On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:21] We have a quorum. [00:00:22] I'd like to ask everybody to please stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:31] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Brief moment of silence observed at the start of the meeting.

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   [00:00:48] Thank you. [00:00:48] You may be seated.

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4. 4

   Approval of December 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the December 7, 2021 regular meeting.

   • motion:Motion to approve the December 7, 2021 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

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   [00:00:51] Next item on the agenda is the approval of the December 7th meeting minutes. [00:00:55] Move for approval. [00:00:56] Second. [00:00:57] Any discussion? [00:00:58] Hearing none, all those in favor? [00:00:59] Please signify by saying aye. [00:01:01] Aye. [00:01:02] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:04] Motion passes.

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5. 5

   Proclamation - Christina's Restaurant 30th Anniversary

   approved

   Mayor Rob Marlowe presented a proclamation congratulating Christina's Restaurant on its 30th anniversary in downtown New Port Richey. Owners Orlando and Maria Restrepo accepted and thanked the city for its support, including grants received over the years.

   • direction:Mayor proclaimed congratulations to Christina's Restaurant on its 30th anniversary. (passed)

   📍Main Street🏢Christina's Restaurant👤Maria Restrepo👤Orlando Restrepo👤Rob Marlowe#Christina's Restaurant 30th Anniversary Proclamation

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   [00:01:10] I would like to ask Orlando and Maria Restepo and family to meet me down at the podium. [00:01:23] Come on down. [00:01:24] I'm not going down there by myself. [00:01:25] Bring the young'uns, bring the young'uns too. [00:01:33] They're all family. [00:01:53] This is a proclamation of the city of New Port Richey. [00:01:55] Whereas Orlando and Maria Restepo have been the proud owners of Christina's Restaurant since October 1991, and whereas the restaurant has been a fixture along Main Street and downtown New Port Richey ever since, and whereas October 15th, 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of Christina's Restaurant, and whereas the city of New Port Richey deems it proper to congratulate Christina's Restaurant on such a momentous occasion. [00:02:23] Now, therefore, I, Rob Marlowe, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby congratulate Christina's Restaurant on their 30th anniversary in beautiful downtown New Port Richey, and I encourage all residents to visit one of our city's greatest treasures. [00:02:40] I don't think there's any... [00:02:41] We would like to say thank you to the city of New Port Richey administration, because throughout these 30 years, we always had your support. [00:03:03] We received, I think, two or three grants, which we are so grateful for. [00:03:09] And thank you for your support. [00:03:13] Thank you. [00:03:18] I don't think we get this on. [00:03:20] I don't think there's anybody in New Port Richey that hasn't eaten at Christina's. [00:03:25] Yeah, Christina, by the way. [00:03:30] A wonderful anniversary. [00:03:33] Next, we have a presentation.

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6. 6

   Years of Service Presentation - Sgt. Erik Jay

   The City Council recognized Sgt. Erik Jay for 25 years of dedicated public service to the New Port Richey Police Department upon his retirement. City Manager Manners and the Police Chief praised his contributions, including leading the traffic homicide unit, special investigations, and code enforcement. Sgt. Jay will join the Reserve Officer Program and become the first civilian supervisor of the city's code enforcement unit in January.

   🏢Leverox🏢Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD)🏢New Port Richey Police Department🏢Pasco Sheriff's Explorer Post🏢Widow Fletcher's👤Erik Jay👤Ms. Manners#Chasco Festival#Code Enforcement Unit#Holiday Parade#Reserve Officer Program#Special Investigations Unit#Traffic Homicide Investigation (THI) Unit#Years of Service Presentation

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   [00:03:35] Ms. Manners. [00:03:37] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:03:38] And before I ask the Chief to come up, I have a few comments that I would like to share with the group. [00:03:46] Many of you have heard me say many times that employees are the most important asset to an employer. [00:03:56] When we talk about Sergeant Eric Jay, that certainly rings true. [00:04:01] I can see from his seating and that of his parents that they're equally eager to share the limelight when it is their time to shine. [00:04:16] That being said, though, I'll allow him to sit in the back row, even though we intend to try to turn your cheeks a little red tonight, Sergeant Jay. [00:04:29] And I'd like to thank all of his peers for being here this evening. [00:04:34] Today, we have the opportunity to do two things. [00:04:37] First, we get to acknowledge the fact that Sergeant Eric Jay has contributed, through continuous public service, 25 years of dedicated and loyal and noteworthy public service. [00:04:55] That's a big deal. [00:04:56] I've looked at his employment records, so I know how old you are. [00:05:01] And so I looked at a future workplace study for people in your age range and over the course of the working lives of people in your age range, [00:05:18] the prediction is that they change jobs 15 to 20 times. [00:05:24] And yet, you chose to stay in one place, and I'm sure you had offers to go elsewhere. [00:05:33] You chose to serve the city of New Port Richey and beyond that, and much bigger than that, you chose to serve the city in a fashion that left an indelible footprint on the city [00:05:52] for those that will serve after you. [00:05:56] And for that, I salute you, Sergeant Eric Jay. [00:06:01] And thank you, because we get to publicly acknowledge your retirement today. [00:06:10] And what I can tell you about Sergeant Jay is that you're people-focused. [00:06:19] And that's the first thing that is notable about you. [00:06:25] When we know that you're the supervisor of school resource officers of the traffic homicide investigation unit of code enforcement and of special events, [00:06:41] we don't always know you're a nice guy. [00:06:43] But at the conclusion of interfacing with you directly, we know that you are people-focused, resourceful, and that you do best through a team-based approach. [00:06:59] And people respect you after interface with you, whether or not you deliver a regulatory message or not. [00:07:14] And I've grown to appreciate that much about you during my tenure of working with you. [00:07:23] You are particularly known for your resiliency, your positive attitude, and for being a thoughtful problem solver. [00:07:34] And I'm thankful for you. [00:07:38] I feel fortunate to have had the benefit of working with you. [00:07:43] And I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for the city and for me. [00:07:47] So thank you, Eric. [00:07:49] And I do have a plaque that I'd like to present to you. [00:07:53] Unfortunately, it is still being produced. [00:07:56] So you will have to allow me to present that to you at another time. [00:08:01] But I won't invite you to a council meeting because I know you won't sit in front. [00:08:08] Chief, if you'd come forward now. [00:08:19] I hope there's a few things left for me to be able to say because it's easy to compliment Sergeant Eric Jay. [00:08:29] He's truly one of those individuals who was destined to become a police officer. [00:08:35] When he was 14 years old and in junior high school, he joined the Pasco Sheriff's Post Explorer Post. [00:08:46] I hope I get that right. [00:08:48] He remained in the program for six years and he worked his way up the chain of command. [00:08:53] Now, this is as a teenager and earned the rank of major, which was the highest position possible in that program. [00:09:00] And he was responsible for supervising 30 fellow teenagers. [00:09:05] He's only held two jobs in his life. [00:09:08] For three and a half years while he was in high school, Eric worked part time at, [00:09:13] and some old timers here will remember this place, Leverox, which is now Widow Fletcher's, that building. [00:09:20] Well, Eric worked there three and a half years and he was the go-to guy. [00:09:24] The letters of recommendation that his former employer wrote that I saw in the file when he was actually applying for his job [00:09:33] with the police department was incredibly complimentary. [00:09:36] He joined the New Port Richey Police Department in 1996 and worked as a part time dispatcher for two years [00:09:44] while he was attending college classes and the police academy. [00:09:48] He attended the police academy and was hired as a police officer in 1999. [00:09:54] In 2003, he became a field training officer. [00:09:58] In 2007, he was promoted to corporal. [00:10:01] And in 2010, he was promoted to sergeant. [00:10:06] Sergeant Jay has dedicated 25 years of his professional life to make this city a better place. [00:10:13] He has many accomplishments under his belt for which he should be proud. [00:10:19] And here are a few. [00:10:20] And I'm glad his family is here to hear some of these comments. [00:10:25] He was assigned as sergeant of the department's first special investigations unit. [00:10:33] For over a decade, Eric served as the department's lead traffic homicide investigator [00:10:38] and he was responsible for overseeing the department's traffic homicide unit. [00:10:43] We call it THI unit. [00:10:45] He became the first New Port Richey officer to make over 100 DUI arrests in one year [00:10:50] and he received a citation for that accomplishment from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. [00:10:55] Some people know that organization as MAD. [00:10:58] For many years, he has coordinated all of the department's law enforcement involvement [00:11:03] in the city's larger public events, such as the holiday parade, the Chasco week-long event, [00:11:10] including the parade, concerts in the park, and anything and everything else that was an unusual activity. [00:11:16] He voluntarily served as the department's lead coordinator for scheduling all officers' off-duty work. [00:11:24] For the last three years, Sergeant Jay has been assigned to special operations [00:11:29] with the responsibilities of overseeing part-time police officers, school resource officers, [00:11:34] and the code enforcement unit. [00:11:37] He has developed lasting relationships with business owners and residents of our city, [00:11:44] and that is because of those warm characteristics that he has that the city manager mentioned. [00:11:52] His personnel file contains many commendations and letters of appreciation from citizens and business owners. [00:11:59] There are multiple letters from other law enforcement agencies, chiefs and sheriffs, [00:12:04] expressing appreciation for the leadership and professionalism he displayed [00:12:10] while providing assistance to those departments. [00:12:14] Sergeant Jay's accomplishments and contributions cannot be overstated. [00:12:19] For the last 25 years, he has dedicated himself to the betterment of our police department and our city. [00:12:26] Although his full-time law enforcement career is concluding, [00:12:30] he plans to join the ranks of our Reserve Officer Program and continue to serve in a law enforcement capacity. [00:12:39] He has also been selected to be the first civilian supervisor of our city code enforcement unit beginning in January. [00:12:47] Please join me in congratulating Sergeant Eric Jay on his retirement and for a job well done. [00:12:54] Thank you. [00:13:18] Thank you, Sergeant Jay. [00:13:29] On behalf of the department and the city, I would like to give you this commemorative shadow box [00:13:36] that shows the badges that you wore as well as your insignias that were part of your uniform [00:13:43] and hope that you can display this in your home proudly for a job well done. [00:13:48] Thank you. [00:13:58] I promised I wasn't going to tear up, but somehow it happened. [00:14:01] I just want to thank my family. [00:14:03] My kids are here. [00:14:05] My parents. [00:14:07] Tammy. [00:14:08] I want to thank the council, city manager. [00:14:11] It's been a great 25 years, and I am so happy to continue working here. [00:14:17] This is a great place to work, and you guys have done an amazing job, [00:14:20] and I couldn't have wanted to work at any other place. [00:14:25] I've worked with great officers. [00:14:27] I want to thank them all for coming. [00:14:29] I've worked with great people that work for the city, and I just want to thank you all. [00:14:33] It's been a great 25 years, and I plan on making it many more. [00:14:37] Thank you very much. [00:14:38] Awesome. [00:14:44] Come back down here. [00:14:45] Come back down here and bring your family. [00:14:48] Come back down here and bring your family. [00:14:50] And the other officers that are here, come on down. [00:14:53] Photo op. [00:14:55] Kamala, you guys that came here to support and girls came here to support them. [00:14:58] Come on down. [00:15:00] Get the onions up front. [00:15:24] We've got a fine job on this, Juan. [00:15:33] Thank you so much. [00:15:34] We're getting it separated out. [00:15:35] All right. [00:15:36] Hey, how are you? [00:15:37] I'm fine. [00:15:38] Right here. [00:15:39] Oh, she's walking. [00:15:40] All right. [00:15:41] Is she? [00:15:42] This is great. [00:15:43] All right. [00:15:44] Great. [00:15:45] Thank you. [00:15:46] Thank you. [00:15:47] Thank you. [00:15:48] Thank you. [00:15:49] Thank you. [00:15:50] Thank you. [00:15:51] Thank you. [00:15:52] Thank you. [00:15:53] Thank you. [00:15:54] Thank you. [00:15:55] Thank you. [00:15:56] Thank you. [00:15:57] Thank you. [00:15:58] Thank you all. [00:15:59] All right. [00:16:00] Can I get the chief? [00:16:01] Chief, can I get you and Eric? [00:16:02] Let's get you with Eric. [00:16:03] Okay. [00:16:04] So I can use it. [00:16:05] Maybe in the newsletter or something. [00:16:06] Okay. [00:16:07] Yeah. [00:16:08] Got that? [00:16:09] Mm-hmm. [00:16:10] Let's do it like this. [00:16:11] Like that? [00:16:12] Mm-hmm. [00:16:13] Hi. [00:16:14] I don't know. [00:16:15] I think you're getting it. [00:16:16] All right. [00:16:17] All right. [00:16:18] All right. [00:16:19] All right. [00:16:20] All right. [00:16:21] All right. [00:16:23] I don't know. [00:16:24] I appreciate you. [00:16:25] Eric, we're all a big family. [00:16:26] Hold on a second. [00:16:27] I'll use that. [00:16:28] Hi, kids. [00:16:29] Come on down. [00:16:30] We can call the religious. [00:16:31] Yeah. [00:16:32] All right. [00:16:33] And me. [00:16:34] And them. [00:16:35] Mm-hmm. [00:16:36] Thank you. [00:16:37] You want the kids? [00:16:38] One, two, three. [00:16:39] Okay. [00:16:40] All right. [00:16:41] All right. [00:16:42] All right. [00:16:43] All right. [00:16:44] All right. [00:16:45] All right. [00:16:46] All right. [00:16:47] All right. [00:16:48] All right. [00:16:49] All right. [00:16:50] All right. [00:16:51] Thank you. [00:16:52] Any other questions? [00:16:53] This table. [00:16:54] We'll get it. [00:16:55] Oh, that's good. [00:16:56] Thank you. [00:16:57] Thank you so much. [00:16:58] You guys, thank you. [00:16:59] Yeah. [00:17:00] Thank you. [00:17:01] Good job. [00:17:02] All right. [00:17:03] Good job. [00:17:04] Good job. [00:17:05] Good job. [00:17:06] Good job. [00:17:07] Good job. [00:17:08] Good job. [00:17:09] Good job. [00:17:10] Good job. [00:17:11] All right. [00:17:12] Thank you. [00:17:13] Okay, I want to see the kids down there. [00:17:14] Okay. [00:17:46] Thank you. [00:17:50] Come on up. [00:18:02] It's a little crazy. [00:18:03] Should we stand? [00:18:04] Yeah. [00:18:05] All of us with our hats on? [00:18:07] We may not get that one yet.

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7. 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 18:10
8. 8.a

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Council approved the purchases/payments item on a voice vote with no discussion.

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

   ▶ Jump to 18:32 in the video

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   [00:18:34] Move for approval. [00:18:36] Second. [00:18:37] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:18:40] Aye. [00:18:41] Aye. [00:18:42] Aye. [00:18:43] Opposed, like sign. [00:18:44] Motion passes.

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9. 9.a

   Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2022-2250: Rezoning for 7932 Rutillio Ct.

   approved

   Council held the second reading of Ordinance 2022-2250, rezoning approximately 0.46 acres at 7932 Rutillio Court from General Commercial (C2) to Light Industrial (LI). With a staff and Land Development Review Board recommendation of approval and no public comment, the council passed the ordinance.

   Ord. Ordinance No. 2022-2250

   • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2022-2250 rezoning 7932 Rutillio Court from C2 to Light Industrial. (passed)

   📍7932 Rutillio Court👤Altman👤Ms. Menz👤Murphy#Land Development Review Board hearing November 18#Ordinance 2022-2250#Parcel 332516015B00000340

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   [00:18:45] Next, public reading of ordinance 2022-2250. [00:18:49] This is ordinance number 2022-2250, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:18:53] providing for amendment of land development code, LDC zoning district map, [00:18:58] providing for rezoning of approximately .46 acres of property generally located at 7932 Rotillo Court, [00:19:05] having parcel identification number 332516015B00000340, [00:19:13] as shown on the map attached here to as Exhibit A and legally ascribed herein, [00:19:17] providing for amendment of the zoning district designation for said property from general commercial C2 [00:19:22] to light industrial district LI, providing for conflict severability and an effective date. [00:19:28] Ms. Menz, do we have any? [00:19:30] As indicated by the city attorney, the request is to rezone the property at 7932 Rotillo Court [00:19:39] from C2 to light industrial. [00:19:43] The Land Development Review Board conducted their hearing on November 18th [00:19:49] based on a recommendation from the staff and their review, their recommending approval, [00:19:55] and this is the second hearing on this matter for you this evening. [00:20:00] Hearing opened up for public comment, anyone wish to address council on this matter? [00:20:06] Seeing no one coming forward, I'll close public comment and bring it back to council. [00:20:11] Move for approval. [00:20:12] Second. [00:20:13] To the maker? [00:20:14] Nothing more. We talked about it. [00:20:15] To the second? [00:20:16] Yes, sir. [00:20:17] Mr. Murphy? [00:20:18] I'm good. [00:20:19] Mr. Altman? [00:20:20] Fine. [00:20:21] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:20:24] Aye. [00:20:25] Opposed, like sign. [00:20:27] Motion passes.

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10. 10.a

    License Agreement for Dock on City Property - 6746 Grand Boulevard - Cavanaugh Property

    approved

    Council approved a license agreement allowing Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh, owners of 6746 Grand Boulevard, to construct a dock on adjacent city-owned property pursuant to city code. Staff confirmed the applicants complied with all terms of the agreement.

    • motion:Approve the license agreement allowing the Cavanaughs to attach a dock to city-owned property adjacent to 6746 Grand Boulevard. (passed)

    📍6746 Grand Boulevard👤Mr. Altman👤Mr. Cavanaugh👤Mr. Murphy👤Mrs. Cavanaugh#Section 5, portion 44 of the City Code of Ordinances

    ▶ Jump to 20:29 in the video

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    [00:20:29] Next is a license agreement for a dock on city property. [00:20:36] Mr. Mayor, the applicants for this request are Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh, [00:20:47] who own property at 6746 Grand Boulevard, which is adjacent to city property, [00:20:57] and they have requested entering into a license agreement [00:21:03] so that they may construct a dock on city-owned property adjacent to their property. [00:21:12] The staff is requesting that council approve their license agreement [00:21:20] to attach a dock to our property as permitted by the city's Code of Ordinances [00:21:28] under section 5 and portion 44 of the ordinances. [00:21:38] The agreement is conditioned on compliance with all of the terms of the license agreement, [00:21:47] and they have complied. [00:21:49] Thank you. [00:21:50] Open it up for public comment. [00:21:53] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:21:56] Move to approve. [00:21:57] Second. [00:21:58] Are you the Cavanaughs? [00:21:59] Yes, we are. [00:22:00] To the maker? [00:22:02] Glad to see somebody else be able to use the river, have a dock there. [00:22:05] Second. [00:22:06] Can we come to the ribbon-cutting? [00:22:08] Just kidding. [00:22:10] Mr. Murphy. [00:22:11] No, I'm good. [00:22:12] Mr. Altman. [00:22:13] No, sir. [00:22:14] In looking at the aerial photo, it appears this simply adds a dock between the docks [00:22:22] that each of their neighbors has, so it's highly appropriate. [00:22:26] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:22:30] Aye. [00:22:31] Aye. [00:22:32] Opposed, like sign. [00:22:33] Motion passes. [00:22:34] Next.

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11. 10.b

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Guardian Community Resource Management” — transcript expanded below

    Recommendation of Firm for CDBG Grant Administration Services

    approved

    Council approved entering into an agreement with Guardian Community Resource Management to provide CDBG grant administration services for 10% of the $750,000 grant ($75,000) over the three-year program. The firm was selected from six proposals received, and staff noted CRA funds may be used to supplement the program for curb appeal improvements.

    • motion:Approve agreement with Guardian Community Resource Management for CDBG grant administration services. (passed)

    🏢Guardian Community Resource Management👤Mr. Murphy👤Ms. Mance#CRA funds#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#HUD funding#Small Cities Block Grant Program

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    [00:22:35] Ms. Mance, we have a recommendation on a firm for the community development block grant [00:22:39] administration services. [00:22:41] As you are aware, the city was awarded $750,000 related to the small cities block grant program, [00:22:50] and in that respect, the city let a proposal for administrative services in respect to [00:23:02] the administration of the program. [00:23:05] Six proposals were received. [00:23:09] The selection committee interviewed the top-rated firms, and a final ranking of the firms was [00:23:17] determined at the conclusion of which a reference check was conducted, and it is being recommended [00:23:28] to you that we enter into an agreement with Guardian Community Resource Management to [00:23:34] provide the grant administration services for what is 10 percent of the grant amount, [00:23:43] so it's $75,000, and they are a very well-respected firm. [00:23:53] They, incidentally, were one of the firms that offered their services at the most reasonable fee, [00:24:03] and their references certainly confirm the relevance of their rating and the competence of their skills, [00:24:12] and so we're looking forward to working with them. [00:24:15] In addition to being able to administer the community development block grant program, [00:24:22] I feel confident that they will be able to help us implement some curb appeal improvements as well by [00:24:34] additionally relying on some of our CRA funds to work at the same time as the block grant. [00:24:46] And I've attached both the RFP and their proposal to your agenda item. [00:24:51] Thank you. [00:24:52] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:24:55] Seeing no one coming forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:25:02] I move we approve. [00:25:04] I second. [00:25:06] So, yeah, so the question I have is this particular grant is expected to run for what time frame? [00:25:18] Three years. [00:25:19] Three years. [00:25:20] All right. [00:25:21] So in that, 10 percent will apply for the entire three years, right? [00:25:26] Correct. [00:25:27] Okay. [00:25:30] I think we, you know, it goes again against the administration of these grants. [00:25:35] It can be complex, and I appreciate having someone with this experience to help us through this. [00:25:42] To the second. [00:25:44] Yeah, I think that I appreciate seeing the information on the selected firm. [00:25:53] Perhaps I could see, I don't need it to vote on, [00:25:56] but it would be nice to see the documentation of how many firms did apply. [00:26:02] You've made a – [00:26:04] There were six firms that applied, [00:26:05] and I'd be glad to provide the proposals from the other five if you'd like to see them. [00:26:12] Yeah, I mean, I just want to take a look. [00:26:14] I think it's helpful to see the score sheet to see, you know, you're asking us to make a decision. [00:26:18] I trust in your judgment, but I'm curious to see who else is out there that's applying for these jobs. [00:26:25] The other question I have is it's a $750,000 grant, [00:26:30] but the total amount of dollars to be spent according to the proposal is $800,000. [00:26:36] So the additional $50,000, was that a required contribution? [00:26:39] That was our match. [00:26:40] Our required match was the $50,000. [00:26:42] Just 50 out of 750? [00:26:44] Right. [00:26:45] Yes. [00:26:46] Nice. [00:26:47] So that's $750,000. [00:26:49] Well, according to what you're saying, housing rehab is going to be $665,000, [00:26:56] and temporarily relocation, I guess, while homes are being rehabbed, is $22,000. [00:27:03] So the applications were submitted 90 days ago. [00:27:12] The company is not here to be present for an award of this amount. [00:27:19] How soon do you expect them to be up and running? [00:27:23] The funding will not be released from HUD until late in February or early March. [00:27:33] So the development of the program, I guess, is that something they start on? [00:27:37] It is something that they'll start on so that we're prepared with applications and a waiting list [00:27:46] so that once the funding is released, we can begin. [00:27:50] There's been a lot of talk over the years of what are we doing for housing, [00:27:54] and this is a great grant that you've received, [00:27:59] and we want to make sure that the word gets out. [00:28:03] Thank you very much for your answers. [00:28:06] Mr. Murphy? [00:28:07] I'm good. [00:28:08] Deputy Mayor? [00:28:11] Isn't this like a similar type program to what the CRA is about, except that we've got a grant? [00:28:18] You know, and then, I mean, CRA's been at different things in different times over the past X amount of years, [00:28:26] but isn't this the type of program where? [00:28:29] This program is intended to serve low- to moderate-income people exclusively, [00:28:38] and it is only for qualified types of work. [00:28:46] So it's necessary home improvements. [00:28:51] It's new windows. [00:28:53] It's plumbing. [00:28:54] It's heating. [00:28:55] It's electricity. [00:28:57] Okay, because, you know, years back I utilized the CRA one time to matching up to a grant, you know, [00:29:06] and the money's not available that way anymore, but it seems like this is. [00:29:12] But if it's just low-income, I'm not going to have a problem with it at all. [00:29:15] Thank you. [00:29:16] Yeah, I appreciate us having somebody that knows what they're doing doing this. [00:29:23] Not being an attorney, but I suspect our attorney will tell us that there are a huge number of strings attached to this. [00:29:29] HUD requirements are very strict. [00:29:31] So we need to make sure that every T is crossed and I is not. [00:29:35] Will it behoove us to hunt people that need it? [00:29:40] Versus will they have the, you know, you've got low-income family just trying to make it [00:29:45] and they might not even be aware of this program, even not even read our, you know, bridge letter to know that. [00:29:51] Yeah, one of the mechanisms that we'll rely on to solicit applications [00:30:00] is through our ordinance department because they'll know of potential applicants that [00:30:07] need help and might not be aware of the resources. [00:30:12] Great. [00:30:13] So that's probably one of the hardest things is to find people. [00:30:16] Certainly. [00:30:17] One of the things you mentioned was maybe some additional funds to kind of piggyback [00:30:22] on this program to the CRA would be. [00:30:25] Correct. [00:30:27] These funds could be used for the essential services and then maybe, you know, do that [00:30:33] much work on a building then maybe just a coat of paint or a couple of something like [00:30:37] that. [00:30:38] Right. [00:30:39] That makes it a full project. [00:30:40] Put the icing on the cake. [00:30:42] Right. [00:30:43] That's what we have in mind. [00:30:45] Any further discussion? [00:30:48] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:30:51] Aye. [00:30:52] Opposed, like sign. [00:30:54] Motion passes.

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

12. 10.c

    Interlocal Agreement b/t the City of NPR and Pasco County RE: National Prescription Opiate Litigation Lawsuit Settlement Funds

    approved

    Council approved an interlocal agreement with Pasco County so the county can qualify to receive National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement funds, which under the Attorney General's framework must flow through the county rather than directly to cities. Staff was authorized to proceed and potentially bring back additional terms, particularly to clarify whether New Port Richey gets its own seat on the county opioid task force or alternates three-year terms with Zephyr Hills.

    • motion:Approve the interlocal agreement between the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County regarding the National Prescription Opiate Litigation Lawsuit Settlement Funds, allowing staff to proceed and potentially return with additional terms. (passed)

    🏢Purdue Pharma👤Allman👤Latone👤Peters👤Tim#National Prescription Opiate Litigation Lawsuit Settlement#Pasco County Opioid Task Force#Sackler family litigation#qualified county designation

    ▶ Jump to 30:55 in the video

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    [00:30:55] Next, interlocal agreement between the City of New Port Richey and Pasco County, i.e. [00:31:00] the National Prescription Opiate Litigation Lawsuit Settlement. [00:31:06] As you're aware, the city filed a lawsuit, like many other cities, against the manufacturers, [00:31:13] distributors, and retailers of opiate drugs in an effort to recover some damages for ongoing [00:31:25] and future programming geared towards abating the crisis of opiate addiction. [00:31:37] And as part of the settlement, there was a decision made, and I'm thinking it was a court [00:31:51] decision, and I'm sorry, Tim, help me out, I don't remember what court it was. [00:31:56] It was the Attorney General, if I'm remembering right, that made a decision that it would [00:32:03] be easier once a settlement decision was made, because at this point we do not know the amount [00:32:11] of the settlement, we do not know the timing of the settlement, but we do know that the [00:32:18] preference of the Attorney General is that we work through the county in respect to how [00:32:28] the funds are dispersed and utilized. [00:32:33] So in that respect, we need to enter into an interlocal agreement, and the county needs [00:32:39] to qualify as a qualified county through our membership. [00:32:49] And so I have attached a proposed interlocal agreement, which the county has already agreed [00:32:56] to. [00:32:59] They have indicated in the agreement the term of membership, which is a little bit different. [00:33:11] It's spoken to a little bit differently in the contract than what was indicated to me [00:33:19] in communications with county staff. [00:33:23] They're indicating that the city's term of office is alternating three-year terms and [00:33:30] that we serve the first three-year term, and Zephyr Hills serves the second three-year [00:33:38] term. [00:33:40] In communications with me, they indicated that both the city of New Port Richey and [00:33:46] Zephyr Hills would have their own term and that we'd each have a seat. [00:33:53] So that needs to be clarified before we execute the agreement, and I've put out a written [00:33:59] communication to them as of today to learn that fact from them, because I think it's [00:34:08] an important fact. [00:34:11] In either respect, though, we're going to lobby very hard that through this advisory [00:34:18] capacity of this task force who will make recommendations to the Pasco County Board [00:34:26] of County Commissioners relating to the expenditure of the settlement funds that we get our fair [00:34:34] share, not that the money is spent at the county level to serve county purposes, because [00:34:48] we believe we have problems that are unique to our geographical boundaries, and we want [00:34:55] an opportunity to address those independent of what their efforts might be. [00:35:04] So our seat, in my opinion, is important. [00:35:10] The county does, in the interlocal agreement, indicate that they should receive the maximum [00:35:19] allowable administrative fee, which would be fine if we get our percentage or a fair [00:35:32] representation of our share of the funding, whatever it is. [00:35:42] At this point, I'm recommending that you approve the interlocal agreement and allow me to go [00:35:48] forward with it, subject to the fact that I may bring it back to you with some additional [00:35:54] terms. [00:35:55] If that's acceptable to the attorney. [00:35:59] Yes. [00:36:00] Open it up for public comment. [00:36:04] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to you. [00:36:06] If I could just add a couple of things, Mr. Mayor. [00:36:09] So the purpose of this agreement is so that Pasco County can be considered a qualified [00:36:15] county. [00:36:16] There are several different settlements related to the opioid litigation. [00:36:19] This is just one of many. [00:36:22] And in this particular settlement, there may be funds that are given directly to the state, [00:36:27] there are maybe regional funds, and then there are what they call local government county [00:36:31] city funds. [00:36:33] The city would never be in a position under any of these buckets to be in control of these [00:36:37] funds. [00:36:38] We're always going to be under the state or the county, because they don't want to distribute [00:36:43] them to that low a level. [00:36:45] They want to stay at the county level for the distribution of these funds. [00:36:49] If we don't enter into this agreement before January 1st, Pasco County won't be able to [00:36:54] be a qualified county, which means that all of our county and city funds will be administered [00:36:59] regionally through another area. [00:37:02] So we'll have even less control. [00:37:04] So this gives you, entering into this agreement, gives you the ability to have some control [00:37:09] and exert some influence over the county as to how these are spent. [00:37:13] The county has an opioid task force that has been meeting for some time, and that's [00:37:18] how they plan to administer them, have that task force advise the Board of County Commissioners [00:37:25] as to how those funds should be distributed. [00:37:29] There's nothing in this agreement that dictates how the funds are going to be distributed, [00:37:33] which is a little bit problematic, I think, in a general way. [00:37:37] But given the circumstances that we're in, where we don't even know how much money we're [00:37:41] going to have, this agreement