Deltona City Commission Workshop - April 13, 2026

The City of Deltona City Commission held a workshop on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers, adjourning at 7:21 PM. Mayor Avila presided. Commissioners Colwell and Heriot were absent initially; Commissioner Heriot arrived at 5:35 PM. The agenda included a check presentation and a detailed utility department update on major projects. No votes were taken; discussions set direction for future actions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donna Pepin (Deltona resident) questioned whether nitrogen removal primarily benefits springs and Lake Monroe or also drinking water safety. She asked about plans for PFAS forever chemicals, noting that Deltona joined a lawsuit against DuPont and that area springs have higher PFAS levels. She urged consideration of carbon filtration or reverse osmosis.
• David Sosa (Deltona resident) asked about additional capacity at the Fisher plant and criteria for converting septic customers to sewer. He noted that FDEP recently updated the B map impacting Deltona, asked how many homes would be affected by mandatory upgrades (costing $20,000–$28,000 plus annual $600 inspections), and questioned whether increased nitrates in Blue Spring are linked to Sanford's sewage discharge. He also reminded the commission that the $22 million Fisher grant requires completion by July 2029, with a 1% per day penalty for delays, and suggested turning the Fisher site into a retention area to reduce flooding rather than filling it.
• Tim Blodgett (Deltona resident) asked if the city recouped insurance money for the Lakeshore boat ramp failure. He recommended a roundabout similar to High Banks and extensive dredging (75 yards) due to Lake Monroe's shallowness (former lettuce farm). He shared an experience from another town on sewer conversion costs and made a sarcastic remark about commissioners not touching the water samples passed around.

Discussion Items

• Love Your Heart 5K Check Presentation: The City presented a $4,000 check to the American Heart Association, funded by race proceeds after expenses. Sponsors included Halifax Health, Wire 3 Fiber, West Volusia Runners, Florida Dairy Farmers, Runners High Racing, and the City of Deltona.
• Eastern Wastewater Expansion (Deputy Utility Director Jim Parrish presented): The plant, opened 2016 as a 0.9 MGD membrane filtration facility, was expanded to 1.5 MGD (completed January 2025). Current annual average flow is 0.737 MGD. Planning is underway for a 3.0 MGD expansion using a $4 million state grant plus $2 million city match (budgeted FY 25-26). Design RFQ awarded to Kimley Horn, approval anticipated at June commission meeting. Design expected to take 18 months, construction 24–36 months. Discussion covered the 2045 state mandate for nutrient reduction (measured in pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus), septic-to-sewer options, costs (new advanced treatment system ~$28,000), grant availability, and constitutional questions about unfunded mandates. Staff noted the city has received roughly $30 million in grants for wastewater projects, including $22 million for Fisher and $31 million in the pipeline for sanitary sewers.
• Fisher Wastewater Plant (Advanced Waste Treatment): The 68-year-old plant (built 1958) on a 4-acre constrained site in a bowl will be relocated to the 36-acre Alexander Avenue facility. A $22 million grant (50% match) has been received. Using a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) approach, 30% design plans are complete, 60% in progress, with a goal to start construction by October 2026 (24–36 months). The existing plant will be demolished, with potential reuse of the property (e.g., park or stormwater storage). Commissioners discussed noise, light pollution, environmental benefits (nutrient reduction), and the scope of work including transfer coordination and demolition.
• Lakeshore Boat Ramp Restoration: The project aims to restore the west side of the boat ramp after boils emerged during prior construction. Bids were opened March 9, 2026; the low bidder withdrew, and discrepancies in other bids forced rejection. The scope is being refined (unit prices for grouting instead of lump sum) and will be rebid by May 11, 2026 (30-day advertisement). Construction is estimated at 10 months from award. Work includes grouting the boil, a new concrete seawall cap, ramp rehabilitation, dredging, and floating docks. Mayor acknowledged a previous December completion estimate was missed due to the rebid. Phase 2 will involve an above-ground pump station for reclaim water (4B project) to address reclaim shortages. Commissioner concerns included road safety (backing onto narrow Lakeshore Drive) and signage. City Manager mentioned potential future park grants ($20–30 million) for larger improvements, but noted Army Corps permitting would require separate review.
• Utility Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Updates:
  • Master Lift Station #7 went live the previous Thursday, featuring a permanent generator and bypass pump for reliability. Staff confirmed new lift station policy requires generators with minimum fuel capacity for 5 days at full load (DEP standard).
  • Potable Water Wells 41 & 42 completed in the Fort Smith/Cortland area (Rolling Drive), 300 feet deep, to replace wells near Blue Springs basin.
  • Water Plant #7 Aerator Rehab completed on Saxon Boulevard; aerators remove sulfur smell.
  • AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) network is operational; resident portal expected in 120–180 days. Staff shared an example: a leak detected via AMI (375 gallons per hour starting Friday) alerted staff Sunday; a hose left on was turned off, potentially saving the resident $4,700 on a 30-day bill. The system allows real-time leak detection and improved customer service.
  • SCADA Network design began 2018; all lift stations and plants are connected; final wiring (10 months) will complete real-time monitoring. Benefits include emergency management (power outage/leak alerts) and reduced response times. Staff noted a fiber hit on Providence Boulevard that day was quickly addressed thanks to SCADA pressure alarms.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken. Staff will bring the Eastern wastewater design contract for approval at the June 2026 commission meeting.
• Lakeshore boat ramp restoration will be rebid in May 2026; schedules will be communicated carefully to avoid over-promising timelines.
• Fisher plant design continues; construction start targeted for October 2026.
• Staff will provide additional information on nutrient reduction environmental impacts and generator runtime certification.
• Public comments on PFAS, septic conversion costs, and flooding concerns were noted for future consideration. The city manager thanked utility staff for their presentation.