[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6166373,"mediaKeyId","5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142","parentId",5415637,"title","Residents press the commission on city manager oversight; commissioners describe informal weekly reviews and annual performance conversations","audioSeconds",342,"startMs",2106000,"endMs",2448000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142&start=2106&end=2448","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142/thumbnail_2106000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166373/Ocoee/Orange-County/Florida/Residents-press-the-commission-on-city-manager-oversight-commissioners-describe-informal-weekly-reviews-and-annual-performance-conversations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166373-eeb0a3d1ac2c72b2e81d5ea4d4a8e1f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097345&Signature=IsVb0zaT3ca3ovI8itIMhqWtp~Ojz2QXce9bGGC~Rw~cppelK02jRy5AAfHjcIl3nbo5LWs87Hy9U-QwWJKeHixDqQ0ms4ugVXgWugj6BJSshGfz5ScEuyDEZvLjEuMSN1qRlp1QGvzVzzHTTZD901sGOL-mS1D9AdZlAqVcnE2cJGDhyHQGHhoU8QIupGpQ0z3jU-Kb11OddSu2gafauo3fpsrQtdFLOZg1hhGZ4nbZivaJJeKrCixIB8xeXQc8o8xwYqC3Z6lo3LYP7x00mWuidpWQ1Ff9H61phYYdNiHegv~WfVDxn-fSChLR1WZMwfBJOgAVZzx~1lxP3rXGRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Ocoee, FL","date","2025-07-18T03:46:03.143Z","article","A resident asked the commission on July 15 how the city charter defines the commission’s relationship to the city manager and how elected officials hold the manager accountable.

The nut graf: City Attorney read section C‑24 of the charter stating that the city manager is the chief administrative officer responsible for city administration under the charter; commissioners described their accountability practices—weekly contact, informal performance discussions and an annual evaluation process—and discussed whether a structured, written review should be adopted.

Resident Chris Adkins asked how the charter relates to city management accountability and whether the commission conducts formal reviews. The city attorney read the charter language describing the city manager’s powers and duties. Commissioners responded that they maintain frequent contact with the manager and perform annual evaluations; some commissioners said they would support a more formal, written evaluation process to increase transparency and clarify expectations.

Commission debate also tied the accountability topic to recent project delays and budget issues raised in public comments. Commissioners said they have regular one‑on‑one contact with the manager, that the commission sets policy while the manager administers operations, and that formal evaluations occur at the end of the manager’s fiscal year. Several commissioners said they intend to pursue more standardized performance review procedures and a stronger connection between commission policy priorities and administrative follow‑through.

Ending: Commissioners encouraged residents to continue raising concerns at meetings and to use the commission’s channels; staff said the charter’s text is available publicly and that evaluation procedures are addressed in the city’s administrative practices.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Ocoee's Commission Meeting Recorded on 7.15.2025","oneSentenceSummary","A resident asked the commission on July 15 how the city charter defines the commission’s relationship to the city manager and how elected officials hold the manager accountable.","taxTitle","Ocoee, Orange County, Florida","taxId",54401,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166378,"Resident asks city to press county for promised traffic signal at East McCormick and Apopka‑Vineland; county letter suggests roundabout",350,1412000,1762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142&start=1412&end=1762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142/thumbnail_1412000.jpg","/articles/6166378/Ocoee/Orange-County/Florida/Resident-asks-city-to-press-county-for-promised-traffic-signal-at-East-McCormick-and-ApopkaVineland-county-letter-suggests-roundabout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166378-8255881250b801dc495683bda2683bf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097345&Signature=fToix23D07avfGytyNzI3jQ54RwngIcAA31ygmC9NHUEKp5n-iEzfdWHZLtreD~SFKejcr7gQxeQW9lt9YeHUM97LQ3dp6qkQida5-RCz8FbaV26d~RyNygHSusD7b72~A5pTp5hUIa6NrGP9qTzbMCLySKzC9CdC2~KFMOUXnm2JrpMPLMoADewmamtuNIJV5PGf2uA17Ckam62k6Sqx6B~kR51reGZdwPr23Y0ajQt2ethH9GJZZodQQZ4Fli4raauUGG7YLNAoUbS4vFAXEQ764tj~yKcg2C5nCo89M09J-jtGdHyB~6HxDPRjwN-9avEodWoYwOh8fA00TUVbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment a resident asked the commission to press Orange County to restore a previously agreed signal at East McCormick and Apopka‑Vineland Road tied to a 2019 annexation and development agreement.

Resident Susan Adams said the joint planning agreement (JPA) that accompanied annexation required the developer (Dr. Horton / Wynwood development) to contribute $200,000 toward a signal when the last phase of the project is complete. Adams said she saw a letter posted on social media from Orange County Public Works (Brett Blackadar) noting that a later 2021 study recommended a roundabout instead of a signal, and she asked the commission to support returning to the original signalized design because of synchronization with nearby signals, horse‑trailer traffic for the nearby Horseman’s Park and heavy commute backups on Apopka‑Vineland.

The nut graf: City staff confirmed there is an agreement for developer contributions and right‑of‑way dedications tied to the annexation; development services staff said the developer constructed a trail dedication and that staff would follow up with the county to confirm plan and funding timing.

Commission staff described a multi‑part arrangement at annexation: county contribution for nonobjection to annexation, developer participation (estimated 50% of signal cost, historically estimated at about $200,000), a 30‑foot land dedication for a trail frontage and trail construction. Mike Rumor, who was development services director at the time of the annexation, said the developer had dedicated land and constructed the trail and that county staff turnover had contributed to a lost file awareness.

Commissioners said they would follow up with Orange County officials and County Commissioner Christie Moore was suggested as a contact for residents to pursue. The commission also offered to provide the resident with contact information for county staff and to coordinate further outreach; staff noted the project is not budgeted to start until next year and the county had not yet reached out to the developer to request the $200,000 contribution.

Ending: City staff said they would follow up with the county administrator and with the resident and encouraged the commenter to also contact the Orange County Commission.","During public comment a resident asked the commission to press Orange County to restore a previously agreed signal at East McCormick and Apopka‑Vineland Road tied to a 2019 annexation and development agreement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166382,"City, donors and fire department install AED towers in Ocoee parks; devices remotely monitored",522,603000,1125000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142&start=603&end=1125","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142/thumbnail_603000.jpg","/articles/6166382/Ocoee/Orange-County/Florida/City-donors-and-fire-department-install-AED-towers-in-Ocoee-parks-devices-remotely-monitored","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166382-ea7620df4fbe94f02697b0955dcfbc74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097345&Signature=ETrrYN-QzaD67PqRBeVWGCrwJOPfS4FPyFaQGwIsMPGu2~tBSorKxL4nMkqHN1U~pQT0ksuDEqEq-Xx2UcUAzaYqdJZhdJykFQ5ueGxECEuxtYKoc4XrMhoApk8Vx1PwJwR~BiQ5VNrw4i44YGMlbRkXrhf07ivKk2X71Qrhf6~qRrtpMxny9zSRT7kp2rw933BgTaitblh1bNQcAof~2DYbr7bZ6fscvGsBTo35vtPA4-7Orb1vbq8hZcKBdgyf3mW9WDB8eKl6XogZdqp8nL2WIKYK1uUWuDjlPlEMd9BLONfVT~EfG1uaB0EgaULRbG4iy2PVlTBy5ypKI3vEyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocoee Fire Department and Parks & Leisure staff on July 15 announced completion of a project to install automatic external defibrillator (AED) stations at five city parks, funded in part by donations and city resources.

Fire department staff describe AEDs as portable devices that analyze heart rhythm and, when appropriate, instruct users to deliver a shock; early defibrillation can improve survival after sudden cardiac arrest. The new park locations are Wellness Park, Liberty Park, Jim Beech Center (soccer fields), Freedom Park and Prairie Lake Park; an earlier donor‑funded station remains at Bill Breeze Park by the boat ramp.

The nut graf: The project added four new tower cabinets plus an existing donor‑provided cabinet, five AED units donated by Martha Lopez Anderson and Parent Heart Watch, and remote monitoring for operational status—intended to reduce response time for cardiac events that can affect people of all ages in parks.

Deputy Chief Van Camp and EMS Captain John Ward handled deployment and testing. Each station and cabinet is remotely monitored: the system notifies fire staff if a door opens, if pads or batteries expire, or if an AED is removed; the cabinet also photographs the person who opens it. The devices will be included in the fire department’s existing quarterly physical inspection program and budgeted for pad and battery replacement (pads and batteries are replaced every two years by policy).

Donor Martha Lopez Anderson, who said she lives in Ocoee and gave the devices in memory of her son, urged residents not to be afraid to use AEDs and reminded the public that 911 dispatchers can instruct callers to perform CPR while they wait for EMS. Commissioners thanked the fire department and donors; staff credited cross‑department cooperation among parks, facilities and development services for identifying sites and completing electrical work.","City staff and donors completed installation of five AED stations across five parks. Donor Martha Lopez Anderson contributed multiple AED units and cabinets; city will include the new devices in quarterly checks and a replacement budget for pads and batteries.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166387,"Commission approves one‑year fire service assessment as staff and public press for alternatives",6329,4620000,10949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142&start=4620&end=10949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142/thumbnail_4620000.jpg","/articles/6166387/Ocoee/Orange-County/Florida/Commission-approves-oneyear-fire-service-assessment-as-staff-and-public-press-for-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166387-d40b1053364971ea617c8de94be8c448/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097345&Signature=jLM0S3vrAuYJINKXrqyS44Szika2aO11zRf88tT5xz4IZnQ4ghc353XAOrlf2JLOXQCoZUfFglcPwjcX7GqMZlBcZ3RXUVQcPO~1z3pu~tYTLc3IdQWnTe0nblnSO0aUvSiGPbj7z06e4VkIdcM12cvFjmcCZEemuf7QbdJbPJtYI99wdmextvw6doDMOma8oOugKeGA~revzjoyCCLqPuAirSf~E9oStVXPx6vglQx--DZooyuePXMbg6wNxNAIcOeEykn4C9QKzcb6ck82be2lRBrP~ao3DFP7kMVA58VwHqnh00wgwthmkevE1cGK4BbAQnO6wbfLun-KAbbiOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocoee City Commission held a lengthy public hearing on July 15 about a consultant study and a proposed increase in the city’s non‑ad valorem fire protection assessment and approved a one‑year adoption of the assessment while directing staff to return with alternatives by Sept. 30.

Assistant City Manager Mike Grimmer and consultant Sandra Newbarth presented the study results and staff recommendation. The proposed assessment would raise the per‑unit rate from $69.50 to $139.23 per fire‑protection unit under the methodology the city used to apportion costs across structure classes. Staff said the recommended level would fund roughly 36% of the city’s fire protection costs; the department’s full public‑safety cost (police and fire) remains funded largely through the general fund and ad valorem revenue.

The nut graf: The commission adopted a one‑year fire assessment at the proposed rate to provide near‑term funds for fire protection while asking staff to return during the upcoming budget process with a plan to rework how fire and police costs are packaged—possible separate public‑safety funds, phased assessments, or other measures—before the next fiscal year.

Staff explained the rationale: the fee is a non‑ad valorem, home‑rule revenue source based on a demand/availability apportionment (hazard classes, building under‑roof square footage and call‑demand measures). Newbarth said the methodology follows case law standards that require a benefit to property (the courts allow fire protection to be assessed; EMS was excluded) and a fair apportionment across property owners.

Chief Tom Smothers and staff described equipment and capital needs: increased replacement costs for engines (engine lead times now several years, current frontline engines aging), self‑contained breathing apparatus, radios and a marine rescue boat, plus rising personnel costs. Staff reported approximately 7,600 calls last year (most calls EMS related) and said rising capital and personnel costs have outpaced revenue currently available to the department.

More than 30 members of the public spoke during the hearing; common concerns included the size of the proposed increase, effects on residents with fixed incomes, whether commercial property owners and developers are contributing fairly, and whether the city had exhausted internal savings or could phase increases over time. Several callers asked whether impact fees, development agreements or county revenue could be used instead of a recurring assessment.

After public comment and extensive commissioner discussion, the commission voted to adopt the fire assessment for the coming fiscal year at the staff‑recommended level and directed staff to return with alternative funding scenarios and implementation steps—potentially including establishing a dedicated fire fund, restructuring how police and fire are funded, phased increases, or other options—by the Sept. 30 budget deadline. Staff stressed the action funds fire protection but excludes EMS transport costs from the assessment.","After a lengthy public hearing and more than two hours of testimony, the commission approved a one‑year adoption of an amended fire protection assessment resolution and directed staff to return with alternative funding proposals by Sept. 30 to address ongoing public safety costs and county/state revenue uncertainty.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6166392,"Ocoee adopts Envision 2045 comprehensive plan with opt‑out clause to comply with SB 180",1142,2890000,4032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142&start=2890&end=4032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415637-95bcdee6b7932ce64ecfa28bd83dd142/thumbnail_2890000.jpg","/articles/6166392/Ocoee/Orange-County/Florida/Ocoee-adopts-Envision-2045-comprehensive-plan-with-optout-clause-to-comply-with-SB-180","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166392-d3e72618d481dc1f9dc1fe8da1da5246/orig.mp4?Expires=1771097345&Signature=PV324kzaekp06lsZ9zG3yzMgscQTXZZZkY4UoQUgijl8FyN4sJqCzEwSD1pDRLRax-WoHDyFpDOTY3x1dbyZ~lxfrX6bjV-nEKF~yPDRukpy-7iHb4vei2YHx-E6AiuWZbkYizDT3mtRPduBF8J7P29kwgPgbBtRJAZeNBT5utrVjRfrRiYPHE1mFiD-gC3sCGnPFesPQzAmhsypGxi5lapO~bYHVNAHCv2L5MCn65~GCFAcklMNcvr~RDz2glm9gH9gtm8DgcSN-OJFFeITppuqY3PVWv8tqiB1Y7lW2guvkLzei1IXkxOwjcxzBIJDBB01l-Qg0estR1d5pdiyIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ocoee City Commission on July 15 adopted an ordinance to replace the city’s 2002 comprehensive plan with “Envision 2045,” updating future‑land‑use maps, housing and mobility policies and a five‑year capital improvements schedule.

Development Services Director Whitfield told the commission the ordinance includes an opt‑out provision to comply with Senate Bill 180, which staff said restricts local governments from imposing standards “more restrictive or more burdensome” than prior law for a limited period following a declared hurricane. Whitfield said the opt‑out mechanism lets a property owner request to proceed under the 2002 plan if they determine Envision 2045 is disadvantageous for a project.

The nut graf: The update is the city’s long‑range framework for growth and public facilities through 2045 and the commission approved it in a second‑reading public hearing after a multi‑month outreach and technical review. Adoption authorizes staff to transmit the plan to state and regional reviewing agencies and implement related map and policy changes.

Whitfield summarized the plan’s elements and the outreach timeline: planning and zoning review in April, a community meeting May 28, and the statutorily required transmittal for review. Staff reported no objections from reviewing agencies in the state “ORC” (objections/recommendations/comments) period; agencies submitted technical comments that staff incorporated, including map insert updates and capital improvements details.

Key policy changes include minor refinements to the CRA mixed‑use boundary, new floor‑area ratio limits for neighborhood‑enriching commercial uses, and minimum intensity requirements for properties of two acres or larger to encourage mixed uses. Whitfield also explained a policy that would require the city to consider feasibility of sanitary sewer for developments larger than 50 units and a capital plan policy to seek nutrient‑load reductions.

Commissioners and public commenters praised staff work. Resident Doug Gomber told the commission staff saved the city about $250,000 by preparing the plan in‑house and urged adoption. Commissioners also discussed the plan’s role in providing a clear city vision and how implementation will tie to future budget and land‑development code updates.

The ordinance adopts Envision 2045 in its entirety and directs staff to transmit the adopted plan to reviewing agencies; it also includes the opt‑out language staff inserted to address SB 180. Staff said the opt‑out provision is effective through the earliest date allowed under the bill (the ordinance text cites the statutory timelines). The commission moved and voted to adopt the ordinance; staff will proceed with transmittal and follow‑up actions in planning and code work.

Ending note: The commission scheduled routine implementation steps—the land‑development code amendments and capital planning—during the coming budget cycle. Staff made printed copies available at city hall and posted the plan and supporting documents on the planning website.","The Ocoee City Commission adopted an updated comprehensive plan, Envision 2045, replacing the 2002 plan and adding an opt‑out provision to comply with recent state law. The plan updates future‑land‑use maps, housing and mobility policies and a 5‑year capital improvements schedule; staff will transmit the document to reviewing agencies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press the commission on city manager oversight; commissioners describe informal weekly reviews and annual performance conversations

Resident asks city to press county for promised traffic signal at East McCormick and Apopka‑Vineland; county letter suggests roundabout

City, donors and fire department install AED towers in Ocoee parks; devices remotely monitored

Commission approves one‑year fire service assessment as staff and public press for alternatives

Ocoee adopts Envision 2045 comprehensive plan with opt‑out clause to comply with SB 180