Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Deltona City Commission held its regular meeting on January 20, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the Commission Chambers. All six commissioners were present (Mayor Avila, Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez, Commissioners Heriot, Howington, Nabicht, Santiago); Commissioner Colwell was absent. The meeting covered a wide range of items including consent agenda approvals, first readings of two ordinances, adjustments to water and wastewater rates, appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, direction on the Rhode Island Avenue Extension, and a settlement agreement for ongoing litigation.
Item 7C – Replacement Ambulance (Resolution 2026-02): Commissioner Nabicht noted the 2016 reserve unit has 215,423 miles and is 11 years old, exceeding the city’s replacement criteria. He recommended ordering two units due to long build times (12–15 months) and rising call volumes. Discussion covered the city’s fleet replacement schedule, need for a fourth transport unit, and county cooperation. Commissioner Howington seconded. The motion to direct the city manager to find funds for two units passed 6-0.
Item 8A – Micromobility Devices Ordinance (First Reading): The proposed ordinance amended Chapter 66 to regulate devices under 50 lbs and under 28 mph per state law (SB 462). Commissioner Heriot moved to approve at first reading with updates to raise the age restriction from 16 to 18 for e-bikes over 750 watts and to allow sidewalk use for those under 18, including bike lanes. Discussion included ADA compliance, definitions, and safety data. The motion passed 6-0 with direction to refine language between readings.
Item 8B – Certified Recovery Residences Ordinance (First Reading): The ordinance (36-2025) complies with SB 954 requiring procedures for certified recovery residences by Jan 1, 2026. It sets occupancy limits (6 residents + manager), 1,000-foot spacing, parking requirements, and inspection authority. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 7-0. Commissioner Santiago voted no, citing insufficient information for residents. Commissioner Nabicht raised life safety concerns (fire sprinklers, occupant mobility). The City Attorney urged commissioners to contact the state delegation about home-rule erosion. Approved 5-1.
Item 9A – Water and Wastewater Rate Study and Master Fee Schedule (Resolution 2025-169): GovRates President Bryan Mantz presented the study, recommending 6% annual increases for five years to fund $172.8 million in capital needs (including a 50% grant-funded Fisher treatment upgrade and 100% grant-funded septic-to-sewer). Impact fees recommended at $9,060 per equivalent residential connection (up from $6,475). Commissioner Howington moved to deny; the motion failed 3-3 after a recess. A subsequent motion to approve impact fees only at $9,060 passed 6-0. Commissioner Heriot then moved to adopt a 1.6% increase based on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) index, with a stipulation to hold a priority workshop on February 16, 2026, to review the five-year capital plan and rate study. That motion passed 5-1 (Commissioner Howington voted against).
Item 9B – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Appointments: The commission reappointed five members (Rachel Amoroso, Jean Armstrong, Jodi Pena-Castaldi, Sylvia Hayes, Michelle Wallace-Chin) unanimously. Then appointed six new members: Ashley Hill, Timothy Griffin, Grace Mojica, Joseph Somerville, Brandi Weeden, and Maria Pizarro, each by 6-0 votes, bringing the committee to the full 11 members.
Item 9C – Rhode Island Avenue Extension – City vs. County Led: Staff sought direction. Commissioner Nabicht moved to let Volusia County lead via an interlocal agreement, with the city retaining a seat at the table and restricting its $15 million contribution to the Deltona portion. Discussion included alignment options, connection to I-4 Beyond Ultimate, and pedestrian safety near Deltona High School. Passed 6-0.
Item 9D – Moratorium Void Ab Initio Resolution (2026-05): The City Attorney stated Ordinance 29-2025 (temporary moratorium) was challenged under SB 180. The resolution acknowledges the ordinance is void ab initio. Commissioner Heriot initially moved to withdraw the moratorium, but after discussion amended to approve the resolution. Commissioner Santiago seconded. Public comment urged rejecting the pressure. Approved 6-0.
Item 9E – Howland Station Condo Developers Settlement (Resolution 2026-06): The City Attorney explained the mediated settlement: the city pays $3,125,000 to Howland Station, acquires the 5.5-acre property (tax parcels 810807000020 and 810807000030), extinguishes all claims (including a Bert J. Harris claim), and ratifies the church property transaction. Estimated litigation costs if the city lost were $2.245 million, plus property value of $1.5–$2.1 million. The settlement avoids trial. Motion by Nabicht, seconded by Howington; approved 6-0.
Go ahead and get started with this regular commission meeting for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. If I can please have the city clerk call the roll. Commissioner Calwell. Commissioner Harriet. Present. Commissioner Howington? Here. Commissioner Nobek? Here. Commissioner Santiago. Here. Vice Mayor Villa Vasquez. Present. Mayor Vila. Here. All right. This time we're gonna go ahead and I'm gonna give the mic over to Commissioner Howington for the invocation and pledge to the flag. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. And then if you might just do a silent prayer to yourself, or if you do not pray, just take a moment of silence. All right, at this time we're gonna go into additions and deletions. Seeing none, we're gonna go ahead to presentations, awards, and reports. Uh, first presentation we have up is from the Volusia County Hispanic Association. Uh, they're gonna present the city with a check. The commissioners want to meet me in the bottom, and then we're gonna stay there also for the parade winners and you hold this. Good evening, everyone. Good evening, mayor, commissioners, and members of the community. My name is Elaine Daniels. I serve as the secretary of the Volusia County Hispanic Association, and it is my honor to be here to present this uh check to the City of Daltona today on behalf of our president Cassie Landron, who couldn't make it today. Um present this eleven thousand dollar check. Sorry, I don't have more than two hands. I'm gonna thank you. To the city of Deltona. Uh, this money was raised from the twenty twenty five Mayor's Winner Ball with one clear and unwavering purpose to support the expansion of the Harris Saxon building at Harris Saxon Park, a space that primarily serves the boys and girls club and the many children and families who rely upon it. There has been a lot said about this event, but one thing that we want to make sure that we speak, we let the truth, transparency, and results speak for themselves. Scriptures tell us that in Matthew seven, verse sixteen, you will know them by their fruits. So tonight, the fruit of this effort is right here. Real dollars for a real building for real children in our city. This event was never about politics, it was never about campaigns. This was not a city event. It was and always and has been about service. We do this as a voluntary organization. By doing this, this is our way of giving back to our community and doing good and investing in our youth and the future of Deltona. Our organization is guided by faith, integrity, and accountability. So every dollar raised has was handled responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with our mission.