On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

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

   ▶ Jump to 0:17 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:17] We have quorum. I'd like to ask everybody to please stand, join me in the Pledge of Allegiance, [00:00:21] and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:27] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, [00:00:31] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, [00:00:37] with liberty and justice for all.

   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.

3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

   ▶ Jump to 0:21 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:21] and remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad. [00:00:27] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, [00:00:31] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, [00:00:37] with liberty and justice for all.

   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.

4. 4

   Approval of March 7, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the March 7, 2023 regular meeting.

   • motion:Approve the March 7, 2023 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

   ▶ Jump to 0:42 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:42] Thank you. You may be seated. [00:00:47] Next item is the approval of the March 7, 2023 regular meeting minutes. [00:00:52] Move for approval. [00:00:53] Second. [00:00:54] Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:00:59] Aye. [00:01:00] Opposed, like sign. [00:01:02] Motion passes.

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

5. 5

   Proclamation - Problem Gambling Awareness Month (By Title Only)

   approved

   Council issued a proclamation by title only recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The clerk will forward it to the appropriate party.

   • consensus:Proclamation by title only recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. (passed)

   #Problem Gambling Awareness Month

   ▶ Jump to 1:03 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:01:03] We have two proclamations tonight, both of which are by title only. [00:01:09] The first one is for Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which will be the month of March, [00:01:17] and the clerk would send that on to the appropriate party.

   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.

6. 6

   Proclamation - Donate Life Month (By Title Only)

   approved

   The Mayor read by title a proclamation recognizing April as Donate Life Month, encouraging citizens to consider organ donation and noting that residents can sign up when renewing their driver's license.

   #Donate Life Month

   ▶ Jump to 1:23 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:01:23] And the second is Donate Life Month in April, [00:01:29] and encouraging all citizens to consider giving life through organ donation and to sign up. [00:01:35] You can do that, actually, when you get your driver's license renewed, [00:01:39] so a very worthwhile cause, and I will pass that on as well.

   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.

7. 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 1:45
8. 8.a

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Council approved the consent agenda covering purchases/payments. Two councilmembers deferred related comments (about the orchestra and about 19 and Main) to communications at the end of the meeting.

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

   📍19 and Main#consent agenda#orchestra

   ▶ Jump to 31:27 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:31:30] to the consent. Does anybody have any comment or question on this? [00:31:37] Mr. Mayor, I think if I, I'll hold mine back until communications at the end of the meeting, [00:31:41] in particular with, specifically with the orchestra and some possibilities maybe. [00:31:48] I'm going to do the same with the comment I had about 19 in Maine. We'll go to the consent [00:31:53] agenda. Move for approval. Second. Any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify [00:32:03] by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next, public reading of ordinances.

   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. 9.a

   Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2023-2271: Amendments to Golf Cart Ordinance RE: Marine Parkway

   approved

   Council held second reading of Ordinance 2023-2271, amending the golf cart ordinance to allow golf carts on Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard, and to allow crossings of US-19 at Marine Parkway and Gulf Drive (Gulf Drive from Grand Boulevard to Ridgeway Drive). The ordinance opens up city streets so FDOT can act on the city's application to permit golf cart crossings of US-19. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, with council acknowledging safety concerns and the need for signage, enforcement, and intersection improvements.

   Ord. Ordinance No. 2023-2271

   • motion:Motion to approve second reading of Ordinance 2023-2271 amending the golf cart ordinance to allow golf carts on Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard. (passed)

   📍2104 Beach Trail📍5538 Montana Avenue📍Grand Boulevard📍Gulf Drive from Grand Boulevard to Ridgeway Drive📍Madison Street Bridge📍Main Street📍Marine Parkway from U.S. Highway 19 to Grand Boulevard🏢7-Eleven🏢Florida Department of Transportation🏢Kaiser👤Altman👤Bertell👤Cox👤Don House👤Peters👤Theresa Abbott👤Yeager#Gulf Harbors#Longleaf#Ordinance 2023-2271#Seaforest#Section 23-205 of the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances#coast-to-coast recreation trail

