South Daytona approves property purchase, equipment and $3.24 million mid‑year budget boost for stormwater upgrades

City Manager James L. Gillis Jr. told the City Council on May 12 that South Daytona has received a $1.75 million legislative appropriation to build a stormwater pond in the Brian Avenue and Green Street area and recommended the purchase of 2111 Brian Avenue to add land for the facility. An independent appraisal in April 2026 valued the property at $194,000, which staff said aligns with nearby acquisitions. "This appraisal is in line with the property we recently acquired to the north," Gillis said. Councilman Eric Sander moved to approve the purchase and Councilwoman Lisa O'Neal seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Gillis outlined a broader series of stormwater improvements the city has completed or ordered, including replacement of multiple sewer lift stations (noting work at Lift Stations 4, 6, 5 and delivery for #12), geotechnical work on the Aspen Stormwater Pond expansion, and the start of excavation at Melodie Park to make room for a pump station, fishing boardwalk and seating. He said the replacement of Lift Station #5 — the city's largest — is grant‑funded and scheduled for completion in November.

As part of the council's consent and regular business, members also approved the purchase of two oversized backflow preventers from manufacturer WAPRO at a combined price of $30,816. Gillis said the devices were recommended by stormwater design consultant Mead & Hunt and are sole‑source for the city; manufacturing will take about 4–6 weeks because of their 48‑inch and 42‑inch sizes.

The council also adopted Resolution No. 2026‑13, a mid‑year budget amendment increasing the amended budget by $3,243,111 to recognize grant revenues and associated capital expenditures. Gillis said the bulk of the adjustments reflect a grant for a new stormwater pumping station at the Park of Honor, a Hazard Mitigation Grant for Sherwood Forest improvements, ongoing Melodie Park work and an evidence room renovation in the police department. "Staff is recommending approval so that we can recognize the additional revenues to be received along with their associated expenditures," he said. The resolution passed unanimously.

The approved land purchase, equipment acquisitions and budget amendment together aim to reduce neighborhood flooding risks, officials said. Council members praised staff for successful grant‑writing and implementation; Councilman Brandon Young called the overall progress "a step in the right direction" though he said the process has moved at a "snail's pace." The council voted unanimously on the property purchase, the backflow purchase and the budget amendment.