HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 Approval of Minutes
OCOEE CITY COMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 1, 2026 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 Commissioner Firstner. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and
declared a quorum present.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Firstner, and Commissioner
Oliver
Absent: Commissioner Wilsen
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt
• PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:16 PM
9/11 Remembrance Proclamation – read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson.
• STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 6:18 PM
City Manager Shadrix asked Parks and Leisure Services Director Johnson to provide an
update regarding a previous request from the West Orange Seniors group. Parks and Leisure
Services Director Johnson reported that, following several meetings with Healthy West
Orange, the organization expressed interest in supporting the City’s senior program and offering
an additional program, for a small monthly fee to provide expanded opportunities for seniors in
the community. He also shared that Healthy West Orange is organizing a senior choir event and
requested use of the Lakeshore Center with the rental fee waived. By consensus, the City
Commission approved the request, allowing Healthy West Orange to utilize the
Lakeshore Center for the choir event at no charge.
• PUBLIC COMMENTS 6:22 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Eli Salhab and Charmane Salhab, Ocoee Resident, thanked the City for their support
in bringing Camron’s memorial bench to life, at Coventry Park. Eli requested $3,800 from the
City Commission to help complete the bench and expressed what the memorial bench means
to Camron’s family and the community. Commissioner Firstner stated that he would like to
donate $3,800 from his discretionary funds.
- George Crews and Gregg Dobbs, Crews Ink, provided an update on their plans to
establish a Halloween attraction at the West Oaks Mall and requested approval of their
special event permit. Development Services Director Nick Lepp provided background on
Regular City Commission
September 1, 2026
2 | Page
the proposed project and explained that the permit had been denied due to the property’s
zoning requirements and applicable timeline restrictions. Discussion followed among the City
Commission, City Attorney, staff, and the applicants regarding the request.
Motion: Move to support staff’s decision to deny the special event permit; Moved by
Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 3-1 with
Commissioner Oliver opposing and Commissioner Wilsen absent.
- Dr. Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, provided a presentation on the importance of water
conservation.
• CONSENT AGENDA 6:59 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-5; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy,
seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 4-0 with Commission Wilsen being
absent.
1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held August 18, 2026.
(City Clerk Sibbitt)
2. Approval of Reappointment to the Police Officers’/Firefighters’ Retirement Board of
Trustees. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
3. Approval of Appointment to the General Employees' Pension Board of Trustees. (City
Clerk Sibbitt)
4. Approval of Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety High Visibility Enforcement and Support
Program. (Police Chief Ogburn)
5. Approval of Change Order No. 4 for ITB #25-002 Ocoee Wastewater Treatment Plant
Reclaimed Water Storage Tank and Pump Station. (Utilities Director Bolling)
• FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE – None
• SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING – None
• PUBLIC HEARING 6:59 PM
6. Public Hearing for Preserve at Crown Point Street Tree Removal Preliminary-Final Large-
Scale Subdivision Plan; Project No. LS-2026-006. AT THE REQUEST OF THE
APPLICANT, THIS ITEM IS BEING WITHDRAWN. (Community Development
Administrator McFarlane)
Mayor Johnson inquired about a date for continuance of this item, and City Manager Shadrix
advised that the item had been withdrawn indefinitely.
Regular City Commission
September 1, 2026
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7. Public Hearing for Adoption of the Septic-To-Sewer Final Assessment Resolution.
(Utilities Director Bolling)
Utilities Director Bolling provided a background summary of the Septic-to-Sewer Assessment
Services Program and the proposed Resolution.
Mayor Johnson inquired whether there was a state statute applicable to this matter and asked
how many properties were affected. Utilities Director Bolling addressed his questions.
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 2026-14 adopting the Septic-to-Sewer Final
Assessment Resolution for the FY 26-27; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen being absent.
• REGULAR AGENDA - None
• MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS 7:05 PM
Mayor Johnson announced the upcoming Budget Hearings and City Events for the month of
September and October.
• COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:06 PM
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following: 7:06 PM – 7:08 PM
1) Stated that although he does not disagree with the vote, he does believe that the applicant
for the Halloween event at the West Oaks Mall was willing to make the necessary
concessions; however, there were too many unmet conditions.
2) Gave kudos to Public Works regarding sidewalks being repaired and roads being paved,
as he has received a few emails and calls regarding the matter.
3) Read an inspirational quote.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following: 7:08 – 7:09 PM
1) Encouraged everyone to drive safely, as school is back in session.
2) Announced that we are in the midst of hurricane season and there are a few systems
currently in the Gulf and Atlantic and encouraged everyone to pay attention and be prepared.
Commissioner Kennedy – Commented on the following: 7:09 PM – 7:11 PM
1) Agreed with Commissioner Oliver’s comment regarding the Halloween event and
expressed the importance of planning early.
Regular City Commission
September 1, 2026
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Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following: 7:11 PM – 7:15 PM
1) Agreed with Commissioner Kennedy’s comments regarding the Halloween event.
2) Commented on the process he witnessed at the Orange County Commission meeting
regarding the audience applauding during the meeting.
