09-01-2020 Minutes MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1,2020
CALL TO ORDER- 6:15 P M
Mayor Johnson called the regular session to order at 6:15 PM in the Commission Chambers of
City Hall. The invocation was led by Mayor Johnson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag led by Commissioner Wilsen. City Clerk Sibbitt called the roll and declared a quorum
present.
Present: Mayor Johnson,Commissioner Brinson,Commissioner Wilsen,Commissioner Firstner,
Commissioner Oliver
Also Present: City Manager Frank, City Attorney Cookson, City Clerk Sibbitt
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS - 6:16 PM
Proclamation—9/11 Remembrance proclaimed by Mayor Johnson and provided to staff prior
to the meeting to display in City Hall lobby.
Mayor Johnson announced the following, "All interested parties are invited to be heard during
the public comments and public hearing portion of the meeting. Due to the current State of
Emergency regarding COVID-19, City Hall is closed to the public; however, the City requests
the public to call or email comments and/or questions to 407-554-7118 or citizens@ocoee.org.
City staff will be standing by to ensure that comments or questions come before the City
Commission during the meeting."
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW- None
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS - 6:17 P M
Commissioner Brinson—None
Commissioner Wilsen—None
Commissioner Firstner—None
Commissioner Oliver—None
The below was heard out of Agenda order.
Mayor Johnson—Announced the following:
1) The Planning & Zoning meeting scheduled for next week has been canceled.
2) The Tentative Budget Public Hearing is next week, Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 PM,
and the Final Budget Public Hearing is Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM. Both
meetings will be broadcast live on Spectrum Channel 493 with a Livestream on the City's
website at Ocoee.org, and all interested parties are invited to be heard during the public
comments and public hearing portion of that meeting.
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1, 2020
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC
No telephone calls or emails were received.
CONSENT AGENDA - 6:18 I'M
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion
carried 5-0.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Budget Workshop Meeting held August 12,2020 and
the Regular City Commission Meeting held August 18,2020. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Code Enforcement Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
The Code Enforcement Board was created by Ordinance No.741 on June 16, 1981.The purpose of this Board
is to review infractions of the City Technical Codes, negotiate compliance and impose fines for failure to
comply. The Code Enforcement Board is to have seven (7)regular members and two (2) alternate members
with a three-year term. Currently,the Board has seven (7)regular members and zero (0) alternate members.
An application has been received by Christopher Shropa who has shown an interest in being appointed to the
Code Enforcement Board as an alternate member for a term ending June 2023.At this time there are no other
applications on file for this board. The City Clerk contacted Commissioner Firstner to inquire whether he
knows of any resident within his district who wishes to volunteer,and he indicated he does not know of anyone
at this time.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approval of New Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police
Department. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Members of the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department serve a three-year term. The
Resolution creating the Board allows no more than fifteen (15) members. Currently, the Board has twelve
(12)members.An application was received by Jason Griner who has shown an interest in being appointed to
the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Police Department for a term ending January 2023.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and
Workmanship Agreement with Meritage Homes of Florida, LLC for the Greens at
Forest Lake Phase 1. (Development Engineer Keaton)
Greens at Forest Lake Phase 1 is made up of 128 townhomes. The parcel is located on the west side of State
Road 429 just East of Arbours Apartments. 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, reclaimed water, utilities, the public roadways,
stormwater collection system, 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
2IPage
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1,2020
to make those repairs, Meritage Homes of Florida, Inc., has provided the City with a Letter of Credit in the
amount of 10%of the constructed improvements.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Approval for Renewal of the E-Payment Services Agreement with Point & Pay, LLC
and Client Application (Fee Schedule). (Finance Director Roberts)
In 2015,the City Commission approved an E-Payment Services Agreement with Point&Pay,LLC.Although
the Agreement provides for automatic one-year renewals,the Finance Department conducted a review of the
agreement and fee structure which resulted in a minor reduction to E-Check fees. Under the previous fee
structure,Point&Pay charged City customers $2.00 per E-Check transaction. That fee was reduced to$1.00
in the newly negotiated fee structure. Finance reviewed the fees charged for credit card payment transactions
and determined those fees are consistent with or lower than fees charged throughout the industry. All other
terms and fees remain unchanged from the original 2015 agreement. Point & Pay, LLC has proven to be a
reliable partner with the City.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Approval to Award RFP#20-005 Landscaping,Landscape Maintenance,and Mowing
Services. (Purchasing Manager Tolbert)
The City's current general mowing and landscaping term contract expires August 31, 2020. In compliance
