Business Meeting — Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly presented a comprehensive annual update and FY2027 budget request. Key points included: crime is down despite population growth (2,241 reportable offenses in 2025 vs. 2,764 in 2024); calls for service continue to increase; the sheriff's office is five-diamond accredited; 75 of 78 deficit deputies have been funded by the city and county combined; the FY2027 request was reduced by lowering COLA from 3% to 2.3%, but the retroactive FRS pension COLA mandated by the legislature will cost nearly $900,000; health insurance rates from United Healthcare came in at 44% above estimates; and a manpower study update is planned for 2027. Extensive council discussion covered deputy staffing metrics, traffic enforcement trends, ICE/immigration enforcement activities, juvenile arrest trends, and the delayed state guard training facility.

Developer of the project at SR 100 and Belle Terre Boulevard provided an update on traffic access arrangements: DOT denied direct access to SR 100 so the project will use cross-access through the adjacent Southside Business Park for a right-in/right-out; a second left-turn lane and additional through lane on Belle Terre Parkway are planned; traffic studies show improved flow after the improvements. Speaker also noted the city received fair value on the right-of-way purchase and announced a forthcoming change-order verification technology platform the company is willing to offer to the city.

Clarified the property address is 100 Belle Terre Boulevard (not Parkway); thanked city staff (John Zobler, Fong, Drew) for meeting with him after the prior meeting to explain the right-of-way process; noted some constraints stem from Tallahassee home-rule limitations. Also raised that on ABC World News Tonight (June 6, 2026), DC BLOX listed Palm Coast, Florida as a location of one of its 'hyper centers,' and expressed concern this could create a national impression that Palm Coast welcomes large data centers, particularly in light of water concerns that led the council to recently tighten data center rules.

District 2 resident raised concerns about: the city's $330 million bond (speaker's figure) for water infrastructure not being sufficient to support 19,000 already-approved homes in the pipeline; the potential budget shortfall from the upcoming homestead exemption vote; and a request that any discussion of westward expansion of 22,000 additional homes be paused until after the November vote and its fiscal impacts are assessed. Advocated for commercial and light industrial development rather than high-density residential.

Raised concerns about: a Flagler County Commission consent agenda item (7F) approving a $3.2 million FDOT agreement for an aviation fuel facility ('fuel farm') at Flagler County Airport located within Palm Coast; alleged incompatibility of the facility with surrounding densely populated areas including hospitals and residential communities; claimed the facility violates the city's comprehensive plan and land development code incompatibility provisions; alleged a conflict of interest by an appointed city council member who also sits on the county commission; and criticized ethics complaint processes that she says consistently dismiss resident concerns.

Raised issues of government accountability and transparency over nearly three years of questions about development approvals, engineering reviews, permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy that he says resulted in flooding and financial harm to his property. Described being told communications would cease after the city manager characterized his statements as an 'allegation,' and noted a subsequent public records request found no responsive documents identifying the allegation. Argued that institutional records belong to the city, not to individual employees, and asked who is responsible for explaining decisions that predate the current city manager.

Minutes of the June 2, 2026 Business Meeting and the June 9, 2026 Workshop Meeting were presented. No corrections were offered and the minutes were approved unanimously.

Resolution approving a work order with Jacobs Engineering Group for a Master Pump Station Odor Control Framework Development and Design and Construction Services. Council Member Sullivan noted the contract had previously been delayed by a bid protest and questioned whether additional costs resulted. Staff confirmed this is the same vendor ultimately selected and that the contract is now ready to proceed.

Resolution approving a work order with Freese and Nichols for a Dry Lake Stormwater Preliminary Report for $197,000. Vice Mayor Pontieri asked why a new study was needed given a prior feasibility study. Stormwater and Engineering staff explained that the prior $30,000 study was high-level and three years old; the new study will sequence improvements and run scenarios to identify which elements are truly necessary, including work related to a land swap with a new developer (Saluda Lakes).

Resolution approving a work order with Freese and Nichols for a Belle Terre Stormwater Park Preliminary Report for approximately $304,000. Approved as part of the consent agenda following discussion about the use of a single engineering firm for multiple stormwater studies to maintain model continuity.

Resolution approving construction contracts for Multi-Site Stormwater Pipe Rehabilitation and Replacement. Approved as part of the consent agenda with no separate discussion.

Resolution approving a work order with Freese and Nichols for the Lehigh Canal Extension Feasibility Study for approximately $143,000. Approved as part of the consent agenda; Vice Mayor Pontieri's broader questions about cost management and in-house capacity applied to this item as well.

Addressed the consent agenda items, arguing the city lacks transparency about what properties and locations are involved in the stormwater work orders and construction contracts. Stated that the county commission's agenda links to supporting documents for each item and asked the city to do the same. Questioned what stormwater projects are being approved, where the properties are, and whether residents can understand what is being voted on.

Had a stormwater concern she wanted to raise but was redirected by the mayor to the later general public comment period as her comment was not specific to the consent agenda items.

A resolution to redirect approximately $1 million in unused pre-approved Indian Trails Sports Complex parking expansion funds (47% capital project funds, 53% park impact fees) toward additional parking and stormwater improvements at the Southern Recreation Center was tabled unanimously. Council discussion raised competing uses for the money including a skate park (in the city's Strategic Action Plan), safety netting and batting cage improvements at Indian Trails Sports Complex in partnership with Palm Coast Little League, and the Southern Recreation Center parking shortfall that is contributing to approximately 65-70% cost recovery. Staff will bring back a workshop with options.

Spoke during final public comment period (item I). Discussed the pattern she has observed in local governments across two states of ethics complaints filed by board members against other members as a distraction tactic. Referenced the ethics complaint filed against Mayor Norris, arguing it coincided with his advocacy for a financial audit. Also referenced the resident (Jeremy Davis) who has raised flooding and property damage concerns and argued the city has failed to take accountability for causing residents real financial harm while investigating the mayor over comparatively minor matters.

Responded to the city manager's earlier comments about his case. Argued that records, approvals, engineering reviews, permits, and certificates of occupancy belong to the city institution, not to any individual employee, and that the current city manager's inability to answer questions predating his employment does not relieve the city of responsibility. Asked who is accountable for decisions made before the current manager's tenure and where documentation supporting those decisions can be found publicly.

Spoke during final public comment period (item I). Asked whether a Flagler County consent agenda item approving the abandonment and termination of the Old Brick Township DRI development and related agreements is related to something Vice Mayor Pontieri previously described as making her 'sick to her stomach.' Reiterated concerns about the Flagler County Airport fuel facility and the incompatibility with surrounding densely populated areas, including the distinction between avgas (low-lead) and Jet-A fuel versus standard gasoline sold at Wawa or RaceTrac.