The most pressing topic during the meeting was Senate Bill 180, which restricts local governments’ ability to regulate land use. The bill affects development orders, land development regulations, comprehensive plans, and voluntary annexations, thereby limiting what can be proposed for public ballot by the commission. A public attendee raised concerns about an upcoming vote on amendments to Chapter 72 of the county code ordinances, which proposes removing 51 items that currently require special exceptions for development. The changes could allow property owners to establish various facilities, like rock crushers or cement plants, without needing special permission, potentially threatening the rural character of areas like Tomoka Farms Village. The speaker urged the commission to carefully consider the implications of these changes.

The council’s discussion on Senate Bill 180 was part of a broader conversation on local governance and the challenges posed by state-level legislation. The council noted that the bill preempts local governments from enacting more land development regulations until 2027, especially following natural disasters. There was a consensus that the council should seek legislative changes to address these new restrictions rather than pursuing legal action against the state.

In another development, the charter review commission’s organizational meeting took place, where Mark Watts was elected chair and Pat Nory vice chair. This commission, appointed every ten years, is tasked with proposing changes to the county charter, which will be presented to voters in the November 2026 election. The commission consists of local residents with diverse backgrounds, ranging from public service to health care and community advocacy. The council emphasized the importance of the charter review process, which has been a part of Volusia County governance since the adoption of its charter in 1971.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of transparency and adherence to the Sunshine Law. County attorney representatives explained that all public meetings must be open, properly noticed, and documented. They emphasized that communications between board members about official business, even on personal devices or social media, fall under public record laws and must be disclosed when requested. The goal is to maintain public trust by ensuring that all discussions and decisions are made openly and in compliance with legal standards.

Additionally, the council discussed enhancing public participation in local government processes, particularly through the charter review commission. The proposed framework aims to encourage citizen engagement before final votes on agenda items, with public input being welcomed in various forms, even without advance written notice. The council suggested that the commission meet at least once a month, with the possibility of forming committees to tackle specific issues in greater detail based on public feedback and needs.

Accessibility for residents was another focal point, with discussions about meeting locations to ensure fairness and convenience for constituents across the county. Suggestions were made to hold meetings at different venues, particularly on the west side, to accommodate the county’s growing and distributed population. The council also contemplated the use of virtual meetings, although current rules require physical presence for voting.

As the meeting concluded, public participation was encouraged, with residents bringing up concerns about charter updates and the current political climate’s impact on local governance. A resident urged the council to remain sensitive to the community’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of home rule, which is seen as under threat.