12-12-2022 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 129 2022
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work
Session on Monday, December 12, 2022, at 4:00 PM, in the Commission Chambers, 1"
Floor, City Hall, and 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Art Woodruff
Vice Mayor Patrick Austin
Commissioner Sheena R. Britton
Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr.
Commissioner Patty Mahany (Arrived at 4:15 PM)
City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
City Attorney William L. Colbert
City Clerk Traci Houchin
Absent: Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:09 PM.
1. Discussion re: Removal of Trees on Gateway at Riverwalk by Residents.
Mr. Bonaparte introduced residents of the Gateway at Riverwalk. Debra
Groseclose, resident of the Gateway at Riverwalk, requested the removal of seven trees.
The foundation reserve study is pending with the Gateway at Riverwalk Home Owners
Association.
Commissioner Britton asked Elizabeth Harkey, City of Sanford Arborist, a
few questions regarding the trees on the Riverwalk. Ms. Harkey agreed the planting space
was wrong for the types of trees planted and the root system could cause hazards. She
said the hurricane has not affected the trees planted in front of the Gateway.
Commissioner Britton asked if Ms. Harkey was aware of the root barrier system the
Gateway installed when the building was constructed. Ms. Harkey is not aware of the
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 129 2022
WORK SESSION
system. She said it may have been in the plans when the building was constructed.
Commissioner Britton asked Ms. Harkey if Crepe Myrtles would be a good replacement
tree. Ms. Harkey does not recommend replacing trees once the current ones are removed,
due to the underground infrastructure. Commissioner Britton asked for Ms. Harkey's
recommendation on what the City should do with the seven trees. Ms. Harkey said John
Harris, from Earth Advisors Incorporated, conducted a tree inventory Citywide and the
recommendation is that trees one through three be removed first due to lightening
damaging them. She recommends trees four, six and seven be removed next and
recommends future removals for trees five, eight and nine.
Vice Mayor Austin asked if there is an estimate for the removal of the
trees. Ms. Harkey said the estimated cost is $5,485 for all nine trees, including stump
grinding.
Ms. Groseclose said three of the four board members recommended
removal of the trees.
After further discussion the consensus of the Commission is for staff to
remove the nine trees. The City would determine at a later date, if replacements should be
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2. Discussion re: City of Sanford Grant Program for Homeowners by Fred Fosson,
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.
Mr. Fosson distributed a draft handout of the Grant Program. Mr. Fosson
reviewed the handout with the Commission. The Commission asked if the program could
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 129 2022
WORK SESSION
read power outage, regardless if it was from a named storm or not. William Colbert, City
Attorney cautioned the Commission on opening this program, he does not recommend
that the program be opened too wide. Also, it may not always be due to a natural disaster,
could be a power outage, meaning it does not have to a named storm, more like a
confirmed act of nature. Vice Mayor Austin asked if $1,000 was a reasonable amount.
Mr. Fosson said this would just be something to assist the resident with their claim. Mr.
Bonaparte said the City has put together a draft grant agreement per the Commission's
request. After further discussion, the consensus of the Commission is that this should be
in an Ordinance form. Mr. Fosson and Mr. Colbert will work on the Ordinance and bring
it back the Commission.
3. Discussion re: City Clerk Evaluation
The City Clerk's evaluation was sent via email for the Mayor and
Commission comments. Several Commissioners did not receive the evaluation, therefore,
copies of the evaluation would be available at the break for review. The Mayor's
recommendation is for the Commission to approve the 5% cost of living adjustment and a
2% merit increase at tonight's meeting.
4. Discussion re: City Manager Evaluation
The City Manager's evaluation would be addressed at the next meeting.
5. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
6. Briefing Items
7. City Manager Comments
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 12, 2022
WORK SESSION
Mr. Bonaparte said the Special Events review committee has approved
January 22, 2023 for the `Sofa and Suds' event, due to a rainout on November 20, 2022.
The City is going to begin a Lobby Guard Sign -in Program on January 1,
2023. This will require guests to sign in prior the visiting offices in City and to sign out
upon leaving.
Mr. Bonaparte asked the Commission to put together a list of their goals
and objectives for the next two years. Steve Fussell, with the Sanford Airport Authority
will be at the January 9, 2023 Work Session to provide Strategic Priority assistance with
their lists. In addition, the January 9, 2023 Work Session will include the discussion of
the Rent Increase Ordinance.
Commissioner Britton asked when planning special events that City staff
reserve one Saturday a month for the residents with no events. She asked about staff
considering moratoriums as the City has had in the past.
Mayor Woodruff asked Ms. Hinson the status of the Comp Plan. Ms.
Hinson said that staff just finished the assessment and she will be discussing it with Tom
Tommerlin, Director of Economic Development to present to the Planning and Zoning
Commission in January and then would present it to the City Commission. Ms. Hinson
provided information on moratoriums on apartments from 2001. Commissioner Britton
would like to meet with Ms. Hinson for a one on one conversation and then bring back
information to the Commission for discussion.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 12, 2022
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Britton asked Mr. Bonaparte for the status of a District 1
office at Monroe Hall. Mr. Bonaparte said Lisa Jones, Parks and Recreation Director,
would have to get with her regarding that.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:11 PM.
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