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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00-2026 07 13 City Commission Budget Workshop MinutesCITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kevin McCann called the City Commission Budget Workshop on Monday, July 13, 2026 of the City Commission to order at 4:30 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, arrived at 6:25 pm Interim City Clerk Tristin Tarrant, present Also present: Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Administrative Services and Operations Department Ms. Holly Queen, Director, Finance Department Ms. Terrilyn Rolle, Director, Community Development Department Mr. Clete Saunier, Director, Public Works & Utilities Department Chief Matthew Tracht, Winter Springs Police Department Mayor McCann asked that everyone observe a moment of silence which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any changes to the agenda. No changes were noted and the agenda was adopted as presented. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Overview and Discussion City Manager Kevin Sweet presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, on behalf of the administration and leadership team, summarizing the core objectives as working to maintain balance, preserve the city's financial strength and bond position, and continuing to invest in public infrastructure and daily services all while continuing to operating steady at the 2.62 millage rate. City Manager Sweet noted the budget is shaped by progress and uncertainty with the city achieving a 4% reduction in crime, continued stormwater and roadway improvements, and advancements with the East Plant infrastructure project but also planning cautiously acknowledging the long- term revenue uncertainty. City Manager Sweet delivered a presentation that relayed overall revenues and transfers were projected to increase, shared the city's ten (10) funding sources and highlighted expenditure items such as personnel, operating, and general fund costs for the commission and those present. City Manager Sweet relayed that the budget was developed through a zero -base line -item review process resulting in a balanced budget and noted the three policies used for the General Fund Fiscal Policy Test are being satisfied for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. Finally, City Manager Sweet reviewed and highlighted each department's major functions and notable projects. Operations Director Dunigan presented a supplemental overview of the Senior Center and Therapy Pool in response to anticipated public comment' and City Manager Sweet sharing his intent to initiate a municipal facilities capital assessment to get a comprehensive baseline of all the city facilities to develop a proactive approach regarding maintenance. Mayor McCann opened the floor to the commission for questions. Commissioner Caruso asked for clarification on some of the capital projects listed in the budget appendices as well as requested the opportunity to conduct in -person site visits of identified projects prior to the formal adoption votes in September. City Manager Sweet relayed the budget calendar as stated by Mayor McCann, noting that formal public hearings and votes are scheduled for September 14th and September 28th, 2026, and that commissioners have specific timelines to conduct such reviews. Discussion moved to seeking clarification on where within the budget tree remove and trimming funds were located. Staff explained the expenditures stretched across several departments and funds, highlighting a few for reference. Commissioner Baker inquired about the overall parks and recreation cost recovery rate and additional opportunities for the community to ask questions about the budget outside of formal public hearings. Staff relayed there are no other scheduled meetings outside of the budget calendar. Mayor McCann shared an anticipated town hall meeting with David Johnson the Seminole County Property Appraiser regarding the proposed Property Tax Amendment 3. Commissioner Baker further asked about the status of the portable radio replacement program, the spider lift and trailer cost recovery timeline, and the new financial reporting software being procured in relation to HB 1329 compliance requirements. Police Chief Matthew Tracht confirmed that the 30 radios identified for replacement are no longer serviceable per Motorola and that the remaining fleet has an estimated 5-8-year useful life. Director Dunigan indicated that the spider lift is expected to begin recovering its costs within four to five and has a lifespan of about 10-12 years with proper maintenance. Finance Director Queen confirmed that the rollover software is intended in part to address the expanded reporting requirements under HB 1329. Deputy Mayor Resnick began by expressing appreciation and noting the decrease in city staffing level over the last fifteen years. Deputy Mayor Resnick asked about the reduction in consultant reliance, which City Manager Sweet confirmed has been a deliberate strategy, particularly through the transition to in-house operational functions previously performed by third -party companies. Deputy Mayor Resnick confirmed with Director of Public Works and Utilities Clete Saunier that the stormwater budget is sufficient for pre -storm maintenance activities and City Manager Sweet noted that the full operational and maintenance plan will need a ramp -up period. Deputy Mayor ' Attached to the end of these minutes Resnick also confirmed with Director Dunigan that the four practice field lights at Central Winds Park will be funded from park impact fees, with the remaining four fields proposed in subsequent fiscal years. Commissioner Victoria Bruce raised a series of detailed budgetary questions, including but not limited to the status of the Integra 360 traffic signal obligation, the defined benefit and defined