On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence honoring servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:20] You would please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of [00:00:24] silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. I pledge allegiance to the flag [00:00:31] of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Procedural moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:36] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:00:47] Thank you. You may be seated.

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4. 4

   Approval of the January 19, 2016 Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the January 19, 2016 Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting.

   • motion:Motion to approve the January 19, 2016 Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting minutes. (passed)

   #January 19, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes#January 19, 2016 Work Session Minutes

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   [00:00:48] Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the approval of the January 19th work session [00:00:56] in regular City Council minutes. Move for approval. Second. We have a motion and a second. [00:01:02] Any further discussion? All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, [00:01:07] light sign. Next item is a request to record canine cuda.

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5. 5

   Request to Retire K-9 Cuda

   approved

   Council approved the retirement of K-9 Cuda after seven years of service and authorized transferring ownership of the dog to his handler, recently promoted Corporal Justin Case, so Cuda can remain with his family. Cuda's age made retraining with a new handler impractical.

   • motion:Motion to retire K-9 Cuda and transfer ownership to Corporal Justin Case. (passed)

   👤Justin Case👤Mr. Bogart#K-9 Cuda retirement

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   [00:01:17] Mr. Bogart, if you could present this agenda item. You have to be summarily recognized. [00:01:25] I didn't want to just run up here. [00:01:27] Council members, as you know, recently we promoted Justin Case to corporal and he was a canine [00:01:36] officer for 11 years. At that time, we had a decision to make. I mean, Justin absolutely [00:01:43] deserved to be promoted, but we had a decision to make about his canine cuda that has been with us [00:01:50] for seven years. And so, as a result, because of cuda's age, we aren't able to transfer cuda [00:02:02] over to another handler because the amount of training that cuda would have to have would be [00:02:07] just as long as the original training. And given that, it's my request tonight that you consider [00:02:15] turning over cuda to the corporal so that it can continue to be a member of his family and he is [00:02:23] very willing to do that. So, with that, we do have cuda here too, by the way, just to say goodbye, [00:02:32] if you say yes. Motion to second. Any comments from the audience? [00:02:39] If we say thank you, will they understand? [00:02:41] I don't know who he's been with. Canine. [00:02:44] Between, they have made many, many arrests and he's served us very, very well. [00:02:51] So, cuda's going to stay with Justin, just not? [00:02:54] That's correct. [00:02:55] Just won't be in service for the corporal to retire a dog and this has been his partner [00:03:03] for all those years. We have a motion and a second. [00:03:07] Here, come on up and take a picture from the front. Come on. Come on over here. [00:03:23] Chief, get in the picture. [00:03:26] The cuda won't bite. Only if you wear black. [00:03:31] Looks like one rose and two thorns. [00:03:37] Beautiful. [00:03:50] Thank you, Corporal Case. [00:03:52] Thank you very much. Have fun. [00:03:53] You had some comments? [00:03:54] Yeah, I did. [00:03:55] Officer Case, it's a great thing that we can do that for you and cuda, but I have to tell you [00:04:08] that the children, my wife, and the people of Pasco, especially on West Pasco and all the [00:04:14] schools are going to miss you and your presentation with the dog and all the things that you did [00:04:21] to really engage those students on a regular basis when asked, [00:04:26] and it really reflected well on you, cuda, and the police department. [00:04:39] I just wish that we had a Dr. Doolittle here so that he could [00:04:43] share our appreciation to the dog and he'd understand. [00:04:46] There's no further comments. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:04:50] Aye. [00:04:50] Aye. Opposed, light sign. Good luck on your retirement, cuda. [00:04:56] The dog whisperer, the duck whisperer. [00:05:03] The next item we have is the swearing in of Officer Brian Pinch, who I'm presuming is not

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6. 6

   Swearing-In, Officer Brian Finch

   Officer Brian Finch was introduced to the City Council as a new police officer, replacing an officer referred to as 'Cuda.' This was an introduction rather than a formal swearing-in, as Finch had been brought on two weeks earlier to begin internal training.

   👤Brian Finch👤Keith#East Pasco (East Pasadena per transcript)

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   [00:05:10] cuda's replacement. [00:05:15] It's going to be really tough to replace cuda. Tonight, we're not actually doing a swearing in. [00:05:22] We brought on Officer Finch about two weeks ago ahead of time. We needed to get him on board [00:05:29] so that we could get him involved in our internal training process, but it's an opportunity for [00:05:35] Officer Finch to come down, and I think it's very important that he meet our council [00:05:39] and that you get a chance to see who he is. So with that, I'd like to just invite down [00:05:44] Officer Finch. [00:05:48] And his name is Brian. I hope he's with us for many, many years to come. [00:05:55] Hi, Brian. [00:05:55] Hi, questions. [00:05:57] I'd like to invite you to the department and the city. [00:06:00] Thank you very much. [00:06:01] This is our council. [00:06:02] Thank you. [00:06:03] Welcome. [00:06:04] The place here feels very nice. [00:06:08] Where are you from, Officer? [00:06:10] From East Pasadena. [00:06:12] So a Florida boy? [00:06:14] Well, I wasn't raised here, but I was born in England, 86. [00:06:19] Good. Welcome. [00:06:20] Thank you. [00:06:21] Welcome to Newport, Richmond. [00:06:22] Thank you. [00:06:24] Keith, can we get a picture of the two of you? [00:06:25] Yes. [00:06:33] There you go. [00:08:03] Thank you.

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7. 7

   Swearing-In, Firefighter Matthew DeMarco

   Fire Chief Finch introduced new firefighter Matthew DeMarco, who was sworn in to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of District Chief Ron Nimitz. DeMarco is a firefighter EMT from Palm Harbor with a criminology degree from FSU, currently pursuing paramedic certification at St. Pete College.

   🏢Florida State University🏢New Port Richey Fire Department🏢St. Petersburg College👤Axeline👤Finch👤Matthew DeMarco👤Ron Nimitz#Swearing-in ceremony

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   [00:08:10] Next item we have on the agenda is swearing in of firefighter Matthew DeMarco. [00:08:19] Chief Finch, if you would. [00:08:24] Thank you. [00:08:32] Good evening, council. [00:08:34] I'm here to introduce you to our newest member of the Newport, Richmond Fire Department. [00:08:37] His name is Matthew DeMarco. [00:08:39] We had a vacancy that was created from the retirement of District Chief Ron Nimitz [00:08:44] and the trickle-down effect. [00:08:46] We obviously had some promotions a few months ago, which created a vacancy in the firefighter [00:08:51] position. [00:08:52] A brief bio of Matt. [00:08:54] Matt began his career with our department on January 13th. [00:08:58] He went through a rigorous hiring process that we had. [00:09:01] He scored very, very high. [00:09:03] We were all very impressed with his aptitude. [00:09:07] We were all very impressed with his education level. [00:09:10] He is a firefighter EMT. [00:09:12] He is currently working on obtaining his paramedic license from St. Pete College. [00:09:18] Matt is from Palm Harbor and has a bachelor's degree in criminology from Florida State University, [00:09:25] which he held a 3.70 GPA. [00:09:28] Matt applied with our department with a high level of recommendations from previous employers [00:09:33] and instructors who described him as a hardworking, dependable, and intelligent young man. [00:09:39] We are very excited to announce this addition to our Newport, Richmond Fire Department team, [00:09:44] and we look forward to him achieving a long, successful career with the department. [00:09:48] So I invite Matt to come down for the swearing in, and his girlfriend is going to be the [00:09:54] pinning of the badge. [00:10:19] So I, Matthew DeMarco, a citizen of the state of Florida and of the United States of America, [00:10:31] and being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey, [00:10:39] and a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer, [00:10:46] do hereby solemnly swear or affirm [00:10:50] that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Florida, [00:10:58] and that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially [00:11:04] discharge the duties of my trust as firefighter, [00:11:09] New Port Richey Fire Department, [00:11:13] in and for said city of New Port Richey, [00:11:15] in and for said city of New Port Richey, [00:11:18] according to the law and to the best of my knowledge and ability, [00:11:21] according to the law and the best of my knowledge and ability, [00:11:23] so help me God, [00:11:24] so help me God. [00:11:27] Thank you. [00:11:42] Stan? [00:11:52] Congratulations. [00:11:54] Thank you very much. [00:11:55] I appreciate it. [00:11:55] Thank you very much. [00:11:56] Thank you, Chief. [00:12:06] Stay there, stay there. [00:12:25] Can we get assistant? [00:12:38] Let's get assistant Chief Axeline in the picture too. [00:12:41] The other two, white shirt. [00:12:51] Chief. [00:13:03] Adam, why don't you come down and bring your other buddy? [00:13:06] Just a second. [00:13:07] The other two. [00:13:08] Come on down. [00:13:10] Yeah, we had to be, we heard the radio. [00:13:38] Okay, [00:13:49] okay. [00:14:08] Thank you.

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8. 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 14:27
9. 9.a

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Council approved the consent agenda for purchases/payments. Councilman Davis noted he could not find the running tab sheet for NSE/park-related items in the paperwork; staff confirmed it had been emailed earlier that day.

   • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda (purchases/payments). (passed)

   👤Davis#NSE#running tab sheet for NSE/park

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   [00:27:46] Next item is the consent agenda. [00:27:53] Move for approval. [00:27:54] Second. [00:27:55] We have a motion and a second to the makers. [00:27:57] Second. [00:27:58] Thank you. [00:27:59] Further discussion? [00:28:00] All those in favor? [00:28:01] I just want to remind that whenever we had something with NSE or with the park that we were supposed to get a running tab sheet, and I couldn't find it in the paperwork this week. [00:28:11] Mr. Mayor, the running tab that Councilman Davis has requested was emailed to you earlier today. [00:28:18] Thank you. [00:28:19] All those in favor of the consent agenda, please signify by saying aye. [00:28:22] Aye. [00:28:23] Opposed? [00:28:24] Light sign. [00:28:25] Next item is public reading of ordinances.

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10. 10.a

    Second Reading, Ordinance 2016-2063: Roadway Memorial Markers

    approved

    Council held the second reading and adopted Ordinance 2016-2063, which prohibits roadside memorial markers in the public right-of-way. No public comment was received. The Deputy Mayor suggested exploring alternative memorial options such as memorial trees on undeveloped city property.

    Ord. Ordinance 2016-2063

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2016-2063 prohibiting roadside memorial markers in the public right-of-way on second reading. (passed)

    👤Councilman Davis👤Councilman Starkey👤Mr. Powell#Chapter 13, Article 1 Signs#Ordinance 2016-2063#Section 13.32.00

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    [00:28:27] This first one is the second reading of ordinance 2016-2063, roadway memorial markers. [00:28:33] Mr. Powell? [00:28:34] An ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, creating section 13.32.00, prohibiting roadway memorial markers to chapter 13, article 1 signs, prohibiting roadside memorial marker in the public right-of-way, providing for severability and an effective date. [00:28:48] Thank you. [00:28:49] This is a public reading. [00:28:51] A public comment at this time would be appropriate if anyone wishes to address Council on this. [00:28:56] I think no one come forward. [00:28:58] I'll bring it back to Council. [00:28:59] Move to approve. [00:29:00] Second. [00:29:01] Motion is seconded to the maker. [00:29:03] No, I just would like to say we appreciate the input from the community and the folks that brought this to our attention. [00:29:10] And I'm just so pleased that it seemingly was fast-tracked. [00:29:14] And I appreciate the efforts of Council to get this done. [00:29:17] Thank you. [00:29:18] Councilman Starkey? [00:29:19] Well said. [00:29:20] I have nothing else. [00:29:21] Deputy Mayor? [00:29:23] At some point in the future, I'd like to look at some of the property in the city that is not developable. [00:29:30] And I'll leave that to the development department because of size and entity. [00:29:36] But I would like, if there is the possibility of doing maybe a tree planting or a little memorial, not a memorial, but a tree with a name next to that as an advent to some of these people that want to remember their loved one. [00:29:54] But at this point, the memorials and the right-of-way really need to be restored. [00:30:00] Thank you. Councilman Davis. I have nothing further. There's no further [00:30:04] discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed, [00:30:08] the like sign. Next item, second reading of ordinance 2016-2070, capital

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11. 10.b

    Second Reading, Ordinance #2016-2070: Capital Improvements Element Update

    approved

    Council held second reading of Ordinance #2016-2070, updating the Capital Improvements Element of the comprehensive plan with the five-year schedule of capital improvements for FY 2015-16 through FY 2019-20. Councilman Davis noted the Recreation and Aquatic Center allocation of $2.7M is already down to $1.7M and still under discussion. The ordinance passed on a voice vote.

    Ord. Ordinance 2016-2070

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance #2016-2070 updating the Capital Improvements Element five-year schedule for FY 2015-16 through FY 2019-20. (passed)

    👤Davis👤Starkey#Capital Improvements Element#Ordinance #2016-2070#Recreation and Aquatic Center

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    [00:30:13] improvements element update. In ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, amending the capital improvement elements of the City of [00:30:19] New Port Richey conference plan by updating the five-year schedule of [00:30:23] capital improvements for fiscal year 2015-16 through fiscal year 2019-20, [00:30:29] providing for severability and providing for an effective date. Open [00:30:34] this up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to [00:30:38] council. Move for approval. Move a motion. Second. Second to the maker. No, I just wanted to be [00:30:45] clear that the proposed capital improvement elements are, they're our [00:30:52] best efforts to put these into place. It doesn't mean they'll all be put into [00:30:57] place at one time or it might be over a couple of years and obviously, you know, [00:31:02] funding and everything calls back to that, but we get, we have to identify it [00:31:06] enough. We have to identify it in an ordinance setting. Thank you. [00:31:10] Councilman Starkey. Councilman Davis. I just want to remind, you know, for the [00:31:18] record, if you want to say it that way, the monies that are allotted here that [00:31:23] we're not even going to be close to in the Recreation and Aquatic Center of 2.7, I [00:31:27] think it's already down to 1.7 and it's still under discussion. Thank you. I have [00:31:33] no further comments. If there's no further discussion, all those in favor [00:31:36] please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, light sign. Motion passes. Next is second [00:31:41] reading ordinance 2015-2075, downtown district uses regulating convenience [00:31:47] stores. Mr. Poplar. An ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida amending [00:31:50] the land development code, amending section 2.01.00 definitions, amending [00:31:54] section 7.11.02 prohibitive uses in the downtown zoning district. You [00:31:59] prohibit convenience stores amending the city code of ordinances section 13-211 [00:32:03] definitions providing for severability, providing for codification, providing [00:32:07] for an effective date. I also need to note one correction that needs to be [00:32:12] made under the two definitions that are under section 2.01.00, 13-211, under [00:32:20] subsection 5, it should, shall be at least, should be stricken and inserted are

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12. 10.c

    Second Reading, Ordinance #2015-2075: Downtown District Uses Regulating Convenience Stores

    approved

    Council held the second reading of Ordinance #2015-2075 regulating convenience stores in the Downtown District, with a typographical correction noted (sale of grocery/food products less than 51% of gross revenue). The ordinance passed despite one dissenting view favoring conditional use over prohibition.

    Ord. Ordinance 2015-2075

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance #2015-2075 regulating convenience store uses in the Downtown District on second reading. (passed)

    👤Davis👤Phillips👤Starkey#Bid Award 1604#Downtown District#Ordinance #2015-2075

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    [00:32:27] less than, so it should read sale of grocery slash food products are less [00:32:32] than 51% of gross revenue. Typographical error needs to be corrected on both [00:32:38] sections. Thank you. Open this up for public comment. Seeing no one come [00:32:44] forward, bring it back to council. I move for approval. Do we have a motion? Second. Second to the [00:32:51] maker. No, I just want to make sure that we keep an eye on the ones that we do have [00:32:56] and if they fall under the categories or if there's a way to identify if they've [00:33:05] violated their grandfathering nature, we'd really like to make sure because [00:33:11] we've got our fair share of issues with the convenience stores that are in the, [00:33:15] especially in the downtown area. Let me be site-specific and some of the [00:33:22] products that they sold, some of the elements that they attract, we have an [00:33:28] ongoing issue with, and of course we have a bus stop near, so there's a whole [00:33:34] series of things, but I just want to make sure that we want to promote the [00:33:37] business element and we don't want to promote some of the, some of the products [00:33:43] that they're selling because I feel as though they, they, they hurt our community. [00:33:48] Thank you. To the second. Well, very well said, Mr. Phillips, and I would have to [00:33:55] agree. Councilman Starkey? I have nothing further. Councilman Davis? I disagree with [00:34:03] this prohibited. I agree with identifying convenience stores in a way [00:34:09] to identify it in this, but I'm kind of a little bit of favor of private property [00:34:14] rights and what you can do it, and as long as, you know, there being the law [00:34:19] and it's not a R or triple X or the kind of X-rated material, then I [00:34:26] think it still should remain as a conditional use and not prohibited. Thank [00:34:31] you. I've seen a lot of comments over the last couple weeks since we did this, [00:34:38] including that marvelous news source, Facebook, where one person compared one [00:34:44] of our walking to one of our local convenience stores very near here as [00:34:49] being comparable to walking into a prison commissary, and I think you pretty [00:34:54] well summed it up. We've got a very limited number of spaces in the downtown [00:35:00] business district. We're not talking about the whole city, just the downtown [00:35:03] business district. A very limited number of spaces where it would even be [00:35:08] possible to put a convenience store, and quite frankly, I think there are better [00:35:12] uses in the downtown, so I am going to support this. There are no further [00:35:17] discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like [00:35:21] sign. Motion passes. Next item is Bid Award 1604, Water System Improvement

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13. 11.a

    Bid Award, 16-004: 2014/2015 Water System Improvements Project

    approved

    Council approved awarding the low bid for the 2014/2015 Water System Improvements Project to Bund Construction Services Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $968,760. The project includes water main replacements, water extensions, and fire hydrant installations, funded through the water and sewer construction fund.

    • motion:Approve and award low bid to Bund Construction Services Incorporated for the 2014/2015 Water System Improvements Project, not to exceed $968,760. (passed)

    📍Baker🏢Bund Construction Services Incorporated👤Robert Rivera#2014/2015 Water System Improvements Project#Bid 16-004#Five-year capital plan#Water and sewer construction fund

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    [00:35:29] Project. Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, Mr. Rivera will be presenting this [00:35:32] agenda item. Thank you, Mayor and Council. This request for Council is to consider for approval and award the low bid submitted by Bund Construction [00:35:41] Services Incorporated, an amount not to exceed $968,760 [00:35:47] for the 14 and 15 Water System Improvement Project. There were six [00:35:52] competitive bids that were submitted from this low bid that I just called out [00:35:57] to a high bid of $1,706,772.40. All of the reference documents and the bid [00:36:06] documents have been verified. The contract responsibilities have been [00:36:10] discussed with the contractor, and you have an attached engineer's recommendation [00:36:15] memo in your packet. The project scope includes water main replacements, water [00:36:20] extensions, fire hydrant installations to increase our fire protection in some [00:36:26] areas. Funding is identified in the water and sewer construction fund, and staff [00:36:32] would recommend that the bid proposal and award be approved. Thank you. [00:36:36] Open it up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:36:47] This falls in line with our five-year capital plan, Robert? Yes, sir. And how much [00:36:54] work of this is in the city and how much is outside the city? There's only a [00:36:59] small stretch that's outside the city, and that's on Baker. And this basically [00:37:04] is to improve back outdated or problem areas that we've identified, is that correct? [00:37:14] Correct. Some of them we don't have enough volume. Others we have older pipes [00:37:18] that have served their useful life, and then of course we have areas that have [00:37:24] lower than desired fire protection. Great, thank you very much. [00:37:28] To the second? Nothing. Councilwoman? Nothing. Councilman Davis? Nothing. Me also. There's no further [00:37:39] discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like [00:37:43] sign. Next item is wastewater treatment plant biosolids hauling and disposal [00:37:48] contract extension. Mr. Rivera? Thank you. As Council knows, sludge is a byproduct [00:37:55] of our wastewater treatment plant process. The request for Council is to [00:38:00] review and consider for approval a one-year contract extension with the [00:38:05] same terms and conditions as the current contract that the city has with Morell [00:38:10] Brothers. This contract was dated April 16, 2013. The original contract was for [00:38:17] two years and had a one-year extension. We are requesting an additional one-year [00:38:22] extension to that contract. The contractor has agreed to keep the price [00:38:27] the same, which is $44.72 a ton per disposal. We were recommending this [00:38:37] because the site that the disposal activity happens, those sites are very [00:38:43] limited. Current site is closed, so the next site that's available is further [00:38:48] away. So considering that Pasco County just went out for bid, their bid came in [00:38:54] at $56.46 a ton. We feel that if we were to go out to bid again, that our [00:39:01] prices would increase as well. The $44.72 has been a standard

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14. 11.b

    WWTP Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Contract Extension

    approved

    Council approved a one-year extension of the WWTP biosolids hauling and disposal contract, projected to save approximately $64,180 per year compared to the Pasco County contract rate. The extension is for only one year because Pasco County is building a regional disposal site and the current contractor will not renew beyond that.

    • motion:Move for approval of the one-year extension of the WWTP biosolids hauling and disposal contract. (passed)

    🏢Pasco County👤Rivera👤Starkey#WWTP Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Contract Extension#Wastewater Treatment Operating Budget

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    [00:39:08] price since 2008. The Pasco County contract is $11.74 higher than what we [00:39:16] currently pay now, and we would project that if we keep the same disposal [00:39:22] figures that we do on a year's average, that we would be saving $64,180 [00:39:28] per year if we extended this contract that additional year. Funding is [00:39:34] allocated and identified in the wastewater treatments operating budget, [00:39:39] and we would recommend the extension. Thank you. Open it up for public comment. [00:39:43] Seeing no one, come forward, bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. To the [00:39:48] maker. I just have one question. Why are we only going out one year without a deal? [00:39:52] They're currently in the process of building a site where every [00:39:57] Pasco County and all the governments are going to be able to go to, and then the [00:40:01] contractor has already notified us that he's not going to renew it an additional [00:40:05] year. Second. Mr. Rivera, you had a note in your memorandum that we also are [00:40:12] receiving about 38% funding or money back from Pasco County, so really that [00:40:19] $44 to the citizens is quite a bit less. Correct. And I have to tell you this is [00:40:25] one of those full-circle meetings. We get thanked for the park and everything, and [00:40:28] now we get to use for bio sludge. One of those things, you know. It's [00:40:33] amazing how many different things we get to work with up here on Council in one [00:40:37] night. Thanks. Councilwoman Starkey. Comments, thank you. Likewise. Hearing no further [00:40:45] discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed, the like sign. Next time is a [00:40:51] request to auction impounded vehicles. Chief Bulger. [00:40:59] The request, do you have it in front of you? Yes, I do. Okay. I'm requesting that Council [00:41:07] declare three pickup trucks, seven passenger vehicles, one van, and one [00:41:11] motorcycle that are listed on the paperwork that you have as surplus [00:41:15] equipment and authorize staff to auction the items using the services of the [00:41:20] public group LLC. None of these items are serviceable to the department and we'd [00:41:27] like to get them off of our lot. Additionally, I might add that the minimum bid has [00:41:34] been established relying on our fleet management division and the black. Thank [00:41:42] you. Open it up for public comment. Seeing none, bring it back to Council. Move for [00:41:48] approval. The maker. Nothing. The second. Come back and share what kind of monies [00:41:55] come in from these auctions. Yes, ma'am. Last year for the fiscal year for 2015, [00:42:06] the impounded vehicles came in really close to $100,000. Were these vehicles [00:42:13] just abandoned because they, you know, you impound them and then the folks don't come [00:42:17] back to get them? Some, I'm sorry, some have been used, most of them have been used in [00:42:22] criminal activity, and the owners of the vehicles in most cases went to jail and [00:42:29] did not come back to claim their vehicles, and others were taken under the [00:42:35] forfeiture statute because they were involved, they were necessary for the [00:42:39] crime to occur, and they were used in the commission of the crime. There's no [00:42:49] further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, [00:42:54] the like sign. Motion passes. Next is a request to purchase a Sharp Electronics [00:42:58] Acquia Smartboard. Chief Bogart. I'm asking Council to authorize the purchase of a [00:43:09] Sharp Electronics 80-inch Acquia Smartboard along with, it comes with a [00:43:15] three-year warranty, and we're asking for that warranty to be extended an additional [00:43:19] two years. The total cost of this Smartboard is $11,280. Our equipment that [00:43:26] we use for training, all of our audio-visual equipment is over 14 years [00:43:30] old. That includes our LCD projector, our, we have a very antiquated whiteboard, and [00:43:41] basically televisions that take VCR tapes and old tech, very, very old [00:43:48] technology. This particular board is quite impressive. It can access, that we [00:43:55] can access the internet, we can get Google Earth, and we can use this for [00:44:02] part of our planning operations when we're planning a police, a police field [00:44:07] operation, as well as it would be used routinely for the very much required and

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15. 11.c

    Request to Auction Impounded Vehicles

    approved

    Council approved use of forfeiture funds to purchase a smart board for the police department, citing benefits for briefings and undercover vice operations. The next item, an MOU with Grid New Port Richey Main Street, was tabled at staff's request.

    • motion:Authorize purchase of a smart board for the police department using forfeiture funds. (passed)
    • motion:Table the memorandum of understanding between the City of New Port Richey and Grid New Port Richey Main Street. (tabled)

    🏢Grid New Port Richey Main Street👤Davis#Memorandum of Understanding between City of New Port Richey and Grid New Port Richey Main Street#Police forfeiture funds

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    [00:44:15] mandatory in-service training that we do for all of our employees. So with that, [00:44:20] I'm asking that you authorize us to be able to purchase this utilizing our [00:44:24] forfeiture funds. Thank you. I'll open this up for public comment. Seeing no one come [00:44:29] forward, bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. For the maker. Yes, I've seen this piece of [00:44:36] electronics when my children and I toured the police station. They thought it was [00:44:40] pretty cool. They could write their name on it, so they were happy with it, but I've [00:44:43] been fortunate enough to sit in for meetings prior to undercover vice [00:44:48] operations in the police department. I've done ride-alongs on, and this smart board is [00:44:53] just going to make those meetings so much more efficient and useful instead [00:44:59] of passing around... [00:45:00] photos of prostitutes that have been arrested 20 times that you need to keep an eye out for. [00:45:04] They can just scroll through the screen in front of everybody, and there's just so much they can do that's going to benefit the police department with this piece of equipment, so I'm all for it. [00:45:14] Thank you. [00:45:16] I think it's great that we're coming into the 21st century, and so the technology should follow suit, especially the job that you all do. [00:45:26] Deputy Mayor? [00:45:27] No, I'm all set. Thank you. [00:45:29] Councilman Davis? Nothing. [00:45:31] Likewise, hope you enjoy it. If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. [00:45:38] Next item is a memorandum of understanding between City of New Port Richey and Grid New Port Richey Main Street. [00:45:44] Mr. Mayor, the staff's requesting that you table this agenda item at this time. [00:45:48] Very good. Was there any one that I had made some comments when the thing first came out? [00:45:55] Was there anybody else that wanted to make comments before this gets sent back to staff? [00:46:02] I requested the red line of what you had and what the city manager had placed in it, so I expect to offer some additional items in that document before we bring it back. [00:46:14] No, at this time, I'm going to wait. It just seems like there's been animosity between Grid New Port Richey Main Street and City of New Port Richey,

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16. 11.d

    Request to Purchase Sharp Electronics Aquos SMART Board

    discussed

    This item is mislabeled in the transcript header; the actual discussion is about LED video display boards for Sims Park. Staff presented a cost proposal for two LED boards (7x13 preferred size) to be supplied by Thomas Signs, following prior field tests. A citizen spoke against the purchase during public comment; no decision was recorded in this excerpt.

    📍7211 Jasmine Drive🏢Thomas Signs👤Brian Weed👤Jane Bruins👤Ms. Mounds#7x13 LED screen#LED video display boards for Sims Park

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    [00:46:20] and we have to figure out a way to put that behind us and both work towards the same goals. [00:46:24] I think we both have goals, but we just kind of view them differently, and we have to move on and get this right. [00:46:31] So I'm okay with tabling it. There's a couple things I'd like to discuss, but I'm not sure I'm ready to do it publicly, so I'll wait. [00:46:39] I'm fine with tabling it. [00:46:41] In that case, I entertain a motion to table. [00:46:45] Move to table. [00:46:46] Thank you. Consider it tabled. [00:46:49] Next item, LED video display boards for Sims Park. Ms. Mounds? [00:46:53] Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, as you are aware, we've been discussing the purchase of two LED display boards since July of 2015. [00:47:06] The most recent part of the discussion involved, at our last Council meeting, the selection of a preferred contractor with whom to work, [00:47:19] and also involved a field test at which time you were to determine if there was a preference in the size of the LED boards. [00:47:31] At the conclusion of the mock-up test, it was my feeling that there was a preference for a 7 by 13 screen, [00:47:40] and so I have worked along with Brian Weed and Thomas Shines to come up with a cost proposal, [00:47:50] so that you can, at long last, bring this matter to the table and determine whether or not this purchase is of interest to you. [00:48:00] From the staff's perspective, we feel confident that if you go forward with the purchase that Thomas sign and is the correct company to do business with, [00:48:14] and that the quality of the product is something that you would expect of us. [00:48:23] I'm not going to write it down again. Jane Bruins, 7211 Jasmine Drive. I think it's a waste of money. [00:48:40] I think you could spend the money on something far more better than a screen in a park. [00:48:45] If you're so set against having one, rent one. See how it goes. See how it reacts. [00:48:52] See if you get the advertising that you're going to need to get in there to keep this thing going. [00:48:57] Most of the time it's going to be sat there turned off. I know you do a lot of things in the park,

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17. 11.e

    Memorandum of Understanding between the City of New Port Richey and Greater New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.

    Public comment period regarding a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Greater New Port Richey Main Street, Inc. One speaker opposed the expenditure; Chuck Gray spoke favorably about a video screen demonstration held in the park.

    📍6328 US 19🏢Greater New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.👤Chuck Gray#Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)#video screens in the park

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    [00:49:02] but I think it's a waste of money and you should spend the money on something else. [00:49:05] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:49:25] Thank you for the opportunity to speak. [00:49:27] I'm Chuck Gray, office of 6328 US 19, corner of Main and 19. [00:49:37] I had the good fortune to be able to attend the exhibition of the video screen the other day in the park. [00:49:45] Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain, but we had an eye-opening, I think, experience there with those screens. [00:49:54] It was quite an amazing event. [00:49:59] I think these screens offer an opportunity for us to not just have a beautiful park for children to play in [00:50:10] and for people to walk in and read books and whatever they do,

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18. 11.f

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Thomas Sines” — transcript expanded below

    LED Video Display Boards for Sims Park

    discussed

    Council discussed purchasing approximately $200,000 in LED video display boards (two static and possibly one mobile) for Sims Park to enhance events at the new amphitheater. Public speakers largely supported the idea while raising alternatives like sponsorship or rental; council members expressed mixed views, with Mayor Starkey moving for approval, Councilmember Williams opposed to purchasing, and Deputy Mayor Dixon suggesting a test run at the upcoming Chasco event before committing.

    • motion:Mayor Starkey moved for approval of purchasing LED video display boards for Sims Park. (none)
    • direction:Council discussed exploring alternatives including sponsorship/donation, county tourist development funding, and a test run at the Chasco event before final purchase decision. (none)

    📍5746 Wyoming Avenue📍6123 Lafayette📍721 Grand Boulevard📍7210 Jasmine🏢Chasco🏢Coachman Park🏢Optech🏢Thomas Sines👤Bill Phillips👤Bob Langford👤Chopper Davis👤Dave Eichenberger👤Gary Gray👤Jeff Starkey👤Joan Hook👤Judy Debaker👤Julie Black👤Rob Marlowe#Chasco Festival#Circle Boulevard closure#Grand Boulevard closure#Hacienda Hotel#Main Street landscape#Pasco County tourist development funding#Penny for Pasco#Rec Center competition pool#Sims Park#SunWest#splash pad

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    [00:50:16] but it offers us the opportunity for the first time to really continue what we've been trying to do, [00:50:22] and that is to create a place for people to come, meaning New Port Richey, [00:50:28] where we have a premier, world-class venue and park with the addition of these video screens. [00:50:37] There's no other park in the Tampa Bay area that can compare with what we have. [00:50:43] And with the addition of those screens, it will be a traffic generator. [00:50:48] It will bring people to New Port Richey. [00:50:50] It will bring people downtown. [00:50:52] It will create additional businesses. [00:50:55] Being in the commercial real estate business, I'm extremely aware of the things [00:50:59] that have caused people not to come here to New Port Richey, [00:51:03] and that also makes me aware of the things that do cause them to come. [00:51:09] And we've been very forward-thinking in this park, [00:51:13] and I would hate to see us spend the time, the money, and the energy that we've spent [00:51:21] on this beautiful park and not finish it right. [00:51:24] It reminds me of the decision that we made at the Rec Center to shorten the competition pool. [00:51:32] We tried to save a few dollars there on a $14 million project, [00:51:36] and now we can't have competitions there because the pool is too short. [00:51:42] I remember when everybody thought it was a bad idea that we purchased the Hacienda, [00:51:48] and now everybody's all over it. [00:51:51] You know, we can't hear enough good things about it. [00:51:53] I remember when it was a bad idea to create the new Main Street landscape. [00:52:02] Now everybody thinks it's a great idea. [00:52:05] I remember it was a bad idea when everybody thought it was a dumb thing [00:52:08] for the city to purchase the property where the Baptist Church was on the lake. [00:52:13] And now that we're getting a proposal to put a beautiful residential project there, [00:52:17] suddenly it's a great idea. [00:52:20] Don't let, you know, short-term thinking delay the opportunity that we have here [00:52:29] to step into the 21st century. [00:52:32] This is a great opportunity, a great proposal. [00:52:36] The city has done tremendous work. [00:52:37] I have nothing but compliments for each and every one of you. [00:52:42] And I just hope that you will take the opportunity and the time [00:52:47] to take this across the finish line. [00:52:49] I thank you for your time. [00:52:51] Thank you. [00:52:52] Anyone else? [00:52:54] Hello, everyone. [00:53:06] My name is Dave Eichenberger, and I live at 5746 Wyoming Avenue. [00:53:12] This is Julie Black, lives at the same place, which is great. [00:53:17] The idea of these screens, let's not think about these just for events. [00:53:28] They can be all kinds of things. [00:53:30] They can have live feeds from anywhere in the city at any given time during the day. [00:53:35] They could show our council meetings out there if anyone wants to sit out there [00:53:38] and watch this kind of thing. [00:53:40] They might be able to show games or show any kind of sporting events or anything like that. [00:53:46] That people might gather for. [00:53:49] It could be a place that we all hang out in the middle of the week when we think nothing is going on, [00:53:54] but all of a sudden there's something on those screens. [00:53:56] It could be advertising for library programs or parks and rec programs. [00:54:02] I think it would make that park even more beautiful than it actually is. [00:54:06] We had a wonderful time out there this past weekend. [00:54:09] We're so proud of this place. [00:54:12] I don't think that the screens are just for these special events, [00:54:17] although they would be wonderful for that. [00:54:19] It would certainly get more people in the park. [00:54:22] If they can't get up front, they could watch some of the screens. [00:54:24] That would be beautiful as well. [00:54:25] So please consider this. [00:54:27] I think it's a great idea. [00:54:29] I think the idea of renting equipment to do this. [00:54:34] The problem with this is that the cost is astronomical to rent. [00:54:40] In some cases up to $300 in power to rent these screens. [00:54:45] That to me is throwing money away. [00:54:46] You don't get to have anything. [00:54:47] You don't get to make any money on advertising if that's something you want to do. [00:54:51] Or promote the city in any way you want. [00:54:53] I think you partner with media companies. [00:54:55] You can put all kinds of nice touristy beautiful videos up there. [00:55:00] I think it would look really wonderful. [00:55:01] I think it would augment the look of the park. [00:55:04] And when people don't want to look at it, [00:55:05] they can walk away and enjoy the playground or any other part of the park. [00:55:10] So there you go. [00:55:11] Thank you. [00:55:12] For the benefit of the clerk, could you print your name on the sign-in form, please? [00:55:17] I would like to add, as many of you may know, we're artists and musicians. [00:55:21] We travel around quite a bit. [00:55:23] And in venues that we see, parks, outdoor parks that we see that have these screens, [00:55:28] it really does elevate the experience for the event goer. [00:55:32] And I'm in agreement with Dave that these could be utilized not only for concerts and things like that, [00:55:39] but they could also be utilized for movie of the week or many different community gathering events, [00:55:46] including town hall meetings. [00:55:47] It would be great to have presentations out there and be able to have a large group of people there [00:55:52] and talk about the good things that are going on in the city. [00:55:54] So I would just like to see all the good things that are happening here. [00:55:58] I would like to see that momentum continue and to see us continue to move forward with the future in mind. [00:56:05] Was there a venue locally, the Tampa Bay Area, that you saw these screens? [00:56:09] I don't know if they're the exact same screens, but Coachman Park has those screens for some of their events. [00:56:25] Thank you. [00:56:27] Anyone else? [00:56:43] Hello and thank you for the opportunity to speak. [00:56:45] My name is Gary again. [00:56:46] I'm a residential property owner at 6123 Lafayette and a business owner at 721 Grand Boulevard. [00:56:54] I would also like to speak in favor of the video screens. [00:57:00] As to the points that have already been made, I'll just concur to those points. [00:57:06] But as you recall, I mean, there are occasions where there are movies in the park. [00:57:13] You know, those could obviously be used for that. [00:57:15] But as far as enhancements of the concert-going experiences, and there are several of those in the park. [00:57:25] And hopefully, as time goes on, there'll be even more of those because it's such a beautiful location now. [00:57:31] So I'm speaking in favor of the video screens. [00:57:33] Thank you. [00:57:36] Joan Hook, 7210 Jasmine. [00:57:46] I personally am not in favor of the screens because I don't want to go to the park and watch TV. [00:57:53] But I'm probably one of those old funny daddies. [00:57:56] But I was just wondering if maybe, you know, the council is considering purchasing the screens. [00:58:04] It's been suggested that they be rented. [00:58:06] Perhaps a third thing to explore would be to have someone or some entity, some commercial entity, sponsor them or donate them. [00:58:20] Maybe just have the city solicit for commercial entities to donate these and have their name on the bottom and be recognized for making a contribution. [00:58:39] So that's my consideration. [00:58:41] Thank you. [00:58:43] Anyone else? [00:58:45] Seeing no one else come forward, bring it back to council. [00:58:49] We can have a discussion. [00:58:50] Are you looking for a motion here? [00:58:52] We can do some discussion first, if you would like. [00:58:55] Everyone knows how I feel about these screens. [00:58:57] I think they're going to bring a dynamic to the park. [00:59:00] And we have to look that, just like Mr. Gray said, that no other venue around here can compare with. [00:59:06] One thing I've learned from taking this job is that many New Port Richey residents do not adapt to change well. [00:59:16] And there is a tremendous amount of negativity out there. [00:59:18] There honestly is. [00:59:20] If I had a nickel for every time someone basically called me an idiot for shutting down the two roads, Circle Boulevard and Grand Boulevard, I wouldn't need this job as a part-time job. [00:59:30] Because my piggy bank would be pretty full. [00:59:32] I've had people come up to me in public, in front of my kids, what the hell are you thinking? [00:59:36] I've got a five and a six-year-old here. [00:59:38] Do you want the language? [00:59:40] The same people came up to me at the park Saturday and said, boy, you were right. [00:59:45] And I'm not always right, believe me. [00:59:47] My wife will tell you that. [00:59:49] My friends will tell you that. [00:59:51] I'm not always right. [00:59:53] But since I've taken this job, I think I've been right on the majority of the decisions that I've made. [00:59:55] I honestly do. [00:59:57] I feel that way. [01:00:00] Month ago, it seemed like everyone up here was on board for this. [01:00:03] I was at the park in the rain, and it seemed like the majority of people [01:00:06] that were out there thought it was a great thing. [01:00:08] So apparently, I'm going to, you know, let my colleagues speak as well. [01:00:12] But it seems like there's been a lot of behind the scenes stuff going on that [01:00:16] just really kind of, you know, makes me a little upset. [01:00:21] But if I don't win this vote, I'm not going to hold it against my colleagues. [01:00:25] I'm not going to be bitter about it. [01:00:27] I'm going to move on. [01:00:28] But I just do want to remind everybody that there are people, Mr. Gray told me, [01:00:32] I think, that it probably wasn't a good idea to shut those two roads down. [01:00:36] And, oh, your brother, excuse me, the other Mr. Gray. [01:00:41] And I wasn't 100% right, but I felt in my heart it was the right thing to do. [01:00:44] And that's exactly how I feel about these display boards. [01:00:48] You know, we all have supporters that got us up here. [01:00:51] And we all have supporters that are saying, you know, in our ears, [01:00:56] don't do that, don't do that. [01:00:58] But at the end of the day, they voted for me or supported me to get me up here [01:01:02] because they believed in my decision-making ability. [01:01:05] So that's what I'm going with when I vote on this. [01:01:08] I am going to move for approval. [01:01:10] I think if we don't approve this, we're going to really, [01:01:13] really regret it down the road. [01:01:14] And I think we have to, like the gentleman said, [01:01:16] get past the short-term thinking of, boy, that's a big price tag. [01:01:20] It is a big price tag. [01:01:21] But so is the park. [01:01:23] And like I said, all the negative comments I heard while that park was being [01:01:26] discussed, it just, it just, I didn't let it wear me down [01:01:30] because I knew it was going to be the right decision. [01:01:32] And I honestly feel the same with these screens. [01:01:36] It's going to bring a dynamic to the park. [01:01:38] The venues we've had in the park have not been up to par, in my opinion. [01:01:42] They're the same, or not the venues, the events. [01:01:44] They're the same events, same events, and nothing changes. [01:01:47] And we're losing sponsors. [01:01:49] The quality of the events has gone down and continues to go down. [01:01:53] And I think with these screens, it's going to allow us to attract better [01:01:58] performances, better live music, better events. [01:02:01] There's so many things you can use them for, [01:02:03] other than just live streaming of events. [01:02:06] You know, people told me the splash pad was a dumb idea. [01:02:09] People coming in here telling me we're going to have ducks in the splash pad. [01:02:11] And what a dumb idea to have a splash pad. [01:02:13] I've driven by the park three times a day. [01:02:16] Every day since Saturday, well, you know, three or four days now. [01:02:18] The splash pad is full, and it's not even hot outside. [01:02:21] And these kids are absolutely loving it. [01:02:24] So, like I said, I'm not always right, but I'm going to go with my gut on this. [01:02:27] I hope my colleagues, I hope I get three out of the five votes, because I honestly, [01:02:31] honestly feel it's the right decision to make for the city. [01:02:34] And I'll leave it at that for now. [01:02:36] I'd like to clarify, the splash pad's been full, but not with ducks. [01:02:40] Right. [01:02:40] Excuse me, children, having fun. [01:02:42] Thank you. [01:02:43] Counsel? [01:02:45] Well, a lot's been said about the fact that, you know, [01:02:50] the presence of the screens there will enhance the venue. [01:02:55] And they will. [01:02:57] But I'm not convinced the city should spend money to purchase those screens. [01:03:01] There are larger cities that are more well-heeled than ours, [01:03:06] that host more events than ours, including Coachman Park. [01:03:10] They rent the screens. [01:03:12] And the gentleman that runs those events there said that the return on the [01:03:15] investment, it didn't pay for them to purchase the screens, [01:03:20] for all of the obvious reasons. [01:03:21] You know, maintenance on them, you know, when you rent the screen, [01:03:27] if you rent them for an event, the cost of them would run anywhere between $1,200 [01:03:33] and $2,500, maybe even $3,000. [01:03:36] And so, how many times could we rent those before we would reach that number [01:03:40] that we're looking at, $200,000? [01:03:43] I would be also concerned, you know, it was said that, you know, [01:03:50] there would be other things on it, that there would be advertising on it. [01:03:54] I'd like to explore those options of who would like to advertise on that. [01:04:00] Certainly during an event, you know, you have no problem renting the space. [01:04:06] But who would be interested in renting that when the park is not filled with people? [01:04:12] I just don't know that we've done our due diligence on this. [01:04:15] I know that when we started this conversation, the conversation started [01:04:20] because we needed more input and more information about the cost of them [01:04:23] and all the rest of the iterations. [01:04:26] So, again, do they enhance an event? [01:04:31] Absolutely. [01:04:33] But I just do not think that we would be wise in our monies. [01:04:38] It's not our money, it's our constituents' money. [01:04:40] And I've had, as with every other issue that we've dealt with that we just mentioned, [01:04:47] you know, whether or not the splash pond or closing the streets, all of that, [01:04:52] we can still have the screens in the park. [01:04:55] I just don't believe that it's a good use of our residents' money to purchase the screens. [01:05:05] I just would want more feedback on that. [01:05:11] And, as I said, the other cities that host events, you know, that's the biggest issue [01:05:21] in my mind is why would they not have purchased them? [01:05:25] Perhaps we can explore the idea and the option of talking to the county. [01:05:30] I was at a luncheon today and our tourist development ed comm was there chatting [01:05:35] about the different things the county is doing and working with the different places, SunWest. [01:05:42] Perhaps they would be interested in sharing some of their tourist development dollars [01:05:47] to help pay for the screens if that's an option. [01:05:50] But I think that would be an option that we should explore as well. [01:05:54] But at this time, I'm just thinking that it's not the right way to go to purchase the screens. [01:06:00] Thank you. [01:06:00] Council Member Dix. [01:06:03] Deputy Mayor. [01:06:04] Thanks, Mayor. [01:06:05] In looking at the process, I'm in favor of the boards. [01:06:17] I just want to explore a couple of additional options with them. [01:06:23] Because we were all out there in the pouring rain on Thursday and we tried [01:06:28] to let them show the boards over the sides. [01:06:31] There's some impacts with some things in the park. [01:06:36] And we, in essence, what I'd like to see is obviously we've saved some significant dollars [01:06:44] in the construction of the park by buying things direct as opposed to this is new money [01:06:51] that we're spending, number one. [01:06:54] Number two, it would be, what I'd like to see is putting one static board up [01:07:04] and then having one mobile board. [01:07:07] And I would love to use Chasco as the benchmark because that's our premier event. [01:07:13] And I believe that once we roll them out, see what the impact is [01:07:20] because of the setup and the layout of what Chasco does. [01:07:24] I think they could begin to answer more of our economic questions, [01:07:28] which are how many more vendors, how many more people were able to sign up? [01:07:34] Because now they don't have a static banner that sits up on a stage, [01:07:39] but it has rolling information. [01:07:44] And I also want to make sure that if you use Chasco as a benchmark, [01:07:50] and that's coming up very soon, that we at least, I call it like test driving a car [01:07:58] and figuring out what the options are. [01:07:59] We just opened this. [01:08:01] We see a lot of elements within the park that we really like. [01:08:05] There'll be some things that we want to change. [01:08:08] We obviously are going to have to negotiate with those groups occasionally [01:08:12] about how they want to set up their events because Mr. Starkey rightfully points out [01:08:17] that they love to bracket around the walkway and all of that. [01:08:21] And it really takes away from some of the things. [01:08:23] But what I'd like to see, because I want the better visual lines from the event [01:08:29] as they go back under those shaded areas that go down to the river. [01:08:33] And that's not cluttered by somebody with a food truck driving [01:08:37] across $400,000 worth of improvements. [01:08:41] But everything's kind of staged up towards Bank Street when it comes to the elements there. [01:08:47] I'm willing to work with my colleagues here. [01:08:51] Mr. Starkey points out that, you know, we didn't all agree [01:08:54] on the closing of that grand boulevard. [01:08:57] He's absolutely right. [01:08:59] But once again, we showed that we may not agree, but we didn't become disagreeable. [01:09:04] And we all have seen the benefits, and we all look short and long term. [01:09:10] I just want to make sure in looking at the boards and the way it was explained to me [01:09:17] that the static boards, and those are the stationary boards. [01:09:20] When I say static, I mean the boards that stay on the sides of the amphitheater. [01:09:26] And I have a picture from earlier this evening because I went out because I wanted [01:09:30] to see where the trees were again, without an umbrella obviously. [01:09:34] I wanted to see how it would sit because of the angling of them. [01:09:38] And then obviously the ability to use some kind of a mobile setting, [01:09:43] because I think my issue is I think once we introduce the concept and the process, [01:09:53] somebody's going to make that ultimate comment. [01:09:56] Well, you did it for Sims Park. [01:09:58] How come you didn't have something you could take to the rec center, or Francis Avenue, [01:10:02] or some other place that you're going to have an event, or something over on Orange Lake [01:10:06] when we have the fireworks, all those things. [01:10:10] I want to be clear. [01:10:12] I am not opposed to spending the money properly. [01:10:17] I want to make sure that we have the return, if it's a ten year solution, [01:10:21] with a five year parts and labor warranty, or if it's a mobile thing that we're able [01:10:26] to move around strategically, and I'm telling up front, if we do this, [01:10:32] we're going to expect those groups to come in to use this park. [01:10:36] If they want to use those, this just doesn't follow through as an add-on [01:10:41] accessory that you get from Sims Park, because there's some give and [01:10:45] take there with the revenue streams, and what we need to do to make sure. [01:10:50] And if you look at a $200,000 investment today, [01:10:54] with a ten year life span, that's 20 grand. [01:10:58] And if you have 12 events, and there's $1,500 event, [01:11:02] I've covered that cost recovery portion. [01:11:05] A friend of mine told me I needed to be much more brief in my discussions, and [01:11:10] not to sit here and talk about all of the historical elements. [01:11:14] But at the end of the day, my constituency is the citizens of New Port Richey. [01:11:19] My constituency of the people that a majority of this money that's being used [01:11:23] for this park, which is Penning for Pasco, and the grants, we enhance this. [01:11:29] I just want to make sure that we don't jump too soon, and if it was possible, [01:11:36] and we could negotiate with Thomas Sines, or with Optech, [01:11:40] to give us that discount to extend over to the middle of April. [01:11:44] Let's test drive it at Chasco, where we have the biggest purview, [01:11:49] we can have the things up, and we can take everybody's comment. [01:11:52] Because I think once you see them, they're very dynamic, [01:11:56] because we were all the way back, almost in the middle of the quiet area, [01:12:01] and you could see the one on the side of the truck. [01:12:04] I think we need the element in the park. [01:12:07] I just think strategically placing them, and if there's one that we could have [01:12:12] mobily that would be able to increase our ability to utilize it, [01:12:17] and to do the R&R elements. [01:12:21] I just think those are the ways to best approach this, and [01:12:26] still give our premier event coming up a way to enhance their event. [01:12:30] But allow us that time to really see what the ultimate impact is, [01:12:36] the visual lines that helps them sell more tickets. [01:12:40] They can market them differently. [01:12:42] I just put the two static boards up today. [01:12:46] I'm not sure that we won't come back in a year and want to move them a little bit. [01:12:50] So I want to be cost effective, I wanna spend the money, but [01:12:54] I wanna do it in such a way that we take just a little more time and [01:13:00] use that premier event, cuz they're gonna find ways to really enhance that new [01:13:04] park area better, and I just don't, it's like whenever I do a project and [01:13:10] I go and I'm gonna put the fence right here. [01:13:13] And a year later, I'm like, God bless it, how stupid were you? [01:13:19] To put it right there when I could have some flexibility or [01:13:22] some shifting of that, so I wanna be clear. [01:13:26] I think it's good for the park, I think it's good for New Port Richey, [01:13:29] I think it sets us apart. [01:13:31] I just think we need to make sure that we have additional buy-in, and [01:13:36] we got that from opening the park the other day, and [01:13:39] I just wanna work on the visualization of it. [01:13:42] Thank you. [01:13:43] Councilman. [01:13:45] You interested in saying something before I start? [01:13:47] I was just gonna tease, I was gonna ask if that's a maybe. [01:13:51] At this point, I'm keeping track here, yeah. [01:13:54] I really like the idea, and quite a few people, and [01:13:59] actually Chuck got a hold of me today. [01:14:01] I see Gary's got his Chasco shirt on, Cammy, she's Chasco, so [01:14:04] that's pretty much a Chasco group talking right there. [01:14:08] And I think that's a great, probably the venue that we would, [01:14:12] notice the use of it in this town. [01:14:14] But I don't see any representation, I don't see any discussion here from [01:14:18] the greater downtown New Port Richey on this, and they have what, four events a year? [01:14:22] Where's their interest in it, how come they're not here? [01:14:25] Rap River Run, I'll just give you an example. [01:14:28] They didn't, you point to them, but they didn't get up and speak. [01:14:30] Anyhow, let me just continue my discussion here. [01:14:35] The Rap River Run, I've run the draft day run at, they used to have it, [01:14:41] and I'm not sure they have it anymore, with the new stadium at draft meeting, [01:14:46] the NFL draft, they would have a 5K that ran into what's this, [01:14:52] Lopez Park there, and then come back around, and you ran across the 50 yard line, [01:14:56] and you could see yourself on the video running across the finish line. [01:15:00] So, in his sense of having the mobile, when Wrapped River run, they would be loved to have everybody cross the finish line and be able to see themselves on a mobile, you know, a mobile screen. [01:15:11] Also, the bike fest, where, you know, we don't see anybody here from the chamber in the bike fest. [01:15:16] So, I think, and my point here is that I think we're putting the cart before the horse again, like we've done in a couple other things recently. [01:15:24] And I think that, I think it's a great idea, I think, just to ditto what he said about using the Chasco. [01:15:30] I like the mobile idea, I like the static idea. [01:15:33] But that's the root, and we do, and I'm a baseball umpire, you're well aware of that, and I'm a soccer referee, you're well aware of that. [01:15:40] And there's not a ball field that I go to that the scoreboard isn't advertising 95% or 75% anyhow Pepsi. [01:15:48] So, why are we starting out with a marketing program and get somebody to support this? [01:15:53] You know, whether it's Pepsi, you know, whether it's, you know, the county, whether it's some of the rotaries in the town that would like to, you know, step up. [01:16:02] I think it should be a team effort in this marketing program, and maybe it wouldn't cost us anything. [01:16:07] So, I think that a marketing program, and the advertising, yeah, sure, certain events, but throughout the year, [01:16:15] I worked for the St. Pete Times at that time, Tampa Bay Times, and I talked to Steve Chardell, [01:16:20] and I went to his speech the other day during business week in the library, [01:16:25] and he said, when you go to a customer and you want to sit them down and tell them we have a long-range program for you, [01:16:33] we just don't have a one-week program. [01:16:35] So, I think if we look at a marketing aspect of this, we want to look at it as a long-range thing, [01:16:40] and that's why I think we need to take the marketing program first and then come back, [01:16:44] and I think helping the marketing program would also benefit us with CHASCO, you know, [01:16:50] take a look at who's interested, take a look at where we want to place these screens and things of that sort. [01:16:56] I don't want to put the whole $200,000 burden on the citizens. [01:16:59] You know, I think that the community is going to step up. [01:17:02] We have events already going on. [01:17:03] Let's step it up. [01:17:05] So, rent it the first time, and I got numbers anywhere from a couple hundred dollars an hour, you know, [01:17:11] to a couple thousand dollars per day, so I don't think I have an answer on how much we rent, [01:17:17] but we as a group here have a little fund, and I think it's around $25,000, [01:17:26] and I'd be willing to put up a couple grand, you know, from our fund, you know, the council fund. [01:17:32] I think it's $25,000. [01:17:34] We spent a little bit last year, I remember, but I think we have like $25,000, [01:17:37] and we put up a couple thousand dollars and rent it, and rent it through CHASCO, [01:17:41] and let's see what we've got, and in the meantime, let the staff work on a marketing program. [01:17:47] Deputy Mayor. [01:17:49] Yeah, Mr. Starkey, it was more than a maybe. [01:17:52] It was a strong yes, but obviously there's always some caveats, [01:18:01] and I just think that if, and I went to the same presentation by Mr. Shreddell, [01:18:11] and I think I picked up his message in some way was, [01:18:17] a pop's fairly cheap if we put them up. [01:18:21] I think if we show them, I think it gives me a better leverage point to sell them to somebody [01:18:29] or to rent them out at the event and named after them or whatever, [01:18:33] because, you know, I don't know about you, I've been around here a long, long time. [01:18:37] You know, longer than I want to talk about it, and I did on Saturday, [01:18:42] but I really think that we've proven that if we step up and do something, [01:18:50] because every time we've asked the public to come along in the last four or five years, [01:18:53] and years before that, super playground, the whole thing. [01:18:57] I think you have to prove that we're committed, [01:19:01] and I think that the enhancement is, and what I would be willing to offer tonight, [01:19:07] is to put up one static board, permanent, rent or put in place the mobile board [01:19:18] during the Chasco event, which is basically April the 1st or April the 2nd through the 9th, [01:19:26] as part of our way to gather the information that we need [01:19:30] and find out where our cost savings have been, [01:19:33] and also see how we may see that one board is really good, [01:19:37] or we may want to move it to the other side, and or, funding comes up, [01:19:41] we have one, and we say, well, we can't afford the other one, [01:19:43] why don't a couple of you other folks step up, we'll put your name on it. [01:19:46] So, I agree with you there, Mr. Davis. [01:19:49] I just think that, I really would, [01:19:53] I just think after all the positive comments from this weekend from everybody, [01:19:56] I think if some of the boards were in place, and some of the mobility is there, [01:20:01] that offers us some flexibility around the city over the years, [01:20:05] I just think that, you know, I'm going to have somebody else come in here and say, [01:20:09] well, you guys did something else pretty good, [01:20:11] and you can tell my wife that too, because I need that to be said a couple times a week, [01:20:17] but that's where I'd love to go, Mr. Starkey, [01:20:20] because you're only looking at, this is February, [01:20:23] and Chasco is six, eight weeks away, how fast are you going to be to set them up? [01:20:29] Brian, what's the setup time? [01:20:32] I think Kyle would be better to speak to that. [01:20:35] There's a couple of points that have come up that I think you... [01:20:38] Kyle, on top of that real quick, could you just discuss as well, [01:20:41] the longevity between a sign that is mobile compared to a permanent sign? [01:20:45] Great point. [01:20:46] Kyle Toble with Thomas Sign. [01:20:48] Thank you again. [01:20:50] To address a couple of the issues, number one, [01:20:52] I want to talk to his point about the marketing with Pepsi and all that. [01:20:55] You've got to understand that Pepsi makes those investments in the stadiums [01:20:58] because they sell millions of dollars worth of Pepsi products in those stadiums every year, [01:21:02] and so they're more apt to make those investments and such. [01:21:06] Just to say, this is Little League. [01:21:08] This is Little League. [01:21:09] There's not millions of dollars in Little League, okay? [01:21:13] I apologize. [01:21:14] I misconstrued that statement. [01:21:16] Sorry. [01:21:17] But then to go back to the mobile units, a couple of limitations on mobile units. [01:21:21] Number one is the size of the board. [01:21:23] You're not going to be able to get a 7x13 in a standard trailer. [01:21:27] Also, the height difference. [01:21:30] These are going to be mounted at a normal vehicle height, trailer height, [01:21:34] so you're going to have vision issues, seeing over crowds, [01:21:38] things of that nature to address with that. [01:21:41] Also, the mobile application of these boards raises a lot of concerns with longevity of these boards. [01:21:49] They're offered through us with a five-year parts and labor warranty [01:21:53] that's only going to be honored in a static application. [01:21:57] When you put these onto a trailer, you start running them over potholes and things like that. [01:22:02] They're electronics. [01:22:03] They're going to damage that. [01:22:05] That five-year parts and labor all-inclusive type five-year service isn't going to be available for those. [01:22:12] Cost-wise. [01:22:13] I understood that. [01:22:14] Okay. [01:22:15] I think I was crystal clear on what that was about the static versus the mobile. [01:22:19] We have enough tow trucks in town to put them up higher, don't we? [01:22:22] Well, we've got a couple of fire trucks we could probably. [01:22:26] I'm sorry. [01:22:27] We don't mean to digress. [01:22:28] Go ahead. [01:22:29] No, no. [01:22:30] I'm trying to offer a little levity here because this is a serious, serious discussion. [01:22:33] We have a lot of moving parts. [01:22:35] I'm sorry. [01:22:36] I didn't mean to interrupt. [01:22:37] Not at all. [01:22:38] You know, so when you talk about a 10-year product and having a turnkey solution for 10 years [01:22:44] that you're not going to have an issue with, you know, that static issue or that's for a static application, [01:22:49] mobile, you're not going to have that. [01:22:51] Again, back to the height restrictions, the size restrictions, [01:22:54] typically, you know, unless you're willing to invest a large sum of money to special engineer a trailer [01:23:01] or something to hold a larger screen, you know, [01:23:05] it tends to be a little bit less cost effective to go that application. [01:23:10] You know, and in terms of, you know, our solution in terms of placing them, [01:23:16] obviously, you know, the placement of those screens in the park as of right now is not solidified. [01:23:22] That's open for interpretation. [01:23:23] We're more than welcome to, you know, move them around, explore different locations. [01:23:27] You know, we've already got the mock screens made. [01:23:32] If it's an issue of moving those around in the park to try and find the right location for them, [01:23:37] we're certainly willing to do that. [01:23:40] You know, and is there other issues? [01:23:42] I can't remember. [01:23:43] I think you kind of covered the reason I'm pushing towards the permanent screens is you can't have the larger screens. [01:23:51] And I thought they were huge, but honestly, I was kind of wishing they were even bigger. [01:23:54] But I'll be happy with what we could get if it is approved. [01:23:57] But you can't put these larger screens on just a small trailer. [01:24:01] You basically have to buy a truck to mount them on and drive them around. [01:24:04] So when you're discussing mobile screens of this size, correct me if I'm wrong, [01:24:08] you're also looking to the investment of an RV-type travel trailer-type vehicle to mount them on [01:24:15] and then drive them around the park. [01:24:17] And then, once again, you're talking two to three years' life expectancy compared to 10. [01:24:23] That is the number I heard. [01:24:26] What was it then? [01:24:27] Five to seven. [01:24:28] Five to seven? [01:24:29] On the mobile. [01:24:30] No, clarify it, please. [01:24:32] As long as you don't go off-roading with them. [01:24:35] I can't speak to the longevity of them. [01:24:37] There's an expected life in that application. [01:24:40] I'm not an expert. [01:24:41] We don't do a lot of the mobile applications. [01:24:43] Your Optech guy was the guy throwing the numbers around. [01:24:45] Yes, I'm sorry to tell you, gentlemen. [01:24:46] Yeah, and that is an estimate. [01:24:50] Five to seven years is a safe bet. [01:24:52] But, again, in that first five years, we can't cover every issue that comes up with that board. [01:24:57] And so there's going to be additional costs in terms of servicing and parts replacements [01:25:01] and things like that that you'll have to address at those situations as well. [01:25:06] Do you have rental numbers off the top of your head? [01:25:08] I don't, no. [01:25:10] I've done some basic research like you, [01:25:12] and I've come across the costs anywhere from $200 to $600 for either an hour or three-hour blocks. [01:25:21] And then you said also that there's days where you can rent them for days and such like that that may be in the thousands. [01:25:27] Do you have any numbers, Brian? [01:25:29] Yeah, I was able to verify that there was a local company that did offer a solution [01:25:35] where they brought in a full-blown trailer [01:25:38] and did offer the ability to rent the display board for three hours for $600, [01:25:43] I'm sorry, $600 for a block of three hours, so $200 an hour. [01:25:48] I can't, I'm sorry. [01:25:50] If I might. [01:25:52] The, I've struggled with this. [01:25:57] It's a lot of money. [01:25:59] The question is, I think they would look good. [01:26:07] I was trying to follow the Deputy Mayor Thursday when he was talking about, [01:26:12] quizzing you guys about mobile applications, [01:26:15] and under government sunshine I couldn't just ask him directly, [01:26:19] where are you going with this? [01:26:21] I had to wait until tonight to find out. [01:26:23] I think the, there are some mobile applications which bears some looking at. [01:26:35] The finish of the Wrap River Run being probably the classic example. [01:26:40] The question then is, do we do better by renting or owning the things? [01:26:50] And you're looking at not quite $200,000, call it $20,000 a year. [01:26:59] The question is, given what we do in the park, [01:27:02] what we would anticipate in the park using these things. [01:27:08] I did some real rough math. [01:27:10] I don't know if we got any numbers from city staff on what they thought they'd work out at. [01:27:16] But, you know, I was, if Chasco, for instance, rented the things on Friday night [01:27:26] and then all day Saturday and Saturday night for each of the two weekends, [01:27:31] you've got a pretty healthy rental fee for Chasco each year. [01:27:36] I could readily see the Seafood Festival and Main Street Blast doing a similar thing, [01:27:43] albeit for just a single weekend, not two. [01:27:48] And you start adding movies in the park at a couple hours apiece at $200 an hour. [01:27:56] You're going to be $400, $600 each time they do that times potentially 12 months. [01:28:04] The numbers, and don't hold me to exact numbers, [01:28:08] but I think I was up in the $30,000 to $40,000 a year for renting the things pretty quick. [01:28:15] And at that point, renting becomes much more expensive than it would be to own the things. [01:28:24] I think they'd get used. [01:28:27] Somebody, I don't even remember who it was, [01:28:30] was suggesting that we needed to do our Super Bowl party in the park next year on the big screens. [01:28:36] And I could see us doing that. [01:28:39] Somebody asked why we didn't have a schedule of activities in the park that told about stuff, [01:28:47] upcoming events, upcoming things that were going to be happening. [01:28:50] That is a perfect application for one of these boards during regular weekdays. [01:28:59] I don't necessarily object to the idea of a mobile unit. [01:29:06] I think they may well ultimately want some mobile units, [01:29:10] particularly if the concerts expand out beyond the existing concert ring. [01:29:17] So what the Deputy Mayor has suggested makes some sense. [01:29:27] And when we started this discussion, it was back June or July of last year, [01:29:32] and somebody had first suggested we could do the small screen, [01:29:37] but the big screen was just going to be a lot more expensive. [01:29:41] My comment then, and I'll remind my colleagues, [01:29:45] was that personally I'd rather have one big screen than two small ones. [01:29:50] I really do feel that way. [01:29:52] I think the two big screens would be nice, [01:29:54] but if we're trying to bring this in on a budget, [01:29:58] make sure that it actually works. [01:30:00] actually does what I suspect it will do. [01:30:03] If my colleagues want to go with one big screen initially and [01:30:07] rent a mobile unit to supplement that and see what happens at Chasco, [01:30:11] I've got no objection to that. [01:30:12] Deputy Mayor. [01:30:15] I just wanted to ask a couple of logistical questions. [01:30:17] And I hate to get down in the weeds. [01:30:19] I'm just trying to understand, obviously where you showed the boards on Thursday. [01:30:24] Right. [01:30:25] In and behind those new, basically the background walls. [01:30:29] Right. [01:30:29] And obviously we have some, we have some trees that are, that are in play. [01:30:38] And maybe Mr. Rivera or somebody from that. [01:30:42] Obviously we're going to have to run power to these and [01:30:44] there was money already in the budget for those elements or whatever. [01:30:50] If we put the static, because obviously you've got the stand or [01:30:55] the, what it's mounted on and the concrete and all that. [01:31:00] If, if for some reason we, we, we looked at that, and [01:31:05] then we wanted to relocate them, any rough ideas out of 15 or [01:31:10] 20% part of the installation side? [01:31:14] Well, I can tell you that, that the, the budgeted amount is around $9,000 per unit [01:31:20] for the installation and that includes the, you know, the engineering steel, [01:31:24] the concrete, the excavation, all that. [01:31:26] And so if we were to relocate those at a later time, we may be able to, [01:31:32] to kind of approach, instead of doing a direct bury for the, the poles, [01:31:37] maybe doing a plate mounted option where we would just then have to pour a new [01:31:41] footer somewhere else at the new location, something along those lines. [01:31:44] Extend the, the conduit runs and things. [01:31:47] But if we were to pick it up, move it back and, and place it in a, [01:31:50] in another location, you're probably going to be looking at around, you know, [01:31:52] $9,000 or so per unit. [01:31:54] And then, and then we're not quite there yet at the moment, [01:32:01] because there's not a motion and all those kind of things. [01:32:03] What's, what's the timeline? [01:32:07] With the