MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: October 18 meeting

By Marc Crail

Mount Dora Vice Mayor & District 4 Representative
​I've selected several items from the October 18th City Council meeting to share with you today. Please keep in mind that I'm not reporting to you on behalf of City Council in an official capacity, I'm only one individual member.

City Hall will be getting a new roof at a maximum price of $206,000. The roof is past its useful life and ready for replacement. This price included a large "contingency" budget because it's impossible to know for sure how much lumber, etc. under the surface, which can't be seen, may need to be replaced.

The Simpson Farmhouse building located by the library dates from 1905. The windows are now 107 years old. They will be replaced and like the city hall roof, there could be unseen damage around the windows so a sizable contingency is important. We got a $50K matching grant to help complete this work. The total cost is about $94,000.

Probably the most anticipated item on our agenda was a 5-2 vote to use the soon to be completed new Fire Station #35 located on 19A as a fire station and to renovate our current Fire Station #34 on Donnelly St. The fire station issue has morphed over the years mostly due to skyrocketing prices and new data. It's now been decided to have two fire stations and to continue plans to locate a new public works complex on Limit.  Several other options were considered. Members Cataldo and Gunther voted no.

We heard that the Hurricane Ian tree and brush collection is now about 68% complete in Mount Dora. That should reach about 90% by the end of the week.

Our quote of the week comes from General Colin Powell. "Leadership is all about people. It is not about plans. It is not about strategies. It is all about people - motivating people to get the job done. You have to be people centered."

Thanks to all the people who work so hard to make our town, Mount Dora, a great place to live. Earlier this week we held a reception to honor the contributions of our volunteers and former elected officials. We certainly appreciate all those who serve on our volunteer Boards and Committees.

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora Vice Mayor & District 4 Representative

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