Art Woodruff, Mayor - Sanford, Florida

09/27/2026

Here are highlights of the September 28, 2026, City Commission agendas.

The full agendas are available at

Work Session : https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/87ae7590-28bd-4f8f-902f-1bebe829669b
Regular Meeting:https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/de900d90-5457-4125-9d87-c9aa82af9c94
YouTube Link for Work Session and Regular Meeting: https://www.youtube.com//streams

WORK SESSION 4 PM –

Update on City Manager Search – The HR Director has provided a baseline of qualifications, knowledge, abilities, and skills for the commission to review and discuss. She also provided the documentation of the Winter Springs contract with a search firm. One option that would speed up the process would be to “piggyback” a contract that another city or county has. It is an allowed procurement process that is often used for purchases.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7 PM-

Presentations
Introduction of the Mayor’s Youth Council. This group is comprised of high school students how attend Seminole High School or Crooms Academy, or who live in the city.
Proclamations – National Community Planning Month, Fire Prevention Week, Hispanic Heritage Month

Second Public Hearing to approve the 2026-27 budget.
The millage rate was decreased by 0.1 to 7.225. With increase in total property value because of increased valuation, annexation, and new development, the property tax revenue will increase by 5.08% over last year.

Consent Agenda Includes: (I only include items I think are of general interest.)

Approve a $50,000 increase in procurements with Bar Environmental for the rehabilitation of transfer pumps at the north wastewater plant. This adds to work being done by the company at a total cost of $3.7 million. (utilities fund)

Approve a $24,000 purchase from Ferguson Water Works for waterline and fire hydrants and materials for the Midway Water Main Relocation project. The line at Beardall and Celery is required for roadway improvements in the area. (utilities fund)

Approve an annual contract for citywide turf and landscape maintenance for stormwater facilities at a cost of $129,000 with Premier Lawn Maintenance. (stormwater fund)

Approve a $350 sponsorship of the 2027 Sanford Historic Trust Calendar through the economic development department. The calendar will list the dates of eight city events.
Events
-- Sanford Easter Sunrise Service – Sunday, March 28 – Fort Mellon Park – Taylor Commandery No 28 Knights Templar and the First United Methodist Church. City costs $44.
-- Taste of Korea – Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15 – Good News Orlando Church and Centennial Park. Closing Fourth St. City costs $3000.
-- Day of the Deviants – Saturday, Nov 21 – Deviant Wolfe Brewing. Closing the alley behind Deviant Wolfe. City costs $540.
-- Love Fest – Saturday, May 15 – Fort Mellon Park – Lamp of Hope Ministry. City costs $430.

Public Hearings: None

Approve extending an expired development plan and site plan permit for 1701 Rinehart Rd. The applications expired in December 2024 and the applicant did not request an extension. City staff do not have the authority to reopen and extend an expired permit.

Approve annexation, change in future land use, and rezoning of 5 acres at 3848 Moore’s Station Rd for development of a concrete production facility.

Other Items

Approve an interlocal agreement with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to process Risk Protection Orders on behalf of the City given that the SCSO has more manpower and personnel to handle the legal processing of these orders when necessary.

Approve an increase in emergency medical transport fees for the Sanford Fire Department. Current fees for transport range from $650 to $800 plus $10 per mile and were set in 2018. At that time the estimated cost per transport was $1600. The proposed rate will be $1000 regardless of the level of care plus $15 per mile. Rates at other departments in Seminole and Orange County range from $720 to $1087 plus milage of $13 to $17. Revenue goes back to the general fund which pays the cost of fire services. (general fund)

Approve an agreement with Ten 8 Fire and Safety for as-needed fire/rescue vehicle and equipment repair throughout 2026-27 for a cost of up to $200,000. This is one of many agreements the city will put in place for the budget year that begins October 1 to allow departments to handle expected and ongoing expenses without having to go through a purchasing process each time work is needed. (general fund)

Approve other annual purchasing agreements:
--Municipal Emergency Services for protective clothing and equipment for the fire department at a maximum cost of $240,000. (general fund)
-- Bound Tree Medical for operating supplies for the fire department at a maximum cost of $190,000. (general fund)
-- Ferguson Waterworks for materials and equipment at a maximum cost of $350,000. (utilities fund)
-- Petroleum Traders Corporation for fuel for city vehicles and equipment at a maximum cost of $1.1 million. (various funds)
-- Middlesex Paving for city-wide road resurfacing at a maximum cost of $3 million. (One cent sales tax fund)

Approve the purchase of 17 police vehicles from Alan Jay Fleet Services at a cost of $1.1 million. This annual purchase rotates vehicles out of the city’s fleet as they reach 100,000 miles which reduces maintenance costs.

Official Youtube Channel of City of Sanford, Florida. There’s Always Something Going On in Historic Sanford. As one of the oldest incorporated cities in Central Florida, founded in 1877, located on the beautiful St. Johns River, Sanford is home to a wealth of history and is listed on the National ...

09/24/2026

Welcome to downtown Sanford Thryv Health and Dr. Courtney St. James. Her Direct Primary Care office is at 202 N. Park Avenue.

09/22/2026

Hear from the outgoing and incoming mayors and find out about Sanford now and in the future.

09/22/2026

Last night the City Commission took the first step in the search for a new City Manager. With Mr. Bonaparte’s retirement coming next month, we met in a special work session to hear options for a search. I invited Mayor Elect Hollerbach to join the discussion since she will likely be in office when the new manager is hired. After the presentation, we asked staff to prepare to hire a search firm, possibly using a piggy back agreement. This option would allow us to hire a firm another city has used without going through a 60-day selection process speeding up the search. During the next couple of weeks we will be developing a job description/profile for the next city manager so watch for opportunities to make suggestions for that. Meanwhile, Craig Radzak has been selected to take over as Interim City Manager next month. As former Fire Chief, he has experience leading a large group of employees and the last few years has served as assistant city manager, giving him a working knowledge of the entire city and the city manager’s job.

09/21/2026

ALL CLASSES ARE FULL. Thank you for your interest. We hope to host more workshops in the future, and watch for our Community Mural Mosaic Project at the beginning of 2027.

UPDATE - We had had a great response. The October dates are full and we have limited space for the November date.

Watch for more events coming in January.

Garden Mosaic Workshops are filling fast. Email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Seminole Cultural Arts Council

09/13/2026

Here are highlights of the September 14, 2026, City Commission agendas.

If you don’t want to receive these emails, just let me know. If you know someone that would like to be added to the list, have them send me an address.

The full agendas are available at

Work Session : https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/5abbe11f-a71c-4ecd-aa8e-d4957fd93f77
Regular Meeting:https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/4742b447-b7b4-4520-aa4c-515032dac5f6
YouTube Link for Work Session and Regular Meeting: https://www.youtube.com//streams

WORK SESSION 4 PM –

Presentation on permitting study by Raftelis. The report identifies what is working and what needs improvement in the permitting process. The staff has already started implementation of some of the recommendations and will discuss next steps.

3rd Quarter financial report. Department expenditures are at 64% after 75% of the year. General fund reserves are $14.8 million, not including $20 million in reserves for marina repairs.

Discussion of 2027 Budget. There has been a decrease in expected state funding and off setting adjustments will be discussed.

Review of 2020 parking study and discussion of enforcement and paid parking in key areas.

Discussion of property in Sanford to be considered for the Seminole Land Forever program. Last year Seminole County started a land purchase program to protect land from development.

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7 PM-

Presentations
Presentation by David Johnson, Seminole County Property Appraiser

Proclamations: Constitution Week, International Day of Peace

First Public Hearing to approve the 2026-27 budget.
The millage rate was decreased by 0.1 to 7.225. With increase in total property value because of increased valuation, annexation, and new development, the property tax revenue will increase by 5.08% over last year.

Consent Agenda Includes: (I only include items I think are of general interest.)

Approve a $137,000 contract with Cathcart Construction for installation of a new water main at Hartwell and Ridgewood Ave to improve water distribution in the area. (utilities impact fee fund)

Approve a $136,000 contract with Cathcart Construction for sewer line replacement on Olive Avenue. (state FDEP grant)

Approve a $790,000 contract with Sanpik for phase three of the Goldsboro water line and hydrant upgrade project. The overall project replaces water mains with larger pipes and add fire hydrants along the water mains. (utility impact fee fund)

Approve the purchase of a Ford F550 pickup truck at a cost of $222,000 for use by the new Valve Technician employee. The truck will be equipped with a single turn valve maintenance skid (cost $93,000) and service body deck (cost $64,000) to allow the employee to inspect and maintain water main valves throughout the city. (utility fund)

Special Events:
-- Pink in the Park – Sat. Oct 10, 7 am – 12:30 pm – Perlie May Ford Community Service Club – Fort Mellon Park - city costs $430
-- Street Explosion – Sat, Oct 17 10 am – 4 pm – From Behind the Walls Evangelistic Ministries – private property – city costs $104
-- Florida Underground Music Festival – Jan 8 – 10 – Wild West End Trading Company. Noise permits only – city costs $120.
-- Get hook’d Seafood Festival – Sat Jan 16 – 11 am – 7 pm – West End Trading Company – closing Palmetto Ave, 2nd St, and Sanford Ave – City costs $4,200.
-- 2026 Return of the Holiday Boat Parade – Sat Dec 19 – 5 to 8 pm – Project Sanford. City costs $10 for noise permit.
-- Enchanted Knights: Fall Festival – Sat, Oct 24 - 10 am to 6 pm – Sanford Main Street. This event was previously approved, but the applicant has requested additional street closures and will now include Palmetto Ave, Sanford Ave, and 2nd St. City costs $9,900.
-- Alive After Five Sanford Ave Block Party – Sat, Oct 31 – 3 – 10 pm – closing Sanford Ave – Project Sanford. City costs $2,300.
-- Harvest Moon Dinner – Sat, Nov 14 – 6 to 8 pm – at Sanford Museum – Sanford Cultural Guild. City Costs 4350.
-- Central Florida Vitality Fest – Sat, Jan 2 – 11 am to 5 pm – closing Palmetto Ave and 2nd St – West End Trading Company – city costs $2100.
-- Dr. MLK Parade and Festival – Mon, Jan 18 – 6 am to 5 pm – Dr MLK Celebration Steering Committee – City costs $14,500. Closing Historic Goldsboro Blvd, Seminole Blvd, and Sanford Ave.

Public Hearings: None

Consider rezoning 31 acres at 401 Placid Lake Blvd for 122 single family homes. About half of the property is owned by the City of Sanford and is proposed to be sold to the developer.

Consider annexation, change in future land use, and rezoning of 5 acres at 3848 Moore’s Station Rd for development of a concrete production facility.

Consideration of architectural design changes for the multifamily development at 4530 St Johns Parkway. The architectural plans do not match the renderings provided to the commission for approval and staff is requesting the commission to review the changes since the rendering were part of the approval.

Other Items

Approve a grant agreement through the University of North Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation for $12,700 for the Sanford Police Department to use overtime to conduct high visibility education and enforcement operations to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Renew a memorandum of understanding with the US Drug Enforcement Administration to assign a Sanford police officer to the Central Florida DEA Task Force, with reimbursement of any overtime by the DEA.

Approve a change order for CPH Engineers to provide additional design and construction administration services for the new Public Works Operations Building at an additional cost of $74,000. (storm water and 3rd gen sales tax funds)

Approve a contract with Alfa Laval for rehabilitation of gravity belt thickeners and belt presses at both wastewater treatment plants at a cost of $720,000. These systems remove water from the sludge that remains after treatment.

Approval of a donation policy that sets standards and processes for the acceptance by the city of cash, in-kind, or property donations. This is the first step in having a clear process for receiving donations for things like recreation programs for youth or in-kind services.

Approve the annulment of a $3.6 million loan with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that has a repayment requirement and increase a different loan with FDEP for the same amount that has a loan forgiveness provision. The loans are part of the financial package approved with the state of the last several years to fund the 1,4 Dioxane treatment system at our water plant. This will bring the total funding of $55.7 million into one loan agreement that will be forgiven through Federal funding to the state.

Approve the contracts with the Sanford Professional Firefighters union for the 2025-27 years. Negotiations had been ongoing since last year on a one-year contract due to fiscal uncertainty from possible state legislation. The union declared impasse with a delay of mediation until November. The city continued to work with the union to continue negotiations which has resulted in an agreement. For the 2025-26 budget year, fire fighters will receive a 5 percent increase plus 0.35 percent for each year of service. This will be retroactive to October 1, 2025. For 2026-27, fire fighters will receive a 4 percent pay increase and starting pay will rise to $56,277. Starting October 1, 2026 firefighters will receive 10 scheduled and paid 24 hour shifts off per year in addition to PTO.

Add-on item – Approve contracts with Sanford Fraternal Order of Police for 2026-2027 which will raise starting pay for police officers to $69,222 and provide 4 percent raises to police officers. Pay raises will be effective October 1.

Add-on item – Approve a non-discrimination policy and grievance procedure. The policy is a requirement of receiving EPA grants.

