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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2025 09 09 City Commission Special Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES ONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 AT 5:30 PM CITY HALL -COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Special Meeting of Tuesday, September 9, 2025 of the City Commission to order at 5:32 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, 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 Bob Melhorn provided the invocation and then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann briefly reviewed the rules related to Public Input and Public Hearings. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. John Sundman, Winter Springs noted he lived in Hawk's Reserve and commented on a lack of maintenance or landscaping that had been conducted as well as concerns about irrigation charges. Jesse Phillips, Winter Springs expressed concerns about what he perceived as a limitation on speech related to the rules described by Mayor McCann and noted 700 respondents to a survey that he was representing. In response to a question from Commissioner Diaz, Attorney Garganese noted Public Input was for items not on the agenda and did not include separate public hearing items. City Clerk Christian Gowan noted that the rules governing this were in the City Code, Section 2-28. Lachyn Turkmenova, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to an increased rate. Dina Patino, Winter Springs noted she had read the financials, thought there was no deficit, noted a $50,000 surplus, and was not in favor of an increased rate. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs discussed overhead charges and was interested in how these were calculated and what they were for. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Increase in Maximum Annual Tuscawilla Maintenance Assessment and Approval of Assessment Roll Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department reviewed the history of the fund, the rate study process and associated noticing requirements, and noted a proposed increase in the cap from the current $128.00 to $255.20 and adopting the rate of $255.20 for FY26. Ms. Queen proceeded to review financials, projects completed and proposed, and discussed overhead charges, Duke Energy pole lease charges, and fund balances. Discussion followed on necessary reserves, signage that was included in the assessment, the intent of the assessment area to maintain a higher level of service for beautification in the area, and the work that had been done over the years including the median landscaping and the entryway fountains. Further discussion occurred on deferred maintenance, alternatives to adopting the maximum rate for FY26, and impact on project timelines. City Manager Kevin Sweet noted that this process had been discussed for several years and discussed the city's role as essentially that of an HOA. Ms. Queen noted that the TLBD Advisory Committee had been asking for a rate study for years. Discussion followed on the history of the assessment area's creation, differing charges based on equivalent residential units, the cost of rate studies, and it was reiterated that residents appointed to the TLBD were requesting this cap and rate. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 400. Kurt Miericke, Winter Springs - Tuscawilla Homeowners Association (THOA) - read a statement from the THOA Board of Directors in favor of the increased assessment. Dennis Jones, Winter Springs noted the favorable market in Tuscawilla due to improvements and spoke in favor of the continued assessment and proposed increase. Kim Coburn, Winter Springs spoke about the beauty of Tuscawilla and appeal, thought letting it slip would negatively impact property values, and noted she was In favor of keeping the amenities. Karen Meyer, Winter Springs spoke about the importance of visual enrichment and noted she was in favor of maintaining the beautification. Tommy Far, Winter Springs was not in favor of the proposed 700% increase and asked what additional benefit residents would see. Matt Logan, Winter Springs was not in favor of a 700% increase due to sins of the past. He suggested the Commission raise the cap and then increase the rate incrementally. Radi Adzemovic, Winter Springs spoke in support of the proposed increase, noted he did not want to compromise the beauty of the area and didn't think the increase was out of place in today's environment. Bill Grodsky, Winter Springs noted he served on the Chelsea Woods HOA Board, spoke in favor of the proposed increase, and suggested putting in place a mechanism to allow future increases to meet future needs. Louis Pinero, Winter Springs spoke about the current economic environment, his own experience, and urged consideration of residents on fixed incomes. He noted that he was not in favor of the increase for beautification over essentials. Jean Grey, Winter Springs noted overwhelming approval of the assessment area's initial formation and noted she thought it had been beneficial. She spoke in support of the proposed increase to account for increasing prices. Denise Ritchey, Winter Springs - Reserve HOA - spoke about her community's efforts on Tuscora Drive that had been funded by the HOA, the amount of work it took to maintain plantings, discussed neglect of entrance signs at Tuscora, and further noted her offer to donate flowers and other landscaping. Scott Ritchey, Winter Springs discussed the importance of trust and accountability and noted he was opposed to the proposed increase. He stated that he didn't believe the rate should be doubled when it was not being properly and effectively managed at the current rate. Tim Wansbury, Winter Springs - Howell Creek HOA - spoke in opposition to the proposed increase, noted concerns he had about a lack of information regarding priorities and schedules, and further discussed discrepancies between figures the city provided and the study consultant provided. Avery Smith, Winter Springs noted she was opposed to raising the rate and discussed that the fountains were on an easement where the property was owned by the THOA. Tom Vagnini noted previous his service on the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee (TLBD) and discussions with Ms. Bivona, the current chair. Mr. Vagnini noted that he had always been tight with the budget and spoke in support of the proposed increase. Allison White, Winter Springs spoke about a failure to raise the rate over time, thought an increase was necessary but asked that gradual increases be considered in the future to avoid a similar situation. Elaine Connors, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to the increased rate and shared further comments about the fountains stating they often did not work and should be removed. Richard Williams, Winter Springs discussed sticker shock among residents and thought an incremental increase would be more welcome. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs noted she was in favor of increasing the cap but was not sure about the 700% increase in the assessment rate. Ms. Freeburn further asked about NBS expenditures and other costs hitting the assessment and noted she thought the fountains should be replaced with native plants. Nancy Vail noted she was against the proposed increase, mainly due to the 100% increase. Ms. Vail reviewed the history of the assessment district, noted the need for more information about projects, and thought the money should be spent on other things. Ken Greenberg, Winter Springs - Winter Springs Comm unity Association - noted the association was firmly against the increase amid other rising rates. Mr. Greenberg discussed his prior service on the TLBD and noted he thought landscaping was not maintained and the fountains were inadequate. Mayor McCann read 2 letters into the record from Karen Owens and Terri Bivona'. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 400. Discussion followed with Commissioners thanking residents for coming and sharing their opinion, a seemingly split opinion from those present, the possibility of abolishing the tax district and creating a voluntary beautification fund, landscaping requirements and contracted services with Nature's Care, and the ownership of the entryway fountains. 1 The referenced letters are attached to the end of these minutes. Attorney Garganese noted the fountains were city assets on an easement with the property owned by the THOA and referenced an existing agreement in place. MOTION TO INCREASE THE CAP TO $255.20 AND SET THE RATE FOR FY26 AT $255.20. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION FAILED: 2-3 Commissioner Diaz suggested that the assessment area should be abolished. Discussion followed on the deadline to send the assessment rolls to the Tax Collector, noticing requirements, and it was noted that the budget was still open to adjustments based on the Commission's actions. MOTION TO NOT RAISE THE CAP [OR RATE]. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO INCREASE CAP TO $255.20 AND INCREASE THE RATE FOR FY26 BY 50% TO $192.00 WITH AN ADDITIONAL 25% INCREASE OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO SET THE CAP TO $200.00 AND SET THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR FY26 AT $178.00. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO SET THE CAP AT $255.20 AND SET THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR FY26 AT $150.00. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO INCREASE THE CAP TO $255.20 AND INCREASE THE RATE FOR FY26 BY 50% TO $192.00. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Discussion followed on concerns about the cap, a suggestion that the assessment area be abolished, the cost of the rate studies, and further costs if the Commission did not take action. Ms. Queen noted that what staff had presented came from the TLBD advisory committee, she noted sparse attendance at the advisory committee meetings and highlighted the detailed information regularly presented. MOTION TO KEEP THE STATUS QUO [NOT RAISE CAP OR ASSESSMENT]. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO ADJOURN. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. MOTION TO INCREASE THE CAP TO $255.20 AND INCREASE THE ASSESSMENT RATE BY A MAXIMUM OF 25% EACH YEAR OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION FAILED: 2-3 MOTION TO INCREASE THE CAP TO $220.00/ERU AND INCREASE THE ASSESSMENT RATE FOR FY 26 BY 25%TO $160.00 WITH A MAXIMUM 25% INCREASE PER YEAR OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-16 AS AMENDED. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 401) Increase in Maximum Annual Oak Forest Maintenance Assessment and Approval of Assessment Rolls Ms. Queen introduced the item and noted that staff was seeking to raise the cap for the Oak Forest Wall and Beautification District maintenance assessment from $63 to $84.03 and set the rate for Tax Year 2025 (FY26) to $60, unchanged from the prior year. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 401. Doug Atkins, Winter Springs noted his previous work with the beginning of the Oak Forest assessment area and service on the advisory committee. He noted that he was not opposed to the cap increase and discussed the importance of transparency. Gary McCotter, Winter Springs asked about who maintained the wall and thought nothing was being done, he shared pictures with the Commission showing areas he was concerned about, and noted that he was opposed to an increase. Lachyn Turkmenova, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to the proposed cap increase and rate. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 407. Discussion followed on the need to raise the cap, attempts by the city to approach the issue proactively to avoid the same situation as TLBD, issues of deferred maintenance, contractual requirements for Nature's Care, past work that had been done, and planned landscaping. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401 AS PRESENTED. [APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-17 AUTHORIZING THE INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM ANNUAL OAK FOREST MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF THE CERTIFICATES TO NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL, ASSESSMENT RATE, ASSESSMENT SUMMARY, AND FY2025-2026 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR TAX YEAR 2025 FOR THE OAK FOREST BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT MAINTENANCE TO THE SEMINOLE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2025.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 REGULAR AGENDA 500) Tuscawilla Phase III (Hawk's Reserve) Approval of Non -Ad Valorem Assessment Roll Ms. Queen briefly reviewed the assessment area and noted that no changes to the cap or assessment rate were being sought at this time and explained that staff was seeking approval of the annual assessment roll to send to the Tax Collector by the September 15, 2025 deadline. Discussion followed on the more complex nature of this assessment area, the difference in capital and maintenance assessments, concerns about a lack of maintenance for the wall, and efforts currently underway in the city to address the issue and seek solutions. Ms. Queen noted that the city was planning to have community dialogues and potentially commission a rate study based on the input of residents to determine if the cap would need to be raised. Commissioner Diaz asked if members of the public could comment on this item. No member of the Commission objected. Mayor McCann opened Public Input for Item SOO. John Sundman, Winter Springs noted that he had served on the previous ad hoc committee related to the assessment area and noted that some of the wall was on city property. Ken Greenberg, Winter Springs - Winter Springs Community Association - noted his involvement on the previous ad hoc committee and shared concerns about a lack of maintenance that had been performed on the wall. Mayor McCann closed Public Input for Item 500. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500 AS PRESENTED. [APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-18 AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE CERTIFICATE TO NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL, ASSESSMENT RATES, ASSESSMENT SUMMARY AND FY2025-2026 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE TAX YEAR 2025 FOR TUSCAWILLA PHASE III ASSESSMENT AREA TO THE SEMINOLE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2025.] MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. No one addressed the Commission. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK of W i n ter s v a°tp APPROVED: co /959 MAYOR KEVIN McCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the October 73, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.