The urban forestry management plan emerged as a focal point of discussion. The council considered a recommendation from the Titusville Environmental Commission to appoint a full-time urban forestry manager. Public comments were invited, with Laura Lee Thompson advocating for the use of the public landscape trust fund to support the plan. She highlighted the environmental and health benefits of trees. A representative from the Titusville Tree Team echoed Thompson’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the trust fund for planting trees and hiring an urban forester. The city manager noted that an RFP process was underway to seek a landscape architect for designing entryways and roadways with trees, though financial details were still pending. The council decided to defer further action on the trust fund until after a scheduled workshop on November 10.

Traffic impact concerns were raised by resident Chaz Pricket, who highlighted the anticipated increase in vehicles due to new business developments in Hickory Hill. Pricket presented data predicting significant traffic on residential streets, raising safety concerns for children and questioning the city’s contingency plans for increased water runoff. In response, a council member acknowledged the complexities posed by existing commercial zoning and limitations in restricting development.

The council also addressed environmental concerns, particularly regarding a Shell station’s reported benzene contamination and a proposal for a Christian school in Titus Landing. Jesse Wright brought forward both issues, urging the council to consider the implications of environmental risks and the potential benefits of allowing schools in the urban village area. Hector Sanchez, supporting Wright’s proposal, shared his experience in founding schools and emphasized their commitment to fostering better parent-child relationships.

Further discussions included land use changes and the procedures for initiating such changes. The council agreed to examine the possibility of allowing schools within a specific zoning district, opting for a recommendation to maintain the requirement for a conditional use permit (CUP) if the proposal progressed. Stan Johnson raised concerns about traffic access and utility issues, prompting the council to discuss the need for improved regulations.

The meeting also focused on infrastructure challenges, particularly stormwater management and road maintenance. Concerns were expressed about potential flooding from a proposed commercial development in Hickory Hills, with calls for strengthening regulations to protect residential properties. The council discussed the complexities of coordinating road repairs with the county, highlighting Westwood Road as a specific example.

In terms of city operations, the council considered hiring an industrial engineer to assess staffing needs and operational efficiencies. This suggestion followed discussions about merging jobs to reduce personnel costs, with the city manager tasked with evaluating current staffing levels. The potential hiring of an assistant city manager was also noted, with an emphasis on improving efficiency.

A contentious item on the agenda involved a request to vacate a portion of Orange Street. The applicant, Bruce Moy, sought to vacate the right-of-way to resolve property ownership confusion and enhance development potential. However, opposition from local business owners Mary and Ardan Ballard highlighted operational challenges and access concerns. The council ultimately denied the request, citing the importance of maintaining control over public land.