Palm Bay City Council: Critical Votes & Community Changes Ahead
Find out what’s on the agenda and how these decisions could shape the future of Palm Bay.
Palm Bay, FL —Palm Bay residents and stakeholders should mark their calendars for the upcoming Regular City Council Meeting on February 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Palm Bay City Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE. The agenda includes significant action items covering infrastructure improvements, community development, and public safety enhancements.
Key Announcements and Recognitions
Board Vacancies: Open positions on the Community Development Advisory Board, Disaster Relief Committee Executive Board, Planning and Zoning Board, and Recreation Advisory Board.
Public Recognition: Honoring Ryan Acker and Palm Bay First Responders for their swift action in rescuing a pregnant woman whose vehicle plunged into a canal. Responders arrived on the scene quickly, worked together to extract the woman from the submerged vehicle, and ensured she received immediate medical attention. Their heroic efforts prevented a tragic outcome and demonstrated the dedication of Palm Bay’s emergency services.
Proclamation: February 2025 declared Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Consent Agenda Highlights
The consent agenda consists of routine matters and administrative decisions that are typically approved collectively in a single motion. These items streamline council meetings by addressing essential city operations without extensive discussion, unless a council member or resident requests further review.
Approval of previous meeting minutes.
South Regional Water Treatment Plant Engineering Services Contract: $297,785 for construction oversight. The total plant cost was previously more than $60 million, as detailed in this prior article.
Palm Bay Aquatic Center Engineering Services: CPZ Architects, Inc. awarded $13,500 for facility evaluation, system assessment, and future renovation planning.
Classification and Pay Plan Amendments: Job reclassifications, including a Building Inspector upgrade and a Grants Manager transition into an Assistant City Manager role.
Property Transactions: A 2.77-acre land conveyance to Diaz Treasures, LLC for commercial development and a vacant land lease with KIMAYA, LLC for infrastructure projects.
Interlocal Agreement with Brevard County School Board: Providing Palm Bay Police Department office space at Heritage High School at no cost to the city, enhancing law enforcement presence.
Public Safety Grants:
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant: $30,546 for law enforcement equipment.
FDOT “Know Your Limits” Speeding and Aggressive Driving Grant: $54,000 for speed enforcement measures.
Support for Brevard Zoo’s Oyster Reef/Living Shoreline Project: City authorizes use of 2990 Bay Boulevard NE for the application process; no direct financial contribution from the city.
Public Hearings
Vacating Road Rights-of-Way on Valdes and Talisman Avenues for redevelopment.
Land Development Code Updates: Streamlining development approvals and zoning classifications.
First Budget Amendment for FY 2024-2025:
Temporary Fire Stations - Mobile Units: $3,700,000
Florin Pond Drainage Rejuvenation: $600,000
Cadillac & Conlan Pond Improvements: $725,000
Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project: $2,100,000
Police Vehicle Purchases (14 units): $956,500
Electronic Speed Feedback Signs: $46,568
Sacrifice Parks Improvements: $241,621
Haverhill Road Grate Replacement: $150,000.
Conditional Use Approvals:
Self-Storage Facility (Heritage Corners): The applicant previously submitted a request for a two-story self-storage building at the intersection of Emerson Drive NW and St. Johns Heritage Parkway. The initial proposal was denied due to concerns over economic development and job creation. The revised application includes 1,500 square feet of office space, aligning with the city’s Comprehensive Plan Objective FLU-1.3 to promote sustainable neighborhoods and local employment.
Retail Gas Sales Property (7-Eleven at Heritage Parkway and Emerson Drive): The applicant is seeking conditional use approval for a 4,853-square-foot convenience store and gas station with an accessory car wash. The site meets the city’s requirements for retail fuel sales, including road classifications and safety buffer distances. If approved, this will be the second gas station at this intersection, following a previously approved Circle K development.
Approval of an Educational Institution in a Light Industrial District. The Brevard Nursing Academy is requesting a conditional use approval to relocate to 1470 Treeland Boulevard SE in a Light Industrial and Warehousing district. Previously, vocational and trade schools were permitted uses in these zones, but a recent code update reclassified them as conditional uses. The relocation to a larger facility allows for expansion of technical and trade school programs while remaining in Palm Bay. The site meets all ingress, egress, and buffering requirements, and the Planning & Zoning Board will provide a recommendation prior to the City Council's final decision.
Procurement and Infrastructure Investments
As Palm Bay continues to grow, maintaining and improving infrastructure remains a top priority. The City Council will consider several key investments to enhance roadways, utilities, and stormwater management, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.
Emergency Infrastructure Repair (Norwood Street): $3.1 million contract. This project addresses severe damage caused by Hurricane Milton, which led to an embankment washout along Norwood Street and the failure of a storm drainage outfall structure connected to the Melbourne Tillman Canal. The damage resulted in the exposure and collapse of critical infrastructure, including stormwater drainage systems, potable water lines, and a force main. Temporary repairs were installed, but a full-scale restoration is required to prevent further erosion and ensure long-term stability. The project includes installing a new box culvert, dual 72-inch pipes, and a nutrient-separating baffle box to improve stormwater management and water quality.
Asphalt Rejuvenation Program: $1.46 million investment. This program focuses on extending the lifespan of existing roadways by applying rejuvenating treatments to aging asphalt surfaces in high-traffic areas, including Emerson Drive, Malabar Road, and Jupiter Boulevard. The treatment helps restore flexibility, reduce cracking, and prevent pothole formation, ultimately improving road conditions and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Cured-In-Place Pipe Installation Services: $1.09 million for utility improvements. This project involves rehabilitating aging underground pipelines using trenchless technology to reinforce existing sewer and stormwater pipes along Palm Bay Road, Minton Road, and Culver Drive. The process enhances structural integrity, extends the lifespan of infrastructure, and minimizes road disruptions.
New Business and Community Initiatives
Co-sponsorship of Palm Bay Makers Faire: March 8, 2025, hosted by the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, this event will showcase local artisans, businesses, and technology.
Stormwater Drainage Easement Acceptance: Acceptance of an easement at 2635 Kirby Circle NE to improve drainage and mitigate flooding concerns in the area.
Selection of a Non-Profit to Serve At-Risk Youth at the Evans Center: The Council will evaluate and choose a non-profit to provide educational and social support services to underserved youth in the community.
Applicants and Their Objectives:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida – Focuses on after-school programs, mentorship, and academic support for at-risk youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brevard – Aims to provide one-on-one mentorship and guidance to improve youth development outcomes.
United Way of Brevard – Plans to offer wraparound services, including career readiness and family support programs.
The Children’s Hunger Project – Proposes a weekend food assistance program to combat food insecurity among youth.
Neighbor Up Brevard – Seeks to enhance youth engagement through community-based education and vocational training.
Review of Palm Bay’s Social and Economic Vulnerability Assessment: A report analyzing the city's economic and social challenges, guiding future policy decisions for improved resilience.
Key Points:
Economic Stability: Identifies income disparities and employment trends affecting residents.
Housing and Infrastructure: Evaluates affordable housing availability and infrastructure resilience.
Disaster Preparedness: Assesses the city's vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disasters.
Community Services: Reviews access to healthcare, education, and social services.
Strategic Recommendations: Proposes policy changes and investment areas to strengthen long-term city resilience.
Discussion on the City’s 2025-2026 Federal Legislative Priorities: Identifying and setting lobbying priorities to secure federal funding and legislative support for city projects.
Legislative Priorities:
Infrastructure Development: Seeking federal grants to improve roads, stormwater systems, and public utilities.
Public Safety Enhancements: Advocating for funding to expand law enforcement resources and emergency response capabilities.
Affordable Housing Initiatives: Pushing for grants and policy support to increase affordable housing options.
Economic Development and Job Growth: Supporting incentives for local businesses and workforce training programs.
Environmental Resilience Projects: Securing resources for coastline protection, flood mitigation, and sustainability efforts.
Education and Workforce Development: Expanding access to technical education programs and higher education funding.
Veterans Support Services: Advocating for healthcare, housing, and job assistance programs for veterans.
Council Participation in the Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Days: Engaging in statewide municipal discussions and advocating for Palm Bay's interests at the state level.
Scheduling a February Workshop to Address Ongoing City Concerns: This workshop will focus on multiple key issues affecting Palm Bay, including public safety, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. The meeting will feature an anti-corruption presentation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to promote transparency and ethical governance. Additionally, council members will discuss stormwater management strategies, affordable housing initiatives, and long-term budget planning to ensure sustainable growth in the city.
How to Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch the live broadcast on the city's website and the Space Coast Government TV channel. For additional details, visit www.palmbayflorida.org.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
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