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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2026 01 12 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick called the Regular Meeting of Monday, January 12, 2026 of the City Commission to order at 6:31 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 (arrived at 6:58 p.m.) 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. Deputy Mayor Resnick asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Commissioner Caruso requested Item 402 be removed from the agenda. MOTION TO POSTPONE ITEM 402 (BIRD ROAD LOT SPLIT) TO A DATE CERTAIN OF FEBRUARY 9, 2026. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. Commissioner Diaz requested that Item 300 (Surplus Assets) be discussed prior to any motion on the Consent Agenda. There were no objections, and the agenda was adopted as amended. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Presentation of the Key to the City to Charles Lacey Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick presented former Mayor Charles Lacey with a Key to the City, highlighting his extensive service to Winter Springs including roles on the Open Space Advisory Study Committee (2006), Ad Hoc Committee for Property Tax Reform (2007), Planning and Zoning Board (2008-2010), Charter Review Committee (2010), and as Mayor beginning in 2010. Commissioner Bruce also thanked former Mayor Lacey for believing in her and noted the honor was well -deserved. Upon receiving the key, former Mayor Lacey thanked the Commission for the unanimous vote, noting that the current Commission benefits citizens through its diversity of opinion and willingness to debate issues. The Commission then took a photograph with Mayor Lacey. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Deputy Mayor Resnick opened Public Input. Mike Bauch, Winter Springs spoke regarding Item 304 (Deer Run Stormwater Control Structure Modification Project). He described how the lake had changed over time, with water coming in from city streets causing the north end to become shallow and shared concerns that simply repairing the drain would not address the need to dredge the accumulated muck. Mr. Bauch further suggested the lake be temporarily lowered to allow residents to clean up their sections. Sam Johnson, Winter Springs inquired about future discussions regarding floodwater issues around Vistawilla Drive and Seneca Boulevard, Deputy Mayor Resnick asked the City Manager to get in contact to provide further information. Arun Joshi, Winter Springs spoke regarding Item 304 and expressed concern about the proposed design for the control structure and the ability to manage water levels. John Leeson, Winter Springs discussed the history of the weir structure since he moved to his property in 1993. He described how the original design with multiple openings allowed water flow control, while modifications over time made it less effective. He further noted that during Hurricane Ian, debris clogged the weir, causing the lake to overflow and resulting in a foot of water in his home. Paul Partyka, Winter Springs noted a recent article in the Orlando Business Journal incorrectly identified the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games as being in Winter Park instead of Winter Springs. He requested the city seek a correction and invited the city to sponsor the 40th annual Rotary golf tournament scholarship fundraiser on April 13th. *Mayor McCann arrived at the meeting at 6:58 p.m.* Gina Shafer, Winter Springs presented videos and photographs of flooding in the Winter Springs Village and expressed concern that the Wetlands Park drainage issues weren't included in water studies. She explained that the Town Center drains into the Winter Springs Village and requested that companies investigating flooding issues should consult with residents who had experienced problems. Cameron Welsh, Winter Springs expressed concerns about Item 301 (Firearms Safety Training Simulator), suggesting that based on the brochure materials, the software appeared to be of "kit bash" prototype quality and not worth the money requested. Damian Cardona, Orlando spoke about his lot split application (Item 402) that was postponed earlier in the meeting. He expressed frustration that his application continued to be delayed despite following all city requirements, and stated a neighbor told him residents were fighting it simply because they didn't want the lot split. Art Gallo, Winter Springs commented on Representative Plakon's recently filed bill (HB 4083) affecting the city charter and noted his opposition based on home rule principles. Mr. Gallo also inquired about the rescheduling of the pond maintenance discussion that was originally planned for the canceled January 26th meeting. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Surplus Assets Commissioner Paul Diaz noted the city had donated computer equipment to Christian Tech Ministries last year and encouraged continuing that practice with surplus technology assets. City Manager Kevin Sweet confirmed that applicable items were listed as "donate first" and noted coordination with Christian Tech Ministries as the first donation entity. 301) Purchase of a Firearms Safety and Training Simulator (Dart Max) for the Winter Springs Police Department? Deputy Mayor Resnick asked Police Chief Matthew Tracht to address concerns raised during public input. Chief Tracht commented this was an advanced training system used by many law enforcement agencies in Florida. Chief Tracht further explained that he had just attended the Florida Police Chiefs Conference and met with the vendor, confirming the capabilities of the product. Commissioner Caruso added that he had personally viewed the training videos and materials at the Police Department and agreed with the Chief's assessment. 302) IT Department Purchase of Eighteen (18) Replacement Toughbook Laptop Computers for Police Department No discussion 303) FY25-26 Asphalt Street Resurfacing No discussion. 304) Deer Run Stormwater Control Structure Modification Project Deputy Mayor Resnick asked for clarification about the project following comments during public input. City Manager Kevin Sweet explained that Pegasus Engineering had designed the control structure after multiple evaluations and noted the project had been delayed due to funding constraints but was now moving forward with Cathcart Construction. Mayor McCann expressed that the project was needed because homes had flooded during Hurricane Ian when the existing system clogged. He noted that the stormwater rate adjustment had now made funding available for this project. Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works and Utilities Department explained that the new design would lower the grate to the top of the structure, allowing water to enter at the same elevation as currently but preventing fish from flowing through. He noted that Hurricane Ian was a "superstorm" classified as a 1000-year frequency event, and no system could be designed to withstand such an extreme event. 305) The Human Bean Final Site Acceptance No discussion. 306) 699 Bear Paw Court Waiver for Designated Parking Area Mayor McCann expressed concern about the size of the driveway and the potential for it to be used for commercial vehicles in the future. City Attorney Anthony Garganese confirmed that existing city ordinances restrict commercial vehicles in residential areas, allowing only one commercial vehicle per dwelling unit with specific restrictions on vehicle types. 307) Consideration of Fee Waiver Application for The Wesley Seth Foundation No discussion. 308) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, December 8, 2025 City Commission Regular Meeting? No discussion. 309) Approval of the Minutes: Thursday, December 18, 2025 City Commission Special Meeting No discussion. "MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA." 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA 400) Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-17: Reasonable Accommodation from the City's Land Development Regulations and Certified Recovery Residences Attorney Garganese read Ordinance 2025-17 by title, briefly reviewed that the ordinance was required to comply with state statutes, and noted no changes since the 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." 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. 401) Lot 4 Townhomes at Blake Commons, 1260 E. SR 434 ? Aesthetic Review. Jenale Garnett, Senior Planner, Community Development Department presented the aesthetic review for the proposed townhomes at Blake Commons and explained that this review only concerned the appearance of proposed structures rather than location as no site plan had yet been submitted. She further explained that the zoning and proposals to include 3-story townhomes, 2-story townhomes, corner townhomes, and two pavilions similar to the Seminole Crossings development. Ms. Garnett noted that no objections were raised at the November 12, 2025 Community Workshop, the developer and applicant were present, and noted staff's recommendation of approval. Discussion followed on requirements that the townhomes be independently owned rather than rental units, frustration about residential rather than commercial development on the parcel, and the Commission's role and limited power related to what developers can put on properties. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 401. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs noted speaking with the developer and concerns about three-story units to be built in the front of the property. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 401. Ms. Garnett reiterated the site plan was not currently submitted or under consideration and noted another community meeting would be held when those plans were considered. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401 (APPROVE THE AESTHETIC REVIEW APPLICATION AERV-2025-0010 FOR THE LOT 4 TOWNHOMES AT BLAKE COMMONS) MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (NAY) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 402) Adoption of Resolution 2026-01: 1447 Bird Road Lot Split *AS NOTED, THIS ITEM WAS POSTPONED TO THE FEBRUARY 9, 2026 CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING* REGULAR AGENDA 500) Matters Related to Boards & Committees City Clerk Christian Gowan reported several board vacancies: four on the Board of Trustees, one on Code Enforcement, one on the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee, and noted that a member of the Veterans Advisory Committee had tendered her resignation effective April 1, 2026. COMMISSIONER BAKER NOMINATED BRANDON FAIR FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO SEAT THREE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER BRUCE NOMINATED RICK ZISKA FOR SEAT TWO ON THE TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. City Clerk Gowan noted that the current term of the volunteer chaplains would expire January 31st and applications were being accepted. MOTION TO REAPPOINT PASTOR BOB MELHORN AS CHAPLAIN FOR 2026. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 501) New Business Commissioner Bruce noted previous discussion about a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Recreational Trails Program grant for non -motorized trails that could potentially be used for the Lake Jesup Boardwalk project and asked if the Commission was interested in pursuing this. Discussion followed on the previous removal of this project from the budget, the potential of engaging a grant writer, and the inclusion of this project in the Central Winds Park Master Plan. City Manager Kevin Sweet noted that he was in favor of pursuing grants and discussed additional associated costs that would need to be considered. Brian Dunigan, Director, Administrative Services and Operations Department discussed previous estimates for in- house construction of the project and further discussion followed on matching requirements and specifics of the grant. There was a consensus from a majority of the Commission to look further into pursuing this grant and project. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested a future discussion about the holiday parade and lights, noting that many residents had expressed concerns about the parade changes and the short duration of the holiday lights display. Deputy Mayor Resnick also requested that a discussion on the Charter Amendment Committee be added to the next Commission meeting agenda and the Commission agreed to discuss the process, calendar, and appointments for this committee. Deputy Mayor Resnick then expressed concern about future development density in the city and asked about potentially adding restrictions to the future land use map that is currently being developed. Commissioner Bruce was in favor of creating a map showing "at -risk" properties for development in the city. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Kevin Sweet reported that the House of Representatives had advanced their FY26 appropriation bills, which included $1 million for water main replacements and $640,000 for reclaimed water expansion in Winter Springs. He noted the bills would now move to the Senate for consideration. He also provided an update on the strategic plan process, reporting that he and Brian Dunigan had spoken with the City of Apopka about their recent experience which cost just under $65,000 and involved multiple public input sessions, staff meetings, and elected official involvement. City Manager Sweet estimated a similar process for Winter Springs would cost around $50,000. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. City Clerk Christian Gowan City Clerk Christian Gowan reminded the Commission that the second meeting in January (January 26th) had been canceled as four members would be in Tallahassee for Legislative Action Days. He further noted that the city would have a table at the Leadership Summit on January 30th and asked commissioners to confirm if they needed seats. City Clerk Gowan noted that applications for Leadership Seminole were open until March 13th, with the city budgeting for one elected official to attend. Commissioner Bruce expressed interest in participating, and Mayor McCann suggested implementing a policy that officials should not attend during their election year, though this would not apply to the current situation. It was agreed by the majority that Commissioner Bruce would apply for the upcoming class. Finally, City Clerk Gowan noted that the chamber setup had been modified slightly to improve functionality. 603 Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce No report. 604. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker No report. 605. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick mentioned that the Scottish Highland Games would take place in the upcoming weekend and bring approximately 85,000 people to the city. 606. Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso noted he was looking forward to the Highland Games. 607. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann shared that he had found an original map from 1885 in Newport, Rhode Island that showed Lake Jesup and Tuskawilla. 608. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Paul Diaz shared that his alma mater, the University of Miami, would be competing for its sixth national championship in college football on January 19th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. He noted the team had defied expectations by defeating three higher -seeded teams to reach this point. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Cameron Welsh, Winter Springs reiterated his concerns about Item 301 (Firearms Safety Training Simulator and noted he thought taxpayer dollars could be better utilized. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs requested that the city consider hosting a mother -son event similar to the father - daughter dance. She also suggested implementing "Coffee with the Mayor" or town hall meetings to improve community engagement. Finally, Ms. Shafer mentioned a report in the Oviedo Voice about property behind Aldi potentially being developed that would require water from Winter Springs. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: -'�4 2 2.. � � /� CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CIVIC CITY CLERK APPROVED: -kd-;tom MAYOR KEVIN McCANN inter Sp o f� cot p o pal, � ° a 195q o 0 o/e County NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the February 9, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting.