Council gave first-reading approval to Ordinance 2019-2157, authorizing a one-time $124,764 "13th check" payment to vested police retirees from pension surplus.
21 items on the agenda · 19 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.
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[00:00:20] I'd like to ask you to all please stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain [00:00:21] standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:24] 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.
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Moment of Silence
The council observed a moment of silence as a procedural part of the meeting opening.
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[00:00:42] Thank you. [00:00:43] You may be seated.
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- 4
Approval of August 30, 2019 Special Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the August 30, 2019 Special Meeting minutes (along with September 1st minutes) by voice vote without discussion.
- motion:Motion to approve the August 30 and September 1, 2019 meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:45] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the August 30th and September 1st meeting [00:00:51] minutes. [00:00:52] Move for approval. [00:00:53] Second. [00:00:54] Any discussion? [00:00:55] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:00:58] Aye. [00:00:59] Opposed, like sign.
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Approval of September 5, 2019 Special Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the September 5, 2019 Special Meeting and Regular Meeting minutes via voice vote with no discussion.
- motion:Approve the September 5, 2019 Special Meeting and Regular Meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:45] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the August 30th and September 1st meeting [00:00:51] minutes. [00:00:52] Move for approval. [00:00:53] Second. [00:00:54] Any discussion? [00:00:55] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:00:58] Aye. [00:00:59] Opposed, like sign.
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- 6
Proclamation - National Recovery Month
approvedMayor Rob Marlowe read a proclamation declaring September as National Recovery Month in New Port Richey, urging residents to raise awareness of substance use disorders and support recovery. Rachel Starrison accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention Recovery Committee and Recovery Epicenter.
- direction:Mayor proclaimed September as National Recovery Month in New Port Richey. (passed)
Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention Recovery CommitteeRecovery EpicenterRachel StarrisonRob MarloweNational Recovery Monthopioid epidemic▶ Jump to 1:00 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:01] Motion passes. [00:01:02] Next, I would like to ask Rachel Sterostan, I'm afraid I probably murdered that down here [00:01:13] at the podium. [00:01:39] This is a proclamation of the City of New Port Richey. [00:01:43] Whereas behavioral health is an essential part of health and one's overall wellness, [00:01:47] and recovery is a process through which individuals are able to improve their wellness, live increasingly [00:01:52] self-directed lives, and strive to fulfill their greatest potential, and whereas substance [00:01:58] abuse disorders are preventable, treatable, chronic health disorders, and people with [00:02:04] substance use disorders can and do recover, and whereas educating our communities about [00:02:10] how substance use disorders affect all people is essential to combating stigma and resolving [00:02:16] misconceptions associated with addiction, and whereas the mission of National Recovery [00:02:22] Month is to celebrate individuals who have achieved long-term recovery, to acknowledge [00:02:27] those who work in prevention, treatment, and recovery services, and to encourage individuals [00:02:32] and families in need to seek help, and whereas the goal of National Recovery Month is to [00:02:37] increase public awareness of substance abuse disorders and offer recovery support through [00:02:43] individual program, family, and systems approaches, and whereas all youth and adults suffering [00:02:49] must be treated with the utmost respect, and we must continue to reach the millions who [00:02:54] need help by changing the conversation of addiction to end stigma, and provide a culture [00:03:00] of health to help those suffering, and whereas to help more people achieve and attain long-term [00:03:06] recovery, the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention Recovery Epicenter encourage [00:03:15] all and invite all residents to participate in National Recovery Month, and whereas the [00:03:22] City of New Port Richey is committed to raising public awareness about substance abuse disorders [00:03:27] and how it affects individuals, families, and our community, now therefore I, Rob Marlow, [00:03:32] Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim the month of September as [00:03:36] National Recovery Month in New Port Richey, and urge all residents to observe this month [00:03:41] with appropriate programs, activities, and pledges to stomp out the stigma. [00:03:48] Hi, my name is Rachel Starrison. I am a grateful member of our local recovery community, and [00:04:03] I am honored to have the privilege to accept this proclamation today on behalf of Pasco [00:04:08] Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention Recovery Committee and Recovery Epicenter. Because [00:04:14] of recovery and the things that it brings, it gives people like me our lives back. We [00:04:19] get to be mothers to our children again. We get to be daughters to our parents. We get [00:04:25] to have jobs and give back to our community. We get to get involved, and it is under great [00:04:32] leadership that we have these opportunities. We've been doing this for four years now, [00:04:39] and we're just grateful for the support from our local city council. We hear so much about [00:04:46] the opioid epidemic and how it is shattering things, but I truly believe that with willingness [00:04:51] and collaboration and good leadership, we can create a new epidemic. We can make recovery [00:04:57] the new epidemic in New Port Richey. Thank you so much.
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- 7
Presentation to the Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board RE: 2019 Florida Recreation and Park Association Voluntary Service Award
The Parks and Recreation Department presented the 2019 Florida Recreation and Park Association Voluntary Service Award (Group category) to the City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board. A video from the state conference highlighted the board's volunteer work, and the Mayor presented the award. The Youth Advisory Board is the only group to receive this award twice (2010 and 2019).
Cotee RiverOrange LakeVan Buren StreetCity of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory BoardFlorida Recreation and Park AssociationGulf High SchoolPasco County Domestic Violence SheltersToys for TotsWest Pasco Chamber of CommerceElaine2019 Florida Recreation and Park Association Voluntary Service AwardCardboard CampoutCotee River CleanupKid Zombie Fun RunSummertime in the CityToys for TotsTrunk or Treat Around Orange Lake▶ Jump to 5:05 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:05:10] Next I'd like to invite Elaine to meet me and the youth advisory. [00:05:18] Can I say a few words first, Mayor, if that's okay with you? Thank you, sir. Thank you so [00:05:24] much. I'd just like to introduce this award really quick tonight, and then we have a short [00:05:28] video, and then we're honored to have the Mayor present the award tonight to our youth [00:05:33] board. The Florida Recreation and Park Association presents one group voluntary service award [00:05:39] each year statewide. The award was created in 1997 and is generally presented to an adult [00:05:45] volunteer group. Our youth board is the only group to ever have received this award twice, [00:05:51] once in 2010 and again this year. The video that was shown at the awards banquet during [00:05:57] the Florida Recreation and Park Association State Conference identifies the criteria that [00:06:02] must be met to be considered for this prestigious award. You will see the short video tonight [00:06:08] from their presentation, and in the video, the announcer inadvertently listed as an individual [00:06:15] category award, but please know that the criteria that is announced for this award [00:06:21] does describe the group category. They just said individual, so you will see the criteria [00:06:28] that this group had to meet to qualify for this presentation. Also, please note that [00:06:35] the contributions of time must have been a minimum of three years, so the activities [00:06:41] that are identified in the award presentation didn't just take place this past year, but [00:06:46] these are activities that your youth board have been doing in your city for the past [00:06:50] three years. Please now watch the video award presentation and join us in congratulating [00:06:55] the City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Youth Advisory Board for their volunteer contributions, [00:07:01] their advocacy efforts, and environmental projects, all resulting in heightened awareness [00:07:07] of the benefits of parks and recreation. [00:07:11] Voluntary service is critical to the success of any organization. Millions of hours are [00:07:19] annually contributed by volunteers throughout the state of Florida. Without the countless [00:07:23] hours of individuals volunteering, there would be much work left undone. The Voluntary Service [00:07:29] Award for Individual is presented to a person whose voluntary contributions of time and [00:07:35] efforts over a period of time have improved the quality and quantity of leisure opportunities [00:07:41] through parks, recreation, and leisure service programs and projects in neighborhoods, communities, [00:07:46] or the state of Florida. Contributions must be made over a minimum of three years and [00:07:52] must have resulted in a heightened awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation. [00:07:58] The City of New Port Richey Parks and Recreation Department Youth Advisory Board has impacted [00:08:03] their community by volunteering, planning, and implementing events, serving as role models [00:08:09] for other youth, and being advocates for the benefits of parks and recreation. [00:08:14] In New Port Richey, Boots on the Ground translates to Youth Advisory Board on the Move. When [00:08:20] they see a need, they take action. To help children affected by domestic violence, the [00:08:26] Youth Advisory Board made 50 comfort bags for the children in the Pasco County Domestic [00:08:31] Violence Shelters. They secured donations resulting in 48 pallets of food valued at [00:08:36] over $145,000 retail and secured donations of 24 pallets of clothing valued at over $17,000 [00:08:46] retail. The Youth Advisory Board hosts an annual Cardboard Campout to bring awareness [00:08:52] to the homeless in their community and to experience firsthand what it's like to be [00:08:57] homeless. In conjunction with the campout, they host a food drive and work with local [00:09:02] downtown merchants to collect over 400 pounds of non-perishable food items, which are donated [00:09:08] to local food banks. Dressing like zombies for the Kid Zombie Fun Run, passing out candy [00:09:15] for the annual Trunk or Treat Around Orange Lake, and hosting Summertime in the City, [00:09:20] an inflatable water slide and fire hose party before the summer movies, are just some of [00:09:25] the activities the Youth Advisory Board participates in with the New Port Richey Parks and Recreation [00:09:31] Department. But it's not always fun events that these youth help with. Every four months, [00:09:36] they grab work boots and gloves to do a trash pickup on Van Buren Street, and annually, [00:09:42] they do the same for the Cotee River Cleanup. Every December, you will find the Youth Advisory [00:09:48] Board members behind the scenes sorting and separating the mountain of toys to be distributed [00:09:53] for Toys for Tots. And then, on Distribution Day, they don their elf hats and help with [00:09:59] distribution to the families. The New Port Richey Youth Advisory Board has been named [00:10:05] the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce's Outstanding Area Youth Organization for their involvement [00:10:10] in the community and their advocacy on the importance of the benefits of parks and recreation. [00:10:16] Today, we are proud to recognize them also. Please join us in celebrating the New Port Richey Youth Advisory Board as the Group Voluntary Service Award recipients. [00:10:29] This is pretty impressive. I'm not sure which one of you to give it to. [00:10:59] Elaine, could you join the group, please? [00:11:29] I would also like to recognize that the principal of Culp High School came tonight to help recognize
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You arrived here from a search for “Debbie Manns” — transcript expanded below
Presentation of GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Finance Department
The Mayor and Ms. Mance presented the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the Finance Department for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018, recognizing Crystal's work on the budget.
Government Finance Officers AssociationCrystalManceFiscal Year 2018-2019 BudgetGFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award▶ Jump to 11:50 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:11:53] his students and the good work that they've done. Thank you for showing your support. [00:12:16] We have another award. Ms. Mance, would you like to join me in this? [00:12:20] It would be my pleasure, Mr. Mayor. [00:12:23] Okay. Crystal, if you would meet us at the podium. [00:12:41] I got a letter telling me about this two weeks ago and then didn't say anything, but now we've got the certificate. [00:12:49] The Government Finance Officers Association is presenting the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award [00:12:57] to New Port Richey, Florida for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2018. [00:13:02] Crystal obviously has a lot of responsibility for making that happen. [00:13:09] Yes. Thank you for all of your hard work. [00:13:12] Thank you very much. Thank you.
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- 9Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 13:19
- 10.a
Library Advisory Board Minutes - July 2019
approvedon consentCouncil approved the consent agenda, which included the Library Advisory Board Minutes from July 2019.
- motion:Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. (passed)
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[00:25:21] we'll close Fox Pop, go to the Consent Agenda. [00:25:26] Move for approval. [00:25:27] Second. [00:25:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:25:31] Aye. [00:25:32] Opposed, like to sign. [00:25:34] Motion passes.
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- 10.b
Police Pension Board Minutes - May 2019
approvedon consentThe Police Pension Board Minutes from May 2019 were approved as part of the consent agenda.
- motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda, including the May 2019 Police Pension Board Minutes. (passed)
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[00:25:21] we'll close Fox Pop, go to the Consent Agenda. [00:25:26] Move for approval. [00:25:27] Second. [00:25:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:25:31] Aye. [00:25:32] Opposed, like to sign. [00:25:34] Motion passes.
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- 10.c
Environmental Committee Minutes - July 2019
approvedon consentCouncil approved the Consent Agenda, which included the July 2019 Environmental Committee Minutes.
- motion:Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. (passed)
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[00:25:21] we'll close Fox Pop, go to the Consent Agenda. [00:25:26] Move for approval. [00:25:27] Second. [00:25:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:25:31] Aye. [00:25:32] Opposed, like to sign. [00:25:34] Motion passes.
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- 10.d
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentCouncil approved the Consent Agenda, which included purchases/payments for City Council approval.
- motion:Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. (passed)
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[00:25:21] we'll close Fox Pop, go to the Consent Agenda. [00:25:26] Move for approval. [00:25:27] Second. [00:25:28] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:25:31] Aye. [00:25:32] Opposed, like to sign. [00:25:34] Motion passes.
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- 11.a
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2019-2157 Amendments to Police Pension Ordinance RE: Request for 13th Check
approvedCouncil held first reading of Ordinance 2019-2157 amending the Police Officers Retirement System to authorize a one-time supplemental '13th check' payment to retirees vested as of October 1, 2018, including DROP participants. The total disbursement is $124,764.03, paid from the pension fund (which is at 118.1% vested benefit ratio) with no impact to the city's general fund. Motion to approve passed.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2019-2157
- motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2019-2157 authorizing a one-time supplemental payment to police retirees. (passed)
5760 Colonial Drive, Newport Ritchie, FloridaPolice Pension BoardBill PhillipsChief BotnerMr. AltmanMr. MurphyMs. Vance$124,764.03 total disbursement13th CheckChapter 17 Pensions and RetirementOrdinance No. 2019-2157Police Officers Retirement SystemSection 17-56▶ Jump to 25:35 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:25:35] Next is First Reading Ordinance 2019-2157. [00:25:41] Ordinance number 2019-2157, [00:25:44] an Ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:25:46] amending part two, [00:25:47] Code of Ordinances of the City of New Port Richey, [00:25:49] Chapter 17, Pensions and Retirement, [00:25:52] Article 4, Police Officers Retirement System, [00:25:55] amending Section 17-56, Benefit Amounts and Eligibility, [00:25:59] providing for codification, [00:26:01] providing for severability of provisions, [00:26:03] repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith, [00:26:05] and providing an effective date. [00:26:08] Ms. Vance. [00:26:09] Yes, sir. [00:26:10] Mr. Mayor, members of the Planning, [00:26:12] I'm sorry, City Council, pardon me. [00:26:15] This agenda item is being advanced to you [00:26:20] based on a recommendation from the Police Pension Board. [00:26:23] The specific recommendation is to effectuate [00:26:27] a benefit change in the form of a one-time payment, [00:26:31] which is a supplemental benefit [00:26:34] to persons receiving a benefit [00:26:40] from the plan effective October 1st, 2018, [00:26:45] including dropped participants. [00:26:49] The reason that this matter is brought before you [00:26:53] is twofold, actually. [00:26:56] First, it reflects the fact that the union contracts [00:27:01] do not currently contain a provision [00:27:03] for any cost of living increases. [00:27:07] In lieu of that, an ad hoc system exists, [00:27:12] which provides the City Council every two years [00:27:16] with the opportunity to review the status of the program [00:27:20] and to make amendments to beneficiaries [00:27:27] that are receiving payments under the system, [00:27:30] and that relates to all retirees. [00:27:33] I think it's appropriate in this case [00:27:35] to consider the matter from both a historical [00:27:38] and a fiscal responsibility basis. [00:27:42] From a historical basis, [00:27:45] the police officers in the retirement system [00:27:53] have not received any cost of living increase [00:27:57] for at least 20 years. [00:27:59] It is in deference to the fiscal responsibility [00:28:06] Pardon me, Chief, can you get the phone number? [00:28:08] I'm sorry? [00:28:09] Can you get the phone number from Mrs. DeWitt? [00:28:11] Bring it on down. [00:28:16] As I was indicating in determining the appropriateness [00:28:20] of the proposed adjustments, [00:28:22] it is appropriate for the Council [00:28:24] to consider an actuarial adjustment, [00:28:27] which has been conducted in respect [00:28:31] to this proposed benefit change, [00:28:36] the prevailing rate of inflation, [00:28:38] as well as the return on system assets. [00:28:43] And currently the vested benefit ratio of the plan is 118.1%, [00:28:50] so we are in the status that the assets [00:28:54] are actually in excess of the present value [00:28:58] of the vested benefits of the program. [00:29:02] So from a fiscal perspective, [00:29:04] then it is appropriate to, [00:29:09] if it meets with your approval, of course, [00:29:12] to effectuate a benefit change [00:29:15] in the form of a one-time payment [00:29:17] to the retirees of the system [00:29:19] that were vested as of October 1st, 2018. [00:29:23] If this recommendation meets with your approval, [00:29:29] the supplemental payment will be made [00:29:33] to the retirees of the system December 1st of 2019. [00:29:41] As I'm sure some of you may want to inquire, [00:29:46] the actuary and valuation is, of course, [00:29:50] based on assumptions of what the market would do, [00:29:57] based on the assumptions that were... [00:30:00] in the report, though, it's indicative of the fact that the fund can afford to make [00:30:08] this payment without an increase in the city's cost of supporting the program, because of [00:30:15] course, as you all know, the city is the guarantor of the pension fund, and in the event that [00:30:24] there was a disparity of one sort or another, it would be the city's