HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-2025 MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
January 7, 2025 MINUTES 6:15 PM
MSJAJ
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:16 PM in the Commission Chambers
City Hall. The invocation was led by Ages Hart, Ocoee Resident, followed by the Pledge
Allegiance to the Flag led by Commissioner Wilsen. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll an
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
Legacy Events for Education Scholarship Recipient Update - David Terry, President provided
an overview of Legacy Academy and the scholarships awarded to students who give back to the
community. The Academy currently offers sixteen classes annually and have plans for 2025 to
offer eight additional classes in the City of Ocoee. Legacy Academy would like to partner with the
Parks and Leisure Services Department to offer classes at the Lakeshore Center, where their
largest fundraiser, Central Florida Chili Cookoff, is held. They are currently soliciting community
support to help fund this year's event. Mayor Johnson inquired if the City has donated funds to
the program yet and asked David Terry to leave his business card for Commissioners to reach out
to him, if they have the desire to donate funds, from their discretionary funds.
M I-
- Pam Jones, Community Relations Representative for Congressman Webster, brought
greetings from Congressman Webster's office and expressed that she enjoyed the State of the
City address. She encouraged anyone with questions pertaining to the federal government
agency to contact their office, located in Clermont, FL.
- Hector Corrales, Small Business Administration, provided a PowerPoint that covered
programs and loans that will assist with any damages from hurricanes for businesses,
homeowners, and renters.
1 1 P a g e
January 7, 2025
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, gave kudos fora great State of the City presentation. He also
reminded everyone of the upcoming swearing in of newly elected officials in state and county
offices, including himself. He also shared that, in the future, he would like the opportunity to
give a presentation on soil and conservation and ended with a quote the importance of healthy
soil and water.
- Cortney Jones and Stephanie Smith, Community Legal Services — Pro Bono Unit, gave
a presentation explaining the services their office offers and emphasized on the importance of
seal ing/expu ng ing criminal records.
- Kellie Beck, HRDB Chair, presented a brochure that was previously presented before the
City Commission and received funding approval for mailing last fiscal year. The board missed
ihe mailing deadline for last fiscal year; therefore, they are requesting $1,800 from the City
Commission to mail out the brochures this fiscal year, and to have extra copies in City Hall.
Commissioner Wilsen asked to see the brochure again. MayorJohnson asked which budget
the funds would come from; City Manager Shadrix suggested taking it out of the contingency
fund.
seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
- Sue Lowrie and Cathy Sills, Woman's Club of Ocoee, requested the approval for use of
the Commission Chambers for Wednesday, February 12, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM, as the
date and time for the political forum. They will arrive for setup at 6:30 PM, Commissioner
Wilsen questioned if they are requesting the forum to be televised, and Ms. Lowrie stated
they would like the same accommodations as they have had in the past. Consensus of the
City Commission was to televise and allow use of the Commission Chambers for the
Political Forum on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM.
- Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, shared that Orange County is moving to two additional
if•1. 111 v lo ing a citizen's redistrictin Animl and each Commissioner
to Legacy Academy and the work it with the czens in the community and urged the
Commission to donate $500 to the Chili Cookoff fundraiser.
Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver, Mo-tion- -icarried- - -5-0.
1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held December 17, 2024.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
January 7, i025
2. Approval of Elections Services Contract with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections
and Allow Them to Open and Run Unquestionable Vote -By -Mail Ballots for the March 2025
General Municipal Election Utilizing the Orange County Canvassing Board Criteria, (City
Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Authorization to Terminate Negotiations With Fortress Secured LLC for the
Construction of a New Fire Station #38. (Finance Director Roberts)
4. Approval of Municipal Interlocal Voluntary Cooperation Mutual Aid Agreement. (Police
Chief OBurn)
5. Approval of Utility Easement Agreements for Rewis Street Properties. (Engineering
Manager Tomlinson)
6. First Reading of Ordinance Updating Chapter 45, Arbor Code, Code of Ordinances,
Regarding Tree Removal Process. (Development Services Director Corless)
City Manager Shadrix stated that this was an issue that had arisen previously, and staff was
asked to come back with a new ordinance to address several concerns mentioned by the City
Commission. Staff anticipates having the second reading at the February 18, 2025 Commission
Meeting.
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 City Commission meeting scheduled for February
18, 2025, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
1,104 mA-
1) Announced that he has Legacy Academy on his list for donating funds; he is in support of
the program and the children.
2) Gave kudos for the State of the City address, opining that it was phenomenal.
3) Stated that Congressman Daniel Webster's office is very receptive and responsive and
encouraged residents to reach out his office if they encounter any issues within the district.
4) Encouraged residents to contact Community Legal Services and utilize their free legal
services, if need be.
January 7, 202 5
mayor Johnson — commented on the following:
1 ) Announced registration dates for upcoming youth sports.
2) Announced the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and post -parade celebration will be held
on Monday, January 20, 2025; information can be found on the City's website.
3) Announced HAPCO — Ocoee Jazz Fest 2025 will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at
the Ocoee Lakeshore Center,
4) Announced that City Hall and all City Administration Offices will be closed on Monday,
January 20, 2025 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
5) Announced the January 21, 2025 City Commission Meeting is canceled
6) Addressed installing lights on Kissimmee Ave and the south end of Maguire Road� City
Manager Shadrix responded that he and staff will look into this and bring forth information
to a future Commission Meeting.
7) Thanked staff for a great State of the City address and for all that staff does,
Ev =-
Em• r f
elanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Jo •