The most notable topic was the presentation by Steve Parnell from the Public Utilities Department, who detailed the department’s advancements over the past few years. Parnell focused on two major achievements: a reduction in chemical usage at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the implementation of new in-house laboratory equipment. These improvements have collectively saved the city $130,000 annually.

Parnell explained that the cost of sodium hypochlorite, or bleach, had dramatically increased from $0.47 per gallon to $150 per gallon. Historically, the plant used about 1,000 gallons of bleach daily, translating to an annual consumption of roughly 365,000 gallons. Without intervention, the cost for bleach alone would have approached half a million dollars annually. However, through enhanced dosing technology and tracking methods, the department managed to reduce bleach usage by 8,800 gallons per day, despite an increase in plant flow by about half a million gallons daily. This efficiency resulted in annual savings of approximately $100,000.

Additionally, the introduction of new laboratory equipment allowed the city to conduct in-house testing of critical wastewater parameters. Previously, the city relied on external laboratories, which cost $60,000 annually and delayed results by two to four weeks. The lab manager, Paul Solaro, and his colleague, Teresa Kingston, worked for over a year with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to secure approval for the new testing device. Their efforts made Port Orange the first city in the state to use this technology, leading to immediate testing results and improved quality control. This transition also saved the city about $25,000 annually in sampling costs.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the utility department’s efforts. One member highlighted the importance of innovation, stating that overcoming bureaucratic obstacles is often more challenging than coming up with new ideas. Another member pointed out the substantial combined savings, acknowledging the positive impact on the city’s budget and the environmental benefits from reduced chemical usage. The council agreed on the need to share these successes with other departments and potentially other municipalities, positioning Port Orange as a leader in utility management. They encouraged continued innovation and efficiency improvements within the department.

In other discussions, the council emphasized collaborative efforts with neighboring Central Florida cities. A council member expressed the desire for proactive engagement with neighboring municipalities to foster relationships and share innovative ideas. This sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting a commitment to regional cooperation. Various council members also commended city employees for their contributions to the city’s progress, emphasizing the importance of having knowledgeable staff to make informed policy decisions.

Public comments included announcements of local events and concerns from residents. Mr. Jordan Snipes announced an upcoming event organized by his nonprofit to support veterans and first responders. He detailed the “third annual 22-mile walk” scheduled for September 21st, aimed at raising awareness for mental health issues in this demographic. Snipes encouraged community participation and mentioned that donations could be made on the day of the event and through their Facebook page.

Mr. Mike Panowski addressed the council regarding flooding issues in the Tamoka Farms Village, where he and his wife have lived for 37 years. He expressed frustration about recent developments that have led to increased flooding, particularly due to the construction of the Westport subdivision. Panowski urged the city and county to collaborate to protect their rural way of life, emphasizing their strong community resolve to resist unwanted developments.

Ms. Barbara Anhean provided an update on the Leadership 2024 program, announcing the kickoff event scheduled for September 11th at the Daytona Beach Shores community center. She thanked the council for their contributions and expressed anticipation for the involvement of alumni and community leaders.

The council also discussed revisions to fees for certain city programs. One member raised concerns that the current goal of recovering 30% of program costs might be insufficient, especially given that some programs attract non-resident participants. They suggested that the recovery target should be closer to 40-50% to ensure financial sustainability while continuing to provide accessible programs for residents.

Other topics included updates on the Cypress Head Golf Course, legislative updates, and the first reading of Ordinance Number 24-16, which aimed to amend the city code regarding procedures for Dangerous Dog hearings. The ordinance passed unanimously with a “5-0” vote.