Palm Coast council unanimously approves utilities ordinance, Fire Station 22 design and Holland Park turf replacement

The Palm Coast City Council on March 3 approved several items affecting city facilities and operations, voting unanimously to adopt an ordinance governing the sale of city‑owned utilities, to move the historic Fire Station 22 project into construction documents with a $226,600 fee for Forefront Architecture and Engineering, and to authorize $256,000 for Phase 1 replacement of synthetic turf at Holland Park.

On the ordinance (second reading), staff said changes requested at the prior meeting had been incorporated; no members of the public offered comment and Miss Cook called a unanimous vote in favor of the ordinance.

City architect Eric Gebo and Parks and Recreation Director James Hurst presented the Fire Station 22 schematic design, which preserves historic architectural elements while adding a new two‑story lobby, exhibition space for the Palm Coast Historical Society, offices, meeting rooms and expanded parking. Gebo described stakeholder input and design goals, and staff said the construction‑document phase fee for Forefront is $226,600. The council discussed grant opportunities, and Peter Johnson, speaking for the Palm Coast Historical Society, said the society will furnish exhibits and provide docents; the council approved proceeding to construction documents with the stated fee.

For Holland Park, staff requested $256,000 to replace aging turf with synthetic material in Phase 1 of the project. Staff said synthetic turf has an expected life of about 10 years and that the procurement covers material and installation; tree removals will be handled in‑house and council asked staff to minimize event disruptions during construction. The council approved the turf replacement and asked staff to pursue grants and coordinate scheduling to limit park closures.

All votes recorded on these matters were unanimous in the meeting: Vice Mayor Pontieri, Council Member Sullivan and Mayor Michael Norris voted yes; Council Members Gambarro and Miller were absent.

Why it matters: The items fund and advance visible, place‑based projects — a preserved historic facility that will house the Palm Coast Historical Society and a playground/sports park maintenance project — and an ordinance that clarifies the rules around the sale of city utilities. The approvals commit consultant fees and capital funds and set up follow‑on procurement and grant‑seeking steps.

Next steps: Staff will move forward with procurement for construction documents for Fire Station 22 and with contractor procurement and phased installation for Holland Park turf; the ordinance becomes effective as provided by law.