Council passed Ordinance 2020-2210 allowing townhomes as a special exception in R-3 downtown, advanced the $18,000 sale of 6605 Madison Street, and seated Mike Peters.
24 items on the agenda · 16 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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[00:00:13] We have a quorum. [00:00:14] I ask everyone to please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:23] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Procedural moment of silence.
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[00:00:41] Thank you. [00:00:42] You may be seated.
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- 4
Approval of November 4, 2020 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the November 4, 2020 work session and regular meeting.
- motion:Motion to approve the November 4, 2020 work session and regular meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:43] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the November 4th work session and regular meeting minutes. [00:00:53] Move for approval. [00:00:54] Second. [00:00:55] Discussion? [00:00:56] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:01:00] Aye. [00:01:01] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:02] Motion passes. [00:01:04] I believe our city clerk has got the next item on the agenda. [00:01:09] If I could have Mr. Peters meet me at the podium, please. [00:01:35] Hi, Mike Peters. [00:01:36] A citizen of the state of Florida. [00:01:38] A citizen of the state of Florida. [00:01:40] And of the United States of America. [00:01:41] And of the United States of America. [00:01:43] And a full-time resident of the city of New Port Richey.
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- 5
Oath of Office - Mike Peters
Mike Peters was administered the oath of office as a council member for the City of New Port Richey, swearing to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Florida and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office.
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[00:01:46] And a full-time resident of the city of New Port Richey. [00:01:49] And being an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:01:52] And being an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:01:54] And a recipient of public funds as such officer. [00:01:58] And a recipient of public funds as such officer. [00:02:00] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:02:03] Do hereby solemnly swear that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States. [00:02:08] And the constitution and laws of the state of Florida. [00:02:11] I further swear or affirm that I will. [00:02:14] I further swear I will in all respects observe the provisions of the charter and ordinances of the city of New Port Richey. [00:02:22] And will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of council member. [00:02:26] And will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of council member. [00:02:29] Of said city to the best of my ability. [00:02:31] Of said city to the best of my ability. [00:02:35] Thank you so much. [00:02:44] Wait, where's the family? Come on. [00:02:47] Yes. [00:02:48] Oh yeah. [00:02:51] Picture time, come on. [00:02:53] We want you with Mr. Peters as well. [00:03:01] Thank you. [00:03:05] Yep, let's roll with that. [00:03:08] Thank you. [00:03:31] Welcome.
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- 6
Appointment of Deputy Mayor
approvedCouncil appointed Councilmember Chopper Davis as Deputy Mayor by motion and voice vote.
- motion:Motion to appoint Chopper Davis as Deputy Mayor. (passed)
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[00:03:40] Next item on the agenda is the appointment of a deputy mayor. [00:03:49] Volunteers, recommendations? [00:03:51] I move Chopper Davis. [00:03:53] I second. [00:03:58] You going to object? [00:03:59] Yeah. [00:04:02] Can I run? [00:04:04] No, it's fine. [00:04:06] In that case, all those in favor please signify by saying aye. [00:04:10] Aye. [00:04:11] Aye. [00:04:12] Opposed, like sign. [00:04:14] Chopper, you can take your spot as the deputy mayor and keeper of the time clock. [00:04:20] Oh, that's all it is, the time clock. You can handle that. [00:04:25] Rob's never missed anything. [00:04:28] Since I've been, I guess. [00:04:30] Chopper does know how to use the time clock, so that's a good choice. [00:04:34] That's why we hired him. [00:04:36] Clicking more money. [00:04:38] And now that we know who the deputy mayor is, I can pass this around, which is a form that the deputy mayor has to sign on a separate line. [00:04:48] Next item is proclamation.
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- 7
You arrived here from a search for “Small Business Saturday” — transcript expanded below
Proclamation - Small Business Saturday (By Title Only)
approvedThe Mayor read a proclamation by title only declaring Small Business Saturday and encouraged residents to support local small businesses, which have struggled during the pandemic.
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[00:04:50] This coming Saturday will be Small Business Saturday, and I would encourage everyone both here and watching from home to come down and spend some money at our local small businesses. [00:05:05] It helps them out. [00:05:06] They've had a rough time with the pandemic as anybody else, and the small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. [00:05:13] So if you would pass this down to the city clerk. [00:05:15] Some of them have done a great job at decorating, too, already. [00:05:18] And more will be, I'm sure.
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- 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 5:22
- 9.a
Library Advisory Board Minutes - September 2020
approvedon consentCouncil approved the Library Advisory Board minutes from September 2020 on the consent agenda without discussion.
- motion:Approve the Library Advisory Board minutes from September 2020. (passed)
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[00:05:39] Move for approval. [00:05:40] Second. [00:05:42] All in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:05:45] Aye. [00:05:46] Opposed, like sign. [00:05:47] Motion passes.
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- 9.b
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentCouncil approved purchases/payments as listed on the consent-style agenda item with no discussion.
- motion:Motion to approve the purchases/payments for City Council approval. (passed)
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[00:05:39] Move for approval. [00:05:40] Second. [00:05:42] All in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:05:45] Aye. [00:05:46] Opposed, like sign. [00:05:47] Motion passes.
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- 10.a
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2020-2210: Amendments to Chapter 7 of the LDC Re: Permitted Uses in R-3 Residential Zoning District
approvedCouncil held the second reading of Ordinance 2020-2210, which amends Chapter 7 of the Land Development Code to add attached single-family townhomes as a special exception use in the R-3 residential zoning district within downtown and downtown core future land use designations. The ordinance sets a minimum project size of 5,000 sq ft (reduced from 7,500 by the Land Development Review Board) and minimum unit size of 2,500 sq ft. The ordinance was approved.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2020-2210
- motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2020-2210 on second reading, amending the LDC to allow attached single-family townhomes as a special exception use in the R-3 zoning district. (passed)
southeast corner of Madison and CentralAltmanBrad CorneliusMankerMs. MannsPetersChapter 7 Land Development CodeDevelopment Review Committee (DRC)Land Development Review BoardOrdinance 2020-2210R-3 Residential Zoning DistrictSubsection 7.03.02▶ Jump to 5:48 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:05:48] Next, public reading of ordinances. [00:05:50] Second reading of ordinance 2020-2210. [00:05:53] This is ordinance number 2020-2210, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of subsection 7.03.02 of chapter 7 of the Land Development Code pertaining to permitted uses in the R3 residential zoning district, [00:06:08] providing for the addition of attached single-family townhomes as a special exception use within the R3 residential zoning district, providing for conflicts, severability, codification, and an effective date. [00:06:21] Thank you. [00:06:22] Ms. Manns. [00:06:23] This matter was fully introduced to you at a first reading, which was conducted at your last meeting, as indicated by the city attorney. [00:06:31] The purpose of the agenda item is to provide for single-family townhomes as a special exception in the R3 zoning district designated within the downtown and the downtown core future land use designations. [00:06:47] And the specifics related to the amendment are that the minimum property size must be 5,000 square feet, and each individual single-family townhouse must be a minimum of 2,500 square feet. [00:07:08] And for purposes of the special exception, an attached single-family townhome is defined as a group of two or more attached single-family dwelling units constructed with property lines separating each unit. [00:07:24] I have Mr. Brad Cornelius in attendance this evening along with me. [00:07:28] He is assisting, and during the absence of a development director, if you have any more specific questions, the two of us are prepared to respond. [00:07:38] Thank you. [00:07:39] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:07:42] Seeing no one coming forward, bring it back to council. [00:07:45] Move for approval. [00:07:48] I'll second. [00:07:49] Manker? [00:07:50] I want to know what came out of the Land Development Review Board and their discussion. [00:07:58] Take it, if you'd like, Mr. Cornelius. [00:08:00] Thank you. [00:08:01] As Ms. Mann said, I'm Brad Cornelius serving as your consulting planner. [00:08:06] At the Land Development Review Board, when they reviewed it, really the most significant comment we got was changing the lot size. [00:08:14] In front of them, the minimum recommended lot size was 7,500 square feet, or minimum project size was 7,500 feet. [00:08:22] In their discussion, they came up and said, actually, let's go with the 5,000 square feet for the minimum size for our project, because that is consistent with the R3 Zoning District minimum lot size to begin with. [00:08:36] Other than that, they were fully supportive of the ordinance. [00:08:39] We did make that change before it came to you all. [00:08:41] We changed that from 7,500 to 5,000 square feet. [00:08:45] Thank you. [00:08:46] Thank you. [00:08:47] To the second? [00:08:48] No, no questions. [00:08:49] Mr. Altman? [00:08:50] Mr. Peters? [00:08:53] The one question I had was regards to, we were talking about the lot size, minimum square footage. [00:08:58] I think for a single family, there's a minimum square footage of the living area. [00:09:03] Does that also apply to the townhomes? [00:09:06] In this ordinance, it does not. [00:09:08] How this ordinance is set up, that those design standards, those standards would be developed as part of the special exception process. [00:09:15] That would be worked as part of the discussions with staff. [00:09:18] Then it would come to city council, where you all would make that final determination on what those appropriate standards would be. [00:09:24] If that is a concern of council, you can make that as part of your decision. [00:09:29] So you kind of left it up, let the developer come and present some to us, and we'll decide for you. [00:09:35] Yes, sir. [00:09:36] We felt that gave the best opportunity for the developer and the city to get the best product available for the city, and both sides to come out on top. [00:09:42] And it would probably go in front of the land development review board before it came here? [00:09:46] Actually, in your code, special exceptions only come to the city council. [00:09:51] Oh, okay. [00:09:52] So it would go from the development review committee, which we actually met on this last week, and the DRC did recommend approval. [00:09:58] There's some minor revisions and edits that the applicant is working on. [00:10:02] So you will have a project in front of you. [00:10:05] Right now it's scheduled for your second meeting in December, is where you'll see one. [00:10:09] But we still have to notice it. [00:10:11] We'll be sending out notices within 500 feet of the project. [00:10:14] It also has to have a newspaper ad, so it will be quite a bit of noticing for that project as well. [00:10:19] Is it something you can tell us where it is now? [00:10:21] Yes, it's the project on the southeast corner of Madison and Central. [00:10:29] So just up here at City Hall. [00:10:32] Any further discussion? [00:10:35] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:10:38] Aye. [00:10:39] Opposed? [00:10:40] Like sign.
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- 10.b
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2020-2204: Sale of Surplus Property RE: 6605 Madison Street
approvedCouncil held first reading of Ordinance 2020-2204 to sell surplus city property at 6605 Madison Street, acquired through foreclosure in September 2019, to James V. Stelnicki, DPMPA for $18,000. The buyer owns the adjacent property to the south and intends to extend a parking lot. Council expressed concern that the parking lot be aesthetically complementary to Madison Street, and approved the motion.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2020-2204
- motion:Approve first reading of Ordinance 2020-2204 authorizing sale of surplus property at 6605 Madison Street to James V. Stelnicki, DPMPA for $18,000. (passed)
6605 Madison StreetJames V. Stelnicki, DPMPAChopperDriscollJames V. StelnickiMurphyPetersDRC processLTRB reviewOrdinance 2020-2204▶ Jump to 10:41 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:10:41] Motion passes. [00:10:42] Next is first reading ordinance 2020-2204. [00:10:45] This is ordinance number 2020-2204, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for the sale of surplus city property. [00:10:53] Providing for the sale of the property generally located at 6605 Madison Street, as legally described herein, [00:10:59] for the purchase price of $18,000 to James V. Stelnicki, DPMPA. [00:11:05] Providing authorization to the city manager to execute all documents in accordance herewith, and providing for an effective date. [00:11:12] Yes, ma'am. [00:11:13] This property was acquired through a foreclosure back in September of 2019. [00:11:22] At that time, we presented to you the fact that we would like to let the property for public sale. [00:11:31] And in that regard, it was let for proposal with a minimum bid price of $18,000. [00:11:39] The property owner immediately to the south of the parcel, which fronts on Madison, bid for $18,000. [00:11:50] The purpose of which is to extend a parking lot for their business as part of the development agreement. [00:12:00] If you determine that it's appropriate to sell the property, they will be constructing an improved parking lot on the property. [00:12:08] And paying $18,000 for the piece of property. [00:12:12] And again, as indicated by the city attorney, James Stelnicki is the interested party in the property. [00:12:22] Mr. Driscoll, they are a client of mine. Do I need to declare conflict? [00:12:30] As a client, hmm. [00:12:36] I would say not, because there would be no benefit to you by the approval of this particular item. [00:12:43] That's correct. [00:12:44] Just wanted to go on the record. [00:12:47] Thank you. [00:12:48] I have a question, though, right now. [00:12:51] If we're approving it, are they going to come back with some kind of development plan? [00:12:58] Because I just don't want a parking lot right up there on the edge of the street. [00:13:01] They will have a site plan, which will be reviewed. [00:13:04] It won't come back to the council, but it will go through the DRC process. [00:13:09] And it will comply with all the standards of our parking and landscape requirements. [00:13:19] Thank you. We'll open it up for public comment. [00:13:22] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:13:25] Move for approval. [00:13:27] Second. [00:13:28] To the mayor? [00:13:29] I just don't want it to look like a parking lot from Madison. [00:13:32] Second. [00:13:34] No. [00:13:37] Mr. Peters? [00:13:38] I would kind of agree with Chopper. [00:13:41] The fact is, they've done a lot of landscape on Madison already. [00:13:44] They've done a lot of money improvement in there. [00:13:46] I sure wouldn't want anything to take away from that, only enhance it. [00:13:50] Mr. Murphy? [00:13:51] Just trying to make it look pretty. [00:13:53] I know it's a parking lot, but trying to make it look good. [00:13:56] I think we could relay those sentiments to the LTRB when they review. [00:14:01] We will do that and make sure that the property is a complement to the surrounding properties. [00:14:08] Very good. [00:14:09] Hearing any further discussion? [00:14:12] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:14:15] Aye. [00:14:16] Opposed, like sign.
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- 11.a
Board Appointment: Marilynn deChant, Land Development Review Board
approvedCouncil appointed Marilynn deChant as an alternate member of the Land Development Review Board, with a term spanning through November 17, 2023. deChant spoke about her long history of involvement with the city, including the New Port Richey Community Cooperative and Florida Main Street designation.
- motion:Motion to approve appointment of Marilynn deChant as alternate member of the Land Development Review Board for a term through November 17, 2023. (passed)
6119 Illinois Avenue, Newport RicheyFlorida Main StreetLand Development Review BoardMetropolitan Planning Organization CACNewport Richey Community CooperativeMarilynn deChantMr. AltmanMr. PetersVic MalletCommunity Development District (CDD)Main Street LandingPlanning and Zoning Committee▶ Jump to 14:18 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:14:18] Motion passes. [00:14:19] Next, board appointment to Marilyn DeChant to the Land Development Review Board. [00:14:24] Mrs. DeChant submitted her application back in 2020 to serve on the Land Development Review Board. [00:14:34] We currently have a vacancy on the board for an alternate member. [00:14:40] And Mrs. DeChant, as you know, has been a valued member of the New Port Richey community for a number of years. [00:14:47] We would like to see her appointed to serve in that capacity. [00:14:52] If you determine it is appropriate to do so, her term would span through November 17th of 2023. [00:15:00] Thank you. We'll open it up for public comment. [00:15:04] Ms. Deschant, this is your chance to run screaming out the door saying no [00:15:10] if you don't want it. [00:15:16] Marilyn Deschant, 6119 Illinois Avenue, New Port Richey. [00:15:21] I really don't have anything to add to what's already in the agenda. [00:15:25] Most of you know that I have been involved with the city since [00:15:29] 1985, starting with the Planning and Zoning Committee, which is pretty much like the LDRB. [00:15:35] And so I understood there was an opening and I was interested in getting involved again [00:15:43] now that I am in the realm of almost retirement because of the COVID. [00:15:49] So I would like to take my talents from before and bring them back. [00:15:54] Thank you. [00:15:54] Any questions? Thank you very much. [00:15:57] Thank you for serving. [00:15:59] There's no further public comment. [00:16:00] I'll bring it back to council. [00:16:01] I just would like to say I think she talks about her involvement with the city, [00:16:06] but her involvement in the city started before that. [00:16:09] When did it start? [00:16:10] When did you come with the Main Street? [00:16:13] What year was that? [00:16:16] Well, it might not have been called a co-op then or whatever it was. [00:16:19] Yes, it was the New Port Richey Community Cooperative. [00:16:22] And while Dell and I got involved in 1985, it was the fall of that year that three downtown [00:16:29] business people, one was Vic Mallet and his brother, his brother, I forget. [00:16:35] But anyway, it was a year later that I became a volunteer. [00:16:39] And then by the end of 87, I was hired as the first [00:16:44] executive director at the New Port Richey Community Cooperative. [00:16:47] And then in the year of 1990, I helped our board bring into the city the designation [00:16:54] of New Port Richey or Florida Main Street City designation. [00:17:00] So I was involved from that time until roughly 97 or so. [00:17:05] And then I've been involved on many other things since then. [00:17:09] My point is that you've been involved not only in this building, [00:17:14] things in this building, but you've been involved in the community. [00:17:16] Oh, yes. [00:17:18] Ever since I met you. [00:17:18] I mean, before the COVID, I was on many, many committees. [00:17:22] And as I still am on the CAC for the Metropolitan Planning Organization with the county. [00:17:28] So, yeah, it's been a part of what I do. [00:17:31] Thank you. [00:17:32] Thank you very much. [00:17:33] Yes, I do have a question. [00:17:36] Yeah. [00:17:37] Some time back when the Main Street landing was in its early stages, I think, and I remember [00:17:44] you took a position in opposition to the assistance that was being requested at the time. [00:17:51] The CDD or something like that. [00:17:53] Yeah, the Community Development District. [00:17:54] At that time, you mentioned that I believe you were concerned that the buildings were [00:17:59] too close to the sidewalks, which has been the advice we've gotten from the experts for [00:18:05] many years. [00:18:05] So has your opinion of the need for us to move the structures to the walkability of [00:18:13] the city out towards the sidewalk changed since then? [00:18:16] Well, I haven't really thought about it much. [00:18:19] I mean, that building has been there now since 06, I guess, 07. [00:18:24] And I would have to actually review material and understand what might else go up. [00:18:34] But I guess they call that a setback or something for the sidewalk area. [00:18:39] But all I remembered was something to do with a line that went further than the curb into [00:18:48] the middle of the road. [00:18:49] It's so long ago. [00:18:51] So it would have to be an item. [00:18:53] I'm talking about the general concept of our downtown as we've been talking. [00:18:57] We've had a lot of experts. [00:18:58] We've paid a lot of money to encourage us to get the strip centers with the parking [00:19:04] lots in front of the buildings replaced with new structures eventually that would provide [00:19:10] our downtown with walkability all out to the highway. [00:19:13] Well, I would agree with that, yes. [00:19:14] Good. [00:19:14] That's what I wanted to do. [00:19:15] Oh, I'm so sorry. [00:19:16] I just misunderstood. [00:19:17] But anyway, thank you for the questions. [00:19:20] Does anybody else have a question before I walk off again? [00:19:23] Thank you so much. [00:19:24] Entertain a motion for approval. [00:19:26] Second. [00:19:27] To the maker? [00:19:27] Nothing. [00:19:28] Second. [00:19:29] Thank you. [00:19:30] Mr. Altman? [00:19:30] No. [00:19:31] Mr. Peters? [00:19:32] No. [00:19:33] Thank you, Marilyn, for your willingness to step up to the plate yet again to help the city. [00:19:39] There's no further discussion. [00:19:40] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:19:42] Aye. [00:19:43] Opposed, like sign.
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- 11.b
Board Appointment: Patricia Jackson, Environmental Committee
approvedCouncil appointed Patricia Jackson to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term ending November 17, 2022. Jackson was not in attendance but had submitted an application and regularly attended committee meetings.
- motion:Appoint Patricia Jackson to the Environmental Committee for a two-year term ending November 17, 2022. (passed)
▶ Jump to 19:45 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:19:45] Motion passes. [00:19:46] Next, board appointment. [00:19:47] Patricia Jackson to the Environmental Committee. [00:19:50] Yes, sir. [00:19:51] Mr. Mayor, I don't believe that Ms. Jackson is in attendance this evening, although she [00:19:55] has been a regular attendee at the Environmental Committee meetings and has submitted an application [00:20:02] to serve on that committee. [00:20:05] If you determine it's appropriate for her to serve, the term of office that is currently [00:20:11] available for that board is two years. [00:20:14] Therefore, her appointment would span through November 17th of 2022, and she appears to [00:20:21] meet all the requirements to serve on the committee. [00:20:23] Thank you. [00:20:24] Open it up for public comment. [00:20:28] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:20:31] Move for approval. [00:20:32] Second. [00:20:33] To the maker. [00:20:34] And thank you. [00:20:35] Second. [00:20:36] Thank you for serving. [00:20:36] Mr. Alvin. [00:20:38] Thank you. [00:20:38] Mr. Peters. [00:20:39] Thank you. [00:20:40] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:20:44] Aye. [00:20:44] Opposed, like sign. [00:20:46] Motion passes.
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- 11.c
Appeal of Application Denial - Romanika, Inc., d/b/a Coastal Wine and Liquor RE: On-Premises Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
approvedCoastal Wine and Liquor (Romanika, Inc.) appealed the city staff's denial of their application to increase their alcohol license series from 3PS to 4COP for on-premises consumption, denied due to proximity within 500 feet of Genesis School per FL Statute 562.45. The applicant argued the Genesis property at 6609 River Road has not operated as a school for over a year and is in disrepair and listed for sale. Council moved to grant the appeal.
- motion:Motion to grant the appeal of Coastal Wine and Liquor for the on-premises consumption license waiver. (passed)
27251 Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Suite 10446609 River Road6706 U.S. Highway 19American LegionBaker LawBerkshire HathawayCoastal Wine and LiquorFlorida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and TobaccoGenesis SchoolRomanika, Inc.Brad CorneliusDebbie MannsJonathan BakerMissy NurembergMs. DuchantTim Driscoll2COP license3PS license4COP license500-foot separation ruleFlorida Statute 562.45(2)(a)Florida Statute 562.45(2)(c)NPR Municipal Code Section 13224SRX licenseSection 1002 (private school definition)Section 1003 (school definition)Section 205 (educational institution)▶ Jump to 20:47 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:20:47] Next, we have an appeal of an application denial. [00:20:52] I would ask the city attorney to review with us exactly how this is different from the [00:21:00] things that we normally do. [00:21:03] This statute, this involves a statute, a state statute, and that's specifically section [00:21:07] 562.45. [00:21:10] And the issue that's before you is whether or not the location of a alcohol sales business [00:21:20] for consumption on the premises within 500 feet of a school is appropriate because it [00:21:28] would promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. [00:21:32] That's really the issue that's before you. [00:21:34] And this is a quasi-judicial? [00:21:35] It is a quasi-judicial proceeding. [00:21:37] Which means if any of us have had any ex parte communications, they need to be disclosed? [00:21:42] Correct. [00:21:43] Anybody wish to do that? [00:21:46] Okay. [00:21:47] I'll be glad to answer any other questions. [00:21:49] And I think staff has a presentation for you. [00:21:52] In that case, let's go to staff. [00:21:54] Okay. [00:21:54] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:21:56] Coastal Wine and Liquor has submitted an application to appeal the city staff's decision [00:22:01] to deny their application to the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco [00:22:08] to change their license to allow for the on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages. [00:22:16] The staff's denial is predicated, as indicated by the city attorney, on section 562.45-2A [00:22:24] of Florida statutes which says specifically that on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages [00:22:31] shall not be located with 500 feet of the real property that comprises a public or private [00:22:38] elementary school, middle school, or secondary school without approval by the city council. [00:22:46] The property owned by Genesis School is adjacent to the subject property which is owned by the [00:22:52] appellant. [00:22:53] The Genesis School property is developed with school buildings and related facilities such [00:22:58] as playgrounds on the property. [00:23:01] The Genesis School holds a valid business tax receipt for the operation of the school [00:23:07] at the property. [00:23:08] And the Genesis School has plans to continue to operate the property as a school. [00:23:14] Therefore, the staff felt comfortable denying the application of coastal wine and liquor [00:23:24] for their on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages. [00:23:28] Also, as indicated by the city attorney, this is their opportunity to ask for a waiver of [00:23:34] the 500-foot separation rule. [00:23:38] And it's predicated on a finding by you, the city council, that the waiver promotes public [00:23:44] health safety and the general welfare of the community. [00:23:48] Mr. Cornelius has worked along with me on this matter and the two of us are prepared [00:23:56] to respond to any questions that you may have in regard to this matter. [00:24:02] We also have in attendance this evening the appellant of the case. [00:24:11] Counsel, I have nothing to add to what Ms. Mann said. [00:24:13] If you have any questions of me, of what's in your report, I'd be happy to answer them. [00:24:16] But Ms. Mann gave a very good overview of it. [00:24:19] Thank you. [00:24:19] And the appellant is in the... [00:24:21] Yes, sir. [00:24:32] Good evening. [00:24:33] I'm Attorney Jonathan Baker of Baker Law, 27251 Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Suite 1044. [00:24:40] As they said, I represent Romanica, Inc., doing business as Coastal Wine and Liquor, [00:24:44] 6706 U.S. Highway 19. [00:24:47] That property is in the Highway Commercial Zoning District. [00:24:50] The staff report lays out the basics of the appeal, so thank you very much, [00:24:53] City Manager Manns and Brad Cornelius and everyone involved for that. [00:24:57] But just for a quick background, we're here because my clients want to add a [00:25:01] tasting room to their business, which is currently operating solely as a liquor store. [00:25:05] And to do so, they would need to increase the series to allow for the on-premises consumption. [00:25:10] So when we submitted the state increase in series application, [00:25:14] we were told they were unable to approve it based on that Statute 562.45, Subsection 2A, [00:25:21] which for simplicity I'm going to refer to as the Beverage Law Statute, [00:25:24] since it's in the Beverage Law Enforcement section. [00:25:27] This Beverage Law Statute, in relevant part, says that a business cannot serve alcohol [00:25:32] on the premises if there's a school within 500 feet of the location, [00:25:35] unless it's approved by the City as promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare. [00:25:41] We were told that because Genesis School owns property at 6609 River Road, [00:25:45] which is within 500 feet of our location, zoning couldn't approve our application. [00:25:50] Our position is that the Genesis property is not a school. [00:25:54] For that, we look at the precise language of the Beverage Law Statute, [00:25:58] which prohibits alcohol service within 500 feet of real property that comprises a school. [00:26:05] So what exactly comprises a school, according to Florida law? [00:26:09] The Florida statutes have it in a few sections. In relevant parts, briefly, [00:26:13] Section 1003 defines a school as an organization of students for instructional purposes. [00:26:18] Section 1002 defines a private school as an organization that provides instructional [00:26:23] services and has regular school attendance. Section 205 defines an educational institution [00:26:29] as a school conducting regular classes and courses of study. [00:26:32] New Port Richey Zone Municipal Code, in Section 13224, defines a school as a premises or site [00:26:38] upon which there is an institution of learning, public or private, [00:26:41] which conducts regular classes, courses of study, or both. [00:26:45] So as you can see, there's a few common denominators to qualify as a school. [00:26:49] Generally, students, instructional services, classes, [00:26:52] nothing out of the ordinary, just what you'd normally expect to qualify as a school. [00:26:57] Based on our information and belief, this Genesis location hasn't operated as a school for over a [00:27:02] year. The school's own website doesn't even list the location as part of the Genesis family, [00:27:07] and according to internet property listings, it's been up for sale for over a year, [00:27:11] since at least October 2019. The offering memorandum, available online by the Realtors [00:27:16] Berkshire Hathaway, says Genesis is selling this property because the school [00:27:21] made a successful move to Trinity. Thus, the facts and circumstances surrounding the location, [00:27:26] the Genesis location, basically demand the conclusion that it's not a school, [00:27:31] and that the owners have no intentions whatsoever to operate a school there, [00:27:35] since they're selling it and they haven't even attempted it, excuse me, attempted to keep it [00:27:39] in any condition suitable for attendance by students. I actually have a couple pictures [00:27:43] that we just took last week, if that's all right. So, as you can see, there's various trash and [00:27:55] debris around the property, dirty mattress in the yard with some umbrellas in the garden. [00:27:58] Can you just hand that to the clerk and then pass them down? [00:28:02] You can do it after you make comments on them, if you want. [00:28:13] So, dirty mattress in the yard, some umbrellas and other garbage around it. Looks like it's been [00:28:17] there a while. It looks like they're using the so-called playground area to store old trailers [00:28:23] and pallets, it looks like, stacked up against the building. One of the building entrances, [00:28:28] which you can see, has the roof or ceiling collapsed, broken through in multiple places. [00:28:32] The place is quite literally falling apart. I just saw they have a notice of violation [00:28:38] on the bulletin board in the hall outside for trash and debris on the property. [00:28:43] One of zoning's justifications for denial of our application was that Genesis has a Pasco County [00:28:48] business tax receipt. I can't imagine the county is aware of the condition of this place, because [00:28:54] typically a business needs to meet basic building safety and fire codes to remain in compliance, [00:28:59] and this property looks like it should be condemned, not used as a school. I don't think [00:29:05] any parent will let their kid cut through there, let alone attend classes. That being said, [00:29:10] we understand Zoning Department's initial decision. They were doing their job and applying the rules [00:29:16] based on the information that they had at the time. But as you can see, the Genesis property [00:29:20] is not a school, not by a layperson definition, and certainly not by the standards set forth in [00:29:26] the Florida statutes or New Port Richey's own municipal code. There's no instructional services, [00:29:31] there's no classes or courses of study, there's no faculty, administration, principal, and most [00:29:36] importantly, there's no students at this location. And that's an important fact, because it's clear, [00:29:42] based on the plain language of the Beverage Law statute, that the legislature's intent was to [00:29:47] protect the legitimate interests of the students in attendance, as well as parents and faculty. [00:29:52] The statute does not protect the interest of property that used to be a school a couple years [00:29:56] ago, property that kind of still looks like a school, or property that is not a school. [00:30:00] property trying to maintain its status so it can be sold as a school. It protects real [00:30:04] property that comprises a school, and the Genesis property has not comprised a school [00:30:08] for over a year, it doesn't do so currently, and based on the state of the property and [00:30:13] the fact that it's been up for sale for 13 months, the owners clearly have no intention [00:30:17] for it to comprise a school ever again. We urge the Council to please carefully consider [00:30:22] the repercussions of allowing the Genesis property to prevent our increase in series [00:30:26] by being classified as a school when it's not operated as such and has no plans to do [00:30:31] so based on all available indications. How long can a property owner suppress legitimate [00:30:36] interests of surrounding businesses by claiming to be a school if they can do so over a year [00:30:41] after they stop operating with the property falling apart, building safety code violations, [00:30:47] and with no courses of instruction or students at the location? As I mentioned, this property [00:30:52] was listed for sale at least as far back as October 14, 2019. There's been no one there [00:30:57] for over a year, the whole lot is in disrepair, and yet we're forced to come here and argue [00:31:02] today because they paid for a $30 business tax receipt and have a slide in their yard [00:31:07] and call themselves a school. Allowing such a deliberate violation such as this to continue [00:31:13] goes against all notions of fairness and justice to our legitimate business interests. Every [00:31:18] day my clients lose potential revenue and the community as a whole suffers from the [00:31:21] lack of livelihood, camaraderie, and business that allowing our increase in series will [00:31:26] bring to the area. Please don't let an overgrown lot with a few decaying buildings stifle my [00:31:31] clients' energetic and entrepreneurial spirit. Accordingly, we first ask this Honorable Council [00:31:38] to find that the Genesis property does not meet statutory, municipal, or any other requirements [00:31:43] to qualify as a school, thus the Beveridge Law Statute does not apply, and to direct [00:31:48] city staff to approve the local zoning authority sign-off on our increase in series application. [00:31:55] Alternatively, and I promise I'm almost done, as I mentioned previously and as the City [00:32:01] Attorney Driscoll mentioned, the Beveridge Law Statute specifically gives the city the [00:32:06] authority to allow consumption on premises regardless of the proximity to a school if [00:32:11] the city determines that doing so can promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community. [00:32:15] Here, even if it is determined that the Genesis property somehow qualifies as a school, the [00:32:21] fact that no human beings attend that school trumps any perceived interest in protecting [00:32:25] students or their parents and faculty as intended by the plain language of the statute. At this [00:32:31] time, Coastal Wine and Liquor is not looking to expand their business hours or have outdoor [00:32:35] seating with amplified music or anything else that would cause a disruption to the area. [00:32:40] They want to add a small tasting room. Allowing the increase in series would give my clients [00:32:47] the chance to inject a new life and vibrancy to the space. They know the alcoholic beverage [00:32:52] industry well, and they know how to run a business. This store has been in business [00:32:55] since 2000, almost 20 years, well actually 20 years, with no issues. Their other business [00:33:01] has a license that does allow consumption on premises in Pasco County, and they've never [00:33:05] had any issues with that either. Lastly, subsection 2C of the same beverage law statute [00:33:13] directs the local government, when enacting ordinances designed to promote the public's [00:33:17] health, safety, and welfare, to treat an alcoholic beverage licensee in a non-discriminatory [00:33:22] manner and in a manner consistent with the treatment of any other lawful business transacted [00:33:26] in this state. We ask that the council afford this same level of non-discriminatory application [00:33:32] to our request, and recognize our legitimate business interest that will have no detrimental [00:33:36] impact and is sure to bring a positive appeal to the area and the community. Thus, should [00:33:41] the council determine that Genesis Property qualifies as a school, we request that the [00:33:46] council find that allowing our increase in series of the license promotes the public [00:33:50] health, safety, and general welfare of the community, thus satisfying the requirements [00:33:55] of the beverage law statute, and accordingly to please direct city staff to approve the [00:33:59] local zoning authority sign-off on our increase in series application. Thank you. [00:34:07] Is anyone from the Genesis School or any other substantially affected party in attendance? [00:34:15] Any non-substantially affected party wish to address this issue? Ms. Duchant, come on [00:34:20] forward. [00:34:25] I just would seek some clarification. With the school aside, we're talking about opening [00:34:38] another bar in the city of New Port Richey, and I'd like to also just say that we have [00:34:47] a lot of bars in the city of New Port Richey, and we also have a burgeoning growth area [00:34:55] known as downtown New Port Richey with several bars, and I just wonder if perhaps the city [00:35:05] doesn't have a limit on how many bars can be operating as a business. So I just wanted [00:35:13] to ask that question. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anyone else? Seeing no one else [00:35:20] coming forward, I will bring it back to council. I would ask the city attorney, is there any [00:35:27] limitation on the number of bars in the city? No, there is not. I can speak to that to some [00:35:33] degree. There's a couple different licenses. They happen to have a 4COP license, and they're [00:35:39] asking for consumption on premise. 4COP licenses are regulated by the amount of people in the [00:35:45] county, so they're distributed by the county. It doesn't distribute where in the county, [00:35:52] it just has to be in the county. And the other type of license, there's two other types, [00:35:57] really three. The other one is a 2COP, which is pretty much every 7-Eleven has one of those. [00:36:02] So there's unlimited amount of those, and there's a couple bars downtown that have just [00:36:07] beer and wine, and they're the same 2COP. There's an SRX license, which is consumption [00:36:12] on premise. That's a restaurant that has to have so much seating and so many square [00:36:17] foot. An example of that is Beef O'Brady's. And then there's a brewery license, and we [00:36:23] have a couple breweries downtown. So those are the four types. They're actually asking [00:36:28] for variance on the type of license they have, which already have a consumption on premise [00:36:35] and sale. Almost 100% correct. What we have right now is actually a 3PS license, which [00:36:43] means package store. So we're not allowing consumption on the premises. [00:36:47] Right, but it's a 4COP with a 3... [00:36:49] No, it's not a 4COP. That's a different series. That's basically what the application is, [00:36:54] is to increase the series from 3PS to 4COP. They're both quota licenses, which is what [00:36:59] I think you might be referring to, which is dictated by the population of the county every [00:37:04] time it hits 7,500 people, the state releases one more. [00:37:08] Mr. Mayor. [00:37:09] Yes, sir. [00:37:10] I'm trying to get to the issue that's before us, which is the issue of whether or not, [00:37:18] as it's been presented by them, we have a school. And he's made some comments. I'd like [00:37:24] to hear a couple things. One, it had been asserted to us that there was intention that [00:37:30] it is to remain a school, and that's been disputed by the testimony. And the owners [00:37:38] of the Genesis property are not here to respond or have given any commentary that I know of. [00:37:44] So what evidence do we have that this was a temporary... or are they trying to sell [00:37:52] it as a school, at which point I would say it's already next to the American Legion. [00:37:56] So the American Legion is next door. So being real about what our situation is here, I want [00:38:06] to follow the law. So what I heard made some sense to me, so somebody's got to talk me [00:38:12] out of it. [00:38:13] Mr. Mayor, I can offer a few things for your consideration. I did have a conversation with [00:38:19] the owner of the property directly, and they indicated that it is their intent to continue [00:38:28] the property as a school. If we need them to provide some testimony, I'm sure that they'd [00:38:35] be willing to do that. It was a commitment by Missy Nuremberg to do so. We did go as [00:38:42] far as to call ABT, the local office, to determine some specifics on the 500-foot separation [00:38:51] requirement, and we were told that the interpretation and the application of the 500-foot rule is [00:38:58] completely at your discretion. The license held by the American Legion is completely [00:39:04] different. It's a private license. They serve members and guests only, and they were there [00:39:12] before the school. [00:39:13] I understand that. [00:39:14] Right. [00:39:15] Yeah, I'm just looking at the circumstances. [00:39:16] Sure. [00:39:17] It does seem to be a distinction without a difference, though, if the American Legion's [00:39:22] got a bar where they're serving every night of the week. This store is actually further [00:39:32] away than the American Legion. The Legion's between the two properties. [00:39:37] If a property or a business is not in operation, there's no set time period as that designation [00:39:49] falls off. If they're not in business for so long, there's no time limit or anything, [00:39:55] or two years, three years. [00:39:57] As long as they maintain the paperwork, doesn't matter. [00:40:01] It's a legal issue that I'm asking. There was a statement from the statute, so that's [00:40:09] where I look to get my... [00:40:11] Right now, it's designated as a school, and so they sell it. In my mind, it'd probably [00:40:17] be another school or somebody that would want that property because it's set up for a school. [00:40:23] They sell it or turn it into another school. I'm just asking if there's any kind of a [00:40:27] time limit for when it's dormant. It's not being used like a year, two years, where it [00:40:33] leaves it open to interpretation. [00:40:36] I will tell you that there is no time limit, and that this decision really comes down to [00:40:42] whether or not you believe that it is in the promoting public health, safety, and general [00:40:48] welfare of the community to allow this particular use. [00:40:53] You can look at the situation that there is a property that has a school building on it. [00:40:59] It can be used as a school. Apparently, they're trying to market the property. [00:41:05] They have the right to maintain that use and to continue to use it as a school and to convey [00:41:11] that property interest to another party. [00:41:14] But the question does remain, how long can it sit vacant before that happens? [00:41:20] There is no restriction on that. That's really up to you to decide, and whether or not, based [00:41:24] on the configuration of the property, that you could allow this even if it was being [00:41:29] used as a school because it would promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. [00:41:34] But the fact that it's not currently active does not make it any less a school. [00:41:40] It's still a school. It's a property that's designated to be a school. [00:41:44] It's constructed as a school. [00:41:46] If it turns into something else in the future, then this would no longer apply, and this [00:41:51] applicant would not be precluded from coming back and getting the 4COP license in the future [00:41:57] if it ceases to be a school. [00:42:00] But there is a vacancy right now, and that is something you can certainly take into account [00:42:04] in making your determination. [00:42:08] If someone comes in later and tries to establish a school, they won't be prohibited from doing [00:42:13] so by this license being issued. [00:42:16] So you're not taking away any rights from the school property other than the protection [00:42:21] that they would normally get from this statute. [00:42:24] This was originally a series of single-family homes before it became a school. [00:42:31] Do you know offhand what the zoning is? [00:42:34] The property has a future land use of a residential office, RO, and also a zoning of RO. [00:42:40] So that's residential office. [00:42:42] So it could be residential, which would have been that single-family, but it's also office, [00:42:46] which allows a school as a permitted use within that district. [00:42:49] So if a realtor, contractor, developer went in and they could convert that into single-family [00:42:58] houses, they could bulldoze them and put in something comparable, residential? [00:43:03] Or they could convert the buildings to an office use as well. [00:43:06] Office use as well, okay. [00:43:09] So, Mayor, I'm familiar with this property, and the way it's configured, it's set up, [00:43:16] could easily be used as a school. [00:43:18] I think one of the best uses would be a school. [00:43:22] I'd be more inclined to go along with the appeal if that had been, obviously, a different [00:43:29] occupant other than a school. [00:43:31] But I think it's set up to that. [00:43:33] If they're going to continue, there's evidence that there might continue to be a school. [00:43:40] I'm not so sure that we'd want to grant the appeal. [00:43:46] I move to grant the appeal. [00:43:48] And based on the condition of the building, I don't really see a school going in there. [00:43:53] I think they probably have a price tag on it right now that would preclude it changing. [00:44:00] I think at some point it will probably be sold. [00:44:03] And I also throw in the idea that right next door is the American Legion, and the health [00:44:09] and welfare and safety idea is inside the building, it's outside the building, and that's [00:44:14] the problem is when people leave the American Legion. [00:44:17] So I move to go ahead and allow them to go into that building. [00:44:23] I'll second the motion. [00:44:25] I'd like to ask if within that motion you're making a finding that it does promote the [00:44:29] public health, safety, and general welfare of the community, correct? [00:44:32] That they are? [00:44:34] Yes. [00:44:35] That granting this appeal would be consistent with that? [00:44:39] I'm approving this appeal, yes. [00:44:41] Correct. [00:44:42] Yes. [00:44:43] Okay. [00:44:44] And I'd second. [00:44:45] And as the second, do you have any additional comments? [00:44:48] No, that's fine. [00:44:50] I think, again, this property has been not the property in question. [00:44:56] I don't think we've reached that far with the analysis. [00:45:00] that we're having done right now for our city, but we have seen things and talked about our [00:45:04] connections to the highway and the nodes and, you know, looking at the property, you know, [00:45:12] they have indicated they're going to have a tasting room. I don't know what makes that [00:45:15] different than a bar. I guess you just taste it, but you don't really drink it or you just [00:45:19] taste a little bit of wine drinking, whatever. I don't mean to be glib, but the bottom line [00:45:23] is we don't have any control over what happens when they get a permit. So thank you for telling [00:45:29] us that it's a soft, you know, effect. I think that I also have to say that the condition [00:45:38] of the property that was shown to me, the failure to maintain it, and the existence [00:45:45] of a bar that really has around the daytime use, I mean, a lot of our old veterans like [00:45:56] to go to bed early. So, I mean, if there's going to be somebody having a drink, it's [00:46:00] more likely to be at the American Legion. But I have some concerns, and I hope that [00:46:06] the property owner who is here hears this, which is there are drug deals going on in [00:46:12] front of the Dollar General store. There has been prostitution going on. I doubt they're [00:46:21] using that bed that you showed the picture of, but, I mean, there is a lot of bad stuff [00:46:26] happening in that neighborhood, including in front of the building in question panhandlers [00:46:32] that are waiting out there to try to get money to buy drink. So my view of it is if the property [00:46:38] owner is willing to invest and improve the condition of the building, that it helps the [00:46:43] public safety, because right now that whole area is a mess. So I'm going to go along with [00:46:51] it with the hopes that a longstanding taxpaying commercial property is going to do the right [00:46:59] thing, and hopefully what we've heard will help to improve the condition of the property [00:47:06] area. [00:47:07] Mr. Murphy? [00:47:08] Yeah, I just want to say, I mean, my thoughts are it's for a school now, it's owned for [00:47:13] a school now, and with this year, 2020, with COVID, I don't know if that had anything to [00:47:16] do with it. I mean, there's been a lot of public schools that haven't been in operation [00:47:20] this year. So, I mean, I kind of give a little leniency there for that. Now, if you come [00:47:25] back with me, you know, with that said, come back in another year, two years or three years, [00:47:29] and it still is not in operation, and there's still a problem, I'll be like, okay, I'd be [00:47:34] more inclined to say, okay, well, it's time to move on, and they've had their opportunity. [00:47:39] We have a motion. I don't know if it's appropriate under a motion. [00:47:44] I think he's speaking to where he's coming on the discussion. [00:47:48] So, discussion is by the body here. [00:47:50] Yes. [00:47:51] Yeah. [00:47:52] I mean, they're approaching to speak to us. [00:47:54] Yeah. [00:47:55] But that's just my thoughts. I mean, with everything this year, I mean, it's a school [00:48:00] now. The reason it's run open, it could be just like anybody else's reason for not opening [00:48:05] this year with the COVID. But like I said, if it's another year goes by, and it's still [00:48:09] not in operation, I'd be more inclined to be like, okay, yeah, now it's time to move [00:48:13] on. So, that's my thoughts. [00:48:15] Thank you. [00:48:16] I just want to comment, you know, along with that COVID thing, this building was abandoned [00:48:21] long before COVID, you know, just as a comment. [00:48:24] Mr. Peters, any further comments regarding the motion? [00:48:27] Yeah, I know sometimes it takes time to move buildings. You know, I personally own a piece [00:48:33] of property that I've been trying to sell for almost two years, and it's going to be [00:48:38] used for what it should be used for, an office, but it's not always necessarily that easy. [00:48:44] And so, I know sometimes it takes time. [00:48:46] Can I real quick, just a consequent to Chopper's comment, I agree with you. Like you said, [00:48:52] it's been more than a year, and that may have inhibited it, the COVID, being able to get [00:48:57] it going as a school again. So, I mean, it just may have played a role in it, that's [00:49:01] all I'm saying. [00:49:02] I appreciate that. The property, I'm assuming you're the property owner? [00:49:07] Yes, sir. [00:49:09] The property, as Mr. Altman pointed out, has had some fairly significant criminal activity. [00:49:20] One of the, and it's been going on for a while. Shortly after I came on council, I think for [00:49:29] the first time, which would have been back in the 2007-2008 timeframe, did a ride-along [00:49:37] with our police department on the prostitution sting. And the car I was in was with a supervisor, [00:49:48] and one of the patrol cars came up to approach some of the working ladies that were in your [00:49:58] parking lot. And before they could actually get close enough to have an interaction with [00:50:06] them, not one, but two Johns came up and took the ladies off with them. It is something [00:50:11] that definitely needs to be kept an eye on, and would encourage you to do so. [00:50:20] The other piece of this is, it was alluded to, I think by Mr. Davis, there is an active [00:50:30] project underway by the City of New Port Richey to identify redevelopment opportunities [00:50:37] along the U.S. 19 corridor, including Davis Plaza, which you're in the old food fair, [00:50:45] part of Davis Plaza. At some point, there is in all likelihood going to be some opportunities [00:50:53] to do some redevelopment that may well bring that, demolish the existing building, put [00:50:59] something closer to the highway, and basically make it a lot nicer than anything that's in [00:51:04] that area right now. If we had an active school in the Genesis property, I would be inclined [00:51:14] to be very reluctant to improve this, but given that it is not active, that the property [00:51:22] has been for sale for an extended period of time, and given that the American Legion is [00:51:27] literally right around the corner between the two properties, I'm inclined to support [00:51:33] this appeal. I just, I can't in good conscience say, no you can't do it, because there's some [00:51:42] hypothetical that there's going to be a school there, because there's no appearance that [00:51:48] that's going to happen any time soon. And certainly, there are ways of mitigating the [00:51:56] location distance that could be done by a school if they come in. Although, quite frankly, [00:52:06] I could see that property getting redeveloped for commercial or office use a lot faster [00:52:11] than I could see it for a school. And I do drive by it every single day, multiple times. [00:52:17] Any further discussion on the motion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by [00:52:23] saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign? No. Motion passes 3-2. Thank you. Next is consideration [00:52:36] of appointments to intergovernmental committees. Former Deputy Mayor Starkey was on the Metropolitan
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- 11.d
Consideration of Appointments to Intergovernmental Committees
approvedCouncil reorganized intergovernmental committee assignments. Councilmember Murphy will take over the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seat, and Councilmember Peters will take over the Suncoast League of Cities representative role previously held by Murphy. Other members retain their current assignments.
- motion:Swap committee assignments: Mr. Peters to take the Suncoast League of Cities seat and Mr. Murphy to take the MPO seat, with all other members remaining in their current roles. (passed)
Florida Department of TransportationMetropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)Suncoast League of CitiesChopraPete MurphyPetersMCC (Metropolitan/Municipal committee)Metropolitan Planning OrganizationSuncoast League of Citiesoverpass project▶ Jump to 52:38 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:52:49] Planning Organization, which is a non-trivial seat because of the amount of stuff that goes [00:52:59] on with that. I'd like to nominate Pete, he's been going to the meetings. No, I appreciate [00:53:08] it, but I think I'd like to decline the... Okay, I thought you were already going to [00:53:13] those meetings. No, no, I go to the regional planning meetings and I sit next to the guy [00:53:18] that's in charge of the DOT, so I got a good spot where I'm at right now. I think that [00:53:25] I would like to nominate, if everybody's happy where they're at for now, at least for the [00:53:29] next three or four months, I'd like to... No, I think I'd like to take a shot at MPO [00:53:33] and... Would you? Yeah, I'd be glad to give up the... Okay, I'll nominate you then. Oh, [00:53:37] thank you. We have a second. Thank you. Get us that overpass, man. Get us the overpass. [00:53:46] So we vote now? No, we have to set the whole stage, so I would suggest that would you [00:53:52] be willing for Mr. Peters to take over the role of the League of Cities representative [00:53:58] for the Suncoast League of Cities? And I think that would actually be a good way for you [00:54:02] to get your feet wet. Other city council members in the Tampa Bay region meet quarterly. It's [00:54:09] a good... It's a good way to get started without getting thrown into the shark tank. Okay. [00:54:16] So my motion then would be to make the swap with Mr. Murphy to Mr. Peters and Mr. Murphy [00:54:26] to the MPO, and the rest of us stay at MCC. And the rest of us stay where we're at. Any [00:54:31] further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. [00:54:38] Aye. Yeah. Chopper seconded. So next is fire station number two, Duke Energy Utility Underground
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- 11.e
Fire Station No. 2 – Duke Energy Utility Underground Conversion
approvedCouncil authorized Duke Energy to perform overhead utility relocation and electrical upgrades for the new Fire Station No. 2 at the northeast corner of Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard, at a cost of $110,451.23, in advance of the construction project.
- motion:Authorize Duke Energy to perform the utility underground conversion work for Fire Station No. 2 at a cost of $110,451.23. (passed)
▶ Jump to 54:46 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:54:47] Conversion. Ms. Manns. Project to establish fire station number two at the northeast corner [00:54:55] of Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard involves the relocation of, pardon me, some overhead [00:55:04] utilities, as well as some electrical upgrades. The cost associated with that is $110,451.23. [00:55:16] Duke Energy has provided the proposal to do the work, and we have budgeted for the expenditure, [00:55:26] so we're asking that you authorize us to do the work in advance of the construction project. [00:55:32] Thank you. Open it up for public comment. Move approval. Second. We'll come bring back [00:55:38] to council. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in [00:55:43] favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next,
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- 11.f
2020 Police Department HVAC Control System Upgrades
approvedCouncil approved a sole-source proposal not to exceed $33,505 from Automated Building Control Systems to upgrade the HVAC control system at the police station to a fully automated system, funded through Penny for Pasco capital improvement funds. Councilman Allman expressed concern about using Penny for Pasco funds for maintenance and requested a future discussion on those funds.
- motion:Approve sole-source proposal not to exceed $33,505 from Automated Building Control Systems for police department HVAC control system upgrades. (passed)
Automated Building Control SystemsAllmanMs. MannsMs. RiveraPetersCapital Improvement ProgramPenny for PascoPolice Department HVAC Control System Upgrades▶ Jump to 55:49 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:55:49] 2020 Police Department HVAC Control System Upgrades. Ms. Rivera. Thank you, Ms. Manns. [00:55:57] This item for your review and consideration is an attached sole source proposal in the [00:56:03] amount not to exceed $33,505 from Automated Building Control Systems. This is for the [00:56:11] upgrades to the existing HVA system at the police station, converting the system over [00:56:18] to a fully automated system that would give us options to have one central computer system [00:56:26] control operation of the components, data collection, trend implementation. We would [00:56:32] be able to add additional features like sensors and actuators to each of our VAV boxes and [00:56:40] the air handler. Currently, the city's public library, the public works facility, and the [00:56:48] recreation and aquatic center have these types of systems, so once we can bring this one [00:56:55] forward, hopefully next year we'll come to you with the city hall one and we'll be able [00:57:00] to have all of our systems tied into one singular system. The money for the project is identified [00:57:08] in the city's current capital improvement program as penny for PASCO funds. Thank you. [00:57:13] I'll open it up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:57:18] Move for approval. Second. Nothing. Second. Now I'm good. Mr. Allman? Yeah, I'm for the [00:57:27] purchase of it. I would have to say that the use of penny for PASCO funds to do maintenance [00:57:34] and improvements to our facilities is a stretch for me as one who was on the county commission [00:57:40] when we got the original penny for PASCO, which was to help us to enhance things. I know [00:57:47] the normal replacement is something that we should be, in my mind, taking elsewhere, [00:57:53] but because of the budget and because of the lack of funding, we're dipping into that, [00:57:58] but I'll vote for it, but I really would like for us to have a discussion about penny for PASCO. [00:58:04] It's been a while as we get ready for next year's budget because, again, we've got to be able [00:58:10] to attack these capital projects after we get some of our consulting back and look at all of those [00:58:17] resources, so I'll support it. Mr. Peters? Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, [00:58:28] please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next is a six-inch
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- 11.g
WWTP 6-Inch Portable Pump Purchase
approvedCouncil approved the purchase of a 6-inch portable pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $51,889 to support wastewater treatment plant operations, using Florida Sheriff's Association contract pricing. 40% of the cost will be reimbursed by Pasco County via interlocal agreement.
- motion:Motion to approve purchase of 6-inch portable pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions for not to exceed $51,889. (passed)
Florida Sheriff's AssociationPasco CountyXylem Dewatering Solutions, IncorporatedMurphyPetersCapital Equipment Improvement ProgramFSA-20-EQU-18.0-272Wastewater Treatment Plant▶ Jump to 58:34 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:58:34] portable pump purchase. The purchase is to support the operations of the wastewater treatment plant. [00:58:42] The company that we are recommending is Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Incorporated, [00:58:49] for a price not to exceed $51,889. The pricing is in accordance with the Florida Sheriff's Association [00:58:58] Contract Bid Award, FSA-20-EQU-18-0-272, and if you approve this expenditure, [00:59:10] which is typically used for emergency repair purposes, we have budgeted for it in the Capital Equipment [00:59:19] Improvement Program, and as a reminder, 40% of the expenditure will be paid for by PASCO County [00:59:27] through our interlocal agreement with them. Thank you. I'll open it up for public comment. [00:59:32] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. [00:59:40] Mr. Peters? No. Mr. Murphy? No. In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. [00:59:49] Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next, request to purchase Census Consumer Portal.
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- 11.h
Request to Purchase Sensus Customer Portal
approvedCouncil approved the purchase of the Sensus customer portal software, which integrates with existing advanced metering infrastructure to allow water customers to monitor consumption, set leak/usage alerts, and view bills online. First-year cost is $27,250 from the Water and Sewer Revenue Fund, with a budget amendment for hosting fees through year five.
- motion:Move approval of the request to purchase the Sensus customer portal with associated budget amendment. (passed)
Core & Main LPSensusTampa Bay WaterCrystalManzMrs. FeastPetersonStephen Hemingway$27,250 first-year feeAdvanced Metering InfrastructureSensus analytic softwareWater and Sewer Revenue Fund▶ Jump to 59:56 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:59:56] Mrs. Feast has prepared this agenda item. [01:00:00] We also have an attendant, Stephen Hemingway, who's an account manager with CORE Maine. [01:00:08] And we want, and the purpose of the agenda item is to approve the purchase of a customer [01:00:13] portal and it also includes a budget amendment to support the expenditure. [01:00:21] The census analytic software is something that is used to collect data from our water [01:00:29] meters and customers can access the information themselves. [01:00:35] And Crystal, I'll let you more fully introduce the agenda item and if Mr. Hemingway has something [01:00:42] to add, we can do that as well. [01:00:44] Thank you. [01:00:45] As City Manager Manz mentioned, the city currently uses the census analytic software to collect [01:00:53] data for us to have a better access to customer information, provide historic consumption [01:01:01] information, it detects leaks, and provides daily meter reads. [01:01:06] By this purchase, it would give all of the access to our customers and residents. [01:01:12] Stephen Hemingway, I'll call him up now. [01:01:14] He is a municipal account manager with CORE Maine LP, the seller of the software, and [01:01:21] he will be able to provide you with, or elaborate on the functions of the software and the benefits [01:01:26] that it will give to our residents. [01:01:28] Hi, good evening everybody. [01:01:32] So that was a pretty good summary, yes. [01:01:33] The City of New Port Richey has been pretty forward thinking in that you have what's known [01:01:38] as advanced metering infrastructure. [01:01:41] Your water meters are outfitted with radio transmitters that report back to central locations. [01:01:47] The core functionality of this is to read the meters monthly to generate water bills [01:01:52] for the utility. [01:01:53] However, as part of this elaborate network, there's other features that are available [01:01:59] and this may be the most public facing one and that's generally the idea. [01:02:04] These meters, because they're connected, can report conditions in the field in real time [01:02:10] and where that can be very valuable to the residents is the ability for them to control [01:02:15] their own water consumption. [01:02:17] The ability to see what you are using on a daily basis and actually to set alerts for [01:02:24] things like excessive consumption if you've established a usage history in the past and [01:02:30] you're on a trend to exceed that usage, you can set up warnings for that type of usage [01:02:36] or also for continuous consumption, which would typically be indicative of a leak. [01:02:43] It allows the residents to set up an account, monitor what their usage looks like before [01:02:47] they get a bill and be proactive in their management of the water, both from a conservation [01:02:53] standpoint and from a financial standpoint. [01:02:58] With that, it will integrate with the city website and basically allow anybody that's [01:03:03] interested to log in, see what their usage is, why their bill is what it is, and hopefully [01:03:10] cut down on both customer service calls and hopefully cut down on surprise bills to the [01:03:16] residents of the city. [01:03:17] The first year fee of the program is $27,250 and we are proposing to use the Water and [01:03:26] Sewer Revenue Fund to finance the expenditure. [01:03:30] We also have provided with you an amount for the hosting fee through year five of the program [01:03:39] and we would budget accordingly if you determine it's appropriate to approve the expenditure [01:03:44] as proposed. [01:03:45] Thank you. [01:03:46] Open it up for public comment. [01:03:47] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:03:51] Move approval of the request. [01:03:53] Second. [01:03:54] Yeah, this is something I was aware of back when I was finance director. [01:03:58] We went to the census meters. [01:04:00] We had a big discussion about our irrigation meters and the cost of water and we were informed [01:04:11] and told that we had to make sure that we were doing everything we could to control [01:04:17] our use of water. [01:04:18] So also in my previous short role as the city finance director, I oversaw the billing and [01:04:26] the collection and I was regularly drawn into discussions of folks who had enormous [01:04:32] bills that they could not handle. [01:04:34] Many times we gave up the bills, did some compromising, worked them out. [01:04:41] Water and sewer bills are liens under the state. [01:04:43] I believe the city attorney would confirm that. [01:04:46] And so, you know, once a bill is put, we want to collect that money. [01:04:50] We also are a member of Tampa Bay Water and we're paying for all the water we draw from [01:04:55] them. [01:04:56] So the $27,000 is a fee which I think can probably save our residents that amount of [01:05:02] money and only cost us a portion of that because we'll probably save some. [01:05:11] Large users, hotels, small users with just a small leak adding up to $1,000 bills, I'm [01:05:21] sure we've got 27 of those a year. [01:05:23] So if people have the ability to monitor them, and again, we're able to as a city now [01:05:30] through the billing department, go on and look at a meter and read the usage on a per [01:05:37] hour basis. [01:05:39] And so I've been through that a few times and seen where someone said, well, you know, [01:05:44] you had, you must have got up at 2 in the morning and flushed the toilet. [01:05:48] So I mean, the amount of control that we have over identifying our water use or just, [01:05:56] as he said, either a continuous use of water when it should turn off and on or an enormous [01:06:03] bill, residents be able to set an alarm for themselves, it's going to save them a lot [01:06:08] of money. [01:06:09] It may cost us a little, but we've got to, that's I don't think a big price to pay for [01:06:14] as large of a utility as we have. [01:06:16] So I'm in favor of it. [01:06:19] To the second. [01:06:20] Nothing more than what he said. [01:06:21] Mr. Peterson. [01:06:22] I don't know if we have any information, where this has been implemented in other communities, [01:06:26] what percentage of the users actually do log on and maintain accounts or active accounts? [01:06:33] That's something I try to be very upfront about. [01:06:41] Generally speaking, the actual enrolled user base is maybe at most 15% in most places. [01:06:50] Generally speaking, it's for those that have either had a problem previously or have other [01:06:55] reasons to be concerned. [01:06:57] Perhaps they're a seasonal resident that wants to keep an eye out on a property that's out [01:07:01] of town. [01:07:02] But generally speaking, about 15% of the users will actually establish login credentials, [01:07:10] sometimes a set an alert to look for leaks and things of that nature. [01:07:16] I like the idea, you know, I've had a water leak myself and had a crazy build, but one [01:07:22] that got my attention anyway, and certainly I would personally be one to utilize it. [01:07:28] But I think we have an opportunity here to, if we adopt this, that we market it to our [01:07:33] water users well enough so we can go to them and say, yeah, but you could have been monitoring [01:07:39] this and certainly, you know, you need to do that. [01:07:42] So you know, I think that we should try to, I get it, you know, monitoring water is not [01:07:49] exciting until you have that big bill, and then you would. [01:07:52] But we should market it. [01:07:53] Same thing, I really don't have any clue about my water or what's going on, honestly. [01:08:01] It's just I pay the bill every month, but if I got a big huge one, I'd stop and be like, [01:08:05] okay, wait a minute, what's going on? [01:08:07] And I would think probably for, you know, seniors and people on social security will [01:08:11] want to monitor their water and, you know, make sure they cut as many pennies as they [01:08:15] can. [01:08:16] So it's a good tool. [01:08:17] So, you know, we'll see how it goes. [01:08:20] Is that reference to me? [01:08:22] Certain demographics are. [01:08:25] We'll be getting those, living in a 100-year-old house that has been known [01:08:37] to occasionally pop a leak. [01:08:39] Yeah, it would be really nice to know and get an alert when all of a sudden something [01:08:47] goes awry, because it is very definitely possible. [01:08:50] I'm sure we will sign up for it, assuming it passes. [01:08:55] Any further discussion? [01:08:56] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:09:00] Aye. [01:09:01] Opposed, like sign. [01:09:03] Motion passes. [01:09:04] Thank you. [01:09:05] Next is our quarterly investment performance report.
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- 11.i
Quarterly Investment Performance Report
discussedFinance staff presented the Q4 FY2020 investment performance report (ending 9/30/2020), reporting $28,250,656 in total checking and investments. The portfolio is now in compliance with composition requirements (unlike the prior year's audit comment), and quarterly income earned was $35,944, down from prior quarters due to pandemic-driven economic conditions.
Florida Municipal Investment TrustFlorida Prime (SBA) Trust FundMs. FeastQuarterly Investment Performance Report Q4 FY2020U.S. Treasury obligationsWater and sewer construction projects▶ Jump to 1:09:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:09:08] Ms. Feast. [01:09:09] Ms. Feast will be presenting that along with our interest earnings for the quarter. [01:09:14] Thank you for allowing me to close out the agenda items with our investment summary other [01:09:18] than the police department's three-minute report. [01:09:22] So tonight I'm presenting the summary for quarter four, which ended September 30, 2020. [01:09:31] In total, the City had $28,250,656 in total in their checking and investment accounts. [01:09:43] You can see that checking comprised a little over $5 million and made up 18 percent of [01:09:49] the total investments. [01:09:51] Our investment portfolio included $13,294,362 in our SBA, our Florida Prime Trust Fund, [01:10:03] $4,376,016 in Florida Municipal Investment Trust Fund, and $5,494,439 in U.S. Treasury [01:10:16] obligations. [01:10:18] The percentage of those investments are listed next to them. [01:10:22] You'll see that 47.1 percent was in our SBA, 15.5 percent in Florida Municipal Investment [01:10:28] Trust, and 19.4 percent in U.S. Treasury obligations, our Treasury bills. [01:10:35] If you recall, last year at this time, the City was a little over the percentage of what [01:10:46] needed to be in those investment pools or investment tools, and so that was a comment [01:10:53] on our audit as of 9-30-2019. [01:10:57] As presented here, we are in compliance with those compositions. [01:11:04] In checking, the maximum we can have is 25 percent, and we're well below that. [01:11:09] SBA, the max is 50 percent, and so we fell at 47 percent. [01:11:16] Florida Municipal Investment Trust, the max is 25 percent, and the U.S. Treasury obligations, [01:11:22] we actually can have 75 percent of our investment portfolio in those types, and we're at 19.4 [01:11:29] percent. [01:11:30] So as far as comments go, this upcoming audit, that will not be one. [01:11:36] Income earned this quarter totaled $35,944. [01:11:42] If I were to compare to last quarter, we earned $69,000. [01:11:48] So we are earning less this quarter compared to last quarter, and even if I go a quarter [01:11:53] prior to that, we earned $114,000. [01:11:56] So obviously that's driven by the pandemic and the economy, and it is declining. [01:12:05] We do expect or hope that quarter one of fiscal year 21 will close better than we've [01:12:14] seen in quarter four. [01:12:20] This screen or this slide provides a visual of basically what I went over on the previous [01:12:25] slide. [01:12:26] You'll see that the majority of our funds are in the SBA at 47 percent. [01:12:31] This is our Treasury bill, our U.S. Treasury obligations, following with checking, and [01:12:37] then the Florida Municipal Investment Trust. [01:12:43] Our final slide provides a comparison to the previous quarter. [01:12:49] If you look at the checking, it has gone down by $2.8 million, and that's driven by just [01:12:55] year-end payables that were paid at 9-30-2020. [01:12:59] That's very typical for that to happen historically. [01:13:02] We always see a decline in our checking account at that time. [01:13:07] Next is the SBA, which was reduced or declined by $905,000, and this is driven by a transfer [01:13:16] from SBA to checking to cover our water and sewer construction projects that were funded [01:13:21] at year-end. [01:13:24] And that transfer also allowed us to meet our compliance, our composition requirements [01:13:30] for the portfolio. [01:13:33] Next is a small change in our Florida Municipal Investment Trust. [01:13:37] It increased by roughly $1,600, and basically that's the earnings for the quarter, so very [01:13:43] small earnings. [01:13:45] And finally, we have our U.S. Treasury obligations, which changed by $17,000. [01:13:52] And that is earnings as well, and it's higher than what the economy has shown us in this [01:14:00] quarter, and that's because those T-bills were purchased at a discount early on, and [01:14:04] so the earnings weren't driven by the market during the pandemic or during this quarter. [01:14:13] And that is all I have. [01:14:14] Questions, anyone? [01:14:15] Thank you, Ms. Feast. [01:14:17] Thank you, Ms. Feast.
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- 11.j
Three Minute Report - Police Department
discussedPolice Chief delivered three-minute report covering deployment of body-worn cameras and in-car camera systems funded by federal asset-sharing money, and outlined departmental goals for the year including pursuing an aggressive driving grant, drug interdiction using newly dual-certified K9s, increased Facebook presence, a recruitment video, training additional community-oriented policing officers, expanding the auxiliary program, and pursuing state law enforcement accreditation. Council raised concerns about rented e-scooters being operated unsafely in the park, and the Chief agreed to work with staff on a possible local ordinance regulating e-scooter use.
- direction:Council directed the Police Chief and staff to look into developing a local ordinance regulating e-scooter operation, including possible age restrictions and designated areas, and to report back. (none)
DebbieTimAggressive driving grantAuxiliary officer programBody-worn camera programCommission for Florida Law Enforcement AccreditationCommunity-oriented policing officer trainingE-scooter ordinanceFederal asset-sharing fundsIn-car camera systemsK9 drug interdiction program▶ Jump to 1:14:19 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:14:19] Next, we have the three-minute report from the PD. [01:14:24] Oh, thank you. [01:14:30] The first thing I want to mention is that back in May of 2019, our department began [01:14:37] a pilot program for the body-worn cameras, and I want to thank the Council for authorizing [01:14:44] us to use some federal asset-sharing money that our department had available to us and [01:14:52] authorized the purchase of body cameras. [01:14:55] Those have come in, and thanks to the IT department, we have them programmed. [01:15:00] and right now we are in the last day or two are in the process of issuing them [01:15:06] to all of our patrol officers as well as the detectives when they are assigned [01:15:11] out and doing uniform type functions they will be wearing the body cams as [01:15:16] well and it's more than just the body cams we also have equipped a number of [01:15:22] our cars this year are going to have the in-car camera systems which are state of [01:15:28] the art I don't think we could get better equipment than what we've [01:15:31] identified and purchased in terms of features so I just want to mention that [01:15:36] to you that it's happening right now finally they're in place and it was long [01:15:42] before this was all started long before the movement and all this other stuff [01:15:48] began we were already trying to figure out how to get that stuff but because of [01:15:53] the economy the pandemic I didn't think it was going to be possible but it was [01:15:59] and we have and it's getting in place right now so thank you for that [01:16:06] recently Debbie and I had a meeting where we talked about what I'd be doing [01:16:11] this year what were the most important things that I thought I should be [01:16:15] working our department toward so I just wanted to mention just a few of those to [01:16:20] council as to where we're going this year and there may be some things along [01:16:26] the way that I report on the status of those but I think they are important for [01:16:31] you to be aware of them especially when you speak to your constituents about [01:16:35] what our department is doing and what our plans are so I just wanted to [01:16:40] quickly go through just a couple of those with you at this meeting the first [01:16:44] one is to pursue an aggressive driving grant and what that does is provides [01:16:51] funding it's like overtime funding for us to be able to take officers and [01:16:56] assign them specifically to address an address of driving campaign we've got [01:17:02] some major highways like 19 and some of our other thoroughfares like Madison [01:17:09] Trouble Creek you know where we really have aggressive driving and speeding [01:17:12] issues going on but it's really hard for patrol officer to address that when he's [01:17:17] handling calls for service but this way and I know you feel complaints on those [01:17:22] streets I'm talking about we've had that aggressive driving grant before and I'm [01:17:27] optimistic that we can get it again but that'll happen probably sometime around [01:17:31] January is when those types of grants become available and as you probably [01:17:39] already know we have two canines at the department now both canines were law [01:17:47] enforcement certified one was additionally drug certified we just had [01:17:54] the other dog graduate the drug training and is now certified as a drug dog so we [01:18:01] now have two dogs that are dual certified and I'm going to be initiating [01:18:06] some I'm going to call them drug interdiction programs where when we [01:18:15] legally stop somebody we have a brief moment in time for the time that it [01:18:20] takes for that normal traffic stop for a dog to be able to do a drug sniff around [01:18:25] that vehicle so we will periodically be doing those types of activities using [01:18:30] those canines we are going to increase the use of our department's Facebook [01:18:37] presence we do very little bragging about the high performance of our [01:18:42] department and our accomplishments word doesn't get out in fact we don't even [01:18:46] often communicate it to you so I intend to increase those positive things that [01:18:52] we are doing in the community through the face through our Facebook we and it's [01:19:00] becoming more and more difficult to recruit officers so one of our plans [01:19:04] this year is to actually develop a recruitment video and we now have a [01:19:08] training officer assigned specifically to the training function who will also [01:19:13] be a recruitment officer and he'll visit the academies in our region which there [01:19:21] I think there are about four or five of them right now and try to recruit [01:19:26] applicants because sometimes it takes us a while to fill a position I intend [01:19:34] to get no less than three additional officers formally trained and certified [01:19:40] as community-oriented policing officers we only have one two right now and one [01:19:46] is a sergeant and it is a very important function I think especially with the [01:19:51] trending and law enforcement going in the direction that's going that we have [01:19:54] more and more people trained with that type of understanding and I'm hoping to [01:20:04] be able to expand our auxiliary program I think that has been very successful in [01:20:07] the park and downtown and supplemental to our workforce and each year we seem [01:20:16] to be able to add another one to it and these are part-time they work on a [01:20:20] part-time basis and they serve a very important function and that program I [01:20:25] just like to see it expand and the final thing that I'm going to mention is that [01:20:31] before I end my tenure with this department I would like to get our [01:20:35] department accredited I spent over 12 or 13 years working directly with the [01:20:40] Florida Accreditation Commission for law enforcement it's called Commission for [01:20:44] Florida law enforcement accreditation and helped agencies all over the state [01:20:49] get accredited and so the one thing I want to make sure that we accomplish [01:20:53] before I leave is that our department gets accredited I was on the task force [01:20:58] that helped to develop the first standards and then worked on that [01:21:01] program for over 12 years as a trainer as an assessor as a team leader and on [01:21:07] the committees that helped to fine-tune the standards if you will and I think it [01:21:12] would be an accomplishment for our city and certainly an accomplishment for our [01:21:16] department so with that I'll end my presentation thank you chief any [01:21:20] questions no I just want to make a kind of a question I want to leave with you [01:21:26] I I was involved in an incident on Saturday at the park where the rented [01:21:33] scooters thought that that was a racetrack around around the park and so [01:21:38] I'd like you to look into I think do we have a motorized no motorized vehicles [01:21:44] in the park is that true because I thought that's how we got rid of the [01:21:48] golf carts in the park those e-scooters the state statute allows them to ride on [01:22:00] sidewalks and bike lanes our governor approved a law change this last I'm [01:22:06] wrong Tim but this last year that made that authorization they're not allowed [01:22:12] on the streets but the law does allow for municipalities to develop their own [01:22:18] ordinance and control where and how those e-scooters are operated and there [01:22:25] are jurisdictions I've done some homework on this there are jurisdictions [01:22:28] like Tampa where they put out a map and they say these are the areas that you [01:22:33] can operate these e-scooters and there's the rules they put in place to go with [01:22:38] those so if we have areas I would like to see us get an ordinance because I am [01:22:44] very worried that as we go forward and more of these more people personally [01:22:50] purchase e-scooters not just rent them from downtown but purchase them we're [01:22:54] gonna have no control over it okay let me just let me go ahead I'm 100% behind [01:23:01] this because what I saw in the park there this Saturday was a couple walking [01:23:06] with their brand-new born newborn in a you know in a carriage and and the kid [01:23:12] wasn't months old and the guy started yelling at this scooter race and thank [01:23:18] God he was twice the size of the scooter driver because he was trying to get in [01:23:22] his face and of course the kid backed down but but it could have it if they'd [01:23:26] been equal size there would definitely been a fight and then and then I would [01:23:32] like to look into the possibility of there's an age group that we could [01:23:36] possibly deal with in these scooters because when I left the park I drove by [01:23:41] the scooter place and here was I would guess a 10 and a 12 year old getting you [01:23:46] know getting a helmet on and getting ready to ride the scooter and they're [01:23:49] adjusting the handlebars so they could ride them you know and then they're [01:23:52] going to be riding around the sidewalks and possibly not stopping at an [01:23:57] intersection don't have that driving mentality so I'd like you to look into [01:24:02] that to possibly you know income every private report back to us I'll be Tim [01:24:06] and I've had discussions already as well as with Debbie about this topic we do [01:24:11] realize that it's something that needs to be addressed and I'll be talking some [01:24:16] more with him all right thank you I was gonna say about the scooters I was [01:24:30] really I know that had this problem in Tampa too but I was recently in Nashville [01:24:34] and they had the scooters and they were everywhere and they just were laying on [01:24:38] the street corners like I mean it was just it looked horrible I thought I [01:24:42] think we're really doing the right thing here they can go on back to the point of [01:24:47] origin to turn them back in and run them out because it was just I mean you're [01:24:51] literally tripping over them on the sidewalks it was just it was ridiculous
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- 12Communications▶ 1:24:55
- 13Adjournment▶ 1:47:33