From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Apopka commissioners will meet Nov. 4 at 1:30 pm to discuss potential updates to the discretionary funds policy unanimously approved in September 2025. A separate budget amendment would use $8,344.32 from reserves to reimburse the Recreation Department for the Oct. 10 Heart & Soul Fest, which was not included in the original approved budget. Other agenda items include $67,000 in traffic safety grants, Christmas parade street closures, and a firefighter retirement plan amendment.
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A review of the city’s discretionary spending policy and a request to reimburse $8,344.32 in Heart & Soul Fest expenses will come before the Apopka City Commission on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The meeting begins at 1:30 pm in the City Hall Commission Chambers, with traffic safety grants and a firefighter retirement plan amendment also on the agenda.
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The two spending-related items appear in the commission’s business section, separate from the nine-item consent agenda. One asks commissioners to provide direction on an existing policy, while the other seeks funding from reserves for an event that was not included in the original approved budget.
Discretionary spending policy returns for review
Mayor Nick Nesta is scheduled to present a review of Resolution No. 2025-34, the City Commission Discretionary Funds Policy. According to the staff report, the commission unanimously approved the resolution at its Sept. 3, 2025, regular meeting.
The Mayor’s Office report places the discussion within the commission’s recent review of city policies and procedures. It asks commissioners to provide direction on any changes or updates to the discretionary funds policy.
The report does not recommend specific revisions. Instead, staff await direction from the commission on how to proceed.
Heart & Soul amendment would reimburse Parks and Recreation Department
The commission will also consider Resolution No. 2026-48, a proposed $8,344.32 budget amendment to reimburse the Recreation Department for expenses associated with Heart & Soul Fest, held Oct. 10.
According to the Finance Department’s staff report, the event was not included in the original approved budget. The Recreation Department used its funds to cover the associated expenses, and the proposed amendment would draw from reserves to reimburse the department.
The request is designated Budget Amendment No. 8 for fiscal year 2027. Budget and Financial Planning Manager Katrina Gibson is scheduled to present the item, and staff recommend adoption of the resolution.
The report does not provide an itemized breakdown of the expenses. The requested action concerns costs already incurred for the October event.
Traffic safety grants total $67,000
Three proposed Florida Department of Transportation subgrants would provide the Apopka Police Department with funding targeting impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding and aggressive driving. The agreements would authorize the police chief or a delegate to accept and execute the grants.
The largest is $35,000 for distracted driving, followed by $20,000 for speeding and aggressive driving enforcement and $12,000 for impaired driving. The agenda does not provide details about enforcement schedules or other planned expenditures.
Commissioners will also consider authorizing street closures for the annual Foliage Sertoma Club of Apopka Christmas Parade. The agenda does not list the parade route or the hours of the proposed closures.
Agreements and a code enforcement settlement
Other consent items include a code enforcement settlement agreement for 718 South Park Ave., an updated memorandum of understanding with Valencia College and a utility upsizing agreement for Oakmoor. A facility use agreement with the City of Orlando Fire Department is also scheduled for consideration.
The commission will consider authorizing piggyback contracts with Fortiline Waterworks for brass fittings, pipe fittings and accessories, and with Snap-On Industrial for vehicle lifts and garage and fleet maintenance equipment. Contract amounts and terms are not detailed in the agenda.
Firefighter retirement plan amendment
Under public hearings, commissioners will consider Ordinance No. 3182, which would amend Chapter 54, Section 54-71 of the Firefighters Retirement System Plan. The agenda connects the proposed amendment to a recently approved collective bargaining agreement but does not describe the specific retirement provisions being changed.
Frank Mega of HYN Consulting is scheduled to present the ordinance. The meeting also includes a 2026 Week of the Family proclamation presented by Nesta and consideration of the Oct. 21 regular meeting minutes.
How to participate
Residents wishing to speak during the general public comment period should submit a green Intent to Speak form to the city clerk before the meeting begins. Speakers ordinarily receive four minutes, although the time may be reduced to two minutes if many people sign up.
Those wishing to address a public hearing item should submit a white Intent to Speak form before the meeting. Comments on those matters will be heard when the individual item comes before the commission.
Key Points:
- The commission meets Wednesday, November 4, at 1:30 pm in the City Hall Commission Chambers.
- Staff seeks direction on possible changes to the discretionary funds policy; the staff report recommends no specific revisions.
- A proposed $8,344.32 budget amendment would use reserves to reimburse the Recreation Department for Heart & Soul Fest expenses.
- Three proposed FDOT grants total $67,000 for impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding and aggressive driving enforcement.
- Commissioners will also consider Christmas parade street closures and an amendment to the firefighter retirement plan related to a recently approved collective bargaining agreement.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the City of Apopka’s YouTube channel.