upgraded chips that we've, we've offered on that, [01:32:10] the sourcing is, is typically a little bit longer. [01:32:13] I've got a firm commitment from Optech at ten weeks. [01:32:17] But they've also committed to trying to expedite that as best as possible. [01:32:21] But without an actual order in hand, it's, it's hard for [01:32:24] them to get a beat on how quickly they can get, get the materials. [01:32:28] We understand the sales pitch. [01:32:30] It's the same one I use. [01:32:31] If I, if I, if I can get, if I can get your order today, that's ten, ten. [01:32:36] I mean, I'm, I'm sorry. [01:32:37] I just, I'm just, I understand, you know, you have to, you have to stroke, [01:32:41] you have to stroke the order so that they can go order, [01:32:44] because they're not going to do it on, on good faith. [01:32:46] I understand that. [01:32:47] And so. [01:32:47] Councilwoman, you've been. [01:32:48] Yes. [01:32:49] Wanted to make a comment. [01:32:50] Well, a couple of things, because we've had a lot, a lot of good discussion here. [01:32:54] The month of April in the park is, is active every single weekend. [01:32:58] And I know that there's a, a tremendous fondness in this community for [01:33:02] Chasco, but there are other events that take place in the community. [01:33:05] And I wouldn't want it to appear that we were favoring one over another. [01:33:11] Why not? [01:33:11] Certainly. [01:33:13] Well, to Mr. Davis's point, you know, why aren't there other entities here? [01:33:21] Why didn't we put the call out and let the other 25 or [01:33:25] 30 organizations that host events in the park. [01:33:28] Know that we were going to do the, the screens, or that we were even, [01:33:31] even suggesting this, because I think there would be lots more questions and [01:33:35] a lot more good conversation that we'd have. [01:33:38] Mr. Phillips had suggested that if we do this, that part of the agreement, [01:33:43] you know, it's not going to be a free ride, [01:33:45] but part of the agreement would be fees involved. [01:33:47] Well, I think we need to fine tune that a little bit, [01:33:49] because how would we even, how would we even offer that to to the entities [01:33:56] to know if they'd be willing or able to, to do that. [01:34:00] It was probably about 12 years ago that it was the last year before we [01:34:07] had alcohol in the park, Cody River Seafood Festival, [01:34:10] through their sound and production company, had boards there. [01:34:14] And again, as I said, there are tremendous enhancement to the to any event. [01:34:20] But that was, that was, you know, they fielded that through their sound company, [01:34:24] because then they had the engineers and everything else that needed to be done. [01:34:28] They, they did it. [01:34:29] I just think there's a lot more questions involved or that we, [01:34:34] we don't have the answers to yet to, to be able to say again, to purchase these. [01:34:40] When we had the conversation a few weeks ago, I was the one that had suggested that, [01:34:44] you know, there maybe should be a mobile one, because of the things that we've [01:34:51] created in the park now, that there's other areas in the park that will be [01:34:56] wonderful viewing, especially if the vendors are reconfigured. [01:35:02] So it may be that we've enhanced the, the area of viewing. [01:35:07] And it might not make sense to just have a board up front. [01:35:12] The idea that we would be purchasing a static or, or having a mobile. [01:35:19] Again, I think maybe the month of April would make sense for [01:35:23] us to, to allow them to be there in a, in a rental unit so [01:35:28] that we, we could see just, you know, how well they were received. [01:35:33] How easy it would be for the entities to to purchase advertising for [01:35:37] them to help underwrite it. [01:35:39] And I, I just think, I feel like we're rushing at something, even though, [01:35:44] you know, we've started this conversation, yes, back in July. [01:35:47] But now that we're, we're here I just feel that we, we should be a little more [01:35:52] judicious with, with the having more answers than than we have questions right now. [01:35:59] So if, if to Mr. Phillips or Mr. Davis's thought that we bring them into the park [01:36:05] on a rental basis, then I would say that, I, I think the city itself is hosting [01:36:10] an event on the last weekend of April, so maybe it makes sense to have [01:36:15] several different kinds of events that would be able to utilize the boards. [01:36:21] Councilman Starkey. [01:36:22] I, I appreciate, Mr. Mayor, you bringing up the, the cost and [01:36:25] running some, some rough numbers on, on rental. [01:36:29] You know, I'm, I'm sold on them. [01:36:30] If, if I can get enough votes to get both, then I'll make a motion for both. [01:36:34] I'm going to let someone else make a motion, I believe. [01:36:37] I'll support one, if we can figure out a deal to, [01:36:40] let's see how the first one goes for six months, and [01:36:42] then if we can get the same price on the second one. [01:36:43] I don't want to have to pay 30 more thousand dollars, because we weren't sure [01:36:46] when we waited six months to get the second screen on the other side of the amphitheater. [01:36:50] And just one more thing, as far as the mobile, the mobile board, [01:36:55] I just want everyone to remember, it's, it's mounted on a vehicle. [01:36:59] So as far as moving it around the park, there's not, [01:37:01] I don't believe there's roads through the park, is there? [01:37:04] I mean, where we can drive a large semi-type travel trailer, [01:37:07] type vehicle with a large screen on it, to different areas of the park. [01:37:11] If we want to use it around Orange Lake and whatnot, and go that route, I'm okay, [01:37:14] but I don't think we can, I just, these are sidewalks, they're the park, not roads. [01:37:21] I'd like to make a proposal that we use the city council funds of up, [01:37:25] up to $5,000 for rental for, for the April and let staff decide whether it's [01:37:31] all at Chasco or throughout the month of April. [01:37:34] And that we start a marketing program, a marketing plan to to address the whole, [01:37:40] the down the road look. [01:37:43] No, that's not what I'm looking for. [01:37:46] Was that a motion? [01:37:47] Yes, that was a motion. [01:37:48] I would second that motion. [01:37:49] May I ask a question to the city attorney? [01:37:54] If this motion doesn't pass, [01:37:56] can we then make a second motion to purchase a screen or screens if we ought to? [01:38:00] Yes, you may. [01:38:01] Okay. [01:38:04] Discussion on the motion. [01:38:08] I just, just say we have the money and and he's, he's given us, [01:38:13] we just went through a proposal to finish the park by the end of December. [01:38:17] It wasn't finished and we rushed our butt off the last [01:38:21] two days to get it by the end of January. [01:38:23] And he's just gave us a number of eight weeks. [01:38:25] So I'd rather have the, for sure have mobile units in the park and, [01:38:29] and try it out during Chasco than to be rushing at the last minute and [01:38:33] we not have anything for Chasco, which as you're looking at, eight weeks is, is Chasco. [01:38:38] So I just would want to be a little bit safer. [01:38:41] I want to, I want this to work right. [01:38:42] I want to be, us be thinking and forward thinking on this. [01:38:46] So that's why I proposed the, the mobiles and a marketing plan. [01:38:53] I, I would think this would be a fallback if the purchase [01:38:56] was not approved as opposed to our, our manner. [01:38:59] It seems, it seems like it's a very good balance to suggest this. [01:39:07] I think that it would, I think, I think we need a little more due diligence on the, [01:39:11] on the purchase of it, but this certainly seems like a good, a good solution. [01:39:16] We would be, we'd have the opportunity to see how they look, how the people respond to it, [01:39:20] how, how it works for as I said, I think April is a very busy month. [01:39:26] This, I think there's something every weekend. [01:39:28] So I think that would be due diligence on our part. [01:39:33] I would, I would feel that we were being responsible with our constituents money, [01:39:39] the money that we're using to do this, and that it would, we could then, [01:39:45] between now and then, continue to get some answers on some of the questions that came up tonight. [01:39:49] Mr. Palmwood. [01:39:50] Yes sir. [01:39:51] This motion were approved, would that preclude consideration of motion purchase? [01:39:56] No, it would not. [01:39:59] Any further discussion? [01:40:00] I, once again, just let it be clear that I don't, I'm not just thinking we have an open checkbook and [01:40:05] I can write a $200,000 check like it's nothing. [01:40:08] I've put a tremendous amount of thought into this. [01:40:10] I think it's the best thing for our city. [01:40:12] And I would assume if we did make a motion to purchase them and they weren't ready, [01:40:16] we could work out a deal with you that you would provide mobile units for free of charge? [01:40:21] To be honest, I'm not obligated or I'm not. [01:40:23] So right now we're just saying, let's go ahead and. [01:40:26] Make sure we have mobile units in the park for Chasco in April. [01:40:30] And then if we ought to, we can then make a motion to purchase them after this motion has passed. [01:40:34] Is that where we're at? [01:40:35] Okay. [01:40:36] We have a motion. [01:40:37] If there is no further discussion on it, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:40:43] Aye. Aye. [01:40:44] Opposed, light sign. [01:40:45] No. [01:40:46] No. [01:40:48] Mr. Stark, did you wish to make a motion? [01:40:51] I'm not sure if it's best to make a motion for both screens, [01:40:56] like I think is the right thing to do, or go with one. [01:41:00] Any more discussion, Mr. Phillips? [01:41:04] I have no problem with one screen, because I have no problem with one screen. [01:41:14] Mayor, would you? [01:41:16] My only thing is, obviously, because we lambasted the decisions that were made by other councils, [01:41:23] especially when it came to the recreation center, and especially when it came to the pool. [01:41:28] And that just keeps floating through my mind, you know? [01:41:32] You know, if they'd have spent $90,000 back then, [01:41:35] we wouldn't have half the issues that we have with that facility right now. [01:41:38] Well, that's one thing. [01:41:39] So in my mind, I would be okay with the one, because once again, we've done something. [01:41:51] You can market around it because it's there. [01:41:54] It's not going to, it might be there. [01:41:57] And beyond that, I'm sure we could talk to some of our consultants [01:42:01] about the best way to put those marketing programs together. [01:42:05] Councilman Starkey, if you wish to make a motion for both boards, [01:42:10] if you get a second, we'll have them. [01:42:14] Yes, that was my next question, Mr. Phillips. [01:42:16] Absolutely. [01:42:17] What is it that we just voted on? [01:42:19] That we will have up to $5,000 available to rent screens. [01:42:24] A moment. [01:42:26] If we were to purchase, approved purchase, and they're not ready. [01:42:30] No, just irregardless. [01:42:32] Yeah, just rent, just rent, yes. [01:42:36] Because I really think that we're running into a time frame here. [01:42:38] And I think eight weeks is not a decision like the rec center, it's not a decision. [01:42:42] If we make a decision at the end of April to go ahead and purchase because it was wow, [01:42:47] then let's go ahead and make that decision and [01:42:48] we'll probably have a 5 and 0 vote if it's a wow. [01:42:51] Right now, we're battling over eight weeks. [01:42:54] Why not let's just go with a mobile and get them out there and let's see what's going on. [01:43:00] I move that we purchase both 7 by 13 LED display boards permanent for Sims Park. [01:43:04] Do we have a second? [01:43:10] Motion fails for lack of a second. [01:43:12] I move that we buy one LED display board for Sims Park. [01:43:14] Second. [01:43:15] Give a motion and a second. [01:43:17] Starkey? [01:43:18] I guess the only thing I'm apprehensive on is if everybody loves this like I think [01:43:24] everyone will and we want to proceed with the second. [01:43:27] Are we missing the boat here on price guarantees? [01:43:30] Can we lock something in for six months for the second purchase? [01:43:33] Is there anything you can do there or no? [01:43:35] The upgraded option actually came through OPTEC. [01:43:39] That was an offer. [01:43:40] You're not at liberty to say. [01:43:41] I'm not at liberty to guarantee that. [01:43:44] I think we have a very good negotiator up here that can go to workforce if need be. [01:43:48] So my motion stands that we purchase one screen. [01:43:51] Deputy Mayor, you had a second? [01:43:52] I had a second, yes sir. [01:43:53] I think I've spoken. [01:43:57] Councilwoman? [01:43:59] I don't know why we'd need to make that decision tonight. [01:44:02] I think that the point of us renting them for the month of April and [01:44:07] then making a decision afterwards makes, is a better decision. [01:44:13] Councilman Davis? [01:44:15] Yeah, eight weeks is not a rec center situation. [01:44:18] And eight weeks gives us a marketing plan. [01:44:21] Might even have, you know, a lot of support to help purchase this. [01:44:24] So, that's my purchasing. [01:44:27] I'm going to support the motion. [01:44:31] I suspect we're going to be coming back with a motion to buy the second one after [01:44:36] this thing's over. [01:44:38] There's no further discussion. [01:44:39] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:44:42] Aye. [01:44:43] Opposed? [01:44:43] White sign? [01:44:44] Motion passes three to two. [01:44:50] Myself and Mr. Davis, I think. [01:44:52] Okay. [01:44:54] Council. [01:44:55] Thank you. [01:44:56] Next item is a three minute report on fire and emergency. [01:45:00] Good evening again, overview of activities since January for the New Port Richey Fire