   ▶ Jump to 32:10 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:32:10] Public reading ordinance 2023-2271. This is ordinance number 2023-2271, an ordinance [00:32:18] of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of subsection A of [00:32:21] section 23-205 of the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances pertaining to areas of legal [00:32:26] operation of golf carts, providing for the allowance of golf carts on Marine Parkway [00:32:31] and Grand Boulevard, providing for enforcement, providing for conflict, severability, and [00:32:35] an effective date. [00:32:39] This agenda item was originally introduced to you at your meeting on March 7th. It specifically [00:32:45] allows for crossing Marine Parkway from U.S. Highway 19 to Grand Boulevard and crossing [00:32:53] Gulf Drive from Grand Boulevard to Ridgeway Drive, the purpose of which is to come into [00:33:03] compliance with a request that the city has initiated with the Florida Department of Transportation [00:33:13] to request permission to allow golf carts to cross U.S. Highway 19 at Marine Parkway [00:33:21] and at Gulf Drive. That application was submitted earlier today. We're asking you to submit [00:33:28] to go forward with a second reading on the ordinance. [00:33:33] Thank you. I'll open up for public comment. You can give us your name and address for [00:33:41] the record, please, Mr. House. [00:33:46] Don House, 2104 Beach Trail at Nainwrikes Beach. Well, somebody owns five properties [00:33:50] on Marine Parkway. I've been up here several times. I've got to say, yeah, baby. [00:33:55] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:34:01] I think it's in the best interest of our citizens for you not to do this. I think it's [00:34:05] an insane amount of people that already have accidents on 19. There was just a recent report [00:34:11] that said that the stretch of 19 that runs through our city was one of the most dangerous, [00:34:16] not only in the state of Florida, but in the United States of America. And I think that [00:34:21] while it's convenient and it's probably good for business, and the golf cart community [00:34:26] would really like to be able to do it. And I even, I feel for the people who, like there [00:34:32] was a gentleman a couple, maybe a month back or so, that was talking about how he was disabled [00:34:37] and that it would open his availability for it. But I think there's got to be some kind [00:34:41] of public transportation or something. I think it's so incredibly dangerous. I think if anything, [00:34:47] we should revisit the raised overpasses or something. I just, my fear is the, especially [00:34:57] that there's going to be unrestrained children and minors and pets and intoxicated people [00:35:05] driving the golf carts, especially coming home from the bars. It's just, I think it's [00:35:12] a recipe for disaster. And I want to see it happen, I really do, but I would love to [00:35:17] see there be some other safety protocol. And if you are going to go through with it, please [00:35:23] make sure that you're at least like, I don't know, some kind of campaign to let every driver [00:35:28] on US 19 know that these changes have been made so that they maybe are less likely to [00:35:33] run red lights and things like that. I just, I feel, it's not that I don't want it to happen, [00:35:39] it's just that I'm super scared of it. [00:35:42] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:35:45] Theresa Abbott, 5538 Montana Avenue. I speak in favor of the golf as a straight shot. I [00:35:58] think that you have a lot of golf cart people that do cross, and I think that's a reasonable [00:36:03] request. I think, Maureen, on the other hand, because of all the turn lanes, the lights [00:36:09] changing, there's different times, I think that's very dangerous. I have a golf cart, [00:36:14] I drive around. Personally, I would never cross at Maureen. I would definitely cross [00:36:18] at Golf Drive. So, I mean, if you're asking us to weigh in, Golf Drive is straight, that [00:36:24] makes sense. Maureen, that's, I would never do that, personally. Thank you. [00:36:29] Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing no one else come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:36:36] I move we approve. [00:36:37] Second. [00:36:38] To the maker. [00:36:39] Yeah, you know, we've heard weeks on end about this golf cart crossing, how many residents [00:36:45] are in favor of it, and even back, now, concerning there were when we put, it was no crossing [00:36:53] allowed there, and an opportunity to visit with Representative Yeager earlier today in [00:37:00] his office, and he's the one that initiated the, kind of greased the skids with DOT, opening [00:37:07] that up for them taking a look at it, and they are obviously very concerned about the [00:37:13] safety of US 19, as they've read all the reports and issued them themselves, and I'm sure that [00:37:19] they would not be issuing this if they didn't feel it was good, so I would approve us, I [00:37:24] would be in favor for us to approve this motion. [00:37:28] Thank you. To the second. [00:37:29] Yeah, the application we're submitting, it's, you know, to be able to do that, FDOT kind [00:37:34] of makes that decision, and I'm, honestly, I haven't asked, but I'm assuming there might [00:37:39] be some stipulations in there on safety improvements that they would help us with in order to get [00:37:44] that done. [00:37:45] They would respond to our application with either an approval or a denial, and if there [00:37:52] was an approval, there likely would be some safety-related recommendations attached to [00:37:57] it. [00:37:58] Thank you. [00:37:59] Mr. Altman. [00:38:00] Yeah, I think that there are certainly arguments to be made with respect to the safety, and [00:38:09] there's no doubt that our Highway 19 has been identified for many years as being one of [00:38:14] the most dangerous roads for bicycles and pedestrians primarily, and so the golf carts [00:38:19] have been a relatively new entree into the whole pedestrian death circumstance, so I'm [00:38:28] not aware of any specifically with the golf carts, but I do take note of what I've seen [00:38:34] in other communities. I think Longleaf has golf carts running in their community, and [00:38:41] it is a common concern to see underage people driving golf carts, and I think that, you [00:38:48] know, to the degree that someone tries to cross a Highway 19 with a golf cart that's [00:38:55] underage, that it is really not something that I think would be acceptable. [00:39:04] Once again, this is us approving it for the purpose of laying the groundwork for an approval [00:39:10] by the DOT, is that correct? So if we don't get their approval, this would not go into [00:39:15] effect, is that correct? [00:39:16] Correct. [00:39:17] So we can't approve it if they don't, and of course I've been advocating for many years [00:39:24] for the connection of the coast-to-coast recreation trail from across the Atlantic to the Gulf [00:39:29] of Mexico, and our city just happens to be the most direct route from the Atlantic to [00:39:34] the Gulf, and a great opportunity for recreational. I know some of us members here, including [00:39:41] the mayor, have been bicycle enthusiasts, and I think, Mr. Peters, you've ridden bicycles [00:39:46] throughout the town as well. So when we talked about overpasses for bicycles, and then we [00:39:54] started asking about overpasses for golf carts, we just sort of doubled the fee to get across [00:39:59] or more because of the weight and the separation and the width and all that. So I think the [00:40:06] way to get across the highway is going to be important, but just as importantly, if [00:40:11] we only got Gulf Drive, as an example from the suggestion, we really need a good route [00:40:19] north and south, and for those who've been around as long as the Isaksons and my family, [00:40:26] we remember the old bridge, the post bridge there, which runs parallel to Highway 19, [00:40:36] and I've always felt as we've struggled to try to go under the bridge at 19 and had problems, [00:40:40] that at some point our city could connect to New Port Richey through its own golf cart [00:40:46] and crossing bridge, and it may be something that we could look at to go north and south, [00:40:52] but to those like our city manager who lives in the seaforest area across the highway to [00:40:59] those that live in Gulf Harbors on the other side of Marine Parkway, we really might want [00:41:05] to try to consider also looking at how those carts get around because it's an attraction [00:41:12] to say I can cross the highway, but there are also many other ways in which you have [00:41:19] to make it work. I will vote for it because I think that that's the support that we have, [00:41:25] but I share the concerns and I think that we should certainly expect that there be enhanced [00:41:31] signalization, signage, warnings, and also, I think importantly, our enforcement, if it [00:41:39] were left to me, would be for those high hazard areas. I know there's a lot of golf carts [00:41:45] moving over and across Madison Street Bridge right now, even though it's a non-golf cart [00:41:49] path. We've got signages on roads that we can't ride golf carts on, and we've made some [00:41:57] provisions for people who live on Madison, but it seems that the golf cart community [00:42:03] is not one that pays much attention to the rules of the road with respect to the site [00:42:11] that we have. Education is much better than just getting out there and making fines, and [00:42:19] I'm sure that's not the purpose of our police department, but to protect them. So I would [00:42:26] agree we're taking on something that is important for us to take seriously, but I will support [00:42:30] the motion. [00:42:31] I definitely understand the concerns. I, too, have seen underage drivers, kids, driving [00:42:40] dogs, everybody on golf carts. It shouldn't be without restraints, but I do think that [00:42:46] with the changes that FDOT's going to make to those intersections, I think that's also [00:42:51] going to make those intersections more safe for those that I see currently on wheelchairs [00:42:57] and other slow-moving vehicles that are struggling right now with those intersections the way [00:43:00] they are, and I think if we make those changes for golf carts, that's going to affect those [00:43:05] with disabilities who are already struggling to get through those intersections now. People [00:43:10] going across from, like, Kaiser to the 7-Eleven across Main Street that way all the time on [00:43:18] wheelchairs, and I think that once we make those changes, I think that will help that, [00:43:22] but we do have to pay attention to those concerns that I think we all have about the safety. [00:43:27] Mr. Mayor, if I could make one comment. I just want to make sure you understand that [00:43:34] this ordinance is not dependent in any way on what the DOT does. This just affects the [00:43:39] city streets. We don't have any jurisdiction over the crossing of US-19. That's entirely [00:43:43] them. It is a requirement for them to do something. Yes, they won't take any action unless you [00:43:48] open up these streets. I share the concerns that have been expressed. Ms. Cox made an [00:43:55] excellent point. If we could get FDOT or maybe the city or somebody to make sure that there [00:44:02] are significant signage that go up on either side of these interchanges so the people on [00:44:10] 19 are well aware that there's a change in the traffic. As one of my colleagues mentioned, [00:44:23] the golf cart community sometimes observes the current rules by not observing them, and [00:44:32] they're all over the place right now. I followed a golf cart when I turned on to Main Street [00:44:43] tonight. They drove all the way up to Madison, and then they turned on to Madison and drove [00:44:49] a little further. I won't call them out because they're in the audience, but they were coming [00:44:54] to the city council meeting. But it's very common, and I know that neither my office [00:45:00] neither Madison nor Main Street are officially open. I think we need to recognize what's [00:45:06] actually happening in the real world here and we need to make things as safe as we can. [00:45:14] I would heartily encourage us as we get a little further along in this discussion with [00:45:21] FDOT to see if there are any ways to re-engineer the intersections involved to make them less [00:45:31] dangerous. US 19 is a deadly road and getting people across it safely will help not just [00:45:39] golf carts but pedestrians, cyclists, people in motorized wheelchairs, people on scooters, [00:45:46] all of which I've seen go across US 19 at these traffic lights. So we need to make it [00:45:51] safe for everybody. I'm supporting it but I recognize we've got work to do if this comes [00:45:58] to pass particularly Marine Parkway and Gulf Drive which are within our jurisdictions and [00:46:08] Grand Boulevard. We need to make sure that all three of those streets are clearly marked [00:46:15] that people that are driving cars can and will expect to see golf carts on them because [00:46:21] they're going to be there. They're there now but they'll be more and I think we just need [00:46:28] to recognize reality. Any further discussion? Mr. Mayor, just on Madison Street, I think [00:46:33] there is a solution which would be to lower the speed limit on Madison Street which would [00:46:37] then allow the golf carts to participate. If we lower the street speed then everyone [00:46:45] has to slow down and I think the reason, if I'm not mistaken, that we didn't is because [00:46:50] it was such a through road. We have high schools, junior high schools, narrow sidewalks have [00:46:56] been brought up by members, Bertell brought that up, and we're soon going to have Madison [00:47:03] as the only way across after Grand Boulevard closes for the Lord knows how long it does [00:47:10] when they raise the bridge there. But I think that may be an option. I'm not sure that it's [00:47:16] a worthwhile option but I believe the reason we don't let the golf carts is when the speed [00:47:22] limit exceeds the amount of the speed that the golf carts are allowed to drive, if I'm [00:47:26] not mistaken. They can typically do 25. I appreciate that. I think the council is going [00:47:33] to need to look at that as we get closer to that bridge renovation. Any further discussion? [00:47:42] Hearing none, all those in favor please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion [00:47:49] passes. Next, second reading ordinance 2023-2272. This is ordinance number 2023-2272, an ordinance

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

10. 9.b

    Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2023-2272: Parking Enforcement Specialists

    approved

    Council conducted the second reading of Ordinance No. 2023-2272, amending Chapter 23, Section 23-62(F) of the city code to authorize certified parking enforcement specialists (code enforcement inspectors) to issue parking citations on public streets. After public comment with both opposition and support, the ordinance passed. The City Manager noted a public education campaign with postcards would precede ticketing.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2023-2272

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-2272 on second reading, authorizing certified parking enforcement specialists to enforce parking violations. (passed)

    📍5335 Bellevue Avenue, Newport Ritchie, Florida 34652📍Lafayette📍Missouri Avenue📍Nebraska Avenue👤Bertell Butler👤Councilwoman Mothers👤Mr. Allman👤Mr. Murphy👤Ms. Cox#Chapter 23, Section 23-62(F)#Creative Loafing article#Largo angel fund program#Ordinance No. 2023-2272#public education campaign / parking postcards

