Council advanced Ordinance 2019-2149 banning bathhouses on first reading over objections from ACLU and sex-worker advocates; Highway Commercial zoning rewrite tabled.
18 items on the agenda · 12 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women at home and abroad.
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[00:00:20] I'd like to ask you to all stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain [00:00:21] standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:25] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for [00:00:31] which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence held in honor of servicemen and women at home and abroad, following the Pledge of Allegiance.
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[00:00:20] I'd like to ask you to all stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain [00:00:21] standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:25] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for [00:00:31] which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 4
Approval of December 18, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes of the December 18, 2018 regular meeting on a voice vote.
- motion:Approve the December 18, 2018 regular meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:42] Thank you. [00:00:43] You may be seated. [00:00:46] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the December 18th minutes. [00:00:52] Second. [00:00:53] Motion and a second. [00:00:54] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:00:57] Aye. [00:00:58] Opposed, like sign.
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- 5
You arrived here from a search for “Spartan Manor” — transcript expanded below
Proclamation - Honor Flight at Home Mission #12 Day
approvedMayor Rob Marlowe presented a proclamation declaring Saturday, January 12, 2019 as Honor Flight at Home Mission #12 Day in the City of New Port Richey, recognizing the joint effort of Honor Flight of West Central Florida and the Community Service Council of West Pasco to honor veterans who cannot travel to Washington, D.C. The event was to be held at Spartan Manor from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- direction:Mayor proclaimed January 12, 2019 as Honor Flight at Home Mission #12 Day in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)
Community Service Council of West PascoHonor Flight of West Central FloridaSpartan ManorGeorge Ann JohnstonRob MarloweHonor Flight at Home Mission #12▶ Jump to 1:01 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:01] Next we have a proclamation. [00:01:03] I would like to ask George Ann Johnston to meet me at the podium. [00:01:24] You can come around here if you want. [00:01:28] Sure. [00:01:29] Whereas it is the mission of Honor Flight of West Central Florida to transport America's [00:01:35] veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service [00:01:40] and sacrifices, and whereas Honor Flight of West Central Florida recognizes that many [00:01:44] of our veterans have reached a stage in their life that flying to Washington, D.C. is no [00:01:49] longer an option, and whereas the Community Service Council of West Pasco desires to honor [00:01:54] those veterans who reside in Pasco County who are unable to travel to Washington, D.C., [00:02:00] and whereas the Community Service Council of West Pasco and Honor Flight of West Central [00:02:04] Florida have teamed up to host Honor Flight at Home Mission 12, and whereas Honor Flight [00:02:10] at Home Mission 12 event will be held on Saturday, January 12th at the Spartan Manor from 9.30 [00:02:16] a.m. until 11.30 a.m., now therefore I, Rob Marlowe, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, [00:02:21] do hereby proclaim Saturday, January 12th, 2019, as Honor Flight at Home Mission 12 day [00:02:28] in the City of New Port Richey and encourage all residents to join together as we honor [00:02:33] and celebrate all those who bravely sacrifice their own personal safety while protecting [00:02:38] and defending our freedom. [00:02:42] Thank you. [00:02:51] If you'd like to say a few words. [00:02:53] Thank you. [00:02:54] Please join the celebration in the parking lot. [00:02:56] Bring your flags. [00:02:57] Wear red, white, and blue. [00:02:59] Thank you. [00:03:00] I don't know if you're real familiar with it, but it's normally a flight to D.C., and [00:03:06] so one day they take, right now they're working with, I don't think there's any more World [00:03:11] War II veterans. [00:03:12] There are. [00:03:13] There's a few World War II they're taking, but it's mostly Korean War veterans they're [00:03:18] taking. [00:03:19] It's a one-day trip, and this is for those who can't make it to Washington, and they're [00:03:23] going to just do this for them locally here at the Spartan. [00:03:26] So if you get a chance to go by, please. [00:03:29] Honor Flight is a national program. [00:03:31] Yeah. [00:03:32] There are 44 hubs across the nation, and they fly veterans regular. [00:03:39] To have Honor Flight at home is a huge honor for Pasco County. [00:03:44] My business partner's father went on one of the Honor Flights a few years ago. [00:03:48] It made a big impression on him. [00:03:50] And those that travel as guardians, it's impressive for them as well. [00:03:56] And just so you know, we reached out to the community for letters from home. [00:04:01] By the time we get to January 12th, we will have collected over 2,000 from the community. [00:04:09] Very good. [00:04:10] So many thanks to our businesses, scouts, schools, teachers, everyone. [00:04:16] Thank you. [00:04:17] The letters thank the veterans first. [00:04:19] Yeah. [00:04:20] Thank you. [00:04:21] Thank you very much. [00:04:22] Great.
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.
- 6Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 4:23
- 7.a
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - November 2018
approvedon consentCouncil approved the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from November 2018 on a voice vote.
- motion:Approve the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from November 2018. (passed)
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[00:04:45] Move for approval. [00:04:47] Second. [00:04:48] We have a motion and a second. [00:04:50] Nothing. [00:04:52] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:04:54] Aye. [00:04:55] Opposed, like sign. [00:04:57] Motion passes. [00:04:58] Next is public reading of ordinances.
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- 7.b
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentCouncil approved the purchases/payments item without discussion.
- motion:Motion to approve purchases/payments for City Council approval. (passed)
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[00:04:45] Move for approval. [00:04:47] Second. [00:04:48] We have a motion and a second. [00:04:50] Nothing. [00:04:52] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:04:54] Aye. [00:04:55] Opposed, like sign. [00:04:57] Motion passes. [00:04:58] Next is public reading of ordinances.
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.a
First Reading - Ordinance No. 2019-2149: Amendments to Chapter 13 to Prohibit Bathhouses
approvedFirst reading of Ordinance 2019-2149, which amends Chapter 13 of the city code to prohibit bathhouses within New Port Richey, citing two local establishments linked to prostitution. Three speakers from the Sex Worker Outreach Project, Restorative Justice Coalition, and ACLU urged rejection, arguing the ordinance harms trafficking victims and sex workers. Council passed the motion on first reading, framing it as a prohibition on commercial bathhouse businesses rather than targeting workers.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2019-2149
- motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2019-2149 prohibiting bathhouses. (passed)
13010 Moose Lane, Hudson, Florida6741 Palmander Avenue, Newport Ritchie, FloridaMassachusetts Avenue building (former attorney's office)ACLUBlack Lives MatterNational Survivor NetworkRestorative Justice CoalitionSex Worker Outreach ProjectSex Worker Solidarity NetworkAnthony AvilaDavisDebbie MannsDiana ShanksGrady JuddNicholas Sierna$500/60-day penalty per violationArticle 12 - BathhousesChapter 13 amendmentsGood Samaritan 9-1-1 code (suggested alternative)Ordinance No. 2019-2149▶ Jump to 5:00 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:05:00] First reading, ordinance 2019-2149, amendments to Chapter 13 to prohibit bathhouses. [00:05:08] Ordinance number 2019-2149, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:05:13] providing for amendment of Chapter 13 to the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances [00:05:17] pertaining to licenses and business regulation, [00:05:19] providing for a new Article 12 thereof pertaining to bathhouses, [00:05:23] providing for prohibition of bathhouses within the city, [00:05:26] providing definitions of terms, providing prohibited activities, [00:05:30] providing penalties for violation hereof, providing for enforcement, [00:05:34] providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. [00:05:37] Thank you. [00:05:38] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:05:40] Please come forward if you would sign in [00:05:42] and then give us your name and address for the record, please. [00:05:49] Thank you. [00:06:10] My name is Diana Shanks. [00:06:12] My address is 6741 Palmander Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida. [00:06:17] I've lived in New Port Richey my whole life except for the three years [00:06:19] that I spent in Jacksonville getting my degree in community leadership [00:06:22] and communications from the University of North Florida. [00:06:25] I'm here today to speak on behalf of the Sex Worker Outreach Project, [00:06:28] which is a nonprofit organization that's nationwide, [00:06:32] as well as Sex Worker Solidarity Network, which is a Tampa-based organization, [00:06:35] and the Black Lives Matter organization. [00:06:39] I know that an ordinance that's anti-human trafficking and prostitution [00:06:42] sounds like something that everyone could get behind. [00:06:45] But it does seem crazy that this many organizations, including the ACLU, [00:06:48] have turned out tonight to specifically ask that you not approve this bathhouse ordinance. [00:06:53] The way that we as a country and state handle human trafficking and prostitution [00:06:56] is anything but straightforward, even though we would like it to be. [00:06:59] For starters, the way we talk about it. [00:07:01] This ordinance is supposedly to combat both prostitution and human trafficking, [00:07:05] but those are very different things that should be handled very differently. [00:07:08] One is literal human slavery. [00:07:10] The other is autonomous workers making a decision about what to do with their bodies. [00:07:14] It's a huge problem that police also conflate the two. [00:07:17] Last year, a week-long undercover sting that targeted sex workers in Polk County [00:07:21] ended with 277 arrests. [00:07:23] Sheriff Grady Judd boasted, [00:07:25] quote, that's the most we've ever arrested in the history of the sheriff's office. [00:07:28] And yet this wildly expensive initiative was pitched as an anti-trafficking campaign, [00:07:32] though no human trafficking victims were found. [00:07:35] This happened again in Polk County last month. [00:07:38] 103 arrests. [00:07:40] But this time, they did find two people who they said were victims of human trafficking. [00:07:45] So they arrested them and charged one for solicitation of prostitution [00:07:48] and the other for possession of marijuana. [00:07:51] In 2012, Alaska passed a law that redefined prostitution as sex trafficking. [00:07:56] After six years of policing this way, [00:07:58] Alaska has not charged anyone with coercion, deception, or force relating to trafficking. [00:08:02] No children have been rescued. [00:08:04] The law has only been used to send police against sex workers. [00:08:08] The police have an incredibly long history of arresting human trafficking victims, [00:08:11] and those arrests stay on their record. [00:08:14] As for full-service sex workers, which this ordinance refers to as prostitutes, [00:08:17] all of the available evidence shows us that people become sex workers, [00:08:21] which we all know comes with a ton of stigma [00:08:23] and is a really quick way to get completely ostracized by society, [00:08:26] only when their financial need is so great [00:08:28] that they're willing to risk being jailed and looked down upon by everyone [00:08:32] in order to feed their kids and pay their bills. [00:08:35] This is a population that's been completely overlooked by us. [00:08:38] Throwing our citizens in jail does nothing but spend taxpayer dollars [00:08:41] on incarcerating people who are not hurting anybody. [00:08:44] If you're interested in keeping people from feeling like they have to break the law [00:08:47] just to get their basic needs met, [00:08:49] that's a discussion that's so much bigger than a punitive carceral system. [00:08:52] There are teams of researchers, policy analysts, [00:08:55] and advocates who've contributed to research all over the country, [00:08:58] and I'm worried that the city is moving forward with this punitive ordinance [00:09:01] without a shred of evidence of human trafficking. [00:09:03] Has there been any community input, a citywide study, [00:09:06] input from workers to indicate that we need this? [00:09:08] If you want to help a human trafficking victim, here's a start. [00:09:11] Don't arrest them. [00:09:13] If you care about victims, put your efforts to providing them immunity [00:09:16] from arrest for prostitution or sanctuary from immigrants [00:09:20] so they can access services for abuse without being treated as criminals. [00:09:24] I know that we're going to throw a lot of information at you tonight. [00:09:27] Please don't be presumptuous enough to vote on something [00:09:29] you haven't talked to the experts about or done your own real research into. [00:09:32] Or spoken to the people who will actually be affected by this. [00:09:35] If these aren't cut-and-dry issues, [00:09:37] please trust the people who have been doing this work for years. [00:09:40] Even if that means tabling this vote to the next meeting, [00:09:43] if you feel like you need more time, I would be more than happy to sit down [00:09:45] with you and talk through our concerns. [00:09:47] Thank you. [00:09:48] Thank you. [00:09:49] Anyone else? [00:10:18] Hello. [00:10:24] I'm Nicholas Sierna. [00:10:26] I've lived in Lutes, Florida all my life, [00:10:28] except for my time at college up in Jacksonville. [00:10:31] I'm here tonight to represent the Restorative Justice Coalition, [00:10:34] and I have from them a letter to read to you. [00:10:37] The Restorative Justice Coalition implores the New Port Richey City Council [00:10:40] to reject the Bouthouse Ordinance. [00:10:42] The ordinance, while disguised to reduce human trafficking, [00:10:45] is not victim-centric in nature. [00:10:47] While human trafficking is clearly deplorable, [00:10:49] the ordinance is likely to cause more criminalization of the victims. [00:10:53] In the past year, Florida police have raided these establishments, [00:10:56] and each time they arrest women who are engaged in sex work. [00:10:59] If the focus is on victim survival and restoration, then why, we must ask, [00:11:04] does law enforcement arrest the victims? [00:11:06] According to the National Survivor Network, [00:11:08] 50% of human trafficking survivors faced their first arrest as a juvenile. [00:11:13] Of those, half of them faced convictions. [00:11:16] 90% of trafficking survivors report that during their time as a trafficked victim, [00:11:20] they experienced an arrest by the police. [00:11:23] Around 25% of these victims were arrested 10 to 20 times [00:11:26] during the span of their experience as a tractive victim. [00:11:29] How does arresting victims, especially multiple times, end human trafficking? [00:11:33] In 2012, as a result of police raids, [00:11:36] almost 3,000 individuals were arrested for prostitution, [00:11:39] whereas only 34 individuals were arrested for human trafficking-related charges [00:11:43] in New York City. [00:11:45] It is no secret that in the United States, [00:11:48] a criminal conviction can severely impact your livelihood. [00:11:51] Victims of trafficking who face conviction [00:11:54] are forced to live with unimaginable barriers for the duration of their lives. [00:11:58] The National Survivor Network noted that 70% of trafficking victims who are convicted [00:12:02] were unable to expunge their criminal convictions, [00:12:05] even after establishing their victimhood. [00:12:08] The ordinance will waste taxpayer resources. [00:12:11] The added bureaucracy imposed on businesses for the licensing and registration [00:12:15] are certainly a great tool for revenue for the city. [00:12:19] In addition, utilizing the police force to perform raids and reviews [00:12:23] of suspected bathhouses will come at a cost. [00:12:27] Ultimately, however, as the Criminalization of Trafficking Victims study shows, [00:12:31] these raids are ineffective and do nothing to curb human trafficking. [00:12:35] So why should taxpayer dollars go to this resource [00:12:38] when we could instead allocate resources to programs designed to help victims [00:12:42] at their own self-determination? [00:12:45] Limiting access to employment, housing, education, federal and state benefits, [00:12:49] and other factors only creates economic distress, disenfranchisement, [00:12:53] and further marginalization, and is not effective in protecting victims. [00:12:57] The largest component of the irony of this ordinance [00:13:01] is that it would actually further enable sex traffickers rather than eliminate them. [00:13:05] Convicted victims find themselves struggling to find employment. [00:13:08] Branded with a harmful criminal record, they are often left with no choice [00:13:12] but to seek work in the trafficking trades indefinitely. [00:13:15] A truly restorative justice approach to human trafficking [00:13:18] is vital to actually ending the crisis. [00:13:21] At no point in time in the history of this country has over-policing, criminalizing, [00:13:25] or stigmatizing anyone resulted in positive transformative change within society. [00:13:32] If we truly want to end human trafficking, then we cannot take these approaches. [00:13:36] True transformations within society will be needed to bring forward justice for the victims. [00:13:40] But certainly, diversion programs, arrests, jails, and convictions [00:13:44] are not key to this transformation. [00:13:47] As such, we stand in solidarity with the Sex Workers Solidarity Network [00:13:50] and are asking the City Council to reject this dangerous ordinance. [00:13:53] In its place, we suggest the City implement a good Samaritan 9-1-1 code [00:13:57] that will allow victims or witnesses of sexual violence, including human trafficking, [00:14:01] to call for help without risking themselves or others in facing an arrest or scrutiny. [00:14:07] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:14:27] Hello, my name is Anthony Avila and I live in Hudson, Florida at 13010 Moose Lane. [00:14:43] I have a statement from the ACLU to read for you all tonight. [00:14:49] The ACLU supports the decriminalization of prostitution [00:14:54] and opposes state regulation of prostitution. [00:15:00] use of vagrancy or loitering laws or licensing or regulatory schemes to harass and arrest [00:15:09] those who may be engaged in solicitation for prostitution. [00:15:14] While there are both male and female prostitutes, laws against prostitution most frequently [00:15:20] refer to or apply to women, despite the statutory stresses on female prostitution. [00:15:30] The ACAU's policy is applicable to prostitutions of both sexes. [00:15:34] Such laws have traditionally represented one of the most direct forms of discrimination [00:15:42] against women. [00:15:44] The woman who engaged in prostitution is punished criminally and stigmatized socially, while [00:15:53] her male customer, either by the illicit design or the statute or through a pattern [00:16:01] of discriminatory enforcement, is left unscathed. [00:16:06] Prostitution laws are also a violation of the right of individual privacy because they [00:16:11] oppose penal sanctions for the private sexual conduct of consenting adults. [00:16:18] Whether a person chooses to engage in sexual activity or proposes of recreation or engage [00:16:26] in something of value is a matter of individual choice, not for governmental interference. [00:16:34] ACAU's use of entrapment techniques to enforce laws against this essentially private [00:16:41] activity is reprehensible. [00:16:44] Similarly, the use of loitering and vagrancy laws to punish prostitutes for their status [00:16:50] or to make arrests on the basis of reputation and appearance is contrary to civilized notions [00:17:00] of due process of law. [00:17:02] Since the ACAU policy is that prostitution should not be made criminal, solicitation [00:17:08] for prostitute is entitled to the protection of the First Amendment. [00:17:12] The ACAU reaffirms its policy favoring removal of criminal penalties for prostitution and [00:17:19] in support of total sexual freedom among consenting adults in private. [00:17:23] Thank you. [00:17:24] Anyone else? [00:17:25] Seeing no one else come forward, I'm going to bring it back to Council and ask, Ms. Vance, [00:17:36] what prompted this? [00:17:37] Yes, yes, certainly, Mr. Mayor. [00:17:40] The purpose of this agenda item is to serve the best interests, health, safety, and welfare [00:17:47] of the citizens of the City of New Port Richey. [00:17:50] It is prompted by the practice that bathhouses, which other than medical facilities, permit [00:18:01] baths to be applied to one person from another person, lead to prostitution. [00:18:08] In the experience of the City of New Port Richey, that was the case in two establishments. [00:18:15] And therefore, I asked the City Attorney to draft this ordinance so that we could address [00:18:22] the prohibited activities and establish a penalty for such. [00:18:28] And the ordinance is written in such a way that it is not appropriate to, or it's specifically [00:18:37] prohibited to operate a bathhouse, to lease any facility for the purpose of operating [00:18:43] a bathhouse, or to advertise to provide a bath to another person. [00:18:50] The penalties are $500 per instance, or 60 days, or both for each violation. [00:19:01] Thank you. [00:19:02] Does the City Attorney have any other? [00:19:04] I don't have anything else to add, except I'd be glad to answer any questions. [00:19:08] Very good. [00:19:09] Deputy Mayor? [00:19:10] Move for approval. [00:19:11] Second. [00:19:12] Thank you. [00:19:13] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [00:19:14] I know what building prompted this to happen. [00:19:17] It was a former attorney's office, and thanks for coming out and reading your letters this [00:19:25] evening. [00:19:26] Everyone has a right to their opinion, and I respect that very much. [00:19:29] To me, this is the best move for our city, after seeing what I saw on Massachusetts. [00:19:35] And if you'd have told me six months ago we'd have to even address something like that, [00:19:40] I would have told you you were out of your mind, because until I saw that building, it [00:19:46] just blew my mind when I drove by. [00:19:49] Yes, well, you know, what you're saying is, you know, maybe true in some aspects. [00:19:57] I'm no expert, by any means, but, you know, prostitution and that kind of activity breeds [00:20:04] other criminal activity. [00:20:06] It's just, it happens, drugs, those kind of things. [00:20:09] While I don't care what consenting adults do, I could care less, but it's not something [00:20:16] we need to be mainstream with in our city. [00:20:19] Councilman? [00:20:20] Yeah, a couple things. [00:20:22] The question you asked what prompted this, and just my own response on this board, is [00:20:29] that when we have ordinances, it would be nice if we discussed ordinances and directed [00:20:34] the city manager to produce an ordinance. [00:20:38] These ordinances are coming up, being presented from within. [00:20:42] We are the policymaking board, and so if any of us individually are able to direct the [00:20:47] city manager and not collectively to produce something, then that's not the way it should [00:20:52] be happening. [00:20:53] So just from a standpoint of procedure, I do not recall having any discussions publicly [00:20:58] about this before I see the proposed ordinance. [00:21:00] So it comes as a, not to this ordinance specifically, but from a standpoint of procedure, I would [00:21:10] like for the city council to take the role as the policymakers and not have the city [00:21:15] manager providing us with policy discussions to the point of an ordinance that's written [00:21:22] that we haven't discussed. [00:21:24] So that's just my first side. [00:21:26] Secondly, I believe that the ordinance is to prohibit those businesses from occurring [00:21:33] in our city, and prohibiting a business from occurring in the city is different from establishing [00:21:42] an ordinance that singles out the provider of the service. [00:21:48] A lot of what was said I understand, and much of what was said I can agree with, but I think [00:21:54] the ordinance itself, as it's been presented, is an ordinance that allows our city to say [00:22:00] we don't want those kind of businesses in our town, and to the degree you talk about [00:22:05] the expenses, those of you who made your comments to us, to police, without those businesses [00:22:12] in town, less effort from our police department to manage that and monitor it. [00:22:18] I would hope, and I believe, and I believe I understand that there have been sting operations [00:22:26] in our city in order to go after those who seek those services, where we have seen arrests [00:22:35] occur of folks who are soliciting prostitution as the consumer of the person who's looking [00:22:47] for that. [00:22:48] So a lot of the commentary is, again, as the Vice Mayor has said, appreciate your comments. [00:22:59] I'm very impressed at the way in which you all were able to present your case and arguments, [00:23:05] and I encourage you to continue your activism. [00:23:09] I'm very happy to see that we have people around here who care about the victims, and [00:23:16] I have to say that the – I've understood from talking to the Chief a few years ago, [00:23:22] I think, that there has been a problem, and there's a great problem with some of the [00:23:29] kidnapping and some of the things that occur that supply those businesses with folks who [00:23:37] are unwilling, but found that they're pressed into service by human trafficking and slavery. [00:23:44] So I don't think anybody up here could disagree with your comment that there are [00:23:51] victims in the sex trade, but I think that's beyond the scope of our city, and I see this [00:23:58] ordinance as something just to keep that activity out of the city. [00:24:02] I'm not aware of anything in this ordinance that increases a penalty that doesn't already [00:24:07] exist in the statutes for the activity that you're talking about. [00:24:11] It's kind of out – it's beyond our take, in my view, so I will support the ordinance. [00:24:17] Thank you. [00:24:17] Councilman Davis. [00:24:18] Yeah, I'm in support of this because I think it addresses the businesses. [00:24:25] It appalls me when human trafficking is connected with prostitution because I kind of feel [00:24:33] prostitution is a choice, but human trafficking isn't a choice. [00:24:39] So I'm in support of this and the idea where it has to do with business and not the people. [00:24:43] Thank you for your – actually, knowledge. [00:24:45] I learned a lot from you. [00:24:46] Thank you. [00:24:51] My take on this was this is specifically targeting a specific type of business that we had an [00:25:00] example of that was trying to open up without the benefit of any sort of business license [00:25:07] or anything else, and our current ordinances are silent on the question of bathhouses, period. [00:25:17] I don't see this as an attack necessarily on the workers, but it is very definitely [00:25:22] an attack on the business owners and operators that are trying to commercialize this. [00:25:29] As was mentioned by a couple different people, what two consenting adults want to do in the [00:25:33] privacy of their own home, I've got no problem with. [00:25:35] That's between them. [00:25:40] This is commercial and it is significantly different. [00:25:45] Deputy Mayor, you wanted to say something else? [00:25:47] Oh, no. [00:25:48] All good points from everybody. [00:25:51] Any other discussion? [00:25:53] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:25:56] Aye. [00:25:56] Aye. [00:25:57] Opposed, like sign. [00:25:59] Motion passes. [00:26:00] Ms. Mance, my understanding the next ordinance has been pulled.
