CC11-06-2023Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
November 6, 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
Michael Peters, Fire Chief
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Pastor Eric Scholten with First Baptist 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 "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday, November 11, 2023,from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in
the Historic District of Longwood, located off of Church Avenue.
B. The Heroes Strong Event will be held on Sunday, November 12,
2023,from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Reiter Park, 311 West
Warren Avenue. This is a free event honoring local heroes.
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C. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, November 15,
2023,from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood
Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. This month's
feature is Machine Gun Preacher.
D. Longwood Movie in the Park will be held on Friday, November
17, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Reiter Park,311 West Warren
Avenue. This is a free event and the movie will be The Super
Mario Bros. Movie.
E. The Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday,
November 18, 2023, and Sunday, November 19, 2023,from 9:00
a.m.to 5:00 p.m. Artists and crafters will line the streets in the
Historic District of Longwood located off Church Street. There
will be food, beverages, and live entertainment.This is a free
event, and free parking is available at the Longwood SunRail
Station Parking lots and the Orlando Health South Seminole back
parking lot.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
A. Presentation of the Mayor John Land Years of Service Award to
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett, recognizing his 20 years of
service.
Eryn Russell, Membership Programs Specialist with the Florida
League of Cities, Inc. presented Commissioner Sackett with a
resolution and 20 years of service pin. Photographs were then
taken.
The Commission recessed at 6:10 p.m. and reconvened at 6:12
p.m.
B. District#2 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month
Award for November 2023.
Mayor Boni nominated Rebecca Waldron, Manager of Jack the
Dipper Ice Cream for the Business Person of the Month for
November 2023. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 (At Large) Nomination to the Parks& Recreation
Advisory Board.
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Mayor Boni nominated William Overbeek for appointment to the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Nomination carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
B. District#3 (At Large) Nomination to the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board.
Deputy Mayor McMillan nominated Amanda Sackett for
reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
James Roark, 733 Orange Avenue, Longwood. He spoke about the
property at 741 Orange Avenue next to his and noted it is possibly
abandoned and that the resident has passed away. He has called
Code Enforcement twice. He stated no one had been taking care
of the grounds and had seen increased rodents and snakes. He
wanted the City Commission to be aware of the situation.
James Howard, 1065 Ridge Street,Winter Springs. He stated he is
located in the City of Longwood. He spoke about his concern
regarding a vacant lot at the end of Ridge Street that has
homeless people. He has talked to the police about the issue. He
stated the property owner is supposed to take care of the
property, but weeds have grown, and it was difficult to see if
anyone is on the property. He commented his next-door neighbor
has a garden, and she catches people stealing things and moving
her furniture around. He was unsure what to do about this issue
since half his neighborhood is in the City and the other half is in
the County. He said his family has five (5) generations in
Longwood, and they love the City and all the activities, especially
the car shows. He was hoping the City could do something about
this issue.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. Mayor Boni attended National Night Out and helped grill hot
dogs. He attended the Lyman High School Homecoming Parade and Pray
For Our Leaders, presented by Christian Tech Center. He attended the
luncheon fundraiser for the Rescue Outreach Mission. He reported that
the Rotary Club District put together a welcome party for the new Rotary
Club of Longwood at Historic Cigars Longwood. Many people showed up
to give their support, and they were able to induct Commissioner Morgan
and Commissioner Shoemaker as charter members. The Rotary Club of
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Longwood meetings are every Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the
Longwood Historic Civic Center. He attended the Seminole County
Chamber's Mayor's Update and the Meals on Wheels volunteer
celebration at the Longwood Community Building.
Mayor Boni attended the First Annual Halloween Dance Party and
dressed as Mayor Vader. He noted that the turnout was good and
thanked Amanda Sackett and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for
putting the event together. There was a record turnout for the
Longwood Historic Society Monster Dash, and money was raised towards
a new roof for the historic Inside-Outside House, where the Cottage Gift
Shop is located. He attended the Air Show in Sanford and Senior
Discovery Day at the Longwood Community Building. He said the event
was in partnership with the Senior Resource Alliance, which organized a
group to educate seniors on monies available for home improvements
and power bills. There was a good turnout on the second day of the
event. He hopes this to be a precursor to a Senior Activity Center in the
City of Longwood beginning in January. He thanked program
participants, including Senior Resource Alliance, Meals on Wheels,
Longwood Police and Fire Departments, COPs (Citizens on Patrol), CERT
(Community Emergency Response Team), Longwood Fire Department,
Orlando Health, and Sunshine Pharmacy.
District#3. Deputy Mayor McMillan missed some of the local events but
attended the All Hallows in Old Longwood. He saw Mayor Boni giving a
tour around the Historic District, and Commissioner Morgan gave a tour
in his place later that afternoon. On November 4, he attended his 30th
Class reunion from Lake Mary High School. A group met at Reiter Park in
Longwood and made their way to Historic Cigars Longwood. He
commented that those who attended were impressed with the changes
in the area.
Deputy Mayor McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. For
the "true," he found an interesting scientific fact that the wood in the
trees does not just grow out of the ground but is actually captured from
photosynthesis from the air. For the "good," he saw good neighborliness
on Halloween Night—groups of children with their parents trick or
treating safely in his neighborhood. For the "beautiful," he mentioned
his class reunion. Everyone sat on the patio outside Historic Cigars
around the fire pit, enjoying a beautiful fall evening.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan confirmed with the City Manager that
he had the information needed to address the issues brought up during
public participation.
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Commissioner Morgan mentioned a homeowner in the City who abused
the squatter's law, allowing drug addicts and dealers on the property. He
thanked Mr. Gioielli,the Longwood Police Department, and Seminole
County Sheriff Dennis Lemma for fixing that issue.
Commissioner Morgan, on October 18, attended a Leadership Seminole
call to service meeting and visited Longwood Elementary School. He
spoke with Vice Principal Amy Sink about a shade structure for their
playground, which gets very hot in the sunlight. He brought a playground
builder from Longwood to see what they could do to help the school and
explained that there is a process to follow for Seminole County Public
Schools and working with vendors. He reported that he and
Commissioner Shoemaker were inducted into the Rotary Club of
Longwood and thanked Mayor Boni for bringing the Rotary Club to the
City. He attended the Teen Challenge Annual Gala, and they raised the
most money ever. On October 28, he attended the Longwood Historic
Society Monster Dash. Later that day, he was the emcee at the NextStep
Orlando annual Walk-n-Roll-a-Thon held at Cranes Roost Park in
Altamonte Springs. He suggested that staff bring out the mobile walkway
at Longwood Park events so everyone knows the park is handicap
adaptable.
Commissioner Morgan thanked the Longwood Historic Society for setting
up the walking tours led by himself and Mayor Boni at their All Hallows in
Old Longwood event. He also thanked Jason Byrne,Vice President of the
Longwood Historic Society, for leading a historic walking tour on
November 4. He also thanked his neighbors for helping put up holiday
decorations at the entrance of his neighborhood. He spoke at Teen
Challenge earlier that day and helped fund-raise. Teen Challenge raises
money through a thrift shop, car washes, and wood carvings made by
young men in the program. He spoke at Judge Rudisill's Drug Court
program to the teenage graduates and current program members,telling
them of the big opportunity still in front of them and how they can do
something with it while in the program.
District#5. Commissioner Sackett thanked everyone for presenting the
Mayor John Land Years of Service Award in recognition of his twenty(20)
years of service. He attended a meeting at Lyman High School (LHS)
regarding the Boys and Girls Wrestling Club, and they now have five (5) or
six(6) girls wrestling. The Lyman Boosters paid for a wrestling mat
costing$17,000. He welcomed the LHS Basketball Team, which was
kicking off their season. The LHS Varsity Football Team finished with a
winning season 6-4,the second year in a row, the first time since 2004.
The LHS Bowling Team finished in sixteenth (16th) place out of 231 teams
in the state.
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Commissioner Sackett attended a motorcycle ride for a single mothers'
event in Longwood. He attended the Truck or Treat event at Reiter Park
and mentioned that the First Annual Halloween Dance Party was
successful. He went on the walking tour led by Jason Byrne in the
Historic District and participated in the Longwood Historic Society
Monster Dash 5K. He attended a CALNO (Council of Local Governments
in Seminole County) meeting with a presentation by Alan Harris, a FEMA
emergency response person in Seminole County. Mr. Harris spoke about
animal control and how the shelters have changed, trying to save dogs as
long as possible. He encouraged everyone to adopt a dog for a reduced
fee of$10. At the CALNO meeting, he shared how Longwood celebrated
City Government Week.
Commissioner Sackett attended a meeting with MetroPlan Orlando. The
main topic was about vehicle crashes and fatalities. He reported that
28%of all crashes in Seminole and Orange Counties are fatalities. They
also looked at a website called Vision Zero Central Florida, which
provided in-depth statistics on local road dangers and where accidents
occur. He noted that many accidents are pedestrian-related and
encouraged others to review the website. They also looked at the 2024
to 2029 roadwork that will occur. He attended Senior Discovery Day at
the Longwood Community Building, commenting the second day was
better attended.
Commissioner Sackett expressed concern over the new internet service
called WOW!.The company was in his neighborhood that day and
needed to cover their work with landscaping correctly. In addition, they
broke a water pipe. The Public Works Department had to come out and
make repairs. He reported a similar situation happening in the
neighborhood of Sleepy Hollow. He hoped WOW! would pay for water
loss and other damages.
Commissioner Sackett asked if the final paving was done at E.E.
Williamson Road. He noted the road was partially bumpy and could be
marked better heading west on the left-hand side. He commented that
Anchor Road was also bumpy and needed to be addressed, but was not
sure whose jurisdiction it was in. He mentioned a woman who came
before the Commission about six(6) months ago about selling her house
after dealing with Code Enforcement. He said the house was still not for
sale, and he believed fines continue to accrue on that house.
Commissioner Sackett could not attend Lyman High School's Veterans
Day Ceremony but hoped others could attend on Friday, November 10, at
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8:00 a.m. He will be attending a special event at Woodlands Elementary
School that day.
District#1. Commissioner Shoemaker attended a few events, including
Bunco at the Cottage Gift Shop, and encouraged others to join the
monthly game. The cost is$10, with all proceeds going to the Longwood
Historic Society. On October 21, she visited Truck or Treat and noted that
the event was packed with people. She attended Mayor Boni's Poker
Tournament for the Scouts and thanked the mayor for all his help with
the non-profit organizations. On November 2, she attended Senior
Discovery Day, which provided information to help seniors in the
community.
Commissioner Shoemaker joined the Rotary Club of Longwood. She
reminded everyone about a Tri-County League of Cities meeting on
November 16, which she anticipated would provide valuable information
on online formatting changes for local elected officials.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the October 2,2023 Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for October 2023.
C. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$307,000 for ETR,
L.L.C.for the remounting of a Fire Department Rescue Truck.
D. Approve a donation in the amount of$1,000 to the Boys and
Girls Clubs of Central Florida from the State Law Enforcement
Confiscation Fund.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Items 10A
through 10D as presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 23-2247, a
Longwood City Code amendment which proposes removing the
requirement for Homeowners'Association approval for certain
residential permits.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 23-2247 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
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Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or
opposition to Ordinance No. 23-2247.
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-
2247 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only, set November 20, 2023, as the public hearing
date and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 23-2248, a
Longwood City Code amendment amending and updating
Longwood City Code Chapter 18 "Buildings and Building
Regulations."
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 23-2248 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No.
23-2248 and set November 20, 2023 as the public hearing
date. Seconded by Commissioner Shoemaker and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 23-1644,which
adopts the City of Longwood Purchasing Card Policy.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 23-1644 by title only.
Mr. Gioielli presented the Item and answered questions.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-
1644 as presented Item 12B. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 23-1645, adopting
the updated City of Longwood Purchasing Policies and
Procedures Manual.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 23-1645 by title only.
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Mr. Gioielli presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-
1645 as presented Item 12C. Seconded by Deputy Mayor
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
D. City Commission to consider a Historic District Matching Grant
Application from the Central Florida Society for Historical
Preservation, Inc.for the Cottage Gift Shop at 141 West Church
Avenue (Inside-Outside House).
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approved Item 12D as
presented. Seconded by Deputy Mayor McMillan and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli congratulated Commissioner Sackett on his twenty(20)years
of service. He addressed E.E. Williamson Road, stating that staff was
aware of some uneven pavement west of the intersection on Rangeline
' Road. They will follow up with the County, either confirming that they
have a plan to pave or requesting that they adjust the uneven pavement.
Staff was aware that the project was not yet complete, but they wanted
to make sure the County was aware of their concerns.
Mr. Gioielli reported that Christmas decorations have started to be put
up in the Historic District. The 2nd Annual Light Up Longwood, a contest
for Christmas Lights, was scheduled from November 15 until December
15. There are two (2) categories, residential and commercial, and
instructions would be released to the public. The Commission would be
involved in recognizing winners whom the residents select.
Commissioner Sackett suggested the contest should also be held for
Halloween since many people decorate for that holiday.
Mr. Gioielli stated that one-way traffic arrows would get painted at
Candyland Sports Complex along with other striping projects. Staff was
working on quotes to redo the parking lot at City Hall. At the next
Commission meeting, he would provide information regarding an email
for a temporary use permit (TUP)for 150 Wildmere Avenue. There had
been allegations of TUP violations, and all involved parties would get
invited to the next meeting.
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Mr. Gioielli provided an update on the U.S. Highway 17-92 street median
project. He previously voiced concern to the Commission that he did not
think the vendor was doing very well. They were fined daily and received
stern feedback from staff. He reported progress along U.S. Highway 17-
92, and that work was finally coming together. He noted that staff
installed a water meter at St. Laurent Street and West Warren Avenue.
Per a request from Commissioner Sackett, staff would put in irrigation
and plants in that area behind Wendy's and Winn Dixie.
Mr. Gioielli addressed an issue regarding a troubled house in the City,
which Commissioner Morgan commented on earlier. He stated everyone
worked very hard, including Commissioner Morgan, to eventually have a
remodeled home on East Warren Avenue for a family to move into. He
congratulated Trisha Fuston, Payroll/HR Coordinator, on her thirty-five
(35) years of service to the City.
Commissioner Morgan asked about an update on the Gibbs Group Study,
specifically on the woman rehired to bring big brand business to the City.
Mr. Gioielli responded that the woman designated to bring national
brand retailers to the City was still on staff, and pay was built into the
contract for her effort. He explained that she makes her money when
she lands a deal. She voiced concern about the difficulty of putting
together some of the properties and volunteered to reduce her pay. Her
contract was recently restructured to reduce the amount she gets paid.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
A. Consider canceling the January 1, 2024, Regular City Commission
Meeting.
Ms. Longo said that in review of the 2024 meeting calendar and fiscal
year holidays for 2023-2024, Monday,January 1,the City would be closed
in observance of the New Year's Day Holiday. She asked the Commission
to consider canceling this meeting, noting the next meeting would be
January 15.
Deputy Mayor McMillan moved to cancel the January 1, 2024,
City Commission Regular Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Ms. Longo would send the Commissioners the information for the Annual
Martin Luther King,Jr. Good Citizenship Award this week. The
nominations would be made at the December 18 City Commission
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Meeting, and the presentation would be scheduled for the January 15,
2024 meeting.
Ms. Longo noted that the annual rotation of the Deputy Mayor would
take place at the next meeting on November 20 and would move from
District#3, Commissioner McMillan,to District#4, Commissioner
Morgan. She thanked Commissioner McMillan for his service as Deputy
Mayor.
Ms. Longo stated the next Tri-County League of Cities meeting would be
held in the City of Sanford on Thursday, November 16, at noon, and the
guest speaker would be Gray Schafer, Assistant General Counsel, Florida
Commission on Ethics, who would discuss the Form 6: Full and Public
Financial Disclosure. She asked the Commissioners if they would like to
attend but still needed to register to let her know, and she would get
them registered. She also noted that on Friday, November 17,the City
would be closing at noon in preparation for the 2023 Longwood Arts &
Crafts Festival and would be closed on Thursday, November 23, and
Friday, November 24,for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 11-20-20. 2
Ton,L .r 1, Mayor
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City Clerk
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