CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
GENERAL ITEMS
Commissioner Robert Stuart’s Birthday (November 27)
Speaking of celebrations, this is our last meeting before the holidays, and last week was Commissioner Stuart’s birthday. So as is our custom, let’s all join in to sing Happy Birthday.
Orlando Pride and Orlando Lions Acknowledgement
It’s an incredible time to be a sports fan in our city. Two weeks ago, we celebrated the Orlando Pride bringing the NWSL championship home to Orlando. Then, Orlando City advanced to the MLS conference finals for the first time. And the Magic have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA this season.
Next up is the college football postseason... and Camping World Stadium will be the only venue in the entire nation to host three bowl games, starting with the Cure Bowl on December 20.
Holiday Message
This is our final City Council meeting of the year and we want to wish everyone here and our entire community a happy holidays, and a happy new year. We especially want to thank our City of Orlando team members for their incredible service to our city over the last twelve months.
ITEMS OF NOTE
A-1: Appointment of FJ Flynn, Acknowledge Kevin’s Retirement
Today marks the final City Council meeting for our Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Edmonds, who is retiring next month after more than 35 years with the City of Orlando. Kevin wanted to get through this meeting without any fanfare, but he is certainly deserving of recognition for all that he has done for our community over the years.
He guided a number of city functions during his time with the city and spent six years as CAO. It’s hard to sum up his impact in such a short amount of time, but simply put: because of Kevin’s leadership, the City of Orlando has been able to deliver the best municipal services of any city in all of Florida. Kevin, thank you for your service to our community. We all wish you and Amy the best as you start the next chapter in your lives.
Today we are confirming the appointment of FJ Flynn to serve as the city’s next CAO. FJ has served as Deputy CAO over the last five years. But during his twenty-five tenure he has handled many other roles and has a strong understanding of the operations of our departments. We know he’ll do a great job guiding our departments to ensure that they continue to be there for our community.
A-4: Mayor’s Matching Grant
Today we will vote to approve funding for 13 Mayor’s Matching Grant projects. These grants support local schools, neighborhood associations, and non-profits that help enhance our community’s quality of life and out-of-school enrichment opportunities for our youth.
We have representatives from many of these organizations here today and watching our live broadcast. Would any representatives here with us please stand so we can recognize you?
F-9 and F-10: CDBG Grants
Also on today’s agenda are two funding agreements for rehabilitation projects that support the preservation of affordable housing for our residents. We’re providing over $1 million dollars in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to:
- Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corporation, to replace the roofs of 132 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless residents, and to
- Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS) of Central Florida, to replace kitchen cabinets and countertops, plumbing fixtures and bathroom vanities in thirty-six affordable apartments for low- and moderate-income households.
We continue to work with our community partners to ensure that every person, regardless of economic status, has access to quality housing that is safe and affordable.
J-2 Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission and FDOT- Presentation by Renzo Nastasi, Transportation Policy Advisor
On consent agenda today is the locally funded agreement between the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation. Our Transportation Department is going to take this opportunity to have Renzo Nastasi (NA-Staz-E) Transportation Policy Advisor give our council an update and overview of the system and where we are in the phasing of the transition.
Anytime we have a chance to have a conversation about the impact SunRail has for our community with over 100,000 riders a month is a good thing. In expect we will get more updates as the commission continues to move the discussion with FTA forward for an expansion to the airport and beyond which will add nights and weekends.