The City of Kissimmee City Commission convened on December 17, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including public hearings on new ordinances and resolutions impacting local governance and community services.

The meeting began with a public hearing regarding an ordinance amending the City Code to create Chapter 38, which addresses public camping and sleeping on city property. This amendment is a direct response to Florida House Bill 1365, which prohibits municipalities from allowing public camping on public property, including sidewalks and right-of-ways. The ordinance establishes penalties for violations and outlines enforcement procedures, which will be managed by the Kissimmee Police Department. Officers will employ a tiered approach to enforcement, aiming to connect individuals with services before resorting to fines or arrests. The ordinance passed its first reading despite some dissent from Mayor Eady, who voted against it.

Following this, the commission discussed a resolution to preserve the city’s statutory opportunity to utilize the uniform method of collection for future revenue generation. This resolution is a prerequisite for potentially imposing special assessments, such as for dirt street paving, in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The resolution was approved unanimously.

The meeting also included a presentation on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consolidated annual performance and evaluation report for the program year 2023-2024. Frances De Jesus from the Development Services Department reported that the city received $841,265 in CDBG funding, with allocations for administration, code enforcement, and rehabilitation projects. Notably, $466,800 was designated for the Haven and Vine Apartments, with rehabilitation work scheduled to commence in early 2025. The report highlighted the city’s efforts to assist vulnerable populations, including those at risk of homelessness, through various nonprofit partnerships. The report will be submitted to HUD for final approval after the meeting.

Overall, the commission's discussions reflected a commitment to addressing local issues through legislative measures and community support initiatives, with a focus on compliance with state laws and enhancing public services.