TOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025 7:00 P.M. OAKLAND MEETING HALL CALL TO ORDER: This meeting was held in-person and livestreamed as a Zoom webinar. Mayor Taylor called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Kevin Cox. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioner Keller Commissioner McMullen Commissioner Ramos Vice Mayor Satterfield Mayor Taylor COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None PRESENTATIONS: Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Milestone Presentation Brent Haywood, General Manager and CEO of Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, recognized Oakland Resident William Ryan Rodriguez as their 30,000th Customer. As a token of their appreciation, Mr. Rodriguez received a commemorative plaque and one year of complimentary natural gas service of up to $1,000. Proclamation = Larry Kimpel Day Mayor Taylor read the Proclamation proclaiming May 13, 2025, as Larry Kimpel Day in the Town of Oakland. Principal Dwyer stated she is very proud of the legacy Mr. Kimpel leaves behind. She thanked him and stated it has been a great honor to be on staff with him and getting to know him throughout the years. She recognized him for being the 2025 Florida Charter School Champion Teacher in the State of Florida. Mr. Kimpel thanked Principal Dwyer, the Town Commission, teachers, staff and his family. Vice Mayor Satterfield recognized Principal Dwyer for National School Principals' Day and the phenomenal job she does as Principal of Oakland Avenue Charter School. Proclamation = National Public Works Week Mayor Taylor read the Proclamation proclaiming May 18 through May 24, 2025, as National Public Works Week in the Town of Oakland. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 1 CONSENT AGENDA: a. Minutes - 4-22-2025 Town Commission Regular Meeting b. Employment Agreement - Town Manager and Town Clerk C. Update on Temporary Change in Check Signatures Mayor Taylor announced the items on the Consent Agenda. MOTION was made by Commissioner Keller, seconded by Commissioner McMullen to approve the Consent Agenda. AYE: Keller, McMullen, Ramos, Satterfield, Taylor NAY: None MOTION PASSED with 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. OTHER POLICY MATTERS: a. Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation/Oath of Office Mayor Taylor announced Jay Russell has resigned as a regular member of the Planning and Zoning Board; and further, stated Alternate Member Ed Kulakowski is eligible to move to a regular member seat. MOTION was made by Commissioner Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Keller to appoint Ed Kulakowski to a regular member seat on the Planning and Zoning Board. AYE: Keller, McMullen, Ramos, Satterfield, Taylor NAY: None MOTION PASSED with 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Mayor Taylor had Ed Kulakowski recite the Oath of Office to officially swear him in. b. Unpaved Street Improvements = Prioritization and Funding Public Works Director Parker explained the timeline of the past, current and pending improvements to the unpaved streets project; and further, he stated he is excited to announce a prioritized listing of town streets that are being proposed for improvements with several streets that already have secured funding allocated towards the improvements. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 2 Myra Monreal, P.E., AICP, Myra Planning and Design, presented a PowerPoint presentation with Tony Melton, P.E., KEITH, regarding Improvements to Unpaved Streets project (attached). She highlighted the following: A timeline of the Town's streets history from the 1880's to present. A qualitative windshield assessment to recommend the best material type for each unpaved road segment: Traditional Pavement (High Usage/Connectivty) Recycled Pavement/Millings (Medium Usage/Connectivty) Unpaved/Natural Surface (Low Usage/Connectivty) Myra Monreal explained most unpaved roads within the town will start with recycled asphalt millings, which are screened, machine-laid, and rolled. Recycled asphalt millings will greatly reduce or eliminate the dust while also retaining Oakland's unique character. She highlighted the following recommendations: Traditional Pavement (New Developmentyconnects to Connectors) Recycled Pavement/Millings (Connects Paved Roads/Connects to Activity Centers) Unpaved/Natural Surface (Historic Downtown/Low Volume Residential) Ms. Monreal concluded by presenting various maps demonstrating streets completed by this project and new development and streets currently in progress. Mayor Taylor stated this has been a long time coming, and he is satisfied with the completed roads to date with one setback, which the Town is currently rectifying. He asked Public Works Director Parker to explain the setback with the current contractor. Public Works Director Parker explained the contractor switched material about halfway through the project which unfortunately ended with substandard material on Mather Smith Drive and Edgegrove Lane. Since this development, three engineers have assessed the two roads and recommended the contractor remove the faulty material and replace it. At this point the contractor has been paid for immobilization and may be eligible for approximately $29,000 worth of work that was completed satisfactorily; however, the Town is waiting for the contractor to reply to the Town's complaints concerning the unsatisfactory material on the twO streets. He is coordinating with the Town's attorney in order to remedy this issue in order for the residents to get the roads that they were promised. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment. Public comments were as follows: John Hammerstein, 306 E. Vick Avenue, expressed his appreciation of the newly recycled/milled roads. He had concerns regarding the faulty material, potholes, and driveway connections. He concluded by informing the Commission that as of now the golfcarts and cars have slowed down, and he hopes the residents look forward to the improvements as well. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 3 Public Works Director Parker informed him the two roads with faulty and too much aggregate will be redone, the Town has the materials to maintain the roads, and the driveway connectors will be resurfaced by a different contractor after the roads are completed. Jeff Sandy, 90 Demens Street, stated some asphalt concerns on Star Street. Mayor Taylor explained a recent issue that happened with a truck coming out of the Oakland Park development that is currently under construction and asked Public Works Director Parker to explain further. Public Works Director Parker explained the developer accidentally impacted the road with their heavy truck, and the developer is committed to fixing the road. David Helsel, 21 N. Daniels Street, asked about the road segment off Daniels Street between Oakland Avenue and West Henschen Avenue. Public Works Director Parker explained that particular segment is currently under design build and is planned to be paved 35 feet back from Oakland Avenue, and the recycled millings will begin past the 35 feet. Gary Merrick, 201 N. Daniels Street, asked for a follow-up on a request he made a few weeks back regarding a study for a four-way stop at the intersection of Henschen Avenue and Daniels Street. O Chief Esan explained staff cannot support a four-way stop at this intersection, because there is no justification for it such as multiple accidents. Complaints about speeding are not enough justification to warrant this request. Oakland PD is currently monitoring this intersection; and further, a few days ago they counted 16 vehicles drive through that section with not one vehicle over the speed limit. Robin Waters, 106 Mather Smith, thanked the Commission for the newly recycled/milled and paved roads. Scott Hren, 305 Edgegrove Lane, stated he appreciates all the work being done by the Town. He shared concerns regarding the improvements to unpaved streets project with regards to the faulty recycled material on Edgegrove Lane, an uneven apron off Tubb Street and Vick Avenue, the millings producing black dust and potholes. He stated the recycled pavement will lead to more upkeep and cost the Town more over time rather than traditional pavement which lasts 20 to 30 years. He stated for the record he believes the recycled milled material is a mistake. MOTION was made by Vice Mayor Satterfield, seconded by Commissioner Ramos to accept the Improvements to Unpaved Streets report. AYE: Keller, McMullen, Ramos, Satterfield, Taylor NAY: None MOTION PASSED with 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 4 C. UCF Capstone Project - Tree Canopy Plan Mayor Tayor stated this project was completed by UCF students for a capstone project within the last year. Public Works Director Parker presented the UCF students' PowerPoint entitled "Oakland Tree Canopy: A UCF Capstone Project" (attached). The areas targeted for this project were as follows: Oakland Avenue from Winter Garden to the Lake County line; Tubb Street from State Road 50 to Lake Apopka, and the West Orange Trail corridor from Winter Garden to Lake County. The objective of this project was to improve the Town's tree canopy along key areas by identifying tree canopy gaps with recommending locations and species for new tree plantings and create maps detailing the various locations. He expressed that the students would be here presenting this, but unfortunately there was not enough time to get this on the agenda prior to their graduation. He presented the PowerPoint just as the students prepared it stating the tree site selection criteria should meet the following: Must be in an area considered to be a tree canopy gap, must not be within five (5) feet of any utilities, must not be within 20 feet of an existing tree. He displayed their various maps outlining 2025 Canopy Gap Assessment, 2025 Tree Inventory, 2025 Utilities, 2025 Proposed Tree Plantings. He further shared their estimated costs of trees, which is on the low side. He concluded with their following recommendations: (1) Plant new trees per the proposed plan; (2) Seek guidance from Town Arborist to identify and remove "poor" condition trees. Town Commission discussion was as follows: Commissioner Ramos stated he wished the students were present SO he could thank them. This is great research for our Town's future since we are a Tree City USA. Commissioner Keller indicated this is great information to assist the Town in planting more trees in order to counterbalance the loss of trees from new development. MOTION was made by Vice Mayor Satterfield, seconded by Commissioner Keller to accept the recommendations from the Oakland Tree Canopy: A UCF Capstone Project. AYE: Keller, McMullen, Ramos, Satterfield, Taylor NAY: None MOTION PASSED with 5 Ayes, 0 Nays. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 5 PUBLIC FORUM: Public comments were as follows: Jill Cox, 301 Walker Street, handed the Commission a handout (attached) about Oakland Cemetery off Walker Street, and mentioned she enjoys researching cemeteries and did some research on this cemetery, because there currently are eight (8) neadstones that have fallen, are broken, or have mold/mildew on them. She contacted Woodlawn who indicated to her they could bring their equipment and supplies over to fix and clean the headstones. She reached out to various numbers she was given of who may be in charge of this cemetery, one being Mark Griffith. After some discussions with Mark, he stated the Oakland Cemetery Association's Board appreciates her concerns, but the board agreed that the plots and headstones are private property, and they could not allow it. She feels she is at a roadblock and asked the Commission whether there is anything that the Town can do. Mayor Taylor stated unfortunately there is not much that can be done due to this cemetery being privately owned. There are three (3) cemeteries in the town with two privately owned and the Town's Historic African American Cemetery. He personally feels preserving the founding names is critical to the history of this town. There are state agencies that regulate cemeteries with yearly inspections. He suggested the Town draft a letter to Oakland Cemetery Association with each commissioner signing asking them to reconsider. Trillshun Bacon, 510 W. Henschen Avenue, asked if the families are not around anymore to take care of their plots, who is the caretaker. He insisted that something needs to be done, or the graveyards will fade away with no names. Mayor Taylor stated tracking the families down is an option, but there are groups that do volunteer to clean headstones if the cemetery allows it. Commissioner Ramos recommended drafting the letter asking if, at a minimum, they would allow them to clean the plots that do not have anyone claiming them. Scott Hren, 305 Edgegrove Lane, asked if the Town is still moving forward with the ClearGov software. ) Finance Director Leon replied they are moving forward with ClearGov. She hopes to have it active on the website by October. TOWN MANAGER/DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS: Town Manager Report Town Manager Hui reported a new utility billing supervisor and utility tech will be starting soon. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 6 Department Head Reports Finance Director Leon reported the auditors have been auditing for approximately a month and may be finishing this week with a presentation coming to the Commission probably in June. The fiscal year budget is underway with an anticipated budget workshop in June. Community Outreach Manager Dattolo announced this Saturday is the second annual Car Stroll presented by Shannon Till State Farm. A new exhibit at the Arts and Heritage Center called Life in the Pet Lane is opening this Saturday as well. Chief Esan reported both cars donated by the City of Clermont PD are now in service. A short video was shown of the newly wrapped SRO vehicle, which was donated by Empire Finish Systems, LLC, and Brookline Development & Associates, LLC. He announced this week is National Police Week, a time to remember all fallen officers; and further, in two days is National Police Officer Memorial Day where flags fly at half-staff in honor of all fallen officers. Public Works Director Parker had no report. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Keller stated one of the benefits of living in a small town is accessibility to the Commission and staff. She informed the residents they do not need to wait for a commission meeting if they have a concern; and further, she urged them to call or email staff or the commissioners with any concerns and to look at the website or visit the Arts and Heritage Center for events. Commissioner McMullen announced that the Mount Zion church is excited about hosting a pasketball camp this summer. He stated this camp has been done in the past and was very successful. Commissioner Ramos reminded residents this commission is approachable and to contact the commission by phone, email, in-person, or social media. He reported on a recent social media post regarding traffic time from US Highway 27 to Orlando. He currently sits as a member of the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) with Metroplan Orlando representing the Town. He reached out to Jonathan Scarfe, FDOT, District 5, for an update. He read the email he received from Mr. Scarfe stating that FDOT is working on a traffic analysis of State Road 50 from US Highway 27 to the Florida Turnpike; and further, once the study is completed, FDOT will provide updates. He announced the Memorial Day Service at the Oakland Cemetery will be at 9am on Monday, May 26th. Vice Mayor Satterfield announced the upcoming Fifth Grade Flyaway on Wednesday, May 28th at 9am. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 7 Mayor Taylor inquired if event banners can be placed at the roundabout on the west side of town, and Public Works Director Parker stated staff will look into this. He further congratulated Rachel's Collision Center for being in business in this town for 20 years. He recognized two Town employees for their years of service: Scott Townsend 10 years and Adrian Cowan 15 years. He stated the streetscape project off Tubb Street is well underway. He met with staff and design professionals and walked the streets. The streetscape report should include street landscaping designs, infrastructure and Code updates. Once the report is complete, they will present it at an upcoming meeting where residents and the Commission can critique it. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Commissioner McMullen adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. TOWN OF OAKLAND: SHANE TAYLOR,MAYOR ATTEST: KATHY HÉARD, TOWN CLERK Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025 - Page 8