City Council Meeting 04-01-26

The City Council of DeBary held its regular meeting on April 1, 2026, which included a recess to watch the Artemis 2 launch. Key procurement-related discussions focused on the approval of ordinances and budget amendments. The council approved the second reading of Ordinance 01-2026, amending the Main Street DeBary Transit Oriented Development project agreement to extend deadlines and combine project phases. They also discussed and approved the first reading of Ordinance 02-2026 to place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot to establish the DeBary Land Bank program. This program aims to acquire vacant, underdeveloped, or environmentally sensitive properties for conservation, preservation, and limited redevelopment, funded by ad valorem taxes and potentially general obligation bonds, though bonding language was amended to restrict leveraging future revenues. The council emphasized that all land bank property acquisitions over $50,000 require public hearings and council approval. Additionally, the council approved Resolution 2026-01 to amend the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, including carryforwards for multi-year projects such as the Alexander Island conservation effort and road resurfacing. They also approved a five-year engagement letter with Thomas Moore and Company PL for audit services. Discussions highlighted concerns about managing growth, protecting environmental assets, and controlling overdevelopment through proactive land acquisition and redevelopment strategies.