City Council moves to address utility service agreement for Majestic Oaks development

The Brooksville City Council held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, addressing several key issues concerning local development and environmental concerns. The meeting began with citizen input, where residents raised questions about tree preservation and the ongoing development at Southern Hills.

Perry Danzi expressed concerns regarding the removal of majestic oak trees, questioning whether regulations had changed since he moved to the area 20 years ago. City Manager Haley responded, clarifying that trees over 18 inches in diameter require city council approval for removal, a regulation established in 2012. He noted that fines for unauthorized tree removal had recently increased, emphasizing the council's commitment to tree protection.

Bob Detwiler inquired about the status of a bid for an outside consultant to assess water flow and traffic related to the Southern Hills development. He expressed frustration over the lack of updates, particularly regarding the activities of Coastal Engineering along Powell Road. Haley assured that he was in contact with relevant officials and aimed to present findings to the council in May.

The council then moved to discuss the utility service agreement with Majestic Oaks, which involves a proposed development of 900 units. The council debated whether to approve the agreement, given concerns about the city's wastewater capacity. Some council members expressed hesitation to commit to the full 900 units without assurances of adequate capacity, fearing potential legal repercussions if the city could not meet its obligations.

After extensive discussion, the council decided to postpone the decision on the utility service agreement until the next meeting. They directed staff to draft a hold harmless clause to protect the city from legal action should capacity issues arise in the future. This decision reflects the council's cautious approach to development, balancing growth with environmental and infrastructural responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to prioritize due diligence in future development agreements, ensuring that the city's interests are safeguarded while accommodating necessary growth. The council's next meeting is scheduled for May 5, where further discussions on these matters are expected.