The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed salary increase for City Manager Todd Morley. The council deliberated on whether to approve a 10% raise. Several council members expressed divergent views on the appropriateness of the raise, especially in light of unresolved issues within the city. One council member highlighted that city staff were receiving a 3% merit increase and a 2% cost-of-living adjustment, contrasting this with the city manager’s proposed raise. Another member emphasized the progress made by Morley.

The council’s debate also considered the city manager’s performance evaluation, which had decreased from the previous year. Despite this, some members argued that the city manager’s role warranted a higher percentage raise due to the scope of his responsibilities compared to average staff. Public comments echoed these sentiments, with one resident urging the council to make timely decisions and acknowledging the city manager’s capabilities and opportunities elsewhere.

Ultimately, the council voted on several motions regarding the salary increase. A motion to set the city manager’s salary at $156,896, which represented a 2.69% increase, was withdrawn in favor of a new motion for a 5% raise, setting the salary at $164,144. This motion passed.

Another topic was the proposed ordinance addressing non-conforming properties. This ordinance aimed to clarify regulations for single-family homes and duplexes on lots that had not been approved according to the city’s subdivision regulations. The council discussed amendments to the ordinance, including provisions for adding second stories to existing homes and recognizing lots of record to facilitate necessary property alterations. Concerns were raised about the potential for non-conforming structures to become accepted without proper oversight, prompting suggestions for workshops to gather more input from affected property owners.

A resident, Mr. Mar, highlighted the challenges faced by property owners with non-conforming lots, emphasizing the need for the ordinance to provide relief and support for existing homeowners. This personal narrative illustrated the broader implications of the ordinance for residents navigating property regulations in Cape Canaveral.

In addition to these discussions, the council addressed various community concerns. There was a proclamation for National Suicide Prevention Month, with Mayor Wes Morrison emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. Representatives from the community shared their gratitude and promoted an upcoming event aimed at mental health education.

The council also conducted interviews for the Culture and Leisure Services Board. Applicants Brad Prell and Tina Freeman were appointed as permanent members, while Virginia Scott and James Stobby were named as alternates. The interviews highlighted the applicants’ commitment to community engagement and their ideas for improving local amenities and cultural activities.

Public comments further illustrated community concerns about transparency and fairness in city processes. John Benton voiced frustrations regarding a code reduction hearing, while Adam Marara raised issues about inaccuracies in city records related to complaints about rocks in a swale. These exchanges underscored the ongoing engagement of council members with community members and the importance of addressing diverse perspectives within local governance.

The council also discussed a resolution to amend the defined contribution retirement plan for city employees. The proposed changes included raising non-participative contributions from 7% to 9% and reducing the vesting period from one year to six months. Some council members expressed concerns about the immediate vesting provision, leading to an amendment that separated this component from the main motion. The remaining resolution, adjusting the contribution rates, was passed unanimously.