The agenda includes the dissolution of title to split a two story duplex on 9th Street into two separate properties.
Elections for Commissioner:
Three candidates have qualified. Lynne Benton (Conkling), Kirk Diehl, and Freddie Foster are running for the two open seats in the upcoming November election.
Special Requests include recognition of long-time police chief Kris DiGiovanni on his retirement, promotion of Sgt Jamie Buxton to Chief of Police, and a commendation of Scott Stanfield for a marine rescue.
Committee and Department Reports:
Acting Fire Chief Shana Rogers is reporting in place of James Muro.
Chief Jamie Buxton reported on a water emergency, medical and other calls for service,and backup to other agencies,
Code enforcement focused on residential code education, garbage and yard debris compliance, right of way clearance, and short term rental investigations.
City Administrator John Bartus discusses the homestead tax amendment. If approved by 60% of the voters, it will raise the homestead property tax exemption from the current $50,000 to $250,000 by 2028 with inflation adjustments starting in 2029. The annual cap on non-homestead property increases will also be reduced from 10% to 5%. About 32% of KCB properties are homesteaded.
Public Works had a busy month on city upkeep. They also bought a 34-inch stand on mower for the dog park and bocci courts, inventoried hurricane supplies, repaired the restroom trailer, and rescued an injured bird at Sunset Park.
The building department has completed 127 rental inspections, is reviewing seawall assessments.
Consent Items:
Items to be voted on one motion include approval of the meeting minutes, a warrant for $1,142,362.19, an interlocal agreement for state boating improvement funds, renewal of the lobbyist services contract with Ron Book, and the vacation and sick time payout for Chief DiGiovanni.
Action Items:
The commission will again take up the a 40,000-pound cradle-style boat lift on W. Ocean Drive, tabled in the May hearing.
The commission will approve the Ocean Drive Water Quality Improvement Project Grant Agreement for $2,277,610. The project is to enhance stormwater collection, storage, and treatment along Ocean Drive and connected streets. Improvements will include instruction of exfiltration trenches, baffle boxes, control wears, permeable pavers, and modification of existing stormwater outfall components to improve hydraulic performance and pollutant removal. The award is based on KCB's contribution of $60,000.
The commission will approve accepting the architecture and engineering services bid from CPH Consulting. They will then contract with CPH Consulting for a non-exclusive continuing service agreement for the Ocean Drive Water Quality Improvement Project.
The commission will act on fees for a building permit extension for 200 13th Street tabled at the last meeting. They also plan to take up a 1-year permit extension request and assessment of fees for the three-story home under construction on Coral Lane.
People Are (still) Asking why the city appears to ignore the tolling requirements of Florida statutes.
States of emergency such as those declared for Hurricanes Helene and Milton automatically extend building permits; the current declarations remain in effect through at least July 4. Permit holders may also claim two additional years to work under their building permits beyond that initial period, also at no additional cost. That two years would keep all current KCB building permits open until July 20, 2028, although the builders can close a permit whenever they finish the job.
The commission will discuss a Recreation Committee request for $200,000 TDC Funding to improve the restroom facility and the existing golf course building.
RFPs and bids: The commission will issue requests for proposals for
Disaster debris removal services.
Storm Drain Cleaning Services.
They will discuss the unsuccessful solicitation for construction of the basketball half court and will discuss a management agreement for the pickleball courts.
A year has passed and it is time for the commission to renew the city administrator's contract. The renewal increases the hours worked to 30 per week and the rate of pay by $20,000 per annum.
The commission will approve the FY2026-2027 Budget Calendar.
The commission will discuss Moving upcoming city commission and board/committee meetings to The Inn.
Ordinances & Resolutions:
The commission will approve the second and final reading of an amendment to raise the stormwater assessment rates.
The commission will also approve a resolution to borrow $3,000,000 to finance the city hall project.
Commissioners' Reports
Commissioner Harding will report on the May financial summary and the wastewater report for June 15.
Commissioner Diel has a KCB Day update.
Commissioner DiFransico has an update on 680 11th Street.
The city posted a stop work order over three years ago, in January, 2023, and work on this homestead has been stalled ever since. The owner exercised his legal rights. In April, the owner came to the commission to discuss a settlement. Mayor Foster instructed the city administrator and building official to "mediate to the extent that they don't have decision power" and the city attorney to give them "guidance on what they can and can't do." See the city response and apology for a similar prosecution here.
Vice-Mayor Colonell has a city hall update.
Mayor Foster will report on the police union contract and property taxes
