Public Meetings - Winter Park, Florida

Winter Park City Commission Work Session – December 11, 2025: Fire Rescue Strategic Plan Review\n\nThe Winter Park City Commission held a work session on December 11, 2025, at 3:30 PM to review the Winter Park Fire Rescue Department's 2025 Strategic Plan. Fire Chief Haggard presented the plan, which is part of the department's accreditation requirements and was developed with input from external stakeholders (residents, business owners, developers, etc.) and internal staff. The plan is structured around five pillars: Office of the Fire Marshal, Operations, Training, Administration, and Wellness. The session also covered updates on the new fire training facility, apparatus procurement, call volumes, station conditions, and community engagement initiatives. No formal votes were taken; the plan was presented for commission review and feedback.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Strategic Plan Overview: Chief Haggard explained that the three-year plan (2025-2027) replaces previous five-year plans to remain more agile. External stakeholders identified strengths (medical care, equipment, professionalism) and areas for enhancement (fiscal efficiency, communication, community engagement, additional EMS transport unit). Internal SWOT analysis highlighted strengths (equipment, training, community relations) and weaknesses (rescue 64 staffing, officer development, succession planning).\n- Fire Training Facility: The department is constructing a four-story, multi-pitch roof training tower on a two-acre parcel acquired for a $75 recording fee from FDOT. The facility, a prefabricated structure arriving on six semis, is expected to be completed by June 2026. It includes two burn rooms, varied staircase designs, and will be used for internal training and potentially rented to other agencies. The property also allows for a future fire station.\n- Apparatus Procurement: A new engine (Engine 61) replacing a 2015 model is expected in January/February 2026, ordered in April 2023 (32-34 month lead time). A second engine (Engine 62) was ordered in September 2025 with delivery estimated for June/July 2028. Costs have escalated dramatically: a ladder truck delivered in 2020 cost $1.67 million; today it would exceed $2 million. The vehicle replacement fund is used for these purchases.\n- Call Volumes and Mutual Aid: Year-to-date call volume is slightly down from 2024 (6,027 calls as of Dec 10), a departure from post-COVID double-digit increases. The top 10 addresses for call volume are all assisted living facilities. Mutual aid requests have historically been above the 5% threshold (peaking at 6-7%), primarily for transport units. The addition of Rescue 64 helped reduce reliance on outside agencies.\n- Station 62 Condition: Station 62 on Lakemont (built 1962/63, remodeled 2000) is in need of major renovation or replacement. A heavy remodel is estimated at $4 million; new construction at $8-9 million. The station lacks storm-rated windows, fuel on site, and adequate space for patient treatment and community classes. A potential land swap with AdventHealth was mentioned.\n- Wellness and Recruitment: The state is considering mandating wellness programs and physical standards (NFPA 1582). Winter Park already has annual fitness physicals and a wellness pillar. Recruitment challenges were discussed: fewer candidates from fire academies, need for competitive pay to attract and retain staff. The new union contract (3-year, starting Oct 2025) focuses on wage increases offset by reduced overtime and improved presenteeism.\n- Community Engagement and Public Education: The department conducted nearly 700 CPR certifications, 20,000 community touches, and popular events like Santa on Duty and the tree lighting (4,000 s'mores distributed). Commissioners expressed high praise for the department's professionalism and community presence.\n- Grants and Funding: The department received grants for equipment (e.g., Life Pack 35 defibrillators, $700,000 half funded by grants). A fire services fee was discussed as a potential future revenue source but acknowledged as politically difficult. State appropriation for Station 62 has been unsuccessful.\n- Other Topics: The department does not use drones. QA/QC processes include call handling metrics (60-second processing goal), company officer debriefs, and medical director oversight (Dr. Mitchell Mulhair, a city resident). Mutual aid partners include Orange County and Orlando.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- The strategic plan was presented for review; no formal approval required.\n- The commission expressed strong support for the department and gratitude for its community engagement.\n- Future considerations include exploring funding for Station 62 replacement (possible state appropriation or fire services fee), continuing to monitor call volumes and mutual aid, and leveraging the new training facility for regional partnerships.\n- The chief will incorporate any commissioner feedback into the final published plan.\n- No votes or formal actions were taken during the work session.

The Winter Park City Commission met on December 10, 2025, at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. The meeting was called to order with an invocation by Pastor Preston Free of Encounter Christian Church and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved with two items (10.c.1 and 10.e.1) pulled for separate discussion, then approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM. Mayor's Report - Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann, representing the Tri-County League of Cities, invited increased participation and discussed pending legislation to reduce or dissolve property taxes. He emphasized that property taxes fund essential services and warned that without an implementation bill, many cities would face bankruptcy. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio noted that 44% of police and fire funding comes from property taxes. - The Winter Park High School girls' volleyball team was recognized for winning back-to-back state championships (31-1 record). Coach Gibson praised the team's grit and determination. City Manager's Report - Splash, Float, Swim Program: Director Jason Seeley and Michael Dively reported that over 1,500 children have completed the program. Starting spring 2025, the program will expand to offer free lessons for 3- and 4-year-olds, funded by Parks & Rec budget, a $5,000 USA Swimming Foundation grant, a $5,000 personal donation, and proceeds from the annual Dinner on the Avenue. The program aims to reduce drowning, which is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 4 and under in the U.S. - Park Avenue Refresh Phase 1 Update: Project Manager Clarissa Howard and Alex Stringfellow presented the progress. Construction begins January 20, 2026, starting from Webster to Garfield. The project includes 45 new streetlights (already delivered), 10 new live oak trees, bulb-outs, safety bollards, irrigation, and directional boring. Phase 2 design (Garfield to New England) will kick off in Q1 2026. Over 120 meetings, 1,300 survey responses, and ongoing merchant coordination were noted. - Other Announcements: AdventHealth University Service Day resulted in 84 volunteers removing 134 pounds of trash and 1,100 gallons of invasive arrowhead vines. The city was awarded $19 million from the State Revolving Fund (half forgivable, half zero-interest for 20 years) for wastewater system upgrades. Landscaping work on Lee Road will begin shortly. Public Comments & Testimony - Transformer at Rollins Faculty Housing (926 Palmer Ave): Residents of Douglas Grand spoke in opposition to the location of an electric transformer at the Rollins project. Mark Butner (325 W. Welbourne Ave) presented a petition with 42 owners requesting relocation. Michael Dick (100 S. Virginia Ave) argued the placement violates city code on aesthetic appeal and setback requirements, showing it is only 5 feet from the sidewalk. Terry Hotard (200 Carolina Ave) supported moving the transformer to the parking lot. David Lamm (Lamm & Company) showed images of similar transformers citywide and requested only rotating the unit 180 degrees with screening. City Manager Knight confirmed that rotating and landscaping would meet code. Commissioner Lindsey suggested developing a process for approving transformer locations in future developments. Action Items Requiring Discussion - Code Enforcement Fine Reduction (2661 Via Tuscany): Director Gary Hiatt reviewed the timeline: violations began in March 2021; the Code Compliance Board found proper notice given. Fines totaled approximately $331,000. Cesar Celis (representing Developer and Builder Group) and Jose Patino requested elimination of fines, citing COVID, Hurricane Ian, insurance denial, and lack of notification. Commissioners noted the property owner attended a 2022 hearing and agreed to a 60-day completion. Motion to deny the reduction passed unanimously (5-0). - Billboard Swap MOU: City Manager Knight explained a global MOU among Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar, and Outfront Media to remove 10 billboard structures from city core and relocate some to I-4 and Wymore property. Clear Channel will also upgrade the remaining digital billboard at 17-92/Gay Road with light-directional technology to reduce light pollution. The city is not a party to the MOU; future annexations and property swaps will require ordinances and county approval. Motion to approve the MOU and direct staff to begin implementation passed unanimously (5-0), with a condition that the Gay Road billboard uses new technology. - Civil Service Board Reappointments: Reappointed Ansley Butts and Stephen Stutzer to the Civil Service Board (both unanimous). Public Hearings: Quasi-Judicial Matters - Historic Designation for 275 N. Capen Ave (Resolution 2309-25): The property, built in 1925, was designated a historic resource on the Winter Park Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Board recommended approval. Speakers included Michelle Talbert (daughter of owner Dr. James Talbert), Shannon St. John, and Linda Fay Washington, who highlighted the home's significance to the Hannibal Square community and its role as a tribute to working families. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Public Hearings: Non-Quasi-Judicial Matters - Ordinance 3360-25 – Certified Recovery Residences: Creating regulations and procedures for reasonable accommodation per state law. No public comments. Adopted unanimously (5-0) on second reading. - Ordinance 3361-25 – Land Development Code Amendments: Updating regulations for nonconforming lots/structures and stormwater management, including a fee-in-lieu option for small sites. No public comments. Adopted unanimously (5-0) on second reading. - Item 13c (lot split for lakefront property at 1020 Palmer Ave) was tabled to February 25, 2026, at the applicant's request. Key Outcomes - Unanimously denied reduction of code enforcement fines ($331k). - Approved the billboard swap MOU with condition for light-directional technology at Gay Road. - Reappointed Ansley Butts and Stephen Stutzer to the Civil Service Board. - Adopted Resolution 2309-25 designating 275 N. Capen Ave as a historic resource. - Adopted Ordinances 3360-25 and 3361-25 on second reading. - Directed staff to develop a process for approving transformer and switch gear locations in future developments. - Directed transportation staff to investigate a pedestrian-actuated crosswalk signal on Glenridge Way. - Planned a community meeting on e-scooter and e-bike safety, in coordination with schools and police. - Commissioner Cruzada appointed Melissa Valley to the Lake Killarney Board and Jeffrey Grant to the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals. - Added a second slide for next year's holiday event to reduce wait times.

The Winter Park City Commission held a work session on November 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM to discuss a global settlement agreement regarding the removal of all billboards in the core of the city, with one exception. Representatives from Clear Channel Outdoor, Lamar Advertising, and OUTFRONT Media presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a series of billboard removals and relocations. The Commission expressed consensus to move forward with the proposed swaps. Discussion Items - Global Billboard Swap Deal: City Manager Randy Knight presented the global settlement, noting that Clear Channel, Lamar, and OUTFRONT Media have signed an MOU agreeing not to compete for future billboard locations. The deal involves removals and relocations as follows: - Clear Channel: Removing four billboards (1873 and 2095 W. Fairbanks, 2522 Aloma Avenue, and one on Wymore Road next to the fire training facility). In exchange, Clear Channel will relocate the Wymore billboard about 300 feet south to meet the 1,000-foot separation requirement for digital billboards along I-4, and build a second digital billboard at the Nort Northam property (2600 W. Fairbanks). The new billboard at 2600 W. Fairbanks will be digital facing westbound I-4 and static facing eastbound I-4. - Lamar: Removing the double-sided digital billboard at 1621 Lee Road. In exchange, Lamar will construct a new billboard at 909 N. Wymore Road along I-4, which will require annexation of a portion of that property. - OUTFRONT Media: Removing three billboards at 2090, 2145, and 2431 Aloma Avenue in exchange for a digital billboard at 1885 Dartmouth Avenue. The area is currently outside city limits and will require annexation of four properties between the existing boundary and the proposed site. - Mayor's Request: Mayor Sheila DeCiccio asked Clear Channel to consider removing an additional billboard on 17-92 at Gay Road, but Meredith McKenna from Clear Channel responded that it is part of an existing agreement and they cannot commit to its removal. Mayor DeCiccio requested McKenna ask her company to include it in the deal. - Annexation Process: Attorney Langley explained the annexation process, and discussion followed. Orange County must approve annexation agreements. Matt Howard of Lamar offered to assist in obtaining county approval. - Next Steps: Staff will bring annexation ordinances and city property swap ordinances to the Commission for consideration at future meetings. The parties must obtain approval from Orange County and property owners through voluntary or involuntary annexation. Key Outcomes - Commission Consensus: Mayor DeCiccio stated there is consensus from the Commission to move forward with the global billboard swap deal. - No Vote: As a work session, no formal vote was taken. The direction to staff is to proceed with the annexation and ordinance processes. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned at 4:20 PM. Note: The raw transcript included unrelated content (a police strategic plan presentation), which appears to be from a different meeting. The agenda and minutes consistently describe the billboard swap discussion as the sole agenda item.

The Winter Park City Commission met in regular session on November 12, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers, 401 S. Park Avenue. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio presided, with Commissioners Craig Russell, Kris Cruzada, and Warren Lindsey present; Commissioner Marty Sullivan was absent. The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Ron Camblin of Aloma Church and the Pledge of Allegiance. Community Partner Presentations - Park Avenue District President Alan Chambers introduced Interim Executive Director Allison Chandler, who thanked the city for its partnership, announced holiday events including Light Up Park the following evening, and described her 90-day focus on partnerships, small business owners, and a strong holiday season. - Orange County School Board representative Stephanie Vanos presented on OCPS programs, funding, and Winter Park school achievement. She said Orange County is the 8th largest school district in the U.S. and 4th largest in Florida, with 214 schools, 96 A schools, and a 96% graduation rate. She highlighted that per-student funding remains nearly $1,400 below CPI, the state provides only about 33 cents for each transportation dollar, and the district receives about $21 million in safe-school funding but spends about $37.5 million, including $23 million on 263 school resource officers. She noted targeted improvement work at Brookshire and Killarney elementary schools, praised Aloma's grade improvement from C to B, expressed concerns about letter grades, and urged advocacy, volunteering, and public input on the current school start times survey. - Winter Park Youth City Council members Dan Isaak, Lily Stahlman, Jah'Ron Williams, and Molly Thomson presented a “state of the city” from the youth perspective. They described events, a new podcast, more than 47,000 social media views, and a survey of over 200 students. The survey found 27% wanted more parks and about 74% preferred preserving Winter Park's historical appearance over more developed buildings. Mayor’s Report - Mayor DeCiccio read a proclamation designating Saturday, November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Winter Park, noting that the city was recognized as a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion for the third consecutive year. Consent Calendar - The Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, 4-0, with Commissioner Sullivan absent. It included: - Approval of minutes from the October 22 and October 23, 2025 meetings. - IFB14-25 for concrete materials and repair services, awarded to Ovation Construction Company, Inc., Allcrete, Inc., and D&A Construction Group, Inc., not to exceed $300,000. - Piggyback contracts: STA-CON, LLC ($750,000, pump station control and SCADA panels through 2030); Gray Matter Systems, LLC ($250,000, SCADA services through 2029); Atlantic Pipe Services, LLC ($500,000, storm pipe services through 2026); Cubix, Inc. ($175,000, carpet cleaning through 2026); and Alan Jay Fleet Sales ($750,000, vehicles through 2026). - RFQ20-23 with Ovation Construction Company, Inc. for repair and construction services, not to exceed $1,500,000. - OEM purchases from Data Flow Systems, Inc. ($675,000), MKI Services Inc. ($975,000), and Kissinger Campo Associates Corporation ($93,031.64 for the Heritage-Market Trail feasibility analysis). Public Comments & Testimony - Nikki Seybold, 800 N. Interlachen Avenue, expressed concern that downtown parking is “out of control,” citing recent and planned projects such as The Alfond, Blue Bamboo, Winter Park Playhouse, The Edith, and the Rollins Museum building, and saying the 2018 parking survey found the city was 30 percent under its parking capacity. She urged the city to use CRA money for parking. - Orange County District V Commissioner Kelly Semrad reported that on October 28, 2025, the Orange County Commission allocated $5 million in tourist development tax funding to arts and culture, with about 30% awarded to 11 Winter Park venues. She also reminded everyone of the November 20 community meeting about coyotes. - During the Alberta Drive public hearing, neighboring residents Peter Brethauer (420 Cortland Avenue), Sally Flynn (1400 Highland Road), and Karen Brethauder (420 Cortland Avenue) spoke in opposition to the lot split, citing potential loss of a perimeter wall, construction impacts, reduced setbacks, and changes to neighborhood character. Discussion Items - The only action item requiring discussion was the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Winter Park and the Winter Park Professional Firefighters Local 1598, IAFF. No public comments were made. Mayor DeCiccio praised the fire/rescue department, and Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle answered questions. The Commission approved the agreement unanimously, 4-0. Public Hearings: Quasi-Judicial Matters - SUB 25-03 (1210 Alberta Drive): Staff planner Nick Lewis reviewed the request by Mollie and Andrew Samaan to divide an R-1AA zoned property into two lots. The existing 30,648-square-foot lot would become a 19,398-square-foot lot with the existing house and an 11,250-square-foot second lot. Variances were requested for a 12-foot side setback instead of 20 feet and a 75-foot minimum lot width instead of 100 feet. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval, 3-2, with a condition that the side setback variance applies only to the existing structure. Andrew Samaan said there were no immediate plans to sell or develop the lot and that he had spoken with neighbors. Commissioners Cruzada and Russell supported approval; Commissioner Lindsey opposed, citing impact on neighborhood character and respect for neighboring opposition. A roll call vote approved the request 3-1 (Russell, Cruzada, and Mayor DeCiccio yes; Lindsey no; Sullivan absent). - Ordinance creating Section 58-98 (recovery residences, 1st reading): Attorney Kurt Ardaman read the ordinance by title. Planning and Zoning Director Allison McGillis explained that state law (Chapter 2025-182, Laws of Florida / SB 954) requires cities to adopt reasonable-accommodation procedures for certified recovery residences by January 1, 2026. The ordinance establishes definitions, application requirements, a 60-day determination deadline, and appeal to the Commission. No public comments were made. The Commission approved it unanimously, 4-0. - Ordinance amending Chapter 58 (nonconforming structures and stormwater, 1st reading): The ordinance revises renovation and valuation thresholds to encourage adaptive reuse and preservation, removes certain impediments for interior-only renovations, expands stormwater exemptions, and creates a stormwater utility fee-in-lieu option for small sites under one acre. McGillis and Assistant Public Works Director Don Marcotte answered questions. No public comments were made. The Commission approved it unanimously, 4-0. - Ordinance 3358-25 (utility easement vacation at 2501 Tuscaloosa Trail, 2nd reading): The Commission adopted the ordinance vacating a portion of an unimproved utility easement. No public comments were made. The vote was unanimous, 4-0. Public Hearings: Non Quasi-Judicial Matters - Ordinance 3359-25 (FY 2024-2025 budget amendment, 2nd reading): The Commission adopted the ordinance amending the adopted budget and five-year capital improvement plan. No public comments were made. The vote was unanimous, 4-0. City Commission Reports - Commissioner Russell thanked utilities, public works, and communications staff; reported on Men of Integrity and the solar “Whistling Duck” project; encouraged parents to respond to the OCPS school start times survey; requested recognition for Winter Park High School girls volleyball’s state championship; and suggested inviting high school band and orchestra to the January meeting. - Commissioner Cruzada announced the appointment of Dr. E. Donald Thomas to the Lakes and Waterways Board. - Commissioner Lindsey thanked the Fire Department and asked staff to determine landscaping maintenance responsibilities at the Lee Road and 17-92 intersection and take corrective action. - Mayor DeCiccio thanked staff, noted that City Manager Randy Knight filled and delivered sandbags to an elderly couple, reminded the public about the November 20 coyote meeting, said staff will clean up city ordinances beginning in January, and noted the city will seek grant funds for a multi-jurisdictional bike/pedestrian path. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda and the collective bargaining agreement, each 4-0. - Approved the Alberta Drive lot split 3-1 with the Planning and Zoning Board’s condition. - Approved two land-use ordinances on first reading and adopted the easement vacation and budget amendment on second reading, each 4-0. - Appointed Dr. E. Donald Thomas to the Lakes and Waterways Board. - The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

The Winter Park City Commission held a work session on October 23, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:44 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio presided, with Commissioners Marty Sullivan, Craig Russell, Kris Cruzada, and Warren Lindsey present. The session included two discussion items: the proposed Arts & Culture Non-Profit Grant Program and a City of Winter Park Sponsorship and Marketing Policy. No formal votes were taken; the Commission provided consensus direction for staff. Discussion Items Arts & Culture Non-Profit Grant Program - Peter Moore, Office of Management & Budget Division Manager, presented a proposal to repurpose the former $100,000 annual DPAC allocation into a competitive grant program for local arts and cultural nonprofits. The program would award grants of up to $10,000 per applicant, with applications reviewed by a panel drawn from existing city advisory boards. - Mr. Moore noted the proposal had been tabled earlier in the year due to budget uncertainty. He expressed concern about pending state property tax reform proposals, stating that 44% of the city's general fund revenue, about $40 million per year, comes from property taxes. He also cited ongoing public safety pay negotiations, limited flexibility for road repairs, and uncertainty about federal grants, including a $500,000 grant for the Plymouth that was approved but has not yet been received. - Mayor DeCiccio shared these concerns, saying the city would continue supporting current charities but could reallocate funds from DePugh, previously $24,000 per year, and Blue Bamboo, another $12,000, if needed. She noted contingency funds were needed for urgent infrastructure issues such as Howell Branch and a recent stormwater pipe collapse. - Several commissioners agreed with the cautious approach, citing concerns about a potential property tax referendum, the state legislature's impact on municipal revenues, bond market implications, and the need to prioritize public safety and infrastructure. - Discussion also addressed program timing. The proposed timeline would open applications in May, with review panels in July and August and recommendations to the Commission in September as part of budget adoption, making it a fiscal year 2027 expenditure. Staff noted a decision would be needed by April 2026 before advertising the program. - The Commission reached consensus to continue refining the program scope and revisit it in spring or April 2026, once the city's financial outlook and any state legislative actions were clearer. This was framed as a contingency-driven approach rather than canceling the program. City of Winter Park Sponsorship and Marketing Policy - Jason Seeley, Director of Parks and Recreation, explained that the discussion was intended to obtain Commission direction on exploring sponsorships and partnerships with local businesses, emphasizing partnerships rather than broad advertising. - The presentation outlined four sponsorship categories: special event sponsorships, programming sponsorships, facility sponsorships, and third-party organizations. Examples included banner sponsorships, golf course scorecard sponsorships, digital advertising on golf carts, facility naming or adoption opportunities, and sponsorships for events such as Weekend of the Arts, Fourth of July, and Dinner on the Avenue. - Commissioners and staff discussed existing examples, including Weekend of the Arts sponsor Advent Health at $20,000, the carousel plaque courtesy of Hill Gray, and the Advent Health presence at the Tunnel of Lights. Clarissa, from the arts and culture team, noted some sponsorships are already handled at staff level and that developing a formal policy would create consistency. - The Commission emphasized that sponsorships should reflect true partnerships that add community value, be tasteful and consistent with city branding, and not imply city endorsement. Commissioners expressed support for a structured, transparent approval process, with staff approval for smaller sponsorships and City Commission approval for larger or naming-rights sponsorships. - The Commission also stressed that fundraising efforts, especially for local nonprofits and youth groups, should be supported and kept distinct from city sponsorships. Discussion included concerns about exclusivity conflicts with third-party leases and the need to review agreements with organizations such as Rollins College, Mead Botanical Garden, OCPS/Winter Park High School, and Blue Dolphins as they come up for renewal. Key Outcomes - Staff were directed to develop a formal sponsorship policy defining approval processes, sponsorship levels, and the distinction between sponsorship acknowledgment and city endorsement. - The Arts & Culture Non-Profit Grant Program was not approved or canceled; staff will refine the program scope, eligibility rules, criteria, and structure, and return in spring 2026 with a go/no-go recommendation based on the city's financial outlook. - The Commission directed staff to review existing third-party leases for consistency with future sponsorship policies and to bring new or upcoming agreements with Rollins College and OCPS/Winter Park High School to the city's attention. - Neither discussion item resulted in a formal vote; decisions were recorded as consensus direction for staff.