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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | Page OCOEE CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida August 19, 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 Mayor Johnson. 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 - None • STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:16 PM City Manager Shadrix announced that the staff report presented at the August 5th City Commission regarding the 2026 Holiday Schedule, and the cancellation of three (3) meeting dates contained a scrivener’s error. It incorrectly referred to the approval of the September 8th meeting following the Labor Day holiday as a City Commission Meeting, when it should have stated that it was the cancellation of a Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting. No further action is required as this is for clarification purposes only. He further announced the First Budget Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th at 6:00 PM in the Ocoee Commission Chambers. • PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:18 PM The following persons addressed the City Commission: - Dr. Jim Moyer, Orange Soil and Water District 2 Supervisor, announced that Orange Soil and Water Conservation District is celebrating 80 years of service to Orange County from June 2025 until June 2026. He also presented a PowerPoint on the global climate change crisis and Starke Lake. - Norine Dworkin, Editor-in-Chief of Vox Populi, reminded everyone of the special election being held on September 2nd and the deadlines for mail in ballots and early voting. She encouraged everyone to vote and announced her website information for those interested in viewing interviews with the candidates. Regular City Commission August 19, 2025 2 | Page • CONSENT AGENDA 6:23 PM Consent Agenda Motion Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-13; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0. 1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held August 5, 2025. (City Clerk Sibbitt) 2. Approval of Reappointment of a Trustee to the General Employees' Pension Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt) 3. Approval of Reappointment of a Trustee to the Police Officer's/Firefighters' Pension Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt) 4. Approval to Ratify Appointment of the Fifth Trustee to the Police Officer's/Firefighters' Pension Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt) 5. Approval to Opt In the Opioid Litigation Settlement and Receive Funds. (City Attorney Geller) 6. Approval of the Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Stormwater Inclusion on the Orange County Tax Roll for FY 2025/2026. (City Engineer Womack) 7. Approval of Renewal of Agreement with Digitech for Medical Billing Services. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp) 8. Approval to Purchase Firefighting Bunker Gear Ensembles from Morning Pride via Sourcewell and Designate Morning Pride as a Sole Source Provider. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp) 9. Approval of Ratification of the Police Officers and Sergeants Collective Bargaining Agreement. (Human Resources Director Wilson) 10. Approval of Award for ITB 25-008 Ocoee Action Sports Skate Park Artificial Turf Project. (Procurement Manager Tolbert) 11. Approval of the Certification of Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for Solid Waste Inclusion on the Orange County Tax Roll for FY 2025/2026. (Public Works Director Krug) 12. Approval of Change Order No. 1 for Contracted Sidewalk Repairs with APEC, LLC. (Public Works Director Krug) 13. Approval for the Endorsement of Eligible Projects under the Resilient Florida Program. (Public Works Director Krug) • FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None • SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 6:23 PM 14. Second 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) Regular City Commission August 19, 2025 3 | Page Planner Belizaire presented a brief overview of the subject parcel located at 977 East Crown Point Road. 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 A-1 with Low Density Residential (LDR) designation on the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). A rezoning to conventional City RCE-2 is proposed, with the property maintaining its current LDR designation. City water is available; however, a water main will need to be extended to the north property line and a public hydrant installed with an automatic flusher device. Both the Development Review Committee (DRC) and Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommended approval of the annexation, and rezoning with the condition that the submittal of an off-site plan for the extension of the water main, including a fire hydrant and flushing apparatus, is provided to the City. City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinances. The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Kennedy commented on the condition of approvals and inquired if the site plan had been submitted. He also questioned what the outcome would be if the ordinances were approved but the required submittals are not provided to the City. Planner Belizaire and Development Services Deputy Director Whitfield addressed his concern. Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-17 for 977 East Crown Point Road. - Showers of Grace Evangelical Christian Mission Inc. Property Annexation, Project No. AX-05-25- 06, as presented by staff; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, Seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0. Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-18 for 977 East Crown Point Road. - Showers of Grace Evangelical Christian Mission Inc. Property Rezoning, Project Number RZ-25- 05-06, with the condition that the submittal of an off-site plan for the extension of the water main, including a fire hydrant and flushing apparatus is provided to the City; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0. • PUBLIC HEARING - None • REGULAR AGENDA 6:33 PM 15. Update and Direction on Orange County Redistricting Mapping. (Angel de la Portilla) Angel de la Portilla, Orange County Redistricting Advisory Committee Member, provided an overview of the redistricting process to establish new district boundaries and incorporate two additional districts within Orange County. He presented the seven (7) proposed maps currently available for public review and shared the upcoming meeting dates for both the Orange County Redistricting Committee and the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the body responsible for approving the final map. He also noted that neighboring cities, including Maitland, Winter Park, and Winter Garden, have submitted their preferred map choices to the Redistricting Committee. Each map was reviewed and discussed in detail, and Mr. de la Portilla addressed any questions from the City Commission. The City Commission’s discussion Regular City Commission August 19, 2025 4 | Page on map selection focused on remaining within District 2, maintaining alignment with neighboring cities like Winter Garden, Oakland, and Apopka, and staying connected with communities that share similar issues and concerns. Motion: Move to express support for Map 2 as the Ocoee City Commission’s recommended map for the Orange County Redistricting process, and to submit a Resolution of Support on behalf of the City; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0. City Manager Shadrix recognized Alex de la Portilla, who was in the audience. He advised that he has been instrumental in assisting his father, Angel de la Portilla, and in assisting the City with tax reform efforts. He used a lot of his technical knowledge to create concise presentation materials in a quick time frame. He will be going back to graduate school to pursue his Master of Public Administration degree at Florida State University. Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City Events for the months of August and September. • COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:26 PM Commissioner Kennedy – None Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 7:26 PM 1) Urged residents to be prepared for an active hurricane season. 2) Read an inspirational quote. Commissioner Firstner - None Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 7:26 PM 1) Announced the upcoming Shred to Protect event on September 13th. Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 7:27 PM – 7:31 PM 1) Expressed his concerns with areas being unkempt within the city, specifically in District 3. City Manager Shadrix confirmed that actions have been put into motion to address these issues. 2) Expressed concerns with congestion on and around Bluford Avenue during school drop off and pickup times. City Manager Shadrix asked the City Commission to direct him to request the School Board to conduct an operational analysis of the traffic patterns surrounding the school. Consensus of the City Commission was to approve the City Manager to request an operational analysis of the traffic patterns conducted by the School Board in and around Bluford Avenue. Regular City Commission August 19, 2025 5 | Page • ADJOURNMENT 7:32 PM APPROVED: Attest: City of Ocoee ______________________________ ___________________________ Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor OCOEE CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida August 27, 2025 MINUTES 6:00 PM BUDGET WORKSHOP • CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Johnson called the workshop to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. 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, Acting Finance Director Lawitzke, Chief Accountant Meruena, and City Clerk Sibbitt • FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET OVERVIEW 6:01 PM City Manager Shadrix and Acting Finance Director Lawitzke provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the 2025/2026 Budget Year which included the budget process timeline, notable changes for greater transparency, and budget commitments. City Manager Shadrix explained the Budget Supplement before them and its purpose. Acting Finance Director Lawitzke announced the millage rate and the percentage increase over the rollback rate and provided the ad valorem revenue. She explained the gross taxable rate, general fund revenues, general fund expenditures, and financial challenges. • DISCUSSION 6:16 PM Mayor Johnson opened the floor for questions from the City Commission. Commissioner Firstner asked about the 30% increase in health insurance costs and further inquired whether any actions could be considered before deciding to increase insurance rates for employees. City Manager Shadrix addressed his questions. Commissioner Firstner inquired about the increase of the telephone costs as shown in the budget. City Manager Shadrix addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver asked about the 'transfer out' amounts listed for each department and their intended use. He expressed concern about the lack of clarity in the descriptions provided for these funds. Acting Finance Director Lawitzke addressed his question. Commissioner Oliver asked for additional details regarding the sidewalk repair schedule and whether any funds from the current fiscal year would carry over into the new fiscal year for potential additional repairs. City Manager Shadrix addressed his question and Public Works Director Krug gave an update on the status of their current sidewalk repair project and outlined the amount of additional funding required. Commissioner Oliver inquired about the street paving that is scheduled for FY2025/2026. Chief Accountant Meruena shared that pages 160-161 provide a list of streets to be paved. City Manager Shadrix noted that several Elected Officials raised the topic of speed tables, and staff is working to include funding for them in this year’s budget. Staff will follow up individually to discuss further details. Commissioner Oliver asked about the work Alex de la Portilla had completed for the City, as referenced during the last Commission Meeting. City Manager Shadrix provided an overview of the free work that had been done. Commissioner Oliver City Commission Budget Workshop August 27, 2025 2 | P a g e commented on the pool of talent among high school and college students and suggested including a budget line item to support youth summer jobs or college internships. He further asked if the City Commission would support this type of program. Mayor Johnson suggested revisiting the request at mid-year, after the completion of the street and sidewalk projects previously requested. He also shared his belief that that the City could potentially partner with the college to secure volunteers, eliminating the need for paid positions. Commissioner Oliver stated that the request was reasonable, as mid-year falls before the summer. He added that if the City is able to support the program, they could move forward quickly in partnership with CareerSource. Commissioner Kennedy shared he would not support a partnership with CareerSource but agrees with the Mayor on waiting until mid-year to determine healthcare funding and other priority projects. He stated that he is not opposed to having interns but explained that his firm follows a system where department heads propose specific interns for defined projects, ensuring the program is well-structured. He stated that if there is a need for interns within the City, staff should prepare and present a business case to the City Manager for review. Mayor Johnson commented on the rising insurance costs in recent years, noting that the increase is due to several factors, including the rising cost of medication . He also expressed a desire for the City Manager to review the City clinic contract to explore potential modifications. City Manager Shadrix responded to his inquiry. Mayor Johnson requested that staff conduct a drive-through of the older parts of town, noting that several areas need improvements and that the newer sections should not be the sole focus. City Manager Shadrix explained that the workshops serve that purpose. He noted that by reviewing the list now, there is time before the budget is adopted to make any necessary changes to the road improvement plan. He encouraged all Elected Officials to review the lists and provide him with their priorities. Mayor Johnson commented that the contingency fund has an estimated $118,000, and he would like to allocate those funds either toward sidewalks or the cemetery expansion, as there are currently no available spaces. City Manager Shadrix advised that a presentation can be made to the City Commission for their consideration, but he plans to request that some of those contingency funds be allocated toward completing a sidewalk project on Rewis Street. Commissioner Wilsen commented that local municipalities are uncertain about upcoming decisions at the State level, which is why they need to prioritize budgeting based on their essential needs rather than wants, especially to maintain a balanced rate of 4.95 mills. She further commented on the increase in taxes on the TRIM notices from other agencies such as Orange County and encouraged residents to voice their concerns on those increases at their meetings as well. Brief discussion ensued on the cemetery and City Manager Shadrix reiterated that a plan with associated costs can be brought to a City Commission Meeting before the end of the year. Mayor Johnson noted that fire fees will also need to be reviewed again mid-year. City Manager Shadrix briefly responded to the comment and clarified the specific areas the consultants were assigned to examine. Commissioner Kennedy inquired if a survey is being completed by HR on the Healthcare Clinic. City Manager Shadrix addressed his question. Commissioner Kennedy further commended staff and noted that moving toward a functional budget will result in cost savings. He expressed City Commission Budget Workshop August 27, 2025 3 | P a g e his support for the direction the City Manager is taking . He also asked the Acting Finance Director to give a brief explanation of transfers in and out and went on to highlight the differences between private-sector accounting and governmental fund accounting. City Manager Shadrix praised the professional staff for the reductions made in their operational budget. Mayor Johnson also thanked staff and City Manager Shadrix for being able to include a 3.5% increase in cost of living for the employees. Commissioner Wilsen shared that it is nice when they receive compliments from their residents on the professionalism of the City staff. Commissioner Oliver commented that, unfortunately, many residents are not present to see the sacrifices and budget cuts made by staff in order to balance the budget and maintain the millage rate at 4.95 mills. He commended staff for all their work. Commissioner Firstner echoed the sentiments made by those who spoke before him and thanked the Finance Team for the clear layout of the budget books, noting that they were easy to follow and promoted transparency. Mayor Johnson announced that the next Budget Workshop is no longer necessary and received consensus from the City Commission to cancel it . Therefore, the next budget meeting is the Tentative Budget Public Hearing scheduled for September 10th. • ADJOURNMENT 7:02 PM The meeting adjourned at 7:02 PM. APPROVED: Attest: City of Ocoee ______________________________ ___________________________ Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor OCOEE CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida September 10, 2025 MINUTES 6:00 PM TENTATIVE BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING • CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM Mayor Johnson called the tentative budget hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Commission Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was led by City Manager Shadrix, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner Absent: Commissioner Oliver (City Manager Shadrix shared a message on behalf of Commissioner Oliver explaining his absence.) Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Schaffer, City Clerk Sibbitt, Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke, and Chief Accountant Meruena • PUBLIC HEARING 6:01 PM A. Mayor's Announcement This is a public hearing on the proposed budget and tentative millage rate for the City of Ocoee. Notice of this hearing was contained in the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes mailed by the Property Appraiser. The City Commission has previously set a tentative millage rate of 5.5000 mills which represents a 17.28% increase in millage over the rolled-back rate of 4.6898 mills. B. Briefing by City Attorney 6:02 PM The preliminary millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM Notice is 5.5000 mills. The maximum millage rate, which may be levied by the City by regular majority vote for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is 7.1100 mills, such maximum millage rate having been determined pursuant to Section 200.185(3)(a), Florida Statutes. The establishment of a millage rate between 7.1101 mills and 7.8210 mills requires a two-thirds vote (super majority) of the membership of the City Commission (or 4 votes). The establishment of a millage rate between 7.8211 mills and 10.0000 mills requires a unanimous vote of the City Commission. Additionally, any millage rate adopted above the preliminary millage rate of 5.5000 mills would require notice by first-class mail to each taxpayer. The tentative millage rate adopted at this hearing will become the maximum millage rate which may be adopted by the City Commission