HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2025 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 279 2025
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session
on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 4:45 PM, at the City Commission Chambers, Pt Floor,
Sanford City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Art Woodruff
Commissioner Claudia Thomas
Commissioner Patrick Austin
Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr.
Commissioner Sheena Britton
City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene
Deputy City Manager Craig Razdack
City Clerk Traci Houchin
Deputy City Clerk Shanna Posey
Absent: City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:50 PM, noting a
brief delay due to a prior closed -door meeting upstairs.
Discussion re: Raftelis Rate Study Update, by Raftelis and Brynt Johnson, Public
Works and Utilities Director
Mr. Brynt Johnson, Public Works and Utilities Director, introduced Henry Thomas,
Senior Vice President, of Raftelis Financial Consultants. Mr. Thomas reviewed the
assumptions, methodology, and results of the utility rate study. Sanford's utilities are
enterprise funds, primarily funded through user rates. Operating expenses have increased
by approximately 50% since 2020, driven by inflation, materials, and chemical costs. The
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totals $296.8 million, including $77 million in grants,
$71.9 million in SRF loans, and $148 million in rate and reserve funds.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 279 2025
WORK SESSION
Proposed rate adjustments: Water — 7% annual increase; Wastewater — 6% annual
increase. The average residential bill would increase from $86.89 to $92.41. Sanford
remains in the mid -range among peer utilities.
Commissioners discussed rate competitiveness, the financial impact of future
capital projects, and confirmed that rate adoption is expected in December 2025.
2. Discussion re: Special Assessment, Monroe Meadows, presented by City Attorney
Lindsay Greene
Ms. Lindsay Greene stated that the Monroe Meadows Special Assessment
was revisited following resolution of the fire assessment. Notification letters will be
mailed, and a meeting will be coordinated with the goal of bringing the matter before the
Commission in early 2026.
3. Discussion re: Tax Concessions (Elev8), presented by Brady Lessard, Economic
Development Director.
Mr. Brady Lessard said Elev8 representatives were unable to attend due to
travel. Staff does not recommend reinstating the previously discontinued Tax Concession
Program. Commissioners discussed possible program revisions to focus on new
commercial development. Elev8 will present their proposal at a future work session.
4. Discussion re: City Boards and Committees by City Attorney Lindsay Greene
CDBG Board terms should be four years under Ordinance 2015-4331. Existing
two-year terms may be extended to complete four years. The Commission directed staff to
confirm current members' intentions to continue service. Ms. Portia Washington was
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 279 2025
WORK SESSION
interviewed for the Historic Preservation Board; the Commission expressed appreciation
for her community involvement. Appointment consideration will occur during the regular
evening meeting.
5. Lien Amnesty Ordinance, by Tony Raimondo, Director of Development Services
Proposed amendments include increasing the lien reduction cap from $5,000 to
$7,500, raising the administrative fee from $400 to $500, and the application fee from $100
to $250. The changes aim to discourage program abuse and better recover staff costs. The
City Attorney recommended maintaining a single uniform rate for all applicants to avoid
constitutional challenges. The Commission agreed to proceed with first reading and revisit
structure after implementation.
6. Urban Infill Redevelopment Flexibility, Eileen Hinson, Planning Director
Planning Director Eileen Hinson reviewed the Urban Infill Redevelopment
Program, which encourages redevelopment on small or irregular lots by allowing design
flexibility. Examples included Monroe Landings, Caliber Collision, Home for Good, and
the Culinary Institute at 500 Holly Avenue. Commissioners praised the program's impact
and discussed integrating sustainability and tree preservation measures in future infill
development.
7. Briefing Items
Mr. Kenneth Bentley with the Sanford Airport Authority reported the successful
inaugural Aerojet flight from the Dominican Republic to Sanford, designating the City as
the 'Gateway to the Caribbean.'
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 27, 2025
WORK SESSION
There being no further business, the meeting was adjournec at 6:20 PM
or Art Woodruff
Ij ".
Attest:
City Clerk
(SP)