CCMtg10-19-09Min l[..~l~T~~®®~' ~'®1VJ[l~~S~~~I~T
Longwood City EC'ornrr~issior~ ~harrflkners
fl75 ilVest iNarren Avenue
ILongwoodl, 'Florida
10~I~N~J']f 1E~9
®CT®~LR .19., 2009
7000 P.]VI.
Present: 1Vlayor H.G. ".Butch" Bundy
Deputy 1Vlayor John C.1VIaingot
Commissioner Joe Durso
Commissioner 1Vlike Ilolt
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Donovan A. Roper,.Acting Cit3~ Attorney
Katrina Powell, City Administ~-at~~r
Sarah 1VI. 1VIirus, City Clerk
Troy K. Ilickson, Acting Fire Chief
C'ommander,Russ Cohen; Police I)epart~nent
Sheryl Bower, Director of Community Development
Fran 1Vleli, Director of Leisure Services
Dolan Peters, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
1. CALL T® ®RDER. Mayor Bundy calaed the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. A moment of SILENT 1VIEDITATI®1\( was followed by the PLEDGE ®F
ALLEGIANCE.
3. C®1VIIdI><JNITX ANN®UNCEIVdENTS. 1\Zs. Mires read the following
announcements:
A. Senior 1Vlatinee will be held on October 21, 2009 from
1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., Longwood Community Building, 200 West
Warren Avenue. This is month's feature is The Curious Case of
Benjamin ButfoH.
B. Creepy Carnival will be .held o~i Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 4:00
p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Longwood Police Department, 235 West Church .
Avenue. There will be a Children's Costume Contest (ages 0-12) and
will begin at 5:00 p.m. (pre-registration will begin at 4:00-4:45 p,m.).
4. RECOGNITIONS/PROCLAli~IATIONS.
A. Proclaiming the week of ®ctober 31, 2009 -November 7, 2009 as "The
Week of the Family."
Mayor Bundy read the Proclamatio~i proclaiming October 31, 2009 thru
November 7, 2009 as "The Week: oi.'the Family." He presented the
CC 10-1.9-09;521
Proclamation to Ms. Lynn Whitcomb, Orlando Florida State Director of
Public Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and
photographs were taken.
B. District #Y Nomination of the business Person of the Month Award
for November 2009.
Deputy Mayor Maingot nominated Mr. Luis L Quiroz, President of Royal
Press, 973 West State Road 434. Nomination carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
5. B®ARD APP®INTMEN')('S. None.
6. PfTBI,IC INPi7'I'. ° ~ _
A. Public Participation.
Winston R. Davis, 117 West Wyndham Court, Longwood, .said that he is
an Attorney representing a couple°of people in the Winsor Manor
Subdivision. He stated the Commission was familiar with this matter
concerning the fence that has been erected across a City.owned parcel
dedicated to the public of. Winsor Manor. He provided some information
to the Commission and briefly reviewed these documents. He reviewed an
aerial map and said the yellow parcel represented the City owned parcel in
its totality and the house next to it with the pool was the Dorris property.
He declared most of the City owned parcel was blocked off by the fence.
He reviewed pictures of the parcels. He said the picture of the fence and
pointed out that a child could walk around the fence and have access to the
swimming pool. He reviewed a picture of the property that remains public..
He continued to review additional pictures of the area showing various
views of the parcels and made these available to the City for their
. reference.
Estelle McCarron, 157 ..Sheridan Avenue, said she was here to address the
fence that has been .erected illegally at 162 Sheridan. Avenue. She stated it
was not fair that one or two individuals should have private access to a
park that should be available to all families in Winsor Manor. She said
upon further research they have found another fence that has been erected
illegally that also prohibits lake front access at 204 Sheridan Avenue.. She
stated it was unreasonable for the City of Longwood to give private lake
access. She declared that can only increase the value of homes in these
economic times. She stated their children played on this land and inquired
why these families would be allowed to illegally erect the fence and
restrict access. She said it was disturbing that the Dorris Family has
allowed such a dangerous situation to arise with access to their pool by
walking around the fence. She stated another item that has come to their
attention was that someone has removed all of the No Parking signs along
Sheridan Avenue by what they deem as their lake access. She advised this
. was a steep and narrow strip of land that runs along a very busy street and
CC 10-19-09/522
their children were not safe playing in this area. She asked the City
Commission to vote tonight on removing the Dorris acid Stein fences and
give this piece of land that is approximately 240.25 feet long at its widest
point and approximately 75 feet deep back to the residents. She declared
they were not talking about a small corner; they wore talking about a piece
of land that could~be utilized as a park. She stated she believed had the
proper chamiels been followed ~ar~d ~i public hearing held, this would have
never happened. She urged the Commissioners, the City of Longwood,
and the City Administrator to right this terrible wrong and immediately
insist that these fences be removed for the benefit of the residents and
children o'f Winsor Manor. She said they were willing and able to proceed
with litigation if necessary, but they do not believe it should •come to that.
JoXce Huss, 950 lst Place, said each of the Commissioners received a letter
' from her dated October 2"d and stated she was-not .here to repeat that letter
or reiterate anything that was in the Getter. Her ma}n reason for being here
tonight was to thank each of the Commissioners who dial respond to the
letter and acknowledged receipt Gf tl.ie letter. She stated she was
encouraged and quite happy with the response and activity that has
Happened since writing the letter. Sh.e said she hoped they did not drop the
ball and stated she did not want tc~ b~.come the squeaky wheel. She
requested that the paving of her si;reta be finished.
JoAnne Rebello, 301 Loch Lomond, said on September 1.Sth the residents
of Ridge, Tahno, and Oak were promised that there would be a purchase
order issued for the paving of their unfinished streets by the second
meeting in October. She stated there was no purchase order on the
• Agenda. She said there ~>as also a statement that the project could be done
fo correct standards with a cost savings of $250,000 to $300,000. She
stated she would hope that someone on the dais would ask for a progress
report on this project. She said the residents on these streets deserve
honest answers and no more delays, no more excuses, just promises
fulfilled. She stated the other item she wished to address was the same one
that comes up every year; the Speciaa Event Permit for the Central Florida
Society for Historic Preservation (CFSHP). She said they were again
asking for a waiver of the vendor feea of $25 per booth which they collect
From the vendors as a temporary license fee on behalf of the City. She
stated this money was not an expense to CFSHP, but a pass through cost
from the vendo~•s. She inquired if C1:~'SHP has stopped collecting this fee
:from the vendors and if riot, what will happen to the money collected. She
asked if the Society would refimd it'to the vendors or add it to their own
coffers. She affirmed she also sees that CFSHP agrees to pay $1,290 for
-two (2) F>le and three (3) Public Works personnel, but no Police
:personnel, even though they are requesting a waiver to the Alcoholic
Ordinance in order to serve alcoholic beverages. She said she found this
troubling as there appears to be no Police presence at this event. She stated
she would ask that based on the rates listed in Appendix B of the Code,
how many hours was the City charging CFSHP for those personnel. She
CC 10-19-09/:23
said the amount does not. add up, even if the City charges only for the
actual hours for the Festival. She .inquired who would close the streets on
Friday and what. time were personnel scheduled and what personnel will
be responsible. She reiterated there was no expense for Police personnel in
this requested permit, even though open alcohol consumption will be
present. She declared this agreement needs to be amended to include
Police persomnel costs and actual hours. worked by all City personnel. She
stated she fords the repeated. request from CFSHP to waive most, if not all
of their fees, troubling, especially since they have two (2) income
producing properties. She said if another organization would request the
same waiver, they would most likely be denied. She stated she believed
those deciding the waiver of these fees seated on the dais includes two (2)
Trustees and the President of the CFSHI'. She said even if the Attorney
opines that there was no voting conflict, as it has been stated numerous
times, if it appears ethically wrong,. then you probably shouldn't do it.
• ~ - - '
Judi Coad, 1695 Grange Circle, said she was here representing the
Barrington property owners concerning the Neighborhood Beautification
program. She stated the program was to help subdivisions improve and
upgrade their private. front entrances and wall areas to enhance the overall
look of the City of Longwood. The criteria of the program was to have
60% of the property owners sign that they agree to this improvement and
are willing to pay for the cost. She reviewed the criteria of the program in
which the land would be deeded to the City and a landscape plan
implemented. She stated that upon enactment of this program the
Banrington property owners received a letter stating that they would be
assessed anon-ad valorem tax for maintenance on the front entrance and
retention areas. She said that Barrington, .Markham Hills, and Tiberon
front entrance property and retention areas have always been City
property, yet the City never maintained these. properties. She stated the
prior City Administrator lied to the Commission in reference to the
entrance of Barrington being brought into the program based on the
omission of facts to Commissioners that these properties were already City
owned properties and not private properties. She declared in the two (2)
plus years of the process in resolving,Barrington's front entrance
restoration, Commissioners Sackett, Maingot, and Anderson took a stand
that the City would come in and tear out the Island, blacktop it, cement it
over, tear out the remaining.. plants, and just put grass iii the. front area, but
the owners would still be billed for this cost and the maintenance of
mowing. She said the City had already removed aboard-on-board fence at
the back retention area, rather than repairing the fence, that kept vehicles
from driving off the sand road behind the subdivision and up tln•ough the
retention pond into Barrington. She declared the City also removed four
(4) brass lamps that stood on top of each pillar at the two (2) entrance
signs. She affirmed that these Commissioners took a hard stance the City
would not pay for anything, even though these were City properties. She
said all the owners. in Barrington wanted to accomplish was to restore the
front entrance to the way it was, no major upgrades, just restoration. She
CC 10-19-09/524
stated the Commission said that they should bear the burden of the cost
because it enhances their private properties and not the City's. She said.
that Shadow Hill Park acid Highland Hill. Park have been totally revamped
with new playground equipment at the cost of $83,357.20 and $56,528.52
without passing the cost onto the private property owners within these
subdivisions based on the fees of public parks. She declared that Highland
Hills received upgraded black wrought uon fence around their front
retention pond in their subdivision. She reviewed the Manual of Standards
for Streets and Stormwater with regards to fence requirements for
retention ponds. She stated neithe-r of these parks have public parking and
were not listed i~~1 The Lamplighter for public use, or have signs
designating where they are located. 'She declared that it seems this meets
the same triter-ia previously given to Barrington on why they should pay
the cost for the upgrade and restoration of their front entrance. She stated
there were upgraded aerators inst.allf;d at Golden Grove, Shadow Hills, and
Highland Hills in their retention areas. She affirmed this additional cost
and maintenance only enhance those: who live within those subdivisions,
but the cost is carried by the taxp:aye:rs. She said diu•ing the time of
February 2006, while Barrington wzs working to resolve the front
entrance to the required Neighborhood ~Beautifica~tion Programs, the
Harbor Isle front entrance drainage project was done by the City to the
tune of $388,463.12. She stated the City paid for the full amount of this
and they have never paid for any up grades to their front entrance. She
inquired why one subdivision over ~~.11 the rest received something free
where the taxpayers have to pay i:or it.
7. C®1VSENT AGENDA.
A. Approve Minutes of the October _°i, 2009 Regular IVleeting.
B. Finance Division of the financial ~9ervices Department recommends
payment. of approved bills for October 2009.
C. finance Division of the financial ~3ervices Department a-ecomimends
approval of the lYlonthly financial Report for September 2009.
• D. The Police Chief recommends the City Commission approve the
distribution of $984,151.00 of fiscal Year 2009/2010 Edward Byrnes
.Iustice Assistance Grant funds for projects within Seminole County
as requested by Seminole County and accept 5109,323 for projects
within the City of Longwood and .authorize the expenditure of those
funds.
_ E. City Administrator recommends the City Commission approve a
change order in the atriount of ;~1:f,403.04 to an existing purchase
order with Severn Trent Environmental Services, Inc. for additional
repair expenses related to the eater treatment plants and authorize
the City Administrator to sign ~~Il appropriate documents.
