The Palm Coast City Council held its evening workshop to discuss several serious community issues, including traffic calming, saltwater canal maintenance, and residential drainage challenges.
The council received a detailed presentation from Kimley-Horn consultants regarding a comprehensive traffic calming plan for the city. The study examined speed reduction methods on various residential roads, focusing on three primary traffic calming techniques: speed cushions, chicanes, and lane narrowing. The pilot study revealed that speed cushions were the most effective method for reducing vehicle speeds. On Florida Park Drive and Cimarron Drive, the speed cushions reduced the 85th percentile speed from 36 miles per hour to 31-32 miles per hour. Chicanes showed somewhat less effectiveness, while lane narrowing increased speeds slightly. A community survey was conducted with over 1,200 responses, revealing mixed public sentiment. For Florida Park Drive and Cimarron Drive, approximately 41% of respondents indicated no speeding problem, while the remainder saw it as a major issue. Approximately half of the respondents were strongly opposed to speed cushions. Public safety and emergency response concerns were also discussed. Fire Chief Berryhill noted possible challenges with emergency vehicles navigating the speed cushions, particularly for fire trucks with wider wheelbases. Ambulance response times and patient comfort were also considered. Public comment showed a mix of opinions on the subject with some residents in support of and other residents in opposition of the speed calming devices. The council discussed potential alternatives, including inverted speed bumps, speed tables, and lowering speed limits. They ultimately reached a consensus on developing a traffic calming manual with a 70% neighborhood approval requirement for implementation.
The council heard a comprehensive update on the saltwater canal dredging project from Taylor Engineering. The presentation outlined multiple dredging options, with costs ranging from approximately $1 million to $13.8 million. The study revealed the original canal construction depths from the 1960s and 1970s were minus 13 feet for entrance canals and minus 9 feet for other canals. Current sediment levels have significantly reduced these depths, causing issues with boat navigation. A community survey showed that 75% of respondents believed canal dredging was necessary. The survey also highlighted that most canal residents rarely use the waterways, with many expressing neutral satisfaction with current canal conditions. The council showed interest in Option 3, which involves dredging canals not restricted by bridges to their original nine-foot depth and other canals to seven feet. The estimated cost is approximately $13.8 million. Several community residents provided their honest concerns and beliefs about canal conditions, discussing issues such as sediment accumulation, boat accessibility, and potential property value impacts. Some residents argued that additional canal taxes collected over decades should fund the project.
The city manager recommended proceeding with the design and permitting phases for both the traffic calming manual and canal dredging project. For the canal project, preliminary engineering estimates suggest a bill of roughly $460,000 for the initial design work. The Council then took a short break before continuing with what ultimately was almost a 7-hour workshop meeting.
The meeting continued after the short break, with a detailed presentation from Lynn Stevens, Deputy Director of Storm Water and Engineering, who outlined the ongoing challenges with residential drainage. Stevens reported that between October 2023 and February 2024, 174 cases were logged related to infill lot issues, primarily concerning water drainage problems. The Residential Drainage Citizens Advisory Committee, comprised of five members, has been investigating these concerns. Tony Amaral Jr., a committee member, explained that many drainage issues stem from new construction adjacent to older homes. The committee discovered that 73% of impacted homes were built before the city began maintaining its stormwater system. They conducted comprehensive site visits, interviewing homeowners about their specific water-related challenges. As a result of these investigations, the city has since modified its technical manual in February 2024, implementing stricter regulations for home construction. These changes include limiting finished floor elevations and ensuring proper water drainage to existing stormwater systems.
The council discussed creating a pilot program for backyard chickens. After an extensive discussion, they agreed to a six-month program allowing up to 50 permits at a $50 fee. The program will have specific regulations, including limiting households to three hens, requiring proper coop maintenance, and prohibiting roosters. Barbara Grossman, Code Enforcement Manager, presented research from the University of Florida highlighting both the benefits and potential challenges of backyard chicken ownership. Multiple residents spoke in support of the initiative, emphasizing its potential as an educational tool and self-sufficiency benefits for families in the area.
The council revisited the current ordinances around commercial vehicles in residential areas. Barbara Grossman presented the existing regulations, which currently restrict vehicles with significant signage or commercial markings. Council members discussed making the regulations more business-friendly, which would allow work vehicles with professional signage. Several small business owners testified about the financial challenges imposed by current restrictions, arguing that the regulations create unnecessary burdens for entrepreneurs in the City.
The council reviewed residential exterior paint color regulations. Tracy Doak from the zoning department presented proposed changes that would expand allowable colors while maintaining some restrictions. The Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee and Planning and Land Development Regulation Board provided input, with mixed recommendations. The proposed changes would prohibit fluorescent colors and extremely bright shades while providing homeowners more flexibility in color selection for their homes in the City.
City Attorney Marcus Duffy outlined the process for conducting a mandatory city charter review. The charter requires a five-member committee appointed by the council members, with at least two public hearings before any possible ballot amendments are proposed. The review must be completed by April 2026 to be included in the ballot in the November 2026 election.
Human Resources Director Rina Fuller presented details about the ongoing city manager search. The position will be advertised for 90 days, with plans to use platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to attract qualified candidates. The council requested additional language be used, that would emphasize the desire for candidates with experience managing large budgets and staff in the ad.
