CC11-17-2025Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
November 17, 2025
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Dan Langley, City Attorney
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker William Watts, City Manager
Commissioner Tony Boni Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Commissioner Matthew McMillan David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Matt Morgan Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Daniel Hickman with St. Stephen The Protomartyr Orthodox Church
gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Sackett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30
p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. This month's feature
is Grumpy Old Men.
B. The Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Artists and
crafters will line the streets in the Historic District of Longwood located off West Church Avenue
&West Warren Avenue. There will be food, beverages, and live entertainment. This is a free
event and additional free parking is available at the Longwood SunRail Station Parking lots and
the Orlando Health back parking lot.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Unveiling of the FDOT signs for fallen Longwood Sergeant Karl Strohsal.
Chief Dowda unveiled the FDOT signs for fallen Longwood Sergeant Karl Strohsal and presented
them to his daughter. Photos were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#4 nomination to the Land Planning Agency.
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Commissioner Morgan nominated Jessica Palmer for appointment to the Land Planning
Agency Board. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Presentation: Empowering Longwood's Youth Through Creative Pathways and Industry
Exposure" by Chantel Hampton with S.T.A.N.D. Inc. (So The Arts Never Die).
Chantel Hampton, President of S.T.A.N.D. Inc. and Pastor at Church on the Living Edge, gave a
presentation on the newly established non-profit organization which focuses on creativity,
leadership, and mentorship to prepare Longwood's youth for a creative workforce. Additional
information is available at www.standinc.org.
She then announced that they would be holding a creative night/Christmas karaoke celebration
on December 12, and invitations will be sent to the Commission.
Commissioner Boni and Commissioner McMillan invited S.T.A.N.D. and its students to participate
in the Mini-Maker's Market hosted by the Rotary Club of Longwood and suggested a booth at next
year's Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival for young entrepreneurs.
B. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Commissioner Morgan attended the CALNO (Council of Local Governments) meeting at
the City of Winter Springs on November 5 where he noted that Longwood Community Development
Director Chris Kintner was recognized for his work on Reiter Park. At the meeting, he learned about
Urban SDK, an Al program for city government for traffic congestion and speed identification, which
he presented to Mr. Watts and Police Chief Dowda, suggesting possible acquisition by Longwood.
Commissioner Morgan reported attending Village on the Green's Veterans Day Parade on November
11, which was moved indoors. He reminded the public of the upcoming Longwood Arts & Crafts
Festival (Nov 22-23) and Carols & Cocoa and Christmas Tree Lighting Event on Ronald Reagan (Nov
29), where he plans to volunteer at the Longwood Village Inn. He thanked Seminole County
Commissioner Bob Dallari for his help in getting more street lights in the area of Longwood Hills
Road. In addition, an HOA agreed to pay for the lights and ultimately received permission from the
Seminole County Commission. He then participated in Career Day at Princeton House Charter School
in Orlando, which serves children with autism spectrum disorder. He presented on his former pro
wrestling career, bringing his gear (boots and trunks) and videos to engage the students. The same
evening, he attended an event at Central Florida Zoo on behalf of an invitation by Seminole County
Commissioner Lee Constantine. He then attended a ribbon cutting at Alta Trilogy, a new apartment
community.
Commissioner Morgan addressed resident complaints about parking in yards and in the streets,
stating he would seek clarification on the relevant city ordinances from the City Manager.
District#5. Mayor Sackett participated in a Senior Food Drive at Northland Church on November 5
along with Commissioner Boni. He attended an FDOT meeting on November 6 to review the twenty-
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five-year road project plan for Seminole County and its three surrounding counties, noting the full
update is available online. On November 7, he attended an event at Alpha Sports Performance which
provides a fitness program for veterans and seniors and the next day he attended the 14th
Anniversary of the Longwood Cruise In Car Show. On November 13, he attending a ribbon cutting for
Alta Trilogy, commending the new community for its positive impact on the city and its gateway
entrance that provides a safe crossing for students. He also participated in end-of-the-season
tournaments for Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball from November 13-15. He then
announced upcoming events, including the Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival (Nov 22-23) and the
Senior Prom (Nov 20), and planned to deliver the opening prayer for The Sharing Center's
Thanksgiving Neighborly Luncheon and attend Leadership Seminole's Monthly Board Meeting.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker thanked Chantel Hampton for her presentation on S.T.A.N.D.
Inc. during Public Input. For Veterans Day, she participated in activities and a dinner at Longwood
VFW Post 8207. She also attended a ribbon cutting for Alta Trilogy and played in a charity poker
tournament. She thanked Mayor Sackett and Mr. Watts, for providing rides to events, noting
occasional long wait times with the Scout program.
District#2. Commissioner Boni reported attending a ribbon cutting for Alta Trilogy. He announced
several upcoming events for seniors, including a Thanksgiving Lunch on Wednesday, November 19,
at the Senior Matinee provided by Be the Change Today and Bravo Supermarkets, the Senior Prom
on November 20, and Christmas Pajama Bingo on December 2, both hosted by the Longwood Police
Department. He thanked Mayor Sackett, Police Chief Dowda, Fire Chief Feist, and their respective
departments for their participation in the Senior Food Drive at Northland Church, as well as the
twenty seniors who assisted with packing. He also thanked Mr. Watts for addressing the resident
request regarding trash removal on SR 434 near the retention pond, and Ms. Chantel Hampton for
her presentation.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan reported attending the Longwood Cruise In Car Show and, due
to winter hours, inquired if the City Commission Chambers and the car show could be held at an
earlier time. He mentioned attending a Georgian festival at St. Stephen The Protomartyr Orthodox
Church and participated in an online meeting of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Committee. Noting
the Committee is seeking a meeting place for January, he asked if the city staff had a suitable facility
to offer.
Mayor Sackett stated Lyman High School rescheduled their Veterans Day event to the next day,
Tuesday, November 18, at 7:15 a.m. and suggested the Commission to attend if possible.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS. None.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Sackett noted a correction made to the minutes on Item 9A under where there was an
approved motion to approve holidays for City employees on the day after Christmas and the day
after New Years. Original minutes stated Thanksgiving and Christmas.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
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A. Approve the Minutes of the November 3, 2025, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for October 2025.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for September 2025.
D. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$107,182.75 to AXON Enterprise Inc. for bundled
expenses related to AXON body-worn cameras, AXON Taser 10 electronic restraint devices, and
necessary related software services.
E. Approval of a Financial Advisory Agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC as financial
advisors for the Fire Station 15 project.
F. Approve a modification to the Subgrant Agreement with the State of Florida Division of
Emergency Management to extend the performance period for Project No. 4673-079-R (Public
Facility Flood Risk Reduction— Fire Station 15) and authorize future time extensions.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through 10F as presented. Seconded
by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 25-1707 amending and replacing Resolution No. 15 111
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1373 concerning the Business Person of the Month Award.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 25-1707 by title only.
Ms. Cartagena presented the Item.
Discussion ensued on the opportunity individual Commissioners receive to make individual
nominations under the current process, questioning whether more than one nomination will be
made per quarter according to the proposed resolution, and keeping nominations on a monthly
basis instead of quarterly.
Mayor Sackett moved to not adopt Resolution No. 25-1707 as presented 12A. Seconded
by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts provided updates on three projects: (1) Lewis House - Geotechnical boring and additional soil
sampling began that day at the three proposed sites in Reiter Park. The occupancy load for the
reconstructed building will be determined during the design phase, (2) SR 434 Medians -The contractor
will begin tree planting next week, followed by groundcover installation. The project experienced delays
due to the necessary installation of a new irrigation system to ensure long-term plant health.
Commuters should anticipate intermittent lane closures during the active work, (3) Church Avenue -
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City crews are performing temporary roadway repairs in preparation for the upcoming Longwood Arts
& Crafts Festival. The City is currently gathering quotes for permanent repair work, which includes brick
replacement.
Mayor Sackett inquired if the SR 434 median project had only one backflow, and Mr. Watts stated he
would research the matter and provide the Commission with feedback.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Mr. Langley addressed the question regarding the rotation of the Deputy Mayor position. He reported
that while the City Charter states the Mayor and Deputy Mayor serve "at the pleasure of the
Commission," the adopted rules do not explicitly address the rotation. Historically, the Deputy Mayor
has rotated annually in November, though exceptions have occurred. Due to the Charter language, the
matter was presented to the Commission for action.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Commissioner Shoemaker to continue to
serve as Deputy Mayor until the second Commission Meeting in November 2026.
Seconded by Mayor Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena requested that the Commission vote on canceling the first regular meeting in January,
scheduled for January 5, 2026, consistent with past practice. The next regular meeting would be held on
January 19.
Commissioner McMillan moved to cancel the first Commission Meeting in January 2026.
Seconded by Mayor Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Ms. Cartagena noted that Doughnut Ask Donut Tell, located at 117 East Church Avenue, has requested
a ribbon cutting. The business opens at 7:00 a.m. and is available on Friday, December 5, at 8:00 a.m.,
4:00 p.m., or 4:30 p.m. The Clerk requested direction from the Commission regarding the preferred
time. The Commission gave their approval for a ribbon cutting at 7:00 a.m.
Regarding Commissioner McMillan's request for a proclamation honoring Engineers Week, Ms.
Cartagena reported that the proclamation is scheduled for the February 16 meeting, as Engineers Week
is observed February 22-28. An invitation will be sent in January to the Milwee TSA Booster Club.
Ms. Cartagena then reminded the Commission that on Wednesday, November 19 at 4:30 p.m. there is a
ribbon cutting for ReNova by Design, and on Thursday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. there is a ribbon
cutting for FORMe Wellness. Also, on Friday, November 21, City offices will close at 12:00 p.m. in
preparation for the 2025 Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival and on Thursday, November 27, and Friday,
November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. She extended well wishes for a very Happy
Thanksgiving.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 12-01-2025.
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Brian D. Sackett/Mayor
ATTEST:
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Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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