John M. Carroll

The Code Enforcement Board meeting addressed several code enforcement matters, including one case involving unlicensed contractors for structures installed without permits, and multiple evidentiary hearings. Evidentiary hearings involved citation appeals for overgrown weeds and numerous non-compliance/compliance reports regarding unpermitted installations (concrete pads, wood decks, awnings, signage, sheds, windows), sign violations, and public nuisances, with specific focus on obtaining Board Orders for compliance or assessing accrued penalties. Compliance reviews addressed ongoing issues such as land development code violations, stormwater management retention pond maintenance, non-operable vehicles parked in the right-of-way, and unpermitted sign installation. Administrative, Clerk's, Attorney's, Chairman's, and Member's matters were noted as having no items, though the Attorney's Matters section included a presentation on the Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes the adoption of the agenda, public comments, and quarterly reports from Highland Capital Management (Investment Review as of December 31, 2025), Salem Trust (Class Action Report as of December 31, 2025), and Mariner (Quarterly Report as of December 31, 2025). New business items focus on the October 1, 2025, Actuarial Valuation Report, the 2025 Annual Report, the Detailed Accounting Report for FY 2025, and discussion on the expected annual rate of return for Mariner. The meeting will also address Finance Director's Matters, Attorney Matters regarding required posting documents, and Old Business concerning the 2024-2025 Budget. The previous minutes approved were from the November 19, 2025 meeting.

The meeting involved several agenda items, including the approval of the January 27, 2026, regular City Council minutes. Discussions focused on the final pay for the Stormwater Intake Station and Filtration System Project, noting significant delays but concluding under budget. Final payment for a contract involving asphalt corrections on Dodger Road was also approved. A significant discussion centered on a Change Order for the Water Reclamation Facility, where an owner direct purchase strategy resulted in a substantial tax savings of approximately $440,000. During public comment, a resident raised concerns regarding an ordinance restricting the rental of cottages and accessory buildings, prompting the City Manager to follow up with relevant directors. City Council Matters included discussions about upcoming events like a reading conference kickoff and the welcoming of a third airline carrier. The Vice Mayor proposed seeking a voluntary audit by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to address lingering doubts about the city's financial operations following a missed audit. Other topics included plans for painting the water treatment plant silos, progress on the Rotary Corner fountain renovation, and updates on Oslo Corridor workshop meetings.

The meeting included preliminary discussions where the agenda was amended to delete finance and succession items, as they were scheduled for a later special call meeting, although discussion occurred regarding the appropriateness of tabling finance updates. The Council approved several consent agenda items, including funding for a new Cenotaph Marker at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary and approvals for well replacement amendment and pipe lining task orders. Public hearings were held for two ordinances: one establishing requirements for operating bicycles, electric bicycles, and skateboards on sidewalks, and another concerning residential parking restrictions for RVs and boats, which involved significant debate about enforcement and proposed amendments. Under New Business, Council members discussed concerns regarding seawall height regulations in Vero Isles, directing staff to research standards based on FEMA flood elevation. The Council also reconsidered the Airport Parking situation, reaching a consensus to table the Request for Proposal (RFP) direction and proceed with lease negotiations with Envision Group, while simultaneously resuming the design process for a city-built parking lot via Hanson. City Clerk Matters included annual reports from various Boards and Commissions, highlighting operational updates and future suggestions from the Finance, Code Enforcement, Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, Recreation, and Downtown Historic Economic Zone Development Committees. City Manager Matters covered an update on PFAS regulation compliance deadlines and a discussion on the parking fines and towing fee process, during which the possibility of allowing payment until the next business day was raised. Finally, the City Attorney reported on a request from 1,000 Friends of Florida regarding support for Senate Bill 840 related to planning and growth, and Councilmember Matters included updates on local events, advocacy activities, and discussions about potential grant funding projects.

The meeting featured a presentation by the City Attorney on the Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records requirements. The primary discussion involved New Business regarding PFAS Regulations, where the Water and Sewer Director detailed testing results, EPA requirements, potential treatment options like Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Granular Active Carbon (GAC), and strategies for recouping costs. Under Old Business, updates were provided on the John's Island Reuse Water Project, indicating it is nearing full operational status despite minor automation programming issues and suction priming system work. An update was also given on the Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) System bidding process, showing significantly lower installation costs than initially estimated, and confirmation that the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction remains on schedule.