09-17-2019 Minutes MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
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 Commissioner Oliver 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: Commissioner Brinson, Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver
Absent: Commissioner Wilsen
Also Present: Assistant City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Cookson, City Clerk Sibbitt
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - 6:17 PM
Proclamation — Hispanic Heritage Month, read by Commission Firstner and proclaimed by
Mayor Johnson.
Proclamation — Diaper Need Awareness Week, read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson.
Proclamation accepted by Sharon Lyles with Central Florida Diaper Bank.
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW- 6:22 PM
Assistant City Manager Shadrix announced before them is the following:
Emergency Item #1 - Approve of Change Order No. 2 for the Lakefront Park
Improvements Project(Phase I) in the amount of$49,103.09 and increase project funding.
(Utilities Director Smith)
Assistant City Manager Shadrix briefly explained that due to the coordination complexity and
public utility conflicts (City water, Duke Energy and Century Link) encountered during the
lakefront park project, the contractor experienced significant delays resulting in several
de/remobilizations. Change Order No. 2 addresses these contractor financial impact(s) and
extends the contract timing accordingly. Additionally, there are two utilities related items that
should be addressed at this time for maximum efficiency and cost savings. Lastly, Protect Ocoee
Water Resource (POWR) program requirements, which includes planting material and irrigation
resources for this endeavor.
Motion: Move to approve Emergency Item #1, Change Order No. 2 for the
Lakefront Park Improvements Project (Phase I) in the amount of $49,103.09 and
increase project funding. Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by
Commissioner Brinson; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
Emergency Item #2 - SJRWMD Grant Award for "The Hammocks Reclaim Retrofit
Project". (Utilities Director Smith)
Assistant City Manager Shadrix briefly explained that in the Spring of 2018 city staff prepared
and submitted two (2)grant project applications for matching funds from Saint Johns River Water
Management District (SJRWMD). Both projects, the Windermere Groves Reclaimed Retrofit
Regular City Commission
September 17, 2019
Project, and the Hammocks Reclaimed Retrofit Project, received high scores, but only the
Windermere project received funding; the Windermere Project is now complete.
SJRWMD, working with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has inquired
as to the City's desire to move forward with the Hammocks Project, as funding has now become
available. Funding shall be based on thirty-three (33%) percent of the requested grant total
($397,692), which is approximately $131,238.
Motion: Move to approve Emergency Item #2, SJRWMD Grant Award for The
Hammocks Reclaim Retrofit Prosect. Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by
Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS - 6:28 PM
Commissioner Brinson — Informed local business owners that the Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority's Doing Business with GOAA seminar will be held at the Lakeshore Center on October
17th, mid-day. He encouraged them to save the date, as additional details will soon be released.
Commissioner Firstner— Shared on October 12th, Orange County will be hosting a Household
Hazardous and Electronic Waste Event, at which residents are encouraged to dispose of all
unwanted hazardous household items.
Commissioner Oliver—None
Mayor Johnson—1) Announced information on the Budget Hearings can be found on the City's
Website and on OcoeeTV. He mentioned as a reminder, the Final Budget Public Hearing is
scheduled for Wednesday, September 25th at 6 PM, in City Hall. 2) Announced the City will be
launching a Parks & Recreation Community Survey later this week. He asked citizens to please
look for social media announcements, or check the City's website to access the survey to assist
the City in their efforts to improve public recreation, as their opinion matters. 3) Introduced Myra
Kinnie and Gail Waxman, longtime residents of Ocoee and Authors of Ocoee a Novel. A brief
overview of their book was given, and Mayor Johnson requested consensus from the commission
to display and sell copies at City Hall. Consensus of the Board was to allow the books
to be displayed and sold at City Hall.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - None
CONSENT AGENDA- 6:34 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 - #15 with Items #7, #8, and
#14 being pulled for discussion and separate consideration.
