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.

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   [00:00:21] I'd like to ask that you all stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:29] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   The council observed a moment of silence as part of the meeting's opening procedures.

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   [00:00:47] Thank you. You may be seated.

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4. 4

   Approval of April 25, 2017 Work Session and May 2, 2017 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the April 25, 2017 work session and the May 2, 2017 work session and regular City Council meeting.

   • motion:Approve the minutes from the April 25, 2017 work session and the May 2, 2017 work session and regular City Council meeting. (passed)

   #April 25, 2017 Work Session Minutes#May 2, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes#May 2, 2017 Work Session Minutes

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   [00:00:50] Next item is approval of the minutes from the April 25th work session and the May 2nd work session and regular City Council meeting. [00:00:59] Move for approval. Second. [00:01:01] We have a motion and a second. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Aye. [00:01:08] I presume that delay was an aye in favor. Yes, it was. [00:01:16] For those of you who haven't seen this happen before, when we've got somebody that's telecommuting in, there's probably a good half to three quarter of a second delay.

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5. 5

   Proclamation - Michele Baker Retirement

   Mayor Rob Marlow presented a proclamation honoring Michele Baker on her retirement after 24 years with Pasco County, including service as Emergency Management Director, Chief Assistant County Administrator, and County Administrator. Council members shared personal recollections of working with her, including on the Penny for Pasco initiative.

   🏢Leadership Pasco🏢Pasco County👤John Gallagher👤Michele Baker👤Rob Marlow#2004 hurricane season (Charlie, Francis, Jean)#No-name storm 1993#Penny for Pasco

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   [00:01:25] So we have to remember to give her a chance to respond. [00:01:29] At this point, I would like to ask Mrs. Michelle Baker to meet me at the podium. [00:01:46] Ms. Baker has a long and storied history with the Pasco County government. [00:01:53] My first recollection of her was when she was working in disaster management and kept telling us that we needed to flee for our lives because there was a storm coming in. [00:02:04] She's gone on to better things since then. [00:02:11] Whereas, Michelle Baker began her career with Pasco County as emergency management director in 1993, right before the infamous no-name storm. [00:02:22] Whereas, Ms. Baker led the efforts to respond to Hurricanes Charlie, Francis, and Jean during the very busy 2004 hurricane season. [00:02:31] Whereas, in 2007, Ms. Baker was chosen to serve as chief assistance county administrator, [00:02:37] a position she highly excelled in, which led to her promotion to county administrator in 2013. [00:02:43] Whereas, Ms. Baker has faithfully and diligently served Pasco County well as county administrator over the past four years. [00:02:50] Whereas, after 24 years of dedicated service to Pasco County, Ms. Baker has decided to enter into retirement in order to begin the next chapter of her life. [00:03:01] Whereas, the City of New Port Richey wishes to extend its sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Ms. Baker for all of her help and support with city projects over the years. [00:03:11] Ms. Baker's integrity, dedication, creative mind, and visionary thinking will be fondly remembered by all of us who had the pleasure of working with her. [00:03:20] So now, therefore, I, Rob Marlow, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, [00:03:25] do hereby congratulate Michelle Baker upon the occasion of her retirement for her many years of dedicated service to the residents of the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County [00:03:34] and wish her well in her future endeavors. Michelle. [00:03:37] Thank you. [00:04:06] Well, Mayor and Council Members, thank you very much. [00:04:09] This is an honor because I have really enjoyed serving Pasco County and the City of New Port Richey. [00:04:17] We don't live in the city limits, but we consider the City of New Port Richey our home, and we spend a lot of time here. [00:04:23] You might have seen us on the streets during festivals and such, and I'm excited about where the city is going. [00:04:30] I'm excited about where I'm going, which is on the road in my RV for the next year and a half or two years, but I will be back. [00:04:36] And I thank you very much. [00:04:37] This is very, very kind of you, and I look forward to seeing you all again. [00:04:41] Thank you so much. [00:04:42] Thank you. [00:04:50] I met Michelle at Leadership Pasco. [00:04:54] I was elected president of my class, and she was elected vice president, and I was in charge of partying, [00:05:00] and she was in charge of putting the program together. [00:05:02] And I think she's sitting next to another guy that likes to party a lot, her husband, [00:05:06] and I'm sure she's been supporting him in his party efforts, too, as she's supported me. [00:05:11] Thank you. [00:05:13] Mr. Mayor, yeah, I have had the opportunity to serve with Michelle. [00:05:19] She was assigned to the first penny for Pasco by John Gallagher, [00:05:23] and when we were in the process of going through trying to put the first penny for Pasco on the ballot back in 2003 and 2004, [00:05:32] and she can explain, as in the past, how an eclectic group of people came together, [00:05:39] but it was with her and being able to read some of the elements that were going on in the county, [00:05:45] both back then and the implementation of that penny, to see the real benefits of that [00:05:52] and what it's done the first 10 years and after. [00:05:55] And then the county, under her leadership, took the reins to go with it for the second round of the penny for Pasco. [00:06:02] So those dollars are being directly reinvested into Pasco without having to go to the state or the federal government. [00:06:10] There are dollars coming back directly to what you've seen since 2004. [00:06:16] And again, thank you. [00:06:18] Thank you. [00:06:19] Thank you, Michelle. [00:06:20] Have a great trip.

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6. 6

   Special Recognition: Deputy Police Chief Steve Kostas - 25 Years of Service

   Council recognized Deputy Police Chief Steve Kostas (Costas) for nearly 25 years of service to the New Port Richey Police Department upon his retirement effective May 26, 2017. Chief Kim Bogart presented him with a plaque, and Kostas delivered extended remarks honoring the department's officers and leadership.

   🏢Gulf High School🏢New Port Richey Police Department🏢PHSC Police Academy🏢Pasco County Sheriff's Office🏢Quality Inn🏢Southern Police Institute🏢Toys for Tots👤Aaron Eck👤Andrew Exline👤Augie Madsen👤Bob Consalvo👤Kim Bogart👤Martin 'Moe' Ricketts👤Michelle👤Officer Schambach👤Stephanie Pascali👤Stephen Kostas#Chasco country concert#National Police Week#President's 21st Century Policing Task Force#Triathlon

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   [00:06:23] Yeah, Michelle, I just want to say that I worked with you probably more when I was serving on TDC, [00:06:30] and I appreciate your hard work and certainly your support of the city [00:06:34] and all of the things that we've been doing over the last few years. [00:06:37] So all the very best to you and bon voyage. [00:06:42] Thank you. [00:06:44] Next item is special recognition for Deputy Chief Constance, Chief Bogart. [00:06:52] Mr. Mayor, if you would allow me just a few words. [00:06:55] Sure. [00:06:56] I'd like to introduce this item. [00:06:59] I know that the chief very much wants to address you, but before allowing him to go into some of the specifics, [00:07:09] I wanted to personally thank Steve Costas for his service to the city. [00:07:14] I've only been here three short years, but it has truly been my honor and my privilege to serve along with you. [00:07:22] You need only look around the room to see the groundswell of support for you [00:07:28] to know that you've left not only an indelible print on the department, [00:07:34] but a handprint on many of the men's shoulders that stand before you. [00:07:38] Thank you for that. [00:07:40] Thank you. [00:07:41] You're all. [00:07:53] Thank you. [00:07:55] This is a bittersweet time when, well, whenever anybody puts in as many years as Steve has [00:08:02] and he leaves our department or leaves his profession, it's going to be tough, I'm sure. [00:08:10] But I'm going to talk a little bit on a professional level and then a little bit on a personal level about Steve. [00:08:19] He began working for this city back in October of 92, [00:08:23] and now he's going to be retiring after almost 25 years at the end of next week. [00:08:29] How to encapsulate his 25 years with our department in a few minutes absolutely is impossible. [00:08:35] Steve's been through the ranks. [00:08:37] He was a patrol officer, a detective, a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and now, very proudly, deputy chief. [00:08:49] He's also done the fun stuff. [00:08:51] In our profession, there are some fun things that we do. [00:08:54] He's been a defensive tactics instructor, a firearms instructor, [00:08:57] and a very dedicated and highly recognized SWAT team member. [00:09:03] But most of all, he's a hell of an officer. [00:09:07] Everyone in the department calls him Batman. [00:09:11] There are so many stories that we have to start off with. [00:09:15] Steve Costas was off duty on his morning run when he sees, [00:09:19] and you can name whatever that criminal activity is, and it could be 4 o'clock in the morning, [00:09:23] 5 o'clock in the morning, sure enough, Steve's either caught a burglar [00:09:27] or he's got somebody that he found down in the middle of the street [00:09:30] or some other crazy thing that he has come across. [00:09:33] And I think every officer that's worked the midnight shift can give you a dozen of those stories. [00:09:38] But then, too, when you would go to a roll call and Steve would be in there [00:09:42] and an officer would be talking about some problems or an investigation that they're working on, [00:09:47] Steve would sit there in his own unique way as they're talking [00:09:52] and the officer would mention, yeah, we've got this one suspect. [00:09:59] He looks like this, he's about this tall, and he's in this neighborhood. [00:10:03] So Steve just sits there for a few minutes. [00:10:06] Then all of a sudden he'll say, I got it, his name is so-and-so, [00:10:10] he's got a brother that lives three houses down, his mom's name is Gladys, [00:10:14] and he would just name all this history because he's had so much personal contact [00:10:20] with so many people in our city. [00:10:24] And I've got to ask you this, because we ask ourselves that at the police department. [00:10:29] Have you ever seen Steve and Batman together in the same room? [00:10:34] Coincidence? I think not. [00:10:38] Now on a personal level, Steve Costas is one hell of a good guy. [00:10:45] He's always there to help somebody. [00:10:47] He volunteers so many times for so many different things. [00:10:50] If an officer needs something, Steve's there to provide him guidance. [00:10:55] I've listened for the last couple weeks, officers come up to him, [00:10:59] some have written him some very nice notes thanking him for his mentorship, [00:11:04] for his giving of himself. [00:11:08] There's a lot that happens as officers develop, [00:11:11] and Steve has been one of those guys who shares what he has learned, [00:11:15] and he does it in a very, very professional way. [00:11:18] I can tell you I've been in the business a long time, [00:11:21] and when I go out to re-qualify or out to the pistol range, [00:11:25] and Steve's the primary instructor out there, what a tremendous job he's done. [00:11:31] And I watch the way he cares about the officers [00:11:35] and makes sure that they have the best of skills. [00:11:38] He's the one who actually steers much of the tactical, [00:11:43] the raids and things like that that we have. [00:11:46] So he developed a lot of those skills, [00:11:48] he shared it with a whole bunch of people in the department. [00:11:51] But for me, being new to the city about four years ago during my tenure, [00:11:58] he's been a friend, a confidant, an ally, [00:12:03] and I just think he's just a tremendous guy. [00:12:06] And so this truly is a bittersweet moment for me, [00:12:11] and I'll miss him around the department every day. [00:12:14] So with that, I'd like to invite Steve up so that I can present him [00:12:19] with a plaque on behalf of the department and the city. [00:12:32] I'll read the plaque to everyone. [00:12:35] I'll read the plaque to everyone. [00:12:37] It's Stephen Costas, Deputy Chief, October 4, 1992 to May 26, 2017. [00:12:47] Almost sounds like that's when he was born and that's when he died. [00:12:50] I really hesitated to put that on this plaque. [00:12:56] This award is presented in recognition of your 25 years of dedicated service [00:13:02] to the city of New Port Richey, [00:13:04] the New Port Richey Police Department, and the citizens we serve. [00:13:07] And with that, I truly thank you, Steve. [00:13:10] Now I don't know what we do other than I think I'm going to turn the mic over to you, Steve. [00:13:38] I didn't know Batman wore glasses. [00:13:48] Batman's getting old. [00:13:53] If you would allow me to please go over some things that I've written down, [00:14:05] because this day is not only about me. [00:14:09] This day is about the men and women of this department. [00:14:15] There's a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that I don't really think you all know about. [00:14:22] I hope you give me the floor and just please bear with me. [00:14:30] I started my career back in 1992. [00:14:34] I was privileged to be sponsored in PHSC's Police Academy by the New Port Richey Police Department. [00:14:42] Back in those days, the sponsorship meant only wearing the patch of the department on the uniform [00:14:50] and the department did the background check for us. [00:14:54] I got to use some of the equipment that the department provided me [00:14:59] and I went through the equipment. [00:15:00] It wasn't paid. Those were long hours. I had quite a big gun collection back then. I had [00:15:07] to sell it to make my way through the academy. But because of that, I was given a chance. [00:15:16] And with that chance, I graduated the academy and New Port Richey did not have an opening. [00:15:22] So I hit the streets and I went all over Florida because I was state certified looking for [00:15:28] my first opportunity. And lo and behold, September of 1992, the first person I received [00:15:36] a phone call was from our previous mayor, Bob Gonsalvo. Right before that, I put in [00:15:43] for a position over at the rec center because I needed a job. And Mr. Gonsalvo says, Steve, [00:15:47] I'm not going to hire you at this time. There are going to be some openings at the police [00:15:52] department. I have the inside scoop. So with that, a few days later, I received a phone [00:16:00] call from the police department and they offered me a conditional job offer. Three hours later, [00:16:07] I received a conditional from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. I saw the Sheriff's Office [00:16:12] as a bigger opportunity and more directions to go in. It was a bigger department. But [00:16:20] my loyalty was to New Port Richey. I got to go to the police academy and some of the [00:16:28] high liabilities really piqued my interest. If you get the chance to come to my retirement [00:16:35] party next week, you will see there was a photo done while I was in defensive tactics [00:16:40] training. I'm hitting a bag while my partner in defensive tactics is holding it. And Chief [00:16:46] Bogart, at the time, was my defensive tactics instructor and he's standing over top of me, [00:16:50] guiding me through that exercise. So that's where I got to first know Chief Kim Bogart. [00:16:55] And that's where I first got to know Chief Martin Ricketts. Moe told me during the academy, [00:17:06] he goes, you will be a New Port Richey police officer one day. He goes, I want you on my team. [00:17:10] And it took a while, but that dream happened. Even though Chief Madsen, Augie Madsen, was the [00:17:21] chief back then, I considered the New Port Richey Police Department the house that Moe built. We [00:17:30] had a great foundation. Moe Ricketts retired in 2010. And in 2010 to 2013, we had a little bit of [00:17:43] uncertainty with the department. And then Chief Bogart came in. And just like any house over the [00:17:52] years, it needed some remodeling. And boy, what a great remodeling job he has done. And to use the [00:18:04] analogy of the building and construction stuff, they were both in the construction field prior to [00:18:10] law enforcement. And with that, when he came in, the remodeling took place. He put what he calls [00:18:20] his generals. His generals were just that, the generals. And everything started falling into place. [00:18:27] The equipment needs, everything. Last summer, Chief Bogart gave me an opportunity. It was a [00:18:38] once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And I'm the first one from New Port Richey to have this [00:18:42] opportunity. He sent me to and asked me to apply to a prestigious school at the University of [00:18:49] Louisville, Southern Police Institute, the administrative officers class. And I attended [00:18:54] that class. I was gone for three months, taking five full-time college courses and studying police [00:19:02] leadership. I had the opportunity to be in the class. There were 45 different officers from the [00:19:11] Alaska State Troopers all the way down to Miami. There were 45 in the class representing 36 [00:19:16] different law enforcement agencies. That was valuable because we shared with one another what [00:19:25] was working, what was not working in the law enforcement community. So that knowledge of [00:19:30] bringing that back was great. But we studied leadership and we also focused on the President's [00:19:41] 21st Century Police Task Force. Let me tell you something about the leadership class. I did my [00:19:50] leadership challenge paper on Chief Bogart. With Chief Bogart, his leadership qualities are bar [00:20:07] none. When I was with Chief Rickus, he promoted me to lieutenant in 2009. He retired six months [00:20:17] later. I didn't have that opportunity to spend that command staff with Chief Rickus. But I've [00:20:23] been on Chief Bogart's command staff now for four years. And let me tell you something. They talked [00:20:30] about modeling the way. Set the example for aligning actions with shared values. Inspire a [00:20:36] shared vision. Envision the future and imagine the possibilities, not the probabilities. Challenging [00:20:41] the process. Experiment, take risks, generate small wins and learning from your mistakes. Enabling [00:20:49] others to act. Foster corroboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust. And then [00:20:55] finally encouraging the heart. Celebrating the values victories by creating a spirit of community. [00:21:00] And folks, that is that gentleman right there. This comes from Nelson Mandela. A good leader [00:21:10] works like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the nimble go out ahead, whereupon the [00:21:17] others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind. He is not a [00:21:24] micromanager. He lets his folks do their work. And they learn from their mistakes. They are leaders [00:21:31] because of that. They talked about surround yourself with like-minded thinkers who don't [00:21:37] think alike. And I think that speaks for itself. If everybody's thinking the same, you're not going [00:21:42] to have the ideas running across. Everybody's going to have the same ideas. And then we talked [00:21:51] about in the class, the biggest criticism among leaders is that they don't share their knowledge, [00:21:55] for they fear they're going to be replaced. If they give out their knowledge, it's gone. So [00:22:02] someone else, so that person is going to be replaced. I pulled him aside the other day and [00:22:11] told him that quote there, and it was unbelievable. He will share it with you, the most intimate of [00:22:23] details, and everything he's learned over the years. And we joke about it. He's been in law [00:22:29] enforcement since there were horse and carriage and wheel guns and all that stuff. But that's [00:22:35] who you have as your leader of this department. And like I said, we studied the President's [00:22:42] Task Force. In 2015, President Obama assembled a task force because of the civil unrest of the [00:22:49] nation and Black Lives Matter, the Blue Lives Matter. And they say there are three groups of [00:22:56] people who know the pulse of the community, police, teachers, and civic leaders. And that is who the [00:23:01] President put on that task force. Some of the folks from that task force were deputy chiefs from [00:23:07] police departments, lead organizers, make the road, professor of law at Yale University, executive [00:23:22] director of Teach for America, executive director of Washington State Criminal Justice Training [00:23:26] Commission, co-director of the Advancement Project, and so on. The task force has six pillars. The pillars [00:23:42] are building trust and legitimacy, policy and oversight, technology and social media, community policing, [00:23:50] crime reduction, training and education, officer wellness and safety. Folks, long before that task [00:23:59] force was given out, the New Port Richey Police Department exemplified the practices of each pillar. [00:24:06] We have been doing things right for a long time and it didn't take a President's Task Force report to tell [00:24:11] us we were doing it right. We hit on every single one of those pillars. The New Port Richey Police [00:24:18] Department in New Port Richey, Florida. That's our leadership. Now let me tell you about these folks. [00:24:29] Let me tell you about these folks. For many of these officers, it started with the local police [00:24:35] academies and then the training they received. And I happen to be a part of that. I've been training [00:24:40] out the academy now since 1997. They received the training, they passed the state exam, and now [00:24:46] they're hunting for a job. They come to us looking for a job slash career. Our command staff gets to [00:24:56] talk to these folks and do an interview. And this is something that's dear to me. It's called the [00:25:06] importance of adding value to the organization. And if something does not add value, we reconsider [00:25:12] the decision. And that adding value starts with the hiring process and vetting of each one of the [00:25:19] candidates that come in. We try to hire the best and retain the best. Once they are hired, our FTOs [00:25:25] have to show the new officers what is right. What's right? Right is all about integrity, especially in [00:25:33] this day and age in law enforcement. They say good officers are expensive. Well, guess what? The bad [00:25:40] officers are even more expensive. And that's for obvious reasons. That's why we are hiring and [00:25:46] training. That's why the hiring and training process is so crucial. The end result is what you see [00:25:51] standing behind me now. When the initial call comes out, when that dispatcher receives the call for [00:25:58] service, the men and women of this department don't ask if you're black or white. They don't ask your [00:26:03] ethnicity. They don't ask if you're a criminal or not. They respond to help you no matter what. When [00:26:08] people are running from danger, they are running right into it. You don't see the evils that they do on a [00:26:14] daily basis. They are dealing with evil fricking people. And that's just in a day's work. While you're [00:26:21] a home sleep, they are guarding your homes, businesses, and the critical infrastructures of the [00:26:25] city. For they are the sheepdogs that protect everyone from those wolves. They are not just police [00:26:33] officers, but they are guardians, social workers, and warriors. To them, all lives matter. I'm going to [00:26:42] give you some examples of that guardian and social worker and some warrior mindsets. Last Christmas, [00:26:52] Officer Stephanie Pascali arrived on a call. She dealt with an elderly lady. The elderly lady [00:26:58] couldn't get out of her seat. She needed assistance getting out of her seat. Officer Pascali, out of her [00:27:04] own money, purchased an electric chair that actually lifts off the ground and helps her get to her feet. During [00:27:17] the holiday season, we have officers that identify the needy. They take up collections. And last [00:27:23] Thanksgiving, 10 families received a Thanksgiving dinner. We participate in the Toys for Tots drive, and we [00:27:30] have folks going to every motel up and down 19, whether it's in the city or not, identifying families and making [00:27:36] sure that their kids have toys for Christmas. Officer Pascali and Officer Andrew Exline, a couple weeks ago, ran [00:27:45] into a call. An 85-year-old grandmother was stranded at a hotel. Her family took off and abandoned her. Again, Officer [00:27:56] Pascali and Officer Exline pitched in, and they ran into her room for a couple nights, out of their own pocket. I don't [00:28:06] know if this is a theme with Officer Pascali. I think it was about a week ago, and they were at the Quality Inn. An [00:28:15] entire family needed help. They ran into the room again, now at the Quality Inn. My daughter attends golf high school, and [00:28:28] they just recently had a prom. I didn't know this took place until the mother of this child posted something on Facebook. [00:28:38] Officer Schambach used to be the SRO at golf high. He got to know some of the kids. Well, there was a certain child, a boy, who [00:28:52] didn't have the money to attend prom. Not only did he not rent him a suit, he bought him a tuxedo. He bought him shoes. He [00:29:03] bought him a shirt. In addition to that, I just found this out yesterday, he bought him three bags of brand new clothes. Not to bring [00:29:12] attention to this child at golf high, he packed him in a backpack, so the child could take him home with him. We have some life-saving [00:29:29] folks. This country concert, Chasco. Officer Aaron Eck is on patrol, and you hear someone moaning and screaming. He's trying to [00:29:40] identify where the moaning and screaming is from. A gentleman has stepped off into a culvert and literally snapped his leg in half. How often does that [00:29:49] happen, where your leg is just dangling by a thread? Blood is pouring out. Didn't have time to put gloves on, suit up. He took his tourniquet out, and the [00:29:57] officers that were with Officer Eck that night... [00:30:00] explained that when Officer Eck applied the tourniquet it was pouring out like a faucet and [00:30:04] then when he turned the nozzle it shut completely off. Officer Eck that night saved that gentleman's [00:30:11] life and saved his leg. I'm going to talk about Officer Eck again. A couple years ago he ran into [00:30:21] a subject that they were looking for and found him. He was with two other officers. They started [00:30:29] giving this gentleman verbal commands. The gentleman kept walking away from him and I'm [00:30:33] using gentleman loosely. As he's walking away he keeps giving verbal commands, verbal commands. [00:30:39] He's not listening. At that time Officer Eck had to holster his weapon and he decided he's [00:30:43] going to tackle this guy. Just as he's getting ready to tackle this guy, the guy turns and he's [00:30:48] got a gun. Luckily Officer Eck was able to close the distance enough where that gun hit the vest, [00:30:54] dropped to the ground, he was tackled and taken into custody without incident. [00:31:05] Our supervisors at the end of each evening put together what they call staff incident [00:31:10] notifications. Some of you have seen some of them but they come in on a daily basis. [00:31:18] Our warriors back there every single night and every single day are on the hunt. [00:31:23] They are looking for those bad guys. The guns and drugs that they are coming in contact with [00:31:28] right now and dealing with. I've never seen anything like that in my entire career. [00:31:39] But that's what they do. That's what they do. [00:31:43] These are just some of the heroic things that came to mind and there are so many more. [00:31:47] They are your true ambassadors to the city because they are the ones that are out front [00:31:51] every single day making contact with the citizens, every day. [00:31:58] You don't hear about these incidents because they don't do it for the recognition. They do it [00:32:03] because they care and they want to make a difference. When I got into police work that's [00:32:09] what it was all about. You're wanting to make that difference. [00:32:12] John Wooden, he's a former UCLA basketball coach, renowned leader, once said it is amazing how much [00:32:21] we can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit. Think about that. How much can we [00:32:28] accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit? They're not looking for credit. They're doing it [00:32:32] because they're here to protect and serve and that's the reason why we're here today. [00:32:38] They're here to protect and serve and that's the oath that they took. [00:32:43] So these officers give the true meaning to the phrase protect and serve. That is what I will [00:32:47] miss the most and those are the reasons why I'm so proud to wear this damn uniform and I'll be so [00:32:52] sad to leave. In closing, the memories here will fade but the family of blue will live forever. [00:33:01] So with that, thank you. [00:33:03] Thank you. [00:33:15] We need to get the other officers down here, please. [00:33:38] Come on down, please. [00:33:41] This man is very critical of Chief Bogart when he runs over, so I apologize. [00:34:00] I can't tell you all I'm going to say anything, but I would like to just insert, if I could. [00:34:05] I'm so disappointed, Steve, that I'm not able to be there. [00:34:09] You are the epitome of what a police officer is. [00:34:11] I think you're a shining example to our youth, and it's so appropriate that this is National [00:34:18] Police Week, that we have the opportunity to honor you, to thank you for choosing the [00:34:24] police in Fort Ritchie back in 92, because we have been so blessed to have you. [00:34:29] My own experience with that, 10 or so years ago, was when we first started that triathlon. [00:34:38] You stepped right forward and got us going, so I appreciate that very much. [00:34:44] Again, I could not be more proud of our police force, all of you, every one of you, and I'm [00:34:51] so disappointed that I'm not able to be there, but all the very best, and we appreciate you [00:34:55] more than you know. [00:34:56] Chief, Chief, Chief. [00:34:57] Let's get Moe Ricketts down here. [00:34:58] Come on down, Moe. [00:34:59] You're a retiree. [00:35:00] Come on down. [00:35:02] Let's get Moe Ricketts down here. [00:35:03] Come on down, Moe. [00:35:04] You're a retiree. [00:35:05] Come on down. [00:35:06] Come on down here. [00:35:07] Drag that old carcass down here. [00:36:01] Perfect, thank you. [00:36:32] I see his 94-year-old grandmother is here tonight. [00:36:35] Irene, would you see him for this recognition? [00:36:49] Yeah, I know. [00:36:50] I told you. [00:36:53] Stand back. [00:36:58] I'm going to get another picture. [00:36:59] The other way. [00:37:29] Ready for our break before we get to the talks.

   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

   Badge Ceremony for Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Adam Darling

   Adam Darling was formally promoted and badge-pinned as Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, filling the vacancy left by retiring Assistant Chief Tim Exline. Fire Chief Fish presented Darling, who has been with the department since 2005, alongside his family.

   🏢Tampa Bay Rowdies👤Abby Darling👤Adam Darling👤Bryce Darling👤Chief Fish👤Costas👤Jace Darling👤Ms. Vance👤Steve👤Tim Exline#Badge Ceremony#Promotion to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal

   ▶ Jump to 37:45 in the video

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   [00:37:49] Can I say thank you? [00:37:51] Thank you. [00:37:57] Steve, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. [00:37:59] A little side note. [00:38:00] I think he is Batman. [00:38:01] I was out back of my house or on the side of my house watching an FSU football game, [00:38:05] which I love doing during college football season, and it ran late, and I get this text [00:38:10] message from this number I don't recognize, and it's like, hey, your garage door is open. [00:38:13] I'm like, who is this? [00:38:14] He's like, it's Costas. [00:38:15] He's like working the midnight shift. [00:38:17] Deputy Chief working the midnight shift. [00:38:19] And then a lot of people don't know, Steve played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies before getting [00:38:23] in law enforcement. [00:38:24] He was recruited straight out of high school, so he's quite the soccer player back in the [00:38:27] day as well. [00:38:28] But thank you so much, Steve, for all your years of service. [00:38:31] He's been keeping an eye on me for 25 years. [00:38:37] Is that how you lost your hair? [00:38:38] I was just thinking the same thing. [00:38:41] Next on our agenda is the bachelor's ceremony for the assistant fire chief. [00:38:45] Ms. Vance? [00:38:46] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [00:38:47] Another proud moment for us. [00:38:49] I had the opportunity to introduce Adam Darling to you at your last meeting, and I expressed [00:38:57] some of my pride, my admiration, and the confidence that I have in him. [00:39:03] As it relates to the position of assistant chief, he is here today with his lovely family, [00:39:10] who we will be introducing. [00:39:12] And Chief Fish has some words that he'd like to share with the group. [00:39:23] Okay, now how am I supposed to follow that? [00:39:26] Thank you, Mayor, Council, and City Manager, for allowing me the opportunity to recognize [00:39:31] the promotion of District Chief Adam Darling to the position of assistant chief fire marshal. [00:39:36] I know that you've already been introduced to Adam at a previous meeting. [00:39:41] It is my honor tonight to stand before you with his family, and with his family, and [00:39:48] some of our fire department family that's here to introduce him and recognize him on [00:39:54] this great promotion. [00:39:56] As you know, this position was vacant due to the retirement of assistant chief Tim Exline, [00:40:02] and it was posted internally as well as externally. [00:40:06] And at the conclusion of the hiring process for this position, only one candidate stood [00:40:11] out. [00:40:12] And this candidate stood out for various reasons, and the main reason that I felt that this [00:40:18] person fit this position the best was his commitment, dedication, and loyalty to the [00:40:24] department and the city really shined through during the interview process. [00:40:30] Adam has been with the department since 2005, and he's been with us ever since. [00:40:37] Adam has been with the department since 2005, and advanced to the rank of captain and district [00:40:44] chief. [00:40:45] I have watched Adam grow and develop in his previous position as district chief, as he [00:40:50] had proven himself over and over again, particularly in his leadership ability running the day [00:40:56] to day operations of his shift, mentoring the younger firefighters on his crew, and [00:41:01] gaining the respect of his fellow firefighters. [00:41:04] Adam started his new position on April 19th, and his primary focus is the fire marshal [00:41:10] responsibilities, and he will also oversee the day to day operations of the on shift [00:41:15] personnel. [00:41:18] With a fire administration of only two, we are forced to wear many hats. [00:41:23] And that is why this position was so vital to find the right person to help me lead the [00:41:28] department into the future. [00:41:31] At this time, I would like to invite Adam, his wife Abby, his two sons Bryce and Jace [00:41:38] down to the podium so we can pin on his badge. [00:42:02] Sorry Abby, Adam chose me to pin his badge on. [00:42:05] I hope you don't mind. [00:42:06] I'll try not to hurt him. [00:42:32] So for the first time, I'd like to formally introduce you to Assistant Chief Fire Marshal [00:42:36] Adam Darling. [00:43:01] We have one other item to come before Vox Pop tonight.

   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▶ 43:23
9. 9.a

   Consideration of Amendments to the FY17 Adopted Budget

   approvedon consent

   A councilmember moved to approve the consent agenda except for the Bank of America purchasing card transaction item under recurring expenditures over $25,000, which was pulled for separate discussion. The remainder was approved by voice vote.

   • motion:Move to approve the remainder of the consent agenda, excluding the Bank of America purchasing card transaction item. (passed)

   🏢Bank of America👤Phillips#Bank of America purchasing card transaction#FY17 Adopted Budget#recurring expenditures over $25,000

   ▶ Jump to 1:11:26 in the video

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   [01:11:26] Any items we want to pull on this? [01:11:29] Yeah, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to pull [01:11:33] the Bank of America purchasing card transaction element. [01:11:39] That's under the recurring expenditures over $25,000. [01:11:44] Otherwise, I'd move to approve the remainder [01:11:46] of the consent agenda. [01:11:47] Second. [01:11:48] Approve everything except that one item in a second. [01:11:50] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:11:52] Aye. [01:11:53] Opposed, like sign. [01:11:54] Aye. [01:11:57] Mr. Phillips, that item that you pulled.

   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.c

    Environmental Committee Minutes - March and April 2017

    approvedon consent

    Consent agenda item accepting the Environmental Committee minutes for March and April 2017 was approved as part of the consent agenda (with one unrelated item pulled for separate discussion).

    • motion:Move to approve the remainder of the consent agenda excluding the Bank of America purchasing card transaction item. (passed)

    👤Phillips#Environmental Committee Minutes - March and April 2017

    ▶ Jump to 1:11:26 in the video

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    [01:11:26] Any items we want to pull on this? [01:11:29] Yeah, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to pull [01:11:33] the Bank of America purchasing card transaction element. [01:11:39] That's under the recurring expenditures over $25,000. [01:11:44] Otherwise, I'd move to approve the remainder [01:11:46] of the consent agenda. [01:11:47] Second. [01:11:48] Approve everything except that one item in a second. [01:11:50] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:11:52] Aye. [01:11:53] Opposed, like sign. [01:11:54] Aye. [01:11:57] Mr. Phillips, that item that you pulled.

    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. 9.b

    Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

    approvedon consent

    Council discussed oversight of purchasing card expenditures, with a councilmember requesting clarity on what comprises line-item totals and assurance that proper controls are in place. Staff confirmed purchase card transactions are tested annually as part of the audit's scope and offered to provide the city's purchasing card policy and prior audit results. Council approved payment of the purchase card transactions.

    • motion:Motion to pay the expenses for the purchase card transactions. (passed)

    🏢Duke Energy👤City Manager👤Ms. Feast#Annual city audit#Police pension#Purchasing card policy

    ▶ Jump to 1:11:59 in the video

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    [01:11:59] Yeah, you know, we look at these recurring costs. [01:12:04] And obviously, purchasing cards are always [01:12:08] a sense of importance to me. [01:12:11] So I'd like to understand if in the audit this year, [01:12:14] there's going to be some subcategory looking [01:12:16] at some of those expenditures on those purchasing cards. [01:12:20] Because I just want to make sure that every house is in order. [01:12:25] It's got the right elements to it. [01:12:27] And all we get is a line item. [01:12:30] We have no idea what makes that $50,000. [01:12:36] In this, it could have been $35,000 somewhere else. [01:12:39] So part of our fiduciary responsibilities, [01:12:44] part of our due diligence. [01:12:46] And I understand where the police pension money goes, [01:12:50] because I know where it's directed. [01:12:52] I have a pretty good idea where the Duke Energy money goes. [01:12:55] But when I see a line item, I want [01:12:57] to make sure that we've got the right controls and all that. [01:13:01] And if I'm mistaken, then that's fine. [01:13:04] I'll be happy to tell everybody. [01:13:05] But I also want to make sure that I [01:13:07] understand what gets us to $50,000 one month, [01:13:11] and then whatever it is on the other. [01:13:13] So I just want to make sure all those are in place. [01:13:15] So that's my concerns, Mr. Mayor. [01:13:18] Ms. Feast. [01:13:19] Just to address what you just requested, [01:13:24] the testing of the purchase card transaction [01:13:26] is a part of the scope of the audit. [01:13:28] It's done every year. [01:13:29] They test the internal controls over the process, [01:13:33] along with detailed transactions [01:13:35] in the substantive support of each of those transactions. [01:13:39] Per department? [01:13:41] As a whole. [01:13:41] And so they make their selections based on risk. [01:13:46] The volume used by each department [01:13:49] may be one of the risk factors that they consider. [01:13:52] But it's a risk assessment that they use to make selections. [01:13:58] And as we go forward, if we have items [01:14:01] that we want to make sure that we can identify, [01:14:03] or whatever, we can bring those to you [01:14:05] or the manager's attention, just to make sure [01:14:08] that we know what falls into each one of those categories, [01:14:10] or charge items. [01:14:12] I mean, we've all been in big corporations. [01:14:15] We all know every time somebody gets a purchasing card [01:14:17] that it creates many, many issues. [01:14:21] And like I said, part of my responsibility here, [01:14:28] and we've gone through the audit elements and all that, [01:14:30] I just want to make sure I can defend and tell people [01:14:33] what's all incorporated underneath those categories. [01:14:37] Just part of me doing my city council job. [01:14:40] Sure, we can definitely provide the city's policy [01:14:44] over the specific, specifically over purchasing card [01:14:47] transactions. [01:14:48] And we can also provide the results of the audit this year [01:14:53] and the past, how far back you would [01:14:55] like me to go specifically on the testing of purchase cards. [01:14:59] I can. [01:15:00] I can speak to last year's audit, since I was directly involved in that one, that there [01:15:05] were no findings related to the auditor's testing of the purchase cards. [01:15:10] Thank you. [01:15:11] Would you care to make a motion to accept? [01:15:12] Yeah. [01:15:13] Motion to pay. [01:15:14] Second. [01:15:15] To pay the expense for the purchase card transaction. [01:15:18] I have a motion to second. [01:15:22] And a second. [01:15:23] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:15:25] Aye. [01:15:26] Opposed? [01:15:27] The like sign. [01:15:28] Aye. [01:15:30] Any other questions? [01:15:31] Do we have a time frame for when we're expecting the audit report? [01:15:35] Mr. Mayor, in response to the question, I have just written the finance director about [01:15:41] that very topic and expect to be able to provide a report to you and my city managers writing [01:15:49] this Friday. [01:15:51] But the best news I can pass along to you is that we are ahead of schedule and we're [01:15:56] expecting to submit it to you in a timely fashion this year. [01:16:02] Next is public reading of ordinances. [01:16:04] First reading, ordinance 2017-2115. [01:16:08] Ordinance number 2017-2115, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing [01:16:12] for the amendment of section 14-23 of the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances pertaining [01:16:18] to maximum permissible sound, prohibiting noise plainly audible from a distance of 100 [01:16:22] feet, emanating from public property at any time. [01:16:26] Providing for the amendment of subsection M of section 14-24 of the Code of Ordinances [01:16:30] pertaining to exemptions for maximum permissible sound restrictions for public events.

    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. 10.a

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2017-2115 Amendments to Section 14-23 of the City Noise Ordinance to Address Portable Microphones

    discussed

    Council heard the first reading of Ordinance No. 2017-2115, amending Section 14-23 of the City Noise Ordinance to regulate portable megaphones on public property in response to an individual repeatedly using such devices at public events. Staff and the City Attorney explained the regulation is a permissible time/place/manner restriction; one citizen raised free-speech concerns.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2017-2115

    📍7210 Jasmine Drive👤Councilman Phillips👤Joan Nelson-Hook👤Judy DeBella Thomas#Ordinance No. 2017-2115#Section 14-23 City Noise Ordinance

    ▶ Jump to 1:16:35 in the video

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    [01:16:35] Providing for specific sources of such sound. [01:16:37] Providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. [01:16:40] Thank you. [01:16:41] Do we have a presentation? [01:16:42] We do. [01:16:43] In short, Mr. Mayor, the purpose of this agenda item this evening is to advance a new section [01:16:54] as it relates to plainly audible sounds on public property. [01:16:59] The section is noted as E in our communication to you. [01:17:06] The purpose of it is to regulate sounds, and help me out chief if I misspeak, the use of [01:17:15] portable megaphones on public property by individuals not connected or authorized to [01:17:23] do so in association with any permitted event. [01:17:28] This is an area which we did not address in our previous redraft of the ordinance. [01:17:38] We have found that some experience exists out there that warrants our redress of this [01:17:49] item and therefore we are asking your consideration of the ordinance and additionally requesting [01:17:58] that it take effect upon adoption. [01:18:05] Chief what prompted this? [01:18:07] That was my question. [01:18:08] Is there a lot of megaphone problems out there? [01:18:11] We have at least one individual who takes advantage of every public event, every parade, [01:18:22] and has used sound equipment from his vehicle in advance of the parade, during the parade, [01:18:32] and after the parade, making verbal presentations to people very loudly and distracting to where [01:18:44] we get called there to address it. [01:18:48] When the last time we made an adjustment to this ordinance we addressed that issue with [01:18:54] sounds emanating from vehicles, not thinking about the issue of portable megaphones. [01:19:01] So immediately thereafter that particular individual started using portable megaphones. [01:19:07] It made us realize that there were other issues that could be coming up during some other [01:19:14] public events. [01:19:16] So that's why we're addressing it. [01:19:17] I think I know exactly who you're talking about now that you say that. [01:19:21] Chief, it's hard to believe that we didn't recognize megaphones. [01:19:26] I know we didn't recognize dinosaurs making audible sounds out of people's backyards either, [01:19:31] or city fathers did back in the 20s. [01:19:33] The only other thing that you might look at next, because I'm sure the next thing will [01:19:37] be with a microphone off of a drone. [01:19:40] I'm just thinking ahead. [01:19:42] So we get him with the megaphone, then he goes to the drone, then we go to something [01:19:46] else. [01:19:47] I guess we keep one more thing all the time. [01:19:51] I guess you woke up one morning and go, I can't believe I missed this one, because that's [01:19:55] what I would say. [01:19:56] The last thing I wanted to do was to bring this ordinance back. [01:20:00] But I would appreciate your indulgence. [01:20:05] Since Councilman Phillips mentioned it, never in my life did I expect that one of the first [01:20:11] complaints I would get as mayor was about dinosaurs roaring loud enough to rattle windows [01:20:16] across the river. [01:20:19] Only in New Port Richey. [01:20:21] On that note, we'll open this up for public comment. [01:20:24] And no, you don't need to use the megaphone. [01:20:26] Come on down to the mic if you'd like to address us on this. [01:20:46] Good evening, City Council members. [01:20:50] She can't hear you out of town. [01:20:55] I can't see her either. [01:20:56] Well, you know what they say when I do that? [01:20:59] They say that's the best thing that's ever happened. [01:21:03] My name is Joan Nelson-Hook. [01:21:05] I live at 7210 Jasmine Drive in New Port Richey. [01:21:08] I'm not prepared to speak about this, but just a response. [01:21:14] It just seems to me that there must be a disturbing the peace ordinance in this town. [01:21:21] And to say that someone can't use a megaphone on public property seems to me to nibble at [01:21:27] the edge of freedom of expression, however erroneous or however unattractive it may be. [01:21:38] I hope that you can settle this another way. [01:21:41] Thank you. [01:21:42] Thank you, Ms. Hook. [01:21:44] Anyone else? [01:21:48] Seeing no one else come forward, I'm going to bring it back to council and ask our attorney, [01:21:53] is that a valid concern, the freedom of expression? [01:21:58] No, because you have the ability to regulate the time, place, and manner of First Amendment speech. [01:22:03] And so this regulation only does that. [01:22:06] It provides for a time, place, and manner regulation. [01:22:09] So you can have free speech. [01:22:11] You can be so loud that you can't be heard for over 100 feet. [01:22:18] But those are reasonable restrictions to avoid the disturbing of the peace and noise. [01:22:22] And a simple disturbing of the peace just doesn't cover it. [01:22:25] You have to have something more specific to make it enforceable. [01:22:30] Open it up for council discussion. [01:22:32] I'd just like to say that when we adopted this first, we were going to say it was a working document, [01:22:37] and this is just an example of it being a working document. [01:22:42] Again, I'm at a distinct disadvantage because I can't see. [01:22:46] You know, I'm getting ready to talk now. [01:22:48] But I did want to insert, I can't help but think that. [01:22:55] Can you ask Judy to speak into the microphone? [01:22:58] Councilwoman DeBella Thomas, we need you to speak closer into the mic for us, please. [01:23:05] I'm sorry. [01:23:06] I've got the phone right under my mouth. [01:23:08] So is this any better?

    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. 10.b

    Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2017-2109: Rezoning - 6571 Circle Boulevard & Ordinance No. 2017-2110: Vacation of a Portion of Central Avenue Right-of-Way

    discussed

    Second reading of Ordinance 2017-2109 (rezoning approximately 2.82 acres at 6571 Circle Boulevard from R2/Downtown/MF14 to PDD-RPD) and Ordinance 2017-2110 (vacating a portion of Central Avenue right-of-way) for the Orange Lake apartments project by developer Frank Starkey. Extensive public comment included supporters citing downtown revitalization and opponents raising concerns about parking, traffic at Adams/Main intersection, rental density, and historic street grid preservation.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2017-2109; Ordinance No. 2017-2110

    📍3104 Alachua Place, Newport Ritchie📍5647 Kentucky Avenue📍5822 Indiana Avenue📍5832 Indiana📍5920 River Road📍6571 Circle Boulevard📍6730 Jackson Street📍6820 River Road📍7310 Burns Point Circle📍7335 Burns Point Circle📍Adams Street and Main Street intersection📍Central Avenue📍Lafayette🏢Christina's🏢Hacienda🏢Johnny Grit's🏢People Places🏢REMAX🏢Rotary🏢Warner Brothers👤Bob Lankford👤Brian Ressler👤Councilman Phillips👤Councilman Starkey👤Dale Webb👤Deb Morris👤Deval Thomas👤Donald Cadle👤Frank Starkey👤Greg Smith👤Joyce Ratliff👤Lois Robinson👤Rivera👤Sheila DeBolt#Main Street Landing#Orange Lake apartments project#Orange Lake dredging project#Ordinance No. 2017-2109#Ordinance No. 2017-2110#PDD planned development district#Phase 2 (146 total parking spaces, 49 public, 97 private)#RPD residential planned development district

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    [01:23:10] That's better. [01:23:11] Thank you. [01:23:12] Okay. [01:23:13] Yeah, I, Cody is very uncomfortable, or maybe uncomfortable is not the right word, [01:23:22] but how disagreeable, perhaps, that particular issue is. [01:23:31] I just have some issue with it because I do feel that it is definitely a step in the wrong direction for freedom of speech. [01:23:42] And so I'd like to see us address it some other way, [01:23:46] but I'm not comfortable with saying that this should be part of the noise ordinance [01:23:52] because I think that whatever it is that's being said, you know, [01:23:57] I feel they need to say it with a megaphone to be heard of. [01:24:00] But that's something that's part of our very longstanding tradition of our Constitution, [01:24:07] which is freedom of speech. [01:24:09] So I'm uncomfortable with it. [01:24:11] Thank you. [01:24:13] Councilman Phillips? [01:24:17] No, no, no, Mr. Mayor. [01:24:20] Councilman Starkey, any thoughts? [01:24:23] I have a lot of thoughts. [01:24:24] I'm just not sure. [01:24:26] Really, I mean, I agree with Mr. Deval Thomas. [01:24:28] I don't want to infringe on anyone's freedom of speech, [01:24:30] but if I'm bringing my kids to the Chasco and someone's yelling in the microphone, [01:24:34] you're going to hell, I have a problem with that. [01:24:37] So move to approve. [01:24:40] We have a motion. [01:24:41] Do we have a second? [01:24:42] I'll second it. [01:24:44] To the maker? [01:24:47] Nothing further. [01:24:48] Thank you. [01:24:49] Second. [01:24:50] Councilman Deval Thomas? [01:24:54] Are we voting? [01:24:57] Not yet, but if you've got any comments before we vote. [01:25:01] No, I agree. [01:25:03] It is uncomfortable or unpleasant. [01:25:05] There's a lot of this kind of talk in the media right now. [01:25:10] It's hard to turn on a TV channel without hearing opposing voices across a chasm, [01:25:15] whether it's a street or a corner or whatever. [01:25:18] But I still think that I can appreciate the fact that we do have that freedom to speak. [01:25:24] Our minds, however odious or uncomfortable or whether we want to hear it or not. [01:25:30] Thank you. [01:25:32] Chief, I'm going to support this at this moment, [01:25:34] but I'd like for us to continue to refine it. [01:25:37] I'd like for you to look at it over the next three to six months. [01:25:41] I think we're – I'd just like a little more information, [01:25:46] but I'm going to support it at this point so that we can move it along, [01:25:49] but I also want to make sure that we continue to evolve this in the right manner. [01:25:54] That's what I'm looking for. [01:25:56] Thank you. [01:25:57] I will be sure to bring it back as much as reluctant as – [01:26:01] I just hate to keep bringing the same ordinance back to you, [01:26:03] but if it develops into an issue, I absolutely will. [01:26:10] I fully appreciate the free speech ramifications of this. [01:26:20] If the person that's involved in this weren't so obnoxious when he's doing it, [01:26:24] it wouldn't be so bad. [01:26:26] But as Deputy Mayor Starkey pointed out, he does tend to make a spectacle. [01:26:33] And it is hard to explain to small kids why somebody is screaming up there [01:26:38] that you're all going to hell. [01:26:42] This doesn't stop – let me just point out, [01:26:44] this doesn't stop someone from being able to say anything that they want to say. [01:26:49] They just can't do it with amplified sound and push it into people's faces [01:26:54] and basically create a disturbance. [01:26:57] This gives us a tool to be able to deal with that. [01:27:00] He's still welcome to stand up there with his poster and placard and handout, [01:27:05] flyers, whatever, just not with a microphone. [01:27:09] That's correct. [01:27:11] Okay. [01:27:12] On that basis, I'll support it for first reading. [01:27:15] Any further discussion? [01:27:18] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:27:21] Aye. [01:27:22] Opposed, light sign. [01:27:24] Aye. [01:27:26] Thank you. [01:27:27] Four to one. [01:27:28] Next is second reading of Ordinance 2017-2109 and Ordinance 2017-2010. [01:27:35] We'll do your part of this and then the public comment. [01:27:40] Okay. [01:27:41] I can read them both at the same time. [01:27:42] If you would, please. [01:27:43] Ordinance 2017-2109, [01:27:45] an ordinance rezoning approximately 2.82 acres of property [01:27:48] generally located east of Circle Boulevard, west of Adams Street, [01:27:51] and north and south of Central Avenue [01:27:53] and located south of Central Avenue and east of Adams Street [01:27:56] and including 30 feet of vacated Central Avenue right-of-way [01:27:59] located east of Circle Boulevard and west of Adams Street [01:28:02] from R2 residential district, 0.743 acres, [01:28:06] downtown district, 1.77 acres, [01:28:09] MF14 multifamily residential district, 0.173 acres, [01:28:13] and right-of-way, 0.143 acres, [01:28:16] to PDD planned development district, [01:28:19] RPD residential planned development district subcategory, [01:28:23] further described herein in Exhibit A, [01:28:25] providing development standards in Exhibit B, [01:28:27] and providing for an effective date. [01:28:31] Thank you. [01:28:32] I'm going to open it up for public comment. [01:28:34] I believe we have the applicant present, [01:28:36] if he would like to come up and say anything to start with. [01:28:41] He's waving his head no. [01:28:43] So in that case, anyone else wish to come on down? [01:28:52] Hello again. [01:28:54] Lois Robinson, 5920 River Road. [01:28:56] I'm assuming this is all about the Orange Lake apartments. [01:29:01] Okay. [01:29:02] My questions to the City Council and the Mayor, [01:29:07] and I've heard this from many people, their concerns. [01:29:12] Are these going to be one- or two-bedroom apartments? [01:29:15] Do we know? [01:29:16] Is there anything in writing? [01:29:18] I've heard nothing about that. [01:29:21] We'll ask Mr. Starkey to clarify. [01:29:23] Okay, because Mr. Starkey, I'd also like to clarify right now. [01:29:29] Come on up, Frank, please. [01:29:32] Come on down. [01:29:37] Well, my concern with that is this one parking space issue. [01:29:41] Okay. [01:29:42] Yes, it's a combination of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. [01:29:45] Okay, that being answered. [01:29:47] Another question I'd like to know in the contract [01:29:49] or whatever given to Mr. Starkey, can he buy this property, [01:29:53] put up apartments, is there a flip time, [01:29:55] or is there something in there where he cannot? [01:30:00] this contract, I'd like to know. And what about the rents? What are the rent prices? [01:30:06] Could this end up being a Section 8? What do we know about it and what's in writing? [01:30:14] Thank you. Any other questions before we get him to address them? [01:30:18] My main concern is that parking. The one unit and this baloney I read that said, well, they're [01:30:24] going to start, you know, scaling down on the cars like this is New York City. It's [01:30:28] not going to happen. And, of course, then we're paying for the parking garage so his [01:30:31] overflow can go there and the restoration of the lake. So kudos to you. [01:30:39] Mr. Starkey. Nice to meet you. Let me just straighten out. Frank Starkey, 3104 Alachua [01:30:49] Place, New Port Richey. Your first question was about one and two bedrooms and the second [01:30:55] one was the rent rates. 1,100. I'm going to get to that. I just want to make sure I [01:31:02] get all of your questions. The contract with the city, which was signed last year, is assignable [01:31:15] only to an entity that my company controls. Mr. Turk, if you could speak into the mic. [01:31:20] The contract is not assignable except to a related entity that I control because the [01:31:31] city's deal is with People Places, myself. So that's the contract itself. The city has [01:31:43] asked for some sort of guarantee that there is performance, that the project is completed. [01:31:52] So there's not a repeat of a partially completed project happening and we are happy to comply [01:31:59] with that. We're working out the details of that still. [01:32:03] And the question about whether we're holding it long term. Yes, we are. That is our intent. [01:32:10] From a market standpoint, we have every incentive to hold on to it long term. It's too much [01:32:21] of an investment in a recovering real estate market to think of it as a flip property. [01:32:29] Another point that I've made at the last hearing is that we are not a merchant developer that [01:32:37] just builds things and flips them. If we were that kind of developer, we would, A, [01:32:42] not be looking at New Port Richey in the first place, and B, would not be building the construction [01:32:49] quality that we're putting into this. As for the parking question, there's a bit [01:32:57] of a misnomer flying around that we're only providing one parking space per dwelling. [01:33:04] It's actually 1.7 parking spaces per dwelling if you include the immediately surrounding [01:33:10] street parking spaces, of which we are creating 16 new parking spaces that don't exist today. [01:33:20] And the re-planning of Central Avenue between Adams and Circle Boulevard is going to formalize [01:33:30] parking spaces that are there implicitly but aren't striped out in any way. It actually [01:33:35] probably does even add another space there where the driveway is currently. [01:33:40] Just like everybody else in town has a sense of ownership or use priority over the spaces [01:33:51] in front of their house, a similar situation here where, yes, our residents will park on [01:33:56] the street, but when they're gone, those spaces are public. Let me reword that. Those [01:34:03] spaces are public all the time. They're not exclusive to our residents, and they're first [01:34:09] come first serve. That means when you go to work in the morning, somebody else can come [01:34:12] and park there while they're having lunch at Johnny Grit's or wherever, visiting anything [01:34:17] downtown. Upon completion of Phase 2, we will have 146 [01:34:26] total spaces, of which 49 are public, and the remaining 97 are private. [01:34:40] Thank you. Anyone else? I believe you were next. [01:34:52] Deb Morris, 5832 Indiana. I just wanted to say that we are in support of the Orange [01:34:58] Lake project. We do understand that growing panes are never fun, but an active city will [01:35:04] be really fun. I did read the whole agenda and the whole ordinance before we came, and [01:35:10] I saw that the city has owned this property since 2005, so it has been costing the city [01:35:17] money. I understand that, and they did have it with the intention to market it for redevelopment, [01:35:22] so somebody is going to redevelop it. It was intended to be redeveloped, that property [01:35:30] was. I also did read that Parcel 2 is going to be allowed to be used for parking for events [01:35:39] that go on until it is developed. I think that was in that. Is that right? I read the [01:35:48] whole thing, I did read it. I don't know if that's important, but everybody is worried [01:35:53] about parking, so until that happens, that is. I'm not sure what's in the agenda, but [01:36:00] there is an issue on Parcel 2, the city's planned dredging project of Orange Lake that's [01:36:08] going to happen later this summer. In fact, we had a meeting today with Mr. Rivera and [01:36:13] his staff on the details of that. It's going to be available for that. It's not parking [01:36:18] now, but as long as it's undeveloped, we can make it available. [01:36:29] We moved out of Trinity to move downtown. I lived in Longleaf, and I did live there [01:36:41] for 12 years. We did live there for 12 years, and it was a beautiful community. We're excited [01:36:54] to be down here. I think that having more residents to support the businesses, we do [01:36:59] try to support the businesses as much as possible, and it's kind of sad sometimes to walk downtown [01:37:05] and there's nobody there. So with people there, I think it would be good for the community, [01:37:13] and I was just here to say that we're in support of it. [01:37:16] Thank you very much. Yes, sir. [01:37:21] Dale Webb, 5647 Kentucky Avenue. The parking is a concern for me. A bigger concern is getting [01:37:33] from my house to my office. My wife getting from our house to her office. Grand Boulevard, [01:37:41] north of the park, we took the park, we cut out Bank Street. Beautiful park, y'all did [01:37:46] a great job with that. We've adjusted. We're going the other way now, going towards Christina's. [01:37:51] They eat breakfast there every morning. What in the world is going to happen at that intersection? [01:37:56] That is a terrible intersection right now, and we're going to put this mess down there? [01:38:02] Excuse me, could you clarify which intersection you're talking about? [01:38:05] Christina's, coming out from Adams. Adams and Main is the intersection. Okay, thank [01:38:10] you. Elderly woman was hit there recently. You pull up at that stop sign, there's a big [01:38:15] oak tree. I'm in a big truck. I can't see over the cars and all there. Now, we're going [01:38:20] to add to the pollution, the traffic pollution, as it is now, anytime there's a special event. [01:38:29] Everybody knows the same shortcuts I know that lives north of the park. My quickest [01:38:35] route is to go four miles all the way down Rowan Road, out by the old cemetery, the East [01:38:40] Hill First Cemetery, to Cecilia, to come back to my office over by Altman's Law Office. [01:38:48] We're really going to congest this area. I don't think anybody's looked at the special [01:38:54] events that happen. We're used to that. It's going to be like that every damn day now. [01:39:02] If they're able to fill them up. I don't have anything against Mr. Starkey. I don't know [01:39:07] him, but if he's such a super builder and dreamer, why hasn't he done something with [01:39:12] the Hacienda and helped you all out with that? Thank you. Thank you. My name is Joyce Ratliff, [01:39:30] and I live at 7335 Burns Point Circle in New Port Richey. I might also add that I've been [01:39:37] a realtor here in New Port Richey for about 25 years, having been with REMAX for over [01:39:43] 20 and a very productive one at that. I'm in opposition to this project being built [01:39:50] over there, and I'll tell you why. I have a listing over on Lafayette, which is on the [01:39:56] river, very nice house, and guess what it looks out to over the river? The Main Street [01:40:02] landing. When I take a buyer over there, they say, well, what's going to be, what's [01:40:07] happening over here? Well, I have to tell them that they're going to have 80 balconies [01:40:11] looking out at their house. And guess what? I've reduced the price of the house $30,000, [01:40:18] and I still don't have a buyer for it. So I think the same situation is going to happen [01:40:22] to the property owners over here around this lake. I don't think that project should be [01:40:27] approved over there. I think that there should be a stipulation that Main Street needs to [01:40:32] be completed before we move forward with more rentals in this town. We got 80 rental units [01:40:39] over there at Main Street. Now you're going to approve another 85? No. 165 rentals in [01:40:45] New Port Richey we don't need. [01:40:48] Thank you. Anyone else? [01:40:58] Sheila DeBolt, 7310 Burns Point Circle. I didn't know she was going to be here. All I can say is, when we came here 10 years ago, [01:41:11] we said New Port Richey is special. I'm going to cry. We took an investment and started fixing [01:41:19] up homes along Grand Boulevard. They're 1921, needed $100,000 worth of work, sold it for [01:41:27] $250,000. We took another one, needed $75,000 worth of work. We fixed it up. I like painting [01:41:34] them the Key West colors. I like to make people happy. I thought the bright colors going along [01:41:40] the river, the river walk that you guys have done is such a wonderful job. And people look [01:41:46] at the houses, they come over, compliment. This is a great area. We love this area. And [01:41:52] everybody says this place is special. That's what we saw in it. You have three gyms here. [01:41:59] This river is amazing. This area could go absolutely crazy if it's done right. I've [01:42:07] talked to Debbie about this several times. Your second gym is the Hacienda. Oh my gosh, [01:42:14] of the East. I've worked with Warner Brothers in Illinois before we came down here. I think they [01:42:24] need to do something about our area. But all the old architecture, you go to the old country, [01:42:32] and you see all the old buildings and the old houses. I fell in love with it going overseas. [01:42:36] Coming back here, I wanted to work with the craftsmen, the 1890s Victorians, the painted [01:42:43] ladies. That's what I did up north. We restored old homes and old buildings. We came down here, [01:42:48] I started doing a long New Port Richey, the river. The third charm is that lake. I know [01:42:56] it's a man-made lake, but the people that come there and feed the birds and the squirrels and [01:43:04] walk around. I run that lake because I live at Burns Point and I run downtown. It's a four-mile [01:43:10] loop or I'll do my two-mile loop. I've done that for 10 years. I love it. I take pictures of it. [01:43:16] People are like, how many pictures of this lake do you have? The sunset coming through the fountain. [01:43:22] You're probably going to do a great job, but I would love to see it stay old world because this [01:43:32] place is special. If we're going to turn it into Tampa, it's a beautiful river walk down there, [01:43:41] but it's all new buildings. It's charge cards and it's money. What we have is New Port Richey, [01:43:49] it's Hollywood of the East. It's amazing. I can't tell you how, when we came here, [01:43:54] how much I fell in love with this place and how you guys take care of it with your street cleaners [01:43:57] and come and pick up our palm fronds when we take them out to the street. I'm like, [01:44:02] this is amazing. You people love this place. So please close your eyes, go to Orange Lake, [01:44:09] or walk around it and look at what it is now with all those bungalows. Then look at what [01:44:15] it's going to turn into with a whole bunch of high-rises. Thank you. I do appreciate what [01:44:25] you've done with those houses. I think I can ID the ones you've painted. They're beautiful. Yes, [01:44:30] sir. I would just like to speak. I'm sorry. Give us your name and address. Brian Ressler, [01:44:36] 6730 Jackson Street. I'd just like to show some solidarity and support for the project [01:44:42] out at Orange Lake. Me and my wife have been living here, born and raised in New Port Richey. [01:44:47] Both young professionals and along with a lot of our other friends that are close in age or a little [01:44:53] bit older than us. We've been part of some of the preliminary examinations for what Frank [01:44:59] Starkey wants. [01:45:00] to do with that area, and I've seen the mock-ups and just wanted to express that they are very [01:45:05] aesthetically pleasing. I don't believe that they would interfere with what makes New Port Richey special. It's very hard to remove what makes New Port Richey special, and I [01:45:14] feel it would require something extensively monstrous, and I don't think that that's the [01:45:19] case with this project. I feel that there is a lot of utility to be offered through [01:45:23] it, especially for some of my friends or younger professionals that I know that are very much [01:45:28] so interested in being a part of New Port Richey and being able to bring the prospects of younger [01:45:33] businesses here, but aren't necessarily ready to own a home per se, but have seen these [01:45:38] apartments or these sort of style apartments and have expressed an interest in them. That's [01:45:44] really all I wanted to say. [01:45:45] Well, thank you very much. [01:45:46] Thank you. [01:45:47] Anyone else? [01:45:48] Dr. Cadle. [01:45:55] Good evening. Donald Cadle, 6820 River Road, New Port Richey. Also have a dental office [01:46:04] on Main Street, New Port Richey. I'm here to speak in favor of the project, and I'll [01:46:10] give you a little history. At first, I was vehemently opposed to it. I thought this was [01:46:15] the wrong way for New Port Richey to go, and particularly to have apartments right [01:46:19] there. But after I looked into it, looked at research, looked at demographics, looked [01:46:26] at what millennials and new generation people are doing, my eyes were open and I saw this [01:46:32] is what we really need to do in downtown New Port Richey. I realized we have an eyesore on [01:46:39] Main Street, and hopefully that will be completed someday, but it's still an eyesore now. But [01:46:47] I have confidence that this project will go through, and I'm just speaking in favor of [01:46:52] it. [01:46:53] I will say one thing, though. Dale Webb has a very good point. Main Street and Adams is [01:46:58] a mess, and when I leave my office, I've got an alley behind me. I never go out onto Adams. [01:47:05] I go up next to the city council, city building, and I turn back onto Main Street because getting [01:47:12] out at that other intersection is terrible. I know I've talked to you before, and that's [01:47:17] why you put a flashing light there. I've seen a person hit there. I've seen half a dozen [01:47:23] people within inches of being hit there. With the police department, the school, and with [01:47:30] this going in, it really needs a stoplight there, and I will say that. I've always said [01:47:35] that, but it's definitely going to need a stoplight there at some point. It's a very [01:47:39] dangerous intersection, and pedestrians, even with that light, take their life in their [01:47:45] hands going across here. I see it from my office, and I'm not always looking that way, [01:47:51] but I'm in favor of the project, and I hope it goes forward. Thank you. [01:47:55] Thank you. Anyone else? [01:47:57] Bob Lankford, whether the project goes forward or not. My concern is vacating the right of [01:48:15] way on Central Avenue. You're overlooking the historical aspects of that particular [01:48:23] street when you're doing that, especially right there at Orange Lake. Our street system, [01:48:32] as I'm sure all of you are aware, was put together way early on when it was still Orange [01:48:40] Groves and the roads were written in. That plays an important part in our history, and [01:48:48] when you narrow that down there, I don't know the reason why it has to be narrowed down. [01:48:53] Maybe if it wasn't narrowed down, it would eliminate some of the concerns that some people [01:48:57] have with Adams by directing more people down to Circle and then out. I don't know, but [01:49:05] I'm opposed to you vacating that and changing the history of Central Avenue and our street [01:49:11] system. That's what I object to. Thanks. [01:49:14] Thank you, Mr. Lankford. Anyone else? [01:49:23] I just want to, I think a year ago I had Mr. Starkey, Greg Smith, 5822 Indiana Avenue, [01:49:36] New Port Richey, Florida. I had Frank speak at our Rotary meeting and present the project [01:49:41] because at the time, the architecture that he was showing at that time was very much [01:49:46] Hacienda style, very much would fit in with the neighborhood. It had that architecture [01:49:52] that we all love and like to see in that project, and you all know that I'm over the [01:49:56] top working on Hacienda and about everything I can do to make that grow. That was going [01:50:02] to be a piece that looked like it was really going to fit in, and I was excited about where [01:50:06] we're going. Then we've seen it change, and now we've seen it change again to pretty much [01:50:11] a white box. In fact, the even set up is going to be white. [01:50:14] But there's also a lot of things that I'm concerned about, though. One of the things [01:50:17] for phase two to happen, in his own words it says, if the market is strong. I believe [01:50:23] we heard that on landings also, and so it's taken 13 years for that market to come back [01:50:28] and be strong. So we see only one building built, and why again? Can't we build buildings [01:50:35] that people want to invest in our city and not just be there for a short time and move [01:50:39] on? I know he's investing a lot as a big project, but I think people really want to see other [01:50:45] people build and stay there. Thank you. [01:50:48] Thank you, Mr. Smith. [01:50:52] Anyone else? [01:51:06] Hi, my name is Bruce Waters. I live at 6511 River Road. Most of you guys know me. I've [01:51:11] been here a long time. I'm an architectural design professional. I've had a business in [01:51:16] New Port Richey a little over 37 years. I'm a little over 10,000 projects, so I've got [01:51:20] a background in what you guys are looking at doing. Living on River Road, I'm two and [01:51:25] a half blocks down from Main Street, and when I first started to do that project, I was [01:51:31] sitting back and look, because we used to do a lot of road and bridge design when I [01:51:35] was working at Post Buckley before I got into architecture on my own. All the overpasses [01:51:39] in Pine Isles County, like at the malls and all, was some of the projects I got a chance [01:51:44] to work on. With having a background in that, I started thinking about, what about the roads? [01:51:49] What about the streets? River Road is a residential street. When you come down to Main Street, [01:51:55] there are no left-hand turn lanes. There's no right-hand turn lanes, northbound or southbound. [01:52:01] When you start taking all of the parking that's going to be in Main Street Landon, which is [01:52:05] a project that never got completed, it'll start and it'll stop, it'll start and it'll [01:52:09] stop. First, we had the first building, and now they've started the foundation on two, [01:52:13] so we're going to get all three buildings eventually. When they do, you look at, okay, [01:52:18] what's going to happen at the end of the day or in the beginning of the day when you start [01:52:21] to go to work? I've got to go to that intersection, make a left-hand turn, and go down to Adams [01:52:26] Street, which this new project is. My son happens to live on that street also, and go [01:52:30] to my office. Let's say that that building gets completed. Now, because of 19 and Main [01:52:37] Street, a lot of people are deciding, well, as I'm going southbound on 19, I don't want [01:52:42] to make a left-hand turn on Main Street. I'm going to cut, and I'm going to go down and [01:52:46] cut down the street above that and go down River Road. Now, all of a sudden, we've got [01:52:52] a lot more traffic that's been coming down through there. I've owned property on that [01:52:56] street for almost 30 years now. If you're going to build that type of building, you [01:53:01] do the infrastructure first. We don't have the roads to start with to cover it. We don't [01:53:06] have the left and right-hand lanes to cover it, and it's a hardship just to get through [01:53:11] there now, but if you add that on there, which you guys have already agreed to give them, [01:53:16] and then you go back and you're going to change Adams Street, and you're going to add the [01:53:20] additional parking, have anybody seriously sat down and thought about what's going to [01:53:25] happen, not just the parking, but the traffic itself? Do you guys have any kind of traffic [01:53:31] studies, how it's going to affect the intersections and stuff? Has anything been presented to the [01:53:37] city? [01:53:38] We'll ask Mr. Starkey to address that when you're done. [01:53:42] Traffic study was not required for this project. It did not meet the threshold for a traffic [01:53:49] study based on the number of trips that were going to be generated. [01:53:56] Well that was a residential street, then the school that came off of Madison, now the school [01:54:01] is on Adams Street, and that's added a lot of traffic to that, and then now we're going [01:54:05] to go and add those apartments, and so how much traffic do you have to have coming through [01:54:11] there on a residential street before you go back into the traffic study to see what's [01:54:15] going to happen at the intersections? [01:54:17] The threshold for a traffic study under the code is 50 p.m. peak trips, and this did not [01:54:23] get to that level based on the estimated traffic it will provide. [01:54:30] If you guys are going to pass it, I'm just telling you right now, you're going to have [01:54:33] a problem with the traffic flow in there, and you guys are supposed to be representing [01:54:38] us, so you take a look at it and see what you want to do with it, but I'd think twice. [01:54:42] If you're going to build it, build it, but get the traffic taken care of first, and get [01:54:46] the intersections taken care of, especially there along River Road, and especially along [01:54:50] Adams Street when you get to Main Street. [01:54:51] Thank you, Mr. Waters. [01:54:54] Anyone else? [01:54:57] Mr. Starkey? [01:55:00] I'd like to address Mr. Langford's concern. [01:55:10] The right-of-way is not being vacated in order to change its character as a street. [01:55:15] It's being vacated for the purposes of the zoning, and when Ms. Fierce suggested that [01:55:25] as a tool, the very first thing you'll remember I said in the meeting was, okay, but I will [01:55:32] immediately put an easement back on it to the city to make that legally and from a liability [01:55:40] standpoint remain exactly the way it is as a public street, because I agree that it is [01:55:47] a very important street within the city. [01:55:51] The street grid of New Port Richey is one of the things that is its most charming characteristics, [01:55:58] but it's also one of the things that makes it very attractive from a development standpoint, [01:56:05] and what makes it attractive to me as an urbanist. [01:56:09] I'm a big believer in the street grid generally. [01:56:14] I have a visceral reaction to ever closing any streets. [01:56:19] We were talking about that on another item the other day, and I said, anytime you talk [01:56:24] about closing streets, I'm always going to get my hair on the back of my neck. [01:56:29] My neck is going to stand up. [01:56:31] We're leaving that with exactly as it is and improving it while the city is doing it, [01:56:40] but we're kind of goading to put a median in on that section between Adams and Central. [01:56:47] As far as the traffic distribution, 50 p.m. peak hour trips, everybody groans and says, [01:56:54] no, it's always going to be more than that, but 50, so let's call it 100. [01:56:59] It's just a little over one trip per minute during rush hour, whatever the p.m. peak hour [01:57:11] is, and it really does just distribute itself. [01:57:17] I understand the concerns at Adams and Main, but the way that street grids work from our [01:57:25] site, from this site, traffic can go up Adams, east on Central, south on Adams, southwest [01:57:35] on Florida, or west on Central to go south on Circle and north on Circle. [01:57:41] There's so many ways out of it that every trip that's going a different direction, yes, [01:57:47] there's always going to be some direction that more trips than others go, but traffic [01:57:51] really distributes itself because drivers are intelligent. [01:57:54] If there starts to be just the littlest bit of backup at one intersection, drivers will [01:57:59] go find another intersection because they're so close. [01:58:02] You're not forced into intersections like you are out in Trinity, where there's only [01:58:07] one intersection to go through if you want to do anything, and to Mr. Waters' concern [01:58:17] about intersections. [01:58:21] In a downtown situation, adding turn lanes increases speeds, increases the crossing distance [01:58:30] for pedestrians, which increases the amount of time that pedestrians are exposed to cars, [01:58:34] which just makes it more dangerous, so actually adding pavement in those kind of intersections [01:58:41] decreases safety overall by telling the cars that you win. [01:58:48] I would not recommend doing that, and I don't think it's necessary in this situation. [01:58:53] Thank you. [01:58:54] I don't want to miss anybody in the public that wanted to say anything. [01:58:57] Is there anybody else before I bring it back to Council? [01:59:07] Hi, I'm Annie Ressler, 6730 Jackson Street. [01:59:11] I just want to give my support for the project. [01:59:15] As someone who likes walking around in this city, my husband and I own right now two cars, [01:59:20] but we're going to downsize to one because living inside the city, we realize we don't [01:59:25] need two vehicles. [01:59:27] I work from home. [01:59:29] I'm hoping that this project will bring more people like me into the city. [01:59:34] I grew up around here, and all the other people I work with who went to college, they live [01:59:41] in places like Boston and New York and San Francisco, so it would be nice to have something [01:59:46] a bit more urban, a bit more young, a bit more interesting in our own city and town. [01:59:51] Additionally, I would like to see more residences that are attractive in our city. [01:59:56] My husband and I are renting a nice little home in the city. [02:00:00] but it was really hard to find a decent rental here. [02:00:03] Many of them are, I can't think of a nicer word [02:00:07] than kind of downtrodden and sad, [02:00:09] many of the rentals around here. [02:00:11] So I just am giving my support to a more attractive [02:00:15] urban alternative to rentals in this city [02:00:18] for young professionals. [02:00:20] And I hope to see it move forward. [02:00:21] So thank you. [02:00:22] Thank you. [02:00:23] Thank you. [02:00:36] My name is Donna Corman, 5934 Wyoming Avenue. [02:00:42] I don't really have a lot to say except that, [02:00:45] you know, like on the east side of Grand, [02:00:50] they call it the ghetto. [02:00:52] You know, the west side of Grand, nicer houses. [02:00:55] Ours are pretty much all rentals. [02:00:58] And we should clean up our city [02:01:00] before we add another big problem to it. [02:01:05] I was talking to a couple people this evening [02:01:07] that said they would love to have that being made [02:01:12] two or three bedroom condos with parking there. [02:01:15] And they would love to be down there at the city. [02:01:18] And these are people that have been here [02:01:19] all their lives also. [02:01:22] And you can't even get out this street right here. [02:01:25] We all know that. [02:01:26] It's pretty bad. [02:01:27] It's real bad. [02:01:28] And there is no peak time. [02:01:29] Because if you have breakfast at 9.30, [02:01:32] that's not peak time. [02:01:34] Just have to say that. [02:01:35] That's all. [02:01:37] Thank you, Ms. Corman. [02:01:41] Keep watching to see if somebody's gonna stand up [02:01:43] and come on down. [02:01:49] How are you? [02:01:50] This is Melissa Bolster, 4529 Breakwater Boulevard. [02:01:53] And that's Hernando County. [02:01:58] The fact that I came up, [02:01:59] the impetus for me coming up is that [02:02:02] I'm not hearing really any business owners [02:02:06] addressing the council on how this impacts them. [02:02:10] So I'll start off first by saying that [02:02:12] I'm in favor of the project. [02:02:17] I wasn't prepared to speak to you. [02:02:20] I'll try to get my thoughts together. [02:02:23] I'm as invested financially possibly [02:02:27] in my place of business on Grand Boulevard [02:02:30] than many homeowners might be [02:02:35] as far as financial investment, monetary. [02:02:40] In doing that, I took a risk [02:02:45] coming to a totally different county [02:02:48] than what I live in because I love the city. [02:02:52] I love the potential it had. [02:02:54] I love the architecture of Newport Ridge. [02:02:57] I love a lot of things about it. [02:02:59] But mostly I believed in the potential for its growth. [02:03:04] And so financially, it was a big investment for my family. [02:03:09] It was a lot of our savings, [02:03:10] my husband and I of our savings. [02:03:12] So we're down here and we have our business. [02:03:15] And there's a couple of things [02:03:17] I'd like to just address. [02:03:18] A few of them being, first of all, [02:03:20] I don't know of too many cities [02:03:21] that build up an excessive infrastructure of roadways [02:03:26] when they don't have the business already. [02:03:29] I think in a way, [02:03:30] that's kind of putting the cart before the horse. [02:03:31] So some, I know it was mentioned that, [02:03:34] well, we build all the roads first. [02:03:35] Generally, I'm pretty sure it doesn't happen that way. [02:03:38] I mean, I'm not an engineer, so I don't know, [02:03:42] but I don't think it happens that way. [02:03:44] I think that the business has to come [02:03:47] and has to start to grow before those things are done. [02:03:49] And I would anticipate that those things might be added [02:03:53] as that issue came about, as we needed that. [02:03:59] So here we are as business owners taking that risk. [02:04:02] And I guess I could say to many, [02:04:05] many of the people of New Port Richey, [02:04:08] you know, if you have $100,000, $150,000 [02:04:10] that you'd like to throw in the pot [02:04:12] and jump in on a business downtown, [02:04:15] maybe that would be good if everyone could pull together. [02:04:19] And if all these residents had excellent ideas for business, [02:04:23] then we could stimulate this business down there. [02:04:25] But I'm not seeing that happen. [02:04:28] I'm there, and I actually know somebody [02:04:29] who's a New Port Richey resident right now [02:04:31] that's getting ready to leave, right, [02:04:33] a block off of, or probably still in [02:04:36] what's considered the historic district here, [02:04:39] because there's no foot traffic, [02:04:41] because there are no people. [02:04:43] I feel that we could, you could debate what comes first, [02:04:45] the chicken or the egg. [02:04:47] And everyone can sit and say, [02:04:48] well, let all the business come in, [02:04:51] and then we'll build the homes for people. [02:04:55] But the fact remains that if the business isn't there, [02:05:01] the business, maybe I'm stupid, maybe we're stupid. [02:05:04] We came in and we invested in something that was a bad idea. [02:05:07] Or maybe Mr. Starkey is stupid for saying [02:05:11] that maybe the housing should go first. [02:05:13] But the bottom line is we're both either really stupid [02:05:16] or we're really, really smart, [02:05:17] because both of us are the first ones that are doing it. [02:05:21] The people that are starting the new business [02:05:23] are innovative enough to take the risk. [02:05:26] And then you have the person that wants to put [02:05:28] the housing in there to bring the people to that business. [02:05:33] You know, that's pretty much what we have to say. [02:05:37] We're a business that's sitting down there [02:05:38] and we need people to come in. [02:05:40] For the record, could you tell us what your business is? [02:05:43] We're SIPP. [02:05:44] We're the wine bar on Grand Boulevard. [02:05:47] Thank you. [02:05:49] Anyone else? [02:05:50] Thank you. [02:05:51] Thank you. [02:05:51] Thank you. [02:05:52] Thank you. [02:05:53] Thank you. [02:05:54] Thank you. [02:05:55] And we love walking to SIPP. [02:05:56] That's what's great about living downtown. [02:05:58] We love walking to SIPP. [02:06:02] She prompted me to come up as a business owner. [02:06:05] My name is Rod Wortham. [02:06:06] I own My Network One, 6345 Grand Boulevard. [02:06:09] My talk's gonna be real short. [02:06:11] I've been to all three or four of these open forums [02:06:14] and it is real simple. [02:06:17] You cannot get the business without the people. [02:06:20] With the type of project that Mr. Starkey's putting in [02:06:23] and what's going on in Main Street Landing, [02:06:25] that's gonna bring the people with the dispendable income [02:06:27] downtown, excuse me, that's gonna attract business owners [02:06:31] to want to come down here. [02:06:33] And as being in business for myself, [02:06:36] for almost over 30 years, [02:06:37] I don't see that happening right now. [02:06:39] And I think both of these projects are great. [02:06:42] I think that Mr. Starkey shouldn't be penalized [02:06:45] for what happened on Main Street. [02:06:46] I know you guys are doing a great job. [02:06:48] And I can tell anybody that thinks that that's not happening [02:06:51] we unofficially fly a drone over that every Thursday [02:06:55] to check out the progress. [02:06:57] Kind of was gonna be a surprise for Debbie [02:06:58] to put this time-lapse video together for. [02:07:01] But I can tell you that things are happening there. [02:07:04] And pretty soon I think that New Port Richey [02:07:06] is gonna be a great place. [02:07:08] And as these young millennials said [02:07:10] that they want to come and live here, [02:07:11] a lot of them do work out of their homes [02:07:13] and they do walk everywhere they want to go. [02:07:15] But I just want to be able to put my two cents in [02:07:18] that if the residents are here, the businesses will come. [02:07:21] Thank you. [02:07:21] Thank you. [02:07:22] Thank you. [02:07:36] Hi, my name is Jean. [02:07:38] I just wanted to also say that- [02:07:40] Can you give us your address please? [02:07:42] Because we have to keep it for the record. [02:07:44] Oh, okay. [02:07:44] And your last name. [02:07:46] Oh, okay. [02:07:47] Jean Laverden, sorry I'm new. [02:07:49] I live on Binnacle Drive in New Port Richey. [02:07:54] I just wanted to say that as someone [02:07:56] who recently moved here and I go to downtown a lot, [02:08:01] not as often though because I don't live close enough by, [02:08:05] but I also really enjoy seeing the businesses. [02:08:09] I think it's one of the things [02:08:10] that attracted me to this area. [02:08:12] And I know that that's just something [02:08:15] that people typically like. [02:08:17] And I know that SIP recently had to cut some [02:08:19] of the hours that they were open [02:08:20] because of a lack of business during those times. [02:08:24] And I've seen that happen since I've been here [02:08:26] that businesses have kind of changed their hours [02:08:28] and such to accommodate what they can afford to stay open. [02:08:33] And so I just see this, [02:08:35] from the little time I've been here, [02:08:36] I've witnessed this kind of like downfall [02:08:39] of these businesses that I really appreciate [02:08:41] and enjoy going to because of the lack of people around here. [02:08:45] And this is the trend that I'm seeing right now [02:08:48] by just being here for a small amount of time [02:08:50] and assuming that it would continue. [02:08:52] And also I have, from just hearing Mr. Starkey [02:08:55] speak about his project today, [02:08:57] it seems that he has demonstrated a lot of careful thought [02:09:00] in a lot of these issues from what he said. [02:09:04] And while there are lots of valid concerns [02:09:06] that will always be there in anything that we do, [02:09:08] any progress, any change about like parking and traffic [02:09:12] and what they will do, [02:09:13] I think there will always be a lot of different variables [02:09:16] and a lot of different risks in all of those. [02:09:18] But I do totally agree that the business and the people, [02:09:25] if there's no people for the business, [02:09:28] then the businesses won't, the businesses will die. [02:09:32] And then if the businesses die, nobody will come here. [02:09:35] And it's just kind of a downworld spiral. [02:09:39] Yeah, I guess that's all. [02:09:41] Thank you. [02:09:42] Yeah. [02:09:43] Yes. [02:09:44] Thank you. [02:09:44] Thank you. [02:09:47] No one else getting up to come down? [02:09:51] We'll bring it back to council. [02:09:53] Do we need to take a short break? [02:09:54] That would be awesome. [02:09:55] Yeah, I think if you allow us. [02:09:57] Let's take a 10 minute break. [02:09:59] We've been going since... [02:10:01] And realize we've got about, we've got an agenda. [02:10:04] Yeah. [02:10:06] Mr. Mayor, if you would be so kind as to let me know [02:10:10] when you're assembled, because I can't see you. [02:10:15] When you reassemble back from your break, [02:10:18] please make note of that. [02:12:40] Thank you. [02:12:41] Thank you. [02:14:10] . . [02:14:11] . . [02:14:12] . . [02:14:13] . . [02:14:14] . . [02:14:15] . . [02:14:16] . . [02:14:17] . . [02:14:18] . . [02:14:19] . . [02:14:20] . [02:14:21] . . [02:14:22] . . [02:14:23] . . [02:14:24] . . [02:14:25] . . [02:14:26] . . [02:14:27] . . [02:14:28] . . [02:14:29] . . [02:14:30] . [02:14:31] . [02:14:32] . K [02:14:39] . . [02:14:40] . [02:14:41] . [02:14:42] . [02:14:43] . [02:14:44] . [02:14:45] . [02:14:46] . [02:14:47] . [02:14:48] . [02:14:49] . [02:14:50] . [02:14:51] . [02:14:52] . [02:14:53] . [02:14:54] . [02:14:55] . [02:14:56] . [02:14:57] . [02:14:58] . [02:14:59] . [02:15:00] . [02:15:01] . [02:15:02] . [02:15:03] . [02:15:04] . [02:15:05] .. [02:15:06] . [02:15:30] Yn ddiweddaraf, rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cael eu cymryd. [02:15:40] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cael eu cymryd. [02:15:50] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cael eu cymryd. [02:16:00] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:16:10] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:16:20] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:16:30] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:16:40] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:16:50] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:00] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:10] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:20] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:30] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r rhesymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:40] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:17:50] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:00] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:10] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:20] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:30] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:40] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:18:50] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:19:00] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:19:10] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:19:20] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn i'r resymau sy'n cymryd. [02:19:30] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn. [02:19:40] Rydyn ni'n gobeithio y byddwn ni'n gweithio'n fawr iawn. [02:19:50] We're going to call the meeting back to order, and I'm going to bring it back to Council [02:20:00] and ask our City Attorney if he would read the appropriate legalese. [02:20:04] All right, this is Ordinance 2017-2110, an ordinance vacating 2.071 acre portions of Central Avenue [02:20:11] between Circle Boulevard and Adams Street, more fully described herein, and in Exhibit A, [02:20:16] and reserving unto the City of New Port Richey, Florida, a utility easement in, under, on, over, and above, [02:20:21] said right of way, more fully described herein, providing for severability, and an effective date. [02:20:26] From a legal standpoint, it's my understanding that we will need to have two separate votes on this. [02:20:31] That is correct. [02:20:32] However, if it pleases the Council, we can go through with some initial discussion on the combined topics. [02:20:41] Mr. Phillips wasn't here last time we voted. [02:20:44] Would you like to start, Mr. Phillips? [02:20:46] Are we having a presentation from City staff again? [02:20:52] I don't know. [02:20:53] Number one. Number two. [02:20:56] Obviously, it's a quasi-judicial element. [02:21:00] I don't think that's been brought out. [02:21:03] So I'm just trying to make sure that we've got proper protocol. [02:21:06] Do we have any separate presentation? [02:21:09] We don't typically have a presentation in conjunction with a second reading on an ordinance, [02:21:16] and we are not prepared to have one this evening. [02:21:20] We, though, are prepared to respond to any additional questions that you may have of us. [02:21:25] Councilman Phillips is right. [02:21:27] This is quasi-judicial, which means that anybody who has had an ex parte communication needs to declare same. [02:21:34] I had a text from Mr. Starkey that I did not return because I knew it was quasi-judicial, [02:21:39] and I wasn't here at the last meeting. [02:21:41] I also had reached out to Mr. Smith after looking at the tape and asking him for his information. [02:21:47] He promised that he would send it to me. [02:21:49] I, in turn, got it from the city clerk, [02:21:54] so I wanted to make sure that there was no inference of talking to one person and not the other. [02:22:03] So that's the extent of the contact I've had. [02:22:06] I didn't have any prior to being out of town at the last meeting. [02:22:11] I've had conversations with a whole bunch of people. [02:22:14] I think Mr. Starkey being the only one I haven't had a conversation with regarding the project. [02:22:23] I've spoken with Mr. Smith. [02:22:26] Go ahead, Judy. [02:22:28] Thank you. [02:22:29] I've been pretty much out of town since the last, more shortly after the last meeting, [02:22:33] and I have had no conversations, personal or otherwise, with anyone involved with this project [02:22:38] other than my routine questions to Ms. Vance. [02:22:44] Deputy Mayor. [02:22:45] I've had conversations with Mr. Starkey since the last meeting, but none regarding this project. [02:22:50] Mr. Davis. [02:22:51] I've been a friend of Mr. Starkey since 1996 and had numerous conversations, but nothing about this project. [02:23:00] Very good. [02:23:01] So that being out of the way, discussion points? [02:23:04] Yeah, you can bring them back. [02:23:05] That's fine. [02:23:07] Mr. Bell-Thomas, I want to give you the visual here. [02:23:10] I've moved over into your chair this evening, [02:23:13] and the city clerk has asked me not to spread out any farther with my information [02:23:19] due to the fact that I'm invading a couple of spaces. [02:23:21] So please indulge me that I wasn't at the last meeting. [02:23:25] I wasn't able to attend either by conference or by Skype, [02:23:29] but I have had the opportunity to look at the tapes of the meetings [02:23:36] and the comments that were made, both positive on both sides. [02:23:42] I have to tell you that growing up here, [02:23:47] and some people talk about downtown businesses. [02:23:50] My dad had a downtown business he moved three times, [02:23:54] from next to the theater out to Nisner Plaza, [02:23:58] which is where the Suncoast News is or where it used to be, [02:24:01] and then one of the first stores in Southgate. [02:24:04] So obviously I've seen the evolution of New Port Richey. [02:24:08] What I found interesting that night looking at the tape, [02:24:11] and I've looked at it three times, [02:24:13] because I wanted to make sure I understood the aspects of the people [02:24:17] that brought concerns, the city staff presentation, [02:24:21] and then the interaction that we had from council. [02:24:24] I don't know how well we were listening that night [02:24:30] due to the fact that immediately after public comment got over, [02:24:35] there was a motion made, and we automatically went into something. [02:24:38] To me, that reminds me of the 90s when one of my millennial sons, [02:24:42] who's 34, 35 now, basically used to use the old adage, [02:24:46] talk to the hand. [02:24:48] I really didn't appreciate it, didn't like looking at it on tape. [02:24:51] Then listening to the staff's presentation, [02:24:54] and then obviously the interactions that went back and forth. [02:25:00] I went back and pulled the Land Development Review Board notes, [02:25:05] because I wanted to understand their concerns. [02:25:08] I see the letter from the people on Central Avenue. [02:25:12] I see Mr. Gallagher's email, [02:25:14] which doesn't seem to have been answered one way or the other. [02:25:17] I can't understand where it's at. [02:25:20] Then obviously the staff's presentation that night, [02:25:24] which all left me with a few questions, [02:25:29] but what it really left me with is that we obviously enjoyed Mr. Starkey's project. [02:25:36] We made him one heck of a deal on the property. [02:25:40] Let's be clear. [02:25:42] We made him a heck of a deal, and we know we did, [02:25:45] but we've been trying to figure out what to do with this property since 2005 [02:25:50] when that council wanted to get further involved in the real estate business. [02:25:56] Not only with that property and the incubator building, [02:26:00] which we'll speak to later on this evening, [02:26:03] because we have a lease agreement coming on that. [02:26:06] Then on top of that, we let Main Street Landings get out of the gate, [02:26:10] and we let them build the big monstrosity front building, [02:26:13] not anybody up here, [02:26:15] and now we have to live with what's on that property trying to finish it. [02:26:19] We have the Hacienda that we spent $2 million on, [02:26:23] and we have the River Road property. [02:26:25] I've made the bad joke over and over for the last five, six years that we run a non-profit. [02:26:32] We've got three major pieces of property that we don't get any ad valorem taxes on, [02:26:37] and every time we start to move forward, [02:26:42] it's kind of like, why haven't we done X, Y, and Z? [02:26:47] I don't know how you can sustainably make those properties work today [02:26:52] without more density, which we've designed into downtown [02:26:57] and not into our neighborhoods, [02:26:59] but I found that, especially listening to the people on Central Avenue, [02:27:05] as well as some of the concerns that were brought up at the Land Development Review Board, [02:27:12] and when the motion was made on first reading, [02:27:18] we didn't add any caveats to what staff had presented us. [02:27:24] God bless staff, they can bring us whatever, [02:27:27] but we have a role, and Mr. Cain brought it up earlier, [02:27:30] we have a role to lead, [02:27:32] and in my mind, we didn't add additional stipulations to get a better course of action [02:27:38] and a better feeling of where we are on the project [02:27:42] and where we want to see it go so that we get some benchmarks [02:27:45] and we get some feeling of security on the development of the property. [02:27:54] I thought it very interesting that the lady that was here that night [02:27:57] talked about post-traumatic stress as it relates to Main Street landings, [02:28:01] and I hate that we have to continue to go back and live that over and over again [02:28:05] because we really have tried to jumpstart that project on a lot of things. [02:28:10] I think we've missed the boat a little bit on trying to evaluate the parking. [02:28:16] I know Mr. Starkey has his parking. [02:28:19] I really wanted to tie some additional requirements to the Phase 3 parcel, [02:28:25] making it parking until it ever gets evaluated. [02:28:29] I think we ought to pave those alleyways, [02:28:33] and I personally think it ought to be a one-third city, two-thirds developer [02:28:37] because the county, every time they do a development out in lovely Trinity [02:28:42] and all of those, they drive the road work back to the developer. [02:28:46] We didn't talk about that. [02:28:48] We were asked about construction times. [02:28:50] There was nothing talked about construction times. [02:28:53] We get all excited about people picking up the trash all hours of the day, [02:28:59] and then we don't talk about that. [02:29:03] Obviously, we all have a lot of concerns about where Phase 2 is, [02:29:08] how long they're going to hold, [02:29:10] and if for some reason Phase 2 doesn't come along and they flip the property [02:29:14] and they make a million dollars, then we look even worse. [02:29:18] That's the reason I was looking for some conditional elements there. [02:29:22] Ms. Fierce gave us her overview and basically said, [02:29:28] in it, she gave some references to possibly current trends [02:29:34] and who's got driver's license and all those things, [02:29:36] and I'm like, I just don't see that applicable here in New Port Richey, [02:29:41] and identifying in the CapEx plan that we've got site acquisition elements [02:29:49] underway for parking. [02:29:51] I'm not aware that we have that, [02:29:54] and we didn't fully address the speeding issues on Central Avenue. [02:30:00] So, to me, we did not, in my mind, effectively add additional elements to the rezoning of [02:30:09] these properties to effectively protect our interests, the interests of the developer, [02:30:17] because I don't see any reason why we can't initially put a four-way stop at the corner [02:30:24] of Jefferson and Central. [02:30:27] I don't think the median needs to be fully developed right now. [02:30:30] I think it could be a lower profile until phase two comes along. [02:30:35] And nobody ever spoke about what was happening with the ad valorem tax side of this deal, [02:30:42] what the extra dollars were going to be coming in on the ad valorem side to put the property [02:30:46] back into use, and how we would target those ad valorem dollars to address parking and, [02:30:54] you know, I guess my time's up, because my alarm must be going off. [02:31:00] And I recognize I wasn't here last time, and you get the inference. [02:31:05] I was on Las Vegas time, and I can tell you on that meeting, Skyping in or calling in [02:31:10] like Mr. Bella-Thomas' tonight, it would have been very tough to be understood. [02:31:15] So, in my mind, I'm here at second reading, and I have elements on this rezoning. [02:31:22] I agree with Mr. Langford that the easements, but the right-of-way elements, those need [02:31:29] to be better defined in how they're going to be utilized. [02:31:35] But I also recognize that the only way we're going to move the city and businesses and [02:31:41] elements in the city is to attract a younger and a more vibrant base. [02:31:48] And I've been talking about taking our money from the CRA and from Penny for Pasco for [02:31:54] five years and reinvesting those into our neighborhoods. [02:31:58] We haven't done it. [02:32:00] And so here we are, we get to play the neighborhoods against this project, and the only way we're [02:32:06] going to drive viable identification and identity for the city of New Port Richey is by moving [02:32:17] these projects, but making sure that we make the developers step up and do incremental [02:32:24] elements that we can all point back to as what we were trying to do in the best interest [02:32:29] of the city, and not just automatically approve what staff presented us. [02:32:38] Because under the rezoning, and I spoke to Mr. Frisco, we have the capabilities of talking [02:32:43] about parking. [02:32:44] We have the capabilities of talking about other elements in approving this, and I wanted [02:32:51] to give the residents on Central some peace of mind. [02:32:55] I wanted to talk about those alleyways, and then I really think we have to talk about [02:32:59] the defined additional parking on what would be the north side of the city, and obviously [02:33:06] what we're going to do in the downtown. [02:33:08] And everybody will tell us we've got chicken and egg, or cart before the horse, all those [02:33:12] kind of things, but I was hoping that we would at least be able to talk about some [02:33:18] qualifiers and some elements that we could put into this approval that would give me [02:33:26] more peace of mind, which I hope would give the residents more peace of mind, and I agree [02:33:32] I'm not overwhelmed with the new design concept. [02:33:37] I understand the economic side with the buildings, but I'm also not overwhelmed at having some [02:33:45] big white elements there. [02:33:47] Then we get into interior design, which we don't do very well either. [02:33:51] So you asked me, Mr. Mayor, since I wasn't here, to give you my thoughts, and those are [02:33:57] where they are, and I really think that the people on Central Avenue had some really valid [02:34:01] points that we should have addressed in first reading so that we could have helped getting [02:34:09] the things through on second reading. [02:34:11] That's where I am. [02:34:12] Thank you, Councilman Phillips. [02:34:13] I appreciate your comments very much. [02:34:17] I agree with Mr. Webb, Adams and Main is scary now, and perhaps this is something Mr. Rivera [02:34:30] might know, how difficult would it be to add a light there? [02:34:37] We would have to do a study that there's, according to the federal manual, there's certain [02:34:43] criteria that you have to meet, and if it does, then it qualifies for a signal. [02:34:48] It may not qualify today, but it may well after this thing is done. [02:34:53] That is a blind intersection. [02:34:59] One of the people who I mentioned as an ex parte communication actually sent a letter [02:35:08] back to them. [02:35:09] They live on Central and were complaining about traffic, and they're concerned about [02:35:15] speeding was 29 miles an hour, which I understand in a 25 zone isn't officially categorized [02:35:21] as speeding, but they made the comment that there ought to be a four-way at Jefferson [02:35:30] and Central, and that comment was made again tonight. [02:35:35] I go to church at Jefferson, Indiana, and frequently will leave church and come down [02:35:41] Jefferson to Main Street to go home. [02:35:46] The phrase I used in the letter that I wrote back to them is it is sometimes exciting to [02:35:52] get across that intersection. [02:35:56] That may be an understatement. [02:35:57] It may be a just go back and pray again that you've been saved because you made it across [02:36:05] alive. [02:36:07] There are limited sight distances, and I appreciate the fact that people are parking on the street [02:36:14] because Central is a nice wide street where you can do that, but it is absolutely scary [02:36:22] even on a Sunday morning to try to get across Central Avenue at Jefferson, and I would strongly [02:36:28] encourage staff to look at that for four-way stop purposes because, again, we had apartments [02:36:37] a block down. [02:36:39] That situation gets worse, not better. [02:36:42] We can take a look at it. [02:36:47] I made a note about the Orange Lake enhancements because one of the ladies talked about how [02:36:51] much she loves walking around it. [02:36:53] I think after we get done with what we're going to be doing there, she's going to love [02:36:57] it even more. [02:37:00] The last item I want to address, but I'm going to hold off on it because it's not really [02:37:04] apropos to the discussion of this particular project, is the comment that Mr. Waters made [02:37:11] regarding River Road. [02:37:12] I think that's a separate issue that we do need to talk about, and I'll bring that up [02:37:16] in communications and reports, and if I don't, somebody kick me and remind me that I forgot [02:37:20] to. [02:37:24] This is a project that, done right, can be good for the city. [02:37:33] It has the potential. [02:37:34] I'm not as excited about the parking issue as some folks are, first of all, because I [02:37:40] think Mr. Starkey may be right, and secondly, if he's wrong, there are plenty of places [02:37:45] where he can lease parking pretty much every night of the week if he needs to for people [02:37:52] to live there within a block of the complex. [02:37:56] That being said, Deputy Mayor? [02:37:59] Let me apologize. [02:38:00] I also watched the meeting, like I always do back, and I made a comment that New Park [02:38:05] to Your Residence don't adapt well to change, and I don't think that was a fair comment. [02:38:09] Actually, Mr. Starkey corrected me. [02:38:10] I think it's more of a human nature that adapting to change is tough for everyone, not just [02:38:15] New Park to Your Residence, so let me apologize for that. [02:38:19] I am in favor of the project. [02:38:20] One thing I do want to clarify. [02:38:22] I was able to attend the Land Development Review Board meeting. [02:38:26] One of the concerns for the Central, the residents of Central, and I drove up Central [02:38:30] on my way here today, and I drive up Central very often throughout the week, is that they [02:38:35] don't have, a lot of the houses, I'd say about half the homes on Central between Madison [02:38:41] and the Lake don't have driveways, so they're forced to park on the road. [02:38:46] They were concerned with this project if it proved that we were automatically going to [02:38:51] put medians in, landscape medians, all the way to Madison, and I'm not in favor of that [02:38:58] at this point. [02:38:59] By any means, I'm in favor. [02:39:00] I'm okay with the medians right between the phase one and phase two. [02:39:02] I think it's going to look very nice, but I just want to address that. [02:39:06] I'm not pushing, and if we were to approve this tonight, does not approve the city putting [02:39:13] in medians all the way to Madison on Central, so that was a concern they had. [02:39:18] I heard at the LDRB meeting, and at the first reading of this, I'm in favor of the project. [02:39:24] I think we, I'm so glad you all came, and I'm so glad everyone came. [02:39:27] The cool thing about this, even though we don't agree, everyone in the room doesn't [02:39:31] agree, everyone's passionate about our city, and they're here because they want what's [02:39:33] best for our city, and we are elected officials, and we do represent you all, and as elected [02:39:38] officials, I've always tried to, since I've been up here in my heart, make the best decision [02:39:43] for what I think is best for Newport Ridge as a whole, and I think if we sit back and [02:39:47] don't do anything and do what we've been doing for the last 10 years, I think these [02:39:51] rentals that everybody talks about are going to continue to become dilapidated. [02:39:55] I think people are going to move out of more mobile homes. [02:39:56] I think people are going to move out of, older residents are going to move out of owner-occupied [02:40:00] dwellings. [02:40:01] I think they're going to be gobbled up by slumlords that we deal with on a regular basis [02:40:05] right now, and that's what I don't want. [02:40:08] I think we have to attract the millennial generation and people that take pride in their [02:40:12] city and want a walkable, vibrant community to our city limits, and this is one way of [02:40:18] doing so. [02:40:19] So, when I hear rentals versus rentals, I hear it from good friends of mine as well [02:40:22] that say we don't need more rentals. [02:40:25] This may not be the best example, but this is a slide, can you bring up the photos? [02:40:30] This is actually going to be in one of the attachments at our CRA meeting. [02:40:33] This is a project that Mr. Stark and his investors are working on right now. [02:40:37] Before, this is what you're seeing right now, and hopefully this is supposed to be done [02:40:40] by December, and if you can slide up, this is a projection of what it's going to look [02:40:45] like on Main Street, front and back. [02:40:48] I don't think that's a project put together by a slumlord, or by someone that's looking [02:40:52] to flip properties. [02:40:54] I really don't. [02:40:55] If you can keep going up, it shows the back on Railroad Square compared to what's currently [02:40:58] there and what it's going to look like. [02:41:01] Current view, which really isn't all that bad, and enhanced view. [02:41:05] This is another project that Mr. Stark is working on. [02:41:07] I have all the faith in his artistic and development abilities based on his track [02:41:13] record with Longleaf, based on what he's projecting to do, and he's putting in a lot of money [02:41:17] into this building. [02:41:19] Like I said, I hope I'm not letting the cat out of the bag here, but it was an attachment [02:41:22] on our next CRA meeting that's going to be held after this. [02:41:26] When I saw this, when I was looking through the agenda and I saw this, what's happening [02:41:30] with the supermarket downtown, it was awesome to see the visual of what's actually going [02:41:36] to be there compared to what's there. [02:41:38] I endorse his vision for the city, for what he's trying to do to get your friends to want [02:41:44] to come live in a vibrant city. [02:41:46] I went with some friends out downtown a few weeks ago for my birthday, and it was dead. [02:41:51] Lisa and her husband have a really, really, really cool place. [02:41:55] They just need residents that live here that are going to go there. [02:41:57] People go there, but the target market is not yet here. [02:42:01] I commend Mr. Stark, and I thank him for seeing that. [02:42:06] The people that are opposed to the project that I've spoke to, a lot of them are still [02:42:10] basing their opposition on the current demographics. [02:42:15] We're trying to change those demographics. [02:42:17] That's why we're doing this, in my opinion. [02:42:19] I also have a lot of faith in the Zimmerman-Volk study. [02:42:24] I understand there's not people living downtown right now who want to pay $1,100 a month for [02:42:28] a one-bedroom, but I think if we build this project, if we get a brewery, if we proceed [02:42:33] with a lot of the ideas that are out there for a downtown corridor, people are going [02:42:37] to want to come and rent these apartments. [02:42:39] Young millennials, a lot of young, educated people don't drive to Tampa anymore. [02:42:43] They do. [02:42:44] They work out of their homes. [02:42:46] Those are the type of people we're trying to attract to our city. [02:42:49] Once again, I thank everybody for coming out on both sides, whether you're opposed to it [02:42:54] or in favor of the project. [02:42:55] My gut tells me this is the right thing to do. [02:42:59] What's not been talked about is the debt service we have on the current properties that we [02:43:03] own right there. [02:43:06] The residents may not know this, most of you. [02:43:08] The debt service on the interest on the loans that were used and refinanced, again, to purchase [02:43:13] that property back in 2005 is $125,000 a year. [02:43:17] That's what the city taxpayers are paying right now, just in interest on those loans. [02:43:22] Are we going to be able to pay this back based on what Mr. Starkey's purchased the property [02:43:25] for? [02:43:26] Absolutely not. [02:43:27] Do I want to sit on it for 10 more years and keep paying a buck and a quarter in interest? [02:43:31] Absolutely not. [02:43:32] I think this is the right way to go. [02:43:34] Once again, we don't have a crystal ball. [02:43:37] I appreciate everybody's opinion. [02:43:39] I pray to God that I'm right, but I'm going to endorse this project and I'm excited about [02:43:43] it. [02:43:44] Thank you. [02:43:45] Councilman Davis. [02:43:46] I'm going to back a lot of what Jeff said, but I want to take it in another direction. [02:43:50] In 1983, I came here and I opened up a bar on Main Street. [02:43:55] It's Jilly's. [02:43:56] It was my first wife's name. [02:43:58] It's still there for those of you who don't know that I'm the one that opened it up. [02:44:03] Along in that section, I used to call it the gateway to downtown New Port Richey because [02:44:07] I had a lumber yard. [02:44:09] I had a strip of stores that were only half full. [02:44:13] I had a florist. [02:44:15] I had a little art gallery where Walgreens is now. [02:44:22] We had a Barnett used furniture and TV store. [02:44:27] We had a small complex where Main Street Landings is. [02:44:32] It was dilapidated at the time. [02:44:37] I came here and I worked with F.I. [02:44:40] Gray. [02:44:41] They said, come downtown. [02:44:43] You'll make it downtown. [02:44:44] You'll make it downtown. [02:44:47] We were out there by ourselves. [02:44:48] Judy, you can vouch for this because you had your business down there. [02:44:51] We tried a lot of different things. [02:44:53] We closed off Main Street between the river and 19 to try to, had car shows, had different [02:44:59] things to try to bring. [02:45:00] bring people to that side of town from downtown. [02:45:03] Well, since Mario came aboard, [02:45:05] we've gone ahead and taken downtown [02:45:07] and we've made it from 50% occupancy [02:45:10] to about 80% occupancy. [02:45:12] That's only downtown. [02:45:13] That's not up on the gateway, [02:45:17] what I call the gateway to downtown Opa-Richard, [02:45:20] or if we get down by the old hospital. [02:45:22] There's a higher occupancy or unoccupancy [02:45:28] down in those areas than this figure of 80% occupancy. [02:45:32] Down that area, we have lots of places [02:45:34] open up by the hospital. [02:45:37] The medical building that used to be, [02:45:40] in fact, that was Suncoast News, I think, [02:45:43] or was it Suncoast News, I think. [02:45:45] At that time, that's where they printed them. [02:45:47] That was the kind of businesses [02:45:48] that were on Main Street at the time. [02:45:50] Now it's a medical building. [02:45:51] But it's only got one floor occupancy now. [02:45:54] And you're looking at, we need people downtown, [02:45:57] and I back up Lisa, because she's just the same thing. [02:46:00] I put more money in Jilly's to get it open [02:46:02] than most people have in their houses downtown. [02:46:04] So if you want the businesses to come, [02:46:06] you have to have the residents downtown to make it. [02:46:08] And I used to say, at that time, [02:46:10] there wasn't a median down Main Street. [02:46:12] And people would turn down Main Street [02:46:14] and it wasn't 54, it wasn't 52, [02:46:17] it wasn't Ridge Road, and they made a mistake. [02:46:19] And so here they're doing a U-turn [02:46:20] right in front of my business. [02:46:22] And I would say, if every one of the businesses, [02:46:24] I mean, every one of the cars that made a U-turn [02:46:26] would come in and have a drink, I would make it. [02:46:28] I would make it. [02:46:29] And I kept wishing and hoping, [02:46:31] but that's the type of thing. [02:46:33] We're gonna bring in people that are gonna be making, [02:46:36] to live in these 1,000 to $1,500 places, [02:46:39] they're gonna be making that 40 to 50 [02:46:41] or more thousand dollars a year. [02:46:43] And that's the type of people we wanna come down. [02:46:46] Right now we have 63% what we call ALICE, [02:46:49] people living in Newport Ridge. [02:46:51] That's asset limited, income constrained, but employed. [02:46:54] And we have two of our largest businesses are call centers, [02:47:01] and that's not very high paying jobs. [02:47:03] But if these people are gonna find these two places, [02:47:06] the Main Street, Landings, and Orange Lake, [02:47:08] find these places to stay, [02:47:10] then the businesses are gonna come downtown. [02:47:12] Lisa's gonna say, I'm with you, Chopper, I'm with you. [02:47:15] Because we made it, we started with scratch [02:47:17] and nobody around. [02:47:19] But that's why I'm supporting this project. [02:47:22] We get the people down here, [02:47:23] the businesses will come down. [02:47:24] We'll fill up that area down by the old hospital. [02:47:26] We'll fill up the gateway area between 19 and Main Street. [02:47:30] And then the other 20% downtown, it'll fill up too. [02:47:33] And then we'll have that vibrant town [02:47:35] and these people that wanna walk around town [02:47:37] and they'll all be talking about Main Street [02:47:39] and they'll all be talking about Newport Ridge [02:47:41] and we'll be saying, hey, we were there [02:47:42] for when it was nothing and nobody was coming there. [02:47:46] So I'm looking for the growth, [02:47:47] not only for the residential, [02:47:49] but I'm looking for the growth for the businesses [02:47:51] and that's why I'm supporting this. [02:47:54] Thank you, Councilman. [02:47:55] Councilman DeBelle Thomas. [02:47:59] Yes, can you hear me? [02:48:00] We can hear you. [02:48:02] Okay, well, first of all, [02:48:03] I do wanna thank everyone that came tonight. [02:48:06] This is the most difficult [02:48:10] with the audio and the lack of video. [02:48:13] So please bear with me. [02:48:14] But I do appreciate everyone that came tonight [02:48:16] and for the most part, I did hear most of the comments. [02:48:20] There's a little bit of wavering back and forth, [02:48:23] but there was something that was said earlier this evening [02:48:28] when Officer Kostas was here [02:48:31] and he said, they're like-minded thinkers [02:48:35] who don't think alike. [02:48:36] And I think that we could agree this evening [02:48:39] that probably we all have the best interest [02:48:44] of the city at heart. [02:48:46] We may not be coming at it the same way, [02:48:50] but I think we're all thinking in terms of [02:48:52] what is best for the city? [02:48:55] And I think that over the last few years, [02:48:57] we've been a little schizophrenic about development. [02:49:00] On the one hand, prior council did what they did [02:49:05] expecting for there to be redevelopment. [02:49:08] We've owned this property, I believe, since 2005 [02:49:13] and hoping and praying that someone would come in [02:49:16] to develop it and now we do have someone [02:49:20] who's willing to do that. [02:49:22] We may not agree 100% on the, [02:49:26] maybe the aesthetic of the project, [02:49:28] but I think over the last 16 or 17 years [02:49:33] when I was involved with the Main Street Program, [02:49:36] coming back from conferences or visiting other cities, [02:49:41] we heard a lot of times the same thing. [02:49:45] We want to be like Dunedin, why aren't we like Dunedin? [02:49:49] And we all seem to believe, we are not Dunedin, [02:49:53] we are not any other city, but we are our city. [02:49:56] But one of the things that other cities did [02:50:00] is exactly where we are now, [02:50:02] bringing in upscale or apartments into our downtown [02:50:10] which is going to create feet on the street, [02:50:14] the feet that the businesses, [02:50:16] and I applaud Ms. Lisa for coming in. [02:50:19] I don't know that you're stupid, I don't believe that. [02:50:22] I believe that you have a vision [02:50:25] as many of us have for our city [02:50:28] and to feel that old expression that came out of a movie, [02:50:35] if you build it, they will come. [02:50:36] I believe that that is what we're doing. [02:50:39] We are creating the necessary elements [02:50:44] to bring in the community. [02:50:46] And I think that there's a lot more people [02:50:49] that we want to see in our downtown are here. [02:50:52] They're kind of in the shadows [02:50:54] and I think that these two developments [02:50:57] that we're working on right now [02:50:58] are going to definitely turn the tide [02:51:02] on what we are expecting in our downtown. [02:51:07] Many years ago, we talked about design elements [02:51:11] of our downtown. [02:51:11] I think that we never really adopted the design guidelines. [02:51:18] We have them as guidelines [02:51:20] and it goes back to when we first became a main street city. [02:51:25] One of the four legs of that program is design [02:51:31] and that early council and the early visionaries [02:51:36] of the main street program came up with design guidelines [02:51:40] that address a color palette of the architecture [02:51:45] that we'd like to see, et cetera, et cetera. [02:51:46] And perhaps this may be a time for us to dust it off [02:51:51] and revisit it again if we are wanting developers [02:51:56] to come in with a particular palette. [02:51:58] And if we don't want to see white buildings in our downtown, [02:52:01] I'm not gonna pretend that I have an expertise in that. [02:52:05] I know what I like, I'm not a fan of white, [02:52:10] but that might be something that we can explore. [02:52:14] I don't think that we're going to lose [02:52:17] any of the features of Orange Lake. [02:52:19] We're still going to see the sunsets [02:52:23] and still have that bucolic feel. [02:52:25] I had mentioned in the last time we met [02:52:29] that a lot of the traveling that I've done, [02:52:31] I see this type of planned development [02:52:33] where they have it with easy access to a park [02:52:38] and whatever element of a park it is, [02:52:41] whether it's a strip of grass with some seating around it, [02:52:47] or if it's something as beautiful [02:52:50] and developed as our Orange Lake. [02:52:53] I actually am in favor of the design for Central Avenue [02:52:59] because I think that it, [02:53:01] I think that stretch of Central Avenue east of Madison [02:53:05] that has that median in the middle with the planting [02:53:09] is a beautiful piece of that strip of property. [02:53:14] And I think I'd like to see that. [02:53:15] I think that would, [02:53:16] I know some of the folks the last time we were talking [02:53:19] were concerned about speeding or traffic issues on Central. [02:53:25] Right now it is like Grand Central Parkway [02:53:30] on that area of Central between Orange Lake and Madison [02:53:34] because it is so wide and broad. [02:53:37] And so I think that helping develop that neighborhood, [02:53:41] that becomes a very classic walkable neighborhood [02:53:47] when you have those medians in it, [02:53:48] when you have street parking, [02:53:52] all the things that I think will add to the ambience [02:53:55] of attracting people to come to that development. [02:53:59] So as I had said at the last, [02:54:06] at the last time we were talking about the first reading, [02:54:09] I am very much in favor of this. [02:54:11] And if this is the appropriate time for us to bring forward, [02:54:17] oh, and I do want to make mention of some of the elements [02:54:20] that Mr. Phillips had mentioned as well. [02:54:24] I don't think that we were in a rush [02:54:26] to do anything the last time. [02:54:27] I just think that we wanted to be certain [02:54:32] that this was a project [02:54:33] that we definitely want to move forward. [02:54:35] Do we need to make, do some tweaking? [02:54:38] Perhaps we do. [02:54:39] And if this is the time that we'd need to do that, [02:54:41] I just do not want to stall the forward motion on this. [02:54:45] If there's still an opportunity, [02:54:46] if I were to make a motion [02:54:48] to accept the ordinance 2109, [02:54:54] the rezoning of the property, [02:54:56] as well as the vacating the portion of Central Avenue, [02:55:01] I would like to do that. [02:55:04] So to confirm that we are definitely moving forward [02:55:07] with this project. [02:55:09] Mr. Bell, Thomas, [02:55:11] the two ordinances do need to be moved, [02:55:15] seconded, and voted on separately. [02:55:19] All right, well then, if it's the appropriate time [02:55:22] to take them one at a time with the 2109 rezoning, [02:55:27] I would like to make a motion that we do that. [02:55:30] We have a motion on the floor. [02:55:32] I'll second it. [02:55:33] We have a second. [02:55:34] To the maker? [02:55:37] No, I think that these were the issues [02:55:40] that we wanted to discuss. [02:55:43] Thank you. [02:55:44] To the second? [02:55:45] Nothing more. [02:55:46] Deputy Mayor? [02:55:47] Nothing further. [02:55:48] Councilman Phillips? [02:55:50] Just two questions. [02:55:51] There was a question asked at the last meeting [02:55:53] that on phase one, how many parking spaces [02:55:55] is that eliminating? [02:55:59] And there was a comment made [02:56:00] that that information would be available. [02:56:02] Number two, Mr. Rivera, [02:56:04] do we not have a traffic study [02:56:05] that we conducted a year, year and a half ago [02:56:07] with regards to major streets [02:56:10] and also the traffic flow in certain areas [02:56:13] of the city? [02:56:14] I thought Genesis did some overall plan for us. [02:56:16] I don't want to give the impression [02:56:17] that we haven't looked at traffic in our city. [02:56:19] Is that? [02:56:20] No, we did a traffic study when we, [02:56:23] right before we did Sims Park improvements. [02:56:27] We looked at the level of service as well in that report. [02:56:30] We did do a speed study on Central Avenue [02:56:33] about a year ago. [02:56:35] We are getting ready to put the counters down again [02:56:38] to get a more current reflection [02:56:40] on everything that's going on. [02:56:41] But we have studied traffic in that area. [02:56:43] Well, as far as I'm concerned, [02:56:46] we put a four-way stop at Lafayette [02:56:48] and something else without all that other rigmarole. [02:56:51] So as far as I'm concerned, [02:56:52] a four-way stop at Jefferson and Central Avenue [02:56:56] as a safety risk concern right now, [02:57:01] we weigh one project with all of these parameters. [02:57:04] We do something on the fly [02:57:06] at that intersection on Lafayette two years ago, [02:57:09] and we made it happen almost overnight, I believe. [02:57:12] I, unfortunately, unless we add additional caveats [02:57:15] that I've brought up, [02:57:17] I cannot support the motion that's on the floor [02:57:22] in the way it's written tonight [02:57:24] because I don't believe that we've properly addressed [02:57:26] concerns when they deal with alleyways, [02:57:29] with four-way stops, with parking issues like that. [02:57:33] I love the project, don't get me wrong, [02:57:35] but I don't think we've done enough [02:57:40] to address the impact in the exact corridor there. [02:57:44] And if that's getting in the way of progress, [02:57:48] then so be it. [02:57:49] But I feel like that we need to make sure [02:57:53] that we not only enhance Mr. Starkey's opportunity [02:57:57] to develop this property and bring that group in, [02:58:00] but I also think we need to take a real strong look [02:58:04] at the people that are paying taxes [02:58:05] in those houses right now. [02:58:07] That's going to the bottom line. [02:58:09] So unless there's some additional items [02:58:12] that go along with this rezoning, [02:58:15] I can't support it at its present stat, [02:58:18] the way it is right now. [02:58:19] Thank you. [02:58:21] Ms. Fierster, Mr. Rivera, [02:58:22] do you have other than a ballpark idea [02:58:25] what that north parking lot has? [02:58:28] I've got a ballpark of about 25 spaces [02:58:31] that are in that parking lot. [02:58:34] The other issue regarding on-street spaces, [02:58:37] there is a net gain of about 20 on-street spaces [02:58:41] with this development. [02:58:42] And yes, they are for the public for some first serve. [02:58:45] Just one other thing, Mr. Merriam, [02:58:46] because I don't get any comfort about phase three [02:58:49] and how it's going to be addressed right now. [02:58:52] And I don't have a development agreement [02:58:54] that talks about holding the property for three years [02:58:57] and not being able to flip phase two and all that. [02:59:00] Those are the kind of things that the best phrase [02:59:04] I can use gives me pause at the moment. [02:59:06] Not that I think they're going to do it, [02:59:08] not that I'm inferring that they will. [02:59:10] I just want to make sure that we are being diligent [02:59:15] on both sides of the project. [02:59:19] That's where I'm at. [02:59:20] Thank you. [02:59:27] I agree that the Jefferson Central's got to be dealt with. [02:59:30] I don't know that necessarily [02:59:32] needs to be a part of this motion though. [02:59:35] Because I think we can deal with that separately [02:59:38] as a safety issue. [02:59:41] I'm in favor of the project. [02:59:43] I think we've sat on this parcel far, far too long. [02:59:49] Councilman Phillips has over the years [02:59:52] been very vocal in saying we ought to get out [02:59:54] of the real estate business. [02:59:56] And this is a case where I happen to agree with him. [02:59:58] I think. [03:00:00] We need to get this thing back into private hands, back on the tax rolls. [03:00:05] It has sat costing the city far too much for far too long. [03:00:11] Any other discussion? [03:00:14] Hearing none, all those in favor please signify by saying, aye. [03:00:18] Aye. [03:00:19] Aye. [03:00:20] Opposed? [03:00:21] No. [03:00:22] Motion passes 4-1. [03:00:25] Would entertain a motion on ordinance 2017-2110. [03:00:32] I'll move to approve. [03:00:34] I'll second it. [03:00:35] To the maker. [03:00:38] No, thank you very much. [03:00:39] I do, no, that's fine, thank you. [03:00:42] I keep looking up the ceiling, because that's where the speaker is over my head. [03:00:46] No, it's like I couldn't find the voice. [03:00:50] Councilman Davis, you're second. [03:00:52] Nothing more. [03:00:53] Deputy Mayor? [03:00:54] Nothing further, thank you. [03:00:55] Mr. Phelps? [03:00:56] No, sir. [03:00:57] Likewise, if there's no further discussion, all those in favor please signify by saying, aye. [03:01:02] Aye. [03:01:02] Opposed? [03:01:03] Aye. [03:01:04] Like sign. [03:01:05] Motion passes 4-1. [03:01:07] Can we confirm Ms. DeBella Thomas? [03:01:09] Ms. DeBella Thomas, that was an aye in approval? [03:01:12] Yes, I, I, she made, she made the motion. [03:01:15] That's my, that's my plan. [03:01:19] That delay is still catching us a little bit. [03:01:21] Thank you, I just want to make sure the record's clear. [03:01:23] Thank you. [03:01:24] Next item is second reading on ordinance 2016-2098. [03:01:33] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [03:01:37] This also is a public hearing of an ordinance that you will consider [03:01:43] in rules of quasi-judicial proceedings. [03:01:48] The first hearing on this issue was held on January 3rd, 2017. [03:01:56] Since that time, Mrs. Spears has worked along with the applicant to address some [03:02:02] of the concerns that were raised principally by neighboring residents related [03:02:09] to lighting noise, delivery hours, and buffers. [03:02:16] And with that, I'd like to turn it over to Mrs. Spears for a presentation. [03:02:20] Ms. Spears. [03:02:21] So I'm going to go back through the same presentation that you saw in January. [03:02:30] I think it's probably important to refresh you of how, how we got to where we are. [03:02:34] The site is on the west side of US 19. [03:02:39] You can see it outlined in the yellow. [03:02:41] It's over 10 acres. [03:02:44] It's surrounded to the north by some residential, to the east is commercial, [03:02:51] to the south is a mixture. [03:02:53] The property owner of the subject property is also the property, I'm going too far, [03:03:00] is also the property owner of the existing car dealership that's situated immediately [03:03:05] to the east, and the proposal is to expand the inventory area into the subject property. [03:03:13] So you've probably been by the site numerous times, existing Hyundai dealership, [03:03:17] to add the VW dealership as well. [03:03:20] Along the western portion of the property, it looks like this. [03:03:25] This is where they're currently housing some cars, and what the proposal is, [03:03:29] is to go back farther west to where some of those trees are. [03:03:33] This is the site plan, or the rendering of the site plan, and what we discussed [03:03:39] at the first reading was a need to enhance the buffer. [03:03:44] The folks that live to the north of the project in the Gulf Harbors Villas subdivision had concerns [03:03:50] about what they might see, what they might hear, and potential lighting impacts. [03:03:56] This shows a pretty substantial buffer. [03:03:59] There is a wetland area that is along the north and the west property lines, [03:04:05] and there's an additional buffer beyond that that the developer has agreed to meet

    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. 10.c

    Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2016-2098; Amended Land Use Plan Amendment - Hyundai of New Port Richey

    approved

    Council held the second reading of Ordinance No. 2016-2098, a land use plan amendment changing 10.21 acres on the west side of US Highway 19 from High Density Residential (HDR30) to Highway Commercial (8.84 acres) and Conservation (1.7 acres) for a Hyundai of New Port Richey inventory parking lot. After resident concerns about buffer/foliage disturbance, the developer agreed to relocate the planned six-foot privacy fence from the north property line to the north edge of the parking lot and wrap it down the west side. Council moved for approval with these fence modifications.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2016-2098

    • motion:Move for approval of Ordinance No. 2016-2098 with the condition that the privacy fence be moved from the north property line to the north edge of the parking lot and wrapped along the west side. (passed)

    📍3014 Highway 19, Holiday📍4808 Square Rigger Court📍West side of U.S. Highway 19, approximately 1,070 feet north of Trouble Creek Road🏢Gulf Harbor Villas🏢Hyundai of New Port Richey🏢Spring Engineering👤Dabal-Thomas👤Mary Ann Lawrence👤Ms. Fierce👤Phillips👤Raleigh Dove#CON conservation category#DRC review#HC highway commercial category#HDR30 high-density residential category#LDRB recommendation#Ordinance No. 2016-2098

    ▶ Jump to 3:04:08 in the video

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    [03:04:12] in order to stay away from the residences. [03:04:15] They also are providing substantial landscaping, perimeter-wise, as well as interior-wise, [03:04:22] and they actually have agreed to install a six-foot privacy fence along the north property line as well. [03:04:30] This is a land-use plan amendment request, and the current land use is high-density residential, [03:04:41] which offers 30 dwelling units per acre, and the change is to predominantly highway commercial land-use category, [03:04:51] with the exception of the wetland area that would be changed to a conservation category. [03:04:58] This shows the survey of the wetland area, and you can see that the shape is consistent with the previous slide [03:05:06] that shows this kind of upside-down L that would be the wetland area that would be the conservation category. [03:05:15] So the previous issues that were discussed, we think that we've worked with the developer to address them. [03:05:22] The lighting has been shown on a lighting plan, and the light poles are going to be kept at 20 feet with cutoff light fixtures. [03:05:32] There's really no trespass of lighting that's shown on the lighting plan. [03:05:40] The noise will be limited as the delivery trucks will drop off cars at the existing dealership to the east, [03:05:49] and then they will be driven over to the inventory lot, so you won't have trucks driving those and delivering them. [03:05:57] The hours of delivery are going to be from 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. [03:06:02] I mentioned the buffer. [03:06:04] The plan shows 118 feet of separation between the residences to the north and the new parking lot. [03:06:12] To the south, there's separation of 25 feet. [03:06:16] Again, I mentioned that they're installing substantial landscaping and a perimeter fence. [03:06:23] This is what you look at when you're at the Gulf Harbor's Phase 2 residences. [03:06:29] This is what you look at between the units. [03:06:31] There's already pretty substantial landscaping there now. [03:06:37] A couple more of these very similar shots between other units. [03:06:41] These slides were taken in April, so things were, yes, again, in bloom. [03:06:48] I'm going to say that there's probably not going to be much of a difference in view after the additional landscaping goes in. [03:06:55] You'll see more of the same. [03:06:59] This was a slide that we threw into your packet so you could see the differences in what 30 units an acre would look like. [03:07:07] Based on the current land use, which is high-density residential, 30 units an acre, [03:07:13] you could get a residential building that's five stories tall on the current property. [03:07:21] Staff has reviewed the request. [03:07:23] The request is consistent with the comp plan. [03:07:27] It does meet the concurrency requirements, and the LDRB did recommend approval. [03:07:33] The applicant is here tonight. [03:07:35] I'm not sure if they're awake, but they are here tonight. [03:07:38] Do you have any questions for staff or them? [03:07:42] Thank you. [03:07:43] Could we have a reading of the ordinance, please? [03:07:45] Yes, Mr. Mayor. [03:07:46] 2016-2098, an ordinance amending future land use category for 10.21 acres located on the west side of U.S. Highway 19, [03:07:54] approximately 1,070 feet north of Trouble Creek Road, from HDR30, high-density residential category, [03:08:01] to HC, highway commercial category, for 8.84 acres, and CON, conservation category, for 1.7 acres. [03:08:09] Further described herein in Exhibit A, providing for severability, providing for an effective date. [03:08:14] Thank you. [03:08:15] Do we have any council members declaring ex parte communications on this? [03:08:22] Hearing none, I'll open it up for public comment. [03:08:33] I was about to say seeing nobody racing down to the front, but here she comes. [03:08:37] I'm not racing. [03:08:40] My name is Mary Ann Lawrence. [03:08:42] If you could wait until you get to the mic, please. [03:08:44] I'm Mary Ann Lawrence, and I reside at 4808 Square Rigger Court, [03:08:49] and I've attended previous meetings and expressed concern about the buffer between Gulf Harbor Villas [03:08:54] and this proposed parking lot. [03:08:57] My question, Ms. Fierce, is to you, and I appreciate all the work that you've done to try to create the buffer for us, [03:09:07] between us and the parking lot. [03:09:11] Will they take any trees out, like in that area that's going to be designated as conservation, [03:09:17] or will they be just left to be, as you saw in the photographs, heavily dense trees and bushes? [03:09:26] That's a great question, and I'm going to give you my answer, [03:09:29] and then I'm going to expect the developer to come up and tell you I'm correct. [03:09:33] So we want to hear it from him. [03:09:35] But there is an existing canal, if you will, that's what they're calling it on their plan, [03:09:40] that is immediately adjacent to where you live. [03:09:43] My expectation is there may be a little bit of cutting there. [03:09:47] Immediately to the south of that is a required 25-foot buffer, and that will be undisturbed. [03:09:53] And south of that they will be installing a retention pond. [03:09:58] I believe it will be dry. [03:09:59] It won't be designed to be wet. [03:10:01] So the short answer is there might be a little bit of cutting, but for the most part it will be undisturbed. [03:10:08] Well south of you, adjacent to the parking lot, there will be cutting because they have to, [03:10:13] when they add the asphalt, they have to add a place where the stormwater is going to get to go to store. [03:10:20] So is it my understanding then that any cutting of the trees or the vegetation [03:10:25] would be at least 118 feet from the back of our units? [03:10:30] That would not be correct. [03:10:32] It would be closer than that. [03:10:34] The 118 feet that I mentioned is the distance between where you all have your property line [03:10:40] and where the closest parking stall would be. [03:10:42] That's how much separation there is between your residents and their new use. [03:10:47] Put that site plan back up on the screen. [03:10:50] I can let you look at it because you can't really see it from here. [03:10:52] And then I would ask the developer to come back up if this is appropriate. [03:10:56] If we could have the developer come up. [03:11:00] Back up on the screen. [03:11:02] I think that's what she asked. [03:11:06] About a one-on-one. [03:11:15] So the part immediately behind our homes that right now it looks like it's in blue at the top there [03:11:24] because I can see our— [03:11:25] Correct. [03:11:26] That won't be disturbed at all? [03:11:28] That won't be disturbed? [03:11:31] Thank you. [03:11:33] This section here. [03:11:35] Right. [03:11:36] This is Raleigh Dove, Spring Engineering, 3014 Highway 19, Holiday. [03:11:42] The area in blue along the north property line and down the west property line [03:11:46] is what's going to be in the conservation area and cannot be disturbed. [03:11:52] We have the 25-foot undisturbed upland buffer adjacent to that. [03:11:56] So we're going to end up with approximately 75 feet of undisturbed buffer [03:12:02] along the north property line and the west property line [03:12:05] in addition to the retention pond then which will be built south of the undisturbed buffer. [03:12:13] So where is the privacy fence going? [03:12:16] Right where you see the property line. [03:12:18] It's going to be along the parking lot. [03:12:22] Sorry, I'm looking at the wrong screen here. [03:12:25] Okay, so to put that in, you're going to have to take out some of that foliage [03:12:28] she's concerned about, right? [03:12:31] I got the impression that the fence was going to be at the top part of the parking area. [03:12:36] That's what I thought too. [03:12:38] Not the top part because they already have a fence on theirs. [03:12:41] They already have a fence in their backyard. [03:12:43] At least that's what your photograph showed. [03:12:45] The fence that's on the Gulf Harbors Villas property is ornamental. [03:12:50] It's not opaque. [03:12:53] The one that the developer would be installing would be an opaque, [03:12:56] non-see-through privacy fence, and Mr. Dove, correct me if I'm wrong, [03:13:01] but it will be along your property line, the north property line? [03:13:05] That's where we're proposing it now. [03:13:07] We would be more than glad to move it in along the north side of the parking lot. [03:13:12] The reason I'm asking is because the way it looks right now, [03:13:15] with all of the frontage and the trees and everything, [03:13:18] to go out to the property line and to disturb all that [03:13:21] and put a white fence or a black fence or whatever, [03:13:24] because they've already got theirs and they've become accustomed to it. [03:13:28] They can grouse about that fence because that was what their developer put in. [03:13:34] My aspect is right now, if I'm looking at this, [03:13:37] the overall parking area really only impacts one, two, three, [03:13:43] possibly four lots on whatever rigor course that is [03:13:47] because of all that other conservation and foliage. [03:13:50] It would be, I think, more admirable not to go out there [03:13:55] and tear all through that to set up a fence, leave it undisturbed, [03:13:59] because you're going to put a retention pond on the back of the parking [03:14:02] and just put the fence along the parking lot, which is six feet. [03:14:07] If they get whatever that distance is, [03:14:10] I think any time you traipse into that, we're going to be asking for trouble. [03:14:17] The only other question I want to make clear is, [03:14:20] if they weren't putting that parking lot there [03:14:23] and they were coming in to ask to develop it as usable lots, [03:14:28] I don't care about the five stories, [03:14:30] they could come in and tear a whole bunch of that stuff out. [03:14:33] We weren't the developer that promised you [03:14:36] that that back area was going to be conservation. [03:14:39] We've done everything we can for the last nine months [03:14:43] to make this as accommodating. [03:14:44] I have to thank Mr. Dubb and the owners of the property [03:14:47] for trying to work as hard as they can [03:14:50] to keep the word of somebody else that sold you a property [03:14:53] that you felt as though it was in a conservation area. [03:14:56] I don't mean to get all fired up, [03:14:58] but I also, in this show, [03:15:00] that we, I think we've all tried to work collectively and I would be under the impression that if [03:15:06] you didn't have to take that fence up against the property line, if you could put it on [03:15:11] the parking lot six feet tall, I think that does more for the overall and you don't disturb [03:15:16] any of that natural land right there. [03:15:19] That's my opinion. [03:15:20] I absolutely concur. [03:15:21] I do too. [03:15:22] I agree also. [03:15:23] Absolutely. [03:15:24] Mr. Mayor, could I also comment that when we were dealing with the issue during the [03:15:29] DRC, we asked the applicant to wrap the landscaping as well as the fence along the west property [03:15:37] line in case there's any visibility from an angle. [03:15:42] So if you're going to require that they move the fence from the north property line to [03:15:46] the north end of the parking lot, we would ask that a portion of it be wrapped around [03:15:50] here too, just in case there's any way to get a view through here. [03:15:54] They are just on the south end of the canal there. [03:15:57] I agree with Mr. Phillips. [03:15:59] My biggest concern other than noise when these nice folks came and spoke to us in January, [03:16:03] and I did ask for a projected at-grade photo of what it's going to look like, and that's [03:16:07] the one thing missing, I guess, because there's foliage there, but why go in and rip out all [03:16:10] that foliage that they like having in their backyard to put a fence in, wrap it around [03:16:14] the parking lot, or just put it on the south end of the canal? [03:16:18] That's what I would want if I lived there. [03:16:21] Is that fair and equitable? [03:16:23] Absolutely. [03:16:24] For me, it is. [03:16:26] We're asking you out in the open, not out in the open, I'm sorry, I apologize, it's [03:16:32] 1020 at night, and it's been a long day, and we still got a long way to go, but I really [03:16:38] want to be fair and equitable on the sides, and I know that I have to thank staff for [03:16:44] their hard work, and especially reducing the noise levels and all the other things that [03:16:49] we could possibly think about early on. [03:16:54] Thank you. [03:16:56] We would agree to move the fence to the north end of the parking lot, and then bring it [03:17:00] down the west side about the same distance as the enhanced buffer we've already agreed [03:17:05] to. [03:17:06] It's more than kind and equitable, I can't ask you to do much more, I mean, yeah. [03:17:13] Being a good neighbor. [03:17:14] All right. [03:17:15] Do we have anyone else that wishes to address council on this? [03:17:20] The only other question I have is, have we at staff or the economic development side [03:17:25] or anybody made any reference to when they, obviously they get some conservation credit [03:17:32] by creating conservation space, but by turning this in from residential into highway commercial, [03:17:41] that raises the perviousness, which talks about things, but do we have any idea what [03:17:47] ad valorem bump we're going to get by creating this? [03:17:52] Because it's obviously a net benefit to the overall site for the automobile ownership, [03:18:00] just wanted to tie that together. [03:18:04] We did not analyze the net benefit, I'm sorry. [03:18:09] Seeing no one else come forward, I'm going to bring it back to council. [03:18:12] I move for approval with the movement of the fence on the north to the property, to [03:18:20] the edge of the parking lot and wrapping it to the west. [03:18:24] Second. [03:18:25] Second, Ted. [03:18:26] All right, we have a motion and two seconds to the maker. [03:18:29] No, sir, I think we've done as much as we can, and again, I appreciate staffs, appreciate [03:18:36] the neighbors, I really do appreciate the developer and the automobile ownership group [03:18:42] for working with us in trying to bring this to your benefit, keep their benefit as well [03:18:49] as trying to work with you. [03:18:50] Thank you. [03:18:51] Deputy Mayor, I believe you had the second. [03:18:52] I agree. [03:18:53] Thank you for being good neighbors. [03:18:54] You've gone above and beyond. [03:18:56] I'm sure when these nice folks moved in, they thought that was all just undeveloped property [03:19:00] back there, and it's not. [03:19:01] Like they said, we could have a five-story, low-income apartment building there, so I [03:19:05] think this is a much better option, and thank you so much for working with your neighbors. [03:19:09] It says a lot. [03:19:10] Commissioner Dabal-Thomas? [03:19:11] Yes, thank you. [03:19:12] I also appreciate the effort that everyone has put into this, staff as well as the developer,

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15. 11.a

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Our Lady Queen of Peace Church” — transcript expanded below

    Plat Approval: Ozanum Village

    approved

    Council reapproved the plat for Ozanum Village (Osunum Village), a St. Vincent de Paul project providing 30 apartments with 80% reserved for veterans. Reapproval was needed because the original plat from June 21, 2016 was not recorded within the required six-month period and contained technical errors that have since been corrected.

    • motion:Motion to approve the reapproval of the plat of Ozanum Village. (passed)

    📍5900 Madison Street🏢Our Lady Queen of Peace Church🏢St. Vincent de Paul👤Cecilia Mahon👤Councilman Phillips👤Mrs. Pierce#Ozanum Village plat#Volk study

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    [03:19:20] and thank you to the neighbors for bringing it to our attention, and I think this is an [03:19:28] excellent solution to a difficult situation. [03:19:31] Councilman Phillips? [03:19:32] Nothing more. [03:19:34] Councilman Phillips, thank you very much for your suggestion on the fence. [03:19:38] I think it's an excellent improvement on the plan. [03:19:42] There's no further discussion. [03:19:43] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:19:47] Aye. [03:19:48] Aye. [03:19:49] Thank you. [03:19:50] Opposed? [03:19:51] Light sign. [03:19:52] Thank you. [03:19:53] I remembered to wait this time. [03:19:57] Next item is plat improvement, Osunum Village? [03:20:02] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [03:20:05] The agenda item that is being presented to you by Mrs. Pierce is a request for a reapproval [03:20:15] of the plat of the Osunum Village. [03:20:20] The City Council approved the plat originally on June 21st of 2016. [03:20:27] The city code requires that an approved plat is recorded within a six-month period of time [03:20:37] from its original approval. [03:20:41] That did not happen. [03:20:43] Therefore, the applicant is before you this evening seeking reapproval of the plat, and [03:20:53] Mrs. Pierce, is there anything additional that we need to bring up to the members of [03:20:59] the Council? [03:21:00] Yes, ma'am. [03:21:01] Thank you. [03:21:02] I just wanted to advise Council that it is being brought back to you, not only because [03:21:06] it wasn't recorded in a timely fashion, but because there were some technical errors on [03:21:11] the plat that were discovered by our consulting surveyor who was required to sign the plat, [03:21:17] and so it's taken some time to get those corrected. [03:21:20] Other than fixing those errors, it remains the same plat that you did approve last summer. [03:21:26] The development will have 30 apartments, with 80% of those being reserved for veterans. [03:21:35] Thank you. [03:21:36] Open this up for public comment. [03:21:37] The applicant is... [03:21:56] My name is Cecilia Mahon. [03:21:59] I'm a resident at 5900 Madison Street, and better still, I am a St. Vincent de Paul [03:22:07] member. [03:22:09] The St. Vincent de Paul that I work at is at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, and I've [03:22:14] worked there for the last eight years. [03:22:18] Last month, we served 254 people who were homeless. [03:22:25] About 30% of those people were veterans. [03:22:30] Part of the problem we have in our pantry is that we have no place to send them. [03:22:36] This program would allow us to have a place for housing for those people, as well as accommodate [03:22:45] some of their social needs. [03:22:47] Sometimes folks have mental health problems, sometimes they have other problems. [03:22:53] They're built into living in this particular project, so I want to ask you to please approve [03:23:01] it so that they can go forward with moving. [03:23:04] I know that ground has been broken there, and it's not able to be completed until you [03:23:10] approve whatever needs to be done tonight. [03:23:13] Thank you. [03:23:15] Anyone else? [03:23:18] Seeing no one else come forward, bring it back to council. [03:23:21] Move for approval. [03:23:23] We have a motion. [03:23:24] Second. [03:23:25] Second to the maker. [03:23:27] Just to understand, it was 33 units, now it's 30 units. [03:23:35] With this approval and everything, do we have a projected completion date on the property? [03:23:41] I have two answers for you. [03:23:44] One is, it was 33 units a long time ago when it was going to be a completely different [03:23:47] project. [03:23:48] It's always been 30 units under the ownership of the St. Vincent DePaul folks. [03:23:55] They are constantly calling my office to get a permit for this, which I've flatly [03:24:01] said you can't have a permit until your plat's recorded. [03:24:05] So they're going to be in my office tomorrow to pick up the plat if you so decide to approve [03:24:10] it, and they will, I'm sure, be recording it tomorrow and then coming back to get permits. [03:24:15] They're more than anxious to move this along, but I don't know what the timeframe is to [03:24:19] develop it. [03:24:20] I have two other questions. [03:24:21] One, we don't have to be here at 8 o'clock when they show up to get the permit, do we? [03:24:26] No. [03:24:27] Okay, I just wanted to be clear. [03:24:28] We'll still be here. [03:24:29] Well, you know, this element's taking me back to the early 90s when I was on council at [03:24:38] the hour of the evening. [03:24:40] The other question I have is, I want to make sure that these 30 apartments are counted [03:24:46] against that Volk study, because it said in the city that we needed to have 500 units [03:24:56] or whatever, and I just want to make sure that we understand that whether it's in the

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16. 11.b

    Utility Service Agreement – Residences of Orange Lake

    discussed

    Council discussed a utility service agreement for the Residences of Orange Lake, a permanent rental apartment project owned by St. Vincent de Paul Society geared 80% toward veterans. Council clarified the housing is full-time residential (not transitional) and noted the project should be highlighted in the upcoming VA solicitation for the Marine Parkway project.

    🏢St. Vincent de Paul Society👤Unidentified Councilwoman👤Unidentified Mayor#Marine Parkway project#Residences of Orange Lake#VA application

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    [03:25:01] downtown core or not, these are additional rental units, apartment units, that have some [03:25:09] specificity to them. [03:25:11] I get credit for my wife when I use that word at this hour, and I want you to know that. [03:25:16] We also want to make sure that this is highlighted in anything else we do, especially as we do [03:25:21] our solicitation for the VA application for the Marine Parkway project. [03:25:28] That's all I have, Mayor. [03:25:29] Thank you. [03:25:30] To the second? [03:25:31] Nothing further. [03:25:32] Councilwoman? [03:25:33] Yes, I just have a question, and I'm not sure who to address this to, whoever can answer [03:25:39] it. [03:25:40] But the owner of the property is St. Vincent de Paul Church, is that correct? [03:25:45] Or the St. Vincent de Paul Society. [03:25:48] And will these apartments be apartments as we would understand them to be, where people [03:25:53] would sign a lease and be able to live in them, or is there a type of housing that would [03:26:00] be available to folks that find themselves homeless, and it's more or less like temporary [03:26:07] housing? [03:26:09] Transitional? [03:26:10] This is not transitional housing, this is a residence, this is your full-time residence. [03:26:16] They just happen to be geared toward veterans. [03:26:19] 80% towards veterans.

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17. 11.c

    6" Portable Pump Purchase – Stormwater Utility

    approved

    Council approved the purchase of a 6-inch portable pump from Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company for $50,698 via the Florida Sheriff's Association contract. The pump will be used by the Stormwater Utility Division to mitigate flooding of private properties during seasonal storms.

    • motion:Approve the purchase of a 6-inch portable pump from Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company for $50,698 for the Stormwater Utility Division. (passed)

    🏢Florida Sheriff's Association🏢Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company👤Davis👤DeBella-Thomas👤Mr. Rivera👤Phillips👤Starkey#6-inch Portable Pump Purchase – Stormwater Utility#Florida Sheriff's Association contract

    ▶ Jump to 3:26:20 in the video

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    [03:26:22] So it would be like any other apartment complex where you are able, whatever their stipulations [03:26:30] are for renties, they would be then signing on and, you know, a year lease or whatever. [03:26:38] That is correct? [03:26:39] I don't know the answer to that. [03:26:44] Okay. [03:26:45] This is Cecilia Mahon again, and I have two answers for you. [03:26:50] As I understand, the anticipated date of completion is sometime around October. [03:26:56] And I'm sorry, is there someone speaking? [03:27:00] I'm not hearing anything, my apologies. [03:27:03] This is Cecilia Mahon again from the St. Vincent de Paul. [03:27:09] It is my understanding that the expected date of completion of the project, of this part [03:27:15] of the project, would be around October, okay? [03:27:20] And the second part is, yes, it would be housing, 80% of which would be for veterans, [03:27:30] and 20% of people would be non-veteran according to the VA standards. [03:27:38] So that would mean anyone could rent that was homeless at the time they came up to rent. [03:27:44] Thank you. [03:27:48] Deputy Mayor? [03:27:50] No further comments, thank you. [03:27:52] Councilman Davis? [03:27:53] As a veteran, I just would like to thank St. Vincent de Paul, what they're doing here and [03:27:58] being involved in this project, what they do every week, and that's it. [03:28:03] Thank you. [03:28:04] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:28:09] Aye. [03:28:10] Aye. [03:28:11] Aye. [03:28:12] Aye. [03:28:13] Aye. [03:28:14] Aye. [03:28:15] Aye. [03:28:16] Thank you. [03:28:17] Next is Utility Service Agreement, Residences at Orange Lake. [03:28:20] Yes sir, Mr. Rivera, if you could present the agenda item. [03:28:23] Thank you. [03:28:24] Mayor and Council, this agreement calls out for the city to supply water and sewer service [03:28:28] to the development site known as the Residence of Orange Lake. [03:28:32] It will be on approximately 2.82 acres and consist of 85 multifamily dwellings. [03:28:40] The development is located on the north and south side of Central Avenue and east of Circle [03:28:48] Boulevard and west of Adams Street, and then there is a small parcel on the southeast corner [03:28:53] of Central Avenue. [03:28:55] The agreement requires the developer to construct the utility system that the city will take [03:29:01] over after it's confirmed that it's been built to our utility standards. [03:29:06] There's no budget impact and we would recommend approval. [03:29:10] Thank you. [03:29:11] Open this up for public comment. [03:29:13] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [03:29:17] Move for approval. [03:29:18] We have a motion. [03:29:19] Move to approve. [03:29:20] And we have a second. [03:29:22] Mr. Bell-Thomas? [03:29:25] Yes, I think I did. [03:29:27] I think you were second. [03:29:30] To the maker, Mr. Davis. [03:29:33] Mr. Bell-Thomas, comments? [03:29:36] No, thank you. [03:29:37] It's obvious that it needs to be done and I appreciate the fact that it will be done [03:29:41] with the developer bearing all the costs associated with it. [03:29:44] Very good. [03:29:45] Councilman Phillips? [03:29:46] No, I'm fine, Mayor. [03:29:49] Deputy Mayor Starkey stepped out for a moment. [03:29:52] I have no comments. [03:29:55] There's no further discussion. [03:29:56] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:30:00] Aye. [03:30:01] Aye. [03:30:02] Aye. [03:30:03] Aye. [03:30:04] Aye. [03:30:05] Aye. [03:30:06] It passes 5-0. [03:30:07] Opposed? [03:30:08] Like sign. [03:30:09] 5-0. [03:30:10] Next is 2017 Jasmine Heights Reclaimed Water Improvements Extension Project Phase 1. [03:30:21] You missed an item. [03:30:22] Sorry, Mr. Mayor. [03:30:23] We missed an item. [03:30:24] 6-inch portable pump. [03:30:25] Oh, I'm sorry. [03:30:26] 6-inch portable pump. [03:30:28] It's getting late and the glasses are working less and less well. [03:30:31] Yes. [03:30:32] 6-inch portable pump. [03:30:33] Stormwater utility. [03:30:34] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [03:30:35] The request before you is to purchase a pump in the amount of $50,698 from Thompson Pump [03:30:43] and Manufacturing Company in concurrence with a bid award to the Florida Sheriff's Association [03:30:52] contract. [03:30:54] The additional pump will be utilized by the Stormwater Utility Division to assist during [03:31:03] seasonal storms to prevent and reduce the flooding of private properties. [03:31:12] Is there anything additional to add, Mr. Rivera? [03:31:15] And public. [03:31:16] And public. [03:31:18] Very good. [03:31:19] Open this up for public comment. [03:31:21] Seeing no one coming forward, I'll bring it back to council with a question. [03:31:25] Mr. Rivera, could we better spend this getting the air conditioning fixed in here? [03:31:29] Is it on timer? [03:31:30] I believe so. [03:31:31] I think Brian's taking a look at it. [03:31:33] Brian's working on it. [03:31:34] Brutal warm up here, and I've seen people back in the back, too. [03:31:37] Entertain a motion. [03:31:40] Move for approval. [03:31:42] Second. [03:31:43] To the maker. [03:31:45] No, it'll help us if we ever get to the tropical storm season, low pressure systems to come through. [03:31:55] Thank you. [03:31:56] To the second. [03:31:57] Nothing. [03:31:58] Deputy Mayor. [03:31:59] No comments. [03:32:00] Thank you. [03:32:01] Councilman DeBella-Thomas. [03:32:02] No, I wondered why you guys looked up the deck. [03:32:07] We were just trying to flex for you, Ms. DeBella-Thomas. [03:32:10] That was it. [03:32:12] It's late. [03:32:15] I have no further comments. [03:32:18] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:32:20] Aye. [03:32:22] Aye. [03:32:23] Thank you. [03:32:24] Opposed, like sign. [03:32:25] Motion passes. [03:32:27] Next is the 2017 Jasmine Height reclaimed water.

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18. 11.d

    2017 Jasmine Heights Reclaimed Water Improvements/Extension Project - Phase I

    approved

    Council approved a not-to-exceed proposal of $40,815.70 from Shear Development of Central Florida Inc. for Phase I of the Jasmine Heights Reclaimed Water Improvements/Extension Project, including a $3,514.05 owner's contingency. Staff confirmed 14 homes will immediately hook up with potential for 28 more, and noted this is the first of three planned phases for the neighborhood.

    • motion:Approve the not-to-exceed proposal of $40,815.70 from Shear Development of Central Florida Inc. for the Jasmine Heights Reclaimed Water Improvements/Extension Project Phase I. (passed)

    📍Jasmine Heights neighborhood📍Marine Parkway🏢Shear Development of Central Florida Incorporated👤Deval Thomas👤Mr. Rivera👤Starkey#Jasmine Heights Reclaimed Water Improvements/Extension Project Phase I#Miscellaneous As-Needed Pipe Construction Contract#SWFWMD cooperative funding#Water and Sewer Capital Construction Project

    ▶ Jump to 3:32:30 in the video

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    [03:32:30] Yes, Mr. Rivera is prepared to present the item. [03:32:33] Thank you, Mayor and Council. [03:32:34] The first item for your consideration for approval is the attached do not exceed proposal in the amount of $40,815.70 [03:32:43] from Shear Development of Central Florida Incorporated for the Jasmine Heights reclaimed water improvements extension project phase one. [03:32:53] The proposal includes an owner's contingency in the amount of $3,514.05. [03:33:00] The pricing is in accordance with the city's current miscellaneous as needed pipe construction contract. [03:33:07] During the Marine Parkway multi-use project, the existing reclaimed transmission line was tapped into where the stub outs were at [03:33:17] at several locations to the north and to the south. [03:33:22] That was due to having to have some distribution lines installed in the Heights neighborhood. [03:33:30] This was a promise that the utility had made to several residents and property owners there years ago about them wanting reclaimed water [03:33:42] and not understanding why we weren't in that neighborhood because all we had were transmission lines, [03:33:49] and typically you don't tap into those. [03:33:51] So this is phase one of what we would consider to be three phases to be able to complete that neighborhood. [03:34:00] Right now we have reached out. [03:34:06] There are 14 homes that are confirmed that they will immediately hook up, [03:34:10] and then we have the potential for another 28 homes that we feel pretty good about. [03:34:18] This type of project would not be available for SWFMUD cooperative funding that we typically do when we do these types of projects [03:34:26] simply because the way they do their methodology, they look at more than 15,000 gallons a month as far as irrigation, [03:34:33] and they weigh that factor about how much potable water they can save. [03:34:38] So in essence, when we do a project like this, we might not get cooperative funding, [03:34:44] but if we get the people to sign up for reclaim, then we don't lose any reduction in revenues [03:34:49] when it comes to the sale of potable water. [03:34:53] And so the funding for this project is identified in the current water and sewer capital construction project, [03:34:59] and we would recommend that you approve it. [03:35:01] Thank you. I'll open it up for public comment. [03:35:04] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [03:35:07] Move for approval. [03:35:08] Second. [03:35:09] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [03:35:11] Could this address the major property owner that comes to see us every once in a while? [03:35:18] Yes, sir. [03:35:19] So he's going to be – I'm just surprised he didn't come tonight and didn't stay long enough to see that we finally reacted [03:35:28] to some of his encouragement in the past. [03:35:32] But I think anytime we can provide reclaimed water, that it's a net benefit, [03:35:37] especially in that – and also in that neighborhood adjacent to the trail that we just expanded there. [03:35:44] So – and anything that would allow us to further reduce our reclaimed water obligation to the county is also a net benefit. [03:35:57] Thank you. Just a second. [03:35:58] Nothing. [03:35:59] Deputy Mayor. [03:36:00] I'm all about the reclaimed water. [03:36:02] I wish we could expand it more up into my neighborhood maybe with droughts like we have going on right now. [03:36:07] It would help out tremendously with people taking care of their yards. [03:36:10] Councilman Deval Thomas. [03:36:13] I'm just saying, definitely in favor of just – I do – it's probably the number one, that and the golf cart ordinance [03:36:21] that's come to my attention through my constituents asking about the extension of the reclaimed water. [03:36:31] I agree with Deputy Mayor Starkey. [03:36:34] I really wish we had reclaimed in our neighborhood. [03:36:37] My yard's pretty much dead. [03:36:41] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:36:45] Aye. [03:36:47] Aye. [03:36:48] Thank you. Opposed? The light's on. [03:36:50] Next is board reappointment of Casey Atkinson to the Environmental Committee.

    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.e

    Board Re-Appointment: Kacey Atkinson, Environmental Committee

    approved

    Council reappointed Kacey Atkinson as first alternate to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term renewing May 16, 2019. Members praised her attendance and contributions to the committee.

    • motion:Motion to reappoint Kacey Atkinson as first alternate to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term ending May 16, 2019. (passed)

    👤Davis👤DeBell-Thomas👤Kacey Atkinson👤Phillips#Environmental Committee

    ▶ Jump to 3:36:54 in the video

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    [03:36:55] Yes, and she is present this evening. [03:37:02] It's the staff's pleasure to recommend that she be reapproved to serve on the Environmental Committee. [03:37:10] Her position would be that of first alternate if you determine it appropriate to give her a term. [03:37:18] It would be for two years with renewal on May 16th of 2019. [03:37:24] Open it up for public comment. [03:37:27] Now's your chance to say no and run screaming out of the – okay. [03:37:33] Since she's happy to do it, we'll bring it back to council. [03:37:36] Move for approval. [03:37:37] Second. [03:37:38] We have a motion and a second. [03:37:39] Second. [03:37:40] Casey, thanks for all you do. [03:37:41] The Environmental Committee is extremely important to our city, and it's brought some very, very positive exposure recently, [03:37:46] so thank you. [03:37:47] And I don't know if you need to sign this or this is an e-signature. [03:37:51] Do we accept e-signatures? [03:37:53] Just to make it official, our application is printed for a signature. [03:37:58] Councilman Davis, I believe you had the second. [03:38:01] It's a pleasure to see somebody being reappointed that actually shows up at these meetings. [03:38:06] Thank you. [03:38:08] Councilman DeBell-Thomas, you had the second. [03:38:10] Second. [03:38:11] Yes. [03:38:12] Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. [03:38:14] I'm here and concerned with our city and especially for this important board. [03:38:20] Councilman Phillips. [03:38:22] Yeah, the group's done outstanding work, and she's been one of the mainstays there, [03:38:27] and we can't thank you enough for all that you do. [03:38:30] Thank you very much. [03:38:32] And just for the record, though, my yard is dying. [03:38:35] I still haven't managed to kill the two loquats I bought at the last Environmental Committee special event, [03:38:40] so they're alive and doing well. [03:38:42] There's still time. [03:38:48] There's no further discussion, including on my gardening skills.

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20. 11.f

    Board Re-Appointments: Joan Nelson Hook and Dianne Ayers, Library Advisory Board

    approved

    Council reappointed Joan Nelson-Hook and Dianne Ayers to the Library Advisory Board for three-year terms running through June 3, 2020 and June 21, 2020 respectively. Council members thanked both for their long service and advocacy for the library.

    • motion:Motion to reappoint Joan Nelson-Hook and Dianne Ayers to the Library Advisory Board for three-year terms. (passed)

    👤Dianne Ayers👤Joan Nelson-Hook#Library Advisory Board

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    [03:38:55] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [03:38:58] Aye. [03:39:00] Aye. [03:39:01] Opposed, like sign. [03:39:04] Motion passes. [03:39:05] Next are reappointments of Joan Nelson-Hook and Diana Ayers to the Library Advisory Board. [03:39:10] Yes, both ladies are current members of the Advisory Board. [03:39:17] Ms. Hook's term is due to expire on June 3rd of 2017. [03:39:23] Ms. Ayers' term is due to expire on June 21st. [03:39:29] If you reapprove their terms, it will be for a three-year period of time. [03:39:35] Therefore, they would be carried through June 3rd and June 21st of 2020. [03:39:42] Open it up for public comment. [03:39:45] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [03:39:48] Move for approval. [03:39:49] Second. [03:39:50] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [03:39:52] We just thank them for all their hard work and their dedication and their love of the library [03:39:58] and their staunch advocacy for that particular department. [03:40:04] We're happy that they give of their time, efforts, and knowledge to be part of that board, [03:40:10] which we appreciate everybody's involvement, but, again, appreciate their hard work on behalf of the city. [03:40:18] A second. [03:40:22] Again, thank you, and I'm looking forward to it. [03:40:25] Deputy Mayor? [03:40:26] Yes, thank you both for your service. [03:40:28] Councilman? [03:40:30] Yes, just thank you both for your service. [03:40:33] A very long time, Ms. Diane Ayers. [03:40:35] God bless you. [03:40:36] I think we served together on that board what seemed like 100 years ago. [03:40:41] And I'll echo thank yous as well. [03:40:43] They are both very passionate. [03:40:45] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, [03:40:47] please signify by saying aye. [03:40:49] Aye. [03:40:51] Opposed? [03:40:52] Like sign. [03:40:53] Next, three-minute report on the Development Department.

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21. 11.g

    Three Minute Report: Development Department

    tabled

    The Development Department's three-minute report was deferred to the next meeting due to time constraints and a pending CRA meeting.

    • direction:Council agreed to defer the Development Department's three-minute report to the next meeting. (passed)

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    [03:40:56] Mr. Mayor, with your permission, in deference to the time and the fact that we do have a CRA meeting, [03:41:02] may I ask that we defer this report until your next meeting? [03:41:06] That works. [03:41:09] You're off the hook.

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22. 12Communications▶ 3:41:10
23. 13Adjournment▶ 3:41:20