City Commission Regular Meeting - July 8, 2026

The Winter Park City Commission held its regular meeting on July 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting included a community partner presentation, city manager's report on the FY 2027 proposed budget, public comments, approval of consent agenda, and commission reports. The meeting adjourned at 5:44 PM.

Community Partner Presentation

• Melissa Schneider from the Winter Park Library shared stories of patrons, including John and Jan Recker, who have been regular visitors since 1981 and recently contributed to the library's endowment to support the children's collection in perpetuity. She also highlighted two struggling readers from Brookshire Elementary enrolled in a 15-week individualized tutoring program; improvements were seen within four weeks. The program will expand in fall through collaborations with other Winter Park schools. Commissioner Lindsey commended Ms. Schneider and Library Board of Trustees member Bob McClelland.

City Manager's Report

• FY 26 Q4 Schedule: Approved by consensus. Commissioner Lindsey inquired about the proposed e-bike ordinance. Commissioner Russell stated he is working with the City Attorney and Chief Volkerson to develop the ordinance, aiming to introduce it at the start of the school year in alignment with Orange County's upcoming ordinance. A work session will discuss further. The Winter Park 9 greens are expected to reopen at the end of July.
• FY 27 Budget Presentations: City Manager Randy Knight presented a proposed balanced budget—his 36th for Winter Park. It is a status quo budget maintaining service levels, with the 19th consecutive year of a 4.0923 millage rate. Property tax is 44% of general fund revenue. A new legislative rule requires a supermajority vote (4 of 5) to adopt the same millage rate. Growth in revenue (approximately $4.8 million) will go toward public safety costs, police and fire pensions, the fire collective bargaining agreement, and paving materials. Rate increases are proposed for electric (about 4–5% impact, $8/month for average customer), water & wastewater (2.46% CPI plus additional 2%, about $4/month for average customer), and stormwater (third year of one-cent-per-square-foot increase, about $15/month total). The timing and impact of the property tax reform bill were discussed; the first financial hit would be in FY 2028, with an estimated $5.4 million reduction phased in. Departments are exploring a 10% reduction scenario (90% budget) for possible future implementation. Public Works Director Charles Ramdatt presented his department's budget, including capital improvement projects and a potential 10% reduction plan ($1 million) achieved by reducing facility costs (47%) and public works/transportation costs (53%). Options include reducing janitorial services, deferring capital projects, and adjusting street sweeping frequency. Commissioner Ingram asked about the effect on lakes; Mr. Ramdatt said staff could adjust timing to protect lake quality.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the work session (June 22, 2026), regular meeting (June 24, 2026), and work session (June 25, 2026).
• Approved piggyback contracts: Stuart C. Irby, LLC (wire & cable, $500,000 through June 14, 2029); Ten-8 Fire Equipment Company ($145,000 through July 31, 2027); Atlantic Pipe Services, LLC ($300,000 through July 17, 2027).
• Approved contracts: The Davey Tree Expert Company (tree pruning/removal, $750,000 through July 7, 2027); Tom's Sod Services, Inc. (sod purchase/delivery/installation, $400,000 through July 13, 2027).
• Approved the employment agreement for Michelle del Valle. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Darcey, 1390 Pelham Road, served on the board of Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts. She spoke on the organization's achievements since founder Chris Cortez's passing in 2025, including hosting over 200 performances and welcoming more than 16,000 guests in the past year. She expressed gratitude for the city's support in transforming the former library into Blue Bamboo's new home.
• Nancy Schutts, 2010 Brandywine Drive, spoke in support of incremental millage increases. She suggested framing them around specific services (e.g., fire department needs) to improve public acceptance. She also referenced the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds as a potential resource.

Key Outcomes

• Approved FY 26 Q4 schedule for special meetings and work sessions.
• The FY 2027 proposed balanced budget was presented; tentative millage adoption set for July 22, 2026.
• Discussion initiated on property tax reform and potential service reductions (10% budget cut scenario).
• Micromobility (e-bike) ordinance continues to be developed; may proceed independently if Orange County does not provide a draft.
• Consent Agenda approved unanimously.
• Commissioner reports included recognition of the Winter Park Playhouse, school accountability results (Brookshire Elementary from C to A, several schools maintaining A grades), the July 4th event, and awards: E.F. Scattergood System Achievement Award for sustained electric reliability (10 years running) and the Triple Crown Award for financial stewardship. Commissioner Ingram toured the fire department and public works. Commissioner Russell noted the Orange County Public Schools 1-mill referendum on the August ballot.