Deltona City Commission Meeting July 7, 2025

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The meeting included a quasi-judicial hearing on a rezoning, first reading of architectural design standards, second reading on solicitation regulations, and multiple action items regarding water reclamation, a community land trust, and responses to Senate Bill 180. Key votes included approval of a 36.46-acre rezoning (6-1), establishment of a Community Land Trust program (7-0), and a split vote to explore challenging SB 180 (4-3).

Consent Calendar

• Items 7-A, B, C, D, F, G: Approved unanimously (7-0) after Commissioner Avila-Vazquez pulled Item 7-E for separate discussion. Items included approval of minutes, quarterly reports, July recognitions (Parks and Recreation Month), future presentation requests (AdventHealth on July 21, Veterans Event on August 4), purchase order for Axis Infrastructure for Activity Center Overlay ($85,000), and SHIP-funded Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation work authorizations ($42,600 and $55,300 for two properties).
• Item 7-E – CDBG Annual Action Plan: Approved 7-0 after discussion. The plan outlines use of approximately $700,000 in CDBG funds for broadband fiber ring ($325,000), Campbell Park exercise equipment ($200,000), nonprofit services ($75,000), and administration ($100,000), plus SHIP funding to assist at least 85 households.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kathy Bryan (resident): Commented on Ordinance 24-2025 architectural standards, urging careful plant selection and no variances for mitigation. Also questioned liability waivers in the solicitation ordinance; City Attorney confirmed permit requires indemnification and insurance.
• Rob Trombetta (resident): Expressed strong support for challenging SB 180, arguing it is worth the cost to defend home rule and that cities routinely challenge state laws.
• Allison Root (resident): Opposed challenging SB 180, urging the city to focus funds on local infrastructure and stormwater issues rather than litigation. She noted SB 180 passed nearly unanimously in the legislature and warned of high legal costs.

Discussion Items

• Presentation – Certificate of Recognition for Chris Riha: Presented by Commissioner Avila-Vazquez for heroic actions saving a woman’s life using CPR and an AED. Chris Riha was not present; award accepted by a friend.
• Code Compliance Update (Supervisor Danny Rock): Overview of enforcement process, dashboard statistics showing a decline in cases in June due to staff at conference, animal control numbers down due to quarantine at Halifax Humane Society. Discussion included sweeps starting Wednesdays, district reports, need for additional vehicles, and upcoming TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) workshop on July 28. Commissioners requested district-specific reports and consideration of prohibiting cat colonies near restaurants.
• Quasi-Judicial Hearing – Ordinance 12-2024 (Rezone 36.46 acres to MPUD): Second reading rehearing. Attorney Michael Woods argued that denial would constitute a taking since the property has no other viable use under the Activity Center overlay. Commissioners discussed traffic, truck routing, 160-foot setback, and site preparation phasing. Commissioner Colwell proposed requiring 75% commercial built before residential; applicant declined. Amended motion required site grading for all phases upon start of construction. Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Colwell dissenting).
• Ordinance 24-2025 – Architectural and Building Design Standards (first reading): Land Development Code amendment creating Chapter 111. Standards cover four architectural styles, pedestrian connectivity, enhanced landscaping, and alternative compliance. Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval with clarifying amendments. Approved unanimously 7-0.
• Ordinance 27-2025 – Solicitation on Public Road Rights-of-Way (second reading): Creates permit procedures and regulations for solicitation, exempting political expression. Approved unanimously 7-0.
• Action 9A – Water Reclamation Facility Engineering (Mead & Hunt): Approved 7-0. $44 million estimated construction cost with $22 million grant; Fisher Wastewater Plant (1958) needs upgrade to Advanced Waste Treatment.
• Action 9B – Community Land Trust Program (Resolution 2025-68): Approved 7-0 (6-0 initially, Vice Mayor Heriot later voted yes). Funding from SHIP and CDBG, not general fund. City Manager authorized to identify a qualified CLT partner.
• Action 9C – Pre-Suit Notice under SB 180 (Resolution 2025-73): Approved 5-2 (Mayor Avila and Commissioner Santiago dissenting). City Attorney advised that Ordinance 02-2025 (December 2024 live local update) is likely more restrictive and risks attorney fees if not retracted. Commission chose not to retract, keeping the ordinance and fighting the lawsuit.
• Action 9D – Options on SB 180 (Resolution 2025-74): Approved 4-3 after amendment to continue exploring a coalition challenge, returning to commission for final vote. Commissioner Howington, Lulli, Avila-Vazquez, and Colwell in favor; Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, and Commissioner Santiago opposed.

Key Outcomes

• Rezone Approved (6-1): Ordinance 12-2024 adopted for 36.46 acres on Normandy Boulevard from R1-AA to MPUD, with condition that site grading for all phases begins with first construction. Applicant will build residential and non-residential concurrently.
• Architectural Standards Approved (7-0): Chapter 111 adopted at first reading; will become effective after second reading.
• Solicitation Ordinance Approved (7-0): Final adoption creates permit system for public rights-of-way and parks.
• Community Land Trust Established (7-0): City to partner with a non-profit CLT; surplus property may be conveyed with affordability restrictions.
• SB 180 Pre-Suit Response (5-2): City will defend Ordinance 02-2025 rather than retract; continues existing litigation.
• SB 180 Challenge Exploration (4-3): Staff authorized to research and potentially join a coalition challenging SB 180; final commitment requires another commission vote.
• Commissioner Howington’s Requests: Consensus obtained to revisit fireworks ordinance and to have staff evaluate adding disclaimers to new residential developments regarding flooding, substandard roads, inadequate fire service, and smoke from burns. City Attorney cautioned against blanket disclaimers but agreed case-by-case conditions could be included.
• City Manager Report: August presentation planned on 4B project (stalled project and Lakeshore boat ramp repair/replacement). Lakes are lower due to drought, not a city gate issue.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM.