Another point of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of a new special needs registry program by the Apopka Police Department. The program is designed to assist officers when responding to calls involving individuals with special needs, such as autism or intellectual disabilities. It involves the use of a spreadsheet and a hazard icon in the call for service system to track and identify residents with special needs. The program includes the use of stickers on vehicles and residences to alert first responders to the presence of someone with disabilities or autism. The council members showed strong support for the initiative, with discussions on extending the program to reach out to diverse communities and potentially include homeless individuals with similar challenges.

The council paid tribute to the late Commissioner Alonzo Williams Jr., who served the council for 24 years and was remembered as Apopka’s first African-American elected official. The Parks and Recreation department announced the return of the 2024 Apopka Proud concert.

An update on the Northwest Recreation Complex athletic fields was provided, detailing the annual year-round maintenance program. The Parks and Recreation director presented the field condition benchmarks and plans for maintenance and enhancements. There was a focus on the discontinuation of overseeding in Ryegrass and the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the fields.

The meeting also covered the implementation of a series of fitness events by a local business owner aimed at promoting an active and healthy lifestyle within the city. Additionally, a member of the public invited the council and community to a family fun day event, seeking support for its success.

Public comments included criticism of the current administration’s handling of various city issues, including those related to the fire department. Speakers expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s progress on certain projects and the treatment of community members. A representative from the 2650 Foundation discussed initiatives to honor fallen firefighters, including awarding scholarships and providing training for firefighters.

The reappointment of Howard Washington to the Planning Commission for a three-year term was another item on the agenda.

The council deliberated on a transportation impact fee agreement for 451 Commerce Park, which involved road improvements and additional costs for burying a water line. The change to the budget was approved.

Furthermore, the Apopka Little League youth sports program agreement was presented, highlighting the league’s history and its contribution to the city. Concerns about the disparity in fees paid by different youth sports programs were raised, sparking debate among council members.

On financial matters, the council discussed the city’s investment portfolio composition, with a representative from Morgan Stanley proposing a strategy for diversifying the portfolio. The council expressed the need to balance maximizing returns with the city’s partnership with local banks. Due to market uncertainties, there was a motion to table the discussion for further consideration at the next meeting.

The extensive changes to the form-based code for the Kelly Park interchange were discussed, with concerns about the potential shift towards a planned development. The council and Planning Commission are planning joint workshops to review the changes, considering hiring a private company for assistance.

Security concerns were addressed regarding the filming of employees and buildings. A city policy is being finalized to guide personnel on handling situations involving breaches of security protocol, and new signage is being implemented to clarify restricted areas.

Negotiations with the fire union were mentioned, with the expectation of a new actuarial study within weeks. The importance of cybersecurity was noted, and the council discussed the upcoming budget season and Charter review.