HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | P a g e
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
May 20, 2025 MINUTES 6:15 PM
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:16 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 Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident. City Clerk Sibbitt called the
roll and declared a quorum present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner
Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt
Absent: Commissioner Kennedy
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
2025 Family Abduction Awareness Day Proclamation – proclaimed by Mayor Johnson.
Chick-fil-A 5k Beneficiary Check Presentation - Parks and Leisure Services Director
Johnson introduced Beth Otts with Chick-Fil-A, who provided a brief overview of the 2025
Annual Chick-fil-A 5K event and thanked City staff, sponsors, and the Community for their
support. She then presented the check to Mark DeStefano, President of Blue Line Support,
who briefly summarized the organization and their purpose.
Ocoee Youth Council (OYC) Program 2024/2025 Year in Review and Recognition of OYC High
School Graduates - OYC Members and Municipal Records Coordinator Justice provided
an overview of this year’s many accomplishments, explained the Ocoee Youth Council
Scholarship Program, and recognized their seven graduating seniors.
Florida League of Cities Presentation of the 2025 Youth Council Excellence Award to Ocoee
Youth Council - Eryn Russell, Florida League of Cities Member Services Administrator,
recognized and awarded a trophy to the Ocoee Youth Council (OYC) for being selected as a
winner of the 2025 Youth Council Excellence Award. She advised that the OYC will also
receive a check for $500.
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Presentation on Understanding Soil and Water Conservation Districts - Orange County Soil
and Water Conservation District 2 Supervisor Moyer provided a PowerPoint presentation
summarizing the history, purpose, and mission of the Soil & Water Conservation District
Supervisors.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:55 PM
City Manager Shadrix stated that he has consulted the City Commission regarding their
availability for the upcoming Budget Workshops and Hearings. This evening, the City
Commission will need to choose between August 25th or August 27th for the first Budget
Workshop. City staff will tentatively reserve September 3rd for a potential second Budget
Workshop, if necessary. He also noted that the Tentative Budget Hearing is scheduled for
September 10th, with the Final Budget Hearing set for September 17th. Consensus of the City
Commission was that they did not have any issues with either of the dates presented for
the first Budget Workshop. City Manager Shadrix stated that he would meet with the Finance
staff to determine a date and will notify the City Commission once it is set. He also provided an
update on the McCormick Road opening based on information received from Orange County. In
addition, he clarified the operating hours of the Forest Lake Golf Course restaurant, which had
been previously miscommunicated, and mentioned that the interim operator is currently seeking
to hire a new cook. An update on the golf course from Down to Earth, Robert Utsey, and the
Parks and Leisure Services Director will be provided at the next City Commission Meeting.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
• CONSENT AGENDA 7:00 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-3; Moved by Commissioner Firstner,
seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Kennedy
absent.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held May 6, 2025.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship
Agreement for Wynwood PUD Phase 3 & 4. (Development Engineer Keaton)
3. Approval to Award Ocoee Neighborhood Matching Grant to Nine (9) Neighborhood
Associations. (Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 7:01 PM
4. Second Reading of Ordinances for 283 10th Avenue - Cox Property Annexation &
Rezoning from Orange County R-2 to City of Ocoee R-1; Project No. AX-02-25-01 & RZ-
25-02-01. (Planner I Belizaire)
Planner I Belizaire presented a brief overview of the subject property. The property is
considered logical and eligible for annexation, and the proposed rezoning aligns with the Joint
Planning Area (JPA) and Future Land Use Map. The property owner is seeking annexation in
order to connect to City water service.
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City Attorney Geller read the titles of the ordinances.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-06 for 283 10th Avenue - Cox Property
Annexation; Project No. AX-02-25-01, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner
Kennedy absent.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-07 for 283 10th Avenue - Cox Property
Rezoning; Project No. RZ-25-02-01, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner
Kennedy absent.
• PUBLIC HEARING 7:06 PM
5. Approval of Resolution for Partial Vacation of the 5 -ft Utility Easements on Lots 1, 12,
13, 24, 25, 36, 37, and 48 of the Magnolia Reserve Townhome Subdivision; Project No.
