Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocoee public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
Drainage pipe rehabilitation projects
The city planned to hire vendors to rehabilitate aging drainage pipes on Adair Street and in the Ocoee Hills subdivision, which affects flood and stormwater management in those neighborhoods.
Wastewater treatment plant equipment upgrades
Several items would upgrade and maintain the wastewater treatment plant — replacing grit equipment, buying a bypass pump, and renewing generator maintenance — to keep sewage service reliable.
Utility Easements for O2B Kids and Ocoee Collective Developments
The city addressed the acceptance of two utility easements from property owners to ensure proper municipal access and maintenance of newly installed public water mains and fire protection infrastructure.
Downtown Septic-to-Sewer Final Assessment Resolution
Marion Park residents highlighted a painful catch-22: state clean-water mandates require expensive $20,000 to $40,000 septic upgrades if tanks fail, but the city's 10-year plan leaves their neighborhood off sewer lines, and county grant rebates exclude them because they live inside city limits.
Solid Waste Franchise Expiration and Service Quality
With Waste Connections declining its contract renewal, the city evaluated its trash and recycling collection. Commissioners voiced frustration over inconsistent service and voted to put the franchise out to competitive bid while maintaining two weekly pickups.
Water Conservation and District 2 Updates
District 2 Supervisor Dr. Jim Moyer gave a presentation on water conservation, urging residents to fix leaks, change habits, and keep pollutants out of stormwater drains.
Utility Billing Arrears and Collection Overhaul
Staff revealed over $2.1 million in unpaid utility bills due to pandemic-era leniency. The city is cracking down by writing off old bad debt, placing liens on rental properties, increasing deposits, and stepping up collections.
Pension Board Legal Representation
The retirement board needed to decide whether to keep their longtime attorney after he moved to a new law firm, issue a request for proposals, or stay with the old firm under a new lawyer. They chose to follow the attorney to ensure smooth operations.