City of Deltona Regular Commission Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Deltona City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. A public forum was held from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. All six commissioners were present. The meeting included presentations, a public hearing, and action on solid waste contracts, assessment rates, a traffic ordinance, and appointments.

Presentations & Recognitions

• Fire Chief Bill Snyder Retirement: The Commission recognized Fire Chief Bill Snyder for over 36 years of service. Mayor Avila presented him with the Key to the City. Commissioners and staff offered tributes.
• VEMA Honorary Membership: Commissioner Avila‑Vazquez was awarded an honorary VEMA vest by the Veteran Enforcers Motorcycle Association for her support of veterans and first responders.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation: Commissioner Santiago read a proclamation declaring September 15 – October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month, with this year's theme “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The Volusia County Hispanic Association accepted.
• Echelonos Audit Presentation: Echelonos, an AI‑driven forensic audit platform, presented its services. The representative proposed an annual subscription of approximately $300,000 plus up to $200,000 in performance fees, claiming potential savings. Commissioners raised questions about the company’s lack of municipal references, security, and data integration. The city’s IT director noted complexity and security concerns. The Commission took no formal action.

Community Events

Catherine Barker announced upcoming events: movie in the park (Twisters, September 19), storm drain markup, VEMA car/motorcycle show, the Latin Festival, a concert, and October events including shred day and Spruce Up Deltona.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Waste Pro Contract: Residents Pat Bloggick and Dave Markle questioned the lack of competitive bidding, the math behind the proposed $260 annual assessment, and the inclusion of recycling fees when recycling service is not provided. They expressed concern about the process.
• Stormwater Assessment: Tim Blodgett spoke in favor of the stormwater rate increase, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements.
• Traffic Ordinance: Matthew Borgens opposed the ordinance, arguing it was inconsistent, would increase street parking issues, and was not well‑aligned with public input.

Discussion Items

Old Business: Solid Waste Collection Contract

Resolution 2025‑123 (Waste Pro Agreement): The Commission considered a seven‑year extension of the solid waste collection contract with Waste Pro. The contract sets a base rate of $15.94 per residential unit per month (plus $4.19 tipping fee and $1.50 city administrative fee), totaling approximately $21.63 per month or $260 annually per unit. The city manager negotiated a reduction of about $600,000 over the initial estimates. Commissioner Howington expressed concerns about the seven‑year term without full pricing guarantees, but Waste Pro confirmed a 5% CPI cap. A motion to approve passed 5‑1, with Commissioner Howington voting no.

New Business: Budget‑Related Resolutions

• Resolution 2025‑136 (Solid Waste Assessment): Established the solid waste annual assessment at $260 per residential unit for FY2025‑26. Approved 6‑0.
• Resolution 2025‑135 (Reaffirming Other Assessments): Reaffirmed the maximum assessments for stormwater ($190 per ERU, with scheduled increases to $250 by FY2028‑29), streetlighting, Lake McGarity ($30 per parcel), and nuisance abatement. Approved 6‑0 after a public comment in support.

Consent Agenda

The Consent Agenda included:

• Item A: Renewal of Lexipol/Cordico policy management and wellness software ($29,043.97). Approved by consent.
• Item C: Recognitions for September (National Service Dog Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Master Mason Association). Approved by consent.
• Item B (pulled): Suspension of animal licensing fees while staff and legal review Chapter 14 of the City Code. Commissioner Avila‑Vazquez asked for clarification; staff explained the intent is to eliminate fees but retain licensing. The motion to approve passed 6‑0.

Public Hearing: Ordinance 23‑2025 – Traffic and Vehicle Regulations

Second and final reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 66 (Traffic and Vehicles). Key changes include limits on recreational vehicle storage, parking restrictions, commercial vehicle regulations, and enforcement procedures. Staff added modifications between readings to clarify weighing of modified vehicles under 10,000 lbs. and an ADA exemption. After a public comment opposing the ordinance, the Commission debated right‑of‑way parking enforcement. A 30‑day education period before citations was discussed. The motion passed 4‑2, with Mayor Avila and Commissioner Santiago dissenting.

Action Item: Appointment to Planning and Zoning Board

Commissioner Howington moved to appoint Larry French to the Planning and Zoning Board for a term expiring March 15, 2026. The motion was approved 6‑0. Appointment of an alternate member was deferred.

City Attorney Comments

City Attorney updated the Commission on the SB 180 litigation: two counties and several cities have joined; the lawsuit is scheduled to be filed in Leon County around September 22, 2025. The city has contracted with Weiss, Serota, Helfman, Cole and Bierman to lead the litigation. She will provide the filing to the Commission.

City Manager Comments

City Manager congratulated Fire Chief Snyder on receiving the Key to the City. He reminded the Commission of the important meeting on September 22 for the District 6 appointment discussion and the second reading of the budget.

City Commission Comments

• Commissioner Santiago promoted the Latin Festival and thanked the Mayor for the prayer vigil.
• Commissioner Avila‑Vazquez thanked staff and promoted the Festival of Nations, VEMA fundraiser, and Sons and Daughters of Italy event.
• Commissioner Howington advocated for budget rollback by reducing litigation fee estimates and discussed park funds and stormwater lake mitigation.
• Commissioner Colwell requested a report on lien department changes and fines/liens data.
• Vice Mayor Heriot supported the festival and cautious approach to rollback.
• Mayor Avila mentioned the Friendship Elementary vandalism media center damage ($50,000) and encouraged community support.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals:
  • Waste Pro solid waste contract: Resolution 2025‑123 (5‑1).
  • Solid waste assessment rate: Resolution 2025‑136 (6‑0).
  • Reaffirmation of stormwater, streetlighting, Lake McGarity, and nuisance abatement rates: Resolution 2025‑135 (6‑0).
  • Consent Agenda items A and C approved, Item B (animal license fee suspension) approved (6‑0).
  • Ordinance 23‑2025 (Traffic and vehicles) approved (4‑2).
  • Appointment of Larry French to Planning and Zoning Board (6‑0).
• Directives & Reports:
  • City Attorney to provide Commission with a copy of SB 180 litigation filing.
  • Staff to prepare a report on lien department changes and fines/liens by district.
  • A 30‑day public education campaign on new parking regulations will precede enforcement.
  • The budget second reading and District 6 appointment discussion are scheduled for September 22, 2025.
• Meeting Adjourned: 9:02 PM.