The City Commission approved several proposed ordinances in their February 24th meeting:
Commission Vote Highlights

• FY 2021 Budget Amendment: 

Although Winter Park has seen an uptick in golf, tennis and communications sales tax revenues since September, the COVID-related recovery is progressing more slowly than anticipated overall. The Commission amended the FY 2021 revenues forecast with a 1% change to the overall budget, including a $634,000 General Fund reduction and a $555,000 General Contingency Fund reduction.

• Support for Phase One of City’s private fiber optic infrastructure

The Commission approved the next step of support for the public/private partnership with Frog, Inc., a locally owned national telecommunications company specializing in high-speed internet services, to connect all City facilities on a single, private fiber network.

This vote advances the final stage of a construction and maintenance agreement to co-build a 100,000+ linear foot fiber installation. The City has opted to double its telecommunications fiber to 48 strands for a modest $50,000 investment in anticipation of future needs.

Frog’s contribution of $550,000+ to the project completes the first of three phases recommended by the City’s Fiber Optics Task Force. The City’s investment will not exceed $912,000, and in return, the private fiber optic network will enhance cybersecurity, cut capital and operating costs, and lay the groundwork for Smart City applications.

• Extenet Agreement Approved

The 5G pole attachment agreement with AT&T contractor Extenet was approved. Approximately 20 locations will receive attachments that will complement the current streetlights. This agreement allowed the City to provide input regarding aesthetic design in advance of inevitable market-wide 5G installations.

• McLaren Sales Showroom Application Approved

The Commission approved an ordinance amending the Commercial (C-3) zoning code text to create a new Conditional Use for “Vehicle Sales Showroom,” new definitions for “Car Sales Business, Vehicle Dealership and Vehicle Sales Business,” and Conditional Use approval for a “Vehicle Sales Showroom” in the former home of Orchard Supply on South Orlando Avenue.

Allowing McLaren to use this property for the sales and service of their unique, high-end automobiles violates current language in the Comprehensive Plan. Certain business types along gateway corridors to Winter Park such as new or used car sales businesses and auto repair businesses, among others, are forbidden. Staff had recommended denying the applicant’s attempt to circumvent the zoning code and Comprehensive Plan.

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Ordinance Approved

The Land Development Code will be amended to include regulations for electric vehicle infrastructure/readiness in multi-family and non-residential parking lots and garages. Over 60,000 electric vehicles are currently registered in the State of Florida, half of which reside in Central Florida. By 2030, the number of EVs on our roads will climb to roughly 7% nationally. Planning today by requiring a charging infrastructure at workplaces and in public settings is an important first step in accommodating future EV needs.

Highlights of City Manager’s 90-Day Report

• Construction of the Library and Events Center remains on-schedule and on-budget. The roofing, window glaze and precast concrete skin for the Library are completed, and the Events Center building is nearly “dried-in,” as well. The outdoor amphitheater stage structural slab has been poured and the pond reshaping is completed.
• The Tree Preservation Board has revised the Tree Preservation Ordinance and will present it to the Planning and Zoning Board in March.
• A Progress Pointe redevelopment plan will be presented to the City Commission in March.