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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Kissimmee City Commission Meeting – April 7, 2026: Downtown Zoning, Commercial Vehicles, Fire Assessment, and Public Testimony

City Commission — Tuesday, April 7, 2026

BodyKissimmee, Florida

SessionCity Commission

DateTuesday, April 7, 2026

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

4:55

Good evening, everyone.

4:56

Thank you all for being here today.

5:00

Thank you.

5:00

This meeting is now called to order.

Unassigned speaker

5:04

As

Speaker 1

5:04

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

5:10

Citizens desiring to speak under here, the audience should submit a request form to our city clerk to my right prior to the meeting, or as soon as you can, please.

5:23

For the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Commissioner Alvarez.

6:00

Thank you, Commissioner.

6:03

We'll move right on to proclamations and special presentations.

Speaker 2

6:16

Good evening, Madam Mayor, Commissioner, City Management.

6:19

It is our honor, and we are excited for swearing in our four newest police officers.

6:24

They are ready to serve and to protect our community.

6:27

I also just want to take a moment and commend our recruiting division.

6:30

They have a challenging task, a very competitive task, but they do a great job of recruiting the best candidates to represent this city, City of Kissimmee, and also represent an honorable and noble profession.

6:42

So this time, Assistant Chief McGinley will introduce our four newest police officers.

Speaker 3

7:27

Officer Antonio.

Speaker 2

8:30

I will support, protect, and defend.

8:32

I will support and defend the Constitution and Government.

8:35

The Constitution and Government of the United States.

Unassigned speaker

11:00

We

Speaker 1

11:01

move right on to three B swearing in of two new Kissimmee Police Department chaplains.

11:06

Chief Broadway.

Speaker 2

11:07

Yes, thank you again, Madame Mayor.

11:09

Uh one of our goals within uh my first year was to uh re-establish a chaplaincy program.

11:15

Our chaplains serve as spiritual mentors and confidants within our agency as well as the support for our community.

11:23

They will serve as a bridge between faith and service.

11:27

We serve as a comfort in the time of grief, guidance in moments of doubt, as well as strength when it is needed most.

11:34

And this time Assistant McGilly.

Speaker 3

11:42

Chaptain Lu Chaplain Louis Rivera.

11:47

Chaplain Rivera has resided in Florida for thirty-five years.

11:51

He served as associate pastor at New Birth, a place of hope church.

11:56

Chaplain Rivera, his wife for thirty years, Maritza, and their daughters, Nadia and Giselle share mission and rooted is rooted in service, love, and desire to positively impact the lives of those they serve.

12:11

Chaplain John.

12:18

Chaplain Mahia is married to his wife Diana, and they are a proud parent of a new baby boy, Maven.

12:34

Chaplain Mahia is passionate about guiding others through both life's challenges and moments of growth.

12:41

He remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in his community through faith, leadership, and service.

Unassigned speaker

13:23

I will not use my position on the position.

Speaker 2

13:44

So help me God and granted.

Speaker 1

15:04

Thank you.

15:06

We're going to move right on to the proclamations.

15:08

There are four proclamations that we will be giving today, one for Arbor Day, one for Fair Housing Month, Water Conservation Month, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day, presented by our deputy city manager, Desiree Matthews.

Speaker 4

15:26

First proclamation is in honor of Arbor Day.

15:29

If we have Robert Carter here, who is our city parks and public lands manager.

15:37

Come on up to receive the proclamation, Robert.

15:42

Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees, a day of recognition known as Arbor Day and observed throughout the nation and the world.

15:54

And whereas trees reduce stormwater runoff and flooding, cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, store carbon, conserve energy, enhance property values, provide wildlife habitat, and make our streets, parks, and public spaces more inviting, thereby improving the quality of life and safety for all of our residents.

16:14

And whereas Kissimmee's tree canopy coverage is not distributed equally, and data from heat vulnerability and tree equity metrics show the neighborhoods with lower canopy tree cover face higher urban heat, greater public health risk and fewer opportunities to enjoy the benefits of nature.

