The Venice City Council convened on April 3, 2025, for a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Workshop, focusing on essential updates and future planning for the city’s infrastructure and emergency services.

The meeting began with discussions regarding the fire department's fleet, specifically the acquisition of a new ladder truck funded by fire impact fees. Fire Chief Giddens provided insights into the current fleet, noting that the city operates four fire engines, with one serving as a reserve. He explained that the life cycle for fire engines is approximately 15 years, and the city is strategically planning to replace aging vehicles while managing increasing call volumes, which have risen from 8,000 to over 9,000 annually, with 86% of those being medical calls.

Council member Farrell raised concerns about the potential for new growth in the city, questioning the availability of land for annexation and the implications for emergency services. Chief Giddens reassured the council that the fire department is prepared to handle the current demand, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a backup ladder truck for emergencies, especially given the presence of high-rise buildings in the area.

Following the fire department discussion, the council moved on to the topic of additional police vehicles, which will also be funded through the Police Impact Fee Fund. No questions were raised regarding this item.

The meeting then shifted focus to the airport fund, where Airport Director Mark Serrazio addressed the status of various projects. He noted that many airport initiatives are contingent on grant funding from the FAA or FDOT, which has caused delays. A notable point of discussion was the proposed helipad, which is part of the airport's master plan and is intended for emergency life flight operations. The council emphasized the need for careful planning to minimize disruption to nearby neighborhoods.

Serrazio also discussed the ongoing demand for hangars at the airport, revealing a waiting list of over 300 individuals. He explained that while the city continues to seek state grant funding for new hangars, the current financial climate has made it challenging to secure these funds. The council agreed on the importance of keeping hangar projects in the CIP to remain eligible for future funding opportunities.

In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the city’s proactive approach to managing its emergency services and infrastructure needs, while also addressing community concerns about growth and development. The council plans to continue monitoring these issues as they move forward with their capital improvement initiatives.