HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 17, 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 Commissioner Wilsen. 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 6:16 PM
Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation was read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson. He also
shared that in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, 20 flags are on display throughout City Hall,
representing communities with origins in 20 Latin American countries and territories.
Additionally, he invited everyone to join the City’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Thursday,
October 3rd, from 5 PM to 9 PM at Bill Breeze Park.
Marilyn Hattaway, Executive Director of West Orange Habitat for Humanity, along with her
team, gave a PowerPoint presentation highlighting their organization and the positive impact
they have on the community. They appeared before the City Commission to propose a
partnership for a neighborhood revitalization project. Ms. Hattaway requested that the City
appoint a neighborhood liaison and contribute $500 per home, totaling $5,000, to support their
goal of revitalizing 10 homes.
Mayor Johnson expressed his support for partnering with Habitat for Humanity and noted that
there are sufficient funds available in the Contingency Fund balance, should the City
Commission approve the partnership. Commissioner Wilsen sought clarification regarding if
the funds would come from the current year's budget, and Acting City Manager Shadrix
responded to her inquiry. Commissioner Kennedy pointed out that since this was not an
agenda item, he questioned whether a vote could be taken. City Attorney Geller addressed
his concern and advised that they allow public comments before proceeding with the vote.
Motion: Move to approve the allocation of $5,000 from the Contingency Fund balance
to support the West Orange Habitat for Humanity's Neighborhood Revitalization project
for 10 homes in Ocoee; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner
Kennedy;
Ages Hart, Ocoee Resident, voiced his support of the revitalization project.
After public comments, Motion carried 5-0.
Regular City Commission
September 17, 2024
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• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - None
• PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:33 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Item #1-11; Moved by Commissioner Oliver,
seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held August 20, 2024.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval to Ratify Appointment of the Fifth Trustee to the General Employees’ Pension
Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Appointment of a Trustee to the Police Officer's/Firefighters' Retirement
Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
4. Renewal of a Contract with the McKinnon Corporation for Economic Development and
Transportation Consultant Services. (Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer)
5. Approval for Renewal of the E-Payment Services Agreement with Point & Pay, LLC and
Client Application. (Finance Director Roberts)
6. Approval of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety High Visibility Enforcement and Support
Program. (Police Chief Ogburn)
7. Approval of Interlocal Agreements for Police Dispatching Services between the City of
Winter Garden, the Town of Windermere, and the City of Ocoee. (Police Chief Ogburn)
8. Approval of Change Order No. 1 for ITB #24-002 W. Oakland Avenue Reconstruction.
(Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
9. Approval of License Agreement Between Florida Central Railroad Company, LLC
(FCEN) for the Floral Street Sewer Project. (Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
10. Approval of Florida Central Railroad Company, LLC (FCEN) License Agreement for the
W. Oakland Avenue Reconstruction Project. (Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
11. Approval of Change Order No. 1 for RFQ #23-004 Construction Manager at Risk (CMR)
for Floral Street Water, Sewer and Road Reconstruction. (Acting Utilities Director
Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 6:34 PM
12. First Reading of Ordinance Amending Article II, Chapter 51 of the Code of Ordinances
Creating Local Technical Amendments to the Florida Building Code. (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
October 1, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
Regular City Commission
September 17, 2024
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13. First Reading of Ordinances for Shoppes on the Bluff Small-Scale Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Map Amendment & Rezoning; Project No. CPA-2024-003 & RZ-24-
03-05. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinances, and it was announced this will be
presented as a second reading and public hearing at the next scheduled City Commission
meeting on October 1, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:37 PM
14. Second 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.
Acting Assistant City Manager Rumer summarized the proposed ordinance for a temporary
six (6) month moratorium on the processing and consideration of development approvals. This
proposed development moratorium is a temporary halt or suspension of new construction or
development projects. The objective of a development moratorium is to provide time for staff
to focus on writing standards that will improve the city’s place-making standards and to develop
context-based development regulations so that architecture of buildings, placement and
context of streets, frontages, and other infrastructure reflect the vision as stated by the
Commission and citizens on numerous occasions before allowing new developments to
proceed. During this moratorium, existing projects may continue, but no new applications for
development permits are processed.
The public hearing was opened.
The following person(s) addressed the City Commission:
- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, expressed his objection on the moratorium, and Acting
City Manager Shadrix responded to his concerns.
- Kellie Beck, Ocoee Resident, expressed her support of the moratorium.
The public hearing was closed.
Each member of the City Commission voiced their support for the moratorium and commended
the staff’s efforts in focusing on design standards to enhance development within the City.
Mayor Johnson expressed dissatisfaction with several unpleasant comments he received
regarding an upcoming development.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance No. 2024-26, for a Temporary Six (6) Month
Moratorium on the Processing and Consideration of Development Approvals; moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
Regular City Commission
September 17, 2024
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• PUBLIC HEARING 6:34 PM
15. Approval of HomeTowne Studios Special Exception; Project No. 5-24-SE-032.
CONTINUED TO OCTOBER 1, 2024, CITY COMMISSION MEETING AT THE
REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator
McFarlane)
Mayor Johnson announced this item has been continued to the October 1, 2024, City
Commission Meeting.
• REGULAR AGENDA - None
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 6:58 PM
Commissioner Firstner – No further comments.
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1) Announced that we are still in hurricane season and urged citizens to continue to be
vigilant and prepared.
2) Announced that Election Day is November 5th and the deadline to register to vote is
October 7th.
3) Announced the Ocoee High School homecoming parade is on Wednesday, September
25th and urged everyone to come out and support.
4) Read an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1) Announced that Halloween Howl Night is Friday, October 25th from 6 PM to 9 PM at Bill
Breeze Park, which will include Trunk or Treat, and the Jolly Jamboree is Saturday, December
14th from 3 PM to 8 PM in downtown.
2) Thanked the residents for attending and sharing their concerns and opinions.
3) Announced that she is looking forward to seeing the home improvements made possible
through Habitat for Humanity.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following:
1) Commented on the demeanor of the emails sent by residents and reiterated that the Land
Development Code rewrite has been long overdue and the Commission supports the
residents and businesses of Ocoee.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1) Questioned the progress of coming up with a process for residents and businesses to
hook up to City sewer. Acting City Manager Shadrix addressed the Mayor’s question and
stated that the commission will be briefed at a future Commission Meeting and individual
meetings with commissioners be scheduled.
2) Announced that the stop signs on Adair Street and Wurst Road are up, and urged citizens
to be careful and watchful. The stop signs on White Road are being designed.
Regular City Commission
September 17, 2024
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3) Announced National Night Out is October 1st from 5 PM to 9 PM at Bill Breeze Park.
4) Announced his Ocoee High School Class Reunion is September 28th.
• ADJOURNMENT 7:13 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 18, 2024 MINUTES 6:00 PM
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Johnson called the final budget hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers
of City Hall. The invocation was led by Mayor Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag. 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 Griffith, City Clerk Sibbitt, Finance
Director Roberts, Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke, and Chief Accountant Meruena
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:01 PM
A. Mayor's Announcement
This is an advertised public hearing to adopt a final millage rate and finalize the budget for the
City of Ocoee for the fiscal year 24-25 commencing October 1, 2024 and ending September
30, 2025. The City Commission has previously approved a tentative millage rate of 4.950 mills,
which represents an 4.36% increase in millage over the roll-back rate of 4.743 mills. The
advertised tentative millage rate of 4.950 mills is the maxim um millage rate which may be adopted
by the City Commission at this Final Budget Public Hearing tonight. I now ask the Director of
Finance to make a brief presentation.
B. Briefing by Finance Director 6:02 PM
Director of Finance Roberts announced there have been no changes to the budget since the
Tentative Budget Hearing. The budget is balanced at 4.950 mills which represents a 4.36%
increase in millage over the rolled-back rate of 4.743 mills. The additional revenue generated
will used to fund the operational and capital needs of the City to balance the budget.
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. No speaker reservation forms were
received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
Comments by Commissioners:
Commissioner Oliver raised a question about the police impact fees. Finance Director
Roberts answered his question, stating that it is a projection over the course of a year.
C. Amendments to Proposed Tentative Budget – None
D. Announcement by Finance Director
As there were no amendments, refer to Finance Director Roberts briefing under Item B.
Final Budget Public Hearing
September 18, 2024
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E. Adoption of Final Millage Rate 6:05 PM
City Attorney Griffith announced the name of the taxing authority is the City of Ocoee. The
rolled-back millage rate is 4.743 mills. The percentage by which the proposed millage rate
exceeds the rolled-back rate is 4.36%. The millage rate proposed by the Ordinance is 4.950
mills.
City Attorney Griffith read the title of the ordinance.
The ordinance as adopted carries the following title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-27
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A
FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 4.950 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 4.36% INCREASE IN MILLAGE RATE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK
RATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. No speaker reservation forms were
received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
Motion to Adopt an Ordinance Setting Final Millage Rate, followed by (TIME: 6:07 PM)
Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-27 setting a final millage rate of 4.950 mills
for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Moved by
Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen. Motion carried 5-0.
F. Adoption of Final Budget 6:08 PM
City Attorney Griffith read the title of the ordinance.
The ordinance as adopted carries the following title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-28
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, ORANGE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. No speaker reservation forms were
received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
Final Budget Public Hearing
September 18, 2024
3 | P a g e
Comments by Commissioners:
Mayor Johnson noted that in his 37 years, this was the first time he had seen no citizens attend
a Final Budget Hearing. He expressed that he viewed this as a positive sign.
Motion to Adopt an Ordinance Adopting Final Budget, followed by Vote (TIME: 6:09 PM)
Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-28, approving a final budget for the Fiscal
Year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025. Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried 5-0.
The Mayor and Commissioners thanked and commended City staff on their hard work and for
making this budget a seamless process.
ADJOURNMENT 6:11 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 PM.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
____________________________ _____________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor