The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Debbie Connors of the VGMC, who outlined the commission’s mission since its establishment in 1986 to facilitate coordination among the comprehensive plans of Volusia County’s municipalities. Connors emphasized the VGMC’s goals of promoting intergovernmental cooperation and addressing land use, environmental concerns, and public services through a structured review process. The VGMC, consisting of 21 voting members, ensures that comprehensive plan amendments, particularly those with broader regional impacts, are reviewed with an eye toward their effects on surrounding jurisdictions.

Recent improvements in the VGMC’s operations were highlighted, including the adoption of a streamlined review process in 2016, which has reduced the number of public hearings and expedited application reviews. The electronic submission of applications has also enhanced workflow and turnaround times. Despite these advancements, the VGMC has faced increased public hearings in recent years, particularly surrounding contentious developments like Avalon Park.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on legal challenges involving the Avalon development. A council member inquired about the VGMC’s role in the ongoing legal proceedings related to Avalon, where Ormond Beach had opposed a conditional approval by the VGMC. The circuit court had dismissed Ormond Beach’s petition. The matter was concluded when Ormond Beach chose not to appeal within the given timeframe of 30 days.

In addition to the resolved case, there remains an unresolved lawsuit from the developer against both Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, alleging delays in the Avalon development. Council members expressed interest in the potential return of this issue to the council, with insights provided by a VGMC planner about amendments to Daytona Beach’s water supply plan, which were necessary to update data and ensure compliance.

Flooding concerns in specific areas such as Southeast Volusia, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Port Orange were also addressed. The VGMC’s limitations in mandating stormwater management changes were noted, with local governments moving toward a 100-year flood standard to address these issues. The discussion touched on VGMC’s role in mediating conflicts rather than dictating internal planning processes, as well as the importance of maintaining municipal autonomy.

The VGMC’s historical context was revisited, reflecting on its creation amid 1986 growth management laws in Florida and the subsequent development of Volusia County’s comprehensive plan. Legislative changes had shifted power back to local municipalities, prompting discussions about the VGMC’s relevance and effectiveness in coordinating regional growth management.

Public participation was encouraged, particularly in relation to the environmental and conservation subcommittee’s efforts to amend the charter to include a “forever” standard under state law. Draft ballot language is being developed, with plans to finalize the proposal by February. The council underscored the importance of public involvement in these discussions, confirming dates and locations for upcoming meetings.