Public Meetings - Deltona, Florida

The City of Deltona Special Magistrate for Code Enforcement convened on October 28, 2026, at 10:45 AM to hear 17 cases, including multiple compliance hearings and two lien reduction requests. The meeting began with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous month's minutes. Several cases were withdrawn prior to hearings. Withdrawn Cases - Six cases were withdrawn: DEL 26081, DEL 26082, DEL 26086, DEL 26084 (with a correction from 86 to 83 for 3510 Patron Avenue), Fire 059 2026, and Fire 060 2026. Cases with Imposed Fines and Continuing Fines - DEL 26028 (927 Lauren Drive): Property came into compliance on September 8, 2026, after 17 days of noncompliance. A fine of $1,700 was imposed (17 days at $100/day). - DEL 26051 (8108-0101010 Avenue East): Fence installed without permit. Noncompliance for 33 days as of hearing date. Fine of $8,250 imposed, continuing at $250/day until compliance. - DEL 26053 ANB (820 Deltona Boulevard): Noncompliance on multiple violations. Fine of $6,600 imposed (33 days at $100/day per violation), continuing at $100/day per violation. - DEL 26056 (2265 Rabbington Road): Noncompliance for 33 days. Fine of $3,300 imposed, continuing at $100/day. - DEL 26057 (2985 Keysler Street): Noncompliance for 33 days. Fine of $3,300 imposed, continuing at $100/day. - DEL 26058 ANB (2289 Remington Road): Partial compliance achieved for Violation A (permit issued). Violation B (closed patio) remained noncompliant. Fine of $8,250 imposed (33 days at $250/day), continuing at $250/day. Property owner Antonio Salais Jr. testified he is a 100% disabled veteran who has spent nearly $10,000 on engineering and permit efforts but faced repeated setbacks. The magistrate acknowledged his efforts but ruled the violation continues. - Fire 044 2026 (1000 Integral Miss Way): Violation C complied; Violation B complied after 11 days (fine $2,200); Violation A remained noncompliant for 33 days (fine $6,600), continuing at $200/day. Representative Lauren Hendry stated that a tamper switch in Building 13 was repaired that day; the city required a report from a contractor to verify compliance. - Fire 061 2026 (2196 Howland Boulevard): Repeat violation for electrical work without permit. Property obtained permit on October 15, 2026, after 24 days of noncompliance. A one-time fine of $2,400 (24 days at $100/day) was imposed due to the repeat offense. New Cases with Compliance Deadlines and Fines - DEL 26071 (Anthony Barnes - fence disrepair): Compliance deadline set for November 27, 2026. Fine of $100/day will begin if not met. - DEL 26076 A&B (927 Lauren Drive - pool enclosure and fence): Two violations. Compliance deadline set for November 27, 2026. Fine of $100/day per violation ($200/day total) will begin if not met. - DEL 26078 (2033 El Campo Avenue - outdoor storage): Compliance deadline set for November 11, 2026. Fine of $100/day will begin if not met. - DEL 26079 (1400 Hayward Avenue - exterior wall disrepair): Compliance deadline set for November 27, 2026. Fine of $100/day will begin if not met. - DEL 26080 (1995 Montfort Lane - right-of-way obstruction): Compliance deadline set for November 4, 2026. Fine of $50/day will begin if not met. - Fire 055 2026 (3296 Graves Avenue - unpermitted break room): Compliance deadline set for November 27, 2026. Fine of $250/day will begin if not met. Lien Reduction Cases - DEL 2217/22178 (2123 Saxon Boulevard): The lien reduction request was continued to the next hearing because the property owner did not appear. - DEL 16245 (829 Westline Avenue - unsanitary pool, 2016 case): Attorney Patrice Scott represented the owner, requesting full abatement of the $10,000 capped fine. She argued the fine was disproportionate to a maintenance violation, the owner received inadequate notice, and the city took no action for nine years after the cap was reached. The city recommended full recovery. The magistrate took the matter under advisement. - Fire 0032 2024 (hair salon work without permit): Property manager Wayne Scott testified that a contractor abandoned the project and the owner was unaware of the outstanding violation until 2026. Compliance was achieved promptly upon discovery. The city acknowledged the owner's responsiveness. The magistrate took the matter under advisement. Key Outcomes - Fines and continuing fines were imposed in eight cases, totaling $41,850 in accrued fines (excluding continuing daily amounts). - Compliance deadlines and prospective fines were set in six new violation cases. - Two lien reduction cases were taken under advisement; written orders are expected within approximately one week. - One lien reduction case was continued due to nonappearance. - All decisions and recommendations are subject to the special magistrate's written orders and, in lien reduction cases, final action by the City Commission.

The Deltona City Commission met in regular session on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The agenda scheduled Public Forum from 6:00 to 6:30 PM, followed by the business meeting. Mayor Avila presided. The commission recognized students and fire personnel, heard a regional stormwater update, and acted on consent items, a code enforcement fine reduction, a Dairy Queen proportionate share agreement, employee health benefits, the firefighter collective bargaining agreement, a right-of-way vacation, a P&Z board removal, and the data center moratorium. Presentations & Reports - Super Star Student Awards for the first grading period of the 2026/2027 school year were presented to students from several Deltona elementary and middle schools. - Fire Chief Stephen Cousins swore in seven new fire personnel: Deputy Chief Dan Ruth and firefighters Skylar Carn, Nathan Galloway, Ethan Gresham, John Mulholland, Nathan Quartier, and Kale Zinninger. Existing personnel were promoted and pinned, including Adam Clatterbuck to Deputy Chief, Alexander Griffith to Lieutenant, and Lopiccolo-Hawkins and Flores to Engineer. - Mayor Nancy Miller of Daytona Beach Shores, co-chair of the Volusia County Elected Officials Roundtable Stormwater Mitigation & Flooding Subcommittee, presented an update. She said 28 infrastructure projects and 28 basin studies are underway across the county, Transform 386 has funded more than 25 stormwater projects and 30 studies totaling over $110 million, and a new stormwater resilience dashboard is available at Volusia.gov. She highlighted Deltona projects including the El Cam Boulevard at Lake Helen Osteen Road intersection and the Lake Sweet Gum stormwater drop-down project. Consent Calendar - The commission approved, 7-0, consent items A, B, D, E, and F after items C, G, H, and I were pulled for separate consideration: A approved the minutes of the October 5 and October 19, 2026 meetings; B proclaimed Small Business Saturday on November 28; D approved Resolution 2026-97, the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation Cooperative Agreement for 2026-2027; E updated the city’s representatives to the Opioid Funding Advisory Board (Clatterbuck primary, Dan Ruth alternate); and F approved Resolution 2026-100, pre-qualifying Architects Design Group, Bentley Group, Inc., Borrelli & Partners, CPH, and PQH Group Design for facilities architectural and engineering services. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Bryan questioned the reduction of a $54,450 code-enforcement fine to $8,500, objected to the Dairy Queen agreement, and asked why the firefighter collective bargaining agreement was not available to the public before the vote. - Jason Voles, property manager for 271 Fort Smith Boulevard, asked the commission to reduce all fines in the foreclosure matter to zero, dismiss the foreclosure by October 28, and provide dismissal documents by October 29. He said the owners and tenants had suffered losses and called the situation a “black eye” for the city. - Mohammad Mollah, the property owner, said he did not know about the fine until later and asked the commission to consider the hardship to both the landlord and the new tenant. - On the Planning and Zoning Board removal, Matthew Borgins and Kathy Bryan opposed acting without reviewing both sides of the dispute; Courtney Krausberg said there should be some consequence or censure; Virgil Ford alleged preferential treatment and political motivation; and Pat Blodgett defended her husband’s record. Tim Blodgett defended his comments, saying they came in response to harassment, but he was escorted out after interrupting the meeting. - Albert Bryan opposed the Sullivan Street right-of-way vacation, saying the city should not give away property. - Matthew Borgins spoke against the data center moratorium, supporting a reasonable path for data centers in Deltona because of potential tax-base diversity, technology investment, and jobs. Discussion Items - Code enforcement fine reduction (Item C): Staff reported the case began in 2019, went to the Special Magistrate on January 22, 2020, and took 978 days to reach compliance; notices were sent to the property address. Staff noted the agenda listed the fine as $54,450 but said the recalculated fine total was $49,400. The Special Magistrate recommended reducing the fine to a single payment of $8,500, including $3,901.25 in case-enforcement costs. The commission approved the reduction 7-0. - Dairy Queen proportionate fair share (Item G): City staff and the City Attorney explained that the $113,637.32 proportionate fair share payment is owed to Volusia County for impacted county-maintained roadway (Howland Boulevard), while the developer still owes the city $37,544.59 in transportation impact fees. The commission approved the agreement 7-0. - Employee health benefits (Item H): The commission approved, 7-0, authorizing the City Manager to bind health coverage recommended by the Gehring Group for Plan Year 2027. The city will move medical/prescription coverage from UnitedHealthcare to Florida Health Care Plans/Florida Blue, dental and vision to MetLife, and the Employee Assistance Program to Bree Health after UnitedHealthcare’s renewal showed an average 29.5% increase. HSA, life/AD&D, and short-term disability carriers remain unchanged. - Firefighter collective bargaining agreement (Item I): A motion to table the IAFF Local 2913 contract to the first November meeting failed 2-5. The commission then approved Resolution 2026-102, the October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029 collective bargaining agreement, by 6-1. Discussion noted the union ratified the contract 48-9, it is within the adopted budget, the final draft was delivered about 50 minutes before the meeting, and the agreement could be revisited if Amendment 3 changes the city’s finances. - Public hearing on vacation of right-of-way (Resolution 2026-86): The commission heard testimony under oath on the request by HYR Properties, LLC to vacate 0.180 acres of platted alley right-of-way associated with 468 Sullivan Street, including 25-foot and 15-foot alleyways in Block 20 of the Beauty Spot Orange City Plat, to consolidate property for a future single-family residence. Staff reported three utility non-objection letters and recommended approval. The resolution passed 5-2, with Vice Mayor Avila-Vasquez voting no because a previous resident with a similar request had to pay. - Removal of Planning and Zoning Board member: Commissioner Santiago moved to remove Tim Blodgett from the Planning and Zoning Board, citing disrespectful comments toward a female resident. The City Attorney said P&Z members serve at the pleasure of the commission and that Florida Statutes Section 112.501 is informative but not mandatory for this board. After public comment and discussion, the removal motion passed 4-3. - Data center moratorium revisions: The City Attorney presented red-line revisions to Ordinance 19-2026, the temporary moratorium on data centers, to coordinate with Volusia County’s adoption. The commission voted 7-0 to move the revised ordinance to second reading. City Manager and Commission Comments - The City Manager complimented the State of the City video and said Deltona University would be held the next evening; 37 residents had signed up, with three openings. - The City Attorney said an executive session in Dunice Magliati v. City of Deltona would be scheduled before the next commission meeting. The Mayor asked that it be scheduled early enough, such as 4:30 PM. - Commissioner Howington raised resident questions about cable companies working in the city, underground utilities, and the possible use of the city-owned house next to the Eastern Plant for cold-weather shelter. - Commissioner Heriot requested, and received consensus, for staff to develop a code of conduct for all appointed board members and representatives. Key Outcomes - Approved consent items A, B, D, E, and F (7-0). - Reduced the code-enforcement fine to $8,500 (7-0). - Approved the Dairy Queen proportionate fair share agreement (7-0). - Approved the employee health benefits carrier transition for Plan Year 2027 (7-0). - Rejected tabling the firefighter CBA (2-5) and then approved it (6-1). - Approved the Sullivan Street right-of-way vacation (5-2). - Removed Tim Blodgett from the Planning and Zoning Board (4-3). - Approved moving the revised data center moratorium ordinance to second reading (7-0). - Directed staff to draft a code of conduct for appointed board members and representatives. - Scheduled an executive session in Dunice Magliati v. City of Deltona before the next commission meeting; Mayor Avila said he would not serve as a “shadow mayor” after the November 9 gavel exchange and urged residents to vote.

The City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board met on October 21, 2026. The board held a quasi-judicial public hearing on Ordinance 17-2026 (RZ 26-0010), a request to rezone four vacant parcels totaling approximately 18.13 acres at 830 North State Road 415 from Volusia County Rural Residential (RR) to City of Deltona Heavy Commercial (C3). After staff and applicant presentations, public testimony, and board questions, the board unanimously recommended approval to the mayor and city commission. No agenda or minutes were provided with the source material; this summary is based on the raw transcript. Consent Calendar - The board approved the August 19, 2026 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote without changes. - No presentations, awards, or old business were reported. Public Comments & Testimony - A representative of Halifax Hospital said he was not objecting to the rezoning, but wanted the record to show that Halifax may return to ask for an amendment to its BPUD to remove a road-connection requirement that he described as unenforceable and unresolved for three years. - Nicole Bashore, a resident on Sunday Drive, opposed the rezoning. She said she has lived in Deltona for more than 40 years, her home has flooded twice because of overdevelopment, and removing trees and adding commercial pavement would worsen flooding for nearby residents. She said Deltona does not need more discount stores, auto parts stores, or sit-down restaurants. - Peter Lindsay, a resident on St. Laura Drive across from Tractor Supply, described Tractor Supply as “a nightmare” with noise and broken promises, and said the existing buffer is too thin. He said he did not want to stop the Pell family from benefiting, but feared he would have to sell his home after 37 years. Discussion Items - City planner Brandon Hatch presented the application. He said the property has a commercial future land use designation, but the current Volusia County rural residential zoning is inconsistent with the comp plan. The requested C3 designation would allow commercial uses compatible with nearby Walmart, Tractor Supply, and the surrounding commercial node. No site plan or development application has been submitted, so items such as buffers, lighting, stormwater, traffic, and infrastructure would be reviewed later. - Staff noted that C3 permits uses such as entertainment venues, offices, auto repair garages, and pet boarding. Mr. Hatch initially listed retail sales and services as non-permitted, but the applicant’s attorney corrected the record, saying retail sales and service is a permitted use under C3. - Applicant attorney Glenn Storch, representing the Pell family, said the family has owned the property for decades, is not developing it, and plans to sell it. He said a restrictive covenant could be recorded to permanently prohibit uses the neighbors opposed, such as fuel farms, nightclubs, tattoo parlors, and possibly truck stops, with the city and Osteen Civic Association as beneficiaries. - Board members asked about legal enforceability of the covenant, compatibility with residents to the north, traffic on State Road 415, stormwater/flooding, and the absence of gateway standards. Staff said future conditional uses and final site plan review would address many of these issues. Staff also stated that a residential zoning classification would be inconsistent with the future land use, and changing the comp plan would be a more difficult process. - Legal counsel explained the quasi-judicial hearing procedures; board members disclosed ex parte communications. One member reported phone/text conversations with community members and a commissioner, and two members said they drove by the site. Key Outcomes - Member Blodgett moved to recommend approval of Ordinance 17-2026, seconded by Member Stewart. - The board voted unanimously to recommend approval to the mayor and city commission, with members citing consistency with the comp plan and future land use map. Secretary Amoroso asked that the city commission also note Halifax’s request regarding the BPUD road requirement. - Staff announced there will be no November Planning and Zoning meeting, a comp plan workshop on November 16, 2026, and a potential public hearing before this board on December 16, 2026. An RFQ for the land development code update may include gateway standards. - Vice Chair Diarco announced this was her last meeting because she resigned to run for another position; the board thanked her for her service.

The City of Deltona City Commission held a joint workshop with the Planning & Zoning Board on Monday, October 19, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Deltona Commission Chambers. Workshop 8 continued the review of the Comprehensive Plan Update, focusing on the proposed Goals, Objectives, and Policies for the Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, and Property Rights Elements. Although the agenda scheduled the joint meeting until 8:30 p.m., the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. No formal action was taken. Discussion Items - Workshop recap and design context: The consultants summarized feedback since Workshop 7 and described visits to mixed-use areas in Orlando, Lakeland, Altamonte Springs, DeLand, and Sanford. They emphasized that mixed-use development works when building height, scale, streetscape, landscaping, and active first-floor uses are designed together, and warned against monolithic buildings without context. - Live Local Act height analysis: Maps showed properties that could qualify under the Live Local Act, using one-mile buffers around mixed-use districts. Only specific properties within those buffers are affected, not the entire buffer. The proposed uptown district near Exit 114 would allow 75 feet plus a 50-foot bonus, or a potential maximum of 125 feet. One commissioner expressed concern that this effectively permits up to 12 stories and that residents did not ask for tall buildings. Another commissioner supported the 75-plus-50 approach, noting the area near the existing seven-story hospital could attract a hotel or children's hospital. Consultants said they could reduce the height proposal if directed. - Feet versus stories: Commissioners discussed whether height limits should be expressed in feet or stories. Several speakers favored sticking to feet and using the Land Development Code (LDC) to set design, setback, and minimum first-floor height standards that support quality development and future resiliency. It was noted that bonus height would require meeting specific standards and would not be guaranteed. - Mixed-use categories: The Future Land Use Element proposes seven mixed-use categories. The consultants explained differences between centers and corridors, including design and relationship to surrounding neighborhoods. Height ranges were described generally: community mixed-use up to six stories, neighborhood/main street up to four stories with a bonus, and the uptown district as the only area allowing the maximum height. - Future Land Use Element: Discussion covered Objectives FLU 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, FLU 4-1, and FLU 5-1. A new residential estate category of one unit per two acres was noted. Regarding the Osteen Local Plan, a commissioner pointed out language that appeared crossed out or moved, despite assurances that the plan would not change. Consultants agreed to review the document and ensure no substantive changes were made. Another commissioner said language about “appropriate levels of service for government services” in development agreements was too vague and needed to be more definitive. - Transportation and Mobility Element: The element was reorganized around a complete street network, including roadways, bicycles, pedestrians, transit, greenways, Blueways, emergency evacuation, and freight. Discussion included e-bike regulation, countywide trail connectivity, the future of SunRail, walkability gaps such as Saxon Boulevard near Walmart, city-owned versus centralized parking, golf carts as micro-mobility, and the need to plan for future technology and energy grid capacity. A commissioner asked for a section on commercial drone facilities; consultants recommended treating all aerial mobility together, while the city attorney noted state and federal preemption limits local control over drones. - Level of service and roadway standards: The proposed table would allow Level of Service E on arterials and collectors, which some commissioners considered failing. One commissioner suggested raising standards to C on arterials and D on collectors and locals. Consultants and the city attorney warned that higher LOS standards could be expensive, could bind future commissions to tax increases, and may face state review under Senate Bill 180. A commissioner requested an impact analysis, including budget and SB 180 implications, before making a decision. Another commissioner opposed raising standards because of the cost to residents and noted that county roads also operate at LOS E. The commission agreed to gather more information and obtain a current report on how major arterial roads are operating. - Housing Element: The element is largely unchanged, with three goals and nine objectives covering housing variety, affordability, accessibility, missing middle housing, ADUs, student and congregate housing, and substandard housing reduction. A new disaster resiliency policy addresses post-disaster housing assistance, post-storm permitting, and temporary housing. Commissioners asked about benchmarks and timelines for temporary housing; consultants said specifics would be in the LDC or disaster management plans. One commissioner cautioned against cutting off federal disaster housing assistance prematurely. - Property Rights Element: The element is intentionally minimal, designed to comply with state law and consistent with model language used by most Florida jurisdictions. Public Comments & Testimony - Courtney Crossburrows spoke in favor of building vertically rather than outward to preserve green space. She described positive experiences living above shops in New York and New Jersey and supported using bonus incentives to encourage quality mixed-use development and community benefits. - Norman Jean Gita called attention to missing sidewalks in Deltona, saying children on bikes are competing with cars. She asked the commission to revise sidewalk infrastructure priority language to emphasize network connectivity and safety. Key Outcomes - No formal motions, votes, or approvals were made; the meeting was a discussion and direction-setting workshop. - Consultants were directed to include street labels on future maps, including key roads such as SR 415, Doyle Road, and other prominent corridors. - Staff and consultants will review Osteen Local Plan language to ensure no unintended changes were introduced. - The commission discussed making future code amendments adaptable, including retitling the city-owned parking policy to “centralized parking” and including golf carts within the definition of micro-mobility. - Staff will prepare additional information on potential roadway level-of-service changes, including budget impacts and Senate Bill 180 considerations, along with a report on current arterial road operating conditions. - Staff will coordinate on e-bike safety, pedestrian protection, and alternatives to Votran service, including local circulator options. - The next Comprehensive Plan workshop is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026.

The City of Deltona Special City Commission Meeting was called to order on October 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The single action item on the agenda was the approval of Resolution No. 2026-95, awarding a contract for the Lake Windsor Stormwater Force Main Relocation. Commissioner Heriot was absent. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting concluded shortly after the vote. Discussion Items - Lake Windsor Force Main Relocation: Deputy Public Works Director Phyllis Wallace explained that the project involves an aging, 25-year-old 8-inch force main inherited from Volusia County. Located in easements behind homes, it has become difficult to access for repairs during storms. Staff expedited the design and permitting in about 90 days. - Funding and Bid Process: The project relies on Stormwater funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which must be spent by December 31, 2026. Staff reported a competitive bidding process. A discrepancy between the agenda and the meeting transcript exists regarding the exact number of bidders: the agenda notes ten qualified bids were received, while Ms. Wallace stated during the meeting that there were nine bidders. All bids came in under the engineer's estimate of roughly $2.2 million. - Motion: Commissioner Nabicht made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2026-95, which was seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: The commission voted 6-0 to approve Resolution No. 2026-95. Voting in favor were Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez, Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Nabicht, and Santiago. - Contract Award: The resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with the qualified low bidder, GPS Civil Construction, Inc. of Ormond Beach, Florida. A notable discrepancy exists regarding the exact bid amount: the official agenda lists the low bid as $1,059,391.00, whereas the meeting transcript records the city attorney reciting a figure of $1,309,391 ("one million three hundred and nine thousand three hundred and ninety-one dollars"). The total project budget, including contingencies, is not to exceed $1,618,770. - Next Steps: The City Manager is directed to proceed with the contract. Staff indicated that failure to execute the agreement with GPS would have resulted in moving to the second-lowest bidder, Carr & Collier, Inc., to meet the ARPA spending deadline. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned. The official minutes state the meeting concluded at 5:04 PM. The raw transcript of the meeting records the Mayor saying, "Meetings adjourned till 5:30," a discrepancy in the recorded conclusion time.

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, October 5, 2026. The public forum opened at 6:00 PM, the business meeting convened at 6:30 PM, and adjourned at 6:59 PM. The agenda included an economic development update, a presentation on AI-assisted permitting, a consent agenda of eight routine items, and a public hearing on the second reading of Ordinance No. 16-2026, updating the city's affordable housing regulations under the Live Local Act. Commissioner Nabicht presented the invocation and acknowledged an anonymous former Marine who rendered life-saving aid at a traffic crash the previous week. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved the minutes of the September 21, 2026 Regular Commission Meeting. - Quarterly Reports: Accepted the Third Quarter 2026 reports from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Firefighter Pension Board, Ordinance Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Board, and Team Volusia. - Proclamations: Approved proclamations for Red Ribbon Week, Extra Mile Day, and National Primary Care Week. - D Ranch Preserve ECHO Grant: Approved an updated letter of support for Conservation Florida's ECHO Grant application to fund construction of a nature center at D Ranch Preserve. - Flood Mitigation JPA Amendment (Elkcam Blvd): Approved Resolution 2026-90, authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Participation Agreement with Volusia County for design services ($238,835.50) for the Transform386 – Elkcam Boulevard at Lake Helen Osteen Road flood mitigation project; total project cost remains $845,575 (50/50 cost share). - Stormwater Drawdown JPA Amendment (Lake Sweet Gum): Approved Resolution 2026-91, authorizing Amendment No. 1 for design services ($238,420) for the Transform386 – Lake Sweet Gum Stormwater Drawdown project; total project cost remains $1,839,040 (50/50 cost share). - Halifax Humane Society Agreement: Approved Resolution 2026-92 for the FY 26-27 kennel and medical services agreement and an amended extension for FY 25-26, with increased impound and administrative costs. - American Legion Post 255 Ground Lease: Approved Resolution 2026-93, a 49-year ground lease and master development agreement with Sgt. David G. Ledgerwood American Legion Post 255 for a post home, at $10 annual rent. All consent items were approved by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Borgins (resident) addressed concerns regarding the stormwater planning documents referenced for the consent agenda items. He noted that a pump project from 2019 was described by an engineer as still needing further development, and urged the city to ensure such planning is up to date before approving related projects. He otherwise praised the city staff's efforts. Discussion Items - Economic Development Update: The Economic Development Director reported that two projects are in full review (7 Brew drive-through coffee near Chipotle, Amazon 3 with a rezoning). A 1-million-square-foot industrial building is under consideration in the Deltona Industrial Park. Pre-application phases include Chase Bank, Chick-fil-A, EOS Fitness, Waffle House, and a Deltona Village apartment expansion. Staff has also contacted several casual-dining chains (Outback, Carrabba's, BJ's, City Barbecue, Dickies, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mission BBQ, Panera) to recruit sit-down restaurants. - AI Permitting Presentation: Representatives from Evolve Software (Patrick Vargas and Christine) demonstrated an AI-powered electronic plan review platform. Features include automated application intake checks (file corruption, required attachments, stamp validation), AI-assisted sheet analysis (scale detection, sheet references for slip-sheeting), object detection (toilets, doors, etc.), and change detection across plan revisions. Commissioner Colwell questioned the success rate (target 95%), data security (Microsoft Azure, permissioned customer data), and cost-benefit analysis. Staff confirmed time savings of up to 40% on repetitive tasks but noted human oversight remains necessary. Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez expressed support for the potential time savings. Commissioner Nabicht asked about liability litigation; the presenters reported none. - Ordinance No. 16-2026 – Second Reading (Live Local Act Update): Community Development Services Director presented the ordinance updating Chapter 76 of the Land Development Code to reflect House Bill 1389 (effective July 1, 2026). Changes include expanded eligibility for certain Planned Unit Developments, government-owned property, and property owned by qualifying religious institutions; updates to density, height, parking, setbacks, landscaping, open space, amenities, and architectural design. Language encouraging green building and sustainable development was added after first reading. Commissioner Colwell sought clarification that the administrative review process aligns with the state law. After discussion, the City Commission voted 6-1 (Commissioner Howington opposed) to approve the ordinance. - City Attorney Comments: The City Attorney requested consensus to add a resolution to the next agenda extending the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC), which has a sunset provision. After discussion about timing, the Commission concurred to bring it forward for the November meeting. - Commission Comments & Reports: - Commissioner Howington announced VEMA's Food Truck Festival & Car Show and an upcoming American Legion fundraiser. - Commissioner Santiago reported on the successful Wig Out event and the upcoming 5K Walk on October 31 at West Crow Park, and thanked staff for improvements at City Hall. - Commissioner Heriot requested that the city promote Paula Yorker's 5K Walk on social media and digital displays; the commission consented. - Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez congratulated the Sheriff's Department graduation, particularly a recruit who achieved 99.4%. - Mayor Avila requested a consensus for a letter of support welcoming a children's hospital or urgent care; the commission concurred. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: All eight items (7A-7H) approved unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance No. 16-2026: Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Howington opposed) on second and final reading. - Ordinance Review Committee Extension: Consensus to place a resolution on the November 2026 agenda to extend the ORC for another year. - Children's Hospital Letter of Support: Commission consented to Mayor Avila's request for a letter of support. - 5K Walk Promotion: Commission consented to Commissioner Heriot's request to advertise Paula Yorker's event.

The City of Deltona City Commission and Planning & Zoning Board held a joint workshop on September 28, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:24 p.m. to continue review of the Comprehensive Plan Update, focusing on the Goals, Objectives, and Policies for the Future Land Use, Transportation, and Housing Elements. The meeting included extensive discussion on building heights, mixed-use centers, conservation incentives, and the impact of state legislation. No formal adoption occurred; direction was given for staff to prepare detailed maps and return on October 19, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Kathy Bryan, a Deltona resident, expressed support for allowing affordable housing within mixed-use areas, suggested planning for e-bikes and scooters on walkways, recommended incentives for native landscaping and green building, cautioned against allowing recreation in recharge areas due to abuse, and urged sinkhole risk assessments before multi-story development. She also advocated for requiring data centers to self-generate power and use recycled water. Discussion Items - The consultant team reviewed the proposed Goals, Objectives, and Policies for the Future Land Use element, including objectives on coordinated growth, natural resource protection, historic preservation, housing choices, and land use compatibility. - Discussion focused on building heights across proposed mixed-use centers: Uptown Center (up to 65 du/ac, originally proposed up to 6 stories by right and 9 by bonus), Community Mixed Use Center (40 du/ac, up to 6 stories), Community Mixed Use Corridor (40 du/ac, up to 5 stories), Neighborhood Mixed Use Center (25 du/ac, 3 stories), Main Street Mixed Use Corridor (25 du/ac, 3 stories), and Activity Center (existing 75 ft/7 stories by bonus). - Commissioner Howington expressed discomfort with the bonus height for the Uptown Center, proposing to cap all heights at 6 stories across the city with no bonuses. A non-binding consensus vote (3-2) initially supported that direction. - After further discussion, Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez retracted her vote upon clarification that the bonus height applied only to the non-residential uptown area and that existing policy already allowed 7 stories in the Activity Center. A motion to reconsider the previous consensus passed unanimously (5-0). - Commissioner Howington then moved to retain existing requirements: six stories/75 ft citywide and seven stories within the Activity Center. The motion failed 2-3 (Commissioners Colwell and Howington in favor; Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez, Commissioners Heriot, and Nabicht opposed). - Commissioner Heriot expressed disappointment at losing the ability to negotiate conservation bonuses through height incentives. Commissioner Howington suggested using conservation as a bonus criterion. - The consultant clarified that the only area proposed for heights above 6 stories was the uptown community center, which currently has no residential. The other mixed-use categories have lower heights. - Commissioner Howington requested maps with street names and radius overlays for the next meeting to evaluate potential impacts. - Staff noted the schedule is behind and an additional workshop date may be needed beyond October 19. Key Outcomes - The consensus to limit building heights to a maximum of six stories citywide was reconsidered and not formalized due to the failed motion. - The formal motion to retain existing height standards (6 stories/75 ft and 7 stories in Activity Center) failed (2-3). - The workshop concluded with agreement to continue discussion on October 19, 2026, focusing on detailed maps, height bonuses, conservation incentives, and review of the remaining elements (Transportation and Housing). Additional meetings may be scheduled. - No final action was taken; direction was provided for staff to prepare visual aids and refined proposals for the next workshop.

The regular Special Magistrate hearing was called to order at 5:30 PM on September 23, 2026, in the Deltona Commission Chambers. Special Magistrate Judge John G. Van Laningham presided over 20 code enforcement cases, including old business, new business, and one lien reduction request. The meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the August 26, 2026 Special Magistrate hearing were approved. - The following 10 building/fire code cases were withdrawn due to compliance: DEL-26-064 (979 Hemingway Dr), DEL-26-068 (2034 Swanson Dr), DEL-26-069 (1905 Van Allen Cir), DEL-26-070 (231 Rosedale Dr), DEL-26-072 (1749 W Acadian Dr), FIRE-045-2026 A&B (887 Deltona Blvd), FIRE-047-2026 A&B (122 Hummingbird St), FIRE-048-2026 A&B (609 A Belltower Ave), FIRE-049-2026 A&B (609 B Belltower Ave), FIRE-050-2026 A&B (609 C Belltower Ave), FIRE-051-2026 A&B (609 D Belltower Ave). - Case DEL-26-028 (927 Loren Dr) was continued to the October 28, 2026 hearing at the city’s request. Old Business (Previously Heard Cases) - DEL-26-038 (1968 S. Old Mill Dr) – Unpermitted driveway work. Property owner Tyler Byrne testified. The property was brought into compliance before the hearing; a one-time fine of $250 was imposed. - DEL-26-040 A&B (2280 Rabenton Rd) – Unpermitted pool and concrete flatwork. Representative Milton Manzueta (via Zoom) argued for leniency, citing difficulties obtaining a permit due to bureaucratic issues and personal hardship. The Magistrate imposed a fine of $16,500 (33 days at $250/day per violation, total $500/day) and ordered the fine to continue at the same rate until compliance. - DEL-26-041 (2865 Fayson Cir) – Violation of temporary portable storage unit (shipping container) limits. No owner appeared. Fine of $4,800 (48 days at $100/day) imposed, continuing at $100/day. - DEL-26-049 A&B (1149 Lyric Dr) – Interior maintenance and plumbing violations. Tenant Tiffany Alfred testified the property had toxic black mold and that the owner had filed eviction after she reported him. The Magistrate imposed a fine of $2,300 (23 days at $100/day), continuing at $100/day, noting the fine is intended to be coercive. Tenant expressed that $100/day felt insufficient given the health impacts. New Business (First Hearing Cases) All new cases were found in violation; compliance deadlines and daily fines were set as follows: - DEL-26-035 (789 Chippendale St) – Unpermitted room enclosure. Owner Shirley Ladino and contractor Joseph Somerville (Somerville Construction) attended. Compliance by November 9, 2026; $250/day fine thereafter. - DEL-26-061 (1440 Whitewood Dr) – Fence in disrepair. Owner not present; son reached by phone said panels would be removed. Compliance by November 9, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-062 (593 Hartley Ln) – Unpermitted exterior wall work (cinder blocks). Owner Chasten Williams testified he was unaware a permit was needed after a drunk driver damaged his home. Compliance extended to December 22, 2026 at city’s request; $250/day fine. - DEL-26-063 A&B (2913 Lake Helen Osteen Rd) – Unpermitted fence (Violation A) and fence in disrepair (Violation B). No owner present. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $250/day for Violation A, $100/day for Violation B. - DEL-26-065 (313 Providence Blvd) – Garage door in disrepair. No owner present; managing company Wells Fargo aware. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-066 (668 Pepperwood Ave) – Fence in disrepair. Owner Emily Chestnut testified, disputing the condition of the rear fence and alleging the city had not properly noticed the rear fence issue. The Magistrate denied her motion for continuance and found the fence in violation based on photographs. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-067 (3310 Phonetia Dr) – Temporary portable storage unit violation. No owner present. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-071 (1118 Prescott Blvd) – Exterior surface disrepair (soffit, trim, tarp on roof). No owner present. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-073 (578 S. Anchor Dr) – Damaged electric box requiring permit. Court-appointed representative Donald D’Auria attended via Zoom, explained he was newly appointed as estate executor and unaware of violations. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $250/day fine. - DEL-26-074 (1149 N. Old Mill Dr) – Broken front window. No owner present. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $100/day fine. - DEL-26-075 (772 Vercelli St) – Unpermitted garage-to-room conversion. Representative Stan Smith (son-in-law) attended, expressed confusion about permit requirements. Compliance by October 23, 2026; $250/day fine. - DEL-26-064, DEL-26-068, DEL-26-069, DEL-26-070, DEL-26-072 – Previously listed as withdrawn due to compliance. Other Business: Lien Reduction Request - DEL-24-067 (271 Fort Smith Blvd) – The property owner (Two Star Investment Inc.) requested reduction of a $54,450 lien (initial $500 fine plus $50/day for 1,079 days from March 23, 2020 to February 6, 2023 for an unpermitted range hood). Property manager Jason Voelz, a mayoral candidate, argued the violation was caused by a former tenant and that the city’s foreclosure action was political retaliation against him. He stated the foreclosure prevented new tenants from obtaining SBA loans and caused significant financial harm. The Magistrate took the matter under advisement and will issue a written recommendation to the City Commission for final action. Key Outcomes - 11 cases were closed due to compliance. - 1 case (DEL-26-028) was continued to the next hearing. - 4 old business cases received monetary fines totaling $23,350 plus continuing daily penalties ($100–$500/day). - 11 new business cases were set with compliance deadlines (October 23 to December 22, 2026) and daily fines ($100–$250/day) for non-compliance. - The lien reduction request for DEL-24-067 was reserved for a written recommendation to the City Commission. - All cases heard were adjudicated by Special Magistrate Van Laningham; no city commission vote was taken during the hearing.

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included a recognition ceremony, public comments, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a temporary moratorium for data centers, adoption of the final millage rate and budget for FY 2026-2027, approval of a proportionate fair share agreement, a discussion on a previously approved resolution, and direction on a parking ordinance amendment. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Items 7A (approval of minutes of September 9, 2026 meeting), 7B (proclamations for Fire Prevention Week, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Italian Heritage Month), 7C (reduction of fine for property owner Brandyn Schwalm/Home Solution Investment LLC from $17,250 to $6,000), and 7D (Resolution 2026-85 awarding Whitehouse Contracting, LLC the contract for concrete sidewalk enhancements at Harris M. Saxon Community Center) were approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote. - Item 7E (Resolution 2026-89, Project/Capital Carryforward Budget Amendment for FY 2025-2026) was pulled by Commissioner Howington for discussion. She questioned why an $11,000 donation from the Mayor's Ball specifically earmarked for Harris Saxon capital projects was coded as promotional revenue. The Finance Director stated he would reclassify the funds. The item was then approved by a 6-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez dissenting. Public Comments & Testimony - Data Center Moratorium (Public Hearing): Several residents expressed support for the temporary moratorium. Stephanie Cox cited concerns about water quality and cancer-causing ingredients; she stated, "I absolutely want no data centers anywhere near Deltona." Tim Blodgett noted high electricity and water usage by data centers and supported the moratorium to allow time for technological improvements. Jason Bells supported the moratorium but urged the city to also prevent conversion of existing Amazon facilities into data centers and to lobby the state against preemption. - Final Millage and Budget (Public Hearing): Multiple residents opposed the budget, citing rising costs for residents (insurance, fuel, interest rates, food) and urging the city to cut "fluff" and prioritize essential services like roads and stormwater. Speakers included Stephanie Cox, Jason Bells, Tim Blodgett, Pat Blodgett, Al Himes, Terry Haynes, Randy White, Albert Bryan, Christian O'Brien, and Gail Nora. Al Himes argued that city funds should focus on essential services as defined in the city charter. Albert Bryan warned that Amendment 3 would gut the budget and criticized the lack of contingency planning. Terry Haynes detailed a 26.23% proposed increase in community event spending, including new events totaling $89,100. Several speakers noted that residents are financially squeezed and that the budget is the highest in city history. Discussion Items - Ordinance 19-2026 – Temporary Moratorium for Data Centers (First Reading): The City Attorney read the ordinance title. Commissioner Heriot made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Howington. Discussion clarified that the moratorium does not conflict with SB 180, that data centers are not currently a permitted use in any zoning classification, and that the ordinance provides a one-year moratorium with early termination possible. The motion passed 7-0. - Resolution 2026-87 – Final Millage Rate: Finance Director McKinney presented the final millage rate of 6.4948 mills per $1,000 of taxable value, a 0% increase from the rolled-back rate, based on a taxable value of $5,920,885,741. Commissioner Santiago made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht, with an amended motion stating the specific rate. After public comment, the motion passed 5-2, with Commissioners Colwell and Howington voting against. Commissioner Howington had argued for a lower millage rate of 6.450 mills. - Resolution 2026-88 – Final Budget FY 2026-2027: The total final budget is $316,519,788. Commissioner Santiago made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht. The motion first failed 3-4 (Commissioners Nabicht, Santiago, Mayor Avila for; Commissioners Colwell, Heriot, Howington, Vice Mayor against). Extensive discussion followed about cutting events, transferring funds to roads, and the uncertainty of Amendment 3. Commissioner Nabicht moved to transfer $1.5 million from Parks & Recreation to road resurfacing, but the motion died for lack of a second. Ultimately, Commissioner Heriot made a motion to approve the budget as presented, seconded by Commissioner Santiago. The motion passed 4-3 (Commissioners Heriot, Nabicht, Santiago, Mayor Avila for; Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Vice Mayor against). - Proportionate Fair Share Agreement for Howland Marketplace: The City Attorney explained the developer owes $207,196.63, less a $20,697.60 Volusia County transportation impact fee credit, resulting in $186,499.04 due to Volusia County. Commissioner Santiago moved approval, seconded by Commissioner Nabicht. No public comment. Motion passed 7-0. - Discussion of Resolution 2025-26 (Aloha Estates): The City Attorney reported that Resolution 2025-26 granted approvals for a 536-apartment development on 45.3 acres but required the final plat to be recorded within 20 working days of March 18, 2025. The final plat was never recorded, so there is no active plat or site plan approval. Any future development would require a new approval process. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items 7A-7D: Approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda Item 7E: Approved 6-1. - Ordinance 19-2026 (Data Center Moratorium): Approved 7-0 on first reading. One-year moratorium, effective until September 21, 2027, unless terminated early. - Resolution 2026-87 (Final Millage): Approved 5-2. Millage rate set at 6.4948 mills per $1,000 valuation, representing a 0% increase over the rolled-back rate. - Resolution 2026-88 (Final Budget): Approved 4-3. Total budget of $316,519,788 for FY 2026-2027. - Proportionate Fair Share Agreement for Howland Marketplace: Approved 7-0. - Discussion of Resolution 2025-26: No action taken; staff noted the prior approval has lapsed. - Parking Ordinance Amendment: The Commission gave consensus (6-1) to direct staff to amend Chapter 66 to allow parking only on the non-fire hydrant side of the street in subdivisions, to be brought back for first reading in October.