MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: March 17 Meeting

Mount Dora Buzz file photo

By Marc Crail
District 4, Mount Dora City Council Representative

Our meetings this evening had a decidedly different feel. With the advent of coronavirus, we were seated about six feet apart from one another and public attendance was minimal. We are trying to comply with state and federal health/safety recommendations while continuing to do the business of our city. This is an ever changing challenge and a late breaking Executive Order from our Governor was read aloud outlining new restrictions on bars, pubs and restaurants limiting seating to 50% of capacity among other things. Many local businesses are open for business and working hard to serve their customers while keeping everyone safe. Please continue to shop locally and stay safe yourself.

I'm reporting as usual not in any official capacity on behalf of the City Council, but as just one member of the Council.

After our previous meeting, I reported my opposition to an ordinance for PUD (Planned Unity Development) approval for a development called Donnelly Woods. This development is proposed to be built on 16.69 acres fronting on Limit Road. and bordering Donnelly Street. It would include 24,000 square feet of office space and 112 apartment units in buildings up to 45' high. District 1 Council- member Pam Burtnett joined me last time voting "no". The other five members voted "yes". Tonight we were scheduled to vote on the final reading of that Ordinance. At-Large Councilmember Crissy Stile said that she had heard from numerous constituents who voiced their concerns about the PUD. Since Cal Rolfson (District 2) was absent this evening it was decided to postpone the vote on the final reading until our next meeting scheduled for April 7th. If you have opinions for or against you should feel free to contact your elected officials to put your two cents in.

We unanimously approved a Resolution for a Police Department Incentive Program. This is critically important since we have been losing many experienced police officers to other nearby departments that pay better that we do.  There are several components to this package that include a 7% pay raise as well as the opportunity to cash in 40 hours of vacation time twice a year and the opportunity to cash in 40 hours of accrued compensatory time per year. This will cost the City about $196,000 a year, but we must be able to attract and retain top notch officers. I am happy that working cooperatively with our police department, we have taken steps to help make our pay and benefits competitive. In my estimation, this will be money well spent.

We had a good initial discussion on several ways we might be able to address the need for "attainable housing" in Mount Dora. It's very early in the process, but helping to have infill homes built on empty lots by partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity sounds promising. Helping homeowners of modest means make repairs and improvements on their homes is another possibility. I'm looking forward to moving forward ASAP with possible solutions.

While your City Council members often agree, sometimes we don't, but in my opinion our occasional disagreements are opportunities to listen to opposing views and compromise for the betterment of our wonderful City. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of that process.

A friend sent me a quote from Danny Thomas who was a well known actor but will be remembered forever for his  charity work. "Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself, it's what you do for others." Tens of thousands of deserving kids and their families have benefited from Danny Thomas's generosity.

By Marc Crail
District 4, Mount Dora City Council Representative

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