Item 01 Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held March 2, 2021 MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 2,2021
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 -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC -None
CONSENT AGENDA- 6:16 PM
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 - #5. Moved by
Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Brinson; Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Oliver addressed Item#2 and inquired about the number of remaining vacancies
on the Board. He further encouraged citizens to get involved.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held February 16,
2021., (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. (City
Clerk Sibbitt)
Members of the Parks &Recreation Advisory Board serve two-year terms. The ordinance provides that the
Parks&Recreation Advisory Board shall consist of nine(9)members;and,whenever possible,appointments
to the Board may include one member from local sporting organizations as provided by ordinance that utilize
the Ocoee parks. Currently the board has five(5)members. One(1)application has been received by Ahmad
Hassan who has shown an interest in being appointed to the Parks &Recreation Advisory Board for a term
ending October 2023.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
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March 2,2021
3. Approval to Purchase Toro Groundsmaster Equipment for the Parks and Recreation
Department (Parks and Recreation Director Johnson)
The Parks and Recreation Department previously purchased two pieces of equipment,Toro Zero-Turn Mower
and Toro Versa Vacuum, totaling $34,111.28 through a piggyback contract with Wesco Turf, Inc. The
department now needs to purchase an additional piece of equipment,a Toro Groundsmaster Mower,which is
budgeted in the (FY20/21) Capital Budget, and is being purchased via the same piggyback contract with
Wesco Turf, Inc. During the course of processing this purchase requisition, the Finance Department
determined that City Commission approval is required. The Purchasing Rules & Regulations guidelines
requires City Commission approval on a total purchase from a single vendor of$50,000 and over.The current
purchase of the Toro Groundsmaster is $30,295.46. With the previously purchased equipment, the Toro
Groundsmaster purchase will cause the total amount to exceed the single-vendor allowance of$50,000 by
$14,406.74.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Approval of Police Boat Motor Replacement. (Acting Police Chief Plasencia). '.
The City Commission approved the Police Department to purchase a replacement police boat in the FY20-21
budget. After re-evaluation, it has been determined that replacing the motor in the current police boat would
resolve many of the issues the marine patrol officers have been experiencing and create a cost-savings for the
City. The Police Department budgeted$30,415.00 for a replacement police boat. The Department's vendor
has quote $9,500.00 to replace the motor only which equates to a$20,915.00 cost-savings which would be
returned to the corresponding budget.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Approval of Repairs to Maguire Road Bridge over Florida's Turnpike. (Public Works
Director Krug)
On September 18, 2018, the Maguire Road bridge was struck by an over height vehicle traveling on the
Turnpike, damaging several bridge beams. The damage does not affect the structural capacity, however the
long-term integrity of the bridge requires repairs. Due to the amount of extensive temporary traffic control
required to complete this simple work over the Turnpike,Public Works has had difficulty fmding contractors
interested in performing the work.Public Works approached Orange County and the City of Orlando to obtain
a quote from Mercon Construction Company,which has active continuing contracts with both the County and
City of Orlando.Mercon has multiple active continuing contracts with Orange County and the City of Orlando.
Public Works is requesting Commission approval to contract with Mercon for the Maguire Road bridge repair
based on their successful contracts with the neighboring government entities. The cost proposal for the work
of$27,800.00 is within industry standards based on the extensive amount of temporary traffic control required
to complete the one-night task.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING-None
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE -None
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE—PUBLIC HEARING-None
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Regular City Commission Meeting
March 2,2021
REGULAR AGENDA- 6:17 PM
6. Discussion. and Direction on Change in Proposed Use Relating to Contract for
Purchase of 17.96 Acres of City-Owned Property Located at.the Northeast Corner of
Fullers Cross & Ocoee Apopka Road.by GPK Investments., Inc. (City Attorney
Cookson)
On August 4,2020,the City Commission directed staff to proceed with preparation of a contract for the sale
of 17.96 acres of City-owned property located at the northeast corner of Fullers Cross and Ocoee Apopka
Road(the"Agreement").On October 12,2020,the City and GPK entered into the Agreement.The Agreement
sets a Purchase Price of$3,560,000.00 with closing to occur once GPK secures Final Site Plan approval and
other development approvals.GPK has now approached the City and no longer wants to develop a commercial
project on the site. Instead, GPK is proposing that the site be developed as a townhome or apartment
development that includes first floor residential on the buildings that front the corner of Fullers Cross and
Ocoee Apopka Road.
