[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6100650,"mediaKeyId","2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256","parentId",2812934,"title","Votes at a glance: Palatka commission approves multiple zoning, annexation and administrative items; declines city-funded fireworks","audioSeconds",1319,"startMs",7601000,"endMs",8920000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256&start=7601&end=8920","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256/thumbnail_7601000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6100650/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Palatka-commission-approves-multiple-zoning-annexation-and-administrative-items-declines-city-funded-fireworks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100650-f013893607b6cdd4635720e40cd9a674/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204406&Signature=DrbT3yZO6CpNX7SE1tmI2Qk5omrVU7ddPeCMkFErKW4wPsBGZ~Mv9jZxBghJE0lJHy4ECo8aa51N0huGXL8nq4VKOjSlXYPhm6Tfy9rS0Z1dhOzKEaYPTLY7QnDkXl5sFGCiQUlCJzC6SV48Ay-NF0akC2Q9-~dvbPlkRob31JgeP3WJX1rk7~NXAMfZsSJTxJRUYna2f691V1QlguSquOUgVUnmtKKJQGxGKu2G6TF81l1te4777vtqmRuOB1MqOSedSyt73LfkU~7OHvVwsRR4fzTYeNcFXTbZ3SUZ6Vv3a7FU3GSn-5NRySLlNe~iTuvVtAStTTktnT8vgXAJ6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Palatka","date","2025-03-28T22:34:02.903Z","article","The Palatka City Commission on March 27 took votes on a package of routine land-use and administrative items and on a request related to the Blue Crab Festival.

Key outcomes recorded in the meeting record:
- Resolution 2025-R-47 (museum naming / museum portion of Jenkins Center): Adopted; staff said the name would apply to the museum portion and community naming for other Jenkins Center spaces would follow through public involvement.
- Rezoning (identified as 12025 rezoning at intersection of St. Charles Avenue): Approved on second reading.
- Annexations and final plats (multiple items on the agenda, including Resilient Place subdivision Stage 2 and other small-lot annexations): Approved by roll call with no public opposition recorded.
- Final plat and subdivision approvals: Several final plats and subdivision items listed on the agenda were approved (items referenced in the packet and read during the meeting).
- Rezoning / land-use map changes (several items): Approved after staff presentation and public hearing where no opposition was raised.
- Blue Crab Festival fireworks: The commission voted not to have city-funded fireworks for the 2025 Blue Crab Festival. A motion to decline city payment for fireworks passed on a motion and second; commissioners discussed potential private fundraising alternatives.

For most routine zoning and plat items the meeting record shows the standard sequence: staff presentation, a call for public comment (none or none in opposition), and a roll-call or voice vote with commissioners answering \"Aye.\" Where public comment was taken, commissioners heard proponents and none opposed the listed items.

Not every ordinance number or parcel reference was legible or fully specified in the public transcript excerpt; where the item reference was unclear in the meeting recording, staff indicated the associated agenda packet included full addresses and documentation. Several items were continued or pulled at the applicant's request and were rescheduled for later hearings.

The commission did not identify any items for which votes failed during the session excerpt provided; staff will provide final published minutes and ordinances for exact vote tallies and ordinance numbers.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Palatka Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 27 meeting the Palatka City Commission approved a series of routine land-use and administrative items, adopted several ordinances and resolutions, and voted not to fund fireworks for the 2025 Blue Crab Festival.","taxTitle","Palatka, Putnam County, Florida","taxId",54767,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100654,"Palatka staff outline capital projects and finance update, including splash pad, park renovations and reserves report",3728,1382000,5110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256&start=1382&end=5110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256/thumbnail_1382000.jpg","/articles/6100654/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Palatka-staff-outline-capital-projects-and-finance-update-including-splash-pad-park-renovations-and-reserves-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100654-6c856ee64cb8699e881d78f6bf81f99f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204406&Signature=ItgixWBYRBG9umgI8cSYQvZQXSYiakV-wbzpYWVxDDDaVNpHwN9fIQs-Nbz3-U3D9uWbBL28eCHgTp35yrUPawGOmWks5t1HJ3dOtHWDko7I7arjNEgiIQmkgm1XcL0cBK0pfJPRZuaPzos-fJGAj504BpGzB1~gMhgNHS5G4FIwIhy46ERSZ~ZdQZdVyE6LuVI3WTtpNjIs92fJL2~9FxjwcSbeDRn1RhmaRlmTYxRID1kWzqEFMM4ZoPCGd~4cbCNFZuIaADkXFwsYYtbhr9Ylm8N6lHDffxd6sBRYff5hmSx6~qYhSrPz2GOxZIwXqkLQkhgX0h5C0Mq5mzotQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff provided a consolidated update on capital projects and grant-funded work at the March 27 Palatka City Commission meeting and Finance Director Peter Kayoffas presented the city's financial snapshot.

Key capital projects and funding details presented by staff (as stated at the meeting):
- A park renovation project (Chopper Park/Chopper Park renovation as presented) will include playground and fitness elements, landscaping and irrigation; staff said $50,000 was received from FDP (presentation language in packet).
- A larger facility project (presentation named a project that includes first-stage roof replacement, security upgrades and ADA improvements) was described as receiving $603,000 from POS plus approximately $1.15 million from the Department of Commerce to close out certain work; expected completion dates were given in staff slides (May 2025 for portions).
- Bronson House repairs: staff said the plan includes structural repairs, hurricane-rated windows/doors and security lighting with a quoted amount around $208,000 from F10 (presentation text).
- A splash pad on the riverfront or at a city park was listed with $375,000 allocated; staff said that figure represented the amount allocated for the project and that staff were obtaining design guidance and cost estimates.
- A north-side roadway resurfacing program (described as pavement, compaction and backhaul work) was listed at $2,400,000 and identified as intended to improve road safety and durability in the North Side; staff said some work had already been authorized to proceed.
- A riverfront reverse retaining-wall study was presented as a study to determine repair or replacement needs for approximately 331 linear feet of wall; staff listed an estimated cost of about $129,000 for that study.

Finance update (Peter Kayoffas, Finance Director):
- Kayoffas said the annual budget is approximately $76,000,000 and gave a general performance summary through 02/28/2025.
- He said the city had $5,576,000 in reserves on the financial statements presented and that governmental fund reserves were at approximately 6.7% (the presentation stated a 6.7% requirement and staff said the city exceeded the recommended reserve percentage).
- Kayoffas reported several enterprise fund summaries in the packet, including a positive variance at the airport and a small positive for the golf course for the period reported.

Commissioners asked for further cost estimates and for staff to track project schedules and potential budget risks. A commissioner asked for an emphasis on completing projects on time and under budget; staff acknowledged that some previous projects had run over and said the city would emphasize project management to try to reduce overruns.

No formal votes were taken on the capital project presentations; staff asked for continued direction and noted grant closing dates and expected completion quarters for various items.

The commission asked staff to provide updated cost estimates for projects where line-item amounts were preliminary, and to return with schedule and procurement plans for high-priority items.","City staff presented a package of capital projects — park renovations, a splash pad, riverfront technical work, retaining-wall study, a $2.4 million north-side road program and building repairs — and Finance Director Peter Kayoffas reported the city's reserves and preliminary fiscal figures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100656,"Planned State Road 20 intersection closure and detour draws safety concerns from residents",491,8067000,8558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256&start=8067&end=8558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256/thumbnail_8067000.jpg","/articles/6100656/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Planned-State-Road-20-intersection-closure-and-detour-draws-safety-concerns-from-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100656-3816de802a1fcc9a5038e90dbd32e089/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204406&Signature=KedW-bX6q18lToZLG8UHNADAeKSegJC-HLUkk1WPhILBreMEMQ8yuC8HmRDtnEjs-T9zm7SOIl8gbWvR5rDetwzMZclCkEnuLPYYKQ~mc42nmiTNU8mVzbChsxC2HTwyKhySmqHf0CjUJz8qFvEjsMZxxgzseyu5R4Rw5tpF8-~lL1CbtBazL6pAL8yTy117Gjf80kAYtDNDU6ic5QwYckuXcvPmpt~92vEt4sG5jMCT7xZG5Xheu96vTCih1Db-VIwtM2KNXPbyY8rV~2z03-atyxcxIXNDum1hgWq2AST6Geyp2vRUKieNzaza2vG9XBQQDozWGHxjBs-QvG5J2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Palatka staff and the project engineer outlined a plan to close the intersection of State Road 20 with the local cross street for reconstruction. The project would reroute traffic for the construction period, and staff estimated construction would take about 50 days including weather days.

Justin Garland, project engineer (introduced in the meeting), described the work and said the plan would close the intersection and use a detour routing that shifts traffic onto South 13th Street and adjacent local streets while work is underway. Garland said the decision to close the intersection followed review of traffic safety and lane width constraints: \"We originally looked at keeping traffic on State Road 20, keeping two lanes open while we do that. It didn't work because we have to get down to two ten-foot lanes and with the structure there we have some concerns about safety issues,\" he told commissioners.

Multiple commissioners and residents raised safety concerns about routing detoured trucks through a residential corridor where children walk and where school traffic is frequent. One resident said trucks would be rerouted into neighborhoods and worried that GPS routing and carriers could send large trucks down residential streets that were not designed for heavy commercial traffic.

Commissioners asked whether shorter detour options, additional signage, or increased enforcement could help. Garland said engineers would revisit detour routing and that staff could add message boards and signage and coordinate with law enforcement on enforcement during the work. He also said staff could pursue alternatives and said they would “go back to the drawing board” to explore whether routing could be adjusted.

No formal action was taken; the item was presented as a project update and a public information session. Commissioners asked staff to return with alternatives and with messaging and enforcement plans to reduce the risk to pedestrians and schoolchildren during the detour period.

Project timeline and impacts summarized by staff:
- Construction estimated at roughly 50 days, including weather days.
- Proposed detour would route traffic onto South 13th Street and Bar Street; staff said signage and enforcement would be used to discourage through-trucks from cutting through residential blocks.
- Staff noted constraints on keeping two 10-foot lanes open during work and said temporary lane configuration would present safety risks if attempted.

Commissioners requested further study of detour routing, traffic-control options, and coordination with law enforcement and schools before finalizing the closure plan.","Engineers presented a proposal to temporarily close an intersection on State Road 20 for reconstruction; residents and commissioners raised traffic- and child-safety concerns about routing trucks onto South 13th Street for a roughly 50-day construction period.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6100657,"Palatka commission adopts Jenkins Center lease resolution after debate over city manager authority",186,1054000,1240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256&start=1054&end=1240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2812934-1e24c90cb618db703c7ec861b52f6256/thumbnail_1054000.jpg","/articles/6100657/Palatka/Putnam-County/Florida/Palatka-commission-adopts-Jenkins-Center-lease-resolution-after-debate-over-city-manager-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6100657-0eb36e820547f379ad6cf4586c4dc8c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204406&Signature=AJDzcLm1Ip0O3YR6Cl0GlxTZG4TE3IuqDD8OpevvXNamsXMm6dSs~5NGTw~4jTIlEbk~DtiC1FhV9K1wwUHNRQT6KHFoiTzknBSVTDfEIKVm1hFsYx7mzIGfyLgwKUwPvfPs-D4WgMewcNJyz4inASAWEsGInoFiRVlcc9jPRmVChpl1SFi~SymSrgYzEVB-xAIb-nUMTGAfd4HAw4HwPv2BnGWOeM5eQ5hmt3rN0FqkrazZhNH7frlEgi7PKTYYiijwU-g~cv2iD5EXOk7OgmsoHs6X5b5cmrxaKmPjSmrnci0TUtVL-hQpA~3RWTEwW00W8GpozlCeYp3LRO2Gyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Palatka City Commission on March 27 voted to adopt Resolution 2025-R-44 to formalize a lease allowing Episcopalian Children Services to occupy office and meeting space at the Jenkins Center.

The vote followed an extended discussion about whether the lease had already been executed by the city manager and whether that execution required prior commission approval. Several commissioners asked for clarity about the authority of the city manager to enter into leases and asked staff to report back with clearer written procedures for future facility leases.

Commissioner [not specified] moved to adopt Resolution 2025-R-44; a second was made and the resolution was approved by roll call. During debate, Commissioner Campbell said the direction given in a prior workshop authorized day-to-day operations to the city manager and department heads, and that the intent had been to allow the city manager to manage routine contracts.

City Manager William Palatka (as introduced in the meeting) and staff said an executed lease existed and that the item was brought to the commission for direction and formal approval. City attorney (referred to in the meeting as Ms. West) advised commissioners that, absent a conflict requiring recusal, commissioners must vote on the item.

Commissioners who raised concerns asked staff to prepare a clearer policy or standard operating procedure so future agreements would follow a consistent process. Commissioner Borom and others emphasized the need for transparency when the city manager negotiates or signs contracts that could affect commission oversight.

The commission also discussed the specific lease terms that had been negotiated with the tenant. Staff said the agreement sets a discounted community rate for nonprofit services, and that the executed lease included specific dates for occupancy tied to construction and renovation timelines at the Jenkins Center. Commissioners noted the lease was intended to keep services in Palatka and to provide space for a nonprofit that had limited alternatives.

The commission took no additional action on rescinding the lease; instead it adopted the resolution to regularize the lease on the public record and directed staff to return with recommended policy language clarifying roles and approval thresholds for future facility leases.

Looking ahead, staff said they would prepare a proposed policy outlining (1) when commission approval is required for leases, (2) when the city manager may sign binding, day-to-day agreements, and (3) a standard form for discounted community leases to promote consistent treatment of nonprofits.

The vote to adopt Resolution 2025-R-44 concluded the Jenkins Center agenda item but left open the follow-up work on formalizing the lease-approval process for future agreements.","The Palatka City Commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025-R-44 to finalize a lease at the Jenkins Center for Episcopalian Children Services amid debate about whether the city manager had authority to execute the agreement without prior commission approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Palatka commission approves multiple zoning, annexation and administrative items; declines city-funded fireworks

Palatka staff outline capital projects and finance update, including splash pad, park renovations and reserves report

Planned State Road 20 intersection closure and detour draws safety concerns from residents

Palatka commission adopts Jenkins Center lease resolution after debate over city manager authority