HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
December 16, 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
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:17 PM
Ocoee Music Festival Dash of the Century 5K Beneficiary Check Presentation – Beth
Otts with Chick-fil-A provided a brief overview of the 2025 Ocoee Music Fest 5K event and
thanked City staff, sponsors, and the Community for their support. She then presented a
check to Terrie Scott of A Heart to Give, Inc., who shared the organization’s mission and
website information.
Healthy West Orange Trails Connection (HWOTC) 2025 Program Update – Patrick
Panza, Bike/Walk Central Florida Operations Director, provided the City Commission with a
progress update on the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection program, outlining the
foundational background, framework, and planning and analysis efforts to date. He concluded
by presenting the proposed 2026 implementation plan.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - None
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:36 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Dr. Jim Moyer, Orange Soil and Water Conservation District 2 Representative, gave an
update on the Orange Soil and Water Organization, including the number of
representatives and the need for community involvement. He also shared his concerns
regarding Starke Lake, which Mayor Johnson addressed
- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, spoke on the softball fields and inquired about
specific clauses that can be included in the sales contract. City Attorney Geller
addressed his inquiry.
City Commission Regular Meeting
December 16, 2025
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• CONSENT AGENDA 6:43PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-3; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held December 2,
2025.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of City of Ocoee Participation in Healthy West Orange Trails Connection
(HWOTC) FY26 Cost-Sharing. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator
McFarlane)
3. Approval of Educational Affiliation Agreement with Valencia College. (Deputy Fire
Chief Van Camp)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE - None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING – None
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:44 PM
4. Approval of Resolution of Intent to Use the Uniform Method of Collection for Non-Ad
Valorem Special Assessment. (Utilities Director Bolling)
Utilities Director Bolling provided a summary outlining the requirement to connect to the
sewer system and the proposed approach to assist the 41 downtown customers who are
required to connect to the City’s sewer system under state law and the 2016 Bond, which
funded much of the downtown sewer construction. The City has also secured a $700,000
Florida Springs Protection Grant to cover construction costs for connecting the 41 private
properties. A condition of the grant requires all affected customers to comply with state law
and complete the sewer connection.
To assist residents with this fee, the Utilities Department is evaluating payment options for
Commission consideration. One option is a non-ad valorem tax assessment, which would
allow participating customers to make installment payments through their tax bill.
Commissioner Wilsen inquired whether the assessment remains with the property if a
resident sells their home, and Utilities Director Bolling addressed her question. Mayor
Johnson inquired if this connection extends to Starke Lake. Utilities Director Bolling
addressed his inquiry and advised that the majority of this request is for Floral Street and
Bluford Avenue only at this time. Commissioner Oliver asked what the sewer capital fee is
mandated by the Code. Utilities Director Bolling addressed his inquiry.
City Attorney Geller read the title of the resolution.
City Commission Regular Meeting
December 16, 2025
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The public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution No. 2025-15 For Intent to Use the Uniform Method
of Collection for the Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
• REGULAR AGENDA 6:52 PM
5. Approve Staff to Negotiate a Single-Source Vendor Contract with Cover The Tees to
Upgrade the Driving Range at Forest Lake Golf Club. (Parks and Leisure Services
Director Johnson)
Parks and Leisure Services Director Johnson explained the City’s acquisition of Forest
Lake Golf Club, along with City staff’s plan to develop an operational plan and present
proposed upgrades at a future workshop meeting. He advised that internal staff discussions
have included a master plan identifying elements that would introduce entertainment,
technology, and family-friendly gathering spaces to the golf course, while still preserving the
experience for the everyday golfer. Staff has identified a single-source vendor "Cover The
Tees" with the specialized expertise and experience necessary to deliver the structural
components of the driving range upgrades.
Commissioner Oliver stated that he would like the agreement to include a provision
requiring the vendor to use qualified local contractors to assist with the construction.
Motion: Move to approve Staff to Negotiate a Single-Source Vendor Contract with
Cover the Tees to Upgrade the Driving Range at Forest Lake Golf Club; Moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson requested $2500 from Contingency Funds to support the Blueline Gala and
secure a table. Police Chief Ogburn provided a summary of the program. Commissioner
Kennedy shared that he personally contributed a table donation to the organization using his
discretionary funds.
Motion: Move to approve $2500 from Contingency Funds for a table donation at the
Blueline Gala; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner;
Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson provided an update on upcoming City closures and events in December and
January. He also praised the success of the Jolly Jamboree, commending all staff involved,
as well as City management and staff for their efforts in planning and coordinating the event.
City Commission Regular Meeting
December 16, 2025
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• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:02 PM
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following: 7:02 PM - 7:05 PM (the clock
was stopped from 7:02 PM – 7:05 PM)
1) Inquired about the progress with traffic issues involving the surrounding Orange
County Schools and asked for an update on a representative from Orange County Public
Schools attending a Commission Meeting to discuss this issue. Police Chief Ogburn
addressed his inquiry.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following: 7:05 PM – 7:06 PM
1) Announced that a plaque honoring former Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Member Gordon Applegate will be installed at the skatepark tomorrow at 4:30 PM.
2) Announced that the Police Department offers lockboxes for homes, allowing first
responders access to a key during emergencies. Eligibility is subject to certain criteria.
3) Stated that the Dinner with Santa and Jolly Jamboree events were both great events,
with great community response.
4) Wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following: 7:07 PM – 7:07 PM
1) Expressed his happiness with the City’s holiday décor and thanked City staff.
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 7:07 PM – 7:07 PM
1) Announced that he has a meeting with an Orange County School Board representative
in January and asked for permission to mention the school traffic issue, during their meeting.
2) Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 7:07 PM – 7:11 PM
1) Inquired about the number of Community Service Aids (CSA) on patrol and asked if
they could be moved to a certain area. Police Chief Ogburn addressed his inquiry. City
Manager Shadrix stated that he will speak with the Police Chief regarding this request and
proper protocol for crossing guards.
2) Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
• ADJOURNMENT 7:11 PM
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor