112690-Work Session 3 3 8 MINUTES
· City Commission, Sanford, Florida NOVEMBER 26,
P.M. in the City Manager's Conference Room, City Hall, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor-Commissioner Bettye D. Smith
Commissioner Whitey Eckstein
Commissioner Robert B. Thomas
Commissioner A. A. McClanahan
Commissioner Lon Howell
City Attorney William L. Colbert
City Manager Frank A. Faison
City Clerk Janet R. Donahoe
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
The first item of business was a presentation by Amefika Geuka regarding affordable housing.
Amefika Geuka appeared and introduced Felecia Geuka.
Mrs. Geuka appeared and reported that for two years she has been involved in trying to' establish low
to moderate housing in the City of Sanford, which is sorely needed, that Sanford has the lowest economic base in
Seminole County, and that the community needs to pull together to solve the City's problems.
Mr. Geuka reported that Altermese Bentley and Freida Burlson are in attendance, and that they are
supportive and have invested in the venture. Further, he continues to advocate decent, safe and sanitary housing
for all citizens, and that he would like to create a community/neighborhood that would be reflective of the vision he
has for the City of Sanford. Also, in order to facilitate special financing for affordable low to medium housing, State
and Federal programs are needed to subsidize the project, and that he would like to re-establish a working
relationship in the form of a private/public partnership, to address and solve the housing problem in Sanford.
Further, the majority of Sanford citizens do not have a problem paying rent, but rather, lack sufficient monies for
closing costs and additional fees, and that he is not interested in slum housing, that he had hoped to offer single-
family housing from iow to mid 40's, but because land value has increased by more than 1/3, the lowest available
housing would be from the mid to upper 40's to low 50's, with a maximum of 60's to 70's, Additionally, he is hopeful,
now that the City Commission has had the opportunity to see the City's potential in terms of growth development in
a controlied situation, 'they can once again re-engage in a cooperative relationship to address and solve a major
problem in the City of Sanford. Also, there are financial sources that can only be applied for by local municipalities,
and he would need the City of Sanford's cooperation in preparing said application and submitting same. Further,
he has no specific property or proposal to present to the City Commission today, that he will be meeting with possible
financing sources this week, to get something definite and secure, and will report back to the City Commission when
more information is available.
Commissioner McClanahan reported he would prefer a non-profit business being formed and submit said
application for financial assistance.
The next item of business was a discussion regarding Tax Increment Financing for the Seminole Towne
Center.
City Attorney reported that at the Regular Meeting of November 12, 1990, the City Commission
authorized City Attorney to generate the necessary documents for the creation of the development district; bond
documents for tax increment financing for said district, and to prepare notices for the required hearings. Also,
under Item #15 on tonight's agenda, the City Commission will be requested to approve a resolution for first reading,
which will accept the delegation of power from Seminole County, determining that the area of Seminole Towne Center
is a "blighted area", determining that it is necessary to make improvements to said area, determining that a
Community Development Agency needs to be created under Florida Statute 163, determining that the City Commission
will be the redevelopment agency, and that a public hearing to adopt said resolution will be held December 10, 1990.
Further, a resolution regarding trust funds will be available for' discussion/review in early January, 1991.
Commissioner McClanahan asked at what point in the process, will the necessary steps be taken to insure
that in no year, will the City receive less than 50% of the total revenue, whether or not the bonded indebtedness is
,paid.
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City Commission, Sanford, Florida
NOV BER 26
1990
City Attorney reported that said issue will be addressed when the trust fund is established, and specific
financing and service documents are approved, which will be completed in the January/February timeframe.
The next item of business was a review of a request from Mark Garrett, Sanford-Seminole Housing, Inc.,
to approve the refinancing of bonds for Georgia Arms Apartments.
Mark Garrett appeared and reported that in 1982, the City Commission created Sanford-Seminole
Housing, Inc., that there is a provision which states that if the owner could do so, it would make every effort to
refinance the bonds since funds are subsidized by the federal government, that the transition rule sunsets December
31, that the current interest rate for said bonds is 11.75%; and if the bonds are refinanced the interest rate would
be 7.75%, which would result in a savings of $400,000.00 for the government. Further, there is no liability to the
housing project or the City, and by refinancing now, low cost housing would be extended an additional ten years in
the City of Sanford.
City Attorney reported that when the request was made in 1982, the City Commission determined that
it served a public purpose, that the City has minimal obligation under this issue, that no new obligations would be
created, that if Sanford-Seminole Housing, Inc. went out of business, the City would be responsible for seeing that
the assets of said corporation would go to another non-profit organization, that refinancing the bonds would not
inhibit the City's availabity to proceed with new finances, and that it would not effect the cap on new issues.
Mr. Garrett stated that once the bonds are paid in full, the owner can convert and lease to whomever
it wants.
Mayor Smith reported that the City Commission has received a request from Janice Davidson, Hardee's,
to place a reader board (mobil trailer sign) at 2506 South French Avenue. The consensus of the Commission was to
deny said request.
City Manager reported that Dural Ford, Jacksonville, has failed to process the City's order regarding
two recycling trucks, that Staff recommends that said order be cancelled, and placed with Heintzelman Ford,
Orlando, and that there would be an additional cost of $923.35 per truck, totalling $14,214.35. The consensus of
the Commission was to authorize Staff to cancel the order with Dural Ford and to purchase said trucks from
Heintzelman Ford in amount of $14,214.35, as an emergency purchase.
City Clerk distributed agendas for the Special Meeting of December 5, 1990, to canvass election returns,
and stated that it is important that there is a quorum for said meeting.
City Attorney reported that the action taken by the Code Enforcement Board at the Meeting of November
13, 1990, regarding the Gates matter, was both legal, and procedurally correct, that pursuant to Florida Statutes
162.09 2C, said Board has the authority to reduce/waive fines. Also, subsequent to said meeting, a Notice of
Voluntary Dismissal dated November 14, 1990, was filed with the Supreme Court dismissing the Appeal, and that the
City cannot recapture legal fees incurred.
Commissioner McClanahan stated that he is in favor of asking the members of the Code Enforcement Board
· to resign. Commissioner Howell concurred.
City Attorney reported that the City was not taking the initiative with regard to this matter, but rather,
took a defensive posture. Also, the City cannot collect attorneys' fees in addition to a fine, however, the Code
EnfOrcement Board had the option of allocating a portion of those fines against the costs the City incurred for
representation. Further, the Gates case established a precedent throughout the State, which cleariy decided the
case on first impression thereby permitting the City to limit the number of animals.
City Manager reported'that both Gary Winn, Building Official, and Donna McIntosh, Assistant City
Attorney, notified said Board of the legal fees involved.
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City Commission, Sanford, Florida
NOVEMBER 26, 1990
At'toeney, and representatives for the Jaycees and Rotaract regarding the Fourth Street/Jaycee Park Lease, that
it is his understanding that the meeting went well, that an agreement was reached between the parties whereby the
property will be used for public purpose, as the law requires, and that said facilities will be available for other
groups as well.
Mayor Smith stated that both organizations have pledged to work together.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
MA~OR
Attest:
~City Clerk