I discovered that my “City of Lake Helen, Florida -Mayor’s Report” on facebook dated July 13 at 2:32 PM had mysteriously disappeared. – American Freedom of speech (The Bill of Rights -Amendment 1) – at work.
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Mayor’s Report
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I met with staff (City Administrator Jason Yarborough and City Finance Manager Jason Lawrence) addressing issues regarding #FEMA Grant Portal and the request for multiple demand for the same documents and general conflict between state and federal approval process for city reimbursements. What I observed… is that it’s difficult to demand funds when you’ve never submitted request for it, truth is revealed in the paper trail. Good news is, now all forms have been submitted and follow up will be needed.
Letters were mailed to our state representatives as well as to Governor Rick Scott. I followed these up with phone conversations. I had a lengthy conversation with Mr. Carter Mack, Deputy Bureau Chief of Recovery. He personally reviewed the City of Lake Helen submission package and advised that two of the documents did not meet the requirements and the good news was that we are on cue for reimbursements.
In our conversation, I mentioned that our city is not the only city in this predicament… and THAT may well be a sign that something needs to be addressed as a whole. I suggested perhaps providing a “cheat sheet” of “DO’s & DONT’s” that can serve as an ‘education’ information for the cities. The logic is, if you know what you should not submit, this will shorten the waiting process by minimizing rejection and re-submission. This suggestion was received favorably.
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On the home front
A very productive and engaged month from the fine citizens of Lake Helen.
We want to thank the initiative of our citizen Dara Stoltzfus -(McKenzie Rd.) for contacting Volusia County, Florida about installing Equestrian Caution Signs. I followed up with the county public works Director John Anguilli and we had the signs installed before the 4th of July. (Thank you John and Volusia County!)
Also, we thank Arlene Raffa -(Lakeview) for forwarding information regarding the dog park grant. Our finance manager has submitted the documents and hopefully, we’ll be one of the lucky recipients.
We thank former commissioner Ann Robbins for alerting the city of a deal for the radar speed trailer, Chief Mike Walker followed up and was able to make the purchase – the savings will allow for the purchase of a lit sign for our police depart on Lakeview.
Our first budget workshop was well attended, the citizen input was positive and the commission was encouraged by the citizen’s interest and engagement.
The next Budget Workshop is set for Tuesday, July 17, 2018 9am – City Hall.
We thank Rick Mullen and Public Works for
1. upgrading the faucets to push button in the Equestrian Center facilities – a real cost saving for the city. (too many times the public user has left the water faucets running).
2. roadworks maintenance on Connecticut – our citizens are happy.
And – What about the 4th of July 2018!! Thank you to all the efforts put on by our Events and Community Relations Director – Kelly A Frasca, Chief Mike Walker and our Police Officers for keeping us and our visitors safe, Karen Foraker Garyantes and vendors from Lake Helen Market in the Park and Yard Sales, our volunteers – specially David Jones, Ricky Mullen and Public Works for assisting with all those behind the scene and last minute details, city staff and hey… Four Seasons Fireworks ! and God… for timing the rain just right. We enjoyed our small town feel, parade, music, food – and most important family and community.
NOW I KNOW… as a citizen I myself want many things for our city, but just like in our own family budgets – there are WANTS, and there are NEEDS. The budget starts in October… and expenses to run the city are calculated, as well as needed maintenance projects, along with ‘contingencies’; when it comes to city events Volunteers are the life of the events, not only does it encourage pride but also community, additionally it saves the city money – from having to hire people to staff our event activities. I for one will tell you that I am frugal… I would rather have no event if people from outside of our city are needed to ‘man a bounce house’ – usher a game booth etc. I urge our citizens who ‘get all excited’ about our city events to call Kelly Frasca and ask her about helping out… whether it be for Fall Fest, Christmas or Easter… we need you. Her number is: 305.793.3303 – Thank YOU in advance.
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My recap of regular commission
~*~ meeting July 12, 2018
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Leading us in our Legislative Prayer and Pledge to the Flag was Maria Hardwick – thank you for the lovely prayer for our commission and our city.
-With the 2018 Election cycle we welcomed visiting candidates:
John Upchurch for Congress and Eddie Molina for Volusia County Council, District 1.
