On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women at home and abroad.

   ▶ Jump to 0:16 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:16] Thank you. [00:00:16] If you could all stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance [00:00:19] and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen [00:00:22] and women at home and abroad. [00:00:24] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America [00:00:29] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,

   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.

3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   The council observed a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

   ▶ Jump to 0:33 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:33] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:00:43] Thank you. [00:00:43] You may be seated.

   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.

4. 4Approval of Minutes for September Meetings and Work Sessions▶ 0:51
5. 5

   Swearing-In Ceremony: Firefighter Randall Briggs

   Firefighter Randall Briggs was sworn in as the newest full-time member of the New Port Richey Fire Department. The Fire Chief introduced Briggs, noting his EMT and fire school education and prior hospital EMT experience, and his wife Samantha pinned on his badge.

   🏢Hillsborough Community College🏢New Port Richey Fire Department🏢St. Petersburg College👤District Chief Darling👤Randall Briggs👤Samantha Briggs👤Tracy#Swearing-In Ceremony

   ▶ Jump to 1:09 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:01:09] Next is swearing in ceremony for Firefighter Randall Briggs. [00:01:14] Chief. [00:01:23] Good evening, Mayor and Council. [00:01:25] I'm excited to introduce the most recent full-time addition [00:01:29] to the New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:01:31] Randall Briggs comes from Wesley Chapel, [00:01:33] where he graduated from high school there, [00:01:36] attended EMT school at Hillsborough Community College, [00:01:38] and fire school at St. Petersburg College. [00:01:41] Randall went through the latest hiring process [00:01:44] that we had here in the city. [00:01:46] And he was an easy choice based on his test scores, interviews, [00:01:51] and his work experience in the medical field [00:01:54] working as an EMT in two area hospital emergency rooms. [00:01:58] Randall is joined here tonight by his wife, Samantha, [00:02:00] who's going to be pinning on his badge and his parents, [00:02:04] as well as his fire department family. [00:02:07] At this time, I'd like to ask Randall and District Chief [00:02:10] Darling to please come down for the swearing in, [00:02:13] as well as the city clerk. [00:02:28] Aye. [00:02:30] Aye. [00:02:32] Aye, Randall Briggs. [00:02:33] Aye, Randall Briggs. [00:02:34] A citizen of the state of Florida. [00:02:36] A citizen of the state of Florida. [00:02:38] And of the United States of America. [00:02:39] And of the United States of America. [00:02:41] And being employed by or an officer [00:02:43] of the City of New Port Richey. [00:02:45] And being employed by or an officer [00:02:47] of the City of New Port Richey. [00:02:48] And a recipient of public funds. [00:02:51] And a recipient of public funds. [00:02:52] As such, employee or officer. [00:02:54] As such, employee or officer. [00:02:56] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:02:59] I do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:03:02] That I will support the Constitution of the United [00:03:04] States and of the State of Florida. [00:03:06] That I will support the Constitution of the United [00:03:08] States and the State of Florida. [00:03:10] And the I will honestly, faithfully, [00:03:12] and impartially discharge the duties of my trust [00:03:16] as a firefighter. [00:03:17] And that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially [00:03:20] discharge the duties of my trust [00:03:21] as a firefighter in the New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:03:24] New Port Richey Fire Department, [00:03:26] in and for said city of New Port Richey. [00:03:29] In and for said city of New Port Richey. [00:03:31] According to the law and to the best of my knowledge [00:03:34] and ability. [00:03:35] In and for said, I'm a little nervous, sorry. [00:03:41] In for said city of New Port Richey, [00:03:43] according to the law and to the best of my knowledge [00:03:45] and ability. [00:03:46] So help me God. [00:03:47] So help me God. [00:03:47] You just need to sign there. [00:03:51] Did I do OK? [00:03:54] Thank you. [00:04:02] Thank you very much. [00:04:06] And at this time, I'd like to ask his wife, Samantha, [00:04:09] to pin on the badge. [00:04:23] Come on down. [00:04:23] Come on down. [00:04:25] What's her name that works in the fire department? [00:04:28] Tracy. [00:04:28] Come on down. [00:04:33] Come around the side. [00:04:40] Chopper, why don't you over here, Tracy? [00:04:46] Get pictures. [00:04:50] Not the pictures, but their backs. [00:04:53] Come on. [00:05:06] Don't go away from the rest of your family now. [00:05:08] There's some more pictures. [00:05:11] The ones in the blue, too. [00:05:16] Those are so we're not photobombing them? [00:05:18] Yeah. [00:05:20] OK. [00:05:29] Well, I guess we want that in austere, or in mysterious. [00:05:49] It's on the other hand, they're camera hogs. [00:05:54] They'd be down here crowding each other, [00:05:56] pushing each other out of the way, making fun of them. [00:05:59] OK. [00:06:00] Now I'm going to want you to go up front. [00:06:01] What if they stand back behind that? [00:06:04] Yes. [00:06:04] Can you guys move back a little bit? [00:06:12] Out of the way, Brian. [00:06:14] Brian, is that you? [00:06:15] Mike, get out of there a little bit. [00:06:19] OK. [00:06:28] The rest of his life, I think. [00:06:29] No. [00:06:30] I'm not. [00:06:30] I'm not. [00:06:31] I was adding to it. [00:06:36] No. [00:06:36] It's a badge. [00:06:38] I know. [00:06:38] It's a badge. [00:06:39] And then you sit up and you do it. [00:06:40] It's a badge. [00:06:47] The rest of the family in their suits. [00:06:49] You're going to want these pictures down the road, [00:06:51] and you're going to say, why did I do it? [00:06:53] Why did I do it? [00:06:54] Come on. [00:06:55] The rest of the family, too. [00:06:56] One of those little berets that the directors have. [00:06:59] It's my favorite part. [00:07:02] You know what it's worth. [00:07:04] Tracy, do you want to get in the picture? [00:07:06] I wonder. [00:07:08] Do you want to get in the picture? [00:07:09] What did you want to say? [00:07:12] What did you want to say? [00:07:32] Thank you, guys. [00:07:33] I really enjoyed it. [00:07:34] Thank you. [00:07:35] I'm going to take a picture. [00:07:36] You're welcome. [00:07:37] Thank you. [00:07:38] Thank you. [00:07:39] Oh, you're welcome. [00:07:40] Thank you. [00:08:05] The only remaining question is, how long will it be before somebody lets Mr. Briggs know that he was on television? [00:08:14] Next item is recognition of the New Port Richey Main Street Program for awards received.

   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.

6. 6

   Recognition of New Port Richey Main Street for Awards Received at the Florida Main Street Conference

   Bob Smallwood presented awards received by New Port Richey Main Street at the Florida Main Street Annual Conference in DeLand. Dulcet received the Florida Main Street Business of the Year award, and the Sims Park Makeover Project received the Secretary of State's Merit Award for Outstanding Main Street Improvement. A third submission (Zimmerman-Volk analysis) did not win.

   📍Sims Park🏢Dulcet🏢Florida Main Street Program🏢New Port Richey Main Street👤Bob Smallwood👤Councilman Phillips👤KC👤Nelson#Florida Main Street Annual Conference#Florida Main Street Business of the Year#Outstanding Main Street Improvement#Outstanding Main Street Restructuring Program#Secretary of State's Merit Award#Sims Park Makeover Project#Zimmerman-Volk analysis

   ▶ Jump to 8:21 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:08:21] Mr. Mayor, we have Mr. Bob Smallwood in attendance this evening. [00:08:27] He was the nominator for two awards to the National Main Street Program, both of which were successful applications, [00:08:38] and we'd like him to tell you a little bit about the award. [00:08:41] Mr. Smallwood? [00:08:52] Before I take it by mistake. [00:09:00] It's an honor, actually, to follow the swearing in of a new officer or firefighter. [00:09:03] It's always great to see that event take place, so appreciate that. [00:09:09] Wrote up a little something just so I didn't screw up here, so bear with me for a second. [00:09:13] Each year at the Florida Main Street Annual Conference, which took place mid-August up in Daltona, right, or Deland? [00:09:21] Deland. [00:09:22] It took place in Deland. [00:09:23] The Florida Secretary of State awards and honors those Main Street cities and communities that have excelled in carrying out their revitalization and preservation efforts. [00:09:34] The award categories mirror the four-point approach of any Main Street program, organization, design, promotion, and economic vitalization. [00:09:44] There are strict guidelines and criteria for award submissions, and not all submissions make it to the awards committee for consideration. [00:09:53] Even with our Main Street organizational challenges we had at the beginning of the year in between a couple of different directors [00:09:59] and moving from office to office, we thought it was very important that we submitted as many applications as we could in as many categories as possible. [00:10:08] We were able to get three applications accepted for review by the awards committee. [00:10:14] In the economic vitalization category, we submitted two applications. [00:10:18] One application was for the Outstanding Main Street Restructuring Program. [00:10:23] This award may be given to any local Main Street program or individual, business, agency, or organization [00:10:31] which has developed an exceptionally innovative or effective approach to assisting businesses [00:10:37] or recruiting new businesses into a Main Street program area. [00:10:43] Since a market study could be used as a basis of an application, [00:10:46] we submitted the Zimmerman-Volk analysis of our urban core residential opportunity that we had downtown. [00:10:54] We didn't make the podium cut, so to speak, so we didn't get an award for that. [00:10:58] Primarily, the selection committee kind of gave me feedback that they wanted more of a hard project to evaluate as opposed to a study. [00:11:09] Our other submission in the economic vitalization category was under the Florida Main Street Business of the Year. [00:11:15] This award is given to a local Main Street program area merchant who has made an exceptional contribution to downtown revitalization. [00:11:24] We were delighted that they chose Dulcet to take home the top award in that category. [00:11:30] Dulcet's Nelson was able to personally accept the award at the event, and I understand I wasn't able to go. [00:11:35] I had a mother that we were transitioning from a hospital to assisted living, [00:11:39] but from what I hear from Councilman Phillips and from KC was he gave a very moving motivational speech during his acceptance of the award. [00:11:49] In the design category, we submitted an application for outstanding Main Street improvement. [00:11:54] This award is given to a Florida Main Street community, city government, agency, [00:11:59] or other organization that has designed and implemented an attractive, effective, and appropriate public improvement. [00:12:07] We submitted the Sims Park Makeover Project, and that received the Secretary of State's Merit Award, which I have with me. [00:12:16] I believe Councilman Phillips was at the event, and he accepted graciously on behalf of the city. [00:12:21] But since all of us were not there, I wanted to bring the award back and officially present it to the city in appreciation for the job well done on the Sims Park improvement. [00:12:32] So thank you very much, and if I could present the award to the mayor. [00:12:58] Thank you for your time. [00:12:59] And thank you. [00:13:00] Kudos to the program. [00:13:02] It's always an honor when the city of New Port Richey weighs in on the likes of bigger, larger cities than us, [00:13:10] and that we continually come back with awards is just admirable, and keep up the good work. [00:13:21] The next item I have listed on the agenda is an audit presentation, although I don't see anybody unfamiliar in the audience.

   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.

7. 7

   Audit Presentation by Clifton Larson Allen LLP

   tabled

   The audit presentation by Clifton Larson Allen LLP was deferred to the October 18th meeting, when a complete report will be available.

   • direction:Defer the Clifton Larson Allen LLP audit presentation to the October 18th council meeting. (passed)

   🏢Clifton Larson Allen LLP

   ▶ Jump to 13:27 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:13:27] No, Mr. Mayor. [00:13:28] At this point, I'd like to ask you to defer this agenda item until your meeting on October 18th, at which time we will have a complete report. [00:13:37] October 18th. [00:13:38] Very good. [00:13:39] Next item is Vox Pop. [00:13:40] This is for items that are not on tonight's agenda or on the consent agenda. [00:13:45] If anybody wishes to address Council, Vox Pop, please come forward at this time. [00:13:53] Seeing nobody come forward to close Vox Pop, and we'll continue with the agenda. [00:13:57] Next item is the consent agenda.

   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.

8. 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 13:59
9. 9.a

   Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - August 2016

   on consent

   Brief procedural mention requesting the city manager include payment process status in her report. No substantive discussion of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes captured in this excerpt.

   • direction:Council requested the City Manager include the status of the payment process in her report. (none)

   ▶ Jump to 14:17 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:14:23] If the manager would just put it in her report where we are in that payment process.

   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.

10. 9.b

    Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

    discussedon consent

    Council conducted a second and final public reading of Ordinance 2016-2086 establishing standards for retailers to contain or retrieve shopping carts abandoned throughout the city. The Police Chief explained the retrieval plan, 10-day notice window, and impound process, noting positive feedback from local retailers. A motion to approve was made and seconded for discussion.

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2016-2086 for discussion purposes. (none)

    👤Police Chief#$362,500 settlement payment#Article 5 Section 14-50#Chapter 14 Miscellaneous Offenses#Ordinance 2016-2086#Section 14-51 Shopping Carts#Section 14-52 Retrieval

    ▶ Jump to 14:32 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:14:33] My understanding was, I know we negotiated it before her arrival, but we negotiated that settlement. [00:14:40] For some reason, I thought it was, I didn't know if it was a five-year program or a three-year, [00:14:46] so if somebody could just refresh my memory, because obviously it's an obligation that [00:14:52] shows up in our budget every year, so I'm just looking for the update. [00:14:55] Mr. Mayor, in response, the amount of the settlement was $362,000. [00:15:00] $2,500. This year's payment is in the amount of $50,000, and we have two remaining $50,000 payments at the conclusion of this year. [00:15:11] Thank you. Next item is public reading of ordinances, second reading ordinance 2016-2086, shopping carts. [00:15:22] Members of the City Council, this item is before you for a second and a final public reading. [00:15:29] As you'll recall, it was previously on your agenda for a second reading, and there was a point related to an objection that was filed by the Department of Agriculture that we needed to look into. [00:15:40] That matter has now been resolved, and the City Attorney has affirmed for me his comfort to go forward with the ordinance. [00:15:50] The purpose of the ordinance is to address the widespread disposal of shopping carts throughout the city that are abandoned in city streets, alleyways, and on vacant properties. [00:16:04] The ordinance specifically establishes standards for retailers that must contain their shopping carts on their property, or they must have a collection method in place for retrieval of shopping carts. [00:16:24] There is a petition for exemption to the local retailers from this ordinance if they have in place a system whereby shopping carts are retained on their properties. [00:16:41] The Police Chief has met with a good number of local retailers in respect to this ordinance to introduce it, and additionally to garner their input, the result of which is the ordinance that is before you this evening. [00:16:58] We are recommending that you conduct your second public hearing and approve the ordinance as submitted. [00:17:05] Thank you. I'd ask the City Attorney to read the ordinance, please. [00:17:08] It's Ordinance No. 2016-2086, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, amending Chapter 14, Miscellaneous Offenses, creating Article 5, Section 14-50, Notice of Penalties for Removal of Shopping Carts, Section 14-51, Shopping Carts, Section 14-52, Retrieval, providing for severability and an effective date. [00:17:33] Thank you. This is a public hearing on this ordinance. I'd ask anybody that wishes to address Council on this matter to please come forward at this time. Seeing no one, come forward and bring it back to Council. [00:17:46] I'd like to move to approve for discussion purposes. [00:17:49] Do we have a motion? [00:17:50] Second. [00:17:51] To the maker. [00:17:53] I know that the last time this came before us, there were some questions as to the actual process of how it will take place. [00:18:00] Chief, if you could just explain, because I'm a little confused. It sounds like in some part here that we have to notify them if we see the cart on site, and then they have a certain amount of time in order to come and retrieve it. [00:18:18] Well, the way the ordinance is laid out, it basically does two things. It says that the business needs to have a plan, a retrieval plan, which means that they, on a regular basis, have to canvass the neighborhood near their stores to see if there's carts out there, and if they see them, to pick them up and bring them back to their business. [00:18:41] But oftentimes, our own officers, either our police officers or our code officers, will see these carts and will have a notice that we can give to the business to say, you've got a cart at such and such intersection, please retrieve it. [00:18:55] And there's a 10-day window, I think you'll see in the ordinance, for them to have the opportunity to go do that, which is, I think, generous. [00:19:04] I've got, not to go down a rabbit trail for a second, but I've had pretty positive feedback from the stores. [00:19:12] They realize that there's a problem. These carts are very expensive, and they don't want to lose them, so that's the time when we would give them a notice and say, there's where your cart is, please get it. [00:19:24] If they fail to do that in that 10-day window and code picks them up, we're not taking them back to the store. [00:19:31] We're going to take them out to our vehicle maintenance area out there, an area that they will allow us to put these, and they'll have a short period of time that they'll be there, and if the store doesn't retrieve them, then they'll be disposed of. [00:19:50] So now we're impounding shopping carts if they don't pick them up? [00:19:56] Oh, you can call it impounding, Councilman. I don't mean to be flippant with that, but right now, we're picking them up and spending a great deal of time loading them in the vehicle and taking them back to these stores. [00:20:07] It's a daily process for us in order to keep them off the street. [00:20:12] And when you spoke to the bulk of them, and I'm assuming, I mean, you know, it can almost probably tick off on my hand, who are probably the most notorious, for the lack of a better word, carts. [00:20:25] They're in agreement with this in terms of, I mean, they have to actually comply with it, but what was their feedback on that piece of it? [00:20:35] It was actually very friendly conversations. [00:20:37] I went to all of the big stores. [00:20:39] There may be one or two that I've missed out there of the smaller stores that have carts, and some stores that have carts are set up in such a way to where you can't even get them out of the business. [00:20:48] You know, you get to the checkout counter, and they don't go out in the parking lot. [00:20:52] But the big stores and, you know, the grocery stores that we're all familiar with and a couple of others that sell other types of things where they're already aware of the problem. [00:21:04] Some of them were even thankful that this was happening because it pushed corporate to have to deal with the problem. [00:21:13] And the carts run anywhere from $150 to $400 a piece. [00:21:19] That's a heck of a loss, and some of the stores only have 30 or 40 carts. [00:21:24] And so when they disappear, that's an impact on that store. [00:21:28] And I saw also that the stores need to have signage on their premises. [00:21:33] Would you share that if the folks were listening? [00:21:37] Well, there's the dimensions of those, and I don't have the ordinance open in front of me, but I think it's about 18 inches by 36, which is something that can be read by folks that are entering the store or leaving the store to know that it's a violation to take that cart off the premises.

    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.

11. 10.a

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

    Second Reading, Ordinance #2016-2086: Shopping Carts

    approved

    Council held the second reading of Ordinance #2016-2086 regulating shopping carts, requiring retailers to post signage within 120 days and enabling enforcement against cart removal under state statute (a third-degree felony). The ordinance passed on a voice vote with one dissent (Councilman Davis), and council suggested sharing the ordinance with Pasco County.

    Ord. Ordinance #2016-2086

    • vote:Approve second reading of Ordinance #2016-2086 regulating shopping carts, requiring retailer signage within 120 days. (passed)

    📍Congress📍Mass and Congress📍Sims Park floating docks📍Southgate🏢Dollar General🏢Publix🏢Winn-Dixie👤Councilman Davis👤Deputy Mayor Phillips👤Mike Moore👤Mr. Mayers👤Mrs. Altman👤Ms. Manns👤Publick👤Robert👤Tim#ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Restrained, but Employed)#Clothing donation drop-off boxes#Florida state statute on shopping cart theft (third-degree felony)#Ordinance #2016-2086#Pasco County code enforcement

    ▶ Jump to 21:51 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:21:58] Now, that's kind of tied into a state statute. [00:22:00] The statute's very clear on the wording that gets put on those signs. [00:22:05] And then on the other hand, we will be enforcing the state statute that's already in place to deal with the people who are actually stealing the carts. [00:22:14] So this obviously is a problem across the state. [00:22:18] There are other cities that have done this. [00:22:21] And the ordinance that we have, is this something that we developed ourselves, or is it something that we used? [00:22:27] We collected a number of ordinances from other cities that were already in place and supplied those to Mr. Publick when he was here. [00:22:35] And I've supplied a few to Tim now that he's here. [00:22:39] Okay, thank you. [00:22:41] I know that it's a miserable situation, and I'm not sure that this is the perfection of what it is, but it's certainly a good starting point for what we were trying to accomplish. [00:22:53] We intend to do this in the form of a partnership. [00:22:56] It's not out to harass a business. [00:22:59] It's to clean up the areas around these shopping centers. [00:23:02] Well, actually, across the city, because, you know, I live nowhere near a shopping mall or anyone that has carts, and yet, you know, they're scattered near and far. [00:23:13] So, thank you. [00:23:15] Councilwoman? [00:23:16] I think our city attorneys did a great job drafting this ordinance. [00:23:19] I know I'm the one that kind of started complaining about this. [00:23:22] I've called Robert before and seen shopping carts thrown off the floating docks at Sims Park. [00:23:27] They litter the city. [00:23:28] To me, it's just the same as dumping a mattress somewhere. [00:23:31] It's pollution, and I'm very, very happy with the way you handled the interaction with the business owners. [00:23:38] We didn't come in here with just a steel fist saying this is what's going to happen. [00:23:42] They know there's a problem. [00:23:43] We know there's a problem. [00:23:44] We work together. [00:23:45] I don't think this is too harsh by any means. [00:23:48] It's something I'm very, very excited about. [00:23:51] And hopefully it's just one more step to help clean up our city. [00:23:53] So, thank you for your hard work, our city attorneys and Ms. Manns as well. [00:23:57] I've found these things abandoned in my neighborhood. [00:24:01] As recently as going over to Mrs. Altman's visitation on Saturday, there were abandoned shopping carts on Congress. [00:24:09] It's almost daily you run past them. [00:24:12] If you approve this tonight, I will be going back to all of those businesses with this slightly revised ordinance [00:24:22] and giving copies to every one of the managers or store owners. [00:24:27] Deputy Mayor Fonts? [00:24:29] Yeah, just I don't see it in the ordinance how fast they have to comply putting up their signs [00:24:37] because obviously if they're not posted, then there's the issue that the person says it wasn't posted. [00:24:42] So, it's not being posted. [00:24:44] Why are you X, Y, and Z? [00:24:46] That's the only thing that in the ordinance I didn't see for the business to comply. [00:24:53] Though we encouraged them at a time and fashion, we didn't put a time limit on by which they were to have all their signage up. [00:25:02] Then eventually as we run into the implementation, I would imagine that we're also going to have to run into locations [00:25:12] on where they're installed at and then the maintenance of those just from a standpoint of trying to enforce it. [00:25:21] Because one, you're going to be enforcing the state statute, [00:25:24] so you're going to start citing people for taking them off premise, which looks like a first degree misdemeanor. [00:25:33] No, it's a felony. [00:25:35] It's a third degree felony. [00:25:37] Third degree felony. [00:25:38] So, I'm just like I said, I guess my final thought is I never thought I'd be policing shopping carts when I was running for election. [00:25:49] But I guess it's just part and parcel of what we have to do to try to maintain our community. [00:25:55] Mr. Mayers? [00:25:57] Did you want to say something first? [00:26:00] I did, if you'll allow me. [00:26:01] Certainly. [00:26:02] I wanted to respond to Deputy Mayor Phillips' question. [00:26:05] The ordinance sets forth a period of 120 days for retailers to come into compliance with the terms of the ordinance. [00:26:16] Councilman Davis? [00:26:18] I like the word that you use, partnership. [00:26:21] And I think that we would have got that partnership without an ordinance, [00:26:25] because it is a valued property that they would probably want to keep an eye on. [00:26:29] So, you know, the strong army that I kind of have a little problem with. [00:26:34] But I don't have any problem with them, with the businesses. [00:26:39] I'm sure they're going to go along with it. [00:26:41] They're going to have their program. [00:26:42] They're all going to write the same thing. [00:26:44] And whether it's going to actually help or not, I think it's up for grabs. [00:26:49] Because, you know, I've made reference before to this ALICE program or ALICE situation we have in this, [00:26:55] which is Asset Limited, Income Restrained, but Employed. [00:26:58] And these are the people that are walking off of the carts because they're trying to get the stuff on because they don't have a vehicle. [00:27:04] So then they get abandoned. [00:27:06] Now, somewhere down the road, somebody else picks the vehicle up, picks the golf cart, yeah, [00:27:13] the grocery cart up and hauls it down the road and a police officer sees them. [00:27:17] Are we getting that person for stealing the cart, or are we getting them for possession of stolen property? [00:27:25] That remains to be seen how we're going to handle that. [00:27:27] I mean, we can, what if, you know, scenarios on this. [00:27:32] The fact is, is I've dealt personally with many of the individuals that are stealing these carts [00:27:38] and or taking a cart that's fully marked, that obviously belongs to a store, [00:27:45] and even if they find it abandoned away from the business, technically they're stealing it. [00:27:50] It's not their property. [00:27:52] And they take it. [00:27:53] Well, it's still back to my question. [00:27:54] Is it possession of stolen property, or did they actually steal it? [00:27:59] I don't know. [00:28:00] I think that's two different things there. [00:28:01] I know, and I don't know. [00:28:03] You know, and then the other situation I have, since I live on the south side of town, [00:28:09] we have Winn-Dixie and all the ones that I see in my area, like south of Cecilia, [00:28:13] are all from Winn-Dixie, which isn't in the city. [00:28:15] So are we discussing anything with those people that are not in the city? [00:28:19] The only store that I dealt with out of our jurisdiction is the Dollar General at Mass and Congress. [00:28:25] They are clearly not in our jurisdiction, [00:28:27] and they were very appreciative of the fact that an ordinance was going to exist [00:28:32] and they felt it would be a deterrent, and they were happy to get a copy of it. [00:28:39] And I was assured by the manager there that they would. . . [00:28:41] I just have a complaint. [00:28:43] I mean, probably the Winn-Dixie store on Mass would probably talk to the Winn-Dixie, [00:28:47] and they would get together and work it out because I see them more. [00:28:52] That's my side of town. [00:28:53] I see them there. [00:28:54] I don't really see it as a big problem, but I see them once in a while. [00:28:58] But I really have a problem with the Alice people getting arrested for possession of stolen property. [00:29:09] I just have a problem with that. [00:29:14] Any further discussion? [00:29:16] No, just, I mean, there's an expression when I was in the insurance business, [00:29:20] what would a reasonable and prudent man do? [00:29:23] I would consider myself to be a reasonable and prudent person, [00:29:26] and if I saw a shopping cart abandoned, [00:29:29] I don't know that I would necessarily haul it home to call the police. [00:29:32] I think I would just let the authorities know where it is or to that degree. [00:29:38] I think that we're putting the accountability where it needs to be. [00:29:42] Stealing is stealing, whether you're using it to cart groceries home or whatever. [00:29:49] I mean, it's stealing. [00:29:50] Stealing is stealing. [00:29:52] So as I said, it may not be perfect, but I think we're moving in the right direction. [00:30:00] outside of our jurisdiction, perhaps we can let the county know that we're doing this, [00:30:07] and if they're so inclined to create this for themselves, that would help certainly [00:30:13] solve that piece of the problem. [00:30:14] I think that's a great point. [00:30:15] I mean, Southgate has an issue with it over by those, you know, the high crime area, and [00:30:19] those shopping carts are littered, and that, you know, once again, it's an area that's [00:30:24] county jurisdiction that butts up to so many different areas of city limits. [00:30:28] So from what I see, the county's taken a pretty bold approach to help clean up. [00:30:33] They've just financed, I didn't read the figure, but I saw in the Times that they approved [00:30:37] more money for code enforcement throughout the county. [00:30:41] Another pet peeve I've had throughout the county, and I used to see right outside my [00:30:44] old office location, that they are now addressing is, you know, those drop-off boxes, clothing [00:30:50] donation boxes. [00:30:51] You know, all it takes is one chair there, and believe me, within a week, and I'm so [00:30:55] glad that Mike Moore and the county commission is finally addressing it, it looks like a [00:31:00] used furniture store out there, you know, within a week. [00:31:03] It gets that bad. [00:31:04] People, unfortunately, we have people living in our city and in our county that have no [00:31:08] regard for the appearance of our community. [00:31:12] That's the bottom line, and I, believe me, I'm not trying to sound too harsh here, and [00:31:16] I understand where Councilman Davis is coming from as well, but, you know, I'm pretty sure [00:31:21] there's pretty inexpensive pop-up-like carts that we used to see the elderly use when I [00:31:25] was a kid walking home from Publix. [00:31:28] They still sell those. [00:31:29] They're very, very inexpensive. [00:31:30] You can throw your groceries right in there and not have to take a shopping cart off the [00:31:33] premises. [00:31:34] So, I think it's a great idea to reach out to the county as well, say, hey, this is what [00:31:37] we're doing, because they have an issue with it as well throughout the county, and maybe, [00:31:42] you know, like we, like, I feel with our code enforcement as a whole, we've become kind [00:31:46] of a leader with trying to clean up the community, and I think it's starting to spread, and the [00:31:50] county's kind of catching wind, and it's great to see, so I'd like, you know, I'd love [00:31:54] to see us reach out to the county and let them know that we did this and see if it's [00:31:57] something they might want to consider, but, once again, I don't think it's too harsh, [00:32:01] and there's different ways to get your groceries home rather than stealing a cart, in my opinion. [00:32:06] Is there ever been a store called to have somebody arrested for stealing a cart? [00:32:12] Is there what? [00:32:13] Any store ever called for having somebody arrested for taking a shopping cart? [00:32:18] Because, I mean, you're kind of like arresting your customer. [00:32:24] Well, I'm sure at some point that has happened, but for me specifically to say that I know [00:32:31] of a store doing that, I know it's a retail, it's a problem for these stores. [00:32:35] They're not going to call the cops on anybody, basically. [00:32:39] I'm sorry? [00:32:40] They're not going to call the cops on anybody. [00:32:42] I wouldn't make that assumption. [00:32:43] That's a loss to them. [00:32:44] Okay. [00:32:45] Well, it's not happened in your couple years as being an officer. [00:32:48] Well, the thing is, is when they take a cart off the property, they're not running in and [00:32:53] telling the store clerks that I'm taking this cart and then running out with it. [00:32:58] They're meandering across the parking lot and disappearing around the back of the building [00:33:02] before anybody knows it's gone. [00:33:10] Any further discussion? [00:33:13] Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:33:16] Aye. [00:33:17] Opposed? [00:33:18] Like sign? [00:33:19] Aye. [00:33:20] Motion passes. [00:33:21] Next, we have three business items, which are sort of nice.

