Remarks by Darrin Palumbo
628 remarks on the record, newest first · Page 20 of 26
“Very good. So you got three. Anybody? Give me a nod or a no. If not, we don't go any further.”
“Councilor, I like what we can get from point A to point B quickly. I like the thought of the citizens being heard, but I do respect the decision of this council. No further conversation on that. Councilors, anything else you missed before we move on? All right, item 19, counselor's report. We have no reports attached, but if anybody has anything to TDC, our meeting is tomorrow, so I have nothing to, but Florida League of Cities, Stephen, or Bonita, MPO, Deb, CAC, anything to report, counselors?”
“All right, nothing else. I know we have at least one patient citizen on item 20, citizens' comments. Jim, how many people are signed up for?”
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
“Just state your name, please. I'm sorry.”
“Thank you so much, and we wish you the best in the election, and thank you for coming.”
“Well said, Elliot. I made a few notes. Thank you.”
“Councillor 754, great meeting, great dialogue.”
“Well, good evening, everybody. It's Monday, August 3rd, 2026, 5.30 p.m., and this is our regularly scheduled city council meeting. Let's not forget rules of decorum are in effect for councilors, staff, and participants. It's not what you say, it's how you say it, and that's a message for all of us, right? Good message in life. But please come up and speak your mind, and we look forward to hearing what you have to say. Jim, would you call the roll, please?”
“All counselors are present. Yes, in a moment we're going to do the invocation. It's going to be Reverend James Thielen of the Marco Lutheran Church. And if you could remain standing for that, after that I'll lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you're able, please stand. Reverend.”
“Amen. I pledge allegiance. All right, Councilors, we're moving on to Item 5, approval of the agenda. Entertain a motion for that?”
“Motion by Vice Chair Champagne, second by Councilor Schwan. All those in favor, say aye.”
“And the opposed, say no. All right, the ayes have it. Item 6A, approval of the minutes. And we'll start with the City Council Special Code Audit Workshop for the fiscal year 2025-26, the minutes of July 13, 2026. Councilors, any change to those minutes? Take a motion, please.”
“Motion by Councilor Henry, second by Councilor Dome. All those in favor, say aye.”
“Anybody opposed, say no. All right, the ayes have it. Moving on to 6B, approval of the City Council amenities from our regular scheduled meeting of July 20th, 2026. Councilors, any change to those minutes?”
“Second. Motion by Councilor Schwan, second by Councilor Gray. All those in favor, say aye.”
“Any opposed, say no. All right. Moving on to item 7, approval of consent agenda. There is one item. Light sign if you wish to remove this item. All right. Councillor Gray, we're going to remove 7A. And that will now become 16A. Alan, what do I do with no other items? Motion to approve as amended? There's nothing on there at this point. I'm sorry. All right, so move to 16A.”
Not quoted here: it may name a member of the public. Hear it at the meeting.
“Carlos, we greatly appreciate your service. What you do is imperative to the community. Without you, we don't have a community, so we appreciate that. Here on behalf of the city and the council, commemorative pin for you to wear proud, and of course, sorry, of course a five-year service award that you can hang proudly.”
“Well then, let us thank you for all you do for us, and we greatly appreciate you, sir. All right, I see a bunch of firefighters here. Second award, Leonardo Rodriguez, fire department, 20 years. Miranoda, where are you? Come on up.”
“And if you have family, great. Friends, bring them up, please, please.”
“20 years, beautiful. Extensive resume. You're always there when we need you. We forget about you when we don't, but when we need you, the first ones we're calling and praising. Couple things from the city here. We do have a commemorative pin, which you could proudly wear. $100 Amazon gift card. Do you see the kids eyeing that down? So be careful on that one. They have their accounts set up already. They plug it right in. And, of course, something you could proudly hang on the wall for your 20-year service. Did you wish to say anything or have the family say anything?”
“Now, don't go anywhere yet, folks. Did we get pictures yet? Now, I would like to invite the whole crew here. Guys, come on up. Come on up for the picture, please. Look at how many people came out to support you. Don't be bashful. Come on, guys. Give them a little encouragement. Come on, team. Jump on both sides, and this is something that girls will be very proud of. Where's Chief? Chief, you're right over here next to your superstar. Please. All right, guys, I know I put you on the spot a little bit, but when I see so many people here to support one of their colleagues, it seems like a…”
“All right. We're moving on to item 8B, which is a presentation of our third quarter financial report. Marcia, are you here? Come on up.”
“Thank you. Counselors, light signs if you have any questions. I'm sure I'm going to see a few. I know I'll have one myself. Vice Chair Champaign, you're up first.”