Moved by Commissioner Firstner, seconded by Commissioner Brinson; Motion
carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
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1. Approval of the Minutes for the Budget Workshop held August 8, 2019, and the
Regular City Commission Meeting held August 20,2019. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Human Relations Diversity Board. (City Clerk
Sibbitt)
The Human Relations Diversity Board was created by Resolution in 2003. The purpose of this board is to
promote understanding,respect,goodwill,and equality among all citizens and businesses of the City of Ocoee.
Members of the Human Relations Diversity Board serve three-year terms. Currently, the Human Relations
Diversity Board has eleven(11)members,and their resolution allows no less than seven(7)members and no
more than thirteen (13) members. One (1) application has been received by Jennifer Porter-Smith who has
shown an interest in being appointed to the Human Relations Diversity Board for a term ending May 2022.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
3. Approval of Contingency Fee Agreement with Romano Law Group, Schochor,
Federico and Staton, PA, Osborne & Francis, Michael Kahn, PA, and Spangenberg
Shibley & Liber LLP for Representation of the City in Connection with Claims for
Damages Related to Opioid Drugs. (City Attorney Cookson)
The Applicant Team, identified as the Romano Law Group, Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA, Osborne &
Francis, Michael Kahn, PA, and Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, has offered to represent the City on a
contingency fee basis for the recovery of claims for damages sustained by the City related to the manufacture,
distribution, and sale of opioid drugs. The City will not pay any fees or costs unless and until the Applicant
Team makes the recovery of damages on behalf of the City.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
4. Approval of Resolution Relating to the Acquisition by Eminent Domain of Property.
(Assistant City Manager Shadrix)
The City needs to acquire certain property for the City of Ocoee Master Stormwater Pond Project.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
5. Approval of the Right-of-Way Transfer Agreement and Continuing Maintenance
Agreement between the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) and the City.
(City Planner Rumer)
Ocoee Village is planning a gateway development into the City of Ocoee at SR429 and Franklin Street. In
order to access Ocoee Village from Franklin Street(also known as State Road 438),the developer must obtain
a driveway cut permit from the Florida Department of Transportation(FDOT).However,the frontage strip of
property between Ocoee Village and Franklin Street is owned by the Central Florida Expressway Authority
(CFX) by eminent domain and is used by CFX as a drainage easement. CFX is not a permitting agency.
Therefore, FDOT must issue a driveway cut permit; however, in order for FDOT to issue a driveway cut
permit,the property must be owned by the City.CFX is proposing to transfer the property to the City of Ocoee
via Quit Claim Deed in return for the City to agree to maintain the use of the strip as a drainage easement and
to provide continuing future maintenance of the strip. The CFX jurisdictional transfer agreement is included
for City approval subject only to approval by CFX and City staff of the legal description for the strip of
property to be conveyed.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
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6. Approval of Utility Extension/Lift Station Agreement for 4 Locos Taco Restaurant—
101 West Silver Star Road. (City Planner Rumer)
The City desires to support the development/redevelopment of properties in the downtown area. One of the
ways the City supports development is by assisting with upgrades to the water and sewer systems. The City
currently has the opportunity to partner with VMG Construction, Inc., (4 Locos Development) to extend
central sewer and upgrade the waterline along North Cumberland Avenue,per"North Cumberland Lift Station
#69 Construction Project" Plans. The project's improvements will directly support the "Initial Phase" of the
North Cumberland Service Area and provide future sewer extension opportunities to the "Extended Phase."
