The council deliberated on the current state of the golf course at the Sands, addressing its success in attracting golfers and generating revenue. The concept of a reversible nine-hole course was highlighted, which allows for varied play directions, though the council debated the timing and considerations for flipping the course. Some council members raised concerns about transparency and the need for proper preparation before making changes to the layout. The council ultimately agreed to delay flipping the course to allow for better preparation and to improve the playing conditions amidst drought conditions.

The maintenance of the U course greens was scrutinized, with discussions on the prioritization of resources and the visual appearance of the course. The council also considered the management of water supply for the golf course and the potential need to evaluate alternative water sources. A motion was made to entrust the parks department with the decision-making on reversible course timelines and to support the process of obtaining a new consumptive use permit. Additionally, the council acknowledged the need for further clarification regarding the clubhouse agenda item, deferring a decision on it.

A council member suggested allowing an outside source to bid on the management of a specific portion of the golf course, while concerns were voiced about potentially disrupting a well-run public course. A workshop on the fiscal year 2025 CIP was held, outlining the process for project origination, revenue planning, proposed expenditures, and the impact of the CIP on the overall budget. The council sought clarification on the timeline and public engagement process for the CIP, particularly the inclusion of the Bright Line Station funding in the plan. The county attorney provided details on negotiations with the city of Stewart and the settlement agreement with Brightline, emphasizing the county’s contribution as a reimbursable grant with built-in reverter clauses to ensure performance.

The council discussed the funding of $15 million towards the construction of a Bright Line station, which was not yet included in the CIP. Concerns were raised about the lack of transparency in the CIP and potential misunderstandings about the county’s role in the station’s funding and construction. The financial budget director recommended waiting to include the station in the CIP until all details were clarified at the July budget workshop.

The urgency of the AED program in parks was a pressing topic, with council members willing to fund parks in their districts if necessary. The fire chief explained the advanced technology behind the AED program and emphasized collaboration between fire rescue and parks. The council raised concerns about potential human error in using the AEDs and discussed the process of activating them. There was a proposal to use reserves to fund the AED program and a suggestion to approve the purchase immediately.

Significant cost increases and extended build times for the purchase of a ladder truck were discussed, with the council considering moving forward some purchases in FY 26 to offset price escalations. The council also debated the funding and plans for various law enforcement projects and the need for additional funding to replace audiovisual equipment at the Cummings library in Palm City.

The Parks and Recreation Department presented its CIP request, and the council tentatively approved ongoing projects and upcoming improvements. Discussions also centered on funding requests for public buildings projects and the need for a new fire station in Western Palm City. The Public Works department highlighted its success in securing grant funding for critical programs and projects, with the council expressing urgency in addressing infrastructure needs.

The council addressed stormwater management and flood control funding, unanimously approving the tentative funding request. Similarly, the solid waste department’s request for CIP funding was unanimously approved, with discussions on capital improvements and the removal of the CIP sheet for public convenience and single-stream recycling. The council also discussed water and wastewater projects, including septic to sewer conversions and plant projects, and unanimously approved the water and wastewater CIP funding request.