HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 Appointment of Members to the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB)
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
Item #: 8
Contact Name: Melanie Sibbitt Department Director: Melanie Sibbitt
Contact Number: Ext. 1026 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Appointment of Members to the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB). (City Clerk
Sibbitt)
Background Summary:
The Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB) was established by resolution on September 16, 2003. Subsequent
amendments to the resolution followed, with the most recent amendment providing for changes to membership and
clarifying requirements as adopted by Resolution 2023-01 on January 17, 2023. The HRDB's general mission is to
promote understanding, respect, goodwill, and equality among all citizens and businesses of the City of Ocoee. The
board consists of seven (7) voting members: five (5) members are appointed by the City Commissioners, with each
Commissioner selecting one member from their respective district, and the Mayor appointing one member from any
district. Additionally, two (2) at-large members are chosen by the City Commissioners from a pool of eligible
applicants who have submitted an application to serve on City Boards.
In accordance with the by-laws, effective January 1, 2023, the members from District 1, District 3, and the first of
the two at-large members were appointed to serve two-year terms, set to expire in May 2025. At the City
Commission Meeting held on May 6, 2025, Member Hemraj (Vinny) Singh, representing District 1, and at-large
Member Kellie Beck were reappointed. Commissioners Firstner and Oliver were asked to present applicants for
consideration at the May 20th Regular Commission Meeting to fill the District 3 seat and the vacant District 4 seat.
Commissioner Firstner requested that the City Clerk's Department reach out to the current District 3 member to
confirm his interest in reappointment; however, the member expressed uncertainty about continuing to serve. To
date, the City Clerk's Department has not received any applications for the District 3 seat. Commissioner Oliver has
stated that the sole application, submitted by Robert Henderson of District 4, is his consideration for appointment to
the vacant District 4 seat, which has a term expiring in May 2026.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners appoint Robert Henderson to represent District 4 and fill
the currently vacant seat with a term ending in May 2026, and additionally, deem the District 3 seat vacant
until an application is submitted for consideration?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners appoint Robert Henderson to represent
District 4 and fill the currently vacant seat with a term ending in May 2026, and additionally, deem the District 3
seat vacant until an application is submitted for consideration.
Attachments:
1. HRDB Application - Robert Henderson - District 4
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Financial Impacts:
None
Type of Item: Regular