Winter Park City Talk

MAY 9 COMMISSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

There was a City Commission meeting held on May 9 at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. Below are a few highlights of decisions made:

• MAYOR’S REPORT:

• A majority of the 2011 board appointments were confirmed, with the remaining to come forward at the next City Commission meeting.

• CONSENT AGENDA:

• The minutes of the 4/25/11 City Commission meeting were approved with a modification.

• Clay street brick pavers were approved to be purchased by Brick America.

• The various purchases and contracts were approved (for a complete list of purchases and contracts, please access the Commission Agenda Packet at www.cityofwinterpark.org > Government > City Commission > Agenda Packets).

• The conceptual plans of the Mead Garden upper terrace patio development, and recommendation to proceed with the construction and development of the approved terrace area with $35,000 of grant funding were approved.

• The Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Orlando Fire Department for the purpose of developing a special operations response and training system was approved.

• ACTION ITEMS REQUIRING DISCUSSION:

• The revised banner policy was approved.

• The staff recommendation for the use of the Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL) refunds was approved.

• The discussion regarding forming a task force for the construction of a new city hall and library was not approved at this time, however, a 10-year needs study was requested to be conducted by staff.

• Discussion of a master ordinance regarding advisory board membership and rules was held with a decision to have the first reading of an ordinance heard at the next City Commission meeting.

• PUBLIC HEARINGS:

• The first reading of the ordinance to revise the Conditional Use section of the Zoning Code to better outline the submittal requirements for preliminary and final conditional use applications was tabled.

• The second reading of the ordinance authorizing the refunding of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2001 was approved.

• The resolution authorizing the issuance of not exceeding $8 million General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2011 was approved.

• The resolution for complete streets and pedestrian safety was approved with an amendment.

• The resolution clarifying/governing advisory board communication and enforcing codes was approved with amendments.

• The first reading of the ordinance regarding public records request policy was approved with an amendment.

A full copy of the May 9 City Commission minutes will be available on the city’s official Web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org the week of May 23, pending approval by the City Commission.

THE CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE

The second of four COMMUNITY Conversations will be held on Monday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Winter Park Public Library located at 460 East New England Avenue.

COMMUNITY Conversations offers the Winter Park community the opportunity to talk about city-related topics that are important to them. Attendees can:

• Talk about other things that do not rise to the surface but are still important to the quality of life

• Share thoughts and perspectives about current city topics

• Identify Winter Park’s treasures, values and future needs

• Assist in formulating a future vision for the city which will help guide decisions in accordance with your wishes

• Serve as a resource base that can be helpful in decision making by the City Commission

Other upcoming COMMUNITY Conversations dates:

• Friday, May 20; 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 West Lyman Avenue

• Saturday, June 4; 9 a.m. - noon; Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 South Lakemont Avenue

Space is limited, so please RSVP to [email protected] or call 407-599-3245 at least one week prior to the COMMUNITY Conversation you plan to attend. “Talk” to you then.

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CRA 101: LEARNING THE BASICS

What is the CRA?

The CRA, or Community Redevelopment Agency, is a public body created to implement a community redevelopment plan for a specific area, otherwise known as the Community Redevelopment District. In 1969, Florida enacted legislation that enabled local governments to create community redevelopment districts and community redevelopment agencies to work in those districts. A map of the CRA District can be found by visiting the city’s Website www.cityofwinterpark.org and accessing Residents > Helpful Maps > CRA District.

Currently, there are approximately 140 CRAs in the state of Florida. As authorized by the Florida Statutes, CRA’s are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) derived from property taxes. Upon development of a CRA, the existing tax base for properties within the CRA boundaries is frozen. From that point forward, city and county taxes from increases in property values are dedicated to the agency. When the property appraiser determines the assessed value of properties within the CRA, the difference between the assessed value and the value at the time the CRA was formed is considered the “increment.” The increment is then multiplied by the millage rate and 95 percent of that money is remitted to the CRA Trust Fund for each fiscal year, October 1 through September 30. Tax increment funds do not include those from library, school or water management districts.

How is the CRA governed?

Winter Park’s CRA is made up of a Board, an Advisory Board and city staff. The Board is the decision- making body consisting of the Mayor, City Commissioners and an appointed Orange County Commissioner Representative. The Advisory Board is a seven-member, one alternate volunteer committee made up of residents and business owners appointed by the City Commission. City staff works with the CRA Board and CRA Advisory Board to carry out the CRA Plan.

What is a legitimate CRA expenditure?

Expenditure of CRA funds must adhere to guidelines as set forth by the CRA Board in order to accomplish the goals and objectives outlined in the CRA Plan. Funds are never used to supplement General Fund dollars. In other words, if an expenditure under consideration is something the city has customarily paid for or was planning to pay for, then it is most likely not an appropriate expenditure for trust fund dollars. For example, CRA funds are not to be used for construction or expansion of administrative buildings. CRA funds are not to be used for installation construction, reconstruction, repair or alteration of any publicly-owned capital improvements unless they are an integral part of a redevelopment project as outlined in the CRA Plan. Examples of appropriate expenditures would include streetscapes, landscaping, decorative lighting, and road and drainage projects.

For additional information regarding the CRA, please visit the city’s official web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org under Departments > Economic Development/CRA, call 407-599-3665, or e-mail [email protected].

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