HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes1 | Page
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
November 18, 2025 AGENDA 6:15 PM
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:16 PM
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:16 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
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
Presentation on Downtown from the Downtown Master Developer Consultant
Assistant City Manager Rumer introduced G3 Development Business Group, who was
selected through a Request for Qualifications to work with the City to develop a vision for
Downtown.
Jake Guenther, G3 Development Business Group, presented the Master Developer Report,
highlighting some of its main points. Topics included:
• Executive Overview – Why Now?
• The City’s Adopted Vision
• Development Framework
• Financial Reality – Grounding the Vision
• Tools to Bridge the Gap
• Key Assets and Opportunities
• Implementation Roadmap
• Next Steps – From Planning to Action
Commissioner Oliver noted he envisioned the proposed bandshell being more along the
water to allow for more seating in the existing grassy area.
Commissioner Firstner opined that he would prefer to see a more upscale restaurant in lieu
of the proposed fish camp-style restaurant.
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
2 | Page
Commissioner Wilsen remembered a downtown plan from years past that included a
bandshell and noted she feels the City is in a better position now to move forward in bringing
plans to fruition. She complimented the City of Wildwood on its new parking garage and how
its downtown area has grown. She further commented that Starke Lake is one of the Ocoee’s
crown jewels which the City should capitalize on, and she hopes to see a lot of the proposed
development in Ocoee completed in her lifetime.
Commissioner Kennedy concurred with Commissioner Firstner’s opinion regarding the
proposed lakefront restaurant. He asked Mr. Guenther’s opinion about the distance and
connection between the proposed bandshell and the downtown merchants, noting that live
music is part of the leverage to get citizens into downtown, but currently those businesses must
provide the music themselves. He inquired how Mr. Guenther would fix that issue. Mr.
Guenther responded to his question.
City Manager Shadrix commented that it is a matter of scale regarding a bandshell. He noted
that an option could be to place a smaller bandshell to activate the downtown area and a main
bandshell at Bill Breeze Park to attract larger events. Discussion ensued regarding the
importance of scale and mutual exclusivity.
Commissioner Kennedy asked what Mr. Guenther recommends the City do today regarding
fiscal policy to facilitate the proposed downtown development in the future. Gerry Guenther,
G3 Development Business Group, addressed his inquiry.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired about a timeline regarding development financial thresholds
and rent costs in the downtown area. Mr. Guenther answered his question.
Mayor Johnson noted that foresight is needed to keep moving forward downtown and opined
that the bandshell should be further off the water to allow for loading and setup. He further
described locations he has visited that match what he envisions. Mr. Guenther responded to
his comments.
Mayor Johnson requested a workshop regarding the downtown plan. City Manager Shadrix
addressed his request. Consensus of the City Commission was to approve a future
workshop.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:45 PM
City Manager Shadrix requested that Item #10, the Approval of the Addendum to the School
Resource Agreement, be pulled from the Consent Agenda, as further legal review determined
the addendum is not necessary at this time. He also shared that the Christmas lights are currently
being installed and that City staff began conducting nightly inspections last night. He further
commended Duke Energy, particularly Lisa Curran, for their cooperation in replacing the
receptacles. He concluded by commending Orlando Health for their outstanding partnership with
the community and announced the launch of a new health initiative for City employees.
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
3 | Page
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:48 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Joseph McMullen, HAPCO Music Foundation, spoke about his nonprofit program and
thanked the City Commission for allowing it to operate in the City of Ocoee and for their
strong partnership and support. He also shared the history of the HAPCO Music Foundation
and provided an overview of their Jazz Clinic Program.
Commissioner Wilsen thanked Mr. McMullen for running a wonderful program.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about their next Jazz Concert event. Mr. McMullen addressed
his question. Commissioner Kennedy inquired if this event is permanently in the budget. City
Manager Shadrix responded to his question and explained that the City Commission has
traditionally approved this request. He added that, if the Commission wishes to direct him to
budget for it going forward, he would be glad to do so. He also noted that sufficient funds have
been budgeted this year to support this event. Brief discussion ensued.
Motion: Move to designate $10,000 from Contingency Funds for the HAPCO Music
Foundation concert event and to waive the facility rental fees for this event; Moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
• CONSENT AGENDA 7:04 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-12 with Item #10 being pulled as
requested by the City Manager; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held October 21, 2025,
and the Special Session held October 21, 2025. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of Reappointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Fire Department
(CACOFD). (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval to Award Contract for Hackney Prairie Roadway Improvements. (City
Engineer Womack)
4. Approval of FY 2025-2026 Budgeted Vehicle and Equipment Purchases. (CIP
Administrator Gajadhar)
5. Approval of Change to Lease Agreement with Holiday Outdoor Decor for Pole-Mounted
Holiday Decorations. (CIP Administrator Gajadhar)
6. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety Bond and Maintenance, Materials, and
Workmanship Agreement for SFG Ocoee Owner, LP for the 429 Business Center Phase
2 East and West. (Development Engineer Keaton)
7. Approval of Declaration of Surplus and Disposal of Assets from FY24/25 Annual
Inventory. (Finance Director Weber)
8. Approval of Interlocal Agreement between Orange County and the City of Ocoee for
Medical Direction. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
4 | Page
9. Approval to Piggyback on the Orange County Master Purchase Agreement to Purchase
Police Radios. (Police Chief Ogburn)
10. Approval of Addendum to School Resource Officer Agreement. (Police Chief Ogburn)
11. Approval for the Granting of 10-foot Utility Easements for Three Properties on Woodson
Ave. (Utilities Director Bolling)
12. Approval to Advertise Resolution of Intent to Use the Uniform Method of Collection for
Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment. (Utilities Director Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING 7:05 PM
13. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Section 124-8 through Section 124-11 of the
Code of Ordinances for Smoking and Vaping Prohibited in Portions of Recreational
Property. (Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines)
Parks and Leisure Services Deputy Director Gaines explained that the City was approached
by the Tobacco Free Partnership of Orange County asking that they amend Chapter 124 of the
Ocoee Code of Ordinances to address Vape and Vaping. The Tobacco Free Partnership stated
that any updated signage can be paid for by them.
Mayor Johnson asked for clarification on the sections being amended. Parks and Leisure
Services Deputy Director Gaines addressed his question.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Victoria Laney, Ocoee Resident, thanked Steve Schaefer from Tobacco Free Florida
for responding when she reached out with concerns about vaping at public events. She also
expressed appreciation to City staff for meeting with the organization to assist with the
ordinance update. Additionally, she thanked the Ocoee Police Department for their recent
sting at vape shops, noting that it may not have been directly related but occurred around
the same time as this request.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about the phrase “prohibited in portions of recreational
property” and asked if some portions of the park allow smoking. City Attorney Geller
addressed his question and read a section of the ordinance. City Manager Shadrix advised
that the ordinance does allow the City to designate smoking areas with the City Commission’s
approval.
- Norine Dworkin, VoxPopuli, asked whether the ordinance prohibits smoking in any
Ocoee parks and expressed concerns about imposing outdoor restrictions. City Attorney
Geller addressed her question by reading the section of the ordinance related to designating
smoking areas.
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
5 | Page
The public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-21, Amending Article II of Chapter 124 of the
Ocoee Code of Ordinances to Establish Section 124-8 through Section 124-11, Smoking
and Vaping Prohibited in Portions of Recreational Property; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, Seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.
14. Second Reading of Ordinance for FY 2025 Year-End Budget Amendment. (Assistant
Finance Director Lawitzke)
City Manager Shadrix explained that this is the second reading of the ordinance and that the
request is a customary year-end closeout action for FY 2025, with no impact on the current
budget. He added that they have good news because when they previously requested to true
up the solid waste fund, the projected amount was higher than the actual year-end figure.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2025-22 for FY 2025 Year-End Budget Amendment;
Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried
5-0.
• PUBLIC HEARING 7:16 PM
15. Public Hearing for 125 S. Circle Key Dr. - Moody Variance Request; Project No. VR-25-
02. (Planner I Belizaire)
Planner Belizaire presented a brief overview of the subject parcel and the requested variance.
She explained that the property was platted in 1976 as part of the Pioneer Key Park mobile
home subdivision and is a substandard lot of record as it does not meet the 7,000 square foot
minimum lot area for the RT-1 zoning district. The parcel also has three (3) frontages where it
abuts the right-of-way; based on its circumstances and conditions, Staff finds there is sufficient
demonstration that the four (4) variance evaluation criteria are met. Staff supports approval of
the variance, and further, at their meeting on October 14, 2025, the Planning and Zoning
Commission voted to recommend approval.
Commissioner Kennedy shared that he watched the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC)
meeting and noted that there was another lot in a similar situation. He inquired whether that
homeowner had received a variance. Planner Belizaire addressed his question.
Gia Lucas, Daughter to the Applicant, explained that the mobile home is used and noted that
the installer misunderstood the process, and installed the mobile home after receiving approval
from the inspector that it met compliance.
