The meeting began with public participation, where residents voiced their concerns on various local issues. Len Lewis raised frustration over the delayed development of a parking lot behind a new restaurant, while Sir Albert Fuller suggested a timekeeping policy for public speakers to ensure they are not interrupted. Haley Perry highlighted drainage issues on Northwest 7th Street and questioned the timeline for addressing flooding problems. Engineering firm representative Walt Nichel responded that the city had prioritized this project for grant applications and outlined a potential timeline, emphasizing both short-term and long-term solutions.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the transition from septic systems to a centralized sewer service. Public Works Supervisor Donald Barber introduced three grants the city intends to apply for, focusing on stormwater management and sewer issues. The first two grants, which require no matching funds from the city, aim to convert septic systems to sewer services, while the third grant seeks to expand the city’s sewer plant capacity. Barber emphasized the urgency of these grants due to state mandates on nitrogen load reduction, stating, “The biggest source of nitrogen pollution to the springs is septic systems.”

Barber provided financial details, estimating the sewer plant expansion grant at $22 million and the first septic-to-sewer grant at approximately $9.7 million, with an additional $1 million for a second area. He clarified that state law mandates homeowners connect to public sewer services if available within a certain distance, addressing concerns about residents preferring to remain on septic systems.

The council also discussed the installation of License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras, which have been in use for about a week and have reportedly aided in multiple cases. Updates on pothole repair projects and the status of Wawa’s construction, which is expected to be operational in about a year, were provided. A commendation was made for Fire Chief Lamar Deagle, who recently rescued a woman trapped in a submerged vehicle, and appreciation was expressed for utility workers who restored services during a recent storm.

In new business, Barber also presented a proposal for implementing a fiber internet system in Williston. This included an interactive component where council members and attendees could express opinions on various aspects of the proposed system. Barber highlighted the potential for significant future savings and the need for advanced metering infrastructure to improve service delivery. He emphasized the importance of investing in these technologies, given the city’s historical decisions regarding utility management.

The council debated the advantages of owning a fiber network compared to relying on cellular services. Fiber was described as more reliable, and owning the infrastructure would avoid recurring fees associated with cellular systems. References were made to the city of Ocala, which has successfully generated revenue from its fiber infrastructure. The proposal for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems was also discussed.

Further discussions focused on the potential income from dark fiber leases, with companies leasing dedicated fiber lines for secure connections. The proposed fiber optic internet service was planned in three phases, with the first phase involving a feasibility study, the second establishing a wireless network, and the third offering direct fiber lines to homes and businesses. Operational costs, particularly for underground fiber repairs, were noted as significant.

Concerns from council members and residents were addressed regarding the feasibility of the fiber project, the accuracy of financial estimates, and the ability of the city’s staff to handle the demands. A representative from Open Infrastructure assured the council of their experience and plans to provide high-speed internet with competitive pricing. The council was encouraged to consider community feedback and the long-term benefits of the proposed fiber system.

The meeting also covered routine matters such as the renewal agreements for wastewater treatment and gas transmission, updates to the General Employee Pension Fund agreement to ensure compliance with IRS regulations, and the establishment of the maximum ad valorem tax rate for the city. Discussions on the 2024-2025 holiday schedule included a consideration of adding Juneteenth as a holiday, with further data to be gathered on the financial impact.