City Commission Meeting (2025-06-03)

June 3,2025

MINUTES

6:15 PM

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING

- 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 Kennedy, Commissioner Wilsen, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver

- PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6:16 PM

Also Present: City Manager Shadrix, City Attorney Geller, and City Clerk Sibbitt

Presentation of Audit Results for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30,2024. Acting Finance Director Lawitzke introduced Timothy Westgate, PurvisGray, who announced that the City had been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending September 30,2024. He then presented an overview of the Auditor's Report which covered significant events, financial highlights, and other audit matters for the FY ending September 30,2024.

Commissioner Kennedy inquired about the City's reserves and whether they are regularly analyzed, particularly in regard to maintaining the recommended reserve ratio. Mr.Westgate addressed his question and shared that the City is in a healthy position.

Forest Lake Golf Course 30-Day Update. Robert Utsey, ZHA, introduced Nick Dunleavy, with Down to Earth, who presented an update on revenue, golf operations, and maintenance activities over the past month. Mr. Utsey then provided additional updates on staffing, the dining area, the food and beverage experience, and introduced the First Tee Central Florida Program. Mayor Johnson shared concerns about the increase in rates and the current hours of food service being offered. City Manager Shadrix noted that he had provided an update at the last meeting on the dining area, citing the shortage of kitchen and server staff. Scott Wellington, with PGA of America, was asked to provide an update on the First Tee Program, which teaches life skills such as confidence, respect, and perseverance alongside golf instruction. A discussion ensued regarding the age groups eligible to participate in the program and costs to participate. Commissioner Kennedy thanked Mr. Wellington for the First Tee Program and asked if there was a need for donations. He also shared with Mr. Utsey his interest in seeing more discounts offered to Ocoee residents and members and noted that the beverage cart is not operating until 6:00 PM and members. Mr. Utsey concluded his presentation by sharing the real-time feedback received to date and noted that guest surveys will be conducted to gather additional input. He also provided details and an explanation of the formal RFP advertisement for the Forest Lake Golf Course Operator, which was published on May 28th. Brief discussion ensued.

- STAFF REPORTS AND AGENDA REVIEW 7:05 PM

City Manager Shadrix announced that on behalf of staff he is requesting that Item #9 be opened as it is a public hearing, but to be continued to a future date to be determined.

\*PUBLIC COMMENTS 7:06 PM

The following persons addressed the City Commission:

- Doug Gomber, Ocoee Resident, shared his concerns about the Forest Lake Golf Course update, specifically regarding potential future costs. City Manager Shadrix addressed his concerns.

- CONSENT AGENDA 7:11 PM

Consent Agenda Motion

Motion: Move to adopt Consent Agenda Items #1-7; Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Wilsen; Motion carried 5-0.

1. Approval of Minutes from the Regular City Commission Meeting held May 20, 2025. (City Clerk Sibbitt)

2. Approval of New Appointment to the Code Enforcement Board. (City Clerk Sibbitt)

3. Approval of Resolution for City Commission Support for H.R.672 (Representative Mario Diaz-Balart) to Direct the United States Postal Service to Designate Single, Unique ZIP Codes for Certain Communities, including Ocoee. (Assistant City Manager Rumer)

4. Approval of a Two-Year Warranty Surety and Maintenance, Materials, and Workmanship Agreement with Everest Realty Thirteen, LLC for the Everest Rehabilitation Hospital. (Development Engineer Keaton)

5. Approval for Consent to Assignment and Novation with WSP USA Inc. for Continuing Water Quality Professional Services. (Staff Engineer Burch)

6. Approval for Demolition of Structures at 35 W. Geneva St. and 669 S. Cumberland Ave. (Assistant Public Works Director Gajadhar)

- FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 7:11 PM

7. Approval of Change Order No.1 for ITB #25-002 Ocooe Wastewater Treatment Plant Reclaimed Water Storage Tank and Pump Station. (Utilities Director Bolling)

* * *

City Attorney Geller read the titles of the ordinances, and it was announced that this will be presented as a second reading and public hearing at the City Commission meeting scheduled for June 17,2025,at 6:15 PM or soon thereafter.

- SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE - PUBLIC HEARING - None

- PUBLIC HEARING 7:16 PM

9. Public Hearing for 1561 Dusty Pine Drive - Fermaint Property Variance Request; Project No: VR-25-01. THIS ITEM IS BEING CONTINUED AT THE REQUEST OF STAFF TO A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED. (Planner I Belizaire)

Mayor Johnson opened the public hearing.

Motion: Move to continue 1561 Dusty Pine Drive - Fermaint Property Variance Request; Project No: VR-25-01 to a future date to be determined; Moved by Commissioner Wilsen, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy; Motion carried 5-0.

- REGULAR AGENDA - None

- COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS 7:19 PM

2. Expressed that he agrees with the public comment made tonight, concerning the Forest Lake Golf Course.

Commissioner Wilsen - Commented on the following: 7:22 PM-7:24 PM

1. Thanked everyone for the golf course comments and education.