The water and sewer Utility Fund (fund 410) was a major topic, with two key construction projects planned: the Banck Burn Downs Avenue Glenn Arvin water main construction project and a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project on North 54 Street. The council also discussed the acquisition of essential equipment, including a front-end loader, a Freightliner truck, an SUV, a utility billing printer, and a hydraulic pipe saw push camera. Concerns about the water treatment facility study costs, evaluations necessity, and potential expenses related to microplastics in the water treatment process were raised. The council reviewed the 5-year performance for the water and sewer fund, which assumes growth and a consistent 5% rate increase each year, prompting questions about the necessity of such repetitive increases.

Fund 430, the renewal and replacement fund, also garnered attention with its list of proposed equipment replacements and rehabilitation initiatives. These included air release valve replacement, electrical distribution breaker starter replacement, and various other maintenance and upgrade projects. Plans were in place for the design and permitting of replacement of the gravity main and aerial sewer pipe on South River Hills Drive, with continued funding for the lift station at RiverRun and a grant match for hardening the Wastewater maintenance shed.

The sanitation department’s progress in improving billing practices and route optimization was acknowledged, especially with the addition of over 40 new trash accounts and negotiations with Amazon for their trash collection. The department’s request for a new driver collector position and the need for new commercial trucks were discussed to improve sanitation operations. Challenges with the current sanitation fleet were evident, as three out of six trucks were frequently in need of repair. The council considered the strategic acquisition of vehicles, including a Ford F-150 pickup truck, to enhance staff mobility and sanitation services. A projected rate increase in sanitation fees was also on the table, expected to incrementally rise from 5% this year to 3% in subsequent years, which would contribute to a healthier financial position for the fund.

A debate occurred regarding the recycling of glass, as the council grappled with the absence of a viable market for recycled glass and the costs and inefficiencies of the recycling process. The council discussed the lack of rebates for glass, contamination issues at drop-off locations, and the financial sustainability of the recycling program. Transparency was highlighted as a critical factor, with proposals to better inform the public about the city’s recycling efforts and financial implications through the city’s website.

Moreover, the meeting addressed the efficiency improvements in the Temple Terrace Fleet fund, including the conversion of the Fleet Tech position to an admin assistant role and discussions about hiring an entry-level mechanic. The Street Improvement fund was scrutinized for its allocation towards stormwater projects, sidewalk funds for ADA compliance, and roadway investments. The urgency of project completion and the strategic use of federal and state funding were emphasized.

The possibility of transitioning tree services in-house was considered, weighing the risks, insurance costs, and potential benefits. The council also debated the sources of funding for various infrastructure improvements and clarified the city’s entitlement to impact fees from commercial developments. The necessity to allocate funds from the Community Investment Tax (CIT) for repairs to the main pool’s filter pit at the Family Rec Complex was discussed, with no expiration date for the CIT funds.