CC06-19-2023Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
June 19, 2023
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Tony Boni
Deputy Mayor Matthew McMillan
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matt Morgan
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David Dowda, Police Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. There was no volunteer invocation speaker
present at the meeting, and Mayor Boni asked Bert Fonseca, who was
present, to come forward and provide the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Boni led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday,June 21, 2023,
from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community
Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. The movie will be 80 for
Brady.
B. The City of Longwood and the Florida Symphony Youth
Orchestras present the When in Rome concert on Sunday,June
25, 2023,from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., at Reiter Park, 311 West
Warren Avenue. This is a free concert.
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C. The City of Longwood, in partnership with iHeart Media, will
host an Independence Day Celebration on Saturday,July 1, 2023,
from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren
Avenue. There will be live music, food trucks, and a firework
show which will begin around 9:00 p.m. Parking will be
available in the parking lot of the Orlando Health South
Seminole Hospital and at the Longwood SunRail Station. This is
a free event.
D. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday,July 8, 2023,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
E. A Food Truck Battle and Concert in the Park will be held on
Saturday,July 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
Southbound 75.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#5 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month
Award for July.
Commissioner Sackett nominated AAA Trophies for the Business
Person of the Month for July 2023. Nomination carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
B. Nomination of the Beautification Award.
Commissioner Sackett nominated Billed Right, 256 Rangeline
Road for the Beautification Award. Nomination carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Commissioner Morgan thanked everyone for their prayers
and thoughts during his back surgery. He attended the Flag Retirement
Ceremony, which he called outstanding.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve a proclamation in honor
of Flag Day or for the day of the Flag Retirement Ceremony next
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year and each year after that. Seconded by Commissioner Sackett
and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan stated he wanted to ensure the City continues to
have the proper staff members present at Reiter Park to set up the audio
for the band concerts and ensure appropriate guidelines are followed.
Mr. Gioielli responded that the City is monitoring the audio of band
concerts, and an audio engineer has been on site to address the issues.
He mentioned a recent event where he met with Commissioner Morgan,
and unfortunately,the regular sound crew could not attend. Staff had to
use a backup audio group unfamiliar with the different dynamics, but
they adjusted quickly. He stated that the audio is taken seriously for
every event at the park.
Commissioner Morgan stated he hoped at the next Commission meeting
to provide an update on his findings about the Florida Live Local Act.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett said he attended all the events as
much as his eyes would allow him, with his eye surgery scheduled the
next day. He mentioned he was thrilled to hear that two (2) new bicycle
repair stations will be put on bike routes, one at Candyland Sports
Complex and the other at Fire Station 15. He said the bicycle repair
stations make the City more rideable, and he thanked the City Manager
and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for their work.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker said she attended the Council of
Local Governments in Seminole County meeting (CALNO) on behalf of
Commissioner Sackett. She reported it was a good presentation by
Seminole County, which is working on a new flood map and watershed,
and kudos were given to City Engineer Shad Smith by the engineer
working on that project. Also, at the CALNO meeting was Cindy Kingston
with the Seniors Intervention Group, who complimented Longwood
Corporal Kim Feld for her work with the group. She reported other
updates from the meeting, which included Seminole State College (SSC)
women's golf team winning their fifth national championship and the
college taking on a new role lobbying legislative programs with students.
They hosted a Military Academy Day with U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S.
Representative Cory Mills to promote more interest in the military with
students. The SSC's spring commencement ceremony awarded 2,000
degrees and certificates,giving out$240,000 in scholarships for new
students. In addition, SSC reported that Florida's K-20 public education
system is ranked number one (1) in the country, according to U.S. News &
World Report. Commissioner Shoemaker said the City of Winter Springs
plans to build fourteen (14) pickleball courts and hold a Fourth of July
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celebration. The City of Altamonte Springs is planning an automotive
wrap vehicle program funded by the state as a learning lab to teach other
cities and an interim program for students providing an overview of
leadership in the City, thirty (30)to forty (40) hours a week, fifteen
dollars ($15) an hour. The Seminole County Tourism Development
Council approved a hotel tax fee, but this does not pertain to Longwood
at this time. The City of Casselberry is continuing with park
improvements, Art House expansion, and a new police station is
underway, with completion expected in September and a Sunset Drive
Livable Street initiative. The City of Lake Mary spoke about the legislative
process resulting from the Live Local Act. She shared that she felt how
the Commission handled the Live Local Act at their meeting could not
have been better and went very well, where everyone was allowed to ask
questions. She reported that the City of Oviedo is considering a new
police department, plans for Mitchell Hammock safety improvements, a
Juneteenth event, and a Fourth of July Celebration.
Commissioner Shoemaker attended the Board Appreciation Dinner,the
Heroes Strong Flag Retirement Ceremony, and the VFW Memorial Day
event.
District#2. Mayor Boni attended a MetroPlan meeting on behalf of
Commissioner Sackett and shared that changes are planned with 1-4 from
State Road 434 up to U.S. Highway 17-92, which will impact the City. He
stated that the Juneteenth Celebration got rained out. He attended the
Board Appreciation Dinner and thanked Ms. Longo and her team for
planning the dinner.
Mayor Boni attended the Flag Retirement Ceremony, commenting that
the event has increased in size, over 4,000 flags collected, 472 flags were
retired, and the remaining flags were retired the next day. He thought
the ceremony and the number of flags might be the largest in Central
Florida, if not the state.
District#3. Deputy Mayor McMillan wished everyone a belated Father's
Day. He mentioned an event in May that he and Mayor Boni attended.
The Sunshine State Angels Gowns fundraiser provides burial gowns made
from wedding dresses to grieving parents. He attended the Board
Appreciation Dinner and thanked all volunteers on the different boards.
He commented that he served on the Charter Advisory Board and
encouraged citizens to send applications for board appointments. On
June 17, he attended a Third Annual Casino Night for Crossroads Corral, a
therapeutic horse charity.
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Deputy Mayor McMillan commented that he was glad to see the events
he attended utilizing the Longwood Community Building. He described
the Community Building as one corner of the town square with a
fountain, gazebo, City administrative offices, and a church. Everyone
gathers in that area for Car Shows, Easter Egg Hunts, Parades, Christmas
events, and Arts and Crafts Festivals. He said the town square concept
and the village green (Reiter Park) are part of the vision for Longwood's
Historic District. He mentioned the success of the Flag Retirement
Ceremony and the upcoming Fourth of July Celebration brings people
together forming a community.
Deputy Mayor McMillan said that regarding the Live Local Act, he was
happy to know Commissioner Morgan is working with legislators. Still, he
wanted residents to know the City is not helpless or at the mercy of
developers. Staff has worked very hard in the advanced development of
commercial projects. He and fellow commissioners received an update at
the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Meeting from Tom
Krueger, City Economic Development Manager, regarding future
development projects in the City. He stated that Longwood is fortunate
to already have commercial projects underway, which will help control its
destiny. Another factor he mentioned was the possibility of annexation
of nearby properties.
Deputy Mayor McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. For
the "true," he mentioned Juneteenth, and unfortunately, the City's
Juneteenth Celebration was rained out over the weekend. He explained
the holiday that started in Galveston,Texas, in 1865 after the conclusion
of the Civil War. Florida commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation
on May 20 because the order was executed in Tallahassee eleven (11)
days after the conclusion of the war on that date. For the "good," he saw
reverence for the flag at the Flag Retirement Ceremony by young people
and veterans who retired flags as they should be honored. For the
"beautiful," he met with a former classmate to plan an event at Reiter
Park. They walked from the park to Alestone Brewing, and everything
along the way looked great, including Reiter Park, the church, and the
Community Building. The walk was beautiful, and the event is being
planned.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the May 15, 2023, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for June 2023.
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C. Approve Monthly Financial Report for May 2023.
D. Approve a Risk Protection Order Filing Agreement between the
Seminole County Sheriff's Office and the City of Longwood.
E. Approve an Inter-Agency Agreement for legal services for
forfeiture actions between the Seminole County Sheriff's Office
and the City of Longwood.
F. Acceptance of the 2022 Complete Streets Annual Report.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Items 10A
through 1OF as presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance. No. 23-2238, a Small-
Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment (SPA 02-23) requesting a
land use and zoning change for the property located at 700
Wilma Street.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 23-2238 by title only.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or
opposition to Ordinance No. 23-2238.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Commissioner Sackett and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Ordinance No. 23-
2238 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 23-1631,which
proposes an expanded Small Business Improvement Grant
Program to replace the Facade Improvement Grant Program
established in 2019.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 23-1631 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and reviewed changes to the
program to help better target incentives and address issues for
prospective and current business owners not covered under the
Façade Improvement Grant program.
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This resolution proposes reformatting the program in the
following ways:
• The grant is specifically tailored to restaurants, bakeries,
coffee shops, and ice cream parlors.This very specific list
could be expanded, but this is an effort to limit the funds to
those projects that are most often requested by our citizens
and uses that often require significant improvements to an
existing unit to occupy the space legally.
• The eligible improvements now include interior improvements
—but those improvements that are most likely to remain with
the unit and support a future user should the initial applicant
relocate or close.
o Staff opted against making hoods and other
commercial kitchen equipment part of the grant
program because they are often removed and re-sold
if a business closes.
• Some exterior improvements remain included but are now
limited by additional language ensuring that the
improvements are truly decorative and provide an aesthetic
improvement to the building. Additionally, the exterior
improvements are limited to façade improvements, including
outdoor seating spaces, and no longer allow signage (which
can be business specific and not suitable to future uses),
landscaping, parking lot re-sealing and re-striping, and other
activities that were covered in the facade grant program.
• The resolution creates a staff committee to review
applications, and a scoring system that will result in higher-
scoring projects being eligible for higher dollar amounts.The
maximum matching amount of the current program is
$10,000, the scoring system allows for projects to receive as
high as $20,000 in matching funds but also allows a lower tier
with a $5,000 maximum.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-
1631 as presented Item 12A. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. City Commission approval of a set of banners created to be
installed along Ronald Reagan Boulevard as part of the approved
promotional banner program with CGI Communications, Inc.
Mr. Rinaldo presented the Item.
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Commissioner Sackett moved to approve banner options
1A, 1C, and 2D to match the design format of 1A and 1C.
Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a
unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli reported that the staff had reached a tentative agreement
with the police union. He will summarize changes from the existing
agreement and present it to the Commission for review. Staff will move
forward with negotiations with the blue-collar group, which includes
Public Works and Leisure Services.
Mr. Gioielli said work has started on replacing sod on State Road 434.
The staff will work on it in the mornings and complete other tasks in the
afternoons as the heat increases. He reported that the Butterfly Garden
at Reiter Park had been updated with over forty (40) new butterfly-
attracting plants, a new butterfly-shaped sitting bench, and a new center-
cut walking path through the middle of the garden.
Mr. Gioielli stated that staff has been working on the proposed budget
and reminded the Commission to attend a budget workshop on July 11 at
2:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. He reported that median
improvements are underway at U.S. Highway 17-92, but there is a
concern with the timeline. The vendor's completion date is in six (6)
days, and he anticipated them being out of compliance. He said there is a
contract in place to protect the City. He added that the staff is pushing
diligently to motivate the vendor to finish the work. He reported staff is
out to bid on the next septic to sewer abatement project phase, East
Longwood, Phase 2, with one-hundred twenty-two (122) connections
involved. Staff is actively working on the bid, and prices have gone up, as
well as the interest rate on state loans. They hope adjustments will be
made with grant money provided by the State.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo reminded the Commissioners City Offices will be closed on July
4 and the regular meeting on Monday,July 3 was canceled. The next
meeting will be the Budget Work Session on Tuesday,July 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Followed by the next regular Commission meeting on Monday,July 17.
She also stated, if you have not already done so, please complete your
Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests and return them to the Seminole
County Supervisor of Elections office on or before Monday,July 3. The
2023 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference will be held August 10-
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12 in Orlando. She asked the Commissioners to let her know if they plan
I to attend so she could get them registered.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 07-17-
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Tony B.'ayor
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City Clerk
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