Winter Park City Commission Regular Meeting - April 8, 2026

The Winter Park City Commission convened for its regular meeting on April 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. Presided over by Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, and with Commissioners Elizabeth Ingram, Craig Russell, Kris Cruzada, and Warren Lindsey present, the meeting covered a broad range of topics including a cultural presentation, personnel changes, public safety assessments, and land use. The meeting adjourned at 4:55 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the March 25, 2026 regular meeting.
• Approved piggyback contracts for Gresco Utility Supply, Inc. (transformer supply, $1,000,000) and Central Florida Lift Stations, Inc. (lift station maintenance, $400,000).
• Approved a purchase for the J.E. Krips, Inc. sidewalk and curb project completion ($500,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public registered to speak during the meeting's public comment period or on any of the discussion items requiring action.

Discussion Items

• Cultural Partner Presentation: President Dr. Kathleen Plinske provided an update on Valencia College. She noted the college serves over 75,000 students annually, with approximately 4,000 at the Winter Park campus. She highlighted the college's affordability ($103 per credit hour, no tuition increase in 12 years), the Osceola Prosper program, and requested the Commission advocate for state funding for the Florida College System.
• Proclamation: Mayor DeCiccio read a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month, focusing on efficient outdoor irrigation. Representatives from the St. Johns River Water Management District and the city's Natural Resources Department thanked the city for its efforts.
• City Manager's Report: Randy Knight presented the work session schedule for April-June 2026. Discussion included utilization data for the electric vehicle charging stations at Morse and New York, showing over 2,100 vehicles charged in 2025 and an 11% load factor. Commissioners also discussed ongoing improvements to the Aloma Avenue corridor.
• City Attorney's Report: Kurt Ardaman updated the Commission on an omnibus agreement to remove billboards citywide, noting it is pending resolution with the Florida Department of Transportation and property owners.
• City Manager Retirement: Mr. Knight announced his retirement effective January 2027 and recommended Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle as his successor. Every Commissioner voiced strong support for an internal promotion, citing Ms. del Valle's experience, institutional knowledge, and community relationships. The Commission authorized the Mayor to negotiate a contract.
• City Attorney Agreement Amendment: The Commission debated a fee increase for the Fishback Dominick firm. Commissioners Russell and Cruzada supported the increase, citing fair market rates. Commissioners Ingram and Lindsey opposed immediate approval, arguing for a Request for Proposals (RFP) after 13 years. Mayor DeCiccio supported the increase, noting that other local governments pay significantly higher rates for complex litigation. The motion to approve passed 3-2.
• Standards of Cover and Community Risk Assessment (CRA): Fire Chief Dan Hagedorn presented the 6th Edition of the CRA, the Fire Department's business plan for risk and resource deployment. He discussed response times, the high volume of calls from assisted living facilities (the top 10 addresses), and explained that EMS billing recovers over $1 million annually for the city. The document was approved unanimously.
• Reconsideration of Z Properties Lot Split: Commissioner Lindsey requested adding a reconsideration of the previously denied subdivision at 436 N. Knowles Avenue. Applicant Zane Williams proposed revised plans addressing prior concerns, including reduced building coverage. The Commission voted unanimously to place the item on a future agenda following proper public notice.
• Commission Reports:
  • Commissioner Ingram congratulated Mead Garden on a successful Duck Derby.
  • Commissioner Russell commended the Great American Clean-up (76 volunteers, 350+ lbs of trash collected) and successfully proposed tasking the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) with updating the 2010 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Plan.
  • Commissioner Cruzada thanked Public Works for stormwater management and urged residents to keep debris out of storm drains.
  • Commissioner Lindsey thanked Mr. Knight, congratulated Ms. del Valle, offered condolences for philanthropist Harold Ward, and praised the Police Department's community crime meeting.
  • Mayor DeCiccio invited Police Chief Kevin Volkerson to address recent residential burglaries. Chief Volkerson advised residents on prevention (securing packages, using light timers, removing trash cans) and promoted the Police Department's House Check program for residents traveling out of town.

Key Outcomes

• City Manager Succession: Accepted the retirement of Randy Knight (effective Jan. 2027) and authorized Mayor DeCiccio to negotiate a contract with Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle. (Unanimous)
• City Attorney Fee Increase: Approved the second amendment to the legal services agreement by a vote of 3-2.
• Fire Department Plan: Unanimously approved the 6th Edition of the Standards of Cover and Community Risk Assessment.
• Land Use Reconsideration: Voted unanimously to place the revised Z Properties lot split application on a future agenda with proper public notice.
• Transportation Study: Reached consensus to task the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) with reviewing and updating the 2010 Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Plan.