Winter Park City Commission Regular Meeting - January 14, 2026

The Winter Park City Commission met on January 14, 2026, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting included a cultural partner presentation, approvals of consent and action items, and discussions on property tax reform and a Heritage Trail project. All votes were unanimous 5-0 unless otherwise noted.

Cultural Partner Presentation

• Jeff Flowers of Blue Bamboo reported that from July to December 2025, the venue produced 101 shows (24 free), drew 8,300 attendees, and generated $180,000 in ticket sales and $80,000 in bar sales, totaling $340,000. Expenses are declining while income holds steady. Three serious sub-lease negotiations have occurred, and a fourth is underway.

Mayor’s Report

• Mayor DeCiccio read a proclamation declaring National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week. Case Sparks, a student registered nurse anesthetist, accepted and highlighted the profession’s commitment to patient care.
• The Mayor thanked Police Chief Tim Volkerson and senior staff for extra security at a menorah lighting.
• City Manager Randy Knight reported on pending property tax reform: a proposed 10-year phase-in increasing the homestead exemption by $100,000 per year, eliminating property taxes on homesteaded properties after 10 years. He explained legal limits on using public funds for advocacy and noted that only factual information may be shared. The first bill is scheduled for a committee hearing on January 15.

City Manager’s Report

• Knight presented the FY26 Q2 meeting schedule: a work session on February 26 for recodification of city code, and a tentative budget work session on March 12. A full-day strategic planning session is proposed for April 29.
• Updates: site work has begun at the fire training facility, but a property swap with FDOT is causing delays; Fire Engine 61 is expected in about three weeks; the Events Center ceiling repair is scheduled for early February, with other issues progressing more slowly.

City Attorney’s Report

• Kurt Ardaman reported that the Code Compliance Board issued a foreclosure order for 2661 Via Tuscany. He noted a 2020 mortgage (~$1.2 million) and a 2021 federal tax lien (~$13,500) that need further review. The commission agreed to place the matter on the January 28 agenda for a decision on proceeding with foreclosure.

Public Comments

• Pete Gottfried, 1841 Carollee Lane, provided an update on the proposed Heritage Trail, which would connect the West Orange Trail to the Cady Way Trail and other trails through Winter Park. He suggested the city form a committee (possibly the Transportation Advisory Board or Parks and Recreation Advisory Board) to oversee progress. The conceptual plan is expected to be finished in spring, with funding from state transportation grants.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the December 10, 2025 regular meeting and December 11, 2025 work session.
• Approved RFP5-25 (Audio Visual Systems) with Teer Audio Visual, 1-year initial term plus four 1-year renewals, not to exceed $200,000.
• Approved piggyback contracts: Duval Ford (heavy trucks/buses, $300,000), Environmental Products Group (sewer vacuum, $600,000), and additional funding for Duval Ford (pursuit/administrative vehicles, $200,000).
• Approved contracts: Sensus USA metering software ($275,000 through August 1, 2029) and Modern Plumbing Industries plumbing services ($550,000 through November 14, 2026).
• Approved purchase from CDW Government for Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement ($692,833.08).
• Discussion: Commissioner Lindsey asked about cost-effectiveness of vehicle purchases (Knight confirmed state-contract discounts and 14-year average vehicle life) and plumbing services (major plumbing contracted out as more cost-effective than in-house).

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• Civil Service Board Appointment: Appointed Dwayne Bryant by motion of Mayor DeCiccio, seconded by Commissioner Russell. Carried 5-0.
• Five-Year Review of Advisory Boards: City Clerk Rene Cranis presented staff recommendations; no boards proposed for sunset. Commissioner Lindsey moved to add the Winter Park 9 golf course to the Winter Pines Golf Course Advisory Board (renamed to Golf Course Advisory Board). Discussion included non-resident membership requirements, the role of the Lake Killarney Advisory Board, and seawall/revetment review responsibilities. The motion carried 5-0.

City Commission Reports

• Commissioner Sullivan suggested establishing a permitting procedure for activities on the public property around the Library and Events Center, and reconsidering the ordinance that restricts demonstrations there. The city attorney noted the ordinance is limited to a perimeter zone and allows individual expression. Commissioner Russell and Cruzada expressed concerns about reopening the issue; Commissioner Lindsey supported his original position but noted no motion was required. The discussion did not result in any action.
• Commissioner Russell: Announced a Harris Foundation device drive to refurbish devices for graduating seniors (collection boxes at Winter Park High, City Hall lobby, Cogent Bank, and his driveway). Recognized Parks and Recreation for new beach volleyball courts, the WP High School video production team’s historical documentaries, the girls’ volleyball state championship, and four choral students receiving Allstate honors. Announced a community informational meeting on e-scooters and e-bikes on February 17.
• Commissioner Cruzada: Reported the “Love Your Library” “Books and Boots” event at Winter Park Library on February 7. Thanked Public Works for neighborhood improvements in Gulfside Fairway.
• Commissioner Lindsey: Reported on the Park Avenue District’s State of the Park event, recognizing Mayor DeCiccio for helping start the district. Noted that Chart Art Magazine’s special edition recognized Communications Director Clarissa Howard for her contributions to arts and culture.
• Mayor DeCiccio: Shared positive feedback on the new Central Park restrooms. Announced a CLE ethics session at the Farmers Market on February 19. Reported that the Miami Herald named Winter Park the top small city and a desirable winter escape.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda (5-0).
• Appointed Dwayne Bryant to the Civil Service Board (5-0).
• Approved the five-year advisory board review with amendments, including renaming the golf board and adding Winter Park 9 oversight (5-0).
• Scheduled a discussion on foreclosure proceedings for 2661 Via Tuscany for the January 28 meeting.
• Received updates on Blue Bamboo, Heritage Trail, and various community activities.