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Home My WebLink About10-13-2025 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES I'J OCTOBER 139 2025 WORK SESSION The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM, at the City Commission Chambers, Pt Floor, Sanford City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Art Woodruff Vice Mayor Patrick Austin City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. Commissioner Claudia Thomas Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Commissioner Sheena Britton City Clerk Traci Houchin Deputy City Clerk Sharma Posey Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Discussion re: Central Florida Urban League by Elizabeth Grace, President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League Ms. Elizabeth Grace, newly appointed President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League, provided an update on the organization's progress regarding city - owned property previously donated for a new community facility. Ms. Grace explained that leadership transitions had delayed the project but reaffirmed her commitment to moving forward with a multi -use facility featuring administrative offices, community health services, and training spaces. She requested an extension of the project timeline to allow for capital fundraising efforts. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 139 2025 WORK SESSION Commissioners expressed support, noting the importance of the initiative and understanding the leadership transition. Consensus was reached to grant an extension, with staff to prepare formal documentation reflecting the new timeline. 2. Presentation re: City of Sanford's Strategic Plan by Elizabeth Jones, Performance Management Coordinator Ms. Elizabeth Jones presented an overview of the City's newly implemented five-year strategic plan, effective October 1, 2025. The plan defines the City's mission, vision, and values using the acronym CARE (Community -focused, Accountable, Resilient, and Environmentally Responsible). She discussed the City's transition toward digital transformation and performance -based reporting, emphasizing streamlined data collection, online dashboards, and transparency in metrics tracking. Ms. Jones recommended transitioning the City Manager's report from monthly to quarterly to improve efficiency. Commissioners commended the comprehensive presentation but expressed differing opinions regarding the reporting frequency. Consensus: Maintain monthly reports for the time being, while exploring digital efficiencies for future transition. 3. Discussion re: Term Limits for City Boards/Committees by Lindsay Greene, City Attorney. City Attorney Green reviewed current ordinances governing board appointments, which allow three four-year terms. Commissioners debated maintaining versus extending term limits. While some noted the need for continuity and experience, CITY COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 139 2025 WORK SESSION others stressed the importance of civic participation and rotation. Consensus: Retain the existing three -term limit policy. Exceptions may be considered by ordinance when justified. Commission also discussed improving board attendance tracking, application processes, and interview procedures for new members. The Commission reviewed upcoming vacancies on multiple city boards, including the CDBG Advisory Board, Sanford Airport Authority, Historic Preservation Board, and Sanford Housing Authority. It was agreed that all applicants for boards with openings will be interviewed at a special work session scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The Commission also directed staff to clarify board membership lists, term expirations, and attendance records. 4. Discussion re: Community Planning Month by Eileen Hinson, Planning Director Planning Director Eileen Hinson presented in recognition of National Community Planning Month, highlighting the City's efforts toward resilient, sustainable growth and downtown revitalization. She provided an overview of staffing, ongoing development initiatives, and the department's challenges due to rapid growth. Commissioners discussed staffing constraints and potential process improvements, including the possibility of offering developers an optional fee -based expedited plan review using third -party reviewers. Staff will explore the feasibility and report back with recommendations. 5. Add -On Item: Request for Approval to Amend 2026/2026 Fiscal Year Budget for Sanford Airport Authority by Nicole Martz, CEO of Sanford International Airport. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 2025 WORK SESSION A representative from the Orlando Sanford International Airport presented a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, submitted early in the fiscal year due to operational needs. The amendment was reviewed for informational purposes. 6. City Financial Report — 3rd Quarter Ended June 30, 2025, by Cindy Lindsay, Finance Director Finance Director Cindy Lidsay presented the City's Third Quarter Financial Report covering the nine months ending June 30, 2025. The General Fund currently shows a positive balance of approximately $12 million, although this figure is not expected to remain through year-end. The City's fund balance reserves stand at approximately 16.5%, slightly above the 14% policy requirement. The Finance Director reiterated her recommendation to maintain a 25% reserve target, representing roughly $9.6 million in additional funds. Pension Funds: Both Police and Fire pension funds were reported as being down 47% and 49%, respectively, due to market adjustments affecting investment income. Commissioners inquired about the differences in interest earnings between the General Fund and the Special Revenue Fund. The Finance Director explained that the variance is due to differing fund utilization and the timing of cash -based accounting. She confirmed that investment performance is consistent with market conditions and that end -of -year adjustments will provide a clearer picture of actual expenditures and revenues. No major concerns were noted, and the Commission accepted the report for the record. 7. Regular Meeting Items — additional information. 8. Briefing Items CITY COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 13, 2025 WORK SESSION City Manager Comments There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6: W ;asp City Clerk (SP)