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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Kissimmee City Commission Regular Session – November 4, 2025

City Commission — Tuesday, November 4, 2025

BodyKissimmee, Florida

SessionCity Commission

DateTuesday, November 4, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

5:01

Good evening, everyone.

5:02

Thank you all for being here.

5:04

Very excited.

5:05

It's six PM on the dots, so we want to be mindful of everyone's time.

5:09

So we're just going to get started.

5:10

We'll meeting will be called to order.

Unassigned speaker

5:14

As

Speaker 1

5:15

a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices during the meeting.

5:20

Citizens desiring to speak under here.

5:22

The audience shall submit a request form to the city clerk prior to the meeting.

5:26

Is that my right?

5:41

And as we take a moment of silence, let's try to remember that um vice president Dick Cheney passed away today, so let's keep him in our and his family in our prayers.

6:22

Thank you, Commissioner.

6:24

We'll continue with proclamations and special presentations.

6:31

New police officers.

6:33

Chief Broadway.

Speaker 2

6:35

Good evening, Madame Mayor, Commissioners.

6:37

Thank you.

6:37

We are excited about swearing in our newest police officers.

6:40

They are ready looking forward to serve the citizens of Kissimmee with our core values of courage, honor, integrity, excellence, and service above self.

6:48

Without further ado, I'll have Chief McGinley introduce

Unassigned speaker

6:51

him.

Speaker 3

6:56

Good evening.

Unassigned speaker

6:57

Good evening.

Speaker 3

6:58

Officer Arian Artoro.

7:01

Officer Artara graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola on August 21st, 2025.

7:08

Officer Madeline Rivera.

7:12

Officer Rivera graduated from Criminal Justice Academy of Asiola on August 21st, 2025.

7:19

Officer Nambo.

8:05

Officer Otega was a sworn police officer at the York City Police Department in Pennsylvania before transferring to Florida to join the Kissimmee Police Department on September 15th, 2025.

Speaker 2

9:02

I state your name.

Speaker 4

9:05

Melanie Durant.

Speaker 2

9:14

I will support, protect, and defend.

9:16

I will support protect and defend the Constitution and Government.

9:24

I'm duly qualified.

9:30

And I will well and faithfully perform.

9:34

My duties, my duties of police officer.

9:38

For the Gissimmee Police Department.

9:43

So help me God.

9:44

So help me God.

9:45

Congratulations.

Speaker 3

11:45

Call up K9 Bristol.

Speaker 1

11:48

What a great day in Kissimmee.

11:50

Not only are we swearing in six new officers.

11:54

Item three B is all also the swearing in ceremony for K9 Bristol.

Speaker 3

12:16

Officer Bristol was an incredible officer and dog lover.

12:20

He was tragically killed in the line of duty on December thirtieth, twenty nineteen while pursuing a suspect.

12:27

Bristol was donated by a Valor Dog Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through services and facility dogs.

12:38

After completing his service training, dog training, Bristol joined the Kissimmee Police Department on October first, twenty twenty five.

12:45

As KPD's newest wellness canine, Bristol will pay and play play an essential role in supporting the mental wellness, well-being of department personnel and strengthening connections with the community.

13:05

As part of KPD's community engagement initiative, Bristol will also visit schools, local events, and build positive relationships and spread awareness about mental health and wellness.

14:03

So help me God.

Speaker 1

15:59

So, Chief, if the commissioners need uh some help, I guess that means we can also uh you could be a therapy dog for us.

Speaker 5

16:08

Yeah.

Speaker 1

16:10

We've uh we've all made a vote that we're gonna use him on occasions.

16:14

Exactly.

16:14

Um additionally, I'd like to highlight that uh Tony Aviles is over there.

16:20

Tony, raise your hands, and his daughter just got sworn in tonight, so he passed the torch.

16:26

Thank you.

16:27

Thank you for what you do.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Aviation Management█████████████████████████25%

Community Engagement███████████████15%

Procedural██████████10%

Cannabis Regulation████████8%

Land Use Planning████████8%

Personnel Matters███████7%

Economic Development██████6%

Public Safety█████5%

Public Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Kissimmee City Commission Regular Session – November 4, 2025

The Kissimmee City Commission held its regular session on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at City Hall. Mayor Jackie Espinosa presided, with Commissioners Noel Ortiz, Angela Eady, Carlos Alvarez, III, and Janette Martinez present. The meeting included the swearing-in of six new police officers and a therapy dog, recognition of the Employee of the Month, a public comment on business regulation, unanimous approval of a 13-item consent agenda, and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for airport redevelopment. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Proclamations and Special Presentations

Swearing-in of Six New Police Officers: Police Chief Charles Broadway administered the oath to officers Nam Vo, Chris Serrano-Ortega, Arian Otero-Benitez, Madeline Rivera, Kimberly Ortega, and Melanie Duran. Assistant Chief McGinley read their biographies.
Swearing-in of K9 Bristol: Bristol, a 1.5-year-old Golden Retriever-Labrador mix, was sworn in as the department's first therapy dog. Donated by Valor Service Dogs and named in honor of fallen officer Spencer Bristol, he will support mental wellness for staff and community engagement.
Employee of the Month – Joshua Daniel: City Manager Mike Steigerwald recognized Joshua Daniel, Strategic Communication Manager, for his leadership in the redesign of the city's website. The award was determined by a peer-nomination committee.

Consent Calendar

The Commission unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (motion by Mayor Espinosa, second by Commissioner Martinez, vote 5-0), which included:

Approval of minutes from October 21 and October 27, 2025.
Acceptance of an additional $4,000 from FDOT for the High Visibility Enforcement for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program (total $20,648.87).
Permanent right-of-way easement with TRJ 4030 Kissimmee LLC for streetscape on Hoagland Boulevard.
Authorization to apply for the 2025 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
Consent to sub-lease between Signature Flight Support, LLC and Fly Smart, LLC at the airport.
Approval of the 2026 Event and Festival Series Calendar (9 city-produced events, 4 signature events, 1 veterans parade).
Carry-forward of projects to FY 2025-2026 budget.
Acceptance of sidewalk easements for Osceola Village Center and 420 S. Clyde Avenue.
Easement and maintenance agreement for Pinnacle at the Wesleyan (The Cove).
Approval of fire equipment agreements with Municipal Equipment Company, LLC, Ten-8 Fire & Safety, LLC, and Bennett Fire Products Company, LLC.
Acceptance of subdivision improvements for Knightsbridge Phase 2C & 2D, with conditions.
Acceptance of $110,000 in Tourism Enhancement Grants for seven events.

Public Comments & Testimony

Kurt Jensen, a local business owner, expressed opposition to the number of smoke shops on Route 192, noting 86 such businesses. He questioned why permits are not limited. Mayor Espinosa and City Manager Steigerwald explained legal constraints under equal protection clauses, noting that zoning cannot easily restrict specific business types without a demonstrated nexus. The City Attorney confirmed that the city would need data to defend restrictions. The Mayor noted that the city limits cover about half of 192 and that redevelopment may attract different businesses.

Discussion Items

Memorandum of Understanding with Kissimmee Airport Development Company, LLC (KADC): Aviation Director Shaun Germolus introduced Hector Lizasuain, CEO of KADC, who presented plans to develop approximately 119.9 acres of the former golf course on the airport's southeast border. The MOU provides for a due diligence period (surveying, environmental, conceptual design) at no cost to the city, with key decisions expected in March 2026. Discussion covered KADC's experience, the timeline, incorporation date, and interest in a public-private partnership. The Commission approved the MOU unanimously (motion by Mayor Espinosa, second by Commissioner Martinez, vote 5-0).

City Manager and Commission Reports

City Manager Updates: Mike Steigerwald announced upcoming events: Veterans Parade (Nov. 8), Dinner with a Veteran, Orlando Japan Festival (Nov. 9), and the Business Resource Showcase (Nov. 13).
Commission Comments: Commissioner Alvarez thanked Public Works for work on Columbia Avenue. Commissioner Ortiz thanked veterans for their service. Vice Mayor Eady asked commissioners and city staff to join a team for the upcoming Lip Sync Battle, which drew interest. Mayor Espinosa requested follow-up on a Menorah Lighting ceremony, highlighted the Boo on Broadway event (just under 8,000 attendees), and reported on a conference in Puerto Rico, a visit from the Mayor of Yabucoa, and a Good Day Orlando segment honoring community members.

Key Outcomes

The Consent Agenda (Items 7.A–7.M) was approved unanimously (5-0).
The MOU with KADC (Item 8.A) was approved unanimously (5-0).
The City Manager was directed to coordinate with Kissimmee Main Street for the Menorah Lighting event.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here. Very excited. It's six PM on the dots, so we want to be mindful of everyone's time. So we're just going to get started. We'll meeting will be called to order. As a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices during the meeting. Citizens desiring to speak under here. The audience shall submit a request form to the city clerk prior to the meeting. Is that my right? And as we take a moment of silence, let's try to remember that um vice president Dick Cheney passed away today, so let's keep him in our and his family in our prayers. Thank you, Commissioner. We'll continue with proclamations and special presentations. New police officers. Chief Broadway. Good evening, Madame Mayor, Commissioners. Thank you. We are excited about swearing in our newest police officers. They are ready looking forward to serve the citizens of Kissimmee with our core values of courage, honor, integrity, excellence, and service above self. Without further ado, I'll have Chief McGinley introduce him. Good evening. Good evening. Officer Arian Artoro. Officer Artara graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola on August 21st, 2025. Officer Madeline Rivera. Officer Rivera graduated from Criminal Justice Academy of Asiola on August 21st, 2025. Officer Nambo. Officer Otega was a sworn police officer at the York City Police Department in Pennsylvania before transferring to Florida to join the Kissimmee Police Department on September 15th, 2025. I state your name. Melanie Durant. I will support, protect, and defend. I will support protect and defend the Constitution and Government. I'm duly qualified. And I will well and faithfully perform. My duties, my duties of police officer. For the Gissimmee Police Department. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. Call up K9 Bristol. What a great day in Kissimmee. Not only are we swearing in six new officers. Item three B is all also the swearing in ceremony for K9 Bristol. Officer Bristol was an incredible officer and dog lover. He was tragically killed in the line of duty on December thirtieth, twenty nineteen while pursuing a suspect. Bristol was donated by a Valor Dog Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through services and facility dogs. After completing his service training, dog training, Bristol joined the Kissimmee Police Department on October first, twenty twenty five. As KPD's newest wellness canine, Bristol will pay and play play an essential role in supporting the mental wellness, well-being of department personnel and strengthening connections with the community.

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