Loading...
CC08-17-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION Longwood City Commission Chambers 175 West Warren Avenue Longwood, Florida MINUTES August 17, 2026 6:00 PM Present: Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief Commissioner Brian D. Sackett Shad Smith, Public Works Director Commissioner Matthew McMillan Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director Commissioner Matt Morgan Adolfo Gutierrez, Police Lieutenant Dan Langley, City Attorney Andrew Arciola, Investigations Sergeant William Watts, City Manager Karina Guerrero, Sergeant Liane Cartagena, City Clerk Robert Angus, K9 Police Officer Jacqueline Aubrey, Community & Media Relations Manager Absent: Mayor Tony Boni 1. CALL TO ORDER. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. I2. OPENING INVOCATION. Clint Kandle, Pastor of Longwood Hills Congregational Church, gave the invocation. 3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Morgan led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements. A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 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 / Can Only Imagine. B. The Longwood Fire Department will host an Open House at Fire Station 15, located at 311 West Warren Avenue, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature fire truck tours, bounce houses, food and beverages, games, and more. Please note that parking is limited near Fire Station 15; however, additional parking is available at the Hospital Parking across the street. 5. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS I A. Presentation of the 2026 Key to the City Award to Gerald "Jerry" Edward Steward, Lifestyle Coordinator at Cascade Heights. Commissioner Sackett presented Gerald Steward with the 2026 Key to the City Award and Proclamation. Photos were taken. CC08/17/2026Mins / 1 B. Introduction of the new Law Enforcement K9, Scout. Chief Dowda introduced Scout, the new Longwood Law Enforcement K9 assigned to Lyman High School with Officer Robert Angus. Scout is specially trained to detect firearms and firearm accessories. The purchase and training were funded through a donation from attorney Jason O'Neal of Cornerstone Law Firm. Photos were taken. C. District#4 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month Award for September 2026. Commissioner Morgan nominated Pixies Magical Corner Patisserie, 1014 West State Road 434, Longwood, as the Business Person of the Month for September 2026. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote with Mayor Boni absent. D. Proclaiming August 21, 2026, as "National Senior Citizen's Day" in the City of Longwood. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker read the proclamation and presented it to Johnny & Elsie Richardson. Photos were taken. 6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None. 7. PUBLIC INPUT A. Public Participation. Shawn Martin, 990 Lormann Circle, expressed concern regarding rising utility costs, citing a recent water and trash bill of$396. He questioned the timing and cumulative financial impact of a potential sewer assessment and asked whether residents should anticipate additional unexpected costs in the coming months. JoAnne Rebello, 301 Loch Lomond Avenue, expressed concern regarding recent Commission decisions. She opposed placing the solid waste fee on property tax bills as a non-ad valorem assessment, stating that it would burden taxpayers and make them responsible for collecting revenue on behalf of a for-profit company. She also opposed the proposed elimination of funding for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), stating that the approximately$3,500 in savings did not justify discontinuing support for the program. Bob Bickel and Pat Rance, 1401 Cricket Court (Bob), representing the Coventry at Westlake Manor Homeowners Association (HOA), stated that the HOA had been planning to repave the community roads for approximately 12 to 18 months but had been advised that several City projects could disrupt the new pavement. He requested information regarding the scope and timing of the City projects, noting that the HOA had funds available but could not proceed without additional information. Michael Pfenning, 502 Orange Avenue, questioned whether the proposed City budget adequately accounted for anticipated financial risks. He cited a proposed 6.2% spending increase and the potential loss of approximately $4.4 million in annual revenue by 2028 if proposed property-tax changes were approved by voters. He questioned the long-term financial effect of the proposed 5% police wage increase and whether firefighters and emergency medical personnel might seek CC08/17/2026Mins/2 comparable increases. He also raised concerns regarding water rates and requested that the City further consider direct billing by Waste Pro before proceeding with a non-ad valorem assessment. 8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT District#5 Commissioner Sackett stated his opposition to placing the solid waste fee on the property tax roll and affirmed his commitment to scrutinizing the budget for potential cuts. He stated that the City was evaluating expenses to identify additional savings. District#1 Deputy Mayor Shoemaker announced that Mayor Boni was absent due to his daughter's wedding. She expressed empathy for residents concerned about rising costs and assured them that Mr. Watts would follow up regarding concerns raised during public input. Regarding the CERT program, she clarified that the proposed budget did not fund the program but that the budget was not final. Mr. Watts explained that the proposal was a funding decision made to balance the budget and that CERT members had been offered opportunities to continue serving through Seminole County CERT or the City's Citizens on Patrol program (COP). District#3 Commissioner McMillan offered condolences following the death of Longwood resident Dawn Bookbinder. He then reported on his attendance at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. Topics included artificial intelligence, budget communication, property tax proposals, and the upcoming Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. He discussed polling showing initial support for Amendment 3 and stated that support declined when voters were informed of its potential 11 effect on municipal services. He commended staff for its budget preparation, congratulated Commissioner Sackett on his recognition at the Tri-County League of Cities breakfast and confirmed completion of his required ethics training. He also clarified his position concerning a recent news report about Resolution No. 23-1624 and a potential annexation. He stated that a quote attributed to him was incorrect and later removed, emphasized his support for a full and fair merits-based review, and confirmed that the resolution had not been changed and would return to the Commission. He reiterated that any annexation should preserve the rural character of the area and raised traffic and safety concerns regarding Longwood Hills Road and potential development near Lazy Acres. He also reported completing his first online master's course and encouraged residents to vote in the August 18, 2026, primary election. District#4 Commissioner Morgan requested an update on infrastructure work affecting the Coventry at Westlake Manor HOA road-repaving plans. Mr. Watts stated that the City project was out to bid, that the bid period was approximately 45 days, and that the project was moving forward. Commissioner Morgan explained his prior vote against the Waste Pro payment structure, citing the burden of an estimated annual charge of$434 compared with monthly billing and his belief that the City might not be required to honor that component of the contract. He discussed the Commission's prior direction to staff to seek savings in anticipation of possible property tax changes and addressed the proposed CERT funding reduction. He expressed willingness to explore short-term private fundraising of approximately $3,500 while recognizing the need for a sustainable solution and increased membership. He also discussed Resolution No. 23-1624, longstanding concerns regarding potential apartment development near Lazy Acres, and the capacity of Longwood Hills Road. He stated that development following annexation could require City-funded roadway improvements, including a vehicular bridge and possible widening, and noted that the Commission could retain the resolution as written when it returned for discussion. CC08/17/2026Mins/3 Commissioner Morgan requested staff follow-up regarding recurring water main breaks, including a recent incident near 220 Freeman Street. He discussed maintenance concerns at Arbor Dog Park and explained the reasons dogs are prohibited at Reiter Park, including the splash pad and lawn used for family events. He proposed creating a Longwood Citizen Academy after the new year, with monthly classes to help residents understand the City budget, departments, services, and responsibilities, and thanked Mr. Watts for being receptive to the concept. 9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS Commissioner McMillan supported Commissioner Morgan's proposal for a Longwood Citizen Academy and noted that similar programs and budget communication were discussed at the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference. He stated that he would provide Mr. Watts with a six- page, infographic-based budget communication template used by Winter Haven. He affirmed his support for CERT and invited members to share additional information regarding the roles they could continue to perform. He discussed the relationship between water utility rates and the sanitation contract, stating that moving sanitation billing from the water bill to the property tax roll could allow the water utility to focus on water service and collection. He also discussed his research regarding direct billing for solid waste, noting that few Florida municipalities use that method and that unpaid accounts could result in higher rates. He requested that staff further research municipal practices and explain the available options to the public. Mr. Watts announced that the City would hold a public question-and-answer forum regarding the Waste Pro assessment on September 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. He stated that the City consultant, Finance Director, and City Manager would participate and that the forum would be publicly noticed and promoted on social media. B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None. 10. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of the August 3, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes. B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for July 2026. C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for June 2026. D. Approval of a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Longwood, Florida and the Teamsters' Union Local 385 E. Approval of Purchase Order in the amount of$51,613.00 to CPH Consulting, LLC to update the City's 10-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A through 10E as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous (4-0) roll call vote with Mayor Boni absent. CC08/17/2026Mins/4 11. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 26-2288, which proposes an amendment to the Longwood City Code for Special Service Fees. Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2288 by title only. Ms. Cartagena presented the Item. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No. 26-2288. Commissioner Sackett moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous (4-0) voice vote with Mayor Boni absent. Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 26-2288 as presented in Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous (4-0) roll call vote with Mayor Boni absent. 12. REGULAR BUSINESS A. Selection of Beautification Award Sign Design. Ms. Cartagena presented the Item. Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Option #2 featuring Reiter Park as the new Beautification Award Sign Design. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous (4-0) roll call vote with Mayor Boni absent. B. Discussion regarding Garage Sale Permit requirements. Ms. Cartagena presented the Item. Commissioner Morgan, Commissioner McMillan, and Deputy Mayor Shoemaker provided consensus direction for staff to prepare an ordinance eliminating the garage sale permit requirement while retaining the existing regulations governing garage sale operations for future Commission consideration. Commissioner Sackett supported retaining the current permit requirement. 13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Watts reported that staff was coordinating with Seminole County to address pedestrian crosswalk safety concerns near Ronald Reagan Boulevard. He advised that a precautionary boil water notice was in effect for the Longwood Plantation neighborhood and all of Freeman Street following a water main break. Regarding the Lewis House, he stated that staff was awaiting revised costs for the updated scope of work and continued discussions with the Historic Society concerning a potential transfer of ownership. CC08/17/2026Mins/5 Mr. Watts reported that required notices had been mailed in preparation for the September 10, 2026, solid waste assessment public hearing and reiterated that a public question-and-answer forum would be held on September 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. He stated that staff continued working to reduce the proposed budget and Fire Station 15 project costs. He announced a $400,000 grant opportunity to help address increased costs for the East Longwood Phase 3 sewer connection project. He recognized Fire Department personnel for completing regional training, Station 17 for resuscitation efforts involving a cardiac-arrest patient during an interfacility transport, the Police Department for back-to-school traffic safety and community engagement efforts, and Parks staff for preparing the Candyland Park ball fields and continuing improvements at Arbor Dog Park. In response to the discussion regarding direct billing, Mr. Watts stated that staff had contacted Waste Pro and was advised that the nearest direct-billing area was Marion County and that direct billing was not considered suitable for Longwood. He stated that staff therefore proceeded with the assessment process and the related September 10, 2026, agenda item. 14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT None. 15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT None. 16. ADJOURN Deputy Mayor Shoemaker adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Minutes-approve�d by City Commission: September 10, 2026 S r c o : -/ • Tony ,. • , Mayor o : _ , : a I 9 1.1• •� ^ , d CLAW Liane Cartagena, City Clerk CC08/17/2026Mins/6