Atlantic Beach commission weighs city manager hire, tree protections, fee changes
The Atlantic Beach City Commission tackled a full agenda at its June 22 meeting, considering a permanent city manager appointment, new fees, landmark tree protections, and public works contracts. An Environmental Stewardship Committee discussion revealed stark tree loss data, and a budget workshop set the stage for next year's spending plan.
City Manager Appointment
The commission considered a resolution to approve an employment agreement for Kevin Hogencamp as permanent city manager and to rescind a prior search resolution. If approved, Hogencamp would move from the temporary role he has held to a permanent one. Meeting minutes were not yet published, so vote tallies were unavailable.
Fee overhaul and landmark tree ordinance
The commission introduced two ordinances to update city fees for the first time in years. Ordinance 5-26-75 would revise building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, public works, and zoning permit fees. Ordinance 5-26-76 consolidates parks and recreation facility fees. Both will return for a final public hearing and vote on July 13.
Separately, Ordinance 95-26-128 would create regulations to protect landmark live oak trees. Its first reading was introduced at the same meeting; the final vote is also set for July 13.
Public works and parking
The commission took up construction contracts: Resolution 26-79 to award a contract for the Atlantic Coast Public Works Equipment Building and Resolution 26-80 to approve the 2026 annual milling and paving project. They also considered a resolution to extend the paid parking program at Beaches Town Center through Dec. 31, 2026. As with other items, no vote outcomes were available at press time.
Environmental committee addresses tree loss
On June 24, the Environmental Stewardship Committee reviewed 2025 data showing the city lost a net of 2,597 inches of tree canopy: 4,436 inches removed with permits versus only 1,839 inches planted. A total of 156 mature trees were lost via arborist letters with no replacement requirement or fees. The committee discussed the draft landmark tree ordinance and considered a motion to approve up to $12,000 for free arborist days to assess mature trees. The tree fund balance stood at $613,855 as of June 1. Members also discussed semi-annual tree permit reporting and possible changes to Chapter 23, the tree code.
Budget workshop
The City Commission held a budget workshop on June 29. City Manager Hogencamp presented an overview of opportunities and challenges for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget. The discussion included public comment and a question-and-answer session.
Coming up
On July 13, the regular City Commission meets to finalize the landmark tree protection ordinance and the two fee overhaul ordinances, with public hearings. They will also discuss the FY 2026-27 budget strategy and hear an appeal of an administrative decision on mechanical equipment setbacks at 970 Jasmine Street.
On July 8, the Environmental Stewardship Committee convenes to approve minutes from three previous meetings, plan an environmental awards discussion, and continue work on a speaker series. A Code Enforcement Special Magistrate hears four new property violation cases on July 9, including unpermitted storage containers and debris in rights-of-way.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.