[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6171827,"mediaKeyId","5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160","parentId",5393492,"title","Council censures Mayor Norris and asks governor to consider removal after disputes over appointment legal advice and public conduct","audioSeconds",740,"startMs",11110000,"endMs",11850000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160&start=11110&end=11850","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160/thumbnail_11110000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6171827/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Council-censures-Mayor-Norris-and-asks-governor-to-consider-removal-after-disputes-over-appointment-legal-advice-and-public-conduct","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171827-be9b42e6b94c1ca4af26a315c86ef7b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448209&Signature=HO9Pwe8uMdafcOGnjXFHDPLWIvOkOFUsw5e2IBADnYnp8cBiay5WAa4jiakiJ7bIixkQt5Y0CC9-JXxIPLK90kZCBNp5jmsnVu~Ay-0T2rBnhz4fKJHjeiE-oyh7QMO8AJdO2wBl8lOpq2qf6JKxrDq~0kNPokJ~v52UCsiTgoxX43-48RWO8qFrRve7C4xPfhrxzGigPLIb85uG21eh0evfI0eNpaG3O~yUBzU2Y365wn4rAGbfoG3231vMeoxLRExDcbnCuavbDqrkfuDgyEw4QXKCOuqhNM6D00gVqF4a6gOmgqZhr~BXaTKz2bC9~CzYxUkr7EZg4pIZnCwPpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Palm Coast, FL","date","2025-07-15T17:38:03Z","article","The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday voted 4‑1 to censure Mayor Michael Norris and asked each member to sign a letter to the governor formally requesting consideration of removal, after months of dispute over the mayor’s conduct and a lawsuit he filed challenging a previous appointment.

Council discussion centered on whether the mayor had previously been advised by city attorneys that he lacked standing and that a lawsuit would be without merit. Attorney Jeremiah Blocker provided a written memo to the council summarizing multiple written and oral advisories to the mayor that, according to the memo, advised the mayor against litigation and stated the council had followed the city charter. Council members said the mayor nonetheless proceeded with a lawsuit that required the city to defend itself; the judge later found the council had acted within the charter.

During the meeting, opponents and supporters of the mayor spoke in public comment. Several council members and members of the public criticized the mayor’s public statements on local radio and social media and said one post had included a phone number; the mayor said he corrected an error when it occurred and disputed some characterizations of his actions. Council members said the pattern of behavior — including alleged intimidation of staff and misrepresentations about the prior legal advice — merited formal condemnation. Councilmember Sullivan moved that the council censure the mayor and request the governor consider removal; councilmember Gambaro seconded and the motion passed 4‑1.

Council members noted that the Florida ethics process and other legal avenues were also in progress; the council indicated they would continue cooperating with any official investigations. The mayor opposed the motion and said he would continue to perform his duties; he also said he would not resign.

Why it matters: A municipal censure is a formal public rebuke of an elected official and is an uncommon action between council members. Asking the governor to consider removal escalates the political dispute to the state level and reflects deep divisions on the dais; it also follows litigation that the council said consumed city resources.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Business Meeting July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Following a months‑long dispute over the legality of a council appointment and public exchanges, the Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 to censure Mayor Michael Norris and requested that the governor consider removal; the council cited prior legal advice and concerns about the mayor's conduct and cost to taxpayers.","taxTitle","Palm Coast City, Flagler County, Florida","taxId",3807,"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},6171833,"Council reopens house‑color rules, removes LRV limits but retains band‑color ban after heated public debate",11558,1732000,13290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160&start=1732&end=13290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160/thumbnail_1732000.jpg","/articles/6171833/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Council-reopens-housecolor-rules-removes-LRV-limits-but-retains-bandcolor-ban-after-heated-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171833-b59063fdbf5e3825aa6646ffff2e855e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448209&Signature=NWyH-iRmIpmBIypEzELTdVAvHevP4sgZ3ggaSCqC9WWYMeJa8fIsNQ2vQXyNWk45DCKLOLE8JgZrwHy~V15LfHgSJ5UFix9YN282jr36eN~H6NrdyK2KhdeGznc3QpeBdiTt0bjAh-NHb-Uy7kAzIcfJmew4gr5BXjzdaWJcgTgGbNZVGNdS~3pg5AlLH94w2Lm4dC3BfLw~dMVQ6p-etVeklMvCOHFNd-erAHTelnN0P0P8kp3LhD984d~MK5onH0GM14FyfckeI-PDioKBhAUpOr83eB4PYGxbgfMgj07YHM~Rc8mkP9EPB64kXM6Eq3RSvI23~~6v8A~52xNs0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Palm Coast leaders returned to a contentious paint‑color debate Tuesday and approved a narrower rewrite of the city's house‑color rules after extended public comment and council discussion.

