City Council Highlights – June 1, 2020
Last updated on June 01, 2020
City Council Update – June 1, 2020
General Items
Demonstrations
Good afternoon,
We want to start by stating something that all Americans should agree on: what happened to George Floyd was horrific and unacceptable. As a community and a nation we need to recognize why so many people around the country and here in Orlando are participating in demonstrations.
They are a result of the many inequities that exist in our country. Demonstrations allow us to join together peacefully to speak out and have our voices heard. For hours on Saturday and Sunday, our residents did just that and OPD officers were there to help them march and gather safely.
Unfortunately, a small group of people brought violence to these demonstrations, putting others, themselves and officers in danger. The demands for change should not be overshadowed by bringing violence and vandalism.
In Orlando, we have a long history of peaceful demonstrations. We have long been a beacon of light for how other communities can come together. Here we embrace diversity and understanding. We believe that we again can show the world why Orlando is different. And we will again show that Orlando is united in love, compassion and understanding.
COVID-19 Update
We are having another virtual City Council meeting because our work to fight COVID-19 is not done. Our individual and collective actions are just as important now as we continue the fight against this virus.
Testing to monitor the infection rate is key for us moving forward and we are so grateful for our City of Orlando team that has managed our sites throughout the city, including at the Rosemont Neighborhood Center, where we’ll be tomorrow.
Over the last several weeks, our staff has developed a plan to safely reopen city facilities. Earlier today, small group summer camps at our neighborhood centers got underway. And this week we are also opening the Orlando Tennis Center, six city pools, the Orlando Skate Park, Lake Eola swan boat rentals, the Mennello Museum of American Art and Discover Downtown.
Temperature screenings and limiting of capacity and hours are among the safety measures in place at these facilities as the health and well-being of our employees and residents continues to be our top priority.
Retirement message for Commissioner Stuart
Commissioner Stuart, we want to congratulate you on your retirement as executive director of the Christian Service Center, which you’ve led since 1995. We appreciated the opportunity to join you on your final day in that role to help serve lunch to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Commissioner, thank you for the commitment and compassion that you displayed as you directed the Christian Service Center. We know that you’ll still be active with the organization, especially assisting Eric Gray as he takes over as executive director.
Condolences for Frankee Hellinger
On behalf of the entire City Council, we want to send our condolences to the family and friends of former City Commissioner Frankee Hellinger, who passed away last month.
She was elected to two terms as the District 4 City Commissioner before retiring in 1996, and was also active in many community organizations, including as a founding member of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.
Items of Note
Families, Parks & Recreation #2 – Agreement with Dr. Phillips Foundation for a Pavilion at Packing District Park
Today, we will vote on constructing a pavilion in the Packing District Park to provide an outdoor venue to accommodate cultural events such as concerts, arts and plays, as well as other functions like weddings, farmers markets and outdoor exercise activities.
We want to thank our partners over at the Dr. Phillips Foundation for their contributions toward this project to enhance our city parks.
CRA #1 – Funding Agreement between CRA, Orlando Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land, Inc.
Also, on today’s agenda we will look to approve a funding agreement that will allow us, together with the Orlando Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land, to purchase property that will help expand our Lake Eola Park and ensure that it is preserved as green space for generations to come.
This purchase also supports our Project DTO vision to ensure Orlando is an awesome outdoor city. Green spaces bring our city to life, making it a more attractive place to live, work, play and thrive.
We would like to thank Commissioner Sheehan for her contributions to this effort as well.