CC02-02-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
January 19, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Brian D. Sackett David Dowda, Police Chief
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Chris Kintner, Community Development Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Dan Langley, City Attorney Shad Smith, Public Works Director
William Watts, City Manager Jacqueline Aubrey, Community& Media Relations Manager
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Sackett called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. OPENING INVOCATION. Phil Ayers, Lead Pastor from LifePoint Christian 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 announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
at the Longwood Community Building, 200 West Warren Avenue. This month's feature is The
Bucket List.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. District#5 Presentation of the Business Person of the Month Award to Russell Durham,
president and founder of Rusty's Bicycle Recycle, 1275 Bennett Drive, Suite#126, Longwood.
Mayor Sackett read a brief biography on Russell Durham and presented him with the Business
Person of the Month for January 2026. Photographs were then taken.
B. Presentation of the Beautification Award to Hidden Oak Estates HOA on Longwood Hills Road.
Commissioner McMillan presented Michele Carpenter and staff from Hidden Oak Estates HOA on
Longwood Hills Road with the Beautification Award Certificate and photographs were then taken.
C. Presentation of the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship Award to:
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- Sean Esler, Owner of Edge Systems
Commissioner Boni read a Proclamation recognizing Sean Esler and presented him with the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship Award. Photographs were then taken.
-Tammy Uliano, STEM teacher at Longwood Elementary
Mayor Sackett read a Proclamation recognizing Tammy Uliano and presented her with the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Good Citizenship Award. Photographs were then taken.
- Brian D. Sackett, former teacher and current Longwood Commissioner
Commissioner Morgan read a Proclamation recognizing Brian D. Sackett and presented him with
the Martin Luther King,Jr. Good Citizenship Award. Photographs were then taken.
D. Recognition of the 2025 sponsors for the Annual Celebrate the Season and Breakfast with Santa
events.
Mr. Capizzi presented the 2025 sponsors of the Annual Celebrate the Season and Breakfast with
Santa events with certificates. Photographs were taken.
E. Recognition of the 2025 Longwood Christmas Parade winners.
Mr. Capizzi presented the 2025 Longwood Christmas Parade Winners with plaques and
certificates. Photographs were taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS. None.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation.
Occin Volmar, 1445 West State Road 434, Suite 200, Chief Operating Officer of Riggs College in
Longwood, introduced the college describing their fully online programs in criminal justice,
business administration, and nursing. He announced a 50 percent discount for law enforcement
and fire department personnel.
Dr. Brian Hill, 1445 West State Road 434, Suite 200, Dean of Riggs College in Longwood,
announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 20. He referenced his twenty-seven (27) years
in nursing, and thanked the Commission for their support.
Eric Coronel, 815 West State Road 434, who spoke on behalf of the Jack in the Box restaurant,
announced he and Ed Zausch, franchisee, will open the first Jack in the Box in the State of Florida
in the City of Longwood. A public grand opening is planned on February 19 and a ribbon cutting on
March 6. He noted collaboration with City staff and minimal delays, described the menu variety,
discussed plans for up to ten (10) locations regionally and 350-600 jobs. He reported
approximately forty-two (42) hires in Longwood to date with more hires planned for the upcoming
weekend.
Dr. Agar Quinones-Aristone, 1675 Dixon Road Blvd., representing One School of the Arts and
Sciences, requested consideration of rezoning to support and expand programs for neurodiverse
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students. She had spoken with Commissioner Morgan to share the school's vision and how they
could partner together to better serve the neurodiverse community.
David Munoz, 477 Commerce Way, property owner of One School of the Arts and Sciences,
expressed willingness to rezone his building in support of the One School of the Arts and Sciences.
He mentioned his three daughters attend the school and felt such services as stated by Dr.
Quinones-Aristone are needed in Longwood as more people move into the area. He believed the
additional services would be good for business as well as for residents.
S. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#2. Commissioner Boni. No report.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan extended New Year greetings and recognized Martin Luther King
(MLK)Jr. Day as well as congratulated recipients of the MLK Good Citizenship Award honored earlier in
the meeting. He thanked Leisure Services, the Police Department and Fire Department for their
assistance with holiday events including the tree lighting, Celebrate the Season, Breakfast with Santa
and parade. He attended the Menorah lighting in Reiter Park by Chabad of North Orlando and a
meeting of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, sharing with the group that AARP had named
Longwood as one of its "Great Places to Live" for 2026, and mentioning the river as one of the reasons.
He planned to look into how the City can possibly assist the group with promoting the river. He
attended a meeting of the Tri-County League of Cities held in Longwood and congratulated City staff for
putting together the well-received event with officials from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
The organization heard an informative presentation by David Johnson on property taxes. He planned to
attend the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee the following week.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan reported he also will travel to Tallahassee for the legislative session,
and welcomed Jack in the Box to Longwood recalling his first date with his now wife Larissa at one of
the restaurants back in the 1990s. He commended the Police Department and Chief Dowda for security
at the Chanukah Celebration in Reiter Park. He attended a CALNO (Council of Local Governments of
Seminole County) meeting in Altamonte Springs and heard about the City's Al initiatives such as
electronic self-driving cars, operating in the Cranes Roost area. Altamonte Spring's City Manager Frank
Martz recognized Mr. Watts for his work in Longwood, sharing information on the City's future plans
possibly expanding Al throughout Seminole County.
District#5. Mayor Sackett noted the safety presence at the Chanukah Celebration in Reiter Park. He
attended the Sunlight Academy graduation at the Community Center, the Longwood Car Show
estimating 250 cars in the show's 14th year, a meeting of the Tri-County League of Cities thanking Ms.
Cartagena and staff for putting together the successful event, and participated in Leadership Seminole
Class of 36. He planned to attend the Mayors and Managers Meeting the next day, confirmed the State
Road 434 paving is complete from Rangeline Road to County Road 427, and commented on the new
interior of the soon-to-be opened Jack in the Box. He asked about the removal of bus signs and benches
after the stop in service along SR 434, inquired about paper sign replacements, and sadly noted a low
meat supply at Winn-Dixie which is scheduled to close this year.
District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker welcomed Jack in the Box and extended New Year greetings. She
attended a meeting of the Tri-County League of Cities, and decided not to attend the required Ethics
Training they provide next month in person due to her work schedule but will take it online or at the
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annual Florida League of Cities Conference. She indicated rezoning inquiries would proceed through
staff review.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES111
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
Commissioner Morgan noted the lack of schools serving neurodiverse students in Seminole
County and emphasized the significant need for expanded services. He stated that he has met
with One School of the Arts and Sciences, which shares this concern. He added that approximately
one in five children is diagnosed as neurodiverse and that these students are often dispersed to
schools in other counties and throughout the state, noting that his own son attends a school in
Orange County. He contacted Mr. Kintner to obtain additional information and inquired about the
necessary steps should the Commission support a rezoning. He requested that the City Manager
and staff review the proposal and provide relevant information to the Commission.
Mr. Watts responded that he and staff will compile the requested information for the next
Commission meeting. Commissioner McMillan added that staff will need to monitor available
options during the upcoming legislative session, particularly those related to Senate Bill 180.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the December 15, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for December 2025.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for November 2025.
D. Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Longwood and the Supervisor
of Elections for Seminole County for the Coordination and Administration of Municipal Elections
to Ensure Compliance with State Law.
E. Approval to enter into a service agreement and authorize a purchase order for$29,000.00 to
Autolawn of Orlando for ITB# PW 26-002CE for lawn mowing and landscape maintenance of
Candyland Ball Fields and Longwood Memorial Garden.
Commissioner Boni moved to approve Items 10A through 10E as presented. Seconded
by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 25-1706, establishing the City's Notice of Intent to
use the Uniform Method for collecting Non-Ad Valorem Assessments in 2026.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 25-1706 by title only.
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Mr. Woolbright presented the Item.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Resolution No.
25-1706.
Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner McMillan moved to adopt Resolution No. 25-1706 as presented Item
11A. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1710, authorizing the use of Column, a Publicly
Accessible Website for the Publication of Legal Notices Pursuant to Section 50.0311, Florida
Statutes.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1710 by title only.
Ms. Cartagena presented the Item.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Resolution No.
26-1710.
Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1710 as presented Item
11B. Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
C. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 25-2277, which amends Article IX of the Longwood
Development Code to create Section 9.5.0 addressing changes related to Senate Bill 180.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 25-2277 by title only.
Mr. Kintner presented the Item.
Mayor Sackett opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No.
25-2277.
Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Boni moved to adopt Ordinance No. 25-2277 as presented Item 11C.
Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
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A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1711, authorizing the City Manager to execute a
Retainer Agreement with outside counsel regarding PFAS litigation.
Mr. Langley presented the Item stating outside counsel would represent the City in national
litigation and settlements arising from products containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
(PFAS). He explained that PFAS contamination has become a nationwide issue affecting plastics
and water systems, and numerous companies have already entered into settlements. The
identified law firm represents several municipal clients and has successfully obtained settlements
in similar cases. The firm has also committed to providing free testing to determine PFAS levels
within the City. After discussions with the City Manager, the City Attorney concluded that pursuing
this litigation is a worthwhile opportunity for the City to potentially access settlement funds that
could be used to upgrade the wastewater system.
Commissioner McMillan noted that the Florida League of Cities has addressed this issue in recent
years and emphasized that PFAS contamination is widespread, with companies increasingly being
held accountable. He expressed support for the City's participation in the litigation.
Commissioner Morgan moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1711 as presented Item 12A.
Seconded by Commissioner Boni and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Approval of an updated Interlocal Agreement between Seminole County and the City of Longwood
for Contribution of Opioid Settlement Funds.
Mr. Watts presented the Item.
Commissioner McMillan moved to approve Item 12B as presented. Seconded by
Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
Mr. Watts stated in regards to a request from the One School of the Arts and Sciences, he and staff will
present an item at the next Commission meeting. He and staff also will work with the LYNX bus service
to address stops that were removed due to recent changes in LYNX's schedule. He reviewed the Church
Avenue brick repair saying there has been a social media post, and this week the road will have
intermittent closures between Church Avenue and Wilma Street. On Friday, there will be complete
closure from Ronald Reagan Boulevard to Wilma Street. He added these closures will occur only during
the day with signs posted, and access to the parking lots for City Hall, Finance, and Community
Development will be closed at that time.
Mr. Watts reached out to Winn Dixie's Vice President of Real Estate and they have expressed interest in
moving back into the City once the existing location turns into an Aldi.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. None.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT.
Ms. Cartagena reported the JOY Awards would be presented at the next Commission meeting and all
eleven (11) schools have nominated students. She then advised the Commission that the State of the
County Luncheon is scheduled for February 13 and requested direction on whether to purchase
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individual tickets or reserve a table, noting that purchasing individual tickets would be more cost
effective based on anticipated attendance. She noted individual tickets are $55, and a table that seats
ten (10) is $750.
The Commission agreed to purchase a table after referring to past attendance and the cost already
allocated in the budget.
16. ADJOURN. Mayor Sackett adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
Minutes approved by City Commission: 02-02-2026.
Brian D. Sackett, Ma r
ATTEST:
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
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