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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 11 10 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES IDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 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, November 10, 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, 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 Item 400 be removed from the agenda following ongoing discussions with representatives in Tallahassee. There were no objections, and the agenda was adopted. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Presentation from Raftelis: Update on Utility Rate Study Joe Williams from Raftelis presented an update on the previously adopted utility rate study for the water and wastewater system through fiscal year 2028 and noted that although the cost of wastewater plants had been increasing, no changes were needed to the five-year rate plan already adopted. Mr. Williams noted that fiscal year 2026 rate adjustments went into effect on October 1, 2025 with two more rate adjustments already adopted for future implementation. Mr. Williams then further reviewed the capital funding plan, including $196 million in projects, with wastewater plant replacements representing a significant portion and funding from ARPA, SRF loans, and utility cash reserves. Mr. Williams noted that the current estimate for the wastewater plants was $158 million. Finally, Mr. Williams showed how rates compared to other communities and noted ongoing rate studies throughout the region and recommended another update for Winter Springs before fiscal year 2028 when more current information on plant design and construction was available. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Kathleen Sims, Winter Springs first wished a happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps and then spoke about her work with the Sheriffs Office and interacting with families who lost children to accidental drowning. Ms. Sims was in favor of a fee waiver for the Wesley Seth Foundation being considered as Item 500. David Bear, Winter Springs discussed agenda item 400 (which was removed from the agenda prior to the meeting). He expressed concerns about both the Tallahassee -imposed referendum and the city -conceived referendum regarding single -member districts, arguing that neither was appropriate for Winter Springs. Leah Weisman, Winter Springs commented on the tree bank expenditures ordinance, suggesting the language be clarified regarding the use of funds for private land as it related to the annual tree giveaway. Ms. Weisman also asked about the status of a mother -son dance event in the city. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs expressed disappointment that Item 400 was pulled from the agenda without discussion and raised concerns about development extensions. Ms. Freeburn also commented on the appearance of the 7-11 property in Tuscawilla and asked the city to address this. Art Gallo, Winter Springs shared his concerns about Item 400 being pulled from the agenda, questioned why Tallahassee was directing this charter change, and expressed his desire for public input on any referendum. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Approval of Resolution 2025-21: Final Budget Amendment No discussion. 301) Extension Request - MTH Development, LLC (Living Life Independent Living Facility) Substantial Commencement of Vertical Construction of Buildings During discussion of the consent agenda, Deputy Mayor Resnick requested clarification on item 301 regarding the 14-month extension request for the MTH Development Legacy at Lake Talmo project. Michael Hilal from MTH Development confirmed they had secured financing for vertical construction and agreed to forward documentation to the City Clerk to distribute to the Commission. 302) Approval of Purchase for IT Department No discussion. 303) 2026 City of Winter Springs Community Events Calendar No discussion. 304) Police Station Safe Room Grant Funding Modification for Extension No discussion. 305) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, October 27, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting No discussion. MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) First Reading of Ordinance 2025-15: Providing for a Referendum and Ballot Language for the November 3, 2026 General Election Proposing Amendments to the City Charter *THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE AGENDA AND NOT DISCUSSED* 401) First Reading of Ordinance 2025-16: Amending Allowable Expenditures of Tree Bank Funds MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT City Attorney Anthony Garganese read Ordinance 2025-16 by title and explained it would limit expenditures of tree bank funds to plant and maintain desirable trees on public lands or for meeting Tree City USA standards as published by the Arbor Day Foundation. He further noted the ordinance would prohibit using tree bank money to purchase equipment. Brian Dunigan, Director, Operations and Administrative Services Department briefly reviewed Tree City USA Standards and confirmed planning and initial care of trees, tree removal, utility line clearance, tree maintenance management, volunteer hours, and other related expenses were all allowable. Mr. Dunigan also noted that public outreach, such as the annual tree giveaway, which included planting on private lands would be permitted. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 407. Leah Weisman, Winter Springs suggested removing the word "public" from the ordinance language to eliminate confusion about tree giveaways where trees were then planted on private property. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 407. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401 (FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-16 AMENDING ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES OF TREE BANK FUNDS). MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2 REGULAR AGENDA 500) Consideration of Fee Waiver for the Wesley Seth Foundation Event Libby Baity, representing the Wesley Seth Foundation, presented her organization's request for a waiver of the $2,000 Central Winds Park rental fee for their second annual Sizzle and Splash Barbecue Cookoff and Festival fundraiser. She reviewed the mission of her organization and noted that the $2,000 fee could alternatively purchase 300 door and window alarms for community distribution. Discussion followed on the importance of the foundation's work, concerns about setting precedents for fee waivers, a proposal for a nonprofit rate, and the potential of granting a full fee waiver. City Attorney Garganese suggested that a policy could be created to provide fee waivers in exchange for tangible in -kind contributions that serve a public purpose, such as the foundation's provision of pool safety equipment to Winter Springs residents. After extensive discussion, the Commission directed the City Attorney to develop a policy for a discount for nonprofits located within Winter Springs that provide tangible benefits to the community. MOTION TO DIRECT THE CITY ATTORNEY TO RETURN WITH A SCHEDULE OF COSTS FOR NONPROFITS LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS PROVIDING DISCOUNT OF 50% WITH THE DEMONSTRATION OF TANGIBLE IN -KIND CONTRIBUTIONS THAT SERVE A PUBLIC PURPOSE. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (NAY) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2. 501) State Revolving Fund Loan Application for East Waste Water Facility Replacement Construction City Manager Kevin Sweet explained that this item was to approve a resolution to submit a loan application for $20 million in State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan funds for the East Wastewater facility replacement. He noted that Winter Springs was identified as the highest-ranking application on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) priority list on August 13, 2025. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501 AS PRESENTED. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 502) Matters Related to Boards and Committees DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK NOMINATED KIMBERLY NIEVES TO FILL THE SEAT FOUR VACANCY ON THE OAK FOREST WALL AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TERM ENDING AUGUST 31, 2026). SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 Commissioner Baker inquired about the status of the Charter Review Committee that had been discussed at a previous meeting. City Manager Sweet indicated that the parameters had been outlined in a previous agenda packet, with each commissioner having one appointment and the mayor having two at -large appointments for a seven -member committee and it was noted a resolution formalizing the process would be brought back to the Commission at a future meeting. 503) New Business Deputy Mayor Resnick brought up a request from a baseball coach to place a tree or park bench at Central Winds Park in memory of a young person who had committed suicide. City Attorney Garganese noted the city has existing policies for heritage trees and park benches. The consensus was that the interested party should work with staff to pursue this through existing channels. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet congratulated Utility Superintendent Clifton Mullis for being selected as the recipient of the 2025 Industry Advocacy Award by the Florida section of the American Waterworks Association's Public Affairs Council. He explained that the award recognizes individuals who strengthen public relations and awareness of Florida's waters through advocacy, communication, and education. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. City Clerk Christian Gowan No report. 603. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann reported on his attendance at a recent Winter Springs High School football game and noted the team made it to the playoffs. He also attended coalition meetings for homelessness and community services, highlighted the increased demand on food pantries throughout Seminole County and encouraged residentsto donate to local food banks, particularly at Keeth Elementary, and noted that Seminole County schools identified over 3,600 homeless children last year. 604. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz paid tribute to Rotarian Butch Lorenze, highlighting his decades of service to Winter Springs and his perfect attendance at Rotary for over 50 years. He described Mr. Lorenze's contributions to community projects and scholarships for local students, emphasizing how he embodied the Rotary motto "service above self' as a way of life. 605. Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce reminded everyone about Veterans Day ceremonies scheduled for the following day from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the newly painted memorial. She mentioned her attendance at the pickleball event sponsored by AdventHealth and invited everyone to a low -impact living webinar luncheon about native planting, stormwater, and water conservation. She also noted an upcoming e- bike safety presentation at Adventure Cycling on November 22nd. Finally, Commissioner Bruce reported on business developments, including the new "Dough Show" Middle Eastern restaurant replacing Perkins and a new pediatrics office in Winter Springs Town Center. 606. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker reported on the city recently hosting the CALNO meeting where Brian Dunnigan presented on the Central Winds park master plan and Chief Tracht discussed traffic management software. She also noted her participation in a Government Day event with the Women's League of Voters at South Seminole County Academy, noted she attended the Seminole County Public Schools Ambassador program at Lyman High School, and noted her ongoing participation in the Citizens Police Academy. 607. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick echoed the Mayor's comments about food insecurity, noting that SO% of Seminole County students qualify for free or reduced lunch. He thanked staff for their work on storm water ponds and acknowledged Veterans Day. He mentioned his attendance at the pickleball event and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Music Festival at Central Winds Park. 608. Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso discussed his recent visits to Parkstone homes regarding water complaints and found that many residents were not monitoring their irrigation systems properly. He emphasized the importance of water conservation and proper irrigation management. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Leah Weisman, Winter Springs shared comments regarding nonprofit organizations and measuring tangible benefits to the city. Ms. Weisman further encouraged the Commission to consider the costs to the city for events held at parks. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: CH ISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK APPROVED: MAYOR KEVIN McCANN �'�nter S o� p�f0 U � a CU J 9 5" '�i��O1e Cou��y NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the December 8, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting.