The Orlando City Council voted to approve its consent agenda on Jan. 12, endorsing multiple administrative and funding items that city leaders said strengthen food security and infrastructure recovery.

Mayor Buddy Dyer told the council the U.S. Department of Agriculture had awarded the city a $376,000 grant to support urban farming and gleaning programs, which the mayor said will "allow us to expand our rescue efforts to 40,000 pounds of fresh produce each year." The council also approved using Community Development Block Grant disaster-recovery funds, coordinated with Orange County, to support flood-mitigation work in Richmond Heights and Harrelson Estates, including stormwater pipe replacements and improvements to Lift Station 17.

Council members welcomed the city's next permanent fire chief and were told the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Plaza Live Theater. Commissioners noted the importance of the infrastructure projects to reduce street flooding and protect evacuation routes following hurricane-related damages.

On routine procedure, Commissioner Ortiz moved to approve earlier meeting minutes and other consent items; the motion passed by voice vote with no public objections.