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Home My WebLink About00-2026 06 08 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2026 Incorporated 1959 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS • • 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 8, 2026 of the City Commission to order at 6:30 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 Interim City Clerk Tristin Tarrant, present Pastor Kyle Stewart, Trinity Presbyterian Church, provided the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Commissioner Baker asked for Item 501. behind Item 100. Commissioner Bruce requested Items 300, 301, and 303 on Consent be pulled for discussion. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested Item 302 on Consent be pulled for discussion. Brief discussion on changes ensued. Agenda was adopted with changes. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100. City of Winter Springs Pavement Management Program Director of Public Works and Utilities Clete Saunier introduced the city's pavement management program, crediting Assistant Director Peter Crespi and Public Works Superintendent Kevin Monzer for nine months of data collection and evaluation, and introduced Kevin Stone of Kimley Horn and Associates to deliver the formal presentation. Mr. Kevin Stone, Project Manager with Kimley Horn, provided a comprehensive overview of the city's pavement network and the proposed 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). He explained the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) system, a data -driven, objective scoring that forms the basis for maintenance decisions. Discussion on the availability of grants for this type of work ensued. City Manager Sweet affirmed that identifying grant opportunities is a standard first step for all city projects. The commission asked for material to be made available, so they are able to better respond to constituent inquiries. "Below is the order in which the agenda was heard" REGULAR Item 501: Declaration to Recognize June as a Month of Respect, Inclusion and Community Mayor McCann read the Declaration into the record. Mayor McCann offered a brief statement and emphasizing that the document was intended to affirm the humanity of all residents without asking anyone to change their personal beliefs. Deputy Mayor Resnick expressed support, citing the historical context of groups having to fight to be heard and the presence of community residents who would find meaning in the declaration. Commissioner Baker clarified that she had requested the item be brought as a declaration before the full Commission rather than as a mayoral proclamation, because she believed it was something the Commission could collectively support. Commissioner Diaz raised objection. MOTION TO APPROVE THE DECLARATION AND HAVE BE READ [AND BECOME] PART OF THE RECORD. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. DISCUSSION. Mayor McCann opened Public Input for the motion. David Williamson, rep for the Central Florida Freethought Community spoke in strong support, emphasizing the importance of visible community recognition for LGBTQ+ youth. Art Gallo, Winter Springs expressed support for the declaration. Sean Casseby, Winter Springs spoke in opposition, expressing concern about the long-term cultural trajectory of such recognitions and urging caution. Mayor McCann closed Public Input for the motion. VOTE FOR THE MOTION ON THE FLOOR: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200. Not Used No discussion. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Karen Meyer, Winter Springs thanked the city for the beautification of the medians on Tuscawilla Boulevard. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs raised concerns about the proposed Lake Jessup boardwalk project and raised issues regarding the condition of public restrooms at Trotwood and Central Winds Parks. Mrs. Shafer additionally suggested the city considered hosting community engagement events such as a "coffee with the mayor" series and brought to attention a sight -line safety concern. Shelia Benton, Winter Springs addressed the anticipated impacts of the homestead property tax exemption proposal on the city budget. Suggesting a public evening budget roundtable be held with a zero -based budgeting review and clear communication to residents about essentials before any cuts or fee increases are made. Linda Freeburn, Winter Springs expressed support for the proposed property tax reduction. Mrs. Freeburn expressed confidence that the budget process, including the pavement management program, would lead to meaningful cost savings. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Engineering Design for Hurricane Police Safe Room (HMGP/HMGMP Funded) Commissioner Bruce inquired about the process and factors for contractor selection. Finance Director Holly Queen explained that the RFQwas issued underthe CCNA statute, which prohibits price from being a primary evaluation criterion. A selection committee scored proposals based on experience, qualifications, project staffing, proposed solution, and references. The committee reviewed all submitted documents and conducted reference checks before making its recommendation. 