Residents from various neighborhoods, including South Winds and Sugar Forest, voiced their frustrations over repeated flooding and the city’s perceived inadequate response. Joseph Adio, representing the South Winds Homeowners Association, highlighted visibility and flooding issues exacerbated by overgrown trees and recent construction. He emphasized the health concerns related to standing water and mosquitoes and called for collaborative efforts with city officials to identify and address these problem areas.

Similarly, Lisa Gibson from Willow Run and Beth Forbes, another resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s handling of post-Hurricane Ian flooding. They questioned the legitimacy of inspection notices and criticized the city’s Click It Fix It program, which they claimed did not sufficiently acknowledge their inquiries. Forbes emphasized the financial and emotional toll of repeated flooding, demanding a more responsive approach from city officials.

The public outcry continued with Chuck Helman detailing the severe flooding issues in the Sugar Forest neighborhood, where prolonged construction delays have left an essential stormwater pond incomplete. Helman proposed drastic measures such as city buyouts of affected homes, highlighting the financial strain on homeowners who may soon find their properties uninsurable without costly modifications. His call for decisive action from the council underscored the urgency of the situation, with suggestions for a potential tax increase to fund necessary improvements.

The council responded to these concerns by discussing the ongoing development of the city’s stormwater master plan, which aims to identify flooding problems and propose solutions through extensive modeling. This plan requires coordinated efforts among neighboring municipalities to address challenges that transcend city boundaries. There was an acknowledgment of the need for maintenance and upgrades to aging infrastructure to effectively mitigate flooding risks.

Proposed projects included enhancements to the Reed Canal and flood prevention measures in the Nova Basin. The council also discussed plans for seven stormwater management projects, with a focus on areas like South Winds and Pepper Hill. These initiatives aim to address flooding in closed basin areas and improve drainage systems.

In addition to the immediate flooding concerns, the meeting featured discussions on a proposal for a Stormwater Advisory Board. This board is intended to enhance the city’s stormwater management strategy by reviewing the impact of external water sources and recommending improvements. However, some council members expressed reluctance, fearing that an additional bureaucratic layer might slow down ongoing processes. They stressed the importance of direct communication with staff rather than creating a separate committee that could act as a buffer.

Despite the hesitations, there was recognition of the advisory board’s potential merit. The proposal was not dismissed outright, leaving room for future discussion and the possibility of implementing a time-bound evaluation of its effectiveness.

Beyond stormwater management, the meeting included several other topics. The council approved a proposal from Art House to paint murals on the Dunlawton Avenue Bridge. The project, backed by community engagement and external funding, was met with unanimous support.

Capital financing was another key focus, with discussions on upcoming infrastructure projects, including a upgrade to the sewer and wastewater treatment plant. The council explored borrowing options and federal and state funding opportunities to support these essential improvements. The ongoing development of the stormwater master plan and collaborative efforts with neighboring cities like South Daytona and Ormond Beach were also emphasized as part of the broader strategy to improve the city’s drainage capabilities.