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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2026 RM MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING 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 Patrick Austin City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. City Attorney Lindsey N. Greene Deputy City Clerk Shanna Posey Absent: Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. Commissioner Claudia Thomas City Clerk Traci Houchin CALL TO ORDER: 1) Meeting was called to order by Mayor Woodruff at 7:01 PM. CEREMONIAL MATTERS: 2) Legislative prayer delivered by Mayor Woodruff. 3) Pledge of Allegiance 4) Presentations, Proclamations and Awards: ■ Proclamation — Jeanine Taylor Mayor Woodruff presented a proclamation recognizing Jeanine Taylor for more than two decades of cultural contributions to the City of Sanford through Jeanine Taylor Folk Art. The proclamation outlined Ms. Taylor's career in education and corporate sales prior to opening a folk art gallery in Winter Park in 1997, her relocation to downtown Sanford in 2004, and her role in CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING establishing the gallery as a regional and national destination for contemporary Southern folk and outsider art. The proclamation further recognized the gallery's role in strengthening Sanford's cultural identity, its exhibitions of nationally recognized artists, and its long-standing engagement with residents and visitors. Ms. Taylor's retirement effective December 31, 2025, and the planned reopening of the gallery under new management were noted. Mayor Woodruff proclaimed December 31, 2025, as Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Day in the City of Sanford. Ms. Taylor addressed the Commission, expressing gratitude to the City and community for their support and reflecting on her experience in Sanford. Commissioners offered remarks thanking Ms. Taylor for her contributions and service to the City.. BUSINESS OF THE COMMISSION: 5) Minutes: January 12, 2026, Regular Meeting and Work Session A correction previously identified had been incorporated into the official record. Commissioner Britton 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 Absent Commissioner Austin Absent Mayor Woodruff stated that Commissioners Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. and Claudia Thomas, CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING along with City Clerk Traci Houchin were traveling to Tallahassee with members of the Mayor's Youth Council for Legislative Action Days. 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 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 special event permit application for "Cars and Coffee" car shows from 8 AM — 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 special event permit application for "Twilight Artisan Market and Pet Stroll" from 4 — 9 PM on the 1 st 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. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING 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. H. Approve a special event permit application, with a noise and alcohol permit, from 4 - 9 PM, for the "Juneteenth Block Party", on Saturday, June 20, 2026, with road closure from 9 AM — 11 PM. I. Approve a special event permit application, with a noise permit from 11 AM — 1 PM, for "Love Fest" in Ft. Mellon Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the Consent Agenda Items A -I. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent 7) PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. First reading of Ordinance No. 2026-4843, rezone 11.02 acres from MR-3, Multiple Family Residential (20 units per acre) to PD, Planned Development to establish a 160 unit multiple family residential development at 1201 West 3rd Street, based on consistency with the goals, objectives and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. [Commission Memo 26-025] — Quasi -Judicial matter. Planning Director Eileen Hinson presented the staff report regarding the rezoning of approximately 11.02 acres from Multiple Family Residential to Planned Development CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING to allow development of 160 multifamily units in phases three and four of the Carisbrooke Terrace project. Staff reviewed the project history, site layout, architectural consistency with prior phases, requested deviations from land development regulations, and amenities. Staff stated the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval, finding the request consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and prior approvals. Commission discussion addressed dumpster placement, stormwater pond configuration, and visual impacts. Staff confirmed final engineering review would ensure compliance with applicable regulations. The applicant's representative addressed questions regarding affordability and tenant eligibility, noting the application process and committing to follow up with additional clarification. Commissioner Austin moved to approve Ordinance No. 2025-4843 on first reading and seconded by Commissioner Britton and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent B. First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-4844, to amend a 48.89 acre portion of the Seminole Towne Center Planned Development for the first phase modification at 200 Towne Center Circle, based on consistency with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. [Commission Memo 26-026] — Quasi - Judicial matter. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING Planning Director Eileen Hinson presented the proposed amendment to a 48.89- acre portion of the Seminole Towne Center Planned Development for Phase I redevelopment, including a wholesale retail use, fuel station, and associated site improvements. Staff reviewed the site context, requested deviations related to parking, landscaping, signage, and circulation, and summarized the Planning and Zoning Commission's 5-1 recommendation for approval with conditions. Staff outlined conditions of approval, including limiting automotive uses to Phase I, requiring a comprehensive sign program, and ensuring future phases return for review. The applicant's representatives provided a detailed presentation regarding the proposed Costco development, site constraints, parking configuration, landscaping strategy, economic impacts, and coordination with adjacent property owners. Commission discussion focused on parking layout, pedestrian circulation, landscaping under utility easements, signage scale, and compatibility with future redevelopment Commissioner Britton moved to approve Ordinance No. 4844 on first reading, subject to staff and Planning and Zoning Commission conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent C. Approve the Preliminary Subdivision Plan, to establish a 42-Unit Single Family Townhome Community in a Planned Development, PD zoning district at project CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 265 2026 REGULAR MEETING address 1700 Lowe Avenue based on consistency with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City's Comprehensive Plan. [Commission Memo 26-027] - Quasi - Judicial matter. Planning Director Eileen Hinson presented the request for approval of a Preliminary Subdivision Plan to establish a 42-unit single-family townhome community within a Planned Development zoning district at 1700 Lowe Avenue. Staff reviewed the project location, surrounding land uses, and consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. Staff explained that the preliminary subdivision plan addressed required access, internal circulation, lot configuration, utilities, stormwater management, and compatibility with adjacent development. The proposal met applicable subdivision standards and was found consistent with the approved Planned Development framework.. Commissioner Britton moved to approve the preliminary Subdivision Plan for the 42-unit townhome development at 1700 Lowe Avenue. Seconded by Commissioner Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent 8) CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Patty Mahaney addressed the Commission regarding the recurring cat shows hosted CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING at the Civic Center by the Cat Club of the Palm Beaches, which have been held twice annually since 2019. Ms. Mahaney emphasized that her comments were not a criticism of the City or staff and expressed appreciation for the City's longstanding cooperation and support. Ms. Mahaney explained that rental costs for the Civic Center have increased significantly over time, rising from $2,000 to $4,600 per event, even with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit discount. She stated that the cat shows are nonprofit events intended to break even and generate revenue only through entry fees and spectator attendance. She highlighted the economic and community benefits of the events, noting that participants travel from across the United States and internationally, utilize local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, and that the shows provide family -friendly programming, educational activities for children, and animal rescue outreach. Ms. Mahaney noted that in prior years, discretionary economic development funds had been used to support the events. She advised that Commissioner Claudia Thomas committed $500 toward supporting the show and requested consideration from the remaining Commissioners to contribute additional discretionary funds to help offset costs and allow the event to break even. During discussion, Commissioners acknowledged the economic and public benefit of the event and committed individual discretionary contributions totaling the requested amount. Commissioner Britton offered $200 towards the rental costs, Commissioner Austin offered $300, and Mayor Woodruff offered $200 as a public purpose. Arrangements CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING to formalize Commissioner Thomas's $500 contributions will happen upon her return. 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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent Wendy Wagner, a resident in the Historic District, addressed the Commission requesting assistance with a prolonged permitting issue for a backyard shed. Ms. Wagner stated that she has been attempting to obtain permit approval for approximately 16 months. She explained that while her fence permit was approved, the shed application experienced delays due to simultaneous submissions and required reapplication. Ms. Wagner noted that she has been working with the City's permitting process since June 2025 and reported difficulty receiving responses from the staff member assigned to her application. Ms. Wagner stated that she has obtained approval from the Historic Preservation Board and has worked with an engineer to address prior plan comments, including clarifying construction methods and plan details. She explained that a proposed state - certified letter was not accepted as a substitute for the permit process. Ms. Wagner expressed willingness to make any necessary modifications to achieve compliance and emphasized the financial impact of continued delays due to ongoing storage costs. In response, staff and Commissioners discussed outstanding plan issues and next steps. Staff committed to coordinating with Building Division personnel to review the CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING application status, resolve outstanding items, and follow up with Ms. Wagner regarding progress. Victoria Huggins, addressed the Commission regarding two separate matters. First, Ms. Huggins raised concerns about an outstanding public records request submitted through CitizenServe on October 31, 2025 (Reference No. W015095-102325), seeking documentation of consulting fees paid by the City for fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. She stated that despite follow-up communications and providing copies of correspondence to the Commission at the December 8, 2025 meeting, she had not received the requested information or a substantive response. City Manager Norton Bonaparte advised that he would follow up with the City Clerk's Office and records staff to determine the status of the request and respond accordingly. Ms. Huggins then spoke regarding golf cart community issues within the City. She thanked Mayor Woodruff for participating in a recent golf cart tour to review conditions within the golf cart zone and noted improvements made to the Bay Park golf cart path following the visit. Ms. Huggins raised concerns about recurring delays in annual golf cart registration, including late arrival of registration stickers, and suggested earlier procurement and the potential use of an online or mobile registration system to improve efficiency. She also requested formation of a committee to address golf cart -related issues. Additional concerns included the placement of golf cart route maps within the City's mobile application, enforcement and clarity of signage, and requests to expand the golf cart zone to include Mellonville Avenue to improve access to recreational facilities. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Ms. Huggins stated that she had communicated with City staff, the Police Chief, and Commissioners regarding these matters and expressed willingness to assist with solutions. In response, Commissioners and staff acknowledged the concerns, noted that discussions were underway with the Police Department regarding potential adjustments to golf cart routes and signage, and advised that incremental changes were being evaluated. Commissioner Britton confirmed prior participation in a golf cart review and indicated that resident concerns regarding registration delays had previously been communicated to the City Manager. Wes Schaefer, of 128 Cape Honeysuckle Place, addressed the Commission regarding his experiences in Sanford and concerns related to the City's participation in a 287(g) agreement. Mr. Schaefer shared several positive interactions with Sanford Police Department officers, expressing appreciation for their professionalism, community - oriented service, and support during personal incidents. He stated that these experiences reinforced his confidence in Sanford's community policing approach. Mr. Schaefer expressed concern that the 287(g) agreement could have a chilling effect on community trust and policing relationships. He cited broader reports regarding immigration enforcement impacts on community engagement and school attendance and stated that he continues to seek clarity on how the agreement is being implemented locally. Mr. Schaefer requested that the City consider a temporary 120-day pause of the agreement to allow for further review, evaluation of impacts on community policing, and assessment of potential legal and policy considerations. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING In response, Commissioners encouraged Mr. Schaefer to meet directly with the Police Chief or Deputy Police Chief and legal counsel to better understand the City's implementation of the agreement and current enforcement practices. Commissioners noted that Sanford Police Department priorities remain focused on local public safety and community service and indicated that further discussion could occur following those meetings if concerns remain unresolved 9) OTHER ITEMS. A. Approve the procurement to Ovation Construction for the new Public Works Operations Building in the amount of $6,462,902.53. Construction activities include site work, structural concrete foundations, CMU walls, steel structures, interior framing and finishing, roofing system, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and stormwater infrastructure. [Commission Memo 26-028] - 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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent B. Approve Resolution No. 3455, budget amendment and approving the procurement and award of concrete repairs at the Sanford Downtown Marina to All Terrain CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING Tractor Service, Inc. in the amount of $269,044.46. [Commission Memo 26-029] —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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent C. Approve Resolution No. 3456, amending the FY 2026 budget by $148,949,842. This amendment will make the FY 2025/2026 budget total $407,337,018 Citywide. [Commission Memo 26-030] —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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent D. Approve Resolution No. 3457, re-classify one (1.0) Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Administrative Coordinator position in the Public Works/Utilities Department to one (1) Full Time Equivalent Utility Plants Maintenance Superintendent position in the Public Works/Utility Department: Plants. The fiscal impact on the City for the remainder of fiscal year 25/26 is estimated to be $22,000. [Commission Memo 26-031 ] —Administrative matter. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 26, 2026 REGULAR MEETING 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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent E. Approve Resolution No. 3458, a Budget Amendment in the amount of $21,009 for City-wide fleet telematics. Fleet telematics provides real-time GPS tracking, fuel consumption data, routing analytics, and vehicle maintenance reporting. These tools allow staff to monitor vehicle location and usage, identify inefficient routes or excessive idling, schedule preventive maintenance based on actual vehicle performance, and respond more effectively to breakdowns or emergency situations. [Commission Memo 26-032] —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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent F. Approve Resolution No. 3459 pertaining to the non -inclusion for ancillary construction of City Infrastructure Maintenance Facilities, including Water Treatment Plants, Sewer Treatment Plants, and Public Works Storage and Equipment Yards in the statutory development processes, as implemented by the 10) CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING City's Land Development Regulations. [Commission Memo 26-033] - 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 Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT. The City Attorney addressed a public records concern raised earlier in the meeting, stating that she would follow up with staff regarding the status and response provided. She explained that under public records law, the City is not required to create new documents or compile data if the requested records do not exist in the form requested. The City Attorney advised that she would review whether this limitation applied in the referenced request and determine what response had been provided to the requester. 11) CITY CLERK'S REPORT. None. 12) 13) CITY MANAGER'S REPORT. None. CITY COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS Commissioner Britton extended best wishes for safe travels to the Mayor, as he goes to Tallahassee to join the Mayor's Youth Council for Legislative Action Days. CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING Commissioner Austin moved to provide $1000 from his discretionary funds to Christian Tech Center Ministries for the purchase of computers benefiting local youth. The Commissioner noted that the organization is currently upgrading facilities at the Recovery House in the Goldsboro area and seeks to improve technology resources for individuals working toward personal rehabilitation. Commissioner Austin moved to approve a $1,000 contribution from the District 3 Discretionary Fund to Christian Tech Center Ministries. Seconded by Commissioner Britton and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent Mayor Art Woodruff advised the Commission that a letter had been received from the Seminole Audubon Society regarding the Purple Martin conservation effort, expressing appreciation for the work of City staff. The Mayor further noted that a draft of proposed goals had been distributed electronically and requested that any edits or suggestions be submitted to the City Clerk or City Manager. The goals will be finalized at the next Commission meeting when all members are present. Additionally, the Mayor requested a motion on his behalf to authorize up to $5,000 from the Mayor's Discretionary Fund to support the Goldsboro Quilt Project. Commissioner Britton moved to approve this donation. Seconded by Commissioner CITY COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 269 2026 REGULAR MEETING Austin and carried by vote of the Commission as follows: Mayor Woodruff Aye Commissioner Austin Aye Commissioner Britton Aye Commissioner Wiggins Absent Commissioner Thomas Absent There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM. Attest City Clerk Traci Houchin, MMC, FCRM (SP)