A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a property originally zoned as R3 residential in 2008, which had been rezoned to a PUD Recreation and open space in 2017 to allow for RV spaces and boat trailer parking. The owner’s application to amend provisions of the existing PUD, including extending the length of stay to 180 days and revising amenities, was met with concerns from neighbors. After a community meeting, the request for park models was withdrawn. The owner addressed additional concerns about the property, including sewer concurrency and maintenance, and assured measures for security and traffic control. The discussion extended to the impact of extended stays on the community, the monitoring of the facility, and property boundary concerns.

Another zoning issue discussed was a request for a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for a residential subdivision on Kelly Smith School Road. The change from commercial to residential low, and from general commercial to residential single-family, was previously approved by the planning board and the city commission. However, a resident raised questions about property boundaries and the inclusion of a piece of property in the submission, leading to a request for clarification.

In addition to zoning matters, the commission examined updates to the personnel policy, which included full-time benefits for City commissioners, pension provisions, and medical and dental insurance. The commission also discussed the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with one commissioner emphasizing the need for regular updates on the allocation and usage.

The meeting also recognized local heroes for their service to the community. Firefighter Lauren Futch received the Sons of American Revolution firefighter award, while Officer Matthew Dickerson was acknowledged as the employee of the month for his life-saving response to a narcotic overdose. The commission highlighted proactive attitudes and positive community impacts through these recognitions.

Public comments raised issues regarding the organization of events in downtown Palatka. Concerns about communication with local businesses during event planning and the impact of events like the Blue Crab Festival on local commerce were brought forward. The City Manager acknowledged the need for improvement and committed to addressing the concerns in an after-action report.

The City’s Youth Ambassador program was spotlighted, with a presentation and certificates of appreciation awarded to participants. The program’s request to distribute books collected for local youth at the Blue Crab Festival was discussed.

The commission engaged in a debate over a resolution to financially support an animal rescue consortium’s spay and neuter initiative, ultimately committing $10,000 to the effort. Furthermore, the fiscal year 2023-24 audit report was presented, which received a clean opinion with no deficiencies or material weaknesses identified, and prior issues had been addressed.

Debates also surfaced regarding an ordinance for a one-time 4% cost of living adjustment for city retirees, the first in 20 years, and an urban homesteading ordinance providing standards for raising domestic fowl in residential areas.

The presentation of related ordinances for a future land use map amendment and rezoning for a specific parcel of land was another focal point, with staff recommending approval as the application met all requirements. The commission deliberated over property boundaries and the transition from commercial to residential land use.

Additionally, a citizen voiced frustrations over the platting and rezoning process for a property they believed was incorrectly developed as residential instead of commercial. The commission decided to table the matter for further clarification and evidence.