The partnership will consist of VMG constructing the water and sewer improvements with the City
reimbursing VMG an amount of$222,500.00 ($210,000 for sewer and $11,500 for water) and providing a
capital connection credit of two(2)ERUs(Equivalent Residential Unit)Sewer for the development.The City
recently approved a similar partnership with Top Gun on August 6, 2019, where the City will reimburse the
developer$215,170.87 for comparable lift station and force main improvements. Staff will be preparing and
seeking commission approval for a fair share partnering program for any future development for this service
area.The program will be similar to the Southwest Utilities Installation Program already in existence and will
include seeking input and comments from stakeholders in the area. Staff/City Attorney will work with VMG
Construction to prepare a "Letter of Understanding" formalizing the partnership conditions between the
parties.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
7. Approval of Non-Substantial Amendment to Tract C of the Prairie Lake Planned Unit
Development(PUD). (City Planner Rumer)
The Prairie Lake PUD is located on both sides of Clarke Road between Hackney Prairie Road and A.D.Mims
Road.However,this particular request will only affect Tract C of the Prairie Lake PUD. Specifically,Tract C
is permitted for up to 125,000 S.F. of Commercial uses and is located on the northeast corner of Clarke Road
and A.D. Mims Road and is approximately 13.99 acres in size. Tract C is under two(2)separate owners. The
City owns what is shown as Tract Cl &C2,which consists of 11.99 acres,and two(2)acres are owned by the
original developer.The entire tract is currently vacant,undeveloped and is mostly covered with trees.Meritage
Homes is currently under contract with the City to purchase 8.71 acres of Tract C for the sole purpose of
developing an 80-unit townhome development. Meritage Homes is requesting to amend Tract C, reduce the
amount of Commercial and transfer unused residential density to the 8.71 aces. The City would retain 3.28
acres along Clarke Road. Staff has determined the proposed amendment to the PUD and PUD Land Use plan
does not meet the threshold for processing under the substantial amendment process. Staff further determined
that by developing a similar townhome product adjacent to the existing townhomes to the east,there will not
be an adverse impact. Also, since townhomes are already located adjacent to Tract C, the remaining
Commercial in Tract C will remain the same.
Commissioner Oliver initially voiced objections on the approval of this project, due to a
misunderstanding on the location; however, once clarification was given on the location, he
advised he did not have an issue with this project.
Motion: Move to approve Item #7 — Non-Substantial Amendment to Tract C of the
Prairie Lake Planned Unit Development (PUD); Moved by Commissioner Oliver,
seconded by Commissioner Brinson; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner
Wilsen absent.
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8. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and
Workmanship Agreement with Mattamy Orlando for the Preserve at Crown Point
Phase 2B Subdivision. (Development Engineer Womack)
The Preserve at Crown Point is a single-family residential subdivision located on Ocoee Crown Point Parkway
just west of Ocoee High School. The Preserve at Crown Point Phase 2B is made up of 153 detached single-
family homes. The developer has completed construction of the infrastructure improvements for the
subdivision and has requested a Certificate of Completion. The infrastructure improvements include the
potable water, sanitary sewer and reclaimed water utilities, the street and stormwater collection system, and
the perimeter wall/fencing and associated landscaping. All identified punch list repairs have been completed
and the developer is ready to start the two-year warranty period for the public improvements.As a requirement
of the Land Development Code, the developer is required to furnish the City a Surety to cover any possible
damages discovered during the next two years, should the developer not choose to make those repairs.
Mattamy Orlando LLC has provided the City with a Letter of Credit in the amount of 10%of the constructed
improvements. The Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship Agreement acts as the executable document
between the developer and the City. The Surety will be returned to the developer upon completion of the two-
year warranty period and the repair of any damages caused over those two years.
Commissioner Brinson inquired about the scheduling for Ocoee Crown Point Parkway on the
backside of Crown Point. Assistant City Manager Shadrix explained this item is not related to
the Ocoee Crown Point Parkway improvement. He briefly explained the approval of this item
would put a two-year warranty on all the internal improvements specific to the Preserve at Crown
Point Subdivision. As a requirement of the Land Development Code, the developer is required to
furnish the City a Surety to cover any possible damages discovered during the next two years,
should the developer choose not to make those repairs.
City Planner Rumer provided Commissioner Brinson with a brief update on the Ocoee Crown
Point Parkway.
Motion: Move to approve Item #8 — Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance,
Materials, and Workmanship Agreement with Mattamy Orlando for the Preserve at
Crown Point Phase 2B Subdivision; Moved by Commissioner Brinson, seconded
by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
9. Approval of Interlocal Agreement Between Orange County and City of Ocoee for Fire
Dispatch Services. (Fire Chief Miller)
Orange County provides fire dispatch services for the City of Ocoee Fire Depaitcnent. The current agreement
for these services expires on September 30, 2019. Orange County has provided a renewal for the agreement
with a term of five(5)years to begin on October 1,2019,and terminate on September 30,2024.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
10. Approval to Award RFQ #19-008 Construction Manager at Risk for Fullers Cross
Road and Ocoee Apopka Road Intersection Improvements. (Purchasing Agent
Tolbert)
The City Commission approved the Interlocal Agreement with Orange County for the improvements to the
Fullers Cross Road and Ocoee-Apopka Road Intersection, whereas the City agreed to manage the design,
bidding and construction of the Improvements. The design portion is current at 60% with Vanasse Hangen
Brustlin(VHB), and the CMaR firm will provide pre-construction services in collaboration wNHB to finish
the design. The existing intersection is a signalized, four-way crossing with rural sections on both roads.The
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proposed improvements will add left-turn deceleration lanes from the four approaches, adding southbound
and eastbound right-turn deceleration lanes and the replacement of the existing traffic signal with a mast arm
traffic signal. The RFQ was advertised on June 30, 2019 and was publicly opened on July 30, 2019. There
were two (2) responses submitted. The Finance and Public Works Departments reviewed the qualification
statements and both were considered responsive.The two(2)responses were evaluated by the RFQ Evaluation
Committee appointed by the City Manager.The public RFQ Evaluation meeting was held on August 14,2019
for the purpose of interviewing the two (2) firms and finalizing the shortlist for recommendation of award.
The evaluation committee short-listed the following firms in ranked order and recommends contracting with
the top-ranked firm Oelrich Construction.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
11. Approval to Renew Motorola Service Agreement for Radio Services. (Police Chief
Brown)
In November 1995, the Honorable Mayor and Board of City Commissioners authorized the purchase of the
Motorola 800 MHz Radio system,which is still being utilized by the City in conjunction with Orange County's
radio system. Also purchased with the radio system was a service maintenance agreement. The agreement is
required for equipment that is no longer under factory warranty.Included in the agreement is all covered radio
equipment currently owned by the City of Ocoee with the exception of the radio equipment purchased by the
City for the Fire Department. The proposed agreement takes effect on October 1, 2019 and runs through
September 30,2020.The cost of the service agreement for the next 12 months is$21,738.96.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
12. Approval of Engineering Design Services for East Oakland Avenue from South
Lakewood Avenue to North Lakeshore Drive with CPH,Inc. (Public Works Director
Krug)
The Engineering Design Services for the Commission approved Downtown Streets were awarded to CPH,
Inc.,under RFQ#1705. In coordinating with the City Hall/Park Master Plan, it was determined the design of
Oakland Avenue between Lakewood Avenue and Lakeshore Drive would best benefit the City by assigning
the project to CPH,Inc., as the firm is also designing the adjoining portions of McKey and Lakewood around
the new City Hall complex. The improvements to this portion of Oakland will include highly technical
permitting of underground drainage features to treat stormwater from the Lakeshore Center/Maguire House
parking areas along with the adjacent Lakewood and McKey upgrades. Public Works negotiated the fee for
this work at$47,176.00. Public Works recommends approval of the work with CPH, Inc.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
13. Notification of Emergency Force Main Repair on Silver Star Road Near the
Intersection of Clarke Road per Emergency Notification - Section 21.6, Chapter 21,
City of Ocoee Code of Ordinances. (Utilities Director Smith)
On Sunday, August 4, 2019,the Ocoee Police Department was notified that water was bubbling up from the
East Silver Star Road near the Clarke Road intersection.The water source appeared to be from an existing 16-
inch sewer force main;however,excavation was necessary to confirm.Due to the depth of the line a contractor
was called in to complete the repair. Staff reached out to several contractors and J. Malever was the only
company able to mobilize immediately. Once flow to the 16-inch force main was diverted,the roadway was
excavated and it was determined that a 6-inch capped branch line stubbing off of the 16-inch force main
ruptured. J. Malever performed excavation, pipe repairs, paving, and striping services. GEC performed the
required backfill testing for submittal to FDOT for the roadway.Several septic companies assisted by pumping
lift stations. Repairs were completed August 6,2019 at 8:30 AM.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
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14. Notification of Emergency Reclaimed Water Main Repair on North Clarke Road per
Emergency Notification-Section 21.6, Chapter 21, City of Ocoee Code of Ordinances.
(Utilities Director Smith)
Both the Public Works and Utilities Departments were notified in the second week of March 2019 of a
damaged utility line under the pavement of North Clarke Road.A Kussmon Services LLC., a directional drill
contractor, ruptured the City's 12-inch reclaimed waterline and due to the rupture caused the roadway to be
undermined. Kussmon Services did not have the resources to make the necessary repairs. With concurrence
of the Utilities Director and the Risk Manager, the Utilities Department requested Tri-Sure Corporation to
mobilize to the site for repairs. Tri-Sure had previously done utility work for the City and was working in the
City at the time of the incident. The reclaimed water system has been repaired, and the roadway has been
patched until a full FDOT level repair can be completed.
Commissioner Brinson inquired if Kussman Services, LLC had a surety bond and if the City
would be reimbursed. Utilities Director Smith explained the company that caused the rupture of
the water main was a subcontractor to American Traffic Solutions (ATS) so they would not have
surety with the City; however, this has been turned over to risk management to proceed with
reimbursement from ATS.
Motion: Move to approve Item #14 — Notification of Emergency Reclaimed Water
Main Repair on North Clarke Road per Emergency Notification - Section 21.6,
Chapter 21, City of Ocoee Code of Ordinances; Moved by Commissioner Brinson,
seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen
absent.
15. Approval of Agreement to Formalize the Removed Water Systems Interconnection
with Orange County. (Utilities Director Smith)
The City and Orange County had previously agreed and constructed an emergency potable water supply
interconnection on Clarke Road at the site of Orange County's elevated tank (potable water tower). The
elevated tank was previously needed to ensure fire flows to West Oaks Mall. The County no longer needs the
elevated tank and contacted the City requesting to physically terminate the interconnection. Due to Ocoee's
water system improvements, and confirmed by the City's consultant Reiss Engineering, the interconnection
was no longer required. Utilities agreed to the removal of the interconnect. The County has removed the
interconnection and has requested the City of Ocoee formalize the removal and cause the vacating of an
associated easement to the interconnection by the execution of the "Agreement to Terminate the Orange
County/City of Ocoee Emergency Water Supply Interconnection and Easement Agreement." The agreement
has been reviewed by the City Attorney's office and found to be acceptable
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wilsen absent.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
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FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES—6:45 PM
16. First Reading of Ordinance for Skipper Property — 1936 Adair Street Annexation &
Rezoning; Project No(s): AX-05-19-82 & RZ-19-05-06. (Second Reading and Public Hearing
scheduled for October 1, 2019, Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon thereafter.) (City
Planner Rumer)
This parcel is located directly west of Adair Street, south of 5th Avenue and west of Nicole Boulevard and
Marlene Drive. The subject parcel is approximately 1.01 acres with one (1) existing single-family residence.
The applicant is requesting to annex into the City limits as a condition to receive city portable water
connection. The current zoning is Orange County Rural/Agricultural, and the rezoning is proposed to receive
City of Ocoee Low-Density Residential (R-1). The subject property is considered contiguous to the City of
Ocoee since it is bordered by property located within the City limits on the east.The property already benefits
from Ocoee Fire Rescue services via a joint "First Responder" Agreement with Orange County, and the
property already receives City of Ocoee water service. The proposed annexation is a logical extension of the
City limits, urban services can be provided,and the annexation meets state and local regulations.
a) First Reading of Annexation Ordinance
b) First Reading of Rezoning Ordinance
City Attorney Cookson read the titles of the Ordinances.
Mayor Johnson announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on October 1, 2019,at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
17. First Reading of Ordinance for Crews/Smeller Property — 1557 Blackwood Avenue
Annexation & Rezoning; Project No(s): AX-06-19-83 & RZ-19-06-08. (Second Reading
and Public Hearing scheduled for October 1, 2019, Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon
thereafter.) (City Planner Rumer)
This parcel is located on the east side of Blackwood Avenue, 1,050 feet south of Old Winter Garden Road.
The subject parcel is approximately 0.51 acres with one(1)existing single-family residence. The applicant is
annexing into the City limits because they are now eligible for annexation and already benefit from City
potable water connection. The property is located within the proposed Ocoee-Orange County JPA area and is
bordered by the City of Ocoee to the north and east. The property already benefits from Ocoee Fire Rescue
services via a joint"First Responder"Agreement with Orange County and benefits from City of Ocoee water
service.The proposed annexation is a logical extension of the City limits,urban services can be provided,and
the annexation meets state and local regulations.The parcel will receive a City of Ocoee"R-1"(Single-Family
Dwelling)zoning upon annexation.
a) First Reading of Annexation Ordinance
b) First Reading of Rezoning Ordinance
City Attorney Cookson read the titles of the Ordinances.
Mayor Johnson announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on October 1, 2019, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
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18. First Reading of Ordinance for 8815 Hackney Prairie Road Annexation & Rezoning;
Project No(s): AX-06-19-84 & RZ-19-06-09. (Second Reading and Public Hearing scheduled for
October 1, 2019, Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon thereafter.) (City Planner Rumer)
The parcel is located on the north side of Hackney Prairie Road,approximately 2,683 feet east of North Clarke
Road. The subject parcel is approximately 2.80 acres with one (1) existing single-family residence. The
applicant is annexing into the City limits as city-owned land. The property is located within the proposed
Ocoee-Orange County JPA area and is bordered by the City of Ocoee to the north. The property already
benefits from Ocoee Fire Rescue services via a joint"First Responder"Agreement with Orange County. The
property will require City of Ocoee water service. The proposed annexation is a logical extension of the City
limits, urban services can be provided, and the annexation meets state and local regulations. The parcel will
receive a City of Ocoee A-1 (General Agricultural)zoning upon annexation.
a) First Reading of Annexation Ordinance
b) First Reading of Rezoning Ordinance
City Attorney Cookson read the titles of the Ordinances.
Mayor Johnson announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on October 1, 2019,at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES—PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
REGULAR AGENDA - None
STAFF ACTION ITEMS -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:50 PM
Dorcas Dillard, Ocoee Youth Council (OYC) Coordinator briefed the City Commission on the
Board's current events and requested permission to use OYC funds to purchase snacks and light
refreshments for the students on meeting nights. Consensus of the City Commission was
to allow OYC to purchase snacks and Tight refreshments from their budgeted
funds. Commissioner Oliver shared that he attended the same conference as the students, and
was able to witness the students interacting with fellow peers. He also shared that the youth sit on
a true Advisory Board which will eventually bring recommendations to the City Commission
regarding youth events that they would like to see within the City. Ms. Dillard announced the
Board currently has nine (9) vacancies and encouraged High School students that reside within
the City of Ocoee to apply.
William Maxwell,558 Woodson Ave, explained he was present on behalf of the Human Relation
Diversity Board(HRDB),and shared a brief background on how and when the Board was created.
He then expressed a discord with the Commission for having approved an outside organization
to host a Heritage Festival celebrating the life of July Perry without looking to the HRDB for
direction and worried about the intentions of the entity holding the event. He further shared that
the HRDB had previously held events honoring July Perry; and furthermore, was currently
working to hold a 100-year memorial on November 1, 2020. He shared that since May 10, 2018,
the Board has worked diligently on the project to ensure a successful event.
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Commissioner Oliver voiced his understanding of the event to be a music festival held by
Senator Bracy's office honoring July Perry's life, and questioned why the HRDB felt this event
was going to portray the City in a bad light. Mr. Maxwell stressed a strong concern regarding
Bridge the Gap Coalition, one of the main entities affiliated with the event, stating that several
other organizations have distanced themselves from this group due to their actions.
Mayor Johnson shared that during the last HRDB meeting, Senator Bracy's representative
attended and informed everyone that Bridge the Cap Coalition would be involved. Due to a
previous encounter the City had with Bridge the Gap Coalition, he understood the Board's
reservation to work alongside this organization. He then acknowledged that the Commission had
already approved waving the rental fees for Bill Breeze Park, and voiced his only concern was
making sure this event was not a political act; that it was strictly to honor the late July Perry.
Commissioner Brinson expressed a discord with the HRDB explaining that once the
Commission approved the request and asked the Board to work with Senator Bracy's office,
regardless of the involvement with Bridge the Gap Coalition, the Board should have carried out
the Commission's direction.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS— 7:03 PM
Commissioner Firstner—None
Commissioner Oliver—None
Mayor Johnson— 1) Due to four(4) of the elected officials attending an out of town conference,
Consensus of the City Commission was to cancel the Regular City Commission
Meeting scheduled for November 19, 2019.
Commissioner Brinson — Explained that the current salary received by the Commission was
enacted and executed in 1998, and has never been increased. However, a stipend was created a
few years later, but even that has not been increased since 2013. If the Commission were to vote
to increase the salary, it would not take effect until the next election year; therefore,he wanted to
have a conversation regarding any other possible options.
Commissioner Oliver commented that he felt this was another great example of why the City
needs to analyze the way it is currently operating. He noted that over the last 20 years,the number
of residents has doubled. He stressed a need to come up with a formula similar to other
municipalities of equal size, to compensate the leadership moving forward.
City Attorney Cookson explained a salary increase is done by ordinance, and would not go into
effect until the next election year. Whereas the stipend, a monthly compensation done by
resolution, could go into effect the next fiscal year. He further explained that due to the timing,
if the Commission chooses to increase the stipend they would need to factor it into the 2019-2020
budget; and further, reminded the Commission that the Final Budget hearing is next Wednesday,
September 25th
Commissioner Brinson questioned if the City Manager's Office had researched salaries.
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Assistant City Manager Shadrix shared that he came to tonight's meeting prepared to discuss
the option of raising the stipend, and explained that the research regarding salary has been
initiated, but he was not ready to make a recommendation. He then suggested, at their discretion,
he could coordinate with the City Clerk's office to distribute the research he conducted for their
individual review.
City Attorney Cookson explained the resolution that enacted the stipend was established to cover
local travel, which the Commission does on behalf of the City. It was initially established in the
early 2000s and was increased in either 2012 or 2013.
Mayor Johnson suggested a monthly car allowance, similar to that of the City Manager and Staff
Directors.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about the discretionary funds discussed at a previous meeting,
for each member of the Commission to distribute as they saw fit.
Assistant City Manager Shadrix stated with the Commission's direction, staff can place into
the budget a discretionary fund for each elected official.
Commissioner Firstner questioned if that would be a violation against Sunshine Law.
Commissioner Oliver replied by sharing that other larger cities, including Orange County,
operates in this capacity.
After further discussion, it was decided to bring this item to the public hearing on September 25th.
Sue Lowrie, 1035 Red Dandy Drive, disagreed with using the stipends for charitable donations.
She stressed that those funds were distributed to defray the cost associated with local travel, and
should not be used as a personal slush fund.
ADJOURNMENT— 7:35 NM
APPROVED:
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Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johns i t i
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