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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2026 02 09 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2026 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, February 09, 2026 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 Bob Melhorn provided the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Deputy Mayor Resnick noted a disclosure he needed to make relative to Item 400 prior to any vote occurring and asked that Item 500 be limited to the presentation and no action be taken at this meeting due to receiving the presentation the same day. No changes were noted and the agenda was adopted as amended. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100. Not Used INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Art Gallo, Winter Springs, representing the Howell Creek Reserve Homeowners Association, expressed support for the stormwater plan as a starting point but noted concerns, the need to acknowledge and potentially increase an existing 25% credit related to private stormwater maintenance, and efforts to understand maintenance responsibilities related to stormwater infrastructure. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar No discussion. 301) Approval of Resolution 2026-02: Submission of SAHM /SRF Loan Application No discussion. 302) Storm Sewer Pipe Repair at 740 Mimosa Ct and 1134 Seafarer Ln No discussion 303) City Vehicle and Equipment Fueling Agreement between Seminole County Public Schools and City of Winter Springs No discussion. 304) Sizzle and Splash BBQ-Cook Off and Festival Agreement No discussion. 305) Revised Public Input Form No discussion. 3U6) Appruval ui Che MhWieS. MUtIddy, Jiarluary l , iWb City t:urnrnissiuri keguiar Meeiing 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) Adoption of Resolution 2026-01: 1447 Bird Road Lot Split City Clerk Gowan read the ex-parte communication disclosure requirements. Mayor McCann, Deputy Mayor Resnick, and Commissioners Baker, Bruce, and Diaz noted they had sent relevant ex-parte disclosures to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. Commissioner Caruso disclosed meeting with residents around the property before the first December meeting and receiving a text message after the last meeting asking why it was postponed. He also mentioned possibly receiving an email from the applicant and asking about square footage. Deputy Mayor Resnick also disclosed that one of the people who had reached out regarding the property had been a former employee of his over a year ago. He noted that he did not feel it rose to the level of needing to recuse himself but said he would do so if the Commission deemed it necessary. City Attorney Garganese confirmed that Deputy Mayor Resnick's former employment relationship did not rise to the level of a voting conflict, and the commission agreed he did not need to recuse himself. Jenale Garnett, Senior Planner, Community Development Department presented the lot split application for 1447 Bird Road. Discussion followed on the house plans, the process following the lot split, and compliance with city conditions and codes. City Attorney Garganese confirmed that staff had concluded compliance with the city code and noted potential compatibility considerations that would be considered. Attorney Garganese also addressed a supposed restrictive document which had been discussed previously and noted it was not recorded nor applicable. Damian Cardona, Applicant, noted compliance with codes and explained the lot split addressed financial constraints following his mother's passing, facilitating property value enhancement and sale for a more modest construction on the front lot. 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 RESOLUTION 2026-01. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. REGULAR AGENDA 500) Stormwater Pond Maintenance Program Presentation Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works and Utilities Department noted the work done with Kimley-Horn to complete this next step in the stormwater master plan and rate study process. Julia Felter, Kimley-Horn reviewed definitions, current level of service, 368 ponds within the city, anticipated levels of service (to include major erosion repair, yearly visual inspection on pond banks and outfall structures, and proactive maintenance), estimated costs of maintenance, and the impact to the utility rate with an anticipated lifespan of 15 years. Ms. Felter noted the existence of 48 public ponds, 95 hybrid ponds (55 with recorded maintenance responsibilities, 40 without), and the remainder were private. Ms. Felter reiterated this program was just one component of the rate study and presented three scenarios for consideration: Scenario 1- Maintenance of public ponds only, 48 ponds): $1.40 monthly rate increase Scenario 2 - Maintenance of public plus hybrids with recorded access, 103 ponds): $3.75 monthly increase Scenario 3 - Maintenance of all public and hybrid ponds, 143 ponds): $4.80 monthly increase Discussion followed on the distinctions between recorded and non -recorded hybrid ponds, checking if those receiving unauthorized maintenance might qualify for discounts, differences between surface runoff and direct stormwater drains to private ponds, and concerns about private ponds, especially those where stormwater flows to creeks, highlighting the need to ensure clear pathways without blockages. Some frustrations were voiced with the presentation of the stormwater maintenance plan noting that after over two years the plan still seemed incomplete. Further discussion followed on the importance of considering the "greater good" when determining public versus private responsibilities and legislation being discussed in Tallahassee allowing HOAs to potentially disband which could affect pond ownership and maintenance. Mr. Saunier suggested staff and consultants could return to the next meeting with deeper analysis of private versus hybrid classifications and provide the requested spreadsheet detailing all ponds. The commission reached consensus to postpone voting, with staff to return with more detailed information including the requested Excel spreadsheet of all ponds, clarification on hybrid classifications, and analysis of private ponds potentially serving public purposes. 501) Approval of a Pre -Annexation Agreement with Ryan Sheehan et al. to Annex approximately 4.85 acres of land along Tuskawilla Road within the Town Center Enclave for the Future Development of a Residential Subdivision consisting of Eleven (11) Upscale, Detached Single -Family Homes. City Attorney Garganese clarified the legal description should read 6.13 acres due to an additional parcel from two deeds. City Manager Sweet noted this would be the first single-family subdivision since Tuskawilla Crossing in 2017-2018 and praised the applicant's quality of work. Mayor McCann noted the development would bring approximately $29,000 annually in tax revenue if the 11 homes achieve the projected values and noted the agreement included various fee waivers similar to previous enclave annexation offers, but explicitly excluded tree mitigation fees. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501 AS PRESENTED. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. \/l1Tr. U,A Vro /nyr1. nn! Irr /I'I A.