3) Commented on the importance of E-Bike safety.
• ADJOURNMENT 7:15 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ ___________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
OCOEE CITY OMMISSION
Ocoee Commission Chambers
1 N. Bluford Avenue
Ocoee, Florida
September 9, 2026 MINUTES 6:00 PM
TENTATIVE BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
• CALL TO ORDER 6:00 PM
Mayor Johnson called the final budget hearing to order at 6:15 PM in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was led by Commissioner Oliver followed by the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Johnson.
Present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner
Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, City Clerk Sibbitt, Finance Director
Weber, 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 tenta tive millage rate of 5.2922
mills which represents a 10% increase in millage over the rolled -back rate of 4.8111 mills.
B. Briefing by City Attorney 6:02 PM
The preliminary tentative millage rate set by the City Commission and contained in the TRIM
Notice is 5.2922 mills. Effective June 24, 2026, Senate Bill 4-F revises the calculation for
determining the maximum millage rate that a county, municipality, special district, or municipal
service taxing unit may levy. Section 2 of SB 4-F, amends subsection 200.065(5), Florida
Statutes, to remove a calculation of the current year's maximum millage rate based on the prior
year's taxes and maximum millage rate and removes the option to levy the adopted rate from
the prior year, if higher. The amendment provides that the maximum millage rate that may be
levied is the rolled-back rate computed under 200.065(1), F.S. A taxing authority may adopt a
millage rate of up to 110 percent of the rolled-back rate by a two-thirds vote of the membership
of the governing body. A taxing authority may adopt a millage rate exceeding 110 percent of the
rolled-back rate by a unanimous vote of the membership of the governing body. At the final
public hearing, the City Commission may adopt a millage rate which is less than the tentative
millage rate.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 9, 2026
2 | P a g e
C. Briefing by Finance Director 6:03 PM
Finance Director Weber thanked City Management and staff for assisting in developing the
budget. He further announced that the final budget hearing is scheduled for Wednesday,
September 23rd, at 6:00 PM, and presented a PowerPoint which summarized the budget
priorities, and commitments for FY 2026-2027. Highlights in the presentation covered:
• Budget Process Timeline
• Economic Highlights
• Staffing Comparison
• Millage Rate and Property Values
• General Fund Revenues and Expenditures
• Increasing Public Safety Cost for Police and Fire
• Grant Activity Highlights
• Financial Challenges.
1. Public Comments 6:13 PM
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Johnmichael Fernandez, Ocoee Resident, expressed his concerns with several of the
proposed budget line items.
- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, expressed his understanding of the budget and the
current economy. He gave kudos to the City Staff for a job well done.
2. Commissioners’ Comments 6:21 PM
Mayor Johnson closed the floor for public comments and opened the floor for comments by
the Commissioners.
Commissioner Kennedy requested a calculation of where the budget would be balanced, for
the general fund, in millage, if EMS and Building had not been removed and the fire
assessment had not been increased and Finance Director Weber responded to his inquiry.
Commissioner Kennedy also addressed a few of the comments and concerns mentioned
during public comments.
Commissioner Wilsen addressed comments made during public comment, highlighting the
use of some of the allocations mentioned, such as advisory boards, community events, and
lobbyist.
Commissioner Firstner thanked and gave kudos to City Management and City Staff on a job
well done. He acknowledged their hard work and dedication to getting it done and making it
work.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 9, 2026
3 | P a g e
Commissioner Oliver thanked City Staff for putting the budget and budget books together so
fluently. He commented on how easy it is to read and follow, in comparison to past years.
Mayor Johnson echoed the comments of the Commission and gave kudos to City
Management and City Staff.
D. Announcement by Finance Director 6:41 PM
Finance Director Weber announced that the proposed tentative millage rate of 4.9500 mills
is 2.89% above the rollback rate of 4.8111 mills. This is the millage rate at which the General
Fund budget is balanced.
1. Public Comments 6:42 PM
Mayor Johnson opened the floor for public comments.
No speaker reservation forms were received; therefore, the public hearing was closed.
2. Commissioners’ Comments – None
E. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Millage Rate 6:42 PM
City Attorney Geller read the title of the ordinance with the correct millage rate and
percentage in millage over the rolled-back rate.
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, 2026, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
2027; PROVIDING FOR MILLAGE ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF
TAXES; PROVIDING FOR 2.89% IN MILLAGE RATE OVER THE ROLLED-BACK RATE;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt a tentative millage rate of 4.9500 mills for
the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027; Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried 5-0.
F. Motion to Adopt the Tentative Budget 6:45 PM
City Attorney Geller 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, 2026, AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Tentative Budget Public Hearing
September 9, 2026
4 | P a g e
Motion: Move that the City Commission adopt the tentative budget as distributed at this
Tentative Budget Public Hearing for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and
ending September 30, 2027; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, Seconded by
Commissioner Firstner. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Johnson announced the public hearing to consider the final millage rate, and final
budget, is scheduled to be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall
Commission Chambers. The hearing will be 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 6:46 PM.
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
____________________________ _____________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor