Town Commission - Regular Meeting

okay all right uh good evening everyone again thank you guys so more people funneled in so that's great to see uh so i'd like to call to order the uh oakland town commission meeting for june 23rd 2026 if everyone please stand and remain standing for the pledge I'd like to invite our chaplain, Andy Jones, up to do the invocation.

Good evening, everyone.

I had an opportunity to speak with the mayor beforehand, and I asked if I could say a couple things. Quite a bit of stuff right now. Take coffee together. I want to say on behalf of the mayor, because I've had a chance to get to know him a little better, you've got a fine man representing you. It's great to see him where he's at. And so I will never deny my faith. I will never deny that. I say it the way I would say it if I was saying it anyplace else. So I want you all to know that as your chaplain, and I'm also effective, that I will be consistently praying for everyone in this meeting and that God will oversee.

Heavenly Father, we just invite you to this meeting today.

We know that you are the maker of all. We know that nothing goes past your hands that you're not aware of. And so this is not catching you by surprise where this town's at, nor the other towns that are going on. For those who lose sight of you, they lose sight of hope. So Father, I pray that you would put wisdom into the council leadership, to its departments and all the heads that are being here, that are representing here today, that you would give them wisdom.

You would guide them, restore it to the place that you would like to see it.

And with that being said, Father, I just ask you, in this time, in this community, please protect the officers and all the first responders that respond to this. I would ask you to protect them.

I hope that microphone was on when you said those kind words, Andy. I gave him my $50 a month. I gave him, paid him to say that. Oh, I gave you Mike's check too. So yeah, that's what I had to add. All right, good evening, Kathy.

Good evening. Commissioner Keller?

Here.

Vice Mayor Satterfield?

Present.

Mayor Taylor?

Here.

Commissioner Motley? Present. Commissioner McMullen is absent.

Okay, thank you very much. We have a couple of presentations and one presentation, a proclamation tonight. I'd like to invite up our representative, State Representative Leonard Spencer to the podium, who is going to provide us some updates. So Representative Spencer, thank you very much for taking the time to come out and visit with us tonight. I know you have a very busy schedule.

