Kissimmee City Commission Meeting - July 7, 2026

This meeting of the Kissimmee City Commission was held on July 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM, chaired by Mayor Jackie Espinosa with all five commissioners present (Noel Ortiz, Angela Eady, Carlos Alvarez III, Janette Martinez). City Manager Mike Steigerwald was absent; Deputy City Manager Desiree Matthews acted in his stead. The meeting included proclamations, a public hearing on an aviation ordinance update, public comments on various local issues, unanimous approval of a 10-item consent agenda, discussion and approval of a Community Redevelopment Agency incentive agreement, and designation of a voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities conference. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM.

Consent Agenda

• Minutes: Approved minutes from June 16 and June 29, 2026.
• Construction Contracts Extension: Granted a one-year extension (through June 6, 2027) to nine construction and renovation service firms: 8-KOI Construction, Arnco Construction, Associated Cost Engineers, Balfour Beatty, Cathcart Construction, Grove Construction, MVB & Associates, Sequel Developers, and Siwel.
• Michael Baker International Contract: Approved a five-year continuing services contract for general planning, transportation, mapping, marketing/public involvement, and market analysis.
• Mill Run Fire Station No. 2 CMAR Amendment: Approved first amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk agreement with CORE Construction Services of Florida – updating the architect/engineer of record and reducing retainage: from 10% to 5% prior to 50% completion, then to 2.5% after 50% completion. No increase in contract amount.
• Police/911 Generator Project: Awarded a $591,690 contract to Ring Power Corporation for installation of a 750 kW generator at KPD and a 175 kW generator at the 911 Center, funded by FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant ($808,368 total); remaining grant funds reserved as contingency.
• Traffic Signal Design: Approved $160,300 for design of a new mast‑arm traffic signal at Mill Slough Road and Denn John Lane, including upgraded pedestrian crossings, emergency vehicle preemption, and storm‑resilient infrastructure.
• SHIP Funding FY 2026‑2027: Accepted $609,218 from Florida Housing Finance Corporation for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program.
• Additional SHIP Funding FY 2025‑2026: Accepted $22,598.10 (including $19,649 disaster redistribution and $2,949.10 program income) and amended the FY2025‑2026 budget.
• COPS LEMHWA Grant: Authorized application for the FY 2026 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program grant to develop peer support and comprehensive wellness programming.
• BIDEN Program Grant: Authorized application for the U.S. DOJ FY 2026 Bridging Immigration‑Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide Program grant (equipment, technology, detention improvements).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Darlene Ramirez & Igor Baez (Casa del Artesano / Park Callejon) requested restoration of a previously issued permit for sidewalk artwork display at 112 Broadway, asserting responsible operation with no complaints and positive economic/cultural impact.
• Reuben Anderson (pastor, citizen) praised City Clerk Tameara Crespo for her diligent work during the recent qualifying period and thanked law enforcement for their service.
• Richard Hear voiced concerns about marijuana trucks parking near churches and Waffle House, and children riding electric bicycles without helmets, urging stricter regulation.
• Autumn Suffield (age 16) criticized Commissioner Janette Martinez's conduct, recounting a probate court incident and stating she had lost confidence in her leadership; she will not vote for Martinez.
• Madeline Castellano accused Commissioner Martinez of interfering in her father's probate case, including contacting KPD and KUA, and of misrepresenting matters to the State Attorney; she called for accountability.
• Lillian Evans expressed support for Commissioner Martinez, noting she will vote for her and questioning why similar criticism was not directed at the Mayor.

Discussion Items

• (CRA) Pioneer Project Incentive Agreement – The Downtown Kissimmee CRA board approved a $76,000 incentive (10% of $760,000 eligible tangible costs) for Souza & Martins Savory Bites (doing business as Nosso Quintal Brazilian Bar & Grill) to rehabilitate the historic former bank at 30 Broadway into a 3,020‑sq‑ft restaurant and café. The $1.58 million project is expected to create 25‑40 jobs and increase downtown foot traffic through cultural programming. Project is under permitting, with completion anticipated summer 2026. Approved 5‑0.
• Florida League of Cities Voting Delegate – Commissioner Martinez moved to designate Mayor Espinosa as the City’s voting delegate for the League’s Annual Conference (August 13‑15, 2026, Hollywood, FL). Approved 5‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 26‑17 (First Reading): Approved 5‑0. The aviation code (Chapter 8) is reorganized to remove the “Minimum Standards” language from the ordinance, allowing updates to the standards by reference without future ordinance changes. One resident, John Cortez, raised noise concerns during the public hearing.
• All Consent Agenda Items: Approved unanimously (5‑0).
• CRA Incentive Award: Approved 5‑0 for Nosso Quintal Brazilian Bar & Grill.
• Voting Delegate: Mayor Espinosa appointed.
• Commissioner Martinez Statement: Martinez announced that the Special Prosecutor recommended dismissal of all complaints against her, stating she is cleared and committed to transparency and service.
• Upcoming Public Meeting: Deputy City Manager Matthews announced a Connect Kissimmee project public meeting on July 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers.