Casselberry City Commission Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Casselberry City Commission met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Water Conservation Month, the recognition of Mayor David Henson with the 2026 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award, approval of the consent agenda, the first reading of two ordinances, discussion of the Winter Park Drive Complete Street Project, the approval of 13 Neighborhood Improvement Grants, the approval of an Information Technology Division reorganization, and a City Manager report on a potential property reacquisition. Multiple members of the public provided testimony during the public hearing and citizens' comments segments.

Presentations & Commendations

• Mayor Henson presented a proclamation designating April 2026 as Water Conservation Month to Senior Utility Engineer Jiovani Charres.
• Vice Mayor Aramendia recognized Mayor David Henson as a recipient of the 2026 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award for his advocacy efforts defending local self-government during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Items included:

• Approval of Legal Services Invoices from Garganese, Weiss, D'Agresta & Salzman, P.A. ($16,892.76), Fishback Dominick LLP ($686.50), and the Office of the State Attorney ($300.00).
• 5-year lease-to-purchase agreement with Motorola Solutions for 75 APX N70 portable police radios ($607,423) and Budget Amendment #26-024.
• Resolution 26-3559 for an Interagency Agreement for Criminal Justice Computer Services with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
• Change Order No. 5 with Cathcart Construction for the Northgate Water Main Replacement Phase 1 Project ($184,282.50) and Budget Amendment #26-021.
• Purchase of 45 thermal printers and mounts for the Police Department utilizing Federal Forfeiture Funds ($35,034) and Budget Amendment #26-022.
• Purchase of an ice machine for the Police Department ($5,641) and Budget Amendment #26-023.
• Lighting Agreement with Duke Energy for the Central Casselberry Connectivity Project ($52,410.46 upfront, $679.14 monthly) and Budget Amendment #26-026.
• Budget Amendment #26-025 for Lift Stations Telemetry Control Unit Pump Controller Upgrade ($98,112).
• Amendment No. 4 to the agreement with Yellowstone Landscape for grounds maintenance services ($76,836) including a waiver of competitive bidding.
• Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Milestone Professional Services for accounting services ($24,300).

Ordinances (First Reading)

• Ordinance 26-1635: An ordinance amending the City's Official Zoning Map from R-8 (Low Density Single-Family) to RMH-8 (Low Density SF Mobile Homes) for one parcel at 1039 Osceola Trail (0.59 acres). The amendment aligns the vacant parcel with the zoning of the adjacent parcel owned by the same applicant. The motion passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-1634: An ordinance amending the ULDR to provide procedures for processing Reasonable Accommodation requests, including specific standards for Certified Recovery Residences, to comply with Florida Statute Section 397.487. Staff noted the amendment fills a current gap in the code. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Future Agenda Items: Commissioner Kirk raised concerns about homelessness and poverty among students attending Casselberry schools, citing 56 homeless students and 526 low-income students at Casselberry Elementary alone. She proposed inviting the school's principal to speak to the commission this summer.
• Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program (NIGP): Chief Planner Marla Molina presented the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 grants. 13 out of 14 applications were recommended for approval, totaling $24,695 of the $25,000 budget. The motion passed unanimously.
• Winter Park Drive Complete Street Project - Phase 1 30% Design Update: Project Manager Justin Rick (CPH) presented modifications to the plan based on prior direction. This included modifying the roundabout at Queen's Mirror Circle to maintain access for two homeowners, and replacing the proposed roundabout at Quintuplet and Moonluster with a raised intersection. Staff explained the raised intersection would reduce vehicle speeds to 25-30 mph and improve pedestrian visibility. Traffic data for the corridor (11,400 ADT, 422 crashes between 2016-2020 with 2 serious/death, 3% bicycle crash rate vs 1% citywide) was presented. Crash data specifically for Queen's Mirror was 9 crashes (2020-2024), and for Quintuplet/Moonluster was 2 crashes (2020).
• Public Testimony on Winter Park Drive:
  • Ken Heron (Lost Lakes HOA) expressed concern about the impact of the design on the Lost Lake entry sign and landscaping.
  • Christine Darnell (121 Norris Place) questioned the crash statistics, noting a discrepancy between the 400 total corridor crashes and the 10 specific crashes cited for the two key intersections in the immediate project area, asking where the remaining crashes occurred.
  • Steve Gearing (148 North Place) opposed the reduction of travel lanes from 12 feet to 11 feet and the removal of bike lanes, stating it reduces safety for cyclists and e-bikes who currently use the full lane.
• Commissioner Discussion on Winter Park Drive: Commissioner Kirk stated she sees no need for the roundabout and prefers a raised intersection only. Commissioner Debita noted the roundabout decision was a prior 3-2 vote and while her stance hasn't changed, the option presented reflected that previous direction. The commission gave consensus for staff to proceed towards 60% design plans.
• Reorganization of the Information Technology Division: IT Manager Edward Dessus requested approval to add a dedicated full-time cybersecurity position due to an increased scope of items to protect following the expansion of the FBI's policy released in December 2025. The position would be funded by leftover wages from unfilled positions. The reorganization involves changing job descriptions for three existing staff to consolidate cybersecurity tasks. The related Budget Amendment #26-027 in the amount of $46,473 was approved unanimously.

Citizens' Comments

• Mr. Kelly: Asked about the completion status of the treatment plant on Winter Park Drive (Public Works Director Martin responded that a change order is in place and construction is anticipated to be completed in mid-June). He also expressed concern about the condition of the Brightwater property, citing broken windows, a dangerously low power cable, and an accessible opening under the building.
• Rebecca Mularique (Grand Road Drive): Requested increased police enforcement against vehicles with illegally altered exhaust systems. She also suggested that the Casselberry Golf Club could be converted into a public park to serve a larger percentage of the population. Commissioner Bush clarified the golf course is self-sustaining and generates revenue, while Commissioner Debita noted its legal designation affects the value of surrounding properties.

City Manager's Report

• Potential Reacquisition of Casto Property: City Manager John Maier reported that over 10 years ago, the city entered into a development agreement with Casto Casselberry OLC for a parcel near City Hall (Triple Lake Drive) for $462,145, with a reinvestment grant. As Casto has failed to develop the site, Maier requested consensus from the commission to negotiate a contract to reacquire the property, aiming to reassemble it with other city-owned lakefront land. Commissioners expressed conditional support for negotiation, contingent on price and a desire not to "reward the developer." Consensus was given to proceed with negotiations.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-1635 (Zoning Map Amendment): Approved on first reading unanimously.
• Ordinance 26-1634 (Reasonable Accommodation/Certified Recovery Residences): Approved on first reading unanimously.
• Neighborhood Improvement Grants: 13 applications approved for a total of $24,695. Motion passed unanimously.
• Winter Park Drive Complete Street Project: Commission provided consensus to move forward to 60% design plans based on the presented concept modifications.
• IT Division Reorganization: Approved, including establishment of a new cybersecurity position and Budget Amendment #26-027 ($46,473). Unanimous.
• Casto Property: City Manager was given consensus to negotiate a contract to reacquire the property.
• Future Agenda: Commissioner Kirk was given consensus to invite the Casselberry Elementary principal to a future meeting.

Commissioner Reports

• Commissioner Bush: Attended a presentation by the Seniors Intervention Group.
• Commissioner Debita: Praised the NIGP program for utilizing all allocated funds.
• Vice Mayor Aramendia: Noted the Tri-County League update, the Fire Station groundbreaking, and positive feedback on police resources from other jurisdictions.
• Commissioner Kirk: Attended the Fire Station groundbreaking during which an accident occurred nearby. Highlighted resources for seniors from Seminole County.
• Mayor Henson: Reminded the public about Earthfest (April 19) and the King of the Castle Skateboard Bowl Jam (April 25). Gave a detailed report on Tri-County League activities, Carriage Hill HOA meeting, and Kiwanis golf tournament.