Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2025 02 10 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 , 2025 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 , F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 2 O F 7 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, February 10, 2025 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 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 Bob Melhorn led the invocation, including a moment of silence for Fleet Manager Bill Opperman who passed away, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. No changes were made to the agenda, and it was adopted without objection. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100. Not Used INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs discussed making parks more handicap accessible and recommended adding sidewalks and curb cuts to improve access for wheelchairs and walkers. Ms. Weisman also thanked the commission for starting work on the west side of town. Ms. Judy Bohnstadt, 1170 Talmo Street, Winter Springs raised concerns about the apartments at The Avenues in Winter Springs and noted trash, lack of landscaping maintenance, and potential safety issues with tree limbs. Mr. Art Gallo, 199 Nandina Terrace, Winter Springs spoke about the regular agenda items regarding advisory committees and records retention, noted he felt the committees he had served on had worked well reporting to the Parks and Recreation Director in the past and recommended keeping records longer for historical purposes. Ms. Gina Shafer, representing Winter Springs Village, thanked Oviedo Community News for reporting on veteran’s issues, opposed dissolving advisory committees, suggested commissioners could each take responsibility for a committee instead, and emphasized the importance of community input and volunteering. 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 , F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 3 O F 7 CONSENT AGENDA 300) Wastewater Treatment Plant Belt Filter Press Refurbishment No discussion. 301) Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) - Roadway Resurfacing No discussion. 302) Multiple Storm Sewer Pipelining Projects No discussion. 303) Intent to Award Contract - ITB 11-24-07 PH Gee Creek Erosion Control Counter Measures No discussion. 304) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget Calendar No discussion. 305) Surplus Assets No discussion. 306) Municipal Services Agreement, Winter Springs Senior Center Inc. *THIS ITEM IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA* Deputy Mayor Resnick raised concerns about language regarding city policies and staff assistance and noted the desire for more clarity in the document. After discussion, the commission decided to postpone this item for further review. 307) Approval of the Minutes from City Commission Meetings held in January 2025. No discussion. “MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA WITHOUT ITEM 306 PENDING FURTHER REVIEW.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-03: Revising Section 14-3 of the City Code Regarding Criminal History Background Screening Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-03 by title, noted no changes since first reading, and invited questions. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 400. Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs suggested all recipients of taxpayer dollars, including commissioners, should undergo background checks. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 400. “MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 400 AS PRESENTED.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. 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 , F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 4 O F 7 VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 500) Review of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee & Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee The commission discussed merging the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and reducing the total number of members to seven. Discussion followed on reaching out to current committee members to gauge interest in serving on the merged committee and the need to draft updated language for the committee's responsibilities. There was also discussion the costs of boards and committees, a potential blue ribbon panel, the need for clarity for boards and committees, and a resignation letter from a committee member that was read into the record.1 “MOTION TO COMBINE THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE INTO A SINGLE PARKS, RECREATION, AND MOBILITY COMMITTEE WITH A TOTAL OF SEVEN MEMBERS.” MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 501) Resolution 2025-02: Updating the Retention Policy of Official Meeting Recordings and Formal Agenda Documents for Periods of Time Exceeding the Minimum State Requirement for Retention City Clerk Christian Gowan presented Resolution 2025-02 to update the retention policy for official meeting recordings and documents. The resolution proposed keeping audio/video recordings from January 1, 2018 onward permanently while reverting to the state retention schedule of two years for older recordings. Agendas and supporting documents would be kept permanently. City Manager Sweet noted this would align Winter Springs with standard practices of other Florida municipalities and help address storage constraints. “MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501 AS PRESENTED.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 502) Matters Related to Boards & Committees City Clerk Christian Gowan suggested no appointments be made to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee or Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee until the new merged committee was created. Commissioner Baker noted she would be nominating Stephen Francis to the Districting Commission. Mayor McCann noted he would be nominating Michael Blake to the Districting Commission. City Clerk Christian Gowan noted that the City Chaplains terms had expired January 31 st. “MOTION TO APPOINT BOB MELHORN AND KYLE STEWART AS CITY CHAPLAINS.” MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. 1 Letter submitted by Ms. Desma Underwood is attached to the end of these minutes. 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 , F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 5 O F 7 VOTE: BAKER (NAY); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (NAY) MOTION CARRIED 3-2. 