VAC-25-037. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane summarized the request for partial
vacation of the 5-ft utility easements on lots 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, 36, 37, and 48 of the Magnolia
Reserve Townhome Subdivision. At the builder's request, the abandonment and vacation
request is for the vacation of the front 34-foot portions of the 5-foot utility easements located on
the side yards of eight (8) corner lots. The purpose of the partial vacation is to resolve an issue
resulting from the construction of walkways and front porch columns for these 8 lots within the
5-foot utility easement area. As part of the review process, staff sent letters to the standard list
of utility providers for their determination of whether they had any concerns and would release
their interests in the utility easements. No concerns or objections from the applicable utility
providers were received. Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane noted that
these easements are not shown on the stamped final subdivision plans (approved October
2023) but are shown on the recorded plat (approved May 2024).
City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution 2025-04 for Partial Vacation of the 5-ft Utility
Easements on Lots 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, 36, 37, and 48 of the Magnolia Reserve Townhome
Subdivision; Project No. VAC-25-037, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner
Kennedy absent.
• REGULAR AGENDA 7:10 PM
6. Discussion on Issues Related to the Code Enforcement Board and Direction to Seek
Alternatives to Include Using a Special Magistrate. (Police Chief Ogburn)
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Police Chief Ogburn stated that the Police Department is requesting the City Commission to
reconsider the use of the Code Enforcement Board and instead have all code-related cases,
both residential and commercial, handled by a Special Magistrate. He explained that the Code
Enforcement Board has been unable to meet since October 2024 due to a lack of quorum. As
a result, and in accordance with Chapter 7 of the City Code, the City Manager temporarily
reassigned all residential code enforcement cases to the Special Magistrate. The backlog of
cases was addressed in April and May without incident. He further expressed concerns
regarding the ongoing quorum issues and presented alternative options for the City
Commission to consider.
Commissioner Wilsen expressed concern over the Board’s continued inability to reach a
quorum and voiced her support for the proposal to have all Code cases heard by a Special
Magistrate. Commissioner Firstner also agreed with utilizing a Special Magistrate, noting that
it is becoming increasingly challenging to recruit volunteers to serve on Boards. Commissioner
Oliver recommended dissolving the current Board and restructuring it for future effectiveness.
Mayor Johnson agreed with restructuring and maintaining a Board with citizens.
Commissioner Wilsen suggested having the Special Magistrate continue to review cases for
six months before transitioning back to a Code Enforcement Board. Brief discussion ensued.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Joe Bandur, Code Enforcement Board Chair, gave insight into the Board’s quorum
issues. He also expressed his desire to keep the Board functioning and his willingness
to help.
- Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, opposed dissolving the Board and proposed reducing
the number of members from seven (7) to five (5), suggesting this could help resolve
quorum issues. He also recommended removing any members who miss more than two
meetings.
City Attorney Gellar read the City Code concerning the Code Enforcement Board and noted
that changing the quorum would require an amendment to the Code. He explained that, under
this statute, the City Manager has the authority to delegate responsibility for processing cases.
Commissioner Wilsen expressed interest in utilizing a Special Magistrate for a three-month
period and reorganizing the Board to avoid another backlog of Code cases. Mayor Johnson
responded that he does not support this approach. Commissioner Oliver also voiced
opposition to relying on a single Magistrate and suggested reopening the Board to accept new
member applications. It was suggested that information about openings on the Code
Enforcement Board be posted on the City’s website. City Clerk Sibbitt noted that the website
already lists the Boards with vacancies. The Code Enforcement Board currently has one regular
member position and two alternate member positions vacant. She also stated that the City
Clerk’s Office has not received any applications to date. City Manager Shadrix asked for
clarification on the City Commission’s desire as he has heard several options for consideration.
Motion: Move to appoint a Special Magistrate for three months as City staff works to
revamp the citizen-based Code Enforcement Board; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
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seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion failed 2-2 with Mayor Johnson and
Commissioner Oliver opposing and Commissioner Kennedy absent.
Mayor Johnson handed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Wilsen.
Motion: Motion to retain the seven (7) member Code Enforcement Board and begin
accepting applications from interested citizens to fill vacancies and help ensure a
quorum; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Mayor Johnson; Motion carried
3-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Wilsen opposing and Commissioner Kennedy absent.
