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Home My WebLink About07-15-2025 MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida July 15, 2025 MINUTES 6:15 PM CALL TO ORDER 6:15 P1W 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 Mayor Johnson. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a quorum present. Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Oliver Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt Absent: Commissioner Firstner includes $2 billion in tax relief, n; definitive solutions have been established for property tax property insurance reform. Commissioner Oliver and Mayor Johnson expressed their gratitude to Representati Spencer for taking the time to provide valuable information on the legislative session anj budget. AED Stations Presentation - Fire Chief Smothers provided an update on the project to install Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stations at several local parks. He thanked Commissioners Kennedy and Wilsen for their discretionary funding, multiple City departments for their support, and Ms. Martha Lopez -Anderson, Parent Heart Watch, for her donations. Fire Chief Smothers explained what an AED is and how it is used. Fire Chief Smothers provided an overview of all the AED stations throughout the City. He expressed gratitude to the elected officials for their continued support. July 16, 2026 Ine UIIJ .00 &,*TIbUll Mal 614AU1 I di I e is the leading cause of death in the US; performing CPR and utilizing an AED before EM personnel arrive gives patients a greater chance of survival and can reduce the risk of brai injury. - Susan Adams, Ocoee Resident, spoke about the agreement between the City of Ocoee and D.R. Horton upon the construction of the Wynwood subdivision, wherein D.R. Horton paid $200,000 toward the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of E. McCormick Road and Apopka -Vineland Road. She referenced a letter that had been posted online from Brett Blackadar of Orange County Public Works Department, stating that in 2019 a tra ic signal was warranted at the intersection, but a 2021 study suggested a roundabout. Ms. Adams implored the City to voice support to the County for the original plan for a traffic signal and explained her reasoning. City Manager Shadrix and Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed her concerns. Discussion ensued regarding the Wynwood property annexation and traffic signal agreement with Orange County. Moyer, Orange Soil and Water District 2 Supervisor, explained Orange County's Soil and Water Conservation program and its purpose. - Chris Adkins, Ocoee Resident, inquired about how the City Charter relates to city Management accountability. and how that is eut into %wractice throu�s�h the Ci4yA Commission. Commissioner Wilsen addressed his inquiry. Commissioner Kennedy requested the City Attorney address the inquiry; City Attorney Geller responded accordingly. Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Oliver further addressed Mr. Adkins' inquiry. Consent Agenda thotion Motion: Move to adopt consent Agenda items #1-9-, Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, opposing and Commissioner Firstrier absent. 1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held June 17, 2025. (City Clerk Sibbitt) COUP MINI ill 11 T Iii ill I III I I I Approval of the Design & Engineering Services for the Lake Apopka Rature Park with Kimley-Horn & Associates in the Amount of $202,800, (Concurrency and Commitment Coordinator McFarlane) 4. Approval of Resolution Designating Administrative Official Authorized to Approve Plats and Replats. (Deputy Development Services Director Whitfield) 5i Approval of a Two -Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship 2 1 P a g e July 15, 2025 Agreement with Blue Castle Development, LLC for the Wawa - SR 50 & Clarke. (Development Engineer Keaton) 6. Approval of Proposed Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. (Acting Finance Director Law e 7. Approval of Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. (Police Chief Ogburn) 8Approval of the One (1) Year Optional Contract Renewal with Cepra Landscape, LLC for RFP 20-005 Landscaping, Landscape Maintenance, and Mowing Services. (Procurement Manager Tolbert) 9Approval of Award for RFP #25-007 Emergency -Disaster Debris Monitoring Services - Term Contract. (Procurement Manager Tolbert) City Attorney Geller read the titles of the ordinances, and it was announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at the City Commission meeting scheduled for August 5, 2025, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter. 11. Second Reading 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. (Development Services Deputy Director Whitfield) to opt -out of Envision 2045, if needed. Development Services Deputy Director Whitfield gave a brief overview of the plan elementsgoals, policies, and objectives, She noted that while the City awaited feedback from state reviewing agencies, they used the time to connect with the community by holding a Community Outreach Meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. She provided a brief summary of the public's comments and questions from that meeting. The iO_!4�24_Y [;raloai&;�b!��,,:p_�r o "Tow; fit r4i submitted to all agencies). No objections were received; however, technical assistance comments were submitted and have since been addressed. NIVI 0 LIIVd 0 SILVA =I U. M 0. S U ------- UP 31 P a g e '00 0 0 R'llimitw-W.'a The public hearing was opened. W N-1011 OWTMESIMUTITS711#01 MM - Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, expressed his support for Envision 2045 and praised staff for the cost savings achieved by conducting the study in-house. He also urged the City Commission to approve the ordinance. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Kennedy asked that the City Attorney clarify any limitations associated with the opt -out provision and inquired about the procedures to review such requests. City Attorney Geller responded to his inquiry. Commissioner Wilson expressed appreciation to Mr. Gomber for his comment and extended thanks to staff for their efforts. Commissioner Oliver commented that his political platform has consistently emphasized the City's lack of a defined vision and mission, and he believes that Envision 2045 now provides the foundational framework the City needs to move forward. He also commended staff for their work on the initiative. Commissioner Kennedy emphasized the importance of clear specifics, ongoing follow-ups, collaboration with City Management, and accountability in order to successfully realize the vision. He further shared the importance of voting to make residents' voices heard so elected officials can advocate for what their constituents want when working with City Management. 10. MWOM-M.11MEIRTIMiu. I:MI Win IM.F-MUMIRM 0NM4&IiMMIIM FOUNI-11111-911 M-0,11114MM kIV*T.( if_*JR4ItZALWT fflm- 00115 OW01191011ST4 "M - WINIINN Commissioner Firstner absent. call A-0011661ut JIM M-1 R"iYAN - 2 0 111 Assistant City Manager Rumor provided an overview of the Fire Assessment Services Program and the Resolution proposing a new inal assessment, He outlined the completed steps, which included conducting a fire assessment study, adopting an initial assessment resolution, sending notices to all property owners, and publishing legal advertisements. His presentation covered several key areas: general government revenue, millage rate breakdown, general fund expenditures, proposed property tax reform, types of fire assessments, current costs under the existing rate, and projected costs under the proposed rate. Regular City Commission July 15, 2025 Fire Chief Smothers followed with a summary of fire incident types, the proposed 2026 fire budget, and both existing and recurring fire service costs. Assistant City Manager Rumer concluded the presentation by highlighting average public safety salaries, personnel -to -population ratios, and recommended adopting the Amended and Restated Final Assessment Resolution for FY 2025-2026. The proposal includes a rate increase from $69.50 to $139.23 per fire protection unit. He also briefly introduced the consultants assisting with the program. Sandi Neubarth, Anser Advisoty, provided an overview of the purpose and objectives of the fire assessment. She further explained the concept of non -ad valorem assessments, the demand -availability apportionment methodology, the proposed maximum rate, and the total assessable revenue. City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution. The public hearing was opened. The following persons addressed the City Commission with inquiries related to the fire assessment: - Amelia Ambrosio, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the calculations used to determine her factored fire protection units to establish her fire assessment fee. Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed her inquiry, - Keith Butts, Ocoee Resident, inquired about collecting revenue from EMS calls and auto accidents where non-residents are involved, and why a fire engine and rescue respond to calls at nursing homes. Fire Chief Smothers addressed his inquiries. - Kelly, Ocoee Resident, commented on accountability with respect to the budget and the vision related to the Comprehensive Plan, and pondered why the fee is such a big hit at one time as opposed to a smaller fee each year for the past several years. City Manager Shadrix responded to his comments. - Manuel Delgado, Ocoee Resident, inquired how long the fire fees will be in effect. City Manager Shadrix responded to his inquiry. - Betty Haas, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the difference between raising the fire assessment fee and raising the millage rate, and if all the upcoming development has been considered as a part of the assessment. Assistant City Manager Rumer responded to her inquiries. - Margaretta McKenzie, Ocoee Resident, inquired about people living in apartments paying their share of the fire assessment fees, and if the golf club purchase was related to the fees. City Manager Shadrix addressed her inquiries. - Herbert Whitter, Ocoee Resident, inquired about businesses who have benefitted from Ocoee's population increase, such as Walmart and Publix, as well as the toll authorities and local hospitals, paying portions of the assessment. City Manager Shadrix responded to his inquiries. Brief discussion ensued. 5 1 P a g e July 15, 2025 I I I I I I I I I I I I I III I III 111!! 1 � 111 � 1 1 11 1 g � _. 1111 - --- ------ --- - Michael Rogers, Ocoee Resident - David Denmark, Ocoee Resident - Kim Denmark, Ocoee Resident - John Wilkison, Ocoee Resident - Rembert Edwards, Ocoee Resident - Ralph Jones, Ocoee Resident - Joe Bandur, Ocoee Resident - Daniel Plate, Ocoee Resident - Angela Williams, Ocoee Resident - Gray, Ocoee Resident The public hearing was closed. Assistant City Manager Rumor briefly addressed a question from one of the residents. City Manager Shadrix informed the City Commission that, if the proposed fire assessment fee increase is not approved, an increase in the millage rate will be necessary to keep up with the rising costs of police and fire services. He also noted the intention to implement budget cuts in light of recent legislative changes that may affect local government funding and agreed with earlier comments that small, incremental increases should have been adopted in previous fiscal years. Commissioner Kennedy thanked all the residents for speaking and sharing their opinionsHe expressed support for adopting a zero -based budgeting approach, noting that it is not currently in use. He also voiced his confidence in City Manager Shadrix's leadership, recognizing that he is moving in that direction. Additionally, he highlighted several voter -approved legislative changes that are now impacting municipal revenue. He expressed his support for establishing and discussed the current fiscal challenges the City is facing. Commissioner Wilson commented on the millage rate and the importance to set it in compliance with TRIM notice requirements. She spoke about the need for continued attentiveness to City issues, encouraged residents to voice their concerns and come together "nWVg*Wa.-iAT#II � it, 24 -Vir, 1�'?A�WliiiI lult, services and needs requested by the community. t�*, ff ff (ftwitum r&tZ1"7"7iI I W4 rffl-t*-Y,;#r 6"" FlAwt ro m"Pre 11 a simple solution. He expressed his discomfort with having to inform residents of a proposed 100% increase. He also raised concerns about the funds used for the golf course purchase, suggesting that those resources might have been better used to support the Fire Department's budget needs. While acknowledging the importance of the Fire Department and the benefits of its ISO rating for residents' taxes, he asked what the projected millage rate would be if the assessment does not pass. City Manager Shadrix addressed his question and explained his rationale for proposing the current rate at 5,5 mills. 6.17 - 7'Cly, —,- ffo n-R-Mvi July 15, 2025 llyj.: • • W"1161 a. 1111!I111il: '1111111111 i I relfeal. e .Umq. I ts a U I LT•41 manage its operations. He noted that eliminating services such as parks, recreational activities, and community events would also lead to public dissatisfaction. He explained that impact fees collected by Orange County do not return to the City, which limits the local funding options, and emphasized that he does not want to raise the millage rate. He informed the residents that they have the option to pay the assessments quarterly. Additionally, he noted that municipalities across the board are facing the need to increase budget funding for public safety services due to collective bargaining pressures and a competitive labor market. I I I I P I 111i I � I i 110 1 �i 1 1 1 OEM. ITIVIRTNIVAREM RIERM3204 M-3 Commissioner Wilsen; Motion died for lack of a second. N M VI1111111 1 l�II I I 'TRI Kim the amount of the Fire Fund, and lower the millage rate accordingly; Mayor Johnson inquired what the total amount would come to for the fire fee. City Manager Shadrix addressed his inquiry. Discussion ensued. MENTMr. . 0 1 # 0 1 11 W • 'I 1 -0 - 6 - 0 6 1 - a - 0 . - • MR - V - - V ---•R-1— t—M ------ Mayor Johnson handed the gavel to Mayor Pro Tem Wilsen. U Commissioner KennedV; fee and inquired if that would be an issue. Assistant City Manager Rumer addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver asked how long it would take to come up with a proposal for the fire fee for next year, based on the Mayor's motion. Discussion ensued; City Manager Shadrix addressed his question. -doll mma M. 1— - qEY1=19L4T*T1T1111MT*TM- rC0 T1YMT= 7 1 P a g e JuCy 15, 2025 meeting. 70IF91114-14 Mw TTIUAO�� Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk MIMI= Rusty'hon, Mayor