Cape Canaveral City Council special meeting at the city hall council chambers located at 100 Pulk Avenue in Cape Canaveral, Florida. I call this meeting to order. Mayor Pro Tim Kellum, would you please lead us in the pledgece
>> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> City clerk, please call the role.
>> Council member Davis, >> here. Council member Jackson >> here. >> Mayor Prom Kellum >> here. >> Mayor Morrison >> here. >> And council member Willis >> here. >> Thank you all for being here. Council, city staff, and Bob, thank you for
joining us today. Commander Kek, good to see you. We are thankful we're able to to meet today in the afternoon um and and make this work. I think
this time at approval of agenda as written, we have one item on here. >> I don't >> make a motion to approve the agenda as written. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion by council member Willis, second by council member Davis. Any further discussion? Seeing none, city
clerk. >> Council member Davis or >> Council Member Jackson or Mayor Prom Canam >> or Mayor Morrison >> four >> and council member Woodis >> four agenda is approved as written 50
and now we are at public participation I don't have any cards up here but if anyone would like to speak please come forward seeing none we'll go ahead and close public participation and we are at item number six our one discussion item which is titled identification of legislative
priorities for submission to the space coast league of cities says, "Review and discuss potential legislative priorities and provide direction on which items to forward to the Space Coast League of Cities for inclusion in its 2025 legislative
priority list. City Manager, is there anything in overview or >> I would defer to Council Member Willis who put this on the agenda uh last meeting uh to maybe give a broad overview, but staff is here to support
and to help facilitate the conversation. >> Thank you, sir. This was a discussion item submitted by Council Member Willis at the last meeting. the meeting. It's a very long day. We got late and we identified that, hey, to give this the the proper time and discussion, uh, we probably need a
standalone meeting, we're here today. Thank you, Council Member Willis. The floor is yours. >> Well, I just identified three that, uh, basically top of the list for the League of Cities. um and identified some other
potentials. But whatever the will of the council is, that's uh would just like to have a representative number of uh priorities. I know that there's going to be a lot of duplication of priorities from cities, but I also
know that uh some cities differ in their beliefs than what we might. So it would be good to uh have consensus on at least three. It's my recommendation but whatever the
council wishes. Thank you sir. So looking into the packet uh there were the three identified Senate Bill 180 as number one the live local act number two
and property tax reform considerations. Um and then there was a list of below it six items that uh could be considered as well. So just to review these three one,
two, and three at the top of the agenda packet, those are uh issues that the League of Cities is currently >> that's correct. >> Prioritize. Okay. uh you should have also gotten two sheets uh with the
packet from the previous year's >> two years uh priorities just to give you some idea of what they've >> and what they have done in the past. >> So this first sheet space coast league of cities was uh 2025 legislative
priorities. This was >> the last >> last last session. >> Okay. Home rule was number one. insurance was number two. Uh short-term rentals three,
PAS legislation number four and five is the Indian River Lagoon. Other items, oh and six in the back as vocational training initiatives and other items of concern was financial disclosure. And then the
other attachment two is the year prior 2024. It's laid out a little differently, but on the back it looks like there's six priorities. Um, home rule responsible AI is number one.
Home rule two, insurance crisis three, PAS legislation for Indian River Lagoon funding short-term rentals. So it looks like they stayed the same within except for the AI
did not carry over to 2025 >> and beach lifeguards, right? >> And other items of concern. Yeah, beach lifeguards. >> Mhm. uh vocational training was added
and I see insurance is on both and I think that was where we left off in the last meeting was talking about going back to your agenda item uh it's number six uh in the packet insurance reform ease
the burden for of homeowners condominium owners and businesses on spiraling insurance rates Council, do we have all that in front of us? Just going through it to make sure we're on the same page. Okay. So,
I think insurance is certainly an an issue. Um, yes, Mayor Perim Kellum, >> I think home rule is important and but I'm wondering if the short-term rentals and and home rule because it's re
short-term rentals is returning the authority to regulate short-term rentals. if that could be as you know if we get the home rule would that encompass short-term rentals? Do we need a separate line for that or could it all be under home rule?
>> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, sir. >> I think I think home rule is overarching everything. Mhm. >> In my opinion, it all of these potential issues if we were given more home rule, >> control of our own res, our own cities,
our own municipalities, a lot of these issues >> could be taken care of. I mean, Senate Bill 180, the reform for that, they're basically it's a one-sizefits-all
mentality, >> right? where they're limiting what we can and can't do in the wake of a storm. And you have flooding, say we had just severe flooding, that reveals how we could prevent it.
Well, we're going to be restricted from preventing that immediately. >> Wow. so that residents could rebuild just as exactly what they had before in exactly the same spot with no resiliency
efforts. >> And you're and you're just waiting for the same thing to happen again, >> right? And home rule is is on the last year's >> Yes, I think >> and the year before. >> Well, I think I think home rule is just a given. Yeah,
>> we we we have to fight unfunded mandates. >> Yes. >> And that to me is one of the biggest issues. >> I think if they were trying to amend the home rule section of the statute, you know, that would be >> Yeah.
>> obviously an issue, but u agreed. It's it's intertwined through all all this. >> Um Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, Council Member Jackson. And see with the 180, I see it differently, a bit differently from the FEMA courses
that I took um with FDM um with Florida Department of Emergency Management because this is all coming about due to Hurricane Ian and what had occurred in Fort Meyers is that um that
was an unprecedented storm. hadn't happened anything like that in that area for a hundred years. Uh there were properties that were flooded out and they were older properties.
FEMA moved the coastal construction line more inland and people lost their homes because of new building requirements. And so SP 180 was a reaction to that so
that Florida residents would not end up losing their home um after a storm. Now, do I agree with if it's after an emergency and and maybe um Council Member Willis can address
this better for me, but if it's after an emergency, that's one thing. if they're taking away our ability to u manage our own building code, that's another >> um so I know that with 180 what I had
seen is it's going years back to storms that we've already gotten past as far as uh allow uh overruling building code. So, um, is there a a a
time is there a a time period, Council Member Willis, that 180 is supposed to work within? Um because I'm not opposed to 180 allowing people to rebuild what they had because
if people lose their homes that's not right for the state or anyone else to come in and say you can't rebuild because you're not rebuilding to this new hardened level. >> Well, >> and especially in a town like ours where our structures are older. Well, the uh
restrictions apply retroactively back to August 1st, 2024. >> Okay. >> But I think one of to me one of the biggest problems or issues is you can't force
them to go to a certain code. And if they can build where they were when they were, um, we're going to have the same thing happen again. >> Well, we don't know that. Well, >> because this was a 100red-year storm and
and it what it has done for a lot of people in the areas on the Gulf Coast is it has made their properties end up landing in the hand of developers that can afford to rebuild to a certain,
you know, level of hardened resiliency. And I don't think people should lose their homes that way. I'm I'm sorry. kind of oldfashioned with that, but I don't think it should just go on forever. You know, the storm hit now. In 10 years, we're still not allowing our
building code. So, my question, and maybe that we don't have an answer to that yet. Um, but my question would be, how long does the overriding the building code occur
after a storm happens? you know, because I don't think we should give up our right to have our building code be what we need, but I also don't believe people shouldn't be able to rebuild when there's a storm. And if if their insurance and their
insurance didn't cover all of these new building guidelines for hardened structures and then also that FEMA coastal construction line moving literally took people's properties. It literally kept them from being able to
build and kept them from be able to retain their properties. And that's not right. I I understand that. But uh one of the opinions that I read was that it uh eliminates cumulative substantial
improvement ordinances which prevents communities from strengthening their flood protection measures and potentially increasing flood risk. and which would raise insurance costs. So, as far as the
length of time on those moratoria or restrictions, I I don't know that that's been clearly defined unless uh um attorney Gargan knows on that. >> Are you talking about Senate Bill 180
suns setting? >> Yeah. or when the how long we'd have to not observe the building or how long we would have to not observe the building code after a storm. Is that defined?
>> I mean it sun sets in October of 2027. I don't know about setting aside the building code. Well, I know that um what the bill is in intended intended to do is not force them to harden their
home if it wasn't hardened before. Right. So, it if we have building code that says it needs to be hardened, it allows them to rebuild without that. Correct. >> I don't know that question. I don't know the answer to that question on the top
of my head. >> Okay. So, >> I know there's a there's the ability to rebuild, but I'm not sure which provisions of the code would be preempted. >> Understood. So, Mr. Mayor, my point, I guess, being is like this one, I'm not
sure I'm on board with what they are trying or saying. Um, especially since we haven't been storm ravaged yet, thank God. And uh maybe we won't be during
this time frame. Um but us advocating for this, I'm not I'm not great on um not allowing people to rebuild and hardening the structure and forcing people to harden structures when their
insurance won't pay for it and they may not have the money to do that. We have a town full of retirees and they may not have 40, 50, $60,000 to add to their insurance claim to rebuild if something happened. So, in my case, I'm not on
board with the the league's opinion of this because they want this um the building code to be to where if it requires hardening, they they require it. But I know for a fact in Fort Meyers that people didn't have the money to
harden their homes. And that's why this bill came about and people lost their homes over that. And I will never ever be an advocate for people losing their homes to stop a potential storm that we don't know is going to happen or not.
>> Mhm. And so I'm all for the insurance piece though, just but that's my opinion on 180. So I'm not um I'm not great on that one,
>> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes, Council Member Willis. >> The exercise is not to debate Florida League of Cities. It's for us for what is best for our city. And if it's consensus that we
don't make a statement on SB80, Florida League is going to make a statement because there are a number of municipalities that are are filing suits. But uh >> and I understand that Council Member Willis, I realize that they're going to
make their argument regardless. Yeah. >> Um it's just that this is one that I'm >> That's That's fine. >> I've got a different opinion on that. >> That That's perfectly okay. I mean, I'm I'm in agreement that insurance is enormous and it affects
everybody. >> And Council Member Willis, I know you have been involved heavily with the legislative u part of this the the League of Cities. We had that on priorities two years in a
row and now we've got it this year. Did we gain any traction at all those two other years that you're aware of? >> Rates supposedly are easing now when we uh I know the mayor will be speaking to
the legislative delegation tomorrow. I believe that's correct, Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> One of one of those delegates is a former insurance salesman. great unders. Well, he is still an insurance salesman. Let's retract the
former part, but um and he's very aware of what it's going to take. And I think there over legislation over the past two years has eased the ability for insurance
companies to come back into the state because so many of them left after a spate of hurricanes. Um, and a lot of those issues are dealing with reinsurance because the
reinsur reinsurers are dealing with catastrophes all over the country and they're basically combining them just because we have hurricanes. Tornadoes in the Midwest, fires out on the West Coast impact insurance as well.
So, I think more can be done to attract more. The more opportunity we have to shop insurance, right, >> the better off we're going to be. And I think anything we can do, anything the
legislation can do to en encourage more participants in the market, the better. And I believe that we with you having answered it that way, I believe that I've even seen some
uh you know a positive traction in a positive direction because our condo complexes insurance dropped like a rock this year which was great. Um so and I know you would need for continued motion
to keep it going the momentum going. >> Yes ma'am. Mayor for Jim Kell, >> I think the insurance part is is very important, too. Um, uh, just for me, for an example, when I bought my house, um, well, 30 years ago
now, my insurance was $500 a year. It's now $8,000 a year. Um, and I think what's happening, and I've talked to a some of my neighbors, you know, that have worked all their life, paid their house off, and now are opting not to buy
house insurance because it's so expensive and they're on a limited income or whatever. But what kind of catastrophe does that set up? If something happens, they're going to be homeless, you know? So
>> I think the insurance thing is is very important especially for our city with >> as close to the ocean and the river we are. >> Um I think that's a major priority. Do we have what bills I'm I'm just
searching the statutes. Uh insurance related bills have been filed the representative >> Nothing's been filed yet. >> Okay. But but the League of Cities is looking for
representatives to initiate something and I think Mr. um his name escapes me but um >> Hodgers >> Hodgers. Yes. Um >> he is looking to promote something. >> Okay.
>> I would I would love to see him put that forward. >> Okay. So, let's do this. Let's flag insurance. I think Council Member Davis, uh, >> I think the insurance is critical.
>> Let's let's let's circle that one. I think is a good uh idea as one. I think the three, the League of Cities is going to go forward, it sounds like, with Senate Bill 180, live local and property
tax. I think the issue is is you know when they represent the cities uh it's those priorities may not represent the majority of of the council here and
yeah the the property tax reform um I certainly understand the concern about replacing revenue with or property taxes Um, and we'll we'll see. I guess the
voters will have an opportunity this year to to vote on it, but they're it's the arguments they're making are all around police and fire, and I agree with
that. But the taxes have I mean you take an $8,000 insurance bill >> and if you're homestead I mean it's really goes up so insignificantly in Cape Canaveral and ends but that's probably close to what a
you pair that up with5 or $6,000 in non-homestead taxes >> that's $1,000 a month that you have for your house and I think Like this postcard came from the League of Cities.
>> Understanding municipal property taxes. Florida has a proven formula and it works. Um, property taxes fund the essential services that make our city safe and reliable. To help you educate your
community, we've created an educational toolkit that explains how property taxes work and why they matter. Now, I haven't been there. I saw they put together a packet for the city of Cape Canaveral >> and in the last meeting, >> you know, it's it's talking all about
the millage rate and the lowering the millage rate and they don't talk about the increase in property values and I didn't find roll back rate really mentioned anywhere. And to me it was it's just a little misleading and a bit aggressive to to come after what I think
could be a good thing be very hasty and foolish to move forward without seeing how those revenues could be replaced. But yeah, if they're going to go forward with these three no matter what. I think the second one, the live local act
think well let's talk about that one and kind of go in order. Do we >> want them to say that this is something that the city of Cape Canaveral >> I wanted to comment on. >> Yes, please. >> I'm I just wanted to comment on property
tax because I know that from what I can tell the league believes that that's not something that we should do. Of course, is um they feel like this will compromise municipal fiscal stability as as we've seen here. Rep. Chamberlain has
put together a plan called Freedom 123. They've already looking at ways to go about finding revenue that would replace that property tax for homesteaded uh properties. So to me, that one um I'm
I'm think of Cape Canaveral and just like you were saying, Mr. Mayor, um we have a situation where our property values went up. We cut taxes uh last year and we actually made $65,000 more.
So, so um I don't I think I'm with you on that one that I think that's one we leave alone and let them go their direction on that. It doesn't really apply to us because of the property values. >> Yeah. I think it's if we supported it
would the league go out and say hey one of the few cities but Cape Canaveral is one of the few that well can't speak if we did a majority vote here and then uh like I said last time whether it's a resolution or whatever the document is
is that we encourage them to move forward with the tax reform. I think that's way far away from what they're saying. So it's two sides. one is, you know, just be silent on Cape Canaveral, you know, and I think it can create
confusion in the legislature. And so what I'd like is that we go speak in support of these and be that city that figures out a way to make it work. Um,
>> Mr. Mayor, >> yes, sir. >> I'm all for reform. I think we need it. Uh my main concern is allowing us the flexibility or the
tools >> to do what we need to do to supply services for our citizens. Give us the ability to go after tourism taxes. >> Mhm. >> Hotels, whatever. Whatever. Um because I
just don't want it to come down again like an unfunded mandate. M >> and we're scrambling. What are we going to do? Um I know I heard U Representative Soy say he was in favor
of eliminating property taxes for homesteaded properties. And I I understand his reasoning for that because a lot and we all know the majority of homes here in Cape Canaveral are not homesteaded. >> Mhm. So you're you're if you totally
eliminate and I'm not arguing for not doing it, but if you totally eliminate property taxes, you have people who don't live here owning these properties that are renting them. Are they going to reduce their rents?
Probably not. So, we're going to have consumption taxes in some form to make up the difference >> or make up some of it, whatever whatever it is we need. >> And that's going to negatively impact
the people who can least afford it in my opinion. >> So, I think I think whatever reform they come up with, they need to be sure that municipalities are given the tools and the ability
to fund the services needed >> and not handcuff us. That's that's my position. >> And something like that be put in the resolution that we back this with these conditions.
>> I think so. >> And I want to go through those three points of Rep. Chamberlain's plan because I believe that they are already working on that's why this is being pushed from the state level. They're already working on the ways that those
taxes would would be um you know the funding we would end up with instead. Okay. So roll back is there's three points to it. Number one is roll back. According to Chamberlain, through data from the Florida Department of Revenue,
property taxes imposed on Flidians during the 2425 totaled 55.05 billion. That includes 21.5 billion in county non-school property tax levies, 21.45
billion in county school property tax, 8.52 billion in municipal property tax and special district property tax. Specifically, Chamberlain emphasized that his goal was removing the state's 43 billion in county non-school and pro
school property tax levies on residents. He said there are alternative ways to fund special districts including fees on b water for manage water management district as well as other taxes for community development, fire control, park districts, port and inlet districts
throughout the state. Chamberlain did however uh rule out replacing municipal property tax levies for the time being. Overall, the representative hoped his plan would revert the state legislatively back to the 22 2022 2023
year. Okay. Now, number two, transaction fees. Chamberlain's second part of his property tax extension includes a 5% transaction fee for all real estate sales. In doing so, Chamberlain noted
the fee would produce 12 billion needed for non-school taxes and collected at closing. This fee will lower the monthly payments for most homeowners by hundreds of dollars per month. In addition, he said the plan includes a 5% public
safety transaction, which he says will cover ter travel and tourism items like ride shares, hotel rooms, hospitality venues, and amusement parks. And the plan would create 3.8 billion in property tax relief. Um he also floated
a 5% charge on the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and medical marijuana to recover any shortfalls. The scent schools number three is the scent school sales fee which says he says will generate 20 billion to
entirely replace school property taxes. He included a 2 cent statewide funding fee in which schools could raise another cent to cover any deficiencies in funding. So my point and some of these may not go.
My point is we already have people in Tallahassee looking at how to replace these and how we are going to fund our municipal governments without those property taxes. Um, specifically, some
of them say only homesteaded, >> you know, some say homesteaded and investment property taxes, but regardless it, they are already looking at the ways to move that forward and there's going to be discussion of that.
So, as we look at doing this and possibly being the city that says, "Hey, we support getting rid of our homestead taxes for our our residents." Then we need to look at the fact that they are looking at things. We don't have to come
in and necessarily give them um we can give them some ideas. It's always good to do that, but they are already looking in that direction. Mhm. >> So to me, supporting that in our city is something that we should do because we
do have a small number of homesteaded units and so supporting at least that much of it would make it easier for our retirey uh residents that live here because we've gotten the demographics recently saying 65% of our people that
live here are retired. Mhm. >> Yeah. I think that that's very interesting the different ways to fund it. As far as you know, we've talked about interlocal agreements with the port, >> a fee essentially
um which would by itself at a dollar six million passengers would replace the tax uh revenue. That's not the same for all the the cities in the port district or but I
think the the hotel bed tax has been discussed in histories here. Uh I think city attorney if would that that would require Bard County to agree to share the tourist
development tax with us. >> Um >> an an agreement with the county. >> Correct. that's um currently imposed by the county and there's a county ordinance that addresses uh the expenditures of tourist development tax. >> So if we were to lobby the county, I
mean it's legal for them to agree to share a revenue share or something. Yeah. As long as the expenditure qualifies and there's a list in the in the um ordinance of eligible expenditures of
that kind of money that they collect. Do you have any think an example of a city that's got a a bed tax in Bvard? Do we know of any? None. >> Cities do not. >> Okay. >> They're not authorized. There may be I
think there's an anomaly out there from an old old special act, but the cities don't have that taxing authority. >> But a majority vote of the county commission is what it would require. I know Tallahassee, >> but there's nothing in the state that
would stop the county, >> Bard County, and the city entering into some sort of an agreement. >> I don't believe so. No. is that's what if you're lobbying like you were saying council member Willis if you're if we're going to take away the property tax
um will give us the ability to in this example uh I don't think we need the state to do anything it it would be a matter of the port agreeing to to share a majority of them uh and the
county and I think that the sales tax and those other things that council member Jackson was talking about. What would it take for because we did the one the lagoon tax >> that was done through the county, right?
It was a charter vote on the ballot >> and referendum. >> Referendum. >> Could we do how how could we have our own city sales? What would that require for the city of Cape Canaveral to get like a sir
charge or I don't >> Yeah, I'm I mean under Florida law in order for the city to impo or any local government to impose a tax, it has to be explicitly authorized in the Florida statutes to impose that tax. Absent that
statutory authority, the cities have no taxing authority. So in other words, you can the cities can only tax what the Florida legislature states a city can tax. And when it, you know, it comes to those a lot of those um special taxes
usually um are at the county level like tourist development tax and and like the lagoon tax was a countywide um authorized by referendum, a county referendum. >> Every voter in Bvard voted on that. >> Everybody right? Yeah.
>> So there's no So counties have I guess different that would be a legislative >> they they have the same they have the same restriction the counties do. They they cannot impose a tax unless the statutes
>> authorize the counties to impose a tax. Now, counties, I can just tell you just generally, not not specifically, but counties are authorized to impose certain countywide taxes that municipalities cannot impose.
>> Okay. >> And there's quite a few of those in the statute. >> Um, >> seen any bills that would allow cities to have the same power as counties? >> I have a question on that. just to levy our own within the city the
citizens of Cape Canaveral vote referendum and whether it's a bottle water >> and I have a question on that because the city attorney and I about it's been a year or so ago we discussed taxing the
hotel stays and there was one tax that dealt with protection of our shore waters that we could do. Um, so, city attorney, do you remember that
one? You looked it up for me and and you said if it if we did we could do that was the only one we could do. >> Yeah, it's been a while. I have to refresh my memory on on all >> Yeah. Because we discussed adding that
to the hotel stays and then using the revenue from that to go into our storm water and shore protection projects. Um and it was one that and you had looked it up because I was wanting to
add a dollar on to to each day's bill for example in the hotels. M >> um so and it has been about a year a year year and a half since we discussed it but there was that one and I'm not sure if it was
the name of it but it was in directly involved our shoreline protection and storm and u water protection you know as far as that you you would have to find it again
>> find it I'm sorry I'm I'm I'm desperately searching my brain right I'm like, I can't remember the specifics, >> but that one to me would be worth us looking into to see if we could do that because if we're charging uh that fee to
the guests that are staying in the hotels and then we're putting that in our storm water and our shore protection projects that we need, we need them, you know, to be taken care of for our waters. Then that would free up storm
water and that kind of budget out of our regular budget >> to where then we can use that money for things, you know. >> Mhm. >> Would you mind looking that up again at some point, city attorney? >> I will.
>> I will look for the email to see if I potentially kept that. I probably did. I've got thousands of them. So, >> I'll see what I can do. I I'm sure I'll find it. I'm not sure I'll find it during this meeting, but I'll try to find it. >> That's fine. Thank you. I just knew that
one thing. We had talked about it. So, >> yes, Mayor Pertim Kellum, >> I have a question about um I know you know the property tax reform and and where we would get revenue, but the port authority, are they governed by the
state? I mean, we we couldn't just go to them and say, "Hey, you guys need to give us some money." We it have to go state or the federal government. >> They are governed by the legislature, right? The port, but they have their own >> Yeah. They're subject to a uh their own
special act >> of the legislature and that's basically their the special act is their charter and they only have the authority that's set forth in that special act. >> So for us to get a part of the how would
that go about? And that's something we'd have to look at and and and actually have to discuss with the port and the port would have to, you know, see with whether or not it's in their um legislative authority to do whatever anything that they do has
to be within their legislative authority. >> And are we in their special taxing district as a city? >> Yeah, that's that's what I thought. Yeah. Titusville. So, we're literally getting taxed for the port.
