HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2021 Minutes MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 20,2021
CALL TO ORDER- 6:17 PM
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:17 PM in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. The invocation was led by Mayor Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag led by Commissioner Firstner. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a quorum
present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Absent: Commissioner Brinson
Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Cookson, City Clerk Sibbitt
Mayor Johnson announced the following, "City Hall is open to the public; however, attendance
inside the Ocoee Commission Chambers may be limited to accommodate social distancing and is
subject to the Governor's Executive Orders. Any interested party may be heard during the public
comments and public hearing portions of the meeting. In order to participate remotely, members
of the public should call 407-554-7118 or email citizens@ocoee.org in advance and indicate the
item you would like to address. At the appropriate time during the meeting, City Staff will contact
you via phone and patch you into the meeting where you can share your comments and/or
questions. Comments and questions received via e-mail will become public records and provided
to the City Commissioners in advance of the meeting."
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - 6:19 PM
Proclamation for Municipal Clerks Week—May 2—May 8,proclaimed by Mayor Johnson.
District 2 Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore introduced Orange County Traffic
Engineering Manager Humberto Castillero, PE, PTOE, who provided a PowerPoint that
addressed signal warrant analysis, average design and construction costs/schedules, signals going
to construction, and signals under design within the City of Ocoee. The four intersections
addressed in his presentation were: 1) Dressage Drive and Apopka-Vineland Road, 2) Ingram
Road at Clarcona-Ocoee Road, 3) McCormick Road at Ocoee-Apopka Road, and 4) McCormick
Road at Apopka-Vineland Road/Clarcona Road.
Mayor Johnson inquired if the City of Apopka had been included in the project. County
Commissioner Moore shared that the conversation with the City of Apopka is in the initial
stages.
Commissioner Oliver inquired if DR Horton would be contributing towards the projects along
McCormick Road with specific reference to the bonds currently being held by the County.
County Commissioner Moore affirmed that DR Horton is contributing as agreed upon within
the Joint Use Agreement that was agreed upon when the property was annexed into the City of
Ocoee; and further, elaborated that they have also dedicated a three-foot right-of-way to the West
Orange Trail.
County Commissioner Moore then shared several other Orange County projects within the area:
Horseman's Park will be receiving the million-dollar topper within the next year, $4 million has
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 20,2021
been dedicated to Magnolia Park, and the County recently purchased property on the corner of
South Binion Road and Ocoee-Apopka Road to extend the West Orange Trail.
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:38 P1\l
The following person(s) addressed the City Commission:
- Russ Coley, Ocoee Resident, expressed traffic safety concerns at the entrance of Oak Trail
Preserve and inquired about a traffic signal to help alleviate those concerns. Development
Services Director Rumer addressed his concerns.
- Tom Mottlau, American Legions, requested permission to place a flag drop box at the
current City Hall that would be moved to the new City Hall upon its completion. This
box would be for the disposal of American, POW, and MIA flags that have been injured
and overused. He clarified that the flags placed within the box would be disposed of in a
military manner. Consensus of the City Commission was to support the
request.
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, addressed the value of time and encouraged exponential
thinking during this period as development within Ocoee is increasing very quickly.
- Harold Gattereau, Owner of Vitality Bowl, introduced himself and announced the
opening of Vitality Bowl at the intersection of West Colonial Drive & Maguire Road.
- Jason Lietz, Career Source Central Florida, spoke about their Summer Youth Program.
Mayor Johnson inquired if the price had changed from the previous year. Mr. Lietz
confirmed that the price would remain the same; however, they aim to serve more than
the promised 20 students. Commissioner Oliver inquired if the City partnered with
Career Source, would they be able to bring on local high school students to work within
the City. Mr. Lietz explained that they would be very excited about the prospect of
offering positions within the City; and further, shared that it is a great opportunity for
young adults to learn how government operates. Commissioner Oliver inquired if the
Commission had a consensus to work with Career Source; and further, asked about the
unused Summer Youth funding from the 2019-2020 Budget. Mayor Johnson requested
to have Staff bring the item back to the next meeting for a vote.
- Melissa Myers, Ocoee Resident, shared that a local Ocoee firefighter recently fell ill and
was hospitalized. She spoke about the importance of thorough physicals for firefighters
throughout their career, and encouraged the Commission to consider mandatory mental
health counseling for first responders to help cope with their daily tasks, as well as their
personal lives. Mayor Johnson shared that access to the City's clinic is provided to all
City Staff,free of charge for any health concerns,including mental health. Assistant City
Manager Shadrix addressed her concerns and shared that the Firefighters Union is
currently in negotiations with the City.
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CONSENT AGENDA - 7:05 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 - #6. Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0
with Commissioner Brinson absent.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held April 6,2021.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent.
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police
Department. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Members of the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department serve a three-year term. The
Resolution creating the Board allows no more than fifteen (15) members. Currently the Board has ten (10)
members. An application was received by Jim Moyer who has shown an interest in being appointed to the
Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department for a term ending January 2024.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent.
3. Approval of the Ocoee Neighborhood Matching Grant Applicants—Recommendation
to Award a Total of $12,000 to Seven (7) Neighborhood Associations. (Community
Relations Manager Wright)
The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program is held annually.This year's grant cycle opened on February 18,
2021. Applications were due on March 19, 2021. The neighborhood grant program is for homeowner
associations (HOA) and neighborhoods that do not have a structured HOA. The goal of the grant program is
to assist residents with making improvements to their neighborhoods.The maximum matching grant award is
$2,000.Applicants pay for their improvement projects and then get a portion back,up to a maximum of$2,000.
Seven (7) Homeowner Associations submitted grant applications for this grant cycle. There is $12,000
available for the grants. However, the seven (7) HOA's have requested a total $14,000. To stay within the
$12,000 allotted for the grant program, staff is recommending each grant applicant receive $1,714.28 each
($11,999.96).
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent.
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4. Approval of Interlocal Agreement Between the City and Orange County Regarding
the Transfer of Jurisdiction of North Lakewood Avenue (Fullers Cross Road to
Clarcona Ocoee Road). (Development Services Director Rumer)
The Ocoee Village Center PUD Rezoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment was approved by the Ocoee
City Commission on June 18,2019.The plan provides for a realignment of North Lakewood Avenue from the
intersection of Fullers Cross Road to Clarcona Ocoee Road, which is currently under ownership and :
maintenance of Orange County. In order to facilitate all of the activities required, including construction,
inspection,and vacation of the road,a transfer of jurisdictional ownership is required. Staff from the City and
Orange County have worked out an Interlocal Agreement, which provides for the change of ownership and
maintenance. The Interlocal Agreement must be first approved by the Ocoee City Commission and then
transmitted to Orange County for County Commission approval for the agreement to take effect.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent.
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5. Approval to Proceed with a Contract for the Purchase of Property Located at 750
Richmond Avenue. (Development Services Director Rumer)
Back at the February 16,2021,City Commission meeting,the City Commission heard a request from Cherice
Gertsman on behalf of Joel Doss.He is the owner of 750 Richmond Avenue and has offered to sell his property
to the City for$425,000.The property contains over five(5)acres of land with approximately half consisting
of wetlands, and is located next to the Ocoee Cemetery. A discussion on obtaining the land for possible
expansion of the cemetery or other uses resulted in the City Commission authorizing $5,000.00 from
contingency to obtain an appraisal of the property.The appraisal from Property Valuation and Consulting has
been completed and an appraised value of$395,000 was provided.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent. r
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6. Approval of Capital Appropriations Reallocation. (Finance Director Roberts)
The City Commission allocated a portion of the Capital Improvement Bond funds to the Taylor/Kissimmee
Road Project and Segment Three of the Trail Connector. These projects no longer require funding from the
bond proceeds. Therefore, we request the City Commission reallocate those funds to the McKey St/Bluford
to Lakewood($442,521)and Oakland Ave Phase II($490,814)projects,which are also projects on the City's
bond projects list.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Brinson absent.
PUBLIC HEARING -None
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - 7:06 I'M
7. First Reading of Ordinance for FY 2020 Budget Amendment. (Second Reading and Public i
Hearing scheduled for May 4,2021,Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon thereafter.) (Finance
Director Roberts)
The City Commission adopted an annual operating budget for the City on September 23, 2020. Subsequent
to the adoption of the budget staff identified the need for additional appropriations in the General Fund, the
Storm Water Fund, Water Fund and the Wastewater Fund. These appropriations are being presented at this
time in lieu of delaying completion of capital projects (City Hall, downtown streetscapes and utility work,
Clarke Road design and construction) until funded in next year's budget. There are also Water/Wastewater
appropriations recommended related to emergency line repair costs.
City Attorney Cookson read the title of the ordinance.
Mayor Johnson announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on May 4, 2021,at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
8. First Reading of Ordinance Amending Articles 136-1, 136-2, and 136-3, of Chapter
136 of the City of Ocoee Code, Relating to Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators.
(Second Reading and Public Hearing scheduled for May 4, 2021, Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm
or soon thereafter.) (Acting Police Chief Plasencia)
The Police Department, in concert with the City Attorney's Office,is recommending certain provisions of the
City Code relating to Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators be amended to clarify certain definitions and
maintain consistency with Florida Statutes. Articles 136-1, 136-2 and 136-3 of Chapter 136 of the City of
Ocoee Code,Relating to Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators would be amended to address the following:
Article 136-1, Findings and Intent; Article 136-2, Definitions; Article 136-3, Sexual Offender and Sexual
Predator Residence Prohibition and Exceptions.
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City Attorney Cookson read the title of the ordinance.
Mayor Johnson announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on May 4, 2021, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE—PUBLIC HEARING -None
REGULAR AGENDA -None
STAFF ACTION ITEMS -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC -None
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - 7:08 PM
Commissioner Wilsen—Commented on the following:
1) Thanked the Police Department for the enforcement of traffic on Orlando Avenue.
Commissioner Oliver— Commented on the following:
1)Commented on Item#5 and confirmed that the City is paying$30,000 over the appraised value.
2) Spoke about the Summer Jobs Program for the Youth,and encouraged Ocoee students to apply
through Career Source.
3) Inquired about the current Covid-19 Emergency Order, and asked if it was addressed weekly.
City Manager Frank addressed his concerns.
4)Inquired about the vacant Chief of Police position and requested a status update on the process.
City Manager Frank addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver shared that he was
providing the City Clerk's office with a packet of information on current applicants, and
encourage those who are interested to make a public record request to view the documents.
Commissioner Wilsen shared a discord with Commissioner Oliver's opinion expressing that the
City's Charter outlines the Commission's obligations as well as the City Manager's
responsibilities and felt it was inappropriate for the Commission to address this topic during a
City Commission meeting.Discussion ensued with regard to the interpretation of the City Charter.
City Attorney Cookson addressed the issue and provided a legal clarification of the Charter.
5) Announced for community morale he would like the Commission to consider bringing back
events such as Movie in the Park and Food Truck Friday this summer.
6) Shared a vision and mission statement that he drafted and announced that he will provide a
more in-depth presentation at the next City Commission meeting.
7) Announced that the IAFF Local 3623 Ocoee Professional Firefighters have partnered with the 1
First Baptist Church of Ocoee to provide a drive-thru food giveaway event every Friday
throughout the summer.
8) Shared a biblical quote.
Commissioner Firstner—Commented on the following:
1) Inquired about maintenance at Freedom Park. Mayor Johnson addressed his concerns.
2) Announced that the One Blood Mobile unit would be present at the Ocoee Police Department
on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, and encouraged residents to donate.
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Mayor Johnson—Commented on the following:
1) Announced that the City Commission meetings on June 1st and July 6tn are scheduled right
after the holidays, and inquired if the City Commission wished to cancel those meetings.
Consensus of the City Commission was to cancel both the June 1st and July 6th
City Commission Meetings.
2)Announced and invited the Community to attend the Inspire,Uplift,and Unite Event scheduled
on Saturday,May 29th. He further explained that Finance required a motion from the Commission
to use up to $100,000 from the Ocoee Music Festival budget to cover the upcoming expenses for
this event. Commissioner Oliver volunteered to help raise additional funding. Mayor Johnson
indicated that he would appreciate any funding offered to help cover the expenses.
Motion: Move to reallocate $100,000 from the Founder's Day line item to cover
expenses for the upcoming Inspire, Uplift, and Unite Event. Moved by i
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0
with Commissioner Brinson absent.
3) Shared an explanation for removing the Commissioners announcements from the beginning of
the Agenda explaining that they are typically made at the end of the meeting under Commissioner i
Comments. He then offered to place the Commissioner Comments at the beginning of the
meeting if it was preferred. No additional comments were made.
4) Shared that he is working with local community leaders on the homeless concerns and will
provide an update soon.
5) Shared that there needs to be a heavier police presence within our neighborhood streets to deter
speeding.
6) Reminded citizens that June 1, 2021, and July 6, 2021, City Commission Meeting have been
canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
ADJOURNMENT— 7:4 7 N I
IAPPROVED. .
Attest: City of Ocoee
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Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Jo n, Mayor
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