    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.

12. 11.a

    Request for Council Approval to Accept a $20 Monetary Donation

    approved

    Council accepted an anonymous $20 monetary donation. No public comment was offered.

    $20

    • motion:Motion to approve acceptance of an anonymous $20 monetary donation. (passed)

    ▶ Jump to 33:23 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:33:26] Do we need to take these individually or can we do them as a group? [00:33:30] They're set up as individual items. [00:33:32] All right. [00:33:33] Well, the first one is a request for the council to approve the acceptance of an anonymous [00:33:37] $20 donation. [00:33:40] Mr. Mayor, we're asking that you accept the donation. [00:33:44] Anybody in the audience wish to comment on this? [00:33:49] Seeing nobody, bring it back to council. [00:33:51] Move for approval. [00:33:52] Second. [00:33:53] Second. [00:33:54] Motion to second. [00:33:55] Any discussion? [00:33:56] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:33:59] Aye. [00:34:00] Opposed? [00:34:01] Like sign?

    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.

13. 11.b

    Request for Council Approval to Accept a $500 Monetary Donation

    approved

    Council accepted a $500 anonymous monetary donation restricted for use by the police K9 department. Council requested that staff report back when funds are allocated so the use can be publicized.

    $500

    • motion:Motion to accept the $500 anonymous donation restricted for the police K9 department. (passed)
    • direction:Direction to staff to report back to the city manager on how donated funds are allocated and used so it can be published.

    #Police K9 department donation

    ▶ Jump to 34:02 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:34:02] Next is a $500 anonymous contribution. [00:34:06] Also to benefit the police department, and we are asking that you allow us to accept the donation. [00:34:11] Any comments from the public? [00:34:14] Seeing no one, come forward, bring it back to council. [00:34:16] Move for approval. [00:34:18] Second. [00:34:19] Any discussion? [00:34:20] Just that it restricts it to be used for the K9 department. [00:34:23] Yep. [00:34:24] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:34:29] Aye. [00:34:30] Opposed? [00:34:31] Like sign? [00:34:32] When those funds are allocated and when they are used, [00:34:37] would you just pass the information back along to the manager so we can get it published, [00:34:43] that we took a donation, this is what we used it for, [00:34:47] so that we show proper protocol with the money that's being donated to us. [00:34:54] And we apparently have a third donation, this one from the Carl Reif,

    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.

