Council backed staff's call to require a special event permit for Drag Queen Story Hour, citing protester safety, and weighed allowing dogs in city parks.
18 items on the agenda · 10 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for servicemen and women.
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[00:00:15] Thank you. [00:00:15] I'd like to ask you all to stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, and remain standing [00:00:20] for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:23] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, [00:00:32] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence.
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[00:00:43] Thank you.
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- 4
Approval of July 16, 2019 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the July 16, 2019 work session and regular meeting.
- motion:Approve the July 16, 2019 work session and regular meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:44] You may be seated. [00:00:44] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the July 16th work session and regular meeting minutes. [00:00:53] Move for approval. [00:00:54] Second. [00:00:55] Any discussion? [00:00:56] Hearing none, all those in favor say aye. [00:00:58] Aye. [00:00:59] Aye. [00:00:59] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:00] Motion passes.
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- 5
Approval of July 23, 2019 Work Session Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the July 23, 2019 work session.
- motion:Approve the July 23, 2019 work session minutes. (passed)
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[00:01:01] Next is approval of minutes for the July 23rd work session. [00:01:04] Move for approval. [00:01:05] Second. [00:01:06] Discussion? [00:01:07] No. [00:01:07] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:01:10] Aye. [00:01:10] Aye. [00:01:11] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:13] Motion passes.
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- 6
Annual Report - Cultural Affairs Committee
Cultural Affairs Committee Chairman Richard Melton presented the committee's annual report, detailing accomplishments including funding the Land Office Centennial, the Smithsonian Hometown Teams exhibit, the Loquat Festival, a holiday window decorating contest, and upcoming plans for a Florida Orchestra Brass Ensemble Christmas event, sculptural bike racks, an artificial Christmas tree for Sims Park, and a 'Happiness Is' sculpture walk. Melton urged Council to prioritize a Children's Museum Cultural Arts Center. Mayor Marlow then presented an unscheduled proclamation congratulating Tanner Smith on receiving the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award.
Francis Avenue ParkSims Parkthe church on Orange LakeFlorida Department of State Cultural AffairsFlorida Humanities CouncilFlorida Orchestra Brass EnsembleMain StreetParks and Recreation Youth Advisory BoardSmithsonian InstituteCasey QuatrelliChris BornfleischDebbie MannsDonna FrenchElaine SmithGus BilirakisRichard MeltonRob MarloweTanner Smith'Happiness Is' sculpture walkAnnual Food DriveCAC five-year planCardboard CampoutChildren's Museum Cultural Arts CenterCotee River CleanupFamily Movie Nights in Sims ParkFlorida Humanities Council Speaker SeriesHoliday Window Decorating ContestLand Office Centennial CelebrationLoquat FestivalMain Street Bridge remodelSculptural bike racksSmithsonian Hometown Teams Traveling ExhibitToys for TotsU.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award▶ Jump to 1:14 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:14] Next, annual report, Cultural Affairs Committee. [00:01:16] Mr. Rich Melton is present this evening to represent the Cultural Affairs Committee. [00:01:21] Thank you. [00:01:22] Good evening, everyone. [00:01:25] I'm Richard Melton with the Cultural Affairs Chairman. [00:01:27] I just came to give you a brief update about what we've done. [00:01:30] It's about a page and a half, so you'll have to bear with me. [00:01:33] Our accomplishments, we've helped fund the Land Office Centennial Celebration, this brick building. [00:01:38] It's the oldest building in New Port Richey, dating to 1919. [00:01:42] Assisted the Rec Center with a successful Florida Humanities Council Speaker Series. [00:01:47] This series consisted of four speakers covering such topics as Florida foods, [00:01:53] great romances in Florida, lore, Florida's influence on the rest [00:01:57] of the country, and Florida war history. [00:02:01] Completed the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Museum Exhibit called Hometown Teams. [00:02:06] The Smithsonian Hometown Teams Traveling Exhibit examines the many roles [00:02:10] that sports play in American society. [00:02:12] Hometown sports are more than just games. [00:02:15] They shape our lives, unite us to celebrate who we are as Americans. [00:02:20] We appreciate everyone involved and donated the location and their time, [00:02:23] their sports memorabilia, making the exhibit such a great success. [00:02:28] Florida Department of State Cultural Affairs, I was selected to assist the strategic planning [00:02:34] for the years 2020 to 2025. [00:02:37] This will help us further our own vision and budgetary planning. [00:02:43] Through Debbie Mann's and the City Council's recommendations, [00:02:45] another bridge presentation was made to the CAC to assist [00:02:49] in making the decisions regarding the remodel of our Main Street Bridge. [00:02:53] We helped support the Loquat Festival held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Francis Avenue Park. [00:03:01] We also had a successful holiday window decorating contest for the city businesses. [00:03:06] The voting was done using social media and gained great traction for downtown businesses. [00:03:10] The feedback from those who participated was very positive. [00:03:14] Currently, we're working on a free Christmas event with the Florida Orchestra Brass Ensemble. [00:03:20] It will be held Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the church on Orange Lake. [00:03:27] Three hundred tickets will be dispersed. [00:03:30] We will also be piping the music out into the park and surrounding area for all to enjoy. [00:03:35] Many of these events will be piggybacked off of this event [00:03:38] and will produce financial opportunities for our own downtown businesses. [00:03:43] We have allocated funding for multiple sculptural bike racks throughout the city [00:03:48] and are awaiting Main Street's program to finish their part in the design, [00:03:52] placement, and installation in order to move forward. [00:03:56] The CAC has an active five-year plan that we are continually working on [00:04:00] to fulfill our vision in the city and the community. [00:04:04] We have been researching the possibilities of purchasing a very large artificial Christmas tree, [00:04:09] approximately 30 feet tall, for Sims Park to utilize year after year. [00:04:16] Pending City Council final approval, the first New Port Richey sculptural exhibit. [00:04:21] The theme of this sculpture walk is, [00:04:23] Happiness Is. [00:04:25] This is an exhibit of eight sculptures that will be on display for a period of 18 months. [00:04:30] Details are on a separate form. [00:04:33] Our goals are to build a local economy and create endeavors, [00:04:37] enhance education through arts and culture, [00:04:39] promote a thriving and vibrant community. [00:04:43] For City Council's consideration, as you know, this is close to my heart, [00:04:46] but please keep the thought of a Children's Museum Cultural Arts Center on the front burner. [00:04:53] This will be a great asset to our city, not just for children of all ages, [00:04:56] but for age groups to enjoy the arts and culture [00:04:59] that would bring our city national recognition it so deserves. [00:05:03] To do this, we must focus on actively pursuing grant money [00:05:08] that is available as I have stated before. [00:05:11] We must remain diligent on pursuing funding to make this vision a reality. [00:05:20] It is imperative that this be recognized as a priority in making our city a destination to visit. [00:05:27] I leave you with this, at some point, all of us come to a fork in the road. [00:05:34] It is important to make sure the path we have chosen supports our children, our culture, and our legacy. [00:05:41] Special thanks to the following for all their support, Elaine Smith, Casey Quatrelli, Debbie Manns, [00:05:46] Donna French, and the entire cultural committee. [00:05:49] Also, welcome aboard our new liaison, Chris Bornfleisch. [00:05:52] Thank you. [00:05:53] Thank you. [00:05:53] Any questions for Mr. Melvin? [00:05:55] Thank you. [00:05:56] Probably do. [00:05:57] Thank you. [00:05:58] Please take that back to your committee, too. [00:06:00] I will. [00:06:03] At this time, I'd like to ask Tanner Smith to join me at the podium. [00:06:18] This one showed up late enough. [00:06:20] I didn't get it on the agenda, but here we go. [00:06:24] It's a proclamation. [00:06:25] Whereas the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon our nation's youth, [00:06:30] and whereas the award requires that each recipient embark on a two-year goal-setting journey, [00:06:36] logging a minimum of 400 hours of volunteer service, 200 hours of personal development and physical fitness, [00:06:43] and a five-day, four-night expedition exploration. [00:06:47] And whereas Tanner Smith has been a valued member of the city's Park and Recreation Youth Advisory Board since 2007, [00:06:54] and whereas Tanner completed the requirements for the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award in two years, [00:07:01] logging a total of 581 hours of volunteer service, participating in events such as Toys for Tots, [00:07:07] Family Movie Nights in Sims Park, the Cardboard Campout, Annual Food Drive, and the Cody River Cleanup, [00:07:14] and whereas Tanner received his award from U.S. Congressman Gus Bellarachus at a special ceremony on June 20, 2019 in Washington, D.C., [00:07:23] now therefore I, Rob Marlow, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby congratulate Tanner Smith [00:07:28] on receiving the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal Award [00:07:31] and commend him for his outstanding public service to the residents of the City of New Port Richey. [00:07:36] Thank you, mayor. [00:07:36] How about a... [00:07:46] All right, I guess that's a... [00:07:57] Chopper wants to remote...
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- 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 8:00
- 8.a
Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes - June 2019
on consentProcedural transition between agenda items; council members offered brief closing comments after public input. No substantive action taken on the Cultural Affairs Committee minutes within this transcript excerpt.
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[01:01:46] Seeing no one else appearing to be coming down, I'm going to close Foxpot. Any comments from council members? [01:01:52] I just want to say a couple of things for the record. One, a lot of the comments that were directed to the city council were directed at our position, or what stance we've taken, or what we've done as a city council.
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- 8.b
Library Advisory Board Minutes - May and June 2019
on consentProcedural transition closing public comment with brief council remarks; no substantive action on the Library Advisory Board minutes is captured in this excerpt.
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[01:01:46] Seeing no one else appearing to be coming down, I'm going to close Foxpot. Any comments from council members? [01:01:52] I just want to say a couple of things for the record. One, a lot of the comments that were directed to the city council were directed at our position, or what stance we've taken, or what we've done as a city council.
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- 8.c
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
on consentProcedural transition closing public comment with brief council remarks; no substantive action on purchases/payments visible in this excerpt.
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[01:01:46] Seeing no one else appearing to be coming down, I'm going to close Foxpot. Any comments from council members? [01:01:52] I just want to say a couple of things for the record. One, a lot of the comments that were directed to the city council were directed at our position, or what stance we've taken, or what we've done as a city council.
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- 9.a
Board Re-Appointment: Nancy MacDonald, Land Development Review Board
Mayor commented on special events policy and procedures, suggesting that if a special event permit is required, applicants should apply so it returns to council for approval. The transcript excerpt does not actually cover the board re-appointment of Nancy MacDonald.
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[01:01:57] And the city council is a collaborative body. The only power we have is in the few hours that we're here. [01:02:03] None of us have any authority over the administration or running of the city, but we set the policies. [01:02:09] So we have a policy for special events. Tonight may not be the day to hear the interpretations. [01:02:15] But the actions that have been taken, have been taken by the staff of this city, is to not come in front of the city council. [01:02:20] We've not acted on it. So I hope you all will understand that, first of all. [01:02:25] Secondly, if, in fact, the special event permit is required, then apply for a special event permit. [01:02:56] Because it'll come back to us for our approval, and then you'll find out what the position, the official position of the elected officials of the city of New Port Richey is. [01:03:06] In the meantime, I was very moved by the commentary, and I just want to share one other thing with you. [01:03:13] Back in the old days when I was mayor, and I was in the role that Mayor Marlow was in, I had promoted a faith festival in the city of New Port Richey.
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- 9.b
Board Re-Appointment: Mark Vandenbroek, Library Advisory Board
Council considered the re-appointment of Mark Vandenbroek to the Library Advisory Board. The transcript excerpt provided does not capture the actual vote or discussion of the appointment, instead containing remarks about a past faith festival.
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[01:03:25] And in that faith festival, we talked to the Baptists, the Methodists, the Catholic, the evangelical churches, [01:03:33] and also to Moon Lake, to those agnostic, atheists, nature lovers, anyone who, because in America, freedom of religion is our right. [01:03:49] Also, the freedom not to impose our will on somebody else is a standard that we have. [01:03:54] So I've been hearing a lot about that today. [01:03:59] We pulled off that faith festival. [01:04:05] Someone from the Atheist Society addressed the city council and threatened to sue us, so it turned into a private event. [01:04:10] But what happened was I was involved in it still with that event. [01:04:15] It was probably 38, 40 degrees. [01:04:20] The park was packed, but there was one rule, which is it had to be entertainment. [01:04:25] So whether it was a puppet show, a music, a story hour, a reading, entertainment, [01:04:32] something that the city could say was of value, that was the rule that we placed. [01:04:40] And so everyone got a chance to strut their stuff, whatever it was. [01:04:45] And the religious community accepted the fact that freedom of religion also includes freedom from religion [01:04:52] or freedom for interpreting religion however you want to interpret it.
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- 9.c
Recommendation on Animals in City Parks
discussedCouncil concluded discussion on the Drag Queen Story Hour special event permit issue, with members supporting staff's decision to classify it as a special event due to safety/security concerns from protesters. Staff then presented a recommendation on allowing animals (dogs) in the James E. Gray Preserve, prompted by one citizen request, with another citizen subsequently writing in opposition.
- vote:Reappoint Nancy McDonald to the Land Development Review Board for a three-year term ending August 16, 2022. (passed)
- vote:Reappoint Mark VanBroek to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term ending August 16, 2022. (passed)
- consensus:Council concurred with staff's classification of the Drag Queen Story Hour as a special event requiring a special event permit. (none)
James E. Gray PreservePeace HallPasco PrideAltmanDavisMark VanBroekMs. MannsMs. SmithMurphyNancy McDonaldReaganWeissAnimals in City Parks recommendationCultural Affairs CommitteeDrag Queen Story HourLand Development Review Board reappointmentLibrary Advisory Board reappointmentNon-discrimination resolution passed prior monthPasco Pride October festival▶ Jump to 1:04:55 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:04:57] And so I think that the comment that was made by Reagan, that the city stands for everybody, [01:05:04] is a comment that I'll stand behind as well. [01:05:09] But I will also stand behind you if it comes back in front of us as a special event permit, [01:05:15] to either direct the city manager or to direct our city, as a group of five. [01:05:20] Thank you. [01:05:23] Mr. Murphy, anything? [01:05:26] No, I'll just agree with Councilman Altman. [01:05:29] Apply for that special permit. [01:05:32] As of yet, nothing has been denied, so apply for that. [01:05:35] And then if it comes back, like I said, we can look at it and see it. [01:05:38] First of all, I want to comment to the gentleman that asked about the police. [01:05:41] We very much support our police. [01:05:44] We have two officers that are standing in the back of the room now [01:05:47] to protect the rights and the safety of the people that came tonight to address us. [01:05:52] Because we were concerned that there are people out there that are, quite frankly, very dangerous, [01:06:01] who have taken it upon themselves to go after the folks in Pasco Pride. [01:06:07] And we want this to be a safe place as well. [01:06:15] I will make one correction, Mr. Altman. [01:06:20] The special event permits do not come back in front of Council unless they involve alcohol. [01:06:25] And so unless you guys are going to pull a beer and wine permit, [01:06:31] and I just don't see that as terribly appropriate for a children's story time, [01:06:38] it would not come back in front of Council. [01:06:41] The policy of the city, as we expressed in the resolution we passed last month, [01:06:49] is that all city services and facilities are available to everyone, [01:06:55] regardless of faith, creed, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, [01:07:02] gender expression, and I probably left out three or four items. [01:07:07] Basically, we don't discriminate. [01:07:12] The issue that I heard fairly early on, and we were all barraged with e-mails [01:07:18] from people who were opposed to the Drag Queen Story Hour, [01:07:26] is that regardless of the size of the event itself, [01:07:32] that as a publicly promoted event, it was very clear that we were going to pick up protesters [01:07:38] and have to deal with the police and other security concerns [01:07:43] and obviously we only have to deal with much larger events. [01:07:48] But nonetheless, the safety of the participants, particularly the children, is first and foremost. [01:07:55] And if that requires that our staff makes arrangements [01:08:00] to have the proper number of police officers on duty in the park during the event, [01:08:06] that's part and parcel of the planning that goes into a special event [01:08:11] that's not normally part of the planning if you're just having a private party [01:08:16] in one of the pavilions or even Peace Hall. [01:08:21] And that's the reason that I thought it appropriate to do the special event route [01:08:30] so that we make sure that everything is safe. [01:08:35] I do have concerns that, right or wrong, [01:08:41] the Drag Queen Story Hour concept does have a tendency [01:08:47] to play directly into the narrative that some of these hate groups are spreading. [01:08:54] And I'll guarantee you, I got a ton of e-mails that went on that direct line [01:09:03] and I'm sure my colleagues did as well. [01:09:09] And finally, I think PASCO Pride, they've got an event coming up in October. [01:09:14] I'd really love to see PASCO Pride concentrating on making that the best annual Pride event, [01:09:22] I would say ever, but it would only be the second annual. [01:09:27] Nonetheless, a very positive and uplifting event for everybody that goes to attend it. [01:09:32] And I would expect that, as opposed to the eight or ten kids and parents, [01:09:38] that you will probably expect several hundred if not more people [01:09:44] to show up for that Pride festival in October. [01:09:49] And I wish you the best for it. [01:09:54] Deputy Mayor? [01:09:59] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [01:10:04] I just want to make a quick comment. [01:10:09] I'm not a big fan of PASCO Pride getting read to between the children and the adults, [01:10:15] but we can't turn a blind eye to what's outside. [01:10:20] I've driven by, I've seen it on video, on Facebook, on social media. [01:10:25] There's 15 kids and adults inside Peace Hall getting read to. [01:10:30] I've seen the videos. [01:10:35] You guys know what goes on outside between the protesters and the supporters of PASCO Pride going back and forth. [01:10:40] It gets ugly. [01:10:45] I'm not saying it's right, like Mr. Weiss said. [01:10:50] You can't categorize this, what you're trying to do in Peace Hall, as a special event. [01:10:55] You can talk about discrimination, you can talk about the ordinance you want us to pass, all of that. [01:11:00] It does not pertain to staff's decision to categorize this as a special event. [01:11:05] That's solely what it was based on. [01:11:10] Mr. Davis? [01:11:15] I just said what I would say, and I think that those that do live in New Port Richey voted for us [01:11:21] because they wanted us to get up here and serve and protect you. [01:11:26] And I think that's what the other four said before, is that we're here to serve and protect you. [01:11:31] And we, through staff, made that decision to classify this differently than just a rental. [01:11:38] Mr. Mayor? [01:11:43] I thought that this was a discussion that you had and a recommendation that you had, that this be a special event. [01:11:50] Are you suggesting that you've been... [01:11:55] I did not make that determination, although I happen to agree with the staff's decision. [01:12:00] They discussed it and came up with the idea that this needed to be a special event, and I happen to concur with them. [01:12:06] Does the special event law require that special event request that involve funding? [01:12:17] What is it that causes a special event to come before us other than alcohol? [01:12:22] Because if we have a special event permit request and someone asks us for support or financial support, [01:12:27] it goes to the Cultural Affairs Committee, the Cultural Affairs Committee makes a recommendation, comes back to us. [01:12:32] I'm a little confused at a small project being identified as a special event. [01:12:42] So you're suggesting that that project goes through staff meetings and has the decision about how much effort, [01:12:49] how many toilet papers we have, how much space? [01:12:54] It doesn't make sense to me. [01:12:59] No, it did not. [01:13:04] There was no funding request. Is that what triggers it? [01:13:09] No, there was not a funding request. [01:13:14] That's what triggers it coming to us? [01:13:19] Funding for alcohol. [01:13:24] Anything else, gentlemen? [01:13:29] No, thank you. [01:13:34] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:13:39] Next item on the agenda is the Consent Agenda. [01:13:44] Move for approval. [01:13:49] Next item is Board reappointment. Nancy McDonald to the Land Development Review Board. [01:13:56] I don't see Ms. McDonald in attendance this evening, but she has served on the Land Development Review Board since 2016. [01:14:05] Her current term is due to lapse on August 16th of 2019. [01:14:12] She has submitted an application in which she seeks reappointment to the board. [01:14:17] If you approve her appointment, it is for a three-year term, [01:14:22] and her next renewal will not be up until August 16th of 2022. [01:14:29] Public comment? [01:14:36] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:14:42] Next is Board reappointment to Mark VanBroek of the Library Advisory Board. [01:14:49] Mr. VanBroek has been serving since 2016. [01:14:57] His term also lapses on August 16th of 2020. [01:15:00] 16th, 2019. He has submitted his application for reappointment to the [01:15:05] board. The board appointment is for a three-year period of time. Therefore, if [01:15:11] you approve the recommendation to reappoint him, his term will lapse in on [01:15:18] August 16th, 2022. Public comment? Seeing none, bring it back to council. [01:15:27] Approval. Second. And with a thank you. Thank you very much. [01:15:34] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. I probably should have asked Mr. Vandenbroek if he wanted to say no before we voted him back in. [01:15:45] There's a couple ladies there I don't think you could say no to. And one up here too. [01:15:49] At least one of them would have tripped him about two rows from his seat. Next is [01:15:55] recommendation from city staff on animals in the parks. This matter was [01:16:02] considered by you at your meeting on July 16th, 2019, at which time the item [01:16:09] was tabled from consideration. The request by you was for the staff to [01:16:15] gather some additional information and come back to you. Ms. Smith has conducted [01:16:21] the research and is prepared to present a report to you this evening in that [01:16:25] respect. Thank you so much. Just to recap quickly, we did receive one request to [01:16:32] allow dogs in the James E. Gray Preserve, and that's what prompted this review. [01:16:37] Since the submission of this agenda item, I have received a letter requesting that [01:16:43] we not allow dogs in the Gray Preserve, and that was after there was an article [01:16:47] in the newspaper and the individual saw that. It was stated at that time what
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- 9.d
You arrived here from a search for “Eagle Point Nature Park” — transcript expanded below
Orange Lake Improvements Project Close Out
discussedStaff (Parks/Recreation) presented research on dog policies at Pasco County preserves and parks and discussed whether to allow dogs at the James E. Gray Preserve, the city's only nature preserve. Staff recommended not allowing dogs in the existing 80-acre portion of the Gray Preserve due to enforcement concerns at the unstaffed park, while Council was asked to consider policy for the newly acquired 14-acre addition.
- direction:Staff recommended not allowing dogs in the existing 80-acre portion of the James E. Gray Preserve due to layout and enforcement concerns at the unstaffed park. (none)
Cody River ParkEagle Point Nature ParkJames E. Gray PreserveJumping Gallop PreserveKey Vista Nature ParkMeadows Dog ParkOrange LakePasco PreserveSims ParkStarkey Nature ParkUpper Cody PreservePasco CountyJames E. Gray Preserve 14-acre expansionOrange Lake Improvements Project Close Out▶ Jump to 1:16:50 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:16:53] Starkey Park does and what Pasco County does with dogs and where they allow. So [01:16:58] just to recap that quickly, Pasco County does have, doesn't, they don't, I'm sorry, [01:17:04] they allow dogs in only one of their three nature preserves. Pasco Preserve, no [01:17:10] dogs are permitted. Jumping Gallop Preserve, no dogs are permitted. Upper [01:17:15] Cody Preserve, dogs are permitted, but only on designated trails, and the dogs [01:17:19] must be on a six-foot leash. And then Pasco County also has three nature parks. [01:17:24] Eagle Point Nature Park, no dogs are permitted. Key Vista Nature Park, dogs are [01:17:30] permitted, but on a six-foot leash. And then at Starkey Nature Park, dogs are [01:17:34] permitted on hiking trails and paved trails only, and must be on a six-foot [01:17:39] leash. Key Vista Park is the park with Pasco County that I did speak to a [01:17:44] staff member with that department about, and it is an unstaffed park, and they did [01:17:50] express that they've had issues with enforcement of individuals, dog owners, [01:17:56] allowing their dogs to run off leash in that park, and they have received [01:18:00] complaints from people that were there without a dog. That brings us to James E. [01:18:05] Gray Preserve. It is the only nature preserve in the city of New Port Richey. [01:18:09] The preserve is an unstaffed park. There are employees that open the [01:18:15] park and periodically go to the park for different maintenance issues, but there [01:18:21] would not be a staff member there to enforce the regulations if dogs were [01:18:26] permitted in there to make sure that they did stay on leash. The city does [01:18:31] have four parks that already do welcome dogs, and we have dog waste bags provided [01:18:36] at those four parks. Sims Park, Round Orange Lake, Cody River Park, and then of [01:18:41] course the Meadows Dog Park. There is a map up. The first one I wanted to show [01:18:45] you, this is a park rendering. Let's see if I can go this far. So this is the new 14 acres [01:18:52] of the James E. Gray Preserve that was purchased, and this would be the entrance [01:18:56] coming in off of Congress Street, and this is the parking area. It might be a [01:19:00] little hard to see on this map, but there is a yellow walking trail that's [01:19:05] designated here, and then let me see if I can get the next map up. There we go. [01:19:10] Oh, that's even harder to see. So I'll go back to the original, but this is [01:19:17] the upper trail of the current, the 80 acre parcel. From the 14 acres, [01:19:25] the connectivity would be approximately in this area. We won't know for sure [01:19:29] until surveys are done and engineering work is completed on that project, but [01:19:35] if dogs were to be allowed, if that's City Council's wishes, staff recommendation [01:19:41] actually is to not allow dogs in the current 80 acres, excuse me, 80 acres of [01:19:47] the Gray Preserve, and the reason for that is this is the drive as you come in. [01:19:51] So a dog owner would park here in the parking lot, and this is where the [01:19:57] restrooms are, the playground for the children, as well as the park shelters, [01:20:01] and they would need to either access through this area and then down the main
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ITB19-014 Wastewater Treatment Plant Bulk Chemical Purchase Bid Award
Transcript content for this agenda item appears to be misattributed; the audio discusses the Gray Preserve dog access policy rather than the Wastewater Treatment Plant Bulk Chemical Purchase Bid Award. No information about ITB19-014 is present in the provided transcript.
▶ Jump to 1:20:05 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:20:06] trail to get to the upper trail, excuse me, or this is where ADA parking is, and [01:20:14] there is a paved trail straight down to the boardwalk, and they would be able to [01:20:19] then access the main trail and then get to the upper trail. Back to this one then, [01:20:28] so staff's recommendation is to still not allow dogs in the original 80 acre [01:20:34] parcel of the Gray Preserve, and with the development of this parcel, to consider [01:20:39] allowing dog owners to access or walk into the park. This park would be [01:20:44] accessible for residents from the city limits. The other parcel is off of [01:20:50] Plath Road, and the north side of Plath is county residents, so they would be [01:20:57] able to drive in, access the parking here, and then access a walking trail. So staff [01:21:02] recommendation again is to remain the policy as it is, to not allow dogs in [01:21:08] the 80 acre parcel, and then with the development of this new 14 acres, to [01:21:14] reconsider at that time as this parcel is developed, if Council is interested in [01:21:20] allowing dogs only on a six-foot leash and only on a designated trail, we would [01:21:26] be able to identify the walking trail for dogs only. They would have [01:21:30] connectivity to the original 80 acres, but by doing this, they would not have to [01:21:36] pass by playground, bathrooms, picnic shelters, or go down the paved trail that [01:21:44] is our ADA access for residents that need assistance to get to the boardwalk. [01:21:48] Thank you. I'll open it up for public comment.
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Three Minute Report: Technology Solutions
discussedDuring public comment on the Technology Solutions report agenda item, three citizens spoke about dog policies in city parks, particularly Gray's Preserve. Two speakers advocated for allowing well-behaved leashed dogs in parks (especially near the kayak launch), while a third speaker preferred parks remain dog-free to enjoy wildlife undisturbed.
7124 Meeting Court7210 JasmineGrand BoulevardJoan HookNet CongaSmallwoodCotee RiverGray's Preserve dog policyStarkey Park▶ Jump to 1:21:50 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:21:57] Yeah, you will need to come down to the mic to speak when you're ready. [01:22:03] Good evening. I'm Joan Hook, 7210 Jasmine. I feel that there's really no difference in taking a dog on a leash, a well-behaved dog on a leash, in a park, than it is to take a well-behaved dog on a leash on a city sidewalk. We certainly wouldn't ban our dogs on city sidewalks. We do not welcome dogs that are running loose and who are not well-behaved, [01:22:32] so I think that it's very easy for city parks to allow dogs as well as destructive children sometimes running around in parks. I just think that it's a little bit too restrictive to not allow a well-behaved dog on a leash anywhere that people walk. Maybe that's too liberal, but that's a concern I have. [01:23:02] Thank you. [01:23:02] Thank you. Yes, ma'am. [01:23:10] I think you're the only other person trying to get down here to speak on the issue. Come on down. [01:23:14] Okay. [01:23:16] Net Conga again, Grand Boulevard. [01:23:18] We went to Gray's Preserve on our bikes, like two weeks ago, because I saw that in the paper, and so I wanted to see why they were saying no dogs were allowed in this park, because we go to Starkey and you can have dogs in Starkey. [01:23:32] And I can see where they had wild animals there, like the boars and deer and stuff like that, but the cool thing that I thought to bring a dog there would be there's access there for canoes. There's even a little launch there for you to put your canoe in there, so I thought, well, it's not fair if you take your dog on the canoe. You can't get him in the park to get on the little thing to go on the thing. [01:23:55] There should be something where, like she said, a well-behaved dog, or if you just go from point A to point B, and I know there's the little bathroom area there, but again, if you have a well-behaved dog, like we do, it just seems kind of restrictive, because dogs are like your children now, especially when you're older, that you want to take your dogs everywhere you go. [01:24:15] So I just didn't understand, but I do with the wild animals, you can't let them go running around, but I do think that you should be able to let them go down to the kayak launch or have a section, just like Starkey, where they can walk, because you need places to walk your dogs. I mean, Cody River's great, but so I think that you should reconsider just letting them go. [01:24:38] Thank you. Anyone else? [01:24:48] I'm Smallwood, 7124, me in court. [01:24:50] I guess we have a dog as well, too, and we walk it everywhere, but I guess, and I like both of your guys' comments, but I'm at the point where I don't want to take my dog everywhere with me. [01:25:01] So sometimes I want to be someplace like a nature preserve and observe the wildlife and not be worried about a dog barking or following me around. [01:25:10] So I just think we're in a society now where people have to take their dogs everywhere.
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- 10Communications▶ 1:25:15
- 11Adjournment▶ 1:49:00