Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Casselberry City Commission met on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Chambers. The meeting included a presentation of the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust (FMIT) 2025 Partnership Award for Insurance Leadership, approval of most consent agenda items, separate discussion of ADA improvements at the Sculpture House, adoption of a Backyard Chicken Pilot Program, a postponed Future Land Use Map amendment, and extensive public comments regarding a peafowl nuisance that led to consensus on a future workshop.
The consent agenda included five items. Item D was pulled for separate discussion; the remaining items were approved unanimously:
Commissioner Kirk expressed concerns about needed exterior repairs and a previously planned rear deck that had not been built. Linda Moore, Arts and Culture and Recreation Manager, explained that a concrete deck is planned to provide ADA accessibility and support the ceramics program, with a Home Depot community grant ($7,000) expected for enhancements; work is anticipated in fall to early winter. After discussion, the Commission voted to approve Item D (Budget Amendment #26-042). The motion passed, with one commissioner (Mayor Henson) opposed.
City Manager reported that total commissioner salaries and benefits ($69,620.80) equate to 0.0253 mills. If those costs were not included in the FY27 budget, the proposed millage rate of 4.2613 mills could be reduced to 4.2360 mills. The item was presented for discussion only; no action was taken.
Community Development Director Chris Smith presented the one-year pilot program allowing up to 100 permits for keeping hens (no roosters) on owner‑occupied single‑family lots. Key requirements: mandatory UF/IFAS training, a fully enclosed coop (max 120 sq ft, 8 ft tall) located in the rear yard with specific setbacks (5 ft from property lines, 20 ft from neighboring residence), a site plan, and a scheduled inspection. No permit fee will be charged during the pilot. Commissioner Bush suggested adding the word "scheduled" to the inspection language to clarify that inspections are by appointment; the amendment was incorporated. After public comment (Lindsay Feist encouraged a no‑fee approach and an FAQ sheet), the Commission approved the resolution unanimously.
The ordinance proposes changing the Future Land Use Map designation for two city‑owned parcels (535 Queens Mirror Circle and 700 South Lost Lake Lane, total 11.6 acres) from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Recreation and Open Space (ROS). Chief Planner Marla Molina noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on July 8, 2026, and that 15 comprehensive plan policies support the change. Commissioner DeVita expressed concern about proceeding before the November election and the potential impact of Constitutional Amendment 3. Staff noted that a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant (up to $1.5 million) could be jeopardized if the land use is not dedicated as parkland. A motion to postpone to a date certain (November 17, 2026, after the general election) was approved.
Several residents from the Lost Lake community (Moonluster Drive area) spoke during Citizens’ Comments. The vast majority requested that the city remove special protections for peafowl (peacocks) from its bird sanctuary ordinance, citing:
City Clerk Donna G. Gardner announced the candidates who qualified for the November 3, 2026 election: Seat 1 – Tyler Knight and Tim Weigel; Seat 2 – Lindsay Feist, Lordis Crosby Garcia, and Travis Kelly; Seat 3 – Mark Bush (incumbent) and Amanda Hart.
Okay, we're ready. Okay. Mike go to the uh August 24th meeting of the City Commission to order, and we'll start out with a moment of silence, please. Thank you. Please join me for the pledge. Thank you, Don. Would you please call the roll? Yes. Commissioner Kirk. Commissioner Bush. Commissioner DeVita. Here. Commission. Vice Mayor Aramendia? Here. Mayor Henson. There. Thank you. Okay. Next item on the agenda is minutes for August 10th. Are there any corrections, deletions? If not, Chair will want to take a motion. Motion to approve the minutes of the August 10th meeting house percent. Second. Aye. Those opposed. Okay, that passes. First thing, next thing up is uh presentations and commentations. And I would ask Connin, Pickford or risk management officer. Come forward. Thank you. Well, the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust is uh governed by elected officials as a non-assessable local government risk sharing pool. It provides insurance services for approximately 500 entities in Florida, of which 250 are municipalities. Each year during the annual M or FMIT Insurance Summit, cities are nominated and are selected for awards of merit in categories that recognize excellence in insurance processes, risk management, and proactive safety measures. The City of Casper is proud to receive the Partnership Award for insurance leadership for the city's implementation of insurance improvements during its long-term partnership with FMIT. The City of Casbury has demonstrated strong leadership in its commitment to risk management processes enhancing safety in both Casterbury employees and the community. The next item on the agenda is the consent agenda. Is there any item on the consent agenda anyone wants to discuss? I'd like to call D for discussion.