CC02-02-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
February 2, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Commissioner Tony Boni David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
William Watts, City Manager Nerys Hernandez, Records Coordinator
Absent:
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
I 2. OPENING INVOCATION. Reverend Jonathan Tarman from Sanlando United Methodist Church gave the
invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Boni led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Mid-Florida Mustang Club's 38th Annual Mustang and Ford Roundup will be held on
Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood.
B. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026,
from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition Presentation of the 46th Annual JOY (Juvenile of the Year) Awards.
Ymarieliz Valentin Altamonte Elementary School
Calliope (Callie) Perkins Greenwood Lakes Middle School
Walter (Jonah) Smith Highlands Elementary School
Valeria Hernandez Reyes Lake Mary High School
Eliza Gibeau Longwood Elementary School
Genesis Tirado Pagan Lyman High School
Maxim (Max) Zambri Milwee Middle School
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Michael Reyes Johnson Rock Lake Middle School
David Brunat Winter Springs Elementary School
Nicholas Jackson Winter Springs High School
Delilah Yareakh Woodlands Elementary School
Mayor Sackett read the history of the JOY Awards. Each student was announced and presented
with a framed certificate. Photographs were taken.
The Commission recessed at 6:32 p.m. and reconvened at 6:44 p.m.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
JoAnne Rebello, 301 Loch Lomond Avenue, addressed Item 12F, expressing concern about
potential fiscal impacts and advocating for strict spending controls. She referenced a past City
financial crisis in the 1980s, urged transparency and citizen involvement, and objected to any
Charter language that would allow the Commission to waive a referendum with a five-member
vote. She emphasized the City should not extend themselves to the point of another financial
disaster. She requested reconsideration of the Item language with clearer safeguards.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#3. Commissioner McMillan traveled to Tallahassee for the Florida League of Cities
Legislative Action Days, meeting with State Representative Rachel Plakon and State Senator Jason
Brodeur's staff. He raised the City's fire station needs, the Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) grant issue, the burdensome language in Senate Bill 180, and sovereign immunity
impacts, noting optimism for progress in the next legislative session on fire station or water plant
funding. He attended a 2026 Florida Chapters Conference in Orlando by the Federalist Society
hearing comments from the Governor of Florida but heard no mention of property tax reforms.
He acknowledged earlier concerns regarding Item 12F during Public Participation and noted any
Charter ballot item would require three public hearings so the public would be involved. Noting
he was chairman of the City's Charter Advisory Committee in 2019, he requested staff to revisit a
proposed initiative regarding the election of the Mayor, allowing him the opportunity to present a
prior proposal.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan supported examining a change in the method of electing the
Mayor, thanked Mr. Watts for coordinating a meeting related to the new fire station site and its
demolition, discussed State Road 434/Ronald Reagan Boulevard improvements with County
Commissioner Bob Dallari, and attended the Bambino Buddy Ball fundraiser recognizing Mayor
Sackett's contributions to the special needs league. He acknowledged Item 12F raised during
Public Participation mentioning he spoke with Ms. Rebello and several residents on the same
subject. He planned to speak extensively on Item 12F when addressed on the agenda. He reported
scheduling meetings with State Senator Brodeur and State Representative Plakon on fire station
funding and charter school options for neurodiverse students. He planned to attend Autism Day in
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Tallahassee on February 11 to discuss classroom cameras and support for special needs students,
specifically a potential charter school in Seminole County.
District#5. Mayor Sackett reported his appointment as the lead Mayor at the Mayors and
Managers Meeting, acknowledged success of the Bambino Buddy Ball fundraiser mentioning his
involvement with baseball leagues totaled forty-one years, and noted upcoming discussion on
Item 12F.
District#1. Absent.
District#2. Commissioner Boni congratulated JOY Award recipients commenting on the improved
program format, attended the Longwood Senior Matinee, indicated interest in Item 12F, and
encouraged resident participation at City Commission meetings.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Commissioner McMillan requested staff to review the Charter Advisory Committee minutes and
proposed charter amendments in 2019 regarding election of the Mayor, and allow him to work
with them to do a presentation on the proposal.
Discussion clarified that the request pertains to the method of electing the Mayor and does not
alter the Council-Manager form of government.
Commissioner McMillan moved to direct staff to review the 2019 Charter Advisory
Committee notes and proposed Charter amendments and to work with him to prepare
a presentation regarding potential changes to the method of electing the Mayor.
Seconded by Mayor Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote with Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker absent.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the January 19, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for January 2026.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A and 10B as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker absent.
I11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Request for continuance of the second public hearing for Ordinance No. 25-2276, which amends
the Longwood Comprehensive Plan to reflect the adoption of the City's Mobility Fee and
Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan.
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Mr. Kintner requested continuance on the second public hearing to allow time for potential
legislative changes under consideration in Tallahassee. He reported that State comments applied
Senate Bill 180's restrictive provisions to the City's proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments
related to the City's mobility fee and Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and recommended moving
the public hearing to May 4, 2026, given that the State Legislature is considering changes to
Senate Bill 180, Section 28.
Commissioner McMillan moved to continue the second public hearing of Ordinance 25-
2276 to the May 4, 2026, meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by
a unanimous voice vote with Deputy Mayor Shoemaker absent.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Discussion of allowable uses in the Industrial Core zoning category related to a request by One
School of the Arts.
Mr. Kintner presented the item regarding a request from the January 19th Commission Meeting
with the One School of the Arts and Sciences, making a request to rezone property at 474
Commerce Way. Rezoning was requested because the Industrial Core does not allow schools as an
allowable use. He stated schools and religious institutions were removed from Industrial Core
allowable uses in 2011 to protect the City's industrial tax base and employment. Staff currently
advised against rezoning to avoid "spot zoning", and proposed a narrowly tailored City Code
Amendment to allow "specialty schools" within the Industrial Core under defined criteria,
including location/radius limits. The proposal would undergo three public hearings—one before
the Land Planning Agency and two before the City Commission.
Discussion ensued on the following: the tax base for the designated property is over$12,000 per
year, approving this request would result in the first dyslexic school in Seminole County, a
restriction should be added so that other school's cannot be allotted within a one-mile radius,
having the amendment not change the zoning of the property so if the school closes, the property
remains industrial, losing the property tax base with a school location, finding another area for the
school, and the designated property in question being a donation versus a lease or rent for the
school.
Commissioner McMillan moved to direct staff to bring forward an Ordinance to amend
the Development Code to allow a limited "specialty school" use in the Industrial Core
with defined standards and locational limits. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and
carried by a three to one (3-1) roll call vote with Mayor Sackett voting nay and Deputy
Mayor Shoemaker absent.
Mr. Kintner explained the proposed Ordinance would go through a State mandated process with
the next step going before the Land Planning Agency, scheduled to meet the second Wednesday
in March. The proposed Ordinance then would go before two City Commission Meetings with time
allotted for advertising.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1712, which amends the fiscal year 2024/2025
budget.
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Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1712 by title only.
Mr. Woolbright presented the Item.
Commissioner McMillan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1712 as presented Item
12B. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker absent.
C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1713, executing of the locally funded agreement
with State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for State Road 434 improvements
(Financial Project No.: 443838-1-52-02).
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1713 by title only.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Commissioner Boni moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1713 as presented Item 12C.
Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker absent.
D. Appointment of Special Magistrate for Trespass Warning Appeals Issued Pursuant to Ordinance
No. 25-2266, Codified as Section 2-2, City of Longwood Code of Ordinances.
Mr. Langley presented the Item.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve the appointment of Holli New, Esq., as the City
of Longwood's Special Magistrate to hear appeals of trespass warnings issued pursuant
to Ordinance No. 25-2266. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote with Deputy Mayor Shoemaker absent.
E. Initiation of a Citywide Strategic Planning Process and Scheduling of a City Commission
Workshop.
Mr. Watts presented the Item.
The Commission reached consensus to schedule a strategic planning workshop on March 3, 2026
from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
F. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendment to Modify Debt Restriction Thresholds.
Mr. Watts presented the Item.
The Commission reviewed anticipated capital needs over the next five to ten years, including a
new Fire Station 15, Fire Station 17 replacement/improvements, a police facility, and a water
treatment plant identified as a critical priority with significant costs.
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Mr. Langley provided legal context on the issuance of debt in Florida Law and the Charter. He
advised an Ordinance could be sought to do certain projects in the future, and the City can take
that Ordinance forward into future years and borrow off of that authorization.
Commissioner Morgan expressed concern regarding no debt limit or ceiling specified in the
proposed amendment. He recommended the City have project-level caps and an overall debt
ceiling to be held fiscally responsible. He reviewed current outstanding City debt (' $16 million
total: ^'$14 million in SRF loans for septic-to-sewer; —$0.5 million for IT maturing in 2028; 'r$2.4
million for Reiter Park maturing in 2032).
Mr. Watts advised staff would review the potential cost of future projects and determine a debt
ceiling that the Commission can discuss at their next meeting.
Commission authorized staff to return to the next regular meeting with debt ceiling options for
public safety projects, a project prioritization, and voter authorization structures.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported on preparedness and response to a recent freeze event, noting minimal impacts to
commercial properties and negligible impacts to City facilities and infrastructure. Public Works, Fire,
Police, and other staff were commended for effective preparation and response. He announced that a
future Commission meeting will include a utility rate study presentation by Raftelis addressing potential
water treatment plant costs and associated water rate impacts.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena reported a table was purchased for the Annual State of the County Luncheon on Friday,
February 13, and the upcoming Seminole County Prayer Breakfast on Monday, February 16, both held
at the Orlando Marriot Lake Mary. She reminded the Commission of the District #1 nomination for the
Business Person of the Month.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Coltfmission: 02-16-2026.
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Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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