Winter Park City Talk

Congratulations WPPD

At the City Commission meeting on Monday, the Winter Park Police Department was presented its official reaccreditation certificate by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc. The city of Winter Park is one of only four cities in the entire state of Florida that has maintained its accreditation for three of its departments: police (since 2000), fire-rescue (since 2001) and parks & recreation (since 2010).

Accreditation shows we are continually striving for constant improvement and excellence. To have both of our public safety departments as well as the parks & recreation department maintain their accreditation for so many years speaks volumes of our city and its employees. Congratulations to our Winter Park Police Department for its recent reaccreditation!

City Commission meeting highlights

There was a City Commission meeting held March 11 in City Hall Commission Chambers. Below are a few highlights from that meeting:

Mayor’s Report

• The week of March 18 was declared Health Week in Winter Park. A giant carrot was placed in the plaza of City Hall, and will travel throughout the city to remind our community of the importance of healthy eating and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes of 2/25/13 were approved

• The various purchases and contracts were approved (for a full listing, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/ccpackets).

• The mid-year budget adjustment was approved.

Public Hearings

• The second reading of the ordinance vacating and abandoning the utility easement at 1141 Via Capri was approved.

• The following requests of the Sydgan Corporation were approved:

• Second reading of the ordinance amending the “Comprehensive Plan” Future Land Use map to change the existing Future Land Use designation of Single Family Residential to Low Density Residential on the property at 250 W. Lyman Ave.

• Second reading of the ordinance amending the Official Zoning Map to change the existing zoning designation of Single Family District to Low Density Residential District zoning on the property at 250 W. Lyman Ave.

• The resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Urban and Community Forestry Grant Memorandum of Agreement between the city of Winter Park and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was approved.

A full copy of the March 11 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org the week of March 25, pending approval by City Commission.

Due to preparations for the 54th annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, the Popcorn Flicks featuring “The Dirty Dozen” on Thursday, March 14, has been postponed to Thursday, March 28.

March 18 City Commission Work Session

There will be a City Commission Work Session Monday, March 18, at 4 p.m. to discuss the creation of a CDD at the development known as Ravaudage. This meeting is open to the public, but no public comment will be taken.

Let’s ride!

The city of Winter Park supports March as Florida Bicycle Month and will celebrate by joining the city’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Board to host the 5th annual Bike from Park to Park on Friday, March 22, at 8 a.m. The scenic bike ride will begin at Central Park West Meadow located at the corner of Morse Boulevard and New York Avenue. The ride, which is approximately 3.5 miles, will take bicyclists through Martin Luther King, Jr. Park to Mead Botanical Garden, by Azalea Lane Recreation Center, and back to Central Park West Meadow, where refreshments will be served.

Those interested in participating in this exciting, green event are asked to please RSVP by Tuesday, March 19, via email to [email protected] or by calling 407-599-3233.

Seeking: Volunteer city board members

The city of Winter Park offers a variety of citizen boards that meet regularly to help the city commission make decisions about various aspects of our city. These boards can provide a constructive outlet that can channel your passion and experience into city policy. In addition, volunteer service on a board is one of the best ways to sustain the things that we as a community treasure, and help institute change in areas (if needed). Depending on which board you select and the level of participation you would like to devote, hours can range from one to four or more hours per month.

Each year in May after reviewing all of the applications, the mayor nominates candidates to fill vacant board positions, subject to city commission approval. If you are interested in serving as a board member, please visit cityofwinterpark.org > Government > Boards to review the types of boards the city offers and submit your application online by clicking on the Board Application Form. Applications must be received by Friday, April 12, to be considered for the May 2013 appointments.

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