Public Meetings - Deltona, Florida

The Deltona City Commission met at 5:30 p.m. on September 8, 2025, continuing the September 3, 2025 regular commission meeting and tentative budget hearing. Six commissioners were present; the District 6 seat was vacant following Commissioner Lulli's resignation. The commission adopted a tentative millage rate of 6.7000 mills, adopted a tentative all-funds FY 2025-26 budget of $245,407,034, set the District 6 appointment process, approved most consent items, deferred the Waste Pro contract, moved a PUD ordinance forward, and amended CDBG public-service funding. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve consent items A–C and E–S passed 5–1, with Commissioner Howington opposed; items D (UPS) and R (Waste Pro) were pulled. - Approved by consent included: Aug. 18, 2025 minutes; Trane HVAC purchase order increase of $20,000 (total $40,000); Triangle Lightning Protection contract for Saxon Water Plant ($59,708); Station 65 roof replacement ($112,455); PFAS-free firefighter gear ($372,440.93); replacement fire hose ($51,172); Rhode Island Avenue Feasibility Study amendment ($29,950); Atlantic Pipe Services stormwater pipelining ($150,000); DDS Enterprises concrete piggyback agreement (up to $250,000); FDEM generator subaward and grant agreement; Pegasus Engineering grant-management task authorization ($50,000); Pegasus stormwater and engineering services ($300,000); Vanguard AMR meter installation ($161,926.90); Brydson Services elevation of 2560 Tulsa Drive West; Fleet Maintenance purchase order increases; adoption of the January 2025 Volusia County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Mitigation Strategy; and scheduling of three presentations for Sept. 15. - Item 8-D (City Hall UPS replacement) was approved separately 6–0, with the amount not to exceed $29,972.33 and staff authorized to seek a better price through Seminole County RFP-603794-20 or a similar solicitation. Public Comments & Testimony - During the combined millage/budget hearing, many residents opposed the proposed rates and urged a full rollback. David Sosa said the increase was closer to 7% over the prior year's levy rather than 3%; Albert Bryan said he had not seen a full rollback in 10 years and described the budget as padded; Catherine Gallagher, Tim Bladit, and Pat Bladit cited excessive line-item increases and the impact on fixed-income seniors; Brandy White asked for zero-based budgeting, project-level transparency, and less spending; Matthew Burgens said the mayor had told him rollback would be possible next year and asked why not this year. - Waste Pro speakers: Alison Root asked whether residential roll-off dumpster rates are fixed by the contract and said she could obtain dumpsters for $250–$400 elsewhere; Brandy White opposed the contract, citing the 13.23% first-year increase and Waste Pro campaign donations; Bill Redman of Redman Consulting said his initial estimate was $1,650 versus the negotiated $1,594 and said enforcement provisions had been removed; Tim Dolan of Waste Pro said the CPI cap is 5%, service levels were unchanged, and the removed provisions were largely 'gotcha' fines. - District 6 process: Kathy Bryan and Lori Warnicky urged a fair process and a strong representative for District 6; David Sosa supported the existing ranking matrix; Brandy White criticized the matrix as gameable and commissioners who had benefited from it. Discussion Items - Tentative millage and budget: Finance Director McKinney presented the FY 2025-26 overview. The gross taxable value certified by Volusia County was $5,671,597,678; the rolled-back rate was $6.5494. A motion to set the tentative millage at 6.75 mills failed 3–3, and a motion for full rollback at 6.5494 failed 2–4. The commission then adopted 6.7000 mills on a 4–2 vote. The reduction from 6.75 to 6.70 removed $269,401 for the stormwater lake remediation seed item. The Finance Director said the final public hearing would be rescheduled to a special meeting on Sept. 22, with the budget year beginning Oct. 1. Commissioner Howington argued spending had grown sharply and residents could not afford higher taxes; Vice Mayor Heriot said the Deltona portion of most TRIM notices would decline. The tentative budget resolution was adopted 4–2 in the amount of $245,407,034. - District 6 vacancy: The City Attorney read Charter Section 5(7)(b)2 requiring appointment within 30 days of vacancy. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez moved to keep the existing ranking-matrix process; Vice Mayor Heriot and Commissioner Santiago opposed it as flawed. Motion passed 4–2. Applications were to be posted in the next day or two, with the Sept. 22 special meeting noted as a possible date to consider applications; 30 days from Aug. 27 falls on Sept. 26, a Saturday. - Waste Pro contract: Commissioner Colwell pulled item 8-R and sought to table it to Sept. 15 and add back administrative enforcement fees; that tabling motion failed 3–3. A motion to approve Resolution 2025-123 then failed 3–3. A subsequent motion to table the Waste Pro contract to the Sept. 15 meeting passed 4–2. The City Attorney noted that solid waste assessments must be set by Sept. 15 or the cost would go onto utility bills instead of the tax bill. - PUD ordinance: Ordinance 34-2025, amending Section 110-319 to reduce the minimum PUD parcel size to one acre and update the permitted use table, passed first reading 4–2. The Planning and Zoning Board had recommended approval 7–0. - CDBG awards: Resolution 2025-92 was amended and approved 6–0. New Hope-Hands of Hope Housing Assistance was increased to $25,000, with the increase funded equally from The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia and The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia Counties. Key Outcomes - Item 9-A, Ordinance 32-2025 (rezoning ±7.93 acres at 930 Howland Boulevard for Blackfin Self Storage), was deferred to Oct. 20, 2025 at the applicant's request. - Tentative millage: 6.7000 mills per $1,000 of taxable value, adopted 4–2. Full rollback failed 2–4. - Tentative FY 2025-26 budget: $245,407,034, adopted 4–2. - District 6 appointment: existing ranking-matrix process retained 4–2; vacancy timeline set. - Waste Pro solid waste contract: tabled to Sept. 15, 2025 by 4–2; approval motion had failed 3–3. - Ordinance 34-2025 PUD amendment: passed first reading 4–2. - CDBG Public Services Resolution 2025-92: approved 6–0 with amended allocations. - Final budget public hearing: scheduled for a special meeting on Sept. 22, 2025.

The regular meeting of the Deltona City Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Avila. Roll call was taken, with only three of six commissioners present: Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, and Commissioner Santiago. Commissioners Avila-Vazquez, Colwell, and Howington were absent. The City Clerk announced that a quorum was not present. The Mayor then recessed the meeting and directed the City Clerk to schedule the next available date. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. No business was conducted due to the lack of a quorum.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Special Magistrate Kristen Ike convened the City of Deltona Special Magistrate hearing in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The agenda listed the hearing for 5:30 PM. The docket included fire-code violations, property-maintenance cases, and Massey compliance hearings. The magistrate swore in witnesses, stated there would be no general public comment, disclosed no ex parte communications, and reminded parties that written orders could be appealed to circuit court within 30 days under Florida Statutes Section 162.11. Cases Not Heard / Continued - The magistrate announced these cases would not be heard: DEL-25-084 (1109 Eagles Nest Avenue), DEL-25-085 (1223 West Wellington Drive), FIRE-018-2025 (1200 Deltona Boulevard), and FIRE-031-2025 (1681 Providence Boulevard). - DEL-25-082 (1223 Whitewood Drive) and FIRE-035-2025 (1240 East Normandy Boulevard) were continued. Public Comments & Testimony - No general public comment period was held; only respondents, city code-compliance officers, and witnesses called by the parties gave testimony. Initial Violation Hearings - FIRE-034-2025 - Fellowship Baptist Church of Deltona, Inc., 114 Courtland Boulevard: Inspector Lisa Nadeau testified that a newly constructed shed with electrical service lacked a required permit. Inspections occurred on January 29, April 1, May 12, June 6, June 24, and August 4, 2025, with no progress on the shed. Trustee chairman Robert Arnold said a permit application had been submitted to remove the shed and cap the electrical and that the permit was expected the next morning. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on November 25, 2025, with a $50-per-day fine for continued noncompliance. - FIRE-032-2025 - Diocese of Orlando, 1310 Maximillion Street: Assistant Fire Marshal Samuel Schaller testified that fire-alarm deficiencies from April 11, 2024, and October 15, 2024 inspection reports remained uncorrected after follow-ups on May 14, June 30, and July 28, 2025. Business manager Robert Urutia stated that nearly all repairs were complete, one AC-related issue would be fixed the next day, and a reinspection was scheduled for Friday. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on September 26, 2025, with a $50-per-day fine. - DEL-25-083 - Lissandro and Grace Perez, 667 Killian Circle: Officer Josimar Jimenez testified that a pool deck was built without a permit and no permit application had been filed. Elizabeth Reyes, the owner's mother, and Linda Krukenberg of Lifetime Fencing asked for more time, saying the application had been submitted, the engineer had been re-contacted, and corrections would be made. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on September 26, 2025, with a reduced $25-per-day fine, noting the respondents appeared to be working diligently. - FIRE-033-2025 - Deltona Wellness LP, 1200 Deltona Boulevard: Assistant Fire Marshal Schaller testified to six violations involving an unpermitted exterior door, missing electrical-room signage, unpermitted removal and modification of a fire-alarm control panel and sprinkler tamper/water-flow switches, missing covers, and exposed/unsecured wiring. He noted a door permit had been ready since August 4, 2025, but not picked up, and a related permit application was incomplete. Owner's representative Michael Mather did not dispute the violations but argued the requested 14-day deadline was punitive, saying each tenant had working alarm panels and the work was substantially done. The magistrate found the violations, noted prior repeat violations from FIRE-015-2023, and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on September 10, 2025, with a $50-per-day-per-violation fine. - FIRE-023-2025 - Scarpello Development LLC, 2135 Howland Boulevard: Inspector Lisa Nadeau testified that penetrations in a fire-rated wall had been patched but no UL system documentation was provided despite inspections on January 7, March 19, April 11, April 29, and May 8, 2025. No respondent testimony was presented. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on September 26, 2025, with a $50-per-day fine. - FIRE-036-2025 - Fastlane 1878 Investments Inc., 1878 Providence Boulevard: Assistant Fire Marshal Schaller testified that a suite had changed from business to mercantile occupancy without a change-of-occupancy permit; a permit submitted on August 15, 2025, was rejected as insufficient. No respondent testimony was presented. The magistrate found a violation and ordered correction by 4:00 PM on October 13, 2025. Massey Compliance Hearings In these Massey cases, the magistrate did not revisit whether the underlying violation existed; she decided only whether the prior order had been satisfied. - FIRE-014-2025 - Circle K Stores Inc., 1380 Howland Boulevard: The city reported a prior order entered April 23, 2025, with 90 days to obtain permits for newly installed cooking equipment, electrical work, and an interior wall. A permit application was pending but had been rejected. The accrued fine was noted as $1,850, with fines continuing at $50 per day. Representative JD Morton requested a 90-day continuance because the original construction company withdrew; the magistrate denied the request, found noncompliance, and allowed the fine to continue. - DEL-25-063 - Toro, 1713 Concert Road: The city reported a June 25, 2025 order allowing 16 days to move a boat/trailer; the fine of $50 per day had accrued $2,400 over 48 days. Respondent Hector Toro objected to the proceedings, claimed the matter was under equity jurisdiction and administrative actions must be frozen, and left before the ruling. The magistrate declined to freeze the case, found noncompliance, let the fine continue, and admitted the respondent's filed objection into the record. - DEL-25-049 - Brian Bromagen, 1197 Acorn Court: The city reported a May 28, 2025 order allowing 61 days to correct screen-enclosure, shed, fence, and vegetation violations. Fines of $25 per violation per day, totaling $100 per day, had accrued $3,000 over 30 days; violation D (debris) was already a repeat violation generating fines. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found noncompliance on violations A, B, C, and E and let the fines continue. - DEL-25-061 - Rafael Selles EST, 2515 Howland Boulevard: The city reported a June 25, 2025 order with 30 days to repair or remove a fence. A $25-per-day fine had accrued $850 over 34 days. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found noncompliance and let the fine continue. - DEL-25-077A - Legacy Investment Team LLC, 597 Fort Smith Boulevard: The city reported noncompliance with a prior order to remove commercial and construction storage from a vacant lot. The accrued fine was $1,100 over 22 days. An affidavit of compliance had been filed for violation B (vehicles). No respondent appeared. The magistrate found noncompliance on the remaining violation and let the fine continue. - FIRE-019-2025 - EGE Holdings LLC, 1382 Howland Boulevard: The city reported a June 25, 2025 order with 30 days to correct fire-hydrant deficiencies identified in a December 2024 inspection report. A fine of $50 per day had accrued $1,700. No respondent appeared. The magistrate found noncompliance and let the fine continue. Key Outcomes - Every case heard on the merits resulted in a violation finding or, for Massey cases, a noncompliance finding. - New compliance deadlines set by the magistrate: September 10, 2025 (FIRE-033), September 26, 2025 (FIRE-032, DEL-25-083, FIRE-023), October 13, 2025 (FIRE-036), and November 25, 2025 (FIRE-034). - Daily fines imposed ranged from $25 to $50 per day, including $50 per day per violation in FIRE-033. - All Massey fines continued to run until compliance was verified and an affidavit of compliance was filed. - The magistrate signed outstanding orders from June and July before adjourning.

The Deltona City Commission held a budget workshop on August 25, 2025, to review the proposed FY 2025-2026 budget. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Avila and adjourned at 7:10 PM. Commissioner Lulli was absent. Central topics included a proposed decrease in the millage rate to 6.7 mills, funding strategies for lake vegetation management, the initiation of a forensic audit RFP, and a consensus to invite a presentation from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Discussion Items - FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budget: Finance Director John McKinney presented the $245.1 million citywide operating budget. The General Fund is $76.9 million. The proposed millage rate is 6.7 mills, a decrease from 7.0 mills, continuing a 10-year downward trend from 7.99 mills. The average household tax is estimated to decrease to $508.54. Capital Outlay is set at $8.5 million and CIP at just under $78 million. Road resurfacing received $1.6 million in Local Option Gas Tax funding, with an additional $400,000 for street repairs. Two new code enforcement positions and vehicles were added. - Lake Management Funding: Vice Mayor Heriot requested a plan to address aquatic weed overgrowth in city lakes, suggesting a combination of special assessments and stormwater funds. He explored increasing the millage rate by 0.1 mills ($567,000) to fund this. Commissioner Colwell supported the initiative. Commissioner Howington opposed a tax increase and proposed reallocating funds from the Parks CIP budget to stormwater. City Manager Stafford noted that park impact fees must be spent within seven years. - Forensic Audit and DOGE: The Commission discussed proceeding with an RFP for a forensic and compliance audit. Finance Director McKinney estimated the cost could reach $2 million. Commissioner Santiago opposed the expenditure, citing clean past audits and calling it a waste of money. Commissioner Howington championed an alternative audit by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). After a heated debate, where Commissioner Avila-Vazquez called a point of order regarding decorum and personal attacks, the Commission reached a consensus to pursue both: issuing the RFP for the forensic audit and scheduling a free presentation by DOGE. - Purchasing Policy Threshold: Finance Director McKinney requested the Commission clarify the $25,000 purchasing threshold, stating it was impeding operations (e.g., AC repairs, vehicle transmissions). Vice Mayor Heriot preferred the higher previous threshold. City Attorney Good suggested differential thresholds for different departments. The Commission agreed to have staff bring back options for an amended policy in October. - Capital Projects Oversight: Commissioner Colwell requested a detailed list of roads scheduled for resurfacing and reports on road grading to avoid duplication and ensure proper coordination with water/sewer projects. The Deputy City Manager confirmed these would be provided by the September 3rd meeting. Public Comments - Resident Alison Root asked about specific budget line items (licenses and permits), inquired about the status of the July DOGE data request, and expressed professional support for a forensic audit. - Resident Courtney Cross Burgos requested a line-item budget, opposed a millage rate increase, and questioned specific expenditures (code vehicles, barricades, broadband). - Resident Pat Blodget supported the DOGE audit, questioned the necessity of several capital items (sheriff's substation AC, computers, barricades), and urged fiscal restraint. - Resident Steve supported the DOGE audit, sharing his experience where audits revealed significant cost savings, and urged the Commission to view it as an opportunity. Key Outcomes - The first public hearing for the FY 2025-2026 budget is scheduled for September 3, 2025. - Staff will proceed with releasing the RFP for a Forensic and Compliance Audit. - The Commission agreed to invite DOGE to give a presentation to the Commission. - A revised procurement policy with staff options will be presented in October. - Staff will provide a road resurfacing list and road grading report before the September 3rd public hearing.

The Southwest Deltona Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a public hearing on August 25, 2025, at 5:15 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers to adopt its annual budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. The meeting lasted approximately five minutes, with all present members voting unanimously to approve Resolution No. 2025-105. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public forum. Discussion Items - Economic Development Director John Cox presented a brief overview of the proposed FY 2025/2026 CRA budget. He noted the inclusion of a previously approved $200,000 grant program for businesses in the CRA area, expected to launch after the start of the fiscal year on October 1, 2025. The budget shows total revenues of $3,286,200 from the trust fund and other sources, with expenditures including $200,000 in grants, minimal operating expenses, $3 million in capital outlay, and additional capital outlay for corridor improvements, resulting in a balanced budget. - A motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-105 was made by Member M. Avila-Vazquez and seconded by Member E. Santiago. The City Attorney read the resolution's title into the record. Key Outcomes - The board voted 6-0 to adopt the CRA budget for FY 2025/2026 via Resolution No. 2025-105. Voting in favor were Members S. Avila, M. Avila-Vazquez, S. Colwell, D. Heriot (who arrived at 5:18 PM), D. Howington, and E. Santiago. Member N. Lulli was absent. - The resolution authorizes the City Manager to submit the budget to Volusia County and the Deltona City Commission for approval and to take all necessary actions to implement the budget.

The Deltona Planning and Zoning Board held a regular meeting on the date specified as 2025-08-20 (convening at 6:00 PM per the meeting minutes) in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The board conducted two major public hearings: a code amendment to reduce the minimum acreage for Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and a quasi-judicial rezoning request for a mixed-use development at 930 Howland Boulevard. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the amended minutes from the July 16, 2025, meeting. Member Northey requested that future changes to meeting minutes be highlighted for clarity. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Adams (1031 Wanderer Drive) expressed opposition to the proposed development at 930 Howland Boulevard, arguing the city does not need another car wash. He voiced concerns about traffic safety near Pine Ridge High School and requested a traffic light at Fernanda Drive and Howland Boulevard. - Douglas Falkiewicz (3375 Goldenhill Street) raised concerns about traffic congestion at the intersection of Howland Boulevard and Fernanda Drive, stating the proposed development could worsen the problem. Discussion Items Ordinance 34-2025: Amendments to PUD Regulations (Section 110-319) - The board reviewed an ordinance to amend the Land Development Code regarding Planned Unit Developments. Key changes include reducing the minimum lot size from five (5) acres to one (1) acre to encourage infill and redevelopment. - The ordinance also updates the permitted use table within PUDs to clarify allowable uses and align with the Comprehensive Plan. - Jordan Smith, Planning Director, presented the amendments as a continuation of Ordinance 05-2025 adopted earlier in the year. No public comments were received. - The board unanimously supported the changes. Motion by Vice Chair D'Errico, seconded by Member Northey. Ordinance 32-2025: Rezoning Request for 930 Howland Boulevard - The board held a quasi-judicial hearing for a proposal by Blackfin Acquisitions to rezone 7.93 acres from Retail Commercial (C-1) to Mixed-Use Planned Development (MPUD). - The project includes two phases: Phase 1 consisting of 800 self-storage units, 57 covered RV/boat parking spaces, and office space; Phase 2 reserved for future commercial development. - Applicant Positions: Attorney Kim Booker represented the applicant, highlighting the $15 million investment, job creation, and the need for self-storage in Deltona. She argued for keeping options open for the commercial parcel, including drive-through restaurants and car washes, stating that prohibiting drive-throughs would reduce the likelihood of developing the commercial lot. - Debate on Uses: A significant debate occurred regarding the appropriateness of drive-throughs and car washes. Staff recommended prohibiting car washes and full-service drive-throughs to align with the city's economic development vision. Member David Stewart supported allowing drive-throughs to attract investment. Vice Chair Tara D'Errico and Member Pat Northey preferred excluding drive-throughs, citing a desire for higher-end sit-down dining. The applicant declined staff's condition to prohibit car washes, and staff later indicated they would accept drive-throughs if the applicant prohibited car washes, which the applicant also did not accept. - Traffic and Safety Concerns: Traffic was a major concern, particularly regarding the site's proximity to Pine Ridge High School. Traffic Engineer Kirsten Fawcett (LTG) explained the 1,828 daily trip count was a worst-case scenario based on a fast-food use, while the storage component itself would generate only 11 AM peak and 19 PM peak trips. Alternate Larry French voiced strong concerns about traffic congestion and safety. Chair Andrea Cardo clarified that Howland Boulevard is under Volusia County's jurisdiction, which can mandate traffic signals following a full traffic study. - Ex Parte Communications: Board members disclosed ex parte communications regarding the 930 Howland Boulevard item. Member Stewart disclosed conversations with Vice Mayor Davison Heriot, his wife, and a resident. Vice Chair D'Errico disclosed conversations with several residents. - Vague Standards: Member Northey raised concerns about the vagueness of terms like "enhanced landscaping" and "enhanced architectural standards" in the development agreement. Attorney Good and staff explained the language is designed to allow flexibility for exceeding minimum code requirements at the site plan stage. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 34-2025 (PUD Amendments): The board voted 8-0 to recommend approval to the City Commission. The ordinance is scheduled for first reading on September 3, 2025, and second reading/adoption on September 15, 2025. - Ordinance 32-2025 (930 Howland Boulevard Rezoning): The board voted 4-3 to recommend the City Commission deny the rezoning request. - Voting for Denial: Vice Chair D'Errico, Member Northey, Member Stewart, Alternate French. - Voting against Denial (favoring approval): Chair Cardo, Member Gonzalez, Alternate Warnicke. - The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

The Deltona City Commission convened for its Regular Meeting on August 18, 2025, with the Public Forum from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM and the Business Meeting commencing at 6:30 PM. The agenda included an update on the Lakeshore 4B boat ramp restoration, a first-reading public hearing on parking and vehicle regulations, approvals for several wastewater treatment expenditures, and a vote on whether to join a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 180 (SB 180). Presentations/Awards/Reports - Item 5A: Lakeshore 4B Boat Ramp Restoration: Deputy Utility Director Jim Parrish and Brad Blais of Mead & Hunt presented the restoration plan for the Lakeshore Drive boat ramp. The proposed design includes removal of damaged sheet piling, engineered backfill, a new concrete cap, reinstallation of floating docks, and boat ramp rehabilitation using precast mats. The schedule targets project completion by October 2026. Discussion covered the potential for widening (deferred to a future phase), ADA compliance, coordination with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), hurricane preparedness plans, and road closures. Commissioner Avila-Vazquez requested staff communicate directly with residents of the adjacent condos regarding detours and timelines. Public Hearing - Item 8A: Ordinance 23-2025 (Parking and Vehicles): Planning Director Jordan Smith presented the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 66 to update parking and vehicle regulations. Key changes include limits on recreational and commercial vehicle storage, prohibitions on parking in rights-of-way and front yards, vehicle operability standards, and expanded towing authority. Commissioner Colwell requested a more reliable method for determining commercial vehicle weight than the factory rating, noting equipped vehicles can be heavier. Commissioner Santiago expressed concern that prohibiting parking in rights-of-way would generate complaints from residents, although he acknowledged the necessity of the rule. The Commission directed staff to bring back additional information on vehicle weight determination for the second reading on September 15, 2025. Vote: Passed on first reading, 6-1 (Commissioner Santiago dissented). Discussion Items - Items 9A-9D, 9F, 9G (Wastewater and Contracts): All items were approved unanimously (7-0). These included change orders and new purchase orders for sludge hauling (Shelley's Septic, $40,000), sodium hypochlorite (Odyssey Manufacturing, $80,000), screw press repair (Huber Technology, $10,930.69), and chemicals (Hawkins Inc., $50,000). Staff noted these were brought forward per the revised purchasing policy requiring Commission approval for purchase orders over $25,000. The contract for solid waste monitoring services (Redman Consulting Group, $91,500 annually) was also approved, as was the authorization to foreclose on code enforcement liens at 2912 Thalita Terrace (liens totaling $166,500). - Item 9E: Resolution 2025-117 (SB 180 Lawsuit): This item generated extensive debate. The City Attorney explained the lawsuit led by Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman aims to seek declaratory and injunctive relief against SB 180, which restricts local home rule authority over land use and zoning. The flat fee for participation is $10,000 at the trial level, subject to at least ten local governments joining. Proponents (Commissioners Howington, Lulli, Avila-Vazquez, Colwell) argued joining the lawsuit is necessary to secure an immediate injunction, protect the City’s existing moratorium and Live Local ordinance from costly legal challenges, and assert the people's will on land use. Opponents (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioner Santiago) argued against the lawsuit. Vice Mayor Heriot called it a "swift kick in the face" to the Legislature while productive discussions are ongoing and warned it risks state funding. Commissioner Santiago stated the City should seek a legislative amendment rather than sue. The Mayor noted he has been working with a group of mayors to fix errors in the bill directly with the Legislature. Vote: Resolution 2025-117 was approved 4-3. Consent Calendar - Approved Items 7A through 7F by a 7-0 vote, including meeting minutes, an interlocal agreement with Volusia County, a stormwater mowing contract amendment ($225,400 with Sea Level Development LLC), task authorizations for HMGP grants for Catalina Boulevard ($35,000) and Elkcam Boulevard ($35,000) with Pegasus Engineering, and an internet service contract with Crown Castle. - Commissioner Avila-Vazquez pulled Item 7G (Recognitions for Hispanic Heritage Month, Red Ribbon Week, and International Overdose Awareness Day), which was also approved unanimously (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony (Item 9E) - Donna McDavid (Edgewater, FL) expressed support for the lawsuit, stating, "We're tired of flooding... Our lives depend on this." - Suzanne Schiber (Dream Green Volusia) urged the Commission to join the coalition, noting Edgewater had just voted to keep its moratorium and join the challenge. - Courtney Crossburgos supported challenging SB 180 to protect home rule but specifically urged the Commission to remove its development moratorium, arguing it exposes the City to costly lawsuits and joining the lawsuit is the smarter path. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Consent Agenda (7A-7F) and Recognitions (7G) (7-0). Ordinance 23-2025 on first reading (6-1), second reading set for September 15, 2025. Wastewater purchase orders (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9G) and solid waste monitoring contract (9F) (7-0 each). Authorized participation in SB 180 lawsuit (9E) (4-3). - Directives: City Attorney and staff to review all ordinances passed since August 2024 to identify potential conflicts with SB 180. Staff directed to bring back draft ordinances regulating electric bicycles (pursuant to SB 462), ATVs/UTVs on city roads, and fireworks. Consensus reached to place a membership with the American Flood Coalition on the next consent agenda (at no cost). City Manager to hold individual meetings with Commissioners regarding Phase 2 of the Lakeshore Drive project. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.

The City of Deltona held a Special City Commission Meeting on August 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. The meeting was an executive session closed to the public for attorney-client discussion of pending litigation in the case City of Deltona, Florida v. Purdue Pharma, L.P., et al. Executive Session - The meeting was called to order, roll call was taken, and the pledge was recited. - Mayor announced the commencement of the executive session with an estimated length of up to half an hour. - Attendees included each Commissioner (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez, Colwell, Howington, Lulli, Santiago), City Manager Doc Dougherty, Finance Director John McKinney, City Attorneys Gemma Torcivia and Zack Good, and Attorney Eric Romano. - The session was closed to the public for discussion of pending litigation. - No decisions or votes were taken in open session. - The meeting was adjourned. Key Outcomes - No public actions were taken. The executive session remains confidential under attorney-client privilege until resolution of the litigation. Note: No transcript or minutes were provided for this meeting.

The City of Deltona City Commission held a workshop on August 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The meeting focused on two discussion items: a proposed lobbyist registration ordinance and revisions to the Commission's operating guidelines and meeting procedures. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Blodgett addressed the Commission regarding the "Manner of Addressing the Commission" section (Letter H) in the operating guidelines. He argued that the section's restrictions on speech (e.g., abusive language, props) potentially violate the First Amendment and suggested basing restrictions only on unprotected categories such as threats, incitement, etc. - Kathy Bryan of Deltona supported keeping public comment time at three minutes, preferred having public comment after commission discussion to allow residents to respond, and suggested moving "Superstars and Band Concerts" to 6:00 PM. She also advocated for flexibility in enforcing Robert's Rules of Order. Discussion Items - A. Ordinance No. 28-2025 – Lobbyist Registration, Lobbying Disclosures, and Payment of Fees The City Attorney presented the draft ordinance, defining a lobbyist as any person engaging in lobbying (oral/written communication to influence decisions) for compensation. Discussion covered: - Definition scope: Whether to include consultants, principals, attorneys, and indirect owners. Commissioners expressed concern about over-breadth (e.g., publicly traded companies with many shareholders) and the need for clear definitions. - Registration fee: The proposed $525 fee was debated. Some thought it excessive compared to the state's $50 + $25 per additional client; others felt a higher fee could deter lobbying. The Commission was split; the City Attorney will bring back options. - Lobbying contact logs: Debate centered on whether both lobbyists and commissioners should maintain logs or only lobbyists. After a vote, the majority (4–3, with Commissioners Lulli, Colwell, and Howington dissenting) concurred that only lobbyists should maintain logs. - Other issues: Discussing exemptions for government officials, landowners versus developers, and adding "teeth" to enforcement. The City Attorney will refine the ordinance based on direction and return for first reading. - B. City Commission Operating Guidelines & Meeting Rules and Procedures The City Manager introduced the item, noting the current policy contains redundancies and could be streamlined. Commissioners debated: - Public comment time: Consensus to change public comment to 3 minutes across all meeting types (workshops and regular meetings). - Commissioner speaking limits: Some supported raising the "two-speeches" limit to allow more dialogue. - Electronic communications during meetings: Discussion on cell phone use; the City Attorney noted Sunshine Law already governs inappropriate communications. Commissioners generally agreed that personal emergencies or legitimate research should be permitted. - Redundancy and length: Vice Mayor Heriot advocated cutting repetitive content. Others preferred minimal changes. The City Attorney and City Manager will produce a redlined version for review. - Orientation for new commissioners: It was noted that orientation training had not occurred recently; the Commission agreed to ensure it happens moving forward. - Policy review cycle: The Commission agreed to revisit the guidelines every 2–3 years. Key Outcomes - Lobbyist logs: The Commission voted 4–3 to require only lobbyists (not commissioners) to maintain contact logs (majority: Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioners Avila-Vázquez, Santiago; dissenting: Lulli, Colwell, Howington). - Lobbyist fee: The Commission was split; the City Attorney will present fee options at a future meeting. - Public comment duration: The Commission concurred to set public comment at 3 minutes for all meeting types. - Guidelines revision: Staff will create a redlined version of the operating guidelines reflecting the discussion, including an optional review cycle of 2–3 years. - New commissioner orientation: Staff will ensure onboarding training occurs for future commissioners.