responsibility to make [00:30:31] up for any difference. In this case, we do not believe that that is to be required, and [00:30:41] I have, as part of the analysis of this item, conducted discussions with the union, and [00:30:51] they have indicated support for the recommendation of the police pension fund. Therefore, I recommend [00:31:00] that you consider it favorably. Thank you. This is a public reading, and I'll open it [00:31:05] up for public comment. If you could give us your name and address for the record, Bill. [00:31:16] Bill Phillips, 5760 Colonial Drive, New Port Richey, Florida. I also want to state that [00:31:24] I am a member of the Police Pension Board, and as many of you know, it was an item that [00:31:30] I looked at on an annual basis, a quarterly basis, and discussed on many occasions when [00:31:37] I sat in your chairs up there for about six years. First of all, I want to thank Ms. Manns [00:31:44] for her thorough evaluation and the presentation that she's given to you, because obviously [00:31:49] it highlights exactly what the Police Pension Board has done. I've only been on the board [00:31:57] about six months. I want to tell you that obviously the fund has performed well. A couple [00:32:04] of the other pension board members are here tonight, along with some of the retirees. [00:32:11] That's just to let you know of their thankfulness that you have considered this, because it [00:32:16] is not addressed in the union contract. I wanted to be clear that it is a one-time check. [00:32:23] It's not something that's being asked to be done year after year, and it's not in the [00:32:28] existing agreement. It does show the strong performance of the plan at 118%, and that [00:32:40] plan actually had a little bit of a step in December, where when the interest rates [00:32:46] went up at the end of the year, it backed off, but it only backed off a couple of percentage [00:32:51] points. So there's no real impact to the city and the guarantors of this, and as you can [00:32:58] well aware, my comments when I was on council was that obviously you are the stakeholders [00:33:04] or the citizens. They've been protected well by the ones that are retired and the ones [00:33:09] that are there now. Also, I wanted to make sure that this is a request that's been discussed [00:33:20] over a multiple month time frame. About five months this has been discussed. It was also [00:33:27] discussed even after the passing of our lead attorney for the pension fund, so it has gone [00:33:33] through a lot of vetting and through all of the actuarial items. So again, all we're asking [00:33:39] you to do is to accept the recommendation of staff, and without saying one other thing, [00:33:48] to me it seems to be and is the right thing to do for a group that hasn't had a cost of [00:33:54] living increase in over 20 years, and some folks on that, Chief Botner is one. I just [00:34:01] think it really bodes well and speaks well of not only what the city does, what you do, [00:34:07] and the staff recommendation. So thank you so much. [00:34:10] Thank you. [00:34:11] Mr. Mayor, you may have a quorum of the Police Pension Board if you'd care to note their [00:34:17] attendance in the back of the room. [00:34:19] Could we have the folks that are on the Police Pension Board raise your hands for us? Thank [00:34:25] you very much, and thank you for your willingness to volunteer for the city. Any other comments? [00:34:34] Seeing none, I'll close public comment and bring this back to council. [00:34:37] Move for approval. [00:34:38] Second. [00:34:39] To the maker. [00:34:40] I've been following this since the Police Pension Board passed this, and I consider [00:34:45] it a due diligence. Not only Ms. Mann's working with the union, but also she worked with the [00:34:50] city's attorney to make sure everything was up above board and stuff. So I think everything [00:34:56] has been vetted and re-vetted, and I'm looking forward to coming to the Christmas party you [00:35:03] guys are all having. [00:35:04] Mr. Murphy? [00:35:05] No, nothing for me. [00:35:06] Mr. Altman? [00:35:07] No, only I had also attended a number of the, for a few years, the board, and I guess I [00:35:21] can also concur that the professional advice they get and take and their decisions that [00:35:27] they make is impressive, and certainly the rate of return that they expect is more than [00:35:33] impressive to probably anyone else. So the production that they have done for themselves [00:35:42] is admirable. I always try to take note that the city is limited in its amount of interest [00:35:48] that it can make to like maybe 2% or 3%. So the revenue that's generated by their constant [00:36:00] evaluation and re-evaluation of the risks that they're taking to get that probably [00:36:07] speaks a lot for how they've been able to be successful. So I'll support the request. [00:36:12] My only concern was that we might somehow run afoul of the union if we went and volunteered [00:36:19] to give an extra checkout, but Ms. Mann's was able to talk to them and they were on [00:36:27] board with us doing that. So I'm happy with it. [00:36:32] Councilman? [00:36:33] I just want to say one other thing to you dozen gentlemen back there. I'd like to thank [00:36:37] you for your years of service. I mean, there's probably a lot of opportunities you could [00:36:40] have left the city, but you stayed with the city, and most of you I've known for as many [00:36:44] years as you were on the police department, positively. But thank you again very much [00:36:53] for staying with the city and your retirement. [00:36:56] Mr. Mayor, I should have, for purposes of the record, indicated that the total disbursement [00:37:01] is in the amount of $124,764.03. [00:37:07] Thank you. Any further discussion? [00:37:09] Only again to just reiterate, it's coming from the Police Pension Fund. It is not coming [00:37:14] from our general fund or any additional contribution from the taxpayers in the current year. [00:37:22] Thank you. There's no additional comments. All those in favor, please signify by saying [00:37:25] aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes.
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- 11.b
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2019-2169: Amendment to Park Hour Operations for Sims Park and Orange Lake
approvedCouncil held the second reading of Ordinance No. 2019-2169, amending the city code to extend the hours of operation for Sims Park and Orange Lake Park until 11 p.m. No public comment was offered and the ordinance passed.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2019-2169
- motion:Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2019-2169 extending park hours at Sims Park and Orange Lake Park until 11 p.m. (passed)
Orange Lake ParkSims ParkMr. MurphyOrdinance No. 2019-2169Section 16-1, Article 1, Chapter 16 of the Newport Richey Code of Ordinances▶ Jump to 37:29 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:37:29] Next, second reading ordinance 2019-2169. [00:37:34] Ordinance number 2019-2169, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, providing [00:37:39] for amendment of section 16-1 of article 1 of chapter 16 of the New Port Richey Code [00:37:43] of Ordinances, pertaining to city park hours of operation, providing for extension of the [00:37:48] hours of operation for Sims Park and Orange Lake Park until 11 p.m., providing for conflicts, [00:37:54] severability, and an effective date. [00:37:57] Thank you. We'll open it up for public comment. [00:38:01] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:38:03] Move for approval. Second. [00:38:05] To the maker? Nothing. [00:38:06] To the second? No, we discussed this. It's a good idea in the first reading. [00:38:10] Mr. Murphy? No, we discussed it. [00:38:13] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 12.a
Partnership Proposal with The Central RE: RAC Memberships
approvedCouncil considered a partnership proposal between The Central (a new apartment complex) and the city's Recreation and Aquatic Center, in which The Central would market the RAC to its residents and pay the first two months of membership, with residents getting 50% off the annual rate for the first year. The motion to approve passed 3-2, with Councilmembers Starkey and Murphy dissenting over concerns about fairness given that other city residents only receive a 20% discount. Council also directed staff to bring back a broader proposal extending similar marketing-based membership offers to other developments and realtors.
- motion:Motion to approve the partnership proposal between The Central and the Recreation and Aquatic Center, with The Central paying the first two months of membership and residents receiving 50% off the annual rate for the first year. (passed)3–2
- direction:Council directed staff to bring back a broader proposal exploring similar marketing-based membership partnerships with other developments (such as Main Street Landings) and realtors selling homes in the city. (none)
Main Street LandingsNewport Richey Recreation and Aquatic CenterPasco County Library SystemPlanet FitnessPreserve at Wilderness LakesThe CentralAdam Brzezinski BoiesElaineFrankMr. AllmanMr. ChopraMr. DavisMr. MurphyMr. SmallwoodMr. StarkeyMrs. SmithMs. MannsMs. Vance20% city resident RAC discountRAC Memberships partnershipRecreation and Aquatic Center budget (~$1.8M with ~$140K in memberships)Sims Park concerts▶ Jump to 38:18 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:38:18] Motion passes. [00:38:19] Next is a partnership proposal between the Central and the Recreation and Aquatic Center. [00:38:28] Ms. Vance, would you care to? [00:38:30] Mrs. Smith will be representing the agenda item this evening. [00:38:35] Thank you so much. [00:38:36] The request before City Council tonight is for the creation of a partnership between [00:38:41] the Central and the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. [00:38:45] In the proposed partnership, the Central will provide virtual tours of the Recreation [00:38:50] and Aquatic Center. [00:38:51] They will also schedule in-person tours with their residents, with our staff at our facility. [00:38:57] They will provide marketing materials in their leasing office, as well as information about [00:39:03] our facility and what we have to offer their residents. [00:39:07] We will be included in Email Blast, their monthly newsletter, and also with their social [00:39:12] media and email campaign or promotions they send out. [00:39:16] They will not only include our facility, but our events, such as the concerts and so forth, [00:39:21] that occur at Sims Park. [00:39:24] The partnership would be for the first year of residency, and for that first year, the [00:39:30] Central would pay the City the first two months of membership for the residents, and then [00:39:35] the residents would be expected to pay the remaining 10. [00:39:39] The request is to have that for the first year at a 50 percent reduction from the annual [00:39:44] membership fee. [00:39:46] For any following years that the residents do decide to renew their membership with the [00:39:51] Recreation and Aquatic Center, it would be at the full rate at 100 percent. [00:39:56] The recommendation tonight is before you for approval, and there are representatives tonight [00:40:01] here if you have any questions. [00:40:02] Good evening Council, I think you've all met Brzezinski, but I wanted to formally introduce [00:40:18] him to the Council. [00:40:20] Brzezinski Boies is our Community Manager for the Central. [00:40:25] He's in charge of leasing and will be in charge of property management. [00:40:29] We went over and had a wonderful tour of the Recreation and Aquatic Center. [00:40:33] Our goal with this is to, because we're positioning the Central as the amenity, the amenity package [00:40:43] for the Central, so to speak, is the City of New Port Richey, the downtown, but also [00:40:47] the Aquatic Center, the parks, the proximity to all of the great things that New Port Richey [00:40:51] has to offer. [00:40:52] So we wanted to do this, but rather than asking, we wanted to make this a partnership that [00:40:57] we could provide some value to the City in promoting the Recreation and Aquatic Center [00:41:01] and the Parks Department in general. [00:41:05] So we'll be happy to answer any questions you have. [00:41:07] Very good. [00:41:08] Do we have any other individuals wish to address Council on this? [00:41:13] Seeing no one else coming forward, I'm going to bring this back to Council. [00:41:17] I did get one comment from Mr. Smallwood who did not like the idea of doing this. [00:41:27] He basically objected because he has to pay the regular City rates, but that was the only [00:41:34] comment that I've heard from anybody. [00:41:40] I'll make a motion to approve the request. [00:41:43] Second. [00:41:44] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [00:41:47] Yes, sir. [00:41:48] I'd like to kind of see how this parallels my experiences at the Preserve at Wilderness [00:41:54] Lakes, which is a community development district in Land O'Lakes on 41. [00:42:01] Community development districts start with the owner of the property running the city, [00:42:06] so to speak. [00:42:07] The community development districts are sort of quasi-municipalities, as you well know [00:42:10] from Longleaf. [00:42:13] The owners were hosting regularly visits to their – they have a wonderful lodge there, [00:42:22] Wilderness Lodge, with a workout center, large pool, little theater, and it was part of the [00:42:29] marketing strategy for them to get realtors to bring folks in and the staff at the recreation, [00:42:40] which was a municipal recreation function, would regularly give tours for that purpose. [00:42:46] It was about a year ago, I think I mentioned up here, that potentially the Board of Realtors [00:42:52] and others should be invited to participate in tours in a way that we could introduce [00:42:58] and attract folks to the entire town. [00:43:02] So I'd like to – I like the idea because it helps us to recruit and helps us to get [00:43:08] the word out. [00:43:09] There's even people in the city who don't know about the recreation center, even today. [00:43:14] And so I think that the idea is one that the rec center may also give us feedback, but [00:43:20] we may want to embrace that and expand that program so we can encourage realtors to – who [00:43:27] are looking at real estate property in the city to find, whether it's regularly scheduled [00:43:33] or once a month, the ability for them to bring folks in and get that mini-tour, because it [00:43:38] is very impressive and I think it would help us to market and to increase the value of [00:43:43] all of our properties in the city. [00:43:46] Perhaps we could offer a similar deal to anybody who takes the tour or some kind of way in [00:43:53] which we can expand on this to attract the market that we're trying to get into town. [00:43:58] But I'm happy to see you step up and help to promote the city, and that's why I'm [00:44:05] going to move for approval. [00:44:07] To Mr. Smallwood's point, the city residents enjoy a 20 percent discount, I understand [00:44:13] it approximately to the county rate. [00:44:16] And as the city expands and the facility becomes more used, I would anticipate that we would [00:44:25] try to provide this recreation amenity primarily to our city residents to the degree there's [00:44:32] enough of them that we get interested and involved. [00:44:35] And that may, in the long run, help us to drive that differential. [00:44:39] I think Mr. Smallwood's comment was he gets a 20 percent discount where you're asking [00:44:44] for a 50 percent, you're going to the full rate, which will also be the 20 percent discount [00:44:49] when it's over. [00:44:50] So this is 50 percent off of the city rate, I'm imagining. [00:44:55] And so, you know, at some point, maybe there [00:45:00] won't be such a sense that we don't have that much [00:45:02] of a competitive advantage to living in the city [00:45:05] to enjoy the rec center. [00:45:07] The library is another example that we provide free service [00:45:10] to anyone who comes in to sign up in the library. [00:45:14] The county designed their library system around ours. [00:45:18] They purposefully built libraries across the county [00:45:21] with our share of bond money [00:45:25] after we had done all the work that we've been doing. [00:45:28] So we're still equal members of the county's library system [00:45:34] but we get nothing back for being part of the overall system [00:45:37] and that's been a continuing trend of the comments [00:45:40] that I make, whatever it might be, recreation, library. [00:45:44] We always open our arms up and allow folks to come in [00:45:48] and encourage them to participate and be healthy and smart [00:45:53] and so it's hard to knock against that attitude. [00:45:57] But hopefully our residents will provide such demand [00:45:59] in the rec center that it will be seen [00:46:03] as something special for them, [00:46:05] more than just a 20% discount. [00:46:07] Very good, thank you. [00:46:08] Mr. Murphy. [00:46:09] It's just a promo for first year. [00:46:11] So I mean, if it helps them recruit people in, [00:46:13] then it helps the city. [00:46:15] And then it's up to the Parks and Rec there [00:46:17] at the Aquatic Center to really sell them when they're there [00:46:21] so they'll be glad to come back and pay full rate. [00:46:24] There you go, all right. [00:46:26] Well, Mr. Starkey, I'm gonna disagree [00:46:29] with my colleagues on this [00:46:30] and please don't take it personally. [00:46:31] I have supported your project since day one 100%. [00:46:35] There is absolutely no doubt in my mind [00:46:37] that the central is gonna be a huge success. [00:46:40] One of the reasons that I pushed for the renovation [00:46:43] to the rec center back in the day, [00:46:44] which was a pretty testy debate during some meetings, [00:46:49] was for this very exact purpose. [00:46:51] So we could create a facility that would help us recruit, [00:46:54] not just for your project, [00:46:56] but residents that are active, [00:46:57] that take pride in their city, [00:46:59] that take pride in a downtown community. [00:47:01] And I see that happening. [00:47:02] However, in my mind, [00:47:05] I just can't see me being able to substantiate [00:47:08] giving your residents 50% off [00:47:11] when every other resident in the city of New Puerto Rico [00:47:13] gets 20% off. [00:47:15] I understand you're using, it's a partnership, [00:47:17] you're promoting the rec center, we're promoting you. [00:47:20] But I honestly have to agree with Mr. Smallwood on this one. [00:47:24] It shows a bit of favoritism. [00:47:26] I think our rec center helps you [00:47:29] to recruit residents to the central. [00:47:31] And I understand the partnership you're looking to form. [00:47:34] And once again, I've known you a long time. [00:47:36] I hope you don't hold this against me personally. [00:47:40] I know the central is going to be, [00:47:42] like I said, a huge success. [00:47:44] I just can't agree with giving just your residents half off [00:47:47] when the rest of the New Puerto Rico residents [00:47:49] get 20% off. [00:47:50] That's just, but I'm one of five, [00:47:52] so we'll see how it plays out. [00:47:53] Mr. Davis. [00:47:55] I decided to do a little book work on this. [00:47:59] You know, a PE teacher did some math. [00:48:01] And the budget for the rec center [00:48:05] and the aquatic center is somewhere around $1.8 million, [00:48:11] of which we're only getting about $140,000 [00:48:14] in memberships now. [00:48:16] So that's about 7% is what the memberships actually, [00:48:20] you know, return on our money. [00:48:21] So it's costing every resident in this city [00:48:24] somewhere around $125, [00:48:26] whether they belong to the rec center or not. [00:48:28] You know, if they belong to rec center, [00:48:30] that's on top of the 125. [00:48:33] So, you know, I'm having problems, you know, [00:48:37] understanding where we should actually go with this. [00:48:39] So I kind of, if we're going to reach out, [00:48:43] I mean, the $140,000 isn't, you know, [00:48:46] a big number to work with. [00:48:48] Now we have residents that have been members [00:48:50] for 10, 20 years. [00:48:51] I mean, Elaine showed, brought us members one time [00:48:54] that had been members for 20 years. [00:48:56] When we opened it, when we opened the remodel, [00:49:00] how many people did you have there [00:49:01] that were members for quite a few years? [00:49:04] Oh, 10 or 15, something? [00:49:05] No, there was 20, 30 probably or so. [00:49:09] Yeah, 30 that had been, you know, [00:49:10] paid the full, you know, city price. [00:49:13] So where I'm kind at this is that I would like us [00:49:16] to reach out not only to, you know, the central, [00:49:20] but reach out to Main Street Landings [00:49:22] and say, if they're going to partner with us, [00:49:24] fine, let's partner with us. [00:49:26] You know, if somebody, [00:49:27] and I would like to put a restriction on this, [00:49:30] you know, within the, you know, in your case, [00:49:34] you know, you're saying you're paying the first two [00:49:36] as soon as they move in. [00:49:37] Well, I'd like something to set up with that, [00:49:39] with Main Street Landings. [00:49:41] And I think a realtor that there's a purchase in, [00:49:44] you know, in my neighborhood, any one of our neighborhoods, [00:49:47] that we offer that same thing to those [00:49:49] and it'd be kind of something we do down the road, [00:49:52] you know, but they have to, you know, [00:49:53] whether it's, you know, in your case, [00:49:55] you're paying the first two months. [00:49:56] I think if the residents at Main Street Landings [00:50:00] or some realtor sells a property, [00:50:01] if they don't pick up that membership within six months, [00:50:04] then they're not eligible for it. [00:50:06] But I look at it as an overall sales tool. [00:50:10] And I, you know, you know, we right now do, [00:50:14] what's the discount we do in January? [00:50:17] The discount, that's what I believe [00:50:20] Mr. Smallwood's referring to. That's the 20%. [00:50:21] That's the 20%, right. [00:50:23] Okay, because I, you know, when so. [00:50:25] That's based on city council's approval from year to year. [00:50:27] Right, right. [00:50:28] So, I mean, I think if we're going to try [00:50:30] to sell this thing, I think, I don't think we should, [00:50:32] you know, look at the central individually. [00:50:35] I think we should look at Main Street Landings. [00:50:36] I think any realtor that sells a place in town, [00:50:39] let's try to promote the town [00:50:40] and give them a free membership at the library. [00:50:42] You know. [00:50:43] Take them there. [00:50:45] And, you know, in 50%, [00:50:47] if they get it within the first six months. [00:50:49] So, you're going to pay the first two months, so they're in. [00:50:51] If they don't pay after that, then they're, [00:50:53] then they've lost. [00:50:54] So, with that mindset, [00:50:55] we're rewarding new residents to the city, [00:50:59] but we're not offering the same [00:51:00] to residents that have lived here. [00:51:02] Well, we've changed, we've changed rules, you know, [00:51:04] in a lot of different ways over the years. [00:51:06] You know. [00:51:08] It is sort of intriguing what Councilman Chopper [00:51:14] has suggested, which is basically using it as a marketing [00:51:20] tool, hadn't really given it a lot of thought [00:51:23] beyond just what had been proposed from the central, [00:51:26] but your point's well taken. [00:51:29] Would you like to modify your? [00:51:31] Well, well, let me just reply to what you're saying, [00:51:35] because I know that the way you put it [00:51:38] apparently resonated a little better than the way I put it, [00:51:41] which was kind of we're on the same page, [00:51:44] which is as we refine this, as example, [00:51:47] if you're using recreation staff to give the tours, [00:51:51] you know, that's taking their time and effort, [00:51:53] but I believe as it would occur, [00:51:56] if a realtor comes through, takes the tour, [00:52:01] qualifies themselves. [00:52:02] That's not what I'm saying. [00:52:03] I'm saying if someone sells it, [00:52:05] we let the realtors know in town that, [00:52:08] hey, when you sell a house in New Port Richey, [00:52:10] that they've got six months to get a membership [00:52:13] for the first year, 50% off. [00:52:16] That's all I'm saying. [00:52:17] That's an interesting concept. [00:52:18] My thinking is if it's marketing, they should be marketed. [00:52:21] So if the realtors are being encouraged [00:52:24] to just hand that out, [00:52:25] they won't take them to the rec center. [00:52:26] So my sense is they need to go to the rec center, [00:52:29] physically see it, know it. [00:52:32] So we have to train the realtors [00:52:34] to be promoting the rec center. [00:52:36] And that's what the Wilderness Preserve was doing. [00:52:38] They were training realtors to make sure [00:52:41] they knew about the amenity and to give those free, [00:52:46] you know, free tours or so to speak. [00:52:50] But however it goes, as far as changing the motion, [00:52:53] you know, as I spoke to the motion, [00:52:56] it was like, hopefully this will allow us [00:52:59] to develop a program like you're talking, [00:53:01] because I do agree with you, Councilman. [00:53:03] I don't know how we could change the motion [00:53:06] to enact something immediately [00:53:08] without knowing what it would do. [00:53:09] Mr. Allman, in deference to your relationship [00:53:12] to the other apartment complex, [00:53:13] I would suggest we probably don't want [00:53:15] to change the motion tonight. [00:53:17] But we might want to look at it in a broader context, [00:53:23] such as Mr. Davis has suggested, [00:53:26] and have staff come back and make a proposal to us. [00:53:31] Deputy Mayor? [00:53:32] Just a public service announcement [00:53:34] to any realtor out there. [00:53:35] You're more than welcome to come [00:53:36] and bring your clients to our rec center. [00:53:38] You don't need an appointment. [00:53:39] If I was a realtor promoting our city [00:53:41] and trying to sell homes in our city, [00:53:43] that is definitely one of the sillies [00:53:45] that I would show to my clients. [00:53:47] Good point. [00:53:50] Any other discussion on the motion? [00:53:52] I just want to say that, [00:53:56] if we do this with the central, [00:53:59] of course we have to do it with others [00:54:01] if we want to set up a certain thing, of course. [00:54:04] But it only benefits the rec center. [00:54:06] It's all about numbers. [00:54:08] And not to compare you to like Planet Fitness or something, [00:54:12] but they sell 100,000 memberships [00:54:14] and there's not 100,000 people showing up, [00:54:16] so they're still getting that money. [00:54:18] So it definitely would benefit the rec center. [00:54:22] So I would love to see it expanded [00:54:24] to other people also coming in. [00:54:27] But naturally, if we do it with the central, [00:54:29] we'll have to do it with others too. [00:54:31] Let me just add that it's wonderful [00:54:33] to see your facility actually taking shape [00:54:36] and getting an actual vision [00:54:39] other than just computer graphics. [00:54:40] We've been looking at it for years. [00:54:42] It looks tremendous. [00:54:42] I can't wait till it's open. [00:54:44] Then are we tabling this and putting it back to staff? [00:54:47] No, I believe what we want to do [00:54:50] is vote on the current motion, [00:54:52] but also ask staff to come back with a proposal [00:54:56] along the lines of what you suggested, sir. [00:55:00] And deal with that separately. [00:55:02] We have a motion on the floor. [00:55:03] We do have a motion on the floor. [00:55:05] Further discussion? [00:55:07] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:55:11] Aye. [00:55:12] Opposed? [00:55:12] Nay. [00:55:14] Motion passes three to two. [00:55:16] Ms. Manns, if you could bring back a proposal to us [00:55:23] along the lines of what? [00:55:24] I just, the reason I voted no [00:55:26] is because I think that we're singling out [00:55:29] and I think we should look at the whole picture. [00:55:31] And I think we need to look at the whole picture as well. [00:55:33] That's why I'd like staff to bring it back to us. [00:55:35] Against it, I just want it fair for everybody. [00:55:37] Yeah, absolutely. [00:55:39] Thank you. [00:55:40] May I add something now that the motion is closed? [00:55:42] Sure. [00:55:44] I'd be happy to re-discuss this [00:55:46] and if we need to withdraw the proposal, [00:55:50] I hate to have a three-two split vote. [00:55:52] Oh, I'm fine with it. [00:55:53] That's the way we do things up here. [00:55:55] All right. [00:55:56] Don't worry about it. [00:55:57] You get on a roll, Frank, and you win some votes [00:55:59] and then you lose some votes and you just gotta roll with it. [00:56:02] Yeah. [00:56:02] All right, but I appreciate everything y'all have said [00:56:07] and we had a lot of those discussions internally as well. [00:56:10] We didn't want to, Councilman Starkey, [00:56:14] we didn't want to ask for something [00:56:17] that we weren't providing value in return. [00:56:19] So our marketing is aimed very much [00:56:23] at bringing new people into the city. [00:56:26] For marketing purposes as well as to rent, obviously, [00:56:29] but we're really looking to provide [00:56:33] a lot of exposure of the city to people [00:56:36] who don't know about it or don't know much about it. [00:56:39] So we wanted to provide advertising value to it [00:56:42] as well as memberships, [00:56:45] but also really help with bringing value [00:56:48] that any individual homeowner doesn't have the, [00:56:54] I mean, I guess anybody could, [00:56:55] but we're bringing resources to the table for that. [00:56:59] If I might, and- [00:57:01] But if we need to- [00:57:02] No, it's not a problem. [00:57:06] One of the differences [00:57:08] between the New Port Richey City Council [00:57:10] and some other large national governing bodies [00:57:14] that seem to be fighting with each other all the time, [00:57:20] with the possible exception of Mr. Murphy, [00:57:23] and I may have just forgotten, [00:57:26] I think every one of us up here [00:57:28] has been on the wrong end of a four-to-one vote [00:57:30] at least once in the last year, [00:57:33] and you will get your chance, I guarantee it. [00:57:37] But we all recognize that we've all got the best interests [00:57:43] of the city of New Port Richey at heart. [00:57:45] We don't always agree on everything, [00:57:47] but we seem to come, I think, [00:57:51] pretty well come to the right decisions, [00:57:54] and even when there appears to be some disagreement, [00:57:58] a lot of times the things that Councilman Davis brought up, [00:58:04] I think, sends us off on something else [00:58:09] that we need to look at. [00:58:11] So, you know, he's not taking offense [00:58:14] at the fact that he got outvoted. [00:58:16] Mr. Starkey's not getting upset [00:58:19] because he wound up on the wrong end. [00:58:22] We'll all come back another day in two weeks or so, [00:58:25] and we'll do this all over again, [00:58:26] and somebody else will be on the wrong end [00:58:28] of one of these votes. [00:58:29] It's just not that big a deal. [00:58:32] Speak for yourself, Mr. Mayor. [00:58:33] I have to say. [00:58:35] Sorry? [00:58:36] You can hear much out of your marketer. [00:58:39] I'm just gonna say it. [00:58:40] I don't mind, I don't mind adding my two cents. [00:58:45] I'm Adam Brzezinski, I voice the community manager. [00:58:48] I'm honored to just be here in this town. [00:58:51] I'm from a small town as well called Miami, [00:58:55] and just coming here, I've just been really impressed [00:58:57] by the passion that everyone has behind New Port Richey, [00:59:02] and I share that passion with you guys, [00:59:04] and this proposal was birthed from that passion,
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 12.b
Recommendation on Plastic Straw Ban
tabledCouncil discussed a recommendation from staff to take no action on a proposed plastic straw ban after a survey of downtown food and beverage establishments showed overwhelming opposition. Student advocate Mr. Denny, who originally proposed the ban, asked Council to postpone any decision so he and the Environmental Committee could reconvene. Council informally agreed to table the matter and continue exploring polystyrene restrictions on public property and additional recycling efforts.
- consensus:Council informally agreed to table the plastic straw ban and let Mr. Denny and the Environmental Committee reconvene before bringing it back. (tabled)
- direction:Direction to staff to continue working with Recreation Department on polystyrene/single-use plastic restrictions for vendors in city parks. (none)
6410 River RoadSims ParkBarbinon MaineChascoCity of OrlandoEnvironmental CommitteeEva's BakeryLeague of CitiesMain StreetPublixRocky's Authentic Philly CheesesteakRose's Bistro off Main LLCTCBY of Mitchell Ranch PlazaTasso ItalianoAmberBarbara SuloDelGovernor DeSantisKimMr. DennyMs. MannsEnvironmental Committee letter of support, May 2019Plastic Straw BanPlastic bag ban (deferred pending state litigation)Polystyrene restrictions on public propertyRecycling bins in city parks▶ Jump to 59:09 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:59:11] from bringing different people, [00:59:14] people from all over who are gonna be attracted [00:59:16] to the Central and exposing them to a wonderful facility [00:59:20] like the Rec Center. [00:59:21] I must admit, when I was there, [00:59:22] I was truly impressed, blown away. [00:59:26] So I'd like to just have that experience [00:59:28] for anyone who comes by to even look at an apartment, [00:59:30] whether they choose to live at the Central or not, [00:59:33] I at least want them to make their decision [00:59:35] based on what New Port Richey has to offer, [00:59:37] and they'll still become a resident here. [00:59:39] So I appreciate the floor, [00:59:41] and I definitely look forward to working [00:59:43] with all of you guys. [00:59:44] Thank you very much. [00:59:45] Thank you. [00:59:46] Thank you. [00:59:47] The next item we have is a recommendation [00:59:49] on a plastic straw ban. [00:59:50] Ms. Manns. [00:59:51] Yes, sir. [00:59:53] As I'm sure all of you will recall, [00:59:55] the Environmental Committee submitted a list [01:00:00] letter of support to you back in May of 2019 in specific respect to banning [01:00:11] plastic straws. It also contained some recommendation on banning plastic bags [01:00:20] and polystyrene as well. At this point the administration of the city is [01:00:28] recommending that we don't take action on this ban and the reason that we're [01:00:34] recommending that is based on a survey that was conducted with downtown area [01:00:44] food and beverage establishments and that was at your request that that [01:00:51] survey be conducted so that we could determine their level of interest in [01:00:57] such a ban and what the impact would be to their business. The result of which [01:01:04] was overwhelmingly in favor of not effectuating a ban at this time. It [01:01:13] sounded to me from some of the discussions I had with a local business [01:01:19] community as if sometime in the future it might be appropriate to do so and but [01:01:24] at this time it is not and in relationship to plastic bags it is our [01:01:35] opinion that that is currently being litigated and it may be a state decision [01:01:43] that's made not something that we need to jump into at this time. We are though [01:01:49] interested in restricting the use of polystyrene on public properties and we [01:02:00] are working with the Recreation Department to determine if we can come [01:02:08] up with some restrictions for vendors in the park. I was one of the things that [01:02:18] I had seen was the city of Orlando has put that sort of restriction including [01:02:25] single-use plastics, I think straws and bottles, which we're sitting here with [01:02:30] these things up here, but banning those from the public venues which in our [01:02:39] case would primarily be Sims Park. The only downside that I could see is that [01:02:46] Chasco and Main Street and the others would wind up having to serve the beer [01:02:53] and paper cups instead of plastic ones, but certainly we could we could do a [01:02:59] better job of trying to recycle at some of these events too and I know we've [01:03:04] talked about that. We'll open it up for public comment. Mr. Denny happens to be [01:03:19] here. Yes, Mr. Denny is the student that originally proposed this to us. [01:03:34] Is your family watching at home? Probably not. They're usually here all the time so I don't feel too bad about it. [01:03:50] Well I want to focus on mainly plastic straws today. I'm glad that they're [01:03:55] looking at the polystyrene restrictions and I'm glad about that. Over the past [01:04:00] seven months I've worked with the Environmental Committee to introduce [01:04:03] several ordinances to ban certain plastics. The ordinances [01:04:07] seem to be moving ahead as Governor DeSantis vetoed a bill regarding [01:04:12] prohibiting bans on plastic straws. I had gained some public support and [01:04:17] business support to back this ordinances, yet the staff claimed that only one [01:04:21] business replied in favor of this ban. Before I continue, I'd like to know if I [01:04:27] can be informed of the number of businesses who are sent letters. Every [01:04:32] business in the downtown. Okay, and is it possible... Excuse me, let me make the [01:04:37] clarification, eating and drinking establishments exclusively. Okay, and is [01:04:42] there any way I could get a copy of said letter? Yes, certainly. Thank you. I'd also [01:04:49] like to ask the Council to postpone any vote or decision back for a later date [01:04:53] so that the Environmental Committee and I may reconvene and discuss how to move [01:04:58] forward more effectively. In essence, Mr. Mayor, that's what we're asking you to [01:05:04] do this evening. We're not asking you to take action. Very good. Any other [01:05:09] members of the public? You want to say anything more? No, that's all I had to [01:05:13] say. Okay, so bring it back to Council. Comments, anyone? Yeah, I [01:05:21] haven't gone to League of Cities conference and been in a couple other [01:05:26] hotels in Orlando in recent times. They've gone ahead and made the change on their [01:05:30] own. The bigger hotels have made the change on their own. And I [01:05:34] have a younger friend of mine who says, how do you get a milkshake [01:05:42] through a straw? And well, they happened to make them when I was a kid [01:05:46] because Kim and I remember using paper straws to get our milkshake through [01:05:53] the straws. But they're capable of doing it. They have smaller [01:05:57] size and larger diameters, so it's capable of doing it. And they're doing it [01:06:01] in the hotels in the Orlando area. So I think I like the idea of [01:06:08] tabling this and working on it and maybe getting with these. I [01:06:12] think they're just pretty much saying, hey, the government's trying to tell us [01:06:16] no. But I think that if they look at their cohorts around, that they're [01:06:20] finding that the bigger hotels are doing it on their own. [01:06:28] I'm sorry, I just had one more comment. I kind of forgot. I just wanted to [01:06:31] name the businesses that I said, because I have business support on this bill. [01:06:35] I had Tasso Italiano, TCBY of Mitchell Ranch Plaza, Rocky's Authentic [01:06:41] Philly Cheesesteak, Eva's Bakery, Rose's Bistro off Main LLC. And I also [01:06:45] had a drink place down in Main Street. I forgot the name of the [01:06:53] restaurant, though. I can pull that up if you want me to. [01:06:57] Mr. Dan, the only recognition I would add, I just remember it was discussed [01:07:00] when we took a golf cart trip around the city. Some of the businesses that [01:07:04] you mentioned aren't in the city limits. So we want to focus on the [01:07:08] business that are just in our 4.5 square miles. I'm okay tabling this [01:07:12] for now. I would like to see us as a city be [01:07:18] a little more adamant about adding recycling bins in certain areas of the [01:07:23] city. I kind of have my eyes open. Sometimes unless you travel and get out [01:07:28] of where you're used to living on a day-to-day basis, you kind of get in [01:07:31] the same routine of doing the same things. My family and I visited some [01:07:36] of my wife's family in another state, and we were able to stay with a [01:07:40] family, not at the incredible expenses of a hotel. So when we do that, [01:07:46] I try to go to the grocery store and stock up on anything that [01:07:50] we could use, they could use while we're there. And I was on my [01:07:53] way out, and Amber's cousin said, Wait, you're going to need these. [01:07:56] And she handed me those permanent shopping bags. I'm like, Why do I [01:07:59] need these? And they're like, Because we don't have plastic bags at our [01:08:01] grocery store. And literally, I was at Publix two weeks ago, [01:08:06] and I was waiting in line at checkout. And I always choose the [01:08:09] wrong line, like everyone else, you try to get to the shorter line. [01:08:12] And so I was there for a while. And they had those bags hanging [01:08:15] there, gorgeous picture of like an egret in the sunset, and it just [01:08:18] really caught my eye. I bought two of them, they cost like $2 a [01:08:21] piece. And what normally would take about seven to eight plastic bags [01:08:25] to get my groceries in, I was literally able to get a full shopping [01:08:30] cart full of groceries into those two bags that I purchased for $4 [01:08:34] that are reusable, going to use a long time. So I think it's just [01:08:37] sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. [01:08:39] And I'm all for as a city. I feel bad like we're just, yeah, [01:08:46] promoting it. But I don't want you or the Environmental Committee to [01:08:49] think that we're not listening to you or hearing you. But it is a [01:08:52] tough sell when you're telling every business in your city that [01:08:56] serves beverages that you have to use paper straws. We have [01:08:59] businesses that already use paper straws in our city. We have some [01:09:03] that are dead cent against it. But I think it's just gradual. You [01:09:08] know, the more we push it as a city, you know, Environmental Committee [01:09:11] has been coming here for years now, and we still don't have recycling [01:09:15] bins all around the city like they've asked for, especially in our [01:09:17] parks. And I think that's something we really need to take seriously [01:09:20] and start pushing for. Not just for special events, but we have staff [01:09:27] that goes around and empties the garbage cans as it is. You put a [01:09:29] blue garbage can with a recycle lid on top. We have them out in the [01:09:32] soccer fields at some of our district parks, and people use them. [01:09:35] They don't throw garbage in them. They realize it's for plastic. We [01:09:37] go through a ton of plastic just up here in one meeting. So it's [01:09:40] something I think as a city we do need to focus more on. But I'm all [01:09:43] for just kind of sitting back on this one for now, letting the state [01:09:47] legislation continue to decide where they're going to go. And then [01:09:50] at that point, if we want to make a decision after they decided on [01:09:52] what we want to do in our home ruled municipality, then we can do [01:09:56] so. Other comments? I'll follow up, Dave, and also see what other [01:10:01] things we can come up with, maybe to incentivize or whatever. I would [01:10:06] add in that when we were at the League of Cities Conference, again, [01:10:09] a number of the folks in the free trick-or-treat area, I mean the [01:10:13] exhibit hall, where they give away little things with their names on [01:10:19] them to promote themselves, there was a little telescopic straw with a [01:10:24] rubber tip on the end of it so that the teeth didn't get clattered. [01:10:29] Because people that have the aluminum or the glass straws they're [01:10:32] talking about, somebody chipped their tooth, somebody put their eye [01:10:35] out with one of them, I don't know. There's always something that [01:10:38] someone can come up against using the permanent straws. But the one [01:10:42] we got actually had a little pipe cleaner to clean out the straw, like [01:10:47] carrying it like your cell phone, you know. And so there may be a day [01:10:51] when people will have their own straws and carry them. But I do [01:10:57] notice also, because I've been in there a few times, to Barbinon, [01:11:01] Maine, and they're using the recycled straws. So the idea of us [01:11:09] starting at home with our own, I think is a good way for us to [01:11:13] demonstrate our leadership in the meantime while we're waiting to [01:11:18] find a solution. [01:11:19] And after you meet with the environmental committee, you know, [01:11:21] bring one of their leaders back with you. [01:11:25] I know Del was, I think he's teaching at USF right now. [01:11:27] You have other people on the committee. [01:11:33] I will add quickly, too, that we do recycle here at City Hall. [01:11:38] Oh, I didn't know that. You can raise your hand so we know who you are now. [01:11:41] Thank you. [01:11:41] Thank you. [01:11:43] Do you want to say something? [01:11:44] I'm glad it's tabled, because there's so much discussion. [01:11:49] I have to come up here, because the people at home want to hear you speak, too. [01:11:54] Mr. Denny, thank you very much for your efforts in this. [01:12:01] Barbara Sulo, River Road, 6410 River Road. We don't have to make it [01:12:05] mandatory. We can encourage voluntarily, and set an example. I mean, [01:12:13] like you said, we don't even have recycle bins. We've been fighting for that. [01:12:16] I mean, go to little cities, they have it. Inverness has it. [01:12:20] I mean, St. Augustine, all these places, they're way ahead of us. [01:12:27] So we need to set an example, start somewhere. [01:12:30] So I think we should really encourage some kind of environmental recycling. [01:12:36] Thank you. [01:12:36] Thank you. [01:12:36] A motion to table, Mr. Mayor. [01:12:38] We don't need a motion to table, because there was no motion on the floor. [01:12:42] I think this was for discussion at this point. [01:12:48] I'm going to jump one item, because I think it was out of sequence,
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- 12.c
HVAC Service Agreement – Two (2) Year renewal
approvedCouncil approved a two-year renewal of the HVAC service agreement with Air Mechanical and Service Corporation for $80,000, with no price increase. Staff reported excellent service over the prior two years for the 20 units maintained.
- motion:Approve the two-year renewal of the HVAC service agreement with Air Mechanical and Service Corporation for $80,000. (passed)
▶ Jump to 1:12:52 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:12:52] but the HV service agreement. [01:12:55] Ms. Manns. [01:12:56] Yes, Mr. Mayor. [01:12:59] The contract for HVAC maintenance is due to elapse. [01:13:06] We have a two-year agreement with an option for two additional two-year terms. [01:13:13] This is the first two-year term that we are requesting your approval to continue [01:13:23] with Air Mechanical and Service Corporation. [01:13:25] And Mr. Rivera, are there additional points that we need to make in respect to this agenda item? [01:13:32] I just wanted to add that there is no price increase. [01:13:35] They take care and service 20 units that we have, [01:13:39] and their service has been excellent over the last two years. [01:13:43] So we would recommend that you renew it. [01:13:45] For the price of $80,000. [01:13:47] Thank you. [01:13:48] Open up for public comment. [01:13:50] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:13:53] Move approval. [01:13:54] Second. [01:13:56] The maker? [01:13:57] Second. [01:13:58] No. [01:13:59] Anyone? [01:14:00] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:14:03] Aye. [01:14:04] Opposed, like sign. [01:14:07] Motion passes. [01:14:08] Next is three-minute report from Human Resources. [01:14:10] Good evening. [01:14:12] Since my last report in April, [01:14:13] the Human Resources Department has processed 363 applications [01:14:19] and conducted 24 new hire orientations. [01:14:23] As you are aware, the city will be changing insurance carriers effective October 1st [01:14:28] and the renewal and open enrollment process [01:14:33] for the upcoming fiscal year has been completed. [01:14:37] Valet Financial was on site and conducted a Florida Retirement System Seminar [01:14:45] for our employees. [01:14:46] The newest edition of the employee newsletter, [01:14:49] Small Town News, was distributed to all staff. [01:14:52] Partnering with the Walmart Pharmacy, [01:14:54] a flu shot clinic was administered for employees. [01:14:58] Also, I've been working [01:15:00] with public risk management staff and the training network, [01:15:05] and we've implemented an online training resource [01:15:07] based on the city-specific training needs.
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- 12.d
Three Minute Report: Human Resources
HR staff reported on training resources (600+ videos available 24/7) and recent professional development including the Public Risk Management Education Conference and webinars on DOT Clearinghouse rules, medical marijuana, and firefighter cancer issues. In response to a question, staff noted there are currently 15 open positions, the majority in Public Works.
Grand BoulevardNebraska and Main StreetFitzgerald'sCDL driver regulationsDepartment of Transportation ClearinghousePublic Risk Management Education Conferencemotorized scooters/skateboards downtown▶ Jump to 1:15:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:15:11] Staff now have seven-day-a-week, 24-hour access [01:15:15] to over 600 training videos. [01:15:19] Lastly, in June, I attended [01:15:20] the annual Public Risk Management Education Conference. [01:15:25] Human resource staff has attended various webinars [01:15:29] on topics including [01:15:31] the Department of Transportation Clearinghouse [01:15:33] regarding new regulations for CDL drivers, [01:15:37] medical marijuana, employee rights versus employer rights, [01:15:42] and cancer and firefighters. [01:15:45] And this concludes my report, if you guys have any questions. [01:15:47] Thank you, any questions? [01:15:50] How many people do we have, [01:15:52] how many positions do we have that are open now? [01:15:54] Currently, we have 15 open positions. [01:15:57] Are they all with, most of them with public works? [01:16:02] Majority are with public works, sir. [01:16:09] Next is communications. [01:16:11] Councilman, you wanna take it? [01:16:13] Sure. [01:16:16] I brought up a month ago or so [01:16:18] about motorized scooters and motorized skateboards, [01:16:21] and I didn't get any response from my fellow members up here. [01:16:26] And this past Friday night, [01:16:28] I went downtown after a volleyball match. [01:16:30] It was about 10 o'clock, [01:16:31] and this guy went zooming down on a scooter. [01:16:34] He had some blue lights on it, [01:16:36] and I think maybe a red light, [01:16:37] but he went through the intersection [01:16:40] in front of Fitzgerald's, a four-way stop, [01:16:42] like there wasn't any stop sign there. [01:16:43] And so I was in the parking lot, [01:16:45] so I ran out in the middle of Nebraska [01:16:47] to try to watch him, [01:16:48] and he just full blast right on down, [01:16:50] right through Main Street. [01:16:51] It might've slowed down a little bit. [01:16:53] I mean, Grand Boulevard, slowed down a little bit [01:16:55] just so he could look both ways [01:16:56] and went right on through there. [01:16:58] So I've talked a little bit with the chief, [01:17:01] and I'd like him to say a couple words about this. [01:17:06] Well, my comments are if you,
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- 13Communications▶ 1:17:10
- 14Adjournment▶ 1:38:58