The proposed backyard chickens ordinance aimed to establish a program allowing single-family homeowners to keep up to three hens for personal egg production. The well-defined ordinance included permit requirements, care standards, and enforcement measures, all designed to promote sustainability and food resilience. However, the discussion revealed significant opposition from some members of the commission, who raised concerns about potential health risks, nuisances, and the burden on code enforcement. One commissioner articulated strong opposition, citing potential issues such as attracting rodents and questioning the necessity of the program. Despite these reservations, proponents highlighted the ordinance’s structured approach, including mandatory training for participants and specific guidelines for coop construction and placement.

Public comments were mixed, with some residents like Pam Rivas advocating for the program, arguing that Eustis should align with other cities that already allow backyard chickens. Another resident, Karen Loop Smith, supported the ordinance for its educational opportunities but noted personal disinterest in keeping chickens. The ordinance’s pilot status meant it would be evaluated based on metrics such as complaints and administrative costs, with the potential for reevaluation if issues arose.

The commission’s debate extended to the city manager’s compensation, where a proposed 5% salary increase sparked contrasting opinions. Concerns were raised about the fairness of the raise, with a comparison to city managers in similar-sized municipalities. One participant highlighted the need for financial responsibility, questioning the justification for the raise given the city manager’s relatively shorter tenure. Conversely, another voice supported the increase, praising the city manager’s handling of challenges and advocating for parity with other city employees’ raises. The mayor emphasized the importance of commission unity.

Development issues also featured prominently, with Resolution Number 25-83 concerning a preliminary subdivision plat for Tealwood Estates—a 61-lot townhome development—drawing attention. Commissioners expressed concerns about the adequacy of amenities for families, particularly for children, given the high number of townhomes. Despite these concerns, the resolution was approved, emphasizing the need for compliance with existing regulations.

The meeting further delved into the handling of surplus city-owned residential lots. The commission discussed policy direction for their sale or transfer, emphasizing alignment with state statutes and the city’s redevelopment plan. Legal mechanisms such as reverter clauses and deed restrictions were considered to ensure long-term community benefits and prevent speculative resale. A tiered approach was suggested, with different standards for Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and non-CRA properties.

Other notable discussions included a proposed ordinance to protect personal information of city employees’ family members, which was tabled to allow further legal review. The commission also addressed parking concerns raised by business owners, acknowledging the challenge of employees occupying customer parking spaces. An update on electric vehicle charging stations revealed ongoing negotiations to refine vendor contracts, while the commission also discussed a lawsuit related to the approval of a site plan for a drive-thru and commercial project, known as Huddle 44.