>> They haven't collected tax in a number of years. >> Okay. >> I think they have the ability to impose, >> but they have not. >> Okay. >> If I remember correctly, >> making too much money off of passengers. >> Well, it's an inter I mean, total
different >> circumstance. They own most the land and they they make revenue. >> They've discovered parking revenue. Well, and the public access has gone down to 0.02%. So, why should we really be taxed on it
when we're not we have very little space at the port that we can utilize anyway? It's it's dropped the public access has dropped down to a really small amount. >> Mr. Mayor, >> yes. >> One one thing to consider on Mr.
Chamberlain's proposed which brings forth a lot of good ideas. But anytime the state is going to collect the fees and decide where they're going to go, that's going to remove discretionary funding from the local municipality.
We're going to be requesting funds from the state. We're not going to have that control over those monies. I would much rather see more discretionary
influence by a city or municipality than to totally rely on the state >> because legislators change, governors change. >> Yeah. I think the property tax reform
is a great opportunity for Cape Canaveral. If if my position on it is are are we restricted to go leverage some of these revenues that we have discretion and control over? We've
talked you know bedte port with the other local governing bodies but then just within our city what what can we do today and if there was anything to reform okay if it's taken away then we want to go in I think
with the best plan or that will work for us and our budget I think the port I hope that
I think the state could take action. Representative Soy filed a bill tw uh short 2018 2019 I think and uh I you know the port really pushed back and he
did it he wanted a um a percentage of the port revenues >> goes to Tallahassee and then he I think he actually wanted uh the funds to be used specifically for Indian Riverwood
lagoon restoration. And I think that, you know, when we look at our issues and challenges, we got some wastewater challenges and capacity issues. We got all these hotels, the port benefits from the hotels. They have not built a hotel,
but those critical infrastructure. Um, my hope would be that it would we would have full discretion if this is allowed in their charter and ideally a majority of the port, but they would remit payment
however it's handled and we can spend it however we we want to spend it. But if it's if it ends up, you know, not getting traction, I think it would still be worth saying, well, it's specifically
earmarked for these critical infrastructure that we the hotels need the the capacity and and most importantly our residents because those are the issues that I think the port is interested in and the port
has their own wastewater water challenges I think are uh and so it would be a message if Cape Canaveral is uh we support reform and anything that would allow the city to impose
whether it's consumption tax. >> Mhm. I think that would be really good uh if we could have the League of Cities lobbying for what every city can can now impose its
own sales tax. Yeah, I think well all of this would be whatever the legislature comes up with is going to be a referendum >> possibly in the fall possibly. And
it would be not that we necessarily would be as a city council advocating one way or the other on that legislation, >> but residents would be presented with the
knowledge of all right, this is what it's going to do to us, >> or this is our advantage from this referendum. or if the referendum doesn't go far enough, >> we can say, "All right, you know, the word would be out that this doesn't
quite do it, doesn't it handcuffs us or it uh to your point, it uh makes things available to us >> and eases the burden on our residents. I mean, that's we're going to we can say exactly what you're saying. Give us the
tools, but our tools would be different than Tampa >> or Orlando. I mean, that that's where we have to be careful that it's not a one-sizefits-all
because if if they're only looking at Miami and Orlando and Jacksonville, >> Yeah. we're going to get hurt. >> I think I think our position should be to
aid towns of our size. Yeah, I think Panama years ago I got a hotel in Panama City Beach and family event I think passed away was up there and can't remember but I remember seeing
the low you know hotel it was very cheap $70 or I can't remember what it was at night but the out the door price the bottom line there's there was city fees in there but >> and I guess their county must have taken
action. So, yeah, that uh that works for us. Most cities are trying to get one hotel and we've entered double digits now and I think they're driving a lot of the tourism out to Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral. You have to come through it.
And um it is I think that I think we could easily make that work. Um, and I think if the count if those entities, whether it was the county commission or the port commission, did not have the ability to
vote and to enter, then we would definitely need the state, I think, to to inter intervene because those are major economic drivers here. And I think just the ethics of the property tax, I mean, sales taxes, consumption tax, I
think I certainly like better. Uh, but Uh, Representative Byron Donald's was speaking at an event and he I think said the sales tax would essentially have to double. And for us, uh,
we have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the traffic and the tourism and the destination and uh, Yes, that that'll be I think the best
thing we can do is follow it. U and it'd be really interesting to hear what other cities are saying tomorrow uh for it. But that those three I think we should spend a little time on the
live local act as well just to make sure do do we have any issues with that one. >> I it's my understanding that they're wanting to go back and strengthen live local.
>> Okay. taking more control away from municipalities on what they will and will not allow. I personally I think being able to opt out of it is a good thing.
>> Mhm. >> Um I want to be able to see to it that we can remain there if we desire to be there. Mhm. Okay. And the other one we've we talked about insurance
uh just going down the shoreline and coastal resilience. So, it'll be interesting if if we do have the opportunity for those. Uh, but I think that's a really important one uh for the city of Cape Canaveral.
And we're fortunate because of the Canaveral bypass class action lawsuit from the dredging of the port, >> you know, that our beaches get restored. Uh, perpetual. I think it's there's no end date or sunset to that. I don't
believe >> 50 years. >> Oh, there is. Okay. >> And when was the start year? >> Uh there's like another 26 or 27 years left for the federal commitment. >> And I thought um our current president signed that in with no end date in his
first term. So that's changed. I believe he signed when the contract came up during his first term in 2016. for renewal. He signed it with no end date.
>> Okay. I'd have to see that. Not aware of that provision being in there. I know there has to be federal appropriations. >> And is there state as well? the county
>> uh the county participates with the port to implement that pro that project >> but they don't have any financial obligations. I think the county the county has contributed >> okay >> funds I think in the past >> that's a big one it's very relevant
obviously we got we're going to lose some erosion with this storm that's doing a U-turn back out I think it and it happens those king tides it's not even the big uh hurricanes that that always cause it'll be a
December or cold you know time of year and you'll go out and just seems lose 15 to 20 feet overnight, those major tides eroding. Um, that's on the beach side. That's obviously a major economic driver, our beach. So, anything
around that, I think the whole county wants Cape Canaveral, the port wants Cape Canaveral beaches, uh, to be nice and and funded. And then on the lagoon side, extremely important. Um
and I think our wastewater treatment plant is there any I guess update or thoughts on that city manager with we've got a wastewater treatment facility on the coast you know not I
guess if we could centrally plan and start over it been better to be inland right I think That's is there I know we've talked about it a little bit but
Tallahassee we're lobbying and I guess this gets into the appropriation very expensive. Do is that possible or even probable for Cape Canaveral to to move it inland? I
mean, we've we're 98% developed, a few lots. >> So, as the mayor and I think all council members know, we are having conversations about the future of our sewer service, where it's currently located, and what would it look like to
partner with entities in and around the city. Mhm. >> Um, so those conversations are still um, in their infancy, for lack of a better word. I think there's some promise there for what we can look forward to, but we're just going to have to get some
folks to the table to talk about what the future service would look like. I think the council will have a much better picture once we get through with the current uh study that's being done and we can present the findings to the council in the form of a workshop
looking like December January time frame. >> Okay, that's great. What city attorney What is the cost? I think you'd roughly for a new quite but
and to build a new one because you got to keep it operating obviously if we were able to find a property and build what is that it's a significant amount of money. >> Yeah. I mean I I only can tell you from
just my experience. Um and there are different methods of treatment. So I mean don't put this in the bank but um one community that I that I represent is looking to um build two new sewer treatment plants. Um the capacity
ballard about like 2 million to 2.5 million gallons per day. And I mean they're looking at approximately 60 million plus per plant. So 120 million for both >> approximately. >> Yeah.
>> I mean this this you know >> we would have >> that's not that those are just estimates. >> And how did those it's helpful just say it's a hundred million. Is it like a a bond or is there
federal funding or state funding? Obviously appropriations, >> variety of funding sources that you look at, >> you know, um, as you know, SRF is a, you know, a big player in providing increments of funding for those types of
projects both on the design and in the construction phase. So that's like one one area of potential funding as well as, you know, some additional, you know, state and and federal uh, grant options. And of course, you got the bonding to to
the extent necessary to cover costs as well because it's enterprise related. You'd have to pledge revenues to uh from the enterprise fund to to repay the debt. >> Okay. I think
this council if we are speaking to anyone it and just from an economic standpoint the port Cocoa Beach currently I think handles their wastewater.
We'll have more information as it goes by, but I think that the state would be very interested in I mean we're at a very high percentage threshold today and that would be a huge
win if we could ensure that we have enough capacity for our residents because you know a lot of residents don't like the hotels as we all know and it's it really becomes an issue when sewage starts backing up and issues in a
community. And so if we're talking about expensive projects and then justifying, you know, what we need the fees for or the the sales tax or whatever it is, I think that is a a very compelling
um project. And then I've also heard I think it was mayor of Titusville, Mayor Connors was talking about a regional wastewater treatment plant which would be essentially I guess we wouldn't need a wastewater treatment plant and it would be
you'd have to pump it into the mainland up there on the south side of uh Titusville when you get out to the airport. Have you heard about them? They're they're very preliminary talks, >> but talking about getting economic development funds and basically having
massive capacity that would allow the whole region, >> a city of Orlando is one example that's local. The Iron Bridge uh project that they have um they take waste water from multiple uh community sources
um somewhere in the neighborhood of I want to say six somewhere in that 60 to 90 million gallons per day treatment capacity. But there but the local jurisdictions have to obviously transmit it right to the treatment facility and the local
jurisdictions may maintain their own um lift stations >> transmission pipes and then ultimately it ends up into Ironbridge. And if you haven't been um to see the uh the wetlands and park out there um in
Christmas area where a lot of the uh reclaimed water from Iron Bridge goes. It's just unphenal. That's just amazing what they have done with um with the reclaimed >> bridge >> the I mean the whole barrier island just
getting that stuff to move it through but to have the tanks and store it >> handle significant probably a lot of the barrier island communities and I think
with the space and their wastewater needs and all of that it's just trying to think outside the box, big picture. These are real solutions that you know that land over there um on the shoreline.
That's a major issue and uh it would be great if if we could figure out a way to just eliminate it. And um that's an issue for us. That's a major priority I think is the increase in
hotels uh and the usage of a hotel is so significant >> and I think the state of Florida hearing that Cape Canaveral's wastewater challenges are
to me a major priority. So that was not shoreline and coastal resiliency. kind of went off on maybe a rabbit trail there, but these are very expensive projects that I think are critical to our shoreline and it just
checks a lot of boxes. Um, so transportation and mobility was the next one. Uh, we've I mean A1A, right? That's something we've I
>> they just need to fund FDOT. Yeah. Okay. >> I do know FDOT is going to be lobbying very hardily for more funding in the next
year, next few years. >> Tourism and economic development. I think um says protecting local revenue streams and generated by tourism and cruise related activity.
Uh yeah, I think this one we want to be a tourist state. There's economic development. Visit Florida. All the the funds in Cape Canaveral is feeling it. and and I think that that the the use and the the quality of life
um state wants tourism, the county wants tourism, and we need to be able to I think benefit from those revenue sources somehow. Um, but I don't think those necessarily
would be greater than insurance at this time. I mean, shoreline and coastal resiliency, but public safety and emergency management. So, these are basically funding and then home rule protection.
So, what we need to do is establish what our priorities are. These are all really important and I thought that we should list them and it would be
great if we could rank them. >> And that was a question. The League of Cities in the past when they numbered their items, are those were those actually ranked and the attachments you provide to priority one home roll was truly number one? >> Yes. Okay.
>> That that was ranked by the Space Coast League. >> Okay. An insurance crisis was two. do. And then this year 180 is number one Senate bill
it's looking like or is this >> No, no, that was that's merely my listing of them in no particular order. Those were those were three that I do know the Florida League of Cities is focusing on intently.
>> And so they will through the committees and the meetings these priorities will be established. >> Yes. Now what what all the municipalities will do is submit their list of priorities or resolution however we need want to do it.
>> And that will go to once the Space Coast League of Cities has it all uh hopefully October 1st or shortly thereafter. It will go to the advocacy committee to compile them and rank them by interest.
Um, and then it'll go to the Space Coast League of Cities Governing Board to vote >> for submission to the Florida League of Cities. >> Okay. Well, I've spoke a lot. I I think council, do we want to go down and try to at least list them, the ones that are
important? Uh, it might be all of them and uh I think then be able to rank them so that Yes. Mayor Pro Tim Kellum, >> could we go each person ranks what they think and then see who if we're agreeing
on certain ones and then >> Yeah. home rule to me, insurance reform and property tax reform are important to me and then everybody say what's important to them and then
>> those are yours or was that just an >> that's say those again if you don't >> um home rules >> which encompasses a lot >> um insurance reform and property tax reform. Okay, those are top three. Are there any
that Well, I think that's so for Cape Canaveral, we want our home rule. We want the state to work on insurance reform. And we've talked about
how our property tax reform might be different than a one-sizefits-all for the I think all cities. >> And and I think what Don said about, you know, each municipality needs their own ways to um figure out the property tax
reform and they need the tools to be able to do it. So, I think that should be part of what we >> state in the >> it it would be it would be nice to have that position submitted.
Um but once it gets to Florida League of Cities, you know, I can't speak for how they're going to address it, >> right? >> Um >> but we've made our point. >> Yes. Yes. It would it would I would love to be able to say that Cape Canaveral
wants property tax reform, but you need to give us all the tools that we possibly can that are specific to our area. >> Exactly. >> Not horse country and Mount Dora or, you
know, that's they that's totally different issues. >> And >> and that kind of fall falls under home rule as well, too. >> Yes. you know. >> Yes. Well, >> home rule, like I said earlier, home rule overarches everything to me, but
>> I mean, we'll go and argue our case for home rule to let us do whatever it is we need to do. >> Yeah, I think arguing home rules are truly a number one and it's more of the how. Uh, so I think
let's do that. What are some council member Willis or your top which ones I guess would be your >> Well, I my three um they're they're almost not in a particular order because I
think all three are critical. Mhm. >> And would like to see all three of them, but property tax reform would be one, insurance reform definitely. Um, and again, my idea home rule is over all of
it, but I think a um coastal community resiliency because we deal with issues. I mean, it's shoreline and coastal resiliency, but if we turned that a little bit to a coastal community
resiliency because we have to deal with flooding issues that a lot of other areas don't have to deal with. >> I mean, regardless of how you feel about environmental impact,
we have so much asphalt, you know, we're we're flooding. We I like that idea. Yeah. >> Okay. So, >> so it would it would be insurance
reform, property tax reform, and coastal community resiliency efforts. Um, which all sit under home rule. I mean, you know, >> I agree with that one. So, council
member Davis, you the those three. >> Okay. >> Council member Jackson. >> Well, home rule definitely and um as Council Member Willis said, everything kind of falls under that. um
insurance reform. We definitely need to to continue momentum on that because as I said, I did see our condo complex did see improvement on that this year. >> Um on the property tax, it's difficult
because the toolkit that they're sending out with the Florida League of Cities is so very different from our approach. And I know that um taking a look at how we approach it is one thing, but when it gets to committee with the League of Cities,
they're going to go with what the majority of the people need, I think. >> Um but to me, property tax reform is important. Um and then the shoreline and flooding is also something that is
difficult. The problem becomes the fact that when and I'm learning I'm you know not as heavily involved as Florida cities as um Council Member Willis and Davis. However, when you're sitting in a
room with 900 people that are all council and local mayors uh in our state, they have to take one approach to everything. So if we define what's important to us, we still may not see
action towards that because they h they are literally trying to deal with every city in the state. So those are the ones that I would look at knowing that um the tourism development is not in the hands of the
state as far as us being able to get any kind of of the bed tax money. Um, I think our county does an excellent job on the personal public safety and emergency management already. We have
those local interlocal agreements uh set up with Bvard County. We have a brand new um emergency operations center in Rocklage. So, that one to me is not high on my list just because we have those things in place. So those I can agree on
those four that we discussed. Home rule insurance reform, supporting property tax um elimination on homestead of properties. I'll say it that way. And um protecting our shoreline and flooding
because we do have problems with that and we do have too much pavement and concrete. >> That's great. Thank you, city manager or and city attorney. I guess from your
perspective, what do you think about those and what are the priorities I from from your view?
