CC10-10-2025Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
October 6, 2025
6:00 PM
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, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
William Watts, City Manager Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Father Mathew Jacobs with St. Paul's Orthodox Church gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Boni led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025,from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at
Candyland Sports Complex, 599 Longdale Avenue. This is a free event.
B. The City of Longwood will host a "Halloween Dance Party" on Friday, October 10, 2025,from
6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren
Avenue. Tickets are $8.00 and there will be a costume contest, light refreshments, candy, and
dancing.
C. The "Downtown Longwood Cruise-In" Car Show will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025,
from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood, located off Church Avenue.
D. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025,from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue.This month's feature is Senior
Moment.
E. The City of Longwood will host "Truck or Treat" on Saturday, October 18, 2025,from 3:00 p.m.
until 6:00 p.m., at Reiter Park, 311 West Warren Avenue. There will be trick or treating,
activities for children and a costume contest. This is a free event.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
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A. Presentation of the Beautification Award to Brian Roy for the restorations completed at 211 and
221 West Warren Avenue, Longwood.
Commissioner Boni presented the Beautification Award to Brian Roy. Photos were then taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Nomination was deferred to the next meeting.
B. District#5 Nomination to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Mayor Sackett nominated Judi Coad for reappointment to the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Board. Nomination carried by a unanimous voice vote.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
James "Larry" Howard, 1065 Ridge Street, Winter Springs. Mr. Howard shared that, in
conversations with his neighbors, many were surprised to learn that their properties, although
assumed to be in Longwood, are actually located in Winter Springs or on unincorporated county
land. He clarified that his own property had been annexed into the city, but the process was
unclear to many in the neighborhood. He then commented on a recently installed sidewalk in
front of his mother's house at 708 Orange Avenue, Longwood, FL, praising the work completed in
just two days, which he felt added significant value to her home. Mr. Howard also inquired about
a surveying crew he had observed working on a lot between Talmo and Ridge Street, mentioning
rumors of a planned restaurant at the site. He expressed that the neighborhood was curious and
asked if a town meeting would be scheduled to discuss potential development plans for the
property.
In response, Mayor Sackett assured Mr. Howard that his concerns, particularly regarding the
annexation history, would be addressed during the Commission's report later in the meeting.
Bennie Lee & Daphne Brantley, 1155 W SR 434 Suite 156, Longwood, Alpha Sports Performance.
Mr. Lee, a five-year military veteran, introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting fellow
veterans. He explained that Alpha Sports Performance is a unique facility that serves a diverse
clientele, including homeschool children, individuals with autism, and athletes. Their latest
program focuses on the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Mr. Lee invited both the
Commission and the public to attend an Open House on November 7, where they could observe a
class from 11 a.m. to noon and meet with staff from noon to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about the
program and its mission.
Jason Byrne, 589 Seven Oaks Blvd, Winter Springs. Mr. Byrne, President of the Longwood Historic
Society, thanked the Commission and staff for prioritizing the preservation of the Lewis House. He
urged the Commission to "dream big" for the city's future, invoking the ambitious original vision of
the Historic Society's founders in the 1970s. Mr. Byrne emphasized that the Lewis House is a key
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part of this new opportunity and outlined the Society's three main goals for the project: to
preserve the building, drive interest to the historic district, and maximize public usage. While the
Society's recommendation was to place the house at the front of Reiter Park to best facilitate
events, he affirmed their support for any viable location that ensures its preservation.
B. Presentation by Seminole County on the launch of a new micro-transit service.
Kristian Swenson, Assistant County Manager for Seminole County, presented information on
Scout, the County's new on-demand micro-transit service. Scout is designed to provide flexible,
cost-effective public transportation throughout Seminole County, with a full countywide launch
scheduled for October 15. Unlike traditional fixed-route buses, Scout allows riders to request
pickups and drop-offs on demand, similar to rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
The service was developed in response to Board direction to improve efficiency, expand access,
and reduce costs compared with the existing Lynx bus system, which has low ridership and high
operating expenses. He noted that approximately 15,000 residents move into Seminole County
each year and that Scout was developed to provide better transportation services for these
residents.
Riders can book through the Ride Freebie app or by phone 407-665-RIDE. The fleet consists
primarily of fully electric Volkswagen ID Buzz vehicles, supplemented by wheelchair-accessible
minivans. Scout serves all residents outside the County's rural boundary, including seniors,
students in dual enrollment classes, working families, and SunRail commuters. Scout divides the
County into five service zones, Monroe, Lake Mary, Howell, Brantley, and Econ, plus a Flex Zone to
support transfers for a higher, tiered fare.
The service is currently in a soft-launch phase, with an average wait time goal of under 30 minutes
and planned operations seven days a week, Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to
10 p.m., and Sunday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The base fare is $4.00 per ride within a zone, with a $0.50
discount for bookings made through the app. Riders who are seniors, students, low-income
individuals, or persons with disabilities qualify for discounts of 50% or more.
During discussion, commissioners expressed concerns that Longwood residents would need to pay
a crossover fee to reach Orlando Health Lake Mary Hospital, questioned the accuracy of the
15,000 new residents' statistic, and raised general questions about potential costs and the
feasibility of waiving crossover fees for hospital-related trips.
Mr. Swenson responded that County staff had discussed the program with local hospitals, which
preferred not to have Scout used for hospital-bound trips for safety reasons. He stated he would
confirm the population data with the County's Communications Division and report back. He also
explained that the new Scout contract costs approximately$5 million, compared to $12 million for
the existing Lynx service, representing significant savings while expanding access. He
acknowledged there are trade-offs in establishing zone boundaries but emphasized that fare
discounts and flexible features help mitigate costs for eligible riders.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker shared her personal experience with the new Scout service and issues
with the senior discount ID verification. She was advised by Mr. Swenson to contact Freebee
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customer service or directly with Scout staff at Seminole County, suggesting a possible phone
block on the ID verification.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker attended a Meals on Wheels, Etc. breakfast on September 18, a
ribbon-cutting ceremony for Three Odd Guys Brewing of Longwood on September 27, and a CALNO
meeting on October 1, which featured a presentation from Seminole State College on their five-year
'Dream Plan,' focusing on expanding classrooms at the Altamonte location for their nursing program.
District#2. Commissioner Boni reported attending the ribbon-cutting for Three Odd Guys Brewing of
Longwood and mentioned he is planning socials there with his senior group. He thanked Mayor Sackett
and Commissioner Morgan for attending a Life Prep Dinner, a program that helps senior students
prepare for college; both of his daughters have participated, with his third daughter beginning the
program. He reminded residents that the following day would be National Night Out, featuring free hot
dogs and activities. He also expressed support for the new Scout service and plans to present it to his
senior group, ensuring they are aware of the available discounts.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan attended the ribbon-cutting for Three Odd Guys Brewing of
Longwood, as well as a meeting of the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee for
Development, Code Compliance, and Redevelopment. He noted that accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
are receiving significant attention in Tallahassee, with YIMBY(Yes, In My Backyard) advocates pushing
to preempt local regulations to address affordable housing. He also observed that the Live Local Act has
had little immediate impact, which may prompt legislators to revisit the issue. These topics are among
the priorities his committee will address in future discussions with state legislators.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan reported attending the ribbon-cutting for Ali's Hope Hub at Lyman
High School in support of student mental health. He announced an initiative to work with State Senator
Jason Brodeur to secure state funding for the addition of social workers in all Seminole County schools.
He also participated in the 'Walk for Our Lives' event at Lake Eola Park and emceed the Wicked Gala for
Next Step Paralysis Orlando. Commissioner Morgan welcomed Three Odd Guys Brewing of Longwood
and thanked Commissioner Shoemaker for attending the CALNO meeting on his behalf, as well as
Commissioner Boni for the invitation to the Life Prep Dinner, commending his work with the non-profit
organization.
Commissioner Morgan planned to attend an event with Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Blaise
Ingoglia at Decision Tactical in Sanford, meet the new CEO of The Sharing Center, participate in
Longwood Fire Department Recognitions, attend National Night Out, and speak at Lyman High School's
Young Men of Excellence meeting. On October 8, he planned to attend the Boys & Girls Club Faces of
the Future Breakfast.
District#5. Mayor Sackett commended Commissioner Boni for his work with Life Prep Ministries, noting
that he had taught similar vocational skills in another state. He welcomed residents of Ridge and Talmo
Street, emphasizing that the area is part of Longwood, and mentioned that the City paved roads there
approximately fifteen years ago. He also noted the presence of a 'Welcome to Longwood' sign at the
start of Talmo Street, coming from Winter Springs.
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Last week, Mayor Sackett and staff met with Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Amy Pennock to
discuss coordination of elections, outreach and education, and voter roll maintenance. He commended
Mr. Capizzi and his team for their work on the ball fields at Candyland Park, relaying public
compliments. Mayor Sackett attended a Leadership Seminole Board meeting, which included
discussions on potential fee increases, and participated in a Florida League of Cities Finance &Taxation
Policy Committee meeting on property and sales tax issues, with proposals expected next month. He
also attended the ribbon-cutting for Three Odd Guys Brewing of Longwood and noted the upcoming
closure of the Post Time Lounge & Café on November 2, suggesting a potential annexation to bring the
site into the City.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker advised the City to pursue the annexation of the Post Time Lounge
property due to interest from the neighboring City of Casselberry. Mayor Sackett confirmed that
there is competitive interest. Commissioner Boni asked whether the property would automatically
be annexed into the City of Longwood if it is sold to another owner. Mayor Sackett requested
clarification from Mr. Kintner during his report on Agenda Item 12B.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
111 10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approve the Minutes of the September 15, 2025, Regular Meeting.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for September 2025.
C. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$52,000 to Bound Tree Medical, LLC for the
purchase of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
D. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$60,000 to Emergency Vehicle Repair, Inc.for
maintenance and repairs to Fire Department emergency vehicles.
E. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$130,000 to Hydra Service Inc., as provider of ABS
pumps, parts, maintenance and repairs to the City Lift Stations.
F. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$66,935.28 to Hydra Services, Inc.for the purchase
of an Atlas Copco Portable Diesel Bypass Pump.
G. Approve a purchase order in the amount of$72,620 to CDWG, Inc.for the City's Microsoft
Enterprise Agreement.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve Items 10A through 10G as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS. None.
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12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Discuss and consider the appointment of Leanie Cartagena as City Clerk and approval of an
Employment Agreement for City Clerk.
Mr. Langley presented the Item.
Mayor Sackett asked for clarification on a clause stating that the employee would not be held to a
strict City Hall office schedule. Mr. Langley explained the provision is similar to the City Manager's
contract and was included to acknowledge that the Clerk's duties often extend beyond regular
office hours, such as evening meetings or weekend events. He emphasized that the position
remains full-time and that performance concerns could be addressed at any time.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker expressed concern about including this language, noting that previous
City Clerks had demonstrated professional courtesy by notifying the Commission when absent.
She stated she did not want the clause to lessen accountability.There was general agreement that
the City Clerk would continue to communicate absences as a professional courtesy.
Commissioner McMillan raised a separate concern regarding Section 4A of the agreement, which
referred to annual performance evaluations. He recommended revising the section to require an
evaluation approximately forty-five (45) days after the end of the fiscal year, unless waived by a
vote of the Commission. Commissioners agreed this would ensure accountability and align
evaluations with the Clerk's professional development goals.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker inquired about the salary adjustment and whether future raises would
be affected by the initial two percent (2%) increase. Mr. Langley clarified that the contract does
not establish future salary increases, and any adjustments would be determined by the
Commission during the annual evaluation process.
Mayor Sackett suggested removing the last sentence of Section 3B and revising Section 4A to
specify that the Commission shall evaluate the performance of the Clerk.
Mr. Langley confirmed the proposed revisions to read:
"Section 4A—Annually, approximately within forty-five (45) days from the end of each City fiscal
year, the City Commission shall evaluate the performance of the Employee for the previous fiscal
year and define goals and performance objectives for the Employee for the upcoming year, unless
waived by a vote of the City Commission." He noted that removing the last sentence of Section 3B
would provide additional flexibility.
After discussion, the Commission reached consensus to retain the wording in Section 3B and
incorporate the revisions to Section 4A regarding annual evaluations.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve the appointment of Leanie Cartagena as City
Clerk and approve her employment agreement with the changes presented. Seconded
by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
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B. Discussion and input regarding potential locations for the Lewis House.
Mr. Kintner referred to earlier Agenda Item 9A and clarified that the Post Time Lounge property
currently receives City of Longwood utilities, making it eligible for annexation at any time.
Regarding Casselberry's interest, he explained that the property is contiguous to the City of
Longwood, not to Casselberry, and contiguity is a requirement for annexation. He added that staff
has contacted the current property owner to offer assistance in securing a new sit-down
restaurant for the site and has already reached out to potential businesses.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item and reviewed six potential relocation sites for the Lewis House
being:
1) Reiter Park- Behind the Pavilion. The Historic Society's preference. Highly visible, close to
existing restrooms (a cost-saving measure), but with potential muck issues requiring
investigation.
2) Reiter Park- Northwest Corner of Fire Station 15 Property. High prominence, but with
significant challenges including a planned drainage project, construction conflicts, and
blocking future views and development potential for the fire station site.
3) Reiter Park-Southwest Lawn. A quieter, more removed location at the back of the park.
4) Reiter Park- Northwest Lawn. A smaller rear location adjacent to a butterfly garden, with
potential to serve as a "gateway" to the future Fire Station.
5) Reiter Park-Warren Avenue Entrance. Excellent visual appeal but conflicts with a high-use
lawn area designated for pavilion rentals and the City's Christmas tree.
6) Clock Tower Park Parking Area. Highly visible but isolated, requiring a special trip and
consuming premium parking spaces.
Mr. Kintner requested direction from the Commission on the proposed location of the Lewis
House, asking for a preferred location and a backup site. Following Commission feedback, staff
would issue an RFP, select a contractor, and begin design work on the selected location. If the
geotechnical survey reveals high costs, staff would return to the Commission to discuss the
backup site.
Discussion ensued on concerns about preserving green space and potential muck, favoring sites
near paved access for rentals and handicap needs, possible integration with the old Fire Station 15
building, impacts to food truck/vendor space and the Farmers Market, opposition to the Fire
Station 15 property due to economic development potential (future restaurant), and conflicts with
pavilion use.
Mr. Capizzi clarified that the Farmers Market relocation to Ronald Reagan frontage had been
under discussion dependent upon future development. But currently, that relocation is only
conceptual and the Farmers Market is not moving at this time.
The Commission voted for their primary and back up sites.The selected sites were Site 1 on
Church Avenue (behind Pavilion at Reiter Park) as the primary location and Site 4 (adjacent to
butterfly garden at Reiter Park) as the backup site.
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C. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 25-1695 authorizing the execution of Amendment
No. 4 to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement.
Mr. Smith presented the item.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Resolution No. 25-1695 as presented Item
12C. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts thanked the Longwood Historic Society and City staff for their work on the Lewis House
project. He announced the City Hall parking lot will undergo resurfacing and restriping, and asked
employees and visitors to park in the Community Building lot on Thursday and Friday.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena reminded the Commission that Fire Department Promotions and Recognitions will take
place this week at Fire Station 15 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. and that the Ride
for Freedom benefiting E.S.T.H.E.R. —Outreach for Single Mothers with Children will be held on
Saturday, October 18. Coffee and donuts will be available from 8:45-9:55 a.m., and the ride will depart
from J. Raymond Construction, 465 W. Warren Avenue, at 10:00 a.m. with Longwood Fire/Police escort
She reported the next Mayors & Managers meeting is on Tuesday, October 21 at the Justice James E. C.
Perry Courthouse Annex in the 2nd floor training room, 101 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL.
She asked the Commission what dates work best for FORMe Heat Studios ribbon cutting, located at 950
W. SR 434 next to Three Odd Guys Brewing. The proposed dates are Friday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m. or
Saturday, October 18 at 2:30 p.m. The Commission agreed to schedule the ribbon cutting for FORMe
Heat Studios on Friday, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.
She inquired on the Commission's participation in Tri-County League of Cities events and if one of the
Commissioners would like to attend their October General Membership Meeting on Thursday, October
16, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden, 2635 McCoy Road, Orlando, FL 32809, so that she
can RSVP on their behalf. Commissioner Morgan accepted the invitation to the October General
Membership Meeting of the Tri-County League of Cities on October 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Ms. Cartagena then asked the Commission if they were going to attend the Mayor's Update on
Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Marriott Orlando Lake Mary. Mayor Sackett will be speaking at the
event. Commission confirmed attendance.
Lastly, she informed the Commission on a call she received from Ruth Osborne with the Marine Corps,
who expressed interest in cleaning veteran tombstones at Longwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery. She
would like to know if the City is open to allowing this volunteer effort to move forward. The
Commission advised volunteers to follow proper guidelines in cleaning veteran tombstones and warned
against the use of harsh chemicals. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker offered to connect the City Clerk with a
local expert from the Longwood Historic Society to ensure proper methods were used.
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Mr. Watts and the Commission congratulated Ms. Cartagena on her appointment as City Clerk for the
ICity of Longwood.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 10-20-2025.
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Brian D. Sackett, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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