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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2024 11 18 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 , 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 2 O F 9 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, November 18, 2024 of the City Commission to order at 6:30 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 Commissioner Paul Diaz, present Commissioner Victoria Bruce, present Commissioner Sarah Baker, present via telephone Commissioner Cade Resnick, present Commissioner Mark Caruso, 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 Caruso asked that an item be added to discuss the social media policy. Mayor McCann suggested discussing this during New Business. Items 302, 303, 304, and 305 were requested to be discussed prior to the approval of the Consent Agenda. There was no objection and the agenda was adopted. 100) Presentation by Pegasus Engineering regarding supplemental HMGMP (Hazardous Mitigation Grant Matching Program) funding for Police Saferoom and the Public Works Permanent Generator. Mr. David Hamstra, Pegasus Engineers noted a previous presentation on HMGP grants and the status of the Public Works generator and Police Department safe room. Mr. Hamstra noted this was an update on possible funding to cover local match requirements and reviewed notice requirements and deadlines. Discussion followed on the purpose of the safe room, the size of the facility, and the cost of the project. Chief Tracht noted this would be used to house emergency personnel in emergency situations and act as a force multiplier and further explained that this would be a 2200 square foot room attached to the police department and would include a generator. 101) Kimley-Horn Update on "Continuing Assessment, Planning and Engineering Services for Stormwater System Improvement and Design" Mr. Barry Switzer and Mr. Marcus Geiger, Kimley Horn presented on the scope of work for the stormwater improvement program study that was currently ongoing. Discussion followed on right-of-entry forms and resident concerns with included language, previous studies that had been completed, focus areas, the importance of creek maintenance, the possibility of dredging the creeks, and available data from Seminole County and surrounding jurisdictions. The Commission requested that Section 5 of the right-of-entry agreement be rewritten with an additional letter from the city explaining the purpose of the form and ongoing project. Attorney Garganese agreed to draft a new letter. 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 3 O F 9 INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Results of the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election No discussion. 201) Informing the City Commission of the Upcoming Requirement for Appointments to the 2025 Winter Springs Districting Commission No discussion. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Mr. Charles Lacey, 1410 Winding Stream Court, Winter Springs noted Senator Brodeur sent his well wishes and desired to work with the City, congratulated new commissioners and thanked Commissioners Bruce and Resnick for their work thus far. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs expressed concern about the stormwater study, asked that the Commission form an Infrastructure Board, and noted concerns about money being spent in areas that were not priorities. Mr. John Koshel, 219 Holiday Lane, Winter Springs asked about the possibility of allowing chickens in certain areas of the city and noted concerns about rising water bills. Mr. Chad Cartledge, 282 Tavestock Loop, Winter Springs congratulated the new commissioners , reviewed his nonprofit, and noted he looked forward to a partnership with the city. Mr. Cartledge also spoke about upcoming events. Ms. Karen Meyer, 741 Andover Circle, Winter Springs congratulated the new commissioners and wished them success. Mr. Jesse Phillips, 1124 Duncan Drive, Winter Springs thanked Ms. Meyer for her comments, spoke about healing and respecting the will of the voters, and noted a survey sent out to the community and needed changes which could be done, some immediately and some over time. Mr. Geoff Kendrick, 1124 Trotwood Boulevard, Winter Springs noted his experience on the Commission, a mandate for change, and making changes as quickly as possible. Ms. Linda Freeburn, 1604 Cougar Court, Winter Springs welcomed the new commission and encouraged safeguarding of taxpayer money, noted she was not in favor of proceeding with the boardwalk project and was against money spent on anything other than water and wastewater improvements. Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs spoke in favor of the safe room project. Mr. Art Gallo, 199 Nandina Terrace, Winter Springs congratulated new commissioners, noted excitement to work with the dais, and thanked past commissioners for their work during their tenure. Noted Mr. Sweet was present and looking forward to him starting. Mayor McCann closed 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 4 O F 9 CONSENT AGENDA *THE AGENDA WAS DISCUSSED IN THE ORDER SHOWN BELOW* 303) Lake Jesup Overlook Boardwalk Mr. Len Hartman, Director, Parks and Recreation Department was present for questions. Discussion followed on the necessity of the project, funds budgeted and expended to date, the anticipated cost of the project as a whole, the desire to highlight Lake Jesup as a community asset, permit requirements, and other needs in the city. "MOTION TO TABLE TO A LATER DATE." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 300) Approval of Resolution 2024-36: Extension of Declaration of Local Emergency Related to Hurricane Milton • No discussion. 301) Approval of Resolution 2024-37: Updating the Community Development Fee Schedule • No discussion. 302) Final Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department explained that this was a requirement to close FY24 and further noted that insurance was the largest increase realized as well as audit fees. 304) Orange Avenue Pipe Lining Interim Manager Hursh noted a history of collapsing pipes, the depth of the pipes, and noted this was an attempt to provide preventative relief. 305) Local Agency Program – Supplemental Agreement Interim Manager Hursh noted this was a procedural requirement wherein FDOT memorialized the final bid for the Winding Hollow deceleration lane project. 306) 2025 Meeting & Holiday Calendar Brief discussion followed on the proposed meetings in May and the Commission agreed to hold only one regular meeting that month on May 12, 2025. 307) 2025 City of Winter Springs Community Events Calendar • No discussion. "MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (NAY); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 5 O F 9 PUBLIC HEARING 400) Not Used REGULAR AGENDA 500) Central Winds Park Baseball/Soccer Fields Lighting Mr. Hartman and Mr. Michael Krist, Parks Manager, Parks and Recreation Department were present for questions, noted previous conversations related to lighting in Central Winds Park, and explained that this was a proposal to switch to LED lighting. Discussion followed on repair versus replacement, the current maintenance schedule, potential cost savings, age of the current ballasts, seeking funding outside of tax revenue, discussing parks projects as part of the city’s strategic plan, and keeping safety of residents and park users in mind. "MOTION TO TABLE AND HAVE STAFF LOOK INTO SPONSORSHIPS TO FUND THIS AND LOOK INTO REPAIR." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 501) Approval of Resolution 2024-35 and Interlocal Agreement; Authorizing the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (FRED) Commercial Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program in the City of Winter Springs Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department introduced the item, reviewed the previous approval of the Living Life Independent Living Facility, and introduced presenters from the Florida Development Finance Corporation. Mr. Ryan Bartkus provided an overview of CPACE funding, explained the need for an interlocal agreement to facilitate collection of repayment through the property tax bill, and noted the differences between this program and R-PACE. Mr. Bartkus further noted that there was no cost to the city. Brief discussion followed on any risk undertaken by the city and the timing of the property seeking financing. "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501.” [AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE RESOLUTION 2024-35 AND INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT (FRED) WHICH WILL ALLOW ELIGIBLE PROJECTS, APPROVED BY THE WINTER SPRINGS CITY COMMISSION, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMERCIAL ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (C-PACE) PROGRAM.] MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 502) Police Station Safe Room Grant Funding Approval Mayor McCann summarized the process and noted that this was previously discussed by Mr. Hamstra as an opportunity to cover the local match requirement for grants being sought by the city. 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 6 O F 9 "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 502.” [APPROVAL OF GRANT FUNDING FOR THE PROPOSED SAFE ROOM.] MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIOENR CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 503) Public Works Permanent Generator Grant Funding Approval "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 503.” [APPROVAL OF THE GRANT FUNDING FOR THE ADDITION OF A PERMANENT GENERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING.] MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 504) Deputy Mayor Nomination COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED COMMISSIONER RESNICK TO SERVE AS DEPUTY MAYOR FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2024 AND THROUGHOUT THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 505) Matters Related to City Boards and Committees Commissioner Resnick asked that the city consider forming an Infrastructure Board with six members to support and advise the Commission. Discussion followed on the specific purpose of the proposed board, infrastructure issues related to stormwater and wastewater, and it was asked that this be further discussed at future meetings. Commissioner Diaz suggested eliminating all boards and committees. that were not essential or required. Brief discussion followed on ways to involve students in local government and the possibility of forming a youth council or school of government. COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED LEAH WEISMAN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED DAVE MAHNKEN TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. MOTION TO REMOVE GINA SHAFER FROM SEAT 4 OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. Mayor McCann opened Public Input related to the motion. 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 7 O F 9 Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs thanked the Commission for the opportunity to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board. Mayor McCann closed Public Input related to the motion. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. COMMISSIONER RESNICK NOMINATED LOUIE HILAL TO SEAT 4 OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 506) New Business Commissioner Caruso asked that a discussion on the Social Media Policy and allowing comments be brought to the next Commission Meeting. Commissioner Caruso asked that the interlocal agreement between the City and School Board be brought back and noted he thought the city should sign the agreement. Commissioner Resnick requested a Strategic Plan Workshop to be held with the Commission, Directors, and the City Manager on January 15, 2025 Brief discussion about city websites, the hiring of a marketing firm, and taking down any misinformation. Commissioner Resnick suggested revisiting the start and end times of Commission Meetings and asked that this be brought back for discussion at the December meeting. Commissioner Resnick also noted a rule from 2020 regarding allowable times for the Mayor to comment on agenda items. Discussion followed and it was requested that this be discussed further at the December meeting. “I MAKE A MOTION TO REMOVE THE CURRENT INTERIM CITY MANAGER [PHIL HURSH] FROM HIS POSITION WITH CAUSE.” MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. Discussion followed on the need for a City Manager, the anticipated December start date of Mr. Kevin Sweet, the current Interim Manager’s Employment Agreement, and concerns heard from residents. VOTE: RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. Commissioner Resnick asked if Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Operations Department would be willing to serve as Interim City Manager until Mr. Sweet began on December 16, 2024. Mr. Dunigan replied and declined without the opportunity to consult his family. Commissioner Resnick then asked if Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department would be willing to serve in the role. THE MEETING WAS RECESSED AT 11:03 PM AND CALLED BACK TO ORDER AT 11:18 PM. 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 , N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 | P A G E 8 O F 9 Mr. Dunigan noted his long tenure with the city and was willing to accept until December 16th and asked that a contract be drafted and he be allowed to maintain his planned vacation the following week. There was no objection to this request. “MOTION TO APPOINT BRIAN DUNIGAN AS INTERIM CITY MANAGER.” MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (NAY); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Attorney Garganese asked that the Mayor be authorized to execute the contract. There was no objection REPORTS 600) Interim City Manager Brian Dunigan • No report. 601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese • No report 602) City Clerk Christian Gowan • No report 604) Mayor Kevin McCann • Noted a recent meeting in Tallahassee with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding State Revolving Loan Funds and where the city was in the process; • Noted he believed wastewater treatment plants and stormwater were the two biggest issues facing the city. 605) Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz • No report 606) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce • Noted she was grateful for residents and the commission; • Thanked Mr. Dunigan for stepping up to serve as Interim City Manager; • Noted recent meetings at the Savoy where she spoke about women’s rights and about proposed development projects; • Noted volunteering at Indian Trails Middle School; • Noted she was looking forward to Kevin Sweet starting with the city and thanked Mr. Slavin for helping the city to find him. 607) Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker • Noted her recent attendance at the Tri-County League of Cities Luncheon. 608) Seat Four Commissioner Cade Resnick • Noted his participation in a teach-in at the Highlands.