Port Orange: City Council Regular Meeting 2/17/2026
Summary. The Port Orange City Council held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, beginning with a comprehensive State of the City presentation highlighting achievements in infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and financial responsibility. The presentation covered major infrastructure improvements including a pellet softening system at the water treatment plant saving $800,000 annually, deployment of rapid sewer line assessment technology, addition of dedicated fire hydrant inspection positions, over 19,500 feet of sidewalk replacement, and 3.5 miles of road paving in 2025. The council addressed several significant agenda items including the second reading of Ordinance 2026-1 requiring master meter installation for multi-family residential complexes, which passed 4-1 despite opposition from Lamplighter community residents. Three flood mitigation property acquisitions were unanimously approved (items 20a, 20b, and 20c), representing strategic purchases to support stormwater management projects including the Nixon Lane pond and pump station. The meeting also featured proclamations for Freemanville Day and Encephalitis Day, public comments on flooding issues at Lamplighter community and concerns about the community cat program, and various committee reports highlighting community partnerships and economic development progress.
Agenda Items
State of the City. State of the City Presentation
Comprehensive presentation covering 2025 achievements and 2026 plans across all city departments
- Infrastructure improvements including water treatment plant pellet softening system saving $800,000 annually
- Deployment of rapid sewer line assessment device reducing inspection time from hours to minutes
- Addition of two dedicated fire hydrant inspection positions for 3,000+ hydrants
- Replacement of 19,500+ feet of damaged sidewalks, more than double previous year
- Police department relaunched crime suppression team and added five officers
- Fire rescue created new EMS division and purchased new equipment
- Maintained one of lowest tax rates in Volusia County with clean audit
- Welcomed 16 new businesses in 2025 with 8 more planned
- 85% reduction in permit turnaround time with new online system
- Upcoming 2026 projects including Cambridge Basin stormwater work and parks improvements
Proclamation. Freemanville Day Proclamation
Proclamation recognizing February 22, 2026 as Freemanville Day to honor historic African American settlement
- Recognition of Freemanville as one of Volusia County's first all-black settlements established 1866-1867
- Founded by Union surgeon Dr. John Milton Hawkes and roughly 500 freed families
- Community centered around Florida Land and Lumber Company
- Request for city to preserve and maintain historic areas including Mount Moriah church
- Concerns about potential burial grounds marked by cedar trees
Proclamation. Encephalitis Day Proclamation
Proclamation recognizing February 22, 2026 as Encephalitis Day to raise awareness
- Encephalitis affects 20,000 people in US and 500,000 globally each year
- Port Orange is 10th of 16 Volusia County cities partnering on awareness campaign
- Second diagnosed case in Volusia County due to increased awareness
- Catwalk fundraising event raised over $9,000 for Mayo Clinic research
- Request for city buildings to be illuminated in red on February 22
19. Second Reading - Ordinance 2026-1 Master Meter Installation
Second reading of ordinance requiring master meter installation for multi-family residential complexes
- Requirement for master meter installation in campgrounds, hotels, mobile home parks, apartment complexes
- Opposition from Lamplighter community residents citing cost concerns and confusion over meter ownership
- City clarification that existing meters are on private property without city easements
- Only five properties in city currently not master metered, creating liability issues
- Residents requesting delay until costs are clarified by Sun Communities
20. Flood Mitigation Property Acquisitions
Three property acquisitions for stormwater management and flood mitigation projects
- Comprehensive stormwater maintenance program reduced citywide cycle from 2 years to 1 year
- Cambridge pump station construction to begin late spring 2026
- Two properties (Trailwood Drive and Sugarhouse Drive) acquired through FEMA HMGP program with 75% reimbursement
- Bears Trail property acquisition for Nixon Lane stormwater pond and pump station project
- Properties provide approximately 3 acres for pond and pump station infrastructure
- Land acquisition program criteria focused on citywide benefit and flood mitigation
- 18 total acquisitions planned with 29 homes in elevation program and 42 in demo/reconstruction
Public Comments. Public Participation
Three residents addressed council with various concerns
- Sue Burns - Lamplighter community flooding issues since Atlantic High School regrading
- Dr. Rebecca Gatton - Chamber of Commerce updates and upcoming events
- Lee from Wellman Street - Community cat program concerns about property damage
21. Council Committee Reports
Updates from various council committee assignments
- First Step Shelter served 421,000 meals and housed 1,153 people over 5 years
- Chamber of Commerce added 40 new members in 30 days, golf league starting March 11
- Art House holiday program served 38 students, Kindergarten We Create reception had 700+ visitors
- High school AP studio art exhibition Thursday 5:30-7:30 PM
- Art House annual meeting next Friday at 5:00 PM with special recognition ceremony
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve ordinance number 2026-1 on second reading
Moved by Sean Gifford, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 4-1
Motion to approve item 20a flood mitigation property acquisition
Moved by Not clearly stated, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve item 20b flood mitigation property acquisition
Moved by Not clearly stated, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve item 20c flood mitigation property acquisition
Moved by Not clearly stated, seconded by Not clearly stated
Passed 5-0
Action Items
Follow up on Lamplighter community flooding issues with school district regarding Atlantic High School regrading
Assigned to City staff and Chris Groves
Investigate community cat program concerns raised by Wellman Street resident
Assigned to Police Chief and city staff
Install duplicate boat ramp closure signage on roadway approach
Assigned to City staff · Due Before spring boating season
Add stormwater presentation and information to city website
Assigned to City staff
Complete property acquisition closings for flood mitigation projects
Assigned to City staff and Robin Fenwick · Due 60-90 days from approval
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Port Orange City Council held its regular meeting on February 17, 2026, beginning with a comprehensive State of the City presentation highlighting achievements in infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and financial responsibility. The presentation covered major infrastructure improvements including a pellet softening system at the water treatment plant saving $800,000 annually, deployment of rapid sewer line assessment technology, addition of dedicated fire hydrant inspection positions, over 19,500 feet of sidewalk replacement, and 3.5 miles of road paving in 2025. The council addressed several significant agenda items including the second reading of Ordinance 2026-1 requiring master meter installation for multi-family residential complexes, which passed 4-1 despite opposition from Lamplighter community residents. Three flood mitigation property acquisitions were unanimously approved (items 20a, 20b, and 20c), representing strategic purchases to support stormwater management projects including the Nixon Lane pond and pump station. The meeting also featured proclamations for Freemanville Day and Encephalitis Day, public comments on flooding issues at Lamplighter community and concerns about the community cat program, and various committee reports highlighting community partnerships and economic development progress.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 7 agenda items: State of the City Presentation; Freemanville Day Proclamation; Encephalitis Day Proclamation; Second Reading - Ordinance 2026-1 Master Meter Installation; Flood Mitigation Property Acquisitions; Public Participation; Council Committee Reports.
How many motions were voted on?
4 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?
5 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: Scott Stiltner, Reid, Chris Groves, Sean Gifford, Lance Bulling, Wayne Clark, Robin Fenwick.
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 Port Orange in?
Port Orange is located in Volusia County, Florida. Browse other Volusia County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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