In a marathon city council meeting, the Palm Coast government addressed a wide range of issues, from recognizing historical figures to updating transportation plans and reviewing procurement policies.
The meeting began with a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Shirley Chisholm Month. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and also made a bid for the presidency in 1972. The council unanimously approved the proclamation, honoring Chisholm’s legacy as a “humanitarian, politician, and trailblazer.”
Next, the council received an update on Flagler County’s 10-year Transit Development Plan (TDP). Jonathan Roberson from the Center for Urban Transportation Research presented the plan, which aims to assess the county’s public transportation needs and explore potential service expansions, such as fixed-route buses and on-demand mobility options.
“Flagler County is the transportation provider for the entire county area,” Roberson explained. “This plan looks at all the transportation and mobility needs that may be needed now and in the next 10 years for Flagler County.”
The council also discussed clarifying their policies and procedures, particularly around voting during workshops versus business meetings. Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and following proper protocols.
“I think it’s important that we take out as much subjectivity as possible,” Councilman Tyler Miller said. “So I understand what you’re saying, Mr. Roche, about PBM. They may be a great company. They may do great work. We may have a great history with them. But the point on a bid package and bid submittals, the point is to have… objective criteria to take as much subjectivity out of it so that we are objectively looking at bids and we’re looking at all of the same information from every single bidder.”
The council also addressed a bid protest regarding a wastewater pump station odor control project. After hearing from both city staff and the protesting bidder, the council determined that the bid protest had merit and directed the project to be re-bid.
Regarding commercial vehicle parking, the council approved an ordinance allowing such vehicles to be parked in residential driveways, with a 6-month review period to monitor for any abuse of the new policy.
“I think it’s important that we support trades and skilled labor, and our local economy,” Mayor Michael Norris said. “And, you know, are we here to say that, you know, because you’re the trades, you’re not welcome here? I don’t want to say that. I don’t think that’s fair at all.”
The council also addressed several Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program updates. These included approving the CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, updating the SHIP interlocal agreement with Flagler County, and expanding the CDBG purchase assistance program for first-time homebuyers.
“We are getting a return on our investment, but I felt that there was another gap between the first-time homebuyers’ program and getting the assistance to the citizens,” said Jackie Gonzalez, the city’s Site Development Coordinator.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Jeannie Duarte expressed concerns about the transparency and professionalism of the city’s utility department, particularly regarding the treatment she received from the new utility director, Brian Roche.
“The transparency of what’s going on with our utilities is not OK,” Duarte said. “During the break, I offered to give him a card. He treated me like the plague, like, ‘I don’t do cards.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m running for the council. I’d like to talk to you.’ Oh, I don’t do politics. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute.’ He says he does water. So I said, ‘That’s what I want to talk to you about is the water.’ Well, he would not take my card. He just bolted out of here like a bat out of hell. And that’s very unprofessional behavior.”
The council also addressed the appointment of a new city manager, with Councilman Tyler Miller nominating David McGlothlin for the position. The council unanimously approved the appointment, with Mayor Norris and Vice Mayor Pontieri leading the contract negotiations.
Throughout the meeting, the council demonstrated a commitment to addressing a diverse range of issues facing the Palm Coast community, from transportation and procurement to affordable housing and community development programs. The lengthy session highlighted the city’s efforts to tackle complex challenges and make decisions that serve the best interests of its residents.
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