City of Deltona Regular Commission Meeting – October 5, 2026

The Deltona City Commission met on Monday, October 5, 2026. The public forum opened at 6:00 PM, the business meeting convened at 6:30 PM, and adjourned at 6:59 PM. The agenda included an economic development update, a presentation on AI-assisted permitting, a consent agenda of eight routine items, and a public hearing on the second reading of Ordinance No. 16-2026, updating the city's affordable housing regulations under the Live Local Act. Commissioner Nabicht presented the invocation and acknowledged an anonymous former Marine who rendered life-saving aid at a traffic crash the previous week.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the minutes of the September 21, 2026 Regular Commission Meeting.
• Quarterly Reports: Accepted the Third Quarter 2026 reports from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Firefighter Pension Board, Ordinance Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Board, and Team Volusia.
• Proclamations: Approved proclamations for Red Ribbon Week, Extra Mile Day, and National Primary Care Week.
• D Ranch Preserve ECHO Grant: Approved an updated letter of support for Conservation Florida's ECHO Grant application to fund construction of a nature center at D Ranch Preserve.
• Flood Mitigation JPA Amendment (Elkcam Blvd): Approved Resolution 2026-90, authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Participation Agreement with Volusia County for design services ($238,835.50) for the Transform386 – Elkcam Boulevard at Lake Helen Osteen Road flood mitigation project; total project cost remains $845,575 (50/50 cost share).
• Stormwater Drawdown JPA Amendment (Lake Sweet Gum): Approved Resolution 2026-91, authorizing Amendment No. 1 for design services ($238,420) for the Transform386 – Lake Sweet Gum Stormwater Drawdown project; total project cost remains $1,839,040 (50/50 cost share).
• Halifax Humane Society Agreement: Approved Resolution 2026-92 for the FY 26-27 kennel and medical services agreement and an amended extension for FY 25-26, with increased impound and administrative costs.
• American Legion Post 255 Ground Lease: Approved Resolution 2026-93, a 49-year ground lease and master development agreement with Sgt. David G. Ledgerwood American Legion Post 255 for a post home, at $10 annual rent.

All consent items were approved by a 7-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Borgins (resident) addressed concerns regarding the stormwater planning documents referenced for the consent agenda items. He noted that a pump project from 2019 was described by an engineer as still needing further development, and urged the city to ensure such planning is up to date before approving related projects. He otherwise praised the city staff's efforts.

Discussion Items

• Economic Development Update: The Economic Development Director reported that two projects are in full review (7 Brew drive-through coffee near Chipotle, Amazon 3 with a rezoning). A 1-million-square-foot industrial building is under consideration in the Deltona Industrial Park. Pre-application phases include Chase Bank, Chick-fil-A, EOS Fitness, Waffle House, and a Deltona Village apartment expansion. Staff has also contacted several casual-dining chains (Outback, Carrabba's, BJ's, City Barbecue, Dickies, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mission BBQ, Panera) to recruit sit-down restaurants.
• AI Permitting Presentation: Representatives from Evolve Software (Patrick Vargas and Christine) demonstrated an AI-powered electronic plan review platform. Features include automated application intake checks (file corruption, required attachments, stamp validation), AI-assisted sheet analysis (scale detection, sheet references for slip-sheeting), object detection (toilets, doors, etc.), and change detection across plan revisions. Commissioner Colwell questioned the success rate (target >95%), data security (Microsoft Azure, permissioned customer data), and cost-benefit analysis. Staff confirmed time savings of up to 40% on repetitive tasks but noted human oversight remains necessary. Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez expressed support for the potential time savings. Commissioner Nabicht asked about liability litigation; the presenters reported none.
• Ordinance No. 16-2026 – Second Reading (Live Local Act Update): Community Development Services Director presented the ordinance updating Chapter 76 of the Land Development Code to reflect House Bill 1389 (effective July 1, 2026). Changes include expanded eligibility for certain Planned Unit Developments, government-owned property, and property owned by qualifying religious institutions; updates to density, height, parking, setbacks, landscaping, open space, amenities, and architectural design. Language encouraging green building and sustainable development was added after first reading. Commissioner Colwell sought clarification that the administrative review process aligns with the state law. After discussion, the City Commission voted 6-1 (Commissioner Howington opposed) to approve the ordinance.
• City Attorney Comments: The City Attorney requested consensus to add a resolution to the next agenda extending the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC), which has a sunset provision. After discussion about timing, the Commission concurred to bring it forward for the November meeting.
• Commission Comments & Reports:
  • Commissioner Howington announced VEMA's Food Truck Festival & Car Show and an upcoming American Legion fundraiser.
  • Commissioner Santiago reported on the successful Wig Out event and the upcoming 5K Walk on October 31 at West Crow Park, and thanked staff for improvements at City Hall.
  • Commissioner Heriot requested that the city promote Paula Yorker's 5K Walk on social media and digital displays; the commission consented.
  • Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez congratulated the Sheriff's Department graduation, particularly a recruit who achieved 99.4%.
  • Mayor Avila requested a consensus for a letter of support welcoming a children's hospital or urgent care; the commission concurred.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: All eight items (7A-7H) approved unanimously (7-0).
• Ordinance No. 16-2026: Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Howington opposed) on second and final reading.
• Ordinance Review Committee Extension: Consensus to place a resolution on the November 2026 agenda to extend the ORC for another year.
• Children's Hospital Letter of Support: Commission consented to Mayor Avila's request for a letter of support.
• 5K Walk Promotion: Commission consented to Commissioner Heriot's request to advertise Paula Yorker's event.