[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6308111,"mediaKeyId","2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2","parentId",2425023,"title","Residents press council on homelessness outreach, golf-course parking, park tree trimming and traffic safety; staff outlines steps","audioSeconds",2804,"startMs",2432000,"endMs",5236000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2&start=2432&end=5236","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2/thumbnail_2432000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6308111/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Residents-press-council-on-homelessness-outreach-golf-course-parking-park-tree-trimming-and-traffic-safety-staff-outlines-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308111-5d77df410c50a7792f219eada1f7071c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433721&Signature=f0XmO32sS7QRSDu-avsv4PCFWemxlFumwbkg52XaaoT3Eh32hjORVpnJI1vUYJ4ziTyx8FTR4HLziWoWozIR7TeLS5miKI3jYii92IAuyhu77VO9~-N-YqYwd7dScmDnnIV4V3HiAAELKneX-5qtNPDfiFn7at3rgaYEgbLOvlif5KMXjYLRPdsolPTcTbx4pWI54kobXQ6SGztqUcam81oylC~dP~4PH7mMoV3bkVENWuV0mlXPTJToKbzWkh5~W1zL0ZUKzm6yq9pypJI7miS6qepJdhKBO0o-RkT5swG0qcEuTTr0r34fUfC~pgN5s21TR~zlkWrYnE9HiwcGFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sebastian, FL","date","2025-02-26T16:12:21Z","article","Several residents used the public-input period to raise neighborhood issues and public-safety concerns, and staff described actions they will take in response.

Frank Nolan, a local volunteer with point-in-time outreach work, recounted recent outreach and urged continued city support for people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of losing housing. Nolan said outreach teams found fewer people than expected in a recent count but described individual cases that remain unresolved and asked the council to consider broader help in addition to ongoing Habitat for Humanity work.

Greg Hepler, owner of the Pelican Diner at the golf course, told the council the restaurant is losing parking to golfers and that recent fencing reduced available spaces. He asked the city manager for a meeting and for clearer signage and possible speed-hump placement to slow traffic near the restaurant entrance.

Richard Gilmore echoed parking concerns near the golf course and invited the council to an upcoming community “treasure hunt” event at Riverview Park.

Charlene Furman raised concerns about heavy pruning of shade trees in Hardy Park and other parks and urged the city to prioritize shade for park users during the Riverfront Park renovation. Parks staff (Brian) responded that some low-limb trimming was done for wind mitigation and hazard reduction; staff said the city will maximize shade where possible as the project proceeds.

On traffic safety, City staff reported results of a speed study on Layport Drive (one-week sample): 589 eastbound trips and 629 westbound trips were recorded. Staff said the 85th percentile speeds were 33.7 mph eastbound and 34.6 mph westbound where the posted limit is 30 mph. Staff recommended adding speed-limit signage, deploying portable radar speed signs temporarily, and targeted police enforcement; another speed study will follow after those measures.

Councilmembers discussed additional signage showing fines and requested that staff coordinate enforcement during peak times (staff noted the higher-speed windows were around lunchtime and late-afternoon). Several council members also raised broader concern about county sewer planning and the city’s ability to secure service for certain neighborhoods; councilmembers urged continued and elevated discussions with county officials about service commitments and timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 26, 2025 - City Council & CRA Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged more help for people experiencing homelessness and asked the city to address parking at the Pelican Diner, tree trimming at Hardy Park and speeding on Layport Drive; staff described a speed study and planned follow-up enforcement and signage.","taxTitle","Sebastian , Indian River County, Florida","taxId",52013,"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},6308115,"Council approves procurement, grants, plans, and budget calendar; summary of votes and major purchases",1129,3180000,4309000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2&start=3180&end=4309","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2/thumbnail_3180000.jpg","/articles/6308115/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Council-approves-procurement-grants-plans-and-budget-calendar-summary-of-votes-and-major-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308115-a32ab92d6ea0786fb59086ea31c86b2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433721&Signature=kQRyz6OYaB7lTssHLCAkG5kJUmt1AnNlFzL81STafagNRmtG5Fh1vz4l9TYa9rt02K5FBf1Er9z0gIdIIjj2mlc63B4kkEmnYVLiuFu-VDFo-SJZWh5gjyqoUo9Wr688otsDm1XOMtC-5TahDFiiMkty0HeFbp8v0VhpAOttoUzzNnL2uFT5hS2e4RK18YY8dW5sFORmjrHU1pVUBYJhoHnz0gidDuM6hvpfbxM8FNBz2MDdBcmvFwnItuOFxzpXGiQVIPc65uHYrMYFptCO0ZhHyzmC3n6cQfPMs1rZ8fxWAqALNxL4gKGOJcWU6BmZV4s2XfBUGcV0H1J69ve~uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March meeting the City of Sebastian council approved a package of consent and new-business items that city staff described as routine procurement, grant-aligned design work, internal equipment purchases and a mix of planning and administrative actions.

