Flagler Beach approves vehicle purchase, reimbursements and utility-billing changes

Flagler Beach commissioners approved several routine but substantive items including a building-department vehicle purchase, reimbursement for a power-pole relocation tied to wellfield expansion, and new utility-billing rules intended to limit repeated data-log requests and discourage customers from arranging outside repairs before contacting the city.

Staff presented Resolution 2026-40 to purchase a 2026 Ford Ranger for the building department for up to $36,343 using building-department funds; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Commissioners asked whether transferred vehicles would be accounted for by inter-departmental accounting; staff said most transfers are bookkeeping movements and many vehicles are depreciated.

Resolution 2026-41 authorized reimbursement to CR KL Siminal Woods Owner LLC for costs associated with demolishing and relocating a power pole necessary for servicing a city well as part of wellfield expansion. Commissioners discussed the $118,000 figure for pole relocation and other foreseeable project costs, and the motion passed unanimously.

Utility Billing Manager Miss Noberry explained two ordinance changes: Ordinance 2026-09 (meter data logs and authorized access for inspections) and Ordinance 2026-12 (limits on credits and adjustments where customers or contractors repair without notifying the city, and restrictions on broad credits when service was not provided). She said staff performs roughly 75 to 80 data logs per billing period and that some customers request repeated logs, imposing staff time and vehicle costs. The commission approved Ordinance 2026-09 on second reading and moved Ordinance 2026-12 forward on first reading with unanimous votes recorded.

The changes aim to preserve staff time and reduce unnecessary costs while preserving the city's ability to respond when legitimate leaks or service interruptions occur.