So, I'm I certainly support those, especially home rule, because we need to be able to manage our own community like every city needs to manage theirs. I would encourage council to look deeply into the um to the live local act because there are some provisions in
there that kind of erode home rule. Uh and so the two kind of go together when you're talking about home rule. Look at it as applies to the live local act. there are some restrictions imposed on cities. Um, and when it comes to the short-term rental, um, I would like to
see cities have a little more, um, uh, power in how we can regulate them. If we knew that they were here, then we wouldn't be spending as much time as we are trying to identify their existence. And so one thought that we're probing is
the is for the state to require a new license holder to notify the government in it tends to do business in so the government is aware and collect its business can collect its business tax receipt and other fees that their
ordinances allow. Otherwise, um there is a database on the division of u you know DBPR website under hotels and restaurants and we've looked at it and it shows that we have less 200 between 250 and uh 290 I think um vacation
rentals in our city and we know we have more than that. So if we're to rely on a database that the state the state is providing, it's not accurate and we're still going to be out there chasing rentals. uh versus if if the new um um license holder were com compelled to
notify us within a certain time frame that they're doing business in our city and there's a penalty a penalty uh if they don't then I think that would be helpful to all cities and counties. >> Thank you, >> city attorney. I know that, you know,
you'll see some things that maybe it was Senate Bill 180 that Cape if these things pass it may not impact us as much as we think other cities. Was that Senate Bill 180?
I think Sen Senate Bill 180 is the um prohibit it's a preeemption that prohibits local governments from adopting more restrictive and burdensome regulations, land development regulations. >> So, you know, one at around 1:30 today
about 20 uh local governments filed an action against uh against the state challenging that uh that law. So, that that affects all municipalities including Cape Canaveral. So that's that's a lawsuit that we need to um you
know pay attention to and see what happens. Um because that type of preeemption was extremely broad >> last minute in the legislature while it comes across as an emergency regulation.
It really is so broad that it impacts everybody. um and it it impacts our ability to to react and to propose remedial uh regulations that may be necessary. So, you know, home rule, I I mean, I
hear what everyone's saying. I mean, home rule is an issue every year. >> Um from from a legislative priority standpoint, my perspective the last, you know, 10 years or so, we're playing defense constantly. Um it's more of a micro
issue. It's whatever the legislature decides to um you know preempt um and or wants to preempt becomes u the legislative priority of the session right and and I predict that that's going to happen again this year whether
it's you know trying to amend live local or you know try to preempt you know like there's some preeemption that's floating around regarding transportationoriented districts which if you have like a railroad for
example uh inter interc city or intercity um they're looking to preempt and require local governments to that have these transit uh oriented areas to u preempt their ability to regulate land
and allow you know buildings up to 15 stories. That type of preeemption is not going to affect Cape Canaveral as it currently is. But it will affect other municipalities and counties. >> Mhm. >> Could potentially impact city of Coco in
the future. Um if a Bright Line station is is constructed, right, that would be, you know, intercity rail. Um, so you got to look for those types of things when you're looking at home rule that, you know, we may not have a dog in in that fight because it's not so broad as
Senate Bill 180, but you know, we we may have other local issues that they're trying to deal with that will impact us tremendously that we should be ready to advocate one way or another.
>> That's helpful. Thank you. and the I guess yeah the property home rule is it's a part of every sentence. I mean it's because of home rule that I think we're advocating for these issues. The
Thank you. That that's helpful. City clerk's office. Is there anything that from a state view that public records or anything that you see or have heard about that the city of Cape Canaveral would advocate
for? >> Not at this moment in time. I agree with what has been proposed before. >> Thank you. >> Because that's been a concern at the city collect level. If I I looked up the um Bvard County the
tourist development tax, right? So that you know they have the tourist development council. So, you know, in in your advocacy, um you know, you I would not lose sight of maybe some local opportunities, right, to advocate um because the tour they can use those
funds for shoreline type projects, lagoon, um you know, maybe there are projects or ways to expend that money that they collect on a countywide basis here in here in Cape Canaveral. So, you might you might while you're thinking
about state legislative priorities, you know, maybe don't lose sight of maybe there's some funding opportunities right here in the in the backyard with with with like the tourist development group >> and um city attorney, I had a question on the live local because we opted out
of that and we've got minimal lot lots that are available to be able to develop left in the city. Um, what are they pushing with the the Live Local Act
that might impact us? >> Don't know. Um, I haven't I haven't seen anything yet >> about any uh, you know, 2026 >> session. >> Mhm. >> But they have in the last couple of sessions, right? Right. >> On live local. Um,
>> so I'm not quite in tune on 2026 on live local. >> Okay. >> Yet. Do you know Councilman Ples? >> They're they're revisiting all of it again to try to push more of it back onto the agenda. >> What? >> The whole live local act. They're trying
to push it back again. Uh particularly the ability to opt out, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> Uh to the city manager's uh point about the DBPR, >> I met with um and Council member Jackson
would probably back me up on this. I met with several of um local uh condo association and homeowner association presidents this weekend and they were all they brought up the point about the DBPR
being way behind on their ability to register their properties in particular with a lot of the SER reactions. Um and they were saying that uh that you can't you can't enter the information properly for your condo association.
Particularly if like for instance where I live they were in three phases. >> Mhm. >> And legally they combined it all to one uh condo association. Well DPPR still has it as three from 10 years ago. Mhm.
>> They're that far behind. To the city manager's point, I think what has happened is a lot of these things were pushed down upon a system that wasn't ready for it yet. And I at some point I
think the state's got to fix that entire system because I I believe it is woefully behind the times. And see, I see that differently, although I agree with you about that having happened. Uh, but the condo associations themselves
are listed as one entity with the DBPR. If they have 108 units or 150 units renting, each individual unit should be listed separately with the DBPR. However, there is something called a collective license and I can have up to
75 units listed under me as a collective lency and it is only upon me as the honest person I am to actually list those units with the state. I can have them rented unlike a hotel, but they're scattered
out within the city. So, if I'm not an honest person that licensed every one of those with Decard, we're not going to know about it. And if you go look on the sites or talk to the state, they may not know about it because it's simply a form
I fill out saying I manage these units. And then if I add units, I would need to update it and that may not happen. And if I delete units, I would need to update it and that may not happen. So, there's a group of hidden units under
the collective license that until you get to that level of detail, you're not going to know which ones are out there or not. And every realtor has collective licensed units. And many um management
companies and things like that, that's how they're licensed. So, those wouldn't necessarily be separate. They may have one decard license under one address. And then you go out to the state records and that one license is listed towards
that company's rental units, but there might be 75 more of them that have been turned in on a form or maybe not. >> So, um, as you're looking at how to ensure compliance, you know, we we want
to say, "Oh, we we need to get these these folks." This is why I've been so adamant about is Decker doing its job for the money we're spending on it because it's not finding those. And now we've got Airbnb and VBO that rolled
their host fees into um the nightly rate. And so it took units that would were maybe $125 a night and now they're $250 a night. and you look at the pictures and you're going, "That's definitely not worth 250 a
night." So now all the owners who are struggling out there to rent their units, literally, they're dropping their their fees into the dirt. So you can go out and find them all night all day long that are $65 a night now. And you don't
get quality guests for $65 a night. Okay? You're running essentially a Motel 6 type of of business. So there are multiple things that are impacting the ability for us to do this. Well, in my
opinion, um the the state level is definitely one of those. It's a different animal to try to track down. And now hosts are moving away from Airbnb and Verbbo like you wouldn't believe. and they're looking for any way they can get a guest in their unit
without going through those two listing sites because they're killing them on their rental and their income. And so, you know, we're really in a situation where these these
businesses and we've got how many um city manager we talked about 1,600 or so. I know at one point there was 2,000 being returned when you were on Verbbo and all that. They've made changes to make that look not as bad because that
means they're not getting these units rented, you know, cuz it's empty. Um, but literally we had those high numbers that are being returned and we don't have the guests in for these units and
