CC04-20-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
I 175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
April 20, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Tony Boni Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Molly DeKoeyer, HR Program Manager
Dan Langley, City Attorney Trisha Fuston, Payroll/HR Coordinator
William Watts, City Manager Jacqueline Aubrey, Community & Media Relations Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Harry Schenkel, Pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, gave the invocation.
13. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Boni led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The City of Longwood will host a "Walk for Autism Awareness & Inclusion" on Saturday, April 25,
2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Reiter Park.
B. The City of Longwood will host the "Longwood Luau," a Hawaiian-themed party, on Saturday,
May 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Reiter Park.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District #2 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month Award for May 2026.
Commissioner Boni nominated Harvey Coleman General Manager of Huey Magoos, as the
Business Person of the Month for May 2026. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
I. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
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B. Presentation by Gwen Mahabir, Hometown Health Program Manager, and Lindsey Fisher,
Health Marketing Manager, with Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT)to recognize the City
of Longwood as a 2025 Hometown Health Award Recipient.
Gwen Mahabir, Hometown Health Program Manager, and Lindsey Fisher, Health Marketing
Manager, with Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) presented the City with a $12,500 check
for achieving less than 80 percent on their medical loss ratio and a participation of 60 percent of
total employees in an onsite screening event. Photographs were taken.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#3. Commissioner McMillan read a letter from Milwee Middle School Technology Student
Association (TSA) thanking the City for its support and noting the chapter earned first place in the
Florida State competition with multiple category placements. He noted that Milwee TSA participated
recently in a Longwood Rotary Club fundraiser and attended the last National Night Out indicating the
group is very active in serving the community.
Commissioner McMillan reported on a contractor-related water main strike on Pinyon Court associated
with fiber installation resulting in loss of water as well as power for himself and area residents. He
commended City staff for late-night restoration, and requested that the City Attorney examine legal
remedies beyond permit enforcement, including easement encroachment and heightened standards of
care given repeated incidents and mapping limitations. He noted the contractor had only started work in
his neighborhood hitting a water main the first time and expressed concern over the probability of them
hitting another one impacting multiple houses and hours of lost water.
II
District#4. Commissioner Morgan addressed the water main, commenting he received 19 different calls
and texts from residents in that area. He also reported a gas line strike on Grange Circle in the
Barrington neighborhood near Publix that required a substantial Fire Department response. He relayed
that a third-party company allegedly marked a gas main approximately two feet off from its actual
location and discussed state preemption limiting local control over telecom work. He urged greater
contractor care given older infrastructure in the City.
Commissioner Morgan recognized Ms. Ridore and staff for their Hometown Heath Recipient Award,
spoke to Lyman High School's Young Men of Excellence as well as Lyman's Young Women of Excellence
clubs, attended a ribbon cutting for the Holy City Zoo BBQ, and commended Ms. Aubrey for coordinating
the employee appreciation event at Reiter Park. He noted there would be free giveaways to include
noise-cancelling headphones, T- shirts, backpacks, and door alarms and in addition, providers of autistic
services for Q&A at the Walk for Autism event on Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Reiter
Park.
District#5. Mayor Sackett commended the Orlando Sanford International Airport for short security lines
and easy parking after his flight to New York, recognized Holy City Zoo BBQ's ribbon cutting, praised the
employee appreciation event, and reported that ALDI's had filed permits with construction anticipated
to begin by the end of August 2026. He met with residents regarding utility locating challenges in older
subdivisions, thanked the City Clerk for supporting a Cub Scout visit, and noted the location of the
Mayors & Managers meeting at the Longwood Community Building. He requested preparation of an
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ordinance to establish a two-year, mayoral term for discussion at the next meeting and believed two
years would provide better consistency than the current one year.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker who was unable to attend the Ribbon Cutting at Holy City Zoo,
thanked Ms. Cartagena and Mr. Watts for dropping off a plate of food, described a neighborhood gas
line strike during fence installation as an example of contractor caution issues with aging infrastructure,
and discussed budget considerations supporting competitive wages with limited capacity for cuts.
District#2. Commissioner Boni concurred that budget cuts were limited and referenced potential
revenue strategies. He described a recent water main strike in his neighborhood and suggested stronger
cost recovery for damages. He praised the pre-budget workshop format and the employee appreciation
event, and noted a successful Longwood Rotary Club fundraiser.
Additional discussion addressed repeated underground utility strikes, legal/financial remedies, and
locate accuracy. Staff indicated approximately 17-18 major incidents over three years with about 12
involving improper boring depth. Staff identified "Breakpoint" as a WOW subcontractor for locates and
stated WOW had transitioned to a different locator. Standard 811 locates were noted as typically valid
for 30 days. Commissioners and staff discussed paint markings' temporary nature and the need for
improved detection and accountability.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Mayor Sackett directed staff to prepare an Ordinance and presentation to establish a two-year
mayoral term for Commission consideration at the next meeting.
Commissioner Boni moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance and presentation to
establish a two-year mayoral term for Commission consideration at the next
meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the April 6, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approval of the April 8, 2026, Work Session Meeting Minutes.
C. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for March 2026.
D. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for February 2026.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve Items 10A through 10D as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
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A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 26-2281, amending section 6.10b of the City Charter
to revise debt authorization thresholds and voting requirements.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2281 by title only.
Mr. Watts presented the Item reporting two revisions: replacing CPI (Consumer Price Index) with
PPI (Producer Price Index) and incorporating the change into the referendum language.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No.
26-2281.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Boni and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No. 26-2281 as presented in Item
11A. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approval of a purchase order for$70,998.00 to Wannemacher Jensen Architects for value
engineering of the plans for Fire Station #15.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item. The report outlined a request to approve a redesign effort for Fire
Station 15, representing a shift away from the FEMA hazard mitigation grant due to significant
delays and cost increases. The project, originally estimated at approximately $4.5 million, has
grown to nearly $12 million, largely due to grant-related requirements such as multiple layers of
federal review. Staff evaluated alternatives and determined that moving away from the grant and
eliminating certain requirements, such as the safe room component, could result in an estimated
savings of approximately$1.7 million. Approval of the item would authorize a relatively small
design cost in comparison to the potential savings and allow the project to move forward more
efficiently. The primary objective emphasized was ensuring that firefighters are provided with a
safe and functional facility in a timely manner.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 12A as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported 12 underground utility strike incidents in 2026, three of which were significant (two
on Bearss Circle in late March and one on Pinyon Court the prior week). Incidents involved WOW, with
others by Lumen and CenturyLink. Stop-work orders were issued after each major incident and staff
held follow-up meetings. He outlined preparedness initiatives including proactive assessment of
locates, exercising/verification of critical water valves ahead of planned underground work (Lumen,
Fiber Assets, Florida Public Utilities), and documentation to allow rapid isolation during emergencies as
well as a strengthened valve maintenance program with a plan to budget for system-wide valve testing
twice annually next fiscal year. He also noted over 20,000 fresh water valves citywide, the inherent
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uncertainty with aging infrastructure and recorded depths, and continued use of stop-work meetings to
capture lessons learned.
Mr. Langley explained that state law limits the City's authority, requiring municipalities to allow telecom
companies access to rights-of-way with minimal regulation. While the City has strong local controls,
such as permitting requirements, stop-work orders, and potential permit revocation, there are legal
constraints on restricting or charging these companies. Additional regulatory options may be explored,
but accidents cannot be fully prevented, and alternative installation methods could create even greater
disruption. .
Discussion ensued and the Commission expressed concern about the frequency of incidents and
questioned whether stronger financial penalties or cost recovery methods could be imposed.
Mr. Langley noted that while upfront fees are limited, the City may pursue damages for service
disruptions or lost utility revenue, though legal costs may outweigh benefits. There was interest in
exploring mechanisms to hold contractors more financially accountable.
The Commission highlighted issues with incorrect utility locates performed by third-party contractors,
contributing to some strikes. Staff confirmed that in at least one case, a locating company was replaced
due to errors. Additional concerns included the accuracy of underground data, reliance on
subcontractors, and the visible impact of utility markings on infrastructure.
The Commission emphasized the need for stronger oversight, better coordination among contractors,
111 and potential policy or procedural changes to reduce incidents. While acknowledging that utility
expansion will continue,there was consensus on the importance of improving accountability and
minimizing impacts to residents.
Commissioner Shoemaker suggested requiring permits again for new fencing to account for water or
gas lines in residential back yards.
Mr. Watts reported the City is closely monitoring Florida House Bill 1329 which could significantly
expand financial transparency and requirements statewide, especially for local government. He noted
that Longwood is already well-positioned through its DocAccess platform, providing public access to
over 900 ADA-compliant documents, recognizing the City Clerk and IT Director for their efforts. The
2026 Summer Camp has reached full capacity with a waitlist, and the Aldi project remains on track to
begin construction by the end of April. Public Works continues advancing infrastructure improvements,
including a $1.6 million road resurfacing program, along with sidewalks, stormwater, and lighting
upgrades. Financial planning efforts are ongoing, focusing on long-term models, fees, and revenue
strategies, while the Police Department is preparing for accreditation in July.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena commended the Employee Event Committee for their hard work in organizing the
Employee event last Friday. She announced this week was National Volunteer Week, and Wednesday
was Administrative Professionals Day and extended her appreciation to all Longwood volunteers and
administrative professionals for their time, skills, dedication, and continued service to the City. She
stated the city clerk's office will be launching an online Clerk Week mystery word challenge during
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Professional Municipal Clerk's Week on May 3 —May 9. This initiative is intended to promote
community engagement and increase awareness of the city clerk's office and its functions. She
recognized Ms. Aubrey for her support and collaboration in developing this initiative.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
Minutes approved by Cit dottliti" ..':' 05-04-2026.
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