Winter Park City Talk

City Commission meeting

There will be a City Commission meeting Monday, Oct. 22, at 3:30 p.m., in City Hall Commission Chambers located at 401 S. Park Ave. Below are a few topics of interest:

Mayor’s Report

Proclamation - 2012 Week of the Family

Presentation - Employee of the Third Quarter 2012 - Gary Olson

Consent Agenda

Approve the minutes of Oct. 8.

Approve budget adjustment to purchase software that improves the efficiency of the permit issuance and payment processes.

Approve Brown & Brown of Florida Inc. as Insurance Agent of Record.

Close City Hall the entire day Monday, Dec. 24, (Christmas Eve) and cancel the Monday, Dec. 24, City Commission meeting.

Action Items Requiring Discussion

Mead Botanical Garden lease and operational agreement

Denning Drive project

City manager evaluation

Strategic Plan

Public Hearings

Resolution – Rescinding and terminating the development agreement for 821 and 830 W. Swoope Ave.

Request of Michael Collard Properties Inc.:

First reading of the ordinance to change the existing designation of office to commercial on properties at 407 and 409 St. Andrews Blvd.

First reading of the ordinance to change the existing zoning designation on properties at 407 and 409 St. Andrews Blvd.

Conditional use approval to construct a new McDonald’s Restaurant with a drive-thru component on properties at 2304 Aloma Ave. and at 407 and 409 St. Andrews Blvd.

Request of WaWa:

First reading of the ordinance to partially vacate and abandon the easement located at 901 N. Orlando Ave.

First reading of the ordinance to vacate and abandon the easement located at 911 N. Orlando Ave.

City Commission Reports

You can find the City Commission’s full agenda on the home page of cityofwinterpark.org under What’s New > City Commission Agenda.

CoffeeTalk featuring Commissioner Cooper

Please join Commissioner Carolyn Cooper for a cup of coffee Thursday, Oct. 18, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave., for her annual CoffeeTalk gathering. 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 Cooper in an informal environment and ask her any questions related to city business. Special thanks to Palmano’s Café, Coffee & Wine Bar for donating the coffee.

Early voting at the library

The Winter Park Public Library located at 460 E. New England Ave., is again a site for early voting for the General Election. Voting will run from Saturday, Oct. 27, thru Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and is for Orange County residents only. 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.

“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.

“Operation Gratitude” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based corporation, funded entirely by private donations. Since 2009, Winter Park resident Andrew Weinstock has spearheaded this local effort. For more information regarding “Operation Gratitude,” please call 407-454-0878, email [email protected] or visit operationgratitude.com

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.

Calling all veterans

On Friday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., the city of Winter Park will be presenting 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 Amphitheatre located at 721 W. New England Ave.

If you have served in any military campaign (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom or Afghanistan) or in any military branch in honor of our nation’s freedom, the city is holding this event to pay tribute to your dedicated service to our country.

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.

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