Public Meetings - Deltona, Florida

The Deltona City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The meeting included a public forum, presentations, consent agenda, public hearings, and action items. Commissioners voted on several resolutions and ordinances, deferred two items, and discussed pedestrian safety, roadway elevation grants, budget amendments, and development policies. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the Special Commission Meeting on March 29, 2025, and Regular Commission Meeting on April 21, 2025 (Item 7-A). - Approved Resolution No. 2025-56 authorizing the City Manager to sign a Federally Funded Subaward and Grant Agreement for elevation of a portion of Catalina Boulevard (Item 7-B). - Approved Resolution No. 2025-56 awarding ITB 25006 for Landscape and Irrigation Services to Rotolo Consultants, Inc. (Item 7-E). - Approved proclamations for Emergency Medical Services Week (May 18-24) and National Public Works Week (May 18-24) and other May recognitions (Item 7-F). - Approved a request for presentation before the Commission by The Deltona Magazine regarding the Red Carpet Gala (Item 7-G). Public Comments & Testimony - During Public Forum (6:00-6:30 PM): Kathy Bryan, Former Commissioner Dana McCool, Elbert Bryan, Lori Warnicke, Courtney Cross-Burgos, Terri Ellis, Lydia Lambert, Former Commissioner JodyLee, Michael Castaldi, and Jean Armstrong addressed the Commission on various topics. - During Consent Agenda: David Sosa commented on the Catalina Boulevard grant, questioning the cost share and potential flooding impacts from raising the road. - During Elkcam Boulevard discussion: Elbert Bryan expressed concern about the lack of proven engineering and urged multiple design options. Former Commissioner JodyLee urged fixing the road, advocated for a bridge, criticized spending on renovations instead of infrastructure, and noted ongoing flooding issues. - During budget amendment discussion: Former Commissioner JodyLee criticized the City Manager for transferring funds without Commission knowledge and questioned the necessity of a $350,000 renovation. Kathy Bryan questioned why workshop topics not on the agenda were discussed. - During ordinances: No public comments on Ordinance 06-2025 or Ordinance 17-2025. Presentations - Bike/Walk Central Florida – Best Foot Forward Pedestrian Safety Program: Emily Bush, Executive Director, presented data showing Deltona is tied for fifth most dangerous in Florida for pedestrians. She described the 3E approach (education, enforcement, engineering) and highlighted low-cost improvements that increased driver yield rates by up to 38%. The program costs include $35,000–$50,000 annually for data collection and enforcement support. The Commission agreed to add an agenda item to discuss participation. Discussion Items - Item 7-C: Elkcam Boulevard Elevation Grant: The Commission debated the resolution for a $9 million HMGP grant (Phase I: design/engineering) for elevating a portion of Elkcam Boulevard. Discussion focused on whether to consider a bridge instead of culverts, cost-benefit analysis, hydrology, and the risk of losing federal funds if design delays occur. David Hamstra of Pegasus Engineering explained that the road acts as an equalizer between lakes and that elevating it at least two feet above the 100-year flood elevation is the current plan. Commissioners expressed concerns about upstream flooding and long-term effectiveness. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Colwell against. - Item 7-D: Mid-Year Budget Amendment: The Finance Director summarized a $11.4 million increase to the amended budget ($237.9 million total), covering insurance proceeds, rate studies, energy grants, hurricane reimbursements, opioid settlements, building reserves, and $350,000 for customer service building renovations. Commissioner Colwell questioned the source of renovation funds (building department and water/wastewater funds). The motion passed 4-3, with Commissioners Avila-Vazquez, Colwell, and Howington against. - Ordinance 06-2025 (Second Reading): Updated zoning code for home-based businesses to comply with Florida Statutes. Approved unanimously 7-0. - Ordinance 17-2025 (Second Reading): Amended solid waste and stormwater utility annual assessment processes to conform with state law. Approved unanimously 7-0. - Additions and Deletions: The Commission deferred Item 8-B (Rental Properties Ordinance) to May 19, 2025, and deferred Item 8-C (Halifax Crossings MPUD amendment) due to pending litigation in a 5-2 vote (Mayor Avila and Commissioner Santiago opposing). Item 9-A (Discussion of Draft Ordinance Modifying Voting for Charter Violations) was deferred pending an Attorney General opinion and Commission on Ethics guidance in a 5-2 vote (same opposition). Resolution 2025-57 for legal representation in Howland Holdings case was added and approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - Votes & Deferrals: - Consent Agenda A, B, E, F, G approved 7-0. - Elkcam Boulevard grant (7-C) approved 6-1 (Colwell against). - Mid-Year Budget Amendment (7-D) approved 4-3 (Avila-Vazquez, Colwell, Howington against). - Ordinance 06-2025 approved 7-0. - Ordinance 17-2025 approved 7-0. - Resolution 2025-57 approved 7-0. - Deferral of Item 8-B to May 19, 2025 approved 7-0. - Deferral of Item 8-C (Halifax MPUD) approved 5-2. - Deferral of Item 9-A (charter violation voting) approved 5-2. - Consensus Actions: - By 4-3 vote, the Commission agreed (with Commissioners Lulli, Colwell, Howington, Avila-Vazquez in favor) to discuss bringing any renovation or project over $50,000 on city properties back for Commission approval (to be formalized via agenda item). - By majority (Commissioner Santiago dissenting), the Commission agreed to add an agenda item to discuss a moratorium on development, pending the impact fee study due in 6-9 months. - Unanimous consensus to add an agenda item to discuss participation in the Bike/Walk Central Florida program. - City Manager Comments: Clarified that the Golden Book mailing inadvertently included some addresses outside Deltona due to overlapping zip codes; actual cost was $28,000 (budgeted $60,000). 40,000 copies were printed. - City Attorney Comments: Announced plans to bring a noise ordinance to first reading on May 19, 2025. Directed to work with lobbyists to provide a legislative update on home rule issues, possibly via a town hall. - Commission Requests: Commissioner Colwell requested a policy change for projects over $50,000; Commissioner Howington requested moratorium discussion; Vice Mayor Heriot requested fertilizer ordinance research and community garden expansion at Harris Saxton Park.

The Deltona City Commission held a budget workshop on May 3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:54 AM to review the preliminary FY 2025-2026 budget, focusing on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), capital outlay, fleet replacement, and various fees and assessments. Present were Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioner Avila-Vazquez, Commissioner Colwell, and Commissioner Howington. Commissioners Lulli and Santiago were absent. Discussion Items Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Overview Finance Director John McKinney presented the preliminary CIP, noting that final project funding depends on forthcoming rate studies, property tax valuations (expected in June), and state revenues (July). General Fund CIP (Fund 301): Projects include finalizing City Hall renovations (centralizing customer service), phase two of the Fire Training Complex at Day Road, and the relocation of Fire Station 62. The $3 million for Fire Station 62 in the next fiscal year is specifically for land acquisition. The relocation is contingent on approval by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board, as funds could come from the CRA. Parks Capital Improvements (Fund 302): Staff presented $8.25 million in fully funded projects for parks including West Crowell, Dewey Boster, Thornby, Tom Hoffman, Festival, Harris Saxon, Keysville, and Manny Rodriguez. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez expressed disappointment that District 3 parks (Van Park, Lake Gleason) were not included. Staff explained that Lakeshore Park improvements are postponed pending completion of the adjacent 4B stormwater project. Transportation Capital Improvements (Fund 303): Projects include $1 million for the Rhode Island extension study and roadway elevations for Catalina Blvd and El Cam Blvd, funded via a FEMA pass-through through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Commissioner Colwell raised concerns about creating a dam effect with an elevated road; a potential bridge option and Blueway connectivity were discussed. Water/Wastewater CIP (Fund 402): A $44 million project for the Fisher Water Reclamation Facility was presented. The project is 50% covered by a $22 million state grant, with the remainder potentially funded via state revolving fund (SRF) loans. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez raised the issue of persistent odor from the plant; staff stated the new advanced wastewater treatment process would resolve it. Staff disclosed that a strategic option to relocate the plant to the 90-acre Alexander Avenue (Rib) site is being explored to move it further from residents and allow for a larger, modern facility. Stormwater CIP (Fund 422): A total of $1.2 million was identified for citywide drainage pipe rehabilitation and pond water quality improvements. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez highlighted flooding from clogged-right-of way drains and asked about the maintenance schedule. Staff committed to publishing the schedule online. Capital Replacement, Fleet, and Equipment McKinney reviewed the fleet replacement program, noting that vehicles are being replaced at an average age of 15 years (against a 10-year policy) and that maintenance costs on some units have reached 183% of their acquisition cost. He proposed amending the vehicle replacement policy to include a maintenance-to-acquisition cost ratio. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez praised the early procurement of a fire apparatus, which saved significant money against current price inflation. Enhancements and Technology Proposals included an $800,000 Tyler Munis ERP cloud migration, a sandbag storage structure for emergency management, and a city-wide fiber initiative. Vice Mayor Heriot confirmed the cloud migration aligns with industry trends and noted offsetting costs would be identified. Affordable Housing McKinney presented options for fulfilling the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) recommendation to set aside 1% of the budget for a community land trust. He recommended the set-aside be based on ad valorem tax proceeds (approximately $333,000) rather than the full city budget (over $600,000). Commissioner Avila-Vazquez supported the staff recommendation, distinguishing the program from Section 8 housing and noting Deltona is the only city in its state meeting region without an affordable housing program. The Commission generally concurred, suggesting the program be revisited every 2–3 years and formalized via a resolution. Fee Schedules, Special Assessments, and Impact Fees - Stormwater Fees: Staff recommended a $20 annual increase (instead of $30) to reach a $250 maximum by 2029. A single notification letter covering all four years was proposed to save approximately $100,000 in postage. The Commission concurred. - Impact Fees: A $60,000 rate study was proposed. Commissioner Howington confirmed that the city qualifies for a statutory exception allowing the full recommended increase to be implemented immediately without multi-year phasing. - Solid Waste: Commissioner Howington requested that options for increased service (such as twice-weekly pickup or recycling) be brought forward for community input alongside rate negotiations with Waste Pro. - Fire Assessment Fee: Vice Mayor Heriot formally requested a study on implementing a fire assessment fee applied to every parcel, paired with a corresponding equitable reduction in the general fund millage. The Commission concurred, and the City Manager confirmed funding for the study will be added to the upcoming mid-year budget amendment. - Franchise Fees: Vice Mayor Heriot asked about the impact of removing franchise fees and utility taxes from resident bills. The Finance Director cautioned that this would shift the tax burden to the roughly half of parcels paying ad valorem taxes. - Lake McGarity Assessment: Staff recommended reducing the annual assessment from $60 to $30 per parcel due to a surplus fund balance of over $95,000. Other Discussions The Commission discussed the comprehensive relocation strategy for fire stations (urging a big-picture view of coverage times), the backflow prevention project, lift station generator budgeting, body cameras for Code Enforcement and Animal Control, and the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. Key Outcomes - Consensus to Study Fire Assessment Fee: The Commission concurred to add funding to the mid-year budget to study a city-wide fire assessment fee paired with a reduction in the general fund millage. - Direction on Stormwater Fee Mailer: Staff was directed to proceed with a single mailed notice for the multi-year $20 annual stormwater fee increase. - Staff Direction on Impact Fees: Staff was directed to pursue impact fee increases utilizing the statutory exception to avoid multi-year phase-ins. - Budget Schedule Adopted: June 23, 2025 (Revenue & Operating CIP); July 21, 2025 (Max Millage & Assessments); September 3, 2025 (1st Public Hearing); September 15, 2025 (Final Adoption). - Affordable Housing Funding Path: A path was endorsed to set aside 1% of ad valorem proceeds for a community land trust, formalized in a future resolution and revisited every 2–3 years.

The City of Deltona held a code enforcement special magistrate hearing on the evening of April 23, 2025, presided over by Special Magistrate (attorney). The hearing addressed multiple violations of the Deltona City Code, including building without permits, property maintenance issues, and fire code violations. Several cases were withdrawn, continued, or heard as initial violations or compliance reviews (massie cases). Consent Calendar - Several cases were withdrawn by the city before the hearing: DEL 25-013 (2679 Howland Boulevard), DEL 25-037A (960 Shorecrest Avenue), DEL 25-041 (1329 Herndon Avenue), DEL 25-047 C through F (1555 Saxon Boulevard), and FIRE 005-2025 (2820 Howland Boulevard). - Case DEL 25-042 A and B (114 Cambridge Street) was continued to the June 2025 meeting at the city's request, over the objection of the respondent's representative who had traveled from Montana. - Case FIRE 24-0054 (2101 Capri Circle), a lien reduction request, was continued to the June meeting because the property owner was not present. Discussion Items Case DEL 25-043 A, B, C – 1478 Courtland Boulevard (Lillian J. Wright) - Violations: Two sheds erected without permits (Violation A), fence in disrepair (Violation B), and fence installed without a permit (Violation C). The respondent's representative argued the sheds had been present for over 30 years and were installed by a company. The magistrate found violations and ordered compliance by July 22, 2025 (90 days) for the sheds, and May 23, 2025 (30 days) for the fence repair and permit. Fines: $50/day for A, $25/day for B, $50/day for C if not complied. Case FIRE 014-2025 – 1380 Howland Boulevard (Circle K) - Violation: Work without permits for installation of two ovens, associated electrical, and a wall. The city requested 90 days. The respondent's engineer (Lee Murrah) stipulated to the violation and requested 90 days to obtain permits. Magistrate ordered compliance by July 22, 2025, with a $50/day fine. Case DEL 25-017 (Massey) – 2641 Windsor Heights Street (Victor Manuel Flores Torres et al.) - Compliance review: Property had been ordered to obtain a permit for an accessory structure by March 28, 2025, but a permit was only submitted on April 1, 2025, and still under review. The property owner left before the hearing. The magistrate found the owner failed to comply on time and ordered the ongoing fine of $50/day (accrued $1,350 over 27 days) to continue until compliance. Case FIRE 015-2025 – 1698 Diane Terrace (Harmony Clinic) - Violations A, B, C were corrected; only Violation D remained (interior alterations without a permit). The city requested 90 days, but the respondent's engineer requested 120 days due to plan review timelines. Magistrate granted 120 days, compliance by August 27, 2025, with a $50/day fine. Case DEL 25-037B – 960 Shorecrest Avenue (Diane Home) - Violation: Exterior walls, fascia, soffits, and gutters in disrepair. The respondent inherited the home and stated an insurance claim (State Farm) was ongoing, preventing repairs. She provided a letter from her attorney. Magistrate found a violation but granted time until August 1, 2025, noting that litigation does not negate maintenance obligations. Fine of $25/day thereafter. Case DEL 25-018 A & B (Massey) – 3000 Macon Street (Isaiah Manual Figura) - Compliance review: Prior order to remove an accessory structure and a trampoline. Not complied. The property owner not present. Fines of $25/day per violation (total $50/day) had accrued $1,350. Magistrate ordered fines to continue. Case DEL 25-019 (Massey) – 3332 Courtland Boulevard (Omega R. Smith and Andrea M. Walker) - Compliance review: Permit for accessory structure not obtained. The permit had been submitted but drawings were illegible, so not issued. Property owner not present. Fine of $25/day (accrued $675) to continue. Case DEL 25-020 (Massey) – 2936 Carmela Street (Joseph Anthony Noto) - Compliance review: Roof and soffit holes not repaired. Property owner not present. Fine of $25/day (accrued $675) to continue. Case DEL 25-034 – 572 Leland Drive (Brian R. Orange) - Violation: Holes in roof and damaged soffits. The city requested 30 days, magistrate granted 60 days. Compliance by June 23, 2025, with $25/day fine. Case DEL 25-040 – 912 Halstead Street (Martinez Jesus Manuel Hiera et al.) - Violation: Boarded and damaged windows. The respondent was being referred for housing assistance. Magistrate granted about 47 days (June 9, 2025) and a $25/day fine. Case DEL 25-044 A & B – 2096 West Atmore Circle (MK Construction and Associates LLC) - Violations: New windows and exterior wall modifications without permits. The city requested 30 days, magistrate granted 79 days (July 11, 2025) due to likely engineering requirements. Fines of $50/day per violation ($100/day total). Case DEL 25-045 – 1132 Treadway Drive (Troxel John W et al.) - Violation: Fence panels in disrepair. Compliance ordered by May 23, 2025 (30 days), with a $25/day fine. Case DEL 25-047 A & B – 1519 Saxon Boulevard (BDM Deltona Retail LLC) - Violations: Expired permits (electrical ELEC 22030 and building BLDC 23014). Compliance ordered by May 23, 2025 (30 days), with fines of $50/day per violation ($100/day total). Case FIRE 013-2025 – 1240 East Normandy Boulevard (Carolina Cleaning and Roberto Renovations LLC) - Violations B & D: Unlabeled electrical panels and incorrect address signage. The city requested 14 days because fixes are trivial. Magistrate ordered compliance by May 7, 2025, with $50/day per violation ($100/day total). Key Outcomes - The special magistrate found respondents in violation in all heard cases, issuing compliance deadlines ranging from 14 days to 120 days. - Fines were set at $25 to $50 per day per violation, with multiple violations accumulating daily fines. - Several massie cases (compliance reviews) resulted in continuation of previously imposed fines until full compliance is verified. - One case (DEL 25-042) was continued to the June hearing at the city's request, and the respondent's representative was encouraged to arrange remote participation for future hearings.

The Deltona City Commission held its regular meeting on April 21, 2025. The business meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM after a public forum. Major actions included a controversial rezoning approval, a granted rehearing on a subdivision plat, and the activation of an Ordinance Review Committee. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (7-0), which included: - Approval of minutes from the Executive Session and Regular Commission Meeting of April 7, 2025. - Approval of scholarship award recommendations from the William S. Harvey Deltona Scholarship Advisory Board for the 2024-2025 school year. - Approval of proclamations for the month of April, including Halifax Hospital 5th Year Celebration, Water Safety Month, and National Community Development Week. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Forum (6:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Residents Richard Bellach, Chris Collier, Lori Warnicke, Tim Blodgett, Courtney Cross-Burgos, and Pat Gibson addressed the Commission on general city business. - Item 8A – Rezoning (Synergy at Normandy): - Expert Witness (for applicant): Daryl Spradley of Charles Wayne Consulting testified that there is strong demand for apartments in the area and that such housing is critical to retaining the local workforce and attracting employers. - Expert Witness (for applicant): Russell Maynard of Central Florida Engineering Consultants confirmed his engineering support for the project. - Resident (against): Elbert Bryan expressed opposition, specifically criticizing the plan to use a parking lot as a buffer between the apartments and single-family homes. He also questioned the project's walkability and urged the Commission to prioritize the Rhode Island road extension. - Item 9A – Rehearing (Vineland Reserve): - Resident (against): Lori Warnicke spoke against granting the rehearing, emphasizing that the developer did not attend the previous meeting where the plat was denied. - Attorney (for applicant): McGregor Love argued for the rehearing, stating the developer was prepared to answer all prior concerns and had submitted updated engineering plans. - Item 9C – Charter Officer Evaluation: - Resident (in favor): Courtney Cross-Burgos spoke in favor of the evaluation process and asked about public access to the results. Discussion Items - Item 8A – Rezoning Synergy at Normandy MPUD (Quasi-Judicial Hearing): Staff presented the rezoning of 36.46 acres from R1-AA to MPUD. The site will include 52% non-residential (19.26 acres for flex, retail, office) and 320 multifamily units. Applicant Scott Banta highlighted the tax revenue increase (approx. $1.3M/year vs. $45k currently) and the donation of right-of-way for the Rhode Island extension. The Commission debated truck routing, the Traffic Impact Analysis, the 160-foot buffer condition, and pedestrian safety. Attorney Mike Woods for the applicant argued that a denial would leave the applicant unable to develop the land, as the current zoning is non-conforming with the Activity Center overlay. The City Attorney read three conditions into the motion. - Item 9A – Vineland Reserve Rehearing: The Commission considered a request for rehearing on the denied Final Plat for Phase 1 of Vineland Reserve. The initial motion to deny the rehearing failed 3-4. A subsequent motion to grant the rehearing passed 4-3, largely because the developer's representative appeared ready to answer questions. The rehearing was scheduled for May 5, 2025. - Item 9B – Ordinance Review Committee (ORC): The Commission debated the activation of the ORC. Supporters (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez, Lulli) argued it would improve transparency and systematically update the city code. Opponents (Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Santiago) argued it would be costly, slow down the current momentum on ordinances, and add an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. The motion was amended to sunset the committee 12 months after October 1, 2025. - Item 9C – Charter Officer Evaluation Process: The Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed ICMA-based evaluation process for the City Manager and a similar process for the City Attorney. The evaluations will be conducted by the Commission, tabulated by the City Clerk, and made public. - City Attorney Comments: City Attorney Torcivia updated the Commission on the noise ordinance, which has been drafted and is being reviewed with the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez requested a concurrent review of the city's curfew policy. - City Manager Comments: The City Manager announced the first budget meeting (CIP and equipment) for May 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM. - Commissioner Comments & Consensus Items: - Commissioner Lulli obtained consensus to draft a letter to FDOT District 5 requesting acceleration of I-4 projects through Deltona. - Mayor Avila obtained consensus to schedule a discussion with the TPO representative within the next four meetings to advocate for the Rhode Island extension. - Mayor Avila obtained consensus to direct the City Attorney to draft a lobbyist registration ordinance based on comparable city models. - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez requested updates on the I-4 welcome sign and Lakeshore Drive. - Commissioner Howington requested a public list of stormwater projects and a budget schedule. - Vice Mayor Heriot reported a speeding issue on Danforth Avenue. Key Outcomes - Item 8A (Rezoning): Approved 6-1. Commissioner Colwell dissented. Conditions added to the approval require: 1) Buildings on Normandy and Rhode Island to feature storefront elevations promoting walkability or enhanced landscaping; 2) Truck turning movements on Normandy to be directed away from residences; 3) A minimum 160-foot setback from the front elevation of multi-family buildings to existing single-family homes. - Item 9A (Rehearing): Granted 4-3. The rehearing will be held on May 5, 2025. - Item 9B (Ordinance Review Committee): Approved 4-3. The committee will be activated and will automatically dissolve 12 months after October 1, 2025, unless extended by the Commission. - Item 9C (Charter Officer Evaluation): Approved 7-0. The Commission adopted the proposed evaluation process. - Directives Issued: - City Attorney to draft a lobbyist registration ordinance. - City Manager to schedule a TPO representative discussion. - Commission direction to draft an FDOT letter regarding I-4 improvements.