On the agenda: Altamonte Springs minutes — Flock camera (Sep 3)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 MINUTES
PRESENT:

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

ALSO PRESENT:

Frank Martz
Rochelle Croskey
Amanda Phillips
Avi Bryan
Mary Sneed
John Sember
Angela Apperson
Alisa Prince
Tara Culver
Chad Elliott
Tony Apfelbeck
Dean Fathelbab
Alisha Maraviglia
Terence Nicolas
Evelyn Steenekamp
Bruce Doig
Lenny Barden
Kendall Gow
Ryan Thompson
Joanne Carron
Caroline Baurhyte

City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Administrative Director
Division Director of Emergency Management
City Attorney
Director of Data Strategy
City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Chief Financial Officer
Comptroller
Director of Building and Fire Safety
Director of Growth Management
Division Director of Planning
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 REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 18, 2026

Motion:

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Turney, to approve the
minutes from the regular meeting of August 18, 2026. The motion carried
unanimously.

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
Page 2 of 8
3.

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

Craig Sava, Gwynne Guthrie and Gabi Mengel 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 the City paying three vendors for these services; surveillance and
tracking of the public; whether the suspension of the cameras is temporary or permanent; why the
briefing City Manager Martz promised isn’t on the agenda this evening; and whether the benefits justify
the data collection. Additionally, Ms Mengel provided a one-page document titled “Fact Versus Fiction:
Automated License Plate Readers.”
Eric Soto advocated for the area between the newly constructed Spring Lake Trail and Spring Lake
Elementary to be regraded to eliminate the terrain differences leading to the school.
4.

PUBLIC HEARING (1st Reading)
Adoption of the Tentative Millage Rate and
Tentative Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27

Mayor Bates announced, “This is a public hearing to hear and consider comments and questions
regarding the City’s proposed annual budget for the coming fiscal year.”
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tara Culver presented the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027,
highlighting the following:
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Fiscal Year 2027 budget totals $122 million, reflecting a $2 million reduction from the prior
year on top of a $13 million reduction from the year prior, a 10.83% budget reduction over
two years. This marks the second consecutive year the City has reduced its overall budget
The budget maintains the millage rate at 4.0 mills, which is 0.1376 mills or 3.56% greater
than the rolled-back rate of 3.8624 mills. The roll-back rate would keep the property tax
revenue the same as last year, which is not sufficient to cover the operating expenses in
every fund. At 4.0 mills, the anticipated property tax revenues would increase by
approximately $1.3 million, which will fight against inflation and sustained inflationary
pressures and the impact of tariffs across nearly every category of goods and services.
The proposed budget includes $37 million in capital expenses, a $4 million reduction
from the prior year on top of a $19 million reduction from the year prior. Capital
projects have been scaled back and operating expenditures have been reduced to
prepare for the future, particularly in the General Fund.
The longstanding philosophy of “Pay-as-you-go” and building financial reserves allows
for capital improvement funding without incurring debt. This is the 15th consecutive year
of remaining debt-free.
The budget includes a 3% merit-based increase for high-performing employees and totals
$693,000. Employees are asked to do more with less and have continued to identify new
technologies, streamline processes and develop innovative solutions to allow for
operational efficiency.
There has been an estimated $2 million increase in health insurance premiums over the
past two years. This is in addition to a 15% increase in general liability and property
insurance costs, adding an additional $300,000 from the prior year.

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
Page 3 of 8
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Very few people want fewer City services and, understandably, no one wants to lose a
program or service they value. Stressing that the responsibility in preparing a balanced
budget requires difficult choices.
With uncertainty surrounding property tax reform and continued increases in operating
costs, maintaining strong reserves, remaining debt-free and preserving financial flexibility
are especially important. We cannot predict every change that may come, but we can
make sure the City is in the strongest possible position to respond.

CFO Culver thanked the Commission for their continued leadership and dedication to the
community. She noted that the proposed FY 2027 budget reflects that effort, making difficult
recommendations where necessary, investing where operational costs can be lessened, especially
in our General Fund, and continuing the City’s longstanding commitment to fiscal responsibility,
innovation and long-term planning.
Mayor Bates opened the floor to public comments.
Laurie Bartlett expressed her opposition to paying twice for the same services and noted that
there are two other libraries, within a few miles, which are run by Seminole County. Mr. Ken Davis
advocated for both the library and the fireworks to continue. Axl David explained that most cities
do not run their own library and the few that do have their own library do no contribute to the
county library system. He suggested that continuing the duplicative services is financial
malfeasance.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the elimination of library services from the
budget: Mary Ann Steeb, Nicole Donelson, Nicole Weaver-Hansen, Holly Hansen, Gabriella Boykin,
Jude Stevens, Gyslane Brasil, Paige Fiedler, Julie Fiedler, Kathy DeRouin, Dominique Douglas, Karli
Hawkins, Thomas DeWitt, Laura Elliott, Lisa Blanck, Jessica Lynch, Alta Marseille, Mark Perkins,
James Coppens, Marlene Muscatello, Audrey Verawetwatana, Gloribelle Hernandez, Danoe
Songy, Rick Ashby, Chris Shelton, Cynthia Siva, Howard Sims, Steven Morris, Jerry Poppell, Eric
Soto, Patricia Clifton, Emma Perkins, Celina Escota, Giselle Elayne, Dora Longido, Gabriela Reid,
Carmen Velez and Valerie Wuertz. Collectively, the speakers expressed concerns about individuals
who do not have computers at home; frustration that the proposal is again before the City
Commission after the tax increase two years ago; that funding for the autonomous vehicle project
will continue instead of keeping the library open; the need to invest in the future generation; the
interest the library team members take in the patrons' needs and success; the need to look for
grants and partnerships; the TikTok campaign to obtain signatures in support of keeping the
library open, which has more than a thousand signatures and the prior petition that had more
than fifteen hundred signatures; that the library provides free equal access to everyone; that
baseball fields at Eastmonte Park are being covered with turf, instead of keeping the library open;
that the deed to the property requires the facility be open to the public; statistics that show library
usage is increasing not decreasing; that keeping the digital library and moving some services to
Westmonte Recreation Center is not acceptable, as they don’t have the appropriate amount of
space; that former Mayor Maltbie, who donated the property, was an early leader in the City who
advocated for education; that the elected officials are to represent the priorities of the whole
community; the internet or digital media are not the same as the books at the library; that
reciprocal library cards should be established with the libraries in Maitland, Orange County and

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
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Winter Park; that Seminole County is considering cutting hours, resources and staff at their
libraries; that closing the library will erode trust and send a message that certain voice matter
less; that the services and team members at this library are better than those at the County
libraries; the collection of historical records needs to remain accessible to the public; that the
library is a living, breathing, flourishing, organism that is essential to the community; that there
will still be maintenance cost for the land and building if the library is closed; that Lake Brantley
High school does not have a library anymore; that the lack of literacy among students is real; that
libraries provide a safe place when homes are not safe; that the library provides a place for
students who are home schooled; that Amendment 3, which proposes to reduce property taxes,
is an attack on Home Rule and will change the power of the citizens to talk to those who represent
them.
Mayor Bates closed the public hearing and opened the floor for discussion by the City Commission.
City Manager Martz applauded the citizens who appeared before the Commission. He spoke
about his work with Valerie Wuertz on alternatives for the library. He thanked those who have
called and emailed him. Mr. Martz announced that the Flock cameras are down; however, the
poles are still up. He indicated the City has disconnected all access to those databases. Mr. Martz
addressed the different funding sources for the budget and explained that restricted funds, like
those for the autonomous vehicle project, cannot be used for anything other than the purpose
for which they were collected. He explained the General Fund is made up of property taxes and a
variety of other revenue. This is the area that funds the library, parks, police, planning,
procurement, many of the other general services and the unfunded mandates initiated by the
State Legislature. He noted this is not unique to the City of Altamonte Springs; all Counties and
Cities have to follow the same rules. Mr. Martz explained the prior drainage issues at the baseball
fields and the decision to install the turf was to avoid the cost of maintenance on the fields by
including them as a part of the capital project. This saves the maintenance cost for the next 10
years. Mr. Martz indicated he will look at the numbers provided by Ms. Fiedler. He noted that the
passage of Amendment 3 will force many more budget cuts. He recounted the events of 2024
related to the increase in the millage rate from 3.1 to 4.0 mills, noted the library wasn’t the only
issue that was solved by the tax increase and explained the work that was done to try to locate a
nonprofit, private company, donors, benefactors and grants for the library. Mr. Martz spoke of
the rising insurance costs, which are also a part of the General Fund. He explained that 100% of
the property taxes go to fund the Police Department. He explained he and the City team will be a
resource for Ms. Wuertz and others who have committed to exploring funding alternatives for the
library.
Commissioner Turney recounted the events of the budget workshop and distributed a possible
amendment to the budget to reinstate the funding for the library.
Commissioner O’Malley indicated the location of the library shouldn’t be an issue, because similar
to the pool, it is closer to some residents than others. He noted that City government, by its very
nature, is a duplication of services. The City provides similar services to the County; however, we
do so because we want more or better services for our community. He recounted events from
2024 when citizens suggested raising taxes to keep the library open and explained how he
understood it was about what the citizens want. He noted that without the millage rate increase

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
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in 2024, this year’s budget would certainly be very difficult. Mr. O’Malley felt if the library wasn’t
fully funded, the millage rate should be returned to 3.1 mills. He advocated for using the millage
rate increase of .9 mills to first fund the library and then use anything after what is needed for the
library for the police and other programs.
Mayor Bates gave a “Shout Out” to the Sign Language Interpreters for their excellent work this
evening. She announced, “Consistent with the four Commissioners in attendance at our June
workshop, who consented to support to maintain the millage rate of 4.0 mills; I ask for a motion
to adopt a rate of 4.0 mills as the Tentative Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
Motion:

by Commissioner Reece, seconded by Commissioner Brunscheen, to adopt a rate
of 4.0 mills as the Tentative Final Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. The
motion carried unanimously, after a roll call vote.

Mayor Bates asked for a motion to adopt the recommended budget, with amendments, as the
tentative Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
Motion:

by Commissioner Turney, seconded by Commissioner O’Malley, to adopt the
recommended budget with the following amendments:
1. Library Division Funding. That the Library Division total budget for Fiscal Year
2026-2027 be increased from $266,326 to $500,000, sufficient to fund City
library operations through September 30, 2027; and that the City Manager
present a revised budget incorporating that appropriation to the City
Commission for adoption at its meeting of September 16, 2026.
2. Solicitation of Proposals. That the City Manager prepare and present to the
City Commission at its meeting of October 7, 2026, a proposed public notice,
together with recommended baseline terms and conditions, for the
Commission’s review and approval. The notice shall invite for-profit and
nonprofit organizations, individually or jointly, to submit to the City Manager
business plans and accompanying funding plans for the operation of the City’s
library.
3. Publication. That the City Manager cause the public notice to be published as
soon as practicable following its approval by the City Commission, in the form
and on the terms and conditions so approved.
4. Status Report. That the City Manager provide a written status report to the
City Commission no later than March 2, 2027.
5. Presentation of Proposals. That the City Manager present to the City
Commission, no later than April 6, 2027, all proposals received in response to
the public notice, together with any proposed leases, operating agreements,
and other submitted documentation, accompanied by the City Manager’s
written evaluation and recommendation as to each proposal.
6. Commission Action. That the City Commission act upon the proposal so
presented at a regularly scheduled meeting in April 2027.
7. Contingency. That in the event no proposal is offered or accepted by the City
Commission, the City library shall cease operations as soon as practicable
thereafter.

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
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Commissioner Reece expressed her appreciation for those who have suggested alternatives
rather than yell at the Commission.
Commissioner Turney indicated he did not coordinate his motion with Ms. Wuertz; however, he
was pleased that citizens are on board with his proposal. He indicated next year's budget will
have to be decided in the future.
A brief discussion ensued.
Mayor Bates “I ask for a motion to adopt the Recommended Budget, with amendments, as the
Tentative Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.”
Commissioner Turney “So moved.” Commissioner O’Malley “So moved.” The motion carried
unanimously, after a roll call vote.
Mayor Bates announced: the City has adopted a property tax rate of 4.0 mills as the tentative
millage rate for Fiscal Year 2026/2027; this rate is 3.56% greater than the rolled-back rate of
3.8624 mills; and the Commission will hold a final public hearing on Wednesday, September 16,
2026 at 7 p.m. at City Hall; and at the conclusion of that hearing, the City Commission intends to
adopt a final millage rate and budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. She invited all interested parties
to attend. Mayor Bates closed the public hearing.
A member of the audience stood and shouted to others in the room that if there are no proposals
by others, then the library will close. Mayor Bates asked the individual not to shout out.
Commissioner Reece asked when the citizen committee will be formed and the date by which it
needs to be formed. City Manager Martz indicated Ms. Wuertz is heading the committee and he
has offered meeting space to her.
Commissioner Turney indicated at the October 7, 2026 meeting that an announcement should
be made to inform the citizens of how they can be involved or where to meet.
Commissioner Brunscheen asked for clarification as to whether the funding for the library was a
part of the budget that was presented for the June workshop. City Manager Martz indicated at
the workshop he stated that the library and Red, Hot and Boom were being removed from the
budget.
5.

INFORMAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:

Jude Stevens asked for an explanation of the motion. Commissioner Turney provided a brief
overview. Ms. Stevens explained that citizens felt raising the millage rate in 2024 was going to
fund the library year after year. She asked, if it didn’t fund the library year after year, where did
it go?

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
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City Manager Martz explained that property taxes, based upon the millage rate, go into the
general fund, which includes adding the library and other items back in the budget. He noted
that millage/property tax revenue is spent on many things. He spoke about restricted revenue,
which must be spent on the items for which it is collected.
Ms. Stevens reiterated that most citizens believed that the increase in taxes was going to
continue to fund the library in the future.
Commissioner O’Malley stated that this was the intent of his motion. However, the reality of
general revenue is that it will be an issue every year. He indicated anything that is funded by
general revenue should be up for debate. He recommended that future budget workshops be
held at night in the Commission Chambers, so citizens can attend. He noted this Commission
cannot bind future Commissions past September 30, 2027. He explained it is important for
people to stay engaged.
Ms. Stevens reiterated the need to get the budget to the citizens ahead of the workshop. She
felt community input should be taken from the beginning. Mayor Bates reminded Ms. Stevens
that the Commission does not vote at the workshop meeting.
Eric Soto provided general budget suggestions, advocated for open meetings and urged people
to consider what reasons would make Commissioner O’Malley not want to run for reelection.
Commissioner Reece reminded those present that each meeting is open to the public and they
are welcome to attend.
Craig Sava provided more information regarding his opposition to all automated license plate
readers.
6.

REPORTS

CITY CLERK ANGELA APPERSON: Explained that qualifying for the November 3, 2026 Municipal
Election ended Monday at 4:30 p.m. She stated that Commissioner Brunscheen and Dominique
Douglas qualified for the Mayor’s seat. Mr. Broderick Srodes qualified for City Commissioner
District 2 and was elected by acclamation. Mr. Jeff Boebinger and Mr. Eric Soto qualified for City
Commissioner District 4.
COMMISSIONER O’MALLEY: Thanked CFO Culver and City Manager Martz for keeping the City
fiscally sound and for doing their job. He expressed his feeling that any comments about City
Manager Martz are unwarranted, as he is doing his job. He also thanked Commissioner Turney
for proposing a solution to keep the library open.
COMMISSIONER REECE: Announced that Buddy Ball starts this weekend and is a special needs
baseball league. She noted the Buddy Ball program funding is not provided by the City; it is funded
by private donations. She encouraged individuals to volunteer to be a buddy to the players.
COMMISSIONER TURNEY: Noted he looks forward to seeing how the citizens can make the
library work similar to Buddy Ball. He was certain the citizens would figure it out.

Minutes from the City Commission Meeting – September 3, 2026
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COMMISSIONER BRUNSCHEEN: Thanked CFO Culver and City Manager Martz for the hard work
that goes into the budget. He thanked Commissioner Turney for proposing the motion and
thanked everyone who came to the meeting to provide their input. He noted the job of the
Commissioners is to represent what is important to the citizens.
MAYOR BATES: Complimented everyone on the excellent meeting. She indicated she has read
things on Facebook that aren’t true. She spoke of the great City and her pride in serving the City
for many years.
The meeting adjourned at 10:32 p.m.