Item 01 Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held January 5, 2021 MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2021
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 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— None
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW-None
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCEMENTS - 6:32 PM
Mayor Johnson announced the following, "City Hall is open to the public; however, attendance
inside the Ocoee Commission Chambers may be limited to accommodate social distancing and is
subject to the Governor's Executive Orders. Anyone entering City Hall must wear a protective
face covering. This meeting is broadcasted live on Spectrum Channel 493 with a live stream at
www.Ocoee.org/197/Ocoee-TV. Any interested party may be heard during the public comments
and public hearing portions of the meeting. In order to participate remotely,members of the public
should call 407-554-7118 or email citizens@ocoee.org in advance and indicate the item you would
like to address. At the appropriate time during the meeting, City Staff will contact you via phone
and patch you into the live meeting where you can share your comments and/or questions.
Comments and questions received via e-mail will become public records and provided to the City
Commissioners in advance of the meeting."
Commissioner Firstner—None
Commissioner Onver—Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Commissioner Wilseri—None
Commissioner Brinson—None
Mayor Johnson — Recognized and thanked the following HRDB Members: Kathleen Crown,
Nicole Dawkins, Lori Hart, Rhonda Anderson-Robinson, Billy Jean Daily, and Bill Maxwell for
their outstanding work on the 1920 Election Day Massacre Remembrance Ceremony. He further
shared that at a future meeting they would be acknowledged properly.
Regular City Commission Meeting
January 5,2021
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:33 PM
The following person(s) addressed the City Commission:
(Heard out of Agenda order.) 6:16 PM
Representative Geraldine Thompson thanked the City Commission for their support and
involvement on the July Perry Road designation, and announced an upcoming event that her
office is currently organizing. She requested the Commission's support to hold a Unity Festival
on February 20th at Bill Breeze Park. She acknowledged fears of COVID-19 and assured the
Commission, if approved, CDC guidelines would be strictly enforced.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the availability of the Lakeshore Center. City Manager Frank
addressed his question and agreed to have Staff look into the date.
Commissioner Oliver spoke in support of the event and offered to donate 3,000 PPE packets,
which contain masks and hand sanitizers, to distribute during the event.
Mayor Johnson inquired about the event hours,a clean-up crew,and if portable bathrooms would
be provided. Representative Geraldine Thompson shared that a Special Event Permit was
submitted to the Building Department and asked her associate, Pernell Bush to address the
Mayor's concerns. Pernell Bush responded to the Mayor's concerns and agreed to work with
City Staff to finalize the details.
Commissioner Wilsen inquired about anticipated attendance and the specific safeguards
regarding COVID-19. Pernell Bush reassured that all CDC Guidelines would be followed and
confirmed that they anticipate roughly 150-200 people.
Commissioner Oliver inquired about the possibility of a temperature check to enter the Event.
Pernell Bush confirmed that a temperature check station would be implemented.
Commissioner Brinson inquired if there was an inclement weather plan and voiced his concerns
with regard to COVID-19. Pernell Bush agreed to add inclement weather plan details to the
Special Event Permit. Consensus of the City Commission was to support
Representative Geraldine Thompson's Unity Festival.
Mayor Johnson requested City Staff work with Representative Geraldine Thompson on the
details.
Robert Kramer, Representative of Lake Meadows Natural, spoke about the area's current
flooding issues and the increased concern with the development of Lake Meadow Reserve.
Development Services Director Rumer addressed his concerns regarding the drainage.
Commissioner Oliver shared that he has a video of the flooding to present during
Commissioner's comments.
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January 5, 2021
CONSENT AGENDA- 6:39 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 -#5 with Item #3 being pulled
for discussion and separate consideration.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion
carried 5-0.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held December 15,
2020. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Approval of Elections Services Contract with the Orange County Supervisor of
Elections and Allow them to Open and Run Unquestionable Vote-By-Mail Ballots for
the March 2021 General Municipal Election Utilizing the Orange County Canvassing
Board Criteria. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
The Supervisor of Elections Office submitted a contract for the March 9,2021, General Municipal Election.
The 2021 Vote Processing Equipment and Elections Services Contract for Municipal Elections is attached for
your consideration. City staff is requesting approval to allow the Supervisor of Elections to open and run all
vote-by-mail ballots through the tabulator on Election Day (March 9th after 9:00 a.m.) that are not
questionable. This will save the Canvassing Board a lot of time as that portion will be completed upon their
arrival.The Canvassing Board will then only need to accept or reject any vote-by-mail ballots that have issues
with them(no signature,signatures do not match,etc.)using the same criteria.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approval of Contract with Central Florida Strategies for Economic Development and
Legislative Affairs Consulting Services. (Assistant City Manager Shadrix)
In 2017 the City Commission decided to hire Central Florida Strategies(Angel de la Portilla)to fulfill the role
of Economic Development and Legislative affairs liaison on a contract basis. Staff has worked closely with
Mr.de la Portilla during this time and has experienced great success in several project areas,such as the City's
Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), the West Oaks Mall, and multiple other projects, most recently
including his efforts to resolve issues with Lennar homes with Arden Park and Clarke Road improvements.
City staff recommends that the City Commission waive the purchasing code requirements and authorize the
City Manager to execute the scope of services with Central Florida Strategies for a three-year contract at
$60,000/year with two(2)additional renewal years.
Commissioner Oliver asked for clarification on the renewal terms of the contract.Assistant City
Manager Shadrix addressed his concerns.
Motion: Move to approve Item #4. Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by
Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.
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January 5,2021
4. Approval of Code Enforcement Agreements with Town of Windermere with 3%
Adjustment to Cover the City of Ocoee's Costs. (Support Services Director Butler)
The City of Ocoee is willing to continue to provide part-time code enforcement services to the Town of
Windermere with a 3%increase to cover the City of Ocoee's increased costs.The City of Ocoee will continue
to make available to the Town of Windermere one (1) of the City of Ocoee's Code Enforcement Officers to
provide code enforcement services within the Town of Windermere for approximately eight(8)hours a week.
It is anticipated that the Code Enforcement Officer will perform the services over two(2)4-hour segments on
non-consecutive days; however, the schedule may change depending upon circumstances. If the Town of
Windermere would like to use more than the weekly eight(8)hours per week,the Town will pay an overtime
rate of$52.68/hour.This is dependent upon the workload of the Code Enforcement Officer.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Approval of Agreement for Code Enforcement Board Attorney. (Support Services
Director Butler)
Under Section 7-5 of the City Code,the City Commission appoints a Board Attorney to act as legal counsel
for the Code Enforcement Board ("CEB Attorney"). The previously appointed CEB Attorney is no longer
available to serve the Code Enforcement Board and suggests the use of another attorney within the same firm
to continue representing the Board. As attorneys from the previous CEB attorney's law firm have served as
the Code Enforcement Board Attorney for the City for several years,the City Attorney recommends that B.
Scott George, Esq., serve as CEB Attorney to allow for an efficient transition of those duties. The City
Attorney has determined that Mr.George has the requisite experience,availability and desire to perform such
services.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE—6:42 PM
6. First Reading of Ordinance for Campos Property - 511 Whittier Avenue,Annexation
and Rezoning; Project No(s): AX-11-20-96 & RZ-20-11-15. (Second Reading and Public
Hearing scheduled for January 19, 2021, Regular Commission Meeting at 6:15 pm or soon thereafter.)
(Zoning Manager Gajadhar)
The property is approximately 0.18 acres, vacant, and located directly off of Whittier Avenue, which is
approximately 700 feet north of E.Silver Star Road and 600 feet south of Center Street.The property is located
within the Ocoee-Orange County JPA area and is bordered by the City of Ocoee to the east. 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 and receive an"R-1"(Single-Family Dwelling)
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 that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at
the next scheduled City Commission meeting on January 19, 2021,at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.
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SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE—PUBLIC HEARING -None
PUBLIC HEARING - 6:44 PM
7. Innovation Montessori of Ocoee Phase 3 Large Scale Preliminary Site Plan (PSP);
Project No. LS-2020-011. (Advertised in the West Orange Times on Thursday, December 24, 2020)
(Development Services Director Rumer)
The subject property is approximately 20.16 acres in size and is generally located at 1610 N. Lakewood
Avenue. In October of 2018, the school was able to purchase and combine via an annexation an additional
2.59 acres to the campus. The application for Phase 3 is a Large Scale Preliminary Site Plan approval to add
a two-story high school with an increase of 288 students. The high school would be located within the 2.50
acres purchased in 2018. Onsite stormwater and 72 parking spaces will be provided. An additional access
point on to Fullers Cross Road is provided.The new high school building will be two stories and be similar to
the existing building in architecture. Stormwater retention will be provided within the new parcel.
Development Services Director Rumer provided an overview of the Innovation Montessori of
Ocoee Phase 3 Large Scale Preliminary Site Plan(PSP). He explained the Innovation Montessori
School is currently located on 20.16 acres. The parcel consists of three buildings and supports
800 students in Pre-K through 8th grade. The proposed Phase 3 is a Large Scale Preliminary Site
Plan to add a two-story High School with an increase of 288 students. The High School would be
located within the 2.50 acres purchased in 2018. The proposed high school building will be two
stories with similar architecture as the existing building. Temporary portables are being requested
by the school to start the high school to which this board will need to determine an end date for
the proposed portables. Onsite stormwater, parking spaces and additional access onto Fullers
Cross Road will be provided.
The public hearing was opened. No speaker reservation forms, telephone calls, or emails were
received, the public hearing was closed.
Motion: Move to approve the Innovation Montessori of Ocoee Phase 3 Large Scale
Preliminary Site Plan (PSP); Project No. LS-2020-011; Moved by Commissioner
Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Brinson; Motion carried unanimously.
8. Arden Park North Phase 6 Large Scale Preliminary & Final Subdivision Plan
(PSP/FSP); Project No.LS-2020-015. (Advertised in the West Orange Times on Thursday,December
24, 2020) (Development Services Director Rumer)
The Arden Park PUD (Planned Unit Development) was initially approved by the City Commission on
November 21, 2006, and amended on February 19, 2013. Arden Park North consists of the northern phases
(2-6)of the PUD.Arden Park North is located on the north side of Clarcona-Ocoee Road and situated between
Hobson Road and Ingram Road with approximately 308 acres of which 54.44 acres are identified as
wetlands/Lake Sims.The Arden Park North Phase 6(PSP/FSP)proposes a total of 67 single-family residential
lots. The minimum residential lot standards are from 45 feet by 120 feet, 55 feet by 120 feet, and 65 feet by
120 feet.All corner lots in the development lots will be required to maintain a 20-foot setback from the side
streets. All streets in Arden Park North will be private with the road network contained in tracts that will be
owned and maintained by the homeowner's association. The Arden Park North Phase 6 PSP/FSP proposes a
six-foot high fence with decorative columns along the portions of the development that front the future Clarke
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Regular City Commission Meeting
January 5,2021
Road extension. The fence will be provided in tracts that will be owned and maintained by the homeowner's
association.
Development Services Director Rumer provided an overview of Arden Park North Phase 6
Large Scale Preliminary and Final Subdivision Plan (PSP/FSP). He explained the Arden Park
North Phase 6 (PSP/FSP) is a residential subdivision that proposes a total of 67 single-family
residential lots. The minimum residential lot standards are from 45 feet by 120 feet, 55 feet by
120 feet, and 65 feet by 120 feet.
The public hearing was opened.
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, resident, shared his concerns about inadequacy with amenities for teenagers
within the subdivision.
The public hearing was closed.
Development Services Director Rumer informed the City Commission on the usable open space
acreage provided within the subdivision which could be used as the Homeowner Association
(HOA) desires. Commissioner Oliver inquired on the process an HOA would take to build on
the open space. Development Services Director Rumer addressed his question.
Mayor Johnson inquired if the sales centers in the new subdivisions are informing potential
buyers of the amenities. He further confirmed once a development is completed the subdivision
is turned over to the HOA. Development Services Director Rumer addressed his questions.
Motion: Move to approve the Arden Park North Phase 6 Large Scale Preliminary
& Final Subdivision Plan (PSP/FSP); Project No. LS-2020-015; Moved by
Commissioner Brinson, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried
unanimously.
REGULAR AGENDA-None
STAFF ACTION ITEMS -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:59 PM
No speaker reservation forms, telephone calls, or emails were received.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - 6:59 PM
Commissioner Brinson—Commented on the following:
1) Welcomed everyone to 2021, and wished all a better year.
2) Reminded residents to remain vigilant and mindful as COVID-19 numbers have recently
spiked. He further inquired if the City would offer a vaccination site. City Manager Frank
addressed his inquiry. Mayor Johnson advised that Orlando Health(Health Central)is providing
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Regular City Commission Meeting
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vaccinations, and encouraged residents to inquire at the Hospital for details. Commissioner
Brinson requested for the City to share information with residents as it comes forward.
3) Encouraged residents to continue with the spirit of giving, asking whenever possible, help
those less fortunate.
4) Shared that he has received additional phone calls regarding the Police Chief and Utilities
Director positions which he will forward to the City Manager.
5) Reminded everyone to please be patient as they travel through construction areas.