14. 11.c

    Request for Council Approval to Accept a $380 Monetary Donation

    approved

    Council accepted a $380 monetary donation from Joe Carl, owner of the Carl Reif, raised at a July 15, 2016 fundraiser benefiting the K9 department. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

    $380

    • motion:Motion to accept the $380 monetary donation from Joe Carl for the K9 department. (passed)

    🏢Carl Reif👤Joe Carl

    ▶ Jump to 34:56 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:34:58] also for the K9 department. [00:35:00] It is. [00:35:02] Joe Carl, the owner of the Carl Reif, held a fundraiser on July 15, 2016, [00:35:10] and the $380 represents the proceeds from the evening's fundraiser, [00:35:16] and he's asking that we accept the donation. [00:35:19] Move for approval. [00:35:21] Second. [00:35:22] Any comments from the public? [00:35:23] Seeing none, any discussion? [00:35:26] Tell him to close his front door. [00:35:30] And let's do give Mr. Carl a nice thank you for his generous contribution. [00:35:37] Counsel, or Mr. Mayor, could I just need to correct a statement I made earlier, [00:35:42] and that is that theft of a shopping cart was a third-degree felony. [00:35:47] It is a first-degree misdemeanor with punishment punishable up to a year in jail. [00:35:54] Was correct then. [00:35:56] Back to the ---- [00:35:58] Can you publish that at home? [00:36:01] I said it on television, Deputy Mayor. [00:36:03] You've got to. [00:36:05] All those in favor of accepting Mr. Carl's contribution, please signify by saying aye. [00:36:11] Aye. [00:36:12] Opposed, the like sign. [00:36:13] Next is non-emergency resolution 2016-18, abatement and removal.

    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.

15. 11.d

    Non Emergency Resolution #2016-18 - Abatement and Removal of Unsafe Structure at 5052 Tangelo Drive

    approved

    Council heard a non-emergency condemnation case for a fire-damaged structure at 5052 Tangelo Drive. With no owner or interested party responding to notices, Council adopted Resolution 2016-18 declaring the structure a nuisance and authorizing demolition by October 24th.

    Ord. Resolution #2016-18

    • motion:Approve Resolution 2016-18 declaring the structure at 5052 Tangelo Drive a nuisance and authorizing its demolition and removal. (passed)

    📍5052 Tangelo Drive📍Tangerine Drive📍Walden Pond👤Councilmember Phillips👤Jim Evitz👤Mr. House👤Mrs. Fierce👤Ms. Manns#Jasmine Heights Unit 3#Parcel ID 08-2616-0050-0000-1430#Plat Book 6, page 126#Resolution 2016-18#Section 6-171 through Section 6-183 of the Code of Ordinances

    ▶ Jump to 36:14 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:36:19] Ms. Manns. [00:36:21] Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, [00:36:23] this structure at 5052 Tangelo Drive has been determined to be unfit and unsafe due to damage from a fire. [00:36:32] The purpose of the meeting this evening is to report the condition of the structure to you, [00:36:37] and you may, upon resolution, declare the structure to be a nuisance and to necessitate appropriate action. [00:36:45] And Mrs. Fierce has prepared a PowerPoint presentation for you in that respect. [00:36:51] Mrs. Fierce. [00:36:52] And also, I'm sure the City Attorney wants you to know that this is a quasi-judicial proceeding. [00:37:02] So off to the slides, the site location is on the east side of Tangelo, [00:37:06] and that's situated midway between Marine Parkway to the north and Tangerine Drive to the south. [00:37:13] You can see it's on the east side of that road in the yellow. [00:37:17] By code, Council may declare that damaged structures are considered a nuisance [00:37:22] and can authorize the abatement through this non-emergency condemnation proceeding. [00:37:29] The several photos that you see on the screen show the evidence from the fire. [00:37:37] Staff posted the property with the condemnation notice. [00:37:42] We sent certified mail to the property owner and interested parties, [00:37:46] and we also advertised the hearing in the newspaper twice as required by the code. [00:37:52] There's been no response from any owner or interested party, [00:37:56] and no one has taken responsibility for the property. [00:38:00] Staff is seeking approval of the resolution which would declare the structure to be a nuisance, [00:38:05] and in this case we're looking for action by a date certain, [00:38:11] and we would be prepared to mobilize our resources and have it demolished by October 24th. [00:38:17] If you're so interested, Jim Evitz, your building official, [00:38:20] is here tonight to address any specifics about the case. [00:38:24] Thank you. [00:38:25] Do we have the property owner in attendance? [00:38:30] Do we have any substantially affected party in attendance? [00:38:35] Do we have anybody in attendance that wishes to address counsel on this item? [00:38:41] Hearing none, I'll close the public comment and bring it back to counsel. [00:38:45] I just have a question, Mr. Ferris. [00:38:48] Was the property, was someone living in it at the time of the fire? [00:38:52] Yes, ma'am. [00:38:53] Oh, and was it the owners? [00:38:55] Do we know? [00:38:56] No, it was a rental property. [00:39:00] And the property is not insured? [00:39:06] That was my question. [00:39:07] Sorry, that would be Jeff's question. [00:39:09] No, it's fine. [00:39:10] We've seen a lot of that lately. [00:39:11] Was the property? [00:39:19] Okay, thank you. [00:39:23] This wasn't arching as well, was it? [00:39:25] They seem to be really quick on noticing. [00:39:30] The fire happened on the 30th. [00:39:31] We noticed them on the 1st. [00:39:33] I mean, I understand. [00:39:35] I imagine there's other structures in the city that probably meet this definition. [00:39:44] I know we followed all of our protocols, but at the same token, it just, [00:39:52] I guess I'm baffled in some ways, which probably is a state of mind, [00:39:57] but I'm baffled by the process that no owner came forward, no additional comment. [00:40:07] I know we did everything, we tried to do everything to facilitate this, [00:40:11] and then obviously it's over in the Mr. House district of New Port Richey, [00:40:18] it looks like, over in that area. [00:40:22] And obviously we don't want the situation to continue to exist [00:40:26] because it will just draw whatever element wants to come through the building. [00:40:31] Like I said, it's hard to believe that somebody owns a property [00:40:35] and doesn't respond to the efforts made to notice them or anything else. [00:40:43] I guess they don't really want the property or the problem anymore. [00:40:46] I don't know. [00:40:47] Thank you. [00:40:48] Council Member Phillips, if I could address your comment. [00:40:50] There was an efficiency about this case because it is in relative close location [00:40:57] to the one you all heard in September on Tangerine, [00:40:59] and those both occurred about the same time period, maybe from the same event. [00:41:04] I'm not sure if it was from an electrical storm, [00:41:06] but both fires were initiated the same time period. [00:41:10] So the fire department was called to both locations at about the same time period, [00:41:15] so we knew of them in short order. [00:41:17] Just to clarify, the last one that we heard, [00:41:20] the gentleman said that his tenants who were living there, [00:41:23] they thought they were going to buy it, set it on fire. [00:41:25] I understand. [00:41:26] And that was the second arson, so it wasn't an electrical storm, correct? [00:41:29] Or were they just not being truthful because they might come back in front of us again? [00:41:34] I think she probably should address that. [00:41:36] All right. [00:41:37] The first fire on Tangerine, when the gentleman, when the property owner, [00:41:41] stated that it was arson, that is an inaccurate statement. [00:41:45] That was his assumption. [00:41:47] The fire department, as well as the police department, [00:41:49] investigated that scene and came to the conclusion that it was undetermined in nature [00:41:55] how it started. [00:41:56] As far as Tangelo, during the Tangerine fire, [00:42:00] the power lines coming into the structure dropped to the ground [00:42:05] and the fire on Tangelo started in the breaker panel, [00:42:11] so we established that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature, [00:42:16] probably due to the first house being on fire. [00:42:20] Correct. [00:42:22] Would you entertain a motion? [00:42:24] Would you like me to read the title, Mr. Mayor? [00:42:26] Yes, please. [00:42:27] It's Resolution 2016-18, [00:42:30] a resolution requesting the nuisance abatement of a structure [00:42:32] subject to a condemnation order of the building official [00:42:35] pursuant to Section 6-171 through Section 6-183 [00:42:40] of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Port Richey, [00:42:43] finding a hazard to the safety of persons or property in the subject property, [00:42:47] condemning the subject property [00:42:49] and authorizing the demolition and removal of the nuisance at the subject property, [00:42:54] finding the subject property to consist of parcel ID number 08-2616-0050-0000-1430 [00:43:05] located at 5052 Tangelo Drive, legally described as Lot 143, [00:43:10] Jasmine Heights, Unit 3, according to map or plat thereof, [00:43:13] recorded in Plat Book 6, page 126, public records of Pasco County, Florida. [00:43:19] Together with single-family dwellings situated thereon, [00:43:22] and all improvements and appurtenances thereto, [00:43:24] also known as 5052 Tangelo Drive, New Port Richey, Florida, [00:43:29] and shown on Exhibit A, and for other purposes and relief. [00:43:33] Thank you. [00:43:34] Move for approval. [00:43:36] We have a motion. [00:43:37] Second. [00:43:38] Second to the maker. [00:43:39] Obviously, when we remove the structure and we do all that, [00:43:42] we attach the lien to the property and all those encumbrances that go along with that. [00:43:48] I'm just stating that for the record, I guess. [00:43:53] Will there be any other additional attempts to contact the owner, [00:43:59] or is this just something that's going to come up on their tax bill? [00:44:03] Because obviously we're almost to the point of being by this year's tax bill process. [00:44:11] I don't mean to get down in the weeds, but obviously we're incurring additional costs, [00:44:16] and I think in most cases, not in most cases, but we've incurred that cost. [00:44:23] Some we've been reimbursed by Pasco County under some grant funding, which no longer exists. [00:44:29] I'm just trying to get an idea of how much money we've got tied up [00:44:35] and tearing down other people's responsible parties. [00:44:40] That goes back to our biggest one that I haven't gotten an update on in quite a while, [00:44:46] which is the property on, I keep wanting to call it on Golden Pond, but it isn't that. [00:44:53] It's Walden Pond. [00:44:55] We have a lot of money tied up, $150,000 tied up. [00:45:00] in that one and just trying to get an overall idea of what kind of dollar amount we have [00:45:09] outstanding in the public and what tools we need to do to go collect that, I guess. So [00:45:15] those are my comments. [00:45:21] My comment was just the same thing, kind of baffled that there were tenants in the home [00:45:26] and yet there was no one step forward. And the stuff that was in the premises was secured [00:45:38] by the tenants and so they're gone. It's over 90 days since they're gone and so it's baffling. [00:45:46] I agree. [00:45:47] Any other comments? Hearing none, all those in favor please signify by saying aye. [00:45:55] Aye. [00:45:56] Opposed, like sign. Next is fee resolution for Parks and Rec. Ms. Manns.

    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.

16. 11.e

    Fee Resolution for Parks and Recreation

    tabled

    Staff presented Resolution 2017-01 amending the comprehensive table of fees for the Recreation and Aquatic Center and Park Shelters, with recommendations from the Sports Facility Advisory and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Council raised concerns about the group membership rate (up to six people for $390) being too steep a discount compared to individual rates, and questioned whether the new fees aligned with the recently approved budget. The item was tabled to October 18 for staff to refine structure and rates.

    • motion:Motion to table the fee resolution until the October 18 meeting. (passed)

    🏢Parks and Recreation Advisory Board🏢Silver Sneakers🏢Sports Facility Advisory👤Councilman Davis👤Mr. Starkey👤Ms. Duval-Thomas👤Ms. Manz👤Ms. Smith#2016-2017 budget#Comprehensive Table of Fees#Exhibit A#Park Shelters#Pasco County fee comparison#Peace Hall#Recreation and Aquatic Center#Resolution 2017-01

    ▶ Jump to 46:02 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:46:02] Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, Mrs. Smith will be representing this item related to [00:46:10] amending the comprehensive table of fees for the Recreation and Aquatic Center. [00:46:14] Thank you. On August 1st, the Sports Facility Advisory made a presentation to City Council [00:46:21] of their findings and recommendations regarding the completed pro forma for the Recreation [00:46:26] and Aquatic Center. Following that work session, staff reviewed the findings and then presented [00:46:31] that data to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at their regular meeting on September [00:46:37] 13th. If you refer to Exhibit A, the consolidated table of fees, I can walk you through the [00:46:46] from the Sports Facility Advisory and then where the Advisory Board differs a little [00:46:53] bit from their recommendation. The first one, daily fees, those are all the recommendations [00:46:58] from the Sports Facility Advisory. The only recommendation from the Advisory Board is [00:47:05] that those fees were rounded. For example, the youth for the resident discount, they [00:47:11] had it at $3.82, so they just suggested rounding it to $4.00. They were both in agreement to [00:47:16] revise the language before I go any further. Currently, we refer to the fees as non-resident [00:47:22] and resident. The recommendation was to have a fee and then a resident discount, and both [00:47:30] groups were in favor of that recommendation. On the one-month memberships, the Sports Facility [00:47:37] Advisory recommended, as you see, for the youth and the adult. The Advisory Board is [00:47:42] in agreement with that. The one place that they do differ is the Sports Facility Advisory [00:47:47] did not recommend a senior monthly rate, and the Advisory Board felt that that was important. [00:47:54] The other area where they differ there is the Sports Facility Advisory just wanted to [00:48:00] have what's called a household category, and there wasn't really detailed information about [00:48:05] how many people would be included in that household. The Advisory Board likes the structure [00:48:13] that we have now where we refer to you can join as a group of one, two, or up to six [00:48:20] people, and then they brought back the family category also as a recommendation. The Sports [00:48:26] Facility Advisory recommended doing away with the annual memberships completely. The Advisory [00:48:32] Board is not in favor of that. These rates are very similar to the current rates that [00:48:37] we do have. They're more in line, though. Back with the monthly rates, those are reduced [00:48:43] from what our current rates are, and they were in favor of that, and then we went with [00:48:48] the annual trying to keep in similar to what our annual rates are now. [00:48:56] One of the main reasons that the Advisory Board wanted to keep the annual memberships [00:49:05] is because now we're finally getting to where we're going to have that new software, and [00:49:09] we'll be able to do the auto-debit. So if you join for a year and make that commitment [00:49:13] up front, then we'll be able to hit your credit card once a month and make that a little bit [00:49:19] more palatable for you. The shelters were in there as a recommendation from the Advisory [00:49:26] Board. It was not in the scope of services for this project for the Sports Facility Advisory, [00:49:30] so that's the only reason that there's no recommendation from them. Our current rates [00:49:35] we charge, as we refer to it now, is a non-resident of $70 and a resident of $50. The Advisory [00:49:43] Board felt that those rates are high. Staff did do some research about what Pasco County [00:49:49] charges and some other areas that charge, so felt that it was in line to bring that [00:49:54] rate down to a $50 fee, and then the resident discount would be $25. And then the only other [00:50:01] item has to do with activity rooms. Both groups were in agreement, well, the Advisory Board [00:50:09] is in agreement with the Sports Facility Advisory for the activity room rates. They were not [00:50:16] in agreement to, the Sports Facility wanted to reduce the gymnasium rental to $40. It's [00:50:23] currently $50 and $30 for non-resident. They were not in favor of reducing that rate to [00:50:30] provide that entire gymnasium at $40 an hour. They wanted to leave it at $50. The recommendation [00:50:38] from the Sports Facility is that the resident discount is 15%, so we were trying to stay [00:50:43] within that, and that's where the $40 to $50 came up for the resident discount. We currently [00:50:48] do not have an after-hours rental rate for the Recreation and Aquatic Center. We do have [00:50:54] this rate. It's just on top of the rental. We do already have this in place and approved [00:51:00] by Council for Peace Hall, and we are doing more and more after-hours rental discounts [00:51:07] now inside the building of the gymnasium, so staff felt that was important to be consistent [00:51:14] to bring that charge forward. We currently do not have a damage deposit either for the [00:51:18] gymnasium, and they felt that that was important, and that is per gymnasium. The recommendation [00:51:27] is for City Council to approve Resolution Number 2017-01, amending the Comprehensive [00:51:35] Table of Fees for the Recreation and Aquatic Center and the Park Shelters as reflected [00:51:40] in Exhibit A. [00:51:41] Open it up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:51:46] I have a question, Elaine, Ms. Smith, if I could ask. So looking at the annual membership, [00:51:54] if you have two seniors living in a household together, they could request a group of two [00:52:02] rather than either two individual seniors or a family? [00:52:08] Correct. The reason we used to have the language family, and that's all that we had, and then [00:52:15] we quickly found that there's all different types of families today, and why were we really [00:52:21] in the business to make that determination of what is a family? So with a lot of discussion, [00:52:28] we came to the Board, City Council, and with a recommendation to offer groups, and therefore [00:52:36] you could go out, and if you wanted to join, you could actually recruit someone else to [00:52:40] join with you, and that's starting to be successful, that we are getting groups to do that, so [00:52:47] they're recruiting for us. The sports facility was not in favor of that, though they just [00:52:52] wanted to restrict just a household. [00:52:55] And the other question is, what age is adult and what age is senior? [00:53:00] Eighteen and over is an adult, and I believe senior is 62. And the reason, because I asked [00:53:08] the reason for the not offering a senior monthly rate is they felt that we have such a large [00:53:14] number of Silver Sneakers, we're up to the latest count I looked at last week of active [00:53:21] members that are Silver Sneakers, I believe it was 771, but not everybody can qualify [00:53:29] for Silver Sneakers, so the advisory board felt it was important to offer that for people [00:53:34] that can't qualify for Silver Sneakers. [00:53:36] The senior rate you mean? [00:53:38] Yes, ma'am. [00:53:40] Is that something we're advertising, because as far as the group discount goes, because [00:53:45] this is substantial, it's not like you're getting a little bit of a discount. If I take [00:53:48] 390 for a group up to six and divide that by six, it's $65 a year per person in comparison [00:53:55] for an adult to $214. [00:54:00] And that 214 is? [00:54:03] One adult for an annual resident discount. So it's 214 for one adult, so you could get [00:54:08] six people on the same group for 390. [00:54:11] Correct. [00:54:11] So you're going from 214 to 65. [00:54:14] Right, that's the rate. [00:54:15] I'm okay with having a group discount, but that's more than a discount. [00:54:19] That's the rates that we currently have, yes. [00:54:22] Well, hopefully we're not advertising that too much, because that's, you know, I'm all [00:54:27] for lowering these rates. I agree with everything I see except for that. I'm okay for group [00:54:31] discounts, but I just, I mean, going from 219 to $65, I mean, you could just get anybody. [00:54:36] Hey, let's go in together, you know, and it's not like it's 25% off or anything. It's not [00:54:42] even a comparison. I mean, what do you all think? Am I reading too much into this? [00:54:47] That's an interesting point. [00:54:49] Can we make, I guess we could approve it, but I'd like to dig a little bit deeper into [00:54:55] that one. I mean, you might determine that you might want to lessen the number in your [00:54:58] group, in the group setting, maybe, I don't know. [00:55:01] Outside of family household, you know, if they can, and I understand there's a lot of [00:55:06] definitions of family these days, but, you know, if we're talking four adults that want [00:55:10] a family discount, let's, do they have a driver's license or something showing they [00:55:15] live at the same address, but then, again, I mean, they don't need to. Hey, we're a group [00:55:19] now. [00:55:20] Right. [00:55:21] Mr. Mayor? [00:55:22] I would think that if we're going to do the groups, we probably need to make that living [00:55:29] under the same roof, which I think is what Mr. Starkey is coming up with. [00:55:37] That's where the advisory board added that family category back in, and it says, must [00:55:43] reside in the same household, and proof is required for that. The groups, and we can [00:55:49] revise that in any way the council wishes. The reason for that was to encourage more [00:55:56] people to join. [00:55:57] I still think that ought to be under household. If it's a set of empty nesters like my wife [00:56:04] and I, we'd be a group of two or a family of two. My daughter and her son and their [00:56:12] five little ones would be in the family category, and there's, of course, everything in betwixt [00:56:20] and between. I'm with you, Councilman. I think it's dangerous to say you can just go out [00:56:27] on the street and come up with a group of six totally unrelated people and say, well, [00:56:33] we're a group of six. [00:56:34] The only other recommendation I might have, and this might be too much, would be to have [00:56:38] a household discount and still have a larger cost than the 390 for up to six, but maybe [00:56:45] a household discount and maybe the same organization discount. Let's say you have a soccer team [00:56:52] and the kids want to join together, and they're all in the same organization. I don't know [00:56:57] how you prove something like that, or even a middle school or high school basketball [00:57:00] team that maybe don't have access to the middle school gym during the summer hours [00:57:05] would like to come and practice. I mean, it's something I did growing up. The guys that [00:57:09] I played soccer with from age six on, I'm still friends with today, and we train and [00:57:13] play year-round. So I would assume maybe a basketball team that plays at a league that [00:57:20] they don't have access or could get a ride to, or if the school gym is closed throughout [00:57:25] the summer and they want to join together, five high school kids that want to play basketball [00:57:29] together, I can get that. I mean, I could go there, I think, but yeah, the group up [00:57:35] to six, I'm not really a fan of. I'm more of a household maybe, and I don't know what [00:57:39] you all feel about the organization. Is that too much? Is that too broad? [00:57:42] I think so. Why don't we just change it to four, and then [00:57:48] if it's a family, it's a family, it's a family, and I've got to prove it if it's four people. [00:57:52] That seems like a figure that we could live with, two, three, and four. [00:57:57] What about family greater than four, though? Well, that's still a family. [00:58:00] Then you have the family category, too. Oh, yeah, it doesn't matter how many. Yeah, just [00:58:05] change to six to four, and leave the numbers all the same. [00:58:09] Deputy Mayor? Yeah, the only two questions I had is, Ms. [00:58:14] Smith, how many times have we changed the fees since 2012? I know it's a leading question [00:58:24] because we had the brain trust from Denver, Colorado, come in and tell us how to run our [00:58:30] rec center, which I find interesting. Lisa did in Pasco County, telling us how to run [00:58:35] our park and recs department. I'm thinking this is the fourth time? [00:58:42] It's at least three that I can count. Okay, and the other is, with the ordinances [00:58:49] in place here, and these fee structures, my follow-up question is, is this the exact [00:58:59] setup that we used when we went to calculate our revenue projections for the 2016-2017 [00:59:06] budget? I guess I have to ask Ms. ... I'm not sure how many people, because I know a [00:59:11] couple years ago, fees were structured through the finance department with no operational [00:59:20] background. I'm just trying to make sure that I understand that the budget we approved Thursday [00:59:25] night, was it utilizing this fee structure? Because if it wasn't, then we inherently have [00:59:31] already approved something using a fee structure that's not in place. [00:59:38] A new fee structure was considered. The amount that was budgeted wasn't based on these rates. [00:59:45] It was based on a reduction, but not any rates set in stone. But it was considered, a consideration [00:59:53] of lower rates were factored in. Great point though. [01:00:00] Clarify, and I had to ask Ms. Manz this today, just to make sure, but where we've got fees [01:00:08] and resident discounts for the adult, the daily fee is $6 and the resident discount [01:00:15] is $5. [01:00:17] That's the resident discounted fee, not the discount that we take off the $6. [01:00:22] That's correct. [01:00:23] That's correct. [01:00:24] I just want to clarify, we're not giving away dollar trips to the gym. [01:00:29] I think these fees, you brought up how many times since 2012, I think these fees should [01:00:34] be evaluated every year. [01:00:37] You evaluate your insurance on your car every year. [01:00:41] You evaluate your fees at your business. [01:00:43] Absolutely. [01:00:44] When you're in the roofing business, you evaluate your fees every year. [01:00:47] So I don't see a problem with that. [01:00:48] I don't mind adjusting the fees. [01:00:51] I just don't want to calculate a budget on one set of revenue numbers and then a week [01:00:58] later we're messing with fees and I can't tie one to the other. [01:01:04] That's where my dilemma is. [01:01:06] So I don't care if we want to do it mid-year in the fiscal year, so I guess we'd do it [01:01:12] in February or March and then we'd do it again at the end of the year. [01:01:16] We can do it as many times as we want. [01:01:18] I just want to make sure that whatever we're projecting as a revenue stream is using the [01:01:25] same methodology. [01:01:27] I think I'm fairly clear about that. [01:01:30] The only other question I have is if the attorney could assist us in trying to make a proper [01:01:41] motion on this because we have the original, we have what the board or what the rec board [01:01:55] recommended and I just want to make sure that when we make the motion, it ties directly [01:02:01] into each point. [01:02:02] So I'm not sure if we want to, I just am looking for some clarity on how to make sure that [01:02:10] the motion is succinct to what we want in the point. [01:02:13] I would ask in respect to that as well, there are a couple of long-standing policies regarding [01:02:23] the fees on the rec center and it's my understanding those are continuing. [01:02:27] One of which is that employees of New Port Richey businesses, even if they don't live [01:02:33] within the city, are eligible for the resident rate. [01:02:38] And the other is that we're providing the membership to any city employees that wish [01:02:46] to avail themselves of it at no charge and it's my understanding that's been a fairly [01:02:52] long-standing policy also. [01:02:55] And if I could just, if we could just go back to the annual membership again, is our point [01:03:02] that we're trying to sell more annual memberships to more people because looking at the adult [01:03:11] annual of $252, which would be $500 for two adults, and then we have that group of two [01:03:20] at $345, it just seems like a substantially less amount and, you know, moving up that [01:03:29] group of six or family, yeah, I'm just not comfortable with that. [01:03:36] It just, you know, I don't want to cheapen the experience, I guess. [01:03:44] The reason that was expressed for leaving in an annual rate from the advisory board [01:03:51] was with the, even though there are reduced rates for the monthly memberships, without [01:04:00] having an option for people to join, and a lot of people have been members since we opened [01:04:05] and they like that membership, for example, an adult fee, if they paid that every single [01:04:12] month, it would be $360, as opposed to if they joined up front and made the commitment [01:04:17] to us up front, it's $252. [01:04:19] I don't think Ms. Duval-Thomas is saying she doesn't want an annual fee, nor do I, but [01:04:23] I'm totally on board with her. [01:04:25] We're going to charge $252 for an adult that may not live in the city limits, who lives [01:04:29] by his or herself, and then we're allowed, whether we call it group or family or household, [01:04:34] I think we need to determine that as part of the motion, number one. [01:04:39] Family is one thing. [01:04:40] If we're going to do a group or a household, I agree with Councilman Davis, not over four, [01:04:45] but I don't see how you, even if it's four, you're going from $252 for one annual membership [01:04:52] for non-city resident, even if we did up to four, for $460, it's less than half the price. [01:04:59] It doesn't seem right to me. [01:05:01] Those fees are too low. [01:05:02] That's the problem. [01:05:03] I'm okay with the annual membership. [01:05:05] I think we need that, but the fees for the group rate and maybe even the family rate, [01:05:10] I mean, I just, how do you charge a family $460 and one individual $252 if you could [01:05:15] have up to four or five people in a family, six people, seven people in a family? [01:05:20] The fees are too low. [01:05:21] You know, definitely give them a break, for sure, but not that much of a break, and then [01:05:26] once again, we have to define if we're going to call a group up to four or a household [01:05:30] up to four. [01:05:31] Correct. [01:05:32] And also, do we have accommodations for people purchasing an annual membership and paying [01:05:37] it monthly? [01:05:38] Because I think that was one of the things that the SFA brought up, that that is a sizable [01:05:45] chunk of change for a family or an individual, but how do we allow them to, like a monthly [01:05:53] draw out of their checking account or credit card or whatever? [01:05:56] With our existing software, we do not have that capability, but with the new software [01:06:00] we're getting, we will have that capability to do that. [01:06:05] The more I look at this annual membership, the worse it looks from the city's standpoint. [01:06:12] We need to take action on this tonight, or can we table it until the 18th? [01:06:15] I'm recommending that you table the matter and allow the staff. [01:06:19] There's still a lot of moving parts. [01:06:21] We're trying to make sausage up here tonight, and it's not very pretty, and at the end of [01:06:26] the day, we need some clarity on structure, we need clarity on rates, and we need something [01:06:32] that, first of all, we understand so that we can approve it, and then second of all, [01:06:37] that we can implement it in the public, because they have a shorter attention span than we [01:06:41] do sometimes, or shorter than we do. [01:06:44] I'm just trying to make sure that whatever we do steps through that, so I'm making a [01:06:49] motion that we table this until our meeting on October the 18th. [01:06:52] We have a motion to table, and we have a second. [01:06:55] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:06:57] Aye. [01:06:58] Opposed? [01:06:59] Like sign. [01:07:00] We'll take this back up on the 18th. [01:07:01] Thank you, Deputy Mayor, for a wonderful suggestion. [01:07:05] The next item is the three-minute report from the Finance Department.

    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.

17. 11.f

    Three Minute Report: Finance Department

    Finance Director Ms. Feast presented a three-minute report recapping the FY17 budget process, citing improvements such as a rewritten budget manual, staff training, streamlined paperless processes, and individual department meetings. She also updated Council on the delayed FY15 audit, explaining it has been more extensive due to reconciliation work and auditor-identified risks.

    👤Ms. Feast#FY15 financial audit#FY17 budget process#Finance Department three-minute report

    ▶ Jump to 1:07:10 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:07:10] Ms. Feast. [01:07:12] Good evening. [01:07:14] I will take time during my three-minute report to recap the budget process that was recently [01:07:21] ended, or that has recently ended, and discuss the status of the City's financial audit for [01:07:25] fiscal year 15. [01:07:28] Now that the fiscal year 17 budget process has come to a close, I would like to take [01:07:32] this opportunity to thank the City Manager and the City staff for their hard work and [01:07:37] efforts in getting it completed, and congratulate you on the significant improvements from previous [01:07:44] years, especially from an internal perspective. [01:07:47] And although there is still room for improvement, such as earlier public hearings and providing [01:07:54] City Council with information sooner to allow for timely preparation, there have definitely [01:07:59] been dramatic improvements in the City's practices, which deem the new process successful, such [01:08:05] as rewriting of the budget manual used by City staff throughout the budget process, [01:08:11] hosting training sessions to introduce the new budget process to City staff, which had [01:08:16] not been done in the past, streamlined the process by eliminating the processing of paper [01:08:23] and data entry by each department and other redundancies, and conducting individual department [01:08:29] meetings to assist where needed, which also was not done in the past. [01:08:34] These are just to name a few, but the feedback that I've received from my constituents has [01:08:39] been nothing but positive, and to me that marks success. [01:08:43] As for the audit, as you are already aware, the issuance of the audit report has been [01:08:47] delayed mainly due to the extensive amount of work it has taken to reconcile account [01:08:52] balances and additional audit testing required as a result of risks identified by the auditors. [01:09:00] The audit has been much more extensive and complex than audits in the past years. [01:09:06] I have worked diligently to complete the work necessary to get account balances to an auditable [01:09:12] state, however, despite my efforts, when this work is done after the fact and not during [01:09:18] the audit, during the year being audited, then from an audit perspective, this creates [01:09:24] increased risk and, of course, additional audit testing, and in the end, a prolonged audit. [01:09:31] The work has been done, the work that has been done to improve the City's Finance Department, [01:09:36] and as part of the audit, will no doubt improve the reporting and financial information coming [01:09:41] out of the Finance Department, and increase your confidence in the accuracy of that information. [01:09:47] Thank you. [01:09:48] Any questions for Ms. Space? [01:09:51] Thank you very much.

    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.

18. 11.g

    Three Minute Report: Fire Department

    The Fire Chief delivered a three-minute report covering year-to-date activity (3,440 service calls, 458 fire safety inspections, 27 business tax receipts, 80 plan reviews, 3,776 training hours), the department's response to Hurricane Hermine including 36 storm-related calls and evacuations on River Road and at Harperview Mobile Home Park, and announced Fire Prevention Week October 9–15.

    📍Harperview Mobile Home Park📍River Road🏢Harperview Mobile Home Park🏢New Port Richey Fire Department👤Starkey#EOC briefings#Fire Prevention Week (October 9-15)#Hurricane Hermine

    ▶ Jump to 1:09:53 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:09:53] The next report is from the Fire Department, Chief. [01:09:57] Thank you. [01:09:59] Just a quick report on current activity with the Fire Department. [01:10:02] So far this year, we've responded on 3,440 calls for service, which includes fire-related [01:10:09] incidents, medical calls, car accidents. [01:10:13] We have completed 458 fire safety inspections of all commercial buildings. [01:10:19] We've completed 27 business tax receipts, 80 plan reviews, and we have completed 3,776 training hours. [01:10:29] And as you well know, it's been a busy hurricane season or storm season, and just a brief synopsis [01:10:37] of what the New Port Richey Fire Department had involved in the latest Hurricane Hermine. [01:10:43] We responded to 36 calls during the storm for storm-related service with power lines [01:10:48] down or stranded motorists, as well as we evacuated several residents on River Road [01:10:55] and Harperview Mobile Home Park. [01:10:58] Fire Administration conducted 40 hours of briefings from the EOC and relayed all those [01:11:07] briefings to our staff as we prepared for the worst. [01:11:11] And we conducted overnight operations the night of the storm from fire admin and additional staffing. [01:11:17] In closing, I would like to remind everybody that Fire Prevention Week runs next week from [01:11:23] October 9th to the 15th, and I'd like to invite any of the public to visit either of our two fire stations. [01:11:31] And if you'd like to schedule a tour, please call Fire Administration. [01:11:34] Also please visit the New Port Richey Fire Department Facebook page or the upcoming City [01:11:39] Newsletter for fire safety tips. [01:11:43] Thank you. [01:11:45] Communications and Reports, Mr. Starkey.

    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. 12Communications▶ 1:11:49
20. 13Adjournment▶ 1:21:42