What’s on the Agenda? Palm Bay Council Tackles Big Decisions This Week

From zoning changes to city leadership, here’s what’s at stake in Thursday’s meeting at 6:00 PM, Palm Bay City Council Chambers, 120 Malabar Road SE.

Palm Bay, FL — The Palm Bay City Council will meet on December 19, 2024, to address a range of key issues that could shape the city’s future. Residents are encouraged to attend or watch the meeting live to stay engaged. Here’s a preview of the top agenda items in the order they’ll be discussed.

Public Comment Period

Residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on non-agenda issues during the initial public comment period. This is one of two current opportunities for public input, though proposed changes to the Council’s policies (discussed later) could affect this process.

Approval of Past Meeting Minutes

The Council will review and vote on minutes from three previous meetings, ensuring transparency and public access to prior decisions and discussions.

Consent Agenda Items

The Consent Agenda includes several routine but financially significant items that will be approved with a single vote and no discussion unless pulled for separate consideration by a council member. Notable items include:

• Culvert Replacement: $464,178 for Weldon Street at C-42R, plus a $65,000 fund transfer.

• Professional Auditing Services: Award of contract to Forvis Mazars, LLP.

• Water Meters: $1,500,000 for Neptune water meters, hardware, and support on an as-needed basis.

• Other Items: A range of smaller appropriations, agreements, and procurement measures that, together, total a significant allocation of city funds.

The total expenditure for Consent Agenda items is estimated to be over $2 million. Residents should note that these items will be approved with one collective vote unless a council member requests further discussion.

Resolution 2024-46: Opting Out of Affordable Housing Tax Exemptions

The Palm Bay City Council will consider Resolution 2024-46, which aims to opt out of a state-mandated property tax exemption for certain affordable housing projects under Florida's "Live Local Act."

The Live Local Act allows developers to bypass local comprehensive plans and zoning regulations for affordable housing developments. Specifically, developers can construct multi-family housing in areas zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use without requiring special exceptions, variances, or zoning changes. This administrative approval process gives developers significant flexibility in site selection and development. Additionally, the law offers financial incentives, including ad valorem tax exemptions for rental properties that dedicate at least 40% of units to affordable housing for residents earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

By opting out of this provision, Palm Bay retains its ability to collect property taxes from these rental properties, which would otherwise qualify for the exemption. This approach ensures the city continues to receive crucial tax revenue that can be used to support public services. City officials have cited a Shimberg Center for Housing Studies report, which indicated that the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has an adequate supply of affordable housing relative to local demand.

If adopted, this ordinance would enable Palm Bay to maintain its local control over zoning and land-use decisions, while also preserving tax revenue. Critics of opting out may argue it could dissuade developers from building affordable housing in Palm Bay, though city officials maintain that existing affordable housing supply exceeds local demand.

Recruitment Plan for a New City Manager

The Palm Bay City Council will review a comprehensive strategy to recruit a new City Manager. This position is critical to the city’s day-to-day operations and long-term planning. The proposed recruitment plan outlines a multi-step process to identify, screen, and select a highly qualified candidate who aligns with Palm Bay’s vision and needs.

Key Components of the Plan:

• National Job Posting: The position will be posted nationally on January 2, 2025, to attract a wide pool of candidates. Job postings will be made on industry-leading platforms, including the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) job board.

• Application and Screening Process: Applications will be accepted from January 2 to February 28, 2025. During this time, an initial screening of applicants will be conducted to ensure they meet the city’s minimum qualifications. The screening process will be supported by ICMA Senior Advisors, who will assist in vetting candidates and narrowing down the pool.

• Candidate Selection Timeline: On March 20, 2025, the City Council will meet to review the top applicants and select semi-finalists for interviews. Interviews will be held during a special meeting on April 5, 2025, where council members will conduct one-on-one interviews with each candidate.

• Final Selection: Following the interviews, the City Council will select a finalist. Background checks will be conducted on the chosen candidate from April 6 to April 15, 2025. If the checks are satisfactory, a formal job offer will be extended, and the council will meet on May 1, 2025, to finalize the employment agreement.

Position Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred.

• Experience: Candidates must have at least five years of executive-level leadership experience, preferably in local government administration.

• Professional Credentials: Membership in the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is required, and an ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) designation is preferred.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) Agreement for New Self-Storage Facility

The Palm Bay City Council will consider a Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement with the Palm Bay Medical Office Corporation to allow for the construction of a new self-storage facility. The proposed development will be located within the Bayside Lakes Commercial Center, west of Cogan Drive SE and south of Bayside Lakes Boulevard SE.

Project Details:

• Size and Scope: The project includes a 107,000-square-foot, three-story self-storage facility. The development may also include other permitted commercial uses, such as retail shops, restaurants, or professional offices.

• Location: The facility will be situated in a high-visibility area within the Bayside Lakes Commercial Center, a key commercial corridor in Palm Bay.

• Zoning and Compliance: The PUD designation allows for design flexibility, enabling the developer to integrate diverse commercial uses into a single site plan.

Revisions to Council Policies and Procedures

The Council will discuss possible changes to its operational policies, which may impact public engagement and council operations. Key changes include:

• Requiring agenda items to be listed 48 hours in advance to prevent last-minute votes.

• Limiting how the public can request to discuss "Consent Agenda" items.

• Eliminating the second public comment period at the end of meetings.

These changes are intended to streamline meetings, but they could also affect how the public engages with Council proceedings. For instance, limiting the second public comment period reduces opportunities for residents to voice their concerns, while new requirements for agenda item listings may reduce the likelihood of last-minute additions.

Stay Informed and Involved

Palm Bay residents are encouraged to attend or watch the live stream of the December 19, 2024, City Council meeting. Public participation plays a vital role in local government, and these agenda items will have lasting impacts on the city’s governance, economic development, and quality of life. For more articles, updates, and in-depth reporting on the issues affecting Palm Bay, visit The Palm Bayer and stay connected with the latest local news and community developments.