Residents and local business owners took to the podium to express their unease over the proposed treatment facility. Arguments against the facility included fears of increased crime and decreased safety in nearby neighborhoods, based on experiences from other cities where similar centers resulted in patients leaving the facilities and engaging in criminal activity. A licensed mental health counselor questioned the lack of outpatient services, which are important for follow-up care. Doubts were also raised about the feasibility of staffing and the reputation of the individual proposing the facility. In contrast, a speaker shared their personal journey of overcoming addiction.

The meeting also broached the subject of the old city landfill’s proposed extension, with the city manager detailing the reasons for the request and its implications. This discussion linked to the potential development of the Stewart Feed Store, where a referendum on leasing the property to the Stewart Heritage Museum was considered imperative due to charter limitations on lease periods. The city manager highlighted the historical preservation aspect of this proposal, and the Commission subsequently approved Resolution number 47-22, allowing the matter to be decided by Stuart residents in a future ballot.

The Commission discussed a lease agreement with the Marine Industry Association for a city-owned property located on Southwest Federal Highway. The property’s commercial use has financial implications due to grant restrictions, but the Commission approved the resolution, authorizing the city manager to enter into the lease agreement.

Additionally, the Commission authorized the submission of a grant to enhance the city’s cybersecurity framework and approved the submission of applications necessary to relocate the city of Stuart garage facility, given its incompatibility at its current location.

The discussion covered revenue highlights, including taxes and fees, as well as the successful implementation of the OpenGov software, which improved revenue collection. Interest earnings were particularly notable and were used to offset additional departmental requests and rebates.

During this segment, the Commission approved a resolution for a budget amendment and set a schedule for the continuation of agenda items in a future meeting. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the city manager’s contributions to sound financial management and a clarification of the schedule for upcoming Commission activities.