Official Youtube Channel of City of Sanford, Florida. There’s Always Something Going On in Historic Sanford. As one of the oldest incorporated cities in Central Florida, founded in 1877, located on the beautiful St. Johns River, Sanford is home to a wealth of history and is listed on the National ...

08/28/2026

An interesting take on funding events - and timely since Sanford is considering resurrecting a policy from 2008 (never implemented) to provide at least $50,000 of tax payer money for events run by non profit organizations. Events have definitely put downtown Sanford on the map. Costs and how to pay for them are frequent topic. (Sanford, even with the CRA, hasn’t sponsored events at the amount Oviedo does. The major events sponsored solely by the City of Sanford are Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran’s Day, Tree Lighting, and Christmas Parade. )

08/23/2026

Here are highlights of the August 24, 2026, City Commission agendas.

The full agendas are available at

Work Session : https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/8e3cc5cf-fff8-4893-9ca1-ac72ed626d23
Regular Meeting: https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/842ff32d-45ea-4788-b1af-7f25902de386
YouTube Link for Work Session and Regular Meeting: https://www.youtube.com//streams

Congratulations to Mayor Elect Christina Hollerbach. She will take office on December 14.

WORK SESSION 4 PM –

Sanford Main Street Update. (Side note - I am pleased by the turnaround at Sanford Main Street during the last year. The current board and leadership have made great strides in all four parts of the Main Street Program.)

Discussion of Special Events. A commissioner asked for discussion about the city providing funding for special events.

Strategic Plan and workflow updates

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7 PM-

Presentations
Proclamations: Sanford Babe Ruth 8U and 9U All Stars Teams; Patriot Day

Consent Agenda Includes: (I only include items I think are of general interest.)

Consider an increase in funding for Baker, Donelson, et al Law Firm regarding appeals with FEMA for the Sanford Marina. The requested increase is $100,000 bringing the total expenditure to $200,000. (general fund)

Consider approval of the School Resource Officer agreement with Seminole County Public Schools and with ALS Education. The agreements call for 13 SRO’s to work at the schools with 50% of the officers’ salaries and benefits being paid by the schools.

Special Events
-- Strengthening Through Love Peace Walk – Saturday, September 17, 10 am to 5 pm Closing Historic Goldsboro Blvd from Crooms Academy to Holly Ave (12 cross streets) and Holly Ave to Coastline Park. Sponsored by Success Through Loyalty. Estimated city costs are $7,200 for road closures, park rental and security.
--Patriot Day Ceremony – Friday, September 11, 10:20 am to noon – Veterans Memorial Park. Sponsored by the Sanford Recreation Department with Seminole County.
-- Melissa’s Race to Battle Brain Cancer – Saturday, May 8, 2027, 6 am to 10 am. downtown streets between Mellonville and Elm Avenues and closing Seminole Blvd, and First St. City costs $3,800.
-- St. John’s River Festival of the Arts - April 23 – 27, 2007 closing 1st Street, Magnolia Ave and Magnolia Square, Oak, Park, and Palmetto Avenues. City costs $15,700.
-- 37th Annual Sanford Holiday Tour of Homes – Saturday, December 5, noon to 9 p.m. City costs $144.

Approve a $2000 Economic Development sponsorship of 9th Annual Sanford Jazz in the Park on October 17.

Public Hearings: None

Other Items

Approve a contract with Danus Utilities for the Roseland park Lift Station Rehabilitation at a cost of $176,800. The City is working through upgrading lift stations throughout the city. (utilities account)

Approve the purchase of a 70 kilowatt trailer mounted diesel generator to provide backup power from Cummins to lift stations, wells, and treatment plant equipment as needed during power outages. (utilities account)

Approve an extension of Development Plan and Site Development Permits for 3883 Church Street. The permits were administratively extended in 2024 and 2025 and expired again on January 3, 2025. Staff does not have authority to further expend the expired permits but recommend the commission extend them to January 3, 2027.

08/09/2026

Here are highlights of the August 10, 2026, City Commission agendas.

The full agendas are available at

Work Session : https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/dda55b40-d825-4c0c-9f77-fe650f737bc8
Regular Meeting:https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/de9b6790-cdaa-4213-ae60-966bfff05725
YouTube Link for Work Session and Regular Meeting: https://www.youtube.com//streams

WORK SESSION 4 PM –

Joint meeting with Sanford Airport Authority to approve the airport annual budget. The airport was created by state statute as an independent agency with budget approval by the City. The airport expects to serve 3 million passengers during 2026-2027 and will have operating revenue of $43.5 million.

Discussion of Special Events. A commissioner has asked for discussion about the city providing funding for special events.

Discussion of paid parking in downtown Sanford. As part of an ongoing discussion about parking, the commission will discuss the possibility of having paid parking downtown that would fund parking improvements.

Strategic Plan and workflow updates

Discussion of Public Art Commission Budget

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7 PM-

Presentations
Check presentation from Sanford Main Street to the Central Florida Zoo for proceeds from the Sloth T-Shirt Fundraiser.

Proclamations – Venezolanos in Sanford, Francine Levy Day

Consent Agenda Includes: (I only include items I think are of general interest.)
Approve a purchase order to General Underground LLC for $45,400 for repairs and upgrades to the water main at Seminole State College. (utility fund)

Approve two contracts for $92,900 and $84,200 with Cathcart Construction Company for emergency repair of a 24-inch reclaimed water line at Richmond Ave and SR 46 and a 16-inch reclaimed water main on Seminole Blvd. (utility fund)

Approve a contract with Envirowaste Services Group for $97,300 for cleaning of 22,000 lineal feet of sewer line associated with the 24th place manhole reconstruction.

Approve a $34,000 increase in a contract with Cathcart Construction for installation of valves on the water main at 2nd St and Mellonville Ave. (utility fund)

Approve budget transfers within the Stormwater fund and approve a $247,000 contract with Avcon Inc to do a drainage and basin study in the Rosalia Ave and Locust Ave area to identify improvements to the stormwater system. (stormwater fund)

Approve a $167,000 contract with XRC Commercial Builders for repairs to Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium. Fencing, flooring, and structural supports will be replaced at the top rear of the stadium. (General fund, Capital Replacement fund)

Approve a $130,000 contract with Ovation Construction for brick street restoration of Park Avenue from 1st to 6th St. to replace damaged bricks and level the roadway. (3rd Generation Sales Tax fund)

Approve an agreement with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to provide biometric comparison of photos to the Florida Drivers License database. The agreement provides limits on how the database and the results can be used.

Approve an $80,000 contract with CPH engineers to update the 10-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan as required by the state following adoption of the Central Florida Initiative 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan.

Events:

-- Seminole High School All-Class Reunion – Saturday, Sept 12, 5:30 to 8:30 pm – ACE Café parking lot. City fees $400.
-- Seminole High School Homecoming Parade – Thursday, October 8, 5 to7 pm – Closing First St and Seminole Blvd – city costs $775
-- Sanford’s Ride to Freedom – Saturday May 15, 7 am to 2 pm – Hopper Academy with police assistance at key intersections of the 12, 28, 45, and 60 bike rides. City fees $1,500.
-- 19th Annual St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk – Saturday, April 10, 9 to 11 a.m. Fort Mellon Park. City fees $53.
-- Strengthening Through Love Peace Walk – Saturday, Sept 19, 8 am to 5 p.m. – Coastline Park with walk from Crooms to Coastline, closing Historic Goldsboro Blvd and Holly Ave. City fees $7,200.
-- Orlando Air Show – Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. The Seminole County Sheriff will assist with traffic control. The Air Show will pay the cost for Fire Department Services.
-- Murder at the Museum – Saturday, Sept 26, 5 to 9 pm – Sanford Museum.

Public Hearings: None

Other Items

Approve a contract with Trane US for replacement of the chilled water piping for the air conditioning system at City Hall at a cost of $787,000. The cost of continuing repairs exceeds the cost of replacement. (general fund)

Approve the purchase of a Styker stretcher and power load for the new rescue vehicle being delivered in September at a cost of $100,000. (General Fund)

Approve an $877,000 contract with Accurate Power and Technology to replace the electrical distribution system at the Nort Wastewater Plant including replacement of all switches, panels, and renovation of the electrical room to support the new equipment. (utilities fund)

Approve condemnation of 103 Crooked Pine Drive and set hearing for demolition on October 12. The house was damaged by fire in March 2025 but has been in foreclosure by the mortgage holder.

Official Youtube Channel of City of Sanford, Florida. There’s Always Something Going On in Historic Sanford. As one of the oldest incorporated cities in Central Florida, founded in 1877, located on the beautiful St. Johns River, Sanford is home to a wealth of history and is listed on the National ...