On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

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

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   [00:00:18] 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 [00:00:26] the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, [00:00:31] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

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3. 4

   Approval of March 1, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the March 1, 2022 regular meeting without discussion.

   • vote:Approve the March 1, 2022 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

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   [00:00:42] You may be seated. Next item on the agenda is the approval of the March 1st regular [00:00:48] meeting minutes. Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor please signify [00:00:55] by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Ms. Manz, we have a Citizens

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4. 5

   Citizens Academy Graduation

   The City Council recognized the inaugural graduating class of the Citizens Academy, a nine-week program created by Councilman Peters and organized by Judy Myers to educate residents about local government operations. Each of the eight present graduates received a certificate and shared brief remarks about their experience.

   👤Beth Sander👤Chief Bogart👤Debbie Manz👤Diane Klein👤Frank Ferreri👤Jason Vargas👤Jennifer Resnick👤Jeremy Dunn👤Joe Wolf👤Judy Myers👤Kenneth Stephens👤Lonnie Hardin👤Mayor Marlowe👤Mike Peters👤Rob Maron#CRA plan#Citizens Academy#Magnuson Hotel#Pennies for Pasco#TIF

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   [00:01:02] Academy graduation? We do, Mr. Mayor and members of the Council, but before we get [00:01:07] started with the official graduation ceremony, I'd like to talk a little bit [00:01:11] about the program in general and give credit where it's due. To begin with, I'd [00:01:18] like to start by thanking Councilman Peters, who's in large part responsible [00:01:25] for the program. It was his brainchild that we established a program, and I'd [00:01:31] also like to give thanks to Judy Myers, who carried the lion's share of the work [00:01:37] as we orchestrated the nine-week program for the class, and she deserves much [00:01:47] credit for what I think will be reported to you over the course of the [00:01:51] presentation for the value that the students received through participation [00:01:58] in the class. The purpose of the program was to, first of all, expand citizens' [00:02:04] understanding of the inner workings of local government, and secondarily, to [00:02:11] allow them an opportunity to become more involved in their community and to want [00:02:19] to be involved in the community so that they had an opportunity for input into [00:02:28] the decisions that make local government great and impact the quality of life [00:02:33] that affects all of us. Our Citizens Academy first class was launched on [00:02:40] January 5th, and we had a wonderful class of 10, and they were all engaged [00:02:47] and engaging without question. We couldn't have asked for a better first [00:02:52] class. They were first class. The nine-week interactive and educational program provided [00:03:03] insights into not only how local government's organized, but how we [00:03:07] deliver services and the type of services that we fund and deliver. Classes [00:03:14] were held at all of the various facilities of the cities, and I have to [00:03:19] say that at the conclusion of all of them, I think the wastewater treatment [00:03:25] plant was the big hit, and we may start there next time around, but we did tour [00:03:36] City Hall, the library, police and fire, the Recreation and Aquatic Center, as [00:03:42] well as Public Works. It was an opportunity for all citizens to learn [00:03:50] about the opportunities that are available for citizen involvement and to [00:03:58] become leaders that can affect the type of change that's really important in [00:04:02] local government, because one of the things that we see up here is sometimes [00:04:08] apathy on the part of people when we have public hearings. Sometimes they're [00:04:15] not well attended, and we really want to hear from the people that we represent, [00:04:20] because we want the decisions we make to be impactful to their lives and to [00:04:27] reflect the common conscience of the people that we represent. So it's [00:04:33] important that we have open dialogue, and you gave us great input along the [00:04:40] way, and we hope that you will continue to do so. So therefore, on behalf of the [00:04:46] Mayor and City Council, I hope that you leave the Academy with not only a [00:04:52] greater understanding of the inner workings of what we do at the City, but a [00:04:58] desire to want to be a part of the decisions that impact the City. And with [00:05:03] that, I'm going to turn it over to Judy and allow her to make the presentations [00:05:09] to you this evening. [00:05:15] Thank you, City Manager Manz. As was stated, we had a group of ten. [00:05:20] Unfortunately, two of them could not be here this evening. They had prior [00:05:23] commitments, but I did want to acknowledge those participants as well, [00:05:27] and that was Beth Sander and Rob Maron. So at this time, I'm going to call each of [00:05:32] the participants up one by one, give them their certificate and their coffee mug, [00:05:36] and we also have a little gift certificate for you as well tonight. So [00:05:40] in alphabetical order, we're going to start with Jeremy Dunn. [00:05:45] If we could ask Jeremy, if you want to just stand. Judy, this is the time we'll ask [00:06:00] Jeremy to say a few words. You want them one by one? Okay. Jeremy, if you [00:06:05] could share a couple of words with the group about your experience with the [00:06:10] Academy. It was definitely more than I expected. I feel much more part of this [00:06:19] community now. I've gone through a lot of life changes in the last few weeks. My [00:06:23] dad passed. That's why I wasn't here, but I did want to continue this and use that [00:06:30] event to kind of move forward. So I just had a quick paragraph that I lost, but [00:06:44] I'm interested in agriculture, permaculture. The last two years, I worked [00:06:48] on an organic farm up north, so I wanted to bring some of that knowledge to do a [00:06:55] permaculture type farm system, high-intensity gardening within the city, [00:06:59] and that's kind of where I want to go. I'm outside the city right now. I want to [00:07:05] move in and continue growing green things. Thank you. [00:07:14] Next, we have Frank Ferreri. [00:07:17] Thank you, Judy. Thank you. This whole experience was really wonderful, and I [00:07:33] want to thank Mayor Marlowe and the council, Mike Peters, and of course [00:07:38] Debbie Manns for putting this on. The one thing I came away with, we were at the [00:07:42] fire department, which was fascinating. Chief Bogart at the police [00:07:46] department, and the one thing I really came away from this whole experience, [00:07:51] which was wonderful, how well the city is run. And I mean that sincerely, and I [00:07:57] thank all of you for everything you've done. It was a great experience, and I [00:08:01] would strongly recommend anyone, if the next class is going to be in the near [00:08:07] future, to do this. It's well worthwhile. Thank you. [00:08:16] Next, we have Lonnie Hardin. [00:08:30] Okay, Mr. Mayor, Councilman, and Judy, I just want to thank you for holding the [00:08:38] Academy. As a new citizen to New Port Richey, this was a way to get to [00:08:42] know and understand the city that I moved to, that I love. And what you guys [00:08:47] brought every week from every department was pertinent information that someone [00:08:54] that lives in the city needs to know. And I loved everything, even the rec center. [00:09:00] The guys almost had me convinced to join the weightlifting room. So I don't [00:09:07] know about the water treatment sewer plant, but yeah. Anyway, we were asked to [00:09:16] talk about what impressed us the most. It was the best budget meeting I've ever [00:09:21] gone to, because I wasn't asking for money. The CRA plan, the pennies for [00:09:28] Pasco, the TIF, that's phenomenal. And Ms. Manziu, you took a risk, and the [00:09:34] Council took it with you to improve our city for growth and beautification. I [00:09:39] didn't know anything about a blight and slum regulation, anything like that, and I [00:09:45] left there with so much information. Thank you guys again. [00:09:54] Next is Diane Klein. [00:10:04] I just want to say thank you for putting this together. I enjoyed every single bit [00:10:10] of it. And what affected me personally was the Public Works Department. We had [00:10:17] stayed after to speak with one of the managers about an issue where we live, [00:10:21] and he listened, he cared about what we were telling him, and he said he'd take [00:10:25] care of it right away, and he did. And I'm really thankful for that. So thank you. [00:10:35] Next I have Jennifer Resnick. [00:10:48] This was awesome, guys. All right, so I was thinking about this for you, Mike, on what [00:10:56] was the most impactful point of this whole thing for me. I took away so much [00:11:01] information coming into this, and it wasn't until tonight, looking at everyone [00:11:07] here, that I got my answer. Because we spent time with just about everybody in [00:11:11] this room, and now to see that all pulled together in one place, and to really put [00:11:17] that impact on how it all works together, amazing. Great job, guys. Thank you so [00:11:22] much for having us. Next is Kenneth Stephens. [00:11:44] Marlo, City Council members, and Debbie, thank you very much. Judy, I know you did [00:11:51] a lot more work than all the rest of these guys put together for this. I was [00:11:56] asked to make a few bullet points, and I had so many, but I'm really happy that [00:12:00] you're all together working so well. It's been a pleasure to meet all you [00:12:06] individually, and see how you work together very well. And one of the [00:12:10] bullet points I wanted to say is the Magnuson man moved forward with that. I'm [00:12:13] really happy to see that you're addressing that. After all, I heard about [00:12:16] that, and I also say that I'm a member of the library and the Aquatic Center, [00:12:23] and when we went to those two places, I learned more about what I can do that I [00:12:27] never knew that I could do before. So all the things I've learned, [00:12:30] everything combined, you guys are great. Thank you very much. [00:12:37] Next is Jason Vargas. [00:12:47] Mr. Mayor, Councilman, thank you. This Citizens Academy was fantastic, [00:12:53] to be honest with you. It really highlights what you guys are doing for [00:12:56] the city, so obviously something works. It looks fantastic. As a resident who just [00:13:00] moved into the city from a different county, it's like light and day, light and [00:13:03] day. So obviously everyone loves the police station. That was fantastic. That [00:13:07] was great. So join the Academy just to do that. And then the fire department's near [00:13:11] and dear to my heart. But I want to highlight, you know, my wife loves the [00:13:14] library. She takes her $2 to the library, and it looks fantastic. And then the [00:13:17] Parks and Rec, the Parks and Rec, or the Aquatic Center is fantastic, and I [00:13:20] became a member of both, obviously. So just thank you so much, and thank you for [00:13:24] all the work you're doing. I'm excited to see the future of the city. [00:13:29] And last but not least is Joe Wolf. [00:13:34] I just want to say thank you. It was a real eye-opener. It's nice to see [00:13:46] everybody come together, see how it all works, like a chain in a wheel or a [00:13:50] sprocket, and I had a lot of fun. I did. Thank you. Thank you. [00:13:57] Is this where I get my 30 seconds now? This was truly a labor of love, and with [00:14:05] the unique vision from Councilman Peters and City Manager Manz, it was great. [00:14:10] This group was more than I could have ever imagined. I was like a little mama [00:14:15] bird. You're all my little baby birds. You have to fly now. I'll miss all of you [00:14:18] tremendously. But a special props goes out to us strong troopers who met [00:14:24] possibly the coldest night of the year at that point for the wastewater [00:14:28] treatment facility tour. But I'm glad you all enjoyed it, and I thoroughly [00:14:33] enjoyed it, and it was a great experience all around. And with that, I'd like to [00:14:38] present to you the inaugural class, who will ever have a special place in [00:14:43] the city, the inaugural class of the Citizens Academy. [00:15:00] Hello. I'd just like to thank that class. [00:15:05] And I think you guys are going to be the best recruiters for the classes in the future. [00:15:10] Don't hesitate to tell your neighbors and tell them what you learned here. [00:15:16] We up here in the council all started as rookies too. [00:15:19] And so we learned and you're a step ahead of us now.

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5. 6

   Presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation RE: Mid-Block Crossing at U.S. Highway 19 and Green Key Road

   discussed

   FDOT District 7 traffic operations engineer Ron Chen presented plans for a mid-block pedestrian crossing signal on U.S. Highway 19 at Green Key Road, citing high pedestrian/bicycle fatality rates in Pasco County and 14 ped/bike crashes at the intersection since 2016. Construction is planned to begin in April. Council members raised concerns about location proximity to existing crosswalks, traffic signal coordination, cut-through traffic on River Road, and pedestrian behavior; the item was a presentation with no formal vote.

   📍4th Street, St. Petersburg📍Bridge Street📍Bush Boulevard, Tampa📍Hillsborough Avenue📍River Road📍U.S. Highway 19 at Green Key Road📍US 19 at Buena Vista Lane📍US 19 at Charlene Lane📍US 19 at Diapolo Drive📍US 19 at Elizabeth Avenue📍US 19 at Lois Avenue📍US 19 at San Marco Drive📍US 19 at Tudor Lane🏢ABC Action News🏢Florida Department of Transportation🏢Pasco County🏢Walmart👤Altman👤Brian👤Eric Waxler👤Ken Bogart👤Ron Chen#2019 Pasco Countywide Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Action Plan#Intelligent Traffic System on US 19#M funds (transportation funding)#Pinellas Trail pedestrian/bicycle overpass project#Roadway Safety Audit (2020)