contribution pension cost increases, and the development services fund cost recovery structure. Finance Director Queen responded that the traffic signal matter requires follow-up with the City Attorney's office regarding current legal obligations, that the pension contribution increase reflects an equity adjustment for non -sworn employees not covered by the defined benefit plan, and that detailed transaction -level expenditure data for prior fiscal years could be provided to help Commissioner Bruce better understand line item composition and historical spending patterns, but also noted that the data format would differ from the current budget document. Some additional clarification questions were asked regarding the term "balanced budget", the city's tree city arbor fund investment, and the revenue sources across several departments for the city. Staff responded in -kind to all proposed questions. Commissioner Diaz began offering broader policy observations, commending city staff for their work while urging the Commission to consider pursuing strategies to increase non -tax revenue while investing in deferred maintenance and modernize the city's systems to improve productivity. He proposed exploring alternative non - tax revenue sources, such as private sponsorships and naming opportunities, for amenities to offset taxpayer support for services that are used by only a portion of residents. Commissioner Diaz also expressed support for pursuing the rollback millage rate in future budgets and cautioned that the increasing tax burden on residents must be addressed proactively before potential reductions in state -shared revenues materialize. Mayor McCann clarified details with Finance Director Queen concerning debt payment and funding sources. Alongside Deputy Mayor Resnick, Mayor McCann emphasized that decisions about the level of service for amenities such as parks, youth athletics, and the Senior Center are community -wide value judgments that will shape the future of the city. This will require continued public engagement and careful consideration of the potential revenue impacts of Amendment 3 on residents should it pass. Mayor McCann noted that a public town hall is being planned in coordination with the Property Appraiser's office to address property tax implications of the proposed amendment and to solicit community input on budget priorities. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Carol Edwards, Winter Springs relayed her work as instructor at the therapy pool for the past nineteen years and raised concerns of false information that has been spread, issues with maintenance and safety with water temperature changes and thick humidity. Philip Holden, non -Winter Springs resident but a member of the Senior Center, spoke to how the therapy pool improves quality of life, emphasized how critical movement and staying active is for the elderly and suggested publicizing the amenity more. Claire O'Brien, Winter Springs provided additional documentation for the commission's consideration and record! Frances Lundquist, Winter Springs thanked the city for having an amenity such as the therapy pool. Ms. Lundquist asked for more information regarding the Board that oversees the Senior Center and encouraged city marketing of the therapy pool. Mayor McCann noted, for the record, Ms. Kathleen Brown submitted written input expressing support for the therapy pool3 and Interim City Clerk Tarrant read, as requested, a shortened version of the written submission received by Ms. Susan Walker.' Jesse Philips, Winter Springs praised the budget efforts of staff and expressed gratitude for the city's work on the East Water Reclamation Facility capital program as well as requesting the commission to target the rollback millage rate for property tax relief. Sheila Benton, Winter Springs thanked staff with their work on the budget and asked for elaboration on the replacement therapy pool dehumidification system questioning if the current system is under warranty due to its recent installation back in 2019. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor McCann announced a five-minute recess prior to the commencement of the regular City Commission meeting and adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: TRISTIN TARRANT INTERIM CITY CLERK APPROVED: MAYOR KEVI McCANN � inter S, U o- 19 5 ) '°Ie County NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the August 10, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting. 2 Attached to the end of these minutes 3 Attached to the end of these minutes. 4 Attached to the end of these minutes. zn 'D Z), O D �. (D : (D fD ffi 0 O (D 0 9l O �• Ln N n n tp 00 0 o K (D 0 (D (A O:Q' ID o LA LA 0 0- a oV' : p °N° W Ln rt m ao CD n o OQ -0 -� (D - (D LA LA u o 0 p O o o' (A :3 4Lf) :3 � o (D r ( m % r r�u 6 a rDD oa oa 0 o C T r+ V► Q � m V N to 00 N O) lD N N O LD In .p N: N O' N I Y a) O' a 0 V W N �I LO H V lD Ol - NJ W (A F- N. O) W N,.. In LU V Ol N .P. c In U't. o In O In O P (lt F� A A � (fin Ol W V t0 O .P .A m N In z 9) 0 uj r-i < 0 10. (D m -a r) < (D z 0 r+ (D c U) (D CL 0 +11 m CL ;v 0 > 0 (D < (D > (D (D 3 m r+ (D "M CD 70 =3 LA C: aj m z 0 m m -2. C: 3 N hi r-� w �j G) 0- mm 3 M � — M x m 0 r+ 4-r- m 3 m r) Z (D -n -PN 0- Uri a m , D 0 V) > I 0- -a W m 0> e-+ m �l V (D -1 > F5h 0 m 0 :0 rn (D rD V) 0 > M -0 ID m rv+, Xm 'Do M0 --h m z "" 0 m t2 (D C: 00 -Ph < :;a Ln m V M z 0 0 o (D M M tA I m -4 0 C 3 0 z < m ■ m f) (D -S o h P C C 0 YJ 67/q uju Y Group Meeting Regarding the Winter Springs Therapy Pool's future. qiiq�pq��oi IIII!III TO THE CITY COMMISSION OF WINTER SPRINGS WATER THERAPY IS IRREPLACEABLE: For seniors with multiple health conditions or osteopenia, exercising on hard land causes pain or -injury. IT SAVES THE CITY MONEY LONG-TERM: Keeping seniors mobile and independent means fewer falls, fewer emergency calls, and less strain on local social services. Investing