Regular City Commission Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Deltona City Commission held a regular meeting on April 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Commission Chambers. Mayor Avila was absent; Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez presided. The meeting included a consent agenda, public hearings on animal ordinances and financial policies, appointments to boards, and updates on two stalled development projects. Items pulled from consent allowed public discussion on utility rate increases, sewer rehabilitation, membrane replacement, and park improvements. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the March 2, 2026 regular meeting.
• Resolution 2026-25: Ratified the resolution in support of Volusia Forever.
• Resolution 2026-29: Approved master contracts for as-needed plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing, and parks/marine engineering services.
• Resolution 2026-31: Accepted a special warranty deed for two parcels (approx. 5.5 acres) from Howland Station Partners, LTD, as part of a settlement agreement.
• Scholarship Awards: Approved the William S. Harvey Deltona Scholarship Advisory Board’s recommendations for 16 recipients for the 2025-2026 school year.
• First Quarter 2026 Reports: Accepted quarterly reports from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Firefighter Pension Board, Ordinance Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Board, and Team Volusia.
• Recognitions: Approved seven proclamations: Child Abuse Prevention Month, Water Conservation Month, Arbor Day, Water Safety Month, EMS Week, National Public Works Week, Memorial Day, and Building Social Connection through Move with the Mayor. Additionally, by consensus, National Borinqueneers Day (April 13) was added.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Blodgett (during consent agenda): Supported Volusia Forever funding and urged preservation of open space, cautioning against overdevelopment.
• Kathy Bryan (Deltona): Stressed that Volusia Forever should be permanent and that natural areas should remain undisturbed, not converted to parks.
• Jose Martinez (Lake Batana States resident, on 7B): Objected to the utility rate increase, stating his monthly water bill is $222.34 for 3,000–5,000 gallons, far above the average $31 cited by staff. He asked commissioners to consider communities like his with high fixed sewer costs.
• Tim Blodgett (on 7D and 7E): Expressed confidence in Deputy Utility Director Parrish’s work, noting staff efforts to save money and that infrastructure replacement is necessary.
• Dana McCool (on 7G): Thanked commissioners for park improvements, especially at Manny Rodriguez Park, highlighting its heavy use by the neighborhood and positive impact on youth.
• Heidi Herzberg (member of Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare, CCFAW, on 8B): Explained that to achieve measurable results with a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, the city must memorialize policies and procedures, which Ordinance 05-2026 aims to do. She noted CCFAW runs similar programs for six Volusia County cities and can provide data on surgeries, costs, and impounds. She emphasized that abandonment is the ongoing problem.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-24 – Master Fee Schedule (Utility Rate Increase)

  • Commissioner Howington pulled this item to allow public comment and discussion. Deputy Utility Director Parrish explained the need for a 9.54% water rate increase (average $2.28/month for 2,000-gallon users) and no increase on wastewater rates. He noted 19 capital improvement projects over five years needed for regulatory compliance and infrastructure reliability. Finance Director John McKinney added that privatization—such as Nassau County's—led to a double-digit rate increase with no commission control, whereas the city’s rates are kept lower through diligent budgeting.
  • Discussion included incentivizing irrigation meters for sewer customers, potential grants, and the city’s high bond rating (AA-).
  • Vote: 4–2 in favor (Commissioners Howington and Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez opposed). Motion by Nabicht, second by Santiago.

• Resolution 2026-26 – Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation

  • Parrish described the annual $1M contract for CIPP lining of gravity sewers, piggybacking on Gainesville’s contract. The new agreement with SAK Construction avoids mobilization/demobilization fees (approx. 12% savings).
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Heriot, second by Howington.

• Resolution 2026-28 – Replacement of Kubota Membranes

  • Parrish explained that the 7,200 submerged membrane units at the Eastern Water Reclamation Facility have a 10-year lifespan and need replacement for regulatory compliance. Budgeted at $1.65M, the proposal from MKI Services is $1,644,286.
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Santiago, second by Howington.

• Resolution 2026-30 – Citywide Park Improvement Projects

  • Commissioner Howington asked about lightning detection systems; Parks Director said they will be part of next year’s operating budget, not capital. She also requested a document showing changes from the originally approved $8M to the current $5.35M; staff confirmed this is the first phase and additional quotes are forthcoming.
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Heriot, second by Santiago.

• Ordinance 03-2026 – Animal Ordinance (Second Reading)

  • Commissioner Howington clarified that a section on “investigation and inspection” (14-88) does not allow warrantless entry into occupied homes; the City Attorney explained it applies only to unoccupied properties and follows all legal remedies, citing a case where a landlord granted access.
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Heriot, second by Colwell.

• Ordinance 05-2026 – Trap, Neuter, Return Program TNR (First Reading)

  • Code Compliance Manager Danny presented the ordinance to move from pilot to city-funded program. The budget is $48,000. An organization, CCFAW, has expressed interest in managing the program.
  • Commissioner Nabicht questioned past ineffectiveness; Heidi Herzberg responded that the new ordinance memorializes policies, providing accountability and measurable results.
  • After discussion, Commissioner Nabicht requested consensus to direct staff and legal to add language enhancing penalties for animal abandonment; the Commission concurred.
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Nabicht, second by Howington.

• Ordinance 04-2026 – Financial Policies (Second Reading)

  • Creates Division 4 (Annual External Audit) allowing the Commission to request limited-scope intermediate audits based on specific criteria, and Division 5 (Collection of Delinquent Bills) establishing write-off limits ($1,000 for finance director, $5,000 for city manager, over $5,000 requires Commission approval). An incorrect strikethrough (removing “upon a supermajority vote”) was corrected on the record.
  • Vote: 6–0. Motion by Howington, second by Santiago.

• Resolution 2026-27 – CAPER (CDBG Annual Report)

  • No public comments. Approved 6–0.

Action Items

• Planning and Zoning Board Appointments:
  • Larry French (District 4) – term to March 15, 2029. Vote 6–0.
  • Lori Warnicke (District 6) – term to March 15, 2029. Vote 6–0.
  • Rachel Amoroso (District 3) – term to March 15, 2029. Vote 6–0.
  • No alternate appointment was made; will be brought back at a future meeting.
• Tourist Development Council Appointment:
  • Commissioner Santiago appointed as city representative following Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez’s resignation. Vote 6–0.

City Attorney Comments – Enrico Ridge and Thalita Terrace

• Thalita Terrace: City Attorney provided an update. The property at 2911 Thalita Terrace has outstanding code violations and cumulative liens of $279,400. Foreclosure was filed about two weeks ago; a final hearing is expected within weeks. The owner has not responded to service or filed any court documents, despite staff efforts to work with them. Commissioner Howington suggested mediation or executive session, but the Attorney noted the default judgment and lack of owner engagement. Commissioners expressed that staff has been more than patient, and the property has become a nuisance. The City will continue foreclosure.
• Enrico Ridge: Located at 2911 Alatka Lane. Current liens total $651,300. A $15,500,686 mortgage and other debt (a $141,000 judgment) make foreclosure less viable. The City Attorney recommended continuing code enforcement and accruing fines, not foreclosure. After discussion, the Commission agreed to have Building Official Chad inspect the buildings and provide a recommendation at the next meeting; if structural issues are found, consideration will be given to hiring an engineer for condemnation analysis.

Key Outcomes

• Utility Rate Increase: Water rates increased by 9.54%; no wastewater increase. Approved 4–2.
• Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation: $1M contract with SAK Construction approved.
• Membrane Replacement: $1,644,286 approved for Eastern Water Reclamation Facility.
• Park Improvements: $5.35M (plus 5% contingency) for eight parks approved.
• Animal Ordinance: Updated Chapter 14 adopted on second reading.
• TNR Program: Ordinance passed on first reading; staff directed to strengthen abandonment penalties.
• Financial Policies: New audit and collection procedures adopted.
• Enrico Ridge: Building official to inspect and report back by next meeting; potential engineer evaluation.
• Thalita Terrace: Foreclosure proceeding, final hearing planned.
• PFAS Settlement: City Manager announced a $664,000 settlement from Tyco for PFAS litigation.
• Council Appointments: Three Planning and Zoning Board members and one TDC representative (Santiago) appointed.