    ▶ Jump to 47:50 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:47:57] of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of chapter 23, section 23-62, [00:48:04] subsection F of the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances pertaining to parking and fraction [00:48:09] enforcement, providing for enforcement of parking violations by certified parking enforcement [00:48:14] specialists, providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. This agenda item was [00:48:20] presented to you at your last meeting for a first reading and, in short, our city code [00:48:26] enforcement inspectors are certified parking enforcement specialists through the state [00:48:34] of Florida. However, they're not authorized by our current city code to enforce parking [00:48:40] infractions within the city unless this ordinance is enacted. Therefore, we are recommending [00:48:50] that you enact by conducting your second reading this evening of the ordinance so that [00:48:58] our parking enforcement specialists can issue parking citations whenever parking violations [00:49:05] are observed. Thank you. We'll open up for public comment. I just want to implore you [00:49:14] to remember that crimes that are committed, because it would be a crime, a ticket or whatever [00:49:25] that you're going to do for the parking enforcement, but those crimes that result in fines as punishment [00:49:32] are especially difficult on our marginalized and poor communities. By opening up the code [00:49:39] enforcement that we've already had huge issues with, read your Creative Loafing Times article. [00:49:47] It's just a way, there's got to be a better way for our city to make money. I think that [00:49:51] it's a shame that you would be looking at code enforcement to do more damage to our [00:49:59] community. Parking issues may be a deal in this city. You may be having issues that, [00:50:06] you know, but code enforcement is not the answer. Code enforcement being with the police [00:50:10] department is never the answer. Thank you. Anyone else? Do I have to state my name again? [00:50:25] Okay. I'm going to rise in opposition to this. Just like Ms. Cox said, code enforcement [00:50:32] or parking enforcement, whatever you want to call them for that particular day, does [00:50:38] not need to be doing that. Code enforcement is already going through so much, has lost [00:50:44] the trust of this community. And I've been out canvassing in this community and I've [00:50:49] talked to many residents and they are not happy with code enforcement. And I know one [00:50:54] of your city council members has even said that he would like to see that separated from [00:50:58] the police department. We're still trying to figure out who gave the authority for it [00:51:03] to be combined. So we're going to let code enforcement, who is literally in that creative [00:51:09] loafing article going through someone's house illegally making anti-Semitic jokes, we're [00:51:14] going to let them go out and start ticketing people? To me it's absurd. We can find other [00:51:23] ways, like Ms. Cox said, to make money and make revenue. Come up with something maybe [00:51:27] similar to what they have in Clearwater or something. But to have the code enforcement [00:51:32] department have another job to do when they can't even do the job that they have now is [00:51:38] absurd. And we've seen the text messages from people in code enforcement. As we stated to [00:51:46] you before, there are certain members of code enforcement who we know might not even have [00:51:50] the certification to be doing that code enforcement job. So I don't think it's right for the city [00:51:56] to keep changing things to fit the narrative of making more money. You've already made [00:52:03] 2.2 million dollars from code enforcement and all the illegal things that they do. So [00:52:09] this is what we're going to do now? We're going to run people away? Because we know [00:52:12] some of these code enforcement people get a little gung-ho. And if they have a problem [00:52:16] with it, you might become a target. That's my concern. Okay, thank you. [00:52:26] I have a question. Are we talking about parking infractions like on city streets? Are we talking [00:52:37] parking violations on private property? Or what are we talking about? Is there a specification [00:52:43] on this? Like in addition to the police? Or is it just, is it outside violations? I'm [00:52:51] just asking for a point of clarification. Can I ask, am I allowed to do that? [00:52:55] This is not a time for asking questions. [00:52:57] Oh, okay. Alright, well if it's public streets and it's rules that people know and that we [00:53:03] understand, I have no problem with that. If that's what they're qualified to do and they've [00:53:09] done the certification and that seems appropriate to me. On the other hand, if it's for parking [00:53:14] violations that as residents we don't understand or parking violations on private property [00:53:19] or something like that, then I think that needs to be clarified. And then I would ask, [00:53:24] will that be written up publicly for the city to know, for residents to know that they're [00:53:28] changing any policies on parking and what those rules are? I mean, I know what the rules [00:53:33] are on the road, but I don't know if there's any additional ones on property. And if we're [00:53:38] going to institute them to do those violations, could the residents know what those violations [00:53:44] are? Thank you. [00:53:46] Thank you. Anyone else? [00:53:54] Bertell Butler, 5335 Bellevue Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida 34652. I just wanted to acknowledge [00:54:00] the city for exploring innovative ways to address parking infrastructure, both with [00:54:05] the parking garage and now with the idea of ticketing in the downtown area. With the development [00:54:11] that's happening in the county, I'm sure it's going to become necessary as people move in [00:54:16] and want to visit our city. That being said, I share in the question of code enforcement's [00:54:22] ability to handle the issue of ticketing with everything else they have to do in the neighborhoods [00:54:28] and the communities. And if that is something being factored into this decision, if that's [00:54:32] something that the code enforcement manager has had a chance to chime in on, and whether [00:54:36] or not you've had a chance to ask those questions, is how this will change the dynamic of the [00:54:40] work code enforcement will be doing, or will this cause neglect in our communities? Thank [00:54:46] you. [00:54:47] Anyone else? Seeing no one else coming forward, I'll bring it back to council. [00:54:53] I move we approve. [00:54:57] I'll second. [00:54:59] To the maker. [00:55:00] So, you know, this really doesn't change anything about our parking ordinances that we currently [00:55:06] have. And, you know, we see that we already have code enforcement officers who monitor, [00:55:14] you know, the rules. They are out and about in the city. It is currently probably just [00:55:21] the police department that are enforcing parking now. And they still can. They won't be prohibited [00:55:27] from enforcing, giving parking tickets or so forth. If someone's parking in a handicapped [00:55:32] zone, they're parked illegally on lines or out in the road, or the case may be, many [00:55:39] hands make for light work. And this will allow just that many more people to help us [00:55:44] with that. We're not trying to make money on this. We're trying to help people learn [00:55:49] and change behaviors in this. And our code enforcement officers, while they do enforce [00:55:55] codes on residential parking, they already do that. This brings them into along our streets [00:56:06] and parking violations, you know, we see downtown from time to time. So for that reason, [00:56:12] I'm in favor of the motion. [00:56:14] Second. [00:56:15] So the reason I'm in favor of this motion is I've gotten several calls from businesses [00:56:20] and residents asking for no parking signs because people are parking on their sidewalks. [00:56:26] People are parking where they shouldn't be. I have neighbors calling because their kids [00:56:31] almost got hit by a car because a car was parked on the sidewalk. The kid drove out of their [00:56:36] driveway on a bicycle. The car didn't see him. The car's parked where it shouldn't be. [00:56:41] And I think that if people follow the rules, everybody knows you can't park in the street. [00:56:45] I mean, then you wouldn't have the code violation to begin with. I just think that we have a [00:56:50] lot of those issues happening right now with parking and where you shouldn't be parking. [00:56:55] Mr. Murphy. [00:56:56] Yeah, it's the rule, just following the current rules that we have now. There's nothing in this about [00:57:02] applying any new ones. I mean, you're getting code enforcement who deals with, you know, [00:57:07] parking on streets and in yards and things like that already. So now they're just going to be, [00:57:12] you know, moving to other locations. I mean, it seems like a, you know, pretty easy fit. [00:57:18] But I don't know, and I'm open to suggestion, how you enforce and make sure people are [00:57:24] complying with parking rules without finding them. I don't know what else you could do to them. [00:57:29] But, I mean, I'm open for suggestions on that one. [00:57:35] Mr. Allman. [00:57:36] Yes. First of all, I think the goal for our city needs to be that code enforcement officers are [00:57:44] welcome and not as, you know, in an occupation such as a dentist that everyone's afraid to go to or see. [00:57:55] It should be someone that's helpful. And I was at a meeting of the City Manager County Administrator [00:58:02] Conference where there was a discussion about the City of Largo that has something called like an [00:58:07] angel fund. And what they've done is they've looked at homes that are occupied by individuals [00:58:15] that may need a little help, and they help them to get their property into shape. [00:58:19] So, you know, other than the comments that have been made before about modifying behavior, [00:58:27] we also have properties and property owners who, for whatever reason, economic or otherwise, [00:58:34] may have some difficulties. So what they've done is they've taken the code enforcement fines. [00:58:39] And one more step back, I know we listen to things, and if we don't respond, then that might mean that we agree with them. [00:58:47] But I would be very interested to clarify that the $2.2 million code and fine category that's been mentioned [00:58:56] is not from code enforcement, but it's probably our red light camera fines is what I'm guessing, [00:59:00] which is a large figure in the budget. So if it's purely code enforcement fines that we have collected in the tune of $2 million, [00:59:12] I would be surprised. So I'd like to ask to try to get some feedback from the breakdown of that category of fines. [00:59:22] That being said, back to the issue of this motion, which is to approve it and mentioning that we have already existing laws, [00:59:33] there wasn't an answer given, and I wonder if I can get it, to the idea that fines would be assessed for parking violations [00:59:44] versus fines for parking in violation of the city code on your private property. [00:59:50] So are we talking about two different things here, or are we talking about having the code enforcement officers issue fines if they see something? [01:00:00] on parking on their own private property on a non-designated parking space. [01:00:04] Now, this just pertains to public streets, so this would just give them the authority [01:00:08] to issue parking citations on the public streets. [01:00:11] Currently, code enforcement officers do deal with parking issues on private property, [01:00:17] but that's through a notice in the code enforcement process. [01:00:20] So, I wanted that to be clear because it was brought up. [01:00:22] So, this is about those public streets that we did hear some support from the audience on and not [01:00:27] about the existing rules for the type of driveway that you have to have. [01:00:35] You'll allow me, I think it's additionally appropriate to note that the police chief [01:00:39] and I spent time today talking about a program where we are going to put together postcards [01:00:46] which notify people of parking code restrictions. [01:00:51] And we're going to go forward with the public education campaign rather [01:00:56] than ticketing people so that they know, particularly in the downtown area [01:01:00] when they're parking on a sidewalk and it's not permitted. [01:01:04] And we will start with that campaign way far ahead of writing citations. [01:01:09] Right. And while you're at it, take a look at Nebraska Avenue and or is it Missouri Avenue [01:01:17] where your new parking spaces are on Missouri that won't fit a truck without having [01:01:23] that truck expand into the thing. [01:01:25] I think I've sent a picture or two, but that probably needs to be compact car only [01:01:29] because if you're coming down Missouri Avenue from Lafayette, you've got large trucks [01:01:35] that park there that are going to become a problem. [01:01:38] So, identifying problems for safety, agree with it. [01:01:42] The topic of having it handled by code enforcement, do agree. [01:01:47] And of course, I am the one person who would like to see it moved back to code enforcement, [01:01:52] but that's irrelevant because that matters not where it's at for the purpose of this motion. [01:01:59] Thank you. [01:02:02] Again, somewhat off topic on the motion, but I did like the suggestion you made [01:02:07] about the angel fund for people that can't afford to get things fixed up. [01:02:12] We actually do have a program drafted, and the city attorney is currently working [01:02:17] on the ordinance, so my expectation is that it will be [01:02:19] on your agenda within the next couple of meetings. [01:02:23] Very good. [01:02:23] I think that will be well received. [01:02:29] Yeah, trying to get a handle on some of the parking issues, and we do have trouble [01:02:37] with people parking on sidewalks and other things. [01:02:41] Councilwoman Mothers had mentioned about not parking in the street. [01:02:49] I actually don't think that's illegal in this state, in New Port Richey, [01:02:56] and not particularly where the councilwoman lives, but between there and where I live, [01:03:04] it's not unusual to have somebody parked in one of the lanes. [01:03:09] And quite frankly, it slows traffic down very nicely. [01:03:12] And so long as you don't have people parking on both sides at exactly the same spot, [01:03:18] it's not a problem. [01:03:21] So I'm looking forward to this. [01:03:23] If we can encourage folks to park appropriately, that would be a good thing. [01:03:33] Any further discussion? [01:03:35] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:03:39] Aye. [01:03:40] Opposed, like sign. [01:03:42] Motion passes. [01:03:42] Next is board reappointments.

    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. 10.a

    Board Re-Appointment: Robert Marin, Police Pension Board

    approved

    Council reappointed Robert Marin to the Police Pension Board for a four-year term spanning through February 5, 2027. Marin was originally appointed May 3, 2022 and was described as a responsive and responsible member.

    • motion:Motion to approve reappointment of Robert Marin to the Police Pension Board for a four-year term through February 5, 2027. (passed)

    👤Robert Marin#Police Pension Board

    ▶ Jump to 1:03:43 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:03:45] Robert Marin for the Police Pension Board. [01:03:46] Yes, Mr. Marin was appointed to the Police Pension Board on May 3rd of 2022, [01:03:53] and he has been both a responsive and a responsible member to the board. [01:03:58] His term has lapsed. [01:04:02] We are asking you to consider a renewal of the term, which is for a four-year period of time. [01:04:10] And if you approve his reappointment, his term will span through February 5th of 2027. [01:04:20] He is not in attendance this evening. [01:04:22] Okay. [01:04:23] We'll open up. [01:04:24] Anybody has any comments on this? [01:04:27] Moves approval. [01:04:28] Second. [01:04:30] Any discussion from anybody? [01:04:32] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:04:35] Aye. [01:04:36] Opposed, like sign. [01:04:38] Motion passes.

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

12. 10.b

    2022 N. River Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements Project Award

    approved

    Council awarded the 2022 North River Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements Project bid to Keystone Excavators Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $1,591,315.50. The project covers River Road from Main Street to Legion's Place and includes sidewalk replacement, road narrowing for traffic calming, decorative lighting and signage, a solar LED crosswalk at Green Key Road and River Road, intersection straightening at Veterans Drive and Legion's Place, and sod at Sims Park. Funding comes from local option gas tax and general fund.

    • motion:Motion to approve award of the 2022 North River Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements Project bid to Keystone Excavators Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $1,591,315.50. (passed)

    📍Green Key Road and River Road📍Legion's Place and River Road📍River Road and Veterans Drive📍River Road from Main Street to Legion's Place📍Sims Park🏢Dollar General Plaza🏢Genesis School🏢Keystone Excavators Incorporated🏢VFW👤Mr. Allen👤Ms. Manns👤Robert Rivera#2022 North River Neighborhood Streetscape Improvements Project#CRA#Local Option Gas Tax#Muldrow report

    ▶ Jump to 1:04:39 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:04:39] Next, 2022 North River Neighborhood Streetscape Improvement Project Award. [01:04:44] Ms. Manns. [01:04:44] This is a bid award, and we are asking your permission to award the bid for the North River Neighborhood Improvement Project [01:04:55] to Keystone Excavators Incorporated. [01:04:58] And Mr. Rivera will present the agenda item. [01:05:01] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:05:02] This is an amount not to exceed $1,591,315.50. [01:05:09] The project limits are on River Road from Main Street to Legion's Place. [01:05:14] Project elements include the removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk on the east side, [01:05:21] the milling and narrowing of the existing roadway. [01:05:24] That's to afford us some landscaping and do a little bit of traffic calming. [01:05:29] Roadway striping for pedestrian crossings, which would include hardscape. [01:05:33] The stamped bricks that would highlight those crossings. [01:05:37] Decorative street lighting. [01:05:39] The removal and replacement of the existing traffic signs that you have out there. [01:05:43] If you notice the decorative street signs around the downtown area, that's what would go there and they're replaced. [01:05:49] We would also install a solar LED crosswalk at Green Key Road and River Road. [01:05:55] And then we would take and straighten out the two intersections located at River and Veterans Drive. [01:06:01] And then at Legion's Place and River. [01:06:03] And we also would include sod at Sims Park. [01:06:09] Our funding sources for this project is local option gas tax as well as general fund dollars. [01:06:15] And we would request that you do approve the low bid and award the contract to Keystone. [01:06:22] Mr. Revere, what were those two intersections you were going to re-engineer? [01:06:25] Legion's Place and Veterans Drive, where River Road turns in. [01:06:33] Okay, that's three. [01:06:34] Yeah, Legion's Place by the VFW, which is at the corner of Genesis School. [01:06:40] And then you've- [01:06:40] The other one, okay. [01:06:42] It threw me, I was thinking of the one but not the other. [01:06:46] Open up for public comment. [01:06:48] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:06:53] Move for approval. [01:06:54] Second. [01:06:55] To the maker. [01:06:57] Yeah, we're narrowing the street level. [01:07:00] What's the distance going to be? [01:07:02] I think we're going to put it down to 10 feet wide. [01:07:04] 10 feet? [01:07:08] Second. [01:07:09] I'm looking forward to the changes. [01:07:12] I do have a question though. [01:07:13] I don't understand why the sod replacement at Sims Park is included in the North River, [01:07:19] because then it's kind of fused when we go back and look at it later. [01:07:22] It's not really part of the North River Road project. [01:07:26] There are a lot of items that council requests from us that instead of making them separate projects, [01:07:33] we will add them into a bid alternate to where it's competitively bid out, [01:07:39] to where we can get the best price that we can. [01:07:42] And so that's what was included with this project, [01:07:45] because this project also has a large quantity of sod that's included. [01:07:49] Okay. [01:07:50] I just paid for it out of a separate funding source as well. [01:07:53] Right. [01:07:54] Okay. [01:07:55] That's what I wanted to make sure. [01:07:56] It becomes an economy of scale. [01:07:57] Okay. [01:07:58] Deputy Mayor? [01:07:59] Yeah, so we have landscape work, so we're just expanding it and getting a better deal on all of it. [01:08:05] I understand. [01:08:06] Just real quick, Robert. [01:08:09] What's the cost, approximately, I'm not going to hold you to it, but of the lighted LED crosswalk? [01:08:18] I want to say that's around $32,000. [01:08:21] Okay. [01:08:24] And that's through direct purchasing under a state contract or source rule contract? [01:08:32] I just, I know that we looked at and weren't necessarily in favor of the crosswalk at Green Key at US-19. [01:08:41] I'm not, I'm just, there's cost benefit there. [01:08:45] I'm weighing it in my mind. [01:08:46] I'm not so sure that we need it, but $32,000 in the scope of the project is not too much. [01:08:51] And those are very, I particularly like them downtown on Main Street where we have so much crossing. [01:08:58] I think they're excellent. [01:09:00] But I'm just, I'm not convinced we need it there. [01:09:05] But, you know, for the bang for the dollar, I'm probably okay with it. [01:09:11] Mr. Allen? [01:09:13] Yeah, I think I mentioned before, I'll support the motion by creating a streetscape that's running all the way to the shopping center that used to be our Davis Hardware Plaza, [01:09:25] now we call it Dollar General or whatever you want, Plaza, [01:09:32] that we are making a connection between the Highway 19 corridor and the downtown, [01:09:37] and we're expanding sort of the footpaths of our downtown, which helps us with walkability. [01:09:43] I do believe that the site of the Genesis School is probably a very appropriate opportunity for the city to look at [01:09:50] for some kind of new development that would be in line with the Muldrow report [01:09:58] that suggested that we look at these Highway 19 shopping areas as having entrances from behind, neighborhood-friendly access. [01:10:09] And I think there's some real, we've seen the initial sketches of what might happen, [01:10:15] and I think that, I don't know that that property is ever sold or not, [01:10:18] but I think it's something we could refer to the CRA to look at as we review our long-term plans. [01:10:27] Thank you. [01:10:28] Mr. Rivera, how wide is that sidewalk going to be? [01:10:33] I don't remember. [01:10:35] Five feet, I believe. [01:10:36] Five, I think. [01:10:37] I think it's five feet. [01:10:38] As compared to two and a half on the current? [01:10:41] In some areas. [01:10:42] In between some of the old existing locations of the utility poles, we had two and a half, maybe three feet at the most. [01:10:48] I think it's going to be five. [01:10:50] This is going to basically make it possible for a couple to walk side-by-side [01:10:54] instead of having to go single-file down the sidewalk. [01:10:57] And baby strollers. [01:11:00] And baby strollers can actually go down there, or wheelchairs, without going off to one side or the other. [01:11:07] I think this is a great step forward. [01:11:11] I would like to think that the council in future years will take a solid look at this [01:11:21] and consider it as a model as we do our regular street improvements throughout the city [01:11:29] to add decent sidewalks and narrow the streets down to try to control the traffic speed. [01:11:37] And make our streets more human-scale and not car-centric. [01:11:43] With that, do we have any other discussion or comments?

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

13. 10.c

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “Variance #2023-03” — transcript expanded below

    Appeal of Variance #2023-03: Reduction in Required Parking at 5308 Lemon Street

    approved

    Council heard an appeal of Variance #2023-03 for a reduction in required parking from 11 to 8 spaces (including two substandard spaces) at 5308 Lemon Street, where applicant Mark George proposes a restaurant/music venue. The DRC had recommended denial while the LDRB recommended approval; after discussion noting newly added public parking on Lemon Street and Locust Place and the city's walkability goals, Council moved to approve the variance.

    • motion:Motion to approve the variance request reducing required parking from 11 to 8 spaces at 5308 Lemon Street. (passed)

    📍5308 Lemon Street🏢Bourbon on Main🏢Gerber Collision Center👤Dale Hall👤Mark George👤Ms. Mann👤Rivera#DRC recommendation#Gibbs study#LDRB February 16 meeting#Land Development Code#Variance #2023-03#comprehensive plan

    ▶ Jump to 1:11:48 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:11:48] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:11:51] Aye. [01:11:52] Opposed, like sign. [01:11:54] Motion passes. [01:11:55] Next, we have an appeal of variance 2023-03, reduction in required parking at 5308 Lemon Street. [01:12:05] The applicant, who is Mr. Mark George, who I believe may be in attendance, [01:12:08] I haven't had the benefit of meeting him personally, [01:12:11] but Mr. Dale Hall will be representing his appeal for a variance for a business at 5308 Lemon Street, [01:12:24] which doesn't provide for the required number of parking spaces in accordance with our Land Development Code. [01:12:34] Mr. Hall? [01:12:36] Thank you, Ms. Mann, Mayor and Council. [01:12:39] Tonight is an appeal for a variance at 5308 Lemon Street for parking requirements. [01:12:46] The request specifically is a reduction in the required parking of 11 spaces to 8 spaces, [01:12:54] which includes the approval of two of those spaces being substandard per our regulations. [01:13:00] Staff is prepared to report that is part of the public record. [01:13:04] This property is located on the south side of Lemon Street between U.S. Highway 19 and River Road, [01:13:12] approximately 0.15 acres. [01:13:15] There are commercial properties to the north, south, east, and west of the subject property, [01:13:20] and residential property lies east of River Road. [01:13:24] It's currently zoned Highway Commercial, and the future land use is Highway Commercial. [01:13:32] The applicant's proposal was to develop a restaurant music venue for musicians to play to a small audience in a restaurant setting. [01:13:44] At the LDRB meeting on February 16th, he did discuss some future plans in the area at this location to add a deck, [01:13:53] which would have 20 outdoor seats and the ability to host small concerts, which would have approximately 60 attendees on site. [01:14:03] If he went in that avenue, he would look at expanding this to adjacent properties if that opportunity came about. [01:14:12] The site plan, as you see it, this has been rotated. [01:14:15] The north would be to the left side of that. [01:14:19] That's Lemon Street. [01:14:21] I'm actually putting a highlighter to the property over there so you can see this on our laser. [01:14:27] The building is presently in this location, and there is a driveway for two spaces. [01:14:34] The applicant is looking to expand into adding for one, two, three, four, five, six spaces, [01:14:42] and then double stacked in front of this space would be an additional space, [01:14:48] and stacked in front of this space is this space. [01:14:52] These two spaces are substandard because the only way you can get to those is a stacked car in front of it. [01:15:00] see this is the size of one car and this is the size of the other space so that's [01:15:05] a substandard size of that space. So there are the required spaces are 11 and [01:15:16] they are proposing a two of those are these substandard spaces. The DRC [01:15:24] reviewed this application and the variance can only be granted when a [01:15:28] hardship with the land exists. The DRC recommended denial for various reasons [01:15:35] two of them being the development will cause excessive parking that could [01:15:38] negatively affect the adjacent businesses and residential neighborhood [01:15:42] and traffic flow may be hindered and lines of sight obstructed creating a [01:15:46] public safety hazard. The DRC did apply the six criteria for granting a variance [01:15:50] and per the LDC and recommended denial. The LDRB reviewed this application on [01:15:57] February 16th. The staff report and draft minutes are in the council packet [01:16:03] and they recommended approval citing merits of the business and desire for [01:16:07] continued economic development in the city. [01:16:13] After the LDRB meeting there were some changes that [01:16:19] occurred along Lemon Street and Locust Place and staff put together this [01:16:24] little graphic. We utilized the tax assessor's map and did an overlay of the [01:16:32] new Gerber project that's under development right now and I think it's [01:16:37] mostly complete they should be opening very soon. The property is this yellow [01:16:42] area here and there are seven parking spaces that have been added for public [01:16:49] use along the north side of Lemon Street. So right here there were seven spaces [01:16:53] painted along the right-of-way and then there are ten spaces painted along the [01:16:59] right-of-way there. That arrow shows the view if you're standing in this area and [01:17:02] looking down the street there's parking spaces added there. It's unfortunately [01:17:07] hard to see in this and then if you're standing in this location looking down [01:17:10] you can see there's parking spaces added along that area. When the DRC [01:17:21] and the LDRB reached different decisions and appeals automatically [01:17:25] advanced the City Council for consideration per the Land Development [01:17:28] Code. Therefore this variance is appealed to the City Council for a final decision [01:17:32] on this matter. The consideration is the reduction of the required parking from [01:17:37] 11 spaces per code to 8 spaces, two of those which are substandard by [01:17:44] dimensions and location per the LDC. [01:17:51] I'm free to answer any questions you may have. Thank you. This is a quasi-judicial [01:17:56] matter so if any of my colleagues have had any ex parte communications they [01:18:02] need to declare those and at this point I will open it up for public comment. [01:18:08] Mr. Mayor I can declare that I have been even here in front of you all on the [01:18:14] Diaz advocating for this project before the variance request was put in so from [01:18:21] the point of the variance till now I've not discussed the variance with the [01:18:26] property owner but I've been advocating for those parking spaces and [01:18:36] I'm happy to see that they're there. Seeing no one coming forward bring it [01:18:41] back to Council. I'd like to make a motion to approve the variance request. [01:18:49] Second. [01:18:57] I'll second it. So for discussion Mr. Mayor. So yeah thank you. On discussion [01:19:08] it's been about three years almost four years since we've had the report that [01:19:15] has talked to us about how we should be treating our commercial properties. We've [01:19:19] also had from the Gibbs study a consultant that's come to us on the City [01:19:24] Council and told us that some of our parking requirements were excessive [01:19:28] under the sort of new walkable city strategy. So my argument really is that [01:19:36] while we're waiting for changes to be made in the code they haven't [01:19:43] come before us and so I believe that those changes will come and I [01:19:50] believe that what was demonstrated by the report is that the lack of parking [01:19:56] spaces has been in a way solved by the city adding some parking spaces which is [01:20:04] allowed for that to happen and you know once again back to the report that [01:20:08] related to the downtown it suggested that places like the Bourbon on Maine [01:20:13] that has parking requirements that we try to move towards public parking so [01:20:20] that we can expand the commercial use of real estate and the economic growth of [01:20:28] the city. So we really had sufficient right-of-way on the road we did not have [01:20:34] parking and the project in the middle if you could bring that picture back up if [01:20:39] I could describe it again if you've been to that collision center site and you're [01:20:46] familiar with it the entire perimeter of the property that is in the middle of [01:20:52] those two streets is fenced with no driveway cuts so to the degree that a [01:20:59] property is that a part of our town allows for the development of public [01:21:07] parking spaces that can be lined and improved now we have parking spaces [01:21:14] there now we have commercial property and we have a property owner who is in a [01:21:20] position where he wants to invest in something that would again add to our [01:21:25] music vibe and I think it's really a great project so I understand the legal [01:21:31] argument that is made by the city staff as to the requirements to find a [01:21:36] variance but I think that that parking requirement is not existing for example [01:21:42] in the estuary that has no parking spaces at all because it's downtown and [01:21:46] it's lot line to lot line so while this particular individual during the course [01:21:52] of time was encouraged to come downtown he didn't want to and he owned the [01:21:55] property there and to me he made a compelling argument that as he [01:22:02] likes to mirror his project after like Nashville where it's sort of off the [01:22:06] main road an artist's place to go and do music and to me I got excited about the [01:22:14] project so there was a point when I asked for that to be brought back to [01:22:19] front of the council so we could discuss it but in the meantime the staff [01:22:25] reevaluated apparently and looked at it and developed some new parking spaces so [01:22:30] if you add the facts up who's going to park in those spaces if we continue to [01:22:35] have these dilapidated small antiquated resident you know retirement homes in a [01:22:42] commercial zone when someone comes up with what I think is a pretty creative [01:22:47] solution the number of parking spaces I understand it is related to the fact [01:22:54] that he wants to serve food he may not have had them if he had a business that [01:22:58] wasn't going to serve food so I'm encouraged that we have this potential [01:23:04] development I think there's sufficient parking and I'm also disappointed that I [01:23:09] haven't seen these parking requirements be revisited and as we go into the [01:23:14] comprehensive plan I just don't know after four years how much longer we need [01:23:19] to wait to start letting the city to you know put into place the recommendations [01:23:26] that we've had for a number of years so I'm in favor of and I hope that I could [01:23:31] get the third vote I think it would be a very exciting opportunity one last thing [01:23:36] to say is we have a large parking garage which is within walking distance [01:23:39] of this venue which is only a few blocks away and we're trying to be a walkable [01:23:45] bikeable city and have another amenity that I think is a positive step [01:23:53] I absent what Public Works did in creative striping two weeks ago I would [01:24:05] not support this however with the the addition of parallel parking places [01:24:12] there I think it it makes it much easier to to support this particular appeal we [01:24:24] also did them up on locust which solved a critical issue for one of our really [01:24:32] been here forever businesses that suddenly found themselves without [01:24:37] parking when the collision center went in the the substandard spaces I [01:24:47] understand where staff is coming from but as my colleagues will recall we had [01:24:54] a discussion just a little earlier this evening about golf carts and the fact [01:24:59] that there are a lot of them and I would submit to you that probably more [01:25:04] than a few people that might be going to this will wind up going there on golf [01:25:09] carts and so having a couple of substandard spaces that are more [01:25:13] appropriate for golf carts to park in is not necessarily a bad thing I think it [01:25:19] it's clear that that is not a residential area it hasn't been a [01:25:25] residential area for as long as I can remember future land uses highway [01:25:31] commercial it it needs to to be treated that way and so for that those reasons I [01:25:40] personally support the the appeal councilman yes so so it looks like it's [01:25:50] seven seven spaces that have been created along the street there public [01:25:53] parking along there are 11 on the south on off of Lemon Street and then 10 off [01:26:02] of locust of locust okay which which I know that it's not that for that Pacific [01:26:08] parcel spots but it gives them way over over 11 and yeah I agree with the mayor [01:26:12] you know there could be some golf carts there too you know another thing that I [01:26:19] mean I don't know if it needs to be a requirement or just you know something [01:26:22] for the owner he might even be able to talk to his neighbors and other [01:26:25] businesses they're not an operation at the time that he is maybe he can sign [01:26:29] something with them or they can park on that property to try to alleviate any [01:26:32] more Street people on the street we just have to be mindful I guess of the [01:26:37] residential people further down make sure that they're not you know inhibiting [01:26:43] them somehow but I think it's I think it's worth a try [01:26:48] councilman yeah I would be agreeable with it too I do think that we economic [01:26:54] development we're not going to get businesses to come to our city if we [01:26:57] don't do something to help them and help them in this type of a situation and [01:27:00] you're right we're gonna have golf carts there we do have lots of other parking [01:27:03] with the parking garage there too and I happen to frequent a business right [01:27:06] there on Lemon Street so I know how those issues are there with party I have [01:27:14] a couple questions on Lemon Street there is there sidewalks on either side of [01:27:19] the street currently there there isn't one on the north side of lemon and I [01:27:28] don't remember on the south side perhaps I don't Rivera could help on that I do [01:27:34] not believe so look at those spaces it looks like that's those lines are [01:27:39] painted on a sidewalk am I just not seeing that correctly on this this is a [01:27:44] graphic that was put together by staff the actual area is an overlay from the [01:27:50] site plan if you go back to this slide here that's what was there previously so [01:27:58] the white area is just a graphic anomaly so the okay I see it's just a different [01:28:07] color and pavement there's not just from the graphics oh yeah okay [01:28:13] Oh older asphalt [01:28:23] if I made the photo that you see on the bottom right you should see that it's [01:28:28] the older asphalt and there is a slight lip there between the new asphalt and [01:28:33] the older asphalt there is a difference in elevation okay all right wonderful [01:28:37] okay so you know the reservation I first of all this project I love this project [01:28:44] this guy's idea his creativity I you know and I you know I hope this idea [01:28:50] works I you know I did have a little question about the location of that you [01:28:55] know this is kind of things when I get my you know I'm yeah I get my telescope [01:29:00] out looking at this a little bit as well as on microscope the microscope is hey [01:29:04] let's let him have it there let's do it I hope he's successful and you know [01:29:08] what's the big deal right and then but then you know that the telescope comes [01:29:14] out and says all right what about the neighbor next door he wants to do the [01:29:17] same thing or something similar he wants to do the same variance and then the [01:29:22] neighbor on the other side wants to do the same variance and so forth you know [01:29:25] you know what are we what are we creating there and if we didn't do it [01:29:28] and that didn't go in that location what could go in that you know larger [01:29:32] redevelopment area we'd all agree that area needs to be redeveloped to some [01:29:36] degree so that that's why I'm a little bit torn about it because once we put [01:29:40] that variance in place how do we take it out is it possible ever remove it we [01:29:48] could reduce the parking requirements has been advised to us can we can we [01:29:53] change once we put a variance in can we remove it is there a mechanism to do [01:29:58] that right [01:30:00] So what we do on that, the decision we make that is forever, and maybe our downtown will [01:30:06] grow so it fully grows all the way down River Road and encompasses that area and ends up [01:30:15] with the same parking requirements as we have downtown, but I think that's a real long telescope [01:30:22] to see that. [01:30:24] So that's really why I have paused to think about this a little bit, in that one, it's [01:30:31] forever, and one, what happens on either side? [01:30:36] I would love to see this project where they maybe encompass the property just to the west [01:30:42] of it, too bad he couldn't acquire that property and solves all the issues, because the idea [01:30:48] as such, I think it is one or two things are going to happen there, and I may be wrong. [01:30:54] Either one, it's not going to quite work out the way he wants, and he's going to do [01:30:57] something different, or two, it's going to be hugely successful, and he's going to be [01:31:01] looking for a different venue, and he's going to be relocating if he can't acquire the property [01:31:06] next door and expand it. [01:31:08] So then what do we have left is a building with variances involved, and then what comes [01:31:13] in after that? [01:31:14] So I would just give pause to think about that, and encourage my other council members [01:31:22] to think about that when we start coming in and making these forever changes. [01:31:29] And I, too, am anxious to see any modifications we do in parking going forward, but suppose [01:31:38] those changes come, and this would still require variance, too late, we can't change it now [01:31:41] because we've already authorized the variance, but I just felt like I had to express my thoughts [01:31:49] on that, because, you know, like I said, we're going to have, you know, in two months we're [01:31:57] going to have somebody coming in, well, why can't I get a variance here, because you just [01:32:02] gave it two months ago? [01:32:05] And then if this council has, well, you know, can gird themselves up and say, yeah, well, [01:32:12] we did that, but no, we're not going to do it for you, we can't do it for everybody, [01:32:15] no matter what the case may be, or, you know, I think we have to be prepared to do that, [01:32:21] because once we make a change on this, we just can't, you know, release the floodgates [01:32:27] for anybody that wants to come in and ask for that parking. [01:32:30] So with that, I've said my piece. [01:32:33] Mr. Mayor, if I could just add to the discussion about the variance, the length of the variance. [01:32:39] Because it's a parking variance, it doesn't really have the same effect as, per se, a [01:32:46] variance for a setback and a house or a structure is built in the setback. [01:32:50] That's probably not going anywhere for a long period of time. [01:32:52] This is a parking variance. [01:32:53] If the use changes, the parking requirements will change. [01:32:56] So unless someone continues, now, if you do allow it and someone wants to continue to [01:33:01] operate that business, that variance will stay there until someone abandons that business. [01:33:06] But it's more likely to be abandoned at some point than a structural type of variance, [01:33:11] like building a swimming pool on a setback or something of that nature, if that gives [01:33:15] you any help. [01:33:16] Yeah, that helps a little bit. [01:33:17] And one last question. [01:33:18] On the parking and the view, all the parking is going to be paved, right? [01:33:23] Yes, the parking per code is required to be paved, and that is not part of this variance [01:33:29] request. [01:33:30] Okay. [01:33:31] Thank you. [01:33:32] Okay. [01:33:33] With that, we have a motion to floor and a second.

    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.

14. 10.d

    General Employee Classification and Compensation Study

    approved

    Council approved an agreement with Evergreen Solutions to conduct a classification and compensation study for general (non-union) employees, not to exceed $40,500. The study will be conducted in July 2023 with results intended to inform the FY 23-24 budget, and aims to bring minimum salaries into compliance ahead of Florida's $15 minimum wage requirement in 2026.

    • motion:Approve agreement with Evergreen Solutions to conduct a general employee classification and compensation study not to exceed $40,500. (passed)

    🏢Evergreen Solutions🏢West Central Florida PBA👤Deputy Mayor👤Mayor👤Mr. Murphy#Amendment 2 (Florida minimum wage)#FY 23-24 budget#General Employee Classification and Compensation Study

    ▶ Jump to 1:33:38 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:33:38] All those in favor? [01:33:39] Aye. [01:33:40] Aye. [01:33:41] Aye. [01:33:42] Aye. [01:33:43] Aye. [01:33:44] Aye. [01:33:45] Aye. [01:33:46] Aye. [01:33:47] Aye. [01:33:48] Aye. [01:33:49] Aye. [01:33:50] Aye. [01:33:51] Aye. [01:33:52] Aye. [01:33:53] Aye. [01:33:54] Aye. [01:33:55] Aye. [01:33:56] Aye. [01:33:57] Aye. [01:33:58] Aye. [01:33:59] Aye. [01:34:00] Aye. [01:34:01] Aye. [01:34:02] Thank you. [01:34:03] Thank you. [01:34:04] We are in agreement with Evergreen Solutions to conduct a classification and a compensation [01:34:08] study in respect to general employees for an amount not to exceed $40,500. [01:34:15] The general employees of the city are the non-union employees, and largely they are [01:34:21] public works employees and administrative staff and department heads. [01:34:29] As you are aware, the city contracted with Evergreen Solutions to conduct the wage and [01:34:38] classification study with the West Central Florida PBA, which we just recently completed, [01:34:46] and they were a first-rate firm, which is why we are requesting to work with them again [01:34:54] on this study. [01:34:57] Also, as you are aware, we are taking one employee group every three years and reviewing [01:35:05] their classification and their salaries in order to remain market competitive with salaries [01:35:11] and to provide both external equity and internal alignment with our positions. [01:35:22] Part of our comp philosophy as it relates to the general employee classification will [01:35:32] relate specifically to Amendment 2, which was passed in November of 2020 and established [01:35:40] – it will actually change the Florida Constitution as it relates to minimum wage and established [01:35:49] a minimum wage of $15 in the year of 2026. [01:35:58] Twenty-five states in the nation went immediately to $15. [01:36:07] The state of Florida, though, increased the minimum wage by $1 each year until 2026, at [01:36:17] which time it goes to $15, and then in 2027 it just gets adjusted by rate of inflation. [01:36:29] Our hope is that this salary study will bring our minimums into compliance with minimum [01:36:41] wage in advance of the requirement to do so in 2026. [01:36:48] We are competing very severely at our lower level positions for qualified talent based [01:36:57] on the fact that there are so many jobs available for people at higher level salaries than what [01:37:09] we're offering for some of our positions, so we really need to bump that up, and we [01:37:13] really feel like we have a responsibility to do so as well. [01:37:17] So that'll be part of our philosophy as we go forward with the study, and our plan [01:37:26] is that the study will be conducted in July of 2023. [01:37:31] We believe that wage adjustments will be warranted, and our plan will be to be able to submit [01:37:38] something to you for your consideration for enactment in conjunction with the fiscal year [01:37:46] 23-24 budget. [01:37:49] As part of the process, we will be conducting employee orientations with the consultant. [01:37:59] We will be holding focus groups with employees. [01:38:03] The employees will complete job assessment tools, and management will do the same with [01:38:13] issues. [01:38:14] They'll have a tool so that we have data collection, and then we'll structure the classifications, [01:38:23] and we'll put similar classes into grades, and then move the grades into appropriate [01:38:27] distances between classes, and then minimums and maximums for the classifications will [01:38:34] be established based on comp data from 20 communities that will be identified. [01:38:41] Once that's complete, we'll have a study for you for a presentation. [01:38:45] Again, my hope is that we'll be able to wrap that up by July of 2023, and I've attached [01:38:52] a copy of their proposal and a copy of a professional services agreement to the agenda [01:38:58] item for your review, and I'm prepared to respond to any questions that you may have [01:39:03] of me in relationship to this agenda item. [01:39:06] Thank you. [01:39:07] Open up for public comment. [01:39:21] The evening is almost over. [01:39:25] The question I had, is this the same company that we hired to do our employee survey? [01:39:31] Do you want me to respond to the question, Mr. Mayor? [01:39:37] If you would, please. [01:39:38] No, they have different competencies, so no, it wouldn't be the same company. [01:39:42] Okay, and I just want to ask, once this report is done and you guys do what you need to do, [01:39:47] will that be made available to the public? [01:39:49] Of course it would. [01:39:50] Okay, thank you. [01:39:52] Anyone else? [01:39:53] Seeing no one else coming forward, bring it back to Council. [01:39:56] I'll move approval. [01:39:57] I'll second. [01:39:58] Mr. Maker? [01:39:59] Thank you. [01:40:00] Second? [01:40:01] Nope, I think it's great. [01:40:02] I think we need to have the survey. [01:40:03] We need to get our staff up to where we need to be paying them. [01:40:09] Deputy Mayor? [01:40:10] No, I just asked the City Manager to please ask the folks to move quickly on this so we [01:40:17] be sure we have all the data in place for the budget. [01:40:22] Excellent point. [01:40:23] Mr. Murphy? [01:40:24] We need to stay competitive. [01:40:25] Absolutely. [01:40:26] I absolutely concur with you. [01:40:30] Let's get this done as quickly as possible because budget season is coming very quickly. [01:40:36] Any further discussion? [01:40:38] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:40:41] Aye. [01:40:42] Aye. [01:40:43] Opposed, like sign. [01:40:44] Motion passes. [01:40:45] Next is the Grand Boulevard Improvements Project Closeout.

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

15. 10.e

    Grand Blvd. Park Improvements – Project Close Out

    approved

    Council approved the project closeout and final pay request of $185,625.03 for the Grand Boulevard Park improvements completed by Top Line Recreation Incorporated. The pocket park, located just west of Grand Boulevard Bridge, received a new shade structure, replaced playground equipment with padded surface, extended sidewalks, benches, and parking lot shell refurbishing, funded through Penny for Pasco dollars.

    • motion:Approve the final pay request of $185,625.03 and close out the Grand Boulevard Park Improvements project. (passed)

    📍Grand Boulevard Park🏢Top Line Recreation Incorporated👤Mr. Rivera👤Ms. Manns#Capital Improvement Program#Grand Blvd. Park Improvements Project Close Out#Penny for Pasco

    ▶ Jump to 1:40:47 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:40:49] This is a closeout for the Grand Boulevard Park Project and we worked with Top Line Recreation [01:40:56] Incorporated on the project and we are also requesting that you approve a final pay request [01:41:07] in the amount of $185,625.03 and Mr. Rivera has a PowerPoint for you. [01:41:16] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:41:17] So this project, as you're familiar with, is what we would call a pocket park. [01:41:21] It's located just west of Grand Boulevard Bridge. [01:41:27] Project elements included the installation of a shade structure. [01:41:30] This park doesn't have a lot of trees. [01:41:33] We also removed and replaced the existing playground equipment. [01:41:38] We did remove the existing mulch area that was there and replaced it with a padded surface [01:41:45] and then we did some parking lot shell refurbishing. [01:41:49] So this is an image standing on the north end of the park looking south. [01:41:54] You can see what I talked about as far as the limited shade and then you can see where [01:41:59] we extended the sidewalk area around the perimeter and installed some benches as well. [01:42:06] And this is looking north from that so that you can see the other side of it. [01:42:12] And of course this slide is what it looked like in correlation with the existing shelter [01:42:16] that's out there. [01:42:17] This would be looking south. [01:42:20] And so with that, we would ask that you or we would recommend that you approve the final [01:42:25] pay request and close this project out and then our capital improvement program does [01:42:30] identify the funding as penny for PASCO dollars. [01:42:34] Thank you. [01:42:35] Any other comments? [01:42:36] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:42:39] Move for approval. [01:42:40] Second. [01:42:41] To the maker. [01:42:42] Yeah, this park is very close to my house and I've had, like real close, and I've had [01:42:50] many people ask me questions like, hey, when's the park going to be ready and is it ready? [01:42:55] And I'm like, yes, it's ready to go. [01:42:57] And I've never seen so many people in that park. [01:42:59] I mean, it's outstanding. [01:43:01] I mean, they're really loving it. [01:43:02] So the changes we made really made a difference and it's having a great turnout. [01:43:07] Second. [01:43:08] So, yeah, just maybe one question for our parks director. [01:43:12] There's a, if I'm not mistaken, there's a, there's one or two shelters there for over [01:43:19] the picnic, over tables, picnic tables, right? [01:43:21] Two, one or two. [01:43:23] The question I have, are families able to reserve those for like birthday parties, much [01:43:29] like they do the shelter areas around Sims Park, is the question. [01:43:33] I'll answer that. [01:43:35] Yes, they can reserve the shelters in the park. [01:43:38] Okay. [01:43:39] So, yeah, I didn't know if that, because I didn't see signs there like we see at Sims [01:43:43] and also at Francis Park, because it is a, it is a gorgeous remake of that park and I [01:43:49] think it has been underutilized. [01:43:50] I'm glad to see more people here and, you know, our shelters in Sims Park has gotten [01:43:55] so popular. [01:43:57] I just, I think it's important for folks to know that they have some other locales, particularly [01:44:01] if they would rather have more of a private type setting there, because you won't have [01:44:05] so many other kids to contend with. [01:44:08] So, it's a great job in their renovations. [01:44:12] Councilwoman? [01:44:13] No, I think it's great too. [01:44:15] Mr. Allman. [01:44:16] Very happy to see it. [01:44:18] It is gorgeous. [01:44:19] If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:44:23] Aye. [01:44:24] Aye. [01:44:25] Opposed, like sign. [01:44:27] Motion passes. [01:44:28] Next, request for approval to purchase two police traffic speed trailers. [01:44:32] The request is to purchase two speed trailers and additionally to fund the expenditures [01:44:40] with a budget amendment and Chief Cochin will introduce the item. [01:44:44] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:44:45] Honorable Mayor, Councilmembers, so these are two 300MX speed control trailers and these [01:44:51] will definitely augment what I call the traffic circuit. [01:44:54] So we have Sergeant Speed, that's our traffic mannequin out there. [01:44:58] So we rotate him around. [01:45:00] with patrol doing radar enforcement or laser enforcement. [01:45:04] And then we have the speed control trailers. [01:45:05] So we can cover so many areas with the mannequin, [01:45:08] two speed trailers, patrol doing radar. [01:45:10] So this is a big benefit for us. [01:45:12] These trailers also have 18 preloaded messages, [01:45:16] 14 graphics, we could do distracted driving messages, [01:45:18] all kinds of stuff. [01:45:19] So this is a great compliment to our traffic efforts [01:45:22] and will promote traffic safety. [01:45:25] The total cost is $24,368. [01:45:28] We do have a one-time credit of $10,000 [01:45:31] from American Traffic Solutions. [01:45:32] So we want to apply that credit [01:45:34] to the purchase of the trailers. [01:45:35] So the remaining $14,368 will come out [01:45:39] of our forfeiture funds. [01:45:40] And we're asking you to approve [01:45:41] the purchase of these trailers. [01:45:43] It will be a sole source purchase. [01:45:45] And again, this will greatly enhance traffic safety [01:45:48] and our ability to promote that. [01:45:49] Thank you. [01:45:50] Thank you. [01:45:51] Open up for public comment. [01:45:52] Ertel Butler, 5335 Bellevue Avenue, [01:45:55] New Port Richey, Florida, 34652. [01:45:57] I just wanted to briefly acknowledge the city council [01:46:00] and thank them and the city staff [01:46:02] for how people have been coming up to VoxBox [01:46:05] these last few weeks, bringing issues about speeding. [01:46:09] And you guys are working quickly to address those issues [01:46:11] with innovative strategies within our police department. [01:46:13] I do appreciate that. [01:46:14] Thank you. [01:46:15] Thank you. [01:46:16] Anyone else? [01:46:17] Okay. [01:46:18] Thank you. [01:46:18] I do appreciate that. [01:46:19] Thank you. [01:46:20] Thank you. [01:46:21] Anyone else? [01:46:25] Far be it for me to like anything [01:46:27] that the police officers ask for, [01:46:28] but I'm actually gonna say that I like this. [01:46:32] I think that speeding and especially, [01:46:36] I mean, in areas that he's been talking about [01:46:39] using the mannequin, which I find kind of creepy, [01:46:42] but whatever, I think it's a great idea. [01:46:46] And like I said, far be it for me. [01:46:49] Anyone else? [01:46:51] Seeing no one else coming forward, [01:46:52] bring it back to council. [01:46:54] A motion approval. [01:46:55] I'll second. [01:46:56] To the maker. [01:46:57] No, sir. [01:46:58] To the second. [01:46:58] Nothing else. [01:46:59] Deputy Mayor. [01:47:01] Yeah, I'd like to applaud the chief [01:47:03] on recommending this and the activities [01:47:08] that he had forced to take on speeding, [01:47:11] maybe step up in enforcement.

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

16. 10.f

    Request for Approval to Purchase Two Police Traffic Speed Trailers

    approved

    Council approved the purchase of two police traffic speed trailers, with members expressing support given ongoing constituent concerns about speeding and noting potential use on Marine Parkway to encourage slower speeds for golf cart safety.

    • vote:Approve purchase of two police traffic speed trailers. (passed)

    📍Marine Parkway👤Murphy#Police Traffic Speed Trailers

    ▶ Jump to 1:47:12 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:47:14] I know we've, over the past year and a half, [01:47:19] we don't go more than a couple meetings [01:47:20] about someone talking about speeding and so forth. [01:47:22] It's very concerning of our citizens right here. [01:47:26] And so I just applaud you for this activity. [01:47:29] And then replacing Sergeant Speed with Corporal, [01:47:33] I got you a ticket occasionally, so. [01:47:39] Councilman Murphy. [01:47:40] No, yeah, I think this is very, very needed. [01:47:42] And there are some places in the city [01:47:44] that need some speed calming of some sort. [01:47:49] So I think this will really help [01:47:50] and it'll help educate people on the true speed. [01:47:53] And my first thought when I saw this was, [01:47:56] yeah, this will be good on Marine Parkway [01:47:58] when we're trying to condition people to slow down [01:48:00] to make it safe for the golf cart, so. [01:48:03] You can put the mannequin in a golf cart if you want. [01:48:05] Any further discussion? [01:48:10] Hearing none, all those in favor, [01:48:12] please signify by saying aye. [01:48:14] Aye. [01:48:14] Opposed, like sign. [01:48:16] Motion passes. [01:48:17] Next, request for approval to purchase [01:48:18] Fuel Master software. [01:48:21] Yes, this is a request submitted by Mr. Green. [01:48:26] And we are requesting to buy the software [01:48:32] by Syntex Systems and we're also requesting [01:48:35] a corresponding budget amendment. [01:48:38] Mr. Green, could you tell the council [01:48:40] a little bit about it? [01:48:42] Sure, thank you, Council. [01:48:43] Yeah, so we're just looking to seek approval [01:48:49] on the purchase of this software [01:48:51] to improve the fuel management system that we have. [01:48:54] The current system that we're using is outdated. [01:48:58] It's also using older hardware, [01:49:02] but this new system with Fuel Master [01:49:06] will provide more tracking mechanisms [01:49:09] and more improvements in providing data usage [01:49:15] for fuel consumption for vehicles within the city. [01:49:20] And just seeking for approval on this. [01:49:25] Thank you. [01:49:26] Open it up for public comment. [01:49:28] Seeing no one come forward. [01:49:29] I'll move approval again for this item. [01:49:33] Second. [01:49:34] To the maker. [01:49:35] Yeah, I think we had a long stick [01:49:37] that we put down into the tank back in the day [01:49:40] when I was there to see how wet it got. [01:49:43] But this will be great. [01:49:45] To the second. [01:49:46] That'll be good. [01:49:47] Deputy Mayor. [01:49:49] This means I don't need to be carrying [01:49:51] my siphon hose around with me anymore, right? [01:49:58] Councilwoman. [01:49:59] Nothing to add. [01:49:59] In that case, all those in favor, [01:50:02] please signify by saying aye. [01:50:04] Aye. [01:50:04] Opposed, like sign. [01:50:06] Motion passes. [01:50:07] Next, Memorandum of Understanding [01:50:09] with the West Pasco, West Central Florida PBA, [01:50:14] R.E. Christmas and New Year's Eve Holidays. [01:50:17] Yes. [01:50:18] The request before you this evening [01:50:21] is to ratify a Memorandum of Understanding [01:50:24] with the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association [01:50:29] related to Christmas and New Year's Eve Holidays. [01:50:33] As you'll remember, late last year, [01:50:37] we effectuated a change with the general employees [01:50:40] which allowed the removal of eight hours [01:50:46] of their annual leave time from floating holidays [01:50:50] and added four hours of holiday time to Christmas Eve [01:50:56] and four hours of holiday time to New Year's Eve. [01:51:01] The union said, me too, we would like that benefit as well. [01:51:07] And so discussions ensued with them in that respect [01:51:14] and a tentative agreement was entered into with them [01:51:19] in January of 23 subject to ratification by you. [01:51:25] A copy of that Memorandum of Understanding [01:51:28] is attached to my council communication. [01:51:32] In short, they too are giving up eight [01:51:37] of their floating holiday balance hours. [01:51:42] Their bank would be reduced from two, [01:51:47] 24 hours from 32 hours and they would receive [01:51:54] the same benefit of four hours recognition [01:51:57] on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve. [01:52:00] Thank you. [01:52:01] I'll open it up for public comment. [01:52:02] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [01:52:06] Move to approve. [01:52:08] Second. [01:52:09] To the maker. [01:52:10] All good, I think they should have that four hours [01:52:12] the same as everyone else. [01:52:14] Happy holidays. [01:52:16] Mr. Murphy. [01:52:17] I'm good. [01:52:17] Deputy Mayor. [01:52:18] Yes, sir. [01:52:19] In that case, happy holidays indeed. [01:52:21] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [01:52:24] Aye. [01:52:25] Opposed, light sign. [01:52:28] Next is communications. [01:52:32] I'll kick it off tonight. [01:52:35] I went to the Tampa Bay water meeting on Monday [01:52:41] and I had a number of handouts, [01:52:43] which I have given to the clerk, [01:52:46] which if any of you guys want copies, you can get. [01:52:50] One I held back, but I'll send over that way. [01:52:53] They had proclaimed April as water conservation month. [01:52:58] We are going into the dry season [01:53:00] and I would like to see us do the same. [01:53:04] So I will pass that down to the clerk. [01:53:09] It hit the news, so let me explain Tampa Bay water [01:53:15] did approve a agreement with Hillsborough County [01:53:21] to use credits from their injection wells [01:53:27] near the coast in South Hillsborough [01:53:32] to allow a test well further to the east

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

17. 10.g

    Request for Approval to Purchase Fuel Master Software

    discussed

    The Mayor provided an update on Tampa Bay Water regional projects, including a production well in South Hillsborough County expected to produce about 2.5 million gallons per day, injection wells creating a saltwater intrusion barrier, and the apparent end of Tampa's TAP/PURE wastewater-to-drinking-water projects. The discussion appears to be a verbal report rather than action on the listed agenda item (Fuel Master Software).

    🏢4G Ranch🏢Tampa Bay Water#PURE (wastewater-to-drinking-water project)#Pasco County reclaimed water program#South Hillsborough County production well#TAP (Toilet-to-Tap project)

    ▶ Jump to 1:53:36 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:53:36] to be converted into a production well. [01:53:40] Don't hold me to the exact number, [01:53:41] but it will produce about two and a half million gallons [01:53:45] a day, helping that area in South Hillsborough County [01:53:50] that has been struggling with low water pressure [01:53:54] and other related problems. [01:53:59] Tampa Bay water has a big pipeline [01:54:01] that's going to go down there. [01:54:03] The good news is that will solve the problem. [01:54:06] The bad news is it won't be there until 2028. [01:54:10] So this gives them some immediate relief right away. [01:54:17] I think I've mentioned this at previous meetings [01:54:21] and I know I did at the Citizens Academy, [01:54:24] but for the benefit of those of you who are in the audience, [01:54:27] the injection wells takes the treated wastewater [01:54:30] and pumps it near the coast, which creates a barrier [01:54:36] for the saltwater intrusion coming inland from the Gulf. [01:54:44] It solves the problem that Hillsborough has [01:54:48] with trying to get rid of their wastewater, [01:54:52] treated wastewater, because you can't just dump it [01:54:56] into the Tampa Bay anymore. [01:54:59] That creates issues with algae blooms and other things. [01:55:06] But one of the nice things, [01:55:07] because you're pumping the water in, [01:55:09] that not only does it block the saltwater [01:55:13] from creeping in from the Gulf, [01:55:16] it raises the hydrostatic pressure, [01:55:21] and I may have that word wrong, [01:55:23] but it basically raises the water pressure [01:55:27] to the point where the aquifer, [01:55:31] which flows from the center of the state [01:55:33] out towards the coast, then has a higher level, [01:55:36] which allows you to pump a little more water. [01:55:38] And that's where the two and a half million gallons [01:55:41] a day comes from. [01:55:42] So it's a win-win all the way around. [01:55:46] Some of you have seen discussions [01:55:50] of Tampa's various projects to convert wastewater [01:55:55] into drinking water. [01:55:57] One of them was called TAP, and one of them was called PURE, [01:56:01] and both of them were referred to as Toilet-to-Tap [01:56:05] by folks in the media. [01:56:08] That project is apparently dead, [01:56:10] and Tampa is going to be coming back [01:56:13] to Tampa Bay Water to work on ways [01:56:16] to try to deal with their wastewater disposal issues, [01:56:22] and hopefully do something that will, again, [01:56:26] allow additional water resources to come. [01:56:30] In Pasco County, a lot of the reclaimed water [01:56:34] is pumped to the middle of the county to the, [01:56:38] I think it's the 4G Ranch, but I wouldn't swear to it. [01:56:41] That's correct. [01:56:43] And it is sprayed, and that water then goes down,

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

18. 10.h

    Memorandum of Understanding with West Central Florida PBA RE: Christmas and New Year's Eve Holidays

    This transcript segment does not discuss the agenda item (MOU with West Central Florida PBA regarding holidays). Instead it contains council comments about Tampa Bay Water/aquifer protection, praise for Fitzgerald's three-day St. Patrick's Day event on Railroad Square, and traffic concerns at Main and US-19.

    📍Main and 19📍Railroad Square🏢Fitzgerald's🏢Tampa Bay Water👤Mr. Black👤Mr. Rivera#Aquifer protection / Pasco County water#FDOT golf cart crossing#Saltwater intrusion grants#Water company operator licensure

    ▶ Jump to 1:56:47 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:56:50] and that has helped protect the aquifer in Pasco County, [01:56:55] which back in the 80s and 90s was suffering severe problems [01:57:00] because of over-pumping. [01:57:01] So we've got a solution up here. [01:57:05] This helps the proposal that we approved on Monday [01:57:12] will help South Hillsboro in much the same way. [01:57:16] There are some legislative things coming up, [01:57:18] including licensure water company operators, [01:57:24] and grants to combat saltwater intrusion, [01:57:28] and I'm sure Mr. Rivera is on top of all of those. [01:57:34] And that was Tampa Bay Water. [01:57:38] I would like to give a shout-out [01:57:40] to one of our local businesses. [01:57:43] Fitzgerald came to us a few weeks back [01:57:46] and got permission to do a three-day [01:57:49] St. Patrick's Day program on Railroad Square. [01:57:56] By all accounts, it worked really well. [01:58:00] It didn't, I'm unaware of any problems [01:58:03] that we had as related to it, [01:58:06] and I have heard from not one, [01:58:09] but two of the other businesses along Railroad Square [01:58:13] that had record days because the crowd [01:58:17] that was attracted to Fitzgerald's [01:58:19] then decided they wanted to go somewhere else [01:58:20] to get their green beer or their dinner, [01:58:24] and so it worked out all the way around. [01:58:27] And this is one of these small-scale little events [01:58:31] contained right in the downtown [01:58:32] that just did a tremendous job, [01:58:35] not only for Fitzgerald's, [01:58:36] but was lots of fun for people [01:58:40] that were still there at midnight, Friday night, [01:58:44] and helped the other businesses in the area. [01:58:49] I do agree with Mr. Black about Main and 19. [01:58:52] That right turn is scary. [01:58:56] It used to be you could sort of go scooting around it, [01:58:58] but since they put the punch out there, [01:59:02] it's a little more interesting. [01:59:05] At the point that we go to talk to FDOT [01:59:10] about doing a crossing for golf carts at that intersection,

    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.

19. 11Communications▶ 1:59:12
20. 12Adjournment▶ 2:24:57