these and you'll see there's a lot more. I've said all along that our real estate market is um making a change and correcting itself. And if you drive around our city, there's a lot of listings where we've got signs in the yards now because those people that
bought in during the pandemic thinking they were going to make enough money all year long to pay for that thing are finding out differently. I've had like I I have a small number of units and I've had like three or four of them that have
sold in the last 6 months. So, um or in the last year. So, it is it's definitely um we're impacting them. That's you know, but when we have 1600 of them go belly up, we may be wanting to think about the fact that that's 1,600 small
businesses in this city. >> Mhm. >> And we got 50. what was it? 50 businesses that are not short-term rentals in our city and then a ton of hotels. So, uh it's a balancing act for
sure. Not not an easy one either. in this state is you really restricted our home rule and we were grandfathered in fortunately. But to the city manager's point that if if we don't know they don't
selfidentify our code applies differently to a short-term rental. So the that I've heard stories of people buying the house and then they, you know, remodeled it
>> and then our >> fire chief, they come in, they go, "Your windows aren't wide enough." And I mean, >> y'all know where I live. The one on the end, it's a great story. uh Tyler and then our block goes Tyler
to Harrison on Ridgewood. It's a great case study because you have homestead property owners on the uh north side and then it's a mirrored unit town homes, old Sierra patio homes. And then the one on the end is a short-term
rental. And they had to build a staircase to a third story. >> And then naturally, what do they do? They say, "Well, why doesn't the one on the other side have to have a staircase?" >> And I get that. You know, it's but to
not know what their intent is and how they're using it. I think as we're talking through this, there's a lot of implications um from a public safety standpoint as well. So, I think the state
we might want to circle back and get specific on an ask I think related to to to short-term rentals. Commander Kek, not to put you on the spot. I I think is is there anything from a first responder deputy obviously
our provide services here in Cape Canaveral at the state. They're always coming down with stuff. Um is there anything you've heard that we need to watch out for? Any priorities that we could
advocate for? E We talking I think last time was the ebikes was a hot button issue. >> Yeah, I did see >> where there are >> I have as far as mandates um anything particular um that would as far as would
be like a money money type of thing. I haven't heard not not familiar anything at the time being. I don't know. We also have a a former chief of police um you know sitting up there as well that might I don't know if he heard anything before he left. So >> absolutely
>> anything from a public safety I mean this is a public safety and emergency management but um just don't want to have any blind spots on that. >> Right. I'm not sure what the um you know the Florida Police Chief or the Florida Sheriff Association what their priorities are right now. They're still
in committees themselves and they'll finalize them as we get closer to the first of the year. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Well, >> I saw how you did that, Commander Keg. He just passed that right over. Did you
notice that? >> That's great. Thank you. Um, well, the ebikes, that is a speed issue. We've we've tackled and wrestled with that one up here several
times and we we have agreed. But I think um four to six complaints a year I think on it seems like every other month and we've all done it and walked around but they're flying really fast and quiet.
They're electric. There's no motor uh yeah on the beach low tide uh on narrow sidewalks or pedways going uh fast. And I think where we left that off is if we'd have to promulgate or put up
our own signage and then we can enforce it. Right. I think that's where we left that off is >> Right. Right. So the city of Cocoa Beach is currently working on an ordinance or just did come up with one and it does have to do with speed. Um I just heard about it last week actually and I was
going to reach out to their chief to see what it is that they've done and maybe it's something that we can adopt and I would run it by Commander Kek as well. There's nothing at the state though that would hinder us. I think that that was the issue. The state would not allow us to
>> go back to the media. >> Right. In other words, the state kind of has taken domain over that. It I would equate it to we are allowed to promagate our own ordinances pertaining to golf carts, but we can't regulate say four-wheelers or sidebysides. Well, counties can if they opt in and then
cities can if the county opts into it. And then there was um a legislative initiative a couple years ago about regulating the use of side by sides on public roadways um similar to that of golf carts. But that that met with some
opposition um from actually one of the larger manufacturers of sideby sides did not want to see it regulated at a county level even though there are very significant public safety um you know issues with that. So, that might be what you're thinking about is the state not
allowing counties or cities to regulate that. But I, like I said, I'll check in with Cocoa Beach and see what they've done or they're trying to do and we can maybe bring you something back. >> That's excellent. Thank you. >> That's uh
that's great. So, the big ones, just to recap, home rule, insurance reform, uh, and property tax reform, uh, was Mayor Jim Kellum, Council Member Willis, and both council member Davis, property tax
reform, and these were not in the order, but property tax reform, insurance as well, and I think added in the coastal community resiliency, >> which is slight difference. Uh, and then council member Jackson, I think
you listed >> I listed basically those things. The other one is I definitely am interested in making sure we keep our um opt out of live local because we don't have that many properties left that can
be developed and going in with um those properties are concerning to me because they don't go by building codes and we've I've watched all over the county as these live local projects have gone up and they're being built with plywood.
they're not using hurricane code. That's a dangerous situation for our island to have something built in that manner without going by a harder building code. So, that one's probably I'd probably
take knowing that the property tax I'm going to be on the opposite side of probably what the Florida League of Cities would be. I'd probably change my live local to that because we don't need them um telling us, you know, that they
don't have to go by building code. >> Mhm. >> Especially for properties that are supposed to be affordable. I think it's pretty horrible to put people into a property saying this is affordable and meanwhile it's built with plywood in a
hurricane area. >> Not very nice. not the way I would do it. So, >> okay. So, your uh just to recap the the your top three were
the um >> home rule insurance reform. >> Mhm. >> And the the live local opt out. >> Okay. But I agree with the shoreline protection and flooding because we, you
know, we've been working diligently on that. Hopefully, if we get some of these projects completed, I'm anxiously awaiting for the pilot project to complete so we can see if that helps. Um, but shoreline and, you know,
protection and flooding, um, is important. that one though, I do I do think we should lobby at the county level >> to get what we can get out of the um hotel taxes and things like that so that
we're able to do some things with that. So, let's put home rule insurance reform um live local opt out. >> Mhm. >> And that's what I would do. I I care about those property taxes, but I know
that I'm probably on the opposite side. >> Well, I think that felt the property tax like again a home rule issue to say before make sure that we have the autonomy, the latitude to be able to
what is only allowed by the legislature is very limited. >> And so you're you're going to take away the one thing that that that is allowed, >> right? And to me, it would be better to go ahead and open up other revenue sources and phase out, you know, over
time. >> And and now that you have other opportunities, it's encouraged to to go seek those and those local opportunities. Uh, absolutely. I think we could start taking action on those here in the
near future and want to be, I think, strategic about it. But I think the county commission and the port are both opportunities assuming their charter would allow them. And I think sounds like we'll learn a little bit more, but like our city
attorney said, we can circle back. I I support those and maybe we list five, council member Willis. >> That won't be a problem >> because I think that's then we could encompass it all. And so >> we can we don't have to limit it to
three. >> And do you think that home rule is going to be an actual issue this year or is it >> Well, it's it's anything that they do on any of these other issues. >> Yep. >> Impacts home rule.
>> That's what I was going to say, too. Do we really >> So it like I said, it's home rule overarches everything. >> Absolutely. You know, you're taking away a piece of home rule with anything you do that handcuffs us
>> as local communities. >> And they did list it last year. >> Yeah. as a separate item. >> But to uh Council Member Jackson's point about the live local, that is already being pushed
by the Florida League of Cities um policy committee for redevelopment is to knock it down and restrict live local even more. We we'll just have to see how far that goes. >> And we want the ability to at least opt
out. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I think do we all agree live local we want the Cape Canaveral has the ability to opt out. I think that's >> I think that um the community uh coastal community um
resiliency >> is something that's really important to our city and our area that I would list that too and you know do away with the home rule because like you're saying it kind of applies to everything. Mhm.
>> Do the insurance reform, property tax reform, >> coastal community resilience, >> and short-term rentals. >> Well, you're you're going to argue home rule in the same breath with every one of those.
