Agenda Items of Note:
Budget Update
On the morning of Monday, July 28 we held another of our budget work sessions to discuss
the proposed Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget and the proposed adjusted millage rate.
We voted to set the proposed rate and in September we will hold
2 public hearings to formally adopt the budget. As part of our ongoing commitment to
show our residents where their tax dollars go and why that spending is important, we
have created a budget section on our website. Residents can see all the documents
from our budget workshops and use a calculator to determine their property tax bill.
Mayor #1 – Chapter 57 Amendment
Commissioners, I am incredibly proud of the steps we’ve taken, including the
implementation of the City’s domestic partnership registry, that have made Orlando one
of the most inclusive cities in America.
I remain committed to equality for everyone and further understand its importance as an
economic development tool as our community looks to attract talented, creative people
and employers and create jobs for all of our residents.
On Monday, July 28 we took another step that will allow us to amend our code to include the “gender
identity” as a protected category to our anti-discrimination policy, chapter 57.
CRA – Carver Theatre/BBIF
In 2008, the City of Orlando formed a partnership with Carver Theater Developers and
the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) to develop the Renaissance at Carver
Square. The project was set to be a mixed-use development consisting of office
condominiums, retail, residential, the re-birth of the Carver Theater and a public parking
garage. Carver Theater Developers was to serve as the owner and developer of the
project.
With the Downturn of the economy, the Renaissance at Carver Square never came
to fruition. BBIF approached us about the opportunity to purchase the site from
them. This property has been identified as a cornerstone block for the redevelopment
of Parramore. The City currently owns the other properties on this block and it is
beneficial for Renaissance at Carver Square property to return to ownership by the City
of Orlando. This will allow the City to identify the most strategic and best use moving
forward.
B – OCPS Agreement
Commissioners, as you know the City has long envisioned and supported having a K-
8 school in the Parramore community. In 2004, my Parramore Task Force identified
several objectives to create and participate in partnerships that would ensure the
educational success of Parramore’s children. One of those goals was to build a public
school for the Parramore community.
An item on Monday’s agenda allows us to partner with the School Board so that
they can build this much-needed neighborhood school where the children of Parramore
could gather together to learn and develop, right in their own neighborhood.
Through conversations with the school board, they have expressed their desire to make
this Parramore school a model school that could involve a partnership with the Boys &
Girls Club, preschool programs, social workers and medical staff.
Orlando Venues
Commissioners, we also had several items on our agenda related to our Orlando
Venues.
I’d like to recognize Jared Saft, President of the Orlando Predators, who was in
attendance Monday for the new Predators contract that will bring our hometown Arena
Football team back to the Amway Center.
In addition, Arthur Lee, with Orlando Food Partners was in attendance for the Food Service
Amendment that will add food service at the new soccer and our reconstructed Citrus
Bowl.