301) Lift Station SCADA Improvements Contract with Hydra Service Commissioner Bruce additionally asked about the process and factors for contractor selected for the SCADA project as well. City Manager Sweet explained that this was also a qualifications -based procurement under which cost was not the primary criterion. Director Saunier stated that the selection committee determined that Hydra Service's qualifications and proposed SCADA system were significantly better suited to the city's long-term operational needs. 302) Sheoah Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project Engineering Services Amendment No. 1 Deputy Mayor Resnick requested an update and City Manager Sweet explained that this amendment expands the scope of work for Carollo Engineering to include five additional street segments. City Manager Sweet confirmed design is currently more than halfway to completion, with the 60% review meeting having occurred in late May. Deputy Mayor Resnick confirmed that the road surface restoration on Sheoah would also be part of the overall project scope. 303) Wetland Park Outfall Improvements at the Cross Seminole Trail and Michael Blake Boulevard - Change Order No. 3 Deputy Mayor Resnick noted the change order resulting in a cost reduction. City Manager Sweet confirmed that a project redesign after discussions with Seminole County, St. John's River Water Management District, and FDEP eliminated the need for significant wetland mitigation, resulting in savings despite the modest additional design costs. 304) Winter Springs Potable Water Tray Aerator Improvements Project Engineering Services No discussion. 305) Michael Blake Blvd Reclaimed Water Main Extension —Construction Services No discussion. 306) Specimen Tree Removal and Tree Mitigation: 1560 Winter Springs Blvd. East Water Reclamation Facility Project Construction No discussion. 307) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, May 11, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting No discussion. MOTION TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. 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. The Learning Experience, SR 434/419 and Michael Blake Boulevard — Minor Final Engineering/Site Plan Revisions and Waiver Revision related to Streetscape. Senior Planner John Rabon presented the minor revisions to The Learning Experience. The modifications include drainage adjustments, a revised sidewalk alignment from the playground to the parking lot, and a corresponding adjustment to the streetscape waiver to align with the existing sidewalk configuration. Staff recommended approval with the condition of all grass on the property be Bahia grass with no other drought -intolerant grasses. 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 AS PRESENTED [THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE]. 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. 401. PNC Bank — Site/Final Engineering, Aesthetic Review, Waivers, Conditional Use Application, and Development Agreement. Senior Planner Rabon presented the PNC Bank (FEDP-2025-0021) by providing background, displaying the site plan and elevations, and reviewing the waivers and conditional use application for the project. Staff recommended Commission approval subject to the three (3) conditions; execution of a development agreement, all grass on the property be Bahia grass, and directional signage to guide drivers through the one-way ATM drive aisle. Commissioner Bruce asked for clarification regarding the two proposed waivers and staff responded in kind. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 401. Micheal Pinnell, Engineer of Record with Stonefield Engineering gave clarification on the setback compliance and confirmed no objections to the proposed conditions. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 401. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 401 AS PRESENTED [FEDP-2025-0021 PNC BANK]. 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. 402. Garcia Civil Contractors — Site/Final Engineering, Aesthetic Review, and Development Agreement. Senior Planner Rabon opened the item for Garcia Civil Contractors (FEDP-2026-0023). The applicant proposed demolishing an existing metal structure and replacing it with a larger metal office building. Parking lot improvements and other site enhancements are also included. Staff recommended approval with three (3) conditions; execution of a development agreement, all grass on the property be Bahia grass, and any additional conditions from City reviewing departments or the Development Agreement shall be enforceable. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 402. Andrew McPhee, Architect of Record with Make Design Studios spoke and noting that the owner was eager to establish operations in Winter Springs. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 402. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 402 [GARCIA CIVIL CONTRACTORS]. 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. 403. Oviedo City Church Overflow Parking —Site and Final Engineering Plan and Development Agreement. Senior Planning Rabon reported that the applicant requested a continuance to a date certain of July 13, 2026, to resolve an issue involving an existing county right-of-way crossing and a culvert adjoining to the proposed parking lot. Commissioner Bruce asked whether tree mitigation would be required given the presence of trees on the site. Senior Planner Rabon confirmed that tree mitigation was not required in this particular case, and that the issue would be reviewed thoroughly when the item returns. The Commission accepted the continuance without objection. 404. 1221 Northern Way —Accessory Dwelling Unit (Conditional Use) Senior Planner Jenale Garnett presented the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) application for 1221 Northern Way (CADU-2026-0002). The property survey, site plan, elevations, and floor plan were presented to the Commission. Mrs. Garnett relayed the primary point of discussion from the Planning and Zoning meeting was the front -crossing driveway and additional condition suggestion of a landscape buffer along the frontage. Staff's recommendation was approval of the Conditional Use ADU subject to the condition of an executed Declaration of Restrictions and the Planning and Zoning recommended frontage hedge. The Commission asked for clarification on structure visibility from the adjacent neighbors, code provisions on ADUs being detached from the main home and the access driveway with the recommended buffer. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 404. Sean and Amy Cassidy, Winter Springs, the applicants gave further clarification of the reason for the ADU, the plan for landscaping, and additionally expressed not wanting the required buffer to the commission. Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 404. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 404 [1221 NORTHERN WAY - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT] AS SUGGESTED [WITH STAFF ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS]. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 405. Second Reading of Ordinance 2026-01: Updating the Stormwater Utility Rates City Attorney Garganese read the ordinance title into the record. No additional discussion ensued. Mayor McCann opened the Public Hearing for Item 405. No one addressed the Commission Mayor McCann closed the Public Hearing for Item 405. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 405 AS PRESENTED [ORDINANCE 2026-01: UPDATING THE STORMWATER UTILITY RATE]. MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (NAY); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 3-2. REGULAR AGENDA 500) Seminole County Interlocal Agreement Local Fuel Tax City Manager Sweet presented the proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Seminole County regarding the distribution of local option fuel tax proceeds, noting it was brought forward at the county's request and at the direction of the Florida Department of Revenue to formalize the existing distribution arrangement. City Manager Sweet highlighted that this ILA is different from the previously presented agreement. Under the current agreement, the city gets to retain the full statutory share and authority over how those funds are spent in accordance with applicable law. City Manager Sweet further clarified the additional five (5) cents is restricted to capital improvements only. The Commission expressed appreciation to the county. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 500 [SEMINOLE COUNTY INTERLOCAL AGREMENT LOCAL FUEL TAX]. 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) New Business Mayor McCann briefly addressed the property tax, noting the city will fully review, analyst, and have discussions regarding how this will be addressed. Mayor McCann relayed his plan to hold a town hall at the Winter Springs Sinor Center soon for residents and shared a graphic, from the front page of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper, of the affected Central Florida municipalities by proportion of homesteaded properties.' 1 Attached to the end of these minutes. Commissioner Bruce asked for clarification on ownership and location regarding Eagle Nest Parkfrom the previous meeting. Operations Director Dunigan gave the clarification relaying it is a city -owned property and discussed the location with the Commission. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Kevin Sweet provided two updates for the Commission. First, he reported that the seven (7) city managers of Seminole County are coordinating with the county manager to develop a cohesive, collaborative communication strategy regarding the anticipated impacts of the proposed homestead property tax exemption. City Manager Sweet emphasized that the intent is to present information to residents rather than to advocate for a particular outcome. Second, City Manager Sweet reported on recent productive meeting with Verizon regarding 5G tower placement with Tuskawilla and that ongoing discussions are still taking place for alternative locates for other tower installations. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. Interim City Clerk Tristin Tarrant Interim City Clerk Tarrant noted that the Commission's legislative policy committee appointments were due and briefly reviewed the available committees with the Commission. Mayor McCann indicated he would remain on the Taxation Committee; Deputy Mayor Resnick on Governmental Affairs; Commissioner Bruce on Natural Resources and Public Works; Commissioner Baker on Development and Redevelopment. Commissioners Caruso and Diaz did not commit to a committee at this time. Interim City Clerk Tarrant also announced that the first meeting of the Charter Review Committee has been scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM, with the agenda to be distributed that week. 603. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick requested that staff assess the condition of medians on Shepherd Road between U.S. 17- 92 and surrounding areas, noting overgrown grass and weeds. He announced a town hall meeting scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM, in coordination with City Manager Sweet. Deputy Mayor Resnick also reported attending the Kids' House gala and encouraged commissioners to visit the facility, which serves child trauma victims in the region. He noted that his Rotary Club of Winter Springs chapter had directed charitable funds to the Rescue Outreach Mission. Deputy Mayor Resnick closed with extended remarks on the historical context of the homestead exemption movement and expressing confidence that the city would navigate the fiscal challenge 604. Seat Five Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso raised concern regarding tree removal expenditures submitting records received through a records request to the commission.Z He stated that the documents show gross sending in tree removals over a seven -month period, conducted without an ISA-certified arborist on staff. Commissioner Caruso called for a stop on further tree removals until the city either has a certified arborist on staff or engages a contractor with certified arborist qualifications. The Commission agreed to add this as a formal agenda item for a future meeting to allow staff to respond with full context. Mayor McCann acknowledged the concern while noting that some tree removals are unavoidable in connection with approved capital projects such as the wastewater treatment facility expansion. 605. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor Kevin McCann noted his attendance at the Florida League of Cities leadership class, the Wesley Seth Foundation barbecue, the ribbon cutting for a City lift station replacement, the American Flood Coalition conference in Washington, D.C. and while in D.C. Mayor McCann got to meet with US Senators and House members who were lobbying in support of the FEMA Act. 606. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz No report. 607. Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce relayed the selection of a contractor for the Tuscora Monument sign with lights from the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee meeting she watched. Commissioner Bruce expressed appreciation to City Manager Sweet for the work on 5G tower placement issues. Commissioner Bruce reported joining a committee related to a Seminole County Sheriff's Office initiative called "Breaking Through," focused on a reported 400% increase in self -harm among youth. 608. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Sarah Baker reported attending the Winter Springs Firearms Safety Class, The Elected Officials Reception during the Florida's Training for Emergency Management (FTEM) Symposium, and the Wesley Seth Foundation barbecue events PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Art Gallo, Winter Springs expressed support for resident -inclusive budget workshops and suggested staff prepare both a baseline budget and a contingency budget reflecting significant revenue reductions, to help the Commission and residents clearly understand the trade-offs involved. Kyle Stewart, Winter Springs urged the Commission to treat the passage of the homestead exemption as a near - certainty and to prepare accordingly. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. 2 Attached to the end of these minutes. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the Regular City Commission meeting at 9:12 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: TRISTIN TARRANT INTERIM CITY CLERK APPROVED: � p MAYOR KEV6 McCANN o� W interotpo 1c a 1959 n, gx `b 0 00% County,F� NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the JL 1) ' , 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting. The homestead exemption in Central Florida The property tag:: arts prop-c.sed icy Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state legislature will affect Central Florida municipalities differently depending on haiv much of their tax base comes from primary residences, or homesteads. It increases the homestead tax exemption from $50,000 currently to 5250,000 in two years, but school taxes are not affected. Total property tax revenue, Agency I Y 2024 Proportion from homesteads Vi'in:e- Springs St iZ M !liCr, Oviedo S27 million Groveland S15 mtllicn Lake County schools $287 million St. Cloud S34 million • Winter Garden S30 million Lake County S214 million Seminole County schools S310 million Mount Dora S14 million Seminole County $327 million Winter Park S39 million Clermont S29 million Apopka SU million Leesburg $13 million -Osceola County schools $321 million Lake Mary S14 million . Orange County $1,38 billion Orange County schools $1.54 billion Osceola County $112 billion � Ocoee $24 million Kissimmee S33 million . Sanford $49 million _ Atamcnte Springs $21 million Orlando $347 million Eaton•: ille $2.2 milWon EA -: _ _ .> _ _ _ � _. •,: - � _ _ _: Fl�r'�a C � c; ,., -, �"i34 i9.iSGti;7fiCn 0" : _ _ >, fiGtld: ! :.,�LtC Gr �ttlQ:, Js'Gt�p� G�4�t►�jl'r�iJt C�ikC�f