16:29

And whereas it is the goal of the City of Kissimmee to increase and maintain healthy, safe, and resilient tree canopy that is fairly and equitably distributed across entire city, ensuring that every resident, regardless of background or location, has access to the life-enhancing values of trees.

16:44

And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy, renewal, strength, neighborhood identity, support local businesses and tourism, and contribute to the long-term value and viability of Kissimmee as a thriving, welcoming and beautiful city for current and future generations.

16:59

And therefore, we, the City of Kissimmee Commission, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 24th, 2026 to be Arbor Day and encourage all residents, community groups, schools, and businesses to participate in Arbor Day activities, to plant and properly care for trees, to support efforts that expand tree canopy equitably, and to join the city in stewardship on healthy and healthy urban forest and improving quality of life, advances in environmental health, and strengthening the prosperity and resiliency of our community.

17:30

In witness, thereby it is signed today, April 7th, 2026.

Unassigned speaker

17:45

Would

Speaker 4

17:45

you like to say something?

17:47

I can.

Speaker 5

17:48

I will here.

17:49

I'll say something.

17:50

I greatly appreciate Madam Mayor Commission, uh, city leadership, department leadership in uh recognizing Arbor Day, uh, supporting our our urban forests.

18:00

Trees are amazing.

18:02

Um, they provide beauty, health, and resilience in our community, and with this uh proclamation, it's the final piece in uh a multitude of pieces for us as the city of Kissimmee to apply to become a Tree City USA for long-term uh support of our urban forests.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████████18%

Land Use Planning█████████████████17%

Public Safety█████████████13%

Public Engagement████████████12%

Transportation Safety██████████10%

Food Truck Regulation███████7%

Religious Observance████4%

Personnel Matters████4%

Water And Wastewater Management███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Kissimmee City Commission Meeting – April 7, 2026

The City Commission met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 101 Church Street. The meeting included multiple proclamations, public hearings on land development code amendments and the annual fire service assessment, a consent agenda with 14 items, public testimony on a range of issues, and a discussion on travel funding. Key votes included denial of a downtown office zoning change, tabling of commercial vehicle regulations, and approval of the fire assessment.

Proclamations & Special Presentations

Swearing-in of Four Police Officers: Taylor Espinosa, Annelisse Melendez Mercado, William Lewis, and Antonio Miranda were sworn in by Police Chief Broadway.
Swearing-in of Two Police Chaplains: Pastors Louis Rivera and John Mejia were sworn in as chaplains.
Arbor Day Proclamation: Presented to Parks & Public Lands Manager Robert Carter; the proclamation designated April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day and supports the city’s application to become a Tree City USA.
Fair Housing Month Proclamation: Presented to Osceola Realtors President Teresa Reilly O’Doherty; April proclaimed as Fair Housing Month.
Water Conservation Month Proclamation: Presented to Rodney Tilley, Supervisor from Toho Water Authority; April proclaimed as Water Conservation Month.
Human Trafficking Awareness Day Proclamation: Presented to representatives of the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and Paving the Way Foundation; April 7, 2026 proclaimed as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Employee of the Month – April 2026: Lorendy Martinez, Administrative Assistant in Public Works, recognized for her performance and peer-nominated honor.

Public Hearings – First Readings

4.A – Ordinance #26-10 (Downtown Office Uses): Senior Planner Ashley Cornelison explained the amendment to allow finance, insurance, and real estate offices on ground floors along Broadway and side streets. The Planning Advisory Board had denied it 2-3 on April 1, 2026. Commissioner Martinez moved to deny (maintain current restrictions), seconded by Commissioner Eady. Discussion included concerns that offices would hinder pedestrian activity and the vision for downtown. Commissioner Alvarez noted that existing real estate offices (e.g., RE/MAX) are active and bring foot traffic. The motion carried 3-2 (Mayor Espinosa and Commissioner Ortiz dissenting). Outcome: Ordinance denied; current restrictions remain.
4.B – Ordinance #26-11 (Conditional Use Process): Staff announced the item would be revised and readvertised for a future meeting; no vote taken.
4.C – Ordinance #26-12 (Commercial Vehicles in Residential Districts): Development Services Director Craig Holland presented proposed changes to replace Gross Vehicle Weight with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for easier enforcement. One public speaker, Fernando Holmes, testified about receiving a code violation despite his truck being under the weight limit, expressing frustration with the process and claiming harassment. Commissioners debated the 8,000-pound threshold (unchanged since the 1990s) and the impact on tradespeople and homeowners. Commissioner Alvarez moved to table the item until a workshop could be held; seconded by Commissioner Martinez. Motion carried 5-0. Staff was directed not to enforce the current code on heavy commercial vehicles until the ordinance is updated, but semi-tractors remain unenforceable under existing code.
4.D – Ordinance #26-13 (Firefighters Retirement Plan – DROP): Deputy City Manager Matthews reviewed the amendment aligning the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) with the collective bargaining agreement (effective Oct 1, 2024 – Sep 30, 2027). The amendment allows entry upon qualifying for normal retirement and a 96-month participation period. The actuary confirmed no actuarial impact. Motion to approve first reading carried 5-0.

Public Hearing – Annual Fire Service Assessment Resolution

5.A – Resolution #07-2026: Deputy City Manager Matthews explained the resolution sets rates for FY 2026-27, funding approximately $6.3 million (less than 25% of the fire department budget) through proportional property charges. Firefighter Jene Charles expressed gratitude to the commission and community. The motion to adopt the resolution carried 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony (Hear Audience)

Lucy Miranda (Two Brothers Steakhouse) opposed food truck authorization, stating brick-and-mortar businesses face higher costs and that unfair competition could reduce local employment.
Diana Moreno Pinto (Kissimmee Main Street) praised the Hop on Downtown event, which drew approximately 3,700 attendees and featured live music, Easter egg hunts, and a faith-based component. She requested consideration of similar monthly events.
A Spanish-speaking resident (via translator) urged stronger helmet laws for motorcyclists, citing a 70% increase in fatal accidents and sharing a personal tragedy involving her daughter.
Stephanie Nielsen alleged abuse of power by the mayor, claiming a pattern of intimidation and self-interest, and called for the mayor’s resignation.
Lillian Evans also demanded accountability, alleging the mayor used the Boost 2.0 program for personal gain and shaped ordinances to benefit her real estate interests. She called for resignation.
Danishka Oppenheimer Coyaso spoke on behalf of her partner killed in a traffic incident involving an illegal turn, demanding stronger laws and accountability for negligent drivers.
Nellie Hernandez described delays in obtaining a Business Tax Receipt (BTR), citing non-response from staff (Kayla Smith) and eventual resolution after involving Deputy City Manager Austin Blake. She requested process improvements.

Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously (5-0) with items 7.A through 7.N. Notable items include:
- 7.B: Memorandum of Agreement with FDOT for landscaping on Vine Street (UCP Charter School).
- 7.D: Second Amendment with AECOM for Lancaster Ranch Park design ($599,627).
- 7.F: Lien reduction agreement for 810 Person Street ($4,000 plus satisfaction costs).
- 7.G: LAP Agreement with FDOT for Shingle Creek Trail Phase South 2B ($8.64M for construction, $632K for CEI; city allocates $254,718 for ineligible costs).
- 7.I: Authorization to apply for vertiport and air taxi infrastructure grants (partnership with Bell Dancy Industries, estimated $14M investment).
- 7.N: Resolution establishing qualifying period (June 8–12, 2026) for the August 18, 2026 General Election (Seats 2 and 4).

Discussion Items

8.A – Travel Funding Request: Vice-Mayor Angela Eady rescinded her request to attend the Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials conference (April 15-17, 2026, Tampa) due to a prior commission direction to reserve travel expenses. No action taken.

Hear City Officials

Deputy City Manager Matthews announced the Food Truck Workshop on April 14, 2026 (5 PM); Community Shred Day on April 25, 2026 (9 AM–1 PM); and that a workshop on commercial vehicles in residential districts would likely be scheduled in May or June. She also noted staff will report on DEI program impacts from new state laws.
Commissioner Ortiz moved to reschedule the Food Truck Workshop from April 14 to April 24, 2026, due to a scheduling conflict. The motion failed 1-4 (only Commissioner Ortiz in favor).

