CC10-20-2025Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
October 20, 2025
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett William Watts, City Manager
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Commissioner Tony Boni David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Michael Aprile, Deputy Police Chief
Dan Langley, City Attorney Shane Donnelly, Police Corporal
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Darin Metz of Christ Church gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner McMillan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Longwood Historic Society will host its eighth annual "Monster Dash 5K" on Saturday,
October 25, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Historic District of Longwood located off
Church Avenue. All proceeds will benefit historic preservation in Longwood. Prizes will be
awarded for the best Halloween costumes. You can register online at
www.longwoodmonsterdash.com.
B. The City of Longwood will host a "Dogtoberfest" on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00
a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood around City Hall. There will be dog
vendors, live entertainment, dog activities, a dog costume contest, and food and beverages for
purchase.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition of Participants in the Longwood Police Department PARTNERS program.
Police Chief Dowda presented on the inaugural PARTNERS program, which introduces community
members to police operations and builds ambassadors for the department. Graduates of the
program included: Vincent Stack, Bruce Mulford, Lovell Hodges, Elsie Richardson, Johnnie
Richardson, Tisia Byrd, Cherie Sanders, Karen Gehl, Julian Walcuch, Thomas Burkley, Daryl
Roberson, Ron Allegro, Tom Denegre, and Sebastian Rivera. Staff acknowledgments included
Deputy Chief Michael Aprile, Corporal Shane Donnelly, Officer Dawn Ortiz, Mr. Kintner and Shelly
Brana for a Code Enforcement session. Photographs were then taken. Mr. Richardson praised the
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PARTNERS program, encouraged residents to attend future sessions, and commended the Police
Department for organizing the program.
B. Proclaiming October 20 through October 26, 2025, as "Florida City Government Week" in the
City of Longwood.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker read the Proclamation.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Commissioner Boni nominated Aryn Nichols for appointment to the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Board. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Lina Mejia, 204 E. Palmetto Avenue, Longwood. Ms. Mejia addressed a new "No Parking" sign
installed in front of her and neighboring townhomes. She noted that the sign's placement affects
their properties and indicated she had contacted Chief Dowda about emergency vehicle access
and emailed Shad Smith to inquire about the rationale for the sign but had not yet received a
response. Ms. Mejia also noted that her HOA Vice President emailed the Commission earlier and
that neighbors had received automated responses from City staff. She acknowledged that the
original concern prompting the sign was addressed promptly and requested that she and her
neighbors' concerns receive similar attention.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. Commissioner Boni reported attending Ride for Freedom, the ribbon-cutting for Forme Heat
Studio, and National Night Out, noting the success of each event and the participation of the
community. He then informed the City Manager about a grant available for City employees who serve as
caregivers for senior family members, which may provide up to $10,000 in support. He requested that
staff identify any eligible employees so that applications could be submitted for the grant.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan noted receiving an email from Ms. Mejia regarding the "No Parking"
sign. He reported that he had spoken with Mr. Watts, who will address the matter in his report. He
attended the second meeting of the Florida League of Cities Legislative Committee. The committee
prioritized housing as its main legislative focus for the upcoming session. He also attended a Gratitude
and Action Luncheon for the Rescue Outreach Mission which successfully raised over $74,000 for the
county's homeless shelter and National Night Out where he assisted the new tent of the Longwood
Rotary Club. He thanked Mr. Watts as well as the engineering students at Milwee Middle School for their
help in the assembly of the tent noting these students may also be invited to speak at an upcoming
Rotary Club meeting if a scheduled speaker from the Federal Office is unable to attend.
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Commissioner McMillan attended Truck or Treat and handed out candy. He stated the tent for the
Longwood Rotary Club will be present at the Monster Dash 5K and thanked the City's Economic
Development Manager Tom Krueger for speaking at the Rotary Club meeting Monday morning about
new projects in Longwood.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan met with the new president and CEO of The Sharing Center on
October 7. He attended the Fire Department promotions, commending Fire Chief Troy Feist for
integrating these ceremonies with the community, National Night Out, thanking the City Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board for their efforts, and the Seminole County Boys and Girls Club of Central
Florida "Faces of the Future" fundraiser noting the event raised more money than any previous
breakfast fundraiser.
Commissioner Morgan reported the need for more promotion of the City's Halloween Dance Party
which was cancelled this year. He attended the ribbon-cutting for Forme Heat Studios and Truck or
Treat. He suggested holding Truck or Treat at a later time as it was a hotter time at 3:00 p.m. for children
in costumes. He asked Mr. Watts to address the conditions of the fields at Reiter Park during his report.
He announced joining the Florida League of Cities Intergovernmental Relations, Mobility and Emergency
Management Board and advised he would attend the next meeting.
Commissioner Morgan addressed the parking concerns raised by Ms. Mejia confirming receiving
multiple complaints and personally witnessing cars parking on the property that were blocking access for
emergency vehicles on a tight street. The original builder of Monterey Townhomes had assured the City
that residents would have adequate parking in driveways or garages. He reminded the public of a long-
standing agreement that allows all Longwood residents to park for free on the top level of the adjacent
parking garage.
Commissioner Morgan raised concerns about lawn care in the city, particularly in special assessment
neighborhoods. He noted delays and poor performance from the current contractor, including damage
to landscaping such as blueberry bushes, and suggested considering higher-rated contractors, similar to
services seen in nearby cities like Lake Mary, to improve maintenance standards.
District#5. Mayor Sackett highlighted the newly improved parking lot at City Hall. He attended National
Night Out and Truck or Treat, thanking City staff for the cleanup after the event. He advised he would
prefer the Truck or Treat event be scheduled a week before Halloween. He congratulated the Public
Works Department on completing the Raven Outfall project. He explained his absence from the Fire
Department recognitions and applauded the City's firefighters for the work they do every day.
Mayor Sackett reported the Ride for Freedom event will move to Winter Park next year. He attended
Seminole High School's "Celebration of Bands" event and commented that Lyman High School has 200
band members out of a student body of 2,000, noting this is a high percentage compared to other
schools. He also attended a breast cancer awareness "Pink Out" event at a church in Apopka with the
new President of the Sharing Center, Tekoa Pouerie. He announced the Lyman High School Pep Rally was
this Friday and the Mayor's Update next Thursday and advised he would miss Dogtoberfest because of a
family trip in Minneapolis.
Mayor Sackett expressed concern about empty storefronts, noting the closures of Jiffy Lube and the
upcoming departure of IOA, providing an annexation opportunity for the City. He reported that the
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Winn-Dixie will be converted into an Aldi which operates with a smaller staff and expressed hope that
another full-service grocery store might join the area.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker expressed disappointment over the upcoming closure of Winn-
Dixie and mentioned that Bealls is expected to close in March or April. She voiced hope that retailers
such as Ross might fill the vacancy and emphasized the need for another full-service grocery store in the
area. She reported attending National Night Out noting she thought attendance was down compared to
previous years possibly because of weather concerns. She also commended the City's proactive
approach to code enforcement's fence notices but suggested considering the timing of the notices, as
November may be a financially difficult month for some residents to make repairs due to the upcoming
holidays.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Commissioner McMillan reported that during a presentation of the Economic Development
Manager, Tom Krueger, a new supermarket is being considered for the former hospital site. He
expressed that while the transition to Aldi will bring change and different shopping options, the
community will likely experience a temporary gap before a larger grocery store moves in. He
concluded by acknowledging the nostalgia and community ties associated with Winn-Dixie's
departure.
Mayor Sackett reported on his participation in the Finance and Taxation Committee, noting that
property tax, sales tax, and business tax receipts were key agenda items for the upcoming
legislative session. The committee voted to prioritize property tax while dropping focus on
business taxes and sales tax. He explained that there are seven (7) House joint resolutions and one
additional proposal regarding property tax, some of which could become constitutional
amendments if approved by a three-fifths legislative vote. He stated that the committee will meet
again in December to review the wording of the proposals and gain a clearer understanding. He
noted that the City Manager will place this topic on the next agenda to provide definitions and
further details regarding the eight proposals.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for September 2025.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for August 2025.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through 10C as presented. Seconded
by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
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12. REGULAR BUSINESS. None.
I 13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported that City staff reviewed parking on East Palmetto Avenue following social media
and email complaints and assessed street parking did pose a safety concern. A decision was then made
to place "No Parking" signs. He clarified that the Monterey Townhome development provides two
private parking spaces per unit and includes an on-site parking garage for overflow. Additional on-street
parking is available on John L. Mica Way, which runs parallel to the railroad track.
Commissioners expressed safety concerns regarding fire truck and garbage truck access on John L. Mica
Way and requested that Mr. Watts investigate safety issues along that road. They also requested that
informational packets be distributed to residents regarding the new parking regulations.
Mr. Watts reported that over 6,000 people attended the Truck or Treat event, with a record amount of
candy distributed. Regarding the condition of the field at Reiter Park, he noted that sprinklers were on
prior to the event and that staff will evaluate future events to identify improvements.
On the topic of lawn care services, Mr. Watts stated that the City is currently accepting bids for a new
third-party vendor and clarified that the contract will be awarded based on performance measures
rather than solely on price. He addressed concerns about fencing enforcement raised by the Deputy
Mayor, noting that informational letters were sent to residents and the City has partnered with the
volunteer group "Neighbors to Neighbors" to assist those in need. Information will also be shared
through in-person outreach, social media, and the City's website.
Discussion continued regarding the selection of a highly-rated lawn care service, consideration of local
Longwood vendors, and bid deadlines. Mr. Watts confirmed that all Commission concerns would be
reviewed and addressed accordingly.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT. None.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 11-03-2025.
/ 4.....zy.//-
Brian D. Sacket •
ATTEST:
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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