The departure of Mayor Blackwell and Deputy Mayor Maeni was a focal point of the meeting. Their tenure from 2016 to 2024 saw numerous initiatives, such as the procurement of land for Caner Park and the construction of the city’s first all-inclusive children’s playground. Other achievements included the opening of a new skate park, completion of various master plans, and improvements to fire and police facilities. Council members expressed deep appreciation. Council member Ken Gilbert remarked on the extensive workload, stating, “This is not a part-time job,” while others recalled personal anecdotes that celebrated the outgoing officials’ dedication.

Mayor Blackwell took the opportunity to reflect on his journey, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by residents and acknowledging the collective accomplishments achieved with the Council and city staff. Deputy Mayor Maeni echoed these sentiments. Tokens of appreciation were presented to both leaders.

In addition to celebrating leadership transitions, the Council addressed significant policy matters, particularly concerning city employee pensions. A notable decision was the approval of an ordinance amending the General Employees Retirement System, which proposed eliminating the automatic 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for current and future retirees. This measure was part of a broader strategy by city administration to enhance the financial sustainability of pension costs, allowing for potential long-term savings and budget flexibility. The ordinance passed unanimously, with Council members recognizing the necessity of such changes to ensure the city’s fiscal health.

The Council also approved two other ordinances related to pension plans. The first involved extending the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) for the Fire Pension Plan, allowing eligible employees to continue working while accruing benefits without impacting the pension plan financially. The second ordinance extended the DROP program within the General Employees Retirement System from five to eight years, similarly promoting employee retention without additional costs. Both measures passed with unanimous support.

However, a proposed ordinance to amend the Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System met with resistance. The ordinance suggested providing a monthly supplement for future retirees, but city staff opposed it due to the projected $297,000 annual increase in pension contributions. Despite public support, the Council voted to deny the ordinance unanimously, prioritizing financial sustainability over the proposed benefits.

Beyond pension discussions, the Council unanimously approved a proclamation designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation emphasized the widespread impact of domestic violence and called for collective efforts to support survivors. Tammy Douglas from Help Now of Oola expressed gratitude for the city’s recognition and highlighted recent advancements, such as a victim advocate addition to the police department. In support of the cause, a request to turn the fountains purple was positively received by the Council.

The meeting also celebrated the achievement of Ivy Laurel, a city clerk who earned the Master Municipal Clerk designation. The Council and community lauded her accomplishment, emphasizing her contributions to local governance and dedication to lifelong learning. A presentation by the Florida Association of City Clerks recognized Ivy’s commitment, and the Council acknowledged the importance of supporting educational pursuits.