Winter Park City Commission Regular Meeting - March 11, 2026

The Winter Park City Commission met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting included a cultural partner presentation, a proclamation, recognition of Commissioner Marty Sullivan's six years of service, a Parks and Recreation Master Plan overview, approval of consent items, and approval of an addendum to the Habitat for Humanity agreement. Public comment was heard on crime and the parks plan. The meeting adjourned at 5:23 PM.

Cultural Partner Presentation – Mead Botanical Garden

• Mead Botanical Garden Board Chair Phil Diamond and Executive Director Ashley Fraebel presented the garden's 2025 impact report, noting over 300,000 visitors, 180+ community programs, 110 events, and 7,000+ volunteer hours. Upcoming projects include new pathways, a legacy pond overlook, site lighting, boardwalk restoration, Lake Lily dredging, and a multi-phase expansion of the legacy garden. The garden is free and open to the public.

Mayor’s Report – Proclamation and Commissioner Recognition

• Mayor Sheila DeCiccio read a proclamation declaring March 14, 2026, as Winter Park Kappa Alpha Psi Charter Day, recognizing the Winter Park Alumni Chapter’s community service. Fraternity Polemarch Ron Newsome accepted.
• Mayor DeCiccio presented Commissioner Marty Sullivan with a token of appreciation for six years of service, highlighting his work on utility undergrounding, renewable energy, the Arts and Cultural Alliance, and multiple park improvements. Commissioner Sullivan thanked the commission and city staff, and welcomed incoming Commissioner Elizabeth Ingram.

City Manager’s Report

• City Manager Randy Knight noted the resident survey has closed; results will be posted online and discussed at the April strategic planning session.
• The Park Avenue Refresh project is on schedule; concrete pours for new streetlight bases occurred the day after the meeting.
• A 15.6% fuel cost surcharge on electric bills took effect March 1, scheduled for nine months but reviewed monthly.
• The Heritage Trail study is due back in early summer; staff is researching grant opportunities.
• Dispatch services for Maitland Police Department begin March 15; four additional dispatchers are being hired.
• Commissioner Lindsey recognized dispatcher Brittany LaCroix.

City Attorney’s Report

• The writ of certiorari regarding Lake Virginia remains pending at the appellate level.
• No update on the code enforcement appeal of fines.

Non-Action Item: Parks and Recreation Master Plan Introduction

• Parks and Recreation Director Jason Seely and GAI Director Kristen Kaborn presented the master plan process. Key components: park inventory (19 parks), public engagement (two workshops on April 18 and May 12, a statistically valid survey mailed to 5,000 residents, and an online survey launching March 27), needs assessment, and a capital improvement plan with recommendations due in December. The plan supports CAPRA accreditation requirements. Commissioners asked about trends (pickleball, indoor recreation, shade, dual-use stormwater facilities) and grant opportunities (FRDAP, LWCF).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Williams (209 Tyree Lane) expressed frustration about a July 2025 arson at his home and a December 2025 burglary. He criticized the criminal justice process and called for full prosecution. He also complained about ongoing crime in his neighborhood.
• Bob Bendick (1211 Oxford Road, Winter Park Land Trust board member) congratulated the city and parks department on the Parks Master Plan and expressed interest in contributing to the process.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (5-0):
  • Minutes of the February 25, 2026 regular meeting.
  • Piggyback contract with DataProse for utility bill printing/mailing (not to exceed $250,000, through Feb 2027).
  • Piggyback contract with CJ's Sales & Service for emergency generator maintenance (not to exceed $400,000, through June 2030).
  • Piggyback contract with Hydra Services for pump supply/maintenance/repair and SCADA conversion (not to exceed $1,760,000, through May 2027).
  • During discussion, Commissioner Lindsey suggested promoting e-billing to reduce paper use; staff noted about 25% of customers already use e-bills.

Discussion Items

• Addendum to 2021 Joint Participation Agreement with Habitat for Humanity and Zoning Text Change: Planning Director Allison McGillis reviewed the proposal to develop five single-family Habitat homes on the former Winter Park Tech site (owned by Orange County School Board) on the northern portion zoned PQP. The addendum allows the city’s annual $200,000 allocation to be used for water/sewer extensions instead of lot acquisition. A zoning text change to permit single-family homes under R-1A standards in the PQP district was requested. Habitat board member Jeff Briggs highlighted the partnership and noted that Orange County School Board would retain ownership via 99-year leases to keep homes affordable for school employees. Homes would be sold to income-qualified OCPS employees, with resale restrictions. The commission discussed limiting the text change to PQP-zoned properties. No public comments. Motion to approve carried unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent Agenda (5-0).
• Approved: Addendum to Habitat for Humanity agreement and direction to proceed with zoning text change (5-0).
• Appointed: Tracy Klingler to the Economic Development Advisory Board (by Commissioner Russell).
• Parking Study Referral: Commissioner Lindsey proposed a citizen parking committee; Mayor suggested assigning the task to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). Consensus was for staff to determine whether TAB can conduct research, with a report back to the commission.
• Nanobubbler Item: Removed from the agenda.
• Commission Reports: Commissioner Sullivan urged the commission to prioritize arts funding in light of potential tax revenue reductions. Commissioner Cruzada thanked Public Works for communication on Golfside neighborhood improvements. Mayor DeCiccio read an Orlando Sentinel article critical of brick street conditions and extended invitations to the Tri-County League of Cities meeting (March 19) and the Orange County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony (May 6). She also read a letter commending Officer Craig Campbell for empathy on a call, and recognized Allan Keen for receiving the 2026 James Greene Award.