HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2026 MinutesOCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
April 21, 2026 MINUTES 6:15 PM
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
•CALL TO ORDERGR., 17 PVJ
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:17 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 Firstner. Deputy City Clerk Parks called the roll
and declared a quorum present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, Deputy City Clerk Parks
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS : 18 PHI
Presentation of Audit Results for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2025. (Finance
Director Weber)
Finance Director Weber introduced the audit presenter Matthew Ganoe.
Matthew Ganoe, CPA, Audit Partner with Purvis Gray, presented the annual audit for the city.
He emphasized that the City was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting for 2024, and he anticipates the City will also receive the award for 2025.
Mr. Ganoe summarized the auditor's reports which comprise the Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report, and detailed significant events and financial highlights, also noting that the
City met all compliance requirements.
Commissioner Kennedy sought confirmation that the audit being presented was through
September 30th. Finance Director Weber confirmed that is correct. Commissioner Kennedy
asked if the water utility accounts receivable matter discussed at the previous meeting was
discovered after September 30th, to which he received further confirmation. Commissioner
Kennedy then inquired about testing accounts receivable, internal controls, and Purvis Gray's
recommendations for standard changes and write-offs. Finance Director Weber explained that
each year, the Finance Department records a bad debt expense within the utility funds, which
is recorded in the general ledger. The write-off information is accounted for within the utility
billing system. Mr. Ganoe addressed internal controls, stating that risk assessments are done
prior to and during the audit, but depending on the situation, items may or may not rise to the
level of being written in the audit. Commissioner Kennedy asked if, since COVID, it is common
among other cities for the age of their accounts receivable to exceed the statute of limitations.
Mr. Ganoe responded to his question.
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
Commissioner Wilsen inquired if the City is set to utilize all its ARPA funds by the December
31St deadline. City Manager Shadrix responded in the affirmative.
Commissioner Oliver inquired if internal controls are being audited. Mr. Ganoe responded in
the negative, explaining that it would be outside the scope of a financial audit. Commissioner
Oliver asked how the City would know if its operations were compliant. Mr. Ganoe addressed
his question. Commissioner Oliver questioned how often the City should have a financial audit
and an audit that covers internal controls. Mr. Ganoe stated that management should audit
internal controls on a consistent basis, and externally it varies. City Manager Shadrix pointed
out that the City has internally conducted two independent audits within the last year: one for
the Fleet Division and the other for Utility Billing. He also stated that an internal audit is ongoing
for the Forest Lake Golf Club, which the City recently took over.
Drop Savers 2026 Award Presentation. (Utilities Director Bolling)
Utilities Director Bolling and Water Conservation Coordinator Carlson presented the 2026
Drop Savers Contest winners. Water Conservation Coordinator Carlson stated that there
were over 120 submissions and explained what the winners received in their gift bags. She
announced the first, second, and third place winners for each division.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW ' 11ill"il (City Manager's items were heard out
of agenda order)
City Manager Shadrix announced that he will provide an update at the next meeting regarding
AED installations throughout the City, as well as the fire station project. He also gave kudos to
the Parks and Leisure Services Department for successfully completing the installation of a new
playground at Freedom Park on time and within budget. Additionally, he noted that the Utility
Department recently hosted an informational meeting for residents in the North Lakewood area
regarding the gravity sewer project. The project is expected to begin in early summer and will
take approximately two years to complete. Updates, including lane closure information, will be
communicated throughout the duration of the project. Both Orange County Public Schools and
Innovation Montessori have already been provided with relevant information. He further
announced that the Utility Department will host a community meeting on Monday May 4th, from
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lakeshore Center to provide details on payment programs available
to property owners affected by the downtown septic -to -sewer program. Lastly, City Manager
Shadrix shared that an online public survey is available on the City's website, inviting residents
to rank the importance of various public services. The survey is intended to inform future policy
discussions, financial planning, and potential advocacy efforts. It will also be promoted on social
media and with flyers featuring a QR code.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:48 PMN
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
Dr. Jim Moyer, Water and Soil Conservation District 2 Supervisor, gave a brief
presentation on the importance of clean water.
