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HomeMy WebLinkAbout_2026 06 22 City Commission Regular Meeting MinutesCITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2026 CITY HALL —COMMISSION CHAMBERS 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA Mayor Kevin McCann called the Regular Meeting of Monday, June 22, 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 Eddie Rivera provided the invocation which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor McCann asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Interim City Clerk Tarrant noted a clerical error for the record with the regular agenda item numbering was labeled incorrectly on the printed agenda; the items would be referenced as 500 through 504. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 100) Tobacco Prevention Efforts Presentation by the Department of Health Summer Internship Program Interns from the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, introduced by Sebastian Ulate, presented the dangers of tobacco and smoking and gave available resources for those who were present. Presenters included Alyssa Gong, Keaton Song, Sumeira Singh, Tanya Maheshram, Emma Kuruvilla. The interns were commended by the commission for their advocacy work. INFORMATIONAL AGENDA 200) Not Used PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Kyle Stewart, Winter Springs addressed the Commission regarding Item 500, urging the Commission to defer any substantive discussion until after the upcoming budgetseason due to the uncertainty related to the potential Save Our Homes property tax ballot referendum and its impact on city revenues. Allison Moore, Winter Springs spoke regarding Item 502, the tree management discussion. She described her experience when attempting to have trees trimmed back from her home as directed by her insurance company. She expressed frustration regarding the city's process and relayed her permit application remained pending at this time. Scott Freeburn, Winter Springs raised concerns about excessive vehicle speeds on Northern Way, Winter Springs Boulevard, and Vistawilla. He described personally observing multiple vehicles speeding above the posted speed limit during daily walks. He also expressed frustration that public comments made at Commission meetings often appear to go unaddressed, with no follow-up communicated back to residents. Sheila Benton, Winter Springs expressed concern about the substance of the consent agenda, arguing that several items involving significant financial commitments warranted more public explanation before a vote. Mrs. Benton also highlighted the proposed Commission travel policy that explicitly prohibits alcohol purchases and personal upgrades requesting all elected official travel expenses be reported publicly. Art Gallo, Winter Springs spoke in favor of Item 500 and urged the Commission to provide the best pension plan the city could afford. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. CONSENT AGENDA 300) Seminole County Sheriff's Office / City of Winter Springs Agreement for Police Dispatching Services - FY 2027 Addendum No discussion. 301) Engineering Design for Public Works Generator (HMGP/HMGMP Funded) No discussion. 302) Surplus Assets No discussion. 303) Seminole County Property Appraiser Non -Ad Valorem Assessment (NAVA) Agreement No discussion. Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick offered brief remarks in response to a public comment. 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) Not Used REGULAR AGENDA 500) Recommended Updates to Defined Benefits Plan City Manager Kevin Sweet introduced the item and was joined by Ms. Shelly Jones, ASA, EA, FCA, MAAA, CFA, Consultant and Actuary with GRS Consulting, and Finance Director Holly Queen. City Manager Sweet provided background on the process, noting that the administration had spent an extensive period analyzing potential improvements at could be made to the city's defined benefit retirement plan. This was in response to the direction from the Commission to address recruitment and retention challenges, particularly within the Police Department. City Manager Sweet outlined the eight proposed scenarios studied for the Commission: (1) increasing the maximum accrued benefit cap; (2) increasing max pensionable overtime hours from 150 to 300 annually for hourly employees; (3) adding a 30-years-of-service retirement provision regardless of age, without benefit reduction; (4) creating a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) with a 3-year maximum, a 4% annual interest credit, and eligibility at age 55 with 15 years of service; and (5) adding an automatic 2% annual cost -of -living adjustment COLA) beginning three years after retirement; (6) Combine scenario 1, 2 and 3; (7) Combine scenario 1, 2, 3 and 4; (8) Combine scenario 1, 2, 3 and 5. Staffs recommendation was approval of Scenario 7. Ms. Jones notes that Scenario 7 would increase the city's required annual contribution but with the city's proposed FY2027 budget maintaining a 30% contribution rate it provides a buffer. Commissioner Sarah Baker asked if stress testing had been performed relative to the potential impact of the proposed Save Our Homes ballot referendum. City Manager Sweet confirmed that the proposed FY2027 budget maintains the contribution rate regardless of plan design changes. Commissioner Mark Caruso expressed support for the police and noted a desire to pursue a "25 and out" retirement provision in the future. Ms. Jones confirmed this is the norm among Florida police and fire pension plans. Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick asked about the cost and feasibility of transitioning to FRS. City Manager Sweet and Ms. Jones both noted it would cost more given that the city's fund is better funded than FRS itself. Deputy Mayor Resnick also questioned the DROP eligibility threshold. He acknowledged the difficult fiscal timing but emphasized the importance of doing right by the city's employees. Mayor McCann shared his initial opposition due to the timing of the proposal but stated that after thoroughly reviewing the comparative data, he was persuaded that the cost of inaction outweighed the financial risk. MOTION TO APPROVE SCENERIO 7. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARUSO. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (NAY); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 4-1. City Manager Sweet noted that a formal resolution memorializing the plan design change would be placed on a future agenda, with an anticipated effective date of October 1. 501) Draft - Elected Officials Travel Policy City Manager Kevin Sweet presented the draft Elected Officials Travel Policy, developed in response to a Commission request at the April 13, 2026 meeting. He highlighted key features including explicit prohibitions on alcohol purchases, parameters on lodging, defined expectations for receipts and reimbursements, and a new annual credit card agreement for elected officials. Finance Director Holly Queen added the policy ties travel expenditures to the annually approved budgeting process. City Manager Sweet noted the policy formalizes the City Clerk's Office as the administrator for managing elected official travel accounts and receipts. Commissioner Sarah Baker raised two technical clarifications on Sections 3B and 3D regarding credit card portal access and receipts. City Manager Sweet relayed the City Clerk's office would manage the credit card portal on behalf of the Commission and staff could look at amending the language accordingly. Commissioner Paul Diaz proposed that the city create and maintain a publicly accessible spreadsheet showing each elected official's travel expenditures. Commissioner Baker expressed support. Mayor McCann expressed support for transparency while noting that higher spending does not inherently indicate misuse, as some commissioners may attend more training and meetings than others. Finance Director Queen noted that pending state legislation may start requiring this type of public reporting. The Commission directed staff to research feasibility and bring back a recommendation. MOTION TO APPROVE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS TRAVEL POLICY WITH THE CORRECTIONS TO ITEM 3B AND 3D. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. SECONDED BY DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK. DISCUSSION. VOTE: BAKER (AYE); BRUCE (AYE); CARUSO (AYE); DIAZ (AYE); RESNICK (AYE) MOTION CARRIED: 5-0. Finance Director Queen noted that a formal resolution would be brought back for adoption once the noted corrections are incorporated. 502) Discussion Related to Tree Management and Arbor Fund Initiative City Manager Kevin Sweet opened with reading a statement into the record' addressing concerns raised regarding tree removals. City Manager Sweet stated all removal decisions followed the adopted codes and procedures which require evaluation of tree health, safety risks, infrastructure conflicts, and applicable permit requirements. He clarified that year-to-date expenditures on all tree work totaled less, across three vendors, than what had been publicly cited. City Manager Sweet stated that the process in which these items were presented could unintentionally be misleading and any concerns or questions about operational decisions could be brought to him for additional and available information. City Manager Sweet then shared photographs of four trees' removed under the program for reference as well as dashcam video footage of an April 2025 accident on Moss Road in which a tree fell and struck a passing vehicle. He explained the incident was a primary driver for the city's proactive tree hazard mitigation efforts in FY2026. Clarification and discussion ensued on the permitting process for tree removals in leu of statements made during public comments. City Attorney Garganese relayed that under Florida State law, single-family residential property owners may may be exempt from the city's permitting process if a letter from an ISA-certified arborist or licensed landscape architect is obtained. Director of Administrative Services and Operations Brian Dunigan additionally confirmed the new permit exemption is updated within the code, but residents may be unaware of the exemption. Improvements would be investigated for the city website to communicate this information more effectively to the residents. Attached to the end of these minutes. 