The most significant decision during the council meeting was the unanimous vote to opt out of the missing middle property tax exemption. This resolution, known as Resolution Number 4519-24, was read by the city attorney and discussed extensively. The exemption, as outlined by Florida statute Section 196.1978, offers property tax relief to newly constructed multifamily developments targeting specific income brackets.

A council member raised initial questions about the exemption’s advantages, which led to a broader discussion among the council. It was highlighted that the exemption would not adequately support the intended middle-income renters but instead subsidize developers’ profits. One member noted, “This is not providing missing middle…this is a tax exemption for luxury apartments,” emphasizing the financial implications for the city. The council collectively agreed that the exemption did not align with the city’s goals, leading to the unanimous decision to opt out.

Public safety was another focal point, with Charles Zuber, a local crossing guard, voicing concerns about street corner safety. Zuber, who serves at key intersections in the city, described a personal incident involving a fall due to raised brick pavers, which he deemed hazardous. He stressed the importance of ensuring safe passage for children, urging the council to reevaluate the street corner designs to prevent potential injuries. Zuber’s appeal was met with attentive listening, although no immediate action was decided upon during the meeting.

Updates on debris removal following Hurricane Milton were also addressed. The city manager reported that progress had been made, with approximately 1,240 cubic yards of debris collected by multiple trucks. The debris monitoring team was focusing on the most affected areas, and the Evan Street drop-off location remained open for residents to dispose of debris. A council member commended the city’s Public Works team for their efforts during the hurricane recovery, highlighting an email from Ken Ray that praised their professionalism.

In addition to these major topics, the council briefly discussed concerns about paver installation and maintenance. Issues with pavers sinking were noted, with suggestions to utilize cement under the pavers to prevent future problems. The potential liability of improper installation was a concern, prompting plans for an inspection by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure safety standards were met. A proposal for establishing sidewalk districts was also introduced, aimed at allowing neighborhoods to manage their sidewalk maintenance and funding directly, with further discussions slated for January.