HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 09 08 Consent 305 - Approval of the August 11, 2025 Meeting MinutesCONSENT AGENDA ITEM 305
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA | SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Approval of the Minutes: Monday, August 11, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Commission review and approve the August 11, 2025 City
Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented
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CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, AUGUST 11 , 2025 AT 6:30 PM
CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, August 11, 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, absent
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
Pastor Kyle Stewart led the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor McCann noted that Commissioner Diaz could not be present and had requested Items 501, 502,
and 503 be moved to the next meeting.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
100) Citywide Stormwater Projects Update
Mr. Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works and Utilities Director introduced Mr. David Hamstra, Pegasus
Engineering to present an update on citywide stormwater projects that have been ongoing since
Hurricane Ian.
Mr. Hamstra reviewed 14 current stormwater projects, their status, associated timelines, available
grants which were increasing in number, and the status of the stormwater master plan.
Discussion followed on the planned presentation of the stormwater master plan, phased
implementation, and potential workshop meetings.
Discussion then turned to creek debris and sediment removal. It was noted debris removal had just
finished and sediment would begin in mid-August and the monitoring and reporting process was
reviewed.
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
200. Not Used
PUBLIC INPUT
Mayor McCann opened Public Input.
Mr. Michael McCreight - President of Magical Self Advocacy thanked the Commission for their
advocacy and requested a proclamation for March 29
th to be recognized as Development Disability
Awareness Day in the next year. Mr. McCreight further noted the recent passage of HB73 related to
guardianship and consideration requirements for judges and noted he was willing to work with the
Commission and community to address issues for individuals with autism and developmental
disabilities.
Mr. Nick Berg, Winter Springs noted disappointment in development and removal of trees
throughout the city and was supportive of preserving the canopy
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Mr. Jesse Phillips, Winter Springs read a statement related to water quality, tree mitigation, and the
environmental impacts of developments. Mr. Phillips further noted he had reviewed the arbor fund
and his rough estimate was that 5% went to the annual tree giveaway, 80% to repair and
maintenance, and the remainder to administrative overhead.
Ms. Judy Bohnstadt, Winter Springs, noted questions related to the development of the independent
living facility at Talmo near Longwood and asked about work to be done in the Soldiers Creek area.
Ms. Allison Turnbull-Jones requested a continuance for Item 500 due to the absence of Commissioner
Diaz.
Ms. Leah Weisman, Winter Springs, noted she was happy to see progress on ADA projects throughout
the city and asked about possibly installing larger maps and signage in city parks.
Mr. Art Gallo, Winter Springs spoke regarding Item 500 and the amount of discussion which has
surrounded this issue. Mr. Gallo provided a written version of his comments for the record.1
Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs noted that the Commission should have listened to the City Attorney
previously related to the arbor fees and thought it should have been tabled when originally heard in
June.
CONSENT AGENDA
300) Seminole County Sheriff’s Office / City of Winter Springs Agreement for Police Dispatching
Services - FY 2026 Addendum
No discussion.
301) 2025 Hometown Hero Nomination
Mayor McCann noted the impressive background of all nominees and thanked them for their service.
302) Special Event Participation Agreement with Rotary Club of Winter Springs - Veterans Day
Tribute
No discussion
303) Surplus Assets
No discussion.
304) Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, June 18, 2025 City Commission Workshop
No discussion.
305) Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, July 14, 2025 City Commission Budget Workshop
No discussion.
306) Approval of the Minutes from the Monday, July 14, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting
No discussion.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
400) Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-12: Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code related to City
Commission Rules & Procedures, and Addressing the Mayor & Commission
1 The document provided by Mr. Gallo is attached to the end of these minutes.
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Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-12 by title and noted no changes had been made since first
reading.
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 AS PRESENTED.” [HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT
ORDINANCE 2025-12 ON SECOND READING.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED
BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
401) Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-13 granting Duke Energy Florida, LLC Distribution
Electric Service Line Easement on City owned real property legally described as Tract "D" of the
HIGHLANDS, Section 5, as recorded in Plat Book 19, Page 45
Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-13 by title and noted no changes had been made since first
reading.
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 ADOPT
ORDINANCE 2025-13 GRANTING AN EASEMENT TO DUKE ENERGY FLORIDA, LLC ON SECOND
READING.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO.
DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
REGULAR AGENDA
500) Arbor Fees for Blake Commons Plat Area and Seahawk Cove Extension Project 2
Mayor McCann opened the discussion by asking if the item should be tabled per the applicant’s
request. After brief discussion on more documentation that had been shared and no legal
requirements preventing consideration of the item with one Commissioner absent it was decided not
to table the item.
City Manager Sweet clarified that although a signed agreement was submitted, several documents
remained incomplete, including the escrow agreement and development agreement.
Representatives for the applicant, Mr. Paul Partyka and Ms. Allison Turnbull-Jones, addressed legal
issues, ex-parte communications, and contractual interpretations. Mr. Partyka objected to the Mayor’s
prior comments, suggesting they caused delays. Ms. Turnbull-Jones discussed legal implications
under Florida law, exemptions to sovereign immunity, and highlighted ambiguity in the contract.
Attorney Garganese acknowledged that ambiguity existed in the documents and confirmed that
interpretation was within the Commission’s authority. He disagreed with the applicant’s claim that
certain documents were inadmissible.
2 Documents provided by the applicant are attached to these minutes
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Commissioners raised concerns about missing permits, fee payments, escrow terms, and project
timelines. Deputy Mayor Resnick and others noted the project’s long history and pattern of extension
requests.
Mayor McCann emphasized the distinction between the property and the project, expressed concerns
over potential misrepresentation by the applicant, and questioned adherence to contract language.
Further discussion continued regarding outstanding fees, permits, and legal interpretations.
“I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO RESCIND THE ORIGINAL VOTE AND RECONSIDER THE ORIGINAL
DOCUMENT TO THE FEE OF $227,400 AS WAS PRESENTED." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR
RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 3-1.
501) Defund Elected Official’s Tuition for Leadership Seminole
*AS PREVIOUSLY NOTED, THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA AND WILL BE HEARD
ON AUGUST 25, 2025*
502) Remove UCF Incubator Program Funding
*AS PREVIOUSLY NOTED, THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA AND WILL BE HEARD
ON AUGUST 25, 2025*
503) Reduce/Eliminate Duplicative Communications & Promotional Spending
*AS PREVIOUSLY NOTED, THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA AND WILL BE HEARD
ON AUGUST 25, 2025*
504) New Business
Deputy Mayor Resnick asked again about easements along waterways to allow for maintenance.
Manager Sweet noted the ongoing Kimley-Horn study which he thought should be included in any
discussions on this topic and reiterated a planned presentation from Kimley-Horn in the near future.
Deputy Mayor Resnick also brought forward road issues on Shepard Road and Sheoah Boulevard and
noted concerns about e-bike safety which he asked staff to look into to develop guidelines.
Commissioner Bruce noted hearing concerns about the new utility billing payment system and heard
it was not user-friendly.
Manager Sweet noted a how-to-guide had been produced and was being shared with residents.
REPORTS
600)City Manager Kevin Sweet
The City Manager provided a brief update, noting the kickoff of hazard mitigation projects in
coordination with Pegasus Engineering and Florida Commerce which significantly reduced the city’s
financial burden for key public safety improvements, including a police safe room and a public works
generator. He noted creek debris cleanup wrapped up, and sediment removal at creek crossings
would begin shortly following a pre-construction meeting. Manager Sweet further noted that the
Winding Hollow turn lane was nearing completion, with mast arm installation underway. Regarding
the State Revolving Fund (SRF), he noted the city had submitted its application for standard funding,
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though grant decisions related to Hurricane Milton funding would be delayed due to demand. Lastly,
the City Manager introduced Brianna Lavine as the city’s new Public Communication Specialist.
601)City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese
No report
602)City Clerk Christian Gowan
Noted he was serving as the City’s representative on the Seminole County Semi-Quincentennial
Planning Subcommittee (Seminole 250) looking at ways to commemorate the 250th anniversary of
the country in 2026. He shared dates of upcoming public hearings and encouraged residents and
other stakeholders to attend and share their thoughts.
603)Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz -Absent
604)Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce
Commissioner Bruce noted she supported the Liberty Tree idea and recommended preserving a
historic tree on the Catalyst property for this purpose, urging its inclusion in the developer’s
agreement. She also celebrated the start of the school year at Choices in Learning, noted its rise to #8
in state rankings. Other updates included a rescheduled HOA meeting (August 27), participation in
ambassador programs with the Florida League of Cities and Seminole County Schools, and a request
to discuss tree mitigation funds and their use at an upcoming meeting.
605)Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker
Commissioner Baker shared news from the CALNO meeting about an innovative new public transit
service called SCOUT, scheduled to launch in October which would offer the only direct public transit
service to Sanford Airport.
606)Seat Four Commissioner Deputy Mayor Resnick
Deputy Mayor Resnick recapped a successful “Coffee with a Cop” event on the west side of the city
and praised the police department’s engagement. He also noted meeting with the Parkstone HOA
and project stakeholders, reporting productive progress with long-term planning. Deputy Mayor
Resnick applauded the inclusive culture at Choices in Learning. Additional updates included
promotion of the upcoming Rotary Pickleball Tournament on October 11 and a suggestion to formally
honor the late Jerry Marino at the Veterans Memorial. Finaly, Deputy Mayor Resnick noted he was
planning to attend the Florida League of Cities conference to bring back innovative ideas.
607)Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso
Commissioner Caruso shared his experience at the first day of school, noting the strong community
spirit. He thanked Northland Church and Mercy Road for enabling the donation of 120 backpacks to
local students. He also hosted a successful back-to-school supply drive at Black Hammock and noted
he would continue to distribute leftover supplies to families in need.
608)Mayor Kevin McCann
Mayor McCann provided updates on major transportation projects, including the widening of SR 417
He also recounted a local historical event where a map from 1765 and a rare 17th-century coin were
showcased highlighting Winter Springs’ early place in Central Florida history. The mayor praised
school leaders at Choices in Learning and Winter Springs High School for their work building strong
student communities, particularly through efforts like Bear Bash. Finally, he commended the recent
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police officer swearing-in ceremony and noted that detailed guides for the city’s new utility billing
system are now available online and in person at City Hall.
PUBLIC INPUT
Mayor McCann opened Public Input.
Mr. Art Gallo, Winter Springs noted the upcoming Police Citizens Academy and encouraged residents
to apply. Mr. Gallo further thanked the Commission for the discussion on Item 500, encouraged
maintaining training budgets, and thanked Commissioner Bruce for nominating him for Hometown
Hero.
Ms. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs noted Winter Park’s City Manager coffee event and encouraged
looking into emulating this. Ms. Shafer further asked about Dream Finders and any arbor fee
payment they may have made. Finally, Ms. Shafer noted concerns about e-bikes and the trail.
Ms. Leah Weisman, Winter Springs commented on e-bikes and the need for rules to ensure safety.
Mayor McCann closed Public Input.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
_____________________________________
MAYOR KEVIN McCANN
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the September 8, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.
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