Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DeBary approves $77,414 land purchase to secure drainage for West High Banks stormwater project
Summary
Council approved buying 393 West High Banks Road for $77,414 to secure drainage conveyance for the West High Banks project; staff said the parcel is effectively in the floodplain and ownership prevents future development that could increase flood risk and gives the city flexibility for pond expansion and conveyance easements.
The DeBary City Council voted unanimously to approve a vacant land contract purchasing 393 West High Banks Road for $77,414 to support the city's West High Banks drainage improvements project.
Richard Villisure, city engineer, told council that engineering for the drainage project identified the need for pipeline conveyance through the privately held parcel and that the lot lies effectively within the floodplain because of its elevation. "Purchasing this property would prevent the parcel resale and future development that could increase the flooding and stormwater impacts here," Villisure said, arguing that ownership secures the drainage conveyance and provides future infrastructure flexibility.
Staff explained the funding context: the city had allocated $500,000 in capital funds toward matching requirements for the larger project; the county has approved approximately $9.1 million for the overall stormwater work. Villisure said engineering and associated credits (including design by Kimley Horn at $272,000) reduce the city's net cash outlay and that buying the parcel now converts part of the city match into an asset rather than paying solely for construction costs.
Councilors acknowledged the project's critical role in reducing flood risk but expressed discomfort over price and the city's negotiating position. One council member said the city was "in an inferior negotiating position" once engineering identified the need. Another council member recommended land-banking rather than a narrow easement to preserve the option to expand retention ponds.
A motion to approve the contract was made and seconded; the council recorded unanimous yes votes from Vice Mayor Butland, Council member Papalardo, Council member Stevenson, Council member Cell and Mayor Shaz.
Staff said outstanding steps include finalizing Army Corps and St. Johns Water Management District permits and completing the county environmental review tied to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding; staff also noted the property owner had purchased the lot in 2023 and had invested in surveys and engineering to attempt to make the lot buildable. The council instructed staff to proceed under the terms approved.