Joe Bandur, Code Enforcement Board Chair, briefly spoke about helping to achieve a quorum
and was asked to coordinate with the City Clerk. City Clerk Sibbitt advised him not to contact
Board members directly to avoid any potential Sunshine Law violations, and noted that City
staff would handle all communications with Board members
7. Adoption of the Amended and Restated Initial Assessment Resolution for the FY 25-26
Fire Protection Assessments (Assistant City Manager Rumer)
Assistant City Manager Rumer provided a summary of the Fire Assessment Services
Program and the Resolution proposing a new initial assessment. His presentation included an
overview of the different fire assessment types, the total cost to operate under the current rate,
and the projected cost under the proposed rate. He outli ned the next steps, which include
sending mailers to residents, holding a Public Hearing on July 15th, and certifying the final
assessment for inclusion on the TRIM notices. He briefly introduced the consultants assisting
with the program.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution.
Commissioner Oliver commented on the proposed 100% increase to the assessment and
asked what impact this increase would have on a household budget from a homeowner's
perspective. Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed his question and explained the rate
units for each level. It was explained that the bulk of the residents in Ocoee would be in tier 2
and 3 and would pay $205-$274 in fire assessment fees for single-family residence.
Commissioner Firstner asked whether it would be accurate to say that the fire assessment
fee has never been increased since it was first implemented, and if the operational costs of the
fire department have declined. Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed his questions.
Commissioner Firstner also asked how many fire engines are due to be replaced in the next
three years, and what the average costs for a new fire engine are. City Manager Shadrix
addressed his question and explained the need for this proposed assessment. He also
addressed a question related to the ladder truck . Commissioner Firstner shared his support
of the fire assessment fee which helps provide services to the citizens.
Commissioner Wilsen expressed agreement with the remarks made by Commissioner
Firstner. Mayor Johnson also concurred, adding that the proposed action is necessary to
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prevent a loss of funding. Brief discussion ensued.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Chris Chambers, Ocoee Resident, asked how the City plans to operate the ladder truck
with one additional person per shift. Fire Chief Smothers addressed his question.
- Norine Dworkin, Editor In Chief - VoxPopuli, asked about cost coverage for the portion
not covered by the Fire Department and if there was a plan to cover police services. City
Manager Shadrix addressed her questions.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution 2025-05 adopting the Amended and Restated Initial
Assessment Resolution for the FY 25-26 Fire Protection Assessments; Moved by
Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 4 -0 with
Commissioner Kennedy absent.
8. Appointment of Members to the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB). (City Clerk
Sibbitt)
City Clerk Sibbitt explained that an application from a District 4 resident was received and
forwarded to Commissioner Oliver for review and consideration. The District 3 seat is expected
to become vacant at the end of May and will remain unfilled until a new application is submitted.
The City Clerk’s Office reached out to the current District 3 member regarding reappointment, but
he expressed uncertainty about continuing in the position.
Motion: Move to appoint Robert Henderson to represent District 4 and fill the current
vacant seat with a term ending in May 2026; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded
by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Kennedy absent.
Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City events for the month of May and June 2025.
8:05 PM
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 8:07 PM
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 8:07 PM
1) Confirmed that the Comprehensive Plan Meeting will be a noticed meeting.
2) Wished everyone a Happy Memorial Day.
Commissioner Firstner – None
Commissioner Oliver– Commented on the following: 8:07 PM - 8:11 PM
1) Gave kudos to The Backyard on their amazing food and urged everyone to be on the
lookout for their grand opening.
2) Announced summer safety tips for seniors.
3) Urged all citizens to drive safely.
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4) Read an inspirational quote.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 8:12 PM - 8:17 PM
1) Questioned how much the City is owed in Code Enforcement violations and expressed
that he would like to work on more options to get residents to cease violating.
2) Announced that this was the 5th year for the Asian American History event and expressed
that it was a great event.
3) Announced that the Centennial and Time Capsule events were both great events. He
stated that there will be a celebration on July 4th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• ADJOURNMENT 8:17 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor