HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
December 3, 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 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: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - None
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - None
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:17 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, discussed the possibility of a Veteran’s Advisory Council in
Ocoee and expressed his willingness to help with its creation.
- Norine Dworkin, VoxPopuli, expressed her support for the memorial at Unity Park and
commended the city for the healing work that has been done following the 1920 massacre.
She then questioned why there was not a public ceremony for the unveiling of the new
memorial.
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:23 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1-15; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held November 19, 2024.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Fire Department
(CACOFD). (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Master Development Consulting Services Agreement for the Downtown
Developer with G3 Development (RLI #24-003). (Assistant City Manager Rumer)
4. Approval of Educational Affiliation Agreement with Orlando Medical Institute. (Deputy Fire
Chief Van Camp)
5. Approval to Piggyback Omnia's Contract for the Prairie Lake Park Playground Project.
(Parks and Leisure Services Director Johnson)
Regular City Commission
December 3, 2024
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6. Approval to Piggyback Omnia’s Contract for the Jim Beech Center Playground Project.
(Parks and Leisure Services Director Johnson)
7. Approval of FY 2024-2025 Budget Vehicle and Equipment Purchases. (Assistant Public
Works Director Gajadhar)
8. Approval to Piggyback St. Augustine Beach Contract and Award the Northern Durango
Avenue Storm Drain Pipe Lining Project to Inliner Solutions. (Public Works Director
Krug)
9. Approval of Disaster Debris Monitoring Services with Thompson Consulting Services, LLC
Under Cost Proposal RFP #19-011. (Public Works Director Krug)
10. Approval of Disaster Debris Removal Services with Ceres Environmental, Inc. Under Cost
Proposal RFP #24-009. (Public Works Director Krug)
11. Approval for Hazen & Sawyer to Provide Design Services for the Forest Oaks Above
Ground Chemical Injection Station/Assembly. (Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
12. Approval to Piggyback Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract to Purchase
Generators for Lift Station 21 (Pioneer Key II) and Lift Station 14 (Lake Olympia). (Acting
Utilities Director Bolling)
13. Approval to Redesign the Return Activated Sludge Manifold Station at the City of Ocoee
Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
14. Approval of the Indemnification Agreement with DKC Ocoee Village Center SE, LLC, for
the Southeast Commercial Development Water Infrastructure. (Acting Utilities Director
Bolling)
15. Approval to Piggyback City of Zephyrhills Contract to Rehabilitate City of Ocoee Lift Station
#34 (Lake Bennet Center). (Acting Utilities Director Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 6:24 PM
16. First Reading of Ordinance for MDTL Enterprise LLC Property (Conservation Tract)
Annexation; Project No. AX-10-24-01. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
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
December 17, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
17. First Reading of Ordinance for the Annual Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to Adopt
Five-Year Schedule of Capital Improvements and Update the Capital Improvement
Element (CIE); Project No. CPA-2024-007. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
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
December 17, 2024, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
Regular City Commission
December 3, 2024
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• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:26 PM
18. Second Reading of Ordinance for City Wide Golf Cart. (Police Chief Ogburn)
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
Police Chief Ogburn provided a brief overview of the City-Wide Golf Cart ordinance. He
explained that, due to safety and behavioral concerns, he proposes implementing the ordinance
in phases, starting with the Downtown area to observe vehicular behavior patterns. He also
highlighted concerns regarding parking issues. Commissioner Oliver inquired what the
timeframe for the phases would be. Police Chief Ogburn expressed his desire to implement a
30-day trial period in the identified Downtown areas to capture behavioral data. If an extension
proves necessary, he plans to request it. Commissioner Oliver suggested a longer trial period
to prioritize public safety. Commissioner Kennedy asked whether the ordinance, as written,
contemplates for the proposed phase implementation. City Attorney Geller responded by
referring to Section 153-22 of the ordinance, which grants City staff discretion in ensuring safe
implementation. A brief discussion followed.
The public hearing was opened.
The following person(s) addressed the City Commission:
- Jane Rainer, Ocoee Resident, inquired if riders in golf carts are required to wear seatbelts.
Police Chief Ogburn addressed her question.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-34, for City Wide Golf Cart; moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
• PUBLIC HEARING - None
• REGULAR AGENDA 6:37 PM
19. Update and Request Direction to the City Manager and City Attorney regarding City
Consultants’ Investigation, City’s Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”) and Forest Lake’s
Request for Approval of Assignment Related to City-owned Property Located at 10521
Clarcona, Ocoee Road (Forest Lake Golf Course and Facilities). (City Attorney
Ardaman)
City Attorney Ardaman provided the City Commission with an overview of the Forest Lake Golf
Club timeline outlined in the staff report and explained the subsequent chain of events following
the City Commission's motion on August 20, 2024. He explained that the City Commission is
addressing two issues this evening: whether to approve the lease assignment and whether to
exercise the City's right of first refusal. He further detailed the City's meetings with JA Hospitality
and outlined the significant concerns identified during the evaluation.
Regular City Commission
December 3, 2024
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Logan Opshal, Attorney with Lowndes Law Firm, discussed the timeline presented by City
Attorney Ardaman and expressed that since their meeting with the City, they have had little to no
interaction with City representatives. He emphasized that the concerns raised about JA
Hospitality tonight were not previously communicated and this is the first time they are hearing
about the identified issues. He stated that the ground lease grants his client the right to assign
their lease while also providing the City with the right of first refusal. He further addressed
mentions of a default under the ground lease and read several sentences from the agreement to
clarify.
