CC05-06-2024MinLONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
May 6, 2024
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
Shad Smith, Public Works Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Daniel Hickman with St. Stephen's
Orthodox Christian Church gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. Election of Mayor.
Mayor Boni turned the meeting over to the City Attorney to conduct the
Election of the Mayor.
Mr. Langley stated the election of the Mayor occurs at the first meeting
in May of every year and is elected amongst the Members of the
Commission. He opened the floor for nominations.
Mayor Boni nominated Commissioner McMillan as Mayor.
Deputy Mayor Morgan seconded the nomination.
Commissioner McMillan stated he accepted the nomination.
Mr. Langley closed the floor for nominations.
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Nomination carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Longo read the following
announcements.
A. The City of Longwood will host a "Mother & Son" Dance on
Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the
Longwood Community Building. Tickets have sold out for this
dance.
B. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise -In" Car Show will be held on
Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the
Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
A. District #5 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month
Award for May 2024 to Dennis Stelling, Von Stelling, Inc., located
at 710 Breezeway Loop, #212, Lake Mary.
Commissioner Sackett read a brief biography on Mr. Dennis
Stelling, the owner, then presented him with the Business Person
of the Month Award for May 2024. Photographs were then taken.
B. Proclaiming May 10, 2024, as Provider Appreciation Day.
Commissioner Sackett read the Proclamation and then presented
it to Jeannette Friend, owner of Friends Preschool Academy.
Photographs were then taken.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. City Commission nomination of a resident to the Board of
Trustees for the City of Longwood Police Officers' and
Firefighters' Pension Trust Fund.
Nomination was unanimously deferred to the next meeting.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Jeffrey Sellers, submitted a request to speak but was not present at the
meeting.
James Howard, 1065 Ridge Street, Winter Springs. He spoke about his
concern with vagrants and drug paraphilia at a vacant lot behind 5th
Third Bank. He did commend the Police Department for their follow-up
after a previous concern he had made. He was asking for the City's help
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to get the property owner of the vacant lot to maintain it. He also voiced
concerns from his neighbors, who are long-time residents considering
selling their property because they do not feel safe. He feels the
property owner should be made to maintain the property to help address
vagrants in that area and keep the property clean.
The following individuals spoke about the City's plan to install sidewalks
on West Magnolia Avenue, West Palmetto Avenue, and the surrounding
area.
Mark Schneider, 264 West Magnolia Avenue, Longwood.
David Wolfrum, 263 West Palmetto Avenue, Longwood.
Terri Mullen, 243 West Palmetto Avenue, Longwood.
Mark Vipperman, 233 West Palmetto Avenue, Longwood.
Forrest Willard, 450 North Milwee Street, Longwood.
The topics addressed were the residents' opposition to the sidewalks, the
need for revisions to the plan to ensure safe parking along West
Magnolia Avenue, the lack of communication with the residents before
the construction, the decision to not install sidewalks on West Palmetto,
which is a dead-end street, the availability of the park for walking, the
residents' preference for the seclusion of their dead-end street, the lack
of prior information about the sidewalk installation plan, the potential
water concerns if sidewalks are installed, and the absence of resident
input in the decision -making process.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District #3. Mayor McMillan thanked the Commission for the Mayor's
selection. He would like to have two proclamations for the next meeting:
one for American Craft Beer Week, which is May 16 through May 22, and
one combining May 20, Florida Emancipation Day, Memorial Day, Flag
Day, and May 18, 1876, when the Post Office was founded in Longwood.
He was looking to craft a resolution that would combine all of them and
would be working with community partners on this. On April 17, he
attended the Push -In Ceremony for the Ladder Truck at station 15. He
would like to designate some of his city funds to purchase a
commemorative patch to remember that event. He mentioned he
designated some of his city funds to support Fire Staff to participate in
the Ali's Hope Charity Golf Classic fundraiser, which supports young
adults with mental health concerns. On April 20, he attended the Rescue
Outreach Mission's "Rescue on the River" event and then the Employee
Event on May 3. On April 27, the Walk for Autism & Inclusion was held at
Reiter Park, and he participated in the walk. On May 4 was the
Longwood Lua, and he commented that it was a fun event.
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Mayor McMillan reported on the true, good, and beautiful. For the
"true," he mentioned inflation and that the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
for March 2024 is at 3.4%. He commented on the current price of
convenience items, the increase in food costs, and the need to be
mindful as they work on the budget. For the "good," he mentioned
tradition and the radio dispatch announcement of the changeover for the
Ladder Truck across the county. For the "beautiful," he mentioned
springtime flowers and has seen many beautiful arrangements for sale.
He also reminded everyone that Sunday was Mother's Day.
District #4. Deputy Mayor Morgan congratulated Mayor McMillan and
commended Commissioner Boni for his service the past year as Mayor.
He asked the City Manager why residents were not informed about the
sidewalks being installed.
Mr. Gioielli responded that the sidewalks are part of the projects to
improve the bicycling and pedestrian safety in the community and are
included in the master planning, which was initiated publicly at a City
Commission Meeting and is updated every year. He stated it has also
been included in the five (5) year plan in the budget presented to the City
Commission at a workshop, a public meeting open to the public. He
noted that the city tries to be transparent by including the Commission
Meetings online, and agendas are presented in advance on the website
and can be accessed through the website app. He explained that the
reason for the bicycle and pedestrian master plan, in part, is curbing, and
sidewalks help direct water away from residents' yards and to the
stormwater system and help alleviate flooding. The sidewalks for West
Palmetto Avenue, which is a dead-end, may allow further discussion and
communication. He said there was a chance to make changes, but at the
same time, he had to be sure all the sidewalks were tied into each other
for ADA compliance. He stated he would discuss with the engineers to
have specific conversations about the areas and concerns brought,
specifically noting West Palmetto Avenue. He suggested getting together
for a group meeting and would get the phone numbers from the City
Clerk. He also explained there was no assessment and the money to be
used comes from the One Penny Sales Tax. He explained how this
process differs from an assessment of a neighborhood.
Deputy Mayor Morgan attended the April 17 Push -In Ceremony for the
Ladder Truck at station 15. He explained the importance of public safety
and two (2) fire stations in Longwood. On April 18, he attended a
Seminole County Veterans Luncheon. On April 19, he met with Ms.
Colleen Doering at the Longwood Babe Ruth fields at Candyland Sports
Complex and brought up some areas of improvement. He thanked Mr.
Capizzi for providing updates on the items currently being addressed. He
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thanked Nan & Pops Ice Cream for hosting a Heroes Strong fundraiser for
Jose and his American Flag paintings. On April 21, he met with a resident,
Madison Homes, regarding his concern about rumored townhomes
getting built in his neighborhood. Deputy Mayor Morgan confirmed that
was not the case. He thanked Matt Austin with Fox 35 for having him on
his Podcast to promote the Walk for Autism and Inclusion. On April 23,
he was a keynote speaker at an event for Recovery Connections of
Central Florida held at the Longwood Community Building. He had a
meeting at Reiter Park regarding the setup for the Longwood Lua event
and thanked Mr. Chris Capizzi and Mr. Ryan Rinaldo for helping with the
event. He thanked Zac with Fox 35 for the interview regarding the Walk
for Autism and Inclusion. On April 25, the Pearls of Seminole event was
held at the Longwood Community Building, and he thanked Nance
Acevedo for coordinating.' On April 26, he attended the 5th Annual
Passover Seder at Congregation Rebirth Synagogue, 1470 Myrtle Lake
Hills Road. On April 27, he organized and participated in the 2nd Annual
Walk for Autism and Inclusion at Reiter Park. He attended the Boys and
Girls Club of Central Florida's "Blue & White Be Great Gala" fundraiser.
He attended the N.O.W. Matters More Golf Tournament. On May 3, he
thanked the city employees for organizing the casino night for city
employees. On May 4, he attended the Longwood Luau and thanked his
wife, Larissa, for organizing the event. He also noted that she serves as
the Longwood Parks and Recreation Advisory Board chair.
District #5. Commissioner Sackett noted that the city was required to
have two (2) fire stations because of the railroad tracks. He enjoyed the
April 17 Push -in Ceremony for the Ladder Truck at station 15. He wished
everyone a Happy Mother's Day, which was coming up that weekend. He
wished everyone a happy graduation. He congratulated the Longwood
COBRA Baseball team, who took second place in their championship
game held in Orlando. He thanked the Morgans and sponsors for the
Walk for Autism and Inclusion and Longwood Luau events. He mentioned
that the food at the Luau was more affordable. He attended the Council
of Local Governments in Seminole County (CALNO) meeting in Oviedo. At
the meeting, the City of Oviedo gave a presentation on its master plan for
redevelopment. He reported that Seminole County would like to discuss
at a CALNO meeting regarding best practices in code enforcement. The
next CALNO meeting will be held in Longwood in August, and he
confirmed with the city manager that the fire department will be ready
with their presentation. He reviewed what was discussed at the
MetroPlan meeting, including the presentation from FDOT on their road
construction projects, daily ridership of Lynx, Florida Turnpike proposed
improvements for lane.expansion from four (4) to six (6) from St. Lucie
County to Yeehaw Junction, MetroPlans budget was presented and
approved by the committee, crash, and fatality data for distracted drivers
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were also discussed. A 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan with its
goals and objectives was presented, and he needed the assistance of the
city manager to complete a survey.
Commissioner Sackett addressed the fields for Longwood Babe Ruth
(LBR), particularly the TBall field, for the upcoming Spring season. He also
wanted the TBall field dressed up for the LBR Closing Ceremonies and the
signs looking better. He had a list of thirty-five (35) items to address at
Candyland Sports Complex and asked to meet with the City Manager and
Mr. Capizzi to review it.
Commissioner Sackett was disappointed to see graffiti at the Arbor Park
Dog Park over the past weekend. He mentioned one item that was
tagged as the sewer pipe, which had names of dogs painted on it nine (9)
years ago when it was first put in, and some of the dogs have since
passed away. He hoped they could find who was responsible and have
them come back to clean it up. He also mentioned that the State
Legislator in 2022 — 2023 amended the law and now allows a city to
create an ordinance restricting smoking and vaping within its boundaries
in city parks. He would like to have an ordinance as soon as possible
since the smoking and vaping in Candyland Sports Complex is getting out
of hand.
Mr. Gioielli responded that an ordinance would be drafted with the
assistance of the City Attorney and brought back to the City Commission.
District #1. Commissioner Shoemaker recognized the City Clerk and the
55th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, May 5 through May 11,
2024. She reported that Mark Schneider, who spoke during public
participation, had reached out to her, and she directed his concern to the
City Manager. She thanked the City Manager for following up and
working with all the residents on their concerns. She stressed that it was
important for residents to reach out and contact the Commissioners; if
they are not aware there is a concern, they can't address it.
Commissioner Shoemaker attended the April 17 Push -In Ceremony for
the Ladder Truck at station 15. On April 20, she attended the Rescue
Outreach Mission's "Rescue on the River" event, noting the boat's name
is the Barbara -Lee. She attended the Walk for Autism and Inclusion and
the Longwood Luau and thanked the Morgans for organizing both events.
She mentioned she heard some complaints about the price of food at the
Luau and was unsure where the more reasonably priced food was
located. She did not get any contact information from those who made
the comments. She attended the employee event, which was well
organized, and she thanked those involved in putting it together.
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District #2. Commissioner Boni congratulated Mayor McMillan, noting
that he will do a good job. He thanked his fellow Commissioners, the City
Manager, especially the City Clerk, and the entire staff for making his last
year serving as Mayor enjoyable and a great experience.
Commissioner Boni reported on the Senior Center for Longwood, which
he has worked on for the past ten (10) months. He stated he was
committed to making this happen and bringing a senior recreation center
to Longwood. He has been working with Northland Church and Mercy
Road. He thanked Deputy Mayor Morgan for the follow-up on the
sidewalks, and he agreed that the residents need to be more involved
and attend or watch the meetings. He thanked the residents who
participated in the meeting to voice their concerns. He provided his
contact information, which is on the city website. He addressed the
vacant lot discussed during public participation. If it is private and not
being maintained, code enforcement should be able to do something. He
thanked the Morgans for organizing the Walk for Autism and Inclusion
and the Longwood Luau events. He commended the staff for the
employee casino night. He attended the April 17 Push -In Ceremony for
the Ladder Truck at station 15 and never knew the history surrounding
the event. On May 25, starting at 4:00 p.m., the Longwood Historic
Society will have its charity poker tournament for the new roof on the
Historic Inside -Outside House. The event will be held at the Longwood
Community Building.
9. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the April 15, 2024, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for March 2024.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Items 10A and
10B as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 24-2250, which
creates a new Article VIII of Chapter 82, taxation of the City
Code, authorizing the Inclusion of Twin Lakes Properties for the
purpose of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) to fund Lake
Management of Twin Lake.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 24-2250 by title only.
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12.
Mr. Gioielli noted there was no new information, but staff was
available to answer questions from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Sackett asked what the cost would be to the
property owner and would have liked to see this information
incorporated into the agenda memo.
Mr Gioielli responded that Seminole County indicated that each
property owner's assessment would be around $279 per year.
Mayor McMillan opened the public hearing. No one spoke in
favor or opposition to Ordinance No. 24-2250.
Commissioner Shoemaker moved to close the public
hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Ordinance No. 24-
2250 as presented Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner
Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
REGULAR BUSINESS
A. City Commission to consider a lien reduction request made at
the April 1, 2024 City Commission meeting from the property
owner at 1040 Alameda Drive.
Mr. Gioielli presented the item and outlined the history of the
Code Enforcement process. He noted that the lien total amount
was $83,636.69, which includes an administrative fee of $236.69.
Staff had discussed the 15% lien reduction amount allowed by
policy. The property owner indicated that they could not afford it
and requested a further reduction to something in the $2,000 to
$3,000 range.
Jose Ramirez, the property owner, addressed the Commission and
stated he had not received any notices since the first one, which
was in 2017. His neighbor, Johanna Delgado, 1051 Alameda
Drive, attended to translate for him.
Mr. Gioielli addressed the issue of the notices and explained the
process. He also stated that notices had been sent by regular
mail, certified mail, and physically posted on the property's garage
door. The notices included the initial notice, notice that the
violation was not corrected, notice when the violation went to the
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Special Magistrate, notice of the code hearing, the results of the
Special Magistrate, warning that the fines would begin if the
violation was not addressed, and to advise the lien process would
start as a result of failure to correct the issue and pay the fines.
He also noted that the certified mail was returned to the city
marked "refused," indicating that the property owner refused to
accept the mail.
Discussion ensued about the multiple notices, the time frame of
the violation, the impact on neighbors, certified mail getting
returned and refused, discounting the lien, and whether to take
any action on the request.
Mayor McMillan stated he feels the current policy for a lien
reduction and allowing for a payment plan is fair in this
circumstance and was inclined to take no action as a commission
on the request.
No action was taken on the request to consider a lien reduction.
B. City Commission to approve an amendment to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Grant and Agreement Award
regarding the Skylark Subdivision Drainage System
Rehabilitation at 800 and 804 Raven Avenue and authorize the
City Manager to execute associated documents.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Item 12B as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried
by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Gioielli reported that staff will work on the no -smoking ordinance
and bring it back for the commission consideration at the next meeting.
He advised that there will be road paving in the subdivisions of
Devonshire and Tiberon. There will also be road paving on Highland
Street from Orange Avenue to Longdale Road and Industry Road from
Longdale to the end of the cul-de-sac. The priority of the paving is based
on the three (3) year road quality study, and the worst roads are being
repaired in the order of worse to better. He reminded the Commission of
the Longwood Babe Ruth closing ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at Candyland
Sports Complex next Saturday. He reported that staff has started
working to finalize budget preparations, and meetings with the City
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Manager and Finance Director are taking place. He congratulated Mayor
McMillan and thanked Commissioner Boni.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. No report.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Longo reported that the Tri-County League of Cities will be offering
the mandatory annual training for elected officials on May 16 from 10:00
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Casselberry Recreation Center. There will not be
the normal meeting just the ethics training. She stated she was looking
to schedule a ribbon cutting for Chipotle and provided two options,
either Wednesday May 15 or May 22 and asked the Commission which
would work best.
It was the consensus of the Commission to schedule the ribbon
cutting for 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22.
Ms. Longo presented a program to honor veteran graves at Christmas
from an organization called "Wreaths Across America" and asked if the
Commission was okay if she reached out to gather additional
information. She explained that initially, she thought there was a cost to
the City, but it was brought to her attention again, and the good news
was that the volunteer coordinator does the fundraising for the cost of
the wreath. The City needs to agree to have its cemetery participate and
help identify veteran graves. There was also an option to do a small
ceremony with eight (8) wreaths. If there were no opposition, she would
follow up with the organization. She also mentioned that if the
Commission knew of anyone who might be interested in being the
volunteer coordinator, to let her know. She was not certain if that
person could be an employee.
There was no opposition from the Commission.
Ms. Longo thanked Commissioner Shoemaker for recognizing the week of
May 5 through May 11, 2024, as the 55th Annual Professional Municipal
Clerks Week. She also took a moment to acknowledge Records
Coordinator Nerys Hernandez for all her hard work and dedication to the
Clerk's office and the City of Longwood. She thanked the Commissioners
for their continued support, noting that she and Ms. Hernandez
appreciated it.
Ms. Longo congratulated the new Mayor, Matthew McMillan, and
thanked Commissioner Boni for his service as Mayor.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor McMillan adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
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Minutes approved by City Commission: 05-20-20�4.
Matthew McMillan, Mayor
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MicheTle`Co,�o,GVIWC, FCRM
City Clerk ,�
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