Key Outcomes

Ordinance #26-10 (Downtown Office Uses): Denied 3-2; current restrictions on ground-floor finance, insurance, and real estate offices remain.
Ordinance #26-11 (Conditional Use Process): Pulled and will be revised and readvertised.
Ordinance #26-12 (Commercial Vehicles): Tabled 5-0 pending a workshop; no enforcement of heavy commercial vehicle restrictions until further direction.
Ordinance #26-13 (Firefighters DROP): First reading approved 5-0.
Fire Service Assessment Resolution (#07-2026): Adopted 5-0.
Consent Agenda: Approved 5-0.
Travel Request: Rescinded; no action.
Food Truck Workshop Date: Motion to reschedule failed 1-4; workshop remains April 14, 2026.

Note: The agenda and minutes are consistent. The transcript confirms all votes and public comments. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here today. Thank you. This meeting is now called to order. As a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices during the meeting. Citizens desiring to speak under here, the audience should submit a request form to our city clerk to my right prior to the meeting, or as soon as you can, please. For the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Commissioner Alvarez. Thank you, Commissioner. We'll move right on to proclamations and special presentations. Good evening, Madam Mayor, Commissioner, City Management. It is our honor, and we are excited for swearing in our four newest police officers. They are ready to serve and to protect our community. I also just want to take a moment and commend our recruiting division. They have a challenging task, a very competitive task, but they do a great job of recruiting the best candidates to represent this city, City of Kissimmee, and also represent an honorable and noble profession. So this time, Assistant Chief McGinley will introduce our four newest police officers. Officer Antonio. I will support, protect, and defend. I will support and defend the Constitution and Government. The Constitution and Government of the United States. We move right on to three B swearing in of two new Kissimmee Police Department chaplains. Chief Broadway. Yes, thank you again, Madame Mayor. Uh one of our goals within uh my first year was to uh re-establish a chaplaincy program. Our chaplains serve as spiritual mentors and confidants within our agency as well as the support for our community. They will serve as a bridge between faith and service. We serve as a comfort in the time of grief, guidance in moments of doubt, as well as strength when it is needed most. And this time Assistant McGilly. Chaptain Lu Chaplain Louis Rivera. Chaplain Rivera has resided in Florida for thirty-five years. He served as associate pastor at New Birth, a place of hope church. Chaplain Rivera, his wife for thirty years, Maritza, and their daughters, Nadia and Giselle share mission and rooted is rooted in service, love, and desire to positively impact the lives of those they serve. Chaplain John. Chaplain Mahia is married to his wife Diana, and they are a proud parent of a new baby boy, Maven. Chaplain Mahia is passionate about guiding others through both life's challenges and moments of growth. He remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in his community through faith, leadership, and service. I will not use my position on the position. So help me God and granted. Thank you. We're going to move right on to the proclamations. There are four proclamations that we will be giving today, one for Arbor Day, one for Fair Housing Month, Water Conservation Month, and Human Trafficking Awareness Day, presented by our deputy city manager, Desiree Matthews. First proclamation is in honor of Arbor Day. If we have Robert Carter here, who is our city parks and public lands manager. Come on up to receive the proclamation, Robert. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees, a day of recognition known as Arbor Day and observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees reduce stormwater runoff and flooding, cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, store carbon, conserve energy, enhance property values, provide wildlife habitat, and make our streets, parks, and public spaces more inviting, thereby improving the quality of life and safety for all of our residents. And whereas Kissimmee's tree canopy coverage is not distributed equally, and data from heat vulnerability and tree equity metrics show the neighborhoods with lower canopy tree cover face higher urban heat, greater public health risk and fewer opportunities to enjoy the benefits of nature. And whereas it is the goal of the City of Kissimmee to increase and maintain healthy, safe, and resilient tree canopy that is fairly and equitably distributed across entire city, ensuring that every resident, regardless of background or location, has access to the life-enhancing values of trees. And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy, renewal, strength, neighborhood identity, support local businesses and tourism, and contribute to the long-term value and viability of Kissimmee as a thriving, welcoming and beautiful city for current and future generations.

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