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City manager details $10M+ in grants, stormwater work and septic-to-sewer planning for DeBary
Summary
The City Manager reported multiple infrastructure and development updates including a $2 million Four Florida bridge (with $1M state grant and $500k from FP&L), a $9.1M West High Banks stormwater project with $8.6M in outside funding and $500k city match, and active planning and grant pursuit related to the statewide septic‑to‑sewer program.
At the close of the agenda, the City Manager briefed the council on capital projects, grants and development activity across DeBary.
On the Four Florida bridge the manager said the project is priced at $2 million and highlighted external funding: "We got a $1 million grant from the state. We got $500,000 from FP&L, and we're end up building this bridge for 25% of the cost for $500,000." He reported the bridge is on schedule for completion in June.
The manager described Alexander Island entrance work and several active private developments (Haven, East High Banks townhomes, KBC commercial, and other retail projects) and noted widespread commercial interest along 1792, including a proposed 61,000 sq ft retail concept at Dirksen and 1792 and other outparcels tied to planned mixed‑use projects.
On stormwater, staff described the West High Banks stormwater improvement as a roughly $9.1 million project running from Dutchman's Bend to the St. Johns River; the manager said the city secured approximately $8.6 million in county/CDBG funding with a city match of $500,000 and that about $370,000 has already been spent on engineering.
The manager also addressed evolving state requirements under the statewide springs cleanup mandate and the septic‑to‑sewer program. He said a recent FDEP communication removing exemptions for certain nutrient‑reducing on‑site treatment systems surprised local residents; after discussions with the FDEP assistant director the city secured restoration of exemptions for its phase‑one area only. He said nutrient‑enhanced on‑site systems cost about $20,000 to install with about $650 per year in maintenance and that staff will pursue grants and coordinate with Volusia County Utilities on engineering and construction grants for phases two and three (each phase estimated near $35 million for full construction). "Our first and foremost is we're going to protect our residents. We're going to go after the grants to help them with these nutrient loading systems," the manager said.
The manager asked council members to avoid commenting on upcoming quasi‑judicial items to preserve the record; he closed by noting the city's website has been updated with project materials and that staff will continue to pursue grants to limit direct costs to residents.
