08-14-2023 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 14, 2023
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work
Session on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 4:00 PM, in the Commission Chambers, I"
Floor, City Hall, and 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, Florida.
Present: Mayor Art Woodruff
Vice Mayor Sheena R. Britton
Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr.
Commissioner Patrick Austin
Commissioner Patty Mahany
City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr.
City Attorney William L. Colbert
City Clerk Traci Houchin
Deputy Clerk Cathy LoTempio
Mayor Woodruff called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM.
1. Discussion RE: Boil Water Alert Procedures by Bill Marcous, Utilities Support
Services Manager and Update on 1,4 Dioxane by Jake Varn, Environmental
Attorney, Mason Bolves, and Tallahassee.
Mr. Marcous presented a power point presentation on the boil alert
procedures. He said that there are three levels of boil water alerts. The first level, affects a
small group of customers. For example, up to one block. This notification includes; door
hangers that include information on what is happening, what they have to do, and for how
long. It also includes notifying the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) on the approximate amount of the water break or leak.
The second level includes a larger group of customers and may include
several blocks or up to one subdivision. The notification for this level includes: signage
posted at the entrance of a subdivision or the affected area, precautionary boil water
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 149 2023
WORK SESSION
notices are posted on the City webpage as well as water quality alerts on Public Works
and Utilities pages, postings on Nextdoor and Sanford Connects app, a phone number for
customers to call and get updates will be listed and the FDEP will be notified. Once the
break is repaired, the Boil Water notice will be lifted.
Lastly, the third level is when several subdivision or large sections of the
City is affected. The notification for this level is more severe and includes: posting the
notice on large message boards, posting on the City website and all social media
platforms, issue a press release, post on Alert Seminole and notify FDEP.
Mr. Marcous said that Utilities and Public Works are heavily involved
with the Emergency Operation Command Center during large rain events. He said the
Utilities department has a Geographical Information System (GIS) division that is up and
running. The department knows where every line is located, however, this information is
not to be shared with the public as it is protected under Homeland Security.
Commissioner Austin asked, what is the most common cause of a water
break and Mr. Marcous said that contractors are the biggest cause. He said that they
forget to call for locates and hit a line with equipment.
Vice Mayor Britton requested that the Mayor and the Commissioners be
notified as soon as a water break occurs. Mr. Bonaparte said he would have Lisa Holder,
Chief Communications and Cultural Affairs Administrator, notify them via text message.
Mr. Marcous introduced Jake Varn, an environmental attorney with
Mason Bolves in Tallahassee representing the City of Sanford for 1,4 Dioxane. Mr. Varn
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 149 2023
WORK SESSION
presented a power point presentation on the timeline and the action that has been taken
since 2013. In 2013, the City was contacted by the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to sample the City's water for 1, 4 Dioxane and other contaminants to comply with
the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3).
In 2016, FDEP contacted the City requesting sampling of 1, 4 Dioxane at
the Main Water Plant and all other source wells and report the results on the consumer
confidence report. City staff met with CPH and Ardaman & Associates over the years,
continuing to sample the water supply and report the results to FDEP and the EPA.
In 2023, authorization was given to Mr. Varn to initiate administrative and
other necessary proceedings as related to 1,4 Dioxane. The Orlando Sentinel published an
article on 1,4 Dioxane which caused concern among the residents. The City provided an
update to the customers, that the City water is safe to drink. Mr. Varn said there is no
health advisory or no health threat.
Mayor Woodruff said that another concern is the foam chemical that is
used to put out fires as it contains Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). He feels that the
City should get involved with the airport's suit. Mr. Colbert, City Attorney, explained the
law suit with the Sanford Airport.
2. Presentation from EJP Consulting (EJP) regarding the Choice Neighborhood
Improvements, (CNI) Implementation Grant Application.
Rhae Parks of EJP provided a detailed power point presentation regarding
the CNI Grant. Ms. Parks explained the implementation of the grants, how the grant
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 149 2023
WORK SESSION
funds may be used, and the FY 2022 application components. She said that the grant
funds can be used to construct replacement units, for pre -development costs such as
architecture and engineering, for relocation and demolition costs, for support services, for
physical neighborhood improvements and for administration, consulting and legal costs.
Ms. Parks also explained the threshold requirements, Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Stage 1 - review the eligibility/scoring criteria for neighborhood
need, eligible target housing including the scoring criteria, neighborhood strategy rating
factors, and critical community improvements.
Ms. Parks said the new eligibility requirements and update strategies
would need community input and $65M. She said a team can be assembled in 60 days if
everything is in place. Housing strategy must be mixed funding. Replacement housing
would be all rental housing. She said EJP has issued an RFP for the Master Developer
Agreement.
Vice Mayor Britton said that she understands that the needs are changing
for CNI, however, it feels like the City would be re -starting the last five years of the plan.
3. Discussion RE: Longevity Pay, Mayor Woodruff
Mayor Woodruff said he took some time to review and understand the pay
plan the City just performed. He said the plan is based on the longevity an employee has
been working in their current position and not how many years that they have worked for
the City.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
AUGUST 149 2023
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Austin expressed concern and asked why Lieutenants are
making more money than Battalion Chiefs. He suggested staff look at other Cities to
compare what they are doing and how they address this. He suggested having a top out
point.
Commissioner Mahany asked if there is an organization, not a pay study,
who would be able to assist the City with their pay structure.
Mayor Woodruff said this is not a quick fix and will take a lot money.
4. Discussion RE: Disposal of surplus land located near the City's Cemetery, Craig
Radzak, Assistant City Manager. [Commission Memo 23-147]
Due to the lack of time, the Commission agreed to continue this item to
the August 28, 2022.
5. Discussion RE: Downtown Street Parking, Vice Mayor Britton
Due to the lack of time, the Commission agreed to continue this item to a
future meeting.
6. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
7. Briefing Items
8. City Manager Comments
There being no further business, the meeting adjpume4 at
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
City Clerk
(CL)
AUGUST 14, 2023
WORK SESSION