Tropical Storm Heling’s approach prompted the Commission to declare a local state of emergency. The Mayor noted the Governor’s state of emergency declaration and proposed a resolution to this effect, which received unanimous approval after a motion by Commissioner Perno and a second by Commissioner Peebles. Commissioner Peebles emphasized the importance of staying informed through the city’s Facebook page, noting replenished sandbag supplies and advising against unreliable storm update apps.

The public commentary section brought forth discussions on the Grease Pro development. Zach de Waller raised issues about the city allowing construction without accurate plans on file and suggested a potential conflict of interest, implying that the mayor had received a campaign donation shortly before the development order was submitted. This accusation led to a heated exchange, with the mayor denying the claims and asserting that Zach was lying about the timeline and details.

Further public concerns focused on the Grease Pro facility’s impact on traffic and flooding, especially from Roberta and county residents. They criticized the Commission for allowing the project to proceed without adhering to previous agreements and raised safety issues during school hours due to increased congestion.

The Commission members responded to these concerns. One commissioner clarified their lack of prior knowledge about the Grease Pro project, stating they had no updates until after the donation was received. Another commissioner, Perno, reflected on a previous workshop about the development, expressing hope for a positive outcome. Commissioner Ward addressed misconceptions about the Commission’s authority over developments, explaining that state guidelines and property rights limit their ability to deny projects as long as they comply with laws.

City Manager Amanda provided updates on the Grease Pro development, explaining that the city had contacted the developer after noticing machinery on-site. She detailed the process of communication with the developer’s engineer and the status of submitted site plans, noting that changes would require returning to the Commission for further approval.

The Commission also discussed the Meadows Run subdivision proposal by Southern Coastal Homes. The development, located on Highway 390, would include 28 single-family homes on a 10-acre site. The Planning Commission had recommended unanimous approval. Public concerns were raised about traffic patterns and safety, specifically the single entrance and exit on Highway 390. The applicant’s representative, Chris Shorta, addressed these concerns, mentioning ongoing coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation regarding necessary improvements.

An engineer highlighted potential traffic issues from funneling traffic onto Lake View Terrace, already experiencing backups. Legal concerns about requiring joint access between properties were raised. The Commission approved the development after a motion by Commissioner Peebles and a second by Commissioner Vandergrift, with all members voting in favor.

The meeting also included a public hearing on the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) final budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Commission unanimously adopted the CRA budget after a motion by Commissioner Peebles and a second by Commissioner Perno. The final millage rate for the 2025 tax roll was discussed and approved with some opposition, and the general fund and Enterprise fund budget for fiscal year 2025 received unanimous approval.

An ordinance amending the city’s code related to animals was presented, reflecting discussed changes, including a provision for service animals. The city attorney acknowledged the redundancy in the ordinance to provide different enforcement mechanisms but recognized the need for clarity.