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Home My WebLink About12-08-2025 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 089 2025 Mill � �� U " WORK SESSION The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work Session on Monday, December 08, 2025, at 5:00 PM, at the City Commission Chambers, I" 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. City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. City Clerk Traci Houchin Absent: Commissioner Sheena Britton Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM, noting the absence of Commissioner Sheena Britton. 1. Discussion re: City Manager's Evaluation Mayor Woodruff opened the discussion by explaining that he had consolidated the City Manager evaluation scores, focusing discussion on evaluation items that received lower ratings in order to facilitate a more efficient and substantive review. He emphasized that the discussion did not diminish the positive areas of performance reflected in the evaluations. Professional Skills and Integrity Commissioners discussed ratings related to the City Manager's energy, time commitment, and professional conduct. While one commissioner noted concerns regarding demonstrated initiative in addressing difficult budgetary and personnel matters, other CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 08, 202S WORK SESSION commissioners emphasized the City Manager's visibility, long working hours, and participation in City events. The Commission acknowledged that while methods and outcomes may be debated, the City Manager's dedication and time commitment were not generally in dispute. Policy Execution and Administrative Leadership Discussion focused on the City Manager's role in reviewing ordinances, policies, and procedures, and whether sufficient proactive recommendations were being brought forward. Commissioners noted the importance of earlier intervention on permitting processes, clearer communication of policy decisions, and improved public messaging on major utility and infrastructure issues, including wastewater treatment plant matters. The Commission discussed the need for greater clarity regarding who serves as the primary spokesperson for the City during major operational incidents, agreeing that roles and expectations should be more clearly defined to the public. Relations with the City Commission Commissioners discussed the City Manager's responsibility to keep the Commission informed of administrative developments. Examples included staffing changes, major event concerns, and communications related to Sanford Porchfest. Commissioners expressed concern that early warning signs related to Porchfest may not have been communicated to the full Commission in a timely manner, though it was clarified that staff discussions had not yet risen to a formal decision point at that time. Democratic Responsiveness and Public Communication CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 08, 2025 WORK SESSION The Commission acknowledged the City Manager's strong public presence and visibility within the community, as well as his respect for community diversity. Areas identified for improvement included tailoring communication styles to different audiences, improving transparency during crisis situations, and ensuring timely and complete public updates on major service disruptions. Commissioners noted progress in setting clearer expectations with residents regarding follow-up timelines but agreed additional improvement was needed. Fiscal Management and Long -Term Planning The Commission discussed budget trends, capital planning, technology investments, and long-term infrastructure maintenance. Commissioners recognized improvements in capital planning compared to prior years but emphasized the need for clearer trend analysis, improved reporting, and more visible results from technology investments. Discussion included the Fire Assessment Fee, rising public safety costs, and long- term utility infrastructure needs. Commissioners noted that while recent decisions were intended to better position the City for future capital demands, clearer communication of long-term strategies to the public remains essential. Reporting and Information Sharing Commissioners discussed improvements in reporting quality while identifying remaining gaps, particularly regarding internal staff management activities and progress CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 08, 2025 WORK SESSION updates on major initiatives. The City Manager dashboard was acknowledged as a positive initiative, though commissioners noted delays relative to initial expectations. Annual Goals The Commission discussed the number and scope of annual goals, with consensus that the volume of goals may have been excessive. Several goals were reviewed, including: Opportunity Site redevelopment, Mayfair Country Club improvements, Wastewater treatment plant upgrades, Business advisory engagement. Commissioners agreed that goal refinement and prioritization would be beneficial and discussed the importance of balancing speed with quality in project delivery. Commissioner Britton Correspondence City Attorney Greene addressed Commissioner Britton's written decision not to submit a new evaluation, clarifying that under the City Manager's employment agreement and established evaluation procedures, prior -year evaluations could not be substituted for the current year. Each evaluation must stand independently. The Commission discussed the evaluation process generally and reaffirmed its obligation to follow established procedures under the City Charter and employment agreement. Evaluation Process Improvements Commissioners discussed the possibility of revisiting the evaluation format in the future, including holding a workshop to consider improvements to the process while maintaining fairness and accountability. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 089 2025 WORK SESSION Closing Comments on Evaluation Commissioners acknowledged the City Manager's personal loss during the evaluation period and expressed appreciation for staff professionalism during that time. The City Manager stated his willingness to meet individually with commissioners to review feedback and expressed openness to resuming regular check -in meetings. The Commission indicated that formal action on the evaluation would occur during the Regular Meeting. 2. Update on Opportunity Site, by Deputy City Manager Craig Radzak Deputy City Manager Craig Radzak provided an update on the Opportunity Site redevelopment process. He reviewed the prior Request for Proposals (RFP), noting that initial responses were heavily residential and did not align with Commission expectations, prompting a rebid. Mr. Radzak reported that the Community Redevelopment Agency funded design work for a passive park on the grassy lot north of the Civic Center, with design documents nearing completion. Staff intends to include the passive park design as part of a revised RFP. Key discussion points included: • Prioritizing the grassy lot and the Millings Lot for redevelopment consideration • Holding courthouse parking discussions pending coordination with Seminole County CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER OS, 2025 WORK SESSION • Evaluating mixed -use concepts for the Millings Lot, including first -floor retail and limited residential or office space • Maintaining flexibility and avoiding overdevelopment • Preserving green space and enhancing connections between the Civic Center, Marina, and downtown Commissioners expressed strong support for preserving open space, improving landscaping, and ensuring any redevelopment proposal reflects community values and long-term needs rather than forcing development. Staff indicated a revised draft RFP would be brought back to the Commission at a future Work Session, likely in January, for further discussion prior to issuance. 3. Regular Meeting Items — additional information No additional items were discussed. 4. City Manager Comments The City Manager thanked the Commission for its feedback and reiterated his commitment to addressing evaluation concerns, improving communication, and continuing collaborative work with the Commission. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6;.J 5 P Mayor Art Woodruff CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 089 2025 WORK SESSION Attest: City Clerk W (SP) WA