HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
August 5, 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 Wilsen. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and
declared a quorum present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, and Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
2025 Healthy Selfie Day Proclamation read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson, and accepted
by Dorcas Dillard, HUBB Community Resource Coordinator with Healthy West Orange. Ms.
Dillard provided information on the Healthy Selfie Campaign efforts which begin in September.
Update on 90th Anniversary of American Legion Boys State in Tallahassee – Sharon Seiter,
Ocoee High School PTSA, provided a summary of the PTSA program, how to join, and a
summary of some of the activities they have done. Mikey Innocent, Ocoee High School
Student, provided an update on his experience in the PTSA program and the Boys State event
in Tallahassee.
Presentation on the Police Explorer Program - Police Chief Ogburn recognized the young men
and women who completed the Police Explorer Program. He thanked the parents and family
members who supported the explorers, the officers who mentored them: Officer Karla Gonzalez,
Officer Andrea Sanders, and Officer Kevin Pagan, and the City Commission for their support of
the program.
Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program Administrative Report (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) -
Police Chief Ogburn provided a brief PowerPoint which displayed the administrative report of
all Traffic Infraction Detectors within the city’s jurisdiction.
Duke Energy Presentation - Neighborhood Energy Saver Program – Lisa Curran, Orange and
Osceola County’s Government and Community Relations, announced their partnership with the
City of Ocoee and Duke Energy to launch the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program this month.
Melvin Philpot, Sr. Products & Services Manager, shared a PowerPoint providing an overview
of the program, its goal and objects, and eligibility criteria for participation.
City Manager Shadrix stated that Ms. Curran has been instrumental in helping the City resolve
issues with Duke Energy and has built a very good relationship with the City. He stated that Mr.
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Philpot was a member of the armed forces, and it was a delight to have him come and present
the program; he emphasized that the City will be promoting the program. Mr. Philpot reiterated
that they will be here for about 12 weeks to be able to help as many residents as possible.
Forest Lake Golf Club Update - Robert Utsey, Principal/Shareholder at ZHA, introduced Nick
Dunleavy, DTE Golf, who provided an update on the revenue, golf operations, staffing, and
dining area/food & beverage experience for the Forest Lake Golf Course . He also stated that
the golf club has been added to the Golf Now platform and has been in place for about two
weeks. Additionally, they have been receiving favorable reviews regarding the course
maintenance and restaurant hours have been adjusted to 7:00AM – 7:00PM daily. Parks and
Leisure Services Director Johnson provided an update on the maintenance of the golf course
completed by the Parks Team and photos of what has been done to-date. Mr. Utsey explained
the process for the tilling of the potholes at the golf course. He further highlighted the First Tee
program and shared the feedback from the 400 surveys they received. He further shared that
as of today they have received six (6) proposals from firms interested in being the long -term
operator. Commissioner Wilsen asked if the RFP is now closed and asked if the pre-proposals
conference had been held. She was answered in the affirmative.
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - None
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 7:11 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Dr. Jim Moyer, Orange Soil and Water District 2 Supervisor, announced that Mikey
Innocent attended the 90th Anniversary of American Legion Boys State and announced there
is also a Girls State for anyone interested. He also discussed the Orange County Soil and
Water District and impaired waters in Orange County, specifically Starke Lake.
• CONSENT AGENDA 7:15 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-20; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held July 15, 2025.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of the 2026 Holiday Schedule and Canceling Three (3) Scheduled Meeting
Dates. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Resolution to Change Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Time.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
4. Approval of Resolution Expressing Support for the Community Contribution Tax Credit
Program (CCTC) Authorized under 212.08(5)(p) FL Statutes. (Assistant City Manager
Rumer)
5. Approval to Authorize Additional Funds to Provide Close-out of the Clarke Road
Widening Project. (City Engineer Womack)
6. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship
Agreement for Infrastructure Improvements and Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and
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Workmanship Agreement for Asphalt for Reserve at Lake Meadow. (Development
Engineer Keaton)
7. Approval of Contract for the 2025 Ocoee Centennial Music Festival Entertainment.
(Parks and Leisure Services Director Johnson)
8. Approval to Purchase Two (2) Police Vehicles. (Police Chief Ogburn)
9. Approval to Transfer Funds for Installation of a Screened Enclosure at the Ocoee Police
Department. (Police Chief Ogburn)
10. Approval of Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety High Visibility Enforcement and Support
Program. (Police Chief Ogburn)
11. Approval to Donate State Forfeiture Funds to Organizations Supporting Law
Enforcement. (Police Chief Ogburn)
12. Approval to Upgrade to Glock Model Handguns with Factory-Installed Optics and Sights.
(Police Chief Ogburn)
13. Approval of the One-Year Optional Renewal for Fiscal Year 2025 with Purvis Gray &
Company for RFP #22-003 Auditing Services. (Procurement Manager Tolbert)
14. Authorization of Task Order to JL2 Architecture for Design of Fire Station No. 38 Under
Continuing Professional Architectural Services Contract RFQ #25-004. (Public Works
Director Krug)
15. Approval of Updated Cintas Corporation Piggyback Contract. (Assistant Public Works
Director Gajadhar)
16. Approval of Florida Concrete Enterprises as a Single Source Vendor for Miscellaneous
Utilities Concrete Repairs. (Utilities Director Bolling)
17. Approval of the Florida Springs Grant Agreement SR005 from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection for the City of Ocoee "Downtown Sewer Connections Project".
(Utilities Director Bolling)
18. Approval of Alternate Water Supply Grant Agreement WS112 from the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection for the City of Ocoee Transmission Main
Interconnect to OCU Project. (Utilities Director Bolling)
19. Approval to Piggyback the Clay County Utility Authority Contract with Odyssey
Manufacturing for the Supply of Sodium Hypochlorite. (Utilities Director Bolling)
20. Approval of Water Conservation Rebate Cost Share Agreement 41440 between the St.
Johns River Water Management District and the City of Ocoee. (Utilities Director
Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 7:15 PM
21. First Reading of Ordinances for 977 East Crown Point Road - Showers of Grace
Evangelical Christian Mission Inc. Property Annexation & Rezoning from Orange County
A-1 (Citrus Rural District) to City of Ocoee RCE-2 (Rural Country Estates District); Project
No. AX-05-25-06 & RZ-25-05-06. (Planner I Belizaire)
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 19, 2025, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
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• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 7:17 PM
22. Second Reading of Ordinances for 703 Center Street - Mazariegos Property Annexation
& Rezoning; Project No. AX-05-25-05 & RZ-25-05-05. (Planner I Belizaire)
7:17 PM - Mayor Johnson stepped away from the dais and handed the gavel to Mayor ProTem
Wilsen.
Planner Belizaire presented a brief overview of the subject parcel. The property is logical and
eligible for annexation and will further the City’s efforts to reduce enclaves within the city limits.
The property is currently zoned County R-1 with Low Density Residential (LDR) designation on
the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). A rezoning to conventional City R-1A is proposed, with the
property maintaining its current LDR designation. City water is available, and the property will
continue to utilize a private septic system.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinances.
7:20 PM - Mayor Johnson returned.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-15 for the 703 Center Street Annexation, Project
Number AX-05-25-05, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, Seconded
by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-16 for the 703 Center Street Rezoning, Project
Number RZ-25-05-05, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner Firtsner, Seconded
by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
• PUBLIC HEARING 7:22 PM
23. Public Hearing for 1561 Dusty Pine Drive - Fermaint Property Easement Vacate
Request; Project No: VAC-25-038. TO BE CONTINUED BY THE CITY TO A DATE TO
BE DETERMINED. (Planner I Belizaire)
24. Public Hearing for 1561 Dusty Pine Drive - Fermaint Property Variance Request; Project
No: VR-25-01. TO BE CONTINUED BY THE CITY TO A DATE TO BE DETERMINED.
(Planner I Belizaire)
City Manager Shadrix announced that a number of issues are occurring in the Forest Lake
Estates subdivision, and City staff is considering a unilateral solution. Staff will brief the District
City Commissioner after meeting with the HOA.
25. Public Hearing to Adopt the Annual Code Enforcement Abatement Assessment
Resolution to certify the FY 2026 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Tax Roll for Abatement
Cost Recovery. (Police Chief Ogburn)
Police Chief Ogburn briefed the City Commission on the collection of abatement costs utilizing
the special assessment process. He announced there is a total of $3,672.76 which can be
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applied to the FY 2026 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Tax Roll for abatement cost recovery.
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 2025-11, adopting the Annual Code Enforcement
Abatement Assessment, and Certify the Fiscal Year 2026 Non-Ad Valorem Assessment
Tax Roll for Abatement Cost Recovery; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
26. Public Hearing for Adoption of Resolution Increasing Rates for Solid Waste/Residential
Service. (Public Works Director Krug)
Public Works Director Krug provided the City Commission with a briefing on the history of
solid waste rates following the completion of an internal audit, and outlined the residential fund
restoration plan, which will require a resolution to increase solid waste/residential service rates
and a one-time $1.3 million transfer from General Fund reserves.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired about the $1.3 million deficit and how that amount was
determined. Public Works Director Krug and City Manager Shadrix addressed his concern.
Commissioner Firstner inquired about the potential cost savings associated with a reduction
in services, such as the possible elimination of recycling . Public Works Director Krug
addressed his question.
Mayor Johnson commented on the current contract and expressed his interest in ensuring
there are additional bidders when it expires. He also requested a list of work completed by City
staff when the contractor misses a pickup. Public Works Director Krug and City Manager
Shadrix addressed his concern.
Commissioner Oliver asked about the $800,000 in equipment depreciation and how it is
accounted for in relation to the deficit. City Manager Shadrix responded to his concern.
Commissioner Oliver also stated that he supports the Mayor’s recommendation to seek
additional bidders when the current contract expires. He stated that he also supports
Commissioner Firstner's comment regarding the potential elimination of recycling but disagrees
with the projected cost savings.
Commissioner Wilsen echoed the support for rebidding the contract and noted that, while she
typically does not support using reserves, she recognizes that these issues must be addressed.
City Manager Shadrix stated that as the contract nears the end of its term, City staff is
exploring all options and supports the rebidding process. Commissioner Kennedy suggested
that certain aspects, such as separating commercial pickup, could be restructured. He also
compared the current services provided by Waste Connections to those offered when the
service was handled in-house. City Manager Shadrix shared what is anticipated in the
upcoming budget to address some of the concerns he mentioned.
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City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution.
The public hearing was opened.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Taylor, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the $1.3 million that will be paid from
reserves. City Manager Shadrix addressed his question. He also commented on the City’s
previous practice of charging residents for excess garbage pick-up and noted that the current
contractor is performing adequately. Additionally, Mr. Taylor asked whether Waste
Connections is sorting the recycling. Public Works Director Krug addressed his question.
- Ages Hart, Ocoee Resident, asked what the final cost of the solid waste rate will be for
the year. Mayor Johnson addressed his question.
- Jane Rainer, Ocoee Resident, expressed the importance for recycling and keeping that
service.
The public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution 2025-12 Increasing Rates for Solid
Waste/Residential Service; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
• REGULAR AGENDA – None
Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City Events for the month of August.
8:02 PM - 8:03 PM
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 8:03 PM
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following: 8:03 PM - 8:04 PM
1) Announced the date and time for the Blue Jay Way clean -up project, which is being
coordinated by the Ocoee Police Department Community Affairs Division. Volunteers are
being sought for the event.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 8:04 PM - 8:07 PM
1) Expressed concerns about citizens riding e-bikes and asked about the laws regarding
crossing intersections on an e-bike. Police Chief Ogburn responded, noting that they
could launch an educational campaign on social media to address the issue.
2) Announced the Ocoee Pickleball Community Meeting and confirmed that it is noticed.
City Manager Shadrix answered in the affirmative.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following: 8:07 PM - 8:08 PM
1) Shared he is happy to be back and e xtended his thanks and gratitude for the work on
the Envision 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
2) Announced the closing of Taylor Street between W. Franklin and McKey Street. He
encouraged residents to find an alternative route as this closure will go into October.
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Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 8:09 PM - 8:12 PM
1) Encouraged residents to practice summer safety by staying hydrated and wearing
sunscreen during the hot summer months.
2) Reminded residents to be prepared for hurricane season by reviewing their emergency
plans and ensuring they have all essential supplies.
3) Commented on having an Ocoee resident rate for the golf course as they currently only
list a Florida resident, Member, and Non-Resident rate on their website.
4) Announced back-to-school is on Monday and reminded residents to pay attention to
children in the community.
5) Read an inspirational quote.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 8:13 PM - 8:17 PM
1) Reminded residents about the School Zone Cameras that have been put in place for the
safety of the children.
2) Responded to the comment on the Ocoee resident rate for the golf course and shared
that he agrees that when the selection of the operator is made the Ocoee resident rate should
be enforced.
3) Announced the date for the first day of school and commented on the traffic back-up on
Lafayette Street and Bluford Avenue. Police Chief Ogburn addressed his concern.
Commissioner Wilsen announced the Ocoee Pickleball Community Meeting date, time, and
location.
City Manager Shadrix announced that, in an effort to complete the project before the first day
of school, Flewelling Avenue will be closed from Jay Street to Spring Street starting tomorrow.
Information has been shared on the City’s social media pages, and affected residents h ave
been notified.
• ADJOURNMENT 8:17 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor