- This call to order.
(Mayor hits gavel)
As a courtesy to others,
please silence all electronic devices during this meeting.
Citizens desiring to speak under here the audience
shall submit a request form
to the city clerk prior to the meeting.
Forms are available at the door or from the city clerk.
At this time, we'll have a moment of silence
on the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Alvarez.
- Will you please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America.
- I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible with liberty
and justice for all.
- Thank you, commissioner.
We now continue with proclamations
and special presentations.
Item 3A, proclamations to the Juneteenth Day.
Mike.
- Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Commissioners, if you would join Ms. Nina Hill
from the NAACP on the floor of the chambers.
Ms. Hill, if you would approach the commission.
Okay.
Okay. Oh, you guys are coming in, please.
Okay.
Oh my gosh.
I know you.
All right, this is a proclamation in honor
of Juneteenth Day.
Whereas Juneteenth or Juneteenth Independence Day
commemorates the traditional observance
of the end of slavery in the United States
and is observed annually on June 19th,
and whereas President Abraham Lincoln declared
that in giving freedom to the slave, we assured freedom
to the free, honorable alike in what we give
and what we preserve, we shall nobly save or meanly lose
the last best hope of Earth.
And whereas on January 1st, 1863,
President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation
declaring that all persons held the slaves within any state
or designated part of the State,
the people whereof shall be in rebellion
against the United States,
shall be then fenced forward and forever free.
And whereas President Lincoln correctly believes slavery
to be in violation of the principles
of the Declaration of Independence, and that its abolishment
represented a new birth of freedom for the United States,
and whereas more than two years would pass
before the news reached African Americans living in Texas,
when on June 19th, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger
and his regiment arrived in Galveston
and spread the word that slavery had been abolished.
And whereas the following year,
the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place
in Texas and have continued
across the United States throughout the years.
And whereas emancipation in Florida was proclaimed
in Tallahassee on May 20th, 1865,
and for this reason, Floridians traditionally celebrate
Emancipation Day on May 20.
Now, therefore, Juneteenth
is the oldest national celebrated commemoration
of ending of slavery and is important opportunity to honor
the principles, declaration of the independence
and celebration of the achievements
and contributions Africans Americans have made
and continue to make in Florida across our nation.
Hereby declared by the City Commission on this day,
the 17th day of June, 2025.
(participants clap)
- Okay, on behalf of the NAACP of Osceola County,
we wanna thank you
or being here to witness this with us today.
It is a special time for us.
It is about community and us growing together
and staying positive and being united as one.
And so we wanna thank everyone here, our officials,
the city for always being there for us.
On behalf of the NAACP of Osceola, we thank you.
(participants clap)
- Thank you, commissioners.
We now move on to swearing in ceremony
for Assistant Chief of Police and four new police officers.
Chief Broadway.
- Well, good evening, Madam Mayor, Commissioners.
It is my honor to swear in
our newest Assistant Chief of Police, Kevin McGinley,
if you can come forward with your family.
(participants clap)
Our new assistant chief brings extensive amount
of law enforcement experience, leadership experience, worked
for several years at Osceola County Sheriff's Office
for Sheriff Hansel, as well as former Sheriff Gibson,
and also spent several years
at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
within the Public Integrity Unit.
It is my honor to swear him.
He's going to be a great addition to this leadership team,
to this agency, and to this community.
And he is the consummate professional.
Again, it is my honor to swear I'm in today.
(participants clap)
Repeat after me.
I, state your name.
- I Kevin McGinley.
- Do solemnly swear or affirm.
- Do solemnly swear affirm.
- I will support, protect, and defend.
- I will support, protect and defend.
- The constitution and government.
- Of the United States.
- And the State of Florida.
- I'm duly qualified.
- To hold office.
- Under the Constitution.
- And I will well.
- And faithfully perform.
- My duties.
- Of Assistant chief of Police.
- Of Assistant Chief of Police.
- For the Kissimmee Police Department.
- So help me God.
- Congratulations.
(participants clap)
- Three, two.
(participants clap)
- It is now my honor and privilege
to swear in our new police officers who are ready to go
through their training and work in our community to serve
and protect our residents.
If you all can come forward with your families.
I also want to recognize our recruiting division.
They proactively do a really good job in recruiting
the top candidates and the best of the best
to represent this city and this community.
So a special thanks to our recruiting division.
Thank you guys.
(participants clap)
Raise your right hand and repeat after me.
Hand on the Bible.
I, state your name.
- I (indistinct) Perez.
- I, Luis Las Lugo.
- Justin (indistinct)
- Do solemnly swear or affirm.
- I will support, protect and defend.
- I'll support, protect and defend.
- The constitution and government.
- Of the United States.
Of the United States.
- And the State of Florida.
- I'm duly qualified.
- To hold office.
- Under the Constitution.
- Under the constitution.
- And I will well.
- And faithfully perform.
- My duties.
- Of police officer.
- For the Kissimmee Police Department.
- So help me God.
- Congratulations.
(participants clap)
Awesome.
Three, two.
One more.
We go three, two.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
(participants clap)
- We now move on to item 3C,
promotion ceremony of police sergeants.
Chief Broadway.
- Thank you, Madam Mayor.
At this time, we can call up Sergeant Brandon (indistinct)
and Jerry Garrett as they're being promoted
to sergeant this evening.
As you know, our sergeants,
(participants clap)
are the first line supervisors
and play a critical role in shaping
the day-to-day operations and the functioning
of the department.
And it's my honor to swear in, to promote both of you.
Raise your right hand and repeat after me.
I, state your name.
- I, Jerry Garrett.
- I, Brandon (indistinct)
- Do solemnly swear or affirm.
- I'll support, protect and defend.
I'll support, protect and defend.
- Constitution and government.
- Of the United States.
- And the State of Florida.
- I'm duly qualified.
- To hold office.
- Under the constitution.
- And I will well.
- And faithfully perform.
- My duties.
- Of police sergeant.
- For which I'm about to enter.
- So help me God.
- Congratulations.
(participants clap)
- Congratulations.
- What a great day for our city?
This fills my heart.
Thank you all for all you do at our KPD Department.
We are very proud of all of you.
Now we move on to employee of the month for June.
City Manager.
- Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen,
keeping with today's theme of the police department,
I'd like to introduce to you today our employee the month
for June from the police department, Cameron Turner.
Cameron.
(participants clap)
- Just kidding.
(participants laugh)
- So Cameron has been with us, three years?
- Just about, yeah.
- Just about three years.
She is a tele-communicator with the police department,
and often, you know, during emergencies, our men
and women in blue are the ones that we think of.
But it's the tele-communicators
and our operators at the communication center
that are often the first line of communication
with anybody in an emergency situation.
And Cameron has a reputation of being polite, courteous,
efficient, she's well respected by her coworkers.
She has a positive attitude
that's infectious within the division
and you know, really exemplifies the type of individual
that represents the term employee the month Very, very well.
So on behalf of the employees of the City of Kissimmee,
I'd like to thank you and congratulate you
for everything that you do.
Congratulate you for winning
our Employee of the Month for June.
And I wanna remind our audience here
that the employee of the month is not chosen by me
or the leadership of the department or the commissioners,
but our employee of the month are, they're nominated
by fellow coworkers
and then those coworkers' applications
for the with the nominations are reviewed
by committee representing the 12 different departments
of the city and over almost 900 employees.
So again, there's no better honor
than to be recognized by your peers.
So thank you so much for everything that you do, Cameron,
and we're gonna.
- Yeah.
Oh, okay, yeah, perfect.
(participants clap)
- A backpack.
- Thank you for service.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
- You'd like to say a few words?
- Yeah.
Just wanna say thank you guys for the recognition.
I appreciate it.
Also give a shout out to the Communications Center.
Definitely not a solo job by any means.
A whole team working together.
And then shout out to the officers.
You guys make our job easier as well.
So thank you.
(participants clap)
- We now move on to item 3E,
presentation of Retrolight System solution
for high priority pedestrian zones.
City manager.
- Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Mr. Jorge Figueroa, the CEO of Sky Novva Solutions
has requested to make presentation to the commission
regarding a product
that they would like to showcase to the commission
regarding pedestrian safety.
So with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. Figueroa.
- Your name and address for the record.
And please just note you have five minutes.
- Yes, Jorge Figueroa,
2918 Sera Bella Way, Kissimmee, 34744.
Excellent.
Good afternoon, commissioners and city staff.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
As we continue building a more connected,
safe and forward-thinking Kissimmee,
I'd like to introduce a solution
that directly supports your vision, the Retrolight system,
a smart award-winning pedestrian safety platform designed
to reduce accidents and modernize intersections.
Let's begin with the reality.
Central Florida remains one
of the most dangerous regions
in the country for pedestrians.
According to Smart Growth America's Dangerous
by Design Report, the Orlando Kissimmee Sanford metro area
consistently ranks amongst the top five most deadly areas
for pedestrians in the United States.
In recent years, we've seen rising fatalities,
many involved in vulnerable populations,
near high speed corridors or poorly marked crosses.
This is a pressing public safety issue tied
to the fast growing urban areas and legacy road designs.
The Retrolight system isn't just a concept,
it is internationally recognized being implemented
in six countries and over 70 intersections.
Retrolight is an award-winning smart crosswalk
and signaling platform that received the third price
for best innovation in road safety
at the Global Ministerial Conference.
The Retrolight System is a proven innovative solution
designed to modernize intersections
and dramatically reduce pedestrians injuries and fatalities.
So what is the Retrolight system?
Retrolight is a modular, smart crosswalk system
that illuminates crosswalks and signage within ground
within ground LED panels, activates only when a pedestrian
is present, reducing unnecessary energy usage,
uses intelligence sensors to provide real time alerts
to approaching vehicles
and collects traffic and safety data.
Moreover, its integration with solar panels
and IoT platforms supports both our resilience
and sustainability goals,
key pillars of our comprehensive plan.
It adapts to environmental conditions like rain,
low visibility, snow,
supports data-driven planning for future infrastructure
and mobility decisions
and can be integrated with city management platforms
and security cameras.
It is powered by solar energy
and uses low consumption LEDs.
It is manufactured
with recyclable materials
including repurposed wind turbine blades,
a practical fit in Kissimmee's sustainability
and resilience objectives.
In studies by the University of Rome
and the European Union's EIT Urban Mobility Program,
the system reduced pedestrians accidents by up to 69%
and vehicle speeds by nearly 20%
while increasing pedestrian use by over 190%.
With the Connect Kissimmee Road Project aiming
to improve multimodal access
and pedestrian infrastructure,
Retrolight complements this vision by enhancing visibility
and workability without compromising the design's integrity,
providing a scalable solution
that can be implemented incrementally.
Integrate...
I'm sorry, recent changes
on the Broadway Street design created right conditions
to integrate retro lighting
into newly transformed pedestrian corridors,
helping to future proof the area.
It can be installed crosswalks, bike lanes, school zones,
shared use paths, tunnels and train hubs.
Ideal for high speed intersections, areas
with vulnerable users
and tourists-heavy locations like Downtown Kissimmee.
The Retrolight system helps Kissimmee take a bold step
towards becoming a forward-thinking leader in urban safety
and smart infrastructure in central Florida.
This aligns with the commission's ongoing efforts
to position Kissimmee as a model city for innovation,
mobility and resilience.
The Retrolight System has a track record of results,
recognition and real world performance.
Retrolight system is backed
by the highest industry certifications
and comply with the most demanding technical requirements.
We guarantee long-term performance
even under the most extremes temperature conditions.
It's been tested 55 degrees below zero
up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit
and heavy vehicle traffic over 132,000 pounds.
The Retrolight Systems modular installation, low maintenance
and measurable safety outcomes make it an effective
and potential cost-neutral addition,
especially when factored into current
and future roadway redesigns and grant opportunities.
We would like to set up a demonstration
with the developers for this system if given the chance.
- Thank you.
- Thank you very much. - Thank you for your time
and for the presentation
and if we have any further comments, we'll contact you.
Thank you, Mr. Figueroa.
Appreciate it.
We move on to public hearings.
4A, first reading, proposed ordinance number 25-06,
establishment of Civilian Police Oversight Board.
- In ordinance amending the code of ordinances
of the City of Kissimmee, Florida,
Chapter two, administration, article three
boards and commissions establishing
a civilian police oversight board
amending section 2-3-3, city attorney as legal counsel,
repealing all ordinances and conflict here
with and providing an effective date.
- And commissioners, this is a first reading of an ordinance
that would establish a civilian police oversight board
in accordance with chapter 166.0486 of the Florida Statutes.
This ordinance sets up the size of the board,
which will be between five and seven members.
In accordance with the statutes,
those members will be appointed by the chief of police.
They would be set up for two-year terms with a maximum
of three two-year terms that could be served
by any board member.
Each board member can either live, work
or own property within the city limits.
So it's not limited to just city residents.
And then one
of the members per the statutes
must be retired law enforcement officers.
And there's also prohibitions for members
either to be in elected office
or to be a qualified candidate for elected office.
So after holding the public hearing,
staff recommends approval of this first reading.
- Thank you, City Manager.
This is a public hearing.
Do any of the members of the public wish
to speak on this specific item?
Ma'am, are you asking to speak on this specific item?
- Yes.
(inaudible)
- Thank you then.
Absolutely.
Please walk up to the microphone, and your name
and address for the record, please.
- Okay then, no problem.
Give me a minute.
(Claudia laughs)
Whoo!
10D Andres, I'm sorry.
(Claudia laughs)
- Name and address, please. - My name is Claudia Zuko.
I live at 1342 Stallone Court.
And for those who are doing the closed captioning, it's Z.
Z-O.
Thank you.
Stallone Court, Kissimmee, Florida 34744.
For those of you who don't know me, I really,
really strongly encourage this board
to be created in the first place by, you know,
hounding the crap.
None are those people right back there.
- [Mayor] Ma'am, can you direct yourself
to the commission, please? - Oh, my apologies.
- Thank you.
- And it galls me
that we're engaging in this farce, this pretense,
that this board is going to have any power.
If you really want police oversight, it's you
who are tasked with that, not us.
It is your responsibility to govern him
so that he can govern them.
Isn't that the way this of-- - I'm gonna ask you...
Ma'am, I'm gonna ask you not to direct yourself
to anyone in specific.
You speak to us as a body
and we are more than happy to listen to you.
Thank you.
- Hmm.
So you want transparency.
What does that really mean?
It means something that can let the light shine through,
but you're not being transparent in any way, shape,
or form, that I'm referring to the commission as a whole,
not an individual.
- [Mayor] Thank you.
- Because we all know
that you have over 6,000 pieces of damaged evidence.
We all know, well, I know,
that you have over 1,000 pieces of evidence missing.
We now know collectively as a community
that you did not report 26 officers as required by law.
How will this board accomplish anything in regards
to any of those items?
I see nothing that will change.
We had a previous board who could have affected change
and instead they remained stagnant and silent.
I don't see a way forward by taking several steps backwards.
And what you're asking people to believe
is that you're going to change anything when it comes
to that environment, and it would seem that your actions
speak louder than your words.
So I would recommend the commission
and that the community demand
of the commission real transparency.
Let's talk about the evidence vault floods (chuckles)
now that we know you literally had to go back in
and knock holes in exterior walls when we spent $70,000
trying to repair the issue.
So thank you for your time.
I'll adjourn and come back for a later commentary.
Thank you. - Thank you.
Any other person wants to speak on this specific item?
Mr. Fetzer?
- Jeremy Fetzer, 3532 Bay Court, St. Cloud,
but I own a business in downtown Kissimmee.
First off, I applaud this board for taking this action,
and based upon what the last speaker said,
your hands are tied because of the state,
not what this local board is doing.
And I think this is one step forward just to try
and rebuild that trust.
And I think hiring the new police chief, I think
with this new commission, I think the commission
along with the new police chief and the administration
are doing a wonderful job.
I think, again, the state is tying the hands
of this commission when it comes to transparency
in that aspect of this board and what they can do.
So it's really not up to you guys.
The governor and the legislature created obstacles.
But based upon what happened with the state attorney
and the whole investigation, the hiring
of the new police chief,
we now just sworn in the new assistant deputy chief
and the action that the administration
and this commission has taken.
I actually applaud you guys.
And then taking one step further
with this Citizens Board is just another step forward
to engage the community, to be a part of the process
where they're allowed to.
Again, if you have an issue with this, I would go
to Tallahassee and lobby your state legislatures,
both the state senator
and the state representatives and the governor
because they're the ones responsible for the issues at hand
that you see with this board.
But again, I appreciate everything you guys are doing,
KPD is doing and city managers doing.
Thank you.
- Thank you, Mr. Fetzer.
Any other comments on this specific item?
Hearing none, do I have a motion?
- Motion to approve.
- Second.
Motion by Vice Mayor Eady, second by Commissioner Alvarez.
Any discussion?
Hearing none, all in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
Thank you.
(Mayor clears throat)
4B, first reading, proposed ordinance number 25-08.
Updated building fee ordinance.
- Madam Mayor, commissioners, at this time, staff
would request that this item be pulled from tonight's agenda
and we'll re advertise at a later date.
- Thank you, City Manager.
We'll move right along to 5A, public hearing.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport Commerce Park mixed use
planned unit development.
- Good Evening, Commission.
Douglas Etheridge, Development Services Assistant Director.
Tonight we have a putt amendment
before you is the (clears throat) excuse me.
It's the Airport Gateway,
Gateway airport Commerce Park Pod.
It was established back in 2010,
basically north of MLK
and the southwest corner of MLK and Thacker.
It was established multiple office types uses,
and it was time to update the pod to allow
for other uses, particularly like a hotel
that it could be associated with the airport
or dormitories for the airport services.
Staff recommends approval of this request is find
and compliant and plaintiff Advisory Board also recommends
approval of this request.
- Thank you.
- This is a public hearing.
Do any members of the public wish
to speak on this specific item?
Hearing none, do I have a motion?
- Motion to approve.
- Second.
- Motion by Vice Mayor Eady.
Second by Commissioner Martinez.
Any discussion?
All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
We're gonna now move on to hear the audience.
Do any the members wish to speak?
Please be sure to sign in with our clerk.
We are going to start now
with Ray Parsons.
Mr. Parsons.
- Thank you.
Ray Parsons, 117B Broadway.
Just came tonight just to tell y'all
that I've met, recently had the opportunity to meet
with several your department heads
and met with the new police chief
and he was very welcoming.
I think he made a great hire with him.
Had the opportunity
to meet with your new public Works direct.
I guess he's not new, he is been here a while,
but he is kind of new to me.
Ashley with Public Works.
He was extremely helpful.
Police chief, I met with him a couple times.
Really nice guy.
Extremely helpful.
And I think y'all have made some really fantastic hires.
And just from a citizen's point of view
and somebody that works with the staff a lot,
it's refreshing to see (clears throat) that kind
of approach and attitude from the staff.
I'm just so excited about our opportunities for downtown.
Y'all are doing a great job getting downtown under control.
The sound ordinance.
Some of the things are a little out of control.
There's a lot of businesses downtown that want
to get involved and want to do the right thing.
And just appreciate
your efforts and look forward to opportunities
for downtown working with your staff.
Thank you.
- Thank you, Mr. Parsons.
I also have Diana Marrero Pinto.
- Thank you.
- Madam Mayor, my comments are in reference to item eight.
Would you like me to hold off
till they do their presentation?
- [Mayor] Pardon me, I can't--
- The city's incentives.
- [Mayor] Okay.
- Would you like me to hold off?
- So yeah,
we'll hold off on that. - Okay.
- Thank you, I'm sorry.
All right.
Any other person wants to speak at this moment?
Ms. Zuko, please.
- Thank you.
Today I'm gonna talk about-- I'm sorry.
I need your name and address again
for the record. - Oh, again, my apologies.
Claudia Zuko.
Thank you again for getting that right,
at 1342 for now, still on Court Kissimmee 434744.
My topic is transparency,
and it begins with telling you what happened on the date
of August 22nd, 2014
when police ignored a protective order
that had been legally issued
to me by the Ninth Judicial Circuit to prevent harm.
Instead,
my stalker
and the little angry mob that she had formed
called police who arrived, ignored that order,
ignored the cameras, the microphones
with which they were well aware and familiar with.
Drug me from my home
after breaking my door,
placed me in a squad car, and based on her testimony,
they corrected me.
For a decade, I have been abused,
scoffed, harangued
and harassed with verbiage so appalling.
It has to stop.
So we need to be transparent, don't we?
And it starts by saying,
where's the talk about aliens?
Where's the death threat?
Where's the human barricade?
They're nowhere to be found.
We know that you withheld evidence on both sides,
police and prosecutors,
to protect a lie.
And we know it's a lie because it got yanked off of WFTV
and off of the website for Kat and Phillips,
and got booted out of court.
Over and over
they were declared unreliable and untruthful.
And the evidence was withheld
because the culture of coverup, ladies
and gentlemen, of the commission and audience,
and it sickens me.
That's me being transparent.
Good enough.
- Thank you, Ms. Zuko.
Consent agenda, item number seven, to I have a motion
to approve the consent agenda with the exception of 7Q.
- Motion to approve.
- Second.
- All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
Discussion items.
We'll move right on.
I'm sorry.
- Madam Mayor, can we hear 7Q now?
- I'm sorry, did I?
Oh (clears throat) 7Q I'm sorry.
We're gonna pull 7Q so we talk about that--
- Thank you, yes, yes.
So, Madam Mayor, commissioners, 7Q is a resolution
authorizing the city manager to execute documents related
to applications for hazard mitigation grant programs.
And the intent behind this resolution was to allow us
to submit these applications in time
for what sometimes are very tight timelines
that we don't have time to go
to commission to get approval for
in advance of submitting the grant.
We are in the process
of applying for a COPS grant to help pay
for new police officers with the upcoming budget as well
as a safer grant for new firefighters in the upcoming
or in a future budget.
And so what we'd like to do
and before you think each of you have a copy
of a revised resolution
that would add those two grant programs to this resolution.
So staff is requesting approval for, to add this
or to approve this new resolution.
- Perfect.
So.
- Make a motion to approve
the adamant to resolution to 7Q.
- I second it.
All righty, motion by Commissioner Alvarez,
second by Commissioner Martinez.
All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
All right.
Now we'll move on to discussion items.
City Commission will recess
and convenes as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board?
- David, do we need to do that for 8A?
Not for 8A but for 8B.
- 8B, okay. - Yes, my apologies.
So we just proceed with 8A.
- So we can remain
as the City Commission for 8A. - So we reconvene
at this point and we'll recess at the next one.
So we'll go into 8A,
Downtown Kissimmee Activation Incentive.
Mr. Rodriguez.
- Good evening.
David Rodriguez, Economic Development Director.
The item before you for consideration
is the Downtown Business Activation Initiative.
The objective of this initiative is attracting
new quality tenants to vacant
or underutilized storefronts in the downtown core,
focusing on types
of businesses not currently present in downtown,
or that residents
and visitors want to see more of,
like experiential businesses,
entertainment innovative astronomy, et cetera.
The goal is activating downtown to add vibrancy
and increase food traffic.
Just like our tool bag
of incentives to attract target industries
to the city at large, this is a tool in our tool bag
to recruit businesses specifically to downtown.
Now, under this initiative,
the city would offer reimburse 25%
of the cost incurred in interior tenant improvements,
build out or renovations up to 50,000,
waive development fees up to 5,000, reimburse the cost
of the BTR and reimburse 50% of rent costs
for the first six months up to 10,000.
Again, this incentive is part of a recruitment initiative
aimed to make downtown a more competitive retail destination
and have a more robust downtown to residents
and visitors to enjoy.
Now, happy to answer any questions you may have.
- Thank you.
Commissioners, are you okay with this?
Any questions?
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Good.
All right.
So do I have a motion?
- Motion to approve.
- Second.
- Motion by Commissioner Martinez,
second by Vice Mayor Eady.
All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez, for that.
Now we will recess and convene
as a Community Redevelopment Agency Board
for item 8B, amendments
to Community Redevelopment Agency Incentives Policy.
Mr. Rodriguez.
- The item before you are changes
to the CRA Incentive Programs.
These programs, as you know,
are directed towards developing new projects,
redeveloping blighted properties
and repurposing vacant structures within the CRA.
In addition to incorporating some definitions
to add clarity, the changes in front
of you include the following,
adjusting the Pioneer grant amount to 10%
of the tangible project costs,
costs that add value to the property,
up to 1.5 million program maximum, whichever is lower.
By doing this,
this ensures a 10 to one ratio on all projects.
That means $10 of private capital for each dollar
of CRA funds.
Also, in order to be fiscally prudent in dispersing,
the funds staff recommends to adjust the payout schedule
up to five years, depending on the amount of the grant.
The larger the grant, the longer the payout.
So funds are dispersed slowly.
These are really adjustments to the mechanics,
internal mechanics within the program,
but the goals and the grant maximums are the same as today.
Happy to answer any questions you may have.
- Thank you.
This just applies to the Pioneer Project.
Am I correct, Grant?
Just that one?
- Yes.
- No, just Pioneer or is it also--
- Yes, just Pioneer.
- Okay.
Just to be clear on that.
Okay.
So any questions, Commission?
If not, do I have a motion?
- Motion to approve.
- Second.
- Motion by Vice Mayor Eady.
Second by Commissioner Martinez.
All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
- Thank you.
- The Community Redevelopment Agency Board now adjourns
and Reconvenes as the City Commission.
Move right on.
All right.
8C, 2025 Policy Agenda Review,
Building and Fire Prevention Division Operations.
Mr. Holland to present.
Thank you.
- Sorry.
- No, it's okay.
(commissioners laugh)
It's all good.
- Being a cookie monster.
Proof of technology.
Good evening, commissioners.
Craig Holland, Development Services Director.
So a few weeks ago we did the same exact type
presentation for code enforcement.
Tonight it's gonna be about the building division
and then in probably in a few weeks
or a month, we'll be doing the planning division.
So you'll hit all three.
So the City Commission, can I get the first slide?
Oh, I'm sorry.
- You're good.
- So the City Commission and their policy agenda
for 2025 made a high priority of permitting
and licensing process, streamlining with goals, objectives,
performance audits, reports with findings
and recommendations, directions and implementation.
So this discussion,
again is divided up into two parts, development review,
which will be in about a month, and building review tonight.
So what we're gonna do is Samantha Bridle,
our Building Manager, is gonna get up
and go over details about the building division, a lot
of things about the process, things
that we've done since you heard from us about two years ago
when we gave the same presentation
to the previous commission.
We have two new commissioners on board
that weren't here before.
And then I'll come back at the end
and we can have a discussion on what you all are hearing
or feel are the issues
and how you would like to see us address these issues
much like we did with Code Enforcement.
So I'm gonna introduce Samantha Bridle, the Building Manager
for the Building Division.
- Good evening, Madam Mayor, commissioners,
City Manager Steigerwald and city staff.
My name is Samantha Bridle,
and I serve as the Building Division Manager
for the City of Kissimmee.
Today I'll be providing a brief overview
of the city's permitting and licensing processes.
Thank you.
Technical difficulties.
(Samantha laughs)
Okay.
We'll begin with our building division's staffing
and certifications to highlight the professional expertise
behind our work.
We'll give a high level look at our workflow to show
how applications move through the system.
We'll review overall permitting and licensing statistics
and compare both our performance
and processes with neighboring jurisdictions
to provide regional context.
And I'll also outline the steps we're taking
to streamline operations and boost efficiency
and highlight recent improvements aimed at delivering
a clearer, more timely
and customer friendly experience for our applicants.
Now I'd like to give you a quick overview
of what our team does on a day-to-day basis.
We manage and oversee the entire permitting
and licensing process from start to finish.
Throughout the process, we guide applicants step
by step from the initial submission all the way
through to final inspection,
helping them navigate requirements and timelines.
That includes reviewing and issuing permits
for construction projects across the city.
Once permits are issued, we conduct inspections
to ensure everything complies with building codes,
fire codes, and general safety standards.
We also handle contractor registrations
and business tax receipts, making sure that businesses
and contractors are properly vetted and licensed.
However, it's important to note
that the building division does not handle the enforcement
of business tax receipts issues.
The responsibility lies with a different department.
And when buildings become unsafe
or hazardous, we process unsafe abatements
to protect public safety
and get those properties addressed quickly.
Our goal is to ensure development in our community is safe
and efficient while making the permitting
and licensing process straightforward, timely
and centered on the needs of all of our applicants.
In fiscal year 2024, the building division,
which also includes fire prevention, had 24 personnel.
For the current fiscal year,
we have increased to 29 positions
with 27 currently filled,
and we do have two vacancies
we are actively working to fill.
Importantly, to accommodate our diverse community,
13 of these 29 positions, which is nearly 45%
of our staff, are bilingual with proficiency in Spanish,
Portuguese, German and French.
This significantly enhances our ability to provide clear
and effective communication with our residents,
business owners and our customers.
The building division takes great pride in maintaining
and continually expanding the number of licenses
and certifications held by our staff.
Among the 27 employees currently in the building division,
we collectively hold 116 unique licenses and certifications.
These credentials come from four key regulatory bodies,
the Department of Business and Professional Regulation,
the International Code Council,
the division of the State Fire Marshal
within the Florida Department of Financial Services,
and then also the Florida Association
of Business Tax Officials.
A notable achievement within our team
is that our deputy building official has earned
the Master code professional certification,
which is the highest level
of certification offered by the International Code Council.
This certification reflects an exceptional level
of expertise, commitment, and leadership in building safety
and code compliance.
Fewer than 1% of code professionals worldwide
hold this certification
with just over 1,000 individuals globally.
Since 2021, only 26 new master code professionals
have been certified in the State of Florida.
A highly certified team keeps our staff current with codes,
safety standards and best practices resulting
in thorough reviews,
fewer errors and enhanced public safety.
The variety of certifications also allow us
to handle diverse projects efficiently,
streamlining the permitting process,
and then delivering better service.
In the end, it helps us build safer structures
and stronger trust with our community.
When we look at the staffing
and operating costs per 1,000 residents,
the City of Kissimmee sits right in the mid-range position
compared to neighboring jurisdictions.
In fiscal year 2024,
our building division operated at a cost
of approximately $4.49 million
or about $52,700 per 1,000 residents,
with a staff of 24, which equates
to about 0.28 employees per 1,000 citizens.
By comparison, City of St. Cloud had a similar total cost,
but a higher per capita cost of nearly 67,800
with slightly fewer residents and 23 staff,
and Osceola County operated at a higher total cost
of $12.7 million,
but a lower per capita cost of around 42,300
and about 55 employees.
So while we're not the highest
or lowest in terms of staffing
or operational costs,
Kissimmee demonstrates a balanced approach
to both budget management and resource allocation.
Our strength lies in managing costs effectively relative
to our population size, which supports our ability
to deliver consistent customer-focused service
to our community.
So now we're gonna take a quick look
at some key statistics for the building division.
In fiscal year 2023, we processed 13,312 applications.
That number increased slightly
to 13,489 in fiscal year '24,
and we project approximately 13,400
or so in fiscal year 2025.
These figures do include permits, contractor registrations
and business tax receipts,
and reflect a stable consistent workload over the year.
When it comes to customer interactions,
which includes phone calls, emails
and walk-ins, we do see a steady decline
from nearly 80,000 contacts in fiscal year 2023 down
to about 63,000 in 2024,
and an estimated 57,450
and about in fiscal year 2025.
We believe that this projected reduction
is primarily due to the continued adoption
and increased comfort with our self-service portal,
allowing more users
to complete their tasks independently online.
We've also introduced a range of helpful resources,
which are including video tutorials, lunch
and learn sessions,
and downloadable how-to guides,
all aimed at making the application process
a bit more user-friendly and accessible for our customers
at all times.
This shift not only enhances convenience for our customers,
but also allows our staff to dedicate more time
to processing and reviewing applications
and improving our overall efficiency.
So to provide clarity on how our permitting system operates,
I'd like to walk you through the key steps involved
from application to final approval.
The permitting process begins when an applicant submits
a permit application.
At that point, the application undergoes
a sufficiency review to ensure all required information
is included, and any applicable fees must be paid.
It is important to note
that the formal permit review process only commences
after payment has been received.
Following this, the application enters
the plan review phase, which involves coordination
among multiple departments,
which includes the building division,
fire Prevention, planning, Engineering Department,
Sanitation Division, and also Toho Water Authority.
Should any department disapprove the submitted plans,
the applicant is required to make the necessary revisions
and resubmit before moving forward.
Once the plans received the approval and all the documents
and fees are waived, are verified, the permit is issued.
Should the scope of work change at any point
during that project, the applicant must submit a revision
for additional review.
Post-issuance inspections are conducted
by the relevant departments based on the project scope.
Any disapproved inspections must be corrected
and reinspected until all requirements are met.
Finally, after all the inspections
are successfully completed
and departmental clearance obtained,
the permit is finalized.
If applicable, a certificate of occupancy
or certificate of completion is issued
to confirm the project's compliance with all regulations.
While this overview covers the standard process,
more complex projects may require additional steps.
So I'd like to provide a quick breakdown
of our building permits and contractor registrations
for fiscal year 2024.
We process 6,025 Building permit applications,
completed 12,812 reviews and issued 5,786 permits.
Our inspectors conducted a total of 17,974 inspections,
which led to the issuance of 343 certificates of occupancy.
In addition, we issued 2,735 contractor registrations.
It's important to note
that an active contractor registration is required
to obtain a permit, ensuring qualified professionals handle
construction projects in our city.
Looking ahead based on the current fiscal year data,
we anticipate maintaining similar activity levels
with slight decreases in reviews completed
and inspections conducted primarily due to the growing use
of private provider services that are permitted
by state law.
For fiscal year 2024,
when comparing the number of permit applications submitted
and issued per 1,000 citizens,
the City of Kissimmee ranks the lowest
among the three jurisdictions compared.
On average, Kissimmee is showing
a 96.03% issuance percentage when comparing number
of applications submitted to number of permits issued,
while the City of St. Cloud is showing a percentage
of about 87.73%
and Osceola County is showing a percentage of about 85.96%.
While this chart reflects a lower volume
of permit-related activity relative to the population size,
it also highlights a key benefit.
Our staff can provide more focused attention
and responsive service to each applicant.
This ensures that our citizens receive a more efficient
and accessible permitting process,
ultimately enhancing the experience for everyone involved.
Let me now highlight the timeframes
for permit review in the City of Kissimmee
and compare these with neighboring jurisdictions focusing
on our key areas.
For the city of Kissimmee,
the sufficiency review takes about one business day.
After that, residential reviews take between one
to three business days depending on the permit site,
while commercial reviews range anywhere from one
to 10 business days, resulting in a total review time
of anywhere from three to 11 business days.
In the city of St. Cloud,
the sufficiency review takes two business days
with residential reviews taking around 10 business days
and commercial reviews also taking about 10 business days.
This brings their total review time to 12 business days.
For Osceola County,
the sufficiency review also takes one business day.
The residential reviews range anywhere from five
to seven business days,
and commercial reviews can take anywhere from 10
to 15 business days resulting in a total review time
between six to about 23 days.
It's important to note that all these timeframes
are measured in business days
and the timeframes listed are self-imposed
by each jurisdiction based on their resources
and their processes.
Each timeframe reflects one review cycle per permit.
All review timeframes are within maximum limits set
by the Florida State Statute
and by the Florida Building Code.
A crucial aspect of our review process
is that permit review cannot begin until fees are paid
after the sufficiency review.
This payment delay can sometimes push
the overall review process back by several days, weeks
or even months depending on the applicant's response time.
Additionally, the timeframe for reviews not only apply
to our internal development services staff,
which includes Building, Planning and Fire Prevention,
but also extends to external departments
and agencies like Toho Water Authority,
the Engineering Department, which includes Floodplain Review
and the Sanitation Division.
While we request that all parties adhere
to the established timeframes, it's important to acknowledge
that reviews completed by external departments
are not directly under our enforcement authority.
As facilitators of the overall process,
we depend on their timely responses to keep things on track
and of course meet project deadlines.
We strive to maintain an efficient
and responsive review process, but the speed
and efficiency of these processes also depend
on timely inputs from all involved parties,
both internal and external.
There are several common reasons
that can slow down the building permit process.
One of the primary causes is when work begins
before obtaining the necessary permits.
This can result in stop work orders, additional inspections,
and in some cases, penalties
that can significantly delay a project.
Another frequent issue is when contractors are unfamiliar
with our local codes or our permitting procedures.
This can lead to errors
or missing documentation, requiring revisions,
and also slowing down the process.
We strongly encourage the use
of our self-service portal.
When these tools are not used,
applications are often incomplete or missing key information
resulting in delays.
Incomplete or inaccurate applications remain
a leading contributor to slower timelines.
Our staff must pause the review process
to request corrections before moving forward.
It's also important to note that reviews cannot begin
until all applicable fees are paid,
so delays in payment can stall a permit
for extended periods of time.
Plan quality of course matters as well.
If submitted plans are unclear
or lack sufficient detail, they are returned for revisions,
adding time to the overall process.
Attempts to bypass permitting requirements
not only cause delays
but can result in corrective enforcement actions.
Expedited review requests, while well intentioned,
they can slow down other reviews
due to limited staff resources.
Clear and timely communication is critical.
Delays frequently occur when applicants
don't respond promptly to staff inquiries
or requests for additional information.
While our staff strive for accuracy
and efficiency, we do acknowledge
that occasional technical issues
or internal errors can occur.
We are committed to identifying those, resolving those
as quickly as possible
and learning from them to, of course,
strengthen our process.
It's also important to recognize
that some delays originate
from outside agencies involved in the review process
such as Toho Water Authority,
the City of Kissimmee Engineering Department,
Osceola County 911 addressing
and Kissimmee Utility Authority.
We depend on their input
and coordination to move permits forward.
Lastly, failure to schedule
or pass required inspections
can prevent finalizing the permit
and they may also significantly extend project timelines.
So I'd now like to walk you
through the business tax receipt workflow.
The process begins with the submission
of the BTR application,
which first undergoes the sufficiency review
to ensure all required information is provided.
Following this, the applicant must complete payment
of the applicable fees before the BTR review can commence.
It's important to emphasize
that the review process does not start
until all fees are paid
and all required documents are submitted and approved.
The BTR review involves coordination
between the Planning Division
and the Building Division to ensure compliance
with all relevant regulations.
Inspections also play a critical role in this process
and are conducted by our fire prevention inspectors
within the Building Division.
For certain business types such as nail salons,
additional inspections including ventilation checks
by a building inspector are required to confirm
that safety standards are met.
Once all inspections are successfully completed
and approved, the business tax receipt is issued authorizing
the business to legally operate within the city.
So I'm gonna provide a quick overview
of the Building Division's business tax receipt activities
for fiscal year 2024.
We process 3049 BTR applications
including both new submissions and renewals.
Of those 1,680 reviews were completed
and we successfully issued 3,970 BTRs that year.
It's important to highlight
that unlike many other jurisdictions where BTRs are managed
by separate departments such as the Zoning Department
in St. Cloud or the Tax Collector's Office
in Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee Building Division
handles both new and renewed BTRs.
This expanded responsibility highlights our commitment
to supporting local businesses through streamlined processes
and coordinated services.
I'd like to provide an overview
of the business tax receipt review timeframes
across the City of Kissimmee,
City of St. Cloud and Osceola County.
In Kissimmee, the sufficiency review typically takes one
to two business days, followed by a BTR review
that lasts one to three business days,
which results in a total review time of approximately two
to five business days.
By comparison, St. Cloud sufficiency review ranges from one
to seven business days with a BTR review period
of seven business days totaling anywhere from eight
to 14 business days.
Osceola County sufficiency review takes between one
to three business days while their BTR review can range
from seven to 21 business days if they do have to send it
to their zoning department, which can lead to a total
of eight to 24 business days.
It's important to note that these timeframes
are measured in business days
and are self-imposed by each jurisdiction,
meaning actual times may vary depending
on resources and processes.
Additionally, after sufficiency review,
applicants cannot proceed to full review
until all required documents are submitted
and the applicable fees are paid.
This step can add days, weeks
or even months to the overall process depending
on the applicant's responsiveness.
A key distinction to highlight is that both St. Cloud
and Osceola County require landlord
and property management business tax receipts.
The City of Kissimmee currently does not.
Also, those jurisdictions require
more extensive documentation at the time of submittal.
In contrast, Kissimmee has streamlined the process
by reducing minimum documentation requirements
to only what is necessary to comply with state statutes
and land development code regulations.
Please keep in mind that the stated timeframes
do not include scheduling and completing inspections,
which are coordinated separately between fire prevention
and the business owner.
After planning and building reviews are approved,
and automated email prompts the business owner
to contact fire prevention
to schedule those necessary inspections.
Failure to schedule these inspections in a timely manner
can cause significant delays,
potentially extending the process
by days, weeks, or months,
and may ultimately prevent the issuance of their BTR.
These differences in timelines
and procedural requirements reflect the unique ways
of each jurisdiction and how they manage their BTR process.
Just like permits, there's several different reasons
that can slow down a BTR process.
One of the primary causes is incomplete
or inaccurate applications.
So when key information is missing
or incorrect, staff must pause the review
to request clarification, which would extend
that processing time.
It's also important to note
that the review process cannot begin
until all required fees are paid in full.
Another frequent issue is missing or invalid documentation.
Without proper supporting materials,
the application cannot advance to that next stage.
We also see delays when applicants do not communicate
or fail to seek assistance early in the process.
A lack of clarity or misunderstanding
could be resolved quickly with a phone call, an email,
or an office visit,
but instead they may result in unnecessary delays.
We strongly encourage the use
of our self-service portal.
When these tools are not used,
applications are often incomplete
or missing key information,
which could also result in possible delays.
Also, delayed responses
and staff requests, clarification documents
or additional information further add time to that process.
In some cases, there are zoning address
or land use issues that must be resolved
before a BTR can be issued.
These typically require a coordination
with other departments or agencies,
and that can lengthen the timeline.
Pending inspections such as those required
by fire prevention or building also impact
the overall processing time.
If inspections are not scheduled
or completed promptly, final approval
is delayed for their issuance.
Occasionally, applicants working with consultants
or representatives who are unfamiliar
with local requirements can lead to missteps
and also added time.
In some instances,
we've also seen attempts to bypass necessary steps,
which unfortunately do cause more delays
and frustrations with the applicants.
And while it is rare, we do acknowledge that technical
or internal errors can occur.
When that happens, we work quickly to try
to resolve those issues
and use it as an opportunity to improve
that process moving forward.
In summary, these are the most common factors
that can impact the timelines of the BTR process.
We continue to encourage all applicants to be proactive,
take full advantage of all the available tools,
and maintain open communication with our team.
These steps help ensure a smooth transition
and efficient review process for everyone involved.
Over the past two years,
we've made significant strides in enhancing
both our permitting and our BTR processes.
These improvements are rooted in our commitment
to providing more efficient, transparent,
and user-friendly services to our residents
and business community.
First, we increased our staffing
to expand our service capacity, which has led
to quicker response times and more streamlined processing.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility,
we launched the Development Services Center
with extended hours beginning at 7:30 a.m. now,
which offer earlier walk-in access
and phone support.
To further assist our community,
we introduced our monthly lunch and learns.
These educational events have been very well received.
Our first session drew nearly 40 attendees,
and our next session is scheduled for next week,
which has currently filled up.
We record and post these sessions on our website
to make sure that there's broad accessibility to everybody.
We've also enhanced the clarity of the business tax receipts
by including maximum occupancy information,
giving business owners a clear understanding
of how to utilize their space safe and legally.
Whenever they print their BTR
from this point forward, they will have
that maximum occupancy written on that BTR for them.
One of our key streamlining efforts involved integrating
the emergency contact form
into both new BTR applications and renewals.
This integration eliminates redundancy
and allows real-time data sharing
with our communication team,
which is crucial in emergency situations.
Our self-service portal has been upgraded significantly.
We offer step-by-step video tutorials,
downloadable PDF guidelines
and have installed two self-service kiosks
in the Development Services Center lobby,
which offer a more independent
and accessible experience when they do come visit.
And finally, we've prioritized quick turnaround permits
for routine projects.
Thanks to the addition
of a dedicated quick turnaround plan reviewer,
most of these permit types such as like for like window
and door replacements, mechanical change outs,
reroofs, water heater installations in addition
to many other ones are completed in less than two days.
These improvements reflect our ongoing efforts
to increase efficiency, enhance customer service,
and streamline the permitting process
for our residents and our businesses.
Looking ahead, we have a strong lineup
of upcoming initiatives designed
to further improve our service delivery, ensure fairness
and strengthen our community safety.
First, we'll be completing a comprehensive fee study.
This will help us ensure our pricing is both fair
and sustainable as the city continues
to grow while supporting long-term service delivery.
We're also focused on improving our ISO rating,
which evaluates our risk management practices,
especially related to fire safety and natural disasters.
For reference, the city currently holds an ISO rating
of three for commercial properties and four for residential,
and improving those ratings can help reduce insurance costs
and promote safer development.
Another long-term goal under consideration
is the IAS accreditation,
which would strengthen our alignment with national standards
and reinforce the integrity of our operations.
To meet the needs of our growing community,
we plan to fill critical staffing positions
and invest in our team to increase capacity
and reduce response times.
On the technology front,
we're implementing something called a Decision Engine,
which is to help streamline workflows across permitting
and business tax receipt processing,
and we hope that improves the speed
and consistency of decision making for our customers.
We'll also launch a new phone queuing system designed
to ensure every customer call is answered
or returned within the same business day.
Features like real-time call routing
and potential callback options will enhance communications
and possibly eliminate voicemail delays.
We're enhancing our electronic plan review system
to a new program that we feel
will make it more user-friendly.
Applicants will be able to more easily view
and respond to comments, improving that overall experience.
We're also expanding automated notifications
to keep our applicants informed
throughout the entire permitting and building process,
which will reduce the need
for follow-up calls and improve our transparency.
To further support customers, we're creating new resources,
including an owner builder brochure,
the Business Startup Guide in collaboration with Planning
and detailed application checklist to reduce errors
and confusion at the time of the applicants' submission.
We'll continue our monthly lunch and learn sessions,
which have been a huge success
with some upcoming topics relating specifically
to learning our permit process, inspections,
BTR process and many more.
Staff training always remains a top priority,
ensuring our team continues to deliver accurate
and high quality service.
We're also strengthening collaboration
with other jurisdictions.
Even though we are separate entities,
we feel it is important to work together
with both the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County,
including 911 addressing,
especially when secondary addresses are needed
to streamline processes for our customers.
Altogether, we feel that these efforts reflect
our commitment to continuous improvement, customer service
and building a safe, efficient,
and business friendly environment for all.
I'd like to briefly share some feedback gathered
over the past few years from our regular customers
and representatives from our neighboring jurisdictions.
It's clear that Kissimmee's permitting process
and review times have shown noticeable improvement,
and we're proud of the progress we have made.
While permitting software can often be seen
as a, quote, necessary evil in all jurisdictions,
what truly stands out is the feedback
we consistently receive about our staff.
Whether interacting in person or over the phone,
our team is regularly praised as the most helpful
and pleasant to work with.
Of course, every jurisdiction has its own strengths
and challenges when it comes
to permit review and inspections.
We've had discussion with peers
from neighboring jurisdictions
and they've showed similar feedback.
Their customers often tell them that, quote,
other jurisdictions do it better.
And I'll be honest, we hear this as well.
That being said, we're committed to continuing our efforts
to improve, grow and adapt to provide
the best possible service to our citizens and businesses.
So commissioners, I do wanna thank you
for your continued support of the Building Division
and the services we do provide to our community.
One meaningful way you can contribute to help
is by connecting residents, business owners,
or other community members who reach out to you
with the right staff contacts in our department.
We're fortunate to have a strong leadership team,
including our Development Services Director, Craig Holland,
our Assistant Development Services Director, Doug Etheridge,
our Building Official Juan F. Hernandez,
our Deputy Building Official, Albert Rocco and myself.
When making a referral,
having just a few key details like a person's name,
contact information, the permit
or the BTR number if applicable, the address of the project
and a short summary of the concern helps us
respond more efficiently and accurately.
We truly do appreciate your support
and helping us serve our community as well.
With that, I'll hand it back over
to Development Services Director Craig Holland
to continue the discussion
and then address any questions that you guys may have.
- Thank you.
- Thank you, Samantha.
So just to wrap this up for discussion,
this will be a lot very similar
to the code enforcement discussion,
and also if we do have questions,
almost the entire Building Division supervisory staff
is here to answer any questions that I'm unable to answer.
But we're looking for the commission
to give us your expectations of the building process.
Now that you have a better understanding
of what that process is,
the City Commission should define an issue,
define what the problems and issues are
with the building process.
I hear a lot of times I meet
with all the commissioners when they first get on,
sometimes I meet with you as candidates,
and I hear, it's hard to get a permit,
but when I say, what about it is hard?
Nobody knows because that's all they've heard,
and nobody thinks to ask,
well, what's your experience like?
Because make, when I go out
and say, what do you need from us?
They're like, oh, you guys are great.
So anything you, any details that you could share
with us about what you feel the problems
and issues are would be very helpful.
Next steps, possible next steps are define enhancements
desired by the City Commission.
The City Commission provide direction to our staff
on where you would like to see us go with the process
and solutions based on commission expectations, problems
and issues will be then determined
and we'll proceed with those solutions.
So if you have any questions
or any comments, be happy to take those.
- Well, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Yeah.
Commissioners, do you have any comments or questions?
- Well, so far, I experienced myself,
I want to congratulate your department
because as a commissioner, you know I have some constituent
with issues with problem
who been for many years already
and we have good results.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
- So with all the technology
that we just invested in in your department, I think
that your process should flow almost to perfection now.
I know you're not perfect, I'm not saying that,
but I mean, I don't see the turnaround decreasing
with all the technology that you have.
You have the adequate staffing that you need.
So everything is there.
It just needs to be basically implemented.
Am I right?
- I would actually argue that our turnaround time,
it's, based on what you've seen,
it's better than the other two jurisdictions
in the county.
- So what I'm saying, it could only be better.
- It could, yes.
- Yeah, it could only get better
because of the resources that is available
to you right now. - Right.
- That's all I'm saying. - And there's a flip side
to that, that the applicants need to do better also.
- Absolutely, it's a two-way street, I agree.
- I often joke that a lot of plans come in
that are basically crayons on napkins.
I am not kidding.
I am serious.
They come in and they're a mess.
And there's something called review by design,
or design by review, where they'll turn in absolute minimums
and then we basically design the project with our comments.
So it's a two-sided thing.
- Yes, absolutely, I agree. - We will always strive
to improve, but there's only so much we can do
if the permit applicants don't want
to improve also. - Right.
I'm a true believer that knowledge is power,
and the more you know, the better you'll be.
- Yes.
- And with that being said, with those lunch
and learnings that you're doing,
those initiatives, that's perfect.
Perfect, perfect. - It was super well received.
The second month is sold out already again.
Not sold out, but filled up.
We're not selling tickets.
(participants laugh)
It's actually free, and we give free lunch,
so there's no selling out. - I was gonna say,
you must be got a concert going on up in there.
But I think you're doing a wonderful job.
I'm not trying to put you down, I'm just saying--
- Oh, I get it. - It's only gonna get better
because of the resources that has been provided to you.
- Yes. - That's what I'm saying.
- Oh, okay. - So thank you.
- Thank you. - Yeah, no, no,
you're doing great.
You're doing great. - Thank you.
- I just want to repeat, like for my short time
as a commissioner, I have a very good experience
with your department, and we resolve a lot of problems
because sometimes people, they don't know
how it is the process.
Sometimes it's lack of education.
- Absolutely.
- And we have to guide them to the right process.
But myself, since I start as a commissioner,
I have to say they've being very active
with the issues and we resolve a lot of issues already.
Yes, I repeat again, thank you.
- Thank you.
Commissioner Alvarez.
- I have no, I have no remarks.
They pretty much checked off all the boxes.
Every question I was gonna bring about, your presentation
pretty much clarified all that,
but thank you so much for your work.
- Thank you.
That was all Samantha. - Good job.
- Thank you.
Commissioner Martinez.
- I have a question, but my question
would basically be more referred to Kissimmee Main Street
since they do the participation with the businesses.
I get a lot of people that reach out to me
and say, the fire inspectors came out
and they didn't tell me about the fire extinguisher
and I gotta wait for them to come back again.
And the whole situation,
like Craig was saying about the turnaround on the time,
'cause sometimes it's the lack of education,
that they don't know how to deal with the portal.
They don't know where to find the comments.
Like there's several tabs that they have to click on.
So from your perspective,
what feedback have you gotten
from the businesses in the area?
- Please.
And I'm sorry I skipped you over
after we closed out that CRM, but I was gonna come back
after this and have you come. - I could email it.
It was just in favor of the item eight.
- Thank you.
- So I think a lot of what Craig says that we see also.
So sometimes as we're going through the process
and working with them, we realize
that sometimes it's something that they've neglected.
But I will say that not as of late,
but in the past, we've had many, many complaints,
tears, frustration in reference to the time that it took.
We, and again, I'm not in the trenches
to see this file, so I can only tell you
what you've asked me.
We had one individual that came to us in tears
that if it didn't open, she'd been doing this for a year,
and if she didn't get opened by this month, then her whole,
you know, dream of being a home, of being a business owner,
you know, she'd have to give it up.
So we've seen that a couple times,
but then again, we talked to Craig
and we find out, well they, you know, they were supposed
to call back and tell us that this was done
so that we can go to the next step.
So, you know, again, this isn't as of late.
This was, you know, in previous businesses
that start up.
I think first of all, the trainings
that they're doing are incredible.
I went to the first one, I'm scheduled
to go to the one tomorrow.
It helps us be able to help them.
If I could give any advice
or, you know, a way to make it better, I don't know
how Main Street can help more by being in the process.
That's where kind of like we lose it
because we have to go by what they said.
We're not able to read the actual notes or what's going on.
So it makes it difficult for us to be able to truly help.
And sometimes that requires us to call Craig
or to call somebody at the city to kind
of bogle them down more by needing more information.
So that's what we see.
- All right.
So you've seen a decline
in all the issues versus what we have right now in place
with all the technology, the update of the website,
the videos, the luncheons and all that?
- How much of that is, you know, the actual decrease
in that work and the fact that we're full downtown too?
You know, we don't have as many businesses coming in.
I think the majority of the problems happen
with the restaurants though.
You know, the hood suppression, you know,
the fire suppression system, all of these things
that come into play that they're not aware of.
One of the things that we discussed at Main Street
that we thought would be wonderful
is if there was an inspection prior
to, almost like when you purchase a home
and there's a home inspection, something like that.
When there's a business that's purchased
because a lot of times, the previous owner
of that business does not tell you
that they've unplugged the exit signs
or that they're no longer using, you know,
the oven the way to its full capacity.
So these people buy these businesses without having any
of that information.
So, and then, you know, I realized,
caveat entered, buyer beware, yes, of course.
But if there was some type of inspection in place,
and I don't know if that's possible,
but I think that that would make a huge difference
in some of the individuals who try to open a business
and then it takes them a year or two just to get it ready.
- I think one of the issues,
and part of me is that we have to define
where does the responsibility lie?
Right?
Sometimes we think it's the Permitting Department,
but it really, where does the new business owner...
I mean, as much as I'd love to say
that it's always the Building Department,
it's not always that.
And sometimes our new business owners don't understand,
especially if they're brand new.
And we've seen that today.
We actually had a conversation about that,
so, it's 50-50, right?
And--
- Sometimes when they come from other countries,
that's an added, you know, obstacle
because the way they do, right.
The way they did it somewhere else,
they're trying to do it here.
Right, right.
So I think
it's the hamster wheel.
This is gonna happen over and over and over
and we would just hope to get better.
So yeah, that's kind of a challenge, I guess.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off.
Do you have any other questions or comments?
- I just wanted to get an outside perspective
because I've seen the great work that they're doing,
the videos that are being uploaded and being shared
and are having the community being able
to participate in it.
So I just wanted to see if there was something
that I wasn't seeing from a different perspective.
So thank you Diana, appreciate.
- Yeah, no, I don't think so.
And I really think that with time we're gonna see
the positive impact that these changes have made, so.
- And anytime there's an issue, you know, they always help
and they make sure that everybody gets
their concerns addressed, so.
All right, thank you.
- I understand you're having a sign code meeting
coming up June 25th.
- At what meeting?
- Sign Code.
- Sign code meeting. - Oh, sign code, yes.
- So that-- - On the fifth.
So can you elaborate a little bit on that?
- So we are redoing our sign code, which is part
of the City Code of Ordinance.
And we're modernizing it, kind of streamlining it.
And there's certain things that we're not going
to permit anymore.
It's just gonna be kind of like, like window signage.
Window signage is the main
of everybody's existence and development services
because you pay a company to slap up,
cling wrap on your window
and then you go, well, you're in violation
of the sign code.
They go back to the sign company
and it's like, well that's your responsibility.
We just sold you the stuff and put it up.
So we're actually going to recommend to the commission
that you no longer regulate window signage,
and except for downtown where it's important
to have open windows and things like that.
So that's one of the bigger things.
But it's a lot of just streamlining it, make it very easy
for somebody to pick it up and use for a sign company
for it to pick it up and use.
And that meeting is really just to have business owners,
sign code people, everything come in.
There's also some antiquated parts of the sign code.
The references to political signs will all be removed
because of the Supreme Court decision.
It'll be changed up
so that we meet Supreme court decisions, things like that.
First amendment rights. - That also pertains also
to awnings as well?
Awnings, the littering size?
- Right, that's considered
a sign. - That's pretty much
what you're gonna--
- Right.
- All right, so I just recommend folks to go out there
and do, make this meeting, you know, voice your opinions
and you know, be part of the community
and you know, we look for your inputs.
So June 25th at 5:00--
- Yes.
- Do come out.
All right.
Thank you.
- Thank you.
Craig-- - Good job.
- This presentation that you just put up,
is this on your website?
I feel like we went over the entire website on here.
(commissioners laugh)
- We don't have it on the website.
We can put it on the website.
- It's probably everything that we shouldn't do is on there.
It's probably a good tool.
I mean we, you know, thank you for the detail.
It was very, very detailed.
My direction would be never to do that again,
but that's just maybe.
(commissioners laugh)
- I've already got a couple text messages.
- Because like put it on the website.
We'll have to read it.
- Yeah.
(Mayor laughs)
And translate it in Spanish, everyone's happy.
- Yeah, I think-- - Because reality
is it's a lot to process.
- Right.
- Even for us up here and you know,
it's, but it's a great presentation, don't get me wrong.
I just think that sometimes it's so much information,
it's TMI, and then at some point you lose me,
and if people have it, it's almost a reference point.
I like the ones that, for instance,
what can delay a building permit?
What can delay?
Those are key.
So even if you don't put the whole presentation,
it's almost like, that's almost a Q&A.
Put it on the website
and make sure everybody can refer to it
and I think it's just gonna simplify it
because if someone asked me right now what could delay it,
I wouldn't have a clue.
I would have to say hold up, let me go to page 122,
and then, well, I'm sorry.
(Mayor laughs)
I'm sorry.
But I appreciate you.
I want you to know, I appreciate you, it's just--
- I do apologize for the length and the detail,
but I, well, first I thought I was going to a workshop
so I'd have a whole hour.
- Okay, yeah. - And I think
we probably took a whole hour, but--
- Yes (laughs)
It felt like a workshop,
so thank you. - And again, I was having
a hard time
with the policy
that you all had in 2025 to figure out
what the issue really was.
And again, all I hear is it's hard to get a permit
and it takes too long when all the data I have says
we're quicker than everybody else.
- [Mayor] Yeah.
- So this, I just wanted
to make sure you all had all the information to make
the best decisions
and recommendations possible. - I like that we're quicker
than anybody else.
That was probably my favorite page on there.
And, but I am gonna ask you,
I don't ever want us to lose the human touch, right?
So I think that's part of the challenge,
as I know we have all this computer stuff
and not everyone understands the computers.
And some people come to us and say, we don't get it.
So I think sometimes a simple phone call fixes things,
but by the time we get a decline
and then we try to figure out who do we need to call
and you know, it's just so much.
I think sometimes we just are so automated,
and there's nothing wrong with that sometimes.
You know, and I think that simple phone call,
and it shouldn't just be from the applicant.
It could also be,
and and I'm not saying that you don't do it all the time.
I'm just saying
that sometimes, you know. - No, I mean, I agree with you
and we will walk somebody through and handle.
- I know you. - That's what we do.
So if somebody doesn't want to go online,
they could come in, we'll take them in the back.
We'll, that sounds bad,
but yeah, we'll take them
to a computer in the back (commissioners laugh)
and help them go through the process.
- For the record, that was a good thing.
(Mayor laughs) - And one of the big things
that we're doing is because we keep saying,
nobody picks up the phone.
Well, that's because 7:30, the calls start
and don't stop till 4:00.
And if you leave a voicemail,
and you'd be surprised people don't leave voicemails,
and then they wonder they can't get
anybody to answer the phone.
So this will be--
- And you would think they're trying to open a business
and they'd answer their phone.
- Right.
- That doesn't always happen.
- You'll be able to call
and then they'll say, we'll call you back
when it's your turn in line,
so you can hang up and go about your day
and then we'll call you back.
- [Mayor] Sure.
- So that's gonna be a real plus.
You don't have to leave a voicemail,
and you know, I think that'll help a lot,
'cause it shocks me that people will not leave voicemails.
And we return all voicemails within 24 hours.
Most of the time it's by the end of the day,
but within 24 hours.
- Well, thank you.
We thank you all.
- And also I would like to recommend
that you create a bridge with Osceola Board of Realtors
because some of this headache is created
because when people they buy
and they sell, especially they deal
with a real estate agent.
I received a lot of phone call from real estate agent,
mortgage loan officer where they have some issues.
I believe this large land, they should be extended to them.
The same way they get involved
in other issues with the city,
this is something very important.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
All right.
- Madam Mayor, before you close this out, I just wanna say
that I've sent already like about six
or seven people that have been literally held by their hand.
- Oh yeah.
- From the beginning of the process to understand how,
because I've tried to help them, staff's tried
to help them and they just didn't get it.
So when they went into the Building Department,
they took them in and took them to the back and helped them.
(commissioners laugh)
I like that, so thank you for that.
I just wanted to acknowledge you guys on that.
- Thank you.
Thank you for all you're doing.
All right, so city managers,
is that all you need on that one?
Direction to staff?
That's pretty much it on that.
Do you need anything?
- One more presentation we have, no, I'm just kidding.
(commissioners laugh)
- Is that 123 pages?
Sorry.
- No, ma'am, I think we've got a good direction.
- Thank you.
So if you heard my stomach growling, it's your fault,
Craig, thank you very much.
(participants laugh)
It's all good.
We should have eaten those cookies.
That's right.
All right, so we're gonna move on
to 8D Advisory Board vacancy, Board of Adjustments.
City Manager.
- Madam Mayor, Commissioner Martinez
has this appointment.
If she does not make the appointment tonight,
we'll have to do an extension.
- Hi, Madam Mayor.
For the Advisory Board, I'd like
to appoint Raymond Sanchez.
- I second motion.
I second that.
- Motion by Commissioner Martinez,
second by Commissioner Alvarez.
All in favor?
- Aye.
- Motion carries.
All right.
I think we've reached the end of our journey here.
So now we're gonna hear from city officials.
City Manager.
- Thank you, Madam Mayor, commissioners,
I have nothing tonight.
Thank you.
- You don't.
(commissioners laugh)
Thank you.
City Attorney.
- Wanna get further? - I'll make this quick
since it's late, but I just wanted to give y'all an update
that I will be advertising the noise, alcohol
and lien ordinances for first reading for July 1st.
I will have a draft circulated to you individually
so that you can study it before the meeting.
And then the second reading
would be at the following meeting,
which is July 15th.
So first and second readings of those.
- Oh, Madam Mayor, I had something else too.
- Sure.
- She just prompted me.
(commissioners laugh)
- He just remembered.
- No presentation, no.
So July 1st, we'll also have the proposals
that were resubmitted from the four hotel developments.
We'll be scheduling it for that date as well.
- So I understand it's gonna be a busy July 1st.
Everyone here, please come
and join the party, it's important.
(commissioners laugh)
- And we also have a workshop at 3:00
before that meeting on the CRA Master Plan for--
- So when getting July 4th started.
- That's right.
That's the month
of July fireworks. - Fireworks.
- Please make sure to invite everyone.
(commissioners laugh)
Sorry, as we should.
City Commission, let's see if you have any comments
at this point.
We'll start with Commissioner Martinez.
- It's been a long night.
Thank you guys for showing up and being here.
(Martinez laughing)
- That's it?
- Yes ma'am.
- Okay.
Commissioner Alvarez.
- I have no comment.
- Thank you. - I have no comment.
- Commissioner Ortiz.
- I just want to remind (indistinct)
to extend my deepest condolence to the Indian community
in Kissimmee for all of them who lost
in the tragic accident last week, families and members,
so my deep condolence for that.
- Thank you.
Thank you, that's accurate.
Vice Mayor Eady.
- Sure, I do have a comment.
Actually, I have a slide I want you guys to see.
- Are you for real? - Not a presentation.
- Not Angela, are you for real?
(commissioners laughing)
- I seen this online yesterday.
And what the City of Tampa is doing is they're implementing
a program where they're putting in drinking fountains
in the areas where the homeless population
are congregating at.
And I think that it would be a good idea if we would partner
with Toho to try to do some of the same thing,
considering it is so hot right now,
and they're just out there.
What do you guys think?
- City Manager.
- Commissioners, if you guys are interested,
it's something I could reach out to Toho Water Authority,
see if they have a desire to assist perhaps
and that may be something we can look at
through our CDBG Program as well.
- Thank you.
Thank you for bringing that.
That's actually very innovative.
I think that's, especially at our parks,
not just for the homeless,
but for the kids
and everyone out there. - Exactly.
- That's a great...
That's a great opportunity to research.
Thank you.
That's it?
- Yes, and that's it.
- Okay.
I wanna say, happy birthday, Mr. Tom Kapp.
You're here with us today,
so I wanna wish you a happy birthday.
You spent your whole evening with us here.
Thank you.
(participants laughing)
That's a warrior right there.
So I wanted to congratulate you publicly.
Juneteenth was a great success.
I thank everyone that came out
and absolutely enjoyed that celebration.
I had a great time.
And as usual, we danced a lot.
We had a good time
and we fellowshiped with many residents in our community.
Same was with Pride Fest,
and I was excited to go out to those events.
I just ask everyone to share those events online
so that we can continue to create community.
I think it's very important
that we continue doing that.
Tomorrow, City Manager and Vice Mayor,
we're going to Tampa to...
I'm sorry, I keep saying tomorrow.
I think I'm ahead of myself.
Thursday.
We're gonna go and connect with other mayors
and other elected officials.
And we won't be staying there that evening,
but we are very excited to go out there
and represent Kissimmee, City of Kissimmee
as best as we can.
So it'll be a fun time.
And I also wanna ask everyone,
if you would share every time you know
that we have a commission meeting
and encourage your fellow neighbors to come up and speak.
We wanna allow grandstanding,
but we certainly wanna hear you speak.
We wanna hear your concerns.
One suggestion I'm always gonna make is please bring
your suggestions also, how can we fix it?
And that is the point
that I wanna talk about really quickly.
KPD is doing an amazing job keeping us updated every weekend
with the incidents that happen in our local town
and our local city area.
And once again, City Manager,
we did have, and we stopped two trucks.
And I bring this up
because I know there's concerns
and I just want you to kind of, and he's looking it up.
I know he always looks it up.
He should have been ready for me.
You know that's coming.
But we are stopping people for noise ordinance,
not just on the businesses, but cars, and Chief Broadway,
thank you for your leadership on that.
I think it's important we're starting to see a change.
Some people are starting...
You see, once you do it once
or twice and people get stopped
and they get cited, it starts spreading.
So make sure we are the advocates for our city
and we tell people, if you ride downtown
with that music blaring, most likely you'll get a ticket.
And if we start putting that message out there,
I think people will start hearing it.
It's gonna take a minute,
but it's definitely, it needs to be said.
So City Manager, do you have a report?
I, we should report everything every time
we do one of these things.
- Yeah, we pulled nine people over
in the downtown area this weekend.
18, two 18 wheelers driving downtown.
Four with loud music, one with headlights out, one
with red headlights
and one with bright lights like the brights on.
So they're definitely,
I mean, the amount is decreasing that they're catching,
but they are definitely making it
a point to be present down there.
- So it's important that we also note those things
because you have to understand every time
the cops pull someone over,
you never know who's on the other side.
So that is also a risk.
And so we all have to be cognizant of that.
And I just wanna thank KPD.
Every time I can possibly have an opportunity to thank them
because these are the little things
that change that environment.
But Mr. Kapp, I want you to keep calling me
and letting me know when they're not doing
because it's important that we know (laughs)
including waste management and everyone else.
I know, I brought that up to City Manager
and he was gonna look into this, the--
- We're looking it up
'cause if it was, if it was
like the county waste management trucks,
then they probably shouldn't be going through downtown.
But if it's like a dumpster truck,
then that would be an exception that would be allowed.
- But we love that you get involved and you tell us.
That's how we start creating
a different vibe in our community.
And some of you know
that some businesses have violated certain things
and we are not gonna call them out here publicly
'cause we know what the issues are.
But we will continue calling businesses out as we should.
And so just, if you wanna...
We get so many emails
of things of that shouldn't be happening
and we appreciate it because it's the only way
that we can keep an eye out
and, you know, food trucks shouldn't be selling on the side
of the road without, I mean, just these little things.
And we get emails and pictures all the time.
So, you know, I think it's a great thing.
So I wanna thank the community for doing that.
Don't stop.
Say so, what is it?
See something, say something.
It doesn't matter what it is.
Commissioners, thank you.
I was trying to get to right at 8:00,
but you know, we're a little early, so thank you all.
I think (laughs) this meeting is adjourned.
(Mayor hits gavel)