Fire Station 4 to be ‘Fully’ Staffed due to Upcoming Hood Rd Closure
The June 2nd City Council Meeting, with four council members present (Ms. Marino absent), began with recognition of Sherri Pla as PGA Southeast Chapter Youth Golf Development Professional of the year. Next was to be the 2015 Audit Report – but the presenter was delayed and so City Manager Ferris was asked to give his report. Of impact to City residents: Hood Road at the Turnpike will be closed very soon for a period of 60-120 days, in order... [Read More...]
Progress on 117th Ct, Quiet Zones and Avenir Approval with Undercurrent of Distrust on Other Issues
The Council Meeting was kicked off by a 7 year old ‘Mayor for the Day’ who led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Presentations: All Aboard Florida Quiet Zones – City Engineer Todd Engle said that the City has 6 crossings, and the majority of the improvements will be to install more exit gates. The Council was pleased with the progress, especially after many years of seeking quiet zones for the FEC trains through the City. 117th... [Read More...]
Go for Easy or Solve the Problem?
Residents in the Shady Lakes and surrounding subdivisions have raised concerns about plans for the Shady Lakes Drive Extension for a long time. They have submitted petitions, come to Council meetings and spoken in an organized fashion, and proposed alternatives. Last night’s special City Council Meeting began with a presentation of conceptual proposals for the road in Phase 1 and Phase 2 along with attractive landscaping proposals, followed... [Read More...]
Special City Council Meeting on Shady Lakes Expansion on Wed. 4/20
There will a Special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 20th on the Shady Lakes Expansion. Plans will be on display from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Presentation will be at 7:00 p.m. followed by questions from the public. Read More →
New Mayor Marcie Tinsley Leads Smooth Transition
NOTE: There will be a Special City Council Meeting on Shady Lakes Extension on Wed. 4/20 at 7PM. Plans will be on display at 6pm The April City Council meeting commenced with the Results of the Election, heartfelt goodbyes to Joe Russo (who was awarded a beautiful crystal gavel, as well as some ‘big shoes’ to fill by in-coming Council member Maria Marino). There was no mention at any time in the meeting, by City Attorney Max Lohman,... [Read More...]
Farewell to Joe Russo and Progress on Some Major Issues
There was only one Public Hearing on the March 3rd Agenda, Signage Amendment for the Gardens Commerce Center – which passed 5:0. However much of the meeting was spent on several topics. First on the agenda was recognition of Barbara Nicklaus and the impact she has had on the Gardens, living here for the last 50 years. She was awarded a Key to the City and a plaque for her efforts on the Nicklaus Children’s Health Foundation. Council Member... [Read More...]
Residents Simmer over Long-standing Grievances
The February 4th Council meeting ended up taking about 2 hours although the agenda was very light, with only 1 new non-controversial resolution (7, 2016 – Mirasol flag/flag pole) and 2nd Reading on the Budget amendment (Ordinance 2, 2016) – both of which, along with the Consent Agenda, passed 4:0. Council Member Premuroso was unable to attend. Mayor Jablin started the meeting with a moment of silence for Tory Buckley, long-time dedicated... [Read More...]
Avenir, Body Cameras and IAFF Contract Highlights of a Busy Council Week
The first order of business in the Regular City Council meeting was to complete the approvals for Avenir (Ordinance 4, 2016). City Attorney Max Lohman told the Council that ex-partes must cover the time-frame from 2013 until the present. All described several meetings with residents, applicants, emails, etc. except for Council Member Russo who said that he spoke with the owners prior to their purchase of the property. Since he felt that the size and... [Read More...]