HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 01 12 Consent 308 - Approval of the Minutes: Monday, December 8, 2025 City Commission Regular MeetingCONSENT AGENDA ITEM 308
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA | JANUARY 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Approval of the Minutes: Monday, December 8, 2025 City Commission Regular
Meeting
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Commission review and approve the Monday, December 8,
2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes as presented.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 AT 6:30 PM
CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
CITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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CITY COMMISSION MINUTES | REGULAR MEETING | MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 | PAGE 2 OF 8
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, December 8, 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 via telephone
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 which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor McCann asked if there were any agenda changes. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested that Item
308 be removed from the agenda following questions about deed restrictions and the need for more
research. Commissioner Diaz asked that Items 302 and 303 be discussed prior to adoption of the
Consent Agenda. There were no objections, and the agenda was adopted as amended.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
100) Issuance of Proclamation Recognizing the United States Semiquincentennial
Mayor McCann noted a proclamation has been prepared and signed declaring 2026 as a year of
celebration for the 250th anniversary of the country, otherwise known as the Semiquincentennial.
Mayor McCann briefly reviewed some of the history of the area, including evidence of an 18th century
surveyor in present day Winter Springs. He then introduced Dr. Deborah Bauer from the Seminole
County Historical Commission to discuss the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and
accept a copy of the proclamation.
Dr. Bauer thanked the Mayor, City Manager Sweet, and all Commissioners for their support in making
the countywide celebration possible. She noted that Winter Springs had the distinction of being the
first municipality to issue a proclamation denoting 2026 as a year of celebration and noted this was
one of the first times representatives from all seven municipalities, the county, school district, airport,
and Seminole State College had worked together on a unified celebration plan. Dr. Bauer also added
to the Mayor's historical note, mentioning that Winter Springs has ties to the Declaration of
Independence through its early records.
A photograph was taken with Dr. Bauer and the City Commission.
101) Stormwater Master Plan Update and Scheduling
Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works and Utilities Department, introduced Matt Brosman and his
team from Kimley-Horn and Associates, along with David Hamstra from Pegasus, to provide a brief
overview of the stormwater master plan that would be presented in detail at a special meeting on
December 18.
Mr. Brosman presented a status update on the Stormwater Master Plan and noted the plan identified
46 areas of interest and proposed 12 capital improvement projects. He outlined the schedule for
adoption of the plan, explaining that the Commission would be asked to adopt the plan at a special
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meeting on December 18. This plan, along with a Pond Maintenance Policy to be presented on
January 12, would serve as prerequisites for the stormwater rate study.
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
200. Not Used
PUBLIC INPUT
Damian Cardona spoke about his lot split application for 1447 Bird Road, noted frustration by last-
minute issues arising, and detailed the process he had gone through to get the split approved.
Brief discussion followed with some commissioners expressing opposition to further delaying the
item and others seeking more information prior to making any decisions.
Sheila Benton, Winter Springs raised concerns about drain inlets in need of repair and
communication.
Suzanne Kuhn, Winter Springs noted she was opposed to the Bird Road lot split (Item 308),
highlighting a large easement issue affecting home suitability and concerns about property values
and compromising the rural makeup of the neighborhood.
Robert Miller, Winter Springs criticized local political groups for efforts to amend the Charter without
resident input.
Art Gallo, Winter Springs noted he was opposed to proposed state intervention in city charters,
fearing a strong mayor system could harm morale and undermine local governance.
Ken Tabaczka spoke regarding the proposed lot split and urged consideration of rural area
preservation.
Scott Freeburn, Winter Springs reported ongoing issues with the 7-Eleven property in Tuscawilla and
noted a strong smell coming from the property. He encouraged code enforcement to look into the
property.
CONSENT AGENDA
300) Purchase of Four (4) Emergency Bypass Pumps Servicing Four Lift Stations: LS6W, LS11W,
LS8E, and LS25E
No discussion.
301) Oak Forest Sidewalk Project - Sidewalk Improvements
No discussion.
302) Proposal for Utilities Department to Purchase One (1) F450 Utility Body Crane Truck
Commissioner Diaz questioned whether items 302 and 303 should be delayed due to potential
Sunshine Law concerns regarding an email communication from Commissioner Caruso to other
voting commissioners. After a lengthy discussion, City Attorney Anthony Garganese advised that since
these were budgeted items with thorough staff review, there was no legal impediment to proceeding
with the vote, however he noted that he would send a review of the Sunshine Law to Commissioners
to avoid similar concerns and a legal opinion.
303) Purchase of one (1) 2026 Ford F550 Hydraulic Dump Truck by the Utilities Department
*See discussion under Item 302*
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304) Cross-Connection Control Program Management of Annual Backflow Inspections and
Testing Services Contract with Aarons Backflow Service.
No discussion
305) Lift Station 7 West Project Additional Services Change Order
No discussion.
306) Consideration of Amendment to Winter Springs Retirement System Investment Policy
Statement
No discussion.
307) Resolution 2025-23: Adoption of Seminole County Floodplain Management Plan
No discussion
308) Adoption of Resolution 2025-24: 1447 Bird Road Lot Split
*THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVAL OF
THE CONSENT AGENDA*
309) Approval of Revised 2026 Meeting and Holiday Calendar
No discussion.
310) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, November 10, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting
No discussion.
"MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA (MINUS ITEM 308 PREVIOUSLY REMOVED)." 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.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
400) Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-16: Amending Allowable Expenditures of Tree Bank
Funds
City Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-16 by title and explained that it would tighten up how
the city can use tree bank funds collected when someone cuts down a tree. He further noted that 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.” (HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-16
ON SECOND READING) MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR
RESNICK. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
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401) 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, 1248 E. SR 434 – Site/Final Engineering, Aesthetic Review, Waivers,
and Development Agreement.
Jenale Garnett, Senior Planner, Community Development Department presented the 7 Brew drive-
thru coffee shop proposal for Blake Commons. The project included a 510 square foot coffee shop with
two drive-through lanes and an attached 262 square foot cooler storage connected by a breezeway.
Ms. Garnett noted a community workshop was held on June 10, 2025 where no objections were raised
and noted the Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously on November 6, 2025 to recommend
approval.
In response to a question from the Commission, Ms. Garnett reviewed the three waivers that were
requested: (1) A setback waiver to place the building 68.37 feet from SR 434 instead of the maximum
50 feet to accommodate the two drive-through lanes and required landscape buffer; (2) A streetscape
waiver to reorganize buffer widths while still exceeding requirements and maintaining consistency
with the adjacent Learning Experience; and (3) A service window waiver to place the service doors on
the side rather than the rear as required by code.
Mayor McCann expressed concern that the town center was supposed to be walkable, and this facility
had no walk-up window and no walkability features but noted he was not opposed to the project.
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 (SITE/FINAL ENGINEERING, AESTHETIC REVIEW, WAIVERS, AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
EXECUTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. ALL GRASS ON THE PROPERTY SHALL BE
BAHIA GRASS. NO ST. AUGUSTINE GRASS OR GRASS TYPES WITH LOW DROUGHT TOLERANCE
SHALL BE PERMITTED. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS REQUIRED BEFORE CITY COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING) MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
CARUSO. DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
402) First Reading of Ordinance 2025-17: Reasonable Accommodation from the City’s Land
Development Regulations and Certified Recovery Residences
MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CARUSO.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-17 by title and explained this was required by Florida
Statute. He further noted that the ordinance would establish procedures for processing requests for
reasonable accommodations, applicable not only to certified recovery residences but potentially in
other circumstances under state and federal law regarding the Fair Housing Act and Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 402.
Leah Weisman, Winter Springs asked about applicability to all buildings related to accessibility
reviews and shared some concerns.
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Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 402.
"MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 402. (THE CITY COMMISSION HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND
APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-17) 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.
REGULAR AGENDA
500) Adoption of Resolution 2025-25: Establishing Partial Rental Fee Waiver Policy
City Attorney Garganese explained this resolution responded to Commission direction to create a
partial rental fee waiver policy for city facilities. The policy would allow certain nonprofit corporations
with a principal physical address in Winter Springs (not a post office box) to request up to a 50% rental
fee waiver in exchange for in-kind contributions defined as charitable donations of goods, services,
and/or volunteer time on behalf of Winter Springs citizens. Each request would require commission
approval on a case-by-case basis.
Mayor McCann asked City Manager Sweet if he foresaw any problems or had recommendations. City
Manager Sweet noted the need to ensure the application clearly specified nonprofits within city limits
and suggested that once properly vetted, future approvals could potentially be consent agenda items.
He further acknowledged it would add some administrative burden but saw nothing glaring that
stood out as problematic.
"MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500.” (ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-25 ESTABLISHING A PARTIAL
RENTAL FEE WAIVER POLICY FOR USE OF CERTAIN CITY FACILITIES BY NON-PROFIT
CORPORATIONS WITH A PRINCIPAL ADDRESS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WINTER
SPRINGS AND ASSOCIATED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. STAFF FURTHER RECOMMENDS
THAT THE APPLICATION BE CREATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE CITY MANAGER OR THEIR
DESIGNEE.) MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER.
DISCUSSION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
501) Deputy Mayor Nomination for Calendar Year 2026
City Clerk Gowan briefly reviewed the process for selecting a deputy mayor for the calendar year.
COMMISSIONER BAKER NOMINATED CADE RESNICK TO CONTINUE TO SERVE AS DEPUTY
MAYOR FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026. NO OTHER NOMINATIONS WERE MADE. COMMISSIONER
CARUSO SECONDED THE NOMINATION.
VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
502) New Business
Deputy Mayor Resnick reported on discussions with state legislators regarding a proposed charter
change. He stated that Tallahassee would only accept their original language with minor
modifications and would not incorporate the City's suggestions. After discussion, the consensus of the
Commission was not to pursue this further, allowing the state to proceed on its own if it chose to do
so.
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Deputy Mayor Resnick then discussed implementing a City Manager evaluation process and
developing a strategic plan with a third-party facilitator for the city. Discussion followed on contract
language, the possibility of a 360 review, alternative review methods, and the need for goals to allow
for an effective review. City Manager Sweet indicated he would work with the City Attorney to develop
a mutually agreeable evaluation framework.
REPORTS
600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet
City Manager Sweet noted his and other staff’s attendance at an award ceremony on December 3,
where Utility Superintendent Clifton Mullis received the 2025 Industry Advocate of the Year award
from the Florida section of the American Water Works Association. City Manager Sweet further
reviewed minor sidewalk repairs scheduled for Central Winds and Stone Gable, work underway to
address Ms. Benton's concerns, and discussed the need for proper structural evaluation.
601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese
No report.
602. City Clerk Christian Gowan
City Clerk Gowan reminded commissioners of upcoming legislative action days and leadership
summit and noted an eight-person table was already booked based on responses received.
603. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz
No report.
604 Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce
Commissioner Bruce thanked the City Manager and Utility Director for the backflow program,
discussed a potential park grant with a March 1 deadline for the boardwalk at Lake Jesup and Central
Winds, commended Belle Ave Studios on their grand opening, and highlighted her participation in
Indian Trails Middle School's teach-in.
605. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker
No report.
606. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick
Deputy Mayor Resnick noted the holiday parade was "soggy" due to rain and urged city staff to gather
feedback about possibly needed changes. He also noted the upcoming Tri-County meeting and
stressed concerns over tax bills in Tallahassee, noting none seemed beneficial and urged residents to
look into them. Finally, he wished everyone happy holidays and reminded drivers to be mindful of
students on break.
607. Commissioner Mark Caruso
Commissioner Caruso noted several people protested the parade due to the route change from
Tuskawilla Road and felt weather might have played a role in the reduced turnout.
608. Mayor Kevin McCann
Mayor McCann congratulated Mr. Saunier and Mr. Mullis on statewide recognition. Mayor McCann
then recapped recent events and noted he thought rain affected Christmas parade attendance.
Continuing, he announced an additional $20 million in Hurricane Milton funding had been secured
for wastewater treatment, expressed concern over proposals eliminating property tax funding, noted
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the removal of supporting studies and legislative implementation, and concluded by wishing
everyone holiday joy and expressing gratitude for his position.
PUBLIC INPUT
Mayor McCann opened Public Input.
Maurice Kaprow, Winter Springs expressed gratitude to the commission, city manager, and staff for
placing a Hanukkah menorah alongside the Christmas tree, calling it a testament to the city's
inclusivity and mutual respect.
Art Gallo, Winter Springs echoed comments made by Rabbi Kaprow and noted opposition to the
360-degree evaluation, recommending an assessment based on progress, morale, and turnover
rates. Mr. Gallo further stressed the need for improved commission communication and team
building.
Robert Miller, Winter Springs advised dropping the 360-degree evaluation and proposed a direct vote
on the manager’s performance and any associated pay increase.
Leah Weisman, Winter Springs criticized the discourse during meetings and proposed a code of
conduct or similar policy to ensure more constructive dialogue.
Mayor McCann closed Public Input.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
_____________________________________
MAYOR KEVIN McCANN
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the January 12, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting.
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