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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2025 06 09 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 09 , 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 2 O F 8 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 9, 2025 of the City Commission to order at 6:33 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. No changes were made to the agenda and the agenda was adopted. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Recognizing the Class 5A Florida High School Athletic Association Softball State Champion Team from Winter Springs High School Mr. Scott Gomrad, Director of Athletics and Coach Farrah Gordon highlighted the accomplishment of the Winter Springs Softball Team who recently won the state championship. Mayor McCann noted a proclamation would be prepared and presented to Winter Springs High School in recognition of this achievement. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Mr. Jacob Benton, 125 West Panama Road, Winter Springs requested assistance with speed calming to increase safety in his neighborhood for children. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs noted a recent meeting she had with staff and Commissioner Baker to address accessibility concerns in Central Winds Park. Ms. Sheila Benton, 414 Cedarwood Court, Winter Springs shared concerns about holding meetings during the day and submitted her comments for the record.1. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Intent to Award ITB 04-25-02 PH Creek Sediment Removal Services No discussion. 1 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 3 O F 8 301) Fairway Oaks Pond Sediment Removal Concurrent with Previously Approved 42-Inch Inflow Storm Sewer Pipe Repair No discussion. 302) Approval of the Monday, April 28, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes No discussion. 303) Approval of the Monday, May 12, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes No discussion. "MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Sutton Crossings Right-of-Way Vacation: Approval of Resolution 2025-07 Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department introduced the item , briefly reviewed the requested right-of-way vacation request, and noted the previous approval of final engineering at the May 12 Commission Meeting. 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.” [APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-07 VACATING A PORTION OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY LYING EAST OF TUSKAWILLA ROAD AND NORTH OF MICHAEL BLAKE BOULEVARD, RESULTING IN THE VACATED RIGHT-OF-WAY BEING CONVEYED TO THE ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS, EPB ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION PLLC AND BLUE ORANGE HOLDINGS LLC.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 401) First Reading of Ordinance 2025-12: Adopting the Map and Description of the Recommended Commission Districts “MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY.” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-12 by title, reviewed the role of the Districting Commission and the process of amending the districts to make the populations as equal as possible. Attorney Garganese further noted the retention of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC) to assist in the process and the unanimous recommendation of the Districting Commission to select Scenario #4 as described in the Districting Commission Report . Finally, Attorney Garganese noted the timeframe for adoption provided by the City Charter and noted further the Commission’s 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 4 O F 8 requirement to adopt the proposed districts unless a legal problem was present with the proposed map. Brief discussion followed on voting age population (VAP), optimal population ranges, standard deviations of which Scenario #4 had the smallest, and the growth of the city’s population. 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 AS PRESENTED.” [HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-12.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); BRUCE (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. REGULAR AGENDA 500) Matters Related to Boards & Committees and Florida League of Cities Policy Committees Following discussion on preferred committees, City Clerk Christian Gowan noted the following agreed upon assignments: • Mayor Kevin McCann to serve on the Finance and Taxation Committee • Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick to serve on the Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility, & Emergency Management Committee • Commissioner Paul Diaz to serve on the Municipal Operations Committee • Commissioner Victoria Bruce to serve on the Utilities, Natural Resources, & Public Works Committee • Commissioner Sarah Baker to serve on the Development. Code Compliance, & Redevelopment Committee "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500 RELATED TO FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES POLICY COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AS NOTED (ABOVE).” MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: RESNICK (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); BRUCE (AYE); BAKER (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 4-1. City Clerk Christian Gowan noted current and upcoming vacancies on the Code Enforcement Board. COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED MR. ART GALLO TO SERVE ON SEAT TWO OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2025. NOMINATION WAS SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. COMMISSIONER DIAZ NOMINATED MS. JOANNE KREBS TO SERVE ON SEAT ONE OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2025. NOMINATION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 5 O F 8 Mayor McCann noted the At-Large vacancy on the Veteran and Veteran Families Advisory Committee and previous comments about putting a veteran’s family member on the committee. He noted that he had spoken to Ms. Marguerite Orf and recommended that she be appointed. COMMISSIONER CARUSO NOMINATED MS. MARGUERITE ORF TO SERVE AS THE AT -LARGE SEAT TWO MEMBER OF THE VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PENDING RECEIPT AND VERIFICATION OF APPLICATION). NOMINATION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Discussion followed on a previously mentioned board liaison policy and a desire to get information about what was occurring in city advisory boards and committees. Suggestions of potential updates from staff, the chairs of each board or committee, and the need for a set procedure were all discussed. COMMISSIONER BRUCE MOTIONED THAT CHAIRS (OF EACH CITY ADVISORY BOARD/COMMITTEE) PROVIDE UPDATES AT EACH COMMISSION MEETING. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Further discussion followed on the potential of the City Manager providing a regular email update to the Commission and including information or updates on boards and committees, the ability to watch all meetings and review the minutes, and potentially inc luding minutes of the meetings in the Commission agenda packet. No formal action was taken, however the City Commission asked that Staff consider how best to communicate the desired information and share updates going forward. 501) New Business Commissioner Bruce asked Attorney Garganese about his review of the ponds and the city's responsibilities. Attorney Garganese noted the research he had done at the request of former Interim City Manager Phil Hursh and noted that it was not inclusive of all ponds in the city. Attorney Garganese also noted the ongoing stormwater consultant study and information that may come as a result of this study. Further discussion followed on the topic with an agreement that an understanding of all ponds and the city’s responsibilities would be beneficial. City Manager Kevin Sweet commented on the ongoing stormwater study, explained Kimley Horn’s deliverables and noted that he would share this information again with the Commission so they knew what to expect. Manager Sweet further noted that this topic would not be discussed at the planned June 18th Commission Workshop but explained that a dedicated stormwater workshop was being planned for late July in advance of Kimley Horn’s presentation. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested that the City Manager provide a bi-weekly email update on things happening in City Hall to keep everyone on the same page. Manager Sweet noted that internal talks had occurred about this, discussed a potential distribution schedule for the first and third weeks of the month, and noted time would be needed to craft and distribute the final product. Deputy Mayor Resnick asked that a discussion on the City Commission Code of Conduct be brought back for the next agenda. Commissioner Caruso commented on the FDEP Oculus system and asked that information uploaded to the site be shared with the Mayor and City Commission. 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 6 O F 8 Commissioner Diaz noted a previous request for read-only access to financial software to obtain reports and suggested alternatively that the staff could provide regular financial reports to the Commission. Discussion followed on legalities associated with access to the financial software, the right of the Commission to receive information, requested reports including trial balances, budget to actual reports, and fund balance reports for all funds at least quarterly, and ensuring that if reports were provided they were readable and understandable to all members, possibly including a summary. Manager Sweet noted his experience providing year-to-date reports related to the General Funds, the high level of transparency when it came to city operations and finances, Commission approval of expenditures, and City Charter language related to the role of the City Manager versus the City Commission. Further discussion followed on the form of government, access to information, and concerns about overburdening staff. Deputy Mayor noted that he was opposed to access to software and Commissioner Caruso noted that he did not want to receive these reports. It was noted the City Manager would review the request for the previously identified reports – trial balances, budget to actual reports, and fund balance reports – and further discuss with the Mayor and Commissioners individually. REPORTS 600) City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet discussed the ongoing budget process and timeline and proposed that Commissioners come in individually to discuss the budget on July 9th prior to the planned July 14th Budget Workshop. Discussion followed on previous budget processes and concerns about individual meetings. Manager Sweet noted that staff would reach out to schedule the meetings. Manager Sweet further thanked the Commission for their approval of the creek sediment removal which was awarded to Zulu Marine Services, noted additional NRCS funding that would be available, discussed the recent approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of the In - Kind project proposal which would be used for SCADA enhancements, and noted that he had been appointed to the Florida City and County Manager’s Association Fiscal and Administrative Policy Committee. 601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report 602) City Clerk Christian Gowan No report. 603) Seat Four Commissioner Deputy Mayor Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick noted calls from residents related to flooding concerns due to recent rain events, noted Parkstone flooding, reminded residents that park fields in Central Winds would be shut down for about two months, and noted a Rotary pickleball tournament planned for October 11th. 604) Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso 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 , J U N E 0 9 , 2 0 2 5 | P A G E 7 O F 8 Commissioner Caruso noted that he was happy to see the creek work would be getting underway soon and noted that he would continue to monitor the creeks. 605) Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann noted a Memorial Day pickleball tournament that had occurred at Central Winds Park, again congratulated the Winter Springs High School Softball Team on their championship, and noted that he had been appointed to serve on the Tri-County League of Cities Board of Directors. 606) Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz congratulated the Winter Springs High School Softball Team for winning the state championship. Commissioner Diaz also congratulated Commissioner Baker and Bruce for their completion of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials I (IEMO I) and note d that he was looking forward to the third session when it was offered. Finally, Commissioner Diaz noted an opportunity he had to speak at the Libertarian Party of Florida State Convention and be featured in an article in the Daytona Beach News Journal. 607) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce noted her recent attendance at IEMO I in Boca Raton and looked forward to IEMO II later in the year. Commissioner Bruce also noted a planned tour of spray ponds, noted nominations for Hometown Hero were open, and noted attendance at the Corridor Connect event. Finally, Commissioner Bruce noted that Mr. Art Gallo had been featured on the St. Johns River Water Management District page for his work with his HOA related to water conservation. 608) Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker noted her recent attendance at IEMO I in Boca Raton as well as a recent meeting with Leah Weisman and city staff at Central Winds Park to discuss handicapped parking and accessibility concerns. Commissioner Baker also noted that Juen was Pride Month and highlighted research on mental health struggles and suicide rates in the LGBTQ+ community. Commissioner Baker asked that the City of Winter Springs commit to being an open and inclusive community. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Ms. Leah Weisman, 113 Brookshire Court, Winter Springs noted that workshops did not include the Commission voting on any matters, they are available t o watch, and was not opposed to workshop meetings being held during the day. Mr. Matt Benton, 414 Cedarwood Court, Winter Springs thanked all Commissioners for serving, noted the job of the Commission is to come prepared to vote, and noted a typographical error in the May 12th City Commission minutes. Ms. Sheila Benton, 414 Cedarwood Court, Winter Springs discussed city creeks, sediment and debris removal, and the need to discuss this issue with residents and address the causes of flooding in the city Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. —T'7,/n.e. Ot a-va-r -Save /i a Rk. -r fv n Po b >t-c- TOP v t— I have attended these commission meeting since the early 2012. What I heard were many people including myself and my husband push and urge the commissioners to allow the working man , the stakeholders of this city, to have the opportunity to choose to attend the commission and learn about what our city was doing. But no, they refused to allow that that happen. The time of the commission meetings changed with the change of the people sitting on the commission. But once again, we are back to the is old subject of the time of the meetings. When do we the people, the taxpayer of this great city, get to hear directly from the City of Winter Springs? Many of us are confused with the lack of information that does not come. I am not sure why, but it needs to stop. You all work for us. Since the election of 2024 there are more meetings held during the workday excluding those stakeholders who have to work to pay for the ever -raising fee and taxes. You all demand more money without explanation. Men and women lay their lives day for the wellbeing of others because they well understand the mission at hand. You have all asked the taxpayers of this city, some of us who are eyeballing retirement, to cough up more money, thus causing us to have to work longer. We the stakeholders, are afraid, that you all are not watching what you are doing. Commissioners you have yet to explain the recent $960,000-dollar increase this commission just saddled our stockholders with. What exactly is that money budgeted for? It does not appear in any budget book, oh, yeah, I remember why, because you the commissioners just voted it in. Without No public input and wave of your magical wand, you voted it. You did not stop once to ask us did we want this. What are you trying to hiding? Truth will come out because I am here. To the People of Winter Springs, hear me clearly, this is how the commissioners of 2010- 2018 got away without dealing with the infrastructure issues. No one was around to call them out and tell neighbors what was going on. They held meetings at a time that it was impossible for any tax payer to attend. Cade Resnick led the commissioners in keeping the people out of those meetings and the chambers. He closed the doors of the chambers and kept people out and he is doing it again. These meetings must happen at a time that the taxpayers, who work have the choice to attend and hear firsthand from the city manager and the staff what are the plans and direction for the city. We pay the taxes that pay their wages and your wages also. They even have the audacity to increase our utility fees yet we, the stockholders, can not attend the meetings because of the extra burden of their ever increasing fees and taxes. Shame on all 5 commissioners (Diaz, Colangelo /Bruce, Baker, Resnick and Caruso) who do not have the backbone to stand up for us. If we do not act now, these meetings will continue to be held at a time when people who work can not participate. That is not democracy it is a dictatorship that demands more and more money. I respectful request any meeting be held at a time that more stockholders can choose to attend the meetings. Or as everyone knows, the stockholders can choose to vote you all out because we are Winter Springs Resident First.