was pushed upon the counties and cities very quickly [00:37:47] by the Attorney General's office. [00:37:49] These settlements are happening rapidly, so everyone is trying to figure out on the fly [00:37:53] how to deal with this, and none of us know how much money is involved. [00:37:57] So I expect that this is the first of probably many iterations of this agreement. [00:38:02] So at this point, I consider this vote to mean that you're in agreement that the county [00:38:08] can be the qualified county, and we will continue to work with the county as to how [00:38:11] these funds get administered once we actually start seeing some money. [00:38:15] That makes, to me, a lot of sense. [00:38:20] Just in the last week or two, a judge threw out the hold harmless for the Sackler family, [00:38:32] who got rich with Purdue Pharma, selling opiates all over the country. [00:38:39] And so there may be more litigation that goes after those individuals directly. [00:38:45] So this is just getting wound up good. [00:38:49] Right. [00:38:50] We have it in front of the council. [00:38:53] Do we have a motion? [00:38:54] Second? [00:38:55] I move forward. [00:38:56] Second. [00:38:57] To the maker? [00:38:58] I can see the Attorney General's thought. [00:39:02] It's a lot easier to deal with 67 counties than 67 counties in 400 cities. [00:39:07] So I can see his approach, and it'd be easier to read. [00:39:11] Now, the only thing that I'm going to say that, yes, we want to be at the table 100% [00:39:16] of the time, not just 50-50 with Zephyr Hills. [00:39:20] So I want to be there whatever you need to do to make sure that we're there as well as [00:39:25] them. [00:39:26] So I'm definitely for that. [00:39:29] Also I'm apprehensive sometimes when the county puts the money in their pocket, how much they [00:39:36] let out. [00:39:37] And so there's going to be a lot of hard negotiating to get what we think is our fair share. [00:39:42] But I'd definitely stay at it. [00:39:46] Second? [00:39:47] I appreciate the hard work in putting it together. [00:39:50] It seems like a lot of hoops we've got to jump through, but we've got to make sure we're [00:39:53] looking out for our interests. [00:39:55] Mr. Allman? [00:39:57] I know on this topic that there has been a lot of dissatisfaction among counties and [00:40:06] cities across the state in the way in which the Attorney General has taken control of [00:40:11] the situation. [00:40:13] I think it's implicit in our agreement on this that we join in the class action, and [00:40:21] we do not pursue our own lawsuit to have the funds for us to use as we wish. [00:40:27] So just as a, you know, I think it's the practical thing that has to be done. [00:40:32] I know that the cities are not happy to have the state decide how much they're going to [00:40:37] distribute and who they're going to distribute to when these problems occur right in our [00:40:41] cities and right in our counties. [00:40:43] So there's a bit of a continued disappointment of the sort of, you know, top-down approach [00:40:49] to how these dollars will be spent. [00:40:53] So the loss of control is something that seems to be continuing to wither to local governments, [00:40:59] which is a whole other story. [00:41:00] But without belaboring it, I'll vote for it because, as my colleagues have said, a burden [00:41:07] to hand. [00:41:08] They haven't said it, but a burden to hand is worth two in the bush, and it would seem [00:41:12] that it's a long, lonely road to hoe to try to go at our own, to get our own settlement [00:41:17] and to step out of the lawsuit. [00:41:20] I do suspect that the requirement that the Attorney General put in it for a majority [00:41:25] of cities to join was an inducement to get the counties to make sure that the cities [00:41:30] drop their individual lawsuits so that they could have control of this issue. [00:41:35] And I don't know. [00:41:40] I don't know the law well enough. [00:41:42] The Attorney does. [00:41:45] But it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies in the way it was received. [00:41:51] I know that. [00:41:52] Mr. Peters? [00:41:53] Two things. [00:41:54] One, we can't get enough money fast enough to use to help fight the issues we currently [00:42:04] have. [00:42:05] We don't see the pill mills. [00:42:06] You know, a lot of them have been shut down, but now that's transferred into heroin and [00:42:12] fentanyl issues. [00:42:15] And so I would hope that when the funds come available that we'll use that to fight that [00:42:21] issue. [00:42:22] And in regards to that, once we enter into an agreement, you know, I'd like to maybe [00:42:28] let us also, if we enter into an agreement with the county, ask them if they've created [00:42:34] an opium task force, perhaps we could have a seat on that task force that we could learn [00:42:41] and have some input as that moves forward. [00:42:44] So I don't know how long it's going to take until money comes, but if they're meeting [00:42:46] and they've got some programs working, I think it's something that we can maybe ask to be [00:42:52] in on. [00:42:53] We do currently have a seat, and Lieutenant, I'm sorry, Deputy Chief Latone currently is [00:42:58] sitting in on this. [00:43:01] Any further discussion? [00:43:06] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:43:10] Aye. [00:43:11] Aye. [00:43:12] Aye. [00:43:13] Opposed, like sign. [00:43:14] Motion passes.

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

13. 11Communications▶ 43:15
14. 12Adjournment▶ 53:56