Of course, Mayor. Thank you all for having me, you know, and good evening. To you again, Mayor, to the council members, to the staff, and most of all to the residents who are here tonight. You know, it's always my pleasure to be here in Oakland. It is a jewel here in Central Florida. And I'm very proud to call not just this area, but, you know, I'm very proud to say that I spent a lot of time in Oakland. And as you know, we finally concluded our work in Tallahassee. After an extended legislative session, we have budget negotiations, special sessions on redistricting and property taxes, which was just discussed. I wanted to come here tonight just to spend some time and hopefully provide an update on some of the things that we've accomplished, the issues I fought for, and what it means for Oakland and the residents here in House District 45. Now, when I first ran for office, I made a commitment to focus on three parties and they were affordability, opportunity and innovation. And these priorities will continue and they have continued to guide my work every day. And they've shaped much of the work that I was able to accomplish this legislative session. But before I begin, I want to go back to where I started and just recognize something special about this town of Oakland. Oakland is one of the communities that reminds us that growth and preservation do not have to be opposing forces. When done thoughtfully, we can protect our natural resources, preserve our community character, and still create opportunity for future generations. Oakland has worked hard to strike that balance. It has protected its unique character, invested in its quality of life, and served as a steward of some of our region's most important environmental assets, such as Lake Apopka. That commitment to thoughtful growth and responsible stewardship is something I deeply respect, and one of the reasons that I'm proud to represent this community in Tallahassee. I want to begin with what we accomplished around affordability. Like many Floridians, I believe we have to continue to look for ways to make our state more affordable. Families continue to feel pressure from rising housing costs, insurance premiums, and everyday expenses. Addressing these challenges is my top priority in Tallahassee. That's why I opposed the property tax proposal considered during this special session. While I support meaningful tax relief, I believe that any proposal has to include a responsible and sustainable plan to replace the revenue that supports our essential services. Property taxes help fund public safety, parks, roads, infrastructure, and other services we discussed tonight that residents rely on every day. And we can and should pursue affordability, but we must do it in a way that preserves the quality of life that makes communities like Oakland such a special place to call home. I was also proud to support legislation that expands opportunities for Floridians with disabilities by allowing those individuals to work, to save, and pursue greater economic independence without immediately losing access to critical healthcare benefits. In addition to this legislation, we also were able to advance legislation that supported veterans and military families through expanded housing opportunities and protections for benefits intended to support children of veterans. Now my second priority was opportunity. One of the most significant debates this year centered around state preemption and the continued shift of decision-making authority away from local governments like Oakland up to Tallahassee. Throughout this session, I remain focused on protecting local control and ensuring that municipalities retain the flexibility that they need to address the unique challenges and opportunities within their communities. I believe the people who live, work, and raise their families here in Oakland should have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of their town. While statewide standards have their place, Local leaders are best positioned to make decisions that reflect the values and priorities of their residents. We also passed legislation that allowed high school students to volunteer at polling locations. This encourages civic engagement at an early age and helps prepare the next generation of leaders. And it helps to also strengthen our democracy. Beyond legislation, we created opportunity And that means ensuring that West Orange County receives its fair share of state investment. And this year I worked to support infrastructure improvements, transportation investments, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen our region's long-term quality of life. That commitment extends beyond a single legislative session. As you know, in previous years, I helped secure funding for the Northwest Wastewater Extension as part of the South Lake Apopka Initiative. This is an investment that supports environmental restoration, responsible growth, and the long-term health of our region. It is an example of the type of work I will continue to champion for Oakland and the communities throughout West Orange County. Finally, on innovation. Florida's future depends on our ability to prepare for what comes next, while ensuring that innovation improves the lives of the people we serve. This year I supported legislation that establishes statewide safety standards for e-bikes. As e-bike usage continues to grow across Central Florida and along our shared use trails, it's important that we create clear expectations that protect both riders and pedestrians while also collecting the data needed to guide future policy decisions. I'm also proud that our office successfully passed legislation that positioned Florida as leader in advanced air mobility. This bill creates the framework for future vertiport development and emerging aviation technologies that help reduce congestion, support economic growth, and improve transportation options throughout our region. Innovation must always be balanced with stewardship. And this year we were able to pass the Joe Costello Act. And this phases out firefighting foam containing PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals. Now these substances have been linked to serious environmental and health concerns. The legislation helps protect Florida's water resources and supports the long-term health of our community. For a town like Oakland, which places such high value on conservation and environmental preservation. This is an important step towards protecting the natural resources that make our region unique. As Oakland and the surrounding communities continue to grow, it's critical that growth is accomplished by the infrastructure, planning, and investments necessary to maintain the quality of life that our residents so highly value. And my goal in all of this remains simple, to create opportunity, protect what matters, to our communities and what makes it special, and to ensure that state governments remain a strong partner in building a brighter future for the people we serve. I want to thank all of you for your continued partnership, your leadership, and your commitment to this town. It's an honor to represent Oakland and the Florida House of Representatives, and I look forward to continuing to work together to build a future that is more affordable, more prosperous, and full of opportunity for everyone. May God bless the town of Oakland, the great state of Florida, and these United States of America. Thank you, and I will entertain any questions that you may have.

Thank you.

Representative Spencer, I would like to say thank you very much for, just so everybody knows, Representative Spencer carried our appropriations for the septic to sewer that we're continuing to do One and a half million dollars. And last time we checked, it's still on there. It hasn't been line itemed out yet. Not yet. We got until, what, the 30th? Yeah. Very close. So thank you for doing that. And any questions for Brett?

We appreciate you, man.

Doing my best. Anybody in the audience have any questions? No? Okay.

Quiet crowd. Thanks so much. Thank you, sir.

I know you have a plane to catch, so please. Thank you, sir. All right, moving on to proclamation. I'm excited about this proclamation, and everybody should be excited about this one. Proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States of America Independence Day 2026. Whereas on July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence established the United States of America and proclaimed to the world the revolutionary ideals of liberty, self-government, individual rights, and the belief that all people are created equal, America's founding fathers embarked upon the bold and unprecedented experiment of self-government, establishing a nation founded upon liberty, individual rights, personal responsibility, and the consent of the governed. Despite challenges and trials throughout its history, the American experiment has endured for two and a half centuries, strengthened by the courage, determination, innovation, and faith of generations of citizens. The story of America is one of courage and conviction. built by generations who believed that freedom is worth defending, opportunity is worth pursuing, and self-government is worth preserving. For 250 years, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and democracy, inspiring people throughout the world and serving as a symbol of hope for those seeking liberty and a better future. Countless Americans have sacrificed their lives, devoted themselves to public service, and answered the call for duty to preserve the freedoms and institutions that have made our nation strong. From the nation's founding generations to those serving today in our armed forces, first responder agencies, and public institutions, Americans have demonstrated courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the principles upon which this nation was built. The town of Oakland is proud to be part of the American story and recognizes that the freedoms and opportunities enjoyed by its residents today are the results of the sacrifices, vision, and perseverance of those who came before us. The nation's semi-quincentennial provides an opportunity for all Americans to reflect upon our shared history, honor those whose sacrifices secured and protected our freedoms, and inspire future generations to uphold the principles upon which our nation was founded. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the town of Oakland proudly joins communities throughout the United States in celebration of the town's semi-quincentennial and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, honoring the generations of Americans whose sacrifice, vision, determination secured the blessings of liberty for ourselves and future generations. Now, therefore, I, Shane Taylor, Mayor of the Town of Oakland, Florida, on behalf of the Town Commission and the citizens of Oakland, do hereby proclaim July 4th, 2026, As a day of celebration, remembrance, and gratitude, I encourage all residents to reflect upon the freedoms we enjoy, honor those who have defended them, and recommit themselves to the ideals of liberty, personal responsibility, civic engagement, and service to our nation.

