Winter Park City Talk

Feb 22 City Commission meeting topics of interest

There will be a City Commission meeting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in City Hall Commission Chambers. Below are a few topics of interest:

City board update:

-Historic Preservation Board Update

Consent agenda:

-Approve the minutes of Feb. 8.

-Approve Task Order 2010-01 for CH2M HILL for the Fairbanks Corridor Wastewater Collection & Transmission final design and permitting.

-Authorize extension of federal lobbyist contact with Alcalde and Fay through Thursday, Sept. 30

Action items requiring discussion:

-Appointment of Canvassing Board members for March 9 election

-Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan

-State legislative priorities

Public hearings:

-Resolution - Establishing a Virginia Heights East Historic District

-Resolution - Executing a Local Agency Program Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for the Lakemont Avenue Resurfacing Project, the Phelps Avenue Resurfacing Project and the Fleet Peeples Multi-Use Trail Project

-Second reading of the ordinance amending Section 58-66 "R-1AA and R-1A Districts," Section 58-70 "PURD District," Section 58-82 "General Provisions," and Section 58-92 "Definitions," so as to enact new single-family and accessory building regulations and definitions. Must be held after 5:30 p.m.

-Second reading of the ordinance regarding Land Development Code revisions (Tabled at 2/8 meeting) Must be held after 5:30 p.m.

City Commission reports

Mayor Bradley

-Amtrak Station design and rebuilding schedule

You can find the Commission's full agenda and information on specific agenda items by logging on to the city's official Web site at CityofWinterPark.org and by clicking on "Government", then "City Commission", then "Packets".

Police department receives reaccreditation

On Feb. 3, the Winter Park Police Department (WPPD) received its reaccreditation status, a status that signifies the highest standards of professionalism for Florida law enforcement agencies. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) serves as the independent reviewing authority that certifies if an agency has met the professional standards and specific requirements, which are designed exclusively for Florida law enforcement agencies.

"Accreditation assures you that your police department is providing the highest level of law enforcement service to the community they serve as well as going hand-in-hand with community policing," said Bob Merchant, Altamonte Springs Police chief and CFA commissioner, at the Feb. 8 Winter Park City Commission meeting.

WPPD received initial accredited status in 2000 and was reaccredited in 2003 and 2006. December 2009 marked the next three-year cycle for this prestigious designation. At that time, a team of assessors composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies began the reaccreditation review process for Winter Park by examining all aspects of the department's policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The overall conclusions of the CFA assessment team's final report stated, "The assessment team was very impressed with the Winter Park Police Department. The employees of this agency are highly trained, motivated and professional. Every employee interviewed was enthusiastic and they all truly enjoy the services they provide. Every member of the agency encountered was familiar with and supports accreditation. It is very clearly a part of the culture of the agency and it shows in their day-to-day operations."

Fire-rescue receives grant to help with cardiac needs

Time is muscle. Now with the assistance of $224,100 from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department (WPFD) will be able save valuable heart muscle by purchasing advanced, state-of-the-art cardiac monitor/defibrillators for every Advanced Life Support Unit in the department (10 units).

When WPFD responds to an emergency medical call, 98 percent of the time cardiac monitoring is performed. For patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a heart attack, the new 12-lead advanced cardiac defibrillators deliver a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the affected heart. It also provides improved EKG interpretation that assists paramedics in diagnosing heart attacks.

The new machines are lighter weight, more durable, and suitable for use in multiple and extreme conditions. They have color, scratch-resistant screens for better visibility, are water resistant, and the batteries last three times as long as the older models.

Another important feature of the 2010 models is the ability to detect carbon monoxide and methemoglobin levels in patients and firefighters, even if those levels are very low. These sensors allow paramedics to notice the early signs of a potentially deadly exposure.

Currently the city's cardiac defibrillators are more than 10 years old, and this grant will allow WPFD to replace its aging units, bringing the department's rehabilitation capabilities in line with national standards.

Upcoming candidate forums

Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum: Friday, Feb. 19, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Winter Park Welcome Center & Chamber of Commerce located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Park Avenue Area Association Commissioner's Debate: Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., at the Winter Park Welcome Center & Chamber of Commerce located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Helpful hint

When making a utility bill payment in person, it's always best to bring your bill stub. However, if you forget it, don't worry. Your name and service address are all the cashiers need.

Visit the city's official Web site at www.CityofWinterPark.org, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.