Deltona City Commission Regular Meeting – July 21, 2025

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Commission Chambers. The meeting included presentations, a proclamation, budget-related resolutions, a quasi-judicial hearing on a mixed-use development amendment, and various action items. Key votes established maximum tax millage, assessment rates for stormwater, solid waste, streetlighting, and other services, and approved a major development plan amendment with conditions.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Eric Lunde, President & CEO of AdventHealth Fish Memorial, provided an update on the hospital system, including statistics: 142,000 patients served last year, 3,800 surgeries, 1,300 team members (31% Deltona residents), and 20 consecutive 'A' safety grades from Leapfrog. He highlighted community partnerships and a patient story.
• The Mayor presented a proclamation declaring July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the contributions of parks and recreation professionals.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the Special Commission Meeting (June 30, 2025) and the Special Commission and Regular Commission Meetings (July 7, 2025).
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-88 for a partnership with Volusia County's Transform386 program for flood-prone property buyouts/acquisitions.
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-89 authorizing the City Manager to purchase two new Code Compliance vehicles (2025 Ford F250 and Ford Maverick) for $119,533.70.
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-75 supporting expedited completion of I-4 Beyond the Ultimate Project Segments 3 and 4.
• Approved Resolution No. 2025-78 for an agreement with the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization.
• Items E (Keep Deltona Wild Overlay extension) and F (Activity Center Overlay extension) were pulled for separate discussion. Item E was approved 6-1; Item F failed 3-4.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Blodgett spoke on stormwater issues, expressing support for increasing the stormwater assessment to address flooding. He also commented on line striping, noting that dashed turn lane markings have faded at several intersections, creating safety hazards.
• Lori Warnickie (Collins community resident) expressed strong support for the Keep Deltona Wild Overlay District extension, urging protection of large parcels and the aquifer.
• Christian Waugh (attorney for Cole Valley Partners, representing Dutch Bros) spoke during the quasi-judicial hearing on the Halifax Crossings amendment, emphasizing the tangible benefits: property tax diversification, sales tax revenue from Dutch Bros ($2.2 million annual sales), and 45 jobs. He stated that if the amendment passed, his client would close on the property and proceed with development.

Discussion Items

• Maximum Millage Rate (Resolution 2025-84): The Finance Director explained that the maximum millage of 6.95 mills (a 6.12% increase over the rollback rate) is a starting point for the FY2025-26 budget. The current working budget is balanced at 6.75 mills. The motion carried 4-3 (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez and Santiago in favor; Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Lulli against).
• Stormwater Assessment (Resolution 2025-79): Staff recommended a maximum assessment of $190 per ERU for FY2025-26, part of a five-year phase to $250. The motion carried 5-2 (with Commissioner Howington and Lulli against).
• Solid Waste Assessment (Resolution 2025-80): Staff recommended a maximum of $275 per residential unit, noting negotiations with Waste Pro are ongoing and the final rate will likely be lower. Discussion included comparisons to Orange City's rates; Deltona has predominantly residential customers and higher average tonnage. Motion carried 4-3 (Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez and Santiago in favor; Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Lulli against).
• Streetlighting, Lake McGarity, and Nuisance Abatement Assessments (Resolutions 2025-81, 2025-82, 2025-83): These were 100% pass-through of costs. Lake McGarity maximum was reduced from $60 to $30 due to fund balance. All passed unanimously (7-0).
• Keep Deltona Wild Overlay Extension (Resolution 2025-76): Discussion included impacts of SB180 (state legislation restricting local moratoriums). The City Attorney clarified the extension is not directly impacted by SB180, but resulting regulations must consider it. Staff will work on incentives rather than restrictive codes. Motion carried 6-1 (Mayor Avila voted against).
• Activity Center Overlay Extension (Resolution 2025-77): Commissioners debated whether the overlay would be restrictive or incentivizing. Some felt a moratorium already exists and the study could continue without the extension. The motion failed 3-4 (Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez and Santiago for; Mayor Avila, Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Lulli against). The overlay automatically sunset.
• Halifax Crossings MPUD Amendment (Ordinance 14-2025): This quasi-judicial hearing involved amending the mixed-use planned unit development to increase commercial acreage, reduce total residential units from 1,159 to 850 (including 300 age-restricted), and reduce minimum commercial lot size to 1 acre. Discussion covered traffic impacts, stormwater redesign, commercial viability, and restrictions on drive-throughs. The applicant agreed to a maximum of five drive-through restaurants. The motion carried 4-3 (Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners Avila-Vazquez and Santiago in favor; Commissioners Colwell, Howington, Lulli against).
• Local Housing Assistance Plan (Resolution 2025-66): The three-year LHAP (FY2025-2028) outlines strategies for purchase assistance, owner-occupied rehabilitation, emergency repairs, and new construction via Community Land Trusts. Key updates include increased award limits (up to $60,000 for first-time homebuyers, $125,000 for rehabilitation). Motion carried 5-2 (Commissioners Colwell and Lulli against).
• Public Works Depot Change Order (Resolution 2025-91): Approved Change Order #2 for $34,398.03, leaving the project under budget. Unanimous.
• Pavement Markings Contract (Resolution 2025-39): Awarded to Fausnight Stripe & Line via piggyback on Seminole County contract. Discussion included procurement policy and safety concerns. Unanimous.
• Roadway Transfer – Fernanda Drive (Resolution 2025-90): The proposed transfer of ~1,060 feet from Volusia County to the City was previously denied. Staff brought it back at the County's request. An amended motion added direction to coordinate with the County regarding annexation of parcels in the rectangle bounded by Howland Blvd., Clarion St., Fernanda Dr., and the strip along Landing Lane. Motion carried 5-2 (Commissioners Avila-Vazquez and Colwell against).
• Comprehensive Impact Fee Study (Resolution 2025-85): Awarded to Raftelis Financial Consultants for $100,000. Staff clarified the study can be completed in nine months rather than twelve, and the Commission approved an additional motion to include a mobility impact fee ($3,000) and general impact fee ($20,000), totaling $123,000. Both motions unanimous.
• Fire Rescue Assessment Study (Resolution 2025-87): Awarded to Alfred Benesch & Company to study funding options for fire services, including a potential fire assessment fee. Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Maximum millage rate set at 6.95 mills (rollback rate is 6.5494 mills) for the FY2025-26 budget, with tentative public hearings scheduled for September 3 and final hearing September 15. Vote: 4-3.
• Maximum stormwater assessment rate set at $190 per ERU (increase of $20). Vote: 5-2.
• Maximum solid waste assessment rate set at $275 per residential unit (current rate $240; increase likely less depending on contract negotiations). Vote: 4-3.
• Streetlighting, Lake McGarity, and Nuisance Abatement maximums approved unanimously.
• Keep Deltona Wild Overlay zoning-in-progress extended 120 days. Vote: 6-1.
• Activity Center Overlay zoning-in-progress extension denied (3-4). The overlay expired on July 27, 2025.
• Halifax Crossings MPUD amendment approved on second/final reading (4-3) with conditions: maximum five drive-through restaurants, 1-acre minimum commercial lot size, 850 total multi-family units (including 300 age-restricted), and adoption of Master Development Plan Option B only.
• Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) approved for FY2025-2028 (5-2).
• Change order for Public Works Depot repairs approved ($34,398.03). Unanimous.
• Pavement markings contract awarded (unanimous).
• Roadway transfer of Fernanda Drive approved with direction to pursue annexation of adjacent parcels. Vote: 5-2.
• Comprehensive impact fee study awarded to Raftelis, with additional scope for mobility and general impact fees (unanimous).
• Fire rescue assessment study awarded to Alfred Benesch & Company (unanimous).
• City Attorney reported that a challenge to SB180 would cost approximately $10,000 per participating city/county for trial-level litigation, with a target of 10-15 governments.
• Consensus reached to bring forward discussions on: (1) a request to film a movie in Deltona, (2) potential foreclosure on Toledo Place properties (with City Attorney to explore SHIP fund usage), and (3) updates on code enforcement issues and right-of-way parking ordinance revisions (first reading in August).
• Commissioners also noted concerns about Aldi's access, stormwater management, and the delayed sale of the Enrico property pending Duke Energy power line relocation.