>> Yeah, that's true. But I think like the tourism and and economic development, I think that's something that we need to um like Anthony was saying, deal locally with that, you know, >> because
don't need to go to the state for that. And with the live local, remember, if they're trying to push back on that, that's got that 30-year tax abatement in there for the developer. Not not if they get rid of the property tax.
>> Well, if they get rid of all of them. >> Yeah. Yeah. Land debatement. >> Yeah. But, uh, you know, do we want to jump out there and and tell these developers, we'll give you 30 years of taxes? Sure. Come on. >> No. >> I'd rather do that for our residents
than >> jump out for that. But that's the that's the other thing. And it also requires that we as the city ensure that they are renting a certain percentage of the units at an affordable rate for the next
30 years. It's our responsibility to make sure they are renting it that way >> which is going to take up staff time as well. >> Agreed. Okay. I think we've got uh
home rule will be intertwined and stated throughout all of this. Mhm. >> The one that's specific I think to us is this coastal community resiliency that if we were unified on something is like that's what is really important to Cape Canaveral whether it's the Banana River
Lagoon, the wastewater treatment facility, just the shoreline uh the issues uh and then the beach reourishment and uh dredging and and making sure that th those coastlines are strong and
protected. are really important. So why don't we say and we're not doing anything on Senate Bill 180 or >> that that's going to be that Florida League of Cities is already going to be
doing that. I don't think >> it's >> we need to debate it ourselves. >> Okay. So >> it it would be nice if everything was colored
towards a Cape Canaveral perspective. >> Yeah. >> All of these things really need to be addressed with the local community's involvement and how they respond to them. But
>> but a uh a state mandate isn't going to do that. But we we have to ask we have to make our wishes known. Okay, this is good. So we got the uh insurance reform,
property tax reform. I put I got the coastal community uh resiliency. I mean, I think shoreline is really important there. Um
we've got >> Well, that's that's really it, right? The top three. We talked about short-term rentals. Do we want to add a fourth and a fifth? Um, >> live local.
>> Okay. So, yeah, live local. We want the ability to at least opt out. Um, and what do we want to do for the fifth? Is it short-term rentals? that
come under home rule as well. Well, they all do, but I would say short-term rental. >> I think our city manager has put together a task force. He's getting we're getting into the numbers. We're ver validating whether Decard's working
out for us and he's noticed an issue that has really made it difficult >> when the and the state has a role and obviously they're that's why we want home rule is because they're not very good at keeping up with DBPR and the
backlog and the issues and the responsiveness and so >> well and when this occurred in 2012 uh with short-term rentals where the state came in and Airbnb lobbyed the state and they came in and
made a decision that we can have an Airbnb anywhere in our state. >> Doesn't matter what it zoned or anything else. To me, that was a shortsighted opinion. And what we should have done if we were smart back then as a state of
people, not just the government, uh we we would have pushed to say no, we don't want a short-term rental in a residential one community because our one communities that are zoned that way are the homes where
people live and no one wants to live with an Airbnb next to them flipping people in and out, in and out, in and So, we should have looked at zoning restrictions, but that didn't happen in 2012. And it's resulted in what we have today where everyone screams about them
all over the state. >> You know, so I wish that the league dawn, I want to give you that one. You take that one up there for us and tell them you'd have a lot of people more happy if you would restrict the zoning
for Airbnbs where they're not in residential neighborhoods. >> That local is going to >> prohibit you from zoning. >> Yes, I got them. And I think >> Mayor Pro Jim Kellum, I think you said you need to go here soon.
>> So, let's just I've got four. Are we going to do council member Jackson? Are you saying or council member Willis, do we want a fifth one? >> He said that live local is going to preempt that short-term rental one anyway. So, okay. I think we should focus on live local
>> because they're pushing back on it. >> We We can add short-term rentals because there's multiple issues with short-term rentals. >> Okay. Well, >> that's the list I think. Am I missing
anything attorney? I think I got you just really mentioned the importance of two with local and Senate Bill 180. I think the league is but specific to Cape Canaveral,
the shoreline and coastal resiliency. Did you say one that I'm missing? I just want to make sure. Yes. >> I don't think so. >> Okay, that's great. Okay, so what do we um
I No, I think I got them. >> So, is this going to be in a resolution or how is this >> I thought that was the most the best way to do it. Um just like we did A1A. >> Yeah.
But for the sake of um I mean just it's consistent. It keeps I think gives us the ability to to hand it and shows you know the support. But I think council member Willis you uh for the sake of the meeting at the Space
Coast League of Cities you don't need that. You just need to go and state hey we discussed this. We voted here's our top five. Well, as long as as long as we have a uh agreement on council, then I'll I'll
list out the top five. Now, if you want to present a uh resolution tomorrow >> to the legislative delegation, that would be effective. >> Yeah, I would.
And and I think >> can we can we do that? >> Our city attorney Well, he he would have to draft it. I think >> could we get a resolution that we took a
vote today? Now >> and I could put it in the form I can put your list in the form of a resolution. >> We want to do that. >> I think I think that would be very effective. I mean it any anytime we've
shown solidarity and worked with FDOT >> I think this is no different to me. >> Well let's and do I know I said we want to maybe rank them. I don't know if that's the best approach. I think if we
just say that the top five, you know, the shoreline and coastal resiliency, insurance reform, property tax reform, live local reform, and short-term rentals. Those are ours. We could
>> make make a motion stating those. Make sure the city attorney and city manager clear. and uh I think he could get it in a resolution form and it would allow me to walk in with a lot of confidence and I think if there's not anything else
>> can you give me that list again there may >> yeah I'm a little >> the terminology for the shoreline and coastal you said something different council coastal community >> community coastal >> coastal community resiliency and
>> coastal community resiliency and preservation is the terms we've >> I mean just to make sure we can do the things we need to >> flexibility. Yeah.
So, you got that coastal community resiliency and preservation, city attorney, uh, insurance reform. Number two, number three, property tax reform.
Four is live local Act, and five is short-term rentals. you get them. >> Um I think so. Um on the on the property tax reform,
>> um what's the qualification to that? Is just to preserve flexibility or what what was the >> insuring? Council member Willis wrote I think nicely here. It says ensuring changes do not compromise municipal fiscal stability. So I don't it's not
saying don't do it. >> No, >> it's just saying if you do it, >> give us the tools. >> Don't limit us. >> Mhm. >> And yeah, I wanted to just make sure the the attorney's got what he needs and then we
can make a motion >> if I mean I have the five it's I guess I guess promote actions right that um regarding coastal community resiliency and preservation
>> insurance reform right to reduce burdens of insurance >> property tax res reform in the context of not not compromising fiscal stability of municipalities.
uh live local act and what's the qualification on live local? >> We still have the ability to be to opt out >> of the middle uh the middle maintain our ability. >> Yeah. Of the 30-year tax abatement piece
for the up to 125% of the in uh median income. >> The middle the middle group. Um, >> and then short-term rentals. >> Mhm. >> And that's >> local control of short
>> restore local control. >> That's great. I >> Yeah. And I think home rule would be mentioned as a obviously through it underlying operative word, you know, and I think if if that's in there, we would
have captured really everything I think we discussed here. So, let's do a um I mean, you could do a motion as stated as the city attorney just read so we don't have to >> I'll make a motion as stated by the city
attorney to adopt the resolution. >> I'll second. Got a motion by council member Willis and a second by Mayor Pro Tim Kellum. Is there any further discussion? >> Okay. City clerk, please call the role. >> Council member Davis, >> four.
>> Council member Jackson, >> four. >> Mayor Prom Kellum, >> four. >> Mayor Morrison, >> four. >> And council member Willis, >> four. >> All right, motion passes 5. That is excellent. and what just what I think we
all hoped for so we can march forward with this and obviously city attorney if there's anything I can help with further uh please let me know I think you'll do it right and if I could have that for tomorrow that would be really awesome um
thank you city manager for everything >> my pleasure >> is there a that's it as far as the agenda goes thank you for sticking with us here today. Appreciate it. Some relevant topics I
think you heard listening real estate and the impacts of that in the area and thank you for all you do in the community as well, Bob. There's not anything else. I think uh that we don't do the the reports on the special meeting. Okay.