21 Page
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
• CONSENT AGENDA 6 £ ,. PF YI
Consent Aclenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-5; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held April 7, 2026.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of Recommendations to Award Ten (10) Neighborhood Associations an
Ocoee Neighborhood Matching Grant, Totaling $18,546.28. (Community Relations
Manager Wright)
3. Approval to Submit Application for Orange County EMS Grant — Automated External
Defibrillators (AEDs). (Deputy Fire Chief Van Camp)
4. Approval to Award Invitation to Bid (ITB) #26-004 Lakewood Avenue North Gravity
Sewer Project Phase 1 & 2. (Procurement Manager Tolbert)
5. Approval of Replacement Vehicle Purchase Request. (Public Works Director Krug)
-FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 6:5,
6. First Reading of an Ordinance Prohibiting Urination and Defecation in Public Places
(Police Chief Ogburn)
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinances, and it was announced this will be
presented as a second reading and public hearing at the City Commission meeting scheduled
for May 5, 2026, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
-SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE — PUBLIC HEARING:I'
7. Second Reading of Ordinances for 1460 North Lakewood PUD — Annexation,
Rezoning from Orange County A-1 (Citrus Rural District) to Planned Unit Development
(PUD) & PUD Land Use Plan (LUP); Project No. AX-12-25-09 & RZ-25-12-19.
(Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane)
Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane presented a brief overview of the
subject property and the proposed PUD Land Use Plan. The property is considered logical and
eligible for annexation, and the proposed rezoning aligns with Florida Statutes, the Joint
Planning Area, Comprehensive Plan, and Future Land Use Map. The Development Review
Committee (DRC) and Staff have made recommendations of approval.
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.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2026-02 for 1460 North Lakewood PUD —
Annexation; Proiect No. AX-12-25-09; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by
Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Kennedy noted that some residents oppose the rezoning due to traffic concerns
and requested additional details and clarification regarding potential traffic relief options.
31 Page
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
Concurrency and Commitment Coordinator McFarlane responded to his questions.
Development Services Director Lepp explained that the proposed center turn lane is intended
to move the vehicles turning out of the main travel lanes, improving traffic flow. Commissioner
Kennedy also inquired about the project timeline, which Development Services Director Lepp
addressed. Commissioner Kennedy then requested further clarification on planned
intersection improvements, and Development Services Director Lepp provided additional
information. City Manager Shadrix added that the project will require close coordination with
Orange County. Commissioner Kennedy inquired about the intersection improvements at
Wurst Road and Lakewood Ave and Development Services Director Lepp stated that when
the subdivision plan is submitted a traffic study focusing on the traffic movement count, at that
intersection, will be done. This will determine if a left turn lane will be needed. Mayor Johnson
asked whether a traffic signal would be installed at Wurst Road, and Development Services
Director Lepp indicated that a signal would be considered if warranted by future traffic studies.
Commissioner Oliver noted that traffic calming measures could be discussed during upcoming
budget workshops. He also inquired about the list of projects being coordinated with Orange
County, and City Manager Shadrix responded to his inquiry.
Motion: Move to approve Ordinance 2026-03 for 1460 North Lakewood PUD — Rezoning;
Project No. RZ-25-12-09; Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner
Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.
8. Second Reading of Ordinance for the Annual Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment to
Adopt Five -Year Schedule of Capital Improvements & Update the Capital Improvement
Element (CIE); Project No. CPA-2026-001. (Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator
McFarlane)
Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane presented a brief overview of the
Comprehensive Plan and the associated Capital Improvements Element (CIE). He further
explained that the CIE is required to be a part of the Comprehensive Plan by Florida Statutes,
and that the proposed five-year capital improvements program was approved by the City
Commission as part of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.
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 2026-04 for the Annual Comprehensive Plan Text
Amendment to Adopt Five -Year Schedule of Capital Improvements & Update the Capital
Improvement Element (CIE); Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by
Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
9. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending the City of Ocoee Municipal Police Officers'
and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund. (Pension Board Attorney Herrera)
4 1 P a g e
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
Chair Pace introduced Pension Board Attorney Herrera who stated that there has been no
changes since the first reading of this ordinance and he was present to answer any questions
and address any concerns.
