The Palm Coast City Council held its regular business workshop on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, addressing multiple significant issues affecting the community. The meeting covered everything from recreation facility management to electric bike regulations and city manager recruitment.
Southern Recreation Center Management Discussion
The council spent considerable time reviewing a proposal from USA Florida to manage the Southern Recreation Center. The facility, which opened in 2008 as a tennis center and expanded in 2024 to include pickleball courts and community rooms, currently operates at a loss of approximately $207,000 annually based on current figures.
USA Florida presented their assessment and management proposal, which would involve taking over operations, including staffing, programming, and events. The organization conducted a resident survey of 119 responses and outlined plans for expanded programming, tournaments, and professional instruction services.
However, council members raised significant financial concerns. Under the current city-run model, the facility generates about $418,000 in annual revenue against $625,000 in expenses. Under the USA proposal, the city would retain only about $14,000-15,000 in revenue from private rentals and community programs while still bearing substantial operational costs estimated at over $400,000.
One council member expressed strong reservations, stating, “My biggest holdup is that financially it looks like while there may be positives in terms of programming, we’re potentially going to lose more money.” Another member noted that the facility “has only been fully operating for about a year and a half” and questioned whether changes were premature.
The council ultimately decided to gather more financial information before making any decisions. They directed staff to analyze the true costs of separating tennis and pickleball operations from other facility activities and to explore strategies for hosting more revenue-generating tournaments, particularly for pickleball.
City Manager Search Process
The council reviewed candidates for the city manager position after receiving 112 applications. Through their agreed-upon selection process, any candidate receiving support from at least three council members would advance to the next round.
The process identified 11 candidates who met the threshold, with four receiving unanimous support from all five council members. During the discussion, one council member advocated for including an additional candidate, a retired Air Force Brigadier General, citing extensive executive experience managing large organizations and budgets.
After debate about changing the agreed-upon process, the council ultimately decided to include this additional candidate, bringing the total to 12. The next phase will involve video interviews, with each council member submitting two questions for candidates to answer in three-minute responses.
The council set an aggressive timeline, requiring questions by the end of the week and candidate responses by September 18th, with a review session scheduled for September 23rd.
Cultural Arts Grant Program Agreement
The council discussed renewing its agreement with the Flagler County Cultural Council (FC3) to administer the city’s cultural arts grant program. The current agreement, worth approximately $100,000, allows FC3 to review and score grant applications while the city retains final decision-making authority.
The discussion revealed sharp divisions among council members. One member strongly opposed renewal, stating, “I will not support renewing this contract with FC3. I’ve already spoken to Lauren about bringing it back within our organization.” This member cited concerns about “hyperpartisanship and pettiness” and problems with following proper procedures.
However, another council member defended the organization, noting “this is a volunteer operation” that has “invested 200 hours of volunteer time” and arguing that FC3 provides valuable expertise in grant administration. The member acknowledged first-year challenges but supported continuing the partnership with improvements.
The council will vote on the contract renewal at their next business meeting, with requirements added for FC3 to operate under sunshine law requirements for transparency.
Electric Bike Regulations
The council reviewed a comprehensive ordinance to regulate electric bicycles (e-bikes) in response to growing safety concerns. The proposed regulations would establish different rules based on e-bike classifications, with Class 1 and 2 limited to 20 mph and Class 3 limited to 28 mph.
Key provisions include a minimum age requirement of 15 to operate e-bikes, though council members discussed lowering this to 13. The ordinance would require government-issued identification for all operators and mandatory helmet use for anyone under 16.
Speed limits would be established at 10 mph on all sidewalks, with penalties up to $100 for violations. The ordinance also addresses “electric powered cycles” like dirt bikes, which would be prohibited on city property except private residences.
Public comment revealed mixed reactions. Business owners emphasized the need for education over restrictions, with one stating “the biggest problem we have” is a lack of education about traffic rules. However, residents described serious problems, with one reporting his house “has been hit nine times” by individuals using e-bikes for criminal activity.
The council directed staff to refine the ordinance language and add restrictions on headphone use while riding. They also requested the development of educational materials to be distributed through bike shops and schools. The ordinance will receive its first reading at the next council meeting.
Public Comments and Concerns
During public participation periods, residents raised various concerns, including animal control services, transportation for disadvantaged residents, and infrastructure impacts from regional development. Several speakers urged the council to expedite animal welfare decision-making as surrounding counties establish their own shelters.
Transportation issues were highlighted by a resident who noted that scheduling rides through the current system had “no openings until October” and a limited frequency of just “twice a month.” City staff confirmed they have requested a presentation from county transportation officials.
Multiple residents expressed concerns about large developments in neighboring communities affecting Palm Coast infrastructure, particularly a 6,000-home project that could bring approximately 4,200 additional pets to the area.
Financial and Operational Updates
The city manager provided updates on various ongoing projects, including website ADA compliance, expected to be completed by April 2026, and coordination with county officials on shared services and infrastructure concerns.
Council members emphasized the importance of cost recovery for recreational facilities, with ongoing discussions about balancing public services with fiscal responsibility. These conversations will continue as the city develops its fiscal year 2027 budget priorities.
The meeting concluded with upcoming agenda items, including a special budget hearing scheduled for September 10th and continued discussions on recreational facility management and electric bike regulations at future meetings.
The post Palm Coast Council Debates Recreation Center Management, E-Bike Rules, and City Manager Search first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
