CC02-16-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
February 16, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Tony Boni Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Jacqueline Aubrey, Community& Media Relations Manager
Dan Langley, City Attorney
William Watts, City Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Darin Metz with 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 Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30
p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. This month's feature is
Valentine's Day.
B. The Longwood Movie in the Park will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 7:00
p.m. in Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue. This is a free event and the movie will be Shrek.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#1 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month Award for March 2026.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker nominated Mark Dobmeier, Owner, and January Shepherd,
Vice President, of Country Club Pet World, 471 West Church Avenue, Longwood, as the
Business Person of the Month for March 2026. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice
vote.
111 B. Proclaiming February 22 through 28, 2026 as "National Engineers Week" in the City of
Longwood.
Commissioner McMillan read the proclamation and presented it to the staff and students from
Milwee Middle School's Technology Student Association. Photographs were taken. There was a
recess from 6:10 p.m. to 6:17 p.m.
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6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. City Commission nomination of a resident to the Board of Trustees for the City of Longwood
Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Tom Redditt for appointment to the Board of
Trustees for the City of Longwood Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund.
Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with
Commissioner Morgan absent from vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Michael Don Johnson, 312 Tangerine Street, Altamonte Springs, FL, stated he is a Republican
candidate for Congress. He then commented on the character and listed a series of allegations
about the conduct of Cory Lee Mills, a federal elected official. He asked the Commission to
consider whether such conduct was acceptable.
B. The Florida City/County Managers Association (FCCMA) recognizes the City of Longwood for 40
Years as a Council Manager form of government.
George Forbes, Senior Advisor from FCCMA presented the Commission with a certificate
recognizing the City of Longwood for 40 Years as a Council Manager form of government.
Photographs were taken.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Commissioner Morgan thanked his fellow commissioners for attending the Seminole
County Prayer Breakfast that morning. He reported attending a meeting for the City of Longwood
Walk for Autism Awareness and Inclusion, CALNO (Council of Local Governments of Seminole
County) meeting, and the Seminole County Cultural Arts Council "Taste of Arts" thanking the
organizers for hosting the event at the City of Longwood Community Building.
Commissioner Morgan thanked Mr. Watts and Mr. Kintner for meeting with himself and Nancy
Johnson, Owner of Central Florida Therapy Solutions, regarding parking and construction impacts
on the future fire station 15. He attended meetings in Tallahassee with State Senator Broder and
State Representatives Plakon, Banks, and Smith regarding the fire station and possible grants. He
advised he would report further updates upon receipt of architectural designs. He attended an
Open House at Teen Challenge Sanford, the Annual State of the County Luncheon, and Longwood
Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball Opening Day. He noted growth in the girls' softball participation
and thanked the efforts of the league's President, Patrick McFadden. He attended the Ukrainian
Festival at Reiter Park noting proceeds from their fundraiser would support humanitarian and
defense efforts, and he commended the Longwood Police Department for safeguarding the event
equipment overnight.
District#5. Mayor Sackett attended a FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) meeting
focused on railroad crossing safety and the Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball Opening
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Day. He noted an upcoming Mayors and Managers Meeting the next day and a Slavic Festival at
Reiter Park on Saturday. He expressed appreciation for consistent ribbon-cutting procedures
initiated by the City Clerk.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker thanked fellow Commissioners for excusing her absence at
the last meeting due to illness. She attended the Annual State of the County Luncheon and shared
her personal experience with Seminole County's Scout service noting long wait times for rides.
District#2. Commissioner Boni attended the Annual State of the County Luncheon, the Ukrainian
Festival representing the Rotary Club of Longwood along with Commissioner McMillan, and the
Seminole County Prayer Breakfast. He mentioned the upcoming lunch for the Senior Matinee was
to be provided by Sergio Urina of Bravo Supermarkets, and announced his Third Annual ACA
Wellness Symposium scheduled on March 3 at Northland Church —The Rink. He requested that
staff explore options regarding the City's 50-year lease agreement with Northland Church for a
parcel of land (Lot 5), which is 20 years into its term.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan thanked Commissioner Boni and fellow Rotarians for their
participation in the Reading Rodeo at Longwood Elementary. He attended the Ukrainian Festival
representing the Rotary Club of Longwood along with Commissioner Boni, noting wind damage to
the Rotary tent but no injuries, and the Annual State of the County Luncheon, adding that the
library system won an award for Best in the State and each branch has a 3D printer. He mentioned
the upcoming Slavic Festival which he attended last year, moved its location to Reiter Park this
year. He announced acceptance into an online Master's program in Evangelization Culture at the
Catholic University of America with an anticipated summer start.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker asked about the new rules regarding business ribbon cuttings proposed
by the City Clerk. She felt these types of changes should go through the Commission before they
are put into practice.
Discussion ensued with the suggestion that the City Clerk may have put the rules up for future
discussion. It was noted that the rules were presented to improve administrative efficiency in the
Clerk's Office. It remains open for future discussion and does not strictly require formal
Commission action unless members wish to provide specific policy direction.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Staff pulled Item 10E from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the February 2, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for January 2026.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for December 2025.
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D. Approval of a donation to SafeHouse of Seminole from the State Law Enforcement Confiscation
Fund in accordance with Florida Statute 932.
E. Approval of Award and Authorization to Enter into Agreement with Champion Services of
Florida LLC., for ITB #CD 26-003 CE -451 Building Demolition and 455 Building Repairs.
F. Approval of Citywide Mowing and Landscaping Services Agreements under ITB #PW 26-0010E
between Rotolo Consultants, Inc. and Premier Lawn Maintenance and the City of Longwood.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A through 10D and 1OF as presented.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Smith stated Item 10E was amended to correct a calculation error in the demolition work for
the future fire station site. The revised total is $183,638.17, with the building portion at
$164,727.37, and an average removal cost adjustment from $12.86 to $12.96 per square foot.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Item 10E as amended. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendment to Modify Debt Restriction Thresholds.
Staff outlined a potential need for$150 million over the next 10 years to fund the replacement of
two fire stations, a new police headquarters, and a new water plant. Mr. Watts requested
Commission policy direction on how to proceed with any Charter amendment language changes,
and consideration of a separate general obligation bond referendum as a potential option for the
City to receive funds for these projects to be executed.
Commissioner McMillan proposed a language change that adjusts the existing debt thresholds
(currently$3 million and $15 million) for inflation since 2014, suggesting new figures of$5 million
and $25 million respectively.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker expressed concern about the financial impact on residents and the
importance of presenting a plan that voters would approve. She suggested $15 million increments
every two years to avoid a single large referendum. She asked when the Commission needed to
provide direction by.
Mr. Langley responded Commission direction would be needed by the end of April.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker expressed further concerns about timing, noting that bond debt often
results in increased property taxes and higher monthly mortgage payments due to escrow
adjustments, which could hit families at difficult times of the year.
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Commissioner McMillan clarified this is the beginning of the process and questions are asked as
things move along and are fine tuned. In addition, the proposed Charter amendments will have
public hearings so the public can come and ask questions.
Mayor Sackett expressed a preference for adding language that sequences the four major projects
to avoid perceptions of large expenditures and also recommended adjustments on the language
of existing debt thresholds of$5 million and $25 million as suggested by Commissioner McMillan
earlier.
Mr. Langley explained the differences between revenue bonds (debts) and general obligation (GO)
bonds, noting that GO bonds require voter approval via referendum under the Florida
Constitution and that the City Charter requires a referendum for most City debt issuances over $6
million, regardless of pledge. A bond is required to borrow money for City projects. It must be
secured by the payment of some funding source. He noted the City does not currently have the
funding sources to borrow this kind of money and these bonds typically secure a lower interest
rate. A 30-year maturity is common, which would spread the cost to residents over the lifetime of
the new facilities.
Commissioner Boni stressed the urgency of action to prevent further cost escalation and
advocated for a single, comprehensive funding solution for voters. He noted a $150 million GO
bond referendum would spread the financial impact over 30 years and result in an estimated tax
impact of$500 or less per household annually.
Commissioner Morgan also urged the proposal remain palatable and fiscally responsible for
residents to vote in favor of the direction the City would take.
Further discussion ensued on the fairness of long-term financing, noting that spreading debt over
30 years aligns the cost of infrastructure with its long-term benefits. By tying the debt to the
property rather than the individual, the financial burden is shared by both current and future
residents who utilize the facilities, much like a 30-year home mortgage. This approach ensures
that the annual cost remains lower and more equitable for the community.
Mr. Langley clarified that a $150 million referendum could be structured to allow for phased
borrowing (tranches). This strategy enables the City to obtain a single voter approval for the total
amount, but only issue debt, and begin repayments, as each specific project is ready to
commence. This staggered approach ensures the City does not borrow all funds upfront.
Mr. Watts indicated staff would return with a proposed ordinance or resolution, including possible
Charter amendment language and additional analysis on bond structuring after consulting the
City's financial advisor.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported discussions with staff and residents regarding the recent freeze and its impact on
the vegetation around the City. Staff led by Mr. Smith is working with a contractor to address the
vegetation damage, including impacts to the SR 434 median plantings. He stated replanting will be
timed to avoid further winter conditions and align with the rainy season for plant sustainability.
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14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena reminded the Commission of a Ribbon Cutting for Riggs College on Friday, February 20,
2026 at 11:00 a.m.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:18 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 03-02-2026.
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