The Planning Commission had already recommended denial of the application, expressing doubts about the suitability of such intense use on the small lot. During the meeting, a resident voiced concerns about the potential negative impact of the rezoning, including safety issues and the condition of the properties that would be brought onto the site. The applicant stated their intention to provide homes for working-class people in Putnam County, but council members still expressed reservations. Concerns cited included the intensity of the C4 zoning for the size of the parcel, safety issues, and the potential for negative impacts on the nearby C1 and C2 zoned areas. The application was ultimately denied, and the council referred the case to code enforcement.

The meeting also addressed a resolution involving a property on East McCormack Road, East Palatka. The owner sought a resolution to vest the subject parcel, which had been illegally divided in 2007, making it non-conforming. The council approved the resolution, noting the bureaucratic obstacles the owner faced and emphasizing the need to resolve such issues more swiftly in the future.

A proposed amendment to the existing planned unit development ordinance was another key point of interest. The amendment would allow for 16 additional RV sites and reduced setbacks on a 34.75-acre parcel on Willis Road. The council discussed the amendment in detail, with clarification sought on the impact of recent state legislature rulings and the development’s overall impact on the county. The council moved the case forward to the next commission meeting for further consideration.

The council also honored individuals and services during the meeting. Judge Morris and Commissioner Pickins presented a Proclamation for National Drug Court Month, highlighting the program’s positive impact. The drug court team and individuals who had benefited from the program were introduced. The council expressed appreciation for the program, with an invitation to attend a drug court graduation. Mickey Thomasson was recognized upon his retirement for his contributions to the county’s greenways and trails. Emergency Medical Services Week and Memorial Day 2024 were acknowledged through proclamations. Local farmer Larry Korn was celebrated for receiving the Product of Putnam award and being named the Agriculturalist of the Year for Florida.

Further discussions included administrative and enforcement matters. The council addressed two code enforcement cases, approved appointments to the Solid Waste Adjustment Committee, and discussed surplus properties. They also received an update on funding for a project, considered adjustments to Municipal Services Benefit Unit fees, and discussed road maintenance challenges and improvement efforts in the downtown area.

The council commended the organization of a successful boat race event and the baseball team’s victory in the World Series. Issues like missing street signs in the county and the unsuccessful spay and neuter grant application were also brought up, with the latter prompting a search for alternative funding options.