with the City of Ocoee Purchasing Code Chapter 21, proposals were solicited from qualified contractors to
provide landscaping, landscape maintenance and mowing services. The services are for Fire Station 25, 26,
and 39, Bluford Avenue (Orlando Avenue to Silver Star Road), Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee Cemetery, Clarke
Road Right of Way and medians, Maguire Road medians, Silver Star Road medians, Ocoee Crown Point
medians,McKey Street streetscape,White Road medians(east of Clarke Road), State Road 50 Right of Way
and medians, Old Winter Garden Road medians, S. Blackwood Avenue medians, Ocoee Police Station, and
Montgomery Road roundabout. Additionally, the contract includes tree/palm tree trimming. The evaluation
committee recommends contracting with the top ranked firm of Cepra Landscape,LLC for an initial three(3)
year term with two (2) automatic one-year extensions, and one (1) optional renewal at the City's discretion,
for a total of five(5)years.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Approval to Award RFQ #20-006 Continuing Engineering Services for Water Utility
Modeling and Minor Utility Studies. (Purchasing Manager Tolbert)
The City's contract for water utility modeling and minor utility studies with Reiss Engineering has expired. In
compliance with the Consultants' Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA), Florida Statutes Section 287.055
and Chapter 21 of the City's Code of Ordinances, the City solicited statements of qualifications from
professional engineering firms or individuals that are interested in providing potable water, reclaimed water,
and sanitary sewer utility modeling services and associated utility studies within the Ocoee Utility Services
Area (present and/or future) in western Orange County. The five (5) responses were evaluated by the RFQ
Evaluation Committee, which was held on August 11, 2020 with the Evaluation Committee evaluating and
short-listing the firms on specific evaluation criteria.The evaluation committee recommends contracting with
the top ranked firm of Reiss Engineering, Inc., for a maximum of five (5) years from the date of execution,
with an additional one(1)year renewal option.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
3IPage
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1, 2020
8. Approval of Resolution to Rename the Street Platted`Brushy Creek Court"to"South
Bluford Avenue" Per Property Owner's Request. (Support Services Director Butler)
Heller Brothers Groves recently asked that the City rename Brushy Creek Court as South Bluford Avenue.
Renaming Brushy Creek Court as South Bluford Avenue will assign the same name to continuous street
segments. There is currently no street name sign designating this cul de sac segment as Brushy Creek Court.
The overhead signs at the intersection only have the Bluford Avenue name displayed for the north/south
roadway. As far as the motoring public knows, the cul de sac is already named as South Bluford Avenue.
Brushy Creek Court does not have address numbers assigned to it. The renaming of this street segment is
concurrent with an ongoing replatting and development review process for the Heller Brothers Groves
property.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING - None
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES - 6:19 PM
9. First Reading of Ordinance for Brown Property, 213 Bay Street, Annexation &
Rezoning; Project No(s): AX-04-19-80 & RZ-19-04-03. (Second Reading and Public Hearing is
scheduled for September 15, 2020, Regular City Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon thereafter.) (Zoning
Manager Gajadhar)
This property is approximately 0.30 acres and located to the Northwest of West Ohio Street, Southwest of
McKey Street, and directly West of Bay Street. The subject parcel has one (1) existing Single-Family
Residence. The Applicant is annexing into the City limits as a condition to receive city potable water
connection.The subject property is considered contiguous to the City of Ocoee since it is bordered by property
located within the City limits on the south, east, and west. The parcel will receive an"R-1A"(Single Family)
zoning upon annexation.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 the date and time for the second reading and public hearing to be
held on September 15, 2020, at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES—PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
REGULAR AGENDA - 6:21 PM
10. Approval of Resolution Amending Bylaws (Exhibit "A") of Resolution No. 2019-010.
(OYC Coordinator Dillard and OYC Chair Mendes)
At the Regular City Commission Meeting held on January 15, 2019, the City Commission approved
Resolution No.2019-002 establishing the Ocoee Youth Council(OYC).The resolution adopted was to create
and establish the composition of the OYC. On February 5, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution
No.2019-003 amending Resolution No.2019-002 by repealing conflicts;and adopting bylaws and operational
rules and procedures identified as Exhibit A. On August 6, 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution
No. 2019-010 amending "Exhibit A" by removing the minimum requirement of membership. During their
OYC meeting on August 13, 2020,the Ocoee Youth Council members discussed and unanimously voted to
4IPage
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1, 2020
bring before the City Commission consideration of amendments in the bylaws reducing membership to no
more than nine(9)members, allowing membership of up to two(2)non-Ocoee residents enrolled in a public
or private school within the City of Ocoee in grades nine through 12, and removal of a member who misses
three(3)consecutive regular meetings.
OYC Chair Mendes introduced herself to the City Commission, and explained the reasons the
board considered amending their resolution. She briefed the Commission on the OYC approved
changes so they may be presented for consideration.
