Hey hey hey. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. Hey. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Hey, hey hey. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Hey, hey. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> All All right. Good afternoon and welcome to the December 8th, 2025 uh meeting of the Orlando City Council. We're going to begin today's proceedings with the invocation and pledge of allegiance day led by Commissioner Rose. >> Good afternoon, U mayor, commissioners, and everyone in the audience. So, I respect everyone's religion. If you are so inclined, I ask that you bow your heads for um prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to serve our community. Let us take a moment to pause and reflect. We ask for wisdom and clarity for everyone gathered here today. May this meeting be conducted with integrity, respect, and a shared commitment to the welfare of all residents. Help us listen deeply, act justly, and work together for the greater good. May our discussions be respectful, our decisions thoughtful, and our actions guided by a commitment to the well-being of this community. Grant us patience, understanding, and the courage to work together for the common good. in Jesus name I pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, let's call the meeting to order. Madam clerk, would you call the role and make a determination of a quorum, please? >> Commissioner Gray >> here. >> Commissioner Ortiz >> here. >> Commissioner Stewart >> here. >> Commissioner Sheen >> here. >> Interim Commissioner Rose >> here. >> Commissioner Burns >> here. >> Mayor Dyer >> here. >> Mayor, you have a quorum with all members present. >> All right. Uh let's see. We don't have any minutes to approve today. How about that? So, we will go right to awards and presentations. And I think that's what a large percentage of the people are here for. In fact, and we have two special awards and presentations today that I would like um to begin as this is the final meeting for two of our city council colleagues in between them. They have uh roughly 31 >> 33 years 33 years of experience that certainly be missed. And I'm going to start with Commissioner Gray um who has 13 of those 33 years and has proudly served District One and our entire community with great passion and commitment. Uh District 1 is one of the fastest growing areas not just in the city but in the entire region and has um complicated issues that Commissioner Gray has delved into for the past 13 years. He's worked it to make that area appealing not just to newcomers and new businesses, but make sure that it's a great place to live and raise a family and has a little different viewpoint than most of the commissioners. He's pragmatic and bit businessminded and I think we've agreed on most things, but even the things that we haven't agreed on, he's always provided great insights and research and respect and I've valued his input on so many different issues. Commissioner Gray, on behalf of the city council and our city staff and the entire entire community, thank you for serving our city and making um every day thinking about how to make this a great place to live and thrive. So, I have a proclamation in your honor that I would like to read and we are going to do Commissioner Stewart after this and then go down and do pictures all together after that. But we will give you an opportunity to speak right after this. Okay. Whereas Jim Gray has faithfully served the city of Orlando as District 1 commissioner since 2012. And whereas Commissioner Gray's tenure has been marked by his steady advocacy for thoughtful growth, responsible development, and economic opportunity, contributing significantly to the vibrancy and prosperity of District 1 in the entire city. And whereas under Commissioner Gray's leadership, District 1 has experienced extraordinary transformation, including new residential neighborhoods, business centers, parks, trails, and public amenities that have enhanced the quality of life for residents. And whereas in addition to his service on the Orlando City Council, Commissioner Gray has been the Orlando managing director for CBRE, the largest commercial real estate services investment firm in the world. And whereas Commissioner Gray is a proud veteran, having served his country in the US Air Force with his wife of 47 years, Kathy, he has raised two children and is the proud grandfather of three beautiful granddaughters. And as the Orlando City Council, wishes to recognize and express gratitude for Commissioner Gray's many years of public service, leadership, and his lasting contributions to shaping Orlando's future. Now therefore, I, Buddy Dyer, mayor of the city of Orlando, do hereby proclaim Monday, December 8th, 2025 as Commissioner Jim Gray appreciation day in the city of Orlando and present him with a key to the city. [applause] [applause] [applause] Commissioner. Thank you, Mayor. Well, you know, they say going away parties are always well attended because people want to make sure you're really leaving. So, uh uh message received. Uh thank you very much. U mayor, thanks for the kind words and and I'll I'll be brief, but there's some folks I want to recognize. So, today I'm going to do a couple things I don't normally do. One is read prepared remarks. I learned a long time ago I don't have enough sense to follow written remarks, but tonight today I'm going to do a little better. So, I'll work on that. And then the second thing is um I think I might take my whole five minutes. Mayor, I I promise I won't pull my Sam Ings, but uh [laughter] but I'd like to say a few words of thanks u highlight some of our collective accomplishments and reflect on what I've learned sitting here for 13 years. So, but first there's the housekeeping I've got to do. You know, there's a gentleman I need to meet and thank. Uh, he's been a professional in our engineering or excuse me, our electrical department of public works. And for 13 years, this gentleman's received way too many phone calls and emails that were meant for me. Uh, yet I've never had the chance to meet him until today. So, I want to, you know, before I get out of here, I want to fix that and say thanks. So ladies and gentlemen, meet the real James Gray of the city of Orlando. >> So James, come see me. [applause] [applause] >> He was such a trooper. And we joke, we start reading emails and about three sentences in either he or I'll say, "Wait, this isn't for me. This is for the other guys." So, James, thanks for for making the effort to come down. It It's good to meet you 13 years later. Thank you, sir, very much. Um, so let's get going. I' I'd like to start with the people who supported me the most. My wife Kathy of 47 years, which should qualify her for a pension, a medal, a statue, uh, something. Our children, Christy and Jeff, and two of my three grandchildren. Um, that would be, uh, Emma and Ally. So, we're going to talk later why you're not at school, but we're going to talk about that later. Uh, but my my granddaughters have successfully kept me humble, broke, and wrapped around their fingers. So, uh, balancing my private sector work with city responsibilities meant missing events, dinners, ball games, and school things. Uh, you name it. But through it all, they've encouraged me, supported me, and I could not have done this without them. So, thank you very much. [applause] uh to my district one team, support team, you know, Jeannie Wilson and Edgar Malave, you may remember them. They were with me from the start in 2012, but when they retired, um Diane Wilhelm, please stand. You must stand. Paula Jimenez, [applause] Jennifer Wagner, and somewhere around here, Dave Evangelista. There he is over in the corner. Dave, give us a wave. >> [applause] >> Uh, you know, loyalty and commitment is sometimes hard to find, but Diane has been with me for 10 years, Paula and Jennifer for seven, and Dave for almost two years. Uh, your support and hard work have been constant and unwavering. I've worked with some talented people in my life, but none more focused on residents than you. You responded to emails, a couple angry phone calls, uh, organized neighborhood events, and kept me on schedule every step of the way. So, you four are best in class, and I'm deeply grateful. So, please help me acknowledge their efforts. Thank you all very much. [applause] I'd like to uh to make a few comments about our first responders. Your commitment to the safety of our residents and visitors is unmatched. Being a firefighter, police officer, and first responder is a tough job, and it's not getting any easier. But when trouble arises, there's one number we all call, 911. I'm a proud I'm proud that this council has always supported you and the way you serve with professionalism, integrity, and heart. Thank you for your service. You have my deepest respect, gratitude, and admiration. to our city staff and employees. At my swearing in ceremony, I said I was impressed by the talent and professionalism within our city staff. 13 years later, I can say I was absolutely right. From top to bottom, our employees are committed to serving our residents. When service failures occur, it's rarely due to lack of expertise. More often, it's because we simply lack the resources and equipment needed, an unavoidable reality of local government. That's why I've always encouraged innovation, efficiency, and finding new ways to do things. And along the way, I know I've managed to irritate all of you at least once along along the way. So, please accept my apologies for the tough questions and challenges, but know this. I would not have pushed you if I didn't believe in your capability and your talents, and you seldom disappointed. Thank you for allowing me to learn from you. and to my colleagues past and present uh including Daisy Linham, Sam Ings and Regina Hill and everyone here at this DAS. It's been a joy, not just an honor, a joy. People often ask me, "What's the mayor and council really like?" I tell them, "We're diverse in every sense. Backgrounds beliefs personalities hairstyles. Think Commissioner Sheen and Burns. [laughter] about here at all. >> Or here at all. Yeah. But we generally like each other. When we disagree, we disagree respectfully, which in politics is equivalent to spotting a unicorn out in the wild. Um, and I often say if Washington behaved like this council, C-SPAN would finally get some ratings. Uh, one of my favorite things will always be our city and district events. The mayor speaks, the host commissioner speaks, and the rest of us, well, we whisper jokes like, you know, middle school kids in the back of the class. That's friendship. So, to you, your true professionals, it's been an honor and a joy and to serve with you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your team. Um, it's no secret that District 1 is a growth story that we all share. The me the mayor mentioned that when I started Lake Nona's medical city was just beginning with three main anchors. The airport, the UCF medical school, and Neor's children's hospital. Since then, nearly one out of every three building permits in the city has come from district 1. I didn't create the growth. I don't want credit for it. I just had the privilege of attending more than my share of ribbon cutings. Uh here's a few highlights from the last 13 years. And as I reflected on this, it surprised even me. Construction of 10,000 h 10,000 housing units across various price points with 65% of those units being single family and 35% being multif family from having zero and I mean zero uh to every major hospital system now is in the Lake Nona area including HCA, Advent Health and Orlando Health. And in 2015, the VA hospital opened. And today, the VA hospital serves over two million outpatient veterans a year. 2 million come to Lake Nona outpat veterans to get service. That's amazing. Um, we've opened the Dr. Phillips UCF Nursing School and the UCF Cancer Institute. Schools increased from 5 to 16. And for University of Florida math majors, that's almost one new school opening a year. Um, we have over a thousand kids in our uh or our afterchool Allstars program, which is amazing. Three regional parks connected by 13 miles of bike trails. Beep brought us the first autonomous shuttle bus in the US, which I'm proud to say drove a lot better than most people on Narusi Road. [laughter] Um, the worldclass Wave Hotel featuring a sculpture garden and Michelin rated restaurants. Public art throughout our neighborhoods. Home of the USA Tennis Center that opened 10 years ago. Host of the Lake Nona Impact Forum, annual conference that brings world leaders in medical research, technology, and innovation to Lake Nona. Corporate employers KPMG, Johnson and Johnson, Signature Flight Systems, SIMCOM Pilot Training, Kimley Horn, and Seammens anchor over 9,000 high-paying jobs in the Lake Nona area. We have two new fire stations under construction, and next year we'll be opening a new government center, police substation, and public library together in one location. Lake Nona has been one of the fastest growing communities not just in central Florida but in the entire US. Congratulations to everyone here who played a role in making that possible. A special acknowledgement goes to the Tavistock Group and Mr. Joe Lewis. Their vision and investment made what you see today possible. The city could not have funded this alone. Companies like KPMG, USA, the VA, Seammens, they could have relocated anywhere, but they chose Lake Nona. And I think I know why. It's because of the long-term vision and financial stability of the Tavistock group and also because this city has demonstrated a willingness to help those companies grow and prosper. We are fortunate to have these partners in our community. So, I've been talking too long, but I'd like to close by sharing a couple things I've learned during my time as a commissioner. Number one, first and foremost, the mayor matters. And if you don't believe me, try taking his parking spot, which [laughter] I did. Rookie rookie mistake. I did it. Happened once. Sorry, Mr. Mayor. But, uh, that was it. But, look, our our charter and bylaws give Orlando a very strong mayoral form of government. We're talking about a $1.8 billion budget. That's with a B. Uh that must balance every single year. Nearly 4,000 employees, all under the mayor's oversight and a seat at the table in virtually every major organization in Central Florida. This city was built by strong mayors, and there's none stronger than the gentleman sitting a couple seats down from me. But this office carries real responsibility, and we should never take that lightly. Second, Orlando is financially strong. Fully funded pensions, responsible reserves, A+ or better bond ratings across the board. Few cities can make that claim. Number three, personal responsibility matters. Government can't fix everything. Good neighbors and good citizens are what make great cities. Fourth, local politics is a participation sport. Uh, community involvement and engagement matters and reading social media does not count even if it's all in cap letters. Um, the fifth one that I've learned is partnerships are powerful. Organization like Lyft, the Sports Commission, Dr. Phillips Charities, The Magic, United Way, Florida Citrus Sports, the Homeless Service Network, and many more. Help us achieve what government alone cannot. And finally, I'm proof that personal growth happens outside your comfort zone. A kid from a double wide trailer in a God, I almost made it. [laughter] a a kid from a double wide trailer in a small farming town. Never expected to sit here. Never ever ever in my wildest dreams. So, don't ever talk yourself out of trying something bold. Go ahead and try things that challenge you. You'll be amazed how you grow. So, I'm leaving here today a better man than when I arrived. I laughed a lot. I cried a little. I learned a lot. And I hope in some way it made things a little bit better. Thank you so much for the privilege of serving this great city I've called home for 37 years. Mr. Mayor. Awesome. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Commissioner, I'm pretty sure that was your longest speech. >> It was >> and best >> and best. Okay. Next up is Commissioner Stewart. And Commissioner Stewart has dedicated himself to a lifetime of service to our community, including 20 years on this Orlando City Council. He has worked to lead our city forward with great dedication and compassion and kindness. And I can say unequivocally that Commissioner Stewart's love for Orlando is undeniable. I think that love has guided him on every decision that he's made on this council over the years. Commissioner, we thank you for your advocacy, which dates back to your not for-profit leadership days, your commitment to helping our city address complex challenges and working to uplift every person in Orlando. And now I have a uh would like to read a proclamation in your honor and share a special honor for those who have served more than 16 years on the Orlando Council. Whereas Commissioner Robert F. Stewart has been a lifelong resident of Orlando along with his wife of more than 49 years and he raised his family in our community. And whereas as a proud graduate of Edgewater High School in the University of Florida, he was first elected by the residents of District 3 in 2006. And whereas in addition to his service on the Orlando City Council, Commissioner Stewart has led a full life of civic engagement, including 25 years of leadership at the Christian Service Center and volunteering with countless other community and faith-based organizations. And whereas as commissioner, he has focused on making Orlando's neighborhoods the best places to live, work, and raise a family, keeping our city safe, and supporting small businesses in our main streets. And whereas Commissioner Stewart's experience in city government and community affairs led him to serve as city of Orlando's longtime representative on the board of directors of the Florida League of Cities. And whereas Commissioner Stewart has worked to preserve and celebrate Orlando's history, most recently launching and hosting Orlando history makers podcast. And whereas Commissioner Stewart's exceptional public service is even more impressive and admirable in light of his devotion as a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Now therefore, I buddy Dyer, mayor of the city of Orlando, to hereby proclaim Robert F. Stewart as commissioner ameritus of the city of Orlando in recognition of his nearly two decades on the city council and present him with a key to the city. Commissioner [applause] >> [applause] >> It's my turn. >> Your turn. >> My turn. Oh my. >> Um, all those nice things that Jim said I agree with. And so, mayor, I turn it back over to you. [laughter] >> No, no, no, no. I'm going to do a Sam Ings also for those of us who've been around for a while. Uh, poor Sam. I wish Sam were here. We'd have some fun with him. >> No, we never he wouldn't get out until midnight. I um uh it is such an honor to be here. An honor to see my friends and my family. Uh, and an honor to to um be here. It's good to know that I've got two years longer than yours in terms of marriage. Uh that makes me feel that makes me feel so much older than you, Jim. Thank you and I appreciate that. But I have uh written some comments and I have made some comments in the past. So mine aren't quite as long as Jim's which all of you will be very thankful for. Right, Corey? Thank you, Corey. Um uh but I do want to share some comments and some things that uh I want to reflect on a little bit. So if you allow me, I will read this if I can if I can get through it. Jim, if not, will you read mine? >> Okay. For the past 20 years, it has been an honor to serve uh on my life to serve the incredible people of District 3 from Bowwin Park to Rosemont in nearly every neighborhood in between. I've had the privilege of representing this historic, diverse, and vibrant communities that make up district that make district 3 so special. No words will ever capture how grateful I am that you have trusted your place. You placed your trust in me for the journey to walk alongside you through this remarkable I'm not reading very well for the chance to walk alongside you through this remarkable journey. When I stepped into office in 2006, Orlando was on the verge of transformation. And what a transformation it has been. Together, we built Sunrail, revitalized and created world-class venues, invested in the very heart of our city, our parks, our roads, our infrastructure, our services, and the safety of our families. We support the brave men and women of our police and fire departments, making Orlando a safer and stronger community that we all can call home. I've been blessed to serve during an era of tremendous change, working with visionary leaders, including Mayor Dyer and 10 council members, CL colleagues over the past years. Together, we helped guide Orlando through some of its most defining moments, the great recession, the tragedy of Pulse, and the COVID 19 crisis. Through it all, our community has shown resilience, unity, and a spirit that simply cannot be broken. I'm so proud to have played a small role in this collective strength, and to have formed friendships that I will cherish my entire life. And stop it. [laughter] My sister's crying over there. I can't get through it. When I first ran for Lando City Council in 2005, I saw an enormous untapped potential in District 3. With the launch of our Main Street program, the potential became reality. Today, three of our city's original main streets have flourished here in District 3, earning national recognition of becoming hubs for innovation and community and pride. I think often of the places that shaped my childhood. and my children's childhoods like Albert Park and Dartmouth Park and Lake Fairview Park where we built new spaces for the next generation, including my own grandchildren. I remember when Bowman Park was nothing but a vision and a vacant dirt. Now it's one of our most vibrant communities. We brought long-awaited resources to Rosemont, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, now filled with weeks, week after week, with families. We built historic Dubstread or rebuilt historic Dubstread Golf Course into one of the nation's premier inner city public golf courses. We secured Lake Juwid Park and created a unique gym for our city. Found a new home for the Orlando Ballet, built Grove Park in the packing district. And developed