🔍 Palm Bay Council Advances Recycling Facility, Narrows City Manager Search

Public Concerns and Key Decisions Shape March 20 Council Meeting

Palm Bay, FL - Palm Bay’s City Council meeting on March 20, 2025, featured major decisions on city infrastructure, leadership, and a controversial recycling facility. Residents filled the chambers to voice concerns as the Council approved over $9 million in road improvements, advanced an industrial rezoning proposal, and narrowed the field for the next City Manager.

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🏭 Recycling Facility Rezoning Approved, Final Decision Pending

A proposal for a tree and landscape recycling facility on 15.4 acres south of Foundation Park Boulevard moved forward following extensive Council discussion. The Council approved rezoning the land from Single-Family Residential to Light Industrial, though final approval is still pending a conditional use permit.

Resident Concerns

Residents strongly opposed the project, citing:

• Health risks from dust exposure.

• Heavy truck traffic on residential streets.

• Environmental impacts on wetlands and well-water.

• Fire hazards from mulch storage.

• Property value declines due to industrial encroachment.

Council Deliberation

Despite opposition, several Council members cited economic benefits and sustainable waste management. The rezoning passed 4-1, with Councilman Langevin voting against, citing industrial encroachment and potential long-term environmental and quality-of-life impacts. The proposal returns to Council for a final vote on the conditional use permit at a future meeting.

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🧑‍💼 Council Reviews Eight City Manager Candidates

Council reviewed eight candidates from a pool of 113 applicants for the permanent City Manager position. Below is a summary of their qualifications:

• Jason Brian Davis: Former Deputy County Administrator with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and an MBA. Experienced in transformative leadership and financial oversight.

• Matthew Thomas Morton: Former City Manager of Escanaba, MI. Holds an MPA in Finance and BS in Civil Engineering; noted for infrastructure expertise.

• Mark Sohaney: Retired U.S. Navy Captain with 37+ years in command roles, including oversight of public safety and public works.

• Gregg Lynk: Former Palm Bay City Manager with a degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

• Ricardo J. Mendez: Discussed as a top candidate by several Council members; resume details pending confirmation.

• Lawrence, William R.: Chief Administrative Officer experienced in overseeing police, emergency services, and city operations.

• Howard W. Brown: City Manager of Bell, CA. Known for strategic planning; noted for limited experience managing large municipalities.

• Sonia Alves-Viveiros: Business Administrator in Edison, NJ, managing over 1,000 employees and a $100M budget. Holds an MPA and BA in Public Administration.

Next Steps

Council will select finalists at a special meeting on March 29, 2025, followed by interviews and a potential job offer in April. Interim City Manager Scott Morgan currently holds the position.

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🗣️ Residents Voice Concerns on Growth, Safety, and Transparency

During public comment, residents raised concerns about:

• Transparency in budget use and decision-making.

• Overdevelopment putting pressure on infrastructure.

• Traffic enforcement, particularly near schools.

Speakers called for stronger community engagement and prioritized maintenance of city services over approval of new developments.

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📏 Infrastructure and Safety Investments Approved

Council approved several funding initiatives:

• $9.1 million for road paving in Units 22, 37, and 57.

• $24,173 for improvements at Babcock Street & St. Johns Heritage Parkway.

• $12,000 FDLE grant for forensic genealogy investigations by Palm Bay Police.

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🌆 Bayfront Redevelopment Update Post-BCRA

Council reviewed the final report of the now-defunct Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency (BCRA), which sunsetted in May 2024. With TIF funds redirected to the general fund, Council reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing the Bayfront Village district and Pelican Harbor Marina.

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📢 Stay Engaged

Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings and contribute to city planning. Watch the March 20 meeting replay at palmbayflorida.org/government/listen-watch-meetings.

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Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer

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