%0. r,%Pfl lrr% /nvrl. -pj%7 !Ayr\_ nrr Q!!ry IAwrl MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 502) Discussion on City Charter Review Committee Discussion began on previous processes, input heard from former elected officials, and the importance of creating boundaries and a scope for the committee. City Clerk Gowan noted the agenda item included five specific items for consideration including the appointment process, scheduling, and other organizational matters. The 2010 Charter Review Committee resolution was referenced as a model. Discussion followed on whether to use outside facilitators or rely on city staff, the ability of the Commission to give direction to the committee in the resolution while remaining neutral through the process, and technical support from staff. The Commission reached a consensus to utilize the 2010 Charter Review Committee resolution language with reference updates for the current process and agreed to identify specific charter sections for review including mandatory periodic charter reviews in the charter itself for the next meeting. 503) Matters Related to Boards & Committees COMMISSIONER BAKER NOMINATED EDIVIER RIVERA TO SERVE AS A VOLUNTARY CITY CHAPLAIN FOR THE 2026 CALENDAR YEAR. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT (DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK WAS AWAY FROM THE DAIS AT THAT TIME). Discussion followed on the interest of Pastor Kyle Stewart in continuing to serve as a Chaplain, the role of the City Chaplain, and no action was taken at this time. COMMISSIONER CARUSO NOMINATED MARCO SANTORO FOR REAPPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 504) New Business Mayor McCann proposed a team -building volunteer opportunity at Hope Helps food pantry and the Commission expressed interest with a request that it be scheduled following tax season so Commissioner Diaz could participate. Commissioner Bruce raised three items: 1. Utilizing the unused parcel by the dog park and pickleball facility and a request for staff to return with their vision 2. Installing temporary lighting at Central Winds lower soccer fields. 3. Addressing tree stump removal on Northern Way near Sam Smith Park where oaks were removed and potentially looking at Code revisions. City Manager Sweet noted staff was actively exploring options for practice lighting Commissioner Caruso requested an update on the assisted living facility property on State Road 434. City Manager Sweet noted the previous extension granted to the developer, noted financing had been secured, and thought more progress would have been made at this point. City Manager Sweet noted he would consult with staff and provide an update before the next meeting. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet reported that Arbor Day tree giveaway signups would open Friday, February 13, noted fire hydrant inspection progress (457 of 1,200 completed), and congratulated the Finance Department for receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. He also announced the Florida City County Managers Association would recognize Winter Springs' 45 years as a council-manager form of government at the next meeting. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. City Clerk Christian Gowan No report 604. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker noted her attendance at the recent CALNO meeting and two open soil and water board positions. Additionally, she shared that Seminole County Public Schools had achieved a 94.4% graduation rate, resulting in an A rating for every school in the district. Commissioner Baker discussed the availability of free Narcan (naloxone) across multiple locations in the county and noted a countywide 49% decrease in overdoses and a 48% reduction in related deaths. She noted Narcan was being offered for free at various county sites, and they were actively seeking additional distribution locations. Finally, Commissioner Baker noted an opportunity available to the police department to have an additional police car wrapped with fentanyl awareness messaging, funded by national opioid settlement money. 605. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick noted attendance at the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee where he and other commissioners met with state officials. He encourage everyone to support local restaurants during the upcoming Valentine's Day weekend. 606. Commissioner Mark Caruso No report. 607. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann highlighted Action Church's opening, the successful father -daughter dance (expanded to two nights), the importance of the finance award demonstrating the city's turnaround, his personal experience administering Narcan, the American Legion's Four Chaplains monument fundraiser, Community Legal Services' 60th anniversary, successful Tallahassee lobbying efforts, and the outstanding Scottish Highland Games event. 608. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz No report. 603 Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce thanked staff for sand volleyball court preparation, noted she had shared information about si6w._,lk Conditions on SIR n31 near 3 compromised stor mvyl tler strllCtUr c, ccicbrated new Duke Energy lighting installation on Panama Road, and highlighted Action Church's expansion including leasing the former Zoo gym location in the Town Center for offices. Commissioner Bruce further discussed potential economic development initiatives for the city and announced a new farmers market at Trotwood Park on February 15th from 10 AM to 3 PM which would then be held on the first and third Sunday of each month. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Ted Fox, Winter Springs expressed frustration about delays on addressing stormwater issues and criticized what he characterized as a lack of preparation preventing a decision being made. Mr. Fox further questioned why consultants were needed when the city had engineers on staff. Regarding Lake Willa, he argued the city's nearly 50-year maintenance precedent established the "acceptable standard" referenced in documents. Art Gallo, Winter Springs returned to clarify his HOA's position and emphasized their commitment to maintaining their requirements diligently over many years. He stated that their spending records are not complaints but proof of their need for an increased credit. Mr. Gallo explained their maintenance extended to the curb, though they were working to confirm definite responsibilities and further noted drains into their ponds which meet public service criteria. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs addressed the ongoing 7-Eleven situation in Tuscawilla and urged action be taken to require cleanup. Ms. Freeburn argued fines should be imposed on the property owner to motivate resolution and expressed concern about impacts on neighboring restaurants. Commissioner Bruce noted ongoing legal actions affecting the property and the ability to take any action. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: � �. � inter S o� 'bfi- CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MP , CIVIC 1p ,,�'� CITY CLERK U o 1959 � o APPROVED: We County'4 MAY6R'KEV& McCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the February 23, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting.