The meeting’s central discussion revolved around the proposal to allow livestock on the properties of the high school, middle school, and Perry Primary. The initiative, aimed at enhancing educational programs such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA), confronted opposition regarding the applicability of zoning laws and the potential disturbance to residential areas. The council considered a letter from the Commissioner of Agriculture, which cited state statute 1347’s allowance for livestock on school property. Despite this, questions arose about whether state law supersedes local zoning regulations. The council referenced Attorney General opinions from 1970 and 2004, which underlined the need for compliance with local land development regulations, yet the statute’s interpretation remained a topic of dispute.

Further complicating the matter, members of the public presented diverging viewpoints. A citizen highlighted the risks of animal housing near schools, including health issues and the disruption of community peace. In contrast, a fifth-generation farmer advocated for the initiative, emphasizing the responsibility and educational value of raising animals. The council was urged to seek further clarification from state authorities to resolve the legal ambiguities and jurisdictional overlaps.

In a related discussion, the council considered an amendment to the local residential law concerning the minimum distance from residences required for keeping animals. Suggestions for alternate locations were explored, with one proposal to use a property east of the Middle School, provided that adequate electricity and water supply could be ensured. The council expressed a commitment to collaborating with the school board to identify an appropriate site and resolved to request an opinion from the attorney general on the matter.

The council also dealt with financial matters, including the selection of a bid for the replacement of a storage shed at the Boys and Girls Club, with bids of $7,362.90 and $9,640.29 on the table. The sale of two city-owned land parcels was discussed, with the council deliberating on whether to sell entire or partial plots and the procedures for selling to interested buyers.

A financial decision concerned the city’s millage rate for fiscal year 2024-2025. The council debated between adopting the current year’s rollback rate, which would yield the same tax revenue as the previous year, and a higher maximum rate, potentially bringing in an additional $233,000. Ultimately, the council voted to accept the rollback rate and scheduled public hearings on September 9th and 24th to discuss the millage rate and budget.

The city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year was another key topic. The council reviewed main changes since the prior meeting, including reduced capital outlay and updated gas and resale contract amounts. Anticipating the need for accurate revenue figures from the State of Florida’s Department of Revenue, the council scheduled a budget workshop on July 30th to further refine the budget and discuss utility rate adjustments.

Moreover, the council contemplated providing incentives for non-operator employees to obtain water and wastewater licenses as part of a succession planning strategy.

Additional topics included the allocation of funds for street repairs, the urgency of striping downtown to prevent accidents, and the enforcement of codes concerning the storage of inoperative vehicles. The council grappled with defining a “reasonable time” for owners to address violations, the issuance of notices, and the imposition of fines for non-compliance.

Updates from the city attorney encompassed an agricultural program and zoning questions, while the council also discussed a rural Economic Development program and FEMA-related matters. Congratulations were extended for a grant received, and reports on hydrant flushing and surplus sales were provided.