Maitland City Talk

My first 120 days as mayor of Maitland has been very challenging, but at the same time a very rewarding experience. When I first found out that I was going to be mayor, I wasn’t sure how I felt or even that I really wanted the job. But having five months to get ready before I took office and with the help of our then-Mayor Doug Kinson and our city staff, I became more and more encouraged looking forward to the opportunity of taking office. Now that I have been serving as mayor these past four-plus months, I have come to realize that it takes a substantial time commitment to properly serve the people of Maitland and achieve the goals that we are pursuing for our city. If it wasn’t for the inspired vision and support that I have gotten from our City Council, city staff and the volunteer members of our city boards, we could not have accomplished what we have so far during 2011. Here are some of the highlights of those accomplishments to date:

• Groundbreaking of our new Fire Station #45 (to be completed in December)

• Selection of the contractor to build our new City Hall (groundbreaking scheduled for June 3)

• Installed and began the red-light camera traffic enforcement program

• Enacted a new ordinance to reduce prescription drug abuse

• Enacted a new ordinance to regulate pain management clinics

• Dedicated the Police K-9 Memorial Garden

Along with these accomplishments, here are other important opportunities for our city that we are working on:

• Continuing to move SunRail and the development of our station forward along with the Quite Zones for our rail crossings

• Finalizing our lease renewal and extension with the recently merged and newly formed Maitland Art and History Association (MAHA)

• Establishing a community park on the West Side

• Updating our Police and Fire Pension Plan

• Updating our City Charter

• Updating our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

• Working on an ordinance to prohibit simulated gaming devices

• Working on a Resolution for a referendum election authorizing City Council to grant development ad valorem tax exemptions to encourage development and increase our tax base

• Updating our land development code, pattern book and development permitting process to encourage development and increase our tax base

• Continuing to move forward with our capital improvement projects

• Continuing to find new ways to reduce city overhead and increase government efficiency

• Continuing to explore ways to increase revenue for our city by pursuing state and federal grants, increasing our tax base and identifying new revenue sources

As you can see, we have many exciting challenges before us. The only way that we will be able to accomplish the above as well as continue to maintain no increase in taxes and a balanced budget is for all of us to work together as a team. I believe that our City Council, city staff, volunteer boards and citizens comprise an excellent team. All the members of our City Council and volunteer city boards are dedicated, loyal and hard-working people with a great love for our city. They will do whatever it takes to achieve our city’s goals. Our city staff, many of whom have been loyal hard working employees for many years, are also committed to achieving the best outcome for Maitland. As for our citizens, I have met many of you and your passion and love of our city is inspiring. I feel blessed and honored as mayor to have the opportunity to work with the members of “Team Maitland.” If we continue to work together, as I have so wonderfully experienced this past 120 days, anything is possible for our city.

Council Meeting of May 23

City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 23 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting. For updates, please check ItsMyMaitland.com

Special Presentations:

• Presentation – Welcoming Certificate – Ran Getsu Japanese Restaurant – Hector Ponce

• Proclamation – Code Enforcement Officer’s Appreciation Week

• Progress Energy Storm Response – Regional VP, Lyndon Dupont & Community Relations Manager, Tricia Johnson

• Legislative Report – Louis Rotundo

Public Hearing:

Second Reading of an Ordinance Prohibiting Establishment & Use of Simulated Gaming Devices

Consent Agenda:

• Approve Council Minutes of May 9, 2011

• Receive Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Minutes of March 2, 2011

• Receive Transportation Advisory Board Minutes of March 10, 2011

Decision Item:

First Reading of an Ordinance creating a Charter Review Commission

Discussion Items:

• Purchase of foreclosed homes

Building communities with honorable character