The subject dates to a prior meeting when council action removed certain color limits. On Tuesday Councilmember Gambaro moved to reconsider that prior action. After public commenters urged both sides — some calling neighborhood color controls an unwelcome restriction, others saying color rules protect neighborhood character — the council voted 4-1 to reconsider. Later in the meeting the council voted unanimously to remove the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) metric from the code but to retain the existing \"band\" color prohibitions and the structure that limits a primary color plus accents. Council members said the change balances property‑owner choice with neighborhood consistency.

Multiple residents urged the council not to force neighbors to repaint existing homes and warned about cost and enforcement impacts. Others argued removing LRV thresholds restores homeowner freedom; vice‑mayor and others cautioned that going too far could undermine established neighborhood expectations.

Staff said the change does not require retroactive repainting of homes; enforcement actions remain tied to code complaints and the city's current administrative process. Planning staff will return revised ordinance language for two more council readings as required by ordinance process.

Why it matters: House‑color rules affect property owners across the city and have generated strong public reaction from residents concerned about personal property rights, neighborhood aesthetics and enforcement fairness. The council's action alters the technical LRV standard while retaining categories of prohibited band colors; the updated ordinance will return for additional readings and final adoption.","After public comment and a lengthy debate, the council voted to reconsider its recent action on house‑color rules and then approved removing LRV (light reflectance value) restrictions while keeping the city's existing 'band' color prohibitions; ordinance returns for two additional readings.",{"_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},6171835,"City Council sets maximum millage unchanged amid budget talks; staff outlines revenue and expenditure changes",2260,7910000,10170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160&start=7910&end=10170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160/thumbnail_7910000.jpg","/articles/6171835/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/City-Council-sets-maximum-millage-unchanged-amid-budget-talks-staff-outlines-revenue-and-expenditure-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171835-c01e89bf7d4d5f9186fcce75446b93b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448209&Signature=n3cS5DTd9HVyGR6sAxJ7pNvH3hwla0a9EdUgo4GD0VGlnCfiEk~NNKVNc5IMnHiw6QQciMHKnCRjjCXauOBYo9xJZ-ywOI-CQhj9iEb0NnFqMkdLADfzyEb2g-S82B4T-IeJwMKLkvoIwNMCWmGIlLj0vWclcbCaOXFupa0d4k9pjjEK9LZt0Fc-n9J1~mPm1D2IAsOe6wnuI3alEwWusguKw66Q62Wi6d~nuDEA0gca4SKONm7OFqRsLML4eH26DqT2uvtv66R3bSmlfLNhnRILiZItz7t6Hbzrtt338rj~37QTzlQmWLo2wcPl1HEhtL5ttboZUUsG9pwEQghZAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Palm Coast council members on Tuesday approved a resolution establishing the proposed maximum millage rate for FY 2025‑26 at 4.1893, the same rate used in the prior fiscal year, while staff presented a detailed general fund budget overview that projects $68.8 million in general fund expenditures.

Budget staff summarized revenue assumptions, including a roughly 10% increase in taxable values and ad valorem revenue estimated at about $44 million at the proposed rate. Staff said the proposed budget increases total general fund expenditures by $7.6 million (12.5%) over the prior year, with major changes including two positions for fire and two for public works, transfers to capital and streets programs, and normal salary/benefit adjustments.

Council discussed whether to lower the maximum millage by 0.1 mill; Vice Mayor Pontieri and others urged a 0.1‑mill rollback and tighter line‑item precision. Councilmember Gambaro and others argued keeping the rate at 4.1893 preserves flexibility during the budget process; council ultimately approved the resolution 4-1 to set the maximum at 4.1893. Staff reminded council it may adopt lower millage or change appropriations later; the tentative budget hearing is scheduled Sept. 10 and the final hearing Sept. 24.

Staff also described appropriated fund balance uses for one‑time items such as a salary study and golf‑course irrigation repairs, and said changes since the prior workshop included transferring 0.3 FTE to code enforcement and adjusting personnel hours at the Southern Recreation Center. The presentation included interfund transfers and contingency planning; council members asked for continued precision on personnel and healthcare cost assumptions.

Why it matters: Setting the proposed maximum millage establishes the upper limit that will appear on TRIM notices; council can set a lower rate before final adoption. The budget sets near‑term priorities for public safety, parks, streets, and capital projects and frames the public hearings this fall.","The council set a proposed maximum millage rate of 4.1893 (same as FY2025) while budget staff presented a proposed $68.8 million general fund budget and updated revenue and expenditure assumptions; the vote was 4-1.",{"_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},6171841,"City moves forward on wastewater capacity: construction manager for Plant 1 and additional funding for Oak Kings reclaimed line approved",1434,8776000,10210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160&start=8776&end=10210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160/thumbnail_8776000.jpg","/articles/6171841/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/City-moves-forward-on-wastewater-capacity-construction-manager-for-Plant-1-and-additional-funding-for-Oak-Kings-reclaimed-line-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171841-692e6dac9b2dffb5b385bd2e708b4c52/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448209&Signature=a9OJ80M~Xad8YGcs3W1oN3VT3pjjcq2ptt8YAdEZbQIXjKyqzIRGQaQf1LsNYaaLiiVtdPtaOH3pY6wzYMqBn-6qE9mocPhiHYgoZ3Pd~Zt8i4xtV9~DUuFzeWdKasrLqSLHKnlLVXXYf9qvF6G2VcbQyForJeTDUZVNN3cR~1RvTg2AQv0IkK9bVvpWQmVCuR3OB1okp5DDLk5TUq~W7uQ97c6KvHB0ymUC~YgXKEbOiM2uCx27jvTJHgwDeMGUKrHnDneiK9oU8F9lMaDu5xlBQbkdXrNKRqZSBvJCr8aUAptaOVZtwodD3E8r~y~JP-UDgWr5fsGRnm2jj0gnBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday approved two items intended to expand wastewater capacity and manage effluent for future growth: a construction‑manager‑at‑risk pre‑construction contract for Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 and increased funding to add a reclaimed water line to the Radiance (Oak Kings South) utility project.

For Plant 1, the council approved a pre‑construction services agreement with Wharton Smith Inc., the top‑ranked construction manager bidder. Utilities staff described the contract as necessary to bring a contractor into the design process early so the city can identify long‑lead items and early procurement opportunities. The pre‑construction fee in the agenda packet is $1,176,124, and the eventual construction‑phase fee is cited as 9% of the cost of work; the council voted 4-1 to approve the agreement.

Separately the council approved additional project funding requested by the Radiance Community Development District for the Oak Kings South utility extension. Construction for that project is under way and staff reported several construction‑time change orders tied to soil and monitoring‑well constraints at the nearby county landfill, plus additional items that were not in the original bid. Those unforeseen and design‑change costs total about $1.4 million and will be covered by impact fees. Council also approved adding the reclaimed water main to the scope — staff said adding the reuse line now saves mobilization and avoids a future larger cost while creating a reuse path for treated effluent and reducing potable water irrigation demand. The reclaimed scope increase was estimated at nearly $6.0 million and would be paid from wastewater impact fees; council approved the additional funding 4-1.

City staff and councilors repeatedly framed both votes as part of an effort to increase system capacity and reliability. Utilities director and engineering staff said Plant 2 work has already returned some capacity online and that the Plant 1 expansion and additional equalization/storage will be needed as the city grows. Council members expressed concern about contract cost details and asked staff for tight oversight of line‑item charges and change orders.

Why it matters: The Plant 1 expansion and reclaimed‑water infrastructure are central to the city's plan to handle more wastewater flow without increasing potable‑water use for irrigation. Approving a construction manager early is intended to lower construction risk and identify savings through staged procurement; adding reuse now aims to secure reclaimed customers and reduce aquifer drawdown pressures.

Next steps: Wharton Smith will proceed with pre‑construction services and later request guaranteed maximum price amendments for construction phases. Radiance CDD will assign easements and the reclaimed main will be completed with a projected construction completion in spring 2026, staff said.","Council approved a pre‑construction services agreement with Wharton Smith for the Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 expansion and approved additional project funding to add a reclaimed water main in the Oak Kings/South project; both measures passed 4-1.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6171846,"Palm Coast council approves first reading to create Lighthouse Community Development District",420,2495000,2915000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160&start=2495&end=2915","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393492-469927d2929500e0c809ec8ba7a4e160/thumbnail_2495000.jpg","/articles/6171846/Palm-Coast-City/Flagler-County/Florida/Palm-Coast-council-approves-first-reading-to-create-Lighthouse-Community-Development-District","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171846-4adacbec8a916040ebca53ea1bcad07e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448209&Signature=P~lIRl6oUj9A3BuUjan4-5mdqGXuOxMAn9GbwRGf~-eRkR~Ire4lCqp1xBtEYr-dWHleo505fx3s565tCqf0~xE0DRXEDFivDRUlNl3TD1yti9qCQbfVHNzRegj5G8mQRsERQtZo5rutgD0lhqttK92oYdugyWCVMBa~4H99~hdeE6Um1WCijKwQ7Eci0TSsuQgmNpWyFGTbQohiwWErflXWzN9KJnVVSRAh2wUtuDwPKfqzsI8QYooXXGMoVtiBtEtkuUVDCTtFgXx5Iuml9ywHTDpO-MAayVq~-sL~6byhjA0L-sVIA0B9braqzN3Csl-sLLPiOrej1l4dCakZKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday approved, on first reading, an ordinance creating the Lighthouse Community Development District (CDD), a special-purpose unit that would fund infrastructure for a planned mixed-use development in the northeast quadrant of Copeland and Roberts Row.

The CDD petition covers roughly 67 acres and would be used to finance roads, utilities and other infrastructure to serve a project the applicant described as up to 785 residential units (664 multifamily units plus 121 townhouses), a 200-slip boat storage area and approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial space. Senior planner Fong Wing told the council the petition \"is in compliance with Florida statutes chapter 190\" and met the six statutory factors the city must consider for a CDD.

Staff emphasized that a CDD is a funding mechanism, not an entitlement: \"It's a funding mechanism to help them to finance the infrastructure,\" Fong Wing said. He told the council the CDD would allow potential purchasers of lots to be notified by the Flagler County Tax Collector of any assessments. Planning staff said the district would reduce costs borne by general taxpayers by shifting infrastructure financing and maintenance to the CDD and its assessments.

Council members asked practical questions about capacity and public safety. Councilmember Michael Hansen (planning staff) and others noted wastewater flows from the project will go to Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 and that, per state law, purchasers must be notified about CDD assessments. During discussion, the council also heard a public comment asking whether taxpayers would ultimately bear costs; staff responded that the CDD is intended to make the development self‑funding for the infrastructure the district will maintain.

The motion to approve first reading of the ordinance establishing the Lighthouse CDD carried 4-1, with Mayor Michael Norris dissenting. City staff announced a second reading and public hearing will be scheduled for Aug. 5, when the council could vote to finalize the creation of the district.

Why it matters: A CDD creates an ongoing assessment obligation for property owners inside the district and a five‑member board of supervisors to operate district facilities. If adopted, the district will shape how new development is built and maintained and how new homeowners are charged for infrastructure costs.

What’s next: The ordinance returns for a second reading Aug. 5; if adopted, the district can issue bonds and levy assessments to fund construction and long‑term maintenance.","City council voted 4-1 to approve a first reading establishing the Lighthouse Community Development District, a 67-acre development financing district to support up to 785 residential units and related infrastructure; final adoption is set for Aug. 5.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council censures Mayor Norris and asks governor to consider removal after disputes over appointment legal advice and public conduct

Council reopens house‑color rules, removes LRV limits but retains band‑color ban after heated public debate

City Council sets maximum millage unchanged amid budget talks; staff outlines revenue and expenditure changes

City moves forward on wastewater capacity: construction manager for Plant 1 and additional funding for Oak Kings reclaimed line approved

Palm Coast council approves first reading to create Lighthouse Community Development District