Key actions the council approved (all roll-call votes were unanimous unless noted):

- CRA minutes (11/20/2024): accepted.
- Purchase order for Allen J Automotive Management Inc. (listed as National Automotive Fleet / Allen J Automotive) for a Ford Super Duty F-250 crew cab for CRA landscaping, $57,481 — approved.
- Selection of Dredging & Marine Consultants LLC for RFQ 25-06, professional design services for Main Street Park and Boat Ramp, $99,995 — approved (staff said grant funding covered the request and the price came in under the $100,000 grant).
- Purchase order / resolution for Konica Minolta Business Solutions to buy out/replace networked printers and cover maintenance, $14,720.92; staff said the buyout is more cost-effective than renewing lease terms — approved (Resolution 25-05 referenced).
- Acceptance of the five-year Sustainable Sebastian action plan, final acceptance after Natural Resources Board approval — approved.
- Purchase order for HVAC remediation at the Sebastian Municipal Airport terminal to JLM Breathe Clean Air, not to exceed $28,255; council authorized use of airport reserves to fund the emergency work — approved.
- Budget calendar for FY 2025–26: council adjusted and approved two budget-workshop dates (moved to July 16–17) and accepted the overall calendar.
- Authorization to retain outside counsel for pension matters up to $15,000 to support a finance/CFO review — approved.

Staff told the council the $99,995 design contract came in under the grant allocation and the vehicle purchase used a Sourcewell piggyback contract; the Konica Minolta buyout was presented as a short-term, cost-saving move while staff plans a longer procurement review. The airport remediation was described as an unbudgeted emergency that will draw on airport reserve funds; staff provided the reserve balance and post-expenditure estimate in the packet.

Council members asked routine operational questions about lifecycle and future procurement, and staff said they will return to council with follow-up as contracts are executed or additional budget adjustments are needed.","The council voted unanimously on a slate of consent and new-business items including CRA minutes, vehicle and design contracts, acceptance of a sustainability plan, printer purchases, airport HVAC remediation, a budget calendar, and retention of outside counsel for pension review.",{"_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},6308120,"Council adopts first reading of ordinance banning public camping and sleeping to comply with state law",169,3996000,4165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2&start=3996&end=4165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2/thumbnail_3996000.jpg","/articles/6308120/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Council-adopts-first-reading-of-ordinance-banning-public-camping-and-sleeping-to-comply-with-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308120-ed42a7e2e01df13aced459d7c949a853/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433722&Signature=o8ap9GPU-7vmbkh1hBq5KlkATiuDXLc1WcUC2nd4DSgTuHO91BRrcI9IKb5K0Ol3uA7aFqlPhF8Ip8od~NuZ1P25uxXb5neXgKKgpCBpIa4hdaWsHeLWwzthXopZdOtUGFxkKcWO0T8cs88vPOM9NOYW1RWyFFWIO2e2hRjONTVvJCt4mITV5OmvbecgO4DsZjBWnnTWxYZyIN3XwKwdmJwK6thfYPwBRNreDHNpmIhwmgJUNumw64PJVfEMGZNxg6Htv-anEc06qvNrB1KmfB~GyV5r5ZRaDcAe-JXvUFY1hlVmC7bG1xiCk7YHhu2AuNyyKw3LGW9CwVG5YMDpYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Sebastian passed on first reading an ordinance to amend Chapter 70 of the city code to prohibit public camping and public sleeping on city-owned property, implementing changes required by state legislation. City staff said the amendment responds to House Bill 1365 (transcribed in the meeting as “house bill 13 65 20 24”) and that the state measure became effective Jan. 1, 2025.

