HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | P a g e
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
April 15, 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
Absent: Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and Deputy Clerk Parks
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
2025 Arbor Day Proclamation
Read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson; accepted by Parks Operations Manager Abdo.
2025 Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest Winners
Utilities Director Bolling gave a brief overview of the contest and recognized the first,
second, and third-place winners in each division, who were then presented with gifts and took
photos with the Mayor and City Commissioners. Participants included students from
Thornbrooke Elementary School.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:27 PM
City Manager Shadrix announced that the City has reached a tentative agreement with Down
to Earth for the Interim Operator of the Forest Lake Golf Course and is awaiting the signed
document. He requested that the Commission allow Item #3 to remain on the Consent Agenda
and amend the Staff Recommendation to authorize the City Attorney and City Manager to
execute the agreement in its final form.
Motion: Move to approve Consent Agenda Item #3, with the amended Staff
Recommendation that the City Attorney and City Manager be authorized to execute the
agreement in its final form; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by
Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioner Oliver absent.
City Manager Shadrix requested to pull Item #10 from the agenda at the Developer’s request.
He also announced that a tentative agreement has been reached with Orange County Public
Schools (OCPS) concerning the School Resource Officer contract, which will be presented to
Page 6 of 509
Regular City Commission
April 15, 2025
the Commission for consideration and approval at a future City Commission meeting. He
further expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the negotiation process.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:31 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Kellie Beck, Human Relations Diversity Board Chair, extended an invitation to City
leaders, staff, and residents to attend the Board’s upcoming meeting on May 1, 2025, at
6:15 PM. There will be a guest speaker from UCF who will facilitate a workshop to discuss
enhancing accessibility to build community.
- Tolulope “Sara” Edwards, United States Small Business Administration, advised that
the disaster loan program deadline has been extended until April 27, 2025. Anyone who
suffered structural, property, or economic loss or damage due to the recent hurricanes can
apply, including homeowners, renters, non-profits, and businesses. She provided loan
details and website information.
- George Morning, CEO, Small Business Advocates of Central Florida, discussed small
businesses in the City of Ocoee, and opportunities afforded to small businesses by his
organization.
- Jim Moyer, Orange Soil & Water Conservation District 2 Supervisor, announced that the
Orange County Board of County Commissioners is accepting applications for a vacant
District Supervisor seat, and encouraged citizens to get involved. He also explained that
Intergovernmental Affairs Bill CS/HB 973, currently in the Florida House, would disband 35
of 47 Soil & Water Conservation Districts in the State, if passed. He then announced that
the American Legion is sending an Ocoee High School student to Florida S tate University
in Tallahassee for the 90th Anniversary of the American Legion Boy’s State leadership
program. He further expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make this happen.
- Nate Robertson, Ocoee Resident, thanked the City of Ocoee for their efforts to take
over and revitalize Ocoee Little League. He also brought attention to the low voter turnout
in the recent municipal election and encouraged residents to be engaged in the local
community and the City as a whole.
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:45 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to pull Agenda Item #10 and adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-2 and #4-9;
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried
4-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held April 1, 2025.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Notification of Initial Two-Year Term Ending for Two (2) District Members, One (1) At-
Large Member, and One (1) Vacancy on the Human Relations Diversity Board. (Deputy
City Clerk Parks)
3. Approval of a Management Agreement with SSS Down To Earth OPCO LLC, for Interim
Operator of Forest Lake Golf Course. (Assistant City Manager Rumer)
4. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety Bond and Maintenance, Materials, and
Workmanship Agreement for SFG Ocoee Owner, LP for the 409 Business Park, 409
Ocoee Apopka Rd. (Development Engineer Keaton)
5. Approval to Terminate Contract #23-010 with Kimley-Horn & Associates to Update the Page 7 of 509
Regular City Commission
April 15, 2025
City's Land Development Code. (Development Services Director Ginger)
6. Approval to Trade in Older Firearms for Credit Towards the Purchase of New Rifles.
(Police Chief Ogburn)
7. Approval of Award of RFP 25-003 Pest Control and Fertilization Services for Athletic
Fields. (Procurement Manager Tolbert)
8. Approval to Surplus and Replace Stand-by Generators for Ocoee Fire Stations.
(Assistant Public Works Director Gajadhar)
9. Approval of Purchase of FY 2024-2025 Budgeted Vehicle. (Assistant Public Works
Director Gajadhar)
10. Approval of the Agreement between the City of Ocoee and Fullers Crossing 429, LLC.
(Utilities Director Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:46 PM
11. Second Reading of Ordinance for FY 2025 Budget Amendment. (Chief Accountant
Meruena)
Chief Accountant Meruena explained the specific proposed budget amendments.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Kennedy asked for clarification on the impact of this proposed budget
amendment, and Chief Accountant Meruena gave a brief explanation of the purpose of the
amendment. City Manager Shadrix clarified that this budget amendment will not increase
taxes - the tax rate will remain the same.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the status of medical insurance, and City Manager Shadrix
responded that he is still in the process of conducting a thorough review.
Motion: Move to Adopt Ordinance 2025-05 FY 2025 Budget Amendment; Moved by
Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 4 -0 with
Commissioner Oliver absent.
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:52 PM
12. First Reading Transmittal and Public Hearing of an Ordinance for Envision 2045 Ocoee
Comprehensive Plan - Large Scale Plan Amendment to Replace Ocoee's
Comprehensive Plan in its Entirety. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
City Manager Shadrix provided a brief overview of the Envision 2045 Ocoee Comprehensive
Plan and explained how its update will positively impact the City.
Zoning Manager Whitfield presented an overview of Envision 2045, the updated Ocoee
Comprehensive Plan, which is organized into the following chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction,
Chapter 2: Vibrant, Attractive & Inclusive Community, Chapter 3: Efficient, Reliable & Well-
Maintained Infrastructure, Chapter 4: Safe & Convenient Mobility, Chapter 5: Environment-
Page 8 of 509
Regular City Commission
April 15, 2025
Friendly, Resilient & Sustainable Community, and Chapter 6: Responsible, Accessible & Open
Governance. Zoning Manager Whitfield briefly explained each chapter’s purpose, goals,
policies, and objectives.
Commissioner Wilsen expressed her appreciation and thanked City staff for the job well
done. She specifically highlighted the anticipated bike and pedestrian plan, noting the
improvements it offers compared to the current plan.
Commissioner Firstner also gave kudos to City staff and thanked them for the job well done.
He expressed his appreciation for the plan’s clean layout and easy navigation.
Commissioner Kennedy expressed his admiration for the metrics incorporated throughout
the plan and praised City staff for the excellent work they are doing.
Mayor Johnson commended City staff for their excellent work and suggested creating a City
library or a similar facility where residents could review the plan in person. He also highlighted
the importance of citizen and roadway safety. City Manager Shadrix noted that there have
been discussions about holding a community open house before the plan’s final adoption.
Commissioner Kennedy added that the plan is currently available on the City’s website in
the Agenda Center.
City Attorney Geller praised City staff on a job well done and clarified that the current plan
remained in effect until the new one is officially adopted. He then read the title of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, inquired if copies of the plan would be available at City
Hall for citizens to check out and return when they’re finished reviewing. City Manager
Shadrix responded that staff could make approximately six (6) copies initially to gauge
demand. He also emphasized that the lobby area of the Development Services Department
was designed as a resource space for citizens and encouraged them to take advantage of
it.
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, asked why the year 2045 was selected and Zoning
Manager Whitfield provided an explanation.
- Chris Chambers, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the historical sites section of the plan,
specifically regarding the Hallowed Ground site, which is located within his subdivision.
Zoning Manager Whitfield stated that objective six (6) of the plan was added to preserve
and protect historic structures and sites, in which the Hallowed Ground is among the list of
historic sites listed.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve an Ordinance for Envision 2045 Ocoee Comprehensive Plan
- Large Scale Plan Amendment to Replace Ocoee's Comprehensive Plan in its Entirety
and authorize transmittal of the Envision 2045 Comprehensive Plan to the reviewing
agencies; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy;
motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Oliver absent.
Page 9 of 509
Regular City Commission
April 15, 2025
• REGULAR AGENDA - None
Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City events for the months of April and May 2025.
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:32 PM
Commissioner Firstner – No further comments. 7:32 PM
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 7:33 PM
1) Announced the grand opening of Wawa.
2) Wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 7:33 PM
1) Announced that Oakland Avenue is open
Commissioner Kennedy – No further comments. 7:33 PM
• ADJOURNMENT 7:34 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Victoria Parks, Acting City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
Page 10 of 509