The discussion on the traffic safety study for North Halifax Drive was driven by resident concerns and a recent fatality on the road. The commission deliberated the merits of investing $46,000 in a comprehensive safety review, which would include evaluations of speed limits, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings. Burgess & Niple, Inc., a national firm with local expertise, was proposed to conduct the study.

Commissioner Tolland supported the study, emphasizing the numerous safety requests from residents and the need for expert analysis to address pedestrian safety and potential sidewalk installations. He highlighted areas near Publix and the post office as particularly constrained and in need of assessment.

In contrast, Commissioner Sargent opposed the expenditure, arguing that law enforcement should focus on issuing tickets to deter speeding, referencing historical effectiveness. Sargent suggested that officers patrolling and monitoring speed would be more effective than spending on a study. This stance was met with some disagreement, as other commissioners pointed out the limitations of current staff and the need for professional expertise.

Commissioner Persis raised concerns about equity, questioning if approving the study for North Halifax would lead to feelings of neglect among residents in other areas with similar safety issues. The city manager responded, highlighting the different classifications of roads and the need for varied approaches.

Deputy Mayor Briley stressed the importance of professional traffic studies, noting the city’s lack of in-house capabilities for such detailed analyses. He argued that proper traffic control measures need to be backed by qualified engineers, asserting that the study could provide valuable insights for other roads in the future.

The debate concluded with a motion to accept the proposed resolution for the study, which passed with a majority vote, despite Sargent’s dissent.

In a notable moment, the commission honored Captain Judy Rice with a proclamation, presented to her husband, Fred Heyne. Mayor Bill Partington read a summary of Judy’s impactful life. Judy Rice was celebrated for breaking barriers for women in aviation and serving as a mentor and educator. Fred Heyne spoke emotionally about her passion for flying, sharing the story of her early aspirations as a young girl inspired by a woman on an airplane wing. The proclamation declared August 20, 2024, as a day to remember Captain Judy Rice in Ormond Beach, urging residents to honor her legacy.

The meeting also recognized Ormond Beach MainStreet for being named the Florida Main Street program of the month for August 2024. The organization was praised for its contributions over the past 30 years, including over $17 million in investments, the creation of nearly 1,700 jobs, and the establishment of 173 new businesses. Nancy Cortez was recognized as Florida Main Street volunteer of the year, and Taies Franka received the business owner of the year award. The mayor proclaimed August 20, 2024, as a day to celebrate Ormond Beach MainStreet and urged residents to acknowledge their contributions.

Audience remarks included an invitation from Debbie Krook Forester, Commander of Ormond Strong, to a ceremony and walk on September 11 to remember the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Corporal Rhett Summerlot, representing the police department’s bargaining unit, expressed gratitude to the commission for their support following the passing of Corporal Mike Bakaysa, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the city commission and public safety officials.

The commission reviewed several resolutions and ordinances, including the issuance of capital improvement revenue bonds and water and sewer revenue bonds to finance various projects. Concerns were raised about taking on additional debt in the current financial climate, with questions about interest rates and prepayment penalties. Despite these concerns, the necessity of using bonds for long-lasting projects was emphasized, and the resolutions were discussed and approved.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the visual impact of Lowe’s Home Improvement Store. The commission debated a resolution involving a special exception for outdoor activity at Lowe’s, prompted by past violations of their outdoor storage permit. Commissioners expressed concerns about the visibility of stored items and the store’s appearance.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various community developments, public safety, and the housing crisis in Florida. The commission acknowledged the importance of law enforcement presence at schools and raised concerns about safety incidents at Cassen Park involving the homeless population. The need for increased patrols and surveillance was discussed to enhance community safety.