Winter Park City Talk

November 12 City Commission meeting highlights

There was a City Commission meeting Nov. 12. Below are a few highlights of decisions made:

Mayor’s Report

• A Certificate of Appreciation was presented by the Winter Park Police Department to Jose Zabala for his assistance in capturing an escaped criminal.

• The board appointment to the Hannibal Square Community Land Trust, Inc. was approved.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes of Oct. 22 were approved with a modification.

• The various purchases, contracts and formal solicitations were approved.

• Radio Disney’s “NBT” (Next Big Thing) On Tour Concert event in Central Park on Sept. 21, was denied.

• The Winter Park Sports Hall of Fame request to be placed on the “City Annual Events” list was approved.

• Payment Service Network Inc. was approved to provide utility services electronic bill presentment and payment.

• The interlocal agreement with the cities of Altamonte Springs and Maitland for construction and cost-sharing of sewer utility improvements associated with the Gateway Drive Extension Project was approved.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• The streetscape/bricking of New England and Interlachen avenues in conjunction with the Alfond Inn construction was approved.

• Water and sewer rate study was discussed and will be considered at the Nov. 26 meeting.

Public Hearings

• The first reading of the ordinance to amend tree removal compensation requirements, use of the Tree Replacement Fund, provide exemption from requiring a tree removal permit, and establish enforcement procedure for removing hazardous trees was approved with amendments.

• The appeal the Winter Park Historic Preservation Commission decision regarding case of Certificate of Review; request for alterations and an addition property located at 1005 Lakeview Drive, was denied.

• Ravaudage - Home Acres annexation

• The second reading of the ordinance annexing the 51+/- acres of Ravaudage or Home Acres, generally bounded by Bennett, Monroe, and Orlando avenues and Lee Road, was approved.

• The interlocal agreement to annex 1211 and 1101 Lewis Drive was approved.

• The first reading of the ordinance annexing the property at 600 Lee Road was approved.

• Requests of Wawa:

• The second readings of the ordinances to partially vacate and abandon the easement located at 901 and 911 N. Orlando Ave. was approved.

• Requests of Heartwood 20, LLC:

• The second readings of the ordinances to amend sections of the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan to increase the residential density for and limited to the property at 444 W. New England Ave. was approved

A full copy of the Nov. 12 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org the week of Nov. 26, pending approval by the City Commission.

Last CoffeeTalk of the season featuring Commissioner McMacken

Please join Commissioner Tom McMacken for a cup of coffee Thursday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave., for the last CoffeeTalk of the season. This is the city’s seventh year in holding these annual CoffeeTalk sessions for residents that have a latte on their minds or some beans to grind.

This is your opportunity to talk with Commissioner McMacken in an informal environment and ask him any questions related to city business. Special thanks to Palmano’s Café, Coffee & Wine Bar for donating the coffee.

Dramatic ice-breaking ceremony

The city of Winter Park is proud to announce an ice-breaking ceremony presented by Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc., to officially open the Winter in the Park holiday ice skating rink on Friday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the holiday ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow located at 150 N. New York Ave., at the corner of New York Ave. and Morse Blvd. in downtown Winter Park.

Mikella Gallagher, director of brand marketing, Ruth’s Hospitality Group; Amanda Maggard, assistant administrator, Winter Park Memorial Hospital; and Winter Park Vice Mayor Steven Leary will lead the ceremony by breaking a large peacock ice sculpture in the most dramatic way. Once the ice is broken, performers from the RDV Sportsplex Ice Den will warm the ice with a special performance of “Babes in Toyland.” Lively music, peacock punch and delectable sweets will be provided by Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Mitchell’s Fish Market.

Snowflakes of all ages and skill levels are then invited to chill out as they glide, spin and turn at “Winter in the Park,” which runs from Nov. 16 until Sunday, Jan. 6:

• Monday thru Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Friday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Sunday, Noon to 8 p.m.

(See website for extended school holiday hours.)

Snow angels can skate all day for just $10 per skater with skate rental included. Blizzards of 20 or more people can save with cool group discounts. The rink is also available for rental opportunities if you are interested in bringing your whole igloo to celebrate birthdays, special events, private parties or corporate gatherings. Advance reservations are required for private parties to avoid an avalanche of skaters.

For more information regarding the coolest place in Central Florida, please call 407-599-3203 or visit the city’s official Winter in the Park page at cityofwinterpark.org/WITP

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