051294-Special MeetingMINUTES
City Commission, Sanford, Florida
Special Meeting
181
May 12
1994
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Special Meeting at 6:00
o'clock P. M. on May 12, 1994. at the Boys and Girls Club of West Sanford, 919 Persimmon
Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Bettye D. Smith
Commissioner Robert B. Thomas, Jr.
City Manager William A. Simmons
City Clerk Janet R. Donahoe
Absent: Commissioner Whitey Eckstein
Commissioner A. A. McClanahan
Commissioner Lon K. Howell
City Attorney William L. Colbert
Anthony People, President, Westside Community Association, called the Westside
Community Association meeting with the Sanford City Commission to order.
Introduction of ACCESS 94 Program. Mayor Smith stated the City Commission members and City
Staff are glad to be meeting again with the Westside Community Association, and appreciate
the audience participation, and welcomed everyone.
Remarks from District Commissioner. Commissioner Thomas stated he applauds the City Manager
and City Staff for holding these Access Meetings, acknowledged there are community problems
in Sanford, just like in other communities, and stated that if we all work together we can
realize the type of city and community we desire.
Remarks from City Manager. City Manager Simmons reported that several staff members are
present to give presentations, reviewed the information provided with the Agenda, explained
the initiative taken by the city to try to maximize the number of jobs and business
opportunities available to local people and businesses as a result of the construction of
Seminole Towne Center Mall, and recognized Jay Marder, Director of Planning and Development,
for his development and organization of these Access Meetings.
Economic Development. Gretchen Mason, License Official, reported the Community Development
Department focuses on economic development, housing, housing rehabilitation, and related
social services. Ms. Mason reviewed the city's economic development projects, as follows:
(1) a proposal has been submitted to Seminole County for CDBG funding in amount of
$365,396.00, a portion of said funds is proposed for the 13th Street Revitalization Program
on 13th Street from Lake Avenue to Persimmon Avenue, residential rehabilitation, facade
improvements, sidewalk replacement/repair/installation, community education, and
beautification); another portion of the CDBG funds is proposed to assist COMA with the
Bentley-Wilson Children's Park (currently Orange Avenue Park); (2) Seminole County recently
awarded the City of Sanford funds for emergency repair of homes and SHIP funds in amount of
$374,863.00; (3) a grant application has been submitted under the Youthbuild Program which
educates and provides on-site job opportunities to the youth of the community by allowing
them to rehabilitate low income families' homes; (4) the LIHEAP Program which provides
financial assistance to low-income families to pay electric bills; (5) the Weatherization
Program which provides caulking, floor and roof insulation, weatherstripping, door repair,
and repair/replacement of windows to insulate the home from the weather.
Coastline Park. Howard Jeffries, Grounds Maintenance Coordinator, reported the city is
performing routine maintenance, playground equipment replacement is budgeted for FY 95/96,
and reviewed the proposed improvements/replacements.
Code Enforcement. Dan Florian, Code Enforcement Officer, presented an overview of Code
Enforcement and its effect on the community, and reported Sanford has one part-time Code
Enforcement Inspector and one Secretary for Code Enforcement as well as other Building
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Department activities, therefore, Code Enforcement is handled on a complaint basis. Mr.
Florian asked that citizens assist Code Enforcement by notifying the city of areas that need
attention.
Richard Cohen, Fire Marshall, presented an overview of the duties of the Fire
Marshall.
Stormwater Management. Jerry Herman, Public Works Director, reported the Public Works
Department has 83 employees among five divisions: Administration, Fleet Maintenance,
Building Maintenance, Solid Waste, and Streets and Drainage, and explained the functions of
each. Mr. Herman reviewed the status of the Stormwater Management Program and reviewed some
of the planned improvements under the Stormwater Management Program.
Rick Holloway, Civil Engineer, reported he is available to answer questions.
Crime Prevention and Loitering. Police Chief Ralph Russell reported that comparing Sanford's
crime statistics to the national average reveals that overall crime in Sanford is down, as
well as assaults, homicides, thefts other than burglary (burglary remains the same); but that
we have had a large increase in auto theft in Sanford. Also, the Police Department is
working with Mr. People and with the Community DevelOpment Department to find a location on
13th Street to establish a place for public/police contact.
Introduction of Staff. City Manager Simmons introduced City Staff members who had not yet
spoken or been introduced.
Citizen Participation.
(1) Anthony People asked if there is a policy against open containers and fires,
as he has seen on 13th Street. Police Chief Russell reported the only complaint he was aware
of was an open burn barrel west of Tip Top and behind Dr. Cherry's, and that it is on private
property, and the owner says the people have permission to be there; and that open containers
are an on-going problem.
