Public comment opened up the City Council meeting on the 6th of December.
A commenter is concerned about heavy traffic on Cimarron Dr and no sidewalks no place for bicycles, kids, dog walkers, and she feels this is dangerous. She wishes to see speed bumps, monitors and sidewalks put in.
Another commenter brought up unfair signage; if some signs are not allowed, then none should be allowed.
Other commenters are concerned about having places to put signs up for advertising of any kind. They would like to see some kind of compromise regarding the status as where and what signs are allowed.
Florida Park dr sees nine thousand cars per day. Commenter is concerned on traffic and traffic fumes in such close proximity to homes and parks. He fears for the elderly and the children that this level of traffic and fumes are not healthy or good for them.
Support for the cell tower was shown when a business owner said he would like to be able to conduct business over the phone throughout the town. Another commenter was not as pleased with the cell tower idea. He feels the location can be changed, and that he doesn’t pay to have a cell tower in his view.
A proclamation was made to recognize Paul Renner as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
A resolution was read to accept the general election results for the City of Palm Coast.
Congratulations were made by sitting council members to the winning members.
Public comment: Commenter congratulated all the candidates, and for the peaceful transition of power. He was very thankful for the smooth election, and the fact that those who lost, did so gracefully, and the winners of the election were able to take their positions without any negative issues. The peaceful transition of power as the commenter stated made him very grateful. Applause followed the comment.
The resolution to accept the outcome of the election was voted on and passed 4-0.
Public comment on the consent agenda was none; the council voted on the consent agenda and it passed 4-0.
Vice Mayor Branquinho was absent and unable to video in. Councilman Fanneli was asked if he had any remarks. He talked about his experience as a councilman, and that he hoped he left the city in a better place than when he joined the Council. He welcomed the the new members, and he stated that no decision ever came easy. He said that while they may not have always agreed with each other, they did work together for the best of the city. He thanked the sheriff, the fire chiefs, past and present, and the city manager and all of the city employees. He thanked his parents for raising him the way they did and for their support. He thanked his wife, who battled cancer while he was a councilman; she supported him while fighting her own battle, and that she has been blessed with a cancer free diagnosis. He thanked his children. He told the city that this has been his greatest honor to serve this city, and that all future decisions are made in the best interest of this city and its future.
Mayor Alfin thanked the councilman and said he hoped to see him back on the dias helping this city in the future.
The council moved forward with formalities of the swearing in of new members; Ms. Pontieri was sworn in and thanked everyone for their support, and for the support of her family and friends. She thanked the city for the faith in her to help lead this city in the best possible direction. Ms. Heighter was then sworn in; she started by saying she was deeply humbled to be elected. She stated she will always be here and listen to the community.
The Council then moved to the selection of the Vice Mayor. Councilman Klufas nominated Councilman Danko to be vice mayor. Councilwomen Pontieri and Heighter both nominated Councilman Klufas. Councilman Klufas commented that he, as someone who has been Vice Mayor, stated it should be a rotating position. Councilman Danko accepted the nomination. Councilman Danko was unanimously voted Vice Mayor.
Final Public Comment was opened for the public to address the new city council.
President of Drug Court Foundation talked about the drug problem in our county in an effort to appraise the new council of the issues facing our county and city. He stated we are the 8th highest overdose counties out of all 67 counties in Florida . We are number one overdose death county based on population. The majority of overdoses are in the city. He wants to work with the council on helping this horrible situation facing our county and city.
A commenter brought up the cell tower. He talked about potential adverse health effects on people and potential legal ramifications regarding cell towers. Another commenter thought that the cell phone tower issue was done and over. He urges the council to seek the services of an independent specialist so that they can advise you on how to make the best decision with independent advice. He understands both sides of the aisle. He understands that people don’t want it in their viewpoint or backyard, and that there may be health effects, and he understands people desire to have proper cell phone coverage.
A commenter said he was thrilled with the outcome of the Florida Park Drive project. He was absolutely thrilled with the way it has helped with traffic. He also brought up the boat parade, and was thrilled with the outcome of that as well.
Councilmembers were asked if there were any final comments. Vice Mayor Danko congratulated new members, and the previous council members. Councilwoman Ponteiri said she looked forward to working with City staff and council members. Councilwoman Heighter congratulated Vice Mayor Danko on his appointment and on fellow Councilwoman Ponteiri on her new position. Councilman Klufas congratulated all the new appointed councilmembers, and he thanked former Councilman Fanneli for his service. Mayor Alfin thanked family members of past and present councilmembers for their support. He thanked Councilman Klufas for understanding and spreading the wealth with responsibility. Mayor Alfin wants to open up a new series of city halls by invitation at their homes, driveways, neighborhoods, to discuss limited items. He wants to increase the contact between residents and councilmembers.
