Mell Smigielski

The City Council meeting agenda included a discussion on a Mission BBQ Donation. Several property actions required public hearings and potential approvals/denials, specifically a replat for 303/305 Hatley Drive, a lot split for 104 34th Street, a lot split for 118 39th Street, and a variance request for 2503 Hwy 98 Unit D related to an elevator installation encroaching on a corner setback. Other key items included discussion on the listing of Lalla Lane Lots, consideration of a resolution for application to the FDOT Beautification Grant, a resolution for a Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) with FDOT for landscaping along Hwy 98, updates on Building Department Fees and Services, and updates on various tasks and reports concerning the Stormwater/Greenspace Project, Local Mitigation Strategy Projects, and a DEP Resiliency Grant.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included the presentation for Employee of the Quarter. Key discussions centered on several proposed task orders for public works projects, including road and sidewalk assessment for Casuna and Ocean Plantation, wastewater system analysis for Nickel Creek Development, 4 Street Stormwater Improvements, the Mexico Beach Water Tank Aeration System, and Canal Parkway Cul-de-sac Options. Furthermore, the Council addressed two ordinances: the second reading for Ordinance 866 concerning E-Bikes restrictions on sidewalks, and the first reading for Ordinance 873 regarding an increase in Sanitation Rates for FY25-26, and the first reading for Ordinance 874 concerning an increase in Water and Sewer Rates for FY25-26, which includes provisions for senior citizen discounts. An update on Food Trucks and a possible rescheduling of November and December Council meetings were also planned for discussion.

The meeting included comments from the mayor and council members regarding the recent election and the city's quality of life. There was a discussion on balancing growth with preserving the city's unique culture, and incorporating new citizens into the community. A citizen raised concerns about property tax rates. The council discussed and approved the applicant list for the CDBG program. The council discussed current projects, including grant applications, sidewalk improvements, beach restoration, alternate water source, and canal improvements. A variance request at 301 Robin Lane was approved. The first reading of Ordinance 669, which prohibits metal buildings for residential use, was conducted.

The meeting included discussions and first readings of ordinances related to the city's budget. Key topics included the adoption of the millage rate for the tax year 2020-2021, the appropriation of funds, and the adoption of the budget for the general fund, water fund, sewer fund, and sanitation fund. The council also addressed corrections to formulas from prior years' budgets and scheduled a second public hearing and adoption for the 29th.

The special meeting included discussion about priority architects. The job description and advertising were reviewed. The primary responsibility of the position is managing city records and financial documents. Discussion of salary range was also included. The website, League of Cities, and the news channel were mentioned as places for advertising. There was also discussion regarding legal matters.