CC 10-19-091525
F. City Administrator asks the City Commission to approve the
Agreement between the City of Longwood and Advanced Data
Processing, Inc. (ADPI) for Rescue Ambulance Billing and Related
Professional. Services and authorize the City Administrator to sign all
appropriate documents.
G. Acting Fire Chief recommends the City Commission approve an
Inverted Purchase Order for Advanced Data Processing, Inc. (ADPI)
not to exceed $43,000.00 and authorize the City Administrator to sign
all associated documents.
B. Acting Fire Chief recommends the City Commission approve an
Inverted Purchase Order for•Emergency Vehicle Repair, Inc. (EVR)
not to exceed $21,500.00 and authorize the City Administrator to sign
all associated documents.
Commissioner Holt moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
Seconded by Commissioner Durso.
• Discussion was held regarding Items 7 E; •Z F; 7 G, and 7 H.
Motion cai7ied by a unanimous roll call vote.
S. PUBLIC BEARINGS. None.
9. REGULAR BUSINESS.
A. 1VIr. Garth Bolton, representing Property Rescuer, Inc., will be
presenting to the City Commission the matter regarding a Codes
Enforcement. Lien against the property located at 1041 Reams Street.
Commissioner Durso left the`meeting at 7:49 p.m. and returned at 7:49
p.m.
Mr. Garth Bolton, Owner of Property Rescuer; Inc. located at 103 Lisa
Loop, Winter Springs, said they purchased the property located at 104.1
Reams Street and they were unaware of a lien placed on the property for
$4,900 from a fence that was falling down.. He stated the Bank had been
mowing the property and. at the time the lien was placed, the prior owners
had already vacated and abandoned the property. He said the fence or gate
was placed back in position and the lien had stopped, but the fine was
$100 per day for a period of time. He requested the Commission either
waive or reduce the fine to a reasonable and affordable rate so they can
repair the property and sell the property.
Mayor Bundy inquired if the home had a swimming pool.
Mr. Bolton responded in the negative.
CC 10-19-09/526
Commissioner Sackett asked Mr. Bolton to describe fhe company.
Mr. Bolton advised he was the soae Owner of Property Rescue, Inc. H:e
:buys property, fixes them, and the;n :;ells the property or rents the propert~~.
He advised this was a property that will be sold.
Commissioner Sackett iriquired~ ~~hat would make someone unaware of a
property lien in this amount.
Mr. Roper said it would have been absence of a public records search. He
advised the lien was recorded as of the date in question. }-Ie stated the total
amount was $4,900 rumling from March 4, 2009 through April 21, 2009
with a $100 Administrative Cost.
Mayor Bundy said since~the lien was duly recorded, it should show up in a
title search.
Commissioner Holt said everything has to be disclosed to the buyer prior
to purchase.
Mr. Bolton said they purchased the property at a foreclosure sale and
often, unless you pay for a title se;ar~,h beforehand, you are not aware.
Commissioner Holt inquired what a fair amount was to Mr. Bolton.
Mr. Bolton advised $500. He said they would be improving the property
and they were maintaining the property at this time.
Mayor Bundy said the City was facing issues like this with foreclosed
properties and it was a struggle. 13e stated he would take a different view
if it was a homeowner buying the; property rather than an investor.
Commissioner Holt asked Mr. Bolton to provide a better view of what he
would be doing to fix the property.
Nh•. Bolton said the bank had been maintaining the yard. He stated the
house needs a new roof, new air conditioning, new paint, cleaning, and
repairs. He said the fence was in gocd shape at this time. He stated the
fence gate had already been put backup and repaired when they purchased
the property and he had no idea of the lien until. it was sent to the title
company.
Commissioner Holt inquired what amount NIr. Bolton would be spending
on this property.
Mr. Bolton said approximately $12„000 to $].5,000.
CC 1.0-19-~09/527
Mr. Roper advised the fine was standard and this case was a result of an
absentee resident.
Mayor Bundy said this would ultimately be going before the Special
Magistrate and she.would be looking for direction from the Commission.
Commissioner Holt moved to reduce the fine to $2,500 for the
property at 1041 Reams Street. Motion failed, due to lack of a
second.
Deputy Mayor Maingot moved that after hearing what has been
said and after all. consideration that the Commission denies the
request. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett:
Commissioner Sackett said that Mayor Bundy stated this goes before the
Special Magistrate. He inquired if the Commnission was just making a
recommendation.
Mr. Roper responded in the affirmative and said it would be a request to
the Special Magistrate.
Commissioner Sackett said with a recommendation for no support for this
request, there could also be a potential cut when Mr. Bolton appears
before the Special Magistrate.
Mr. Roper responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Sackett said Mr. Bolton purchased the house at $33,000
and hemay be able to sell it for $60,000. He stated with all of the fix-up
he unfortunately may not make as large of a profit on this house.
Commissioner Holt said with that being said, woul'dn't it be nice if the
City would say thank you for taking the piece of property that is in
disarray, could become a blighted piece of property in the City, help fix it
up and move forward with this. He stated the City was constantly going to
be fighting this battle with foreclosed properties. He suggested they
applaud the gentleman for fixing the property rather than. hold him
responsible for something that he didn't create. He said he didn't think the
Commission needed to punish him by making him pay the full $4,900.
Commissioner Durso inquired how many homes Mi•. Bolton had
purchased.
Mr. Bolton said his company has purchased between ten (10) to twenty
(20) homes a year over the past three (3) to four (4) years.
Commissioner Durso inquired if they do title searches.
CC 10-1.9-09/528
1VIr. Bolton said they do title searches. However,'with foreclosure sales
and the way it is now, there are up to fifty (50) houses in Seminole County
going on in a day and you don't know what the banks are going to reduce
the judgments down until thirty 0) minutes prior to the sale. He stated it
was riot cost affective to do title s•°arches on all of the properties ahead of
time.
Commissioner Durso said this was a:n investment and it could go up or it
can go down. He stated after buying thirty (30) homes, after one point or
another, you know the vast majority of those homes have liens and are in
some state of disrepair. He said in ore aspect he agreed with
Commissioner Dolt that he would li1•:e to support people who want to
come in and improve properties. By the same token, he stated there would
lie a trend that would begin if the Cil.y starts waiving fees.
Mayor BLmdy said the City Administrator had information from the
Property Appraiser's Office that the just market va ue of this property was
X91,490.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said that ]VIr. Bolton was probably in the fore front
of many others that will be appearing; before the Commission wanting
liens to be forgiven on properties. H~, stated once that do that for Mr.
Bolton, then t11ey are committed and!or obligated to try and do that for
others.
Mr. Bolton said some of these foreclosures have taken a long time. He
inquired if the City has a lien for weeds and grass not being mowed that
may go up to $60,000 to $80,000 wl-,:at would the City do with these. He
stated the City would never be abae to recuperate that kind of money and
no one will ever buy any properties Here in foreclosure if the City can't do
something about this. He advised th~~.t Seminole County and Oviedo take
,the liens and reduce them down to 10% plus the administrative cost.
Mayor Bundy said most of the properties the City. was having problems
• with were speculators during the real estate bubble that got caught and
walked away from the properties. He; stated the Cityhas no assurances that
if this $4,900 is waived for him that :he won't get half way into the process
and then walk away from it. He said at some point the City was going to
have to look at some revenue source to maintain. these properties that have
been foreclosed.
Commissioner Durso said this type of situation was goi;ug to become more
prevalent now as the economy bounces back. He stated once they resolve
this matter, he would like to make: a motion to have the City Administrator
get with. the appropriate City staff' ar,:d develop a policy for these types of
properties and situations.
CC 10-19-(19/529
Mr. Roper pointed out to Mr. Bolton that the fmal decision lies with the
Special Magistrate that.has replaced the Codes Enforcement Board.
Motion carried by a~four/one.roll call vote with Commissioner Holt
voting nay.
It was the consensus of the City Commission to direct the City
Administrator to have City staff work on a policy to bring back to the
Commission.
B. The City Administrator recommends the City Commission consider a
request from the Central Florida Society for Iistoric Preservation
(CFSHl'') to approve a Class A Special Event permit for the 33ra
Annual Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival with provisions.
Ms.. Powell said with regards to Police, they were paid directly by CFSHP.
Commissioner Holt inquired if the booth fees include a portion of money
that goes back to the City for the grant fund that has been used on various
projects to help restore the downtown area.
Ms. Powell responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Holt inquired what the City does with the booth fee.
Ms. Meli advised by Code the fee was $25 per. booth. and it was her
understanding that this money does go .into the grant fund.
Mayor Bundy inquired where the balance of the money in the grant fund
came from.
Ms. Powell said it was in the Historic District grant fund and was
budgeted for. She stated there was no money in the fiord at this time.
Mayor Bundy said the money was granted to help subsidize a roof on one
of the houses in the Historic District and was depleted when granted to
- help paint the Birthing Center.
Commissioner Durso inquired if the $25 per booth went into a City fund
and not the CFSHP coffers.
Ms. Powell responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Bundy inquired who requested the waiver of the booth fees.
Ms. Meli advised they discuss this every year when the event organizer
and City staff meet. She said with the economic development and the
number of people that come to town, they feel the City benefits.
CC 10-19-09/53.0
Mayor Bundy inquired if there we;re any other events that bring 35,000
people in to the City.
iVls. Meli responded in the negative.
Commissioner Holt asked the City Administrator who the other
contributors were to this fund.
Ms. Powell advised there were na other contributors.
Commissioner Holt reiterated there were no other contributors and when
someone in the Historic District requests money to help with restoration,
that money goes for those purposes.
Ms. Powell said the money is utilized for enhancing the Historic District.
Commissioner Sackett inquired if beer was being sold this year.
Ms. Meli said there has not been :in the past, but this year it will be sold.
Commissioner Sackett said that was one of the reasons they have the
Police as well. He stated that could l;enerate money and inquired what
type of service the Rotary Club does for.Longwood.
Ms. Meli .said as far as she lu~ows, they have not Clone anything in
• Longwood. However, they are historically very large contributors to
anything that has to do with children!, such as to help build a playground.
Commissioner Sackett inquired if they asked for this; or was this just
something they were doing to spike up the event.
Mayor Bundy said the Historic Society made the request. ,
Commissioner Sackett inquired where they would be and how it would be
controlled..
Ms. Meli said the Rotary Club is only allowed to do three of these a year.
Commissioner Durso said he was the Special Events Coordinator for the
Lalce Mary Rotary and he has worked with the Longwood Rotary on a
number of these events. 'He advised they were limited by the State of
Florida oi~ the number of license.; they are. entitled to have each calendar
year to sell -adult beverages. He stated the Rotary Club was very choosey
about the events they use. He said the Lalce Mary Rotary Club does this at
the Lake Maiy-Heathrow Festival of the Arts and it is, by far, the biggest
fundraiser for the Rotary Club throughout the year. He stated they were
responsible to the State for sales tax revenue.
CC 10-].9-091'531.
Commissioner Sackett inquired if Longwood's Police Chief was
comfortable with this.
Ms. Powell said they have discussed it and was fine with it because the
Rotary Club is in control of it and they are regulated. She stated the Rotary
Club does do this at other events and it is not a first for them.
Mayor Bundy said he requested a representative from the Rotary Club to
be present in order to discuss this matter.
Commissioner Sackett inquired how they maintain.decorum.
Mike Martone, Rotary Club of Seminole County South, said they have
quite a reputation to uphold and they take this seriously. He stated they run
a booth selling beer for the~Altamonte Club during the Red; Hot, and
Boom and they have never experienced a problem. He explained that they
have a tap vehicle come in that is self-contained and sold only in a cup. He
said they can't control everyone and outside the area it was up to the event
management.
Commissioner Sackett reiterated that was why they have Police. He
inquired what the relationship the Rotary Club has with Longwood at this
time.
Mr. Martone said they were the Rotary Club of Seminole County South
-and they hold their meetings in Longwood. He advised there is also a
Longwood Club. One of the major things they do for Seminole County
with Lyman Higla School being a recipient is the Riser Achiever's
Program where they honor two (2) students from every Seminole County
High School by providing scholarship money to children that have
overcome some obstacle to achieve success.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said he had no problem with the Rotary C1Lib and
said he has read this through including waiving the Alcohol Ordinance. He
stated listening to the booth fee and there not being any money in the fund
now, he feels under these circumstances that revenue is needed for use in
the Historic District Area.
Deputy Mayor Maingot moved to approve. Item 9 B, all Items with
the exception of Item L. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett.
Commissioner Sackett said if they waive this $25 booth fee, then nothing
goes into the fund and how would they ever build it.
Commissioner Durso said the bigger point was that the success of the next
event usually depends on the prior year's turnout. He stated at this
particular point,. they don't want to discourage participation. He said a lot
of the vendors were starving artists and trying to make a living. He stated
CC 10-19-09/532
in the long ?•un the fees can return as the economy improves. He said the
Commission. should be doing everytl.~ing in their power to encourage
:people in participating in events.
:Discussion was held regarding projects the grant funds have been used for
and the potential of projects that rna;~ come before the Commission.
Commissioner Sackett inquired how many vendors the event had.
Ms. Melt advised there were currently 200 vendors. She said in discussion
with the CFSHP, they have other locations outside of the City of
Longwood who are willing to waive this fee.
Mayor Bundy said every year this comes up and. they have the same
protests that were made. He pointed out that every dime the Historic
Society raises is spent in the Historic District. He stated their whole
purpose for being was to purchase, restore, and preserve historic buildings
in Central Florida. He said the entire range of assets they have are three
(3) properties in the Historic District of Longwood. h[e stated they paid a
partial booth fee last year. He said it. needed to be pointed out that the
CFSHP does not ask the City for an;~thing. City staff that works on the
Festival gets paid by the City invoicing the Society.
Ms. Melt advised that every year the;re has been different amounts of
money. One year it was capped bet<-aeen employee and booth expenses
and last year 100% of the booth fees was paid. She said. it has not been a
consistent decision.
Motion failed to carry by a two/three roll call vote with Mayor
Bundy, and Commissioners FIolt and Durso voting nay.
Commissioner Durso moved to approve Item 9 B as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Holt. •
Commissioner Sackett inquired if there was a potential that this would
. leave the City of Longwood.
Mayor Bundy said the City of Altamonte Springs would like to have this
event. He stated that he and the Board of Directors have said they were not
going to leave because it is important to the City of Longwood and
merchants that have businesses here.
Donna Bundy, 721 Lagle Avenue, said this was her tenth (lOt~') year of
Chairing the Festival. She affirmed the possibility did exist that the
Festival could go elsewhere. She stated the Society spends $8,000 a year
advertising this event and other citi~,s have offered to pay that advertising
fee and do the advertising for the;m in addition to not charging any fees.
She advised that Casselber?y anal Altamonte Springs were very interested.
CC 1.0-19-~09/533
She said the Dog Track has offered to let them use their lot at no fee to
move the event there.
Commissioner Durso reiterated that City staff tinge was being paid for and
the City was not. donating anything to the Festival. He reiterated that this
brings 35,000 people ,to the Historic District in the City of Longwood. He
stated if the City loses this Festival it was one more reason for people not
to invest in Longwood's Historic District. He affii-~ned the City needs to
be working with the State of Florida and the Historic Grants Program, the
Federal Government, .Department of the Interior, and then these types of
things become irrelevant.
Commissioner Holt asked the- City Attorney if as a Member of this
.Society, he could vote on this without any duress.
Mr. Roper responded in the affirmative.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. 1Vlayor TT.G. "Butch" Bundy requests the City Commission discuss the
State Road 434 property cures with the Florida Department of
'T'ransportation (FD®'I') and take the action the City Commission
deems appropriate.
Mayor Bundy announced Item 9 C had been withdrawn. He advised this
matter would be on the November 2, 2009 Agenda.
D. 1VIayor )FI.G. "Butch" Bundy requests the City Commission discuss the
vandalism at the Barrington subdivision located at their entrance and
retention pond and take the action the City Commission deems
appropriate.
Mayor Bundy said at one of Bai-rington's Homeowner Association
meetings the City had the Community Policing Officer there to discuss
vandalism. He stated one of the things happening was with children going
into the front dry retention pond to play. He said while they don't want to
discourage children from play, this has created some damage on the
property and there have been sprinkler heads broken,. and damage. has
occurred to the caps on the columns at the front entrance. He stated there
was a No Trespassing sign by order of the Longwood Police Department.
Jeanne Hoffman, 1505 Ridgecrest Lane, said this issue they were having
with vandalism and children playing in the retention areas have been an
ongoing problem. She stated there have recently been some signs placed,
but they are totally ignored. She said children ride All Terrain Vehicles
(ATV's) in this area. ,She declared they need to obey these signs and she
has .not seen enforcement at either retention pond. She stated another
concern of hers was that her house was at a stop sign and if her outside
CC 1.0-19-09/534
lights were not on, these areas would be pitch dark. She suggested the City
needed to look into lighting of this area. She inquired if the Commission
1-iad any suggestions of what the a~~mmunity could do to keep the
vandalism down. She commended the Police Department. with regards to
some young people soliciting, satellit;,s on security systems and said they
did have a permit.
