53:52Discussions about the Ocoee Code Enforcement Board took center stage, highlighting ongoing difficulties in achieving a quorum, which has led to unresolved violations and community concerns. Commissioners considered implementing a magistrate system temporarily, arguing that magistrates, with their legal expertise, could more handle the backlog of cases.

The chairman of the Code Enforcement Board noted that the board’s inactivity since October was primarily due to health issues among members and quorum challenges. Commissioners expressed frustration over the delays in addressing community violations and emphasized the importance of maintaining a functional board to uphold community standards. Some commissioners suggested recruiting new members to fill vacancies, proposing immediate action to attract dedicated individuals willing to serve. A motion was introduced to maintain the current board size of seven members while accepting new applications to fill the existing vacancies.

01:19:57The commission also addressed the proposed increase in the fire protection unit assessment rate. The proposed increase from $69.50 to $139.25 per unit sparked debates about its impact on homeowners and the city’s budget. Presenters explained that the increase was necessary to cover 36% of the fire department’s operational costs, which had doubled from approximately $8 million to $16 million over the years. Commissioners acknowledged the need for additional funding to support the fire department, highlighting that without the increase, the city might face pressure to raise the millage rate, an undesirable alternative given the existing budgetary constraints.

Concerns about the adequacy of the proposed fee increase to cover fire services in full were raised, as well as the implications of legislative actions that could further erode ad valorem revenue. The discussion revealed a tension between maintaining high levels of fire protection and managing the tax burden on residents. The commission ultimately approved the resolution to adopt the new fee.

08:56In addition to these primary issues, the meeting featured a presentation from the Ocoee Youth Council. The Youth Council received recognition for winning the 2025 Youth Council Excellence Award, commending their initiative to clean up the local cemetery. This project aimed to improve the cemetery’s appearance and connect younger generations with local history. The council members shared experiences from their participation in career shadowing days and community service events.

38:44The meeting also addressed upcoming budget workshops, with dates set for August and September, and discussed the status of McCormack Road’s reopening. The commission received an update on the interim operations at Forest Lake Golf and addressed staffing issues affecting the restaurant’s hours. Public hearings were held for the annexation and rezoning of a property on 10th Avenue and for a resolution concerning utility easements in the Magnolia Reserve Town Home Subdivision, both of which were approved unanimously.