CC06-21-2021Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
JUNE 21, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Brian D. Sackett
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matt McMillan
Commissioner Matt Morgan
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, Acting City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David P. Dowda, Police Chief
Craig Dunn, Information Technology Director
Judith Rosado, Financial Services Director
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Reverend Mother Michelle Roach with Christ
Episcopal Church Longwood gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner McMillan led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. Orlando Health South Seminole will sponsor the"Concert in the
Park"event on Saturday,June 26,2021,from 7:00 p.m.to 9:00
p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The
band will be Hayfire and this is a free event.
B. The City of Longwood will host an Independence Day
Celebration on Saturday,July 3, 2021,from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00
p.m. at Reiter Park,311 West Warren Avenue.There will be live
entertainment,food trucks, and fireworks.
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C. The "Downtown Longwood Food Trucks"will be held on
Thursday,July 8, 2021,from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Reiter
Park, 311 West Warren Avenue.
D. The"Downtown Longwood Cruise-In"Car Show will be held on
Saturday,July 10, 2021,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
E. The Senior Matinee will be held on Tuesday,July 13, 2021,from
1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building,
200 West Warren Avenue.This month's feature is Coming 2
America.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#3 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month
Award for July 2021.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Joshua Dinkins, Owner of
Acme Superstore, 905 East State Road 434,for the Business
Person of the month for July 2021. Nomination carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
B. Nomination of the Beautification Award.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Township Plaza for the
Beautification Award. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice
vote.
Mayor Sackett recommended changing the design of the
Beautification Award sign to say"Longwood Beautification
Award". He would like the design presented first and brought
back sometime in January.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. Appointment of a member of the Commission as the primary
representative to the Council of Local Governments in Seminole
County(CALNO).
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker nominated Mayor Sackett to be the
primary representative to the Council of Local Governments in
Seminole County. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
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Commissioner Morgan asked to have further discussion on
whether the CALNO and the Mayors and Managers Group
Meetings are a duplication of efforts.
B. City Commission nomination of a resident to the Board of
Trustees for the City of Longwood Police Officers' and
Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker nominated Bruce Kubec for
reappointment to the Board of Trustees for the Police
Officers' and Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund. Seconded by
Mayor Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Presentation. David Dowda, City of Longwood Chief of Police to
provide a presentation recognizing Officers William Humphries,
Darin Ishani, and Mitchell George for their actions on a call for
service.
Police Chief David Dowda gave a presentation recognizing Officers
for their actions on a call for service. Photographs were then
taken.
B. Public Participation.
Mayor Sackett noted an email from Jim Maloney was received
indicating he is in favor of Item 12C, the Police Department site as
a potential location for Fire Station #15.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Mayor Sackett mentioned his wife is in good health, his
mother's passing, and his family. He reported an issue with a tree in the
neighborhood that Mr. Gioielli said he would look into. He said they are
working it out because the tree is dead and is overlapping a couple of
properties and the street. He asked Mr. Gioielli for an update on
hurricane preparations. He mentioned Code Enforcement checking on
properties before the Special Magistrate meeting and inquired if they are
checking on those after for upkeep. He suggested this should be checked
on and followed up on quarterly.
Mayor Sackett suggested allowing businesses who are still struggling
from COVID to continue the use of their Temporary-Use banners through
Christmas.
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It was the consensus of the Commission to extend the use of Temporary-
Use Banners through Christmas.
Mayor Sackett noticed the wrapped art was around the traffic box next to
the Taco Bell. He said he did not think that was going to happen as fast as
it did. He mentioned the theme of the July 3rd celebration is about Tom
Petty and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Citizens
on Patrol (COP) are going to be out there transporting people to and from
their vehicles.
Mayor Sackett noted his utility bill increased by$5.00. He said he gets
confused with the barriers on St. Laurent, near the Winn Dixie Plaza. He
asked when the barriers are coming down and when the area would be
landscaped. He then said he would like to see the Lewis House as a
gazebo at the Cemetery.
Mayor Sackett reported on the library impact fee and said it was set in
1991 and it was$54, now it is $351. He said he is not going to be
bothered by the impact fee because he is not building any houses but
was surprised at the 700% increase. He asked why there was such an
increase and why did it not get reviewed every five (5)years. He said with
it not being reviewed every five (5)years, they could have done
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incremental boosts. He also said he has not been to the public library
lately and libraries have become digital. He suggested impact fees be
reviewed sooner than later.
Mayor Sackett reported attending the Mayors and Managers meeting
with Sheriff Lemma where opioid prices were discussed and what can be
done county-wide. He mentioned the Memorial Day Celebration at the
Cemetery. He noted the cemetery needs work and suggested a gazebo.
He also suggested adding markers in the cemetery. He advised there is a
video on YouTube by the Holderness Family that shows you how to play
pickleball.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker reported attending the Heroes
Strong Flag Ceremony. She said she enjoyed it and it was the best one
they had even though it rained. She reported stopping by the new Bravo
Supermarket on U.S. Highway 17-92. She said she is happy they are there
and they have a deli with good food. She then welcomed Ms. Lori Rice's
granddaughter Isabella who was in attendance at the meeting.
District#2. No Report.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan expressed his condolences to Ed
Young, chairman of the Seminole Soil & Water Conservation District
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Board, for the loss of his father. He reported attending the Grand
Opening of Bravo Supermarket and noticed a COVID vaccination site in
their parking lot. He also reported attending Papa Bee's Wing Eating
Contest. He thanked Mr. Gioielli for responding to his request to add the
link for the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) intersection
improvements for State Road 434 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard (County
Road 427) to widen the lanes and get a slip lane, on the website and
social media. He said the City has made its formal comment and the more
citizens who add their comments will help us get the attention, funding,
and prioritization for this intersection that is so vital to our economy.
Commissioner McMillan reported on "The true,the good, and the
beautiful". For "The true", he said June 19 was the first federally
recognized celebration of Juneteenth. He said he was glad to see this
holiday recognized as a celebration of freedom. On June 19, 1865, in
Galveston,Texas, Union General Gordon Granger transmitted General
Order 3, which communicated the emancipation proclamation and freed
the last slaves in the confederacy. Annual celebrations began among the
people the following year and every year thereafter, spreading
throughout the south and also following African American communities
as they migrated North. For some,the holiday appeared to come out of
nowhere. It has been around for 165 years. He said he thinks it is
wonderful.
Commissioner McMillan noted Juneteenth joins a couple of other
holidays which started among the people and spread before finally being
federally recognized. He said Thanksgiving and Columbus Day were a few
of those. With today's political environment it is impossible to avoid
controversy and he regrets all three of these holidays grew from the
pride of the people overcoming social obstacles such as religious
persecution, anti-immigrant bias, and the evils of chattel slavery. He said
that will not stop him from honoring them. He is interested in learning
what connection Longwood has to Juneteenth given the fact that our City
was founded shortly thereafter. He looks forward to learning more about
that from the Longwood Historic Society.
Commissioner McMillan reported on "The good" as the Father&
Daughter Dance on Wednesday,June 16. He saw happy families leaving
as he drove by. Over the next two days, two citizens thanked him for
having the City host that event. He said he had nothing to do with that
event but was happy to pass the gratitude along to the Leisure Services
Department.
Commissioner McMillan reported on "The Beautiful" as the Flag
Retirement Ceremony on June 14 at Reiter Park organized by Heroes
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Strong. He said there was a constant crowd despite the rain. He thanked
the Longwood Police and Fire Department for facilitating the event.
Those who stayed until the end had the honor of retiring a flag,
proceeding from the table of flags, and then depositing the flags in the
burning cauldron. He thought this was a very moving experience as the
music was playing. He did not expect the ceremony to be participatory,
he expected to witness the retirement of the flags.They had a bunch of
retired flags on a table and invited members of the audience including
students, Cub Scouts, and the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) to
come up, grab a flag, and honorably retire it. He thought this was
wonderful and said people learn by doing and there is no better way of
learning respect, honor, and reverence than by doing something like that.
He said it made the front page of the Sanford Herald and he hopes it
continues at the park. He thanked David Rubin and Heroes Strong for
pushing this forward and being a great community partner.
Commissioner McMillan wished for everyone to enjoy their
Independence Day and encouraged them to attend the July 3 Celebration
at Reiter Park.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan said he is the Chairman of the
Seminole County Republican Executive Committee Community Outreach
and reported attending the City of Oviedo's Juneteenth celebration. He
said it was a success and his favorite part of the event was how everyone
brought their children to it. He said Jackson Heights, a non-profit
organization, and Mr. William Jackson set this event up with easy-to-read
diagrams and explained the history of how Juneteenth came to be. At this
event, he called the Longwood Historic Society president,Tracy, as well
as our Black History Committee Chairman, H. Alexander Duncan, and J.P
Gilbert about reaching out to the City of Longwood and as a team
formulate an event in the City next year.
Commissioner Morgan said a Longwood senior citizen in need of an air
conditioner reached out to him for help. He then reached out to different
air conditioning companies and the one that got back to him right away
was Dennis Stelling from Armstrong Air Conditioning who created a Go
Fund Me and under forty-eight (48) hours, $3,000 was raised to get her a
new air conditioner. It was just put in this past week. He thanked
everyone who contributed and shared the post, as well as, Armstrong Air
Conditioning.
Commissioner Morgan asked Mr. Gioielli to look into the street lights on
the 200 block of East Bay Avenue. He said he was driving by and there is
just one street light on the whole block and he feels this is unsafe,
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dangerous, and dark. He said with the new townhomes across the street,
traffic will increase.
Mayor Sackett noted Rosedale Avenue also had the same issue and sent
Duke Energy a picture of the pitch-black street with kids waiting for the
school bus that you could not see. He said it took them two (2) years to
get that done.
Commissioner Morgan thanked the Longwood Police Department for
setting up the traffic radar at the Markham Hills Subdivision front
entrance. He hopes the radar picks up the information needed to add
stop signs there. He would like to see three (3) at the intersection of
concern. He suggested commemorating the 10th anniversary of the
Longwood Cruise-In Car Show.
Mayor Sackett said this was supposed to be in the works for September.
Commissioner Morgan said the Longwood Historic Society received a call
from the Habitat for Humanity in Georgia who had a piece of furniture
from the 1800s with a tag indicating the piece belonged to the Bradlee-
McIntyre House.They are bringing it over this Saturday and he invited
everyone to the Bradlee-McIntyre House to celebrate. He mentioned a
contest called Skate for Mark hosted every year at Candyland Park. He
said Mark Stevens was a young adolescent who passed by accidentally
taking pain killers laced with fentanyl. He said he was looked up to by
many kids, was a big skateboarder in Longwood, and had a very big
following. The Stevens will be holding this event on Saturday and invited
him to speak. He thanked them for holding this event.
Commissioner Morgan suggested looking into copywriting the term
"Strongwood" for City marketing and generating revenue for it.
Discussion ensued on copywriting the term "Strongwood"for the City.
Mr. Langley advised he would look into it and bring it back for discussion.
Commissioner Morgan noted the Bravo Supermarket is not in the City of
Longwood. It is in unincorporated Casselberry. The owners asked for a
Longwood representative for their Grand Opening. He reported attending
their Ribbon Cutting. He said they want to be a part of the City and
attended the Heroes Strong Flag Retirement Ceremony.That same
evening, he reported attending the Car Show and the Family Safety and
Fun Night event by Detective Maurice Edwards from the Seminole County
Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Task Force along with Janet Edwards,
CEO of Paving the Way, a non-profit organization. He thanked Leisure
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Services for setting up the event. He said the Sheriff's department was
pleased with the event.
Commissioner Morgan reported attending the Heroes Flag Retirement
Ceremony. He said this was the biggest event yet and there were people
from other cities in attendance. He commended and thanked Leisure
Services, Mr. Capizzi, and Mr. Ryan Rinaldo for helping Mr. Rubin set up
the event, Sgt. Derek Chenoweth who created the logo for that event,
and Mr. Rubin for a successful flag retirement ceremony.
Commissioner Morgan reported attending a meeting with Seminole
County's Boys &Girls Club Board on Tuesday,June 15.The next day he
reported speaking to an at-risk youth group at Lake Mary High School
about dreaming big. He thanked them for having him. He mentioned the
Seminole Science Charter School contacted him about brand new
textbooks and workbooks they had from grades kindergarten to fifth (K-
5). He reached out to the Boys and Girls Clubs around Seminole County
and asked them if they wanted the books.They did and he is in the
process of shipping it to them.The next day he reported receiving a call
from the same school wanting to give away their electronic/virtual
whiteboard and he gave it to the Sanford Boys &Girls Club who said they
could use it. He picked it up and brought it over to them on the weekend.
He thanked Seminole Science Charter School for their donations.
Commissioner Morgan said he was invited to speak at the National Teen
Age Republicans(TARS) State Convention this year. He is going to talk
about leaving a fingerprint in your community, what they are passionate
about, and paying it forward.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of the June 7,2021, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for May 2021.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for May 2021.
D. Approval of Resolution No. 21-1569; Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT)State Highway Lighting, Maintenance,
and Compensation Agreement.
E. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$35,000 to
McDirmit, Davis &Company for auditing services for fiscal year
2021.
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Mayor Sackett mentioned the concerns he had about the
Financial Report and overtime.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve Items 10A
through 10E as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker thanked Ms. Rosado for the work she
puts into the second monthly run.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. The City Commission to hear a public request for Special
Exception (SPE 01-21)to the City of Longwood Development
Code (LDC)Article III, Development Design Standards,Sections
3.2.3 (D)(7)and 3.2.3(D)(10)for a proposed Twistee Treat ice
cream restaurant at the intersection of East Street and State
Road 434. (This item was continued from the June 7, 2021, City
Commission meeting).
Mr. Langley explained this is a quasi-judicial item and requires any
ex-parte communications to be disclosed by the Commissioners.
Any discussion a Commissioner had with the developer or any
person who was for or against this project, be disclosed before
proceeding. In quasi-judicial matters,the Commission acts as a
panel of judges, evaluates the evidence presented, any
documents or testimony, and evaluates whether or not the
criteria for a Special Exception in the Code are met based on what
is heard.The applicant has the burden of proof to show that the
criteria and the Code have met what is requested to be waived.
Mr. Langley stated anyone wishing to speak on behalf or in
opposition to this agenda item is requested to step forward,
stand, and be sworn in. He then swore in those wishing to speak.
Mr. Langley asked for disclosure of ex-parte communications by
the Commissioners. There were no ex-parte communications.
Applicant Kelly Frolic,Twistee Treat. She introduced herself and
said the Twistee Treat brand started in 1983 and grew very rapidly
through a franchise system. In 1989, they went bankrupt and in
2010 the trademark and brand were purchased and started
growing the brand again.There are thirty-five (35) stores
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throughout Central Florida. She said they have been very
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successful and would love to come to this community.The
building is unique and part of their brand.They try to bring back a
sense of community, having fun, and quality time with your
family.They believe the building and getting your ice cream from
a big ice cream cone is part of that fun atmosphere and is
important to them. She hopes the Commissioners support their
request to build the building as is. She then showed pictures of
the building.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and said the Longwood
Development Code does not anticipate an ice cream cone design.
It is a unique structure that is part of the brand.There are many
standards.The request is consistent with the spirit and intent of
the code and provides equal or better results from the Code.
There is language in the Code about alternative building design.
He said we are comfortable with it and it is a pattern developing
in several Central Florida cities. He then answered questions.
Discussion ensued about the structure of the building and the four
special exceptions.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Special Exception 01-21.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Special
Exception (SPA 01-21) as presented Item 11A. Seconded
by Commissioner Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous
roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only, set July 19, 2021,as the public hearing date,
and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 21-2200,a Small
Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment(SPA 01-21)for
properties at 250 North Street and Pineda Street.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 21-2200 by title only.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker declared a conflict of interest on this
Item and stated she would be abstaining from voting. She said she
prepares the accounting and taxes for Anselmo Godhino, a
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general and domestic partner with the Seminole County business
bordering the land in the City of Longwood requesting a land-use
change. She said she has a financial interest, as a paid tax
preparer, with Mr. Godhino and therefore with be abstaining
from voting to avoid any perception of a possible conflict.
Mr. Langley clarified it would take all three (3) Commissioners to
approve the Item to pass. All votes require a minimum of three (3)
affirmative votes to pass.
Mike Rich, Elevation Development, 121 South Orange Avenue,
Orlando. He said he is the contract purchaser of the property and
seeking to change plan use as recommended and suggested by
staff. He said they are in total agreement with their findings and
are looking forward to enhancing south Longwood.They think the
mix-used infill development is very appropriate and look forward
to a Class A type project.
Mr. Langley asked if Mr. Rich wishes to proceed with the Item
considering there is one (1) abstained vote and one (1) vacant
seat or wait until after the Special Election when there will be an
additional Commissioner.
Mr. Rich said he would like to proceed since there are time
constraints they need to be mindful of.
Eric Lagassey, Consulting Engineer for Kimley-Horn &Associates,
189 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1000, Orlando. He presented the
Item and said Exhibit 1 depicts the location of which they are
requesting approval of a small-scale comprehensive plan
amendment of two parcels located on the west side of Ronald
Reagan Boulevard (County Road 427) near the intersection of Dog
Track Road. He requested both parcels have a future land use of
infill mixed-use and be included in the Lyman planning district.
The request is consistent with the surrounding area and most
properties immediately adjacent to the subject parcels are
designated as infill mixed-use.Approval of this amendment would
provide a local extension to the boundaries of the infill mixed-use
districts.The subject properties will be included as part of a larger
mixed-use development program comprised of 14.3 aggregate
acres. It will include the other three (3) infill mixed-use properties
adjacent to the east.
Mr. Lagassey said the proposed amendment will allow the
development of cohesive mixed-used infill projects that include
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multi-family residential options and retail opportunities for the
residents of Longwood. By approving this amendment the City will II
provide the conditions for the development of additional housing
adjacent to the quarter envisioned for infill and mixed-use
development and proximity to schools and the Sunrail.The
amendment is consistent with the market trends and would help
to address the increased demand for mixed-use development and
additional housing options in the City.The project will not
adversely affect levels of service as there are adequate public
facilities to serve the proposed land use as mentioned in the City
of Longwood's staff report.
Mr. Lagassey said the amendment is consistent with the City of
Longwood comprehensive plan and as such discourages urban
sprawl and encourages the development of infill properties,
promotes a horizontally mixed-use development on aggregated
parcels with a mixture of uses within the IMU district, and is
supporting the provision of the housing units of various types,
sizes, and costs.The applicant is supportive of the City's
community design goals and the applicant will comply with
applicable compatibility standards.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and said this is a land-use change
generated by the applicant. He said it is always tough when you
have a land-use change since it is directly associated with the
project. Land-use changes run with the land, meaning if a
particular applicant came in and decided not to do the project and
sells it to someone else, the land-use change stays with it.The
land-use changes with the property and not with any particular
project.There is infill mixed-use on Ronald Reagan Boulevard
(County Road 427) adjacent to the corridor through with some
industrial behind it. Staff is seeing changes in this area and are
comfortable with this while being cognizant there are some
incompatibilities in the short term. Staff asked the applicant to do
a general overview of the impacts of the projects and the land-use
change is not going to have an impact on our facilities. He then
answered questions.
Discussion ensued about the plans for the land and introducing a
commercial-only zoning category to the land use districts.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Ordinance No.
21-2200 and set July 19, 2021, as the public hearing date.
Seconded by Mayor Sackett and failed by a two-to-one (2-
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1) roll call vote with Deputy Shoemaker abstaining and
Commissioner Morgan voting nay.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 21-1568,which
amends the Fiscal Year 2020/2021 budget to appropriate funds
for the 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding
Program Grant#2021-CERF-SEMI-1-5A-036.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 21-1568 by title only.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-
1568 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. City Commission discussion on the Police Department site as a
potential location for Fire Station#15.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and said it is the staff's goal to get
the Fire Station and Police Station built cost-effectively. He said
the Downtown location does create less than optimal issues for
police and fire.The cost of the Fire Station is going to be
significant. He said there is enough money to do three (3)
different sites but things can be moved around if needed,
however,there are a finite amount of hours we can put the
consultant to work on. He said Powell Street is a baseline option
but creates some issues and would not support a Police station if
the long-term goal is to have something for both. He asked for
guidance and answered questions.
Discussion ensued on potential locations and properties for the
Police and Fire departments.
Mayor Sackett moved to have a formal discussion that
includes the Fire and Police Chiefs. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a three-to-one (3-1)
voice vote with Commissioner McMillan voting nay.
D. Mayor Sackett requests City Commission discussion on the
Library Impact Fee Technical Committee Meeting.
Mayor Sackett stated his concerns about the significant increase
of impact fees over the years and asked what can be done about
monitoring these over the years.
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Mr. Kintner said the City can express its concerns to the County in
an official manner.
Mr. Gioielli noted there is a new state law requiring an increase
be more gradual moving forward.
E. City Commission and consideration of reappointment of the
Acting City Manager for one-hundred and twenty(120) day
period commencing at 12:01 a.m. on July 13,2021, and ending at
12:00 a.m. on November 10, 2021. If the City Commission
reappoints Mr. Gioielli for an additional period,the provisions of
the Memorandum of Agreement, as previously amended,shall
continue to apply as contemplated by the Second Amendment
to the Memorandum of Agreement.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 12E as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli thanked the Commission for being supportive. He reported on
hurricane preparation and said staff has taken steps such as ensuring to
move forward should an activation of our local Emergency Operations
Center(EOC) be necessary. City Staff has already started training with
Seminole County EOC staff so there will be a smooth transition between
the two organizations that work with the State during hurricane
operations. Locally, our staff has started to maintain and address any
retention pond issues while ensuring that our emergency equipment
specifically generators and additional backup equipment for lift stations
are in place.There was an intentional delay with the St. Laurent barriers
evaluating traffic patterns should additional changes be necessary before
the finalization of the intersection. He said he would inquire about it to
see when it can be finalized and make it nicer.
Mr. Gioielli said there has been a deactivation at Seminole County EOC
regarding the pandemic including the closing of the Oviedo Mall where
COVID vaccinations were available.Testing will still be available at two
kiosks provided by Seminole County located in Red Bug Lake Park and the
other at the Seminole County Museum.They are both open seven days a
week. Vaccinations will now be offered in Seminole County through the
Florida Department of Health and True Health located in Casselberry,
Sanford, and Alafaya.
Mr. Gioielli said he has requested Mr. Smith, Public Works Director,
submit a request to evaluate the necessity for traffic lights in the 200
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block of Bay Avenue. He also requested Mr. Smith ask for an independent
review from an engineer regarding the request for traffic stop signs at
Hearthstone Lane and Ridgeline Run. He reported on Temporary Use
permits and said he will ensure they continue in effect until January 1,
2022.
Mr. Gioielli said he informally learned about the final wrap that went up
at the traffic box on Ronald Reagan Boulevard (County Road 427) and
State Road 434 by the Seminole County Cultural Arts Council. He clarified
staff was not aware of that and he emailed the Council. He reported
receiving a rough draft quote for the necessary work to completely
rebuild the Lewis House estimated at$100,000. He said should the
Commission elect to move forward with that and elect plumbing, there
would be an additional $20,000 charge. If electrical were necessary it is
estimated at$10,000. If we were going to use this as a fully functioning
building, the utility hookup would be at an additional cost. Moving the
building is estimated between $7,000 and $10,000 assuming moving
power lines would not be necessary. He said unless the Commission
wants another option, we have gone back and asked Armon &Sons if
they could give us a rough idea on what it would cost to turn the building
into a gazebo and moved over to the cemetery. They are also looking into
grants that may be supportive of our goal.
Mr. Gioielli advised they are moving forward on reviewing and collecting
statistics and data on the potential for the annexation of the VFW
property. We will be in contact with representatives from that property
soon. For the American Rescue plan, he said we are continuing to seek
more guidance presented and we have until 2024 to decide what is the
best use of the money for our community. He noted there has been
communication with other City Managers in Seminole County and we are
hoping to collect data to bring to the Commission suggesting ways we can
collaboratively work together as a county for community outreach.
Mr. Gioelli reported on the Father-Daughter dance and said it was
popular.Tickets sold out almost instantly. We were able to track the
communities with the highest representation at the event.Those
communities were the City of Apopka, Winter Springs, and Orlando. He
reported the July 3 celebration is set up.There is an operational plan in
place, we are staffed appropriately for fire rescue personnel and law
enforcement, and transportation efforts have been set up to help move
some of our customers from the Sunrail.
Mr. Gioielli said he was tasked by the Commission to create a Public
Relations position. After consultation with the Finance Director and
seeing the industry standards on the position he thinks the Commission
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will be interested in, we have been able to come up with an appropriate
salary and benefits.The salary is estimated at a little under$50,000 plus ll
benefits, estimated at$68,773 a year salary and benefits.The position is
in the budget for the next fiscal year. If there is a strong interest in the
position before the next fiscal year budget, staff can move forward
without increasing the budget by using the unused Deputy Chief money
from the Police Department salary and benefits lines. He said staff has
suggestions on responsibilities and duties they think would best serve the
Commission's wishes.
It was the consensus of the Commission to approve a new position.
Mr. Gioielli said we can provide training on different topics to this
individual.They could be responsible for the content and material on the
City's website making it consistent with the way it is being presented.
They can capture the material of the things going on in the City either
through digital imaging or videos including things involving great
accomplishments of our City employees, events, achievements, or
recognitions that go on with our City Council such as awards,
proclamations, or ribbon cuttings. We can ask this individual to oversee
this City's social media, initiate press releases, network and develop
relationships with those in the media, comprise email lists of different
businesses, and become a civil coordinator on things like business clubs,
faith-based organizations, youth support, and volunteer services. He
suggested the position be assigned to the City Manager's office since it is
the one position that touches every department and works closely with
the Commission. He said that while we hope for no reason to activate our
EOC or have Emergency Preparedness necessities, this individual changes
the role should the City find itself in a position where they need to share
critical information to keep our residents safe.
Mr. Langley stated the Commission can do a roll call vote to approve a
new position but believes a budget transfer will need to be done in the
future.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve the creation of a
Public Information Officer reporting to the City Manager.
Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous
roll call vote.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo said the Annual Florida League of Cities conference will be
held in Orlando this year from August 12 through August 14. She advised
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she would be reaching out to the Commission to confirm their
attendance for registration purposes. At the July 19 meeting, we will
designate one official to be the voting delegate for the conference. Each
year there are policy committees the League has. If anyone is interested,
she will inquire about additional information. She mentioned the two
gates at Longwood Memorial Gardens on Grant Street and Credo Street
and said there has been an increase in traffic going through these gates.
The gates are open at 8:00 a.m. and close at sunset Monday through
Sunday. There was a recent disruption with an active service that was
going on. In an attempt to cut through traffic, and keep the peace and
tranquility of the cemetery for an active funeral and visitors, she asked
the Commission about keeping the Credo Street gate closed and only
open it should there be a funeral or reason to open that side.
Discussion ensued on signage or blockage for the Credo Street gate
entrance.
Mayor Sackett suggested closing the Credo Street gate for three months
on a trial basis.
Ms. Longo clarified the intent is to keep the Credo Street gate closed all
the time, to avoid the cut-through traffic that is occurring daily. She also
noted the Grant Street entrance would be open and used as the main
entrance.
It was the consensus of the Commission to close it and use signage on a
trial basis.
She reminded the Commission that the July 5 meeting was canceled,the
next regular Commission meeting will be on July 19, and the Budget
Workshop is set for July 12.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 07-19-2
Brian D. Sackett, Mayo
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