City Council Highlights – July 9, 2018
Last updated on July 09, 2018
Watch City Council Workshop online.
Watch City Council online.
WORKSHOP
First Budget Workshop for the 18/19 Fiscal Year
Our local economy is continuing to grow which has resulted in increasing property values. However, while our city is experiencing increased revenues we also continue to face additional property tax reform and unfunded mandates from the state legislature that impact our budget.
The city has been able to make strategic investments in our neighborhoods from parks and recreational programs to infrastructure to public safety while remaining on strong financial footing.
On Monday, July 9, City Council were presented preliminary numbers that direct city finances to further benefit the community – all without raising our millage rate.
This year’s budget continues the city’s commitment to responsible spending and delivering our core services at the high quality our residents expect.
CITY COUNCIL
GENERAL
Commissioner Sheehan’s Birthday – July 6th
Mayor Buddy Dyer wished District 4 Commissioner Patty Sheehan a Happy Birthday. Her Birthday was July 6.
Amazon Pilot Update
City Council heard an update on the city’s pilot testing of Amazon’s Video Analytics within the Orlando Police Department.
As a government, we have a long history of leveraging technology to provide more efficient and timely city services – from OPD being the first city in Florida to join the White House Police Data Initiative to being awarded the Smart Cities Council Readiness Challenge. We are proud that companies like Amazon want to partner with Orlando because of our commitment to being an innovative government.
It is our responsibility to explore these types of new technologies that may have real value in enhancing our public safety efforts, which is why Mayor Dyer supports staff continuing the evaluation and internal testing of Amazon’s Video Analytics technology through a proof of concept pilot.
As a city, we have to be ever evolving in our efforts to keep our community safe and evaluate whether or not this could be a useful tool in that effort.
ITEMS OF NOTE
A # 2 – Mayor’s Matching Grant
Council approved funding for 18 Mayor’s Matching Grant projects. These grants will support our city’s neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations and schools that offer programs to help us enhance the quality of life in our city and ensure that we provide opportunities for everyone who lives here.
Projects include adding neighborhood safety features and enhancing the beauty of our neighborhoods, critical mentoring programs and providing increased access to creative arts, education, culture, career exploration and athletic programs for our youth.
B # 5 – Lake Notasulga Cleanup
A contract has been awarded to begin the long-awaited clean up of Lake Notasulga. Located in our Harrelson Estates Neighborhood, this privately owned lake had become an eyesore for our residents.
Last year, the City was able to acquire the property through a donation by the property owner and with the approval of this contract, the city will begin the clean up by removing all the invasive vegetation around the lake.
Mayor Dyer thanked Commissioner Hill for her leadership on this item and also thanked our residents for their patience as we worked to acquire this lake.
I # 2 – OU 1 Barrier Wall Remedy Design, Construction, and Implementation
The City of Orlando continues to remain committed to the revitalization of the Parramore neighborhood.
Part of that revitalization effort includes working together with property owners to facilitate environmental remediation.
Council approved an item that will further the clean up of a former site where a manufactured gasification plant operated in the late 1800s through the 1960s when it was demolished.
An initial cleanup is underway now that is removing contaminated soil on the site and replacing it with clean dirt, concrete cover, or both.
This next phase will include the construction of a concrete barrier wall and is expected to start by the end of the year.
The cleanup project is being done under the direction and guidance of the EPA and FDEP.
CRA # 3 – North Quarter Transportation Agreement
A component of the DTOutlook includes looking at opportunities to transform one-way streets in downtown to two-way streets in an effort to improve pedestrian accessibility and maximize transportation options around the area.
Council voted on the authorization of a North Quarter Transportation Study agreement that will allow us to engage with stakeholders to hear their thoughts on realizing this concept.
QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARINGS
# 1 – Accessory Unit on Bethune Drive
Council heard a Recommended Order from a Hearing Officer in case number QJ 2018-001, relating to a request for a Conditional Use Permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit outside of the Traditional City and located at 840 Bethune Drive.