CC12-18-2023Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
December 18, 2023
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Tony Boni
Deputy Mayor Matt Morgan
Commissioner Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Matthew McMillan
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett
Dan Langley, City Attorney
Clint Gioielli, City Manager
Michelle Longo, City Clerk
David Dowda, Police Chief
Michael Peters, Fire Chief
Judith Rosado, Financial Services Director
Absent: Commissioner Abby Shoemaker (Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:06 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 McMillan led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, December 20,
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 Jules.
B. The City of Longwood will host a "Food Truck Battle and Concert
in the Park"on Saturday,January 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until
9:00 p.m. at Reiter Park.The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and
the band is TBD.
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C. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday,January 13, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood located off of Church Avenue.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Recognition of the Light Up Longwood Contest Winners.
Mayor Boni along with the City Commissioners recognized the
contest winners. Commercial winner Icing on the Top, 950 West
State Road 434, and Residential winner, Riane and Leonard
Thompson, 648 East Warren Avenue. Photographs were then
taken.
B. Chief Peters to recognize Battalion Chief Paul Ross on his
retirement after 30 years with the City.
Chief Peters recognized Battalion Chief Paul Ross and presented
him with an ax. Photographs were then taken.
C. District#3 Nomination of Business Person of the Month Award
for January 2024 (Presentation scheduled for January 15, 2024).
Commissioner McMillan nominated Nas Rajabi, owner of the
Shiraz Market for the Business Person of the Month for January
2024. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote with
Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
D. Nomination of the Beautification Award (Presentation scheduled
for January 15, 2024).
Commissioner McMillan nominated Plaza Del Sol for the
Beautification Award. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice
vote with Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
E. Nomination and selection of the recipient of the Martin Luther
King,Jr. Good Citizenship Award (Presentation scheduled for
January 15, 2024).
Mayor Boni nominated Sergio Urena.
Deputy Mayor Morgan nominated Johnnie Richardson.
Commissioner Sackett nominated Jason Byrne.
All nominations were carried by a unanimous voice vote
with Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
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6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Henry Paucar, Zero Max Inc., 150 East Wildmere Avenue, Suite
106, Longwood. He stated that last year, his company received an
extension for additional truck parking from twelve (12) to twenty-
four (24) for four (4) weeks due to the holidays. Since the last
Commission meeting, his company has complied with all the
Temporary Use Permit (TUP) requirements, and they spoke with
neighbor Bob Hoffman, who indicated he was okay with the
extension like last year. Mr. Paucar requested a temporary
extension for four (4) weeks to increase the maximum amount of
trucks from twelve (12) to twenty-four (24)to accommodate
drivers' schedules for the holidays.
Deputy Mayor Morgan asked if there was any feedback from the
gentleman who expressed the most concern about this issue.
Mayor Boni said he received an email from Mr. Hoffman stating
he was okay with the four-week extension.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Commissioner Sackett commented that the City has been
spectacular in showing off its events during the holiday season. He was
impressed with the message that people are proud to live in the City. He
inquired about time off for specific staff who worked hard on the events.
District#1. No report.
District#2. Mayor Boni agreed with Commissioner Sackett that the City
did an outstanding job with the holiday events. He commended the
Rotary Club of Longwood, which put together sixty (60) backpacks on
December 11 and delivered them to Longwood Elementary School. He
attended Longwood Elementary's Spelling Bee, the Central Florida
Community Arts Concert at Northland Church, and the Employee Annual
Holiday Luncheon &Awards Ceremony.
Mayor Boni asked for the Commission's permission to ask the mayors of
surrounding cities to participate in a flag drop-off program similar to the
one in Longwood. He explained that flag drop-off mailboxes would be
made and put in front of the City Halls or wherever they choose to place
it. The Commission gave their consensus.
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Mayor Boni stated he got the green light to start a senior program in
Longwood and secured a space. He will begin in January with one (1) day
and hopes to grow the program into five (5) days a week. He wished
everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan echoed his fellow commissioners on
how well staff did on holiday events. He mentioned the events
showcasing the City of Longwood and helped the community celebrate
the holiday season. The various activities contributed to his vision of a
Village Green concept where everyone enjoys events and interacts in an
open space like Reiter Park.
Commissioner McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. For
the "true," he referred to a book entitled Orlando Lakes: Homesteaders &
Namesakes written by Richard Lee Cronin that provides the names of
lakes in the area and how they got their names. A couple of lakes in
Longwood, such as Wildmere and Fairy, are mentioned in the book. For
the "good," he saw work ethic at the Employee Annual Holiday Luncheon,
which was well organized by a committee featuring games, food, and
prizes and recognition of employees for a job well done. The retirement
of Fire Department Battalion Chief Paul Ross was also recognized. For
the "beautiful," he had the opportunity, along with other commissioners,
to view the Christmas light display at the Thompson residence, which was
the Residential Winner for Light Up Longwood. He wished everyone a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
District#4. Deputy Mayor Morgan commended Liane Cartagena, Maggie
Ridore, and the committee who planned the Employee Annual Holiday
Luncheon &Awards Ceremony. On December 7, he attended the
Chanukah Celebration at Reiter Park and thanked Rabbi Yanky Majesky
and Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando for their participation. He
commended the Longwood Police Department for making everyone feel
safe at the event by parking police vehicles at every park entrance and
providing staff throughout the park. On December 8, he attended
Celebrate the Season. He suggested advertising more on social media
about fifteen (15) days before the event with daily posts. He appreciated
the change in ticket sales from cash to credit cards this year and thanked
Chris Capizzi and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for listening to
the residents. On December 9, he was a judge at the Apopka Christmas
Parade and was impressed with the high school bands. That evening, he
and his family attended the Christmas Luminary event in Columbus
Harbor. In addition to lights and decorations, residents served treats,
food, coffee, and cocoa in their driveways. On December 10, he held a
fundraiser kickball game for children with cancer at Candyland Sports
Complex. Proceeds were to help families with medical bills for cancer
treatments. He thanked Mr. Capizzi for preparing the fields for the
kickball tournament. On December 11, he went to Tallahassee to address
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the Live Local Act. He noted the Commission had spent time formulating
a plan on how to zone the city and have it on par with what the residents
wanted to see. Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner and future
Speaker of the House Daniel Perez asked him to speak to them in person.
They invited him to return to speak on behalf of small cities in the State
of Florida.
Deputy Mayor Morgan attended the Annual Christmas Breakfast at The
Sharing Center. He thanked the non-profit organization's CEO, Nina Yon,
and her team for their assistance with the homeless and those who are
struggling, especially during the holidays. He attended the Jingle Bell
Rock-Out in Winter Springs. He mentioned he contacted American
Professional Wrestler Braun Strowman to help with the event. He
reported Mr. Strowman brought nine (9) shopping carts worth of food
and toys to contribute to the event.
On December 15, Deputy Mayor Morgan attended the Annual Feed the
Homeless event at The Foundry Church, which The Sharing Center
sponsored. The event provides Christmas gifts to families who cannot
afford them. He thanked The Sharing Center for their donations to the
entire community in Central Florida. He congratulated Icing On Top as
the business winner and the Thompson family as the residential winner
of Light Up Longwood. He and fellow commissioners were invited to tour
the Thompson home, which was full of homemade artwork and
Christmas decorations. He thanked the thirty-six (36) families who visited
the 7-foot Santa event and the Longwood Historic Society for
sponsorship. The 7-Foot Santa is a free family event at the historic
Bradlee-McIntyre House in Longwood.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA.
Commissioner McMillan requested that the increase in the number of
vehicles from Henry Paucar related to the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) at
150 East Wildmere Avenue be added to the agenda as Item 12A.
Item 12A was added by a unanimous voice vote with Commissioner
Shoemaker absent.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the November 20, 2023 Regular
Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for November 2023.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for October 2023.
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D. Approve an increase in the amount of$100,000 to the Ferguson
Enterprises, LLC., Purchase Order No. 24-00080 for water and
sewer-related supplies. 111
E. Approve the Final Plat of Phase IV at the Longwood Memorial
Gardens to establish new cemetery plots.
F. Approve a maximum donation of 360 hours of vacation and/or
sick leave hours from Public Works personnel to Public Works
Maintenance Specialist II Juan Abreu.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to approve Items 10A
through 10F as presented. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with
Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 23-1653,
establishing the City's Notice of Intent to use the Uniform
Method for collecting Non-Ad Valorem Assessments in 2024.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 23-1653 by title only.
Ms. Rosado presented the Item.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or
opposition to Resolution No. 23-1653.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to close the public hearing.
Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a
unanimous voice vote with Commissioner Shoemaker
absent.
Deputy Mayor Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-
1653 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote with
Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS.
ADDED ON A. Request to increase the number of vehicles from twelve (12)to
twenty-four(24)from December 20, 2023 through January 20,
2024 for the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) at 150 East Wildmere
Avenue.
Discussion ensued on the request to increase the number of
vehicles allowed.
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Mayor Boni moved to approve a temporary condition for
Temporary Use Permit (TUP 05-22) and allow up to
twenty-four (24) trailer cabs at 150 East Wildmere Avenue
from December 20, 2023, through January 20, 2024, with
all other conditions remaining in place. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a three-to-one (3-
1) roll call vote with Commissioner Sackett voting nay and
Commissioner Shoemaker absent.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli reported that the Florida Wildlife Commission had concluded
its investigation of the fish kill at Lake Pelican. They concluded it was a
lack of oxygen, most likely caused by overcast and clouds for an extended
period; there were no improvements the City could make.
Deputy Mayor Morgan asked why other cities did not have this problem
when there was no sun.
Mr. Gioielli responded that many factors come into play, including a lack
of oxygen with any combination of issues such as too many fish or the
depth of the water.
Commissioner Sackett stated that another fish kill occurred at Lake
Pelican about fifteen (15) years ago.
Mr. Gioielli reported that since the City issued a stop work order for
WOW!, it has unfortunately caused an interruption in services on the east
side of town, including areas near Columbus Harbor and the Wildmere
subdivision. He explained that the City provided permits to WOW!
allowing them to dig up roadways, and they followed the plans, but these
plans from decades ago are inaccurate. Staff was currently marking the
lines while the roads are dug up to prevent this issue from happening
again. In addition, staff plans to implement some ground-penetrating
radar. He pointed out that when WOW! gets to the other side of town
around Grant Street and Wayman Street, there are no plans since a lot of
houses were built in the 1950s. Staff was dealing with these issues. Mr.
Gioielli mentioned Mayor Boni happened to be in the area where WOW!
was working because it was in his district. They have set up a meeting
with WOW! to hear how disappointed the Mayor was in seeing their
attempt to expand their business negatively impacting our residents.
Commissioner Sackett asked about other Internet companies coming into
the City.
Mr. Gioielli replied that he was aware of a total of three (3) companies.
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Mr. Gioielli announced that the City has tentatively set April 10, 2024, for
their Second Annual City Prayer Breakfast. Staff will start working on the
event, getting out invitations to everyone. He wished everyone a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo reminded the Commission that the City offices will be closed
on Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26, Monday, January 1,
and Tuesday, January 2, for the Christmas and New Year's Holidays. She
stated that the regular January 1 meeting was canceled, and the next
regular meeting will be held on January 15, 2024. She said the Clerk's
office has begun the work for the 44th Annual JOY "Juvenile of the Year"
Awards. The award presentation will be held at the February 5, 2024,
Commission Meeting, and the eleven (11) schools serving Longwood have
been sent their invitation and nomination form. The Seminole County
School Board Members, Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent
have been notified. She registered the Commission to attend the 2024
Seminole County Prayer Breakfast to be held on Friday, February 23, at
the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. A calendar invite was sent. She also
registered the Commission for the 2024 Annual State of the County
Luncheon to be held on Thursday, February 29, at the Orlando Marriott
Lake Mary. A calendar invite was sent. She wished everyone a Merry
Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year full of health, wealth,
and happiness.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 01-15-20
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