Charter transparency concerns including unapproved language changes in 2019 and 2022 charter versions, disputed authority of two appointed council seats, a proposed data center connected to a cable landing site near Flagler Beach, water quality issues including disinfection byproduct increases and monitoring irregularities, and a call for public records disclosure before approving major development and financial commitments.
Request that the Frieda Zamba pool be kept open on Saturdays and Sundays through Halloween, supported by a petition with approximately 85 signatures representing working parents, families, and seniors who cannot access the pool on weekdays.
Expression of appreciation for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and encouragement to fully fund the Parks and Recreation department's budget plans as presented by director James.
Expression of appreciation for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and positive comments about tennis center improvements and ongoing collaboration with Parks and Recreation staff.
Budget and Procurement Manager Gwen Ragsdale and Financial Services Director Helena Alves presented the proposed FY2027 budget at the rollback millage rate of 4.1387 mills, with total citywide appropriations of approximately $533 million — a 23% decrease from FY2026 primarily due to the completion of major capital projects.
Council discussion focused heavily on the $17 million CRA land purchase, with consensus reached to maintain general fund reserves at 20% (roughly 73 days of operating expenses), carve out the previously committed $250,000 animal shelter match, shift the $1.5 million YMCA grant allocation from FY2026 to FY2027, and restore the FC-3 arts grant from $75,000 to $90,000.
Sheriff Rick Staley presented public safety staffing data, noting 7,000 additional calls for service year-over-year, and YMCA volunteer John Walsh updated council on the proposed Olympic-sized pool project, indicating the school board has identified a $3 million funding source and that an agreement draft is in progress.
The CRA Board considered a resolution adopting the SR 100 Corridor CRA tentative budget for FY2026-27 at $4,003,956 and amending the FY2025-26 budget to a revised total of $3,375,357, an increase of $39,013 from the adopted budget.
No public comments were received.
The resolution passed 4-1 with Vice Mayor Pontieri voting no.
Council adopted a resolution setting the tentative millage rate at the rollback rate of 4.1387 mills for FY2026-27, representing a 0% increase from the rollback rate.
The motion included a provision directing staff to identify $330,000 in cuts from the existing general fund budget to fund two additional sheriff's deputies, with discussion pointing toward parks and recreation and code enforcement as areas to examine.
No public comments were received.
The resolution passed 4-1 with Council Member Sullivan voting no.
Council adopted a resolution establishing the tentative FY2026-27 budget and amending the FY2025-26 budget.
The final budget figure was revised upward from the originally stated $533,682,885 to $533,947,885 to account for the $250,000 animal shelter commitment and $15,000 arts grant restoration.
No public comments were received and the resolution passed unanimously 5-0.