Ashley Gay

The regular City Council meeting was called to order. Key discussions revolved around council procedures and citizen comments. A staff item (7C) was pulled from the agenda for further work. The council heard presentations regarding the fourth quarter 2025 curb appeal awards, recognizing Launch Credit Union (commercial) and Ada Marie Lewis (residential) for maintaining high property standards. During citizen comments, several attendees expressed significant concerns regarding recent changes to meeting procedures, specifically the reduction in public speaking time from three minutes to two minutes, the exclusion of citizen comments during special meetings for non-agenda items, and the removal of the practice of reading written comments aloud. Citizens also raised issues concerning restrictions on speaking and potential conflicts of interest involving the Mayor. An update was also provided regarding historical documentation for Levit Avenue and the protection of the surrounding historic district. Finally, a representative from a local festival thanked the police, fire, and parks departments for their support and requested reconsideration of in-kind donation support in the upcoming budget.

The meeting commenced with a roll call establishing attendance, followed by the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. The agenda included the approval of the absence of Council Member Dawn Tiamson from a previous meeting. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the 2026 State of the City presentation by Christine Davis, highlighting accomplishments such as securing nearly $4 million in grants, completing major infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Milton (including Threadgill and Monetary Road reconstruction), upgrading the City Hall roof, and improving the green sand filter project for water quality. Progress on ongoing projects like East Lansdown Avenue drainage, wayfinding signage, and Mil Lake Park overflow parking was also reviewed. Later, the Good Citizen Award presentation for the first quarter of 2026 recognized Michael Shradakio and Trey Love Lawrence for their community service, though neither was present to receive the award. The final item covered was an update on the Levit Gun Historic District by Daryl Victor, focusing on the historical significance of Levit Road, structures on that road, and potential new historical information gathered from archives regarding Abigail Gun and Rufus Levit.

The meeting commenced with an invocation. Key agenda items included excusing absences for Mayor Kelly Marks and Council Member Dana Knight from a previous meeting. The council heard a presentation from Halifax Health UF Health Medical Center regarding their mission, services, growth, and expansion, specifically focusing on the Medical Center of Deltona and recent designations, including stroke center recognition. Following this, Development Services Director Joe Ruiz presented an orientation and discussion regarding Section 9.12 of the Land Development Code, specifically concerning temporary signs, covering regulations for placement, permitting, material requirements, and time restrictions for various sign types like banners and feather flags.

This Strategic Communications Plan for the City of Orange City establishes a coordinated framework for consistent, transparent, and effective communication with residents, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders. It aligns communication efforts with the City's strategic priorities, which include managing growth, providing efficient public services, and maintaining financial stability. The plan outlines key communication priorities such as leading City communication efforts, improving community engagement, producing high-quality communication products, supporting departmental needs, and identifying areas for improvement, all to foster public trust and support informed decision-making.

The meeting agenda included several proclamations, specifically for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Community Risk Reduction Week. Presentations were given regarding the results of the Christmas parade contest and the holiday lighting contest, detailing category winners. A presentation was also provided by the Votran Services Director, offering an overview of fixed route bus services, the Voride microtransit service, and Bow Access paratransit service, including recent changes to operations and the introduction of a new scheduling software app. Following presentations, the Mayor read a statement outlining expectations for decorum at meetings. Citizen comments included a request to amend the city charter to prioritize local voices and establish stricter procedural rules, and a resident raised concerns regarding the planned elementary school updates and past city council inaction on necessary building maintenance.