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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2025 09 08 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES :)NDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 AT 6:30 PM CITY HALL -COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, September 8, 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 Sweet, present City Attorney Anthony Garganese, present City Clerk Christian Gowan, present Pastor Kyle Stewart provided the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any agenda changes. It was noted that Item 500 would need to be heard prior to the Public Hearings adopting the millage and budget. The Commission agreed to hear Item 500 after the Consent Agenda and before Public Hearings. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Not Used INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Update on City Holiday Parade Route Mayor McCann noted that information about the proposed route change was available in the agenda packet and summarized that the change was in response to concerns raised by public safety agencies to ensure access in the event a response was needed. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input, Gina Barke, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to a proposed increase to the Tuscawilla area assessment and discussed the current economic environment. Nancy Vail, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to the proposed Tuscawilla area assessment based on a lack of information about projects and was in favor of this money being used for stormwater improvements. Ms. Vail further noted that the fountains at the entrance of Tuscwailla were enjoyed by everyone and should be the responsibility of the city. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs asked that Commission not change course on the UCF Incubator and encouraged the Commission to keep struggling residents in mind. Ms. Freeburn also noted that she thought Zulu was doing a great job with their work on the creeks. Artur Mrruku, Winter Springs noted increasing taxes, water rates, etc., asked what had been improved to justify increases, and asked that the city consider residents on fixed incomes. Ken Greenberg, Winter Springs Community Association asked that Item 300, the Senior Center Agreement, be pulled from the agenda. Mr. Greenberg thought the document was more complicated and not properly explained to Senior Center Association and he offered to serve as a liaison along with Joanne Krebs to discuss with the Senior Center Association. Mr. Greenberg then discussed a survey related to the proposed increase in the Tuscawilla area assessment and opposition from respondents. Finally, Mr. Greenberg discussed the current state of the landscaping, other rate and tax increases, concerns for residents on fixed incomes and noted he was not in favor of the proposed projects. Carol Wallace, Winter Springs - representing Winter Springs Senior Center as Vice President - noted the makeup of the board and their experience, noted they did not require a liaison, and commented on the responsiveness of city staff. Ms. Wallace noted board members were elected by members to represent the Senior Center and encouraged Commissioners to join on Wednesdays for lunch. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENTAGENDA 300) Municipal Services Agreement - Winter Springs Senior Center Inc. Deputy Mayor Resnick noted previously asking for a review of the Senior Center Agreement to bring it up to date and further commented on concerns he had related to Sections 5 and 6, as well as no mention of external activities and parking for outside field trips. The concerns were related to the allowable activities and taking into consideration donating the city's surplus technology to the Senior Center. Discussion followed on the ability to update the agreement as needed in the future. Attorney Garganese noted the extensive conversations that staff had with the Senior Center Association and Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Operations & Administrative Services discussed risk components that needed to be considered. 301) Pavement Management Program Services No discussion. 302) Vistawilla Road Reclaimed Water Main Extension Project Design Services Commissioner Bruce noted that this would connect the east and west of the city with reclaimed lines and noted excitement about the project. 303) Resolution 2025-13: 340 Shore Road Lot Split No discussion. 304) The Blake Commons Final Plat Revision No discussion. 305) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, August 11, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Bruce noted a minor correction related to her report. 306) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, August 25, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting No discussion. "MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED." 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. "AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REGULAR AGENDA ITEM WAS DISCUSSED NEXT, AS APPROVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION" 500) Consideration of One Year Extension to End UCF Incubator Contract Mayor McCann noted that he requested the inclusion of this item and explained that he was seeking a one-year extension of the agreement with the UCF Winter Springs Incubator as he thought more than a month's notice was needed to be provided to partners. "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500 AS REQUESTED BY THE MAYOR." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. Commissioner Diaz objected to the consideration of the motion and noted the contract's language that funding was subject to the Commission's discretion. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION FAILED 2-3. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Related Advertising Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department presented the item and noted Resolution 2025-14 would establish the Tentative Operating Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for the City of Winter Springs at 2.6200 mills, 5.94% greater than the rolled back rate and would authorize staff to advertise the final hearing. Discussion followed on revised projections from the state and Ms. Queen noted an additional $200,000 which was only recently released due to the Legislature's delay in adopting a budget. Further discussion followed on actions taken by other cities to roll back their rates and the possibility of that occurring in Winter Springs. "I MOVE TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-14 ESTABLISHING THE FISCALYEAR 2025-2026 OPERATING MILLAGE RATE FOR THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS AT 2.6200 MILLS AND PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THAT THE TENTATIVE OPERATING MILLAGE RATE OF 2.6200 MILLS IS 5.94% GREATER THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED -BACK RATE OF 2.4730 MILLS AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT OF THE CITY'S INTENT TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS TO ADOPT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE AND BUDGET.." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 3-2. 401) Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and Related Advertising Ms. Queen introduced the item and noted that staff was seeking approval of Resolution 2025-15 to adopt the tentative budget and authorize the City to advertise their intent to hold a public hearing. "I MOVE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-15 ESTABLISHING THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON OCTOBER 1, 2025 AND ENDING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT OF THE CITY'S INTENT TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS TO ADOPT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE AND BUDGET. " MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 4-1. REGULAR AGENDA 501) Operation, Maintenance & Management Water, Wastewater & Reuse Facilities Agreement with Woodard & Curran, Inc. Mr. Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works & Utilities Department, presented the proposed contract with Woodard and Curran to maintain and operate the city's water and wastewater treatment plants. Mr. Saunier noted extensive meetings had taken place to craft this agreement with city staff and representatives from Woodard and Curran and noted that this was a collaborative process. Finally, Mr. Saunier explained that transitional services would begin tomorrow if the agreement were approved, highlighted the good references from Woodard and Curran's existing customers, and explained that this was an open, transparent actual cost + fixed fee contract. Discussion followed on concerns about third -party operations of plants, historical concerns related to spills, reporting, and consent orders, and party responsibilities as detailed in the contract. Mr. Saunier noted that staff intended to have constant communication and regular check -ins with Woodard and Curran to ensure that any issues were known and everyone was kept apprised. Mr. Saunier further explained that the contract could not address every imaginable issue that could arise but noted there were requirements in place to meet and communicate as found in Exhibit B. Further discussion followed on payments, purchasing of equipment, and the need for good communication. Manager Sweet reiterated the work that went into the contract, noted his experience elsewhere with contract negotiation and plant operations, and noted excitement about this partnership. Manager Sweet noted that the city was heading in the right direction and asked for patience in this process. Brief discussion followed on regulatory requirements for reporting incidents to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Manager Sweet noted there would be a staff liaison in place as well as standard operating procedures and permit regulations which would ensure the proper reporting and operations of the plants. "MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501. [PURSUANT TO RFQ #02-25-01 CS, STAFF RECOMMENDS THE CITY COMMISSION APPROVE THE ATTACHED CONTRACT WITH WOODARD & CURRAN, INC. FOR OPERATION, MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT WATER, WASTEWATER & REUSE FACILITIES SERVICES. ADDITIONALLY, AUTHORIZING FOR THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AND EXECUTE ANY AND ALL APPLICABLE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS CONSISTENT WITH THIS AGENDA ITEM.]" MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 502) Matters Related to Boards and Committees DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK NOMINATED CYNTHIA MIERICKE TO SEAT FOUR OF THE TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 503) New Business Deputy Mayor Resnick asked about communications from the city and if the Commissioner should request a regular update be provided. City Manager Sweet noted a planned bi-weekly update which was to begin September 14, 2025 to include project updates and other information at a high level. Manager Sweet noted that these updates would be planned to go out opposite of weeks with Commission meetings. Deputy Mayor Resnick noted that he thought misinformation was being shared by some other entities and thought information and updates from the city would be useful to combat this. REPORTS 600) City Manager Kevin Sweet Manager Sweet noted sediment removal was underway, and work was to begin on Sheoah in the next week or so. He further noted that consultants had identified candidate ponds at Tioga Court, Solary Canal, and Deer Run for sediment removal and that these had been approved by NRCS. Mr. Sweet then provided updates on the ongoing ion exchange replacement and fire hydrant inspection and testing which would begin mid -next week and discussed the importance of the approved pavement management plan which would allow the city to proactively plan for resurfacing roads throughout the city objectively. Finally, Mr. Sweet provided an update on the Tuskawilla Crossings berm repair, noted that the St. Johns River Water Management District had issued a permit, noted a request for proposals was being developed, and noted that the city was moving forward with seeking remedies from responsible parties. 601) City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report 602) City Clerk Christian Gowan No report 603) Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker noted her attendance at the recent CALNO meeting hosted by the City of Sanford at Decision Tactical and updates that she had received regarding a planned Costco at the Seminole Town Center and plans for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the country. Commissioner Baker also noted the upcoming September 111h Memorial Ceremony to be held at the police department and the Babe Ruth Opening Ceremonies to be held on Friday, September 12, 2025. 604) Seat Four Commissioner Deputy Mayor Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick commented that he thought the creeks were looking the best they had in several years. He further noted his attendance at a recent Tri-County League of Cities Advocacy Meeting in preparation for the next legislative session which would likely see a focus on the potential elimination of property taxes. Deputy Mayor Resnick also noted the October 11, 2025 Rotary pickleball tournament, and encouraged participation. Finally, Deputy Mayor Resnick noted he would not be in attendance at the upcoming September 11 Memorial. 605) Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso No report. 606) Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann noted his participation at a recent Leadership Seminole panel, noted a recognition ceremony held at Fire Station 26 for city parks staff who had reported and assisted in a fire response on Orange Avenue, noted his attendance at the Tri-County advocacy meeting, commented on a recent incident shared by the Chief and highlighted the work of the Winter Springs Police Department, and finally wished his wife a Happy Birthday. 607) Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz No report 608) Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce wished her husband a Happy Birthday, noted she was coordinating with Representative Rachel Plakon to recognize her assistance to the city during the previous legislative session, and noted her previous concerns about arborist certifications and noted work was underway to correct this. Commissioner Bruce further discussed her participation in the Florida League of Cities Utilities, Natural Resources Committee and plans to introduce an issue related to arbor fees as a potential priority item, noted a request for a discussion non electric vehicle chargers to be brought forward to a future meeting, and finally noted a recently completed lighting project at Central Winds Park and recognized Alvaro Britos and other city staff who had worked on the project. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs asked that Parks and Rec staff be recognized at a Commission meeting for their assistance with fire response, asked about potential coffee with commissioners' event, noted Facebook comments made by commissioners that were not discussed on dais, and thanked the Police Department for work on e-bikes while noting that more work was needed. Finally, Ms. Shafer asked that the Commission consider holding a Town Hall meeting where people could come and just talk to the Commission. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK APPROVED: MAYOR KEVIN McCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the October 13, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.