Agenda Packet

City Commission Meeting · 2026-07-23 · agenda_packet

[Palatka Municipal Airport] The City Commission is considering a resolution to approve a work order for the Palatka Municipal Airport Wildlife Trench Fencing Project. The work order is for Hanson Professional Services in the amount of $58,573.50. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida 32177; case Ordinance No. 2026-32, Ordinance No. 2026-33, Ordinance No. 2026-34] The City Commission is considering a resolution to annex, amend the future land use map, and rezone properties located at 503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida. The parcels are to be annexed into the City of Palatka, the future land use map amended from Putnam County Urban Service (US) to City of Palatka Residential Medium (RM), and the zoning amended from Putnam County Residential Mixed (R-2) to City of Palatka Residential, Two-Family (R-2). The total area is less than 50 acres. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Ordinance No. 2026-31] The City Commission is considering the adoption of the City of Palatka Comprehensive Plan 2045. This ordinance approves proposed amendments to various elements of the Comprehensive Plan, including Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, Public Facilities, Conservation, Recreation and Open Space, Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Property Rights, Historic Preservation, and Economic Development. The ordinance authorizes transmittal of these amendments to the Florida Department of Commerce and other reviewing agencies. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [Palatka Municipal Airport; case Resolution 2026-R-115] The City Commission is reviewing a resolution authorizing a work order to Hanson Professional Services for the Palatka Municipal Airport Wildlife Trench Fencing Project. The amount of the work order is $58,573.50. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [Booker Park; case Resolution 2026-R-116] The City Commission is considering a resolution to grant a special events permit to Lee Hall Jr. for the Lil Lee Water bash. The event is scheduled to be held on July 26th from 1pm to 7pm at Booker Park. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-118] The City Commission is considering a resolution to grant a special events permit to Revitalize Historic Palatka for the Annual Datil Pepper Festival. The event is scheduled to be held on November 14, 2026. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-119] The City Commission is considering a resolution authorizing the Palatka Police Department to apply for a grant of up to $250,000.00 through the US Department of Justice and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA). The funds will be utilized for establishing a mental health and wellness initiative. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-120] The City Commission is considering a resolution authorizing the City Manager to expend remaining American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds totaling $1,121,044.06. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-121] The City Commission is considering a resolution granting a special events permit to Putnam County Historical Society for the 16th annual Occupation of Palatka event. The event is scheduled to be held September 24th-26th. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-123] The City Commission is considering a resolution to cancel Request for Proposal 2026-01 for Financial Audit Services in its entirety. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-122] The City Commission is considering a resolution to appoint Cynthia W. Curry as Interim City Manager of the City of Palatka. The resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an employment agreement. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-114] The City Commission is considering a resolution relating to the Levy of General Municipal Purpose Ad Valorem Taxes for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027. It establishes a proposed maximum millage rate, computes the rolled-back rate, and sets a public hearing. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. The City Commission is considering a resolution to ratify and confirm the Fire Assessment resolution adopted on May 28, 2026. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Gymnasium; case Resolution 2025-R-47, Resolution 2024-R-41, Resolution 2026-R-107] The City Commission is discussing the Newtown Museum and Cultural Center (NMCC) project at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Gymnasium. The project involves the buildout of space within the gymnasium, with an estimated cost to be determined by professional services. Approximately $124,010 remains in city match capital funds for the JCC improvement project, which may be utilized for the NMCC buildout. The city is also considering covering fixed facility costs (utilities, maintenance, custodial) and an annual operational support contribution of $25,000 for five years to NAACAM (Newtown African American Cultural Arts Museum). Staff recommends issuing a professional services contract to determine buildout costs and holding off on