First reading passed for Ordinance 2022-2265, authorizing up to $3 million in Truist financing for the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to buy the former SunTrust building.
15 items on the agenda · 8 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence honoring service members.
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[00:00:19] Thank you. [00:00:20] I'd like to have everyone please rise, join me in a pledge of allegiance, [00:00:23] followed by a moment of silence to honor those who service men and women both here and abroad. [00:00:30] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, [00:00:37] one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence.
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[00:00:48] Please be seated.
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- 4
Approval of November 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the November 15, 2022 regular meeting. Mayor Marlow and Councilmember Mothershead were absent, both reported ill.
- motion:Approve the November 15, 2022 regular meeting minutes. (passed)
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[00:00:54] You may notice we're missing Mayor Marlow and Councilmember Mothershead is not with us tonight, [00:01:01] both under the weather, but I know they're feeling better, so we look forward to having them back real soon. [00:01:09] First thing up is approval of the November 15th meeting minutes. [00:01:13] Move for approval. [00:01:15] Second. [00:01:17] Any discussion? [00:01:19] All those in favor say aye. [00:01:21] Aye. [00:01:22] Those opposed, like side. [00:01:24] Motion passes.
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- 5
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Swearing-In of New Firefighters: Chandler Cornell and John Jessup
Fire Chief Fitch introduced and presented bios for two new firefighters, Chandler Cornell and John Jessup, who were sworn in by the City Clerk during the department's 100-year anniversary year. Family members pinned their badges in keeping with tradition.
Clearwater Police DepartmentGulf High SchoolMedfleetNew Port Richey Fire RescueOsceola High SchoolPasco-Hernando State College (PHSC)Pinellas County EMSSt. Petersburg CollegeAbby JessupCarrie CornellChandler CornellChief FitchDaisyDamon CornellDanielleJohn JessupMary KayMasonRebecca JessupRobbie JessupRobert JessupRyan Jessup100-year anniversary of New Port Richey Fire DepartmentOath of Office▶ Jump to 1:25 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:27] Next up, this is always a great event to have. [00:01:31] We've got an opportunity for swearing in of a couple new members of our fire department, [00:01:37] and with that, I think we call on Chief Fitch, if you'd like to come up and do the honors. [00:01:52] Thank you, Deputy Mayor, City Manager, City Council. [00:01:55] This is always one of my favorite duties in my job to perform, [00:02:00] is to be a part of a swearing in ceremony for new firefighters to bring them on board. [00:02:06] Our two newest firefighters that will be sworn in tonight are joining the department during a historic time. [00:02:14] As we celebrate our 100-year anniversary, I am so honored to be the fire chief [00:02:20] and excited to officially welcome John Jessup and Chandler Cornell into the department [00:02:25] as they begin their fire service careers. [00:02:27] I'd like to ask them both to come up at this time. [00:02:34] Chandler to my right, John Jessup to my left, have demonstrated commitment, [00:02:41] sacrificed their time and effort to gain the needed certifications, [00:02:45] and successfully completed our hiring process, which is both competitive and very challenging in nature. [00:02:53] Both of them started working a couple months ago due to staffing shortages, [00:02:59] and John is currently on the B shift, Chandler is on the C shift, [00:03:04] which is here today in support in the back of the room, [00:03:07] and they brought a large number of their family as well. [00:03:11] I would like to read a short bio to introduce each of them to you. [00:03:18] Chandler on my right was born in West Palm Beach. [00:03:21] He grew up in Largo, graduated from Osceola High School, [00:03:25] and attended St. Pete College where he also attained his fire and EMT certification. [00:03:33] Chandler began his career working for Pinellas County EMS, [00:03:37] and after learning the skills of an EMT, wanted to offer the community more services [00:03:43] and applied for the New Port Richey Fire Rescue. [00:03:46] He will be attending paramedic school this summer [00:03:49] and is looking forward to advancing his career while serving the citizens of New Port Richey. [00:03:54] The family that's joining in support for Chandler this evening are his father Damon, [00:04:01] mother Carrie, grandmother Mary Kay, sister Daisy, brother Mason, and his fiancee Danielle. [00:04:11] John, just up to my left, was born and raised in New Port Richey. [00:04:14] He graduated from Gulf High School, and he goes to college at PHSC [00:04:19] where he attended EMT and fire school. [00:04:22] John had previous experience at Medfleet for five months as an EMT [00:04:26] before applying for the New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:04:30] John said he was interested in becoming a firefighter at a young age. [00:04:34] He stated that he always saw how firefighters carried themselves as individuals [00:04:39] and the respect that they have for everyone around them. [00:04:42] He said he wanted to be a part of the fire service because he wanted to make an impact on people [00:04:46] and continue to inspire others. [00:04:49] Here with John today is his mother Rebecca, his father Robert, and his sister Abby, [00:04:54] along with two brothers, Ryan and Robbie, who one of them is a Clearwater police officer. [00:04:59] I have to say I've gotten to know both of these young men over the course of the last few months [00:05:07] and through the hiring process and the interviews, and I'm very impressed. [00:05:11] There's no doubt in my mind that they will serve the city well for many years to come, [00:05:17] and I look forward to seeing them flourish with the city and with the department. [00:05:22] Without further ado, I would like to invite the city clerk down to administer the oath of office. [00:05:28] So we're going to read your oath down there at the bottom. [00:05:46] You're just going to follow and repeat after me. [00:05:50] I, and state your name. [00:05:52] I, Chandler Cornell. [00:05:55] I, John Jessup. [00:05:57] A citizen of the state of Florida [00:06:00] and of the United States of America [00:06:04] and being employed by [00:06:07] or an officer of [00:06:09] the city of New Port Richey [00:06:12] and a recipient of public funds [00:06:17] as such employee or officer [00:06:21] do hereby solemnly swear or affirm [00:06:26] that I will support the Constitution [00:06:30] of the United States [00:06:32] and of the state of Florida [00:06:35] and that I will honestly [00:06:38] faithfully [00:06:40] and impartially discharge [00:06:43] the duties of my trust [00:06:46] as firefighter [00:06:48] of the New Port Richey Fire Department [00:06:51] in and for said city of New Port Richey [00:06:55] according to the law [00:06:58] and to the best of my knowledge [00:07:01] and ability [00:07:03] so help me God. [00:07:05] Congratulations. [00:07:07] Thank you. [00:07:09] Thank you. [00:07:27] Thank you. [00:07:30] Congratulations. [00:07:33] In keeping with tradition [00:07:35] each of them were allowed to choose [00:07:37] someone to pin their badge on their uniform. [00:07:40] So first we'll do John. [00:07:42] John chose his father Robert [00:07:44] to do his pinning. [00:07:45] Robert, would you please come up? [00:08:16] And Chandler chose his fiancée Danielle [00:08:19] to do his pinning. [00:08:21] And Chandler chose his fiancée Danielle [00:08:24] to do his pinning. [00:08:26] And Chandler chose his fiancée Danielle [00:08:29] to do his pinning. [00:08:55] Congratulations. [00:09:18] Welcome both of you [00:09:19] to the New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:09:21] And if I could conclude this [00:09:22] with a message to you both [00:09:24] is to never stop learning. [00:09:27] That's all I have. [00:09:28] Thank you. [00:09:30] Thank you. [00:09:31] Welcome. [00:09:32] Congratulations. [00:09:39] I think that oath is a good practice [00:09:41] for some wedding vows I guess too. [00:09:43] So congratulations on that. [00:09:45] My wife is still teaching me. [00:09:47] So thank you Chief. [00:09:50] We're very happy to have [00:09:52] new members to the team. [00:09:54] John, Chandler, welcome.
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- 6Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 9:57
- 7.a
Library Advisory Board Minutes - October 2022
approvedon consentThe consent agenda, which included the Library Advisory Board Minutes from October 2022, was approved by voice vote.
- motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)
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[00:34:24] agenda is the consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. I have a movement and a [00:34:33] second. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed. Black side. Motion carries. Next on the [00:34:44] agenda, we have public reading ordinance. City Manager, would we like to read the
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- 7.b
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentThe consent agenda, including purchases/payments for council approval, was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously by voice vote.
- motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)
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[00:34:24] agenda is the consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. I have a movement and a [00:34:33] second. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed. Black side. Motion carries. Next on the [00:34:44] agenda, we have public reading ordinance. City Manager, would we like to read the
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- 7.c
Budget Amendment
approvedon consentThe consent agenda, which included this budget amendment item, was moved and approved by voice vote.
- motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda. (passed)
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[00:34:24] agenda is the consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. I have a movement and a [00:34:33] second. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed. Black side. Motion carries. Next on the [00:34:44] agenda, we have public reading ordinance. City Manager, would we like to read the
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- 8.a
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2022-2265: Authorizing the Issuance of a Taxable Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note, Series 2022
approvedCouncil held first reading of Ordinance 2022-2265 authorizing issuance of a taxable non-ad valorem revenue note up to $3 million through Truist (2-year term, 5.16% interest, no prepayment penalty) to finance the CRA's acquisition of the former SunTrust building at 6128 US Highway 19 for redevelopment purposes. After public comments and council discussion defending the CRA's role, the motion was approved on voice vote.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2022-2265
- motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-2265 authorizing issuance of a taxable non-ad valorem revenue note Series 2022 up to $3 million. (passed)
5335 Bellevue Avenue, 346526128 US Highway 19Florida Redevelopment AssociationMain Street BakerySunTrustTampa Bay Regional Planning CouncilTruistBertell Butler$800,000 grantCRA redevelopment work planCommunity Redevelopment Agency (CRA)Hurricane Nicole (cancelled CRA meeting)Interlocal agreement between CRA and CityJanuary 11 rescheduled CRA meetingOrdinance No. 2022-2265Stormwater attenuation pond projectTaxable Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note Series 2022▶ Jump to 34:50 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:34:50] ordinance first or you want to make an explanation before we read the ordinance? [00:34:53] City Attorney will read the ordinance. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Ordinance number [00:34:57] 2022-2265, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, authorizing the [00:35:02] issuance of a taxable non-ad valorem revenue note series 2022 in the [00:35:08] aggregate principal amount of not to exceed three million dollars to finance [00:35:13] the cost of acquisition, construction, and or equipping of various capital [00:35:17] improvements within the redevelopment area of the City of New Port Richey, [00:35:20] Florida Community Redevelopment Agency as described in the redevelopment work [00:35:25] plan as amended from time to time including without limitation the [00:35:29] acquisition of an office building and paying costs related thereto, providing [00:35:34] that the note shall be a limited obligation of the city payable for [00:35:37] non-ad valorem revenues budgeted, appropriated, and deposited as provided [00:35:41] herein, providing for the rights, securities, and remedies for the owner of [00:35:45] the note, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. [00:35:50] Mr. Deputy Mayor, members of the City Council, as was contemplated when the CRA [00:35:59] began discussions about potentially buying the former SunTrust building, [00:36:06] there were two means of financing being considered for the property at 6128 [00:36:14] US Highway 19 and in large part the financing mechanism was dependent on the [00:36:22] length of time that the city was to hold the asset. If the city was to hold the [00:36:28] asset on a short-term period of time, it was thought that an interlocal loan from [00:36:34] the Water and Sewer Fund might be an appropriate source of funds. If the CRA, [00:36:41] on the other hand, were to hold it for a longer period of time, then the thought [00:36:47] was that the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue note would be the most [00:36:54] appropriate form of financing. At this point, the commitment in relationship to [00:37:04] the acquisition of the property is that the closing will occur on or before [00:37:11] December 22nd of 2022. It is expected, and there is considerable interest in the [00:37:21] property on the part of the development community, but at this point, since an RFP [00:37:29] hasn't been formally issued, we do not know the eventuality of when the [00:37:35] property might be transferred into the hands of a developer and under what [00:37:42] conditions it will be transferred. Therefore, the specific recommendation [00:37:48] before you this evening is the issuance of a taxable non-ad valorem revenue note. [00:37:54] In that regard, we have entered into discussions with Truist in the amount of [00:38:03] three million dollars for the term of two years at an interest rate of 5.16 [00:38:11] with a prepayment opportunity in whole without any penalty associated with a [00:38:23] prepayment in any amount at any time during the course of the loan. The loan [00:38:32] period is for a two-year period of time and the obligation will be made by the [00:38:42] city and an interlocal agreement will be put in place between the CRA and the [00:38:50] city in relationship to this issue if this meets with your approval. The [00:38:58] aggregate amount again is three million. The property purchase was in the amount [00:39:03] of 2.8 million. The additional $200,000 has been put into the bond sale to [00:39:14] cover some of the costs associated with the sale as well as the fact that we [00:39:20] will be carrying interest on the property until such time as it is [00:39:28] transferred into the hands of the developer. And I'm prepared to respond to [00:39:34] any questions that you have in respect to this item. I'll move approval for [00:39:39] discussion. Second. So we'll open this to any public comment. So from what I [00:39:51] understand we're going to, did we buy the bank already or are we in the position of [00:39:56] acquiring the bank's property? The comment was that they're closing on [00:40:03] December the 27th of this year. $3 million. Why is it that this city seems to be more [00:40:11] interested in being real estate developers than actually taking care of [00:40:15] the citizens in this community? Every time we come to this meeting most of you [00:40:21] just vote on money to just blow and throw out the window. Now I understand [00:40:27] that you have your own plans for this utopia that you envision and we all want [00:40:33] our city to be a good city. But who is having the final say? Like do you guys [00:40:38] just sit in a meeting you know behind closed doors and decide hey we're going [00:40:42] to buy this property, that property? Because there's like lots of issues [00:40:45] going on in our city. Lots of problems with opioids, lots of problems with [00:40:51] mental health, lots of problems where money could go but you guys only seem to [00:40:55] be interested in like buying properties and real estates. And I find it a little [00:41:00] interesting because most of you are tied in with a lot of these developers [00:41:03] and people. So is it more conflicts of interest? Is this really worth three [00:41:08] million dollars? You should be ashamed of yourself for making that suggestion. And [00:41:13] it might be helpful to you to know that it's the CRA and that is buying the [00:41:20] property and it is a vital vital role of the CRA to advance the economic [00:41:27] interest of the city. Mr. Vice Mayor, I would suggest that the topic. Can I [00:41:35] respond to her comment? The topic is a purchase. Excuse me sir? And you're not [00:41:41] on the City Council sir. So you can, you've said your piece. I'm sorry that [00:41:45] we've engaged you in a conversation. I am insulted by what you have to say. I trust [00:41:52] and believe in my colleagues. I am insulted. I'm asking why three million [00:41:57] dollars. It's not a conversation. If you have, I'll turn it back to the Vice Mayor. I thought you [00:42:02] opened it for public comment. That's why I commented. Thank you for public comment. [00:42:07] So no one's going to answer my question? You're going to just let her insult me? [00:42:11] Yes. You should be ashamed of yourself Debbie Mayer. You're out of order. Sit down please. [00:42:16] She's out of order. You are sir. She's out of order. And you too. All of you. No comment, you will be removed. [00:42:31] My motion to approve. Second. You need to make sure there's nobody else that wants [00:42:38] to speak on the issue. Before you close the public hearing. Yeah. This is a public hearing. [00:42:44] Yeah. We have to hear. No one came forward. So it was quiet. [00:42:48] Hey. Bertell Butler, 5335 Bellevue Avenue, 34652. I would just as a public citizen make [00:42:59] the recommendation that perhaps, I know we have the talk about towns talks, perhaps we [00:43:04] can advertise those here in the announcement section and maybe move the communication to [00:43:09] the front to better educate on what development is like, what the CRA is, and that whole process. [00:43:17] Just so that we as civilians, because for example, I'm 19 years old. I heard that too. [00:43:22] And I don't know what the 3 million from the CRA, why we need to bond it over to the city [00:43:27] to be able to make that arrangement. And I'd be interested to know that. But we're given [00:43:31] three minutes to talk. And obviously this is not the forum for you guys to educate us. [00:43:35] So maybe a town hall or at the rec center or some forum for us to have those conversations [00:43:40] as to where we're going as a future. I know there was talk about doing a where we come [00:43:47] together like a community community talk about the economic development director that was [00:43:50] here that just recently parted ways with the city. They were doing for the future plans [00:43:55] with the CRA, having those conversations and not only getting our input, but educating [00:44:00] us on how that process actually works and advertising that, because I'm sure those [00:44:05] forms already exist, but we don't know about them. And we're here right now and they're [00:44:09] not being communicated to us. Thank you. [00:44:14] Is there any other public comment? [00:44:26] Just to establish public information. There was a CRA meeting that had to be canceled [00:44:33] because of Nicole. That meeting has been rescheduled for I believe it's January the [00:44:40] 11th, if somebody can check on that. There is also a citizen's focus group, I believe [00:44:46] on the same day. Isn't it going to be on the same day? [00:44:50] I don't know who Nicole is, but January 11th, there is a meeting. [00:44:55] It's on the public website. [00:44:57] It has not been. Is it on there today? [00:45:00] I think it was when I saw it today. [00:45:02] Okay, those are the days for the citizens to come and to observe. [00:45:09] And there needs to be more information, of course, on the website, which has been shut [00:45:13] down for a couple of years, and I see that things are back on there. [00:45:16] But on January the 11th, I don't know the time. [00:45:19] Can you all look at the time? [00:45:20] I think it's 3 o'clock. [00:45:22] And those are the times to come about the CRA. [00:45:28] Any other comments regarding the item on the agenda? [00:45:32] Okay, so we'll bring it back to Council. [00:45:34] We have a motion to approve and a second. [00:45:37] So discussion? [00:45:38] I'll make it now for the purpose of correctness. [00:45:41] Okay. [00:45:42] Second. [00:45:43] So, as the maker of the motion, let me try to expound a little bit on what we are doing. [00:45:52] We are financing for our Community Redevelopment Agency, which has a plan, which is currently [00:46:03] being updated, to which point there will be community input that will be – it was in [00:46:09] that process. [00:46:12] Our city council acts as the CRA directors. [00:46:17] We have not weighed in on the update. [00:46:20] We have an outside third party who is managing that for us, I guess, as consultants to help [00:46:27] us to develop a new update. [00:46:30] But there are three rules of the CRA. [00:46:32] One is that you can't do something with the money that's in there unless it's [00:46:39] in the plan. [00:46:41] And the other rule is you can't do anything that you want to do as a CRA unless it's [00:46:48] been financed and budgeted. [00:46:53] And the CRA has to protect the funds in a trust, just like an escrow, which sounds a [00:47:04] little bit like a real estate deal because you have to put money in a trust and it can [00:47:09] only be used for the purposes for which it's there. [00:47:13] The CRA gets a little over $3 million a year into it. [00:47:17] It has to use those funds according to its plan. [00:47:23] To become a CRA, you have to do a declaration of blight. [00:47:28] And it actually says slum and blight. [00:47:31] And so the purpose of the CRA is to raise a community's economic viability and sustainability. [00:47:40] And it should always include something to do with helping those of low to moderate income. [00:47:46] And everybody knows the country is in a crisis of low income housing. [00:47:51] And most people know that the city of 16,000 people are the only folks who vote for us [00:47:58] and are the only folks that we can provide services to. [00:48:04] And so what you may not know is that as real property values increase in our city, all [00:48:12] of those dollars are going into the CRA. [00:48:14] So the city's general fund, the police, the fire, the planning, the recreation, the library, [00:48:19] the administration, all of those different departments in our general fund are on a strict [00:48:25] diet right now because this city has put all of itself on the line to say we have to improve [00:48:32] our city. [00:48:33] It started with our downtown. [00:48:35] It's included in other things now like resiliency and dealing with flood and dealing with evacuation. [00:48:45] And so the property we're going to buy is part of a parcel of land that was identified [00:48:51] to do a floodable pond on, an attenuation pond that would take water from the rain, [00:48:58] which is now totally washing into the river, polluting those who don't have a voice, which [00:49:03] are all of our sea life, polluting the river. [00:49:07] And developers are allowed to go in and buy that land and not have to put a retention [00:49:13] pond in because it already exists. [00:49:16] So we have a lot of rules that would be great in order to explain, and I would welcome an [00:49:22] invitation by talk of the town or even, I think, that we've had before, meetings in [00:49:32] here to describe and explain what's the current CRA plan, how much money comes in, what's [00:49:38] its purpose. [00:49:40] Well, its purpose is to bring about economics. [00:49:43] So go up and down and start talking to your businesses up and down the street and ask [00:49:48] them. [00:49:49] Ask the gal from the Main Street Bakery who's come in here many times asking us to support [00:49:56] business on the gateway, business across the river. [00:50:01] And so this is across the river. [00:50:03] It protects the river. [00:50:06] And I would just like to say, related to this purchase, that I'm glad that we have [00:50:11] two years because the city is the master plan of that. [00:50:14] So if we as a city just let people use the existing current rules to continue to do bad [00:50:21] things to our environment, or we could go out and get money. [00:50:25] So we got an $800,000 grant. [00:50:27] We're using our stormwater money to invest $1.6 million. [00:50:33] We have a church that's right next to it that we've paid over a million dollars for. [00:50:37] That's part of that idea. [00:50:39] And part of the idea certainly can, if you've been watching the news about the Rays Stadium, [00:50:45] for example, incorporating moderate income housing, incorporating workforce housing, [00:50:52] creating more jobs for entrepreneurs. [00:50:56] So our city is on the move forward, and this is going to help take us that way. [00:51:01] And so I fully support it. [00:51:03] And it's just a shame that good causes that can be brought up by folks have to be turned [00:51:10] into angry and accusatory comments about relations of people who are working now for $600 a month [00:51:24] for the people of this city to try to do the right thing. [00:51:27] So I would ask you, if we can get the word out, and you're willing to let me talk about [00:51:34] it, I sit on the state board of the Florida Redevelopment Association. [00:51:38] I got on it in the 1980s and in the 90s when I was mayor. [00:51:43] We're leading Tampa Bay. [00:51:46] I serve as the co-chair of the resiliency committee of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning [00:51:52] Council, and we're putting on a big program on dealing with the floods, the drainage, [00:52:00] and many of the issues that you all are talking about. [00:52:02] So drainage isn't just for poor people or people who unfortunately didn't look at the [00:52:07] elevation of their property before they bought it and are asking for help. [00:52:13] Our sea levels are rising. [00:52:15] The storms are getting worse. [00:52:17] We're trying to address that. [00:52:19] So this project is not just a development project. [00:52:22] This is a project to better our city, prepare it for the future, provide an evacuation route [00:52:29] on Main Street, which is the only east-west road that we have before you get to Trouble [00:52:34] Creek or Cecilia or Ridge Road. [00:52:41] So smirk and laugh and pretend that you're better than the rest of us, because I don't [00:52:45] feel like I'm better than any of you. [00:52:48] But I'll tell you what, it would be nice if you would listen and understand before [00:52:52] you start making accusations, because this is a good project. [00:52:56] And there's a motion on the floor, and Robert's rule doesn't allow anyone to speak to it. [00:52:59] So I'm done, Mr. Vice Chair. [00:53:02] To the second? [00:53:04] Yeah, I'd just like to say this parcel that we're looking at is vital to the whole area [00:53:11] for redevelopment. [00:53:12] And a lot of that area, some of that area in there is blight. [00:53:15] So it's a big deal. [00:53:17] And it's something that we're taking on temporarily for a developer to come and buy it. [00:53:23] So it's not something we're buying as a city and keeping and hanging on to, but it's part [00:53:28] of making sure we can form the city the way the citizens want. [00:53:34] You know, we have lots of workshops all year long, CRA workshops, city budget workshops, [00:53:39] master plan workshops, neighborhood workshops for sidewalks. [00:53:44] I mean, these are all opportunities for citizens to come to these workshops and learn about [00:53:48] what's going on. [00:53:49] And they can't speak. [00:53:50] You know, if we have a workshop or talk about town, and they want to take on one of these [00:53:57] CRA or whatever, that's great. [00:54:00] There's a lot that goes on in a city, and I'll say a lot of complicated things. [00:54:05] And as a citizen, you're not always going to be in tune to it or know what's going on [00:54:08] unless you get involved. [00:54:10] I can tell you, when I sat in the seats as a citizen, there's a lot of things I didn't [00:54:15] understand either. [00:54:16] And I had to do my due diligence to go and find out, research it, and ask questions. [00:54:22] You know, I'm sure there's nothing we're going to be able to teach you in a council session [00:54:27] in five, ten minutes that's going to make sense to you. [00:54:31] I mean, there's a lot of involved stuff. [00:54:34] But you've got to take your time, and it takes time to learn it. [00:54:36] It's not something overnight. [00:54:39] So I encourage everybody to get involved with the community. [00:54:43] We have lots of boards, committees, like I said, the workshops, get involved and learn [00:54:48] about it. [00:54:49] Because I think it's a little unfair to come to a meeting and say, well, I don't know nothing [00:54:52] about this, I don't know what's going on here, that's not right that you guys are voting [00:54:56] on it. [00:54:57] Well, we've done our due diligence. [00:54:59] And because maybe you haven't, or understand, that's not necessarily our fault. [00:55:05] You know, we're trying to do the best for the city we can, and as far as developers [00:55:12] and side deals or whatever accusation you're trying to make, I'm an electrical contractor. [00:55:17] And so I can tell you, me being on this board, I lose money, because I don't do anything [00:55:22] in the city. [00:55:23] I can't. [00:55:25] I don't get involved in any of these things, because it's a conflict of interest. [00:55:31] So for my $600 a month, really doesn't make up for all the business I do, but I do it [00:55:35] because I love the city, and I want to see it advance. [00:55:38] You know, so when people make comments, it's aggravating when they don't know what they're [00:55:43] saying. [00:55:44] We've got a motion and a second. [00:55:47] Yes, sir. [00:55:48] I'll call for that. [00:55:50] All those in favor, say aye. [00:55:51] Aye. [00:55:52] Opposed, blank sign.
This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.
- 9.a
Board Re-Appointment: Carolyn Marlowe, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
approvedCouncil reappointed Carolyn Marlowe to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a three-year term running through December 2025.
- motion:Reappoint Carolyn Marlowe to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a term through December 2025. (passed)
▶ Jump to 55:54 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:55:54] Motion carries 3-0. [00:55:57] Next on the agenda is reapportionment of an individual for the Parks and Rec. Committee. [00:56:05] Yes, sir. [00:56:09] Mr. Mayor Pro Tem, the recommendation is to reappoint Carolyn Marlow to the Parks and [00:56:14] Rec. Advisory Board. [00:56:17] The term of office for the Parks and Rec. Advisory Board is for three years. [00:56:25] Therefore, if you determine it's appropriate to reappoint Mrs. Marlow, her term of office [00:56:34] would span through December 20th through 2025. [00:56:39] Mrs. Marlow has been a valuable member of the Board for many years. [00:56:44] Public comment? [00:56:46] Bring it back to Council. [00:56:50] Move for approval. [00:56:51] Second. [00:56:52] Discussion? [00:56:54] All those in favor, say aye. [00:56:57] Aye. [00:56:58] Opposed, blank sign. [00:57:01] Motion carries.
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- 9.b
Board Appointment: Jeff Olds, Police Pension Board
approvedCouncil appointed Jeff Olds to fill a vacancy on the Police Pension Board as a city-represented appointee, with his term renewal up November 10, 2023. Two members of the public requested a delay to research the appointment, and one was removed by the police chief after continuing to speak off-topic. The motion to approve passed.
- motion:Motion to approve the appointment of Jeff Olds to the Police Pension Board. (passed)
▶ Jump to 57:02 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:57:02] Next up is the Board appointment for the Police Pension Board. [00:57:07] As you know, we have had a vacancy on the Police Pension Board for some time. [00:57:13] This is really a rather difficult position to fill. [00:57:20] At this point, I feel we have a qualified candidate to fill the position. [00:57:28] Mr. Olds has a good amount of knowledge in respect to financial acumen, as well as some [00:57:39] Police Department knowledge, as at one point he was employed in the Police Department and [00:57:46] his son is a very high-ranking member of the Sheriff's Department. [00:57:50] In this case, he would be serving as the city-represented appointee, one of two city-appointed positions [00:57:59] to the Pension Board. [00:58:03] They are anxious to have this position filled if you determine that Mr. Olds, as I've recommended [00:58:11] to you, is a good person to fill this seat on the Board. [00:58:19] His renewal would be up on November 10th of 2023. [00:58:27] Thank you. [00:58:28] Any public comment regarding Mr. Olds? [00:58:30] Does that bring him back to Council? [00:58:35] Move fast, okay. [00:58:39] So we could meet again in two weeks, like we do. [00:58:45] We have a meeting right before Christmas. [00:58:46] It's not canceled or anything because of the holiday, right? [00:58:49] So if we're going to do that in two weeks, could we push this off for two weeks so that [00:58:53] us as citizens could make sure that we agree and we would be able to use our three minutes [00:58:58] to adequately say whether we think – I mean, the Police Pension Board covers a lot of things [00:59:04] that we think a Police Citizens Oversight Review Board would also take into consideration. [00:59:10] So would you – I'm just asking, maybe you would give us the time to look into this [00:59:15] because I'll admit there are a lot of things that I don't know about the way that this [00:59:19] city works, and I'm trying every single day to learn and figure out what you guys [00:59:24] are doing. [00:59:25] And knowing about these workshops, that's super beneficial. [00:59:29] But will you ask us to do our due diligence before you make such a huge role of assigning [00:59:35] this very huge role, in my opinion? [00:59:40] Could you give us time, is all I want to do. [00:59:46] Point of order. [00:59:47] This is not a public hearing, so we're kind of off of our platform here. [00:59:54] These items are open to the public. [00:59:56] They can – the public can comment on these items. [00:59:58] Yes, we can. [00:59:59] Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. [01:00:00] Pardon me one second, because I have another community that's talking about what is the right kind of policy. [01:00:06] And so when we have Vox Pop at the beginning, that's where they're not listed. [01:00:15] Correct. Not agenda items. [01:00:17] Because there's another community that I've been involved in that puts everything at the beginning and doesn't allow discussion. [01:00:24] I'd be curious to hear more from you on the state's opinions on that. [01:00:29] Thank you. Another time. Thank you. [01:00:32] Yes, sir. [01:00:36] I got permission to go. Thank you. [01:00:39] Like my colleague said, we would like some more time on that. [01:00:42] We don't want to we want to know more about what's going on with that pension fund. [01:00:48] And I would like to say that for three and a half years, Mr. Murphy, I have been doing my research. [01:00:54] I do my research in a lot of what goes on here with this is about Mr. [01:00:59] Holds appointment. This is about what we're talking about. [01:01:03] Mr. Holds appointment. Whatever. [01:01:05] Anyways, I do my research, sir. And I have done my research so well that I could tell you that it's wrong for you to sit up there. [01:01:13] And it's wrong for the city manager. Point of order. [01:01:16] It's wrong for you, sir. I have a point of order under Robert's rules. [01:01:21] OK, go ahead. It's been clarified that you've come up to speak on the item that's on the agenda, but you're not speaking on the item on the spoken item. [01:01:28] And you want to continue to speak. And that doesn't work. [01:01:31] So you guys want to debunk. You just want to. [01:01:33] This is a charade for you guys. You get off on it, but it's OK. [01:01:36] I'm going to go. Not at all. Thank you. [01:01:38] Thank you. Next city council meeting. [01:01:40] I will be bringing the proof. Good. [01:01:42] You all will not be fine. [01:01:45] OK, well, when you're saying comment, another comment, you're out. [01:01:50] You understand? That's the comment. [01:01:54] Chief. Removing, please. My pleasure, sir. [01:01:58] Thank you. You all are going to be in trouble by the fifth. [01:02:03] Well. Next on, let's see. [01:02:11] OK, so we have a we have a move to approve. [01:02:17] Yes, sir. Motion made. [01:02:19] Yeah, you have a motion, but no second yet. [01:02:22] Second. Second. Second. [01:02:25] OK, we have moved. We have a move to approve in a second. [01:02:28] Yes, sir. All those in favor say aye. Aye. [01:02:31] Those opposed like sign. Motion carries. [01:02:36] Next up is Recreation and Aquatic Center annual membership drive.
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.
- 9.c
Recreation and Aquatic Center Annual Membership Drive
approvedCouncil approved a 20% discount on annual Recreation and Aquatic Center memberships during December and January, with a target of 325 new or renewed memberships. Councilman Bryan used the discussion to advocate for free or reduced rec center access for city residents and to request more regular financial statements; the motion still passed.
- motion:Approve a 20% discount on annual Recreation and Aquatic Center memberships for new or renewed memberships during December and January. (passed)
5335 Bellevue Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida 34652Parks and Recreation DepartmentRecreation and Aquatic CenterBertell ButlerCrystal DunnTerry MooreRec Center scholarship programSilver Sneakers programTitle I▶ Jump to 1:02:40 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:02:41] It's that time of year again, and we have been asked to approve a discount sale of 20 percent off of the fee associated with annual memberships to the Recreation and Aquatic Center. [01:02:58] And the sale would run in the month of December and January for any new or renewed membership. [01:03:10] And the Parks and Recreation Department has set a targeted goal of three hundred and twenty five new or renewed memberships. [01:03:20] And they typically use this as an opportunity to market increased memberships to the facility. [01:03:29] And in Miss Moore's communication to you, she has included both the resident and the non-resident rate associated with the sale. [01:03:41] If you determine it's appropriate to have one this year. [01:03:48] Thank you, city manager. Any public comment? [01:04:00] Bertell Butler, five, three, three, five, Bellevue Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida, three, four, six, five, two. [01:04:06] I know this is just a routine item that happens once a year, but I just wanted to take the time to say that I really appreciate that you guys do this. [01:04:14] Working at the Rec Center for some time, there were a lot of residents and non-residents alike that really took advantage of this. [01:04:19] I know that there's been times where there's been a line out the door just to get these memberships. [01:04:25] There is a lot of like for the Recreation and Aquatic Center. [01:04:29] And I wanted to suggest that looking to the future when doing this membership sale on next year, [01:04:35] that we could utilize this as a pilot program to introduce the idea of doing a blanket rate of non-resident and resident, [01:04:43] where we offer the discount just as is a separate to non-residents and residents alike to attract people from the outside to come in and use our facilities and see what it's like. [01:04:54] I know I made a proposal in the past to Terry Moore and to other members of the Rec Center about working with New Port Richey to track [01:05:02] how many New Port Richey residents we have used at the Rec Center and how that compares to regular residents to see if it would be worthwhile to offer a blanket rate instead of a non-resident and resident discount. [01:05:16] I've made several follow-ups. I haven't heard anything in regards to that request. [01:05:20] I'd be happy to forward all those emails to you guys and see if that's something we can look into the future. Thank you. [01:05:28] Thank you. Any other comments regarding the annual membership sale? Hearing none, I'll bring it back to Council. [01:05:36] Move for approval. I'm going to second it for discussion. [01:05:42] OK, we'll move it for a second. Discussion? For the maker? [01:05:47] No, looking forward to the sale. I hope it brings some new people in, too. Second? [01:05:54] Yeah, I mean, I've heard a lot of frustration and anger and everything else today and some requests to be listened to and do things. [01:06:04] I'm feeling a little bit of that myself with this. It may be because there's no other support on the board for this. [01:06:11] But when you look at the size of our city budget and you look at the usage of our Recreation Center, [01:06:21] to me, we should be looking at other communities who have successful recreation programs. [01:06:28] And we should recognize, as much as I appreciate bringing outside people in and giving them a good price, [01:06:34] I especially appreciate the fact that only the 16,000 of us who pay the taxes in this city to pay for this building, [01:06:41] the police department, the fire department, and everyone here paid only by 16,000 of us. [01:06:47] That to make our city special and to make people want to move into the city and pay the city taxes, we need to have benefits. [01:06:57] And to me, our Rec Center is an incredibly beautiful, wonderful asset and facility. [01:07:06] Consequently, I've been asking to have us offer our city residents not to have to pay a membership fee [01:07:15] so that every city resident who wants to go to the Rec Center can go to it. [01:07:19] Because when you go, you still pay a fee to enter. [01:07:23] And I think a fee to enter the Rec Center that's paid for and supported by the residents of this city through their taxes is enough. [01:07:35] I know that we have a silver sneaker program. [01:07:40] And I know that the city may get some money for getting retirees to come in. [01:07:46] But the one thing I don't know is I don't know how much knowledge and contemplation we get to do on the city council [01:07:56] because we don't get financial statements on a regular basis. [01:07:59] We don't really school ourselves on the finances of this city. [01:08:04] And we could well afford to. [01:08:06] And so it's not enough for me to have somebody say, we can't afford to do it. [01:08:11] Because we can afford to do it. [01:08:13] We can afford to let every resident, every child, whether their parents have enough money to buy them a membership or not, [01:08:20] to be able to have and fully deserve to participate. [01:08:25] Now, to the degree that non-city residents want to come, we should offer them as we have space. [01:08:31] One of the concerns that was raised to me was, well, if we make it free, then everybody will come. [01:08:36] And you know what? [01:08:37] Good. [01:08:38] If that happens, we'll deal with it. [01:08:39] But we should never do anything to restrict our residents from coming to the Rec Center. [01:08:44] If you have to charge them five bucks every time they come, if we have to have a program for folks who can't afford it, [01:08:51] there are scholarships out there. [01:08:54] There was the old Title I in the school system that qualifies certain children that don't have money. [01:08:59] They could even be qualified not to have to pay to get in. [01:09:03] And we have had stories of good things that have been done. [01:09:05] I think this is something major that would make our city embrace all residents without consideration. [01:09:14] So giving a 20% raise or discount is fine. [01:09:19] And it's nice. [01:09:20] And we can celebrate it. [01:09:21] Just like we celebrated a point some small percentage drop in our millage rate, which really is insignificant. [01:09:30] We should be talking honestly about who we are, what our tax rates are, where we're headed. [01:09:34] And I am sorry, but I haven't seen a financial statement on a regular basis in this city for four years. [01:09:41] And I've been asking for it. [01:09:42] And I can't discuss with my colleagues our true financial position. [01:09:46] And then I have to sit up here and listen to us talk about what we're told. [01:09:51] I need to see the financial statements. [01:09:54] I need to get the auditor to come in and give us some advice. [01:10:00] And I have great faith in Crystal Dunn. [01:10:02] I have great faith in you, Crystal. [01:10:04] You've been a good employee to the city for a long time. [01:10:08] And I'm not trying to take anybody, including the city manager, to create any kind of animosity. [01:10:18] But it was accurate what was said to us. [01:10:20] We represent the residents of this city. [01:10:23] And it's important for us as a council to have the courage to do the things that we feel we should do for the benefit of our residents. [01:10:31] So I'm speaking out to say I brought this up. [01:10:34] I asked to discuss it. [01:10:36] My colleagues sat back, and I have had no response. [01:10:40] And I think it's time we start talking about it. [01:10:44] So I'll vote for it because nothing's going to happen overnight. [01:10:48] But come next year when we're doing the budget, I'm going to be saying this again. [01:10:52] How much money is made? [01:10:54] You know, 325 people. [01:10:57] If it was $200 a piece, I can't believe this number is $65,000 that we're going to collect. [01:11:07] And we spend millions of dollars. [01:11:10] And we could easily make a gesture to tell people, come to the rec center. [01:11:14] We'd probably get more money from the $5 receipts and keep our rec staff busy and happy and our process going. [01:11:23] But we need information to make good decisions. [01:11:27] And I'm not waiting for it anymore. [01:11:29] Thank you. [01:11:34] So we have a first, second. [01:11:36] As far as, you know, residents, non-residents goes, we do pay a lot of taxes in the city. [01:11:45] And there should be a differential. [01:11:46] I'm not sure how many taxpayers are wanting to pay taxes for the city for benefit for those not on a [01:11:56] recreational type basis. [01:11:58] And I thought there was availability of a day fee to use the rec center. [01:12:04] Am I correct? [01:12:05] So there is ability to pay on a daily basis. [01:12:07] Is that right, Terry? [01:12:08] You're correct. [01:12:10] So that is available for those folks who don't necessarily membership and are going to be using it every day. [01:12:14] If they're going to go in every day, the membership's a great deal. [01:12:18] And there's a lot of city residents that do not use it. [01:12:21] They choose not to use it. [01:12:23] And but they're still allowing their taxpayers to go the bulk of that facility to have it there. [01:12:29] And I think in a way that having that facility in part of the city enhances our city in a lot of ways. [01:12:35] It enhances our property values. [01:12:37] And we might change your mind. [01:12:39] Also, we might get a doctor's report. [01:12:41] Now we got to go work out every day, right? [01:12:42] So now we've got a place that's close by and we don't have to go and pay $40, $50 in a contract fee for someplace else. [01:12:49] So and you're very right, Councilman. [01:12:52] It is a beautiful facility. [01:12:54] We're making some improvements on it. [01:12:56] And I think that as far as trying to help with the economics of that, there's some ideas afoot to maybe try to improve the economics. [01:13:07] And as far as economical, you know, information, you know, I don't know. [01:13:13] I get, you know, I get more stuff than I go over and stuff I can't go over and I don't understand. [01:13:19] It's really easy for me to access our financial department to ask the questions. [01:13:23] They're readily available to give me the information to me. [01:13:27] You know, I don't know that I want to get, you know, I've got enough information for me. [01:13:33] And if I do have a question, it's real easy for me to find it. [01:13:36] So in any event, I'd be very supportive of the motion as well. [01:13:41] So. [01:13:42] Can I make a quick comment? [01:13:43] Absolutely. [01:13:44] Second comment? [01:13:45] Absolutely. [01:13:46] I don't know if it's speaking for me. [01:13:47] I mean, if there's something else we can do with the rate structure or whatever it is [01:13:50] with the Aquatic Center for membership, I mean, I'm open to it. [01:13:54] I think like I said, you know, it all comes down to numbers. [01:13:59] But if there's something else we can do that makes it more beneficial for our city residents, [01:14:03] then I'm all for it. [01:14:04] And Abby, do we have a, Terry, do you have any idea how many scholarships we have, membership [01:14:09] scholarships? [01:14:10] Is that readily available? [01:14:11] I do not. [01:14:12] I would say approximately 10 that I'm aware of this past year. [01:14:20] But we do subsidize in other ways. [01:14:24] I mean, there's times we really don't turn anyone away. [01:14:28] There's times when I've had requests for passes, especially children. [01:14:33] So and we're looking at revamping the scholarship program to just have more people engaged and [01:14:44] make people aware of it and determine how we might subsidize that program better. [01:14:51] Okay. [01:14:52] Thank you. [01:14:53] So motion for all those in favor say aye. [01:14:56] Aye. [01:14:57] Opposed? [01:14:58] Like sign. [01:14:59] Thank you. [01:15:00] Okay, communications time for us is a little bit.
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- 10Communications▶ 1:15:06
- 11Adjournment