On the agenda: Altamonte Springs minutes — Flock camera (Aug 18)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
AUGUST 18, 2026 MINUTES
PRESENT:

Mayor Bates, Commissioners Brunscheen, O’Malley, Reece and Turney

ALSO PRESENT:

Frank Martz
Rochelle Croskey
Amanda Phillips
Mary Sneed
John Sember
Angela Apperson
Alisa Prince
Tara Culver
Chad Elliott
Dean Fathelbab
Jesse Weed
Thomas Dalton
Terence Nicolas
Evelyn Steenekamp
Bruce Doig
Lenny Barden
Kendall Gow
Ryan Thompson
Joanne Carron
Megan Schick

City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Administrative Director
City Attorney
Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis
City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Chief Financial Officer
Comptroller
Director of Growth Management
Fire Marshal
Building Official
Chief of Police
Deputy Police Chief
Director of Public Works & Utilities
Chief Mobility Officer
Director of Human Resources
Director of Leisure Services
Sign Language Interpreter
Sign Language Interpreter

Mayor Bates called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Bates led a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE REVIEW MEETING OF JUNE 24, 2026 AND THE REGULAR
MEETING OF JULY 7, 2026

Motion:

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Turney, to approve the
minutes from the review meeting of June 24, 2026 and the regular meeting of July
7, 2026. The motion carried unanimously.

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – August 18, 2026
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3.

INFORMAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR FOR ANY ITEM THAT IS NOT A PUBLIC
HEARING:

Denver, Gwynne Guthrie, Dominik Fitze, Justin Harvey, Jude Stevens, Tyler Walter, Sarah Leverage,
Sammy Stout, Saagar Patel, Christopher Hopkins, Craig Sava, Yamina Sfiat, Trey McCoy, Taylor Dibble,
Valerie Wuertz, Eric Soto, Alrik Anderson, Christian Segarra and H. Alexander Duncan spoke in
opposition to the use of Flock cameras and automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and advocated for
their removal. Collectively, the speakers expressed concerns regarding surveillance and tracking of the
public; privacy and Fourth Amendment rights; warrantless tracking without consent; safeguards
governing the use of the system and collected data; potential misuse, unauthorized access, and sharing
or sale of data; and the reliability and security of a private company having access to the information.
Concerns were also raised regarding transparency, accountability, and the lack of public involvement
in the placement and use of the cameras, including cameras reportedly located near children’s
playgrounds at Merrill Park. Speakers requested greater transparency and accountability regarding the
cameras and their use and requested public hearings before cameras are installed.
Jessica Lynch, Audrey Verawetwatana, Dominique Douglas, Jude Stevens, Tyler Walter, Sarah Leverage,
Sammy Stout, Saagar Patel, Christopher Hopkins, Trey McCoy, Valerie Wuertz, Eric Soto, Alrik Anderson
and H. Alexander Duncan spoke in opposition to the proposed closure of the City Library due to budget
shortfalls and requested that the Library remain open. Collectively, the speakers emphasized the
importance of the Library as a community resource and place of learning that provides free resources,
reading programs, and access to services for individuals of all ages. Concerns were raised regarding the
loss of physical and accessible resources in an increasingly digital environment and the impact closure
would have on residents and families who regularly use the Library. Speakers questioned what other
options had been considered to address the budget shortfall and preserve the Library and raised
concerns regarding City funding priorities, including comparisons between funding for law
enforcement and the Library and the use of funds for cameras. Speakers requested that alternatives
be explored to keep the Library open and emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability,
and consideration of the community’s concerns.
City Manager Martz thanked everyone for attending and noted that many credible concerns had been
raised. He explained that the City controls the Flock contract but does not pay a subscription fee, as
the cameras were funded through a federal grant involving a group of law enforcement agencies. He
noted that the City has six cameras in operation and that other cameras within the City are not under
the City’s control and may belong to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. He explained that the City
does not use facial recognition technology and addressed concerns regarding regulation,
accountability, and potential misuse of the system. He highlighted the Police Department’s Excelsior
accreditation and explained that protocols and procedures are in place, searches are investigated, and
independent audits are conducted as part of the accreditation process. He emphasized that abuse of
power is unacceptable and noted that the City wanted control of the contract to ensure that data and
images could not be sold. He also noted that the City would look into concerns regarding cameras being
moved or placed in other locations. Regarding Fourth Amendment concerns, he referenced a case
currently moving through the appeals process, noted that the City follows the law, and shared that the
case will continue to be monitored. He noted that he would meet with Police Chief Nicolas to review
the comments and concerns raised and would also contact the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
regarding its technology. Mr. Martz advised that a public briefing would be brought back outlining the

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cameras operating within the City as part of the grant, their functions and capabilities, and the Police
Department’s protocols and accountability measures. The briefing would be a public record available
upon request.
Commissioner Reece clarified that the Commission does not vote on the purchase of all equipment and
noted that she had only recently become aware of the Flock cameras. She thanked everyone for
attending, educating her on the issue, and voicing their concerns. Commissioner Reece acknowledged
the concerns raised and noted that she would like an opportunity to review the facts.
4.

PUBLIC HEARING (1st Reading)
Ordinance No. 1845-26 – Amending the Land
Development Code to Clarify Procedures for Projects Involving Conditional Letters of Map
Revision

Mayor Bates opened the public hearing. No members of the public appeared before the
Commission. Mayor Bates closed the Public Hearing. City Attorney Sneed read the ordinance title
into the record.
Motion:

5.

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner O’Malley, to approve
Ordinance No. 1845-26 on first reading and set second reading for October 7,
2026. The motion carried unanimously, after a roll call vote.

PUBLIC HEARING

Resolution 1484 – FY 2025/26 Budget Amendment

Mayor Bates opened the public hearing. No members of the public appeared before the
Commission. Mayor Bates closed the Public Hearing.
Motion:
6.

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
Hurricane Milton Assistance Grant

Motion:

7.

Amendment to the Emergency Watershed Protection,

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Brunscheen, to authorize the
Mayor to sign the Emergency Watershed Protection grant amendment for
additional funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service. The motion carried unanimously.

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
Resource Officer Agreement

Motion:

8.

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Turney, to approve
Resolution 1484. The motion carried unanimously, after a roll call vote.

Seminole County Public Schools – 2026-2027 School

by Commissioner Brunscheen, seconded by Commissioner O’Malley, to approve
the agreement with the Seminole County School Board to provide School
Resource Officers to public schools located in Altamonte Springs and authorize the
Mayor to execute same. The motion carried unanimously.

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
International Corp., LTD.

Fine Reduction – 924 West State Road 436, Ledo

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Mr. Martz mentioned that the respondent’s attorney advised that they supported the
recommendation.
Motion:

9.

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner O’Malley, to reduce the fine
to $48,201.79 if paid within 90 days. If the reduced fine is not paid within 90
calendar days, the fine will revert to $143,800. The motion carried unanimously.

DISCUSSION

Appointment of Citizen Board/Committee Members

Commissioner O’Malley appointed Axl David to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Commissioner Turney reappointed Venus Robinson to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
10. FINANCE ITEMS
A. Solicitation Award to Amplex Tampa LLC dba Amplex, SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC and
Spring Hill Nursery, Inc. for Nursery Plants & Products, ITB-26-085-KY

B. Solicitation Award to Rotolo Consultants, Inc., Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. and
Helping Hand Lawn Care, LLC for Landscape Maintenance Services, ITB-26-051-KY

C. Solicitation Award to AGAS MFG INC, Timothy J. O’Donnell Corporation dba O’Donnell

Corporation, Gallagher Promotional Products, Inc. dba GPP and Quick Advertising, Inc. dba
FASTSIGNS of Apopka for Banners & Signs, ITB-26-072-KY

D. Employee Health Insurance for Fiscal Year 2027
Mayor Bates read the item titles into the record.
Motion:

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Brunscheen, to approve
Finance Items A, B, C and D. The motion carried unanimously.

11. INFORMAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Members of the public continued to express concerns regarding Flock cameras and requested
additional records and information, including access to the contract and clarification regarding
the court case previously referenced. City Manager Martz advised that the contract and other
records are available through a public records request and identified the case as Schmidt v. City
of Norfolk. Speakers acknowledged the safeguards discussed by the City but expressed concern
that the absence of misuse to date does not eliminate the potential for future misuse. Additional
concerns included the lack of public awareness regarding the cameras, the impact their use could
have on trust between the community and the Police Department and the capabilities and
limitations of current technology. Speakers emphasized the importance of transparency,
accountability and consideration of the community’s concerns and requested that the upcoming
briefing be held publicly. Mr. Martz confirmed that the briefing would take place during a public
meeting and acknowledged the concerns raised regarding technology and its potential limitations.
Regarding the proposed Library closure, a speaker questioned why the Library is again facing
budget concerns. City Manager Martz noted that a detailed explanation would be included as part
of the September 3rd budget public hearing and provided to the Commission in advance.

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Commissioner Turney acknowledged the question and asked Mr. Martz to provide additional
context. Mr. Martz recalled the budget challenges faced two years ago due to inflation, increasing
costs, and the need to stabilize the Police Department amid officer retention and insurance cost
increases. He explained that the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget did not initially include funding
for the Library, certain law enforcement costs, and several other items. Following community
concerns regarding the proposed Library closure and a special meeting called by Commissioner
O'Malley, the Commission provided sufficient funding to stabilize the Police Department and
restore the Library to the budget. He noted that the funding was expected to sustain those needs
for approximately two to three years and the City is now entering the third year. Mr. Martz
explained that budget shortfalls continued the following year and, while the City reduced
spending in other areas by 10 percent and eliminated six positions, the Library was given another
year while efforts continued to increase awareness and usage. He noted that Library visitation has
remained relatively flat, program participation and circulation of physical materials are trending
downward, digital usage is increasing, and operating costs continue to rise. He explained that
current economic conditions are different from two years ago, with inflation and supply chain
issues continuing to drive up costs. He further noted that the proposed law enforcement budget
is approximately $22 million, representing 100.33 percent of the City’s property tax revenue. In
working to balance the budget, the proposed reductions included Red Hot & Boom and the
Library. He explained that the Library is projected to cost approximately $750,000 this budget year
and that Altamonte Springs residents also contribute to the $545,000 in County library funding.
Mr. Martz discussed alternatives that would not eliminate all City library services, including
providing services at Westmonte Park, which receives approximately 250,000 visitors annually,
compared to approximately 32,000 Library visitors. He also noted that Eastmonte Park receives
approximately 100,000 visitors during the spring. He explained that relocating services to
Westmonte could increase awareness and usage while incorporating them into existing programs
and noted that discussions have also occurred regarding relocating CareerSource services
currently located at the Library. Mr. Martz acknowledged that the recommendation was a difficult
decision for him and his team. He reiterated that the additional funding provided by the
Commission two years ago stabilized that fiscal year’s budget and was sufficient to sustain those
needs for two years. He noted that economic conditions change each year and explained that the
goal is to provide services in a way that reaches more people while responsibly addressing the
City’s current financial conditions. Complete details will be provided to the Commission in a
memorandum on Friday.
Commissioner O’Malley explained that he was unable to attend the June 24, 2026, Budget Review
meeting due to a work obligation but met with staff on July 7, 2026, for a make-up session, at
which time he made it clear that he would vote against any budget that does not fully fund the
Library. He recalled his decision two years ago to support a millage increase, noting that raising
taxes was contrary to his general position but that numerous residents had contacted him asking
that the Library be saved. He explained that he called the special meeting and ultimately made
the motion to increase the millage rate by 0.9 mills. Commissioner O’Malley noted that he was
aware of the Police Department’s funding needs at the time and that the intent was to address
both needs; however, his primary reason for making the motion was to save the Library. He shared
that if the Library is not going to be funded, he believes the millage rate should be restored to its
prior level and any future discussion regarding an increase to fund the Police Department should

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be considered separately. He reiterated that he will vote against any proposed budget that does
not include full funding for the Library.
Members of the public continued to express concerns regarding surveillance and urged the
Commission to consider the concerns raised by the community. Speakers noted that individuals
do not have the ability to opt in or out of camera surveillance and requested that the upcoming
briefing include information regarding the effectiveness of the Flock cameras. A request was also
made for City Manager Martz’s contact information.
12. REPORTS
CITY MANAGER FRANK MARTZ:
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Thanked everyone for attending and sharing their concerns. Reflecting on the events from
two years ago, he noted that the Police Department’s funding needs were already present
at that time and acknowledged that a tax increase should have been presented then to
address those needs directly. He recalled discussions with Commissioner O’Malley and
explained that the recommendation to address multiple needs together was based on the
importance of the budget process and doing so in a fiscally responsible manner. He again
expressed appreciation for everyone who attended and participated in the discussion.
Provided an update regarding the departure of the State’s Director of Emergency
Management and noted the importance of maintaining coordination as hurricane season
preparations continue. He shared that Secretary Perdue is highly experienced and will
assume those responsibilities and noted that the City will continue monitoring
developments at the State level to ensure coordination remains in place.
Expressed sadness at the passing of Dorothy Hussey, wife of former Commissioner
Gardner Hussey, and noted that he had a copy of the funeral program available. He also
shared that the husband of longtime City chemist, Tiffany Bryan, passed away
unexpectedly and requested that she and her family be kept in everyone’s thoughts and
prayers.
Noted that summer recess approvals were included in the materials before the
Commission.
Recognized Police Cadet Jaxon Soper, who, while traveling on Interstate 95, observed a
vehicle that had entered a retention pond. Mr. Martz noted that Cadet Soper stopped
and entered the water at great personal risk, rescuing two individuals. He highlighted the
incident as another example of City employees stepping forward to assist members of the
community.

COMMISSIONER TURNEY: Expressed appreciation to those who attended and spoke before the
Commission. He noted that surveillance cameras have been an important issue to him for some
time and that he was encouraged to see others taking an interest in the matter. He emphasized
the significance of the issue and reiterated his appreciation to those who participated.
COMMISSIONER BRUNSCHEEN: Expressed appreciation to everyone who attended and brought
their concerns before the Commission, noting that this is the appropriate forum to raise issues
and work toward improvements for the City and its families. He acknowledged the challenges
surrounding the Library and noted that $750,000 is a significant cost. He emphasized that Library

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services do not necessarily need to go away, but may need to be centralized or reimagined to
ensure they are being used and accessible. He noted that there is merit in relocating some
services to Westmonte Park and acknowledged the availability of other nearby libraries offering
similar services. He also emphasized the importance of considering residents throughout the
entire City and noted that additional information should be reviewed before decisions are made.
Commissioner Brunscheen shared that the Library is important to his family, noted that his
children use it, and expressed interest in continuing discussions and reviewing additional data to
determine how Library services can best serve the entire City. In response to his inquiry regarding
increased Library advertising, City Manager Martz noted that advertising efforts had increased
approximately 190 percent and that nearly 19 Library-related communications are produced
each week. Regarding Flock cameras, Commissioner Brunscheen noted that there is a significant
amount of information to review and that he is interested in receiving answers to the concerns
raised. He sought confirmation that the City does not use facial recognition technology, to which
Mr. Martz confirmed that it does not.
A member of the public inquired whether relocating Library services would include books or only
other services. Commissioner Brunscheen noted that this had not yet been determined.
City Attorney Sneed reminded Mayor Bates that the meeting had moved into Commission
comments rather than public comment. Mayor Bates noted that she would allow one final
comment.
A member of the public raised additional questions regarding the Department of Homeland
Security cameras and whether facial recognition capabilities could be added through software,
and requested that the City obtain further information on those capabilities
MAYOR BATES: Expressed appreciation for the citizens who attended and spoke on issues they
felt strongly about, particularly the respect shown to the Commission throughout the discussion.
She noted that through her involvement with the Florida League of Cities, she has heard of
instances where that level of respect has not been shown during public meetings. Mayor Bates
expressed pride in the City and appreciation for its citizens and staff, noting that the City has
great people. She thanked everyone and emphasized how deeply they are appreciated.
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.