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   [00:15:22] So when you want to run for council or get on a committee in town, [00:15:26] we're looking forward to you joining us. [00:15:28] Thank you. [00:15:29] Thank you. Next, [00:15:32] we have a presentation by the Florida department of transportation. [00:15:36] Mr. Mayor, we have Mr. Ron Chen, [00:15:38] who serves as a traffic operation engineer for FDOT district seven and [00:15:43] attendance. [00:15:44] And he has prepared a PowerPoint presentation to introduce to us [00:15:49] a block crossing, [00:15:51] which is proposed to be constructed on us highway 19 at green key [00:15:56] road. [00:15:58] Mr. Mayor, council, city manager, [00:16:01] thank you for the opportunity this evening to present to you a very special [00:16:04] project along a US 19 at green key road. [00:16:15] Oh, Brian, can we advance please? Thank you. [00:16:18] Okay. [00:16:25] Okay. [00:16:26] So this project entails a mid block pedestrian signal that allows [00:16:31] crossing from the east side of 19 to the west side and vice versa. [00:16:36] And so when we install these signals, [00:16:39] it is to produce an opportunity for people across the road because they may not [00:16:44] because they may not have adequate signals along the [00:16:48] corridor. And so we'll be putting in between, we call mid block. [00:16:56] So in 2019 FDOT and Pasco county created the Pasco county wide pedestrian and [00:17:01] bicycle safety action plan. [00:17:04] The plan analyze that crash trends throughout Pasco county compared [00:17:09] to state and national levels. [00:17:11] We found that the pedestrian fatality rate in Pasco is 150% above that of the [00:17:16] national rate. [00:17:18] The bicycle fatality rate is approximately 220% above the national rate for [00:17:24] pedestrian fatalities. [00:17:26] The national average is one fatality per 54,000 people. [00:17:32] Pasco average is one fatality per 22,000 people for bicyclists. [00:17:37] For bicyclists, the national average is one fatality per 417,000 people. [00:17:43] Pasco's average is one fatality per 88,000 people. [00:17:52] Just to show you the magnitude of the issue that we were having in Pasco [00:17:55] county. And you know, [00:17:57] I would say along with the district of five county region in Tampa Bay area as [00:18:02] well, we suffer, you know, [00:18:04] the loss of about 500 traffic fatalities in Tampa Bay every year. [00:18:17] This slide shows the highest number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Pasco [00:18:21] county are occurring on US 19 by far. And you know, [00:18:26] we're comparing state road 54, state road 52, US 301. [00:18:31] More than double that of any other road in Pasco county. [00:18:36] Many of these are occurring in New Port Richey and the area of Green Key road. [00:18:41] US 19 has a higher number of pedestrian and bicyclists that depend on walking [00:18:45] and biking for routine trips and have no other means of transportation. [00:18:52] US 19 has been ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in America for [00:18:57] pedestrians. US 19 in Pasco county is almost 20 miles long. [00:19:06] The next slide shows the magnitude of the issue at hand, [00:19:10] the spacing of signals and opportunity for crossing US 19. [00:19:15] The map shows the location of the intersection and locations of nearest cross [00:19:19] walks. This area has crossing spaced about 1.75 miles apart. [00:19:24] The nearest crossing to the north is a mile and a half away and the nearest [00:19:30] crossing to the south is a quarter mile away. [00:19:33] Typically you will find a pedestrian rule of thumb 500 feet before they would [00:19:40] make the effort to get to the crosswalk and make that regulatory crossing. [00:19:45] Anything longer than that, it would take a risk. [00:19:48] That's what we don't like to see. [00:19:55] I have a Google shot of the land use and what we would see that are the [00:19:59] attractors and the generators and I have highlighted the crashes, [00:20:05] 14 ped bike crashes in the last six years, [00:20:08] 11 pedestrians, two of which were fatal injuries and six serious injuries. [00:20:16] Three bicyclists, one was fatal. [00:20:20] A serious injury results in a hospitalization or a loss of a member or [00:20:25] dismemberment or serious incapacitation. [00:20:34] At the intersection of US 19 and Green Key Road, [00:20:37] ped bike crossing volumes recording in 2018 show as much as 130 crossings in a [00:20:43] single day. One, three, zero. That's quite a bit. [00:20:47] There have been 14 ped bike crashes at the intersection since 2016 with five [00:20:53] combined fatal and severe injury crashes. [00:20:58] All of these fatalities that have happened at the intersection with either [00:21:06] pedestrian or bicyclist. And so, you know, [00:21:09] after I think it was 2020 we had a roadway safety audit. [00:21:17] That included stakeholders from law enforcement and engineering industry, [00:21:23] citizen group and our DOT staff. [00:21:28] And so based on that meeting and the roadway safety audit, [00:21:32] we were trying to find a brainstorm a solution that would be a remedy for the [00:21:36] issue at hand. And the mid block crossing was, [00:21:41] was the winner. [00:21:42] Mid block pedestrian signals show an average pedestrian crash reduction of 52%. [00:21:51] And with this project, we are planning to begin construction in April. [00:22:00] As you can see, there was a fatality as late as 2022. [00:22:07] There was one in 2016. [00:22:08] Ped and vehicle crash in 2018. [00:22:16] A ped fatality in 2019. [00:22:20] Incapacitating injury in 2021 and an ankle crash in 2021. [00:22:27] And then the fatality, a ped fatality in 2022. [00:22:32] We do have a challenge at hand that we really need to remedy. [00:22:39] I think Chief Bogart said it best with this media release. [00:22:44] And you know, I think we would certainly embrace the support. [00:22:50] Can I click this link here? Yeah. Green button. Thank you. [00:23:09] This one might be closer. [00:23:16] We do that for him. [00:23:18] Thank you. [00:23:21] I couldn't get the mouse. I was just hitting the laser pointer. Thank you. [00:23:27] Same distance. [00:23:28] I don't know. [00:23:34] And just for purposes of context, [00:23:37] this slide that or excerpt that we're pulling up is in response to an accident [00:23:43] that the chief happens to be on scene at. [00:23:58] And. [00:24:17] Highway 19 is dead after getting hit by a car. [00:24:19] The road's dangerous reputation has long been an issue. [00:24:22] And it's something we've been telling you about for years, [00:24:25] looking for possible solutions tonight. [00:24:27] ABC action is reporter. [00:24:28] Eric Waxler is learning more about an upgrade in the area that might soon help [00:24:34] us 19 in New Port Richey always seems to be busy with cars and people walking, [00:24:39] but from main street North, all the way to the bridge, leading to New Port Richey, [00:24:42] police chief Ken Bogart says there is no safe place to cross. [00:24:46] So there's no convenient way for, [00:24:49] for someone who's on the other side of 19 on the East side to cross over to the [00:24:53] West side. And there are plenty of businesses that get frequented over here. [00:24:56] And once again, [00:24:57] someone crossing 19 where there is no crosswalk was hit and killed. [00:25:01] It happened last night at 19 and green key road. [00:25:04] Investigators say the victim is a woman in her fifties. [00:25:07] And I got the call. Um, [00:25:10] I swore under my breath because I felt like it was one more that we're adding to [00:25:16] this count. That's unnecessary. [00:25:19] Police say in the last five years, [00:25:20] four pedestrians have died on this short stretch of 19 that's less than two [00:25:24] miles. But finally, [00:25:25] the chief says he just found out the Florida department of transportation has [00:25:29] plans to put a crossing here very close to where this latest accident happened. [00:25:33] It will have traffic lights and a pause area in the median. [00:25:36] It's going to be very much redesigned. [00:25:39] This is just one small stretch of us 19. [00:25:42] Many other people have been killed in other spots along the road in Pasco and [00:25:46] Pinellas County improvements have been made elsewhere. [00:25:48] And there is a two lane elevated roadway coming in Pinellas next year, [00:25:52] but the danger still exists, [00:25:54] especially for those who are not extra careful. In the meantime, [00:25:57] the chief says to walk the extra distance so you can cross safely in New Port Richey, Eric Waxler, ABC action news. [00:26:05] And in Hillsborough. [00:26:06] Thank you, chief. [00:26:20] So apologize for the engineering drawing, [00:26:21] but this is a concept that how it would look on the left picture. [00:26:26] You'll see the crosswalk [00:26:31] from the East side to the Island. [00:26:33] And the middle part is the concrete portion. [00:26:36] And then from the concrete portion to the West side, [00:26:40] and you see all these stop bars, [00:26:44] stop bars there and there. And then these are the crosswalks there and there. [00:26:50] And then in the middle is a little refuge area. [00:26:52] If you can't make it across in one swoop, [00:26:54] you would stop and take a rest in the middle and then press the button again to [00:26:58] get across. [00:27:05] Here's a picture of what the sequence of the pedestrian signal and how it will [00:27:09] operate. Very similar to a conventional traffic signal. [00:27:13] The difference between the minibus pedestrian signal is that you will only [00:27:18] stop in a vehicle if the pedestrian button is actuated. [00:27:23] And so it's, it's the least intrusive to traffic. [00:27:26] So the congestion will not build up and would only address the time it takes for [00:27:32] the pedestrian to cross from one side to the other. After that, [00:27:36] the signal will also rest in green. [00:27:40] And so it'd go through the sequence if, and when the button is pressed. [00:27:43] And if you, I have a link again, if you could, [00:27:50] this goes through an animated sequence of the operation of the signal. [00:28:05] So it's green now. [00:28:07] They have pressed the button. [00:28:10] The yellow interval allows you to slow down and then stop. [00:28:17] And then you get to walk phase. [00:28:30] And then the final phase. [00:28:31] And then the flashing red, that's the only thing that's different from a [00:28:34] conventional signal. If nobody's in the crosswalk, they could proceed. [00:28:39] And so we'll have a sign up to say that, to share with our drivers, to reduce the [00:28:44] amount of delay on 19. [00:29:01] Thank you. [00:29:09] Just to share with you in Pasco County, we are looking at another seven locations [00:29:14] to provide for mid-block crossings. As you can see, the corridor is very lengthy. [00:29:19] And so we're looking for other opportunities where we see the land use and [00:29:22] the need for people to get from one side to the other. [00:29:26] And these from south to north, I'll just give you the approximate location. [00:29:31] Lois Avenue, Buena Vista Lane, I'm going north, Charlene Lane, and of course, [00:29:39] Green Key, as we just presented, Tudor Lane, San Marco Drive, Elizabeth Avenue. [00:29:48] And just north of that, we finished a recent one at US 19 at Diapolo Drive. [00:29:54] And so that's been recently constructed. [00:30:00] Is that the northern intersection, so that's just north of 52? Yes, correct. [00:30:06] It's by the Walmart, by Beach Boulevard. Yeah. And that location, in the last [00:30:13] seven years, I think we have had eight fatalities there. And so it was a crucial [00:30:19] need to do something. Your example was walking across four lanes. What is the [00:30:23] time frame for six lanes? Six lanes is about 24 seconds. Yeah. What is it [00:30:30] normally for four? I didn't look at that. I would say 16 to 17 seconds. So we walk [00:30:38] at about three and a half foot per second. When the pedestrians won't walk [00:30:42] 50 feet to the crosswalk at Main Street, what makes you think that they're going [00:30:46] to walk all the way to the one at Green Key? Mayor, you know, our top priority is [00:30:54] safety, sir. I understand that. We've got priorities, too. One of which is we're [00:31:00] desperately trying to cut down on cut-through traffic that runs up River [00:31:05] Road and out to Green Key now. We've had major problems with that. If you put a [00:31:11] stop there, that's going to increase traffic through a residential area. [00:31:15] You're also going to be funneling people, pedestrians, right through the middle of [00:31:21] a residential area that's got substandard sidewalks. Why? I don't [00:31:28] recall having seen one of these between here and the Sunshine Skyway. And I don't [00:31:33] recall having seen one all the way up to Tallahassee. Why are we being the [00:31:37] guinea pigs a mere quarter of a mile from an existing crosswalk? So, Mr. Mayor, [00:31:43] let me, I have one more slide to share with you. So throughout Tampa Bay, we have [00:31:52] a plan in the making for about three years now. And so on Bush Boulevard in [00:32:02] Tampa, we have four of them. On Hillsboro Avenue, we have another four. On 4th [00:32:10] Street in St. Petersburg, we're planning nine locations. And these are [00:32:15] high-density corridors where we have a lot of pedestrian movement across the [00:32:20] road. And we just have to find a way to allow people to cross safely. And so, you [00:32:28] know, these are examples that they're in the ground today. And we're continuing in [00:32:33] Pasco County as well and Pinellas County. All our counties that we have [00:32:38] pedestrian bicyclist issues we're addressing. Mr. Mayor, thank you for your [00:32:47] presentation. One of the important issues for us, and it's certainly a Florida [00:32:55] issue, but it's significant for us as well, is the ability, is the congestion [00:33:01] of traffic. Pasco County and Pinellas County share in our district. And my [00:33:10] experience is going back into the 80s has been, and as you mentioned, a big [00:33:14] flyover in Pinellas County, the overpasses in Pinellas County. And [00:33:19] perhaps because of our county's position, the lack of all of this traffic that's [00:33:26] going up and down 19 from being elevated here in Pasco. So you stop doing that [00:33:30] around, before Tampa Road on 19 coming north from Pinellas. So the first [00:33:39] thing is just a little complaint that I think because we're part of the Pasco [00:33:43] Pinellas district. We have, we did not get our share of M funds back in the day. [00:33:48] They stopped the M funds. We were always promised that our county would get them. [00:33:52] And now there's a different type of fund. I appreciate what you're suggesting. And [00:33:59] when it first was brought up to us, I remember that we put quite a bit of [00:34:05] effort, or the DOT has I'm assuming, in the intelligent traffic system of Highway [00:34:10] 19. So now if I commute in the morning and try to go to a meeting at 9 or 10 [00:34:16] o'clock in Pinellas County, it's a pretty smooth ride because all the signals are [00:34:23] sequenced in that manner. Will this pedestrian traffic light bow to the need [00:34:33] of the commuting traffic in terms of the timing? You showed a picture, you push a [00:34:38] button. If people are coming and commuting and we've got all our lights [00:34:43] lined up, and you put seven more of these in place, will you be using smart [00:34:48] traffic signalization theory so that they would only be rushing up to a [00:34:53] stoplight at the point when those people are coming on that major commute side? [00:34:58] Very good point, Councilman Altman. Yes, we will be coordinating the signals. [00:35:03] Especially on 19. You know, 19 moves a lot of traffic. I would say in the area of [00:35:09] New Port Richey, you probably move 64,000 a day on 19. To the south in Pinellas, [00:35:15] they move up to 94,000 a day. And so absolutely, we will be coordinating the [00:35:21] signals and making them smart signals. And as a side note, we've been on the [00:35:25] list for many years for a pedestrian and bicycle overpass that would connect us [00:35:32] to the Pinellas Trail. And my recollection in time in which we were [00:35:36] pushing for some grant money, which we got, but did not, wasn't enough, and so [00:35:43] that project didn't happen, but it's still on our plate, is that the Pinellas [00:35:48] Trail and bicycling is not only getting across the highway to stores and local [00:35:54] traffic, but it also affects our economy and the potential for us to pick up some [00:35:58] of the tourism out of Pinellas County. So is that a department that you are [00:36:03] also involved in? Because I remember that when we went to Tallahassee [00:36:08] to get the funding, we had to decide, was it for transportation? Was it a need? And [00:36:13] then you've got this whole recreational trail program, which really [00:36:18] encourages more bicycling. And we would like to have that project, which the [00:36:24] City has tried to budget for as well. Maybe it's a different pot of funds, but [00:36:29] are you connected in any way to those? I'm not directly associated with that, but I will be moving that information on to the [00:36:37] appropriate person in the planning office. In the areas in Tampa and St. Pete [00:36:45] that you have these already, how long have they been there? I would say the [00:36:49] longest standing is three years on Hillsborough Avenue. Then I want to ask [00:36:53] you, are you doing research afterwards to find out that the people are [00:36:59] making the move to those? They are making the move? How long can we [00:37:05] expect that? Because I would say the people that are, let's say by Bridge [00:37:10] Street, you know where Bridge Street is? Okay, I think I would say the people on [00:37:14] Bridge Street or people over in that plaza are just going to shoot across the [00:37:18] road still. They're not going to go the 50 feet one way or 100 feet one way or [00:37:21] 100 feet the other. So I'm just wondering how long it took those places [00:37:25] in Pinellas and Hillsborough to train their citizens to use them? You know, and [00:37:30] I will add that we'll have education campaigns, we'll have pop-up tents on [00:37:35] the side of US 19 to help people understand that. Councilman? How long are [00:37:40] they there? I'm sorry? How long are they there? Probably for the first couple of [00:37:46] months, but hopefully the people then become conditioned and start practicing [00:37:52] good behavior. And so, you know, with the help of our chief. I mean, I'm just [00:37:58] curious whether it's a, you know, you put it in and then you haul butt and then [00:38:02] they sit around and we still watch them cross, you know, all the way up to Avery Road. [00:38:06] We would continue to do education campaigns as we need. This is just [00:38:12] never going to work. Yeah, so a couple questions. You mentioned that that you [00:38:18] somehow had a count of up to 130 crossings. When was that? 2018. 