OYC Coordinator Dillard addressed questions from the City Commission regarding her
research on other cities allowing non-resident members. She also confirmed the two (2) non-
Ocoee resident positions will require enrollment in a public or private school that is within the
City of Ocoee. Commissioner Oliver inquired about community service hours and if that was
still a requirement for schools. OYC Coordinator Dillard advised most schools do not require
them, but they do assist with college applications and other organizations. She does encourage
the youth council members to acquire over 100-hours of community service, but does face a
challenge in getting the forms from the students for her to sign and approve. Mayor Johnson
inquired if a list of volunteer hours obtained by the Youth Council could be sent to the City Clerk.
OYC Coordinator Dillard reminded the City Commission that due to COVID the Youth Council
has not had many volunteer hours acquired. Commissioner Wilsen inquired why it was difficult
to get students, and if there was a need for more advertisement. OYC Coordinator Dillard
explained the efforts made by herself and the board to recruit members, and summarized that most
students are busy with other activities. OYC Chair Mendes also shared one of the road blocks is
they are not utilizing the social media platform that most students would respond too such as
Instagram, SnapChat, and Twitter. She further recommended placing an advertisement in the
newspaper, or contacting local businesses to allow the OYC to be involved in their open houses.
Commissioner Wilsen asked the City Attorney if social media would be allowed. City Attorney
Cookson shared social media is allowed but recommended restrictions that do not allow
comments as that would create an issue regarding monitoring.
Motion: Move to approve Resolution No. 2020-010, amending the OYC Bylaws;
moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion
carried unanimously.
STAFF ACTION ITEMS -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:43 1 M
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Daralene Jones, reporter with WFTV, shared that she is working on a story to cover the
history of Ocoee which will include the settlement and establishment of the City along
with the events leading up to November 2, 1920. The educational piece she wishes to
share will included interviews with roughly 18 individuals, and she requested use of the
Lakeshore Center's Lakeview Room to conduct those interviews. Consensus of the
Board was to waive the rental fees for use of the Lakeshore Center from
September 8-10, 2020 to record the interviews, following CDC Guidelines to
5 ' Page
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1,2020
included sanitizing between each interview and no more than 4 people in
the room at a time.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - 6:51 PM
Commissioner Wilsen—Commented on the following:
1) Reminded residents that the Budget Hearings are on September 9th and 23rd at 6 PM., she
advised that this is the citizens budget, and encouraged them to be involved. She acknowledged
that the Commission had been working diligently to ensure that the millage rate remain low while
still providing the same great service that residents have become accustom to, and announced as
she thanked City Staff that they brought the millage rate in at 5.15.
Commissioner Firstner—Commented on the following:
1) Encouraged all to continue to adhere to Covid-19 warnings and follow the CDC Guidelines,
and shared that the numbers are coming down.
2) Urged residents to pay attention to the weather, and be prepared for Hurricanes.
Commissioner Oliver—Commented on the following:
1)Reiterated Covid-19 warnings, and shared Orange County schools have resumed. He informed
that roughly half of the students have returned back to school in person, while the other half is
learning from home using the LaunchED platform. He noted that the OCPS Board was working
closely with the CDC to stay up to date with the most current information,and encouraged citizens
to do the same as staying informed is instrumental in protecting our children.
2) Reiterated Hurricane Season awareness, encouraged the use of a hurricane preparedness
guides, and shared they contain a wealth of information in the event of a disaster.
Commissioner Brinson—Commented on the following:
1) Also reiterated the Covid-19 and Hurricane recommendations.
2) Asked drivers to take extra caution while driving as school aged children are once again going
to and from school.
3) He addressed the unrest in America and pleaded with individuals to have empathy with those
that have been victimized by the tragic events currently going on around the country. He
encouraged citizens to practice the process of inclusion,and reminded that we all need each other.
He implored everyone to unite and become one community.
Mayor Johnson—Commented on the following:
1)Reiterated keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school,and thanked Police Staff
for a great start to a new school year.
2) Reiterated Covid-19 warnings and thanked Ocoee Fire Staff, Orange County Officials, and
State Officials for sending timely updates.
3) Announced the work on the Fullers Cross Road intersection has commenced.
3) Asked Public Works to keep an eye out for potholes and over flowing ditches due to the
excessive rain we are currently receiving.
4)Asked the Police Department to be extra vigilant regarding the Heroin problem within our City,
and shared he has received multiple phone calls from concerned residents.
6IPage
3
Regular City Commission Meeting
September 1, 2020
5) Shared the upcoming Presidential Election is this November, and provided the qualifying dates
for the City's Election in March 2021.
6)Asked for an update on the Census. City Manager Frank addressed his concerns.
7) Shared a beloved local, Mrs. Mae Conroy Tomyn, passed away last week. She was a school
teacher in Ocoee for many years, as well as a Relator. She was one of the original owners of Betty
J's Florist, which still open on the corner of McKey and Bluford. She will be dearly missed.
ADJOURNMENT- 7:01 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
-,1,666„ —
;,,`,
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty John liMayor
7IPage
1
1