HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-25-2020 Minutes MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL SESSION
MARCH 25,2020
CALL TO ORDER- 2:31 PM
Mayor Johnson called the special session to order at 2:31 PM in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Brinson, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Cookson, City Clerk Sibbitt
APPROVAL OF DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION - 2:31 PM
City Manager Frank explained that on March 1, 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive
Order 20-51, declaring appropriate measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in the State of
Florida are necessary, and therefore directed a Public Health Emergency be declared in the State
of Florida. Orange County is currently under a State of Emergency (See Emergency Executive
Orders 2020-01,2020-02,2020-03,and 2020-04),and the Mayor of the City of Ocoee determined
that a local state of emergency exists; and further, proclaimed a Declaration of Local Emergency
on March 23, 2020. The proclamation provided for the City Manager and staff to be able to
respond in a timely manner to administrative issues, staffing, and the provision of City services
that may differ from those called out in various City ordinances or resolutions. City charter calls
out the Mayor's authority for the proclamation to extend for 72 hours in which time the City
Commission can approve a resolution. This resolution will give the City Manager the authority
to extend, or conclude, the Emergency Declaration as long as needed to address the Coronavirus
Crisis. It is expected to be in enforced until Orange County repeals or sunsets their emergency
orders.
City Attorney Cookson read the title of the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE
DECLARATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution No. 2020-001, Declaration of a Local
Emergency. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner
Firstner; Motion carried unanimously.
A three-minute break was taken for the public to email or call in for Public Comments on the
resolution and/or on the cancelation of the April 7th Regular City Commission Meeting.
During the three-minute break clarification was provided by the City Attorney on the duration of
the State of the Emergency.
Deputy Clerk Heard stated no emails or phone calls were received for Public Comments.
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APPROVAL FOR CANCELATION OF THE APRIL 7, 2020, CITY COMMISSION
MEETING - 2:34 PM
Commissioner Brinson inquired about the purpose for the cancelation of the April 7th City
Commission meeting. City Manager Frank explained that he reviewed the items that were
proposed to come before the City Commission and it was determined that they were no priority
items. City Attorney Cookson further explained the States recommendation/guidelines with
regard to essential businesses continuing to meet. He further shared he would be providing a
memorandum to each of the Elected Officials on how they should proceed with either video or
phone conferencing, whichever the City can accommodate, for their next City Commission
Meeting. He reminded the City Commission that Executive Order 20-69 suspended the
requirement that a physical quorum has to be present to meet.
Commissioner Wilsen shared she personally feels that if there is nothing time sensitive for the
City Commission to approve then they should be adhering to the Stay at Home Order.
City Attorney Cookson reminded the City Commission that the resolution they adopted
authorizes the City Manager to essentially carry on the business that would be necessary.
Therefore,he believes the City Commission would not be delaying or stopping any City business
by canceling the April 7th Regular City Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Oliver proposed a procedure to be put in place, and in writing, for the City
Commission to be able to meet by video or telephone conference, going forward, outside of the
current executive order.
Motion: Move to cancel the April 7, 2020, City Commission meeting. Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 3-2
with Commissioner Brinson and Commissioner Oliver opposing.
Further discussion ensued with regard to the request for a procedure for Board members to be
allowed to telephone or Skype into a City Commission meeting upon an absence. Commissioner
Wilsen asked for clarification from the City Attorney on topics that can be discussed or approved
during a Special Session when an item is not noticed. City Attorney Cookson advised discussion
can occur, but no decision or policy can be adopted.
ADJOURNMENT—2:49 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
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Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Jo 44: Mayor
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