A. Kurt Ardaman

The meeting featured a presentation on legislative updates from Tallahassee, including discussions on agricultural enclaves, housing regulations, and state financial transparency requirements. Staff provided a report on successful state appropriation requests, securing funding for storm water and property development projects. The council also addressed public comments regarding local infrastructure needs and discussed the broader implications of state legislation on local government authority and development control.

The council meeting addressed several agenda items, including the second reading of an ordinance to adjust setback and frontage requirements within the form-based code overlay district to facilitate property improvements. The council also approved a resolution for a grant application for the community splash pad improvement project, which includes replacing fixtures, the pump system, and refinishing the concrete pad. Furthermore, the meeting involved a discussion regarding the engineering, construction, and funding strategies for the Gemini Springs basin management action plan and the septic to sewer program in compliance with state mandates for nutrient reduction.

The committee reviewed a major planned unit development amendment for the DeBary Town Center Mixed Planned Unit Development. The proposal included increasing the floor area for two buildings, eliminating a third building, adding driveway entrances, splitting a surface water pond, reducing open space, adding a drive-thru, and adjusting the general site layout. Technical review staff discussed the project's consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code, highlighting potential impacts on the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay District, traffic, pedestrian accessibility, and the need for utility and infrastructure coordination.

The council celebrated the graduates of the Citizens Academy by presenting them with certificates. The meeting also included an approval of a media promotion agreement with iHeart Media for an upcoming community event, which features an elevated fireworks and drone show. Additionally, the council conducted a public hearing for the second reading of an ordinance regarding a referendum to establish the St. John's River Estates Special Residential Neighborhood Improvement District and authorize a special assessment.

The City Council held a special meeting to discuss the establishment of the Deerry Land Bank program, an initiative aimed at managing growth and protecting conservation and underdeveloped properties. The council reviewed ordinance number 02-2026, which proposes a land bank program to be funded by ad valorem property taxes and put to a referendum vote. Key discussion points included the program's intent to acquire and preserve land, the mechanism for determining annual tax rates, and the objective to mitigate external developmental pressures. The council formally approved the second reading of the ordinance, moving the program forward to the upcoming general election ballot.