Ocoee: Ocoee Meeting
Summary. The Ocoee City Commission held its regular meeting on March 3, 2026, with all commissioners present. The meeting featured presentations for the Black History Month essay contest winners, with Roshni Bhiharasingh taking the overall prize and delivering an inspiring speech about overcoming discrimination. The commission approved a $2,000 donation from Commissioner Firstner's discretionary fund to support the Ocoee Lady Knights basketball team's state championship trip. The primary business item was the first reading of an ordinance to abolish the Code Enforcement Board and replace it with a Special Magistrate system. This generated significant discussion during public comment, with Code Enforcement Board Chairman Joseph Bander requesting a meeting to address concerns about the transition process. The City Manager acknowledged communication issues in how the change was initially presented to board members and took responsibility for the confusion.
Agenda Items
1. Presentations - Black History Month Essay Contest
Recognition ceremony for winners of the 21st annual Black History Month essay contest, with overall winner Roshni Bhiharasingh delivering her winning essay
- Six schools participated in the contest
- Winners received Best Buy gift cards and prizes donated by Dr. Sandria Foster and Chick-fil-A
- Essay prompt focused on the 100th anniversary of Black History Month observance
- Overall winner delivered inspiring speech about overcoming discrimination
2. Staff Reports
City Manager provided updates on bond rating and sidewalk replacement program
- Fitch reaffirmed triple-A bond rating for water and sewer capacity
- Sidewalk replacement program underway in multiple neighborhoods
- Second phase of sidewalk program sent out for bid
3. Public Comments
Multiple citizens addressed various community issues and requests
- Bishop Mary Barnes requested city partnership for community health fair
- Dr. Jim Moyer discussed climate change impacts on Florida
- Noreen Dworkin announced journalism scholarship program
- Dakara Murphy requested funding for basketball team state championship trip
- Joseph Bander raised concerns about Code Enforcement Board changes
4. Consent Agenda
Routine items approved unanimously after technical voting system issues
- Technical difficulties with voting system required multiple attempts
- All items approved unanimously once system was working
7. First Reading - Code Enforcement Ordinance
First reading of ordinance to replace Code Enforcement Board with Special Magistrate
- Ordinance creates Office of Special Magistrate for code violations
- Abolishes existing Code Enforcement Board subject to future reinstatement
- Transfers all pending cases and powers to Special Magistrate
- Will return for second reading and public hearing on April 7
8. Commission Liaisons to Advisory Boards
Annual appointment of commissioners as liaisons to various city boards
- All commissioners agreed to maintain current board assignments
- Commissioner Firstner appointed as alternate to MAC (Metropolitan Area Commission)
- Commissioner Kennedy suggested board chairs should regularly read mission statements
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve consent agenda
Moved by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Kennedy
Passed unanimously 5-0
Motion to approve commission liaisons to various boards as listed, with all commissioners maintaining current assignments and naming Commissioner Firstner as alternate to MAC
Moved by Commissioner Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Firstner
Passed unanimously 5-0
Action Items
Process $2,000 donation to Ocoee Lady Knights basketball team from Commissioner Firstner's discretionary fund
Assigned to City Clerk/Executive Assistant · Due Before team departs Thursday for Jacksonville
Schedule meeting between Code Enforcement Board members and city management
Assigned to Assistant City Manager · Due Before April 7 public hearing
Send memo to Code Enforcement Board members explaining transition process
Assigned to City Manager · Due Before April 7 public hearing
Install speed bumps on Main Street and Orange Avenue
Assigned to Public Works Department
Repair roundabout on Lakewood with more permanent solution
Assigned to Public Works Department
Redouble monitoring efforts for yard waste pickup compliance
Assigned to Public Works Department · Due Ongoing during leaf season
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Ocoee City Commission held its regular meeting on March 3, 2026, with all commissioners present. The meeting featured presentations for the Black History Month essay contest winners, with Roshni Bhiharasingh taking the overall prize and delivering an inspiring speech about overcoming discrimination. The commission approved a $2,000 donation from Commissioner Firstner's discretionary fund to support the Ocoee Lady Knights basketball team's state championship trip. The primary business item was the first reading of an ordinance to abolish the Code Enforcement Board and replace it with a Special Magistrate system. This generated significant discussion during public comment, with Code Enforcement Board Chairman Joseph Bander requesting a meeting to address concerns about the transition process. The City Manager acknowledged communication issues in how the change was initially presented to board members and took responsibility for the confusion.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 6 agenda items: Presentations - Black History Month Essay Contest; Staff Reports; Public Comments; Consent Agenda; First Reading - Code Enforcement Ordinance; Commission Liaisons to Advisory Boards.
How many motions were voted on?
2 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
6 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
5 members were recorded as present: Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Kennedy, Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner Firstner, Commissioner Oliver.
What county is Ocoee in?
Ocoee is located in Orange County, Florida. Browse other Orange County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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