Deltona City Commission Regular Meeting - April 21, 2025

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.