City Attorney Cookson provided background summary on the agreement the City and GPK
entered into for the 17.96 acres of City-owned land located on the Northeast Corner of Fullers
Cross and Ocoee Apopka Roads. He further advised that the discussion this evening is to get the
Commission's thoughts on a change of use for the property.
Charlie Vickers, representative for GPK Holdings, explained that the original proposal for the
property was mixed-use warehouse/commercial; however, after much deliberation and market
review they would like to change the concept to a modern design
commercial/townhomes/apartment mixed-use.The concept elevation plan of the proposed mixed-
use was shared and described to the Commission.
Commissioner Brinson inquired about the location of the apartments,number of units, and if the
apartments would be for lease. Mr. Vickers addressed his questions. Commissioner Brinson
further voiced concerns on infrastructure in that area as the intersection of Fullers Cross Road is
currently being improved. Assistant City Manager Shadrix advised a traffic study will be
required as part of the site plan process. In addition, the City will conduct its own analysis to
determine what improvements will be required from the developer for approval of this project.
Commissioner Brinson further shared that he met with the school board about a K-8 school as
there are a lot of residential units proposed for that area. Assistant City Manager Shadrix
thanked the Commissioner for his efforts to help push the school board on their capital program
for funding a school in that area,as there is not one currently proposed.He briefly explained some
of the proposed improvements in the surrounding area and some of the major concerns. He
concluded that the proposed mixed-use for the property will be easier to manage from a
transportation standpoint than if it was mixed-use with warehouses.
Commissioner Wilsen asked for clarification on the number of proposed units as 280 units were
stated, but the elevation concept shows 329 units. The representative shared an updated plan has
been drafted, and one of the apartment buildings will be removed. Commissioner Wilsen
inquired how the Commissioners of District 1 and 3 felt about apartments in the area since this
will affect their residents. Commissioner Brinson shared he has received good and bad feedback,
but the north end does not have many apartments. Commissioner Firstner shared that he has
received the same reaction from his residents, but feels that this type of project is appropriate for
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March 2,2021
that area. He further asked for clarification on the townhome elevations. Mr. Vickers addressed
his question.
Commissioner Oliver shared that he did have concerns on the original warehouse use and is
happy to see residential use added. He commented that as long as the current infrastructure can
sustain this type of project he does not have objections. He liked the proposed residential and
retail concept plan. He further touched on the importance of infrastructure and technology as the
City moves forward. Commissioner Oliver asked if there was a stabilization plan and what the
timeline was. Mr. Vickers answered his question.
Mayor Johnson shared what he likes is the concept of the retail on the first floor as this type of
concept allows families to live and shop without causing traffic. It will also provide housing for
the young educators that may teach at the nearby high school.
Motion: Provide Staff Direction to continue moving forward with
contract negotiations for a Proposed Mixed-Use Relating to the City-Owned
Property Located at the Northeast Corner of Fullers Cross & Ocoee Apopka Road
as presented by GPK Investments, Inc.; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded
by Commissioner Brinson; Motion carried unanimously.
STAFF ACTION ITEMS -None
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:42 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee resident, stressed the importance of giving opportunities to the youth.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS—6:46 PM
,Commissioner Oliver—Commented on the following:
1) Shared that he recently spoke to youth within the community who conveyed their desire to
have a skating park in Ocoee. He then shared he intended to take this idea to the OYC so they
could further research the possibility.