the operating support commitment pending further decisions. The meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026. [201 N. 2nd St, Palatka, FL 32177 (City of Palatka); 807 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177 (Palatka Newtown Inc.)] This document is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Palatka and Palatka Newtown Inc. to operate the Newtown Museum and Cultural Arts Center. The MOU outlines roles and responsibilities for operations, programming, fundraising, and facility management. The City will provide space and budget $25,000 annually, subject to appropriation. Palatka Newtown Inc. will manage day-to-day operations, exhibits, events, and cleaning. The MOU is effective from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, with renewal options. The document also includes financial dashboards and budget vs. actual reports for the City of Palatka for FY2026, detailing revenues and expenditures across various funds. This document is a budget versus actual report for the City of Palatka for the eighth month ended May 31, 2026. It details expenditures across various departments including Public Works, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Facilities Maintenance, Information Technology, General Admin, Planning & Zoning, Police, Code Enforcement, Fire, Streets, and Cemetery. Specific line items include personnel services, operating expenses, capital outlay, debt service, and grants. No specific development projects, zoning changes, or new construction projects are detailed in this budget report. This document is a budget vs. actual revenues and expenses report for the City of Palatka for the eighth month ended May 31, 2026. It details expenditures and revenues across various departments including General Fund, Airport Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer/Wastewater Plant. Specific line items include personnel services, operating expenses (such as professional services, maintenance, utilities, supplies), capital outlay, debt service, and transfers. The report provides budget amounts, actual year-to-date expenditures and revenues, and remaining balances for each account. This document is a budget vs. actual report for the City of Palatka for the eighth month ended May 31, 2026. It details revenues and expenditures across various departments including Public Works, Water/Sewer Distribution, Golf Course, Sanitation, and TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts. Specific line items include personnel services, operating expenses (such as chemicals, supplies, maintenance, professional services), capital outlay, and debt service. The report provides a breakdown of budgeted amounts versus actual spending and revenue realization for the period. [case Resolution 2026-R-94] Resolution 2026-R-94 authorizes a budget transfer of $99,832.50 from the completed Roddy Road Force Main Project (G/L 101-18-519-6-6480) to the Public Works Building line (G/L 101-18-519-6-6330) for improvements to the new Public Works facility, including a pole barn, generator, and security system. The transfer was approved on May 28, 2026. [City of Palatka, Putnam County; Lat/Long (29.6531, -81.6400); case Grant LPA0602, Amendment 2; Resolution 2026-R-112] Resolution 2026-R-112 approves Amendment 2 to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant LPA0602 for the Palatka Potable Water Main Line Replacement project. This amendment extends all deliverable and grant deadlines to June 30, 2028. The original grant effective date was March 18, 2024. The total funding is $10,500,000, with $7,000,000 from State LP, GAA LI 1705A, FY 23-24, GR and $3,500,000 from State LP, GAA LI 1732A, FY 24-25, GR. The project involves replacing approximately 36,510 linear feet of potable main lines within the City of Palatka, specifically in the Wilson Cypress site and the Downtown area. The amendment was adopted on July 23, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-113] Resolution 2026-R-113 amends Resolution No. 8-66 to revise the criteria for appointing a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board member. The amendment allows the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners to select the County representative, rather than being limited to the Commissioner representing a specific district. The amendment was adopted on July 23, 2026. [North Palatka; case LPA0602] The City of Palatka is approving Amendment 2 to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant LPA0602 for Potable Water Line Replacement. This amendment extends all deliverable and grant deadlines to June 30, 2028. The original completion deadline was June 30, 2026, and the contracted work is now expected to be completed by July 1, 2027. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has provided a draft amendment extending project deadlines. [Palatka Municipal Airport (28J); case Resolution 2026-R-115] The City of Palatka is authorizing a work order to Hanson Professional Services for $58,573.50 for the Palatka Municipal Airport Wildlife Trench Fencing Project. This project involves designing and constructing approximately 6,830 feet of 10-foot-tall wildlife fencing with barbed wire and a wildlife deterrent fence skirt, and approximately 970 feet of 8-foot-tall perimeter fencing. The project is funded by a $600,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. Hanson Professional Services will provide engineering and project management services for the design and bid phase. [Booker Park; case Resolution 2026-R-116] The City of Palatka is granting a special events permit to Lee Hall Jr. for the Lil Lee Water Bash to be held on July 26, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Booker Park. The permit includes provisions for amplified sound and requires the closure of Dunham Street from N. 10th Street to Eagle Street. Eight police officers will be present before, during, and after the event. The event will include a kids zone. [St. Johns Riverfront; case Resolution 2026-R-118] The City of Palatka is granting a special events permit to Revitalize Historic Palatka for the Annual Datil Pepper Festival to be held on November 14, 2026, at the St. Johns Riverfront. The permit includes provisions for road closures of St. Johns Ave. from Memorial Pkwy. to the 300 block of Memorial from 2nd to Reid Street, amplified sound, and serving beer. The event is an annual occurrence and will feature music, food trucks, a Datil pepper competition, and vendors. [case Resolution 2026-R-119] The City of Palatka is authorizing the Palatka Police Department to apply for a 100% funded grant of up to $250,000.00 through the US Department of Justice and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA). The funds will be used to establish a mental health and wellness initiative for law enforcement officers and personnel over a 24-month period. The initiative will focus on confidential clinical counseling, peer support and training, and critical incident support. [case Resolution 2026-R-120] The City of Palatka is authorizing the City Manager to expend remaining American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds totaling $1,121,044.06. These funds will be allocated to the Palatka Fire Department ($500,000.00) for public safety services, the City of Palatka Wastewater/Water Reclamation Treatment Plant ($310,522.03) for infrastructure and utilities, and the Palatka Police Department ($310,522.03) for public safety services. The funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. [case Resolution 2026-R-121] The City of Palatka is granting a special events permit to the Putnam County Historical Society for the Annual Occupation of Palatka Living History event, to be held on September 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2026. No road closures are permitted for this event. The event will take place during hours specified in the application. [case RFP 2026-01, Resolution 2026-R-123] The City of Palatka is canceling Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-01 for Financial Audit Services in its entirety. All six proposals received will be voided and rejected. The City intends to re-issue a new solicitation for these services at a later date. [201 North 2nd Street, Palatka, FL 32177; case RFP 2026-01] The City of Palatka is soliciting proposals for audit services for its financial statements for three fiscal years, commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, with an option for two one-year renewals. The previous contract was with HCT Certified Public Accountants & Consultants, LLC. The RFP was issued on March 13, 2026, with proposals due on April 10, 2026. The City Commission award date is May 28, 2026. The previous fiscal year 2023-2024 audit fee was $86,089. [201 N. 2nd STREET, PALATKA, FLORIDA, 32177; case RFP 2026-01] The City of Palatka has canceled Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-01 for Financial Audit Services. All six submitted proposals have been rejected, and the solicitation will be re-issued at a later date. The cancellation is deemed to be in the best interest of the City. The RFP was initially released on March 13, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 10, 2026. Proposals were evaluated on April 28, 2026, and rankings were approved on May 6, 2026. The process was halted following the posting of the Intent to Award. [201 N. 2nd Street, Palatka, FL 32177] This document details the City of Palatka's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, outlining departmental expenditures and funding requests. It does not contain specific project proposals, zoning changes, or development applications that would be relevant to contractors and trades seeking work. The information provided is purely financial and budgetary. This document is a budget detail for the City of Palatka for Fiscal Year 2027. It outlines expenditures and revenues across various departments including CRA/TIF, Finance, Fire, General Revenue, Human Resources, Non-Departmental, and Planning. Specific line items detail personnel services, operating expenses, capital outlays, and transfers/reserves for each department. There are no specific project proposals, zoning changes, or development applications detailed within this budget document. The document focuses on financial allocations and historical spending rather than future development projects. This document is a budget detail for the City of Palatka for Fiscal Year 2027. It outlines expenditures and revenues for various departments, including Planning, Police, and Public Works. Specific line items detail personnel services, operating costs, capital outlays, and grants. The document does not contain information about specific development projects, zoning changes, or public comments related to new construction or development opportunities. [case Resolution 2026-R-114] The City of Palatka is proposing a maximum millage rate of 6.2397 mills for Fiscal Year 2027, which is the same as the prior year. This rate is higher than the rolled-back rate of 5.9248 mills, requiring a public hearing and notice of proposed tax increase. The certified taxable value for the City is $794,516,901. The first public hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, and the second for September 24, 2026. The City Commission will need a two-thirds vote (four out of five members) to adopt the proposed millage rate. [case Resolution 2026-R-102] The City of Palatka is ratifying and confirming Resolution 2026-R-102, adopted on May 28, 2026, regarding the annual Fire Service Assessment. A remedial public notice was issued due to an omitted location map. The assessment rates remain unchanged at $125 per parcel plus $2.46 per $1,000 of building value. The City Commission's prior direction was to discontinue the transitional 50% exemption for institutional properties, which would cost the General Fund approximately $96,553 annually if continued. The staff recommends ratifying the prior resolution and discontinuing the exemption. [503 E HARRIS STREET; case PB 26-07/08] Beck/Sloan Properties Inc. requested to annex eight parcels totaling approximately 1.52 acres into the City of Palatka to connect to the City's water service system. The parcels are currently vacant. The request also included amending the Future Land Use Map from Putnam County Urban Service (US) to City of Palatka Residential Medium (RM) and rezoning from Putnam County Residential, Mixed (R-2) to City of Palatka Residential, Two-Family (R-2). Staff recommended approval for all requests. The City Planning Board recommended approval on June 2, 2026, and the City Commission held public hearings on July 23, 2026. Ordinance No. 2026-32 was passed on first reading on July 23, 2026, and adopted on second reading on August 27, 2026. [503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida 32177; case Ordinance No. 2026-33] Ordinance No. 2026-33 amends the Future Land Use Map for eight parcels totaling 1.52 acres at 503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida, from Putnam County Urban Service (US) to City of Palatka Residential Medium (RM). This change is part of an annexation request to connect to the City's water service system. The parcels are currently vacant. The City Planning Board recommended approval on June 2, 2026, and the City Commission held public hearings on July 23, 2026, and August 27, 2026. The ordinance was passed and adopted on July 23, 2026. It is anticipated to have a positive economic impact due to construction and development. [503 E Harris St, Palatka, Florida 32177; case Ordinance No. 2026-34] Ordinance No. 2026-34 amends the Official Zoning Map for eight parcels located at 503 E Harris St, Palatka, Florida, from Putnam County Residential, Mixed (R-2) to City of Palatka Residential, Two-Family (R-2). These parcels total approximately 1.52 acres and are currently vacant. The request is part of an annexation to connect to the City's water service system. The City Planning Board recommended approval on June 2, 2026. The City Commission held public hearings on July 23, 2026, and August 27, 2026, and adopted the ordinance on August 27, 2026. It is not anticipated to create direct economic impact beyond positive impacts from construction and development. [case PB Case 26-12] PB Case 26-12 involves the adoption of amendments to the City of Palatka Comprehensive Plan 2045. The original plan was adopted on December 11, 2025, but was deemed null and void by the Florida Department of Commerce due to inconsistencies with SB 180. City staff and consultants have addressed these inconsistencies. The City Commission considered the plan for transmittal on July 23, 2026. The plan will be scheduled for final adoption after receiving comments from the Coordinated State Review. Staff recommends approval of the adoption of the amended plan. This document outlines various policies and objectives related to the City of Palatka's Comprehensive Plan, focusing on land use, housing, and mobility. It details regulations for development, including zoning, buffering, setbacks from water bodies and well fields, and historic preservation. The housing element addresses diversification, affordability, and rehabilitation of housing stock. The mobility element emphasizes a multimodal transportation network, including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements, and road planning. Specific policies address floodplains, wetlands, signage, airport compatibility, and private property rights. There are no specific projects, case numbers, or decisions detailed in this excerpt, but it sets the regulatory