The meeting commenced with a legislative update regarding House Bill 7013, which mandates that all Special Districts, including community redevelopment agencies, set specific goals and objectives alongside performance measures. The City Manager emphasized the necessity for the CRA to approve these elements for fiscal year 2025. The goals and objectives presented were consistent with the 2022 adopted plan, with performance measures aligned with budget allocations. Discussions covered how these measures, such as linear footage of sidewalks and the number of approved grants, would be tracked and included in the annual report. The report would document unmet goals, such as the absence of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reimbursement funds due to a lack of project requests.

Member Nelson praised the newly installed wayfinding signs downtown and queried about integrating a shared stormwater plan into the performance measures. Another member raised questions about community design goals and suggested tracking vacant properties to better understand business trends and turnover in downtown. The City Manager acknowledged this suggestion and mentioned forthcoming software that would help identify vacant properties and their zoning, aiding economic development efforts.

Another noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the public commentary. One speaker vehemently criticized the agency for alleged constitutional violations concerning property rights and illegal dams, using strong language to express their frustration. They accused the agency of taking property without due process and warned of the city’s reputation suffering due to alleged sewage mismanagement, referring to Titusville potentially becoming known as the “city of piss and poop.” The speaker questioned the agency’s moral compass, stating, “I wish you luck in some ways but I don’t know I don’t think that God’s going to grant you the luck when it comes to mercy because you know what you’re doing you know it’s wrong you do it anyway.”

Another public comment session featured Stan Johnston, who expressed strong disapproval of the CRA’s sewage-related policies, alleging mismanagement and criminal behavior. Johnston referred to previous communications sent to city officials and criticized the CRA’s management, implicating the city attorney and city manager in these alleged failures. His remarks concluded with a statement of intent to report professional engineers to their governing boards for dishonesty.

During the petitions and requests segment, another individual voiced concerns over the time limits imposed on public speakers, arguing that it violated their freedom of speech and the officials’ oath of office. They emphasized the importance of free speech as a core value, especially for veterans who have taken oaths to uphold the Constitution. This speaker expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived interruptions during public discourse.

Despite the contentious public commentary, the agency proceeded to vote on approving the CRA goals, objectives, and performance measures for fiscal year 2025, incorporating considerations for tracking downtown business activity. The motion passed unanimously, with members expressing their approval.

Outside the formal agenda, the Executive Director updated the meeting attendees on new Gateway signs installed at key locations, inviting the public to view these installations aimed at enhancing community aesthetics.

As the meeting concluded, several CRA members shared reflections on their tenure, highlighting personal growth and the agency’s achievements. One member noted the transformation of downtown Titusville. While acknowledging the progress made, members also recognized the ongoing work required to continue improving the community.