CC05-18-2020Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
May 18, 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
Lisa Snead, Finance Director
Judith Rosado, Accounting Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Paris led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. None.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Commissioner Drummond recognition of the contributions and
sacrifice of the essential workforce, including health care
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workers, public safety workers,streets and utility workers,
grocery/retail workers, restaurants,teachers, caregivers,solid
waste haulers,and countless others keeping the city and state
operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Drummond, along with members of the Longwood
City Commission recognized the members of the Longwood
community and across Florida, who have provided 'essential
services' to the City of Longwood and our citizens. He went on to
say during the COVID-19 crisis, many people have been deemed
non-essential;thereby, sent home from the workplace. Others
have opted to shelter-at-home. Schools have closed, leaving
parents and students to continue their studies independently.
During this time, while many of us were safe in our dwelling place,
thousands of others have reported to work every day. These
individuals, either by choice or necessity, have continued to
provide the services we at home desire and demand. Without the
individuals making this sacrifice, our daily existence as we know it
would have soon diminished and possibly turned to chaos. He
mentioned the following 'essential workers' in no particular order
of significance, as the jobs provided are essential to our everyday
American lifestyle:
The healthcare workers and the support staff at Orlando Health
South Seminole Hospital, Longwood, along with the medical staff
at clinics, urgent care, and elderly care facilities. Many
professionals have been exposed daily to COVID-19, yet they
continue to report to work each day. They are passionate about
caring for others while knowingly risking their lives.
Our Longwood Firefighters and Rescue personnel,the Longwood
Police Department, Seminole County Fire and Rescue, and all of
Florida's First Responder staff.These men and women continue
providing quality services across our community while facing
unknown dangers and exposure. Not only do they expose
themselves to potential healthcare risks, but also other physical
dangers. Their families serve alongside them knowing each day in
the field brings forth unknown circumstances.
The staff of the City of Longwood. Although many of the office
staff are working from home, our Acting City Manager Clint
Gioielli, City Clerk Michelle Longo, and the City Clerk staff have
continued to work at City Hall. They are the voice behind the
phones, answering citizens' calls and requests. They keep City
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operations thriving by ensuring the operations of the City run
smoothly.
The City of Longwood Public Works Department, along with the
Parks& Recreation Department.They have continued providing
uninterrupted water and sewer services, street repair, and
maintained our beautiful parks.
The sanitation services by Waste Pro. The workers care for our
community by providing timely trash removal. The effect of this
simple task within our community is often taken for granted.
Their actions keep our Longwood community beautiful.
Other basic yet highly valued services that allow us the comfort to
work from home and shelter-in-place are delivery services such as
the United States Postal Service, Amazon, United Parcel Service
(UPS), and FedEx who continue to operate efficiently. Additional
services are deliveries by pharmacies, restaurants, grocery stores,
and other shopping services.The ability to have goods and
supplies delivered to our home or car are provided by workers
who show up each day ready to serve others.
Thank you to Winn Dixie and their employees for providing
groceries, as well as extending special shopping times for senior
citizens and our First Responders.
For those who must report to work, as usual, we thank you. Gas
stations and convenience stores continue providing fuel and
supplies. For those who rely on public transportation, we thank
the Lynx transportation system and its employees. Thank you to
our restaurants and cafes for continuing to provide meals through
the changing requirements and regulations. In this world with so
many uncertainties, your dedication to following the ever-
changing guidelines is appreciated.
Along with the aforementioned individuals, Mayor Morgan would
like to also acknowledge the following 'essential workers'.
Cheryl Bryant from The Wild Hare Kitchen and Garden Emporium,
who has been giving out free meals to school students unable to
obtain transportation to Seminole County Public Schools. Ms.
Bryant has given out approximately 400 free meals.
Vitaly Avrem, the owner of Max and Meme's Restaurant, has
given free omelets to the City of Longwood staff and has delivered
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free meals to the Longwood Fire and Police Departments, as well
as South Seminole Hospital. II
Alibaba House of Kabob who has given 300 free meals last week
to anyone in need.
The Christian Sharing Center, who has continued to help those in
need and the American Muslim Community Clinic, who has always
been a great resource to those in need and has continued to
provide services to the community and has offered free COVID-19
testing.
To all those who have continued to provide services amidst the
COVID-19 situation, we thank you.You are appreciated and your
time is valued. You have made a difference in our community.
We are proud to recognize each one of you who continue to serve
Florida with quality services.
B. Proclaiming May 17 through 23, 2020 as National Public Works
Week in the City of Longwood.
Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and it will be sent to the
Longwood Public Works Department. II
C. Proclaiming May 17 through 23, 2020 as Emergency Medical
Services (EMS)Week in the City of Longwood.
Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and it will be sent to the
Longwood Fire Department.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Land Planning Agency.
Commissioner Drummond nominated Mr. Elias Khoury for
reappointment to the Land Planning Agency. Nomination carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Presentation: McDirmit, Davis &Company, LLC will be giving a
presentation on the Annual Audit for the Fiscal Year,which
ended September 30, 2019.
Tammy Campbell, with McDirmit, Davis& Company, LLC gave a
presentation on the highlights of the audit. The City received the
Certificate of Achievement for its 2018 audit report. She noted
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the City should continue to monitor and evaluate any loan and
capital projects out of the Utility Fund just to make sure there is
an adequate funding source. She said the City maintained good
controls, and there were no recommendations.
B. Public Participation.
Ryan Cornwell, President of Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball. Ms.
Longo read his comments into the record.
I currently serve as the league President for the Longwood Babe
Ruth baseball and softball program. I have been involved in the
league for a few years and currently serve as president. First, I
want to thank you for allowing me to speak here today. I would
also like to sincerely thank this Commission for helping us through
a difficult time where we have had to return money to our
membership in the form of credits.The forgiveness of our annual
financial obligations to the City of Longwood will allow the league
to continue as a recreational outlet for our children for another
year. I also would like to thank Deputy Mayor Brian Sackett and
Mayor Matt Morgan.You gentlemen are at every Longwood Babe
Ruth event, no matter how big or small.You do much more for
our league than just throw the first pitch. Deputy Mayor Sackett
has been supporting the league longer than most of us involved
today and Mayor Morgan has supported us in many ways. Your
"out of the box"thinking has contributed tremendously to our
marketing strategy, including notable commercial ads which have
resulted in increased program enrollment. I specifically want to
mention your professional wrestling fundraiser,the Candyland
Clash, which raised $11,000 for our first girls' softball batting
cage. I would also like to thank you in advance for Candyland
Clash 2, which you will be hosting for our league in the upcoming
months. As we look forward to our State re-opening and
restrictions being lifted in phases, I would like to emphasize the
need for children to return to organized sports, especially team
opportunities like baseball and softball. Most children have stayed
indoors staring at a computer, a cell phone, and television screens
for many hours each day for not only their schooling but also
entertainment.The personal interactions, abundant Florida
sunshine, and structure offered by organized sports are critical to
the developmental health of our children. It is for those reasons
today I ask the Commission to consider a re-open date for
Longwood Babe Ruth on May 23, 2020. We understand the need
to take short-term precautions for the safety of all as we venture
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toward the goal of returning to normal. We are willing and
prepared to take those precautions, as I will now illustrate:
1. Instituting three (3) controlled entry points, with symptom
checks using touchless thermometers, and workers
educating the membership of new restrictions.
2. Closing bleachers, designating spectator areas, and
encouraging spectators to bring their seating and shade.
3. Regulating dugout entries and having hand sanitizer at
these entries for use before entering.
4. Instructing parents on proper cleaning and sanitizing
techniques for children's equipment and holding them
responsible for this throughout the season.
5. Cleaning of the concession stand multiple times per day,
workers wearing face coverings, heightened emphasis on
food handling safety, and a mobile concession stand to
bring food and drink to spectators.
6. Limiting access to areas where people gather regularly and
encouraging face coverings and social distancing.
I have shown these health enhancements to Mayor Morgan and
explained our plan to educate and enforce these short-term
restrictions. In addition to all I have presented, I am entirely open
to your suggestions and guidance as we get our children back to
enjoying our most cherished national pastime. I want to thank the
Commission again for the time to speak here today, and if there is
anything I can do to assist, please do not hesitate to ask.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Mayor Morgan said on May 7, he attended a fundraiser
hosted by Central Florida Zoo to help raise funds to feed their animals. It
was very successful and luckily, they were able to re-open.They have a
highly trained staff.They were the first zoo to become sensory inclusive. I
connected them with Culture City, a non-profit organization that
educates other businesses on sensory inclusive areas that help kids with
sensory issues to have a more enjoyable experience.The next day on
May 8, I met with Ryan Cornwell,the president of Longwood's Babe Ruth
at Candyland Park to talk about reopening the program to the kids and
attempting to return to some type of normalcy. He said Mr. Cornwell was
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able to implement social distancing rules and helped map out three main
entry points where people would be stopped and have their
temperatures checked as well as each dugout having hand sanitizer ready
for each child to use as they enter and exit. He said his main concern was
how to use social distancing for seating in the bleacher area and the fix
was to have this area closed and have the parents bring their seating to
sit along the outside of the outfield fence. He said he went around seeing
what the view would be like and thought it was good seating. We have to
get these kids back to normalcy and a regimented schedule. He
mentioned still having questions about this and wanted to know if the
parents were refunded. He said that because there is no competition this
summer at AAU and with other travel teams, they want to provide a free
summer league and provide a 20-25%discount for the next season. On
Tuesday, May 12, he took part in the Florida League of City Mayor's
conference call to give updates on what each City is doing. On May 13, he
was on a briefing call with the State, Local, and Tribal officials. We had
the opportunity to speak and listen to the Assistant Secretary for Health
at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office, Brett
Giroir, who gave us uplifting information on where we are going as a
country and where we are trending, with the intent of getting back to
normal while taking the proper precautions. He said he shot a video with
Principal Rice for the outgoing Lyman High School Seniors.They will all
see it in about a week or so.Today, I met with one of our local gym
owners, Monique Ames from CrossFit Evolution and shot a video to
create awareness on the struggles they are having as a small business.
Concerning the one million dollar assistance that we had requested to
build the new Fire Department, all paperwork and proceedings needed
have been submitted to the Governor's Office. He called them again
today and spoke to one of the Governor's Assistants, who assured we
should have our answer by no later than the end of June. Lastly, Mayor
Morgan clarified that the largest number you typically see online of total
cases in Seminole County, which as of today is 436 cases, does not mean
that 436 people are walking around today in Seminole County with this
virus. It means from Day 1 through today, 436 people have tested
positive including those who have recovered. In Seminole County today,
we have 33 active cases, zero of which are in Longwood.There are 12
deceased in the entire county. He reminded everyone to continue to take
care of their health and see their doctors. We all can improve our health.
This is a wake-up call to build our immune systems so we can fight any
other viruses to come.
District#5. Deputy Mayor Sackett said he was glad that we allowed
businesses to put up banners and signs to state they are open. I hope
that businesses are taking care of themselves in that way. He clarified
that schools are open. School buildings are closed.The education of
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children is important as a teacher. He said many are using the word
normal.There will be no normal anymore. He said he has concerns with
the Babe Ruth baseball/softball team and wants to meet Mr. Gioielli and
Mr. Cornwell about re-opening and its finances. He does not agree that
the league should open this Saturday and run a summer baseball/softball
league. I have been connected with softball for 30 years in this county
and baseball for the past 18 years, and you have to remember to keep
things wheelchair accessible. It is not easy to sit out by the grass. Some
bees live in the yellow fence lining and that needs to be taken care of. I
am very uncomfortable with baseball/softball re-opening this early until
we get a more accurate word on what social distancing will look like. He
said although it may be doable at the baseball field we do not know
about the skate park, tennis courts, and other areas. He said when he
went to the Farmer's Market people were within 2-3 feet of each other,
some without masks. Social distancing is something that people have to
practice and get used to when they get back into a bigger audience
system. We are supposed to be welcoming others to the City, but when
you are driving through,you can see 3-foot signs that say "Property of
FDOT" on the corner where Taco Bell, CVS, and Walgreens is located.
That does not feel welcoming. He thinks smaller signs can accomplish the
same thing on private property. He would like to see something done
about this.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker said ditto on what my fellow
Commissioners have spoken of. She has personally seen that businesses
are hurting. Support your small businesses. I would love to see Babe Ruth
functioning in May. It is difficult all the way around; it is not a fun time for
businesses right now. I pray we can move forward. We are going to have
some tough decisions coming up during the budget time.
District#2. Commissioner Drummond mentioned the parks, restrooms,
and playgrounds are open again. Our new normal is going to have to get
back to some semblance of where we were before. Unfortunately, I am
on the side that says we need to get out and exercise our immune
systems.The Farmer's Market was open and there were quite a few
vendors. It was exciting to be able to buy fresh produce.
District#3. Commissioner Paris said that as the Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer(CFO) of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, I
can tell you many businesses are hurting and some have closed in
Seminole County.That equates to thousands of jobs lost. He said he
agrees with Commissioner Drummond in that we need to start getting
back to a semblance of normal and get people back to feeling confident
in their community and city.This brings me back to our public
participation speaker wanting to have a summer league. I would like to
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discuss that a little further and directly address that. We have opened up
Farmer's Markets, gyms,grocery stores, national parks, and beaches. He
asked why the children could not play baseball.They are already looking
at the American Baseball League and National Baseball League to
continue with their season and the soccer league has come back. As a
young man, I played two years of little league in California. If I were to
have lost one of those years, I would have lost half of my time playing
baseball, which was very influential of who I am today. I believe that if
they have a plan in place for social distancing and keeping kids that are
sick out, and are willing to put a full league together for this summer to
allow our children to play baseball, we should consider this. We are here
to make those tough decisions. He asked the Commission if they are
prepared to vote to allow Longwood Babe Ruth to play. He said although
he agrees with Deputy Mayor Sackett about schooling, schools are
mandatory. Babe Ruth is optional and if parents do not feel safe having
their kids play baseball and watch the game, they will not send them to
play and they will not watch the game. We need to open this up to the
people who want to get their life back to normal and to the kids.
Commissioner Paris moved to allow Babe Ruth to have a
Baseball summer league and work with staff. Seconded by
Commissioner Shoemaker.
Discussion ensued about allowing Babe Ruth to start their summer
league, which date they should start, their finances, and if a decision like
this could create conflict with other businesses.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of the May 4, 2020, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for April 2020.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for April 2020.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to approve Items 10A
through 10C as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Drummond and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only, adopt Ordinance No. 20-2175,a voluntary
annexation for the property located at 1800 Lake Emma Road,
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and approve the Annexation Agreement. (Request from
applicant to continue second reading and public hearing of
Ordinance No. 20-2175 to the May 18,2020, Commission
Meeting was made at the May 4 meeting.)
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2175 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 20-2175.
Commissioner Drummond moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Sackett and carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 20-
2175 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Drummond and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 20-2179, amending
Article VI. Boards,Commissions, Committees, Division 4. City of
Longwood Firefighters'and Police Officers Pension Trust Fund
Board of Trustees, Section 2-394, Meetings.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2179 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 20-2179.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Commissioner Drummond and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 20-
2179 as presented Item 11B. Seconded by Commissioner
Drummond and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 20-2180,establishing
a new Business Tax Receipt Schedule.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2180 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 20-2180.
Il
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Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Commissioner Drummond and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 20-
2180 as presented Item 11C. Seconded by Commissioner
Drummond and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 20-2181,amending
Chapter 3—Section 3.04(B3)the Drug-Free Workplace and
Alcohol Policy of the City of Longwood Policies and Procedures
to clarify language.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 20-2181 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 20-2181.
Commissioner Paris moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Sackett and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Drummond moved to adopt Ordinance No.
20-2181 as presented Item 11D. Seconded by
Commissioner Paris and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Acceptance of the 2019 Complete Streets Program Annual
Report.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to accept the 2019
Complete Streets Program Annual Report as presented
Item 12A. Seconded by Commissioner Drummond and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli said the staff that had been working remotely have returned
to the office today. We are excited to have everyone back and see
everybody's smiling faces. Several managers have worked hard at making
sure that the safety precautions, such as social distancing, are taking
place. For example, this has required Mr. Dunn to rearrange computer
desks and work areas.The City continues to provide masks to those who
want them and we are doing daily sanitation of all work areas. We also
continue to use electronic meetings for our staff internally when possible
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and we have had the glass partitions installed except for Community
Development because they had remodeling going on at the same time.
Additionally, we continue to be properly equipped with our supplies for
COVID. We are happy to report and thankful that all staff and their
families seem to still be healthy and there are no reports of anything
different. We have set a loose date of June 1 as an open date for our
reception areas to allow our returning staff to get adjusted.This does not
mean we are turning away any of our citizens that have appointments.
We are still doing those things. We are just trying to phase in our return
to work policy. As previously noted, all of the parks and ancillary ones
have opened up.The only thing on hold right now is the Splash Pad at
Reiter Park. We had a nice turn out at the Pump Track, which started
back on Saturday.The Farmer's Market seems to be successful and back
on track.The rest of our events will start to pick back up in June.
Temporary-Use Permit exceptions are still in place and have been
popular by our community. A business owner who was an employee of
the City mentioned how excited he was because of the support given to
him by the Commission and staff, specifically Community Development.
Commissioner Paris noted there was a news article written about the City
of Longwood in Seminole County stating how forward-thinking ahead of
schedule our permitting was for helping new businesses out. We were
singled out as the only city in Seminole County that was doing it
proactively.
Mr. Gioielli said we are continuing to work on the budget and stay on
track with the budget calendar that has been set. We continue to work
with the contractor to resolve the issues at Reiter Park. We think that we
have made successful progress and hope to continue to update the
Commission with a final resolution soon. I am excited to report that on
the Publix website,there is a grand opening set for June 18 and I think
Ms. Longo is working on coordinating a ribbon-cutting ceremony.This is a
priority and we are hoping to get the Commission together for that.
Pennies for Park currently has$472.This was a pilot program, so I
anticipate staff bringing a proposal to the Commission in July making it a
permanent program or not. We will revisit this is July. While the Police
Department is ready and anxious to move forward with its accreditation,
unfortunately, the State was not ready to inspect.They have asked Chief
Dowda to push back on the accreditation.There will be two assessments,
one in July and one in October. I will anticipate working on getting a
meeting set up with Deputy Mayor Sackett and Mr. Cornwell from Babe
Ruth and get some of the questions answered about operations and
finances. I can share that with the Commissioners in case there are any
future phone calls from residents.
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14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT No Report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT No Report.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 06-01-2020
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City Clerk
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