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
6 | Page
Commissioner Oliver inquired how the mobile home was tied down. Ms. Lucas addressed
his question. Assistant City Manager Rumer briefly explained the mobile home inspection
process, which is not the same as a zoning approval.
The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve the 125 S. Circle Key Drive – Moody Variance Request; Project
No. VR-25-02 as based on the specific criteria of the variance; Moved by Commissioner
Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
16. Public Hearing for Ocoee Village Center - New Grocery and Fuel Station Large-Scale
Preliminary Site Plan (LSPSP); Project No. LS-2024-011. (Deputy Development
Services Director Whitfield)
Development Services Deputy Director Whitfield presented an overview of the subject
properties and the proposed development. The project would also include the abandonment
and vacation of unimproved rights-of-way along North Lakewood Avenue and Clarcona Ocoee
Road. She presented renderings, including signage without verbiage, for the project. She
further advised that the Development Review Committee (DRC) unanimously recommended
Preliminary Site Plan approval, and at their meeting on October 14, 2025, the Planning and
Zoning Commission also voted to recommend approval.
McGregor Love, Lowndes Law, thanked City Staff for their collaboration in helping to bring
this development project to the preliminary site plan approval phase.
The public hearing was opened. As no speaker forms were received, the public hearing was
closed.
Commissioner Kennedy wished the applicant success and shared that everyone in his district
has been looking forward to this project.
Motion: Move to approve the Ocoee Village Center – New Grocery and Fuel Station
Large-Scale Preliminary Site Plan; Project No. LS-2024-011; Moved by Commissioner
Kennedy, Seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
• REGULAR AGENDA 7:32 PM
17. RFP # 25-006 for the Lease and Operation of the Forest Lake Golf Club. (Assistant City
Manager Rumer)
Assistant City Manager Rumer explained the history of the City’s search for a permanent
operator for the Forest Lake Golf Club.
Commissioner Kennedy stated his preferred operator and offered a suggestion for a
contingency plan.
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
7 | Page
Commissioner Oliver explained how he weighed the available options and stated that he
would like the City to evaluate taking full ownership of the golf course.
Commissioner Firstner expressed that he did not feel the three potential operators had the
City’s best interest in mind. He concurred with Commissioner Oliver’s request.
Commissioner Wilsen opined that she would like to extend the contract with the Temporary
Operator to enable time to evaluate if the City can take over operations internally.
Mayor Johnson discussed looking at what is the best for the City. He stated his preferred
operator and commented that the City cannot keep dragging out the process. He further
advised that he does not want to extend the contract with the temporary operator. Discussion
ensued.
City Manager Shadrix advised that the Commission approve a 90-day extension to the
contract with the Temporary Operator. Discussion ensued.
Motion: Move to reject all three proposals in their entirety, along with any additional
proposals received for RFP #25-006; to extend the current contract with Down to Earth;
and to direct staff to establish a process to collaborate with the City Commission in
order to meet the goals of both the Commission and the citizens; Moved by
Commissioner Firstner, Seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson read a list of upcoming City events.
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:56 PM
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 7:56 PM – 7:59 PM
1) Expressed gratitude to Commissioner Kennedy for encouraging the City to hold the
Veterans’ Day ceremony on the actual holiday and shared his satisfaction with the
caliber of this year’s event.
2) Shared that the time has returned to Eastern Standard Time and advised everyone to
be aware of children outside when there is less daylight.
3) Gave kudos to City staff for the extension of additional Christmas lights along Clarke
Road.
4) Shared an inspirational message.
Commissioner Firstner – No Further Comments.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 7:59 PM – 8:00 PM
1) Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
2) Noted that Operation Santa is also a means of collecting toys for those in need.
3) Reminded everyone that there will be two Commission meetings during December.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following: 8:00 PM – 8:04 PM
1) Thanked Commissioner Oliver for his comments about Veterans’ Day and expressed
Regular City Commission
November 18, 2025
8 | Page
gratitude to City Manager Shadrix and City staff for the events.
2) Inquired about highlighting volunteer and donation opportunities on the City website,
especially during the holidays.
3) Asked about enforcing golf cart laws with respect to age limitations. City Manager
Shadrix responded to his comments.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 8:04 PM – 8:09 PM
1) Asked if the City can discuss middle school drop-off locations with the school board. City
Manager Shadrix addressed his comment. Discussion ensued.
2) Thanked City Staff for their exceptional work making Ocoee Music Fest a success.
• ADJOURNMENT 8:09 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor