05-12-2022 Minutes City of Ocoee
Minutes of the Citizen Advisory Council for the Ocoee Fire Department
Regular Meeting Held May 12, 2022
I. CALL TO ORDER
The CACOFD meeting was called to order by Chair Vaughn at 6:02 pm in the Station 25
Training Room,located at 563 S.Bluford Avenue.
Pledge of Allegiance was performed by Chair Vaughn,followed by a Moment of Silence.
Roll Call and Determination of Quorum:Recording Clerk Ramos performed roll call and
declared a quorum present.
Members in Attendance: Chair Vaughn, and Members Channell,Richardson, and Legvold
Members Absent: Orme
Also Present: Commissioner Firstner and Acting Fire Chief Smothers
Guest:No guest
II.BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION
A. Old Business:Approval of Minutes for February 10,2022
Chair Vaughn requested for the Council to take a moment and review the minutes from the last
meeting, and if anyone had any questions or concerns to please discuss. Acting Fire Chief
Smothers mentioned that budget amount stated was$1,000 but it has since changed to$2,000.
Motion to Approve February 10,2022,Minutes;Moved by Member Channell,seconded by
Member Richardson.Motion carried unanimously.
B. New Business:
Chair Vaughn discussed the retirement of several members. Tokens of service are to be issued
for retirees and Firefighter of the Year. The Council agreed with presenting retirees that have
been with the fire department for 25 or more years a full-size award,and those with less years
would get a plaque. Chair Vaughn also discussed presenting Member Lawrie a memento since
he has been on the Council for 17 years.
Motion to Approve use of Budget Funds to Award Firefighter of the Year and Recognize
Retirees;Moved by Member Richardson,seconded by Member Legvold.Motion carried
unanimously.
Chair Vaughn discussed that on May 26th at 8:30am the Fire Department Pinning Ceremony
would be held,all awards will be issued, and new hires will be pinned. Acting Fire Chief
Smothers mentioned there will probably be another one in November since there are new hires
starting in June, and there will be a Lieutenant assessment.
Chair Vaughn discussed the Fire Department Open House on April 23rd. Acting Fire Chief
Smothers discussed there were 600 attendance.The bounce house,remote controlled car, and
CACOFD Regular Meeting
May 12,2022
raffle prizes were a success. Ocoee Businesses, like Chick-fil-a and Texas Roadhouse, donated
coupons.
Acting Fire Chief Smothers discussed the department put in for a Florida state grant a few
months ago with permission and approval from our Commissioner,we were awarded the grant.
This grant provides funds for a cancer preventative measure to replace the exhaust system on one
of the engines. This equipment is a$12,000 unit which captures all the diesel fumes and greatly
prevents the firefighters from being contaminated,and reduces cancer cases. The department
received a call from Florida State Marshal Jimmy Patronis,who asked if our fire department
would be interested in hosting an event. The grant paid for 80%of the apparatus price.
C. Under Construction: City Growth:
Commissioner Firstner discussed S&S Butcher shop and D&G Doughnut shop. He also
discussed that more retail stores and residential construction are coming to Ocoee. City Hall
should be open next month.
D. Acting Fire Chief Smothers Comments:
Acting Fire Chief Smothers stated the Council should be voting sometime this fall for
Firefighter of the Year. The City has reached out to see if the department Chiefs were interested
in uniting CACOFD with the Police council to come up with a new Public Safety Advisory
Board,which would be a thirteen-member board. He asked what the committee's thoughts are.
Chair Vaughn stated it is something the Council will think on.
Acting Fire Chief Smothers wanted to share that the department is doing very well with
retaining firefighters.They have a new firefighter that is an Ocoee native. In the month of June,
there will be two more firefighters starting and one is a paramedic. The department is getting
local talent,and once those positions are filled they have just two vacant spots, one is for a
lieutenant and the lieutenant's assessment will be in June. They also have a new EMS Training
Captain joining them who comes with a massive amount of training. They are hoping that by the
end of June they will have a full staff. They are also more active on social media and are sharing
positive information about the fire department.
E. Transport Update:
Acting Fire Chief Smothers stated they have been very successful. The Government is helping
with covering losses with Medicaid patients. The department has been receiving over$150,000
each month. With this year's budget,they are preparing to add an additional rescue unit.
III.SET NEXT AGENDA
Chair Vaughn received input from Council members and set the agenda for the next meeting,
which will be held on August 11,2022.The agenda was established as below:
A. Old Business—Approval of Minutes for May 12,2022
B.New Business
C.Under Construction-City Growth
D. Transport Update
E. Chiefs Comments
CACOFD Regular Meeting
May 12,2022
IV. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 6:56 pm.
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Recording Clerk Chairperson