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Home My WebLink About02-17-2026 MinutesOCOS E CITY COMMISSION Ocoee Commission Chambers 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida M•ruary 17, 2026 MINUTES 6-15 PIE -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 Kennedy. Deputy City Clerk Parks 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 Deputy City Clerk Parks Montessori Education Week Proclamation 2026 - Read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson and accepted by representatives from Innovation Montessori Ocoee. Ocoee Middle School Renovation Project Update — Andy Orrell, Orange County Public Schools, introduced the project team overseeing the renovation of Ocoee Middle School. Tom Warmen, HuntonBrady Architects, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the comprehensive renovation plan, including the proposed scope of work, building layouts, exterior improvements, updated elevations, interior enhancements, and overall functional upgrades to the campus. Freddy Torres, Williams Company, concluded the presentation by reviewing project statistics and the anticipated timeline, noting that the project is scheduled for completion in 2028. Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments on the Ocoee Middle School Renovation Project. The following persons addressed the City Commission; ission: - Cathy Sills, Ocoee Resident, commented that she is impressed with what is being completed for the faculty and students but inquired about the findings of St. John's Water Management District in regard to drainage on Lakeshore Drive and the presenters addressed her concerns. Ms. Sills also inquired about potential school -related traffic impacts and whom residents should contact if traffic issues occur. Mr. Orrell addressed her question, - Justin Jansen, Ocoee Resident, asked whether the retention area for the ponds would be increased. He was advised that it would. - Patricia Robertson, Ocoee Resident, stated that her property did not experience any water issues until Ocoee Middle School was rebuilt and expressed concern that the planned upgrades could worsen the situation. She also shared concerns regarding the potential for increased traffic and reduced privacy. Mr. Orrell addressed her concerns. - Dr. Jim Moyer, Orange County Water and Soil Conservation District 2 Supervisor, expressed his concerns with the extreme weather conditions and the retention ponds water runoff. Commissioner Wilsen expressed her disappointment in the attendance of the zoom meeting and the lack of communication between the Orange County School Board and Ocoee residents. so. 0 191 a 41- NO, a M__ it I I ffilft 111 *11 WN M 1111 ""' r", I � 1- "T04 ! I me i 11 i "I DIAMONOr"WIPMR161101 Commissioner Firstner stated that the project looks very nice, in general, and will enhance the cosmetics of the school, but it will not enhance the quality of education for the students. He suggested that OOPS focus their efforts to recruit and retain high -quality teachers. Commissioner Oliver commented on the overall cost of the project and expressed the opinion that the funds may have been better allocated toward constructing a new school. Mayor Johnson commented that some of the concerns discussed have existed for approximately 40 years and have never been corrected. He expressed concern that the School Board has not visited Ocoee to directly understand the challenges residents are facing and felt that a School Board representative should have been present at tonight's meeting. -STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 710 PM City Manager Shadrix announced item number six (6) on the consent agenda needs to pulled and moved to the March 31d City Commission meeting. He also provided an update their trip to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the zip code change, noting that they were pair with two other cities involved in Senate Bill 1455A follow-up trip is being proposed for Mar, 16th — 17th, and he is requesting authorization for the same attendees to participate in lobby[ efforts. He is seeking approval to use contingency funds to cover the costs of the return trip NO I Washington, ZT-TWEMYNN Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0. -PUBLIC COMMENTS ?-,15 Pm The following persons addressed the City Commissiow - Cr. Jim Moyer, Orange County Water and Soil Conservation District 2 Supervisor, commented on the extreme climate change and encouraged everyone to help save the world. - David Barenburg, Ocoee Resident, commented on House Bill 1879 and the need for sewer service in the Marion Park area. Currently, residents there rely on septic systems, and since sewer installation is not planned within the next decade, replacement or repairs to failing septic tanks could be costly for homeowners. City Manager Shadrix shared that he is in the process of scheduling a meeting with Orange County to discuss several issues in which this would fit into. He further shared that the City has received a grant to do its own resiliency program, which opens the door to seek direct State funding; this all may help benefit residents. Mayor Johnson commented on money the City of Apopka received from Orange County. Commission Oliver shared that policy are made and certain decisions are made at the County leve' and encourage residents to vote. Consent Agenda 111otion Motion: Move to adopt consent Agenda items #1.5 and #7-10 with Item #6 bei nq table until the March 3rd Regular Ci!y Commission Meeting; Moved by Commissi Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen;,_-Motion c-arried 5-0. A 1 Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held February 3, 2026. (Acting City Clerk Parks) 2. Approval of the Florida Lighting Service Agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC for W. Oakland Ave Lighting, (City Engineer Womack) 3. Approval of Flotech Environmental, LLC as a Single Source Vendor for Ocoee Hills Rd/Apricot Dr Drainage Pipe Replacement Project. (City Engineer Womack) 4. Acceptance of Appropriation Grant from the State of Florida for Ocoee Fire Station 38. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp) 5. Approval to Transition Fire Department Wireless Communications to FirstNet. (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp) 6. Approval to Award Invitation to Bid (ITB) #26-003 City of Ocoee Downtown Septic to Sewer Connections Project. (Procurement Manager Tolbert) Ulm I I POT-M NONVIMM. 3rd Regular City Commission Meeting. 9 7. Approval to Contract with Genuine Parts Company, Doing Business as AP an Assigned to Glenn Joiner & Son, Inc., Providing On -Site Management of the Fleet Parts Supply. (Public Works Director Kr0g) & Approval of Traffic Signal Control Box Replacement - McGuire Rd. & Tomyn Rd. (Public Works Director Kr0g) 9Approval of Sensus Software as a Service Agreement. (Utilities Director Bolling) 10Approval of Power and Pumps as Single Source Vendor for Small Lift Station Pumping Repairs and Replacements. (Utilities Director Bolling) Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming City events of the months of February and March. Commissioner Oliver — Commented on the following, 7-34, PM 7:36 PM #T111qE3= Commissioner Wilsen — Commented on the following- 7.36 PM 7-37 PM I ) Announced and gave details on the Shred to Protect event scheduled for March 14th Commissioner Kennedy — Commented on the following- 7:37 PM —7t139 Phn 1) Stated that he is excited about the changes being made to the Code Enforcement Board, 2) Mentioned that renewal for the liaison positions on the City Advisory boards are coming up and asked the Commission to do a thorough review of each board, so that everyone has a clear understanding of the purpose and mission of each board. Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnt, Mayor