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Palm Bay, FL -- City Manager Matthew Morton will host Coffee with the City Manager on Monday, March 31, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road SE. The city has not announced a specific topic for this session, according to Public Information Officer Christina Born.
That is actually good news for residents who want to ask about things that matter to them. When these sessions have a set topic, the conversation tends to stay on script. An open session means Morton and his staff are fielding whatever residents bring to the table.
What to Ask
There is no shortage of open questions worth raising. Here are a few the city has not fully answered in public yet.
The procurement reset. The City Council approved a contract with an interim Chief Procurement Officer in early March. The previous procurement operation drew criticism for process issues. Residents should ask what changes have been made and when the city expects to hire a permanent CPO.
Republic Services billing. Council approved an amendment to the Republic Services contract addressing billing complaints from residents. If you have been dealing with incorrect charges or missed pickups, this is the room to raise it directly with the city manager.
The C7 Canal Bridge. The bridge replacement project on Americana Boulevard has been paused. Residents in that area deserve a timeline update. Morton can answer that in person faster than a public records request.
Why These Sessions Matter
Palm Bay runs a council-manager form of government. Morton is the chief administrative officer. He runs the departments, manages the budget, and directs city operations. The five council members set policy. Morton executes it. When residents have complaints about city services, road conditions, water quality, or permitting delays, Morton is the person responsible.
Coffee with the City Manager is one of the few settings where residents can talk directly with him without the formality of a council meeting. No three-minute timer. No public comment rules. Just conversation over coffee.
February’s Session Drew a Crowd
The February session featured a presentation on the city’s budget and financial planning process. Morton brought members of the Finance Team to walk residents through how the budget is developed and how funding decisions are made. That kind of transparency is what these events do best.
March has no preset topic, which means residents set the agenda. If enough people show up asking about the same issue, it becomes the topic.
If You Go
Coffee with the City Manager Monday, March 31, 2026 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Palm Bay City Hall 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907 Free. No registration required.
For updates, visit PalmBayFL.gov or follow @CityofPalmBayFL on social media.
Sources
Christina Born, City of Palm Bay Public Information Officer (email correspondence, March 9, 2026)
Palm Bay City Council Regular Meeting, March 5, 2026 (RCM030526)
