Heather Guadagnoli

The agenda for the upcoming Regular Commission Meeting on February 10, 2026, includes a Public Hearing for a variance application from Brett and Stephanie Miller regarding the property at 7124 S Shore Dr S. New Business items slated for discussion include the passage of Resolution No. 2026-01, which establishes the 2026 Charter Review Committee, sets its timeframe through June 2, 2026, and assigns the City Clerk and City Attorney as staff support. Additionally, a motion is proposed to designate the Finance Director as the Representative and the City Administrator as the Alternate on the Public Risk Management of Florida's Group Health Trust Board of Directors. The Agenda Meeting on February 3, 2026, also noted the proposed approval of minutes from various January 2026 meetings.

The primary discussion focused on City Hall Financing Procurement. The Finance Director reviewed options, recommending the use of the Florida League of Cities (FLC) funding program, which consolidates services from the FLC, a financial advisory firm, and a bond council firm. The consensus reached was to add items to the subsequent Regular Commission Meeting to execute engagement letters for participation in the FLC's municipal funding program. Other updates included alternative locations for City operations during new facility construction, an announcement for the Finance Director's retirement luncheon, the Fire Station open house schedule, local business development progress, and the status of the development regulation project.

The Commission Meeting included reports from various department directors. Commissioner Neidinger reported on Finance Department activities, including fiscal year 2025 financial reports and audit procedures. Commissioner McAlees shared updates on Community Improvement Department activities, noting an anticipated reduction in residents' flood insurance due to an improved Community Rating System (CRS) report (Class 8 to Class 7). Commissioner Thompson addressed holiday fire safety, and Vice Mayor Reid discussed stormwater pollution prevention best practices. Mayor Penny reported on Administration Department activities and confirmed his unopposed re-election for the March 2026 term. The primary discussion involved a public hearing and subsequent unanimous approval of Ordinance No. 2025-06, which amends the 2024/2025 Fiscal Budget to appropriate funds for Hurricane Helene and Milton storm damage costs, adjust revenues from flood insurance, and address expenditures approved in workshops. Ordinance No. 2025-07, amending assessment sections of the Fire Fighters' Pension Fund, was also unanimously approved after a public hearing.

The meeting involved discussions regarding the proposed agenda for the subsequent Regular Commission Meeting on December 9, 2025. Key discussion items included a public hearing for Ordinance No. 2025-06, which proposes amending the 2024/2025 Fiscal Budget to appropriate funds for Hurricane Helene and Milton storm damage costs, adjust revenues from flood insurance, account for Hibiscus Hall closure, update expenditures from commission workshops, adjust sewer fund fees, and decrease capital improvements for paving. Another ordinance proposed for the regular meeting agenda was Ordinance No. 2025-07, amending the Fire Fighters' Pension Fund Assessment rules.

The meeting commenced with reports from various department directors. The Mayor recognized Finance Director Jim Graham upon his upcoming retirement after 28 years of service. Reports covered finance activities, community improvement updates, the upcoming Fire Station 20 Open House, the standardized color-coding system for underground utilities, and administration activities including the new City Hall project. Under New Business, the Commission unanimously approved executing Letters of Engagement with the Florida League of Cities (FLC) for financing services for the new City Hall construction, with Public Resources Advisory Group (PRAG) for capital plan development, and with Bryant Miller Olive P.A. for bond counsel services related to the new City Hall funding.