Alleri Weber, 1786 Grange Circle, said this problem was getting out of
hand. He stated he understood Chief Tom Jackson's position as a law
enforcement officer and that he can't enforce it unless the City Ordinance
is on the sign. He .said it was the same group of kids and they have now
experienced gang tagging in the neighborhood that has ah•eady cost the
City a stop sign. He stated the c~larnal;e to the wall was over $2,500. He
said they were here to ask the Commission to approve that the City
Ordinance be placed on the No Trespassing sign and be fully enforced. He
declared they were talking about sixteen. (16) to eighteen (18) year old
boys and it was the same group. He advised that he has passed this on to
the Seminole County Gang Task 1?orce and the City/Colulty Investigative
:Bureau (CCIB) because they were; srnokii7g marijuana and illegally
drinking. He reiterated they would like to have the No Trespassing
enforced.
Commissioner Durso inquired what the CCIB was telling them.
Mr. Weber said they were doing some surveillance and the tagging was
also investigated.
Commissioner Holt asked the City f.ttorney what would prohibit the City
from placing the Ordinance Number on the sign.
Mr. Roper advised nothing would prohibit this.
Mayor Bundy said in discussing this matter with Chief Jackson, h.e took it
upon himself to place the wording ":By order of the Lojigwood Police
Department''. He did not want to authorize placing the signs with
Ordinance without the Commission being aware of this since it could
result in someone being arrested.
Commissioner Sackett said it was good that they had neighborhood
policing of this matter. He inquired if they were requesting support by the
Commission in placing the ordinance on this sign so that it can be
enforced.
Commissioner Sackett moved to place the ordinance number on
the signs for enforcement. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Maingot
. and carried by a unanimous :roll call vote:
CC 10-19-09~'S35
E. City Administrator recommends the City Commission read by title
only, and set November 2, 2009 as a public hearing date and approve
the first reading of Ordinance No. 09-1906, which amends the Solid
Waste and 12ecycling Collection Services contract.
Mr. Roper read Ordinance No. 09-1906 by title only.
Commissioner Holt moved to approve Ordinance No. 09-1906, as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Durso.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said he had discussed this with the City
Administrator and inquired if she had any further thoughts regarding their
discussions.
Ms. Powell said they were still looking into the commercial piece of this.
' She stated. the franchise agreements had already been approved for this
year and they would need to look into this for. the upcoming year. She
stated this would provide time to prepare and have an education piece.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said it was important to enhance revenue and have
a considerable decrease.
Ms. Powell said the City would need to go into negotiations with Waste
Pro and they were open to negotiations.
Mayor Bundy said he had discussed this with Mr. Tim Dolan and he was
working on putting together some figures and rate structures.
Motion carried by a, unanimous roll call vote.
F. The City Attorney's Office requests the City Commission discuss
Allied Veterans of the World, Affiliate #66 regarding reopening the ,
location at 150 North 1-Iighway 17-92.
Ke11~B. Mathis, Esquire of Mathis and Murphy, 1200 River Place
Boulevard,. Jacksonville, said he was an Attorney representing Allied
Veterans who, until recently„had a location in Longwood. He stated
Allied Veterans was a registered 501-C Veterans organization established
in 1979 in the State of Florida and they were duly registered with the
Internal Revenue Service as a tax exempt organization. He advised they
were duly registered with.the State of Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services to solicit contributions in the State of Florida. He
said Allied Veterans operated, until recently, an internet center or internet
cafe in the City of Longwood in which it sold internet access time,
provided copying; faxing, pritating services, home internet access, coffee,
beverages, and things of that nature. He stated, also operated in
conjunction with that, was a sweepstakes where the results of the
sweepstakes were revealed on standard desktop personal computers at the
CC 1-0-19-09/536
location used for the inter-net access.. He said this was similar to the
electronic sweepstakes in using computers to reveal the results of
sweepstakes or drawings that thousands of major retailers are utilizing in
this country. He referenced the monopoly promotion by McDonalds where
you can entertHe code on the websii:e to determine if you have won a
prize. He advised that Allied Veteran's has approxin~~ately thirty (30)
locations tluoughoutthe State of Florida in which they operate these
Internet centers pursuant to Section:. 849.0935 Florida Staturtes and also
Section 849.094 Florida Statutes. He stated it appears then• Application for
the Business Tax Receipt is up forr~~newal and they would like to renew
that. He affirmed their location was recently shut down. under threat of
penalty by the Longwood Police Department. He said they have now,
through the court system, obtained repossession oi'the server they need to
operate that contains their customer account data and software with the
sweepstakes revealer. He stated They are ready to reopen and would like to
do so with the blessing of the City Commission. He said they believe they
are operating a valid ficndraising in ~~°he State of Florida compliant with all
existing Florida Law. He affirmed they have been in contact with the State
Attorney's Office of Seminole Couirty and presented their information to
the State Attorney's Office as well as to the Statewide Prosecutor's Office
governing this location. He affit7-ned that in the last three (3) years Allied
Veteran's has raised and contributed over $3 million to veteran's
organizations and services in the State of Florida primarily related to
veteran's health care. He said this issue was apparently before the
Commission on granting this request to renew their Certificate.
Mr•. Roper advised the Business Tai: Receipt was up for renewal. Allied
Veteran's has submitted an Application, which is pending. He said there
was a hearing on October 7"' with Jtldge Eaton where Allied Veteran's had
filed a motion for rettu7i of their praper-ty that was seized pursuant to a.
search warrant issued by Judge Eaton for the Longwood Allied Veteran's
location. He stated that he spoke with the Statewide Prosecutor in charge
of the case and as long as there was a few days allowed for copying any
kind of computer software, or database that was seized in the search
warrant, that they did not have a problem in returning this equipment to
Allied Veteran's. He advised thine equipment was retui7led this afternoon
by the Longwood Police Department. He advised the only other remaining
issue was some of the cash that vvas seized.
Michael LaFay, 189 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, said there was
$12,000 in cash that was seized at the time of the search warrant. He stated
in working through thi with Mr. Roper, they came to an agreement that
rather than engage in more litigation to litigate the return of the money,
they would hold that in abeyance to see if they could handle this issue by
appearing here to request the return of the $12,000 cash. He said he knew
Mr. Roper would agree that the money must be returned, it was simply a
question of when.
