The council meeting’s primary focus was on a public hearing for the CDBG application, presented by David Fox from Fox Enterprise. The city is eligible to apply for up to $750,000 in CDBG funds across various categories, including housing rehabilitation, commercial revitalization, neighborhood revitalization, and economic development. Fox elaborated that while only one application can be submitted at a time for the first three categories, economic development projects have a higher funding cap of $1.5 million. He emphasized that for each job created, the city could apply for $34,999 in funding, with a requirement that at least 51% of these jobs benefit low-to-moderate-income households.

Fox provided detailed income definitions, highlighting that a family of one is classified as low-to-moderate income if earning $39,550, while a family of four qualifies at $56,500. He underscored the importance of leveraging additional funds, explaining that each $200,000 leveraged earns a point in the application process, with a maximum of 25 points for $50,000 in leverage. Emphasizing the value of having projects “design ready,” he noted that costs incurred for readiness would not be reimbursed if funding was secured. The discussion revealed potential projects focusing on improvements to Mary Tony Park and Gabe White Park, subject to approval.

Following the hearing, the council introduced a workshop on fair housing as part of the CDBG application process. The workshop aimed to educate the public about the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, and familial status. The presentation outlined prohibited actions, such as refusing to rent or negotiate based on these protected classes, steering individuals away from neighborhoods, and setting different terms for housing. Exemptions for owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units and certain senior housing facilities were also explained, along with avenues for filing complaints if rights are violated.

Transitioning to infrastructure concerns, Mr. Bogas addressed the council on lead and copper regulations, highlighting a recent revision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules from 2012. The city must submit its first report on lead service lines by year-end, although no records of lead pipes exist in the distribution system. Bogas noted the historical use of “goosenecks” to connect main lines to meters, which have been phased out. He detailed the city’s monitoring process for lead and copper, mentioning the use of an anti-corrosion chemical for over 25 years. Written notices will be sent to approximately 15,000 customers about potential lead in drinking water from household plumbing, with a low bid of $7,795 accepted for the design of these notifications.

Council inquiries addressed resident concerns, with Mr. Bogas advising that inquiries should be directed to the city for water testing guidance. Homes built before 1987 would be particularly impacted by these notifications. The discussion also covered varying plumbing connections and associated risks, though Bogas reassured that copper is not typically a contamination source.

Other updates included ongoing city projects, such as the Westlake Jackson project, nearing complete deliverables, and the Echo Park project, with expectations for future developments. The road swap status remained unchanged, and a moratorium on mobile home parks is under consideration. The treatment of vegetation on Lake Jackson is planned, pending suitable weather conditions, with coordination efforts involving the Florida Wildlife Commission.