at the public hearing on the final millage rate. A unanimous vote or a two-thirds vote may be required to adopt the tentative millage rate as the final millage rate. At the final public hearing, the City Commission may adopt a millage rate which is less than the tentative millage rate. C. Briefing by Assistant Finance Director 6:03 PM Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke announced that the final budget hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 17th, at 6:00 PM, and presented a PowerPoint which summarized the budget priorities, and commitments for FY 2025-2026. Highlights in the presentation covered: Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 10, 2025 2 | Page • Economic Highlights • Departmental Budget Reallocation to increase transparency • Tentative Millage Rate – no change • Capital Projects • General fund total increase is 1.8% Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. No speaker reservation forms were received; therefore, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Wilsen stated that she is pleased that the millage rate remains at 4.9500 mills. D. Announcement by Assistant Finance Director: 6:17 PM Assistant Finance Director Lawitzke recomputed the proposed tentative millage rate and announced the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled- back rate. This percentage is the proposed tentative percentage increase in property taxes. City Manager Shadrix announced that the proposed new tentative millage rate of 4.9500 is 5.5% above the rollback rate. 1. Public Comments 6:20 PM Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments. The following persons addressed the City Commission: - Chris Adkins, Ocoee Resident, expressed his concerns with funding and purchase approvals made prior to the increase in fire protection non-ad valorem assessment and garbage fees. - Cristina Or, Ocoee Resident, expressed reservations about property tax rates in Orange County, particularly in Ocoee where property owners also pay county taxes. She suggested that Orange County and the City of Ocoee collaborate to establish a more affordable rate. - Norine Dworkin, Vox Populi, asked for an explanation of how the budget balanced at 4.9500 mills after the Fire Assessment increase was put in place. City Manager Shadrix addressed her questions. The public hearing was closed. 2. Commissioners’ Comments 6:32 PM Commissioner Kennedy stated that the City Manager is working with Orange County to address taxes. He responded to public comments on property values and taxation, noting the limited ratio of commercial to residential properties and its impact on the millage rate. He further cautioned of a potential financial crisis stemming from state-level decisions and addressed questions regarding revenue from the Forest Lake Golf Course. Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 10, 2025 3 | Page Commissioner Wilsen commented on tax exemptions and explained that when a resident receives an exemption, the City still must produce the money to operate and provide services to residents. City Manager Shadrix addressed a public comment that alleged the City increased the cost of reclaimed water by 90%, clarifying that this is completely false. He explained that the City is absorbing approximately $1.1 million in costs resulting from Orange County’s mandate for an uninterruptible backup supply, and that these costs have not been passed on to residents. Mayor Johnson expounded upon Commissioner Kennedy’s explanation of the millage rate relative to the ratio of commercial property; he also clarified that the City is not purchasing the golf course, it has always owned the property. He further explained that the City bought out the previous operator’s lease to regain control of the golf course’s operation and hire a new operator to make improvements, with more favorable contractual terms. Under the temporary operator, the City is already realizing revenue. Mayor Johnson also explained that Orange County and the Orange County School Board are two separate entities, both which assess ad valorem taxes on residents’ bills. - Alan Vance, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the City’s plan if the state eliminates property taxes. Mayor Johnson addressed his question. Commissioner Wilsen spoke about the Florida League of Cities and the Local Voices United program. Mayor Johnson expressed the need for Ocoee residents to make their voices heard among Orange County leadership. He further pondered the services and the value that Ocoee and its residents receive from the County, taking into consideration the County’s property tax revenue from Ocoee residents. City Manager Shadrix addressed his comments. E. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Millage Rate 6:52 PM City Attorney Schaffer read the title of the ordinance. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE OF 4.9500 MILLS FOR AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE CITY OF OCOEE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING FOR MILLAGE RATE ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF TAXES; PROVIDING FOR 5.5% IN MILLAGE RATE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK RATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt the tentative millage rate at 4.9500 mills for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Oliver absent. Tentative Budget Public Hearing September 10, 2025 4 | Page F. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Budget 6:53 PM City Attorney Schaffer read the title of the ordinance. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt the tentative budget as distributed along with the revisions resulting from the Budget Workshop for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Oliver absent. Mayor Johnson announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final budget, is scheduled to be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Commission Chambers. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with the provisions of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, and Section C-37 of Article VI of the Ocoee City Charter. The appropriate Ordinances necessary to adopt the Final Millage Rate and Final Budget will be prepared by City staff, and all other action necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 200.065, Florida Statutes, will be undertaken. • ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 PM. APPROVED: Attest: City of Ocoee ____________________________ _____________________________ Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor