Parker City Council Addresses Property Zoning, Speed Limits, and Budget Planning

On July 15, 2025, the Parker, Florida City Council, led by Mayor Kelly, convened with Councilmembers Chappell, Haney, and others present, to discuss zoning concerns, public safety, and community initiatives. The meeting included public comments and updates on city operations, with a focus on addressing resident concerns and planning for future needs.

Public Raises Nonconforming Property Concerns

A resident expressed frustration over a zoning regulation that deems nonconforming properties, such as duplexes and fourplexes, non-transferable upon change of ownership, potentially reducing property values. They noted a lack of representation during the regulation’s adoption and questioned the need for variances, which involve neighbor input and don’t align with the issue. The resident asked if a duplex could be converted to a single-family home and whether it could revert to a multi-family unit, citing state law on grandfathered properties. The council clarified that conversion to a single-family home is permitted, but reverting to multi-family use is prohibited under current zoning laws. Mayor Kelly requested documentation to review the issue thoroughly, promising to bring it to the Planning Commission for further discussion without rushing to a decision.

Another resident highlighted safety concerns at Earl Gilbert Park, where the posted speed limit is 25 mph, but vehicles were observed traveling up to 40 mph. They suggested reducing the speed limit to 15 mph, citing risks to children in the recreational area. Councilmember Haney, who had previously raised the issue, supported the reduction, emphasizing child safety over driver convenience. The council voted unanimously to lower the speed limit on Oak Shore Drive from 25 mph to 15 mph, directing staff to replace the two existing signs.

Councilmember Summerlin presented the annual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discussion, outlining efforts to manage stormwater runoff. Initiatives include the Adopt-a-Drain program, an annual cleanup day on October 11, and a hotline for reporting illegal dumping, such as paint and kitty litter in storm drains. The city installed 11 litter traps in collaboration with the St. Andrews St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program to capture debris, with quarterly monitoring to assess effectiveness. Recent stormwater improvements, including repaired head walls and drain pipes, were also noted.

Councilmember Chappell reported growing attendance at the monthly yard sale under the pavilion, with 58 attendees in July compared to 42 the previous month. The next sale was scheduled for the second Saturday of August, with a vendor inquiring about selling boiled peanuts. A town hall meeting was set for July 29, and a pig roast was planned for September 1 at 5 p.m. as a covered-dish event. Councilmember Haney raised budget planning, noting that department heads had received letters to submit requests. The council discussed the need for a workshop to review department wish lists, including a $1.442 million fire engine replacement proposed by the fire department. The council encouraged departments to submit all requests for consideration.

Councilmember Haney asked the city attorney about the process for handling complaints filed against the city, council, or employees, seeking clarification on how the council is informed. The attorney explained that the state attorney’s office reviews complaints, and the council requested a list of complaints filed over the past two to three years for review.

Watch video here: