CC05-18-2026Min LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION
Longwood City Commission Chambers
I 175 West Warren Avenue
Longwood, Florida
MINUTES
May 18, 2026
6:00 PM
Present:
Mayor Tony Boni Troy Feist, Fire Chief
Deputy Mayor Abby Shoemaker David Dowda, Police Chief
Commissioner Brian D. Sackett Dustin Woolbright, Financial Services Director
Commissioner Matthew McMillan Shad Smith, Public Works Director
Commissioner Matt Morgan Adam Bryant, Deputy Police Chief
Dan Langley, City Attorney Eric Nagowski, Public Works Engineer
William Watts, City Manager Jacqueline Aubrey, Community & Media Relations Manager
Liane Cartagena, City Clerk
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Boni called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
I. OPENING INVOCATION. Jose Rivera, Pastor of New Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church of Longwood
gave the invocation.
3. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Morgan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS. Ms. Cartagena read the following announcements.
A. The Senior Matinee will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 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 Song
Sung Blue.
5. PROCLAMATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS
A. Proclaiming May 17 through May 23, 2026, as "National Public Works Week" in the City of
Longwood.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker read the proclamation and presented it to Public Works Staff.
Photographs were taken.
B. Proclaiming May 17 through May 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in the City of
Longwood.
ICommissioner McMillan read the proclamation and presented it to Fire Department Staff and
Doctor Todd Husty. Photographs were taken.
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C. Proclaiming May 20 and June 19, 2026, as "Florida Emancipation Day and Juneteenth Day" in the
City of Longwood.
Commissioner Morgan read the proclamation.
D. Recognizing Karen Gehl and Cherie Sanders, Citizens on Patrol Members, for Assisting in the Safe
Recovery of a Missing Child.
Deputy Police Chief Adam Bryant presented Karen Gehl and Cherie Sanders with a certificate.
Photographs were taken.
E. Recognizing Commissioner Brian D. Sackett for his dedicated service to the City as Mayor, from
May 2025 to May 2026.
Mayor Boni recognized Commissioner Sackett for his service to the City as Mayor. Photographs
were taken.
6. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. District#2 Nomination to the Land Planning Agency.
Mayor Boni nominated Deb Carswell for reappointment to the Land Planning Agency. Nomination
carried by a unanimous voice vote.
B. Appointment of two members of the Commission as the primary and alternate representatives
to the MetroPlan Orlando Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC).
Commissioner Morgan was nominated as the primary representative and Deputy Mayor
Shoemaker as the secondary representative to the MetroPlan Orlando MAC.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
A. Public Participation. None.
8. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORT
District#5. Commissioner Sackett discussed recent Sunshine Utilities rate increase notices and concerns
expressed by residents regarding utility costs. He reported participation in Longwood Babe Ruth events
and recognized the 25th Anniversary of the Warren Brown Rookie & T-Ball Tournament. He also
attended the All-Star Playoffs in Oviedo, mentioning strong representation from the Longwood league.
Commissioner Sackett commented that the car show had a lower-than-usual turnout which he
attributed to the rain. He mentioned upcoming events including a VFW meeting on Monday, May 25
and two ribbon cuttings. He reminded everyone to be cautious as schools would have half-days,
anticipating an increase in children and e-bikes on the roads. He confirmed his attendance for the
upcoming Tri County League of Cities meeting on Thursday, May 21 which would focus on the recent
special legislative session and home rule issues.
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District#1. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker congratulated Citizens on Patrol Members (COPs) Karen Gehl and
Cherie Sanders as well as Public Works employees, emergency responders, and Commissioner Sackett
for their service and contributions to the City.
District#2. Mayor Boni congratulated Chief Feist on graduating from Leadership Seminole and noted
several recent family graduation events.
District#3. Commissioner McMillan reported that WOW! fiber work was actively working in his
neighborhood again and confirmed he had not received any service interruption notices, indicating
work was proceeding smoothly under their new permit. He congratulated Fire Chief Feist on his
graduation from Leadership Seminole, and announced his upcoming absence from the June 1"
Commission Meeting, noting he will be in Washington D.C. for his graduate program. He also stated he
planned to meet with federal representatives regarding issues impacting the City, including FEMA
matters. He requested any additional federal topics from staff to address during his meetings in
Washington D.C. He planned to visit the Florida House in D.C. and intended to present one of the City's
America 250 coins, representing Longwood in the nation's capital.
Commissioner McMillan attended the Longwood Car Show, and praised the synergy of holding a
student concert earlier concurrently with the Farmer's Market. He then thanked former Mayor Sackett
for his extensive service to the City.
District#4. Commissioner Morgan thanked former Mayor Sackett for his service to the City. He
attended the Council of Local Governments of Seminole County (CALNO) meeting, the Seminole County
National Day of Prayer, and the Mother & Son Dance. He announced his recent appointment to the
Board of Directors for Recovery Connections of Central Florida, an organization that provides peer
counseling in hospitals for individuals struggling with addiction. He congratulated Fire Chief Feist for
completing the Leadership Seminole program.
9. COMMISSION AND STAFF ADDITIONS OR CHANGES
A. ADDITIONAL ITEMS RAISED DURING MAYOR'S AND COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS. None.
B. ANY ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA. None.
10. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the May 4, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approve the Monthly Expenditures for April 2026.
C. Approve the Monthly Financial Report for March 2026.
D. Approval of the City of Longwood Commissioner Handbook, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Member Handbook, and Land Planning Agency Member Handbook.
E. Approval of the City of Longwood 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.
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The Commission discussed Item 10D, regarding the Commissioner Handbook, and emphasized the
importance of ensuring consistency with the City Charter and Florida Statutes. It was noted the
handbook would serve as a working resource and could be updated administratively as laws and
policies change.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve Items 10A through 10E as presented. Seconded
by Commissioner Sackett and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Read by title only, set June 1, 2026, as the second public hearing date, and approve the first
reading of Ordinance No. 26-2282, revising water and wastewater utility rates and fees.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2282 by title only.
Mr. Watts presented the proposed utility rate adjustments resulting from the City's recently
completed utility rate study. Staff explained the increases were necessary to address rising
operational costs, aging infrastructure, future capital obligations, and financing requirements
associated with the construction of a new water treatment plant and utility system improvements.
Discussion included escalating construction costs, infrastructure needs, sewer lift station upgrades,
financing through State Revolving Fund loans, phased rate increases, CPI-based annual
adjustments beginning in 2030, and comparisons with neighboring utility rates.
Commissioners discussed transparency, accountability, and ensuring residents understood how
utility revenues would be utilized. Deputy Mayor Shoemaker requested that staff provide
additional information identifying what portion of future rate increases would be dedicated
toward the new water plant and requested consideration of a separate line item or reporting
mechanism for residents.
The following spoke in opposition to Item 11A.
Richard Grimaldi, no address provided, acknowledged rising costs but expressed disbelief at the
magnitude of the proposed hikes. He questioned the City's proposed rate increases of 35 percent
this year and next year, and 25 percent the following year. As a businessman, he thought a 98
percent increase over a four-year period was exorbitant. He mentioned surrounding communities
did not have any increases near the 35 percent level and questioned the need for such size
increases.
Jim McKenna, 845 Woodgate Trail, asked whether the proposed rate increases apply to the entire
water bill or only the water usage portion. He commented on the city's past maintenance
practices referencing presentation photos that depicted disrepair. He questioned why current
maintenance is not more progressive, noting rust and decay did not happen overnight.
Joann Cross, 454 E Bay Avenue, echoed concerns about the lack of prior maintenance on existing
facilities, questioning why it was not addressed five years ago. She asked about the availability of
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federal funds for the project and the age of water systems in surrounding cities used in the rate
comparison.
Josie Mercer Wooten, 520 Rosedale Avenue, questioned why the city is proposing rate increases
after approving numerous apartment buildings. She expressed frustration that long-time residents
who have owned homes and businesses over 30 years will have to bear the financial costs after
thousands of new residents have been added to the system.
Diane Timmons, 526 Pinyon Court, focused on the impact on fixed-income residents stating rate
increases will add over$30 per month to her bill by the end of the multi-year period. She asked for
transparency on federal funding and suggested that collected funds be placed in an interest-
bearing account. She also raised a question about a new, separate charge for the water meter
itself. She acknowledged the need for upgrades but asked for consideration of the financial strain
on the community.
Staff and the City's consultant from Raftelis responded to questions regarding financing, debt
obligations, rate calculations, infrastructure timelines, and regulatory requirements.
Diane Timmons, 526 Pinyon Court, suggested a public fundraising campaign through Go Fund Me.
Mr. Langley confirmed donations could be legally accepted for this purpose but they typically are
not deposited into enterprise funds. Any conditions must be accepted by Commission. He
suggested alternative of donations to assist residents with utility bills.
Richard Grimaldi, no address provided, expressed concern about the city accepting public fund
raising and its reputation though he supported a fund to help residents pay their bills.
Commissioner McMillan moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to direct staff to bring forward additional information
for the June 1, 2026, meeting regarding identification and tracking of the portion of utility
rate increases dedicated to the water plant. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and
carried by a 4-1 voice vote with Commissioner Sackett voting no.
Deputy Mayor Shoemaker moved to approve Ordinance No. 26-2282 as presented Item
11A. Seconded by Commissioner McMillan and carried by a 3-2 roll call vote with
Commissioner Morgan and Commissioner Sackett voting no.
B. Read by title only and adopt Ordinance No. 26-2284, which calls for a bond referendum election
to be held to finance public safety capital projects.
Mr. Langley read Ordinance No. 26-2284 by title only.
Mayor Boni opened the public hearing. No one spoke in favor or opposition to Ordinance No. 26-
2284.
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Commissioner Sackett moved to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner
Morgan and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Commissioner Sackett moved to approve Ordinance No. 26-2284 as presented in Item
11B. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
12. REGULAR BUSINESS
A. Read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 26-1720, authorizing the City to enter into an
agreement with the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for
improvements of Lift Station #15.
Mr. Langley read Resolution No. 26-1720 by title only.
Mr. Smith presented the Item.
Commissioner Sackett moved to adopt Resolution No. 26-1720 as presented in Item
12A. Seconded by Commissioner Morgan and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
13. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Watts provided updates regarding ongoing WOW! fiber infrastructure work and stated
improvements had been made to communication efforts through the City website regarding outages
and restoration activities. He noted sod restoration work would resume during the rainy season to
improve effectiveness.
Mr. Watts also reported on Lift Station 15 rehabilitation and floodproofing efforts, the upcoming Water
Facility Plan public meeting scheduled for May 28, 2026, Water Plant No. 3 planning and permitting
activities, emergency repairs at existing water plants, decorative lighting improvements funded through
park impact fees, upcoming community events, preliminary development discussions regarding
apartments near Lake Emma Road, preliminary planning for Fire Station 17, ongoing Police and Fire
training efforts, employee recognitions, and retirements.
Mr. Watts additionally congratulated Commissioner Sackett on his years of service to the City.
14. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Mr. Langley expressed appreciation and gratitude for the service of former Mayor Sackett.
15. CITY CLERK'S REPORT
Ms. Cartagena announced the following events: Seminole County Law Enforcement Memorial on May
20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at Cranes Roost Park, City offices closed on May 25, 2026 in observance of
Memorial Day, Longwood VFW Memorial Day event on May 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Candyland Park,
and Longwood Elementary 5th Grade Award Ceremony on May 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Lyman High
School.
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16. ADJOURN
Mayor Boni adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
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Minutes approved `" '.' •.. ion: 06-01-2026
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