City of Oviedo

The meeting convened the City of Oviedo Charter Review Committee to initiate the charter review process, which occurs periodically every five years as stipulated by the Charter. The City Attorney facilitated the session, providing an overview of the process and conducting introductions of the committee members. A significant portion of the initial discussion focused on providing background information regarding the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law (Open Meetings Law) and the Public Records Law, emphasizing that these laws fully apply even to advisory boards like this committee, and detailing the requirements for legally constituted public meetings. The committee members were informed about the correct procedures for public meetings, including the necessity of reasonable notice, open location, and prompt recording of minutes. The legal counsel stressed adherence to the law by avoiding indirect communication about official matters outside of noticed public meetings.

The meeting commenced with ceremonial items, including recognizing the high school girls' volleyball team for winning the state championship. A key discussion involved the adoption of the Central Florida Pledge, affirming support for all residents regardless of identity and pledging to eliminate persecution and hate. Council then addressed public comments, including a request to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism. Consent agenda items were approved, with one item moved for separate consideration. The council adopted a resolution to name a connector road as Citizens Lane, following an extensive review of resident suggestions. Finally, the council considered and received public input on a resolution to vacate a portion of an unnamed driveway associated with the John Adams Estate, with staff finding no public purpose for the right-of-way.

The Special Magistrate hearing addressed two main items. The first involved a parking citation issued on November 29, 2025, for parking in a handicap space without a visible placard. The officer and cited party reached an agreement to reduce the violation to improper parking, resulting in a reduced fine. The second item was a continued case concerning property code violations at 623 Horseman Drive, involving property owner 4H4R Properties LLC. The city presented documentation regarding the required repairs, specifically concerning window locks. The property owner's representative testified that although an insufficient temporary locking mechanism was installed, a subsequent inspection on January 21, 2026, confirmed that all existing locks were functioning properly and the property was now in compliance. The magistrate noted issues with the respondent's prior attempts to provide documentation and witness testimony regarding the history of repair attempts.

The Local Planning Agency meeting addressed a deviation request for a side setback for an accessory structure (a shed) at 339 Carolyn Drive. The deviation sought was 3 feet, representing a 30% deviation from the minimum 10-foot setback requirement, necessary to accommodate the shed to store equipment and bicycles for a family of seven, especially given site conditions like a flood zone and significant slope in the rear yard. Staff recommended approval of the 3-foot deviation with one condition: the applicants must plant a row of podocarpus to screen the shed from the right-of-way. Discussions also covered that residential deviations do not typically require notifying surrounding property owners or holding a public hearing, unlike some commercial variances. The Board considered options to approve, approve with conditions, approve a lesser deviation, or deny the request.

The meeting involved administering a roll call and addressing the absence of a member. Key discussions focused on the draft criteria for evaluating mural and sculpture applications, particularly regarding the exclusion of durability and visibility as evaluation criteria for murals. The board debated whether submission completeness requirements (like CVs and past work images) should result in automatic disqualification or be scored subjectively, ultimately deciding to remove the disqualification clause for minor omissions and focus on evaluating the artistic vision, community connection, and adherence to the theme (past/future). The status of 11 mural applications was reviewed, and the possibility of reopening the submission window after rejecting a late application was brought before the board for consideration.