Special City Council Meeting 03-18-26

The City of DeBary held a special city council meeting on March 18, 2026, primarily focused on two key procurement-related matters. First, the council considered Ordinance 01-2026, which proposed amendments to the development agreement with Mosaic at DeBary LLC for the Main Street DeBary Transit Oriented Development project. The amendments included extensions to construction deadlines, closing dates for city-owned property sales, and rights of first refusal, reflecting challenges in the debt market and ongoing negotiations. The council approved the first reading of this ordinance, with discussions emphasizing the need to balance development progress with financial prudence and potential renegotiations if deadlines are not met. Second, the council reviewed Ordinance 03-2026, the City of DeBary's 2045 comprehensive plan update, which involved extensive evaluation and appraisal of land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, and capital improvements. This plan sets the framework for future city growth and infrastructure development. The first reading of this ordinance was also approved, with staff tasked to transmit the plan to the state for review. Additionally, the city manager provided updates on capital projects including a $2 million Four Florida bridge funded largely by grants and partnerships, and infrastructure improvements at Alexander Island, highlighting cost savings achieved through competitive bidding. The meeting also addressed environmental compliance challenges related to state mandates on septic to sewer conversions to reduce nitrates in local springs, with plans to seek grants to support affected residents. No votes were taken on these updates, but they indicate ongoing procurement and capital planning activities.