City Attorney and staff described the revision as required by state law and said the city risks complaint or litigation if it does not adopt the local code change. During council discussion several members expressed reluctance about the statute’s enforcement mechanism; one council member said he would vote for the change “with absolute reluctance,” noting the potential for private citizens to file complaints about individuals sleeping on benches.

The motion to approve first reading and set the second reading public hearing for March 12 carried on a roll call vote with unanimous support.

Staff added that the change reflects a state-mandated obligation, and that local officials have limited discretion once the law takes effect. The ordinance language provides definitions and clarifies prohibited activities on city property; enforcement and penalties follow the state statute.","On first reading the council amended city code to prohibit public camping or sleeping on city property to comply with state legislation; some members said they vote reluctantly because of enforcement and humanitarian concerns.",{"_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},6308124,"Council approves first readings to reclassify 3.96-acre tract off Day Drive for single-family homes",253,3607000,3860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2&start=3607&end=3860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2425023-27e79bce51559dc52e7ff3bcdfda20f2/thumbnail_3607000.jpg","/articles/6308124/Sebastian/Indian-River-County/Florida/Council-approves-first-readings-to-reclassify-396-acre-tract-off-Day-Drive-for-single-family-homes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6308124-566a61283cf6719ab30b3dfd9a878a99/orig.mp4?Expires=1770433722&Signature=JJ1MdSO8j~mFl7TJ6kd~EqrgDOs6tNxPagEbeVBoOMozTSpM~z-eQcKtIrlhWf92dHth8QsKFctDo-iXQUni2oBgWE1cxPp1FLyfceQFosFNwR8-dFpHvQgP~CbxlqjtaFg3E41NfI0w4-joJftrv6g1N3Nv~ToY-xJI-zCT7xbtCjd88crbI87Jfvw87js78J1jMLDN~n-mhcIPKz8-Q2OwMqwW7vFNv0GShuLqDTYJNsCVXuqpCsaxz5RjxiLuovbwEaNYyRrdW8q9H2YkwduV71EPgb3qu2o2guZRFwCqGySRUHDqChrtRC7yIID4S9Zv3eJ0aJN~Z7fxYkV9Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Sebastian on first reading approved changing the future land-use designation and zoning of a 3.96-acre parcel north of Day Drive from institutional/public service to low-density residential/RS-10, a move the applicant said would allow about seven single-family lots.

The change was proposed by Wesley Mills of Mill Short & Associates, who told the council the property—part of Sebastian Highlands Unit 17 and described in the packet as “Track N”—is surrounded by residential uses and has existing frontage utilities. Mills said proposed lots would range from about 15,000 to 35,000 square feet and that an Indian River County lift station sits in an easement on the site.

City staff recommended approval, saying infrastructure exists at the frontage and the requested use is consistent with neighboring low-density neighborhoods. The council voted to set second readings for both the comprehensive-plan change (Ordinance O-25-01) and the rezoning to RS-10 (Ordinance O-25-02) for March 12, 2025; both motions carried unanimously.

Council members and staff noted the development will be limited in scale and compatible with surrounding lots. Council and staff also flagged a future administrative step about responsibility for the short access road that will extend off Day Drive into the new subdivision.

Wesley Mills (applicant) said the developer Ryan Holmes plans the nearby 90-lot subdivision to the north and that the parcel’s proposed lot yields are well under the RS-10 density cap. Staff confirmed allowed institutional uses under the current designation (churches, daycare, public parks) and explained the application is a conversion to a residential land use to match surrounding parcels.

The measures passed on first reading by roll call; the council directed the second reading and adoption be scheduled for March 12, 2025.","The City of Sebastian approved first readings of a small-scale comprehensive-plan amendment and matching rezoning to allow up to seven single-family lots on a 3.96-acre parcel north of Day Drive; second readings set for March 12.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on homelessness outreach, golf-course parking, park tree trimming and traffic safety; staff outlines steps

Council approves procurement, grants, plans, and budget calendar; summary of votes and major purchases

Council adopts first reading of ordinance banning public camping and sleeping to comply with state law

Council approves first readings to reclassify 3.96-acre tract off Day Drive for single-family homes