The commission meeting opened with a public comment from Jeff Bole, a local resident, who raised the issue of Daytona Beach’s offer to buy Ormond Beach’s water and sewer rights for Avalon Park. Bole expressed his frustration that this significant proposal was not on the meeting’s agenda for discussion, despite its potential to save taxpayers money and resolve legal disputes with Daytona Beach. He urged the commission to hold a public hearing to deliberate on the offer, highlighting the urgency of addressing the financial and legal implications of the proposal.

In addition to the water rights issue, the meeting featured discussions on the status of infrastructure projects, notably the Fortunado Park Pier and the Riviera Park Pier. The city engineer reported severe damage to the Fortunado Pier, necessitating significant repairs. Inspections after Hurricane Milton revealed that the pier’s pilings were beyond repair, with construction-ready plans anticipated by March. The commission expressed frustration over delays and the slow pace of the grant approval process, which could potentially fund 50% of the design costs.

The commission also addressed the timeline and progress of Andy Romano Park, which has remained closed following hurricane damage. Concerns were voiced regarding the extended timeline for repairs and the embarrassment of projects lingering in the design phase, with construction not expected to commence until 2027. The debate over the cost estimates for repairs further fueled skepticism about how these figures were determined.

Ormond Beach’s legislative landscape was another focal point, with the commission considering amendments to the city’s land development code. Ordinance Number 2025-35 aimed to align the city’s residential building design standards with Florida statutes, preventing the city from imposing its regulations on single-family homes. This measure passed unanimously.

Similarly, the commission examined Ordinance Number 2025-36, which proposed changes to garage regulations, allowing larger detached garages on properties of two acres or more. This amendment sought to provide property owners with greater flexibility, though it sparked debate over potential neighborhood impacts and the visual dominance of larger structures. A commissioner suggested an amendment to limit the size of detached garages to 75% of the principal structure, striking a balance between residents’ needs and community aesthetics.

The meeting also addressed community concerns related to noise from flight schools near the Ormond Airport. Residents have frequently complained about flights over their homes, prompting suggestions to expand the Aviation Advisory Board to include representatives from local flight schools. The commission recognized the need for open dialogue with the schools to mitigate noise issues.

On the matter of property maintenance, the commission discussed reports of unkempt areas, such as the embankments under the Granada Bridge and the Ormond Airport. A proposal to cement these areas or improve their upkeep was suggested, alongside a recommendation to involve flight school representatives in discussions to enhance communication and address resident concerns.

In other business, the commission considered a special exception for the First United Methodist Church, allowing it to demolish and rebuild a gathering building. The proposed structure would improve setbacks and include a landscape buffer, with the planning board recommending approval. Concerns about stormwater management and the choice of fencing materials were discussed, with residents expressing preferences for less intrusive options.

The commission also deliberated on the establishment of a technology advisory board, drawing on a resolution from Melbourne Beach, and reviewed upcoming workshops related to employee benefits and downtown infrastructure.