A major highlight was the presentation by the St. John’s Housing Partnership, which detailed the use of a $2 million grant dedicated to affordable housing projects. This initiative includes $1 million specifically allocated for home repairs and down payment assistance, benefiting senior citizens and low-income households. The partnership emphasized the need for these repairs, which include replacing roofs and updating electrical systems to maintain health and safety standards. These efforts aim to stabilize neighborhoods, enhance community health, and prevent gentrification by supporting existing residents.

In conjunction with these upgrades, the city manager and administrative reports highlighted the introduction of a down payment assistance program that began on March 1. This program has already facilitated the purchase of 13 homes, with plans to extend its duration due to high demand. The initiative targets first-time homebuyers, requiring them to meet specific criteria such as a minimum credit score and completion of a homebuyer education course. Success stories, including families overcoming financial barriers to secure homes, were shared.

The nomination of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church for the National Register of Historic Places was another focal point. The church, constructed in 1883 by John Purcell, a master carpenter and African-American landowner, holds significant historical value for the community. The presentation by local residents and descendants of Purcell highlighted his contributions to the city, emphasizing the church’s role in African-American history and its cultural significance. The commission unanimously supported the resolution.

The meeting also addressed police staffing concerns, with a analysis presented by Dr. Mitch Miller from the University of North Florida. The study revealed that Palatka officers spend nearly 60% of their time on dispatch calls, far exceeding the recommended 33%, which could lead to burnout. The report suggested hiring additional officers to achieve a more sustainable workload distribution. The discussion also touched on the potential impact of proposed legislative bills on local governance, including Senate Bill 34 regarding historic African-American cemeteries and Senate Bill 44 on electronic payment options for public records requests.

Further deliberations included Ordinance 202519, which proposed regulations for short-term vacation rentals, addressing concerns about their impact on community quality of life. The ordinance aims to manage rentals effectively. Additionally, the commission reviewed Ordinance 202520, which prohibits smoking and vaping in city parks, aligning with recent legislation in St. John’s County.

The comprehensive plan update was another topic, focusing on aligning with Florida statutes and implementing the city’s vision plan. This included updates to land development regulations to support affordable housing and promote a pedestrian-oriented transportation system. The plan also emphasized preserving natural resources, enhancing recreational facilities, and fostering economic development through initiatives like the Main Street program.

Concluding the meeting, the commission discussed the evaluation process for the city manager, emphasizing the importance of transparency and consistency in providing feedback. The need for a structured evaluation form and timeline was highlighted, with discussions on whether to conduct evaluations publicly or privately under the Florida Sunshine Law.