Orange Park: Town Council Regular Meeting
Summary. The Orange Park Town Council held its regular meeting on February 18, 2026, with Mayor Anderson, Vice Mayor Sandlin, and Councilmen Bennerfield and Vogel present. Councilman Taylor was absent. The meeting included proclamations for Saint James AME Church Day and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, along with standard business items including budget amendments, policy updates, and equipment purchases. Public comments addressed concerns about the Johnson Slough project costs and a confrontation between a councilman and a resident. The council approved several routine items including budget amendments, equipment purchases, and contract authorizations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the town manager's new budget approach emphasizing cost control and fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of potential property tax reform that could reduce revenues by nearly $900,000 in the first year. The meeting also included discussion of updated standing rules and policies developed by a special committee.
Agenda Items
4a. Proclamation for Saint James AME Church
Proclamation declaring February 17, 2026 as Saint James AME Church Day in recognition of Black History Month
- Church originally constructed in 1878
- Property donated by Washington and Harriet Benedict
- Recognizes contributions of African Americans in Orange Park
- Current pastor Jeffrey J. Washington appointed in 2021
4b. Proclamation for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Proclamation declaring March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
- Second leading cause of cancer deaths in US
- Early screening significantly reduces mortality
- 90% survival rate when found early vs 16% at stage four
- Goal of 80% screening rate in all communities
7a. Budget Amendment - Second Amendment FY 2025-26
First reading of budget amendment using $131,200 fund balance for Town Square plan design guidelines
- Reallocating unspent funds from previous year
- Includes various description changes for CFP compliance
- First reading by title only
7e. Town Manager Budget Memo
Presentation of new budgeting approach emphasizing cost control and fiscal responsibility
- Focus on cost-first control and limiting expenditure growth
- Truth in budgeting based on actual spending history
- Potential $876,000 revenue loss from property tax reform
- Cultural shift away from 'we've always done it this way'
- Government should be run like a business where possible
7l. Report from Special Committee on Policies and Procedures
Committee recommendations for updating town standing rules and procedures
- Move meeting time from 7PM to 6PM
- Extend agenda packet distribution deadline
- One hour rule for staff/attorney time requests
- Committee restructuring with citizen-only advisory committees
- Expand eligibility to Clay County residents including business owners
- Town council orientation and annual training requirements
Motions & Votes
Motion for approval of Saint James AME Church proclamation
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion for approval of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month proclamation
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion for first reading by title only of ordinance number 03-26 budget amendment
Moved by Councilman Bennerfield, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion for approval of resolution 08-26 authorizing administrator review of Willow Breeze subdivision plat
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Mayor Anderson
Passed 4-0
Motion for approval of resolution 09-26 sign grant program
Moved by Councilman Bennerfield, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve recommendation to install pavers over fountain area
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Mayor Anderson
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve purchase of crane truck and surplus old vehicle
Moved by Councilman Bennerfield, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion for approval of additional work orders for CEI services
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve surplus of equipment and authorize auction
Moved by Councilman Bennerfield, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed 4-0
Motion to rescind previous motion regarding engineering services
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Mayor Anderson
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve final ranking of engineering firms and authorize continuing contracts
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Councilman Bennerfield
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve piggyback contract with Daytona Beach for sewer lining
Moved by Vice Mayor Sandlin, seconded by Mayor Anderson
Passed 4-0
Motion to approve piggyback contract with O'Donnell Texas for HydroKleen services
Moved by Councilman Bennerfield, seconded by Mayor Anderson
Passed 4-0
Motion to adjourn
Moved by Not clearly identified, seconded by Not clearly identified
Passed by voice vote
Action Items
Review and finalize exhibit A scope of work for piggyback contracts
Assigned to Town Attorney · Due Before contract execution
Schedule interviews with three HR firms
Assigned to Town Manager · Due March 6
Review scaled down Johnson Slough project proposals
Assigned to Town Manager and Public Works Director
Demo fountain and install pavers at Town Hall
Assigned to Public Works Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Orange Park Town Council held its regular meeting on February 18, 2026, with Mayor Anderson, Vice Mayor Sandlin, and Councilmen Bennerfield and Vogel present. Councilman Taylor was absent. The meeting included proclamations for Saint James AME Church Day and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, along with standard business items including budget amendments, policy updates, and equipment purchases. Public comments addressed concerns about the Johnson Slough project costs and a confrontation between a councilman and a resident. The council approved several routine items including budget amendments, equipment purchases, and contract authorizations. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the town manager's new budget approach emphasizing cost control and fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of potential property tax reform that could reduce revenues by nearly $900,000 in the first year. The meeting also included discussion of updated standing rules and policies developed by a special committee.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 5 agenda items: Proclamation for Saint James AME Church; Proclamation for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; Budget Amendment - Second Amendment FY 2025-26; Town Manager Budget Memo; Report from Special Committee on Policies and Procedures.
How many motions were voted on?
14 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Mayor Anderson, Vice Mayor Sandlin, Councilman Bennerfield, Councilman Vogel, Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Attorney.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Orange Park in?
Orange Park is located in Clay County, Florida. Browse other Clay County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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