Patrick Buckley

The meeting, called to order on February 18th, addressed the rezoning application (No. 6185) for property from IND1 to ND2, which had been continued from a prior meeting. Key discussion points included concerns regarding water consumption, specifically the discrepancy between the initially proposed 8,000 gallons per day and the applicant's maximum projected draw of 25,000 gallons per day. A contracted hydrogeologist analysis indicated no interference with city potable water wells but recommended the private well location be maximized away from existing wells, and questioned the sustainability of the proposed flow rate. The second major concern involved traffic analysis on Hogro Gray, especially at the intersection with US1. The city completed a traffic intersection evaluation study which was presented, confirming acceptable levels of service under existing conditions, although future detailed analysis for the site plan phase might necessitate turn lane extensions. The applicant presented updated volunteered restrictive covenants, striking a sentence that was previously excepted by the board to ensure covenants run with the land regardless of the property's operation as a concrete batch plant. Staff maintained its recommendation for approval of the rezoning request.

The meeting began with opening remarks, including a moment of silence for a recently deceased child and offering prayers for the family of an individual whose cold case was recently solved. Public participation focused heavily on demanding written legal explanations regarding several municipal governance issues, specifically charter compliance concerning mayor vacancies, the legal status of appointed district seats, the accelerated charter review timeline, and the composition of the charter review committee. Another resident raised concerns about documented drainage failures, deleted public records, and the handling of city-owned culvert issues. A later discussion involved a resident's concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from developer donations influencing council votes on development projects. The main agenda item discussed was the Charter Review Committee report, including an extended discussion among council members regarding the appropriate voting threshold (simple majority versus supermajority) required for sending proposed charter amendments to a public referendum, and whether certain proposed changes should be addressed through policy updates instead.

The meeting included public comments on several critical issues. Key discussions focused on the financial status and monthly costs associated with the city-owned Green Lion facility, with requests for detailed financial breakdowns. Speakers addressed concerns regarding pool facilities, advocating for year-round operation of both the Belte and Frieda Zamba pools, noting inadequacy for competition, accessibility for seniors and handicapped persons, and the absence of lifeguards at the Belte pool. Further topics included urgent requests for traffic safety improvements on Cimarron Drive, specifically the need for a sidewalk or walkway, and concerns about silting in saltwater canals impacting boat access, requesting dredging maintenance. Additionally, there was discussion regarding the compensation structure for council members and the careful selection of an interim city council person to maintain current consensus among the council.

The meeting commenced with introductions of student visitors from Germany. The council then addressed two proclamations: one declaring January 2022 as Stalking Awareness Month, in partnership with organizations like the Family Life Center and Flagler County Advocate Alliance, and another declaring January 2022 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Public participation featured several community members voicing concerns regarding pool access for seniors, specifically noting the impending construction at the Belle Terre pool area due to school board activities and requesting year-round access to the Frieda Zamber pool, or the construction of a new aquatic center. Another speaker detailed the poor conditions at the Palm Coast Swimming Club, citing issues with hot water, shower facilities, and locker conditions.

The initial segment of the meeting focused on the proclamation for Flood Awareness Week in the City of Palm Coast, Florida. Public participation included discussions regarding the cost of special elections versus other studies, concerns about the process for amending the city charter (specifically concerning health benefits and council compensation), and queries about reimbursing the city for funds paid to the Sheriff's Department related to immigration enforcement. The council then approved the minutes from the February 17th, 2026 business meeting and the February 24th, 2026 special workshop. A second read ordinance regarding the sale of city-owned utility was unanimously approved after incorporating staff-directed changes. Following this, the City Council recessed to convene the SR 100 Corridor CRA board. The CRA board discussed and moved to approve a contract with Kimley Horn for a comprehensive performance and strategic evaluation of the SR 100 CRA, noting significant deviations (approximately 72% off track) from initial revenue projections set in 2004, 2008, and 2018.