Council moves forward with city manager interviews while addressing bike safety and community recognition
The Palm Coast City Council held its business meeting on October 21, 2025, where members issued proclamations honoring local workers, discussed water supply questions, and finalized plans for hiring a new city manager.
Water Supply Questions Raised
Resident Shantel Pinga addressed the council about concerns regarding the city’s future water supply. She referenced city documents from October 7 that mentioned alternative water supply sources, including brackish groundwater and reclaimed wastewater.
Pinga questioned whether the city would have enough water for residents and new developments once Plant Three is built. “The question was asked once the plant three was built, would there be enough water for the residents and the additional developments? And the answer was no,” she said.
City Manager Lauren Johnston clarified the city’s current plans. “The city of Palm Coast is evaluating the use of brackish water from the upper Floridian aquifer. There is no current work or plans to place indirect potable reuse,” Johnston said.
Johnston explained that while some cities in California, Virginia, and Jacksonville are investigating water reuse systems, Palm Coast is not pursuing this approach. She invited Pinga to tour the city’s water and wastewater facilities.
Mayor Michael Norris added that any water reuse process would require EPA approval and go through strict regulatory processes. Council Member Pontieri noted that references to treated wastewater likely involve aquifer recharge, where water filters back into the ground before being pumped up through wells as drinking water.
Medical Assistants Recognized
The council declared October 20-24, 2025, as National Medical Assistant Recognition Week. Lauren Ramirez and Kaylee Ardon accepted the proclamation on behalf of medical assistants in the community.
Ramirez highlighted that Ardon, a Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate, is one of 66 students who have earned registered medical assistant certification through local training programs. Many of these graduates are returning to work in Flagler County.
“Medical assistants are the heart of health care, serving as vital members of medical teams in clinics, physician offices, hospitals, and training programs,” the proclamation stated.
Careers in Construction Month
The council also proclaimed October as Careers in Construction Month, though no representatives were present to accept the proclamation. The council tabled a proclamation for Red Ribbon Week due to the absence of recipients.
City Manager Search Continues
The council finalized interview plans for the two remaining city manager candidates. The interview process will include one-on-one meetings in the morning, followed by a public meeting in the afternoon where candidates will give presentations.
Council members decided candidates should present on their white papers, which outline their plans for Palm Coast in the first year or two. This will allow the council to evaluate public speaking and communication skills.
“I think some of my opinions changed based on that,” Vice Mayor Pontieri said about the importance of presentations in the previous search.
Each council member will ask two questions during the panel interview. A public meet-and-greet will begin at 5:00 p.m. following the formal interviews.
Johnston confirmed both candidates are ready to come to town for interviews.
Bike Safety Concerns
Council Member Gambaro urged parents to ensure children wear helmets while riding bikes. He described an incident the day after the council passed an e-bike ordinance two weeks ago, when a child on a regular bike collided with his stationary truck.
“This kid slams into the side of my truck on a regular bike, not wearing a helmet, and I’m stationary,” Gambaro said. “Parents, please police your children. Don’t let them get killed in a bicycle accident.”
The council’s e-bike ordinance was published two weeks ago. Staff is working to share the information on the city’s website and social media so parents understand the new rules.
Sports Field Limitations
Council members discussed the need for additional sports field space and lighting at Indian Trails. During a Tourism Development Council meeting, Elite Soccer representatives explained that the lack of field space and lights limits the number of tournaments they can host in Palm Coast.
“We’re missing out on economic dollars. These are real economic dollars that could be coming into our community that are not because of our lack of field space and or lighting,” Vice Mayor Pontieri said.
She encouraged staff to consider field improvements in future capital improvement plans.
TPO Appointment
Council Member Miller announced he accepted a nomination to serve on the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) executive committee. The appointment will allow Palm Coast to have more influence on how Florida Department of Transportation dollars are spent in the region.
“Hopefully that allows us to exert a little bit more influence on the FDOT dollars that are being used in TPO and the local regional area,” Miller said.
Legal Matters
The City Attorney requested a closed-door shade meeting to discuss ongoing litigation between Flagler County Palm Coast Homebuilders and the City of Palm Coast. The meeting will include the city council, the city manager, Borkert, and attorney Jeremiah Blacker.
Other Business
The council acknowledged Florida League of Cities Week, which was being celebrated during the meeting week. All council members were present for the meeting, which began at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall’s John Netts Community Wing.
The post Palm Coast Honors Medical Workers, Debates Water Supply Concerns first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
