Coffee with the City Manager Recap

At Coffee with the City Manager on Sept. 30, residents pressed Palm Bay officials on development, code enforcement, traffic safety, and sustainability.

Graphic illustration representing Coffee with the City Manager, highlighting topics of housing, roads, green space, and bicycle safety.

Palm Bay, FL – The latest Coffee with the City Manager on September 30 drew strong participation from residents raising concerns about growth, code enforcement, transportation, and sustainability. City Manager Matthew Morton opened with a story on organizational culture, stressing that Palm Bay staff must constantly ask: Are we doing things the right way?

City Manager’s Opening Remarks

Morton began by sharing a story sometimes called the “monkey experiment,” where a group of animals avoids a food source because of learned behavior, even though none of them experienced the original punishment. His point: organizations often continue practices without questioning if they are still the best way. Watch a short explainer video here.

He said he is challenging Palm Bay staff to look at things in a new light, rather than doing them a certain way simply because that’s how it has always been done.

He previewed a “heavy lift” coming in early 2026, with changes to contracts, purchasing, and operations, along with a new framework for how Palm Bay views development. Morton noted concerns about the state potentially eliminating certain property tax streams that have traditionally been used to justify growth. He also praised Councilman Mike Hammer’s initiative to improve water quality in Turkey Creek.

Staff Realignment

One question focused on the sudden departure of Growth Management Director Lisa Frazier. Morton said the decision was mutual and part of a realignment to break down departmental silos. Growth functions now report under the Deputy City Manager to ensure coordination between Planning, Public Works, and Building departments.

Code Enforcement and Blight

A resident voiced frustration with an abandoned property on Wing Road that has accrued more than $100,000 in fines without resolution. Morton acknowledged the complaint and emphasized that “citizens are the purpose of our work, not a distraction.” He promised to follow up and investigate the matter.

Growth and the Majors Golf Course

Long-time residents raised concerns about the future of the Majors Golf Course area and the proposed Eden development. Speakers argued that the city’s comprehensive plan should be respected and that community voices must weigh as heavily as developers’ requests. They called for stronger accountability in citizen participation meetings, which they described as poorly run and lacking meaningful engagement.

For background, see prior Palm Bayer coverage:

• Palm Bay City Manager Mathew Morton to Host Public Coffee and Conversation

• Palm Bay Residents to Share Coffee with City Manager, What’s on the Agenda?

• Residents & City Manager Engage in Frank Dialogue on Development, City Services

Protecting Green Space and Sustainability

Members of the Sustainability Advisory Board and residents highlighted the need to protect Palm Bay’s remaining green spaces, citing the loss of open land at the former Port Malabar Country Club. Suggestions included requiring developers to share more of the costs of infrastructure and piloting stormwater systems that use native plants. Morton welcomed the board’s input and said future landscaping and planning efforts could serve as models for sustainability.

Traffic and Bike Safety

FDOT’s temporary closure of an access point near Malabar Road and I-95 generated discussion. Morton explained the project is a trial to reduce backups on I-95 and improve safety. Data will be collected before permanent changes are made.

Residents also pressed for safer bike and pedestrian routes. Cyclists described dangerous conditions on city roads and urged the city to create designated bike boulevards. Morton said the city is working with the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and FDOT on regional initiatives and welcomed community ideas.

Other Issues Raised

• CDD Transparency: A resident requested clearer information about Community Development Districts (CDDs) and their finances. Morton encouraged using public records requests and promised staff follow-up.

• Union Reporting: Questions were raised about compliance with new state requirements for union membership reporting. Morton confirmed monthly reports are submitted.

• Turkey Creek Fine: Morton discussed an unresolved state fine for Turkey Creek pollution, saying the city hopes to negotiate local water quality projects in lieu of paying into state coffers.

• Public Comment Rules: Concerns surfaced about limiting public comment to residents or utility customers. Morton said Palm Bay has not considered such restrictions but noted some cities are being challenged in court.

Closing Notes

Morton closed the session by thanking residents for their input and encouraging continued participation. He confirmed he would remain after the event to address individual concerns and reminded attendees of upcoming public hearings and council discussions.

The Palm Bayer will continue to follow developments on growth, sustainability, and infrastructure as the city works through these challenges.