Winter Springs city manager contract approved

Editor’s note: This article was edited after it was published to include profile information on the new city manager.

Winter Springs approved the contract for its new city manager, Kevin Sweet, signaling an end to the nearly year and a half long search to fill the role. 

The commission discussed Sweet’s contract at its meeting on Sept. 23, when a motion to approve the city manager’s contract passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

“This is a pretty important deal,” Mayor Kevin McCann said, prior to the discussion. “I want it to be open. I want everyone to feel comfortable.”

The city manager position was left open in February 2023 following the sudden retirement of former city manager Shawn Boyle, who at the time cited “emotional and physical distress.”

Winter Springs almost hired a city manager in September 2023 before the top candidate withdrew following a contentious meeting in which Commissioner Cade Resnick questioned the candidate’s approach to leadership and Commissioner Victoria Bruce questioned the city’s candidate search consultant. 

Last week the commission spent nearly an hour discussing some of the final details of Sweet’s contract with the city, focusing on sections such as the detailing of the city manager’s ability to accept paid speaking engagements as well as executive leave policies. 

McCann, who previously urged the runner-up candidate, Richard Reade, to refrain from withdrawing his name until negotiations were finished, said he believed the city would be able to make any contract negotiations work as long as both parties remained flexible. 

“I think we found the right guy, and I think that Mr. Sweet found the right community, and he’s not going to walk away if there’s something we feel strongly about,” McCann said. “I think we found a good match here, folks … we’re going to make this work, and this is going to be good.”

Discussion surrounding the specifics of the allowance for paid engagements stemmed from a concern over potential conflicts of interest, with the commission wanting to clarify that Sweet would have to use his paid time off for such matters. 

Sweet, who joined the meeting toward the end of the discussion via phone call, said the matter was a “non-issue.”

“At the end of the day, my full time job and duties are to the city of Winter Springs,” Sweet said. “And that would take priority over anything and everything above … I certainly am amenable to putting language in there that spells out [what the contract allows] even more.”

Sweet also conceded to dropping his proposed amount of 48 executive leave days down to 40, even though his current position offers 53 days. 

Sweet’s position would officially start on Dec. 16, but he assured city officials he’d continue to remain in contact with the commission and stay involved with the city as much as possible before then. 

“I fully appreciate all of your support and your trust in putting me in this role,” Sweet said. “I’ve had some great conversations with the directors and staff, and I’m looking forward to getting in there and supporting them and tackling a number of projects that are going on.”

As the commission wrapped up its discussions of the contract and congratulated Sweet on the position, city staffers expressed their relief.

“You guys have no idea how happy you’ve made me tonight,” interim city manager Phil Hursh said, joking to the room. 

“Big day in Winter Springs,” McCann later added. “I don’t know who’s more enthusiastic, Phil or me.”

More about Sweet

Here’s the profile OCN Reporter Abe Aboraya produced when the Commission had narrowed the candidate pool to three:

Name: Kevin Sweet

Current job: Town Manager of Wrentham, Mass. (population 11,964) 

Current salary: $217,500

Information from the city’s consultant’s questionnaire: Balancing environmental preservation with economic sustainability requires a thoughtful and deliberate approach. Municipal leaders must recognize that these goals are not mutually exclusive; rather, they can be complementary. A healthy environment contributes to a higher quality of life, attracting businesses, residents, and visitors, thereby fostering economic growth. In my professional experience, I have successfully implemented programs and policies that promote environmental sustainability while supporting economic development. As City Manager of Winter Springs, I would prioritize a balanced approach that aligns environmental preservation with economic sustainability, ensuring the community thrives both now and in the future.

Oviedo Community News questionnaire: 

1) What drew you to the city of Winter Springs as a candidate for city manager?

My decision to apply for the city manager position in Winter Springs was a thoughtful and deliberate one. I have served in local government for over 20 years in Massachusetts, and during that time, I have been fortunate to work with outstanding communities, dedicated staff and elected officials, achieving significant milestones together. My current community has been a wonderful place to serve, and it shares many similarities with Winter Springs, such as being a family-friendly, safe suburban area with excellent schools and a strong sense of community.

However, after much reflection and discussion with my family, we decided that it was time to explore new opportunities. Our son currently attends school in the Tampa Bay area with another following behind him, as well as immediate family relocating. The prospect of being closer to them was a significant factor in our desire to relocate. Beyond the personal aspect, I was drawn to Winter Springs because of the city’s reputation for being a vibrant, well-managed community that places a high value on safety, education, and quality of life, values that are deeply important to me as both a professional and a resident.

I am not a municipal manager who jumps from one position to another; I believe in long-term commitment and building lasting relationships within the community I serve. Before applying, I made several purposeful visits to Winter Springs to spend time in the community, visit city facilities, and assess the infrastructure. These visits allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s unique character, challenges and to gauge whether there was a mutual fit between my experience, my values, and the needs of Winter Springs. In addition, I have spent several hours viewing meetings and reviewing documents. What I found was a community that aligns closely with my professional background and personal values. Winter Springs, like my current community, is a place where families thrive and residents take pride in their surroundings. The city’s focus on preserving its natural environment, coupled with its commitment to responsible growth, resonates with my own philosophy of sustainable development and strategic planning.

Ultimately, I was drawn to Winter Springs because I see it as a place where I can make a meaningful impact, not just as a city manager but as an active and engaged member of the community. My goal is to contribute to the city’s ongoing success, to work collaboratively with the mayor, Commission, staff, and residents, and to help guide Winter Springs through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

2) Understanding that things may change if you’re in the position, but what do you see as the biggest challenges for Winter Springs?

Winter Springs faces several key challenges that will require a collaborative and proactive approach from the City Manager. One of the most significant challenges is the need to rebuild trust within the community, particularly in light of recent turnover and changes in leadership. Trust in community leadership is vital, and it depends on approachability and accessibility. When leaders are open, transparent, and engaged with residents, it fosters a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. As city manager, I would prioritize being visible and approachable, ensuring that residents feel their voices are heard and that their concerns are addressed in a timely and respectful manner. Building a cohesive team approach, working closely with the mayor and Commission, ensuring they receive timely, accurate and transparent information is paramount to a successful commission/manager relationship.

Another major challenge is the ongoing improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure, which is critical to the city’s long-term sustainability and quality of life. Addressing the stormwater management issues will be essential in mitigating the risks to both property and the environment. These infrastructure challenges are not just about maintenance but also about planning for the future, ensuring that the city’s growth is supported by reliable and resilient systems. Enhancing emergency-preparedness planning is critical. Given the city’s location, with water generally flowing northward from Orlando through various natural waterways, it is essential to have robust plans in place for an effective response. My more than 15 years of experience as a local director of emergency management, where I directly managed eight FEMA federal disaster declarations, positions me well to lead these efforts. I would work to ensure that Winter Springs is prepared to face any emergencies with confidence, minimizing the impact on residents and infrastructure.

In addition to infrastructure, fostering sustainable economic development will be crucial as Winter Springs continues to grow. Balancing the need for economic vitality with the preservation of the city’s natural beauty and community character is a delicate task. The city manager must work closely with the Commission, staff, businesses, and residents to create a strategic plan that encourages responsible growth while maintaining the high quality of life that Winter Springs is known for. These challenges, while significant, also present opportunities for Winter Springs to strengthen its foundations and build a more resilient, cohesive community. By addressing these issues with a collaborative and transparent approach, I believe we can ensure that Winter Springs not only meets these challenges but thrives in the years to come.

3) What do you see as the biggest opportunities in Winter Springs?

Winter Springs is a city with tremendous potential, and there are several key opportunities that can be leveraged to ensure continued success and growth. First and foremost, the city has a lot to be proud of, including the recent upgrade to its bond rating. This achievement reflects the city’s strong financial health and responsible fiscal management, which are critical foundations for future growth. Working closely with the finance team, there is an opportunity to build upon this financial strength by continuing to refine and enhance the city’s financial management practices. My background in municipal finance, combined with my extensive work and educational experience in this area, positions me well to contribute to the city’s ongoing financial stability and success. The recent bond rating upgrade opens the door for further investment in critical infrastructure projects, such as water, wastewater, and stormwater management. These projects are essential for supporting growth and ensuring that the city’s infrastructure can meet the demands of a growing population. By investing in these areas, the city can position itself for long-term success while maintaining the high standards that residents expect.

Another significant opportunity lies in effective growth management. As the city continues to attract new residents and businesses, it will be important to balance future opportunities with the needs and expectations of current residents. This involves careful planning to ensure that new developments align with the city’s long-term vision and that they enhance, rather than detract from, the quality of life that makes Winter Springs so special. There is also great potential in expanding the city’s economic base to help alleviate the residential tax burden. By attracting commercial growth that aligns with the community’s values, Winter Springs can strengthen its local economy while maintaining its character. Strategic community and economic development, paired with sustainable practices, can help the city grow in a way that benefits all residents. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural environment and providing exceptional recreational opportunities presents another avenue for growth. By continuing to invest in parks, green spaces, and community amenities, Winter Springs can enhance its appeal as a great place to live, work, and play. This not only improves the quality of life for current residents but also attracts new families and businesses to the area.

I am excited about the prospect of working collaboratively with the mayor, Commission, staff, and community to seize these opportunities and ensure that Winter Springs continues to thrive.

4) It’s no secret that there has been turnover and some turmoil in the city. What message would you have for city staff?

My message to the city staff is one of optimism and commitment. If selected, I am here to lead with transparency, to support your efforts, and to work collaboratively to achieve our shared goals. Together, we will continue to make Winter Springs a community that residents are proud to call home.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of all the staff, particularly Interim City Manager Philip Hursh, who has admirably stepped up during this transition. Having served in the top seat for more than 11 years, I fully understand the challenges and often thankless nature of the role he has assumed. From my observations, it’s clear that the city has an outstanding and committed team that has continued to serve the community with excellence, even amidst the turnover. What the team needs now is a city manager who can provide stable and consistent leadership so they can move forward with confidence and focus on their important work.

I am particularly skilled in managing transitions, having successfully guided other communities through periods of change. I understand that change can be challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and renewal. My approach to managing this transition in Winter Springs would include a well-structured entry plan that emphasizes transparent communication about expectations, goals, and the path forward. I believe it is crucial to start by actively listening rather than rushing into action. The objective is to thoroughly understand the organization, its people, and the community, while ensuring that ongoing projects and initiatives continue to progress smoothly. Understanding the importance of developing strong relationships with the senior management staff from day one, I plan to foster an environment of open communication, trust, and mutual respect. My leadership philosophy is based on the belief that organizations thrive on the strength and commitment of their people. It’s crucial for all staff to have a clear understanding of expectations regarding conduct, work ethic, and results. As city manager, I will embody the positivity, performance, and dedication that is expected of all employees.

My goal is to create a cohesive team where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the city’s success. I want to assure the staff that I am here to listen, support, and work alongside them as we navigate this transition together. I am committed to providing the leadership needed to move Winter Springs forward, building on the strong foundation that already exists, and ensuring that the city continues to thrive.

In other news:

• There are two Winter Springs board vacancies left to fill, both of which are on the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee. 
• The findings of a stormwater briefing on the state of the city’s stormwater systems was met with numerous concerns by residents regarding ongoing flooding concerns.