A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a new agreement for school resource officers between the City of Port Orange and the Volusia County School Board. Concerns were raised about the city’s financial responsibility in funding these officers. One council member noted that the city’s budget would be strained by the $76,150 annual cost for two officers, which included additional expenses for vehicles and uniforms. The council debated whether these costs should be the school board’s responsibility instead.

The police chief clarified that transitioning to Port Orange officers in schools would align the city with other municipalities in Volusia County, which already have their own resource officers. These officers would handle on-campus threats and crimes, reducing the burden on regular patrol units. The school board agreed to reimburse half of the costs, amounting to $38,000 per officer for their service period. The presence of dedicated officers was argued to enhance safety and foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement.

The council also discussed the implications of having only one officer per school, raising concerns about the officers’ workload and the need for specialized training. The chief assured that officers would receive the necessary training to be certified as school resource officers and that temporary coverage could be arranged for vacations, preferably during school breaks to avoid disruptions. Despite budgetary concerns, the council moved forward with the agreement, emphasizing the potential benefits for community safety.

The debate over school resource officers was not the only issue. The council faced strong public reaction to a proposed annexation of 56.5 acres for a residential development, known as Vintage Acres. Residents from the nearby Spruce Creek Fly-In community expressed concerns about existing drainage and flooding issues that the development could worsen. Several community members, including Melvin Stanley and Sue Lin, highlighted the potential negative impacts on their neighborhood and urged the council to prioritize existing landowners’ rights over developers’.

The annexation proposal involved up to 113 single-family lots, with public comments underscoring the inadequate stormwater management in the area. Sharon Sarah, a long-term resident, detailed the area’s stormwater challenges, urging the council to maintain low-density developments to prevent exacerbating flooding problems. Concerns were echoed by others, including experts like Jan Albert, who warned of significant hydrological impacts from the development.

In response to these concerns, an attorney for the development reassured the community that the annexation decision was separate from development approval. He emphasized ongoing engagement with residents to address their concerns. Council members acknowledged the need to consider the flooding impacts and historical development issues in the area. They explained that the annexation would allow for stricter city management standards than current county regulations, potentially mitigating flood risks.

The council’s approval of the annexation was seen as a step towards better stormwater management, with the possibility of implementing higher standards in the newly developed area. This move was aimed at addressing the disparity between older developments, like Spruce Creek Fly-In, and those constructed under modern regulations.

Beyond these central topics, the meeting also included updates on city events and programs. Council members praised the success of the mayor’s recent tournament, which raised $10,000 for youth athletic scholarships. Additionally, the transition to a new utility billing system was discussed, with assurances that customer service would support residents during the changeover.