HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 02 24 Consent 306 - Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, February 10, 2025 City Commission Regular MeetingCONSENT AGENDA ITEM 306
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA | FEBRUARY 24, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, February 10, 2025 City Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission approve the Monday, February 10, 2025 City
Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented.
501
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
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CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 | PAGE 2 OF 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.
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CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 | PAGE 3 OF 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
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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 31st.
“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.
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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 was 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.
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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 county 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 considerations for incorporating roadway and
stormwater improvements.
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607) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce
Commissioner Bruce provided updates on several initiatives and events scheduled within the
community. She noted participation in programs like S.E.R.V.E. and Winter Springs High School
initiatives where QR codes were utilized to engage students in environmental awareness.
Commissioner Bruce reiterated the request for proposed regular director reports at commission
meetings. Commissioner Bruce also asked about addressing lighting challenges within local parks.
608) Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker
Commissioner Baker noted her attendance at CALNO in Altamonte Springs and significant municipal
innovations they discussed including advancements in stormwater treatment and the use of artificial
intelligence solutions for human resources. She also noted her attendance at ethics training and a
legislative update webinar and discussed bills to watch in the upcoming session related to increased
homestead exemptions and affordable housing.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:57 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
_____________________________________
MAYOR KEVIN McCANN
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the February 24, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.
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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
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