CC09-15-2025Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
September 15, 2025
6:00 P.M.
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett Liane Cartagena, Acting City Clerk
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker Troy Feist, Fire Chief
Commissioner Tony Boni David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Dustin Woolbright, Interim Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Magdala Ridore, Human Resources Director
William Watts, City Manager Molly Ralston, Human Resources Coordinator
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Pastor Jones with Waterstone Church gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcement.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday,September 17, 2025, from 1:30 p.m.
until 3:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue.This
month's feature is Top Gun Maverick.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
c A. District#3 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month Award for September
2025 to Jeff Taylor, Owner of Paddy's Pub.
Commissioner McMillan read a brief biography on Jeff Taylor and presented him with
the Business Person of the Month for September 2025. Photographs were then taken.
B. Nomination of the Beautification Award.
Commissioner Boni nominated the homes at 273 & 251 West Warren Avenue by Brian
Roy for the Beautification Award. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
C. Proclaiming September 17 through September 23, 2025,as "Constitution Week" in the
City of Longwood.
Mayor Sackett read the Proclamation and presented it to Janis Austin with Daughters of
the American Revolution. Photographs were then taken.
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D. Proclaiming September as "Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of
Longwood.
Mayor Sackett read the Proclamation and presented it to his wife, Mary Sackett.
Photographs were then taken.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART I)
A. Read by title only and adopt 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.
The final tax rate being proposed for fiscal year 2025/2026 is 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 by announcing the City of Longwood's City
Commission convenes this public hearing on the City of Longwood's fiscal year 2025-
2026 final millage rates and final budget as required by Florida Statutes, Chapters 129
and 200. He said Item 11A recommends the City Commission read by title only and
adopt Ordinance No. 25-2271, which fixes the final millage rate of ad valorem taxation
for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026. The
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final tax rate being proposed is 5.5000 per$1,000 of non-exempt assessed valuation.
This 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. Chapter 200 requires that a
final public hearing on the budget be preceded by a two-to-five-day notice of that
hearing. Chapter 129 requires an advertisement with a summary of the final budget.
Mr. Langley announced having proof of publication and read Ordinance No. 25-2271 by
title only.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Ordinance No. 25-2271.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 25-2271 as presented
Item 11A. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
The City of Longwood has determined that a final millage rate of 5.5000 mills is
necessary to fund the final budget. The final millage rate represents an increase of
6.82%from the rolled-back rate of 5.1489 mills.
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B. Read by title only and adopt 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.
Mayor Sackett stated Item 11B recommends that the City Commission read by title only
and adopt Ordinance No. 25-2272, which adopts final revenues, expenditures, and fund
balances for the City's fiscal year budget commencing on October 1, 2025, and ending
September 30, 2026. Chapter 200 requires that a final public hearing on the budget be
preceded by a two-to-five-day notice of that hearing. Chapter 129 requires that they
advertise a summary of the final budget.
Mr. Langley announced having proof of publication and read Ordinance No. 25-2272 by
title only.
Mayor Sackett said the City of Longwood's fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposed
revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the City's fiscal year budget commencing
on October 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2026, are as follows:
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.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Boni moved to adopt Ordinance No. 25-2272 as presented Item
11B. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS (PART I)
A. City Clerk Final Candidate Selection
Ms. Ridore outlined the process for selecting the new City Clerk from the top six
finalists, recommending that the top three candidates proceed for deliberation and a
vote. Commissioners independently ranked each candidate on a scale of 1 (minimal fit)
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to 5 (excellent fit). A recess was called at 6:30 p.m. for the Commissioners to submit
their rankings, and for Ms. Ridore and Ms. Ralston to tally the scores. The meeting
reconvened at 6:36 p.m. yielding the following scores:
Deputy
Mayor Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Mayor Total
y Boni McMillan Morgan Sackett
Shoemaker
Liane
Cartagena
4 5 3 5 3 20
Madelyn 5 4 4 3 5 21
Bui
John 4 1 5 1 2 13
Brock
Erin
O'Donnell 5 5 5 4 4 23
Bonnie 5 1 5 1 1 13
Zlotnik
Cassandra 4 1 5 1 4 15
Killgore
The results of the tally revealed the top three candidates: Erin O'Donnell, Madelyn Bui,
and Liane Cartagena. Ms. Ridore then asked the Commission whether, in the event an
external candidate is selected but does not pass the background screening, they would
prefer to proceed with the next highest-ranked candidate or restart the recruitment
process. The Commission opted to move forward with the next highest-ranked
candidate.
Ms. Ridore then asked the Commission to deliberate and vote on the top candidate.
Commissioners began their deliberations and engaged in a discussion to select their
preferred candidate.
Mayor Sackett moved to select Liane Cartagena as the top candidate for City
Clerk. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a 3-2 roll call vote with
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and Commissioner McMillan voting nay.
Ms. Ridore advised that a Level Two (2) background check would need to be conducted
on Liane Cartagena, as the City Clerk position requires access to more confidential files.
The Commission agreed that, pending the results of this background check, Erin
O'Donnell would be considered the second choice.
Mayor Sackett moved to approve the selection of Liane Cartagena as a finalist
for the position of City Clerk for the City of Longwood, direct the City Attorney to
work with her to prepare an employment agreement, and place the issue of the
appointment of the City Clerk and approval of the related employment
agreement on the October 6, 2025, Regular Meeting for Commission
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consideration; contingent upon successful pre-employment screening conducted
by the Human Resources Department. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Mayor Sackett reported attending Leadership Seminole's Q&A panel with six
Seminole County mayors, Opening Day for Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball, and the
wall breaking ceremony for Trustco Bank's regional headquarters expansion. He noted the
pickleball courts at Candyland Sports Complex were in full use during Opening Day and
announced his upcoming participation in a Mayors & Managers meeting, a Longwood Senior
Matinee, and a Leadership Seminole Board meeting.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker congratulated Ms. Cartagena on her appointment as City
Clerk. She announced that working with Mr. Watts, S.T.A.N.D, Inc. (So The Art Never Dies), a
youth arts and education nonprofit, will present at the November 17 Commission Meeting. She
also noted she is excited for a future presentation by Seminole County Scouts.
District#2. Commissioner Boni congratulated Ms. Cartagena on her appointment as City Clerk.
He attended Leadership Seminole Government Day, Prayer for Our Leaders, and Opening Day
for Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball, where he threw the first ball. He reported
scheduling difficulties with the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Management Committee
meetings and requested reassignment. Commissioner McMillan expressed interest in serving.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan noted the recent passing of Charlie Kirk and referenced the
importance of public hearings and the ability to express views during Commission meetings. He
said UCF (University of Central Florida) was holding a memorial for Charlie Kirk that night but he
did not attend due to important business of the Commission.
Commissioner McMillan commended Longwood VFW Post 8207 for its 9/11 tribute, which
included a flag ceremony and participation by City fire and police personnel. He reported
attending the Opening Ceremony for Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball, the Trustco
Bank Wall Breaking Ceremony, and two legislative press conferences, where he expressed
concern about property tax provisions under discussion at the state level. He mentioned he
may have been quoted in the local newspaper and noted the issues focus on homestead
property.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan reported attending a September 7 meeting of the Longwood
Historic Society, where a presentation was given by former Mayor Adrienne Perry. He thanked
Mr. Capizzi, Mr. Watts, and City staff for addressing ball field issues for Longwood Babe Ruth
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Baseball & Softball and congratulated Ms. Cartagena on her appointment as City Clerk. He also
noted attending a legislative press conference, a press conference in Orlando on government
spending, a 9/11 event at Cascade Heights, and the Trustco Bank Wall Breaking Ceremony.
He stated he was unable to attend Opening Day of Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball due
to another engagement and reported assisting with Bambino Buddy Ball, and mentioned the
financial contribution made by Kiewit Construction employees to the program. He also
attended the Pray for Our Leaders event.
Additionally, Commissioner Morgan noted the passing of Charlie Kirk and briefly reflected on
prior interactions with him.
9. A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
During Commissioner Boni's report:
Mayor Sackett nominated Commissioner McMillan to replace Commissioner
Boni on the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Committee. The nomination carried
unanimously by voice vote.
•
The City Clerk was directed to inform the committee of the membership change.
Commissioner Morgan requested removal of past commissioners from the committee's
email distribution list.
After Commissioner Morgan's report Commissioner Boni added his thanks to Mr. Watts,
Chief Dowda, and Chief Feist for holding a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. at the City's
9/11 Memorial.
Mayor Sackett requested recognition of staff who prepared the ballfields for Opening
Day of Longwood Babe Ruth Baseball &Softball and commended Donna Alt-Bowes for
placing 3,000 flags at the City's 9/11 Memorial. He asked Human Resources to prepare a
commendation for those staff and reminded the Commission that next year will mark
the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and requested that Mr. Watts research a potential Blue
Angels flyover for the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.
Commissioner McMillan noted that items raised during Commissioner Reports should
instead be discussed under Item 9A:Additional Items as listed on the agenda. He also
congratulated Ms. Cartagena on her appointment as City Clerk.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Ms. Cartagena advised of an addition to the agenda. Under Regular Business, Item 12D
was added for consideration of an amendment to the Public Emergency Transportation
Letter of Agreement for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. She explained the City is awaiting
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approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and until approval
is granted, the City cannot receive funds associated with the Public Emergency Medical
Transportation (PEMT) program.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the September 4, 2025, Special Meeting.
B. Approve the Minutes of the September 4, 2025, Regular Meeting.
C. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for August 2025.
D. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for July 2025.
E. Approve a donation in the amount of$1,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Central
Florida from the Federal Law Enforcement Confiscation Fund.
F. Approve an increase in the amount of$12,763 to purchase order No. 25-01115 for the
City's Water Plant Facilities Plan.
G. Approve an increase in the amount of$11,000 to purchase order No. 25-00227 for
Citywide Mowing and Landscaping Services.
H. Approve an increase in the amount of$11,439.45 to purchase order No. 25-01229 for
the Orange Avenue Sidewalk Project.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Items 10A through 10H as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS (PART II)
C. Read by title only and adopt 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.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Ordinance No. 25-2273.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Ordinance No. 25-2273 as presented Item
11C. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
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D. Read by title only and adopt 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.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Ordinance No. 25-2274.
Commissioner Morgan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Ordinance No. 25-2274 as presented
Item 11D. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll
call vote.
E. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 25-1701, adopting a Five-Year Capital
Improvement Program for the Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 pursuant
to the requirements of Section 6.07 of the City Charter.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 25-1701 by title only.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to
Resolution No. 25-1701.
Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Resolution No. 25-1701 as presented
Item 11E. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call
vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS (PART II)
B. Appointment of Acting Financial Services Director Dustin Woolbright as the Financial
Services Director.
Mr. Watts presented the Item and gave a background of Mr. Woolbright's work
experience.
Commissioner Boni moved to appoint Dustin Woolbright as the Financial
Services Director. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Shoemaker and carried by a
unanimous voice vote.
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C. Public Emergency Medical Transportation Letter of Agreement
Chief Feist presented the Item and explained that the attached agreement would allow
the City to receive additional federal revenues to offset costs of care beyond current
allocations. He noted the program requires a buy-down, where the state contributes
funds that are subsequently reimbursed by the federal government, typically resulting in
a net gain for the City. For the current fiscal year (FY 2024-2025), the City's buy-down is
$128,344.16, with an expected reimbursement of$300,000.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Item 12C as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
(Addition) D. Public Emergency Medical Transportation Letter of Agreement Amendment
Chief Feist presented the Item and noted the agreement was originally signed by the
City in September of the previous year and that the contract is set to expire at the end
of September; however, federal disbursement of funds to the City has been delayed.
The amendment allows the City to continue the contract through September 2026,
ensuring receipt of funds for the current fiscal year.
He thanked Mr. Watts and Ms. Cartagena for their assistance with the agenda item,
noting he had received the information earlier that day.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Item 12D as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts reported an addition to the City Finance Department, introducing Carlos Escobar as
Purchasing Manager. As a follow-up to the last Commission meeting, he stated that staff has
been working on various potential locations for the historic Lewis House and has reached out to
the Longwood Historic Society for feedback. He noted that a proposal will be brought to the
Commission during the first meeting in October.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena thanked the Commission for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as
City Clerk and stated her commitment to serving with integrity, dedication, and
professionalism. She also congratulated Dustin Woolbright on his appointment as Financial
Services Director. She reported that the Fire Department will hold a series of Promotions &
Recognitions at Fire Station 15 at 3:30 PM and invited the Commission to attend on the
following dates: October 7, October 8, and October 9, noting that a calendar invite would be
sent.
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Ms. Cartagena further advised that Three Odd Guys Brewing has scheduled their grand opening
for Saturday, September 27, which will include music and other activities. She suggested
holding a City-hosted ribbon cutting during the week of September 29 but noted the business
requested the ribbon cutting on the same day as their grand opening.The Commission agreed
to schedule the ribbon cutting for Saturday, September 27.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 10-07-2025.
Brian D. Sackett, May
ATTEST:
D4f(1\IN°
Liane Cartagena, Acting City Clerk
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