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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2025 07 14 City Commission Budget Workshop Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 149 2024 AT 4:30 PM CITY HALL - COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the City Commission Workshop of Monday, July 14, 2025 to order at 4:32 PM 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 Sweet, present City Attorney Anthony Garganese, present City Clerk Christian Gowan, present Also present: Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Administrative Services and Operations Department Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department Mr. Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works & Utilities Department Chief Matthew Tracht, Winter Springs Police Department A moment of silence was held followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no changes made to the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1) Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview and Discussion Manager Kevin Sweet reviewed the proposed overall budget revenues with no proposed change to the operating millage rate, proposed to remain at 2.6200 mills, and noted this budget aimed at maintaining current service delivery levels. Manager Sweet spoke briefly about the drivers of revenue increase, reviewed funds, and noted ongoing efforts to assess vacancies and reevaluate or realign job duties to offset costs. Finally, Manager Sweet noted that all three policies used as part of the General Fund Fiscal Policy Test were being satisfied for FY 2026. Chief Tracht discussed increasing costs and efforts to retain officers in a competitive environment. Mr. Saunier discussed the proposed addition of an assistant director and a regulatory compliance position to reduce reliance on consultants, the planned return to lift station maintenance and operation, and plans to create a Pavement Management Plan, Sidewalk Maintenance Plan, a Five - Year Equipment Replacement Plan, and a CIP Dashboard. Finally, Mr. Dunigan discussed his departments and noted voluntary separation statistics, insurance premium increases, consolidation of costs in the IT funds rather than spread throughout departments, subscriptions, and planned Al website integration. Mr. Dunigan further noted plans for the parks including a lacrosse wall that would be funded through parks impact fees and noted a consolidated rate study was underway relative to the city's three assessment districts. Mayor McCann noted the city's millage rate as compared to other municipalities in the Central Florida area' and noted it was among the lowest. Commissioner Caruso asked about the number of lift stations in need of generators and priorities in park funding. Commissioner Bruce asked for 1 Document provided by Mayor McCann is included at the end of these minutes. clarification on parks impacts fees and "other government funds." Deputy Mayor Resnick asked about the implementation of the Central Winds Park Master Plan and noted the potential need for a workshop to provide direction, noted a request to assess the pension plan to determine competitiveness, and asked about the Hawk's Reserve Assessment District and its funding. Manager Sweet noted that the city's actuary had been engaged to evaluate the pension plan, and results would be brought forward for discussion when completed. Manager Sweet and Mr. Dunigan further noted issues with the wall at Hawk's Reserve and noted a community meeting was planned to discuss the difficulties and options going forward. Finally, Manager Sweet discussed further the ongoing restructuring of the organization and the inclusion in this proposed budget of funds to complete a Facilities Capital Plan to allow for planning related to public facilities. Commissioner Diaz discussed concerns about the tax burden of residents not captured in the milaage rate, noted the proposed rate was still a tax increase, and suggested removal of several items from the budget including the UCF Incubator, funding for elected officials to attend Leadership Seminole, and funding for the Communications Department. It was suggested that these ideas for cuts be written down and shared with the Manager and Commission for consideration. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Mr. Art Gallo, 799 Nandina Terrace, Winter Springs thanked staff for the informative presentation and discussion and discussed a previous pension study from May 2024. Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village, Winter Springs asked about Wetlands Park and reclaimed water extension for Winter Springs Village. Manager Sweet noted these projects were ongoing and included in the budget. He noted a state appropriation had been awarded for a portion of the reclaimed water connection and explained the city was seeking further cost -sharing agreements with St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Mayor McCann closed Public Input ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 6:36 PM. o W inters RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: poll C� c,oe � 1. /95g CHRIS IAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK ,��f� Coont' '�`oc APPROVED: MAYOR KE IN MCCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the August 11, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.