Council tabled Ordinance 2019-2164 on pervious parking materials pending LDRB (Land Development Review Board) input, accepted a $100,000 EBSCO solar grant for the library, and approved $52,143 for first-responder in-car routers.
17 items on the agenda · 8 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women.
▶ Jump to 0:19 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:00:19] Thank you. [00:00:20] If you could all stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment [00:00:21] 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 [00:00:30] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 3
Moment of Silence
The council observed a moment of silence.
▶ Jump to 0:40 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:00:42] Thank you. [00:00:43] You may be seated.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 4
Approval of June 18, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the June 18, 2019 regular meeting.
- motion:Approve the June 18, 2019 regular meeting minutes. (passed)
▶ Jump to 0:46 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:00:47] The next item on the agenda is the approval of the June 18th minutes. [00:00:50] Move for approval. [00:00:52] Second. [00:00:53] We have a motion and a second. [00:00:55] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:00:58] Aye. [00:00:59] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:00] Motion passes.
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.
- 5
Presentation by Jeff Burton, City of Palmetto RE: CRA's
Jeff Burton from the City of Palmetto CRA and Florida Redevelopment Association gave a presentation on Community Redevelopment Agencies, including updates on a recently signed state statute affecting CRAs. He praised New Port Richey's downtown and the Hacienda Hotel redevelopment, and invited council to the FRA meeting in Tampa in October.
Florida League of CitiesFlorida Redevelopment AssociationHacienda HotelPalmetto CRACarol WestmorelandCouncilman AltmanJeff BurtonCommunity Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs)FRA meeting in Tampa October 2019Hacienda Hotel redevelopmentnew CRA statute (recently signed by governor)▶ Jump to 1:01 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:01:02] Next is the presentation by Jeff Burton, RECRAs. [00:01:12] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:01:13] First of all, thank you all for having me here tonight. [00:01:16] I'm from the Palmetto CRA down in Manatee County. [00:01:19] I'm also with the Florida Redevelopment Association, but not representing them formally tonight. [00:01:24] I'm on their executive board. [00:01:26] First of all, I'd just like to thank you for your time this morning that we spent together. [00:01:30] I like going around the state of Florida and looking at CRAs and looking at what they're doing. [00:01:37] One of the best tools of community redevelopment is thievery. [00:01:41] And while you were having your dinner, I was out taking pictures of your downtown, making [00:01:45] sure I got all the good things that you guys are doing so I can take them home with me. [00:01:49] And then if you come to my town a couple of years from now, you'll probably see them there also. [00:01:53] So the only thing that I really came to say, just a couple of things. [00:01:59] First of all, again, thank the mayor for meeting with me this morning and the city manager. [00:02:04] Just to talk about what's going on with CRAs. [00:02:07] The one thing I always learn about cities, especially in Florida, is that whatever the problems are, [00:02:13] whatever you think is very important that's individual to your city, it's happening all over the state too. [00:02:19] Some of the same questions and things that we talked about are things that happened in my city [00:02:25] and happened in Wachula where I was last week talking to their CRA and in Fort Myers the week before. [00:02:30] So it's all pretty standard. [00:02:34] As you know, we had a new statute passed recently. [00:02:37] The governor signed it last week. [00:02:39] For CRAs that are in unchartered counties like yours and the one I work for, [00:02:46] we don't have that much to think about with the updates. [00:02:51] A lot of the things that were in that amendment were things like your CRA board has to have ethics training. [00:02:58] Well, you're the CRA board and you already have to have ethics training. [00:03:01] So those are the kinds of things that were in there that were of concern to us at the Redevelopment Association. [00:03:07] I will say this, that at the Florida League of Cities on the Friday of that week, if you're there in Orlando, [00:03:16] we will be having a presentation on that statute on the Friday in the morning at 8 in the morning, [00:03:21] if I can wake up that early, along with the lobbyist for the FRA and representative from Cocoa Beach, [00:03:29] the city manager from Cocoa Beach and myself will be going over what that statute actually has to say, [00:03:35] the reporting requirements and all the changes that are in that particular new amendment. [00:03:42] So we're hoping that for the next few years we won't have any problems from the legislature, but it's the legislature. [00:03:50] So as far as walking around, I had the opportunity to go around with Councilman Altman today [00:03:57] and meet with a variety of different people in your city. [00:04:00] We talked about sustainability. We talked about resiliency. [00:04:04] We talked a lot about some of the things you were talking about earlier today about stormwater and things like that. [00:04:09] So if you have any questions about the statute, also the FRA will be meeting in Tampa this year in October. [00:04:18] And just a personal invitation to all of you, if you'd like to come to that, please let Carol Westmoreland know. [00:04:24] But if you've never been to one, you really should go to one. [00:04:28] You're a very large CRA for a city, nice size increment revenue, and it's always good to go and to find out what other people are doing. [00:04:37] We'll be there and be happy to, if you've never been to it, happy to host you and kind of walk you around and introduce you to everybody. [00:04:43] So with that, if you have any questions, like I said, you have a beautiful city, a lot of really great things going on. [00:04:51] I will say this, when I come through New Port Richey, I always see the Hacienda. [00:04:57] And I got a chance today to walk through it. I've never been inside of it. [00:05:01] And I found out that some people here were in it when it was in its heyday kind of thing a long time ago. [00:05:07] But the hotelier you have, I don't know him personally, but I do know of his other hotel in Mount Dora, and I've stayed there. [00:05:16] And I'd say you've got yourself a really good thing going on, and it's really nice to see your Hacienda finding a vision. [00:05:24] And we walked through the whole thing, and it's amazing the work they're doing in there. [00:05:28] So again, kudos to you guys for taking that project and sticking with it, because I know you guys had to carry that for a while. [00:05:37] But what a beautiful building. It's a one-of-a-kind. [00:05:41] And when it gets up and running, it will be one of your jewels in your city. [00:05:45] So again, thank you for having me. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to talk to you about the statute or anything like that. [00:05:53] Otherwise, thank you for having me here tonight. [00:05:56] Questions anyone? [00:05:57] I'll see you in August. [00:05:59] Thank you very much. All right. [00:06:01] Thank you.
