CC05-02-2022Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
May 2, 2022
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Matt Morgan
Deputy Mayor Tony Boni
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matt McMillan
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, Acting City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David Dowda, Police Chief
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. Pastor Oscar Clavel, with Wekiva Presbyterian
Church, gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner McMillan led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
A. Election of Mayor
Mayor Sackett turned the meeting over to the City Attorney to conduct
the Election of Mayor.
Mr. Langley stated the election of Mayor occurs at the first meeting in
May of every year and is elected amongst the Members of the
Commission. He opened the floor for nominations.
Deputy Mayor Boni nominated Commissioner Morgan as Mayor.
1111 Commissioner Morgan stated he accepted the nomination.
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Mr. Langley closed the floor for nominations.
Nomination carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mayor Morgan made a statement where he thanked fellow
Commissioners for their support and acknowledged the presence of John
C. Maingot and Ben Paris, both former Mayors of the City of Longwood.
He said the Mayor is by title only in a ceremonial position, and the
residents need to understand the Commissioners are five (5) equal parts
in their responsibilities in improving and moving the City forward. He
also thanked Deputy Mayor Boni for nominating him and his teammates
for believing in him. He said next year he will nominate someone who
has not had the opportunity to be Mayor.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital along with Ladies 327,
Inc. will be sponsoring the "Concert in the Park"event on
Saturday, May 7, 2022,from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Reiter
Park, 311 West Warren Avenue. There will be a kids'zone,
vendors, and food trucks. Music starts at 7:00 p.m. and the
band will be Papa Wheelee.
B. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, ...I
from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community
Building, 200 West Warren Avenue.This month's feature is The
Hero.
C. The City of Longwood will host a Food Truck Battle and Concert
in the Park on Saturday, May 14, 2022,from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00
p.m.at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue.
D. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In"Car Show will be held on
Saturday, May 14, 2022,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#3 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month
Award for May 2022.
Commissioner McMillan nominated Long's Tailor, 300 St. Laurent
Street for the Business Person of the month for May 2022.
Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
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B. Recognizing Ms. Michelle Longo, City Clerk,for obtaining the
designation of Master Municipal Clerk(MMC)through the
International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).
Mrs. Patricia Burke, MMC, Florida Association of City Clerks
(FACC) Central East District Director and Town Clerk of Town of
Palm Shores, gave a brief history of what is required to achieve
the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) Certification. She recognized
Ms. Michelle Longo for obtaining the designation of MMC and
presented her with a certificate and pin from the International
Institute of Municipal Clerks (MC). Photographs were then taken
alongside other clerks in the area who were in attendance.
C. Proclaiming May 1 through May 7, 2022,as Municipal Clerk's
Week.
Commissioner Sackett read the Proclamation and then presented
it to Ms. Longo, City Clerk, and Ms. Raines, Records Coordinator.
Photographs were then taken alongside other clerks in the area
who were in attendance.
D. Proclaiming May 15 through May 21, 2022,as"National Police
Week" and "Peace Officers Memorial Day".
Commissioner Sackett read the Proclamation and then presented
it to Police Chief Dowda. Photographs were then taken.
E. Proclaiming the month of May as "Mental Health Awareness
Month".
Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and then presented it to
Ali's Hope Foundation. Photographs were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Ken Greenberg, Longwood Babe Ruth. He congratulated Mayor Morgan
on his election as mayor and Ms. Longo on her designation of Master
Municipal Clerk (MMC). He said he hoped the residents of Longwood
realize how lucky they are to have a Board that is cohesive and works
together, and has the interest of the community. He also said he really
does not hear anything negative about Longwood, and he told the
Commission they do a wonderful job and they should be commended.
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He added he wished it was this smooth in Winter Springs which it is not.
•.J
He said the reason he was here is he wanted to thank David Rubin, Mayor
Matt Morgan, and the Board for their support of the Longwood Babe
Ruth League. He was here on behalf of Game Time Cardz, which is his
son's and daughter-in-law's business. He recalled when Mr. Rubin and
Mayor Morgan visited Game Time Cardz they shared their enthusiasm
and vision of where they were going with Longwood Babe Ruth. He
comes from Winter Springs and knows Frank Martz, City Manager at
Altamonte Springs, and they have very big programs. He realized
Longwood was an upstart and officials asked for his support. He felt
Game Time Cardz has been extremely strong in supporting Longwood
Babe Ruth and said the company was probably the largest donor. He said
Game Time Cardz still intends to be a long-term sponsor of the children in
Longwood because it is all about the children when the day is done. He
added politics aside it is truly about the kids, it is truly about the
community. He said he just wanted to say that Game Time Cardz is
beyond thrilled to have been part of Longwood Babe Ruth as the season
comes to an end this week. The company tried to participate in
everything it could including the league's grand opening ceremony,the
closing ceremony, and everything else in between. He thanked the
Commission and the people of Longwood. He said Game Time Cardz very
much appreciates the opportunity to help as well as appreciates the
support and love shown to the company.
David Rubin, Longwood Babe Ruth. He said he is president of Heroes
Strong and president of Longwood Babe Ruth. He thanked everyone for
their wishes,thoughts, and messages following a bad car accident that he
was involved in. He said he was still recovering and it was one of the
scariest things he has ever gone through. Everyone has asked him about
that, and that meant more than anything to him. He said he has a lot of
internal issues, and he is going to continue to heal, recover and get
stronger so we can continue to win for our future, our heroes and for you
all. He was here today to thank the City of Longwood, Strongwood,
saying Longwood is the strongest City in the world because of the
Commission, our heroes,our community, our neighbors,these local
businesses, and what the Commission does as a team, and our heroes.
He became president of Longwood Babe Ruth for only one reason, which
was to make the Commission proud. He could not express how much
everyone has done for him but more importantly for our future
community and our heroes. He said you have given them raises, you
have taken care of them, you have created Heroes Strong to be the home
of Longwood. At Reiter Park, we have a huge flag retirement ceremony
and the Commission just came out with flag mailboxes. He thanked
Deputy Mayor Boni and his wife. He said it is absolutely incredible what
they are doing as a team. He was honored for the Commission to be
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open to everything that is happening. He said this is his first season as
Longwood Babe Ruth president and will be his last season as Longwood
Babe Ruth president. He wanted everyone to know he gave everything
he had to make sure the Commission was proud and the byproduct of
that was our future is going to be stronger and he just could not thank
everyone enough. He said when we do things, we do things as a
community adding you can see Game Time Cardz here and Melissa has
been taking him around, he still is not driving. Today he just wanted to
thank everyone. He congratulated City Clerk Ms. Longo and newly elected
Mayor Morgan. He also had a small gift for the Commission, some cards
made by Melissa. He passed out a card to each Commissioner, the Police
Department, and Leisure Services Department.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Mayor Morgan thanked former Mayor Sackett for his service
to the City noting he has been Mayor multiple times. He thanked him for
his contributions not only as a teacher but as an elected official.
Mayor Morgan reported attending the Sound Check, Bach to Rock event
at Reiter Park on April 30. He was there briefly to hear students play
music before going to coach his son's Buddy Ball team in Altamonte
111 Springs. He returned to see the girls' double-header softball game for
Longwood Babe Ruth. He was proud to say the girls' team won their 11th
and 12th straight games. He thanked team coach Alyssa Theobald for her
hard work. He said Ms.Theobald, who is twenty-three (23), a U.S.
Marine and true leader taking on a task of a coach for the first time. With
the help of Mayor Morgan and his wife as coaches, she was impressive.
In addition, half of the girls' team had never played softball before. He
attributed the girls' success to the free baseball and softball clinics held
three times a week by Longwood Babe Ruth President David Rubin. The
clinics also raised registration numbers with one hundred (100) plus
players versus last season. He thanked Babe Ruth President Rubin for the
increase in player registration. He said softball was not available last
season and this year they had three (3)teams. He is looking to increase
those teams with each progressing season, and he and his wife enjoy
coaching the players.
Mayor Morgan reminded everyone of the event "The Nole/Hound
Throwdown", a professional wrestling fundraiser at Lyman High School
scheduled at 6:00 p.m. on May 14. He along with Chris Anderson,
Seminole County Supervisor of Elections, planned to participate in the
event in addition to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) alumni Stevie
Richards, as well as, Austin and Colten Gunn of the Gunn Club for All Elite
Wrestling(AEW). He said it was a big deal for the City to get these
wrestling stars who are willing to give up their time in which they
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normally get$15,000 to$20,000 for just one (1) performance. He
explained the whole purpose of the event is one hundred percent (100%)
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of the proceeds get split between Lyman High School's Athletic
Department and the Seminole High School's Athletic Department. School
Principals Michael Hunter and Jordan Rodriguez will also participate in
the event. Mayor Morgan stated the more we can continue to get our
kids involved, whether in the band or any after-school activities in which
they are feeling a part of something the better. He added the more we
continue to raise money for our athletic departments especially Lyman
High School, the more we continue to make it more attractive for other
kids to want to come to our school and play sports that can also lead to a
scholarship for college.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett thanked Commissioner Shoemaker, he
did go to One School of the Arts off Markham Woods Road in Seminole
County. The sixth-graders totaling about one hundred twenty-five (125)
visited thirty(30) stations where they had to show themselves as
respectful of other adults, make eye contact, and were asked questions
like "what is a positive and negative that is going on in the world." He
said the eleven (11)year-olds had one minute to answer a question, and
the answers were stupendous. He enjoyed the two-and-half-hour
program and there were other companies there encouraging
entrepreneurship amongst the students.
Commissioner Sackett reported attending the Tri-County League of Cities
meeting held in Apopka. He commented it was nice to see almost
everyone in Seminole County including Mayors and Commissioners in
attendance. In regards to the upcoming wrestling event at Lyman High
School, he planned to participate in the event as a ticket taker at the
door.
Commissioner Sackett mentioned his grandson, Phoenix, is in his last
week of the season as a team player for Longwood Babe Ruth. His
grandson was at bat thirty-six (36)times and scored twenty-nine (29)
home runs, so he played well and had fun too. He saw his granddaughter
play last week at Senior Softball Night at Lyman High School. That night
his granddaughter was scheduled to play her last game at Lyman before
she goes off to college. He commented Winter Springs and Lyman High
School held its prom last Saturday, and he did not hear of any problems
with the students going to Universal Studios in Orlando.
Commissioner Sackett said he attended the Longwood Community Health
Fair and went to many of the exhibits learning about different programs
associated with AdventHealth Advantage Plans. He also mentioned the
Longwood Jazz Festival featuring school groups was held that same day at
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Reiter Park. He said the Heroes Ceremony scheduled the following day
was canceled, and he was glad to see Heroes Strong President Rubin on
the mend. He also coordinated with the City of Casselberry to get their
ladder truck to go up one hundred and five (105)feet to do the Annual
Egg Drop at Woodlands Elementary School in Longwood. That same
weekend he attended the Drug Takeback Day at the Longwood Police
Department returning his EpiPens for bee allergies and some old
medications. He said the joint venture between the police and fire
departments was a good community service.
Commissioner Sackett reported Longwood's Employee Night Out was
scheduled for the upcoming Friday, May 6. The next day a free concert
for the public was to be held at Reiter Park. He thanked staff for
arranging the meeting with local business Ms.Trippy's Emporium which
he said was informational and lengthy but it accomplished many things.
Commissioner Sackett asked Mr. Gioielli if the fountain at Heroes'
Monument Park was out of the water and noted it is not working.
Mr. Gioielli replied staff was getting ready to service the fountain and
maybe that is why there is no water.
Commissioner Sackett stated it has been about a week since the fountain
has not been operating.
Mr. Gioielli answered he would check on the status of the fountain.
Commissioner Sackett said it would be nice to have the fountain running
correctly for the Flag Retirement Ceremony in June.
Commissioner Sackett said about sixteen (16)years ago the City dissolved
its Code Enforcement Board and brought in a Special Magistrate. He
asked if staff ever reviewed the Magistrate's contract besides salary, and
wondered how she is doing. He had no concerns about the Magistrate
and things seemed to be going smooth but he thought someone who has
been in a position for sixteen (16) years should get a review.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker thanked Commissioner Sackett for
attending the event at One School of the Arts. She was not able to
attend due to her work schedule but looks forward to going another
time. She reported attending the Tri-County League of Cities meeting in
Apopka and hoped as a Commission, or as ordinary citizens, they could
do something regarding the rising costs of homeowners' insurance in the
State of Florida. She suggested sending emails or making phone calls to
state legislators.
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Commissioner Shoemaker offered her congratulations to Ms. Longo on
her designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) and said she is the glue
that holds the five (5) members of the City Commission together and she
is greatly appreciated. Commissioner Shoemaker also asked fellow
Commissioners to be mindful of Ms. Longo when one or more of them
are going to an event because she is technically supposed to post that
one or more of the Commissioners will be present to cover her
guidelines. In a recent email, Ms. Longo was not aware of something,
and Commissioner Shoemaker pointed out it serves as a reminder to the
Commission to let the City Clerk know when they are planning to attend
an event together.
Commissioner Shoemaker commented on the luncheon meeting of the
Tri-County League of Cities in May saying Ethics will follow afterward
which she planned to attend as well. She recommended the Ethics
Program to those who needed to take it.
District#2. Deputy Mayor Boni thanked Commissioner Sackett for his
leadership over the past year as Mayor, and he was looking forward to
the leadership of newly elected Mayor Morgan. He also congratulated
Ms. Longo on her recent designation as MMC and recognized the
attendance of other City Clerks in support of her. J
Deputy Mayor Boni reported attending the Longwood Community Health
Fair which he thought was very well done. He visited every booth and
had his blood sugar tested. The day before he celebrated his 24th
wedding anniversary with his wife Amy.
Deputy Mayor Boni said he received a few phone calls, as well as, been
approached, about dogs at the Farmers Market in Longwood. He asked
what are the actual rules. He was told by a guy at the Farmers Market
that dogs are allowed but the No Dogs signs are there. He asked if dogs
are allowed at the Farmers Market on the paved area.
Mr. Gioielli replied he is under the impression that dogs are not allowed
at the Farmers Market.
Mayor Morgan confirmed dogs are not allowed because of the splash pad
at the park. He said if a dog goes potty on the pavement, it has the
opportunity to run off with rain into the splash pad.
Deputy Mayor Boni responded he just wanted to confirm the No Dogs
policy at Reiter Park.
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District#3. Commissioner McMillan expressed his congratulations to
Mayor Morgan on his recent appointment and thanked Commissioner
Sackett for his leadership over the last year. He also thanked Game Time
Cardz for being a great community partner and was glad to see Mr. Rubin
up and about after his car accident.
Commissioner McMillan said last Monday he went on a walk from
Automotive One to the SunRail Station and got a different impression of
the City. He did a tour of State Road 434 on the way to the SunRail
Station and posted it on Facebook which people were following him Live.
He said the tour was like a "Who's Who of City Commission Agenda
Items." He walked immediately past Ms.Trippy's Emporium whom he
planned to meet with later in the week, and then he crossed State Road
434 and stood on the corner regarding the public hearing for an
annexation between U.S. Highway 17-92 and State Road 434. He said
between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.there is a significant amount of traffic that
comes through on that corner and it is not a safe place to stand around.
He continued down State Road 434 and saw the construction of the
Twistee Treat which, he thought was coming along nicely. He planned to
go to Two Bell's Café to wait for the train but unfortunately, they are
closed on Mondays and Tuesdays which reflects some of the economic
issues he has mentioned before. He said he was expecting there to be
more business, and it was after rush hour. He was taking photos across
State Road 434 and he had no problem getting photos with no cars in
them. He did not get the sense that business was busy on a Monday
morning. He came over to City Hall and got picked up so he could work
at home until the train was ready. His attempt to use alternative
transportation did not work out and he was not able to stimulate a local
business. But in contrast, last Friday he did attend the grand opening of
the Alestone Brewing Co. in Longwood. He reported the business was full
with standing room only both inside and outside areas. For the first time
other than a city event, he saw the street parking installed on Ronald
Reagan Boulevard being used. He said in regards to economic
development the City is getting more activity in the afternoon and
evening with such businesses as Historic Cigars, Nan & Pop's Ice Cream,
and Alestone Brewing but during the day there is not so much activity.
Commissioner McMillan noticed also on Ronald Reagan Boulevard the
installation of new banners which he thought were a vast improvement
over the previous design in terms of visibility. He also mentioned he liked
the idea of Reiter Park being used to showcase student talent the last
two Saturdays with the Jazz Festival and Bach to Rock. He said students
had the opportunity to perform basically on the village green for the
public.
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Commissioner McMillan reported on the true, good and beautiful. For
the "true" he remarked upon the gross domestic product (GDP) saying in
the first quarter the U.S. economy annualized at a rate of one-point four
percent(1.4%) contracted. There was a decrease in GDP, the first
contraction since the pandemic. After the lockdown was lifted,the
economy immediately shot back up thirty percent (30%) last year. He
expressed concerns with the one-quarter of decrease this year, and two
quarters make it a recession. There is already the inflation which is
continuing. He said we need to be careful as we move forward and there
is talk of stagflation coming back. For the "good", he saw diligence in Mr.
Hung Phan who he nominated for Business Person of the Month for May.
He said every time he stopped by Long's Tailor, Mr. Phan was working on
his sewing machine with his back to the door. If someone came in, he
would get their order and return right to work. Commissioner McMillan
explained Mr. Phan did not want to leave his work and customers to
receive an award from the City so the Commission will do a presentation
at his shop. For the "beautiful", he said it was great to hear what his
grandfather called good music which was jazz at the Longwood Jazz
Festival. He got to hear one of his favorite songs "Chatanooga Choo
Choo."
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mr. Langley stated there is a request to continue Item 11A until the May
16, 2022 meeting as there is an error in the legal description which will
need to be corrected.
Deputy Mayor Boni moved to continue Item 11A to the May 16,
2022 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and carried by
a unanimous roll call vote.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of April 6, 2022,Work Session,and April 18,
2022, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for April 2022.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A
through 10B as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 22-2224, annexing a
portion of State Road 434 east of U.S. Highway 17-92.
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Item was continued to the May 16, 2022 meeting.
B. The City Commission to hear a public request for Special
Exception (SPE 01-22)to the City of Longwood Development
Code (LDC)Article V,Supplemental Standards, Section 5.3.0(E)
for a proposed accessory structure at 395 Georgia Avenue.
Mr. Langley stated this is a quasi-judicial matter and 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 Mr. Kintner.
Mr. Langley stated in these quasi-judicial matters the Commission
will make its decision based on the criteria in the Code and apply
the facts and evidence that are presented to determine if the
applicant meets the criteria of the Code. He said the staff
documents the criteria in the staff report and will provide their
recommendation.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item. He said on this item the staff
report was entered into the record. He primarily wanted to focus
on the element that when staff looks at special exceptions,they
look for unique conditions. He explained there is a unique
condition on this site where the presence of the power line
prevents the applicant from connecting the accessory structure to
the primary structure in that situation the accessory structure is
larger than what we would normally allow but as staff looked at
here, they see it as a unique situation where they are meeting
everything else in terms of impervious surface and setbacks and
those kinds of issues. He said staff is comfortable with the
proposal even though it exceeds the amount that is allowable for
accessory structure, and staff does so with no concerns about the
actual project and also no concerns about the potential future
impact.
Discussion ensued and questions were asked about the accessory
structure,the size, what triggers the fifty percent (50%) number,
what staff looked at it in this case, and what would create some
hardship for the applicant.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Special Exception (SPE 01-22).
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Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and carried
by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Special
Exception (SPE 01-22) as presented Item 11B. Seconded
by Commissioner Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous
roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Approve the purchase of four(4) 2022 Ford Police Interceptors
for use by the department's traffic enforcement unit.
Chief Dowda presented the Item.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Item 12A as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 22-1599,which
amends the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget to appropriate funds
for the purchase of four(4) 2022 Ford Police Interceptors for the
traffic enforcement unit. •••r
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 22-1599 by title only.
Ms. Rosado presented the Item.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Resolution No. 22-
1599 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. City Commission discussion and approval of the selection of a
firm for transportation planning services for the implementation
of a mobility fee consistent with the City's Request for
Qualifications (RFQ).
Mr. Kintner presented the Item. He said this item is the
selection of a transportation planning firm for the creation of a
mobility fee. He said staff put out a Request for Qualifications
(RFQ). They had two (2)firms and a staff committee comprised of
Shad Smith, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Anjum
Mukherjee, Senior Planner, and himself. The committee selected
New Urban Concepts. He stated if approved tonight, staff would ..t
move forward with negotiation on a contract and that contract
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would come back to the Commission. He said the money for the
mobility study is budgeted in the current fiscal year's budget so
there will be no need to draw from reserves.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Item 12C as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. City Commission consideration to waive the formal procurement
procedures and approve an agreement with CC Consulting for
retail attraction services and authorize the Acting City Manager
to sign all documents necessary.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item. He said this item is the result of
the Commission's direction at the retail workshop that they had
recently. They had a presentation from the Gibbs Planning Group
along with Cindy Sierra from CC Consulting. Ms. Sierra works for
the Gibbs Planning Group on retail attractions. She was
instrumental in the task that the Commission heard at the
presentation. At that meeting,the Acting City Manager let the
Commission know that they could potentially put her under
contract because they seemed receptive to the task. He said this
item is the contract for the Commission's consideration. The first
part of the contract is four(4) months at$2,500 a month with an
additional performance bonus which is fairly standard. If Ms.
Sierra's actions directly result in a business signing a lease here in
the City of Longwood, then she would receive $5,000 per
business. He said staff has proposed from a budget perspective
the four (4) months at$2,500 per month and then enough for two
(2) businesses, coming from the facade grant money of which
they normally set aside $30,000 a year. He said the total amount
here is$20,000 and staff does not need to go into reserves, it
would be occurring within the current budget. He noted Ms.
Sierra can do a great job but there are other hurdles to attraction
efforts, however, her presence has already generated a visit to
the City from someone who has shown a lot of interest in
Longwood. He added staff is excited about what Ms. Sierra can
do for us but they also are not committing to the long term.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Item 12D as
presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Boni and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
Deputy Mayor Boni asked if staff could take a look at the dog
regulations at Reiter Park. He said a lot of people when they are
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walking their dogs want to get some vegetables at the Farmers
Market. He wanted to know, with the Commission's permission,
if the City can just include the area of the Farmers Market as
being allowed to walk dogs through. He said that allowance does
not have to be all the way up to the park nor up to the splash pad.
He added several people have asked him about walking their dogs
at the Farmers Market, and in the past, he has even wrongly
brought his dog there.
Mayor Morgan asked Mr. Gioielli to add some type of study to be
done about the runoff from the dogs into the splash pad which
has been the answer he was given for years regarding dogs at the
Farmers Market.
Commissioner McMillan requested an ordinance on dog
regulation at city parks to be put on the agenda for the next
Commission meeting.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli offered his congratulations to Ms. Longo for earning her MMC
designation. Regarding the Heroes Monument, he said there has been a
pump failure which has resulted in the City not using it. The fountain
already was scheduled for a system replacement so in lieu of replacing
the pump, staff has accelerated the system replacement to try to save vow
some money.
Mr. Gioielli said he wanted everyone to know the lightning alert systems
at both parks are operational. Staff has done some public service
announcements and posted signs in the parks so residents are aware of
its benefits.
Mr. Gioielli said regarding the upgrade on the water meters, all of the
equipment has been received. The antenna for the system has been
installed, and some of the meters that are prepared to transmit through
radio reads are now starting to be tested. He anticipates the system to
be completely operational before the end of this budget year.
Mr. Gioielli reported that Lewis House is moving into a permitting phase
this week, and staff still anticipates staying on track with the construction
being completed in the third quarter of 2022. He also reported today
was the first day of the city's new mowing contract. There was a delay in
the old contract expiring and the start of the new contract which has
resulted in some higher than usual grass in some areas. He commended
the staff at Public Works for going above and beyond their normal
assignments and trying to mow the grass on their own. He said the new yr.
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contract has started and the vendor will work quickly to get the City back
in tip-top shape before the summer is in full swing. Mr. Gioielli said the
Mowbot system, a robotic mower, at Candyland Sports Complex has
been working out very well. He commented the grass looks great, and
there is no gap between mows.
Mr. Gioielli said Mayor Morgan asked him to bring up for the
Commission's conversation the possibility of reviewing the Land
Development Code that restricts some lighting, strip lighting specifically.
Mayor Morgan learned that Bay Ridge Sushi received a Code notice
because of the lights that run on the outside roof area of their building.
Mr. Gioielli said he had the entire code on all restricted signs and he
passed it out for Commission's review. He added he knows the
Commission is well aware when they look at one project that is done very
well like Bayridge Sushi, they just have to be thinking if they are
unintentionally creating an issue with something that would be less
desirable.
Mayor Morgan commented that is just the tip of the air so to speak with
some of the other businesses the Commission is trying to attract to the
City. He pointed out Bayridge put together a multi-million-dollar
property and then it burned down,they resurrected it and put it up
again, and on top of that, they added $23,000 worth of beautiful blue and
pink lighting. He did not know anyone who would have a problem with
that but according to the Code technically there is a problem. He said if
the Commission wants to continue to progress forward,they need to
look at the business portion of the City. He did not want to keep
kneecapping the local business. He asked Mr. Gioielli if he can go back
and see what he can find, and present it to the Commission. He said
there are other businesses in the City along State Road 434 where they
continue to get Code violations on the lighting. He explained the
businesses are trying to light up the area on their own accord and why
would the City want to stop that. He added the City, however, needs to
be careful with pulsating lights.
Mr. Gioielli answered he and the staff will put something together and
come back for discussion before the Commission at the next meeting.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo said the Ribbon Cutting for Christian Tech Center Ministries
111 will be next Tuesday, May 10th starting at 4:45 p.m. with the ribbon
cutting to take place at 5:00 p.m. She said if there was no objection from
the Commission, she had received a request to prepare a Proclamation
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for Juneteenth Day, and the city will be hosting its first Juneteenth day
this year on Saturday,June 18th. This will be placed on the June 6th
•adJ
agenda. She stated last week the Florida League of Cities (FLC) sent out
the 2022 Legislative Session Final Report and it summarizes key
legislation the League tracked this session. There were more than 3,600
bills filed during the 2022 Legislative Session. Of these, only 285 bills
passed both chambers and were presented to the Governor. This report
does feature bill summaries related to numerous subjects of municipal
importance and will be updated as the Governor acts on passed bills. She
will email a copy to each of the Commissioners for their reference.
Ms. Longo thanked Commissioner Sackett for his service as Mayor and
congratulated the new Mayor, Matt Morgan. She noted she will make all
the necessary notifications and updates. She also thanked each of the
Commissioners for their continued support and for recognizing Municipal
Clerks week.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 05-16-2022
Matt Morg
ATT T•
ichelle Lo , , FCRM
City Clerk
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