Item 01 Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held February 15, 2022
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
MARCH 1, 2022
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 Firstner. 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 - 6:15 PM
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Proclamation ~ Shepherd’s Hope 25 Anniversary, read and proclaimed by Mayor Johnson
and accepted by Pamela Gould, President and CEO of Shepard’s Hope. Ms. Gould thanked the
Commission for their support and gave a brief overview of the services they provide.
Presentation by Government Services Group (GSG) regarding the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA) – Heard out of Agenda Order under Item #11
STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW - 6:21 PM
City Manager Frank announced before them is a full-color illustration for Item #10.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 6:21 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Patti Leroy, Ocoee Woman’s Club, spoke in support of the Music Festival and offered
full use of the Woman’s Club as well as the parking area during the event in exchange for
acknowledgment during the event. Mayor Johnson and the Commission thanked the
Woman’s Club for their support.
CONSENT AGENDA - 6:23 PM
Commissioner Wilsen clarified Item # 3 is solely for the support of placement for the proposed
sales tax increase on the November 8, 2022, countywide ballot.
Consent Agenda Motion
Motion: Move to adopt the Consent Agenda Items #1 - #9.
Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Oliver; Motion
carried 5-0.
1. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Commission Meeting held February 15,
2022. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
Regular City Commission Meeting
March 1, 2022
2. Approval of New Appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Fire
Department. (City Clerk Sibbitt)
Members of the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Fire Department serve three-year terms. The Resolution
creating the Board allows no more than nine (9) members. The Board currently has six (6) members. One
application has been received to serve on the Board from Thomas Legvold.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approval of Resolution of Support for Placement of a One Percent Transportation
Surtax Referendum on the November 8, 2022, Countywide Ballot. (Assistant City
Manager Shadrix)
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Orange County Commission have been working with the
municipalities of Orange County since 2019 on long-term transportation solutions that will address many of
the greater Orange County area’s growth-related transportation needs. The proposed resolution of support
provides support for placing this proposed sales tax increase on the November 8, 2022, countywide ballot.
Mayor Demings and his team have planned additional meetings with stakeholders and are continuing to
educate all parties on how the proposal will be further implemented.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and
Workmanship Agreement with Lennar Homes LLC for Arden Park North Phase 6.
(Development Engineer Keaton)
Arden Park North Phase 6 is made up of 67 detached single-family homes. The parcel is located on the west
side of North Clarke Road, just south of the McCormick Reserve Subdivision. The developer has completed
the construction of the infrastructure improvements for the subdivision and has requested a Certificate of
Completion. All identified punch list repairs have been completed, and the developer is ready to start the two-
year warranty period for the public 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.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
5. Approval of a Non-Substantial PUD Amendment for Gotha Clinic (fka West Orange
Medical Center); Project No. CPA-2022-001. (Zoning Manager Whitfield)
The Gotha Clinic, formerly known as the West Orange Medical Center Planned Unit Development (PUD),
was approved for annexation and rezoning from Orange County A-1 to PUD in March 2020 for a medical
center comprised of two (2) one-story buildings and one (1) two-story building totaling 14,646 SF of medical
uses. Each building was approved with a footprint of less than 4,000 SF. The applicant is requesting a non-
substantial amendment to the approved PUD Land Use Plan to develop one (1) single-story building with a
footprint of 11,000 SF. This request reduces the total development square footage by 3,646 SF, reduces the
parking demand from 59 spaces to 44 spaces, and decreases the impervious surface area from 71% to 64.7%,
with a corresponding increase in open space (from 29% to 35.3%).
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
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Regular City Commission Meeting
March 1, 2022
6. Approval to Trade-In and Purchase New Glock Firearms. (Police Chief Plasencia)
The Police Department needs to replace their Glock handguns with the latest generation of Glock handguns.
The current handguns, most of which have been in-service for over 10 years, will require significant
preventative maintenance costs in the near future if not replaced. The vendor, Lawmen’s Shooter Supply, has
offered to accept the trade-in of 107 previous generation Glock handguns for a credit of $31,156. The Police
Department would like to move forward with the handgun purchase and trade-in, not to exceed the budgeted
amount.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
7. Approval to Award RFQ #22-002 Continuing Contracts for Engineering Services.
(Procurement Manager Tolbert)
In compliance with the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA), § 287.055, Florida Statutes, and
Chapter 21 of the City’s Code of Ordinances, the City solicited statements of qualifications from professional
engineering firms interested in providing engineering services for public works projects as the City’s
continuing contracts have expired. Such services include studies, design, plans production, construction
management, traffic impact analysis, development plan review, and other miscellaneous engineering projects.
The firms selected by the City will provide services on an as needed basis based upon task orders to be issued
by the City under the continuing contract. The RFQ Evaluation Committee short-listed the firms in ranked
order, and recommends contracting with the following top four (4) ranked firms: Pegasus Engineering, LLC;
CPH, Inc.; DRMP; and Neel-Schaffer, Inc.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
8. Approval to Reallocate Unused Budget Funds to Purchase CivicRec for Online Facility
Rentals/Events. (Support Services Director Butler)
When the City Commission initiated the enhanced facility program that resulted in building the Lakeshore
Center and modifying the Withers-Maguire House to support a variety of public and private events, it
authorized staff to acquire RecTrac software from Vermont Systems, Inc., as a mechanism for managing
facility rentals. It is now time to replace this software with a better product that is designed to work in a more
integrated fashion with the City’s general website, which is operated by CivicPlus. An initial project budget
amount of $35,000 is recommended to accommodate all initial costs. The budget required for the project would
be covered by reallocating unused funds from other technology-related capital projects, as may be selected by
the City Manager at the time the funds are needed.
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
9. Approval for CPH to Provide Design Services for the Ocoee Wastewater Plant
Electrical Upgrade. (Utilities Director Croteau)
The Ocoee Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Upgrade consists of design, construction, and an upgrade
to the Wastewater Treatment Plant's existing power supply system. The existing power supply has been in
place since 1999, and its electrical capacity has reached its limit. The budget for FY 2022 included $223,500
for the design services portion of this project. CPH is under a continuing contract for utilities engineering
services and has submitted a proposal for a total of $246,902. Utilities also reached out to another continuing
contract firm, but their price was higher than CPH's. Currently $223,500 is budgeted in the project fund, and
the additional $23,402 will be taken from another capital project (Palm Dr Force Main).
Approved on Consent. Motion carried 5-0.
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Regular City Commission Meeting
March 1, 2022
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE – None
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE – PUBLIC HEARING – None
PUBLIC HEARING – None
REGULAR AGENDA - 6:24 PM
10. Approval for Staff to Accept an Unsolicited Letter of Intent (LOI) from
2BPLATINUM LP for Two (2) City-Owned Parcels Identified as 15 South Kissimmee
Avenue and 214 West McKey Street. (Development Services Director Rumer)
The City received an unsolicited offer from 2BPLATINUM LP, on February 8, 2022, for City-owned
properties located on the southwest intersection of S. Kissimmee Avenue and W. McKey Street. The property,
which is approximately 1.10 acres, currently contains two (2) inhabitable buildings which are programmed to
be removed with the Kissimmee Avenue/Taylor Street road work. Further, about .25 acres will be utilized for
a City stormwater pond and about 15 feet along Kissimmee Avenue is needed to expand the right-of-way on
Kissimmee Avenue. Since the City’s plan is to raze the buildings in order to construct the Kissimmee
Avenue/Taylor Street road project and offsite pond, this LOI is based on the remaining land being vacant. The
intent of 2BPLATINUM LP is to construct a two-story mixed use building on the remaining parcels similar
in architecture to what the City had proposed for the St. Johns River Water Management District offices.
2BPLATINUM LP is proposing a purchase price of $300,000.00 for the 1.10 acres of property with the
commitment to accommodate a City stormwater pond for the Kissimmee Avenue/Taylor Street road drainage.
The LOI also provides for the City to capture any proceeds over the purchase price if the property is sold
within 24 months.
Development Services Director Rumer explained the Letter of Intent and the plans they have
for the parcels. The property, which is approximately 1.10 acres, currently contains two (2)
inhabitable buildings which are scheduled to be removed with the Kissimmee Avenue/Taylor
Street road work. The intent of 2BPLATINUM LP is to construct a two-story mixed-use building
on the remaining parcels similar in architecture to what the City had proposed for the St. Johns
River Water Management District offices.
Commissioner Oliver asked if an appraisal will be completed, if there was a commitment for
infrastructure, and if the proposed stormwater pond would enhance the surrounding area for
drainage. Development Services Director Rumer addressed his questions. Commissioner
Oliver inquired about the funding amount provided by 2BPLATINUM LP for the drainage.
Development Services Director Rumer advised that information would be brought back before
the City Commission when staff presents a contract. Mayor Johnson shared his support of the
project.
Motion: Move to approve the Letter of Intent (LOI) from 2BPLATINUM LP for Two
(2) City-Owned Parcels Identified as 15 South Kissimmee Avenue and 214 West
McKey Street; Moved by Commissioner Oliver, seconded by Commissioner
Firstner; Motion carried 5-0.
