CC09-04-2025Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
September 4, 2025
6:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Brian D. Sackett
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker
Commissioner Tony Boni
Commissioner Matthew McMillan
Commissioner Matt Morgan
Dan Langley, City Attorney
William Watts, City Manager
Liane Cartagena, Acting City Clerk
Dustin Woolbright, Interim Financial Services Director
Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
David Dowda, Police Chief
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett 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. Mayor Sackett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcement.
A. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on Saturday, September
13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming September as "National Service Dog Month"
Mayor Sackett read the Proclamation and presented it to Barbara Didas and staff from
Canine Companions. Photographs were then taken.
B. District#3 Nomination of the Business Person of the Month Award for September
2025.
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Commissioner McMillan nominated Jeff Taylor from Paddy's Pub for Business Person of
the Month for September 2025.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART I)
A. Read by title only, set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date, and approve
the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2271, which fixes the tentative rate of ad
valorem taxation for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025, and ending
September 30, 2026.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 25-2271 by title only.
Mayor Sackett read the following statement:
The City of Longwood hereby proposes for fiscal year 2025/2026 a millage rate of
5.5000 per $1,000 of non-exempt assessed valuation. Said rate is 6.82% higher than the
rolled-back rate of 5.1489 per $1,000 of non-exempt assessed valuation as computed by
Florida Statute 200.065.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Ordinance No. 25-2271.
Commissioner Boni moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No.
25-2271 and set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only, set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date, and approve
the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2272, which adopts tentative revenues,
expenditures, and fund balances for the City's fiscal year budget commencing October
1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 25-2272 by title only.
Mayor Sackett read the following amounts that reflect the recommended changes:
I
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GENERAL FUND $ 25,429,932
PUBLIC UTILITIES 12,568,696
PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT 4,236,464
CAPITAL PROJECTS 10,098,661
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 1 ,050,385
OTHER FUNDS 1,246,390
FUND BALANCE - RESERVES ALL FUNDS 19,540,851
TOTAL RESOURCES 74,171,379
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Ordinance No. 25-2272.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker requested the City Clerk's pay structure be its own item with
the wages to be determined by the Commission. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2272
and set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date with a change to the
budget giving the City Clerk's pay structure its own line item, and the City Clerk's
wages to be determined by the Commission. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Commissioner Boni nominated Scott Toschlog for appointment to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#4. Commissioner Morgan recognized the Commissioners and Ms. Ridore for their
contributions to the special meeting regarding the City Clerk recruitment. He thanked Mayor
Sackett and Commissioner Boni for attending the Seminole County Opioid Overdose
Awareness Day, noting the event had strong participation in its sixth year.
He thanked Mayor Sackett, Mr. Watts, Mr. Capizzi, and staff for assisting with field use issues
raised by Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball. He noted discussions were held with
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the league to address needs and suggested further improvements to the pitcher's mound
near the concession stand.
Commissioner Morgan reported on his attendance at the CALNO meeting, where the City of
Sanford presented on recent improvements. Dr. Deborah Bauer also spoke on Seminole
County's planning for the 250th Anniversary of America. He encouraged anyone with ideas
for next year's celebration to share them with Dr. Bauer.
District #5. Mayor Sackett reported on the Seminole County Opioid Overdose Awareness
Day, which included family testimonies and community outreach.
Regarding Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball, he noted the league is nearing 450
players for the fall season. He encouraged Commissioners to attend Opening Day at
Candyland Sports Complex on Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. He anticipated the fields
would be in excellent condition for the season.
He also attended Senior Bingo hosted by the Longwood Police Department at the
Community Building, reporting strong attendance. He thanked Human Resources staff for
their work in preparing for the City Clerk recruitment interviews.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker thanked Human Resources for their work in the City
Clerk recruitment process. She reviewed candidate resumes and noted her interview list
aligned with the rest of the Commission.
District #2. Commissioner Boni attended the Seminole County Opioid Overdose Awareness
Day, describing the event as impactful. He noted that Senior Bingo had over 70 attendees,
the largest turnout to date, and commended Officer Dawn Ortiz for her efforts.
He thanked Ms. Ridore and Human Resources for their preparation during the City Clerk
recruitment meeting, as well as Mr. Watts and his team for completing the City's Fiscal Year
2025-2026 budget.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan thanked Human Resources for their preparation for the
City Clerk recruitment process and expressed anticipation for the upcoming interviews and
selection on September 15. He also commended staff on the completion of the Fiscal Year
2025-2026 proposed budget.
He reported attending several meetings of the Seminole County Semi Quincentennial
Planning subcommittee, led by Dr. Deborah Bauer of the Seminole Cultural Arts Council. The
group is working with cities across the county on coordinated programming and exploring
funding for a multi-day festival in 2026.
Commissioner McMillan announced the Longwood Rotary Club will sponsor Longwood Babe
Ruth Baseball and Softball this year. As Rotary president, he and fellow members will attend
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league events. He noted Patrick McFadden, league president, recently spoke at a Rotary
meeting and will be presented with a Rotary pin.
He also reported unusual vegetation growth in Lake Windsor, raising concern about potential
impacts on the stormwater system.
9. A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS.
Commissioner Morgan inquired who would throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Opening
Ceremony for Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball. Mayor Sackett and Commissioner
Boni volunteered and agreed to perform the role.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for August 2025.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through 10B as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
111. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART II). None.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only, set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date, and approve
the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2273, approving the extension of the Non-
Exclusive Franchises for the Collection of Commercial Solid Waste and/or Recovered
Materials for an additional twelve (12) months.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 25-2273 by title only.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No. 25-2273 and set
September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date. Seconded by Commissioner
McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only, set September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date, and approve
the first reading of Ordinance No. 25-2274, which grants an exclusive franchise to
Waste Pro of Florida Inc., approves a seven-year term contract, including a four-year
renewal term, and sets customer rates.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 25-2274 by title only.
Mr. Watts presented the Item.
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Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No. 25-2274 and set
September 15, 2025, as the public hearing date. Seconded by Commissioner Boni
and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Staff requests discussion on options for Lewis House rehabilitation.
Mr. Kintner presented the item, noting that during the Commission's Budget Workshop
on July 21, the Commission directed staff to explore options for the Lewis House,
including potential partnerships with Brian Roy and/or Lyman High School. Mr. Roy, who
has rehabilitated other historic buildings in the district, estimated the rehabilitation cost
at approximately$120,000 under a proposal that would designate the structure for his
private use as an accessory residential unit to be rented. As an alternative, the house
could be relocated to Reiter Park behind Fire Station 15 and rehabilitated for public use
as a Welcome Center staffed by City employees, the Longwood Historic Society and/or
volunteers. This option would be more expensive, with design costs of about $30,000
and construction costs estimated between $100,000 and $200,000. Lyman High School
representatives expressed interest in participating, particularly in the design and
planning phase as an educational opportunity for students. He requested Commission
direction on the two alternatives.
Discussion ensued on the importance of involving students in the planning process but
not in construction. Commissioners expressed preference for public rather than private
use of the house. It was noted that costs under City ownership were expected to remain
under $200,000. Possible relocation sites, such as the Clock Tower area and Reiter Park,
were considered instead of the fire station parcel to avoid conflicts with a potential
construction there. Commissioners agreed that specific details of a Welcome Center
could be addressed at a later time but emphasized the City's prior commitment in 2017
to the Historic Society to preserve the house. The need for restoration to be carried out
by professionals with experience in historic preservation was stressed.
Brian Roy encouraged the Commission to broaden its consideration when providing staff
direction regarding the Lewis House. He noted the structure does not align with the
modern architecture of Reiter Park and suggested the Commission consider alternative
uses such as an event center, wedding chapel, or meeting room that would better
integrate with the park and provide greater public benefit.
Further discussion ensued about location and use of the Lewis House.
Commissioner Boni moved to keep the Lewis House under public/city ownership in
the Longwood Historic District and direct staff to come up with all options for use of
the Lewis House. Seconded by Mayor Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
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13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
Mr. Watts provided an update on Fire Station 15, reporting that the City received clearance
to proceed with demolition and confirmed that the building contains no asbestos or lead.
Staff estimated approximately sixty (60) days from approval of a purchase order to the start
of demolition. Once demolition is complete and the City receives a grant from the Florida
Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), staff can prepare a bid and secure a contractor
to begin construction, which is currently estimated at $11.7 million. The Finance Department
is reviewing options for borrowing funds to complete the project.
Mr. Watts reported meeting with developers involved in the Whispering Oaks project. The
developers are aware of project parameters and are aiming to maximize density while
preserving as many trees as possible.
Regarding the City Clerk Recruitment, Mr. Watts noted that Ms. Ridore previously indicated
that the budget items would take priority over items related to the City Clerk recruitment.
Staff suggest holding a special meeting at 5:00 p.m., followed by the regular Commission
meeting at 6:00 p.m. He thanked the Mayor, Commission, and staff for their support
throughout the budget process and looked forward to a fully adopted budget at the next
meeting.
Discussion followed regarding combining the two suggested meetings into the regularly
scheduled Commission meeting on September 15 at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Langley recommended
the agenda have the budget items first then City Clerk Recruitment after. He confirmed that
the rearranged agenda complies with legal requirements and that the Acting City Clerk is
authorized to preside over the meeting if the Commission so chooses. The Commission
agreed to the amended agenda as recommended.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT. None.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 10-07-2024.
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Brian D. Sackett, Ma II
ATTEST:
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Liane Cartagena
Acting City Clerk
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