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

19. 11.g

    Three-Minute Report: Fire and Emergency

    Fire Department three-minute report covered 372 calls for service, training hours, inspections, hiring activity (one firefighter EMT sworn in, additional hires in progress), NIMS 400 training, community events including Sims Park reopening with Touch-a-Truck, and progress on the Hacienda construction safety coordination and fire station replacement project. HR report followed, noting 240 employees, 8 open positions, 190 applications processed, harassment training, and upcoming retirement seminar.

    📍Hacienda📍Sims Park🏢Public Risk Management🏢Valic Financial Advisors👤Starkey#Fire station replacement project#Florida Retirement System Seminar#NIMS 400 training#Small Town News employee newsletter#Touch-a-Truck event

    ▶ Jump to 1:45:13 in the video

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    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:45:14] Department. [01:45:15] We've had 372 calls for service, that includes fire, medical, and unrelated service calls [01:45:24] for help. [01:45:28] We have completed 410 training hours, we've completed 60 building inspections during that [01:45:37] month, 53 re-inspections, 30 construction inspections, approximately 10 plan reviews, [01:45:46] and one BTR business tax receipt. [01:45:50] We organized and administered two hiring processes to fill vacancies within the department. [01:45:56] We have hired one full-time firefighter EMT due to an opening created from a retirement, [01:46:02] which we swore in tonight. [01:46:04] We are in the process of hiring another full-time firefighter paramedic due to an opening created [01:46:09] from a resignation, and that swear-in should be sometime within the next month. [01:46:14] We are also in the process of hiring two part-time firefighter EMTs due to openings created by [01:46:20] resignations. [01:46:23] We are putting together a NIMS 400 class later this month for city employees, which is required [01:46:29] by FEMA for all supervisors. [01:46:33] We have played an active role in the community during all city events, including the latest [01:46:38] at Sims Park reopening with Touch-a-Truck, and we handed out over 250 toy firetrucks [01:46:44] in 11 minutes. [01:46:49] With the Hacienda contractor with pre-planned inspections during the construction phase [01:46:53] addressing any safety concerns to keep our firefighters safe, forecasting the possibility [01:47:02] of any incidents that we could have there during the construction phase, so we keep [01:47:07] mindful of hazards that are within that structure, as well as the public that could be walking [01:47:15] through that area, getting into the fenced area, what have you. [01:47:22] We are continuing discussions with the architects on the fire station replacement project, and [01:47:26] we are making progress. [01:47:30] I'm told spoon bills should come down within the next week or two, and BFO Brady's plans [01:47:34] are being finalized now. [01:47:37] Thank you. [01:47:38] Next is a three-minute report on human resources. [01:47:46] Good evening, Mr. Mayor and members of Council. [01:47:49] Currently the City has 240 employees, including full-time and part-time. [01:47:55] Currently there are eight open positions. [01:47:57] These positions are Building Inspector, GIS Database Administrator, Maintenance Worker [01:48:04] 1, part-time, Lifeguards 1 and 2, part-time, a full-time police officer, which a conditional [01:48:12] offer has been made, the applicant is in the background stage right now, a recreation [01:48:17] leader part-time, Senior Administrative Assistant for the Development Department, and a water [01:48:24] production plant operator, full-time. [01:48:27] Since the last three-minute report in November, the Human Resources Department has processed [01:48:31] 190 applications and has conducted 13 new hire orientations. [01:48:37] On November 17th and 18th, Public Risk Management was on-site conducting an employee training [01:48:43] on prohibiting discrimination and all forms of harassment. [01:48:47] A total of 130 employees participated in that training. [01:48:52] Future trainings will include customer service and drug-free workplace. [01:48:57] On January 1st, the HR Department distributed the second edition of the employee newsletter, [01:49:03] Small Town News. [01:49:04] On February 24th, Valet Financial Advisors will be present to present a Florida Retirement [01:49:11] System Seminar for our employees. [01:49:16] This concludes the status report, and I'm prepared to answer any questions. [01:49:19] Thank you. [01:49:20] Any questions? [01:49:21] Okay. [01:49:22] At that point, we're to that almost favorite point of the meeting. [01:49:27] Great job, by the way. [01:49:29] Yes. [01:49:30] Communications and reports. [01:49:31] Mr. Starkey. [01:49:33] I need to have an open discussion with my colleagues up here on something. [01:49:36] I'll get to that next, but I just want to thank City staff for doing such an amazing [01:49:41] job working to get that park open. [01:49:43] I still didn't think it was going to be open on Saturday, on Friday afternoon when I drove [01:49:47] by. [01:49:48] It's just amazing they were able to get that done, and it's like downtown got an adrenaline [01:49:53] shot having that park open. [01:49:54] I mean, not just the park. [01:49:55] The entire downtown is just a totally different atmosphere now, and it's just an amazing, [01:50:00] amazing thing to see. [01:50:02] I thanked the chief outside when I parked my car. [01:50:05] I've gotten several, several thank yous for the police presence in the park since it's [01:50:10] open. [01:50:11] The young families feel safe there with their young children. [01:50:14] It's a different atmosphere. [01:50:15] I know it's expensive, but we need to keep it up. [01:50:18] So anything I can do to support that cause, please let me know, because it's very, very [01:50:23] much appreciated. [01:50:24] It's changing the atmosphere of Sims Park. [01:50:26] It's a different feel in there, and not just because of what we've done to the park, but [01:50:31] because of the police presence, I strongly feel that way. [01:50:34] So thank you, and we need to keep it up. [01:50:36] We all got a memo or an email today. [01:50:38] I don't want to speak on behalf of the city, so that's why we're having, I'd like to have [01:50:44] a discussion with my colleagues.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

20. 11.h

    Three-Minute Report: Human Resources

    discussed

    Councilmember (likely Deputy Mayor) reported on MPO matters, expressing strong opposition to a proposed Pasco County bus transit hub in or near downtown New Port Richey, including potential sites at the northwest corner of Gulf Drive and US 19 and the northeast corner of Marine Parkway and US 19. Council consensus was against any bus hub within or bordering city limits; the Mayor suggested the county instead consider the Leisure Lane/Vandoren area near the old Kmart.

    • consensus:Council consensus opposing siting of a county bus transit hub in downtown New Port Richey or anywhere within or bordering city limits, to be relayed by the MPO representative. (passed)

    📍Leisure Lane and Gulf Drive📍Vandoren (Lane)📍northeast corner of Marine Parkway and US 19📍northwest corner of Gulf Drive and US 19📍old Kmart parking lot📍parking lot just south of the health department, downtown New Port Richey🏢Chase Bank🏢Cracker Barrel🏢Gulfview Square Mall🏢MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization)🏢Pasco County Health Department🏢Southgate🏢Starbucks👤Altman👤Bogart👤Debbie👤Jim Edwards#Pasco County MPO bus transit hub proposal

    ▶ Jump to 1:50:46 in the video

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    [01:50:46] I know Debbie supports me on my views here, but when I was appointed to the NPO, I was [01:50:51] a rookie to city council, and Jim Edwards from the NPO basically set up a meeting and [01:50:56] had all these beautiful drawings, and I met with him upstairs at this building. [01:50:59] I was maybe a month into the job, and he tried to convince me that it would be a tremendous [01:51:04] idea to have a bus hub in downtown New Port Richey in the parking lot just south of the [01:51:10] health department, and I said, are you kidding me? [01:51:14] And he just was sold that it was a tremendous idea. [01:51:17] I still am just absolutely opposed to having any kind of mass transit bus hub in downtown [01:51:23] in our city limits or bordering up to our city limits. [01:51:26] But before I relay that at an NPO meeting, I need to get my colleagues' opinion on the [01:51:33] matter. [01:51:34] As the memo says, they are actively, per Mr. Altman, looking into appraising property at [01:51:40] the northwest corner of Gulf Drive and US 19 to possibly put a bus hub there, and their [01:51:45] current plans do not even include bathrooms for this bus transit station, so I could imagine [01:51:50] what Starbucks is going to look like if something like that were to go in there. [01:51:55] And then I was also told they're looking at a crossing Chase Bank and Southgate at [01:51:59] the northeast corner of Marine Parkway and US 19. [01:52:04] I personally don't want a bus hub or a transit bus hub bordering up to our city limits, in [01:52:10] our downtown, anywhere near our city limits. [01:52:12] I think it would be better served further south on 19 or further north on 19, maybe [01:52:17] Gulfview Square Mall area, somewhere like that. [01:52:20] But I am strongly, strongly opposed to it, and I'm not very happy with the fact that [01:52:24] the county has kind of proceeded with appraisals without me as an MPO rep not even knowing [01:52:29] about it. [01:52:30] So I'm not happy with the situation, but like I said, before I go to an MPO meeting and [01:52:34] say, the City of New Portage's leadership is against you putting a bus hub at either [01:52:38] of these locations, I need input from my colleagues. [01:52:41] So if I could have that, please. [01:52:43] If I might, a couple of Fridays ago, I had a craving for fried shrimp and went to Cracker [01:52:55] Barrel. [01:52:57] And as we left there, as is our custom, we took Leisure Lane up to Gulf Drive to get [01:53:02] out of the light. [01:53:04] When we got to the corner of Leisure Lane and Gulf Drive, there were two young ladies [01:53:10] who I strongly suspect were professionals. [01:53:17] And there was a third one on Gulf Drive walking over to meet them. [01:53:22] And my wife commented about it, and I said, yeah, I think that's what they were. [01:53:27] And then asked if she had noticed the drug deal going down about a half a block north [01:53:32] of Gulf Drive on Leisure Lane. [01:53:35] She'd missed that, but I hadn't. [01:53:38] This county property, Leisure Lane, Vandoren, the properties in there are almost to the [01:53:45] point of being worthless. [01:53:49] Were the county to condemn every parcel between Gulf Drive and the old Kmart parking lot on [01:54:01] Vandoren and Leisure Lanes and bulldoze it all and put a nice commuter parking lot in [01:54:07] there with bathrooms and a transit hub, that would actually be an improvement. [01:54:14] But no, I don't want one downtown either. [01:54:20] They do have one at Culfew Square Mall now. [01:54:25] But putting it right on the corner without bathrooms or anything, that's probably not [01:54:29] a good idea. [01:54:30] But I would suggest they look at Leisure Lane and Vandoren, they're trying to figure out [01:54:34] how to get rid of that hot potato. [01:54:39] That might give them an excuse to do it. [01:54:41] Councilwoman? [01:54:42] Well, I shared with Police Chief Bogart the other day my opinion of the whole Leisure [01:54:47] area. [01:54:48] But I would be horrified if we put a bus station in our downtown anywhere. [01:54:54] I wouldn't even want to see it inside the city limits. [01:54:59] Not just downtown, somewhere along the 19th, because we've convinced them not downtown, [01:55:03] but now they're looking on 19th. [01:55:05] Not in the city limits. [01:55:07] Well, the reason I say that is, even an improvement, I mean, anything would improve the area that [01:55:13] Mayor just mentioned. [01:55:14] But bringing in a bus station with or without bathrooms, I mean, I just don't see that as [01:55:22] a step in the right direction of creating a destination area for a city.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

21. 12Communications▶ 1:55:27
22. 13Adjournment