Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting on Tuesday, September 21 at 9 a.m.
Palm Coast – The Palm Coast City Council meets regularly to discuss and vote on official City business. These meetings are open to the public and Palm Coast residents are strongly encouraged to attend. An increase in public engagement helps to build a stronger sense of community, increases valuable discussions, and decreases division.
A business meeting will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. A Special City Council Budget Hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
Agenda for the regularly scheduled business meeting:
· The Palm Coast City Council will recognize a local Good Samaritan, Anthony Duncan, and several Animal/Code Enforcement Officers who rescued 17 dogs and cats that were being held in the back of a U-Haul trailer and needed immediate medical attention.
· The Human Resources Department will recognize employees who have gone above and beyond to serve the residents of Palm Coast.
· The Palm Coast City Council will read a proclamation recognizing October as “Pink on Parade 5K” month for Advent Health-Flagler
· The Planning Division will present the proposed amendment of the Unified Land Development Code Chapter 10.02 Floodplain Management. On 8/18/2021 the Planning and Land Development Regulation Board voted 7-0 to recommend that City Council approve the revisions as presented. This item was initially heard by the City Council at their September 14, 2021 Workshop.
· The Financial Services Department will present a proposal to amend the City’s Purchasing Policy, Chapter 2, Article 1, Division 3 of the City of Palm Coast Code of Ordinances as it pertains to reflect staff titles and department division name changes, an improved bid protest process, best practice updates with respect to solicitation thresholds, and the addition of Public-Private Partnership requirements in compliance with Florida Statute 255.065. This item was initially heard by the City Council at their September 14, 2021 Workshop. Council did not suggest any changes to this item. However, upon further staff review, the Ordinance was redlined to reflect the updated timeline in the Section 287.057(3), Fla. Stat.
· The Planning Division will present a proposed ordinance to amend the Future Land Use Map Designation for 70.2 +/- acres from mixed use to residential and adding a site specific policy to limit development on the subject property known as Seminole Trails, located 2.5 miles south of State Road 100 on the eastside of Seminole Woods Blvd. The PLDRB held a public hearing to consider the proposed amendment on August 18, 2021. After a brief discussion, the Planning and Land Development Regulation Board voted 7-0 to recommend that City Council approve the proposed amendment.
· The Planning Division will present changes to Secret Gardens, which would inherently rezone 52.4 +/- acres from the General Office Zoning District to High Intensity Commercial, Preservation, and Public/Semi-Public Zoning Districts. The land is located on the east side of Old Kings Road about 1.5 miles south of Palm Coast Parkway. This item was heard by the City Council at their September 7, 2021 Business Meeting. There were no changes suggested to this item.
· The Planning Division will present Seminole Pointe, which would inherently rezone 71.74 +/- acres from Master Planned Development and General Commercial Zoning Districts to the Multi-Family Residential and High Intensity Commercial Zoning Districts. The land located on the north side of the intersection between Seminole Woods Blvd. and US Highway 1. This item was heard by the City Council at their September 7, 2021 Business Meeting. There were no changes suggested to this item.
· The Community Development Department will seek Council direction on whether to and the commercial vehicle ordinance in Chapter 44, Article II. This item was heard by City Council at their September 14, 2021 Workshop. Council requested to make a decision whether to change the Commercial Vehicle Ordinance or to have the existing Ordinance remain the same at the next business meeting.
· The Community Development Department will present a resolution to adopt guidelines for naming of public facilities. The City of Palm Coast desires to establish guidelines and a procedure for the naming or renaming of public facilities owned or operated by the City in order to ensure a consistent and systematic approach to honoring individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the City. This item was heard by the City Council at their September 14, 2021 Workshop. Council requested to include the Community Wing be eligible for naming under this policy.
· The Utility Department will present a resolution approving piggybacking the City of St. Augustine contract with Engineered Spray Solutions Inc for gravity sewer manhole sealing and coating. Piggybacking existing competitively bid contracts is advantageous since the pricing is generally better than what the City could obtain on its own, and the City does not incur the expense and delay of soliciting a bid.
· The Utility Department will present a resolution approving a master services agreement with Harn R/O Systems Inc for nanofiltration membrane replacement project. This contract (ITB-UT-21-50) will be for a one time services agreement for the purchase and replacement of the membrane elements. Replacement of the membrane elements falls under the City Council’s goals and priorities to make all infrastructure a priority regarding maintenance and performance.
· The Utility Department will present a resolution approving a master price agreement with Ferguson Waterworks to purchase various utility supplies.
· The City Manager and the Financial Services Department will report the list of emergency and sole source purchases made during the month of August 2021.
Agenda for the special budget hearing at 5:30 p.m. on September 22:
· The Financial Services Department will present the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget. Through a series of budget workshops held during July-September, Financial Services presented to the City Council an overview of the proposed budget for all appropriated funds. On September 9, 2021, the City of Palm Coast held its first Budget Hearing to adopt the tentative budget and tentative millage rate. Staff will now provide Council with a presentation on the final Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget.
· The Financial Services Department will present the SR 100 Corridor CRA Final Budget. The first public hearing was on September 9th, 2021. The SR 100 Corridor Community Redevelopment Agency Board hereby proposes to adopt a budget with total appropriated expenditures and reserves of $2,598,834.
· The Financial Services Department will present a resolution to adopt the Final Millage Rate.
· The Financial Services Department will present a resolution to adopt the Final Budget.
· The Public Works Department will present a resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2022 Fleet Replacement and Purchase Program. This item was heard by City Council at their August 24, 2021 Special workshop. There were no changes suggested to this item.
Public Comments will be opened at the beginning and end of the business meeting in accordance with Section 286.0114 Florida Statutes and pursuant to the City Council’s Meeting Policies and Procedures. Each speaker will approach the podium, provide his/her name and may speak for up to 3 minutes.
Meetings of the Palm Coast City Council typically occur three times per month. A 6 p.m. business meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, a 9 a.m. workshop meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, and a 9 a.m. business meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. All meetings take place in the Community Wing at City Hall at 160 Lake Avenue in Palm Coast.
Business meetings and workshops are open to the public. Business meetings are streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel. Workshops are live streamed by audio only at on the City’s website.
Meeting agendas for all public meetings are posted in advance of each meeting on the City’s website. All agendas can be viewed here.
If you wish to obtain more information regarding the City Council’s agenda, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-986-3713. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 386-986-3713, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Stay informed with the latest news and information from the City of Palm Coast by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can sign up for weekly updates by visiting www.palmcoastgov.com/
Media Release: City of Palm Coast. Brittany Kershaw. Director Public Information & Engagement.
Photo: City of Palm Coast, City Hall.
The Big Five … Sandra Shank, Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Chair
As the founder of Abundant Life Ministries Hope House, Inc. and the Phoenix Community Services, Sandra Shank has a heart for those in need. Chairing the Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, among her many duties, she’s working closely with government officials as communities navigate the post-pandemic housing situation.
Talk about your role and term as Chair with the Flagler County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Flagler County. What did you accomplish during your term?
I am currently serving my 3rd term as Chair of the AHAC. In 2017 I was elected 2018 Vice-Chair however, after the resignation of the Chair in 2018 I became Chair and I has been re-elected for the successive years. My duties as Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee are:
- To preside at all meetings of the Committee;
- To call special meetings of the Committee in accordance with the Bylaws;
- To sign documents within the purview and authority of the Committee; and
- To see that all actions of the Committee are properly taken.
My accomplishments during my terms as Chair include the following:
– Worked in collaboration with FPC-TV’s Ms. Hicks and her talented students, we created an Affordable Housing advocacy video.
– Advocated on behalf of the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund in Tallahassee
– Served on the Flagler County Housing Fair planning committee
– The AHAC worked in conjunction with County Administration to create the Flagler County Affordable Housing Ordinance
– Recognized by the Florida Housing Coalition for Sadowski State and Local Housing Trust Fund Advocacy at the 2019 Statewide Home Matters Conference.
– Brought awareness to the Real Estate professionals regarding the importance of the Sadowski Housing Trust fund.
– Presenter at the 2020 Florida Housing Conference
– Promote and inform the public via social media of local and statewide programs impacting housing stability and affordability.
Why is affordable housing and the related issues important to you?
I am a passionate advocate for affordable housing because, housing is a human right and no one should suffer homelessness due affordability. As a child growing up with a single mother in Miami I understand the impact of housing instability in the life of a child. If a child is constantly moving it impacts their academic performance; social and emotional growth and ability to form lasting friendships. For the single parent struggling to provide for their children, it leads to “latch-key” children who return from school alone without the support needed to simply be a kid. For the couple arguing over finances, it places the family at-risk of separation or divorce which leads to greater risk of engaging in at-risk behaviors. Affordable housing isn’t simply about placing a roof over someone’s head; it’s about saving lives; saving families; and living a quality of life that results in productive members of society.
With the CDC Moratorium on Evictions lifted on August 26, 2021, what’s happening across the region for those behind on their rent or mortgage payments?
“Our Florida” is Florida’s federally-funded emergency rental assistance relief program. This program provides rental and utility assistance in effort to respond to the crisis resulting from COVID-19. Relief through this funding opportunity can also be initiated by landlords in coordination with their tenants; I hope landlords will work with their tenants to seek relief from Our Florida prior to seeking eviction.
What kind of help is available for renters or owners?
Locally, homeowners and renters may contact Flagler County Services for emergency assistance (based upon funding availability) at 386-586-2324.
What other resources should or could families in crisis look toward or access to help prevent a mass wave of homelessness in Flagler County?
Flagler County Families in crisis may contact Shaniqua Bell, Housing Locator with the Volusia Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless at 386-457-3819 or sbell@vfcch.org. In addition, VFCCH is seeking landlords in the community who are willing to work with their program to provide housing to homeless individuals and families. There are many benefits of landlords working VFCCH such as, eliminating advertising costs, damager/security deposits, clients have access to time-limited subsidies and guaranteed rent payments.
Find out more here.
TIME CHANGES: Flagler County BOCC Meeting Set for 10 AM Monday, WORKSHOP at 9 AM – September 20th
Workshop at 9 am. –
Information Notice https://www.flaglercounty.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/808/17
Agenda 2021 09 20 BOCC Workshop Agenda and Backup
PUBLIC NOTICE
Flagler County Board Of County Commissioners
Workshop
Date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Government Services Complex
1769 E. Moody Blvd.
Building 2, Board Chambers
Bunnell, FL 32110
Purpose: Educational Facilities Impact Fees: Discussion dedicated to
extraordinary circumstances necessitating the adoption of
increases to educational facilities impact fees, which will
exceed the phase-in limitations set forth in Section
163.31801(6), Fla. Stat.
Contact: County Administration (386) 313-4001
SECTION 286.0105, FLORIDA STATUTES, STATES THAT IF A PERSON DECIDES TO
APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY A BOARD AGENCY, OR COMMISSION WITH
RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT A MEETING OR HEARING, HE OR SHE
WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE,
HE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS
MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE
APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS
NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE
NUMBER LISTED ABOVE AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
BOCC Regular Meeting at 10 AM:
Information – https://www.flaglercounty.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/194/17
PUBLIC NOTICE – REVISED
Flagler County Board Of County Commissioners
Regular Meeting
Date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Time: 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Location: Government Services Complex
1769 E. Moody Blvd.
Building 2, Board Chambers
Bunnell, FL 32110
Purpose: Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting
Contact: County Administration (386) 313-4001
FCSO Urges Residents to Beware of Puppy Scams
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) has received dozens of complaints about puppy scams throughout the county. Since 2020, there have been 10 cases reported to the FCSO and 20 cases reported to the Flagler Beach Police Department (FBPD).
In an effort to bring awareness about these scams and educate the community on preventative measures, FCSO and FBPD have teamed up to provide Flagler County residents on how to verify a legitimate business and how to protect yourself and your family from a scam.
In recent cases, victims have responded to ads on sites like Craigslist and social media platforms. Victims show interest in a puppy listed for sale, move forward with the process to reserve a puppy, put down a deposit or entire amount and the seller disappears.
There are a number of red flags that you should know to help prevent you from becoming a victim:
• The seller prefers to handle communication solely via email and not over the phone.
• Photos posted of the dogs or shared with potential buyers are stock photos. Photos and descriptions of the animal can be found on multiple websites.
• Untraditional payment requests, where the seller asks for wiring of money or payment by gift cards.
• The price is too good to be true.
Recent cases also included fraudulent American Kennel Club (AKC) paperwork where the seller claimed the puppies were AKC certified. AKC-registered animals will always be listed through the AKC. The AKC certification can be verified by calling 919-233-9767, where interested parties can also see if there are any complaints filed about the seller. You can also visit www.akc.org
Legitimate breeders are required by law to meet the minimum standards of humane animal care and treatment established by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and enforced by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS).
When searching for a furry companion to add to your family, here are some tips to verifying the legitimacy of the individual re-homing or selling the animal:
• Ask for multiple pictures of the pet, including poses with specific items such as a recent newspaper or tennis ball, to make sure the pet is real.
• Ask for a phone number for the person who’s selling/re-homing the pet and the name of the veterinary clinic where the pet has been seen. If the seller won’t give the number or it’s not a US number, then it’s probably a scam! If you are provided phone numbers, call back and ask questions.
• If the seller says they are in a specific state and asks you to send money elsewhere, especially in another country, avoid it.
• If the person is claiming to be a breeder or rescue organization, ask for registration information. (All legitimate businesses and nonprofit organizations will be registered with SunBiz and the Department of Agriculture). You can verify at: https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/search/
• Never pay cash via money order or Western Union. Always use a credit card in case you need to dispute charges.
• Be skeptical if the seller adds “additional charges” such as fees for veterinary visits, a different crate, travel expenses, pet insurance, etc. Pet insurance is NOT required for a pet to travel.
• Don’t trust a seller that pushes for the sale to happen quickly due to them moving, having to re-home the pet immediately, or stating that harm may come to the puppy if not taken in a timely manner.
• Do your research to get a sense for the breed you’re seeking, the seller, or the agency, organization or rescue you’re selecting, and ensure you fully understand what is entailed in the cost.
“With the recent incidents of scammers finding new ways to steal money from residents, we want to ensure Flagler County residents are aware of these scams and how to protect themselves,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “It saddens me to see people sinking to this level of using animals to make a quick buck. Be aware and lookout, report suspicious activity and do your research when adding a new pet to your family. We have some great local organizations that can help you adopt a pet, such as the Flagler Humane Society, so if you’re considering adopting, please make sure you’re selecting a reputable organization or person.”
If you are looking to add a four-legged companion to your family, please consider adopting from a local rescue or shelter organization.
View Puppy Scam PSA Here: https://youtu.be/jQcVzJiX6kM
Other resources:
BBB (www.bbb.org)
AKC (919-233-9767)
USDA-Licensed Breeders (Animal Care Public Search Tool www.aphis.usda.gov)
Report a Scam: www.petscams.com
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
Media Release: FCSO. Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer
Organizational Services Division
Veteran-centric Suicide Prevention Event to Offer Valuable Information to Everyone
September 17, 2021 – Flagler County Veterans Services is teaming up with the Veterans Administration (VA) at the Government Services Building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday (September 24) for a suicide prevention event to ensure that all veterans, their family, and their friends are aware of the Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (press 1). And while this event is veteran-centric, there will be provided valuable suicide awareness and prevention information for all.
September is national Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
“Stefan Weeks is a licensed clinical social worker with the VA, and he will be available to answer questions and provide information,” said Veterans Services Officer David Lydon. “We will have some giveaways like koozies with the Veterans Crisis Line phone number, but also trigger locks – an important safety measure if you have a loved one suffering with depression or PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).”
The Veterans Crisis Line website, https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/, has a goal of connecting veterans in need with “caring, qualified responders” 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those seeking help have the option of texting the crisis line at 838255, or can chat online through the website. Deaf and hard of hearing can either text, online chat, or TTY users can dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
The site has a page, “What to Expect,” so that veterans – or those calling on their behalf – will be more comfortable with the process.
Callers to the 800 number will hear this: “You have reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, also servicing the Veterans Crisis Line. If you are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis or are concerned about someone who might be, we’re here to help. Please remain on the line while we route your call to the nearest crisis center in our network. Attention: If you are a U.S. military Veteran or current Service member or are calling about one, please Press 1 now to speak with the Veterans Crisis Line.”
Those who text a message to 838255 will receive this response message: “VA Crisis Center: I’m here to help. If in danger, call 911. For more info, call 800-273-8255. (Press 1). Please keep msgs under 160 characters. STOP to cancel.”
Those who chat from the website are ensured of the following:
- The Veterans Crisis Line does not collect personally identifiable information unless you provide that information to the responder.
- Security controls, including encryption and authentication, are in place to protect your information.
- Any contractors acting on behalf of VA in administering the Veterans chat service are subject to the same legal requirements VA follows for maintaining the privacy and security of your information.
“We will provide a lot of great information that is applicable to anyone in crisis,” Lydon said. “Some of the warning signs to look for in a loved one, whether or not he or she is a veteran, are things like making concerning statements, or maybe a change in behavior – suddenly shying away from friends and family (unrelated to COVID concerns).”
Additional help and information, as well as a helpline number available to veterans and non-veterans alike, is available at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org, or call 800-273-8255.
Media Release: Flagler County. Julie Murphy, MPIO. Lacy Martin, Marketing Media Manager
Florida Health in Flagler Helps Diabetes Clients Move and Connect with Walking Support Group
Bunnell, FL – When it opened its doors several years ago, the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County’s Diabetes Education Center established its mission: to empower Flagler County residents to prevent diabetes and its complications through health promotion, education and community outreach. That mission inspires the health department’s Diabetes Education team every day to help clients lose weight, eat healthy and exercise.
One recent addition to the Diabetes program is a Walking Support Group. This program launched in August 2021 to get clients with diabetes moving, talking and interacting with each other.
According to Alana Shawah, a registered dietitian and instructor of the Diabetes Self-Management Program, the walking group meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Central Park in Town Center, starting at 8AM. The group welcomes participants from any fitness level to join in as they walk anywhere between one and five laps around Central Park. Each lap represents one-half mile.
“Most mornings we have between 7 and 9 people,” explained Shawah. “Meeting as a group motivates us to show up and be more accountable by making time to exercise. Plus, we have a long-term goal of participating in the Turkey Trot 5K in November. We’re training together, talking about how we’re trying to lead healthier lives and making new friends at the same time. It’s really a win-win for all of us!”
For more information about the Flagler County Diabetes Education Center or any of its programs, call 386-313-7263.
About the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
For information about the local health department, go to flagler.floridahealth.gov, call 386-437-7350, or visit 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell. You can also listen to our weekly talk radio show “Flagler Health Matters,” Saturdays at 11:30AM, airing on WNZF News Radio 94.9FM or streaming at https://www.flaglerbroadcasting.com/wnzf.
Media Release: Gretchen Smith, Communications Manager & Public Information Officer. Florida Department of Health, Flagler
Free Museum Day TODAY at Florida Agricultural Museum
Florida Agricultural Museum
7900 Old Kings Road, N. in Palm Coast, Florida
OPEN Every Weekend
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
We are pleased to announce the return of Museum Day on September 18, 2021. Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.
This Museum Day, we invite your curiosity to lead you to
The Florida Agricultural and Rural Museum!
See below for details.
Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day
Saturday, September 18th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
(Last entry at 3:00 pm)
International Coastal Cleanup TODAY!
– Flagler Beach (check in at the Flagler Beach pier)
– Beverly Beach (check in at the Flagler Beach pier)
– The Hammock (check in at Bings Landing): Varn Park, Jungle Hut, Old Salt Park, Malacompra beach accesses
FCSO Thanks Community for Their Support of Fallen Hero Detention DFC Paul Luciano
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) would like to thank the community for their continued support of Detention Deputy First Class (DFC) Paul Luciano and his family as we mourned the loss of our fallen hero. The Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust (F.S.E.A.T.) established a GoFundMe account to support DFC Luciano’s family in his line-of-duty death from complications of COVID-19 and the community graciously donated $7,655.
Deputy Luciano is the first Detention Deputy Sheriff to die in the line-of-duty in the history of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO). DFC Luciano served at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. DFC Luciano had been hospitalized while battling COVID-19, which he likely contracted while serving in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. In a recent hospital call with Sheriff Staly, Paul said he would “keep fighting, but it was in God’s hands.” Sadly, after weeks of fighting a long and hard battle, Paul lost his battle with COVID-19. His full-honors funeral service was held on September 3, 2021.
DFC Luciano started his career in 1996 with the Bunnell Police Department but was called to serve in the correctional field and joined the Volusia County Department of Corrections, where he retired in 2017 as a Lieutenant. His compassion for helping others caused him to return to the correctional field and in November 2019 he joined FCSO as a Detention Deputy Sheriff. He quickly became a mentor to younger Deputy Sheriffs and inmates and was known as “Looch.”
“The support FCSO and the Luciano family received during this time is remarkable,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The GoFundMe account raised $7,655 to help DFC Luciano’s family with unexpected expenses that came with his sudden passing and I’m grateful to everyone who’s helped support our fallen hero. Thank you!”
Please continue to keep the Luciano family in your thoughts and prayers along with his brothers and sisters at FCSO as we mourn his loss together. Deputy Luciano is survived by his wife of 42-years, Carrie, his father, Ted, a Korean War veteran, two sons, and a daughter.
To learn more about the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust (F.S.E.A.T.) visit: www.fseat.org.
Media Release: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Melissa Morreale, Public Affairs Officer.