framework for future development. This document outlines the City of Palatka's policies and goals related to transportation, recreation, conservation, and public facilities. It details standards for road design, pedestrian and bicycle access, airport development, park provision, environmental protection (including wetlands and water quality), and public utility services (water, sewer, solid waste, drainage). Key policies include requirements for developers to pave internal roadways, participate in access road improvements, and consider connectivity for various modes of transport. For recreation, it specifies level of service standards for parks and facilities. Conservation policies address environmentally sensitive lands, buffers, stormwater management, and protection of water resources. Public facilities policies establish level of service standards for water, sewer, and solid waste, and outline requirements for new development to connect to central systems or provide adequate infrastructure. There are no specific development projects detailed in this section, but rather policy frameworks that guide future development. This document outlines policies and objectives related to public facilities and services in Palatka, Florida, focusing on sanitary sewer systems, stormwater management, and solid waste disposal. It details requirements for new developments to connect to the sanitary sewer system based on proximity to existing or planned lines, with specific distances (1,320 feet for large commercial/industrial, 250 feet for small commercial and single-family homes). Septic tanks are regulated, with restrictions on placement near sewer lines and a phased-out plan. Stormwater management policies emphasize containing and channeling runoff, protecting water bodies, and requiring new development in flood-prone areas to meet specific elevation and construction standards. Solid waste policies mandate the use of municipal collection programs and compliance with environmental regulations, including hazardous waste disposal procedures. The document also includes projections for water supply and demand, noting adequate capacity for projected growth but also higher recent water usage than projected. It details water conservation and reuse practices, and water source protection measures. Intergovernmental coordination with Putnam County and state agencies is emphasized for planning, service provision, and infrastructure projects. The Capital Improvements Element details the process for adopting and updating a 5-Year Capital Improvements Schedule (CIS) to prioritize public facility projects based on safety, mandates, growth accommodation, economic development, and operational efficiency. This document outlines the City of Palatka's policies and goals related to capital improvements, private property rights, historic preservation, and economic development. It details requirements for new development concerning public facilities and services, including concurrency review for infrastructure like sanitary sewer, stormwater drainage, potable water, and transportation. The document also lists planned capital improvement projects for the next five fiscal years across various city departments, such as City Hall improvements, sidewalk construction, public works building upgrades, stormwater management, streetscape enhancements, and fire department equipment. It further addresses the protection of historic resources, property rights, and strategies for economic diversification, job growth, and enhancing connectivity. Specific policies cover impact fees, fair share programs, level of service standards for public facilities, historic site documentation and preservation incentives, and the development of community redevelopment areas. The Capital Improvements Schedule (CIS) details planned projects and funding commitments from 2025-2026 through 2029-2030, with a total estimated expenditure of $15,171,399 for 2025-2026, $3,209,900 for 2026-2027, $3,326,073 for 2027-2028, $9,402,774 for 2028-2029, and $9,179,000 for 2029-2030. [case ORDINANCE NO. 2026-31] The City of Palatka is approving proposed amendments to its Comprehensive Plan for transmittal to the Florida Department of Commerce and other reviewing agencies. These amendments cover multiple elements including Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, Public Facilities, Conservation, Recreation and Open Space, Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Property Rights, Historic Preservation, and Economic Development. The purpose is to modernize and clarify policies, ensure consistency with state law, reflect current conditions, promote coordinated growth, protect resources, encourage investment, and improve internal consistency. The amendments are intended to serve as an effective policy framework for future growth, redevelopment, conservation, and public facilities. A Business Impact Estimate indicates no direct economic impact on businesses, beyond positive impacts from construction and development, and estimates no businesses will be impacted by the ordinance itself. The document also notes that internet cafes in Palatka have been a threat to public safety and a front for illegal activity.