HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
July 16, 2024 MINUTES 6:15 PM
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
•CALL TO ORDER 6:16 PM
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:16 PM in the Commission Chambers
of City Hall. The invocation was led by Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, 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 Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: Assistant City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Ardaman, City Clerk Sibbitt
•PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
•STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:18 PM
City Attorney Ardaman provided a brief update on a meeting with representatives from seven
(7)cities to discuss whether they should formally engage with Orange County regarding two (2)
proposed Charter Amendments that directly affect local municipalities. He reported that all cities
voiced significant concerns about the proposed amendments and agreed to draft a letter to
Mayor Demings and the County Commissioners.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:21 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
-Landra Wormack, Orange County Tax Collector’s Office, announced that their downtown
Rosalind & Jackson Street office has been re-opened for operations, including Business Tax
Receipts transactions. Ocoee is doing extremely well, being the largest DMV in the State of
Florida.
-Veronica Ceron, Ocoee Resident, expressed concerns involving pickleball and tennis
courts at Tiger Minor Park.
-Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, announced the anniversaries of the United States Army,
Navy, and Marine Corps and asked if those can be incorporated into the City of Ocoee’s
Centennial Anniversary Celebration. He also announced that July is French American
Heritage and Disability Pride Month. He lastly announced that August is National Traffic
Safety Awareness Month.
-The following citizens spoke on behalf of the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR)
program in Winter Garden and asked the commission to create a budget item for this
program, for the City of Ocoee, in the upcoming fiscal year:
-Christina Spillane, Winter Garden Resident
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July 16, 2024
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-Elizabeth Fricker, Ocoee Resident
-Kara Viademonte, Ocoee Resident
Commissioner Kennedy expressed that he would have issues with introducing a line item
in the budget, for this type of program, unless there were restrictions on illegal trapping.
Commissioner Oliver expressed his support for the TNVR program.
Mayor Johnson stated that taxes are paid to Orange County for animal control. Assistant
City Manager Shadrix expressed that the City Commission can direct staff to send a letter
to Mayor Demings, requesting them to reinstate funding for the TNVR program for the
County.
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:44 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Item #1-9; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.
1.Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held June 18, 2024.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2.Approval of Police Department Vehicle Purchases. (Assistant Police Chief McKinstry)
3.Approval for Authorization to Proceed with a Contract for Sale of City-owned Property
Identified as 1 Taylor St. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
4.Approval of Ocoee Christian Church Parking Lease Agreement. (Concurrency &
Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
5.Approval of Proposed Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget.
(Finance Director Roberts)
6.Approval to set Workshop and Hearing Dates for FY 2024-2025 Budget Process.
(Finance Director Roberts)
7.Approval of 2024-2028 Operational Assistance and Voluntary Cooperation Mutual Aid
Agreement with Orange County Sheriff's Office. (Police Chief Ogburn)
8.Approval for Declaration of City Surplus Property. (Procurement Manager Tolbert)
9.Approval of 2023-2024 Budget Vehicle and Equipment Purchases. (Public Works
Director Krug)
6:45 PM - Heard out of Agenda Order
Mayor Johnson asked Mr. Harry Gettings to introduce himself and shared that Mr. Gettings is
requesting permission to occupy the City-owned recording studio until December 2024.
Harry Gettings, Studio Manager/Producer, briefly introduced himself, and shared he
appreciates the City and all they have done. Assistant City Manager Shadrix conveyed that
this item is on the agenda for discussion and direction as Item #13.
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•FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 6:48 PM
10.Amendment to the First Reading of Ordinance Implementing the Live Local Act. (Zoning
Manager Whitfield)
City Attorney Ardaman read the title of the ordinance, and it was announced this will be
presented as a second reading and public hearing at the next scheduled City Commission
meeting on August 6, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
•SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:48 PM
11.Second Reading of Ordinance for Fountains West PUD - 2nd Substantial Amendment
to Lot 8 of Fountains West PUD (Planned Unit Development), Project No. RZ-24-05-06.
(Zoning Manager Whitfield)
Development Services Director Rumer announced this item was withdrawn at the request of
the Applicant.
•PUBLIC HEARING - None
•REGULAR AGENDA 6:49 PM
12.City of Ocoee's 100-Year Anniversary Celebration. (Acting Support Services Director
Gaines)
Acting Support Services Director Gaines provided a PowerPoint highlighting the proposed
outline for the centennial celebration, which is set to launch in January 2025 and continue
throughout the year. He further shared that staff is requesting the City Commission waive the
procurement policy to hire marketing and graphic design firms for a total amount not to exceed
$60,000, and is seeking feedback and approval to proceed.
Assistant City Manager Shadrix reiterated that City staff is seeking feedback from the City
Commission as they are currently in budget preparations. He shared the success of the event
will rely on the marketing and branding which is why they are seeking approval for waiver of
the procurement policy.
Commissioner Kennedy stated he has no objections to waiving the procurement policy for
the graphic design services but would like to see more details. Assistant City Manager
Shadrix said they can provide the event scope and bring this back to the August 6th City
Commission Meeting. He further asked if there were any other requests. Commissioner
Oliver asked that fireworks be included in the 100-Year Anniversary. A brief discussion ensued
on the budget workshop process. Commissioner Kennedy asked if there had been any
discussion about conducting a community survey to gather feedback. Acting Support
Services Director Gaines responded that they have not implemented a survey yet but can do
so.
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13.Discussion and Direction on Gettings Recording Studio Lease Agreement.
(Development Services Director Rumer)
Mayor Johnson explained that the Gettings Family has been involved with the community for
many years and is requesting permission to occupy the recording studio until December 2024,
to which he has no objections. He then opened the floor for discussion from the City
Commission.
Commissioner Wilsen expressed no issues with Mr. Gettings occupying the recording studio,
provided that they adhere to the contract terms, which specify a monthly fee of $10,000. A brief
discussion followed regarding the lease amount, as two different figures were noted in the staff
report. Development Services Director Rumer further clarified that the City plans to demolish
the building and has conducted a hazardous materials survey as part of the process. The final
demolition costs will be addressed in the budgeting process, with the demolition anticipated to
occur no earlier than February 2025. A brief discussion ensued on the current roof issues.
Commissioner Firstner conveyed he agrees with the month-to-month lease as recommended
by staff.
Harry Gettings, Studio Manager/Producer, briefly shared he understands the concerns voiced
by the City Commission and is only requesting the additional six (6) months to remove the
equipment from the building. He indicated that he would take care of the payment for the taxes
and maintenance of the building.
Commissioner Kennedy asked why the process to relocate had not commenced during their
five (5) year rent-free lease. Mr. Gettings addressed his question. Commissioner Kennedy
further asked the City Attorney if a new contract could be drafted. City Attorney Ardaman
addressed his question. Commissioner Kennedy noted the City Commission has been
presented with three (3) options, and he is willing to present a new proposal, as he disagrees
with the concept of rent-free. Commissioner Wilsen shared she also agrees a monthly rent
should be negotiated, and suggested $5,000 a month due to the condition of the building.
Mayor Johnson commented that he would recommend $1,500. City Attorney Ardaman
shared that the City Commission can draft a proposal that includes an increase in rental fees.
Commissioner Oliver asked Mr. Gettings on the hourly charge for the use of the recording
studio. Mr. Gettings addressed his question.
Motion: Move to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate an extension of
the lease agreement at $1,500 per month until December 31, 2024, with a rent increase
to $15,000 beginning January 1, 2025. Additionally, include provisions for property
maintenance and language ensuring City protection; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy,
Seconded by Commissioner Wilsen. Motion carried 5-0.
•COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:20 PM
Commissioner Kennedy – No further comments
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Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1)Announced the upcoming budget workshop and hearings dates, and encouraged
residents to attend.
2)Discussed honoring former Parks and Recreation Board Member Gordon Applegate for
his thirty-four years of volunteer services. She advised if there were no objections she would
meet with Parks and Recreation Director Johnson to discuss options to honor Mr. Applegate,
and can bring this back for discussion before the City Commission.
3)Confirmed with Assistant City Manager Shadrix that the City is working with the Ocoee
High School FFA Program to resolve their issues and concerns shared during the last City
Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following:
1)Announced that the Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a before and after
school program, and details can be accessed on the City’s website.
2)Announced that this Saturday, July 20th is Family Recreation Day at the Jim Beach
Center.
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1)Urged everyone to continue to hydrate and take care this summer in the extreme heat.
2)Read an inspirational quote and urged everyone to use their First Amendment rights to
express themselves and not resort to violence.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1)Announced that Clarke Road is going through a design change, so the road is still being
worked on.
2)Commented on the parking of the patrons at the Cheer business on Bluford Avenue along
with litter being left and the grass needing to be mowed. Assistant City Manager Shadrix
assured him that the matter is being addressed.
3)Spoke on the red-light cameras and tickets.
4)Announced that the Skate Park has been extended and it is very nice.
5)Announced that the City is adding a total of eight (8) pickleball courts within the city.
•ADJOURNMENT 7:31 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor