Insights into the Palm Bay City Council Meeting: July 18, 2024
Explore the Key Highlights and Decisions on the Agenda for the Upcoming Meeting
The upcoming Palm Bay City Council meeting on July 18, 2024 (6 PM at the City Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Rd. SE), has a packed agenda addressing various community and governance issues. Highlights include the recognition of Donald Boerema for his dedicated service, multiple expenditure approvals under the consent agenda, critical public hearings on development projects and variance requests, and discussions on filling a council vacancy and reviewing the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Recognition of Service
At the upcoming Palm Bay City Council meeting on July 18, 2024, the city will recognize Donald Boerema for his five years of dedicated service as a member of the Planning and Zoning Board. This acknowledgment is part of the council's ongoing effort to honor citizens who contribute significantly to the community's governance and planning.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda includes several expenditures that will be approved without discussion in a single vote. The details are as follows:
Culvert pipe replacement on Rockabye Avenue at C-41-R
Universal Contracting & Construction, Inc.: $482,888
Additional funding consideration: $100,000
Nash Street Repump Station rehabilitation
Wade Trim: $16,200
Purchase and transfer of four parcels at 1361 Florida Avenue NE from Evans Center, Inc.
$475,000
Commercial Property Enhancement Program (CPEP) grant for R&S Soft Water Service Inc.
$10,000
Appropriation of Undesignated Fund Balance funds
Professional Services Operating budget for the Fire Rescue Department: $202,400
Purchase equipment to outfit Engine 9: $457,692
Funding for Finance Department renovations
$41,204
Budget amendment for annual membership fees with Brevard Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
$5,500
Utilizing GO Road funds for paving of Emerson Drive from Malabar Road to Waco Boulevard
$4,000,000
Total Amount of Expenditures:
The total amount of expenditures on the consent agenda is $5,810,184.
Public Hearings
Chaparral P.U.D. Phase 4A Final Subdivision Plan (Case FS23-00016)
The council will review the final subdivision plan for Phase 4A of the Chaparral Planned Unit Development (PUD). This phase involves a 167-lot residential subdivision on 160.51 acres of vacant land. The project aligns with the Future Land Use designation of Low-Density Residential and meets the requirements for Final Plat approval. The Planning & Zoning Board has recommended approval.
Odyssey Preparatory Academy Variance Request (V24-00003)
Odyssey Preparatory Academy seeks a variance to reduce the rear parking setback from 25 feet to 15.5 feet. The 9.5-foot reduction is argued to be necessary due to the unique characteristics of the 9.18-acre property and the project's design requirements. Despite initial staff reservations, the revised justification emphasizing the minimal nature of the variance and community benefits led to a recommendation for approval.
Odyssey Preparatory Academy Variance Request (V24-00004)
The academy also requests a variance to allow a 30-foot-high structure, exceeding the maximum height of 25 feet by 5 feet. The additional height is deemed necessary for a modern two-story school building. The staff supports this variance, citing that it represents less than a 20% increase and aligns with the intent of the zoning code.
Proposed Dining Establishment - 3085 Jupiter, LLC (CU24-00001)
3085 Jupiter, LLC is applying for a conditional use permit to operate a dining establishment with alcohol service on a 2.44-acre property at the intersection of Jupiter and Eldron Boulevards. The application falls under Section 185.042(D)(6) of the Palm Bay Code of Ordinances. The council will review the detailed plans, business operations, and potential community impact before making a decision.
New Business
Palm Bay City Council Vacancy (Seat 3)
The council will discuss the process for filling the vacant Seat 3 position following Randy Foster's resignation. The City Council must appoint a replacement within 60 days, by September 9, 2024, or the seat will remain vacant until the November 2024 general election. Applications for the position will be available from July 19th, with a deadline of August 7th. The council aims to appoint a new member at the August 13th meeting.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The council will review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes the 2024 Certification of Taxable Value, proposed Operating Millage Rate, and Debt Millage Rate. The city's budget heavily relies on property tax revenue, and the council will consider maintaining the current millage rate despite increased property values. Public hearings are scheduled for September 12 and 26, 2024, to discuss the proposed rates and gather community input.
Expanded Details on the FY 2025 Budget
The FY 2025 budget proposal involves several key components critical to the financial planning and operations of Palm Bay. Here are the expanded details:
2024 Certification of Taxable Value
The Certified Gross Taxable Value for operating purposes for Palm Bay, including new construction, is $9,229,308,429, with new construction accounting for $691,747,467. This certification is essential for calculating the roll-back rate and determining the budget based on property tax revenues.
Proposed Millage Rates
The proposed budget includes maintaining the current operating millage rate of 7.0171 mills, despite the roll-back rate being calculated at 6.5627 mills due to increased property values. The preliminary budget is built on a capped rate of 6.7339 mills, but final adjustments will be made once state revenue estimates are available.
Debt Millage Rate
The proposed debt millage rate is 1.1210 mills, expected to generate approximately $10,013,557. This revenue will be dedicated to servicing General Obligation Bonds from 2019, 2021, and 2023, with total payments due in FY 2025 amounting to $10,013,557.
Public Hearing Dates
To comply with the Truth in Millage (TRIM) requirements, the City must schedule public hearings to discuss the proposed millage rates and budget. The recommended dates are Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., and Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. These hearings provide an opportunity for public input and transparency in the budgeting process.
Fiscal Impact and Adjustments
The proposed operating millage rate can be lowered, but raising it would require individual notices to all property owners. If state revenue estimates fall short, additional budget reductions may be necessary to balance the budget.
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