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11. Approval of Proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Project List. (Assistant City
Manager Shadrix)
The City of Ocoee will receive $24,172,699 in the form of a federal grant through the American Rescue Plan
Act (ARPA). Funding will be received in two equal tranches of $12,086,350. The first tranche was received
in the fall of 2021 and the second tranche is anticipated by summer 2022. The City Commission has approved
Government Services Group (GSG) to assist in reviewing the requirements of the grant and to evaluate the
City’s best and highest use of the funds within the rules established by the U.S. Treasury Department. Staff
recommends Commission approve the proposed project list and delegate authority to the City Manager to
adjust funding as needed to accommodate cost variances and necessary project amendments.
Assistant City Manager Shadrix summarized the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
and explained the City is proposing a project list which details the best use for the funds. He
announced a PowerPoint will be provided by Government Services Group (GSG) to highlight the
details.
Joseph Sheets, Senior Consultant with GSG, provided a PowerPoint highlighting the ARPA
Recovery Package, Ocoee’s ARPA Process, Risk Analysis, Project Selection, Investments in
Water Infrastructure, Economic Impact of Water Infrastructure, and the Next Steps for the City.
Commissioner Brinson inquired about GSG’s recommendation for $10 million to go toward lost
revenue allowance of public safety salaries. Mr. Sheets addressed his question and explained the
method determined to place funding toward public safety salaries. He shared that once the funds
are placed within the City’s budget it can be used as a line item not regulated by federal
requirements. David Jahosky, Senior Vice President, further expounded on the funds allowable
uses, and the legal resources utilized to ensure they presented items that met the eligibility criteria.
Commissioner Brinson inquired about the administrative costs associated with managing the
grant funds and projects. Mr. Sheets addressed his question.
Commissioner Wilsen shared her satisfaction with the proposed infrastructure funding.
Commissioner Firstner also shared his support of the proposed project list and voiced that the
funding provided will help get much needed projects completed. Commissioner Oliver inquired
if the $10 million was intended for lost revenue salaries for FY21/22. Mr. Sheets reiterated his
response, and explained that once the funds are placed within the City’s budget it can be used as
a line item not regulated by federal requirements. Assistant City Manager Shadrix summarized
the recent ruling by ARPA, which allows for standard deductions per law, and explained the
purchasing policy for unrestricted funds. Commissioner Oliver inquired if the first tranche
received had been disbursed. Mr. Sheets advised no funds have been spent as they are waiting
for City Commission approval. Commissioner Oliver inquired if workshops are being planned
to get input from the City Commission. Assistant City Manager Shadrix explained a workshop
can be requested by the City Commission; however, the project list before them tonight is the
recommended project list for them to discuss. He further explained the process taken by staff to
bring these recommendations before them. Commissioner Oliver acknowledged the need for
infrastructure, but commented on the lack of input from the City Commission. City Manager
Frank explained the list is before the City Commission this evening for them to discuss, and the
recommended items presented were discussed by staff as items that would need to be completed
within the next 10 years using tax dollars. Brief discussion ensued on the professional study
provided, and if a workshop would be needed. Commissioner Oliver voiced the lack of funding
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for social services and read a letter aloud he drafted for the City Commission about his concerns
with the ARPA funds allocation. Mayor Johnson commented on his support of the project list
recommended as it would be a citywide benefit, and shared that Orange County currently provides
social services support which are services the residents of Ocoee can receive. A brief discussion
ensued on the services provided by Orange County that Ocoee residents can benefit from as
taxpayers.
The following persons addressed the City Commission on Item #11:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, commented on the inefficient process of the funding.
- Scott Kennedy, Ocoee Resident, asked about the recommended project list and its
relation to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Assistant City Manager Shadrix
addressed his question.
- Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, shared information on the ARPA funding being
received by Orange County, and the resources they are providing toward social
community services. He further commented on the local needs posted on social media by
City residents which related to a Fire Station, and a claw truck for yard waste pick up.
- Alvin Garrett, Ocoee Resident, shared his support of the comments made by
Commissioner Oliver, and voiced his concerns with the disagreements between the City
Commission. Mayor Johnson responded about the Commission’s disagreements and
spoke on their duty to vote independently on what they feel will benefit the City.
- Tonya Dorisca, commented on the support of infrastructure funding for items such as
sidewalks and street lights. She further voiced her concern with transparency and the lack
of communication between the City Commission and staff. Mayor Johnson addressed
her concern and advised all Elected Officials have the same opportunity to receive
information.
Motion: Move to approve the ARPA Project List per staff’s recommendation;
Moved by Commissioner Brinson, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion
carried 4-1 with Commissioner Oliver opposing.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/PUBLIC - 7:45 PM
The following persons addressed the City Commission:
- Jim Moyer, Ocoee Resident, provided a brief presentation on the Asian and Hispanic
population within the City based on the 2020 Census, and spoke in support of the impact
these cultures have had on our community.
- Scott Kennedy, Ocoee Resident, spoke about worldwide political issues, vocational
certainty, and the appropriate approach to local socialism.
- Brad Lomneck, Ocoee Resident, inquired about the agenda packet process, City Clerk
Sibbitt addressed his questions. He further inquired if any of the elected officials
contacted the city staff with questions or concerns regarding tonight’s agenda packet. City
Manager Frank addressed his questions. Mr. Lomneck then shared multiple garbage
collection issues he recently experienced, felt the current vendor is not doing their job
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according to contract, and requested the Commission use ARPA funding to purchase a
claw truck to handle yard waste internally.
- Jason Mellen, Ocoee Resident, commented on several yard waste issues he has
encountered and noted multiple examples around the City that are causing a blighted effect
on the community: 1) uncollected trash throughout the City. 2) the recently erected “junk-
yard” in the downtown corridor along Taylor street near the Ocoee Taco Company 3)
multiple political signs illegally placed around the City. Mayor Johnson referenced the
rules and regulations for all campaign signs, and asked that Code Enforcement address
the signs in violation.
COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS - 7:57 PM
Commissioner Oliver – Commented on the following:
1) Commented on the ARPA funding presentation, and asked for additional funding towards
social services to include a claw truck and a new Fire Station.
2) Read information about the establishment of Women’s History Month.
Commissioner Firstner – Commented on the following:
1) Weighed in on the ARPA funding presentations and shared that the prioritized projects that
Staff listed have been on the Commission’s radar for years. He expressed a desire to adhere to
Staff’s recommendation based on their professional opinion.
2) Asked for prayers in reflection of the global conflict the world is facing due to the devastating
events taking place in Ukraine.
Commissioner Wilsen – Commented on the following:
1) Spoke about the intense conversations that have recently taken place between the Commission
during meetings and explained Sunshine Law, elaborated on the violation of speaking privately
about City business outside of a meeting. She further explained that what is viewed as conflict is
sometimes a necessary discussion.
2) Explained the agenda packet process in great detail, and shared that she has never had an issue
contacting Staff to obtain additional information when needed.
3) Announced the Shred to Protect Event date time and location.
Commissioner Brinson – Commented on the following:
1) Explained his role as an Elected Official, commented on the agenda packet process, and
encouraged residents to keep asking tough questions.
2) Announced the Orange County agencies that aid Ocoee citizens, and encouraged the
Commission to learn about all available Orange County programs so that they may provide
information to residents when necessary. He further suggested that the City designate a Staff
member to provide Ocoee residents with assistance on where to get help.
3) Reiterated Sunshine Law requirements requiring transparency and the ethical violation to ever
speak privately about Board business.
4) Commented on the damaged trash can issues and asked for those experiencing this problem to
contact Public Works.
5) Shared a traffic accident he recently witnessed, commented about the ongoing speeding
concerns, and pleaded with citizens to slow down and pay attention while driving.
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6) Spoke about Women’s History Month, acknowledged the many accomplishments women have
made through the years, and expressed his desire to see the salary gap between men and women
shrink in the United States.
7) Congratulated Hailey Smith as the Grand Prize winner of the City’s Black History Essay
Contest. Mayor Johnson requested that staff extend an invitation for her to attend the next City
Commission meeting for recognition.
Mayor Johnson – Commented on the following:
1) Noted the ongoing yard waste issues the City is experiencing and reiterated the need to
purchase a claw truck and return yard waste collection to city staff.
2) Provided the Ocoee Music Festival date, time, and location, with specifics on who would be
performing each night.
3) Reflected on the disagreements witnessed between the Commission and expressed his
commitment and dedication to the City and its residents.
4) Expressed the need for unity within the City, and a desire to name the new park on Franklin
Street “Unity Park”.
5) Announced the installation of a crosswalk on Wurst Road.
6) Remarked on the agenda packet and the ability to contact staff with any questions or concerns.
7) Spoke briefly about speeding along Adair and commended the police for stopping an individual
who was going 60 mph in a 25 mph zone.
8) Invited Mr. Peter Weed to the dais to introduce himself. Mr. Peter Weed shared that he is
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running for the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida’s 10 Congressional District. The
election will take place on November 8, 2022.
9) Announced the St. Patrick's Day Block Party date, time, and location.
ADJOURNMENT - 8:25 PM
APPROVED:
Attest: City of Ocoee
______________________________ _____________________________
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk Rusty Johnson, Mayor
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