HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2025 01 13 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 AT 6:30 PM
CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 | PAGE 2 OF 8
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 13, 2025 of the City
Commission to order at 6:32 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 Cade Resnick, present
Commissioner Paul Diaz, present
Commissioner Victoria Bruce, present
Commissioner Sarah Baker, present
Commissioner Mark Caruso, present
City Manager Kevin A. Sweet, present
City Attorney Anthony Garganese, present
City Clerk Christian Gowan, present
Pastor Kyle Stewart led the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Diaz asked about an agenda for the January 15, 2025 Commission Workshop. Attorney
Garganese recommended discussing the item under New Business. Mayor McCann also noted the
No other changes were made to the agenda
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
100) NBPR-2024-0001: Non-Binding Preliminary Review - Oviedo Community Church Vacant Lot
Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department introduced representatives from
Oviedo Community Church and noted their desire to expand and seek a text amendment to the
zoning code and amendment to an existing Development Agreement that the church is located in.
Mr. Dan Lacich, Founding Pastor, Oviedo Community Church discussed the current location, plans of
to create a grass lot for parking, and the fact that a freestanding lot is not currently permitted on non-
adjacent property.
Attorney Garganese noted the applicant was here to gauge the interest of the Commission in
amending the City Code with a proposed ordinance and noted if the Commission was amenable to
this request they could direct staff to prepare an ordinance.
Following brief discussion there was consensus among the Commission to direct staff to draft an
ordinance to be brought back at a later date.
PUBLIC INPUT
Mayor McCann opened Public Input.
Mr. Marcus Hyatt, Address, Winter Springs introduced himself as a candidate for the Florida House
of Representatives District 28.
Mr. Rob Elliott, 925 Chokecherry Court, Winter Springs representing Oak Forest noted concern about
proposals related to the elimination of boards and committees.
Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs noted concerns about removal of boards,
specifically the Veteran Committee.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 | PAGE 3 OF 8
Ms. Linda Freeburn, 1604 Cougar Court, Winter Springs welcomed City Manager Kevin Sweet, was
happy to see wastewater progress on agenda, and encouraged staying focused on that project and
prioritizing funding.
Mayor McCann closed Public Input.
CONSENT AGENDA
300) CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) Services for WWTP (Waste Water Treatment Plant)
Project
Commissioner Diaz noted he was aware of options other than CMAR and encouraged looking into
other solutions going forward as no funding was being awarded at this point.
301) Winter Springs Police Department Purchase Twenty (20) Replacement Panasonic
Toughbook Laptop Computers
No discussion.
302) Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, December 9, 2024 City Commission Regular
Meeting
No discussion.
"MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
400) First Reading - Ordinance 2025-01: Tree Removal, Land Clearing, Grading, and Excavation
Permits
Ms. Rolle introduced the item and noted the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation of
approval.
“MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Attorney Garganese Read Ordinance 2024-01 by title.
Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 400.
No one addressed the Commission.
Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 400.
"MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 400.” [THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-01.] MOTION BY
DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
401) First Reading of Ordinance 2025-02: Land Development and Subdivisions
Ms. Rolle introduced the item, noted the need to comply with Florida Statutes.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 | PAGE 4 OF 8
“MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-02 by title and noted requirements of the Florida
Legislature that had been incorporated with this ordinance.
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.” [FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-02] MOTION BY DEPUTY
MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
REGULAR AGENDA
500) Updates to Adopted Social Media Policy
Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Operations Department noted the preparation of this item following
discussion and direction provided at the December Commission Meeting and invited questions.
Brief discussion on minor typographical errors to be addressed, the thorough nature of the document,
and best practices related to elected officials use of social media and commenting.
"MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500.” [THE REVISED CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS SOCIAL MEDIA
POLICY] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO.
DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
501) Matters Related to Boards & Committees
City Clerk Christian Gowan noted staff had looked into all city boards and committees and prepared
a report with recommendations including a recommendation to sunset the Veteran and Veteran
Families Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee.
Discussion followed on the analysis provided by staff, the possibility of merging the parks and bike
boards, support for the veterans committee, and adjusting board and committee responsibilities.
"MOTION TO APPROVE STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO SUNSET THE FOLLOWING BOARDS:
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE, VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND THE PLANNING
AND ZONING BOARD WITH THE DESIGNATION OF THE CITY COMMISSION AS THE LOCAL
PLANNING AGENCY.” MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
"MOTION TO BRING BACK ONE BOARD AT A TIME TO DISCUSS ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES."
MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 | PAGE 5 OF 8
The Commission agreed to begin with the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee at the
January 27th Commission Meeting.
Mayor McCann then noted that the city needed to designate an alternate member for CALNO and
further noted that he was willing to turn over his seat as the primary representative. Brief discussion
followed on the responsibilities of CALNO and the importance of representing the city well.
MOTION TO APPOINT COMMISSIONER BAKER TO SERVE AS PRIMARY REPRESENTATIVE TO
CALNO WITH COMMISSIONER CARUSO TO SERVE AS THE ALTERNATE. MOTION BY
COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Discussion followed on the need for appointments to the Districting Commission, the responsibilities
of that commission, and the associated timeline.
502) New Business
In response to questions from the Commission, Attorney Garganese noted that it was not an absolute
rule that no action could be taken under New Business ad reviewed the applicable section of the City
Code.
Deputy Mayor Resnick noted the upcoming Strategic Plan Workshop and noted he saw this as an
opportunity for the Commission to share their goals and provide direction to the City Manager.
Manager Sweet agreed that this was an important process and noted that this plan would need to be
regularly revisited to keep it relevant.
Further discussion followed with Commissioner Diaz opposed to holding the meeting on Wednesday
without an agenda, comments from Manager Sweet on the opportunity to hear the priorities of the
Commission and have productive discussions.
Deputy Mayor Resnick asked about the ability of current technology to keep up with demand,
specifically he asked if the city had enough bandwidth to follow the Commission directive to stream
meetings on YouTube.
Mr. Dunigan noted staff was currently evaluating the demands and capabilities and would keep the
Commission informed.
Brief discussion on closed captioning concerns that had been heard by residents and data on the
number of people that watch meetings.
Commissioner Caruso noted comments on CC concerns from residents, and ability of zooming in.
Commissioner Bruce asked about data on how many people watch meetings
Following questions from the Commission, Manager Sweet noted ongoing conversations with the
lobbyist related to appropriation requests, noted these requests would mostly be tied to capital
improvement projects, and noted that he was actively working on this with plans to bring a list to the
January 27th Commission meeting for adoption.
Mayor McCann asked about ex-parte communications and asked Attorney Garganese to share a
memo with the Commission reminding them of their responsibilities and code requirements.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 | PAGE 6 OF 8
REPORTS
600) City Manager Kevin A. Sweet
•Noted ongoing operational assessment, meetings with staff, residents, and colleagues outside
of the city;
•thanked Kevin Maddox, Landscape Manager and team for their work on the City Hall drainage
project and noted associated savings;
•Announced that Zulu Marine Services video on debris removal had been submitted for NRCS
funding consideration;
•Noted progress on the Winding Hollow Turn Lane which had been waiting on clearance from
Duke Energy;
•Noted ongoing work related to the FY 2024 audit.
601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese
•No report
602) City Clerk Christian Gowan
•No report
603) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce
•Commissioner Bruce thanked Manager Sweet and noted she was glad to work with him.
604) Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker
•No report
605) Seat Four Commissioner Cade Resnick
•Thanked Manager Sweet for his work thus far and for progress made at the Senior Center;
•Asked about an annual maintenance plan for ponds and assessing the status of ponds
throughout the city;
•Asked about a citywide roadway analysis and noted a broken light in the median of Shepard
Road;
•Asked about looking into the elimination of the non-binding review process
•Noted the upcoming Scottish Highland Games.
606) Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso
•Commended Manager Sweet on his work thus far;
•Commented on the videos of creek conditions and noted concerns;
•Noted the upcoming Highland Games at Central Winds Park.
607) Mayor Kevin McCann
•Wished everyone a Happy Holidays/New Years;
•Echoed comments about the upcoming Highland Games;
•Noted an upcoming community workshop for the proposed Human Bean coffee shop;
•Noted attendance at Lake Mary hospital ribbon cutting;
•Noted that the Tri-County League of Cities meeting on February 20th would be hosted by
Winter Springs at Tuscawilla Country Club and encouraged Commissioners to attend;
Noted the second Community Workshop for the Comprehensive Plan would be held January
16th.
1/14/25, 8:34 AM Request for Financial Reports – Quarterly and Monthly Statements - Christian Gowan - Outlook
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Outlook
Request for Financial Reports – Quarterly and Monthly Statements
From Paul Diaz <pdiaz@winterspringsfl.org>
Date Mon 1/13/2025 10:49 AM
To Kevin Sweet <ksweet@winterspringsfl.org>; City Manager Office <CMOffice@winterspringsfl.org>
Cc Christian Gowan <cgowan@winterspringsfl.org>; Anthony Garganese <aGarganese@orlandolaw.net>;
gmaloy@seminoleclerk.org <gmaloy@seminoleclerk.org>; melinda.miguel@myflorida.com
<melinda.miguel@myflorida.com>
Dear Mr. Sweet,
I hope you are doing well. It was a pleasure speaking with you last week. As we discussed, as part of
my commitment to ensuring financial transparency and accountability for our city, I am formally
requesting the following financial reports to gain a clearer understanding of the city’s fiscal position:
For Fiscal Year 2023 (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023):
Please provide the following reports for each fiscal quarter of 2023:
Governmental Balance Sheet (as this provides detailed and relevant information regarding fund
balances, liabilities, and resources).
Statement of Net Position (or the equivalent).
Statement of Activities (showing revenues and expenditures).
General Fund Revenue and Expenditure Report.
General Fund Budget-to-Actual Report.
For Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024):
Please provide the same reports outlined above on a monthly basis, beginning with the month close
of October 31, 2023, and continuing for each subsequent month through today. (Current deliverable
to include PY four quarters and CY October - January)
Ongoing Monthly Reporting:
Moving forward, I would like these reports prepared and delivered at the close of each month to make
sure that there is timely and accurate financial oversight.
These reports are critical to maintaining transparency in our financial processes, tracking trends in
revenue and expenditures, and ensuring we effectively manage the city’s resources. Monthly reporting,
1/14/25, 8:34 AM Request for Financial Reports – Quarterly and Monthly Statements - Christian Gowan - Outlook
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in particular, will help provide a detailed and up-to-date understanding of our fiscal position, allowing
us to address any potential issues proactively.
For example, it was reported that the General Fund’s unassigned fund balance is approximately forty-
five percent (45%) of total General Fund expenditures, equating to approximately five months of
operating expenditures. While this exceeds the GFOA-recommended minimum of two months and is
an encouraging indicator, a deeper analysis of ongoing financial trends is necessary to ensure
continued fiscal health and sustainability.
Please instruct the Finance Director to prioritize the production of these reports. I would appreciate
confirmation of this request and a timeline for when I can expect to receive the requested documents.
I am also copying the Seminole County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, Grant Maloy, and the Florida
Chief Inspector General, Melinda Miguel, on this correspondence to make sure they know of my
request for increased transparency and oversight at the municipal level.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to receiving the requested reports and
working together to ensure our city’s fiscal health and stability.
Best regards,
Paul D. Diaz, EA, MBA
City Commissioner, District One
City of Winter Springs, FL
Cc:
Christian Gowan, City Clerk
Anthony Garganese, City Attorney
Grant Maloy, Seminole County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
Melinda Miguel, Florida Chief Inspector General
Paul Diaz
Commissioner - District 1
P: (407) 327-7586 F: (407) 327-4753
A: 1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708