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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2025 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 WORK SESSION The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in a Work Session on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, I` Floor, Sanford City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Art Woodruff Vice Mayor Patrick Austin Commissioner Sheena Britton Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Commissioner Claudia Thomas City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. City Attorney Lindsay N. Greene Deputy City Clerk Cathy LoTempio Absent: City Clerk Traci Houchin Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM. 1. Presentation on Parking or Reconsideration for Vested Rights on Outdoor Seating, Eileen Hinson, Director of Planning. Ms. Hinson provided a power point presentation, that provided a timeline of Downtown Parking Vested Rights Fees, the adoption of new regulations, vested rights, and alternatives. The Planning staff held three formal presentations, including two Public Hearings with the Planning and Zoning Commission, they held two Work Session Presentations and two Public Hearings with the Commission, and on May 22, 2023, the City Commission adopted Schedule H — Parking Standards. She said the City received five vested rights orders that were issued to Tuffy's, Celery City, San Leon, West End Trading, and Ellen's Wine Room. These were the only responses from the 50 businesses that were notified. Vice Mayor Austin and Commissioner Britton expressed how they CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 992025 WORK SESSION felt, which is that the City did not communicate adequately to promote this option. Since that time, the City has implemented the `Open for Business' etiquette, and they would like staff to open the Parking or Reconsideration for Vested Rights on Outdoor Seating again. After much discussion, the Commission suggested that City staff brainstorm the issues and come back with solutions. Dan Ping, Executive Director of Sanford Mainstreet, said he would be happy to assist with getting the word out. Commissioner Britton said the City needs to find ways to say yes. 2. Presentation of the Sanford Fire Assessment Study by Raftelis. Mike Burton Executive Vice President of Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., provided a brief presentation of the Fire Assessment Study. He covered five-year capital projects, the five-year average, and property impacts. Commissioner Thomas asked Mr. Burton and staff to make sure this is advertised so the public is aware this assessment will be happening. Mr. Burton said he and staff will be sure this is well advertised and there will be a public meeting for residents to attend and ask questions. The consensus of the Commission is to move forward with the process. 3. Presentation of the 2024 Crime Rate Trend by Cecil Smith, Police Chief. Chief Smith provided a power point presentation and reiterated that the goal of the Sanford Police Department (SPD) is for the City to be a safe community and reduce serious crime. In 2024, Part 1 Crimes were reduced by 14.38%. The School Resource Officers and K-9's met their goal to deter narcotic related activities at Seminole High School, Crooms Academy, and the 9' Grade Center by performing quarterly K-9 CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 912025 WORK SESSION sweeps. The Police Department currently has nine Community Service Officers to help address non -emergency -related offenses. SPD conducted one DUI specific traffic operation per quarter in 2024 and conducted five targeted traffic operations that focused on pedestrian, bicyclist, motor and officer safety. The license plate readers were utilized per quarter to aid and enhance open investigations. The drone team has been deployed monthly and has an additional pilot being added for training. They have also implemented paperless software for Administration Investigations, Use of Force, Field Training Officers, and Vehicle apprehensions. SPD was unable to activate the kiosk station at City Hall at this time due to the Breezeway Expansion Project. Watch Commanders organize and conduct squad -wide walk and talks in one neighborhood each quarter, criminal investigations will engage in three Community Outreach Presentations focused on the prevention of fentanyl related overdoses, and they maintain community outreach in all zones. The Public Information Officer unit plans to produce a public service announcement per quarter. Training and recruiting will conduct quarterly wellness coaching or training for members of the department, two additional investigators were certified in homicide investigations in 2024, and the Employee Wellness Committee will organize the police department's participation in two physical health wellness events. SPD successfully earned their seventh assessment in August 2024 an outstanding review, earning the distinguished accolade of an Excelsior Accredited Agency. The department utilized several grant programs in 2024. SPD had a total of 8,441 hours of training. Chief Smith provided the 2025 Goals: A safe community, reducing serious crime, improving CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 9, 2025 WORK SESSION traffic safety, utilizing technology, fostering partnerships, and promoting employee development and wellness. Commissioner Britton gave praises to Chief Smith and his staff. Vice Mayor Austin said mental health awareness for first responders is essential. Commissioner Britton would like to meet with the officers downtown as she sees a significant increase in homelessness. Chief Smith said Captain Justiniano would coordinate the meeting. Commissioner Thomas asked Chief Smith to send her a copy of the crime statistics. 4. Discussion of Mainstreet Funding by Mayor Woodruff. Mayor Woodruff handed out the proposal for additional funding at Sanford Mainstreet. Dan Ping provided a summary of his daily routine at the Sanford Information Center (SIC). If the City approves hiring a part-time employee, with no benefits, it will allow Mr. Ping to work on additional things to promote the SIC. Commissioner Britton would like to hire someone for a year and look at the return on investments. Mayor Woodruff and Vice Mayor Austin think six months is more reasonable. 5. Discussion on private rights -of -way regarding maintenance of Roads and Stormwater. This discussion will be continued. 6. Discussion RE: Commissioner's 2025 City Manager Objectives 7. Regular Meeting Items — additional information CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 912025 WORK SESSION 8. Briefing Items 9. City Manager Comments Commissioner Thomas suggested holding an additional quarterly City Commission Work Session if the Commission has topics that require much conversation. Attest: There being no further business, the meeting AV City Clerk (CL) 6:34 PM.