Important Meetings in Palm Bay: What You Need to Know About January 16, 2025
Special and Regular City Council Sessions to Shape Palm Bay's Future
Palm Bay residents are invited to engage in shaping their community’s future by attending two pivotal City Council meetings on Thursday, January 16, 2025. These sessions will address critical topics and provide opportunities for public input. Here’s what you need to know:
Special Council Meeting
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907
Purpose: An attorney-client session to discuss pending litigation.
The Special Council Meeting will focus on one agenda item:
Case Discussion: Mahmoud Hamdan v. City of Palm Bay, Case 05-2022-CA-045505
This private session will allow the City Attorney to provide legal advice regarding settlement negotiations or litigation strategies. While the session’s opening and closing will occur in a public setting, the discussions will remain confidential, as permitted under Florida Statute 286.011(8).
Summary of Allegations
The case involves allegations that Mahmoud Hamdan was rear-ended by Palm Bay police officer Edward Bermudez, who was driving a city-owned vehicle. Hamdan claims the officer’s negligent driving caused the collision and seeks damages exceeding $30,000 for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and related losses. The City of Palm Bay is accused of vicarious liability for the officer’s actions performed during his employment.
Regular Council Meeting
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907
The Regular Council Meeting agenda includes a mix of proclamations, public hearings, and new business. Highlights are as follows:
Proclamations and Recognitions
Mayor’s Business Spotlight: Gary Yeomans Ford Palm Bay
Proclamation: Human Trafficking Awareness Month (January 2025)
Public Comment
Members of the public may comment on consent agenda and non-agenda items. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker, and participants must submit a public comment card before the meeting begins. Speakers are encouraged to focus on relevant topics to ensure productive discussions.
Consent Agenda
Items on the consent agenda include:
Resolution 2025-01: Delegating authority to the City Manager for HUD programs.
Application: St. Johns River Water Management District Cost-Share Program funding.
Allocation of Funds: Surplus vehicle purchases from the Building Department.
Approval: Contracts for master planning services for Fred Poppe Regional Park.
These items will be approved in one motion without discussion unless a Council Member requests to pull an item for separate consideration.
Public Hearings
Ordinance 2025-01: Repealing the Youth Advisory Board subchapter.
Ordinance 2025-02: Vacating portions of Valdes Avenue and Talisman Avenue rights-of-way.
Ordinances 2025-03 & 2025-04: Amending the Comprehensive Plan to change the Future Land Use Map designation of property at Clearmont Street and Franklin Drive from Commercial to Industrial and rezoning the property from Community Commercial (CC) to Light Industrial and Warehousing (LI).
Ordinance 2025-05: Updating provisions in the Land Development Code.
New Business
Resolution 2025-02: Renaming Fred Poppe Regional Park to Palm Bay Regional Park. This renaming aligns with the Recreation Advisory Board's November 2024 recommendation to adopt a name that reflects the broader community identity and promotes inclusivity. The name change is expected to cost approximately $4,000 for updated signage and materials, funded from the city’s Undesignated Fund.
Resolution 2025-03: Supporting Brevard County as a permanent headquarters for space-related federal agencies. This aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis's recent comments highlighting Brevard County’s strategic importance as a hub for space exploration and technology. The resolution reinforces Palm Bay’s commitment to strengthening Brevard County’s role in advancing national space initiatives and economic growth.
Ordinance 2025-06: Budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. These amendments address funding reallocations for infrastructure upgrades, public safety enhancements, and community development projects. The adjustments ensure efficient use of funds and align with the city’s strategic priorities.
Development Agreement: Approving plans for property at Malabar Road and St. Johns Heritage Parkway. The project spans approximately 50 acres, including 200,000 square feet of commercial space, 300 residential units (100 single-family homes, 50 townhomes, and 150 apartments), and substantial infrastructure improvements. Provisions address traffic flow, environmental impact, and zoning compliance.
Citizen Budget Advisory Board: Discussion on establishing this advisory group to enhance public involvement in financial decisions. The board will review budgetary matters, recommend allocations, and explore cost-saving strategies.
Charter Review Commission: Discussion on convening a commission to modernize the City Charter by addressing governance structures, term limits, and procedural updates.
Community Impact and Public Participation
Both meetings will address significant issues such as urban development, budget management, and community resources. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input during the designated public comment periods. For those unable to attend, updates will be available on The Palm Bayer. Stay informed about decisions that shape our community by visiting us for detailed coverage and insights.
How to Get Involved
Attend: The Regular Council Meeting is open to the public at Council Chambers. While the Special Council Meeting is not relevant for public attendance due to its executive session format, residents can stay informed about its outcomes through updates on The Palm Bayer.
Speak Up: Public comment cards will be available for topics on the agenda.
Follow Up: Visit The Palm Bayer for comprehensive post-meeting coverage, insights, and updates on decisions shaping our community.
Mark your calendars and take this opportunity to engage with the governance of Palm Bay!
Why is the city not addressing ADA laws ? There are few to none sidewalks, bike lanes or cross walks in most SE Palm bay. But we now have 3 city hall buildings.