Here's what happened at the St. Cloud City Council meeting on Thursday
The St. Cloud City Council on Thursday adopted the Master Plan for the Florida Avenue Multi-Use Trail, which will link the lakefront to the city’s downtown area.
In a 3-1 vote (Council Member Linette Matheny voted against it, and Council Member Chuck Cooper was not present), the council endorsed the plan, which one community member said will help make St. Cloud “a destination of choice.”
The 10-foot wide multi-use trail will run down the center of the existing median along the corridor, shifting around existing trees. The landscape plans calls for most trees to be kept, although some that are diseased or unhealthy will be removed and replaced with large canopy trees.
In addition to soliciting online input from the public and holding a virtual public meeting in 2020, the city held an in-person public meeting in January 2021 at the Marina Banquet Hall. Of the three concepts presented both online and at the public meeting, Concept C received the most favorable votes from residents who participated. Concept C is a curvy path down the median. People also gave input on various types of landscaping, and live oaks and crape myrtles receives the majority of votes.
St. Cloud Main Street sent a letter endorsing the plan, and resident Daisy Snyder sent a letter saying she and her husband attended the workshop in January and support the plan for the multi-use trail. Chamber President/CEO Dirk Webb told Council members that the chamber supports the plan as well, telling them the lakeshore is the “centerpiece for the centerplace,” referencing the City’s new branding.
“It is important to link these two wonderful assets,” Webb said. “Our lakefront and downtown will soon be destinations of choice.”
Resident Terri Park, representing the Church of Christ, expressed concern that the church may lose its street parking. John Rallis, a resident of Florida Avenue, expressed concern about speeding traffic on Florida Avenue.
Council Member Linette Matheny said she’s not convinced Florida Avenue is the right location for this project, but would like to see the exiting landscaping there enhanced. She also said she doesn’t like the trail being down the middle of the median, and would prefer it to be one block over on Ohio Avenue.
In other action:
· Heard a report from City Manager Bill Sturgeon that the federal government is looking at a $3 trillion stimulus package for local governments. The city has identified three projects it would look at funding with those dollars: retrofitting its MIEX resin water treatment plants, constructing a new public safety complex, and improvements to the Lakefront. Additionally, Congressman Darren Soto’s office notified the City he will have between $12 million and $14 million in earmarks for his District and asked the city to identify a project for some of those funds. Sturgeon told Council if the City gets any of that money, it would be used to add to the city’s reuse water storage facility. Currently, the city runs out of reuse water during the dry season and is looking to expand its reuse storage facilities.
· Council adopted 4-0 the Chisholm Park Master Plan. The city and consultant facilitated public participation about the proposed updates online and electronically due to the pandemic. Participants were given the opportunity build their dream park and comment on maps, and take an online survey. Based on the feedback, the city learned people want more hiking trails, picnic opportunities, observation tower, open beach, kayak / boating with rental options, dog park, improved parking and restroom, and a splash pad. The consultant showed slides depicting many of the improvements that are included in the Master Plan update. Total cost is estimated at $5 million. Council Member Linette Matheny expressed concern about the ability for children to run out into the street. Erin Jenks from Parks & Recreation said the city is looking at fencing options to address the issue.
· Approved a settlement agreement for Central Florida Water Initiative draft regulatory rule. Environmental Utilities Director Marjorie Craig said the draft rule would have cut the city’s water allocation by 1.4 million gallons per day. Ten public water suppliers challenged the rule, and five entities entered as interveners. An agreement was reached on March 19 calling for existing permits to not be modified. The burden is on the water management districts to show harm to water resources. New groundwater withdrawals can be granted if there are demonstrated offsets. All parties have agreed to sign the settlement agreement, with the City of St. Cloud being the final to vote on it. Council Member thanked staff for their efforts on the settlement agreement.
· Held a final public hearing and voted 4-0 to approve a zoning of Highway Business for a 3.53 acre site for Big Sky Storage Development, located east of Big Sky Boulevard and north of East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (US 192).
· Heard a presentation from OUC on price changes taking effect April 1, the Time of Use pilot program that launches April 1, and an update of the power plant decommissioning. According to OUC, the price changes are revenue neutral, with the price per 1,000 kWh increases only 7 cents over the past decade, to $113.88. OUC says its rates overall are lower than KUA’s rates. For the Time of Use program, customers can reduce their energy bill by not using it during peak demand hours (2-8 p.m.) The pilot is planned to run for one year with 700 customers (153 of whom live in St. Cloud) who volunteered to participate in the program. OUC also said additional soil and water samples will be gathered so the cleanup project can move forward. The city entered a voluntary cleanup agreement with OUC and the state. Council requested to get quarterly updates on the project from OUC. Mayor Blackwell expressed thanks to OUC for the assistance they have given to city residents during the pandemic.
· Heard a presentation from Police Chief Pete Gauntlett about traffic enforcement in the city. Chief Gauntlett cited statistics on traffic stops, citations and crashes, and noted that St. Cloud Police are actively involved in the community safety team. He noted that FDOT toured the PD’s crime center Thursday and is going to give access to FDOT cameras as well. He acknowledged the concerns about speeding on Lakeshore and said his officers spend a lot of time doing enforcement there.
“Traffic safety is paramount to any community,” Gauntlett said.
· Approved the city’s use of the US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance Contract for equipment rentals from Big Truck Rental, LLC. This item was approved 4-0 as part of the Consent Agenda
· Approved the final plat for Camden Bay. This item was approved 4-0 as part of the Consent Agenda.
· Appointed Kolby Urban (seat 5) and Maureen McNamee-Cook (Seat 6) to fill vacancies on the Economic Development Advisory Committee
· Approved updates to the City’s Organizational Values, Strategic Goal Statements and Strategic Objectives. Council approved the updates but asked city staff to make some edits to the wording in some sections. Strategic Goal Statements were updated to include:
*Rewording of the Growth Management, Infrastructure, Public Service, and Professional Workforce Goal Statements
o Addition of Strategic Objectives under each Strategic Goal
o The introductions of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to report on progress of the Strategic Plan
The updated Organizational Values, and Strategic Goal Statements read as follows:
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES: Civility, Integrity, Professionalism, Transparency, Responsibility, Excellence, Responsiveness, and Teamwork
STRATEGIC GOAL STATEMENTS:
Economic Development: To create economic prosperity by diversifying industries, investing in workforce development, and promoting destination locations.
Objectives:
1.1 Ensure goods and services are available to meet current and future population demands
1.2 Assist businesses seeking to boost productivity and workforce
1.3 Foster and establish partnerships with local and regional organizations that can expedite planning and business development
Growth Management: To create a vibrant, progressive, and diverse community through sustainable planning for all generations.
Objectives:
2.1 Update the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code to include Smart Growth principles that promote an attractive and strong sense of place to create an urban historic downtown, walkable and connected neighborhoods, and mixed use centers, which exhibit innovative urban design.
2.2 Update the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to support environmental planning and resource conservation policies through the promotion of efficient land development patterns and alternative mobility strategies to achieve a resilient and healthy environment.
2.3 Develop a Connected Opportunity for Regional Employment (CORE) Program that promotes high-tech, high-value jobs through implementation of the City’s Target Industries.
2.4 Improve the quality of life for St. Cloud residents, businesses, and visitors through high quality mixed-use developments that provides for environmental justice and choices, increases property values, and which improves the appearance of the City.
Infrastructure: To provide safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure for the community.
Objectives:
3.1 Create conveniently located spaces for interactions and exchanges to enhance a sense of community with a focus on environmental initiatives such as increased tree covered spaces, clean water/lakes, and green facilities.
3.2 Improve mobility and connectivity together with partner agencies to create a safe, walkable and bikeable community.
3.3 Improve quality of life by planning, maintaining, financing, and upgrading infrastructure, facilities, and outdoor spaces in alignment with city’s strategic initiatives, and adopted levels of service standards to meet existing and future growth.
Financial Sustainability: To meet the short and long-term financial needs of the City of St. Cloud
Objectives:
4.1 Ensure flexibility to effectively respond to changing economic, social, environmental, and/or political conditions and circumstances.
4.2 Manage public funds efficiently to provide infrastructure and public service needs.
4.3 Enhance financial performance and public confidence through transparency, accountability, and consistency.
Public Service: To provide an effective high level of service to all internal and external customers.
Objectives:
5.1 Incorporate industry best practices and innovative technologies to effectively deliver the highest levels of service.
5.2 Incorporate proven and innovative processes, resources, and technology to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency.
5.3 Enhance customers’ access to City government operations and public meetings to reach a broader audience.
Professional Workforce: To develop and retain qualified talent based on the City’s core values to provide exceptional services to the community.
Objectives:
6.1 Engage businesses and industries to build relationships for immediate and future workforce needs.
6.2 Improve employee development by incorporating organizational values and providing opportunities for professional growth.
6.3 Attract and retain a qualified and diverse workforce.