Council Highlights – August 15, 2022
Last updated on August 15, 2022
WORKSHOP
In 2019, the City of Orlando joined the AARP network of Age-Friendly Communities, where we as a city committed to conducting a community assessment to determine our city’s age-friendliness, develop an action plan based on those findings and then implement age-friendly initiatives in response to the needs of our community.
Through this process, we conducted extensive outreach, including surveys, focus groups and community conversations. The result of that effort is the Livable Orlando Age-Friendly Action Plan, which details 25 specific goals and 89 action items the city will take to become more age-friendly.
Paul Lewis, Chief Planning Manager, will present an overview of the Livable Orlando Age-Friendly Action Plan and outline next steps for implementation.
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR’S UPDATE
GENERAL ITEMS
Remembering Jim Harrison
On behalf of the City of Orlando, we want to send condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jim Harrison, who passed away last week. Jim was a true public servant who during his tenure as LYNX CEO and with Orange County Government, was dedicated to making our community a better place for residents and visitors. It was an honor and privilege to work alongside Jim, who will be missed by all.
Commissioner Hill and Commission Ortiz Birthday
Commissioners, we want to start by recognizing two of you who are celebrating birthdays!
Today, is District 5 Commissioner Regina I. Hill’s birthday and later this week on August 18, District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz will celebrate his birthday.
Commissioners, we’d like to wish you both a happy birthday!
Florida League of Cities
This past weekend was the Annual Conference of the Florida League of Cities where the League celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The City of Orlando was well represented by League Past President Commissioner Tony Ortiz, League Board of Directors member Commissioner Robert Stuart, Chief of Staff Heather Fagan who spoke on a very well-received panel called "Responding to Mass Shootings: Advice and Assistance for City Leaders”.
And finally, by Commissioner Regina Hill who was elected Parliamentarian of the Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. Congratulations to you, Commissioner Hill.
OPD Change of Command
Since our last City Council meeting, we are happy to say that we officially swore in Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar as the 21st Orlando Fire Chief. If you haven’t already, please make sure to say hello and welcome Chief Salazar to our city family.
Next up, on Wednesday, August 24, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Steinmetz Hall, we invite everyone to attend the Orlando Police Department Change of Command Ceremony for newly appointed Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith, where we will officially swear him in as the city’s 40th police chief.
ITEMS OF NOTE
H#1 – OPD Body Camera Funding
Also on today’s agenda is an award of $1.2 million dollars from the United States Department of Justice for next-generation body-worn cameras for the Orlando Police Department.
Advancements in technology is critical to our public safety departments. While our officers have been equipped with body-worn cameras since 2014, this next generation of cameras will increase public transparency and make it easier to use for officers in critical situations.
These funds were secured for the City of Orlando by Congresswoman Val Demings and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy as part of the new Community Project Funding program in this year's federal budget. Funding was highly competitive, and we thank Congresswoman Demings and Congresswoman Murphy for the very hard work that it took to get this appropriation through the federal budget process.
Ordinances/1st Read 13 #5 – Nelson Pinder Circle
Also, on today's agenda is an item to further honor the late Father Nelson Pinder. We will vote to change the name of Marquise Court in the Clear Lake neighborhood to Nelson Pinder Circle. This was initiated by the residents who live on the street to honor their neighbor.
This is well-deserved recognition for Father Pinder, an Orlando civil rights hero who passed away last month.