From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Apopka commissioners will review public-comment policies, commission procedures and appointments to additional boards during their August 19 meeting. Public hearings include first readings for a proposed Chandler Road child care facility and final hearings on enclosed car storage proposed for East Keene Road. The meeting begins at 6 pm at Apopka City Hall and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
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The Apopka City Commission will consider changes to its meeting procedures, public-participation policies and appointment processes during its next meeting Wednesday, August 19.
Mayor Nick Nesta is scheduled to present two business items: the commission’s rules and order of business and a review of Resolution No. 2025-19, which governs public participation at commission meetings.
Related: Developing Story: Nesta freezes most city hiring through October 1.
The resolution establishes procedures and time limits for addressing the commission. General public comment is limited to 30 minutes, with speakers typically receiving three minutes each. Separate public-comment opportunities are provided for business items and public hearings.
The commission will also consider a policy governing appointments of the mayor and commissioners to additional boards. Interim City Administrator Radley Williams is scheduled to present that proposal. Finance Director Blanche Sherman and Glen Scott of Morgan Stanley will provide an update on the city’s investment portfolio.
Hotel hearing likely to be delayed
A proposed 137-room hotel at Floridian Town Center appears on the agenda, but the applicant is requesting that the quasi-judicial hearing be continued to the September 2 commission meeting.
The hotel is proposed for a vacant 2.91-acre parcel identified as Lot 5 within the Floridian Town Center planned development. The property has commercial future land-use and planned-development zoning designations.
The commission will decide whether to grant the requested continuance. A continuation would postpone consideration of the major development plan rather than approve or deny the project.
Child care facility proposed on Chandler Road
Commissioners will hold first readings on two related ordinances involving approximately 5.12 acres at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road.
Ordinance No. 3158 would change the properties’ future land-use designation from Residential Very Low Suburban to Office. Ordinance No. 3159 would rezone the land from RSF-1A, or Residential Single-Family-Estate, to Office.
The properties are currently used for residential purposes. The applicant proposes developing a child care facility there.
The future land-use amendment is a legislative matter, meaning commissioners will consider the broader policy question of whether office use is appropriate at the location. The rezoning is quasi-judicial and requires the commission to apply the city’s established criteria to the evidence presented.
Warehouse storage returns for final hearings
Two related proposals for a vacant 5.23-acre property on East Keene Road will return for second readings.
Ordinance No. 3160 would change the property’s future land-use designation from Commercial to Industrial. Ordinance No. 3161 would change its zoning from Community Commercial to Light Industrial.
The applicant proposes using the property for warehouse storage, specifically enclosed car storage. Because both ordinances are scheduled for second reading, the commission could take final action on the requested changes.
Appointment procedures on agenda
The commission will also consider the first readings of two ordinances establishing appointment procedures for city advisory bodies.
Ordinance No. 3167 addresses appointments to the Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency. Ordinance No. 3168 concerns appointments to the Planning Commission.
The agenda does not include the full proposed language or describe how the procedures would change. Those details are expected to be presented during the meeting.
Consent agenda and other business
The consent agenda includes a utility upsizing agreement for Everly Ondich. Consent items are typically approved together unless a commissioner requests removal for separate discussion.
The commission is also scheduled to approve minutes from its July 30 special meeting and August 5 regular meeting. The July 2026 city disbursement report is included as an informational item.
The meeting will conclude with reports from the city administrator, city attorney, commissioners and mayor.
How to participate
Residents wishing to speak about a city matter that is not listed as a business item or public hearing must complete a green intent-to-speak form and submit it to the city clerk before the meeting begins.
Those wishing to address a specific business item or public hearing must submit a white intent-to-speak form. Speakers generally receive three minutes, although general public-comment time may be reduced to two minutes per person if participation is high.
The commission chambers are located at Apopka City Hall. People requiring assistance to participate should contact the city clerk at 407-703-1704 at least two working days before the meeting.
Key Points:
- Mayor Nick Nesta will present reviews of the commission’s operating rules and public-participation procedures.
- The commission will consider policies governing appointments to additional boards, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Planning Commission.
- Two first-reading ordinances would enable a child care facility on approximately 5.12 acres along Chandler Road.
- Commissioners could take final action on land-use and zoning changes for enclosed car storage on East Keene Road.
- The applicant for a proposed 137-room Floridian Town Center hotel is requesting a continuance to Sept. 2.