2018. And [00:38:27] how do we count those? How do we go about that study? We typically [00:38:31] install a camera and we would view that camera over three days, a three-day [00:38:36] period. And so, we would count each day and determine the numbers that make the [00:38:42] crossing. Interesting. Okay. The one in Hillsboro that you said has been [00:38:50] in force for three years on Hillsboro Boulevard. How far in that case is that [00:38:59] my direction on whether it's east or west? They'll maybe always screws me up [00:39:04] because it says north and south. It's actually going in a different direction. [00:39:06] How far from that particular pedestrian crossing are the next lights on [00:39:15] either side signals? It could be as much as a half a mile or as little as a [00:39:22] quarter mile. So, that really has my concern. A couple of things is that, you [00:39:28] know, we point out, and listen, I know the US 19 has been a problem [00:39:33] child for many years. I mean, particularly up in the in the Hudson [00:39:37] area, it was number one for two or three years in a row for pedestrian deaths. And [00:39:41] that's what they finally got the street lights up there, right? And so, [00:39:48] certainly understand that. And there's quite a bit of population in the Hudson [00:39:53] area on the west side of 19, much more so than this the area we have right here. We [00:39:58] just don't have that much land between 19 and the gulf that's [00:40:05] residents compared to the Hudson area. But, and then we go north, we go another [00:40:11] mile and a half, all the way across the river, all the way to New Port Richey before [00:40:15] we have another crossing, but you don't have any others planned up and down [00:40:18] there. I just have a hard time understanding the location of this one. [00:40:24] And I know that accidents, automobile accidents, happen at red [00:40:32] lights, intersections. They don't happen just going down the road on a [00:40:37] statistical basis. And so, now we've added another red light, another set of stops, [00:40:41] another opportunity for cars to bump into each other. And again, that's a [00:40:48] safety issue. So, we're talking about a quarter mile, which [00:40:53] is, you know, about 1,400 feet. And they say people won't move 500 feet. So, we [00:41:00] still got 500 feet in between there that people are going to cross. And it just [00:41:06] seems to me that we're putting a lot of money into a situation where, it looked [00:41:13] to me, the statistics were declining. You know, I noticed, unfortunately, we [00:41:17] have one death in 22, but I think go back to 21, it was it was declining from the [00:41:22] previous years. I have my own suspicion that why there might have been [00:41:28] some accidents in that area. We, you know, we just recently condemned a hotel, but a [00:41:34] number of people living, unfortunately, didn't have cars, and I'm sure was [00:41:39] utilized that quite frequently. I know from my own observation, and I'd be [00:41:45] willing to challenge you on that 130 days count today, if you did another set [00:41:52] of candles, cameras out there, I think you'd see that that count be half of [00:41:57] that, if not less. And thus, I understand you work on statistical data, but things [00:42:02] to have a way of changing in the present is, in the future, is not always what the [00:42:06] past is going to be. And so, it just, it just seems more problems than it, I [00:42:14] understand. Listen, I'm all about safety, too, but the whole picture, and they said, [00:42:23] well, don't worry about it, it's going to sink with the light a quarter mile away. [00:42:27] So, assuming then that the crosswalk is only going to, it's going to strand [00:42:34] people in the middle, it won't let them cross all the way over. They're going to [00:42:36] have to cross one way and stop, and then wait for another signal to get on the [00:42:40] other way, because the traffic won't sink a quarter mile that, that far. [00:42:44] Otherwise, cars will be stopping twice. You will be able to traverse that entire [00:42:50] cross, crossing, if you, you know, you're mobile, and you're healthy, and you can [00:42:56] get across. And sober, right? And sober, yeah. This, you know, and we had a, we had a [00:43:04] fatal accident at night. Was the person wearing dark clothes? Was the person [00:43:12] sober? I mean, what, what was the, what are the details regarding that fatal crash? [00:43:17] Because the people I'm seeing going across US 19, jaywalking in that whole [00:43:23] area, sometimes they're simply staggering across the street. I mean, this isn't, [00:43:30] your solution isn't going to fix the problem. I had a discussion with the, with [00:43:37] the chief recently about, you know, you know, when's, when's the last time we gave [00:43:43] out a jaywalking ticket, right? And, and, and frankly, we see it downtown frequently, [00:43:50] right? But now we're talking about 15 miles an hour, depending if you caught [00:43:54] the stop sign or not, right? And it's, it was one lane of traffic, and, and drivers [00:43:59] know the pedestrians all around at that point in time. And, you know, I know that we, we, we [00:44:05] can't necessarily, we want to be fair about jaywalking, but if we have a safety [00:44:09] issue, we can target that specific area to, in the name of safety, to, to try to [00:44:16] cut that down. And that's another, that's another alternative to create, you know, [00:44:25] to create different habits for people, right? And I also will, one final thing on [00:44:32] this study that's been conducted, since the time the study's been conducted, [00:44:36] there's been an additional crosswalk installed on the north side of Main [00:44:40] Street. Used to, there was only a crosswalk on the south side of Main [00:44:45] Street. So that required the people on the north side that actually have to [00:44:49] cross Main Street to make another cross and a crosswalk across 19. Now that's [00:44:54] recently been changed, and so now those people don't have to go that far. My [00:44:58] contention is that they're going to [00:45:00] have to walk 500 feet to or 700 feet or 800 feet to light, you [00:45:06] know, those people will probably walk the other 500 feet to get [00:45:09] the crossing. Now they don't have to do two crossings to get [00:45:12] there. It just again seems, you know, I guess what I'm saying, I [00:45:17] know you've done a lot of engineering, you probably got [00:45:19] trucks ready to go in the dirt. You know, you know, I would ask [00:45:24] you to consider you've got a lot of other places to work at that [00:45:26] might be a little bit more receptive, is maybe work on [00:45:30] those and let give us an opportunity to see some of those [00:45:33] inactions and feel a little bit more comfortable with it. And [00:45:36] maybe gather another year's worth of statistics. [00:45:39] Mr. Mayor. Yeah, I just would have to remind our body that we [00:45:43] are collaborative body. So we don't individually ask you, I [00:45:47] guess we can as individuals, but as a as a council, I'm not sure [00:45:50] what our position is. I would like to take a another angle at [00:45:58] this, which is Green Key Beach is one of the major recreational [00:46:02] aspects for the residents of our city. So I'm going to go back to [00:46:05] the recreational side of things. So if I'm wanting to go out to [00:46:09] the beach, and I have a bicycle trail, and I don't have a [00:46:13] restricted sidewalk, which we've been talking about the [00:46:16] improvements we have to make, that then it's possible that [00:46:20] this could become a route for the purpose of our residents [00:46:24] getting across the highway and getting to the beach. What we [00:46:26] have really is a lot of stress, which was mentioned initially by [00:46:30] the mayor and by my colleague who both live in that [00:46:35] neighborhood. And what what they're seeing and what we can [00:46:38] say out loud really is that we have a lot of homeless, we have [00:46:42] a lot of drug addicts, and we have a lot of people that that [00:46:45] go to the Dollar General or the liquor store that create [00:46:53] stress to the neighborhoods and who have led into the [00:46:58] neighborhood. So I understand their position, which is, I [00:47:02] believe, partly relates to the community having its sort of [00:47:12] community area versus having it become a corridor for our own [00:47:17] problem. But I know that's not your problem. And so I just [00:47:20] want to speak on behalf of someone else who's trying to [00:47:24] propose bicycle trails, proper improvements. We had a study [00:47:29] done for that very street that caused us to want to redesign [00:47:33] it. We have properties for sale. So if this is not [00:47:37] something that can stop, I'm going to certainly suggest we [00:47:41] need to make a lot of improvements to make sure that [00:47:44] it becomes a trail that's used by our residents for the [00:47:48] purposes of getting across the highway and certainly saving [00:47:53] the life of someone who is who's drunk. And I know from [00:47:59] family experience the tragedy of people late at night getting [00:48:03] drunk, walking the road, getting killed. Members of my [00:48:08] family were on the other side with the steering wheel. And [00:48:12] it's a tragedy for everybody. That's why I'm questioning the [00:48:16] transportation element and what is a valid excuse. And I'm [00:48:23] happy to hear what my colleagues say, but I would [00:48:26] suggest that it would be a decision of us whether or not [00:48:30] to even find out if anything would stop it if we tried to. [00:48:34] And maybe that's the first question we should ask. [00:48:36] Mr. Mayor, Mr. Murphy. [00:48:39] So, so as we talked on the phone a little bit, we're trying to [00:48:42] we're trying to remedy one situation, one problem. And by [00:48:45] this being there, it could make it worse for our for our [00:48:48] citizens, but through traffic. So is there any scenario where [00:48:54] I know right now it's at a street crossing? Is there any [00:48:56] scenario where it could be moved further north, possibly [00:48:59] not even at a street crossing, which would help people from [00:49:04] diverting through the neighborhoods. [00:49:07] So, Councilman Murphy, that that's what we look at is we [00:49:10] look at the trends in the land use and where they're actually [00:49:13] crossing. So when we shoot the camera, we can see, you know, [00:49:17] kind of the locations where they're moving across the [00:49:20] street. Right. And we try to hone in on, you know, a [00:49:24] location that we think is appropriate and most suitable. [00:49:28] So there's no wiggle room as far as where, you know, you can [00:49:32] move it to the north, but if they're actually to the south, [00:49:36] 800 feet, you know, we go, we go back into that, you know, are [00:49:40] they going to take that extra step to move 800 feet to the [00:49:45] north to make that crossing? Right. So, so I would think [00:49:50] that even from Green Key Road north, even to the bridge, [00:49:54] there's got to be a lot of people crossing in between [00:49:57] there, too. So we didn't see it that way. Okay. [00:50:04] Did you do research on the amount of crossings of 19 at [00:50:08] Main Street? [00:50:10] I don't know if we have that data at Main Street. [00:50:15] You probably it's rare that I see people there. That's what [00:50:17] makes me very curious whether we really, you know, we have some [00:50:20] deaths, but do we really have the amount of people crossing [00:50:23] there that it's ever going to be used? [00:50:25] And I think like one of the council members had mentioned, [00:50:28] it's, you know, the attractors, I think was Councilman Allman [00:50:33] mentioned the dollar store, [00:50:37] the liquor store, [00:50:38] and both those are more than 500 feet north of there. See, so [00:50:43] that's, that's what [00:50:46] that's where they're going, they're still going to cross, [00:50:48] if they're not going to come down 500 feet. [00:50:50] And so we also look for a physical location where, you [00:50:54] know, like the median island is right there in between the two [00:50:57] turn lanes. And so we try to fit it as best we can. [00:51:03] I'm surprised you don't have stats on people crossing 19. You [00:51:08] know, at Main Street, it's only 1500 feet south. [00:51:13] I will look back in our documentation and see if we can [00:51:16] provide that. [00:51:16] So, of course, that would pick up people in the crosswalk as [00:51:22] well as not in the crosswalk. [00:51:25] So we can, we can talk about it all night, but do we have any [00:51:29] say so on this? [00:51:31] Certainly, you know, I would take it on advisement as to, [00:51:34] you know, if you guys want to, I would get with our secretary [00:51:39] and see if we would postpone the construction. [00:51:43] But it is scheduled to start in April. [00:51:46] We can certainly take a [00:51:50] show of hands on this. [00:51:53] I would agree to ask for a delay. I think it's important [00:51:57] that our master plan and the DOT's master plan match up. And [00:52:02] so I'd be happy to make a motion to make a request that the DOT [00:52:07] will [00:52:09] delay this project to allow us to to [00:52:14] respond and perhaps design whatever we need to do to [00:52:19] accommodate. [00:52:21] Possibly we could work together, if it, you know, if it has to go [00:52:25] there or different, slightly different version, you know, [00:52:28] maybe we were able to enhance it to make it better to fit our [00:52:30] needs. [00:52:32] And speaking of motion, I don't know, was there a second? [00:52:35] Oh, sorry. Second. [00:52:37] Mr. Peters, and speaking of design, you know, it's [00:52:44] there's been some discussion mentioned about Green Key Park [00:52:48] and the county has talked about putting a possible trail [00:52:54] into Green Key. And then of course, if I think the city [00:52:57] would [00:52:59] do our part on that little stretch to we have as well [00:53:01] should that come about and be interesting. I don't know how [00:53:05] many years off that's going to be, if ever, you know, some of [00:53:08] these projects we talk about, they just never happen. [00:53:12] And then be interesting then also to see if if [00:53:17] the usage of that should it should it even occur, right? And [00:53:20] if that usage brings it just on this keeps on the west side or [00:53:23] does bring it across. I know you've done the engineering. I [00:53:27] know you've got the plans. I'm sure wouldn't take too much if [00:53:31] they were delayed to get them dusted back off and put back in [00:53:33] place. But again, I'm still thinking that the need the [00:53:40] current need is not as great as what the statistics may have [00:53:44] shown. Just, you know, just because of some other external [00:53:48] factors, I just like it up in Hudson, the deaths have [00:53:51] decreased up in Hudson since the lights have been there. Well, [00:53:53] there's been some changes in, in businesses and so forth in this [00:53:58] area that it doesn't. So I would, again, be in favor of [00:54:02] asking it to be delayed until further notice. [00:54:07] Councilors, they have a master plan with that trail that you [00:54:10] mentioned, I was encouraged by hearing that. [00:54:13] Well, we're working on it. And we're about to see it, I think [00:54:16] pretty soon. Is that correct? [00:54:19] So that's, that's why we're [00:54:22] not I've just, I'm just totally surprised that, you know, less [00:54:26] than a quarter mile away, you don't know how many people [00:54:28] cross the road. You know, so, you know, why wouldn't you know [00:54:32] that if you're going to put a crosswalk up, you know, 1500 [00:54:35] feet up the street? [00:54:37] And I think we, you know, we, we try to hone in on the area that [00:54:42] we're having the issues with. [00:54:44] So I mean, that's, that is that is the area you're having [00:54:47] issues with Main Street, you know, get the people to come [00:54:49] down to Main Street and cross. But anyhow, [00:54:52] and, you know, I'll, I'll just [00:54:55] reiterate, I'm very uncomfortable with this particular location. It [00:55:01] has the potential to do some horrendous damage to the [00:55:04] neighborhood that is immediately east of it. And it it's a bad [00:55:13] location. It is a horrible location. And it's right down [00:55:17] the street from from Main Street. And in the last two [00:55:21] weeks, I have seen people jaywalking between the Main [00:55:26] Street stoplight and Green Key Road. They're, they're just [00:55:31] doing it because they don't care. I don't know if it's [00:55:36] because they're drunk. I don't know if it's because they've got [00:55:39] drugs. I don't know if they've just got suicidal. They're just [00:55:43] lazy, or they're just lazy. But this is not going to work for [00:55:48] the people that you're trying to save there. And it is going to [00:55:52] create a problem for a whole bunch of residents that are [00:55:57] we're trying to fix up their neighborhood. And funneling [00:56:00] these people down through their neighborhood, and increasing the [00:56:04] already too high demand with people using that as a cut [00:56:10] through is is not good for the neighborhood, it is going to [00:56:15] actively hurt that neighborhood. And it's just a [00:56:18] bad idea. [00:56:21] And so I really appreciate your perspectives, you know, certainly [00:56:26] would appreciate some empathy. My charge is to save lives. [00:56:29] Understood. [00:56:30] Thank you for coming in and thank Secretary Gwinn for his [00:56:33] discussion with me on the phone. And for allowing you to come [00:56:38] talk to us tonight. We have a motion to request the Secretary [00:56:41] delay this thing until further notice. [00:56:45] Any further discussion? All those in favor, please signify [00:56:49] by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Thank you. Thank you for coming [00:56:54] up.

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6. 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 56:55
7. 8.a

   Budget Amendment Request

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   Public comment was closed and the consent agenda was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote before proceeding to business items.

   • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)

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   [01:10:33] In that case, we will close Fox Pop and go to the consent agenda. [01:10:36] Move for approval. Second. [01:10:39] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:10:42] Aye. Opposed, like sign. [01:10:45] Motion passes. Next, we'll go to business items.

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8. 8.b

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   The consent agenda was approved by voice vote following the close of public comment.

   • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)

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   [01:10:33] In that case, we will close Fox Pop and go to the consent agenda. [01:10:36] Move for approval. Second. [01:10:39] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:10:42] Aye. Opposed, like sign. [01:10:45] Motion passes. Next, we'll go to business items.

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9. 8.c

   Library Advisory Board Minutes - September and January

   approvedon consent

   Library Advisory Board minutes from September and January were approved as part of the consent agenda.

   • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda, including the Library Advisory Board minutes from September and January. (passed)

   #Library Advisory Board Minutes - September and January

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   [01:10:33] In that case, we will close Fox Pop and go to the consent agenda. [01:10:36] Move for approval. Second. [01:10:39] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:10:42] Aye. Opposed, like sign. [01:10:45] Motion passes. Next, we'll go to business items.

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10. 9.a

    Board Re-Appointment: Jayne Brewin, Library Advisory Board

    approved

    Council reappointed Jayne Brewin to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term ending March 15, 2025. Staff recommended in favor, noting she has served since February 2019.

    • motion:Motion to approve the reappointment of Jayne Brewin to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term ending March 15, 2025. (passed)

    👤Jayne Brewin#Library Advisory Board

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    [01:10:48] Library Advisory Board. [01:10:51] Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, [01:10:54] Jane Bruin has served [01:10:57] on the Library Advisory Board [01:11:00] since February of 2019. [01:11:03] Her current term has elapsed. [01:11:06] She, though, has indicated that she would like [01:11:09] to be reappointed to the Board, [01:11:12] and if approved for reappointment, [01:11:16] her term would be for a three-year period of time, [01:11:19] meaning that her term would elapse [01:11:22] on March 15th of 2025. [01:11:25] We're recommending in favor of that appointment. [01:11:28] I move we approve. [01:11:31] Second. To the maker. [01:11:34] She's a member of one of our more effective [01:11:37] and active advisory boards, [01:11:40] and I'd like to see her continue serving. [01:11:43] Thank you for serving. [01:11:46] Nothing more. [01:11:49] Thank you as well. [01:11:52] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye.

    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.

11. 9.b

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Peters” — transcript expanded below

    Board Appointment: Nancy Cote, Library Advisory Board

    approved

    Council appointed Nancy Cote to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term ending March 15, 2025. Her application had been received November 1, 2021, and she had attended several board meetings. One vacancy remains on the board after this appointment.

    • motion:Approve appointment of Nancy Cote to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term ending March 15, 2025. (passed)

    👤Murphy👤Nancy Cote👤Peters#Library Advisory Board

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    [01:11:55] Aye. Opposed, like sign. [01:11:58] Motion passes. Next, Board appointment of Nancy Cody [01:12:01] to the Library Advisory Board. [01:12:04] They are such an active board. [01:12:07] They have an applicant [01:12:10] that's interested in joining them, [01:12:13] and her membership application [01:12:16] was received in our office [01:12:19] on November 1st of 2021. [01:12:22] She has attended a couple of meetings [01:12:25] of the Library Advisory Board, [01:12:28] which has confirmed her interest in serving. [01:12:31] The term of office, as previously indicated, [01:12:34] is for a three-year period of time. [01:12:38] Ms. Cody appears to meet all of the requirements [01:12:41] to serve on the board, [01:12:44] and if you approve her appointment, [01:12:47] her renewal would also be [01:12:50] on March 15th of 2025. [01:12:53] We are recommending in favor of her appointment, [01:12:56] and if you see fit [01:12:59] to go forward with the appointment [01:13:02] that would leave just one vacancy on the [01:13:05] board. [01:13:08] Move approval. [01:13:11] Second. To the maker. [01:13:14] I think it's been said, [01:13:17] always when a library issue comes up, [01:13:20] the library board shows up, [01:13:23] and in many other cases we don't see that happen. [01:13:26] So it's a tight group that's been together, [01:13:29] and they seem to be doing a good job. [01:13:32] I think that if the board [01:13:35] sent her up here, she must be worthy of the job. [01:13:38] Mr. Peters? [01:13:41] Is that you in the audience? [01:13:44] Nancy better get ready to work. [01:13:47] Mr. Peters? [01:13:50] Mr. Murphy? [01:13:53] Again, thank you for serving.

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12. 9.c

    Appeal of Order to Demolish RE: 6602 Candice Lane, Ronald Howarth

    discussed

    Council heard an appeal by property owner Ronald Howarth of an order to demolish the mobile home and shed at 6602 Candice Lane. Howarth presented a state-certified inspection, an engineer's report, and a contractor's estimate arguing the structure could be repaired, while the building official maintained that unpermitted modifications (window, doors, AC penetrations) made the 1972 mobile home structurally unrehabilitatable under the Florida Building Code. The transcript ends before a final vote is captured.

    📍6602 Candice Lane📍6953 Edgewater Drive👤Alma👤David👤Debbie👤Driscoll👤Gilson👤John Layman👤Marlow👤Melanie👤Peters👤Rob Perry👤Ronald Howarth#Florida Building Code#Pasco County property appraiser - 'finished cabana' designation#Section 6-185#Section 6-186#Section 6-187#Section 6-190#Section 6.1854#Section 6.1856#Section 6.1857#Slum and blight designation (Dec 15, 2021)

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    [01:13:56] It's your last opportunity to run screaming out of the room [01:13:59] saying you're still there. [01:14:02] You don't say that in front of these graduates. [01:14:05] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:14:08] Opposed, like sign. [01:14:11] Motion passes, and thank you for your service, both of you. [01:14:14] Next is an [01:14:17] appeal of order to demolish RE-6602 [01:14:20] Candace Lane. [01:14:23] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, members of council. [01:14:26] I recall the presentation that was made to you related to this item [01:14:29] at your last council meeting. [01:14:32] I'll remind you before we get started [01:14:35] that this is a quasi-judicial hearing. [01:14:38] For purposes [01:14:41] of recall, though, I will remind you [01:14:44] that the subject property is [01:14:47] 0.12 acres in size. [01:14:50] It is located on the south side of Candace Lane, [01:14:53] approximately 500 feet east of Congress Street. [01:15:00] contains a 700 foot mobile home, which was built in 1972, with [01:15:07] approximately 700 square feet of living area. It also contains a [01:15:15] shed on the property. The property was and we can move [01:15:26] forward with, if you would please, in order to provide a [01:15:32] case timeline and inspection warrant was effectuated in [01:15:39] November of 2021 and entry was made in November with our then [01:15:51] serving building official, Mr. Rob Perry. It was as a result of [01:15:58] that, that a designation was made on December 15th, that the [01:16:04] property was designated as a slum and blight property. As a [01:16:09] result of that order to demolish, the property owner was [01:16:15] given 30 days in which to demolish or to appeal the order [01:16:22] to demolish. And the code official indicated that in his [01:16:34] opinion, there are seven criteria by which demolition [01:16:42] order can be based and that there were three criteria by [01:16:47] which he felt the basis was substantiated for this [01:16:55] particular case. The first being that the, this is the site [01:17:00] map, you can go, you can go. Yeah, these are just the [01:17:03] postings. This was the inspection warrant. This is the [01:17:07] demolition warrant, which provides the three conditions. [01:17:11] First being that the condition of the structure poses an [01:17:14] immediate threat to life or property by fire or other [01:17:18] causes, that there is a serious and substantial falling away, [01:17:24] hanging loose or loosening of siding, block, brick or other [01:17:28] building material creating a hazard for occupants or the [01:17:31] public. And lastly, that the structural parts have become [01:17:37] dilapidated, decayed or deteriorated, or there is an [01:17:42] unusual sagging or leaning out of plumb of the building or any [01:17:49] part thereof caused by deterioration or overstressing of [01:17:53] the structure or structural parts that the structure is [01:17:57] manifestly unsafe. In that respect, Mr. Ronald Howarth, who [01:18:04] is the property owner, on January 13 of 2022 submitted an [01:18:12] appeal to the city. What we're showing you now is some of the [01:18:22] features. Let's go back. The posting, you're seeing the [01:18:28] mobile home and the shed, both of which were used for human [01:18:39] occupancy. And the city's notice to demolish, which was posted, [01:18:46] as I indicated, on December 15 of 2021. We're showing a [01:18:51] deteriorated entry door frame of the mobile home and an [01:18:57] unpermitted secondary entrance into the prefab mobile home. The [01:19:05] mobile home visual signs of the falling away of the siding. The [01:19:10] mobile home diffusers required on light fixtures were not in [01:19:15] place. The integrity of the structure was compromised [01:19:19] because that was an unpermitted window that was installed. Pipe [01:19:26] was undersized for the restroom. So there were plumbing... You're [01:19:33] going too fast for me. That's all right. Well, I'll catch up [01:19:36] to you. The plumbing was not appropriately sized. There were [01:19:44] electrical code violations, which we're showing you on the [01:19:48] shed. More electrical code violations on the shed. We're [01:19:55] showing the shed as living space. The shed containing an [01:20:02] unpermitted kitchen and bathroom. The shed with an [01:20:07] unprotected light fixture in the closet, an electrical [01:20:10] violation. The shed with an unterminated electrical [01:20:15] conductor, also an electrical violation. The shed soffits [01:20:20] were unprotected from rodents, a roof violation. What would be [01:20:26] an uninhabitable shed being provided with an air [01:20:29] conditioner. So in order to move forward on the appeal, there [01:20:39] are a few methods by which Mr. Howarth's appeal can be [01:20:47] considered by counsel. The first would be that the structure [01:20:52] does not meet the criteria for demolition. The second is that [01:20:57] the structure cannot be demolished within the time limit [01:21:00] specified by the order. And the third is that the structure can [01:21:05] be reconstructed or restored. And if the petitioner is [01:21:12] appealing based on the subsection that calls for the [01:21:15] reconstruction or repair, then documentation needs to be [01:21:21] submitted that indicates the proposed reconstruction method [01:21:27] and additionally an estimated cost and a timetable for [01:21:34] obtaining permits and implementing the proposed [01:21:38] improvements. Mr. Howarth's appeal didn't contain any of [01:21:45] that necessary detail and we left our last public hearing [01:21:54] with Mr. Howarth wanting to make a presentation to you on [01:22:02] his appeal on the demolition order. We were unable to do so [01:22:08] though because we had not had an opportunity to make sure that [01:22:14] his PowerPoint was clean and introduce it into the city's [01:22:20] computer system. So we're prepared to do that this [01:22:25] evening. We did receive a communication. I included it in [01:22:30] the city's PowerPoint from a contractor that's representing [01:22:36] him that indicates that the property does meet the [01:22:40] definition of slum and blight. It indicates though that he [01:22:45] wants to check with colleagues in order to find out more about [01:22:53] the definition of slum and blight. Next slide please. [01:23:02] And based on the information that we have at this point, [01:23:10] the staff is recommending to deny the appeal based on the [01:23:15] three conditions that were originally set forth by the [01:23:20] building official section 6.1854 section 6.1856 and [01:23:28] section 6.1857 that the condition of the structure is [01:23:34] in such poor condition that it cannot be repaired and it [01:23:39] should be demolished. And at this point, Mr. Mayor, if you'd [01:23:44] like to, you can call up your next. Thank you. First, I'd [01:23:48] like to remind my colleagues if you've had any ex parte [01:23:52] communications on this, you need to disclose them at this [01:23:55] time. Hearing none, Mr. Howard, you're on. [01:24:18] Do we have that PowerPoint presentation? So my name is [01:24:34] Ronald Howarth and my mailing address is 6953 Edgewater [01:24:43] Drive. And I'm the owner of Candice Lane. I'm appealing in [01:24:52] accordance with the building regulations 6-190. And I'm [01:25:06] claiming that the structure does not meet the criteria for [01:25:09] demolition set out in 6.185. And also, if there is any [01:25:20] problem that the structure can be reconstructed, repaired or [01:25:24] restored. So how do you use this? Yeah, okay. So this is [01:25:41] the current, these are the pictures at the time that the [01:25:48] notice was posted. The other pictures are dated at another [01:25:55] time, but these are the pictures as it was then in early [01:26:00] November and as it is now. So I just would like you to see [01:26:05] those pictures. Can I control it or do you control it? I can't [01:26:10] if you just tell me. Can I control this? Yes, the arrows [01:26:15] left and right move the PowerPoint forwards and [01:26:17] forwards. So do I just push this to control it? Yes. Okay, so [01:26:33] that goes that way. Okay. So these are the actual pictures, [01:26:40] folks. It's not the pictures that you were showing. It might [01:26:44] have looked that way at one time, but these are the way the [01:26:48] pictures were at the time it was posted. This is a new [01:26:58] electric box that was installed and it was permitted. It's a [01:27:08] 200-amp meter box. This is the cable running to the property. [01:27:26] So I was really trying to figure out just how it met the [01:27:35] criteria for being demolished that it was slum and blithe. So [01:27:40] I employed a state-certified inspector to inspect the [01:27:48] premises and he did a four-point inspection and I have that with [01:27:54] me and it's also here. It's not that readable from where we're [01:28:00] sitting, but where we're standing, but the four-point [01:28:03] inspection covers the air conditioning, the electrical, the [01:28:09] plumbing, and one other aspect. [01:28:26] Actually, I had that inspection done twice and the most recent [01:28:30] inspection that we're looking at was done on the 22nd, the 25th [01:28:35] of February. [01:28:55] The HVAC system, [01:28:59] it shows a clean bill of health just generally on all these [01:29:07] aspects. The plumbing is good in accordance with a state-certified [01:29:13] inspector. He has put his name and his seal and his number on the [01:29:23] inspection. He's taken pictures of everything. He's thoroughly [01:29:31] inspected it. [01:29:33] He showed everything to be in decent working order. [01:29:58] I received no [01:30:00] Violations of anything on the property prior to no outstanding violations. [01:30:06] I've had violations over the years, but they were all corrected, but there was no forewarning of any problem. [01:30:16] And the inspector found no problem. [01:30:21] These pictures are confirming that it that it was in decent shape. [01:30:29] So. He also looked at the roof. [01:30:42] And that is solid. [01:30:59] I don't know about being solid, but it's it's not leaking. [01:31:07] The roofs on mobile homes are not meant to be jumping up and down on. [01:31:11] But there. So I submit that the structure does not meet the criteria set out in. [01:31:23] In six, eight, one, five, six dash one, eight, five. [01:31:38] And so I'm just wondering, based upon that, if you folks would. [01:31:46] Would rule that it does not meet the criteria for demolition. [01:31:55] Would you would you motion that it does not meet the criteria for demolition or would you refuse to do that? [01:32:01] I'm asking that you would motion and rule that it does not meet the criteria for demolition based on. [01:32:08] The state certified inspection that I had done. [01:32:15] Does that complete your. No, it's not completed. [01:32:18] I'm just asking if based on that information, we will make our decision after you're finished, Mr. Howard. [01:32:24] OK, so. So it says that. [01:32:46] Sixty. So it says, which we can't read, but it says here that the. [01:33:04] In six dash one, eight, seven, it says the written notice shall set forth a minimum. [01:33:13] At a minimum, the following. Which we can't really read, but it says in six dash one, [01:33:24] eight, seven, that describing how the structure meets the demolition. [01:33:30] Criteria set out in six dash one, eight, five. [01:33:35] So I propose to you or I present to you that there has been no description of how the structure meets the demolition criteria. [01:33:47] So. There have been pictures, but I believe those pictures are. [01:33:57] Doesn't really show that what what what it is that would not be what would prevent it from meeting the. [01:34:11] What would cause it to meet the demolition criteria? [01:34:14] So with nothing being really presented, I found it impossible to to put a proposed plan together. [01:34:26] Of what may need to be done, if anything, to request. [01:34:30] And I would think I should be let no one specifically what what needs to be done. [01:34:44] According to number one on the screen, if I can, I could go back to number one, but. [01:34:53] I would hope that you would let me know what needs to be done so that the structure can be reconstructed, [01:34:59] repaired or restored. So. [01:35:18] Once again, we can't read that from on the on the projection here, but. [01:35:28] It's I'm I should I feel I should have documentation of the condition of the structuring, [01:35:35] referencing specific violations of codes and or building standards. [01:35:41] I don't believe there has been documentation. [01:35:44] And like I said, there's no there's no violations written as required in Section six dash one, eight, seven. [01:35:53] So, again, it's next to impossible to comply with six section six dash one nine oh. [01:36:03] That this that the structure can be. Reconstructed, repaired or restored. [01:36:10] So anyway, I met with the city manager with my. [01:36:19] Building contractor and I invited her to come and take a look at this inside. [01:36:29] To tell me just what we needed to do to bring it up to standards. [01:36:35] So Debbie, in turn, had building official David and Melanie. [01:36:45] Come out and they met us on the site. But an inspection was not performed. [01:36:53] We were advised to consult an engineer. [01:37:02] And get his. Suggestion or inspection as to what he wanted us to do. [01:37:16] So I did that. And. I have with me. [01:37:25] A state certified. Engineer. Who has signed and sealed what he what he suggests. [01:37:39] Needs to be done. And. I would like to submit that to your attorney and a copy to Mr. [01:37:52] Marlow to to see just what it is. [01:37:58] And I have the proof. I also have the proposed work that needs to be done and I would like to do that. [01:38:08] And if there's anything else that the city finds that it might need to be done, we certainly will do it. [01:38:14] Is it all right if I submit the submit those to the city clerk, please. [01:38:24] So this one here is to the city attorney and this one here is to the mayor. [01:38:30] This is a state certified copy with the. A letter, an affidavit of what he found. [01:38:43] And also. An itemized list of what he recommends be done. [01:39:05] Could you folks take a look at that, please? [01:39:08] Anything anything else? Well, I'd like to let you know that. [01:39:13] The shed was permitted. Before I owned it and it was not permitted as a shed, although it's been referred to as a shed. [01:39:30] I have that. Doesn't seem to be. [01:39:47] It doesn't seem to be moving the. You help them out, please. [01:39:52] OK, so here here is the estimate from the general contractor. [01:39:57] According to the documentation that I presented, it has the. [01:40:03] This is from John Lehman, the building contractor. [01:40:10] The cost of the materials, as recommended by the. By the engineer. [01:40:18] And this is the engineering that was done for the entire property. [01:40:27] With a letter that. Has a has a list from from the engineer. [01:40:51] I would like to submit the permit for the shed. [01:41:07] Suppose it said it's called. According to Pasco County property appraiser, it's called the finished cabana. [01:41:17] And it's certainly from the. [01:41:24] From what was submitted when they had that got the building permit back in 1991. [01:41:31] It is obvious that it's not. It wasn't submitted as a shed because it's it's. [01:41:46] It was for storage, but it is on a concrete slab. [01:41:50] It has two by six rafters. It's not like some metal metal shed that you buy over at Home Depot. [01:41:56] This is a. I didn't do it. It was done in 19 1991. [01:42:04] I purchased it in 2000. At any rate, [01:42:09] I'd like to bring John forward to confirm that he. [01:42:17] Is working with the engineer and he will. [01:42:21] Comply with whatever we need to do to replace it. [01:42:24] I'd like to bring him forward if I may. That's fine. [01:42:26] If you want to submit that, you can give that to the clerk also. [01:42:44] Could I have him please come forward? [01:42:48] Would you come forward, John? [01:42:56] Although I'm sure my name is John Layman, certified general contractor active. [01:43:02] And I do have my engineer drawings for this, depending on how you look at it, [01:43:09] because the structure itself was permitted and I've gone through all these drawings in here. [01:43:15] There was a door on this permit to go into that, whatever we want to call it, addition. [01:43:22] Let's call it addition. And he's shown on here the plumbing fixtures. [01:43:28] He physically went and looked at the property. [01:43:31] That's where he broke down his issues that he had. [01:43:36] It's certainly not a slum. And it's not that either. [01:43:43] That needs to be corrected sometime or another. [01:43:47] So he's got in there four issues. [01:43:49] I gave Ronald the price that it would take. [01:43:54] And most of those were even cosmetic too. [01:43:58] Structural, there was no structural in that at all. [01:44:04] So it's the skirting on the trailer. [01:44:08] They were rippled. [01:44:09] This is probably what they made sound like it was structural. [01:44:13] That's not structural. [01:44:15] But he has that. [01:44:16] The engineer saw that. [01:44:18] He went ahead and listed that. [01:44:21] The other minor things. [01:44:23] Stairs. [01:44:25] The stairs that were put in there into that addition, whatever we want to call it, storage room, screen room. [01:44:31] I've seen three interpretations of what that is. [01:44:34] There was stairs in those, though they were not to code. [01:44:38] And I mentioned this to the head of the building department when he met me out there. [01:44:43] And we spoke about possibly doing this with an engineer. [01:44:49] We didn't think we had the time. [01:44:50] But what David didn't know that I already had it inspected and was drawing the plans up before I met with David. [01:45:00] It does not meet the criteria of whoever made this together, does not meet it. [01:45:10] Certainly not after what you saw, the improvements. [01:45:13] There was some trim on an outside door that was off, and that was taken care of by Mr. Howard here. [01:45:20] So it, and you've seen his pictures, it doesn't look anything like the original pictures. [01:45:28] Nothing like that, especially the electric. [01:45:31] He spent $6,000 on an electric, a new setup for the electric on that trailer. [01:45:41] Now they did have the old one, and I mean if I need to permit this, I can permit the inside work so you all can get that inspected. [01:45:52] No, I have no problem with that. [01:45:54] I work good with building departments. [01:45:58] You're my eyes if I'm not there, basically. [01:46:03] I can control him. [01:46:06] He gets a little out of hand, but he can, you know, he just has to know whatever you guys look to want done, we'll get it done. [01:46:20] Anything else? [01:46:21] I think I've taken up enough of your time. [01:46:23] Thank you. [01:46:26] Do we have any substantially affected parties that would like to address counsel on this? [01:46:33] Any members of the general public? [01:46:37] Thank you. [01:46:38] Thank you, Mr. Howard. [01:46:41] That case, I will bring it back to counsel. [01:46:44] Mr. Driscoll, any comments? [01:46:47] I don't know if you want to hear from the building official. [01:46:48] He's here. [01:46:49] If you could come forward, maybe you could. [01:46:56] Thank you, Mr. Gilson. [01:47:01] Is there anything you could add to the record with regard to the condition of the structure? [01:47:05] I'm particularly interested in the window that was added to the mobile home, and it states in here that that affects the integrity of the structure. [01:47:15] Since this is a mobile home, it shouldn't be modified. [01:47:18] Is that correct under the building code? [01:47:21] This should not be modified in that way? [01:47:23] And with the secondary entrance that was added to it as well? [01:47:27] Effectively, that's correct. [01:47:29] We included the picture of the window because it's very easy to see. [01:47:34] It will transfer well in a photo. [01:47:37] But if you went back through the photos, you'll see the, I will say, multiple air conditioners that have been put into the side of the building. [01:47:47] Every one of those holes in the side of the building were created after it was constructed or after it was built. [01:47:55] And although everything is possible, it's unlikely any of that was engineered because, essentially, [01:48:04] it has to go back to the original engineer who designed that mobile home in, presumably, 1972. [01:48:11] So once you've compromised the structure in that manner, you really can't rehabilitate the structure anymore because you can never go back to the original manufacturing. [01:48:21] When you've added this window or you added this door or these other penetrations into the skin of the structure, you've actually made it so it can't be rehabilitated. [01:48:31] Is that accurate? [01:48:33] That is accurate, yes. [01:48:37] I have a question. [01:48:40] Mr. Alma? [01:48:42] I remember at the original process when we made the finding for demolition that there was discussion as to the cost of the improvements related to the 50% rule because the property was in, I believe, the flood zone. [01:49:00] Am I correct? [01:49:01] No? [01:49:01] It's not in the flood zone? [01:49:04] So there's no 50% rule in play? [01:49:08] And so related to our action today, the repair, the cost of the repair is not relative, is that correct? [01:49:20] It does not lay within a high hazard zone. [01:49:24] So what you have just stated is that it's the modifications to the mobile home that would not be supported by an engineering warranty, whatever the word might be? [01:49:43] Mobile homes are very unique. [01:49:46] So it starts with the engineer of record, like I said, presumably 1972. [01:49:51] So it's unlikely we're going to find them or him or her. [01:49:55] Florida Administrative Code then reverts to the Florida Building Code. [01:50:00] Oh, I'm sorry. [01:50:05] So it reverts to the Florida Building Code. [01:50:07] And the Florida Building Code, on the structural portion of this, it's my opinion that it cannot be met. [01:50:15] Everything we have is 140-plus miles an hour. [01:50:19] When these mobile homes were built back in the day, they were all built with 2-by-2 exterior framing. [01:50:26] And nowhere in the Florida Building Code is that allowed. [01:50:31] So the structural portion, I'll say unlikely, but closer to impossible. [01:50:39] The plumbing, mechanical, and electrical could be done under the Florida Building Code. [01:50:44] Thank you. [01:50:48] I just have a question. [01:50:49] This is, you know, it looks like his pictures were taken in February, and our pictures were taken last November. [01:50:57] Did he come get some permits during that time, in that period of time, to upgrade some of this stuff, or did he just do it? [01:51:04] Well, to the best of my knowledge, there's no permits been submitted for or applied for, with the exception of the electrical panel. [01:51:16] Just the electrical panel, not the plumbing or anything? [01:51:18] No. [01:51:21] Mr. Peters, any questions? [01:51:23] So in theory, though, if he wanted to get an engineer out and said, all right, you know, [01:51:31] these walls, these holes are going to cut for the AC units, and the windows, and the doors, [01:51:37] and what would it take to reframe the walls, take the skin off, reconstruct the walls on engineering? [01:51:44] It could be done, right? [01:51:46] In theory. [01:51:47] In theory. [01:51:48] Now, but it's cost-effective is another thing, right? [01:51:51] That's another story, yes. [01:51:52] So, you know, I just think that it just seems strange that, you know, that it's one condition, [01:52:05] and all of a sudden, we look at it, and they bring out a spray gun and repaint it, and it, you know, makes a difference. [01:52:14] But it doesn't make a difference in the structure. [01:52:20] I'd just like to put into the record what is in the record, [01:52:23] and I've looked up on the property appraiser's website to see this property land values identified. [01:52:32] There is no structure value at all identified. [01:52:38] The 684-square-foot living area has a zero value, and the 195-foot finished cabana is identified as a zero value. [01:52:54] None of this has a value, probably because it is a mobile home, and it's not considered for whatever reason. [01:53:02] But I think that the commentary that we've looked at related to the structure and the use of the structure as to have two rental units within it, [01:53:22] causes me to wonder that even if we did allow for this to be reconstructed and rebuilt, [01:53:29] would it be in compliance to be able to be utilized as two separate occasions, or maybe it doesn't factor into this decision? [01:53:39] I don't know. [01:53:39] Well, it probably doesn't directly factor into the decision on demolition, [01:53:45] but I will tell you that Mr. Howard is under a court order to vacate that shed because that is not a living structure, [01:53:54] and he can't have two units on this size of a property under density requirements. [01:53:58] So he's already under a court order to vacate that and not have someone living in there, and it was not. [01:54:04] As he even pointed out, it was constructed for storage, and it wasn't constructed as a living facility. [01:54:13] So those are the rules. [01:54:14] So whatever, if we approve the allowance of it, it's not expected that violations other would be taking place, [01:54:22] and if they were, they would be dealt with as they happened or as they occurred. [01:54:27] Would that be correct? [01:54:28] Correct. [01:54:28] If for some reason you gave him the ability to rehabilitate the structure, [01:54:34] he'd still have to vacate that shed or storage building, whatever he wants to call it, [01:54:39] but he'd have to vacate that, and he can't have a person living in there. [01:54:42] If he goes and restores this, especially in the conditions where the window and the other AC units, [01:54:50] is he going to have to comply to the 140-mile-an-hour situation now? [01:54:57] I would say no, because the original structure wouldn't have complied with that. [01:55:04] But having said that, it would be very difficult, nearing impossible, [01:55:10] to bring that up to anything that we would consider a standard today. [01:55:16] And as far as the shed, the shed cannot be used as a livable space, regardless of what engineer says what. [01:55:25] It cannot be used as a livable space. [01:55:27] It was built as a shed. [01:55:29] It's strikingly similar to the, I will say, tough shed that they sell today. [01:55:35] We permit them a couple times a week here. [01:55:40] They basically haven't changed. [01:55:42] You can tell by looking at it. [01:55:43] I'm very familiar with those tough sheds. [01:55:45] I've inspected a few hundred of them, and if you go... [01:55:50] Now, I can't say that this shed is a tough shed, brand-name tough shed, [01:55:55] but if you go to any of the shed manufacturers, very prominently on their data, [01:56:00] it says not to be used as a livable space. [01:56:04] Mr. Murphy, any questions? [01:56:12] No, no questions. [01:56:14] Can I ask one more question, Mr. Mayor? [01:56:15] Certainly. [01:56:18] Is the four-point inspection that he presented, [01:56:20] that is not the engineering that you would need to rehabilitate this structure. [01:56:24] Is that correct? [01:56:25] No. [01:56:26] Four-point inspection is what the insurance companies require. [01:56:31] It's a blush. [01:56:32] They're asking what type of breakers are used because there are certain breakers they won't [01:56:36] insure anymore. [01:56:38] If it has copper wiring or aluminum wiring, if it has a roof and the expected lifespan [01:56:46] of it. [01:56:47] In this particular instance, there's no HVA system per se, so that would be not applicable. [01:56:55] In the plumbing, I believe all they're really worried about is there are certain plumbing [01:57:00] pipes that were... [01:57:01] Pardon me? [01:57:02] Cut-off valves. [01:57:03] Yeah, and certain plumbing pipes cause for class action suits that they don't want to [01:57:08] cover. [01:57:09] Okay. [01:57:10] And one other question, if I could ask you, I don't know if you could see his estimate [01:57:15] for the repair, but it totaled $1,700. [01:57:18] It didn't include anything for rehabilitation of the skeleton of this structure in any way, [01:57:25] so is that repair estimate sufficient to in any way bring this up to code and up to standards? [01:57:32] It touched certain things, the entry access, i.e. stairs, some of the skirting, but nothing [01:57:39] on the structure, nothing on the electrical, nothing on the plumbing. [01:57:46] I would... [01:57:47] No, sir. [01:57:49] Back to counsel at this point. [01:57:52] Mr. Mayor, back to the original presentation, there was, and in the documents that are at [01:57:59] our desk, this particular one here is the city's original, this is the city's original [01:58:07] finding that we acted upon when we made the decision, is that correct? [01:58:11] I think it is. [01:58:12] I mean... [01:58:13] You haven't made... [01:58:14] Is this a binder that's put together? [01:58:16] You haven't made a finding in this particular case. [01:58:18] The city council hasn't. [01:58:19] I'm thinking of one that he had... [01:58:20] A different one? [01:58:21] There was another one that you did. [01:58:22] Okay, thank you. [01:58:23] So within the documentation you've presented, you have interviewed issues that haven't been [01:58:33] discussed here, like rats, and even the person that the inspection went to visit indicated [01:58:41] they had rats for months coming in through the eaves. [01:58:44] So I didn't hear anything about fixing the eaves. [01:58:48] We heard from the city manager about an air conditioner that should not have been installed [01:58:53] into the shed, which wouldn't otherwise be allowed, and the doors, what you're telling [01:59:00] us with respect to the modifications made to the mobile home. [01:59:03] So I think I've got all the information I need. [01:59:07] I'll look for somebody to make a motion. [01:59:10] Any other questions of anybody at this point? [01:59:15] I will accept a motion from somebody. [01:59:19] Move we deny the appeal. [01:59:21] Do we have a second? [01:59:22] Second. [01:59:23] To the maker. [01:59:24] Long overdue. [01:59:25] To the second. [01:59:26] Yeah, what it looks like is you've offered a lot of stuff to fix, not fix, but just dress [01:59:34] up things on the outside without necessarily fixing the structure itself. [01:59:39] I think the best investment you had was on the electrical, because at least you can reuse [01:59:44] that again, so you can at least salvage that part of it, so that's good. [01:59:50] That's all. [01:59:51] Mr. Allman? [01:59:52] No, again, I think the answer here is if there's been an action pending and [02:00:00] Someone goes forward and spends money in advance of really securing that approval. [02:00:08] It's a shame to hear about the amount of money that's been spent on this, [02:00:12] but as mentioned by our electrician on the board, all value isn't lost, so. [02:00:19] Deputy Mayor? [02:00:20] I don't have anything else. [02:00:24] I cannot, I can, that portion is closed, sir. [02:00:30] I cannot believe we are faced with another one of these that is being rented [02:00:36] out to people that's just not fit for human habitation, and it's said that it's come to this. [02:00:46] If there is, sir, you are out of order. [02:00:50] I will have you removed if you keep interrupting. [02:00:53] Sir? [02:00:56] Okay, let's just finish. [02:00:57] We've got a motion on the floor. [02:00:58] We have a motion on the floor. [02:00:59] Second. [02:01:00] Any further discussion? [02:01:02] Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. [02:01:07] Aye. [02:01:08] Opposed, like sign. [02:01:09] The motion to deny is passed. [02:01:12] Thank you. [02:01:13] Next is a request to upgrade the police boat lighting [02:01:17] and electronics using equitable sharing monies. [02:01:21] Yes, and the reason that this item is before you is because we are requesting the use [02:01:26] of equitable sharing funds to cover the cost of upgrades to our police boat [02:01:31] in the amount of $3,720.39, the purpose of which is [02:01:38] to replace the emergency lighting and siren system on the boat. [02:01:42] We would like to buy the tent of the repairs and the installation of the equipment [02:01:47] through Enforcement 1 located in Oldsmar, Florida.

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13. 9.d

    Request to Upgrade Police Boat Lighting and Electronics Using Equitable Sharing Monies

    approved

    Council approved using equitable sharing funds to upgrade lighting and electronics on the police boat. A resident questioned the expenditure given limited visibility of the boat on the river, and the Police Chief explained staffing shortages and training limitations have reduced boat patrols.

    • motion:Motion to approve upgrading police boat lighting and electronics using equitable sharing monies. (passed)

    📍6552 River Road📍Riverfront Park🏢Pasco County Sheriff's Department👤Mike Gordon👤Mr. Murphy👤Mr. Peters👤Officer Gardner#Equitable Sharing Funds#Police boat lighting and electronics upgrade

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    [02:01:53] Anything additional, Chief? [02:01:55] No, ma'am. [02:01:56] The equipment is very much needed. [02:01:59] Okay. [02:02:01] That being said, we're recommending in favor. [02:02:03] Okay. [02:02:04] Move for approval. [02:02:06] Open it up for public comment if anyone has any. [02:02:10] There you do. [02:02:12] So we'll wait on the motion then. [02:02:14] Yeah. [02:02:18] Sorry, am I still good? [02:02:21] Mike Gordon, 6552 River Road. [02:02:25] I question spending any money on the police boat [02:02:29] because it's been our experience of those of us that live on the river [02:02:33] that we rarely see the boat on the water. [02:02:40] There's a number of us on the river that have complained a number of times [02:02:44] of issues of people either plowing water, making huge wakes, [02:02:50] running faster than a no-wake speed, up to even just recently over the weekend, [02:02:58] boats literally running on plane down the river. [02:03:03] So we're questioning whether it's worth it to put more money into a police [02:03:07] boat that we rarely see on the water. [02:03:11] And I wonder if the city might consider maybe it would be better off more, [02:03:18] better financially for the city to sell the police boat, [02:03:22] allow the sheriff's department to put their boat on the lift. [02:03:26] That way the river gets more law enforcement representation, [02:03:32] more law enforcement visibility, and maybe a little more protection [02:03:37] on the river. [02:03:39] Thank you. [02:03:40] Anyone else? [02:03:42] And then I'll bring it back to council. [02:03:43] I believe we had a motion. [02:03:45] May I move for approval? [02:03:47] We have a second. [02:03:48] Second. [02:03:49] To the maker. [02:03:50] Where's the money coming from? [02:03:51] Equitable sharing funds. [02:03:53] All right. [02:03:54] Second. [02:03:55] Is there like a definition of equitable sharing funds? [02:03:59] Is it coming from the state, the federal? [02:04:03] Question. [02:04:05] That money has come in through criminal investigations [02:04:08] that have resulted in us being able to keep the money for specific police [02:04:15] purposes. [02:04:16] Right. [02:04:17] Good. [02:04:17] So it's local money, or come to us locally. [02:04:21] Mr. Murphy? [02:04:23] Chief, are we working on the amount of time the boat is on the water? [02:04:27] Is it due to staffing? [02:04:30] Part of that has been due to that. [02:04:33] I've recently, and there have been no schools [02:04:36] available to train operators. [02:04:39] And some of the people that were operators [02:04:42] have retired from the department. [02:04:44] Just in case is one of my best examples of that. [02:04:48] And some of the others have been promoted [02:04:51] and are supervisors on the street. [02:04:53] So they're not available to go out and operate the boat. [02:04:56] So my goal has been, now that COVID has backed off, [02:05:00] they just had one of the first schools. [02:05:02] And I was able to send one of my officers, one of the fellows that [02:05:07] works in the park, Officer Gardner, to get him certified to be on it. [02:05:14] I had intended to send two this time to get them trained. [02:05:17] And one, there was a complication where the second person couldn't go. [02:05:23] So that has been part of it. [02:05:25] The other issue, as much as I'd like to have boat out there very often, [02:05:33] we also have gone through a period where we were down seven officers. [02:05:37] And my first objective is to take care of patrol. [02:05:43] When time was available, we would get on the river. [02:05:47] But it's not like I have officers that I can just [02:05:50] want them to run up and down the river and wait to potentially see someone [02:05:55] who's creating a wake. [02:05:56] I do intend to increase the enforcement once I have the officers [02:06:00] that I can spare and put out there. [02:06:03] It's like traffic enforcement. [02:06:05] We have issues on 19, a lot of traffic, speeding and whatnot. [02:06:10] Calls for service take priority over that. [02:06:13] When we have the time available, we go out and do that enforcement. [02:06:17] So that's my answer. [02:06:21] Mr. Peters, thank you. [02:06:23] Yeah, of course, we want to have a boat that's equipped. [02:06:27] And we'd like to see the boat more on the river. [02:06:32] And in lieu of that, and I certainly understand the COVID issue training [02:06:36] is something that we've had conversations about in the past. [02:06:38] And I understand that. [02:06:40] And we're coming around into the season again here, [02:06:42] to be honest, real quick, right? [02:06:44] But in lieu of that, my only indication with the regimented chief [02:06:51] is if we have some officers available for a little spare time, [02:06:58] they can sit at Riverfront Park. [02:07:02] They can observe speeding and give the ticket at the boat ramp later [02:07:06] if that's necessary. [02:07:07] And it doesn't take long for that word to get out. [02:07:10] It might have some effect. [02:07:12] But particularly all the people loading and unloading their boat, [02:07:16] watching people getting a ticket right there from the speeding [02:07:19] down the river earlier. [02:07:20] But anyway, that's just an observation. [02:07:22] But we want the boat equipped. [02:07:24] I appreciate the thinking about getting more police on there. [02:07:30] But I think the Sheriff's Department would probably deny that. [02:07:33] They want to stay in the county. [02:07:34] So we'll take care of the river. [02:07:36] Right, Chief? [02:07:38] It is our territory. [02:07:39] You're right. [02:07:40] OK. [02:07:42] Thank you. [02:07:42] Any further discussion? [02:07:45] Hearing none, we have a motion on the floor. [02:07:47] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:07:50] Aye. [02:07:51] Opposed, like sign. [02:07:52] Motion passes. [02:07:53] Next is purchase of AV equipment for the city council chamber.

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14. 9.e

    Purchase of AV Equipment for City Council Chambers

    approved

    Council approved the purchase of AV equipment for the council chambers from ProMedia in an amount not to exceed $42,966, to be executed off a TIPS contract. Upgrades include SDI cameras, a larger screen for true 16:9 ratio, and microphone bars.

    • motion:Motion to approve the purchase of AV equipment from ProMedia not to exceed $42,966. (passed)

    🏢ProMedia👤Mr. Weed#SDI cameras#TIPS contract

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    [02:07:58] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. [02:08:01] We are in a position, as a result of some fine work by Mr. Weed, [02:08:06] to purchase some AV equipment for the council chambers. [02:08:09] And Mr. Weed is prepared to present the agenda item to you. [02:08:13] Good evening, Mayor and Council. [02:08:15] This proposal is before you this evening for your approval [02:08:18] and consideration to purchase additional AV equipment or replacement [02:08:22] equipment for our existing cameras from ProMedia in the amount not to exceed $42,966. [02:08:32] These upgrade improvements will follow suit to the new projectors [02:08:36] that were installed during the last reign of improvements. [02:08:39] The projectors are currently being scaled down to a 4 by 3 ratio instead of a true 16 by 9. [02:08:45] So the improvements will include SDI cameras for the room, [02:08:50] which will increase the visual capacity, and then a larger screen, [02:08:54] allowing for a true 16 by 9 ratio, followed by microphone bars [02:08:59] that will be added to the council chambers for additional AV purposes. [02:09:04] And with that said, we recommend approval and funding for this project [02:09:08] has been budgeted in this fiscal year, and it will be executed off a TIPS contract. [02:09:13] Thank you. [02:09:13] Open it up for public comment. [02:09:15] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [02:09:18] Move for approval. [02:09:19] Second. [02:09:20] To the maker. [02:09:21] Yes, sir. [02:09:22] I guess I have been told that we haven't been getting this TV or the folks [02:09:31] that have attempted to watch our program. [02:09:35] They maybe hear it, but the camera comes on and off. [02:09:39] Our last meeting, we did have an issue where there was audio only. [02:09:42] The meeting, there were a few meetings in advance of that, [02:09:46] that one of the channel providers had a problem with their equipment for their feed. [02:09:52] This has nothing to do with that, but it will affect the feed to the... [02:09:56] It will to some degree because the scaler keeps having to, [02:09:59] as you can see even in the meeting tonight, you see the screens once in a while flash [02:10:02] because they're having to scale down to the lower resolution. [02:10:06] So this will replace those scalers and bring everything to one standard. [02:10:12] Thank you. [02:10:14] Other... [02:10:16] Expected useful life for this equipment and this technology? [02:10:20] SDI, you're probably good for at least three to five years. [02:10:25] Technology changes fast.

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15. 9.f

    ITB22-004 Frances Avenue Park Shelter Improvements Project Bid Award

    approved

    Council awarded the Frances Avenue Park Shelter Improvements Project bid to SC Signature Corp for an amount not to exceed $382,000, funded in part by an $82,638 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Florida DEP. The Mayor declared a conflict of interest because his wife contracts with the proposed contractor. The motion passed.

    • motion:Motion to award the Frances Avenue Park Shelter Improvements Project bid to SC Signature Corp not to exceed $382,000. (passed)

    📍Frances Avenue Park🏢Ayers Associates🏢Florida Department of Environmental Protection🏢SC Signature Corp👤Matt👤Mr. Adams👤Pete#CIP funding $390,000#ITB 22-004#Land and Water Conservation Fund grant#Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2017

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    [02:10:27] Yeah, I know. [02:10:28] Anything else? [02:10:30] We have a motion on the floor. [02:10:33] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:10:36] Aye. [02:10:37] Opposed, like sign. [02:10:39] Next is ITB 22004, Francis Avenue Park Shelter Improvements Project Bid. [02:10:46] And I am declaring a conflict of interest as my wife is [02:10:49] contracting with the proposed contractor. [02:10:53] All right, Mr. Adams, if you present the agenda item. [02:10:56] Sure, thank you. [02:10:59] ...City Council. [02:11:02] Before you this evening is the Francis Avenue Park Shelter Improvements Project award. [02:11:08] Francis Avenue Park offers amenities including basketball courts, playgrounds, [02:11:12] open space, free picnic shelters, and a kayak. [02:11:17] During the city's Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2017, [02:11:21] the city's free picnic shelters were deemed nearing the end of their conditions for life. [02:11:27] In 2020, the city of Blyth-Ford awarded a land water conservation fund grant [02:11:33] from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of $82,638 [02:11:39] to help fund improvements to the shelter. [02:11:43] Main elements of this project include updating water main and landscaping. [02:11:49] Ayers Associates was hired as a contracted firm to design and engineer the project. [02:11:54] Council approved funding in the amount of $390,000 to the CIP [02:12:00] for this fiscal year to move forward with the project. [02:12:03] On December 10th, 2021, the city advertised an initiative for the project. [02:12:09] The city received proposals from construction contractors, [02:12:13] and based on the review of proposals by Ayers Associates and city staff, [02:12:17] it was determined that SC Signature Corp would contract with the project. [02:12:24] The current bid was within the CIP allotted by June 1st. [02:12:28] The staff's recommendation is to decline this for city council. [02:12:34] From the Shelter Improvement Project to SC Signature Corp, [02:12:38] not to exceed $382,000. [02:12:47] Anybody from the public would like to speak on this? [02:12:53] Bring it back to council. [02:12:55] Move approval. [02:12:56] Second. [02:12:59] Go ahead, Pete. [02:13:00] Yeah, I mean, when we talk the timelines of some of these things, [02:13:03] if this was awarded to us in the year 20 and it's time to do it, we should do it. [02:13:14] Perhaps I'd like to ask, because I can't find it in here, [02:13:19] but are the improvements including work to the mangrove [02:13:26] or the cleaning of the area along the river there? [02:13:30] There was a lot of discussion about the boardwalk and the condition of it, [02:13:36] and that's not what's being proposed here today, correct? [02:13:40] That is not what is proposed. [02:13:42] Okay, yeah, because I'm not sure that that was the right project. [02:13:47] But for this, I did move, and I'm happy to see those improvements. [02:13:53] I'll be interested to learn about the progress of the much-awaited 80-acre improvements [02:13:59] that have been on the books for four or five years. [02:14:03] Matt? [02:14:04] Looking forward to the end result. [02:14:09] This is a case where we get a little bit of a grant [02:14:11] and we decide to throw a bunch more money at it and really do something nice, right? [02:14:14] So I'm looking forward to this. [02:14:18] I think Francis Park is currently underutilized, [02:14:22] and I think these improvements give us a great opportunity to really use that, [02:14:27] particularly as we see more and more pressure on Sims Park for things like birthdays and so forth. [02:14:33] We've got those great big fields that's available that could be used for various games and activities [02:14:39] and now with shelters and the improvements we've made to the restrooms. [02:14:44] You know, I think this is something that I think that once this is done, [02:14:48] and I know there's some landscape that's going to be associated with this, [02:14:51] it's going to look nice, and I could see this being utilized by our citizens a great deal more than enough. [02:15:00] is currently, and it is, isn't that a dog friendly park as well? [02:15:09] I'm being told no. [02:15:12] They took down the no dog signs, right? [02:15:22] I have nothing more to say. All those in favor? [02:15:26] Say aye. [02:15:27] Those opposed? [02:15:31] Thank you. [02:15:32] Next is a recommendation for a rejection of bid on ITB 22-005.

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16. 9.g

    Rejection of Bids for ITB22-005 Fleet Maintenance and Warehouse Building Project

    approved

    Staff recommended rejecting all four bids received for the Fleet Maintenance and Warehouse Building Project (ITB22-005) because all bids ($5,125,300 to $5,315,045) exceeded the city's CIP allocation, with bidders citing material delays and rapid price increases. Council approved the rejection and directed staff to seek grant funding. Councilman Altman suggested exploring acquisition and relocation of the former cigar/lumberyard metal-frame warehouse building near the city parking lot as an alternative.

    • motion:Motion to reject the bids for ITB22-005 Fleet Maintenance and Warehouse Building Project and allow staff to identify potential grants. (passed)

    📍former cigar building off the city parking lot🏢STR Scrap👤Altman👤Rivera👤Vance#CIP#Fleet Maintenance and Warehouse Building Project#ITB22-005

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    [02:15:41] Mr. Rivera. [02:15:43] Thank you, Ms. Vance. As you had mentioned, Mayor, this is a request for a rejection of the bids for the [02:15:47] Fleet Maintenance [02:15:48] Warehouse Building. [02:15:49] On February 4th, bids were opened up. [02:15:53] There were four of them. They ranged from a low of five million [02:15:57] $125,300 to a high [02:16:00] of $5,315,045. [02:16:05] All of these bids exceeded the city's allocated amount in our CIP. [02:16:10] We made contact with the bidders. [02:16:14] A couple of them were very familiar and are local. [02:16:18] Talked with them. [02:16:20] All of them were competitive, as you can see in the bid attachment. [02:16:24] They really were just worried about [02:16:27] the delays in materials, delays in construction, and the accelerated [02:16:32] price, rapid price increase of materials [02:16:36] to have a project this long. [02:16:39] They really are having trouble trying to bid [02:16:42] projects that are this large. [02:16:44] So with that being said, due to them exceeding the allocated amount that we [02:16:48] have, [02:16:49] we're recommending that you [02:16:51] reject those bids and allow staff to [02:16:54] identify potential grants that might be available to where we can use the [02:16:58] amount that we have allocated as [02:17:07] partial funding of the project and hopefully maybe the prices will [02:17:11] stabilize [02:17:12] further down the road. So with that, if you do [02:17:15] approve this, there would be no budget impact. [02:17:21] I'll open it up for public comment. [02:17:23] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [02:17:25] Move for approval. [02:17:26] Second. [02:17:27] To the maker. [02:17:30] Stay on it. The conditions of the building you're working out of now are [02:17:34] not the best. [02:17:36] Second. [02:17:37] It's tough right now. I don't know [02:17:39] which way it's going, so we'll see what happens. [02:17:42] Mr. Altman? [02:17:43] Yeah, I mean, I have an idea [02:17:45] for you. [02:17:49] And I'm serious. [02:17:51] Because of the cost of materials, and I haven't been able to get to the bottom [02:17:56] of it, but [02:17:57] that is a [02:18:00] large, [02:18:01] new, [02:18:02] perhaps decent-shaped [02:18:04] warehouse that was our cigar building off of [02:18:09] right here by our city's parking lot, [02:18:14] that [02:18:16] is a metal frame constructed building. [02:18:20] I would like to know if there's anyone who [02:18:24] removes those. If you look at the [02:18:27] STR scrap that's out there on Ridge Road that takes all of the excess [02:18:32] metals, [02:18:33] there's a tremendous amount of value, [02:18:36] and it's a very profitable business. [02:18:39] But if [02:18:40] a building is put together with air tools [02:18:44] and [02:18:45] it's structural, [02:18:47] it's a large warehouse building, [02:18:51] I'd like to know what it would take and if there's a firm that would give us a [02:18:54] price to [02:18:55] acquire that building and [02:18:58] move it. Not that it fits all of your needs, but [02:19:00] it could provide an awful lot of space and, [02:19:03] frankly, [02:19:04] when you're talking four or five million dollars, [02:19:07] we could own that real estate [02:19:08] and the building, [02:19:10] and [02:19:12] it could further [02:19:13] that development of that [02:19:15] quad right there. [02:19:16] I just hate to see [02:19:18] all of that metal that's working in a nice building that [02:19:22] doesn't belong there because it's not industrial zoned. [02:19:27] However it got put there to begin with was because it was a [02:19:30] telephone [02:19:32] warehouse, for all I know. So it doesn't fit our zoning, [02:19:35] it's not appropriate in that area, [02:19:37] but it looks like a nice building. [02:19:39] And it may not fit your needs, but I would love to find out [02:19:42] if there are people who [02:19:44] remove and [02:19:46] replace [02:19:48] engineered, structured [02:19:50] buildings. [02:19:54] It was a lumberyard when I came to town. [02:19:56] Yeah, it was a lumberyard. [02:19:58] This is tough. We ran the same thing with the [02:20:03] fire station, so [02:20:05] I think you're being very prudent and [02:20:11] just hanging on this for a while, try to look at it again. [02:20:14] Any further [02:20:16] discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:20:21] Aye. [02:20:22] Opposed, like sign.

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17. 9.h

    Russ Park Playground Equipment Purchase and Installation

    approved

    Council approved a proposal from Topline Recreation Incorporated, not to exceed $30,102.58, for the purchase and installation of a Wedgwood-style playground at Russ Park, a pocket park on the west side of US-19 at Avery and Wedgwood Drive. The project also includes tables, trash cans, increased lighting, split rail fencing, and a new park sign, funded through Penny for Pasco capital improvement funds.

    • motion:Motion to approve the Topline Recreation proposal for Russ Park playground equipment purchase and installation, not to exceed $30,102.58. (passed)

    📍Russ Park, west side of 19 at Avery and Wedgwood Drive🏢St. Johns County School District🏢Topline Recreation Incorporated👤Altman👤Kevin👤Murphy#2018 Russ Park drainage project#Capital Improvement Program#Penny for Pasco funds#St. Johns County School District Contract 2018-04

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    [02:20:24] Motion passes. Next, Russ [02:20:26] Park Playground Equipment Purchase and Installation. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [02:20:31] Thank you. This is a proposal from [02:20:34] Topline Recreation Incorporated in the amount not to exceed thirty thousand [02:20:38] one hundred two dollars and fifty eight cents. [02:20:41] This is for the purchase and installation of a Wedgwood play, [02:20:45] a park playground. [02:20:47] And as you can see up there, that's what it looks like. [02:20:51] The proposal contains the same [02:20:54] unit pricing [02:20:56] as the current St. Johns County School District Contract 2018-04. [02:21:01] Russ Park is a neighborhood pocket park that's located on the [02:21:05] west side of 19 at Avery and Wedgwood Drive. [02:21:10] As you recall, in 2018, [02:21:13] we did a drainage project that [02:21:16] basically removed the, what I would call, a very large ditch that [02:21:22] bisected the property. [02:21:24] And we were able to get approval from DOT to install culvert piping [02:21:28] and make that area a whole [02:21:31] green space to where it can be utilized a little bit more efficiently. [02:21:35] So after we completed our construction, we took a look at the existing [02:21:39] playground structure and amenities that were out there. [02:21:42] This one here is similar to the one that was there. [02:21:46] We did remove it simply because it had served its useful life, [02:21:52] but there was a lot of items on it that were hazardous to its use. [02:21:59] So we removed that. We're proposing to put this in there [02:22:04] as well as some additional tables, [02:22:07] some trash cans, and increase the lighting, [02:22:11] as well as take and install, let's see, a few more amenities. [02:22:17] This type of equipment is typical for the type of area that we have as a [02:22:22] neighborhood park. [02:22:23] We would put split rail fencing around the perimeter as well as a new [02:22:28] park sign. [02:22:29] It is identified in our capital improvement program. [02:22:32] The amount of $35,000 is allocated in that, [02:22:37] and it is PASCO, penny for PASCO funds. [02:22:40] So we would recommend that you approve it. [02:22:42] Thank you. Open it up for public comment. [02:22:46] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [02:22:49] I move we approve. [02:22:50] Second. [02:22:50] The maker. [02:22:52] Yeah, so it looks pretty good. [02:22:54] Kevin, what's your thoughts on the equipment we put in there? [02:22:58] Is that something you think is suitable for that particular park? [02:23:01] For a pocket park, yeah. [02:23:06] Okay. [02:23:07] Second. [02:23:08] Is it a sunrise, sunset park, or is there lighting there? [02:23:12] No, sir. It's sunrise, sunset. [02:23:14] Thank you. [02:23:15] Mr. Murphy? [02:23:16] I'm good, thank you. [02:23:17] Mr. Altman? [02:23:18] Same here. [02:23:19] I was tickled to death when we got the culvert to keep that drainage [02:23:22] ditch from going smack through the middle of it. [02:23:24] This will make a nice improvement to it. [02:23:28] We might look at just security lighting or safety lighting. [02:23:33] There was something in the budget there for lighting, right? [02:23:34] It was a little bit, okay. [02:23:37] There's no further discussion. [02:23:38] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:23:40] Aye. [02:23:41] Opposed, like sign. [02:23:43] Motion passes.

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18. 9.i

    Resolution No. 2022-04: Section 504 Compliance Policy (CDBG Item)

    approved

    Council adopted Resolution 2022-04 establishing the Section 504 compliance policy, evaluation plan, transition plan, and grievance procedures for CDBG programs, attesting to nondiscrimination based on handicap and providing a transition plan for ADA/Architectural Barriers Act compliance. Required for participation in the Small Cities CDBG program.

