in the Transportation Advisory Board’s bylaws that will allow for quarterly meetings, in lieu of a monthly meeting.

Authorized a contract with Allstate Paving, Inc. for citywide street paving and resurfacing needs.

Authorized a contract with Burgess & Niple for the design of a pedestrian/bicycle access from Robinhood Drive to the Maitland SunRail station.

Failed to pass a resolution to enter into an Urban and Community Forestry Grant Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a grant application.

Approved the submittal of a $48,750 Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Matching Grant for the purpose of obtaining two medical ultrasound devices used to diagnose life threatening internal bleeding and other traumatic or acute medical conditions. Authorize a 25 percent matching contribution from the city and permit the city manager, or his designee, to sign all associated grant documents.

Decisions:

Advanced on first reading an ordinance to establish an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption, and set the Public Hearing date for May 14.

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