Benjamin D. Bartlett

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call confirming a quorum. Public participation included concerns regarding traffic safety near a dual-lane road project, advocacy for veterans' recognition, the cancellation of a program benefiting students through aviation engagement, and political commentary regarding a congressional candidate. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Cultural Grant Program, where speakers urged the council to reinstate already approved funding which had been subsequently rescinded, citing negative impacts on local cultural organizations. The Council approved the agenda and subsequently approved the Consent Agenda excluding Item H. Item H, concerning the proposed renaming of a lighthouse park, sparked extensive debate regarding whether to follow existing renaming protocols since the state (FDEP) owned the facility; the Council ultimately voted 7-0 in support of the proposed name change. Discussion ensued regarding Item M, related to a stormwater use agreement with the City of Edgewater, and Item F, concerning a petition to the legislature regarding water regulation preemption, where members affirmed their stance against state preemption. The main deliberation centered on Item 03, the ECHO Strategic Plan Presentation, Discussion & Direction. Ten members of the public spoke in favor of the strategic plan's recommendations, particularly urging the reinstatement and increase of grant caps, citing the program's importance to quality of life, environmental, historical, and recreational projects. Following public comment, the County Manager provided a synopsis of a recent meeting held with an advisory board member concerning the communication of the plan's documentation. The Council also discussed the process for future renaming procedures.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public participation where residents raised concerns regarding road weight limits, illegal gas taxes, excessive commercial traffic creating safety hazards on residential roads, the need for a short-term parking option at the beach, and accessibility barriers on a public trail. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. The council discussed a SunTrail agreement with FDOT, including details about the existing paved trail system through wildlife corridors. A proclamation declaring February 22, 2026, as World Encephalitis Day in Volusia County was approved, recognizing Port Orange resident Cat Atwood. The retirement of Fire Lieutenant Jeremiah Greathouse after 25 years of service was recognized and approved unanimously. Significant discussion centered on a proposed draft ordinance and charter amendment concerning reclaimed Blackwater injection, where legal counsel clarified the county's limited jurisdiction over municipal utilities compared to its own utility. The council also discussed current FDEP projects regarding sewage treatment plant upgrades and the county's existing alternative water supply strategies, confirming that deep well injection for recharge is not currently planned for the county utility.

The meeting included public participation where residents addressed several critical issues. Key discussions centered on urging the Council to reinstate previously cut arts and culture funding, citing negative impacts on jobs, community programming, and economic activity. Other public comments concerned the safety and damage caused by heavy truck traffic on Marsh Road due to substandard road geometry and the need to enforce existing commercial vehicle restrictions. Additionally, a homeowner raised concerns regarding a newly imposed mandate for fire sprinkler systems in three-story residential dwellings, arguing it contradicts state statutes unless a local ordinance is adopted through the proper process. Finally, the Council addressed the compliance issue of a 2014 ECHO grant awarded to Halifax Humane Society, resulting in a proposed repayment agreement for funds used non-compliantly for a pet services building, while the public dog park component would continue operation. The Council also briefly discussed pending stormwater master plan projects, noting that federal dollar requirements necessitate thorough studies, and reviewed the purchase of a new fire tanker truck.

The Council approved the agenda for the meeting. Key actions taken during the Consent Agenda included approving an airport parking rate adjustment, an application for a Water Quality Infrastructure Grant, and several contracts for construction management/general contracting services, supply agreements for fleet maintenance and LP Gas, software acquisition, and library resources. The Council also approved a resolution opting out of the missing middle affordable rental housing property tax exemption, an amendment to a CSBG-DR Subrecipient Agreement, land lease/management for Carter Quail Ranch, a joint purchase agreement for the McMillon property easement, a budget resolution for the Emergency Operations Center expansion, scheduled a public hearing for Med Trans Corporation, approved a single-source software maintenance purchase, issued a proclamation, settled a claim, and approved multiple task assignments related to CDBG-DR funded flood mitigation and stormwater projects. Furthermore, the Council approved recommendations for infrastructure and mitigation projects for Ponce Inlet and Ormond Beach, approved the final agency report for the Duke Energy transmission line, approved a contract modification for the Ocean Center Parking Garage, and approved a budget resolution for invasive species removal at Lighthouse Point Park. Under Numbered Items, the Council approved annual performance evaluations, increasing both the County Attorney's and County Manager's salaries by 4%, and scheduling a future workshop for salary adjustments. They authorized the issuance of Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds for several capital projects. A contract for the Mosquito Control Services Facility was approved. A motion to deny a resolution concerning Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds for Volusia Forever Lands failed, and the Council approved scheduling a future item to discuss the Volusia Forever funding process. Approvals were granted for a Purchase and Sale Agreement for property for the Property Appraiser, vacation of a portion of The 2nd Addition to Carnell, revisions to Off Beach Parking and Beach Access Fees, and two rezoning resolutions (Z-25-012 and Z-25-011). Ordinance No. 2025-26 regarding Reasonable Accommodations for Certified Recovery Residences was adopted. The Council voted not to move forward with efforts to restore beach driving between International Speedway Blvd and Auditorium Blvd, and postponed discussions on backyard chickens regulations and appointments to the Personnel Board.

This Executive Summary details Volusia County's strategy for emergency coastal response, focusing on comprehensive preparedness, effective response, and robust recovery, mitigation, and resiliency efforts. Key areas include continuous community engagement, public education, multi-agency coordination for life safety and property protection, and restoration of essential services. The plan aims to enhance the county's ability to manage coastal disasters, protect its citizens and infrastructure, and promote a rapid and resilient return to normalcy.