30:11The proposal from the Levy County Supervisor of Elections to streamline election processes in Williston emerged as a central topic during the council meeting. The supervisor highlighted the complexities faced by the county’s eight municipalities and proposed centralizing the canvassing of ballots to improve efficiency and public trust. This would involve conducting the canvassing in a public meeting prior to election night, allowing for quicker tabulation of results. Concerns were raised by council members about moving the canvassing board to Bronson, but assurances were given that results would be promptly posted online.

The suggested interlocal agreement, which would allow the county to take on tasks such as advertising elections and managing vote-by-mail ballots, was presented as a cost-free measure for the city. The proposal included a clause for annual renewals, offering flexibility for the city to reassess its effectiveness. Despite a lack of a full council presence, the proposal was tabled for further discussion in future meetings.

01:55:20Infrastructure issues were another focus of the meeting, with discussions on the city’s water system taking precedence. A resident expressed concerns about the current state of the system, citing frequent leaks and aging infrastructure. In response, a council member outlined an ongoing capital improvement plan and efforts to secure funding for necessary upgrades. The council reassured residents of regular water sampling and monitoring, with no lead detected in the supply. Despite this, the need for improvements was acknowledged, particularly as a water audit had identified multiple underground leaks.

In addition to water infrastructure, the council addressed a persistent water leak in front of Williston Furniture, clarifying that repairs were contingent on coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation, which controls the timeline due to its location on a state road. The council is pursuing solutions but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding repair timelines.

56:36Community development also featured prominently in the meeting, particularly the proposed development of city-owned land, parcel 0504700. Joe Quinn presented a project for five affordable housing units, emphasizing the opportunity to enhance the community with affordable villas priced at $239,000 each. The council discussed existing real estate sale procedures, considering alternative methods such as appraisals or listing with a realtor to ensure accurate property valuation. Utility concerns were raised, with a representative highlighting the parcel’s importance for future infrastructure improvements, including wastewater and gas distribution needs. The council agreed to table the matter for further evaluation by city staff and engineers.

01:10:47The meeting also saw the approval of several resolutions, including the purchase of two patrol vehicles from Don Allen for $16,000, funded by the current budget. These vehicles, fully equipped for police use, required decal updates to reflect their new assignment to Williston. The council expressed satisfaction with this investment, approving it with a unanimous vote.

01:13:57Resolution 2025-67 concerning repairs to the Williston Library facade was approved, with Paradigm Construction selected to match the exterior granite color at a cost of $26,000, covered by an insurance claim. The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-755, proposing a fire services assessment to provide a stable funding source for fire and police services. Public concerns were raised about the lack of broader publicity and the need for public engagement before finalizing rates. The council committed to ensuring adequate notification and discussion before any final decisions.

01:28:28The council also tackled the issue of city employees exceeding the 288-hour vacation limit, debating potential solutions such as payouts or comp time conversions. The financial implications of accrued compensation time were discussed, with a total liability of $77,000 highlighted. The council considered various options to manage this liability, recognizing the need for clear policies to prevent future accrual issues.