Council awarded mowing contracts to Valley Crest ($86,860 for rights of way) and Design Landscape ($36,050 for City Hall and Sims Park), and flagged Gray Preserve's dog policy for a future agenda.
19 items on the agenda · 15 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence honoring servicemen and women.
▶ Jump to 0:16 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:00:16] Thank you. If I could ask everybody to please stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:26] 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
Moment of Silence
Procedural moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance.
▶ Jump to 0:26 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:00:26] 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. [00:00:44] Thank you. You may be seated.
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- 4
Approval of May 28, 2019 Work Session Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the May 28, 2019 work session.
- motion:Approval of the May 28, 2019 work session minutes. (passed)
▶ Jump to 0:51 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:00:51] Okay the next item on the agenda is the approval to May 28th work session minutes. Move for approval. Second. [00:01:01] Hearing none, all those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes.
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- 5
Approval of June 4, 2019 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the June 4, 2019 work session and regular meeting.
- motion:Motion to approve the June 4, 2019 work session and regular meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:01:08] Next is approval of the June 4th work session and regular meeting minutes. Move for approval. Second. Discussion? Nothing. [00:01:16] All those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes.
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- 6Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 1:22
- 7.a
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentCouncil approved the consent agenda item for purchases/payments without discussion.
- motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)
▶ Jump to 7:27 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:07:29] Seeing no one else come forward, we'll close Fox Pop and go to the consent agenda. [00:07:37] Move for approval. [00:07:38] Second. [00:07:39] Thank you. [00:07:41] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:07:43] Aye. [00:07:44] Opposed, like sign. [00:07:46] Motion passes.
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- 8.a
Board Appointment: David Dorsey, Firefighters' Pension Board
approvedCouncil confirmed the Firefighters' Pension Board's recommendation to appoint David Dorsey to fill a vacated trustee position. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
- motion:Approve the appointment of David Dorsey to the Firefighters' Pension Board as trustee. (passed)
▶ Jump to 7:47 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:07:47] Next, business items. Board appointment. David Dorsey, Firefighters Pension Board. [00:07:53] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. The recommendation before you is one that is advanced on the part of the board-elected trustees of the Firefighters Pension Board. [00:08:05] They have agreed to a recommendation to appoint David Dorsey to fill the vacated trustee position. [00:08:15] This is their recommendation to you. It's a little bit different than a typical appointment to a board and commission where, by ordinance, we're required to have that member attend a meeting. [00:08:29] In this case, you are just confirming an appointment made by the board, and so that requirement is not valid. [00:08:38] Therefore, if you approve this item, Mr. Dorsey will be at the next meeting of the board, which is due to occur in the month of August. [00:08:48] Thank you. I do not see Mr. Dorsey in attendance, but we'll open up any public comment. [00:08:54] Seeing none, bring it back to council. [00:08:56] Move approval. [00:08:58] Second. [00:08:59] To the maker. [00:09:00] Second. [00:09:01] I saw him with his golf clubs today. It could be a reason he's not here. [00:09:04] Deputy Mayor. [00:09:06] Thank you, Mr. Dorsey, for your volunteer. [00:09:08] Thank you for the service. [00:09:10] Absolutely. Thank you. [00:09:12] There's no further discussion. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:09:15] Aye. [00:09:16] Opposed, like sign. Motion passes.
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- 8.b
Wastewater Treatment & Water Treatment Plant Bulk Chemical Purchases Contract Extension
approvedCouncil approved a one-year contract extension with Allied Universal Corporation for bulk sodium hypochlorite (bleach) for the Wastewater and Water Treatment Plants, maintaining the original 2017 bid pricing.
- motion:Approve one-year contract extension with Allied Universal Corporation for bulk sodium hypochlorite at original contract pricing. (passed)
Allied Universal CorporationMrs. VanceBulk sodium hypochlorite purchaseWastewater Treatment PlantWater Treatment Plant▶ Jump to 9:18 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:09:18] Next is Waste Water Treatment Plant Bulk Chemical Purchases Contract Extension. Mrs. Vance. [00:09:24] Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor. [00:09:25] This is for bulk sodium hypochloride, and the recommendation is to extend the current contract with Allied Universal Corporation, [00:09:37] who was originally awarded a bid in June of 2017. [00:09:44] The bid called for an initial period of one year with a price guarantee with an option of two renewable terms [00:09:53] If both parties were to agree to extend the original contract pricing, they have agreed to do so. [00:10:00] Therefore, we are recommending the one-year contract extension for the purchase of the bulk bleach. [00:10:11] For public comment. [00:10:13] Seeing none, bring it back to council. [00:10:18] Move approval. [00:10:19] Second. [00:10:20] To the maker. [00:10:24] No, sir. [00:10:30] To the second. [00:10:31] I just have one question. With the economy the way it is and moving upward, [00:10:35] would it behoove us to ask them to take both those years and maintain the price? [00:10:41] All right. [00:10:45] The contract specifically calls for two one-year extensions rather than one two-year. [00:10:52] So, good thought. [00:10:54] Hey, let's have a look. [00:10:59] Nothing. [00:11:00] In which case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:11:02] Aye. [00:11:03] Opposed, like sign. [00:11:05] Motion passes.
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- 8.c
Bid Award - ITB19-009 Right of Way Mowing Maintenance Contract
approvedCouncil awarded ITB19-009 Right of Way Mowing Maintenance Contract to low bidder Valley Crest Landscape Incorporated for $86,860, with Design Landscape Management approved as a contingency backup bidder at $87,445. Staff explained the backup bid was due to past difficulties with mowing contractors, and the initial 18-month term aligns renewals with December.
- motion:Motion to award ITB19-009 mowing contract to Valley Crest Landscape for $86,860 with Design Landscape Management as backup at $87,445. (passed)
▶ Jump to 11:06 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:11:06] This project was also put out to competitive bid and the low bidder was Valley Crest Landscape Incorporated. [00:11:20] Their bid amount was in the amount of $86,860 and covered the annual mowing of right-of-way and grounds maintenance. [00:11:31] The request before you this evening is to award the bid to Valley Crest Landscape, [00:11:37] but additionally, on a contingency basis, to award a backup bid in the amount of $87,445 to Design Landscape Management [00:11:52] to be used in the event that Valley Crest cannot fulfill their responsibilities to the city as outlined in the bid specifications. [00:12:02] Open it up for public comment. [00:12:06] Seeing none, bring it back to council. [00:12:08] Move for approval. [00:12:09] Second. [00:12:10] To the maker. [00:12:11] It's rare that we always have a backup, I mean, an announced backup bid. [00:12:17] Can you explain that? [00:12:18] You're correct. [00:12:19] It is rare that we do it, and the only case I can think of that we have done it relates to mowing contracts [00:12:28] where we have had difficulty with low bidders and had to go to a second bidder. [00:12:34] In order to keep the mowing going, we've decided to ask you for a backup bid, [00:12:40] particularly because there's so few dollars between the two bids. [00:12:44] We want to make sure that they comply with the terms of the specifications. [00:12:48] Other comments? [00:12:50] Just a question. [00:12:51] I'm sorry. [00:12:52] Go ahead. [00:12:53] Has Valley Crest, have they contracted with us before? [00:12:56] No, this is the first time that we've contracted with Valley Crest. [00:12:59] Okay. [00:13:00] How about the secondary? [00:13:01] We have worked with them in the past, yes. [00:13:08] And can you just inform the public and everyone listening exactly where we're talking as far as these right-of-ways? [00:13:14] US 19 corridor or no? [00:13:16] No, that's actually covered on a separate contract that we'll be considering later on in the agenda. [00:13:22] This is just all right-of-ways and some of our facilities with the exception of City Hall and the library grounds. [00:13:31] Further discussion? [00:13:32] Yes, sir. [00:13:33] Yes, sir. [00:13:34] Just noting again that the weekly mowing occurs from March through September, [00:13:43] so we're kind of halfway through that, so I guess they're still obligated to the weekly. [00:13:47] It's always important with landscaping bids to recognize that they have a lot less mowing to do in the off time, [00:13:54] and so I've seen cases where contractors will, let's just say, not perform once they get through the time when they get the easy time. [00:14:11] So I'm guessing that the scheduling of this, the timing seems to be okay because they've got the heavy regiment, [00:14:18] half of it now kind of, and then the rest of it. [00:14:22] This bid, I'm sorry, I was looking to see the date that it started. [00:14:27] We purposely started the initial contract term for 18 months so that we can get the renewals in December. [00:14:35] Lined up by? [00:14:36] To where if we do have some problems, we'll have that time allotted to go out to bid and get another contractor. [00:14:42] Right. [00:14:43] So you guys are way on top of it, so I'm glad I brought it up. [00:14:47] Thank you, Mr. Councilman. [00:14:49] Further discussion? [00:14:50] Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:14:54] Aye. [00:14:55] Opposed, like sign. [00:14:56] Motion passes.
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- 8.d
Bid Award - ITB19-010 Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Contract RE: City Hall and Sims Park
approvedCouncil awarded ITB19-010 for mowing and landscape maintenance of City Hall grounds and Sims Park to Design Landscaping Management Incorporated at an annual cost of $36,050. Staff cited favorable past experience and did not recommend a bid alternate.
- motion:Motion to approve bid award ITB19-010 to Design Landscaping Management Incorporated for City Hall and Sims Park mowing and landscape maintenance at $36,050 annually. (passed)
▶ Jump to 14:57 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:14:57] Next, bid award ITB 19-10. [00:15:00] This bid award, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, covers City Hall and the Associated [00:15:07] Grounds as well as Sims Park. [00:15:10] The low bid was submitted by Design Landscaping Management Incorporated. [00:15:16] The annual mowing and landscape maintenance cost is $36,050. [00:15:24] In this case, we are not recommending a bid alternate be accepted as we have had favorable [00:15:31] experience with Design Landscaping Management in the past and feel completely comfortable [00:15:36] that they'll be able to comply with the standards of the City. [00:15:40] Very good. [00:15:41] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:15:44] Seeing no one, come forward and bring it back to Council. [00:15:47] Move for approval. [00:15:48] Second. [00:15:49] To the maker? [00:15:50] No. [00:15:51] Mr. Altman, I believe you were the second. [00:15:52] Yes, sir. [00:15:54] No further comment. [00:15:55] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:16:01] Aye. [00:16:02] Opposed, like sign. [00:16:03] The motion passes. [00:16:04] Next is bid award ITB19-011, US 19. [00:16:10] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [00:16:13] This recommendation is to enter into a contract with Green Expectation Incorporated in the [00:16:21] amount of $24,040.80 for annual mowing and landscape maintenance of US Highway 19. [00:16:33] In this case, though, we are recommending a contingency bid award in the amount of $29,080 [00:16:42] from Design Landscaping Management Company.
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- 8.e
Bid Award - ITB19-011 US Hwy 19 Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Contract
approvedCouncil awarded the US Hwy 19 mowing and landscape maintenance contract (ITB19-011) to the low bidder, with a backup contractor requested due to lack of prior experience with the firm. Discussion included asking staff to send letters to US 19 business owners encouraging them to mow the DOT right-of-way, and an update on a knocked-down tree in front of Southgate that will be replaced for free by the original contractor.
- motion:Move for approval of bid award ITB19-011 for US Hwy 19 mowing and landscape maintenance contract to the low bidder. (passed)
- direction:Staff to send a letter to US 19 business owners informing them they may mow the DOT right-of-way in front of their businesses since DOT only mows eight times a year. (none)
SouthgateUS Hwy 19EricksonJonesRobertFDOT right-of-way mowingITB19-011US Hwy 19 Mowing and Landscape Maintenance Contractperennial peanut plantings▶ Jump to 16:44 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:16:46] The bid that we are recommending to you is the low bid. [00:16:51] It is only that we haven't had experience with them as a contractor. [00:16:56] And it is very important to you, as I know from previous discussion, that this mowing [00:17:02] and landscape maintenance be tended to appropriately. [00:17:06] So we're asking for a backup in the event that we have any difficulty. [00:17:11] Thank you. [00:17:12] Open it up for public comment. [00:17:14] Seeing no one, come forward and bring it back to Council. [00:17:18] Move for approval. [00:17:19] Second. [00:17:20] To the maker. [00:17:21] I just have a question. [00:17:22] Is that stuff coming up 19 that's in holiday going to come through us? [00:17:25] Do you have any idea? [00:17:27] I'm sorry. [00:17:28] I don't know what stuff you're referring to. [00:17:30] The palm trees and... [00:17:32] No, that's being administered by the county, and it's an independent project. [00:17:37] But it's not going to come through the 19th? [00:17:39] That's correct. [00:17:40] It will not. [00:17:41] It will stop at the New Porichy City limits and then pick up again on the north side of [00:17:45] the Porichy City limits. [00:17:46] Municipalities are responsible for their own gains. [00:17:49] And then my question is, this is just for the side of 19? [00:17:52] The sides, right? [00:17:53] Not the landscape medians, correct? [00:17:57] It is for the center medians. [00:17:59] All this is just for the center medians? [00:18:01] Yes, sir. [00:18:02] Okay. [00:18:03] I guess my question is, that's great. [00:18:05] And number one, we have some perennial peanuts that have died off already, and we have some [00:18:08] plants that have died off. [00:18:09] We have crepe myrtles run over by a car that has yet to be replaced in front of Southgate. [00:18:14] But I'm glad we're contracting for them to take care of the center medians. [00:18:19] At NPL, the last time, it was last year, I asked DOT how often do they mow the rights [00:18:24] away on the side of US 19? [00:18:26] And their budget allows them to do it eight times a year. [00:18:29] So that's not nearly enough. [00:18:30] So when you drive up and down US 19, let's say you take a right off of Main Street, head [00:18:35] north, right? [00:18:37] You'll see medians on, let's say, on the east side as you're heading north, where they're [00:18:41] mowed because the business owners choose to mow them because DOT is just not out there [00:18:45] doing it as often as they should, because it's just not budgeted for it. [00:18:51] And then we have other businesses that don't mow, and then you will have three foot of [00:18:54] grass and then mow, and then three foot of grass. [00:18:57] It's OK. [00:18:58] It's legal for that business owner to either pay for someone to mow that area, even though [00:19:01] it's right away, or for them to do it themselves, correct? [00:19:04] Correct. [00:19:05] Do you think maybe we should send maybe a letter out or engage these businesses and [00:19:08] just let them know, you know, you may have noticed some of your neighbors mow their own [00:19:12] rights away. [00:19:13] DOT just doesn't have the funding to do it as often as it needs to be done. [00:19:17] If you want to take it upon yourself, it will make your business look nicer, and feel free [00:19:20] to do it. [00:19:21] You're more than welcome to do so. [00:19:23] Absolutely. [00:19:24] We can do that. [00:19:25] I think it's a good idea, because I don't know if they just think that if I was a business [00:19:27] owner and that was my business, and DOT mowed it eight times a year and I've got three foot [00:19:31] weeds out in front, I'm going to mow it. [00:19:33] But it makes me wonder whether or not they think, whether or not they're allowed to mow [00:19:37] it because it's not their property, it's right away. [00:19:40] Maybe if we somehow just let them know, hey, make your business look a little nicer. [00:19:44] If you want to just engage that chore yourself, welcome to do it. [00:19:49] It's going to make the whole corridor look nicer. [00:19:51] It's okay to do it if you want to. [00:19:52] Sure. [00:19:53] We can do that. [00:19:54] And then I just wanted to update you. [00:19:56] That tree has been knocked down for a while now. [00:20:00] As soon as it was hit, we contacted the original contractor that did the project. [00:20:07] He agreed that if we gave him some time, that when he came up here to start the New Port Richey project, he would go ahead and bring one of the, he's got a couple additional trees [00:20:16] in the back of the nursery. [00:20:18] He'd bring them up to us and install it for free. [00:20:21] So that's why we've kind of been holding off on that, because those are large trees. [00:20:25] Right. [00:20:26] And we went through that dry spell where those meetings were really affected. [00:20:29] So I'm hoping that dead areas will come back, but there are some areas that need tending [00:20:32] to. [00:20:33] And if not, we'll start replacing those sections. [00:20:34] Thanks, Robert. [00:20:35] Mr. Jones? [00:20:36] Just to say, the sections that aren't dried up are really looking nice right now. [00:20:41] I think it's what a major improvement to see all of that perennial peanut. [00:20:45] And why didn't somebody think of that a lot sooner? [00:20:48] Because it was nothing but cigarette butts until this project happened. [00:20:54] And they may be in there somewhere, but we can't see them. [00:20:57] So it's looking pretty good, really, I think. [00:21:01] Councilman Erickson? [00:21:02] Yeah, it makes a big difference, and it definitely adds to the charm around New Port Richey. [00:21:07] So we need to keep that up. [00:21:09] I distinctly remember the Deputy Mayor's angst at them not taking off when they were first [00:21:15] planted. [00:21:16] So I get a smile on my face every time I drive down US-19 and see all those perennial peanut [00:21:21] flowers. [00:21:23] It just really looks good where they're taking root. [00:21:28] There's no further discussion. [00:21:29] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:21:31] Aye. [00:21:33] Opposed? [00:21:34] Like to sign? [00:21:35] Motion passes. [00:21:36] Next. [00:21:37] 2015 Madison Street Escape Multi-Use Path Extension Project Closeout.
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- 8.f
2015 Madison St. Streetscape Multi-Use Path Extension – Project Close-Out
approvedCouncil approved project close-out for the 2015 Madison Street Streetscape Multi-Use Path Extension, including a deductive change order of $125,857.25 and final pay request of $204,763.26. Deputy Mayor raised concerns about miniature stop signs confusing drivers; staff explained they are awaiting an FDOT letter before removing them.
- motion:Motion to approve a deductive change order of $125,857.25 and the final pay request of $204,763.26 for the Madison Street Streetscape Multi-Use Path Extension project close-out. (passed)
Madison Street right-of-wayFlorida Department of TransportationAltman2015 Madison St. Streetscape Multi-Use Path Extension ProjectDeductive change order $125,857.25Final pay request $204,763.26Original contract amount $816,120.97▶ Jump to 21:40 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:21:43] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [00:21:45] As you know, this project was originally proposed to you in 2015. [00:21:52] The contract amount was $816,120.97. [00:22:00] At this point, the project, which is the Madison Street Streetscape and Multi-Use Extension [00:22:07] Project has been fully implemented to include amenities such as existing sidewalk, sidewalk [00:22:14] ramp improvements, decorative street lighting, some hardscape, as well as LED crosswalk system [00:22:23] and landscaping along the Madison Street right-of-way. [00:22:29] The purpose of the agenda item this evening is to approve a deductive change order in [00:22:34] the amount of $125,857.25 and to approve the final pay request in the amount of $204,763.26. [00:22:49] Open it up for public comment. [00:22:52] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:22:55] Move for approval. [00:22:56] Second. [00:22:57] Mr. Mayor? [00:22:58] Nothing. [00:22:59] Second? [00:23:00] No. [00:23:01] Councilman Altman? [00:23:02] No, sir. [00:23:03] Deputy Mayor? [00:23:04] The only question I have is are we going to do something with signage to let the drivers [00:23:13] know that those little miniature stop signs are for bicycles and not for them? [00:23:18] At this point, Mr. Mayor, we are waiting for a letter from the Department of Transportation [00:23:23] which assumes responsibility for us not complying with their standard by having the signs in [00:23:29] place. [00:23:30] Once the letter is received, the signs will be removed. [00:23:33] If we don't get that, even a small sign that had a picture of a bicycle on it would help. [00:23:41] I'm flabbergasted every time somebody tells me that they've had somebody slam on the brakes [00:23:47] when they see those little miniature stop signs. [00:23:49] I can't imagine where they learned to drive. [00:23:53] It happens. [00:23:54] It does happen. [00:23:55] We'll follow up with the state and verify what the status of their communication is.
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- 8.g
Resolution No. 2019-09: Adoption of Local Mitigation Strategy
approvedCouncil adopted Resolution 2019-09 supporting the Pasco County 2019 Five-Year Update of the Local Mitigation Strategy, a pre-disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery plan that helps secure disaster recovery funding (as it did after Hurricane Irma).
Ord. Resolution No. 2019-09
- motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2019-09 adopting the Pasco County 2019 Five-Year Update of the Local Mitigation Strategy. (passed)
Debbie ManzHurricane IrmaPasco County 2019 Five-Year Update of the Local Mitigation StrategyResolution 2019-09▶ Jump to 23:58 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:23:59] Either works. [00:24:00] Either losing them or putting something to make it obvious that it's for the bicycles [00:24:04] and not for the cars. [00:24:05] Yes, sir. [00:24:06] I like the shadow box idea. [00:24:07] The who? [00:24:08] No, it's kind of a shadow box so it's focused just on the person on the... [00:24:12] Well, you know, that would be a possibility, too. [00:24:17] People would see that and would be people on the sidewalk. [00:24:19] Those signs have been all up and down Massachusetts Avenue for years and nobody's ever had a problem. [00:24:23] For some reason, the people that drive Madison seem to have a problem. [00:24:30] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:24:34] Aye. [00:24:35] Opposed, the like sign. [00:24:37] Motion passes. [00:24:38] Next, Resolution 2019-09, Adoption of the Local Mitigation Strategy. [00:24:45] Resolution of the City Council of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, supporting, adopting [00:24:48] and implementing the Pasco County 2019 Five-Year Update of the Local Mitigation Strategy. [00:24:54] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council. [00:24:56] The purpose of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to enhance collaboration between governmental [00:25:03] units as it relates to natural and also man-made hazards. [00:25:09] There is a working group involving Pasco County and the cities involved in the county that [00:25:15] meets annually to develop recommendations and to evaluate current strategies. [00:25:22] The original Local Mitigation Strategy was adopted in 1998. [00:25:29] There were updates to the plan in 2004, 2009, and 2015. [00:25:35] The plan must be revised every five years, which is the reason that it is before you [00:25:41] at this time. [00:25:43] The Local Mitigation Strategy is really a pre-disaster mitigation and post-disaster [00:25:49] recovery effort document, which helps the city and the county as well to respond appropriately [00:25:58] to minimize human and economic disasters by addressing our vulnerabilities before a strike [00:26:09] occurs. [00:26:11] It is also very helpful to us in securing funding in the case of a disaster. [00:26:19] For instance, Hurricane Irma was an incident that required us to activate the Local Mitigation [00:26:27] Strategy, and because we had a well-documented plan in place and we followed the plan, we [00:26:34] are able to seek funding for reimbursement for a good number of the expenses incurred [00:26:42] as a result of our recovery efforts. [00:26:46] Thank you. [00:26:47] I'll open it up for public comment. [00:26:49] Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:26:53] Move for approval. [00:26:54] Second. [00:26:55] Thank you. [00:26:56] To the maker? [00:26:57] Nothing. [00:26:58] Second? [00:26:59] No. [00:27:00] Councilman? [00:27:01] No sir. [00:27:02] Deputy Mayor? [00:27:03] No comment, sir. [00:27:05] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:27:06] Aye. [00:27:07] Opposed? [00:27:08] Like sign. [00:27:09] Motion passes. [00:27:10] Next is reappointment Brent Simon, Esquire's Special Magistrate. [00:27:14] Ms. Manz. [00:27:15] Yes, sir. [00:27:16] Mr. Simon was originally appointed by you to serve as the Special Magistrate for the [00:27:21] city on February 17th, 2015. [00:27:27] His agreement was renewed in October of 16 and spanned through October 17th. [00:27:36] Since that time, Mr. Simon has continued to serve as the Special Magistrate. [00:27:41] The agenda item before you this evening is a formal request to reappoint Mr. Simon. [00:27:49] have him serve on a year-by-year basis. [00:27:52] I believe his performance warrants an automatic renewal term of one year unless terminated [00:28:01] by both parties. [00:28:02] And so those are the conditions upon which I'm asking you to approve this recommendation. [00:28:08] Thank you. [00:28:09] I'll open it up for public comment. [00:28:12] Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:28:14] Move for approval. [00:28:15] Second. [00:28:16] To the maker? [00:28:18] I think the public did a great job when they held our position as Magistrate, and he moved [00:28:20] on to be a judge, and Mr. Simon has done a great job since he's taken over, so I'm glad [00:28:24] he still wants to do it. [00:28:25] I'll move for approval. [00:28:26] Second. [00:28:27] I've heard nothing but good things about Mr. Simon, so let's keep him going.
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Re-Appointment of Brent Simon, Esq. as Special Magistrate
approvedCouncil re-appointed Brent Simon, Esq. as Special Magistrate. A councilmember asked whether the backup magistrate was included; staff indicated the backup would be brought back separately.
- vote:Re-appoint Brent Simon, Esq. as Special Magistrate. (passed)
▶ Jump to 28:30 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:28:31] Councilman? [00:28:32] I'm with you. [00:28:33] Councilman? [00:28:34] I just have a question. [00:28:36] Did we at some point have a backup for him? [00:28:39] We do have a backup. [00:28:40] Okay, so is he also included in this? [00:28:43] No. [00:28:44] Okay, so... [00:28:45] We'll need to bring that back before you. [00:28:47] Okay. [00:28:48] All right. [00:28:51] There's no further discussion. [00:28:52] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:28:54] Aye. [00:28:55] Opposed, like sign. [00:28:57] Motion passes. [00:28:59] Next we have a discussion regarding a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance.
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You arrived here from a search for “Ms. Vance” — transcript expanded below
Discussion Regarding Proposed Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
discussedCouncil held a discussion on adopting an anti-discrimination ordinance to protect classes not covered by federal or state law, particularly sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. The Gulfport ordinance was presented as a possible model, though the City Manager noted it may be overbearing. Multiple citizens spoke in support, sharing personal experiences of discrimination in New Port Richey. No formal vote was taken; council provided direction to continue exploring an appropriate ordinance.
- direction:Council discussed the proposed anti-discrimination ordinance and heard public comment; staff was directed to continue exploring form and content of an appropriate ordinance. (none)
5939 Grand Boulevard6013 Adams Street6041 Florida AvenueATFEquality FloridaFBIKKKPasco County Sheriff's DepartmentPasco PrideCharlie RussoChristopher KingDenise JohnsonElise MicellesFrank StarkeyJohn CainMarilyn NapolitanoMr. AllmanMrs. VanceRichard FloridaCity of Gulfport Anti-Discrimination OrdinanceLGBTQ protections - sexual orientation, gender identity and expressionMoon Lake adopted road controversyThe Creative Class (Richard Florida)Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964▶ Jump to 29:03 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:29:03] Mrs. Vance. [00:29:04] Yes, sir. [00:29:05] Mr. Mayor. [00:29:06] This is a discussion that is based on a request by Ms. Denise Johnson to establish an anti-discrimination [00:29:21] ordinance in the city. [00:29:23] It was originally proposed to you in the end of 2018. [00:29:29] A city of Gulfport ordinance was introduced to you as a possible model by which for the [00:29:41] city to adopt an ordinance. [00:29:44] In short, it assigned some responsibility to the local unit of government for anti-discrimination [00:29:55] issues relating to employment, housing, public accommodation... [00:30:00] and education. As you know, without me telling you, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of [00:30:08] 1964 provides a good number of protections and there are seven federally protected classes [00:30:16] as a result of that act. There are also protections by the state which extend beyond the seven [00:30:25] federally protected classes in the state of Florida. What isn't protected and what [00:30:31] specifically is being asked for, as I understand it, is coverage as it relates to sexual orientation, [00:30:40] gender identity, and expression. And the ordinance from Gulfport assigns the responsibility to [00:30:52] take information on claims of unlawful discrimination by the city staff, to investigate complaints, [00:30:59] to initiate civil proceedings, and to assign a hearing officer and penalties as it relates [00:31:09] to potential claims of injustice in the city related to the classes that aren't already [00:31:18] protected by federal or state law. From my perspective, and I have to indicate to you [00:31:31] that our current city attorney was the author of the Gulfport Ordinance when it was originally [00:31:38] drafted, it is overbearing and may not be appropriate for our implementation. And so [00:31:47] I wanted to have a discussion with you tonight to determine the form and content of any ordinance [00:31:56] or resolution that you may determine to be appropriate as it relates to the unprotected [00:32:03] classes of the LGBTQ question group. Thank you. Since you called out the city attorney, [00:32:13] I'll give him a chance to say a few words. And starting off, has this Gulfport Ordinance ever [00:32:20] been used? I understand that there has been. I checked with the city manager a couple of months [00:32:28] back when this issue was first introduced and he informed me that they have not had a single claim [00:32:34] that has gone through the process since this was adopted. And I think I was trying to figure out [00:32:39] how far back it went, but I think it's about 2005 it looks like. So in that 14-year span, [00:32:47] they haven't had a single claim. They had one mediation session over one claim, but no claim [00:32:54] has ever been prosecuted. So it is an ordinance that is, as the city manager says, it covers a [00:33:00] lot of topics and most of the areas of discrimination that are covered are also [00:33:05] covered by the county in Pinellas County. And they do all of the complaints for those types [00:33:13] of areas, the protected classes by state and federal law. So it hasn't been used extensively [00:33:21] and so it's up to the council to decide whether or not you want something of this nature here. [00:33:25] And I can answer any specific questions you have about it. I know we've got some folks in the [00:33:30] audience. I'd be happy to entertain any public comment at this time, [00:33:37] particularly if any of you have had any problems within the City of New Port Richey. [00:34:00] Let's take a second. Okay, that's complete. It's good to see you guys again. Always a pleasure. [00:34:27] So to answer your question, both Mrs. Demi-Manns and Esquire. So you're referencing a history [00:34:37] based on a city of Gulfport, right, in a county where LGBT rights are pretty much [00:34:43] fluent. Here in Pasco, it's a little different. And I'll kind of elaborate on that a little bit [00:34:48] more. So last year, the Sheriff's Department, Pasco County Sheriffs, the FBI and ATF arrested [00:34:55] 39 individuals as part of a hate group here in Pasco County. Of those 39 people that were [00:35:02] arrested as a hate group here, 12 were New Port Richey residents. Nine were New Port Richey residents, [00:35:10] four were from Hudson. That's 64% of a massive FBI bust residing in New Port Richey and your [00:35:18] sister cities. With that being said, New Port Richey has a hate problem. [00:35:24] It's very much documented and it's very much known. [00:35:31] In 2017, in Pasco County, in the City of New Port Richey, Hudson and in New Port Richey, [00:35:36] the KKK were openly recruiting people to join their hate group. And 25 years ago, [00:35:43] they had adopted a road. They were so prevalent that they adopted a road [00:35:47] and to justify their means. And as of this month, we've put New Port Richey, [00:35:54] the actual City of New Port Richey, on national news because we adopted that exact same road. [00:35:59] So we're trying to change that narrative. And we can only do that with the help of you. [00:36:05] So, hey, it's not a question of, can you give me individual instances? I can give you decades, [00:36:11] a history of instances in which hate has been here. It is still here and there needs to be [00:36:16] a change. Pasco County, if any county, whether Hillsborough or Pinellas, [00:36:21] we need this more than just about any of the other surrounding counties. [00:36:29] And it's passionate to me. It really is because I live here and I really do love [00:36:32] this city and I love this county and I come from Orlando. So I do speak very passionately about it. [00:36:38] And what I'm asking you guys to do is to make us equal. It's to set the precedent, [00:36:48] is to let other Pasco County cities know that New Port Richey is a place of equality and [00:36:54] economic development, that your families can come here, your students can come here, [00:36:58] you can work here and you won't be discriminated against because of your gender identity or sexual [00:37:04] orientation. If you are a good person, you pay your taxes, you go to school and you want to live [00:37:10] here, you're by every right, you should be able to do that and do it without being discriminated [00:37:15] against. And you'd be joining the ranks of 60% of the state of Florida, other surrounding major [00:37:23] cities and counties. And those facts are based on equality of Florida. And so you can look that up. [00:37:29] Yes. Join it. Help us out. Yes. I was trying to write down. How many people did you say from that [00:37:38] federal bus lived in New Port Richey? Twelve. Twelve. How many lived in the city of New Port Richey? [00:37:43] Twelve. In the city limits? In the city limits of New Port Richey. Could you just reference the road [00:37:47] that you guys adopt in, right? Outside of the city of New Port Richey. Right. You reference it as a [00:37:51] city road. It's in Moon Lake. It has a city of New Port Richey address, but you're right, [00:37:55] it is unincorporated Pasco. Right. So it's not the city of New Port Richey address. It's [00:37:59] New Port Richey, not the city of New Port Richey. I just, I'm making that clear because not just [00:38:04] with this ordinance, but much of the discussion we have up here, we have to differentiate between [00:38:09] the four and a half square miles that we govern and the rest of West Pasco County from Holiday [00:38:13] to Hudson out to Moon Lake. No, no, I get that completely. Okay. But still the 12 of 39 are [00:38:19] New Port Richey residents. City of New Port Richey residents. City of New Port Richey residents. [00:38:22] So the majority of that bust was from the city. You referenced Hudson too, and that's not [00:38:26] incorporated. It's a separate city. It's not even a city. Yeah, it's county. And I'd be curious in [00:38:33] the New Port Richey group too, that's only two square miles and if the rest were all... Which [00:38:37] is insane that in two square miles that many people were... Yeah, I'm just wondering if maybe [00:38:41] some of those weren't actually in the city limits. That's what I'm asking too. That information is [00:38:46] based on FBI, ATF, and Sheriff's Department posts. So I'm pulling that directly from there. [00:38:50] What year was that? Last year, 2018. We would know about that, correct? I would not be aware [00:38:55] of any arrests made in the city that deal with that. The city limits and the unincorporated [00:39:01] areas of the county that have the New Port Richey zip codes, they're not one in the same. [00:39:08] And I'm not aware of any arrests that were made within the city limits. [00:39:14] Okay. So would you like me to pull the Sheriff's Department, ATF, and FBI reports and send them to [00:39:19] you? How would you like me to verify? That would be fine. Is that what you're referring to? I'm [00:39:23] asking what are you trying to do? At a point of order, if I may. This is a time for us to hear [00:39:28] from folks. And so I always refrain my comments or try to until we've heard what you have to say. [00:39:33] I'm not so sure that this is really topical to us or important. It may be important to some or [00:39:41] others. But if I could ask if we could just listen to what folks have to say and give me [00:39:45] a chance to discuss this issue with my colleagues versus seeing this. It's not a criticism. It was [00:39:52] just getting to the point where I would like to try to hear what folks have to say and have us [00:39:58] collectively hear from anybody else that wants to. Thank you guys. [00:40:11] Hi there. My name is Elise Micelles. I'm from the lakes and I'm here today representing [00:40:16] my friends who live in New Port Richey. And I myself, in fact, because I come here a lot and I [00:40:23] participate in a lot of events. But quite honestly, there are 33, I just looked it up on [00:40:30] my phone. There are 33 different entities within Florida that have this ordinance that you are [00:40:36] considering. Now, granted, it might not be the proposal in which you are looking at, but you [00:40:41] do indeed have an opportunity to look at other cities and other discrimination rules and [00:40:48] regulations and laws and things that have been put into place in order to make your own decision. [00:40:52] The point is, is that Pasco County has nothing. And New Port Richey needs to be the forefront [00:41:01] of allowing this type of verbiage to continue on. We need to match our sisters in Hillsboro, [00:41:09] in Tampa, in St. Pete. We need to be on the forefront instead of on the back seat. And [00:41:15] unfortunately, I believe that Pasco in a lot of ways is always in the back seat. And I really [00:41:20] would like to have New Port Richey be in the front seat. Thank you so much. [00:41:23] Thank you. [00:41:24] Ma'am, I need you to sign in. [00:41:26] If you could put your name and print your name. We like to make sure in the minutes you get [00:41:31] spelled right. [00:41:50] I'm writing as fast as I can. [00:41:59] That's fine. [00:42:00] We're used to it. [00:42:01] Thank you so much. [00:42:02] You're welcome. [00:42:20] Thank you. [00:42:29] Thank you all for having this discussion. I've lived in Pasco County since 1998. [00:42:57] I've organized and been volunteering in this city and county for more than a decade. [00:43:05] I have done this at a huge emotional cost to myself. Anyone, I'm sure many of you on this [00:43:11] board have volunteered yourself and committed yourself to community service, even what you [00:43:15] do here. You can understand that. But I do it because the community we call home is worth it. [00:43:27] I do this work because people whose voices have been silenced, [00:43:32] folks that have admired, like Christopher King, I do it for them. [00:43:42] There are people still living in this community who do not have a voice, who do not have the [00:43:49] opportunity that I have to stand here and to advocate on a daily basis. [00:43:58] They don't have the ability to do it because of the emotional trauma they've suffered from [00:44:03] the discrimination they've gone through. I'm going to keep working until the community is [00:44:11] one of love and acceptance. Passing a comprehensive human rights ordinance [00:44:17] is exactly how to create a community of love and acceptance. That's how you all can prioritize [00:44:24] that for the city of New Parichee. I want you all to consider that deeply and [00:44:38] understand that this is an opportunity for New Parichee to be the example, [00:44:42] just as multiple people said already. Be the example in the county. Join other municipalities [00:44:49] and counties across the state that have taken that step. It's much needed. Thank you. [00:45:00] Thank you again for letting us speak today. [00:45:03] Thank you. [00:45:30] Hello. [00:45:49] Forgive me if my voice shakes a little bit discussing this [00:45:52] because it does hit close to home. [00:45:56] I wouldn't say that discrimination occurred on the level of a business, [00:46:00] but on an individual case, and not to me, but to my spouse, [00:46:04] my husband at his job in the city limits of New Port Richey in a bank [00:46:10] where we both actually used to work for the same company. [00:46:13] But a customer in line spotted him, and just based on his appearance, [00:46:17] and it's not like he was super flamboyant like Liberace or someone like that, [00:46:22] but just he's a little bit more on the feminine side than most men would carry themselves, [00:46:28] saw him at his job working behind the counter in the bank, [00:46:33] and said loud enough for everyone in the line to hear, [00:46:38] if I had my way, everyone like this would be dead. [00:46:41] And so that happened here in New Port Richey. [00:46:44] And I'm sure passing the ordinance would not prevent people from saying that or doing that, [00:46:48] but I think it's a testimony to Gulfport that [00:46:51] with the ordinance in place, they haven't had much to mitigate because it serves as a deterrent. [00:46:56] But it also does, I think, bring New Port Richey into the future, into now. [00:47:01] If you see the political climate, I don't know what you follow on the news, [00:47:05] but I see articles left and right about different religious groups calling for the death of gay people, [00:47:12] saying that we're perverts and pedophiles because of who we love. [00:47:17] Things like that should not be allowed to happen. [00:47:20] And if the city wants to grow, wants to bring new business, wants young families, [00:47:25] people with dual income, no children like myself and my husband, to continue to move here, [00:47:32] an ordinance that protects our rights against being discriminated against because of who we are, [00:47:38] who we're married to, who we love, would help encourage us to make that decision. [00:47:43] We know that New Port Richey would be a safe place for us to live. [00:47:48] We don't live in the city limits currently. [00:47:51] I live in Gulf Harbor, so just outside the city. [00:47:54] But I have worked in the city, and I participate in events in the city, [00:47:57] and I represent Pasco Pride, which has many members who live in the city. [00:48:02] So I speak on behalf of them as well. [00:48:06] I think the time is now to say enough is enough when it comes to discriminating against an unprotected class. [00:48:12] You said it yourself. [00:48:13] We are an unprotected class. [00:48:16] And so that's why I would encourage you to pass this ordinance. [00:48:20] Thank you so much. [00:48:21] Sir, what was your name? [00:48:22] I'm sorry. [00:48:23] Charlie Russo. [00:48:42] Frank Starkey, 5939 Grand Boulevard. [00:48:48] I want to read a text exchange with a friend of mine who will remain nameless, [00:48:53] who has a house for sale and had an open house a couple weeks ago. [00:49:00] And I apologize every time. [00:49:02] I texted him to ask him if it was okay if I read this. [00:49:10] Sorry? [00:49:12] So I showed the house today to a blatantly racist woman. [00:49:21] It was unreal. [00:49:22] She was talking about how we need to get the black people out of New Port Richey. [00:49:25] And he describes where she lives, and it's in the city limits. [00:49:29] I said, wow, just wow. [00:49:31] Old-time NPR-er? [00:49:33] He said, yeah, sort of. [00:49:35] She works at a hospital, which will remain nameless, [00:49:37] which is even more disturbing because I'm sure she sees black patients. [00:49:40] It was really surreal. [00:49:41] She went on and on about how they are taking over, [00:49:43] how there are so many of them at the rec center now. [00:49:45] At one point she said, I'm not prejudiced, but, you know, [00:49:48] they just don't work and cause nothing but trouble. [00:49:51] My God, I said, I think they are so rare I get excited about it when I see one, [00:49:54] meaning black people. [00:49:57] I said, yes, that she's in a helping profession is very disturbing. [00:50:00] He said, that's when I got mad. [00:50:02] Her husband or whoever he was tried to get her to shut up, [00:50:05] but she was oblivious to him and the fact that I was pissed. [00:50:08] I told her that I loved that they were moving here [00:50:10] and that it's white trash who were the problem. [00:50:12] She didn't pick up the fact that I was talking about her. [00:50:14] It was insanely uncomfortable and bizarre. [00:50:16] Why would you just assume someone else is racist? [00:50:18] They were even talking about how the KKK used to have a foothold here. [00:50:22] Then they followed up with, we aren't for the KKK, [00:50:25] but we just need to get the riffraff out of here. [00:50:28] I felt like I was being punked or something. [00:50:33] I think that kind of speaks for itself. [00:50:37] That's black people. [00:50:40] The fact that this model ordinance that we're looking at here, [00:50:47] or whatever it is, includes every class I've ever even heard of [00:50:54] in the list of classes to be protected from discrimination, [00:50:59] including gender identity and sexual orientation. [00:51:04] I think in this day and age, those things go without saying, [00:51:06] but the fact that we still have people in town [00:51:08] saying that about African Americans is astounding. [00:51:12] I think it's worth taking very seriously. [00:51:18] To echo the previous comment, [00:51:20] it's worth the city taking a leadership role in that, [00:51:25] in the county, in the region, in the state. [00:51:29] It's a stance worth taking, and I encourage you all to do it. [00:51:35] I understand there's a lot of details to be talked through [00:51:37] in the substance and the extent that it goes to, [00:51:42] but it makes a difference when it comes to economic development, [00:51:47] as I've commented to you all before. [00:51:50] Thank you. [00:51:52] Thank you. [00:51:58] Anyone else? [00:52:10] Sorry for my appearance. [00:52:12] I didn't actually expect to talk tonight, [00:52:14] and I didn't know what was on the agenda, [00:52:16] but this is very close to me as well. [00:52:19] Marilyn Napolitano, 6013 Adams Street. [00:52:34] I'm here on behalf of my son, who no longer lives in New Port Richey. [00:52:38] In fact, a lot of his friends are sitting behind me, [00:52:41] because he is gay, and he told me that he didn't want to live [00:52:44] in a community that didn't support him, [00:52:47] so he moved up to Rhode Island, which he was born in North Bay, [00:52:51] so he's a New Port Richey boy. [00:52:53] He's going to be 25 this year, [00:52:56] and when he came out of the closet when he was 18, [00:52:59] and in high school, he had some problems in school, [00:53:04] and when I came home, I remember my house was egged, [00:53:07] my car was egged, my mailbox was egged. [00:53:11] I contacted the SRO. [00:53:13] He says he can't do anything about it. [00:53:15] He's out of school now. [00:53:16] Kids would drive down the road, call him a faggot, [00:53:19] call him all kinds of things, pretty disgusting, [00:53:22] and we got past that, [00:53:26] but it is a shame that in a town that he was born and raised, [00:53:31] that I raised my kids in a house, [00:53:34] that he can't walk outside and feel comfortable in his own community, [00:53:38] so therefore he no longer lives here. [00:53:40] I really wasn't even aware, like I said, of this ordinance, [00:53:43] but it's a wonderful thing, and I support it wholeheartedly. [00:53:46] Thank you. [00:53:49] Thank you. [00:53:58] Should I sign in again? [00:54:00] Thank you. [00:54:01] John Cain, 6041 Florida Avenue. [00:54:05] I support an ordinance. [00:54:13] You know, we hear a lot of talk about we want to be a different city, [00:54:19] and, you know, we're moving forward, [00:54:23] and we want flexibility with our ordinances, [00:54:27] and when we come up with new ideas that we push forward, [00:54:33] and this is really all part of that, isn't it? [00:54:37] And, you know, I've lived other places. [00:54:41] I've lived here a long time, but before that, other places, [00:54:44] and that diversity exists in these places, [00:54:49] and quite frankly it makes it interesting. [00:54:53] You know, I would hate to live in a place where everybody looks the same, [00:54:57] acts the same, all worships the same God, everybody likes the same thing. [00:55:04] It doesn't leave a lot of room for a lot of other things, [00:55:08] and that kind of takes the spice out of life, doesn't it? [00:55:12] So if we really want to move forward, if we really want a diverse community, [00:55:21] and we want to attract families here of all kinds, and we want to see that progress, [00:55:28] we're not going to get it unless we can make people not only feel welcome [00:55:34] but feel protected, and that's the key. [00:55:37] You know, sometimes people can't protect themselves. [00:55:40] They look to government for that, and that's kind of what the role of government is. [00:55:47] That's the number one thing, really, is protection. [00:55:49] I always thought so, and when I was younger I filled that role, [00:55:55] not for any zest to go somewhere and create damage, [00:55:59] but my belief was to protect people that needed to be protected, [00:56:03] and that's what this is, isn't it? [00:56:06] You don't have to be in uniform, but you're doing the same thing. [00:56:09] So I do support it, and I would like to see something. [00:56:15] I don't know what you would come up with, [00:56:17] but something to help this kind of diversity in our community. [00:56:23] Thank you. [00:56:24] Thank you. [00:56:25] Anyone else? [00:56:28] Seeing no one else coming down, I'm going to bring it back to council comments. [00:56:34] Mr. Allman, did you want to kick off? [00:56:36] Sure, I'd be happy to. [00:56:39] I remember from my active days on the city council over 20 years ago that, [00:56:46] and I don't know when the book was written, [00:56:47] but Richard Florida wrote a book called The Creative Class, [00:56:51] and I don't know if any of the folks in line have read that book or not, [00:56:54] but you ought to if you haven't. [00:56:56] But I'd be curious to have them update it [00:56:58] and see how the graphs that they displayed in that book happened. [00:57:02] Just for a moment, getting away from the emotional part [00:57:06] and talking just sort of business with you all, [00:57:11] they did a study of the most successful cities in the United States 25 years ago [00:57:17] or however long ago it was, [00:57:19] and in that study they looked at the high-tech corridors to the new-age jobs, [00:57:26] and they also were able to identify populations of gay and lesbian at the time. [00:57:38] I don't think they had a queue identified back in those days, [00:57:41] and they put those two graphs together and they ran together, [00:57:46] and what they learned was that people who are smart and creative [00:57:53] in the economic world, whether they themselves are gay or lesbian, [00:58:00] want to live in places that are inclusive of everybody. [00:58:04] And so they didn't match up that there are more people who are creative, [00:58:10] but they did match up that the forward-thinking entrepreneurs [00:58:17] and that economic growth was tied to communities that accepted all people. [00:58:24] And so that was a presentation at one of our Florida League of Cities. [00:58:31] And so consequently, I think that the argument that we heard [00:58:36] about the ordinance that was being looked at, [00:58:41] one of my questions will be, [00:58:43] is that the ordinance or the resolution that was presented to us back a year ago? [00:58:49] I don't think it was because I know that our city attorney had advised, [00:58:53] had written or authored an ordinance. [00:58:57] But we were presented, I think, at that meeting with a proposed ordinance or document, [00:59:03] and I'd be curious to go back and look at what we were asked to do and how that worked. [00:59:09] So with that being said, and with all of what others have said, [00:59:13] I would certainly like to see us make an expression of our city as an inclusive city. [00:59:21] I think that if there are real economic costs that we've identified in the ordinance that's portrayed [00:59:27] that put a financial burden on the city, that we should, like, dive a little deeper into that. [00:59:33] But, you know, there are things we could certainly do, I would think. [00:59:36] For example, by resolving that we don't tolerate it ourselves in our own city, [00:59:45] we could also say that we wouldn't do business with anyone who discriminated. [00:59:49] And a number of things that we could say that I would hope would have a positive effect [00:59:54] and change the impression. [00:59:57] I mean, when I was... [01:00:00] I guess it was a small county to begin with, but I think that our county was perhaps the [01:00:05] widest county in Florida at one point or close to it. [01:00:09] And you know, whether by purposeful or because there just weren't a lot of jobs and it was [01:00:16] a small county or whatever, the reason was, you know, I understand that discrimination, [01:00:27] as Mr. Starkey brought up, you know, traditionally we've seen it in the fight for women's rights [01:00:32] to vote. [01:00:33] We've seen it in the fight for African-Americans, and I'm constantly amazed in my lifetime that [01:00:39] all of these changes have occurred almost within a one or two generations. [01:00:43] So to see as much progress as had been made supporting the basic tenets of getting along [01:00:52] with everybody and that government should not pick a particular religion and be free [01:01:00] for everybody, it just makes sense. [01:01:04] It's been suggested to me that this is not like race or color or something identifiable, [01:01:09] and so consequently this type of ordinance would be not equal to some of the anti-racism [01:01:18] ordinances. [01:01:20] But I also have a nephew who is gay, couldn't come out, families, you know, the pressures [01:01:30] on the gay community are not just from the city or business, they're from family, they're [01:01:37] from a person in line behind somebody. [01:01:40] And so I'm touched by the commentary of the importance of us as a city standing up and [01:01:45] saying we welcome everybody into our city. [01:01:48] We will do everything we can to support the free movement and the rights of access to [01:01:58] our entertainment, our business community, and that we won't tolerate it ourselves. [01:02:06] Whatever level the city manager, the city attorney, and my colleagues think that it [01:02:10] can achieve, I will support it. [01:02:13] Councilman Murphy? [01:02:15] Yeah, well basically I'm fine with an ordinance addressing any unprotected class, anybody [01:02:24] that, well I guess what saddens me is we have to actually, you know, put them in a class, [01:02:31] put them individually, list them out, it should be just discrimination across the board, period. [01:02:38] So that's just something that frustrates me altogether. [01:02:43] But I'm fine with the ordinance addressing, you know, like they stated, unprotected class. [01:02:48] I guess my question would be to other council and staff is if it seems like there were some [01:02:54] things that might be excessive or could cause issues, I don't know if it's, you know, excessive [01:03:00] burden on the city resources of certain situations, I mean, there's things that are excessive [01:03:05] that maybe we don't need to make it better and willing to discuss and talk with everybody [01:03:10] to make it work. [01:03:11] I'm definitely open to that and I think we should do that. [01:03:18] But overall I think, you know, we should have, we want to be inclusive and it shouldn't be [01:03:22] something that we should be running from. [01:03:27] We hear this term ordinance a lot, right? [01:03:30] Ordinance is a law. [01:03:31] A law, in my opinion, and it's not just my opinion, it's black and white, has to be enforceable. [01:03:37] I'm all for a resolution saying that I welcome everyone to our city. [01:03:41] If you know me personally, you know that. [01:03:43] I find it somewhat ironic that some people are asking me to be open-minded when I've [01:03:49] seen podcasts and I've seen people speak, some of the actual, some of the people that [01:03:53] propose this ordinance to the city that are so close-minded if you don't agree with them [01:03:57] on other issues. [01:03:59] So to me the irony there is, I just laugh at it because I've personally been called [01:04:04] the morality police of city council. [01:04:06] I've been picked apart based on statements I've never made by the individual that actually [01:04:11] introduces ordinance, this law, to city council in October, right? [01:04:17] What we have to understand is there's a huge difference between a law and a resolution. [01:04:22] I personally support a resolution saying that the city of New Porichy does not accept [01:04:28] discrimination against any individual, whether you live here, visit here, or drive in by. [01:04:33] I'm 100% behind a resolution stating so. [01:04:36] Okay, let me make that clear. [01:04:38] And I will endorse it, take a picture with whoever wants to get up here and hold the [01:04:42] resolution up, but I'm not in favor of an ordinance, a law that, in my opinion, is unenforceable. [01:04:48] It just is. [01:04:49] I mean, I'll give you an example. [01:04:50] I was going over scenarios with a city attorney. [01:04:53] Let's say we have an employer in the city and someone from the LGBT community comes [01:04:59] in and applies for a job, doesn't get the job. [01:05:02] The individual that applies for the job says, I don't think that person hired me because [01:05:06] I'm part of the LGBT community. [01:05:09] The city goes to the employer and says, nope, just wasn't qualified, I found someone better. [01:05:13] How do we enforce something like that? [01:05:15] An ordinance is a law that has to be enforceable. [01:05:18] I welcome all of you, all of your friends, anyone that's progressive, open-minded, wanting [01:05:24] to do good in our city limits, whether you live here or visit, 100%. [01:05:29] But I'm not in favor of passing an ordinance, once again, a law that, in my opinion, is [01:05:33] not enforceable. [01:05:35] So I'm not going to support this. [01:05:36] I'd like to get a consensus from all of us up here before we move on and close the meeting [01:05:42] as to whether or not we want to give our city attorney and city manager direction to draft [01:05:47] up an ordinance, whether it's adopted from Gulfport or any of the other cities for the [01:05:52] examples that were sent to us, or if we want to give them direction to draft a resolution. [01:05:56] I personally am 100% in favor of a resolution, but once again, I don't believe this is an [01:06:01] ordinance that's enforceable, and I would not support it. [01:06:04] Councilman? [01:06:05] I met with Anthony, with Mr. Manns, and I, the three of us met a couple months ago, and [01:06:13] we had a very long discussion, an hour or two, I would guess, something in that area. [01:06:17] And I left him with a lot of questions, and we didn't get any answers, but we got some [01:06:23] ordinances from other things, I think it was last Wednesday, something in that area. [01:06:27] So it really didn't address my questions, it just gave us some opportunity to look at [01:06:31] other communities. [01:06:34] I'm kind of on the same point as Jeff, and I think that if you want to talk about being [01:06:38] a leader, us putting out a resolution will take a lot less time and make just as strong [01:06:44] a statement as an ordinance would be, but it might take, like a particular situation [01:06:49] was brought to as a conflict in the ordinance, might take six months, might take a year, [01:06:56] and fade away. [01:06:59] But a resolution, we can always refer to that, come back and say, you know, we can pressure [01:07:04] people, say, this is the way we live our community, this is the kind of people that we want. [01:07:09] And so I'd like a resolution as soon as possible, actually. [01:07:14] Thank you. [01:07:19] I think they're addressing it at the state level, too. [01:07:22] So it didn't pass the muster this year, but they always keep coming back. [01:07:28] So I think at some point we're going to get something from the state. [01:07:32] I did look at the resolution that our city attorney wrote 15 years ago for Gulfport, [01:07:40] and at the risk of piling on with the city manager, it seemed a little bit much. [01:07:46] My concern with the resolution that came from Gulfport is, or ordinance, I'm sorry, ordinance [01:07:54] that came from Gulfport was that it was, it inserted the city of Gulfport into the [01:08:04] middle of a lot of things that, quite frankly, the city doesn't have any business being involved [01:08:11] in. [01:08:12] It was my pleasure to do a resolution recognizing the first pride event last fall. [01:08:23] Certainly, I could go along with a resolution that says unequivocally that the city of New Port Richey does not discriminate against anyone because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual [01:08:46] orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and whatever else we come up with down the [01:08:53] road. [01:08:54] And furthermore, that the city of New Port Richey will not discriminate itself, either [01:09:03] in employment or provision of services that it provides to anyone or anybody that it hires [01:09:10] on the basis of any of those classes. [01:09:17] Just put bluntly, I don't care who you love, I don't care who you live with, I don't care [01:09:25] who you're married to. [01:09:27] If you're doing the job that the city hires you for, that's all that matters to me. [01:09:36] And furthermore, with the same caveats, I don't care about any of that stuff if you [01:09:46] want to come become a member of the community that we call New Port Richey, that you want [01:09:55] to live here, you want to work here, you want to play here, you want to raise your family, [01:10:01] however that's defined here, welcome. [01:10:08] We want a broad spectrum of people. [01:10:13] You can leave the KKK people out wherever it is there if you want, but the hate groups, [01:10:19] they've got no place in New Port Richey as far as I'm concerned. [01:10:24] But people that want to come and be a part of our community and work together with everybody [01:10:30] else that's part of that community, welcome. [01:10:35] And that's really where I stand on it. [01:10:40] And I think that's what the Deputy Mayor was saying, I think that's what Councilman [01:10:45] Davis was saying, and at the risk of putting words into you guys' mouth, I think you guys [01:10:49] were saying the same thing too. [01:10:51] No, sir. [01:10:52] We don't want, we do not believe that anybody should be discriminated on on the basis of [01:11:01] who they love and who they are. [01:11:08] That's not who we are as a city. [01:11:10] Did I summarize that? [01:11:12] No, sir. [01:11:13] You want to take it a little further? [01:11:14] Yeah, I would. [01:11:15] And the only thing I will say is, you know, there's probably no doubt that the discrimination [01:11:22] laws are very hard to prove. [01:11:27] But I would take exception to the idea that something is unenforceable, and let me just [01:11:31] go back to one of the comments that was made by Mr. Starkey related to a person in town. [01:11:37] If someone goes to rent an apartment or goes, of course, we have a whole other set of housing, [01:11:43] so that's probably a bad argument, because those provisions are in theory protected area. [01:11:52] But let's say they go into a store or to go to get a job somewhere and they're qualified, [01:11:58] and the person says, I wouldn't be caught, there's no way I'm going to hire you because [01:12:03] you are gay. [01:12:05] And so that person calls the city and says, you know what, I had a job opportunity, but [01:12:10] I was told by the owner that I could not get the job because I was gay. [01:12:15] And so we go to investigate, and the individual says, yes, it's true, I will not hire that [01:12:21] person because they're gay. [01:12:23] So if we have a law that says, you know, that we are not going to accept discrimination [01:12:29] or whatever we can enforce, and I think that there is some validity to this issue that [01:12:34] some of these issues are beyond the pale of the city's legal resources to pursue. [01:12:42] But I would not say that it's unenforceable. [01:12:44] I would say that if we were to say, as an example, that the city would not do business [01:12:50] with anyone, just the one idea that I brought up, and let's just use that as an example, [01:12:54] we won't do business with anyone who has demonstrated that they are, you know, prejudiced [01:13:05] against the LGBTQ community or all of them if we throw everything into a basket and say [01:13:11] any one of the unprotected classes. [01:13:14] And so if we said that, and someone said, I'm not going to, I'm not going to serve [01:13:22] these individuals, then we could say, fine, but we're not going to buy your stuff anymore. [01:13:29] Or fine, but we're not going to have you mow our lawns anymore. [01:13:33] Or fine, but we're not going to buy supplies from you anymore. [01:13:37] And so I think we can make a statement, and I don't know what leaves, what, I just don't [01:13:43] think a resolution does anything except say, we love you, man, can I have a Bud Light? [01:13:49] I mean, it's like, you know, where is there going to be anything that anyone can hold [01:13:55] on to and say, this city believes me and they're going to stand up for me? [01:14:00] If we could just find one item at least to be able to say, we mean it, versus, and I [01:14:07] truly accept and believe, and just so my colleague, the Deputy Mayor, knows, I don't, I've never [01:14:14] seen any expression of prejudice or any reason to believe anything other than his compassion [01:14:23] and his willingness to accept and invite everybody into the town. [01:14:26] So this is not about me disagreeing with my colleagues over what we believe in or one [01:14:33] of us having different feelings. [01:14:35] To me, it's about finding that right place where we can be leaders and say, you know [01:14:41] what, our county has had a kind of bad history, and you know what, 60% of the state has done [01:14:47] something, and so for us to now have an argument not to do an ordinance and say, let's just [01:14:54] do a resolution and be done with it and have it quick, I think I would prefer an ordinance. [01:15:00] but I appear to be in the minority, so thank you for letting me make the minority speech, [01:15:04] if that's what it is. That's my comment. [01:15:07] I think what you're suggesting is the city of New Port Richey should lead by example, [01:15:13] and I don't disagree with that. And whether it's ordinance resolution or however it gets [01:15:22] structured, I'm okay with that. We want to be the city that says this is not right. We've [01:15:37] got to treat people with respect regardless of who they are. And if that means no, we [01:15:44] don't buy groceries from X, Y, Z grocery store because they won't let gay people in [01:15:51] the door, then so be it. [01:15:53] Mr. Mayor, number one, I was going to say after your first speech when you spoke, you [01:15:58] were blunt, that very well said. I agree with everything you said. I think we're doing that. [01:16:03] I think allowing Pasco Pride to come in and have that festival in Sims Park, which has [01:16:08] never happened before, shows that we're doing that. We had some hiccups. Ms. Borders knows [01:16:13] about it. I know they're going to be corrected for the next Pasco Pride. It's not about sexual [01:16:18] I mean, it's about love, right? Not about sexual anything. I'll leave it at that. But [01:16:25] I think we're doing that. And I don't think we need a law to politicize a law saying, [01:16:29] hey, we're going to make this law now. [01:16:32] I think my personal opinion is that I think this council, since I've been a member and [01:16:37] all our past council members, our current council members, are very, very, very progressive [01:16:43] thinking and receptive to new ideas. I think we've accepted new ideas. I think we've come [01:16:48] up with new ideas ourselves up here that have had very, very positive effects on our city. [01:16:54] But once again, I personally, and it's nothing against, and I hope no one in the LGBT community [01:17:00] holds this against me as being homophobic or anything like that. I've been friends with [01:17:06] Mr. Starkey since I was a kid. I've had employees that, more than numerous employees that are [01:17:11] part of the LGBT community. And I engage them and welcome them to our city. But I just don't [01:17:16] think passing an ordinance is the right way to do that. If you want to call a resolution [01:17:21] meaningless, I personally would not agree with that. I personally think it makes a pretty [01:17:26] bold statement. I don't know if any other city in Pasco County or the Pasco County Commission [01:17:31] has done such a thing. But the fact that we did welcome the Pride event with open arms [01:17:35] and we are welcoming diversity in our city, people see that. There's newspaper articles [01:17:40] about it. There's televised newscasts about it. We're doing that. I just personally don't [01:17:45] think we need an ordinance that you think is enforceable. I think for the most part [01:17:49] it's not. It's just a matter of opinion. So once again, my stances, all great comments [01:17:54] by everyone, by the way, up here. I mean, I'm not trying to argue with anyone. I think [01:17:58] we're all on the same page with, you know, we're a progressive thinking city. It's just [01:18:03] whether or not we're comfortable individually passing an ordinance or just a resolution [01:18:07] or neither. My stance is resolution and I'm one arm set behind it. [01:18:12] A question for the city attorney. If we wanted to make it clear that the city does not discriminate, [01:18:23] not talking about private businesses or anybody else, but the city is going to take the lead [01:18:27] by not discriminating, is that something that would fall into that ordinance category? [01:18:33] No, I think you could still do that by resolution and just make it a plan or a way of doing [01:18:44] business. So I think you could do that. I don't think you need an ordinance to accomplish [01:18:50] that. I think a resolution would be just fine, but you could do it as an ordinance as well. [01:18:56] Certainly if we start seeing problems, again, within the city of New Port Richey, I'm more [01:19:05] than open to revisiting it. I'm just not sure that we've had any more of an issue than Gulfport [01:19:10] has had to date. You're always going to have somebody that's racist, that's homophobic. [01:19:19] We've seen enough of that, including in these chambers. [01:19:27] I can tell you that none of the instances that were remarked upon in this meeting would [01:19:32] fall under the protections of the Gulfport ordinance as it's written. So take that for [01:19:38] what it's worth. [01:19:39] So it wouldn't do us any good anyway. [01:19:41] It wouldn't protect any of those instances that were talked about in the meeting tonight. [01:19:45] Such as what? I'm sorry, what instances? [01:19:48] Some of the speakers spoke about. [01:19:49] Like the text message, the start you read. [01:19:52] That would not be subject to the comment made by a customer in a bank. The bank can't be [01:19:59] responsible for that. So those things are just not addressed by this ordinance. It prohibits [01:20:05] discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment. That's it. So unless it falls [01:20:12] into one of those three categories, it's not protected in Gulfport, at least under the [01:20:16] way this ordinance is written. So none of the anecdotes that were presented to you would [01:20:22] fall under the protection of this ordinance. [01:20:23] If we included in our resolution that we believe that our community should not discriminate [01:20:36] on the basis of public accommodation, housing, etc., etc., does that make sense? [01:20:42] Yes, and I actually put together a resolution along the lines of this ordinance, but in [01:20:47] a resolution form. And the city manager and I are going through that right now. So if [01:20:53] that's something you want us to advance or some form of that, that's something we could [01:20:57] do for a future meeting. [01:21:01] Let's entertain that and take a look at it, because it sounds like that could be like [01:21:05] a stronger statement than the ordinance would be. Is that a fair statement? [01:21:10] It's very detailed, what I've prepared. It goes as far as this ordinance does in terms [01:21:15] of the protections that it talks about, and it's very detailed. And maybe you want something [01:21:20] less detailed, and you want something that has a more generalized statement about it. [01:21:26] We can look at it a couple of different ways, and we can present you alternatives as well, [01:21:30] if you like. [01:21:31] And also, if we start running into problems, we can come back and have an ordinance if [01:21:36] we feel that that's, you know, I mean, this body is fluid enough that we can change. [01:21:41] Yeah, my biggest concern with the Gulfport ordinance is that were there to be a problem, [01:21:46] we could wind up having to litigate absolutely everything and sit there being the body where [01:21:56] that litigation is coming up. And it sounds like it could get very expensive very, very [01:22:03] fast, and we do have limited resources. [01:22:07] Mr. Mayor? [01:22:08] Yes, sir. [01:22:09] Just in response, again, to my colleague, I'll retract the idea of meaningless, but [01:22:15] I really was only trying to use that word in the context of whether or not law enforcement [01:22:20] or someone else could do something illegal. So I, you know, certainly to have a unanimous [01:22:27] resolution is perhaps a start and one that ought not be received as rejection by the [01:22:35] city as we work through these issues and see what happens with other governments. I do [01:22:42] feel an openness and a friendly arms open, and so I just want to make a comment to the [01:22:48] folks that are there that you come up with a resolution, and I'll support the resolution. [01:22:54] You were asking my preference, and my preference is an ordinance, and I particularly was interested [01:23:00] in the idea of ways in which we could put some kind of controllable, you know, something [01:23:07] out there that could be useful. That can always come down the road if it becomes necessary [01:23:14] or if it's useful, but I would like to see us on a list of cities that have passed some [01:23:21] kind of, and if it's not protection, because protection sounds like a law, some kind of [01:23:31] resolution advancing our unanimous forward thinking. [01:23:38] May I just address Ms. Porter again real quick? Please don't feel like I was calling you out [01:23:42] when I asked about inside the city limits of Newport. It's time after time after time, [01:23:47] and honestly, I teach my kids as we're driving through West Pasco County, this is what daddy [01:23:53] and the council govern this area, and it's not. Growing up high school, college, I honestly [01:23:59] didn't know the difference. Most people don't, so I think it's just important that when we [01:24:03] have these discussions up here, yes, we have been a trend setter, I would say, for Pasco [01:24:08] County with a lot of the ordinance we passed, a lot of the resolutions we passed, a lot [01:24:11] of the actions that we've taken up here as council members, but time and time again, [01:24:18] I just want everyone to understand that we only govern four and a half square miles, [01:24:22] so I agree with you. There's an expansive area of West Pasco County with some really [01:24:26] nasty people that are bigots and mean-hearted, spirited people that will not like you if [01:24:34] you're part of the LGBT community, if you're African American, if you're of Mexican descent [01:24:38] like my wife is, there's nasty people out there, but we do our best with our law enforcement [01:24:43] and what we do up here, I think, to mitigate how those people act in our city limits. That's [01:24:49] why when you said that there was nine or twelve people part of that hate group inside our [01:24:55] city limits, that was the first I'd heard of that, so if you're right, if you want to [01:25:00] just shoot me my email address, you have my cell phone number, it's on the website, if [01:25:04] you have data backing that up, that they were actually in the city, I'd love to know [01:25:08] about it, because it's the first I've heard about it. Right, but once again, city of New [01:25:13] Perichy, unincorporated New Perichy. And I run into the same issue. The city charter [01:25:22] provides that as mayor, I can't get involved in day-to-day operations, and there's some [01:25:27] very real limits into what I can do as mayor. I cannot interfere with somebody's red light [01:25:37] camera ticket or speeding ticket or anything else, and I have lost track at this point [01:25:43] of the number of people who have called me up because they were very upset because they [01:25:47] got a speeding ticket on State Road 52, which isn't within miles of the city of New Perichy, [01:25:54] but people don't understand that. And so it's not, it's a very real problem that the [01:26:01] Deputy Mayor points out. A lot of stuff that's attributed to New Perichy really isn't, and [01:26:08] trying to define, if we've got a problem here within the city limits, and somewhere we can [01:26:13] actually deal with, then yeah, we're happy to take a look at it, but if it happens outside [01:26:21] of those city limits, there's really not a whole lot we can do other than pick up the [01:26:25] phone and talk to our county commissioners and say, hey, you've got a problem. So that's, [01:26:32] just so you understand where we're coming from. I think we've got a pretty good consensus [01:26:38] on at least a next step. [01:26:40] Can I make one more comment? I'm sorry. One more comment. The road that Ms. Borges was [01:26:45] referring to was out in Moon Lake, and I guess it's adopted road that used to be adopted [01:26:49] by the KKK. Pasco Pride has since adopted it to just show what strides, you know, this [01:26:55] area has taken in some ways. It did make national news. It was on MSN, which is just a huge [01:27:00] accomplishment. I think it was a really cool story. I saw it on ABC Action News, maybe [01:27:03] FOX 13 as well. It was very well covered. [01:27:06] Councilman Murphy, you had a comment? [01:27:07] Yeah, just back to the discrimination part. I'm talking about, you know, you had an employer [01:27:11] that said, no, I'm not hiring you. I don't hire gay people. That should be just discrimination, [01:27:16] period, and should be dealt with, prosecuted across the board. I think what the contention [01:27:21] would be is that an ordinance has some teeth to it. Resolution does not. It's kind of a [01:27:27] goodwill, you know, we say we're going to do that. So I think it really says if we go [01:27:33] that way with a resolution, we have to really mean it. And, you know, if it's not being [01:27:39] followed, we have to take action on it, or really resolution is just a feel-good thing [01:27:44] that we didn't mean. So that would be my suggestion, is that if we're going to do a resolution, [01:27:51] we need to really take it seriously, and everybody in the city take it seriously. Like, I know [01:27:55] they will, and they do. I know everybody feels very passionately about that. So that would [01:28:01] be my only two cents on a resolution. But I would definitely support it. I think we [01:28:06] need to do something. [01:28:07] That's a good first step. [01:28:09] All right, I think we have our marching orders. [01:28:12] Okay, and we look forward to seeing all of you guys at the Pride Festival, which I believe [01:28:16] is October the 6th. [01:28:22] We'll make a point of providing you with a welcome proclamation, just like we did last year. [01:28:31] All right, thank you very much. [01:28:35] More than happy to welcome our LGBTQ, however many other initials I'm missing, community [01:28:44] into New Port Richey. We're very happy to have you here, and appreciate the things that [01:28:53] you guys are doing to help make New Port Richey what it is. So, thank you. [01:28:58] Next item is a three-minute report on the Development Department.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 8.j
Three Minute Report: Development Department
discussedThe Development Department gave a three-minute report covering building permits ($27M permitted, 1,257 permits, 2,800 inspections), major projects underway, the housing rehab grant program, planning activity, and ordinances in development including land development code rewrite, outdoor displays/storage, fence, demolition, sign, and automobile sales ordinances. Staff noted a planned July 25 meeting with auto dealers regarding the moratorium, and discussed the National Community Stabilization Trust as a future CRA activity to convert foreclosed rentals to home ownership.
Collision Center of PascoFannie MaeFreddie MacNational Community Stabilization TrustNorth BayOyster BayouTax CollectorVolkswagenAutomobile sales ordinance / moratoriumCRACentral to Orange Lake projectDemolition ordinanceFence ordinanceHousing rehab programLand Development Code rewriteNational Community Stabilization TrustOutdoor displays and storage ordinanceSign ordinance▶ Jump to 1:29:03 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[01:29:04] Thank you, Mayor and City Council. This is, I'm not, unfortunately like the Parks Department, [01:29:10] I don't have a video and songs, but we'll give you some statistics of what's happening [01:29:15] in Planning and Development. First, in our Building Department section, we've permitted [01:29:22] over 26, almost $27 million so far this fiscal year in all kinds of permits in the City. [01:29:29] 1,257 permits have been issued, and over 2,800 inspections have been performed. [01:29:36] These are a sampling of some major projects that started this fiscal year. The Tax Collector [01:29:41] had a major renovation. The Collision Center of Pasco put a major renovation to their project. [01:29:47] Volkswagen is expanding. Of course, the Central to Orange Lake started construction. [01:29:52] North Bay made a big investment in its facility, and Oyster Bayou, which was approved this [01:29:56] year, started their site work. [01:30:00] Our housing rehab program, we have 27 applicants so far [01:30:04] and handed out $65,000 in grants. [01:30:07] There's $132,000 in commitments [01:30:11] that for projects that will be done this fiscal year [01:30:14] and there's 40,000 still to be awarded, [01:30:16] but we do have a waiting list. [01:30:17] So if there are people that are interested, [01:30:20] please have them sign up, [01:30:21] but there's a waiting list for assistance. [01:30:25] In our planning section so far, [01:30:28] we have reviewed 12 site plans, [01:30:30] issued 17 or gone through the application for 17 variances, [01:30:34] two rezonings, two sidewalk and street cafes, [01:30:38] and one special exception. [01:30:41] As far as ordinances and work in development, [01:30:44] we're working on our land development code rewrite. [01:30:46] In fact, the land development review board [01:30:48] will get a sneak preview of that [01:30:50] at Thursday's meeting of where we're going. [01:30:53] We're working on ordinances for outdoor displays [01:30:55] and storage ordinance. [01:30:57] Our fence ordinance, we're working on that [01:30:59] to bring that to the city council [01:31:01] because again, we have two fence ordinances [01:31:04] that conflict in our code. [01:31:06] Same thing with demolition. [01:31:07] We have three different ways you can demolish a building [01:31:09] and we're going to bring that to the city council. [01:31:13] Our sign ordinance, a lot of work was done by consultants [01:31:16] on the sign ordinance. [01:31:17] We need to bring that together and bring that to you [01:31:20] for your review and your comment. [01:31:23] The automobile sales ordinance, [01:31:24] as you know, you passed a moratorium. [01:31:27] We have planned a meeting with the automobile dealers [01:31:31] on July 25th to solicit their concerns and ideas [01:31:35] for that ordinance and hopefully soon thereafter [01:31:38] we will bring back an idea for you to comment on. [01:31:42] The last one, the National Community Stabilization Trust [01:31:44] is more of a CRA activity [01:31:46] that we'll discuss at a future time. [01:31:48] But that is a way to stem, as you know, [01:31:51] we have a majority rental population [01:31:54] and this will give us a chance to react [01:31:57] to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae properties [01:32:01] that are foreclosed in the cities. [01:32:02] Most of that property becomes rental property [01:32:05] and there's a way to make it home ownership [01:32:07] and we're going to work with them to make it home ownership [01:32:11] and increase the home ownership rate in the city. [01:32:14] So I think unlike last time I went nine minutes, [01:32:17] I think I'm well under three minutes this time. [01:32:18] So if I have any questions, I'll be glad to answer. [01:32:21] Thank you, does anybody have any questions? [01:32:25] Very good, thank you. [01:32:28] Now we're to 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.
- 9Communications▶ 1:32:30
- 10Adjournment