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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2026 07 13 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DULY 13, 2026 :1ncorpora4t!;ed0 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, July 13, 2026 of the City Commission to order at 7:16 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 Bob Melhorn provided the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Commissioner Bruce and Baker requested Item 302 be pulled for discussion. No other changes were requested. The agenda was adopted. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Presentation by The Wesely Seth Foundation The Wesely Seth foundation presented the City of Winter Springs with the silver sponsorship plaque to recognize the city's support of their recent Sizzle & Splash BBQ Cook -off festival. Appreciation was expressed for the foundation's life-saving work. 101) Storm Preparation Tips from Waste Pro USA Mr. Eric Saxton, Division Manager for Waste Pro presented tips and items to help with Hurricane preparedness. He advised that residents begin trimming trees and shrubs, cleaning gutters, secure or store trash cans during a hurricane watch and relayed debris should be separated into distinct piles. Mr. Saxton emphasized the importance of patience during post -storm cleanup operations and noted that Waste Pro, Seminole County, and City staff maintain close communication before, during, and after storm events. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Not Used No discussion. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Chuck Pula, Non -Winter Springs Resident, relayed his service as a former employee of the city and his work with creating the Therapy pool. He stated his intention on attending tonight's meeting was to express his support for the Oviedo City church overflow parking agenda item, noting his attendance at the church and relaying that the church's growing congregation has created significant parking challenges during its second Sunday service. Lisa Roney, Winter Springs addressed the Commission regarding severe and recurring flooding at the corner of Vistawilla and Seneca affecting herself and several of her neighbors as well as relaying another source of rouge water that drains down the bike trail and not into Howell creek. Ms. Roney wanted to express appreciation for the City's Public Works team and their prompt response when the issue was brought to their attention. Paul Partika, Winter Springs addressed the commission and shared positive news regarding a voluntary beautification effort of the large tree on the corner near the Town Center at Michael Blake and State Road 434. Before and after photos were shared of the improvements done.' Carol Woods, Winter Springs also spoke to the flooding issue along the Seminole Trail. She commended the police officers, as well as Public Works staff members for their professionalism and responsiveness. Gina Shafer, Winter Springs raised concerns regarding a line -of -sight hazard at the intersection of Center Avenue and Bear Springs Drive, which she had previously raised to the commission's attention; the condition of the circle on Michael Blake, and a suggestion that the City pursue a sponsorship arrangement for restroom facility upgrades. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Engineering Design for Hurricane Police Safe Room (HMGP/HMGMP Funded) No discussion. 301) 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee at Blake Commons Final Site Acceptance No discussion. 302) Trotwood Park Pour in Place Playground Surfacing Commissioner Bruce requested clarification on the history of the surfacing at Trotwood Park. Director of Administrative Services and Operations Brian Dunigan gave background and explained City staff preformed the in-house labor for the most recent resurfacing. Director Dunigan relayed the selected vendor, Pro Playgrounds, offers a one-year workmanship and manufacturer warranty. Commissioner Bruce inquired about the impact of heat and physical wear on the surface, and Director Dunigan confirmed the new material is better suited for those conditions. 1 Attached at the end of these minutes 303) Approval of the Minutes: Monday, June 8, 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) Oviedo City Church Overflow Parking - Site and Final Engineering Plan and Development Agreement Public Hearing Postponement Community Development Director Terrilyn Rolle reported that this item had been before the Commission previously, at which time staff requested a postponement date certain to allow the applicant to address a few items as a condition of the Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation of approval. Staff anticipated the applicant would be able to satisfy those requirements and requested the public hearing be extended to the August 24, 2026 Commission meeting. MOTION TO APPROVE [EXTENTION OF POSTPONEMENT TO THE AUGUST 24, 2026 CITY COMMISSION MEETING]. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. REGULAR AGENDA 500) Interview and Selection of the City Clerk City Manager Kevin Sweet provided an overview of the recruitment process that followed the resignation of former City Clerk Christian Gowan and summarized Ms. Erin O'Donnell's qualifications for the commission. Mayor McCann then conducted a structured interview with Ms. O'Donnell before the full Commission with prepared questions. Ms. O'Donnell spoke to her background, qualifications and experience as well as answered questions regarding record keeping, technology and modernization, managing staff and work -life balance. MOTION TO APPOINT ERIN O'DONNELL TO THE POSITION OF CITY CLERK SET HER COMPENSATION TO MATCH TO AMOUNT BUDGETED IN THE FY2026 BUDGET. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. 501) Budget Overview and Proposed Operating Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Finance Director Holly Queen opened and presented Resolution 2026-08 which sets the proposed operating millage rate at 2.62 mills for FY 2026-2027 and establishes the legal DR-420 form requirements that need to be submitted to the Seminole County Property Appraiser. Director Queen relayed the gross taxable value of property within the City, inclusive of new construction and annexations, increases 4.53% over the prior year's DR-403 levied the prior year against the current tax base exclusive of new construction, was calculated at 2.5160 mills. The proposed rate of 2.62 mills is 4.13% above the rollback rate. Director Queen also noted the recent enacted SB 4F legislative change of the voting threshold for millage adoption above the rollback rate would require this commission to perform a supermajority vote for final adoption.2 Director Queen confirmed that rate established at tonight's meeting would serve as the cap; it could be lowered but not raised after final adoption. Clarification was sought on the total assessed value and Director Queen confirmed that the City controls only one side of the tax equation, the millage rate, while the property appraiser sets values. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 501 AS PRESENTED AND REQUESTED. 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. Commissioner Diaz proposed the city adopt the rollback rate for 2.51 mills, stating that the city should not increase the tax burden on residents and adopt proposed the rollback rate as a means of maintaining revenue neutrality. Commission Diaz further encouraged the city to look at new revenue sources rather than increasing. Commissioner Caruso seconded Commissioner Diaz's position. A substantive discussion followed regarding whether to set the proposed rate or to adopt the rollback rate. Mayor McCann, Deputy Mayor Resnick, Commissioner Bruce, and Commissioner Baker expressed strong opposition to adopting the rollback rate at this time. MOVE WE ADOPT A RESOLUTION WITH A 2.516 MILL RATE. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DIAZ. SECONDED BY COMMISSION CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (NAY); BRUCE (NAY); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (NAY) MOTION FAILED: 2-3. The Commission engaged in a procedural discussion regarding whether adoption of the proposed millage cap required a simple majority or a supermajority under SB 4F. City Attorney Garganese stated his opinion that a simple majority is sufficient at the proposed rate -setting stage, with the supermajority requirement applying only at the final adoption hearing. Both interpretations were acknowledged, with the conclusion that the initial motion to set the cap at 2.62 mills, which had passed 3-2, should stand as valid under the majority standard. 502) Designation of Voting Delegate for the 2026 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference MOTION TO CONTINUE HAVING THE MAYOR BE THE VOTING DELEGATE FOR FLORIDA LEAGUSE OF CITIES [AT THE AUGUST 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE]. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) 2Following approval minutes were corrected to address to scrivener's error MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. 503) Matters Related to Boards & Committees COMMISSIONER BRUCE APPOINTED MATTHEW CRISWELL TO SERVE FOR A FULL TERM ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Mayor McCann noted that the Veterans Advisory Board had selected two individuals for the Hometown Hero designation, to be formally considered at the next Commission meeting. 504) New Business Deputy Mayor Resnick requested the Commission have a policy -level discussion to establish clear expectations for staff response regarding communication to affected neighborhoods and how it assesses when standing water has persisted long enough to constitute an infrastructure concern rather than a natural drainage event. Commissioner Bruce brought to light the 250 Liberty Tree planting initiative and provided suggestions for potential placement of the tree or creating a passive park. Manager Sweet confirmed and committed to following up with Dr. Deborah Bauer on the subject. Commissioner Caruso inquired about the City Manager annual review. City Attorney Garganese confirmed that the contract has an evaluation process that is established by the Commission and Manager jointly. The Commission requested the City Attorney review the contract language and this item would be brought back for formal discussion. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet relayed the city updated homepage on July 1, 2026, with improved navigation and a more modern user experience. Staff are continuing to identify and address minor transition issues. City Manager Sweet also reported that sediment removal from City ponds had been completed. Finally, City Manager Sweet announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the new East Wastewater Treatment Facility, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM, and invited all commissioners and members of the public to attend. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese No report. 602. Interim City Clerk Tristin Tarrant Interim City Clerk Tarrant noted for the Commission that Mr. Andrew Kalel's, the City Lobbyist, requested his presentation be moved from the August 10th Commission meeting to the August 24th meeting due to a scheduling conflicts. 603. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann commended the improvements made with communication efforts and transparency coming out of the City Manager's and communications offices. Mayor McCann relayed thanks to Communications Officer Matthew Reeser and his team. 604. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz spoke about the celebration of the 250th anniversary and his out-of-state trip. Commissioner Diaz spoke to passion for government and suggested everyone research how the community of Nantucket has utilized donations and sponsorships for trees and streetscapes and expressed his continued commitment to identifying non -tax revenue sources for the city. 605. Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce Commissioner Bruce relayed her attendance at the 4th of July event and thanked Director Brian Dunigan and Michael Krist for their assistance with the rain delays. Commissioner Bruce announced that she is coordinating with City Manager Sweet to host a town hall meeting in September for her constituents. Commissioner Bruce also noted an upcoming volunteer cleanup of the Tuscawilla Road right-of-way through the SERV Seminole County Adopt -a -Road program and invited residents to participate. 606. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker Commissioner Baker thanked staff for their work and efforts with the 4th of July event and work put forth to draft the 2026-2027 budget. 607. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick noted his interest in pursuing sponsored welcome signs at City entryways. As well as he thanked staff for their work on the budget and commended all residents who attended the 4th of July event despite the weather. 608. Commissioner Mark Caruso Commissioner Caruso thanked staff for their budget work and for the Fourth of July event, with recognition of the Police Department for their presence during the rain event. He alerted the public that his social media accounts had been compromised and urged residents not to respond to or accept messages that appear to come from him until the matter is resolved. Commissioner Baker offered an additional comment thanking Public Works for their work on lift station maintenance and thanked the city's state representatives for their efforts to secure appropriations on the City's behalf. Mayor McCann asked that both Winter Springs High School softball and baseball teams be invited to a future Commission meeting for recognition. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Art Gallo, Winter Springs encouraged democracy and discussion like what the commission had tonight. Mr. Gallo commended the quality of the City Manager's budget work and expressed strong support the budget as well as the appointment of Erin O'Donnell as City Clerk. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: ff TRISTIN TARRANT INTERIM CITY CLERK o� A^ . � G°rp"'a `c e, o- APPROVED: N 959 0 ✓J r 'o `oti (ount`J MAYOR KEVIN McCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the August 10, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting. AMA Wr vi, �. Will •+ I r 1 J V•- :L l f � i . ex ~ ' t!i �i i _ 1 ; , gay 'Y .t I , '{ •. Kp �.�. �t . I, �., �r: r v, °"•� If a .Y AOF' t',V. t Ury, '� r✓' �� r, ti! Y`,)r S .1'4 •`�7y.'' 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