The Palm Coast City Council met Tuesday evening for their regular business meeting, addressing several key issues ranging from health awareness proclamations to committee appointments and ongoing concerns about flooding and development impacts.
Health Awareness Takes Center Stage
The meeting opened with two important proclamations. The city officially declared September 2025 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with representatives from AdventHealth present to receive the honor. A male nurse from AdventHealth emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that “the survival rate of prostate cancer after 5 years is 97%.” He encouraged the community to break the stigma around men’s health and announced plans for a “no shave November” campaign to raise awareness.
The council also proclaimed September as National Recovery Month. Desiree Rio, an outreach worker for Oxford House and a person in long-term recovery, accepted the proclamation. She shared her personal journey, explaining that she hasn’t “found it necessary to use any mood or mind-altering substances since October 15th of 2020.” Rio emphasized that recovery is possible and thanked the city for helping to break the stigma surrounding addiction recovery.
Charter Review Committee Timeline Sparks Debate
A significant discussion emerged about the timeline for the city’s charter review committee. Committee member Martin expressed concerns about the proposed schedule, stating “I’m concerned that we’re not going to have enough time to do our due diligence and present you with the best report.” He worried about rushing through important changes to the city’s governing document.
The consultant had originally suggested not starting business meetings until January, but committee members and council members agreed this timeline was too tight given the March 31st deadline. One council member argued that expecting “a committee to make changes and agree on all of the changes to our city constitution” in just two months was unacceptable.
After discussion, the council gave consensus to allow the charter review committee to begin meeting in October, working in parallel with community outreach efforts rather than waiting until after public input sessions were complete.
Committee Appointments Made
The council appointed new members to two advisory committees. For the Citizens Advisory Committee, Anthony DelVier was selected as the primary member with three votes, while Mark Woods received three votes as the alternate member. DelVier, a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, told the council “Service has always been a foundation of who I am” and expressed his commitment to serving the community.
For the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, David Liebarger was unanimously selected as the voting member, with DelVier appointed as the alternate.
Flooding Concerns Persist
Jeremy Davis, a resident who has been attending meetings for over two years, continued raising concerns about flooding at his property. He claimed his home floods “every time it rains” due to the city approving an elevated build at a neighboring property “without a downstream capacity analysis.” Davis criticized the city’s response, saying officials sent “11 workers and a sheriff’s deputy to my home to remove a single PVC pipe,” questioning whether this was about drainage or intimidation.
The city manager confirmed that a violation had been issued to another property owner on the same street for having a concrete pipe that restricts water flow, with a 365-day timeline for correction.
Impact Fees Under Legal Challenge
City Attorney Mark Duffy informed the council that the Flagler Palm Coast Homebuilders Association had sent a pre-suit letter challenging the city’s 2025 impact fees. The letter contests the increases that were passed earlier this year. Duffy said he and staff would analyze the challenge and provide recommendations to the council.
During public comment, resident Tony Amar disputed claims that Palm Coast’s impact fees were competitive with surrounding areas. He stated that Palm Coast’s total impact fees are $33,200, compared to St. John’s County at $28,800, Volusia County at $21,000, and Ormond Beach at $13,200.
One council member defended the impact fee increases, explaining that the city was “way behind on development and what was available” and that the fees were necessary to provide for future infrastructure needs. The council had actually reduced the staff’s initial recommendations after extensive discussion.
Financial Disclosure Debate
Questions arose about financial disclosure requirements for elected officials. A resident suggested that council members should be required to submit detailed financial disclosures, specifically targeting one council member who doesn’t pay property taxes on his home.
A council member who previously served at the county level explained that cities only require “form one” financial disclosure, which is not detailed, while counties require the more comprehensive “form six.” He noted that the state had attempted to require detailed disclosures for city officials but “there was an uproar about it” and the requirement was retracted.
Another council member defended his tax exemption status, explaining that three council members are “100% disabled veterans” who have “earned through blood and sweat the privilege” of serving their nation. Florida recognizes this sacrifice by exempting disabled veterans from property taxes on their primary residence.
Ordinance and Consent Items Pass
The council approved on second reading an ordinance amending the city’s Unified Land Development Code regarding exterior colors. The measure passed 4-1, with the vice mayor casting the lone dissenting vote.
The consent agenda passed unanimously without discussion.
Other Business
The council discussed joining potential litigation against Senate Bill 180, which restricts local governments from adopting more restrictive development requirements. They directed the city attorney to research what would be required to join other municipalities in challenging the law.
A resident raised concerns about stormwater fees, questioning why residents on the east side of an inlet don’t pay the same fees as those on the west side with similar drainage issues. The city manager offered to provide a stormwater study to explain the difference.
During council member comments, one member praised the city’s stormwater team for their quick response during recent storms. Another member proposed creating a workforce development coalition that would include the school district, Daytona State College, the economic development department, and other stakeholders to focus on long-term workforce training and development.
The meeting concluded with updates on upcoming events, including a fire station topping-out ceremony and plans for the legislative delegation presentation.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 16th, where the impact fee legal challenge will likely be discussed further, along with the continuation of the city manager search process.