So thank you, everybody, and hope everybody has a great Fourth of July.

Mayor, do you want to get a picture with Representative Spencer before he leaves?

Sure, let's do it. Okay, next on the agenda is our consent agenda, and this is the approval of the June 9th, 2026 Town Commission regular meeting minutes. Any questions or comments? None? I'll entertain a motion.

Consent agenda as presented.

Second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Aye, okay. Ordinance, we have an ordinance for Briley Farms. This is ordinance 2026-04, first reading of Briley Farms phase one plan development, the development agreement amendment.

An ordinance of the town of Oakland, Florida, adopting the first amendment to the development agreement for the Briley Farm phase one plan development as recorded in the public records. of Orange County, Florida, document number 2024-033-9441, and approving the revised preliminary subdivision plan on certain real property owned by Briley Landholding LLC, as more particularly described herein, making findings and providing for conflicts, severability, and for an effective date.

Thank you. And our contracted town planner, Sarah, how are you? From Waitrem, listening.

Sarah Nassau, Mayor Towns contracted planner today we have ordinance 2026 dash 04 for the briley farm phase one amendment to the plan development and the development agreement. A quick summary. This project is approximately 36 acres. It's designed, this design district is the traditional neighborhood and it is zoned planned development. This is a site map of the Briley farm phase one and then lot 10 and 12 in the blue are what we're going to be discussing tonight. So the requested action, it's to amend the PD and the development agreement, and it's to incorporate 302 Briley Ave, which is lot 12, into the development. And then the developer would like to split lot 10 and 12 into three lots. This would increase the total allowable single-family home lots from 53 to 55. And then once subdivided, we'll assign the newly configured lots a type D lot type, which is governed by the design guidelines and architectural standards manuals. And then through this amendment, they are also adding just some streetscape guidelines and additional landscape material recommendations for the lots. This quickly shows on the left what is currently there, and then on the right is how they would like to reconfigure the lots. And then this is how it would be represented in the design book. You can see the reassignment of those three lots with the lot type D. This is just a quick excerpt of what standards are applied to lot type Ds. This is what would be applied to these three lots. And then the next few slides are those additional streetscape guidelines and the additional landscape material recommendations for the subdivision. So we did an analysis. These lots are in the traditional neighborhood design district, which have minimum lot sizes. So for the interior lots, that minimum width is 50 and the depth is 125. And then for corner lots, the minimum width is 60 and the minimum depth is 125. We reviewed all the proposed sizes for each lot and they were all compliant with the minimum lot sizes. So we also did an analysis of the facilities and services. We have confirmed there's adequate capacity for water and availability of sewer through the interlocal agreement. And then these lots will be subject to school concurrency and applicable impact fees. So this did go to ARB on June 2nd, and they unanimously recommended approval of the ordinance as it was presented. Additionally, it went to PNC on June 16, with the same unanimous recommendation of approval as presented. Staff has recommended all, or staff has reviewed everything provided and also recommend that the town commission approve ordinance 2026-04 to amend the Briley Farm phase one PD and development agreement to bring in lot 12 and to subdivide them into three lots, providing for a new total of 55 single family home lots in this phase. So what next steps if you guys, this will go to the adoption hearing based on your recommendation today. So you'll see this again on July 14. Sir, absolutely. And I know that the applicants representative is here as well. If you have any questions, I'm unable to answer. Yeah, absolutely.

Maybe questions. This is where Mrs. Voss' old house was. We're just bringing that property in.

Correct, yes. Initially, it was excluded, but they've acquired that and would like to bring it into the project.

