CC06-15-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
June 15, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Tony Boni Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett 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 Boni called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Darin Metz from Christ Church gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Boni advised that Mr. Watts requested Item 7A be moved after 5D, and Item 11A be moved after
Item 7A.
Commissioner Morgan moved to have Items 7A and 11A be moved after 5D. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and July 15, 2026 from 1:30 p.m.
until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. June's feature
is Poms and July's feature is Meet Dave.
B. The Annual "Father and Daughter" Dance will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 7:00
p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue.
C. The City of Longwood will host a Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 5:00
p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue.
D. The City of Longwood will host its Rock, Freedom, and Fireworks event on Saturday, June 27,
2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue. There will be live
music, food trucks, and a firework show beginning around 9:00 p.m. Parking will be available in
the parking lot of the Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital and at the Longwood SunRail
Station. This is a free event.
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E. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from
5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood, located off Church Avenue.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming the City of Longwood General Election — November 3, 2026.
Mayor Boni read the proclamation.
B. Recognition of the Liberty Tree at Reiter Park.
Dr. Randal Allen, of the Central Florida Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and
Ashlee Woodard, of the Mary Virginia Cabell Chapter of the Daughters' of the American
Revolution recognized the Liberty Tree at Reiter Park to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the
United States.
C. District#3 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month Award for July 2026.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Jill Byrne, Owner of The Parc Pet Suites, 700 N. US Hwy. 17-92,
Longwood, as the Business Person of the Month for July 2026. Nomination carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
D. Nomination of the Beautification Award for the third quarter of 2026.
Commissioner McMillan nominated V-Care Assisted Living Facility of Longwood, 480 E. Church
Avenue, Longwood, for the Beautification Award of the third quarter of 2026. Nomination carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Presentation by David Johnson, Seminole County Property Tax Appraiser, on Property Tax
Reform. (Moved after 5D)
Mr. David Johnson presented information regarding proposed statewide property tax reform (HJR
1F), which will appear on the November 2026 ballot. The amendment, requiring 60 percent voter
approval statewide, would increase homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in
2028. School district millage would remain unaffected. He explained that if this passed, the
amendment would mean an estimated revenue loss for Longwood of$1.7 million in 2027-28 and
another$2.7 million in 2028-29, for a cumulative loss of$4.4 million.
The Commission discussed potential impacts on municipal services, future budgeting challenges,
rental housing implications, and legislative authority and local government autonomy.
Mr. Watts noted that a breakdown for every dollar collected from property taxes is now available
on the City webpage, www.longwoodfl.org, at Government/ Departments/Financial
Services/Finance/City Budget.
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11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (MOVED)
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 26-2282, revising water and wastewater utility
rates and fees. (Moved after 7A)
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2282 by title only.
Mr. Watts presented a revised version of the Ordinance that removed all proposed utility rate and
fee increases, retaining only operational, administrative, metering, and collection policy changes.
He explained this revision allows staff more time to evaluate long-term financial strategy and
alternative funding for capital improvements. Staff will return to the Commission at a later date
with recommendations regarding the proposed utility rates and fee adjustments.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. The following spoke in opposition to Ordinance No. 26-
2282.
Rev. Cynthia Ryan, 877 Bucksaw PI., Longwood, supported infrastructure improvements but
questioned arbitrary water rate changes discussed at the June 1 Commission Meeting. She
suggested municipal bonds to fund infrastructure including water and other needs in the City.
Shawn Martin, 990 Lorman Cir, Longwood, noted his water bill rose from about $70-$75 in 2016 to
$300-$350 per month after sewer-related changes. He expressed concern about future increases
potentially making bills unaffordable and requested caution. He offered professional assistance in
value engineering (VE) given his experience in hotel construction plans.
Jo Anne Rebello, 301 Loch Lomond Ave., Longwood, expressed gratitude for the Commission's
decision to find alternatives to water rate increases. She identified as a senior citizen on a fixed
income and stated she did not want to be forced out of her home because she could no longer
afford to live there. She appreciated alternative funding methods to avoid overburdening
residents.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 26-2282 as amended to delete
Section 2 regarding water and wastewater rate adjustments and to delete the 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 6th Whereas clauses. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
B. Public Participation (Moved)
John Lochnicht, 657 E. Bay Ave., Longwood, posed rhetorical questions to the Commission about
their personal ties and commitment to Longwood. Mr. Lochnicht, a resident for 33 years,
expressed long-term residency concerns and affordability for seniors and families.
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Roger Happ, 107 S. Silver Cluster Ct., Longwood, suggested when future rate increases become
necessary, they should be spread over a longer period rather than imposed as a large lump sum.
He noted the proposed 33 percent increase on water bills is a significant burden on residents.
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Michael Pfenning, 502 Orange Ave., Longwood, requested clarification on the service structure for
residents on Sunshine Utilities, asking if Sunshine handles both water and wastewater. He
believed the City supplied water while Sunshine handled wastewater but was seeking a definitive
answer.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. Mayor Boni clarified the service areas served by Sunshine Utilities and discussed the City's
ongoing efforts to address future water infrastructure needs. He emphasized that the Commission and
staff continue to evaluate all available funding options before considering utility rate adjustments and
stressed the importance of public participation throughout the process. Mayor Boni encouraged
residents to remain engaged, stay informed on upcoming budget and infrastructure discussions, and
continue attending Commission meetings. He also thanked residents for their input regarding the
proposed utility rate increases and acknowledged staff's efforts in exploring alternatives to minimize
future impacts on customers.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan reported on his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he
participated in a residency program at Catholic University of America and met with congressional
offices to discuss infrastructure funding opportunities for local governments. He commented on the
water utility rate discussion, emphasizing the importance of public participation and continued
evaluation of funding options for future infrastructure needs. He also recognized the City's volunteer
board members,thanked staff for organizing the Board Appreciation Dinner, and expressed support for
the Liberty Tree initiative and America 250 activities.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan clarified the distinction between City of Longwood utility customers
and Sunshine Utilities customers, explaining the service areas for water and wastewater throughout
the City. He reported attendance to a non-profit OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability) Inc. grand
opening in Longwood on June 3, a MetroPlan Orlando meeting on June 4 where he announced
forthcoming right-turn lanes at the Ronald Reagan Boulevard and State Road 434 intersection, and the
Seminole County Revive Awareness Day on June 5 where he was a speaker. He spoke at Walk for Our
Lives at Lake Eola in Orlando, recognized City of Longwood Board and Committee Members, and
discussed his involvement with Teen Challenge, a non-profit offering drug or alcohol treatment for
those in need. He discussed plans to reschedule the Longwood Luau, and encouraged residents to
remain engaged in City government by attending meetings and providing feedback on City initiatives.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett mentioned his experience as a Sunshine Utilities customer, noting
recent contact with state representatives regarding utility-related issues. He reported attendance at
the OCA ribbon cutting, a VFW event at Cascade Heights, and recent youth baseball tournament
activities. He raised two local concerns including overnight tractor-trailer parking at the Pick'N Save lot
and maintenance needs for plants along State Road 434.
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District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker reflected on her long history of volunteer service to the City and
expressed appreciation for the Board Appreciation Dinner. She also discussed the value of maintaining
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flexibility to assist City employees and families facing extraordinary circumstances when utilizing City
facilities.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the June 1, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for May 2026.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for April 2026.
D. Approval of a Cure Plan for Walgreens at 115 West State Road 434.
E. Approval of an Inter-Agency Agreement for legal services related to forfeiture actions between
the Seminole County Sheriff's Office and the City of Longwood, Florida.
F. Approval of a Donation Acceptance Agreement for a School Resource Weapons Detection
Canine.
G. Approval of a Purchase of New Light Bollards for the Historic District.
H. Approval of an Amended and Restated Agreement between the City of Longwood and the
Seminole County Property Appraiser regarding Non-Ad Valorem Assessments.
I. Approval of a Legal Services Agreement from Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. for Fire Protection
& Residential Solid Waste Assessment Programs in FY 2026-27.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A through 101 as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
B. Read by title only, set July 20, 2026, as the public hearing date, and approve the first reading of
Ordinance No. 26-2285, amending Chapter 26 - Cemetery, of the Longwood City Code of
Ordinances.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2285 by title only.
Ms. Cartagena presented the Item.
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Deputy Mayor Shoemaker noted formatting issues but recognized this was only the first reading
and corrections would be made before its adoption.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. The following spoke on Ordinance No. 26-2285.
Tabatha Kaley, 256 E. Bay Ave., Longwood, asked whether a board or a City staff position was .r
responsible for maintaining cemetery records. She also expressed interested in being involved
with the cemetery if there was an opportunity.
Ms. Cartagena confirmed that staff maintains cemetery records and a volunteer board for the
cemetery is being looked into regarding volunteer opportunities.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Ordinance No. 26-2285 as presented in Item
11B. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1722, authorizing the City Manager to Apply for
a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan, Adopting the City's Drinking Water Facilities
Plan, and Authorizing Submission of a Request for Inclusion on the Drinking Water Priority List.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1722 by title only.
Mr. Robert Gonzalez, P.E with CPH (Cal Conklin, Paul Porter, Bill Holmes) presented the Item.
Staff explained that adoption of the resolution would allow the City to pursue State Revolving
Fund financing, which offers favorable loan terms for major utility projects.
Commissioners discussed the importance of establishing a formal plan to pursue future funding
opportunities.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1722 as presented in Item
12A. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1723, approving a new rate adjustment for the
usage of the Candyland ballfields and the Longwood Community Building.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1723 by title only.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item.
Commission discussion focused on facility rental and athletic field fees, including the frequency of
fee reviews, employee rental discounts, and event-related fees. ...
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Mayor Boni questioned why athletic field rates had not been increased in approximately 20 years
and Community Building fees in seven years, expressing concern that current rates may not
adequately recover costs. He requested that fees be reviewed on a regular basis.
Mr. Capizzi explained that previous rate increases had been deferred to maintain affordability and
noted that operating costs have increased significantly over time.
Mr. Watts confirmed that fee evaluations would become part of the annual budget process.
The Commission also discussed the Babe Ruth agreement, the potential reinstatement of police
fees for events involving alcohol, and employee rental discounts.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker expressed support for maintaining employee discounts for
bereavement-related events.
Mr. Capizzi noted that employee rentals are infrequent and that many neighboring municipalities
offer similar benefits.
The Commission agreed to revisit employee discount options in the future.
Commissioner McMillan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1723 as presented in Item
12B. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1724, updating the fee schedule for building
permits
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1724 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1724 as presented in Item
12C. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimou .rb11 call 'vote.
D. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1725, updating the fee schedule foreommuntty
Development applications and right-of-way utilization.
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Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1725 by title only. f, e"
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Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1725 as presented in Item
12D. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
E. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1726, amending the adopted budget 2025-2026,
and authorize the Finance Director to record changes in appropriations for expenditures and
interfund transfers as provided in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments.
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Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1726 by title only.
Mr. Woolbright presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1726 as presented in Item
12E. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. -�
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported Public Works crews are clearing stormwater lines in preparation for the rainy
season, Parks and Recreation staff are preparing parks, including re-sodding at Candyland Park, Police
and Fire personnel are participating in multi-agency training exercises, and Community Development
continues economic development efforts, including the Aldi conversion project, which remains on
schedule. He then reminded the Commission of the Budget Development Workshop on Wednesday,
June 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By consensus, the Commission scheduled the annual budget workshop for Wednesday, July 15, 2026,
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena announced that City offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of
Independence Day. The next regular City Commission meeting will be held on Monday,July 20, 2026, as
the July 6, 2026, meeting has been canceled. �w
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission:July 20, 2026.
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