in the pool actually prevents higher community costs later. IT IS A COMMUNITY LIFELINE: The therapy pool provides vital social connection. Isolation is dangerous for seniors, and the �,._.YW •.,b�,,��,� n.ae, resbe" con wYoa.rwc� c.iiri� �ai�y ac­Ziv�'i. HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE THERAPY POOL FOR SENIORS Pr ser�,es of ility: � �a�K 'Water' reduGes JoH1-C pressure, allowing pain -free movement to maintain independent living. • Protects Bones: Provides safe, impact -free resistance training crucial for managing osteopenia and preventing osteoporosis. • Prevents Falls: Water exercise builds core strength and improves balance, directly reducing costly emergency hospital visits. • Speeds Healing: Promotes safe rehabilitation for seniors managing chronic pain, arthritis, and multiple health conditions. • Reduces Isolation: Serves as a vital community hub, combating senior loneliness and improving mental well- being. This Pool is not just recreation - it is preventative healthcare that saves the City money. Cont.: The group in the picture on the front is only a part of the folks that use this pool. The question was proposed to us whether we, the members of the Winter Springs Senior Center, would be willing to pay more than we are paying now to keep the pool open. I can't speakfor all, but I am pretty sure most of us would do that. However, what amount would keep it solvent has not been conveyed. After looking at the budget, I conclude that the budget is a disjointed sum of 174ish pages which makes it difficult for the average person to understand, and 1 think if we are going to contribute more, we should have access to a simple budgeted profit & loss for the pool only. We would all more than likely consider higher rates if we could understand where those funds are spent. We understand the pool is in arears, but closing the pool is not the only answer. There are some partnership you can enter into which would help support the pool along with a small increase in the fees to members. Attached you will find a pages of suggestions the Commission could consider looking into along with AARP and AMAC. Offering weekly group sessions and one-on-one classes with our physiotherapists, read how this type of exercise can benefit your health — and who knows, you might be signing up for a class by the time you finish reading! Rehabilitation of injured muscles As you enter the warm water, your muscles immediately become relaxed and pain is eased in your joints, When you come into contact with the water, your body temperature rises which increases blood flow and improves circulation. Low impact exercise The exercises performed in the water are all low impact, which means many people are suited to enjoy this form of exercise, including the elderly. Even those with reduced mobility find a special kind of freedom once they're in the warm water. The pool reduces stress and pressure on joints, which in turn limits the pain, after a hydrotherapy session. Weightless exercises, like water jogging, arm raises, and side stepping are carried out as low impact sessions, to get the heart pumping and blood flowing throughout the body. Reduces stress and pain As you perform movements in the water, under the supervision of one of our Karingal Green physiotherapists, you will be helped through every step and movement to make sure you maintain the correct posture to reap the benefits. They'll work with you to help your strength, flexibility, and balance training in a safe environment. Increased endorphins are a great by-product of this type of activity, and once released, they reduce the perception of pain, anxiety, and stress. Improves strength and fitness Performing exercises in the water provides resistance as your body moves in this weightless environment, building muscle while also improving cardiovascular fitness. It strengthens all muscles and throughout each session, the intensity builds up which is beneficial to your health and fitness, Moving through the water to create resistance or adding floatation devices in the water can help create additional resistance, Some reminders before your first hydrotherapy session: • Knowing how to swim is not essential to participate, as you will be guided by a trained staff member. • Make sure your doctor has given you the green light to participate, prior to your hydrotherapy session. They will advise if any extra safety precautions are required and confirm if aquatic exercise is safe for you. • Signs of pain can be absent when performing exercises in the pool, so make sure you aren't over doing any exercises. Ask for advice from the Karingal Green team during your session if you are unsure. 7/12126, 11:47 AM Stayton raises $82K to support city pool — Our Town Santiam OUR TOWN SANTIAM Serving the communities of Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Lyons and Mehama MENU I. � €'I QIT CELEBRATE! STAYTON, CANYON COMMUNITIES READY FOR NATION'S 250TH, S... C.,IVIGf � '1011 •NJNF 2, ZQ2t� i 1 111 i1f' Stayton Family Memorial Pool The City of Stayton has raised more than $82,000 toward a $100,000 goal to fund the Stayton Family Memorial Pool for the next fiscal year following failure of an operations levy for the pool and city parks. When a city pool faces a severe capital deficit, local governments often assume their only choice is closure. However, communities across the country have successfully saved their therapy pools by using alternative financing models, community partnerships, and specialized grants. Here are actionable, creative funding ideas you can present to city leaders to help bridge the capital gap: 1. Healthcare and Hospital Partnerships Therapy pools provide direct medical benefits, making them ideal partners for the local healthcare sector. • Hospital Sponsorships: Local hospital networks or orthopedic clinics can sponsor the pool in exchange for dedicated hours for their physical therapy patients, • Insurer Reimbursements: Cities can partner with Medicare Advantage or private health insurance plans (like SilverSneakers) to subsidize member costs, providing the city with a steady, guaranteed stream of revenue. 2. Specialized Grants for Seniors and Accessibility Because therapy pools serve vulnerable populations, they qualify for specific grants that standard recreational pools cannot access. • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Federal funds given to cities that can be used directly for public facility improvements, especially those serving seniors or people with disabilities. U Tire Ai nericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Grants: If the pool needs capital repairs to stay accessible (like broken lifts or ramps), specific infrastructure grants can cover those costs, • AARP Community Challenge Grants: These grants fund quick -action projects that improve community spaces for residents aged 50 and older. 3, Dedicated Fundraising and Foundation Support Shifting the pool's financial burden away from the general city budget can keep the doors open. • "Friends of the Pool" 501(c)(3): Setting up a non-profit foundation allows the community to accept tax-deductible private donations, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic family foundation grants. • Legacy Giving & Naming Rights: A local business, wealthy donor, or healthcare corporation may be willing to pay a large capital sum to put their name on the building or the pool deck. 4, Public -Private Operations (The YMCA Model) If the city cannot afford the operational overhead, they can lease the facility to an outside organization. • Non -Profit Management: Many cities hand over operations to the YMCA, JCC, or a private physical therapy company. These organizations already have the staff, insurance, and billing systems to run pools efficiently, saving the city massive administrative costs while keeping public access. [1 (littl)s://w, tvw,redclit,corn/r/ Chicago/comments/1 hasjoh/how_wouldyouu_balance_thc_bciciget/)] "We know the budget is in arrears, but closing the pool isn't the only answer, We want to wom with the city to explore healthcare* partnerships, CDBG grants, or a public -private partnership with an organization like the YMCA to save this asset." [1 (https://ourtownsantlam.com/news/stayton-raises-821(--tO-support-city-pool/)) July 11,2026 To whom it may concern, My name is Kathleen Brown, I am a member of the Winter Spring Senior Center. It has come to my attention that a potential financial situation that has come about could result in the swimming pool being permanently closed. Please note that as member that actively uses the pool, I would be disappointed if this occurs. As the pool provides a low impact workout space for myself and others that tend to have joint and mobility issues. Losing this will directly result in a group of senior's weekly exercise activity being impacted. This could lead to further health implications down the line as there are not many senior friendly areas for us to use without judgement or frustration from younger adults. While I understand the cost of maintenance has increased, a proposed pool membership fee should be offered before a final decision is made. I as others, are willing to pay an increase in pool membership fees if it helps secure a safe and comfortable work out space for us. I ask you please take the increase in fees into consideration so we can maintain our "safe space" and workout without judgement. I hope this letter sheds a bit of light on how loss of this facility will impact me as well as others. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading this letter. Sincerely, Kathleen Brown Written Public Input received 7/13/2026 from Ms. Susan Walker. Requested to be read into the record at the City of Winter Springs Budget Workshop held July 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM during public input. Good evening, Mayor McCann and City Commissioners. My name is Susan Walker. I live in unincorporated Winter Springs, and I have been using our city's therapy pool three times a week for the last eighteen years. Truly, this pool is the reason I am still moving today. I recently learned that our therapy pool is facing financial difficulties. I am here tonight simply to share how much this wonderful pool means to our community. On dry land, our seniors face all kinds of painful physical limitations. I live with cervical dystonia, which makes moving and speaking a daily struggle. Others live with severe arthritis, joint replacements, or rely on walkers just to get through the door. Gravity can be a very isolating force. But when we step into that warm water, something extraordinary happens. Because we exercise vertically —standing upright, working on our balance, and moving our joints without the heavy pressure of gravity, the water becomes a place of complete comfort. Inside that pool, everyone's limitations seem to dissolve. You cannot tell who struggled to walk across the parking lot or who is living with chronic pain. We are all standing tall, moving safely, and working together. When you are in that water, you truly feel as one. It is a place of pure belonging, where physical differences disappear and a deep sense of community takes their place. This pool does more than just strengthen our bodies; it lifts our spirits. It has kept me active and independent for nearly two decades, and it does the same for countless others. It is a haven of wellness that Winter Springs should be incredibly proud of. As you look for ways to navigate these financial challenges, I gently ask you to consider the immense human value of this special place. Please help us preserve this beautiful space of unity and health so seniors like me can keep standing tall. Thank you so much for your time and for listening to our hearts tonight.