CC06-15-2020Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
June 15, 2020
6:00 P.M.
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
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Judith Rosado, Interim Finance Director
Adam Bryant, Police Lieutenant
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. MOMENT OF SILENT MEDITATION
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Deputy Mayor Sackett led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements making note that 4C has been canceled.
A. The "Downtown Longwood Food Trucks"will be held on
Thursday,July 9, 2020,from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Reiter
Park, 311 West Warren Avenue.
B. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In"Car Show will be held on
Saturday,July 11, 2020,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
C. Federation of Families of Central Florida in partnership with the
City of Longwood will host the 8th annual "Be a HERO Back to
CC 06-15-2020/1
School Resource Fair"on Saturday,July 25,2020,from 10:00
a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200
West Warren Avenue.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming the City of Longwood General Election —November
3, 2020.
Mayor Morgan read the General Election Proclamation.
B. District#2 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month
Award for July 2020.
Commissioner Drummond nominated Mr. Robert Nestor,
Universal Tire &Auto for the Business Person of the Month for
July 2020. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
C. The nomination of the Beautification Award.
Commissioner Shoemaker nominated Kustom US, Inc.—Disaster
Recovery& Restoration on State Road 434 for the Beautification
Award. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. City Clerk recommends, in accordance with the requirements of
Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes,that the City Commission
appoint Cole Copertino,as the fifth Member to the Board of
Trustees for the Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension Plan.
Commissioner Shoemaker nominated Cole Copertino for
appointment to the Board of Trustees for the Police Officers' and
Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund. Seconded by Commissioner Paris
and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. District#2 (At Large) Nomination to the Parks& Recreation
Advisory Board.
Commissioner Drummond deferred the nomination to the July 20,
2020 meeting.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
I
CC 06-15-2020/2
J.P. Gilbert, 2086 Prairie Sage Lane, Longwood. He read the
following from a letter he had dropped off at City Hall on Friday
and hand-delivered to the City Commission.
Dear City Commissioners, my name is J.P. Gilbert. My wife,
daughter, and I have been members of the Longwood community
since October 2019.We love this little community and my wife
and I are excited to raise our daughter here. Like you and your
colleagues in the City Commission, my family has spent the last
few weeks watching as our fellow Americans have taken to the
streets across the country and the world to protest for a change
to a system where Black lives are seen as lesser than. People
everywhere are calling for a change and reform to ensure those
that have sworn to protect and serve our community uphold their
oath to do exactly that. Part of that reform should be to create a
system where our community's officers are held accountable for
any of their misconduct in a transparent manner.That is why I am
asking for your support in creating a Longwood Citizen's Police
Review Board, an independent, citizen-run oversight committee
that would hear citizen complaints of Longwood Police
Department officers regarding the use of force or other officer
misconduct.This Board would conduct investigations of these
complaints and, if the facts allow, make binding decisions of
disciplinary action against the offending officer. Citizen Police
Review Boards are not a radical concept. Locally, the Seminole
County Sheriff's Office has a Civilian Review Board and the Winter
Springs Police Department has a Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Both of these organizations review similar complaints and make
non-binding recommendations based on their investigation to the
Sheriff or the Chief of Police in regards to disciplinary action.A
citizens' review board similar to either of these boards may be
helpful but does not ensure the transparency or accountability
that an independent oversight committee would. Even before
recent events that have sparked global protests, the creation of a
citizen review board has been overdue.Just last year, a Longwood
Police Officer was found to have coerced a Black teenager into a
false confession following a traffic stop. If it had not been for local
media reports on the incident, the public may likely have never
found out that this Longwood Police Officer's misconduct
occurred.The people of Longwood deserve to know about these
incidents and should be the ones responsible to investigate
allegations of officer misconduct in this community.That is
transparency. That is accountability.That is what is right. I look
forward to personally meeting with you to further discuss the
creation of this Board which will bring transparency,
CC 06-15-2020/3
accountability, and will improve relations between the Longwood
Police Department and the community. On its webpage, the
111
Longwood Police Department refers to itself as a "progressive and
professional law enforcement agency". We need to hold them to
these ideals, and this Board will do exactly that.
Mr. Gilbert added that South Salt Lake, Utah is looking to explore
citizen review boards, the Columbus Dispatch in Ohio has an
article about what a civilian review board could do for the citizens
of Columbus, the public in Missouri suggested a new policy to
Columbia's police review board, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa is
committed to forming a citizens' review board.This is a
conversation happening all over the country and a conversation
we need to be having in Longwood.
Anthony Bailey, 265 West Bay Avenue, Longwood. He said we are
all aware of what is going on today. I am not here to point fingers.
There is too much negativity as it is already but there is a
disconnect with the community. He suggested Longwood invite
African Americans to these meetings and let them know about the
community. He said they need to be part of something. He feels
Longwood should get out and speak to these people door to door
and personally invite them to these meetings. He said he does not
see anyone here like him. Longwood has been good to me. When
I started working here and meeting the police officers they
treated me fairly, so I moved my family here. It is a beautiful
community and I love it. I have met some great people but I
would like to see more interaction with the Black community and
law enforcement.
Judi Coad, 1695 Grange Circle, Longwood. She said it is nice to
see the Commissioners face to face rather than on a website. I am
glad we are all getting people to come back. I have been a
resident of Longwood for over 30 years. We have the utmost
respect for our public safety officers, both our Firefighters and
Police Officers. I have witnessed many events where the men and
women of our Police Department interact with our public,the
men, women, children, seniors, and all races across the board.
have never witnessed any bias. I just want to thank those who
serve the community for everything they have done. I stand
behind you, I stand with you, and I support you all.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker said she typically does not address
public input, however, tonight I feel your pain. She thanked Mr. Gilbert
CC 06-15-2020/4
and Mr. Bailey for bringing this to our attention and Ms. Coad for her
support and appreciation of our public safety who in her opinion are
exceptional. I am interested in meeting with each of you after the
meeting if you can stay because it is going to be a long one. Or,you can
call me on my City cell phone. I feel your pain and I understand where
you are coming from.The world is very upside down and all of us are
going through this. I have spoken with our City Manager and he is already
addressing the concerns and looking into a review committee. He will do
everything he can and he will keep me, the Commission, and each of you
up to speed with it. She thanked them once again for coming to speak
and pointing out the fact that more African Americans are needed in our
Chambers. She said we rarely have a full crowd in our Chambers. Mayor
Morgan had suggested to Facebook Live our meetings because of the
start time of 6:00 p.m. and people not being able to show up. We do
have a mix of an audience but we rarely have an audience bigger than the
size we have this evening. Anything we can do, I know all of us are willing
to help. She said she has been working with Mr. Gioielli and Ms. Rosado
to plan a surprise for the next agenda. I have a format that I prefer for
our financial statements for the Commission to approve. It is an addition
to what we already have and it gives a different and helpful perspective
to the Commission. She said the Car Show was phenomenal.There were
cars at the parking lot and the Church.The Heroes Strong event was also
very well attended and it was a nice event. She congratulated
Longwood's South Seminole Hospital for the grand opening of their Cath
Lab.
District#2. Commissioner Drummond said Longwood is a small and close
community that includes our law enforcement. We are fortunate to have
Police Chief Dowda who leads by example and sets the standard for
professionalism and respect to all members of our community. Chief
Dowda carefully monitors the actions of his department and I have full
confidence in him. In this instance, when the Chief received a copy of Mr.
Gilbert's letter, the Chief immediately reached out to him to discuss his
concerns. As an additional benefit of living in a small community, I have
had the opportunity to meet and speak to most of our police officers. I
would encourage everyone in our community to speak with a law
enforcement officer when given the chance. We build a strong
relationship with our officers and everyone benefits. Choosing to be a law
enforcement officer has many challenges including low pay, working
nights,weekends, and holidays, and Florida's heat and humidity, all while
wearing cumbersome equipment and uniforms. Now law enforcement
officers are vilified and scorned through the media and other
organizations.The actions of a few should not reflect the actions of the
majority. Longwood Police Officers are professionals and proudly serve
our citizens. I thank the Longwood Police Administration and the police
CC 06-15-2020/5
officers for their dedication to keeping us safe. I thank the families of law
enforcement officers. At times you make the greater sacrifice. I fully
support the Longwood Police Department and all law enforcement
officers for their dedication and commitment and I will not support nor
endorse any action to limit the effectiveness and ability of our police
officers to complete their duties.
District#3. Commissioner Paris said the Car Show was great and it was
good to see the community and our citizens back out there. I think we are
doing a pretty good job with social distancing. I did not see people gather
in big piles and I feel like everyone was enjoying themselves. I thoroughly
enjoyed our Flag Ceremony at Reiter Park with Heroes Strong. It was
great and I hope to see it get bigger and better every year as it moves
forward. I am happy to hear they are making Longwood their new home
and we can make that part of our Longwood history. I appreciate all of
the dedication and hard work of the volunteers that attended. He said he
did not make it to South Seminole's ribbon cutting this morning but was
able to make it out this afternoon and take a tour of the Cath Labs. I am
impressed. He pointed out there are two fully operational labs now inside
the hospital. He said if there is an emergency they do not have to pull
someone out to put another person in.This is the first response to those
life and death situations here in the City of Longwood. It is really good to
see that investment in our community by Orlando Health. He thanked
them and said they have been a very good partner to us.
Commissioner Paris directed statements to Mr. Bailey and Mr. Gilbert
who spoke during public participation.To Mr. Bailey, he agrees with him
in having more minorities in the community come out to the meetings.
He said he does not think there is a Commissioner up here who has not
walked a few hundred doors in this heat during campaign time to invite
every citizen out to these chambers. We have a hard time getting this
many people in here as it is, so this is a full house for the City of
Longwood. We do appreciate it when any of the citizens get involved. We
are responsible for you. You vote for us,you elect us, and we work for
you. We are the voice of the citizens in the City of Longwood.That is our
job. He said he appreciates Mr. Bailey being here today and asked him to
help spread the word to the people he knows, letting them know our
doors are open, public participation is every week, and their voice will
never be stepped on, stopped, or disputed. He said you will always have a
place here to speak publicly and that is recorded, saved, and will forever
be held in the City of Longwood.To Mr. Gilbert, he said we received your
letter and he appreciates that. As it was indicated, our Chief and City
Manager are both looking into a review board. We acknowledge the fact
there are a few of those here in the County. He pointed out there is
already a review board in the City of Longwood and those are the
CC 06-15-2020/6
Commissioners you have voted for and you see before you. He said we
take this job very seriously and we understand that when bad police
officers are doing bad things it is our job to do something about it. We
work with the union that represents the City's Police Department. When
we see issues, we take action.The incident you reported and talked
about in July was immediately brought to the attention of the
Commission. It was not attempted to be hidden by the department. We
had the audio and camera footage to support and take care of this. He
said he appreciates Mr. Gilbert and we will be looking into these things
moving forward. He said he believes we have a good Police Department
and a good Chief. We are a small tightknit community. He encourages the
citizens to come out and meet the police officers and the command
structure. If you see something feel free to bring it to the Commissioners.
The Chief and the City Manager get calls from us every day when we see
and hear about things.
District#4. Mayor Morgan said we had an awesome ribbon cutting this
morning at South Seminole Hospital for their new Cath Lab.They also put
in a new entrance for their emergency department and a new entrance
adjacent to State Road 434. He said not too long ago there were rumors
of this hospital leaving our City. When Shawn Molsberger took over that
hospital it was a night and day change. We have had an amazing
partnership with them and they continue to give back to this community.
He thanked Mr. Molsberger and his staff as well as Mr. Gioielli for joining
him this morning. He encouraged the Commission to take a tour when
they have the chance. He said we have our grand opening for Publix and
are very excited for them to be a part of our City. When we campaigned
to ask for your votes, one of the things I heard the most was getting a
Publix in the City of the Longwood. It is a real big thing for our City to
have.They will be opening this Thursday at 7:00 a.m. He said we are a
tightknit community and it goes with our Police and Fire Departments as
well. One of the first things we did to be completely transparent is to
have our meetings on Facebook Live. Every single decision we make up
here is on record, nothing is off-limits. Our Police officers, off duty and
on, eat, sleep, and drink the City of Longwood.They are part of this
community and everything we do. With Lyman High School,the police
officers were the first people to help me raise money for anti-concussion
helmets for the Lyman Greyhound football team.They are very trusted
by our residents because they have earned it. He said he appreciated Mr.
Gilbert coming out and furthering the conversation of making sure that
we continue to listen when our residents have something to say. We will
take everything you said under advisement.
District#5. Deputy Mayor Sackett said it is kind of weird to finally see
people out in the audience but it is nice to see everyone here. I support
CC 06-15-2020/7
what my fellow Commissioners have said. In previous elections and other
times, I have walked about 4,000 homes in this neighborhood. It was cool
to see all the youngsters at the Flag Ceremony yesterday. I believe I have
taught half of them. Over the 30 years that I have lived here, I have
taught over 1,500 children of a wide variety of cultures. It has been the
most exciting part of my teaching career and is why we selected to move
to Longwood. He said the dialogue that Mr. Gilbert presented through
the letter is one that he would like to continue. I support the review
board going forward. He said Longwood Babe Ruth is up and running, the
Farmers Market was crowded, and he was not able to get to the Car
Show. I did not make it to the hospital but I will after COVID dies. He
made note of wanting the VFW Commander's name engraved in our
Heroes' monument and having a small ceremony for him. He said he
would like to see Mr. Gioielli move forward as our City Manager on our
next agenda. He would also like to see Ms. Rosado as Director of Finance.
Mr. Langley said Mr. Gioielli's 120-day period of appointment will expire
by the next Commission meeting so tonight would be appropriate, if you
so choose,to reappoint Mr. Gioielli for another 120-day term as the
Acting City Manager.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to reappoint Mr. Gioielli as
the Acting City Manager. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mayor Morgan requested that an "X" be placed on the road of the
entrances of Danbury Mills and Markham Hills where it says "Do Not
Block the Entrance" because of the traffic that Publix will bring.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of the June 1, 2020, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for May and June 2020.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for May 2020.
D. Approval of Resolution No. 20-1533; Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT)State Highway Lighting, Maintenance,
and Compensation Agreement.
E. Approve a purchase order in an amount not to exceed
$79,909.96 to Pegasus Engineering to provide a Citywide
CC 06-15-2020/8
Pollutant Loading Analysis required as part of the City's NPDES
Permit.
Deputy Mayor Sackett requested that Item 10C be pulled for a
separate discussion.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to approve Items 10A, 10B,
10D, and 10E as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Paris and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Discussion ensued on Item 10C. Ms. Rosado, Mr. Gioielli, and Mr.
Smith clarified Deputy Mayor Sackett's questions related to the
percentages, reserves, and current balances of the budget.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to approve Item 10C as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Paris and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 20-1534,which
amends the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Budget to reallocate unused
remaining funding from proceeds of the Capital Improvement
Revenue Note, Series 2020 within the Capital Projects Fund to
purchase Body Cameras,Video Redaction Software and Data
Storage required for a 5 year period,for Law Enforcement; and
authorize the Acting City Manager to issue a purchase order and
sign all related documents.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20.-1534 by title only.
Chief Dowda thanked the Commission for their support this
evening, Mr. Gilbert who has been communicative on a very
important issue, and those who spoke publicly for us as a Police
Department. My first course of action since speaking to him was
gathering information on the issue, looking at the industry
standard, and collecting some policy on the topic. He would like to
schedule a more in-depth meeting. He said the item of cameras
has been on the Department's Capital Improvement list for a few
years now. I am excited for it to come forward for the
Commission's approval. He said they have had video cameras in
our patrol vehicles for more than 20 years and they continue to
be an asset for us and the community. We are also aware and
appreciate the benefits of body-worn cameras as well and I am
CC 06-15-2020/9
eager to have access to them for the officers. Your approval of
this item will allow the purchase and implementation of those
cameras. We will be taking immediate action tomorrow morning
with your approval. We have been researching cameras for
several months now.This purchase will provide every uniformed
officer with a camera system. It will include the initial new
cameras, replacement of all cameras two and a half years into a
five-year program, and then all new cameras again at the end of
the five-year program. We will always have the most up to date
hardware including spares so we will never be without a camera.
This expense will also involve the purchase of unlimited data
storage.That is the most expensive component of this project.
The hardware is relatively cheap.This expense will also cover a
redaction software necessary to redact videos that people
request. Also covered in the expense is training for the officers
and administrative staff that will be working with the cameras, as
well as insulation and support of the equipment that will go into
our vehicles to make them function properly.
Discussion ensued on the technology and equipment budgeted in
this item.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1534 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. City Commission authorization for staff to enter into
negotiations with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), Inc.for the
West Warren Avenue Complete Streets study.
Mr. Gioielli presented the Item.
Discussion ensued on having the Complete Streets Study include
St. Laurent Street and the time it will take to complete the study.
Mr. Kintner clarified that St. Laurent Street is included in the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) study and is
something they are going to be looking at. He also noted the
funding does not come in until October and once they enter into
negotiations with VHB, Inc. they will know the time it will take to
complete the study.
Mr. Smith said he has programmed to resurface the road from St.
Laurent Street to Milwee Street this summer.
CC 06-15-2020/10
Commissioner Paris moved to approve Item 12B as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Drummond and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Review the recommendations from the Charter Advisory
Committee and take action the Commission deems appropriate.
Mr. McMillan, Chair for the Charter Advisory Committee,
introduced himself and said most of these recommendations are
cleaning up the language, getting rid of obsolete things, and
making it easier for the citizens to understand. He reviewed and
explained the recommendations from the Charter Advisory
Committee.
The first recommendation is to make the Charter gender-neutral
and avoid the use of"he" or "she" when referencing City officials
and employees.
Section 3.01(c)(2) Geographical commission districts were
reviewed with recommendations to have the district boundaries
considered for amendment within 180 days of the official
certification of the census every ten years.
Section 6.06(c) & (d)Transfers of Appropriations and Emergency
Appropriations were reviewed and Mr. McMillan noted it was
brought to them by staff. Essentially it allows the City Manager to
transfer any unencumbered appropriation among programs or
line items within a department or fund if the total appropriations
within the affected department or fund are not changed. Any
transfers made by City Manager shall be reported to the City
Commission in writing in a timely manner and are subject to
reversal or modification by a majority vote of the City
Commission.
Discussion ensued on how funds are transferred and notifying the
Commission about transfers within the budget.
Ms. Rosado clarified the changes provide more flexibility to move
funds from one department to another.
Mr. Langley noted this recommendation originally came from Mr.
Cox who stated the Charter is more restrictive than state law on
the issue of transfers. He said currently the Charter requires any
transfer, inside or outside of the department or fund, and
regardless of whether it changes the fund balance, is required to
CC 06-15-2020/11
come before the Commission for approval. By resolution,the
Commission even has to approve a line item transfer within a
single department. Mr. Cox's concern was that this was a lot of
work and as long as the balance of the department was not being
changed, he did not want to have to bring that to the Commission
but would still notify them about it. He clarified that this provision
still requires the Commission to vote, to pass resolutions on any
transfers between one department or fund to another
department or fund, and if making a new appropriation
altogether.After hearing the comments he suggested limiting the
City Manager's transfer authority to only inter-department
transfers.
Discussion ensued on suggested changes and it was
recommended to strike out the second sentence there the City
Manager may transfer any unencumbered appropriation among
programs or line items within a department or fund.
Section 7.02 Board of Adjustments was reviewed to remove it
from the Charter as a required city board.
Section 8.02(b) Qualifying fee and Section 8.03 Form of ballots,
were reviewed and noted this was to clarify that candidate
qualification for city commission requires a fee of 5% of the
annual compensation or the petition process per F.S. 99.095 and
that the required form of election ballots be consistent with state
law.
Sections 10.03(a)(4) & (b) Activities prohibited and Penalties were
reviewed and was recommended to eliminate ambiguous
prohibited acts subsection regarding soliciting a subscription or
contribution for any municipal political purpose from persons
holding compensated appointed city positions, and to prescribe
penalties for violations of Section 10.03 by an ordinance.
Sections 12.03 Members were reviewed to clarify the minimum
police officer requirements for the Police Department and to
establish a forty(40)firefighter minimum for the Fire Department.
Commissioner Paris suggested adding a provision allowing up to
six months to get back to the minimum standard, or forty-two
(42)firefighters if we ever hit below the number listed to protect
us from violating our Charter.
CC 06-15-2020/12
Discussion ensued on the minimum standard of firefighters and
their legalities. It was recommended to change the minimum
standard of firefighters to forty(40) instead of forty-two (42).
Sections 3.03 Mayor and Deputy Mayor were reviewed to clarify
the duties of the Mayor concerning the Mayor's authority to sign
certain city documents and the Mayor's role as the chairperson of
the City Commission meetings.
Commissioner Drummond asked if we are presenting these items
in their entirety if they were to go on the ballot.
Mr. Langley said the ballot will not show the strikethrough,
underline language. It will present a question that summarizes the
recommended changes.The voters will have access to the
ordinance that specifies the proposed changes with all the detail.
Mr. Langley explained the Commission has the authority to accept
or reject parts or all of the changes made by the Charter Advisory
Board or make their own recommended changes. The process for
the voters is the Commission has to approve an Ordinance to call
a referendum of the citizens to vote on the Charter amendments.
This Ordinance needs to decide what questions of the Charter
amendment you want to present to the voters. He said he would
need direction from the Commission on what they would like to
see move forward because I will have to put it in an Ordinance
format as well as draft the ballot questions for review and
approval, and put in all the language that is necessary for a
referendum for the November general election.We do have some
time constraints. We need to have an Ordinance approved by our
August 17th meeting. We need to have two meetings on the
approval of the Ordinance, which means we may need to think
about building in one more meeting if additional discussion and
flexibility are wanted. As a Commission, you all can make
additional changes to what you would like presented to the
voters.You are not locked into just these changes and accepting
all of them. He stated he would need direction on what to prepare
if anything.
Discussion ensued on the suggested changes and the changes the
Commission recommended.
It was recommended to implement the recommendations of the
Charter Advisory Committee and the suggested changes the
Commission had discussed.
CC 06-15-2020/13
D. City Commission approval of a Historic District Matching Grant
Application (HG 01-20)from Royal Consulting Services, Inc.for
the property located at 211 West Warren Avenue.
Mr. Gioielli presented the Item.
Deputy Mayor Sackett moved to approve Item 12D as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Drummond and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
E. Approve the award for a Construction Agreement for the State
Road 434 and 1-4 Pond Landscaping Improvements Project(ITB
#06122020) and authorization for the Acting City Manager to
issue purchase orders as needed based on the yearly-approved
budget.
Ms. Longo noted the change in the Item which is to approve a
purchase order for$335,650.50 to Arazoza Brother Corp. for the
State Road 434 and 1-4 Pond Landscaping Improvements Project
and authorize the Acting City Manager to issue purchase orders as
needed based on the yearly-approved budget.
Mr. Gioielli said this is a Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) owned land for which we have entered into an agreement
with previously. Some of the money is going to be awarded to the
City for a Grant and then the City will incur some longer-term
costs regarding irrigation, installation, and maintenance going
forward.
Mr. Smith noted the Grant is for more than what was needed. It
could have been over$300,000 but they are only going to be
funding $164,152 of it.
Discussion ensued about land owned by FDOT versus land owned
by Longwood.
Commissioner Paris moved to approve a purchase order
for the State Road 434 and 1-4 Pond Landscaping
Improvements Project as presented Item 12E. Seconded
by Commissioner Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous
roll call vote.
F. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 20-1536,authorizing
the execution and delivery of a Clean Water State Revolving
CC 06-15-2020/14
Fund Amendment 2 to Loan Agreement WW590510 to reduce
the loan principal amount by$1,568,707 for the South
Longwood Septic Tank Abatement—Phase II project, Lake Ruth
Septic Tank Abatement project, the Springwood Septic Tank
Abatement project, and the Ronald Reagan Boulevard (CR 427)
Sewer Extension project.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 20-1536 by title only.
Commissioner Paris moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-
1536 as presented Item 12F. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli said he shared a letter from Mr. William Bearden who is
interested in the Lewis House and would like to hear input and
suggestions from the Commission. Mr. Bearden acknowledged that his
focus had slowed down during the pandemic. He realizes that he needs
to keep the house in or near the Historic District and in the City of
Longwood, and he is currently working with an architect and contractor
to see what proposals he can bring forward to the Commission. Mr.
Gioielli pointed out that making final decisions for this house has been a
long process. He said there are different options but he was hoping the
Commission would give some direction on how to move forward.
Mayor Morgan asked if the plans for the Lewis House were to make it
into a Welcome Center/Longwood City Museum near the Clocktower
park on Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
Mr. Kintner said we have a few different options, one of which someone
is seeking to potentially make it their home, the other alternative is
whether we sought to do something with the house. One of the things
we are running into is what it would cost to rehabilitate the structure. We
have heard from two people and their valuations were between
$100,000 and $150,000 to rehabilitate.The choice that we are faced with
is the City not having a dedicated funding source for that amount, having
to move the house and run utilities for it. I had suggested the potential of
moving it to the Clocktower park area because sales-tax money could
potentially be utilized to do it. One of the things that have happened
between now and then is sales-tax money, which was something that we
had relied on before, has been impacted by COVID-19. He said it is an
option that is available to us and asked if it is worth continuing to pursue
when someone is aware of the amount it may cost can restore it and
keep in the Longwood Historic District.
CC 06-15-2020/15
Mayor Morgan asked what they would like to do with the house.
Mr. Kintner said it would be their home which was what the Lewis House
was in its history so it would not be something we would be simply giving
away. Being able to see it reused and kept in the district without the
need to have to find $150,000 is something I think is worth looking at.
Commissioner Paris said having a public or private partnership with
somebody is a great idea because$150,000 to $200,000 is a lot of money
in addition to the costs of not knowing where we are going to put it. He
said if we have people in the public that are offering to be involved and
take it off our hands, I would direct staff to follow through with this and
bring it to us when there is a proposal. I would be interested in hearing
about it. If at that point it has completely fallen through, then that is
something we can always look into, but I would rather see movement
right now rather than it sitting out in stilts in a chainlink fence behind our
police station.
Commissioner Shoemaker said the biggest concern the members of the
Historic Society have is that time is being wasted and the house needs
repair. She agrees on doing it if we have a buyer that is serious, willing to
put the money in it, and put it in the District. She believes the City should
not charge the buyer anything for it. She said if we have to put it in the
Historic District and come up with $150,000 to $200,000, it is going to be
hard to do, however, it is our duty as a City to do so.The Historic Society
just wants it to be useful with the district.
Commissioner Drummond said at this point with the redevelopment of
Downtown, we need to save our resources for a new Police and Fire
Department and City Hall.This house was given to us before we were on
the Board. I say we let it sit for a few more months and see if the person
that is interested in it can come forward and repurpose it.
Discussion ensued about what has been done and what was planned to
do with the Lewis House. It was the consensus of the Commission to let
the buyer purchase the Lewis House.
Mr. Gioielli said they can expect to see the tree replacement work in
Reiter Park tomorrow. He said he has worked diligently on the budget
and is settling in on a date for a workshop. He hopes the Commission
approves the Budget Workshop for July 23rd. He is aware Deputy Mayor
Sackett is going to be out of town but will be able to attend remotely. We
plan on presenting the Commission with full budgetary books for their
review no later than a week in advance of the meeting. If that is
CC 06-15-2020/16
approved, I ask the Commission to agree on a time to meet. He asked the
Commission if 1:00 p.m. was a good time.
It was the consensus of the Commission to meet at 1:00 p.m. on July 23rd
Mr. Gioielli said we have received a letter from Waste Pro asking for an
extension to their 4-year contract and for there to be a rate increase
without any specific requests. He has asked them to be more specific as
to what request they are making regarding the rate increase. He does not
have the information now but he will bring it back once he gets an
answer.
Commissioner Drummond said they had decided to go out for bid rather
than have them automatically renew next year.
Mr. Gioielli said if that is the case, we will start working on that, gather
more details about it, and start organizing a Request for Proposal.
Mr. Gioielli said we have had some input from the Supervisor of Elections
as a result of COVID-19.Taking into consideration the impact that COVID
has had on traditional and political events, the requirement for social
distancing, and planning on having low voter turnout, he has sent out
mail-in ballots early. For this reason, it has been requested of the
Commission to approve a suspension of the placement of the signs for
the politicians to allow them to be placed out early.
Commissioner Drummond moved to have City Commission
direct staff to immediately, and for this election cycle only,
suspend enforcement of Land Development Code 6.6.3(f)
which restricts qualified candidates from placing political
signs earlier than 30 days before primary elections, while
not suspending any other requirements of the Code.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Sackett and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Gioielli thanked the Commission for the support of staff, specifically
the Police Department in this particular case, and Mr. Gilbert for
spending time with us today. We are looking forward to working with him
in the future.
Commissioner Drummond asked for an update on the Trailer Park.
Mr. Gioielli said he hopes they are putting the trailers in dumpsters. We
were there on Friday and we know there were dumpsters and a bobcat
CC 06-15-2020/17
on the ground.The whole area has been fenced off. I think Community
Development was confirming the utilities were off.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo said the Commission should have received their Statement of
Financial Interest Form for 2019 and they need to be completed and
returned to the Supervisor of Elections office by July 1st.The Florida
League of Cities 2020 Annual Conference is scheduled to be held August
13th through August 15th at the Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood,
Florida, which is currently closed. Considering the Coronavirus pandemic
and surrounding circumstances, on Friday,July 5th the Florida League of
Cities Board of Directors approved a scaledown format for the annual
conference and there will be remote access capabilities.The final
decision for a location will be in July. She asked for the Commission's
input and thoughts about attending this year, if so, perhaps virtually.
Commissioner Drummond asked if we had money budgeted to attend
this event.
Ms. Longo replied yes.
Commissioner Paris suggested only sending their voting delegate to the
conference to represent the City of Longwood's interest.
Commissioner Shoemaker suggested using the funds saved if not
attending for something good for the community such as non-touch hand
sanitizers at the park and Commission chambers.
Ms. Longo said she would keep the Commission posted.
Discussion ensued on the Ethics Training.
Ms. Longo said Publix is doing a scaled-down opening celebration for
their location on Longwood Hills Road.They are not doing a traditional
ribbon-cutting event, and they have let me know they have a no media
policy which means they are not having the photographers take photos in
the store due to social distancing and their store protocols related to
Coronavirus.They have arranged a short tour of the store for the Mayor,
Commissioners, and key staff members who can attend, but it is limited
to 10 people.This will take place before the store opening at 7:00 a.m on
June 18th. She will confirm with everyone who can make it and amend the
calendar invite for 6:40 a.m.
CC 06-15-2020/18
Ms. Longo said they are in the process of setting up another ribbon-
cutting event for the F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen.They officially
opened today before setting up a ribbon-cutting. She provided dates for
the event of June 23,June 24, or June 25 at 4:00 p.m. to have their ribbon
cutting. She said she would reach out to the Commission to confirm
which date works best for them to get that finalized and on their
calendar. She noted as a reminder the next Commission meeting will be
on July 20.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 07-20-2020
Matt Morgan, Mayor
ATTEST
Michelle Longo,kWC, F
City Clerk
CC 06-15-2020/19
I
This Page Left Blank Intentionally.
ll
I
CC 06-15-2020/20