CC 10-19-09./537
Mr. Roper said that issue,was not pending before the Commission at this
time. He stated what's pending was that they wanted to have their
presentation with regard to the renewal of the Business Tax Receipt.
Mayor Buddy inquired~if this wasn't an administrative issue.
Mr. Roper advised it usually is handled administratively. Unfortunately,
the logistics of the situation was that he was in a jury trial in Sebring all
last week and did not speak with Chief Jackson regarding that matter. He
stated at this point in time it is still pending in administrative renewal and
hasn't been accepted or rejected.
Mayor Bundy said the Commission does not get involved in Business Tax
Receipts unless there is a situation where it has been denied and it can be
appealed.
Mr. Mathis said they knew this was an issue of concern and they wanted
to appear before the Commission to let them know what Allied Veteran's
was doing.
Mayor Bundy requested a consensus from the Commission to refer this
matter back to the City Administrator to be handled through the normal
process.
Mr. Roper advised there were no pending criminal charges and nothing
has been filed by the State Prosecutor's Office.
Commissioner Sackett inquired if children were allowed to enter this
establishment.
Mr. Mathis responded in the negative. He said the age limit was 18 and
up.
Commissioner Sackett said, therefore; it would be an adult entertainment
center.
Mr. Mathis advised it was an Internet Center and Internet Cafe.
Commissioner Sackett referenced Section 10.33 of the Longwood City
Code. He said he has received numerous telephone calls regarding this. He
stated Mayor Bundy was saying the Commission needs to let it go forward
and is either approved or denied. He inquired what would happen if it was
approved.
Mayor Bundy said if it is approved then it is just approved. He stated if it
is denied then they can appeal to the Commission.
CC 10-19-09/538
Deputy Mayor Maingot said Mr. Mathis spoke of millions of dollars they
donate. He inquired what goes o:n at this Internet Cafe to be able to
generate that amount of money.
Mr. Mathis said they have over thirty (30) locations throughout the State.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said son~etlling had occurred at this location to
give rise to concern.
Mr. Mathis said the Internet Center operates a promotional sweepstakes
with the opportunity to win a prize and the swe-epstakes results are
revealed on the computer. He stated there were different methods to reveal
those sweepstakes results. Some of those methods stimulate spinning
wheels and appear, at first glance, to look like a slot machine. He said the
concern was that somehow these: computers are illegal gambling and
illegal slot machines, when it is simply a visual depiction of whether or
not a prize is won. He stated their method simply involves a graphic
illustration that simulates a spinning wheel like a slot machine. He said the
internet access time is sold and people come as a social activity at many of
their locations.
Commissioner-Durso inquired if th~~ people pay for the sweepstakes entry. ,
Mr. Mathis responded i~l the negative. He advised you cannot charge for
them, they have to be no purchase ~iecessary and no direct charge.
Commissioner Durso inquired if they come as a direct result of the
consumer purchasing internet access time at what is defined in a document
by the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners as a fair competitive
market irate.
Mr. Mathis responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Durso requested Mr. Mathis to explain how they use their
internet time.
Mr. Mathis explained the internet time was available at twenty cents (20~)
a minute, which •is a com}~etitive- rate, and they use their internet time at.
the computers and can have accf,ss to several different internet based
programs, play games, enter other ;;wee,pstakes, and they can. surf..
Commissioner Durso inquired ii~wnile participating in the sweepstakes,
they don't lose any computer tithe.
1Vlr. Mathis advised they did not lo;>e computer time revealing, sweepstakes
entries.
CC 10-19-09/539
Commissioner Durso inquired how this all folds into Section 849 of the
Florida Statues.
Mr. Mathis advised $49.0935 of the Florida Statutes allows drawings by
chance. It specifically states a 501 C organization can conduct a drawing
by chance that has the elements of chance and prize so long as there is no
donation, contribution, substantial consideration, proof of purchase, or
payment necessary. He stated the game promotion Statute allows
businesses that have a consumer product or service to give away prizes
based on chance. He reiterated that there has to be no purchase necessary,
you have to be able to get a chance to win without any payment and that
chance to win has to be the-same as someone who purchased a product.
Commissioner Sackett said he believed the Commission had rights to be
able to disapprove of this. He stated he has received more telephone calls
on people having lost money than those who have won sweepstakes there.
He said something was not correct.
Mr. LaFay said Allied Veteran's wants to keep their doors open and they
want to be a good neighbor. He stated they want to abide by the laws and
rules of the City of Longwood.
Mr. Mathis said the discretion the Commission has is limited if the
operation complies with Florida Law. He stated he asserts that it does
comply and theywere prepared to defend that it does.
Mayor Bundy said if the Commission had to approve it, then why were
they here. He stated they could state if the Commission doesn't approve it
then they will litigate. He said.that pending a judge or court authority
stating this was legal he would be adamantly opposed to it.
Commissioner Holt inquired what they would be called if they were not
using Allied Veteran's of the World, Affiliate #66.
Mr. Mathis advised they are and would be Allied Veteran's of the World,
Affiliate #66.
• Deputy Mayor Maingot, moved to deny this request. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett.
Mayor Bundy asked the City Attorney if the motion would be appropriate.
Mr. Roper advised they need to speak with Chief Jackson. He said the real
issue is the stated reason on the Application. for using those premises and
whether or not they. are in compliance with Florida Law, but also with City
Code. He stated they need to let it go through the regular administrative
channels first. .
CC 10-19-09/540
Commissioner Sackett withdrew the second to the motion and
Deputy Mayor Maingot withdrew his motion.
Lt was the consensus of the City Con.unission to let this matter go through
the administrative process.
10. C><'p~' AI31V>(IN>(S~'RA~®R'S ItEP~RT.
Ms. Powell reported the original budgeted amount for the Ridge,. Oak, and Talmo
paving project was $968,600. Slie said th.e ~leptember 2009 bid. was for
$1,040,000. She stated Public Works has met with Superior Asphalt twice to
discuss the bid and review a redesign. They will revise the bid and go through the
JOC process. She advised that due to the redesign the City needs to meet with. St.
John's Water Management regarding possible permit modifications. The City also
needs to meet with. the property owners to r~wiew the revisions, and possible
easement acquisition. She reported with she best case, they were looking at thirty
(30) to forty five (45) days for construction to begin and reviewed the reasons.
Deputy Mayor Maingot inquired when the meeting with the residents would be
scheduled.
Mr. Peters advised once they have the pricing and he has net with St. John's
Water Management the Ci y will have a neighborhood :meeting.
Commissioner Durso left the meeting at 9:`4 p.m. and :rehirned at 9:56 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Maingot suggested an informational flyer be prepared and
distributed to the residents in this area.
Nls. Powell reported the Central Warehouse: is set up and they are currently
i-inalizing the secure room for the computer. She stated a weekly inventory has
been started of the trucks. She said a work order form is set up and all work is
done by a work order for Public Works and Leisure Services. They also have a
project tracking form~beirig'u'sed and m addition there is a picrchasing form that
requires approval by the Department Head H~rior to any spending. She reported the
spending limit has Ueen set on credit cards to match the Code. They are using the
credit card module and purchases made with the credit card hits the general
ledger. She stated the Purchasing Policy M~~riual' was being revised to place more
control. She said bills were being paid b;~ invoice when >t is practicable rather
than by purchase orders. She stated this provided for more control over purchases
and saved on staff time.
Deputy Mayor Maingot moved to e:~tend the meeting. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by afour/one voice vote with
Commissioner Durso voting nay,.
CC 10-1.9-09,'541
11. MAYOR ANI) C®1V1<MISSI®NERS' REP®R'T.
District #5. No report.
District #1. Deputy Mayon Maingot reported the Tri-County Meeting was held
on October 15th and the Mayor of Windermere is the new President. There was a
presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on the Florida
Strategic Intermodal System. I-Ie said he had some other items that he would
. discuss with the City Administrator.
Deputy Mayor Maingot said with regards to the property in question in Winsor
Manor, the .fence was approved by the Commission. He stated with regards to the
comments made by Ms. Coad on the. retention pond within the. subdivision that he
lives; this retention pond catches all of the run-off water from the Longwood
Hill's Road. He reported this was City property and flows to the big area in
Highland Hills and the fountain was put in to avoid the algae. formation and has
saved the City a lot of money. He said when Barrington was considering
enhancements that he walked the subdivision to obtain the sixty percent (60%) of
homeowner signatures. He stated he was straight forward and would help anyone
in the City, regardless of his position or whether he agrees with them.
District #2. No report.
District #3. Commissioner Holt inquired what was .going on with 15t Place.
Ms. Powell reported she had Mr. Peters and Streets go out and look at lst Place
last week. She said they have indicated the City could do something in this area.
They need to get with. the property owners .and determine what needs tq be given
up in the easement to make it happen. She .advised this would have to be placed in
next year's budget under the Comprehensive hnprovemeiit Plan.
District #4: Mayor Bundy reported on Friday and Sunday he had the opportunity
to attend services at the newest church in Longwood and one of the oldest
churches in Longwood. On Friday, the Indian Eastern Orthodox Christian Church
on Church Avenue was dedicated. On Sunday,,he attended the 126th Anniversary
for the Missionary Baptist Church on State Road 434 and presented them with a
Proclamation.
Mayor Bundy said the City required backflow inspections every year and
provides a list of~certifed inspectors including the-City. It was brought to his
attention that there is ~a-wide margin of price .structure with these inspectors. He
proposed if an inspector desires to be on this list that the pricing also be included.
He requested a consensus of the Commission for the City Administrator to look
into this matter. ~ t - ~ r
Commissioner Holt said there needed to be a disclaimer that the City was not
telling them to use any of these inspectors.
CC 10-19-09/542
It was the consensus of the Commission for the City Administrator to look into
the matter of pricing to be added to the li:;t of inspectors for backflow inspections.
12. CITY ATTORNEY'S REP®RT. Mr.:lto;per said with regards to the Winsor
Manor issue, on October 5th Commissioner Durso had moved to table the issue
until the next Meeting to give more time i:o provide the Commission with a copy
of the June 14, 2009 letter from Attorney Winston Davis to the City
Administrator, Ms. Powell. He provided eohies of this letter with an attached
Agreement for use on City owned land si~ne;d by 1VIr. John Drago on August 4,
2006 and executed by Mr. Steven Dorris and Ms. Kathryn Dorris on September 4,
2006. He stated also attached was a copy of the plat that dedicated the roads,
easements, and Lake Winsor to the City of Longwood in 1.972. He said Mr.
Winston Davis was present and had handed out some overhead aerials during
Public Participation that have addressed the Commission's inquiry as to where
exactly the City owned lot in question is located. He advised Deputy Mayor
Maingot handed him some additional information right before the Meeting and he
would be happy to comment on it at the appropriate juncture..H:e stated he did not
think it was legally applicable here as there were no easements involved. He
reviewed the handouts and stated that regardless of whether this property is
owned by the City of Longwood or given to the Homeowner's Association, it is
still dedicated to the public use.
Commissioner Durso requested,.m order'to be fair, that this matter be placed on
the next City Commission Agenda to allow nor the public to offer their input.
Deputy .Mayor Maingot .requested the information he had provided this afternoon
be shared with each of the Commissioners a:nd the City Administrator.
Mayor Bundy requested the City Clerlc placf; this matter on the November 2, 2009
Agenda.
13. CITY CI.ERI~'S REPORT. No report.
14. AD30i7RN. Mayor Bundy adjourned the meeting at 10:241~.m.
~J. ~
Ii iiod G. Bundy, Jr., y r
ATTE
Sarah Ml. 1VIirus,lVIlVIC,1VIBA'
City Clerk
CC 10-19-09/S43
s
- ~
'T'his Page heft Blank Intentionally.
~
CC 10-19-09/544