A key part of the meeting involved the commission’s discussion on the proposed changes to the floodplain management ordinance. The amendments were centered on enhancing the city’s flood resiliency, particularly by protecting critical facilities from severe storm events and ensuring they are not located within the 500-year floodplain. The discussion also addressed regulations for buildings to be constructed 18 inches above the crown of the adjacent road and for effective drainage away from structures. By adopting these changes, Ocoee aims to improve its standing in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System, potentially moving from a Class 9 to a Class 7 rating. This advancement could result in 15% discounts on flood insurance for properties inside the special flood hazard area and 5% for those outside, leading to considerable savings for residents.

The commission considered the impact of these proposed changes on critical facilities and the estimated cost and savings. The city confirmed that there were no critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain and that the changes were proactive measures to mitigate future development risks. The savings on flood insurance, estimated to be thousands to tens of thousands of dollars cumulatively for the city, were highlighted as a benefit. Additionally, the city is looking to provide federal dollars up to $30,000 to assist residents in meeting newer ordinances and codes, further protecting properties from repetitive flood losses.

The proposed changes also included higher regulatory standards for preserving the carrying capacity of drainage ways, mapping floodplains accurately, and additional permitting and technical amendments aligned with the Florida Building Code. Outreach efforts were discussed, focusing on educating the community about flood protection and conservation, including initiatives with the West Orange Branch Library and local schools. The city sought approval of the ordinance to adopt the floodplain changes, which had received positive feedback from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the office of Floodplain Management.

In the same session, the commission addressed the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan presented by Metro Plan Orlando. The plan emphasizes eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes within the city. It includes a comprehensive strategy involving improvements in road user behavior, vehicle safety, traffic speeds, road design, and post-crash care. The Plan also identified Ocoee’s high injury network and proposed projects to enhance safety. Commissioners discussed roadway safety in their districts, emphasizing driver education and the impact of recent accidents and fatalities. The need for pedestrian and motorist safety improvements was underscored.

Another topic of substantial interest was the Sidewalk Project. The commission and residents expressed support, with an emphasis on the need to improve communication about sidewalk repairs and the impact of aging trees on sidewalk conditions. Public comments also addressed the Ocoee High School FFA chapter’s concerns about road closures and construction activities affecting their program and safety. The city officials discussed ongoing efforts to resolve access issues caused by adjacent development and emphasized their commitment to working with the school board and developers to support the FFA program and agricultural education.

Further discussions in the meeting revolved around various infrastructure and development concerns, including traffic safety at specific intersections, potential dangers posed by certain roadways, and the impact of a nearby development on the local high school’s facilities. The commission also unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to change the land use map designation from low-density residential to commercial for a property on North Bluford Avenue, and the zoning classification change for the same property was approved after a public hearing.

The meeting concluded with various announcements from the commissioners, including the acknowledgment of a police officer’s community impact, an upcoming shred event, a July 4th block party, and a reminder of upcoming events and meetings.