The council’s discussion and eventual approval of the Verona master plan highlighted the addition of a multifamily village and the transformation of an industrial commercial zone into an expansive recreational lake, which includes a trail system encircling it. The amendment, a substantial revision of the Willow Creek PUD master plan, sought to balance residential development with recreational amenities and environmental stewardship. The council took into consideration the project’s traffic impact and the preservation of wetlands, with the applicant providing details on traffic study requirements and the commitment to wetland conservation.

Further delving into infrastructure matters, the council addressed the city’s management of water resources. Public concerns were raised regarding speeding and off-road vehicles on Elliott Avenue, with suggestions for implementing stop signs and speed limit signs. The city’s response to a sewage spill was questioned by a professional engineer, but the council clarified that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection had found no evidence of a sewage spill. The consent agenda items touched upon the approval of a sole source contract for plan reviews, a project for the replacement of a force main, funding agreements related to the Save the Indian River Lagoon project, and the outsourcing of community development reviews.

A resident’s grievances against the city’s handling of sewage aerosols and alleged harassment by city officials were voiced, along with issues surrounding gag orders. The council continued to focus on projects to improve the Indian River Lagoon, approving amendment one to the project cost share funding agreement and allocating funding for the design of the Sandpoint Park baffle box project. The council also discussed the performance bond for the TR Tranquility development, considering a request to align the bond amount with 120% of the actual cost to complete, which was less than $800,000, down from the original $10.7 million.

Mark Hammond, a disabled veteran, presented his triplex development project on Park Avenue, expressing difficulties with meeting landscape buffer zone requirements and the impact of these on his development plans. The city staff and council engaged with Hammond, noting his pre-application meeting and the discussed variances, as they sought to reconcile his project with zoning regulations and the broader community impact.

The meeting also included discussions on community and cultural engagement. The scheduling of Proclamations for water conservation in April and Irish American Heritage Month was discussed, as well as positive feedback from the police awards event, highlighting strong familial relationships within the department. The members shared updates on attending various community events, including a black history program and a church anniversary, and anticipated the strategic plan review session.

These funds are earmarked for vital infrastructure enhancements, particularly completing sidewalk work on collector roads. Additionally, the council approved a settlement of a pending lawsuit involving an auto crash with the city.