Flickering LED streetlights on roads around Palm Coast, described as a hazard and potentially a contractual issue with the provider; also a malfunctioning traffic signal at Bel Terre across from the laundromat and Circle K taking 8-9 minutes to cycle after 7 PM, causing drivers to run red lights; and general support for accountability discussion regarding the city lobbyist.
Spectrum television crew had visited the speaker's street area the prior day; approximately 10 residents voiced traffic concerns on camera; referenced a 2012 incident where a woman was struck by a driver who received only one year of prison; disputed the mayor's prior statement that residents in a neighboring city paid for traffic calming devices, asserting those came from the city budget; stated Spectrum is encouraging outreach to other Palm Coast neighborhoods with traffic problems.
Objection to city communications — Facebook, Instagram, and other social media posts — promoting Mayor Alfin's meetings at city hall and other public locations such as the Southern Recreation Center, characterizing these as use of public forums for self-promotion.
New resident expressing disappointment in Palm Coast's infrastructure, specifically inability to find a doctor or dentist despite the city's large population; also questioned why supporting documents for the Southern Group lobbyist contract and council expectations were not attached to the agenda.
Advocacy for protecting natural areas, green spaces, and wildlife in Palm Coast, citing consistent resident feedback at council meetings and comprehensive plan events; suggested specific policy tools including stormwater fee reductions for vacant lot owners who keep lots natural, increased vegetative buffers for developments, and increasing wetland setbacks from 25 to 50 feet while maintaining unit counts.
Code enforcement responsiveness concerns in the C-section, specifically regarding an Airbnb on the speaker's street where trash cans were left out from Tuesday to Sunday, the property has had noise complaints, trespassing on seawalls, a public nudity incident, and street parking overflow; requested more proactive code enforcement monitoring of short-term rentals.
Appreciation for the traffic study recently presented; cautioned it is a snapshot and not representative of year-round conditions; noted six instances of vehicles traveling 50-55 mph in a 30 mph zone on Florida Park Drive; urged council to continue exploring traffic calming options for residential neighborhoods experiencing speeding, traffic fumes, dust, and noise.
Road deterioration on Fernwood Drive near houses 22-24, described as gravel-level disintegration reported to the city over four months ago with no action; prior similar issue on Fleetwood took over a year to fix correctly; raised safety concerns for children on bikes, elderly on scooters, and drivers navigating the curve.
Staff presented a detailed overview of capital project funding challenges, covering the funding matrix for municipal debt instruments, fire station construction costs and financing options, the maintenance operations center shortfall, the pavement management program's annual $4.5 million funding gap, public-private partnership options for an athletic/sports complex, emergency reserve limitations, and economic development at Tract 17 (US-1 and PV Grade).
Following discussion, Mayor Alfin asked for, and council reached consensus on, directing staff to draft a charter amendment regarding city council contractual authority, to "clearly define the scope and limitations" of that authority, for voter approval at the next general election and to be presented at the next business meeting.
Council members spoke in favor of putting it to voters, emphasizing the need for specific language, guard rails and public education.
Brown & Brown representative Danielle Bole presented the 2024-2025 self-funded health insurance renewal for the city's 542 eligible employees (average age 45, 481 enrolled).
The plan has run over budget seven of the first eight months of the plan year by approximately $197,000 year-to-date, driven by claims costs and high-cost claimants hitting stop-loss thresholds.
An independent actuarial recommendation calls for a 12% funding increase ($885,000 total).
Council discussed two options — Option 1 splitting the 12% increase proportionately, Option 2 limiting employee increases to 10% with the city absorbing 12.5% — and reached consensus to proceed with Option 2 to minimize the burden on employees.
Southern Group lobbyists Laura Bomer and Oscar Anderson appeared to discuss the city's lobbyist contract and the outcome of the 2024 legislative session.
They explained that more than $200 million in water project appropriations were vetoed statewide as the governor shifted municipalities toward competitive grant programs (resilient Florida and water quality improvement grants), with $400 million in grant funding now available and a July 15 application deadline.
They noted Palm Coast has received historically high levels of state funding over the past two years.
Council members, particularly Pontieri, raised concerns about communication gaps, the absence of council members in Tallahassee advocacy, and the need for broader transparency on who accompanies lobbyists and what priorities are being pushed.
The lobbyists offered to provide more regular legislative tracking updates and to assist with grant applications for vetoed water projects.
Questions about fire department EMS funding: the city provides buildings and staff support while Flagler County fire rescue handles 95% of calls (EMS transports) and collects associated revenue; argued the city should explore whether it could recoup some funding given its contribution of equipment and personnel that respond to every EMS call.
Audio streaming quality problems making city meetings hard to follow at home; supported council member Pontieri's call for elected officials to accompany lobbyists to Tallahassee; questioned whether a former Home Builders Association director attended Tallahassee sessions with the lobbyists instead of elected officials; listed infrastructure items the current council has not completed including Florida Park Drive, Simron, traffic calming islands, and flood issues; referenced the loss of pool memberships for approximately 1,100 residents including disabled, elderly, and low-income individuals due to a school board decision the city did not intervene on.
Challenged the mayor on appropriation priorities, arguing funds obtained in the last two legislative sessions benefited western development (Matanzas Woods Parkway) rather than interior Palm Coast residents; questioned the mayor's absence from the November 14 council meeting when the water rate study was presented; argued the wastewater treatment facility ($35 million ask) was not adequately prioritized with the lobbyist between November and January before session began; stated the mayor 'failed this city.'
Continued concerns about short-term rentals/Airbnbs: a house on the speaker's street is for sale and neighbors fear it will become a rental; short-term rentals operate as hotels in single-family residential neighborhoods; renters are using boats on the canal at speed with no life jackets on children; asked whether the lobbyists are advocating in Tallahassee for local government control over short-term rentals.
Question about how the city might use state channels or lobbyist advocacy to obtain funding or authority for traffic calming measures.