CC04-03-2023Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
• April 3, 2023
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Matt Morgan
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Tony Boni
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David Dowda, Police Chief
Michael Peters, Fire Chief
Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Absent: Deputy Mayor Matthew McMillan (Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Morgan called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. There was no volunteer invocation speaker
present at the meeting,therefore a moment of silent meditation was
observed.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Boni led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The City of Longwood will host the 2023 Magic 107.7 Easter Egg
Hunt on Saturday, April 8, 2023,from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
The hunt will be held in the Historic District around Longwood
City Hall, 175 West Warren Avenue,featuring an egg hunt,
prizes, and giveaways. Parking will be available at the SunRail
Station, Downtown Longwood, and Orlando Health South
Seminole Hospital's back parking lot. This is a free event.
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B. The"Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on J
Saturday,April 8, 2023,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
C. The Longwood Community Health Fair will be held on Saturday,
April 15,2023,from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Longwood
Community Building,200 West Warren Avenue. There will be
Health and Wellness related vendors, raffle prize giveaways, and
more. This is a free event.
D. A Food Truck Battle and Concert in the Park will be held on
Saturday,April 15, 2023,from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.at Reiter
Park. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and feature Actual
Bank Robbers.
E. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday,April 19,2023,
from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community
Building,200 West Warren Avenue.This month's feature is A
Man Called Otto.
F. The City of Longwood will host a Walk for Autism Awareness &
Inclusion on Saturday,April 29,2023,from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00
p.m. at Reiter Park. J
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. City Commission to recognize the Fire and Police Departments
on a recent water rescue after a vehicle drove into a retention
pond within Longwood.
Mr. Gioielli, Chief Peters, and Chief Dowda recognized and
presented certificates to FD Driver Fire Fighter A. Coleman, FD
Jump Fire Fighter/Paramedic Caroline Gibson, FD OIC-
Engineer/Paramedic C. Minard, PD Officer B.Snyder, and PD
Sergeant Kris Burnham. Photographs were then taken.
B. Presentation of the Beautification Award to Grace for Living
Ministries,585 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood.
Mayor Morgan deferred the presentation to the next meeting for
Deputy Mayor McMillan to present.
C. Proclaiming the month of April 2023 as"Water Conservation
Month."
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Mayor Morgan read the Proclamation and then presented it to
Ms.Susan Davis. Photographs were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Philip S. Kaprow, 800 N. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1500, Orlando.
He was present on behalf of a client who is looking to purchase
property in Longwood. He provided the City Clerk with a survey to
distribute to the Commission. He said the property is a non-
conforming structure built in 1995 as a prefab steel structure and
is located at 235 West Marvin Avenue. Mr. Kaprow said the
building pushes into the ten (10) foot setback area by four(4) feet
on the west side. His client is trying to get the issue resolved by
the end of the month, and was previously told because it is a non-
conforming structure there is no need to worry. His client is
concerned about the structure and is requesting a variance. He
said because of the time restriction he and his client are
approaching the Commission directly about expediting a variance
for the building.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Mayor Morgan asked Mr. Gioielli to see what could be done
to help Mr. Kaprow if it is the wish of the Commission.
Mr. Gioielli responded that he could collect information and ask
Community Development to work with Mr. Kaprow's client. He would
provide an update at the next Commission meeting, which should meet
the client's time restraint.
Mr. Langley advised there is a process in the City Code for a variance, and
if the Commission circumvents the notice process, any variance granted
could be voided. He explained notices have to go out to adjacent
property owners within a certain distance, and staff could review the
request to see if it could be completed within thirty (30) days. He further
stated staff is limited to what can be done by what is in the City Code. In
the end, if the variance can be challenged for lack of notice in an attempt
to fast-track the process, it does not help Mr. Kaprow's client.
Mr. Gioielli said he would follow up at the next Commission meeting.
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Commissioner Shoemaker mentioned she might have to excuse herself
because she has clients in the West Marvin Avenue area and would need
more information. iNJ
Mayor Morgan stated she would excuse herself only if there were an
opportunity that she or her clients would benefit financially, which she
understands.
Mayor Morgan thanked the staff for an amazing job on the Prayer
Breakfast and suggested getting other faiths to speak at the event in the
future. He attended a Mayors and Managers meeting on the same day.
On March 24, he met with a Longwood resident who works for a special
needs employer training company called RAISE (Recognizing Abilities and
Inclusion of Special Employees), presented by Shalom Orlando. He
explained what the organization does.The company RAISE plans to
participate in the upcoming Walk for Autism Awareness & Inclusion at
Reiter Park on April 29. He and Mr. Gioielli planned to meet with
representatives from RAISE to discuss the possibility of hiring a special
needs employee at the City of Longwood. He added taxpayers would not
pay for this employee, and RAISE would provide payment for salary and
insurance.
Mayor Morgan, on March 25, attended the Pirate Seafood Festival at and
Reiter Park,the grand opening of We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym for
Autism in Casselberry and the Taste of Oviedo. Regarding the Pirate
Seafood Festival, he said he would like to see more booths and more
vendors serving seafood at the event.The next day he attended a
Women's History Month celebration led by Nancy Acevedo and Sheriff
Dennis Lemma. On March 28, he visited the American Muslim
Community Center to celebrate Ramadan.The next day he went to
Masjid Al Hayy in Sanford to celebrate an Interfaith Iftar. He went to Rock
Lake Middle School, along with David Rubin with Heroes Strong,to speak
to their Beta Club. Members of the club had collected supplies for
overseas heroes as part of the Heroes Strong HOP Program (Heroes
Overseas Packages).They wrote 117 individualized letters to heroes
serving in the military overseas. He thanked School Principal Martin
Dunlop and their Beta Club for their contributions.
Mayor Morgan, on March 31, attended the Sharing Center's Good
Samaritan Luncheon at the Marriott in Lake Mary.That same day he went
to the Longwood Employee Appreciation Night Out and thanked Maggie
Ridore, Liane Cartagena, and other staff for their help on the successful
event. On that same evening, he received his pin at a ceremony as a
newly appointed South Seminole County Sertoma Club member.The next
morning, he was honored to kick off Orlando's World Autism Day, where .J
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he could talk to vendors who agreed to participate in the Walk for Autism
event in Longwood.That same day, he visited the Great American Camp
Out at Reiter Park and was impressed with the event. He mentioned
having more advertising to promote the event and thanked Ryan Rinaldo
for his hard work. He congratulated Nan & Pop's Ice Cream Shop for their
return to Longwood and attended their grand reopening. He also
celebrated seventeen (17)years of sobriety. He thanked fellow
Commissioners for attending the State of the County Luncheon and heard
Longwood mentioned several times. He also thanked Managing Director
Bryan Borland of Wood Partners, who helped create the Alta Apartments
in Longwood,for contributing to The Parc's Foundation toward a special
needs playground in unincorporated Longwood in the Rolling Hills
community.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett was proud of Lyman High School and
their seniors who had just finished the musical production Tuck
Everlasting, and he thought it was the best he had seen. He suggested
putting QR codes on sidewalks in the Historic District to bring attention to
different places and events. He mentioned he painted a QR code on his
grandson's parking space and added QR codes that could go at Candyland
Sports Complex listing various events and the pickleball schedule.
District#1.Commissioner Shoemaker attended the Prayer Breakfast, the
FDOT meeting regarding State Road 434 improvements, the Pirate
Seafood Festival, the Longwood Employee Appreciation Night Out, and
the State of the County Luncheon.
District#2. Commissioner Boni congratulated Mayor Morgan on his
seventeen (17)years of sobriety. He thanked everyone for their get-well
wishes during his bout with COVID and was unable to attend events then.
After his recovery, he attended the Pirate Seafood Festival, which was
fun, but he agreed they needed more seafood vendors. He thoroughly
enjoyed the Interfaith Iftar in celebration of Ramadan, and it was his first
visit to a mosque. He attended the Longwood Employee Appreciation
Night Out and the State of the County Luncheon. He wished everyone in
Longwood a safe and happy Easter for the upcoming weekend.
District#3. No report.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the March 20,2023, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for April 2023.
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C. Approve a donation in the amount of$2,000 to the Rescue
Outreach Mission from the State Law Enforcement Confiscation
Fund.
D. Approve a donation in the amount of$2,000 to the Boy Scouts
of America Central Florida Council from the State Law
Enforcement Confiscation Fund.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through
10D as presented.Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote with Deputy Mayor
McMillan absent.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. City Commission consideration of a request to reduce an
outstanding lien at 986 Wayman Street.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and provided the background of
the lien.The request to reduce the lien was made at the March
20, 2023, City Commission meeting. Dayna Webb requested to
reduce an outstanding lien at 986 Wayman Street.The property
was assessed three (3) $50 per day daily fines starting on January
12, 2021, and ending on October 26, 2022, the total of which is
$98,048.30 inclusive of the administrative fee of$248.30.The
violations were for high grass and weeds, minimum property
standards, and trash and debris. Staff had discussed the issue of
the outstanding lien with Troy Eggleston of Shoreview
Investments, who indicated he had a contract to purchase the
property. Staff indicated that the lien reduction policy would
reduce the overall cost to $14,707.25. Mr. Eggleston has asked for
a reduction beyond the reduced amount.
Ms. Webb stated that the property was currently up to code.
Discussion ensued about the possibility of removing the fines
altogether since the property is currently up to code,the need to
adhere to lien reduction policy, property issues taking almost two
years for resolution,the purpose of liens, if the Commission votes
to lower or waive the lien it compromises a system in place that
allows for a fifteen percent (15%) reduction, and the process of
notification to the property owner regarding fines and liens.
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Commissioner Sackett made a motion to leave the lien at
its current amount allowing the applicant to pursue a
reduction to 15%of the total amount under the Lien
Reduction resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote with Deputy Mayor
McMillan absent.
Discussion ensued on revising the Lien Reduction Program.The
situation the Commission expressed to review would be those
from residents who want to address the violations and intend to
remain at their property, not those looking to sell.
B. City Commission discussion and direction on the location of six
(6)to twelve (12)30"X 60" Local Hero and First Responder
Banners on six(6) designated poles around the Longwood
Community Building parking Lot.
Mr. Capizzi presented the Item explaining the banners and
locations. He stated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
brought forward a banner program to recognize military heroes
and first responders within and outside the City.The program
could be used as a fundraiser for Leisure Services.
Discussion ensued, and it was noted that the City already has a
Heroes Monument where the names of heroes could be placed.
Further discussion was held on who would manage the banner
installation and removal, and the Community Building is a venue
for events and weddings, the Car Show takes place in the area,
police officer photos on banners require individual consent, not
the best location for banners, there are too many banners, and
the fundraiser possibility.
It was the consensus of the Commission not to add banners in the
Community Building parking lot.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli noticed new signs had been put up around the Longwood
Historic Hotel using the City colors, which he thought was a good synergy
with the promotion of the City. He recognized the following members of
the Employee Event Committee: Maggie Ridore, Adam Bryant, Marie
Tollas, Liane Cartagena, Molly Ralston,Trisha Fuston, Ryan Rinaldo,
Donna Alt-Bowes, Eric Nagowski, Nik Kopp, Laura Stevens, and Michael
Saylor.
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Mr. Gioielli stated that the Fire Chief is restructuring the Citizens
Emergency Response Team (CERT) mentioned by Mayor Morgan at the
last Commission meeting.The Fire Chief has assigned a Battalion Chief as 'J
a program coordinator to facilitate more accountability and activity.
Mayor Morgan emphasized the need for more functionality rather than
the organization just selling hot dogs and hamburgers.
Mr. Gioielli responded that CERT might have to move away from
concession sales which is much work for the City and CERT members
whose time can be better used elsewhere.The staff planned to ask the
group to focus on training, public education, and response during certain
events. In addition, the group should include periodic refresher training
for its members, provide support at events such as a refresh tent to help
those who need to cool down, help with inspections, and emergency
response during catastrophic and prolonged events.
Mr. Gioielli reported that Outfront Media has asked to complete a
presentation at the next Commission meeting. He said Outfront Media
had changed their proposal, which he thought had some actual benefits
to the City, and he and Commissioner Boni met with them last week. He
stated that this week a new light would be installed at the playground at
Reiter Park, and new sod would be installed along State Road 434. Staff is
doing the sod work to save taxpayer dollars. He reported that staff had a
preconstruction meeting with Huey Magoo's, and they anticipate being
open for business by the end of this year, if not earlier. Mr. Gioielli
reported that the March 2023 Community Building revenue was the
highest to date.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
A. Consider canceling the July 3,2023, City Commission Regular
Meeting.
Commissioner Sackett moved to cancel the July 3, 2023,
City Commission Regular Meeting. Seconded by
Commissioner Shoemaker and carried by a three-to-one
(3-1)voice vote with Mayor Morgan voting nay and
Deputy Mayor McMillan absent.
Ms. Longo noted that Longwood would be hosting the CALNO (Council of
Local Governments in Seminole County) meeting this Wednesday, April 5,
which begins at 6:00 p.m.There will be a Public Health Celebration in
honor of National Public Health Week held on Thursday,April 6, at the
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Florida Department of Health in Seminole County from 4:00 p.m. until
7:00 p.m. She also noted there would be a PBAS (Private Business
Association of Seminole County) meeting on Wednesday,April 12,
beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Heathrow County Club. Seminole County
Chairman Amy Lockhart will provide an update regarding various County
initiatives. She will highlight countywide efforts, including broadband
expansion, community health and paramedicine,the Third Generation
Infrastructure Sales Tax,and the County's first-time homebuyer program
launch. She will be joined by County Manager Darren Gray.
Ms. Longo said if the Commissioners wished to attend any of the
meetings, please let her know to be sure the proper notice is placed, and
she would confirm their attendance if needed.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 04-17-2023
Matt Morgan, May
ATT S
c e e o , C, FCRM
City Clerk
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