2 Attached to the end of these minutes. 3 A copy of the video can be provided upon request. Director Dunigan further explained the City Manager appoints the employee that serves as city arborist and relayed the current employee is scheduled to sit for the certification examination in August. City Manager Sweet clarified that the title of "city arborist" is defined in code without a credential requirement. Director Dunigan cautioned against codifying an ISA certification requirement into the city code, noting that a vacancy in that role could leave the city out of compliance with the city code. Clarification was asked on the procurement process for selecting vendors to perform tree maintenance within the city. City Manager Sweet explained that quotes are normally obtained for all purchases above $5,000, purchase orders require multiple approvals including his own, and then a vendor is selected based on competitive pricing and responsiveness. The city's tree maintenance spans across several departments and could be performed in- house or contracted based on the complexity of the job. Discussion further ensued on potential policy regarding tree removal or replacement, process improvements within departments, public communication improvements, and support for having an ISA-certified arborist. 503) Matters Related to Boards & Committees DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK REAPPOINTED LOUIE HILAL TO SERVE FOR A FULL TERM ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRUCE. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. DEPUTY MAYOR RESNICK REAPPOINTED STEPHAN GILDEA TO SERVE FOR A FULL TERM ON THE CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAKER. MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 504) New Business Commissioner Bruce brought forth several matters for staff, beginning with urging City Manager Sweet to investigate the upcoming bid -opening for nanobubble technology through Seminole County. She noted the potential opportunity for a piggyback contracts and grant funding. Commissioner Bruce also highlighted the Seminole County irrigation program with Cato Environmental Services' which assists residents with water conservation and irrigation system evaluations. Continuing, Commissioner Bruce sought clarity on the maintenance of hybrid stormwater ponds and the transition plan from the current vendor, Solitude. City Manager Sweet indicated a transition plan for these ponds is forthcoming. Lastly, Commissioner Bruce requested a legislative update from lobbyist Andrew Kalel on new bills that affect the city. Mayor McCann coordinated with Mr. Kalil, who confirmed his availability for the August 10th meeting. Deputy Mayor Resnick recommended an assessment review of the Urban Beautification department and Building and Permitting department processes with the goals in improving communication and understanding for the residence and contractors. Deputy Mayor Resnick requested revisiting an existing ordinance that prevents city vendors from making campaign donations and looking revising or fully disbanding it. Lastly, Deputy Mayor Resnick requested a policy regarding city checkbook being available online, which was unavailable due to a website update. City Manager Sweet will restore it when the new city website goes live. Commissioner Caruso sought an update on the senior center's therapy pool condition and potential upgrades. Director Dunigan stated that the FY2027 budget workshop will cover the center's infrastructure updates. REPORTS 600. City Manager Kevin A. Sweet City Manager Sweet reported that the Charter Review Committee held its inaugural meeting the prior week. A dedicated webpage with FAQs, links and meeting information has been created with updates as the committee progresses. The next committee meeting is scheduled for July 23rd at 5:30 PM. City Manager Sweet also announced his appointment to the Florida City County Managers Association by the Board of Directors for a two- year term on the Fiscal and Administrative Policy Committee. 601. City Attorney Anthony A. Garganese City Attorney Garganese noted that Florida League of Cities representative Lynn Tipton presented at the Charter Review Committee at its first meeting on June 18th, and Mr. Art Gallo was appointed as chairperson of the committee. 602. Interim City Clerk Tristin Tarrant No report. 603. Commissioner Mark Caruso No report. 604. Mayor Kevin McCann Mayor McCann noted his attendance and interest in the charter review committee sharing a fun fact learned from the presentation given by the League of Cities about the transition to gender -neutral terminology. 605. Seat One Commissioner Paul Diaz Commissioner Diaz delivered a prepared statement in recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, reflecting on the founding principles of government, individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional checks and balances. He closed with wishing the residents a Happy Independence Day 606. Seat Two Commissioner Victoria Bruce No report. 607. Seat Three Commissioner Sarah Baker No report. 608. Seat Four Commissioner/Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick Deputy Mayor Resnick reported on a Town Hall meeting he hosted the week prior at City Hall with the City Manager. Primary topics of discussion included stormwater creeks, pond maintenance definitions and expectations, the Tuscawilla retaining wall, and general confusion about city processes and communication. Deputy Mayor Resnick noted a strong desire among residents for improved online access to information, including the ability to find answers without calling city staff directly. PUBLIC INPUT Mayor McCann opened Public Input. Shelia Benton, Winter Springs addressed the Commission and shared the frustration residents often feel when concerns don't seem to be addressed, information isn't further explained and increases on taxes keep occurring. Mrs. Benton also expressed support for City Manager Sweet and his efforts. Allison Moore, Winter Springs thanked the Commission for listening to her earlier comments about the tree permitting process and for the discussion that followed. Ms. Moore also expressed appreciation for Deputy Mayor Resnick's Town Hall and acknowledged that she had emailed him separately on another matter and received a response. Matt Benton, Winter Springs spoke in opposition to the prior statements made regarding revisiting the ordinance that prohibits vendor campaign donations and urged the Commission to continue looking to residents for campaign support. Art Gallo, Winter Springs shared his personal experience navigating the city's tree permit process, noting that in his case the vendor manages the permitting process on his behalf, and that a city inspector came out to assess the tree. Mr. Gallo also echoed the sentiment of support for City Manager Sweet. Mayor McCann closed Public Input. ADJOURNMENT Mayor McCann adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: G TRISTIN TARRANT W interINTERIMCITYCLERK Gotpo, a APPROVED: /959 d C ooye 4` 0; 1 ounty MAYOR KEVIN P6cCANN NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the August 10, 2026 City Commission Regular Meeting. Thank you, Mayor and Commissioners. I want to briefly address the comments at our last meeting about recent tree removals and the suggestion that this work was done without professional review. First, let me be very clear: the City does not remove trees casualty or arbitrarily. Every removal decision follows our adopted codes and procedures, which require us to evaluate tree health, safety, infrastructure conflicts, and any other applicable requirements in each case. When our code calls for a Certified Arborist, we use one. Even when it does not, staff and the City Arborist stilt evatuates whether a tree shows disease, structural instability, risk to utilities, or a public safety hazard. In the case discussed at our last meeting, staff determined that removal was necessary because of disease and risk of tailure, and that decision was made in line with our current policies. The statement of over $427k was spent is tactually inaccurate as YTD for all tree work totals $218,630 across three vendors. I also want to address the process by which items like this are presented. if any member of the Commission has concerns or questions about operational decisions, my door is open, and I can be available to provide information, either in advance of a public meeting or to gather information to provide at the appropriate portion of the meeting. Raising a serious allegation in a'gotcha'fashion,without first seeking clarification or the opportunity to gather and provide information, can unintentionally mislead the public and undermine confidence in the City's work, even when staff have acted appropriately. Looking ahead, I welcome a Commission discussion about wtletheryou want to strengthen our tree policies. That could include expanding when a certified arborist is required, enhancing public notification, or adopting a more formal tree replacement plan similar to what other cities use to maintain their canopy. My team and 1 stand ready to bring back options and best practices at your direction. In this situation, our staff actedwithin current policy and code, and with the intent of protecting both public safety and the tong -term health of our community. if the Commission decides to change the policy, we are prepared to implement whatever direction you provide. Finally, as I noted in the memo, there was a serious incident in April 2025 that helped drive our proactive approach to tree hazard mitigation in FY26. I would now like to share a few photos and then a short video from that incident to provide context for our current practices. yfi x Google Maps F: 1t