On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Pledge of Allegiance

   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited followed by a moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:17] join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, and remain standing for a moment of silence [00:00:21] in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. I pledge allegiance to [00:00:27] the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, [00:00:32] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated.

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3. 4

   Approval of February 16, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the February 16, 2021 regular meeting.

   • motion:Approve the February 16, 2021 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

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   [00:00:45] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the February 16th regular meeting minutes. [00:00:52] Second. Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. [00:00:59] Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. If I have some members of the Library Advisory Board sitting up

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4. 5

   Proclamation - Read Across America Month

   approved

   Mayor Rob Marlow read a proclamation declaring March as Read Across America Month in the City of New Port Richey, recognizing the NEA's Read Across America campaign and the role of the public library in promoting children's reading. The library presented the Mayor with a commemorative photo book celebrating its 100th anniversary.

   • direction:Mayor proclaimed March as Read Across America Month in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)

   🏢National Education Association🏢New Port Richey Public Library👤Rob Marlow#Library Centennial / 100th anniversary#Read Across America Month

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   [00:01:18] front, if you could, socially distancing, meet me at the podium, please. We'll wear masks and stay [00:01:39] safe. I'm going to be so glad when we get past this. Whereas the City of Newport citizens, [00:01:49] the City of New Port Richey, stand firmly committed to promoting reading as the catalyst [00:01:55] for our students' future academic success, their preparation for America's jobs of the future, [00:02:02] their ability to compete in a global economy, and whereas the City of New Port Richey has provided [00:02:07] significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education of our youth, [00:02:13] grounded in the principles that educational investment is key to the community's well-being [00:02:18] and long-term quality of life, and whereas the National Education Association's Read Across [00:02:25] America campaign promotes reading and adult involvement in the education for the children [00:02:30] of our community, and where it is the goal of the City of New Port Richey throughout our public [00:02:35] library to ensure that every child is in a safe place reading together through the month of March [00:02:41] and beyond in honor of the NEA's Read Across America campaign, [00:02:46] now therefore I, Rob Marlow, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim the month of [00:02:51] March as Read Across America Month in the City of New Port Richey and urge everyone in our community [00:02:57] to engage in programs and activities at our public library to ensure that our children become the [00:03:03] best readers they can be. And as an aside, I picked up the book that I will be reading to [00:03:09] a bunch of first graders before I came over here tonight, so there you go. Thank you. If you'd like [00:03:15] to say anything. Thank you for reading that proclamation, Mr. Mayor. I wanted to present to [00:03:26] you tonight as a thank you for your support of the library and as a commemoration for the 100th [00:03:36] year anniversary celebration last year we had. We did many activities and so we're presenting you [00:03:43] with a picture, a year in pictures of the library centennial and thank you so much for all your help [00:03:49] and support. Thank you. I'm apparently going to be reading about a thirsty moose,

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5. 6

   Proclamation - Problem Gambling Awareness Month (By Title Only)

   approved

   The Mayor read by title only a proclamation designating March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. No recipient was present, so the proclamation was returned to the clerk to forward on.

   • direction:Proclamation designating March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month was read by title only and forwarded back to the clerk for delivery. (passed)

   #Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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   [00:04:07] which was one of the books that I was given as such an option to read, so [00:04:11] one of the librarians helped me pick it out this afternoon. Reading this as a proclamation [00:04:21] by title only is designating the month of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. I don't [00:04:29] believe we have anybody here to receive this so I'm going to send it back over to the clerk to [00:04:36] forward on.

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6. 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 4:56
7. 8.a

   Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - January 2021

   approvedon consent

   Council approved the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from January 2021 as part of the consent agenda.

   • motion:Motion to approve the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes from January 2021. (passed)

   #Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - January 2021

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   [00:28:21] Move for approval. [00:28:23] Second. [00:28:24] All those in favor? [00:28:25] Aye. [00:28:26] Opposed, like sign. [00:28:28] Public reading of ordinances.

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8. 8.b

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Council approved the purchases/payments item by voice vote.

   • motion:Motion to approve purchases/payments for City Council approval. (passed)

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   [00:28:21] Move for approval. [00:28:23] Second. [00:28:24] All those in favor? [00:28:25] Aye. [00:28:26] Opposed, like sign. [00:28:28] Public reading of ordinances.

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9. 9.a

   Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2021-2224: Amendments to Chpt. 12 LDC RE: Fences

   approved

   Council held the second reading of Ordinance 2021-2224 amending Chapter 12 of the Land Development Code regarding fence design standards. After public comment and council discussion about restrictions on corner lots, the council adopted the ordinance with an amendment adding paragraph J to allow six-foot fences set back at least 10 feet from the property line on the secondary street frontage of corner lots.

   Ord. Ordinance No. 2021-2224

   • motion:Motion to adopt Ordinance 2021-2224 with an additional paragraph J in subsection 2 allowing six-foot fences on the secondary street frontage of corner lots if set back at least 10 feet from the property line. (passed)

   📍5638 Illinois Ave📍5746 Wyoming Avenue📍Franklin📍Indiana / Jackson📍corner of Van Buren and Montana👤Altman👤Bill Maydam👤Brad Cornelius👤George👤Linda Connelly👤Ms. Manson👤Ryan Rapp👤Tim👤Wendy Brenner#Article 7 of Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances#Chapter 12 Land Development Code#Florida Pool Safety Act#Ordinance 2021-2224#Section 12.05.00