-Recognition of Sandy Miller Realtor, Aparo-Griffin Properties and Ranger James Tyler appointed as representatives on the Citizen Advisory Committee part of the city of Lake Helen and Volusia League Cities Summer advocacy plan.
-Recognition for Jeffrey Oransky for 20 years of service – THANK YOU.
-Proclamation for Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church 129th anniversary. Vice Mayor Vernon Burton invited the community to commemorate this celebration on July 22, 2018 at 4pm – at the church site on Ohio.
-Presentations for Banking Services by TD Bank and PNC Bank ; the commission after input from city finance manager Jason Lawrence instructed staff to move forward with TD Bank for city services.
-Presentation by Chris Roe from Brent Miller Olive- the City Commission approved Resolution 2018-07 – the Annual Resolution to set the Assessment Rates for Fiscal Year 2018/2019.
see page 35 (link on agenda package) https://www.lakehelen.org 20180712CCAgendaPacket
-Presentation by Ken DeForest from Waste Pro to discuss services with the City Commission including a collection of recyclables, commissioner Jim Connell on behalf of the commission requested more information and analysis report as permissible by contract in order to inform our community and effect a decision.
-Discussion on pole banners – ideas were considered and artwork rendition will be provided for the next commission meeting. Thank you for your input from the Lake Helen Chronicles members – I shared your ideas and input with the commission.
-The following issues were approved:
= Board Meeting Minutes – June 14, 2018 Regular Meeting and June 28, 2018 Budget Workshop
= Acceptance of Bills paid through June 30, 2018
= Public Works Facility Update : For the month of June 2018, expenses totaled $7,952 and $12,966.48 (for concrete site work) in-kind donations were received.
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Public Hearing:
City Attorney Scott Simpson read the following resolutions / ordinances
– Resolution 2018-08 – Tentative Millage Rate
– Ordinance 2018-05 Annexation of 704 Matanzas Street
– Ordinance 2018-06 Future Land Use Map Amendment for 704 Matanzas Street
– Ordinance 2018-07 Rezoning for 704 Matanzas Street
– Adopt Ordinance 2018?04, second and final reading – Amendment to the City of Lake Helen Land Development Code, Gateway Overlay Review Process
– First Reading of Ordinance 2018-08 Amendment to the Land Development Code, Temporary Signs
(all approved unanimously)
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Additional Discussions
– Regarding the Hurley Auto mall Annexation – due to negotiations between DeLand & Lake Helen, staff has been directed to send notification to the Volusia Growth Management Commission.
– D.R. Horton properties on Main Street gateway are awaiting permits for demolition.
– Conversations about sewers connection for the Gateway Business District… City Attorney Scott Simpson provided legal language as per FSS 381.0065 Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems; regulation. Additionally our city administrator spoke with Laura Kramer Environmental Supervisor II from the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (I called her myself as well) who quoted the law as it pertained to “force main” which is the type of high pressurized piping line used for big flows for businesses and complex development:
“For an establishment with an estimated sewage flow exceeding 1,000 gallons per day, a sewer line, force main, or lift station exists in a public easement or right-of-way that abuts the property of the establishment or is within 50 feet of the property line of the establishment as accessed via existing rights of-way or easements.”
For the record commissioner Tom Wilson echoed the voice of this commission: there are “NO plans in the city of Lake Helen for residential sewers by THIS commission, NO plans, NO discussion at all”.
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Events-(Kelly Frasca):
Great turnout for 4th of July events, many firsts for the city…one was the option for paid parking, which allowed more people to join in on the celebrations. From parade, to live music, food trucks, and fantastic fireworks – all a great success and fun for our community and visiting cities nearby.
Coming up:
JUL 20: Friday Family Fun Flix – Star Wars – The Last Jedi at Blake Park
Fall Fest 10/27/2018
Porch Fest 11/10/2018
Santa’s Village & Workshop 11/24/2018
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CLOSING STATEMENT
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“We weave into each other’s life leaving imprints of our stitches.” my own quote… yours to use if you like.
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Thank you for your support.
ps: Kelly Frasca, thank you for the pictures. <3 🙂
