Board re-elects chair, keeps vice chair and schedules training and comp-plan workshop notice

The Planning and Zoning Board Local Planning Agency re-elected Kaokwon Ma as chairperson and reappointed Michael Ferrante as vice chairperson for calendar year 2025 at its Jan. 2 meeting.

The chair election followed standard procedure: nominations were opened, a motion to continue the existing chair was made and seconded, and the board voted by roll call. Members voted aye for Kaokwon Ma; the vote was unanimous. The vice chair position likewise was nominated and Ferrante was reappointed by unanimous roll call.

During board reports members and staff discussed training for new and returning board members. Board Member Rachel Hood requested that the recorded training previously provided by the city attorney’s office be made available to new members; Assistant City Attorney Krista Nyck and Community Development Director Terri Lynn confirmed staff would circulate the recorded training module and that the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association offers a Planning Official 101 training widely during the year. Terri Lynn said staff can register interested board members for that course.

Staff also reminded the board of a community comprehensive-plan workshop at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Foundry Church. The comp plan is a rare, occasionally updated document governing long-term land-use; staff urged public participation.

In public comment, resident Gina Schaefer, who identified herself as representing the Winter Springs Village, praised board members’ expertise and objected to a recent Commission discussion about eliminating city advisory boards. Schaefer asked that training for new board members continue and urged commissioners to retain citizen advisory boards as a platform for public involvement.

The re-election of the chair and vice chair and the training/comp-plan reminders concluded the meeting; board members welcomed newly seated members and encouraged participation in upcoming training and workshops.