Agenda Packet

City Commission Meeting · 2026-07-23 · agenda_packet

[503 E HARRIS STREET, PALATKA, FLORIDA 32177] City Commission meeting agenda for July 23, 2026, including appointment of Interim City Manager, approval of minutes, public recognition, administrative reports, public comments, consent agenda items (resolutions for CRA board member criteria, budget transfer for Public Works, grant amendment, special events permits, grant application, ARPA spending plan, special events permit, RFP cancellation), regular business, budget presentation, public hearings (adopting millage rate resolution, ratifying fire assessment resolution, annexing and rezoning property at 503 E Harris Street, adopting Comprehensive Plan 2045), and commissioner comments. The agenda also lists upcoming events and board vacancies. Resolution 2026-R-113 revises criteria for appointing a CRA Board member. Resolution 2026-R-94 authorizes a budget transfer of $99,832.50 for improvements to the new Public Works facility, including a pole barn, generator, and security system. Resolution 2026-R-112 approves an amendment to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant for potable water line replacement, extending deadlines to 6/30/2028. Resolution 2026-R-116 grants a special events permit to Lee Hall Jr. for the Lil Lee Water bash on July 26th at Booker Park. Resolution 2026-R-118 grants a special events permit to Revitalize Historic Palatka for the Annual Datil Pepper Festival on 11/14/2026. Resolution 2026-R-119 authorizes the Palatka Police Department to apply for a US Department of Justice grant up to $250,000 for a mental health and wellness initiative. Resolution 2026-R-120 authorizes the expenditure of remaining American Recovery Plan Act funds totaling $1,109,856.34. Resolution 2026-R-121 grants a special events permit to Putnam County Historical Society for the 16th annual Occupation of Palatka event on September 24th-26th. Resolution 2026-R-123 cancels Request for Proposal 2026-01 for Financial Audit Services. [503 E HARRIS STREET, PALATKA, FLORIDA 32177] Ordinance No. 2026-32 annexes property at 503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida, into the corporate limits of the City of Palatka. Ordinance No. 2026-33 amends the Future Land Use Map for the same property from Putnam County Urban Service (US) to City of Palatka Residential Medium (RM). Ordinance No. 2026-34 amends the Official Zoning Map for the same property from Putnam County Residential Mixed (R-2) to City of Palatka Residential, Two-Family (R-2). Ordinance No. 2026-31 approves proposed amendments to the City of Palatka Comprehensive Plan 2045, covering elements such as Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, Public Facilities, Conservation, Recreation and Open Space, Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Property Rights, Historic Preservation, and Economic Development. It authorizes transmittal of these amendments to the Florida Department of Commerce and other reviewing agencies. The June 10, 2026, Public Arts Workshop minutes detail discussions on the formation of a City Public Art Committee. The committee will be a city-wide advisory body, not a CRA committee, and will serve in an advisory capacity to develop recommendations for the City Commission. Potential benefits include enhancing community input, supporting cultural storytelling, developing consistent public art policies, and aligning efforts across the city. Staff reported four completed applications for the committee, with two more expected. Seven seats are planned for the committee. A full slate of recommended appointees is expected at the next City Commission meeting. [42-10-27-6850-0120-0101, 42-10-27-6850-0110-0100, 42-10-27-6850-0120-0020, 42-10-27-6850-0120-0011, 42-10-27-6850-0120-0010, 42-10-27-6850-0150-0060, 42-10-27-6850-0150-0040, 42-10-27-6850-0150-0090, 02-10-26-7720-0180-0010, 02-10-26-7720-0110-0010, 02-10-26-7720-0100-0000, 02-10-26-7720-0030-0010, 02-10-26-7720-0010-0000; case Resolution 2026-R-100, Resolution 2026-R-107, Resolution 2026-R-105, Ordinance 2026-28, Ordinance 2026-30] The June 11, 2026, Commission Meeting minutes include recognition of the Streets Department as Department of the Quarter for infrastructure improvements. A $500 check was presented to the Palatka Athletic League by the Northeast Florida League of Cities. Proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth were approved. An audit status update noted a $1,026,880 change order on a water tank project was denied loan disbursement by FDEP, requiring the city to fund it from utility fund reserves. Job vacancies and projected retirements were reviewed. Completed projects include Police and Fire Department parking lot, Bronson-Mulholland House, Tilghman House, Palm Bowl Park, Shaw and Shaw Buck Park, Jenkins project, River Street Wall, Pride of Palatka II, Roadway improvements, Airport access control gates, Airport FDOT project, Fire Station wind retrofit project, and Public Works facilities. Public comment from Ms. Kitchens expressed dislike for new downtown sidewalks due to lack of grass and heat. Consent agenda items included a special events permit for Lee Hall's 'Stop the Violence' event at Jenkins facility, with discussions on lighting, parking, and noise levels (80 dB requested). Public comment from Ms. Kitchens opposed the 80 dB limit, and Ms. Garris opposed the event due to past issues. A Memorandum of Understanding for the Newtown Museum was tabled for further review and attorney approval. A special events permit was granted to Mark Rinaman for the Amara Zee Port Call for the Tall Ship Amara Zee Visits Palatka. The interim city manager contract was approved. Ordinance 2026-28 (Planned Unit Development Overlay) and Ordinance 2026-30 (Zoning map amendment from General Commercial (C-1) to City of Palatka Single Family Residential (R-1)) were approved on second reading. The June 17, 2026, Commission Workshop minutes include a Fire Department budget overview, highlighting achievements such as a new ladder truck, grant for iPads, and a $2 million USDA grant for apparatus costs. Priorities for next year include HAZMAT team development and applying for the SAFER grant. The operational budget proposes an increase due to rising costs. The Commission Budget discussion involved whether to carry forward FY 25-26 budget amounts or review line by line, with concerns about tight revenues and potential sacrifices. The Newtown Museum's $25,000 annual allocation was discussed regarding its placement in the budget. The Interim City Manager requested time to meet with department heads to formulate balanced budget scenarios for the July 23 meeting, based on updated revenue estimates and potential reductions. The impact of a statewide constitutional amendment on property tax revenue was also reviewed. The FY27 budget calendar was adjusted. The June 29, 2026, Special Called Meeting minutes present the annual audit results for the City of Palatka for the year ended September 30, 2025. HCT CPA provided an unmodified (clean) audit opinion. Six audit findings were identified: Cash Disbursement Controls, Land Swap Transactions (city banned future land swaps on May 28, 2026), Grant Revenue Recognition, Interfund Transfers (CRA), Grant Project Change Orders, and Journal Entry Documentation. The audit scope was expanded mid-year, leading to deeper testing. Discussions clarified that this is a financial statement audit, not a forensic or investigative review. The city's shift from Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs) to a basic Annual Financial Report (AFR) since 2021 was discussed, with a recommendation to return to ACFR reporting for increased transparency and eligibility for GFOA certification. The operational audit team will explore the six financial audit findings more deeply. [Jenkins Community Center (JCC), Jenkins and Newtown; case Reso. No. 2024-R-41] Staff report regarding the renovation of the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Memorial Gymnasium (Jenkins Community Center) and the proposed Newtown Museum and Cultural Center (NMCC) at Jenkins. The City received a $690,000 grant from the Florida Department of State for the gymnasium, with a City match of $190,000, and later allocated an additional $307,470, bringing the total to $1,191,470. Approximately $124,010 remains in city match capital funds for the JCC improvement project. The report requests Commission direction on utilizing these funds for the NMCC buildout and addresses the City's coverage of fixed facility costs (utilities, maintenance, custodial) and an annual operational support contribution of $25,000 for five years. Staff recommends issuing a professional services contract to determine NMCC buildout costs and developing a recommendation based on those costs and fund availability. This document details a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Palatka and Palatka Newtown Inc. for the operation of the Newtown Museum and Cultural Arts Center. The MOU outlines roles and responsibilities for both parties, including facility provision by the City and operations/programming by Palatka Newtown Inc. The City commits to budgeting at least $25,000 annually for Newtown's services, subject to appropriation. The MOU commences July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2031, with renewal options. Financial dashboards and budget vs. actual reports for the City of Palatka for FY2026 are also included, showing revenues and expenditures across various funds. This document is a budget versus actual revenue and expense 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. The report breaks down expenses by personnel services and operating expenses, including line items for salaries, overtime, insurance, professional services, contractual services, supplies, maintenance, and capital outlay. Specific dollar amounts are provided for budgeted, year-to-date, current month, and remaining balances for each account. This document is a budget versus 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 Cultural Services, Recreation, Parks, Price Martin Center, Water Taxis, Jenkins Gymnasium, Airport Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer/Wastewater Plant. Specific line items include personnel services, operating expenses, and capital outlay for each department. The report provides budgeted amounts, year-to-date actuals, current month figures, and remaining balances. This document is a budget vs. actual report for the City of Palatka for the eighth month ending May 31, 2026. It details revenues and expenditures across various departments including Public Works, Water/Sewer Distribution, Water Administration, Golf Course, Sanitation, TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts, and the Better Place Plan. The report lists specific account numbers, descriptions, budgeted amounts, year-to-date actuals, current month activity, encumbrances, remaining balances, and percentage realized/unspent. There are no specific development projects, zoning changes, or public comments detailed in this excerpt. [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 Project (G/L 101-18-519-6-6330) for improvements including a pole barn, generator, and security system. The transfer was approved on May 28, 2026. [City of Palatka, specifically the Wilson Cypress site and the Downtown area; case Grant LPA0602, Amendment 2] 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 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 total grant amount is $10,500,000. The amendment was adopted on July 23, 2026. [North Palatka; case LPA0602] The City of Palatka is amending Amendment 2 to FDEP grant LPA0602 for potable water line replacement. The original completion deadline was June 30, 2026, and the contracted work is now expected to be completed by July 1, 2027. The amendment extends all project deadlines to June 30, 2028. The City Commission approved this amendment. [Booker Park; case 2026-R-116] The City of Palatka granted a Special Events Permit to Lee Hall Jr. for the Lil Lee Water Bash. The event will be held at Booker Park on July 26, 2026, from 1 pm to 7 pm. Provisions include amplified sound and the closure of Dunham Street from N. 10th Street to Eagle Street. Eight police officers will be present. The City Commission approved the resolution. [St. Johns Riverfront; case 2026-R-118] The City of Palatka granted a Special Events Permit to Revitalize Historic Palatka for the Annual Datil Pepper Festival. The event will be held on November 14, 2026, at the St. Johns Riverfront. The permit includes road closures on St. Johns Ave. from Memorial Pkwy. to the 300 block of Memorial from 2nd to Reid Street, amplified sound, and permission to serve beer. The City Commission approved the resolution. [case 2026-R-119] The City of Palatka authorized the Palatka Police Department to apply for the FY26 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) grant. The grant is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, up to $250,000, to establish a mental health and wellness initiative for law enforcement personnel. There is no local matching fund requirement. The City Commission approved the resolution. [case 2026-R-120] The City of Palatka authorized the City Manager to expend remaining American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds totaling $1,109,856.34. These funds are allocated to the Palatka Fire Department ($369,952.11), City of Palatka Wastewater/Water Reclamation Treatment Plant ($369,952.11), and Palatka Police Department ($369,952.12) for public safety and infrastructure services. The City received a total of $5,234,421 in ARPA funding and has spent $4,124,565. The remaining funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. The City Commission approved the resolution. [case 2026-R-121] The City of Palatka granted a Special Events Permit to the Putnam County Historical Society for the Annual Occupation of Palatka Living History Event. The event will be held on September 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2026. No road closures are permitted. The City Commission approved the resolution. [case 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 rejected. The City intends to re-issue a new solicitation for these services at a later date. The City Commission approved the resolution to cancel the RFP. [201 North 2nd Street, Palatka, FL 32177; case RFP 2026-01] The City of Palatka has canceled Request for Proposals (RFP) 2026-01 for Financial Audit Services in its entirety and rejected all six submitted proposals. The city plans to re-issue the solicitation at a later date. The RFP was initially released on March 13, 2026, with a submission deadline of April 10, 2026. The Audit Committee evaluated proposals on April 28, 2026, and the Audit Selection Committee approved proposer rankings on May 6, 2026. The cancellation follows the posting of an Intent to Award, after which all submissions are voided. The City Commission formally adopted a resolution on July 23, 2026, to cancel the RFP and reject all proposals. This document outlines the City of Palatka's Fiscal Year 2027 budget development process, including revenue projections, expenditure allocations, and departmental budget requests. Key discussions involve setting the maximum millage rate, potential budget reductions, and the impact of state legislative actions. The document details financial figures for various city funds such as the General Fund, Airport, CRA/Tax Increment, Utilities, Golf Course, Sanitation, Better Place Plan, and ARPA. It also includes a breakdown of funded positions and vacancies across departments. The primary focus for contractors and trades would be the capital outlay and grant-funded projects mentioned within the departmental expenditure details, particularly for Public Works, Airport, and Fire departments, as these represent potential future work opportunities. However, specific project details, locations, and timelines for these capital expenditures are not provided in this budget document. This document is a budget detail for the City of Palatka for Fiscal Year 2027. It outlines expenditures and revenues for various city departments, including Airport, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Commission, Community Affairs, CRA, Finance, and Fire. It details personnel services, operating costs, capital outlay, and other expenses for each department. The document does not contain specific project proposals or contractor opportunities but rather budgetary allocations. This document is a budget detail for the City of Palatka for Fiscal Year 2027. It outlines expenditures and revenues for various departments including Fire, General Revenue, Human Resources, Non-Departmental, Planning, Police, and Public Works. Specific line items detail personnel services, operating costs, capital outlay, and grants. There are no specific project proposals, zoning changes, or development applications detailed within this budget document. This document is a budget for the City of Palatka for Fiscal Year 2027, detailing expenditures and revenues across various departments including Public Works, Utilities, and Sanitation. It outlines planned spending for personnel, operating costs, and capital projects. The document also includes an inventory of active grants and a resolution regarding the levy of general municipal purpose ad valorem taxes for FY 2027, establishing a proposed maximum millage rate of 6.2397 mills. [case Resolution 2026-R-114] The City of Palatka is proposing to maintain its maximum operating millage rate at 6.2397 mills for Fiscal Year 2027. This rate is 5.31 percent above the rolled-back rate of 5.9248 mills. The City Commission will hold public hearings on September 10, 2026, and September 24, 2026, to consider the proposed millage rate and budget. The proposed rate is level to the prior year's operating millage rate. [case Resolution 2026-R-102] The City of Palatka is holding a supplemental public hearing to ratify and confirm Resolution 2026-R-102, adopted on May 28, 2026, regarding the annual Fire Service Assessment. A remedial public notice was necessary due to an omitted location map. The assessment rates remain unchanged: $125 per parcel plus $2.46 per $1,000 of building value. The primary discussion point is whether to continue exemptions for institutional properties, which would cost the General Fund approximately $96,553 per year. The staff recommendation is to discontinue the transitional institutional exemption. [503 E Harris Street, Palatka, Florida 32177; case Ordinance No. 2026-32 (Annexation), Ordinance No. 2026-33 (Future Land Use), Ordinance No. 2026-34 (Zoning)] 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 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). The parcels are vacant and part of the historic Glisson Wells Subdivision, platted in 1911. The intent is to develop the property with city water service. Staff recommended approval for all requests. The City Commission approved the annexation, future land use map amendment, and rezoning. [503 E Harris St, Palatka, Florida 32177; case ORDINANCE NO. 2026-34] This document details a proposed ordinance (ORDINANCE NO. 2026-34) to rezone multiple parcels from Putnam County Residential Mixed (R-2) to City of Palatka Residential, Two-Family (R-2). The affected properties are located at 503 E Harris St, Palatka, Florida 32177. The ordinance aims to address the city's affordable housing crisis by allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in single-family residential districts. The city anticipates no direct negative economic impact on businesses, only a positive impact from construction and development. The document also includes extensive details on the City of Palatka Comprehensive Plan 2045 amendments, covering future land use categories, densities, intensities, development regulations, and environmental protections, but these do not pertain to specific development projects with actionable details for contractors. This document outlines various policies and objectives for the City of Palatka related to land use, housing, mobility, and recreation. It details strategies for airport compatibility, housing diversification and affordability, transportation infrastructure improvements (including multimodal options, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and transit), and the provision and maintenance of parks and open spaces. Specific policies address zoning restrictions near airports, incentives for affordable housing development, requirements for transportation facilities in new developments, and the preservation of historically significant housing and natural resources. The document also mentions coordination with state and county entities for planning and funding. This document outlines the City of Palatka's Conservation Element, Public Facilities Element, and Water Supply Facilities Work Plan (2025-2035). It details policies and objectives related to environmental protection, resource conservation, air and water quality, groundwater protection, and management of public facilities including potable water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and solid waste systems. Key policies include requirements for vegetated buffers along the St. Johns River and wetlands, restrictions on development density in wetlands, mandates for reuse/reclaimed water lines in new developments, protection of wellfield areas with setback buffers, and standards for stormwater management and flood control. The Water Supply Facilities Work Plan addresses the need to plan for water supply sources and facilities to serve existing and future development within the City's jurisdiction, particularly in a Water Resource Caution Area, and emphasizes water conservation and reuse practices. This document outlines the City of Palatka's Water Supply Facilities Work Plan for 2025-2035, detailing potable and non-potable water sources, supplies, facilities, and demand projections. It confirms adequate potable water supply and facility capacity for projected growth within the service area. The City has a Consumptive Use Permit (CUP #8114) for 3.09 mgd groundwater, expiring in 2027. The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) has a design capacity of 6 mgd, with 2024 usage at approximately 1.74 mgd. No WTP capacity-related capital improvements are anticipated. The City also operates a wastewater reclamation facility (WRF) with a 3.5 mgd capacity, all of which is reused for irrigation. The document discusses interlocal agreements with Putnam County for water service, potential future development along US 17 near Comfort Road, and water service extension along East River Road. It also details population projection methodologies for the Palatka 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update, utilizing the BEBR High growth model and a 13.8% proportionate share of Putnam County's population. The plan emphasizes coordination with Putnam County and other agencies for development and infrastructure services, and outlines capital improvement strategies, level of service standards for various utilities (sanitary sewer, drainage, potable water), and fair share programs for development. This document outlines proposed amendments to the City of Palatka Comprehensive Plan, affecting multiple elements including Future Land Use, Transportation, Capital Improvements, Historic Preservation, and Economic Development. The amendments aim to modernize and clarify the plan, ensure consistency with state law, reflect current conditions, promote coordinated growth, protect resources, encourage investment, and improve internal consistency. The City Planning Board recommended approval for transmittal on July 7, 2026, and the City Commission held a public hearing on July 23, 2026, to approve the amendments for transmittal to the Florida Department of Commerce and other reviewing agencies. The existing Comprehensive Plan remains in effect until final adoption of the amendments. [case Ordinance 2026-31] This document details Ordinance 2026-31, which amends the City of Palatka's Comprehensive Plan. The ordinance was passed upon first reading on July 23, 2026, and adopted upon second and final reading on August 27, 2026. It authorizes the transmittal of proposed amendments to various elements of the Comprehensive Plan, including Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, and others, to the Florida Department of Commerce and other reviewing agencies. A key aspect of the proposed amendments is the allowance of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in single-family residential districts to address the city's affordable housing crisis. The ordinance is enacted to implement Part II of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, relating to growth policy and land development regulation. The city anticipates no direct economic impact on businesses beyond positive impacts from construction and development of new residential structures. The document also notes that internet cafes in Palatka have been posing an increased threat to public safety and have become localized areas of crime, creating an unsafe environment for surrounding businesses.