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   [00:28:29] Second reading ordinance 2021-2224. [00:28:33] This is ordinance number 2021-2224, [00:28:35] an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:28:37] providing for amendment of section 12.05.00 [00:28:40] of chapter 12 of the land development code [00:28:42] pertaining to fences, [00:28:43] providing for design standards for fences, [00:28:45] providing for specific design standards [00:28:46] for the various yard areas [00:28:48] and zoning districts within the city, [00:28:49] providing for recodification and amendment [00:28:52] of fence standards provided in article seven [00:28:54] of chapter six of the code of ordinances, [00:28:56] providing for severability, providing for conflicts, [00:28:59] providing for codification and providing an effective date. [00:29:04] Open it up for public comment. [00:29:09] Come on down. [00:29:22] Wendy Brenner. [00:29:23] I did sign up, by the way. [00:29:26] I just have a couple of questions in regards to this. [00:29:32] What about preexisting fences? [00:29:35] They're all grandfathered. [00:29:36] So if you have an issue, [00:29:39] as long as you repair it like it was, [00:29:42] it's gonna be okay? [00:29:44] That's correct. Okay. [00:29:45] And then you've sort of corrected [00:29:48] the river corner house question that I had [00:29:52] by eliminating the side yard. [00:29:54] I wanna make sure that's correct. [00:29:57] Because I think it said before side yard and back. [00:30:00] now it says only the backyard with the street or the river. Tim is that correct? [00:30:08] Well when you have a corner lot there really is no side yard by definition so [00:30:12] you have two front yards basically or two areas of the front yard and I think [00:30:18] Brad provided an illustration. Do you have that Brad you can show that? [00:30:24] If I may Mayor, this is an illustration to demonstrate. Closer to the mic. [00:30:32] Hopefully this will answer your question here. Again, I'm Brad Cornelius [00:30:36] Quatrain. I'm an Insulting Planner for the City of New Port Richey. So what this [00:30:40] diagram shows you is the blue box is a conceptual house. The gray on the sides [00:30:46] are the roadway, the streets. That's a corner lot. So the way the ordinance is [00:30:50] written as the attorney said you basically on the street side you have [00:30:54] two front yards so both street frontages. So under the code in your front under [00:31:00] the proposed ordinance you have before you anything that's from the line of the [00:31:04] house towards the street so anywhere in that yellow area that's where the fence [00:31:10] would be limited to three feet because that's within the front yard subject to [00:31:14] the front yard fence limitations. Anywhere in that green area which is [00:31:18] behind the front faces of the house the fence there could be at six feet within [00:31:24] it. Now this is not on on the river this is for a just a corner. So that's how a [00:31:30] corner lot would be. It will be basically from the the face of the house on the [00:31:34] two streets towards the street it's three feet. Anything beyond the face of [00:31:38] the house can be six feet as shown in that diagram. When you bring the river [00:31:43] into the picture what would also happen say where it says corner lot fencing say [00:31:47] that was the river and I should have did a diagram for this I apologize I [00:31:51] didn't do that. From that point back 40 feet is also limited in its height as [00:31:57] well. So we take care of the river frontage to make sure we don't have any [00:32:01] too tall fences in that 40 foot setback which is the standard for your homes as [00:32:06] well. There is a provision though there are some older homes in the city that [00:32:10] may be closer than 40 feet in that case it can match where the house sits. That's [00:32:16] where that would start so that's how it deals with the 40 feet. I will say I [00:32:20] apologize I wasn't here at your last meeting I did also hear the question [00:32:22] about pool fencing I just want to make clear that issue up as well. So I think [00:32:27] as the attorney said at your last meeting you know primarily it's [00:32:30] regulated by the Pool Safety Act of the state of Florida which has a minimum of [00:32:34] a four foot barrier. Your code says four to six feet. Now in a situation where [00:32:40] there's a pool on a lot on a corner lot like this what your code says for pools [00:32:45] is your pool has to meet the same setback as the structure. So what that [00:32:50] would mean in terms of a fence your fence could be six feet because it would [00:32:53] be in line with that face of that house on that corner. So you could have a pool [00:32:58] with a six foot fence on a corner lot because the pool by the code is required [00:33:03] to be behind the home or meet the same setback as the home. So I hope that [00:33:08] answers the questions that you had at the last meeting. [00:33:11] Ms. Brenner if you could come back up to the council. Okay thank you. [00:33:19] Let's see if we have any other public comment. Come on down. [00:33:29] I'm referring back to the the image and what if the I put the image back up [00:33:44] there what if the where the yellow what if that's on the street too like my [00:33:50] mother's house that would be Main Street. [00:33:54] The situation the way the code is written any yard that abuts a street is [00:33:58] considered a front yard so it would be limited on the back to three feet as [00:34:02] well if it fronts a street. If somebody would want to do something higher than [00:34:07] that because of some kind of hardship they could come through the city for a [00:34:11] variance to ask for that increased height but any yard that fronts a street [00:34:15] by your code is considered a front yard. So that so if you had a street on the [00:34:22] back under the proposed code it would be limited to three feet. Under the [00:34:26] current code. Under the proposed code I'm sorry under the proposed code. Under the [00:34:29] current code it could be six feet. That's how. Because that is that is my neighbor [00:34:35] just put up a six foot fence around their pool. Right. Close very close to the [00:34:40] road. So under what's being proposed today that could not happen. Okay so that [00:34:45] really doesn't make a lot of sense for people that would like to put a pool it [00:34:49] hurts the value of your property. If there's a pool in the back of the home [00:34:54] they are allowed to go to four feet because that's requirement of the [00:34:58] Florida statute for the minimum so they're not limited to three they could [00:35:01] go to four. Yeah still not a lot of privacy for having a pool. Okay. I can [00:35:07] understand you know the thing with the road that you know when you're pretty [00:35:13] much surrounded by three roads and your backyard is your backyard even though it [00:35:20] is on a road you should be entitled to some privacy. For the council that would [00:35:26] be a purpose for a variance where you have a situation with a property that's [00:35:29] somewhat unique and different than a standard property. That's why you have [00:35:34] the ability for them to come forward and ask for a variance for them to have a [00:35:36] higher fence due to the specific circumstances of a property that may [00:35:40] have three frontages which is somewhat unusual. There are probably a couple [00:35:45] dozen of them in the city. That's not many. Linda Connelly 5746 Wyoming Avenue. [00:35:53] Thank you Miss Connelly. Anyone else? Come on down. [00:36:04] I didn't plan on coming up and talking about this but I was just looking at the [00:36:07] fence code. I have a fence on a side street on Franklin and I was told I put [00:36:16] a six foot fence in ten foot setback from the property line. So my fence is [00:36:22] not in line with the house it's ten foot or rather six foot about from the house [00:36:28] ten foot from the property line. I just am curious of the reason why [00:36:34] we don't want six foot high fences going past the side of the house on side [00:36:41] street. Does that make sense at all? Sir I need your name and address for the record. [00:36:46] It's Ryan Rapp 5638 Illinois Ave. That's it. Thank you. Thank you. Yes sir. [00:37:04] I didn't plan on speaking on this either until I saw the drawing but so my house [00:37:12] is a corner lot and I want to put a fence up in my backyard six foot of [00:37:19] course but I have two front yards and the way the current code is [00:37:25] written I can have a six foot ten feet off my property line which I'm okay with [00:37:30] but why are we going to a three foot on my side front yard? What's the [00:37:38] benefit of doing that? I don't know if you guys discussed this in previous [00:37:44] meetings. I think it's a lot of us to do with your neighbors putting a six [00:37:49] foot fence in their front yard, along their front yard. At least the way I [00:37:56] understand the way your house is. Yeah but my my house faces Indiana but then [00:38:02] my side street is Jackson. On Jackson down from you. Yeah they don't care. I [00:38:09] promise you they could care less. That's why I think that's why. So that's [00:38:16] the that's the reason this new code is being... Yes put it along the side of [00:38:23] your house out that whole area instead of moving it out ten feet or ten feet [00:38:27] from your property line so it doesn't look like there's a hole. No I'm fine [00:38:31] with the ten foot setback but the three foot on that side yard or that what you [00:38:38] what the code is considering my front yard but it's on my garage where my [00:38:42] garage is. Still it's still a front yard it's still frontage on Jackson. So I'm [00:38:49] based upon this new code I'm gonna have to come and ask for a variance. Now if [00:38:54] you've already got the fence it's grandfather. No I don't have the fence so [00:39:00] I need to get in my my permit now. It hasn't passed yet so let's wait till we [00:39:05] finish our meeting and then you'll know if it's gonna go through. I appreciate [00:39:10] your comments I have some too I'm just waiting to burst out and have some [00:39:14] conversation up here but it's well received and you make a very good point. [00:39:18] Okay I I thought that it was a code that was going in and my not until we [00:39:25] finish talking about it. Okay thank you guys. Anyone else? George. I guess I'm [00:39:37] getting up because I'm a little confused on the muddling of this a little bit so [00:39:41] my understanding is a corner lot on their side yard the fence can either be [00:39:47] aligned with the house or ten feet from the setback and can be six foot tall [00:39:50] under this new ordinance. No. Because that's what it is today so we're [00:39:56] changing that. We haven't made a decision yet. Well that's what the proposal is [00:40:04] right? Well I am I am against that and also so we're also saying that if we [00:40:10] currently have a six foot fence and it blows down and it's destroyed you can put a six [00:40:14] foot fence back on that side yard where it was. Is that correct? To replace it? [00:40:21] Yes. Okay just for the record so when my my fence goes down in 15 years I can [00:40:27] replace it. Okay thank you. Anyone else? Seeing no one else come forward I'm [00:40:36] going to bring it back to council and I'm going to start by going on record I [00:40:40] think this is a mess that three foot because I'm on a corner a lot and it [00:40:47] that's not what we talked about when this thing went through first reading [00:40:51] and I don't like it it's it's ridiculous I went through the same nonsense when I [00:40:59] was trying to put a fence up under the old rules where some of the some of the [00:41:03] fence sizes said three feet some said four feet some said six feet and it was [00:41:08] all very confused and depending on where you were and it looks like we [00:41:12] picked the most restrictive one which was the three feet on this that side [00:41:16] yard on a corner lot and it's just that that's a non-starter for me but I'll [00:41:22] allow my colleagues side they may disagree with me no at our last meeting [00:41:31] one of the the drawing that show and we're hung up on this definition of [00:41:36] front yard or a side yard so it's kind of counterintuitive to tell somebody to [00:41:41] have three front yards I mean the front is usually you pick your front and a lot [00:41:46] of houses in our city the front of the house is facing the side Van Buren Jackson [00:41:53] many others and not built to the design of our neighborhoods the way they were [00:41:58] laid out so it's like our our construction in as it's completed does [00:42:04] not match up with the the thinking of the orientation of houses now old Bill [00:42:12] Maydam who was the first city councilman back in 1988 just to take y'all back for [00:42:17] a while here lives on the corner of Van Buren in Montana and he's on two lots [00:42:23] and his house is on the interior lot and he's got some trees and he's got a full [00:42:29] empty lot so what do we do with an empty lot when the house that the front [00:42:36] yard of the yard the side yard incorporates the entire lot and goes to [00:42:42] the house on the second lot so one of the suggestions that I had made was that [00:42:47] we allow the side fences to be where development would allow for a house to [00:42:54] be built not where is the house and it has to go right to the back of it but [00:42:59] we've got 10 foot from a side of the street and then we got 10 feet from the [00:43:04] property line and the property line doesn't line up with the edge of the [00:43:08] street so we've got all kind of calculations we're making on things as [00:43:13] we did in the variants on Central Avenue you know how far back from the road is [00:43:19] it so when it comes to us on the council and we're thinking about our what it [00:43:24] looks like it's like well you're only asking for 10 feet but you really got 20 [00:43:28] because you got 10 feet of right away from the edge of the street so the whole [00:43:33] thing is a jumble I agree with the mayor but I think there is a solution and the [00:43:39] solution would be if we get off of the bubble of thinking of front side and we [00:43:46] had this good definition of it's not in the side yard if it's right behind the [00:43:50] house but we're kind of hanging on to that to our peril I think we we need to [00:43:55] start thinking about where fences can go in in respect to a street no matter [00:44:01] where the house is positioned there's a lot of houses on double lots in this [00:44:05] town and to say they can't have a fence on a side road all the way up to the [00:44:13] back of their house is to take 30 40 feet away and and we don't need people [00:44:21] coming in for variances for for that kind of thing so I think we've got way [00:44:25] too many different alternative situations going on here I I say [00:44:30] wherever one could build they could put a fence and if you could put a fence on [00:44:34] your property line and then make it a three-foot fence you know let it be the [00:44:38] short fence but come in 10 feet and then put your six-foot fence if you have a [00:44:44] pool give you a six-foot fence right I mean people do feel uncomfortable in [00:44:50] their bathing suits some people you know you put them on they're wearing them [00:45:00] I'll better stop there. [00:45:09] Mayor? Yes. So, you know, I get it. [00:45:14] There's some, I think there's some good reasoning why we're trying to, we have a fence ordinance to begin with, right? [00:45:21] And I think that, you know, the diagram helped a lot, Brad, you know. [00:45:29] And I think that to try to get this thing run into where we want, I hate to put somebody on a big exercise. [00:45:38] But, you know, I'm thinking some photographs, you know, of examples of where it really hinders. [00:45:47] And then what are we trying to do and what it would look, would be helpful to dial this thing in. [00:45:58] You know what I'm saying? I understand. [00:46:01] And if I may, I mean, I have an idea of what you said, Mr. Altman. [00:46:05] If, Mayor, you'd like me to say, there isn't a technical reason for one answer or the other. [00:46:13] This is a pure policy decision by the city council. [00:46:17] So, you know, one answer is not better than another one. [00:46:19] It's what the city council wants to do. [00:46:23] And Ms. Manson, Mr. Attorney, if I say something wrong, please correct me here. [00:46:28] And I will tell you, in discussion with staff, the issue that you're saying came up was, [00:46:32] well, we have allowed them at 10 feet on that secondary yard, on that second side yard, I'll call it, or second front yard. [00:46:38] But you could make an amendment here to this ordinance tonight, I believe, to reinstate that. [00:46:45] You know, don't take that part away. [00:46:46] Say on a corner lot on that second frontage, you can go with six feet within 10 feet of the property line. [00:46:54] That way, we're not changing what people already have, what people expect to be already able to do. [00:47:01] That would be a very simple change to what you have before you this evening. [00:47:04] Instead of having, we would just have that be revised to say, any secondary street frontage, [00:47:11] you can have a fence at six feet within 10 feet of the property line. [00:47:16] That would then only limit the three feet to your one street frontage. [00:47:21] And basically, that's going to be your front of your house, wherever, that one street frontage. [00:47:28] And as long as you're 10 feet in, you can be six on any of your other frontages. [00:47:32] The river is still limited, you know, 40 feet. [00:47:34] That still has a smaller limitation with the river. [00:47:37] But that would give that flexibility to go out beyond the face of the house. [00:47:43] I think that would also address your ideal about the two lots too. [00:47:48] Correct. [00:47:49] Right, if the lots were unified, it's one parcel, they would come off just that unified parcel 10 feet in. [00:47:55] I propose that amendment. [00:47:57] I propose that amendment. [00:47:58] Mr. Mayor, if I could, I've prepared some language to that effect, if you want to consider it. [00:48:02] Okay. [00:48:03] I'll just pass these down, if you could. [00:48:05] This would go in subsection two, the general standards. [00:48:09] It would be a new paragraph J that would actually clear up that issue, [00:48:13] would allow for that second front yard on corner lots to have six feet fences, [00:48:20] as long as they're set back 10 feet. [00:48:23] And while our code's been interpreted to say that currently, [00:48:26] I don't believe that it actually says exactly as it's been interpreted. [00:48:30] This will clarify that issue. [00:48:31] So if that's the council's wish, you could move to adopt the ordinance [00:48:36] with this additional paragraph J added to subsection two on the general standards, [00:48:42] and that would clear up that setback issue. [00:48:45] I propose that, this addition. [00:48:47] Thank you. [00:48:48] We have a motion on the floor to adopt the ordinance with this addition. [00:48:55] A second. [00:48:56] A second. [00:48:56] We have a second to the maker. [00:48:58] Nothing more. [00:48:59] A second. [00:49:00] Let's just clear it up a little bit. [00:49:01] Mr. Allman. [00:49:04] To the alley in the back, I'm sorry to ask, but that's a third street frontage. [00:49:09] But didn't we say the alleys? [00:49:11] Don't even get him started. [00:49:13] Alleys aren't involved in this. [00:49:14] Good. [00:49:16] All right, just double check that. [00:49:20] So Brad, there was one other point in there regarding pools. [00:49:26] And specifically, what I want to address is pools on the river. [00:49:32] And I know we have 40 foot setbacks, right? [00:49:37] But I also know that we've, from time to time, [00:49:41] allowed pools to be built closer than 40 feet. [00:49:45] I think we have some of that. [00:49:49] And my point is, I just want to make sure, even in those circumstances, [00:49:56] we're still going to be 40 feet back from the river for a six foot fence, [00:50:00] even though their pool may be closer. [00:50:03] In other words, I don't want to be a situation where we approve, [00:50:10] sometime along, we approve a pool to be closer than 40 feet to the river. [00:50:17] And then later on, somebody wants to fence in the side. [00:50:22] They have a street that runs there, parallel, [00:50:25] and still gets closer than 40 feet to the river. [00:50:28] I just want to make sure we got six feet, [00:50:30] that we have 40 feet of clear vision from the riverbank. [00:50:34] And I don't want the pool rules with six foot on the pools [00:50:38] to be able to circum, you know, go around that, [00:50:41] should we allow a pool to be built closer. [00:50:46] The way the ordinance is currently proposed, [00:50:48] and the way it's currently in your ordinance as well, [00:50:50] it's not a change, is, you know, pools have their own section, [00:50:54] their own standards, and it says four to six feet [00:50:57] to meet the requirement of the Pool Safety Act. [00:51:05] And I may ask Mr. Attorney to help me with this one a little bit. [00:51:11] The minimum that you have to have is four feet [00:51:14] to be consistent with state law there. [00:51:18] I believe the city could restrict, within that 40 area, [00:51:21] to not go above four feet for the fence, for a pool. [00:51:24] But when it's on the river, even if it's a pool fence, [00:51:28] it cannot be higher than 40 feet, or four feet, if it's in that 40 foot area. [00:51:32] OK. [00:51:32] Thank you, sir. [00:51:33] That overrides it. [00:51:33] All right. [00:51:35] Thank you for clarifying that. [00:51:36] Appreciate it. [00:51:38] This modification addresses my concern, [00:51:46] because it just, I'll invite you over to my house [00:51:51] to show you what screwball fence height limits cause. [00:51:57] So, because mine's the poster child for what we had [00:52:01] to do under that old screwball rule. [00:52:04] Yes, sir. [00:52:04] So, if there's any further discussion. [00:52:07] Mr. Mayor, if you'd like, I can read this into the record, [00:52:10] so we have it on the record. [00:52:12] This would be paragraph J of subsection 2, relating to general standards. [00:52:17] On lots having more than one street frontage, [00:52:19] a fence may be constructed in the front yard along the street frontage, [00:52:22] not facing the front door of the residence, which does not [00:52:25] meet the front yard standards set forth in subsection 3 of this section, [00:52:29] pertaining to height and opacity, so long as said portions of the fence [00:52:33] are set back at least 10 feet from the property line of the property [00:52:36] along said street. [00:52:38] I think that does the trick. [00:52:41] Further discussion? [00:52:44] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:52:47] Aye. [00:52:48] Aye. [00:52:48] Aye. [00:52:49] Opposed? [00:52:49] Like sign. [00:52:50] Motion passes. [00:52:52] Next is first reading of ordinance 2021-2226.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

10. 9.b

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2021-2226: Conditional Use for 5707 Main Street (eCarve, LLC)

    discussed

    Council heard first reading of Ordinance 2021-2226 to amend the conditional use permit for eCarve LLC at 5707 Main Street, a scooter and one-wheel vehicle sales/rental store. The applicant Scott Carbone requested extended hours of operation; the DRC recommended hours of 4-9pm Wed-Fri and 12-9pm Sat-Sun, but Carbone asked for further extension (3-9pm Mon-Thu, noon-10pm Fri-Sat, noon-8pm Sun). Numerous citizens spoke in support of the business.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2021-2226

    • direction:First reading of Ordinance 2021-2226 amending conditional use for eCarve at 5707 Main Street to extend hours of operation. (none)

    📍10631 Pearlberry Loop📍3550 Nora Lane📍5502 Kentucky Avenue📍5605 Montana, Unit B📍5649 Main Street📍5707 Main Street🏢Cristiano's🏢Heroes Downtown Subs and Salads🏢Jilly's🏢Lisa's Pieces🏢Norton's🏢Ordinance One🏢SIP🏢eCarve LLC👤Andy Bryant👤Anthony Hoffman👤Brad👤Charles Davis👤Corey Denninger👤George👤Harry Palmer👤John Beebe👤Lisa👤Ms. Manns👤Scott Carbone#Conditional Use Permit#Development Review Committee (DRC)#Land Development Code 7.1.01 and 7.1.02#Ordinance No. 2021-2226#Sims Park

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    [00:52:57] This is ordinance number 2021-2226, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, [00:53:01] Florida, providing for approval of an amendment to the conditional use [00:53:04] for a scooter and one-wheel vehicle sales retail and rental store [00:53:08] in the downtown zoning district for the property located at 5707 Main Street, [00:53:12] as legally described herein, providing for any necessary conditions on said use [00:53:16] and providing for an effective date. [00:53:20] Mr. Mayor, members of the city council, I believe Mr. Carbone is in attendance [00:53:24] this evening. [00:53:26] There he is. [00:53:27] And he is the applicant for this conditional use permit. [00:53:32] Just to remind you, he received a conditional use permit in January of 2020 [00:53:41] for his scooter and one-wheel vehicle rental store. [00:53:46] And you set forward six conditions as part of the ordinance. [00:53:52] And they were no vehicles shall be run into minors that are unaccompanied [00:53:57] by an adult, no test drives or training on Main Street or the public right of way [00:54:04] or sidewalk on Main Street, no test drives on city property unless there's appropriate [00:54:10] indemnities and insurance. [00:54:14] Mr. Carbone is also required to maintain property liability insurance for all [00:54:23] that's maintained on rental vehicles. [00:54:25] And lastly, we set forth some hours of operation. [00:54:32] And it was one hour after sunset that the retail apparatuses were [00:54:44] to be returned to the store. [00:54:47] He presented himself to us in 2021 and indicated at that time [00:54:54] that that business model wasn't being particularly successful for him. [00:54:59] And he was very much desirous of extending his hours of operation. [00:55:05] At the time that he made application to the Development Review Committees, [00:55:10] what he was specifically asking for was to extend the hours from 9 o'clock PM to... [00:55:22] I'm sorry, to 11 o'clock PM, as I recall, on Friday and Saturday evenings. [00:55:28] At the conclusion of some discussion at the Development Review Committee meeting, [00:55:34] he amended his application till 9 o'clock at each day of the week. [00:55:43] And with that, the DRC felt comfortable to recommend to you that you consider approval [00:55:51] of the ordinance, which would allow him the opportunity to operate between the hours [00:55:59] of 4 and 9 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 9. [00:56:11] And we are asking that no other conditions from the original ordinance are changed. [00:56:22] Okay. Mr. Carbone's in the audience? [00:56:27] Yes. [00:56:28] Okay. You want to come up in case there's any questions? [00:56:33] Good evening. [00:56:45] Scott Carbone, owner, operator of eCarve LLC, 5707 Main Street, New Port Richey, Florida. [00:56:51] Good evening, everyone. How are you? [00:56:53] Does this meet your requirements? [00:56:58] As Ms. Manns did specify, we did have a meeting and I wanted to stay open to 11 on Friday, [00:57:04] Saturday. [00:57:05] They recommended 9. [00:57:06] I agreed. [00:57:08] And as we're coming into season, we noticed a good spike in revenue at 10 PM on Fridays [00:57:16] and Saturdays. [00:57:18] Some Fridays and Saturdays, I make my monthly nut just within that one hour. [00:57:23] So that's a lot of revenue that I will be losing if I close at 9 PM on Friday, Saturday. [00:57:32] We opened up because business has been so good. [00:57:35] We opened up on Tuesday now and we're changing our hours. [00:57:38] We would like to change our hours from 3 PM to 9 PM, Monday through Thursday, would like [00:57:46] to stay open Friday, Saturday from noon to 10. [00:57:53] And then Sunday would be noon to 8. [00:57:56] So that's what I'm asking for. [00:57:59] We'll open up for public comment. [00:58:14] Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of the council. [00:58:16] My name is Corey Denninger, 10631 Pearlberry Loop. [00:58:22] That's in Land O'Lakes. [00:58:24] I grew up in this area. [00:58:26] I've been here since 1981, 40 years. [00:58:28] Some of your faces I've seen plenty of times. [00:58:30] Some you probably don't recognize me. [00:58:32] I've been to your establishments after some softball games when my parents were playing [00:58:38] in the games and I was only a little kid. [00:58:39] So I wasn't drinking. [00:58:43] So for the record, I've seen this just like many of you, seen this city go through some poor times. [00:58:52] Back in the 80s and 90s, there were certainly times where businesses, the clock's not started. [00:58:57] I don't know if you, there you go. [00:58:59] The businesses, you couldn't keep them. [00:59:01] I can't count the number of businesses that I've seen come and go. [00:59:05] Certainly, there's been a few, Norton's, Jilly's, and some other ones that have lasted. [00:59:08] But for the most part, they've come and gone. [00:59:10] And it's not because they've made their money and profits and retired or that they've just sold out. [00:59:16] It's because they couldn't make it. [00:59:18] And the economy, the way it's been the last few years, and the environment that you, the board, [00:59:24] the council, have created, in part, the last 10 years or so, and just, I think, [00:59:28] a perfect storm has created an environment that makes businesses like eCarve, you know, [00:59:34] able to survive in this environment and even thrive, which means that the economic dollars, [00:59:40] the economic environment, the businesses around it also survive and excel. [00:59:44] We come down here with my family. [00:59:46] And we used to rent scooters from Scott's business, eCarve. [00:59:49] There's my wife, myself, my son, and my daughter. [00:59:52] We liked them so much, we bought our own scooters. [00:59:54] And now Scott fixes them when I, when I crash them or I, well, I don't crash them, but, you know, when they. [01:00:00] flats and they're hard to repair. And he does repairs too. So we bring our dollars. We bring [01:00:05] my wallet, you know, when we come down. We go to Ordinance One and we go to SIP and we [01:00:09] go to Cristiano's, which I think now is Angie's Pizza maybe. So I've seen these businesses [01:00:15] for a long time. My sister used to live in the apartments that were knocked down when [01:00:18] they built the new apartments, if you remember those, over the bridge on Main Street on the [01:00:22] left on the south side. So all that to say that, you know, I understand that the council [01:00:29] wants to protect themselves. I understand there's a liability issue, but there's also [01:00:34] an economic issue. And you got to just make sure that you protect yourselves, but also [01:00:38] create an environment for these businesses to thrive. For the first time I've ever seen, [01:00:42] perhaps since the 1930s, you know, in the boom era of this city, or maybe the 60s before [01:00:47] my time. But since I've been here since 1981, this is by far the best this city has been. [01:00:52] And I'm sure you guys would agree economically it's booming. And I think it's going to continue [01:00:56] that way. And I think we need to find a way to support Scott and his business. And if [01:01:00] it turns out it's not working, you can always bring it back to the board. But I think you [01:01:04] really need to take a strong look at that and think about him, his business. You guys [01:01:08] are small business owners, a lot of you. And think about that, how you'd want to support [01:01:13] that and what you'd expect. So I appreciate your time. Thank you. [01:01:16] Thank you. Next. [01:01:27] I just want to say that I am in support of E-Carve. I've had no issues. I walk every [01:01:32] single day in the city. I walk probably more than you all put together on a daily basis. [01:01:38] And spent a lot of time at Sims Park in the downtown area. And I've never had any issue [01:01:44] with anyone on his scooters. So I think it's a great addition to the city. I like to see [01:01:50] the vibrancy. I love to hear the laughter and the joy that these people are having. [01:01:55] I don't ride them. I ride a bike. But I like to see... [01:01:58] Oh, sorry. You can keep talking. [01:02:01] Keep going. [01:02:02] I can? [01:02:03] That was the last three minutes. [01:02:06] So I'm supportive of E-Carve and Scott and the business. [01:02:11] Thank you. Next. [01:02:12] The gentleman in the back, if you want to talk, you can work your way down to the front. [01:02:24] I want to say when I was the planning director for the city and E-Carve let me drive their [01:02:32] scooter around the city hall parking lot, it was one of the most exciting times of my [01:02:35] life. Staff has interpreted the rules correctly. I think our problem is our rules on conditional [01:02:43] uses downtown. The real problem is the Land Development Code 7.1.01 and 02. And this is [01:02:50] the part of the Land Development Code that deals with permitted and unpermitted uses [01:02:53] in the downtown area. First, I think it is wrong that we have to get a conditional use [01:02:59] permit when they're moving two blocks in the same zoning district on the same street. That [01:03:04] is one item that should be corrected in the ordinance. Second, once you have approved [01:03:08] a conditional use downtown, it does seem silly to have to approve the same use again downtown. [01:03:14] So that's two things I would change in the ordinance. Third, I'm sure no one's looked [01:03:19] at the list of permitted and non-permitted uses in decades. We outlaw arcades. That [01:03:25] seems like some remnant from the 70s trying to control bad kids. We outlaw billiard parlors [01:03:32] and pool halls, if they even still exist. But we have had real raunchy bars downtown. [01:03:40] And what is worse? We outlaw hypnotists. That's an excluded use in the downtown. And then [01:03:46] we outlaw things that the downtown area with a large residential population should have, [01:03:51] such as a pharmacy. But we do allow grocery stores. That seems a little strange. I think [01:03:56] this point out that the code needs to be workshopped and updated. A scooter was not even contemplated [01:04:02] when the Land Development Code was written, since it did not exist. So I think that's [01:04:05] one thing in the future. And I know Brad is experiencing what I've had sometimes of looking [01:04:11] at that code and my hair going gray. And there's some things in there that need to be reviewed. [01:04:16] And this is one thing we need to review if we want a vibrant downtown. I know there were [01:04:20] some businesses that wanted to come downtown, but they had uses that were excluded, so they [01:04:25] didn't even apply. So I think we should really look at this. Thank you. [01:04:28] Thank you, George. Yes, sir. [01:04:35] Good evening. My name is Harry Palmer. I want to, this is my, I'm in this area walking [01:04:52] distance 13 years. And I was fortunate enough by the good work of the ward here to get my [01:04:59] road, my street in front of my house, paved over the summer last year. It's like a sheet [01:05:09] of glass almost. It's perfect, especially for scooters. And I enjoy watching the kids [01:05:17] come by. I am experienced with youth programs. I've done 37 years in the fire department. [01:05:27] I have run telemarketing offices. And the beautiful job that you have done around this [01:05:36] town doesn't show for that age group much for the age groups that are using these scooters. [01:05:45] So when I had talked to the gentleman in the sky, I think his name is, that owned the place, [01:05:49] I told him I'd come down and talk to him. He said, after 13 years, I think I should [01:05:53] have showed up by now, being more concerned citizen. But I had that beautiful paved road, [01:06:00] and they love it as well. So in my particular area, it's very safe. Because of that, [01:06:09] probably could use a speed bump in the future, but I'm in support of having the youth [01:06:16] of that age group do anything. I come from places on Long Island and New York City [01:06:22] and Brooklyn and Queens where the parks have horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, [01:06:28] basketball courts. I try to take my workers out for basketball after 9 o'clock, [01:06:34] and you can't do it in this county, no less this town. The school locks their gates. [01:06:42] There's one church up by Mitchell Road that would light up their court that they have. [01:06:47] So I don't want to see those kids strapped. I want to see them enjoying it. [01:06:53] If we can stretch the hours, fine. We can't stretch the week. The week only goes seven days, [01:06:58] but we can stretch those hours. So consider it. Consider it deeply. [01:07:04] I mean, you've got a beautiful park that you're just putting up over there. [01:07:07] What is it to do there? The only thing they can do is get in trouble for skateboarding in there. [01:07:14] Nothing. A basketball hoop, a volleyball court, nothing. There's nothing there for those age groups. [01:07:20] You can't buy bait and tackle anywhere. I don't know if you can. [01:07:24] You've got a little duck that you can shoot off, but I don't drive, so I walk this town. [01:07:32] I walk it each and every day and through the park. I appreciate your time and courtesy. [01:07:39] You guys have a wonderful evening. [01:07:41] Thank you. [01:07:42] Sir, I need your address for the record, please. [01:07:44] What do you want? [01:07:45] Your address for the record. [01:07:46] I really don't want to give it. My landlord's here. [01:07:51] You laugh. [01:07:56] Get your landlord. [01:07:58] Harry Palmer, P-A-L-M-E-R, 5605 Montana, Unit B. [01:08:06] This is the first I'm meeting. [01:08:08] Thank you. [01:08:13] Anyone else, please? No applause. [01:08:24] The rent's going up. [01:08:26] Good evening. [01:08:36] I just want to say that I am – first of all, I'm Lisa. I own Lisa's Pieces, and I am in support of eCarve. [01:08:45] I think you all know me pretty well. [01:08:47] I'm usually at my shop until 12, 1 o'clock in the morning working. [01:08:53] I have seen no liability issues with the scooter. [01:08:58] Where I do see the liability issues are with speeding cars. [01:09:04] The bars – flights at the bars past 11 o'clock. [01:09:09] And I think that the liability issues can be resolved if we can get the speeding issues under control. [01:09:21] We're going in the right direction, and every urban city has scooters and bike rentals. [01:09:29] I have to look both ways to cross the sidewalk when I put my little sign out in the morning, and it's bikers. [01:09:37] It's not eCarvers at any point during the day. [01:09:41] Of course there's problems, but I think that they can be addressed. [01:09:45] How, I don't know. [01:09:47] I don't think the liability issues would go away if we could control the speeding. [01:09:52] I don't know. [01:09:54] 90% of traffic is going 55 miles an hour down Grand, and I'm sure it's like that on Main. [01:10:01] So I don't think eCarvers should be on the sidewalks. [01:10:06] They should be on the road, and I get the liability issues, but there's got to be a way for this business to stay open. [01:10:14] Like he said, most of his business is happening in the evening hours. [01:10:18] People are coming out to dinner. [01:10:19] They're going shopping. [01:10:20] They're with their families driving these scooters around, and it's just the way of the future in every city. [01:10:27] Every city doesn't have a brick and mortar where they go in and rent scooters. [01:10:32] You can use a credit card in just about every city that I've visited and get a scooter and take it back someplace else. [01:10:40] So just consider it, you know, we need to go in the right direction. [01:10:44] We need to be a younger New Port Richey city where we're open to more ideas, where we can bring more younger businesses to town. [01:10:55] We have families coming. [01:10:57] The cost of homes are going up. [01:11:00] More families are coming to town, and they need something to do downtown. [01:11:03] So I just want to say I'm in support of eCarve, and I hope that everybody can come to a conclusion and work together and, you know, [01:11:10] work on the liability issues and work together. [01:11:15] So that's all I have to say. [01:11:16] Thank you. [01:11:17] Thank you, Lisa. [01:11:18] Yes, sir. [01:11:29] Hello, my name is Andy Bryant, 5502 Kentucky Avenue. [01:11:33] I've been a resident of New Port Richey for about 10 years, and I've been really proud of the city, how much it's improved. [01:11:42] I think a lot of that's due to the mission here. [01:11:45] You know, our mission is to be a financial business and cultural heart of West Pasco, [01:11:55] and I feel like eCarve is very pertinent to that mission on all three categories, very much so to the culture, especially in a pandemic. [01:12:05] It's a good way to have an activity that includes social distancing, and I would encourage you to give eCarve what it needs to succeed. [01:12:19] Thank you. [01:12:20] Thank you. [01:12:21] Thank you. [01:12:31] Good evening. [01:12:32] I want to thank everybody for allowing me to speak. [01:12:35] First off, I want to say I'm very, very impressed by the council. [01:12:39] I'm also very impressed by the citizens that showed up. [01:12:42] There are so many people here that have been here for a very long time. [01:12:45] I've been here for three years. [01:12:48] I come from Maryland, and one of the reasons that I came down to Florida is because I've been a small business owner almost all my life, [01:12:54] and I can see what overregulation can do to small businesses. [01:12:59] It can be absolutely taxing. [01:13:01] I met Scott when I first came down, and I was very impressed about, you know, the vision that he had for his business. [01:13:08] I think it addresses a lot of things that communities would actually value, right? [01:13:15] It brings a community together. [01:13:17] It shrinks the community. [01:13:18] It allows access to places that are difficult to get to if you have any type of issues with mobility, and they can be addressed. [01:13:28] Also, within the pandemic, you know, there's a lot of mental health issues that have been going on that are not really being addressed, [01:13:37] and this is a way for the community to come together. [01:13:40] It's a way for people to go out and enjoy themselves, maintain social distancing, [01:13:44] and still be able to enjoy and have some sort of sense of community. [01:13:48] And I think what Scott has done with his business, he's done a very, very good job. [01:13:52] He's done it in a very safe way. [01:13:55] And when you consider that most people get off of work around 5 and the sun sets before then, [01:14:02] I don't understand the arbitrary hours that are placed upon his business [01:14:07] when you take a look at when most of the revenue can be made. [01:14:11] It just doesn't make sense as a small business owner. [01:14:14] What really doesn't make sense as a small business owner is to have the ability to open a business [01:14:20] and then have the city council restricted to the point where you're really not making enough money to stay open. [01:14:28] And during this entire time, he's done nothing but provide a service to the community. [01:14:33] He is an anchor in the community. He's generated a lot of support. [01:14:37] He's generated a lot of publicity. [01:14:40] And I can tell you just from my friends and family alone, [01:14:43] the very first time I'd been to Newport was to come and visit Scott's store [01:14:48] to rent some scooters with my family and then go around to the local establishments. [01:14:53] They wouldn't have that business if it wasn't for E-Carve. [01:14:57] And I really, really would like... [01:15:00] For every one of you who has a small business to think about that, you know, you're surviving, [01:15:06] you're doing well, you have a community service, and now all of a sudden you're told to shut down. [01:15:11] It's really inherently unfair. And as far as the liability and safety issue goes, you know, being [01:15:17] a small business owner, I know he has liability insurance. What real exposure is there to the [01:15:22] city? And as far as the safety issue, I'm sorry I only have 18 seconds, but by trade I'm an [01:15:28] orthopedic spine surgeon. And I take care of patients who, you know, are involved with high [01:15:35] level trauma or even just slip and falls. I can tell you, you know, they all have an inherent risk. [01:15:43] If we get up and we walk outside... [01:15:48] Thank you for hearing me. [01:15:50] Finish your sentence. [01:15:51] Do we have the name? [01:15:52] Yeah. [01:15:53] My name is Charles Davis. [01:15:54] Charles. [01:15:55] Yes. [01:15:59] So, you know, I understand the liability. I understand the risk. But, you know, [01:16:05] every time we walk out of our house, we assume a risk. Every time we step in a vehicle, we assume [01:16:10] a risk. And that should be a personal risk. That should be a personal responsibility. [01:16:17] Mr. Carbone carries adequate insurance by the state of Florida. [01:16:21] So, I don't see how else, you know, a business can run. I mean, if you take into consideration... [01:16:31] Yes, sir. [01:16:33] I was asked to stop. [01:16:34] Finish your sentence, not the paragraph. [01:16:40] Thank you. [01:16:43] I want you to finish your surgery, you know. [01:16:45] We can get to that later. But listen, I do want to say you guys have a great community. [01:16:49] And I, you know, I do appreciate what's happening with the town. And it is really a fun town to [01:16:55] visit. So, I hope you let Scott stay open. [01:16:57] Thank you. [01:16:58] Thank you. [01:17:08] If you're wanting to speak, work your way down towards the front place. [01:17:13] Anthony Hoffman, 3550 Nora Lane. I was recently in a bad car accident. We love going to the park. [01:17:22] And me and my family, we've seen these kids riding scooters and we're like, [01:17:26] okay, that sounds fun. So, me and my family decided to try it. [01:17:31] We come like two times a week. We do a couple hours and it's fun just riding around with my [01:17:39] family on these scooters. Just being outside, it's feeling free on the little scooters. It's [01:17:46] just the kids love it. And just love going around the park and just going to little different areas [01:17:51] around. It's like just a joy of just cruising and just having fun with the family. It's a great [01:18:00] thing. If you haven't tried it, you got to try it. Just being out there in the sun instead of being [01:18:05] inside the house, it's just a little bit of freedom. And we love it. We do it all the time. [01:18:13] My family loves it. So, I really support them and hope it goes good. Thank you. [01:18:19] Thank you. [01:18:25] Thank you, Mayor, City Council. John Beebe with Owner of Heroes, Downtown Subs and Salads, 5649 [01:18:32] Main Street. And the reason why I'm speaking on behalf of Scott and eCarve is I opened in [01:18:39] February 2020. And then lucky me, I went into COVID in March 2020. And I'm still here. So, [01:18:47] blessed and thankful. But the bottom line is Scott opened shortly after that. And I immediately saw [01:18:53] him, welcomed him as another small business and said, hey, if there's anything we can do together, [01:18:59] unbeknownst, he's a fellow brother firefighter with me. And so, we hit it off right away. [01:19:06] And I told him, I says, if you ever want to do a joint venture, my business, your business, [01:19:12] we'll do a collaborative effort. I'll offer a special, he offers a special. We've been doing [01:19:17] it now for the entire time he's been open. It's a very good success. Showing what two small [01:19:23] businesses in downtown New Port Richey can do together. Customers go to his shop. They rent [01:19:29] the scooters for an hour. I get three or four of them come over to my shop, have lunch, sit down, [01:19:34] relax. And they talk, they just talk about the downtown, how nice it is. And I can't say enough [01:19:41] about how he has impacted other small businesses. So, for him to be able to thrive and keep his [01:19:51] business model where he wants it should not be an obstacle that should be bumped for and be [01:19:59] controlled. It should be his choice to do what he needs to. Within limits and within, just like bars, [01:20:06] they have to close at a certain hour. Just like restaurants, they should be closed at a certain [01:20:10] hour in downtown. Just like other businesses in retail, they have certain guidelines. He has to [01:20:16] have those too, but he should have the flexibility to be able to control that. And that's all I [01:20:21] wanted to say is, he's a great partner. He's a great small business. And together, I think we [01:20:27] can make downtown just a real success and just light up the entire community and show other [01:20:34] communities how this is a model that we can be proud of. Thank you. Thank you. [01:20:46] Good evening. Again, this is Brad from Astro Cycles. And so, as another local business, [01:20:55] I am totally in support of whatever Scott and E-Carve wants to do. I don't even really think [01:21:02] he should be limited to 10 p.m. I mean, I'm another local activity, a bicycle shop, [01:21:08] and I do overnight rentals. So, I mean, I think that should be available to him as well. [01:21:14] And same with John at Heroes. I kind of want to work together with him [01:21:21] to see what we can really accomplish downtown New Fort Ritchie. Thank you. Thank you, Scott. [01:21:35] I'm Juliana and... [01:21:40] Speak a little closer to the mic. Thank you. [01:21:43] Pull it down if you want. I'm Juliana and my family loves riding the scooters all the time. [01:21:52] And it is kind of hard to go around and stuff like that. And me and my dad, it's just been really [01:22:03] hard and stuff like that. And me, like going around school and stuff like that, you don't [01:22:11] really have much time to do stuff like fun stuff, like activities and stuff like that, [01:22:18] because you're always at school. And my dad's always at work and he tries his best to do [01:22:26] everything he can do and everything else. And my brother tries to do everything he can do. [01:22:34] And it's just really hard with this COVID and stuff like that. So... [01:22:43] Pretty brave of you to come up here and talk to us. Thank you for coming up. Thank you. [01:22:56] Hello again. Ryan Rapp, 5638 Illinois Ave. [01:23:00] I just have a couple points I'll make very quickly. I'm totally in support of the scooters. [01:23:07] I think they're great. They bring in a young demographic like nothing I've seen before. [01:23:16] We have a golf cart ordinance in town and we don't regulate the golf carts to certain hours. [01:23:22] And they're the ones that are usually going from bar to bar. I just think it's a little [01:23:26] inconsistent. I don't know why we would treat the scooters any differently in that regard. [01:23:32] The other thing is, I'm a big proponent of the idea of becoming a trail town, like Dunedin. [01:23:40] It's like a designation by the Greenway, the Trail Association, I can't remember. [01:23:45] But if one day we turn Grand Boulevard into a one-way with a designated trail going to New Port Richey and we have these scooters, people would come here. Give them a reason to come into town [01:23:59] and do something for the entire day. They could travel, go to New Port Richey, come back to the [01:24:04] downtown district. I think they're great. I think the benefit they bring to the city far outweighs [01:24:11] the risk. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, Ryan. [01:24:23] Seeing nobody else coming. Oh, they're just waiting for me to... [01:24:30] Yeah, if you're... No, let's try to keep it to one trip. If you want to talk, come on down [01:24:37] so I know that you're wanting to come down. Go ahead. Richard Sommer, I'm over at Dunedin [01:24:42] Cagale Works and I would just like to first say thank you. The city looks great. I am so proud [01:24:48] to be a part of it. I think what Scott brings to the city is really different from a lot of other [01:24:55] cities. Like the lady that did get up here before, you do see in other cities where a cart is inserted [01:25:01] and people can go on the scooter. I know personally that he does do a little training course [01:25:07] I get a lot of business over on the side of my bridge, the people on the scooters. And that same [01:25:14] thing, they love it here. This is something that isn't in Dunedin. This isn't something that's in [01:25:19] Tarpon Springs. This is something that's unique to New Port Richey. And again, I'm seeing the people [01:25:25] come over to my business, the same thing. They're like, what happened here? What happened in New [01:25:31] New Port Richey? And I want to applaud you guys because you guys are doing a great job. People [01:25:36] are seeing it. And that's it. Thank you. Okay, thank you. All right. Yes, sir. [01:25:47] Hello, I'm Paul Lester, 7644 Leamington Drive in New Port Richey. I'm seventh generation Floridian. [01:25:58] I've spent 40 years here in New Port Richey and New Port Richey. [01:26:05] I'm here to support Scott and E-Carve as well. I didn't spend much time downtown New Port Richey [01:26:11] in the past. I'm not a bar person, you know, but since Scott opened up E-Carve down there, [01:26:18] I have definitely been down here more. I have three daughters. I'm a single dad. So to get [01:26:24] them off their cell phones, I've been coming down here sometimes twice, three times a week, [01:26:30] you know, to get outside and have a little father-daughter time. No cell phones. [01:26:38] I definitely, for one, have noticed the difference between him being open in the afternoons and [01:26:43] being open later at night. He's getting more business later at night. I've seen that personally. [01:26:50] And just being able to get out and get downtown, I think it's a great thing. [01:26:56] I think it would definitely hurt him to have to close at nine o'clock. [01:27:03] So you might want to take that into serious consideration. Thank you. [01:27:08] Thank you. [01:27:17] What's up? My name's Pete. I'm a barber at Rock Paper Scissors. I actually work right next door [01:27:22] to E-Carve. And I think I speak for everyone in the room, at least in the downtown area that's [01:27:28] a business owner, that it is bringing a lot of us business. It's brought me a few of you on the [01:27:32] board right now. And yeah, I just think he should be allowed to exercise that freedom as a small [01:27:40] business owner and let him stay open. Everybody wants to make money at the end of the day. That's [01:27:45] what we live for, right? Why stop the man from doing that? He's got a family to feed just like [01:27:50] all of you up there. And that's all I've got to say. Thank you. [01:28:05] Wendy Brenner. Sorry, I couldn't pass it up, Pete. I know you're going to talk about it, [01:28:09] but the one-way idea. Remember when we did that on Grand Boulevard and the [01:28:16] sort of a trail idea? We had that a long time ago with some iced tea money. It's a great idea. [01:28:25] Thank you. That idea has still been circulating, Wendy. It hasn't died. [01:28:32] Okay. Anyone else? Seeing no one else coming forward, I'm going to bring it back to Council. [01:28:39] I had an opportunity to sit in on a Zoom meeting with a number of other mayors and [01:28:47] council members around the state. None of my colleagues did because of government in the [01:28:54] sunshine. So I'll just point out that one of the people that was on the meeting was Mayor [01:29:02] Chrisman from St. Petersburg. And he indicated that their hours were from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. [01:29:14] And a number of the other people on the call also indicated they tended to shut the things [01:29:22] down about 10 p.m. for the benefit of my colleagues. And with that, I will shut up. [01:29:32] Let you guys go. So, have you guys ridden scooters yet? We can't discuss it without a [01:29:41] motion on the floor. Well, I'd like to move that... I'll make a move. I'll make a move. [01:29:45] All right. So I thought the mayor has opened it up. So, yeah, I'd move that we... [01:29:54] I think I'll be conservative and I'll go ahead and say I'll move and make [01:30:00] hours to 10 o'clock, seven days a week. [01:30:04] You have a second? I will second that [01:30:07] to the maker. So I've ridden scooters [01:30:11] and what I'm, I like it, it's fun. [01:30:15] What I'm happy about is we don't have scooters laying around on the sidewalks like [01:30:19] some cities do. Please, no applause. [01:30:25] And so, you know, so we, it's kind of like we get the cake and eat it too, right? [01:30:29] So we don't have to put up with that nonsense. [01:30:33] We've got an operator who is concerned in working with the city and the rules [01:30:39] and he does offer some training. I've witnessed it firsthand, I've had it myself. [01:30:44] And I just think that, [01:30:49] I agree with most of what people had to say tonight, that it does bring that little bit of [01:30:54] something special downtown that a lot of other places don't have. [01:30:59] And, you know, if we start to regulate this to that degree, [01:31:04] then we're going to regulate, you know, pretty soon Brad's going to be, [01:31:09] if he's not already, renting electric bikes. And then, you know, we have so many people [01:31:14] who have their own scooters now. I mean, you can buy them for $300 in some places, right? [01:31:19] That, how do we know if that's, you know, e-car scooter, [01:31:24] or it's so-and-so's scooter, it's going to be really hard, you know, to do that. [01:31:29] So I think it gets down to personal responsibility of the operator. [01:31:34] If we've got some operator just like operating a car unsafely, we've got a golf cart unsafely, [01:31:39] or a scooter unsafely, that's a matter of us trying to enforce that. [01:31:44] But I don't think we enforce it by regulating the hours of the operator. [01:31:49] Thank you. Mr. Murphy, you had the second. [01:31:52] Yeah, I think e-car has brought a whole new dynamic down to downtown. [01:31:57] It's something different and unique, and I think as a city we're doing it better than other cities, [01:32:02] just with respect to having the scooters laying around everywhere [01:32:05] and bringing them back to where you rented them from. [01:32:08] I'm a small business owner. [01:32:11] I definitely don't feel like, you know, [01:32:13] government's role should be picking winners and losers in business, [01:32:17] as long as safety is being taken into consideration. [01:32:21] Are there things we can do better? [01:32:23] Of course, we always can. [01:32:25] But I think overall it's a great business and it's great for our downtown. [01:32:30] And, well, we can talk about other issues on this, [01:32:37] but I think as a whole it's just a great business downtown for our city, [01:32:42] and I look forward to seeing it prosper. [01:32:45] Mr. Altman? [01:32:47] Yeah, I'm going to support the motion so then I can take the – [01:32:54] know that it's going to pass, I guess, with the three of us on it. [01:32:57] But I would have probably liked to have asked for the sake [01:33:02] and the benefit of the children and the pre-adult, [01:33:07] that we have available for them reflective wear, [01:33:11] because there are some crossings in some of the streets [01:33:15] and there is some movement and those things go pretty fast. [01:33:18] I mean, they're electric like an electric car. [01:33:20] They get up and go. [01:33:22] And we have been very successful that we haven't heard any bad stories. [01:33:27] I know that my colleague, Mr. Davis, has been concerned about the safety. [01:33:31] I think it would be very helpful for folks not to be wearing dark clothes, [01:33:37] driving at nighttime up and down. [01:33:40] Some of our streets are not all lit as well. [01:33:42] We've got a lot of trees. [01:33:44] I would ask that either we consider it in the ordinance [01:33:48] or just make a personal request. [01:33:50] I would imagine it would help the liability coverage at any case [01:33:53] to make reflective wear of some kind available. [01:33:58] So some folks are getting a little older in town, if you all haven't noticed, [01:34:03] and eyesight can be a problem. [01:34:07] And I think it's important to protect the safety of the kids that are riding in particular. [01:34:14] Thank you. [01:34:15] Chopper. [01:34:17] First of all, I think the idea is a great idea. [01:34:21] But I'm going to bring up some things that I think you need to think about. [01:34:24] All of you people got up and talked about was the daytime. [01:34:27] You didn't talk about the nighttime. [01:34:29] And that's what I'd like to talk about. [01:34:31] I'd like to bring up the pictures there. [01:34:35] First of all, these scooters go 18 miles an hour. [01:34:39] Golf carts go somewhere between 12 and 15 miles an hour, unless they got them hopped up, William. [01:34:49] Also, they have headlights and taillights that are equivalent of what a car has. [01:34:55] The scooters have one headlight and one taillight, [01:34:59] and that's the equivalent of half the lumens that a car does or, you know, a golf cart does. [01:35:06] Now, if they're going 18 miles an hour down there in that stretch in front of the social and kazoos, [01:35:15] and that distance between that fence and those trees is just over three feet, almost four feet. [01:35:22] You know, so you've got people in 18 miles an hour and you can see the gentleman walking out of there [01:35:27] and you can see this guy on a bicycle and they're going 18 miles an hour down that sidewalk. [01:35:31] So I just want you to be aware of this. [01:35:33] Go to the next pictures. [01:35:35] See, here's a guy just walking. He's looking the other way. [01:35:38] He's not even looking the way that I'm taking the picture, [01:35:40] but he would never expect somebody to be going 18 miles an hour down there, you know. [01:35:45] And then we have these cafes, you know, sidewalk cafes, [01:35:50] and you can have somebody going 18 miles an hour right down between the cafe [01:35:54] while they're trying to get served from the restaurant or the bar there. [01:35:58] And then I also have some street vendors that you can see further down on the one on the right. [01:36:03] There's a tent up there and you've got the food trucks there, [01:36:07] and it's all that's going on while these go under somewhere in that speed. [01:36:11] I just want you all to be aware of that. [01:36:13] And then go ahead to the next one. [01:36:15] There's a vendor. [01:36:16] You can see the vendor down there, and they've had more vendors down by, [01:36:19] Rites Nutrition, some more of that going on there. [01:36:23] And then I just want to – I don't want the next one, [01:36:25] but I want to just say that there's one scooter company down here [01:36:29] and there's 15 alcoholic beverage units in that area where the scooters are. [01:36:36] So I'm really concerned. [01:36:37] Yes, you know, you set it up for me, but yes, I am concerned. [01:36:41] I'm concerned about the people going in and out of those restaurants. [01:36:43] I'm concerned the people going in and out of those liquor establishments. [01:36:47] And 18 miles an hour is kind of hot, you know, and be able to stop. [01:36:52] And it's not their regular mode of transportation. [01:36:54] Sure, people own them, and I agree that people own them, [01:36:57] and they probably ride them a lot more than just renting them for an hour. [01:37:00] So I have no concern about daylight hours, but the size of that headlight is about three inches, [01:37:08] and it's only about, you know, I think it's 600 looms, [01:37:13] and the taillight's about an inch and a half, and it's only six inches off, [01:37:17] or eight, excuse me, eight inches off the ground. [01:37:19] Am I pretty much correct, Scott? [01:37:21] 750 looms. [01:37:23] Okay. [01:37:28] Scott, can you come down to the – [01:37:30] Okay, well, I'm just saying, I know that they're available. [01:37:32] I didn't know you could – I mean, I didn't know you put a self-control limit on them. [01:37:36] But they do go 18 miles an hour. [01:37:38] I mean, that's what I looked and researched, you know. [01:37:41] But, you know, if there's 750 looms, I heard 600. [01:37:44] You know, what's a taillight loom? [01:37:46] It's 420. [01:37:47] Okay, I thought it was true. [01:37:48] Now, you are correct about the speed. [01:37:50] That is what the box says, but you've got to realize that the speed is variable on weight. [01:37:55] If somebody weighs 50 pounds, they may get 19 miles an hour. [01:38:00] May. [01:38:01] That's highly unlikely. [01:38:02] The average person weighs over 134 pounds, and they're getting about 17 – [01:38:07] 134? [01:38:08] Yeah, 134 pounds. [01:38:10] The average person – [01:38:11] The average person – [01:38:12] Well, there's that person in here that weighs 134. [01:38:15] I'm speaking of our largest demographic, which are, you know, teenagers, right? [01:38:19] Okay. [01:38:20] So I had a wonderful meeting with the police chief, came to the shop. [01:38:24] We put reflective gear all over the scooters, numbered the scooters, and lowered the speed. [01:38:31] Okay, I'm just saying, you know – [01:38:32] I understand. [01:38:33] Okay. [01:38:34] Like I said, I'm not against it. [01:38:35] I'm not against it 100 percent. [01:38:37] But I am against somewhere that 10 o'clock when we've got 15 establishments, you know, liquor. [01:38:43] That's fine. [01:38:44] And that's not your responsibility. [01:38:45] That's what I'm saying. [01:38:46] It's not your job to control those. [01:38:48] It's just people that, you know, walk out of those establishments, and they've had a couple drinks, [01:38:53] and they're not paying attention to where they're going, and the scooter's going down the street. [01:38:56] Absolutely. [01:38:57] Okay. [01:38:58] Now, one other thing. [01:38:59] Let me think. [01:39:00] One other thing. [01:39:01] I think there's an education problem here, because I'm going to give you three or four instances that I personally saw [01:39:06] of your scooter riders that they were disobeying the law. [01:39:10] And one was coming around Central Avenue from the north around the circle, rather, coming toward the central, [01:39:17] and the son was, I guess, about 12 or 13 years old. [01:39:21] He ran that stop sign, and his father ran the stop sign. [01:39:24] And I was sitting at the stop sign, you know, trying to get on the circle. [01:39:27] So, you know, it just was, you know, I mean, it's an education thing. [01:39:32] You know, that's one example. [01:39:35] One night, you've been opening up later than what your regulations say at this point. [01:39:41] Is that correct? [01:39:42] Yeah, I had a meeting with Ms. Manns after we had a cease and desist letter. [01:39:46] She allowed me to stay open until we had this meeting. [01:39:50] Okay, well, I observed three people 8 o'clock one night. [01:39:57] And I actually looked that day, and the sunset was 6-13. [01:40:01] So they were legal out to 7-13. [01:40:04] So this was closer to 8 o'clock. [01:40:06] And they were coming down the sidewalk in front of the Hacienda, and they blew right through Bank Street, [01:40:11] right through that light, and I was there, too. [01:40:14] You know, so I would say, you know, it's an education. [01:40:16] I'm not, you know, I'm not having a problem with you. [01:40:18] I'm having a problem with letting us know or letting them know that they can't do this. [01:40:23] Another incident, I was at Sims Park, and there was probably, I'd say, 15-year-old kids. [01:40:28] They were going around with your scooters, going around the circle in there, racing. [01:40:34] And here was a father and his wife and the baby in a carriage, and the father was 250 and 6'2", [01:40:42] and these kids thought they were going to get in his face. [01:40:45] Well, then they backed down, and then after that, they took off. [01:40:48] And then I got a hold of the police showed up, but then the kids had gone wherever they went running off. [01:40:52] So I think there's an education problem here, and I think that they really need to know, you know, [01:40:58] and I like the reflective gear attitude, and I like to think that let they know that, hey, these people have got, [01:41:04] you know, some people will be coming up and down these streets, have had a couple beers under their breath, [01:41:08] and they're not going to be paying as much attention when you're going 12, 15 miles an hour [01:41:13] or whatever the number is, depends on how much you weigh. [01:41:16] That 134 that I used to weigh when I was 12. [01:41:18] I was being very kind. [01:41:20] When I was 12, I would think I was 134. [01:41:22] But that's my point, you know, and that's what I'm concerned about, you know, [01:41:26] and I really have a hard time, you know, voting for this because of that liability, you know, for you [01:41:32] and for the people that are down there, you know. [01:41:36] And accidentally, I was having a cocktail with two of my council members, you know, [01:41:45] and we were outside the social right there, the table right there where the exit is out of the fenced area, [01:41:53] and we're just sitting talking about them. [01:41:56] You're not going to make the social move their fence, are you? [01:41:59] And our waitress, not knowing who we were, told us that somebody had come by, [01:42:07] and one of your scooters ran into, did some damage on the back of a car, and took off. [01:42:12] So you probably know who that is. [01:42:14] No, actually, it was never reported. [01:42:16] Well, I'm just saying I didn't know if your scooter came back. [01:42:19] All these things you speak of can be addressed, okay? [01:42:22] I can do a better education, and I appreciate that. [01:42:26] I want to work with you, but I've got to stay open. [01:42:29] Well, I agree with you. [01:42:30] I'm 100% behind you, but I'm saying that there's some things that need to be addressed here. [01:42:35] I'm 100% behind you, but the public needs to know that we're not going to tolerate this, you know, [01:42:41] because somebody's going to get hurt. [01:42:43] Right. [01:42:44] Just know this one thing, and I'll let it go. [01:42:46] We've been open for a year, okay? [01:42:49] Not one time have we used fire EMS for any incidences. [01:42:54] Are people falling? [01:42:55] Absolutely. [01:42:56] But within one year that I'm operating, sir, [01:42:59] not one time has fire rescue been called out for a scooter incident [01:43:04] or any other complaint other than they're going too fast around me. [01:43:09] That's pretty good. [01:43:11] But you're also asking to go to a later hour when you're going to have more people out there with a beer under their breath. [01:43:17] That's not – [01:43:18] I'm just saying that's going to happen. [01:43:19] Discussion is on the motion on the council here. [01:43:22] When you say you're not going to get called, you know, I mean, that's fine. [01:43:25] I just want to piggyback on one thing that, you know, [01:43:28] Councilman Davis is talking about in safety. [01:43:30] And I know I've talked to you about this. [01:43:32] There's a lot of people out there that own their own scooters, [01:43:35] and they may not necessarily be getting the training or the rules. [01:43:39] And so, you know, like a thought would be to, like, if you sell a scooter, [01:43:43] they should get a list of rules and explain to them what happens in New Port Richey. [01:43:48] They can take it wherever they want and do what they want, [01:43:50] but in New Port Richey we do have rules, and that's something easy that you could implement. [01:43:54] Absolutely. [01:43:55] And I think that might help, too, because I think we're having an issue with that. [01:43:59] Yeah, I'm just concerned about that. [01:44:02] That's what I'm concerned about. [01:44:03] And I'm seeing more, you know, situations more recently running the stop signs than I did a couple months ago. [01:44:14] Is one of the rules that you can't ride the scooters on Main Street? [01:44:20] May I just make a Robert's rule? [01:44:23] Robert's rule is motions are debated by the Board, [01:44:26] so we're getting way into conversation here on a motion. [01:44:30] This is a question from a – [01:44:34] I hear you. [01:44:37] Do we have an answer to the question? [01:44:39] I don't know. [01:44:41] I don't know there's any ordinances to keep them off of Main Street. [01:44:45] No, we have no restrictions on scooters currently. [01:44:48] By state law, they can go anywhere a bicycle can go, [01:44:51] but you also have the authority to restrict where they can go. [01:44:54] And when this conditional use was first approved, [01:44:57] I made sure the gentleman on the other side of the room, [01:45:00] Understood that there is the possibility that the council might restrict where these scooters [01:45:04] can be ridden, including Main Street or areas downtown, that could affect his business. [01:45:10] But you still have that authority, and so far that has not been exercised. [01:45:13] There's no restriction right now. [01:45:15] Is there a restriction on Sims Park? [01:45:17] I thought there was a street. [01:45:18] There's a motor vehicle restriction. [01:45:19] There are for other types of vehicles, but nothing for scooters. [01:45:22] Okay, because I thought that was still considered a motor vehicle. [01:45:25] No. [01:45:26] They're treated like bicycles under state law unless we regulate them in a different [01:45:30] way. [01:45:31] But you have the authority to do that, and so far nothing's been proposed to you and [01:45:35] nothing's been suggested to do that. [01:45:38] But that is something that can be done, and you can restrict where they can be operated. [01:45:41] You can restrict the hours they can be operated. [01:45:44] Whether he's open or not, you may restrict where they can ride at certain times of the [01:45:49] day or night. [01:45:50] So you still have that authority down the road if you want to adopt an ordinance. [01:45:55] I'm just saying we have a motion on the floor. [01:45:57] It's really inappropriate to have discussion that's not related to the motion. [01:46:01] This is right here on the dais. [01:46:05] There's no more public comment. [01:46:06] I think Chief wanted to say something. [01:46:09] The motion is not talking about an ordinance we may put into effect in the future. [01:46:13] It's talking about the motion that's been made and seconded and needs to be acted on. [01:46:18] We're a little more lax here. [01:46:20] You are. [01:46:21] Thank you. [01:46:22] Thank you. [01:46:23] And I have questions, and I would like my questions answered, if you don't mind, sir. [01:46:27] It's not related to the motion. [01:46:29] Chief, did you have a comment? [01:46:32] Well, as our attorney has said, you can put an ordinance in place. [01:46:40] Without an ordinance, we basically have no more enforcement authority than we would for [01:46:47] someone riding a bicycle. [01:46:50] And we know how they are all hours of the day and night. [01:46:57] But the owner of the shop voluntarily is educating his clients to not go in the park. [01:47:10] That was something he voluntarily did when we pointed out to him some of the concerns [01:47:15] that you had, Chopper, about the reckless operation in there. [01:47:20] And people may still do it, but we don't have any rules against that, any formal rules. [01:47:26] I will just comment that we may want to visit the issue of locations against St. Petersburg [01:47:40] and several of the other bigger cities that have these scooters, ban them completely from [01:47:46] the sidewalks, which would address the concern to them, blitzing past the social or anywhere [01:47:55] else at high speed on the sidewalks. [01:48:01] But that's probably a discussion for another night. [01:48:05] Any other discussion on the motion? [01:48:07] Well, call the question. [01:48:10] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:48:14] Aye. [01:48:15] Aye. [01:48:16] Both places, please err on that next side. [01:48:17] Motion passes. [01:48:20] Next is the first reading ordinance 2021-2228. [01:48:26] This is ordinance number 2021-2228. [01:48:28] And herein goes the ordinance of the city of Newport Ridge, Florida providing for the [01:48:31] sale of surplus city property, providing for the sale of the property generally located [01:48:35] at Southroad & Nellies Way as legally ascribed herein for the purchase price of $818,289.64 [01:48:42] to Pasco County, providing authorization to the city manager to execute all documents [01:48:48] in accordance herewith and providing for an effective date. [01:48:51] Ms. Vance? [01:48:53] As you'll recall from our meeting on February 16th, you approved the sale of 10.75 acre [01:49:01] parcel of property to Pasco County. [01:49:06] The property is located on the southeast section of our wastewater treatment plant [01:49:11] facility. [01:49:12] The purpose of the purchase is to accommodate the construction of a new fire station to [01:49:19] replace the fire station that they currently operate out of on Crossbio Road. [01:49:24] In order to comply with the city charter, we are asking you to approve at first reading [01:49:32] tonight an ordinance which authorizes the sale of the property to Pasco County. [01:49:42] Open it up for public comment. [01:49:45] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:49:47] Move for approval. [01:49:48] Second. [01:49:49] To the make of. [01:49:54] I hope they appreciate the speed with which we've done that. [01:49:58] Second. [01:50:00] Second. [01:50:01] I'll second that. [01:50:03] Mr. Peters? [01:50:04] I'm on board. [01:50:07] Good. [01:50:08] Mr. Davis? [01:50:09] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:50:14] Aye. [01:50:15] Opposed, like sign. [01:50:16] Motion passes. [01:50:17] Next is a board appointment. [01:50:18] Ms. Vance? [01:50:19] Ms. Amber Bloss has indicated an interest to serve on the Environmental Committee. [01:50:26] She has previously served on the committee for a five-month period of time during 2014. [01:50:36] She's at a position where she can come back now, and her term would be for a two-year [01:50:42] period of time if you determine that it is appropriate to appoint her to the board. [01:50:50] And if you do so, her term would span through March 2, 2023. [01:50:55] I do not see her in the audience. [01:50:58] Any public comment? [01:51:00] Seeing none, bring it back to council. [01:51:02] Move for approval. [01:51:03] Second. [01:51:04] To the maker. [01:51:05] I just thank you and welcome aboard. [01:51:08] Second. [01:51:09] Same thing. [01:51:10] Mr. Murphy? [01:51:11] Thank you for serving. [01:51:12] Mr. Peters? [01:51:15] Yeah, I'm happy that she's applied. [01:51:19] I would like to see all our committees have a waiting list of qualified candidates to [01:51:26] wanting to serve. [01:51:28] And I applaud all those who do serve on these committees, and I would invite others to get [01:51:36] involved. [01:51:37] And I'd really like to see us just, you know, have people clamoring to get on. [01:51:42] So I'm glad she's serving. [01:51:44] Great. [01:51:45] In that case, thank you very much. [01:51:47] If you're watching, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:51:51] Aye. [01:51:52] Opposed? [01:51:53] Like sign. [01:51:54] Motion passes. [01:51:55] Next is an agreement with Hennessey Construction regarding the Library Improvement Project. [01:51:59] Yes, sir. [01:52:00] Mr. Mayor, the Library Improvement Project is one that the staff has been working on [01:52:07] since 2017. [01:52:10] The consideration related to the future plans of the Library were to first fully assess [01:52:19] the direction of future services, and additionally, to look at space requirements. [01:52:26] And in that regard, a space needs assessment was conducted in 2018. [01:52:34] That study confirmed that the uses of the building could be accommodated in the current [01:52:42] building with selected space efficiencies, and therefore, this project in large part [01:52:49] calls for interior renovations to the first and second floors of the building. [01:52:58] And we have been working with Williams Architects on that project. [01:53:07] And we have hired Hennessey Construction Services to work with the city on a contractor-at-risk [01:53:14] basis, which means that they're willing to afford the city a guaranteed maximum price [01:53:21] on the project. [01:53:24] Mr. Mark Stalker of Hennessey Construction Services is in attendance this evening to [01:53:34] answer any questions that you might have related to the project. [01:53:38] We have, through Mr. Stalker and his firm, received bids from subcontractors for the [01:53:48] project, and the construction portion of the budget is $1,831,630. [01:54:00] We additionally have appropriated $170,000 for FF&E, such as signage, audio and visual [01:54:09] equipment and other furnitures and necessary fixtures, which brings the project total to [01:54:17] $2,003,310. [01:54:25] Hennessey Construction Services will receive a fee of 5% of the construction budget for [01:54:32] their work on the project. [01:54:35] The amount of their fee is certainly in line with industry standards. [01:54:39] I don't want to over-speak it with Mr. Stalker in the room, but it's a very, very favorable [01:54:45] rate and we appreciate that. [01:54:47] This is not the first project that Hennessey has worked on for the city. [01:54:51] They have additionally worked on the Sims Park Improvement Project and the Recreation [01:54:57] and Aquatic Center Expansion Project. [01:55:01] Both projects revealed their staff to be very professional and they had a consistent [01:55:08] focus on the value of the work, in particular deference to the amount of the funding available. [01:55:16] With that being said, we are proud to be able to recommend to you that you consider awarding [01:55:23] the project in the amount of $2,003,310 on a guaranteed maximum price basis to Hennessey [01:55:35] Construction Services. [01:55:39] The largest part of the project will be paid for through the non-ad valorem revenue bonds [01:55:49] that were sold late last year. [01:55:52] You will also be receiving $100,000 from EBSCO Information Services to support the [01:55:59] installation of solar panels on the roof, and we are prepared to answer any questions [01:56:08] that you may have of us in respect to the project. [01:56:13] Thank you. [01:56:14] I'll open it up for public comment. [01:56:16] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [01:56:19] Move for approval. [01:56:20] Second. [01:56:21] There's nothing more. [01:56:22] Second. [01:56:23] No, thank you. [01:56:24] Mr. Murphy? [01:56:25] No. [01:56:26] No comment. [01:56:27] Mr. Peters? [01:56:28] What's the timetable on the project from start to finish? [01:56:36] I did not include the timetable, I'm sorry. [01:56:38] Mr. Stalker, do you want to respond to the question? [01:56:42] Come on up. [01:56:43] I love projects, I just want to know how long they're going to take. [01:56:49] I'm glad to see this finally getting underway. [01:56:52] We promised the library folks we'd do this ages ago. [01:56:56] Will the library be closed, a portion of it, all of it, some of it? [01:56:59] There are limited closures on the library during the construction. [01:57:03] We're going to try to accommodate the process with just moving around sections of the building [01:57:09] at a time. [01:57:15] Any further discussion? [01:57:17] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:57:20] Aye.

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11. 9.c

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Ordinance No. 2021-2228” — transcript expanded below

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2021-2228: Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property

    Transcript segment does not contain substantive discussion of Ordinance No. 2021-2228 regarding sale of surplus property; it captures the tail end of a prior vote and the beginning of a Classification and Compensation Study presentation by Ms. Vance.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2021-2228

    • vote:Motion on the preceding item passed on a voice vote. (passed)

    🏢Cody and Associates👤Vance#Classification and Compensation Study#Ordinance No. 2021-2228

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    [01:57:21] Aye. [01:57:22] Opposed, like sign. [01:57:23] Motion passes. [01:57:24] Next, Classification and Compensation Study. [01:57:26] Ms. Vance? [01:57:28] Yes, sir. [01:57:31] As we met last year to work on our strategic plan, one of the areas that was identified [01:57:41] as a need for the city was to attract qualified personnel, and specifically to reduce turnover [01:57:49] and promote career opportunities within the city. [01:57:54] In that respect, we hired Cody and Associates, who are specialists in public employment wage [01:58:04] salary and classification studies in the state of Florida, to determine if our salaries were [01:58:16] equitable and the classification and salary ranges were appropriate, and that there were [01:58:23] equitable relationships between positions. [01:58:29] And they did so on, or their focus on the first year of the study was on the non-union [01:58:38] positions of the city. [01:58:39] And the reason that we focused on the non-union position of the cities is because we believe [01:58:44] that the largest disparity in salary existed there. [01:58:50] At the conclusion of their study, in which they compared us to 15 other cities, we found

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12. 10.a

    Board Appointment: Amber Blais, Environmental Committee

    Item appears mislabeled in transcript; the content shown is a continuation of a classification and compensation study presentation by Cody and Associates, not a board appointment discussion. Staff requested council authorization to implement the first phase addressing 38 of 167 under-market positions at a cost of $48,973.60, with public comment from Wendy Brenner questioning when the pay plan was last updated.

    🏢Cody and Associates👤Ms. Vance👤Wendy Brenner#Amber Blais Environmental Committee appointment#Classification and Compensation Study

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    [01:59:02] that 38 of 167 positions were under market. [01:59:08] And that would represent a budget total of $48,973.60 to implement for one fiscal year. [01:59:23] At this point, we are not implementing for a full fiscal year, but we are asking your [01:59:28] authority to go forward with the implementation of what is the first phase of the project. [01:59:35] Future phases of the project will address police and fire positions, the union positions [01:59:41] of the city. [01:59:43] And it's our expectation to remain competitive, that the study is a process that we will do [01:59:50] every year focusing on a different group of the city. [01:59:55] Ultimately, we would have liked to have started off with everyone, but we knew that the result [02:00:00] that would be bigger than we'd be able to implement in any one year. Thank you. [02:00:05] So with that being said, we're asking you to accept the classification and [02:00:10] compensation study as conducted by Cody and Associates. Stand up for public [02:00:14] comment. [02:00:16] Wendy Brenner. When was the last classification and pay plan approved by [02:00:32] the city? When was the last time it was done? It's been a while. Ms. Vance, do you [02:00:37] recall? I think it was 2013. Okay, well I think it's 14 because I think I have 14. [02:00:44] This, the public record, doesn't have the enclosures about the reclassifications [02:00:51] and the market data summary for us to look at. I'm assuming you guys got that,

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13. 10.b

    Agreement w/Hennessy Construction Services RE: Library Improvement Project

    tabled

    Discussion appeared to mix two items: a deferred classification/compensation study (postponed due to a missing attachment, with discussion of implementation timing tied to pay periods) and the start of a presentation on the 2019 Nebraska Avenue parking lot improvement project. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on the Hennessy Construction library agreement referenced in the agenda title.

    • direction:Council directed that the classification and compensation study item be brought back at the next meeting once the complete attachment/data is provided. (tabled)
    • consensus:Council reached informal consensus that, when approved, salary adjustments from the compensation study would take effect at the start of a pay period (the 13th) to ease finance department processing. (none)

    📍Nebraska Avenue parking lot (west of Suncoast Theater, near Lincoln Street)🏢Hennessy Construction Services🏢Kimley-Horn🏢Pasco County🏢Right-of-Way Contracting, LLC🏢Suncoast Theater👤Brenner👤Manns#2014 salary study#2019 Nebraska Avenue Parking Lot Improvement Project#Classification and Compensation Study#Gloria Swanson project

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    [02:00:59] but it wasn't included online, so I'm very curious to know, especially the [02:01:06] market data and the salary ranges for other cities and where we stand. [02:01:15] There's nothing in here. It is not in my packet. I'm wondering if an error was [02:01:20] made in putting the packet together, and if so, we can bring this matter back [02:01:25] before your next meeting. Why don't we do that, bring it back with the complete data? [02:01:27] Thank you. There's nothing to compare it to. I mean, it's a nice summary and [02:01:32] everything, but yeah. Yeah, I'm sorry about that. The attachment is not [02:01:37] included. In that case, we'll put that one off if you want to reschedule that. [02:01:42] Next is the... I just wanted to comment on a question about that. When we [02:01:47] implement it, are you looking at the first of the month of whenever we [02:01:51] month? If we approved it tonight, are we looking at the [02:01:53] first of April? Because we're looking at, I'm asking that because of a budget [02:01:58] situation, so we're looking at six months. When you approve the [02:02:07] classification and compensation study, we will effectuate the salary adjustments [02:02:17] immediately thereafter. I'd like to... If there isn't a specific date, unless you tell us? [02:02:23] Well, that's what I'm going to suggest, that it's just for purpose of... [02:02:29] Not to delay it. Well, not to delay it, but you know, just for the whole [02:02:34] thing with paid scales and paid wages and all this kind of stuff, we just [02:02:38] started it at the first of the month. That would be great, and I do have one [02:02:44] additional comment, and it might be in response to former Mayor Brenner's [02:02:49] comment about the salary study that was conducted back in 2014. That wasn't done [02:02:57] by any professional management consulting company, and the cities that [02:03:04] were used as comparables weren't true comparables, and that would be one of the [02:03:11] reasons why we were so off in some of our market data. When you consider what [02:03:18] a comparable community is, typically the demographics are the same, the form of [02:03:25] government's the same, the budget's about the same size, and other commonalities [02:03:33] that didn't exist and that was definitely deficient in the 2014 study. [02:03:39] We'll look forward to getting the full packet. And then do you mind if I make a [02:03:44] proposal that we start at the first of the month, whatever? Let me speak to that, [02:03:48] because there's 26 pay periods, so for the purpose of the finance department, do [02:03:53] do it at the 13th. Okay, beginning of a pay period. That way she doesn't have to [02:04:00] calculate a whole bunch of stuff. Yeah, that's, that's, well, I mean, you know it a [02:04:05] step more than I knew. I just was going first of the month. Okay. [02:04:07] I can make the finance director smile about that, so I think it's a good move. Okay, next. That was my proposal, but I didn't know of all this behind the scenes. [02:04:19] Yeah, $300 a month, what am I supposed to know? Yeah, we get paid monthly, so how would we know? [02:04:25] I'll call you guys back to order, please. 2019 Nebraska parking lot improvement [02:04:31] project award, please. Can you present the agenda item? Thank you, Ms. Manns, the [02:04:37] Mayor and Council. The request of staff for Council is to review the Kimley-Horne [02:04:44] project recommendation memorandum and to consider for approval the attached low [02:04:50] bid in the amount not to exceed $721,942.50 [02:04:57] and award the 2019 Nebraska Avenue parking lot improvement project to [02:05:03] right-of-way contracting, LLC. We went ahead and put up this rendering here so [02:05:10] that you could see what the proposed project would look like. This is the [02:05:16] parking lot, the city-owned parking lot, that is directly west of the Suncoast [02:05:22] Theater. It consists of the city's parking lot, which is here's Lincoln [02:05:28] Street, over to the east this portion here is a city parking lot, and over [02:05:33] towards the west is a parking lot that belongs to Pasco County. As you are aware, [02:05:38] the city entered into an agreement with Pasco County to utilize both of [02:05:44] these parking lots. In the current condition right now, the grades are [02:05:49] uneven, so part of this will be to correct those grades. The main purpose of [02:05:54] the the work is to improve the efficiencies. An example of the of an [02:06:01] improvement that we would consider in need are the multiple ingress-egress [02:06:05] conditions that you have currently that promote vehicle-to-vehicle conflicts as [02:06:11] well as vehicle-to-pedestrian conflicts. The project will also increase the [02:06:18] existing 90 spaces to 106 spaces for a gain of 16. The deliverables that would [02:06:26] also be included in addition to everything that we've talked about would [02:06:30] be landscaping, improved lighting, hardscape, and 88 upgrades, as well as [02:06:38] asphalt and thermoplastic, and then finally some drainage improvements would [02:06:45] be included. So with that being said, the city opened up the bids on the 22nd of [02:06:52] January, and the bids all were in comparison to one another. As we had [02:06:59] stated, the bid that was turned in by right-of-way contracting was [02:07:04] analyzed against the Gloria Swanson project that we have recently completed, [02:07:08] and we had come to the conclusion that we felt like the pricing was actually [02:07:14] below the industry standards that we have now, so we really think that the

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14. 10.c

    Classification and Compensation Study by Cody & Associates, Inc.

    approved

    This transcript segment primarily covers the tail end of a parking lot/drainage improvement project bid award (right-of-way contracting), not the Classification and Compensation Study item. Council discussion focused on drainage to the river, and a councilmember urged Pasco County to finalize real estate transactions on leased land where the city is investing significant funds. The motion to approve the low bid passed.

    • motion:Approve the low bid and award the parking lot/drainage project to Right-of-Way Contracting. (passed)

    📍Bank Street📍Main Street🏢Cody & Associates, Inc.🏢Duke Energy🏢Ellis Bank🏢Hacienda🏢Right-of-Way Contracting👤Chopper Davis👤Commissioner Oakley👤Councilman Altman👤Mr. Peters👤Ms. Manz👤Robert#EV charging station (dual port)#Native American festival discussion#Sewer plant property / fire station land transaction

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    [02:07:19] cost to construct this project is well within reason, and with that we would [02:07:24] recommend that you approve the low bid as well as award the project to right- [02:07:29] of-way contracting. Thank you. Opened up for public comment. Seeing no one come [02:07:34] forward, bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. To the maker. I just want to [02:07:42] know, put that picture back up there again, I want to know how you can get [02:07:46] shadows to the north and shadows to the south. So Robert, just one question. I [02:08:00] should have asked this when it first came up, but all the surface water on [02:08:04] this parking lot, does it drain into that one retention pond? Is it captured? Well, [02:08:09] right now it drains in two different directions. The Pasco County portion [02:08:14] drains over into the drainage pond, and the city has some inlets over on the, on [02:08:20] the, yes, the south, and then there are some on the north. So after we, you [02:08:25] said drainage improvements, so after we do that, is it still all going to be, goes [02:08:30] to the pond, or where's the water going to go? It'll still go in the [02:08:33] three different directions. It'll get to those areas more [02:08:37] efficiently. We'll regrade the service. The sheet flow will be, be a little bit [02:08:42] better. And then when it closes into the other drainage, that's, where's that go [02:08:48] from there? Out to the river. Okay. Can't send it any place else? [02:08:57] No. I'm going to mention something that Chopper mentioned at the last time we [02:09:11] discussed the sale of the sewer plant property for the fire station, and that [02:09:19] is that we're building this on land that we leased, so we're improving leased land [02:09:24] to which they have discussed that they would like to turn it over to us, and [02:09:29] particularly also the old Ellis Bank. You have to go way back for that one, but on [02:09:36] Bank Street, the property that they own there now. I think this is the time to [02:09:43] let them know, look, you know, we're getting ready to invest seven hundred and [02:09:47] some thousand dollars on land we don't own. We appreciate you letting us do it. [02:09:52] Would you now please follow through with some of your real estate department [02:09:57] to get the finality? We saw earlier today a beautiful rendering of some of the [02:10:04] trees along, across from the Hacienda, and we all said, ooh, that would be, I guess we [02:10:10] all thought it looked nice, but the property owner doesn't have those [02:10:15] intentions probably. He does have intentions to get incentives from us, I'm [02:10:20] sure, and so we still have some ability to negotiate, but, you know, to me, letting [02:10:27] someone have an existing building to put some houses on in trade for those trees [02:10:32] on Main Street means we need to be in a position to be able to negotiate with [02:10:37] that property owner on his development plans, and as long as we haven't [02:10:42] completed this deal, it will be pie in the sky for someone who has claimed for [02:10:47] a long time, as Mr. Peters reflected this time to belly up to the bar, that [02:10:52] that we haven't completed some of our tasks, so I want to follow what my good [02:10:59] friend Councilman Chopper Davis said, which is he'll see it when he believes [02:11:05] it, but we really need it, and we need it just like they needed the fire station. [02:11:10] We need them to complete some of this real estate transaction. I talked to [02:11:16] Commissioner Oakley, and that was one of my points. He didn't take notes, but he [02:11:22] was nodding. Okay, well in that case, Robert, you're going to relocate the two Duke [02:11:31] Energy wrap stations? They're gone, they're gone. Just kidding. [02:11:37] But one station is there. You're right, it's a dual port, but correct. For the EV [02:11:44] station? Mm-hmm. Yes, sir. In that case, if there's no further discussion, all those in [02:11:50] favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next is a [02:11:58] discussion regarding the suggestion of a Native American festival. Ms. Manz. This [02:12:04] matter is being brought before you at the suggestion of Councilman Altman, who [02:12:11] indicated at your February 16th meeting that he would like to have an [02:12:16] opportunity to discuss Chaska hosting a Native American festival. And we have

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

15. 10.d

    2019 Nebraska Ave. Parking Lot Improvements – Project Award

    approved

    Note: The transcript provided is actually about a Chasco Fiesta Native American powwow event proposal, not the 2019 Nebraska Ave. Parking Lot Improvements project award listed in the agenda. Al Renato presented a request to host a Native American cultural event March 19-21 in the park, with a proposed $5 admission, ~12 vendors, and crowd-control measures including a roped area with single entry point. Council discussed COVID safety, precedent for reopening parks to events, and ultimately moved approval, with discussion that Chasco, Fourth of July, and Christmas Parade should be treated as city signature events.

    • motion:Motion to approve hosting the Native American powwow event March 19-21 in the park, as a one-time event with future events to be considered individually. (passed)

    📍5334 Main Street📍5443 Main Street📍Sims Park🏢Chamber of Commerce🏢Chasco Fiesta🏢Rotary👤Al Renato👤Altman👤Katrina👤Kevin👤Murphy👤Peters👤Tim McLean#COVID-19 event protocols#Chasco Fiesta#Christmas Parade#Fourth of July#Gainesville powwow#March 19-21 2021 event#Native American powwow

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    [02:12:28] a member of the committee who I would like to ask if Al Renato could come forward. Okay, and we could ask Mr. Renato to move forward. [02:12:35] We'll open it up for public comment, including starting with Mr. Renato. After thanking him for [02:12:40] sitting here for what is now, what, three hours? That is correct. The [02:12:51] Native Americans have asked us if we would be willing to host them this year [02:12:58] in the park where they normally set up at. The date for that will be March 19th [02:13:04] through the 21st, which doesn't give us a lot of time to set it up. It's two [02:13:13] weeks. I know. I think I can get the permitting in place. I may have to [02:13:17] fast-track the set meeting and application. They would be setting up in [02:13:26] the same area they normally do, and to help fund the shows and to have some [02:13:32] crowd control, we want to rope off the area that they're in and have one [02:13:38] point of entry, and then charge a small fee for people to go to go in and see [02:13:43] the show. The pricing that we're coming up with is adults and teenagers, $5 [02:13:52] under $12 free. Expecting somewhere between 200 and 250 people a day, and [02:13:59] that's mainly because there is no budget for advertisement. We expect to [02:14:06] have about 12 vendors in there that indicated that they'll be willing to [02:14:10] come, and they'll get charged, and they'll help fund the event for [02:14:14] us. Any funding or in kind that the city can provide will be greatly welcomed. Any [02:14:23] fast-tracking we can do will be welcomed also. [02:14:29] Any other comments from members of the public? [02:14:34] This is Katrina. She's talked of coming. My only concern is with 12 vendors, how [02:14:54] are you going to space them out in that? That's kind of a lot for that particular [02:14:59] area. [02:15:00] And for, they may need more than just where they normally are for 12. [02:15:08] Yeah, we would set them up along the sidewalk on the, along where the homes are at. [02:15:15] The north side. [02:15:16] The north side, yeah. [02:15:17] So we'll set them all up in there. [02:15:20] If I measure them out, we can put three 10 by 10s together, [02:15:24] and then with the 10 foot space, and then we may have one just that are going to be doing the cooking. [02:15:31] The others are all going to be trinkets. [02:15:39] Good evening. [02:15:40] Tim McLean, 5443 Main Street, 5334 Main Street. [02:15:45] You know, it's the first time I'm really getting the details on this. [02:15:48] I can tell you we'll do whatever we can as a Chamber of Commerce to help you get advertising out for this. [02:15:53] I, you know, I think that part of Chasco Fiesta is something that sometimes get lost with the concerts [02:16:00] and everything else going on. [02:16:02] I was just looking at some pictures the other day I took. [02:16:04] It's such a beautiful event. [02:16:07] It's just people need to see that. [02:16:10] And I know we can't have Chasco, but maybe that's a small part, which, by the way, [02:16:14] is sort of the history and heritage of where it came from. [02:16:17] And so I really would support it and encourage it. [02:16:20] And like I said, we will do whatever we can do to help them get the word out [02:16:24] because it is something for those willing to go out and want to go out, I think would be a great thing. [02:16:30] It's a great honor to our Native Americans. [02:16:33] And at the same time, it's just a beautiful festival. [02:16:35] If you miss it with all the other activities going on, you've really missed it. [02:16:39] And so I think it would be great for the city. [02:16:41] We'll support you. [02:16:42] Thank you. [02:16:43] We are still in the middle of a pandemic. [02:16:45] Are you going to be able to social distance people? [02:16:48] I think we can social distance people. [02:16:50] We'll have a lot of monitoring taking place. [02:16:54] So one of the ways we're going to control the people is to put an armband, [02:16:58] which means we'll have to have several people monitoring the armband people as they come in [02:17:03] because the rope we're going to use is going to be just a plastic band that we'll put around that area. [02:17:10] So those monitors should be able to tell people to back off or, if they're too close, to put a mask on. [02:17:20] Move for approval. [02:17:22] Do we have a second? [02:17:24] I'll second. [02:17:28] Yes. [02:17:30] When we had the work session, the number one thing I said is that we need to keep Chasco's name out there [02:17:36] in small events through the whole year so that in another year, maybe in 2022, [02:17:41] that we'll be able to come back with a festival and everybody be ready for it. [02:17:45] So this is a prime example of what I was looking for. [02:17:48] Second. [02:17:50] Yeah, and I think having experienced the Brooksville one, as I mentioned it to you all at the last meeting, [02:17:55] they required face masks in all of the vendors. [02:17:59] The vendors had face masks. [02:18:01] There's no alcohol, and it's outside. [02:18:04] And so I think to the degree we can, having been involved in this thing myself for many years, [02:18:13] it's always hard for us to get vendors. [02:18:16] This year, the Gainesville powwow that usually draws away from our vendors has lost their powwow grounds, [02:18:24] so it's not a COVID thing. [02:18:26] But, you know, when they approached us, these folks go on a circuit. [02:18:30] So it was suggested, and we still have to get this through the rest of the committee [02:18:35] once we learn if we have the opportunity tomorrow, so it's not even we're just asking for your permission, really, [02:18:42] and we'll see what happens tomorrow with the committee. [02:18:44] But some have said let's do it later, but they're on a track, [02:18:51] and their last one is in south Georgia just above Jacksonville April 1st. [02:18:56] So that's why the push. [02:18:59] They travel around the country, and so they dance at the Aztecs dancers, and they've asked to do it. [02:19:08] So if we can, I'm all for it. [02:19:11] Mr. Murphy? [02:19:13] I'm not opposed to the event. [02:19:15] I mean, I guess the issue I would bring up was just the timetable. [02:19:21] I mean, if you're able to push it back, you know, you're able to market it better and, you know, [02:19:25] do those kind of things. [02:19:27] I guess that's not an option. [02:19:29] And I guess the other question I have is, you know, as a body, as a city, are we opening up for events? [02:19:37] Because, you know, obviously if we do one, other people are going to be knocking on the door. [02:19:41] So that's something I think we need to address too. [02:19:45] So I'm not opposed to events, but, I mean, we just have to, you know, make a decision on whether we open [02:19:50] or what are we doing, you know. [02:19:53] I need to understand that, Mayor, because the point that Councilman Murphy is bringing up is relevant. [02:20:00] And, you know, is Chasco being granted some special exception to use the park on March 19th? [02:20:09] Or are we reopening the parks for public purposes or like this? [02:20:19] Mr. Peters? [02:20:21] Yeah, so, you know, I would admire the committee, you know, [02:20:28] if they're going to put it together in this short period of time, I admire them for doing that. [02:20:33] And, Al, how many people would it fit or how many people can you put in there? [02:20:42] So in the past we've had somewhere in the neighborhood of about 150 people that take up an area to watch the dancers. [02:20:50] That's probably by the biggest amount of crowds we've seen watch a show. [02:20:55] So that's why I'm guesstimating that 250 throughout the day. [02:21:01] Right over a period of the day. [02:21:04] And per CDC, I mean, we are going to have the 250 mark and one entryway controlled. [02:21:11] And so we can even go to the point of measuring temperatures as they come in. [02:21:15] I think we'll have that much control over it. [02:21:20] So, yeah, and I understand, too, that you're concerned about that. [02:21:26] And, you know, the floodgates opening up and who comes out. [02:21:29] And I was recently on that. [02:21:32] I'd heard something about in May a rotary event or something, a wine and tea. [02:21:38] They've asked to reserve a portion of Sims Park for that purpose. [02:21:45] But their event hasn't been approved yet because it's a little bit further out. [02:21:49] How large is that event? Do they have any idea yet? [02:21:52] No, I don't. [02:21:54] Kevin, may? [02:21:55] Yeah, I think it's expected around 300 people, similar in size. [02:22:02] I'd like to modify my proposal then, too. [02:22:05] This is a one-time event and any other events that we'll deal with one at a time. [02:22:11] Is that a fair way to save us? [02:22:14] Well, I mean, I think the challenge you'll have is if other events come forward [02:22:19] that are similarly situated, you know, the same number of people, same number of protocols, [02:22:24] you're going to be hard-pressed to deny them based on this approval. [02:22:28] That would be the concern. [02:22:32] I'd like to offer a friendly amendment that might be a little different, [02:22:36] which is something I've been saying for a long time, and I'd love to get you all to weigh in on it, [02:22:40] which is the Chasco, the Fourth of July, and the Christmas Parade are our city's events. [02:22:46] Those can be events, and if we had a fourth one for a fourth season, so be it. [02:22:51] But I think that the differential is that this is a city. [02:22:56] This has been put on by a nonprofit, but it is a city, cultural, historical event. [02:23:03] And so I think that all four of those are going to need to be treated differently. [02:23:08] I mean, the Chamber's had a hard time putting on the Christmas Parade. [02:23:12] The COVID has affected a lot of the nonprofits. [02:23:15] These are the things our residents know and are looking at, [02:23:19] and I'm thinking more about them than I am worrying about telling somebody that they can't have an event. [02:23:26] They're ready for it. [02:23:27] We heard it today unsolicited from somebody missing the chance, [02:23:32] and I think it's a good opportunity for us to see if we can't manage it. [02:23:39] There's something I should put in the proposal that way? [02:23:44] No, I don't think so. [02:23:47] If it's managed well, you can certainly use that as a basis for denying other potential activities, [02:23:55] but I do think you're starting to open that door by approving this first event, [02:23:59] so I think you'd need to understand that you're opening the door, [02:24:05] whether it's wide open or it's just a little crack. [02:24:09] We may be able to use your analogy when it comes down the road. [02:24:15] And to Councilman Altman's point, by having this be somewhat of a city-sponsored event, [02:24:21] then you have a little more control over the activities, you can put in more safety protocols, [02:24:25] those kinds of things that can help differentiate it from other types of private events. [02:24:33] Thank you. [02:24:34] Realistically, we're probably not out of the woods on this thing until September, if we're lucky. [02:24:48] And anything that gets done in the park, be it Chasco or anything, is going to need to be pretty low-key, [02:24:59] just for safety's sake. [02:25:03] How many people in the corral, let's call it the corral, it would be a limit? [02:25:09] I'm thinking, you know... [02:25:11] He said 250. [02:25:12] Well, he said 250 throughout the day, but maybe 150 at any one time. [02:25:15] Is that right, Al? [02:25:16] Yeah. [02:25:17] In the past, we've seen about 150. [02:25:20] Then that was packed in pretty good.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

16. 10.e

    Discussion Regarding Native American Festival

    approved

    Council concluded discussion on the Native American Festival by amending the prior motion to authorize the city manager to impose reasonable COVID-related restrictions, and approved up to $2,000 in city council budget funds to sponsor/cover city application/permit fees for the event.

    • motion:Amended motion to approve the Native American Festival with the city manager authorized to impose reasonable COVID-related restrictions as necessary. (passed)
    • motion:Motion to approve up to $2,000 from the city council budget to sponsor the Native American Festival (covering city application/permit fees). (passed)

    📍5443 Main Street📍5840 Fort Madison Street🏢Aztec fire dancers🏢Chasco🏢Stonehaven👤Al👤Katrina👤Kevin👤Mr. Peters👤Otter👤Paul Black👤Tim McLean👤Wendy Brenner#Chasco#Native American Festival#Resolution 2021-33#powwow

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    [02:25:22] Those are the bleachers that we borrow from the city are all full, [02:25:26] and then we brought in about 25, 30 chairs on top of that. [02:25:29] I don't think you're going to be able to do that. [02:25:31] If we're sitting here with social distancing in the council chambers, [02:25:38] you're not going to be able to pack them on those bleachers. [02:25:40] Right. [02:25:41] One of the comments Al made to me was that we could issue chairs [02:25:46] and actually place them for them so that they would be at their spot. [02:25:51] So if you had a family with kids, you could have that group of six sitting together [02:25:56] and that we could, like, try to spread it around. [02:26:02] I appreciate the motion. [02:26:03] We'll see where it goes. [02:26:05] If we do it like that, think it still can make a financial go for it? [02:26:10] So I could even go to the point where we'll bring in 150, 200 chairs, [02:26:16] spread them out, and then that will tell us when we're at our limit. [02:26:23] And Otter, who is Katrina's son, [02:26:27] Otter has indicated that he would not break the Chasco. [02:26:33] In other words, if we have we've already got Stonehaven, who was a $2,500 sponsor, [02:26:41] so we've been able to, with approval of the committee tomorrow, [02:26:46] they've asked for their funds to be used to promote this [02:26:50] so that they can get a little bit of publicity. [02:26:53] Budget's real tight. [02:26:54] Yeah, and between that and the vendors are paying $200 apiece, [02:26:59] so you've got about $4,500. [02:27:02] And he's given us an entertainment budget that is under that. [02:27:06] So we're not going to break the Chasco. [02:27:10] They just want to try to keep their little group rolling through the state, [02:27:15] and they've been successful. [02:27:17] There have been six of these powwows across the state already, and there's a couple more. [02:27:23] I'll add one more thing. [02:27:25] Native Americans do not allow any alcohol. [02:27:28] They're really big about that. [02:27:29] They actually pray or pledge or something. [02:27:33] Yeah, there's no alcohol. [02:27:34] So from a security standpoint, I don't think we need any security. [02:27:38] This should be pretty mild. [02:27:40] So it would just be the distancing that we'll have to deal with. [02:27:44] Only daylight hours? [02:27:47] I'm not sure. [02:27:49] I don't have the venue. [02:27:51] Time changes, so you're picking up the extra hours. [02:27:54] It will be some dark. [02:27:55] They've got the Aztec fire dancers as their final show. [02:27:58] Usually about 7 o'clock. [02:28:00] That looks really good. [02:28:03] Perhaps, Mr. Mayor, you can entertain a friendly amendment to allow the city manager [02:28:07] to impose reasonable COVID-related restrictions as necessary on the event. [02:28:12] I'll add that to that. [02:28:16] Okay. [02:28:17] The other thing I ask is if it can be fast-tracked. [02:28:20] And what I mean by that, I mean get it, huh? [02:28:23] Yeah. [02:28:24] So I'll ask Kevin, you know, if hopefully he can get our second meeting in, [02:28:28] like, immediately. [02:28:29] We can keep up with you. [02:28:30] You need to apply, and we'll keep up. [02:28:31] You're doing an hour. [02:28:33] All right. [02:28:34] We have an amended motion with the city manager giving Carte Blanche to [02:28:38] become a public health expert [02:28:42] and set the COVID protocols we need based on CDC. [02:28:47] Any further discussion? [02:28:53] Pressure on the committee now. [02:28:55] All in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:28:59] Aye. [02:29:00] Opposed, blank sign. [02:29:02] Motion passes. [02:29:05] Mayor? [02:29:06] Does the council want to take any action on a level of sponsorship for the [02:29:10] event? [02:29:11] It sounded like that was part of the request as well. [02:29:14] I didn't hear that. [02:29:16] I did say if any funding was available, it would be greatly appreciated. [02:29:20] Even in-kind, like application fees or permit fees, even that would help. [02:29:26] What's it going to cost for the city's application? [02:29:30] Well, we don't know yet. [02:29:31] We don't have the application. [02:29:34] But I would imagine that our costs would be in the range of $3,000. [02:29:41] I'm guessing. [02:29:42] You're saying a motion? [02:29:45] Let someone else do that. [02:29:49] Motion to approve $3,000. [02:29:52] Second. [02:29:53] Second to the maker. [02:29:55] No, I mean, I would assume we know what we're [02:30:00] we have and what we can distribute evenly, so. [02:30:03] Second. [02:30:04] No, we have some funds in the council, no, in the council, don't we? [02:30:09] In the city council. [02:30:10] We have city council budget fairs. [02:30:12] Yeah, let's use that. [02:30:13] Mr. Peters, anything? [02:30:15] No, that's fine. [02:30:15] That's what I was saying, where we're going to find the money. [02:30:18] I thought the council fairs had some money too, but we have the council money. [02:30:22] I'm good with that, yeah, but that would figure a place to get the money. [02:30:26] Up to $2,000, up to $2,000 would be the maximum. [02:30:30] Anything more comes out of Mr. Peters' pocket? [02:30:33] No. [02:30:36] That's what I told him. [02:30:38] Very encouraged, I appreciate that. [02:30:40] Thank you. [02:30:41] Tom, tell me you've got, well, we've got a vote. [02:30:43] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:30:47] Aye. [02:30:47] Opposed, like sign. [02:30:49] We're looking forward to it. [02:30:50] Tell them we're looking forward to it. [02:30:53] Oh, do we get our $5 free ticket? [02:30:56] Just kidding. [02:30:58] Bring it out, Al. [02:31:05] Resolution number 2021-33. [02:31:08] This is resolution number 2021-33, a resolution of the city council [02:31:12] of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of resolution [02:31:16] 0202 and resolution 2014-02 pertaining to the order of business [02:31:21] and conduct of public meetings, providing for the relocation of Vox [02:31:25] Pop on the agenda, providing for an overall limitation to the time allocated [02:31:29] for Vox Pop, a reduction of the time for each speaker to two minutes, [02:31:33] and priority for city residents or business operators, [02:31:36] and providing for revised and renamed public meeting rules attached here [02:31:40] to as Exhibit A as provided herein. [02:31:43] Thank you. [02:31:44] Open it up for public comment. [02:31:55] Wendy Brenner, this is ridiculous. [02:31:58] Come on. [02:32:00] Seriously. [02:32:01] I can remember when we had council meetings here where nobody came. [02:32:06] We never had anybody here. [02:32:07] We were begging people to come. [02:32:10] Now you've entertained a lot of people. [02:32:13] Tonight, there was two or three men in this room [02:32:16] who have lived here for how many years? [02:32:18] And this is the first time they've been. [02:32:21] And they came because there was a little excitement. [02:32:24] And there was something for them to talk about. [02:32:26] This is ridiculous. [02:32:29] This is our only form of government that we're able to talk to you guys. [02:32:37] You can't go to the Capitol and demand to see your senators [02:32:42] or whatever up there in the same way in Washington. [02:32:45] This is a representative form of government. [02:32:48] And this is wrong. [02:32:50] And to limit this to city residents or city business owners, excuse me. [02:32:56] The city's in the business of selling water. [02:32:59] What about our water customers? [02:33:00] They don't necessarily live in this city. [02:33:03] What about our rec center users or our library users? [02:33:07] This is just wrong. [02:33:09] Sorry. [02:33:10] Thank you. [02:33:10] I need to state my name again. [02:33:21] Paul Black, 5840 Fort Madison Street. [02:33:24] I would just like to say that I would appreciate if at all possible [02:33:27] that we could retain the three minutes. [02:33:30] Sometimes you do need that full extra minute to say what you need to say. [02:33:35] Many times I can get up here and say it in 30 seconds. [02:33:37] Sometimes you need a minute. [02:33:38] But there are times that the issues are, there's a lot to say [02:33:42] and then there's a lot of detail that needs to be given. [02:33:43] And people need that extra minute. [02:33:45] And so I'm asking that you keep the three minutes. [02:33:48] Thank you. [02:33:50] Anyone else? [02:33:53] In the back of the room. [02:33:59] Tim McLean, 5443 Main Street. [02:34:02] I understand exactly what you're looking at. [02:34:04] I've actually been a supervisor on a CDD for 18 years now. [02:34:08] And we used to just have no time limit. [02:34:11] And literally the meetings were four and five hours long. [02:34:17] You have to run the government, therefore you have to control it. [02:34:21] And by the way, Chopper is terrible at the timer. [02:34:23] Just to let you know, he forgets it half the time. [02:34:26] So you're giving people eight minutes right now. [02:34:28] So with that said, moving it to the end is illogical [02:34:33] because how many people talk and walk out the door? [02:34:36] If you want to be here and see government, come watch government. [02:34:40] Then comment. [02:34:41] You don't just come comment and not see what happens. [02:34:45] So putting it at the end makes them earn that, I would hope. [02:34:48] Because if you don't watch what goes on, [02:34:50] how can you come and criticize about it? [02:34:52] I do like the three minutes though. [02:34:54] I will tell you that's close. [02:34:55] But the most important thing, businesses and residents of the city [02:35:00] should always get priority like you have in there. [02:35:02] Because those are the ones who are continuing to make it [02:35:05] where you're successful and spend your money. [02:35:08] So I understand where you're going. [02:35:09] Maybe a little tweaking, but definitely keep that [02:35:12] with the residents and the businesses. [02:35:13] If you're from somewhere else and you want to come talk, [02:35:15] you can, after everybody else. [02:35:17] Thank you. Anybody else? [02:35:20] Seeing no one else come forward, I will bring it back to council. [02:35:26] You want some discussion first on this one? [02:35:28] You keep telling the Robert's Rules we have to have a motion, right? [02:35:32] Want to do a motion for the sake of discussion? [02:35:38] No? [02:35:41] You got your answer. [02:35:43] You got your answer. [02:35:45] Hey, good for you. [02:35:48] I will point out that this meeting would now be at 1035 instead of 935 [02:35:54] if we had had the group of out-of-town folks who came in [02:35:59] and spent a solid hour berating us at the last city council meeting [02:36:05] that had nothing productive to say, nothing productive to say, [02:36:10] and basically wasted everybody's time in the entire room for one solid hour. [02:36:18] And we had people that were residents of the city that couldn't get a word [02:36:23] in edgewise because all these people from the outside came in [02:36:26] and monopolized the podium. [02:36:31] You guys want to do that? [02:36:34] And at the start of the meeting, fine. [02:36:35] I personally think at the end of the meeting is fine. [02:36:44] With some limit of, I don't care if it's three minutes or two minutes, [02:36:49] but some limit to the total amount of time we spend on it, [02:36:53] giving the residents of the city of New Port Richey [02:36:56] and the business owners in the city of New Port Richey [02:36:59] first shot at coming up and talking to us.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

17. 10.f

    Resolution No. 2021-33: City of New Port Richey Public Meeting Rules

    Council discussed proposed changes to public meeting rules, including possibly limiting non-resident speakers to two minutes versus three minutes for residents and business owners, and moving public comment to the end of meetings. The item died for lack of a motion.

    Ord. Resolution No. 2021-33

    • motion:Adoption of Resolution No. 2021-33 establishing public meeting rules. (failed)

    #Public Meeting Rules#Resolution No. 2021-33

    ▶ Jump to 2:37:00 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [02:37:06] We have had the same group of outsiders that [02:37:09] have come week after week after week. [02:37:12] And they never say anything new. [02:37:13] They just sit down there and scream and yell and disrupt the meeting [02:37:18] and go out into the parking lot where the chief's people have [02:37:21] to try to keep them from killing each other. [02:37:24] I don't think we need it, and this is one way of helping solve that. [02:37:29] So maybe a combination of do it at the end, [02:37:35] give residents and business owners the three minutes. [02:37:38] For non-residents, maybe give them two minutes. [02:37:42] But I think everybody should be heard, especially if they [02:37:46] use our facilities and things. [02:37:48] I'm open to that. [02:37:49] Chopper's got me hoisted on my own petard over here, [02:37:52] so I'm going to have to wait till communications [02:37:54] before I can say anything, so without a motion. [02:38:01] Without a motion, it dies. [02:38:03] It's dead. [02:38:04] OK. [02:38:05] In that case, we'll go to the three-minute report [02:38:09] on technology solutions. [02:38:10] We're going to defer that this evening, Mr. Mayor. [02:38:13] OK. [02:38:14] And we'll ask you to close the meeting when [02:38:19] you determine it's appropriate, and we'll move on to our CRA meeting. [02:38:22] OK. [02:38:24] And then we'll do communications at the end of the CRA meeting. [02:38:27] In that case, we'll close this meeting.

    This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

18. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of Silence.
19. 10.g

    Three Minute Report: Technology Solutions

    Three minute report from Technology Solutions.

    #Technology Solutions
20. 11Communications
21. 12Adjournment