Kissimmee City Commission Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Kissimmee City Commission met on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, swearing-in of new police officers, service awards, public hearings on a rezoning and a sign code update, public comments on a grant program, approval of a consent agenda with one item pulled for discussion, and direction on a sculpture donation, downtown zoning changes, and a potential Super Bowl event. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.

Proclamations and Special Presentations

• Proclamation honoring Tammy Douglas, Executive Director of Help Now, for 20 years of service to survivors and the community.
• Swearing-in of four new police officers: Yuberki Tavarez, Ta’Heem Davis, D’Angelo Riascos, and Juan Morales, administered by Police Chief Charles Broadway.
• Service awards for employees reaching milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 40 years of service; Sandra Pereira (Finance) was recognized for 40 years.

Public Hearings

• 4.A – Final Reading of Ordinance #25-20 (ZMA-25-0009): Rezoned approximately 52.59 acres at 2220 Fortune Road from Multi-Family Medium Density Residential (RC-1) to RC-2 to allow greater height flexibility and reduced building coverage. The Planning Advisory Board recommended approval 5-1. The commission voted 5-0 to adopt the ordinance (Ordinance 3127).
• 4.B – First Reading of Ordinance #25-21: Amends Chapter 14-2 (Definitions) and Chapter 14-11 (Signs) to comply with the Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, making sign regulations content-neutral. The Planning Advisory Board recommended approval 6-0 subject to removal of a 12-month time restriction on yard signs for lease/sale properties. The commission approved the first reading unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ray Parsons proposed Man Street improvements west of Toho Water Authority, suggesting Toho fund the bulk of the work. Commissioner Eady raised concerns about potential gentrification and property tax increases for low-income seniors. Mr. Parsons argued tax increases would be minimal.
• Stephanie Nelson called for more accountability and transparency in public fund distribution, citing the Business Boost 2.0 grant program.
• Lillian Evans alleged that Mayor Jackie Espinosa personally received approximately $55,000 from the program, and that businesses connected to the Mayor’s husband, daughter, and Commissioner Jeremy Fetzer’s spouse also received funding. She requested a full independent review and criticized a $400 fee to access public records.
• Jeremy Fetzer defended the program, stating the funds were federal ARPA pass-through grants, the commission did not shape the program, and no business relationship existed between grantees and the city. He characterized the allegations as defamatory.
• Mayor Espinosa responded that the program was approved unanimously before her tenure and that she is willing to meet privately to discuss it. She defended her family and stated she is not a punching bag.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (Items 7.A–7.G and 7.I) was approved 5-0 with Item 7.H removed for separate discussion. Items included:
  • 7.A: Minutes of December 2, 2025 meeting
  • 7.B: First Amendment with Premier Lawn Maintenance LLC (reduces cycle payment by $750)
  • 7.C: Advanced purchase of a Sutphen fire engine for $999,731 (after discount)
  • 7.D: Authorization to negotiate a Construction Manager at Risk agreement with Core Construction for Lakeside Fire Station and Durbin Park Community Center
  • 7.E: Contract with KUA for electrical line extension at Mill Run Park Fire Station ($229,007)
  • 7.F: Sale of surplus property at 1021 W. Oak Street to Alemer Group for $1.31M
  • 7.G: Renewal and Fourth Amendment of YMCA agreement (12-month extension, with option for 12 more months)
  • 7.I: Purchase of Dell server equipment from Davenport Group ($366,775.87)

Discussion Items

• 7.H – First Amendment to First Right of Refusal to Lease Airport Property: The original agreement allowed a 12-month extension. Mayor Espinosa proposed reducing the extension to 4 months to ensure accountability. The commission approved the amendment as modified (5-0).
• 7.D (public comment): Ray Parsons questioned the selection of Core Construction (Texas-based) over local firm ARNCO Construction for the Lakeside Fire Station project. City Manager Steigerwald explained that the procurement was for professional services (not a low bid) and that Core Construction was already contracted for a similar fire station, providing efficiencies. He noted that local vendor preference applies to bids but not professional services RFPs. The commission had already approved the item on consent.
• 8.A – 2026 City Commission Meeting Calendar: Approved 5-0. Meetings will be on the first and third Tuesdays, except September budget hearings (second and fourth Tuesdays). The annual retreat is in January, and the budget workshop in July.
• 8.B – Acceptance of Sculpture Donation and Authorization of Installation: The National Chamber of Arts/CAM USA donated a sculpture titled “The City of Love” (estimated value $10,000) for Lakefront Park. The commission directed staff to work with the organization to plan a mass wedding event on February 14, 2026, and to waive fees. Staff will return with details on size, cost, and specifications.
• Downtown Zoning Change: Commissioner Eady proposed allowing real estate, insurance, and finance businesses on the first floor of Broadway. Development Services Director Craig Holland stated a code amendment could be ready by February or March 2026 after public hearings. The commission gave consensus to proceed.
• NFL Super Bowl Live Stream Event: The commission gave consensus to explore hosting a free public Super Bowl viewing event in 2026, in partnership with Alianza and the local NAACP chapter. Licensing issues with government property will be investigated.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance #25-20 (rezoning) adopted 5-0.
• Ordinance #25-21 (sign code) approved on first reading 5-0.
• Consent agenda approved 5-0.
• Item 7.H approved with a 4-month extension instead of 12 months (5-0).
• 2026 meeting calendar adopted.
• Sculpture donation accepted; staff to coordinate installation and February 14 event.
• Downtown code amendment to be drafted for Planning Advisory Board and Commission consideration.
• Super Bowl event exploration authorized.
• City Manager addressed rumors that he would be fired, stating he has the Mayor’s support; Mayor Espinosa confirmed she does not intend to remove him.
• Commissioner Eady warned that her private property is off-limits after an incident where a protester sang outside her home.