CC03-02-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
March 2, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Tony Boni Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Shad Smith, Public Works Director
William Watts, City Manager Jacqueline Aubrey, Community & Media Relations Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Daniel Hickman from St. Stephen Orthodox Church gave the invocation.
I3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Morgan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Longwood Strawberry Fest will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until
5:00 p.m. at Reiter Park.There will be strawberries available for purchase from pints to flats,
live music, food vendors, an inflatable kid zone for$5 per child, free carnival games, contests,
and the Longwood Farmer's Market.
B. The City of Longwood will host the 12th Annual "Chili Cook-Off" in conjunction with the monthly
car show on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Historic District of
Longwood located off of Church Avenue.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District# 1 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month Award for March 2026 to January
Shepherd, Vice President of Country Club Pet World, 471 West Church Avenue.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker read a brief biography on January Shepherd and presented her with the
Business Person of the Month for March 2026. Photographs were then taken.
I6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
7. PUBLIC INPUT
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A. Public Participation.
William "Bill" Shallcross, 833 Millrace Place, Longwood, addressed the Commission regarding
public safety. He expressed concern about the proliferation of e-bikes on sidewalks and trails,
citing unsafe behaviors such as speeding and weaving by young riders. Mr. Shallcross, who rides his
bicycle daily, questioned what actions the City could take to enforce e-bike regulations. He also
raised the issue of litter, specifically discarded alcohol containers and whipped cream canisters,
which he collects regularly along EE Williamson Road and Lake Emma Road. He suggested that a
police-led "Adopt-a-Street" program could improve community relations and raise awareness of
street litter. Mr. Shallcross provided two handouts with additional concerns for the Commission's
review as well as a display of trash he picked up that day.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Mayor Sackett responded to public input regarding e-bikes, noting that while they are
currently allowed on sidewalks under a certain speed, faster models are becoming an issue. He
considered a potential future ordinance, pending guidance from the county and state. He reported on
attending the Mayors and Managers Meeting, the grand opening of the Jack in the Box restaurant, the
Riggs College ribbon cutting for their new nursing school campus, the Slavic Food and Heritage Festival,
a Ramadan Iftar dinner at a local mosque mentioning they provide free dental and medical services at
their Longwood medical facility, and the 50th anniversary celebration for Woodlands Elementary
School.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker commended Mr. Watts for his responsiveness to a resident's
concerns about tree removal and a blue heron nest related to the Oxford Road project. She reported
that the resident was pleased with the conversation, and stated that Mr. Watts committed to ensuring
developers are mindful of wildlife in the future.
District#2. Commissioner Boni reported attending the dance audition for the Orlando Pirates Football
Team at Reiter Park, an interfaith Iftar event in Sanford, the Riggs College ribbon cutting, and a Rotary
Club event to fill 50 backpacks with food for students at Longwood Elementary. He commented on the
grand opening of the Jack in the Box restaurant, and announced a free senior wellness symposium
hosted by Be the Change for Seniors and HCA Lake Mary Hospital, scheduled for March 11, 2026, from
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Rink at Northland Church.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan reported attending the 50-year anniversary for Longwood
Elementary, suggesting a proclamation to be prepared to honor Woodlands Elementary's milestone,
the Riggs College ribbon cutting, and the Slavic Food and Heritage Festival representing the Rotary Club
of Longwood. He noted long lines for food at the Slavic Festival and the new Jack in the Box restaurant
down the road but emphasized the community that was created during the weekend.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan commended Mr. Kintner for taking the time over the weekend to
attend the Urban Land Institute (ULI) summit to further his education on economic development. He
reported guest speaking at the Children's Alliance for Seminole County, where he promoted the City's
Fourth Annual Walk for Autism Awareness and Inclusion, scheduled for April 25 from 11:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. at Reiter Park. He attended the grand opening of the Jack in the Box restaurant commenting
on long lines and mentioned a partnership to promote City events. He also attended the Riggs College
ribbon cutting, the Slavic Food and Heritage Festival, a Ramadan Iftar dinner, a Leadership Seminole
Class 35 telethon to raise funds for the Recovery House of Central Florida, the "Boys of Promise" group
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at Longwood Elementary School where he spoke, the dance auditions at Reiter Park for the Orlando
Pirates football team, an interfaith Iftar event in Sanford, and a board of directors meeting for Teen
Challenge.
Commissioner Morgan presented a flyer with statistics from the Seminole County Opioid Council,
detailing a significant reduction in overdose incidents and deaths from 2022 to 2025. He noted the
total incidents dropped from 746 to 363, and deaths decreased from 118 to 57. He commended the
City's early participation in a lawsuit that helped fund these abatement efforts, including the
distribution of Narcan and providing medically assisted treatment.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Commissioner McMillan moved to have staff prepare a proclamation recognizing the
50th Anniversary of Woodlands Elementary School. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker requested the Commission take a photograph with January Shepherd,
nominated for Business Person of the Month for March 2026. Photographs were taken.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
I10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the February 16, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for February 2026.
C. Approval of an increase to Purchase Order 25-00973 in the amount of$53,225.50 to Central
Florida Environmental, LLC for the Bennett Road Drainage Improvement Project.
D. Approval of a Right-of-Way Use agreement with the First Baptist Church of Longwood located at
891 East SR 434.
E. Approval of an easement agreement with Seminole County to provide for a sidewalk on the
west side of South Grant Street.
F. Approval of Bond Counsel Engagement Letter—2026 Bond Referendum.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A through 10F as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
I11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Special Exception (SPE 01-26) to allow reduction in required fees for tree replacement for a new
development and to allow a primary color more than 20% on two facades for the new proposed
Dairy Queen Grill and Chill on East State Road 434.
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Mr. Langley stated that Items 11A and 11B are quasi-judicial matters that require public hearings
and adherence to due process under Florida law and applicable case law. The Commission's
decision must be based on substantial, competent evidence presented during the hearing and in
accordance with criteria in the City Code. He then administered the oath to all individuals wishing
to provide testimony on Items 11A and 11B. Commissioners reported no ex-parte
communications.
Mr. Kintner presented Item 11A stating the color waiver was a minor change and staff found it
consistent with code standards. Regarding the tree fees, the initial calculation was $243,225 due
to the site being heavily wooded with protected trees. He affirmed the request was consistent
with the code which seeks to balance tree preservation with development. Staff calculated a
revised fee of$43,815 and he noted these funds would support replanting efforts in the historic
downtown and city parks. In addition, fifty-four letters were sent out within 500 feet of the subject
property and no complaints were received. Staff recommended approval of the special exception
with the revised fee.
The applicant's representative, Harry Newkirk of Newkirk Engineering, stated the request for a
primary color (red) to exceed 20 percent of two facades was necessary for the Dairy Queen
branding. Regarding the landscape and tree removal, Mr. Newkirk explained that the site design
was modified to increase the front setback from ten to twenty feet to preserve as many trees as
possible. However, significant tree removal was unavoidable to accommodate a stormwater
system required by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The project plans to replant
70 new trees and substantial shrubs and ground cover. He noted the project represented a
$4 million investment and would create 65-70 jobs. He requested a reduction in the tree
mitigation fee to 10% ($43,000) to maintain the project's financial feasibility due to rising
construction costs.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Special
Exception (SPE 01-26).
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Special Exception (SPE 01-26), reducing the
tree mitigation fee to $43,000 and allow the primary color to exceed 20 percent on two
facades as proposed. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous
roll call vote.
B. Special Exception (SPE 02-26)to permanently allow a medical trailer at 450 West State Road
434.
Mr. Kintner presented Item B explaining MD Associates received a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) in
2023 for a mobile medical unit intended to remain on site for approximately six months, with the
permit expiring July 6, 2023. In October 2025, Code Enforcement identified that the permit had
expired and issued a violation. The case went before the Special Magistrate, who directed the
applicant to either remove the trailer or request a special exception to allow it permanently. The
applicant submitted a special exception, arguing that placing the trailer did not constitute
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"installing" a structure under the development code. However, staff stated that the request
involves Article X of the Land Development Code, which cannot be exempted through the special
exception process. Staff also noted concerns from the City Fire Marshal about permanently
allowing the trailer. Additionally, the applicant had previously pulled a building permit for interior
improvements to the main building and those improvements remain unfinished. Staff indicated the
equipment in the trailer should be located within the principal structure.
Victor L. Chapman, 1201 S Orlando Ave, Ste 203, Winter Park, FL who represented the applicant,
argued that the mobile medical device does not constitute an "installed" structure under the City's
development code, Article X. He contended that parking the trailer is not a "development activity"
as defined in the code, and therefore the violation cited is inappropriate. He stated that the trailer
is a critical and expensive medical device, is not visible from the road, occupies minimal parking,
and serves the community's health needs. He noted that the special exception application was filed
in an effort to cooperate with the City, despite their dispute of the violation's premise.
Commissioner Boni asked why the TUP was expired and not renewed. He also asked whether the
trailer was in compliance with the fire code.
Mr. Chapman responded that he did not know why the TUP was not renewed, and he thought the
trailer was in compliance with the fire code. He referred the questions to Dr. Ahmar who was
scheduled to speak.
Mayor Sackett pointed out the TUP expired in 2023 but it was not noticed by the City until 2025,
but nothing transpired in finding a place to house the trailer. Additionally, it was confirmed by staff
that the trailer was not currently compliant with the fire code.
Dr. Wasim Ahmar, 450 W SR 434, Suite 3010, Longwood, FL, stated his medical practice has been in
Longwood for over 20 years and his office has seen over 85,000 patients for cardiac care. He
explained the medical equipment in the trailer helps prevent heart attack, failure and death.
Addressing concerns raised by the Commission, he explained the permit issue arose from a
misunderstanding, as he was not aware a permit was needed for a mobile trailer parked in his lot,
which has surplus parking. He acknowledged an outstanding fire code issue regarding an unburied
electrical wire and stated a contractor was secured to remedy it within the week. He conveyed his
belief that the trailer poses no harm or hazard to the City and expressed confusion over the
process, noting he was initially told by the magistrate to apply for a special exception, and later
advised against it by City staff.
The Commission questioned the applicant about the expiration of a previous TUP in 2023 and the
current non-compliance with the fire code. They also questioned why the applicant was seeking a
special exception that staff indicated the Commission might not have the authority to grant, and
asked why other avenues like a new TUP were not pursued.
Dr. Ahmar attributed the expired TUP to a misunderstanding and stated the fire marshal's
inspection occurred only two weeks prior, after which they immediately sought contractors. He
explained they were following the direction given at a magistrate hearing noting the initial code
violation was cited under Article X.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. The following people spoke on Special Exception (SPE
02-26):
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Cynthia Cook, 128 Springwood Circle, Apt B, Longwood, FL, a patient, spoke in favor of the trailer,
citing the convenience and privacy of its location. She expressed her preference that the delicate
equipment remain stationary.
Basil Nugent, 2734 Teak Place, Lake Mary, FL, a patient for over 22 years, praised Dr. Ahmar's care
and urged the Commission to allow the doctor to continue serving his patients with the device.
Raymond Walcott, 906 McClintock Street, Longwood, FL, a Longwood resident for over 30 years
and a patient for 25 years, spoke about the convenience of the office's location and credited Dr.
Ahmar with keeping him alive.
Carol Wilson, 3072 Foxhill Circle, Apt 202, Apopka, FL, a medical assistant for Dr. Ahmar for 22
years, described her role in assisting with PET scans and stated that her job would be affected if
the service could no longer be offered. She asked the Commission to consider her coworkers and
the practice.
Alemayehu Tadesse, 101 S Bumby Avenue, Orlando, FL, a PET scan technologist for Dr. Ahmar for
24 years, expressed confusion about the hearing's purpose, noting the equipment is highly
accredited by multiple state, national, and nuclear regulatory bodies.
Victor Teixeira, 819 Crepe Myrtle Circle, Apopka, FL, a Practice Administrator, spoke on the
importance of the technology for patient diagnosis and stated that Fire Department
recommendations had been met.
Maria Oramas, 226 Bronze Leaf Court, Apopka, FL, an equipment technologist, discussed her work
and noted difficulties in communication with the City regarding the temporary permit process.
Ariel Kirkpatrick, 864 Shell Lane, Longwood, FL, a medical assistant, emphasized the importance of
the medical test for patients and stated the trailer was helping people.
Mr. Kintner provided a rebuttal noting that the applicant's letter, dated February 12, 2026,
specifically requested a special exception from City Development Code Article X. He stated that
the City Code explicitly prohibits the Commission from granting special exceptions to Article X,
which governs site plans and development permitting. Mr. Kintner referenced a letter from
January 2023 in which the applicant stated the mobile unit was temporary and would be on-site
for approximately six months while a permanent location was renovated. He stated that staff
recommended denial because the Commission does not have the authority to grant the requested
exception.
Mr. Langley asked whether a tie-down installation of a mobile unit trailer such as this one would
require any form of a building permit under city code.
Mr. Kintner replied the trailer would have to at least meet the fire code and work was still needed
to complete that.
Mr. Langley also asked why the city code exempts Article X from special exceptions.
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Mr. Kintner explained it was to maintain the integrity of site plan and development permitting
requirements. He confirmed that staff did not instruct the applicant to apply under this specific
code section and had advised against it.
Discussion ensued. The Commission noted that while they appreciated the valuable medical
services being provided to the community, their role was to interpret the law based on the facts
presented. They also noted the trailer's connection to underground electrical wiring and its long-
term placement suggested it was a permanent structure, not a temporary one. They referenced
the applicant's original 2023 letter promising a six-month temporary use and the subsequent
expiration of the temporary permit. The Commission concluded that, based on staff and the City
Attorney's input, they lacked the legal authority to grant a special exception to Article X as
requested. Commissioners expressed hope that the applicant could find a code-compliant path
forward with staff assistance.
Commissioner Boni moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Boni moved to deny Special Exception (SPE 02-26) as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approve the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommendations for Patriotic/250th
Anniversary Banners to be installed on poles along Ronald Reagan Blvd and Reiter Park in
addition to the display of an American 250th Anniversary Flag on the Longwood City Hall and
Longwood Memorial Gardens Flag Poles beneath the American Flag.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item.
The Commission approved the installation of banners along Ronald Reagan Blvd and the version 1
banners for Reiter Park, in addition to displaying an American 250th Anniversary flag on the
Longwood City Hall flagpole and the Longwood Memorial Gardens flagpole beneath the
American flag.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1714 stating compliance with the Federal Fair
Housing Act.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1714 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1714 as presented in Item
12B. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Cure Plan Approval for CVS Pharmacy at 130 East State Road 434.
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Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 12C as presented. Seconded by Deputy
Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Approval of FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar and Scheduling of Pre-Budget Development
Workshop.
Mr. Woolbright presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 12D as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reminded the Commission of the Strategic Plan Workshop scheduled for March 3, 2026, from
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena reported preparations for the Annual Board Appreciation Dinner and has selected the
date of Tuesday, June 9. The Commission agreed with the date. She further reported a table has been
purchased for Leadership Seminole Graduation on May 15. She then reminded the Commission of
upcoming ribbon cuttings for Jack in the Box this Friday, March 6, at 9:00 a.m. and next Wednesday
March 11 at 4:00 p.m. for House of Sploot, 209 E Palmetto, as well as the Beautification Nomination for
the next Commission meeting.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 03-16-2026.
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A‘i -
Brian D. Sackett, ► ayo
ATTEST:
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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