The following person(s) addressed the City Commission:
- George Clifton, Forest Lake Golf Course Owner, spoke about the establishment of the golf
course 32 years ago and detailed the associated costs.
- Ken Ezell, Forest Lake Golf Course Owner, also spoke about the establishment of the golf
course and the wonderful relationship they have had with the City. He further spoke on the
success of their business and expressed that, at present, they do not feel they are being treated
fairly.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Mr. Opshal if he is a representative of JA Hospitality, and
inquired if there was anyone present this evening to speak on their behalf. Mr. Opshal advised
he is the attorney for Forest Lake Golf Club, and was not part of the meeting the City had with
JA Hospitality. Brief discussion followed. City Attorney Ardaman explained the decision for this
evening is regarding the City’s approval or denial of the Assignment to JA Hospitality. He further
shared that the City has not received any follow-up responses from JA Hospitality regarding the
second notice of default that was provided to them. Commissioner Wilsen expressed her
concerns about the many unknowns related to JA Hospitality. Commissioner Firstner inquired
from Mr. Opshal if JA Hospitality was aware of this meeting. Mr. Opshal addressed his question,
and advised they were made aware of this meeting through conversations he had with them.
Commissioner Oliver inquired if this was a quasi-judicial hearing. City Attorney Ardaman
addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver further voiced his concerns with JA Hospitality
not being present as they are a key party in the matter being considered that evening. He
mentioned that the agreement was executed before the City Commission's decision, which raised
concerns for him. Mayor Johnson spoke about the meeting with JA Hospitality and mentioned
that their interest in using the Golf Course as an investment property is not aligned with the City’s
best interests.
Motion: Move to deny Forest Lake Golf Club’s Request for Assignment to JA Hospitality
Related to City-owned property located at 10521 Clarcona Ocoee Road, with prejudice;
moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried
5-0.
City Attorney Ardaman commented on the Right of First Refusal and stated that it is moot
with the denial.
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:37 PM
Commissioner Firstner – No further comments
Regular City Commission
December 3, 2024
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Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the 4-way stop at Montgomery Road and Orlando Avenue is now operational
and urged residents to drive carefully and be mindful.
2) Announced the Jolly Jamboree date and time.
3) Congratulated Jim Moyer for being elected as Soil & Water Conservation Supervisor.
4) Asked City Manager Shadrix to announce the upcoming FLUEDRA Informational Sessions
scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th. City Manager Shadrix provided the date and times for
the meeting, which will cover the developer’s appeal process following staff’s denial of two
development applications in the Clarke and White Road area.
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1) Asked for an update on the completion of Clarke Road. City Manager Shadrix addressed
his question.
2) Read a Biblical quote.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following:
1) Asked if staff can evaluate the idea of the Veteran’s Advisory Council mentioned by Jim
Moyer, and bring the findings on an upcoming agenda. Mayor Johnson stated that his idea is
to have a veteran come out monthly or quarterly and have information sessions with veterans.
He was not seeking to have an advisory board.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1) Announced the events scheduled for December and shared the date, time, and locations
for each.
2) Announced the Youth Basketball winter season registration deadline and associated cost.
• ADJOURNMENT 7:49 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
December 11, 2024 MINUTES 6:00 PM
FINAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy called the final budget hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a quorum present.
Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy asked for a 5-minute recess as Mayor Johnson was en route to the
meeting. Mayor Johnson arrived at 6:05 PM.
The invocation was led by City Manager Shadrix, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag led by City Attorney Geller.
Present: Mayor Johnson (arrived at 6:05 PM), Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen,
Commissioner Firstner
Absent: Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, City Clerk Sibbitt, and Finance
Director Roberts
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:08 PM
Briefing by Finance Director
Finance Director Roberts briefed the City Commission on the non-compliance with the TRIM
advertisement. She clarified that the TRIM notices submitted to the Property Appraiser and the
millage rate provided to residents were accurate and complete. The error in the advertisement
did not have any financial impact on the City’s residents. She also confirmed that the budget
presented to the City Commission remains structurally balanced. Additionally, she outlined the
steps necessary to address the violation, which included re-advertising and readopting of the
ordinances in accordance with F.S. 200.065.
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. No speaker reservation forms were
received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for Commissioner comments. No comments were made from
the City Commission.
A. Re-Adoption of Final Millage Rate 6:10 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
Final Budget Public Hearing
December 11, 2024
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The ordinance as re-adopted carries the following title:
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-27
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A
FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 4.9500 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 Re-adopt an Ordinance Setting the Final Millage Rate, followed by Vote.
(TIME: 6:11 PM)
Motion: Move to re-adopt Ordinance No. 2024-27 setting a final millage rate of 4.9500
mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen , seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried
4-0 with Commissioner Oliver absent.
B. Re-Adoption of Final Budget
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
The ordinance as re-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.
Motion to Re-adopt an Ordinance for the Final Budget, followed by Vote. (TIME: 6:13 PM)
Motion: Move to re-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 Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 4-0 with
Commissioner Oliver absent.
Final Budget Public Hearing
December 11, 2024
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• ADJOURNMENT 6:13 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 PM.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
____________________________ _____________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor