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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-2025 RM MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Regular Meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Art Woodruff Commissioner Sheena Britton (arrived at 7:1 1pm) Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Commissioner Patrick Austin Commissioner Claudia Thomas City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene City Clerk Traci Houchin Absent: None CALL TO ORDER: 1) Meeting was called to order by Mayor Woodruff at 7:02 PM. CEREMONIAL MATTERS: 2) Legislative prayer by Commissioner Kerry Wiggins. 3) Pledge of Allegiance 4) Presentations, Proclamations and Awards: ■ Art In Chambers New Exhibit "Sea Pours" a Collaboration with Mother Nature, Patty Kane, Artist The Chair of the Public Art Commission addressed the Commission and introduced the City's newest Art in Chambers exhibition entitled "Sea Pours," featuring watercolor works by local artist Patty Kane. Ms. Kane provided a detailed explanation of her artistic process, describing how she collaborates with natural elements by immersing watercolor paper in ocean water and CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING allowing the movement of tides, sand, and marine debris to shape the initial composition. Members of the Commission commended Ms. Kane for her work and thanked her for contributing to the cultural enrichment of City Hall. The Mayor remarked positively on the importance of public art in fostering civic pride and community identity. Mayor Woodruff also announced that the planned dedication of the Goldsboro commemorative quilt, originally scheduled for the evening, had been postponed until February 2026. The postponement was intended to allow additional time for the artists to complete the quilt without undue pressure and to ensure proper framing and presentation. BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION: 5) Minutes: November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting and Work Session Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Austin Aye 6) CONSENT AGENDA: [Commission Memo 25-272] A. Approve the sponsorship for the 2025 Annual Rotary Golf Tournament in the amount of $1500. Funding is in place within the Economic Development budget, Promotional CITY COMMISSION MINUTES Activities. DECEMBER 8,2025 REGULAR MEETING B. Approve the donation to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee in the amount of $1,000 from the City of Sanford Police Department. C. Approve the funding agreement between the City of Sanford and Sanford Main Street Inc. and approve the $18,000 additional funding which $10,000 would come from Economic Development and $8,000 from Commission funds. D. Approve the City's Race, Equality, Equity and Inclusion Committee Report for 2025. E. Approve the request for the previously approved special event permit application. Expanded street closures for the "Sanford Food Truck Fiesta" on December 14, 2025 and the following dates in 2026: January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 3, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8, and December 13 from 9 AM :'u F. Approve the special event permit application with noise permits for the "Florida Underground Music Festival" from 4 — 9 PM for each day between January 9 — 11, 2026. G. Approve the special event permit application with a noise permit from 11 AM — 3:30 PM for the "2nd Annual Historic Goldsboro Main Street Art Walk & Show" on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with street closure from 9 AM — 4 PM. H. Approve the special event permit application with a noise and alcohol permit for the "VW Car Show" from 9 AM — 2 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with street closures from 7 AM - 4:30 PM. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING I. Approve the special event permit application with a noise permit from 9 AM — 4 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026, and Saturday, February 7, 2026, for the "Battle of Camp Monroe", with a continuous street closure from 6 AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, until 6 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with a waiver of Ordinance No. 2010-4218. J. Approve the special event permit application with a noise permit and alcohol permit from 9 AM — 2 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, for the "Misfires Groundhog Gala Car Show' with street closures from 7 AM — 4:40 PM. K. Approve the procurement for concrete and maintenance repair to two vendors, Huffman Inc. (dba Nuwave Concrete) and Parthenon Construction Company in the amount of $100,000 each. These vendors will be used for services that assist in trip hazards, ADA requirements and larger repairs. L. Approve the procurement to Cathcart Construction Company, LLC for the pipe replacement project at the North Water Reclamation Facility in the amount of $159,628. M. Approve the procurement to Playmore West, Inc. for the replacement of the original playground system that was removed from Woodmere Park in the amount of $199,798. N. Approve the piggyback agreement PBA 25/26-225 and procurement to Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc., for building inspections and planning review services in the amount of $150,000. O. Approve the purchase order to Rudram Engineering, Inc. for a staff developer and coding position for the Digital Transformation Project in the amount of $288,000. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING P. Approve the rankings of the Request for Qualifications selection committee relating to the Marina Seawall design and engineering services to W. F. Baird & Associates. Items C and N were pulled for additional discussion. Commissioner Thomas moved to approve the Consent Agenda Items A-B, D-M, and O-P. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye Consent Item C — Pamela Lynch provided a comprehensive overview of the revised funding agreement between the City of Sanford and Sanford Main Street, Inc., explaining that the agreement was necessary following the sunset of the Community Redevelopment Agency. Staff outlined the history of the prior funding arrangement and described the proposed transition to a direct funding agreement between the City and Sanford Main Street. It was explained that, at the direction of the City Commission, the agreement includes a temporary increase in annual funding for calendar year 2026, with funding returning to its prior level in calendar year 2027. Staff detailed the budgetary breakdown of the additional funding and identified the sources within the Economic Development budget and Commission discretionary funds. Commissioners discussed the importance of Sanford Main Street's role in downtown economic vitality, including operation of the City's Welcome Center, support of tourism activities, CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING coordination with community partners, and assistance to local businesses. Metrics related to visitor engagement and programming were noted as positive indicators of organizational progress. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Consent Agenda Items C. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye A separate motion was made to approve the allocation of Commission discretionary funds to support the Sanford Main Street funding agreement. The allocations were approved as follows: $5,000 from the Mayor's discretionary funds; $2,000 from Commissioner Austin's discretionary funds; $1,000 from Commissioner Thomas's discretionary funds. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the allocation of Commission discretionary funds. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye Consent Item D — Barbara Coleman and Tony Hernandez both spoke as representatives of the Race, Equality, Equity and Inclusion (REEI) Advisory Committee and presented highlights of the Committee's 2025 Annual Report. The presentation summarized the Committee's mission, its ongoing collaboration with community partners, and its focus on fostering dialogue, education, CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING and reconciliation within the community. Committee representatives discussed key initiatives undertaken during the year, including the Sanford Speaks community engagement series, partnerships with youth organizations, and work related to acknowledging and preserving the history of the Goldsboro community. The role of the Public Art Commission in supporting commemorative efforts, including the Goldsboro quilt project, was also acknowledged. Commissioners expressed strong support for the Committee's work, noting the value of structured community dialogue and the importance of creating spaces where residents can share experiences and perspectives. Members of the Commission commended the Committee for its professionalism, persistence, and community impact. Consent Item N — For the procurement to Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc., for building inspections and planning review services of a consultant. Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve the funds. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye 7) PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. RE: Annexation of 405 Virginia Avenue; Owners, James and Elizabeth Bratton. Second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4839, to voluntarily annex 0.39 acres CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING located at 405 Virginia Avenue; Owners, James and Elizabeth Bratton; Ad published November 12, 2026. [Commission Memo 25-273] — Legislative matter. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Ordinance No. 2025-4839 on second reading and seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye B. First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4840, amending the City's Land Development Regulations (LDR's) relating to Article I — Legislative Authority, Land Use Zoning and Review Procedures and Article II — Subdivision and Plat Procedures and Schedule H — Parking Requirements. [Commission Memo 25-274] — Legislative matter. Planning staff presented proposed amendments to the City's Land Development Regulations, including revisions to administrative authority, application and review procedures, parking standards, electric vehicle parking incentives, and subdivision processes. Staff explained that the amendments were largely technical in nature and intended to clarify procedures, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and align City regulations with recent changes in state law. The presentation included discussion of downtown CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING parking exemptions, administrative approvals, and efficiencies for infill development. Commissioner Britton moved to approve Ordinance No. 4840 on first reading. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye C. First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4841, to vacate a portion of the right-of-way of Avocado Avenue located in the 300 block of Avocado Avenue; Owner, Ryan Von Weller (agent) for Sanford Housing Authority; Ad published November 19, 2025. [Commission Memo 25-275] - Legislative matter. Eileen Hinson presented the request to vacate a portion of Avocado Avenue in connection with a Sanford Housing Authority development project. Maps and conceptual site plans were reviewed to illustrate how the vacated right-of-way would be incorporated into the overall site design. Commissioners asked clarifying questions regarding the existing roadway, project phasing, unit count, and parking layout. Ryan Von Weller, a representative of the development team, was present and provided additional explanations regarding the scope and intent of the project. Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve Ordinance No. 4841. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye D. First vacate and abandon the plat of Castle Brewer Court; Owner, Ryan Von Weller (agent) for Sanford Housing Authority; Ad published November 26, 2025. [Commission Memo 25-276] — Legislative matter. Eileen Hinson and staff presented the request from the Sanford Housing Authority to vacate Castle Brewer Court as part of a redevelopment effort. Staff advised that the request was consistent with long-term redevelopment objectives. Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve Ordinance No. 4842 on first reading. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye 8) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Ms. Victoria Huggins addressed the Commission regarding a public records request related to consulting expenditures, emphasizing the importance of transparency and completeness in responses to public records requests. She also raised concerns regarding the readability and adequacy of the City's golf cart zone maps, the potential benefit of a mobile application for navigation, and the need for insurance requirements for golf carts CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING operating on City roadways. The Mayor acknowledged her comments and indicated that staff would follow up regarding the public records request and review the golf cart -related issues raised. Ms. Maria Lord addressed the Commission regarding the Cars and Coffee event held at Henry's Depot, requesting consideration of an exception to the special event application deadline for the January 2026 event. She explained the economic importance of the event to local businesses and employees, particularly during a traditionally slow period. Parks and Recreation staff provided background on the event history, application timing, and operational considerations. Following discussion, the Commission expressed support for allowing the event to proceed. Commissioner Britton moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye 9) OTHER ITEMS. A. Approve the procurement services to Ring Power Corporation of St. Augustine to provide a generator and automatic transfer switches for the North Wastewater Reclamation Facility in the amount of $305,098.94. [Commission Memo 25-277] - CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye B. Approve an increase to Purchase Order No. 40157, Cathcart -Florida, LLC in the amount of $755,934 to complete the 18-inch diameter force main replacement using funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Agreement LPA-0554 pertaining to sewer rehabilitation and replacement. [Commission Memo 25-278] —Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Britton and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye C. Approve the budget transfer and an increase to Purchase Order No. 41696, Cathcart Construction Company, Florida, LLC in the amount of $1,750,000 for projects relating to the 18" Wastewater Force Main Repair. [Commission Memo 25-279] — Administrative matter. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Thomas moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye D. Approve Resolution No. 3431, for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Interlocal Procurement Delegation of Authority for Ft. Mellon Park Improvements the rankings of the Request for Qualification (RFQ) selection committee relating to RFQ 24/25-02. [Commission Memo 25-2801 —Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye E. Approve Resolution No. 3432 and 3433, approving the Grant Agreement Amendment No. 2 relating to Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) nutrient reduction regarding Lake Jesup and Lake Monroe, (Res No. 3432) including the approval of the budget amendment in the amount of $2,500,000 (Res No. 3433). [Commission Memo 25-281] —Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Absent Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye F. Approve Resolution No. 3434, allowing the Director of Planning to evaluate the activities in establishing, maintaining and improving City Infrastructure Maintenance Facilities, including only ancillary structures to address compatibility and intensity and other issues that may arise. [Commission Memo 25-282] - Administrative matter. This agenda item was pulled from review. G. Approve Resolution No. 3435, adopting the City Commission 2026 meeting schedule. [Commission Memo 25-283] - Administrative matter. Commissioner Thomas moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye H. Approve Resolution No. 3436, amending the budget in the total amount of $32,484; $1,200 to cover the remaining balance for the $387,324 in Change Order No. 3 and 4, and $31,284 for Change Order No. 5. [Commission Memo 25-284] - Administrative CITY COMMISSION MINUTES matter. DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye I. Approve Resolution No. 3437, accept and adopt the Seminole County Floodplain Management Plan 2025-2030 to supplement the Local Mitigation Plan. [Commission Memo 25-285] -- Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye J. Approve Resolution No. 3438, revises the utility rates for the City's water with an increase of 7% and the wastewater (sewer), and reclaimed water utility systems with a 6% increase. [Commission Memo 25-286] -- Administrative matter. Shawn, with Raftelis, presented the annual update to the water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study. The presentation included detailed discussion of operating cost increases, inflationary pressures, regulatory compliance requirements, capital CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING improvement programming, debt service obligations, and long-term financial sustainability of the utility enterprise. The consultant explained that the proposed rate adjustments were necessary to maintain adequate reserves, meet debt covenants, and ensure continued service reliability. The Commission discussed the financial impacts on customers and the importance of balancing affordability with infrastructure needs. Commissioner Thomas asked staff to consider alternative ways to fund utilities to avoid the very unpopular rate increase. (Those alternatives did not seem feasible to most of the other members of the commission.) She also agreed with Commissioner Britton about the bad timing of the request and supported her idea about delaying this decision until we demonstrate that our utilities are performing better. However, Fire Chief McNeil, then Utilities Director Brynt Johnson explained why timing might be too critical to delay it, after which she grudgingly agreed to approve the increase. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Thomas and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Nay Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye K. Approve Resolution No. 3439, amending the budget and approving the associated procurement to PowerDMS by NEOGOV for a workforce management platform that CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING will cover policy management, community engagement, staff scheduling and more in the amount of $21,145.11. [Commission Memo 25-287] - Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye L. Approve Resolution No. 3440, approving the addition of three projects to the 3rd Generation account including a budget amendment in the amount of $41,690.74 [Commission Memo 25-287] - Administrative matter. This agenda item was pulled from review. M. Approve Resolution No. 3441, CRA budget amendment to the City Budget for site improvements for the properties located at 300 West Second Street, Second Street and Magnolia Avenue southwest corner site in the amount of $217,450. [Commission Memo 25-288] -Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Thomas and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 89 2025 REGULAR MEETING N. Approve Resolution No. 3442, amending the budget in the amount of $70,000 for the procurement of Harley Davidson Motorcycles for the Sanford Police Department. This was previously approved in error on September 22, 2025. [Commission Memo 25- 289] - Administrative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Ave O. Approve Resolution No. 3443, amending the budget in the amount of $64,595.78 for the procurement of ballistic shields and carrier systems for the Sanford Police Department from Ambitec, Inc. [Commission Memo 25-290] - Administrative matter Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye P. Approve Resolution No. 3444, CRA budget amendment to the City Budget for Downtown Sanford Marina pavement services in the amount of $197,230. [Commission Memo 25-291] - Administrative matter CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye Q. Approve Resolution No. 3445, approving the procurement to Advanced Cabling Solutions, Inc. for the installation of fiber optic cables at Fire Station 40 to connect to the City's Fiber Optic network.in the amount of $40,476.68. [Commission Memo 25- 292] - Administrative matter Commissioner Austin moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye CITY MANAGER EVALUATION The Commission discussed the City Manager's annual evaluation, including performance scoring and compensation adjustments, with a total compensation adjustment consisting of a 3% COLA and a 1.23% merit increase. While differing viewpoints were expressed regarding the merit component, the Commission ultimately approved the combined COLA and merit increase of 4.23%. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Nay Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Nay 10) CITY ATTORNEY' S REPORT. The City Attorney provided holiday greetings and outlined upcoming training sessions on external communications policy and ethics. 11) CITY CLERK'S REPORT. 12) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT. The City Manager thanked staff for successful holiday events, recognized departmental leadership, and expressed appreciation for the Commission's feedback during the evaluation process. 13) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. 14) CITY COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS Commissioner Britton expressed appreciation for City staff, residents, and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. She formally thanked the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency for its 30 years of service and detailed its long-term impact on downtown revitalization. She raised concerns regarding filming activity in a historic district without proper CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING resident notification and requested staff follow up on permitting and notification procedures. Commissioner Britton requested to make a $1,000 contribution to American Legion Post 53 for a veterans' Christmas meal. Commissioner Britton moved to approve this request. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye Commissioner Britton requested to make a $500 contribution to the Sanford Cultural Guild's January 31 fundraising event benefiting the future Botanical Gardens. Commissioner Britton moved to approve this request. Seconded by Commissioner Thomas carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye She raised concerns about a public bench located near 217 Oak Avenue that has created safety and sanitation issues for adjacent property owners, requesting staff review possible relocation options. She concluded by thanking City employees for their dedication and wishing everyone a safe holiday season. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Wiggins commended Parks and Recreation staff for the Christmas tree lighting and holiday programming. He recognized Sanford Police Department officers for community engagement and assistance with a community "welcome home" event for a local resident. He praised Lake Monroe medical services for exceptional care and thanked City staff for support during holiday meal and food distribution events. Commissioner Wiggins highlighted upcoming community initiatives, including gift drives, food giveaways, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and encouraged public participation. Commissioner Austin discussed ongoing concerns related to homelessness and the placement of public benches on or near private property, noting the need to balance compassion with downtown business vitality. He requested staff review applicable state legislation and liability considerations. He commended staff for holiday decorations, downtown lighting, and overall improvements to City facilities. Commissioner Austin also recognized Police Department support for community events and expressed appreciation for colleagues and staff. He praised the successful revitalization of Mayfair Country Club, highlighting its historical significance, improved financial sustainability, and recent facility upgrades. Staff leadership was commended for managing multiple complex projects simultaneously. Commissioner Austin stated he has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Rescue Outreach Mission beginning January 2026. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2025 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Thomas recognized Willie Miller, longtime caddie at the Mayfair County Club, who cut the ribbon for the Grand Reopening on December 6th. Mentioned great events at Asian Lantern Festival at the Zoo, Sofa and Suds, and her tour of The Sharing Center. She discussed legislative priorities, including opposition to proposed state legislation perceived to limit municipal authority. Commissioner Thomas emphasized the importance of advocacy efforts in Tallahassee to protect local decision -making. She stated there are trees blocking Tractor Supply sign and entrance; please review. Asked regarding the schedule of fire hydrant testing. Mayor Art Woodruff said the League of Mayor's dues are $3500, on top of the dues to the League of Cities. City T-shirts are $1. There will be kids walking with him for the parade and distributing candy, but not as many as last year. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09 PM. 00. r ° r m Pq' I City Clerk (SP)