503) New Business Commissioner Bruce suggested that each commissioner serve as a liaison to a specific city committee to enhance communication and oversight. The Commission discussed potential assignments and expressed the need for clarity on their roles. Attorney Garganese clarified liaison's role to facilitate communication without influencing decisions. The Commission agreed to consider the proposal further and suggested commissioners provide their top committee preferences to the City Clerk. No action w as taken on this proposal at this time. Mayor McCann asked about the Central Winds Park Master Plan update and further opportunities for public input. Commissioner Bruce suggested having director reports at future meetings to improve dialogue between commissioners and city staff and discussion followed on commissioner’s ability to meet with directors. The commission discussed scheduling a workshop on wastewater treatment issues. Manager Sweet noted he was coordinating with staff and consultants to propose dates. Deputy Mayor Resnick proposed allowing VFW event overflow parking at the senior center when not in use and requested this be brought back as a future agenda item. Deputy Mayor Resnick suggested reviving an annual volunteer appreciation dinner. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Ms. Desma Underwood, 739 Galloway Court, Winter Springs expressed frustration with the length of commission meetings and lack of decision-making. She urged the Commission to be more efficient and make decisions more quickly. Ms. Joanne Krebs, 1002 Taproot Drive, Winter Springs thanked Commissioner Resnick for bringing up the parking issue and requested clarification on the senior center agreement. Ms. Carolyn Wallace, representing the Winter Springs Senior Association, requested that the Commission not make any decisions regarding the senior center until after their April elections. Mr. Ken Greenberg, 1635 White Dove Drive, representing the Winter Springs Community Association expressed concerns about the senior center agreement being placed on the consent agenda without proper review by the senior center board. Mr. Art Gallo, 199 Nandina Terrace, Winter Springs suggested simplifying the committee process and using existing procedures more effectively. 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 , F E B R U A R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 6 O F 7 REPORTS 600) City Manager Kevin A. Sweet Manager Sweet acknowledged the passing of Fleet Manager Bill Opperman and highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including roadway resurfacing and sidewalk repairs. He also mentioned the city's 36th consecutive Tree City designation and the ongoing tree giveaway program. 601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese • No report 602) City Clerk Christian Gowan • No report 603) Seat Four Commissioner Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick shared updates, including expressing gratitude towards the City Manager and staff for their work on infrastructure improvements on the west side of the city. Highlighting successful initiatives, he mentioned the pacing of the Winding Hollow deceleration lane's development and the city's interest in pursuing lights for the dog park. Looking forward, he pointed out upcoming events, including Valentine’s Day and upcoming updates about the Oviedo Winter Springs Chamber quarterly luncheon and the state of the c ounty address. 604) Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso expressed concerns over the extensive discussion time regarding committees during meetings and noted that meeting lengths needed to be addressed. Commissioner Caruso recapped the successful representation by officers at the Cops and Cars show and aimed to get insights about the Ironbridge Water Reclamation Facility while continuing discussions on infrastructure projects within the city. He also shared his positive interactions with the St. John’s River Management District concerning creek clean-up opportunities and noted his attendance at the Father Daughter Dance. 605) Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann recognized Bill Opperman acknowledging his contributions and expressing condolences to the family. Mayor McCann also provided updates on infrastructure projects approved in the recent consent agenda, namely the funding towards Gee Creek improvements. He communicated awareness of ongoing legislative discussions that have broader implications on municipal funding and encouraged active participation in upcoming seminars among commissioners to facilitate informed talks about city planning and long -term strategies. 606) Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz discussed his involvement with community organizations and events. He emphasized his support for the Winter Springs Rotary Club and its significant contributions to the city. Commissioner Diaz also shared about his recent collaboration with the Girl Scouts to discuss government and public safety, insights from interactions with the Boy Scouts regarding potential program collaborations, and ongoing developments within the Owl’s Youth Lacrosse program. In relation to infrastructure, he highlighted upcoming co nsiderations for incorporating roadway and stormwater improvements. Dear Winter Springs Commission, I am writing to formally resign from my position on the Parks and Recreation Board, effective immediately. While I have appreciated the opportunity to serve, I must be candid in expressing my frustration with the inefficiency and lack of meaningful impact that this board has had. In particular, I am deeply disappointed by the time and taxpayer money that has been wasted on presentations, such as the $144,000 consultation on the Central Winds Park project. The presentation, which was delivered to the board and then repeated for the City Commission just a week later, epitomizes the government inefficiency I’ve witnessed. It is a wasteful use of both public resources and staff time, especially considering that the board itself holds little to no actual power in decision-making processes. The lack of influence and the repetitive, redundant nature of meetings have led me to the conclusion that this board serves ZERO purpose. It has become increasingly clear that the goals of this body are not aligned with creating tangible, positive change for the community. It would be more prudent for the city to reconsider the existence of the board entirely and redirect the resources spent on its operations toward more effective channels of engagement and improvement. I hope that this resignation may encourage further reflection on how the city can better allocate its time, money, and effort to serve the people of Winter Springs. Thank you for the opportunity to have served, but I can no longer in good conscience continue to be part of an ineffective and redundant process. Sincerely, Desma Underwood