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▶ 6:02
- 7.a
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - May 2019
on consentThe Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from May 2019 were presented to the City Council as part of the consent or informational agenda.
▶ Jump to 17:21 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:17:28] If you would, please.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 7.b
Land Development Review Board Minutes - March 2019
on consentCouncil acknowledged the Land Development Review Board minutes from March 2019 as part of consent or informational items. No substantive discussion occurred in the available transcript.
▶ Jump to 17:21 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:17:28] If you would, please.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 7.c
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
on consentProcedural call for the agenda item on purchases/payments requiring City Council approval. No substantive discussion captured in this transcript excerpt.
▶ Jump to 17:21 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:17:28] If you would, please.
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 2019-2164: Ordinance Pertaining to Off-Street Parking Spaces
tabledFirst reading of Ordinance 2019-2164, which would reclassify stone, crushed rock, gravel, and shell from impervious to pervious materials for off-street auxiliary parking spaces. Resident John Cain, who originally raised the issue, also objected to the city requiring a permit for accessory parking when the ordinance only specifies driveways and parking lots. Council voted to table the item to obtain minutes and rationale from the Land Development Review Board, which had recommended no change.
Ord. Ordinance 2019-2164
- motion:Motion to table Ordinance 2019-2164 until council receives minutes and additional information from the Land Development Review Board. (passed)
6041 Florida AvenueHabitat for Humanity (Clearwater Habitat House)Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud)Bob SmallwoodJohn Cain60% front/side yard impervious ratio ruleLand Development Code Chapter 11, Section 11.05.00Land Development Review BoardOrdinance 2019-2164zero-fee driveway permit▶ Jump to 17:29 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:17:31] Seeing no one else come forward, we'll close FOXPOP, go to the consent agenda. [00:17:37] Motion second. [00:17:39] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:17:42] Aye. [00:17:43] Opposed, like sign. [00:17:44] Motion passes. [00:17:45] Next is public reading of ordinance 2019-2164. [00:17:49] Ordinance number 2019-2164, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:17:54] providing for amendment of subparagraphs A and B of subsection 7 of section 11.05.00 [00:18:02] of chapter 11 of the New Port Richey Land Development Code, [00:18:05] pertaining to off-street parking spaces, providing for clarification of provisions, [00:18:09] providing for conflicts, severability, and an effective date. [00:18:14] Mr. Mayor, this ordinance is before you this evening based on a suggestion [00:18:22] that was made by a resident in attendance at a city council meeting. [00:18:28] And it relates specifically to auxiliary parking spaces. [00:18:33] And the city's code contemplates the use of stone, crushed rock, gravel, and shell. [00:18:42] And it is considered to be an impervious, they are considered to be impervious materials, [00:18:50] in large part because they do catch surface runoff and they do allow, [00:18:59] although on a diminished capacity, the infiltration of fluids below the surface. [00:19:06] The specific request was to change the classification of those materials, [00:19:11] again, stone, crushed rock, gravel, and shell, to pervious. [00:19:18] And so the ordinance was drafted so that those materials didn't have [00:19:27] a total ratio of redundancies, which you can't exceed 60%, [00:19:32] on front or required side yards. [00:19:37] The Land Development Review Board considered the change in conjunction [00:19:42] with their approval. [00:19:44] It is their recommendation to you that the ordinance not be changed [00:19:49] and that the materials continue to be impervious as they are in our current ordinance. [00:19:59] Mr. Cain was the resident that brought that matter to our attention. [00:20:04] And this would be the time when we will accept public comment on this matter. [00:20:12] So, John Cain, 6041 Florida Avenue. [00:20:17] Those materials, I don't know who considers them to be impervious, [00:20:22] because we, I took a lengthy course when we were, in forestry, [00:20:28] you have to control runoff and collection of waters. [00:20:33] And we do the same here in Florida with French drains, things of that nature. [00:20:37] And the reason we use stone in particular is it doesn't travel, [00:20:41] it does stop the water, and it allows it to permeate all the way through. [00:20:45] It's a wonderful usage if you're looking to accomplish that. [00:20:49] So my idea was not just to do that, but more importantly, [00:20:53] let me go to the source of what this whole thing started about, [00:20:56] which was demanding a permit for something that is not in the ordinance that you pass. [00:21:01] So this is the big thing. [00:21:04] I mean, because we could sit here and I could show you all kinds of literature, [00:21:07] geographical and everything, as to why those substances are pervious. [00:21:11] They're not impervious. [00:21:13] However, that gets me nowhere. [00:21:15] The thing I'm really looking to do is to stop the practice of something that's being, [00:21:20] what I'm told is an administrative decision, [00:21:23] which is telling me that department heads are making decisions not based on the ordinances [00:21:28] that my elected officials are passing. [00:21:31] So in this original ordinance, [00:21:33] the only thing that calls for a permit is a driveway or a parking lot. [00:21:37] If you put in a driveway or a parking lot, you need to get a permit. [00:21:42] That's common sense. [00:21:43] We know that. [00:21:44] However, there is no provision for getting a permit. [00:21:47] And by the way, landlords were told that they can't do this. [00:21:51] They had to get a contractor. [00:21:52] That's not true. [00:21:53] They can't put in a driveway. [00:21:56] They have to get a contractor for that. [00:21:57] They can't put in a door or windows. [00:21:59] But they could fix a toilet and they could put mulch and they could put stone, [00:22:03] and they could put an accessory parking spot. [00:22:06] It's not a bad thing. [00:22:08] It's a good thing. [00:22:09] It promotes what we're looking to do, which the goal of this was to beautify, okay? [00:22:14] And so we get more people to beautify. [00:22:16] We don't bog them down with unnecessary permitting and unnecessary. [00:22:22] It would be nice if everybody does it right, okay, because I'm told that term, [00:22:27] which I'm still not sure what right is, but we're told that we want it done right. [00:22:32] But there's a lot of things that we don't have the right to do to go in and say, [00:22:36] we want it done this way if there's no legal permitting. [00:22:38] And you did not allow for that in your original ordinance. [00:22:41] So I'm going to ask that you once and for all, as my elected officials, [00:22:46] go by what you voted. [00:22:48] Go by what your ordinance says, because it does not call for that. [00:22:53] And I don't think it's right to restrict that on people for accessory parking. [00:22:58] Everything else has to be permitted. [00:23:00] We know that. [00:23:01] But in this case, not that. [00:23:03] Let's make it friendlier. [00:23:05] Let's promote the usage of this ordinance to do what we want it to do, [00:23:09] to get people off the lawns, to not erode the sand so it washes [00:23:14] and fills up our storm drains either, by the way. [00:23:18] That's another thing this material will stop doing. [00:23:21] So if you put accessory parking, and we get these horrendous rain showers as we do, [00:23:26] the sand and all doesn't take off. [00:23:28] It keeps everything there. [00:23:30] It's a no-brainer. [00:23:33] I don't know why we're struggling with this. [00:23:35] But once again, read your own ordinance. [00:23:37] It's not there to do. [00:23:39] I don't think departments should take it upon themselves, even if it is a good idea. [00:23:43] If it's a good idea, then you need to change the ordinance. [00:23:46] You need to put that in there, that accessory parking needs a permit. [00:23:49] But right now it does not have it. [00:23:51] Thank you very much. [00:23:52] Thanks for the extra time. [00:23:54] Anyone else? [00:23:56] Seeing no one else come forward, I'll bring this back to council. [00:24:01] Before a motion, can we get a little more explanation of what is happening here? [00:24:06] Because I'm curious about a Land Development Review Board recommendation. [00:24:12] And tell me, the recommendation is that we treat gravel and other materials as pervious [00:24:19] for the purpose of calculating what we can build. [00:24:22] Is that as impervious, I mean, for the purpose of? [00:24:25] Impervious. [00:24:27] So it means that the water cannot come through it if it's impervious. [00:24:36] It means that it is filtrated at a reduced rate, for sure. [00:24:43] I mean, we could debate all day. [00:24:45] Well, I'm not looking to debate. [00:24:47] I'm just trying to understand something. [00:24:50] If we build it because if we're trying to deal with floods and drainage, [00:24:56] we would be theoretically encouraging the water to percolate. [00:25:03] I know we built in the park, we built some, we used tiles and certain product. [00:25:12] That was that Swift Mud and other agencies give credit for using. [00:25:17] So if we used those materials and went to Swift Mud to ask them to encourage us, [00:25:24] because I'm understanding they're trying to reverse the process of impervious [00:25:29] and encourage pervious as the ground gets wetter, the rain gets more, [00:25:34] the tides come in and all those sorts of things. [00:25:38] So what I'm confused with is the idea that we have a committee who's telling us that materials, [00:25:47] which are considered by the regulatory agencies to be pervious, that we consider them impervious, [00:25:54] and that's the problem I'm having. [00:25:56] If it's the desire to make sure that more stuff can't go on a lot because of the 60% rule, [00:26:02] do we know what is motivating? [00:26:05] Is it the materials we don't want on the ground [00:26:09] or what we would consider less than professional product? [00:26:14] I'm not sure I understand what's happening. [00:26:17] Well, the original question, as prompted by Mr. Cain, [00:26:22] related to how we define those materials in the ordinance. [00:26:27] Currently, our ordinance contemplates them as being impervious. [00:26:33] As you're indicating, though, an argument can be made that they're pervious. [00:26:39] And so we need to decide as a regulatory body how you want it to be considered. [00:26:45] Now, when the matter was reviewed by the Land Development Review Board, [00:26:51] they all had an opinion, and it was that the current ordinance is accurate. [00:26:58] But that's why their recommendations come to you, [00:27:01] so that you can make a decision as to whether or not you want it supported in that respect. [00:27:07] It does have something to do with the redundancies in the code [00:27:12] that only allow for 60% of the front and side yard maximum ratio to be 60%. [00:27:21] So that's also addressed in the ordinance. [00:27:26] The last part is the administrative part. [00:27:29] It's no department head. [00:27:32] Department heads act at the direction of the city manager. [00:27:37] And we have required a permit for driveways. [00:27:41] The reason we've required a permit, even though it's a zero-fee permit [00:27:46] and a homeowner can obtain a permit without the benefit of working with a contractor, [00:27:54] is so that we ensure that proper enclosure is made [00:28:00] so that people don't just put mulch down without having a barrier system. [00:28:06] And then we have a record of it. [00:28:08] That's the only reason we require the no-cost permit to the homeowner. [00:28:14] That, too, is something that you can decide. [00:28:18] It sounds like it's sort of on the table tonight for your consideration [00:28:22] whether or not you'd like us to continue that practice or change the practice. [00:28:26] The whole pervious-impervious thing, and John mentioned a French drain, [00:28:32] which is basically rocks in a hole. [00:28:36] And I have seen where we've got a walkway that's just stepping stones. [00:28:46] And I had one particular place where it was a little dangerous to walk. [00:28:51] And I got a bag of rocks and spread it around so that you don't trip on the stuff that's there. [00:29:00] And that doesn't slow down the water in that spot one lick. [00:29:06] I mean, it just sinks right through. [00:29:09] I'd like to make a motion to continue this public hearing [00:29:12] so that I could see more information on the rationale [00:29:16] behind the recommendation from the Land Development Board. [00:29:19] I don't know, do we record these meetings? [00:29:22] We do record the meetings. [00:29:24] And I'm just noticing I should have attached to the agenda item the minutes from that meeting. [00:29:31] And that might have been more helpful, although I was in attendance at the meeting [00:29:35] and they didn't have a good amount of discussion. [00:29:38] But we can certainly provide those minutes to you [00:29:44] and continue this discussion at another meeting if you choose to do so. [00:29:49] I would entertain a motion to table this until we get that information. [00:29:53] So moved. [00:29:55] Second. [00:29:56] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:29:58] Aye. [00:29:59] Opposed? [00:30:00] next time. We need to reschedule that. We will reschedule it after we've gotten all the information. [00:30:07] If you take your box of rocks and throw some water on them. Yeah, I mean, it's rocks. I went down to the Habitat [00:30:20] House in Clearwater as part of the mayor's group. And part of what they did, they had a driveway and they had a sidewalk. [00:30:29] And for heaven only knows what reason, they had a drain field that was so wide. And the solution to it was just create a [00:30:43] French drain out of the thing. Which would solve the problem so you don't have a trip hazard. And at the same time would let [00:30:51] the water percolate down. But yeah, having that information I think from the board would help a lot. [00:31:00] I'm sorry that wasn't attached to your communication. [00:31:03] That would, so. Okay, next item. Board reappointment. Bob Smallwood to the same board, the Land Development Review Board.
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.a
Board Re-Appointment: Bob Smallwood, Land Development Review Board
approvedCouncil reappointed Bob Smallwood to the Land Development Review Board. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote with no public comment.
- motion:Motion to approve the reappointment of Bob Smallwood to the Land Development Review Board. (passed)
▶ Jump to 31:04 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:31:12] Move for approval. [00:31:15] Second. [00:31:17] Open it up for public comment. Bob, this is your last opportunity to run screaming out of the room. Hearing no one come forward, [00:31:26] all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Thank you, Bob, for your willingness to serve. [00:31:33] Next item is a request for approval of the EBSCO grant agreement award.
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.b
Request for Approval of EBSCO Grant Agreement Award
approvedCouncil approved acceptance of a $100,000 EBSCO solar grant to install a rooftop solar array at the public library. The grant requires no city match, only that the city hold renewable energy classes and workshops. Council authorized the city manager to sign the grant agreement.
- motion:Authorize the city manager to sign the EBSCO grant agreement and accept the $100,000 solar grant. (passed)
EBSCONew Port Richey Public LibraryAndy BeidartKelly McKinley-FordStephanie JonesVictoria AndersonEBSCO Solar Grant AgreementRooftop solar energy array at public library▶ Jump to 31:38 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:31:38] Mr. Mayor, the city is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the EBSCO solar grant company. [00:31:49] And the purpose of the grant is to install a rooftop solar energy array at the public library. [00:31:58] The library grant application was offered in large part by Andy Beidart, Stephanie Jones, Victoria Anderson, Kelly McKinley-Ford. [00:32:09] And we will remember that grant team for future projects where we're looking for grant funding. [00:32:17] It is 100% grant. So what that means is that there's no required match on the city's part. [00:32:26] Our only obligation for receipt of the grant funds is to hold some classes and workshops on renewable energy programs. [00:32:37] And we're well prepared to do that. [00:32:40] And the city attorney has approved the grant agreement and we're recommending that you authorize the city manager to sign the agreement and accept the grant. [00:32:53] Thank you. I'll open it up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:32:58] Move for approval. [00:32:59] Second. [00:33:00] To the maker. [00:33:01] Wait. [00:33:02] To the second. [00:33:03] No. [00:33:04] Good. [00:33:05] Councilman. [00:33:06] No, sir. [00:33:07] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:33:09] Aye. [00:33:10] Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. [00:33:12] Next, request purchase of new in-car routers.
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.c
Request to Purchase New In-Car Routers
approvedCouncil approved the purchase of in-car vehicle routers for first responders in an amount not to exceed $52,143.30, replacing unreliable MiFi hotspots and improving GPS and data connectivity for laptops, body cameras, and dash cameras.
- motion:Motion to approve the purchase of in-car vehicle routers for first responders not to exceed $52,143.30. (passed)
▶ Jump to 33:15 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:33:15] Yes, sir. Mr. Wee will present the agenda item. [00:33:19] Good evening, Mayor and Council. [00:33:21] This item is before you this evening for your consideration to purchase in-car vehicle routers for our first responders in the amount not to exceed $52,143.30. [00:33:33] Currently, we are using MiFi hotspots to connect these vehicles back to the station, which is not an ideal connection. [00:33:41] These devices are intended mainly for business travel purposes, and so the device itself has limitations. [00:33:48] Additionally, it falls susceptible to damage in the vehicles. [00:33:52] This one right here was left in a vehicle where the temperature got too hot, the battery bubbled up, and we found it held together with tape. [00:34:00] Additionally, we have a GPS transponder antenna that is a serial-based, a USB-based antenna, [00:34:08] and that's only as effective as where it is located in the vehicle and if it's connected to the computer at all. [00:34:15] The in-car routers will actually be wired into the vehicles [00:34:19] and will provide the data connection for the laptops, smartphones, iPads, body cameras, in-car dash cameras, [00:34:28] and the router is wired into the vehicle itself, so there's a boosted antenna mounted on the vehicle. [00:34:34] So the GPS points, unlike what's coming off this device – Nathan, can you flip to the next slide? [00:34:40] – will actually come off the cruiser and are a reliable connection back to the station. [00:34:46] So with that, this project has been budgeted, and the total cost for the hardware did come in under budget, and we recommend approval. [00:34:57] I might add the same numbers for 45 units. [00:35:00] Yes. [00:35:01] Thank you. Open up for public comment. [00:35:03] John Cain, 6041 Florida Avenue. [00:35:11] I would urge you to approve this. [00:35:14] The post office already has done it. [00:35:17] I believe UPS has. [00:35:19] This is the kind of – I mean, this is the new wave. [00:35:22] This is where everything's going, and if you're going to be pulling in Wi-Fi, [00:35:27] and especially you have emergency services, I can't believe that they don't have – I mean, you know, be honest. [00:35:33] I mean, once again, another no-brainer. [00:35:36] I would say you would vote this in and get it. [00:35:39] I don't care what the cost would be, but that's a necessary thing. [00:35:43] So that's only my opinion. [00:35:45] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:35:47] Seeing no one else come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:35:50] Move for approval. [00:35:52] Second. [00:35:53] To the maker. [00:35:54] Technology, that's the way we're going. [00:35:56] A second? [00:35:57] No, nothing. [00:35:58] Mr. Altman? [00:35:59] I'm all in. [00:36:00] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:36:03] Aye. [00:36:04] Opposed? Like sign. [00:36:06] Motion passes.
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.d
You arrived here from a search for “communication sales tax” — transcript expanded below
Presentation of Budget Process, Estimated Revenues, and Proposed Millage Rate
discussedThe City Manager presented an initial overview of the FY budget process, reporting an 8.74% increase in taxable property value (to $625,274,367) per the Pasco County Property Appraiser, with $7,761,540 from new construction. State revenue estimates from the Florida Department of Revenue are still pending. Staff is targeting a 0.25 reduction from the current 8.900 millage rate, though approximately $1.8 million of the general fund will go to the CRA via TIF. A more detailed presentation is scheduled for July 9th, and the audit will be presented July 16th.
- direction:Councilmember requested that upcoming budget hearings focus more on policy and capital priorities (especially CRA capital projects, transportation/gas tax funds, drainage, and utilities) rather than lengthy department-by-department presentations. (none)
Florida Department of RevenuePasco County Property AppraiserVanceCRA / TIF financingFY budget processcommunication sales taxdiscretionary sales taxhalf-cent sales taxlocal option fuel taxmillage rate 8.900pavement management programsecond gas tax▶ Jump to 36:07 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:36:07] Next, we have an initial presentation on the budget process, revenues, and millage. [00:36:12] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [00:36:13] I expect to have a much more informed presentation for you on July 9th. [00:36:20] But for tonight, I would like to at least interview some process information [00:36:28] so that you're brought up to date on where we are in respect to the budget process. [00:36:34] I'll talk a little bit about the revenues and then I'll propose millage. [00:36:40] In respect to the process, the budget submittal process was initiated in April [00:36:49] by the finance director who issued workbooks to all the department heads [00:36:55] as well as instructions. [00:36:57] Our instructions were to keep the expenditures within 2% of previous year's spending. [00:37:04] And we have been working since that time with the department heads on their budgets [00:37:14] so that we'll be prepared to present them to you in conjunction with your budget schedule, [00:37:21] which calls for hearings to begin next month. [00:37:28] We have received some favorable information on revenues. [00:37:35] It was received in the end of May by the Pasco County property appraiser, [00:37:44] and his message to us was very good, [00:37:47] indicating the value of all taxable property in the city to be at $625,274,367, [00:38:01] of which $7,761,540 represented taxable value for new construction. [00:38:12] What that aggregates to be is an increase in taxable property in the amount of 8.74%. [00:38:22] That is their estimate. [00:38:25] In the past, their estimates have been considered to be low. [00:38:30] Five years ago, we teetered at 2%. [00:38:33] We maybe made it up to 2.5%, [00:38:36] so the fact that we last year achieved in excess of 7% [00:38:40] and this year in excess of 8% is a huge reward for us. [00:38:46] The difficult thing about revenues, [00:38:49] and one of the reasons I'm not better prepared to talk more detail with you about the budget, [00:38:55] is that the Department of Revenue, the Florida Department of Revenue, [00:39:00] has not released their local revenue estimates at this time. [00:39:05] Typically, they do come in around the end of June to the mid of July. [00:39:14] In recent communication with them, [00:39:16] we're hopeful to know what to expect within the next week, [00:39:21] but those are our major sources of revenue. [00:39:24] It's revenue sharing, the local option fuel tax, discretionary sales tax, [00:39:32] the communication sales tax, and the half-cent sales tax. [00:39:36] With that being known, hopefully by the end of this week, by July 9th, [00:39:42] we'll have a much better idea of what to expect. [00:39:45] As much as the growth in the taxable value in the city is good news, [00:39:55] it also does create some hardship for us in terms of the city's general fund. [00:40:00] The reason I say that is because of the CRA portion of the city's budget. [00:40:08] One of the funding sources that the TIF financing relies on is the city's general fund. [00:40:15] A portion of our general fund, and in this case, [00:40:18] it's looking from early predictions to be about $1.8 million, [00:40:23] will be from the city's general fund. [00:40:26] I just want to indicate that so that that's known, [00:40:32] and that just because we had that type of growth [00:40:38] doesn't mean it's going to be an easy budget year. [00:40:40] We will be working very hard through the month of July and likely August [00:40:47] to come up with a balanced budget, [00:40:49] which represents not only a prudent spending plan for the city, [00:40:54] but also will keep with your commitment to decrease the millage rate in the city. [00:41:02] Our current millage rate is 8.900. [00:41:08] At this point, the finance director and I are trying to reduce it by 0.25%, [00:41:15] and we're hopeful that that will be the case. [00:41:19] But again, until we have a better handle on the revenues [00:41:22] from the Board of Department of Revenue, [00:41:26] we can't make a commitment to you, but we feel very good that we can. [00:41:36] With that being said, I can respond to any specific questions that you may have of me, [00:41:40] or if not, we'll have a more detailed discussion. [00:41:44] Any questions? [00:41:46] Just comments as we're at the beginning of this process. [00:41:50] I would like to suggest I know that in the past year, [00:41:54] and even back to the year that I was the finance director and presented the budget, [00:41:59] that I think it kind of started then where we did the departments [00:42:03] and came in and talked department by department by budget request. [00:42:07] Given the fact that you've explained the tightness of that budget [00:42:12] and the need for you as the manager to determine how you're going to run those departments in the city, [00:42:19] I would prefer to spend as much time as we can as a council on the larger policy issues, [00:42:26] particularly some substantial time on the capital elements of the CRA plan, [00:42:32] because there are a number of projects that may qualify for funding through that. [00:42:37] And as you say, money is transferred to the CRA, [00:42:41] whether it was the alleys we were talking about earlier today [00:42:44] or drainage improvements to foster new development, [00:42:48] things that are qualifying to help us build our tax base. [00:42:51] As that tax base builds, all of that money continues to go into the CRA. [00:42:56] So it's critical, I think, that we have those bigger discussions. [00:43:02] I'm not as interested, maybe because I've been through it as many times, [00:43:07] as listening to lengthy sort of discussions by each department of how many people there are [00:43:14] and what they're doing. [00:43:15] I trust you to run the departments. [00:43:18] I know the capital elements are all these things that we are interested in, [00:43:21] but I don't know about my colleagues, [00:43:23] but I would like to talk about those funding sources when they come in, the transportation tax, [00:43:29] the second gas tax, how we're using them. [00:43:31] That's kind of a relatively new. [00:43:33] It's only been two, three years when we've been collecting that additional gas tax money. [00:43:37] You've got the new pavement management program. [00:43:39] We've got money coming in. [00:43:41] There's enough funds in the city, the transportation fund, the drainage fund, the CRA fund, [00:43:47] the utilities, our water and sewer utilities and what's going on with those, [00:43:51] that my personal feeling was I spent 80 percent of the time having department discussions [00:44:00] that really didn't get much response from us because we didn't know what to say [00:44:05] because we hadn't seen the overall numbers yet other than thank you for telling us. [00:44:10] But for my part, I'd like to have some more conversations with my colleagues about, you know, priorities [00:44:18] and I guess I'm just a capital improvement interested longer term setting policy in place position [00:44:26] that I would like to see. [00:44:27] Thank you. [00:44:28] Okay. [00:44:32] In that case, go ahead. [00:44:35] I just, I'm still very concerned for another year going through this budget process without the audit [00:44:42] and I'd really like to know when the audit's coming. [00:44:45] Help me just to make some of those decisions. [00:44:47] Ms. Vance, we've got an audit going to be presented to us when? [00:44:51] The audit will be presented at the July 16th meeting. [00:44:56] Just faster than we've seen in recent years. [00:45:00] in memory, so we're getting closer, okay. [00:45:04] Yay. In that case, [00:45:10] we have a three-minute report from Public Works. [00:45:13] Thank you, Mayor and Council. I want to give you an activity report on our [00:45:17] projects that we have going on, and first of all I wanted to start off with the [00:45:20] library. [00:45:21] I'm sure you saw the portable HVA system out there. We had a [00:45:25] air hand or coil failure Thursday. [00:45:28] Friday, we were able to have this portable system up and running. [00:45:32] As it stands now, we're looking at about two weeks to have the other one
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.e
Three Minute Report: Public Works
discussedPublic Works director gave a three-minute status report on multiple ongoing projects including the 2018 street project (starting on Massachusetts Avenue, completion December 2019), wastewater treatment plant pipe replacement, Main Street bridge improvements, EV stations at Nebraska Avenue, Grand Boulevard Park drainage, North River neighborhood project, US 19 LED conversion, and staffing updates (down from 20 vacant positions to 15).
Grand BoulevardGrand Boulevard ParkGulf DriveMain Street bridgeMarine Parkway and US 19Massachusetts AvenueNebraska Avenue parking lotUS Highway 19John2018 street projectGrand Boulevard Park drainage projectGrand Boulevard multi-use pathMain Street bridge improvementsNorth River neighborhood projectPublic Works pay rate studyUS 19 LED conversion projectWastewater treatment plant pipe replacement projectYard debris ordinance review▶ Jump to 45:34 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors
[00:45:36] delivered and replaced, so [00:45:38] we're hoping that within three weeks we'll be back up and running at [00:45:42] normal speed. The 2018 street project, [00:45:47] we have already completed the submittal phase. [00:45:50] The contractor has been instructed to begin [00:45:54] road work on Massachusetts Avenue first and work his way [00:45:58] south. We're looking at an ETA [00:46:01] of mid-July and a completion December 2019. [00:46:08] We have already gone over the planning locations and identified types of [00:46:12] plants, [00:46:14] and we're working with the contractor to get a proposal as far as that goes on [00:46:18] for Gulf Drive. The wastewater treatment plant pipe replacement project, [00:46:24] the materials arrived June 21st. The contractor began on the 25th. [00:46:29] Work is proceeding really good. We're hoping that the [00:46:33] valve that we need to have installed outside that one tank will come Monday, [00:46:38] and then the contractor will install that Tuesday. [00:46:41] The Main Street bridge improvements, the pavers have been installed and sealed, [00:46:46] the pressure washing and staining is in progress, [00:46:50] and the plant selection and installation should begin the week of the 15th and [00:46:54] we'll finish that project up [00:46:56] probably before August. [00:47:00] We've had some money left over in that project, so we've extended it over to [00:47:05] the overlook to where [00:47:06] in August we're going to be able to get that pressure washed, we'll get the exterior [00:47:10] wall stuccoes repaired, [00:47:12] roof repaired and resealed, and then we'll go ahead and paint [00:47:16] the inside and the outside of that structure as well. [00:47:20] The EV stations at Nebraska Avenue parking lot are up and running and they are free of charge. [00:47:25] The Grand Boulevard Park drainage project, we [00:47:29] had to stop because of a workload and because of the rain that came in. [00:47:34] We're hoping that we can pick that up again next week and finish that within [00:47:38] the next couple weeks. [00:47:39] That has to do with digging that retention pond out and [00:47:43] regrading it out. The Grand Boulevard multi-use path, [00:47:49] we have completed our site route and field verifications and we're working on [00:47:53] a concept [00:47:54] presentation that we can bring to you hopefully within the next [00:47:58] month or two to be able to look at that and ask for your input. [00:48:03] The North River neighborhood project that we talked about earlier in the [00:48:08] year, [00:48:09] the pole relocations are in progress, that's gone a lot slower than we [00:48:15] thought, but we're dealing with different utilities to [00:48:18] relocate those poles and the wires and communication cables. [00:48:22] The speed limit sign replacements as well as additional signs have been [00:48:26] completed [00:48:27] and we've completed the residential neighborhood please obey [00:48:31] signs that you've seen up there with the speed limit signs, those are all [00:48:34] completed [00:48:35] and right now we're working on the sidewalk quantities, [00:48:38] the existing sidewalks that we need to replace because they're damaged. [00:48:44] We've completed a review of the existing yard debris ordinance [00:48:49] and have submitted that to the city manager's office for [00:48:52] comment and then on the US Highway 19 [00:48:56] the LED conversion project design is in progress, we're hoping that within a [00:49:01] month we'll be able to start that project. [00:49:03] The crate myrtle that was hit by the vehicle on Marine Parkway in US 19 has [00:49:10] been replaced and right now we're getting [00:49:12] quantities for landscape and where the perennial peanut [00:49:15] has been in decline where we can take and [00:49:19] replace those and then finally I just wanted to let you know that [00:49:22] when we had come to you with the pay rate study for public works we were 20 [00:49:26] positions down, [00:49:28] currently we are 15 so we've picked up five. [00:49:31] Any questions? [00:49:36] When was the start and stop date to get involved in Massachusetts? [00:49:41] We should start in a couple weeks. [00:49:44] Okay. And that'll be on Massachusetts Avenue and then our project [00:49:48] completion is around December, this December. [00:49:52] Both of them for just mass? No, that's for the whole project. [00:49:57] This year's project. Right, so we're starting on mass and we're heading south. [00:50:01] We're going to be heroes when mass is done, and golf. Really? We're going to be real heroes. [00:50:05] I keep telling them it's this year's project, it's this year's project. [00:50:09] Very good. Thank you. [00:50:12] We are to communications and reports. [00:50:16] I'll kick it off. July 2nd [00:50:19] is historic because that was the date in 1776 [00:50:23] when the Continental Congress voted [00:50:27] for independence. They didn't actually get around to dating [00:50:30] the document until the 4th and then some of them signing it not until August, I [00:50:34] understand, but [00:50:36] this is an historic date, so it's really neat. [00:50:39] Were you there? No, I was not, but I enjoyed my [00:50:44] way of starting the meeting off today with John because I love that [00:50:47] particular musical. Main Street Blast was
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▶ 50:50
- 11Adjournment