Mr. People asked the status of the Stormwater Utility work. Mr. Holloway reported
that one permit has been obtained, some work has been done on 18th Street around Mother
Wilson's place, and that he has diagrams with him which he can review with individuals. Mr.
Herman reported some of Phase II has been started, reviewed some of the locations where work
has been done under Phase I, and reported that the city has not yet been able to acquire all
of the property needed for the drainage/retention sites. City Manager Simmons reported he
has asked the City Attorney to review the parcels we have been unable to acquire, to consider
acquiring them now, by condemnation. Further, we are trying to work on Phase I and Phase II
together at this time.
(2) Janna Campbell, Academy Manor, reported there are two access areas to the
Academy Manor Park, with parking on both sides, and that the kids can not go to the one side
where all the equipment is because of the guys hanging out. Ms. Campbell asked why the
police do not come out in Academy Manor when it is dark, and reported that the guys are not
afraid of the police or anyone else, but if the police came through Academy Manor
spontaneously, without being called, things would change. She asked that the police patrol
the area at least once per night, that the police visit with the kids and build a
relationship, and that the park be closed and locked at night. Ms. Campbell asked who is
responsible for the ditch along 18th Street behind her house, the city or the county; and
stated regarding Community Development, that she keeps hearing that the city has no funds,
but that she can find those funds in the 'south end of the county, and the city always shows
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Special Meeting
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a profit.
Mayor Smith stated she would love to know where that profit is; that she wishes the
city had enough money to meet its needs, much less to show a profit. Mayor Smith reported
that about 41% of the property in Sanford is tax exempt, so we have a much lower tax base
~han some of the cities in the'southern end of the county, especially Altamonte Springs, but
this will improve when the mall and the property around it are developed to the point of
generating increased_tax revenue.
Police Chief Russell acknowledged that there is a problem in this area and he will
emphasize trying to increase patrol efforts in the area, and that calls and patrols are
handled on a priority basis.
Jerry Herman reported that Seminole County is responsible for the ditch. City
Manager reported he will send a letter to Seminole County about responsibility for this
ditch.
Howard Jeffries reported that city ordinances prohibit anyone being in an unlighted
city park after sunset, and prohibit anyone being in a city park with lights after the lights
automatically turn off at 11:00 P. M., and that alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any
city park, day or night.
(3) Valerine Jones reported she is concerned about high grass in the alleyways
behind homes, that she has complained about this, and asked who is responsible. Jerry Herman
reported that the abutting property owner is responsible for maintaining the portion of the
alley abutting his property, and that the city does provide some maintenance such as grading
and heavy mowing, in alleys used for refuse collection; some alleys that have never been
opened are treated as easements and are not maintained by the city; and asked that citizens
call the city if they have any problems or questions regarding alleys and easements.
(4) Sherron Link, 14th Street, reported that in the past ten months she called the
Sanford Police Department twice to report someone in her back yard trying to enter her home
and no officer responded. Police Chief Russell reported he was not aware of this, but it
could have been a problem with the 9-1-1 system displaying county jurisdiction when it should
have been city, and reported that all calls to 9-1-1 and to a non-emergency line are recorded
so it will be very easy to find out what happened to her call, and asked Ms. Link to meet
with him to provide more information so the call can be researched.
(5) Evan People, Secretary, Westside Community Association, asked how many rehab
applicants live in the Goldsboro community; when will streets be paved; if the city has given
any consideration to applying for CDBG funds for stormwater work; if the city has received
information about enterprise zones; what the future plans are for recreation in Goldsboro;
and what access can the Westside Community Association get to Coastline Park to apply for
grants to improve it.
Gretchen Mason reported that all the rehab applicants reside in Seminole County and
asked Ms. People to call her and she will look up their specific residences. The city and
county are working cooperatively to develop strategy to address community needs for the
enterprise zone program, that a meeting was held last week at Midway Elementary School and
a meeting will be held here, also.
Jerry Herman reported the city has an on-going street paving program/schedule and
is working on a list for this year. City Manager Simmons reported we will check the striping
on Southwest Road to see if it is complete.
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City Manager Simmons reported he and the Parks and Recreation Department welcome
the opportunity to work with the Westside Community Association to plan a cooperative effort
· whereby the association, as a not-for-profit, can contribute to the community, and asked Ms.
People to contact either Mike Kirby, Howard Jeffries, or him to set up a meeting to discuss
this. Further, the city will try to help the association write the grant application.
(6) Beverly Pinkney asked if CDBG grant monies are received for 13th Street
revitalization, will the prior years' strategy to use them in the "red zone" (a certain area
targeted to receive the funds) be employed, and if the youth working under the Youthbuild
Grant will receive help in getting a better-paying position.
Gretchen Mason reporte~ that 13th Street from Lake Avenue to Persimmon Avenue has
been targeted to receive CDBG funds, that weatherization funds are available now and there
is no target zone as long as the location is within Seminole County.
City Manager Simmons reported he does not recall hearing of this "red zone", and
will discuss same with Charles Rowe.
Gretchen Mason reported that Job Services of Florida, Seminole Community College,
and the Private Industry Council have agreed to work with the city to educate and train the
youth in the Youthbuild Grant Program, and to assist in job placement.
(7) Anthony People reported job training is needed now (City Manager Simmons
reported the Youthbuild Grant will help, by training people); there is a problem with young
men with records who can't get a job (City Manager Simmons reported he would try to figure
out something for the young men having a problem obtaining meaningful work); asked if some
of these people could be used to construct the sidewalk from First Street to I-4 (City
Manager Simmons reported the grant applied for, for this lakefront beautification project,
may produce money in 1988 or 1999, and we need something sooner, such as Summer Programs
through the Private Industry Council) (Mayor Smith suggested Mr. People talk to Suzanne
Tesinsky at Seminole Community College); and requested immovable trash cans on 13th Street
(Public Works Director Herman reported he will see if there are some unused trash cans from
First Street that can be relocated).
(8) Joe Young, 1321 Shepherd Avenue, Goldsboro, suggested that youth who have been
arrested be given training prior to being released. Mr. Young further reported that there
is a problem at night with people parking in cars at the end of Shepherd Avenue near the
ditch, and requested the Police Department make a survey and post "No Parking" signs.
(9) A lady suggested that the "Second Chance" Program be utilized to provide jobs
for convicted felons, with the city employing one for a 12 month trial basis, and if the
person works out,-then they would become a permanent employee. Mayor Smith reported that
Quincy's Restaurant has done this, and that this type of program needs to be talked about
more, so that more employers will participate.
(10) Ms. Campbell asked about future recreation plans for the Goldsboro area. Mike
Kirby reported that the Recreation Department met with the Sanford Housing Authority in the
last month; has expanded the hours at the Croom's Gymnasium, where we now have over 80
children a day; is trying to expand its current athletic programs; added a second Summer
Playground location at Hamilton Elementary School; and that a lot of children from the
Goldsboro community utilize the city's athletic programs. City Manager Simmons complemented
Don Miller, Boys and Girls Club, on the Boys and Girls Club facility in the Goldsboro area,
for which the city provides the building, most of the building maintenance, and the
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Special Meeting
May 12
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electricity at no cost to the Boys and Girls Club. Director of Recreation and Parks Kirby
reported that about a year and a half ago the city proposed to build a community center, a
swimming pool, and ball fields, and that the bond referendum for these facilities was
defeated. Further, facilities are the number one priority, when funds are available. City
Manager Simmons reported that only 139 people voted in the bond referendum, and that he is
reluctant to suggest another referendum for more facilities until he sees clear signals that
a majority of the people will support a referendum. Commissioner Thomas stated that the city
is making a concerted effort to provide recreational facilities, but this is not easy, since
funds are not available.
(11) A man, representing Ella Gillmore, invited the Mayor and City Commission and
City Staff to the South Apopka Project on May 22nd at 4:00 P. M., and the 7:00 P. M. session
on May 23rd. He asked what the city will do to help promote the recently-opened Museum in
the old Star Theater on West 13th Street. Mayor Smith reported she gave her personal check,
the city donated land for parking, and she supports the venture. City Manager Simmons
reported that the major thrust of the city's CDBG program submitted to Seminole County was
for economic development centered on West 13th Street, which will help the Star Theater and
other efforts, and they in turn will help the city in competing successfully for grant money;
essentially a partnership. Further, he welcomes the opportunity to work cooperatively with
the community. Commissioner Thomas reported that if the churches would each contribute
funds, the community could take care of this itself.
The. man further reported that of the seven cities in Seminole County, Sanford has
the most blight problems including housing and roads, has the greatest need for funds, and
asked why less funds have been spent in Sanford. City Manager Simmons reported this is the
message the city has been trying to get through the county commission as long as he has been
here; that we have not seen our "fair share" in the allocation of CDBG funds; and that we
have come very close to withdrawing from the county's CDBG program because we have not
received our "fair share".
(12) Don Miller reported that AT&T and Westside Community Association volunteers
painted the inside and outside of the recreation center, his Advisory Council funded the
lobby area, the city has been very helpful with items such as the lights and maintenance, and
they are talking about changing to rubber flooring. He commended the Westside Community
Association and Mr. People for the good job they are doing.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Attest:
Clerk