Commissioner Firstner asked if any assumptions were being changed and Pension Board
Attorney Herrera confirmed no.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired about when the board met and asked for an illustration of the
board's recommendation and Pension Board Attorney Herrera addressed his inquiry.
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 2026-05 providing for an Amendment to the City of
Ocoee Municipal Police Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement Trust Fund; Moved by
Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
10. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending the City of Ocoee General Retirement Trust
Fund. (Pension Board Attorney Herrera)
Chair Cowan stated that on November 6, 2024, the General Employee's Pension Board
approved to restate the ordinance. Pension Board Attorney Herrera stated that there have
been no changes since the first reading of this ordinance, and he was present to answer any
questions and address any concerns.
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 2026-06 providing for an Amendment to the City of
Ocoee General Retirement Trust Fund; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
-PUBLIC HEARING 7' Flhj'J
11. Approval of Resolution for the Abandonment and Vacation of the Right of Way for North
Cumberland Avenue Vacate; Project No. VAC-26-040. (Concurrency & Commitment
Coordinator McFarlane)
Concurrency & Commitment Coordinator McFarlane stated that this property is located in
District 2 and is approximately 18,405 square feet. He stated that this is a staff -initiated request
due to the construction of Unity Park and the desire to combine various parcels that make Unity
Park into one distinct parcel. He mentioned that on the south side of the vacated right-of-way
there is a resident at the entrance of Unity Park, and staff have ensured that they have access
to the public right-of-way and that their property remains and is not isolated. Staff recommends
5 1 P a g e
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
approval of the resolution.
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 2026-02 for the Abandonment and Vacation of the
Right of Way for North Cumberland Avenue Vacate; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen,
seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 5-0.
-REGULAR AGENDA - None
-MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Johnson inquired about the July 4th fireworks being a part of the 250-year celebration.
Assistant City Manager Rumer confirmed that Parks and Leisure Services is working on the
celebration and that the July 4th fireworks will be included. Mayor Johnson went onto announce
the upcoming May City events.
-COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Y _'
Commissioner Kennedy — No further comments.
Commissioner Wilsen — Commented on the following � Pr - 7
1) Encouraged residents to take the city survey located on the City website.
Commissioner Firstner — No further comments.
Commissioner Oliver — 7 : 28 I VW�' ; 0 PM
1) Announced that the Hackney Prairie streetscape is complete and it looks good. He asked
if there is a plan to add raisers or if what is there is final. City Manager Shadrix stated
that he will provide an answer at a later date.
2) Stated that he will be soliciting to district 4 residents to fill out applications for the Code
Enforcement Board and encouraged residents who desire to be on the board to contact
him.
3) Read an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Kennedy inquired whether each Commissioner should appoint a set
number of members to the Code Enforcement Board and invited input from the Commission.
The City Commission reached a consensus to allow each Commissioner to submit
names for consideration. Mayor Johnson added that the Chair of the Code
Enforcement Board should provide the list of names referenced in the petition presented at
the previous meeting.
Mayor Johnson — Commented on the following: Y:9� 141,1i - :36
1) Inquired about the status of the demolition of the recording studio, Assistant City
Manager Rumer provided a brief update.
6 1 P a g e
Regular City Commission Meeting
April 21, 2026
2) Inquired about the power and streetlights on Oakland Avenue and City Manager
Shadrix addressed his •
3) Asked if the landscaping in front of the Lakeshore Center can be upgraded with pavers
and flowers and City Manager Shadrix stated that it will be addressed.
♦. Mayor Johnson questioned if light poles can be installed at the Lakeshore Center and
Bill Breeze Park to be used during nighttime events and City Manager Shadrix stated
that it will be put into the May budget amendment.
'ToIng-01
Attest:
T Victoria Parks, Deputy City Clerk
7 1 P a g e