The meeting commenced with the approval of the CRA operating and Community Investment Program (CIP) budgets. The executive director highlighted a notable increase in the CRA increment, rising from $473 million to $515 million, largely due to new construction within the district. The budget included significant allocations such as $440,000 for Riverwalk community events and $3.3 million in ad valorem taxes for the upcoming year. Ongoing projects like the Riverwalk gravity wall repairs and the living shoreline stabilization were discussed. The gravity wall project, in particular, required further funding to prevent additional damage. Commissioners expressed concerns about the specifics of the shoreline stabilization project, especially given previous damage by jet skis, and the executive director plans to incorporate artificial reef modules and mangrove pods.

A major topic of discussion was the council’s handling of capital improvement projects (CIP), especially those with funding carryovers and delayed completions. One commissioner emphasized the need for clarity on the status of the “Jupiter Park Drive” project, which has faced delays despite being a strategic priority. The project, with a target completion date of September 30, 2024, had conflicts with RightWay regarding its progress. Similar concerns were raised about the “Indian Town Road Western Carter Improvements Phase Two,” which received funding support from the Governor but faced budgetary discrepancies.

The Parks and Recreation department’s projects, including the “rehab of beach dune crossovers” and “playground restoration,” also came under scrutiny. Questions arose about whether these projects, funded but appearing completed, should be closed out. The utilities budget saw a significant increase from $1.2 million to an estimated $4.6 million for the “water treatment plant hardened service building,” raising concerns about cost management.

The council also debated the efficiency of the current project management practices. The town manager introduced a new project management software, ClickUp, to improve tracking of project milestones and completion dates. This system uses a traffic light categorization for project progress and includes bi-weekly critical project review meetings. However, the manager acknowledged that cultural changes within the organization regarding project management would take time.

Significant debate arose over the contract for utility locating services, with a proposed 66% cost increase for the existing contractor. One council member expressed discomfort with the increase, noting that another bidder offered considerable savings. The Director of Utilities explained that the RFP was based on qualifications to avoid subpar service, a decision made after past issues with other contractors. The council discussed the urgency of maintaining a reliable contractor for utility locating to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. A motion was made to approve the contract with the understanding that it would be revisited in a year.

Public safety was another major topic, with Lori Bailey, an attorney, advocating for the implementation of a weapon scanner at council meetings to ensure the safety of members and residents. Drawing from personal experiences and historical incidents, Bailey highlighted the potential risks faced by council members and attendees, emphasizing the need for protective measures.

The use of asset forfeiture funds sparked considerable discussion. The police chief explained that these funds, derived from criminal seizures, are intended to benefit the community. A proposal to purchase an ice machine for outreach initiatives was met with mixed reactions. Some residents and council members questioned the appropriateness of using forfeiture funds for this purpose. However, others supported the outreach program, believing it would help prevent juvenile crime by fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Concerns about Waste Management’s compliance with a new contract and communication strategy were also addressed. The council emphasized the need for clear communication and a written timeline from Waste Management before implementing any changes in service. There were doubts about Waste Management’s ability to effectively inform residents about the new schedule, and suggestions were made to use practical solutions like stickers on garbage cans to communicate specific collection days.

The council also celebrated the community’s response to issues related to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. A fundraising initiative had quickly raised significant funds for park renovations, and social media efforts to raise awareness had proven effective. Legislative efforts aimed at protecting state parks from inappropriate developments were also discussed.