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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-2025 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES ;J NOVEMBER 10 dP �b 1 � J 9 2025 WORK SESSION The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, at the City Commission Chambers, 1'` Floor, Sanford City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Art Woodruff Commissioner Claudia Thomas Commissioner Patrick Austin Commissioner Sheena Britton City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. City Clerk Traci Houchin Deputy City Clerk Shanna Posey Absent: Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:08 PM, noting the absence of Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr., due to knee replacement surgery. Discussion re: Waste Pro Rate Increase, by Tim Dolan Mr. Tim Dolan delivered a comprehensive presentation on Waste Pro's request for a rate adjustment and several contract -related considerations. Mr. Dolan described the financial challenges arising from capped CPI adjustments included in the City's contract. He explained that in recent years, actual CPI increases exceeded the 4% cap, resulting in a 6.13% shortfall between 2023 and 2025. He requested that the City consider allowing recovery of this deficit, either all at once or spread across multiple years, noting that Sanford's solid waste rates would remain competitive with neighboring municipalities even after adjustment. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2025 WORK SESSION A significant portion of the presentation focused on landfill costs, which are set by Seminole County. Mr. Dolan stated that if the CPI cap remained at 4%, Waste Pro would need to return annually for separate landfill pass -through increases. He proposed either raising the CPI cap to 6% or allowing modifications to contract language so that landfill increases could be absorbed into annual CPI adjustments, avoiding repeated requests. The City Attorney provided clarification regarding the statutory constraints on contract extensions under Florida law. She noted that the current contract includes a final extension period through 2030 and may not be extended beyond that year. She further explained the parameters under which financial amendments may be considered during the contract term. Commissioners generally acknowledged the justification for the rate adjustment but requested that staff evaluate the full range of options —including potential separation of landfill costs, adjustment of the CPI cap, or alternate billing structures —and return with a formal recommendation. 2. Discussion re: Sanford Main Street and a request for additional funding, by Deputy City Manager Craig Radzak and Sanford Main Street Executive Director Dan Ping Deputy City Manager Radzak briefed the Commission on Sanford Main Street's current operational needs and the implications of the CRA sunset. He reported that the supplemental funding provided by the Commission earlier in the year had allowed the organization to maintain full operating hours at the Welcome Center and to expand community engagement activities. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 10, 2025 WORK SESSION Executive Director Dan Ping addressed the Commission, describing enhanced committee activity, strengthened board participation, and increased visibility of Main Street programming. He emphasized that continuation of supplemental funding would provide essential staffing stability. Commissioners expressed support for maintaining supplemental funding but noted that Economic Development funds are limited. Some Commissioners committed discretionary funds from their individual accounts. Staff were directed to prepare a revised funding agreement and provide a detailed financial impact analysis at the December meeting. The Commission also requested that the CRA's accomplishments be presented at the first regular meeting in January 2026. 3. Discussion re: City of Sanford's Poet Laureate Program, by Communications Manager Lisa Holder. Communications Manager Lisa Holder presented a proposal for establishing a Poet Laureate program to enhance arts engagement and cultural identity within the City. The proposed role would involve public literary programming, original works, and participation in City events. While Commissioners expressed appreciation for the concept, they cited existing departmental workload and ongoing communications priorities as reasons to defer implementation at this time. 4. Discussion re: Special Events, by Leisure Service Director Lisa Jones and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Brooks CITY COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 109 2025 WORK SESSION Leisure Service Director Lisa Jones and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Brooks provided an overview of operational challenges associated with special events, including increasing costs and resource demands. Commissioners discussed the broader question of how the City may support community events following the closure of the CRA and expressed interest in developing refined policies and more efficient support mechanisms. Staff will return with recommendations for event support models and efficiencies at a future meeting. 5. Regular Meeting Items — additional information Introduction of the new CBDG Coordinator Ms. Tiara Hardaway. She previously worked with the Choice Neighborhoods Program with HUD, as well as the State of Texas on their Home program. She was the manager there and then with the City of Winter P, where she was the deputy director for about 9 years. Commissioners reviewed and discussed additional items scheduled for the evening's Regular Commission Meeting. Staff provided clarifications on consent agenda items, operational matters, and upcoming initiatives. 6. City Manager Comments The City Manager provided updates on City operations, ongoing projects, and future Commission agenda items. He also confirmed timelines for bringing back requested information related to Waste Pro, Sanford Main Street, and CRA closeout materials. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 109 2025 WORK SESSION There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 PM Attest: Mayor Art Woodru. 14Opt air ^k a �/N014JDL,eh" 06fPN City Clerk (SP) c�ya Nb,,mn