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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-12-2026 RM Minutes C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in the City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida. Present: Mayor Art Woodruff Commissioner Sheena Britton 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 Deputy City Clerk Shanna Posey CALL TO ORDER: 1) Meeting was called to order by Mayor Woodruff at 7:04 PM. CEREMONIAL MATTERS: 2) Legislative prayer delivered by Pastor Davidson of Allen Chapel. 3) Pledge of Allegiance 4) Presentations, Proclamations and Awards: Proclamation United States 250th Anniversary Mayor Woodruff presented a proclamation recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the early mapping and land grants within present-day Seminole County. Deborah Bauer, Chair of the Commission regarding upcoming commemorative activities and acknowledged the City of C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ . Proclamation Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Mayor Woodruff proclaimed January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the City -standing MLK celebrations, and the work of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steering Committee. BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION: 5) Minutes: December 8, 2025 Regular Meeting and Work Session . Commissioner Britton moved to approve the minutes as presented. 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 Austin Aye 6) CONSENT AGENDA: \[Commission Memo 26-001\] A. Approve the procurement of professional engineering services to Arminius Consultants, LLC for the design and bid services related to critical modifications of the Biosolids Screw Press System at the North Water Reclamation Facility in the amount of $87,472. B. Approve the procurement of services to Electrical & Mechanical Maintenance Inc. for the repair of three critical Schneider Variable Frequency Drives as well as obtain a new one in C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ the amount of $88,415.10. C. Approve the procurement of services to Hawkins Water Treatment Group, Inc. for the purchase of various chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment in the amount of $200,000. D. Approve the 11AM on the first Sunday of every month between February 1, 2026 through December 6, 2026 with a road closure from 8 AM Noon. E. Approve the from 4 9 PM on the 1st and 3rd Fridays between February and December 2026, with use of the outdoor space from 3 10 PM for each event. F. Approve the settlement agreement and payment of $11,025, resolving a price dispute between the City of Sanford and Del Air Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, LLC. G. Approve the budget amendment form, Attachment A, from the previously approved Resolution No. 2025-3436 that was on the December 8th City Commission Agenda. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Consent Agenda Items A-G. 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 7) OFF-AGENDA ITEM Planning Application Extension C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ At staff request, the Commission authorized an extension of a development application nearing expiration. Planning Director Eileen Hinson and the applicant, Mr. Abbas Abdulhussein, explained the circumstances, and the extension was approved. Commissioner Austin moved to approve the development application extension as presented. 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 Austin Aye 8) PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4840, Legislative Authority, Land Use Zoning and Review Procedures and Article II Subdivision and Plat Procedures and Schedule H Parking Requirements. \[Commission Memo 26-002\] Legislative matter. Commissioner Austin moved to approve Ordinance No. 2025-4840 on second reading and 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 B. Second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4841, to vacate a portion of the right-of- C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ way of Avocado Avenue located in the 300 block of Avocado Avenue; Owner, Ryan Von Weller (agent) for Sanford Housing Authority; Ad published January 7, 2026. \[Commission Memo 26-003\] Legislative matter. Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve Ordinance No. 4841 on second 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. Second reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4842, to vacate and abandon the plat of Castle Brewer Court; Owner, Ryan Von Weller (agent) for Sanford Housing Authority; Ad published January 7, 2026. \[Commission Memo 26-004\] - Legislative matter. Commissioner Wiggins moved to approve Ordinance No. 4842 on second 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 D. First Reading of an Exceptional Use, establishing a Community Resource Facility and apply urban infill flexibility in a GC-2, General Commercial zoning district at project address 1109 French Avenue; owner, Anwar Syad. \[Commission Memo 26- C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ 005\] - Quasi-Judicial Matter. Planning Director Eileen Hinson gave a brief history regarding the property, originally a commercial property developed in 1925. The proposed use is a free medical Commission approval. Due to the existing building and site constraints, the request includes urban infill flexibility for setbacks, buffer, and separation distance requirements that cannot be met by the existing structure. The City Commission previously approved a waiver of separation distance requirements on July 14, 2025, allowing the applicant to proceed with the CRF application. Staff found the request consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations, compatible with surrounding uses, and providing a public benefit by reactivating a long-vacant property. On November 6, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval, subject to conditions in the development order. The applicant, Anwar Syed, addressed the Commission, expressing support for staff recommendations and commitment to compliance, safety, and site improvements. Commissioner Thomas moved to approve the Exceptional Use on first reading. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Nay C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye E. Approve/Deny Development Order relating to 1090 East 1st Street, vested rights determination to allow the parking of three Travel Trailers/Recreational Vehicles to be used as transient lodging on Multiple Family Residential-Office-Institutional (RMOI); Owners, Global Assist Campus, Inc. \[Commission Memo 26-006\] - Quasi-Judicial Matter. Staff reviewed the historical approvals, noting that the City Commission initially approved the use in 1989 and granted annual six-month seasonal approvals through 1998, after which renewal authority was delegated administratively and continued through 2024. In 2025, code updates eliminated ad hoc administrative approvals, requiring the applicant to seek vested rights. Staff outlined the criteria the Commission must consider, including prior lawful approvals, reliance on City actions, substantial good-faith investment, and potential financial harm if the request were denied. Staff noted the applicant obtained permits and utility connections in reliance on prior approvals and has continuously operated the use seasonally, typically from November through May. Staff stated it had no objection to the request but could not approve it administratively and recommended the City Commission determine whether the applicant demonstrated a vested right to continue the seasonal use of three RVs for transient lodging. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commission discussion noted the long-standing, seasonal nature of the use since 1989, the absence of complaints or nuisance issues, and clarification that approval would be limited to three RVs for up to six months per year, consistent with historical practice. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Vested Rights on first reading. 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 F. Approve/Deny Development Order relating to 1611 and 1701 Merthie Drive, vested rights determination to re-establish a day care facility in a MR-2, Family Residential zoning district; Owner, Merthie Enterprise, Inc. \[Commission Memo 26-007\] - Quasi-Judicial Matter. Staff outlined the property details, including two parcels with existing buildings totaling approximately 7,500 square feet, and summarized extensive historical the 1940s. Evidence included historical aerials, permits dating to 1959 and 1982, photographs, and letters from community members. Staff noted the daycare functioned as a lawful nonconforming use until operations ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The applicant cited state executive orders and operational restrictions as preventing reopening, while continuing to maintain utilities and the property. Staff reviewed the vested rights criteria, including long-standing lawful use, C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ reliance on City actions, substantial investment-backed expectations, and potential financial harm if current regulations were applied. Staff stated it did not object to the request but could not approve it administratively and recommended the City Commission determine whether the applicant demonstrated a vested right to re-establish the daycare use. , Sally Sherman, addressed the Commission, -year history, and emphasized the COVID-related circumstances leading to closure. The representative requested approval of vested rights to continue the longstanding daycare use. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Vested Rights on first reading. 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 G. application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and issuance of Development Order No. 25-27 for 101 East 1st Street, based on incomplete plans, design incompatibility, and noncompliance with preservation standards and the Comprehensive Plan; Owners, Oceanview Condo Association, Inc. and Big Bubba Investments, LLC; Ad published October 31, 2025. \[Commission Memo C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ 26-008\] Quasi-Judicial Matter. Planning Director Eileen Hinson and Historic Preservation Planner Julie Scofield reviewed actions since the November 10, 2025 City Commission meeting, when the appeal was continued to allow the applicant to submit consistent, complete plans. Staff detailed multiple follow-ups and revised submissions received through December 15, 2025, noting that key required items remained missing or incomplete, including material specifications, product samples, cornice profiles, paint and roof details, and fully coordinated elevations and architectural details needed to evaluate compatibility with Schedule S and the Downtown Commercial Historic District. Staff further noted that the revised design had not been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Board and that outstanding building permit deficiencies remained, with potential code-triggered redesign requirements. Staff recommended denial of the appeal and that the City Commission uphold the and reviewable plans, and the inability to adequately evaluate historic compatibility. Commissioners expressed support for moving the project forward but voiced concern about making design determinations without Historic Preservation Board review. The applicant, Mohammad Rashad and the architect Steven Kepner, addressed the Commission, described project history and investments made, and requested approval, indicating willingness to address aesthetic requirements; however, discussion continued to emphasize procedural and documentation deficiencies and the need for review through the proper historic preservation process. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Britton moved to with COA application fees be waived for the applicant upon resubmittal of a full and complete package and authorized staff to administratively extend the site development permit for an additional six months. 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 8) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Alex Weiss addressed the Commission as the founding pastor of River City Baptist prayer and support to the Mayor, Commission, and City staff. Mr. Weiss stated the church is newly established and currently consists of himself and his wife, with plans to begin community outreach through home and park-based Bible studies. He shared demographic observations regarding religious affiliation in Sanford and encouraged collaboration to support the community, including local law enforcement and first responders. 9) OTHER ITEMS. A. Approve the Fifth Amendment to the contract for sale of real estate between the City of Sanford and the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) for the properties known as William Clark Court based on the prior direction and commitments of the City C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commission. \[Commission Memo 26-009\] - Administrative matter. Commissioner Wiggins 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 B. Approve the procurement of services to Harcros Chemicals in the amount of $500,000 for polymer and coagulant chemicals for the North Wastewater Reclamation Facility and the South Wastewater Resource Center. \[Commission Memo 26-010\] Administrative matter. Commissioner Britton 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 C. Approve the procurement of services to Odyssey Manufacturing Company in the amount of $700,000 for the purchase of Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) for -011\] Administrative matter. Commissioner Britton moved to approve this item. Seconded by Commissioner Wiggins and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye D. Approve the procurement of services to Asphalt Paving Service (APS) in the amount of $750,000 for citywide rehabilitation to maintain and improve the condition, safety and functionality of City streets. \[Commission Memo 26-012\] 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 the procurement of services to Bar Environmental, Inc. in the amount of $1,626,642 (additional cost of repairs) for four critical maintenance and rehabilitation projects at the North Water Reclamation Facility, South Water Resource Center and the Water Wells. \[Commission Memo 26-013\] Administrative matter. Commissioner Britton 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 C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye F. Approve the procurement of services to Middlesex Paving Inc. in the amount of $2,500,000 for the rehabilitation and resurfacing of City streets. \[Commission Memo 26-014\] - 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 G. Approve the procurement of services to Carr & Collier, Inc. in the amount of $3,661,284 for the Sand Filter Replacement Project at the North Water Reclamation Facility (NWRF) \[Commission Memo 26-015\] - 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 H. Approve Resolution No. 3446, amending the Classification and Pay Plan by reclassifying one Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Senior Human Resources Analyst to one Full Time Human Resources Manager. The fiscal impact for FY 2025/2026 is estimated C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ to be $8,500. \[Commission Memo 26-016\] - 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 I. Approve Resolution No. 3447, amending the Building Department budget to cover negative balances in the amount of $167,747. \[Commission Memo 26-017\] -- Administrative matter. 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 J. Approve Resolution No. 3448, amending the capital budget in the amount of $16,535 for kitchen remodels at Fire Stations 32 and 38. \[Commission Memo 26-018\] -- Administrative matter. Commissioner Britton 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 C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye K. Approve Resolution No. 3449, amending the budget in the amount of $41,690.74 to fund the remaining balance for the City Hall Roof Repairs that are funded through the 3rd Generation Sales Tax fund. \[Commission Memo 26-019\] - 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 L. Approve Resolution No. 3450, approving the associated procurement to Tecta America and amending the budget in the amount of $4,975 for the additional funds that are needed to complete the roofing project at the Sanford Museum. \[Commission Memo 26-020\] - Administrative matter. Commissioner Britton 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 M. Approve Resolution No. 3451, amending the budget in the amount of $17,800 and approving the procurement of services as listed in the memo to A Budget Tree Service C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Inc. and Lopez Tree Farm LLC (dba Florida Plant & Tree). \[Commission Memo 26- 021\] - 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 N. Approve Resolution No. 3452, accepting the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Subgrant for Highway Traffic Safety in the amount of $30,000. \[Commission Memo 26-022\] - 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 O. Approve Resolution No. 3453, approving the Subgrant Funds to purchase Speed Measurement Devices at a cost of $10,000 and apply $20,000 to overtime. \[Commission memo 26-023\] - 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 C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Aye Commissioner Thomas Aye CITY CLERK EVALUATION The Commission discussed the City annual evaluation and approved the evaluation with the pay raise to be determined by HR and finance based on the set criteria for other employees, and it would be retroactive to October 1, 2025. 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 Nay 10) The City Attorney advised the Commission that an email would be circulated requesting input on areas where Commissioners would like additional training or informational memoranda. Based on the feedback received, the City Attorney will prepare and provide the requested training materials and memos to address those topics. 11) . The City Clerk advised the Commission that a request was received from Dan Ping with Sanford Main Street to make a presentation at a future meeting. Mr. Ping indicated his presentation would include a written report. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ The Clerk also asked about scheduling a workshop to discuss the respective roles of the City Manager and the Mayor. The Mayor and Commission agreed that, due to anticipated limited attendance at the next meeting, any substantive discussion should occur when all Commissioners are present. Accordingly, it was agreed that the workshop would not be scheduled for the next meeting and would be considered later within the next several meetings 12) CITY . The City Manager wished staff happy new year for 2026 and said he looked forward to having one-on-one meetings with all the members of the City Commission. 13) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION. 14) Commissioner Britton commended Attorney Green for providing a thorough and effective ethics training, noting it was informative and valuable even for those with prior ethics training experience. She requested consideration of a future recognition or proclamation for the Sanford Pop Warner JV cheer team for their repeated national championship appearances, noting staff has already received the necessary information. Commissioner Britton thanked staff for providing advance notice to residents regarding filming activity in the historic district and requested staff review several nonfunctioning waterfront lights on Marina Isle behind the assisted living facility. She suggested that current and former Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members be formally recognized at a City Commission meeting for their service and contributions. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ She reported upcoming meetings with economic development staff and expressed concern regarding downtown vacancies and boarded storefronts, requesting coordinated discussions with relevant departments. Commissioner Britton also recommended scheduling a safety preparedness drill for the City Commission, such as an active shooter or fire drill, to ensure readiness in the event of an emergency. Additionally, Commissioner Britton clarified and apologized for a prior comment, stating that the Finance Department appropriately identified an issue previously discussed. Lastly, she requested follow-up information regarding the return of odors near the wastewater/reclaimed water treatment facility, noting the issue had previously been reported as resolved and asking for clarification to share with constituents. Commissioner Wiggins expressed appreciation for staff and partners, including Public Works and the Police Department, for their support of the recent holiday toy and food giveaway in partnership with the Picnic Project. He reported that more than 1,000 Christmas gifts were distributed and over 30,000 pounds of groceries were provided to approximately 350 families, noting the significant community need and thanking all volunteers and participants. Commissioner Wiggins announced upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. activities, including the oratorical contest, banquet, faith service, and parade, and encouraged community participation. He also announced that his next district meeting will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., and that a food giveaway is scheduled for January 23 at Dr. George Stark Park. He asked that residents help spread the C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ word to those in need. Commissioner Wiggins inquired about departmental responsibility for the MLK parade and noted that he would be unable to attend this year due to a scheduling conflict. Commissioner Austin expressed concern regarding lack of redevelopment progress along State Road 17/92 and in the downtown area, citing vacant businesses and stalled projects. Specific concern was raised that prospective restaurant investments withdrew due opportunities. While acknowledging positive momentum on the mall redevelopment, the Commissioner encouraged greater focus on the 17/92 corridor and downtown and sugg private development projects and reengaging potential investors. The Commissioner also reported being appointed to the Rescue Outreach Mission (ROM) Board and noted an upcoming major fundraiser. It was confirmed that the City has $25,000 budgeted for ROM support in the current fiscal year. Commissioner Austin moved to approve a $1,500 contribution from the District 3 Discretionary Fund for sponsorship of the ROM fundraiser. 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 Commissioner Thomas made a subsequent motion to contribute an additional C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ $1,000 from District 4 discretionary funds. Commissioner Austin moved to approve this donation. 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 Commissioner Austin stated that additional concerns were raised regarding the concentration of social service uses in certain areas, including impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, property values, public safety, and quality of life. He emphasized the need to balance providing essential services with economic development goals and requested continued discussion on managing these impacts citywide. Commissioner Thomas provided an update on activities with the Florida League of Cities, noting that the legislative session is underway and approximately 15 bills of interest are currently being monitored, with additional meetings planned with state legislators. Commissioner Thomas shared positive feedback regarding the Rescue Outreach Mission, highlighting volunteer efforts by the Seminole State College golf team and the -sufficiency programs. She reiterated support for the organization and confirmed her participation in a $1,000 contribution from District 4 discretionary funds for a public purpose. Sh rd January 23, 2026. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Thomas also expressed continued concern regarding public transportation changes, specifically the reduction of LYNX service into Sanford and the transition to the SCOUT on-demand system. She noted constituent complaints, impacts to SunRail connectivity, and concerns about cost, service gaps, and the lack of a sufficient transition period. She requested continued discussions with staff regarding potential options, including possible City-supported LYNX services, subsidy considerations, and evaluation of the trolley service in relation to overall transit needs. Lastly, Commissioner Thomas requested staff explore the feasibility of using an AI-based service, such as Wordly, to provide multilingual transcription of City meetings to improve accessibility for non-English-speaking residents. Mayor Art Woodruff reported discussions with the Police Chief regarding golf cart safety and signage and noted that additional options are under review. He stated that staff is working to make the parking map and golf cart map more accessible through Sanford Connect, with staff reviewing improvements to usability and scale. The Mayor announced that a proclamation honoring Janine Taylor will be presented at the next City Commission meeting and noted this timing was based on her availability. Additionally, a ribbon cutting for the Georgetown Garden projectfunded through the CDBG program in partnership with the Sanford Cultural Guild and Hopper Academy was scheduled for the following day at 4:30 p.m. at Hopper Academy. The Mayor concluded by commenting positively on the recent Christmas parade. C ITY C OMMISSION M INUTES J ANUARY 12, 2026 R EGULAR M EETING ______________________________________________________________________________ There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:14 PM. __________________________________________ Mayor Art Woodruff Attest ___________________________________ City Clerk Traci Houchin, MMC, FCRM (SP)