HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes from CC Meeting 08-20-2024 and Tentative Budget Hearing 09-11-2024
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
August 20, 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: Acting City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
West Orange Healthy Selfie Day Proclamation read by Commissioner Wilsen and proclaimed
by Mayor Johnson, accepted by a Representative from Healthy West Orange.
9/11 Remembrance Day Proclamation read by Commissioner Firstner and proclaimed by
Mayor Johnson, accepted by Police Chief Ogburn and Fire Chief Smothers.
Recognition of TNXL Academy 2024 NAA Premier Division Championship - Coach Brian
Martinez acknowledged the achievements of TNXL and recognized the players present at the
event. He also expressed his gratitude to the City of Ocoee for their ongoing support.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:27 PM
Acting City Manager Shadrix announced that he has three items to bring before the City
Commission. He introduced and explained an Emergency Item for the Purchase of Water Meters,
MXU's, and Backflows per Emergency Notification - Section 21.6, Chapter 21, City of Ocoee
Code of Ordinances.
Motion: Move to approve Emergency Item for the Purchase of Water Meters, MXU's, and
Backflows per Emergency Notification - Section 21.6, Chapter 21, City of Ocoee Code of
Ordinances; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver;
Motion carried 5-0.
Acting City Manager Shadrix notified the City Commission that the updated scope of work for
Item #6, provided by the marketing firm BeatCreative, has been uploaded to the agenda, and a
copy has been placed before them.
Acting City Manager Shadrix noted that City Attorney Geller will brief the City Commission on
the situation regarding the Forest Lake Golf Course. City Attorney Geller briefed the City
Commission on their motion from August 6th and the City’s efforts to work out a solution. He
summarized the proposed Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease, recommending that the
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August 20, 2024
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City Commission deny, without prejudice, the request to assign the ground lease agreement from
Forest Lake Golf Course to JA Hospitality, while allowing Forest Lake Golf Course the opportunity
to return with the requested information.
Logan Opshal, Attorney with Lowndes Law Firm, addressed the City Commission to support
the 60-day extension of the right-of-first refusal, as requested at the August 6th City Commission
Meeting. He explained that they disagree with the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease,
which is why they requested a meeting with staff before the current deadline of August 26th. He
also clarified the 60-day right-of-first refusal and the terms of the purchase and sale agreement
that were provided to them.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired about the issue with the setting of a meeting date and the
timing of the execution of the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement. Mr. Opshal
expressed his concerns regarding the amendment. In response, City Attorney Geller explained
the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement and stated that he is not aware of any
issues with it. Further discussion ensued on the request for a date to meet, and the request for
the financials.
Motion: Move to deny the request to assign the Ground Lease Agreement from Forest
Lake LLP to J.A. Hospitality dated June 26, 2024, without prejudice, due to multiple
reasons, including but not limited to Forest Lake LLP’s failure to provide complete
financial and other information requested on multiple occasions by the City in order to
make a determination; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner
Firstner;
Commissioner Oliver inquired how much longer is left on the current lease. Mr. Opshal
addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver further commented on protecting the interest of
the City, and the need for the financial data in order to properly evaluate.
Motion carried 5-0.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 7:07 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, expressed congratulations to Dr. Lori Hart and soon-to-be Dr.
Van Camp. He announced the upcoming national recognitions for the months of August and
September, and updated the City Commission on the disbursement of CACOPD funds. He
also provided an overview of upcoming events sponsored by the Police Department.
- Dave Sargent, American Legion Post 109, presented a proposal to expand the Veterans
Memorial Recognition in the City. Commissioner Wilsen shared the City Commission has
already spoken about memorial bricks being placed at the current Veteran’s Memorial site, and
requested a meeting with Mr. Sargent to determine the best location.
- Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, apologized to Commissioner Wilsen for an outburst made
last meeting. He also thanked the Mayor and Commissioner Kennedy for directing staff to
initiate Item 4 on the Consent Agenda, and additionally requested that staff discuss the
possibility of adding a turn lane. Public Works Director Krug addressed his comments on the
turn lane.
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August 20, 2024
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• CONSENT AGENDA 7:21 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Item #1-15; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy;
Commissioner Wilsen asked that, in regards to item #4, staff create a smooth transition when
they proceed with the stop signs. Public Works Director Krug addressed her concern.
Commissioner Kennedy commented on items #4 and #15 and thanked staff for the work on
these items.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held August 6, 2024, and
Budget Workshop Meeting held August 12, 2024. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of the 2025 Holiday Schedule and Canceling Five (5) Scheduled Meeting Dates.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Ocoee High School Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally on September 25,
2024. (Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer)
4. Approval of All-Way Stop Control (AWSC) Warrants and Conclusion Reports for
Adair/Wurst and White/Montgomery Roads. (Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer)
5. Approval of 606 Ocoee Apopka Sports Training Center Large Scale Final Site Plan &
Development Agreement - LS-2024-0002. (Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer)
6. Approval of the Scope of Services for the Marketing and Graphics Firms for the City of
Ocoee's 100-Year Anniversary. (Acting Support Services Director Gaines)
7. Approval to Replace Electrical Panels at City of Ocoee Lift Stations 14, 15, 46,
47. (Acting Utility Director Bolling)
8. Approval of an Escrow Agreement with Lamberts Cable Splicing Company, LLC for
Replacement of City’s Force Main. (Acting Utility Director Bolling)
9. Approval of the First Amendment to the Development Agreement with GS Crown Point
Owner, LLC. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
10. Approval of Interlocal Agreement Between Orange County and City of Ocoee for Fire
Dispatch Services. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
11. Approval of Wynwood Phase 1 & 2A Replat; Project No. LS-2024-004. (Development
Engineer Keaton)
12. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship
Agreement for SYM Capital Partners, LLC for the Hampton Inn Ocoee. (Development
Engineer Keaton)
13. Approval of Piggyback Uniform Vendor Contract. (Police Lieutenant Olson)
14. Approval of Stormwater Improvement Projects for 2024-2025 with Inliner Solutions.
(Public Works Director Krug)
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August 20, 2024
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15. Approval of a Resolution Adopting the Vision Zero Philosophy and Action Plan.
(Redevelopment Program Manager Vaca)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 7:28 PM
16. First Reading of Ordinance for a Temporary Six (6) Month Moratorium on the Processing
and Consideration of Development Approvals. (Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer)
City Attorney Geller 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
September 17, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING
• PUBLIC HEARING 7:30 PM
17. Approval of a Resolution to Opt Out of the Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption.
(Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer provided a brief overview of the proposed resolution to
opt out of the Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption. He explained the provisions that establish
a new ad valorem tax exemption for newly constructed multifamily developments that offer
affordable housing within specific income thresholds.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution.
The public hearing was opened.
The following person addressed the City Commission:
- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the time period for the tax exemption.
Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed his question.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution No. 2024-10, to Opt Out of the Live Local Act
Property Tax Exemption; moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner
Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
• REGULAR AGENDA
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:34 PM
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the commencement of the Clarke Road Project, which began as promised by
the Acting City Manager.
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August 20, 2024
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2) Announced that he recently attended the Florida League of Cities Conference and
discussed the sessions and how they provided good information and tools to help keep the city
moving forward.
3) Reminded everyone that school is now back in session and urged drivers to be mindful of
children walking and new drivers.
4) Read an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from August 21st
through September 26th and reminded residents to stock up on supplies.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the Shred-It Event, taking place on September 14th, hosted by the Ocoee Police
Department.
2) Announced that she received an email regarding school traffic, and urged residents to be
mindful of safe driving practices.
Commissioner Kennedy – None
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1) Commented on the speed bumps in Village Greens and questioned if the City could afford to
place similar speed bumps in areas of the City. Acting City Manager Shadrix addressed
his comment.
2) Questioned a lawsuit over the road construction on Oakland Avenue. Acting City Manager
Shadrix and City Attorney Geller informed him that they have no knowledge of said
lawsuit.
• ADJOURNMENT 7:42 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 11, 2024 MINUTES 6:00 PM
TENTATIVE BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Johnson called the tentative budget hearing to order at 6:00 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.
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:00 PM
A. Mayor's Announcement
This is a public hearing on the tentative budget and proposed millage rate for the City of Ocoee.
Notice of this hearing was contained in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed by the
Property Appraiser. The City Commission has previously set a proposed millage rate of 4.950
mills which represents a 4.36% increase in millage over the rolled-back rate of 4.743 mills.
B. Briefing by City Attorney 6:01 PM
The preliminary millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM Notice is
4.950 mills. The maximum millage rate, which may be levied by the City by regular majority
vote for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is 7.0235 mills, such maximum millage rate having been
determined pursuant to Section 200.185(3)(a), Florida Statutes. The establishment of a
millage rate between 7.0236 mills and 7.7259 mills requires a two-thirds vote (super majority)
of the membership of the City Commission (or 4 votes). The establishment of a millage rate
between 7.726 mills and 10.000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City Commission.
