Palm Bay City Council to Convene Regular Meeting with Full Agenda π
Council to Address Proclamations, Public Comments, and Funding Allocations at Upcoming Meeting
Note: Due to the recent impact of Hurricane Milton, there are currently no items on the agenda that directly address recovery or related issues. This is understandable, as the city was closed on October 9th and 10th, and the agenda had to be published by October 11th to meet the required advertisement deadline. It is expected that there will be revisions to the agenda to address these matters. The Palm Bayer will follow up with any major revisions to keep our readers informed.
Palm Bay, FL -- The Palm Bay City Council is scheduled to hold its regular meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Council Chambers, located at 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907.
Agenda Highlights ποΈ
The agenda includes a variety of items:
Proclamations and Recognitions: The council will recognize several individuals and events, including:
Mayor's Business Spotlight recipient (Marc's Auto and Tire Center, Inc.)
Florida City Government Week (October 21-27, 2024)
National Native American Heritage Month (November 2024)
Public Comments ποΈ: The council will hear public comments on non-agenda items. This is an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns or opinions on matters important to them. This is your chance to speak up about what's happening in Palm Bayβmake your voice heard!
Consent Agenda: The council will vote on several items on the consent agenda, including:
Awarding contracts for park improvements, training, and software.
Amending the Commercial Property Enhancement Program guidelines.
Soliciting proposals for youth programs.
Allocating funds for housing and septic-to-sewer conversions:
Total Expenditure: $420,000.
Purpose: To assist homeowners in transitioning from septic systems to a centralized sewer system.
Benefits:
Improve environmental safety by reducing nutrient runoff.
Enhance water quality in the community.
Provide financial support to homeowners, reducing the financial burden of conversion.
Reallocating funds for a camera truck and fleet service truck:
Source of Funds: Unused funds from the previous fiscal year.
Purpose: To improve infrastructure maintenance capabilities and ensure efficient operation of city services.
Camera Truck: Equipped with advanced video inspection technology, this vehicle will be used for sewer line inspections, allowing city workers to detect blockages, breaks, or other issues that require maintenance. This proactive approach will help avoid costly emergency repairs. Total Cost: $500,000.
Fleet Service Truck: Outfitted with tools and equipment to provide on-site maintenance and repairs for the city's vehicle fleet. This will reduce downtime for essential city vehicles and ensure that services are delivered without interruption. Total Cost: $225,000.
Appropriating funds for a Utilities Inspector.
Applying for police equipment grants.
Acknowledging a tourism marketing grant application.
The total amount to be expended by a single vote with no discussion on the consent agenda is $4,494,489.
Summary of the July 2024 Financial Report for Palm Bay
Citywide Revenues and Expenditures:
Revenues: Citywide revenues reached $237.2 million, which is 47.8% of the annual budget, reflecting an increase of $25.2 million (11.9%) compared to last year.
Expenditures: Citywide expenditures totaled $185.9 million, representing 37.4% of the annual budget, which is a year-over-year increase of $4.1 million (2.3%).
General Fund Highlights:
Revenues: The General Fund generated $96.5 million in revenues (73.1% of the annual budget), an increase of $10.1 million (11.7%) compared to the prior year.
Expenditures: General Fund expenditures reached $87.1 million (66.0% of the annual budget), up by $13.7 million (18.6%) from last year.
Cash and Investments:
The city's cash and investments increased by $100.2 million (29.7%) year-over-year, primarily driven by unspent bond proceeds and higher balances across various funds.
Utilities and Funds:
Utilities Fund: The Utilities Fund saw a cash and investment increase of $21.1 million (24.7%) compared to the previous year.
Stormwater Fund: The Stormwater Fund had a slight decrease of $0.5 million in cash and investment balance, representing a 3.9% reduction.
General Obligation Road Program:
2019 Program: Cash and investment balances for the 2019 General Obligation Road Program decreased by $17.5 million (45.7%).
2023 Program: The 2023 program saw an increase of $51.2 million year-over-year.
Overall, the financial report shows that Palm Bay has experienced significant revenue growth and has invested heavily in infrastructure and city services, while maintaining strong cash positions across most funds.
Public Hearings
The council will hold public hearings on several items, including:
Resolution 2024-41: Self-Storage Facility in CC Zoning
Applicant: Ascot Palm Bay Holdings, LLC
Location: Property located south of and adjacent to Emerson Drive, in the vicinity east of St. Johns Heritage Parkway (3.57 acres).
Details: This resolution seeks to grant conditional use approval for the construction of a self-storage facility within the Community Commercial District (CC). The facility will provide additional storage solutions for local residents and businesses, accommodating the growing need for secure, accessible storage in the Palm Bay area.
Public Interest: The council will consider the potential impact on surrounding neighborhoods, traffic patterns, and compatibility with nearby commercial and residential uses.
Resolution 2024-42: Retail Automotive Gas/Fuels in CC Zoning
Applicant: Ascot Palm Bay Holdings, LLC
Location: Property located west of and adjacent to St. Johns Heritage Parkway, in the vicinity west of Emerson Drive (2.00 acres).
Details: This resolution aims to grant conditional use approval for a retail automotive gas/fuel station. The new gas station is intended to improve accessibility to fuel services for local commuters and residents, particularly with increased traffic expected due to nearby commercial development.
Public Interest: The council will evaluate factors such as traffic flow, environmental safety, and the compatibility of the gas station with adjacent properties.
Ordinance 2024-58 and Resolution 2024-39: Rezoning and Conditional Use for Gas/Fuel Sales
Applicant: Royal Wash PSL LLC
Location: Southeast corner of Babcock Street and Malabar Road (1.15 acres).
Details: This application involves rezoning the property from General Commercial (GC) to Community Commercial (CC) and granting conditional use for retail automotive gas/fuel sales. This change aims to accommodate the establishment of a gas station to serve the area, enhancing convenience for local residents and commuters.
Public Interest: Considerations will include the impact of rezoning on local businesses, traffic, and the integration of the gas station within the existing commercial landscape.
Chaparral P.U.D. Phase Four B and Five A-B Subdivision Plan
Applicant: Chaparral Properties, LLC
Location: Property located in the vicinities south of Malabar Road and west of Searle Avenue, in PUD (Planned Unit Development) zoning.
Details: The applicant is requesting preliminary subdivision plan approval for a residential development to be known as 'Chaparral P.U.D. Phase Four B and Five A-B'. This project aims to expand residential options in Palm Bay, providing new housing opportunities to meet the city's growing population.
Public Interest: The council will consider the development's impact on infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and community services, as well as any feedback from nearby residents regarding potential effects on neighborhood character.
New Business π
The council will consider awarding Opioid Settlement Proceeds Grant funds to eligible applicants. This funding comes from national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors and is aimed at addressing the impact of the opioid epidemic in our community.
Goal: The primary goal is to support initiatives that reduce opioid addiction, improve access to treatment, and enhance recovery services for those affected by the crisis. These funds are intended to directly aid organizations that provide essential health services, prevention programs, and support networks for individuals and families struggling with opioid misuse.
Process: Eligible applicants, such as local healthcare providers, non-profits, and community organizations, will need to submit a formal grant proposal. Each proposal must outline how the funds will be used to combat the opioid crisis, including specific programs, expected outcomes, and metrics for measuring success. The council will evaluate proposals based on their alignment with community needs, sustainability, and potential for long-term positive impact.
Public Benefit: By allocating these funds, the city aims to reduce opioid-related harm, save lives, and support the well-being of Palm Bay residents. This is a critical step toward building a healthier and more resilient community by addressing both the immediate and systemic effects of the opioid epidemic.
How to Participate π€
The meeting is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to participate and make their voices heard.
Attend in person: The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907.
Watch the live broadcast: The meeting will be streamed live on the city's website.
Submit public comments: Residents can submit written comments or speak during the public comment period.
For more information on Palm Bay news & events, be sure to visit The Palm Bayer.