CC12-05-2022Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
December 5, 2022
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Matt Morgan
Deputy Mayor Matthew McMillan
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Tony Boni
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 Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Mother Michelle with Christ Episcopal Church of
Longwood gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Sackett led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The Lyman High School Jazz band will be performing live at
Reiter Park on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. This is
a free event and food will be available for purchase.
B. Celebrate the Season and the annual Tree Lighting event will be
held on Friday, December 9, 2022,from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue. There will be live
music, a dance performance, a snow maze,train rides, a rock
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wall, live reindeer picture opportunities, games,food available
for purchase,tree lighting, and a laser light show for the finale.
C. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday, December 10, 2022,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in
the Historic District of Longwood located off Church Avenue.
D. The Longwood Movie in the Park will be held on Saturday,
December 17, 2022, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Reiter Park, 311
West Warren Avenue. This is a free event and the movie will be
The Polar Express. Food will be available for purchase.
E. Breakfast with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 17,
2022,from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Longwood
Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. Tickets are $10
per adult and $7 per child. Tickets must be purchased in
advance and can only be done online.
F. Santa Visits Longwood will be held on Saturday, December 17,
and Sunday, December 18 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. or
however long it takes to finish each area. Routes are only within
city limits and are as follows:
Saturday: East of Ronald Reagan Boulevard
Sunday:West of Ronald Reagan Boulevard
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS. None.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART I)
A. Read by title only and re-adopt Ordinance No. 22-2228,which
fixes the tentative rate of ad valorem taxation for the fiscal year
commencing October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023.
The final tax rate being proposed for fiscal year 2022/2023 is
5.5000 per$1,000 of non-exempt assessed valuation. Said rate is
11.80% higher than the rolled-back rate of 4.9195 per$1,000 of
non-exempt assessed valuation as computed by F.S. 200.065.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing by announcing the City
of Longwood's City Commission convenes this public hearing on
the City of Longwood's fiscal year 2022/2023 final millage rates
and final budget as required by Florida Statutes, Chapters 129 and
200. He said Item 11A recommends the City Commission read by
title only and re-adopt Ordinance No. 22-2228, which fixes the
final millage rate of ad valorem taxation for the fiscal year
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commencing October 1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023.
The final tax rate being proposed is 5.5000 per$1,000 of non-
exempt assessed valuation. This rate is 11.80% higher than the
rolled-back rate of 4.9195 per$1,000 of non-exempt assessed
valuation as computed by Florida Statute 200.065. Chapter 200
requires that a final public hearing on the budget be preceded by
a two-to-five-day notice of that hearing. Chapter 129 requires an
advertisement with a summary of the final budget.
Mr. Langley announced having proof of publication and read
Ordinance No. 22-2228 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 22-2228.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett asked why this item was being heard again
in December. Mr. Gioielli explained it was to recognize the ad
valorem rate, which was unchanged, and to recognize additional
estimated revenue that the City has anticipated to receive.
Commissioner Sackett moved to re-adopt Ordinance No.
22-2228 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
Mayor Morgan stated the City of Longwood has determined that
a final millage rate of 5.5000 mills is necessary to fund the final
budget. The final millage rate represents an increase of 11.80%
from the rolled-back rate of 4.9195 mills.
B. Read by title and re-adopt Ordinance No. 22-2229, which adopts
final revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the City's
fiscal year budget commencing October 1,2022, and ending
September 30, 2023.
Mayor Morgan stated Item 11B recommends that the City
Commission read by title only and re-adopt Ordinance No. 22-
2229, which adopts final revenues, expenditures, and fund
balances for the City's fiscal year budget commencing on October
1, 2022, and ending September 30, 2023. Chapter 200 requires
that a final public hearing on the budget be preceded by a two-to-
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five-day notice of that hearing. Chapter 129 requires that they
advertise a summary of the final budget.
Mr. Langley announced having proof of publication and read
Ordinance No. 22-2229 by title only.
Mayor Morgan said the City of Longwood's fiscal year 2022/2023
budget proposed revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for
the City's fiscal year budget commencing on October 1, 2022, and
ending September 30, 2023, are as follows:
GENERAL FUND $21,044,344
PUBLIC UTILITIES $15,050,717
PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT $1,936,189
CAPITAL PROJECTS $8,391,153
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT $917,929
OTHER FUNDS $1,661,173
FUND BALANCE - RESERVES $13,518,331
TOTAL RESOURCES $62,519,837
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Ordinance No. 22-2229.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker and
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to re-adopt Ordinance No.
22-2229 as presented Item 11B. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Thomas Moncello, 290 Cambridge Drive, Longwood 32779. He is a Board
Member of Longwood Babe Ruth (LBR). He thanked the Commission for
their support and noted he has been involved for about six (6) months.
He spoke about how LBR has made strides forward and they are different
financially, organizationally, and structurally. He spoke about the two (2)
agreements on the agenda to be discussed. Regarding the Concession
Agreement,they would like the fee to be $2,000 and not increased to
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$2,500, which is listed in the agreement. He stated they had no issue
with releasing Profit and Loss statements at the end of the season.
Regarding the Facility Agreement, in paragraph six for the Use of
Facilities, he requested the section about "game and practice fields" be
changed to include language to note the fields would be open for other
use "after the initial submittal of the Leagues schedule." He noted in the
section for Termination, it should read "not-for-profit" and not as it
currently it reads, "non-for-profit". He explained their additional
expenses included umpires, concession, and equipment. They are going
to have a small increase in their participation rate and it is necessary to
help offset those areas where they are spending a lot more money.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. Commissioner Boni attended the Wekiva Wild &Scenic River
System Management Committee Meeting and explained what the
committee does. He noted there are several governments and private
organizations focused on the natural preservation and use of the forty-
seven (47) miles of the Wekiva River. He found out there are only two (2)
rivers in the State of Florida that are designated as wild and scenic, which
he stated is a big designation. The designation wild means it is natural to
the habitat of Florida and scenic is for the canoeing tours. He said one of
the best parts is the Committee is using technology, like the website and
phone app, to make the end-user experience more enjoyable and
promote the river. He noted when visitors come to Florida and visit
Disney World a large number come to the Wekiva River because of its
designation. He also noted the reason Longwood is on the committee is
that our water flows into the Wekiva River, same as Altamonte Springs.
Commissioner Boni attended the Twistee Treat ribbon cutting and
commented that the ice cream is phenomenal. He thanked the staff for a
great job with the Christmas Parade and said many people attended even
with five (5) other parades taking place on that day.
District#3. Deputy Mayor McMillan said he remarked at the last meeting
about Longwood as a community with a sign including civic organizations
as a way to reach out to people. He continued with that subject and
commented about the entertainment business and how it could be easy
for someone in that industry to forget where they are. He noted in Reiter
Park there is a crane tower that tells someone they are in Longwood.
When he visited Alta Cypress Apartments last month he was impressed
with how the decor and aesthetics reflected that they were in Longwood.
He suggested as a municipality we can welcome those living in
apartments as members of the Longwood community by having an
information sheet or package for new tenants about the City and what
we do, a flyer in their community rooms, a QR code to showcase the
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Longwood App and make sure the Longwood Life magazine is made
available.
Deputy Mayor McMillan attended the Florida League of Cities Legislative
Policy conference in Kissimmee. He is on the Land Use and Economic
Development committee and they finalized the language for the two (2)
legislative priorities, Mobility Plans, and Infill Annexations. He said the
Christmas Parade on Saturday had beautiful weather and thanked the
Mustang Club for providing the vehicle to ride in, however, he walked
with his dog, Lucy. He attended the Twistee Treat ribbon cutting and
commented it is a good addition to the City.
Deputy Mayor McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. He
said the "true", comes from the Florida League of Cities. He said in their
records there are 391 municipalities younger than Longwood, only
twenty-one (21) older, and Leesburg and Orlando same as Longwood
founded in 1875. There are eleven (11) municipalities before Longwood
was admitted since Florida became a state with the others being
territories. The "good" was civic participation at the parade with over
fifty-nine (59) entries of groups participating. The "beautiful" was the
community room he saw at Alta Cypress Apartments. He liked the setup
including the mural that had greyhounds painted on it. He commented it
was a nice touch relating to those who gave Dog Track Road their name
and also the Lyman High School's mascot.
District#4. Mayor Morgan thanked Ms. Cartagena and thinks the
Commission will be impressed with what she has done for the Employee
Appreciation Luncheon. He agrees with Deputy Mayor McMillan
regarding more signage and is working to get the City name on the water
tower, and working with the Florida Department of Transportation to
have Longwood on the 1-4 overpass at State Road 434. Mayor Morgan
thanked Mr. Gioielli along with staff for their assistance with resident
issues the past week.
Mayor Morgan thanked the staff for doing a good job with the Christmas
Parade and all those who participated. He noted Extreme Sports has
moved into Longwood from Lake Mary in the plaza by Winn Dixie and
thanked the owners for choosing to come to our City. He said they would
be contacting the City Clerk to arrange a ribbon cutting.
Mayor Morgan asked the City Attorney if there was anything they could
do to put in place a distance separation for the CBD/Vape Shop type of
businesses. He noted he has received comments from residents about
the influx of this type of business.
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Mr. Langley responded he would look into this further and believes there
is something that can be put in place to address a new business.
Mayor Morgan said Longwood is having its first holiday lighting contest
and invited residents and business owners to enter and/or vote. He said
Ms.Judi Coad asked if the Commission would like to enter the Chili Cook-
Off.
Discussion ensued on entering the Chili Cook-Off and the cost. It was the
consensus of the Commission to enter and participate.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett attended the Twistee Treat ribbon
cutting and noted the excitement and appreciation he heard from the
owner and manager about dealing with staff on the permitting process.
He said he used to be on the committee for Wekiva Wild &Scenic River
System Management and did a fifty (50) mile canoe trip on the river five
(5) years ago. Commissioner Sackett would like to have the schedule and
rules regarding Waste Pro garbage pickup sent out or posted for the
residents as it has been done in the past. He noted that FEMA was not
going to cover removal of debris from the last hurricane and it would be
picked up by Waste Pro.
Commissioner Sackett said there are ten (10) lots on Ronald Reagan
Boulevard at the corner of North Street near where the gas station is on
one corner and a utility company on the other. He said it previously was
a grocery store and is now a retention pond. He mentioned putting in a
fountain and maintaining it as a gateway for Longwood, then perhaps the
lots could be brought into the City. He asked if this could be looked into.
Mayor Morgan also commented that FEMA would not be reimbursing the
cost of the debris pickup and that Waste Pro could do a separate pickup
for an additional charge if the City elected. He asked Mr. Gioielli to look
into the cost and bring it back to the Commission.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker attended the event at Alta Cypress
Apartments and noted they have good people managing them. She
purchased an E-Bike and has been enjoying it. She attended the Twistee
Treat ribbon cutting and participated in the Christmas Parade. She
thanked Lisa Martin,Jammie Tackett, Jeff French, Chris Capizzi, and Shad
Smith for their assistance in decorating a vehicle for the parade. She
noted she saw Heroes Academy participating in the parade and is a big
believer in martial arts.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
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Deputy Mayor McMillan requested Item 10D be pulled for a separate
discussion.
It was the consensus from the Commission to pull Item 10D for separate
discussion by a unanimous voice vote.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve Minutes of November 21, 2022, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for November 2022.
C. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$99,146.51 to
Brandon Development Enterprises, Inc.to provide the City of
Longwood with additional automatic meter reading capabilities.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through
10C as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker
and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. Approve a select list of professional consulting services firms,
authorize staff to enter into negotiations with the firms, and
upon completion of negotiations, authorize the Acting City111
Manager to execute contract agreements and associated
documents.
Discussion ensued on Item 10D. Mr. Smith and Mr. Gioielli
presented the correction made to the agenda memo which was
passed out and answered questions from the Commission.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to approve Item 10D as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART II)
C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 22-1620,
establishing the City's Notice of Intent to use the Uniform
Method for collecting Non-Ad Valorem Assessments in 2023.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 22-1620 by title only.
Mayor Morgan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor
or opposition to Resolution No. 22-1620.
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Commissioner Boni moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor McMillan and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to adopt Resolution No.
22-1620 as presented Item 11C. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 22-1621,which
amends the fiscal year 2021/2022 budget.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 22-1621 by title only.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to adopt Resolution No.
22-1621 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 22-1622,which
amends the fiscal year 2022/2023 budget appropriations from
the Public Utilities Fund (401) reserves to provide additional
automatic meter reading capabilities under the AMI Meter
Replacement Program in the amount of$99,200. (This is related
to Item 10C on the agenda.)
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 22-1622 by title only.
Mr. Gioielli presented the Item and answered questions.
Commissioner Boni moved to adopt Resolution No. 22-
1622 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. City Commission discussion and approval of a Recreational
Program Agreement between the City of Longwood and
Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball League of Seminole County, Inc.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item and answered questions.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve the agreement
subject to the fee of$140 being brought to zero with the
caveat that all incorporated Longwood residents will play
for free. Seconded by Mayor Morgan.
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Discussion ensued on the fees including what the League charges
players and what the City will receive.
Commissioner Boni amended his motion to state the $120
per team fee not be increased to $140 and to encourage
City residents to participate, the League will provide a $20
discount to a City resident for any registration fee and/or
participation fee charged to play and participate on a
team. Seconded by Mayor Morgan and motion carried by
a four-to-one (4-1) roll call vote with Deputy Mayor
McMillan voting nay.
D. City Commission discussion and approval of a Concession
Agreement between the City of Longwood and Longwood Babe
Ruth Baseball League of Seminole County, Inc.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item and answered questions.
Discussion ensued about when the concession stand would be
open, having a calendar available to see what is available for use,
and whether to increase the fee or keep it at the current amount.
Commissioner Shoemaker moved to approve the
agreement subject to keeping the concession fee at $1,500
and not increasing it to $2,500. Seconded by
Commissioner Sackett and carried by a three-to-two (3-2)
roll call vote with Deputy Mayor McMillan and
Commissioner Boni voting nay.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli said the AMI Water Meter Program is starting to wrap up and
when done there will be over 6,500 new meters. There has been a
decrease in customer complaints and the website has been updated to
include instructions on how to register with the new system to receive
up-to-the-minute updates on water consumption. This will help detect
early water leaks and spikes.
Mr. Gioielli said there have been new signs installed at City Hall,
Community Development, and Utility Billing/Finance. The brick imprint
crosswalks on West Church Avenue and Rangeline Road have been
repainted. A green bike lane marker has been added along West Church
Avenue to follow the Complete Streets commitment. He noted Clock
Tower Park was cleaned up in advance of the parade. There have been
additional upgrades to the cemetery with the bollards around the
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fountain being replaced and work will start on the remediation of the
fountain itself along with getting trees trimmed.
Mr. Gioielli stated the Light Up Longwood contest has been extended to
December 19 to allow more time for people to register. He noted it was
suggested once a winner is selected by the residents, an appointment will
be set up with the winner, one business, and one residence, and the
Commission will be invited to travel to the winners to recognize them.
He reminded the Commission that the annual employee event was
Wednesday at the Longwood Community Building beginning at 11:00
a.m. He reported that staff has received quotes for the fence repair at
Arbor Park Dog Park and they are trying to get the vendor scheduled so
they can move forward and get the park reopened.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo extended her thanks to Jammie Tackett, Lisa Martin, and Jeff
French from the Public Works Department for all their work on getting
the truck decorated for the Christmas Parade. She noted they did a
wonderful job. She appreciated Mr. French driving the truck in the
111 parade and Mrs. Tackett for participating and agreeing to dress up.
Ms. Longo said the nominations for the Annual Martin Luther King,Jr.
Good Citizenship Award will be on the Agenda for the December 19, 2022
Meeting, with the presentation scheduled on the Agenda for January 16,
2023. She reminded the Commissioners to be prepared to provide a brief
overview of their nomination at the meeting. She reported there will be
a Tri-County League of Cities Meeting on Thursday, December 15 hosted
by the City of Orlando, at the Dr. Phillips Center from 12:00 p.m. until
1:30 p.m. She asked if anyone planned to attend to please let her know
and she would get them registered.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 12-19-2022
Matt Morgan, erg
ATT T:
is e e Longo, MMC, FCRM
City Clerk
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