2) Inquired what it would take to get 5G technology in the northern quadrant of the City. City
Manager Frank addressed the question and shared concerns. Commissioner Oliver offered his
assistance in contacting providers that might be willing to assist.
3) Shared an idea that he received from a resident about a collapsible bin that would help residents
understand what four cubic feet looks-like. Mayor Johnson offered a suggestion, explaining that
a resident near the middle school has an appropriately sized collapsible green bin which they use
for yard waste. Public Works Director Krug offered to have Staff research.
4) Shared that he has received several phone calls from residents concerning COVID-19
vaccinations, and provided information for the COVID-19 Hotline which will assist citizens to
locate and schedule appointments based on their zip code.
5) Announced Election Day is next Tuesday, March 9th. He further shared the polling locations
and times, and encouraged residents who live in Districts 2 and 4 to go out and vote.
6) Shared Philippians 2:3.
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Regular City Commission Meeting
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Commissioner. Firstner—Commented on the following:
1) Notified residents that Ocoee's Neighborhood Grant Program is currently accepting
applications and shared that the deadline is March 19th. Applications are available on the City's
website or can be obtained at City Hall from the receptionist.
Commissioner Wilsen—Commented on the following:
1) Shared that state legislators are currently reviewing bills and actively making decisions that
affect our local communities. She encouraged residents to reach out to their legislators if they
have any questions, concerns, or issues, and empowered citizens to be advocates for themselves
and the City.
Coinmissioner Brinson—Commented on the following:
1) Shared that March is Women's History Month, and recalled the Women's Suffrage movement
from roughly 100 years ago expressing the importance of voting and encouraged all to practice
those rights next Tuesday, March 9th
2) Encouraged residents to remain vigilant in regards to COVID 19: get the vaccine when
possible, continue wearing masks, and maintain social distancing.
3)Announced that multiple advisory boards have open vacancies, and encouraged citizens to get
involved by joining a Board.
4) Shared his email information and encouraged residents to reach out if they have questions,
concerns, or comments.
5)Expressed the significance of the Neighborhood Grant Program and encouraged neighborhoods
to apply.
6) Informed residents of several new businesses that recently opened in Ocoee.
7) Shared that he recently visited Glad Tidings Church and announced that they offer food
giveaways to those in need.
8) Announced that Governor DeSantis signed an Executive Order March 3rd regarding COVID-
19 vaccines, which outlines who is currently eligible. He further shared that Valencia College
West Campus off Kirkman Road will be a designated vaccine site.
1VIayor_Johnson—Commented on the following:
1) Announced the City's General Municipal Election for Commissioner Districts 2 and 4 will be
held next Tuesday,March 9th,at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center next to City Hall, and the Jim Beech
Rec Center off of A.D. Mims Road. Early voting started yesterday and ends this Friday, March
5th, at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office. Sample ballots can be viewed on the
Elections page of the City's website.
2) Shared that multiple properties within Downtown Ocoee recently sold and emphasized the
need to get sewer lines installed along Bluford Avenue to encourage business owners to open
restaurants within the downtown district. City Manager Frank addressed his concerns and
suggested economic incentives. Assistant City Manager Shadrix provided information that he
had researched. City Manager Frank offered to have Staff do additional research and present
their findings to the Commission.
3) Reminded the Commission that the City's garbage service was privatized to save residents
money. He commended Public Works staff on their handling of inquiries and encouraged the
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March 2,2021
Elected Officials to utilize their office, by providing Public Work's contact information so that
Staff can educate residents.
4) Proposed a Spiritual Weekend Event in May, and asked for the Commission's support. He
elaborated that he would like to invite local churches, share music, and possibly bring in food
trucks; and, envisioned an event that would bring all citizens together. Commissioner Oliver
shared that he supported the event but asked that the City keep COVID in mind. Consensus
of the City Commission was to allow Mayor Johnson to move forward in planning
a Spiritual Weekend Event.
5) Encouraged residents to vote on Tuesday, March 9th.
ADJOURNMENT—7:20 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
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