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DeBary council approves resolution vacating small right-of-way and signs month-to-month federal grant engagement
Summary
At its February meeting the City of DeBary council adopted Resolution 2025-01 to vacate a platted unpaved right-of-way between Lots 5 and 6 of Plantation Estates Unit 35 and approved an engagement letter with grant consultants Beckett & Poliakoff, P.A.; minutes and consent agenda items were also approved.
The City of DeBary council approved four procedural and policy items at its regular February meeting, including final adoption of a right-of-way vacation and a month-to-month engagement with a federal grant-writing firm.
The council voted to adopt Resolution 2025-01, which vacates an unpaved platted right-of-way between Lots 5 and 6 of Plantation Estates Unit 35, a parcel the growth-management director described as having no utilities and no anticipated municipal use. Stephen Bap, growth management director, told the council the parcel was platted in 1963 and that a later subdivision (Woodbound Lakes) removed any prospective roadway use. The resolution directs the city clerk to record the certified copy in the Volusia County public records.
The council also approved an engagement letter and agreement with Beckett & Poliakoff, P.A., to provide federal grant-writing and appropriations guidance on projects including the long-range “complete streets” vision for Highway 1792. City staff said the contract is month-to-month and may be canceled on 30 days’ notice; Councilmember Stevenson noted the cost is $2,000 per month and that the city has existing lobbyist services in addition to the proposed firm.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve minutes of Jan. 8, Jan. 15 and Jan. 22, 2025: adopted (unanimous recorded voice vote). Recorded yes votes in the transcript included Vice Mayor Butland, Councilmember Stevenson, Councilmember Sowell and Mayor Chazet. - Consent Agenda (items 4 and 5): adopted (unanimous recorded voice vote). Recorded yes votes included Vice Mayor Butland, Councilmember Stevenson, Councilmember Sowell and Mayor Chazet. - Resolution 2025-01 (vacate reserved street between Lots 5 and 6, Plantation Estates Unit 35): adopted (unanimous recorded roll call). Recorded yes votes in the transcript: Councilmember Stevenson (yes); Councilmember Sell (yes); Vice Mayor Butland (yes); Mayor Chazet (yes). Staff recommended adoption and said there are letters of no objection from utilities. - Engagement letter with Beckett & Poliakoff, P.A. for federal grant writing and guidance: adopted (unanimous recorded voice vote). Recorded yes votes included Vice Mayor Butland, Councilmember Stevenson, Councilmember Sowell and Mayor Chazet.
On the right-of-way vacation, Bap said the parcel had once been considered for a stormwater solution tied to Woodbound Lakes but that staff found an alternate connection, making the small right-of-way surplus to city needs. The council member with long service on the council noted the parcel had earlier been reserved for possible stormwater work but agreed with staff that existing solutions made the right-of-way unnecessary.
On the engagement letter, staff emphasized the city’s long-range Highway 1792 plan and federal funding opportunities; Sherry Simmons described Beckett & Poliakoff’s transportation and appropriations experience and said the firm has worked with large public and private clients. Councilmembers asked whether the engagement duplicates existing lobbyist services; staff said it complements state-level lobbying by offering federal grant and appropriations advocacy. Councilmembers characterized the monthly fee as a modest investment relative to potential federal funding opportunities.
No ordinances requiring a second reading or further council action were taken at this meeting. The four items above were approved as presented.
