Palm Coast City Council held its morning business meeting on Tuesday, April 15th, at 9 a.m. During the public comment section, one R-Section resident spoke about the difficulties she faces living next to Ralph Carter Park when the fields are used for kids’ youth sports leagues and practices. Other residents spoke up on different issues, including defending the mayor, other parks, and the overall safety of Palm Coast.
Following the discussion, Mayor Norris passed the gavel to Pontieri and subsequently made a motion to appoint Kandace Stevens to the vacant seat. Councilman Miller seconded the motion for discussion. Norris explained his decision was because of her involvement in the community, her involvement in the flooding issues, and her devotion to the City. Pontieri echoed the sentiment, including that one point that should be considered is experience serving on a board, especially with a new city manager coming on board very quickly. Miller and Gambaro both echoed the need to consider experience as well as integrity and passion.
Resident Jeremy Davis spoke to the council, reiterating that Stevens would be the choice for the people. Additional residents spoke up on Kandance Stevens’s behalf. In a roll call vote, Pontieri and Norris voted to appoint, while Miller and Gambaro voted no, ensuring the motion failed 2-2. Gambaro motioned to appoint Sullivan, with Miller seconding. Public comment showed a strong opposition to Sullivan. Gambaro and Miller voted yes, with Pontieri and Norris voting no. That motion failed 2-2. There was no motion to appoint the third finalist. Pontieri made a motion to appoint Mark “Dana” Stancel to the Council, which also failed due to no second. Pontieri made a motion to reconsider David Sullivan, which was seconded by Gambaro. Norris said, “To me, appointing David Sullivan would be the same as appointing David Alfin to that seat.” Public comment again spoke against Sullivan and for Kandace Stevens. The motion to reconsider Sullivan passed, with Gambaro making a motion to appoint Sullivan to the City Council, with Miller a second. Miller continued his commentary by explaining that Sullivan was chosen by voters twice during his time on the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners. Public comment was reopened to talk about appointing Sullivan. Public comment again spoke up against appointing Sullivan. The vote was called, and in a 3-1 vote, the motion passed, and Sullivan was appointed, and sworn in.
David Sullivan took his seat and said a few words, “I make my decisions based on the facts, and I am in no one’s pocket.”
The City Council then heard a public hearing on the Sabal Palms Preserves Final Plat. According to the presenter, the Final Plat was deemed satisfactory by city staff, and it is recommended to be approved. Sabal Palms is on the corner of Royal Palms Parkway and Towncenter Boulevard. 244 SFR lots are currently on the MPD design, on roughly 84.44 acres. Gambaro brought up the traffic concerns, as both entrances to this neighborhood would be on Royal Palms Parkway. One temporary traffic condition being considered is a three-way stop at the intersection of Royal Palms and Town Center. One long-term fix being discussed is a roundabout at this intersection, but some studies need to be conducted by CPH before deciding if that would be an appropriate fix. Pontieri expressed concern that we are not in front of the issue enough, as the impact fees for the roads wouldn’t be issued until building permits are issued. She continued explaining that other agenda items are looking to potentially drain the transportation impact fee fund, which could leave the City in a bind should a roundabout or other traffic option need to be handled due to capacity on those specific roads. Gambaro moved to approve the final plat, and Miller seconded the motion. Public comment was opened, and there was no further discussion. The motion was voted on and passed 4-1 with Norris being the only no vote.
Another Final plat was brought before the council for Reserve East Subdivision. This site is located on the East side of Roberts Road, near SR-100 and Colbert Lane. City staff determined the final plat to be satisfactory and recommended approval to the city council. There was no discussion, Gambaro made a motion to approve with Pontieri as a second. No public comment and no further discussion. The vote was called, and the motion passed 4-1, with Norris again being the only no vote.
The final item on the agenda was a presentation to approve a contract for construction with Halifax Paving, Inc, Post Design Services Work order with England-Thims & Miller, CEI services contract with GAI Consultants, Inc. The project would extend from US1 to White Mill with a length of .85 miles, a 120’ foot right of way, 4 lane divided roadway, 11 foot travel lanes, no paths or sidewalks. White Mill to Pritchard with a length of 2.65 miles, 120’ foot right of way, two 11 foot travel lanes, 12 foot path on southside of roadway, with a combined total length of 3.5 miles. Pontieri made a motion to approve the contract, with Miller seconding. No public comment or discussion was made. The motion passed unanimously.
