published: Sunday, January 13, 2013

Council to readdress old items

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - The upcoming Sebring City Council meeting will feature mostly items that have been tabled from previous meetings to be re-hashed Tuesday during the first meeting of 2013.

Council members will discuss the possible adoption and implementation of the long awaited "Sebring Trails, Trailheads & Blueways Plan". The plan has been in the works for nearly a year and focuses on the improvement of the city's bikeways and walking trails. The plan also sets up a proposed idea to connect the existing trails throughout Highlands County with other trailways in neighboring counties and areas.

The trails plan was brought to the city under the belief that the implementation of the plan would "help improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, increase economic development active and economic development, increase tourism, and assist with improving the physical health of the residents and trial users."

If council adopts the plan, a number of small changes will take place throughout the area before any large ones. Small changes include an increase in bike racks, rest areas along trails and water fountains. Other changes that could be expected to come include partnerships with local agencies such as the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).

City Attorney Bob Swaine will address the council regarding two items, one being a first reading of a re-worked ordinance. The council passed to re-implement the A-frame sign ordinance (which expired in 1996), which will allow businesses to place the signs outside their doors on city property. If the first reading is approved, a second and final reading will be scheduled. The approval of the ordinance will allow businesses a six-month time period to place A-frame signs outside their property.

City Administrator Scott Noethlich will present the council with an updated Fire Assessment Program agenda item. The item was tabled during the Nov. 6 meeting after council members voiced concerns about the necessity of the data updates that were brought up and suggested by city staff.

Council members will discuss the need for the assessment update and evaluate their options before rendering a vote on the item.

The Sebring City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall.