During the meeting, the Parks and Recreation director presented an overview of the projects that the bond would fund. The director emphasized the necessity of these initiatives to meet the needs of current and future residents, preserve historical sites, and revitalize existing parks. The council members expressed support for the proposed changes and the positive implications these improvements could have for the community.

In addition to the bond referendum, the council addressed the creation of a new website to inform residents about the proposed park improvements. The website will feature a quick reference chart detailing estimated costs and a calculator linked to the Property Appraiser’s website, enabling residents to determine specific cost calculations. The finance director outlined that the bond would be repaid over a 30-year period, with the borrowed amount being paid back gradually. The council stressed the importance of transparency and accuracy in communicating the worst-case scenario costs to residents.

The council also discussed the bond language that voters will see on the ballot, with plans to leverage social media and community events to disseminate information about the bond. The finance director discussed the impact of taxable value and Homestead exemptions on individual property owners and addressed concerns about how the bond would be financed. The council sought to understand the timing and prioritization of park improvement projects, with the finance director mentioning the potential issuance of bonded debt and the effects of interest rates on the city’s financing capabilities.

The council further discussed the draw period of the bond, seeking clarification on the timeline for accessing the funds and emphasizing the importance of educating the community about the value of the projects. The council focused on providing information to help citizens make informed decisions.

Aside from the bond discussions, the council addressed several other community matters. The meeting began with recognitions and proclamations, including the presentation of graduation certificates to the Port Orange University class of 2024 and the acknowledgment of Professional Municipal Clerk’s week. National Travel and Tourism week was also proclaimed in Port Orange.

Public participation featured a board member from the Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce thanking the council for its support and sharing upcoming events. A speaker expressed gratitude for the city’s response to a parking issue under the Dunlawton bridge, and a parent voiced concerns about proposed changes to the Academy of Information Technology and Robotics at Spruce Creek High School, emphasizing the importance of the program to the city.

A resident highlighted the need to promote an academy facing reduction due to low enrollment. In response, the council discussed the Click It and Fix It initiative, the allocation of additional funds for sidewalk repairs, and the emphasis on Bike Month activities. The council also referenced the PBA contract negotiation and commended the Parks and Recreation staff for organizing the Get Fit program, which received sponsorship from Advent Health for a new gym floor. Encouraging participation in the city’s job fair and the installation of a “water goat” in Riverfront Park to protect the waterways were other topics of interest.

The council also covered the achievements of recent graduates from a local academy, many of whom are pursuing military careers, dispatch work, and higher education. Pride was expressed in the students’ commitments to the community. In addition to this, the Environmental Advisory Board chairperson provided updates on environmental initiatives, including the water goat installation, native garden planting, and the distribution of trees at the spring festival. The reinstatement of “Tree City” signs and a historic tree removal issue were also addressed.

Ordinance discussions were a further component of the meeting, with the second reading of ordinance number 20246 regarding golf cart use being approved after concerns about sidewalk use were addressed. The first reading of ordinance number 20245 involved maintenance code modifications to reflect the 2024 IPMC updates. Ordinance number 20247, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for public parks and recreation facilities, was presented.

Updates from the city manager on the fire department’s training facility and a report on the TP office relocation were also presented. The council planned for the next meeting to continue addressing city matters and the progress of initiatives.