Okay.

The interesting thing is that I live right behind you. All those lots were three lots at one time. Okay. Going back to exactly what it was, you know. Yeah.

Yeah.

And it's consistent with the rest of the lots that are in there? Pretty much?

Yes, I think the one through 11 are slightly larger. It's probably the size of them are midpoint between the 47 and 54. And then those larger lots on the same block, but it is consistent. In terms of the minimum lot sizes, I think they actually exceed those.

You have 80 feet versus 55, so they're- Correct. 145 deep, each of them.

Yes, yeah. So they exceed that minimum limitation.

It's 199 as the car lot, right? All right, it is a ordinance. Does anybody in the public have any comments or questions they'd like to bring up? I know we have a couple members of our ARB and PNC. Thank you guys for taking a look at this as well. Appreciate you.

No one?

Okay, we'll close the public hearing and bring it back here. And any other questions? Okay, so we'll entertain a motion.

make a motion to approve the ordinance 2026-04 first reading of briley farms phase one plan development and development agreement amendment a second second all in favor aye aye thank you guys thank you

All right, moving on to public forum. This is, we'll open it up to anyone, any resident that has any comments or questions that was not on tonight's agenda. Any takers tonight? One up, John. Sure, I know what your question's gonna be.

Just to follow up on

two weeks ago discussion about paving and all the complexities around that I don't know where we're at there's updates for that is there possibly a different way of thinking about all this I drove around was it It's the neighborhood across from me. Southern Oaks. There are some areas that need fixing. There's areas that are much better shaped than most roads in town. I don't know if it's a chance to spot pick things. I'm just trying to get it all done somehow, some way. I don't know if there's been any more thought about this or if

I'll let Tom Andrew answer.

So what we did, number one, I went back and looked at all the meeting minutes prior to the last meeting and there was never a motion made on e-spec. There was discussion about it definitely. There might have been people that said we would look into it. And that was all I was able to find. So what we are doing so that the commission can make an educated decision is putting together all the data. So we're getting additional bids on what it would cost to pave that. We're looking at, we may need to do some additional studies to determine what, if, Any percentage of impact fees could be used for the project. As I mentioned at the last meeting, it is not currently in the budget, so we would need to determine where that money was coming from. And then that information, hopefully by July 14th, the next commission meeting will have that in the packet so that the commission can make an informed decision on that as a group.

Okay. You know, we were here... before that neighborhood was built. And at that time, a neighborhood coming in with paved roads was a big deal. A lot of discussion about that. And it seems to me, I remember, that the neighborhood original agreement was that they would maintain their own roads. I don't know if that's something that can be researched or figured out. I don't know that it really wasn't a burden to the town I thought about that initially too. So I would like council to look into that and see if that's an agreement that was made that's just kind of lost. I'm done.

All right, John. Thank you. Thanks, John. Oh, go ahead.

So I had an opportunity to do a ride along with Jonnell this week and get a little greater understanding of the millings that are there. And I had a reasonable alternative thought that I've spoken to Elise with at least just tonight. Maybe we take a look at the contract for the company that laid the millings and see what, if any, recourse we may have for a potential, you know, come back out, replace it, restructure it. You know, was it designed for the traffic flow that exists? And is there some warranty or some action that we could maybe put a Band-Aid over it until we're able to really flesh out what happens with the budget and where we are with the paving project?

noted okay thank you anybody else and it will come before us in two weeks all right anybody else have any other public forum questions or concerns don't push them not okay we'll close the public but here we'll close the public forum and bring it back to our town manager

I have nothing additional.

Town measure reports? Nothing tonight? Easy. How about you, Kathy?

No, I have no report.

Ashley?

I do. Hi, Ashley Woospiti, manager here for Human Resources and Payroll. I would like to briefly report that I attended the annual Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM, conference in Orlando last week. The conference brought together over 20,000 HR professionals, business leaders, and public sectors representatives from around the world, actually, to discuss emerging workplace trends, workforce development, employee engagement, leadership, and regulatory updates affecting employers. While I was fortunate to attend as a volunteer, which allowed my conference registration fee to be waived, volunteering also provided unique opportunities to participate in sessions and engage with professionals and thought leaders I may not have otherwise have access to. I appreciate the opportunity to represent the town of Oakland at this event, especially with other Floridian HR professionals that said, where's Oakland exactly?

You know, right on 50, our neighbors.

And that said, as the town manager and I continue working to modernize our strategic plan and strengthen our organization for the future, the knowledge and connections gained from this conference will ultimately help support our employees and enhance organizational effectiveness through best practices and ultimately advance the town's long-term goals. So I thank all of you for allowing me to attend that.

Thank you. Hi.

I have nothing.

Good job on putting, helping Gabby put that together.

So thank you. Thank you.

Chief, Deputy Chief, anything good?

We lost one officer at the end of May. We hired a new officer June 1st. Lost light. He went on to a bigger agency. Okay. I mean, we knew where we put him. We didn't lose him. We knew where we put him. But he went on to another agency. And we anticipate this happening again in the near future. There are at least one other that is in the process with another agency. We're going to start to see this happen. We are recruiting as fast as we can to try to get qualified applicants. Working with Ashley, we have potential. We have a couple others that are in the pipeline. We'll see what happens. But our goal is to stay fully staffed. And aside from that, nothing else.

Thank you.

So just so everybody knows what's happening in the agencies, like the police departments and the fires departments as well, there's unions are involved and they're getting increases and some municipalities are paying their officers more than the surrounding officers. So those guys are basically just jumping ship is what they're doing. They go and get a couple bucks more an hour type thing. I think for our town, as long as I've been here, it's always just been something that's always happened to a small town like this. You know, they come in either fresh, right, Chief, and they come in fresh from the academy or whatever, and then they, you know, cut their teeth and they go somewhere else or retired guys that come in.

That's one of the two, yeah, we'll either get.

Somebody who wants, that's their plan when they come here. We ask them to give us two or three years. Come here, we train them, get them the experience they need, and then they move on to a larger agency. And then the other, we get retirees that want to stay in the job, but don't necessarily want the hustle and bustle of a larger agency. So they come here, and then we're trying to use them to bring their experience to train the younger folks who do want to leave.

Thank you guys for protecting us and doing everything you do for us. Gabby, nothing from you, Gabby? You're good? I don't think I've spoken enough. Good news, sunshine, rainbows, all that stuff?

Nothing. I mean, the audit, I guess, like I said, they're going to be presenting July 14th. Ty and I went to the FGFOA conference. We'll probably never go back.

Cause there's just no money, but it was a good time.

Sorry.

How far she's come from nothing.

Sarah, I know Taylor always gives us great updates every week.

Desi, big shoes to fill. The only update I really have is that the transmittal for the comp plan amendments to incorporate the Tub Street overlay has been submitted, and we expect comments back by July 22nd from the state on that.

No comment.

Or no comments, hopefully. So we'll give you updated as that comes in.

Positive on it. Yeah. Thank you. Jonnell, how are you?

Good. Thank you. So just a little bit of updates. So we are starting the drainage part of Star and Mill Hollands. So they're going to be hopefully starting that work in the next 30 days to put in that drainage. And then we're going to start getting some more quotes to see if we could try to do something from Mill Hollins all the way up to Tubb Street. So we're still working on that. And me and Scott had a discussion today. We're going to see, once we do Millings, what we can do to maintain it. going forward because we know they put them down. I did ask Scott about maybe rolling the millings about a couple of days after they put them down to see if they could solidify and come together and steady, you know, having them, you know, just break apart or whatever. So we're looking into something to kind of maintain those roles once they go down going forward. So that's all I got.

All right. Thank you, sir. And we'll bring it back here to Commissioner Keller.

I just want to say that I'm going to continue to beat this dead horse until it's dead, but I think we've got some really valuable information this evening, and I just ask everyone to please educate yourself and be familiar. Again, that's what we just really want to do, and again, I appreciate Gabby giving us the information for the projections for the next couple of years on the impact of if this vote should go through in November and how it will impact the town. I think it's important for everyone to have a full understanding. Like she said, we're better off than some places, but things will change. And we just talked about the situation with our officers. We kind of know that they come here and they stay for a few years, but we've got to stay competitive in what we pay our officers. And, and our town staff, you know, I know I was saying to some folks during the break that our town staff are always here for our town events and things like that. And I know they put in extra hours that they're necessarily additionally compensated for. And that's wonderful. And I know we love our town events and all of those things and to keep all of those things we need to be able to fund them so i just think it's important to have the information that we've been given this evening and uh hopefully we will you know figure out our way through the next few years with whatever happens in november so but other than that that's all i have nothing no just want to say thank you between you guys at the police and the town for putting out the

about poisons and stuff for the animals. We talked about it, and that was pretty dear to my heart, so thank you guys for putting out those notes.

Okay, nothing for me, so say it.

All hearts and minds are satisfied. We will adjourn.