09-11-2023 WS MinutesCITY COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
WORK SESSION
The City Commission of the City of Sanford, Florida, met in Work
Session on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 4:00 PM, in the Commission Chambers, Is'
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 (Arrived at 4:16 PM)
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 4:09 PM.
1. Discussion RE: FY24 Property and Liability Insurance Renewal by Fred Fosson,
Director of Human Resources and Risk Management.
Mr. Fosson said there is a significant increase on the 2024 property and
liability insurance renewals. Cindy Lindsay, Director of Finance, confirmed that the City
has funds to cover this year, however, the departments may need to work these costs into
their budgets next fiscal year. Mr. Fosson provided a handout regarding a stability
comparison from September 9, 2023. Tyler Denahan, Account Executive with the Florida
League of Cities provided a brief discussion on the increased insurance renewals.
2. Discussion RE: Pay Plan; Salaries; and Longevity Pay by City Commission
Mayor Woodruff said there are three areas of concern: reassuring all
positions were reviewed; longevity pay; and supervisory pay being the same as an
employee.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
WORK SESSION
Commissioner Austin asked if longevity pay is for as long as the employee
has worked in the position. Mr. Fosson explained the pay plan to the Commission.
Commissioner Austin provided a longevity plan used by the Sheriffs Department. The
plan starts when an employee has been there for ten years, has two year increments and
caps out after 34 years of service (even if the employee transfers to another department).
Mr. Fosson said the City Clerk and reached out to other municipalities to
compare longevity plans as did he. He provided handout regarding the comparisons.
Mr. Fosson said the Human Resources department would go through the
general non-union and USW employees to check the employees who have not received a
total of 16 % pay increase in the past two years. Employees who have not received this
amount will be compensated for the remaining percentage. Ms. Lindsay said the
longevity plan is not in the budget for this year but they could use the vacancy credits to
cover these costs.
Mayor Woodruff mentioned the City cannot afford to fix everything.
Commissioner Mahany suggested a millage increase next year.
Rita and Carolyn from MAG spoke on the longevity plan. It was stated
that selected positions were interviewed for. Vice Mayor Britton expressed
disappointment that out of the 61 positions sent out, 34 were not returned from the
employees.
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SEPTEMBER 119 2023
WORK SESSION
After a few more comments, the consensus of the Commission was to
move forward with a 16% increase as was provided to the Police and Fire Departments.
This is an action item on tonight's agenda.
3. Discussion RE: Mayor's/Employee Award by Vice Mayor Britton
Vice Mayor Britton provided a handout for the City of Sanford
Commission Recognition Master Award for the Commission and staff to review and
provide feedback. She listed a few examples of criteria and rewards and recommended a
Bi -Annual Award. Mr. Bonaparte will take back to staff for review. He will bring back
comments.
4. Discussion RE: Parking by Vice Mayor Britton
Vice Mayor Britton, said she went out this past weekend between 6 AM —
I AM to look the parking situation. She inquired about lighting on the Heritage Park site.
Mayor Woodruff asked staff if some lighting could be placed at the site. Vice Mayor
Britton asked for the number of parking lots that the City is leasing for additional
parking. Craig Radzak, Deputy City Manager, said the City is leasing several lots on
Sanford Avenue. There was a brief discussion regarding the old Wells Fargo parking lot.
Mr. Radzak stated he just received a signed lease from the owner and will put together an
agenda memo if the Commission consents. The Commission asked him to place it as an
add on at tonight's meeting. Vice Mayor Britton asked staff to look into the vacant lot on
Magnolia Avenue between 2nd Street and 3 d Street.
S. Regular Meeting Items — additional information
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WORK SESSION
A. Purchase of two Swartz Gallery Sculptures. [Commission Memo 23-163.B]
MEE=
Virginia Poe, Chair Person, Sally Dehler and Kim House, members of the
Public Art Commission (PAC) presented pictures of the sculptures they are requesting to
place in Artisan Park. They also suggested that the City place a plaque or signage
indicating that the area is designated at Artisan Square. Commission Mahany said she
would like to use her $10,000 in the Commission funds to donate to PAC. Ms. Poe
reminded everyone that the Ribbon Cutting for the Fire Department Mural will be held on
October 12, 2023. This is an action item on tonight's agenda.
6. Briefing Items
7. City Manager Comments
Mr. Bonaparte said Fire Chief Ronnie McNeal has returned from
Hurricane Idalia relief efforts and that the Police Chief has been asked to look into issues
at the Nation's borders.
Mayor Woodruff provided the Commission with a description of changes
to the City Manager's evaluation. He asked for Commission feedback at the next
meeting.
Vice Mayor Britton would like to discuss the Main Street personnel fall
under the City's Recreation Department.
CITY COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
WORK SESSION
Mayor Woodruff said there was a request to hold the Jingle Jam along with the
Sanford Tree Lighting. He said he is against it because the Tree Lighting is a family
event.
Vice Mayor Britton met with Mr. Bonaparte and Lisa Jones, Director of
Parks and Recreation, on enhancements for the holidays.
Mayor Woodruff expressed appreciation for the City Manager's Report.
He asked if the Planning map on the City's website has been updated regarding
development within the City and staff indicated that it has.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned
Attest:
City Clerk
(CL)