The most pressing topic of the meeting was the proposal to enhance safety at youth sports events by requiring law enforcement presence. The council discussed the need for Recreation Partner organizations to hire officers for their events. One council member emphasized the importance of this motion, noting the urgency due to scheduled games the upcoming Saturday. The proposed framework suggested two officers for five or more games and one officer for fewer games to ensure participant safety and deter disturbances. The financial implications of these requirements were also discussed, with hiring costs cited as $50 per hour for regular officers and $75 for command staff. The council expressed confidence that the recreation partners would comply once the new requirements were communicated formally.

Public safety was also a concern raised by resident Michelle Lewis, who voiced her apprehensions about a new multifamily residential development near her property. Lewis, who lives on a 10-acre property where she raises livestock, expressed unease about the lack of a privacy buffer between her home and the new apartments being developed by the Brownstone Group. She noted that clearing the brush had eliminated the privacy she relied on, and there were no plans for a fence or buffer along her property line. The absence of such a barrier left her feeling insecure, particularly with a parking lot planned close to her fence line. Lewis also highlighted an ongoing survey dispute regarding property lines, which added to her concerns about her children’s and livestock’s safety.

Another resident echoed Lewis’s concerns, emphasizing the need for security and privacy due to the new development. This individual noted that her barn, housing valuables, was built according to city codes, but the new development left her property vulnerable. She sought clarity on the zoning classification, arguing that it should be considered commercial since it involves rental apartments. The city manager explained that the specific situation involved multifamily residential zoning, which did not require the same type of barrier as commercial properties.

The council also received an update from Matthews Hope, a local organization expanding its medical and mental health services. The representative detailed their mobile outreach efforts, serving 70 to 85 individuals daily, and discussed the responsibilities of local governments in addressing homelessness. Council members acknowledged the importance of proactive measures to alleviate homelessness and expressed gratitude for the work done by Matthews Hope.

A significant portion of the meeting involved discussing a preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) request for a 61-lot single-family residential subdivision on North Range Road. The proposed development spans just over 57 acres, with half designated as wetlands. The council discussed the lot dimensions, architectural plans, and concerns about vehicle accommodation. Deputy Mayor Hearn expressed worries about parking issues, referencing a previous development with similar problems. The council also debated the decision not to connect Ivy Drive to the new subdivision, noting residents’ desire for a safer route for children accessing nearby schools.

Architectural consistency and drainage issues were also major points of discussion, particularly regarding a proposed development project. Concerns were raised about developers not adhering to anticipated designs, leading to resident dissatisfaction. The council emphasized the importance of well-crafted Planned Development (PD) documents to maintain control over architectural elements. An engineer addressed existing drainage problems in the Range Road area, noting that flooding has historically affected this region.

The council then reviewed Ordinance Number 12-2024, proposing amendments to yard requirements within the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Area. The changes aimed to facilitate new single-family homes by reducing setback requirements, promoting efficient land use while maintaining public health and safety standards. Initial resistance from some council members shifted towards support as the rationale for the changes was clarified.

Environmental preservation was another issue, with the Deputy Mayor advocating for drafting a letter to state representatives and the governor to seek grants for purchasing environmentally sensitive properties. The council debated the criteria for identifying such lands and the balance between development and preservation. One council member expressed concern about eminent domain, emphasizing the importance of respecting property rights.

In other business, the council discussed sponsoring the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala and amendments to the recreation partner agreement to enhance safety at events. They also reviewed a resolution to adjust utility rates for fiscal year 2024, reducing the previously automatic 4% increase to 2%.