011392-Work Session226
MINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida
January 13
1992_
The City Commission met in Work Session on January 13, 1992 at 5:00 o'clock 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 Manager William A. Simmons
City Clerk Janet R. Donahoe
Absent: Commissioner Lon Howell
City Attorney William L. Colbert
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
Citrus Grove Operation on "Site 10". Frank Rogers present.
Bill Holmes, Conklin, Porter & Holmes, appeared and distributed "Site 10"
Production Analysis information with a Cost Versus Revenue Analysis for Citrus Grove
Operation vs Hay Operation, and briefly reviewed same.
John Jackson, University of Florida, appeared and reported five suitable non-citrus
crop alternatives which would not freeze, as follows: 1) Grapes and Muscadines - The market
is usually doubtful, and would recommend as a small venture only, 2) Pecans - Drawbacks
include long term payoff (15 years), and uncertainty about varieties that can be grown in
Florida, 3) Peaches - The Florida varities are not very well adapted for shipping, and would
recommend a "you pick operation", 4) Chestnuts - Disappointing results; need to overcome
disease problems, and 5) Persimmons - Do not ship very well, and the largest grower in
Florida has a five acre operation. Further, there are no guarantees in citrus or in farming,
but under proper management with newer techniques for cold protection, money can still be
made with citrus.
Mr. Jackson further reported that prior to 1989, heaters (economically
prohibitive), and wind machines (only effective under certain conditions) were used to combat
a freeze. Further, those who used water in the 1989 freeze, saved 70% to 85% of the trees.
Commissioner Eckstein stated that he is opposed to planting citrus, but he would
consider same if Mr. Faryna would be willing to participate in the risk on a 75/25 basis,
however, he prefers planting hay. Commissioner Howell concurred.
Mr. Jackson reported that the Geneva soils are poorly drained, that there are no
guarantees should there be a freeze, but with proper application of water tree trunks can be
saved, and that crop production would be reduced the following year, and restored each year
by 25-30% within the next year, 75-85% the year later, and full production within three
years.
presentation, which showed freeze protection
application.
(Commissioner Howell present)
City Manager reported that sprinklers would be installed after the
Bill Holmes stated that the cattle business was also considered under the 201 Plan.
Nick Faryna, Faryna Grove Care & Harvesting, appeared and gave a brief slide
results with the use of proper water
trees are
planted, that the City presently has under contract water storage for 40 hours (22 million
gallons), and diesel back-up for pumping under adverse conditions, but no contracts for
purchase and maintenance of trees.
Mr. Holmes reported that this system puts out 20.5 gallons of water per hour to
each tree, and that the City would purchase the sprinklers, and the grove operator would
plant the trees and install the sprinkers at the same time.
MINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida
227
January 13
199 2
Paul Porter, Conklin, Porter & Holmes, reported that the City entered into this as
a utility planning effort, that the utility system runs about 6 1/2 million gallons of water
daily, which needs to go somewhere, and that the City's intent was not to make money, but
rather to get cost savings back to Sanford utility customers.
City Manager reported that the start-up cost for the first year is estimated to be
$265,503.00 (planting), $174,000.00 (operation/maintenance); totalling approximately
$440,000.00.
Mr. Faryna stated that he would be interested in a joint venture with the City, but
he does not have the funds for an operation of this large of a scale.
City Manager reported that should the Commission choose to plant hay, another
contract would need to be advertised.
Commissioner McClanahan stated that he was in favor of authorizing Staff to proceed
with discussions for an operation and maintenance contract for citrus grove development.
The Commission concurred to refer said item to tonight's Regular Meeting for City
Commission action.
Affordable Housing DemOnstration Pro~ect.
City Manager briefly highlighted the proposed Developer's Agreement, for the
Affordable Housing Demonstration Project. He stated that five lots will be conveyed to
qualified buyers at the time of closing of the construction loan, and that qualification
materials will be available to the City for review/approval. Further, developer's mark-up
wilt be limited to 10% for improvements, excluding land.
Amefika Geuka appeared and reported that he and Mr. Ray, who is present, concur
with the agreement.
Residential Solid Waste Service.
Director of Public Works Jerry Herman distributed a memo dated January 10, 1992,
regarding Residential Solid Waste, and discussed the problems encountered with the new
separations, routes, and pick-ups which were effective January 1, 1992. He requested that
the Commission consider increasing garbage collection from one day to two days per week, with
one day per week for yard waste collection. He stated that said additional service can be
accomplished with the existing number of authorized personnel, however, an additional Packer
would need to be purchased, and job descriptions would need to be changed.
After discussion, the consensus of the Commission was to utilize alternative #3,
as described in memo dated JanUary 10, 1992, from Public Works Director.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
'M '~/Y O R
Attest: -
U City Clerk