March 19th, 2024, Tuesday – Palm Coast City Council held their morning business meeting at 9am. Kicking the meeting off was a proclamation for She Leads Florida and a presentation on some grant opportunities that the City could move forward on the application. The meeting continued with public participation, where residents were able to speak at the podium, stating their issues, concerns and comments with the council members.
She Leads Florida Honors Women of Faith throughout the state of Florida.
Alfin made a motion to terminate the city manager without cause. Council member Heighter seconded the motion, and Danko, acting as mayor, opened up the floor for public comment. Mayoral candidates Lowe and Norris both spoke on the subject. Norris advised the council to wait to hire a new city manager until after the election, while Lowe laid the shortcomings of City manager Bevans on Alfin. Kandi Stevens agreed that Bevans is over her head, and continued on stating her desire to see the public have some say on who is hired. Klufas did not support the motion, Heighter explained that while she likes Denise Bevans, she feels the city needs stronger leadership. Pontieri stated that unhappy citizens are the fault of the council, not the staff. She continued on stating her opinion that at least two of the five council members will not be on the council come the end of the year. Pontieri praised Bevans on her work, and laid the bulk of the issues on the council. Upon closing of the discussion at the Dias, the council voted 3-2 to terminate city manager Denise Bevan. Pontieri and Klufas being the only no votes. At this time, Danko excused himself from the remainder of the meeting.
Pontieri motioned to appoint Lauren Johnston as acting City Manager until a replacement can be found. Alfin countered that staff could move forward as is until an interim is found. Klufas seconded Pontieri’s motion. The motion passed unanimously to appoint Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston as acting city manager.
Also during the meeting, council voted on the first read of the amendments to the Unified Land Development Code; regarding changes to sign and advertising codes, while still prohibiting the signs in the right of ways. The ordinance passed unanimously, in a 4-0 vote.
The council continued on to pass resolutions accepting the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal year 2023, a statewide mutual aid agreement, the submission of a Florida Inland Navigation District grant application to continue construction of phase 2A for Waterfront Park, the approval of the Promenade at Town Center Technical Site Plan, the Approval of the final plat for Sawmill Branch, and the final plat for Seminole Palms phase 1.
We need a entire hole shake up Nothing is being done for the benefit of the residents
and Theresa is the only one for fighting for the people. we still have major traffic problems throughout this city, Eng does what they want and it appears no real inspections are being
performed before granting to build eveident by the problems in the p sections
7 more months and we should have a pretty new council be careful who you vote for