HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | P a g e
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
April 16, 2024 MINUTES 6:15 PM
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:15 PM
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:15 PM in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. The invocation was led by Ages Hart, Ocoee Resident, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Johnson. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a
quorum present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Geller, City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
2024 National Donate Life Month Proclamation – read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson;
accepted by Kia Blair, Manager with Multicultural Affairs & Partnerships Our Legacy, and Tonya
Wilson, Donor Family Representative. Ms. Blair highlighted the importance of being a donor,
common myths and fears, and how to register to be a donor. Ms. Wilson shared a personal
story on donating her daughters’ organs.
2024 Volunteer Appreciation Week Proclamation – read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson;
accepted by various City of Ocoee advisory board members.
Presentation of the Auditor's Report on the FY 2023 ACFR – Finance Director Roberts
introduced Timothy Westgate with PurvisGray, who provided an overview of the Auditor’s
Report which covered significant events, financial highlights, and other audit items for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2023.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - None
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:46 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, shared information about the various guest speakers they
have had speak before the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB), and announced several
recognitions for the month of May. He further invited all residents to attend the HRDB’s
upcoming May and June Meeting as they will be bringing in a guest speaker to speak on
Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Inclusive Communication.
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• CONSENT AGENDA 6:49 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Item #1-11; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried unanimously.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held April 2, 2024.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval to Appoint the Mayor Pro Tem. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of New Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police
Department (CACOPD). (City Clerk Sibbitt)
4. Approval of Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for the Regency at
Ocoee. (Development Services Director Rumer)
5. Approval of Assignment and Renewal of ARPA Consulting Contract. (Finance Director
Roberts)
6. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement for Participating Orlando/Orange Urban Area
Security Initiative Agencies. (Acting Police Chief Ogburn)
7. Approval to Award Invitation to Bid (ITB) #24-005 Lakewood/Rewis Water Main
Replacement - Federal Grant Funded ARPA Project. (Procurement Manager Tolbert)
8. Approval to Exchange/Trade Unused Mower Attachment. (Public Works Director
Krug)
9. Approval of Purchase Agreement for Right-of-Way Acquisition. (Public Works Director
Krug)
10. Approval of Term Contract for Motor Fuel - Tank Wagon Deliveries. (Public Works
Director Krug)
11. Approval of Howard Meadows Large Scale Final Subdivision Plan; Project No. LS -
2023-009. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:49 PM
12. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending the City of Ocoee Municipal General
Employees' Retirement Trust Fund. (Municipal Pension Board Chair Cowan)
Municipal Pension Board Chair Cowan explained the proposed amendments related to the
City of Ocoee Municipal General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-11 Amending the City of Ocoee Municipal
General Employees' Retirement Trust Fund; moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded
by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried unanimously.
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13. Second Reading of Ordinance for Gardenia Pointe Rezoning from Unclassified District
and R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PUD (Planned Unit Development District);
Project No. RZ-23-02-02. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
Zoning Manager Whitfield presented an overview of the subject property located on the north
side of the FCEN Railroad tracks at the terminus of the unimproved Ocoee Vista Parkway right -
of-way. She further provided an overview of its zoning, future land use designations, and history.
She explained that Tract D has been planned for a public roadway since it was dedicated to the
City in 2006, and that the adjacent right-of-way is insufficient to provide a safe rail crossing to
access the subject property via A.D. Mims Road. The applicant is requesting a rezoning
from Unclassified District and R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PUD (Planned Unit
Development District). Per the proposed Land Use Plan (LUP), the applicant proposes to
develop an 84-lot single-family attached (fee simple townhome) residential subdivision at a
proposed density of 3.43 units per acre. She displayed aerials to give examples of other
townhomes within the City, including along Ocoee Vista Parkway, that a re separated from a
public roadway by an open space tract. She additionally addressed the deliberations and
community input from the Planning and Zoning Commission relative to increased traffic on
Clarke Road and Ocoee Vista Parkway, school bus stop and safety, access onto A.D. Mims
across the railroad tracks, speeding on Clarke Road, noise from the trains on the railroad,
natural resources (wetlands and wildlife), medium density of the development, people cutting
through Prairie Lake Reserve and Prairie Meadows, trees between the access road and the
railroad, fencing between the proposed development and the railroad, improvements on Clarke
Road, and maintenance of the conservation area.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing.
Jason Searl, Attorney with Gray Robinson, concurred with staff’s recommendation of approval
and offered to answer any City Commission or audience questions.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Joe Fana, Prairie Lake Reserve HOA President, voiced traffic concerns about the
proposed project, the lack of a traffic signal, and the safety of the students at the school bus
stop located at Clarke Road. He shared that an entrance on A.D. Mims Road would help
address this issue and avoid additional traffic onto Clarke Road.
- Andrea Jones, Ocoee resident, voiced traffic and sound barrier concerns about the
proposed project. She further inquired if quiet zones were considered for the passing trains.
Mayor Johnson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired about the signal timing study and who conducted the study.
Zoning Manager Whitfield addressed his question. He shared he agrees with the citizens’
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comments, and further inquired what is proposed in the undeveloped commercial parcels.
Development Services Director Rumer addressed his questions, and explained the process
to request a traffic signal when not required by the traffic study. Commissioner Oliver inquired
about the PUD tracts and the proposed convenience store. Development Services Director
Rumer addressed his question. Mayor Johnson inquired about impact fees from the project,
and if they could be used toward a traffic signal. Development Services Director Rumer
addressed his question. Discussion ensued about the cost of a traffic signal.
Jason Searl, Attorney with Gray Robinson, expressed that he would like to be afforded the
opportunity to have the project traffic study engineer as well as a court reporter present if the
City Commission would like to discuss the technical issues. Mr. Searl further read the traffic
study analysis executive summary provided by Traffic and Mobility Consultants (TMC) which
mirrors the information Zoning Manager Whitfield covered in her presentation .
Motion: Move to adopt the proposed Ordinance for Gardenia Pointe Rezoning from
Unclassified District and R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling) to PUD (Planned Unit
Development District); Project No. RZ-23-02-02, as presented by staff; Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion failed 2-3 with
Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, and Commissioner Oliver opposing.
Jason Searl, Attorney with Gray Robinson, requested a continuance or reconsideration on this
item since the focal point of concern lies within the traffic analysis; this will allow them to bring
in their traffic consultant to testify before the City Commission.
Motion: Move to reconsider the adoption of the proposed Ordinance for Gardenia Pointe
Rezoning from Unclassified District and R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PUD
(Planned Unit Development District); Project No. RZ-23-02-02. Moved by Commissioner
Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Wilsen.
Commissioner Oliver asked about the procedure if a motion fails. Development Services
Director Rumer clarified that it would take 6-9 months before it could be reconsidered.
Commissioner Wilsen stated that her decision is influenced solely by the current agenda item,
which concerns the rezoning of the parcel.
Motion carried 4-1 with Commissioner Oliver opposing.
Motion: Move to continue the adoption of the proposed Ordinance for Gardenia Pointe
Rezoning from Unclassified District and R-1A (Single-Family Dwelling District) to PUD
(Planned Unit Development District); Project No.RZ-23-02-02, to give the applicant the
opportunity to include staff members who can address the concerns of the City
Commission. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner.
Motion carried unanimously.
• PUBLIC HEARING – None
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• REGULAR AGENDA 7:48 PM
14. Approval of Commission Liaisons to Various Boards. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
City Clerk Sibbitt explained liaisons are appointed annually to various boards, and staff is
requesting the City Commission appoint liaisons as they deem appropriate. She further
announced that the West Orange Airport Authority is presently inactive; therefore, staff is not
seeking an appointment to that board at this time.
Parks and Recreation Board – Commissioner Wilsen
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Wilsen as Parks and Recreation Board
Liaison. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner;
Motion carried unanimously.
Citizens Advisory Board for the Police Department – Commissioner Kennedy
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Kennedy as Citizens Advisory Board for the
Police Department Liaison. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried unanimously.
Citizens Advisory Board for the Fire Department - Commissioner Firstner
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Firstner as Citizens Advisory Board for the
Fire Department Liaison. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by
Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried unanimously.
Human Relations Diversity Board – Mayor Johnson
Motion: Move to approve Mayor Johnson as Human Relations Diversity Board Liaison.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion
carried unanimously.
Personnel Board – Mayor Johnson
Motion: Move to approve Mayor Johnson as Personnel Board Liaison. Moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried
unanimously.
Tri-County League of Cities – Commissioner Wilsen
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Wilsen as Tri-County League of Cities
Liaison. Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner;
Motion carried unanimously.
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W.O. Chamber of Commerce – City Manager Frank
Motion: Move to approve City Manager Frank as W.O. Chamber of Commerce Liaison
until end of July; Assistant City Manager Shadrix to assume role following his
retirement. Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Oliver;
Motion carried unanimously.
Education Incentive Board – Commissioner Oliver
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Oliver as Education Incentive Board Liaison.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried
unanimously.
MetroPlan Orlando Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) - Commissioner Kennedy
(Mayor Johnson passed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Wilsen.)
Motion: Move to approve Commissioner Kennedy as MetroPlan Orlando Municipal
Advisory Committee (MAC) Liaison. Moved by Mayor Johnson, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried unanimously.
15. School Zone Speed Enforcement Camera Program. (Acting Police Chief Ogburn)
City Manager Frank announced the promotion of Acting Chief Ogburn to permanent Police
Chief as of this morning. He further shared that at the next meeting City staff would like to
conduct an official swearing in. Police Chief Ogburn shared his gratitude on the promotion.
Police Chief Ogburn briefly explained that in November, the City Commission approved the
renewal of its red-light camera vendor contract with Advanced Traffic Solutions, Inc. (ATS)
doing business as Verra Mobility. The contract included the ability to provide sch ool zone
speed detection and enforcement via the installation of school zone enforcement cameras on
roadways surrounding the schools. If the City Commission wishes to implement the program,
or retain the ability to effectively do so in the future, an ordinance would need to be approved
by the City Commission. City Manager Frank summarized the following options to consider:
a) do not move forward with the ordinance, b) ratify the ordinance and allow it to remain an
option to consider installing the system in the future, and c) ratify the ordinance and move
forward with implementation of the program for one or more school zones.
Commissioner Wilsen voiced support of moving forward with an ordinance, and shared the
statistics provided in the study were eye opening. Commissioner Kennedy also shared his
support to move forward with the ordinance, but voiced the need to proceed with installing
cameras immediately.
Motion: Direct the City Manager to bring back an ordinance on a future agenda for
discussion and approval; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, Seconded by
Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously.
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16. Discussion and Direction regarding Golf Carts and Low-Speed Vehicle use within the
City of Ocoee. (Assistant City Manager Shadrix)
Assistant City Manager Shadrix defined golf carts and low-speed vehicles, and explained
the requirements for both. He also briefed the City Commission on converted golf carts and
summarized the process to make a golf cart street -legal. Further clarification was provided
on the City’s current golf cart ordinance and Florida Statute requirements, and updating the
City’s ordinance to current standards. Assistant City Manager Shadrix addressed a request
made during a past City Commission Meeting on lowering the speed limit on Orlando
Avenue, for which a recent speed study strongly discourages and would not be proposed as
an option. He further summarized the following recommendations: 1) Maintain Status Quo
which is the process already established for neighborhoods to request approval as Golf Cart
Accessible Communities and Low Speed Vehicles operating as per statute, with an
amendment to the City’s ordinance reflecting changes to minimum age requirements and ID
requirements for operation, or 2) End the process for Golf Cart Accessible Communities and
rely solely on the statutory use of Low Speed Vehicles.
Commissioner Wilsen voiced her support in retaining the current request approval process
as established in the City’s ordinance. Commissioner Kennedy expressed apprehension
regarding the ordinance stipulations. He emphasized that gated communities, which oversee
their own streets, possess the authority to decide whether to permit golf carts. However, he
opposes the idea that non-gated homeowners' associations (HOAs) should be responsible
for deciding the designation of streets they neither own nor maintain. Commissioner
Firstner shared he supports the recommendation to keep the City’s ordinance with the
amendments needed, and further inquired if public education could be provided on low-speed
vehicles and golf cart conversions. Commissioner Oliver echoed support for public
education initiatives and concurred with Commissioner Kennedy's remarks. He also
expressed concern about minors operating golf carts and asked how such issues could be
regulated if solely relying on statutory use without the ordinance. Further discussion ensued
on golf carts, individual subdivision/road designations vs. complete City designation, and
signage requirements and costs.
Motion: Move to have City staff amend the current ordinance reflecting changes to
minimum age requirements and ID requirements for operation; and further, have staff
provide analysis on roads for golf carts to include associated signage cost: Moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Oliver. Motion carried
unanimously.
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 8:29 PM
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the Fire Station Open House date and time.
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Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the Clarke Rd. Widening Project is still underway.
2) Announced the lights on Ingram/Clarcona Ocoee Rd., Ocoee Apopka/McCormick Rd., and
Apopka Vineland/McCormick Rd. are being worked on.
3) Announced that as a resident of District 4 he will be working with the County to figure out
what can be done to mitigate traffic accidents involving pedestrians at several different
intersections, along the West Orange Trail.
4) Assured everyone that the recent crimes in District 4 have not been committed by citizens
of Ocoee, but the Police Department does have active investigations underway.
5) Shared an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1) Gave thanks to all of the volunteers on the volunteer/advisory boards for their time.
Recognized former board volunteer, Gordon Applegate, for his 30+ plus years as a board
volunteer.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following:
1) Gave an update on the (4) four heart save stations, that will be placed in various locations
within the city, and announced that Martha Lopez-Anderson was able to get a fifth station, so the
Fire Department will be selecting a fifth location.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1) Requested the Police Department crack down on speeders on Kissimmee Ave.
2) Requested that steps on Oakland Ave, leading up to City Hall be put in.
3) Requested that the strip on the annex road at Silver Star Rd. be fixed/repaved.
4) Commented that garbage was not picked up, for a week, in various neighborhoods,
following the recent incident of one of the sanitation employees; he would like to know who
approved the suspension of the garbage pick-up.
6) Stated that there needs to be more parking around Downtown.
7) Kudos to all departments that worked on the Ocoee Music Festival, especially the Parks
and Recreation Department, for a successful event.
• ADJOURNMENT 8:43 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
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