HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | P a g e
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
April 1, 2025 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. Deputy City Clerk Parks 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, and Deputy Clerk Parks
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:16 PM
2025 Volunteer Month Proclamation – read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson. Proclamation
accepted by advisory board volunteers.
2025 Water Conservation Month Proclamation – read by Commissioner Wilsen and
proclaimed by Mayor Johnson. Proclamation accepted by Deirdre Irwin on behalf of St. Johns
Water Management District and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water
Conservation Committee. Ms. Irwin congratulated Ocoee for being a leader in water
conservation within the State of Florida.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:24 PM
City Manager Shadrix announced that the City has received $2.2 million in water resources
grant funding. He also corrected a comment he made at the last meeting , clarifying that the
City currently pays $0.61 per 1,000 gallons of reclaimed water. Utilities Director Bolling
briefly summarized the two grants for which the City received notice of award this week; she
also gave a reclaimed water supply update. City Manager Shadrix explained that the City is
exploring multiple options and working diligently to mitigate customer impact.
Angel de la Portilla, Orange County Redistricting Advisory Committee, gave a brief update
on the 2025 Mid-Decennial Redistricting, which resulted from Orange County voters approving
a charter amendment in November 2024 to expand the number of commission districts from
six to eight.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired how many residents are currently in [Orange County]
District 2, and how many residents will be lost to the redistricting. Mr. de la Portilla addressed
his question.
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Commissioner Wilsen asked if all of Ocoee will remain within a single district, citing the
historical makeup. Mr. de la Portilla addressed her question.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about the feasibility of using another City's reclaimed water
backup system in light of Orange County's new rates and backup requirements. City Manager
Shadrix responded to his inquiry. Discussion followed regarding the contents of the reclaimed
water agreement and alternative supply options.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:43 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Orange County Water and Soil Conservation District 2 Supervisor, offered
his support and commented on clean, accessible water from a global perspective. He also
asked for permission to present a discussion on water at the next City Commission meeting.
- Chris Buonomo, Ocoee Resident, expressed his appreciation for the Arbor Code
ordinance that was approved in February.
- Stephen Lewis, President and CEO, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, thanked the
City Commission, City Manager, and City Staff for the ir help with the West Orange
Chamber’s signature event, Best Fest.
- Michael Rogers, Ocoee Resident, stated his opposition to the installation of Automatic
License Plate Readers. He further stated concerns regarding urban camping and squatting
on undeveloped land and inquired about the implementation of a calls for service website
like what Orange County [Sheriff’s Office] and Orlando Police Department have.
Police Chief Ogburn provided information on how the Automatic License Plate Readers will
be used and how they will benefit the Ocoee Police Department. Commissioner Kennedy
asked how long the cameras have been in use. Police Chief Ogburn addressed his question.
Mr. Rogers inquired whether Flock Safety owns and operates the cameras. Police Chief
Ogburn advised that Flock Safety manufactures the cameras and that they are owned by
Orange County.
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:54 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1-7; Moved by Commissioner
Firstner, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held March 18, 2025.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval for the 7-Eleven (Ocoee-Apopka Rd) Utility Easement. (Development
Engineer Keaton)
3. Approval for Additional Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) within the City.
(Police Chief Ogburn)
4. Approval to Award Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #25-004 Continuing Professional
Architectural Services, Including Federal Grant Funded Projects. (Procurement
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Manager Tolbert)
5. Approval to Execute Agreements for Installation of Second Centennial Mural.
(Redevelopment Program Manager Vaca)
6. Approval of Change Order No. 3 for ITB #24-002 W. Oakland Avenue Reconstruction.
(Utilities Director Bolling)
7. Approval to Replace Electrical Panels at City of Ocoee Lift Stations 17, 31, 34, 35, 41 &
60. (Utilities Director Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 6:55 PM
8. First Reading of Ordinance for FY 2025 Budget Amendment. (Chief Accountant
Meruena)
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 March 4, 2025, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING - None
• PUBLIC HEARING - None
• REGULAR AGENDA 6:55 PM
At the Mayor’s request, Item #11 was moved out of agenda order and heard prior to Item #9.
9. Approval of Seventh Amendment to Ground Lease Agreement with Forest Lake Golf
Club, LLLP and Authorization to Release a Request for Proposal for a Permanent
Operator. (City Attorney Ardaman)
City Attorney Ardaman provided a brief overview of the timeline and the process leading to
the Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement. He also gave a summary of the
key points of the agreement.
The floor was opened for public comments, and no one wished to speak.
Commissioner Oliver voiced his dissatisfaction with the Seventh Amendment and the
selection of the Interim Operator, as he would like to see a business plan prior to approving
an operator. Commissioner Wilsen clarified that this agreement will enable the City to regain
control of the golf course. Commissioner Kennedy expressed his agreement with how staff
handled the agreement, given the limited data and information available to them.
Motion: Move to approve the Seventh Amendment to Ground Lease Agreement with
Forest Lake Golf Club; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner
Wilsen; Motion carried 3-2 with Commissioner Kennedy and Commissioner Oliver
opposing.
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10. Request for Selection of Interim Operator for Forest Lake Golf Course (May 1 – Nov. 2,
2025), located at 10521 Clarcona Ocoee Road. (Assistant City Manager Rumer)
Robert Utsey, with ZHA, provided a brief overview of the three proposals submitted by Down
to Earth Golf, Tamarack, and Hampton Golf. He then invited the City Commission to ask
questions.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Down to Earth what differentiates their firm from the other
firms and Down to Earth highlighted that they manage five (5) clubs in the Central Florida
area all with great success and they have all equipment and corporate infrastructure in place
to take over the golf course immediately. Commissioner Firstner asked if there were any
plans for immediate improvements, to which Down to Earth responded that they are always
focused on making improvements and are open to any suggestions the City may have.
Commissioner Oliver asked about the monthly operating expenses for a golf course like
Forest Lake in its current condition. Down to Earth responded that the expenses would likely
be around $200,000 per month. Commissioner Oliver asked if they planned to respond to
the RFP to become the permanent operator, and Down to Earth confirmed they would.
Rocky Hodge, Owner of Tamarack, gave a summary of their proposal. Commissioner
Kennedy asked what differentiates their club from the other two clubs and for a brief
background summary of their experience, to which Mr. Hodge stated that he purchased his
current golf club in 2022 and emphasized that he has many years of business experience.
Commissioner Wilsen inquired about the status of the current liquor licenses, and Mr. Utsey
confirmed that they can be transferred. Commissioner Firstner asked if Tamarack plans to
retain the current staff, to which Mr. Hodge affirmed that he is comfortable with keeping the
existing staff. Commissioner Firstner inquired if Tamarack will be responding to the RFP for
permanent operator and Mr. Hodge confirmed yes. Commissioner Oliver questioned their
expenses and revenue to which Mr. Hodge responded to his questions.
Travis Norman, COO and Owner of Hampton Golf, provided a brief overview of his proposal,
along with a background on his firm. Commissioner Kennedy asked how long they have
been in business, and Mr. Norman responded that it has been twenty-six (26) years.
Commissioner Firstner inquired about the staff and resources available to operate the golf
course if necessary, and Mr. Norman confirmed they have ample staff and resources.
Commissioner Oliver asked for clarification on their proposal and whether their plan was to
start with a clean slate. Mr. Hodge confirmed that this was the case and explained that, after
the initial six (6) months, they would be in a better position to provide more accurate data.
Commissioner Kennedy asked Mr. Utsey to confirm whether the three (3) proposers planned
to retain the current staff, and he confirmed. Commissioner Kennedy then requested that
Mr. Utsey address the operating capital, the current condition of the golf course, and the RFP,
to which Mr. Utsey responded to each inquiry. Mayor Johnson stated that the City will need
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staff to monitor the golf course regularly to ensure it meets the City's standards, and City
Manager Shadrix confirmed.
Meeting paused for recess at 8:12pm and resumed at 8:20pm. 8:12 PM – 8:20 PM
Motion: Move to select Hampton Golf as the Interim Operator for the Forest Lake Golf
Course (May 1 – Nov. 2); Moved by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion failed due to lack
of a second.
Motion: Move to select Down to Earth as the Interim Operator for the Forest Lake Golf
Course (May 1 – Nov. 2); Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner
Kennedy; Motion carried 3-2 with Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Wilsen opposing.
11. Discussion and Direction Regarding the 2025 Neighborhood Matching Grant Program.
(Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines)
Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines requested direction from the
Commission regarding whether to accept applications from last year’s grant recipients, given
the low number of submissions for this year. Commissioner Wilsen questioned if permitting
last year’s recipients to reapply would provide enough time for new applicants to gather the
necessary information. She proposed extending the application deadline by two weeks.
Commissioner Kennedy expressed his desire to extend this year's application deadline and
revamp the application and process for future years. Mayor Johnson suggested that the
application requirements and process be reviewed during this year’s budget discussions.
Commissioner Oliver asked when the public was notified about the grant and what steps the
City had taken to advertise it, and Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines
responded to his questions.
Motion: Move to extend the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program Application due
date to April 25, 2025, accept applications from last year’s grant recipients, and discuss
the application and process during this year’s budget process; Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried
unanimously.
Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City events for the month of April 2025. 8:22 PM
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 8:24 PM
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 8:24 PM – 8:27 PM
1) Stated that Clarcona-Ocoee Road from 429 to Apopka-Vineland Road is in poor condition
and requested for Staff to reach out to the County to investigate it.
2) Asked if the reclaimed water grant will allow the City to install reclaim in some of the City’s
older neighborhoods. City Manager Shadrix stated that the grant is slated for an existing
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reclaimed water main project that will connect to a new storage tank at the end of Nicole
Boulevard, which will provide supply to that area of town. He explained that he is not able to
fully answer the Commissioner’s question at this time as Staff is studying long -term solutions
for the overall reclaim issue; he further advised that the plan will be brought back to
Commission on a regular basis to keep everyone apprised.
3) Read an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following: 8:27 PM – 8:28 PM
1) Thanked staff for the graphics on the city bus.
2) Provided the date of the City’s Centennial Celebration.
3) Announced the Citizens Public Safety Academy dates.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 8:28 PM – 8:32 PM
1) Thanked the City’s volunteers for their service.
2) Announced the Wawa opening date.
3) Advised that it is legislative time and encouraged residents to review bills that affect our
community and reach out to their legislators. She further discussed the Live Local Act and
letting cities make decisions that affect their residents locally . Mayor Johnson advised
residents to pay attention to the Live Local Act with respect to the housing proposed along
Clarke Road. Commissioner Kennedy suggested that Commissioner Wilsen was referring
to Home Rule, not the Live Local Act. Commissioner Wilsen responded in the affirmative
and clarified that Home Rule is the correct term for local government making decisions for
their constituents locally, and the Live Local Act refers to housing.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 8:32 – 8:33 PM
1) Thanked City Staff for their efforts to support the West Orange Chamber of Commerce in
making Best Fest successful.
2) Commented on the long-term availability of reclaimed water throughout the City.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following: 8:33 PM – 8:37 PM
1) Thanked the City Manager and the Utilities staff for the thorough presentation clarifying
the reclaimed water issue.
2) Explained his long-time association with the Forest Lake Golf Club, his historical concerns
regarding the golf course’s maintenance and condition, and why he voted in opposition to the
Seventh Amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 8:37 – 8:38 PM
1) Mentioned that he had also complained about the golf course’s condition several times in
the past. He noted that he was present the day of the groundbreaking and is disappointed to
see what has become of it. He further discussed his hopes for the future and potential
activities at the golf course.
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• ADJOURNMENT 8:38 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Victoria Parks, Acting City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
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