Eric Frankton

The meeting began with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Citizen comments focused on two primary issues: concerns regarding the safe operation of golf carts on sidewalks and the necessity of allowing a resident to keep chickens and roosters as essential therapeutic support for a son with autism, citing legal precedent for disability accommodations. Council members discussed stricter enforcement and potential mandatory training for golf cart permit holders. There was also a discussion about revisiting city-wide zoning for chickens, noting that only rural residential areas were previously covered, and generally opposing roosters in residential areas. Council members also reported on attending the 1 Million Cups kickoff event and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Duke Energy's new green hydrogen facility, the first of its kind in the nation, which committed to using reclaimed water. Approvals included the minutes from the December 3, 2025, City Council meeting and the consent agenda items 2 through 8. Updates from the City Manager included an apology for the delayed closure of Fort Road, now scheduled for January 12th.

This Comprehensive Plan outlines the City of DeBary's strategic direction to facilitate appropriate growth and development through 2045, with a focus on managing natural resources and ensuring adequate public facilities. Key priorities include improving potable water, sanitary sewer, stormwater management, and solid waste systems, alongside protecting natural groundwater aquifer recharge. The plan also emphasizes a continuous program for capital improvements, coordination with other agencies, and adherence to regulatory level of service standards to meet community objectives.

This document outlines the City of DeBary's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, focusing on goals, objectives, and policies through EAR-Based Amendments. It covers key strategic areas including Public Facilities Infrastructure (Potable Water, Sanitary Sewer, Stormwater Management, Solid Waste, and Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge) and Capital Improvements. The plan aims to facilitate appropriate growth and development, manage natural resources, and ensure the efficient provision of public facilities through coordinated planning and funding, with a long-term vision extending to 2045.

The primary focus of the special meeting involved two major agenda items under new business. First, the council considered the request from Public Works for the purchase of two 2026 Ford F350 crew cab 4x4 trucks, one for the Public Works department to replace an underpowered F-150, and one for the storm water department. Second, the council reviewed a vacant land contract to purchase privately owned property at 393 West High Banks Road for $77,414 to support the West High Banks drainage improvements project. This purchase is intended to secure necessary drainage conveyance, prevent future development that could exacerbate flooding risks in the flood plane area, and contribute to the city's required match for a county/federal grant, potentially reducing the city's overall cash outlay for the project.

The regular city council meeting commenced following an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A public participation segment addressed concerns regarding the enforcement of regulations for golf carts operating on city roads, specifically concerning speed limits, tagging requirements, and safety. The City Manager outlined prior and planned enforcement activities. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from previous meetings (Special City Council meeting of October 15, 2025, City Council meeting of November 5, 2025, and Special City Council meeting of November 19, 2025). The primary new business involved the presentation and adoption of Resolution Number 2025-23, establishing a Facade Improvement Grant Program aimed at enhancing the visual appearance, boosting the local economy, and increasing property values, particularly along the village center overlay and the High Banks node near the 1792 corridor. The program details, including grant amounts up to $20,000 (on a matching basis), eligibility criteria, ineligibility factors, and a first-come, first-served review process by a staff committee, were discussed extensively. Council members expressed support for the initiative while addressing concerns regarding initial participation levels and funding sustainability.