City Council Meeting 10/14/2026

The October 14, 2026, Punta Gorda City Council meeting included several spending and procurement items. Council approved acceptance of a FEMA SAFER grant of up to $2.4 million to support hiring nine firefighters; the fire chief said the grant covers 75% of the cost. Staff also presented a budgeted capital improvement project to replace the powder activated carbon system, with an engineering amendment for design, permitting, and bidding assistance totaling $296,340 over an estimated 12 months. A motion to approve the amendment was made, but the transcript does not clearly capture the final vote. Project updates noted that bids for the Bokea Grande drainage work were being evaluated, the Bayfront project was out to bid, proposals for a public safety fence were under review, and the AMI solicitation was with legal after a protest. The city was also proceeding with a best-and-final offer for building-permit software and negotiations for a FEMA grant manager.

The council tabled a hospital-campus parking variance request until October 28 so the applicant could provide owner authorization and address legal and application concerns; no contract or purchase was approved in that discussion. Public comments requested a nonprofit advisory committee to develop consistent park and permit fee waivers, but council took no action. Police union contract negotiations remained ongoing. The council also approved merit increases for the city clerk (4%, retroactive to September 1) and city manager (2%, retroactive to April 8).