a brand new Orlando tennis center with beloved partners like the Tap Room at Dubstreed and Russell on Lake Ivanho. We strengthened the legacy of our city's historic spaces. These projects, big and small, are more than just accomplishments. They are pieces of our shared story, building blocks of the community that we love. As I reflect on this journey, my heart turns to the people who inspired me, supported me, and kept me grounded. First and foremost, my incredible wife. Stop it. 49 years. As I tell everybody, we the day after our anniversary, I told And we're starting our We're in our 50th year in soccer terms. Some of y'all will catch that. [laughter] Others of you will not have a clue. You still think you're in football. Okay. She's been my partner in every season of my life whose love and patience made every long day sorry and late night possible. To my children and grandchildren who have been my joy and my motivation and my greatest reminder of why community building matters. You've been the heartbeat behind everything I've done. Also want to thank Jessica Steed, Kevlan Kurpatre, Steve Smith, D Carlos Hill, Milton Sumpner, and Maria Montano. Each of you have walked beside me in unique and meaningful ways. Your dedication, encouragement, and friendship have helped me carry have carried me through this journey, and I am deeply grateful. To my parents who taught me that faith is best expressed through service and to my friends who've offered wisdom, humor, strength, perspective, and sometimes an opposing opinion. Thank you to Mayor Dyer and my colleagues here on this council. It's been an honor to serve with you and a privilege to serve our citizens together. And to the staff and the thousands of city professionals who worked with me, listen to me, or simply just put up with me. Thank you. You inspired me to serve better, lead better, and build an environment where people could thrive. You made this journey worthwhile and I have had the opportunity to thank you personally. I hope you'll accept this as a gratitude as my gratitude is both genuine and heartfelt. At almost every meeting, you've heard me say, "I'm grateful that you, our neighbors, have placed your trust in me. I appreciate it and I don't take it lightly. Today I say those words again with deeper sincerity. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. And thank you for making these past 20 years one of the greatest blessings of my life. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> We do have [applause] [applause] >> I was trying to lead the way, but nobody's paying attention to me. >> I'm gone, so nobody cares. Hold down the floor. Hold down. Yes sir. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good morning, officer. Officer [applause] Yes sir. just said the word >> George, how many years did you serve? >> But it was three years ago. [applause] There's four cops here. I'm a security team. >> Yeah, I know. >> What don't we know? >> All right, commissioners. It's just all about Okay. Does anybody else [applause] If you were here primarily for the tributes, I'm going to take a 30 second recess. And now would be a good opportunity for you to >> escape. >> Well, I was going to say that, [laughter] but do feel like sand beings, don't I? Okay, then we will uh move on to the mayor's update and um I'm going to generally not repetitive between some things that I say at uh gender view and the meeting, but I think it's appropriate that I begin the update um so that we can celebrate the legacy and impact of Brenda March who passed away last month. Brenda was a city employee for over 30 years and she was so much a servant leader. She's a relationship builder friend to every person she ever encountered including every member of this Orlando city council. She hold held a number of different roles in the city including in the mayor's office but probably foremost so was her work and leadership at FPR. She was uh she helped launch and guide the parore kids zone for many years. every day. She worked with young residents of our city to help them gain access to opportunities to prepare them for successful futures. She uh provided mentorship and support and guidance to counsel countless young residents and city staff. She will be missed and she leaves a lasting legacy. If you would join me in a moment of silence for Brenda March. Thank you. Okay. If you are a resident of district three and you haven't voted yet, tomorrow is the runoff election for the city council seat that Commissioner Stewart has so aably abley served for the last 20 years. If you have an absentee ballot, it is probably a little late to mail that in. So, simply take that ballot to your polling place and turn it in and they will let you vote at the polling place. And if you don't know where your polling place is, go to orlando.gov/election. Saturday, December 13th, we'll host wreaths across America starting at 12:00 in Greenwood Cemetery. So, join us in honoring our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes. items of note quickly from the agenda. Um on today's agenda, we will be voting on funding 31 mayor's matching g grant projects and those grants support local schools, neighborhood associations, and not forprofits. If there are representatives from any of the agencies or not forprofits that are receiving um those grants, would you please stand and let us recognize you? [applause] >> [applause] >> We are proud to be able to help you with your missions and appreciate what you do for our community. Thank you. We have um homeless services funding. There are a number of not forprofits um that support our efforts to offer assistance and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness. There's $200,000 funding two of those groups. Uh first is healthc care center for the homeless for outreach specialist and the other organization is the salt outreach which provides access to hygiene services and uh operates a cooling center during the summertime. We have a number of affordable housing related items to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing. First, we will consider the 2025 report of the recommendations from the city's affordable housing advisory committee. This committee meets several times a year to review current initiatives and policy and make recommendations on specific actions. I would like to recognize and thank Chairman Calvin Fam and Commissioner Tony Ortiz for their time and efforts dedicated to um service on that committee. And I know Commissioner Gray served a number of years on that committee before Commissioner Ortiz. And secondly, we have um funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 12 affordable apartment units on Don's Avenue. Um with that, we'll move on to the consent agenda. And the consent agenda is a number of items that are acted upon through a single vote of council. We let each of the commissioners um comment on items on the consent agenda and update you on important happenings from their districts. We um vary the order and today Commissioner Rose is first up. >> Good afternoon everyone. Again, um I want to congratulate the Jones High School football team on their win. Um they're headed to state championship this weekend. Um, I want to thank state reps and Orange County government for approving the road designation and unveiling of new road signs for Harris Rosenway. This is a great tribute and honor to Mr. Harris Rosen, a renowned philanthropist and business leader in Central Florida who sadly passed away last November. Um, I want to thank you to all of the partners, all of the volunteers, and all the organizations who came together this Thanksgiving to serve over 3,000 families um in District 5 at various events and activities. Um, this is our way to continue to make sure that families have meals and can enjoy the holiday together. Um, Turkey Bowl 2025 was one for the books. Um I was fortunate to partner with um Cynthia Louderder and several other community partners to bring it back to the Jackson Center and we will look forward to hosting it every year as this has been a pair more tradition for a long time. Um City Arts Factory um now has a cafe that's open and I want to encourage everyone to stop by 37 South Magnolia Avenue. Uh I want to thank Mission Orlando, the Desire Foundation, EA 102 Jams and all community partners. So this past Friday we had a large um tree lighting ceremony at Lake Eola but the west side misses that. So I intend we started this will be the first annual and every year on the first Friday we will have a tree lighting ceremony at the northwest center so that the west side of Orlando can also enjoy the holidays. Um I also want to thank Sherry and CRA for adding additional decorations at the other some of the other district 5 parks. So we have one at Luminary now, ZL Riley, um Paramore Heritage Park, as well as Lake Lonadune. Um as we look forward to continue to make sure that the whole community celebrates the holidays together. Um couple of activities coming up in the district um on the 19th, next Friday, please join us for at South and Division, we will be unveiling Senator Geraldine Thompson Way at 10:30 a.m. at the Wellsbuilt Museum. Next Saturday, the 20th, please join Commissioner Burns, myself, and Commissioner Scott with a partnership with Athlete Connections and other sponsors. Saturday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m. at Grant Avenue. And I will also be having a toy giveaway at the Ivy Lane Neighborhood Center at the same time. Um, I want to encourage everyone, there's been a lot going on in around District 5. There's a lot of people here who want to speak, so I'm going to yield my time. I'm going to um encourage everyone to follow the district 5 page on both Instagram and Facebook. And I have a couple of items on the agenda. Uh 3A2, congratulations to the recipients for the mayor's matching grant. 3A4, thank you to Salt for all your hard work in the community. Um 3F2, I am grateful for us as a city to continue to provide affordable housing opportunities within our community. The home agreement between the city and Graham LLC is the Dolins Avenue apartment project consisting of 12 units in a three-story walk up with concrete buildings. This will allow us opportunity to provide three units for those individuals with 50% or less AMI as well as nine units for those with 80% or less AMI. So, this is our commitment to increasing affordable um housing. And then 3J2 has been um a very rapid uh conversation and I want to thank all departments for coming together. So, as you all may be aware, Camping World Stadium is going through a $400 million renovation, but it was critical and important for us to make sure that the rest of the two side roads around the stadium get the same impact. And so, we're not redoing the Camping World Stadium and not forgetting about the rest of the the and what I call is the the gateway for our communities. And so, residents are going to be able to get Rio Grand in Tampa. So, this has been a great fastm moving um opportunity where we will be redoing everywhere around Camping World Stadium. So, we'll also be able to do Rio Grand Tampa, but this has been a partnership every city department has had um hands in because it's been a rapid project where we want to make sure we do complete streets and not just a stadium. So, I'm glad to see 3J2 where this is our agreement with CFX. Um there are a couple more things that we'll talk about as we get into the um ordinances and and the at the end and that's all I have today. Mayor, >> thank you, Commissioner Burns. >> All right. Uh [clears throat] thank you, Mayor, and good afternoon, council, and all who are in attendance. Um first, I would uh also like just to take a moment to remember uh Miss Brenda March, who dedicated her life to the youth and families of Orlando uh for more than 30 years. uh she will be truly missed [clears throat] but her legacy will definitely uh live on. Also to uh our outgoing commissioners uh Commissioner Gray I just like to say thank you for your service. um uh your business insight and all of that and and and I I will um bow to you that I'll continue to ask the hard questions uh or the difficult questions and before anything comes up that may be difficult, I'll I'll uh ask WWCGA, what would Commissioner Gray ask? [laughter] So, uh I'll I'll I'll make sure I I do that. But uh thank you. Thank you for that. Also, uh, Commissioner Stewart, you know, I've had the pleasure of being a colleague of yours prior to both of our time on the, uh, on the city council in our our, uh, initiative to address homelessness in our our community. And then fast forward to be a colleague on this council. Uh, I see it as truly an honor. So, I just want to say thank you for your service. Thank you for uh, all that you've done to for our community. our community is definitely a better place because of what you've done and I appreciate your support, your guidance and your friendship as well. So, thank you, Commissioner. Uh on November the 12th, um Orlando Police Department with uh Chief Eric Smith here at the District 6 community meeting at the Elclaia Allen Center. So, thank you, Chief, for that. I believe District 6 proudly holds the attendance record for the chief's meeting and I do believe this is a testament to uh Chief Smith's engagement with our community uh as well as uh all of the officers. So we we appreciate that engagement. Uh on uh November the 13th, I was truly honored to receive the distinguished leadership award from the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce during their annual membership meeting. And I believe this was due uh in part to the establishment of the North IDrive targeted revitalization and site redevelopment initiative that is designed to incentivize highquality development for dilapitated buildings and vacant lots on iDrive. So I just like to say thank you to the commissioners for supporting district 6 with passing uh passing that. Also, uh during uh November, we've had uh several uh Thanksgiving uh meal giveaways. I just like to say thank you to Route 7, Lee Wesley, Care Plus, Humanana, We Print, and the Central Florida Knights Football and Cheer for your sponsorships that allowed uh these giveaways to happen. Also, the Florida Classic uh weekend welcomed over 5,500 fans who actually bought tickets and attended the FAMU and BCU game. Uh this is a classic like no other because the universities actually own this classic. So it's not a uh a promoter that comes in and promotes this. The universities own this own this classic. And I say that because the more tickets we sell, the more revenue goes to these two great institutions. So, I want to encourage everyone, you know, not just to come and hang out, but buy a ticket for the game and and support uh the uh the these two institutions. During the uh Florida Classic, um I had the opportunity of attending the VIP reception at the varsity club, which welcomed the new presidents, Dr. uh Mosley, president of BCU, and uh President uh Johnson of FAMU. Also, uh I was honored to bring greetings on behalf uh of the city and Mayor Dystead uh along with my uh colleague Commissioner Rose. Uh also I held my first annual uh views uh scholarship happy hour where we awarded uh $12,500 in scholarships to FAMU and BCU students and thanks to the Goan and uh rivaling families. Uh, FAMU lost this game in the final seconds. Um, however, the game-winning touchdown, the game-winning touchdown for Bthoon was caught by a District 6 resident, [laughter] uh, Mr. Josh Evans. And actually, I had awarded him a $2,500 scholarship the night before. So, I'm taking a little credit for that. I've been catching some heat from my fellow uh FAMU because I attended FAMAU saying that I'm I'm paying BCU uh uh uh athletes to uh to beat FAM, but it's all good. Uh so again, congratulations to Josh Evans and all of the uh recipients. Uh December 4th and 5th, I attended the Florida League of Cities annual board meeting and legislative conference, and I'm excited to serve on the Florida League of Cities board of directors. Thank you, mayor, for this opportunity, as well as to Commissioner Stewart and Ortiz for your service on the Florida League board. Uh, as well, uh, December 5th, I attended the Orlando Fire Department graduation ceremony. So, congratulations to our new graduates and welcome, uh, to the family. Also, that day, I attended the rededication of Harbor Park honoring uh, Orlando Mayor Glenn Glenda Hood. I also had the opportunity to join the seniors at the Elclaia Allen Center senior center for their holiday lunchon that recognized seniors who completed their um their senior planet licensing technology class. Uh these classes uh cover topics for basic computer skills, smartphones, online safety, social media and streaming. So thank you to FPR for uh this investment in our seniors and truly making our seniors future ready. I think uh that uh using a little something from you, mayor. Uh our future ready seniors. Uh for upcoming events, uh on this Wednesday, I have my satellite office hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4 at the Elclaia Allen Senior Center. This is an opportunity for residents to come meet with me directly uh outside of uh city hall. Uh December the 13th, breakfast with Santa and part in partnership with the uh Delta Sigma Theta uh sorority. Uh, as Commissioner Rose mentioned, December the 20th, uh, Athletes Connection holiday toy drive. Excited about that. And then Christmas in the park, uh, December the 20th as well at Willie Mays Park at 10, uh, 10 a.m. Uh, Commissioner Stewart, just so you you I'm not sure if you heard what Commissioner Rose stated, but uh, Orlando Jones is going to the state for a football championship. [clears throat] And, uh, that's right. Uh, we're going to the ship commissioner and we will represent Orlando. Well, >> and I'm so honored because they have one loss, right? Doesn't have one loss. >> Well, we have two losses, but >> one was to Edgewater. >> Yeah. And the other champion >> and the other one was to Evans, which both made it to the playoffs, but didn't get as far. So, but we we're going to represent for for the city. Beautiful. >> Let's represent. >> Right. We will. We will. Uh also on the agenda, mayor, uh just like to say thank you to the citizens who citizens who've agreed to volunteer their time on the various uh citizen uh city advisory boards. We would not be able to run our great city without your assistance. And at one uh time I also spent time on one of those advisory boards on the municipal planning board. It was truly an educational and and inspiring experience. So, I would um ask those of you all who are looking for opportunities to volunteer and get involved with your city, these advisory boards are a great way to do so. Also, I'd like to say congratulations to all of the recipients of the uh fiscal year 2025 2026 mayor's matching grant. Uh more specifically, I would like to highlight and thank those serving district 6 uh and for all that you do to support and uplift our community. Athletes Connection. I saw Mr. Cross. Dan, thank you for everything that you do. Uh, Elevation Scholars, Humble Visionaries, which is which is a film production program. I see my destiny if you foundation. I see Fernanda and her team here. Um, lie down or stand up incorporated. Uh, Opera Orlando count or Orange Council PTA page 15 uh language and arts empowerment program and she foundation. Um, mayor, on item uh 3A3, I need to um it's a funding agreement with the Healthcare Center for the Homeless, and I'll need to abstain from this vote. And uh, as you know, I serve as the president and chief executive officer of the Healthcare Center for the Homeless. The 2025 2026 funding recommendation for community investment program grants for this year and for several years prior to my service on the city council have included funds that provide grant funding to the healthcare center for the homeless. None of that money goes toward my compensation. Additionally, these funds would not be granted to the healthcare center for the homeless unless and until the city and the healthc care center enter into a separate written agreement. Such agreements come before the city council for individual approval and I want to make it clear that when those items come before the council, I have and will abstain from voting on any grant funding agreement between the city and the healthcare center for the homeless. I have filled out the necessary paperwork required and has provided that to uh to the city uh to the city clerk. Also uh on the agenda 3B uh 3B22 uh meeting minutes of adopting the resolution to amend the fiscal year 2025 budget and fiscal year 2024 budget uh on for November 25th in the budget review committee. Uh first I just like to say congratulations to our finance team for your uh fiscal management as well as the other departments for managing their respective budgets. I [clears throat] would like to uh just highlight a few items uh in support of the Grand Avenue Center uh gym soundproofing, the Turkey Lake pool uh pump room, uh the pavement uh rehabilitation that will be happening throughout the city, as well as the system equipment and traffic calming that will happen throughout the city. Uh also, I was uh glad to see additional funding that will be put into affordable housing. Originally, it was uh about $1 million, but after further discussion, there were an additional $2 million put into affordable housing. So, I'd like to thank the uh the staff for that. Also, uh as it relates to the interim financing for the uh the interim financing alone, if you will, that the city is providing for the Lake Nona Library in the amount of $8 million. Very supportive of that. Uh, mayor, I would like to see that uh once this uh loan is paid back uh at the completion of construction versus uh repaid on a longer pro tracked time frame that that $8 million uh from that repayment of that loan also goes into the city's affordable housing trust fund. U and along those lines, I would like for the council to consider some parameters on how that funding is utilized and allocated. Uh I believe that this is this action is consistent with the city's affordable housing uh advisory committee recommendations where they mention explore more creative and direct funding sources for affordable housing. So again, thank you to our finance team for looking at that. But I do believe that uh it's imperative that we continue to invest and set aside money that will help the development of affordable housing in our community. again the uh supportive of the affordable housing advisory report and thank you to uh Commissioner Ortiz and the entire committee for for your work on those recommendations. And that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Gray. >> Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I think I've said enough for the day, but I do want to invite anybody if you have nothing to do this Saturday morning at 4:30 in the morning, um we'd love to have you at the Target store at Hunter Creek. uh compliments of the Nabalo Foundation. We're taking 30 kids from our afterchool all-stars program to uh to go holiday shopping. So, love to have you out there. 4:30 Saturday morning, come and join us. But uh other than that, on the agenda, I have to declare a conflict on item 3B28 uh for City of Holdings as a client of the the private sector firm I work for. So, I'm going to abstain from that one. But other than that, that's all I've got. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Ortiz. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um it's a sad day for me here between these two great people living uh their spaces and um they're going to be um heavily missed. Um it's been as they say in the Navy, it's been more than a than a job. It's been an adventure working with you guys. Um, and as they say in the army, there's an army of one, right? I'm going to go for the >> what they say in the Marines. >> For the real one, the Marines, the few, the proud, right? So, working with you guys have been beyond my ever expectations. Um, God has blessed me with y'all's company and and your wisdom and I've learned quite a great deal from you guys and and um I know that this is just the DAS but um and our friendship is going to go beyond that or it is goes beyond that and and I know we're going to stay in touch and I know you guys are going to stay in touch because you're going to be watching making sure that we continue the work we're doing around here. So, but um the two of you will be hardly m very missed and uh not hardly missed but very missed. [laughter] I wanted to accentuate, you know, the heck hard. [snorts] >> Yeah, it's hard to that's that's what I mean. Thank you, Commissioner. I appreciate it. It's my Spanish coming out. Anyhow, so um um I'm holding myself from not getting that tackle in. So, anyhow, I love you guys. I love you guys and I'm I'm going to miss you guys incredibly. Uh changing the subject, another sad, you know, um story here is Brenda March. Losing Brenda March is incredibly to me I wasn't expecting that and and it's a huge loss to the city. Uh we attended her service and the amount of people that walk through mayor your words Marcia Hope and everybody that talked about her is it's almost like the words not only encompass her life but also um showcase what a great star she was and and she's also going to be very missed. Lisa, on top of all this losses we're having, you too is leaving us and and I don't know, I'm going to be all depressed when I live here today. [laughter] Um, you have been such a great mentor in so many ways and and I'm going to miss you so much. um help thank you for helping me expanding those programs that I I remember admiring so much from the days when I was in law enforcement, you know, the the kids zone, the after school allstars. Um and and thank you so much for helping us and Rodney, I know Rodney's not here, helping us getting those fields from Aelia Park, bringing them into into the city. That's going to be a great venue for all our kids. And that's what this is all about. those little things that really help our people in our in our communities that bring that quality of life and that happiness, that joy to those kids, you know, to to those small faces. So, um, this Christmas, I thought it was going to be a lot of [laughter] a little more joyful. Oh, Lord. Um, a lot of great people. I hope you guys don't go too far. We need you guys. We still need you guys. So, let me talk a little bit about the things going on in my district. see if we can say something a little bit uh more joyful around here. [laughter] On um the morning of November 18th, we opened fire station 6. Let's talk about that. [snorts] Fire station 6 completely completing our three stations modernization project. New facility enhances technology workspace and support for our firefighters which are awesome. We also unveil climb a sculpture by Dave. Don't ask me to pronounce his last name. Boya Boyan Boan or something like that. Boayan I guess that reflects the station's dual air and ground mission. Gorgeous station. Uh once again and this for our community. It fills me with joy every time I see one of these great great stations either law enforcement or firefighters because those are the guys out there in the community saving life either way uh fighting crime or saving life uh through through medical. and and we need to make sure that just like schools, we have great locations to to host this great uh soldiers that are out there fighting for our community. So, um that's another great accomplishment for the district. That evening, I joined Chief Smith and OPD for our final District 2 community meeting of the year. We discussed accountability transparency and building stronger trust between residents and law enforcement. Chief Smith reported promising progress. Shootings are down 65%. Thank you, boss. Violent crime is slightly lower and thousands of traffic stops have been completed. Thank you to all the residents who participated. I don't know if I can compete. I don't remember. I didn't pull the numbers. Commissioner um uh Burns to see if it was yours or it was mine, the one who was best attended. But it but it's up there. It was well attended to [laughter] school. I take it. I take it. But your engagement helps move our community forward and that's what we need our community to continue to get involved. [snorts] The afternoon of November 19th, I was grateful for the opportunity to tour 26 health. What an asset we have in the city and learn more about the vital services they provide. Dedication to supporting our residents is evident in every corner of the facility. Thank you to the entire 26 health team for the work you do to strengthen our community. The morning of November 24th, our team delivered 200 turkeys, Thanksgiving turkeys. Uh yeah, let's let me let me make that clear. It was Thanksgiving turkeys. Um to seniors and families at Johnson Manners, Elorado Senior Apartments, Citra Square, and Halleberg. Thanks to uh the Levy Restaurant, to Hispanic Federation, OPD, and our volunteers for helping us bring holiday support and kindness to our residents. A lot of people were very happy, especially our seniors. >> [snorts] >> Uh in the afternoon of November 25th, we returned Citra Square with Chief uh Smith and OPD to deliver more uh food bags and check in with seniors. Supporting our elders residents remain one of the most uh meaningful parts of our work. Thank you, Chief. You brought a lot of uh you brought a lot of smiles to all those guys over there and uh I know that is always good to see that those stars walking around the community. So, thank you. On December 2nd, I attended the 2025th state of downtown. Nobody has talked about that yet. It was a great state of downtown, mayor. Uh especially the the people we had over there talking about the future of downtown and and the plans are. I mean, is it's exciting to see what our downtown is going to be turning into. Uh what we have accomplished and what's to come. David, that was a great event and everybody who participated. So, um congratulations. I want to congrat congratulate all the mayor's matching grant recipients. Thank you so much for the work you do. I know that that money is going is an investment in our community. So, we're very grateful for what you do. I also want to congratulate all the appointees to the new city boards. Um that's the only way we can make it and we have we need more volunteers. So, let's keep incentivizing people and uh asking people to come over and serve and and learn more about government. It's the only way we're going to come out of this catastrophic issue we had around the nation. But, um we need to empower people with the knowledge of government. So, it's uh joining boards is a great start. On the morning of December 4th, I joined Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 3 Commissioner Robert Stewart to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Albert Park with a pavilion stage improving lighting enhance uh seating and other great I'm sorry. I'm still thinking about that thing in front of the uh pavilion that you were talking about the little decoration thing. The mayor was explaining that there was a part missing over there and and and he was explaining that it was because it's like a concert hall type of thing. Turned out to be something else. Uh it's still it's coming. What it is is coming. It's a park mason. It's going to be there. So anyhow um with a pavilion stage, improved lighting, enhanced seating and other upgrades, the park now offers an even more welcoming space for residents and families. December 4th to 5th, I joined fellow municipal leaders at the Florida League of Cities legislative conference to discuss statewide policies, issues, and advocate for our community. When I talk about the Florida League of Cities, I can help but think that we need more involvement from our communities. We need people to know what's going on in Tallahassee. Ladies and gentlemen, legislations are being passed without you guys know what's what's happening in Tallahassee. Please, please, please get into the internet, get whatever you can, and learn about what kind of legislations. Call your representatives. Make sure that they're representing us here in the city of Orlando, that they're passing laws that go with our communities. All of a sudden, the government is being centralized and we need to continue to be decentralized because your voice matters. So, please get involved. Please come to us. We we work uh Commissioner Stewart, Commissioner Burns, my many of us for that matter. ask us how to get involved or how to get with those legislators in Tallahassee. And it's not only our delegation, it's other people in Tallahassee. A lot of people are making decisions that are not necessarily benefiting you. And you don't find out until after the legislations are passed. Some of these legislations affect us greatly. So, let's get together. Let's work together. We have an academy. We have twomies actually. We have the mayor's academy and we have a government academy where we teach anything and everything that has to do with government. Please join us. Learn about how to do government and how to navigate government is so important especially in this day and age. Um on December 5th, Harbor Park was rededicated in honor of former mayor Glenda Hood celebrating her leadership and lasting contributions to our city. [snorts] On the evening of December 5, I joined a Renaisser Foundation to celebrate candle-like night nochce develas at the door community center, a cherished Colombian tradition. We had the honor of the performance by the Nucleus Symphonic Orchestra. It was wonderful. Um, and on December 6, I participated in the Hispanic Federation Get Up, Get Moving event, which promotes health, wellness, and community engagement. and I appreciate her dedication to supporting families and encouraging healthier lifestyles, especially now that some of the programs, the government um federal government programs like SNAP have been affected and there's so many people out there uh driving to Megan's meat uh in their households. So, and just to add to what Commissioner Burns was talking about in terms of housing, we're trying to do the best we can and the with the monies that we are allocated the the the revenues that we have and and I'm glad for the mayor and for for the uh the staff and our council to have created that uh the fund for housing. Nonetheless, we still have to fight Tallahassee to make sure that we get the proper allocation of for housing from the Saddowski fund. That fund was created to benefit those in need with housing with uh down payment assistant uh revitalization of of of um housing also and apartment rents and whatnot. And the homeless that money every year the legislature redistributed in different ways and sometimes the the funds get ransacked for other purposes. We can we got to stop that. That money was created to help our people, especially those who are having a lot of trouble with housing. So, let's let's work about let's work together on this and let's continue to make sure that the city of Orlando keeps shining when it comes to all our people. God bless you guys. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioners. Commissioner Stewart, >> thank you. And thank you, Sam. I appreciate all that you doing that >> on my last meeting, right? >> On my last meeting. I'm sorry. I just couldn't help it. Uh thank you very much. Um and thank you for everybody who's been very kind to me. I appreciate that, Jim. It's going to be uh gonna miss you, Jim. Uh and I'm looking forward to you finally inviting me to play golf down there. >> I know I'm on your list somewhere when you get to it if you let me know. Uh, a couple things I want to share and I won't go too long I pro I promise. Uh, one is I want to say thank you to uh, those who are involved in Albert Park. We did the re renovation of Albert Park and did it uh, last week. Um, we also are doing the renovation of Dartmouth Park and Dartmouth Park will be finished sometime in the next week or so. So, we will have two uh, I would call them big bookends but they're more like sisters uh, that will that will frame College Park. And I'm excited about that. along with that and and the Lake Fairview Park and the park we did in Rosemont and park we've done Alto I mean and Ottabbon but I'm excited about doing that. Mayor, thank you for your leadership and and the renaming of Glenda of Harbor Park to Glenda Hood Park. Uh I think it's a wonderful tribute to a woman who devoted her time and effort to Orlando and to cities continuing throughout the throughout the nation. I appreciate you recognizing that. So, thank you very much. Um, Dazzling Lights, uh, nights are going on over at Lou Gardens. If you hadn't had a chance to go, please get a chance to enjoy it. It's expanded from where it was last year. Um, you can find that on, I think, uh, Lou Gardens website or on dazzling nights.com or.org, one of those two. Um, I want to say thank you those involved in Holiday on the Drive last week. Uh, we got that done in in College Park Main Street and down Edgewater Drive. I appreciate that work. Also, thank you to the College Park Neighborhood Association for allowing me to spend so much time with them over the course of the past 20 years. I appreciate that. Last week, I got surprised by our uh College Park Neighborhood Center with a surprise good retirement party done by all the kids that are over there. It was so sweet. Uh and it was especially for those who who may have gone to like Florida&M or something else that it was all Gator themed. I just wanted you to know. Um, so, um, so we, you know, mayor and I would have been very comfortable there. All the rest of you guys, not quite so much. Um, but we had a great time. It was so sweet for them to do that for me. I appreciate it. I've shared earlier about Brenda March. Uh, Brenda is a was a wonderful friend of ours in Fender City. I got a chance to work with Brenda u when I was at the Christian Service Center. got a chance to know her there and her commitment to the Fairmore community and then seeing the continued work with her and then work with her here has been something special. We will all miss her enthusi enthusiasm and we'll also miss her talking about Steinway pianos for goodness sakes. I do love her but she's the only person who could talk me into giving money to Steinway pianos. I don't know why but she could do that. Um, coming up real quickly, I'll share with you the jingle jog. The YMCA over at uh the Groves uh the um uh is going to have their jingle jog. So, it's going to be this Sunday at um I think 8:00 a.m. Um so, please it's a walk run over there, 5K walk run through the Groves. Um, on December 10th, we're creating a uh special partnership with Lake Highland Preparatory School and the Orlando Fire Museum to begin to identify, recognize, and get stories about the memorabilia we have at the Fire Museum. You get a chance, get over there, that's open on Friday afternoon, I think Saturday and Sunday afternoon. So, um, get a chance to go see the fire museum. It is really one of the top fire museums in the southeast, if not the entire country. So, get a chance to get over there. So, um, Rosemont Neighborhood Center is having a football banquet coming up. The packing district holiday social is December 13th. Those are all on my website. Um, and I want to share that with you. On the an agenda today, we spent some uh effort into Lou Gardens and starting to work on the master plan. I appreciate everybody's input on that and love the opportunity to continue to kind of be part of that as it moves forward. But it's really been special for us to get gather the community together. I had an opportunity to talk with news media just last week and I reminded that if we don't we we got to where we are today because we did a master plan 30 years ago. We revised the master plan. We got to where we are today. I'm just excited about what's going to happen over the next 30 years with our new master plan and I appreciate everybody's input in that. Um let me kind of jump off something real quickly. So, um, Commissioner Sheen, are you going to talk about the the calendar? >> You are? >> We can talk about >> Okay. Well, I just I just want to share one quick thing. I, uh, we have our calendar. Commissioner Sheen's going to share a little bit about it and we'll see a presentation. It's done sponsored by McCoy Federal Credit Union. There's some calendars outside. Take one home with you. uh mayor when we had the opportunity to spend time with all of the artists and so I had them sign for you each artist sound a page um of the work that they've done as a gift to you signed by the artist that uh that's my gift to you that to make sure that you uh are a constant reminder of it it's the first time that's been in color in many years but it's um uh as Richard Forbes says and thank you for his work is uh it's our painted ladies it's our buildings that show color and throughout the entire community from PAR all the way down to Michigan I think right um so it's really been nice to be part of that and and we have a few from district three and obviously from out the entire city so um and with that that's all that I have thank you very much oh wait one last thing I do want to share this with you on the agenda we have some of the mayor's matching grants and I want to just mention a couple that are in district three uh the central Florida vocal arts uh the lie down and stand up group. Um the uh international fringe festival is in actually in three but start and it's we're all over between us three and four and five. Um Joshua's House Foundation and then uh let me share one with the Orlando family stage. I'm so thrilled about them and the work that you all are doing. So thank you very much. And that's all I have. Mayor, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Sheen. >> Well, thanks Mayor and uh Commissioner Stewart. I'm I I wore this jacket just for you today. [laughter] So, um I'm always festive. I love the holidays and um I fought for years to get that tree at Lake Yiola. We used to do a commissioner's message every holiday and we used to put a live tree at Lake Yola and every year it would die. It would blow over the would break. It looked awful. And the one year they put that dead tree in the background of my commissioner's message. I had a fit. And so after that, Thomas Chapman got that amazing tree and every year we added to it. So I just want to say that yeah everybody you know people like oh we don't want to spend money on that that has been a huge economic development to tour tool it brings so many people into downtown it has created this whole amazing holiday David thank you for continuing Sherry for your for your leadership too it is a le it is an economic development tool so don't bust on our holiday decorations it makes a difference and it really it's it's beautiful and I love seeing it and uh I also want to shout out to David and Frank the Clemwood Wood boys who brought their um they just finished doing decorating Eola House because it got overwhelming for the neighborhood. It was kind of like the Osborne lights and now it's at Lake Eola at beautiful Eiola House. Um I will forever miss Brenda March. One of the last things she did was bring the Steinway piano lessons to Langford Park and uh what a tremendous loss to all of us. And uh you know rest in power my dear friend. Um, Commission, and I'd also like to say just a couple words to my colleagues. Commissioner Gray, I have really admired your business acumen, and it is good to have a council with different strengths and and outlooks and opinions. That's a strong council. Um, you've been unfairly attacked for being too conservative. I just want to point out that you were part of a unanimous support for transgender rights and you were also a tremendous advocate in the aftermath of Pulse. Um, unfortunately, super PACs have arrived at the city council level. They have really nice names like Save Orlando and Citizens for Whatever. And then they write they do the most nasty negative attacks on people that are so unfair. I got it the last election, too. And it's just wrong. We shouldn't bring the dysfunction of Tallahassee and Washington to Orlando. We have important work to do. And this partisan bickering is not going to get our streets paved, is not going to get our garbage picked up, and it's not going to get the work done. So, I would just like to say I appreciate your service. And I and and I think it's important to have differences of opinion because you know what, where they've got rubber stamp uh councils across the nation, they've had a hard time getting the work done. I think it's important to have diversity of opinion. So, I just want to say thank you for your service and thank you for everything that you've done um for me personally and professionally. Commissioner Stewart, we're the middle middle children. [laughter] Sometimes we argue a little bit. We like to tease each other. I really admire your advocacy for those less fortunate and for kids and for families. and [clears throat] you've really made a live difference in the lives of so many and for your compassion your call for community compassion in the aftermath of pulse that will forever be something that you know that impacted our city but again your your your call for kindness and compassion was very very important during that time public service isn't about riding in parades and cutting ribbons it's about the day in day out hard work and we sometimes we have to do a lot of hard work for folks folks who really don't appreciate it. I often say a broke clock is right twice a day and sometimes people can be just mean as they can be, but they still deserve to have a level of service. And I appreciate the professionalism all of the all of you provide every single day. But I also want to thank you all as you as you exit city hall. Know that you really did make a difference and I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much. You are you are greatly appreciated. Um on the agenda today, I just had a couple things. Um I just want to uh say thank you for staff. I know you've been working with United Against Poverty on some issues on their campus and master plan. That's a very they do very very important work. So thank you for that. And McCoy Federal Credit Union, they have been sponsoring the historic calendar and photo competition for many many years. The funding actually got cut during the budget cuts that we had and I funded it for one year through my office and then McCoy stepped up and has done it year after year after year. So I just want to say thank you to them. It really is a beautiful calendar. It's in color this year. You can't do painted ladies in in black and white. It just doesn't work. So it is it really is a beautiful calendar. And uh the last thing I have on the agenda today is the voyage tasting room. I know this was a funky weird corner in in in Thornton Park and I want to thank everybody that worked on it because it looked awful and now we're going to have a new use come in there. It's going to look good and I just want to thank you because I know sometimes I bring you guys stuff that's a little funky and weird and crazy. But again, it's going to really redevelop a corner and I would just like to wish everyone whatever you whatever you celebrate or do not celebrate the happiest holiday you possibly can have. um get together with your friends or chosen family or or your families um because you never know when they're not going to be around anymore. And uh I miss my mom every single day. And uh don't don't take your family for granted. They you never know when you're not going to be there anymore. And with that, I'm going to move the agenda. Mayor, thank you. [snorts] >> Motion by Commissioner Sheen, second by Commissioner Rose. All in favor indicates so by saying I. >> Those opposed? And so the motion carries. Okay. Congratulations to everybody that had something on the consent agenda. And if you were only here for your item on the consent agenda, now would be a really good time to take your leave while we take about a 30 second break for you to do that. >> I was going to mention how you pronounce my name. >> What's that? Commissioner Commissioner every time you say my name Commissioner Stewart [laughter] I have fun with that Stewart. Don't know why you say that but that's I'll never forget that. >> Okay we are going to recess the city council meeting and convene the CRA meeting. Uh first item of business is meeting minutes from the October 22nd 25 2025 CRA advisory board meeting. Is there a motion? >> Motion by Commissioner Sheen. Second by Commissioner Rose. All in favor indicate so by saying I. >> Those opposed and so the motion carries. All right. David, you want to take it from there? >> I can. Mayor. Good afternoon, Mayor and commissioners. We have a number of items on the CRA today. a lot of businesses doing some uh improvement work to their buildings, which we're excited about, as well as some new businesses coming to downtown. Uh so 4B, uh this is the first of five facade grants uh that we have for your review today. This one's specifically for 219 uh Lime Avenue. So that's in the Paramore area. Um it's south of Church Street, if you're familiar, of the northeast corner of Lime and Jackson. They're doing some exterior lighting, some roofing and fencing. The total cost of their work uh is just shy of 53,000 uh for which they qualify for about $42,330 of assistance from the CRA. It did go to our November 6th uh advisory board for our facade committee and they recommended approval and I'm happy to address any questions. >> Motion by Commissioner Rose. >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Stewart. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicate so by saying I. Those opposed. Motion carries. All right. C. >> Thank you, mayor. 4 C. This is another facade grant. Uh this one for 620 East Colonial Drive. So that's the south side of Colonial between Capkart and Summerland. Uh this property owner is doing some facade improvements including uh walls, stucco panels, windows, and some work to their parking lot. Uh the total cost of their work is $60,500. They qualify for 50% assistance from the CRA. Uh, so the total award could be $30,250. It as well went to the November 6th committee meeting and was recommended for approval. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Sheen, second by Commissioner Stewart. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I. I. >> Those opposed. So the motion carries. >> D. For D, this is our facade grant for 27 East Pine Street. So that's right here in the CBD. It's on the north side of Pine Street between Orange and Court or across the street from Chase Plaza if you're familiar with that. Uh that property owner is doing some tuck pointing masonry, new exterior doors, windows signage awnings exterior lighting, roof replacement, and decking. So, a lot of work going into this building. Total cost of the work is $255,477.80. Uh because of the area they are in, they qualify for 80% assistance from the CRA. So the award can be $179,478.40. Uh this went to a November 14th facade review committee meeting. It was recommended for approval and I'm happy to address any questions. Second >> motion by Commissioner Rose, second by Commissioner Sheen. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicates say by saying I. >> Those opposed. >> So the motion carries. E >> 4E uh another facade grant. this one for 108 East Central Boulevard. Uh so this is on the south side of Central between Magnolia and Rosland, right across from the downtown library. Uh this particular property is doing uh an some eyebrow roof installation as well as some exterior painting. Uh the total cost of the work there is $69,850. They qualify for assistance of up to $34,925. Uh this went to our November 6th committee meeting and was recommended for approval. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner Rose, second by Commissioner Sheen. Discussion hearing none. All in favor, the motion indicates so by saying I. I. >> Those opposed? Motion carries. >> F. >> Thank you, mayor. For F, this is our our last uh facade uh agreement for today. This is for 898 East Washington Street. So, over in Thornton Park. Uh this is the Voyage Tasting Room. So, uh this is the southwest corner of Washington and higher. Uh so, they are doing they're enclosing their storefront. They're also um doing some building cleaning, stuckle res stucco restoration, painting, exterior doors, windows, and exterior lighting. Uh the total cost of the work is $139,692.58. Uh they qualify for assistance from the CRA of $69,84629. It went to our November 6th committee meeting and it was recommended for approval. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Sheen, second by Commissioner Stewart. discussion hearing. None. All in favor of the motion indicate so by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed. So the motion carries. Okay. Let's move on to the restaurant program. >> There we go. We'll do, mayor. Uh so now we have three restaurant incentives uh uh for you all to consider. The first of which item 4G. This is for DTO Hospitality LLC. Uh they are looking to open up a restaurant at 24 East Washington Street. Uh so that's the south side of Washington between Orange Avenue and Court across the street from the region's building. Uh specifically here, uh they're looking to open a full-ervice restaurant, uh that will have 2400 square feet and 49 seats. Uh the business owner has five years of experience in the restaurant industry. The total cost of the work that they are are doing to improve that individual establishment is $400,000. Uh that includes plumbing, flooring, mechanical, electrical, interior finishing, as well as wall work. Um, our program allows them to qualify for $120,000 of assistance towards those tenant improvements, which I referenced, in addition to $50,000 in rental assistance for their first year of operations for a total award of $170,000. And I'm happy to address any questions. >> Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Rose, second by Commissioner Stewart. Discussion hearing none. All in favor indicate so by saying I. Those opposed and so the motion carries. H. >> Thank you, mayor. For H, this is a restaurant program funding uh agreement uh for a business that's doing business as the Milkshake Factory in downtown Orlando. Uh this is in Paramore. So, it is in the City View building, but if you're not familiar with where that building is located, it's the north side of Church Street uh between Terry and Division. Uh so, they signed a 10-year lease on that space. It's 1500 square ft. Uh and they were going to open a franchise ice cream shop uh that has 16 seats. Uh and it's going to be one of several different M milkshake factories that this uh specific franchisee is going to be opening up in the Orlando area. The overall buildout of the space uh is expected to cost $286,500. Uh they're doing upgrades to lighting, full interior buildouts, uh and making some changes to ADA compliance, adding a grease trap, flooring, drywall, all the things that you need when you have a food and beverage establishment. Uh they qualify for assistance uh from the CRA program. uh for a total amount of $71,418. Uh that's inclusive of both tenant improvement dollars as well as first year's rental expenses. >> Motion by Commissioner Rose, second by Commissioner Stewart. >> Excuse me. I I have one question. Um I I wasn't aware that this is a franchise >> and so I thought there were some um regulations that didn't allow us to support franchises in this way. Is this a a franchise that was started locally or is it a national franchise? >> The the CRA program does allow uh franchises to qualify. They do they are capped at a lower amount of assistance. So regardless of the franchise size, so the way our programs have it's a per square foot assistance uh based on the size of the space. So the maximum a franchise can receive from the CRA 75,000. It's a little bit different than some of the city programs that do have different restrictions for franchises. >> Okay. Thank you. Yep. Absolutely. >> Further discussion hearing. None. All in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion carries. >> And item I. >> Item I, the last item is another restaurant coming into downtown. This is for Auststeria Esther Orlando LLC. Uh so another establishment uh by the Salt Group uh from Jason and Sushin who we're all very familiar with uh uh who were also referenced at state of downtown last year. So, they are opening up a new restaurant. Uh, it's the northwest corner of Central and Summerland over in Thornton Park. It's Thornton Park Central. Uh, many of us have probably been there over the years for a variety of different uh things that line that entire building on both the Central and Summerland sides. Uh, so the total area of that restaurant is just over 4,000 square feet. Uh, um, the ownership group, as we all know, has over 18 years of experience. They own Sato Sushi, Sparrow, the Osprey, Reyes, as well as the Monroe. Their overall buildout expenses for the space are $150,000, they qualify for 75,000 uh in assistance from the CRA towards those improvements, which includes plumbing, flooring, mechanical, electrical, as well as interior finishes. Uh in addition to $25,000 in rental assistance for their first year for a total award of $100,000. >> Second. Motion by Commissioner Sheen, second by Commissioner Stewart. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I. >> Those opposed. Motion carries. All right, David. Any further business come before the CRA? >> That is all, ma'am. >> All right. Then as to the CRA, we will stand adjourned. We will reconvene the city council meeting. And that brings us to new business and the election of two mayors pro Tim for one-year terms beginning January of 2026 and running through December of 2026. >> Yes, mayor. I'd like to move uh prom one for district 4 and prom 2 for district 2. >> Okay. So, Commissioner Sheen for prom one and commissioner Ortiz for prom 2. Yes ma'am. >> Second. >> Okay. Motion and a second. I'll accept that as a slate unless unless anybody has an objection to that. >> Okay. Discussion. Commissioner Ortiz. >> Oh, no. That I was going to do what Commissioner [clears throat] Bur did. So, I appreciate that. >> Okay. Well, that sounds like a consensus then. All right. All in favor of the motion indicate so by saying I. >> I. Those opposed. >> All right. Congratulations, Commissioner Sheen. Congratulations, Commissioner Ortiz. Yes, sir. >> Proms one and prom two. >> We will move to um item 9A, which is a hearing on the disposition of 1.6 acres of vacant land on West Jefferson Street and the North Orange Blossom Trail. This is a public hearing for the sale of city-owned land valued in excess of $500,000 as required by chapter 13, section 7 of the city charter. Notice of the hearing was published in the Orlando Sentinel on December 1st, 2025. And approval of this transaction will require a majority vote of all members of the city council. Properties located south of West Jefferson Street, north of Pulk Street, and east of the north and east of North Orange Blossom Trail in the Callahan neighborhood of the Fairmore community. The estimated fair market value of the property is 1,544,000 based on an independent appraisal appraisal to encourage and incentivize much needed affordable housing. The proposed purchase price is $1. Per the city charter sale of city owned property real property for a price below the estimated fair market value requires a specific good cause shown. Orin Henry, our director of housing, come give us a presentation on the good cause shown. >> Uh good afternoon, mayor, commissioners, and uh everyone in attendance. Um as uh the mayor stated, this is uh property at uh on West Jefferson and Orange Blossom Trail. And uh here's a site map just showing the location and the various parcels that make up this particular site. Uh and uh just to echo uh a little more of what the mayor's comments were. Uh we intend to sell the property to Blossom Trail Housing Partners Limited Partnership. That's also known as the New Rock Companies. uh below the $1,544,000 appraised value for $1. Uh for good cause shown uh first is increase the supply of much needed safe affordable housing to loan moderate income households. Also to increase the availability of permanent supportive housing and to foster uh community development that enhances the surrounding neighborhood. uh the residents at Blossom Trail proposed and here you can see a uh uh rendering of what the building uh may ultimately look like. Uh and it's 140 affordable housing units. There is a mix of bedrooms uh at various income levels, some at 30, some at 60, and some at 80%. And there will be one, two, and threebedroom units in the building. and I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Questions? All right. Do we have a motion? This is in district five. >> Motion by Commissioner Rose, second by Commissioner Sheen. I don't have Madam Clerk. I don't have any requests for public comment. >> I have no speakers. >> No speakers. Discussion hearing. None. All in favor of the motion indicate so by saying I. >> Those opposed. So the motion carries. Thank you all. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, madame clerk, you're up. Hearings, ordinances, first reading 11A. >> Ordinance number 2025-46, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Orlando, Florida, annexing to the Jenny Juel Drive right ofway from Orange Avenue to South Roslin Avenue and to the South Rosen Avenue right ofway from Jenny Jewel Drive to Highway Place vacated promised comprised of approximately 1.24 24 acres of land into the corporate limits of the city providing amendment to the city's boundary description and for the amendment of the city's official maps providing for servability correction scrier's errors and an effective date >> motion by commissioner sheen second by commissioner >> Stewart >> you go again >> okay um discussion hearing done none all in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I >> I those opposed motion She carries. Okay. Hearings. No, not hearings. Ordinances. Ordinances on first reading number one. Madam clerk. >> Ordinance number 2025-42. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Orlando, Florida. Amending the state's growth management plan to change the future land use map designation for certain land generally located north of Park Lake Street, east of Highland Avenue, south of Mark Street, and west of Broadway Avenue comprised of 0.56 acres of land more or less from office low intensity to residential medium intensity deleting sub area policy S.14.7 providing for amendment of the city's growth management plan providing for severability correction of scrier's error and an effective date. So move. >> Motion by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Ortiz. I don't have any requests for public participation. Discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I. I. >> Those opposed. Motion carries. 13B. Madame clerk. >> Ordinance number 2025-43. An ordinance of the city council of the city of Orlando, Florida annexing to the corporate limits of the city certain land and generally located north of East Michigan Street, east of Mayor Street, west of Brown Avenue and south of East Crystal Lake Avenue and comprised of 0.32 acres of land more or less providing for servability correction of scrier's error and an effective date. >> Second motion by Commissioner Sheen, second by Commissioner Stewart. I have no request for public participation discussion. None. All in favor, the motion indicates so by saying I. I. Those opposed. Motion carries. 13 C. Ordinance number 2025-44, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Berland of Florida, amending the city's birth management plan, designating certain land generally located north of East Michigan Street, east of Mayor Street, west of Brown Avenue, and south of East Crystal Lake Avenue as residential low inensity on the city's official land use maps and designating the property as one family residential with the tra with the traditional city overlay district on the city's official zoning maps providing for amendment city's official future land use and zoning maps. providing for serverability, correction of scrivener's errors, permit disclaimer, and an effective date. >> Motion by Commissioner She and second by Commissioner Stewart. I have no request for public participation discussion hearing none. All in favor, the motion indicates so by saying I. >> Those opposed. Motion carries. 13D. Ordinance number 2025-45, an ordinance of the city council of the city of Orlando, Florida, reszoning certain land generally located north of Park Lake Street, east of Highland Avenue, south of Mark Street and west of Broadway Avenue, and comprised of 2.2 2 acres of land more or less from lowintensity office residential with the traditional city overlay district to the plan development with the traditional city overlay district providing a development plan and special land development regulations of the plan development district providing for servability correction scrier's errors permit disclaimer and an effective date. So move second. >> Last motion ever by Commissioner Stewart. >> I can do one more. >> Second. >> No, we're going to let Gray have >> um second. >> Well, well, usually Commissioner Gray has half of the ordinances [laughter] and today. How about that? Okay. There was a motion by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Ortiz. No public participation discussion hearing. None. All in favor of the motion indicates so by saying I. I. >> Those opposed and so the motion carries. Congratulations, Commissioner Stewart. Good advocacy for that ordinance. Okay. 13E. Ordinance number 2025-47, an ordinance of the city council of city of Orlando, Florida, relating to the procurement of goods, services, and supplies providing for the creation of a small and local business enterprise preference and the suspension of chapter 7, article 2, section 7.1101 and chapter 57, articles 2 and three, related to the minority and women business enterprise and providing for servability codification correction scrier's errors, and an effective date. Mayor, >> how about district one? >> I've done enough. >> Yeah, we can do. Commissioner Gray, you're recognized. >> Motion to approve. >> Commissioner second. >> Second. >> Motion by the commissioner from district one. Second from the commissioner for district three. Is there discussion? I will mention one thing that we have been working collaboratively with the county to try to have um consistent policies related to the creation of the small and local business preference programs so that there could be potentially reciprocity and so that our small and local businesses won't have to go through the red tape of different types of policies at the city and the county. And I would hope to enlist the uh airport and the expressway authority to try to go along and everybody be consistent on their policies and Stacy's been working on this. So thank you for that. Okay, further discussion hearing none. All in favor of the motion indicate so by saying I. I. Those opposed. And so the motion carries. Okay. Ed, could you let us get us ready for general appearance? [snorts] >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music]