🏛️ Key Decisions Ahead: Palm Bay Council to Vote on City Manager, Compound Plan April 17th
Crucial votes on city leadership, Compound's future, budget adjustments, and financial policy await. 📅
Palm Bay, FL - The Palm Bay City Council will hold its regular meeting this Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall (120 Malabar Road SE). Several significant items are on the agenda, including the potential approval of a new City Manager and the acceptance of a redevelopment plan for 'The Compound'.
Share Your Views: Public Input Invited 🗣️
An essential part of local governance involves input from residents. This meeting provides a dedicated time near the beginning for citizens to address the Council directly on topics not otherwise scheduled for a specific hearing, or on items grouped within the Consent Agenda.
This public comment period is the community's opportunity to share perspectives or concerns on general city matters with elected officials. Speakers are typically allotted three minutes each to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute their voice to the discussion.
Community Recognitions
The evening will begin with an invocation by Pastor Jim Campbell of Bay West Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council will then recognize local achievements with proclamations for:
Leonard Christian, Palm Bay Magnet High School State Wrestling Champion.
Palm Bay Magnet High School Girls Basketball Team, 4A Champions.
Designating April 2025 as Fair Housing Month.
Consent Agenda Overview
Council will consider several routine items under the Consent Agenda, which are typically approved with a single motion unless a Councilmember requests separate discussion. Key items include:
Approval of minutes from the March 20 and March 29 meetings.
Awarding a bid for asphalt patch work (12-ITB-25) on an 'as needed' basis.
Approving the purchase and funding for a SCADA software system update for the Utilities Department.
Considering an FPL request for a ground equipment easement at the City's Municipal Complex to service Building 'E'.
Public Hearings ⚖️
Three public hearings are scheduled:
Ordinance 2025-16: First reading to amend City Code Chapter 172 regarding Development Review Procedures.
Ordinance 2025-17: First reading to amend City Code Chapter 171 concerning Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms.
Resolution 2025-17: Consideration to identify specific City-owned properties potentially suitable for affordable housing programs. For an in-depth review of this item, readers can visit this link.
Unfinished Business: HOME Program Funding
Council will revisit the Program Year 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. This includes reconsidering staff recommendations for funding programs and activities under the HOME Program, following discussions at the previous meeting.
Key New Business Items
Two major items highlight the New Business section:
City Manager Employment Agreement: Council will consider approving an employment agreement with Matthew Thomas Morton to serve as the new City Manager. This follows the selection process concluded at the Special Council Meeting on March 29, 2025. Further details on the proposed agreement are available here.
Compound Redevelopment Action Plan: Council will consider accepting the "Compound Redevelopment Action Plan" prepared by Vita Nuova, a consultant working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This plan focuses on strategies for facilitating growth and development in Port Malabar Unit 53, often referred to as 'The Compound'. An in-depth look at this plan is available at this link.
Other New Business
Additional new business items include:
A one-year extension of the lease agreement with the Greater Palm Bay Senior Center.
Resolution 2025-18: Consideration of updates to the City's Fund Balance Policy. This amendment seeks to increase the minimum Unrestricted Fund Balance reserve requirement for the General Fund from two months to four months of regular operating expenditures.
The goal is to bolster the City's financial resilience against economic downturns or unexpected emergencies, potentially improving its standing with bond rating agencies and ensuring funds are available when needed most. The update would also eliminate the separate Emergency Contingency Fund, as its purpose would be covered by the larger General Fund reserve. 💰
Ordinance 2025-18: The second amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget, presented for its first reading. A detailed table outlining the specific line items and financial impacts of this amendment can be found here.
The meeting will conclude with Committee and Council reports, followed by Administrative and Legal reports before adjournment.
Call-to-Action: Residents interested in these topics can attend the meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 120 Malabar Road SE, or watch the live broadcast on the City's website. For complete details and supporting documents, the full agenda packet is available here.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
I love the links. It details what’s being discussed better
They are going to allow public comment from All?