Council Highlights – May 16, 2022
Last updated on May 16, 2022
Council Update – May 16, 2022
WORKSHOPS
Visit Orlando
Last week we had the pleasure of joining Visit Orlando for the launch of their new “Unbelievably Real” branding campaign in collaboration with the Orlando Economic Partnership. Today representatives from Visit Orlando are here to tell us more about the inspiration behind the new branding, provide an update on current projects and initiatives and what we can look forward to in the next year and beyond.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Earlier this year, we celebrated the opening of Steinmetz Hall and the full completion of the vision for our Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Today, we are joined by Kathy Ramsberger, who will provide us an update on their current fiscal year, the impacts from the pandemic and what is planned for the future ahead.
CITY COUNCIL
Awards/Presentations/Recognitions
Ronnie M. Proulx Employee Retirement Proclamation
Today, we are celebrating 45 years of service with Capital Improvement Plan Assistant Division Manager, Ronnie Proulx.
Ronnie, congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your many years of service to the city and our residents.
MAYOR’S UPDATE
General Items
OPD and OFD Leadership Change
Last week we announced the appointment of Eric Smith as the next Orlando Police Department Chief. Pending City Council approval, he will take over for Chief Rolón, who will retire in November after nearly 30 years with the department.
Chief Rolón, we are so grateful for your service to our community. And we are confident that Chief Smith is the right person to lead OPD’s efforts to keep Orlando safe, while ensuring that equity and inclusion are priorities for the department.
Last week we also announced another leadership change as Mayor Dyer appointed Charlie Salazar to serve as the next Fire Chief for the city. With nearly three decades of fire service experience, including currently serving as Executive Deputy Chief with the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, he is well qualified to lead the Orlando Fire Department.
Chief Buckley will continue guiding the department until late July. Chief Buckley, we want to thank you for your leadership these last few months.
Everyone, please join us in congratulating Chief Smith and Salazar on their new roles and thanking Chief Rolón and Chief Buckley for their service. These appointments will be voted on at later council dates within the next few months.
Kevin Valencia/Law Enforcement Memorial/Peace Officers Memorial Day
Every time our officers put on their uniforms, they are risking their lives to protect us all. Peace Officers Memorial Day was yesterday, and Mayor Dyer was honored to join Chief Rolón, a large contingent from OPD and Officer Kevin Valencia’s family to be in Washington, D.C.
At the event, Officer Valencia’s name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Our community will always be grateful for his bravery, and we are appreciative of all of our officers each day.
Haitian/Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
We are also appreciative of our diverse community. May is both Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Haitian Heritage Month. We are proud of our community’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
We want to thank the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, who are hosting a heritage month event at City Hall on Wednesday evening. And the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, who will have a heritage month celebration on Thursday at the UCF Downtown campus.
Legislative Update
Finally, while the Governor has not yet acted on most of the bills passed by the Florida Legislature in this past legislative session - including the state budget - we thought we should go ahead and get an update on some of the key bills impacting the City of Orlando that passed during the recent session.
To give us a brief overview, our Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Kyle Shephard, who will, along with our lobbying team, take us through a session overview and identify some of the key bills that passed through the legislature.
Items of Note
B#10/CRA#6 – Fringe Sublease Agreement and CRA Funding Agreement
Moving on to items of note, a key focus of the city includes supporting, enhancing and growing cultural arts and amenities throughout Orlando and our downtown for all to enjoy. Today, we will vote to enter a multi-year lease with Orlando Fringe to operate the theatrical performance space at 54 west Church Street and support the creation of an arts accelerator within the facility. The arts accelerator will support local emerging arts organizations while enhancing the growing vibrant art community in downtown Orlando.
Fringe has a long history of supporting artists across Orlando and we look forward to this partnership to further our burgeoning arts scene.
C#12 – Eloomi STRIVE Agreement
Lastly, Orlando has a growing reputation as a city where corporate headquarters are choosing to locate or expand, as well as one of the best cities in the nation for tech-based companies.
On today’s agenda is a STRIVE job incentive agreement with Eloomi, Inc., a cloud-based learning management system company looking to expand their U.S. headquarters in downtown Orlando and plans to create 81 new jobs paying a median wage 119% higher than the national median wage.
We also like to recognize Claus Johansen from Eloomi, who has joined us today. Thank you for being here and considering Orlando for your investment.