Watch the City Council Meeting Online.
Watch the City Council Workshop Online.
Workshop
Topic One: Short Term Rentals
City Council held two workshops on Monday, November 14.
The first workshop was about short term rentals.
Due to the increasing popularity of online short term rental websites such as Airbnb and VRBO, our staff has been experiencing a number of inquiries about whether residents can rent out all or a part of their home for short term stays.
We have asked staff to provide an update on the current City and state regulations as it relates to short term rentals.
Jason Burton, Chief Planner in the City Planning Division provided an update during the workshop.
Topic Two: Nighttime Economy
The second workshop was given by the City’s Nightclubs Task Force.
While the Task Force was only mandated to look at After Hours nightclubs, the Task Force has spent the past several months engaging stakeholders in the industry to look holistically at our entire nighttime economy.
A vibrant nightlife is an important economic development tool as creative and innovative companies desire it, and young talent seeks it when choosing where to live.
The Nightclubs Task Force gave a presentation on its findings and recommendations moving forward.
Agenda Review
Proposed Purchase of Pulse Site
Pulse is now a permanent part of Orlando’s history. This site has great significance not just to the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities, but for all of us who live in and love Orlando. This is why we have committed to establish a community-based committee to oversee the memorial process.
Prior to establishing the committee, it is important to understand the process other cities have undertaken to create a memorial. Staff is researching memorials across the country. Taking this information, staff is developing a proposed memorial process. Over the next few weeks, staff will engage each Commissioner to get input and feedback.
Due to the significance of this site, City Council decided it was appropriate to finalize the memorial process prior to purchasing Pulse. By deferring these agenda items, Council can bring forward the purchase of the Pulse property and memorial process at the same time.
CITY COUNCIL
General
Passing of former Commissioner Pat Schwartz & Commissioner Stuart’s mother-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Parkinson
We had two very unfortunate passings and Mayor Dyer took time during Monday’s meeting to honor and remember them.
Former City Commissioner Pat Schwartz passed away on October 27. She was instrumental in shaping our City into what it is today. She gave generously of her energies and talents and was strongly committed to our community, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life throughout Orlando.
As the first woman Commissioner in Orlando, she was a shining example of the accepting and welcoming City we continue to strive to be everyday, ensuring fair and equal opportunity for all.
Commissioner Stuart’s mother-in-law, Elizabeth Parkinson, also passed away last month on October 28. She moved here to Orlando in 2013 and lived with her daughter Ann and son-in-law, Commissioner Stuart.
Holiday Happenings/Small Biz Saturday
Mayor Dyer encourages everyone to come out and experience one of the many holiday events happening in our Downtown and in our Main Street Districts. Including our annual tree lighting ceremony at Lake Eola Park on Friday, December 2nd.
And as you are doing your holiday shopping, I want to encourage you to shop small. Small business Saturday is the day after Black Friday on November 26th and you can get many unique gifts from our local businesses in our Downtown and Main Streets or take a break during your shopping at one our many locally-owned eateries.
For more information on holiday events in our City, visit cityoforlando.net.
State of Downtown
Join Mayor Dyer on Tuesday, December 6 at 3:30 p.m. for his annual State of Downtown Address hosted by the Downtown Orlando Partnership at Bob Carr Theater. Hear the latest on the City’s comprehensive visioning process for the continued revitalization of Downtown Orlando.
To purchase tickets, visit doporlando.com. For more information or to watch online, visit cityoforlando.net.
Ordinances/1st Read – BEWES
Building Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy ordinance is an important initiative as we continue to work together as a community – local government, residents and businesses – all of us working to ensure Orlando is the most sustainable City in America.
This ordinance is also the first major energy policy we’ve discussed implementing here in Orlando. Because of this, it’s important we get it right and ensure we have the the best ordinance possible.
Chris Castro, our Director of Sustainability, briefed Council on staff’s efforts and gave update on the ordinance.
