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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2024 08 26 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 2 6 , 2024 AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 2 O F 8 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, August 26, 2024 of the City Commission to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708). Roll Call: Mayor Kevin McCann, present Deputy Mayor Matt Benton, present Commissioner Victoria Bruce, present Commissioner Ted Johnson, present Commissioner Cade Resnick, present Commissioner Rob Elliott, present Interim City Manager Phil Hursh, present City Attorney Anthony Garganese, present City Clerk Christian Gowan, present Pastor Kyle Stewart led the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Bruce asked that Item 302 be discussed prior to approval of the consent agenda. There was no objection and the agenda was adopted. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) City of Winter Springs 2023 Consumer Confidence Report and Potable Water Update Mr. Bilal Iftikhar, Director, Utilities Department noted that the City of Winter Springs had met all criteria, discussed potable water projects that the City had undertaken, future plans, and reviewed ongoing communications with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Mr. Scott Richards, Carollo Engineers, reviewed the 2023 Consumer Confidence Report (Annual Water Quality Report), reviewed regulatory limits and. next steps, and noted a wastewater update would be provided at a later date. Discussion followed on the Lake Jesup Reclaimed Water Augmentation Plant, specifically regarding known issues and funding being sought, the city exceeding its consumptive use permit (CUP), and efforts to expand reclaimed water availability to help address the issue. Mr. Iftikhar noted staff was looking for the best use of funds and thought CUP exceedance could occur even with reclaimed expansion. Mr. Iftikhar relayed that the SJRWMD was willing to work with the city as long as effort was being shown to reduce potable water usage and expand reclaimed. Discussion followed on primary versus secondary standards, clarification of detected versus maximum contaminant levels, previous trihalomethane (TTHM) exceedances and improvements that had been made, and results of voluntary testing that showed PFAs and 1-4 dioxane were not detected in the City of Winter Springs water. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 3 O F 8 Mr. Chad Cartledge, 282 Tavestock Loop, Winter Springs thanked the Commission for allowing Running for Heroes to participate in the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, noted 9/11 Memorial Run and Zechariah's last race as runner. Mr. Cartledge further spoke about police pay and encouraged looking into incentives to retain and recruit officers or benefits for experienced officers. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs thought the consent agenda should not be used for major items, shared concerns about speed limits and the Winding Hollow deceleration lane project, and encouraged more money being spent on the police department. Interim Manager Hursh noted lowest bid was $1.6 million, more than the amount that was authorized by Metroplan and had agreed to fund the difference. Ms. Janet Pinell, The Savoy, Winter Springs thanked the City/Commission for the new traffic signal coming on ahead of schedule and then discussed a potential Chick-fil-a and traffic concerns. Ms. Sarah Baker, 1551 Winter Springs Boulevard, Winter Springs thanked the Mayor and Commission for recognition of National Women's Equality Day and hoped for a proclamation in the future. Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs thanked the Mayor and Commission for taking time to interview city manager candidates and thought all were qualified, thanked the Winter Springs Police Department for their handling of an issue on State Road 434 and Michael Blake Blvd, spoke about comments related to the new traffic signal, and discussed religious freedom and concerns about first amendment violations. Mr. Ken Greenberg, 1635 White Dove Drive, Winter Springs representing the Winter Springs Community Association noted a survey related to the city manager job, noted attendance at interviews held earlier in the day, noted he was in support of Commissioner Bruce and shared concerns about Ken Spalthoff’s comments and conduct and thought he should be removed from the Planning and Zoning Board. Mr. Art Gallo, 199 Nandina Terrace, Winter Springs spoke about the importance of the city manager position and thought action needed to be taken to select one of the three candidates interviewed earlier in the day. Mr. Mark Caruso, Winter Springs noted he thought the negativity needed to stop in the City, encouraged rebuilding relationships and working together. Mr. John Horan, 1612 Wood Duck Drive, Winter Springs noted experience with manager searches, thought the process had taken too long, and thought the decision should now be delayed until after the election. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) FY 2023 - 2024 Mid-Year Budget Amendment No discussion. 301) Purchase of High Water Rescue Vehicle for the Winter Springs Police Department No discussion. C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 4 O F 8 302) Reconstruction of TLBD South Fountain Commissioner Bruce noted, and staff confirmed, that the fountain would be repaired using mainly insurance money. 303) Storm Sewer Pipe Repair - 1563 Carrington Avenue No discussion. 304) Storm Sewer Pipe Repair - 648 Alton Road No discussion. "MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); JOHNSON (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); ELLIOTT (AYE); BENTON (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) First Reading of Ordinance 2024-11: EAR-Based Amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSION JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2024-11 by title and briefly reviewed the item and process going forward. Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department reviewed the two-phase Comprehensive Plan process, the first deadline of September 1st, and noted Mr. Nick Tafelsky, Senior City Planner was available for questions. Mr. Chris Dougherty, Inspire Placemaking Services, 4767 New Broad Street, Orlando presented the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update, discussed the amendment process required every seven years by statute and recent changes, revised references, map series updates, next steps and the project timeline. Mr. Dougherty noted that Phase 2 would include public workshops, a vision summary, and recommendations. Mr. Dougherty noted that the plan should be considered for adoption in June 2025. Discussion followed on proposed updates related to references to the Greenway Interchange District (GID) and the 17/92 Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) being removed from the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Tafelsky noted that the GID was in the City Code and the 17/92 CRA was no longer in existence. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 400. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs noted confusion about included maps and overlays. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 400. C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 5 O F 8 "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 400.” [FIRST READING AND TRANSMITTAL OF ORDINANCE 2024-11] MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); JOHNSON (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); ELLIOTT (AYE); BENTON (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Brief discussion followed on maps and it was noted that updates to included maps would be a part of the process. 401) Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2024-07: Amendments to Chapter 6, Buildings and Building Regulations Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2024-07 by title. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 401. No one addressed the Commission. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 401. "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401.” [SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2024-07] MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); JOHNSON (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); ELLIOTT (AYE); BENTON (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 402) Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-08: Amendments to Chapter 20, Zoning Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2024-08 by title and briefly reviewed housekeeping amendments. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 402. No one addressed the Commission. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 402. "MOTION TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2024-08.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); JOHNSON (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); ELLIOTT (AYE); BENTON (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. REGULAR AGENDA 500) Discussion on City Manager Candidates Mayor McCann reviewed the interview process that took place earlier in the day, noted The city had been 16 months without a permanent city manager, and asked that the Commission determine next steps to allow the process to move forward. Discussion followed on a desire to speak one-on-one with candidates, concerns about proposals to postpone a decision until after the election, and background checks on the candidates. Mr. Bob Slavin, Slavin Management Consultants, confirmed that he would be conducting background and reference checks and would provide the results to the Commission. Further discussion on notice that any selected candidate would need to provide to their current employer. C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 6 O F 8 The Commission agreed that the discussion would continue at the September 9th Commission Meeting and Mayor McCann asked that each person bring the name of their top two candidates. Following that discussion, it was recommended that the top candidate(s) be invited to the city to meet further with the Commission, staff, and residents. 501) Appointment Opportunities for City Boards and Committees COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED DENISE RITCHEY TO THE TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. COMMISSIONER ELLIOTT NOMINATED RACHEL HOOD FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Commissioner Resnick noted his previous comments regarding P&Z Board Member Ken Spalthoff. MOTION TO REMOVE KEN SPALTHOFF FROM PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. Discussion followed on first amendment concerns, the desire for documentation to be provided to back up the request, and previous decisions to remove board and committee members. Attorney Garganese opined on member’s rights to free speech, certain limitations, and concerns about citing specific reasons for a board member’s removal. Mayor McCann opened Public Input for the motion. Mr. Ken Spalthoff, 331 Wooded Vine Drive, Winter Springs noted concerns about Commissioner Bruce and ethics complaints that he had filed against her, the potential for a civil rights lawsuit if he were removed from the board, and asked that the Commission drop the matter. Mr. Bryan Bruce, 129 Cherry Creek Circle, Winter Springs was in favor of providing more information to support decisions being made, concerns about a lack of decency in the community and online, encouraged Commissioners to be on social media to know what was happening in the community, and was in favor of Mr. Spalthoff’s removal. Mr. Ken Greenberg, 1635 White Dove Drive, Winter Springs representing the Winter Springs Community Association spoke about removal of previous board members and shared concerns about the conduct of Mr. Spalthoff. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs noted getting on Facebook because she thought there was a lack of communication and encouraged the Commission to get more information. Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs shared concerns about violating people’s rights to speak, encouraged reflection and respect C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N M I N U T E S | R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | M O N D A Y , A U G U S T 26, 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 7 O F 8 Mr. Howard Parsons, 1049 Chokecherry Drive, Winter Springs noted comments made about him from members of the dais and concerns about retaliation. Mayor McCann closed Public Input for the motion. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); JOHNSON (NAY); RESNICK (AYE); ELLIOTT (NAY); BENTON (NAY) MOTION FAILED 2-3. 502) New Business No new business was brought forward. REPORTS 600) Interim City Manager Phil Hursh • Noted the completion of the Michael Blake traffic signal and ongoing discussions related to the Winding Hollow turn lane. 601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese • No report 602) City Clerk Christian Gowan • No report 603) Seat One Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Matt Benton • No report 604) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce • Noted meeting with residents in Hacienda Village and concerns about debris and sediment in Gee Creek; • Noted meeting with a resident and discussion on concerns about Dee Run pond; • Noted attendance at Trotwood Boardwalk and commended Alvaro Britos and team for their work; • Encouraged collection of emails to create database for distributing city information. 605) Seat Three Commissioner Ted Johnson • . No report 606) Seat Four Commissioner Cade Resnick • Noted attendance at Florida League of Cities Annual Conference and discussions with city managers about the city’s ongoing search. Also noted attending sessions related to AI, budgeting, and more; • Discussed pay challenges for police officers and increased starting pay in surrounding areas; • Noted odor issues on the west side of town related to the wastewater treatment plant 607) Seat Five Commissioner Rob Elliott • Noted an interfaith group that was seeking to help residents in need; • Noted upcoming temporary closure of the pickleball complex for installation of shade structures.