CC04-06-2020Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
April 6, 2020
6:00 P.M.
(Virtual Meeting—Webex)
Present: Mayor Matt Morgan
Deputy Mayor Brian D. Sackett
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Richard Drummond
Commissioner Ben Paris
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, Acting City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David P. Dowda, Police Chief
Mike Peters, Fire Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Lee Ricci, Human Resources Director
Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Morgan led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming the month of April 2020 as"Water Conservation
Month".
Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and it will be sent to St.
Johns River Water Management District.
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B. Presentation of the Beautification Award to Starbucks located at
306 North US Highway 17-92.
Deputy Mayor Sackett read the Award and it will be sent to
Starbucks.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. No report.
District#3. Commissioner Paris said he would like everyone to be safe.
There is a lot of news and conjecture out there that is not right. He urges
everyone to stay calm during this time. We will get through this.There is
nothing wrong with looking into and reading about things, but be careful
what you pass off as fact and not conjecture because it does more harm
than good in many cases. God bless and Godspeed.
District#4. Mayor Morgan said the window to apply for the City
Manager position ended on March 22, 2020. The applications have been
sent to the International Association of City Managers but the City has
paused the process so staff can focus on COVID-19 and not violate the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines by trying to set up interviews
in group settings. He thanked Acting City Manager Clint Gioielli. He has
been nothing short of amazing this entire time. We are very fortunate
and appreciative to have you. He said he contacted the Governor's office
again. We are waiting to hear word on whether the one million dollars
will go through for the new fire department. We had to fill out some
more paperwork. He thanked the staff for helping him with that and said
he thinks we did a great job.The Governor's assistant felt it was a very
strong case and that it would be punched through. He addressed the
second meeting in April and asked the Commissioners to vote on possibly
foregoing the second meeting in April and having the next meeting in
May.
Mayor Morgan moved to cancel the April 20, 2020, City
Commission Regular Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Paris.
Deputy Mayor Sackett said that he would prefer not to cancel the
meeting. I know how the environment is like right now, but I also know
what the agendas turn out to be in April and May. I think we also have a
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desire to get back to somewhat of normalcy and to show that our City
Commission is here serving the people. I think our April 20 meeting could
be simple and quick. I am afraid of what the backup may be on the May 4
meeting and that it may be extra-long.To me, as a schoolteacher in the
district,this thing looks like it is going beyond May. I would say let us go
with the status quo and see where we go from there. I am not in favor.
Motion carried by a four-to-one (4-1) roll call vote with Deputy
Mayor Sackett voting nay.
Mayor Morgan said that there are so many negative stories and news
going on right now. When people get scared and nervous they create
fear. Unfortunately, people start getting very negative. He said he would
like to talk about the positive and how this City and County has been
leading the way on how small business owners, residents, our local mom
and pop restaurants, and markets continue to come together while
standing apart. Everyone is exceeding expectations all across the board.
When I talk to other Mayors, it has been very easy to report on everyone
doing their part in Longwood. Everyone is doing so more than the "status
quo". I will also make the argument that many times, smaller cities get a
bad reputation, but I disagree with that. Little cities like Longwood get
bigger in moments like this. I am very proud to represent this City more
than ever. He thanked everyone out there for continuing to treat social
distancing seriously,fight the good fight, and remain positive along the
way. At the end of the day, we will get through this.
District#5. Deputy Mayor Sackett said he would like to celebrate
something that happened on March 20. Woodlands Elementary School
along with other Elementary schools did teacher parades in cars. I believe
Woodlands was the longest at 31 miles with over 60 vehicles in it. He
sent accolades to Officer Ladoczky, Officer McCranie, and Officer Coppola
for helping. Letters were received thanking the Longwood Police
Department.Therefore, our Parents and Teachers Association (PTA)
would like to recognize those officers with gift cards in a meeting where
it is safe to have people. I have asked Mr. Gioielli to put accommodations
within their files on what a superior job they did to keep all of those
vehicles and kids on the side of the road safe.There are almost 50,000
students in Seminole County and they have been displaced with distance
learning.Teachers are doing the best they can.They are working 10 - 12
hour days to make sure this platform is working for these kids. It is
exciting but it is also confusing. Children are stressed because the parents
have now become the teachers and that is difficult. We expect that we
will probably be doing this at least into May or further. I was very
impressed with seeing what Lyman High School put on their Facebook
page today on the graduation and prom scenarios.They have three
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different versions of what can happen, a prom being free for seniors,
prom money refunded, and having the graduation ceremony in the
stadium on different dates. For graduation, the senior representatives
have been working with the superintendents of each school to develop
something special for these kids. The drive-ups are working very well. My
wife and I feel like we have to keep these small businesses in business.
What I save in discounts, I double tip. They are all running efficiently.
Cheryl Bryant from Wild Hare Kitchen and Garden Emporium stepped up.
She is giving out lunches,facemasks, and whatever else you need.This is
one of the good things that we see about our City. Small people are
taking gigantic steps to make for the better of humankind.
Mayor Morgan said Seminole County Public Schools had a set up for the
children to receive their free meals but Ms. Bryant went ahead and made
meals for the children that could not get transportation from Longwood
to the next closest school in Winter Springs. We owe her a great deal of
gratitude. He also commended our superintendent Walt Griffin.They got
that online so fast.This is the new norm, but it will not be a permanent
new norm. He thanked Deputy Mayor Sackett and Commissioner Paris for
shining light on positivity.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker thanked all of the staff and citizens
for doing the social distancing and playing our part. I am doing the best I
can with my computer and lack of being tech-savvy. She thanked staff for
handling everything that she has asked for remarkably. She received a
phone call from Ms. Elsie Richardson who thanked Summer and Amber in
the Utility Department for the kind service and getting to the bottom of
her situation. She is very pleased and she appreciates it.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of the March 11,2020,Work Session and
March 16, 2020, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for February and March
2020.
C. Approve an increase in the amount of$814,750 to purchase
order#19002960 for Central Florida Environmental (CFR)for the
additional construction related to the East Longwood Septic
Tank Abatement and Wastewater System Improvement
Expansion Project.
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D. Approve Resolution No.20-1530,adopting procedures and
requirements for public meetings using Communications Media
Technology(CMT).
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to approve Items 10A
through 10D as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No.20-2174,which
provides for the issuance of a Series 2020 Project Note not to
exceed $1,400,000 in aggregate principal and cost of issuance for
financing certain costs related to the acquisition and installation
of equipment to be located within the City.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2174 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 20-2174.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Mayor Morgan and carried by a unanimous
voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 20-
2174 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Paris and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 20-1527,which
provides for the details required by Ordinance No. 20-2174 that
authorized the financing of the Series 2020 Project Note.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20-1527 by title only.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1527 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No.20-1528,adopting
the Seminole County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20-1528 by title only.
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Mayor Morgan asked Mr. Gioielli to address his question on this
Item.
Mr. Gioielli said he raised a question about the insurance rates
that were affected by the City's current position not being
recognized as having the mitigation plan in place. Based on your
question, we are asking staff to research what the additional steps
are.The first step is the Commission approving this mitigation
strategy plan.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1528 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett.
Deputy Mayor Sackett asked to get a better, printable version of
the flood map because it is difficult to read what the flood zones
in our area are and what areas are not.
Mr. Gioielli replied yes, he would work on that.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 20-1529,delegating
Temporary Use Permit Waiver authority to the City Manager to
aid Longwood Businesses.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20-1529 by title only.
Mayor Morgan said this is an opportunity for our City to help our
small business owners by allowing them to present signs for
advertisement.This is an opportunity they would normally not
have to draw attention that their business is open for pickup
services or delivery.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1529 as presented Item 12C. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett.
Deputy Mayor Sackett asked if this is something that we could put
in place that always would exist during all other crises like
hurricanes. He would like to see something like this engrained in
our system.
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Mr. Gioielli suggested taking note of Deputy Mayor Sackett's
recommendation and in the future when we have an Emergency
Ordinance add this as one of the points of the Ordinance.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 20-1531,authorizing
the opening of a new bank account with One Florida Bank and
approve the account agreement and the authorized signatories
for the account.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20-1531 by title only.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1531 as presented Item 12D. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
E. Read by title only,set April 20,2020, as the public hearing date
and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 20-2175,a
voluntary annexation for the property located at 1800 Lake
Emma Road and approve the Annexation Agreement.
Ms. Longo noted the April 20, 2020 meeting was canceled so the
public hearing date will be set for May 4, 2020.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2175 by title only.
Commissioner Paris moved to approve the Annexation
Agreement and Ordinance No. 20-2175 and set May 4,
2020 as the public hearing date. Seconded by Deputy
Mayor Sackett.
Deputy Mayor Sackett noted this does not signal approval of
townhomes, it just brings this property into the City.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
F. Read by title only, set April 20, 2020, as the public hearing date
and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 20-2178,
authorizing the issuance of debt in the principal amount up to
$3,383,900 to finance the Longdale Septic Tank Abatement and
Wastewater System Improvement and Expansion Project.
Ms. Longo noted the April 20, 2020 meeting was canceled so the
public hearing date will be set for May 4, 2020.
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Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2178 by title only.
Commissioner Paris moved to approve Ordinance No. 20-
2178 and set May 4, 2020 as the public hearing date.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Sackett and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote.
G. City Commission approval of a Request for Proposals (RFP)for
the West Warren Avenue Complete Streets study.
Commissioner Paris moved to approve Item 12G as
presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Sackett and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli said staff, even those working remotely, have been working
very hard and diligently through the COVID-19 difficulties.There have
been many distractions and many changes each day. We are moving on
with regular business on items like Community Development and
preparing for the budget. He advised calls for service related to the Police
and Fire Departments are down as well as reported crimes. Additionally,
with the process of meetings changing, we are anticipating moving
forward with a few extra meetings including the Business Tax Receipt
Committee meeting, which is timely and necessary in anticipation of
moving into the next budget year. We have moved forward with the
Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) Election for the Public
Works and Leisure Services employees.They are going to move forward
with a mail-in ballot system so they can stay safe but there will be no
delay in their ability to vote. We have also hired a Federal Emergency
Management Agency(FEMA) contractor, the same that we used last
time, Mr. Steven Bryce, so that we are being proactive in taking the steps
necessary in advance, in preparation for the recovery and reimbursement
of funds because of COVID-19. He is also assisting the City in recovery and
reimbursement for hurricanes Irma and Dorian. We are also working very
diligently with Merchant Mclntrye who is the grant writing company that
the City has contracted.They are very active and energetic and I think
that everybody is going to be very satisfied with what the City has
contracted them for. Lastly, an Executive Order came out over the
weekend from Seminole County. It provided some direction and
information with the County authorizing law enforcement and code
enforcement officers to take enforcement action against those who
violated State Order 20-91,the stay at home order from the State. He
reassured everyone that all law enforcement officers along with those in
Central Florida and Seminole County are focused mainly on education,
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communication, and community partnership. We want to focus on our
normal duties. If I had to assume, I think that was probably motivated by
the County based on addresses more than likely out of the City of
Longwood, where people were overtly violating the Order and causing
reckless conditions for other residents in the County. We have not
experienced that a lot here in the City and we do not anticipate anything
changing going forward. We are interested in keeping everybody safe.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT. No report.
16. ADJOURN Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 05-04-2020
Matt Morgan, Mayor
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
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