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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 10 13 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION P EG U LAP MEETING MINUTES NDAY, OCTOBER 13, 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, October 13, 202S 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, 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 which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any agenda changes. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested that Consent Agenda item 304 be discussed prior to approval. There was no objection and the agenda was adopted. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Waste Pro Annual Performance Review Tim Dolan, VP of Governmental Affairs for Waste Pro, commented on the annual performance review in which Waste Pro achieved a 90.7% approval rating. Mr. Dolan acknowledged areas within the company's control that could be improved, including container placement, missed pickups, and route consistency. Mayor McCann thanked Waste Pro for their continued partnership and noted that residents have gotten to know and appreciate the collection staff as part of the community. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the service and encouraged Waste Pro to keep up the good work. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Jefferey Cuddy, owner of Metal Mayhem Welding Fabrication LLC, addressed the Commission regarding unpaid work totaling $8,500 completed for Robin Nielen at the Clubhouse Deli and another property and expressed concerns about a pattern experienced by other tradesmen. Gladys Sherpa, owner of Valor Air Group, reported that Robin Nielen hired her company for work at Clubhouse Deli but paid with a fraudulent check, discussed legal proceedings she was pursuing, and stated that every trade that worked at the location had not been paid. Ken Spalthoff, Winter Springs noted he was opposed to any consideration of giving former Mayor Charles Lacey a key to the city and discussed concerns about events that occurred during Mayor Lacey's tenure and in his campaigns. Karen Meyer encouraged commissioners to thoroughly research topics before proposing changes to policies and expenditures to improve meeting time management. Zaya Givargidze, the property owner of proposed Clubhouse Deli, apologized for the condition of his property, noted he had been unable to address violations due to the triple net lease arrangement, shared concerns about an unpermitted propane tank installation and requested guidance from the Commission. James Miller of Ohana Custom Builders detailed his experience with Robin Nielen, including unpermitted work, refused progress payments, and an illegally buried 500-gallon propane tank. He recommended requiring a local general contractor on -site if work continues. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs Village reported that bungalow residents faced increased assessments related to irrigation and emphasized the need for reclaimed water for irrigation. Ms. Shafer further questioned Paul Partyka's term as exclusive city realtor and opposed giving former Mayor Lacey a key to the city. Robin Nielen, Winter Springs defended himself against allegations, stated he had paid contractors and that the propane tank installation was properly permitted. Art Gallo discussed stormwater management issues and shared a letter he had wrote to state legislators in which he requested that representatives investigate treating creeks as utilities requiring coordinated maintenance and funding rather than assigning responsibility to individual property owners. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Surplus Assets No discussion. 301) Police Vehicle Purchase No discussion. 302) Purchase of the MVB3X Modular Vehicle Barrier System with Storage Solution No discussion. 303) Resolution No. 2025-08 Updating the Parks & Recreation Fee Schedule and Establishing a Veterans Banner Program No discussion. 304) Proposed 2026 Meeting and Holiday Calendar Deputy Mayor Resnick confirmed dates for the 2026 holiday calendar, specifically checking Jewish holidays against meeting dates. He suggested considering a tentative second meeting in July or an earlier August meeting for budget discussions to provide ample time for public notice. City Manager Sweet acknowledged the timing concerns and agreed to look at additional opportunities for budget conversations. 305) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, September 8, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting No discussion. 306) Approval of the Minutes: Tuesday, September 9, 202S City Commission Special Meeting No discussion. 307) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, September 22, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting No discussion. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Wawa at Winter Springs Marketplace, SR 434 and Tuskawilla Road - Conditional Use Application, Site Plan/Final Engineering, Aesthetic Review, Waivers, and Development Agreement Ms. Jenale Garnett, Senior Planner, Community Development Department presented the staff report and reviewed the proposed Wawa convenience store with gas canopy containing 6 pump stations (12 dispensers total) at State Road 434 and Tuskawilla Road. Ms. Garnett further reviewed the Planning and Zoning Board's discussions and unanimous vote to recommend denial of the conditional use application due to inconsistencies with the City Code especially related to setbacks. Ryan Stahl, Equinox Development, presented for the applicant and highlighted the reduced number of gas pumps, unique smaller building footprint, matching color to the ALDI in the marketplace, the addition of outdoor seating, provision of additional sidewalks for pedestrian access, a proposed knee wall at the corner, and planned modifications on Roberts Family Lane to address traffic concerns. Mr. Craig Green from Wawa spoke the company's potential community benefits, including hiring 30- 40 employees with top -tier wages and benefits and community involvement in events and first responder support. Commissioners were asked to disclose any ex-parte communications prior to beginning their discussion of the item. Deputy Mayor Resnick noted that he had significant conversations with Mr. Stahl, as well as a representative from Wawa, while accompanied by city staff. Commissioner Caruso mentioned having a conversation with Mr. Stahl concerning traffic observations on the property, Mayor McCann noted conversations with Mr. Stahl which he thought occurred prior to any application being on file, and Commissioner Diaz disclosed he had conversations related to the potential forTesla superchargers on the site. Discussion followed regarding the site layout, the potential of flipping the building orientation, associated traffic concerns, the Town Center code, the need to potentially update Code language, concerns about the city being hostile to business, and the desire to have Wawa in the city. Planning and Zoning Board Chair Kok Wan Mah was invited by the Mayor to speak and he explained the Board's unanimous denial recommendation based on the setback variance (182 feet versus 50 feet maximum) and failure to meet Town Center design requirements. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 400. Brittany Crowley, Winter Springs, expressed support for the Wawa project, highlighting its potential convenience for the city and voicing excitement over the company's community involvement and employee benefits. Karen Meyer, Winter Springs, shared concerns about the project's scale, suggesting that there is a need to revisit and adjust the project's dimensions to better fit the property. Mark Roppella, Winter Springs, indicated his support for Wawa as part of the community outreach and improvements to Roberts Family Lane, having been involved since the project's inception. Lou Atti, Winter Springs, noted support for Wawa but emphasized improvements needed for safety and urban planning, particularly concerning pedestrian and neighborhood traffic. Jonathan Obear, Winter Springs, noted support for Wawa, citing its reputable brand and the community's desire for more amenities. Crystal Kearney spoke in support of Wawa based on its community contributions and family - oriented employment practices. She further addressed safety concerns with proposed redesign positions and high school students' awareness. Pia Valenciano, Winter Springs, emphasized her advocacy for maintaining city codes and believed Wawa could be a positive addition given certain promised site improvements, including the sidewall proposal. Machaela Rivera, Winter Springs, expressed her support for Wawa based on the amenities and safety enhancements. Rachel Hood, Winter Springs, raised concerns over the proposal, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established city codes to maintain community standards and agreed with the Planning and Zoning Board Chair and the board's rationale for recommending denial. Art Gallo, Winter Spring, highlighted his positive past experiences with Wawa and supported the addition, noting community desire for Wawa, while also agreeing that the site seemed like a tight fit. Ken Greenberg, Winter Springs Community Association, expressed support due to Wawa being a well -run company and providing community benefits such as job creation. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 400, Community Development Director Terrilyn Rolle clarified that many offerings presented were not in the formal application and would need to be incorporated into revised plans. She emphasized the applicant had not changed the site layout since initial submission despite multiple staff meetings identifying deficiencies. MOTION TO APPROVE ALL APPLICATIONS WITH THE CONDITION OF ONE SIGN AND THAT ITEM 401 MEETS ALL REQUIREMENTS, AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO VALIDATE THAT ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS (OUTDOOR SEATING, CONNECTING SIDEWALK FROM STATE ROAD 434, KNEE WALL AT INTERSECTION, ROBERTS FAMILY LANE MODIFICATIONS) ARE INCORPORATED INTO FINAL PLANS. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 401) Winter Springs Marketplace Additional Parking - Site/Final Engineering and Development Agreement Mr. John Rabon, Senior Planner, Community Development Department reiterated that this item was contingent upon a St. Johns Water Management District permit approval, with an outstanding response needed to their August 29 letter requiring pond redesign to current standards. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401 PENDING ALL DOCUMENTS ARE IN COMPLIANCE AND ALLOWING THE CITY MANAGER TO OVERSEE COMPLETION IN CONNECTION WITH ITEM 400. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 REGULAR AGENDA 500) Electric Vehicle Charging Discussion Commissioner Bruce indicated the need for electric vehicle charging was satisfied with the Wawa approval, requiring no further discussion. 501) Consideration of Presenting Charles Lacey with a Key to the City MOTION TO PRESENT FORMER MAYOR CHARLES LACEY WITH A KEY TO THE CITY. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 502) Matters Related to Boards and Committees MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER TO NOMINATE DOUG ATKINS TO THE OAK FOREST WALL AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 503) New Business Deputy Mayor Resnick raised three stormwater-related items: (1) formally deciding to maintain stormwater ponds citywide, (2) obtaining easement documents for waterway access, and (3) continuing sediment removal efforts. City Manager Sweet indicated a comprehensive stormwater workshop with consultants was tentatively scheduled for December to address costs and technical aspects before making formal decisions. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet reported successful transition to Woodard & Curran for wastewater and potable water operations as of October 1, with smooth integration including weekly meetings and shared staff training opportunities. He congratulated the Police Department on a successful National Night Out event on October 7. He updated that Winding Hollow road improvements await final FDOT inspection after correcting mast arm assembly deficiencies, with opening expected by October 21. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. City Clerk Christian Gowan City Clerk Gowan reported on the Seminole 250 planning subcommittee's final report going to County Commission October 28, with informal celebrations potentially planned for Central Winds Park. He requested Commission response to November workshop dates for judicial procedures training. 603. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick reported on Tallahassee committee weeks beginning, upcoming Florida League of Cities meeting Friday, and the Rescue Outreach Mission luncheon supporting homeless services. He noted donation forms are available for those interested in supporting the mission. 604. Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso thanked the Chief for National Night Out, attended the Rescue Outreach Mission event, and requested future cost analysis on bringing landscaping in-house including maintenance, equipment, staff, and benefits. 605. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann shared that WorldAtlas.com ranked Winter Springs among the 9 safest communities to settle in Florida, crediting the Police Department's work. 606. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz delivered remarks honoring Hispanic Heritage Month and Columbus Day, highlighting Hispanic contributions to American history, economy, and culture, particularly in Florida with its Spanish colonial heritage dating to 1565. He noted Hispanic -owned businesses grew 46% recently and invited attendance at Oviedo's Hispanic Heritage celebration October 19. 607. Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce reported on League of Cities Natural Resources Committee legislative priorities including streamlining tree mitigation regulations and stormwater pond standards for existing HOAs. She thanked police for enforcement efforts with youth bicycle safety and acknowledged staff's work on the Wawa application. 608. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker reported attending the Base Camp Pediatric Cancer fundraiser, participating in Citizens Police Academy, and being invited to speak at a Seminole County League of Women Voters event on women in government. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Robin Nielen, Winter Springs returned to clarify that the LP tank is properly in permit drawings, he's following all permit procedures, passing inspections, and plans to install four EV chargers. He explained his master electrician license lapsed but he's scheduled to retake the exam in December. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 10:26 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK APPROVED: MAYOR K IN McCANN o r p o�� � � a 1959 i' b`b �S county,F o NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the October 27,2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.