Winter Park City Talk

On behalf of the City of Winter Park, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

NOV. 22 CITY COMMISSION MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

The City Commission met on Nov. 22 at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. Below are a few highlights of the major decisions that were made.

• MAYOR’S REPORT:

• The month of December was proclaimed the month of the Winter Park Public Library’s 125th Anniversary

• Andrew Weinstock, a young Winter Park resident, was recognized for his efforts in support of “Operation Gratitude” where he successfully collected more than 4,300 pounds of candy to send to troops overseas.

• The Parks & Recreation Department was recognized for receiving their national accreditation.

• Appointments were made to the Financial Advisor Selection Committee and the Bond Counsel Selection Committee.

• CONSENT AGENDA:

• The minutes of the Nov. 8 were approved.

• The reduction in fines imposed by the Code Enforcement Board against the property located at 1254 Via Estrella was approved.

• The proposed application, collection and administrative policy for the off-leash area and entry fees for Fleet Peeples Park were approved with modifications including clarification of the annual pass fees being $75 for the first dog and $50 for all other dogs within the same household.

• The $150,000 donation from Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman, PA, for capital improvements at Mead Garden was accepted and the mayor and city manager were authorized to sign the associated documentation.

• The award to Consolidated Pipe & Supply Company was approved.

• ACTION ITEMS REQUIRING DISCUSSION:

• The request to add a potential charter question changing the citizen board appointment methodology was not approved.

• The Commission approved the engagement of a federal lobbyist.

• The state and federal legislative priorities were approved.

• The visioning and operational planning for Mead Botanical Garden was approved with amendments.

• PUBLIC HEARINGS:

• The resolution setting forth the city’s intent to use the uniform ad valorem assessment for properties abutting North Phelps Avenue and Bryan Avenue for the installation of underground electrical/BrightHouse Networks facilities was approved.

• The second reading of the ordinance regarding salary increases for City Commission was approved.

• The second reading of the ordinance regarding a charter referendum election changing the term limits of the City Commission was approved with modifications.

• The second reading of the ordinance authorizing the refunding of all outstanding water and sewer revenue bonds and funding for the wastewater portion of the Fairbanks Avenue Sewer Extension and Beautification Project; providing for the issuance of not exceeding $17,000,000 revenue bonds was approved.

• The second reading of the ordinance regarding the adoption of regulations for signs in office districts on four-lane roads and for signs along Interstate 4 was approved with amendments.

• The second reading of the ordinance regarding a lakefront setback code amendment was approved.

• The Conditional Use Approval request of St. John Lutheran Church to re-establish an elementary school from preschool through 5th grade for a maximum of 100 students from the existing church facilities at 1600 S. Orlando Avenue was approved.

• The final Conditional Use Approval request of the Winter Park Towers pursuant to the Preliminary Conditional Use Approval granted on June 28, 2010, at 1111 S. Lakemont Avenue was tabled until the Monday, December 13, City Commission meeting.

• The request of the City of Winter Park to amend Article III, “Zoning”, Section 58-87 “Lakefront Lots, Canalfront Lots, Streamfront Lots, Boathouses and Docks”; renaming the section to include wetlands and adding a new Subsection (f) to include Wetland Setback Provisions and Protections was approved.

A full copy of the November 22 City Commission minutes will be available on the city’s official Web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org the week of December 13, pending approval by the City Commission.

CITY HALL CLOSED

City Hall will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 29.

Household garbage and recycling collection services will not be provided on Thanksgiving Day. Normal services will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day.

WPPD LAUNCHES CLICK IT OR TICKET

The Winter Park Police Department (WPPD) will be joining state and local law enforcement agencies and highway safety groups in supporting an aggressive national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign. Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the 2010 “Click It or Ticket” mobilization period now through Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Seat belts are the single most effective piece of safety equipment in a vehicle, yet Winter Park’s seatbelt usage is typically measured at around 80 percent leading into enforcement activities such as “Click it or Ticket.”

Kids have to be buckled up too. Your child seat can be installed by a certified police officer at the Winter Park Police Department by appointment. This is a long-time service that has been provided for years at no cost to the public.

Seat belts clearly save lives. When worn correctly, seat belts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent, and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.

WPPD is encouraging compliance in lieu of having to issue citations as costly reminders of a law that everyone should be following every time they are in a vehicle.

IT’S HOLIDAY EVENT TIME!

The city of Winter Park is once again preparing to host a string of festive events this holiday season. Gather with friends, family and loved ones to experience these annual holiday traditions in Winter Park, the “City of Culture and Heritage.”

Winter in the Park

The season begins with “Winter in the Park” ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow now through Sunday, Jan. 9. Join us to skate your way through the holiday season. “Winter in the Park” will include a full calendar of joyful events including family nights, youth nights, musical entertainment from local arts organizations, and a meet and greet with Santa Claus himself. The rink will be open Monday thru Thursday, from 3-9 p.m.; Friday, from 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 407-599-3203.

Holiday Pops concert

A special Holiday Pops concert performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will take place on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m., in beautiful Central Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season. Conductor Dirk Meyer will lead the Philharmonic and Soprano Susana Diaz will join the orchestra for a special performance. This free concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. For more information, call 407-896-6700.

Christmas in the Park

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continues their holiday tradition with the 32nd annual Christmas in the Park Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 2. Central Park creates the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of eight turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir performs in concert on the main stage. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 p.m. For more information, call 407-645-5311.

Christmas at the Casa

To compliment the annual Christmas in the Park Celebration, Friends of Casa Feliz will present Christmas at the Casa on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7-9 p.m., at Casa Feliz located at 656 N. Park Ave. Santa Claus will be on hand to greet everyone, the house will be decorated for the season, and costumed carolers will lead attendees in holiday favorites. For more information, call 407-628-8200.

Annual Tree Lighting

On Friday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m., the festivities continue in Central Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The night will begin with carols from several local ensembles, followed by the award ceremony for the 2010 Holiday Card Competition winners. Central Park will come to life with beautiful bright lights and Santa Claus will make a special appearance. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

Popcorn Flicks

In conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 3, the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “The Polar Express.” The animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” will begin at 7 p.m. and precede the new holiday classic “The Polar Express.” For more information, call 407-629-0054.

Christmas Parade

On Saturday, Dec. 4, Park Avenue comes to life at 9 a.m. with the 58th annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

Pancake Breakfast

Before and after the Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, Leadership Winter Park Class 21 will host the 12th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast at the Central Park main stage from 7-10:30 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and beverages for just $5 per adult and $3 per child, with proceeds benefitting Winter Park area elementary schools. For more information, call 407-644-8281.

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah on the Park on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m., in Central Park. The evening will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers and food. For more information, call 407-644-2500.

GET RID OF THOSE BULKY ITEMS

The city of Winter Park, in partnership with Waste Pro, is pleased to provide a Winter Cleanup in early December, just in time for the holiday season. This large-item pickup service will provide a ‘bonus’ day on which Waste Pro will pick up old furniture, broken appliances and other bulky items.

Residents must place their items curbside after 5 p.m. on the evening before pickup. If you live north of the Fairbanks/Aloma avenues corridor, your bonus pick-up will be the week of Dec. 5. If you live south of the Fairbanks/Aloma avenues corridor, your bonus pick-up will be the week of Dec. 12.

For additional information, call 407-774-0800.

Visit the city’s official website at www.cityofwinterpark.org, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.