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- 8.b
First Reading - Ordinance No. 2019-2148: Permitted Uses in Highway Commercial Zoning District
tabledStaff requested tabling the first reading of Ordinance No. 2019-2148 regarding permitted uses in the Highway Commercial Zoning District until the next regular City Council meeting. The motion to table passed unanimously.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2019-2148
- motion:Motion to table Ordinance No. 2019-2148 to the next regular City Council meeting. (passed)
▶ Jump to 26:01 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:26:04] We're asking that you consider tabling the matter until your next regular City Council meeting. [00:26:11] To the next City Council meeting. [00:26:14] Second. [00:26:15] All those in favor? [00:26:16] Aye. [00:26:17] Aye. [00:26:17] Opposed, like sign. [00:26:19] Motion passes.
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- 9.a
Board Re-Appointment: Dell deChant, Environmental Committee
approvedCouncil reappointed Dell deChant to the Environmental Committee for an additional two-year term ending January 8, 2021.
- motion:Reappoint Dell deChant to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term ending January 8, 2021. (passed)
▶ Jump to 26:20 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:26:20] Next. [00:26:23] Board reappointment, Del Deschamps to the Environmental Committee. [00:26:27] Mr. Deschamps, current term on the Environmental Committee lapses on January 8th, 2019. [00:26:36] The terms of office for the Environmental Committee is a two-year period of time. [00:26:42] Mr. Deschamps has been a very valued member of the group and we are asking that you consider [00:26:49] appointing him for an additional two-year term until the period January 8th, 2021. [00:26:59] Any comment from the public? [00:27:01] Hearing none, entertain a motion. [00:27:02] Approval. [00:27:03] Second. [00:27:03] To the maker. [00:27:05] No. [00:27:06] Second. [00:27:06] Mr. Dell, thank you once again for volunteering for this position and thank you for all you do.
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- 9.b
Board Appointment: Amjad MJ Faqouseh, Environmental Committee
approvedCouncil appointed Amjad 'MJ' Faqouseh to an open seat on the Environmental Committee for a two-year term ending January 2, 2021. Faqouseh, a Harvard graduate with a background in government and intelligence, attended the meeting and spoke about his interest in environmental initiatives.
- motion:Motion to appoint MJ Faqouseh to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term through January 2, 2021. (passed)
Harvard UniversityAmjad 'MJ' FaqousehChief BogartCouncilman DavisDevinMr. DeschampsEnvironmental Committee▶ Jump to 27:11 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:27:11] Councilman Davis. [00:27:12] And may I add that is leadership in that program. [00:27:15] Very much so. [00:27:16] Mr. Merger. [00:27:17] No, I'm good. [00:27:19] Mr. Deschamps has been instrumental in leading that committee. [00:27:25] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:27:27] Aye. [00:27:28] Aye. [00:27:28] Opposed, like sign. [00:27:30] Motion passes. [00:27:31] Next, board appointment of. [00:27:34] Mr. Fugosi. [00:27:36] Mr. Fugosi, thank you to the Environmental Committee. [00:27:38] Mr. Fugosi is in attendance this evening. [00:27:41] He has expressed some interest in serving on the Environmental Committee. [00:27:45] There currently is a seat open on the committee. [00:27:49] As indicated to you previously, the term of office for a seat on this board is two years. [00:27:55] Therefore, if you determine that the recommendation is appropriate, [00:28:00] his term of office will span through January 2nd, 2021. [00:28:04] Thank you. [00:28:05] Open it up for public comment. [00:28:07] Mr. Fugosi, this is your last chance to run screaming out the door before something happens. [00:28:12] I'm seeing no one commenting. [00:28:15] I'll bring it back to council. [00:28:16] Move approval. [00:28:18] Second. [00:28:19] We have a motion and multiple seconds to the maker. [00:28:22] Now, only to invite Mr. Fugosi to tell us a little bit about himself if he wants to [00:28:27] after we appoint him, if he passes the test here. [00:28:32] I say we make him talk first. [00:28:33] Yeah, Mr. Davis. [00:28:36] MJ, come on down. [00:28:38] I'm just curious. [00:28:39] I just want to say this is the second time I think I've been on council that [00:28:43] when we put somebody on the board that they were actually here, you know, so appreciate you coming. [00:28:48] We got to sign in as well? [00:28:49] No, that's fine. [00:28:50] Just tell us a little about yourself. [00:28:53] All right. [00:28:54] As you all know, my name is MJ Fugosi. [00:28:55] You guys call me MJ. [00:28:57] I've met a handful of you. [00:28:59] Chopper Davis, Devin, Chief Bogart. [00:29:04] My whole background is in government and intelligence. [00:29:06] I graduated from Harvard University for my undergrad and my grad. [00:29:10] And coming into environmental issues, we've spoken a lot about the environment, [00:29:17] especially at Harvard, because of, I guess, the school that I'm in. [00:29:23] They're very keen on environmental and political issues. [00:29:26] And I'd like to take what I've learned at Harvard and apply to the city of Newport and see what [00:29:31] we could do for better initiatives and movements for the environmental committee. [00:29:35] So I look forward to meeting each and every single one of you on a much deeper level and [00:29:40] moving forward with this. [00:29:42] So we're supposed to turn down a Harvard graduate? [00:29:44] We'll vote you out of the committee. [00:29:47] Any other discussion? [00:29:49] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:29:52] Aye. [00:29:53] Opposed, like sign. [00:29:54] Thank you very much. [00:29:56] Any other input that you want to bring to us besides environmental, we'd be glad. [00:30:00] If there is any other positions open for any other board, I'd love to join all of them and apply my input. [00:30:08] Well, not in the boards, but just things you hear, bring it to us, please. [00:30:12] Thank you very much.
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- 9.c
Third Amendment to the Lease Agreement between the City of New Port Richey and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
approvedCouncil approved a Third Amendment to the lease agreement with the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce to memorialize a repayment plan for $1,200 in delinquent rent and $8,484.20 in special event charges (largely from Bike Fest). The Chamber will pay $400 in January 2019 and $1,400/month starting February 2019 until the debt is paid. Some councilmembers questioned whether amending the lease was necessary versus a standalone repayment agreement.
- motion:Approve the Third Amendment to the lease agreement with the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, including the repayment plan. (passed)
▶ Jump to 30:14 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:30:14] Next item is third amendment to the lease agreement between City of New Port Richey and the West Pasco Chamber. [00:30:18] Ms. Manns. [00:30:19] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [00:30:21] As was indicated to you in a previous city manager's report, the Chamber of Commerce has fallen delinquent in payments to the city specifically. [00:30:33] They are delinquent in the amount of $1,200 in rent and $8,484.20 in charges for special events. [00:30:44] In order to address this matter, they have agreed to a repayment plan, which would be a $400 payment for their rent in the month of January, [00:30:58] and then commencing in February of 2019, a payment in the amount of $1,400 per month until such time as the total amount of indebtedness is extinguished. [00:31:11] We are recommending that you consider approving the amendment to the lease agreement and the repayment arrangement. [00:31:19] Entertain comments from the public? [00:31:22] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:31:25] Move for approval. [00:31:30] I'll second. [00:31:31] To the Mayor? [00:31:32] No, we'd like to get these people back on track, and any of those people that were on that list. [00:31:40] Second. [00:31:41] No, I mean, we want them to be able to pay it back, but I mean, what's the alternative? [00:31:46] Are we going to foreclose on them? [00:31:47] I mean, I don't know if that would be so wise, but... [00:31:53] It's an option. [00:31:55] It is not one that I would recommend. [00:31:58] They have shown good faith and have made considerable progress over recent months in terms of turning things around at the Chamber of Commerce. [00:32:08] It would certainly be awkward to toss them out. [00:32:11] Yeah, exactly. [00:32:12] So, I mean, I think we need to have to go forward with it, so... [00:32:17] Mr. Allman? [00:32:18] Yeah, I'm not so sure that we need to change the lease agreement. [00:32:21] They've come up with a... [00:32:23] I'll support the action that's being presented, but to me, you know, a promise from a tenant to repay us on a schedule would have been sufficient. [00:32:32] I think, you know, what we're doing really is also suggesting that until the debt is paid that the lease, you know, still exists, [00:32:43] and I don't know the provisions of the lease to allow either party to provide a notice of termination. [00:32:54] Nothing of that is occurring at this point, but it just seems like it's more legal entanglement maybe than we needed to just come to agreement to get it paid off. [00:33:02] I will support it. [00:33:05] So, that's all that's on this topic, I guess. [00:33:08] No, I kind of agree with you. [00:33:11] I'm glad they're trying to pay us back. [00:33:13] The majority of this debt is from Bike Fest two years ago, and the Chamber was putting on these... [00:33:18] I have, once again, a work session coming up later this month about Bike Fest and large events and people getting indebted to the city for long periods of time because of these events. [00:33:27] But I guess I'm kind of with Councilman Altman on this, where there's a debt of $96.84.20. [00:33:38] Only $1,200 of that is actually related to rent. [00:33:42] So why can't we just have them sign an agreement to pay back the debt on a monthly basis rather than have them amend the lease, I guess is my question. [00:33:50] I'm not opposed to getting the money back with a payment plan. [00:33:53] I just didn't understand the lease agreement. [00:33:55] It's one way to deal with it is to deal with it in the lease and just have it be part of the lease. [00:34:00] You could certainly deal with it outside the lease as well and just having a repayment agreement. [00:34:05] It really doesn't change the legal effect of it. [00:34:10] From my perspective, it was important that we memorialize the terms of the agreement [00:34:17] and that you're all aware of what has been agreed to with your permission. [00:34:23] Appreciate that. [00:34:26] Further discussion? [00:34:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:34:30] Aye. [00:34:31] Aye. [00:34:32] Opposed, like sign? [00:34:33] No. [00:34:34] Motion passes. [00:34:35] Whatever.
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- 9.d
Professional Service Agreement - Professional Engineering Services 2019
approvedCouncil authorized the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Heirs (Ayers) and Associates to serve as city engineer for the 2019 calendar year, in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Discussion centered on Councilman Altman's preference for the Council to be more directly involved in selecting and engaging with the city engineer, particularly for capital projects.
- motion:Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Ayers and Associates to serve as city engineer for the 2019 calendar year in an amount not to exceed $40,000. (passed)
Ayers and AssociatesGenesysKimley HornAltmanDavisDriscollMannsMurphyRobert RiveraCRACapital Improvement ProjectsCity Engineer annual appointmentHighway 19 bicycle overpassLand Development Review CodeNPO board▶ Jump to 34:36 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:34:36] Next, professional service agreement for professional engineering services 2019. [00:34:42] Yes, Mr. Mayor. [00:34:44] The city charter, I'm sorry, the land development review code specifies that the city council adopt a firm to serve as city engineer on an annual basis [00:34:58] and that that term of office is for a one-year period of time. [00:35:03] The city hired heirs and associates back in 2016 to perform services such as consulting, reporting, project design, [00:35:14] some services during construction, as well as supplementary services and special projects. [00:35:22] They have served the city well and we are recommending that you consider authorizing the city manager to enter into an agreement with heirs and associate [00:35:33] for the 2019 calendar year for an amount not to exceed $40,000. [00:35:42] Thank you. [00:35:43] Open it up for public comment. [00:35:45] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:35:48] I'll move for approval. [00:35:52] We have a motion. [00:35:58] Second, anyone? [00:35:59] Second. [00:36:00] To the maker? [00:36:01] Nothing. [00:36:02] To the second? [00:36:03] I have no comments at this time. [00:36:05] Mr. Altman? [00:36:06] Yes, if you look at the city's charter, the city engineer is identified at the same level as the city attorney, I believe, [00:36:14] as being an employee of the city and, in particular, an employee of the city council. [00:36:24] Back in the old days, our city engineer would sit at all our council meetings, [00:36:29] and we certainly don't need to have a city engineer at all our council meetings, [00:36:34] but we have a tremendous amount of public projects and capital projects that we've discussed, [00:36:41] and even in my years in the community development district business, we had the city engineer regularly attending the board meetings. [00:36:53] I don't know what process that we go to to select who our city engineer is, [00:36:59] but it would be my preference to have the city council interview and hire the city engineer. [00:37:06] I think that's probably what was intended by our laws. [00:37:11] So I think we've got a tremendous amount of capital projects coming. [00:37:15] I'd like to know a little more about the skill sets of our city engineer [00:37:22] and become acquainted with him to the same degree we're acquainted with the attorney. [00:37:26] May I ask the attorney then? [00:37:27] Thank you. [00:37:28] Mr. Driscoll, then, what's your take on that? [00:37:30] Well, the city engineer is not provided by the charter. [00:37:33] It's not really a charter position. [00:37:35] It's someone that you can appoint to assist with issues that come up before the city. [00:37:43] So it's really not like a charter officer. [00:37:45] I'm just thumbing through the charter just to make sure that I'm not missing something. [00:37:48] But it's not in the city charter, and that's why it's provided in the Land Development Code. [00:37:54] And it's an appointment of a position to assist in various departments of the city to fulfill their functions. [00:38:02] So you can approach it any way you want. [00:38:06] It's a contract position. [00:38:07] You can interview. [00:38:10] All the things you said that you would like to do, you certainly can do. [00:38:13] So I hope that helps to clarify it. [00:38:16] Just a quick preference. [00:38:17] Well, yeah, I think, you know, and I'm not opposed to hiring this person to assist the city manager [00:38:24] in her engineering needs and the departments in their engineering needs. [00:38:28] What I'm missing is the ability to speak directly to an engineer from time to time [00:38:33] when it comes to our discussion of capital projects. [00:38:35] So, you know, because the advice that comes from the city engineer to us is critical, I think, [00:38:44] as we look at the capital projects ahead. [00:38:46] Maybe we need to talk about that a little bit at some point. [00:38:51] So let's say we hire this firm. [00:38:53] Can we invite them to come to those meetings? [00:38:55] We're discussing large capital improvement projects. [00:38:58] I would expect that to happen anyhow, I would guess. [00:39:02] The principal role of the city engineer is to interface related to the development review committee [00:39:11] and site plans and rezonings and plats that occur through the building department. [00:39:18] They do not play a role in the implementation of our capital improvement project budget. [00:39:25] Well, I guess you put me in my place, didn't you? [00:39:28] No, I didn't intend to. [00:39:30] Well, you know, I think we get the ability to make decisions on how we provide and go forward, [00:39:38] and just not for nothing but the capital improvement budget came to us in the fully complete product [00:39:45] during the budget time toward the end of our budget deliberation. [00:39:50] So perhaps I'm trying to make sure that I impress upon you [00:39:54] and to my colleagues the benefit for us to have someone to talk about. [00:39:58] As an example, the bicycle path over Highway 19. [00:40:07] We had funds that were allocated for that, [00:40:12] and we had discussion that came from within the staff that we couldn't afford it. [00:40:17] And I believe that discussion should have occurred publicly at some point, you know, [00:40:22] and that we should have some public discussion about what is the cost [00:40:25] and what are the alternatives that allow us to engage in that discussion. [00:40:29] So to me, I just want to see a little bit more in large role in us as a body learning [00:40:35] and working together to get information directly. [00:40:39] I believe you were on the staff at the time. [00:40:42] It may have been shortly after you left the staff, [00:40:45] but I did have discussions with all of the seated elected officials about that project. [00:40:50] In a public meeting? [00:40:52] No. [00:40:53] Well, there's the problem right there. [00:40:56] So we need to have these discussions publicly. [00:40:58] The city manager is allowed to have discussions individually with the elected officials. [00:41:02] I'm not talking about the legality of it. [00:41:05] I'm talking about my desire for us to be engaged [00:41:08] and to have the public engaged and know what's going on. [00:41:11] I will tell you, I've been fighting pretty hard on the NPO board. [00:41:13] I know. [00:41:14] Because there are some county commissioners that want to see an overpass [00:41:17] and a few other spots other than that one. [00:41:19] So I think we've, as far as the NPO board goes, [00:41:23] I think we've convinced enough people that that should be, [00:41:27] at least when we voted on it, it wasn't a done deal. [00:41:29] We're just prioritizing the project. [00:41:31] Unfortunately, in that case, back to the NPO, [00:41:34] we need one really in front of Longleaf, that new trail. [00:41:36] We really need one at the Suncoast Expressway. [00:41:38] It just comes down to funding. [00:41:40] But what I've been pitching is safety and where are people dying, you know what I mean? [00:41:44] And it's worked. [00:41:46] But I hear what you're saying. [00:41:49] Well, yeah, my experience is from being an elected member of the city council [00:41:53] for multiple times and experiencing a city engineer regularly at our city council meetings. [00:41:58] So whatever interpretation that the engineer does not serve the city council directly [00:42:04] is not historically accurate to the way that the city engineer has always been handled. [00:42:10] So that's my comment. [00:42:12] I'm happy that you're happy with this firm. [00:42:14] I understand the role that they have. [00:42:16] I will support the motion, [00:42:18] but I would like to continue to encourage a way in which we can have, [00:42:25] even through the CRA, which has got all the money for investment, [00:42:29] to have and directly engage and participate in the selection of some of our professionals. [00:42:35] Thank you. [00:42:36] Mr. Murphy? [00:42:37] No, I'm good. [00:42:40] Historically, they may have had the engineer here. [00:42:43] I can tell you in the last 12 years it hasn't happened. [00:42:48] I think the last time I actually saw a city engineer here at a meeting [00:42:52] was when they were talking about the lane use over there at that transport, [00:42:56] like the Amos Transport Company, and they were talking about rezoning that area. [00:43:00] And for some reason I want to say our city attorneys, [00:43:03] that's the last time I ever remember seeing one. [00:43:05] It might have been you. [00:43:06] You were off when you were biking. [00:43:07] Could be. [00:43:09] I don't disagree with wanting to have engineering information provided to us as part of what we're doing. [00:43:19] There's no further discussion. [00:43:22] Robert would like to speak into this a little bit. [00:43:25] If I may, I just wanted to let you know, and I'm sure you know, Pete, as well, [00:43:30] that you do have those services available currently right now. [00:43:35] Now, obviously, you all aren't a part of the selection of those different firms, [00:43:40] but there is a process where you advertise for qualifications [00:43:46] because different firms have different expertises in what they're doing. [00:43:51] So an example would be if you wanted to talk about the overpass [00:43:56] and you wanted a firm that specialized in that, [00:43:59] then typically you would have that ability to be able to do that. [00:44:04] In that case that Councilman Altman is talking about, [00:44:08] if Kimley Horn was under contract [00:44:12] and it had been presented to you to where you had approved them, [00:44:16] then they would also be available and there's pricing in the continuing services contract [00:44:21] for them to show up, to sit down and have a work session, [00:44:25] have a Council meeting to where they would be able to answer any of your questions [00:44:29] and be able to give you that information that you need [00:44:34] and probably have a firm that would be better than that [00:44:37] because some of these firms are experts in certain things. [00:44:40] The city manager is correct where the retainage of the city engineer that we use [00:44:46] is basically for the DRC to where he's reviewing, [00:44:51] an example would be stormwater calculations, [00:44:53] to be able to make sure that when there's a site development going on [00:44:57] that he is giving staff... [00:45:00] the correct information to where those types of construction projects, private ones, can be built. [00:45:07] But I would say that the services that you're requesting or that you're looking into are available to you now. [00:45:15] It would just be different. There's different firms for different projects like we use. [00:45:20] You know, we have Genesys come in. They talk to you about the road projects. [00:45:24] If you were interested in widening some road or wanting to know what the possibilities would be, [00:45:31] then they would be available to answer those types of questions. [00:45:35] And you wouldn't get into, say, where Ayers is under contract now, [00:45:39] and they're talking about a project and kind of critiquing another firm. [00:45:47] This way you'd have them under contract to be able to address any situation that you needed to. [00:45:54] Yes, I think your last comment is straight to the heart of what I'm speaking to. [00:46:02] When I was a CPA back in those days, we weren't allowed to be financial advisors. [00:46:06] Now CPAs can be financial advisors. Everyone can practice each other's business. [00:46:11] In my community development district experience, we had district engineers, [00:46:16] but those district engineers were not the same engineering firm that did the work. [00:46:21] They were advisors. [00:46:23] In the same way as a CPA, I would advise independently of somebody because I had nothing to gain from it. [00:46:29] So in that regard, that's what I'm talking about, [00:46:32] which is to have an independent person who can speak about that industry, about those topics in general. [00:46:37] And then they would say, you know, suggest someone be hired to do the job. [00:46:42] But there was a little separation in getting independent advice to the city council that you get [00:46:50] when you have that kind of designated person there. [00:46:53] In many cases, it prohibited from doing the work because they can't suggest work for themselves. [00:46:59] And I think that's part of where all this is coming from, from me. [00:47:03] Thank you. [00:47:04] Very good. Any further discussion? [00:47:06] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:47:08] Aye. [00:47:09] Opposed, like sign. [00:47:11] Motion passes. [00:47:12] Next is Wastewater Treatment Plant Surface Water Discharge Study, task order number 17. [00:47:17] Ms. Manns. [00:47:18] Yes, sir. [00:47:19] Mr. Mayor, the purpose of this agenda item is to address a matter related to our operating permit, [00:47:28] which allows discharge into the bio during high flows of rainfall. [00:47:35] And Mr. Rivera will present the agenda item. [00:47:40] The task order is from McKim and Creed. [00:47:43] It's for an amount not to exceed $158,710. [00:47:48] It is an unfunded mandate that's included in our permit right now, our operating permit. [00:47:54] And it's a result of several discharges that we've had over the last few years during large rain events. [00:48:02] An example would be the Hurricane Irma. [00:48:06] And when the governor declares a disaster declaration, it's a process that is allowed. [00:48:15] And so when we met with DEP to renew our new permit, one of the things that they wanted to address, [00:48:25] and one of their concerns was, is, okay, well, if we're discharging, how are we affecting the bayou? [00:48:31] And we're discharging simply because there's more water or effluent coming in than what we can get out. [00:48:41] This is not raw water that goes out. [00:48:44] This is water that's been treated, and it's actually been dechlorinated before it gets to the bayou. [00:48:52] It's cleaner than the stormwater runoff that's going in there. [00:48:56] What we need to find out is we need to find out the maximum pollutant loads that we can discharge [00:49:05] to where we're not having a detrimental impact to the bayou. [00:49:10] An example would be nitrogen or phosphorus. [00:49:14] If we're exceeding a certain limit than what the body of water can flow and circulate and get that pollutant out, [00:49:24] then it could increase algae growth or promote algae growth. [00:49:28] The algae growth then depletes the oxygen. [00:49:31] The oxygen promotes fish kills, aquatic life, that type of thing. [00:49:37] And so we've got to be worried about that. [00:49:40] Now, our preliminary testing that we've done, although it hasn't been under a guideline of the study that FDEP has wanted, [00:49:50] we're really discharging some clean water almost right up there with some of the most advanced treatment processes that you have. [00:49:58] And so what this does, again, takes care of the environment, presents to DEP a study that shows exactly what we're doing [00:50:07] on a consistent basis to where we would be allowed to be able to discharge only under certain circumstances. [00:50:15] And that's basically when you have these large rain events that there really is no system that you can construct. [00:50:23] We've proven that retention, you just can't keep building these retention ponds [00:50:28] and think that you're going to be able to hold all the water that comes down. [00:50:33] Because of the weather pattern that we're in, that is probably going to last for quite a long time. [00:50:39] You can't build systems long enough to be able or you can't build systems large enough that could operate [00:50:45] and have this much capacity to be able to get rid of that water. [00:50:50] So you have to look at the different avenues that are acceptable and most importantly acceptable to the environment. [00:50:57] And so that's basically what we're doing. [00:50:59] So we would recommend that you approve the task order. [00:51:02] Pasco County is responsible for 60% of the amount. [00:51:07] And so we would recommend that you do approve it. [00:51:13] Thank you. [00:51:14] Open it up for public comment. [00:51:17] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:51:19] Move for approval with comment. [00:51:21] Second. [00:51:22] I just want to say that I knew zero about what you were talking about in the beginning [00:51:27] and now I know like 8% and I'm going to get my Harvard expert in the environmental committee [00:51:33] to get me up to at least a passing grade. [00:51:36] But no, basically I understand that we need to keep an eye on ourselves and that's what this is about [00:51:42] and thank you being a step ahead of it. [00:51:44] To the second. [00:51:46] Ditto what Councilman Davis said. [00:51:48] Mr. Altman. [00:51:49] I think it's a good idea. [00:51:51] Deputy Mayor. [00:51:52] This keeps us from killing baby snook and redfish, right? [00:51:55] Perfect. [00:51:56] That's the fisherman. [00:51:57] That's good, yeah. [00:51:58] On that basis, I'm all for it. [00:52:01] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:52:04] Aye. [00:52:05] Opposed, like sign.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 9.f
Three Minute Report: Economic Development
discussedEconomic Development director Mario gave updates on several major NPR projects: Main Street Landings (Ken McGurn pursuing a firm opening date), the Aldi's/Highway 19 corner (AG Development teamed with Equity Commercial Real Estate Solutions, progress slow), a forthcoming revised business incentive matching grant program partly funded by deferred McGurn payments, Hacienda window glass shipments arriving in January (237 crates total), Lakeside Inn's progress on Hacienda interior demo, a prospective rooftop dining tenant for Vincenzo's, the opening of Grand Fresh Market near Lenning Tower, and confirmation that The Central groundbreaking is expected this January. No formal action was taken.
Central AvenueHighway 19AG DevelopmentAldi'sEquity Commercial Real Estate SolutionsGrand Fresh MarketHaciendaLakeside InnMain Street LandingsThe CentralVincenzo'sAdam DollarnFrank StarkeyJim GundersonKen McGurnKim McGurnMarioRobertWoody TuckerBusiness Incentive Grant ProgramCRA meetingHacienda window installationStucco Grant▶ Jump to 52:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:52:08] Three-minute report on economic development. [00:52:11] Mario, take it away. [00:52:14] Thank you very much, Mayor. [00:52:18] I promise to be short. [00:52:20] Just an update on Main Street landings. [00:52:21] Kim McGurn comes in fairly regularly in the town. [00:52:23] He's really trying to pin down his general contractor as to a date certain when he's going to have the building open. [00:52:29] He's having some challenges with all the construction in Tampa with his GC, [00:52:33] but he is aggressively pursuing a specific time certain when that will be open. [00:52:37] So I will be seeing him tomorrow to get more information on him on that. [00:52:40] Regarding the Aldi's status, another firm has joined AG Development called Equity Commercial Real Estate Solutions. [00:52:49] They've teamed up. [00:52:51] The city manager and I, we've been meeting with them fairly regularly in terms of trying to move that project forward. [00:52:56] The most important things we've been holding the line in terms of the standards of what we want in additional phases, [00:53:01] we want quality tenants and, you know, we really want to kind of reshape the Highway 19 card, [00:53:07] and we feel that a really good project there is really important. [00:53:10] We've kind of sent them back, not specifically to the Aldi's, [00:53:13] but to look at those additional phases and bring somebody good to that location. [00:53:17] So progress is slow. [00:53:19] We tend to feel that Aldi's still wants to come there. [00:53:21] It's just that they paid an awful lot for that parcel, put the Aldi's in, [00:53:26] and they're trying to assemble the other tenancies to be able to make the numbers work in regard to that. [00:53:32] But we do touch base with them fairly regularly and they're responsive [00:53:36] and continue to hack at trying to really bring a good project there. [00:53:40] Economic development is working with the city manager, revising the business incentive grant program. [00:53:45] We'll be bringing something to you at the next CRE meeting. [00:53:50] This is a fairly aggressive program. [00:53:52] I believe it's necessary to kind of ratchet up a little bit more. [00:53:58] It's going to involve a matching grant program, really to attract a higher quality. [00:54:08] Let me just back up. [00:54:09] We're having a lot of inquiries from really good, well-qualified businesses, [00:54:13] and really want to put something on the table to get them extremely interested in coming to town [00:54:18] and investing a higher dollar amount in terms of investment capital in the properties that we have. [00:54:22] I really want to make the real estate environment here really competitive. [00:54:26] Commercial perspectives will be coming to you with a revision of that grant program. [00:54:32] One thing I will add to that is that Ken McGurn has agreed to defer some of his payment to be able to help fund that program. [00:54:39] And so we've been in discussions with him on that. [00:54:42] He really feels it's necessary in terms of the people that he reaches out to [00:54:46] and discusses that we have a program that might help facilitate him filling those 14 locations there. [00:54:52] Hacienda glass is going to be delivered next Monday and Tuesday. [00:54:57] It's 119 crates will be arriving. [00:55:01] We'll be putting them in the back of the business incubator. [00:55:04] And then at the end of the week, we're going to receive another 118. [00:55:09] They come in two pieces. [00:55:11] The glass comes as a single sheet that's pre-cut. [00:55:14] It's 5-H and thick. [00:55:16] And then the steel's been manufactured for the windows, and then the installer comes in once. [00:55:21] We've received those two shipments to install those in Hacienda. [00:55:25] So January's going to be a big month in terms of really kind of getting those windows back into Hacienda. [00:55:30] We've been working off a lot of details. [00:55:32] There's tolerances on the windows and things we've been working with the GC on. [00:55:36] And so we look forward to seeing that happen. [00:55:38] Also, if you haven't gone in there, I mean, Lakeside Inn is doing a tremendous job in terms of what their staff and efforts are making. [00:55:47] I think about 90% of the plaster and lath has been removed. [00:55:52] Apparently it's Cypress studying that's kind of in there. [00:55:55] Really have peeled that building back. [00:55:57] If you look at the little vents there that kind of carved out that, we're ready to go forward with the stucco grant also. [00:56:03] So you'll be seeing a lot of that happening within the next two to three months, [00:56:06] and really great visual aspects from that perspective. [00:56:13] The last thing is, as Vice Mayor talked about, we've been working actively with somebody to get in Vincenzo's. [00:56:22] We've been working with them for several months, and that happens an awful lot. [00:56:24] We talk to an awful lot of people behind the scenes, and we don't like to get people's hopes up, [00:56:29] so I don't want to say a whole lot about it. [00:56:31] But, you know, they're looking at a rooftop dining. [00:56:33] I've been working really closely with fire on that and permission for that. [00:56:37] And when you work with other staff here, what economic development tries to do is try to get ahead of everything. [00:56:43] For example, their vision was rooftop dining. [00:56:46] And my perspective was how does that bring value to how do you make money doing that? [00:56:51] There's a real value there. [00:56:53] But in the improvements that they plan on making to do the first floor, they'd like to have the structure in place. [00:56:57] And they've talked to Adam Dollarn, who pretty much said this is what you can kind of do. [00:57:01] So we provide a lot of guidance to entrepreneurs that are trying to evolve businesses in town prior to actually hearing an awful lot about that. [00:57:11] And so it should be a fairly high-end. [00:57:13] The players in this one have the capital investment, and it's a fairly strong concept, [00:57:19] and we wish them the best because there's certainly a lot of challenges with that building. [00:57:23] Grand Fresh Market has opened down there next to Lenning Tower. [00:57:27] There's another example of a really strong business. [00:57:29] They've had two other locations. [00:57:31] They have a really strong following, and I went in and met with them. [00:57:34] And what they did was, you know, they've been so busy with their other locations, [00:57:37] they sold those locations down in Largo and I think in Indian Rocks Beach, [00:57:41] and they relocated up here to try to make the – if you've owned businesses, it can be very challenging. [00:57:46] And they want to – they've downsized a little bit, but they really wanted to be up here. [00:57:50] And it's more of an example of a systemic thing that's occurring here. [00:57:54] And, again, they are very experienced as business owners, [00:57:56] and we're glad to kind of see them in that long, vacant building there. [00:58:00] I'm not going to steal Frank Starkey's thunder, but there are some serious requirements on that building. [00:58:05] There's been some leases signed there, one that I know of. [00:58:08] But, in fact, somebody just approached me tonight on that third unit. [00:58:11] But really exciting to see. [00:58:13] I think we're going to see that 100% leased out not too long from now. [00:58:19] And, again, the good news is basically that the people that are showing interest in New Port Richey [00:58:25] are really well-experienced business owners. [00:58:28] And that's really important in terms of facilitating the capital investment [00:58:31] that needs to come to these properties to be able to take us to the next level. [00:58:35] Thank you. [00:58:36] Thank you. [00:58:37] Any questions? [00:58:40] I just want to say that I really appreciate all the work that you do. [00:58:46] This whole Aldi corner, I'm really concerned that we change our parking ordinances [00:58:51] to allow our requirements for parking per square foot or however it's written right now [00:58:57] so that it doesn't end up looking like a Walmart with the building in the back [00:59:01] and all this parking up front right on 19th. [00:59:04] Somehow I just, you know, in the project or in advance, you know, [00:59:08] we changed the restrictions on square footage versus parking. [00:59:15] The three big questions I always get, you already said you don't know the answer to one of them. [00:59:19] When is Main Street Landings open? [00:59:21] When is the Hacienda going to be open? [00:59:24] And when are they going to break ground on the Central? [00:59:26] Those are the three I get over and over and over again. [00:59:29] I just tell them from what I've heard, the end of 2019, but are we still on track? [00:59:35] Yes, we're very much on track. [00:59:37] I think we're, it looks like they're very ahead of things. [00:59:39] I do know that Jim Gunderson has reached out to local, you know, he has a plumber on board. [00:59:45] You see Woody Tucker out there. [00:59:47] You see AC people out there. [00:59:49] He's negotiated that. [00:59:50] He comes into town twice a week. [00:59:52] He's in here tonight. [00:59:53] So you're confident, though, that the Hacienda will be open by the end of this year? [00:59:57] My mother-in-law is turning 80 years old on Christmas Day, and I want to be there. [01:00:00] They will lease it out for her birthday. [01:00:01] You know, gosh, you're so afraid to kind of commit to something like that, [01:00:08] but I'm really encouraged. [01:00:09] I think it's going to be open sooner, mainly due to the fact [01:00:12] that he's got some really talented people in there. [01:00:14] It's a problem. [01:00:15] Like, they took out like a bow on the floor relatively quickly. [01:00:18] They're doing, and the fact that his model is to go in there, you know, [01:00:22] he doesn't have to worry about bids and contracts. [01:00:25] He's got really talented people that know how to do things, [01:00:28] even just in there today, they've covered that whole historic staircase, [01:00:32] and they put matting down, and the amount of work they did just [01:00:35] to protect it as they pulled down the walls. [01:00:37] Those guys all have masks. [01:00:39] They have everything they need to be able to move forward, and, you know, [01:00:44] I mean, it's a historic building. [01:00:46] I don't know what problems are going to occur, [01:00:47] but I think that they've got a good approach, a good plan to that. [01:00:50] They've got a lot of the lumber inside that building for putting the joists [01:00:53] in there and reframing things out, and so I'm encouraged. [01:00:57] I think that they get this thing open before the end of the year. [01:01:00] And the central groundbreaking? [01:01:02] Well, according to them, they're going to be starting this month. [01:01:05] The challenge there with the central was that the bank was sold. [01:01:08] They had to go back through to get the loan approved. [01:01:12] We met with Mr. Starkey, and he basically said that they wanted [01:01:17] to wait until after the holidays to break ground, and I was at a meeting not too long ago [01:01:21] where he said that they're going to do, I think it's a total of 42 units initially [01:01:25] that they're going to do on the north side of the Central Avenue, [01:01:29] and then they're going to do several buildings just on the south side. [01:01:32] So it looks like they're going to build on at least two-thirds of that property. [01:01:36] It's always been a phased project, but that's what Frank had said not too long ago, [01:01:41] the other day at a public meeting, that they're moving forward in September. [01:01:44] So according to them, they're breaking ground in January this month. [01:01:50] Other questions? [01:01:53] Thank you very, very much. [01:01:55] Can I just add one more thing? [01:01:58] I think that the staff, you know, across the boards is that, [01:02:01] just listen to Robert, is truly excellent. [01:02:03] I think it's, I mean, thank you for the comments you've made, but I think it's the whole staff [01:02:09] at the city, city manager, everybody, council members that were able [01:02:12] to be effective in economic development. [01:02:14] And I picked up the phone to help facilitate that, [01:02:17] but I think without the support of the other staff members here, it makes it much easier [01:02:21] to kind of move forward in regard to that. [01:02:23] They deserve just as much credit to some of the problems that we've had to solve here. [01:02:29] Very good. [01:02:30] Thank you. [01:02:31] Communications and reports.
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.
- 10Communications▶ 1:02:33
- 11Adjournment▶ 1:20:31
- 9.e
Wastewater Treatment Plant Surface Water Discharge Study – Task Order No. 17
Approval of Task Order No. 17 for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Surface Water Discharge Study.