Additionally, any millage rate adopted above the preliminary millage rate of 4.950 mills would
require notice by first-class mail to each taxpayer. The tentative millage rate adopted at this
hearing will become the maximum millage rate which may be adopted by the City Commission
at the public hearing on the final millage rate. A unanimous vote or a two-thirds vote may be
required to adopt the tentative millage rate as the final millage rate. At the final public hearing,
the City Commission may adopt a millage rate which is less than the tentative millage rate.
C. Briefing by Finance Director 6:02 PM
Finance Director Roberts thanked Acting City Manager Shadrix and Acting Assistant City
Manager Rumer for their guidance and assistance with the proposed budget, and further
presented a PowerPoint which summarized the budget priorities and commitments for FY
2024-2025. Highlights in the presentation covered:
• Economic Highlights
• Retaining Employment
• Increasing Public Safety Costs for Police and Fire
• Rising Costs of Health Insurance
• Millage Rate Trends.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the handout placed at the dais and noted that the Recreation
Department was not included. Finance Director Roberts addressed his concern.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 11, 2024
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1. Public Comments 6:15 PM
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, commended Finance Director Roberts and staff on a job well
done on the budget. He thanked the City for flying flags at half-staff on Patriot’s Day and
provided a brief history overview of the day. Mr. Moyer requested that the City Commission
earmark an amount of money, not less than $15,000 for patriotic events throughout the year
and also proposed setting aside no less than $10,000 per fiscal year for patriotic projects for
the next two fiscal years.
The Public Hearing was closed.
2. Commissioners Comments
Commissioner Oliver expressed that one major concern was public safety, and he thanked
staff for being able to handle that and distinguish those concerns. He voiced that staff did a
great job balancing the budget. He noted that the City already hosts patriotic events each year
but expressed openness to adding more. He voiced his support for Mr. Moyer’s efforts to
highlight additional patriotic events.
Commissioner Firstner echoed Commissioner Oliver’s comments and expressed
satisfaction that the City was able to address the public safety issues. He urged the City
Commission and staff to exercise caution, particularly with the Police and Fire Departments,
as they are the largest departments with the biggest budgets. He also concurred that while
the city celebrates patriotic holidays throughout the year, he supports adding more
celebrations.
Commissioner Wilsen commended City staff for a great job on the budget. She expressed
that it will be a very tight budget this year; however, the City will continue to move forward.
She also thanked Acting City Manager Shadrix, Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer, and
City Manager Frank for their role in putting the budget together, and keeping the millage rate
at 4.950.
Commissioner Kennedy requested that Finance Director Roberts review information
provided on the Fire Department. Acting City Manager Shadrix informed the City
Commission that the fire fee has remained unchanged since its implementation, set at $69.50
per fire protection unit. Commissioner Kennedy echoed the comments of the previous
Commissioners and commended staff for a job well done on the budget. Finance Director
Roberts noted that fire fees were $710,000 in 2014, increased to $2.9 million in 2022, and
have remained flat since, with expectations of another increase in 2025.
Mayor Johnson commended the City Manager and staff on a job well done, stating that he
is amazed at the great job staff does each year.
NOTE: RECESS (if needed) to recompute the proposed millage rate and rolled-back
percentage increase.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 11, 2024
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D. Announcement by Finance Director: 6:29 PM
Finance Director Roberts announced the proposed millage rate remains at 4.95 mills which
is 4.36 % greater than the rolled-back rate of 4.743 mills. This percentage is the proposed
tentative increase in property taxes and would require a regular majority vote.
Mayor Johnson stated that Contingency Funds could be used during the requested budget
cycle to help finance the patriotic events proposed by Mr. Moyer.
1. Public Comments 6:30 PM
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments.
No speaker reservation forms were received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
2. Commissioners Comments – None
E. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Millage Rate 6:31 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A
TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE OF 4.95 MILLS FOR AD VALOREM TAXES
FOR THE CITY OF OCOEE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; PROVIDING
FOR MILLAGE ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF
TAXES; PROVIDING FOR A 4.36% IN MILLAGE RATE OVER THE
ROLLED-BACK RATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt the tentative millage rate at 4.95 mills
for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025, providing
for 4.36% increase in the millage rate over the rolled-back rate; Moved by
Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried 5-0.
F. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Budget 6:33 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING A TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 11, 2024
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Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt the tentative budget as distributed along
with the revisions resulting from the Budget Workshop for the fiscal year beginning
October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
Seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final
budget, is scheduled to be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall
Commission Chambers. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with the provisions
of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, and Section C-37 of Article VI of the Ocoee City Charter.
The appropriate Ordinances necessary to adopt the Final Millage Rate and Final Budget will
be prepared by City staff, and all other action necessary to comply with the requirements of
Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, will be undertaken.
• ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:34 PM.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
____________________________ _____________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor