CC07-20-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
I 175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
July 20, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Tony Boni David Dowda, Police Chief
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director
William Watts, City Manager Craig Dunn, Information Technology
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk Matthew Hockenberry, Deputy Public Works Director
Troy Feist, Fire Chief Jacqueline Aubrey, Community & Media Relations Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
12. OPENING INVOCATION. Rabbi Yaakov Majesky of Chabad of North Orlando gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Boni led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Watts requested that the Commission pull Agenda Item 12C to allow staff to conduct a deeper
review and coordinate with Seminole County in light of recent legislative changes.
Commissioner Morgan moved to pull Item 12C from Regular Business. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#3 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month Award for July 2026 to Jill Byrne,
Owner of The Parc Pet Suites, Sports, and Spa, 700 N. US Highway 17-92.
Commissioner McMillan read a brief biography on Jill Byrne and presented her with the Business
Person of the Month for July 2026. Photographs were then taken.
I B. Presentation of the Beautification Award to V-Care Assisted Living Facility of Longwood, 480 E.
Church Avenue for the 3rd Quarter of 2026.
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Commissioner McMillan presented Catherine Acordo, on behalf of her parents, with V-Care
Assisted Living Facility, 480 E. Church Avenue with the Beautification Award for the 3rd Quarter of
2026. Photographs were then taken.
C. Proclaiming July as "Parks and Recreation Month" in the City of Longwood.
Mayor Boni read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. Capizzi. Photographs were taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Michael Pfenning, 502 Orange Avenue, commended the City Manager, Fire Chief, and IT Director
for meeting with him prior to the meeting to discuss various agenda items. He said the meeting
clarified several agenda items for him, including the emergency management plan and a generator
replacement project. However, he still sought more information on the City's use of Flock license
plate reader cameras and the county's response to the emergency management plan. He
concluded by encouraging more residents to engage with City leadership.
John William Blum, 289 Leyland Tree Lane Unit 203, raised concerns regarding the increase in
apartment complexes within the City over the past decade and the potential challenges that arise
when properties change ownership from developers to outside property management entities or
foreign entities. Acknowledging that tenant protection measures are primarily governed at the
state level, Mr. Blum requested the Commission consider a future agenda item addressing stricter
code compliance measures and the potential requirement for property management entities to
register with the City, thereby creating a direct point of contact for residents with concerns.
Jo Ann Rebello, 301 Loch Lomond Avenue, expressed concern regarding Agenda Item 12F, which
pertains to the establishment of a special assessment mechanism. She inquired about what
safeguards would be in place to prevent automatic imposition of assessments once the
mechanism is established. She referenced the stormwater fee as a prior example of a fee that was
originally presented as temporary and limited but became permanent and increased over time.
She requested that the public be notified and given the opportunity to weigh in before any
assessments are implemented.
B. Presentation by Katie Cowan, Founder/Owner, and Maureen Mulvaney, Co-Founder of Cue the
Music at The Canopy, regarding a proposed building concept for 150 Jessup Avenue.
Ms. Cowan and Ms. Mulvaney presented a proposed concept for Cue The Music at The Canopy, an
intimate music listening room to be located at 150 Jessup Avenue, Longwood. The presenters
described the concept as a dedicated listening room modeled after venues like the Bluebird Cafe
in Nashville, offering a 75-guest capacity, a beer and wine bar, and professional acoustic
treatment. They stated the venture is privately funded and would preserve the building's exterior.
They addressed potential noise, parking, and neighborhood concerns, noting they had received
verbal approval from the neighboring church. The presenters requested Commission support to
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move forward with a conditional use permit and special exception application. Commissioners
responded favorably, citing its compatibility with Reiter Park and its potential to draw visitors.
Mr. Watts clarified the procedural status, confirming the applicants were pursuing a conditional
use permit through the community development process.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#3. Commissioner McMillan reported attending the Rock, Freedom and Fireworks event and
the dedication of the Liberty Tree by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. He
congratulated Marissa O'Connor on her induction as the new President of the Rotary Club of Historic
Longwood and announced that their weekly meeting moved to Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. and has
introduced an "Impact Club" membership option with reduced dues and flexible participation.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan confirmed membership in the Rotary Club of Historic Longwood is
open to all individuals regardless of residency and encouraged support for the Longwood Historic
Society. He reported attendance at the Metro Plan Orlando meeting and the start of deconstruction at
the site of the future Fire Station 15 on July 7. He expressed enthusiasm for the City's future ability to
control the disposition of the former Fire Station 15 property. He also reported delivering a speech at
the Walk for Our Lives event on July 11, and referenced his role on the Board of Directors of Recovery
Connections of Central Florida. On July 15, he was a keynote speaker at a fentanyl awareness event co-
sponsored by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. He acknowledged the second budget workshop and,
on July 18, participated in an Autism Fathers' Panel at Northland Church. He extended birthday wishes
to Mayor Boni and concluded by stating his opposition to Flock Safety cameras.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett reported receiving constituent inquiries regarding Waste Pro
collection services for bulk items. City staff confirmed that Waste Pro may impose a bulk item charge
but noted that residents should contact Waste Pro in advance, with Thursday being the typical bulk
pickup day. He praised the recent Rock, Freedom and Fireworks event, noting the ease to exit the
Longwood fireworks display versus the Altamonte event. He announced that registration is currently
open for the Longwood Babe Ruth Softball and Baseball program. He raised a concern regarding the
removal of the wildflower garden in front of City Hall due to excavation work by a telecom company
and requested that it be restored. He announced that Fire Station 15 is scheduled to hold a Community
Open House on August 29.
Commissioner Sackett reported that following the budget workshop, he reviewed budget line items and
identified a projected overestimate in the workers' compensation line. After consulting with staff, the
projection was revised, resulting in a reduction of approximately $100,000, which is expected to bring
the City's reserve fund to the targeted level of 17 percent.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker sought clarification regarding the workers' compensation budget
adjustment.
Ms. Ridore advised that the City is insured through Public Risk Management. She explained that the
reduction reflected a correction of overestimated projections, not a renegotiation with the carrier.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker attended the recent Rock, Freedom and Fireworks event, expressing its
personal significance to her and emphasizing the importance of securing funding for future fireworks
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displays. She thanked staff for facilitating her remote participation in a recent budget workshop. She
noted that despite a recent illness, she continued to handle constituent calls, routing them through the
City Manager for resolution. She then asked Mr. Watts to provide an update on staff's response to a
resident concern regarding the ballfields at Candyland Park.
Mr. Watts explained that the seasonal closure of ballfields at Candyland Park is necessary for re-soddin
and maintenance to ensure the fields are playable year-round. He reported that he has had preliminary
discussions with Mr. Capizzi about exploring alternative strategies for field rehabilitation. These
strategies include staggering the restoration of different fields to keep some available for public use
and investigating a potential rental option for residents.
District#2. Mayor Boni thanked City staff for their extensive work on the upcoming budget, highlighting
the ongoing efforts to make adjustments and find savings. He commended the success of the Rock,
Freedom and Fireworks event, noting the large attendance and the efficient and safe dispersal of the
crowd which he attributed to the efforts of the Police Department and Parks and Recreation. He also
promoted the Rotary Club of Historic Longwood, encouraging Longwood business owners to join the
weekly Wednesday meetings at 7:30 a.m. at Chianti's Restaurant. He concluded by expressing his
excitement about the demolition for the new Fire Station 15 and the future construction of the new,
state-of-the-art facility on the site.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker proposed the removal of the specified minimum starting salary for the
appointed positions of City Manager and City Clerk on the Budget Book, arguing that since the
Commission determines the salary, listing a minimum could unnecessarily constrain future
Commissioners. The Commission discussed whether to publish minimum and/or maximum salary
ranges for these appointed positions within the City's pay plan. Points raised included the HR
perspective that a minimum provides a budgeting baseline; concerns about public perception and
constraining future Commission flexibility; and the fact that salaries are public records.
Mayor Boni directed Ms. Ridore, Mr. Watts, and Ms. Cartagena to analyze pros and cons, consult
other cities, and return with findings on a future agenda for Commission consideration.
Commissioner McMillan stated his attendance at the county-offered CERT training gave him a
better understanding of the emergency management plan addressed in Agenda Item 12C pulled
earlier for further review. He commended the improved budget workshop process for this year,
which included a pre-budget workshop and a master plan.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the June 15, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes and Work Session Meeting Minutes of
June 17, 2026.
B. Approval of the Monthly Expenditures for June 2026.
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C. Approval of the Monthly Financial Report for May 2026.
D. Approval of an agreement with ADP, Inc. for Workforce Now Human Capital Management
(HCM) and Time &Attendance Services.
E. Approval to correct a Scrivener's Error in Ordinance No. 22-2219.
F. Approval of the construction of a toilet and sink with necessary plumbing and sewer connection
at the Candyland staff office, utilizing Recreation Impact Fees in the amount of$23,730.00.
G. Approval of a $16,000.00 increase to Purchase Order No. 26-00240 with United Sweeping, LLC
for Citywide Street Sweeping Services.
Commissioner Sackett requested to pull Item 10G for discussion.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Items 10A through 1OF as presented. Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Commissioner Sackett questioned the Purchase Order No. 26-00240 expense in Item 10G since it
involved an FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) road, not City of Longwood owned road.
Mr. Hockenberry explained as part of an agreement with FDOT, street sweeping State Road 434
and US Highway 17-92 is a new requirement. In exchange, FDOT will reimburse the City $10,528
with the City making up the difference through its stormwater fund. He added the City is now
sweeping these roads seven times a year which reduces runoff and vegetation.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 10G as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a 4-1 roll call vote with Commissioner Sackett voting
no.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt 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.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No. 26-
2285.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 26-2285 as presented in Item
11A. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
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A. Set the Tentative Millage Rate for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2026, and
authorize the Director of Financial Services to complete the Certification of Taxable Value (DR-
420) and Maximum Millage Levy Preliminary Disclosure (DR-420MMP) forms via the
Department of Revenue's eTRIM System.
Mr. Woolbright presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan stated since 2013, the City of Longwood has had the same millage rate of
$5.500 unlike other cities in Seminole County. He asked Mr. Watts about cities that have raised
their millage.
Mr. Watts reported several Seminole County municipalities adjusted their millage rates in 2025
including Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, and Winter Springs.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve the tentative millage rate of$5.500, which is 5.78%
higher than the roll-back rate of 5.1997 for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 and
ending September 30, 2027, as presented in Item 12A. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett
and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only, set August 3, 2026, as the Public Hearing date, and approve the first reading
of Ordinance No. 26-2286, amending Section 2-423 of the Longwood City Code of Ordinances to
allow for fire safety inspection and lift assist fees.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2286 by title only.
Mr. Feist presented the Item.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-2286 as
presented in Item 12B. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
A recess was taken at 7:41 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:51 p.m.
C. Approval of a revised Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP). Item pulled.
D. Read by title only, adopt Resolution No. 26-1728 amending the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget,
and authorize funding for the City Hall Emergency Generator Replacement Project.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1728 by title only.
Mr. Hockenberry presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1728 as presented in Item
12D. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Il
E. Approval of a purchase order for $127,915.00 to GenServe, Inc. for the purchase of an
Emergency Generator Replacement at the City Hall Complex.
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Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve Item 12E as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
F. Read by title only, set August 3, 2026, as the Public Hearing date, and approve the first reading
of Ordinance No. 26-2287, a Master Service Assessment Ordinance.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2287 by title only.
Mr. Watts presented the Item, explaining this is a necessary precursor for implementing a solid
waste assessment, as required by the City's contract with Waste Pro, and could also be used for
other potential assessments such as for fire services. The solid waste assessment would
restructure the current monthly fee into an annual assessment on the property tax bill. It was
noted this Item establishes the legal framework for the City to impose special assessments.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-2287 as
presented in Item 12F and set August 3, 2026 as a public hearing date. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
G. Designation of a Member of the City Commission to be the voting delegate for the City of
Longwood at the August 2026 Florida League of Cities Annual Business Meeting.
Commissioner McMillan moved to designate Commissioner Sackett as the Voting Delegate
for the Florida League of Cities Annual Business Meeting August 2026. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported that Fire Station 15 construction costs were being finalized, Public Works was
improving infrastructure, the Police Department was in the final stages of its accreditation assessment,
and new trees would soon be planted in the historic downtown. Finally, he announced that Juan, the
City's Building Official, has accepted a position with the City of Sanford and wished him well.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena confirmed Commissioner Sackett's appointment would be recorded and reminded the
Commission about the upcoming Key to the Awards nominations on August 3, 2026.
16. ADJOURN
Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
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Minutes approved,by City Commission: August 3, 2026.
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wTony B rMayor
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Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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