Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Deltona City Commission convened for its Regular Meeting on August 18, 2025, with the Public Forum from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM and the Business Meeting commencing at 6:30 PM. The agenda included an update on the Lakeshore 4B boat ramp restoration, a first-reading public hearing on parking and vehicle regulations, approvals for several wastewater treatment expenditures, and a vote on whether to join a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 180 (SB 180).
Items 9A-9D, 9F, 9G (Wastewater and Contracts): All items were approved unanimously (7-0). These included change orders and new purchase orders for sludge hauling (Shelley's Septic, $40,000), sodium hypochlorite (Odyssey Manufacturing, $80,000), screw press repair (Huber Technology, $10,930.69), and chemicals (Hawkins Inc., $50,000). Staff noted these were brought forward per the revised purchasing policy requiring Commission approval for purchase orders over $25,000. The contract for solid waste monitoring services (Redman Consulting Group, $91,500 annually) was also approved, as was the authorization to foreclose on code enforcement liens at 2912 Thalita Terrace (liens totaling $166,500).
Item 9E: Resolution 2025-117 (SB 180 Lawsuit): This item generated extensive debate. The City Attorney explained the lawsuit led by Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman aims to seek declaratory and injunctive relief against SB 180, which restricts local home rule authority over land use and zoning. The flat fee for participation is $10,000 at the trial level, subject to at least ten local governments joining. Proponents (Commissioners Howington, Lulli, Avila-Vazquez, Colwell) argued joining the lawsuit is necessary to secure an immediate injunction, protect the City’s existing moratorium and Live Local ordinance from costly legal challenges, and assert the people's will on land use. Opponents (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Heriot, Commissioner Santiago) argued against the lawsuit. Vice Mayor Heriot called it a "swift kick in the face" to the Legislature while productive discussions are ongoing and warned it risks state funding. Commissioner Santiago stated the City should seek a legislative amendment rather than sue. The Mayor noted he has been working with a group of mayors to fix errors in the bill directly with the Legislature. Vote: Resolution 2025-117 was approved 4-3.
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.
This time we're gonna go ahead and call this regular commission meeting for Monday, August 18, 2025 to order. If I can please have the city clerk call roll. Commissioner Villas Pez. Commissioner Calwell. Commissioner Howington. Commissioner Lilly. Commissioner Santiago. Here. Vice Mayor Harriet? Here. Here. Right. And if I can please have uh Commissioner Santiago lead us in the invocation, the pledge and the presentation. Turn on your mic. And at this time. And at this time, if I can have Pastors Roberto and Ida Colon from Iglesia de Dios El Faro to do the invocation, please. If you can please press on the mic so I can turn your mic on. The button on the bottom, I apologize. Do you hear me? Those are bow ahead. Eternal God, we first of all thank you for this opportunity, Lord, that you gave in, giving us to be here to deal with things about the city of Del Tona. Father, we present to you and we pray over the authorities, the mayor, the commissioners, police department, firefighters, etc. Father God, that you may protect them as they do their daily task. I ask you, Father God, that you may guide their thoughts, their decisions, that it may be divine directly from your throne. We ask for peace and safety in the city of Del Tona, that you may take and embrace each and every family, protect the children, Father God, in each and every day of their school. We ask for health of the community, Father God, that you may keep everyone safe, healthy, Father God, and above all, that they may have their finance needed to survive in this world. We ask for unity for love among each and every bot every one of the citizens of Del Tona, the economy, Father God, that businesses may prosper, that each and every one that invests in the city may see Father God prosperity. We pray over the needy, the homeless, the migrant, the orphans, the widows, everyone that needs Father God that helping hand. And above all, we pray for the churches and the community, Lord, that you may give them a awakening for them to come and serve, to unite with the city, Father God, to do righteous among your people. We thank you, Father, in the name of Jesus, amen and amen. Okay. Mr. Joseph Griffin Jr. proudly served as a member of the United States Army from October 2009 until October 2020. His service included missions such as OEF 1314 in Afghanistan. OEF stands for Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as private missions in the Middle East in 2015 and 2016, which were classified. As a combat medic, nurse, military police with a top secret security clearance. Joseph flew through the ranks of achieving staff sergeant E6 by the age of 25. In 2020, Joseph received an honorable discharge from the United States Army. In 2020, having received over 20 medals and countless awards throughout his military career. In recognition of your dedicated service, your sacrifice and commitment, deep gratitude is extended for your contributions in defending and protecting our nation. Thank you for your service. Oh come on, come on. Yay.