    Ord. Resolution No. 2022-04

    • motion:Approve Resolution 2022-04 adopting the Section 504 compliance policy, evaluation plan, transition plan, and grievance procedures for CDBG programs. (passed)

    👤Peters#ADA#Architectural Barriers Act of 1968#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#Resolution 2022-04#Section 504#Small Cities Program

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    [02:23:44] Next, resolution 2020-04, section 504, compliance policy. [02:23:49] This is resolution number 2020-04, the city of New Port Richey, [02:23:53] section 504, compliance policy, evaluation plan, transition plan, [02:23:57] and grievance complaint procedures for community development block grant [02:24:01] programs and projects. [02:24:03] The purpose of the agenda item is twofold. [02:24:07] First, it attests to the city's nondiscrimination policy based on [02:24:13] handicaps from any program or activity that's supported with federal funds. [02:24:20] And secondarily, it is a transition plan for section 504 compliance, [02:24:28] which calls for facility modifications in compliance with the Architectural [02:24:35] Barriers Act of 1968 and a transition plan for any public facilities that are [02:24:42] not in complete compliance with the ADA Act. [02:24:47] And the reason that we are doing this is related to our participation as a [02:24:55] direct beneficiary from the small cities program for community development block [02:25:01] grant funds. [02:25:03] Thank you. [02:25:04] Open up for public comment. [02:25:06] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [02:25:09] Move approval. [02:25:10] Move approval. [02:25:11] We have a motion and a second to the maker. [02:25:15] We want those development block grant monies. [02:25:18] A second? [02:25:21] Nothing. [02:25:22] Deputy Mayor? [02:25:22] Mr. Peters? [02:25:23] That's played by the rules. [02:25:24] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:25:28] Aye. [02:25:28] Opposed, like sign. [02:25:30] Motion passes.

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19. 9.j

    City Manager Performance Evaluation

    approved

    Council conducted City Manager Debbie Manns' annual performance evaluation. All five members praised her leadership, deal-making (notably the Kaiser parking garage), communication, and tenure. Council unanimously approved a 5% raise and directed the city attorney to modify her agreement to allow her to take accrued sick leave upon termination.

    • motion:Approve recognition of the city manager's performance with a 5% raise and direct the city attorney to modify her agreement to allow her to take sick leave upon termination. (passed)

    🏢Kaiser👤Debbie Manns👤Deputy Mayor👤Mayor👤Mr. Bessler👤Mr. Murphy👤Mr. Peters👤Ms. Vance#City Manager employment agreement#Kaiser parking garage#Sick leave payout upon termination

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    [02:25:32] Now one of the most uncomfortable things the city manager has to sit [02:25:38] through each year, we're going to talk about her performance evaluation and [02:25:42] discuss if we want to provide her with an adjustment in her compensation. [02:25:48] Anyone want to kick it off? [02:25:50] I can kick it off, Mr. Mayor. [02:25:52] Very good. [02:25:52] If you would allow me. [02:25:54] I will. [02:25:54] It's not completely uncomfortable for me because most of you are good enough to [02:25:58] provide me with feedback on an ongoing basis in a more informal manner. [02:26:05] And this is really just your opportunity to provide feedback in a more formal [02:26:11] communication, and that's helpful to me because it's always been open and [02:26:19] productive, and it helps me to identify the areas in which you're satisfied with [02:26:25] my performance, and it also helps me to identify areas in which improvement is [02:26:32] warranted. [02:26:33] The, and it is, as you indicated lastly, an opportunity to determine any salary or [02:26:46] benefit change that may be determined collectively by you to be appropriate. [02:26:52] I'll remind you that the effective date of my yearly anniversary in any wage or [02:26:58] salary benefit adjustment is June 2nd, and the reason that you evaluate my [02:27:08] performance at this time of year is because my contract dictates that because [02:27:13] it's important that the council that I've worked for for the last year be the [02:27:18] council that evaluates my performance and that it not be pushed off into a month [02:27:23] in which I might be reporting to new bosses and that they have a chance to [02:27:29] evaluate something that they didn't set goals with me on. [02:27:34] So, with that being said, I'm eager to take notes, and I do pay attention when my [02:27:40] hat is down. [02:27:43] I'll be happy to go first. [02:27:45] Go ahead, Mr. General. [02:27:47] So, for me, it's a short and sweet process. [02:27:51] I think that performance evaluations, as outlined by the city manager, are things [02:27:56] that we need to convey in terms of our own satisfaction. [02:28:03] And, of course, the existence of the city manager and her position is supported by [02:28:10] the majority of us. [02:28:12] So, I will support the request for the 5% raise. [02:28:18] I'll also support the request for the additional benefit of taking the sick [02:28:27] leave upon departure. [02:28:31] It's a dangerous job as a city manager. [02:28:35] I believe that our city manager has lasted more than probably the average time that [02:28:42] folks are on because it's a difficult job to represent the city, manage the [02:28:51] departments, and sometimes that requires or leads to managing us individually. [02:28:58] So, I think I've said all I need to say publicly. [02:29:05] There are staffing shortages. [02:29:06] We've heard about that. [02:29:07] We've got challenges with our budgets and a lot of the transitions that have [02:29:13] occurred, and I share my personal beliefs there. [02:29:18] And when something comes up in front of us, I share it publicly. [02:29:23] So, I'm satisfied, and I think it's important for the city to reflect wages [02:29:32] that will continue to attract and retain good employees. [02:29:39] I've also spoken to her about the other city employees and about the staff shortages, [02:29:44] and that's not what this motion is about, but I hope that we can have that discussion, [02:29:50] and I hope that I'll be around to have it with you. [02:29:54] But, again, as we approach the budget and we look at issues like overtime... [02:30:00] and issues like the difficulty of hiring people, it's not easy and I'd love to welcome to what [02:30:08] is really going to be a short meeting for what we normally have to our new folks that [02:30:12] haven't been here before. [02:30:13] And I'm just kidding, it's gone on a little long, but so we don't scare you running out [02:30:19] the door as the mayor says, but that's all I have to say. [02:30:24] We've had a lot of accomplishments, we've got a lot of good things going, but there's [02:30:31] a lot more to be done and so we need to make sure we have the resources to do that. [02:30:37] Mr. Murphy? [02:30:38] Yeah, I would just like to say, I know Ms. Manns loves her job and it's a tough job. [02:30:45] There's a lot of things that you have to obviously oversee and look at and her management style [02:30:49] is very much hands on and wanting to be involved. [02:30:53] So like when we do have the staff shortages, she has to kind of fill those roles too and [02:30:58] kind of take those jobs also. [02:31:01] So it's never a break, it's ongoing all the time. [02:31:07] So I commend her for that and being able to do it well. [02:31:10] One of the biggest things that I think impresses me with Ms. Manns is when we talk about development [02:31:18] and vetting our city, beautification, she's very involved with that and has a knack for [02:31:27] putting things together, seeing opportunities and taking advantage of them. [02:31:32] That's happened several times since I've been here and she's been able to do that. [02:31:37] One example would be the Kaiser parking garage, I mean that was a project that was going to [02:31:43] New Port Richey and she put it together, got it back and now we have a parking garage, [02:31:48] we're getting a hotel built, we have some more business come up in our CRA meeting with [02:31:54] some more vision for that area. [02:31:56] So I think it takes a certain individual with the drive to make things better and see opportunities [02:32:02] and go after them and not just kind of sitting back and let things go. [02:32:06] So I'm all for the 5% and I'm good. [02:32:14] Deputy Mayor? [02:32:18] You've been here what, seven years now, Debbie? [02:32:21] Coming up on eight? [02:32:22] Six. [02:32:23] Almost eight. [02:32:24] Okay. [02:32:25] Alright, almost eight years and I think what she brought in leadership was well needed [02:32:30] in this community and it's been demonstrated multiple, multiple times. [02:32:35] And she built a teamwork which wasn't in existence when I came here too. [02:32:40] The team being the group sitting down here in front of me. [02:32:43] And she's done that with communication skills. [02:32:46] She's always had an open door policy not only for staff and for this council, [02:32:51] but she's also had the open doors policy for the public. [02:32:55] You know, if they come in and meet her, she may not have the answer, [02:32:58] but she'll know who to send them to to get the answer and get the work done. [02:33:02] So those three things alone and I just can't talk enough about the problem solving. [02:33:08] You know, she's got more problems and if you see her desk, [02:33:11] it's probably stacked a good foot high of problems sitting there to be done. [02:33:16] And I agree with the 5% and the sick day thing, [02:33:19] but I think you should take a couple mental health days once in a while. [02:33:24] Mr. Peters. [02:33:28] Yeah, so this time last year I was the new kid on the block. [02:33:32] I was only having about three or four months under my belt. [02:33:34] It was a foreign process for me. [02:33:38] But now having served another year, it's a little bit easier for me to make an evaluation. [02:33:45] And, you know, my observations is not just looking at the city and how things have improved [02:33:55] and how, but really how it gets done. [02:33:58] And Debbie does provide strong leadership skills in various areas. [02:34:04] Number one, she is a deal maker. [02:34:07] There's a deal to be made, she'll make it, and she gets the parties together. [02:34:12] And it seems that she, you know, some of my notes I gave her was that, you know, [02:34:16] she finds solutions, not excuses. [02:34:19] If there's a problem, she'll get it figured out. [02:34:23] You know, I think that Debbie, one of her stronger strengths, [02:34:29] or one of her strongest strengths is data communication. [02:34:33] She is open, keeps us informed, [02:34:38] and I think she does that the best I can see with her department people as well. [02:34:46] I think that, you know, Debbie has some challenges. [02:34:52] Let's take that back. [02:34:54] Debbie has some opportunities with some newer staff that's joined the city, [02:35:00] getting them integrated in and getting them up to speed. [02:35:04] And so they maximize their potential. [02:35:07] And perhaps as that occurs, a little bit less, [02:35:11] a little weight will be lifted off her shoulders. [02:35:13] So I'm looking forward to her activities in that regard. [02:35:18] So obviously I would be in favor, too, of a 5% increase. [02:35:23] I did some analysis. [02:35:25] You know, we had a storm Saturday, right? [02:35:27] So I got online and did a little bit of reviewing of other cities, [02:35:31] and salaries, and sizes, and tenures of their managers. [02:35:37] And we come in, there's a city in the state that's near our size [02:35:42] that's had seven managers in eight years. [02:35:45] How would you guys like that, right? [02:35:48] I wouldn't like it, you know? [02:35:49] And obviously there's problems, you know? [02:35:52] I see managers with less tenure making more money than Debbie does. [02:35:58] I see situations where some smaller cities that are paying their manager more, [02:36:12] and the new managers that have been recently hired, [02:36:16] it appears to demand more salaries. [02:36:20] So, you know, do that kind of in my own informal analysis. [02:36:25] And then I'm a private sector guy. [02:36:27] I'm a corporate. [02:36:28] You know, I've been through, I've not been employed, [02:36:31] and nor have I managed in the public sector. [02:36:34] And what I have found and learned and investigated is this thing about paid sick leave days, right? [02:36:43] And it's foreign to me, and it just doesn't make sense. [02:36:46] You know, hey, sick leaves, or when you get sick, if you've been there long enough, [02:36:51] you get paid for those days for a while. [02:36:53] When you check out, you check out. [02:36:56] So, you know, the discussion, my thought was, council, I'll just have to tell you that, [02:37:04] is that I understand now, particularly in this level of government, [02:37:12] some specific jobs can be transferred between public and private sector a little bit easier. [02:37:19] But when we talk about, you know, the city manager and the interactions she has to do not only with staff, [02:37:27] but with the public and present the city, it's a whole different category. [02:37:33] So. [02:37:34] It's thunder. [02:37:35] So, anyway, so I struggle with this paid sick leave days. [02:37:39] And I said, well, but I get it. [02:37:41] And in my mind, I said, there will be a time that Debbie's not here, [02:37:46] and we'll be searching for a new manager, and we need to have some kind of idea that's probably going to be expected. [02:37:52] So I had thought, well, you know, I like tenure in that position. [02:37:59] So looking to try to set something that might encourage tenure is kind of like tenure like a golden handcuffs. [02:38:05] And I was proposing after five years, they get 50% of the paid leave. [02:38:09] After 10 years, 100%. [02:38:11] That's a situation where I would present a goal for the manager to stick around a bit longer to garnish that, [02:38:19] and then we reward them for the tenure as well. [02:38:22] But that was my own doing and probably not set up anywhere else. [02:38:27] I know some places do different things, but I'm support. [02:38:32] That was my idea, but I'm support of whatever the council decides. [02:38:35] I'm good with either way. [02:38:38] I had the honor of coming on board as mayor right as Debbie came on board as city manager, [02:38:46] and having previously served on city council with several other people who were serving as city managers, [02:38:56] I can say without a doubt we've got a great one here, [02:39:00] and it has been my honor to have her keeping me on the straight and narrow and out of trouble. [02:39:09] So I certainly will support the motion. [02:39:13] If anything, we're getting a bargain compared to these comparables, and she's worth every bit of it. [02:39:21] Is there a motion? [02:39:23] Yeah, that was a. [02:39:24] There is no motion. [02:39:25] He was going to make a motion. [02:39:27] So let me make it. [02:39:28] Well, let me finish speaking first, and then you can make your motion. [02:39:32] There was a proposed motion that was kicked out. [02:39:42] You really appreciate it as mayor when you've got a city manager who can take all of the crap calls. [02:39:54] People call up because they want their parking ticket fixed or their speeding ticket on State Road 52 or whatever. [02:40:05] Being able to say you need to talk to the city manager if you've got a problem with city operations really is a blessing, [02:40:15] and that's one of the joys of having a strong city manager form of government. [02:40:20] And she handles them. [02:40:23] And we've also had comment that she's come up with a lot of deals that have worked out for our benefit, [02:40:34] Kaiser being certainly an obvious one but by no means the only one. [02:40:40] And she's got deals she's been working currently. [02:40:44] So, you know, this is all for the good of the city, [02:40:49] and I think a lot of what we've seen in the way the city has settled down over the past few years [02:40:55] and seems to be running on a pretty even keel we can attribute to the fact that we've got a solid city manager. [02:41:02] So with that comment, I will open it up for a formal motion. [02:41:06] So I'll make the motion to approve or to recognize the city manager's performance and provide her with a 5 percent raise [02:41:21] and also ask the city attorney to modify her agreement to incorporate the ability for her to take her sick leave upon her term. [02:41:35] Mr. Murphy, I believe you were parroting that when you spoke, so you can make that a second? [02:41:41] Yes. [02:41:42] Very good. [02:41:43] Any further discussion? [02:41:45] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [02:41:49] Aye. [02:41:50] Opposed, blank sign. [02:41:52] Thank you, Ms. Vance.

    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.

20. 10Communications▶ 2:41:54
21. 11Adjournment▶ 2:56:23
22. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of silence.