Commissioner Wilsen—Commented on the following:
1) Shared her excitement in the progress made on Ocoee's first dog park, which is located on
Montgomery Road, and thanked City Staff for their hard work.
2) Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Commissioner Oliver—Commented on the following:
1)Wished everyone a Happy New Year,and expressed his excitement to move forward into 2021.
2)Announced and congratulated Kappa Alpha Psi on their 110th anniversary.
3) Shared a video provided to him by Mr. Kramer which displayed the flooding issues they are
currently having within the area. He then explained that he has an onsite meeting scheduled with
Orange County's Commissioner Moore and a member of the Orange County Engineer team on
January 28th to address and request assistance with this on-going concern. He encouraged the
Commission to drive by during the next rainstorm to see just how severe the problem is.
Commissioner Wilsen inquired, based on the property's current municipality statutes, if the
county has been involved in the past. Commissioner Oliver confirmed that he has reached out
to them on multiple occasions.
4) Asked for additional clarification on Consent Agenda Item #3 and shared his concern.
Assistant City Manager Shadrix confirmed there was a typo in the staff report, and shared that
the approval was for a one-year contract with the option to renew annually for up to four additional
years.
5) Expressed concerns about the newly opened intersection on Clarke Road, and shared that he
has witnessed drivers not paying attention to the changes. He fears this is creating a dangerous
situation and requested warning signs. City Manager Frank confirmed that he would have a
traffic engineer look into his concerns.
6) Shared that he, City Manager Frank, and Assistant City Manager Shadrix recently met with
Dr. Scott Paine,Ph.D., in regard to his Diversity and Inclusion Workshop which the Commission
agreed would be of great value to the City's leadership at the December 1, 2020, meeting. He
provided available dates and asked for the Commission's thoughts. Mayor Johnson requested
for the City Manager's Office to send out available dates for the Commission to review along
with their respective schedules. Commissioner Wilsen and Mayor Johnson both shared
concerns due to COVID-19 and suggested waiting until later in the year. City Manager Frank
confirmed that his office would inquire about dates in March, or later, and would forward them
to the Commission.
7) Shared that over the last three years the City has grown by leaps and bounds, and outlined
some of the many accomplishments. He then shared that in past years the voter turnout has been
extremely low and encouraged residents to keep the City moving forward by voting on March 9th.
8) Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
Regular City Commission Meeting
January 5,2021
;Commissioner Firstner—Commented on the following:
1) Hoped everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2) Encouraged residents to remain cautious as the COVID-19 numbers increase and urged them
to sign up for the vaccine.
Mayor Johnson—Commented on the following:
1) Shared that he was able to raise$20,000 for the 100th Anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Election
Day Massacre, and explained that he needed consensus from the City Commission to use $5,500
from those funds to cover expenses incurred by the Human Relation Diversity Board for the event.
Motion: Move to approve transfer of$5,500 for the disbursement of funds to cover
expenses in connection with the commemorative ceremony; Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Firstner; Motion carried
unanimously.
2) Shared and spoke in opposition to a proposed industrial park at the corner of Clarke Road and
White Road. Development Services Director Rumer explained the proposed request.
Commissioner Wilsen also spoke in opposition and shared her concerns.
3) Pursuant to Florida Elections Laws, Chapter 100, Section 100.021 and Ocoee Code of
Ordinances, Section 5-13, notice is hereby given by the City of Ocoee, Florida, that an election
will be held Tuesday,March 9,2021,in the City of Ocoee for the purpose of electing two (2) City
Commissioners for four-year terms, one (1) Commissioner from District Two and one (1)
Commissioner from District Four. Candidates for these offices must Qualify by filing qualifying
papers and paying a fee with the City Clerk during regular office hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
beginning at noon on Thursday, January 14, 2021, and ending at noon, Friday, January 22, 2021,
at City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida. The fee for qualifying for the office of
Commissioner is $90.00.
4) Encouraged anyone interested in running for office to reach out to City Staff and/or attend
meetings to learn about what is going on within the City. He also encouraged residents to do their
part and vote on March 9th. He finished by asking Staff to display voting information on Ocoee
TV.
5) Inquired about Chief Brown's retirement. City Manager Frank offered to send details
regarding his retirement celebration to the Commission.
6) Asked Staff to place Christmas light installation early on their calendars for Christmas 2021.
City Manager Frank confirmed that Staff will begin the process much earlier this year to ensure
a smooth successful display.
ADJOURNMENT—7:35 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson,Mayor
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