Deltona City Commission Meeting Summary – March 2, 2026

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez was absent. The meeting featured a contentious debate over accepting a $22 million state grant for the Fisher Wastewater Plant, ultimately passing 4-2. Commissioners also approved several ordinances at first and second reading, appointed a new Planning and Zoning Board alternate, and directed staff to draft a Volusia Forever resolution. A discussion on fence code interpretation was left unresolved as the meeting reached its automatic 8:30 PM adjournment.

Consent Calendar

The following items were approved by a single 6-0 vote:

• Minutes of the February 17, 2026 meeting.
• Resolution No. 2026-18, adopting the 2025 Volusia Multi-Jurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI).
• Resolution No. 2026-19, allocating additional CDBG funds ($4,226.40) to the Early Learning Coalition.
• Proclamations for Women's History Month, Government Finance Professionals Week, World Speech Day, and Irish American Heritage Month.

Items 7-D (Budget Amendment) and 7-G (FDEP Grant) were removed for separate discussion. Item 7-E (Voelz Litigation) was tabled for 90 days. Item 7-F (miCare Clinic Litigation) was deleted from the agenda at the City Attorney's request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fisher Wastewater Plant Grant (Item 7-G): Several residents spoke. Tim Blodgett supported the grant, expressing confidence in staff. Dave Sosa opposed rushing the project, citing a lack of a funding plan and potential penalties. Christine Peacock warned against using the aquifer as a "test case." Brandy White accused the city of a "bait and switch" and criticized placing a $44 million item on the consent agenda. Catherine Gallagher called for the item to be tabled. Albert Bryan questioned the project's necessity and cost.
• Ordinance 36-2025 (Recovery Residences): Tim Blodgett spoke in favor. Courtney Crossberg and Matthew Borgins raised concerns about placement and enforcement.
• Ordinance 04-2026 (Financial Policies): David Markle supported the external audit but recommended three-year contract terms and an out-of-state firm.
• Resolution 2026-01 (Fort Smith Church): Members of the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church of Jesus, including Sheila Gilmore and Silver Prescott, spoke in support of the project, highlighting their community work.

Discussion Items

• Budget Process Presentation (Item 5-B): Finance Director McKinney presented the FY 2026-2027 budget calendar, highlighting the "public service" theme, the cost-plus development approach, and upcoming workshops starting May 18th.
• Consent Agenda Non-Consensus Items:
  • 7-D (Budget Amendment): Commissioner Howington criticized the budget amendment, specifically the reduction of $600,000 from Manny Rodriguez Park, calling it disingenuous given the prior year's tax debate. The amendment passed 4-2.
  • 7-G (FDEP Wastewater Grant): Commissioner Colwell moved to table the item for further research. Commissioner Nabicht requested a workshop to review the underlying study. Deputy Utility Director Parrish explained FDEP's urgency. Commissioner Heriot proposed accepting the grant immediately while setting a workshop. The motion to table failed (2-4). The motion to approve the grant and schedule a workshop within 30 days passed (4-2).
• Ordinance 36-2025 (Recovery Residences): Community Development Director Smith presented the ordinance, emphasizing it is a state mandate under SB 954. Commissioner Harriet clarified it does not override existing residential codes. Approved 6-0 on second reading.
• Ordinance 03-2026 (Animals): Commissioner Harriet made the motion, noting the removal of pet licensing fees. The City Attorney confirmed the dangerous dog provisions are not breed-specific, aligning with HB 593. Approved 6-0 on first reading.
• Ordinance 04-2026 (Financial Policies): Finance Director McKinney presented the new audit rotation (max 5-year contract on independent auditors) and collection policies. Commissioner Howington asked about cost implications of switching firms. Approved 6-0 on first reading.
• Resolution 2026-01 (590 Fort Smith Blvd Church): Quasi-judicial hearing. Planning Manager West presented the 10,568 sq. ft. proposal on R-1 zoned land. Applicant Pastor Henry spoke for the project. Approved 6-0.
• Item 9-B (Fence Code Discussion): Commissioner Colwell initiated a discussion on the interpretation of Section 110-806, arguing the code's use of "lot line" conflicted with "yard line" definitions elsewhere. The City Attorney cautioned the commission against direct interpretation, stating it is a staff function unless appealed. The discussion was cut short when a motion to extend the meeting past 8:30 PM failed for lack of a second, resulting in adjournment.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-23 – FDEP Grant Approved (4-2): The $22 million 50/50 grant for the Fisher Wastewater Plant Advanced Waste Treatment was accepted. A workshop on the project is to be held within 30 days.
• Ordinance 36-2025 – Recovery Residences Approved (6-0): Second and final reading. Adopted citywide standards for certified recovery residences per state law.
• Ordinance 03-2026 – Animal Ordinance Approved (6-0): First reading. Updated regulations for dangerous dogs, breeders, and removed pet licensing fees.
• Ordinance 04-2026 – Financial Policies Approved (6-0): First reading. Codified annual external audit requirements (with 5-year rotation on firms) and delinquent account collection procedures.
• Resolution 2026-01 – Conditional Use Approved (6-0): House of worship approved for 590 Fort Smith Boulevard.
• Action Item 9-A – Appointment Approved (6-0): Robert Hasson appointed as an alternate to the Planning and Zoning Board.
• Volusia Forever Resolution: Direction given to staff to draft a resolution of support to be ratified at the next meeting.
• Item 7-E (Voelz Litigation): Tabled for 90 days.
• Item 7-F (miCare Litigation): Deleted from the agenda at the City Attorney's request.
• Fence Code Interpretation (9-B): No decision reached; meeting adjourned without a vote on the discussion.